Kemba was a junior.
The thing about Kemba's Maui was that not only did he go off on his own in incredibly efficient manner, but he dominated the game on both ends and controlled the tempo. Kemba was also creating masterfully for a team that we seem to forget had 5 freshman as well, same as this year (and those freshman were rated lower if that's your thing). A lot of talented players can score 30 when down by 20 points with nothing to lose on 20+ shot attempts. Stats without concrete results in the game are meaningless, and NBA scouts are aware of this for all those saying Adams is a lock to be gone after this year. I wouldn't be so sure about that at this point in the season. He needs to maintain the scoring numbers and bring up his % and lower turnovers before scouts will see lottery player on a terrible team.
This is not accurate my friend. When comparing Kemba's offensive performance in Maui in 2010 verse Jalen's in 2016 this is what the stats show:
Field Goal %: Jalen Adams 64% (this is just ridiculously good for a guard) > Kemba's 54% (which is also really good)
3pt FG%: Jalen 56% > Kemba 42%
Rebounds: Jalen 18 > Kemba 7
Assists: Jalen 22 > Kemba 12
TO: Jalen 14 (9 from one half) < Kemba 6
Jalen only attempted over 20 shot attempts just once (21 in the last game). Again what was really impressive was the fact that Jalen averaged just 1 point less than Kemba on a per game basis while going to the line nearly half as often as Kemba (28 total free throws to 15 total free throws).
Obviously as UConn fans the tournament (and really the whole season thus far) has been a disappointment. But once again I stand by my OP that as special as Kemba was in 2010, going solely off of offensive performance, Jalen's performance was even better. He shot the ball overall more efficiently and from deep more efficiently. He had roughly double the assists and rebounds compared to Kemba. I know the TOs were a concern but we all know that 9 of those TOs were in one half, so he made a remarkable improvement in that category as well.
Also putting aside the stats for a second just watch the tape, Jalen put on a awesome show. He was making incredibly acrobatic layups and hitting tough shots, and turned rebounds into instant offense.
Kemba's performance in Maui was amazing, not taking anything away from him. His team performed much better than Jalen's squad and there is no question about it. Kemba was one of my favorite players of all time (guess what the "15" stands for in my username).
Having watched a lot of bball in my life (and playing some too) I firmly believe Jalen's offensive performance was better (which is amazing) and this is why I am still optimistic for this year. If Jalen stays healthy and the role players play their roles then we will be a dangerous team come March; led by Jalen.
