Nov. 30, 2009
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question | View Archive Wondering about a player, a past game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of email questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
Vandy had a horrible time stopping penetration last year. Alabama had a dunkfest in our only tournament game that ended our season. Have we fixed this problem. Go Dores.
— Paul from Nashville, Tenn.
Paul, quick penetrating guards have been a difficult challenge for quite some time. We faced a couple in Maui and did reasonably well. So much of our success depends not just on man-to-man coverage, but on help side defense and switching. The ability to switch off screens on the perimeter has been a huge plus, and I think will make quite a difference in dealing with quick guards.
Lance Goulbourne seems to be fully recovered from the injury he had last year, which I believe was a pelvic stress fracture. Is that the case?
— Barry from Vermillion, S.D.
Barry, it seems so. I’ve not heard any comments or complaints. Lance has provided some good quality minutes in recent games, at both ends of the floor.
Please provide the status of Derrick Byars after he was cut by the Bulls. Thanks.
— Bruce from Nashville, Tenn.
Bruce, it is my understanding that Derrick has signed with ALBA Berlin of the German league. It is not one of the top leagues in Europe, but the team has been one of the top teams at that level. It is a league that has featured a number of NBA players. Hopefully a good performance there, along with how close he came to making the Bulls, will translate into another shot at the NBA.
How does Coach Stallings plan to use John Jenkins this season? I know he’s come off the bench in the first few games, but is he in the running to take someone’s starting spot?
— Greg from Chicago, Ill.
Greg, I don’t see that in the near future. John is still just getting his feet wet in regard to the speed and the size of the college game. John has progressed well. We knew he could shoot, but his defense, ball handling and hustle have been apparent as well. John has talented, more experienced guys in front of him, and I think he’s content to go slowly and adjust to hoops at this level.