I pretty much agree with you on this point. Maybe pope did not like his options once lewis bolted. But I think pope learned from this. I don't know the perfect formula but I think every year we need two legit point guards and maybe a combo guard with some of the traits you mentioned so that he can play some point too. This position is just so critical.
The value of a true point guard…
- Thread starter Smeegs
- Start date
I think you hit the nail on the head…I think Pope saw both JJ and Aberdeen as being guys who could play some mins at point to back up Lowe.
I still think if JJ can develop there, it bodes well for his NBA future as well as helps the Cats.
Your back-up PG might not be as good a scorer and/or defender as the starter, but he should definitely be able to easily handle the ball against pressure with his head up and looking for teammates. I've said it before here, but I think House, from Louisville Seneca, now at SIU would be an excellent back-up... https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/quelron-house-1.
htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHpUdh-xBEE
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Lowe maybe gets underrated because he looks so unimposing but he has a couple skills that don't come together that often:
He can get into the paint off the dribble anytime he wants and he is a decent shot maker after he gets there. That's something most teams don't have on their roster. Reminds me a little of John Lucas but would need to shoot a little better from the perimeter and stay healthy to come close to Lucas.
He can get into the paint off the dribble anytime he wants and he is a decent shot maker after he gets there. That's something most teams don't have on their roster. Reminds me a little of John Lucas but would need to shoot a little better from the perimeter and stay healthy to come close to Lucas.
This team particularly needs that skill set since it's lacking in our other wings.
Other teams we've had in the past could get away with combo guards at the PG position because there were more effective handlers at the 2, 3 and 4. Last year's team even had Amari at the 5 who could assume playmaking duties to alleviate the impact of injuries at the role.
That injury is a tough one to play that level of basketball with. I’ve dislocated my shoulder probably 20 times and I had to totally give up playing any kind of competitive basketball because of it.
I know that his was described as a separation, and the word dislocation was not used, but seeing him go out after only seven seconds yesterday after what looked like non consequential contact looked really familiar to me. The only silver lining is that it’s on his off arm.
Nobody should be calling the kid soft, because that is an extremely tough injury to play through.
I know that his was described as a separation, and the word dislocation was not used, but seeing him go out after only seven seconds yesterday after what looked like non consequential contact looked really familiar to me. The only silver lining is that it’s on his off arm.
Nobody should be calling the kid soft, because that is an extremely tough injury to play through.
Many posters on this forum have bemoaned the lack of a good backup point guard on this roster.
I have not done any research, but was trying to remember who the backup point guards were for:
Brandin Knight?
Marquis Teague?
DeAaron Fox?
Tyler Ulis - had Andrew Harrison
Ashton Hagins?
Lamont Butler? Had Travis Perry, but Jaxson and Kerr and Amari were the backups also
My point is the majority of UK rosters in the recent past did not either have a backup point that was of a similar talent to the starting point guard or had a “committee” of point/combo guards that filled in.
In addition, in this NIL era, why would 2 PGs of similar abilities attend program A if the $$ available at Program B as the starting point will be greater? The 2015 2nd team players were as talented as the 1st team starters. If you remember, this squad was ranked #1 in the country with many proclaiming the the 2nd five were #2 in the nation! But, it would be nigh impossible to assemble a roster like this today?
CMP, I believe, thought that Denzel and JJ, could fill in for Jaland and give him a periodic rest during games. Acaden Lewis left for a better opportunity to be a starter more $$, or both when Lowe was signed. I believe CMP planned and executed getting point guard starters and backups that would take us through this season yet Jaland’s injury and Lewis leaving wrecked his plans. PG is the most important position, IMO, on a team. The reality is that no team in the country has 2 point guards on their roster that are of equal ability and able to take the reins seamlessly and without a drop off.
Jaland is the key to a successful season and most teams in the country are just a major injury to their PG away from having a disappointing season.
interested in differing opinions/corrections to my post.
I have not done any research, but was trying to remember who the backup point guards were for:
Brandin Knight?
Marquis Teague?
DeAaron Fox?
Tyler Ulis - had Andrew Harrison
Ashton Hagins?
Lamont Butler? Had Travis Perry, but Jaxson and Kerr and Amari were the backups also
My point is the majority of UK rosters in the recent past did not either have a backup point that was of a similar talent to the starting point guard or had a “committee” of point/combo guards that filled in.
In addition, in this NIL era, why would 2 PGs of similar abilities attend program A if the $$ available at Program B as the starting point will be greater? The 2015 2nd team players were as talented as the 1st team starters. If you remember, this squad was ranked #1 in the country with many proclaiming the the 2nd five were #2 in the nation! But, it would be nigh impossible to assemble a roster like this today?
CMP, I believe, thought that Denzel and JJ, could fill in for Jaland and give him a periodic rest during games. Acaden Lewis left for a better opportunity to be a starter more $$, or both when Lowe was signed. I believe CMP planned and executed getting point guard starters and backups that would take us through this season yet Jaland’s injury and Lewis leaving wrecked his plans. PG is the most important position, IMO, on a team. The reality is that no team in the country has 2 point guards on their roster that are of equal ability and able to take the reins seamlessly and without a drop off.
Jaland is the key to a successful season and most teams in the country are just a major injury to their PG away from having a disappointing season.
interested in differing opinions/corrections to my post.
Pope hasn't had a center this year that can facilitate. Amari was our backup last year. Theres just not a secondary distributor on the team and I think kinda blindsided Pope. I think he thought he could mold one of the off guards or centers into that role and it just hasn't taken. None of them seem to be able to learn that skill. Just like Pope looked for more toughness this year, he'll have to look for more vision next year.
I’m really hoping JQ will fill in quite well for this after he gets acclimated. He has very good passing vision and has a drive threat to make the scheme work. Only issue is it takes him from the basket so you may run it less often for that reason.