DraftExpress.com has a few short write-ups on the high schoolers participating in the LeBron James Skills Academy. Two of interest to Hoyas fans are commit Henry Sims and recruit Greg Monroe, the consensus #1 recruit in the class of 2008.
The report on Sims was great. He sounds like he can play in the post or face-up. He thus sounds like the prototypical JTIII big man, who can do it all. Here's the report:
"Sims was surprisingly productive throughout the first two days of camp, finishes everything inside and making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. The long, athletic big man really did some damage on the offensive glass, exhibited great hands, and seemed to be a guards dream with his ability to convert their drop-off passes inside for assists. Henry has a motor that does not stop running at all, and with continued development on the low blocks should be able to receive a considerable amount of playing time as a freshman for the Hoyas."
Monroe's write-up I found even more intriguing. Evidently, JTIII is trying to sell him on being the next Jeff Green. Damn if this doesn't sound like Jeff, for good and for ill:
"Monroe is an amazing talent, but has been unable to utilize his skills to their maximum potential throughout the first three days of camp. He showed dazzling footwork on the low blocks, finishing with both his right and left hands equally well. Monroe was money from 18 feet and in, and converted everything in transition. Still with all of these skills, he failed to take over the game we watched and was extremely passive. Greg is unselfish to a fault and while he is surely is the most talented player here at camp, by no means has he been the most dominant."
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2170
Showing posts with label Jeff Green. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeff Green. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
An Offer You Can't Refuse?
I have a quick question for all of the alumni who find their way to this blog. Imagine that you are still a student on the Hilltop. If someone offerred you $5 million to leave Georgetown and go do something else you loved, would you take them up on the offer even if it meant delaying your graduation? I think it would be pretty hard to turn down such a proposal.
With that in mind, I guess Jeff Green made a good decision. The Sonics signed him to a contract this weekend. ESPN reports that Green will make $2.548 million his rookie season, and $2.739 million his second year. Seattle will have a one-year optoin on Jeff for his third and fourth years.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2926089
With that in mind, I guess Jeff Green made a good decision. The Sonics signed him to a contract this weekend. ESPN reports that Green will make $2.548 million his rookie season, and $2.739 million his second year. Seattle will have a one-year optoin on Jeff for his third and fourth years.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2926089
Friday, June 29, 2007
Good Luck In Seattle Jeff
Jeff Green was selected as the fifth overall pick in last night's draft by the Boston Celtics, as part of a deal that sent Jeff to Seattle, where he joined the second overall pick, Kevin Durant. That dynamic duo should add some excitement to the Pacific Northwest for years to come.
Here is video of the selection.
And here is a collection of Jeff Green highlights. He will definitely be missed.
Here is video of the selection.
And here is a collection of Jeff Green highlights. He will definitely be missed.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Jeff Green Works Out With The Suns
The AP (via The Sporting News) is reporting that Jeff Green, along with Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer, worked out for the Phoenix Suns yesterday. Currently, the Suns have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round, as well as the 59th pick. There are rumors, however, that the Suns may be working on a trade to improve their draft position.
Suns GM, Steve Kerr, was impressed with what he saw from the three juniors. "I think that all three guys could play right away for almost every team in the NBA," Kerr said. "I don't know if any of the three would be starters on our team. I think we've got obviously one of the most talented starting groups in the NBA. But they're all different."
For the entire article, click here.
Suns GM, Steve Kerr, was impressed with what he saw from the three juniors. "I think that all three guys could play right away for almost every team in the NBA," Kerr said. "I don't know if any of the three would be starters on our team. I think we've got obviously one of the most talented starting groups in the NBA. But they're all different." For the entire article, click here.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
MSNBC.com Analyzes Jeff Green's Decision
MSNBC.com provides some good analysis of Jeff Green's decision to leave the Hoyas (And before anyone thinks anything; I know I should move on...but I can't). It makes two good points.
First, it reiterrates the point made by The Washington Post about why this was a difficult decision for Jeff.
By all accounts, Green enjoyed college basketball and loved Georgetown. Hoyas coach John Thompson III told The Washington Post that Green’s affection for his school and his friends there made was the reason it was such a difficult decision.
That's the kind of sentiment that should make any Hoya pround.
Second, it notes that Georgetown is going to be just fine in its first post-Green season.
When the time, Green made his decision and did what was best for him.
