NBA Combine

More physically developed than Ponds & thus;


Matt DeMarinis
@mjdemarinis
Creighton junior guard Khyri Thomas has received and accepted an invite to the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Workouts for the event take place May 16-20 in Chicago.
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=284046]More physically developed than Ponds & thus;


Matt DeMarinis
@mjdemarinis
Creighton junior guard Khyri Thomas has received and accepted an invite to the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Workouts for the event take place May 16-20 in Chicago.[/quote]

Distinguished himself on defense including against Ponds.
 
Jeff Eisenberg
NBA Combine snubs: Carsen Edwards (Purdue), Jalen Hudson (Florida), Gary Clark (Cincinnati), Bonzie Colson (Notre Dame), Shamorie Ponds (St. John's), Trevon Bluiett (Xavier), Ethan Happ (Wisconsin)
 
Per Jon Givony
Cold splash of reality for a bunch of underclassmen who hired agents already but weren't invited to the NBA Combine as of now: Ray Spalding, D.J. Hogg, Doral Moore, Lagerald Vick, Deng Adel Drew Eubanks, Terry Larrier, Robert Franks, Mustapha Heron, Kaiser Gates, LiAngelo Ball
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=284080]Per Jon Givony
Cold splash of reality for a bunch of underclassmen who hired agents already but weren't invited to the NBA Combine as of now: Ray Spalding, D.J. Hogg, Doral Moore, Lagerald Vick, Deng Adel Drew Eubanks, Terry Larrier, Robert Franks, Mustapha Heron, Kaiser Gates, LiAngelo Ball[/quote]

Whoops!
 
LiAngelo didn’t get an invite?!?! Shocking.

[quote="Paultzman" post=284080]Per Jon Givony
Cold splash of reality for a bunch of underclassmen who hired agents already but weren't invited to the NBA Combine as of now: Ray Spalding, D.J. Hogg, Doral Moore, Lagerald Vick, Deng Adel Drew Eubanks, Terry Larrier, Robert Franks, Mustapha Heron, Kaiser Gates, LiAngelo Ball[/quote]
 
[quote="Coaster" post=284084]LiAngelo didn’t get an invite?!?! Shocking.

[quote="Paultzman" post=284080]Per Jon Givony
Cold splash of reality for a bunch of underclassmen who hired agents already but weren't invited to the NBA Combine as of now: Ray Spalding, D.J. Hogg, Doral Moore, Lagerald Vick, Deng Adel Drew Eubanks, Terry Larrier, Robert Franks, Mustapha Heron, Kaiser Gates, LiAngelo Ball[/quote][/quote]

This run of harsh reality of the kids hiring agents and being snubbed, others declaring but not hiring agents also getting snubbed (including Shamorie), plus comparing himself to the guys that did get an invite--all of it may give him second thoughts.
It becomes a zero sum numbers game.
We shall see.
 
Shamorie should study Khyri Thomas. Went from a undrafted prospect in 2017, to being very close to being a lottery pick (currently at 19 to Atlanta)
 
Per Zach
St. John's guard Shamorie Ponds has workouts set up with the Celtics (today and tomorrow), Nets (May 10-11), Cavaliers (May 11-12), and Pistons (May 24), per his father. Nothing has changed in terms of decision. Gong through evaluation process. #sjubb
 
Per Zach
Shamorie Ponds is still taking classes and has been working out on campus. St. John's fans need to be patient, and let this play out. #sjubb
 
[quote="Class of 72" post=283833][quote="JohnnyFan" post=283795]I predict Donte will return to Nova with the understanding he stands a good chance to be a top 20 pick in 2019. My personal opinion is that he has an extended NBA career. He's 6'5", super athletic with a sweet stoke and plays defense.[/quote]

I agree with everything except the defense which needs as much work as Ponds' defense and the top 20 pick projection.
I think he will return because he may value a college degree.
I think Shamorie Ponds moves into the second round and will leave regardless because Marcus LoVett was a very bad influence on him. Of course, I hope to be wrong and hope he actually takes his finals.[/quote]

I disagree. While the Lovett situation bugged me, it was predominantly driven by his father and I don't think Marcus himself was a bad influence on anyone. Second, by all accounts, Shamorie is making the decision together with his family. His father's comments have always been sensible and grounded. I believe Ponds is going to take his best shot during these upcoming workouts and then they will objectively consider the feedback.

