Tyus to test draft... without agent ...

[kuethstheman]

Actually, it is pretty simple. Much more than the reps, the key essentials are the borne/innate athleticism needed to go with the mental toughness, grit and gumption. Just look at the Cavs/Celtics game last night in their blowout win. The first two games, they were disengaged on the defensive end and did not compete. In just a few days, suddenly all of them could play D? It wasn't the reps, but rather the needed mindset and commitment that is necessary to go with the athleticism.

You can be a good defensive player and still play bad defense on a given night. Switching choices, PnR, and help defense require more than athleticism and desire. They have to be done properly and quickly, pretty much without thinking. They are developed skills not innate skills, except in those with extraordinary instincts.

 

[orangefog]

Is it true that he is on pace to graduate next year?

 

[rrlbees]

Is it true that he is on pace to graduate next year?

that's the rumor. seen no facts.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

that's the rumor. seen no facts.

Well, there is some circumstantial evidence: his repeated inclusion on academic awards lists.

 

[rrlbees]

Well, there is some circumstantial evidence: his repeated inclusion on academic awards lists.

No doubt he has good grades. But does he have the credits to do it in 3 years. Certainly possible but not definite that I’ve seen at least.

 

[orangecuse]

You can be a good defensive player and still play bad defense on a given night. Switching choices, PnR, and help defense require more than athleticism and desire. They have to be done properly and quickly, pretty much without thinking. They are developed skills not innate skills, except in those with extraordinary instincts.

Of course, relative to your any given night reference. I'd argue however, on that particular night then, that individual wasn't engaged enough mentally (mindset) to apply (the not so rocket science, etc.) "developed skills" he should've learned in only a handful number of early preseason practices, etc. It's relatively basic/simplistic principles that anyone at the high/professional level should be able to grasp quickly. Again, and moreover, the overbearing and lion's share essential element is the athleticism (which is the innate commodity I'm talking about necessary at the NBA level) and the mental toughness/mindset to execute on a consistent basis.

Another good example of this is the Spurs. For years they've been the best or one of the best defensive teams. It's because (over the years) they've bought in the coach's philosophy of playing D, not because the Spurs and their respective coaches have a patent on principles, reps, etc. The players are engaged and are all in on D. For the most part, the athleticism at the NBA level is relatively a wash amongst teams.

 

[two3zone]

Re: defense. I think length is one thing but you have to show quick feet and obviously the desire to play good M2M. Length and athleticism is one thing but some of these long striders without quick feet/quick change of direction ability/quick bursts probably suffer in M2M.

Frank Howard can get in passing lanes and make some plays there but can anybody see him doing remotely well in agility drills at the Combine? Any sprints? No way.

This may sound crazy but I think Howard may have a better chance to stick than Battle. Hear me out.

Tyus is a lot like Kobe Bryant, but this isn't a good thing.

The game has changed so much and while Battle gets interviewed and says he offers versilitiy to a team, he offers the opposite of that and is quite one dimensional. Frank Howard, say what you will about him is quite versatile, especially for a 2 guard, his years at the point will at least give him a look at the next level and it could be argued that Frank is a better shooter and he surely is a much better passer and honestly I don't seem much difference in their defense.

 

[SoBeCuse]

This may sound crazy but I think Howard may have a better chance to stick than Battle. Hear me out.

Tyus is a lot like Kobe Bryant, but this isn't a good thing.

The game has changed so much and while Battle gets interviewed and says he offers versilitiy to a team, he offers the opposite of that and is quite one dimensional. Frank Howard, say what you will about him is quite versatile, especially for a 2 guard, his years at the point will at least give him a look at the next level and it could be argued that Frank is a better shooter and he surely is a much better passer and honestly I don't seem much difference in their defense.

Offensively I agree Frank is more versatile. No question. Just think he would score poorly in most of the athletic testing. In M2M I think he would struggle a lot whereas I think Battle would be better. I think Frank is better suited at the SG with the ability to be a PG at times. Regardless, I don’t think he is an NBA level athlete.

