Yakwe & Bright SJU Future

[beast of the east]

I wouldn't waste too much effort trying to say who Yakwe reminds you of. Especially from a pool as small as SJU left handed forwards. Yakwe has a unique game at this point, primarily because he is a work in progress. He is more athlete than basketball player, and therefore is still figuring things out on both ends of the floor. It is obvious he has come a long way in half a season, even hitting mid range jumpers 3 games in a row. His athleticism, timing, and effort are all off the charts. Other than Ed Searcy, I never saw a Redmen player get off the ground that guick and that high from a flat footed position. He has the highest ceiling of any of our freshman.

Like the Searcy comparison a lot. Searcy was 6'6"; Yakwe 6'7". In his first year (soph), Searcy averaged 9.5 ppg & 7.7 rpg; Yakwe is averaging 7.7 & 5.7 (and on the upswing). Searcy went on to average 13.2 ppg & 13.7 rpg and 12.2 ppg & 12.2 rpg in his junior and senior years, respectively -- numbers I can see Yakwe matching. (Blocked shots was not a statistic in Searcy's days at St. John's.)

To me, Searcy is the best comparison right now, much better than Berry. Great job, Ray Morgan!

 

[fuchsia]

Yakwe might still be growing.

 

[Knight]

I wouldn't waste too much effort trying to say who Yakwe reminds you of. Especially from a pool as small as SJU left handed forwards. Yakwe has a unique game at this point, primarily because he is a work in progress. He is more athlete than basketball player, and therefore is still figuring things out on both ends of the floor. It is obvious he has come a long way in half a season, even hitting mid range jumpers 3 games in a row. His athleticism, timing, and effort are all off the charts. Other than Ed Searcy, I never saw a Redmen player get off the ground that guick and that high from a flat footed position. He has the highest ceiling of any of our freshman.

Like the Searcy comparison a lot. Searcy was 6'6"; Yakwe 6'7". In his first year (soph), Searcy averaged 9.5 ppg & 7.7 rpg; Yakwe is averaging 7.7 & 5.7 (and on the upswing). Searcy went on to average 13.2 ppg & 13.7 rpg and 12.2 ppg & 12.2 rpg in his junior and senior years, respectively -- numbers I can see Yakwe matching. (Blocked shots was not a statistic in Searcy's days at St. John's.)

To me, Searcy is the best comparison right now, much better than Berry. Great job, Ray Morgan!

Searcy could really jump, but had serious issues with conditioning. He was frequent left behind struggling for air. But when he jumped, I never saw another Redmen with as much jumping ability.

 

[we are sju]

Yakwe might still be growing.

If it lasts longer than 4 hours the commercial says to call a doctor

 

[Sherman Sheridan & Grant]

For the guys lucky enough to witness Walter Berry while at sju; (a) is Yakwe reminding you more of him as he continues to improve and (b) do you think he become that type of player?

I never saw him play at sju and I realize his numbers were o u t s t a n d i n g, but at least characteristically there are comparisons. Undersized pf, lefty, unorthodox release, freak athlete.

You are not the first to make that comparison as I've heard it from others. A "poor man's" version of Walter Berry and I consider that a compliment. Walter's offensive game was unbelievable. He invented shots in mid move. Just uncanny. And he was a great rebounder because he was a "quick jumper" which helped blocking shots. This is where Yawke has that same ability but jumps higher and is a better athlete than Walter was ( and Berry was athletic).

Yawke has gotten better and could put up some real nice numbers but overall, Walter was a Wooden Award winner and I don't see Yawke reaching that level but he could be damn good if he keeps improving.

Thanks SJU 85
The proverbial bottom line:
We were very fortunate to have Walter Berry and we are very fortunate to have Mr. Yawke!
Two distinct players; two with amazing talent, Walters proven, Yawke's unfolding before our eyes.

all the best

Help me out here - It is Yakwe, correct? Unless he is going to morph into the former owner of the Red Sox. Not a cheap shot - there are some names I simply cannot remember how to spell - like 1/2 of our teams first names, and Matt A's last name.

My bad, and I don't take it as a cheap shot. Good speller I am not.

Spelling baffles me as well especially names.
Yawke-Yakwe
Yakwe-Yawke
pardon the interruption and my meager attempt at levity (and absolutely no disrespect intended as some of us - myself included - have surnames that few can spell or pronounce correctly )
but for a freshman who did not even begin the year as a player to - on two separate KY topics - get endless # pages of serious attention =
that says it all about his talent and long term importance to this team!
And how he's already a fan favorite!!!
Quite a young man we are fortunate to have in our midst.
All the best Mr. Y and keep up the nice effort, you are a pleasure to watch - your best years are ahead!

 

[monte]

Walter Berry was among the best players ever for the Redmen but, played only 2 great years. was he better than Mullin? NO! was he better than Sonny Dove? That may be a pick em !

Yakwe is still a kid growing in the Game. Lots of potential, Berry was already at the NBA level when he played for us as a JUCO transfer.

