Adam Kunkel decision

[94GRAD]

https://twitter.com/BSnow247/status/1286784591961952256

[XU_Lou]

According to Jack Pilgrim (Kentucky basketball beat writer and recruiting analyst at Kentucky Sports Radio | Sources Say Podcast host):

"Ball has been in Kentucky’s court with Adam Kunkel, doesn’t appear they’re taking the next step in this recruitment.

Expect the Hebron, KY native to stay close to home, decision expected this weekend."

https://twitter.com/JackPilgrimKSR/status/1286737375264112641

According to the Musketeer Report:

"Belmont transfer Adam Kunkel will announce his decision at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Xavier has made him a serious target."

https://twitter.com/musketeerreport/status/1286796352366796800

So, maybe we have a pretty good chance at landing him - sounds like it would be a very nice pick-up....

[xuphan]

According to Jack Pilgrim (Kentucky basketball beat writer and recruiting analyst at Kentucky Sports Radio | Sources Say Podcast host):

"Ball has been in Kentucky’s court with Adam Kunkel, doesn’t appear they’re taking the next step in this recruitment.

Expect the Hebron, KY native to stay close to home, decision expected this weekend."

https://twitter.com/JackPilgrimKSR/status/1286737375264112641

According to the Musketeer Report:

"Belmont transfer Adam Kunkel will announce his decision at 1 p.m. tomorrow. Xavier has made him a serious target."

https://twitter.com/musketeerreport/status/1286796352366796800

So, maybe we have a pretty good chance at landing him - sounds like it would be a very nice pick-up....

A good pickup indeed. Sit one and play two means he would be here for three years.

[XU 87]

I would be a little surprised if he doesn’t pick X.

[94GRAD]

I would be a little surprised if he doesn’t pick X.

You spelled A LOT wrong

[xuphan]

I would be a little surprised if he doesn’t pick X.

I hope you are right. Both UK and Louisville scared me from the beginning. UK seems to have cooled in his recruitment though Mack and company are still pushing strong for him. We will see tomorrow. Hopefully Steele can pull one over on Mack.

[xu82]

Belmont is a BEAUTIFUL school in a fabulous city.....but if you are about basketball.........Xavier is the place to be. The quality of the other schools mentioned are an indication of what he offers as a player. Fingers crossed.

[xavierj]

I hope you are right. Both UK and Louisville scared me from the beginning. UK seems to have cooled in his recruitment though Mack and company are still pushing strong for him. We will see tomorrow. Hopefully Steele can pull one over on Mack.

Louisville doesnÂ’t have a scholarship available and he isnÂ’t walking on.

[XUGRAD80]

Louisville doesnÂ’t have a scholarship available and he isnÂ’t walking on.

Do you really think that a little old thing like a rule on scholarship limits is going to stop Loserville from doing what they want? LOL I’m sure that if they want him bad enough they will figure out some way around that little hurdle. (Just being sarcastic....for those that don’t get that I’m only half joking)

[xavierj]

Do you really think that a little old thing like a rule on scholarship limits is going to stop Loserville from doing what they want? LOL I’m sure that if they want him bad enough they will figure out some way around that little hurdle. (Just being sarcastic....for those that don’t get that I’m only half joking)

Yes it will stop them. That's a fact. It also stopped UC because they do not have a ship either. You can't just create one. He won't be going to Louisville. Louisville is already down one scholarship because of the prior issues and expect to lose another one this round. Coaches would be smart to save a scholarship or two for situations like this.

[XUGRAD80]

Yes it will stop them. That's a fact. It also stopped UC because they do not have a ship either. You can't just create one. He won't be going to Louisville. Louisville is already down one scholarship because of the prior issues and expect to lose another one this round. Coaches would be smart to save a scholarship or two for situations like this.

? I even stated that I was being SARCASTIC and JOKING.

[drudy23]

This would be a good get. Belmont was a good team and he was their best player. Still has upside as well.

[xavierj]

? I even stated that I was being SARCASTIC and JOKING.

Oh OK. I can be a little slow.

[bjf123]

Oh OK. I can be a little slow.

So you’re saying this sign is in front of your house?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200725/8ed32ebd6c7f9ede49a6feb6f3a74c72.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xuphan]

So you’re saying this sign is in front of your house?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200725/8ed32ebd6c7f9ede49a6feb6f3a74c72.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Half hour away until he announces. Will it be a twitter announcement? Announcement ceremony with different hats?

