Borges says Bouk is gone | Page 4 | The Boneyard

Borges says Bouk is gone

CTBasketball said:
He did - he played great that game. What I’m saying is once people knew how to defend him, he struggled. The Creighton game was a good example of how not to defend him.
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Yes - people learned how to defend him by quite literally building a wall around him. He was double and triple teamed all season. If you look at his season highlight video, he didn’t take open shots all season. I can’t believe we are still talking about this. Yes, you are correct in saying once teams started to double and triple team him it was harder for him to score. Seems like an obvious point.

I hope other fan bases don’t treat their lottery picks like this because the scrutiny towards Bouknight on this board has quite literally been insane.
 
olehead said:
Don't look now but there's a Kyree Walker siting at the bottom of the 2 guard list. I thought he dropped basketball completely.
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To say that Kyree Walker turned heads earlier this week when he announced that not only was he foregoing college but also a pro career in order to focus on training for the 2021 NBA draft, would be severely understating it.

“I know it surprised some people,” Walker said. “The development that I wanted to have to get ready for the draft, it would be different from others. I felt like if I went to college, I wouldn’t have that same development. I just want to get ready for 82 games.”

Walker announced that he would be training with Chameleon BX and renowned trainer Frank Matrisciano in preparation for the draft.

As is stands, players must be 19 years old or one year removed from high school to declare for the draft, per league rules.

Had he gone to college, Walker was clear on which school he would’ve attended.

“I would’ve gone to Memphis,” Walker said. “Penny Hardaway is a player’s coach, he played in the league and was a point guard himself. I would’ve played the point and we made the tourney.”


If Kyree Walker is drafted...he would have really have written a new chapter on draft paths....skipped his HS senior season...chose not to go the college route and instead spent that year training for the draft.
 
Man , I was so sold on bouknight and loved his game so much but those last few games really flipped me on my head about how I feel about him as a player. I’ve been watching UConn for many years and can’t remember another player who disappointed me so much in the end. Can anyone think of one comparison? Also , had not seen a UConn player dominate the competition like that since kemba. I meann, now he is projected in the high teens- got a figure if he comes back next year he is absolutely top five- maybe national POY- wud love for him to come back and put him and our school really back on the map next year- sure fire first team AA and all the publicity that goes along with it - wish it was 15 years ago and he wud bounce after his junior year and his legacy at UConn wud be complete. I kno im thinking selfishly - but, Just feels like an empty ending. but I know that’s not gonna happen - hopefully he won’t wallow on the bench for years and fall into mediocrity - best of luck bouk - go get em!!
Really cud be national player of the year next year tho. Lol
 
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Chief00 said:
Good point. And were Ray, Rip and Kemba hurt money-wise? They did just great. They were household names and respected brands when they left UConn. When they took the NBA stage, they were ready in all facets of the game and life. Chief would like James to follow their paths and be an NBA All Star.
As Chief tells the young guys, built the foundation by investing long term in yourself. Don’t short sell yourself. Your potential is too great to do that.
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Ray (1996), Rip (1999) and Kemba (2011). It is a different draft mentality now both for players and teams. There is a stigma with being an upperclassman. In Ray's, Rip's, and Kemba's time the potential jump in salary from bottom of the 1st round to lottery made it worthwhile to stay for another year Also Ray as the #5 pick made $1.75M in first year, Hamilton (#7 pick) made $1.8M, and Kemba (#9 pick) made $1.9M. The #12 pick last year (Tyrese Hailburton) made $3.8M in year 1 and is guaranteed $4M in year 2. Conversely in Rip's draft year the bottom of the 1st round made $600K-$800K.

If Bouk falls to #20 in the draft he will still be guaranteed over $4M in the first 2 years. Unless he is a total bust he will make between $12M-$20M is his 1st contract. How do you ask a kid to pass up that opportunity. If he comes back his will be double teamed, knocked around and and risk additional injuries.

