Darius McGhee is nearing an end to an unbelievable career at Liberty after finishing as a two-time ASUN player of the year, the all-time winningest player in school history and the all-time leading scorer in school history.
As the Roxboro native cements himself in the record books, it has prompted Flames legends of the past to reflect on the current Flames team as well as their own time as a Flame.
Before McGhee claimed the title of all-time Liberty point leader, it was Karl Hess who held top spot. Hess, who played for the Flames from 1976-1980, believes that McGhee’s game is perfect for a point guard in today’s time.
“When I played, it was unusual that someone would play if they were smaller, especially (if they were) under 6 feet,” Hess said. “McGhee has added the 3-pointer into his game, which makes him a constant threat offensively and allows a player of his size to be impactful on offense.”
McGhee’s 3-point shot has been a crucial part of his game, as he has shot around 40% from deep almost every season. Mark Chafin, the No. 5 all-time scorer in school history who played from 1974-1978, said, “I always was in the gym working on my shot and even started feeling comfortable with it. With that being said, I still was nowhere near the shooter that Darius is. Darius McGhee and Karl Hess are two of the greatest shooters I’ve seen with my own two eyes.”
Certainly, McGhee has proven himself as an incredible 3-point shooter, which was a shot that did not exist when Hess and Chafin played; it was added to college basketball universally in 1986. These Liberty stars of the past find it fascinating how much the game has changed from then to now.
“The 3-point shot has opened the game up more,” Hess said. “Teams used to run their offense through a dominant big, but now it is run through guards. A guard will generally try to create his own shot, then, if they can’t, they use their speed to drive to the basket. Now with everyone guarding the perimeter, it can open up the lane for a guard to drive or dish to a center. If someone crashes to help, it’s easier for a guard to throw it back out to a wide open 3-point shooter.”
Along with the 3-point line being such a big part of today’s game, both Hess and Chafin believe the physicality of the game has significantly changed.
“I had a decent shot, but I always looked to work in the post and get as close to the basket as I could,” Chafin said. “The refs used to let more go when I played, so having physical guys down low was necessary.”
“The physicality of the game is going down to try to reduce injuries,” Hess said. “While this is a good thing, too many games are decided on small hand-check fouls. I like how the 3-pointer has impacted the game, and I like the idea of it being a little less physical, but I’d like to see more of a middle ground from where it was when I played to where it is now.”
But for Chafin, it’s been exciting to see the ways the next generation of players have evolved.
“I was there when (McGhee) broke my scoring record. I wanted to be there and see it,” Chafin said. “Then of course, this year he passes everybody, including (Hess). He’s just such a great player, and I’m so happy for him.”
Willard is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on Twitter