Kiyan

[PeteCalvin]

Kiyan needs to perfect his "old man" game. He's never going to have a step on someone. I think he knows that. Continue to learn the space.

I think Kiyan should watch old film of Lawrence Moten. Moten was much stronger at Kiyan’s age, and I think that was because of his football background. They are very similar builds, have the same court savvy, and the same skill sets. Moten had more strength to absorb the old BE beatings and the innate body control to finish even after contact. Also, Moten was an old school, more mature player when he stepped on campus. He let the game come to him and used his savvy to exploit matchups. Kiyan has all the tools to play that same game. He just needs more time in the weight room and to mature as a player. He’ll be fine as long as he keeps working and stays focused, and we all know Melo will make sure that happens.

 

[sufan59]

I think Kiyan should watch old film of Lawrence Moten. Moten was much stronger at Kiyan’s age, and I think that was because of his football background. They are very similar builds, have the same court savvy, and the same skill sets. Moten had more strength to absorb the old BE beatings and the innate body control to finish even after contact. Also, Moten was an old school, more mature player when he stepped on campus. He let the game come to him and used his savvy to exploit matchups. Kiyan has all the tools to play that same game. He just needs more time in the weight room and to mature as a player. He’ll be fine as long as he keeps working and stays focused, and we all know Melo will make sure that happens.

Kiyan has a rhythm to his game that reminds me of Kadary Richmond if he was a shooting guard. Hopefully with a better 3 point shooting percentage long term and Kiyan can be close to the defender Kadary was.

 

[Cuse12]

He’s 18 years old. He has great instincts, he just needs time like most every player does. This off season is HUGE for his physical development, that’s when everything will change IMO. When he can be even more physical to the attack when driving or bumping into his defender.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Just like football, it’s very difficult to become quicker or faster. But lateral quickness can be improved more than straight line quickness by various drills, how you center your weight, footwork, etc. JJ was always quick, but had poor technique on defense. I would say he approved his lateral quickness, or at least his ability to defend in the last few years. Hopefully Kiyan can become a serviceable defender.

There is a whole industry that gets athletes quicker and faster

 

[Lame-0]

I disagree with those who are saying Kiyan needs to get quicker, He is probably our second best player (after Starling) at being able to dribble and get around his man. He gets to the rim with regularity. He is quick enough. Definitely needs to get stronger and more consistent.

I think people see him on D and think he isnt quick enough, but I think that is more an issue of strength to fight around screens and experience to know whether to go high or low around screens.

I also think there's an effort issue when it comes to defense.