Opinion time: Is Jasper a good point guard?

[billoliver40]

This is in no way a shot at DJ in any form. Just trying to be kind of on the
outside looking in for a time.

Is Derrick truly a point guard? From all reports, that's his desire...to be the point man.
Derrick, to me, adds much more as a passing wing man. His ability to penetrate...a trait I think most good point guards have...is offset by his
inability at the free throw line.
His outside shooting has improved, but is still suspect.
His rebounding from the guard position is stellar....but wouldn't it be the
same from the 3?
His defense is undoubtedly one of the best on the team, but I still have
concerns when he gets matched up with a quick guard.
He brings a lot of heart and grit to the table, and that's a double +.

Overall, I'm just unsure. I really don't know that this team as it stands
the first week of May has a true point guard. (Admittedly, I haven't seen
Liggins or Galloway play, and that's supposed to be their option also)

OK guys...shoot away, it's your turn.............................................

[Wildcat Larry]

There are varied definitions of a "true" point guard, but we all go into this know that. I think that Jasper is a good point guard, but might not fit into a lot of people's definition of a good "true" point guard.

In my mind, the most important thing about a point guard is to make his teammates better, and in that, I think Derrick passes the test. The team, as a whole, and other players individually seem to perform better when Jasper is in the lineup.

Jasper's passing is excellent, and will improve with some more experience. The fact that he was only a sophmore last season and played sparingly in the early part of the season due to injury stunted his development somewhat, IMO.

His shooting is fine, but his willingness to shoot seems to be the issue. This, too, should improve with experience, but this is something that I think he has to put some intentional effort into.

His ball-handling is fair, and having those long arms don't help him much either. While he did have some big number turnover games, as a rule, he was okay with ball security. Probably needs to learn to lean over a bit more when he's dribbling to make steals more difficult.

His rebounding, effort and heart cannot be called into question.

So I think that Derrick is a good point guard who can get better. I season for him and most of his teammates under BG will make next season a little less of a learn on the fly experience and I think that will show.

That's my $.05 (inflated because of gas prices).

[WildcatCorneR]

I have seen jasper play a million times hes a great player but hes not a lead guard. Hes got zero confidence in himself he cant run a team the way Billy needs him too, losing Jasper is a step back but if we sign Maze we could be better off next season because Maze can drive to the bucket and setup amazing plays!

[CatFanInTheBathtub]

DJ has the ball handling, passing, rebounding, and defensive abilities I want in a point. He has the height to see and pass over most pg's. he can hit shots when he takes them, he just needs to take them. he needs to be MORE selfish and stop passing up easy shots.

yes Jasper is a good point if that's what he's asked to play..I'd always feel confident with him bringing the ball up.

[BigblueDrew]

I like him as a "point forward" better than a point guard. His ballhandling is poor and his shot nonexistant. Will they improve who knows. To me at least, he is best at rebounding and defense. We obviously need him next year but he doesn't seem to feel he needs us.

[RP_McMurphy]

He dribbles too high and leaves the ball open to be swiped at all times. Then he doesn't have the foot speed to break down most lead guards. He has good hands defensively and excellent rebounding skills. However he is limited to those roles and right now Kentucky needs players not "role" players. That is it needs players that can score 20 on any given night when the other players are shut down or off on their offensive games. I just don't see Derrick, Jared, Mike, Mike as players capable of 20 point nights to help the team win.

[JDHoss]

He dribbles too high and leaves the ball open to be swiped at all times. Then he doesn't have the foot speed to break down most lead guards. He has good hands defensively and excellent rebounding skills. However he is limited to those roles and right now Kentucky needs players not "role" players. That is it needs players that can score 20 on any given night when the other players are shut down or off on their offensive games. I just don't see Derrick, Jared, Mike, Mike as players capable of 20 point nights to help the team win.

