Pointer
- Thread starter Ricky Smith
- Start date
beast of the east
Active member
My wife is a high school teacher. Every September there is a new group of kids coming in, and every June a group of kids she has worked closely with for as many as 4 years leave. I've wondered how difficult it is to be in a profession where each year there is a new group to work with.
As much as we'll miss this group of seniors, they've given us an often bumpy, but still wonderful ride. At the same time a new group will come in. If they stick around, Rysheed and Obekpa will be asked to carry more of the burden of winning. Amar may step in as a starter. Hopefully some new recruits will pan out. It's sad to let go of kids we've enjoyed, but at the same time it is what is wonderful about college sports, where rosters change each fall. In a way it makes being a college coach immeasurably harder than coaching in the pros - having to recruit and teach a new team each year. I'll take college sports any day over the pros.
I think he'll get drafted in the second round. You can't teach his skill set and effort. It's absolutely amazing watching him hustle up and down the court. His leadership this year has also been incredible. It would be a damn shame if the nation doesn't get a chance to see Sir Dom in the big dance.
beast of the east
Active member
When it comes to Sir Dom, the old Johnny Mathis/Deniece Williams song "Too much, too little, too late" plays in my head. Sounds disparaging, but it really isn't.
With a razor thin roster this year, the circumstances for Dom to emerge were perfect. That is, if the coaching staff utilized him in a way to maximize all of his physical abilities. To all the Lavin detractors, I'm sorry but I have to objectively say that the coaching staff have used him perfectly. The biggest thing I believe is that not only do they announce Pointer in the lineups as a guard, they let him play like one. Another coach would likely in our lineup let the other three truer guards bring the ball up and put restraints on Dom. Lavin has allowed Dom to lead the charge often in transition, pushing the ball end to end like a racehorse. This has showcased his ball handling ability, passing ability. For Dom's part he is finishing better, gets more touches in a 4 guard unselfish offense, and has improved his mid range game immensely.
On defense, our help strategy of doubling down low on the man with the ball creates enough pressure on most offensive players to allow Dom to anticipate and roam. He has as many blocked shots as a result as CO, and he really shouldn't be in that class of swatter. It's largely because of Dom's effort and athleticism, but also because of the defensive schema. Anyone who's ever played even schoolyard basketball knows what it's like to be posting one player and then hounded by a second going after the ball. Throw in two legitimate sky walkers to go after the shot If yu can get it off under pressure, and it creates a lot of defensive intensity. (Of course quick kickouts create a mad scramble to cover the perimeter, but we've done this reasonably well much of the time)
I love Dom, but also think he was perfectly cast this season out of necessity that showcased his vast athleticism. I'm not sure if it translates well at the next level, but then again, he has appeared to be the best athlete on the floor for most of this season, so who knows? I suspect that even if undrafted, he will be invited to NBA camps, where he will have to prove himself at a much higher level.
Bottom line for us is that I don't believe we've experienced a dynamo who filled a stat sheet like Dom has since Artest, and I'll admit that I haven't bothered to compare the two. No doubt Artest's game was overall more refined, but Dom has been everything, EVERYTHING, that Lavin has asked and ALLOWED for this year.
With a razor thin roster this year, the circumstances for Dom to emerge were perfect. That is, if the coaching staff utilized him in a way to maximize all of his physical abilities. To all the Lavin detractors, I'm sorry but I have to objectively say that the coaching staff have used him perfectly. The biggest thing I believe is that not only do they announce Pointer in the lineups as a guard, they let him play like one. Another coach would likely in our lineup let the other three truer guards bring the ball up and put restraints on Dom. Lavin has allowed Dom to lead the charge often in transition, pushing the ball end to end like a racehorse. This has showcased his ball handling ability, passing ability. For Dom's part he is finishing better, gets more touches in a 4 guard unselfish offense, and has improved his mid range game immensely.
On defense, our help strategy of doubling down low on the man with the ball creates enough pressure on most offensive players to allow Dom to anticipate and roam. He has as many blocked shots as a result as CO, and he really shouldn't be in that class of swatter. It's largely because of Dom's effort and athleticism, but also because of the defensive schema. Anyone who's ever played even schoolyard basketball knows what it's like to be posting one player and then hounded by a second going after the ball. Throw in two legitimate sky walkers to go after the shot If yu can get it off under pressure, and it creates a lot of defensive intensity. (Of course quick kickouts create a mad scramble to cover the perimeter, but we've done this reasonably well much of the time)
I love Dom, but also think he was perfectly cast this season out of necessity that showcased his vast athleticism. I'm not sure if it translates well at the next level, but then again, he has appeared to be the best athlete on the floor for most of this season, so who knows? I suspect that even if undrafted, he will be invited to NBA camps, where he will have to prove himself at a much higher level.
Bottom line for us is that I don't believe we've experienced a dynamo who filled a stat sheet like Dom has since Artest, and I'll admit that I haven't bothered to compare the two. No doubt Artest's game was overall more refined, but Dom has been everything, EVERYTHING, that Lavin has asked and ALLOWED for this year.
RedStormRising
Well-known member
Dom will certainly have many options to play next year. May not be in the NBA, but people are going to be calling.
Yes. I think Dom is an intriguing player at the next level. He may not get drafted, but he will certainly be contacted by a team and should easily make a summer league roster. He is not a traditional NBA SG, SF or PF, but he just might find himself a role. I know we will all be pulling for him.
Hey if DJ Kennedy (who I loved as a player) has gotten looks in the NBA then Dom will definitely get his shot. He's a does everything player like DJ but has elite athleticism, and this year his BBIQ has taken a huge leap forward. Don't know if he'll stick but he will definitely gets looks. If he works at improving his shot I believe he will play in the NBA.
ErickTheRed
Member
Just want to say thanks 'Dom, you have taken the bull by the horns these last few weeks and deserve nothing but the best!!! as well as the rest of the team.
tom in salem
Well-known member
What a weird journey.
What if Jakarr returns?
What if Rico Gathers honors his commitment.
What if Chris McCullough signs with SJU.
So happy the stars aligned for him and the team.
Karma works in strange ways,
What if Jakarr returns?
What if Rico Gathers honors his commitment.
What if Chris McCullough signs with SJU.
So happy the stars aligned for him and the team.
Karma works in strange ways,
Dom deserves POY but won't get it.