Class of 2022 C William Kyle (NE) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (3/27/25)

[Idiocuse22&]

He actually helps off of his man and blocks shots! Talk about something we didn't see at all last year.

Something I saw that I liked from both of our new portal guys that we have lacked,WK&NKz... Athletic, blocked shots w/ attitude, lengthy, defense&hustle and not afraid to go up strong and slam it down.
Lets hope they continue to play with that attitude and not turn into softies.
Thats something Ill be watching for and pray this team plays with that attitude and swag.

 

[kcsu]

Eddie was a good player but not a good fit for what we were looking for. I actually like William much better. Why? Because we need a post player that can defend the rim more than anything and Eddie couldnt do that. Why? Because we need a center that is excellent in the pick and roll.
In addition, William can run the floor and has a decent handle. He isn't the passer that Eddie was but I don't want to run my offense through my 5. I really like this kid and think that he is going to do very well for us. Personally spend the money on a point, roll with this kid as the starting 5 and bring in a backup center.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

It would be interesting to see it, but that will never happen.

Who would post proprietary information online?

 

[Goin' Deep]

Eddie was a good player but not a good fit for what we were looking for. I actually like William much better. Why? Because we need a post player that can defend the rim more than anything and Eddie couldnt do that. Why? Because we need a center that is excellent in the pick and roll.
In addition, William can run the floor and has a decent handle. He isn't the passer that Eddie was but I don't want to run my offense through my 5. I really like this kid and think that he is going to do very well for us. Personally spend the money on a point, roll with this kid as the starting 5 and bring in a backup center.

Agree...BUT can William play 25 minutes a game??
He's active ...but could be a bit foul prone??
Speculation on my part...sneakin' suspicion

 

[newmexicuse]

Eddie was a good player but not a good fit for what we were looking for. I actually like William much better. Why? Because we need a post player that can defend the rim more than anything and Eddie couldnt do that. Why? Because we need a center that is excellent in the pick and roll.
In addition, William can run the floor and has a decent handle. He isn't the passer that Eddie was but I don't want to run my offense through my 5. I really like this kid and think that he is going to do very well for us. Personally spend the money on a point, roll with this kid as the starting 5 and bring in a backup center.

Agree with a lot of what you are saying in theory, but not with the conclusion.

William is an unknown quantity in terms of proving he can play big minutes at a high level. Also, though very athletic, he is not that tall for a 5.

I think we still need to get a starting caliber center with a more substantial resume or at the very least somebody who can compete with William for the starting job and then we will have a legit backup one way or the other.

 

[Niastri]

Who would post proprietary information online?

The Atlantic enters the Signal chat…

 

[Niastri]

I found this breakdown of Kyle on Reddit NBA Draft subreddit. This guy is perhaps ridiculously high on Kyle:

the breakdown

• 6’9 with a 7’3 wingspan
• finished the seasom second in dunks only behind 7’4 zach edey
• 44’ inch vertical
• aforementioned vertical pops literally every game, ridiculous bounce off two feet, dunks seemingly every time it’s possible
• 68% at all shots at the rim
• terrific second jump (the patented marvin bagley skill lol)
• 49% on other twos, growing midrange game, nice floaters
• growing footwork in the post, has a quick pivot when given time to go to work
• 1.6 blocks per game, great recovery skills, also can just highpoint layups when backed down in the post with his ridiculous athleticism
• able to switch onto wings, moves his feet well, hard to drive past
• 6.6 rebounds a game, needs to be stronger on the defensive boards
• very solid career assist percentage of 10.4, hits cutters and kick-outs out of the post often when doubled, solid vision

 

[Niastri]

Agree with a lot of what you are saying in theory, but not with the conclusion.

William is an unknown quantity in terms of proving he can play big minutes at a high level. Also, though very athletic, he is not that tall for a 5.

I think we still need to get a starting caliber center with a more substantial resume or at the very least somebody who can compete with William for the starting job and then we will have a legit backup one way or the other.

