Grad Transfer Kassoum Yakwe To Be UConn Men's New Rim Protector

[huskymedic]

Amore: A Late Bloomer On The Court, Grad Transfer Kassoum Yakwe To Be UConn Men's New Rim Protector

>>Takwe’s days begin with weight training shortly after 6 a.m., then workouts, then classes and study, and finally back in the Werth Center for a little more work on his game. “I like it, it’s very calm,” Yakwe said. “It’s not like New York. Outside of campus, there is nothing to do. I like it because all I do is go to school, study and focus on basketball. I think this is the perfect place for me.”<<

>> “He’s very athletic,” said Taliek Brown, UConn’s new director of player development, who saw Yakwe in New York early on. “Great motor. He’s just got to get his legs under him and learn the game a little more. He’s everywhere on the floor, he makes plays, he changes shots, crowds the paint. He’s just an old-school big guy. It’s all about confidence, just go hard and push yourself.”<<

 

[lange10]

“I feel like it’s more intense here,” Yakwe said. “Coach Hurley is going all the time, he doesn’t even stop. Drill after drill, the pace is great. When you practice that way, the game will be easier.”

Yakwe could help with the recruiting of Achiuwa and others being recruited by UConn+SJU since Yakwe has played for both programs now.

 

[Son of Robert]

Also sounds like he is embracing his fresh start and should be an important player down low for us.

 

[Mike Honcho]

“I feel like it’s more intense here,” Yakwe said. “Coach Hurley is going all the time, he doesn’t even stop. Drill after drill, the pace is great. When you practice that way, the game will be easier.”

Yakwe could help with the recruiting of Achiuwa and others being recruited by UConn+SJU since Yakwe has played for both programs now.

And Sid Wilson.

 

[Sphinx]

It's a problem when your "rim protector" is 6-7, 210 (In the photo, Yakwe looks barely taller than Hurley.)

On the other hand, the guy definitely has hops. The follow-up slam in the video is something Onuorah probably could not have done.

We will play with what we have this year, and it seems that all of our 4-5 candidates will be a bit undersized in one way or another. Diarra also is barely 6-7 and Cobb maybe 6-7 1/2. Our bona-fide 6-8's (Polley and Whaley) are toothpicks.

It will be critical to play a disruptive defense that keeps the opponent out of leisurely half-court offensive sets.

 

[Ricker]

It's a problem when your "rim protector" is 6-7, 210 (In the photo, Yakwe looks barely taller than Hurley.)

Are you referring to the picture of Tarin Smith with Hurley? You made me curious but I didn't see a pic in that link.

 

[intlzncster]

It's a problem when your "rim protector" is 6-7, 210 (In the photo, Yakwe looks barely taller than Hurley.)

On the other hand, the guy definitely has hops. The follow-up slam in the video is something Onuorah probably could not have done.

We will play with what we have this year, and it seems that all of our 4-5 candidates will be a bit undersized in one way or another. Diarra also is barely 6-7 and Cobb maybe 6-7 1/2. Our bona-fide 6-8's (Polley and Whaley) are toothpicks.

It will be critical to play a disruptive defense that keeps the opponent out of leisurely half-court offensive sets.

He does have a nice 7' wingspan though.

 

[UofCT]

Ben Wallace was listed as 6'9, closer to 6'7/6'8

 

[gtcam]

Ben Wallace was listed as 6'9, closer to 6'7/6'8

that was Ben Wallace
just saying

 

[UconnU]

Ben Wallace was listed as 6'9, closer to 6'7/6'8

Kevin Love is listed at 6'10, At the NBA combine he was measured at 6'7.5.

 

[UofCT]

that was Ben Wallace
just saying

If Kassom Yakwe plays like Kassom Yakwe we might have Ben Wallace.

 

[intlzncster]

I mean, the guy's already proven he can block shots...so the point is kinda moot no?

 

[UconnU]

I mean, the guy's already proven he can block shots...so the point is kinda moot no?

Yea it is, DeJaun Blair was one of the best centers we ever faced and he was like 6'6. Wingspan is more important than height.

 

[UconnU]

St. Johns really failed this kid developmentally. How does a 4 star top 100 kid coming out of high school struggling with "Understanding the game" after 3 years of high major D1 ball?

 

[RichZ]

Yea it is, DeJaun Blair was one of the best centers we ever faced and he was like 6'6. Wingspan is more important than height.

Shoulder span and butt span are important in owning your space on the floor.

 

[UconnU]

Shoulder span and butt span are important in owning your space on the floor.

One of the reasons I really like Tre Mitchell. We haven't had that kind of player in a long time.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

If Kassom Yakwe plays like Kassom Yakwe we might have Ben Wallace.

Hall of Fame worthy?

 

[CL82]

Shoulder span and butt span are important in owning your space on the floor.

My shorthand for boxing out was stick out your butt and stick on the opposing players thigh. It was surprisingly effective.

 

[RichZ]

My shorthand for boxing out was stick out your butt and stick on the opposing players thigh. It was surprisingly effective.

And from behind, your right knee into the back of his left knee (or vice versa depending on position and direction) and it takes away his ability to jump.

 

[the Q]

And from behind, your right knee into the back of his left knee (or vice versa depending on position and direction) and it takes away his ability to jump.

Or just step on his foot. Simple. Effective. Refs don’t look for it.

 

[mauconnfan]

St. Johns really failed this kid developmentally. How does a 4 star top 100 kid coming out of high school struggling with "Understanding the game" after 3 years of high major D1 ball?

I’m afraid understanding the game can affect lots of kids. Natural ability and athleticism can hide a lot in HS but coaches can’t teach “understanding” the game. We’ve seen plenty of that lately coaches need to recruit smarter on the court players. Not saying they can’t pick up some intelligence of the game but usually you already “get it” when you arrive.

 

[CL82]

I’m afraid understanding the game can affect lots of kids. Natural ability and athleticism can hide a lot in HS but coaches can’t teach “understanding” the game. We’ve seen plenty of that lately coaches need to recruit smarter on the court players. Not saying they can’t pick up some intelligence of the game but usually you already “get it” when you arrive.

I blame AAU a bit (not that this all that hot a take) because it emphasizes up and down one on one play. HS basketball is getting infected with mindset somewhat.

 

[willie99]

I love the statements about Hurley's drive and practice more than anything. Haven't heard that type of talk in a few years. Now "that" reminds me of the JC years.

Glad it's back, somewhat surprised it had left but I don't recall any such talk in recent years. Maybe it was lost in all the other stuff, maybe not

 

[RichZ]

I’m afraid understanding the game can affect lots of kids. Natural ability and athleticism can hide a lot in HS but coaches can’t teach “understanding” the game. We’ve seen plenty of that lately coaches need to recruit smarter on the court players. Not saying they can’t pick up some intelligence of the game but usually you already “get it” when you arrive.

You didn't watch the Caron interview at the HOF yesterday, did you?
He said he didn't even THINK about understanding the game until Pat Riley stated to teach him.

 

[intlzncster]

I blame AAU a bit (not that this all that hot a take) because it emphasizes up and down one on one play. HS basketball is getting infected with mindset somewhat.

AAU ball is tough on bigs development. Especially for more traditional bigs.

 

[UofCT]

Hall of Fame worthy?

Most definitely. All he needs is a sportsmanship award and he’s a lock

 

[mauconnfan]

You didn't watch the Caron interview at the HOF yesterday, did you?
He said he didn't even THINK about understanding the game until Pat Riley stated to teach him.

But he DID understand the game. Riley may have taught him some NBA stuff but watching him play I'm sure you know he "got it" already when he came aboard the tours train.