Big Cliff’s Transformation

[MadRU]

Clearly he puts in the work

 

[ClassOf02v.2]

Wow that side by side picture. This offseason will be huge for Cliff, as will OOC games at the beginning of next season. His development has been noticeable, especially the last 5-7 games or so. His defense has been improving and we‘re getting glimpses of his freaky athleticism on the offensive end.

 

[Knightmoves]

He looks strong and powerful.

Any chance we see some post moves from Cliff while he is at RU? That would be impressive with his physical skills.

 

[Scarletnut]

Does anyone think his basketball development would have been accelerated if Jay Young was still at RU coaching big men.

 

[DirtyRU]

Awesome physical transformation. And his on-court transformation is noticeable, too. He is less panicked on the court and playing at a calmer pace. His body language and actions out there look calmer than they did a month or two ago. There hasn't been any noticeable development in offensive skillset YET, but if the physical and maturity transformations are any indication, this is a young man who is willing and able to develop and with the right coaching, he has the chance to become a formidable big in the B1G. A jumper and a back-to-the-basket game would be outstanding! Fingers crossed he gets there. I have faith.

 

[MadRU]

An offseason with more strength training, hopefully added strength to his base, for balance, he will continue to improve.

Work on footwork and hands. Develop a go to move or two. This will be a very important offseason for Cliff. With college level strength and development he will become a serious contributor.

 

[RU09FOOTBALL]

Fork to mouth

 

[HeavenUniv.]

https://www.nj.com/rutgers/2021/03/...begun.html#click=[URL]https://t.co/IfjHe9yrX2

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[anon_0k9zlfz6lz9oy]

Tremendous article. This is why i tried to temper peoples expectations for cliff as a freshman, keep in mind he literally just touched a basketball for the first time like 4 years ago. Big off-season coming up for him. Work ethic is zero concern as nigerian immigrants are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet who come from a tremendous culture. Big fan of this kid and just a great great story.

 

[MoCumiskey]

He is raw offensively. But get the kid a jugs machine and he can be a great rim runner lob guy

 

[Knight Ed_rivals]

He is raw offensively. But get the kid a jugs machine and he can be a great rim runner lob guy

But why not actually develop him offensively? Myles Johnson has been here for years and, although he has developed into a great rebounder/defender, he still has offensive range you can measure with a ruler. This team will be a lot better in a couple of years if Cliff is a threat to shoot.

 

[zappaa]

Find a 6-9 PF who can rebound to play with him.

 

[whofrewdatmataRU13]

But why not actually develop him offensively? Myles Johnson has been here for years and, although he has developed into a great rebounder/defender, he still has offensive range you can measure with a ruler. This team will be a lot better in a couple of years if Cliff is a threat to shoot.

Cliff already looks good from the line so hopefully he can develop some sort of mid range

 

[Joey Bags]

Damn son. As someone with a thin frame it's easy to be fit cardio-wise but tough to put on substantial muscle.

He put in some serious work.

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

He has shown glimpses of offensive moves in practice, but it is literally footwork and getting those moves down, before we assume adding strength or other things.

As much as Luka Garza gets away with murder with dragging his pivot foot (traveling) and throwing shoulders and elbows to create space (because he's not a speed or leaper that jumps over players), Garza is as fundamentally sound as any post player in a long time.

It will take time for Cliff to become the player we are looking for, but it's down to footwork and getting comfortable with it matching his athletic ability. Myles is also a very good player with fundamentals on footwork, pivots, and how to approach the play on both ends. Myles staying and continuing to develop into 1st team all B1G, gets accelerated by working with and against Cliff in practice.....and Cliff gets sped up in his development by getting to learn against and from Myles.

The only problem is trying to balance what Cliff can do now (run, lobs, dunks and scoring in close) to the expansion of his game and making passes when teams double team the post....lots to learn as a big man....it takes ton of hours and builds confidence to take it from the practice facility to game situations.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Yet there are people on this board all season long saying that he needs to hit the weight room. He is easily one of the most ripped and muscular freshman we have ever had.

 

[rudad02]

Need to work on his hands.

 

[dollarbill]

If MJ enters a two year masters program at Rutgers, how could this possibly sort out for Cliff? $$$$