Hoops Recruiting Update: Coach sees growth in Tavon Sledge

**Nycclone** · 01-06-2011, 01:06 PM

I know they r having a game coming up against stfrancis prep in queens tomorrow (at least I thought) and was thinking about checking. But bad storm is tomorrow so don't know if it's still gonna be on.

**HFCS** · 01-06-2011, 01:14 PM

Obviously it's good news he's improving as a shooter, but he really wouldn't have to be a great shooter to give ISU what they need from him next year.

He'll usually have 1 or 2 of the top 3 pt assassins in the NCAA next to him in Scotty and Allen. If he can be a great ball handler, beat the press, dish, drive and kick, he'll give next year's team what they need offensively.

If he can do all that AND hit open shots and score at the rim, look out for ISU's offense.

**enisthemenace** · 01-06-2011, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by HFCS

Obviously it's good news he's improving as a shooter, but he really wouldn't have to be a great shooter to give ISU what they need from him next year.

He'll usually have 1 or 2 of the top 3 pt assassins in the NCAA next to him in Scotty and Allen. If he can be a great ball handler, beat the press, dish, drive and kick, he'll give next year's team what they need offensively.

If he can do all that AND hit open shots and score at the rim, look out for ISU's offense.

Don't forget about defense. Even with his small stature, I've read he's quite menacing on that end as well. Has anyone seen him play that can verify this?

**VeloClone** · 01-06-2011, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by HFCS

Obviously it's good news he's improving as a shooter, but he really wouldn't have to be a great shooter to give ISU what they need from him next year.

He'll usually have 1 or 2 of the top 3 pt assassins in the NCAA next to him in Scotty and Allen. If he can be a great ball handler, beat the press, dish, drive and kick, he'll give next year's team what they need offensively.

If he can do all that AND hit open shots and score at the rim, look out for ISU's offense.

Even though they may not need any points from him, I think that being a good enough shooter to at least keep 'em honest is a must when you are going to be facing teams that will be contending in the Big 12.

Think about Doug Gottlieb; he was effective as a distributor who rarely ever took a shot. However, that would bite them when they played a really good team. Tinsley was able to create havoc in the lane when he didn't have to guard Gottlieb. So much so that in the Big 12 Tourney Okie St had him pick a fight with Fizer. There is no question in my mind that they thought it was worth it to lose their starting point guard if he could take Fizer with him.

**nowncarolina** · 01-06-2011, 04:37 PM

This player reminds me of 5'9 Bruce Ellington. Bruce is leading the SC Gamecocks in scoring and assists as a first year freshman.. Bruce was not a great shooter in high school but his shooting improvement since makes him almost unstopable.Do you stop the shot or stop the drive. I watched Bruce stand flat-footed and do a 180 dunk. Wow if Mr Sledge is like Bruce, great things are coming. Also Bruce was 2010 4A mr Basketball and football and Coach Rob and ISU were involvedbut he waqnted to stay home.

**cyclonestate** · 01-06-2011, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by brett108

When I heard the word growth, I thought he meant height

. All good things to hear, but his lack of size will limit him to one position on the court.

So what? The only position they recruited him for is point guard, and that's the only position he plans on playing. I love the idea of having a true point guard running our offense instead of someone who can play 3 different positions.