Guard Troubles

Whether we like it or not, Jon Elmore (and brother Ot) will not be playing Keydet basketball in 2014-15. Not this year, and maybe not ever. An optimist will always hold out hope that they'll return, and it even makes since given the circumstances. But in the meantime, there are thirteen men who committed to playing basketball for VMI and there is no need to dwell on those who chose a different path.

But if we must, I might start by saying that losing Ot is hardly a big deal. He was redshirted for a reason, and would've had to compete with QJ, Brown, Marshall, and Eleby to get any playing time. He is a third-string bench player and that's that. It's Jon that we should be worried about.

Not often does an athlete who was ranked as the eighth-best player in his state, and received twenty-two scholarships offers, some from the A-10 and ACC, choose VMI over anywhere that might get him fame and publicity. Jon was a unique talent, possibly even better than QJ at his position. And the son of a VMI Hall of Famer? This is a devastating blow for the team.

Herein lies the obvious dilemma for Coach Baucom this season: who starts at the point? It's a bigger deal than you'd think. The point guard has to run the offense. He has to set up his teammates. He must recognize the weaknesses of the defense and utilize the strengths of the offense. He knows when to pass and when to take it himself.

Is QJ the man for the job? Based on last season, I'd say no. Four times last season he scored fewer then ten points, and two of those came in the CIT. His performances against Ohio and Yale were horrid, and he often went for erratic and untimely shots. His assist totals were nothing to gawk at, though admittedly his role did not demand that he be the play-maker.

Eleby? Too tall, speed and dribble-drive skills aren't there. Marshall? Not the guy. His persona doesn't scream "playmaker" and he's chiefly a two guard, nothing more. Burton? Not a chance. Virtually no game experience, and the stats (though of a small sample size) don't indicate that he has the potential to lead this team.

Thus, we are left with Brian Brown. I like his demeanor and it seems like he really wants to win. Obviously, we have no one close to capable of replicating what Glasgow did last year. This would be true even if Elmore stayed. But someone has to step up, and all signs point toward Brian being the guy. His scoring and shooting percentage dipped from last season, but mostly because of Peterson's presence. What didn't drop, however, were the assists: 23 up from his sophomore year in only two more games played. If you're searching for a point guard, that's what you like to see.

There are still underlying problems in this scenario. Last season, Brian was a guy who might drain a couple threes and kick an opponent when they aren't looking, but for much of the year, his game was off. BB scored 10+ points in only ten games, and sometimes it seemed as though he was nonexistent. And if there's one thing a coach needs out of a PG, it's consistency, first and foremost.

In any case, Coach Baucom and staff are going to have a whale of a time figuring out our lineup in the little time they have to prepare for the All-Military Classic. The bottom line is that someone needs to step up and lead the team. I think it'll happen, but as for who I can't say. Nevertheless, a decision must be made and we will see that decision on Friday.