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Message: [QUOTE="reedny, post: 1312497, member: 1423"] No doubt Tyler's a talented rebounder, at least as good and possibly better than CJ. But the choice is between Tyler and CM at the 4, and I think CM started this year (and will next year at PF) because he has better size and ability to defend the rim. Here's a break-down: 1) Rebounding is only part of the story. Tyler's a talented rebounder, so this somewhat masks the shortcomings of his smallish build in other areas. At any rate, I think he's in double figures (rebounding) 5 of 11 times since CM was hurt, and overall, 8 of 24 games played. However, [B]his higher numbers are generally against weaker/smaller teams (see point 4)[/B]; 2) It seems illogical to insist that a 6/7 - 6-8 210 pound kid should start/play the majority of the minutes as our second big (on the other side of the rim from the center), when a much taller player (CM) is available ... with a much better upside, including greater potential to finish over size and a (developing) low post game. Neither of these abilities is within TR's primary skillset; 3) Against bigger teams (those with a secondary big besides the center that Rak plays), CM is a better shot-blocker and (as he gets stronger and grows into his huge frame) will be able to establish and maintain inside position to defend the rim. With Chris hurt, Tyler has been struggling with his interior D against bigger inside players. My post gives examples of that issue against LV; 4) As to rebounding, the only top tier ACC team that Tyler did well on the glass against was Duke. IMO this is because Duke spreads the floor for its shooters -- giving TR opportunities to RB at the second level (which is where CJF was good, and would probably have played the 3 if we had a taller big available last year). With that loan exception, here are the games where he had double digit rebounds: - Kenesaw St.; - L-Tech; - V-Tech (twice); - Wake - Miami (has a 7' C and 6'10 backup), but no good secondary rebounder, so Tyler did well); - Clemson. Obviously, these teams are not the elite of the ACC. So he's a good rebounder primarily against smaller teams, mostly in the lower half of the league. Against beefier, taller teams -- in games where possessions are more critical -- he is less effective on the glass AND gets exploited on interior D. See G-Tech, UNC, Pitt both times, Louisville, [By Edit] Virginia, etc. [/QUOTE]

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