Starting line up predictions:

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Poison

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #80 on: October 10, 2012, 08:46:33 AM »
I want to like Gift's game more than I do bec I like Gift. Still, it is not an unfair point to say that he was lost against top competition. Garrett may have only been playing in high school, but he was prepared for high major D1 BBall. Gift wasn't.

Except, of sourse, for his 18 pt 10 reb performance against National Champion Kentucky. His 16 pt 5 reb game vs #9 UConn.  His 20 pt 7 reb game vs #24 Marquette.   His 17 pt game against Pitt.  His 12 rebound game against Pitt....   :)

An up and down year.  That's what you HOPE a 2nd year in the program corrects.

I totally agree that a second year can correct the inconsistency, but let's be real here, the games you mentioned were over before they started. Gift put up almost all of those numbers in garbage time. His best game actually came vs Lehigh.

redslope

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #81 on: October 10, 2012, 11:04:05 AM »
I want to like Gift's game more than I do bec I like Gift. Still, it is not an unfair point to say that he was lost against top competition. Garrett may have only been playing in high school, but he was prepared for high major D1 BBall. Gift wasn't.

Except, of sourse, for his 18 pt 10 reb performance against National Champion Kentucky. His 16 pt 5 reb game vs #9 UConn.  His 20 pt 7 reb game vs #24 Marquette.   His 17 pt game against Pitt.  His 12 rebound game against Pitt....   :)

An up and down year.  That's what you HOPE a 2nd year in the program corrects.

I totally agree that a second year can correct the inconsistency, but let's be real here, the games you mentioned were over before they started. Gift put up almost all of those numbers in garbage time. His best game actually came vs Lehigh.

I might agree with you regarding GG but use of Lehigh not necessarily the best to make your point.  Lehigh won 27 games; made NCAA's and beat #2 seeded Puke in first round.  I hope better players around him in practice make him a better player.  Last year he probably went up against a walk on for 5 months in practice; this year he will get real challenges in practice and will maybe be able to play with more abandon as he won't have to worry about fouling out as there will be a bench for 2012-13.
« Last Edit: October 10, 2012, 11:04:53 AM by redslope »

Poison

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #82 on: October 10, 2012, 11:11:21 AM »
I want to like Gift's game more than I do bec I like Gift. Still, it is not an unfair point to say that he was lost against top competition. Garrett may have only been playing in high school, but he was prepared for high major D1 BBall. Gift wasn't.

Except, of sourse, for his 18 pt 10 reb performance against National Champion Kentucky. His 16 pt 5 reb game vs #9 UConn.  His 20 pt 7 reb game vs #24 Marquette.   His 17 pt game against Pitt.  His 12 rebound game against Pitt....   :)

An up and down year.  That's what you HOPE a 2nd year in the program corrects.

I totally agree that a second year can correct the inconsistency, but let's be real here, the games you mentioned were over before they started. Gift put up almost all of those numbers in garbage time. His best game actually came vs Lehigh.

I might agree with you regarding GG but use of Lehigh not necessarily the best to make your point.  Lehigh won 27 games; made NCAA's and beat #2 seeded Puke in first round.  I hope better players around him in practice make him a better player.  Last year he probably went up against a walk on for 5 months in practice; this year he will get real challenges in practice and will maybe be able to play with more abandon as he won't have to worry about fouling out as there will be a bench for 2012-13.

It's relevant only because I think where GG struggled most was against the much larger teams. Lehigh had a lot of talent, but Gift matched up with favorably in terms of size and strength. He played beautifully against them. Manhandled them. Now, he needs to learn a proper up and under, and finish move to do it against Deing, Coleman and company.

ras

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #83 on: October 10, 2012, 11:42:54 AM »
I want to like Gift's game more than I do bec I like Gift. Still, it is not an unfair point to say that he was lost against top competition. Garrett may have only been playing in high school, but he was prepared for high major D1 BBall. Gift wasn't.

Except, of sourse, for his 18 pt 10 reb performance against National Champion Kentucky. His 16 pt 5 reb game vs #9 UConn.  His 20 pt 7 reb game vs #24 Marquette.   His 17 pt game against Pitt.  His 12 rebound game against Pitt....   :)

An up and down year.  That's what you HOPE a 2nd year in the program corrects.

I totally agree that a second year can correct the inconsistency, but let's be real here, the games you mentioned were over before they started. Gift put up almost all of those numbers in garbage time. His best game actually came vs Lehigh.

