Adama Sanogo Sophomore Stats

[Tenspro2002]

Sanogo is NOT undersized for an NBA power forward. He's 6'9, 240, with 7-2 wingspan. In 2021, the average height of an NBA PF was 6'8.3". Sorry if using facts confuses anyone. You can check here. Average NBA Height by Year and Position

BTW, 240 pounds is NOT under sized for NBA power forwards either.

Let me put it differently. Set position labels aside.

He's either under-sized for his skill (pure post players are pretty much just 7' tanks these days) or he's under-skilled for his size (even 6'9 guys need to shoot 3's).

 

[superjohn]

Let me put it differently. Set position labels aside.

He's either under-sized for his skill (pure post players are pretty much just 7' tanks these days) or he's under-skilled for his size (even 6'9 guys need to shoot 3's).

Pure post players are smaller than they've ever been in the last 40 years. Every position in the NBA is the smallest it's been in 40 years except for point guards who are the biggest they've ever been.

 

[ConnEd]

He has to be one of the toughest players to prepare for. We get mad because our guys aren’t perfect but I’m sure every team goes into the game wondering how to possibly stop us.

Pack in on Adama and hope the others miss their 3’s.

 

[Huskybass]

Let me put it differently. Set position labels aside.

He's either under-sized for his skill (pure post players are pretty much just 7' tanks these days) or he's under-skilled for his size (even 6'9 guys need to shoot 3's).

I think you are selling Sanogo way short. How many other 6'9" guys are out there that can make a steal and take it himself for a breakaway dunk? Sanogo has done that several times this season. He is far more athletic and agile then you make him seem. Plus, he has a great, soft touch on his shot. Extending his shooting range shouldn't be tough for a guy with his shooting touch and work ethic.

 

[elmcityboy]

people on this site need to understand the type of players that play power forward in the nba in 2022. it's arguably the most skilled position in the nba -- lebron james, kevin durant, paul george, giannis antetokounmpo, and jayson tatum all play power forward and are all as tall or taller than sanogo. a guy who would play small forward ten years ago (or even shooting guard!) is the prototypical four today. the chicago bulls might make the nba finals this year with demar derozan playing power forward.

if sanogo finds a niche in the nba, it will be as an undersized 5 ala isaiah stewart (lottery pick) or xavier tillman (high second rounder)

 

[HuskyHawk]

Man I forgot how dirty Caron was.

He was a "grown ass man" compared to the kids in college. In more ways than one and it showed on the court.

As for Adama, love his progress. Not sure what his future is in this game, but I certainly would no bet against him developing his skills in ways that make him an NBA player. When that happens probably impacts how long he is at UConn.

 

[husky429]

Sanogo is NOT undersized for an NBA power forward. He's 6'9, 240, with 7-2 wingspan. In 2021, the average height of an NBA PF was 6'8.3". Sorry if using facts confuses anyone. You can check here. Average NBA Height by Year and Position

BTW, 240 pounds is NOT under sized for NBA power forwards either.

On what planet would Sanogo play PF in the NBA? It's like some of you don't even watch sportscenter highlights. Good grief.

 

[Palatine]

Lol. I, too, love context free stats from a random website.

But...um, even if I totally bought this, these are the "best forwards in the game" according to this site which was updated in this past November (lol) are:

View attachment 72736

and all those players are very different than Sanogo. You can tell you don't watch the NBA because you don't know how.

No one in the NBA compares to Giannis. But that list actually supports my point that Sanogo isn't undersized. The difference is those are guys with great outside shots.

There are a lot of guys playing forward who are similar in size to Sanogo. Some, like Al Horford (6-9, 240), even play center. Speaking of Horford, in his college career at Florida he attempted 4 three point shots. It wasn't until his 7th year in the NBA that he attempted double digit three point shots. Read that sentence again.

I don't know how folks can watch Sanogo, his hands, his footwork, his motor, his effectiveness inside and not see his NBA potential. Especially given the upward trajectory that he is currently on. But in the words of that immortal philosopher Patrick Swayze, "Opinions vary."

 

[HuskyHawk]

Let me put it differently. Set position labels aside.

