I have only seen Mamadou (the 7'5" kid) play once (actually only one-half) in High School where he dominated a team who's tallest player was probably 6'3". He played for a very very small private school in one of the lowest divisions of SoCal HS basketball. He signed with UC Irvine. UC Irvine is not a hoops powerhouse. He signed there for a reason. Allegedly, there were many questions about his actual age.
What are your impressions of Rook vs. Mamadou? Who brings more to the table and who, if any, hypothetically would help UConn more given UConn's needs?
Hmmm. Honestly, as of last year, I didn't think either of the two were high major D1 prospects. But I probably tend to undervalue big men and their skill sets. Although Rooks is a "plodder", his size and girth are unteachable ("space eater"). I don't think his style would really fit (unless he works very very hard at conditioning). Mamadou is an ever so slightly better athlete, taller (obviously), doesn't need to jump to dunk, but I haven't seen him play against real competition. I think he played for one of the pump-n-run teams this summer, which would be much better comp than his HS league or division, but I didn't see any of those games. I really don't think either fit the mold of a mobile UConn F/C. Rooks would be great at setting screens...if he could move like Jake Voskuhl, he'd be the guy. Mamdou would definitely block some shots, but I don't see him even becoming Hasheem Thabeet. There really aren't any great post players in SoCal in the 2013 and 2014 classes. I know...I didn't really answer your question, but I kind of cringe thinking of either as our center.
Evaluation is subjective and has an element of art as much as science. I tend to look at consensus, form an opinion, but keep it flexible recognizing there have been a lot of players lower in ranking out performing higher ranked kids as well as people evaluating things that tend to play out the way the kids are evaluated.
good point. If the other linked info is correct, he has grown 4 inches but only gained 15 lbs. since that video. He also states that he is working out every other day with a personal trainer, so he may already be quite a bit more fit.
At least some of us have half our wits.
Leon is a strong kid and has a natural perimeter stroke. From the minutes he saw earlier this year, he is just out of his element, i.e. not sure what to do on the offensive or defensive end. Comfort with his game and knowing what to do and when to do it will come with time. I think he will put on 10-15 lbs of muscle and be a solid contributor next year
Ugh!
I remember an interview with Burt Reynolds I saw probably 20+ years ago where he was talking about being in the same acting class with Clint Eastwood. Apparently the teacher dismissed both of them, telling Reynolds he had no talent and telling Clint that he would never make it because his Adam's Apple was too big. Burt laughed and said he felt better than Clint because at least he could develop some talent, whereas Clint couldn't do anything about his Adam's Apple.