There is a conversation that applies to some players more than others about standing reach.

Kyle is only 6’9, but his very long arms allow him to play “bigger” than his height might indicate. Keep in mind his explosive leaping ability also allows him to play bigger than he actually is.

Here is a Google summary of the benefits of “standing reach” in regards to centers in basketball.

When considering basketball centers, focusing on standing reach (how far a player can reach with their arms extended while standing) can be a valuable metric, as it indicates a player's ability to contest shots and control the paint, potentially even more than height alone.

Here's a breakdown of why standing reach is important for centers and some examples:

• Defense:
  A long standing reach allows centers to effectively contest shots, block shots, and grab rebounds, even against taller opponents.
  
  
• Offense:
  A long reach can help centers score by getting their shots off over defenders, and also allows them to be lob threats.
  
  
• Examples of Centers with Long Standing Reach:
  • Zach Edey: Has a standing reach of 9' 7".
    
    
  • Donovan Clingan: Also has a standing reach of 9' 7".
    
    
  • Mark Williams: Has a standing reach of 9' 9".
    
    
  • Kel'el Ware: Has a standing reach of 9' 4.50"
    
    
  • Quinten Post: Has a standing reach of 9' 4.00"
• Why Standing Reach Matters More Than Height
  • Rim Protection: Centers with long standing reach can be more effective rim protectors, even if they are not the tallest players.
    
    
  • Rebounding: A long reach can help centers grab rebounds, especially against taller opponents.
    
    
  • Versatility: Players with long arms can be more versatile and play multiple positions.

 

[Niastri]

It would be interesting to see it, but that will never happen.

If Kline is as effective in building the team as we hope he will be, it’s probable that Kline could make more money selling his proprietary scouting software to multiple programs than he could make as a full time employee of only one program. He also could sell a watered down version to fans on a subscription basis…

This season will go a long way to determining how rich Kline is in a few years.

 

[ar inj]

If Kline is as effective in building the team as we hope he will be, it’s probable that Kline could make more money selling his proprietary scouting software to multiple programs than he could make as a full time employee of only one program. He also could sell a watered down version to fans on a subscription basis…

This season will go a long way to determining how rich Kline is in a few years.

I am guessing when he leaves SU it is to go back to the NBA

 

[Idiocuse22&]

There is a conversation that applies to some players more than others about standing reach.

Kyle is only 6’9, but his very long arms allow him to play “bigger” than his height might indicate. Keep in mind his explosive leaping ability also allows him to play bigger than he actually is.

Here is a Google summary of the benefits of “standing reach” in regards to centers in basketball.

When considering basketball centers, focusing on standing reach (how far a player can reach with their arms extended while standing) can be a valuable metric, as it indicates a player's ability to contest shots and control the paint, potentially even more than height alone.

Here's a breakdown of why standing reach is important for centers and some examples:

• Defense:
  A long standing reach allows centers to effectively contest shots, block shots, and grab rebounds, even against taller opponents.
  
  
• Offense:
  A long reach can help centers score by getting their shots off over defenders, and also allows them to be lob threats.
  
  
• Examples of Centers with Long Standing Reach:
  • Zach Edey: Has a standing reach of 9' 7".
    
    
  • Donovan Clingan: Also has a standing reach of 9' 7".
    
    
  • Mark Williams: Has a standing reach of 9' 9".
    
    
  • Kel'el Ware: Has a standing reach of 9' 4.50"
    
    
  • Quinten Post: Has a standing reach of 9' 4.00"
• Why Standing Reach Matters More Than Height
  • Rim Protection: Centers with long standing reach can be more effective rim protectors, even if they are not the tallest players.
    
    
  • Rebounding: A long reach can help centers grab rebounds, especially against taller opponents.
    
    
  • Versatility: Players with long arms can be more versatile and play multiple positions.

