Thoughts on who will start day 1?
Here are my ramblings:
Barksdale is a talented but oft underwhelming senior with plenty of experience against ACC caliber athletes. My guess is that Buzz will encourage him to be a leader and expect him to add some stability to a still young team. My question is how does Buzz really feel about him? Is he just a warm body or does Buzz see him as his "type" of player and a system fit?
Henry certainly seems talented but has yet to see competition and talent on par with the ACC. His motor is probably a notch above Barksdale and could be important to have on the court at tip. Or is his energy better suited off the bench as a momentum changer? Is he truly the guy Buzz wanted or was it a means to filling the PF end?
Time will tell but I think I just convinced myself that Barksdale will probably start day 1 but will see how Henry adjusts and possibly get him into the starting mix mid season or so.
Comments
Like , Barksdale & his experience to start .
According to what I read, Henry is the kind of power forward Buzz likes. Has enough size to play the 4 but also the athleticism and the shooting to stretch the opposing defense to give space for the guards to operate.
When healthy, Barksdale was actually one of our better players this last season. Not to mention his pretty much money from the foul line (think he shot in the 80s this year) makes me lean towards him starting and playing late in close games at least early on.
I hope Henry gets admitted and Barksdale sticks around. Barksdale can be very effective...when his effort and health are 100%. So far Buzz doesn't seem interested in giving anyone extra rope, so how does that bode for CJ? Hopefully it is enough to inspire him to raise his game.
I really like Henry's film...big time range. I wonder how big he actually is, but he got his offer after the coaches saw him in person. So I'm assuming he's the real deal.
Having both as options means Pierce doesn't have to be fed to the wolves, and we can play small ball out of choice rather than necessity.
Buzz has said to expect another "transaction" or 2 so I'm not sure what that means for these guys or the team as a whole.
"I hope Henry gets admitted and Barksdale sticks around"
Yep...we might not have either.
First I have heard about Henry having possible qualification issues. I really hope he can make it in and be a factor for us next season. We need Barksdale as well. When healthy I think he is a decent player and can definitely contribute for us next season.
Until I see Henry in practice, I would just say Barksdale since he has been here going through workouts and stuff. I'm pretty sure he is out of the boot and as long as he stays away from the green stuff this summer, he should probably start out as the starter at the beginning of the season.
There is a good chance that based on experience and the ability to stretch the floor that in many situations both of these players will be on the floor at the same time, especially if the game is a defensive struggle or we are playing opponents with multiple big men. With the loss of several big men already, its not a stretch to see any combination of Henry, JVZ, Barksdale, and Pierce playing the 4 and 5 spots.
That said, Barksdale will probably have the edge starting out as he will have a bit more time working inside of Buzz system but as long as Henry is in before Boot Camp, than it will likely be open competition for the true starting 4 spot. Buzz is likely going to go with the guy that shows him he has the no quit attitude Buzz is looking for. In that case, I would give the edge to Henry.
Henry has the shooting ability, quickness and long arms though to make playing the three spot a significant option which would free Buzz up more to experiment with the other wing type players in the shooting guard role. I have not heard that Henry will have any problems qualifying for next year.
True. Barksdale has developed a little range on the jumper.
If Eddie could've been more consistent last year, Eddie, CB42, and JVZ would've made a nice 3-5. But Eddie was inconsistent and CB42 had doghouse/injury issues.
Lets see if Buzz shifts Henry to the 3 and then reboot that part of the lineup.
My bigger concern (though not really a concern) is how the backcourt will shakeout.