How beautiful would it be to see Solo pull a McGee anklebreaker on Kalkbrenner or Freemantle in the BET. Not sure he has the handle to pull it off just yet.
Solo Ball
- Thread starter superjohn
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I definitely agree that it seems like the game has slowed for him and he just looks more comfortable with the ball in his hands. I love seeing him attack the rim like he has recently. I have a feeling we start to see him in more mock drafts.
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Why do we always have to do that to our players? Prop them up to be in NBA players. Just let Ball play and see where the season ends. He would have to improve his ability to drive and finsih as well as defense to even sniff the NBA right now. Right now he isn't an NBA high prospect but just a good college player who can shoot the ball. Time will tell if he gets there but lets enjoy this season with him.
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He’s going to be a lottery pick after next year. He’s already the best shooter in college basketball, and is starting to add in legit rebounding numbers. When he gets his defense up a bit and keeps developing his offense — which we have seen flashes of his driving ability— he will be a nearly unstoppable player in college. It also doesn’t hurt that he has a 40” vertical and a 7’ wingspan at 6’3”. He’s going to be a very good NBA player one day
He doesn't have ideal height for a shooting guard at 6.3, but he has the tools the NBA wants. And his height issue isn't such a big deal with how easily he gets his shot off.
Just look how long it takes AK and Diarra to get their shot off when they are not wide open. Huge difference.
Just look how long it takes AK and Diarra to get their shot off when they are not wide open. Huge difference.
A bit of Ben Gordon in terms of NBA pluses and minuses.
That said Ben might have had a longer career with two changes (timing and his personal demons), and he still had an 11 year career with a 40%+ from three and over double digits for 9 of those year.
So Solo has a decent shot at playing a long time, IMO.
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What a great game for a player with his actual name to brake out and solo ball. 
Of course very much a team game but to step up as he did is very encouraging with AK finding his game again and Liam coming back. Our future may be bright enough to wear shades. 
Of course very much a team game but to step up as he did is very encouraging with AK finding his game again and Liam coming back. Our future may be bright enough to wear shades. 
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If he averages nearly 20ppg the rest of the season he wont be back.
storrsroars
Exiled in Pittsburgh
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As one who complained about Ball being one-dimensional, I've pretty much shut up since mid-month.
As Solo has gotten more regular minutes, he just gets better. The last nine games (since 1/1), he's averaging 36 minutes and 18.7 PPG, which is several area codes from where he was in Nov/Dec. His 3% is over 50%. He's averaging 5.7 rebounds, and getting to the FT line more often. The assists aren't there yet, but he's not turning it over (1.7 APG vs 1.22 TOs)
As Solo has gotten more regular minutes, he just gets better. The last nine games (since 1/1), he's averaging 36 minutes and 18.7 PPG, which is several area codes from where he was in Nov/Dec. His 3% is over 50%. He's averaging 5.7 rebounds, and getting to the FT line more often. The assists aren't there yet, but he's not turning it over (1.7 APG vs 1.22 TOs)
When Liam got hurt everyone was talking about how that might give Ross or Stewart room to make a breakthrough, but it is Ball who has used the opportunity for a breakthrough. He was already a good player, but he has improved all aspects of his game and become a player who can carry a team.
His two recent games with 10+ rebounds are as impressive as the scoring. UConn needed a guard to help with rebounds.
Also when Diarra and Mahaney were in follow trouble he essentially brought the ball up and played PG, and did a really good job against a high pressure defense.
His defense has improved. He is a better defender than Stewart now.
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We knew that players would step up when Liam was out and it would change the dynamics of the team and Solo has done just that. When Liam is back the space on the floor is going to change yet again because like Hawk and Cam, there will be hyper focus on where Solo is which will automatically force players out of position trying to negate his cutting. That will open more back cuts for Alex and Samson and leave Reed in more one on one coverage. I can't wait to see what this offense likes mid February.
On a side note also, Solo's defense has also gotten dramatically better. One thing I noticed about a month ago that besides being hunted, Solo apparently had the distinction of providing irrational confidence to opposing players he defends. As soon as someone saw Solo guarding them, crazy three pointers seemed to multiply. That hasn't really been the case since the Creighton game and bodes well for the future.
On a side note also, Solo's defense has also gotten dramatically better. One thing I noticed about a month ago that besides being hunted, Solo apparently had the distinction of providing irrational confidence to opposing players he defends. As soon as someone saw Solo guarding them, crazy three pointers seemed to multiply. That hasn't really been the case since the Creighton game and bodes well for the future.