Young or Booker. ( NBA ready)
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Booker is the better defender and passer. Young is better at getting to the lane right now. Booker is better at the free throw line.
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anon_hvdd36eg5u05l
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I don't think Booker would be ready to compete in the NBA, similar to Young, in his rookie season. Honestly I think he would get torched on defense, like a lot of especially young rookies do. Young projects better long term- a little better size and better athleticism. But bookers stock is probably a little inflated right now- can't blame him for leaving if he does.
Booker adds a dimension that Young didn't, but Young added a dimension that Booker doesn't as well. Young can slash, he had good ball handling, although he had some pitiful passing and defense. Booker can pass and defend well, and shoot as well as anybody UK has had in a long time, but he had a hard time putting the ball on the floor, and driving the lane.
Being a pure shooter, but lacking the ability to put the ball on the floor can kill somebody in the NBA. I say he needs another year. All the same though, Young needed another year as well to work on his confidence, energy, defense, and passing.
Booker needs another year to work on his ball handling under pressure, slashing ability, and improving on his passing also wouldn't hurt, although it's good now. He defends well, but you can never learn too much about defense, and his shooting is very good. That's one thing that he absolutely should not change.
Being a pure shooter, but lacking the ability to put the ball on the floor can kill somebody in the NBA. I say he needs another year. All the same though, Young needed another year as well to work on his confidence, energy, defense, and passing.
Booker needs another year to work on his ball handling under pressure, slashing ability, and improving on his passing also wouldn't hurt, although it's good now. He defends well, but you can never learn too much about defense, and his shooting is very good. That's one thing that he absolutely should not change.
SIAP, but ... Booker was only 17 years old when he graduated from high school. He only turned 18 in October, 2014.
From purely a basketball standpoint, I think Booker is NBA-ready. But I am absolutely certain that Booker would be better off to stay for a second year of college ball, and buy a nice big insurance policy -- and I mean a really big insurance policy -- to take care of the risk of injury.
If I were his parent I would do everything I could do to persuade Devin that he needs to be closer to being "a man, and not a boy" before he goes to the NBA. It's just such a different world, on so many non-basketball levels. I think lots of young guys and their families are realizing that more and more.
Just MHO, of course.
From purely a basketball standpoint, I think Booker is NBA-ready. But I am absolutely certain that Booker would be better off to stay for a second year of college ball, and buy a nice big insurance policy -- and I mean a really big insurance policy -- to take care of the risk of injury.
If I were his parent I would do everything I could do to persuade Devin that he needs to be closer to being "a man, and not a boy" before he goes to the NBA. It's just such a different world, on so many non-basketball levels. I think lots of young guys and their families are realizing that more and more.
Just MHO, of course.
I'm not sure what he will do but he seems to be like Alex and Willie, he loves college life and he loves to hang out with his friends like Ulis. Its hard to figure how kids will react to the pros but his youthfulness, and his love of school could keep him here especially with Ulis being here.
It's hard to say. A lot of the things Young is lacking he can eventually pickup. Low bball IQ which will get better, passing and ball handling should get better. Already a solid outside shooter.
Booker is already good at those things and somehow much better at one of the things Young was good at. Booker is not super athletic but he's plenty athletic enough to play the 2 in the NBA with his size. Doesn't have Young's length though.
One thing Young has though that I'm not sure can be picked up is an uncanny ability to make contested shots both on the perimeter and in the lane. Mediocre ball handler, bad passer, okay shooter yet some how he still manages to be an above average scorer. He just consistently wills his way to tough baskets. That's a trait that, if young polishes the other parts of his game, could eventually make him a star.
Booker is already good at those things and somehow much better at one of the things Young was good at. Booker is not super athletic but he's plenty athletic enough to play the 2 in the NBA with his size. Doesn't have Young's length though.
