High Praise for Julius Randle

[Aike]

http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/151006_jazzwrap?cid=fb

Couple of quotes from last night's game:

Bryant referred to Randle as “Lamar Odom in a Zach Randolph body,” and Hibbert had even more praise for the 20-year-old.

“Julius is an animal,” Hibbert said. “He’s the future of this team. He’s a future face of the NBA. That boy can play. The things that he does at his size — dribbling the ball up the court, dunking — the sky’s the limit. I’ve never seen anybody like him.”

 

[BlueSince92]

Word.

 

[Pulaski Cat Fan]

Ten years ago, if you had told me the NBA would be full of stars from Kentucky, I would have thought you where crazy. My how times have changed, and I absolutely love it. I wish it would never end.

 

[Ron Mehico]

Julius is an animal. Guy was unreal, still remember the MSU game at the beginning of the year that he basically almost won by himself. Felt he was actually hindered in college because of the way the game is played. Was always triple teamed and hacked and slapped. Think he'll be awesome in the NBA with more room to move around and do his thing.

 

[hotelblue]

he definitely has the opportunity to be a cornerstone of that franchise. add supreme talent with supreme effort and the sky is the limit. you just can't teach the motor he has. his face up game is nasty and he can pretty much do anything offensively. if he can finish at the rim or get to the line consistently i could see him being a 20ppg guy down the road. once he's the focal point. sounds like they want him to be that.

 

[UKUGA]

Here's the general concern you hear about Julius:

1) Has trouble not being the focal point
2) Doesn't "read" the game well. Just gets the ball and goes.
3) Injury prone.

I watched the first pre-season game, and he looked like someone who was "jumpy". He went quick, but made decent moves, but his shot was off.

I still haven't watched last night's game, but just looking at the box score, you can see that he shot better (although not from the FT line), and based upon post-game quotes, people felt he was in the flow of the game better.

The presence of Bryant will help him immensely. I know that there are some pretty uninformed people who think that Kobe will somehow hamper his development; but, aside from teaching him about how to prepare mentally and physically, Kobe can also teach Randle about fitting into a role.

While Kobe is well known for being ball dominant, and shooting too much, he also spent a lot of time as a young player, sitting entire games. Once he got on the court, he had to temper his game a lot to fit into a system that was designed for team efficiency, and could restrict his individual talents.

Randle is much more humble than Kobe, and while perhaps not the same student of the game, I do think he's eager to learn, and he will be helped immensely by having Kobe (along with Artest and Worthy), to bring him along.

Pray for good health.

 

[Smashcat]

He’s a future face of the NBA.

 

[Aike]

Here's the general concern you hear about Julius:

1) Has trouble not being the focal point
2) Doesn't "read" the game well. Just gets the ball and goes.
3) Injury prone.

I watched the first pre-season game, and he looked like someone who was "jumpy". He went quick, but made decent moves, but his shot was off.

I still haven't watched last night's game, but just looking at the box score, you can see that he shot better (although not from the FT line), and based upon post-game quotes, people felt he was in the flow of the game better.

The presence of Bryant will help him immensely. I know that there are some pretty uninformed people who think that Kobe will somehow hamper his development; but, aside from teaching him about how to prepare mentally and physically, Kobe can also teach Randle about fitting into a role.

While Kobe is well known for being ball dominant, and shooting too much, he also spent a lot of time as a young player, sitting entire games. Once he got on the court, he had to temper his game a lot to fit into a system that was designed for team efficiency, and could restrict his individual talents.

Randle is much more humble than Kobe, and while perhaps not the same student of the game, I do think he's eager to learn, and he will be helped immensely by having Kobe (along with Artest and Worthy), to bring him along.

Pray for good health.

Having Worthy around is a big deal. Will help him to slow down, survey the defense, utilize his footwork.

Randle's first step is a killer. Worthy is teaching him to improve his counter moves. If he ever gets that down, watch out.

 

[Cats192]

Here's the general concern you hear about Julius:

1) Has trouble not being the focal point
2) Doesn't "read" the game well. Just gets the ball and goes.
3) Injury prone.

I watched the first pre-season game, and he looked like someone who was "jumpy". He went quick, but made decent moves, but his shot was off.

I still haven't watched last night's game, but just looking at the box score, you can see that he shot better (although not from the FT line), and based upon post-game quotes, people felt he was in the flow of the game better.

