Skal comparison to WCS - Year 1

[KMKAT]

WCS - already comfortable in the post in Year 1: 8.3ppg/6.2rpg in 29 mpg

Skal - I know its lopsided, but his season so far is 9.2ppg/3.6rpg in 20 mpg.

Skal has time to fix this. Does anyone recall if WCS was ranked in the draft after Year 1?

I posted what weaknesses were given about WCS:
Weaknesses: Very raw ... Seems lost in isolation post play, and would be very well-served to develop a few go to moves ... Although he is a fluid athlete, at times has trouble keeping his balance; this likely goes hand-in-hand with his lack of a post game ... Must work on keeping his butt down, lower center of gravity ... A poor free throw shooter, but this seems to be a confidence issue more than an issue relating to physical tools or form... Some question his motor and focus ...

Had WCS left after Year 1, it would not have been for a lottery slot, we all know that. I think Skal can still get into the lottery and we know Cal is trying to ready him for that draft. He may help us some going forward, but I think we're still pretty good even when Skal is struggling.

 

[jrpross]

It's funny cuz some people said we were an NIT team if Skal didn't get cleared. I'm glad he did, but it's not really helping us much, is it? I still think we are a top 10 team, even if he doesn't improve at all. But I do believe he'll be much better by seasons end. I doubt he'll be vying for a top draft spot, but I think he'll be more of a contributor them a detriment.

 

[dckala2]

Skal could use next year banging against the likes of bam and wenyen.

Be interested to see skal vs skj

 

[Aike]

To me, the rebounding is the biggest concern.

Per 40 minutes, Skal is only pulling down 7 rebounds. WCS averaged 10.5 as a freshman.

WCS rebounding numbers were never great, but at least he had the excuse of playing out on the floor a lot on defense.

Skal rebounding is anemic. If he would fix that one problem, it would make a huge difference for us.

We could easily be 4-6 points better every night if Skal just started rebounding like a normal 7 footer.

 

[bucsrule8872]

To me, the rebounding is the biggest concern.

Per 40 minutes, Skal is only pulling down 7 rebounds. WCS averaged 10.5 as a freshman.

WCS rebounding numbers were never great, but at least he had the excuse of playing out on the floor a lot on defense.

Skal rebounding is anemic. If he would fix that one problem, it would make a huge difference for us.

We could easily be 4-6 points better every night if Skal just started rebounding like a normal 7 footer.

Agreed.

And his rebounding is definitely a fixable flaw. He just needs to get tougher and learn to block out.

I think he will be fine by March.

 

[docholiday51]

WCS was stronger and a better athlete, Skal has more basketball skill at this point but he is not able to use them because of lack of strength or basketball IQ at this level ,not sure which.

 

[BigKari]

Not sure where you got your stats, but Willie played 23.6 mpg in his freshman year. Which only makes Skal look worse. I just want Skal to be a 12/6/2.5(blocks) guy this season. If he can average those numbers, it would show obvious improvement and those are solid numbers. 12 points and 2.5 blocks is very attainable. His rebounding will have to improve a lot to get to 6 per game though. The only thing that will concern scouts is if Skal just doesn't improve at all or continues to regress. If his play improves and he plays consistently his draft stock will be fine. I still have faith Cal and Payne will get him where he needs to be.

 

[.S&C.]

To me, the rebounding is the biggest concern.

Per 40 minutes, Skal is only pulling down 7 rebounds. WCS averaged 10.5 as a freshman.

WCS rebounding numbers were never great, but at least he had the excuse of playing out on the floor a lot on defense.

Skal rebounding is anemic. If he would fix that one problem, it would make a huge difference for us.

We could easily be 4-6 points better every night if Skal just started rebounding like a normal 7 footer.

I've said it and said it. The usual excuses for Skal are fine. Young, inexperienced, timid ...etc.

The issue that's worried me and I'm sure Cal to an extent is his issues rebounding the basketball at 7 feet. It's not a good sign when a 7 foot "stud" can't grab boards over college forwards. how many guards, just guards are out rebounding him? At this rate Ulis could do better.

If Skal can't rebound for this team he can't play for us. I hate saying it, but he has the worst defense I've seen on a Cal/UK player. His offense has been taken since opposing coaches have had tape. If he can't rebound, how can he play?

at 7 feet he should easily get some boards. It's a huge problem.

