I would think expectations for Rak would be higher since he was a Mcdonalds All American.[/quote][quote="The big difference is expectations. Christmas' knock coming out of high school was his motor (or lack thereof)...and there's been not one report I've seen that says that Rak has been a great practice player. Rak is what he is. Cooney is a different story.
In the past I have felt that Rak does not have a consistent motor but didn't see that in the last game. I think the effort was there. He was obviously frustrated by smaller defenders. I think his problem is that he basically has limited skills. He reminds me a little of the forward that played alongside of Daryl Watkins (name not coming to me). Very athletic run/jump kind of athlete but not great hands and lack of basic basketball skills. I think he will be good for around 8 points a game but surprised to see more than that.
The way the team is configured they basically have 3 center types with several athletic forwards that frankly give them more offense. I wish we could trade Rakeem for a stud shooting guard!
In the past I have felt that Rak does not have a consistent motor but didn't see that in the last game. I think the effort was there. He was obviously frustrated by smaller defenders. I think his problem is that he basically has limited skills. He reminds me a little of the forward that played alongside of Daryl Watkins (name not coming to me). Very athletic run/jump kind of athlete but not great hands and lack of basic basketball skills. I think he will be good for around 8 points a game but surprised to see more than that.
The way the team is configured they basically have 3 center types with several athletic forwards that frankly give them more offense. I wish we could trade Rakeem for a stud shooting guard!
If you do that trade maybe you could get a tradeback clause for '14-'15? Roc is slated to be quite valuable then as he will assume the defensive stopper center role on what should be an explosive team.In the past I have felt that Rak does not have a consistent motor but didn't see that in the last game. I think the effort was there. He was obviously frustrated by smaller defenders. I think his problem is that he basically has limited skills. He reminds me a little of the forward that played alongside of Daryl Watkins (name not coming to me). Very athletic run/jump kind of athlete but not great hands and lack of basic basketball skills. I think he will be good for around 8 points a game but surprised to see more than that.
The way the team is configured they basically have 3 center types with several athletic forwards that frankly give them more offense. I wish we could trade Rakeem for a stud shooting guard!
Fair point on Rak being a Burger boy. He just hasn't shown any capacity to get better so I guess I'm resigned to a lower ceiling with Rak. Rak is a great athlete but he just seems to play at his pace, which IMO is on cruise control.
I disagree!Young players? Yikes.
He's a RS Soph.
In this era of college basketball, freshman and soph are usually the best players.
That's kinda my point. Expectations for Rak should be high considering his highschool ranking and athleticism. If the guy could develop two go to moves, say a drop step and baby hook, he'd be really productive. Cooney had a good rating but certainly not elite, yet people think he should be JJ Reddick. I think the reason is two fold. GMac was an assassin right from the get go and we want him to be another GMac, and some people are basing expectations for him on the needs of the team.Fair point on Rak being a Burger boy. He just hasn't shown any capacity to get better so I guess I'm resigned to a lower ceiling with Rak. Rak is a great athlete but he just seems to play at his pace, which IMO is on cruise control.
That's kinda my point. Expectations for Rak should be high considering his highschool ranking and athleticism. If the guy could develop to go to moves, say a drop step and baby hook, he'd be really productive. Cooney had a good rating but certainly not elite, yet people think he should be JJ Reddick. I think the reason is two fold. GMac was an assassin right from the get go and we want him to be another GMac, and some people are basing expectations for him on the needs of the team.
Ooh, I hadn't heard that one. :crazy:All good points...people were also comparing Cooney's athletic ability to Rex Chapman!
All good points...people were also comparing Cooney's athletic ability to Rex Chapman!