 

[Waltdods]

This may sound crazy but I think Howard may have a better chance to stick than Battle. Hear me out.

Tyus is a lot like Kobe Bryant, but this isn't a good thing.

The game has changed so much and while Battle gets interviewed and says he offers versilitiy to a team, he offers the opposite of that and is quite one dimensional. Frank Howard, say what you will about him is quite versatile, especially for a 2 guard, his years at the point will at least give him a look at the next level and it could be argued that Frank is a better shooter and he surely is a much better passer and honestly I don't seem much difference in their defense.

I like Howard. But this is a stretch.

Neither are great shooters, and Howard has a better looking shot. But I don’t think there’s anything to suggest Howard is a better shooter - they shot almost identically this past year and battle was 5 points better than Howard the year before.

Battle has nba athleticism. (Not saying he’s elite for an nba player) I really don’t think Howard does. He plays the zone well, but so did Brandon triche. He has played the point, and he’s done an admirable job at it. But mike gbinje was better in almost every facet than Howard, also showed that versatility, and is a very marginal nba player at best. I don’t see what role Howard could have in the nba. A battle who improves his shot could be a viable back bench defensive specialist - he is a guy who could probably switch 1-4, which is a rare and highly valued skill.

 

[SoBeCuse]

I like Howard. But this is a stretch.

Neither are great shooters, and Howard has a better looking shot. But I don’t think there’s anything to suggest Howard is a better shooter - they shot almost identically this past year and battle was 5 points better than Howard the year before.

Battle has nba athleticism. (Not saying he’s elite for an nba player) I really don’t think Howard does. He plays the zone well, but so did Brandon triche. He has played the point, and he’s done an admirable job at it. But mike gbinje was better in almost every facet than Howard, also showed that versatility, and is a very marginal nba player at best. I don’t see what role Howard could have in the nba. A battle who improves his shot could be a viable back bench defensive specialist - he is a guy who could probably switch 1-4, which is a rare and highly valued skill.

Yeah I was watching some Mike G games from the Tourney recently. Much quicker than Frank. Gbinjie really attacked and played downhill. Finished pretty well around the rim. Good speed.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Again with the Frank bash? I figured by now that axe would have dulled a bit but no such luck.

Yeah that’s a real bash, lol. Cry me a river.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

I guess we don't know what level of reality he is willing to live with. I don't believe he will be NBA ready, but will he be happy in G league or Europe?

If he won't be drafted this year, and I don't think he will, why not come back, get the degree and then go wherever the chips fall next year. After that, he can carve out a nice career in his field of choice.

Or if he doesn't get drafted would it be so wrong to play in the NBA summer league and hope you play well enough to earn an invitation to an NBA training camp. If he doesn't get the invite, then at that point he can decide whether to go to the G League or head to Europe. Personally I don't see why some people think going to Europe is like going to Siberia. He can make some decent coin and hopefully still keep his dreams alive. Lots of guys play in Europe and end up in the NBA. As much as I would love to see him in Orange next season, I would be shocked if he comes back.

 

[two3zone]

Or if he doesn't get drafted would it be so wrong to play in the NBA summer league and hope you play well enough to earn an invitation to an NBA training camp. If he doesn't get the invite, then at that point he can decide whether to go to the G League or head to Europe. Personally I don't see why some people think going to Europe is like going to Siberia. He can make some decent coin and hopefully still keep his dreams alive. Lots of guys play in Europe and end up in the NBA. As much as I would love to see him in Orange next season, I would be shocked if he comes back.

If this is the path, then why not stay, grab the degree, have the city embrace him, and then move on to Europe.

I have nothing but respect for guys bouncing to the NBA early from college, but to Europe, doesn't make much sense.

And not once did I mention that he could work his way up, in a much weaker draft next year.

He's the only guy that I think should stay the past decade.

