Bradleyfans Offseason thoughts: ZACH ANDREWS

[MikeCash]

I am hoping to go through the entire roster and give each player his own thread at some point throughout this offseason. I would love to get everyone's thoughts, projections, predictions for the '06-'07 Braves.

Did Andrews overachieve or underachieve in '05-'06? What were the expectations for him? How were his numbers compared to what they needed from him? Do we think he'll start next year whether O'Bryant is back or not? I know a lot of people thought he great as the first big off the bench. And his free throws...no hope for improvement there? Discuss...

[BradleyBrave]

I don't think Zach underachieved at all. I think he gave us just what we needed - some added depth to the front line. He was everything advertised - contagious energy, active hands, tenacious rebounder, amazing athlete. Anyone who expected him to do any scoring didn't read their scouting report.

Moving forward, I would like to see Zach work tirelessly on his defensive fundamentals. I know people would like to see him develop some more offense (and I would too), but his man-to-man defensive principles are pretty bad for someone as athletic and strong as him. Zach has the talent and athleticism to become an all-conference defensive player IMO, but it will take a lot of work this summer with the staff. The odds are very good that he could be our starting center next year. If that's the case, he needs to become a much better defender in the low block.

The development of a drop step or baby hook accompanied by some better FT shooting wouldn't hurt either.

[thefish7]

I don't think Zach underachieved at all. I think he gave us just what we needed - some added depth to the front line. He was everything advertised - contagious energy, active hands, tenacious rebounder, amazing athlete. Anyone who expected him to do any scoring didn't read their scouting report.

Moving forward, I would like to see Zach work tirelessly on his defensive fundamentals. I know people would like to see him develop some more offense (and I would too), but his man-to-man defensive principles are pretty bad for someone as athletic and strong as him. Zach has the talent and athleticism to become an all-conference defensive player IMO, but it will take a lot of work this summer with the staff. The odds are very good that he could be our starting center next year. If that's the case, he needs to become a much better defender in the low block.

The development of a drop step or baby hook accompanied by some better FT shooting wouldn't hurt either.

I don't have much to say beyond what BradleyBrave has said already. I agree that his defense was not as good as it should be for someone with his athleticism. I really hope POB's coming back so that Zach can play at a more natural PF position. He seems to have potential to be quite an inside offensive player. I agree he needs to develop a couple of post tools to accentuate that potential.

[MikeCash]

What is Andrews' range projected to be? Can he hit the 8-10 footer? Offensively will he be counted on for anything more than shots at the rim and putbacks?

[Big Mike]

IMO ZA would make a better 4 than a 5...........he just is not big enough to handle the center position full time.....what's he weigh........215-220.........just not heavy enough.......but at the 4 as a power forward his game gets a lot better !
In a perfect world.........Big Pappy graces the CC floor for one more year and Big Sam heals up to become the back-up center giving XC some time to grow!