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For starters, Bucks' lineup isn't set
Posted by: gwoelfel on October 22, 2008 at 9:06PM CST

BY GERY WOELFEL

ST. FRANCIS — When the Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly traded Yi Jianlian to the New Jersey Nets in June, it was assumed Charlie Villanueva would inherit the starting power forward position.

And that seemingly is the case. Villanueva has started all six of the Bucks’ preseason games and has acquitted himself well, especially on offense. Villanueva is averaging a team-high 14.6 points.

But Villanueva hasn’t been nearly as proficient defensively and that’s why it’s not a lock he’ll be in the Bucks’ starting lineup for their regular-season opener against the Bulls Tuesday night in Chicago.

Bucks coach Scott Skiles, whose team is 1-5 in the preseason, acknowledged he wants more of a defensive presence out of Villanueva, or someone else.

"At the four spot ... we’re not getting any defense in that spot and that’s hurting us in the games,’’ Skiles said. "Everybody knows Charlie is a quality scorer. There’s no question about that.

"But we also need defense there. We need defense at every spot on the floor. Our defensive numbers are horrible.

"I’m not singling him out, but he needs to pick it up on that end and the rebounding aspect of it, too.’’

Villanueva is averaging 4.0 rebounds in 20.8 minutes a game during the preseason. His backup and chief competitor for the starting spot, Malik Allen, is averaging 3.0 rebounds in 14.8 minutes.

While Allen doesn‘t possess Villanueva’s skill level, he has two things working in his favor: 1) He’s a proven veteran, having started 119 games during his seven-year pro career, including six in the playoffs, and 2) He’s got a firm grasp of Skiles’ system, having played for the latter from 2005-2007.

In that span with the Bulls, Allen played 114 games and started 25 of them.

Allen claims his admiration for Skiles is the principal reason he’s with the Bucks. The 30-year-old Allen was a free agent over the summer and opted to sign with the Bucks instead of New Orleans and Orlando, two teams that could go deep into the playoffs.

What’s more, Allen said he took less money — $1.3 million this season and a player option of $1.3 million for next season — to sign with the Bucks and play for Skiles.

"I know Scott and I think he’s a great coach,’’ said Allen, who aspires to be a coach himself after his playing days are over. "I was familiar with his system and his philosophy.

"He’s what drew me here.’’

And he admits so was the prospect of starting. Unlike Miami or New Orleans, where his chances of starting were virtually non-existent, he has a decent chance to start with the Bucks.

"I would love to start,’’ Allen said. "The guys at my position are very talented. Not to take anything away from them, but it’s about what makes our team the best team.

"Right now, we’re still growing as a team. We’re still learning about each other and learning who plays best with each other.’’

And who plays the best defense.

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(11) Comments
Posted by: Hey der how bout dem Packers! on October 23, 2008 10:18AM CST
Gery - as you so appropriately stated on a previous column about your beloved Bucks....NOBODY ASKED....and if I could add, NOBODY CARES!

Suggestions on what we could be reading about:
The World Series. The Green Bay Packers. Farve's foolishness. Horlick and Park football being ranked in the top 10 in the state. The decline of Badger football. The Brewer's search for a new manager.

But no, we get Bucks news from you.

Some things will never change, huh?

Posted by: Golfordie on October 23, 2008 12:51PM CST
True. Those Internet electrons could have been used for, shall we say, more interesting subjects. Examples include dem Packers' suggestions, along with how to clean out belly button lint.

Posted by: pklewis on October 26, 2008 12:17AM CST
So watching Jamie Moyer got me looking into longevity in professional baseball. I found something interesting: the entire history of professional baseball can be contained in the careers of 5 players-
Cap Anson (1871-1897)
Nick Altrock (1898-1933)
Satchel Paige (1926-1965)
Nolan Ryan (1966-1993)
Alex Rodriquez (1994-Present, Under Contract Until 2016).
Now, these guys did not all play every season, and some were in the minors or negroe leagues, but from debut to final professional game, their careers encompass every season of baseball.

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