Henny & Coke
2nd String
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
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I've noticed some posts lately that seem to be "bracing" for DaJuan Coleman to deliver bad news. At least I hope that is why I am seeing posts like "he's not that good anyway", "I'd rather have Noel", "he won't have an impact until at least sophomore year" and the like. Look, I agree that if DaJuan Coleman chooses a school other than SU, that we will be fine. We are an elite program, much bigger than any one recruit. But I still think its a huge get if DaJuan does join the Orange for many reasons.
1.) Why can't he be good his first year? DaJuan already has a college-ready body. (not talking about conditioning...can't really speak to that) You can tell by the way he plays that he loves getting physical, playing in the post, and getting rebounds. Guys like that can ALWAYS help a team, no matter how talented the other guys on the team are. DaJuan seems to always put up big rebounding numbers. At the very least, he would be ready and willing to bang in the low post, bring that big, 280 pound, 6-9 body into the paint and rebound and defend his ass off. Even if he did not contribute much other than that his first year, it would be valued.
2.) The guy's a winner and he's been successful for 3-4 years now. This guy is the anti-Fab Melo. Whereas Fab's ranking as a recruit was based more on potential than results, DaJuan's rating almost takes a hit because some feel he has already reached somewhat of a "limit" on his potential. (which I don't agree with, by the way) So guys like Isaiah Austin, Mitch McGary, Cameron Ridley, Kaleb Tarczewski are rated higher (on scout) based mostly on NBA potential, IMO. Funny though, that when DaJuan plays the actual games he usually comes out on top, even drawing rave reviews at events such as the ESPN Rise Super Showcase AAU event two summers ago while playing some of these guys. (I also feel like since DaJuan has been known for so long, and since his game is not flashy, that is another reason why he has fallen in the rankings a bit. Similar to a guy like Sullinger before last year, he was a known prospect for so long in High School that he was not a really hot topic before he started killing it last year. Yes, he was always ranked very high in the recruiting rankings, but he wasn't discussed as much as others, IMO.) Alot of times these rankings are more about NBA potential than college contributions, and I think DaJuan Coleman could truely be an impactful college player. A nice comparison to me is DeJuan Blair at Pitt...Blair was scout's 4th ranked center coming out of high school and knew what he did best, rebound, play defense and give max effort. A guy like DeAndre Jordan was ranked ahead of Blair, but same situation...more on potential than production. Can't argue with 3 state championships and possibly 4!
3.) As for liking Noel better...sure, Noel coming to SU is a dream come true. But DaJuan committing and Noel committing are not mutually exclusive events. Noel could still come to SU. Would be a fantastic problem to have. But let's also not put all of our eggs in Mr. Noel's basket. If he stays class of 2013, he could declare for the NBA draft and circumvent college altogether. Also, even though it appears SU is in good with him, you just never know how these recruitments will go. I thought SU was in good by being the first program to offer Anthony Davis. SU seemed to be in the lead for awhile...until they weren't anymore and Kentucky had secured his services. Especially with a top 3 recruit like Nerlens Noel, you just never know. Take Coleman and the peace of mind.
4.) It really will be a special thing to have a local guy like DaJuan, coming from a local school like JD, starring for the hometown team. SU has had so much history with getting good players from JD, I'd love to keep that pipeline open & strong as ever. To many fans, I really believe it will be a treat to continue to watch DaJuan play basketball first hand and help the hometown team to victories. Just a special thing, that wouldn't be the same if a guy like Mitch McGary came to SU instead of DaJuan. I'm sorry, but it is a negative thing to lose a top recruit from your backyard if you are an elite program as well.
5.) And lastly, I just feel like DaJuan still has room for major growth in his game, and that his ceiling is not nearly as limited as some recruiting analysts will have you believe. Yes, it's true that he may not be a legit 7 footer and he will have to keep his conditioning under control for his entire career...but the guy his some of the best hands I have seen on a big guy in awhile. Not only that, but he's got really quick feet for such a huge dude as well. DaJuan also plays the position like you would want a guy of his size to play...in your face, physical, attacking the rim. It's such a waste to see guys with similar type bodies settle for jumpers and fadeaways like they are a point guard. If you have a size advantage, use it! DaJuan utilizes his advantage fully. Not only that, but he is developing a reliable shot as well when needed. And hes not a terrible dribbler. There will always be a place in basketball for a guy with his size & skill.
Just think of a team in the years to come, with a smooth handling & scoring point guard Carter-Williams, with backcourt mate and fantastic shooter Cooney (not to mention Triche being a seasoned Senior in 2012-2013), with DaJuan Coleman under the rim, banging and getting every rebound, CJ Fair killing teams in the middle, Baye running up and down the court like a gazelle, J. Grant providing highlight dunks...not to mention if guys like Fab, Dion, Southerland, Christmas still around. Just an incredible lineup, with guys who know their role. I think DaJuan would add so much to the SU program and I hope he commits to the Orange tomorrow.
