Skal Defense

[Jamal Mercer]

Certain guys you can just tell when they take the floor. They have that timing and shot-blocking ability.

Not seeing that at all with Skal.

I guess it could get better as the season progresses but scoring might come a little too easy on the interior this year.

 

[SomeDudeCRO]

it won't be great, but we still have Lee and Poythress... we are spoiled from recent years where we either led the nation in blocked shots or were right there basically the whole time Cal has been here

 

[Icecoldbrewdoggy]

Don't forget Humphries. This team has identified its weaknesses and will get better at them. Enjoy the ride!

 

[Kybluedude]

Give him a chance to adjust to the speed of the game. He did not play against great competition in high school or on the AAU circuit. Davis wasn't a world beater early. Took him a little time as well. Jesus 4 games in

 

[uk78]

People over-hype their expectations because of ratings. Skal may be the number 1 or 2 pick next year for the NBA, but history shows the NBA picks on Potential. You can see the potential in this kid but he has a lot to learn. Hopefully, he does that before moving on. So far, the only recruit that is living up to expectations is Simmons at LSU. But, by the end of the season do you really believe that some of those Duke Freshman won't be playing better, some of Kentucky's won't be playing better, etc?

 

[Feez13]

I agree. Skal is going to be a very good player. Obviously and advanced offensively skilled player, but we've been pretty spoiled with post players that have had exceptional defensive instincts the moment they stepped on the floor.

Consider the Anthony Davis block that sealed the UNC game. That took a lot more than just being tall and athletic. That play was 70% instincts in getting himself in position to make that play in time. Skal certainly doesn't seem to have that ingrained in him. He cabt, though, hopefully develop into an above average shot blocker and rim protector. He's not going to be Davis, Nerlens, Wille, or KAT.

 

[stenchymouse]

Skal hasn't played in a highly competitive environment maybe ever.

I am sure that as the season progresses, you'll see him blossom and start getting used to the speed of the game.

It's a big adjustment from H.S. to college...

Well for Skal, it's even harder than that, because he really didn't play on a typical H.S. team last year.