Drummond Lost 22 Pounds Since Season Ended

[Dogdeacon]

Also, there's the fact that Drummond would have been back had we been eligible for the postseason next year by most accounts. While he definitely could have used another year in college, I completely understand Drummond's decision to go pro after one year. I'll always be thankful for him coming to UConn, even for just the one year.

Now, as others have stated, the best thing he can do for the program is develop his game and dominate the league. He loved the UConn program growing up, so hopefully he will stay close to the program during his career. It never hurts in recruiting to have NBA players roaming around Storrs...

I agree, he would and should have been back but for the unfortunate circumstances that were out of his control. You can make a thin case for him still coming back, but without any postseason, TV/press coverage and exposure the immediate economics of returning made no sense.

So its disappointing for UConn fans but its not his fault. Looking back at even this past year I think most believe the team would have done better if Calhoun hadn't missed the time he did. Certainly not a final four team but a few more W's and likely a win or two in the NCAAs.

GREAT to hear that he is working hard, cuz clearly at least on the offensive end he has a lot of hard work to do. Biggest key is for him to land at a place with excellent coaching, good fit and somewhere that he's given time to develop. I'd imagine he's projected to go 3-6 depending on draft order so it'll be very interesting to see the lottery outcome tonight and resultant mock drafts.

 

[freescooter]

Drummond is a CT. kid and stayed to play for his hometown Univrsity, don't get the negative reactions. He's a great kid and I'll be cheering my butt of for him in the nba.

Here's why I htink there is the negative reaction...First, he didn't play that well and he was the #1 or #2 recruit in the nation..."staying at his home state university for all of 1 season when the team was very mediocre is fine but hardly ean earth shattering move. Most fans think is that UCONN could have been at least as good, maybe even better as a team without him. He wasn't at UCONN because he wanted to play for UCONN. He was there because he needed a place to hang out until he was eligible for the draft.

But beyond that, i htink this goes to how people are fans...some of us are UCONN "team" fans and want the Huskies to do well. We watch the UCONN team, and aside from occassionally seeing that some former UCONN player scored 20 in an NBA game, it isn't that big a deal what players do once they leave Storrs as long as they aren't arrested...For us, it is nice to see guys have success in the NBA, but it isn't that big a deal. There are another class of fans who are really much more into following individuals, like UCONN to collect "trophy players." For them, it is about draft picks, NBA careers, much more than it is about UCONN. They put the collection of trophies ahead of the program and that's what they care most about. Either one is fine, but if you are a team guy, when a kid like Drummond under-achieves then leaves after 1 season, it is pretty disappointing. if you're a player guy, as long as he is a high draft pick, what he did while here is of secondary importance. And while I wouldn't say the player type of fans don't want UCONN to win,they are satisfied at the end of the day with having high draft choices even if the team isn't all that good. Neither type of fan is really better than the other. They just have different perspectives and different interests.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Here's why I htink there is the negative reaction...First, he didn't play that well and he was the #1 or #2 recruit in the nation..."staying at his home state university for all of 1 season when the team was very mediocre is fine but hardly ean earth shattering move. Most fans think is that UCONN could have been at least as good, maybe even better as a team without him. He wasn't at UCONN because he wanted to play for UCONN. He was there because he needed a place to hang out until he was eligible for the draft.

But beyond that, i htink this goes to how people are fans...some of us are UCONN "team" fans and want the Huskies to do well. We watch the UCONN team, and aside from occassionally seeing that some former UCONN player scored 20 in an NBA game, it isn't that big a deal what players do once they leave Storrs as long as they aren't arrested...For us, it is nice to see guys have success in the NBA, but it isn't that big a deal. There are another class of fans who are really much more into following individuals, like UCONN to collect "trophy players." For them, it is about draft picks, NBA careers, much more than it is about UCONN. They put the collection of trophies ahead of the program and that's what they care most about. Either one is fine, but if you are a team guy, when a kid like Drummond under-achieves then leaves after 1 season, it is pretty disappointing. if you're a player guy, as long as he is a high draft pick, what he did while here is of secondary importance. And while I wouldn't say the player type of fans don't want UCONN to win,they are satisfied at the end of the day with having high draft choices even if the team isn't all that good. Neither type of fan is really better than the other. They just have different perspectives and different interests.

Interesting point. As mostly a 'team' guy (there are gray areas of course) I'd argue that certain players that stay for a full four years or what seems like the magic number (= championship in 3/4 cases) of 3 years insprire epic loyalty from both groups. Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, RIP Hamilton and Emeka are the examples.