Berry and Yakwe are very different types of players
Berry was more of a free flowing, finesse type of player
Yakwe is a more of a power type of player
Yakwe is more like David Russell than Walter Berry
They are both very athletic and excellent rebounders with inconsistent jump shots
Yakwe is already a better defender and shot blocker IMO

I loved Walter as much as anyone, but he was a lazy defender. Although he did come up with one of the biggest blocks in the history of the program.

I remember watching an interview with Red auerbach just before the nba draft that year where he said exactly the same thung when asked about the POY Berry. He also said there was no place on the Celtics for Berry because of that. Berry slipped to 14 in the draft I believe, which kind 9f shocked me.

There must have been a lot of poor offensive players in those days for his team to have won almost every single college game he played.

Hard to compare the two since Yakwe is an unfinished product. But having watched pretty much every single one of both Berry and Yakwe's games here, IMO the differance in thier levels of defense is that Yakwe plays at a far higher level of intensity and energy on the defensive end. Yakwe more athletically gifted(not that Walter was a slouch), but Berry a few inches taller. So from a purely physical standpoint I'll call it a wash. To me if boils down to effort. Yakwe is always going 100%, where as Berry had his moments.

But his moments on the defensive end were pretty big. In one memorable game (as cited above) he brought us our number one ranking. In another one it it gave us a BE title.

Hopefully, we'll see Yakwe do this for us in a couple of years.

Walter could definitely turn it on when it was needed, but Yakwe seems to always have it turned on.

 

[monte]

For the guys lucky enough to witness Walter Berry while at sju; (a) is Yakwe reminding you more of him as he continues to improve and (b) do you think he become that type of player?

I never saw him play at sju and I realize his numbers were o u t s t a n d i n g, but at least characteristically there are comparisons. Undersized pf, lefty, unorthodox release, freak athlete.

You are not the first to make that comparison as I've heard it from others. A "poor man's" version of Walter Berry and I consider that a compliment. Walter's offensive game was unbelievable. He invented shots in mid move. Just uncanny. And he was a great rebounder because he was a "quick jumper" which helped blocking shots. This is where Yawke has that same ability but jumps higher and is a better athlete than Walter was ( and Berry was athletic).

Yawke has gotten better and could put up some real nice numbers but overall, Walter was a Wooden Award winner and I don't see Yawke reaching that level but he could be damn good if he keeps improving.

Thanks SJU 85
The proverbial bottom line:
We were very fortunate to have Walter Berry and we are very fortunate to have Mr. Yawke!
Two distinct players; two with amazing talent, Walters proven, Yawke's unfolding before our eyes.

all the best

Help me out here - It is Yakwe, correct? Unless he is going to morph into the former owner of the Red Sox. Not a cheap shot - there are some names I simply cannot remember how to spell - like 1/2 of our teams first names, and Matt A's last name.

I'll bet you have no problem with names like Mussini or Carnesecca :lol:

 

[Andrew]

The one that I really have trouble with is Ali beg o vich. Fun struggles with that one as well.

 

[usguard]

The one that I really have trouble with is Ali beg o vich. Fun struggles with that one as well.

Think we should all do the best we can on the names. After all we all know who a person is talking about

 

[redken]

The one that I really have trouble with is Ali beg o vich. Fun struggles with that one as well.

Think we should all do the best we can on the names. After all we all know who a person is talking about

Or do what I do: I just refer to them by their numbers.

 

[beast of the east]

Walter Berry was among the best players ever for the Redmen but, played only 2 great years. was he better than Mullin? NO! was he better than Sonny Dove? That may be a pick em !

Yakwe is still a kid growing in the Game. Lots of potential, Berry was already at the NBA level when he played for us as a JUCO transfer.

Berry and Yakwe are very different types of players
Berry was more of a free flowing, finesse type of player
Yakwe is a more of a power type of player
Yakwe is more like David Russell than Walter Berry
They are both very athletic and excellent rebounders with inconsistent jump shots
Yakwe is already a better defender and shot blocker IMO

I loved Walter as much as anyone, but he was a lazy defender. Although he did come up with one of the biggest blocks in the history of the program.

I remember watching an interview with Red auerbach just before the nba draft that year where he said exactly the same thung when asked about the POY Berry. He also said there was no place on the Celtics for Berry because of that. Berry slipped to 14 in the draft I believe, which kind 9f shocked me.

There must have been a lot of poor offensive players in those days for his team to have won almost every single college game he played.

Hard to compare the two since Yakwe is an unfinished product. But having watched pretty much every single one of both Berry and Yakwe's games here, IMO the differance in thier levels of defense is that Yakwe plays at a far higher level of intensity and energy on the defensive end. Yakwe more athletically gifted(not that Walter was a slouch), but Berry a few inches taller. So from a purely physical standpoint I'll call it a wash. To me if boils down to effort. Yakwe is always going 100%, where as Berry had his moments.

But his moments on the defensive end were pretty big. In one memorable game (as cited above) he brought us our number one ranking. In another one it it gave us a BE title.

