Villanova's Tyronne Johnson transferring to USC

[usc1]

I'm not ready write off Leonard yet...still has a lot of talent

[hellraiser24]

Originally Posted by usc1

I'm not ready write off Leonard yet...still has a lot of talent

I agree. Honestly, I am not ready write off any of our players just yet, as the have only been with Coach Martin for several months.

[CoverTwo]

If Leonard would just get better defensively, he would see a boost in minutes. But with that being said, with the probability that Page is finished, he is going to see more minutes anyway.

As far as Johnson goes, a fresh start can be good for players. I don't think there is any question that he and Thornwell provide one of the brighter backcourts in the SEC. Not only that but he is a tall guard @ 6'3 and we could potentially use him as a 2 guard and slip Thornwell to the 3 when Stroman gets here.

[TwoNotch Dreams]

Originally Posted by usc1

I'm not ready write off Leonard yet...still has a lot of talent

He's talented and his shooting form is pretty good. But if you're not getting the time to showcase the talent, it's kind of meaningless. I'd personally like to see him play more, but I don't know where there's a spot for him.

I think like Lakeem the issue is that we focus too much on what he can't do (defend, playmake, etc.) instead of what he can do...and that's shoot. Granted he's been inconsistent, but I think if we can give him the room, he can be a knockdown shooter. Just give him some confidence

[thumpin big]

Originally Posted by HeadCockFan

Speculation: Leornard will transfer, and I expect Bruce to not play and prepare for football career. I like both guys, but they aren't going to help us moving forward.

The team can have 13 scholarship players, but really only 9 or 10 are going to play much. That is one of the reasons players transfer. You really need a couple of walk-on types to be players 12 and 13. Guys who are good enough to help in practice, and are good students to help the team's academics, but who are willing to not play in games.

[Fear#5]

Originally Posted by CoverTwo

If Leonard would just get better defensively, he would see a boost in minutes. But with that being said, with the probability that Page is finished, he is going to see more minutes anyway.

As far as Johnson goes, a fresh start can be good for players. I don't think there is any question that he and Thornwell provide one of the brighter backcourts in the SEC. Not only that but he is a tall guard @ 6'3 and we could potentially use him as a 2 guard and slip Thornwell to the 3 when Stroman gets here.

What happened to Page?

[SECgamecock453]

Originally Posted by hellraiser24

I agree. Honestly, I am not ready write off any of our players just yet, as the have only been with Coach Martin for several months.

Good post.

[Cockhornleghorn]

Frank definitely has us headed in the right direction!

[b381l]

I think DL got his nose broken in practice a month or so ago, and maybe that set him back. He should be a lot better than 7-10 minutes a game.

[GarnetBlack&Blue]

Originally Posted by HeadCockFan

Speculation: Leornard will transfer, and I expect Bruce to not play and prepare for football career. I like both guys, but they aren't going to help us moving forward.

this. Leonard may stay and right the ship, but I think Ellington HAS to start focussing on football if he wants to play in the pros.

[Cockhornleghorn]

Originally Posted by GarnetBlack&Blue

this. Leonard may stay and right the ship, but I think Ellington HAS to start focussing on football if he wants to play in the pros.

Ellington is a pretty good college receiver, but do you really think he's NFL material?

[TwoNotch Dreams]

Originally Posted by Cockhornleghorn

Ellington is a pretty good college receiver, but do you really think he's NFL material?

He has a significantly better shot at getting drafted in the NFL than he does in the NBA. He's got good hands, good speed, strong body, and could definitely be a slot receiver in the NFL.

He seems passionate about both sports, but with so many guards, it wouldn't be bad to just give up his spot to the players who are on the team full-time.

[Travelin]

Originally Posted by HeadCockFan

Speculation: Leornard will transfer, and I expect Bruce to not play and prepare for football career. I like both guys, but they aren't going to help us moving forward.

We need Bruce this year and we will need him next year for his experience.

If Leonard will start scoring points when he is in the game, he'll get more minutes and become an integral part of the team. If he isn't able to contribute in SEC play this year, I feel like he'll transfer at the end of the year in seek of more playing time.

[GDub2001]

Originally Posted by Travelin

If Leonard will start scoring points when he is in the game, he'll get more minutes and become an integral part of the team.

Actually, I believe I read where it has been his lackluster defense that has kept him off the court...not whether he's scoring or not.

Until he gets his defense to where Martin wants it, he will continue to see little action in games.

[qcgamecock]

Originally Posted by TwoNotch Dreams

He has a significantly better shot at getting drafted in the NFL than he does in the NBA. He's got good hands, good speed, strong body, and could definitely be a slot receiver in the NFL.

He seems passionate about both sports, but with so many guards, it wouldn't be bad to just give up his spot to the players who are on the team full-time.

Bruce has a much better chance for a long career and more money playing basketball than football with the amount of money and leagues overseas.

[TwoNotch Dreams]

Originally Posted by qcgamecock

Bruce has a much better chance for a long career and more money playing basketball than football with the amount of money and leagues overseas.

Which would you prefer though as an athlete:

A. Playing in the NFL
B. Playing basketall overseas

It's not a tough choice. Ellington led our team in receiving yards this season, had seven touchdowns and he's got two more years left and plenty of room to keep getting better. At this rate he could definitely end up being drafted in the NFL. If football doesn't workout, playing ball overseas is a fallback option.

[AtlGAMECOCK]

ellington has a better shot at the nfl , nba is more worried about height than the nfl is

[Travelin]

Originally Posted by GDub2001

Actually, I believe I read where it has been his lackluster defense that has kept him off the court...not whether he's scoring or not.

Until he gets his defense to where Martin wants it, he will continue to see little action in games.

He isn't shooting the ball well at all, and really never has consistently. My point is that if he was shooting lights out, I'm certain FM would give him more minutes. Now, he's getting more minutes by default with Page gone. He scored 10 against SCST, but did you notice his shooting percentage? It wasn't good. I didn't get to see the game, did he play better defense? Was his shot selection good?

I'm pulling for Leonard as much as anyone, but he's got to shoot more consistently to make an impact. He was recruited to score points, not get steals. I'm fully aware FM didn't recruit him, so time will tell what the future holds for Leonard in a Gamecock uni.

[cockypanther]

I feel as though the light hasn't really turned on for Leonard and he is still a bit immature. He needs to hang out with DJ, Marcus, etc. so he can learn what a good work ethic is.