He did it without hurting the Georgetown program and that’s the best part of the story. Sure, the Hoyas would be better off with this multi-dimensional player back in a Georgetown uniform. So would college basketball as a whole.
But Thompson had plenty of time to brace for Green’s departure, and Hibbert’s return certainly softens the blow. Eight of Georgetown’s top nine players return — including Jonathan Wallace, Jessie Sapp and DeJuan Summers — and recruits Austin Freeman and Chris Wright were considered two of the top high school guards in the country.
Georgetown will remain a Big East contender, with high hopes for a return to the Final Four, even without Green.
Let's hope that this turns out to be true!
First, it reiterrates the point made by The Washington Post about why this was a difficult decision for Jeff.
By all accounts, Green enjoyed college basketball and loved Georgetown. Hoyas coach John Thompson III told The Washington Post that Green’s affection for his school and his friends there made was the reason it was such a difficult decision.
That's the kind of sentiment that should make any Hoya pround.
Second, it notes that Georgetown is going to be just fine in its first post-Green season.
When the time, Green made his decision and did what was best for him.
He did it without hurting the Georgetown program and that’s the best part of the story. Sure, the Hoyas would be better off with this multi-dimensional player back in a Georgetown uniform. So would college basketball as a whole.
But Thompson had plenty of time to brace for Green’s departure, and Hibbert’s return certainly softens the blow. Eight of Georgetown’s top nine players return — including Jonathan Wallace, Jessie Sapp and DeJuan Summers — and recruits Austin Freeman and Chris Wright were considered two of the top high school guards in the country.
Georgetown will remain a Big East contender, with high hopes for a return to the Final Four, even without Green.
Let's hope that this turns out to be true!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Andy Katz on the Meaning of Green's Departure
Andy Katz provides an analysis at ESPN.com today of how yesteday's decisions about whether or not to stay in the NBA draft will affect teams next season. Of course, Jeff Green's decision to leave Georgetown was at the top of Andy's list. Here's his take on what Jeff's departure will mean for the Hoyas next season.
Georgetown: John Thompson III had already mentally prepared that he might lose Green, the Big East Player of the Year. Originally, when there was talk that both Green and center Roy Hibbert would bolt, Thompson III told ESPN.com that he could see the Hoyas going smaller and being quicker.
Now, the Hoyas will be a bit of a blend. They could go with a four-guard lineup with Hibbert since they will have a plethora of options with the return of Jonathan Wallace (who some would argue was this team's most important player at times), Jessie Sapp, Tyler Crawford and Jeremiah Rivers, let alone the addition of two heralded freshmen in Chris Wright and Austin Freeman. But don't discount the emergence of DaJuan Summers in a much more productive role and as well as Vernon Macklin and Patrick Ewing Jr., who is becoming one of the better glue guys in the Big East.
Sure, losing Green hurts the fluidity of the squad since he was the player that could be plugged into any spot -- whether it was passing, handling or scoring -- but the pieces are still in place for the Hoyas to be a major factor in the Big East and in contention for the national title. If the Hoyas can run their system as well as they did last season, they'll be doing just fine even without Green.
To read Katz's analysis of the impact of all of yesterday's decisions, click here.
Georgetown: John Thompson III had already mentally prepared that he might lose Green, the Big East Player of the Year. Originally, when there was talk that both Green and center Roy Hibbert would bolt, Thompson III told ESPN.com that he could see the Hoyas going smaller and being quicker.
Now, the Hoyas will be a bit of a blend. They could go with a four-guard lineup with Hibbert since they will have a plethora of options with the return of Jonathan Wallace (who some would argue was this team's most important player at times), Jessie Sapp, Tyler Crawford and Jeremiah Rivers, let alone the addition of two heralded freshmen in Chris Wright and Austin Freeman. But don't discount the emergence of DaJuan Summers in a much more productive role and as well as Vernon Macklin and Patrick Ewing Jr., who is becoming one of the better glue guys in the Big East.
Sure, losing Green hurts the fluidity of the squad since he was the player that could be plugged into any spot -- whether it was passing, handling or scoring -- but the pieces are still in place for the Hoyas to be a major factor in the Big East and in contention for the national title. If the Hoyas can run their system as well as they did last season, they'll be doing just fine even without Green.
To read Katz's analysis of the impact of all of yesterday's decisions, click here.
