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Message: [QUOTE="RF2044, post: 5042489, member: 40"] Just got done watching a full game, to see Dakota Leffew in action. I'm more excited about this prospect after watching live game action [instead of just highlights]. IMO, it's much more informative / more accurate to gauge a player's capabilities watching them play extended minutes instead of trying to form an opinion based only on plays that turn out favorably. Here are some quick observations: [B][COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)][SIZE=7]The Good[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B] [LIST] [*]Exponentially better shooter than Judah, with range beyond the three point line. [*]Pretty mechanics on his jump shoot. [*]Also scores from mid-range -- further evidence that he's a smooth jump shooter. [*]He's a tall guard -- probably 6-5 or so. [*]Slick handle. [*]Creates for himself and others off of the bounce. [*]Very instinctive passer who sees the floor well. [*]Athletic and quick. [*]Great feel for up-fakes, step throughs, using shot fakes to get defenders on their heels. [*]Takes it to the rim decisively. [*]Scores with either hand. [*]Great first step. [/LIST] [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)][SIZE=7]The [Potentially] Bad[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B] [LIST] [*]Slight of build. Tall but very lanky. [*]Best player on a bad team with a poor record. [*]Will his game / scoring prowess translate to the ACC? [*]Nifty ball-handler / passer, but not sure if he's a true PG. [*]Seems to be a quality defender, but again -- level of competition is a factor. [/LIST] Overall, I like the kid's game. It's unclear to me whether he can be a full time point guard, but he is a good ball-handler and a very good passer. And it might not matter if he's a straight up lead guard, if he's playing alongside a Westry or JJ, who can share some of the ball-handling responsibilities. So he might be adequate as a 1 [he is certainly more than adequate as a passer, at least at the level he was playing]. Much better shooter than either Judah or JJ, which would be a welcome change. Very smooth jump shot with range. Also adept at taking it into the lane and pulling up for mid-range shots, which he gets off easily due to his height. I think he'd be able to help us, whether as a starter or a backup. Kid has a good feel for the game, has the quicks / handle to blow past defenders, and takes it to the hole aggressively. Leffew demonstrated a good feel for the game, which many players don't seem to have. When you can play, you can play. Feel like he's one of those small school guys who is "better" than his level of competition -- but really, here are the million dollar questions: [LIST] [*]If he's so good, why wasn't his team better? [*]Will his game translate to a P5 conference? [/LIST] If it does, we may have a gem. Assuming he can hold up physically -- he's very slight [kind of built like a Brycen Goodine, maybe not quite that skinny] -- and guard P5 players. But I can see why Red and the staff might be viewing a guy like this as someone who can help us, without breaking the NIL bank. Frankly, I'm surprised he's not garnering more attention -- kid looks pretty good... much better than several of the higher profile PG's in the portal that some posters are clamoring for. How good? TBD. [/QUOTE]

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