One thing Young has though that I'm not sure can be picked up is an uncanny ability to make contested shots both on the perimeter and in the lane. Mediocre ball handler, bad passer, okay shooter yet some how he still manages to be an above average scorer. He just consistently wills his way to tough baskets. That's a trait that, if young polishes the other parts of his game, could eventually make him a star.
I would say neither, we a discussing boys playing against boys and sending them to play against men. Men that have been through the 100+ games each year. A big difference with the 40 you hope to play each year in college. Only a few are ever ready to play in the league at a such a young age. I feel James would have been better served (not financially) if he had returned for another season to build his body for the work load in the league.
Just my opinion, but if either were my son I would say get the money. Booker is more ready than Young was imo.
Just my opinion, but if either were my son I would say get the money. Booker is more ready than Young was imo.
Booker is not quite the athlete Thompson is and he doesn't quite have that size or he'd be a consensus top 5 pick. I think in an NBA GM's eyes the difference is this. If Booker reaches full potential he is Klay Thompson light, which is really good. If James Young reaches full potential he's a bigger James Harden. I think Booker has a better chance to reach full potential but Young's ceiling is a good deal higher.
I thank if Booker keeps shooting like he has , I thank he gone if he wants to be, hope he want to come back and play another yr.
Liked Young a lot. Kid loved UK and was never a problem at UK that I know of. I do think he came in with a one year only plan regardless. JMO though.
Don't think Booker has that mentality. Booker is a better shooter easily. Not sure if he is NBA ready though. Young wasn't and isn't yet either though.
Don't think Booker has that mentality. Booker is a better shooter easily. Not sure if he is NBA ready though. Young wasn't and isn't yet either though.
Here's the reality of the risk of jumping this year:
Best case, Booker gets drafted in the late 20s by a team without need. He goes to the NBADL to develop and get stronger, has a few cameos his first two years, and is perpetually on the chopping block.
If he stays, he likely gets drafted top 20 by a team with a genuine need for shooting and probably a roster slot to place Booker in. He gets the extra year, bringing his development time table up to three years as opposed to two (ala Teague, Lamb, Miller, Liggins, and perhaps even Goodwin).
It's not just about making an NBA roster; it's also about NBA retention. The higher you're drafted, the better your chances at tangible retention in the league. NBA-level strength goes a long way to ensuring that and frankly, Booker doesn't have it yet.
That said, I'm well aware of the counter argument that Booker could come back and have his stock drop, but that's highly unlikely because he has a real NBA asset, which is his elite-level shooting. That's not going to disappear if he returns to Kentucky. If he adds strength and continues to develop a midrange game, he could go top 15 in the right circumstances after his sophomore year.
Best case, Booker gets drafted in the late 20s by a team without need. He goes to the NBADL to develop and get stronger, has a few cameos his first two years, and is perpetually on the chopping block.
If he stays, he likely gets drafted top 20 by a team with a genuine need for shooting and probably a roster slot to place Booker in. He gets the extra year, bringing his development time table up to three years as opposed to two (ala Teague, Lamb, Miller, Liggins, and perhaps even Goodwin).
It's not just about making an NBA roster; it's also about NBA retention. The higher you're drafted, the better your chances at tangible retention in the league. NBA-level strength goes a long way to ensuring that and frankly, Booker doesn't have it yet.
That said, I'm well aware of the counter argument that Booker could come back and have his stock drop, but that's highly unlikely because he has a real NBA asset, which is his elite-level shooting. That's not going to disappear if he returns to Kentucky. If he adds strength and continues to develop a midrange game, he could go top 15 in the right circumstances after his sophomore year.
Booker is the most surprising freshman of the four we brought in this year. If he keeps shooting the way he has been he won't be back next year.
One thing to keep in mind: Cal is asking less of Booker than he did Young. Young was basically our primary 3-point threat and our primary driver. He played a lot of tough minutes and was also asked to guard the other team's best or second best player. Booker, as great as he is, is coming into a perfect scenario for him. He is playing loose and free, like Toby Bailey did for UCLA in 1995. He'll end up being a very good player (reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson) for years to come. Just different situations.
