2020 NBA Draft

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#202      
With Big10 play in full swing, I am retracting my initial statement. KC is still playing great, but I think he takes another year to develop his skills to try to make his stock greater for next year (as some here have mentioned with OA and BU influencing that decision/development). I sure hope this to be the case so we have another good year of development for someone to take over while we continue to get those highlight reels/exposure to help us keep landing those top recruits. The ball is finally rolling down the hill!

My only concern is what Dakich brought up during the game the other night. KC is kind of under the radar right now, but he will almost certainly work out for NBA scouts this off-season. Especially since they allow you to do that now without declaring. When they see how quick he is, how competitive he is, what kind of attitude and personality he has, and how quickly his game is coming together he may turn some heads. He has no chance at being in the lottery, but a good team that needs some hard fouls and rebounding for a few minutes a night could do a lot worse than taking this kid.

I always worry about NBA scouts drooling over potential. It's the whole reason they wanted to get rid of drafting HS kids. They get drunk on potential. All it takes is one franchise to fall in love and make him a promise.

I hope he stays. He is, in my opinion, the difference maker on this team. Teams can't just do what they normally do when he is playing. His leaving would certainly put a cap on the ceiling of next year's squad. If he stays they would have a legitimate shot at a final 4.

On the other hand, his leaving may not be so bad in the long run. I can't think of a single 1 and done Illini player. If he is the first it would likely only hurt the team for one year. I think Junior year Kofi is a pipe dream.
 
#203      
My only concern is what Dakich brought up during the game the other night. KC is kind of under the radar right now, but he will almost certainly work out for NBA scouts this off-season. Especially since they allow you to do that now without declaring. When they see how quick he is, how competitive he is, what kind of attitude and personality he has, and how quickly his game is coming together he may turn some heads. He has no chance at being in the lottery, but a good team that needs some hard fouls and rebounding for a few minutes a night could do a lot worse than taking this kid.

I always worry about NBA scouts drooling over potential. It's the whole reason they wanted to get rid of drafting HS kids. They get drunk on potential. All it takes is one franchise to fall in love and make him a promise.

I hope he stays. He is, in my opinion, the difference maker on this team. Teams can't just do what they normally do when he is playing. His leaving would certainly put a cap on the ceiling of next year's squad. If he stays they would have a legitimate shot at a final 4.

On the other hand, his leaving may not be so bad in the long run. I can't think of a single 1 and done Illini player. If he is the first it would likely only hurt the team for one year. I think Junior year Kofi is a pipe dream.

The 6 time B1G Freshman of the Week and possible National Freshman of the Year is certainly not under the radar my dude.

I wholly agree that Kofi will be an absolute workout warrior with teams and could absolutely skyrocket him. I disagree that he has no chance at the lottery. All it takes is one team to fall in love. Things can change very quickly in the world of NBA drafts and the mocks you see. Where was Obi Toppin on draft boards to start the year? Anywhere? Now he's almost a lock to be a top 10 pick, maybe top 5. Who had Cam Johnson going in the lottery last year? You just never know.

Junior year Kofi WILL. NEVER. HAPPEN. Y'all need to realize that right now. There are still a lot of games left and by the grace of Mary mother of Jesus, we make a Sweet 16 run, there's a solid chance we never see Kofi in orange and blue again. The strides he's made in less than a year are incredible. From what I've read, Kofi had every intention of being a one-and-done as a part of his plan for coming here and he's done nothing but proven he can do it. I've read the arguement over and over about him needing to develop a shot. Did you see the shot he swished against Purdue? And the 6-6 from the free-throw line? I kind of am expecting Ayo and Kofi to not be a part of next year's team and that absolutely should be looked at a positive for our program in the future. But...if Kofi comes back, wow what a bonus. He could be a top 10 pick next year. Only time will tell.
 
#204      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago
If we have a magical run in the NCAA tournament this year, then it will be partially (in large part?) because Kofi was unstoppable. And, in that instance, he should absolutely declare. I'm hoping for another year though.
 