 

[jfuchs91]

But beyond that, i htink this goes to how people are fans...some of us are UCONN "team" fans and want the Huskies to do well. We watch the UCONN team, and aside from occassionally seeing that some former UCONN player scored 20 in an NBA game, it isn't that big a deal what players do once they leave Storrs as long as they aren't arrested...For us, it is nice to see guys have success in the NBA, but it isn't that big a deal. There are another class of fans who are really much more into following individuals, like UCONN to collect "trophy players." For them, it is about draft picks, NBA careers, much more than it is about UCONN. They put the collection of trophies ahead of the program and that's what they care most about. Either one is fine, but if you are a team guy, when a kid like Drummond under-achieves then leaves after 1 season, it is pretty disappointing. if you're a player guy, as long as he is a high draft pick, what he did while here is of secondary importance. And while I wouldn't say the player type of fans don't want UCONN to win,they are satisfied at the end of the day with having high draft choices even if the team isn't all that good. Neither type of fan is really better than the other. They just have different perspectives and different interests.

I disagree. I'd consider myself one of the "trophy" fans in your situation because I do consistently follow and root for UConn players once they leave Storrs. However, that doesn't mean at all that I care about the players more than the team. I live and die with every single game and would absolutely trade NBA alumni success for a few more deep runs in the NCAA.

That being said, the reason I follow the players after they leave is because I grow attached to the players over the course of their careers (even in Drummond's case where it's just 1 year) and genuinely care how they are doing after they leave UConn. Additionally, the more high draft picks and NBA success our players achieve, the better the UConn program as a whole looks. This can lead to better recruits, which can lead to more wins for UConn, which could lead to more draft picks, better recruits etc. In the end, I follow the players after they leave because I do care so much about the UConn team.

 

[caw]

I think people also have some trouble knowing how to react to Drummond because he was UConn's first one and done, in the sense he will be the first freshman selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

It is somewhat unfortunate he came in the year he did. A year earlier and he is part of a NCAA Championship (likely), a year later and there is zero pressure with no NCAAT. Not to mention he was #2 to one of the most dominant freshman big men in a while.

I think Drummond will be a heck of a player in the NBA and hopefully he takes pride in the fact he is from CT and went to UConn as that will help future recruiting.

 

[freescooter]

Interesting point. As mostly a 'team' guy (there are gray areas of course) I'd argue that certain players that stay for a full four years or what seems like the magic number (= championship in 3/4 cases) of 3 years insprire epic loyalty from both groups. Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, RIP Hamilton and Emeka are the examples.

I agree, especially on the grey areas. But I care far more for guys like Taliek and Khalid ElAmin than I do of Drummond. Those guys were far more important to UCONN than than Drummond, Rudy Gay. I think the guys you mentioned really straddle both sides. they were leaders of the "Team" and they were "Trophy Players." too.

 

[benjordan]

I'm listening to Bill Simmons podcast with Chad Ford and they are breaking down Drummond and they keep talking about how he didn't try hard in college. I never thought effort was an issue, more inconsitency with boxing out and lack of skill around the rim.

 

[caw]

I'm listening to Bill Simmons podcast with Chad Ford and they are breaking down Drummond and they keep talking about how he didn't try hard in college. I never thought effort was an issue, more inconsitency with boxing out and lack of skill around the rim.

A lot will depend on the team that drafts Drummond, look at Chandler/McGhee as examples of how moving to a good/bad team can make a big look really good or really bad. Chandler was horrid on the Bobcats, but great on the NO Hornets before and Dallas/Knicks after. No injury, just the difference between being on a good team with good guards and good set offense.

McGhee looked athletic on the Wizards, but also really dumb playing with Wall. Put him on the Nuggets with a better pure PG and he looked athletic and not as dumb.

 

[HeGotGame]

I'm listening to Bill Simmons podcast with Chad Ford and they are breaking down Drummond and they keep talking about how he didn't try hard in college. I never thought effort was an issue, more inconsitency with boxing out and lack of skill around the rim.

I disagree I thought effort was a huge problem. Boxing out and rebounding is all about effort and he gave little effort on that front for the vast majority of the season. He showed a lot of effort when Bazz was throwing him ally-oops but his effort was lacking when he had to play a half court offense.

I really want to see him be the next Amare or Dwight but unless something with his motor changes I see him as the next Jonathan Bender or Darius Miles.