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anon_l8pbkn96tg3j6
Guest
This is the classic difference between a prospect and a player. Young was a better NBA prospect basically because of that ridiculous gif, Booker is a better basketball player . . . Young would never be 75% from 3 over any number of games.
1. Young was a solid shooter and Booker is an elite shooter. 35% vs. 51%. That isn't very close in terms of deep shooting acumen as Booker is just lights out in the same breath of Lamb, Delk and Ford as all time deep shooters in terms of accuracy and volume shooters (i.e. guys like Mills were not taking a ton of deep shots).
2. Young was a TO machine along with his defensive lapses...he just had a ton of negative plays that hurt the team at times. Booker isn't a high TO guy and plays solid defense for the most part. Not a lot of mental breakdowns (13 TOs for the year so far...Young had 75 for an entire year). So Booker is on pace to have a third of the TOs Young accumulated.
I agree with comment on prospect vs. player. It is great that Young could slam it home ala UCOnn game, but that is just 1 play in a game. Being able to make good shots/decisions 75% of the time is better than one awesome play surrounded by negative plays, etc.. TO me, it isn't close, Booker can step on NBA floor today for a team that needs a guy to stretch out the floor for penetrators and post men. And he won't kill you on defense and is a growing players into other aspects. Both are listed at 6'6 so we're not talking about Lamb who was 3 inches shorter and a much smaller build thru the shoulders than Booker.
2. Young was a TO machine along with his defensive lapses...he just had a ton of negative plays that hurt the team at times. Booker isn't a high TO guy and plays solid defense for the most part. Not a lot of mental breakdowns (13 TOs for the year so far...Young had 75 for an entire year). So Booker is on pace to have a third of the TOs Young accumulated.
I agree with comment on prospect vs. player. It is great that Young could slam it home ala UCOnn game, but that is just 1 play in a game. Being able to make good shots/decisions 75% of the time is better than one awesome play surrounded by negative plays, etc.. TO me, it isn't close, Booker can step on NBA floor today for a team that needs a guy to stretch out the floor for penetrators and post men. And he won't kill you on defense and is a growing players into other aspects. Both are listed at 6'6 so we're not talking about Lamb who was 3 inches shorter and a much smaller build thru the shoulders than Booker.
One significant difference...Young averaged 5.3 rebounds per 40 minutes versus only 2.7 for Booker.
Part of this can be chalked up to 2 factors:
1. Booker spending more time on the floor as a "2" vs. a "3." Maybe better stated by Booker spending more time playing next to 3 really big guys.
2. Scheme. UK is pressuring more with their guards this year, drawing them away from the basket.
But you have to give some credence the idea that Young was just a more aggressive rebounder.
Edit to add:
For comparison, Aaron Harrison averaged 3.6 rebounds per 40 last year and 4.0 this year.
5'8" Tyler Ulis, who is usually playing beside Booker, averages 3.6 per 40.
Seems that Booker has some work to do in this department.
This post was edited on 1/20 10:27 AM by Aike
Part of this can be chalked up to 2 factors:
1. Booker spending more time on the floor as a "2" vs. a "3." Maybe better stated by Booker spending more time playing next to 3 really big guys.
2. Scheme. UK is pressuring more with their guards this year, drawing them away from the basket.
But you have to give some credence the idea that Young was just a more aggressive rebounder.
Edit to add:
For comparison, Aaron Harrison averaged 3.6 rebounds per 40 last year and 4.0 this year.
5'8" Tyler Ulis, who is usually playing beside Booker, averages 3.6 per 40.
Seems that Booker has some work to do in this department.
This post was edited on 1/20 10:27 AM by Aike
Being a good shooter is one thing, getting it off quick and with a high release is what the pros really like about Booker. And with the way teams try to copycat, the Klay Thompson comp is very valuable for him. He is long way though from competing physically in the NBA. Very draftable though. BTW, GS looks pretty smart right now for refusing to put KT in the proposed packed for Love last summer.