Hopefully, we'll see Yakwe do this for us in a couple of years.

Walter could definitely turn it on when it was needed, but Yakwe seems to always have it turned on.

Yakwe seems to LOVE to play D

 

[beast of the east]

For the guys lucky enough to witness Walter Berry while at sju; (a) is Yakwe reminding you more of him as he continues to improve and (b) do you think he become that type of player?

I never saw him play at sju and I realize his numbers were o u t s t a n d i n g, but at least characteristically there are comparisons. Undersized pf, lefty, unorthodox release, freak athlete.

You are not the first to make that comparison as I've heard it from others. A "poor man's" version of Walter Berry and I consider that a compliment. Walter's offensive game was unbelievable. He invented shots in mid move. Just uncanny. And he was a great rebounder because he was a "quick jumper" which helped blocking shots. This is where Yawke has that same ability but jumps higher and is a better athlete than Walter was ( and Berry was athletic).

Yawke has gotten better and could put up some real nice numbers but overall, Walter was a Wooden Award winner and I don't see Yawke reaching that level but he could be damn good if he keeps improving.

Thanks SJU 85
The proverbial bottom line:
We were very fortunate to have Walter Berry and we are very fortunate to have Mr. Yawke!
Two distinct players; two with amazing talent, Walters proven, Yawke's unfolding before our eyes.

all the best

Help me out here - It is Yakwe, correct? Unless he is going to morph into the former owner of the Red Sox. Not a cheap shot - there are some names I simply cannot remember how to spell - like 1/2 of our teams first names, and Matt A's last name.

I'll bet you have no problem with names like Mussini or Carnesecca :lol:

+ uno for you.

 

[beast of the east]

The one that I really have trouble with is Ali beg o vich. Fun struggles with that one as well.

Think we should all do the best we can on the names. After all we all know who a person is talking about

A guy behind me a few games ago was encouraging Sima by shouting things such as "Go Yankuba!" Sounded so damned weird. I think we are all just referring to them by whichever name (first or last) that's easier to pronounce.

 

[MCNPA]

Maybe Yakwe should convince his buddy Diallo to transfer here. As far as I'm concerned, Yakwe was the steal of the two. I think Diallo has more than he has shown, but he made the stupid decision of signing with logjammed KU. Regardless, we have a gem in Yakwe...

 

[redfanO10101ll]

Maybe Yakwe should convince his buddy Diallo to transfer here. As far as I'm concerned, Yakwe was the steal of the two. I think Diallo has more than he has shown, but he made the stupid decision of signing with logjammed KU. Regardless, we have a gem in Yakwe...

Totally. Can't help but feel Diallo may be the type of recruit that ends up getting damaged by the rush to get into the NBA. I understand wanting to go to a blue blood like Kansas but it was arrogant to assume he'd walk in and immediately get major minutes as a freshman. His athleticism and raw physical talent is still off the chart, but he can't just dominate the game physically like he could in high school. He's got a lot to learn that can't be solved by his athleticism. Yakwe does too but the difference is Yakwe is learning on the court by playing 30 minutes a game.

 

[we are sju]

Maybe Yakwe should convince his buddy Diallo to transfer here. As far as I'm concerned, Yakwe was the steal of the two. I think Diallo has more than he has shown, but he made the stupid decision of signing with logjammed KU. Regardless, we have a gem in Yakwe...

Not fair because if they switched spots then Yakwe would be sitting on KU bench and who knows how Diallo would be doing here.

 

[redfazed]

My only concern about Yakwe is that we are not going to have him for 4 years. His upside is tremendous--he has already shown incredible progress-- and combined with everything you hear about his fine attitude, he must be high on the radar of the NBA scouts.

But I guess this is what you would call a "high class problem." I'll take it.

 

[we are sju]

My only concern about Yakwe is that we are not going to have him for 4 years. His upside is tremendous--he has already shown incredible progress-- and combined with everything you hear about his fine attitude, he must be high on the radar of the NBA scouts.

But I guess this is what you would call a "high class problem." I'll take it.

I really like the kid but we are now getting into the carried away zone. 6-6 kid that hasn't learned to shoot yet. I think our gates are safe from the NBA marauders for another couple years at least.

 

[paultzman]

My only concern about Yakwe is that we are not going to have him for 4 years. His upside is tremendous--he has already shown incredible progress-- and combined with everything you hear about his fine attitude, he must be high on the radar of the NBA scouts.

But I guess this is what you would call a "high class problem." I'll take it.

Who knows, but not too many NBA teams drafty 6'7 power forwards. Can he develop wing skills is the question IMO.

 

[paultzman]

My only concern about Yakwe is that we are not going to have him for 4 years. His upside is tremendous--he has already shown incredible progress-- and combined with everything you hear about his fine attitude, he must be high on the radar of the NBA scouts.

But I guess this is what you would call a "high class problem." I'll take it.

Who knows, but not too many NBA teams draft 6'7 power forwards. Can he develop wing skills is the question IMO.