Barker Davis on Green
By now everyone should know that I'm a big fan of Barker Davis and his coverage of Georgetown Hoyas basketball for The Washington Times. Here is his take on Jeff Green's exit from The Hilltop.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20070619-010107-6856r.htm
There's nothing special about the article; I just wanted to give Barker some props.
And if you're a masochist who needs to read 100 different articles about Jeff's departure, here are a few more:
The Washington Post
The Philadelphia Daily News
The AP (via NorthJersey.com)
and
The Detroit Free Press
http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20070619-010107-6856r.htm
There's nothing special about the article; I just wanted to give Barker some props.
And if you're a masochist who needs to read 100 different articles about Jeff's departure, here are a few more:
The Washington Post
The Philadelphia Daily News
The AP (via NorthJersey.com)
and
The Detroit Free Press
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Bucks Work Out With Green
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a report on the Bucks' workout with Jeff Green on Tuesday. The quotes from the Bucks' officials, who have the 6th overall pick in the draft, are mainly generic. They note that Jeff can play either 3 or 4, and that they think he has the skill to be a solid defender in the NBA.
There are, however, two interesting nuggets in this article. First, the author notes that "Bucks general manager Larry Harris, director of player personnel Dave Babcock and coach Larry Krystkowiak traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to take a look at Georgetown junior forward Jeff Green, whose stock has been rising during the workout process." That is not a good remark if you really want Jeff to return to Georgetown. And I really want him to. Second, the author quotes the Bucks' director of player personnel, Dave Babcock, who explained that, "It's not set in stone that he's coming out. He really likes school, and they have a legitimate national championship contending team (for next season)." Though we've heard this many times before, I like that it's coming straight from a team official and that it was said as recently as yesterday. There is still hope.
For the entire article, click here: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=619001
There are, however, two interesting nuggets in this article. First, the author notes that "Bucks general manager Larry Harris, director of player personnel Dave Babcock and coach Larry Krystkowiak traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to take a look at Georgetown junior forward Jeff Green, whose stock has been rising during the workout process." That is not a good remark if you really want Jeff to return to Georgetown. And I really want him to. Second, the author quotes the Bucks' director of player personnel, Dave Babcock, who explained that, "It's not set in stone that he's coming out. He really likes school, and they have a legitimate national championship contending team (for next season)." Though we've heard this many times before, I like that it's coming straight from a team official and that it was said as recently as yesterday. There is still hope.For the entire article, click here: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=619001
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Jeff Green to Work Out for Boston Celtics This Friday
This morning's Boston Herald is reporting the Celtics will travel to Washington this Friday to work out Jeff Green. I've posted the blurb below for our readers. If the workout takes place, it will only be 72 hours from the deadline (June 18) for early entrants like Green to withdraw. If Jeff returns, looks like he's going to wait until the last minute to let us all know.
Going to Green
Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the staff plan to watch Georgetown forward Jeff Green work out Friday in Washington.
Green, who has not hired an agent and is retaining the option of a return to college, is thus required under NCAA regulations to pay his own way to workouts. As a result, teams are coming to him.
Like Brandon Wright [of UNC], Green is conducting workouts without a partner, meaning general managers and scouts are traveling for the opportunity to watch him in shooting drills.
The same was true when the Celtics traveled to watch Yi Jianlian, the Chinese star, in Los Angeles. . . .
Going to Green
Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the staff plan to watch Georgetown forward Jeff Green work out Friday in Washington.
Green, who has not hired an agent and is retaining the option of a return to college, is thus required under NCAA regulations to pay his own way to workouts. As a result, teams are coming to him.
Like Brandon Wright [of UNC], Green is conducting workouts without a partner, meaning general managers and scouts are traveling for the opportunity to watch him in shooting drills.
The same was true when the Celtics traveled to watch Yi Jianlian, the Chinese star, in Los Angeles. . . .
Friday, June 08, 2007
Updates On Jeff Green
It's a busy day at work today, so I don't have a lot of time to post. Nonetheless, I wanted to let everyone know about the flood of new information that is coming in on Jeff Green. It seems increasingly like Jeff may be returning to The Hilltop for his senior year (knock on wood).
First, The Boston Globe reports that the Boston Celtic's Danny Ainge believes that Jeff is "seriously considering" coming back to school.
