mtgrizrule
Well-known member
One, let's get off the coaching staff, regarding Qvale's freshman year. Granted, I too would have loved to see him as SR RS this year, and he would be the rebounder, and shotblocker, we are missing. Honestly though, his FR year, we were very thin at Center, and PF. No offense to Kyle Sharp, but he played out of position at Center, and some PF his SR year. Qvale was also ready physically, as for strength. The right decision was made with Qvale.
Another thing to consider, and a few college coaches have told me. It is much easier to sell a post player on redshirting, all it takes is a few open gyms, then practices for them to see how much more physical college ball is in the paint than at the HS level. Many freshman posts get beaten up physically, and common sense more easily prevails, with the redshirt decision.
Perimeter players, especially PG and SG, are used to being the MAN in HS for 2 to 3 years. They are used to being asked to score, distribute, and make teammates better. Most them can hang with upper classmen, in terms of shooting, ball handling, defense, and quickness. It is more of a mental separation between youth, and experience with the perimeter players. This is the aspect where many Freshman feel they are ready, and find out they are not, but usually after the Redshirt is burned.
Tinkle commented quite frequently, how Cherry, and Jamar were well ahead of your average Freshman emotionally, and more mature than their age. Take those kind of statements to heart, when a coach says them, even more so with Tinkle. He is about as honest a coach as there is.
Seriously, physically there is not a huge difference between Henderson, and Jamar. Jamar is stronger, more versatile. Henderson is more athletic, and quicker. Cherry , and Deshields, again not a lot of difference physically, and both are great defenders. Deshields as FR is ahead of Cherry as for his shot, but that is it. Cherry has believed from day 1, he is the best guard on the court, no matter who the opponent is. Cherry has the "IT" factor. Gregory is a solid ball handler, good defender, and shooter too, but just has not developed his game enough to see the minutes.
Deshields, Gregory, and Henderson are more of your typical Freshman players. All are talented with tons of potential, and high ceilings. Meanwhile Cherry, and Jamar are the exceptions to your typical Freshman. They were not only ready physically, but mentally too. These other guys need to get there mentally, and continue to work on their games. No knock on any of them, but just the way NCAA basketball is now, and has been for years.
Also, keep an eye on Weisner, he next to never makes a mistake, and mentally just gets it. That is what a FR RS year is supposed to do for a player. Look for him, and Henderson to split the SF minutes next season. I will not be surprised if Weisner is incorporated more into the offense, even this season. This kid is a steal for the GRIZ.
Another thing to consider, and a few college coaches have told me. It is much easier to sell a post player on redshirting, all it takes is a few open gyms, then practices for them to see how much more physical college ball is in the paint than at the HS level. Many freshman posts get beaten up physically, and common sense more easily prevails, with the redshirt decision.
Perimeter players, especially PG and SG, are used to being the MAN in HS for 2 to 3 years. They are used to being asked to score, distribute, and make teammates better. Most them can hang with upper classmen, in terms of shooting, ball handling, defense, and quickness. It is more of a mental separation between youth, and experience with the perimeter players. This is the aspect where many Freshman feel they are ready, and find out they are not, but usually after the Redshirt is burned.
Tinkle commented quite frequently, how Cherry, and Jamar were well ahead of your average Freshman emotionally, and more mature than their age. Take those kind of statements to heart, when a coach says them, even more so with Tinkle. He is about as honest a coach as there is.
Seriously, physically there is not a huge difference between Henderson, and Jamar. Jamar is stronger, more versatile. Henderson is more athletic, and quicker. Cherry , and Deshields, again not a lot of difference physically, and both are great defenders. Deshields as FR is ahead of Cherry as for his shot, but that is it. Cherry has believed from day 1, he is the best guard on the court, no matter who the opponent is. Cherry has the "IT" factor. Gregory is a solid ball handler, good defender, and shooter too, but just has not developed his game enough to see the minutes.
Deshields, Gregory, and Henderson are more of your typical Freshman players. All are talented with tons of potential, and high ceilings. Meanwhile Cherry, and Jamar are the exceptions to your typical Freshman. They were not only ready physically, but mentally too. These other guys need to get there mentally, and continue to work on their games. No knock on any of them, but just the way NCAA basketball is now, and has been for years.
Also, keep an eye on Weisner, he next to never makes a mistake, and mentally just gets it. That is what a FR RS year is supposed to do for a player. Look for him, and Henderson to split the SF minutes next season. I will not be surprised if Weisner is incorporated more into the offense, even this season. This kid is a steal for the GRIZ.