Seth Greenburg Akok & Bouk comparisons

[UconnU]

Cole Anthony on Twitter: "Been knew that https://post original url/P9zz9K2fXX" / Twitter

Cole and Greg Anthony have been posting a lot about James on social media.

 

[superjohn]

Oddly, Polley does. Nobody is blocking his shot in the college game with his height and release point.

Your original post was that Bouknight has a weakness and it's that he has a set shot which he'll have trouble getting off against good defenders.

I just had to clarify he doesn't have a set shot and he won't have any trouble getting it off in college or the NBA. Polley is a lot taller and has a higher release point but will have more trouble getting his shot off than James.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Your original post was that Bouknight has a weakness and it's that he has a set shot which he'll have trouble getting off against good defenders.

I just had to clarify he doesn't have a set shot and he won't have any trouble getting it off in college or the NBA. Polley is a lot taller and has a higher release point but will have more trouble getting his shot off than James.

So we will see. He doesn't take many 3's, certainly not with a guy on him. My expectation is that he can shoot it off the dribble, and will use that to get separation. So I viewed it as a potential weakness right now. Believe me, I think he's a fantastic player.

 

[husky429]

Bouk's shot isn't "set" at all. It's modern. Jumping high to shoot isn't what the best shooters do any more because it messes with accuracy.

He releases on the way up of a comfortable jump, rather than at the peak of a jump, so that he optimizes the effeciency of the shot--uses the energy from his legs easily. The way he shoots will allow him to extend his range well beyond the nba line in time. Bouk could stand to raise his release point a little though, especially in the mid-range.

The old-school Ray style shot doesn't optimize the energy from legs and minimizes range. Because he shot at the top of the shot when he was momentarily stopped at the peak, he had to use his arms A LOT more than shooters today would. Which we all know makes the accuracy go down.

 

[Waquoit]

Jumping high to shoot isn't what the best shooters do any more because it messes with accuracy.

That's why I didn't jump high when I shot. It messed with my accuracy.

 

[Excalibur]

The old-school Ray style shot doesn't optimize the energy from legs and minimizes range. Because he shot at the top of the shot when he was momentarily stopped at the peak, he had to use his arms A LOT more than shooters today would. Which we all know makes the accuracy go down.

I don't think it's a question of energy. Ray barely used his arms at all. His motion was a flick of the wrist at the top. I just think that it's a more complicated motion which is more difficult to repeat. The shooting motions of Curry, Harden, Hield, Gallinari, and many of the best shooters are much simpler.

There are a few guys left that shoot at the peak of their jumps -- JJ Reddick comes to mind. Klay Thompson can shoot it both ways.

 

[husky429]

I don't think it's a question of energy. Ray barely used his arms at all. His motion was a flick of the wrist at the top. I just think that it's a more complicated motion which is more difficult to repeat. The shooting motions of Curry, Harden, Hield, Gallinari, and many of the best shooters are much simpler.

There are a few guys left that shoot at the peak of their jumps -- JJ Reddick comes to mind. Klay Thompson can shoot it both ways.

Eh, yes and no. Realistically, anyone's shot is something like 70% arms if I remember correctly. Guy named Dave Love talked about some research on that at a clinic I went to a couple years ago. Ray definitely uses his arms more than someone like Booker, Klay, and textbook shooters today. His wrist flick was HARD. He also used much less arm than dudes of his era.

 

[Waquoit]

I don't think it's a question of energy. Ray barely used his arms at all. His motion was a flick of the wrist at the top.

While making sure his arms were square to hoop even if the rest of his body wasn't.

 

[olehead]

Id be shocked if he were here for 3 years. This kid is coming off the bench, not forcing anything and yet hes putting up 14ppg in his first 3 games. What is he going to be doing by February? I think he'll be here next year but gone after. Its cool though, these are good problems to have.

And doing it in only 20 minutes.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Can we talk about this Akok play? He's at the old 3 point line when the pass is made and blocks the guy's shot at the rim!

3:23 if the timing embed doesn't work.


And then despite being at the baseline when the play happens he's the first Husky down the court! And that draws Polley's defender, so Polley gets an open look.

He was actually wide open under the basket but Reek missed him.

 

[dennismenace]

Bouk's shot isn't "set" at all. It's modern. Jumping high to shoot isn't what the best shooters do any more because it messes with accuracy.

He releases on the way up of a comfortable jump, rather than at the peak of a jump, so that he optimizes the effeciency of the shot--uses the energy from his legs easily. The way he shoots will allow him to extend his range well beyond the nba line in time. Bouk could stand to raise his release point a little though, especially in the mid-range.

