Change of Heart: James Southerland

[Cuse4]

Start of the year I didn't even want him to get any minutes... he has now proven to be important on both ends

 

[ebucklewis]

Last night, did I see James put the ball on the floor around the 3 point line and take it to the rack - or was I drinking too much?? I need to re-watch it.

If so - that's a big leap in his game..

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Start of the year I didn't even want him to get any minutes... he has now proven to be important on both ends

It's crazy. It's almost as if every once in a while a guy will improve in the offseason.

 

[jordoo]

Southerland's performance @ NCST was a very big deal IMO. He came through in a big game against good competition.

And yes he drove the ball last night and got to the line.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

I was in that same boat. I opined that if he got a lot of minutes, we would be in bad shape. I will keep my foot out of my mouth until I see him do it in BE play against good teams, but for now, color me a transitioning convert.

 

[stuckinbig11]

Well, I was on his bandwagon all along. Will he be a star? Probably not. Will he be an important part of this team? Yes, at times, just like most of the other players--not always, but at times.

 

[Flacusian]

My jaw dropped when I saw him drive to the rack! Great thing to see. I'm definitely a member of the James Southerland Fanclub. If he can come in and consistently hit those open 3's it brings this team to another level. I remember reading an article in which his high school coach said that James's potential was unlimited if he could build some self confidence and work on his ball handling skills. I could see him playing in the NBA if he were to continue to improve.

 

[Rossco123]

Hop thinks he just may be the difference maker we have been waiting for. Count me in as a foot in mouth hopeful.

 

[orangehomer]

big thing for south and cj too is that they are both battling better on the defensive boards than last year. good to see.

 

[Garbs]

I was definitely in the he won't see time corner, but I will gladly eat crow if this continues

he will get a shot each night and if he is on he will play if not he may sit second halves

 

[osullfam]

one of the streakiest shooters I've seen.

 

[SoBristol]

Contrast:

guys who were ready, day one, and then could not improve a lot year to year (Forth, Triche) because they were maxed out.

guys with athletic ability, but who just weren't ready (too thin, too little basketball smarts, lacking key skills, or two out of the three), and got a lot better as upper classmen (Rautins, Seikaly, Southerland, Nichols, possibly Keita).

Southerland has terrific shooting form (high release point, great elevation, already 6ft 7in) but needed to improve in every other aspect of the game (including basic dribbling and feel for the game) to stay on the court. I listed other examples -- I would say that James could be the most surprising of the bunch (Rautins could be second).

 

[orangefan13]

Not saying I am right, but I don't believe Triche is maxed out.

We have only began to touch the tip of his isolation game. Similar to Scoop last year. Hard to tell if he will grow into a consistant isolation player though.

But, if Dion goes NBA Triche will be pushed to grow into one as a backup isolation point guard for 10 mpg as a senior leading guard. He won't have to be one if Dion does go, but will be asked to try to be one.

 

[SoBristol]

Not saying I am right, but I don't believe Triche is maxed out.

We have only began to touch the tip of his isolation game. Similar to Scoop last year. Hard to tell if he will grow into a consistant isolation player though.

But, if Dion goes NBA Triche will be pushed to grow into one as a backup isolation point guard for 10 mpg as a senior leading guard. He won't have to be one if Dion does go, but will be asked to try to be one.

I hope you are right about BT.
In part, what I am saying is a compliment to BT -- he was good in all phases, physically mature, and knew the game when he arrived as a frosh. Starred at JD (on very good teams) as early as his soph year. In college, he got his opportunity early; needed last year to evolve as a shooting guard, but it was a lot of the same basic skills as what he brought. Started at a high level.
It is difficult to see where he has room for improvement -- except in his shooting percentage and his willingness to be assertive. He isn't getting quicker or stronger or better in finishing in traffic. When the clock winds down, you want the ball in someone else's hands, with BT as an option to spot-up. BT is good, he is solid.

With James, you can easily see he is getting better month to month -- and just maybe he can do it when Louisville and Marquette come to town because 6ft 7 in guys who can elevate can usually get a shot off. He could be a great shooter next year. Will he be one this March?

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think with Southerland people forget that he's a sneaky smart player. By that I mean there are clearly some things he does not do well, but he plays exclusively to his strengths. He doesn't force drives to the basket. He doesn't force passes. He takes good shots when they're there. He's efficient in part because of the skills he has and the skills he lacks, but also because he doesn't ever deviate from what he does well. For the most part, he puts himself in a position to play to his strengths.

Call it high BB IQ or whatever you want, to me it seems like he's a good example of a guy that is smart enough to always play his game.

 

[SoBristol]

I think with Southerland people forget that he's a sneaky smart player. By that I mean there are clearly some things he does not do well, but he plays exclusively to his strengths. He doesn't force drives to the basket. He doesn't force passes. He takes good shots when they're there. He's efficient in part because of the skills he has and the skills he lacks, but also because he doesn't ever deviate from what he does well. For the most part, he puts himself in a position to play to his strengths.

Call it high BB IQ or whatever you want, to me it seems like he's a good example of a guy that is smart enough to always play his game.

What you observe is true this year -- but it is something JS has learned year over year. He was sneaky dumb two years ago -- launching 3s from distance at every opportunity, not getting into position for boards, not working hard on defense, not using his talents to good effect. The coaches have done a great job in drilling BB IQ into James.
By the time he is done, James and Rautins will have set the standard for kids improving in the program.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Not saying I am right, but I don't believe Triche is maxed out.

We have only began to touch the tip of his isolation game. Similar to Scoop last year. Hard to tell if he will grow into a consistant isolation player though.

But, if Dion goes NBA Triche will be pushed to grow into one as a backup isolation point guard for 10 mpg as a senior leading guard. He won't have to be one if Dion does go, but will be asked to try to be one.

if BT had DW's swagger, he would be better than Dion.

 

[SoBristol]

if BT had DW's swagger, he would be better than Dion.

If BT could beat a defender off the dribble and finish as DW can do, it would be a minor miracle. Swagger comes with the ability to get it done.