 

[Icecoldbrewdoggy]

The pressure of playing one year or being deemed a failure is out of control. Has Skal said he was going to jump off of a bridge if he didn't go pro before the age of 20? I bet he's not nearly as freaked out about what's going on as some of our fans are.

 

[chevyman 50]

I thank next yr he will be a different player if he stays around, he needs the experience , gain some weight..

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

Unless Skal improves, I don't see how he could possibly make it against NBA players. I do think he has skills, but he's so far from being NBA-ready, and maybe he would be content to learn in the D-League, but I hope he comes back. Again, if he doesn't get out of this rut. If he does and becomes the player we thought he was, of course he's gone.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I've said it and said it. The usual excuses for Skal are fine. Young, inexperienced, timid ...etc.

The issue that's worried me and I'm sure Cal to an extent is his issues rebounding the basketball at 7 feet. It's not a good sign when a 7 foot "stud" can't grab boards over college forwards. how many guards, just guards are out rebounding him? At this rate Ulis could do better.

If Skal can't rebound for this team he can't play for us. I hate saying it, but he has the worst defense I've seen on a Cal/UK player. His offense has been taken since opposing coaches have had tape. If he can't rebound, how can he play?

at 7 feet he should easily get some boards. It's a huge problem.

Rebounding is more about position, and desire to get the ball than it is height. But yeah, he definitely should be getting 2 or 3 times as many rebounds.

 

[docholiday51]

I thank next yr he will be a different player if he stays around, he needs the experience , gain some weight..

Didn't he gain 12 to 15 pounds from when he got here to around Nov 1? Look at his numbers in the combine this year didn't he bench 185 about 10 or 12 times, he isn't as weak as we think.

 

[.S&C.]

The pressure of playing one year or being deemed a failure is out of control. Has Skal said he was going to jump off of a bridge if he didn't go pro before the age of 20? I bet he's not nearly as freaked out about what's going on as some of our fans are.

I said after the 5th game Skal needs 2 years minumum. Sending that kid to the pros right now could hurt his career badly. People still think there's a long way to go.

It's now basically January. Season ends in March. Skal is who he is. I don't see much change coming.

And it's not about Skal in your last comment. It's about Gerald Hamilton. He's known around Mtown and he's a nasty POS. I hate Skal got mixed up with him. We all talk about it, high school ball coaches in mtown, Gerald finally found his 7 footer.

 

[.S&C.]

Rebounding is more about position, and desire to get the ball than it is height. But yeah, he definitely should be getting 2 or 3 times as many rebounds.

Unless Skal improves, I don't see how he could possibly make it against NBA players. I do think he has skills, but he's so far from being NBA-ready, and maybe he would be content to learn in the D-League, but I hope he comes back. Again, if he doesn't get out of this rut. If he does and becomes the player we thought he was, of course he's gone.

Man, again not trying to punch the kids gut every day, but what would the D league do to him? NBA aside, those guys are hungry and playing hard for contracts.

This is more than just "send him and let him learn" like a usual stud freshman. This kid needs time and coaching. He needs time for adjustment. If his stock is there, chance the career and take the money I guess. If he falls hard, I hope they come back.

 

[westerncat]

I have already given up on Skal for this year. He needs to come back for another year maybe 3rd year. It is not his fault , he did not get the proper training before coming to UK.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

Rebounding is more about position, and desire to get the ball than it is height. But yeah, he definitely should be getting 2 or 3 times as many rebounds.

Be careful using multiples. Two or three times ZERO still equals ZERO.

 

[.S&C.]

I have already given up on Skal for this year. He needs to come back for another year maybe 3rd year. It is not his fault , he did not get the proper training before coming to UK.

No he really didn't. It's more of a fault of draft projections and poor recruiting services. It's like they did no homework.

 

[JonathanW]

Horrible comparison. Skal & WCS are completely different players.
Skal has offensive skills, and defensive potential; WCS had defensive skills, and offensive potential.
WCS was 2" taller, and stronger especially in the lower body, with better hands.
WCS was brought in as a complementary piece that would take 3-4 years to develop; Skal was brought in as guaranteed of a OAD as any recruit we've had.
WCS could actually fight for it, whether "it" was a rebound, or lose ball, or position on the blocks; Skal can't/won't.

 

[bkr5]

Horrible comparison. Skal & WCS are completely different players.
Skal has offensive skills, and defensive potential; WCS had defensive skills, and offensive potential.
WCS was 2" taller, and stronger especially in the lower body, with better hands.
WCS was brought in as a complementary piece that would take 3-4 years to develop; Skal was brought in as guaranteed of a OAD as any recruit we've had.
WCS could actually fight for it, whether "it" was a rebound, or lose ball, or position on the blocks; Skal can't/won't.

