So who plays the "4"?

[Redfaced]

With recruiting battles being waged with mixed reviews, let's address an impending issue, that being, when Orlando Sanchez leaves, who will play the 4? With the loss of Abu, Delgado and the need for a player to fill this position next year ( assuming that Sampson and Obekpa are still around), who will play the PF position for this team. I mean, it would be great if we got one of the small forwards that coach is recruiting but who becomes that on the blocks power player, rebounder extroadinaire that is a must have if this team is to be competitive with the Syracuse's of the world who will come loaded with Coleman, Grant, McCullough's etc. Unless coach has a recruit in the wings that no one knows about or is able to pull the proverbial last minute rabit out if a hat, here are some scenarios which may come to pass.

1. Lavin brings in a talented 5 player and converts CO to a face the basket PF.
2. Christian Jones dramatically improves his rebounding efficiency and becomes the starting 4.
3. Coach goes with a three guard line up with Balamou the third guard helping out on the boards, with Sampson ( if he's still around ) as our primary rebounder as well as CO.
4. There is a Juco or transfer somewhere just waiting to come on board and become a rebounding force.

That's about the only scenarios that I can come up with. Remember, if coach does bring in a freshman to play right away, he would have to be pretty exceptional to assume such a role. Are there any other possible scenarios? I would like to hear from others how they feel that coach will handle the 4 position.

 

[Lavin1991]

I would guess a 3 guard lineup with Sampson at the 4 - if he's still here

 

[tom in salem]

Jakarr, with Pointer at the 3 and Obekpa at the 5.
These guys will be back.

 

[MCNPA]

Jakarr, with Pointer at the 3 and Obekpa at the 5.
These guys will be back.

Agree, they probably will. Even still, we will bring some kids in as well. PF's are one of the more plentiful types of player's out there. Most are tweezers height-wise and don't usually have the skill set of wing players. I don't think we really went after Delgadomtoo hard to tell the truth. When all is said and done, I still think we'll find some decent big guys this recruiting season. Gotta trust our staff with the recruiting stuff as they've always brought it home.

 

[Redfaced]

Jakarr, with Pointer at the 3 and Obekpa at the 5.
These guys will be back.

If they are all back that would certainly be a quick line up and with the experience factor we should be somewhat improved on the boards.

 

[beast of the east]

Keep in mind that the "4" isn't a true position, and numerical assignments are relatively new in basketball. they are more about roles and matchups. Was Barkley a 3 or a 4? Well he shot like a 3, and rebounded like a 4. His size (much closer to 6'4 than his listed 6'6) would say a 3. His strength and rebounding stats would say a 4. Back in the day was Monroe or Frazier the 1 - you might think it was Frazier but no one really thought that way. To that extent, West and Goodrich were even more difficult to assign - both were so offensive minded. Certainly the game has evolved, but I would be pretty sure that Lavin will put the most talented 5 on the court except in cases that the matchups become impossible. In those cases, we may go smaller or bigger depending on the opponent's strengths.

 

[Redfaced]

Keep in mind that the "4" isn't a true position, and numerical assignments are relatively new in basketball. they are more about roles and matchups. Was Barkley a 3 or a 4? Well he shot like a 3, and rebounded like a 4. His size (much closer to 6'4 than his listed 6'6) would say a 3. His strength and rebounding stats would say a 4. Back in the day was Monroe or Frazier the 1 - you might think it was Frazier but no one really thought that way. To that extent, West and Goodrich were even more difficult to assign - both were so offensive minded. Certainly the game has evolved, but I would be pretty sure that Lavin will put the most talented 5 on the court except in cases that the matchups become impossible. In those cases, we may go smaller or bigger depending on the opponent's strengths.

Then I guess the better question is, who do we can bigger with when that situation comes to pass?

 

[usguard]

Do not see Jakarr coming back .

