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Thursday, July 17, 2008

Who Will Hold the Power? by 005

Power Forward

Gone is the steady presence of Charles Rhodes. There was a point where it never seemed appropriate to use that description for Charles, but he really was a productive player at the SEC level and clearly earned the "consistent" label over the course of his final year. In the wake of his graduation the Bulldog staff is looking to several players for production.

Brian Johnson averaged just under 10 minutes per game in his junior season and hopes to improve on his 2.3 point and 2.2 rebound averages. The big fellow is still fighting to recover full confidence in leg ailments that previously sidelined his career prior to transferring from Louisville. Johnson plays smart and proved to be tenacious in his limited role a year ago but most wonder if he's capable of expanding that role in his final campaign. If history is any indication this Coaching staff will rely on his experience before looking to other options.

Romero Osby enters as a prized Magnolia State recruit and a familiar name to those who follow recruiting closely. At 6'8" and 230 Romero definitely has the size and strength to transition into major college basketball. On top of size, he has a substantial amount of skill that has had analysts looking at his potential facing the basket.

Kodi Augustus is one reserve who should enter the season with a chip on his shoulder. A year ago, his shooting ability was praised as being tops on the squad. What wasn't known was his inexperience playing the brand of defense expected in the Bulldog program. Although Kodi might see a few minutes further away from the basket he promises to play somewhat of a role closer to the basket, occasionally flashing to the perimeter. Whatever role he plays is entirely up to him. He has close up knowledge of what is expected that Osby hasn't pictured yet, at this point that might be his only advantage.

Charles must be replaced by a committee it seems. The good news is that there are a trio expecting to compete for minutes at power forward. The bad news is that returning production offers only speculation at this point.-005

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The great thing about Rhodes is that he was supremely confident and almost cocky to a fault. One of the greatest lines last year was when he talked about what he was going to do to UM and then did it. It was even funnier when Coach Kennedy said after the game that Rhodes said what he was going to do before the game and then went out and did it.

Despite the headaches that some people see with Rhodes and even Gordon, they both were not afraid of any player. I have yet to see that in any of the returning players.

If he could get completely Brian Johnson has the talent and attitude to be a load on the blocks. Further I think his physical game would be a nice compliment to Varnado.

Of all the players avaible for that position I think he has the least question marks.

captaindawg

Unknown said...

We need the next Mario Austin.

Someone who is ready to play on a high level as a freshman.

I hope that Osby can be that.

If Osby can be that, then we will have a really good front line and it will depend on guard play.

How about Barry breaking his ankle?

I pray that he heals properly.

Anonymous said...

has anyone seen this?

http://thinkexist.com/quotes/charles_rhodes/

It is a list of Charles Rhodes quotes.

Anonymous said...

Mississippi State's- Front Court Crew.........All talented.

Anonymous said...

Romero Osby is the new kid in the mix.