Roy Checks In On VA Forward Isaiah Todd

RICHMOND, VA – Rivalry games tend to bring out the best efforts in individuals in any team sport. The extra emotion and motivation generally make for very exciting games.

George Wythe High School in the southside of Richmond is a rival school for John Marshall High on the northern side of the city.

Tar Heel Illustrated made the 25-minute drive to see the game on Wednesday night. As we walked in, we saw two gentleman about 20-feet ahead of us. It was Roy Williams and Hubert Davis.

Williams and his trusted assistant coach were there to see the same thing I was. And that was to see the nationally coveted freshman, Isaiah Todd from John Marshall.

As we walked into the gymnasium at George Wythe, the bleachers were completely full. Both sides. The baselines were also pretty crowded as the capacity filled just about every spot that a fan could sit or stand.

Williams and Davis found a seat along the front row where several in the crowd immediately recognized them. Hands were shaken. Smiles were exchanged. Williams was very kind and courteous to the dozens who approached him.

In the first half, Todd was limited with his impact. The slender 6-9 freshman got very few touches and only scored one basket in the entire first half. He was also hampered with foul trouble and had to sit for more than half of the time.

His one basket, however, was of spectacular fashion. A breakaway tomahawk dunk in transition where the long forward got to show off his length, gracefulness in the open court and popping athleticism. He was also fouled on the dunk, but missed his free throw.

After halftime, Todd did a better job staying on the court. He also showed his soft mid-range touch, had some offensive rebounds and stick backs and made a few plays in the offensive set.

His coach used him at the top of the zone, to try and stymie the Wythe guards with his length and mobility. He dished out three assists and grabbed three rebounds.

Despite losing the competitive game, Todd had some moments. He finished with 12 points, in addition to the aforementioned rebounds and assists.

Williams and Davis stayed until the final buzzer and Williams posed for a few more photos with the fans in attendance who approached him.

After the game, Williams spoke with Brandon Ward, one of the Marshall assistant coaches. And he shared some of the message with THI.

"He said that he was glad to be able to come and he loves Isaiah," said Ward.