Spring Break
Baylor's guard play provides early test in Big 12 opener
Alex Ybarra/Managing Editor
Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Sports
In the Big 12 Conference coaches' preseason poll, Baylor received two first-place votes.
One of those came from Texas Tech coach Pat Knight, and his reasons were convincing.
"They got everybody coming back," said Knight, who opens conference play against No. 23 Baylor at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Waco. "They got three very good guards, the type of guards we're trying to get here, that break you down and also score."
Actually, Baylor (12-2) has a dangerous foursome of guards in seniors Curtis Jerrells (16.7 points per game) and Henry Dugat (13.8 points per game), sophomore LaceDarius Dunn (15.9 points per game) and junior Tweety Carter (11.2 points per game).
It is a core that gives Baylor a legitimate chance to win the conference.
"We have more experience," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "Curtis Jerrells, we have a lot of seniors and a veteran crew, and this is the last go around, and I think they really wanna do well. I think they all like one another, so I think they all want to help one another."
Their similar playing styles give defenses problems because none of them can be guarded with one preventative technique in mind.
If a defender tries to play lock-down defense, anyone in the backcourt can identify a lane and drive the ball, where he can hit the layup or dish for a spot-up three. After that happens a few times, a defense may tend to sag toward the paint, allowing them to knock down a quick jumper.
"We have (Alan) Voskuil, who is a very good shooter, not great off the dribble," Knight said. "So you can play him a little different, but then (John) Roberson is good at both, so they're a lot like having three Robersons out there, who can shoot it and drive it. That's what worries me."
Fortunately for Tech (10-5), who lost both games against Baylor by double digits last season, there is a bit more depth at the guard position with the addition of Nick Okorie and Tyree Graham. However, the Red Raiders still will have their hands full with this bunch from Waco.
One of those came from Texas Tech coach Pat Knight, and his reasons were convincing.
"They got everybody coming back," said Knight, who opens conference play against No. 23 Baylor at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Waco. "They got three very good guards, the type of guards we're trying to get here, that break you down and also score."
Actually, Baylor (12-2) has a dangerous foursome of guards in seniors Curtis Jerrells (16.7 points per game) and Henry Dugat (13.8 points per game), sophomore LaceDarius Dunn (15.9 points per game) and junior Tweety Carter (11.2 points per game).
It is a core that gives Baylor a legitimate chance to win the conference.
"We have more experience," Baylor coach Scott Drew said. "Curtis Jerrells, we have a lot of seniors and a veteran crew, and this is the last go around, and I think they really wanna do well. I think they all like one another, so I think they all want to help one another."
Their similar playing styles give defenses problems because none of them can be guarded with one preventative technique in mind.
If a defender tries to play lock-down defense, anyone in the backcourt can identify a lane and drive the ball, where he can hit the layup or dish for a spot-up three. After that happens a few times, a defense may tend to sag toward the paint, allowing them to knock down a quick jumper.
"We have (Alan) Voskuil, who is a very good shooter, not great off the dribble," Knight said. "So you can play him a little different, but then (John) Roberson is good at both, so they're a lot like having three Robersons out there, who can shoot it and drive it. That's what worries me."
Fortunately for Tech (10-5), who lost both games against Baylor by double digits last season, there is a bit more depth at the guard position with the addition of Nick Okorie and Tyree Graham. However, the Red Raiders still will have their hands full with this bunch from Waco.
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