The Short Guards Vs. Tall Guards Debate

[shadow force]

Short quick guards vs. Tall long guards. Do you have a preference when it comes to what UofL recruits and what you'd like to see?

Does it just depend on each individual player to you?

Do you take into consideration the style and system the coach uses? Do you feel one is better overall than the other?

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

If they are going to be short they need to be above avg quickness. The Aub PG reminded me a lot of Russ Smith, for example.

A lot probably depends on system.

 

[Cue Card]

Prefer the taller guards myself but I'm a Denny Crum holdover. Hop is right though, it really depends on the system.

 

[Louisvillian]

Shabazz Napier 6’ > Harrison Twins 6’4

 

[shadow force]

If they are going to be short they need to be above avg quickness. The Aub PG reminded me a lot of Russ Smith, for example.

A lot probably depends on system.

Yeah I really like Auburn guard Harper's game. But you're right, if you go with short guards they really need above average/elite quickness and ball handling. Preferably a good to great outside shot too but all those together doesn't grow on trees.

 

[shadow force]

Prefer the taller guards myself but I'm a Denny Crum holdover. Hop is right though, it really depends on the system.

I like taller guards too though obviously you can win big with short ones and I have no problem if they can play well. Even though Siva grew into a fantastic PG, he still had a lot of trouble against tall guards with length and speed quite often until junior/senior year and he had elite speed and great handles. Taller guards can also potentially shoot over shorter guards or post up on them, but tall guards can't always keep guys in front of them either.

Wouldn't have traded Siva for anyone though. But the system they are playing in is definitely important too. Boeheim, for example, needs tall and long guards in order to really implement his 2/3 zone. I think Mack typically wants taller guards too so it'll interesting to see how he does with that at his disposal.

 

[shadow force]

Shabazz Napier 6’ > Harrison Twins 6’4

Yep tall guards are not always the answer for every matchup. If a guy can ball he can ball.

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Harper for Auburn has lateral quickness plus his wingspan is very wide for a short guard of his stature. And if you have those type small guards they need to have the athleticism like Russ and Peyton had. Not all small guards are..

The idea guard now are those taller more athletic guys thats what i would prefer and thats what Mack system basically is.. The guard needs to be able to match up with just about all positions except center . Thats one reason Uk is so successful most of the year they are long at every spot . My opinion i would take my chances everyday with a bigger guard than smaller. But it all depends on that coaches system though

 

[KerryRhodes]

Both

 

[PHCARD]

I like the Winston MSU style guard, that always squats down and looks even shorter. I love that kid!

 

[zipp]

Give me FAST guards. Size doesn't matter...

 

[CardsFirst]

I’m with Cue I’m from the Denny camp I like tall guards that don’t get pushed around. Tall quick guards are what I think works best.

 

[nccardfan]

I’m with Cue I’m from the Denny camp I like tall guards that don’t get pushed around. Tall quick guards are what I think works best.

Tall quick guards that can shoot like Curry..

 

[gocards1987]

Give me FAST guards. Size doesn't matter...

Agree with this to a point. I think that being quick enough to take someone off the dribble and defend is more important than just being tall or short. Being tall does lessen how quick to be to be effective though.

 

[Thecycle27]

Guards that are quick and long are the ideal, there just aren't many of those in college and if they are it is not for long. Give me /fast quick guards that play at the right pace and like to defend. Perry is a good example quick, but plays to fast too often.

 

[shadow force]

Both

Having both is also great for options and matchups. I really liked it when Kevin Ware, a longer guard, was able to be plugged in for defense in place of Russ or Siva. Gave that team different looks on defense or when the opposing team had taller guards.

 

[UL_1986]

Rather have a taller guard, D’Angelo Russell is the perfect height for a pg in my opinion.

 

[nccardfan]

Rather have a taller guard, D’Angelo Russell is the perfect height for a pg in my opinion.

I would take DM or Griff.

 

[CardsFirst]

Rather have a taller guard, D’Angelo Russell is the perfect height for a pg in my opinion.

I would take DM or Griff.

I’ll take the college Griff. DM didn’t play in college like he is now nor as good as Griff.

 

[nccardfan]

I’ll take the college Griff. DM didn’t play in college like he is now nor as good as Griff.

I’m referring to size and athletic ability not necessary the player themselves.

 

[UL_1986]

I would take DM or Griff.

Donovan was more of a shooting guard in college. Agree on Griff, but he was still 6’4.

 

[CardsFirst]

I’ll take the college Griff. DM didn’t play in college like he is now nor as good as Griff.

I’m referring to size and athletic ability not necessary the player themselves.

Actually it’s a wash. DM is 6.3 and Griff is 6.4 it’s a wash. I would take either. When I say tall I mean larger than the 6.2 . And I’m sure there are guys that are extremely athletic under 6.2. Russ Smith comes to mind.

 

[Cardinal Cash]

Why not tall and quick? Russell westbrook comes to mind as a guy with great size and agility for a guard.

 

[mgrody]

I remember when Sonny Smith was the coach at Auburn. He said his dream was to get the BB goal lowered to floor level to take away the advantage of tall players. He said he knew of a three foot midget he could coach to be the world's best dunker and shot-blocker.