"Different agents have different philosophies of this whole process," said Ainge. "We have some ideas of what we'd like to see in a workout and how we'd like to structure them, but the agents don't see things that way. We've got to go see Jeff Green, which is understandable. He's still very seriously considering going back to school and doesn't want to incur the expenses. Yi's agent doesn't think it's in his best interest to go against other players. Brandan Wright really doesn't want to go against other players. Julian Wright doesn't want to play against other players.
For the entire article (there isn't much more of interest in it unless your name is the IBP) can be found here.
Similarly, Andy Katz is reporting on his blog on ESPN.com that a number of NBA teams now believe that Jeff Green is coming back to finish school and will withdraw his name from consideration on the 18th.
For more, click here.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed.
First, The Boston Globe reports that the Boston Celtic's Danny Ainge believes that Jeff is "seriously considering" coming back to school.
"Different agents have different philosophies of this whole process," said Ainge. "We have some ideas of what we'd like to see in a workout and how we'd like to structure them, but the agents don't see things that way. We've got to go see Jeff Green, which is understandable. He's still very seriously considering going back to school and doesn't want to incur the expenses. Yi's agent doesn't think it's in his best interest to go against other players. Brandan Wright really doesn't want to go against other players. Julian Wright doesn't want to play against other players.
For the entire article (there isn't much more of interest in it unless your name is the IBP) can be found here.
Similarly, Andy Katz is reporting on his blog on ESPN.com that a number of NBA teams now believe that Jeff Green is coming back to finish school and will withdraw his name from consideration on the 18th.
For more, click here.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Add the Sixers to the Mix
Following up on Diamond Mike's article a few days ago about Jeff Green's decision to make NBA teams come to him at Georgetown, rather than him traveling to them, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this morning that the Sixers will also becoming to the Hilltop.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/7858257.html
Interestingly, The Inquirer explains that the reason Jeff is working out for teams in D.C. is because he would have to reimburse teams for his travel expenses if he withdraws his name from the draft. I think that this is encouraging news.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/7858257.html
Interestingly, The Inquirer explains that the reason Jeff is working out for teams in D.C. is because he would have to reimburse teams for his travel expenses if he withdraws his name from the draft. I think that this is encouraging news.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Jeremiah as a Boston Scout
Following the horrific result that befell the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft Lottery, The Boston Herald ran a story examining the potential players Boston may select with the no. 5 pick. Jeff Green is increasingly being mentioned and Celtic head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers joked with a Herald reporter that the Celtics could hire Jeremiah as a scout. Rivers went on to say, “I don’t know what the rules are. I may not be able to talk to him [Jeremiah] now. He’ll probably be very happy with that.”
To read the full article, see http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699.
To read the full article, see http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699.
If Jeff Returns....
one crucial factor that has not been sufficiently explored or analyzed is the impact of Roy's decision on Jeff. As we all know, this is an extremely tight-knit group of young men. Roy's decision to return has likely increased the conflicting emotions Jeff is feeling about leaving his band of brothers and has to be animating to a large degree his hesitation about jumping to the NBA.
My point is that if Roy had decided to stay in the draft, I find it extremely unlikely these discussions about Jeff's return to Georgetown would even be occurring.
More props to Roy!
My point is that if Roy had decided to stay in the draft, I find it extremely unlikely these discussions about Jeff's return to Georgetown would even be occurring.
More props to Roy!
More Indications That Green May Return
Any Katz has a report in his blog on Insider indicating that there is mounting evidence that Jeff Green may return to Georgetown to get his degree and a national championship. Jeff seems incredibly reluctant to head to the NBA--unlike most college players who are slated to be lottery picks. I know all the VBBoys have their fingers and toes crossed that he returns to the Hilltop.
Green schedules D.C. workouts
posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Jeff Green's actions throughout the NBA draft process continue to indicate he might be closer to returning to Georgetown instead of being a certain lottery pick. Georgetown coach John Thompson III confirmed to ESPN.com that the Big East player of the year will conduct all his workouts at Georgetown instead of incurring any expenses going through NBA workouts at a team's practice facility.
Teaser: Green is working out for only Chicago, Boston, and Milwaukee. Also, "multiple NBA teams" are beginning to believe he will withdraw from the draft. My guess is that if he doesn't get a guarantee from any one of those, he's coming back.
