June 17, 2014

Sean Armand, three point shooter.

Armand is an excellent role playing two guard. That role is mostly shooting, though not exclusively. Armand is a very good catch-and-shoot player, a player who moves well and often without the ball, and who plays a controlled, disciplined game. Indeed, if anything, he should shoot a bit more. Armand tries not to over-rely on his jump shot, and succeeds in doing so, but he's such a good shooter that he could stand to shoot more.

Working off of curls and flare screens, as well as the occasional isolation, Armand is always a threat to catch and shoot, from any part of the court, with any amount of time left, at any time of the game. He is also much improved at taking advantage of the space and opportunities that this shot opens up for him. Armand can collapse a defense coming around a pick, cut into the lane and shoot a fallaway two pointer, and occasionally get to the basket. He also creates for team mates, a heady passer and part-time point guard who can run some pick-and-roll action, drive and dish to a shooter or drive and dump-off to a big man. Armand is better than his core numbers simply in how much better the offense is when he is a part of it. He can pass, he can shoot, and he is versatile, disciplined and smart.

It should be noted that Armand is not hugely athletic, and is historically not an especially good defender. He improved his footwork and motor as an upper classman, but still does not stand out on that end of the court and can be blown past. He is also not especially big for a wing and has no advantages in his physical profile - he doesn't even jump very high to shoot. But without being a star, Armand was a key player on a good quality Iona team. And wherever he goes, I should imagine he will be this again.

Read full article