I might agree with you regarding GG but use of Lehigh not necessarily the best to make your point.  Lehigh won 27 games; made NCAA's and beat #2 seeded Puke in first round.  I hope better players around him in practice make him a better player.  Last year he probably went up against a walk on for 5 months in practice; this year he will get real challenges in practice and will maybe be able to play with more abandon as he won't have to worry about fouling out as there will be a bench for 2012-13.
One thing people and the "pundits" are forgetting is last year we only had a couple of kids on campus during the summer. . This year, although young, we have much more exp and everybody except Amir, to my knowledge, was on campus and practicing w one another.

Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #84 on: October 10, 2012, 01:20:02 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #85 on: October 11, 2012, 09:39:05 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

If Polee started I can see CO also starting if only to make a statement to blue chip recruits.  Even Louie occasionally refrained from benching prized recruits at tipoff time. The sooner we introduce our new front court the sooner we get a little respect.  We need that after showing up with a six man team all last year.

Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #86 on: October 11, 2012, 10:03:30 AM »
HUH? louie kept shelton jones on the bench his freshman year. 

Poison

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #87 on: October 11, 2012, 11:05:54 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

What makes you say that we should look for GG to breakout? Is it a hunch?

Marillac

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #88 on: October 11, 2012, 10:46:01 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

MCNPA

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #89 on: October 12, 2012, 12:01:54 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

crgreen

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #90 on: October 12, 2012, 01:07:01 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

MCNPA

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #91 on: October 12, 2012, 01:18:41 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

Biggest "freak" of all is Beejay Anya (whom Lavin really coveted), who is only 6'7 or 6'8" max and almost 7'5" wingspan.   As mentioned prior, Ishmail Wainright has absurd 7'2" wingspan at his paltry 6"6" or so height. 

Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #92 on: October 12, 2012, 09:41:52 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

+1

Gift should start along w Sanchez @ beginning of year.
But I expect CO & JaKarr to be playing more minutes  (than GG) by start of BE schedule.
Its wild to be able to have/rotate 4 Quality big men !
« Last Edit: October 12, 2012, 09:46:44 AM by stevep502 »
Molloy '71

MCNPA

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #93 on: October 12, 2012, 09:49:33 AM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

I'll add that sju's own Curtis Johnson was about 7'3" and my guess is that his wingspan rivaled N'Diaye.  Dude had the longest arms I've ever seen in my life.

crgreen

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #94 on: October 12, 2012, 01:39:30 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

Biggest "freak" of all is Beejay Anya (whom Lavin really coveted), who is only 6'7 or 6'8" max and almost 7'5" wingspan.   As mentioned prior, Ishmail Wainright has absurd 7'2" wingspan at his paltry 6"6" or so height.

Biggest dispararity in Height to Wingspan I can find among  "name" players  in the databases is  Kawhi Leonard.  W/O shoes measured at 6'6, with a 7'3 wingspan.

Portland free agent rookie Dallas Lauderdale (Ohio State - nephew of Jim Chones) is a TRUE freak - 6'7 1/2 tall, 7'6 1/2 wingspan.

The shortest player in the database with a 7'0 wingspan is Pacers rookie Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara) - measured at 6'3 with a 7'0 wingspan. 


Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #95 on: October 12, 2012, 01:59:29 PM »
Since my comment on GG inspired all the eye-rolling, I’ll explain myself.  I suggested he’d start and some agreed but those who did suggested only at the beginning of the season.  I said he’d “breakout” and some thought I’m delusional, which is generally true.

Here is my thinking.  As bobre45 responded, GG was part of a “six man team” last year.  We couldn’t do without his big body in our small rotation, and our gameplans always called for GG to be extremely careful not to be overly aggressive and end up in foul trouble.  He played passively which wasn’t his nature.  He can be more aggressive with Sanchez and Obekpa here.

GG isn’t a banger on the blocks, playing with his back to the basket, and isn’t good taking little shuffle passes in that position.  He is better 5-7  feet from the blocks.  With some separation he can make a move.  I don’t have statistics, but it seemed to me that he had a pretty high field goal percentage last year.  And when he gets fouled he is a pretty good free throw shooter.

Apart from the fact that more bodies on the team will free GG up to play more aggressively, I think the fact that he is a senior and this is his big chance to step up is not lost on him.  This is his big and last opportunity.  He has risen to the occasion throughout his career when put in such situations where he needed to really do well with his back against the wall.  He did it early in his career in Nigeria where he leapfrogged a bunch of good players to get noticed (I’ve heard some stories).  He thrived under the pressure in JC to take it to the next level when he needed to.  I think with CO and OS in the fold he will reach new heights because of the internal competition.

