Diallo & Yakwe

[we are sju]

Yakwe reminds me of Kenny Battle from Illinois. 6-6 lefty undersized power forward on those "flying illini" teams that battled the Fab 5

 

[redfanUp9]

Diallo was the prize recruit. But, I feel Yakwe is the better recruit for us. Diallo is likely 1 and done and Yakwe will probably be here 4 years. He is young w a high ceiling. Look how good he is playing w only a few games under his belt. He may even grow a couple of inches, and will certainly put on weight and get stronger.

I wouldn't be so sure Yakwe will be here 4 years. His performance yesterday must have caught the eye of more than a few NBA scouts. He was so impressive, will be interesting to see if that continues.

He is very raw. Long way to go. Not to worried about NBA calling.

Not worry now but could be in a year or two. The 76ers have started Jakarr on a few occasions and I think Yawke will be better.

I'm not convinced the 76ers are trying to get better.

 

[beast of the east]

One thing that has really impressed me with Yakwe is his footwork. How many times do you see a freshman big turn, pivot and spin as often as he did in the paint on Sunday without traveling every other time. Really impressed.
Also, both him and Sima seem to have a soft touch around the basket.

Yakwe has great poise for a freshman, and used his body well to create a good target when posting. He also elevates really quickly and was able to go up for high passes in the post.

Syracuse dared Sima to shoot from the perimeter, and his form didn't look very smooth. He must either develop an outside shot, and simply not look to shoot from beyond 12 feet or so.

 

[Ray Morgan]

With his athleticism, Yakwe reminds me of a young Mel Davis. A monster around the boards who developed a pretty good shot. I would love him develop into a current day version of MD.

We have not had a player like Mel Davis since Mel Davis. He was a man among boys, with a NBA body when he was still at Boys High. Mel was the best rebounder we ever had, pretty impressive at maybe 6'7". Yakwe is already a better shot blocker than Mel, but not nearly as strong. Davis also had pretty decent range on his jumper. I'm hoping Yakwe can develop a nice mid range game. If anyone knows where I could get video or DVR footage of Mel Davis when he was at SJU, that would be greatly appreciated. Watching him rebound was a thing of beauty.

 

[bobre45]

One thing that has really impressed me with Yakwe is his footwork. How many times do you see a freshman big turn, pivot and spin as often as he did in the paint on Sunday without traveling every other time. Really impressed.
Also, both him and Sima seem to have a soft touch around the basket.

Yakwe has great poise for a freshman, and used his body well to create a good target when posting. He also elevates really quickly and was able to go up for high passes in the post.

Syracuse dared Sima to shoot from the perimeter, and his form didn't look very smooth. He must either develop an outside shot, and simply not look to shoot from beyond 12 feet or so.

Agree wholeheartedly about Yak's footwork and quickness off the floor. Very poised for a frosh. The other thing is his hangtime which reminds me of the truth without the herky jerky moves. This kid and Sima move so efficiently. Throw in the newly pumped Alibaba and some mid-size muscle and our front court is special. Give us a jet like Lovett and the sky's the limit. Chris has been special too and has congratulated kids consistently all season. The chemistry is sensational for a new team and opponents had better be ready when we come to town.

 

[bamafan]

With his athleticism, Yakwe reminds me of a young Mel Davis. A monster around the boards who developed a pretty good shot. I would love him develop into a current day version of MD.

If he develops into a current day version of The Killer he would be playing in a rec league for seniors.

 

[kred]

With his athleticism, Yakwe reminds me of a young Mel Davis. A monster around the boards who developed a pretty good shot. I would love him develop into a current day version of MD.

Except he's left handed, can put the ball on the floor or step outside. Did anybody say Walter.

 

[redken]

With his athleticism, Yakwe reminds me of a young Mel Davis. A monster around the boards who developed a pretty good shot. I would love him develop into a current day version of MD.

Except he's left handed, can put the ball on the floor or step outside. Did anybody say Walter.

Would be sacrilegious if someone did.

 

[Ray Morgan]

Everyone is trying to find a player that Yakwe is similar to. That game is a lot of fun when you haven't seen a guy play. This went on when Berry signed here. I think Bill Raftery said that there was no one to compare him to. He had a unique game.

Now that I have seen Yakwe, there is no obvious comparison to any former SJU player. He is an elite leaper. We have had a bunch since the 60s. He is athletic and runs the floor well. His handle and offense need improvement, especially from mid range, but he is by no means a project. He has great timing when blocking shots. He plays without fear.

Say what you want about Syracuse not being great this season, but they have a long and very athletic front court. Without question, Yakwe played right with them and, with that great block, showed another level of athleticism. He seems to have a great attitude. I am impressed.