How good is Goodwyn? - SPORTING CHANCE by Joaquin M. Henson

The word is early bird Tanduay import Ceedric Goodwyn is awesome in offense but lacks the killer’s instinct in rebounding and defense.

The jury is still out on Goodwyn. Rhum Masters coach Derick Pumaren continues to monitor his progress at practice. So far, Tanduay has beaten Mobiline and lost to Red Bull in scrimmages. Goodwyn hasn’t done badly — which is why he hasn’t packed his bags and left for home.

But if Pumaren finds a more talented replacement, chances are it will be goodbye, Goodwyn.

Tanduay star Eric Menk said Goodwyn’s offense is excellent, he jumps high, and he’s athletic. There are concerns about whether he’ll be tough under the boards and if he’ll be able to body up against the likes of David Wood, Ansu Sesay, Antonio Lang, and John Best. To stick, Goodwyn just has to show he’s got what it takes to be a force in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Second Conference starting June 3.

Goodwyn planed in last April 4. Los Angeles-based import recruiter Mike Gonzalez described the 6-8, 235-pounder as "an athletic forward equally capable of playing the post or the perimeter, an outstanding shooter and scorer with the quickness to get to the basket, a high-energy player who goes all-out in both offense and defense, and a great ballhandler with the ability to set up teammates."

From Gonzalez’ description, Goodwyn is a do-it-all type. Gonzalez said he has the ability to defend against players in all five positions. He referred to Goodwyn as a point forward — a position popularized in the National Basketball Association (NBA) by Paul Pressey some years back and immortalized by Scottie Pippen.

Goodwyn, 25, prepped at Lubbock Coronado High School and played at Midland Community College in Texas in 1996-97. He averaged 19.1 points and 4.7 rebounds at Midland then enrolled at Colorado State but didn’t qualify to play for the Rams varsity in 1997-98. Instead of jumping to a school in a lower division, Goodwyn stuck it out at Colorado State and after redshirting, made his debut in 1998-99 under coach Ritchie McKay.

The scouting report on Goodwyn prior to playing for Colorado State was positive from writer Andy Katz who said he was "an impact player, can score in the low block, has some slashing moves to the basket, and should thrive in McKay’s uptempo system."

In his first season as a Ram, Goodwyn averaged 14 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 blocked shots. He hit 43 percent from three-point range and 72.4 percent from the line. Colorado State posted a 19-11 mark and played up to the third round in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), an alternative postseason to the NCAA playoffs.

Goodwyn clearly made his presence felt in offense. He scored at least 20 points in four games and led the Rams in scoring in seven. Goodwyn paced the varsity in rebounding in nine outings.

"He’s as good offensively as any player in the league," said McKay. "He’s extended his range and gotten stronger and more physical. He’s someone who can be our go-to player down the stretch. The best thing about him is he’s unselfish."

In his second and last year at Colorado State in 1999-2000, Goodwyn hit at a 17.8 clip and grabbed 4.5 rebounds a game. He buried 37-of-88 treys for a respectable 42 percent clip. The Rams registered an 18-12 mark. When Goodwyn left the varsity, so did McKay who jumped to Oregon State and was replaced by Dale Layer.

Without pro experience, Goodwyn might be competing over his head in the PBA. But he’s young, eager and enthusiastic.

Goodwyn might be more useful to Tanduay as a center. Pumaren badly needs to shore up his middle corps. Chris Cantonjos is coming off knee surgery and may not be able to play 100 percent. Zaldy Realubit and Bonel Balingit are the other regulars at the slot. If Goodwyn plays the three spot, he’ll displace Bong Hawkins. And if he plays the four spot, he’ll take minutes from Noli Locsin.

Pumaren’s consolation is Goodwyn seems to be versatile. Depending on the matchups, Goodwyn could play center or power forward or the wings.

It remains to be seen whether Goodwyn is good enough to stick in Pumaren’s roster.