Where does Carrier fit in?

CrooksisRhyming · Post by **CrooksisRhyming** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:18 pm

I hope he pans out as well, but I dont see Ford giving Carrier to option to shoot the three like Lappas did. Considering what I've heard about Life and what I've already seen with Max and Artie, it would appear that Carriers shots will have to be a lot closer to the basket. I never saw him do much in the post, but he is an aggressive rebounder and I am more than comfortable with him comign in for either Lasme or Freeman, when they need a break or in foul trouble. .

nale · Post by **nale** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:16 pm

From what I saw Carrier is more of a wing player then a power forward type. At least his game is more of a wing game then an inside force type of game.
Granted a big , good rebounding wing player but a wing player. He has a very nice three point shot. It's as good anyone's on the team that I have seen.
Of course he will have to be more selective on when he takes it but its a big part of his game and a part that may help him become a special player.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Carrier and the other players develop under Ford and his staff.
This season should be fun.

CrooksisRhyming · Post by **CrooksisRhyming** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 3:47 pm

He was very usable at the wing, considering most teams wouldn't guard him when he went out there. However, most of the time when he came in, it was either for Freeman or Lasme... occasionally Vig, when he wasn't hurt. I like his outside shot and hope he has been working on his free throws (five in a season yikes!). I just hope that his outside game, which I agree is quite strong, doesn't turn him into the reincarnation of Eric Williams aka. a usable rebounder taking erratic shots.

I also wonder how much time he will spend at the three spot considering the depth that UMass will have this year. Once Milligan comes back, they have three/four guys (Viggiano, Milligan, Life, ??Thomas??) that are more athletic and built to play on the perimeter. If Ford's game indeed revolves around speed, Carrier may not get the same looks he did last year. However, I do think he is athletic and strong enough to be a force down low. I have no quips with his accuracy from downtown, I am just not sure if it will be the talent Ford will attempt to showcase when he already has sufficient shooters, while lacking true depth in the post (Freeman, Lasme, Carrier, and Viggiano).

Floyd · Post by **Floyd** » Thu Sep 01, 2005 4:04 pm

I think Carrier would be good in a style like Donta Bright used to play. Mid range jumpers and some good rebounds in the flow of the game. He's big enough to get after it on the glass, and has a nice shot from the wing, and could pose a matchup problem because of it.

obg · Post by **obg** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 7:15 am

Used to be VOR wrote:What were his injuries?

University of Massachusetts men's basketball forward Lawrence Carrier had what school officials are calling 'minor cleanup surgery' to his right knee this week.

"Carrier, who had knee problems in high school, is expected to be back to full strength in 3-4 weeks.

Carrier, who begins his junior year, showed signs of promise late last season. He'll be competing for minutes in the UMass front court behind incumbent starters Rashaun Freeman and Stephane Lasme. Carrier spent time at both forward spots last year, but will likely play power forward under new coach Travis Ford.

Carrier averaged 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per game in his first season with the Minutemen last year."

This from Matty V at the Gazette. Originally published on: Saturday, August 06, 2005

MullinsManiac · Post by **MullinsManiac** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 5:07 pm

CrooksisRhyming wrote:I also wonder how much time he will spend at the three spot considering the depth that UMass will have this year. Once Milligan comes back, they have three/four guys (Viggiano, Milligan, Life, ??Thomas??) that are more athletic and built to play on the perimeter. If Ford's game indeed revolves around speed, Carrier may not get the same looks he did last year.

That's the key ... also, Ford might go small and play Bowers at the 2 and Maxwell at the 3.

I hate to say it because I think the kid has potential, but unless Carrier dramatically improves his defense and foul shooting, he's not taking minutes from any of those guys.

whiterhino42 · Post by **whiterhino42** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:50 pm

Kosty wrote:That was Gabe Lee with the shoulder thing. Carrier was not hurt last year.....he did sit one game due to hamstring issues.....but he was not injuried last year. He averaged 11 and 7 over the last 3 games of the year for shit's sake. I think his problem was just the conditioning part of things.

In High School Kosty, not last season. He was ranked in the top 10 of his high school class until injuries killed his ranking and he missed an entire season. Last year was his first on a court for 2 seasons.

philosopher · Post by **philosopher** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:31 am

Now that the students are returning to their real lives, anyone seen Mr. Carrier, and how is he looking? I'm hoping the rust is all gone, and the eye of the tiger is fixed in his mind. Any updates on the lad?