Hoops

Should the Blaze keep Vanderjagt?

Adam Gibson made it a clean sweep last night at the Blaze end of season dinner winning the 3 major awards. Gibbo won the MVP, Best Defensive Player and also the Members Award.

Mika Vukona won the coaches award.

Announcements will be made at 325pm on a Monday

I alwasy felt that vandy played his best games when he was the only option.

When Joyce was the coach and our other bigs were injured he always seemed to step up.

This year his best game was when Pero was out and before we had Bradshaw, played a cracker.
Then when Bradshaw arrived he seemed to really struggle - even with the simple things such as finished open shots in the paint.

Possibly one of those guys who thrives when he feels those around him really suport him and help him to be confident in his ability. But when he feels the coach isnt 100% convinced he can play well his own confidence plummets and he becomes ineffective.

He is a great team man, works as hard as anyone and will always give 100%, with the right mentoring I still see him as having a very big upside.

Guys, what a difference 12 months makes.

I haven't gone back to revisit old threads but, from memory, it was about this time last year that almost all of us were singing his praises.

With only limited chances due to the stupid NBL replacement rule, he was seen by most as a definite 'keeper' from the 08/09 Blaze roster.

I'm not enough of an expert to know any better but did his game suit Joyce's coaching style rather than Joey's? Or perhaps it was a case of being more desperate in uncertain times back in 08/09, rather than the 'sure thing' he had as part of this season's squad.

If it doesn't affect the import situation the Blaze may be looking at next year, I'd definitely keep him. Also, I know there's not much sentiment left in the game these days but I think he deserves one more shot with the team after what he went through last season.

I'd also be very crapped off if he was released, and then won MIP player next season with another club.

BTW if you haven't seen it the 'Vanderjagt' motivational style picture on OzHoops is a classic.

I'm not sure if any final decisions have actually been made - just giving my opinion on what might happen.

Hard to imagine that anyone will be cut or told they arnt wanted before Saturday night presentation dinner anyway so I guess youll just have to wait and see ;)

I would definately keep him on the coast if it were my call, but I believe he wont be coming back.

IMO he is a very capable back up who has a lot of development left in him. A team like the Sixers would be mad not to snap him up if avialable.

I think Vanderjagt at the right price and points would be a very good back up C, i reckon an upgrade on Cooper and is alot younger.