Okafor was tremendous as a Junior, literally the best Big in the country. Sanogo is ahead of Okafor from an offensive standpoint, but will likely never compare to Okafor in terms of D and shot blocking. Sanogo is a great player, and among the easiest to root for, but comparing him to a guy that got drafted 2nd overall might be a bit much. That's no knock against Sanogo as he is a fine player in his own right.
Yeah, tough to be better than Okafor from a college standpoint, no matter what Sanogo does.
Thoughts?
Cliff was sick for some time and passed away from lymphoma last year
Yep. Too late now. Maybe give Sanogo a white headband and channel Cliff.Cliff was sick for some time and passed away from lymphoma last year
Right but Sanogo has had 1 year experience so let’s see where he goes. He learned that footwork, maybe he can learn defense. Tenaciously rebounds. He may not do it but he could be one of the best we’ve ever had at the 5 position, especially with what we’ve been running out there in recent memory.
Zero chance? I am a huge Okafor fan then and now. The best overall player in terms of athletics, education and just being a great kid/guy. He is a big fav of mine then and now. However, to say "zero chance" at this point doesn't resonate with me at all. NOW. Actually I hope Sonago surpasses Okafor. Can you imagine? Ok was tall and thin. Sonago bulky. Should be interesting.
Just to be clear, EVERYBODY on this board hopes Sanogo surpasses Okafor. What we're talking about is whether that is realistic.
I guess you can call me a liar then. Do you remember some of the games he had freshman year? The Arizona game on national TV is one that sticks out. I'm trying to find game by game stats to see if he had any other games like that to show what kind of potential he had, but I can't find those stats.
That game with oak, a freshman Ben and Caron was a game for the ages, i still watch it every few months
Okafor had 19 pts. on 9-13 shooting, 15 rebs. 8 offensive rebs., and 9 blocks in that win at #10 Arizona.
Maybe it’s that I want to see that potential in him, don’t know and we can highlight his defensive flaws but can’t shot blocking and defense be taught?Lol it is crazy to compare Sanogo to Okafor, but this kid has only been in college one year so who knows.
While we're at it, let's hope for Ray Allen in Hawkins, Khalid El-Amin in Diggins, & Deandre Daniels/Akok mix in Samson Johnson
I think what people are reacting to is Emeka's, athletic ability, quick jumping and timing on defense to block shots were natural. Those aspects of his game weren't taught.
In the past we’ve had plenty of big man disappointment but Sanogo seems to be a willing student. He had to learn what we’ve seen him do so far and was that natural? Hopefully he’s working on what he needs. I know one thing, he has more promise that any recent 5’s. Also Hurley hinted he should have played him more at times. I want him out there, only way to learn and improve if we want him to be good in the future.
