Rakim Lubin Commits to UConn!!! | Page 8 | The Boneyard

Rakim Lubin Commits to UConn!!!

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basketballmom said:
I just wanted to give some insight on Rock since it appears to have been some confussion about his weight.. We would like to thank everyone for the heart felt welcome as well as the doubters..No matter if he is a top 100 kid or top 200 kid, one thing is for sure....when Rock is on the floor you are going to get 110% from him...what more could you ask for? I will try to post a video within the next couple of days....#BLESSINGS
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Thanks for joining our community, BBMom. I can't wait to see your son pull down his first rebound, knock down his first shot and help lead UConn to yet another national title during his time here in Storrs.

As already pointed out by others, you'll find an eclectic group of fans here. Some are negative Nancy's that always find something to complain about. Some who never figured out how to communicate constructive criticism and just can't help themselves from throwing teenage student athletes under the bus and then back over them again. But for every one of those types of fans, you find a lot of well informed, students of the game that root for our Huskies to excel on and off the court. It doesn't mean the latter group views the team and the players through Husky Blue colored glasses, but will constructively criticize the team or a player at times. No matter what type of UConn fan calls the Boneyard their home, they all have a passion for this program, which your son will soon become a member of.

I love it that a player's mom posts here. I'd recommend not getting into some back-and-forth debates if the criticism gets harsh toward Rakim, but when he proves the doubters wrong, don't hesitate to point that out and put the negative numnuts in their place. I for one will love it!

I posted a few times in this thread that I think Rakin is going to be a player, and will turn out before it's all said and done somewhere between a Kevin Freeman/Jeff Adrien and Josh Boone/Hilton Armstrong caliber player. What I mean by that is the first two were slightly undersized, but big time UConn contributors that couldn't quite make it to the next level, while the other two were solid contributors as well, but were able to get drafted and make it to the next level. Rakim seems to have similar size as the first two who IMO didn't make it to the league primarily due to their lack of prototypical PF height. (Note: I think Jeff might have earned one or more of those 14 day or whatever duration contracts, but has yet to stick. He has long arms that somewhat makes up for his height, but unfortunately doesn't have a lot of hops.) The latter pair I mentioned were drafted due to the combination of their height and perceived potential. If they weren't 6-11, they probably would have been lumped with the first two.

The fact that Rakim put up some impressive numbers and was listed in one top 50 list before he was injured, points to him being an under-the-radar and currently under-ranked recruit. If he's at least 6-7 and the 245 lbs of muscle he seems to be and he is willing to learn and work hard, he has the makings of being a beast at the D1 level.

I am looking forward to seeing some video clips on him. Again, thanks for joining the Boneyard and don't be a stranger.
 
DogMania said:
(Note: I think Jeff might have earned one or more of those 14 day or whatever duration contracts, but has yet to stick. He has long arms that somewhat makes up for his height, but unfortunately doesn't have a lot of hops.)
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Adrien actually signed a 2-year NBA contract.
http://www.spotrac.com/nba/charlotte-bobcats/jeff-adrien/

For an undersized kid, $1.56 million isn't bad.
 
DogMania said:
Thanks for joining our community, BBMom. I can't wait to see your son pull down his first rebound, knock down his first shot and help lead UConn to yet another national title during his time here in Storrs.

As already pointed out by others, you'll find an eclectic group of fans here. Some are negative Nancy's that always find something to complain about. Some who never figured out how to communicate constructive criticism and just can't help themselves from throwing teenage student athletes under the bus and then back over them again. But for every one of those types of fans, you find a lot of well informed, students of the game that root for our Huskies to excel on and off the court. It doesn't mean the latter group views the team and the players through Husky Blue colored glasses, but will constructively criticize the team or a player at times. No matter what type of UConn fan calls the Boneyard their home, they all have a passion for this program, which your son will soon become a member of.

I love it that a player's mom posts here. I'd recommend not getting into some back-and-forth debates if the criticism gets harsh toward Rakim, but when he proves the doubters wrong, don't hesitate to point that out and put the negative numnuts in their place. I for one will love it!

I posted a few times in this thread that I think Rakin is going to be a player, and will turn out before it's all said and done somewhere between a Kevin Freeman/Jeff Adrien and Josh Boone/Hilton Armstrong caliber player. What I mean by that is the first two were slightly undersized, but big time UConn contributors that couldn't quite make it to the next level, while the other two were solid contributors as well, but were able to get drafted and make it to the next level. Rakim seems to have similar size as the first two who IMO didn't make it to the league primarily due to their lack of prototypical PF height. (Note: I think Jeff might have earned one or more of those 14 day or whatever duration contracts, but has yet to stick. He has long arms that somewhat makes up for his height, but unfortunately doesn't have a lot of hops.) The latter pair I mentioned were drafted due to the combination of their height and perceived potential. If they weren't 6-11, they probably would have been lumped with the first two.

