I recently exchanged some “Q&A” with a fellow Bloguin Blogger – Dore Posts: A Vanderbilt Commodores Blog – in regards to the upcoming Gamecocks v Vandy match-up and some other issues surrounding Vandy Sports. As you read below, my questions for him are in bold and I encourage you to check out Dore Posts many other times in the near future.
1. What does Vandy Nation think of Devan Downey? Does he stand a chance at SEC POY in your view?
Incredible talent and really fun to watch. I know he creates a lot of opportunities for others, but sometimes it feels like he shoots too much. In their first game against Vanderbilt, he shot the ball 21 times. He hit 12, but shooting that much has to keep other players from getting involved, right? I think having that good of an individual player sometimes hurts the team concept. Regardless, I think he should be player of the year in the SEC. He continually puts up ridiculous numbers and controls games. He was single-handily responsible for the biggest upset of the year in the conference (UK).
2. Everyone knows about AJ Ogilivy but tell us a player or two that is crucial to Vandy’s success this season?
It’s a true team in every since of the word. I would say Ogilvy is our third most important player, behind point guard Jermaine Beal and super athlete Jeffery Taylor. Saturday is Senior Day for Beal, who is wrapping up a fine career at Vandy. He forces the issue at times, but will put the team on his back when he needs to. He’ll receive a few Player of the Year votes. Taylor is an NBA prospect, who as a sophomore, projects into the second round in a lot of draft boards. He still needs to develop an outside jumper, but his jumping/slashing ability translates into a lot of easy points. Finally, freshman John Jenkins will soon be know as the best shooter in the country. He averaged 40 points a game in high school, and is the best shot up shooter I’ve ever seen. He needs to learn to create his own shot at the college level, but if he does, he could be the second coming of Stephen Curry.
3. Who do you consider Vandy’s main basketball rival – Tennessee, Kentucky or someone else?
I had to think about this one for a while. There are a lot of UK and UT fans in the Nashville area, so both are always on the radar and take up a lot of time on sports radio. Both games are always sell-outs, but I would have to say that Tennessee is their biggest rival. Vandy kind of feels like the little brother in the state of Tennessee. Because of that, every game seems to have a little more juice behind it.
4. Give insight on Vandy’s chances in the SEC Tourney and how far you think the team can go in the NCAA tourney.
If the tournament started today, the Commodores would be in great shape. They’ve locked up the 2-seed in the East. They are 6-0 against their projected opponents until the final. They would avoid Tennessee and Kentucky (other side of bracket), and have already beaten Mississippi State and Florida this season. I would be disappointed with anything short of a appearance in the final game and a rematch against Kentucky. Anything can happen of course, but it looks good on paper.
5. Is upset in the air for the USC – Vandy Game? What is your prediction?
Any time Downey is involved, anything can happen. Vanderbilt has seen too much of this kid over the last couple of years. But I think Vanderbilt wins on Senior Day with Jermaine Beal leading the way. He’s had some great performances in Memorial, and this will be his last. South Carolina is very capable of beating anything on a given day, but I think Vanderbilt sneaks out a win.
Here’s my last prediction for you: The Commodores will be a 3-seed in the NCAA and have their first Elite Eight appearance under coach Kevin Stallings.
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Well there you have it folks…some great insight and analysis on Vandy and thanks again to our new friend over at Dore Posts. Looking forward to the game as the Gamecocks look to stop their losing streak and try to secure a #5 seed in the SEC Tourney.
My responses to his questions can be found HERE.
