The process of replacing the leadership and reliability of Jermaine Beal at point guard was one of the most important offseason tasks for Vanderbilt. After splitting time at point guard and shooting guard last season, junior Brad Tinsley steps into the void left by first-team all SEC selection Beal to become the starter.
Tinsley averaged 11.0 points per game in and was one of the team’s most reliable free throw shooters. He will be spelled by highly-touted freshman Kyle Fuller, who has generated a lot of excitement in the preseason and looks to be a key piece in the program’s bright future. Tinsley and Fuller’s collective ability to hold onto the ball and direct the offense comfortably will determine exactly how much Beal is missed when the season gets underway.
2009-10: 26.0 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 2.8 APG, 40.5% FG, 29.5% 3PT, 86.3% FT
Sank all 8 free throws as part of a 13-point, 6-rebound performance in win at Arkansas
Q&A with junior point guard Brad Tinsley:
How have you been adjusting to your increased role at point guard?
“I’m excited about it because I’ve played point guard my whole life. Playing off the ball was definitely a good experience for me, but I’m ready to take over that role.”
What’s the leadership dynamic like on this team, having such a large junior class?
“I think a big key to that is experience. A lot of times you can lead better with experience. Our leadership has definitely taken a turn for the better on this team, and it’s good to be a good leader for all these young guys coming in as well.”
What have you seen from freshman point guard Kyle Fuller so far?
“He’s going to be a great player. He’s almost the exact opposite of me: really fast, really athletic, really quick, can handle the ball. He’s a really good point guard. He’ll play a huge role for us this year.”
How does the strength of this team at guard help focus its plans on offense?
“I think our perimeter game has to be really solid this year for us to be successful. But going along with that, our post play has to be important too. Our big guys also have to play a key role with us, and even though they’re not as experienced as some of the other guys, I think they’re ready to step in.”
What aspect of this team that you think nobody is talking about right now are you most excited about?
“I think one of our main identities we like to hang our hat on is our hard work and work ethic. I think in the offseason and now in practice we work extremely hard, both individually and as a group. I think that’s going to pay dividends down the road.”
