I'm sure many of you have read references to some of this, here or from other sites during this recruiting cycle --- this talk about a "Hybrid-4", which refers to PJ or Knox or Vanderbilt.
Whereas we think of a "Stretch-4" as a tall guy who can hurt ya from 3, the Hybrid-4 is a guy with size who has a total face-up game like a 3 and can play back-to-the-basket as well (not much of a distinction but, still.. modern semantics). Now, while we're not used to that in traditional two-Big lineups, it's really nothing new in the Carolina system. Think George Lynch in Dean's era or Jawad Williams in Roy's --- perfect examples of Hybrid-4s.
Where I'm going with this is here: Look for it this season. I believe Hicks' role will look more like a Hybrid-4 this season than what we saw last year. First, remember he started out playing the 3 as a freshman, and while that didn't go that well, he has a face-up game that he has worked extremely hard on since he's been here. As mentioned before part of the summer scuttlebutt has been Hicks showing out (and more than just his post moves)... and in fact someone I know who participated in some of the pick-up games thinks he's poised to "blow the f*** up!"
This role also seems to be something Roy has adapted to in his long-range plans. He's selling PJ (or Vanderbilt or Knox) on being the successor in that role, and Zion would ideally be next, and I believe this will be attractive to the new wave of "positionless" kids.
Whereas we think of a "Stretch-4" as a tall guy who can hurt ya from 3, the Hybrid-4 is a guy with size who has a total face-up game like a 3 and can play back-to-the-basket as well (not much of a distinction but, still.. modern semantics). Now, while we're not used to that in traditional two-Big lineups, it's really nothing new in the Carolina system. Think George Lynch in Dean's era or Jawad Williams in Roy's --- perfect examples of Hybrid-4s.
Where I'm going with this is here: Look for it this season. I believe Hicks' role will look more like a Hybrid-4 this season than what we saw last year. First, remember he started out playing the 3 as a freshman, and while that didn't go that well, he has a face-up game that he has worked extremely hard on since he's been here. As mentioned before part of the summer scuttlebutt has been Hicks showing out (and more than just his post moves)... and in fact someone I know who participated in some of the pick-up games thinks he's poised to "blow the f*** up!"
This role also seems to be something Roy has adapted to in his long-range plans. He's selling PJ (or Vanderbilt or Knox) on being the successor in that role, and Zion would ideally be next, and I believe this will be attractive to the new wave of "positionless" kids.