Yea, Young was super unathletic. Credit to his long arms for that dunk.Originally posted by loublue22:
yeah he has long armsOriginally posted by thecatsareback#8:
Originally posted by loublue22:
I have no idea why James Young was drafted in the first round
notice despite being 6-6, his head is nowhere near the rim
James Young has HUGE NBA potential. However, he's also got a few weaknesses that will see him out of the NBA if he doesn't improve on them.
Booker is more of a solid bet, but lets look no further than our own Doron Lamb. He's not in the league anymore, and it's hard to say Booker is WAY better or has more upside than Doron.
Had Doron Lamb played 4 years at UK, he'd probably be UK's all-time leading scorer.
Booker is more of a solid bet, but lets look no further than our own Doron Lamb. He's not in the league anymore, and it's hard to say Booker is WAY better or has more upside than Doron.
Had Doron Lamb played 4 years at UK, he'd probably be UK's all-time leading scorer.
Umm, false.
Doron was the epitome of a great college player. Booker's NBA potential compared to Doron's isn't even close, for a number of reasons that are *obvious* to anyone who knows basketball.
.
This post was edited on 1/20 9:13 AM by B.B.d.K.
I'd like to hear your reasoning. Both are of similar size, both are above-average defensively and adequate ball handlers for 2-guards. Both also finished decently well around the rim when needed. I see them as very similar players...
Unfortunately Booker has played himself into a high first round pick, which sucks for us as UK fans.
Kid is awesome, great defender, passer, and absolute lights out shooter. Was really hoping we would get to watch him and Ulis for multiple years.
Booker has a solid two inches on Lamb, which is huge for a jumpshooter. He also gets up a lot more on his J.
Plus, I just never got that Lamb loved basketball the way Booker does.
Booker is getting late lottery love right now. As successful as Lamb was at UK, he never got anything more than late first round hype.
omfg, for the millionth time... TO THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY YOUNG WAS DRAFTED SO HIGH, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION
The NBA does not care that much about your skills. They care about your height, wingspan, and overall athleticism. They believe they can work on the other things. James Young has those, and as a bonus, one promising skill still in development (shooting). The NBA would draft a LeBron or Durant body in the lottery even if they HAD NEVER TOUCHED BASKETBALL IN THEIR LIVES. THEY DO NOT CARE WHAT YOU DID OR DIDN'T DO IN COLLEGE.
The NBA does not care that much about your skills. They care about your height, wingspan, and overall athleticism. They believe they can work on the other things. James Young has those, and as a bonus, one promising skill still in development (shooting). The NBA would draft a LeBron or Durant body in the lottery even if they HAD NEVER TOUCHED BASKETBALL IN THEIR LIVES. THEY DO NOT CARE WHAT YOU DID OR DIDN'T DO IN COLLEGE.
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anon_hvdd36eg5u05l
Guest
This. x10000. Young has prototypical nba 2 guard size and length. Pretty good athlete (not great but pretty good). Good shooter. 1st round written all over him.
Young was asked to do far more at UK than Booker is. Booker seems like the better player, but I think a big part of the reason for that is that he has a much smaller role.
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anon_013cn8yrfncx2
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In their first years at UK, James Young was obviously more ready for the NBA. Neither is/was "a man" but JY way closer.
I like Booker's potential because of how he can shoot it. I never thot JJ Redick could play in the league but he proved me way wrong. Booker has that potential but he should NEVER leave after this year. Don't believe JJ would have stayed in the NBA after 1 year in college. He needed all four. Booker needs at least 2 maybe 3 years in college if he wants to max out his potential (just my opinion)
I like Booker's potential because of how he can shoot it. I never thot JJ Redick could play in the league but he proved me way wrong. Booker has that potential but he should NEVER leave after this year. Don't believe JJ would have stayed in the NBA after 1 year in college. He needed all four. Booker needs at least 2 maybe 3 years in college if he wants to max out his potential (just my opinion)
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