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Quentin Snider- The Good And The Bad

shadow force

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Jun 8, 2010
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THE RUNDOWN

Few freshmen would've handled things at the end of the 2014-15 season the way Snider did. With point guard Chris Jones dismissed or suspended from the team for 10 of U of L's final 11 games, Snider was pushed into a starting role at a time when most teams have already established their rotations.

He averaged 35.2 minutes, 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 turnovers over those 10 games. He didn't shoot great -- 37.9 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range -- but the 6-foot-1 Snider was a consistent scoring threat and did a solid job of spacing the floor and running Louisville's offense.

THE GOOD

When Snider is at his best, he is using his craft and guile to get into the lane and either score or set up easy baskets for his teammates. On defense, he can be deceiving as a help defender, with his understanding of the game helping him make up for some defensive shortcomings.

His NCAA tournament games against NC State (14 points, three rebounds, three assists) and UC-Irvine (16 points, five rebounds) were perfect examples of how effective he can be. Snider wasn't fazed by NC State's talented backcourt, and his two free throws in the final 10 seconds against UC-Irvine helped Louisville advance to the round of 32.

THE BAD

While he certainly has improved in both his on-ball defense and his shooting, there's still room for more development. Snider was 36 of 95 from the field and 14 of 42 from 3-point range in his 10 starts to close out the season. He also had problems keeping his man in front of him on the perimeter.

But Pitino and Snider have both said in recent weeks that Snider is catching up in both of those areas. He dropped nine pounds, to 173 1/2, and is down to 7 percent body fat. Snider has worked on putting more loft on his jumpers, and Pitino has noticed a difference there, too.

FINAL WORD

One of the most intriguing story lines heading into the 2015-16 season is how Snider and graduate transfer Trey Lewis break up the point guard role. In a recent interview with The Courier-Journal, Snider said Lewis deferred to him as the point man in pickup games, but it's unclear if that'll carry over to U of L's actual strategy.

That said, there's a reason so many U of L fans point to Snider's return as a big factor in keeping the Cardinals in the hunt for an NCAA tournament berth and more. He showed why he was a highly rated prospect, and Kentucky's Mr. Basketball, in those 10 late-season starts, and there's no reason to think he won't improve as a sophomore.
 
I think when all is said and done Snider will be a great PG for UofL. He already played an integral role in getting the team to an Elite 8 as a freshman this past season.
 
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With an improved shot. Q as a natural pg will have two snipers to find with his incredible passing. It will also open up the pick and roll game Pitino loves.

Looking forward to seeing how these guys gel. And how Q can develop his leadership skills directing players to the correct position on the floor.
 
With an improved shot. Q as a natural pg will have two snipers to find with his incredible passing. It will also open up the pick and roll game Pitino loves.

Looking forward to seeing how these guys gel. And how Q can develop his leadership skills directing players to the correct position on the floor.

Yeah, I think a PG like Snider will benefit greatly from having some good outside shooters that we lacked last season. He is pretty much always cool under pressure and has a steady presence out on the floor.
 
THE RUNDOWNHe dropped nine pounds, to 173 1/2, and is down to 7 percent body fat
173 and 1/2

I've heard about Snider's weight from about 5 different sources in the last couple days. I think it's hilarious. He ought to run straight to the refrigerator after taking a smash to make sure he stays at 173 1/2
 
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