I never said he should be the point guard next year, and I must have forgotten what a great defender Francis was last year, even with him being given the easiest defensive assignment every game. And what a great ball handler he was also. He was asked to be the primary ball handler one time and he was a total failure. The difference between Francis this year and Powers next year won't be that great. I'm expecting you to say Powers won't be back. I wouldn't take that bet. If Pikiell was able to talk him into staying this year he'll probably be able to do the same next year, especially if he promises him some time at the point. Another thing - Powers was the best passer on the team BY FAR and the only one on the team who could create his own OPEN shot. At 6'4" he could be Pike's kind of PG. Think Geo Baker, only better. Geo certainly didn't have a great handle, could only go to his right, and wasn't much of a defender. As a freshmen, Powers also shot 32.6% from 3, not as "inefficient" as you claim , and really not that bad for a first year player. I don't think Baker even shot that for his career, and he is considered by many as an all time Rutgers great. Given the chance, Powers could be a top notch PG down the road. I just hope it's with us.He has mountains to go to even be in the same stratosphere as Tariq. Last year, his only playmaking shot was a midrange jumper off the dribble and his overall efficiency on it was poor. He did not show an ability to attack the rim, or draw fouls. Doesn’t have a real pump fake. What he was last season was a dime a dozen. He had decent court vision but not a strong enough handle to be a primary PG. Poor defender and inefficent 3 point shooter. Sometimes a year makes a big difference so we’ll have to see. At this point in time, there’s no basis for thinking he could surpass Tariq unless it’s simply because he’s a few inches taller (which didn’t even make him better at defense last year).
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