As I said above, some people think GG will start the season and see his playing time diminish.  GG sees the writing on the wall too, so I think he is going to be a monster right out of the gate to make sure he’ll keep getting substantial minutes.

paultzman

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #96 on: October 12, 2012, 02:13:37 PM »
Since my comment on GG inspired all the eye-rolling, I’ll explain myself.  I suggested he’d start and some agreed but those who did suggested only at the beginning of the season.  I said he’d “breakout” and some thought I’m delusional, which is generally true.

Here is my thinking.  As bobre45 responded, GG was part of a “six man team” last year.  We couldn’t do without his big body in our small rotation, and our gameplans always called for GG to be extremely careful not to be overly aggressive and end up in foul trouble.  He played passively which wasn’t his nature.  He can be more aggressive with Sanchez and Obekpa here.

GG isn’t a banger on the blocks, playing with his back to the basket, and isn’t good taking little shuffle passes in that position.  He is better 5-7  feet from the blocks.  With some separation he can make a move.  I don’t have statistics, but it seemed to me that he had a pretty high field goal percentage last year.  And when he gets fouled he is a pretty good free throw shooter.

Apart from the fact that more bodies on the team will free GG up to play more aggressively, I think the fact that he is a senior and this is his big chance to step up is not lost on him.  This is his big and last opportunity.  He has risen to the occasion throughout his career when put in such situations where he needed to really do well with his back against the wall.  He did it early in his career in Nigeria where he leapfrogged a bunch of good players to get noticed (I’ve heard some stories).  He thrived under the pressure in JC to take it to the next level when he needed to.  I think with CO and OS in the fold he will reach new heights because of the internal competition.

As I said above, some people think GG will start the season and see his playing time diminish.  GG sees the writing on the wall too, so I think he is going to be a monster right out of the gate to make sure he’ll keep getting substantial minutes.


Must differ. Gift has poor hands, is not a solid defender, lacks court awareness and is quite raw. Prior experience was at D2 Juco level. His main asset is speed getting out on the break and occasionally setting picks. Hopefully he has improved, but I see him getting less and less time as season progresses. Just my opinion!

MCNPA

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Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #97 on: October 12, 2012, 02:59:00 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

Biggest "freak" of all is Beejay Anya (whom Lavin really coveted), who is only 6'7 or 6'8" max and almost 7'5" wingspan.   As mentioned prior, Ishmail Wainright has absurd 7'2" wingspan at his paltry 6"6" or so height.

Biggest dispararity in Height to Wingspan I can find among  "name" players  in the databases is  Kawhi Leonard.  W/O shoes measured at 6'6, with a 7'3 wingspan.

Portland free agent rookie Dallas Lauderdale (Ohio State - nephew of Jim Chones) is a TRUE freak - 6'7 1/2 tall, 7'6 1/2 wingspan.

The shortest player in the database with a 7'0 wingspan is Pacers rookie Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara) - measured at 6'3 with a 7'0 wingspan.

Actually, I was incorrect about Anya.  Anya at 6'7" has wing span of 7'9", longer than Riek.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/top-junior-hoops-prospect-may-have-longest-wingspan-ever?urn=highschool,wp2931

crgreen

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  • 2185
Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #98 on: October 12, 2012, 05:48:01 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

Biggest "freak" of all is Beejay Anya (whom Lavin really coveted), who is only 6'7 or 6'8" max and almost 7'5" wingspan.   As mentioned prior, Ishmail Wainright has absurd 7'2" wingspan at his paltry 6"6" or so height.

Biggest dispararity in Height to Wingspan I can find among  "name" players  in the databases is  Kawhi Leonard.  W/O shoes measured at 6'6, with a 7'3 wingspan.

Portland free agent rookie Dallas Lauderdale (Ohio State - nephew of Jim Chones) is a TRUE freak - 6'7 1/2 tall, 7'6 1/2 wingspan.

The shortest player in the database with a 7'0 wingspan is Pacers rookie Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara) - measured at 6'3 with a 7'0 wingspan.

