players

[gene kirkpatrick <gk_tyler@yahoo.com>]

I watched the rookie game with interest.  Lots of talent out there.  Our own JJ still looks tentative, but he quickly moved the ball to others, while others reluctantly let go of it.  He is a point guard, as Josh O. has mentioned before.  If he plays wing for us, it's ok but he should be our point wing, since he moves into the double team without turning the ball over and he doesn't need to take 20 shots to be fulfilled.  Plus, he can run the break and finish or dish without gosh awful results.  Whatever we may say about drafting "3 wing players," I am glad JJ is one of them.  And when each gets his minutes, I think we'll see less of Walter and the two Erics.

I'm not suggesting any of them are ready.  Each has had a hard year in different ways. And their development may be forestalled by a team that is winning often enough; that's ok by me.  If they've got the stuff, we'll see it soon.

Draft watch:  two #20 picks:  Songaila of Wake Forest.  Lithuanian PF, 6'9", good all around.  Seems to be intelligent, aggressive player.  Projected for early second round. I'm surprised he's listed less than 6'10". He would make Vitaly expendable since he scores, he blocks shots, he rebounds.   And Sam Clancy, USC forward.  Only 6'5", but could be the second coming of Sir Charles.  These guys are rare.  He could (I think will) be a # 6 or #7 guy who will rebound like crazy and provide lots of garbage points.  More consistent, more rugged than EW and a much better rebounder.  I wanted him at #20 last year, but he returned to USC.  Watch for them soon in a tournament near you.  (Of course, I would add Blake of MD, but he's a junior pg and shouldn't come out during international draft a PG year).

Cheers,  Gene
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