Shai Alexander Pre-Hoop Summit Interview

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Honestly this is probably one of the most boring interviews I've ever seen (due to the reporter not Shai), but I did find it interesting that Shai compares his play to a former UK point guard. After seeing him play tonight do you agree with him and if not who would you compare him to when considering prior PG's that have donned the Blue and white?

http://www.d1circuit.com/news_article/show/778901?referrer_id=

Go Big Blue!!!

 

[STEVECAT]

compared himself to Rondo for those who do not wanna watch

 

[IL Wildcat]

So he says his game is like Rondo. That's not a terrible comparison, but he's obviously got a ways to go to get there, especially defensively and in his quickness.

Watching him play, I like that he was steady with the ball, that he was talking out there on the floor, that he was able to get into the lane some and could finish.

He seemed to struggle a bit with the athleticism of the U.S. guards at times. He had trouble getting open and making himself available for return passes and on inbound plays. He struggled with free throws also.

I love his length at the guard spot. He's 6-6 with a 6-10.5 wingspan, which is excellent. I like his leadership. I like his playmaking. He was doing well out there tonight.

 

[harlancatfan]

compared himself to Rondo for those who do not wanna watch

I dont think he is as athletic as Rondo by a long shot. Also, from the few mix tapes and this game that I have seen of him, I do not think he possesses the finishing ability, or passing ability that Rondo does. To me, he reminds me more of a Derek Jasper type. Certainly not ready to compare him to Rondo just yet.

 

[spotter34]

He's not as flashy as Rondo but in the half court he's kind of methodical like Rondo was. Just real patient and smooth. I don't think that's a good comparison though. I like the comparison of Shaun Livingston. Sees the floor well, plays under control, and prefers the midrange game. I bet he led both teams tonight in FTA's.

 

[BlueInBrooklyn]

I was in the arena tonight.

I was impressed with his ability to see players on the other side open. Bodes well.

He was not able to get to the rim over plus defenders but he did draw fouls. His shot had an odd hitch where he rolls his hand over. We will see in that.

I was impressed. My expectation was pretty low based on what I had seen.

 

[IL Wildcat]

I was in the arena tonight.

I was impressed with his ability to see players on the other side open. Bodes well.

He was not able to get to the rim over plus defenders but he did draw fouls. His shot had an odd hitch where he rolls his hand over. We will see in that.

I was impressed. My expectation was pretty low based on what I had seen.

I agree. That seems a fair assessment. He's not a tremendous athlete or overly quick, but he's steady and has good court vision. He's definitely a multi-year player, which is good. I can see him contributing off the bench next season, but not a likely starter. Green is likely the starter at point, but I can see Alexander providing some solid backup minutes.

 

[seccats04]

He looked like Andrew Harrison-lite to me. Not as thick or strong but similar games and athleticism.

 

[AzubuikeandFitch]

He reminds me of a hybrid Gary Payton and Deandre Liggins. Just the way he dribbles and shoots.
Definitely not a bad guy to have for several yrs. Helps with experience, leadership, and depth down the road.

 

[WildMoon]

no, absolutely did not think Rondo when i watched him yesterday.

 

[ukfan2410]

I was impressed with Shai. He's got a nice presence to his game, very smooth with the ball and plays with great control. Not overly quick but he's got a great change of pace which is just as good as quickness on offense. He got down and wide on defense and has really good instincts off the ball. He's going to be a really solid player and has NBA potential with that size and ability to play the PG spot.

 

[westerncat]

I have been impressed with him in games I have seen on TV. With Cal coaching him for a year or two I think we will be pleased with his play.

 

[EliteBlue]

His game is similar to the GOAT.....Lonzo Ball

 

[caneintally]

So he says his game is like Rondo. That's not a terrible comparison, but he's obviously got a ways to go to get there, especially defensively and in his quickness.

Watching him play, I like that he was steady with the ball, that he was talking out there on the floor, that he was able to get into the lane some and could finish.

He seemed to struggle a bit with the athleticism of the U.S. guards at times. He had trouble getting open and making himself available for return passes and on inbound plays. He struggled with free throws also.

I love his length at the guard spot. He's 6-6 with a 6-10.5 wingspan, which is excellent. I like his leadership. I like his playmaking. He was doing well out there tonight.

He shot 7 from 10 from the line so he didn't struggle with that . 70% isn't amazing but is good. He is like andrew harrison which is great for a back up pg. Longer then andrew but similar game.

 

[caneintally]

He's not as flashy as Rondo but in the half court he's kind of methodical like Rondo was. Just real patient and smooth. I don't think that's a good comparison though. I like the comparison of Shaun Livingston. Sees the floor well, plays under control, and prefers the midrange game. I bet he led both teams tonight in FTA's.

Yes he did . Porter had 9 but Alexander had 10 . Also those were the only 2 players who shot over 7 freebies and there was only 3 total players who shot over 3 so Alexander was easily the best along with Porter drawing fouls.

 

[EMMCAT]

His game is similar to the GOAT.....Lonzo Ball

He was much better than I expected. Now I understand why FL offered. He's long for a point guard. Sees the floor well. passes well. Got to the foul line 10 times (made 7).Hit several mid range shots. He will play a fair amount because he can play some defense at 6'5" with long arms. He's longer than the Harrison's with similar handles and change of pace. Not as physically mature and able to absorb contact. I think he has a nice upside like P.J. Dozier of USC jr. or Pinson of UNC even the late great Derryck Thornton of Duke. He will play ten minutes + a game backing up Green. I'm encouraged by what I saw.

 

[Sparkaces1]

This guy will be a hell of a player! You guys realize he was going up against top 10 players and got to the rim anytime he wanted. Great vision and uses left hand exceptionally well. Prob most similar to Liggins coming out of high school.