March 16, 2011

[...] There are few options behind those two at guard, although there is some defense to be found - former walk-on Zavier Anderson has had a role this season as a hustling speedster and defensive presence (and is also the only man with the name Xavier not to inevitably be called "X"). Cory Stanton has had much the same role. And starting small forward Tanner Smith can slide down to the big guard spot if needs be. Smith ticks every Underwhelming Unathletic White Guy Playing A Forgettable Role For A Decent College Program cliche in the book - he hustles, defends, extra-passes, doesn't dribble the ball at all, and does absolutely nothing to wow you. He is missing only one from the checklist of cliché's - he is not a shooter. Smith's backup Milton Jennings is the Tigers' most productive bench player - despite the fact that he's far less of a shooter than his number of jumpshot attempts would suggest, and often thoroughly frustrating to watch, Jennings is a good rebounder and defender, who avails himself baskets with his physical tools alone. And in his defense, he is somewhat forced to take threes due to the Tigers's lack of floor spacing.

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