While I agree this team needs scorers, you alo need the Porters & Jaspers (might as well put Harris in here as well) as well. Not everyong is going to be a 20 ppg guy. To answer the original post about Jasper....I love some of the things he brings to the floor. He sees the floor well, makes some nice passes, is a good defender and excellent rebounder. After that, his offensive game is pretty limited. His overall FG% went way down last year from his freshman year even though his 3 point % was way up and even that tailed off badly at the end of the year. He has only averaged 3 shot attempts per game for his career, which is stunning considering the minutes he plays and suggests he doesn't have much confidence in his shot. His FT % last year was an unspeakable 35% which makes him a liability to have on the floor at the end of a tight game.

PG is a huge concern for me next year. Jasper is likely gone, and probably not the answer anyway. Liggins qualifying is still a question. Galloway couldn't cut (academically) it at USC or Fresno St. (FSU trouble raises an alarm for me). Even with Liggins, the one time I saw him he looks like a Jasper clone, as I had heard others describe him. I'd say CBG has his concerns as well, hence the push for Maze this late in the recruiting season.

[cnice11]

I also think Jasper was very effective at the 3. his rebounding helps alot. He passed very well, and he hit open shots, when he would take them. Also, I dont think he has got his fair shake at PG. Tubby would start him, but it seemed Bradley played more at the point. And his freshman year he didnt do anything to deserve sitting that much. I know one thing, and dont laugh at this, he will be our most valuable player next year, if he returns. He is just like Chuck Hayes was, he does all the intangible things.

[wildcatsundance]

Would anyone agree with me that the DJ issue has been officially run in the ground? Move on to something new!!

[TrueblueCATfan]

I saw a different team with Jasper on the floor..do we need him next season ... YES

[JDHoss]

Would anyone agree with me that the DJ issue has been officially run in the ground? Move on to something new!!


Who was it that forced you to click on the thread?

[teamchemistry09]

I think DJas has the potential to be an amazing PG. I would love for him to stay here and run it for us. He has the height to see over the press, the speed to blow past you, the passing ability, and he hits shots if he takes them. He needs to work on his ball handlig in the half court sets. I love that he really gets at you on defense and is big enough to cause all kinds of fits. He is a pass first player looking to create. I want this kid to stay

[wildcatsundance]

Who was it that forced you to click on the thread?

Nobody, just curious what else could be said about a player that's gone home...

[JWORLD]

He dribbles too high and leaves the ball open to be swiped at all times. Then he doesn't have the foot speed to break down most lead guards. He has good hands defensively and excellent rebounding skills. However he is limited to those roles and right now Kentucky needs players not "role" players. That is it needs players that can score 20 on any given night when the other players are shut down or off on their offensive games. I just don't see Derrick, Jared, Mike, Mike as players capable of 20 point nights to help the team win.


Exactly....No he is not........However he is a pretty good passer and rebounder. His exit would hurt us immediately in the upcoming season but he can be replaced very easy the season after.......I hope that he can stay so he can finished what he has started here at UK but at the same time he has to do what's best for him.............

[Will Lavender]

That is it needs players that can score 20 on any given night when the other players are shut down or off on their offensive games. I just don't see Derrick, Jared, Mike, Mike as players capable of 20 point nights to help the team win.

Again, I think this is a ridiculous point. The Jared/Jasper comparison is almost laughable.

I could count five or six players who played in the national championship game who would have trouble scratching 20 points unless they took a ton of shots.

DJ is not a true point guard. He is extremely versatile, however, and can really help a team at a couple of different positions. Is he a star? No. But he has outstanding potential because of his size, and he plays very, very hard. (He also practices like a friggin' animal.)

It's the versatility that's exciting to me. He could do similar things at the 3 and the 4 (and possibly the 1 with improvement), and how many players can you say that about who are 6'6". Look how bloody big the kid is. Obviously to reach his full potential he has to learn a lot more offensively, but he could come in as he is now and help because he can do a bunch of different things.

Look what he did this past season. We were a completely different team with him than we were without him. I know I keep saying it, but that is NOT a coincidence.

And one more thing:

THE KID WAS PLAYING HURT THIS YEAR!

Geez Louise sometimes I almost want to pull my hair out.

[Will Lavender]

Actually, let me amend my above post.