The presence of Bryant will help him immensely. I know that there are some pretty uninformed people who think that Kobe will somehow hamper his development; but, aside from teaching him about how to prepare mentally and physically, Kobe can also teach Randle about fitting into a role.

While Kobe is well known for being ball dominant, and shooting too much, he also spent a lot of time as a young player, sitting entire games. Once he got on the court, he had to temper his game a lot to fit into a system that was designed for team efficiency, and could restrict his individual talents.

Randle is much more humble than Kobe, and while perhaps not the same student of the game, I do think he's eager to learn, and he will be helped immensely by having Kobe (along with Artest and Worthy), to bring him along.

Pray for good health.

Just from the highlights of last night, he appears to be reading the game a lot better than during his time here. Between the last 2 games, he's made several excellent cuts that resulted in baskets.

 

[mktmaker]

Laker's forward Julius Randle is quick out of the gate

L.A. Times

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-hawaii-20151003-story.html

The fascination with the second-year player is growing in the Lakers' organization. In four days of training camp, he's looked much better than the player who rushed everything in four NBA summer-league games in July, where his accuracy cratered at 39.5%.

Randle has worked on his outside touch and become more confident when he gets an open look. He's also rediscovered a quick first step from the post.

"He's just so much more explosive now," Lakers Coach Byron Scott said. "I think he can be a star. His first step is about as quick as any power forward in this league right now. It's just about developing the rest of his game."

This is something Worthy would know.

"My first step was a good spin move but his is from the triple-threat position. He does a good jab step," he said. "He almost always gets the edge on his first step and that's all you want to do."

(much more at the link)

 

[BoulderCat]

Never seen anything like him? Randle's a great talent with tremendous potential, but come on now. that's going a bit over the top. I sure hope he stays healthy all year this year. Will be interesting to see how and how much the Laker's use him.

 

[Aike]

Never seen anything like him? Randle's a great talent with tremendous potential, but come on now. that's going a bit over the top. I sure hope he stays healthy all year this year. Will be interesting to see how and how much the Laker's use him.

It was an NBA vet saying it. Not some random internet poster. Randle's skill set for his body type is fairly unique.

 

[jedwar]

He reminds me of what Rodney Rogers could've been. Julius is a special player.

 

[.S&C.]

And he's still recovering from being banged around and assaulted here at UK. I've never, in 29 years, seen a player be fouled was much. The SEC officials allowed him to be absolutely butchered simply because he was clearly dominant. All you had to do was triple team him and they'd allow anything.

Had he played for Duke, he would have lived at the foul line.

 

[Mojocat]

I've consistently said - as good as Julius was - he wasn't in the "superstar" level of Cal-at-UK players, which to me includes Wall, Davis and Cousins, inarguably, and then maybe MKG and KAT depending on definitions and parameters. I've also consistently said I hope I'm proved wrong about him in particular. And maybe I'm on course.....

 

[kyisinmyblood]

Agree with Ron Mehico here.
In the NBA the floor will be spaced much better and the double teams are NOT going to come. Julius is crafty, strong as an ox, and quick. Julius is a rare breed. With his quick first step, strength, and touch around the rim he has the potential to be a perennial All Star.
Always thought he was a better version of Zach Randolph and thats saying a lot.

 

[.S&C.]

I've consistently said - as good as Julius was - he wasn't in the "superstar" level of Cal-at-UK players, which to me includes Wall, Davis and Cousins, inarguably, and then maybe MKG and KAT depending on definitions and parameters. I've also consistently said I hope I'm proved wrong about him in particular. And maybe I'm on course.....

Wrong.

College couldn't contain Julius Randle. He was at the top tier of players here.

 

[hotelblue]

He reminds me of what Rodney Rogers could've been. Julius is a special player.

rodgers could drain threes but i completely agree. he was a potential beast inside the arc.

 

[jedwar]

rodgers could drain threes but i completely agree. he was a potential beast inside the arc.

Very true.

 

[reddickulis81]

Julius is an animal. Guy was unreal, still remember the MSU game at the beginning of the year that he basically almost won by himself. Felt he was actually hindered in college because of the way the game is played. Was always triple teamed and hacked and slapped. Think he'll be awesome in the NBA with more room to move around and do his thing.

No one got me more "Stand up and beat my chest"than Julius. He played like a Damn man.