Bouk did what he could in college with some bumps in the road caused by his brief suspension, COVID issues in 2020 and 2021, and an injury. Sadly, as fans we did not get to see him prosper in the post season. I have said, Bouk will be known as the guy that got UConn basketball back in the 1st round and hopefully back in the lottery. That is a huge accomplishment and will help the team in the future.
 
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RayRay said:
Fair point. Maybe I overstated, but if you take out rookie season, and then the victory lap seasons at the end their careers where they become role players, 20ppg is the true average. Obviously the stats don’t read that way. Just making a blanket statement that he’s going to be really good in the nba. If he finished with a 19.1 avg in his career you could say “I told you so” but I’ll be happy with that career either way.
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Haha agreed, and I hope he makes it happen!
 
navery12 said:
The landscape of the NBA has changed since those guys were in the draft, and that's besides the point that none of those guys were projected lottery picks like Bouknight was. No idea why you've chosen this hill to die on, it's a strange one
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You say none of these guys “were projected lottery picks” LOL. Their actual slots in the First Round:
Ray - 5th
Rip - 7th
Kemba - 9th
They all went higher than James will likely go, coming out this season. Yes I will choose this hill, even knowing he is all but certain to go, because it’s the right advice for him.
 
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Chief00 said:
None of these guys @were projected lottery picks” LOL. Their actual slots in the First Round:
Ray - 5th
Rip - 7th
Kemba - 9th
They all went higher than James will likely go, coming out this season. Yes I will choose this hill, even knowing he is all but certain to go, because it’s the right advice for him.
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You're missing the point, they weren't projected lottery picks when they chose to come back like you're "advising" Bouknight to do. Their situations aren't remotely comparable
 
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UConnRock said:
Ray (1996), Rip (1999) and Kemba (2011). It is a different draft mentality now both for players and teams. There is a stigma with being an upperclassman. In Ray's, Rip's, and Kemba's time the potential jump in salary from bottom of the 1st round to lottery made it worthwhile to stay for another year Also Ray as the #5 pick made $1.75M in first year, Hamilton (#7 pick) made $1.8M, and Kemba (#9 pick) made $1.9M. The #12 pick last year (Tyrese Hailburton) made $3.8M in year 1 and is guaranteed $4M in year 2. Conversely in Rip's draft year the bottom of the 1st round made $600K-$800K.

If Bouk falls to #20 in the draft he will still be guaranteed over $4M in the first 2 years. Unless he is a total bust he will make between $12M-$20M is his 1st contract. How do you ask a kid to pass up that opportunity. If he comes back his will be double teamed, knocked around and and risk additional injuries.

Bouk did what he could in college with some bumps in the road caused by his brief suspension, COVID issues in 2020 and 2021, and an injury. Sadly, as fans we did not get to see him prosper in the post season. I have said, Bouk will be known as the guy that got UConn basketball back in the 1st round and hopefully back in the lottery. That is a huge accomplishment and will help the team in the future.
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You need to put 1996 dollars etc. in today’s dollars for apples to apples - that’s 25 years ago. Besides, as I said I am looking at it as Bouknight making a long term investment in himself, using a strong foundation. Whatever he makes in years 1-3 is minor compared to entire contract if he does things the right way. You are short selling James.
 
navery12 said:
You're missing the point, they weren't projected lottery picks when they chose to come back like you're "advising" Bouknight to do. Their situations aren't remotely comparable
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So are you saying the projections are not as good as others claimed? Seems like you are playing both sides of that argument. Projections are more important than a actuals - not in my business World.
 
