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So, those of you who watched the scrimmage at Midnight Madness, who played point guard besides Lowe? That would seem to be a good indicator of who might be playing point guard when the season starts.

I didn't see the scrimmage, but <a href="http://www.masslive.com/umassbasketball ... =1">Ronnie C.</a> writes about players' roles...

I think it'd be a lot to ask of Lowe to come right in and step in as the starting PG. I think it'll be Bowers to start the season, and assuming Lowe looks as good off the bench early in the season as he looked in the scrimmage the other night, he'll eventually take over the starting spot.

Yea, at first I was thinking that Lowe should start off the season, but having four juniors and a senior would definitly offer a solid core.

umass21 wrote:I think it'd be a lot to ask of Lowe to come right in and step in as the starting PG. I think it'll be Bowers to start the season, and assuming Lowe looks as good off the bench early in the season as he looked in the scrimmage the other night, he'll eventually take over the starting spot.

If this were the case, then it would make way more sense to have Maxwell, who has actually played the point in HS and some last season, to start out as the PG. He can drive and dish, he attacks the rim, he's a great on-the-ball defender. I'm not sure I see the logic in putting a guy who has never played the point and whose game has no similarities to PG at that position. There'd be no real difference in starting Bowers or Lowe as far as experience playing the position goes, but Lowe is a "pure" PG and the team might benefit from his ability there.

I just have a hard time seeing Bowers as a PG. Obviously we have not seen much of him handling the ball or running the offense, but maybe TF sees something in his game that might lend itself to that position. He might also just not want to lose the parts of Maxwell's game he might have to sacrifice in order to play the PG spot.

If this team does indeed play up-tempo bball...I am sure there will be plenty of ball-handling responsibilities to keep everyone happy.

Maybe this is a bright spot in having some of the weaker opponents on the non-conference schedule... it may be a good time to see if Lowe can handle the pressure and if not see if Bowers or Max can get acclimated to the offense.

I didnt get a chance to go to Midnight Madness, but does Thomas look like someone who could handle the position?

There is no question that Lowe will be the starting Point and receive considerable minutes there. This is almost by default given that he is the only true PG on the roster. At least until we get Mayben next year.

...and there was a scrimmage at Midnight Madness...and someone besides Lowe played point guard...and that person was..................?

uz2b-len wrote:...and there was a scrimmage at Midnight Madness...and someone besides Lowe played point guard...and that person was..................?

Drew Rossi, at least when he was in. Lowe was quite obviously the PG on one team, then the other team had Maxwell, Bowers and Thomas on it. None of them really stood out in my mind as handling the ball and playing like a true point guard. Keep in mind it was a short scrimmage, there was a lot of fast breaks and on offense giving it down low to Freeman on the block. I'd guess that's what we see when Lowe isn't in the game - more of 3/4 wing players all handling the ball, cutting and setting screens, trying to get the ball to Freeman. It won't really matter who's listed as PG/SG/SF in that situation.

At the scrimmage, it looked like Lowe was much more comfortable in the PG spot than anyone else. He handled the rock well, and his quickness didn't allow anyone to guard him. He pushed the ball up, and was even a little bit unselfish in the passes he made. Granted, the scrimmage was more for show than for anything else, but he did look good.

As for the start of the season, I say let him start. He is our PG of the future, and if he is the best one we have at that position, then go for it. Show confidence in him from the beginning, and it won't matter if he is a freshman/sophomore/junior/senior. He will play well and will help this team.

I tend to agree. I think people (the fans) have reasonable expectations tthis first season under Ford. There will be growing pains with a new system and a few new players. Nobody will get too worked up if their are some struggles every so often. This kid will be our PG soon enough, so why not let him learn on the fly. Nobody with any brain will be calling for his head if he makes a few mistakes early on.

Used to be VOR wrote: Nobody with any brain will be calling for his head if he makes a few mistakes early on.

Which of course means someone will probably be calling for a new PG after the first game.

Did he look like he was capable of playing the two position if need be?

CrooksisRhyming wrote:Did he look like he was capable of playing the two position if need be?

No way, he looks smaller then the 6 feet he's listed at, and is a very tradition PG- drives looks to dish. Didn't see him attempt a shot from outside or even look to, although that won't seem to be much of a problem as he consistenly beat his man to the hoop off the dribble.