Says it's not "confidence" that's the problem with Skal on Tom Leach's show this morning
It's "competence"
Discuss
It's "competence"
Discuss
Kara Lawson giving an honest opinion about Skal
- Thread starter Samwise Ganjee
- Start date
She might not be wrong with her honest opinion.
Just like I might not be wrong when I say that she ruins my basketball watching experience. I'd rather listen to vitale's blabbering gibberish, or nails on a chalkboard.
Just like I might not be wrong when I say that she ruins my basketball watching experience. I'd rather listen to vitale's blabbering gibberish, or nails on a chalkboard.
If you would rather listen to Dicky V sound like a senile old man than Kara Lawson then you are what is wrong with your basketball watching experience.
False. I can enjoy the game just fine with the game on mute. That disproves your theory.
I'm more interested in discussing Skal's basketball intelligence than Kara Lawson; but I'll join the people who say she's pretty damned good.
Totally agree...Lawson is really good (and fair) with her analysis. She does a very nice job.
Regarding her comment on Skal - probably fair, you can see that he is lost on the court. However, I also think it's confidence, ability, skills, AND competence.
Kara Lawson Is pretty good.. Easily 7/10. Deduct points for kind of sounding like a man, and she's nothing great to look at for the 5 minutes or so of airtime.
Kara is the best female out there.
She played ball and knows the game.
Played for a great coach and always speaks more of UK than the other team.
I think she has been very fair in her assessments.
She played ball and knows the game.
Played for a great coach and always speaks more of UK than the other team.
I think she has been very fair in her assessments.
And you wonder why you have 20k posts and only 140 likes. 
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You don't have to be Kara Lawson to make that observation about Skal,the more difficult question ,will he make up the ground in the areas where he is behind at this point? Does he have the desire and ability to play at this level or beyond? I think it is fair to ask that question.
Ding ding ding.
At this point, the jury is still out. The more I watch him, the more I even start to question his potential, much less his current skill set.
Lack of lower body strength for sure, but he really doesnt seem to be too bball savy.
Fights for position way too late and has no idea which way the ball is going to come off the rim.
Long ways to go.
I'm amazed he is on draft boards, the little thing the NBA likes such as reach, etc he is not a physical anomaly .
The thread on the board that shows Skal's highlights against NJIT is such a stark contrast to what we see right now. Yes, the level of competition is different,but how much different than Auburn. NJIT could play with Auburn.
I don't think the level of competition is the end all to be all as the answer to the Skal question.
I don't think the level of competition is the end all to be all as the answer to the Skal question.
I think Skal is frustrated and thin-skinned as a result. That's why he's getting T'd up so often. Teams know he can't handle physical play and he loses his composure almost immediately. He's trying to be tough, which is another way of saying he's not tough at all.
If you're thinking you're stinking. I think that's another issue for him. He can't act, he's too busy reacting. We've been describing it as a confidence issue, but Kara is right, it's a core-competency issue.
If you're thinking you're stinking. I think that's another issue for him. He can't act, he's too busy reacting. We've been describing it as a confidence issue, but Kara is right, it's a core-competency issue.
As you say,it is surprising that he is still on the boards as high as he is,being on the boards now doesn't get you drafted come draft time. They see what we see the NBA is a more cut throat basketball business than even UK and the level at which we play. Taking Skal now with a first round draft pick with the idea of stashing him away for 2 years when you don't really know what you will have in two years is a big gamble.
While his physical development is an issue it seems to me that his mental approach to the game and his emotional development are questions as well.I think it is better for Skal now and for his basketball future to try and develop those in a college atmosphere. He needs Cal and UK more than Cal and UK need him, that is the exception rather than the rule with players of today. If there ever was a clear case of a players need to return then this is it.
This. I spend most of the time he is in there saying "Skal, what are you...*&^%!"
I totally disagree. She knows basketball and explains things well.
And you wonder why you have 20k posts and a very troll like 140 likes.
I'll just say this once for you numb nuts because you haven't seen it before: I have posted on here since it was the "Rivals Board" in 1996. This "Like" bullcrap is about six months old, so the vast majority of my posts came BEFORE your baloney "Like" button ever existed. So deal with it, idiot. Deal with it.
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anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y
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I think Skal is simply overwhelmed by the whole college game. The athleticism, pace, physicality along with the lack of playing time (played 10 high school games in 2 years) has overwhelmed him. I also think he is trying to fabricate toughness (2 silly technical fouls). We just have to give the kid time. He may he a 3 year player but eventually he will come around. Hopefully.
And why are you not in stocks somewhere ducking cabbages and dead cats? Maybe it isn't the 17th century anymore.
Ha - nicely done...was wondering if anyone would pick up on that. I was trying to be funny/dumb (incompetent) at the same time.
Skal doesnt appear to be the player he was in the first few games....
I think he has game but has lost confidence and with hesitation you are doomed. Now ulis isnt looking for him as often as early and he is a lower option overall on offense. He needs time and strength, may even benefit him to transfer and develop a little more undr the radar.
I think he has game but has lost confidence and with hesitation you are doomed. Now ulis isnt looking for him as often as early and he is a lower option overall on offense. He needs time and strength, may even benefit him to transfer and develop a little more undr the radar.
I agree with her assessment that his reaction time is a step behind the pace of the game. His anticipation skills are WAY behind. I am assuming this is because he didn't play much the last 2 seasons.
You add in that he is has weak hands, not enough lower body strength, doesn't like contact and doesn't understand the angles needed to be successful. This has made it hard for him to play and contribute to the team.
The good part is that ALL of these areas can be improved through hard work. I don't know if he can get there in 6 weeks, but for himself as well as this team, he needs to progress quickly from this point forward.
If he returns next season, I think he could be the player the scouts had ranked as #1. JMHO
You add in that he is has weak hands, not enough lower body strength, doesn't like contact and doesn't understand the angles needed to be successful. This has made it hard for him to play and contribute to the team.
The good part is that ALL of these areas can be improved through hard work. I don't know if he can get there in 6 weeks, but for himself as well as this team, he needs to progress quickly from this point forward.
If he returns next season, I think he could be the player the scouts had ranked as #1. JMHO
So what's your point Sammy?
Those of us that have been here just as long know you wouldn't have but maybe 10 more likes if we had them since 96...
We are at mid-Jan and he is still struggling. Is not starting and is playing 8-10mins. Unless something miraculous happens real quick, Skal is nowhere even close to a NBA player other than he is tall.
I love the kid and and love his story, I truly hope he succeeds. I think he needs 2-3 years at UK first.
I love the kid and and love his story, I truly hope he succeeds. I think he needs 2-3 years at UK first.
I just keep muttering "SOFT" when he repeatedly gets stripped of the ball....
Sorry; couldn't resist
No. No. I'm pretty sure she is supposed to be making a man a sandwich. That is, if the rest of the house is clean.
Now that they can twit and tweet and post on lipbook things are getting confusing. That's why Bruce Jenner wears his nuts in a handbag now.
Bottom line is if she was doing what she is supposed to be doing then we don't have to address her silly comments. This line of thinking gave us chickball and the Hallmark Channel.
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