Chief00 said:
So are you saying the projections are not as good as others claimed? Seems like you are playing both sides of that argument. Projections are more important than a actuals - not in my business World.
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No I'm saying Kemba being projected late 1st as a sophomore, returning, and becoming a lottery pick is not the same as Bouknight being projected as a lottery pick, returning, and likely becoming a late 1st rounder given the NBA's preference for young guys they can mold (like Bouknight right now)
 
Chief00 said:
All I will respond is that I think it’s important that James has a firm foundation leaving college. That would be his best investment long term. More important than draft slot or 3 year money. I was one who advocated for James in Sept of 2019, when some here didn’t. I have his best interest at heart.
View attachment 66182
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I love the screen cap you chose!
 
rollskies said:
Yes - people learned how to defend him by quite literally building a wall around him. He was double and triple teamed all season. If you look at his season highlight video, he didn’t take open shots all season. I can’t believe we are still talking about this. Yes, you are correct in saying once teams started to double and triple team him it was harder for him to score. Seems like an obvious point.

I hope other fan bases don’t treat their lottery picks like this because the scrutiny towards Bouknight on this board has quite literally been insane.
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Thank you for this @rollskies. I'm so damn tired of talking to the wall. He. Is. Gone.
Period. Let's be happy for this man!

Untill we get another threat Bouk would continue to get the Giannis treatment while here. Creighton did nothing ingenious. Pack-line. Guess what, check Bouk's first half against Nova, he had close to 20, he was shut down second half. Jay Wright wasn't going to let Bouk act a fool in his auxiliary gym. Again pack line.

Maryland slightly different spin, but even more effective and stronger against Bouk, but who else was rolling? Other than Gaff. I mean Bouk and Gaff didn't stir any Boat-Napier comparisons. Really? It's difficult playing 2 on 5 at this level. Particularly when the Terps, with decent, not great, just decent talent figured out what they all could do best individually to beat us.

Maryland didn't play us at the three like a team would going against Nova or Creighton. They began their D pack line, extended from 18 feet in and switching everything and doubling and tripling Bouk and beating him up. At times our O, in that game reminded me of Providence's stiff flex offense.

So, not totally a Bouk development issue we're talking about here. Rather, these are growing pains that you go through with a program, understanding that it takes time, some experience, cohesiveness, luck and most of all talent. It all has to work. But once it does, it starts to roll. Recruiting is easier, winning is more dominant, program is more dominant, the BY will be happy, UCONN Nation so happy. And yes Huey P. Freeman will be happy.
 
olehead said:
Thank you for this @rollskies. I'm so damn tired of talking to the wall. He. Is. Gone.
Period. Let's be happy for this man!

Untill we get another threat Bouk would continue to get the Giannis treatment while here. Creighton did nothing ingenious. Pack-line. Guess what, check Bouk's first half against Nova, he had close to 20, he was shut down second half. Jay Wright wasn't going to let Bouk act a fool in his auxiliary gym. Again pack line.

Maryland slightly different spin, but even more effective and stronger against Bouk, but who else was rolling? Other than Gaff. I mean Bouk and Gaff didn't stir any Boat-Napier comparisons. Really? It's difficult playing 2 on 5 at this level. Particularly when the Terps, with decent, not great, just decent talent figured out what they all could do best individually to beat us.

Maryland didn't play us at the three like a team would going against Nova or Creighton. They began their D pack line, extended from 18 feet in and switching everything and doubling and tripling Bouk and beating him up. At times our O, in that game reminded me of Providence's stiff flex offense.

So, not totally a Bouk development issue we're talking about here. Rather, these are growing pains that you go through with a program, understanding that it takes time, some experience, cohesiveness, luck and most of all talent. It all has to work. But once it does, it starts to roll. Recruiting is easier, winning is more dominant, program is more dominant, the BY will be happy, UCONN Nation so happy. And yes Huey P. Freeman will be happy.
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Right! And i’m not saying his game is perfect. There are PLENTY of areas he needs to improve on. But the fact of the matter is the NBA drafts young players based on potential. You don’t need to be perfect. So instead of nit picking everything the kid does, we should be happy that we have our first lottery pick in 9 years. The pessimism glass half empty is not good.

He will improve under the NBA coaches and strength coaches. But yes, obviously he has work to do.
 
