Jarvis Vanardo swatted his way to breaking the freshmen mark for blocked shots last season, but look for this bulldog to start making his mark on the offensive end of the court. Another good nickname for Jarvis could be Mr. Efficiency. Jarvis led the team in field goal percentage with a .647 mark while only averaging 13.5 minutes a game. Depending on how the lineups shakes out, look for Jarvis to be a staple in the paint next season. We just saw the tip of the ice burg of what Jarvis can do offensively. If he can improve his conditioning and strength, there is no reason Jarvis cannot be a double double player with 20-30 minutes a game. We even saw flashes of a mid range game last season. I look for Jarvis's numbers to increase along with minutes. Jarvis's improvement should push our other post players and make them better players. If the minutes increase look for Jarvis to be our man in the middle. Opposing teams already know of his shot blocking skills, but they better look again, because Jarvis Varnado will be bringing so much more in his sophomore campaign.
7 comments:
arliss, I really like reading this new blog that you have created and devoted to all things Mississippi State basketball! It gives me something to read and keep in touch w/ Bball all year round. Keep up the good work and here's to hoping for an awesome year at the HUMP for HOOPS.
austinc
I agree about Jarvis. If he can continue gaining weight and keep the conditioning up, I think there is no reason he can't crack the starting rotation every now and then. I loved that little bit of mid-range game he flashed last year. I just have to stand up and get ready every time an opponent starts down the lane with Jarvis patrolling the paint.
P.Holley
I liked his attitude as a FR. He came in and played very hard in his role. It would be nice to hear that he's pushing 6'10" 230 + going into his second year, but regardless he will be a live wire for us in the post.
He was a really nice find for the staff about 2 years ago. Didn't look like an SEC player at all at that point but he's got a full head of steam development wise.
ZD
I have a feeling with the way Jarvis played toward the end of last season he will be in the starting line up more than every now and then. I think the post will start with Jarvis and then rotate Charles and Brian at the four. 20 lbs should make all the difference in the world. One thing Rick commented about was when Jarvis started using his feet and not his length to block shots is when he would start setting himself apart from the crowd. I see Jarvis being a 10 and 10 guy. Brian will make a big impact, but Jarvis will be our man down low.
Varnado is an outstanding shot blocker, and is set to display more of his post/developing post skills in 2007-2008. Potential to be a big time force on the inside.
I think you would be correct delta, Jarvis was called by some a poor man's Tyrus Thomas, but since his freshman season is over, look for Jarvis to blaze his own trail.
Call me crazy but I think Jarvis, when his career at MSU is all said and done, will end up being a great player, and possibly end up in the NBA. When you watch the way he handles himself and his moves without the basketball you see nothing but upside potential from this kid. He plays hard, stays within his role, takes good shots, sees the open pass, and can block shots like a fiend.
We know Rick will put some weight on him and Jarvis seems like a hard worker. I honestly wouldn't be surprised for him to be the breakout player this year. Of course with the team we have (and if we get all the recruits to sign) that is going to be a tough competition for years to come. You have to be excited about the direction our program is moving.
- DDayDawg
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