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.
