“I don't want to be a point guard, or a two-guard, I want people to think of me as "creative", I just want to create on the court.” - “The Answer," b.k.a. “Bubba Chuck.”
The point guard, or the floor general, is essential to a team's success. A great point guard controls the pace of the game and the emotional swings of his team. Great point guards have mastered the art of communication. In a limited period of time, they can relay a message with very few words. They read emotions and react. They utilize dead ball situations and timeouts to seek tutelage and make adjustments. As they go, so shall the team .
Below is an article within our feature series titled, "The Floor General." During the series we will link with countless point guards to pick their brains and see what makes today's point guard tick. Next up is Oak Hill and Team Final point guard Lynn Greer. --By Christian Mordi @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop: Let’s talk the art of the pick and roll. What are your reads coming off the pick, is it based on how the defender reacts to it?
Lynn Greer: The most important thing is to come off the pick and roll as tight and as hard as possible off of the screeners shoulder. From there, it’s about evaluating how the defender reacts. Knowing when to go downhill, when to fan out or when to reject the screen and change direction are key to success.
TheDribbleDrop: Most coaches desire a floor general that plays both sides of the floor. As a point guard, what do you feel your primary job is to do defensively?
Lynn Greer: It’s important to remain focused on every defensive possession. My job is to stay in front of my man and not allow straight line drives and paint touches.
TheDribbleDrop: Everyone uses the words “pace and tempo” when discussing their point guard. What do you think is the ideal “pace” to play at for today’s young player?
Lynn Greer: I think a good guard has to know how to do both and when to change gears. You have to know your teammates and be able to read the defender in front of you. If you feel your teammates may be tired you have to slow the game down.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me the best piece of advice you got from a coach, fellow teammate or an older player that plays the point guard spot that pushed your game to another level.
Lynn Greer: To always play as hard as you can because you never know who is watching and evaluating your game.
TheDribbleDrop: Playing point guard often comes with a bit of sacrifice offensively in regards to shots, but what happens when you are the best player on your team and they rely on your scoring? How do you provide that balance?
Lynn Greer: It depends on the opponent. You have to be able to evaluate the level of competition you're going up against. Understanding your teams' makeup will determine how you move. Against a team like Team Takeover, you may want to pick and choose your spots early. Let your teammates feel the game a bit. If your teammates come out and knockdown shots, you will all be a lot more confident as the game goes on.
Against a team that may not be as solid, I think it’s important that the leader assert themselves early to set the tone on how they want the game to be played.
TheDribbleDrop: In order to be a floor general, people have to want to follow you. If I’m a coach recruiting you and the star center is there listening, what would you say to sell yourself as a leader and a good teammate.
Lynn Greer: I would say that I’m going to play the right way. I’m going to do everything I can to get my teammates involved and score when I need to.