Actually, I was incorrect about Anya.  Anya at 6'7" has wing span of 7'9", longer than Riek.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/top-junior-hoops-prospect-may-have-longest-wingspan-ever?urn=highschool,wp2931

"n fact, according to that aforementioned database, only two players have ever been within an inch of Anya's prodigious spread"   --- and then they measured fellow high schooler N'Diaye, and Anya moved to 2nd by FOUR inches!  :)

MCNPA

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  • 5975
Re: Starting line up predictions:
« Reply #99 on: October 12, 2012, 05:58:44 PM »
GG has been perhaps the most undervalued player on our team.  Look for him to break out.  Obekpa will not play in front of GG although he will see some minutes especially for his D in certain matchups (blocking Steve Adams from Pitt).

**Eye Roll**

GG is 10-12 mpg player that had his role extended too far last year.  With a half-season of practice under his belt, GG immediately sat behind two freshman last year when Garrett qualified.  Garrett is back, and we bring in Sanchez, Sampson, and Obekpa.  If GG is playing more than 10-12 minutes then something went terribly wrong and we are in trouble. 

I do think GG can be a quality reserve for us, but let's not get carried away.  This really isn't even up for debate either.

Will also +1 to the eye roll. First off, GG is a senior which is good for the team but Lavin also has lots of young guys that need time.  Last season Gift has proved useful and solid in the post, but far from separated himself as a full-time starter type prospect. 

Gift will lose minutes for several reasons.  First off is that the only position we have that he is really suited for is center.  We have several excellent prospects at PF that aren't going to give minutes unto Gift simply because they are more talented.  Second, is that we have lots of youth that need time on the court to ultimately get better and get primed for extended success this season and beyond. Third is that Obekpa is several inches taller and sigfnificantly more talented as a prospect.  Don't think Obekpa won't crack the lineup.  He's not nearly as raw as se here think and he is a BIG time defensive prospect in the post.  Something we need desperately. 

I'm a fan of Gift,but he will be supplanted in the lineup quite a bit because we have guys that simply are better and can't be kept off the court.  Can we really afford to keep a soon Pointer on the bench for a senior like Gift unless it undoubtedly suits us in that particular game?   We will need Gift's skills against bigger teams,  and he will almost definitely move into the "role player" mode which means that as a team we are certainly moving in the direction we want to be moving in. 

I know Bleacherreport is crap but this report touts Obekpa's wingspan which something that Lavin focuses on heavily when recruiting frontcourt players.  Im not sure I believe the 7'5" reference, but he has a massive wingspan and great timing Which will equate to PT for him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1188735-college-basketball-recruiting-hottest-transfers-and-recruits-left-on-the-market/page/11

Draft Expess keeps a database of players measurements from various reputable listings (Pre-draft Camps, US Team tryouts, McD,  Nike Camp, Adidas Nation, LeBron Skills, etc.  Chris has been recorded twice in the database, both times measuring 6'8 without shoes, 6'9 with shoes, and with a 7'4 wingspan.  There are  quite a few players his height or even shorter with similar or wider wingspans, so probably is accurate....

He has virtually the same measureables as guys like Taj Gibson and Rakeem Christmas.   The 7'4 matches the official measurments for Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel. 

The absolute freak of nature is high schooler Mamadou N'Diaye.  Kid stands 7'4 (with shoes), with an 8'1" wingspan - the widest recorded  BY MORE THAN 4 INCHES.   John Reik and Alex Ajinca are in 2nd place with 7'8 3/4.

Biggest "freak" of all is Beejay Anya (whom Lavin really coveted), who is only 6'7 or 6'8" max and almost 7'5" wingspan.   As mentioned prior, Ishmail Wainright has absurd 7'2" wingspan at his paltry 6"6" or so height.

Biggest dispararity in Height to Wingspan I can find among  "name" players  in the databases is  Kawhi Leonard.  W/O shoes measured at 6'6, with a 7'3 wingspan.

Portland free agent rookie Dallas Lauderdale (Ohio State - nephew of Jim Chones) is a TRUE freak - 6'7 1/2 tall, 7'6 1/2 wingspan.

The shortest player in the database with a 7'0 wingspan is Pacers rookie Orlando Johnson (UC Santa Barbara) - measured at 6'3 with a 7'0 wingspan.

Actually, I was incorrect about Anya.  Anya at 6'7" has wing span of 7'9", longer than Riek.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/top-junior-hoops-prospect-may-have-longest-wingspan-ever?urn=highschool,wp2931

"n fact, according to that aforementioned database, only two players have ever been within an inch of Anya's prodigious spread"   --- and then they measured fellow high schooler N'Diaye, and Anya moved to 2nd by FOUR inches!  :)

Yeah, the difference in their heights between N'Diaye and Anya is absurd though.