Meet the Wildcats: Shai

[BigBlueManSouthCentralKY]

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.

Yeah, a lot of people don't know that. Forget the 4 stars tagged on him. He good.

 

[brianpoe]

Yeah, a lot of people don't know that. Forget the 4 stars tagged on him. He good.

And that is great to hear. But I dont have to remind you of all the summer glory tales we hear each year.

I'll be more confident when real practices start. I havent seen enough of Shai to step out there, but what I have seen doesnt displace Green at this time.

 

[WildMoon]

And that is great to hear. But I dont have to remind you of all the summer glory tales we hear each year.

I'll be more confident when real practices start. I havent seen enough of Shai to step out there, but what I have seen doesnt displace Green at this time.

Question? Why do you think Green is completely fine while SGA is big question mark for you when recruiting service has them pretty equal.

Also, SGA is 6'6" and his said weakness was strength and shooting. Which he won three point shooting contest (I know briscoe did too), do well in all-star, and confidently nails multiple straight long range NBA shot in this footage. He also says he gained 10 lbs already, if he gains another 10 lbs... he'll be in really good condition.

I believe green will start also, but 6'6" long and can do a lot of thing decently isn't easy to out play. That'll be interesting to see.

 

[gracetoyou]

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.

He actually ended up being a 5 star in some services

 

[brianpoe]

Question? Why do you think Green is completely fine while SGA is big question mark for you when recruiting service has them pretty equal.

Also, SGA is 6'6" and his said weakness was strength and shooting. Which he won three point shooting contest (I know briscoe did too), do well in all-star, and confidently nails multiple straight long range NBA shot in this footage. He also says he gained 10 lbs already, if he gains another 10 lbs... he'll be in really good condition.

I believe green will start also, but 6'6" long and can do a lot of thing decently isn't easy to out play. That'll be interesting to see.

I can only go by what I have seen.

Green seems to me to be a much better ball handler and passer, with very good court vision. I believe in Cal's system of "make the easy play" his turnovers will decrease immensely.

After watching Baker vs Rex, Shai's shot looked even worse form-wise, although accuracy is what matters.

And I simply do not believe that Shai is nearly as fluid as Green, at 6-6 it may be even worse when it comes to moving quickly with the ball. There is a reason so few point guards are that tall and the ones that can do it at that height are usually incredibly good.

Don't get me wrong, I hope Shai lights it up and is incredible, but if I had to bet today, he would not be in the top 7 of this squad. And to add to that, there is a very good chance he doesnt start next year either. Thus, I cannot support the NBA in 2 years predictions.



Here is one of his latest highlight videos. Perhaps I am spoiled by our recent players but I do not see great athleticism - including speed and vertical, not a great ball handler - especially with the left hand, and a very low starting point of a slow shot release.

 

[HoptownCat93]

Cal will play the best player whether its Green or SGA.

I can give you another reason Cal may start SGA over Green. Cal emphasizes defensive effort/skill over any trait in a ball player. SGA is what 6'6 and Quade is 6'0. If SGA with his length can lock down opposing players on D and have a decent offensive game...why wouldn't Cal play him over Green?

 

[brianpoe]

Cal will play the best player whether its Green or SGA.

I can give you another reason Cal may start SGA over Green. Cal emphasizes defensive effort/skill over any trait in a ball player. SGA is what 6'6 and Quade is 6'0. If SGA with his length can lock down opposing players on D and have a decent offensive game...why wouldn't Cal play him over Green?

Because the offense starts with the point guard. Probably the only position Cal would play the better offensive player than defensive.

Shai could be a nightmare to opposing guards at that size and length if he can keep them in front of him.

 

[lkc1234]

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.

He will not shoot like Lamb. I wish he could shoot like lamb but that will not happen.

 

[cbrwalt]

I can only go by what I have seen.

And I simply do not believe that Shai is nearly as fluid as Green, at 6-6 it may be even worse when it comes to moving quickly with the ball.

Here is one of his latest highlight videos....I do not see great athleticism - including speed.... a very slow shot release.

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Maybe you think he is slow because you didn't realize that most of the clips of him in that video are in slow motion