Big Ticket Starting for Now

[bigelephant]

Listed in the Box score as starting both games

St Leo 23 min
fg 3-3 ft 1-2 reb 4

Webber International 19 min
fg 3-4 ft 0-1 reb 3

[guru]

Nov 11, 2009 9:59:55 GMT -5 bigelephant said:

Listed in the Box score as starting both games

St Leo 23 min
fg 3-3 ft 1-2 reb 4

Webber International 19 min
fg 3-4 ft 0-1 reb 3

33% free throw shooting - wow he really HAS improved (sadly for him, being serious)

[Elvado]

Also really punding those boards. If he is actually starting, Florida actually stinks.

[hifigator]

Billy D. is bringing him along slowly. He's complimentary, but he has been quick all along to not have expectations too high. Our biggest two weaknesses last season were interior defense and rebounding. Seeing a Parade/McDonalds All-American transferring in from Georgetown -- especially one of Vern's build -- looked to be "the solution" to a lot of casual fans. Billy was quick to dispell any such pressures that would come with his annointing of the savior. Billy has always referred to Vern as a good player and a part of the team, but not THE solution.

Secondly, one of the guys who covers the games on the radio made the point that these might have been the first games for Vern to start since high school, while also pointing out that regardless of time in the weight room and on the practice floor, there is no substitute for game experience.

At least through the exhibition schedule, the more pleasant surprise has been the play of the two gems of the recruiting class -- Kenny Boynton and Erik Murphy. In any case, I look for the Gators to be improved over last season. Even in losing Calathes, I think the team is better and certainly deeper. Even though we only have 10 scholarship players, all ten should play at least 10 minutes a game. We haven't had that kind of depth since our 2000 team that made it to the final 4. Even in our back to back Championship seasons of '06 and '07, we really only went 7 or 8 deep -- normally 7.

[GUMBA]

Right, the problem is he hasn't had enough starts. I hate to break it to you but Vernon is 23 years old. If you keep bringing him along slowly he might be ready by the time he is 30. And BTW - name me one "good player" who shoots 33% from the line whose name isn't Shaq.

[hifigator]

I think you misunderstood the two comments. The "bringing along slowly" was more a factor of conditioning. The comment about starts were simply pointing out that it has been a long time since Vern was a true "regular." Obviously, we hope that changes very soon.

As for free throw shooting ... well, I think we are in agreement on that one. I just don't understand not being able to shoot them. I have always been good at them and nothing has changed. My daughter had a softball game last spring. The restroom was in the gym. My son and I went over to use the facilities, and there was a basketball over in the corner. For the first time in probably 15 years, I played on a real regualtion indoor gym. Still, I knoceked down 7 of 10, 8 of 10 and then 7 of ten again. 73% over 30 free throws ... just like riding a bicycle.

[Elvado]

Well, then by all means keep Vern out of the UF Velodrome as he would be even money to kill himself or others...

[lichoya68]

WOWOOWOW WHAT STATS WOWOOOWOOWW UP TO 33% FREE THROW SHOOTING WOWOWOOWOWOWOWWOO must like the florida weather good luck to him but WOWOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW go hoyas