He might be a better comparison
Several in the media have made comparisons between incoming Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins and LeBron James. It’s my belief the comparison is based on talent rather than the physical stature. For me the physical piece is a key to LeBron’s success on the court. Wiggins is the same height (6-8) of LeBron however in the weight department he weighs in at 205 pounds versus LeBron’s 249 pounds. It’s my belief the physical comparison of another athlete is nearer to LeBron than Wiggins. From my perspective the athlete forgotten in this discussion is Duke’s Jabari Parker. The media fails to focus that at 6-8 and 225 pound Parker’s frame is nearer to that of LeBron than Wiggins.
A reminder of note Parker was considered the number one prospect in the Class of 2013 until Wiggins reclassified. Wiggins was number one in the Class of 2014 until he reclassified, Rivals and other prospect sites moved him in front of Parker. Freshman Parker might have an easier adjustment to college ball than freshman Wiggins, what is the basis for my view? The talent of both aside as mentioned previously Kansas lost all five starters, although the incoming class is one of the best in the nation they are still freshman. As for Duke they also have an outstanding freshman class however there is a difference between the two schools. Duke returns starters and reserves who played significant minutes.
Should a team recruit for right now or the future?
It’s a valid question several of us believe, there is a story beside the question. Mizzou is recruiting guard Devin Booker rated a 4-star prospect in the Class of 2014 by Rivals. In addition 2014 ESPN 100 rates him number 16 in the nation. There is a connection with Booker his dad Melvin played at Mizzou and led the 1994 team to an undefeated conference record of 14-0. It would appear a slam dunk to offer a scholarship to the son of an outstanding athlete. I offer you no proof or inside information this is pure conjecture on my part.
Mizzou might be unable to secure the services of Booker for 2014. My belief is based on numbers; the current roster has three shooting guards most likely to remain through Booker’s freshman year. Mizzou has already received a commitment from Class of 2014 small forward/shooting guard Chris Sandifer. In this instance the recruiting effort by Haith and staff might work against them. This focus is on Mizzou however checkout any top 100 list and you will see a common factor. The same schools show up with several uncommitted athletes.
Kinda sorta basketball connected maybe?
I missed this news item last I didn’t realize the Madison Square Garden Company purchased the Forum last year. The Fabulous Forum as it was nicknamed was built principally by former Laker owner Jack Kent Cooke. The Lakers played their games in the city owned Memorial Sports Arena from 1960-1967, during some point the owner and the city had a disagreement and Cooke decided to build his own arena. The Forum (later re-named The Great Western Forum) served as home base for the Showtime Lakers of the ‘80‘s. The GW Forum would remain home until the Staples Center was completed and opened in 1999. *“Faithful Central Bible Church, home to a predominantly African-American congregation over 12,000, purchased the Great Western Forum at the end of 2000 and began holding its regular service there each Sunday morning. However, Faithful Central representatives have said that their intention in purchasing the arena was never to convert into a religious building, and in 2009, the church discontinued regular use of The Forum for its church services.” The building is being completely renovated and will become a stop for concerts and other entertainment use. *Wikipedia
Dennis Schroeder
We began reading draft assessments on Dennis Schroeder months prior to the 2013 NBA Draft. Schroeder from Braunschweig Germany was the 17th pick in the first round by the Hawks of Atlanta. Last season Schroeder played for the New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig, he could be described as a wiry 6-2 168 pound point guard. He is only 19-years old so most likely will be brought along slowly as he adjusts to the NBA. We witnessed his play in the Summer League but I often express the belief Summer League is not a true barometer of NBA skill. Analyst and former coach Sam Mitchell said on NBA TV recently, “A lot of people compare him to The Glove Gary Payton.” It’s unfair to make these types of comparisons but often this is our only method to assess a player’s skill. This is no endorsement of Schroeders’ future NBA success just a profile of the player.
