“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 Nike Lady Pro Skills guard Sarah Andrews. ESPN has the crafty point guard ranked 4th overall in the class of 2020. --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? What is the best piece of advice you got from a coach or trainer to become more effective pick and roll situations?
Sarah Andrews: Well I start by coming off the pick sharp and low. It’s important to scan the floor and take the proper steps to force a switch or confusion. If I can drag the big onto me, I like to use a hesistation to freeze her and then attack. You just have to read and react.
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?
Sarah Andrews: I think today’s player prefers to play fast. As you get older the speed of the game gets faster, especially when you play on a level like the EYBL when players are so skilled. We are all here to showcase our skills in the full court and half court
TheDribbleDrop: What is the best piece of advice you got from a coach, fellow teammate or older player about the point guard spot that pushed your game to another level?
Sarah Andrews: Attack the defenders hip as hard a possible. Know how to use moves to get your defender out of their stance and attack when they are out of position.
Another great piece of advice or kind words I got from my coaches were really words of confidence. That no one can guard me. They always told me that when I’m attacking the rim that I am a different person.
TheDribbleDrop: We all know that being the point guard comes with a bit of sacrifice, but what happens when you are the best player on your team and they rely on your scoring? How do you provide that balance? Do you set them early and you finish or you go early and force them to adapt and play off your reads?
Sarah Andrews: I have noticed when I get in the mode of just setting people up that defenses will just see you as a passer and it makes it harder to set people up. I learned that you have to show people that you can score at any moment. Keeping them honest and showing them you will do both makes you more explosive.
Image by ProspectsNation.com
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?
Sarah Andrews: I would say this “Are you trying to go win a championship?”
TheDribbleDrop: Name your top five point guards in the league right now.
Sarah Andrews: Kyrie Irving is who I watch the most for sure. I like Russell Westbrook, Odyssey Sims. I go to the same high school she went to.
TheDribbleDrop:The NBA has has an explosion over the past couple of years with combo guard or hybrid point guards.Do you think that is where the game will be in the next couple of years? More of the Chris Paul type or Russell Westbrook type of player?
Sarah Andrews: I think we are going more pick and roll in today’s game. I see a lot of pick and roll on this level and I feel like a lot of plays just come back to the pick and roll option late in plays. I wouldn’t say more of a build of player, just a style of play.