Daniel Miller or Nate Hicks? Nate Hicks or Daniel Miller? No one said decision would be easy or fun.
PLAYER: Daniel Miller
POSITION: Center
TEAM: Georgia Tech
YEAR: Sophomore
TAPE: 6-11, 260
2010-11 STATS: 4.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.6 apg (.496/.370/.000)
DEEP THOUGHTS:
Last year, after the early departures of Gani Lawal and Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech basically had a giant hole on the offensive end at the five spot. Neither Daniel Miller nor Nat Hicks were able to provide anything that resembled an offensive game.
While both were freshmen last year, Miller got the start and a large chunk of playing time simply because he was blessed with the college-ready body. This made him a better defender, capable of clogging up the lanes. He finished 5th in the ACC in blocks with 2.2 per game. However, Miller tended to be a step behind in transition and struggled keeping up against quicker players, resulting into a ton of foul trouble.
Miller was used primarily as a screener on the offensive side, using his big frame to free up space for the more gifted guards. In fact, in Tech’s five ACC wins, Miller only scored 15 total points. That’s not a lot. When he did shoot, it was often a jumper at or near the free throw line. He rarely ventured into the lane for shots and he had zero back-to-the-basket game.
Looking ahead to 2011-2012, the center spot will again be a battle between Miller and Hicks. There is no other player on the Yellow Jackets who stands above 6-8.
Of course a good competition between the two friends can only help. Heading into both of their sophomore seasons, the edge remains in Miller’s favor. Will that continue? We shall see.
I still believe Hicks is more agile and athletic and in the long run will be a bigger offensive threat. He just doesn’t have the bulk to do the dirty work inside. The question will be, what will develop first, Miller’s offense or Hicks’ size?
Specifically Miller needs a go-to-move in the post. He doesn’t need a lot. He just needs one productive one. He’s got soft hands and good footwork, but like so many young big men, he just struggled with the pace and speed of the game. On the rare occasion he got the ball down low, he tended to think and think and think. He needs to get that ball, quickly scan the defensive adjustment and if he’s not doubled, then go to that go-to-move. That’s why it is called a go-to-move.
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