Chad Ford's Draft comments about UK players

[Allan Brewer]

I read it on the internet so it's gotta' be right

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

Originally posted by WildMoon:

Originally posted by 5iveStarRecruit:


Booker has more/speed quicks than Aaron. If you notice everytime Aaron is on a fast break, the defender always catches up to him. its because he needs to gather himself before he dunks it.

Booker doesn't have that problem. Its part of the reason he's finishing in transition better. He faster in a straight line and is able to dunk without having to stop-and-gather.

You have to take into more account than athleticism to base your argument on "defender always catches up to him." There's more than just physicality in terms of fast break, like ball handling skill. Even stuff like lay up skills, etc.

Here are some measurement from UK Combine:
Max Vert: AH: 38" DB: 35.5"
Standing Vert: AH: 30.5" DB: 31"
3/4 Spring: AH: 3.2 DB: 3.23
Lane Agility: AH: 10.87s DB 10.08s
Shuttle Run: AH: 2.82s DB 2.71

Booker has really nice lateral athleticism, but straight speed and vertical is more towards Aaron.

Aaron has made nastier dunk this year, especially more recently the one handed catch from Andrew.

Height wise they both measured 6'6.25" but wingspan was better with Aaron at 6'8" versus 6'6.25"

Devin, i think, is the better skilled player. However, i have nothing to measure that value with. You say defender catches up more to Aaron, but that's because Aaron always slows down a lot more to make sure he scores. He seems to be overly focused on the defender. Devin just attacks the rim and makes it. That's a huge difference.

Also, Aaron has better steal rate at 1.2, while booker only has .5. That's huge difference, and a lot of time this is result of two things. 1. Anticipation and 2. Athleticism.

But the reason why Booker is so highly draftable is simply because NBA is moving towards 3 point shooting and their spacing. Booker is shooting at 43%, which isn't super great but with his size/ form / athleticism, and being one of the best in class makes him valuable.

I wouldn't use the combine measurements to prove a point. Some of the numbers they gathered are definitely exaggerated.

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Originally posted by Hoskins91:

Originally posted by WildMoon:

Originally posted by 5iveStarRecruit:


Booker has more/speed quicks than Aaron. If you notice everytime Aaron is on a fast break, the defender always catches up to him. its because he needs to gather himself before he dunks it.

Booker doesn't have that problem. Its part of the reason he's finishing in transition better. He faster in a straight line and is able to dunk without having to stop-and-gather.

You have to take into more account than athleticism to base your argument on "defender always catches up to him." There's more than just physicality in terms of fast break, like ball handling skill. Even stuff like lay up skills, etc.

Here are some measurement from UK Combine:
Max Vert: AH: 38" DB: 35.5"
Standing Vert: AH: 30.5" DB: 31"
3/4 Spring: AH: 3.2 DB: 3.23
Lane Agility: AH: 10.87s DB 10.08s
Shuttle Run: AH: 2.82s DB 2.71

Booker has really nice lateral athleticism, but straight speed and vertical is more towards Aaron.

Aaron has made nastier dunk this year, especially more recently the one handed catch from Andrew.

Height wise they both measured 6'6.25" but wingspan was better with Aaron at 6'8" versus 6'6.25"

Devin, i think, is the better skilled player. However, i have nothing to measure that value with. You say defender catches up more to Aaron, but that's because Aaron always slows down a lot more to make sure he scores. He seems to be overly focused on the defender. Devin just attacks the rim and makes it. That's a huge difference.

Also, Aaron has better steal rate at 1.2, while booker only has .5. That's huge difference, and a lot of time this is result of two things. 1. Anticipation and 2. Athleticism.

But the reason why Booker is so highly draftable is simply because NBA is moving towards 3 point shooting and their spacing. Booker is shooting at 43%, which isn't super great but with his size/ form / athleticism, and being one of the best in class makes him valuable.

I wouldn't use the combine measurements to prove a point. Some of the numbers they gathered are definitely exaggerated.

I've stated a million times on this forum that combine numbers are misleading. The examples i always use : Doug McDermott having a higher max vertical than Blake Griffin. Aaron Harrison having a higher max vertical than Russell Westbrook. There is countless examples of this.


