J Vanderbilt reminds me of Kidd Gilchrist

[IL Wildcat]

Does he remind anyone else of MKG? He's got a high motor, loves to play defense with intensity, has a nose for the ball, rebounds well, has good size and length, finishes well at the rim and runs the break well, and can handle the ball in the open floor. His biggest issue appears to be his jump shot needs work.

Vanderbilt is actually taller and longer than MKG, though. Gilchrist is 6-7 in shoes and has a 7-0 wingspan. Vanderbilt is 6-9 in shoes and has a 7-1 wingspan. I also noticed tonight that Vanderbilt is a good playmaker. He tries to make difficult plays at times but he is a good passer.

Bottom line: I think we're gonna like this guy.

 

[fatguy87]

I see some Terrence Jones in him too.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

Does he remind anyone else of MKG? He's got a high motor, loves to play defense with intensity, has a nose for the ball, rebounds well, has good size and length, finishes well at the rim and runs the break well, and can handle the ball in the open floor. His biggest issue appears to be his jump shot needs work.

Vanderbilt is actually taller and longer than MKG, though. Gilchrist is 6-7 in shoes and has a 7-0 wingspan. Vanderbilt is 6-9 in shoes and had a 7-1 wingspan. I also noticed tonight that Vanderbilt is a good playmaker. He tries to make difficult plays at times but he is a good passer.

Bottom line: I think we're gonna like this guy.

I said the same thing in the other thread. Can't wait til next season.

 

[Dablueman]

Mkg a tad bit quicker more athletic Vanderbilt is taller and a better passer. Kinda a hybrid between Edward's and MKG. We will be beastly defensively next year we add Bamba we will be just beastly

 

[Brando Mac]

He is way underrated, regardless of whether they're basing it on what he is currently or what he'll become in the future.

 

[IL Wildcat]

I see some Terrence Jones in him too.

Perhaps that lefty shot is what reminds you of Jones. I can see that some, but there is no doubt Vanderbilt is a perimeter oriented player, whereas T Jones was more interior oriented from day one. He could step out and make a 3, but his bread and butter was interior play. I think Vanderbilt is more MKG. He likes to get in there and rebound, but he's more comfortable outside than in. He's only 213lbs, which is similar to MKG. Jones was more in the 235-240 range if memory serves.

 

[YouKay]

Looked like a poor man's Ben Simmons out there to me. Maybe a better shooter than Simmons to boot. Gonna be a good one for sure. We haven't really had a point forward at UK, the closest I can think of was Tayshaun Prince.

 

[harlancatfan]

Does he remind anyone else of MKG? He's got a high motor, loves to play defense with intensity, has a nose for the ball, rebounds well, has good size and length, finishes well at the rim and runs the break well, and can handle the ball in the open floor. His biggest issue appears to be his jump shot needs work.

Vanderbilt is actually taller and longer than MKG, though. Gilchrist is 6-7 in shoes and has a 7-0 wingspan. Vanderbilt is 6-9 in shoes and has a 7-1 wingspan. I also noticed tonight that Vanderbilt is a good playmaker. He tries to make difficult plays at times but he is a good passer.

Bottom line: I think we're gonna like this guy.

I feel that he looks better than MKG actually, I am very excited about him to say the least, Only bad thing is the fact that he is determined to be a one and done, so he will be gone after the season is up, but hey, who isn't at this point?

 

[IL Wildcat]

I feel that he looks better than MKG actually, I am very excited about him to say the least, Only bad thing is the fact that he is determined to be a one and done, so he will be gone after the season is up, but hey, who isn't at this point?

To be fair, he said in an interview that he'd love to be one and done but he also knows it's not a sure thing and that he will have to see where he is when that time comes. I don't think he's determined to go, per se, but I'm sure he would if the opportunity presents itself.

 

[harlancatfan]

To be fair, he said in an interview that he'd love to be one and done but he also knows it's not a sure thing and that he will have to see where he is when that time comes. I don't think he's determined to go, per se, but I'm sure he would if the opportunity presents itself.

I know, I am just saying that he looks like he will be good enough to leave. Even Biancardi said as much during the telecast. In all seriousness though, I could see him averaging 12, 8, and 5 next year. Should be awesome.

 

[Rupp'sRunt]

He reminds me of jarred Vanderbilt

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

I thought he looked way better than Porter tonight.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I love Vanderbilt and he did have a better overall game than Porter, but he is not as good as Porter.

 

[stoneycat_20]

I can see the MKG comparision..Vanderbilt will be very good on defense..makes everyone better..He reminds me of Theo Pinson from UNCheat.too

 

[Rhavicc]

I can see the MKG comparision..Vanderbilt will be very good on defense..makes everyone better..He reminds me of Theo Pinson from UNCheat.too

Bigger, just as athletic, and way more offensively gifted than Pinson. On-ball defense appears to be similar, Vando's post defense is almost certainly better.

