I think some of the perceived shortcomings of KO in terms of developing Brimah and Facey can be placed on the players instead of Ollie. This isn't meant as a knock on their attitude or work ethic at all. Love both of them. But, both started playing basketball very late in their youth, and therefore didn't develop the good habits and instincts that come from playing in grade school and are conducive to improvement, and this is despite the immense physical gifts both guys have.
In no way am I trying to bash either player; I'm very thankful they've been Huskies. I love that they've both figured it out this year (especially Facey!). They contributed to the '14 title run, and they helped hold down the fort while we transitioned from the Kemba-Shabazz teams to what I hope is another run of excellence under Jalen-Gilbert-MAL. But, at the end of the day, for all the physical tools they had, and there are plenty, the cards were stacked against either one developing into an All-American type player.
I think a better test to Ollie's development may be Enoch. He's as we know super, super young, and again has a bevy of physical gifts that can make him a monster if he harnesses them with help from KO. He's also been playing basketball since he was a child, not when he outgrew soccer. The jury is still out, admittedly, but there are signs of positive developments in Enoch. I'd love to see him be a monster next year and put this narrative that Ollie can't develop bigs to rest (and because having a competent post player is the the only glaring hole in next year's unit).