[xavierj]

So you’re saying this sign is in front of your house?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200725/8ed32ebd6c7f9ede49a6feb6f3a74c72.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol. Yes

[xuphan]

Lol. Yes

It’s past 1:00. Did he choose X?

[xuphan]

It’s past 1:00. Did he choose X?

Committed to X

[GoMuskies]

We sure that tattoo on his calf isnt disqualifying? He'd better be really good! :)

[xukeith]

Huge get. This is a great find.
He is a leader and scorer more than just launching 3's. He will practice this year and then play 2 years.
Next year , KyKy, him and CJ, Dwon, and Colby should all be comfortable wih the system and defense.
XU beat Louisville, KY, and Kansas. Not sure if any of those pushed hard but they were in the conversations.

[X Factor]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDC4dJ8nvoY/?utm_source=ig_embed

[xu82]

AWESOME news! Welcome to the family!

[XUGRAD80]

Yay! Welcome!

[whopper]

Kunkel and Cesare Edwards will replace Nate Johnson and Jason Carter (one for one) and of course Scruggs. With Miles, Zach, Carter and Ramsey(I am still hopeful) and Griffen(from Mercy) we have size and rebounding ) and Scruggs, Tandy, Odom, Johnson, Jones we have guards and wings. Hope we have a season and playing time management by Steele will be very important. Last year we left tired players in there and I though lost out on intangible effort charges, rebounds, steals, charges drawn because players paced themselves a little. No reason for that this year and I don't think players getting in foul trouble will be as much an issue(if Naj, Paul, or Tyrique had 3 fouls at half we had problems). Damn this virus..it even caused to move my daughter's reception(at Longwood Hall) until summer 2021 but wedding at Bellarmine still on in Sept 12(even live streamed). We should be competitive for the next number of years as far as talent but will see how it works out

[94GRAD]

Kunkel and Cesare Edwards will replace Nate Johnson and Jason Carter (one for one) and of course Scruggs. With Miles, Zach, Carter and Ramsey(I am still hopeful) and Griffen(from Mercy) we have size and rebounding ) and Scruggs, Tandy, Odom, Johnson, Jones we have guards and wings. Hope we have a season and playing time management by Steele will be very important. Last year we left tired players in there and I though lost out on intangible effort charges, rebounds, steals, charges drawn because players paced themselves a little. No reason for that this year and I don't think players getting in foul trouble will be as much an issue(if Naj, Paul, or Tyrique had 3 fouls at half we had problems). Damn this virus..it even caused to move my daughter's reception(at Longwood Hall) until summer 2021 but wedding at Bellarmine still on in Sept 12(even live streamed). We should be competitive for the next number of years as far as talent but will see how it works out

Congrats! Should we expect your group at Dana's for a post-nuptials celebratory adult beverage or two?

[xudash]

Kunkel and Cesare Edwards will replace Nate Johnson and Jason Carter (one for one) and of course Scruggs. With Miles, Zach, Carter and Ramsey(I am still hopeful) and Griffen(from Mercy) we have size and rebounding ) and Scruggs, Tandy, Odom, Johnson, Jones we have guards and wings. Hope we have a season and playing time management by Steele will be very important. Last year we left tired players in there and I though lost out on intangible effort charges, rebounds, steals, charges drawn because players paced themselves a little. No reason for that this year and I don't think players getting in foul trouble will be as much an issue(if Naj, Paul, or Tyrique had 3 fouls at half we had problems). Damn this virus..it even caused to move my daughter's reception(at Longwood Hall) until summer 2021 but wedding at Bellarmine still on in Sept 12(even live streamed). We should be competitive for the next number of years as far as talent but will see how it works out

Congrats to your daughter, you and your family. I understand that weddings at Bellarmine are beautiful.

[xudash]

Being desperate for “entertainment“, I thought I would venture over to UDPride to see what they thought about the Kunkel decision, assuming they thought they had a shot at him.

In their glorious tradition of maintaining the highest level of delusion, one of them had this offer: “I know that X is in the Big East, but I just don't get the attraction to that place. I look at them like I looked at UC years ago. It just feels slimy. They are on the down turn, we are moving in the opposite direction.”