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Kemba2Rememba said:
Bumped into Bouk at the Apple store in Evergreen earlier today lol

Jokingly asked him if he’s coming back. We both laughed the question off.

Dude is a future millionaire, he needs to go get his money
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Did you tell him you have his back?
 
Travelman32 said:
I am not so sure it is always so black and white like most of life, otherwise, why did RIP turn so much money down after his 2nd year and come back for his junior year? Why did Kemba do the same and come back for the 3rd year? In the 90s we had another stud named Ray who could have bolted after his second year but he came back for his junior year.

Sometimes these situations are a little more nuanced and I think a lot more is going through these kids' heads than we give credit for.

Otherwise, we wouldn't have 2 of those 4 championships and a shootout vs UCLA in 95 if it was just money.

I mean, very likely he is gone, I am 95% sure, but I think it is not always such an easy choice for some, or even many, or possibly even most of these players. However, 95%+ of fans were 95-100% sure Ray, RIP, and Kemba were gone after their 2nd year too.
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I remember when Zion Williamson was seriously considering staying at Duke, however he couldn’t turn down the opportunity in front of him. I think Bouk will probably leave, but not before weighing both options though.
 
Zion was a different case...his stats surpass Bouk's.

For the 2019 NCAA Tournament, official broadcast partner CBS specifically devoted a camera—called the "Zion Cam"—to record Williamson throughout the tournament.[101] In his NCAA Tournament debut on March 22, he scored 25 points in an 85–62 win over 16th-seeded North Dakota State.[102] On March 24, Williamson erupted for 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 77–76 second round victory over UCF. He was the first player in school history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in an NCAA Tournament game.[103] Williamson led all scorers on March 31, with 24 points and 14 rebounds in a season-ending 68–67 loss to Michigan State in the Elite 8.[104] Through 33 appearances in his freshman season, he averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.[105] He shot 68% from the field, which led the ACC, ranked second in the NCAA Division I, and was the highest ever field goal percentage by a freshman.[106][107] In addition, Williamson joined Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis as the only freshmen to collect 500 points, 50 steals, and 50 blocks in a season.[107]

AND re coming back to Duke...

On April 15, 2019, Williamson declared his eligibility for the 2019 NBA draft.[108] After the New Orleans Pelicans won the 2019 NBA draft lottery, Williamson's stepfather Lee Anderson said they were excited about him potentially playing in New Orleans and dismissed rumors that he would return to Duke for a second year, saying, "As far as returning to Duke, that's not something we even considered".
 
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Not ready. Work hard. Come back and prove you’re elite, and reap the rewards. Take the short money and fail to develop in a super competitive business environment and it doesn’t end well.
 
BlueDogs said:
Not ready. Work hard. Come back and prove you’re elite, and reap the rewards. Take the short money and fail to develop in a super competitive business environment and it doesn’t end well.
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I have the polar opposite view. What’s the average contract for a player drafted mid-first round? Something like 2/3 years 10-15 mil. With his durability problems he has to take that money. He’ll be 21 this year, that’s old for an nba rookie.
 
AllAbout5 said:
I remember when Zion Williamson was seriously considering staying at Duke, however he couldn’t turn down the opportunity in front of him. I think Bouk will probably leave, but not before weighing both options though.
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Zion knew he was doing well but also knew he was never going to make as much as he could in the NBA as he was at Duke. :eek:
 
navery12 said:
You're missing the point, they weren't projected lottery picks when they chose to come back like you're "advising" Bouknight to do. Their situations aren't remotely comparable
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Are you sure about that for Hamilton?
 
It's so easy for people to tell Bouk he should turn down millions of dollars because they want to see him in a UConn jersey for one more year. Every single poster on this board would leap at the opportunity to grab millions of dollars.

Company: "Come join our company, you'll have a salary of ~$3,000,000 and access to all the tools you need for success. We're really excited to bring you on."

Certain BY posters: "Nah dog, I'll stay in my unpaid internship."
 
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