The old-school Ray style shot doesn't optimize the energy from legs and minimizes range. Because he shot at the top of the shot when he was momentarily stopped at the peak, he had to use his arms A LOT more than shooters today would. Which we all know makes the accuracy go down.

Maybe that explains why "Everyday Ray" practiced 500 shots a day every day! He did whatever it took. Pretty amazing.

 

[Huskybass]

Bouknight may very well be the best freshman we have had, period. His combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, composure, and ability to score from all over the floor sets him apart from the others. He does more things well than any other UConn freshman I can remember. He was the best player on the floor in Charleston, and those were his first three college games.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Bouk's shot isn't "set" at all. It's modern. Jumping high to shoot isn't what the best shooters do any more because it messes with accuracy.

He releases on the way up of a comfortable jump, rather than at the peak of a jump, so that he optimizes the effeciency of the shot--uses the energy from his legs easily. The way he shoots will allow him to extend his range well beyond the nba line in time. Bouk could stand to raise his release point a little though, especially in the mid-range.

The old-school Ray style shot doesn't optimize the energy from legs and minimizes range. Because he shot at the top of the shot when he was momentarily stopped at the peak, he had to use his arms A LOT more than shooters today would. Which we all know makes the accuracy go down.

So this explains why Carton only bunny hops on layups right?

Anyway, good info. I'm old school so wasn't aware of this new trend, although as others point out, you do see it with guys like Curry.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Bouknight may very well be the best freshman we have had, period. His combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, composure, and ability to score from all over the floor sets him apart from the others. He does more things well than any other UConn freshman I can remember. He was the best player on the floor in Charleston, and those were his first three college games.

I'm going to go with Caron here, but he was an unconventional freshman. You could make a good case for Khalid El Amin. Ray was very good as was Earl Kelley on a weaker team. Guys like Rudy and Donyell a step below that.

 

[aceboon]

Reading this thread and I'm wondering if some posters actually watched Jeremy Lamb play basketball at UConn or how he plays in the NBA now...

 

[Mr. French]

I'm not saying there are no similarities, but people really see Rip's game, over anyone else, in Bouk? I mean... he's not that similar of a player, IMO, with the exception of being a good 2G.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Reading this thread and I'm wondering if some posters actually watched Jeremy Lamb play basketball at UConn or how he plays in the NBA now...

So what are you implying here? That he is similar or isn't? That Lamb was better or worse? I certainly watched UConn long before Lamb got here.

 

[auror]

I'm not saying there are no similarities, but people really see Rip's game, over anyone else, in Bouk? I mean... he's not that similar of a player, IMO, with the exception of being a good 2G.

He looks similar with the uniform kinda hanging off his frame and has a similar hesi-dribble.

 

[Mr. French]

Also, I understand the "Curry" style shot is making it's rounds, I'm not convinced that's the "better" way to shoot than Ray, I just think a lot of young players have started to emulate that style. Ray's is a pretty traditional jump shot, it's not like he flies to the ceiling on his catch and shoots. Curry and Harden have made it normal to shoot with a lower motion and release.

As far as Bouk, I think he has a good understanding of when he needs to elevate and when he doesn't, as most good scorers and shooters do. I'm not seeing some major need to change his form.

 

[Excalibur]

I'm not saying there are no similarities, but people really see Rip's game, over anyone else, in Bouk? I mean... he's not that similar of a player, IMO, with the exception of being a good 2G.

The similarities are in the instincts of when and how he can get a shot off. You rarely saw Rip get his shot blocked -- he just seemed to know when he had space, or when the defender was off balance. Bouknight seems to have that same mature offensive game, with a bit more explosiveness.

 

[Mr. French]

The similarities are in the instincts of when and how he can get a shot off. You rarely saw Rip get his shot blocked -- he just seemed to know when he had space, or when the defender was off balance. Bouknight seems to have that same mature offensive game, with a bit more explosiveness.

Yes, I guess to clarify, there are tons of similarities in their assets as players, I just don't think they play similar, if that makes sense.

I find the Rays, Lambs, Gordons to be more apt comparisons, as far as playing STYLE ... he doesn't play like Rip did. but definitely want to clarify I agree his instincts, his ability to navigate in tight spaces, etc. is all stuff a good 2G needs to have, and they both do.

 

[Kenny11]

Yes, I guess to clarify, there are tons of similarities in their assets as players, I just don't think they play similar, if that makes sense.