He's either under-sized for his skill (pure post players are pretty much just 7' tanks these days) or he's under-skilled for his size (even 6'9 guys need to shoot 3's).

It's true that most smaller 5s can step out and hit 3s. But he's not that differently sized than someone like Al Horford, who didn't shoot 3s until several years into his NBA career. Daniel Theis plays center at 6'8". Draymond Green. Lots of guys. I do agree that Adama needs a face up jumper (preferably out to 3) and better passing skills. I just think he can certainly develop those. He's a swing 4-5 at the NBA level if he does that.

 

[UconnU]

Let me put it differently. Set position labels aside.

He's either under-sized for his skill (pure post players are pretty much just 7' tanks these days) or he's under-skilled for his size (even 6'9 guys need to shoot 3's).

You’re right but I think if you’re like the best slightly undersized traditional big, completely dominating the college competition, you can carve out a niche in the league. As long as he continues to improve his agility and develops like an elbow jumper he’ll be fine. DeJuan Blair played a number of years in the league, Zach Randolph was an all-star, Draymond Green plays in the post a lot there’s definitely a space, albeit small, for the type of player he can be. I’m really encouraged by his ability to catch the lob this year.

 

[HuskyHawk]

On what planet would Sanogo play PF in the NBA? It's like some of you don't even watch sportscenter highlights. Good grief.

Grant Williams plays PF.

 

[Kajik]

He's a power forward playing the post.He's not a wing you won't see him shooting the long ball that's not what hurly wants.folks are saying he doesn't show enough shooting skills,that's not his job atm.

 

[husky429]

Grant Williams plays PF.

Yeah? And Kemba Walker plays PG. They have completely different skillsets. It's not a reasonable comparison.



I watch most every eltics game I can. Grant Williams handles the ball, shoots it, makes drives into the post--every game. He has a PF perimeter and mid-post skillset. He's driving the ball and shooting 3s every single game.

Sanogo is a center. A really, really good one. He has a beast of a low-post skillset. He will probably play in the NBA as a center. Pretending like he's going to suit up as a PF is ludicrous and shows just how little of the NBA you pay attention to. Are you just saying Grant Williams because they're both about 6'8 and 240lbs?

Guess how minutes of PF Sanogo has played in college or HS? (hint: the answer is 0)

Guess how many minutes of PF Grant Williams played in college, let alone the pros: (hint: A lot.)

 

[husky429]

He's a power forward playing the post.He's not a wing you won't see him shooting the long ball that's not what hurly wants.folks are saying he doesn't show enough shooting skills,that's not his job atm.

1983 called, they want their power forward back.

 

[Kajik]

J.randall plays power forward

 

[UconnU]

He's a power forward playing the post.He's not a wing you won't see him shooting the long ball that's not what hurly wants.folks are saying he doesn't show enough shooting skills,that's not his job atm.

He’s not a power forward in today’s game, almost every team is now playing 4 out, he’s an undersized center.

 

[UconnU]

J.randall plays power forward

J Randall has completely changed his game and is taking guys off the bounce on the perimeter. I don’t foresee Sanogo developing that type of skill set.

 

[navery12]

Grant Williams plays PF.

Correct, and shoots 43% from 3 while playing great perimeter defense. His skillset is not even remotely close to Sanogo's

 

[DrZzzz]

I can read just fine, I just disagree.

Despite apparently having "never acquired Sanogo's footwook or low post moves", Okafor averaged more points on greater efficiency than Sanogo when both were sophomores. Okafor didn't just dunk the ball, but somehow shot 4% better than Sanogo. Also, offense involves rebounding, and he rebounded more offensive misses than Sanogo did...

So, I think it is at least debatable that Sanogo was a better offensive player, and, even if Okafor wasn't an amazing defender, I'd take him on the offensive side over Sanogo, in part because he was more efficient and in part because he achieved that offensive efficiency against better teams and in higher stakes.

Here ya go, scouting report on Emeka before the NBA draft:
Weaknesses: Okafor will never be mistaken for an offensive-minded post player. His footwork is lacking, he can't create high-percentage post-up opportunities, and he most certainly can't step out and knock down jump shots. Basically, his only offensive value comes when he scores off of putbacks and other garbage chances around the basket. Of course, that's a small price to pay if you're Charlotte (or whoever he plays for next season), given Okafor's great defense and rebounding.
Favorite shot: Putback after an offensive rebound.

