Napier vs. Walker: Who's Better? (Insider)

[tcf15]

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-col...ollege-career-kemba-walker-college-basketball

Right now it's dead even between the two UConn legends, but I've left out one important detail. Napier isn't finished yet, and when we talk about Walker a huge part of what we're evaluating is what he was able to do over the course of 11 thrilling postseason games in March and April of 2011.

Maybe Napier will follow Walker's example. If so, it would be a fitting end to a special career.

 

[NHUConnfan]

Even if UConn were to win the tourney this year, I'd still be willing to say that Kemba was better. It's not a slight to Shabazz. He's been fantastic. But Walker was legendary. It's easy to forget how young that 2011 team was. It's close, but I'm always going to give the edge to Kemba.

 

[Migs]

Too much talk of "winning" again. Seems like it's begining to become an expectation at this point. I don't like it.

 

[specialisthusky]

Too much talk of "winning" again. Seems like it's begining to become an expectation at this point. I don't like it.

we talked a lot about "WINNING" in 2011. It was a lot more effective than animal house.

 

[Marat]

If you were to compare their regular seasons (without tournaments), then it becomes much tougher to say Kemba was better. Kemba really shined in the NCAAs in 2011 (obviously) and as freshman in the regional final vs Mizzou. At this time, he is just one of a few Huskies to play in two final fours. Now, comparing the regular season games, who was better? I would say Bazz.

 

[James]

great piece, im a fan of gasaway. check his blog.

 

[Sky ball]

Kemba was better in the Post Season and in the clutch, last shot of game, to win it. Bazz overall better reg season. IMHO BOTH are/were great

 

[caw]

Kemba, I mean Napier is great but can you imagine if Kemba had stayed for his Senior year?

 

[UConnSwag11]

Could someone share the article. It's already linked

 

[UConnSwag11]

Just the beginning about bazz and kemba http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10548904&ex_cid=espnapi_public

 

[jfuchs91]

Even Shabazz has said numerous times that to be compared to Kemba, he'd have to lead this team to a championship. Seriously, what Kemba did in 2011 is legendary. Not just to UConn fans, but of basketball fans around the country. Shabazz has been great throughout his career, but that's an unfair comparison to make.

That all being said though, how lucky are we as UConn fans to have had them both? Let's hope Shabazz can lead this team to a postseason run like Kemba did in 2011.

 

[Husky25]

A lot broke UConn's way in 2011. They were in the same region as an overrated SDSU and 'Zona beat Duke in the Sweet 16. Then Florida, Kansas, and UNC failed to make it passed the Elite 8, leaving UConn as the top seed in Dallas as a 3. Seeding, draw, and upsets along the way play a bigger role in the Tournament than most care to admit.

 

[Palatine]

Kemba is the best PG in UConn history. His ability to get to the rim was extraordinary, better than Bazz. Both have the ability to create their own shot. Both make their teammates better. But unless Bazz brings home a ring, Kemba is the man.

 

[Kitaman]

Isn't that a Boneyarder Insider exclusive question? And isn't that up to us to decide/argue/debate/discuss?

Can someone please tell them to wait for OUR answer? How dare outsiders come into our kennel!

 

[Husky25]

If you were to compare their regular seasons (without tournaments), then it becomes much tougher to say Kemba was better. Kemba really shined in the NCAAs in 2011 (obviously) and as freshman in the regional final vs Mizzou. At this time, he is just one of a few Huskies to play in two final fours. Now, comparing the regular season games, who was better? I would say Bazz.

It's close but I don't think I agree. Walker put the entire team on his back in Maui, regaining the trust of the fan base that many had lost in 2010. That team was beyond young with 3 freshman (Lamb, Olander, Smith) and a Soph. (Oriaki) played starters' minutes and two more getting significant run as well (Napier and Giffey). Walker had to carry that team until Lamb grew into a role to help out.

What is amazing to me how similar their college career arcs have been. During each players' sophomore year, they failed to meet the lofty expectations that they set in their Freshman years, before pulling it back together during the Junior year and becoming the leader their team so desperately needed.

 

[ZenConn]

Queue up MuppetMaker in 10, 9, 8 ...

 

[tcf15]

Front page of ESPN College Basketball is pretty much all Shabazz right now.

