Javes' speed being counted on in post for UALR

BURN THE HORSE
It is safe to say that UALR will be counting on sophomore Michael Javes in the post.
Michael Javes
Javes, 6-10 from Cali, Columbia, started 23 of 30 games last year, averaging 5.0 points and 4.2 rebounds. He shot 38.8 percent from the field and 54 percent from the free throw line, both of which he should be able to improve on.
What we saw from Javes in the open practice on Oct. 12 was more strength and improved post moves. But the coaching staff is looking for improvement in another area.
“Michael Javes heads into his sophomore season in the best shape he has been in since he got here,” UALR Coach Steve Shields said. “Now it is up to us to utilize his strengths, and one of those is his ability to run the floor. Mike has good speed for a post player and that can open up the floor for our guards.”
To prepare Javes, the coaching staff has shown him video of former UALR post players Darius Eason and Jamal Holden. Both were exceptional at getting out ahead of the ball on the break.
With Will Neighbour and Gus Leeper out for last Friday’s closed scrimmage against Stephen F. Austin, Javes is getting plenty of extra work.
 “What we have to work on is getting him into the habit of consistently running, which opens up space for our point guards. Every player and every team in the country says they want to run, but it is something that is difficult to do from a conditioning and mental standpoint,” Shields said. “I think it is an important part of the game, because you have to try and get some easy baskets in transition to have some success. You can’t expect your guys to just play against a set five every time down the floor.”


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