White vs a returning Malachi

[Widget24]

I kind of want to give Mal a slight edge here, but that could simply be because I'm not very familiar with AW's game other than he's a damn good shooter. That's where I think AW has the nod. I think rebounding will probably be a push. But passing, ability to get into the lane, and just plain ol' ability to create his own shot...probably have to say advantage Mal. However, just how much those last three things are needed on THIS year's team from AW may be a bit diminished by the addition of Gillon and Battle, plus a seasoned Howard. You can never really have enough players who can create their own shot though!

 

[Cusefan0307]

Yes - WHITE grabbed more available rebounds, because he was the 2nd tallest player on the team, and I believe their LEADING rebounder. That ain't gonna be the case at SU.
He didn't have to 'fight' as good/better rebounders ON HIS OWN TEAM, since there weren't any.
ALL of our guys had multiple other talented teammates with whom they competed for rebounds.
White did not - they were all Smurfs.

Not sure why you're not understanding this.

I'm not trying to be combative here. Grateful for what Malachi did here, I just think White's better at grabbing boards, not necessarily anything else.
Both teams were poor rebounding teams. We finished -35 in conference, they finished -26 and they played a faster pace.

 

[721Comstock]

I'm not trying to be combative here. Grateful for what Malachi did here, I just think White's better at grabbing boards, not necessarily anything else.
Both teams were poor rebounding teams. We finished -35 in conference, they finished -26 and they played a faster pace.

Nor am I.

I'm just stating that his "better" rebounding stats are/were very team-specific.
The fact that he was often his team's BEST rebounder on the floor at any given time, likely inflated his #'s.

Conversely, Mali was - at best - the 3rd or 4th best rebounder on the floor for us, depending on who else (Robey and Rico, DC, maybe G) was also in there too.

White will most definitely no longer be the best rebounder on the floor this season.
We will then see if it's something he's actually good at (certainly hope so!), or just a matter of being the "tallest midget" playing for the Huskers last year.

 

[two3zone]

White

 

[Briancuse]

Its a tough question, I have to admit I haven't really seen White play, so I will go with Malachi, but its close.

 

[Shark58]

both

 

[Dave85]

White

Bold statement. I like it!

 

[DoctorBombay]

Since we haven't yet seen White play in our system, both offensively and defensively, this question is rather moot, IMO.
Mali seemed to fit in from the minute he stepped on the court and would've only gotten better.
White looks good in his highlight videos, but we don't know how long he'll take to pick up the defense, and what kinda chemistry he'll develop w/ his new teammates. We shall see.

 

[sufandu]

It's interesting some people are concerned about how long it will take White to learn the defense. As freshman Mali and Lydon didn't have long to learn it and Battle won't have any longer this year. I would think a veteran guy that is already used to the speed/physicality of the college game will pick it up faster than freshman that have to acclimate to playing against better talent as well as learn a certain system. Quite often defense is about hustle. Mali was inconsistent with that last year and I don't know that another year would have improved his want-to. White will pick up the system as the year goes along and have it down just fine by the time it really matters.

 

[Widget24]

It's interesting some people are concerned about how long it will take White to learn the defense. As freshman Mali and Lydon didn't have long to learn it and Battle won't have any longer this year. I would think a veteran guy that is already used to the speed/physicality of the college game will pick it up faster than freshman that have to acclimate to playing against better talent as well as learn a certain system. Quite often defense is about hustle. Mali was inconsistent with that last year and I don't know that another year would have improved his want-to. White will pick up the system as the year goes along and have it down just fine by the time it really matters.

Really good points you make.

 

[Jeremy L.]

Mali has more of an all around game. Though AW3 is a better shooter, I'd prefer Mali's shooting and ability to drive on this team than a potential one trick pony.

 

[SoBeCuse]

It doesn't really matter with Battle being here, IMO. I think (and hope) Battle is going to have the ball in his hands the most. I tend to agree with General's assessment linking the team's potential F4 destination being directly proportionate to Battle's progress of handling being the main guy as a frosh. We haven't had a guy like Battle (at his height) in awhile who can score/handle/create for himself or others He's explosive. Whether it is Battle, Gillon, or Howard initiating things; White will stretch the floor and I don't see his role changing much from what he did at Nebraska on offense. White seems comfortable moving around and using screens so he's not just a stationary true one trick pony just camping out there. Mali's loss would really hurt if there was no Battle or Gillon. Gillon/Battle/White/Lydon/Chukwu or Coleman lineup when it is deployed will be devasting for teams to try to defend. Four guys are legit 3pt threats and the two guards should be able to break down defenses at will off the bounce.

 

[cuseinseattle]

I think Mali is better but I think White will be a better fit for next years team. He is a more consistent shooter who can space the floor for Battle and Gillon.

 

[JLine]

Tougher to answer than I thought. Mali should be the no brainer answer. He's been in the system, but we lost so much the team would have had to gel anyway. White has more experience obviously, and on the P5 level. Better shooter, though Mali would have improved his percentage, I believe.

Mali didn't always play the wing very well on D, but was a solid rebounder. I think White may be a better rebounder but not as quick laterally on D. But once he learns the zone, he could be a good wing defender. Mali could have played up top. I don't see that from White at all, but may get a few minutes at times.

All in all, a toss up, but I wanna say White. Just because it's gonna be nice to have a lights out shooter, and teams can't shade towards him or someone else will destroy them. Oh, this is gonna be fun. Everyone just needs to buy in, and not worry about their minutes, or shots.