The only way Samson should be starting is if he can shoot. Otherwise we will have another situation of 3 guys on the floor who can’t score more than 2 feet from the basket.
I’ll always love you 3000.
Fwiw Akok shot 46% from 3 this past year. Made more 3s than he did his freshman year in under half the minutes.
That’s true but it’s literally the only thing he could do, and he would just be camped out in the corner. The ideal 4 is someone like a Deandre Daniels or Slater/Samuels from Nova. An efficient offense has a 4 that can create their own shot. Akok couldn’t do that last year. I hope he returns to form next season though, we need him
He needs to play waaaaay better defense this year. The blocks are nice but he got roasted constantly in man defense. That absolutely needs to change for him to see bigger minutes next year. I hope it was just rust and not effects from his injury. I’m not sure Hurley can go into next year expecting big contributions from him unfortunately.
Slater and samuels creating their shot was probably novas worst offense, just by the eye test. I’d much rather play a high end spot up shooter than someone like that. But if we can find a DD(second round nba pick level player), obviously that’s a step up from Akok.
Slater didnt play that great but are we watching the same Samuels..? He’s been on a tear this entire tournament
Yes that’s be ideal but having a high energy guy like Akok that can shoot 3s and be an elite shot blocker can work IMO.
If there’s anything Hurley can do is coach defense. I feel like if Akok is getting enough minutes he’ll come around. I don’t think we’ll find a better 3 point shooter and shot blocker.
no belief required.
If I recall correctly, Niels credited his summer time on the German national team with his improved shooting and overall play
We saw pictures of a “pumped up Akok” last summer. Remember the comments of how muscular he has become but it was a joke. I don’t think it’s in his capability to transform his body to the strength he would need at that position. Naturally skinny dude. That said he can still get rebounds and make shots but he’s going to get pushed around which will limit his minutes and use ability.
I think it is going to be Karaban.
Karaban is the real deal, I expect him to be first off the bench and maybe some starts later on. As for Clingan, Hurley can’t screw around with Clingan as a freshman, like Ollie did with Josh and Hurley continued doing. The kid is the real deal. Clingan needs to get thrown into the fire, with Moore, Young, and Hurley teaching along the way, doing that will pay big dividends later on. Floyd can shoot it, so he will see major minutes.
Yes. This place is delusional about his D. His man was open outside, because he so often had to rotate to cover the rim because the 5 was not in the paint and somebody else‘s man got by them. It’s why he had so many blocks. He rarely got a block on his own guy. His defense was fine. He’s the ideal 4 with Sanogo, and I expect Johnson to do similar things as well.
I’m sorry but just no. He consistently got lost on switches and screens, allowing incredibly easy baskets and got pushed around in the paint. I’m hoping it was rust because the switching/screen issue is clearly mental and not physical, but there’s a reason he very rarely saw the floor this year. His defense was basically unplayable when combined with his limited offensive game. I’d love for him to come back next year and be a key contributor but I think Hurley would be making a big mistake counting on major minutes from him.
Samson’s minutes will be determined by his defense. That’s the way DH rolls.
I think Akok’s inability or unwillingness to put the ball on the floor really hurts his chances to play more. Did he once this season take more than 2 bounces before giving the ball up?
It’s necessary that whoever is playing the 4 can be relied on to score when they get the ball in the post or for an open jumper. Playing Whaley at the four was a detriment on offense