I promise you I did not make that up. Our little mid-major friends up north actually believe they are in better shape than Xavier.

[whopper]

yes I have been there. We are from Conn but my daughters (2 nurse (2019) and occ there(2017/18) love Cincinnati and will live there (we may move there). I was ready to go to MSG on 3/12 if X beat Depaul and love X basketball as starting with 2014(NC State play in) and have ridden the roller coaster. Sad the Core 4 did not really improve and/or mesh but need some hope these days.

[whopper]

Yes, my friends can't believe I sold them on a Catholic wedding after k-16 in Catholic school! I love it and it will be live streamed. I hope the Ohio quarantine is done by then (to Connecticut, NY, NJ) or else I will have to get a test 9/13 or 14(working on it) so I can continue my substitute teach which is my retirement job in Bridgeport Ct

[paulxu]

I got married in Bellarmine 52 years ago Monday :)

As for Dayton, some guy on the A10 board posted the outlook for universities with the virus impacting everything.
Dayton was shown as really struggling.

[noteggs]

Can’t believe how we went from 0-60 (on paper) on shooters. Kunkel shot 39% with over 200 tries from 3. Think Big East teams need to come up with a new defensive game plan and venture outside of the paint.

Congrats Whopper! I’ve got one going into nursing at Miami next year (my first non-X, but came in a close second...oh well).

[xudash]

Yes, my friends can't believe I sold them on a Catholic wedding after k-16 in Catholic school! I love it and it will be live streamed. I hope the Ohio quarantine is done by then (to Connecticut, NY, NJ) or else I will have to get a test 9/13 or 14(working on it) so I can continue my substitute teach which is my retirement job in Bridgeport Ct

Many, many moons ago, I lived in Fairfield and worked in Westport. I absolutely love Fairfield County, Connecticut. And that especially holds true in the fall, during the holidays, and in the spring.

[xudash]

I got married in Bellarmine 52 years ago Monday :)

As for Dayton, some guy on the A10 board posted the outlook for universities with the virus impacting everything.
Dayton was shown as really struggling.

Congrats in advance Paul.

I wonder how Xavier and Butler came up “N/A“ in that study. Both schools are in the midst of fundraising campaigns ($250 million targets in both cases), with Xavier being further along than Butler.

In Xavier‘s case, the HUB now is fully online and awaiting returning students. We achieved our yield for the incoming freshman class, and on a quality basis. And we now recruit 62% of our students from outside the state of Ohio.

The Big East has been a godsend.

I was a little surprised with how they ranked Dayton, but then again, it is located in Dayton and it is stuck in the A10. That is not exactly a recipe for long-term success.

[whopper]

I just joined the 1831 Club as my life is now Xavier and Cincinnati which involved a dollar commitment but with 2 kids graduated I want nothing more than to have the next generation have the experience we had. Their grammar school is gone(Catholic) and their all girls high school is struggling which is par for the course. Damn this virus

[xu82]

I got married in Bellarmine 52 years ago Monday :)

As for Dayton, some guy on the A10 board posted the outlook for universities with the virus impacting everything.
Dayton was shown as really struggling.


Paul, congrats on the anniversary. That’s awesome! I hope you can find a special and safe way to celebrate your day.

[paulxu]

I wonder how Xavier and Butler came up “N/A“ in that study.

I couldn't figure that out either. Glad you are hearing good things about our current positioning.

[xuwin]

Can’t believe how we went from 0-60 (on paper) on shooters. Kunkel shot 39% with over 200 tries from 3. Think Big East teams need to come up with a new defensive game plan and venture outside of the paint.

Congrats Whopper! I’ve got one going into nursing at Miami next year (my first non-X, but came in a close second...oh well).

Carter came to X with the same kind of credentials or better and has struggled so far at X. Hopefully the sit out year makes a difference.

[sirthought]

I'm interested to see how this goes. I saw the highlights and he carries himself like a confident scorer who knows he's the man.

He's so small framed compared to the better players in the big east...a guy needs weight and strength to finish and fight through a defense. But he has a beautiful release. Very quick and up high. It looks like the coaching at Belmont worked for him.

Getting another shooting guard seems like it's getting crowded now. I'm hoping in this sit year he learns to run the offense a bit. He seems to handle the ball well. If they can help him bulk up and learn to set up some plays I'd be happy. We know he can balance the floor, which was so important for this team.