 

[caw]

I disagree I thought effort was a huge problem. Boxing out and rebounding is all about effort and he gave little effort on that front for the vast majority of the season. He showed a lot of effort when Bazz was throwing him ally-oops but his effort was lacking when he had to play a half court offense.

I really want to see him be the next Amare or Dwight but unless something with his motor changes I see him as the next Jonathan Bender or Darius Miles.

That is a huge fallacy. Boxing out is a lot of technique. Hustling to get rebounds not in your area is effort.

Bender was a stick as was Miles. DeAndre Jordan or McGhee are better examples of athletic players with poor fundamentals.

 

[Husky68]

I disagree I thought effort was a huge problem. Boxing out and rebounding is all about effort and he gave little effort on that front for the vast majority of the season. He showed a lot of effort when Bazz was throwing him ally-oops but his effort was lacking when he had to play a half court offense.

I really want to see him be the next Amare or Dwight but unless something with his motor changes I see him as the next Jonathan Bender or Darius Miles.

I thought it was effort also, then came to the conclusion was more lack of basketball playing instincts/experience. He ran around with his arms down, when was not in the play did not move to better floor position and didn't "take up space" like a guy his size should have. Not being able to shoot effectively from 3 feet out, shooting with a low release and not having any foul shot - all limited his ability to be a force against defenses that sagged in on Uconn.

He needs a lot of skill improvement. Not knowing what to do to be effective can look like lack of effort. If you don't know where to go on the court to be more effective, might as well stand where you are.

 

[UCONNfan1]

Good for Andre and best of luck to him. i'll be rooting for him big time in the NBA. maybe he can school Bynum some time. that would surely make some UCONN fans smile...

 

[UChusky916]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7984310&ex_cid=nhffromfb

Draft interview with Chad Forde

 

[HeGotGame]

That is a huge fallacy. Boxing out is a lot of technique. Hustling to get rebounds not in your area is effort.

Bender was a stick as was Miles. DeAndre Jordan or McGhee are better examples of athletic players with poor fundamentals.

Boxing out requires technique but actually doing it requires effort. Drummond stands there watches the ball and has a huge issue with putting his body on a body. That is effort.

Miles was a stick but Bender weighed about 15 pounds less then Andre does now. My point though was they were big men with tremendous upside who never put in the work to make it in the league. DeAndre is similar, but Javele is just a bonehead.

 

[businesslawyer]

Wow - I really don't get the overall negative reaction to Drummond's year. Was he raw on offense? sure. But the kid still put up really respectable numbers for a Frosh center on a team with a lot of weak points. Nobody really had to worry about the three position or offense from the 4 position. There was no penalty to doubling any big who got the ball down low as the other big and the SF were really not credible threats. Add into that not being a good three point shooting team, that leaves a ton of pressure on your center. He came in raw but with amazing attributes and anyone who doesn't think he would be a dominating stud if he stayed for a second year really doesn't get it. So he was a year behind where you wanted him to be. He was a year away from living up to the hype and still had a really good year.

Compared to the hype vs output of Ajou, there's no comparison. Andre's gonna be a top 5 pick. Ajou might be serving you fries tomorrow.

Was Drummond better than Deng at UConn? Of course he was.

That said, statistics, especially points and rebounds, are only part of a player's story. Drummond's positive contribution this year was substantially less than what his ppg and rpg would lead you to believe.

That being said, good luck to the young man. he didn't help us win. That is not enough of a reason for me to wish him anything but good luck.

 

[johnhuskies95]

I don't think it was effort so much as it was lack of conditioning. If he was really 290 pounds by seasons end, that is too much.

He always seemed to be tired when he was on the court. As we all know from playing sports, it's a lot harder to appear like you are giving max effort when you are fatigued.

 

[Frank Ivy]

I woke up this morning out of a dream where I was between a famous star and my wife and they were both kissing me.
Better than losing 22 pounds.

 

[johnhuskies95]

Was Drummond better than Deng at UConn? Of course he was.

Drummond's positive contribution this year was substantially less than what his ppg and rpg would lead you to believe.

How do you even quantify that?

There are always five guys on each team playing. Figuring out that one player is dragging down the team is extremely difficult, unless you are alluding to some sort of advanced metric.

 

[businesslawyer]

How do you even quantify that?

There are always five guys on each team playing. Figuring out that one player is dragging down the team is extremely difficult, unless you are alluding to some sort of advanced metric.

No it's not. If you watch a team play all year and can't tell who is making them better and who isn't, you don't understand the game well enough. How do you think coaches put hockey or rugby or soccer teams together? Or decides who starts on the OL? You watch and evaluate. Not everything is statistically based.