The fact that Rakim put up some impressive numbers and was listed in one top 50 list before he was injured, points to him being an under-the-radar and currently under-ranked recruit. If he's at least 6-7 and the 245 lbs of muscle he seems to be and he is willing to learn and work hard, he has the makings of being a beast at the D1 level.

I am looking forward to seeing some video clips on him. Again, thanks for joining the Boneyard and don't be a stranger.
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I might also add that if Rock has a nice JS from within 17- that is something none of those players could claim and very well could make the difference on the next level for him.
 
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Scot-e said:
I might also add that if Rock has a nice JS from within 17- that is something none of those players could claim and very well could make the difference on the next level for him.
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By his Junior Year, Jeff was living off the elbow J (~15ft)
 
basketballmom said:
I just wanted to give some insight on Rock since it appears to have been some confussion about his weight.. We would like to thank everyone for the heart felt welcome as well as the doubters..No matter if he is a top 100 kid or top 200 kid, one thing is for sure....when Rock is on the floor you are going to get 110% from him...what more could you ask for? I will try to post a video within the next couple of days....#BLESSINGS
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I didn't want to include this in my prior response. I have a few questions about Rakim, if you don't mind responding to:

We've seen him listed as tall as 6-8. How tall is he now, and has he been still growing this past year?

Do you know what his wingspan is? Does he have long arms that make him play bigger than his height? (For example Jeff Adrien was around 6-5...apparently shrunk when he was measured for the NBA...but had a ridiculous reach, making him play a lot bigger than his height. He had no problem defending taller players, and blocked his share of shots.)

Is he a good leaper and play well above the rim? (Height doesn't tell the whole story, but a player's ability to get up there and do so quickly makes all the difference when it comes to shooting over defenders and blocking or altering shots.)

How are his hands? (We've seen some big kids who have small hands struggle to catch the ball cleanly and/or hold on to the ball when dunking.)

How is ability to handle the ball? (Some Bigs struggle in two areas; one is handling the ball in tight spaces in the half-court and/or struggle to handle in the open court. The first one is more important though. Usually it's best the bigs quickly get the ball to the guards and quickly get into the correct running lane and angle to receive the pass close to the basket while in transition. But of course, it's a bonus if the big is capable of putting it on the floor in transition or from the perimeter, drive it to the basket and finish. If a 6-8, 245 pounder can do that, watch out! But I'm not expecting that from Rakim. That, among a few other attributes, is what makes LeBron James so special.)

Is he good finishing around the basket? (I don't expect an incoming freshman to have an array of post moves. Some are able to learn that while in college. But what makes the difference for a player seeing time on the floor or on the bench is their ability to finish around the rim, may it be via a lay-up, short J or dunk.)

How is Rakim at the line? (Bigs seem to struggle with this. I don't expect the big fellas to shoot it in the 80's. But games are often won or lost at the line, and a player that the other team would rather not get his shot off but instead earn his points at the line, can really cost you a W if he shoots it in the 50s. Based on what I've heard about Rakim who can knock down mid-range J's, and as you mentioned even 3s, I'm assuming he's solid at the line.)

I think I covered all the bases. Please don't feel you have to answer all or any of these questions. I figured it wouldn't hurt asking.

Again, thanks for joining the Yard. I can't wait to see Rakim play. I'll be one of many who will be rooting like crazy for Rakim to excel on and off the court. I'm just as proud, if not more so, when our players develop into mature young men who go on to make a difference in the lives of others. I have a feeling Rakim is that type of son.
 
Scot-e said:
I might also add that if Rock has a nice JS from within 17- that is something none of those players could claim and very well could make the difference on the next level for him.
Expand ...

Always reminds me of Oakley when someone talks of a big strong PF with a 17 foot jumper.
 
DogMania said:
I didn't want to include this in my prior response. I have a few questions about Rakim, if you don't mind responding to:

We've seen him listed as tall as 6-8. How tall is he now, and has he been still growing this past year? his current height is 6-8, not sure if he's still growing

Do you know what his wingspan is? Does he have long arms that make him play bigger than his height? (For example Jeff Adrien was around 6-5...apparently shrunk when he was measured for the NBA...but had a ridiculous reach, making him play a lot bigger than his height. He had no problem defending taller players, and blocked his share of shots.) not sure of his wing span

Is he a good leaper and play well above the rim? (Height doesn't tell the whole story, but a player's ability to get up there and do so quickly makes all the difference when it comes to shooting over defenders and blocking or altering shots.) yes, he is a great leaper, its hard to imagine because of his weight, he takes pride in defending the rim..