 

[kev69]

Does he remind anyone else of MKG? He's got a high motor, loves to play defense with intensity, has a nose for the ball, rebounds well, has good size and length, finishes well at the rim and runs the break well, and can handle the ball in the open floor. His biggest issue appears to be his jump shot needs work.

Vanderbilt is actually taller and longer than MKG, though. Gilchrist is 6-7 in shoes and has a 7-0 wingspan. Vanderbilt is 6-9 in shoes and has a 7-1 wingspan. I also noticed tonight that Vanderbilt is a good playmaker. He tries to make difficult plays at times but he is a good passer.

Bottom line: I think we're gonna like this guy.

If he's anywhere near as good as MKG was here, then we'll be really happy with him.

The Kidd was one of my all time favorites.

 

[cats#1again]

Perhaps that lefty shot is what reminds you of Jones. I can see that some, but there is no doubt Vanderbilt is a perimeter oriented player, whereas T Jones was more interior oriented from day one. He could step out and make a 3, but his bread and butter was interior play. I think Vanderbilt is more MKG. He likes to get in there and rebound, but he's more comfortable outside than in. He's only 213lbs, which is similar to MKG. Jones was more in the 235-240 range if memory serves.

Mkg played on the inside majority of the time.

 

[WildMoon]

Yeah, he reminds me of MKG.

Rebound and transition offense. Attack attack.

He was energetic defender. We have to wait and see if he can go outside and defender the guards as well as MKG, but yes they look similar. I think Vanderbilt is better passer but MKG was better rebounder.

 

[FFWhite]

Love everything about his game but his shot. It is very slow and deliberate. Looks like he has been working on it and is very conscious of his mechanics. That will improve and the rest of his game is special. Teammates will love playing with him. He is a willing defender, pounds the glass and loves passing the ball. He does things that make everybody else's job easier. Long kid with bounce who can handle the ball like a guard. He will be able to guard multiple positions which helps the Cats avoid match up problems. Could have used him against both Jackson's this year who caused the Cats match up problems.

 

[Cat Ballou]

How about Josh Jackson as a comparison? Do everything guy who can get rebounds, play defense, energy guy that impacts the game in many ways, average shooter.

 

[KentuckyCat420]

Lamar Odom

 

[wromanp7]

Lamar Odom

Without the AIDS.

But yeah, not bad..

 

[UKDC80]

Eric Daniels imo.

 

[CatsRWild]

Eric Daniels imo.

This is who I saw in his game too. Unselfish to a fault, great effort at both ends. Stat sheet stuffer

 

[UKChamps2012]

The basketball IQ for next year's team will increase significantly with the addition of Washington, Green, and Vanderbilt of which all 3 are very good passers. The length and athleticism should allow Cal to press more next year and Vanderbilt would look great at the point of the press.

 

[c1doc]

Reminds me of Stacey Augmon of UNLV back in the day!

 

[Blue Decade]

Does he remind anyone else of MKG? He's got a high motor, loves to play defense with intensity, has a nose for the ball, rebounds well, has good size and length, finishes well at the rim and runs the break well, and can handle the ball in the open floor. His biggest issue appears to be his jump shot needs work.

Vanderbilt is actually taller and longer than MKG, though. Gilchrist is 6-7 in shoes and has a 7-0 wingspan. Vanderbilt is 6-9 in shoes and has a 7-1 wingspan. I also noticed tonight that Vanderbilt is a good playmaker. He tries to make difficult plays at times but he is a good passer.

Bottom line: I think we're gonna like this guy.

Aside from the fact that they are both forwards, I don't see many similarities between Vanderbilt and MKG. Seems to me that MKG is a power forward in a wing forward's body, while Vanderbilt is closer to being a wing forward in a power forward's body. MKG is the stronger player, but Vanderbilt's scoring skills are more advanced. I can't say enough about how impressed I was last night with Vanderbilt. He badly outplayed Knox, and I think this is the end of any realistic talk of Knox coming to Kentucky.

 

[Cawood86]

UK will definitely have the SF/PF position covered next year with JV and PJ. PJ is probably the better shooter but both rebound very well and handle the ball very well. JV looked better than I expected last night. Defended, rebounded, handled the ball, and assists. A spot UK has sorely missed the last 2 years.
Next years team could be Cal's most versatile overall. Green, Diallo, JV and PJ are all very good ball handlers.

 

[Sparkaces1]

Aside from the fact that they are both forwards, I don't see many similarities between Vanderbilt and MKG. Seems to me that MKG is a power forward in a wing forward's body, while Vanderbilt is closer to being a wing forward in a power forward's body. MKG is the stronger player, but Vanderbilt's scoring skills are more advanced. I can't say enough about how impressed I was last night with Vanderbilt. He badly outplayed Knox, and I think this is the end of any realistic talk of Knox coming to Kentucky.

Good point on Knox. Didn't see the shooting we had heard about.

 

[Kybluedude]

I keep hearing how teams are going to zone us. This kid at the free throw line in the center of the zone! Shoot drive or pass at 6 9. Whew!