 

[usguard]

Perhaps Hooper surprises and becomes a Mullin lol

 

[Amaseinyourface]

Keep in mind that the "4" isn't a true position, and numerical assignments are relatively new in basketball. they are more about roles and matchups. Was Barkley a 3 or a 4? Well he shot like a 3, and rebounded like a 4. His size (much closer to 6'4 than his listed 6'6) would say a 3. His strength and rebounding stats would say a 4. Back in the day was Monroe or Frazier the 1 - you might think it was Frazier but no one really thought that way. To that extent, West and Goodrich were even more difficult to assign - both were so offensive minded. Certainly the game has evolved, but I would be pretty sure that Lavin will put the most talented 5 on the court except in cases that the matchups become impossible. In those cases, we may go smaller or bigger depending on the opponent's strengths.

Great post.

 

[tom in salem]

Do not see Jakarr coming back .

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jakarr-Sampson-6244/

 

[beast of the east]

Keep in mind that the "4" isn't a true position, and numerical assignments are relatively new in basketball. they are more about roles and matchups. Was Barkley a 3 or a 4? Well he shot like a 3, and rebounded like a 4. His size (much closer to 6'4 than his listed 6'6) would say a 3. His strength and rebounding stats would say a 4. Back in the day was Monroe or Frazier the 1 - you might think it was Frazier but no one really thought that way. To that extent, West and Goodrich were even more difficult to assign - both were so offensive minded. Certainly the game has evolved, but I would be pretty sure that Lavin will put the most talented 5 on the court except in cases that the matchups become impossible. In those cases, we may go smaller or bigger depending on the opponent's strengths.

Then I guess the better question is, who do we can bigger with when that situation comes to pass?

Lavin is just heating up in terms of recruiting prowess, and Jordan is I believe his highest ranked recruit. My guess is that before long he will nail down a true center, although for 6'10" super blue chip players the competition is incredibly fierce. I'd guess he may find a competent big in the juco ranks until then.

 

[fun]

is a must have if this team is to be competitive with the Syracuse's of the world who will come loaded with Coleman, Grant, McCullough's etc.

We don't have to be competitive with the Syracuses of the world anymore, just the Xaviers.

 

[simplyred]

is a must have if this team is to be competitive with the Syracuse's of the world who will come loaded with Coleman, Grant, McCullough's etc.

We don't have to be competitive with the Syracuses of the world anymore, just the Xaviers.

Ah, so true. Like hitting on the fat girls at closing time.

 

[Andrew]

Do not see Jakarr coming back .

Sampson's decision to stay or go makes a huge difference in the team's 2014-15 success.

 

[austour]

Do not see Jakarr coming back .

Sampson's decision to stay or go makes a huge difference in the team's 2014-15 success.

Which is why this trip to Europe is so important. He'll either start the process of defining himself as a 3 (unlikely) or 4 (slightly more likely) at the next level or at least will have had the school pay for his passport, which could very well come in handy.

 

[sirvoo]

Sanchez would be the most logical choice. Obekpa needs to start this year. Sampson is a long 3, and Sanchez adds an all-around game to the frontcourt. Dom and Jordan in the backcourt. I love Dom too much to leave him out but it will be a tough call for Lavin to weed out these guys.

 

[austour]

Sirvoo, the OP was asking about 2014/15 when Sanchez and Gift are gone.

 

[guru]

The one thing we should never question is lavs ability to fill out out roster will high level talent!! I personally expect huge things next year!! Can't wait

 

[Marillac]

I think SJU fans are scared because of Moe jumping early. Everyone assumes Sampson leaving early is inevitable. He is already two years removed from high school and he didn't hit a single three-pointer last year. He didn't show that he could defend the perimeter either. There are a ton of great young players this draft and teams will gamble on them before taking a shot on essentially a junior with question marks. Being drafted on potential gets exponentially more difficult each passing year.

Even though the Zagorias of the world will be filling his head with false confidence, I expect him back for at least another season.