As we all know by now, ever since John Calipari arrived at Kentucky, the point guard position has been one to keep an eye on. We’ve gone from having names like Michael Porter, GJ Vilarino and KC Ross-Miller to names like John Wall, Brandon Knight, and Marquis Teague. That’s a huge upgrade in recruiting thanks to Calipari and his staff. We have unofficially become Point Guard U because of Calipari and his reputation for developing good point guards and helping them become great. One of his at Memphis was Derrick Rose. Today, we will have a look at another PG who can hopefully duplicate some of the same success Derrick had.
Meet 2012’s LJ Rose: he is a 6-foot-3, 175 pound PG hailing from Second Baptist School (Houston, TX) and plays AAU for Houston Hoops. Let’s hope Billy Gillispie doesn’t get his hands on him before UK does. Depending on who you ask, he is currently ranked as the top PG in his class by both Scout.com and ESPN and is a 5-star, yet Rivals.com has him listed as the 4th-best in his position and 28th overall as a 4-star. But this is only where he is at now; he is expected to develop tremendously before his senior year. Rose is the son of Lynden Rose, who played for the 1982 Houston Cougars team that reached the Final Four, as well as the Los Aneles Lakers of the NBA.
He has an extremely long list, with sutiors such as: Duke, Baylor, Georgetown, North Carolina, and Memphis. But don’t worry, Kentucky is on the list and also made a scholarship offer recently in August. Rose is alos on the VIP list for this year’s edition of Big Blue Madness. ESPN.com had this to say about Rose:
"Strengths:Rose is a pass first lead guard that can score when needed. He possesses good size and length to go along with his excellent basketball IQ. Rose is an excellent ball handler and passer as well. He can drive, draw and kick and deliver the ball with either hand. He has great court vision and can easily find an open teammate as he attacks. Rose scores mostly off the dribble with his terrific mid range game that includes a high arcing floater. He can also knock down the open three with time and space when the defense back away.Weaknesses:Rose must add strength and be more of a vocal leader on the floor. He leads by example but he must learn to verbally take charge when needed. He could become a better rebounder on the defensive end in order to avoid the outlet pass and push the ball which he does at times but could make this a weapon. Becoming a consistent three point shooter would also add to an already loaded package of basketball talent.Bottom Line:Rose is a terrific true point guard that can handle and pass. His court vision is great as well. He can score when needed mostly off the bounce. Rose has the IQ and talent to be a special player to go along with his size and length. Strength and verbal leadership and consistent shooting from behind the arc takes his game to the next level.NotesTravel Team: Houston Hoops…Wingspan: 77 inches…Baylor, Texas, Georgetown, Connecticut and Notre Dame are involved…"
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