Is the game only on satellite today? I know the Texas games are usually shown on channel 51 but the Rockets game will preempt that today.
In the NBA, point guards MUST be able to shoot off the dribble to be effective. TJ cannot do that at the moment. Therefore, I highly question if he would be a top 5 pick. He definitely would be a mid-1st, considering the weak draft. If/when TJ can shoot off the dribble, to open up his penetration, then he'll obviously be a stud. If he doesn't, then he's rich man's Moochie Norris. Personally, I think Luke Ridnour is the best PG prospect in the NCAA right now. Ridnour is a very good pure shooter, and just simply knows how to run an offense. His defense is somewhat questionable though. But I don't know many PGs who are good on defense.
See McGahee. Different, more violent sport, but you never know. If you're a projected top 5 pick, how do you not come out?
TJ can shoot off the dribble. TJ's shooting weakness is he just doesn't have three point range at the college level much less the NBA level.
I beg to differ. I think TJ is a solid spot-up shooter, from 17 ft and in, but I don't think he makes a high enough % of shots off the dribble for me to consider him to be good at shooting off the dribble. Moreover, it is very hard for a 5 ft 10 PG to get a good shot off, in the NBA. I know he can jump high, but NBA PGs can jump too. Nonetheless, shooting range will definitely be something that TJ must work on while at UT. As spacing is so key in the NBA, TJ must be able to strech the defense out further than 17 ft away.
Its more change of direction. I don't think TJ will be able to shoot over anyone in the NBA outside of Boykins, but I think TJ will be able to get separation because he can change speeds faster than the defender. I right now wonder if Price the b*stard may be a good fit for the Rockets point guard because of his increased range. He could play the Kenny Smith role...bring ball up court and throw into center. With Francis at the two guard, you could get away from having a traditional PG which the rockets haven't had in a while anyway.
TJ's jumper was H O R R I B L E last year and while it isn't $ all the time this season it is remarkably better. The deal is though that TJ doesn't ever really look to score except at the end of games b/c his quickness can draw the foul where he is money. IF he improves as much as he did from last season to now, watch out this kid's going number 1 overall. Imagine AI with a game like JKidd and that is TJ Ford.
Obviously, TJ is quick, but I don't know if he could create enough side seperation to not get his shot altered from the side, by bigger PGs. How well he shoots off the dribble, will mean the difference between a 5-10 time All-Star, and being a Moochie Norris. I've been a TJ fan since I saw him at Willowridge, but I just am skeptical about NBA. Right now, he probably is the best PG in the nation, and maybe the best player period in college.
Dudes-- TJ Ford is the quickest person I've ever played against. That Willowridge team was killer. McFarlin and Ewing as well, shiiite 3 players in the tourney.
I love TJ... His size is made up by his heart and love of the game... He's going to be a big time player...
