Poll:Derrick as a Forward....

[Texas Western]

Putting this out there as we have beat the Derrick as PG to death.

It is possible that Derrick evolves into a hybrid forward/guard of sorts. There are some historical precedents of 6-2" forwards in  the early 70s and Mid 70s at Michigan State and Michigan. Pat Miller, who came from the Upper Penisula, was a rugged athlete. He played football for Spartans and was a three year starter and team captain of the basketball team. In 76, the Wolverines had Waymon Britt, from Flint at forward. He was a key element of their run to the national title game against Indiana. It should also be noted that the tallest player on that team was 6-7 Phil Hubbard. So similarities with our situation.

So is it possible for Derrick to evolve into a forward this year? Can his strength agility and quickness be put to better use at that position?

Forward defined as guarding guys significantly taller than him , playing off the ball and relatively close to the basket.  Understanding modern roles of 1,2,3,4,5 have changed

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Huh?

[JakeBarnes]

Given the size disadvantage of this team...everyone is a forward at some point.

[wadesworld]

He's our starting point guard.

[GooooMarquette]

Huh?

+1

[hairy worthen]

Is this a joke?

[Dawson Rental]

Putting this out there as we have beat the Derrick as PG to death.

It is possible that Derrick evolves into a hybrid forward/guard of sorts. There are some historical precedents of 6-2" forwards in  the early 70s and Mid 70s at Michigan State and Michigan. Pat Miller, who came from the Upper Penisula, was a rugged athlete. He played football for Spartans and was a three year starter and team captain of the basketball team. In 76, the Wolverines had Waymon Britt, from Flint at forward. He was a key element of their run to the national title game against Indiana. It should also be noted that the tallest player on that team was 6-7 Phil Hubbard. So similarities with our situation.

So is it possible for Derrick to evolve into a forward this year? Can his strength agility and quickness be put to better use at that position?

I think that you explained very well where you're coming from to start this thread.  Still, I had to chuckle when you said "we have beat the Derrick as PG to death".  My first thought was so now we beat Derrick the forward to death?  I voted no, although your post also brought William Gates and how he was used by Kevin O'Neill to mind.  I don't really know, but I suspect with the growth of youth basketball that there's more height available to recruit nowadays.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

[GGGG]

Putting this out there as we have beat the Derrick as PG to death.

It is possible that Derrick evolves into a hybrid forward/guard of sorts. There are some historical precedents of 6-2" forwards in  the early 70s and Mid 70s at Michigan State and Michigan. Pat Miller, who came from the Upper Penisula, was a rugged athlete. He played football for Spartans and was a three year starter and team captain of the basketball team. In 76, the Wolverines had Waymon Britt, from Flint at forward. He was a key element of their run to the national title game against Indiana. It should also be noted that the tallest player on that team was 6-7 Phil Hubbard. So similarities with our situation.

So is it possible for Derrick to evolve into a forward this year? Can his strength agility and quickness be put to better use at that position?

If a forward is defined as guarding guys bigger than him, and playing at times off the ball, then yes.  Derrick will play forward.

Please remember that traditional definitions of basketball roles are really no longer accurate.

[warriorchick]

Does "In Dire Circumstances" include "If a bunch of guys get injured, and without him, we'd only have four players on the court"?

If so, I need to change my answer.

[muwarrior69]

Can't we leave the guy alone an let him enjoy his senior year. We all know his limitations by now.

[jsglow]

I've heard Wojo indicate that Travis is going to don a different number, fool the officials, and contribute off the bench.

[chapman]

For a guy whose limitations have been discussed to great extent, lets not put him in a position where he can't utilize, or would lose the advantages of his strengths - his safe passing, strong rebounding, and good on the ball defense. 

[Murphysguy]

If a forward is defined as guarding guys bigger than him, and playing at times off the ball, then yes.  Derrick will play forward.

Please remember that traditional definitions of basketball roles are really no longer accurate.

Agreed.

I would like to see Wojo have Derrick guard the other teams point guard and on offense put him in spots you would typically think of a "forward" playing, more so than Buzz did last year. Derrick should be in spots where he can actually score the ball (inside the three point line). The games where Derrick played well were games he would catch the ball within 10-15 feet and finish around the bucket. No point in having a guy on the perimeter that wont be guarded and isn't a threat to score. Don't get me wrong Buzz did this some last year (he wasn't that stupid) but IMO Derrick still spent way too much time floating around the 3pt line. MU has enough stretch bigs where floor spacing won't always be an issue, especially without Davante clogging up space down low. Obviously he's not going to be a true "forward", but like Sultan said the game isn't really played with a set 1,2,3,4,5 as it used to be.

[Texas Western]

If a forward is defined as guarding guys bigger than him, and playing at times off the ball, then yes.  Derrick will play forward.

Please remember that traditional definitions of basketball roles are really no longer accurate.

Yes this is the definition. I modified my preamble to reflect your point.

[Shark]

How about a different approach. Let's just look at Derrick's possibility of improving a ton this year and leading the team on defense. If anyone could teach him a thing or two about that it would be our new head coach.

[Class71]

Can we cut out the stupid Derrick bashing and start supporting the whole team? This will be a difficult year and we will need help  from everyone. This garbage can only undermine team spirit and drive the players apart.  Is that what you wish to accomplish?  Derrick will be played or not by Wojo  based on his performance. Buzz's approach of blindly following preconceived ideas about players is not Wojo's style. Keep the faith that the coach will play to win with the correct mix of players. If Derrick plays a major role in that mix it will be because he is the best available to win.

[4everwarriors]

In reference to contribution, you talkin' dollars and cents?

[NersEllenson]

Can we cut out the stupid Derrick bashing and start supporting the whole team? This will be a difficult year and we will need help  from everyone. This garbage can only undermine team spirit and drive the players apart.  Is that what you wish to accomplish?  Derrick will be played or not by Wojo  based on his performance. Buzz's approach of blindly following preconceived ideas about players is not Wojo's style. Keep the faith that the coach will play to win with the correct mix of players. If Derrick plays a major role in that mix it will be because he is the best available to win.

I can go along with this and agree.  Well said.

[willie warrior]

Ludicrous.

[WarriorFan]

I was the one who suggested in another post that Derrick was used in the exhibition game as a "mini-4" for a few minutes.  I could see this for a few minutes per game for defense and rebounding - both areas where he excels.
No, he will never out-play Dirk Nowitzki, but it could work for short periods of time.

Let's face it, we cannot put 5 superstars on the court this year. 

[Texas Western]

I was the one who suggested in another post that Derrick was used in the exhibition game as a "mini-4" for a few minutes.  I could see this for a few minutes per game for defense and rebounding - both areas where he excels.
No, he will never out-play Dirk Nowitzki, but it could work for short periods of time.

Let's face it, we cannot put 5 superstars on the court this year. 

I saw your comment and that is what prompted me to put this poll out.

[94Warrior]

Why not?   If he can still get up and down the court, Derrick Coleman wasn't half bad at Syracuse

[Texas Western]

Showing Some Inside Defense...

[brandx]

The whole idea of this thread is one of the silliest I have seen here. Maybe if we play Kentucky post-season, he could guard Cauley-Stein. I'm sure he could muscle him down on the blocks.