I don’t think Ahmed is the right comparison. I’m not sure who is. Ahmed was a swingman, and he was often out of control. This kid is a combo guard, and I see an improved handle and passing ability. Ahmed had what, 10 total assists in 2 seasons at St.John’s? Maybe Cole wasn’t a combo guard a year ago, but I don’t think you’re considering that Cole probably improved quite a bit in the last year.
I find it encouraging that he’s already exceeded expectations in one year of JUCO.
That alone isn’t worth a parade, but let’s follow his season, and see how much he continues to improve.
On what planet is Cole a combo guard? He averaged less than two assists a game and had 15 more turnovers than assists in a TERRIBLE region in the NJCAA. Some of his games were against high schools.
Ahmed had twice as many assists as Cole against much better competition playing for a guard-heavy team that he was forced to play some PF at. So what are you basing this on?
Ahmed's Hutchinson team destroyed NW Florida State 116-90 (Ahmed went for 21, 10, and 7) while Cole's team lost to them by 15 and Cole went for 15 pts 5 boards and ZERO assists. Obviously the rosters were different for NW Florida State, but both Hutchinson and NWFS are consistent programs and provide some basis for comparison for a no-name school like Cole's.
Maybe some of you like Cole -- I don't really have a strong opinion on him either way -- and maybe he ends up with a better career here, but Ahmed was unquestionably a better prospect coming out of JUCO regardless of how things may have gone for him once he arrived. To act like he and Cole aren't close is just absurd.