RP is right that this team does need players who can come in and give this team some scoring. (Though it needs to be pointed out that Gillispie must not see it as RP does, because he recruited no offensive powerhouses. He recruited length, defense, perimeter toughness, versatility. And that's great, because I think you win with those kinds of players. Look at what Duke has done with the offensive virtuosos they've put on the court the last half-decade or more.)

But you have to have glue guys like Jasper. You have to. They are as integral to the team as the guys who are scoring the points for you. They're out there giving everything on defense, hitting the glass, getting a few assists -- they are absolutely essential to a good college basketball team.

[billoliver40]

I've seen a lot of really good points being brought up. The general feeling
is that Derrick Jasper is INCREDIBLY valuable to this team, no matter
what his (perceived or admitted) weaknesses are as a point guard.
The main issues I've read on DJ's unhappiness are 1) homesickness and
2) his desire to be THE point GUARD, not the great passing small forward.

I just don't know if either of these problems are ones that can be fixed.

Could be a moot point, at any rate. Personally, I really like the kid's style
all around. Hope he stays.

[Will Lavender]

I've seen a lot of really good points being brought up. The general feeling
is that Derrick Jasper is INCREDIBLY valuable to this team, no matter
what his (perceived or admitted) weaknesses are as a point guard.
The main issues I've read on DJ's unhappiness are 1) homesickness and
2) his desire to be THE point GUARD, not the great passing small forward.

I just don't know if either of these problems are ones that can be fixed.

Could be a moot point, at any rate. Personally, I really like the kid's style
all around. Hope he stays.

He has a long way to go before he is leading a good college basketball team at the point.

Still, he's a valuable player and it would be disappointing to lose him.

[UKBOO]

This is in no way a shot at DJ in any form. Just trying to be kind of on the
outside looking in for a time.

Is Derrick truly a point guard? From all reports, that's his desire...to be the point man.
Derrick, to me, adds much more as a passing wing man. His ability to penetrate...a trait I think most good point guards have...is offset by his
inability at the free throw line.
His outside shooting has improved, but is still suspect.
His rebounding from the guard position is stellar....but wouldn't it be the
same from the 3?
His defense is undoubtedly one of the best on the team, but I still have
concerns when he gets matched up with a quick guard.
He brings a lot of heart and grit to the table, and that's a double +.

Overall, I'm just unsure. I really don't know that this team as it stands
the first week of May has a true point guard. (Admittedly, I haven't seen
Liggins or Galloway play, and that's supposed to be their option also)

OK guys...shoot away, it's your turn.............................................

One of the greatest PGs of all time: Magic Johnson. And that is from someone who was a big time Boston fan and hated Magic.

If you can perform the role size or shape doesn't matter. Jasper has some things to work on but I don't think they can't be overcome. He was able to stay in front of guards by the end of the year and that is a major advantage. To have someone that size that can stay in front of smaller guards takes away so many things. Its hard to shoot over, pass into the post, and Jasper can switch on a pick and role and still be able to cover the roll. He needs to work on his handle and finish at the rim. Having said that, no telling how well he could have finished last year if he had two legs.
I think he sees the floor well, but needs to work on a little cripser passing. I think he is accurate enough on passes, but needs to hide the delivery a little better. In other words, he telegraphs quite a bit which allows defenses to read and react faster.

Nothing there he couldn't over come to be an outstanding point guard.

[Coldstream]

Nobody, just curious what else could be said about a player that's gone home...

He is at home bc school is finish and to contemplate things. Not because he is "officially" gone.

[lighthouse]

IMO, DJ would be fine at the point. But he would be fine at the 2 or 3 also. This kid has intangibles that are hard to find in college ball these days. He handles the ball ok, he shoots well when he shoots, his rebounding and defense are excellent, he sets up his team mates very good, and the most important part, he is a team player with a big heart and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. He will be a 4 year player wherever he plays, and I really hope he stays at UK.

[bluegrassking]

I think it's a stretch to say DJ is a good point guard. He is a good all around player but as a point he is more in the neighborhood of serviceable to average with potential to be good or better.

