Derrick Jones vs Chris Clarke

[caw]

From what I have seen of the two:

Jones is the more dynamic player. He has absurd ups and a developing (though still sporadic) deep jump shot. He can dribble but is roughly on the level of Rudy Gay (as a freshman), it's high and a bit sloppy. Rudy as a freshman is a pretty decent comparison, except Rudy was bigger/taller and had a better mid-range game. Overall I'd say he's closer to Terrence Ross, as a NBA comparison, not perfect comp but the closest of a current player.

Clarke is a bit different. I've said before he's similar to Demarre Carroll but that's more defensively and in terms of energy. Actually surprised Shaka hasn't taken a larger interest in Clarke because he would be very good in Havoc. Offensively he's closer Landry Fields/Matt Barnes without the range. Very good at getting to the rim on back-cuts/movement off the ball. His range isn't as good as Jones but he has decent form and probably could improve it quite a bit with work an proper coaching. He dribbles the ball lower but as previously noted neither is a PG, nor even a SG.

I like Clarke because he is relentless on both ends. Not saying Jones wouldn't be fantastic but I have a preference for guys who just get after it. If one of them verbals it's a win no matter which.

 

[caw]

As the better NBA talent Jones is nice because alumni in the NBA helps the program. But either of these guys would be big-time players for us. You need the Kevin Freeman types which is what I take Clarke to be (an improved Kevin Freeman, perhaps). Rudy Gay didn't do a lot for the UConn teams he was on -- some far inferior NBA prospects could have contributed more with his minutes -- and he seems Jones's comparable. But, word was Jones was improving quickly this summer, maybe that will continue and he'll be a major college contributor -- if so it will only be for 1-2 years.

Rudy helped lead a team to the elite eight and was a deserving AA. Losing to such a big upstart as Mason really dented people's memories of Gay and the 2006 team, but they had a very good season.

 

[intlzncster]

Jones appears to be the more exciting player, and he probably will continue to be seen as a better overall prospect than Clarke. But honestly, our coaching staff has a phenomenal track record working with wing players. It's not as if we're screwed if we end up with Clarke and not Jones -- actually far from it. Both have the talent to shine in our system. Now, would I like to see the consensus top-25 kid who would be able to come in and eat from day one, as well as potentially being a way to make a name for ourselves among Philly kids? Sure. But in no way would I be unhappy if we ended up with Clarke.

hilarious avatar. The tag line under your handle should read "hilton units". If you don't know what that is yet, you will.

 

[otp85]

From what I have seen of the two:

Jones is the more dynamic player. He has absurd ups and a developing (though still sporadic) deep jump shot. He can dribble but is roughly on the level of Rudy Gay (as a freshman), it's high and a bit sloppy. Rudy as a freshman is a pretty decent comparison, except Rudy was bigger/taller and had a better mid-range game. Overall I'd say he's closer to Terrence Ross, as a NBA comparison, not perfect comp but the closest of a current player.

Clarke is a bit different. I've said before he's similar to Demarre Carroll but that's more defensively and in terms of energy. Actually surprised Shaka hasn't taken a larger interest in Clarke because he would be very good in Havoc. Offensively he's closer Landry Fields/Matt Barnes without the range. Very good at getting to the rim on back-cuts/movement off the ball. His range isn't as good as Jones but he has decent form and probably could improve it quite a bit with work an proper coaching. He dribbles the ball lower but as previously noted neither is a PG, nor even a SG.

I like Clarke because he is relentless on both ends. Not saying Jones wouldn't be fantastic but I have a preference for guys who just get after it. If one of them verbals it's a win no matter which.

Only argument I have is the comparison to Ross. I think you are either vastly over rating Jones shooting ability or drastically under rating that of the Ross.

 

[pj]

Rudy helped lead a team to the elite eight and was a deserving AA. Losing to such a big upstart as Mason really dented people's memories of Gay and the 2006 team, but they had a very good season.

I watched almost every game Rudy played for UConn and his poor dribble made him a rather mediocre small forward in college. Statistically he was good, 15 points and 6 rebounds per game his final year, but I think the stats overstate his contribution. It was no surprise when we lost to NC State in the tourney his freshman year and to George Mason his sophomore year. If he had better guards around him he would have been an excellent piece to the puzzle, but as it was he wasn't able to contribute what the team needed to make it successful. He was a great athlete but not outstanding in any aspect of the college game, and weak in the area the team most needed.

 

[Gurleyman]

I watched almost every game Rudy played for UConn and his poor dribble made him a rather mediocre small forward in college. Statistically he was good, 15 points and 6 rebounds per game his final year, but I think the stats overstate his contribution. It was no surprise when we lost to NC State in the tourney his freshman year and to George Mason his sophomore year. If he had better guards around him he would have been an excellent piece to the puzzle, but as it was he wasn't able to contribute what the team needed to make it successful. He was a great athlete but not outstanding in any aspect of the college game, and weak in the area the team most needed.

Rudy as a stretch 4 (like DD this year) would have been tremendous. He could guard the post and rebound and wouldn't have to deal with smaller players right up on him preventing him from using his dribble. We just never played that way (with Caron, Rudy or Sticks) until we had to the last two years due to personnel.

 

[caw]

Only argument I have is the comparison to Ross. I think you are either vastly over rating Jones shooting ability or drastically under rating that of the Ross.

Rereading my statement, I can see how it could be read that way. I didn't mean to imply that his shot was as good as Ross' right now. It isn't. However, I think he could be as good and his shot is just streaky enough to show potential to be so. Also, though Ross was very good this past year at near 40%, he only shot 35.2% as a freshman at Washington, 37 as a sophomore and then 33 as an NBA rookie. I think Jones could definitely hit the college percentages if properly utilized (like Daniels/Giffey) and taught to take open/good shots. His mechanics have improved immensely in the past year, though he still has some issues.

 

[Stainmaster]

hilarious avatar. The tag line under your handle should read "hilton units". If you don't know what that is yet, you will.

Thanks. Hilton was one of my favorites growing up (had the pleasure of meeting him once at Mayor Mike's way back when), figured I should pay tribute to a guy who was never afraid to stick his neck out.

 

[CAHUSKY]

hilarious avatar. The tag line under your handle should read "hilton units". If you don't know what that is yet, you will.

I was thinking that with that image we may have to reevaluate the actual lengthy of the Hilton unit. Id say the new neck adds at least 6 - 8 additional inches.

 

[DogMania]

Let me be clear, you are comparing Derrick Jones to Anthony Davis? Please explain further?

Throw the ball anywhere close to the rim and DJ will catch and throw it down. He's athletic, has real long arms and seems to catch everything he gets his hands on. That's the part of his game that reminded me of AD. As I mentioned in my post AD is a taller player, so the comparison ends there.