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Article posted on ESPN.com this morning. Insider's article. Nothing really new anyway.
A closer look at Diamond Stone
Team that needs him most: UConn
During the Jim Calhoun era, the Huskies were built on having a stable of quality big men who could score around the rim, rebound -- and of course, block shots. That hasn’t been the case lately though, as UConn has been carried by the Kemba Walkers and Shabazz Napiers of the world, while using more of a stretch-4 mismatch as opposed to two classic bigs. While that might be a byproduct of the direction of the game, the Huskies getting Stone for next season would enable Kevin Ollie to put two contrasting yet effective bigs on the court at the same time. Amida Brimah is one of the best defensive players in the country, while Stone’s offensive skill set would complement Brimah's perfectly. Stone can score around the basket, but is also capable of stepping out and knocking down 14-17 footers or passing out of the high post. Moreover, with Ryan Boatright leaving after this season, UConn’s run of dominant and dynamic point guards might be coming to a close. Getting Stone would mean the Huskies could go inside-out in 2015-16.
Best fit: Wisconsin
Bo Ryan might not run the swing offense as often as he used to, but the Wisconsin offense still involves putting five players on the court who can knock down shots and space the floor. Moreover, the Badgers still invert their big men -- as evidenced by Frank Kaminsky’s play over the last two seasons. With Kaminsky leaving after this season, Wisconsin has a major hole at the center position. Nigel Hayes should really come into his own next season, but playing next to a capable player like Stone would create a formidable duo. Stone would slot into Ryan’s offense very effectively given his ability to make shots from the perimeter or the mid-range. He’s likely not a 40-plus percent 3-point shooter like Kaminsky, but he’s capable -- and he’s also a very good passer, which would open things up for the rest of Wisconsin’s weapons. Additionally, Ryan has done well when it comes to developing quality big men, from Kaminsky and Jared Berggren to Jon Leuer and Brian Butch. While he possesses more of a back-to-the-basket game, Stone could be the next in line.
Goes on to talk about potential logjams (says he'd start at all 4 of his finalists anyway), dominoes to fall (nothing impacting Stone) and the Under Armour and Maryland talk. I'd be shocked if he ends up at UConn.
A closer look at Diamond Stone
Team that needs him most: UConn
During the Jim Calhoun era, the Huskies were built on having a stable of quality big men who could score around the rim, rebound -- and of course, block shots. That hasn’t been the case lately though, as UConn has been carried by the Kemba Walkers and Shabazz Napiers of the world, while using more of a stretch-4 mismatch as opposed to two classic bigs. While that might be a byproduct of the direction of the game, the Huskies getting Stone for next season would enable Kevin Ollie to put two contrasting yet effective bigs on the court at the same time. Amida Brimah is one of the best defensive players in the country, while Stone’s offensive skill set would complement Brimah's perfectly. Stone can score around the basket, but is also capable of stepping out and knocking down 14-17 footers or passing out of the high post. Moreover, with Ryan Boatright leaving after this season, UConn’s run of dominant and dynamic point guards might be coming to a close. Getting Stone would mean the Huskies could go inside-out in 2015-16.
Best fit: Wisconsin
Bo Ryan might not run the swing offense as often as he used to, but the Wisconsin offense still involves putting five players on the court who can knock down shots and space the floor. Moreover, the Badgers still invert their big men -- as evidenced by Frank Kaminsky’s play over the last two seasons. With Kaminsky leaving after this season, Wisconsin has a major hole at the center position. Nigel Hayes should really come into his own next season, but playing next to a capable player like Stone would create a formidable duo. Stone would slot into Ryan’s offense very effectively given his ability to make shots from the perimeter or the mid-range. He’s likely not a 40-plus percent 3-point shooter like Kaminsky, but he’s capable -- and he’s also a very good passer, which would open things up for the rest of Wisconsin’s weapons. Additionally, Ryan has done well when it comes to developing quality big men, from Kaminsky and Jared Berggren to Jon Leuer and Brian Butch. While he possesses more of a back-to-the-basket game, Stone could be the next in line.
Goes on to talk about potential logjams (says he'd start at all 4 of his finalists anyway), dominoes to fall (nothing impacting Stone) and the Under Armour and Maryland talk. I'd be shocked if he ends up at UConn.
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