Cyphers Working on Shooting Role
The Utes are holding their final mini-practice session today taking time off for fall break next week, in advance of the official start of practice Oct. 17.
And so far, freshman guard Jordan Cyphers seems to be doing pretty well.
"It's day by day," he said, "because it's a lot to learn. Back in high school, I didn't have that many sets and here we have a hundred-something sets, so it's a lot to learn. I'll get it, though."
Coach Jim Boylen certainly expects he will.
The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter figures to play primarily shooting guard, and could wind up in a role similar to former guard Johnnie Bryant, who was called upon mostly to score from outside off the bench last season. Cyphers averaged 22 points last season and was a second-team all-state player after leading Southeast High School in Wichita to the Class 6A championship in Kansas.
"We're trying to get him to understand where his shots are going to come from," Boylen said. "He can really shoot the ball."
Cyphers could be a crucial part of the Utes' effort to replace the nearly three three-pointers per game that Bryant made last season. Guards Tyler Kepkay, Lawrence Borha and forward Shaun Green "hopefully can each make one more," Boylen said. "And if Cyphers can make another one, great. ... I'll take what I can get from him. I don't know how it's going to work out, but I want him to understand why he's here. He's here to make shots, and then get better at the other things."
With that in mind, Cyphers seems like the freshman most likely to have a big impact this season. Center Jason Washburn is a highly regarded prospect, but he's still thin and playing behind senior Luke Nevill, while guard Chris Hines has been battling injury and fellow guard Jace Tavita might not be academically eligible.
"Basically, I'm here to do whatever the team needs," Cyphers said.
And so far, freshman guard Jordan Cyphers seems to be doing pretty well.
"It's day by day," he said, "because it's a lot to learn. Back in high school, I didn't have that many sets and here we have a hundred-something sets, so it's a lot to learn. I'll get it, though."
Coach Jim Boylen certainly expects he will.
The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter figures to play primarily shooting guard, and could wind up in a role similar to former guard Johnnie Bryant, who was called upon mostly to score from outside off the bench last season. Cyphers averaged 22 points last season and was a second-team all-state player after leading Southeast High School in Wichita to the Class 6A championship in Kansas.
"We're trying to get him to understand where his shots are going to come from," Boylen said. "He can really shoot the ball."
Cyphers could be a crucial part of the Utes' effort to replace the nearly three three-pointers per game that Bryant made last season. Guards Tyler Kepkay, Lawrence Borha and forward Shaun Green "hopefully can each make one more," Boylen said. "And if Cyphers can make another one, great. ... I'll take what I can get from him. I don't know how it's going to work out, but I want him to understand why he's here. He's here to make shots, and then get better at the other things."
With that in mind, Cyphers seems like the freshman most likely to have a big impact this season. Center Jason Washburn is a highly regarded prospect, but he's still thin and playing behind senior Luke Nevill, while guard Chris Hines has been battling injury and fellow guard Jace Tavita might not be academically eligible.
"Basically, I'm here to do whatever the team needs," Cyphers said.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 11:24 AM |
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