Plus Skal is a very skilled face up or pick and pop player. He is not a back to the basket type and that is how we are currently trying to use him. His skills are out away from the basket.

 

[docholiday51]

Man, again not trying to punch the kids gut every day, but what would the D league do to him? NBA aside, those guys are hungry and playing hard for contracts.

This is more than just "send him and let him learn" like a usual stud freshman. This kid needs time and coaching. He needs time for adjustment. If his stock is there, chance the career and take the money I guess. If he falls hard, I hope they come back.

I think this is one of the most accurate and brutally honest posts I have ever seen here. Skal needs UK and he needs Cal. He has potential but if he is in the NBA or D league in 9 months he will be destroyed and that potential will be gone forever.

If Cal truly cares about these kids as individuals (no reason to think otherwise) then he has already seen this and understands what needs to happen. There is no way to tell how or if skal will fit on next years team but Cal has to try and figure that out for the sake of the kid.

I know college basketball at this level is a business but sometimes the individual needs come first. OAD, draft projections and lottery picks be dammed the kid may need a foundation and a good start on his education to get thru life

 

[.S&C.]

Plus Skal is a very skilled face up or pick and pop player. He is not a back to the basket type and that is how we are currently trying to use him. His skills are out away from the basket.

That's not how cal is going to play it. If that's all Skal is he's on the wrong team.

Calipari didn't recruit wiltjer, he took Lee on shot blocking potential, jones could play both ends, Noel is a shot blocker, cousins could play both ends, DJ could grab boards and defend his space. Name a big cal has recruited for some pick and pop set?

Cals calling card is defense, rim protection, speed. That's how he recruits.

 

[vernoncoy]

I've said it and said it. The usual excuses for Skal are fine. Young, inexperienced, timid ...etc.

The issue that's worried me and I'm sure Cal to an extent is his issues rebounding the basketball at 7 feet. It's not a good sign when a 7 foot "stud" can't grab boards over college forwards. how many guards, just guards are out rebounding him? At this rate Ulis could do better.

If Skal can't rebound for this team he can't play for us. I hate saying it, but he has the worst defense I've seen on a Cal/UK player. His offense has been taken since opposing coaches have had tape. If he can't rebound, how can he play?

at 7 feet he should easily get some boards. It's a huge problem.

I agree and hope he improves soon! I noticed that Thomas Bryant (IU) had a terrible game today also - played 6 minutes, 3 points, 1 rebound, 5 fouls! I saw someone say in a different thread that he would have helped us?? Looks like Skal is not the only young center to have struggles. Come on Cal - work your magic!!!!

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Didn't he gain 12 to 15 pounds from when he got here to around Nov 1? Look at his numbers in the combine this year didn't he bench 185 about 10 or 12 times, he isn't as weak as we think.

His lack of lower body strength is the killer.

 

[manu1433]

Plus Skal is a very skilled face up or pick and pop player. He is not a back to the basket type and that is how we are currently trying to use him. His skills are out away from the basket.

Why do people always talk about how "skilled" Skal currently is? He really isn't. He's very, very raw, even as a pick and pop player.

The only thing he really does well is hit a mid range jumper. If somebody steps up on him with size there isn't much he can do once he gets the ball. It's not like he has an array of face up moves to beat you with. Pretty much pump fake, one dribble, pull up and that's all he's got right now. He really only scores over players who are foot shorter than him right now.

 

[kyjeff1]

You can't compare Skal to any other player since Cal has arrived. I wish so many would stop trying to find comparisons because there aren't any.
Skal's numbers are so out of balance, his performance against NJIT is making it look like he's a pretty good player when we know that game was an outlier.
WCS was unskilled but he actually tried and wasn't afraid to mix it up. Skal stands there and panics when his number is called. He's not ready for this yet. He will get there but it won't be this Saturday. Forget about comparing stats.

 

[Blue Decade]

WCS - already comfortable in the post in Year 1: 8.3ppg/6.2rpg in 29 mpg

Skal - I know its lopsided, but his season so far is 9.2ppg/3.6rpg in 20 mpg.

Skal has time to fix this. Does anyone recall if WCS was ranked in the draft after Year 1?