Based on Kyles height and wingspan his estimated standing reach would be 9'2.5"

 

[CuseSaint26]

The concerns about William Kyle are fair but I view his potential much differently with the signing of Nait George. Watching condensed games of GT, Kyle may be a better offensive version of Nbondgo. The lob/dunk threat that Kyle brings could result in him averaging 10ppg, of course he is reliant on George to create opportunities for him but that is also why George is highly touted.

Kyle also seems to be able to defend 1-5 and the pick and roll because of his athletic ability and in the condensed games I watched, he has a tendency to help on defense (something we forgot about with Lampkin). In theory, he should also improve his rebounding numbers playing next to Donnie (elite rebounder)

William Kyle in a vacuum, being asked to create for himself may be a bit of a risk. However with the current roster construction (mainly George and his passing expertise), I could see a path where Kyle ends up being the “crown jewel” of the portal additions.

 

[CuseSaint26]

At a minimum, this stat comparison seems to be telling on how William Kyle will improve our roster and the team’s overall defense

Eddie Lampkin has 50 career blocks in his 5 year career (besides Freshman year at TCU, all seasons well over 20 minutes/game)

William Kyle had 20 blocks in 307 minutes at UCLA (32 games, 9.6min/game)

Rim protection improves the overall team defense and erases mistakes.

 

[baggerbob]

At a minimum, this stat comparison seems to be telling on how William Kyle will improve our roster and the team’s overall defense

Eddie Lampkin has 50 career blocks in his 5 year career (besides Freshman year at TCU, all seasons well over 20 minutes/game)

William Kyle had 20 blocks in 307 minutes at UCLA (32 games, 9.6min/game)

Rim protection improves the overall team defense and erases mistakes.

Plus having that threat to block shots, will cause players to pull up or back out of the lane.

 

[Niastri]

Based on Kyles height and wingspan his estimated standing reach would be 9'2.5"

I couldn’t find an official (out even unofficial) measurement.

It’s annoying, because many of the All Star camps are giving official measurements, but they are wildly inconsistent. Not as wild as the 40 times on the football side, but still unreliable.

The average football recruiting class has 10 kids that make Bolt look slow, until they are on campus and you realize everything is made up, and the points don’t count.

 

[hoopsupstate]

Watching Kyle’s tapes at UCLA and from his previous year, I don’t have any major worries about what he brings to the table. He’s long, athletic and very bouncy. He’s exactly what we’ve missed. I see no issues with him playing 25 minutes a game. Kyle, Kingz and George gives us three very good power four players. They are not mid majors and have experience at this level. Few teams have a Freeman and Starling returning. These five guys are very solid and should do very well. Building depth and roles for other players will determine how good we could be next year.

 

[CuseMan4]

Gotta say I’m a lot higher on Kyle than a lot of y’all seem to be. We DON’T need him to come in here and average 15ppg. I think he’ll come in here and average 8ppg, 8-9rpg and 2bpg. He’s a hell of an athlete, he can run like a deer for his size. He’s not the best on offense but he’s not raw either. He’s a great big to have as a transition team which it looks like Red wants and Kyle is a great lob threat. Tbh he’s going to be a fan favorite cause he is a big time hustler and hard worker when he’s in the game. He brings the intensity as well. He’s exactly what we need at center for this teams make up tbh. He’s also a very good defender which we desperately needed last year. I’m pretty high on Kyle and I think he is going to surprise a lot of you tbh. He just got stuck/screwed behind a log jam of forwards last year at UCLA.

 

[bnoro]

All I want at the 5 is a guy who goes up strong for rebounds and put-back dunks, is fluid/athletic in motion, and can body up another C/block a shot from a driving guard.

I'm skeptical of Kyle being a 30 minute guy for us next year but it seems like he can do all of those things.

Either way, it will be so much better than what we've had there over the last 5 years.