 

[JohnnyGentle]

stacey augmon

 

[mj2k10]

Aside from the fact that they are both forwards, I don't see many similarities between Vanderbilt and MKG. Seems to me that MKG is a power forward in a wing forward's body, while Vanderbilt is closer to being a wing forward in a power forward's body. MKG is the stronger player, but Vanderbilt's scoring skills are more advanced. I can't say enough about how impressed I was last night with Vanderbilt. He badly outplayed Knox, and I think this is the end of any realistic talk of Knox coming to Kentucky.

Disagree that Vanderbilt and MKG are all that different. Yeah, there are differences, but both were long, athletic, rebound/defend wings with really advanced ballhandling skills.

Totally agree with the last part. Knox doesn't look as ready for primetime (I don't think he played against great comp in HS, so maybe that has something to do with it) as advertised, and Vanderbilt looks closer to the top 10 player he always was until his Sr year. Can't see Knox coming now, and UK might have the better player anyway.

 

[Dablueman]

Aside from the fact that they are both forwards, I don't see many similarities between Vanderbilt and MKG. Seems to me that MKG is a power forward in a wing forward's body, while Vanderbilt is closer to being a wing forward in a power forward's body. MKG is the stronger player, but Vanderbilt's scoring skills are more advanced. I can't say enough about how impressed I was last night with Vanderbilt. He badly outplayed Knox, and I think this is the end of any realistic talk of Knox coming to Kentucky.

Why do you not see similarities to mkg? In your face defense. Can guard inside and out. Both high energy? Similar athleticism. Mkg maybe a little quicker and Vanderbilt a little bit better passer and ball handler what is the difference in ur opinion. I feel like they will bring the same thing but I think we jus got the luxury of not worrying about the zone anymore which helps tremendously with our lack of outside shooting. I actually like the comparison to Daniels who played out of position for tubby. The best part of all of the comparisons I saw. I think Vanderbilt has better handle than all of them that guy could play a little 2 guard in a pinch. This kid is way under rated and if has developed his shot like the stories coming out of the hoop summit practices then I am sorry. I love PJ but he is closer to a stretch 4 and Vanderbilt is better and if we sign Bamba he will start at the 3 with Diallo at the 2 we are going to be sick long at every position but the 1 and when Alexander is in we will be sick long there too we will be a defensive Juggernaut next season

 

[Aike]

Aside from the fact that they are both forwards, I don't see many similarities between Vanderbilt and MKG. Seems to me that MKG is a power forward in a wing forward's body, while Vanderbilt is closer to being a wing forward in a power forward's body. MKG is the stronger player, but Vanderbilt's scoring skills are more advanced. I can't say enough about how impressed I was last night with Vanderbilt. He badly outplayed Knox, and I think this is the end of any realistic talk of Knox coming to Kentucky.

MKG was our best press break, and guarded PGs. Don't know if I'd agree that he was a PF.

 

[ubtrapper]

I see some Terrence Jones in him too.

I was thinkin the same thing. I liked Jones. One of my favorites! He still don't get alot of attention but he was tough!

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Regardless of comparisons, you have to love his energy and his length. Again, next year's team will depend on getting a shooter or two to complement all the bigs,

Richards looks like a foul waiting to happen. He will play at most 20 minutes a game based on foul trouble. That will be a huge issue sans Bamba. Hopefully, Hump stays

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Kentucky has a salty class coming in. Maybe only a couple of one and done players, but loaded with athletes. Big big question mark at point guard though. Not sure Green as a freshman is going to be able to handle more mature and experienced players in college like a Fox kid, whose basketball IQ, athleticism and talent could.

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Regardless of comparisons, you have to love his energy and his length. Again, next year's team will depend on getting a shooter or two to complement all the bigs,

Richards looks like a foul waiting to happen. He will play at most 20 minutes a game based on foul trouble. That will be a huge issue sans Bamba. Hopefully, Hump stays

In the Nike Summit game, I was impressed with Richard's ability to handle the basketball for his size.

 

[Dablueman]

Kentucky has a salty class coming in. Maybe only a couple of one and done players, but loaded with athletes. Big big question mark at point guard though. Not sure Green as a freshman is going to be able to handle more mature and experienced players in college like a Fox kid, whose basketball IQ, athleticism and talent could.

Based on? He is very strong in Bball IQ Fox and Wall were different pg than ullis and Teague are. Now if I was u I wouldnt be harping bout Bball IQ that is not Neusomes strong suit

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Based on? He is very strong in Bball IQ Fox and Wall were different pg than ullis and Teague are. Now if I was u I wouldnt be harping bout Bball IQ that is not Neusomes strong suit

Well, based on that it is a down class for guards. His strengths are as you mentioned, basketball IQ, but I think he is more of a player whose value is going to take a few years to develop. The plus factor is that he is surrounded by talent which means he only has to set up his teammates and not make mistakes (turnovers) with the ball.