A question about DaJaun Coleman

[CusefanATL]

Two things:

• JB has suggested that "big fella's" take longer to develop then guards/wings
• Like Melo, Rak is not from the US and has not played organized basketball as long as most college frosh

rak isnt from USA? where is he from?

how did i not know this? im a stalker!

 

[armory]

I think you may be getting a bit defensive. I just think you're wrong about Rak, which is fine, time will tell.

I get defensive when others start getting offensive. You weren't one of them, FYI.

 

[edowd26]

I get defensive when others start getting offensive. You weren't one of them, FYI.

COME AT ME. Anyways, I just try to put each player in prospective. Like hat did Rick Jackson look like as a Frosh, or Arinze, or Fab, hell even Trob and mookie wat. I think he is above most of that curve. I think if he is receptive to learning (and i think he will be as he sees his two good friends and classmates bud into superstars) he can become a GREAT player in orange. Do I think Nerlens is better, no brainer, but I won't write off Xmas just yet. Patience is a virtue.

 

[edowd26]

rak isnt from USA? where is he from?

how did i not know this? im a stalker!

VIrgin Islands i believe?

 

[orangefan13]

Rak proabably has the best body of any PF we have had in the last 10 years and probably since John Wallace.

JB is going to mold that.

 

[pfister1]

rak isnt from USA? where is he from?

how did i not know this? im a stalker!

I believe Rak was born in Jersey, but lived in St. Croix from the age of 2 until the age of 13. Lived in Philadelphia area from 13 on.

 

[CusefanATL]

VIrgin Islands i believe?

yes and no... he is actually american born in NJ - but he lived in the virgin islands from 2-13.

pretty crazy story... of course this is according to wikipedia, im assuming its true. its weird that i had never heard it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakeem_Christmas

 

[moqui]

As if someone as childish as you would care about a reasoned defense.

ouch, you've got my number.

Let's ignore the recruiting reports for him since he was a junior in high school, let's ignore that one of his own teammates called his laziness his weakness

I don't care about reports from others and from times before he played at Syracuse

let's ignore that he has maybe 4 points all season that weren't dunks or free throws.

finally, something relevant. was that so hard?
that's not much of a criticism, though, as the only thing JB wants him doing is finishing around the cup at this point.
that said, as I noted in my first post, he is definitely a project on the offensive end. he might never develop a real low post game and only be a finisher. but, that is only one part of the game, isn't it, and no reason to label someone a bust, IMO.

Let's ignore that one of the team's biggest weaknesses is rebounding (namely vs. WVU when Fab was out)

yes, rebounding is a definite weakspot on the team . . . why then are you ignoring the fact that he is the best natural rebounder on the team? His defensive rebounding percentage is the best on the team, and his offensive rebounding percentage is only slightly behind Fab's.

and that Rak rarely gets a rebound that doesn't come right to him.

well, that's what happens when solid fundamentals meet excellent anticipation. plus, he has shown the ability to go after boards out of his area.

I hate to use the "eye test" phrase but have you even been watching the games?

I am confident in my ability to see the games and analyze the players accurately. I'm not 100% but I am pretty good. On this case, I think that you are the one who needs to have his eyes checked. Or, even simpler, check your assumptions at the door and just take a fresh look.[/quote]

 

[edowd26]

yes and no... he is actually american born in NJ - but he lived in the virgin islands from 2-13.

pretty crazy story... of course this is according to wikipedia, im assuming its true. its weird that i had never heard it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakeem_Christmas

The part about his moms dying is real i know that much, sad story, he lived with his aunt, I believe, in philly.

 

[edowd26]

ouch, you've got my number.




I don't care about reports from others and from times before he played at Syracuse



finally, something relevant. was that so hard?
that's not much of a criticism, though, as the only thing JB wants him doing is finishing around the cup at this point.
that said, as I noted in my first post, he is definitely a project on the offensive end. he might never develop a real low post game and only be a finisher. but, that is only one part of the game, isn't it, and no reason to label someone a bust, IMO.



yes, rebounding is a definite weakspot on the team . . . why then are you ignoring the fact that he is the best natural rebounder on the team? His defensive rebounding percentage is the best on the team, and his offensive rebounding percentage is only slightly behind Fab's.


well, that's what happens when solid fundamentals meet excellent anticipation. plus, he has shown the ability to go after boards out of his area.


I am confident in my ability to see the games and analyze the players accurately. I'm not 100% but I am pretty good. On this case, I think that you are the one who needs to have his eyes checked. Or, even simpler, check your assumptions at the door and just take a fresh look.

[/quote]
DUDES... same team, same team. WE are playing G'town in 2 days fella's, lets leave the anger for them. You're both great posters, lets keep is kosher.

 

[IthacaMatt]

I know the orange lenses are pretty thick here, but objectively Xmas is a huge bust & way over-hyped. His reputation as a lazy player has been confirmed from my point of view. I wanted to like him as much as anyone, but I'm not going to lie to myself - he doesn't have "it".

People said the same thing about Fab at this time last year. If Xmas is still not making much impact by the end of next year, then I'll agree with you. His motor needs improving, but I think he's going to get better just based on who he has to practice against. Those guys have got to be kicking his butt in practice. That's what keeps you motivated.

 

[RoysRunts]

Melo Back/Coleman 2 yr Player/Christmas?

 

[Wallo]

I've sold all my Rak-stock, so i'll gladly buy me some NN-@-the-4 stock. Xmas has shown me nothing to be excited about, the effort is non-existent.

AGREE !!