joober jones
Finally Non-Fat Guy
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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.
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.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.
Especially since KO is focusing this team on transition offense. I don't see where he fits.
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
Rebounding is more about effort than ability. Dennis Rodman was physically gifted, but not so much by NBA standards, but he wanted that ball more than anyone else on the court.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.
Rebounding is more about effort than ability. Dennis Rodman was physically gifted, but not so much by NBA standards, but he wanted that ball more than anyone else on the court.
Rakim > Rodman
kidding
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.
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.
The Rodman bit was supposed to be sarcasm. But...I think you're overselling Rodman's "effective" defense on Shaq.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=onealsh01&p2=rodmade01
They faced off 16 times.
Shaq averaged 26.8 and 13.4 in 12 regular season games, and 27 and 10.8 rebounds in 4 playoff games.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealsh01.html
Over Shaq's career he averaged 23.7 and 10.9
In his 12 best years, Orlando (4) and LA (8), he averaged 27.2/12.5 and 27/11.8.
Statistically speaking, Dennis Rodman didn't slow Shaq down at all.
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.
If double teaming didn't exist you might have a point.
But since it does let's look at who played Center with Rodman in those games vs. Shaq.
Bill Wennington, Luc Longley. Not great defenders, but certainly added length to compliment Rodman's quick hands.
David Robinson. One of the best centers of his era.
Bill Laimbeer. All he did was play physical defense.
Rodman was more likely to be helping in a double team against Shaq than he was to actually be defending him one on one. They only played 16 times, but the most effective strategy probably would have been to use Rodman to front Shaq and deny him the ball, and have your 7 footer play behind Shaq or come over to double once the entry pass was made. Whatever happened, it wasn't Rodman and Shaq going one on one for 40 minutes a game.
But feel free to move the goal posts...again.
How did I move the goal post?