[noteggs]

Carter came to X with the same kind of credentials or better and has struggled so far at X. Hopefully the sit out year makes a difference.

I agree sitting out will definitely benefit Kunkel because this will give him time to practice with team and get stronger as sirthought suggested. Just glad we have enough talent (again on paper) so he can sit. Plus, this should balance out the teams better. Not sure I would go as far to say Carter may had better credentials coming in though. I’m going off the interest Kunkel gathered from other teams.

[XU_Lou]

Getting another shooting guard seems like it's getting crowded now.

I wondered that as well. Does anyone know if Wilcher or Jones are slated to play the 3 position? At 6'5", CJ would seem to possibly be a good fit at the 3.

Would like to see X pick-up a larger (6'7") small forward for 2021 - other than that, as it stands, we appear to be loaded at every other position for the next couple of years - on paper that is.

[sirthought]

I wondered that as well. Does anyone know if Wilcher or Jones are slated to play the 3 position? At 6'5", CJ would seem to possibly be a good fit at the 3.

Would like to see X pick-up a larger (6'7") small forward for 2021 - other than that, as it stands, we appear to be loaded at every other position for the next couple of years - on paper that is.

That's why I'm hoping he can play the one a bit. I am guessing Steele thinks he can slide those guys over there. To me, height is the main issue. I am doubtful that a lot of our guys are as tall as they are listed.

It's certainly possible for them to play the three, but if you run into an elite player at that position who's more the ideal 6'6"-6'7" then we are really going to be praying that the defense holds up. Some people could play their man tight and still be shot over. Maybe we can call up Patrick Beverly to run a clinic on defending guys way taller than you. LOL

[xukeith]

I think the 2021 recruiting class needs power forwards and a small forward. Odom is the pg for next at least 3 years, Kunkel is the sg. Wilcher or Jones(likely Jones) is the sf, Freemantle is the 4/5 with Carter at 4. Biggest unknown is Dieonte Miles. If he can play 10-15 minutes down low and not get embarrassed, it will be good. That is a BIG IF. Who knows what the d2 transfer Griffen can do outside of rebound. I will take is 6-7 rebounds per game.

[MHettel]

Quick "Stat Line Scouting" on him tells me what to expect.

Played 30 minutes a games and averaged just under 3 rebs and 3 assists. I think we can assume that he's not going to contribute much more than scoring. takes 13 shots per game , and half his shot attempts were from 3. So he's taking 2 pt shots as well. But, he averages barely over 3 FTA per game, so I think it's safe to say that he's not attacking the rack. His team went 26-7, so you gotta assume that at least some of his FTA came down the stretch in close games where his team made a point to get him the ball so he would be fouled.


he seems like a bit of a specialist. Not Brad Redford or Welage, but definitely a catch and shoot floor spacer.

Bear Perspective: Small frame and average athleticism doesn't make the jump and he can be negated by an average BE perimeter defender. Probably still contributes, but in a role as opposed to a key to the team.

Bull Perspective: ice-in-his veins shooter that commands attention and he fills out to BE level and can contribute beyond his shooting.

I like it in general. If this guys barely plays, we could have a VERY good shooting team.

[X Factor]

But, he averages barely over 3 FTA per game, so I think it's safe to say that he's not attacking the rack.

Paul Scruggs only averaged 1.9 FTA per game. Only Marshall and Jones averaged over 3 FTA per game last year for Xavier. Kunkel shot 82% from the FT line as well. I don't care how he gets to the line; he has shown the ability to get to the line, and make them when he gets there.

[XUGRAD80]

At 6’3” and 165lbs, I wouldn’t suspect that he is fighting under the boards for rebounds, but instead is using his quickness (he is said to be very quick) to pickup loose rebounds off the floor. Snow says that he has shown some ability to drive, in addition to being a very good outside shooter from beyond the (last year extended) 3 point line. I like the fact that HE wants to redshirt so that he will have time to grow stronger and to learn the system better. That indicates to me that he is coming in with the attitude that he knows he has to get better and is willing to put in the work to make himself better. That’s kind of a refreshing attitude that hopefully influences others to take a similar approach to their basketball game.

[JTG]

We always have drivers,and guys that can't hit the side of a barn from 3. We are in need of shooters, and there's no such thing as too many shooters. On the highlights many of his shots were a ft or 2 beyond the arc, so he can fill it up. A year in the weight room and he'll be ready. I like the pick ip.

