Taylor Withdraws and Glover Dismissed From Team

Given that I didn't want to comment on it until all the facts were presented and I just wanted to see how it would play out, I didn't write about the incident involving Diamond Taylor and Jeremy Glover before. As of today, Taylor has withdrawn from school all together, avoiding judgment from the Student-Athlete Discipline Committee. Glover has not withdrawn from school, but was dismissed from the team by the aforementioned committee. Despite their deplorable actions, I wish both guys the best, hopefully they bounce back and get a second chance.

Basketball wise, this isn't a good thing for the team. Neither players were expected to contribute this season, but they would provide great players on the practice squad for the regular rotation. It is hurtful next season. It puts depth at guard currently at dire straits. If UW can't pick up Gasser or Blue, that gives the team only 1 true scholarship guard. Jordan Taylor would run the point, but the 2 guard and back-ups would consist of Rob Wilson, Ryan Evans, and Tim Jarmusz. At this point, I don't think Evans or Jarmusz are capable of playing a lot of minutes at the 2, and there just isn't a back-up PG. The glass-half full side of this story is that Gasser will probably be offered a full scholarship sometime this week and if Vander Blue wants a lot of playing time right off the bat, it's his for the taking for sure.

Warning!!! Cliche Title: A Diamond in the Rough

The other player joining Wisconsin's roster in the fall (he's actually arriving in Madison right after graduating to get a head start) is 6'4" 175 pound SG Diamond Taylor. Diamond is a very capable scorer and outside shooter, but is known even more so for his defense. His biggest weakness according to many scouts is his strength, but over the past year, he has bulked up by 25 pounds, and it shows if you compare a picture of him as a junior and one from this season. With his scoring ability, Diamond brings something that many have been clamoring for... another player consistently capable of driving and creating off the dribble. At 6'4", he's likely to play the 2 spot for most of his career, however, Bo has said he is versatile enough to play the 1 and the 3 also. The only question is, like with Bruiser, can he crack the rotation? My guess is no, since the depth of this upcoming team is in the backcourt. Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised and he's too good to keep off the court. But I just can't imagine a Bo Ryan team going 11 deep. It would be nice though... maybe then that press would be implemented, just kidding.





Diamond's Senior Season Approximate Statistics
16 PPG
5 RPG
4 APG
48% FG
39% 3PT
74% FT

Links
Scout Profile
Rivals Profile
ESPN Profile
Recruiting Planet Thread