Eye test is mostly everything in judging athleticism. Booker looks quicker & faster on the court. I really don't think theres a difference in leaping ability, likely a push.

This post was edited on 3/17 12:19 AM by 5iveStarRecruit

 

[BoulderCat_rivals187983]

I'd agree to the extent the one we have this year is a great college team. The player's have sold me on that, I think team is what it's all about to them. IMO all but Karl and Willie could still benefit by coming back, and honestly wouldn't be shocked if either of them did. I sometimes wonder if the media and draft projections aren't just perpetuating what they want people to believe, that UK under Cal is just an NBADL team. I'm not sold. Just yesterday I was challenged to eat crow. I didn't. I might have to with this statement though. I think a whole lot more guys on this team will return than most people think, whatever happens this next 3 weeks. Cal just might have himself something going here, and it isn't what they think.

 

[Hoskins91_rivals]

Booker being a lottery pick earlier in the year was mostly due to his ridiculous shooting percentages. Those have fallen off, so I wouldn't be surprised if he falls to a late first rounder if he doesn't start shooting it better. We're playing Lyles out of position, so we are asking him to do things that he is not great at just yet. He might be higher if he was able to play pf full time.

Towns and Willie are gone. Everyone else I could see going either way.

 

[Blue63Madison]

Originally posted by caneintally:

Originally posted by Smashcat:
Right now Booker doesn't look like the best 3 point shooter in the draft. Curious to see how he shoots the next six.

Booker is one of the 10 best 3 pt shooters i have ever seen . He is a freshman and goes thru slumps and doesn't also take the shots he should and vice versa but i have no doubt in the NBA he will shoot 50% from 3. I think he comes back and shoots around 52% next year.

I would've said the same thing a month ago. He's at 42% now and dropping.

 

[BBBLazing]

Originally posted by CatinSA:

Originally posted by YouKay:

If you're Philadelphia, Kentucky's starting five would be an automatic upgrade over your entire starting five. Philly has 4 picks in this draft.

Do you even watch the NBA? Philly's not even the worst team in their own division.

On a pro level, Jason Richardson and Hollis Thompson are pretty solid, if unspectacular. Nerlens Noel is their starting center, with Joel Embiid down on the depth chart.

Agreed. How much better of a shooting guard is Aaron than James Young? Young has spent a big part of the year in the D-League. "You people are crazy."

 

[WildMoon]

Originally posted by 5iveStarRecruit:

Originally posted by Hoskins91:

I wouldn't use the combine measurements to prove a point. Some of the numbers they gathered are definitely exaggerated.

I've stated a million times on this forum that combine numbers are misleading. The examples i always use : Doug McDermott having a higher max vertical than Blake Griffin. Aaron Harrison having a higher max vertical than Russell Westbrook. There is countless examples of this.


Eye test is mostly everything in judging athleticism. Booker looks quicker & faster on the court. I really don't think theres a difference in leaping ability, likely a push.

This post was edited on 3/17 12:19 AM by 5iveStarRecruit

This is kind of silly comments by both of you. Then why even have a NBA combine? Why does player move up and down draft board after NBA combine. (also some players don't need to take NBA combine seriously because of their draft position anyways aka Blake Griffin.)

While, i'm not saying combine result is 100% accurate, but far more accurate than random opinion. In fact the dunk by Aaron would be the best dunk between both Booker and Aaron so the eye test and measurement are seems pretty accurate. Also, neither Booker or Aaron blew up the measurement in terms of vertical, which makes it valid (neither hit the 40 inch mark).

Another point, comparing McDermott who is much smaller than Blake Griffin and jumping similarly doesn't mean much. Smaller guys tend to jump higher, McDermott is noticeably shorter(6'7.75" versus 6'10") and shorter wingspan (6'9.25" versus 6'11.5"). I doubt Blake seriously took the combine anyways, and really there's huge difference between these kids (UK players) who need to prove them selves than a guy who was favored to be top pick. Besides, weren't their measurement similar? Maybe doug higher by .5 inch? (if you factor in the variable of 1-2inches...then it's practically meaningless difference)

Another point is you are comparing McDermott(senior) to another player (Sophomore) both who are different in where their growth is. Can you prove that Blake Griffin didn't go on a crusade to remodel his body? Increased his vertical by addition 6 - 8 inches by losing weight, doing plyometrics training, and other training program. (BTW, they did a documentary on his workouts during his off season before his rookie season and after the injury.)