How are his hands? (We've seen some big kids who have small hands struggle to catch the ball cleanly and/or hold on to the ball when dunking.) When I get his highlight video together, I think it would answer most questions. I've seen him dunk with one hand with so much power the entire gym with wild for about 60 seconds.. I've witness the powerful 2 hand dunk as well... One thing for sure is that his hands is NOT of normal size...lol
How is ability to handle the ball? (Some Bigs struggle in two areas; one is handling the ball in tight spaces in the half-court and/or struggle to handle in the open court. The first one is more important though. Usually it's best the bigs quickly get the ball to the guards and quickly get into the correct running lane and angle to receive the pass close to the basket while in transition. But of course, it's a bonus if the big is capable of putting it on the floor in transition or from the perimeter, drive it to the basket and finish. If a 6-8, 245 pounder can do that, watch out! But I'm not expecting that from Rakim. That, among a few other attributes, is what makes LeBron James so special.)He's skilled enough to bring the ball up the court. Last year he actually played a little at the point..

Is he good finishing around the basket? (I don't expect an incoming freshman to have an array of post moves. Some are able to learn that while in college. But what makes the difference for a player seeing time on the floor or on the bench is their ability to finish around the rim, may it be via a lay-up, short J or dunk.) yes

How is Rakim at the line? (Bigs seem to struggle with this. I don't expect the big fellas to shoot it in the 80's. But games are often won or lost at the line, and a player that the other team would rather not get his shot off but instead earn his points at the line, can really cost you a W if he shoots it in the 50s. Based on what I've heard about Rakim who can knock down mid-range J's, and as you mentioned even 3s, I'm assuming he's solid at the line.) he's very soild at the line which is rare for a bigman.. The last 2 highschool season, he had the highest freethrow precentage on the team..

I think I covered all the bases. Please don't feel you have to answer all or any of these questions. I figured it wouldn't hurt asking.

Again, thanks for joining the Yard. I can't wait to see Rakim play. I'll be one of many who will be rooting like crazy for Rakim to excel on and off the court. I'm just as proud, if not more so, when our players develop into mature young men who go on to make a difference in the lives of others. I have a feeling Rakim is that type of son.
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Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
 
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basketballmom said:
Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
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Thanks for the response.

But you just open yourself to answering our biggest poster on the yard. When I say big I mean the number of paragraphs in Dogs posts. :)
 
basketballmom said:
Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
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There's nothing wrong with under the radar. Some of our best players were under the radar. We like under the radar - we catch them sleeping on us - then bam - another championship!

Welcome to the UConn Family Momma Rock!
 
So far mom has compared her son to Chris Anderson, Lebron, Chris Bosh and Michael Jordan.

I can't wait to see him put on the National Flag Blue and White!
 
basketballmom said:
Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
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A big, strong kid who gives 110% and who has a lot of potential is exactly the player the Huskies need for next year...we could easily benefit from having 2 of them. Our team has a lot of talented but slender/skinny front court players who fight hard but are not going to be able to hold position in the paint against heavy-weight opponents. Rakim (and Ray or another who might come) will fill a need that could make all the difference in UConn's ability to compete with the very best.
 
Dove said:
So far mom has compared her son to Chris Anderson, Lebron, Chris Bosh and Michael Jordan.

I can't wait to see him put on the National Flag Blue and White!
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I am just saying, in my opinion that he brings a little of their game to his game...
 
Does Rakim know or know of Ray Kasongo? Everyone here seems ecstatic at the possibility of the 2 of them together, even though they are similar players. I know we haven't landed Kasongo yet, but all signs point to it. However, is Rakim open to playing with, and competing against, such a similar player? I for one, and I think I represent the majority, think they would excel and complement each other. Interchangeable at the 4 and 5. Really, really want to see them playing together
 
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Basketballmom:

As others have stated already, welcome! We're happy your son chose UConn and we look to have continued success with Rakim in the post over the coming years.

We are a rabid fan base here at the Yard and it is probably in your and Rakim's best interests to NOT take things written on this board personally or engage in any sort of banter with the idiot posters. We all know how some people suddenly have the courage to write hateful and uneducated things when they are behind the anonymity of a keyboard. Please know that these few posters who have nothing better to do than criticize a young teen are not representative of our fan-base.

The large majority of UConn fans are passionate and knowledgeable about basketball and supportive of any kid who chooses to be a Husky. If Kevin Ollie believes in them, so do we!

Thanks for the information and here's to hoping that 'Rock' has a great senior year and continued success here at UConn!
 
basketballmom said:
Thanks everyone!!! The UCONN family ROCKS!!!!!!;)
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I see what you did there...
24102.gif
 
basketballmom said:
I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for...
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This is why I'm supremely confident in my school, and the kids who commit to play for us. Give KO a kid with the right raw materials and the right mindset, and he'll create champions. Can't wait to see your kid make his mark!
 