Sanogo is a better offensive player than Emeka was. Nobody would say Sanogo lacks footwork down low, or lacks moves. Emeka was simply a beast down low physically, like a Kofi Cockburn. He would physically overwhelm opponents. Did you see Emeka play at UConn? Or are you just looking at stats. No way Emeka had anywhere near Sanogo’s game offensively.

 

[husky429]

Correct, and shoots 43% from 3 while playing great perimeter defense. His skillset is not even remotely close to Sanogo's

Thank you. I was beginning to think I'm crazier than the doctor had told me.

 

[navery12]

He's a power forward playing the post.He's not a wing you won't see him shooting the long ball that's not what hurly wants.folks are saying he doesn't show enough shooting skills,that's not his job atm.

You're entirely missing the point. To be a power forward in the modern NBA you need to be able to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting or at the very least be able to defend the perimeter against the other 4's who do. The 4 in the NBA these days is a wing

 

[auror]

Grant Williams plays PF.

Grant Williams had a PG-level assist rate and decent handle while being able to face up and drive, shoot 3s and guard 2-5 while playing the 4/5 at Tennessee. Their games aren't similar AT ALL, only their bodies, and even then Grant is smaller (6'5.75 without shoes).




Sanogo's optimistic comp is probably Bam Adebayo, who played center in both college and NBA. But Bam is probably an inch taller with a similar wingspan, and also probably at least one st dev better athlete.

 

[superjohn]

People have this weird belief that centers are bigger than they've ever been when overall they're smaller than they've been in a very long time. Shortest they've been in 40 years and weigh less than they did 20 years ago. You have your monsters Jokic and Embiid who are all-time greats and of course there's other huge guys still but there's a whole bunch of guys Sanogo's size or smaller playing center in today's game. Adebayo is one of the best center's in the league on one of the best teams in the league and when he's not playing 6'5 PJ Tucker is their center.

If Sanogo doesn't make the league it will be because he never developed a reliable outside shot, never showed he could knock down threes, and struggles passing and defensively...it won't be because of his size.

I have no worries about his defense after how good he's already gotten defensively and he's already gone from a guy who couldn't/wouldn't ever pass earlier in the season to a guy who is making some good/reads passes now. His work ethic and rapid improvement rate is second to none. I would be surprised if he doesn't make it.

 

[Kajik]

Grant williams is a career .365 from deep.sonogo is not covering wings because that's not his job atm.When he gets to NBA next year he will be a power forward or small ball center

 

[navery12]

People have this weird belief that centers are bigger than they've ever been when overall they're smaller than they've been in a very long time. Shortest they've been in 40 years and weigh less than they did 20 years ago. You have your monsters Jokic and Embiid who are all-time greats and of course there's other huge guys still but there's a whole bunch of guys Sanogo's size or smaller playing center in today's game. Adebayo is one of the best center's in the league on one of the best teams in the league and when he's not playing 6'5 PJ Tucker is their center.

If Sanogo doesn't make the league it will be because he never developed a reliable outside shot, never showed he could knock down threes, and struggles passing and defensively...it won't be because of his size.

I have no worries about his defense after how good he's already gotten defensively and he's already gone from a guy who couldn't/wouldn't ever pass earlier in the season to a guy who is making some good/reads passes now. His work ethic and rapid improvement rate is second to none. I would be surprised if he doesn't make it.

You keep repeating this over and over again and nobody is arguing that, nobody is saying centers are bigger now in the NBA. Yes centers are smaller than they were 10 years ago, and Sanogo is still undersized compared to them. Nobody is saying it's going to keep him out of the NBA, it's just a factor that he'll have to overcome when he makes it.

