PF/C Juwan Durham (Signed LOI on 11/11)

[Scottzer]

Uhmm, I guess he could still back out. But - let's have a moment to spit on the boneyarder's who said we were out of it when he didn't commit immediately. This kid looks great - don't feel bad about Gabriel- the kids we get want to be here. Those are the kids you want. Not kids who think they deserve the world.

 

[businesslawyer]

Uhmm, I guess he could still back out. But - let's have a moment to spit on the boneyarder's who said we were out of it when he didn't commit immediately. This kid looks great - don't feel bad about Gabriel- the kids we get want to be here. Those are the kids you want. Not kids who think they deserve the world.

Why are we spitting on Gabriel. As far as I can tell, were still recruiting him

 

[The Viking]

No, first you have to have sex with three of your first cousins, then you have to hire a slimeball coach. THEN you can feel like KY.

holy this is hysterical

 

[Scottzer]

Maybe we're still recruiting Gabriel. I do t know and don't have the contacts. Several folks on this board, who have better knowledge have stated we're out with him. But, this kid, looks like a steal to me. (And a few folks were pissed that he did t commit during his visit). Meanwhile, some of us didn't jump to next.

 

[tcf15]

http://peachstatebasketball.com/brandonclayscouting-com-prospect-eval-juwan-durham-february-19-2015/

Date: June 19, 2014
Evaluator: Brandon ClayLocation: NBPA Top 100 Camp (Charlottesville, Va.)
Much like our fall eval, Durham ran the floor and was impactful mainly on the defensive end of the hardwood. He affects, blocks and changes shots and is a specialist in that aspect of the game already.

Date: October 5, 2013
Evaluator: Brandon ClayLocation: USA Basketball Developmental Mini-Camp (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Durham’s length and athleticism reminds us of a young John Henson. Ironically, Henson also finished his high school career in Tampa. Durham, a class of 2016 graduate, is a legitimate option at the power forward position. We project the five-star caliber prospect’s skill set to allow him to knock down the open jumpshot as the trail post player in the secondary transition break. Durham hit a 3-pointer during the Sunday morning session in rhythm. He has a bit of hitch in his shooting mechanics but it did not prevent him from shooting the ball with confidence. Defensively, he’s got bounce to his step and was a factor guarding the inbounds as well as trapping the first pass during the press breakdown segment on Sunday. Durham’s longterm projection will depend on his willingness to affect the game on both ends as he did here.

 

[tcf15]

http://hoopseen.com/index.php/news/headlines/item/3475-juwan-durham-commits-to-uconn

Durham is coming off of a torn ACL and has yet to be cleared to get back on the floor for 5-on-5 activities. However, the Huskies didn’t back off the gas pedal with the high upside forward and received major dividends with the work that they put in on the Sunshine State native.

Mobile, agile, and very productive from 15-feet and in, Durham is best out of the high post region and should work very well as a high-low big in playing alongside much bigger, less mobile 5-men at the next level. The Tampa Prep forward can defend away from the basket and fits the mold of the more successful forwards in this day and age in hoops in maneuvering and defending well off the high ball screen. He can hit the mid-range jumper, has impeccable hands on the glass, and gives Kevin Ollie a type of big man that he has yet to showcase during his short time as the head man in Storrs.

 

[Rocktheworld]

But now we have to wonder; will the association of anything "Durham" with UConn hurt the mojo?

 

[Rocktheworld]

http://hoopseen.com/index.php/news/headlines/item/3475-juwan-durham-commits-to-uconn

Durham is coming off of a torn ACL and has yet to be cleared to get back on the floor for 5-on-5 activities. However, the Huskies didn’t back off the gas pedal with the high upside forward and received major dividends with the work that they put in on the Sunshine State native.

Mobile, agile, and very productive from 15-feet and in, Durham is best out of the high post region and should work very well as a high-low big in playing alongside much bigger, less mobile 5-men at the next level. The Tampa Prep forward can defend away from the basket and fits the mold of the more successful forwards in this day and age in hoops in maneuvering and defending well off the high ball screen. He can hit the mid-range jumper, has impeccable hands on the glass, and gives Kevin Ollie a type of big man that he has yet to showcase during his short time as the head man in Storrs.

Do we know exactly (or somewhat) how severe the ACL injury was? How bad was the tear? It's a double edge sword having it happen so early; yes, he has time to recover before he hits D1 play, but now that knee is fragile for life. Can it limit his development over the next year and years to come?

 

[James]

If he is 6'11 with a plus differential wingspan , he is a 5 man and won't be playing along side any "bigs".

 

[Mano]

But now we have to wonder; will the association of anything "Durham" with UConn hurt the mojo?

I would just as soon look at it as another type of Dham.

 

[UChusky916]

If he is 6'11 with a plus differential wingspan , he is a 5 man and won't be playing along side any "bigs".

Uhhh, no. Look at his skills, he's a PF. You can't just say he's a center because of his height and length. Terrible post.

 

[tcf15]

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncbrecruiting/on-the-trail/insider/post?id=14444

Why he committed: "Juwan and Kevin Ollie hit it off from Day 1 when they met last year and he felt so comfortable on his visit this past weekend with the coaches, players and campus," Tampa Prep head coach Joe Fenlon told ESPN. "He liked the fact that UConn was not in a metropolitan area. He also was impressed with the communications program."

What he brings: The No. 38 player in the class of 2016 brings great length, versatility and skill. Durham can handle and shoot to the arc to go along with having excellent body control as he attacks the rim. Durham is also a very good shot blocker and capable multiple-position defender. But his mobility and versatility is what makes him a special talent.