(Disclaimer: If DaJuan commits to Kentucky, thats fine, he sucks anyway. haha! jk of course)
1.) Why can't he be good his first year? DaJuan already has a college-ready body. (not talking about conditioning...can't really speak to that) You can tell by the way he plays that he loves getting physical, playing in the post, and getting rebounds. Guys like that can ALWAYS help a team, no matter how talented the other guys on the team are. DaJuan seems to always put up big rebounding numbers. At the very least, he would be ready and willing to bang in the low post, bring that big, 280 pound, 6-9 body into the paint and rebound and defend his ass off. Even if he did not contribute much other than that his first year, it would be valued.
2.) The guy's a winner and he's been successful for 3-4 years now. This guy is the anti-Fab Melo. Whereas Fab's ranking as a recruit was based more on potential than results, DaJuan's rating almost takes a hit because some feel he has already reached somewhat of a "limit" on his potential. (which I don't agree with, by the way) So guys like Isaiah Austin, Mitch McGary, Cameron Ridley, Kaleb Tarczewski are rated higher (on scout) based mostly on NBA potential, IMO. Funny though, that when DaJuan plays the actual games he usually comes out on top, even drawing rave reviews at events such as the ESPN Rise Super Showcase AAU event two summers ago while playing some of these guys. (I also feel like since DaJuan has been known for so long, and since his game is not flashy, that is another reason why he has fallen in the rankings a bit. Similar to a guy like Sullinger before last year, he was a known prospect for so long in High School that he was not a really hot topic before he started killing it last year. Yes, he was always ranked very high in the recruiting rankings, but he wasn't discussed as much as others, IMO.) Alot of times these rankings are more about NBA potential than college contributions, and I think DaJuan Coleman could truely be an impactful college player. A nice comparison to me is DeJuan Blair at Pitt...Blair was scout's 4th ranked center coming out of high school and knew what he did best, rebound, play defense and give max effort. A guy like DeAndre Jordan was ranked ahead of Blair, but same situation...more on potential than production. Can't argue with 3 state championships and possibly 4!
3.) As for liking Noel better...sure, Noel coming to SU is a dream come true. But DaJuan committing and Noel committing are not mutually exclusive events. Noel could still come to SU. Would be a fantastic problem to have. But let's also not put all of our eggs in Mr. Noel's basket. If he stays class of 2013, he could declare for the NBA draft and circumvent college altogether. Also, even though it appears SU is in good with him, you just never know how these recruitments will go. I thought SU was in good by being the first program to offer Anthony Davis. SU seemed to be in the lead for awhile...until they weren't anymore and Kentucky had secured his services. Especially with a top 3 recruit like Nerlens Noel, you just never know. Take Coleman and the peace of mind.
4.) It really will be a special thing to have a local guy like DaJuan, coming from a local school like JD, starring for the hometown team. SU has had so much history with getting good players from JD, I'd love to keep that pipeline open & strong as ever. To many fans, I really believe it will be a treat to continue to watch DaJuan play basketball first hand and help the hometown team to victories. Just a special thing, that wouldn't be the same if a guy like Mitch McGary came to SU instead of DaJuan. I'm sorry, but it is a negative thing to lose a top recruit from your backyard if you are an elite program as well.
5.) And lastly, I just feel like DaJuan still has room for major growth in his game, and that his ceiling is not nearly as limited as some recruiting analysts will have you believe. Yes, it's true that he may not be a legit 7 footer and he will have to keep his conditioning under control for his entire career...but the guy his some of the best hands I have seen on a big guy in awhile. Not only that, but he's got really quick feet for such a huge dude as well. DaJuan also plays the position like you would want a guy of his size to play...in your face, physical, attacking the rim. It's such a waste to see guys with similar type bodies settle for jumpers and fadeaways like they are a point guard. If you have a size advantage, use it! DaJuan utilizes his advantage fully. Not only that, but he is developing a reliable shot as well when needed. And hes not a terrible dribbler. There will always be a place in basketball for a guy with his size & skill.
Just think of a team in the years to come, with a smooth handling & scoring point guard Carter-Williams, with backcourt mate and fantastic shooter Cooney (not to mention Triche being a seasoned Senior in 2012-2013), with DaJuan Coleman under the rim, banging and getting every rebound, CJ Fair killing teams in the middle, Baye running up and down the court like a gazelle, J. Grant providing highlight dunks...not to mention if guys like Fab, Dion, Southerland, Christmas still around. Just an incredible lineup, with guys who know their role. I think DaJuan would add so much to the SU program and I hope he commits to the Orange tomorrow.
(Disclaimer: If DaJuan commits to Kentucky, thats fine, he sucks anyway. haha! jk of course)
. Just the thought alone and its about to happen is rediculous.