For them, I don't think it is NBA or bust right now. I really think they understand that leaving SJU would be forgoing an opportunity to get a lot of attention next year and a legitimate chance to move into first round for 2019.
 
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I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .
 
[quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=284135]I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .[/quote]

I agree with you Sly.
Seems like Shamorie and CM are close and Shamorie's dad is keen on evaluating his son's future.
I expect Ponds to return to St. John's and agree he will likely have a year for the record books that would position him well for the 2019 NBA Draft.
 
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[quote="Chicago Days" post=284136][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=284135]I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .[/quote]

I agree with you Sly.
Seems like Shamorie and CM are close and Shamorie's dad is keen on evaluating his son's future.
I expect Ponds to return to St. John's and agree he will likely have a year for the record books that would position him well for the 2019 NBA Draft.[/quote]

We shall see, the thing that remains to be seen is will Ponds commit to improving weaknesses, mostly defense. He was the one returning player who did not buy into the defensive commitment and that needs to change if he wants the NBA. So does his shot selection. He is obviously an amazing talent with the ball, IMO he rivals Tiny as the best truly small player to score in the paint almost at will, albeit in college at this point. So I am not comparing him to Tiny, I am just saying he has that same ability to score inside consistently, trees or no trees. So let’s see if he can tighten up the rest of his game.
 
[quote="JohnnyFan" post=284108][quote="Class of 72" post=283833][quote="JohnnyFan" post=283795]I predict Donte will return to Nova with the understanding he stands a good chance to be a top 20 pick in 2019. My personal opinion is that he has an extended NBA career. He's 6'5", super athletic with a sweet stoke and plays defense.[/quote]

I agree with everything except the defense which needs as much work as Ponds' defense and the top 20 pick projection.
I think he will return because he may value a college degree.
I think Shamorie Ponds moves into the second round and will leave regardless because Marcus LoVett was a very bad influence on him. Of course, I hope to be wrong and hope he actually takes his finals.[/quote]

I disagree. While the Lovett situation bugged me, it was predominantly driven by his father and I don't think Marcus himself was a bad influence on anyone. Second, by all accounts, Shamorie is making the decision together with his family. His father's comments have always been sensible and grounded. I believe Ponds is going to take his best shot during these upcoming workouts and then they will objectively consider the feedback.

For them, I don't think it is NBA or bust right now. I really think they understand that leaving SJU would be forgoing an opportunity to get a lot of attention next year and a legitimate chance to move into first round for 2019.[/quote]

Again,
"Of course, I hope to be wrong and hope he actually takes his finals."

Your naive if you think it was all Marcus' daddy that made him leave! Finally, he a Shamorie were very close. All Slick heard and saw of his big Bro was Pro Ball or Bust. If you think that was a positive influence fine.
 
Went to a summer league NBA game that followed a high school game at Queens college featuring if I remember correctly George Johnson and Bernard King (which is why I went). Tiny Archibald played in the NBA game and all I remember of that came is Tiny constantly driving down the middle of the lane straight to the basket, getting totally lost among the trees such that you could not even see him and either laying it in himself or dumping it off for a lay-up by a teammate. Most amazing display of basketball I have ever seen.
 