Granted, I think his health was a factor that limited his progress this past season but still it has not been established that Jasper is an overpowering point because he has not demonstrated the ability on offense in several areas ball control, penetration, and leading the team to be good or great at the one spot. Nor is a lock down defender in the back court.

DJ, is right now an outstanding glue guy that can give you time at 3-4 positions, but really a back up caliber point at this stage. I think he can be better, even a pro but that's far from being money in the bank right now.
Jasper is in the odd place where he is more than good enough for you to hate to see him leave but not great enough at any position or at any particular aspect of the game that you feel the show can't go on without him.

I also wonder if he is developmentally really that far ahead of Liggins and Galloway. I don't think it will be a huge drop off and that at least one of the two will be about where DJ is now or ahead at the end of next season.

[Will Lavender]

I also wonder if he is developmentally really that far ahead of Liggins and Galloway. I don't think it will be a huge drop off and that at least one of the two will be about where DJ is now or ahead at the end of next season.

I actually do think it will be a drop off. At least next year.

Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game. Will he rebound the ball like Jasper? Will he be able to defend guys three and four inches taller? As a freshman? Doubtful.*

And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season.

I do not think losing DJ is monumental, but it's going to hurt this team. Wait and see.

* I will say that Liggins is more capable of playing the point guard position because he looks more lithe and more explosive off the bounce, and so in that regard he's an upgrade over DJ.

[justford]

Good point guard:no. Good player:yes. He will give it his all no matter what position he is asked to play.

[bigblue23]

NO! He's not a good point guard and he's not big enough of an offensive threat to even start at another position. The son of a gun dribbles the ball 7 feet up in the air when he's coming down the court. He needs to get down like Hawkins did. Cliff looked like egor when he was coming down the court lol. I loved watching him bring the ball down.

[Will Lavender]

NO! He's not a good point guard and he's not big enough of an offensive threat to even start at another position. The son of a gun dribbles the ball 7 feet up in the air when he's coming down the court. He needs to get down like Hawkins did. Cliff looked like egor when he was coming down the court lol. I loved watching him bring the ball down.

Difference is that Hawkins is maybe 6'. Jasper's about a half-foot taller.

I completely agree that he dribbles the ball way too high. Definitely something (one of many things) that he has to work on if he ever has a shot at being a good point guard at this level.

[JDHoss]

I actually do think it will be a drop off. At least next year.

Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game. Will he rebound the ball like Jasper? Will he be able to defend guys three and four inches taller? As a freshman? Doubtful.*

And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season.

I do not think losing DJ is monumental, but it's going to hurt this team. Wait and see.

* I will say that Liggins is more capable of playing the point guard position because he looks more lithe and more explosive off the bounce, and so in that regard he's an upgrade over DJ.


I agree with you about Liggins & Galloway. I'm concerned about the PG spot next year, and evidently CBG is as well with the recruitment of Maze.

[bluegrassking]

I actually do think it will be a drop off. At least next year.

Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game. Will he rebound the ball like Jasper? Will he be able to defend guys three and four inches taller? As a freshman? Doubtful.*

And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season.

I do not think losing DJ is monumental, but it's going to hurt this team. Wait and see.

* I will say that Liggins is more capable of playing the point guard position because he looks more lithe and more explosive off the bounce, and so in that regard he's an upgrade over DJ.

I hear ya and don't really disagree. My point is...well the point position. Please see my entire post. There is no question I'd rather have Jasper stay but as far as manning the lead position, I think it is fair to wonder how far DJ is above who is coming in from a development and ability at the point guard spot standpoint. Rebounding and defending taller players is super but you can be a stellar point without such superlatives and we have added Harrelson and Miller to help keep us out of mismatches that cause Jasper's strengths to be so crucial.

Clearly, it would be better for us to retain his services but the incoming class adds some strengths where we have been weak in the past at least to the point where this doesn't handcuff us (hopefully). I think Galloway will help more than he is being given credit for, that Liggins has a good chance of being an overall upgrade on DJ at the point, Miller gives us a three with size, athleticism, and all around ability, and Harrelson gives us another big guy so we won't be beyond paper thin up front forcing guys like Harris and Jasper to guard bigs.