 

[Bluegrass79]

I've consistently said - as good as Julius was - he wasn't in the "superstar" level of Cal-at-UK players, which to me includes Wall, Davis and Cousins, inarguably, and then maybe MKG and KAT depending on definitions and parameters. I've also consistently said I hope I'm proved wrong about him in particular. And maybe I'm on course.....

your wrong. The guy had the 2nd best season of anybody that played at Kentucky under Coach Cal. He had like 25 double doubles, made it to the championship game, and was a badass from game 1. Not even ANTHONY Davis was a badass dominator from game 1.

 

[reddickulis81]

your wrong. The guy had the 2nd best season of anybody that played at Kentucky under Coach Cal. He had like 25 double doubles, took us the championship game, and was a badass from game 1. Not even ANTHONY Davis was a badass dominator from game 1.

I never said superstar. I said like a Damn man. Blue Colar, go get it with 3 guys on him and still finish. Grabbing rebounds over whole teams trying for that ball. Rebounds arnt a skill or talent It is will, and relentless attitude that gets the job done. Put that in Jon wall and what do you think you would have? A be word surpassing "superstar"

 

[mktmaker]

I've consistently said - as good as Julius was - he wasn't in the "superstar" level of Cal-at-UK players, which to me includes Wall, Davis and Cousins, inarguably, and then maybe MKG and KAT depending on definitions and parameters. I've also consistently said I hope I'm proved wrong about him in particular. And maybe I'm on course.....

Mojo,

Several posters have disagreed with you -- but I don't.

At this point I think it's clear that AD, Boogie, and Wall have distinguished themselves as NBA All-Stars, with Bledsoe a level below.

MKG is a solid starter. I hope this shoulder injury doesn't derail him.

I think Nerlens could step up to the All-Star level. (Have you noticed how ripped he is?)

If his leg injury does not linger, Randle could excel. Because of his team responsibilities as a freshman at UK (stay inside, hit the boards, etc., having a 3-guard offense), I don't know his "outside" skills. As was previously posted, defenses often collapsed on him. He was a stud against college competition. I'm eager to see how he does against the pros.

Because of their high draft status, many of UK's stars have been drafted by weak teams. It's exciting for me to see Julius playing on a very high profile team.

 

[Mojocat]

Mojo,

Several posters have disagreed with you -- but I don't.

At this point I think it's clear that AD, Boogie, and Wall have distinguished themselves as NBA All-Stars, with Bledsoe a level below.

MKG is a solid starter. I hope this shoulder injury doesn't derail him.

I think Nerlens could step up to the All-Star level. (Have you noticed how ripped he is?)

If his leg injury does not linger, Randle could excel. Because of his team responsibilities as a freshman at UK (stay inside, hit the boards, etc., having a 3-guard offense), I don't know his "outside" skills. As was previously posted, defenses often collapsed on him. He was a stud against college competition. I'm eager to see how he does against the pros.

Because of their high draft status, many of UK's stars have been drafted by weak teams. It's exciting for me to see Julius playing on a very high profile team.

Yeah, I know it's not a popular position. And like I said with the reference to "depending on definitions and parameters", it kind of depends on what you're talking about. Do you mean, who are the most talented players in some absolute sense? The best pros? Does college factor in? I think, as you say, AD, Boogie and Wall are a level above the others. I want to include MKG, probably out of bias as he along with DA are probably my favorite Cats. I absolutely think he was a special, special (Dickie V!) college player - the kind of heart+motor+talent you see every great once in a while. From that perspective, he breaks into the top tier with those other 3. Clearly, though, he has some limitations, he'll likely never be an NBA all-star, let alone an every year All-star like Boogie/AD/Wall. For me, that's where the line of demarcation is. I just think of Julius as a level below that, with Nerlens, Knight, Bledsoe, Jones, etc. are - I would think it's obvious that's not exactly a slam. We've had some great great players here in the last 6 years. Julius is one of them. I just don't think he's in the Boogie/AD/Wall class.

Besides MGK, Karl-Anthony is the other one I sort of go back and forth on. For the first 80% of last season, he was clearly in that second group. But man he came on at the end, and was the overall number 1 pick, and his pro career might be more like the first 3 than the other group.....

 

[Aike]

Coming out of college, I viewed Randle as the kind of guy who could be the second best player on a good team, or the 3rd best player on a great team. If he rises to superstar level, he will exceed my expectations.