 

[johnhuskies95]

No it's not. If you watch a team play all year and can't tell who is making them better and who isn't, you don't understand the game well enough. How do you think coaches put hockey or rugby or soccer teams together? Or decides who starts on the OL? You watch and evaluate. Not everything is statistically based.

Then tell me why "Drummond's positive contribution this year was substantially less than what his ppg and rpg would lead you to believe".

 

[caw]

Boxing out requires technique but actually doing it requires effort. Drummond stands there watches the ball and has a huge issue with putting his body on a body. That is effort.

Miles was a stick but Bender weighed about 15 pounds less then Andre does now. My point though was they were big men with tremendous upside who never put in the work to make it in the league. DeAndre is similar, but Javele is just a bonehead.

Well it looked to me like Drummond just didn't know how to properly box out. Too much arms and jumping not enough rear end/footwork. I see what you are saying though.

Bender was 230 max and wasn't his huge issue twofold:

1. Injury
2. Standing at the 3 PT line trying launch 3's

For that matter, Miles' career was also cut short due to injury.

Both were still relative busts, but healthy probably wouldn't have been near as bad. Both were also 3's or stretch 4's.

Are you thinking of someone else? Jermaine O'Neal

 

[businesslawyer]

Then tell me why "Drummond's positive contribution this year was substantially less than what his ppg and rpg would lead you to believe".

Because his total lack of understanding of how to play the game of basketball made everyone elses job harder. His inability to set a screen and hold it, instead of rolling before he was done screening. His inability to box anyone out ever, making other people have to worry about where his man was when a shot went up. His inability to be in the right position on the floor to create space for people. His inability to guard his own man in the paint and not lose him thinking about where the ball is.

He did not understand how to play basketball. His immense physical talents let him put up numbers, but made it harder for anyone around him to look good.

 

[boog204]

I saw Ajou play many games at T-More against very good competition. He did things on the court that I've never seen a 6-11 guy do. He rebounded, hit 3's, dunked on people, took people off the dribble, was the point man on the press. The first time Peter Abraham saw him, he wrote the headline, "I have seen the future of UConn Basketball and his name is Ajou Deng." I was certain that Ajou would lead us to multiple championships.

 

[mauconnfan]

Because his total lack of understanding of how to play the game of basketball made everyone elses job harder. His inability to set a screen and hold it, instead of rolling before he was done screening. His inability to box anyone out ever, making other people have to worry about where his man was when a shot went up. His inability to be in the right position on the floor to create space for people. His inability to guard his own man in the paint and not lose him thinking about where the ball is.

He did not understand how to play basketball. His immense physical talents let him put up numbers, but made it harder for anyone around him to look good.

Combine that with the mirror-image game of Alex and it's amazing the Huskies made it to the tourney.......2 rather inept, uneducated basketball minds guarding the interior and trying to score?

Does anyone else find it a bit insulting he suddenly wanted to shed 22 lbs?? With all that is given to them to make this happen he waits for the draft?

Sorry but I can't wait for next years team of less than "all amercan" talent working hard to be as good as they can be..................

 

[johnhuskies95]

Because his total lack of understanding of how to play the game of basketball made everyone elses job harder. His inability to set a screen and hold it, instead of rolling before he was done screening. His inability to box anyone out ever, making other people have to worry about where his man was when a shot went up. His inability to be in the right position on the floor to create space for people. His inability to guard his own man in the paint and not lose him thinking about where the ball is.

He did not understand how to play basketball. His immense physical talents let him put up numbers, but made it harder for anyone around him to look good.

First off, have you ever thought that the UConn bigs are taught to roll to the basket early? Pretty much every big did that. Were all 5 of them just really bad screeners, or were they being coached to do that? Every single pick and roll in the NBA is run with the screener rolling early. Calhoun likes to run an NBA offense.

Secondly, you're making an assumption here that guys were worrying about where his man was. Not to mention, he had the BEST defensive rebounding percentage on the team, meaning that the problems on that end were not primarily his problem. Not at all.

I also have to question your knowledge of the UConn offense. When has UConn's offense ever been about bigs creating space? Really? UConn bigs are there to screen both on the ball and off the ball, and get post-up opportunities, not to space the floor.

Finally, guys just didn't score against him in the post. Besides Henry Sims for about three possessions, opposing bigs could not score against him consistently in the paint. Not on hook shots or anything else.