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September 9th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Vanderbilt
Commodores
Overall Rank:
#63
Conference
Rank: #8 SEC
2005-06:
17-13, 7-9, 4th East
2005-06
postseason: NIT
 Vanderbilt has
had their share of ups and downs over the last few years. This
season it could go either way. An NIT trip would be expected
and an NCAA berth would be great for a squad that lacks an
interior game. Anything less than a postseason berth spells
trouble for Coach Kevin Stallings.
Who’s Out:
As if
losing Julian Terrell and Mario Moore wasn’t enough, the
transfers of DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Madsen really hurt the
Commodores. Terrell averaged 10.5 points and a team high 7.6
rebounds. Moore, a part-time starter at point guard, averaged
5.7 points and 2.3 assists. The frontcourt took a huge hit with
the unexpected departure of Carroll. Carroll started over half
the games and averaged 10.8 points and 6.4 rebounds. Madsen,
the heir apparent under the basket, left the squad and will
transfer to Ohio State.
Who’s In:
Ross Neltner
will be expected to start at power forward and help out on the
glass. The 6-9, 240 pound Fort Thomas, Kentucky product
averaged 2.9 points and 3.1 rebounds two years ago at LSU.
After sitting out last season, Neltner will be ready to be a
leader in the frontcourt. Incoming freshman JeJuan Brown has
all the skills necessary to become a great post player for the
Commodores. With a little experience, he will be a star, but
for now anything more than a contribution off the bench will
greatly help out the post issues. Jermaine Beal will be the
backup point guard. He will look to pass first and his
defensive peskiness will be an attribute right away. Redshirt
freshman George Drake will add more depth on the wings. It will
be tough for Drake to find too many minutes this year, but he is
a hardworker and solid shooter.
Who to Watch:
Due
to the lack of frontcourt players, we may see a more up-tempo
style in Nashville this year. And that works perfectly well for
point guard Alex ‘Red’ Gordon, wings Shan Foster and Derrick
Byars and sixth man Dan Cage. Gordon proved last year that he
can run the show effectively. The quick 6-2 Pensacola, Florida
native will need to become a floor leader, but he has the talent
to lead Vandy to an NCAA Tournament. The strength of this team
is Foster and Byars on the wings. Both are dangerous long range
threats and should once again be the top scorers on the team.
Sharpshooter Cage will provide a spark off of the bench. If any
success finds Vanderbilt during the 2006-2007 campaign, it will
be on this underappreciated groups shoulders.
Final
Projection:
Alan Metcalfe
averaged just 7.6 minutes in 19 contests last year, but it is
hoped he can be much more effective this year under the basket.
The 6-9, 260 pounder will split time at the five spot with
fellow returning big man Ted Skuchas. Skuchas has much more
experience, starting 19 games last year, but if Vandy wants to
have a special season, Metcalfe will have to live up to his
potential.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected
Starting Five:
Alex Gordon,
Junior, Guard, 5.7 points per game
Shan Foster,
Junior, Guard, 15.9 points per game
Derrick Byars,
Senior, Guard, 12.4 points per game
Ross Neltner,
Junior, Forward, DNP last season
Alan Metcalfe,
Junior, Forward, 2.2 points per game
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