How he fits: The four-star forward will fit Ollie's system perfectly. He will be a matchup problem at the power forward and small forward positions. Durham will be a finisher on the break and a playmaker inside and out within the halfcourt offense. Durham also fits the position-less type of player that Ollie likes to feature. UConn is one of the most versatile teams in the country and that type of environment will be great for Durham to excel in. At times, like in the National Championship game in 2014, Connecticut played two power forwards and that will also be to Durham's advantage.

Who he reminds us of: Durham reminds us of long, lean and skilled former Connecticut forward DeAndre Daniels. Same body type, scoring package and both loaded with untapped potential as incoming freshmen.

 

[tcf15]

Do we know exactly (or somewhat) how severe the ACL injury was? How bad was the tear? It's a double edge sword having it happen so early; yes, he has time to recover before he hits D1 play, but now that knee is fragile for life. Can it limit his development over the next year and years to come?

Hard to find any info on his knee. This seems to be the most recent article about his recovery (it's from May): http://www.tampabay.com/sports/bask...-tampa-preps-juwan-durham-on-the-mend/2231527

Tampa Prep's Juwan Durham tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Feb. 17. The injury usually takes about 10 months to fully recover. Durham, though, has accelerated his timetable so much that the rising senior could return to full basketball activities as early as August.

"Juwan's had tremendous progress," Terrapins coach Joe Fenlon said. "He's ahead of schedule."

Durham continues his rehabilitation three days a week, lifting weights and going through resistance training. He already is in the gym shooting jumpers.

 

[James]

Uhhh, no. Look at his skills, he's a PF. You can't just say he's a center because of his height and length. Terrible post.

Enlighten me on all the 6'11 power forwards who are successful at the next level. To better utilize his skills , mismatching vs opposing centers seems most beneficial. Instead of him chasing around stretch 4s....lol terrible post FOH

 

[superjohn]

Enlighten me on all the 6'11 power forwards who are successful at the next level. To better utilize his skills , mismatching vs opposing centers seems most beneficial. Instead of him chasing around stretch 4s....lol terrible post FOH

He calls himself a 4, his coach calls him a 4, all the scouts call him a 4. Ollie is of the Golden State Warriors mindset, kind of being a position less squad but Durham is considered a 4.

 

[breezy]

Who cares about position, Neils was guarding and playing "center" at times.

The word doesn't matter, it's a label. The kid's a great basketball player who isn't a 1 or a 2, let's go with that.

 

[aceboon]

Enlighten me on all the 6'11 power forwards who are successful at the next level. To better utilize his skills , mismatching vs opposing centers seems most beneficial. Instead of him chasing around stretch 4s....lol terrible post FOH

If you go back in time and UConn gets Anthony Davis boneyarders would be saying he's too small to play the 5...Getting back to Durham, Rankin lives in FL so he's seen him more than any of us can comment on based on highlight vids, but I'm not really sure how he's getting DeAndre Daniels comparisons and saying he can the play small forward position. He has some nice faceup skills but he looks like a high upside 4/5(college 5) to me.

 

[MexicoHusky]

If you go back in time and UConn gets Anthony Davis boneyarders would be saying he's too small to play the 5...Getting back to Durham, Rankin lives in FL so he's seen him more than any of us can comment on based on highlight vids, but I'm not really sure how he's getting DeAndre Daniels comparisons and saying he can the play small forward position. He has some nice faceup skills but he looks like a high upside 4/5(college 5) to me.

Agreed, he'll be a stretch 5...the next big thing. Brought to you by The University of Connecticut. Also agree on another level. Why play him at 4 or heaven forbid 3. The team will be way too slow.

 

[David 76]

I wonder what is going on with Enoch with this.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Just because he plays 4 in high school does not mean he won't transition to a 5 in our system. He basically has the same exact measurements as brimah out of high school.

To the person that said he's on par with Giles... Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

The John Henson comparisons seem pretty spot on to me. 6'11 PF(still think he'll play center for us, but...) who can hit the face up 15 footer, blocks lots of shots, long wingspan, decently athletic.

 

[Stainmaster]

I wonder what is going on with Enoch with this.

Enoch looks big enough to be playing the 5 next year. If Amida has a big year and declares (not trying to start a debate on Brimah here, I feel like I need that disclaimer), he could potentially be our starting center. I don't think this should affect Enoch too too much.

 

[CAHUSKY]

Do we know exactly (or somewhat) how severe the ACL injury was? How bad was the tear? It's a double edge sword having it happen so early; yes, he has time to recover before he hits D1 play, but now that knee is fragile for life. Can it limit his development over the next year and years to come?

That was an issue in 1995, not so much in 2015. Not sure A high school ACL injury has seriously impacted a guys college career recently has it?

 

[David 76]

Not trying to be a bummer, but isn't Enoch's skill set basically the same? (only less)? I'm ecstatic we have Durham. Just hope Enoch doesn't feel he made a mistake. I imagine Ollie has had a conversation with any player who feels recruited over.

 

[tcf15]

That was an issue in 1995, not so much in 2015. Not sure A high school ACL injury has seriously impacted a guys college career recently has it?

Good point - pretty sure Harry Giles tore his ACL and MCL a couple of years ago and is still the #1 recruit in 2016.

Edit: Tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in 2013.

 

[UConNick]

Intrigued by what @Zionn, @husky99 and other insiders heard. From my uninformed pov, this came somewhat out of left field, making it even sweeter than a commit that had been a long time coming (like Gilbert).