I wanted to start a separate thread on Al. It seems like the consensus is that most here (not all) do not see him as a PG. I strongly disagree and want to begin a debate on that subject.
Now, I fully understand the detractors. Dawes is in no way a pure point and to be honest that position in basketball, once so incredibly important, is slowly fading into obscurity. Mostly because of the 3 point line. Watching or reading about recent play in the NBA there were a couple of games where 80 shots were attempted from the arc. When that happens you need all your guards and swings to be 'shooters'.
College is becoming no different. The point guard is being replaced by the combo guard. A player who can handle the ball, penetrate and dish, but also be a threat from distance.
That is Dawes. He can do all three, but often, too often, he only focuses on the latter. And that's where the argument ensues that he is NOT a point guard.
But then you watch the last 7 minutes of the exhibition game Saturday and you see Dawes the PG. Yes, he hit a three and had a second rattle in and out. But he also penetrated for an easy basket and had a couple of very nice passes resulting in a make or a should have made. Those plays, with Richmond on the bench, turned an 8-9 point deficit into an 8 point victory.
When Sha talks about the game from the shoulder up Dawes is maybe more than any player his target audience.
Those that say Dawes is not a PG....well they have a point (no pun intended). But to say he can't play the point...that's where as noted I strongly disagree.
For the Pirates to excel Dawes has the ability but must also find the balance of scoring and facilitating. For 33 minutes Saturday he failed to do that. And then in the final 7 minutes the light went on. That light must shine brightly all season long. Will it? Doubtful. But can it..of course.
Dawes can be an exceptional point guard but he has to understand that role.
Comments????
Now, I fully understand the detractors. Dawes is in no way a pure point and to be honest that position in basketball, once so incredibly important, is slowly fading into obscurity. Mostly because of the 3 point line. Watching or reading about recent play in the NBA there were a couple of games where 80 shots were attempted from the arc. When that happens you need all your guards and swings to be 'shooters'.
College is becoming no different. The point guard is being replaced by the combo guard. A player who can handle the ball, penetrate and dish, but also be a threat from distance.
That is Dawes. He can do all three, but often, too often, he only focuses on the latter. And that's where the argument ensues that he is NOT a point guard.
But then you watch the last 7 minutes of the exhibition game Saturday and you see Dawes the PG. Yes, he hit a three and had a second rattle in and out. But he also penetrated for an easy basket and had a couple of very nice passes resulting in a make or a should have made. Those plays, with Richmond on the bench, turned an 8-9 point deficit into an 8 point victory.
When Sha talks about the game from the shoulder up Dawes is maybe more than any player his target audience.
Those that say Dawes is not a PG....well they have a point (no pun intended). But to say he can't play the point...that's where as noted I strongly disagree.
For the Pirates to excel Dawes has the ability but must also find the balance of scoring and facilitating. For 33 minutes Saturday he failed to do that. And then in the final 7 minutes the light went on. That light must shine brightly all season long. Will it? Doubtful. But can it..of course.
Dawes can be an exceptional point guard but he has to understand that role.
Comments????
