http://www.coachcal.com/45460/2017/...geous-alexander-works-with-eye-to-the-future/
Not sure if it was posted.
Not sure if it was posted.
Meet the Wildcats: Shai
- Thread starter WildMoon
- Start date
So i got the chance to watch Rex Cats match and Radio talk at the end.
I really like Shai, and very interested in what he'll do here.
His growth is great, and his confidence with shooting will go a long way. I think thats 50% of shooting game, if you have confidence you'll shoot decent. If he can get rep to perfect his shot, he might actually surprise us with shooting. At least i am hoping.
But with his complete physical change, i am really intrigued about his potential. He also said he gained 10 lbs already. Which is great news!!!
I really like Shai, and very interested in what he'll do here.
His growth is great, and his confidence with shooting will go a long way. I think thats 50% of shooting game, if you have confidence you'll shoot decent. If he can get rep to perfect his shot, he might actually surprise us with shooting. At least i am hoping.
But with his complete physical change, i am really intrigued about his potential. He also said he gained 10 lbs already. Which is great news!!!
Kentucky is about to have their first PG battle in Calipari's tenure. Green and SGA better be at each other's throats every day in practice. It'll make them both better and they will both play. One is gonna play 25 minutes and the other will play about 15.
I think Cal sold Quade on being the man at point guard. I think Green will start and get most of the minutes at that spot.
I think Shai will back up both him and Diallo though.
Alexander has 6th man first rounder written all over him. Maybe even lottery. His measurables are off the charts. He reminds me of a better version of Jeremy Lamb.
Just gonna depend on what kind of year he has.
I would say he could easily play some 3 also but for the first time in a while under Cal that spot is covered pretty well. Vanderbilt and Knox are both as pure of 3's as it gets.
I think Shai will back up both him and Diallo though.
Alexander has 6th man first rounder written all over him. Maybe even lottery. His measurables are off the charts. He reminds me of a better version of Jeremy Lamb.
Just gonna depend on what kind of year he has.
I would say he could easily play some 3 also but for the first time in a while under Cal that spot is covered pretty well. Vanderbilt and Knox are both as pure of 3's as it gets.
Why do you think QG was promised a starting role? Which from previous players have never a proclamin of similar promises.
Out of all the recruit I doubt QG would have been the one that was promised.
Alexander being listed as a 4 star was misleading to a lot of people. He is a 5 star and will be one of the top players on the team. His size and the way he plays, I don't see how he couldn't start. Too much being hung on his 4 star ranking.
It would not surprise me to see him start with the way cal likes big gaurds.
You don't see how he couldn't start? Meaning you can't visualize Green being the better player? Or are we just gearing up for our latest why won't Cal play so and so situation?
SGA and Baker are already drawing rave reviews from the "Is Richie gonna play tonight?" crowd.
Again, you literally, "don't see how he couldn't start?"
Is that really what you mean?
So a lineup of Green, Diallo, Knox, Washington, and Richards would put you into shock or what?
Anything is possible once they get started with their transition from high school to college. We have signed players that do not make the transition well while others do. So no way of being for sure on anything because of this.
I am just saying, from what I have seen from their standpoint before they start competing on a division 1 level, Alexander looks to be better than some of our other freshmen. I just like his overall game, seems to do everything well, play within himself and his size at what he does just adds to it.
Not everybody gets to start, but I can guarantee you these 4 players will be.
Green
Diallo
Knox
Washington
Cal will have a ton of options for who he wants to feature with them but that is your core 4 to start the year.
Green
Diallo
Knox
Washington
Cal will have a ton of options for who he wants to feature with them but that is your core 4 to start the year.
Just a question, why do you think Vanderbilt, our second highest recruit, would not start?
And if he never got injured, my money says he would be borderline top 5 recruit and would be our top recruit.
