AJ Lopez - Transfer Commit - 1 year of eligibility

[Section9_RowD]

In the words of SpiderDad a big guard at 6'5. I remember him some from the Maine game where he spent his freshman through junior seasons. Shot 88% FT and 40% from 3 realizing the American East conference is a pretty low level conference ..

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4897192/aj-lopez

 

[RichmondNative]

I feel that Lopez will be on the court and will contribute as he did play well against three A10 teams last season. Granted all 3 were in the bottom half of the league.

 

[*23*]

My biggest question is whether he plays essentially as the "other guard" next to Johnston or Tyne, or does he play as a "wing forward". I know I know, we are in the era of positionless basketball - but - not to start the debate again - we need guys who can guard a wing forwad on the floor. As noted in another thread, my preference is that he is in the "guard" rotation - and Bryson steps in at the 3. That would give us pretty good size at the 2/3 spots.

 

[*23*]

post some highlights that previously posted on reddit board:

A lot to like about this guy. One thing I found funny - we know he put up good numbers vs Richmond, but had season high in 3 point attempts and makes vs us. boy our D was bad last season. Hoping it improves this season.

Watched some other highlights and one thing I really like is he has a signature mid range move. Its a bit unorthodox where he drives in the lane and then takes a couple steps back and seems to be automatic on a 10 to 12 footer. I know mid range is a bad word now, but it seemed/seems to work well for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Michael Jordan, Kawhi Leonard, Curtis Blair, Kenny Atkinson, Lamont Butler, etc. It's atypical now and harder to guard.
Looking at his stats from last season at Maine, in addition to good games against the A10 teams, he also excelled vs. Vermont, Umass-Lowell and Bryant - which were all pretty good teams last season I believe.

Thinking he will be day one starter at the wing - and also hoping he is in the back court a lot too.