[novachap]

Congrats gang, that is a great pickup for you guys.

[MHettel]

Paul Scruggs only averaged 1.9 FTA per game. Only Marshall and Jones averaged over 3 FTA per game last year for Xavier. Kunkel shot 82% from the FT line as well. I don't care how he gets to the line; he has shown the ability to get to the line, and make them when he gets there.

For his career, Kunkel has taken 121 FTA in 1214 minutes played. So .1 FTA per minute.

The following XU Players (going back to about 1990) have gone to the line at a 50% higher rate than Kunkel (i.e at least .15 FTA per minute):

12 total, in Order: Thornton, West, Sumner, Christon, Holloway, Grant, CJ, Tyrique, Kanter, McLean, Cole, and Love.

So a lot of inside players and attack the basket PGs. No doubt that those guys could get to the line.

I have data on 59 players. Adding Kunkel would create a population of 60, in which he would rank 36th, so in the lower half. Guys with a similar rate (within 10%)of getting to the line were: Aaron Williams, Chalmers, Myles, Hankins, Myles Davis, Lavender, Doellman, Martin, Burrell

By the way, Paul Scruggs ranks 44th out of 59 players in getting to the line. Bad comparison for Kunkel. This is something we NEED to see change next year. Goodin ranked #42, and Tandy was #56. So a large part of last years struggles was rooted in our main ballhandlers not being able to get to the line regularly.

[Xuperman]

We always have drivers,and guys that can't hit the side of a barn from 3. We are in need of shooters, and there's no such thing as too many shooters. On the highlights many of his shots were a ft or 2 beyond the arc, so he can fill it up. A year in the weight room and he'll be ready. I like the pick ip.

Looks like he comes in with a gunslinger rep. He should decide on Jersey #47.....coupled with his initials would make for a great handle.

[Xuperman]

For his career, Kunkel has taken 121 FTA in 1214 minutes played. So .1 FTA per minute.

The following XU Players (going back to about 1990) have gone to the line at a 50% higher rate than Kunkel (i.e at least .15 FTA per minute):

12 total, in Order: Thornton, West, Sumner, Christon, Holloway, Grant, CJ, Tyrique, Kanter, McLean, Cole, and Love.

So a lot of inside players and attack the basket PGs. No doubt that those guys could get to the line.

I have data on 59 players. Adding Kunkel would create a population of 60, in which he would rank 36th, so in the lower half. Guys with a similar rate (within 10%)of getting to the line were: Aaron Williams, Chalmers, Myles, Hankins, Myles Davis, Lavender, Doellman, Martin, Burrell

By the way, Paul Scruggs ranks 44th out of 59 players in getting to the line. Bad comparison for Kunkel. This is something we NEED to see change next year. Goodin ranked #42, and Tandy was #56. So a large part of last years struggles was rooted in our main ballhandlers not being able to get to the line regularly.

Man, you hit the nail on the head here. I railed on this exact conundrum extensively in another thread last season and found an unexpected amount of pushback as to it's importance. Scruggs is a real head scratcher in this area. He is so physically gifted, but simply does not use it to his advantage....he seems to naturally want to AVOID contact. To me, correcting this is essential and must be emphasized by Coach and staff.

BTW, I'm thinking BLark tops anyone you listed in getting to the line. Best play to contact guy to ever suit up for X.

[X-man]

Man, you hit the nail on the head here. I railed on this exact conundrum extensively in another thread last season and found an unexpected amount of pushback as to it's importance. Scruggs is a real head scratcher in this area. He is so physically gifted, but simply does not use it to his advantage....he seems to naturally want to AVOID contact. To me, correcting this is essential and must be emphasized by Coach and staff.

BTW, I'm thinking BLark tops anyone you listed in getting to the line. Best play to contact guy to ever suit up for X.

Totally agree. When Larkin drove the ball, he was either going to score or be fouled. And if fouled, he still invariably scored. Tough, tough player.

[Xavier]

BTW, I'm thinking BLark tops anyone you listed in getting to the line. Best play to contact guy to ever suit up for X.

First guy that came to my mind was Tu. Felt like he drove to get to the line...It really only hurt in a couple NCAA tournament games where he wasn't getting his typical calls.