UConNick said:
Does Rakim know or know of Ray Kasongo? Everyone here seems ecstatic at the possibility of the 2 of them together, even though they are similar players. I know we haven't landed Kasongo yet, but all signs point to it. However, is Rakim open to playing with, and competing against, such a similar player? I for one, and I think I represent the majority, think they would excel and complement each other. Interchangeable at the 4 and 5. Really, really want to see them playing together
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He doesnt know him but if he decides to become a Huskie, Rock certaintly looks forward to competing and winning championships together!
 
basketballmom said:
Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
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Thanks for responding to my questions, BBMom. I agree a 100%. Under-the-radar doesn't imply a recruit is a bad player. On the contrary, it means that he's a much better player than his ranking and perceived abilities dictate. UConn's three national championships were built on the backs of under-the-radar players. No one was better than Jim Calhoun at spotting these types of hidden gems and Kevin Ollie seems to have learned well from the master.

I think your son will turn out to be yet another Husky success story of an unheralded player to choose UConn who turns out to be special and out-performs many at his position that were more highly ranked.

I would not be shocked if Rakim ends up in the top 100 before it's all said and done after having a big time upcoming senior season. The combination of his choosing UConn and performing well on the court should have that effect. But even so, I would not be shocked if in the end he still out performs his final ranking. KO and his staff will coach him up to his full potential, which I think will be very high.
 
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basketballmom said:
He doesnt know him but if he decides to become a Huskie, Rock certaintly looks forward to competing and winning championships together!
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That's great to know. Some recruits and their family get upset when a program recruits more than one player at their position, which IMO is shortsighted. It's good to have quality depth for the following reasons:

1. More talent you have the better the chances the team will win.
2. Provides better competition in practice that not only contributes to the team improvement but also individual improvement. There are a lot more practice minutes than game minutes. Having to constantly compete against a better or equally talented teammates should result in solid improvement compared to practicing against inferior competition.
3. Equally talented teammates tend to push each other even more. Coaches can only do so much to motivate their players, but when you add some healthy competition that is fostered by a family atmosphere, such as the one at UConn, it tends to excel development even more.
4. Teams that have a culture of healthy high level of competition tend to bring or even up that level of intensity when the lights shine most brightly during the real games.

I'm sure there are other benefits for embracing competition compared to running away from it, which unfortunately happens. You can be confident that KO will reward Rakim minutes according to how hard he plays and how quickly he learns. Rarely (more like never!) does one post player (4s & 5s) get all the minutes in a given game, especially one coached by KO. I'd be shocked if he doesn't rotate 4 to 5 bigs during most games, assuming all are D1 level game ready. So there will be plenty of minutes for Rakim, Kasongo (if he decides to take on the Husky challenge) and the returning bigs to develop their games, and if their abilities dictate such, showcase them for a future in the NBA or whatever level of professional hoops can be achieved.

The fact that Rakim looks forward to competing and winning championships with Kasongo, if he commits here as well, confirms that he is the type of recruit we want and will excel here.
 
basketballmom said:
Rakim brings alot to the game. Just because he is under the rader doesnt make him an awful player. He is one of the best in the state of Alabama and is projected to be one the best or THE best big man in Georgia this year. He is still young and raw but mad talented. I have no doubt that Coach Ollie, Ricky Moore and the rest of the staff will be able to mold him into the player that UCONN is known for... Don't right him off so quickly! Remember the best NBA player of all time was'nt good enough to play highschool ball!!! "MJ"
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Welcome mom! I was one of the dudes that gave him props before your arrival! Now I have reservations! I might have undervalued him! If he has 1/10 the personality you demonstrate the kid will be a star!
 
Welcome Basketballmom! It is great to have a player's mom being so passionate about basketball. Rakim made a great choice and he will be a great Husky. I have no doubt coach Ollie will get the best out of him once he is on campus. Also, he will get a great education at a great school. We all are looking forward to this new class of Huskies winning more championships at Storrs!
 
basketballmom said:
He doesnt know him but if he decides to become a Huskie, Rock certaintly looks forward to competing and winning championships together!
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Plenty of room in the frontcourt for two big dudes who can rebound, block shots, and put the ball in the basket.
 
DogMania said:
No one was better than Jim Calhoun at spotting these types of hidden gems and Kevin Ollie seems to have learned well from the master.
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I think (and hope) that you will be proven right, but to be intellectually honest, don't we have to see KO's recruits on the court before we can make this judgment? The 2013 class, and especially 2014 are the first true indications of KO's recruiting prowess, and they haven't even played a game yet.
 
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