Shai might be a better all-around player than Green, and definitely the better NBA prospect. But my money says Green starts at PG for three reasons. First, like Tyler Ulis, Green is an excellent player who can only play one position. On a team with few guards, it's a waste of resources to not give him the bulk of the minutes at point guard. Shai can play three positions, and will likely be the heaviest sub for both Green and Diallo, and may well average 20 minutes per game between the two spots anyway. Second, Green is the better pure point guard. He will probably average assist numbers like Ulis or Wall. And on this kind of forward-heavy roster, that's exactly what you need: a floor general who facilitates. Finally, Green is well-liked by the other five-stars, and brings a scrappy, fighter's attitude along with his basketball skills. He will be the team's emotional leader, as well as the play caller.
Barring injury or any other irregularities, I'm all but certain Green will start.
Barring injury or any other irregularities, I'm all but certain Green will start.
I have a feeling that Vanderbilt only starts if we run with 2 guards/3 forwards. PJ effectively playing the 5.
I just think that looking at the pieces, you want Knox in for offense, Washington for rebounding and general toughness, and it's easier to bring Vanderbilt off the bench to sub for multiple spots.
But if Vanderbilt started every game, not like that would be shocking either. We just don't know yet with this team, moreso than any Cal team to date.
After watching Vanderbilts intensity level 100% of the time, it will surprise if he is not out there most of the time. Alexander can play the 1 very well. Pass, drive, smart, efficient. Cal may let Green start and it might be best for the team. Who knows. But two big guards in the back court would be tough to handle.
SGA is being a bit overrated here for the short term and underrated long term. He will not have the impact some of you expect next year, but will be at least a two year player with tremendous upside.
It's not even August and you are making claims like this?
Cal doesn't even know who is going to start yet nor should he. It will be earned in practice, just like always.
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How do you think the 5 'long' players would do together?
Vanderbilt
Know
Washington
Alexander
Diallo
Vanderbilt
Know
Washington
Alexander
Diallo
Didn't read everyone's response but I don't think many are saying lottery.
I think he's two years max. However his potential is really good, I think.
Rebounding is listed as one of Vanderbilts strengths. The draft sites say he was one of the best rebounding forwards in the class. I would think with his handle being pg tight that he would be great with Richards running the floor catching oops from Quade and Jarred. Your analysis makes sense. People have seen how hard Washington plays and people forget Vanderbilt plays with a huge chip on his shoulder has had his motor and defense compared to MKG. This team is so versatile. Its why I really think we may win it this year. We have the ability to adapt to almost any other teams game plan. I see Vanderbilt being the zone destroyer. Have do what Briscoe was doing vs the zone getting to the free throw line and causing havoc. Except at 6ft9 it could be A better weapon than a three point shooter vs the zone. The will have to come to him and he will drop off for easy buckets and crash the board and with a zone being weak vs offensive boards and him being a strong rebounder it will be fun to watch
Montana mentioned potential lottery.
2 years may also be optimistic depending on who cal signs at SG this year.
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I'm not knocking Vanderbilt at all. Because of the makeup of our team, I could see him being our best player, playing the most minutes, and still coming off the bench. Gives us more flexibility.
I'm most intrigued by the possibility of playing Washington (or even Wenyen) at the "5." If Richards isn't ready, and SKJ/Wynyard aren't much improved, our most competitive lineups might be built that way.
One of my favorite UK teams of all time was that 1986 squad that played Kenny Walker, Winston Bennett, and 3 guards.
I agree that lineup could run the tread off the sneakers of opposing teams. You could conceivably have a lineup with Alexander at the point. Diallo and Knox at the 2 and 3, Vanderbilt at the 4, and PJ /Gabriel at the 5. That team would have a pg with a 6ft11 wingspan and everyone else over 7ft Wingspan. All five players with the ability to lead the break. Vanderbilt's handle is so much different than other bigs I have seen with a decent handle. most even with tight handles dribble higher naturally which Slowing them down a little. Vanderbilt keeps his dribble low so he gets up the floor faster with the ball. Man his ability to take a rebound and just go will have Cal lose his voice Yelling RUN RUN. lol well but I have a feeling both PJ and Richards may cause that first. DONT FOUL DONT FOUL! pretty sure bam thought that was his name by the end of the season
According to Matt Jones sources Shai has been the surprise of the class so far in practices so much so that it isn't a given that Quade will start.
Vanderbilt can run the point too in this lineup People dont realize the handle and the passing ability this kid has.
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