I find the Rays, Lambs, Gordons to be more apt comparisons, as far as playing STYLE ... he doesn't play like Rip did. but definitely want to clarify I agree his instincts, his ability to navigate in tight spaces, etc. is all stuff a good 2G needs to have, and they both do.

Yeah, nobody really plays like Rip. He had a very unique style. In the NBA, I can't think of one person that has Rip's type of game now, and even if they did, I'm not sure if they would be allowed to shoot that many mid-range jumpshots and leaners in the lane like Rip did.

 

[pj]

Rip was very influenced by Reggie Miller and his non-stop running to get open and wear opponents down, and ended up with a very similar career, Richard Hamilton vs. Reggie Miller Comparison and this NY Times piece: It's Alive! In Hamilton, Miller Sees His Monster

Bouknight is stronger than Rip and doesn't rely on running; but like Rip, he can score on 3 levels and has a mid-range game that few players show these days. I'm not sure who the best comp is, I like Bouknight's game better than Lamb's. I think Rip is a good comp, and Bouknight will have an NBA career like Rip's.

 

[HooperScooper]

Bouknight may very well be the best freshman we have had, period. His combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, composure, and ability to score from all over the floor sets him apart from the others. He does more things well than any other UConn freshmen I can remember. He was the best player on the floor in Charleston, and those were his first three college games.

O.K. people I think we need to calm down. The kid has played 55 minutes of college basketball. UConn has had a bunch of All Americans who were excellent freshmen. Bouknight has looked great so far. But let's calm down before turning him into Michael Jordan already.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I'm going to go with Caron here, but he was an unconventional freshman. You could make a good case for Khalid El Amin. Ray was very good as was Earl Kelley on a weaker team. Guys like Rudy and Donyell a step below that.

Bouknight is way more efficient than KEA. KEA was as much moxie and attitude as he was efficiency.

 

[Excalibur]

O.K. people I think we need to calm down. The kid has played 55 minutes of college basketball. UConn has had a bunch of All Americans who were excellent freshman. Bouknight has looked great so far. But let's calm down before turning him into Michael Jordan already.

I think it's been so long since we had a great freshman that people have forgotten how good some of them were . . .

I also think that people like how he plays just as much as how well he plays. Daniel Hamilton was damn good as a freshman. But he was a ball-stopping black hole on a team that struggled offensively.

 

[Kenny11]

A lot of our highest ranked recruits were a little bit underwhelming (compared to their talent level) their freshmen year because Calhoun is such a difficult coach to adjust to. Having a coach that pulls you after one mistake is difficult for anyone to deal with, not to mention a freshman. Plus, some of those teams were so talented that there just weren't as many opportunities for the big time recruits in year 1. Drummond, Villlanueva, Rudy Gay, Taliek.. even Kemba come to mind. AJ Price was out his freshman year. Caron was very good but he was an older player. Guys with extreme confidence and natural poise like Ben Gordon and Emeka were two of our best freshmen because they could never get rattled by Calhoun getting on them. Ray obviously as well.
So if Bouknight averages in the teens for points, shoots a good percentage and helps us win a lot of games he could definitely be one of our best freshmen in a long time.

 

[pj]

I think it's been so long since we had a great freshman that people have forgotten how good some of them were . . .

I also think that people like how he plays just as much as how well he plays. Daniel Hamilton was damn good as a freshman. But he was a ball-stopping black hole on a team that struggled offensively.

Great point about the "how." He's great but he also fits in a team and makes his teammates better.

We'll see how Bouk plays against top athletic competition and what happens when he's the focus of the defense. He has a lot of work and development in front of him. Right now he's just getting his feet wet. But I think we can see he's going to develop into something great.

 

[intlzncster]

Bouknight may very well be the best freshman we have had, period. His combination of basketball IQ, athleticism, composure, and ability to score from all over the floor sets him apart from the others. He does more things well than any other UConn freshman I can remember. He was the best player on the floor in Charleston, and those were his first three college games.

I'm going to go with Caron here, but he was an unconventional freshman. You could make a good case for Khalid El Amin. Ray was very good as was Earl Kelley on a weaker team. Guys like Rudy and Donyell a step below that.

It was definitely Nadav Henefeld, but I get he was a few years older.

 

[Excalibur]

Bouknight is way more efficient than KEA. KEA was as much moxie and attitude as he was efficiency.

A lot of that is due to being the primary ball handler and point guard. Bouknight isn't being forced to carry the offensive load (yet), so he's simply taking better shots. El-Amin wasn't as inefficient as you remember. His career effective FG% was 48.6% (over 50% as a freshman). For comparison, Kemba Walker's was 47.5% (49% as a freshman).