People (and not just you) keep throwing out all these absurd comps like PJ Tucker and Grant Williams who have wildly different skillsets than Sanogo. I feel like I'm living in a different universe reading this thread, I don't think half the people talking have watched an NBA game in 20 years

 

[husky429]

Grant williams is a career .365 from deep.sonogo is not covering wings because that's not his job atm.When he gets to NBA next year he will be a power forward or small ball center

Are you trying to prove us right? Yeah, Grant williams can shoot and Sanogo can't. 36.5% from deep is a solid shooter, though not great. That's one of the reasons why Sanogo will be a center exclusively--he doesn't have a semblance of a shot. Even his FTs and mid-range shots are pretty ugly TBH.

Why do you guys keep gifting Sanogo a skillset he doesn't have? You wanna know why Sanogo's job isn't to defend the perimeter? Beacause he's bad at it.

The kid is an absolutely monster on defense and offense in the post. The best in the Big East, and easily top-5 in the country for bigs IMO. That is more than enough for him to be successful (as a center) at whatever level of basketball he makes it to. When you starting saying he has skills that he doesn't, you're distracting from the talents he DOES have like they don't matter.

 

[superjohn]

You keep repeating this over and over again and nobody is arguing that, nobody is saying centers are bigger now in the NBA. Yes centers are smaller than they were 10 years ago, and Sanogo is still undersized compared to them. Nobody is saying it's going to keep him out of the NBA, it's just a factor that he'll have to overcome when he makes it.

People (and not just you) keep throwing out all these absurd comps like PJ Tucker and Grant Williams who have wildly different skillsets than Sanogo. I feel like I'm living in a different universe reading this thread, I don't think half the people talking have watched an NBA game in 20 years

What are you talking about? Sanogo's size is constantly brought up here in regards to him being a big man in the NBA. I didn't compare Sanogo to PJ Tucker or Grant Williams.

I pointed out the things that would keep Sanogo out of the league if he didn't improve on those things and show he is capable of doing those things. His size won't be an issue or a factor he has to overcome.

Guarantee I watch more NBA than you.

 

[navery12]

What are you talking about? Sanogo's size is constantly brought up here in regards to him being a big man in the NBA. I didn't compare Sanogo to PJ Tucker or Grant Williams.

I pointed out the things that would keep Sanogo out of the league if he didn't improve on those things and show he is capable of doing those things. His size won't be an issue or a factor he has to overcome.

Guarantee I watch more NBA than you.

Yes Sanogo's size is always brought up but that wasn't my comment, re-read the post. I said nobody is arguing that the size of NBA centers is decreasing. But the average height of NBA centers is still a shade under 6'11, so Sanogo is still undersized despite that. It's not going to keep him out of the NBA, it's just something he'll have to overcome. Your Bam comp was a good one

And you literally just brought up PJ Tucker in the post I responded to as the guy who plays backup center for the Heat. HuskyHawk brought up Grant Williams a few posts ago and other people have as well

The NBA comment was not directed at you, it was at all the people saying he's going to be a PF in the NBA

 

[CallMeBruce]

Sonogo is gone after this year,what reason is there for him to stay,a degree in forest management?there are nba teams salivatating over his size and skill set.

what year do you think it is

 

[HuskyHawk]

Grant Williams had a PG-level assist rate and decent handle while being able to face up and drive, shoot 3s and guard 2-5 while playing the 4/5 at Tennessee. Their games aren't similar AT ALL, only their bodies, and even then Grant is smaller (6'5.75 without shoes).




Sanogo's optimistic comp is probably Bam Adebayo, who played center in both college and NBA. But Bam is probably an inch taller with a similar wingspan, and also probably at least one st dev better athlete.

As for Bam, yes, he's more athletic for sure. Doesn't begin to have Sanogo's back to the basket skills. I don't think anybody here is saying that Sanogo is an NBA 5 or 4 right now. What I've tried to say is that he hasn't played basketball all that long. He lost 40+ pounds in one summer before freshman year. At his prior size, he was a space eater. He's far more agile now, but has had limited time to develop his ball handling, outside shooting and passing. The passing is coming along now. His midrange jumper looks good....he has a nice stroke. In the few instances where he has put it on the floor facing the basket, he has looked good. So I have little doubt that he can become good at those things. His shot blocking and interior D are much improved. His rebounding is improved. Yes, it is on him to develop those skills. I see no indication that he can't.