Hardy is the obvious basis for comparison with DLo. They're about the same as shooters and ballhandlers. I think Dwight was quicker and actually did pretty well athletically at the combine. DLo is stronger and I'd also give him an edge in IQ and intangibles where he stands out. He is one tough SOB who's not afraid to lead and makes his team mates better. Dwight was more of a one man show and had more footspeed than DLo. I think the bottom line is that this will be yet another typical example of the NBA ignoring a super crowd pleasing type player while they wonder why their ratings and attendance are flat. Hardy was Italy's gain and our loss and unless somebody smart and courageous intervenes history may repeat itself. The playoffs deteriorated into superstar vs superstar shootouts and any similarity to real hoops was purely cooincidental. That's not good news for guys like DLo.
@SJUCoachLavin
- Thread starter simplyred
- Start date
Your points are well taken, although I think D'Lo gets short changed for his speed and athleticism by many of us. The guy went to the free throw line a ton this year, which doesn't happen by being slow, with no vertical leap, and no athleticism. I actually think he is quick, drives the lane hard, gets elevated enough to avoid shot blocks (we all know we didn't play small teams this year) and loves contact. And, he's strong enough to still get his shot off as he's getting fouled. All this while playing a ton of minutes that would sap more normal players of their legs, and he was our all time leading freshman scorer. I agree that the NBA will have its blinders on, which is why I think we keep him through his junior year, and see what they're saying about him at that point. Any way you slice it though, he will be a great player for us, will outscore Malik (my favorite) by a ton and will threaten, if not surpass, Chris' scoring mark if he stays four years. If you accept that, it's not too shabby for what many are portraying as a slow, undersized two guard. Let's see how explosive he is this year on a more competitive team where he feels good about our chances every night (rather than pouting as he did at times out of frustration last year) and other teams can't key on his every move.
joey donuts
New member
Totally agree. Gm s seem to want a guard who passes to their 100 million dollar man , or the one they hope to get. Assists and defense are their priorities . Still, I think if he were a few inches taller he could have left with Harkless.
I think a lot of people are confusing collegiate success with being a pro... unfortunately it doesn't always work that way.
I agree that D'angelo has a chance to score 20 a game for us, and, if he's here 4 years, to break Mullin's scoring record. He's immensely talented.
But the NBA doesn't draft on college success ... freshmen benchwarmers who are long and athletic get drafted while 4 year players who are proven can get passed bye. There are always exceptions to the rule, I hope D'angelo is one of those exceptions.
I agree that D'angelo has a chance to score 20 a game for us, and, if he's here 4 years, to break Mullin's scoring record. He's immensely talented.
But the NBA doesn't draft on college success ... freshmen benchwarmers who are long and athletic get drafted while 4 year players who are proven can get passed bye. There are always exceptions to the rule, I hope D'angelo is one of those exceptions.
tom in salem
Well-known member
Steve Lavin@STJCoachLavin
Young Johnnies on campus this week for Summer School. Fellas eager to begin 2012-13 journey. We off to a good start! Hammer2Rock #STJbb
Young Johnnies on campus this week for Summer School. Fellas eager to begin 2012-13 journey. We off to a good start! Hammer2Rock #STJbb
I love DLo and would prefer him over Hardy but we're talking about the NBA here where athleticism rules. I also don't think he will stay 4 years. Then the question is whether his numerous strong points will be enough to keep him stateside. I expect him to have a great year but so did Bootsy, Hatten and Hardy. The NBA is not known for risk taking and creativity so my fingers are crossed for the guy. The league needs guys like him but they draft based on measurements rather than college stats. One thing that might help for openers is making the dance and advancing a couple of rounds. Here's hoping...........
I think DLo is pretty developed as is. I don't think two extra years at the college level will change him all that much. He's one of the best right now and the issue is what the NBA wants. The league is superstar, not team, oriented. I miss the days when it was a team game. Unfortunately the 24 second clock kind of limits that. If they bumped it to 30 seconds it might help. The college game is so much better to watch with more time to execute plays etc.but I guess the fans want the higher scores
The rules and the officiating on traveling violations and fouls don't help either.
When a defender can't put a hand on you, and you can pick the ball up at the 3pt line, cover it like a running back, and run to the hoop .... why would teams bother to run a team-offense?
Defenses can't stop guys like Durant, Lebron, etc with the way the game is officiated now.
Let them hand-check and get back to calling a travel after 2 steps.
