Add One Former Player to This Roster

[bfs3]

Emeka was the best men’s player in college basketball, not just the best player on an all time UConn team. He was picked second in the draft for a reason (Dwight Howard was #1). Emeka averaged 17.6 points 11.5 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game (down from the 4.7 he averaged as a sophomore). He was also an All American and national defensive player of the year. I love Donovan but was he universally considered the best player on that team? Emeka was the best player in the country. He also dealt with being the best player on the best team in the country as a leader and go to guy.

 

[2014DualCs]

Emeka was the best men’s player in college basketball, not just the best player on an all time UConn team. He was picked second in the draft for a reason (Dwight Howard was #1). Emeka averaged 17.6 points 11.5 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game (down from the 4.7 he averaged as a sophomore). He was also an All American and national defensive player of the year. I love Donovan but was he universally considered the best player on that team? Emeka was the best player in the country. He also dealt with being the best player on the best team in the country as a leader and go to guy.

Feel like I’m in La La land over here on Emeka island. Thank you

 

[Hunt for 7]

This is a very subjective question. Almost impossible to answer.

The way I looked at it was not who was the best player more so looking at what we have and what we could use.

Castle, Clingan, Mek, Kemba and Bazz all are good answers. All champion with champion DNA. The best of the best.

But for me I voted for Donyell. Our frontcourt is more of a question mark than 1-3 IMO. Yes we know what Alex brings to the table but for me if we added a player with Donyell’s skills scorer, rim protector true stretch four and capable of covering most players of the Kalkbrenner with his length it would give Hurley so many rotation options. I think the combinations we could put on the floor would be deadly.


I will admit I feel strongly that Braylon, Demary and Ball are all going to have great seasons. I love Alex and wish nothing but the best but it looks like one of the agreements he and Hurley had was that Danny said I need you stronger, think how we put Stewart on Dixon because of his combination of strength and speed. Alex is going to be asked to bang down low more than ever and I could just see so many options with Donyell on this roster.

 

[Scottzer]

Also, in an alternate universe in which Castle stuck around for his sophomore season running the point instead of winning rookie of the year, I could see choosing him. Last year’s team would have been so much better!

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Clingan. No need to overthink this one.

Makes everything on defense easier for everyone but the opponent.

You can ask this question every year going forward and this is going to be the right answer. I don't get people picking point guards and wings when we have a guy who completely blows up the game like few players I can recall in college basketball every time he steps on the court. People citing his scoring average seem to be missing the boat.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

The size difference is massive.

View attachment 110847

It is, but I think that picture is a bit misleading. It appears that Clingan is a foot iron so closer to the camera than Emeka. I would guess that if they were next to each other, Emeka would appear an inch or so taller than he appears in that picture. It doesn't change the fact that Donovan is considerably taller.

I don't believe that I am using recency bias but my thinking is that if we had DC last season we would have had a very legitimate shot at a threepeat. Even with his (relatively) limited minutes in each of his two years here, he absolutely was that much of a difference maker. I'll go so far to say that he was a bigger difference maker coming off the bench his freshman year than anyone I can remember coming off the bench in the five and a half decades that I've followed college basketball. I'd put Ray second on that list.

 

[Hoophound]

I’m sticking with my pick of Donyell for this team because I think Taris is really talented and will show more this year. We are supposed to be maximizing this team. Taris is not a weak link on this team, so I’m leaving the 5 spot alone. I believe the 4 is our weakness.

I understand why some people are adamant that DC is the choice, he is the epitome of a “game changer”. However, in my memory (possibly flawed), he wasn’t good on offense, he wasn’t in good enough shape to play too many minutes and he was a little fragile as a result. Anyone that thinks DC is the answer should probably be voting for Emeka instead. He was a game changer at the rim too. He didn’t disrupt quite like Clingan, but he was still incredibly disruptive. He was also a great player on offense in 2004. He’s the better player.

 

[USNavyDog]

I don't fully understand your logic. Hasheem was co-BE POY, National Defensive POY, and 2nd team All-America. You're suggesting he'd be our third string center?

Well, i may have to clarify here. I would say backup way more then 3rd string. He's a great defensive player and ok offensively. I expect Tarris will be great this year and its his team....unless you rhink Hasheem should start over Tarris. Reibe would then have to shift over to 3rd string backup center....and Reibe is predicted to be great as a freshmen.

But, still, in my opinion we need a 3rd center in case Tarris and Reibe getting foul trouble. No 3rd center in my opinion is our biggest weak area.....conaider how huge and deep the Florida Gators will be this year with 7'9" Rious eligible to play this year. Having Hasheem on roster (a third option, and great defensive center) plugs this hole on this roster.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

He’s the better player.

Everyone likes to talk about “recency bias” so we should call this “nostalgia bias” because that’s what it is.

 

[HooperScooper]

.conaider how huge and deep the Florida Gators will be this year with 7'9" Rious eligible to play this year.

Are we sure this guy will get minutes this year for Florida? I know he's 7-9 but he's very very raw and awkward.

