I know that the three and four are largely supposed to be interchangeable, but is there anything other than size that Beilein looks for differently between those two spots?
The four plays right to left (great for a lefty) while the three plays left to right. That’s a big reason why everyone felt Kam (a lefty) would be a great fit at the four. Think about all of the wing ball screen action that Michigan ran for Irvin late this year or Manny Harris back in the day. If you have a versatile, left-handed four man you can run that on both sides of the floor.
Also you need someone to be able to guard opposing fours… Those aren’t always towering players these days, but the Jae’Sean Tates of the world as well.
The four plays right to left (great for a lefty) while the three plays left to right. That's a big reason why everyone felt Kam (a lefty) would be a great fit at the four. Think about all of the wing ball screen action that Michigan ran for Irvin late this year or Manny Harris back in the day. If you have a versatile, left-handed four man you can run that on both sides of the floor.Also you need someone to be able to guard opposing fours… Those aren’t always towering players these days, but the Jae’Sean Tates of the world as well.
Great explanation, Dylan.
A guy like Tate has a nonstop motor and rugged physicality. As Dylan implies, and I say constantly, it’s not necessarily about size, but energy and toughness. We just don’t recruit those type of guys because generally speaking those type of kids arent as gifted from a finesse/skill standpoint, but they are probably more valuable in my opinion. A guy like Justice Winslow is the perfect blend.
So 3s and 4s are pretty much going to have the same offensive profile (with the exception of the four benefits from being left handed)? The main difference is defense?
How about 2s versus the wings? Does a guy like Irvin have to change up his game a lot to move to a 2?
Also, a guy like DJ Wilson, does he fit at the 3/4, or is he pretty much a 5?
So 3s and 4s are pretty much going to have the same offensive profile (with the exception of the four benefits from being left handed)? The main difference is defense?How about 2s versus the wings? Does a guy like Irvin have to change up his game a lot to move to a 2?
Also, a guy like DJ Wilson, does he fit at the 3/4, or is he pretty much a 5?
I don’t think there’s much difference between the 2’s and the 3’s. They are practically interchangeable in JB’s offense.
The 2 is more similar to the 1 than the 3/4.
Think about the positions that MAAR played in this year compared to Aubrey Dawkins, for example. Or how Zak Irvin started playing more two which led to him handling the ball more at the top of the key.
So 3s and 4s are pretty much going to have the same offensive profile (with the exception of the four benefits from being left handed)? The main difference is defense?How about 2s versus the wings? Does a guy like Irvin have to change up his game a lot to move to a 2?
Also, a guy like DJ Wilson, does he fit at the 3/4, or is he pretty much a 5?
Coach B has said that DJ will be a wing not a 5. My guess is because of lack of depth at the 5 last year Coach B had him learn the wing and the 5 position (note latest commitment trend). But in the future will be entirely wing. DJ will play defend the 4, play the 4 on offense if no lefties, but play the “3” on offense is Kam is playing on O.
Coach B also runs what’s often called the “2 guard offense” which means that the 1-2 are pretty similar. Think 2 high, 2 corner, 1 middle. 1+2 and 3+4, they play the same offensive position, though have varied roles. Zak will hopefully not play much 4 next season, and instead will play the 3 and the 2. If Caris leaves, expect him to play mainly the 2 position. Zak won’t have to change up his game a lot to change from wing to 2 guard. He’ll handle the ball a lot, have spot up 3 pointers, and be expected to run the pick-n-roll. It is just that where he comes from when he makes those plays will be from the top of the key more often than from the wings.