Without a doubt the most pivotal group of all, the 2010-2011 juniors will be counted on for production and leadership more than any other group as a whole. All three players have the potential to be all-Summit League for their contributions to their squad.
2 Stephen Thomas
Position: Guard
High School: Cathedral; Indiana
Height: 6'1
Weight: 170lbs
2009-2010 Stats: Redshirt (Transfer)
Projected Playing Time: Tons
Role: Stephen's job as the point guard - taking over for a John Ashworth who is a more normal 2-guard - will be absolutely key to the success and rhythm of the offense. Ashworth did a great job last year, but Thomas is the clear choice at point. He had an entire season to learn the offense from the bench, and he looked fantastic over the summer in the Pro Am league. Thomas can shoot well (averaged 18.6 ppg as a senior in high school) as well as distribute intelligently, making him a major threat.
5 Alex Young
Position: Forward
High School: Northwest; Indiana
Height: 6'6
Weight: 200lbs
2009-2010 Stats: 36 GP, 36 GS; 31.6 MPG; 242-496 FG, 72-182 3P, 104-155 FT; 18.3 PPG
Projected Playing Time: Tons
Role: Alex could potentially score 25 points per game this year, depending on his supporting cast's production and distribution. All-Summit League as a sophomore, Alex excelled while working his way though a few rough patches. With Thomas feeding him from the point and one more year under Ron Hunter's watchful eye, he will be one of the top players in the League, if not the country. (Yeah, I went there.)
55 Christian SiakamPosition: Forward
High School: Ben Davis; Indiana
Height: 6'7
Weight: 245lbs
2009-2010 Stats: 32 GP, 0 GS; 5.0 MPG; 21-38 FG, 0-0 3P, 9-13 FT; 1.6 PPG
Projected Playing Time: Tons
Role: Christian showed us a glimpse of what he is capable of last year, posting IUPUI's first double-double of the year (13/11 against IU-South Bend). He will see time starting at the 5 for sure. Siakam's big body inside will most likely account for plenty of great rebounding chances. Staying out of foul trouble will be most important for him, but having Mitchell Patton to share time with will definitely help.
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The two juniors aside from Young seem to me two of the most important pieces in the Jags' success this season. If Thomas is a stud, then IUPUI will have a much better shot of staying atop the Summit rankings. Siakam filling a sort of Pettiford-role also wouldn't hurt one bit. Big key is Thomas, though, at least in my mind. Can't wait to see him.
ReplyDeleteWatching him this summer was a treat. He could fake a drive inside and pull back, or drive and get up-and-over the bigs inside for an easy layup.
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