Friday, June 01, 2007
The Philadelphia Inquirer Also Reports Green May Return to Hoyas
In a similar vein to Andy Katz's story on ESPN.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer is also reporting that Jeff Green may forgo the NBA to return to the Hilltop.
"Things could change," Green told reporters yesterday during a break from the NBA's pre-draft camp. "Something could go wrong in the workout and persuade me to go back to school."
* * *
Green seems conflicted when talking about his possible return.
"We could come back and probably be a top-five team and have the opportunity to win a national championship," Green said. "That has been one of the things I have been looking at."
On the other hand, he would not have been invited to the pre-draft camp, along with the likes of Ohio State's Greg Oden and Texas' Kevin Durant, if the NBA did not value his talent.
"It's very encouraging that I have been invited here and it's one of the things that could possibly persuade me to stay in the draft and hire an agent," Green said. "Seeing how the NBA sees me as one of the top players in the draft, it's one of the things you have to look at in this process."
Of particular interest (to me anyway) in the Inquirer's coverage of this big Georgetown story is it's discussion of Jeff's physical presentation.
The 10 other players at the news conference wore shorts and polo shirts, but Green was attired in a dress shirt and tie.
"You have to present yourself well," Green said. "You are interviewing for a job, so you have to look nice."
All year long we've talked about the great image the Hoya players have presented under JTIII. They always show up to interviews, etc. in suits and ties. I'm glad to see that Jeff has taken this important life lesson to heart. In a day and age where NBA players seem resigned to the lowest common denominator in all things sartorial, Jeff, and the rest of the Hoyas, are a breath of fresh air.
Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here you go...
"Things could change," Green told reporters yesterday during a break from the NBA's pre-draft camp. "Something could go wrong in the workout and persuade me to go back to school."
* * *
Green seems conflicted when talking about his possible return.
"We could come back and probably be a top-five team and have the opportunity to win a national championship," Green said. "That has been one of the things I have been looking at."
On the other hand, he would not have been invited to the pre-draft camp, along with the likes of Ohio State's Greg Oden and Texas' Kevin Durant, if the NBA did not value his talent.
"It's very encouraging that I have been invited here and it's one of the things that could possibly persuade me to stay in the draft and hire an agent," Green said. "Seeing how the NBA sees me as one of the top players in the draft, it's one of the things you have to look at in this process."
Of particular interest (to me anyway) in the Inquirer's coverage of this big Georgetown story is it's discussion of Jeff's physical presentation.
The 10 other players at the news conference wore shorts and polo shirts, but Green was attired in a dress shirt and tie.
"You have to present yourself well," Green said. "You are interviewing for a job, so you have to look nice."
All year long we've talked about the great image the Hoya players have presented under JTIII. They always show up to interviews, etc. in suits and ties. I'm glad to see that Jeff has taken this important life lesson to heart. In a day and age where NBA players seem resigned to the lowest common denominator in all things sartorial, Jeff, and the rest of the Hoyas, are a breath of fresh air.
Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here you go...
Jeff Green and the NBA -- Not a Done Deal?
Andy Katz has a great piece on ESPN.com today about Jeff Green and the NBA. According to Katz, and Green himself based on the quotes attributed to him, Hoyas fans still have hopes of seeing last year's Big East Player of the Year in Blue and Gray next season.
"I haven't made it final that I'm coming out yet, and I'm still going to take some time to make a decision," Green told ESPN.com.
"I haven't signed with an agent yet and there's still a chance [to go back to the Hoyas]," Green said. "It just depends on how my workouts go. I just have to keep working hard and hopefully get the commitment that a team wants to draft me. If I don't get that commitment that a team is willing to take me in the lottery, then that will sway my decision to come back."
Green is projected to be a lottery pick with interest from Boston at No. 5 on down.
The reason this is newsworthy is that it was just last Wednesday, Green announced he was staying in the draft at a news conference where teammate Roy Hibbert said he would come back for his senior season.
Now, more than a week later, the headline on the Georgetown Web site still says: "Jeff Green to forego senior season for NBA, Roy Hibbert to stay at Georgetown."
The press release has a quote from Green that states, "I haven't hired an agent yet, but we are starting that process now. I love Georgetown, my friends, my team, coaches & but after a lot of examination I've come to the conclusion that this is what's best for me. I intend to get my degree eventually, but right now it's the NBA."
