Every season I tend to get excited about at least one incoming freshman. I've personally been waiting for about three years now to see Ravern Johnson adorn the maroon and white. After following his high school career, I see Ravern making a impact on the outcome of 07-08 season. Rick commented recently on Ravern, "All 4 freshmen will contribute in different ways but, especially Ravern Johnson, he has some work to do, most kids out of high school are weak, can't rebound and defend, but he can flat out shoot." We all know that the backbone of Rick's championship teams is rebounding and man to man defense. I think in the pre SEC Ravern provides an "offensive spark plug" off the bench early. If his defense improves he could break the lineup come January. Look for Ravern to be in the game late if he can mirror his 91 % FT from the stripe he shot in high school. I feel that Ravern can improve his strength and ability to play defense, but its tougher to teach shooting. Ravern will bring a marksman's shooting mentality this season. So, will MSU fans be raving about Ravern? I think so, and it can't happen soon enough.
Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
11 comments:
I think he has the ability to play alot if he can pick up the defense but whose starting spot do you think he will take? Our three perimeter starters are all mentally strong. I can't see Ravern taking anyone's starting spot. However, I do think he will be one of the first subs off the bench (at the "3").
captaindawg
We're getting close to the time where word leaks out about how the newcomers look. Last year at this time I remember being emailed about how impressive and unflappable Barry Stewart was.
Word is that Augustus and Bailey should know any day, maybe that means before the end of the week ?
Anyways, August is that time period where people start breaking down the newcomers from watching them in pickup games. ZD
Captain, its hard to say whose starting job he could take right now. Alot of people are high on Kodi, but I just don't know a whole lot about him and I've been following Ravern for awhile. I see Ravern's abilty to play will be related to his defense. But, having said that, I just don't see how someone with his offensive skills cannot be seeing at least 20 minutes a game by the time we get deep into the SEC schedule. If he does take someone's starting spot, he would have earned it.
I read an interesting article about Vanderbilt's Shan Foster today. He's a SR now, gosh how time flies, but he's just back from a successful stint on the US Pan Am team where he was the 2nd leading scorer and 3rd leading rebounder. He was the only SEC player to survive all the cuts and make the team.
All that to say this. Ravern is rated about the same as Shan was coming out of HS and like Shan, he'll have to be "seasoned" into a successful SEC player. The one question mark on these types of wing players is how they can diversify thier game or get stronger driving the basketball.
I believe that Ravern will hit some big shots for us this year but it seems like he'll probably find himself pretty low in the pecking order when the playing time is handed out. Strengh and defense are the big concerns. ZD
Ravern's shooting, atheletic ability, and height help make him a very good option. Without Slater and the Delks, these qualities can help in the areas these guys helped and more. Players can be slim, and still be very effective. Corey Brewer and others. Ravern is long and very atheletic, and with time/experience is set to be a very good defender and rebounder.
Personally, I'm more exciting about Bailey. Bailey has had some unbelievable games in high-school.
I am also interested in how the newcomers look. I think our known players will be fine: Gordon, Rhodes, Stewart, Hansborough, and Varnado. Our season's success is going to really depend on about three of the new players stepping up and producing. In my opinion, Phil Turner and Brian Johnson must be able to play key roles (whether as starters or backups) for us to make it back to the NCAA.
I still think that the starters will be:
5- C Rhodes (because he is most effective down low)
4- B Johnson (because of his size and willingness to just play defense and rebound)
3- B Stewart
2- B Hansborough
1- J Gordon
Subs-
J Varnado at the 5 with Rhodes and B Johnson maintaining a rotation with Gordon occassionally playing the 4.
P Turner at the 1, 2 and 3 and rotating with Hansborough, Stewart and Gordon.
I think Ravern Johnson plays some 3 but is limited due to his lack of strength and ability to guard the 1 and 2 position.
Anything other contributions would be a bonus.
I can't wait to hear about the pickup games.
captaindawg
One thing about next year is I don't think we take the time to train a PG of the future, Jamont averaged 33 min/game and don't look for that to decrease.
I agree. I think that Gordon will be backed by Hansborough and Turner. I think next year Hansborough will start the game at point and Bost will play alot with Hansborough sliding to the 2.
Sometimes those "skinny" kids can fool you.There is such a thing as being "wiry strong".
Have it from reliable sources that Augustus is a difference maker ala Tyrus Thomas. Get ready for a national championship. Sorry got carried away. Just dreaming. God bless
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