That being said, 2nd or 3rd best players on great teams are usually all-stars at some point. I don't think it's a knock on Randle to think he won't rise to the level of AD or Cousins. All that being said, I hope he does.

 

[reddickulis81]

Yeah, I know it's not a popular position. And like I said with the reference to "depending on definitions and parameters", it kind of depends on what you're talking about. Do you mean, who are the most talented players in some absolute sense? The best pros? Does college factor in? I think, as you say, AD, Boogie and Wall are a level above the others. I want to include MKG, probably out of bias as he along with DA are probably my favorite Cats. I absolutely think he was a special, special (Dickie V!) college player - the kind of heart+motor+talent you see every great once in a while. From that perspective, he breaks into the top tier with those other 3. Clearly, though, he has some limitations, he'll likely never be an NBA all-star, let alone an every year All-star like Boogie/AD/Wall. For me, that's where the line of demarcation is. I just think of Julius as a level below that, with Nerlens, Knight, Bledsoe, Jones, etc. are - I would think it's obvious that's not exactly a slam. We've had some great great players here in the last 6 years. Julius is one of them. I just don't think he's in the Boogie/AD/Wall class.

Besides MGK, Karl-Anthony is the other one I sort of go back and forth on. For the first 80% of last season, he was clearly in that second group. But man he came on at the end, and was the overall number 1 pick, and his pro career might be more like the first 3 than the other group.....

Karl Anthony Towns, has "IT" whatever "IT" is the young man possesis "it" Shit you can see and hear the young man do and say, but you know goes deeper. I Think he may be or most special cat in years maybe ever. Not only in tallent, but being a great human. He lights up the room where ever he is. I just love the young man.

 

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

Karl Anthony Towns, has "IT" whatever "IT" is the young man possesis "it" Shit you can see and hear the young man do and say, but you know goes deeper. I Think he may be or most special cat in years maybe ever. Not only in tallent, but being a great human. He lights up the room where ever he is. I just love the young man.

Agree wholeheartedly @ KAT. I've got a strong feeling that he'll be the one to join wall, boogie, and AD on UK Cal's Mt. Rushmore rather than julius.

 

[reddickulis81]

Cal's Mr. Rushmore imo is Camby,I know some cat fans might disagree but I saw The dude in 96" he was bad, pulse he was the first high lottery pick. Then Anthony davis.Derrick Rose Then of course Himself.

 

[.S&C.]

Mojo,

Several posters have disagreed with you -- but I don't.

At this point I think it's clear that AD, Boogie, and Wall have distinguished themselves as NBA All-Stars, with Bledsoe a level below.

MKG is a solid starter. I hope this shoulder injury doesn't derail him.

I think Nerlens could step up to the All-Star level. (Have you noticed how ripped he is?)

If his leg injury does not linger, Randle could excel. Because of his team responsibilities as a freshman at UK (stay inside, hit the boards, etc., having a 3-guard offense), I don't know his "outside" skills. As was previously posted, defenses often collapsed on him. He was a stud against college competition. I'm eager to see how he does against the pros.

Because of their high draft status, many of UK's stars have been drafted by weak teams. It's exciting for me to see Julius playing on a very high profile team.

Lol Randle hasn't even gotten to play a season yet.

I don't know if he will have the pro career of AD, But that's changing the table here. We werent discussing that.

In college, Julius Randle has had the single most successful season of any player under Cal, minus AD. It took teams 3 and sometimes 4 guys to contain him. He owned anyone one on one. Had Julius had a great outside presence, you wouldn't even come close to naming another POY for that season. Randle playing 4 years in college would put him Near the top or MAYBE in the top 3 historically of UK all together.

Just so much wrong I'm sorry.

 

[.S&C.]

Cal's Mr. Rushmore imo is Camby,I know some cat fans might disagree but I saw The dude in 96" he was bad, pulse he was the first high lottery pick. Then Anthony davis.Derrick Rose Then of course Himself.

Lol. Camby is not, was never, and will never be AD. Camby was great, but AD is probably the most valued player in the entire NBA year 2 or 3. There's no comparison.

And I loved Camby.

 

[reddickulis81]

Lol. Camby is not, was never, and will never be AD. Camby was great, but AD is probably the most valued player in the entire NBA year 2 or 3. There's no comparison.

And I loved Camby.

What I'm sayin is camby started it all for Cal

 

[.S&C.]

