Watch Rakim Lubin's Championship Game here

[tcf15]

http://www.gpb.org/sports/basketball/match/2014/03/08/class-aaa-boys-state-basketball-tournament

 

[BUHusky]

Welp, Lubin's team is currently doing a great UConn impression (i.e. getting completely run out of the gym)...

 

[Walker11]

20-5 after 1 quarter. Lubin has 0 points on 1 shot. He is definitely very strong but looks more 6'6 than 6'8. 10 turnovers in the first quarter, high school basketball is hard to watch.

 

[boog204]

I feel like Lubin wears a different number in every clip. He's #14 now?

 

[uconnbill]

He is a big young man with long arms. He reminds me of Jeff Adrien

 

[Tenspro2002]

Does he have any semblance of a offensive game, or is he just a wide (and not very tall) body?

Does he have the size to credibly play the 5 in college? Does he have enough skill to play the 4? Or is he too much of a tweener, like Facey?

 

[boog204]

Lubin plays zero defense. I've seen him getting a put back and cherry picking dunk. Solid athleticism but he never gets the ball to do anything.

 

[Dynasty]

Buford is getting killed by Tookie Brown, an MS State commit.

 

[boog204]

Amazingly stupid observation, but Lubin doesn't even remotely try on defense. Doesn't box out just kind of stands around. Gave up back to back alley oops b/c he was watching the ball. On offense, I'm sure he's frustrated b/c his teammates just chuck up 3's and his only chance of seeing the ball is on the offensive boards. I know it's high school and Buford is getting their asses kicked; but he's gotta play a lot harder if he ever expects to see the floor.

 

[uconnbill]

Tookie Brown is a point so he is killing their guards and not him. Though he is not moving well on defense and looks lost at times. He does seal well on the low blocks, but they are not getting him the ball.

 

[BUHusky]

Watching some of that first half I think everyone needs to temper their expectations of what Lubin is going to be able to provide next year. Kid needs a lot of work. Haven't seen him box out his man once. Also, like Boog said, he plays very little defense, though they were in a 1-2-2 zone much of the half.

He's not going to be 2nd coming of Jeff Adrien or even Chris Obekpa. He has a chance to be a good one over his 4 years, but I'm not sure how much he provides next year.

 

[Walker11]

Does he have any semblance of a offensive game, or is he just a wide (and not very tall) body?

Does he have the size to credibly play the 5 in college? Does he have enough skill to play the 4? Or is he too much of a tweener, like Facey?

Its tough to say. He had a spin move and got to the line where he swished both free throws. His other buckets were a transition dunk and a put back. He missed one contested post move but hasn't really gotten the ball at all. The other team is constantly doubling him and denying the ball.

He looks undersized for a center. He is matching up with guy listed as 6'8 who is clearly taller. His stroke looks fine so hopefully he can be a Jeff Adrien style PF who can hit the free throw line jumper.

 

[Walker11]

Also, I think Facey will be a good 4 here. I don't see him as a tweener. He has a good looking stroke and while his handle is weak, every 4 doesn't need to be a stretch 4. Just an athletic guy who can hit the mid range J and make good decisions with the ball.

His problem is that he doesn't understand the offensive or defensive systems yet.

 

[uconnbill]

I am disappointed in D'Marcus Simonds defense and offense. I was expected more out of him.

 

[Walker11]

I am disappointed in D'Marcus Simonds defense and offense. I was expected more out of him.

He had a nice pull up but for the most part has been very out of control and has thrown some foolish passes. Seems to have a handful of turnovers already.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

Pull his scholarship. Now that the 'yard has seen him play once we know for sure what kind of player he is and always will be. Move on to the next one.

 

[boog204]

oh and there's no way lubin is 6-8... not a huge issue. i'd give my left nut for the second coming of jeff adrien.

 

[uconnbill]

No he is more 6'6" but with his long arms and size will be fine in the AAC with some more coaching from HCKO and the rest of the staff.

 

[imno1]

It's like watching UCONN Louisville

 

[boog204]

the team buford is playing is a million times better than them...

 

[Walker11]

the team buford is playing is a million times better than them...

Buford beat them earlier this year but yeah, today it doesn't look close.

 

[Walker11]

His guards can't or won't get him the ball down low. They have no idea how to throw an entry pass. Lubin just hit a 3, form looks good. He did airball a 3 earlier that was short.