I postjed what weaknesses were given about WCS:
Weaknesses: Very raw ... Seems lost in isolation post play, and would be very well-served to develop a few go to moves ... Although he is a fluid athlete, at times has trouble keeping his balance; this likely goes hand-in-hand with his lack of a post game ... Must work on keeping his butt down, lower center of gravity ... A poor free throw shooter, but this seems to be a confidence issue more than an issue relating to physical tools or form... Some question his motor and focus ...

Had WCS left after Year 1, it would not have been for a lottery slot, we all know that. I think Skal can still get into the lottery and we know Cal is trying to ready him for that draft. He may help us some going forward, but I think we're still pretty good even when Skal is struggling.

Labissiere is a much more skilled player than WCS. WCS has never had an offensive game. Labissiere has real offensive skills. Labissiere's problem is that he doesn't have the physical strength right now to fight for position on the low block. Aside for a rough similarity in build, no other similarities are evident in the comparison.

 

[.S&C.]

Labissiere is a much more skilled player than WCS. WCS has never had an offensive game. Labissiere has real offensive skills. Labissiere's problem is that he doesn't have the physical strength right now to fight for position on the low block. Aside for a rough similarity in build, no other similarities are evident in the comparison.

That, and he's not a good defender, has a lack of motor, and isn't a good rebounder.

Other than those things I guess he's more skilled........

 

[fabcat]

Plus Skal is a very skilled face up or pick and pop player. He is not a back to the basket type and that is how we are currently trying to use him. His skills are out away from the basket.

It's trying to put round peg in square hole. He will be a 4 at the next level, but Cal doesn't like his bigs to play facing the basket.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

"Cals calling card is defense, rim protection, speed. That's how he recruits."

Then for sure he missed on Skal

 

[musrat59]

We all want Skal to do well, but this young man has a long ways to go in his development.

 

[TNCatfanforever]

WCS was a 4 star and viewed as a project. Skal was the highest rated recruit last year and project number 1 NBA pick. Nothing to compare.

 

[NCukcat62]

Stop saying he has more skills than willy. He doesn't. I saw more upside in willys game than I have with skal. Skal looks like a feeble boy out there. The good thing is that he does have a pretty nice jumper. I'd compare him to Vargas honestly right now.

 

[waltim5]

Yes.

Skal looks lost, for whatever the reason (basketball IQ, "heart," work ethic, court awareness, skill set, etc.).

His promise is based on the notion that you "can't teach tall," and it will be interesting to see what improvements can be made upon his contributions to the team during the season. That is, what does he do well?

As Al McQuire used to say, players are made in the off season and teams are made during the season and a time comes when winter asks what you did during the summer. It doesn't look as if Skal did much over the summer.

 

[waltim5]

The first appearance of WCS in nbadraf.net was in 2015.

He wasn't listed in either 2013 or 2014.

See http://www.nbadraft.net/2013mock_draft and http://www.nbadraft.net/2014mock_draft

 

[wromanp7]

His rebounding numbers would probably double if he could just hold onto the ball once he grabs the board. He gets it taken away most very time it seems.

 

[Blue Decade]

That, and he's not a good defender, has a lack of motor, and isn't a good rebounder.

Other than those things I guess he's more skilled........

Do you know what skilled means? Labissiere is actually much more skilled than WCS, but Labissiere isn't physically strong enough to play at this level.

 

[Ripcord65]

OP ... thanks for posting what was reported as WCS's weaknesses in his first year at U.K. Unfortunately, after his third year at U.K., WCS still had those same weaknesses. He was still very raw; he still seemed lost in isolation post play, and he absolutely would still needed to develop a few go to post moves -- or maybe even one ! WCS certainly would have been well-served by the coaching staff over his three-year tenure at U.K. if they had helped WCS develop a couple of post moves. IMHO, when his size is taken into consideration, WCS was the best all-around athlete ever to lace 'em on at U.K. It's a shame he never got the post-play coaching that he so obviously needed, and that he deserved during his three-years of dedication to the 'Cats.

 

[Federal Cat]

So your saying he will be around for two more years, I hope he gets it going, but if he comes back that wouldn't be the end of the world

 

[Play some D]

This is just my opinion, there is no comparison between the 2 players.Skal is much more talented than WCS. When Nerlens got hurt, our inside game was gone. I think Cal is changing the way Skal has played his career. He has never played with his back to the basket. Once he gets it, he will be the player we all thought he would be. It might be by March or it might be next year. But I think he will be big-time. The allstar games showed he was the most talented big guy in the class. I'm glad we have him.