Monday, December 11, 2006

The Next DeMarre Carroll?


Vanderbilt freshman JeJuan Brown is 6'7", 225 lb. That's almost the exact same size as former "Mr. Intangibles" DeMarre Carroll, and the similarities don't end there. Heavily recruited by such schools as West Virginia and Marquette, Brown's play off the bench thus far has been outstanding. He's added a spark at crucial times (including key plays in Vandy's 14-4 run against Georgia Tech), and his style of play bears an eerie resemblance to that of DeMarre Carroll, whose transfer from Vanderbilt to Missouri--where he now plays for his uncle--was a huge blow to this team.

Last year, DeMarre averaged 29.1 minutes, 10.8 points, and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Dores.

As a freshman, he averaged 15.6 min, 4.0 points, and 3.8 rpg off the bench.

Move over, Mr. Carroll. As a freshman, JeJuan Brown is averaging 18.1 minutes, 5.9 points, and 4.1 rebounds per game so far (on 57% shooting, compared to DeMarre's 50% as a freshman). The numbers are similar, but what's got everyone in Commodore Nation excited is the way JeJuan plays the game. Hustle, hustle, hustle, play tough defense, and do all the little things. That's exactly what DeMarre Carroll brought to Vanderbilt, but his departure (regrettable as it may be) has made room for another promising young player to bring those same intangibles to the program.

It may be too early to make sweeping judgments or predictions about his future, but so far JeJuan Brown appears to be exactly the kind of player the Commodores need.

3 comments:

Bobby O'Shea said...

JeJuan Brown's play has been very impressive as the season has progressed. Brown is playing quality minutes and having an impact. As Shamas points out, JeJuan's stats certainly don't tell the whole story as so much of what he does on the floor don't show up in a box score. The intangibles he brings the Commies on both sides of the ball is desperately needed with DeMarre's departure.

When thinking about this, I would like to see Nelter and Brown on the floor together more often. Vanderbilt is not a big team, and even when our centers are healthy, you can't tell me we wouldn't be better off with Ross and JeJuan either alternating manning up on the opposition's big man or being part of a 2-3 Zone configuration, then we would be either either Metcalfe or Skuchas. Ross and JeJuan, combined Shan, Derek, and either Gordon or Dolla Beals is a very athletic line-up. Despite the size you might be giving up at the PG and in the middle, overall, that line-up can be as big as the play, especially if they can get pressure at the top.

Anonymous said...

DeMarre's transfer had me terrified, but seeing JeJuan's play as of late makes me forget all about him!

Nick Johnson said...

Great sites fellas. You are on to big things! Go Dores and Roll Tide!!