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[quote="Logen" post=284137][quote="Chicago Days" post=284136][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=284135]I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .[/quote]

I agree with you Sly.
Seems like Shamorie and CM are close and Shamorie's dad is keen on evaluating his son's future.
I expect Ponds to return to St. John's and agree he will likely have a year for the record books that would position him well for the 2019 NBA Draft.[/quote]

We shall see, the thing that remains to be seen is will Ponds commit to improving weaknesses, mostly defense. He was the one returning player who did not buy into the defensive commitment and that needs to change if he wants the NBA. So does his shot selection. He is obviously an amazing talent with the ball, IMO he rivals Tiny as the best truly small player to score in the paint almost at will, albeit in college at this point. So I am not comparing him to Tiny, I am just saying he has that same ability to score inside consistently, trees or no trees. So let’s see if he can tighten up the rest of his game.[/quote]

Correct Logen!
He swallowed a lot of basketballs last summer when played with the big boys. His two biggest deficiencies are outside shooting and defending bigger players. That is why he needs to return.
 
[quote="Logen" post=284137][quote="Chicago Days" post=284136][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=284135]I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .[/quote]

I agree with you Sly.
Seems like Shamorie and CM are close and Shamorie's dad is keen on evaluating his son's future.
I expect Ponds to return to St. John's and agree he will likely have a year for the record books that would position him well for the 2019 NBA Draft.[/quote]

We shall see, the thing that remains to be seen is will Ponds commit to improving weaknesses, mostly defense. He was the one returning player who did not buy into the defensive commitment and that needs to change if he wants the NBA. So does his shot selection. He is obviously an amazing talent with the ball, IMO he rivals Tiny as the best truly small player to score in the paint almost at will, albeit in college at this point. So I am not comparing him to Tiny, I am just saying he has that same ability to score inside consistently, trees or no trees. So let’s see if he can tighten up the rest of his game.[/quote]

Good points, Logen. But I think Shamorie knows what he has to work on and that will ikely be reinforced on him by NBA feedback. I’d say shot selection, finishing drives, and defense.
The hidden ace on our roster might be LJF.
If he provides solid scoring, that’ll free up Shamorie, making him more dangerous and effective.
We shall see.
 
[quote="Chicago Days" post=284169][quote="Logen" post=284137][quote="Chicago Days" post=284136][quote="SLYFOXX1968" post=284135]I tbink it is quite possible that Shamorie will have the same kind of Year that Brunson had and could become BE Player of the Year and make a serious run at National Player of the Year . We sometimes may forget Shamorie is just completing his Sophomore year . The great Year he just had , projected him further along than many of us expected of this young Man . And, sooner . It also appeaes the Ponds family and Shamorie himself have a total awareness of how his BB future should play out and that may include another Season here in all likelihood . Its my opinion too, the Ponds family values CM’s input and the role Chris and Staff have played in getting his Game to the high level it is now .[/quote]

I agree with you Sly.
Seems like Shamorie and CM are close and Shamorie's dad is keen on evaluating his son's future.
I expect Ponds to return to St. John's and agree he will likely have a year for the record books that would position him well for the 2019 NBA Draft.[/quote]

We shall see, the thing that remains to be seen is will Ponds commit to improving weaknesses, mostly defense. He was the one returning player who did not buy into the defensive commitment and that needs to change if he wants the NBA. So does his shot selection. He is obviously an amazing talent with the ball, IMO he rivals Tiny as the best truly small player to score in the paint almost at will, albeit in college at this point. So I am not comparing him to Tiny, I am just saying he has that same ability to score inside consistently, trees or no trees. So let’s see if he can tighten up the rest of his game.[/quote]

Good points, Logen. But I think Shamorie knows what he has to work on and that will ikely be reinforced on him by NBA feedback. I’d say shot selection, finishing drives, and defense.
The hidden ace on our roster might be LJF.
If he provides solid scoring, that’ll free up Shamorie, making him more dangerous and effective.
We shall see.[/quote]

I agree he knows what to work on but doing it is an entirely different thing. Do you think Mullin preached defense to everyone but Ponds? It really boils down, as always, to money. If he wants to make $ and doesn’t mind going overseas, he bolts. If he wants a legitimate shot at the NBA, he stays. I certainly can’t know but IMO, he will not improve his game overseas enough to ever make the league. He will be a star somewhere putting up a ton of points and defense will remain an afterthought.
 
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