One question re: Rak

[iommi]

He seems to bank in his short shots when he is in the paint. Do you guys think that's been intentional? I'm really not sure; I think he's banking them in on purpose but when you're in the paint, that's not typical modus operandi for most players when you're shooting straight at the basket.

As an aside, I liked that JB made those post-game comments about Rak being too "nice" inside. Hopefully, it lights a fire under his ass. I do watch him sometimes and wish he'd use his length and athleticism to ATTACK the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Also, would like him to be tougher on d and foul hard on occasion to establish himself more on defense.

 

[RF2044]

He seems to bank in his short shots when he is in the paint. Do you guys think that's been intentional? I'm really not sure; I think he's banking them in on purpose but when you're in the paint, that's not typical modus operandi for most players when you're shooting straight at the basket.

As an aside, I liked that JB made those post-game comments about Rak being too "nice" inside. Hopefully, it lights a fire under his ass. I do watch him sometimes and wish he'd use his length and athleticism to ATTACK the rim and throw down some nasty dunks. Also, would likee him to be tougher on d and foul hard on occasion to establish himself more on defense.

My take is that I don't think that Rakim has any post moves at this stage of his developmental curve. Obviously, he can dunk if he gets the ball in scoring position [of course, he's an athletic 6-9]. But in reality, they aren't pounding the ball into him at all, because there's not much he can do when he receives an entry pass. I actually think that he seems like he has the raw materials to hit that 10 foot jumper, he just isn't confident in that shot yet. Which means that his offense is relegated to put backs / dunk attempts when others penetrate and set him up.

Rak has great raw materials, and a terrific frame for a frosh. He's going to be a very good player for us down the road. Him getting some developmental playing time now is good, but people shouldn't expect too much by way of scoring--yet.

 

[Garbs]

I think he banks it intentionally

he has shown glimpses of what he can do and tonight he finally showed a glimpse where he did enough to stay on the court and they actually ran a play for him, he is developing and it is a good sign to see him making strides already

obviously against the big boys he will not see the floor but in a down big east he may see more minutes against like rutgers/prov/st johns

 

[moqui]

Rak has great raw materials, and a terrific frame for a frosh. He's going to be a very good player for us down the road. Him getting some developmental playing time now is good, but people shouldn't expect too much by way of scoring--yet.

I think he is one of those guys who is going to make a monster leap between freshman and sophomore years. I think the Orange will have an exceptional interior game next season.

 

[iommi]

I have seen him display a short turnaround jumper off the glass. That's one move he can do. I do like that he posted up a few times tonight and his teammates looked for him. Up until tonite it seemed like Rak would post up and the guard with the ball would treat him like a mirage. And I also agree with the post above that he'll play more minutes against the Big East bottom feeders. JB mentioned Hak's development and I think we'd all gladly sign up for that in a heartbeat.

 

[690West]

I've been trying to get my second graders to use the backboard for 4 weeks now. They just don't want to!!!

 

[RF2044]

I've been trying to get my second graders to use the backboard for 4 weeks now. They just don't want to!!!

Freaking second graders...all they want to do is dunk and shoot three pointers!

 

[690West]

Freaking second graders...all they want to do is dunk and shoot three pointers!

Hahaha. We play on 7 ft. Rims, and at 5'6 I'm constantly having to supress my urges to throw down!!

 

[slidingdown]

Hahaha. We play on 7 ft. Rims, and at 5'6 I'm constantly having to supress my urges to throw down!!

I'm picturing you not only throwing down, but getting all in their face trash-talky like Adam Sandler in 'Billy Madison' ("You never leave me open, son, cos I'm gonna hit it every time. You want some more of that? I didn't think so!").

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Worked for all of Wooden's bigs, save Lewis.

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk

 

[dollarbill44]

I don't mind if he's banking in shots from straight-on. It will help him when playing against 7 footers if he gets his shots up high. I wish more guys would bank their shots, honestly.