 

[KentuckyWildcat4Life]

One can argue that everyone on the team could benefit another year at Kentucky, but that won't happen. WCS and Mr. Photobomb are gone. The rest return and make history once again.

 

[5iveStarRecruit]

Originally posted by WildMoon:

Originally posted by 5iveStarRecruit:

Originally posted by Hoskins91:

I wouldn't use the combine measurements to prove a point. Some of the numbers they gathered are definitely exaggerated.

I've stated a million times on this forum that combine numbers are misleading. The examples i always use : Doug McDermott having a higher max vertical than Blake Griffin. Aaron Harrison having a higher max vertical than Russell Westbrook. There is countless examples of this.


Eye test is mostly everything in judging athleticism. Booker looks quicker & faster on the court. I really don't think theres a difference in leaping ability, likely a push.

This post was edited on 3/17 12:19 AM by 5iveStarRecruit

This is kind of silly comments by both of you. Then why even have a NBA combine? Why does player move up and down draft board after NBA combine. (also some players don't need to take NBA combine seriously because of their draft position anyways aka Blake Griffin.)

While, i'm not saying combine result is 100% accurate, but far more accurate than random opinion. In fact the dunk by Aaron would be the best dunk between both Booker and Aaron so the eye test and measurement are seems pretty accurate. Also, neither Booker or Aaron blew up the measurement in terms of vertical, which makes it valid (neither hit the 40 inch mark).

Another point, comparing McDermott who is much smaller than Blake Griffin and jumping similarly doesn't mean much. Smaller guys tend to jump higher, McDermott is noticeably shorter(6'7.75" versus 6'10") and shorter wingspan (6'9.25" versus 6'11.5"). I doubt Blake seriously took the combine anyways, and really there's huge difference between these kids (UK players) who need to prove them selves than a guy who was favored to be top pick. Besides, weren't their measurement similar? Maybe doug higher by .5 inch? (if you factor in the variable of 1-2inches...then it's practically meaningless difference)

Another point is you are comparing McDermott(senior) to another player (Sophomore) both who are different in where their growth is. Can you prove that Blake Griffin didn't go on a crusade to remodel his body? Increased his vertical by addition 6 - 8 inches by losing weight, doing plyometrics training, and other training program. (BTW, they did a documentary on his workouts during his off season before his rookie season and after the injury.)

This isn't the NFL. Players draft stock really doesn't go too high or low after a combine performance. If you notice year-round, people pay zero mind to the NBA combine. This season will be different, since it implemented 5 vs. 5. Scouts at the combine mostly care about the physical measurements & team interviews.

The McDermott/Griffin example wasn't the only one i used. I also used Aaron & Russell Westbrook. Aaron is taller. Yet, he jumped higher than the best athlete to ever play the PG position. T he numbers are misleading.

Now, Booker likely wouldn't have been able to finish that lob-dunk,but i attribute that to his short arms. Even if Aaron is the better leaper, which I'm not totally ruling out, he still trails Booker in other athletic areas - Quicks,speed, 1st step.

 

[Stenchymouse]

Originally posted by WildMoon:
I think Andrew is one that can really shoot up in draft board.

One good comment that was mentioned in the scouting is "Terrific defender."

He is 6'6" point guard. It's insane the size and his capable ball handling skill.

His FG% has steadily gone up recently. His 3 point field goal % is now at 38.8%. He needs to get up to 40% mark.

The issue with Aaron is he started out SOOOOO terrible in terms of field goal percentage. All the numbers have gone up, but his 3 point field goal percentage is still way too low.

Right now I believe that Andrew is the best point guard in the country!!

He absolutely looks like an NBA player at this point to me!!

Playing aggressively makes him look like a totally different player!!