 

[superjohn]

It is, but I think that picture is a bit misleading. It appears that Clingan is a foot iron so closer to the camera than Emeka. I would guess that if they were next to each other, Emeka would appear an inch or so taller than he appears in that picture. It doesn't change the fact that Donovan is considerably taller.

I don't believe that I am using recency bias but my thinking is that if we had DC last season we would have had a very legitimate shot at a threepeat. Even with his (relatively) limited minutes in each of his two years here, he absolutely was that much of a difference maker. I'll go so far to say that he was a bigger difference maker coming off the bench his freshman year than anyone I can remember coming off the bench in the five and a half decades that I've followed college basketball. I'd put Ray second on that list.

Agreed.

Okafor was 6'8.25 barefoot in his playing days, Clingan is 7'1.75 barefoot.

 

[Hoophound]

Everyone likes to talk about “recency bias” so we should call this “nostalgia bias” because that’s what it is.

I think the Clingan recency has you forgetting the difference in skill level of Okafor. As a rookie in the NBA he averaged 2.5 times as many points, 40% more rebounds, a hair more blocks and won Rookie of the Year. He was better. No, he didn’t take up as much space, but he was a lot better.

You can’t just hang your hat on some intangible effect on the game Clingan had and throw all the actual stats in the trash. And yes, Okafor played more minutes, that’s because he was capable of it. He was in better shape.

 

[Scoe]

Also keep in mind Clingan had to face super senior Zach Edey in the championship game, had to sacrifice his own stats a bit that game for the betterment of the team, especially in the first half knowing Edey was gonna get away with clutching and grabbing and elbows.

Imagine Clingan playing another year in college after facing super seniors in Edey and Kalkbrenner. Guys with at least 3 years of experience on Clingan. You are looking at a Kareem type of career.

 

[Hoophound]

Also keep in mind Clingan had to face super senior Zach Edey in the championship game, had to sacrifice his own stats a bit that game for the betterment of the team, especially in the first half knowing Edey was gonna get away with clutching and grabbing and elbows.

Imagine Clingan playing another year in college after facing super seniors in Edey and Kalkbrenner. Guys with at least 3 years of experience on Clingan. You are looking at a Kareem type of career.

Playing another year wasn’t an option in this thread. We’re adding a guy we already had to this team. The best player we ever had to add to this team isn’t Clingan. If we’re going with a big, it’s Okafor. (I actually think it’s Donyell Marshall, but whatever)

 

[superjohn]

I think the Clingan recency has you forgetting the difference in skill level of Okafor. As a rookie in the NBA he averaged 2.5 times as many points, 40% more rebounds, a hair more blocks and won Rookie of the Year. He was better. No, he didn’t take up as much space, but he was a lot better.

You can’t just hang your hat on some intangible effect on the game Clingan had and throw all the actual stats in the trash. And yes, Okafor played more minutes, that’s because he was capable of it. He was in better shape.

Okafor was on a horrendous Bobcats team, he played 36 minutes per game. Clingan's stats per 36 were better than Okafor's. Okafor also had another year of college ball under his belt than Clingan and was 1.5 years older than Clingan.

 

[Hoophound]

Okafor was on a horrendous Bobcats team, he played 36 minutes per game. Clingan's stats per 36 were better than Okafor's. Okafor also had another year of college ball under his belt than Clingan and was 1.5 years older than Clingan.

Clingan can’t play 26 minutes, let alone 36. Why can’t we deal with reality in this thread?

 

[Mike Honcho]

I want to hear from the Caron Butler crowd.

 

[Hoophound]

I want to hear from the Caron Butler crowd.

He’s another guy that really probably needed one more season to be in this discussion. He was my third choice.

 

[superjohn]

Clingan can’t play 26 minutes, let alone 36. Why can’t we deal with reality in this thread?

Clingan played nearly 28 minutes per game his last 16 games of his rookie season.

 

[bfs3]

Also keep in mind Clingan had to face super senior Zach Edey in the championship game, had to sacrifice his own stats a bit that game for the betterment of the team, especially in the first half knowing Edey was gonna get away with clutching and grabbing and elbows.

Imagine Clingan playing another year in college after facing super seniors in Edey and Kalkbrenner. Guys with at least 3 years of experience on Clingan. You are looking at a Kareem type of career.

………..bruh

 

[Hoophound]

Clingan played nearly 28 minutes per game his last 16 games of his rookie season.

Clingan was not the Clingan we had at UConn anymore. He spent a year in the NBA at that point. Yeesh.

If we’re going to go this route the whole thread is derailed. Let’s just bring in prime Ray Allen then. The hell with the bigs.

 

[REB1094]

I want to hear from the Caron Butler crowd.

