Kelvin Gaines

[Mr. Bearcat]

Has anyone gotten a good look at Kelvin Gaines? Will he be in the rotation at center this year? I think he needs to play some this year, because if Yancy has a good season and decides to declare for the draft, and with Thomas and Biggie leaving, we could be really vulnerable inside the next few years. This also may be a good time to recruit a juco center. It doesn't seem like we have much in the pipeline at that position. Our next two signees really need to be 6'9" and taller.

[BearcatAlum1]

Has anyone gotten a good look at Kelvin Gaines? Will he be in the rotation at center this year? I think he needs to play some this year, because if Yancy has a good season and decides to declare for the draft, and with Thomas and Biggie leaving, we could be really vulnerable inside the next few years. This also may be a good time to recruit a juco center. It doesn't seem like we have much in the pipeline at that position. Our next two signees really need to be 6'9" and taller.

I disagree, but it comes down to philosophy.

I will gladly take guys in the 6'8"-6'9" range that can play inside and outside, can run the floor, but aren't "true" post players, rather than a big heaping mass of a man that can't do any of that...

We're certainly targeting some guys that fit both bolds, but I'd prefer to have forwards like those at Tennessee over the past few years. 6'8", athletic, can shoot from the perimeter, but aren't "true" post players.

The college game lacks "true" post players, so I don't view it as a necessity.

I will agree that we need a "junk yard dog" type post player. Give me a more offensively gifted Steve Toyloy.

[cincycpaw]

The college game lacks "true" post players, so I don't view it as a necessity.


This is true, but look at the difference that big for Duke made for them last year. He was the difference between Duke flaming out yet again and what they did in my opinion. In the tournament anyhow.

[BearcatAlum1]

This is true, but look at the difference that big for Duke made for them last year. He was the difference between Duke flaming out yet again and what they did in my opinion. In the tournament anyhow.

I can't really agree or disagree. He played the best bball of his life in the tourney, so I will give him props.

The college game lacks "true" big men. Even the NBA lacks "true" centers. The few "true" centers domination (Shaq for a long time, currently Dwight Howard, etc.).

Give me athletic bigs that can run. They don't need to be the biggest. 6'8" works fine for me.

[cincycpaw]

I can't really agree or disagree. He played the best bball of his life in the tourney, so I will give him props.

The college game lacks "true" big men. Even the NBA lacks "true" centers. The few "true" centers domination (Shaq for a long time, currently Dwight Howard, etc.).

Give me athletic bigs that can run. They don't need to be the biggest. 6'8" works fine for me.


I do agree with you, just mentioning what a difference a true big that plays big can have. Even on a team that plays an athletic style. In reality I guess it is more about having that one guy that can get to what seems like every rebound and get you easy second chance points. Can do it with size or with athleticism, but to win at the highest level, you have to do it.

[bearcatbret]

In an interview with MC, he said that Kelvin might be a project.

[subflea]

His offensive game is RAW. Defensively and on the boards he is solid, but his offense will keep him from seeing much PT. When he does play, watch for a few guys to get caught with elbows after he gets a rebound.

[BearcatAlum1]

I do agree with you, just mentioning what a difference a true big that plays big can have. Even on a team that plays an athletic style. In reality I guess it is more about having that one guy that can get to what seems like every rebound and get you easy second chance points. Can do it with size or with athleticism, but to win at the highest level, you have to do it.

Yes.

You need an interior player to clear the glass, clean-up the garbage, defend well (on ball and help) and play a good # of minutes (30+ minutes).

It is rare that you find a 6'10" that can do all of that....especially before his JR. or SR. year. Many more 6'7"-6'8" kids that can contribute right away and do much of the above to a lesser extent.

Like you said, Zoubeck didn't score much, but he did all the little things in the tournament to help Duke make a very nice run.

[Joco45215]

Ive said it before I'll say it again give me a 6'5" pf with heart and a chip on his shoulder over a 6'9" NBA ready player.......I want tough guys with heart where have all the Erik Hicks and Jason Maxiels of the world gone?

[Joco45215]

Ive said it before I'll say it again give me a 6'5" pf with heart and a chip on his shoulder over a 6'9" NBA ready player.......I want tough guys with heart where have all the Erik Hicks and Jason Maxiels of the world gone?

oh yeah West Viginia

[Thegreatone]

Quoting yourself 30 seconds after a post is a good move that more people should do.

[Thegreatone]

Quoting yourself 30 seconds after a post is a good move that more people should do.

Damn I am predictable

[MDW79]

Everything I've heard is that Gaines is a project. I could be wrong, but I believe at some point he was basically the 6th man on his HS team (The one w/ Jackson, not sure if it was AAU or a school team.)

That's ok though, I'd rather have a kid like him, that we can mold, coming into a situation like we have now. I think Yancy and Thomas are the strength of this team and that part of our team can be relied on the most heading into the year. The guards/wings are what concern me. But I do think Cash should be very solid as well.

I don't think we'll be seeing much of Gaines this year. Frankly, I see no reason why you wouldn't redshirt him. (Yancy-Thomas-Biggie-Jackson-Wilks?) I'm not sure what benefit it would be not to. I mean we redshirted Kilpatrick (Who apparently "can fall out of my bed and score 10" as a freshman) so why wouldn't we with Gaines?

[MDW79]

Everything I've heard is that Gaines is a project. I could be wrong, but I believe at some point he was basically the 6th man on his HS team (The one w/ Jackson, not sure if it was AAU or a school team.)

That's ok though, I'd rather have a kid like him, that we can mold, coming into a situation like we have now. I think Yancy and Thomas are the strength of this team and that part of our team can be relied on the most heading into the year. The guards/wings are what concern me. But I do think Cash should be very solid as well.

I don't think we'll be seeing much of Gaines this year. Frankly, I see no reason why you wouldn't redshirt him. (Yancy-Thomas-Biggie-Jackson-Wilks?) I'm not sure what benefit it would be not to. I mean we redshirted Kilpatrick (Who apparently can fall out of my bed and score 10 as a true frosh) so why wouldn't we with Gaines?

I agree, good stuff! :D

[Joco45215]

Damn I am predictable

sorry i just had another thought at the time and i hit submit too fast lol

[milfordcats]

If Gaines was redshirted wouldn't that make the class coming in next year even bigger since Gaines would be a RS FR? I guess they could redshirt someone out of that class but I think they would be hesitant to make that class any bigger.

[Bearcat POE]

From the coaches, they want him to get experience because all of the guys leaving at the end of the year. I'm not apposed to that

[subflea]

If Gaines was redshirted wouldn't that make the class coming in next year even bigger since Gaines would be a RS FR? I guess they could redshirt someone out of that class but I think they would be hesitant to make that class any bigger.

That is correct, which is why he will see some PT, but it will be very limited.

[BearcatAlum1]

If Gaines was redshirted wouldn't that make the class coming in next year even bigger since Gaines would be a RS FR? I guess they could redshirt someone out of that class but I think they would be hesitant to make that class any bigger.

Not going to happen, IMO. You hit the nail on the head.

Balance the classes. We're already looking at a 6 man class in 2011.

[Bearcat POE]

If he can give on the court what Donald Little did, I'd be happy with him