I hate it needs to be construed that I'm belittling DJ's ability in some way to say there's a reasonable chance he can be replaced and we can have a great season without him. Heck, I've been very supportive of Jasper and have long liked his ability/potential.

[Stucat]

Just maybe Derrick Jaspar won't leave but will stay right here in Kentucky. At least we can hope and the longer he stays the more hope I have.

[BigblueDrew]

I actually do think it will be a drop off. At least next year.

Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game. Will he rebound the ball like Jasper? Will he be able to defend guys three and four inches taller? As a freshman? Doubtful.*

And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season.

I do not think losing DJ is monumental, but it's going to hurt this team. Wait and see.

* I will say that Liggins is more capable of playing the point guard position because he looks more lithe and more explosive off the bounce, and so in that regard he's an upgrade over DJ.

Will your assesment of Liggins may be accurate but Jasper can't , or won't, shoot the ball either .

[Will Lavender]

Will your assesment of Liggins may be accurate but Jasper can't , or won't, shoot the ball either .

Yes, but my point is that Jasper can do more things that negate the shooting deficiencies. He's a lunchpail guy, and it's not often that you see a player of Liggins' skill set (and body build) be that kind of player. That's why Jasper, at this point, is >>>>>>> Liggins. And if you disagree, we'll revisit this next year when Deandre, as all freshman do, is struggling.

And Jasper has shown that he can knock down the set-shot. If what I saw in the Derby game is any indication, Deandre is going to have problems with that shot. He's got a really crooked, really funky form.

[sardiscat]

"Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game.
And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season."

We sure haven't been watching the same tapes. On the tape I saw (from his junior season), Liggins was a good shooter from 17' on in. Not absolutely pure, but good. And his prep school coach said the biggest improvement in his game this past season was his outside shooting, that he really worked at developing it. He was a very good rebounder, defender, and passer on the tape. As for Galloway, he looked sensational on the tape I saw. All-SEC sensational. Couldn't tell about his outside shot because nobody could stop him from getting all the way to the rim, but he is lightning fast, including lightning fast when on the dribble, a very solid handle, very good passer, good defender, long. Absolutely nothing not to like. As for Jasper, he's a good player. He looked pretty good at the point as a true freshman, and will obviously be much better as a junior, but Gillispie said he doesn't assign numbers to players, so I'm not going to worry about whether he's a point guard or not. Bobby Knight never broke guards down into point guards and 2 guards, either. He said you play the game with two guards, period. With three players who handle the ball and pass as well as Jasper, Liggins, and Galloway, a point guard is immaterial. What is crucial is Jasper and Liggins being on the team next season.

[Will Lavender]

"Liggins (and take this with a grain of salt; I've seen him once, in an all-star game) is quicker and has a lot of upside, but he can't shoot the basketball and I really don't believe he will be able to do the things that Jasper can do in other facets of the game.
And let's face it. Galloway is going to be nothing more than a spot player next season."

We sure haven't been watching the same tapes. On the tape I saw (from his junior season), Liggins was a good shooter from 17' on in. Not absolutely pure, but good. And his prep school coach said the biggest improvement in his game this past season was his outside shooting, that he really worked at developing it. He was a very good rebounder, defender, and passer on the tape. As for Galloway, he looked sensational on the tape I saw. All-SEC sensational. Couldn't tell about his outside shot because nobody could stop him from getting all the way to the rim, but he is lightning fast, including lightning fast when on the dribble, a very solid handle, very good passer, good defender, long. Absolutely nothing not to like. As for Jasper, he's a good player. He looked pretty good at the point as a true freshman, and will obviously be much better as a junior, but Gillispie said he doesn't assign numbers to players, so I'm not going to worry about whether he's a point guard or not. Bobby Knight never broke guards down into point guards and 2 guards, either. He said you play the game with two guards, period. With three players who handle the ball and pass as well as Jasper, Liggins, and Galloway, a point guard is immaterial. What is crucial is Jasper and Liggins being on the team next season.