We have proven players at PG, SG, PF, and C and I have no concerns about any of them

Our SF is either 6’5 freshman Braylon or Stewart who would need to make a huge jump to be a successful starter

Caron gives size, scoring, and would be the best defender on the team. He’d be a go-to scorer with Silas to give us two individual creators. We’d lose Braylon’s shooting in the starting 5 but we still have plenty of shooting with Solo and AK

 

[Scottzer]

Also keep in mind Clingan had to face super senior Zach Edey in the championship game, had to sacrifice his own stats a bit that game for the betterment of the team, especially in the first half knowing Edey was gonna get away with clutching and grabbing and elbows.

Imagine Clingan playing another year in college after facing super seniors in Edey and Kalkbrenner. Guys with at least 3 years of experience on Clingan. You are looking at a Kareem type of career.

Luke Schenser was not on the Kalk level, but a very good defender. Emeka ate him for lunch in the 04 title game (24 points, 15 boards). Also - Emeka managed to foul out three Duke big men. His explosiveness is underrated. He played in an era with less spacing. Imagine him in a Hutley’s system. Emeka’s points would be similar, but his efficiency - already high - would increase.

 

[superjohn]

Clingan was not the Clingan we had at UConn anymore. He spent a year in the NBA at that point. Yeesh.

If we’re going to go this route the whole thread is derailed. Let’s just bring in prime Ray Allen then. The hell with the bigs.

Your post was all about Okafor as a rookie in the NBA and how much better he was stats wise than Clingan as an NBA rookie. I responded to it with stats and I pointed out Okafor averaged 36 minutes for a horrendous Bobcats team. You said Clingan can't play 36 minutes let alone 26 minutes.

You were talking about the NBA so your post makes no sense.

 

[Woodson]

My vote to Kemba, most fun to watch

Second vote to Caron, always selfishly wanted to see him one extra year at UConn

 

[Hoophound]

Clingan played nearly 28 minutes per game his last 16 games of his rookie season.

Clingan was not the Clingan we had at UConn anymore. He spent a year in the NBAYeesh.

If we’re going to go this route the whole thread is derailed. Let’s just bring in prime Ray Allen then. The hell either the bigs.

Your post was all about Okafor as a rookie in the NBA and how much better he was stats wise than Clingan as an NBA rookie. I responded to it with stats and I pointed out Okafor averaged 36 minutes for a horrendous Bobcats team. You said Clingan can't play 36 minutes let alone 26 minutes.

You were talking about the NBA so your post makes no sense.

My post was showing that right after leaving UConn, Okafor went into the NBA and crushed it. Clingan did not. Okafor was better than Clingan. This is ridiculous.

 

[Mike Honcho]

We have proven players at PG, SG, PF, and C and I have no concerns about any of them

Our SF is either 6’5 freshman Braylon or Stewart who would need to make a huge jump to be a successful starter

Caron gives size, scoring, and would be the best defender on the team. He’d be a go-to scorer with Silas to give us two individual creators. We’d lose Braylon’s shooting in the starting 5 but we still have plenty of shooting with Solo and AK

And rebounding. Our rebounding might be suspect next season, particularly when Tarris is on the bench. He's our one elite rebounder; everyone else is average to below average and will have to make big strides this off-season.

Even though Silas is tall, he only averaged 3.9rpg last season.

Caron averaged 7.5 across his two seasons (and it was consistent..7.5 and 7.6). He'd immediately shore up our backboard on both ends.

 

[superjohn]

Clingan was not the Clingan we had at UConn anymore. He spent a year in the NBAYeesh.

If we’re going to go this route the whole thread is derailed. Let’s just bring in prime Ray Allen then. The hell either the bigs.


My post was showing that right after leaving UConn, Okafor went into the NBA and crushed it. Clingan did not. Okafor was better than Clingan. This is ridiculous.

My post was a response to your post about Okafor destroying Clingan stats wise in the NBA. I showed you Clingan's stats were better than Okafor's per 36 stats in the NBA. You responded Clingan can't even play 26 minutes. I already explained this to you.

Why can't you follow along with your own posts?

 

[Hunt for 7]

I want to hear from the Caron Butler crowd.

He would be another good choice but even though he was a man among boys in college he was still only 6’6”-6’7”. Teams need different pieces what we need is a front court player who can score (both inside and out with high efficiency), can rebound and defend the basket and is great at either starting the break or coming in a as a trailer and jumping over everyone for a dunk.

Our transition offense was horrible last year. The first clip I saw of Demary from last year made me think he had more break away hoops than our entire team. We were a half court team last year because we did not have any players who could get to the basket efficiently if there was any traffic in the lane.

So we would push and then drop back and run our offense our Diarra would try and make something happen and the kid had great heart but he did not succeed as much as he did. McNeeley would have been better at it if not for the injury but it was not a really strength of his when he came in last year. He was a shooter and good rebounder for his size and he also had a decent mid range game.

 

[Lafayette]

Caron or Rudy would be great if we wanted physical back down and score or rebounding thru skill and athleticism.

What I think we need more than that is someone who can pull up anywhere and shoot - Rip Hamilton. As a forward he could stretch the D like AK can but from the 3. He also could pull up for a 8'-14' anytime or blow past someone for a dunk.