Topic: Practice Reports simply unfair and untrue about IB...

[THECHAMPISHERE]

Wish this kid the absolute best and hope he is a beast down the road. This isn't a trash him kind of post.

We have posters on here saying he's going to straight beast mode over CUSA...and that is simply not true. Weeks ago attending practices myself...I realized some of those practice reports weren't true and it's played out how I thought in the two "games" so far in the Bahamas.

He's quick with the ball, Yes.
He's immovable, Yes. Players bounce off him like fleas.
I think people will actually be surprised by how well he shoots the 3 once he's comfortable enough to shoot it in games.
As another poster mentioned he's got a nice free throw form...and I don't expect him to be Shaq-like at the line.
He's a powerful practice dunker...so maybe he can be one day in games.

But he's going to need a few YEARS to develop. He's going to need to lose another 30-45 lbs to improve his vertical.

He's not at all a defensive threat at the moment. Not a good shot blocker. Not a good rebounder. Not a good rim protector. Average college level players can go over and around him.

On offense, he's clumsy at times (but aren't all freshman?). He's not a dunk threat. Hard to believe! He's not an alley oop threat at all, as he's not a great leaper.

The truth is, he may be a diamond in the rough and he will be the "center" of attention every time out on the floor. He will be a fan favorite...but right now he's not the next Shaq. And he's not even close to the next Hassan Whiteside at Marshall. If you were expecting something like that you will be disappointed. Honestly I think he's pretty far away from even having a Mark Patton type of Freshman year.

Like I said, fans will love this guy. Let's let him develop. This post is mainly about let's not always believe the practice report hype...especially when it says "everyone is awesome".

[parshall2marshall]

Wish this kid the absolute best and hope he is a beast down the road. This isn't a trash him kind of post.

We have posters on here saying he's going to straight beast mode over CUSA...and that is simply not true. Weeks ago attending practices myself...I realized some of those practice reports weren't true and it's played out how I thought in the two "games" so far in the Bahamas.

He's quick with the ball, Yes.
He's immovable, Yes. Players bounce off him like fleas.
I think people will actually be surprised by how well he shoots the 3 once he's comfortable enough to shoot it in games.
As another poster mentioned he's got a nice free throw form...and I don't expect him to be Shaq-like at the line.
He's a powerful practice dunker...so maybe he can be one day in games.

But he's going to need a few YEARS to develop. He's going to need to lose another 30-45 lbs to improve his vertical.

He's not at all a defensive threat at the moment. Not a good shot blocker. Not a good rebounder. Not a good rim protector. Average college level players can go over and around him.

On offense, he's clumsy at times (but aren't all freshman?). He's not a dunk threat. Hard to believe! He's not an alley oop threat at all, as he's not a great leaper.

The truth is, he may be a diamond in the rough and he will be the "center" of attention every time out on the floor. He will be a fan favorite...but right now he's not the next Shaq. And he's not even close to the next Hassan Whiteside at Marshall. If you were expecting something like that you will be disappointed. Honestly I think he's pretty far away from even having a Mark Patton type of Freshman year.

Like I said, fans will love this guy. Let's let him develop. This post is mainly about let's not always believe the practice report hype...especially when it says "everyone is awesome".

We can always count on you to help us "keep it real" Champ, LOL.

Much of what you state may well be true, but at the same time he has already helps us where we needed the most help - defensive rebounding. And I fully expect offensive rebounding as well. We have at least 4 guys capable of making 40% of their 3-PT FGA's this year. They all won't make 40%+ because they like to ( or in West's case need to ) shoot from 25 feet. Point being there is going to be a lot of room for especially Jon, CJ, DG and Kinsey to drive the lane. Ditto for pick and roll lobs for Williams. But perhaps most of all the need for defenders to stay on the perimeter should make the entry pass to IB down low easier - that is where IB should be able hurt the opposing team on offense. He's making his FT's as well.

I know you are not selling IB's potential short. My point is he is already capable of helping out substantially on both ends. Even if he is not Shaq yet.

[herdorbust]

Every 10 lbs IB loses the better he will be. Just having a big guy is help in itself. Mor fouls to give andhe will improve the better shape he gets in. I still say danny will play a lot of small ball with the ability of cam,kinsey and beyers additions.

[saherdfan]

Not just that we will not see the exact way he will be used during the season.  I agree he has to get his weight down and it may take a year for him to do that, but DD will put things in to use him.  He will get some back to the basket looks and so on.  He will be used differently than anyone we have seen yet.  You will not see these sets this early.  If he stays 3/4 years he will be an NBA player.  Time will tell.  I agree he gets tired running the floor and has trouble moving his feet.  With all that running I am not sure he has the legs to even dunk in a crowd after a couple laps up and down the floor.  It will be a process, but he will help us this year in situations. 

[The E-Man]

I trust DD, that (The IB Missile) new nickname for him, will be ready for the upcoming season and get's better as the year goes. Anyone that can't trust DD coaching players by now, has some serious pessimistic problems.