Wenyen
- Thread starter ScrewDuke1
- Start date
He shocked me. At first, I wondered why he is starting and must have had a good practice. Then, the announcers said he was demonstrating the best shot blocking of anyone. That skill has always been a key aspect of Cal's defense to have players that can defend the middle or baseline. Then, when he showed that outside touch, which we hadn't seen, wow. Like I said, shocked. If he can play like he did in this game consistently, he is going to be a major player.
Renaldo Balkman got himself drafted as a 6'7" PF with no offensive game purely on energy so if he can be a first round pick I don't think it's too crazy to think Gabriel could be top ten. NBA drafts on potential and when NBA scouts watch Gabriel they see a younger Kawhi Leonard. There's just so much you can do with guys like that.
Balkman was also drafted by accident, literally. But I understand the comparison somewhat. Though Gabriel is a far better prospect than Balkman ever was.
His offensive game is limited or at 6'10 and playing SF he would dominate. Hes by no means fulfilled his potential, he could be KD.
Dennis smith
Harry Giles
Frank N from France
M.Fultz
De'Aron Fox
Bam
Tatum
Other euro guy who's name escapes me
Josh Jackson
Ivan Rabb
Malik Monk
Off the top of my head these guys are locks for top picks in some sort of order according to college and NBA guys unless they end up playing like Skal (after watching all of them other than the euro guy I doubt they play close to that bad)
Harry Giles
Frank N from France
M.Fultz
De'Aron Fox
Bam
Tatum
Other euro guy who's name escapes me
Josh Jackson
Ivan Rabb
Malik Monk
Off the top of my head these guys are locks for top picks in some sort of order according to college and NBA guys unless they end up playing like Skal (after watching all of them other than the euro guy I doubt they play close to that bad)
I could see end of the lotto based on potential possibly. Hard though because there are a lot of kids in the upcoming draft who are more skilled right now AND has potential. Johnathan Issac is one who I forgot to name before at FSU. 6'11 sf/PF. Potential is thru the roof.
I think some forget there are other very good kids out there or they remember but they have never really seen them play but since they have seen Wenyen play and he plays for their favorite team they tend to view him in a much better light
I think some forget there are other very good kids out there or they remember but they have never really seen them play but since they have seen Wenyen play and he plays for their favorite team they tend to view him in a much better light
You also have to remember who else is in the running in each draft. One draft is not like the other and this draft is talked about as having more talent than any other draft potentially. Balkmans draft had no where near the overall potential and most guys were upperclassmen that went first round due to lack of potential. Cedric Simmons and Rodney Carney almost went in the lotto and they aren't even in the NBA now (along with Balkman)
I agree with a lot of your posts, not all, but more than I usually do with other Duke posters.
I think this is an excellent comparison. They have a similar build, similar skill set, and similar motor.
I agree with others that Gabriel was the most pleasant surprise of that exhibition Sunday. I think the most surprising thing was his shooting and his mobility. I expected him to rebound and defend pretty well. I just didn't know he could shoot it that well. His shot looked pure too, not lucky bounces, but smooth stroke and release and nothing but net. He's a big X factor this season, in my opinion. We don't need huge numbers from him, but it's possible he could give a lot.