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Vital to UConn

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I think like most UConn fans, I've been groomed to overlook speculative h.s. rankings.

It appears that this kid's shot is PURE!
We'll have to wait and see if CV will be able to seperate and shoot on his own at the college level,
but with this team's dribble drive ability he'll probably just have to find his spots and be ready to catch and shoot.
If his work ethic and tenacity are as special as many people around say it is, then I'm happy we gave him a jersey.
I believe a Craig Austrie type is this kid's floor.

Vida Vital!!!
 
Maybe unduly optomistic, but I'm looking for him to be Rashad Anderson. Not the main option, but deadly if left open.
 
I like the kids form on his jumper ,very classic ,with good elevation.
This kid will become a good 2
Especially paired with a guard who can penetrate
 
I hope he doesn't turn into a Trevor Cooney. Inconsistent shooter with no handle.
 
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UConnErik said:
I hope he doesn't turn into a Trevor Cooney. Inconsistent shooter with no handle.
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I felt Cooney had a decent handle for a 2 guard. He was a little slow but seemed to be able to get to the basket. Now as far as inconsistent shooter I agree. Though as the poster above me says I will take the upside in TC in a heartbeat though I prefer better D.
 
Matrim55 said:
Albert Mouring, if you want to go for a "best case" comp. More of a pure guard rather than a wing, and a better ball-handler & defender.
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Like this comparison and works for me in a big way. Need players like Albert more than people care to admit. And as you said he seems to have a better handle so he can play the PG as a bandaid if need be. Less inventory required, he has good value.
 
mauconnfan said:
Like this comparison and works for me in a big way. Need players like Albert more than people care to admit. And as you said he seems to have a better handle so he can play the PG as a bandaid if need be. Less inventory required, he has good value.
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Yeah, it's a half-decent comp. Needs to be said that Albert was a better athlete, and slightly bigger. Dude put on a show during the first night slam dunk competition in '98 or '99 - I forget which.

I don't think Vital will end up doing that. But he can hopefully fill the same role with something close to the same efficiency.
 
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His ranking is somewhere in the 150-250 range. IMO, individual rankings fall apart quite a bit after the top 25, further after the top 75 especially without knowing what they are ranking players by at that point.

For Vital, I think it's more telling he was signed with a decent program in UNLV and after decommitting had visits to schools coached by Ollie and Pitino with serious interest from Iowa. This isn't a kid who signed with Central or Maine. Of course he is also a spring signing, so maybe interest from UL should be taken with a grain of salt but he was probably one of the top players available for what UConn needed. Best case he is a better shooting, less athletic Russ Smith. Worst case he is a more athletic Scottie Haralson.
 
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From Bossi on Rivals:

I definitely think Vital can help. More of a two than a one to me, but creates shots off the bounce, good athlete and can heat up from deep. Legitimately good late pickup and not a reach at all.
 
I am still a bit of a rankings whore but way less so than 10-15 years ago. This kid was so important for a variety of reasons and the ranking doesn't do him justice and especially for our needs:

1) Most important, the best gurus like the new guy at HoopSeen talk about his competitiveness, will to win and tenacity. Something sorely lacking last year from elements of team (not an attack on anyone).
2) If Rique's shoulder flares up or Jalen misses time, we are back to 2005-06 1 ballhandler on the team and that is never good!
3) Someone will need to be the defensive stopper when Purvis leaves (who is a great one) and I think this kid fits the bill.
4) Did I mention competitiveness rubbing off on the team??? :)
5) Could be another reliable outside shooter to spot up from Rique and Jalen
6) Seems to be a high character kid can never have enough of them!
7) One year to learn under Purvis - who I think will be an amazing senior and pass on the traits needed for success, having had a tumultuous few years that culminated in strong junior and I trust an even stronger senior year.
8) Maybe he pushes Enoch (his buddy), who is already driven, to become the amazing player he can be.
 
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