Landon Tatum calling

It's critical for a coach to have a point who not only can perform in the role but embraces it.

Ladies and gentleman, meet Idaho's Landon Tatum.

Tatum may not be that well known but he's a captain this season and sported a 2.20 assist-to-turnover ratio (97-44) while leading the Vandals in assists in 2010-11. He enjoyed five games in which he notched at least five assists combined with zero turnovers.

In 23 minutes a game, Tatum shot 42% in WAC play overall, 50% from long distance (just 1-2) and 65% at the free throw line. He was fourth but almost second on the team in free throws attempted during conference competition.

At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Tatum's a power point (no pun intended). This is his third year with the Vandals as he redshirted his first season after transferring in from a Texas junior college.

As with every player, Tatum brings strengths and weaknesses.

He will run the offense as drawn up and is hard to knock off the ball due to his size/strength ratio. Opposing coaches will draw up defensive plans determined to limit Tatum's dribble-drives while attempting to force him to shoot from outside. Let's see how he responds.

Tatum may or may not have some degree of long distance shooting prowess but a 65% success rate at the foul line doesn't indicate such. The latter figure is also a concern if the ball is to be in his hands during the late stages of games, especially close ones, so watch to see how he finishes out the first five or so games.

Also check on how Tatum and 6-foot-10 Kyle Barone work together since the latter should be the Vandal with the most shot attempts this coming season.