 

[cliftonparksufan]

If this is the path, then why not stay, grab the degree, have the city embrace him, and then move on to Europe.

I have nothing but respect for guys bouncing to the NBA early from college, but to Europe, doesn't make much sense.

And not once did I mention that he could work his way up, in a much weaker draft next year.

He's the only guy that I think should stay the past decade.

As much as the degree might be important to Tyus, getting paid to play basketball might be more important. These guys have a limited basketball life. If someone is going to pay him $100K (or more) to play ball in Eurpoe for six months, I can see where putting the degree aside would make sense. There are two sides of the coin. Money now or become a year older and hope for guaranteed NBA money next year.

 

[triplethrea]

He's going to be a solid, clutch guard coming off the bench for some NBA team. A good 2nd round sleeper. He should leave IMO.

 

[two3zone]

He's going to be a solid, clutch guard coming off the bench for some NBA team. A good 2nd round sleeper. He should leave IMO.

Clutch guards start, they don't come off the bench.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

If this is the path, then why not stay, grab the degree, have the city embrace him, and then move on to Europe.

I have nothing but respect for guys bouncing to the NBA early from college, but to Europe, doesn't make much sense.

And not once did I mention that he could work his way up, in a much weaker draft next year.

He's the only guy that I think should stay the past decade.

W-T-EF cares if they are embraced by Syracuse, NY.

 

[NineOneSeven]

Clutch guards start, they don't come off the bench.

Lou Williams

 

[Trueblue25]

Lou Williams

Scary terry

 

[CusefanATL]

Clutch guards start, they don't come off the bench.

Dion Waiters (in college)
Jamal Crawford

 

[Newhouser]

He should go - I don't think staying bounces him up to a different draft status. Unless he'd prefer possible memories (possible) of another NCAA run over $.

 

[CusefanATL]

He should go - I don't think staying bounces him up to a different draft status. Unless he'd prefer possible memories (possible) of another NCAA run over $.

People keep saying that he doesnt bounce up by coming back... but i dont understand that - he literally is the guy who can bounce up... He is a great athlethe in great shape. he just needs to hone in on his jumper, ball handling, and creating for others. He can do that.

see
Buddy Hield Stats | Basketball-Reference.com

To me, players like Tyler Ennis or Tyler Lydon were guys who couldnt improve much by coming back. Not a knock on them at all just think they reached their ceilings and are what they are. But Battle has tons of room before he hits his ceiling.

 

[Cusefan0307]

People keep saying that he doesnt bounce up by coming back... but i dont understand that - he literally is the guy who can bounce up... He is a great athlethe in great shape. he just needs to hone in on his jumper, ball handling, and creating for others. He can do that.

see
Buddy Hield Stats | Basketball-Reference.com

To me, players like Tyler Ennis or Tyler Lydon were guys who couldnt improve much by coming back. Not a knock on them at all just think they reached their ceilings and are what they are. But Battle has tons of room before he hits his ceiling.

I think you’re right in Ennis, but not Lydon. I think people on this board over value isolation basketball. Battle needs to learn how to play off the ball.

 

[GooseMutt]

As much as the degree might be important to Tyus, getting paid to play basketball might be more important. These guys have a limited basketball life. If someone is going to pay him $100K (or more) to play ball in Eurpoe for six months, I can see where putting the degree aside would make sense. There are two sides of the coin. Money now or become a year older and hope for guaranteed NBA money next year.

100k is not very much given the scheme of things. He could get a desk job near that

 

[kuethstheman]

People keep saying that he doesnt bounce up by coming back... but i dont understand that - he literally is the guy who can bounce up... He is a great athlethe in great shape. he just needs to hone in on his jumper, ball handling, and creating for others. He can do that.

A "tweeting head" said the sense is that he's already reached his ceiling. I don't know where they got that but if that's the message he's getting, there isn't much incentive for him to return (unless he just wants to be part of SU basketball a little longer).