The Fan Report is Inside the Hall’s version of Letters to the Editor. Submit a Fan Report at this link. Today’s entry was submitted by Joe Moffo.
Upon viewing Inside the Hall today, I noticed the new poll on who the starting PG for next season should be. The two options: Jordan Hulls and Jeremiah Rivers. As I saw this the only thought that came to my head was “None of the Above.”
Now don’t get me wrong, I love Jordan Hulls, but I don’t think he is going to be next year’s starter and here is why:
- Prior to Hulls’ explosion against Northwestern, Tom Crean decided that Verdell Jones was going to take over the duties as PG. The reasons? Plentiful. Jones is not a consistent threat to shoot the ball from outside like a two-guard or a three can. Also, Maurice Creek or not, Jones is arguably the top threat on the team to drive the lane and create a shot for himself or a teammate, or get to the line (Jones lead the team and was 2nd in conference with 6.1 attempts per game from the line). Also, Jones has the experience and the savvy, he was clearly the only player on the roster willing to step up in the clutch when needed most (see Minnesota game).
- Hulls off the point allows him to work more freely, and thus creates more shot opportunities. And let us all be honest, Hulls contributions are going to come from behind the arc. He doesn’t have the size or athleticism to break down the D and barrel down the lane.
- Rivers is not a good offensive player. He was anything but the calm, experienced leader this team needed. Also, he can’t shoot at all, if you didn’t notice. He’s valuable for his defense off the bench, and of course, blocking weak break-away layups.
Next season is up in the air in my mind. But at this point, I see Crean utilizing a lineup of Jones, Creek, Christian Watford, Derek Elston, and Bobby Capobianco. This team though young, lengthy, athletic, and after watching Elston emerge late, it would have four legitimate scoring threats. It would also take the 3-pointer, allowing the offense to spread the floor the Tom Crean way.