Green said Thursday that the only thing he was saying last week was, "I was keeping my name in the draft." And he qualified that by saying as in last week. As of this week, he still hasn't made up his mind on whether he's staying in the draft past the June 18 withdrawal date.
This is definitely big news!
"I haven't made it final that I'm coming out yet, and I'm still going to take some time to make a decision," Green told ESPN.com.
"I haven't signed with an agent yet and there's still a chance [to go back to the Hoyas]," Green said. "It just depends on how my workouts go. I just have to keep working hard and hopefully get the commitment that a team wants to draft me. If I don't get that commitment that a team is willing to take me in the lottery, then that will sway my decision to come back."
Green is projected to be a lottery pick with interest from Boston at No. 5 on down.
The reason this is newsworthy is that it was just last Wednesday, Green announced he was staying in the draft at a news conference where teammate Roy Hibbert said he would come back for his senior season.
Now, more than a week later, the headline on the Georgetown Web site still says: "Jeff Green to forego senior season for NBA, Roy Hibbert to stay at Georgetown."
The press release has a quote from Green that states, "I haven't hired an agent yet, but we are starting that process now. I love Georgetown, my friends, my team, coaches & but after a lot of examination I've come to the conclusion that this is what's best for me. I intend to get my degree eventually, but right now it's the NBA."
Green said Thursday that the only thing he was saying last week was, "I was keeping my name in the draft." And he qualified that by saying as in last week. As of this week, he still hasn't made up his mind on whether he's staying in the draft past the June 18 withdrawal date.
This is definitely big news!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Barker Weighs in on Green & Hibbert
Barker explains why Roy will be more valuable next season than Jeff could have been. He's right on all of it, and indeed a number of these points have been made in this blog:
"1) You can't teach ..." : "Guess how many 6-10 or taller players who averaged double digits in scoring, six or more rebounds and two or more blocks will be returning to major-conference rosters next season? Hibbert (12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) ... and, well ... Hibbert. That's it. Just one. And, as Thompson has always been quick to point out, Big Roy has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Green came to Georgetown with a high hoops IQ and an incredible skill set for a prepster. Of course, he improved, particularly his game away from the hoop. But few players in recent hoops history have enjoyed Hibbert's near-stratospheric developmental arc. "
"1) You can't teach ..." : "Guess how many 6-10 or taller players who averaged double digits in scoring, six or more rebounds and two or more blocks will be returning to major-conference rosters next season? Hibbert (12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) ... and, well ... Hibbert. That's it. Just one. And, as Thompson has always been quick to point out, Big Roy has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Green came to Georgetown with a high hoops IQ and an incredible skill set for a prepster. Of course, he improved, particularly his game away from the hoop. But few players in recent hoops history have enjoyed Hibbert's near-stratospheric developmental arc. "
"2) Team Need": "While 'Big Ticket' showed flashes of the game that made him a McDonald's All-American at Hargrave Military Academy, his 9.8 minutes-per game average and single season in the system leave him less prepared to fill the void that would have been left by Hibbert than the player who will likely be asked to assume Green's starting role: rising senior Patrick Ewing Jr. (14.5 minutes). Throw in gifted wing man DaJuan Summers, who enjoyed an exemplary freshman season (9.2 points), and incoming McDonald's All-American Austin Freeman (DeMatha), and the Hoyas actually have three NBA-caliber talents to share the onus of replacing Green's myriad contributions as the team's point-forward."
"3) Gameplan": "As good as Green was in his three seasons, Hibbert represents a far more daunting matchup problem for opponents on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Hibbert's ability to alter shots and provide help on dribble-drive proponents makes the paint a virtual no-fly zone for Georgetown opponents."
Barker is correct on all counts. I think that #2 is the big one for me. There are three players who can step up and pick up the slack for Jeff. And although they have not been as dramatic as Jeff's, Summers's dagger 3's in a number of big games took some serious stones. I think he will want to take the big shot in next year's Vandy, Nova, or Notre Dame-type game. You thrown in Freeman and Ewing, who got markedly better as the year wore on, and I think the void can be filled. Add to that player development--I think Roy, DaJaun and Ticket will all seriously elavate their games--and Freeman and Wright, and I think next year's team will be a better one come March than this year's was. That's not to say they will definitely be in San Antonio, but I think one has to put them among the top 4 or 5 contenders--particularly when you factor in post-season experience that teams like Memphis and Kansas can't match.
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