Galloway was rated the 60th best JUCO player in the country by one service.

Obviously that's misleading, because he was a point guard on a good team. And I'm glad to have him because I love length on the perimeter. But if anyone thinks he's going to be a stand-out his first year in the system, then he's going to be disappointed. It's not often that even can't-miss JUCOs step right in and shine. Unless you're in a situation like Josh Harellson's, there's a reason why you're a JUCO player.

I have liked everything I've seen with Liggins. I think he's going to be dynamite, and he's obviously going to play a crucial role next year. But in the Derby game (again, it was an all-star game, but still AJ Stewart played exactly the same in that game as he did for UK this season) he not only didn't look for his shot, he couldn't make it when he took it.

[sardiscat]

"But if anyone thinks he's going to be a stand-out his first year in the system, then he's going to be disappointed."

I'm set up to be disappointed, then, because I think he's going to be big-time next season. Nothing less than Stacy Augman was as a junior. If I knew he had an outside shot, I wouldn't be willing to settle for anything less than Steve Francis. I don't know that, though, because he didn't have to shoot from outside when nobody could stop him from shooting layups.

"It's not often that even can't-miss JUCOs step right in and shine. Unless you're in a situation like Josh Harellson's, there's a reason why you're a JUCO player."

99% of the time, that reason is grades.

[Will Lavender]

99% of the time, that reason is grades.

This isn't true.

The qualifications requirements are fairly low as it is, but these schools are really dipping their admissions (and have been for years) to get these kids eligible. Outside of really extreme examples like Lenny Cooke, you ever hear of many elite high school players who go JUCO? I certainly haven't, and there's a reason why.

I don't want to make a case against Galloway having never seen him play, and I think Gillispie has proven that JUCOs can help as he's used them in the past (Gillispie loves bodies in practice), but let's look at recent history. You can find maybe two or three examples of JUCOs in the last decade who were stand-outs on D1 teams. Galloway averaged 8 a game for his JUCO team; he was -- and this was confirmed by someone on another board who followed that team -- the second or third best player on the club. I think Gillispie's after him to fill a role next season, and to start to get our hopes up that he's going to come in star is only going to lead to bitter disappointment.

We've seen that before. With A. Barbour. I thought Barbour played a hellacious role for those teams he was on, but many never forgave him for not living up to his potential.

[sardiscat]

If you haven't seen Galloway play, you don't know what you're talking about when you talk about him, and it's just that simple. His coach said he was the best player on his team, and they had several players sign with D-1 programs. I'll take his opinion over that of another poster, and I trust my own eyes over anybody else's opinion. Galloway's team played ten players. He only played half the game. He averaged 8.5 assists, nine points, four rebounds and 2.5 steals a game playing half the game, while hitting 52 percent from the field. And he's fast! Fast and long. Fast and long like the guys playing for Kansas and Memphis and UNC last season, except faster.

Without even thinking about it, I can name three NCAA champions that started two Juco transfers.

[Will Lavender]

If you haven't seen Galloway play, you don't know what you're talking about when you talk about him, and it's just that simple.

Well, we'll see how it plays out.

To pin stardom on a kid who was a role-player on a junior college team is unfair to the player. By all accounts, he isn't that kind of player. Adding in the fact that he's changing systems, moving into a situation where he's having to play under a hard-nosed coach, competing for playing time with big-time talents -- I would be pleased if Kevin came in and gave us 2 or 3 points a game and an assist or two. That would be tremendous.

I'm not saying JUCO players shouldn't be recruited. (And who are these national champions that you speak of?) There's nothing at all wrong with it, especially in our situation, and especially because Gillispie loves a bunch of players. But let's not go overboard. You may have a better memory than I do, but I can remember only four or five JUCOs starring for teams in the last 10 years.

[sardiscat]

NC State 1974
Indiana 1987
UNLV 1990
Arkansas 1994

UK had two JUCO transfers starting on its 1993 Final Four team.

UCLA had two Jucos on its 1969 team, although one of them, Sidney Wicks, did not start that year. He started and made All America the next two years.