[boozehound]

First guy that came to my mind was Tu. Felt like he drove to get to the line...It really only hurt in a couple NCAA tournament games where he wasn't getting his typical calls.

Agree. Tu was phenomenal at that. I used to love when teams would try to press us when we had Tu as the PG. When they would double team him he would hit the crease in between the two defenders, draw the foul, and make the FT's. Every time. We need a PG like that again - our PG play has been the main thing holding us back for the past ~5 season, IMO.

[Smails]

Agree. Tu was phenomenal at that. I used to love when teams would try to press us when we had Tu as the PG. When they would double team him he would hit the crease in between the two defenders, draw the foul, and make the FT's. Every time. We need a PG like that again - our PG play has been the main thing holding us back for the past ~5 season, IMO.

Agree on the PG situation. Q was trending to be the next really good one (I admittedly thought he was going to be a complete stud after his soph year) but he got on the Lumpkin plan his Jr. and Sr. year. Dwon....come on down!

[X-man]

Agree on the PG situation. Q was trending to be the next really good one (I admittedly thought he was going to be a complete stud after his soph year) but he got on the Lumpkin plan his Jr. and Sr. year. Dwon....come on down!

Q was never the same after the shoulder injury he sustained in preseason practice his junior year. I was at that practice and saw the injury occur. Didn't look like much, but he was down for a long time.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I think the 2021 recruiting class needs power forwards and a small forward. Odom is the pg for next at least 3 years, Kunkel is the sg. Wilcher or Jones(likely Jones) is the sf, Freemantle is the 4/5 with Carter at 4. Biggest unknown is Dieonte Miles. If he can play 10-15 minutes down low and not get embarrassed, it will be good. That is a BIG IF. Who knows what the d2 transfer Griffen can do outside of rebound. I will take is 6-7 rebounds per game.

Don't forget Ky Ky. He hasn't left has he? He had some defensive challenges last year but that wasn't surprising for his rookie year, especially in the B.E. We are placing high hopes on Odom. He will have the same challenges this year that Ky Ky had last season and, if he is the "1", that also will be a challenge. Still, the bar for P.G. is somewhat low after the last couple of seasons and I'm hopeful he comes in as much of a floor leader as can be expected from a frosh. If he provides decent ball handling, reasonably good decision making (like not launching three pointer after three pointer with no hope of making any of them), hits free throws and plays adequate defense, I consider him a home run. There appears to be pretty good depth of talent here.

I'm looking forward to seeing this team in action. Like others on this board, I've started the last couple of seasons with optimistic outlook but have been turned off by lack of team play, leadership + maturity. This is Scrugg's team now and I think (and hope) he exerts himself as its leader in every way possible. I also want to see Steele turn into the coach i think he can be; the coach MOR wants him to become.

[MHettel]

Don't forget Ky Ky. He hasn't left has he? He had some defensive challenges last year but that wasn't surprising for his rookie year, especially in the B.E. We are placing high hopes on Odom. He will have the same challenges this year that Ky Ky had last season and, if he is the "1", that also will be a challenge. Still, the bar for P.G. is somewhat low after the last couple of seasons and I'm hopeful he comes in as much of a floor leader as can be expected from a frosh. If he provides decent ball handling, reasonably good decision making (like not launching three pointer after three pointer with no hope of making any of them), hits free throws and plays adequate defense, I consider him a home run. There appears to be pretty good depth of talent here.

I'm looking forward to seeing this team in action. Like others on this board, I've started the last couple of seasons with optimistic outlook but have been turned off by lack of team play, leadership + maturity. This is Scrugg's team now and I think (and hope) he exerts himself as its leader in every way possible. I also want to see Steele turn into the coach i think he can be; the coach MOR wants him to become.

I really like KyKy, but what he showed us last year was very one-dimensional. He's was almost exclusively a high volume 3 pt specialist. I think we all KNOW that he can do much more. But what he did last year was launch 3's at a high rate. Maybe that's all they asked of him, and maybe the roster composition made sense because we had some ballhandlers, and no real deadeye shooters.

I want to see the ball in his hands and see if he can use that thick body to blast his way inside and finish or get fouled. He's got the exact skillset to thrive with that style, and his shooting forces his man to play up on him a little. Add some shooters around him, and the driving lane just cleared out....