Forward Jarell Eddie (31) drives to the hoop.
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Thirty years.
It’s been three whole decades since a Virginia Tech basketball team has started a season 7-0, but that’s exactly what new head coach James Johnson has spurred the Hokies to do this season.
With the unceremonious removal of former coach Seth Greenberg in the offseason, a little change in the program was inevitable. But no one was expecting that Johnson would be able to so radically alter the direction of the team so quickly.
The stylistic differences between the old Hokies and the new are readily apparent. Greenberg was a proponent of tough defense and a methodical half court offense, while Johnson has implemented a run and gun system, which is mainly predicated on the players having fun by shooting any time they please.
If Greenberg’s offenses had something of a speed limit, then Johnson’s is just one constant green light, as he’s encouraged players to shoot early and often.
No one has responded to this change more vigorously than Erick Green. Greenberg often tried to employ Green as more of a traditional point guard that facilitates the rest of the offense, but Johnson has given Green free reign to pull the trigger whenever he sees fit.
While this approach might not work for some players, the senior has exploded, averaging 24.9 points per game for the season off of 95 field goal attempts this season — nearly 20 more than the next closest player.
Green’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the country either. He’s earned ACC co-player of the week honors two weeks in a row and is getting early All-America buzz for his stellar early performance.
But Green isn’t the only player thriving in the new offense. Last season, Jarell Eddie’s role on offense could be generously described as standing around and waiting to shoot.
This year, Eddie’s been encouraged to play considerably more aggressively, as he’s frequently made big plays by taking the ball to the basket.
He’s also been tasked with bringing the ball up the court frequently, even when Green is on the floor, allowing him to blossom offensively. He’s attempted 77 shots on the year, with 36 coming from behind the arc, and his 50.6 percent shooting percentage seems to show that this new system is ideally suited for him.
A version of this article appeared in the Dec 5 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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Coaching changes and a team playing above itself. Maybe the football team should take notice.
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Coaching change for football please, UVA and GT can do it, why can't we?
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I couldn't agree more, make some moves Weaver!!!
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I wouldn't make it sound like JJ is getting his guys to shot all the time "willy nilly". There is a method to it. It is playing faster, but not for the sake of playing faster. What it is, is anticipating and decision making at a quicker pace: Take what you are given and execute quickly. Pass quickly, move without the ball quickly, shoot quickly, do everything instinctively, but not irresponsibly. This is how the pro teams of the 80s used to play, and it worked. When you play quickly, defenses are always on their heals and they get tired.
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I won't be convinced until the last 6 games of the season. Historically, that's when the Hokies have collapsed, popping the bubble.
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Well written article. Glad I stumbled across it on the interwebs. Johnson's a breath of fresh air. The players are not afraid to make mistakes for fear of a tongue lashing. He's letting them play and getting solid production out of just about everyone. Confidence is up and team chemistry is solid. Green, Eddie & Brown give us one of the best back courts in the country. Big test on the road this Saturday against WVU. Go Hokies!
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I do not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I'll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road. Many thanks
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