Lubin

[joober jones]

He already weighs more than Thabeet did as a senior. This kid is going to be an absolute monster on the boards. I can't wait to see him on the court.

 

[RichZ]

If he rebounds like he talks about it and can defend his own side, all he needs to do is provide 4 to 8 points a game on putbacks and the occasional dunk on a dump-off from the guards, and he'll be playing 18 to 25 minutes.

 

[Peacefrog]

I have to admit, I have no idea as to what we can reasonably expect from him. He has the size and apparently the focus/attitude to provide the rebounding we need but is the capability actually there? We'll know soon enough I imagine.

 

[Scot-e]

He is like Patrick Young of Fla with Charles Barkley's backside- if he has some skills to go with what God gave him he will be a beast.

 

[James]

Wary of his impact, I can see him being a bit foul prone. Typical for freshman.

 

[donyell34]

This is not just a step up for the Rock this is a giant leap. He wants it , we want it. We shall see soon .

 

[UconnU]

I have to admit, I have no idea as to what we can reasonably expect from him. He has the size and apparently the focus/attitude to provide the rebounding we need but is the capability actually there? We'll know soon enough I imagine.

Neither do I. We were his only D1 offer. I guess the over/under should be set at something like 5-10 minutes per game. Especially since KO is focusing this team on transition offense. I don't see where he fits. I think he will be a great asset in practices toughening the team up. I think we will see D Ham at the 4 more than Lubin... could be wrong though.

 

[RichZ]

Especially since KO is focusing this team on transition offense. I don't see where he fits.

Transition offense starts on the defensive boards. If he can outlet pass, he'll be important to getting the break rolling. I wouldn't mind at all having a Wes Unseld type break starter on our team. Even half a Unseld. No telling if he'll ever develop in that direction, but he's got the body to do it, and it's been a while since we've had someone with the theoretical capability physically, and a rebounding mindset.

 

[ctchamps]

Transition offense starts on the defensive boards. If he can outlet pass, he'll be important to getting the break rolling. I wouldn't mind at all having a Wes Unseld type break starter on our team. Even half a Unseld. No telling if he'll ever develop in that direction, but he's got the body to do it, and it's been a while since we've had someone with the theoretical capability physically, and a rebounding mindset.

In the two games I saw tape of his play he actually was great at defensive rebounding and outlet passing and this is the role I suspect KO pictures for him. As I've stated before he was the only player capable enough on his team to pass as a center. He had to play most of the minutes each game and I think the coach told him to play "softer" to avoid foul trouble. Since he wasn't on the AAU circuit most university coaches only had his hs play to go by. But if I'm wrong about the purpose behind his "softer" play than some fans will be disappointed. Patric Young plays softer than his body would indicate.

 

[superjohn]

None of us know if the skill is there and he lacks a little in height but 6'7 265lbs. and with his lateral quickness and attitude there is definitely something to work with there. He is definitely the most physically strong freshman we've ever had coming in and that alone is exciting.

 

[BLUEDOGHOUSE]

Transition offense starts on the defensive boards. If he can outlet pass, he'll be important to getting the break rolling. I wouldn't mind at all having a Wes Unseld type break starter on our team. Even half a Unseld. No telling if he'll ever develop in that direction, but he's got the body to do it, and it's been a while since we've had someone with the theoretical capability physically, and a rebounding mindset.

At min 2:00 Rip talking about Wes Unseld. Just think one day a future NBA player may be talking about Mr. Rock Lubin with the same enthusiasm and respect. At UConn we shoot for the stars in player development. Good luck Mr. Rock.

 

[muhmitchell]

Always love a guy willing to clean up the boards and do the dirty work, hoping he can help us take on the rhino that was Justin McBride last year

 

[intlzncster]

He already weighs more than Thabeet did as a senior. This kid is going to be an absolute monster on the boards. I can't wait to see him on the court.

Too bad he's not 7'3!

 

[donyell34]

We keep building him up he might be 7'3" soon.

 

[ctchamps]

At min 2:00 Rip talking about Wes Unseld. Just think one day a future NBA player may be talking about Mr. Rock Lubin with the same enthusiasm and respect. At UConn we shoot for the stars in player development. Good luck Mr. Rock.

Nice find!

 

[Husky25]

I love the lunch pail guys. It may be blasphemy, but he may challenge Kevin Freeman as my favorite player in UConn Husky Basketball history, when all is said and done.

Time will tell and he has 2 in front of him for 2014-2015 (Nolan and Facey, who I'd love to see challenge Freeman in the hierarchy.).

 

[intlzncster]

Not to get into the definition of 'great athlete' again (for the 400th time), but I think you're underselling Rodman's athleticism a bit.

He was an astoundingly quick jumper. Seems like he could get up, down, and back up before other guys got up and down. He was also really, really strong for his size. He was able to effectively D up a behemoth like Shaq, even giving up all that height/weight.

And of course, aside from that, there was that otherworldly anticipation.

 

[Dogbreath2U]

Not to get into the definition of 'great athlete' again (for the 400th time), but I think you're underselling Rodman's athleticism a bit.

He was an astoundingly quick jumper. Seems like he could get up, down, and back up before other guys got up and down. He was also really, really strong for his size. He was able to effectively D up a behemoth like Shaq, even giving up all that height/weight.

And of course, aside from that, there was that otherworldly anticipation.

and don't forget his fashion sense.

 

[intlzncster]

Rodman was 6'7 220lbs. Shaq was 7'1 325lbs. Rodman's giving up 6 inches and about 100lbs.

Given those differentials, keeping Shaq to his usual numbers is goshdarn heroic, never mind 'effective'. Shaq should have gone for 45 and 20 on someone that size.

 

[intlzncster]

How did I move the goal posts? I didn't try to claim he played Shaq straight up all game long, although I guess it sounds like that. You said Shaq averaged the same he always did, so I just riffed on that. Nor did I say he shutdown Shaq. The term I used was 'effective', which is hardly over the top.

I watched them play against each other number of times and was very surprised to see Rodman holding his own, even when Shaq tried to back him down.

 

[Jluc]

What did Thabeet weigh as a senior? I don't remember him ever being one at Uconn.