 

[Sherman20]

Gotta say I’m a lot higher on Kyle than a lot of y’all seem to be. We DON’T need him to come in here and average 15ppg. I think he’ll come in here and average 8ppg, 8-9rpg and 2bpg. He’s a hell of an athlete, he can run like a deer for his size. He’s not the best on offense but he’s not raw either. He’s a great big to have as a transition team which it looks like Red wants and Kyle is a great lob threat. Tbh he’s going to be a fan favorite cause he is a big time hustler and hard worker when he’s in the game. He brings the intensity as well. He’s exactly what we need at center for this teams make up tbh. He’s also a very good defender which we desperately needed last year. I’m pretty high on Kyle and I think he is going to surprise a lot of you tbh. He just got stuck/screwed behind a log jam of forwards last year at UCLA.

Yeah he looks like a serious athlete with legit length and athleticism. Reminds me a little of a young Montrez Harrell from Louisville, who had a decent career in the NBA. South Dakota state is a good mid-major program, and now he has a year of experience at the P5 level.

 

[CuseMan4]

All I want at the 5 is a guy who goes up strong for rebounds and put-back dunks, is fluid/athletic in motion, and can body up another C/block a shot from a driving guard.

I'm skeptical of Kyle being a 30 minute guy for us next year but it seems like he can do all of those things.

Either way, it will be so much better than what we've had there over the last 5 years.

Yes exactly this. Think of some of our best teams from 2009-2017ish. You had Keita and Christmas manning the middle for a few of those teams. Keita was never an offensive threat and Christmas his first 3 years was no offensive threat either. Both they were both great defenders and rebounders. Boeheim left the scoring to the 1-4 positions and used his centers as elite defenders and the rebounders. I think that’s what Autry is going for. We certainly have enough scoring between George, Starling, Freeman and Kingz. All 4 averaged double figures at P4’s last year. If we bring in Deng that’s a 7ppg guy and you have to think between Fennell, Anthony and Sadiq we’ll get some points off the bench as well. We DON’T need the 5 to be a huge scoring threat. Just be an elite rim protector and rebounder. And this team will be fine. Scoring will not be an issue

 

[OttoinGrotto]

All I want at the 5 is a guy who goes up strong for rebounds and put-back dunks, is fluid/athletic in motion, and can body up another C/block a shot from a driving guard.

I'm skeptical of Kyle being a 30 minute guy for us next year but it seems like he can do all of those things.

Either way, it will be so much better than what we've had there over the last 5 years.

I gave you a like, but don't understand the last 5 years comment. The last 2 I get, but 3 and 4 years ago Jesse Edwards was good.

 

[RyanCuse44]

Yes exactly this. Think of some of our best teams from 2009-2017ish. You had Keita and Christmas manning the middle for a few of those teams. Keita was never an offensive threat and Christmas his first 3 years was no offensive threat either. Both they were both great defenders and rebounders. Boeheim left the scoring to the 1-4 positions and used his centers as elite defenders and the rebounders. I think that’s what Autry is going for. We certainly have enough scoring between George, Starling, Freeman and Kingz. All 4 averaged double figures at P4’s last year. If we bring in Deng that’s a 7ppg guy and you have to think between Fennell, Anthony and Sadiq we’ll get some points off the bench as well. We DON’T need the 5 to be a huge scoring threat. Just be an elite rim protector and rebounder. And this team will be fine. Scoring will not be an issue

Just curious but who do you think will be our guy down low to post up and score on folks?

 

[Cusefan69]

Just curious but who do you think will be our guy down low to post up and score on folks?

Why wouldn't it be Kyle? A few thoughts. Thought I read in this thread before he had transferred he displayed a baby hook to his game in some of the videos? Second he is not a small guy and with shooters on the team who are better, it should allow JJ to drive and dish. Lastly in the low post , if Kyle doesn't have good position, the offense should have him turning, taking 5 steps and setting a pick for either Kingz or Donnie who should be cutting and be able to post and score there.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Just curious but who do you think will be our guy down low to post up and score on folks?

Freeman.

Some Kyle Williams.

 

[bnoro]

Just curious but who do you think will be our guy down low to post up and score on folks?

If we can run a coherent offense (a big if, I know), you won't need to post people up because you'll be able to cut for layups and dunks.