I never said superstar. I said like a Damn man. Blue Colar, go get it with 3 guys on him and still finish. Grabbing rebounds over whole teams trying for that ball. Rebounds arnt a skill or talent It is will, and relentless attitude that gets the job done. Put that in Jon wall and what do you think you would have? A be word surpassing "superstar"

Btw, you don't even want to begin to imagine how many foul calls and free throws Julius would've been shooting had he had a Duke uniform on. It would have been insane, absolutely insane. He didn't have the protection of Duke players, was fouled like something out of a movie, and still owned multiple players guarding him. Had he had the Okafor treatment, he would heave been easily NPOY.

Anthony Davis had a wide open floor to operate from and wasn't doubled a ton. He was so great defensively, that it made up for the other end somewhat. His impact was the greatest for sure, but you give Randle the 2012 cats with lamb, a steady point, Jones, and MKG?????? Shit, we might win it by more. Not taking anything away from AD either, obviously.

Not speaking to the NBA, but some of the original comments about Randle are way off. Way way way off.

 

[Aike]

Btw, you don't even want to begin to imagine how many foul calls and free throws Julius would've been shooting had he had a Duke uniform on. It would have been insane, absolutely insane. He didn't have the protection of Duke players, was fouled like something out of a movie, and still owned multiple players guarding him. Had he had the Okafor treatment, he would heave been easily NPOY.

Anthony Davis had a wife open floor to operate from and wasn't doubled a ton. He was so great defensively, that it made up for the other end somewhat. His impact was the greatest for sure, but you give Randle the 2012 cats with lamb, a steady point, Jones, and MKG?????? Shit, we might win it by more.

Not speaking to the NBA, but some of the original comments about Randle are way off. Way way way off.

Love Randle, but replacing AD with him in 2012 would not have helped us win by more.

Our defense wouldn't have been nearly as good, and Randle and Jones would have overlapped more than Jones and AD did. That 2012 team was pretty close to perfect as is.

 

[reddickulis81]

I remember having to double and triple him both times we played him. He is no Anthony Davis. But He was a great player.

 

[.S&C.]

Love Randle, but replacing AD with him in 2012 would not have helped us win by more.

Our defense wouldn't have been nearly as good, and Randle and Jones would have overlapped more than Jones and AD did. That 2012 team was pretty close to perfect as is.

True, but Randle was guarded FAR more heavily in college than AD. My main point isn't about who would help us win by more anyway.

Julius was the best player in the country in 2014. I have no doubts about it because I watched him maul multiple defenders on a nightly basis and take a team with to the final four that without him probably wouldn't have had a prayer. My responses were described more to the ones saying he wasn't one of Cals best at UK. Bullshit. Top 4 without a shadow of a doubt IMO.

I used to believe Lamb was the most under appreciated in Cals time bere, but now I'm starting to think its Randle by a mile.

 

[.S&C.]

I remember having to double and triple him both times we played him. He is no Anthony Davis. But He was a great player.

Who's ur team?

 

[Aike]

True, but Randle was guarded FAR more heavily in college than AD. My main point isn't about who would help us win by more anyway.

Julius was the best player in the country in 2014. I have no doubts about it because I watched him maul multiple defenders on a nightly basis and take a team with to the final four that without him probably wouldn't have had a prayer. My responses were described more to the ones saying he wasn't one of Cals best at UK. Bullshit. Top 4 without a shadow of a doubt IMO.

I used to believe Lamb was the most under appreciated in Cals time bere, but now I'm starting to think its Randle by a mile.

AD, Wall, Cousins, Towns, MKG, Randle.

I'll give you top 6. Top 4 takes some argument. Definitely have to split some hairs. We are blessed.

 

[.S&C.]

AD, Wall, Cousins, Towns, MKG, Randle.

I'll give you top 6. Top 4 takes some argument. Definitely have to split some hairs. We are blessed.

Could be right, but Randle didn't get the benefit some of those others had, and he put up some incredible stats we might not see again.

But it's definitely a good conversation to be had.

 

[reddickulis81]

Who's ur team?

Kentucky is my team, but if you can't see or respect the opposition than you are a $#@& @$$. I know good talent when I see it. Just because he didn't play at UK doesn't mean he was garbage.

 

[shaudyshaud1]

Never have understood the Zach Randolph comparisons. They definitely don't have the details type of body either