ORDore

As much money as I put into their organization (3 happy-meal loving kids), they should give me a vote! I don't think you're out of line at all. The 25% comment (hyperbole, I know) was the only thing that caught my eye. I don't have any expectation that he's going to come in and score 25 a game as a freshman - but I do think he can be an immediate contributor, and eventually a great SEC basketball player. And, frankly, he's joining an extremely talented (albeit young) group of players - having guys like Taylor, Ogilvy, Tinsley, and Beal around him should give him the opportunity to excel sooner than later. It's worth noting that he also lit up some major summer leagues last year, and was identified at the time by several publications as the best shooter in his class.

According to ESPN, 42.5 ppg, 62% field goals, 48% three pointers. Not half bad. As a Vandy fan, I couldn't be more thrilled about Jenkins. I hope Prather decides to join him. Nice that he got some face time last night. He should by all logical measures be a McDonalds All American tonight ... but, logical measures don't apply with those folks. Hope I'm proven wrong.

Hey CoachT-ers ... I'm sure many of you have heard that Derrick Byars (6'7 G/F from Memphis Ridgeway) has decided to transfer to Vanderbilt. I, for one, was disappointed when he chose Virginia way back when - and am excited that he'll don the Black and Gold starting in '05/'06. My questions to you: How do you see him fitting in at VU? How does he compare to Florida recruit Corey Brewer? What are his strengths/weaknesses? Byars joins the following Tennessean Commodores: Senior 6'6 Jason Holwerda, Chattanooga (Chatt. Christian) Junior 5'11 Mario Moore, Nashville (Antioch) Junior 6'9 Julian Terrell, Nashville (Ezell-Harding) Junior 6'7 LaBraun Andrews, Memphis (Overton), Walk-on RS Junior 6'7 Derrick Byars, Memphis (Ridgeway) Byars' primary competition for playing time at the 3 spot during his junior season looks to be incoming freshman DeMarre' Carroll from Birmingham (John Carroll HS). Carroll is about the same height as Derrick, though thinner and not as developed offensively. Many think Carroll has the most long-term upside of the incoming freshmen. I, personally, think we'll see a lot of the following lineup in '05/'06 on the court --- Mario Moore, 6'6 Shan Foster (Louisiana), Derrick Byars, DeMarre' Carroll, and Julian Terrell. And, I can safely say that if they ever appeared on the court together, that would be the single most talented and athletic group of Commodores to play together ... EVER. Cheers - stop by VandySports.com and tell us more, if you're so inclined. ps. J.P. Prince - if you're out there - Vandy would be a GREAT fit!!!

This is a Tennessee High School Sports site, and I posted an update on three former Tennessee High School athletes. If one is not interested, one can simply read the title of the thread and ignore it.

Just thought I'd give an update on the goings on in Nashville, for those who may be interested. Vanderbilt continued its fine start, moving to 10-0 with a 85-59 point win over Lehigh last night. Julian Terrell (Ezell-Harding) poured in 14 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes, Mario Moore (Antioch) had 7 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, and Jason Holwerda (Chattanooga Christian) had 4 points and 4 boards. Holwerda also gained the distinction of being the only Commodore to have fouled out of a game this season. Vanderbilt plays at TCU on Saturday night, before hosting Auburn in the SEC opener next Wednesday. Look for all three former Tennessee high schoolers to continue their roles as starters for the Commodores. Here are their stats so far: Julian Terrell, 6'9 sophomore Center 9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game. Terrell leads Vanderbilt in rebounding and blocked shots, and is second in field goal percentage at 60.7%. Mario Moore, 5'11 sophomore Point Guard 9.4 points, 4.4 assists per game. Moore leads Vanderbilt in assists and three pointers made, and has a solid 1.76 assist-to-turnover ratio on the season. Jason Holwerda, 6'6 junior Shooting Guard 5.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game. Holwerda leads Vanderbilt in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.4), steals (1.1), and is third in field goal percentage (56.8%).

Commodores win, 73-60. Jason Holwerda did an amazing job defensively on Bracey Wright, and added 5 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 0 turnovers to boot. Mario Moore scored 8 and dished 4, while Julian Terrell spent much of his time in the bench in foul trouble. Watch for JT to have a breakout game soon, very soon ... VU Website

Y'all tune in at 7:00 tonight, to Fox SportsSouth, to see the Commodores take on Indiana. Jason Holwerda (Chattanooga Christian), Mario Moore (Antioch, Nashville), and Julian Terrell (Ezell-Harding, Nashville), are all slated to start for the Commodores. If you're in the Nashville area, be sure to head over to Memorial Gym to catch what should be a great early-season matchup! There are tickets available through the Athletic Department, as the students are on Thanksgiving Break. Game Preview

Mario Moore (Antioch HS, Nashville) had 19 points, including 3/6 from the outside, and 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a blocked shot (no turnovers or fouls) in Vanderbilt's preseason victory over Northern State. Teammate Julian Terrell (Ezell-Harding HS, Nashville) added 4 points and 10 boards, in a starting role. Both of these players look to be starters and major contributors for the Commodores this year. Also in the starting lineup was Jason Holwerda (Chattanooga Christian HS, Chattanooga), who only scored four points. Holwerda is in a tight battle for playing time with up and coming sophomore guard Adam Payton, who poured in 10 points on 4/4 shooting. Holwerda's timidity to shoot may cost him playing time, even though he is one of the most talented players on the team. Vanderbilt plays another exhibition game on Monday night, then opens their regular season on November 21 by visiting cross-town rival Belmont. I expect that all three of these Tennessee natives will be in the starting lineup that day. Game Story