 

[Deleted member 3149]

Let shabazz finish writing his final chapter. Then we'll talk about it... Both are legends, regardless

 

[Inyatkin]

A lot broke UConn's way in 2011. They were in the same region as an overrated SDSU and 'Zona beat Duke in the Sweet 16. Then Florida, Kansas, and UNC failed to make it passed the Elite 8, leaving UConn as the top seed in Dallas as a 3. Seeding, draw, and upsets along the way play a bigger role in the Tournament than most care to admit.

A lot broke UConn's way in 1999. We got a double-digit seed in Gonzaga to play for the Final Four, and the lowest-remaining seed in Ohio State once we got there.
In 2004 we had the top seed in our bracket out in the first weekend. We had an overmatched Alabama team to beat to get to San Antonio, then later an overmatched Georgia Tech.
A lot broke our way in the 2006 tournament, too, we just didn't take full advantage.
This happens every tournament, to every team that goes far. It was not exceptional in 2011. In fact, to have played that Arizona team that had just finished blitzing Duke in what was basically a home game for them, I can't imagine calling that a lucky break.

 

[60'sfan]

I don't think we can compare them based on whether Shabazz leads his team to a National Championship. If all fairness, Kemba had a better supporting cast including a great freshman backup point guard. However, I still think Kemba was better. He had a great handle and incredible quickness. He could almost score at will. Having said this, their stats for their least year are close.

Kemba was the better scorer 23.5 to 17.8 and actually played more minutes per game 37.6 to 34.7.
However Shabazz was the better three point shooter .407 to .330 and free throw shooter .887 to.819. He also averaged more rebounds, assists and turnovers per game. All their other numbers were very close.

The NBA made Kemba a lottery pick and he has been a star. Shabazz is most likely a late first round or early second round pick. I think he is capable of playing in the NBA perhaps as Kevin Ollie did. Of the two, I think Shabazz could become a great coach someday. And as someone said earlier, we don't know what Kemba might have accomplished had he played four years.

 

[UConnSwag11]

i just love the exposure bazz is getting, also bringing up kemba walker and the championship doesn't hurt either

 

[Penfield]

Kemba may have been better, but for me I can't remember a player that has embraced the UConn community more than Shabazz. He has shown what it truly means to be a Husky & Bleed Blue. Really hope some special stuff happens for him this March. He deserves it.

There were definitely some bumps in the road but it has been a great trip with him. I'm sure we will see more of Shabazz at UConn one day.

 

[Husky25]

A lot broke UConn's way in 1999. We got a double-digit seed in Gonzaga to play for the Final Four, and the lowest-remaining seed in Ohio State once we got there.
In 2004 we had the top seed in our bracket out in the first weekend. We had an overmatched Alabama team to beat to get to San Antonio, then later an overmatched Georgia Tech.
A lot broke our way in the 2006 tournament, too, we just didn't take full advantage.
This happens every tournament, to every team that goes far. It was not exceptional in 2011. In fact, to have played that Arizona team that had just finished blitzing Duke in what was basically a home game for them, I can't imagine calling that a lucky break.

True, teams have to take advantage of the breaks, like the '06 team failed to do. The difference(s) is that UConn was a 1 seed and arguably the best team in the country in both 1999 and 2004. They struggled to a .500 Big East Record in 2010-2011 and only got a 3 seed because they won 5 games in 5 nights in early March. I don't think they were the best team in the country by any other measure than winning a 68 team, survive and advance tournament.

 

[aceboon]

A lot broke UConn's way in 2011. They were in the same region as an overrated SDSU and 'Zona beat Duke in the Sweet 16. Then Florida, Kansas, and UNC failed to make it passed the Elite 8, leaving UConn as the top seed in Dallas as a 3. Seeding, draw, and upsets along the way play a bigger role in the Tournament than most care to admit.

What made SDSU overrated besides you saying so? That team had a lottery pick on their roster in Kawhi Leonard, and we had to play them in what was virtually a home game for them. Also, its not like Zona squeezed by Duke, they embarrased them, they also had the #2 pick on their roster with Derrick Williams, and it was basically another home game for them with the crowd decidely in their favor. Kentucky had sort of an up and down season but its not like they were short on talent, Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Darius Miller, DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrellson are all guys who are currently on NBA rosters.

 

[tcf15]

Napier also front page of Sports Illustrated CBB page: