2006 Vanderbilt Commodores Basketball Preview

2006 Vanderbilt Commodores Basketball Predictions

The question is can a team that has one of the best backcourts in the conference but very little upfront, like the Commodores, be competitive? The general answer is, “Yes, to a degree.”

Vandy possesses two of the finest guards in the SEC—senior Derrick Byars (12.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 48.3 FG%, 71.6 FT%), a versatile force, and junior Shan Foster (15.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 44.8 FG%, 94.1 FT%), a fantastic outside point maker. If Byars can show as much consistency on offense as he does defense and if Foster can drive inside more, you’ll see these guys’ point totals explode. Junior Alex Gordon (5.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 37.9 FG%, 73.6 FT%) and freshman Jermaine Beal will compete for playing time.

With players transferring out and injury problems, the frontcourt looks thin. Junior transfer Ross Nelter (2.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG) will play power. Formerly a backup with LSU, he’s tough inside and possesses good skills. Alan Metcalfe (2.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 40.0 FG%, 90.0 FT%), a junior, will be asked to contribute and may start. Foster or Byars could swing into the forward position. Look for senior center Ted Skuchas (3.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 50.8 FG%, 67.6 FT%) and freshman JeJuan Brown to play roles upfront too.

Kevin Stallings (17- 13 overall and 7- 9 SEC; 122- 96 in 7 years at Vandy) has only gotten his team to the Big Dance once in seven years. Many times, the Commodores have been close. He has two top scorers and three starters returning. The question is in the highly competitive SEC, after this season will Stallings be returning to Vanderbilt? A NCAA Tournament appearance would help assure Stallings’ return.

The NIT looks like a possibility for this team, but that won’t satisfy fans or school officials. In a league that has some dominant big men upfront, the Commodores are at a big disadvantage. In the SEC, Vandy was ninth in rebounding margin, 11th in blocked shots, and dead last in rebounding offense. And there’s no help to be seen.

If you want more info on the 2006 Vanderbilt Commodores College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Kentucky Wildcats and Georgia Bulldogs.