#207      

illiniCA

DC Area
My only concern is what Dakich brought up during the game the other night. KC is kind of under the radar right now, but he will almost certainly work out for NBA scouts this off-season. Especially since they allow you to do that now without declaring. When they see how quick he is, how competitive he is, what kind of attitude and personality he has, and how quickly his game is coming together he may turn some heads. He has no chance at being in the lottery, but a good team that needs some hard fouls and rebounding for a few minutes a night could do a lot worse than taking this kid.

I always worry about NBA scouts drooling over potential. It's the whole reason they wanted to get rid of drafting HS kids. They get drunk on potential. All it takes is one franchise to fall in love and make him a promise.

I hope he stays. He is, in my opinion, the difference maker on this team. Teams can't just do what they normally do when he is playing. His leaving would certainly put a cap on the ceiling of next year's squad. If he stays they would have a legitimate shot at a final 4.

On the other hand, his leaving may not be so bad in the long run. I can't think of a single 1 and done Illini player. If he is the first it would likely only hurt the team for one year. I think Junior year Kofi is a pipe dream.

This is basically where I am at. I don't think Kofi is ready for the NBA and I think it make sense for him to stay another year if BU and OA plan on developing him away from the rim. However, there is no doubt Kofi has a really high ceiling and I would not be surprised if a teams reaches up and try to grab him. I also go see an established playoff team grabbing him in the late first round knowing he could be a lottery pick. I really just don't know enough about the NBA Draft and current teams to know for sure.
 
#208      
This is basically where I am at. I don't think Kofi is ready for the NBA and I think it make sense for him to stay another year if BU and OA plan on developing him away from the rim. However, there is no doubt Kofi has a really high ceiling and I would not be surprised if a teams reaches up and try to grab him. I also go see an established playoff team grabbing him in the late first round knowing he could be a lottery pick. I really just don't know enough about the NBA Draft and current teams to know for sure.
Not knowing enough is key.

THT thought he was first round and dropped. He had obvious weaknesses in his game.

What are the obvious weaknesses for Kofi? Are they fixable?
 
#209      
Not knowing enough is key.

THT thought he was first round and dropped. He had obvious weaknesses in his game.

What are the obvious weaknesses for Kofi? Are they fixable?

JMO

Freshman Kofi> FreshmanTHT.

I really liked THT but I think he could have improved as a 20 draft pick

Couple of Kofi weaknesses are reliable shooting away from basket and not missing layups (better touch around rim)
 
#210      
Browsed bleacher report 2020 draft forecast from August....they had whitney at #32 (ahead of Ayo at #47) and only other UK player was Maxey at #16. Early forecast and Oh how things change. I would think Chicago coaches may get disenchanted with UK eventually....
 
#211      
Think today’s game demonstrates that Kofi isn’t NBA ready. Don’t know enough to judge whether smarter to develop in college and get guaranteed contract or get development in D league. Selfish side says stay and learn at Illinois.
 
#213      
I’m in the “would love Kofi to come back next year, wouldn’t be surprised if he left” camp. And I have no idea if he’ll be a lottery pick, I would guess he could be a lower lottery pick but more likely lower first, beginning of first. While many have mentioned he needs to learn to shoot away from basket, I think it is his game around the basket that needs to improve or be more consistent anyway for him to be a lottery pick. He’s a physical specimen who can be a beast and over power or out run many college bigs. But I think his footwork isn’t always good and he often needs to be stronger around the hoop on offense. The Michigan game showed some of those shortcomings, but I think they’ve been present in lesser degrees in other games. I just wonder if he doesn’t need to clean up those things and show consistency because if he has those troubles against college players sometimes, what will happen in NBA when he’s playing against men night in and night out. Or maybe I’m just grasping at straws of hope for a second year.
 
#214      
Kofi wouldn't be a first rounder, which means his contract isn't guaranteed and he'd float around in the D league. He can't shoot. I don't watch any NBA basketball, but don't you need to be able to shoot?
 
#215      

hooraybeer

Pittsburgh, PA
Kofi wouldn't be a first rounder, which means his contract isn't guaranteed and he'd float around in the D league. He can't shoot. I don't watch any NBA basketball, but don't you need to be able to shoot?

ben simmons still can’t shoot and he’s an all star
 
#216      
Kofi hits free throws. that makes me think he'll be fine shooting away from the basket.
This is the exact comment I made to somebody the other day.

If he can make free throws, then the mechanics are there, and it's a matter of time before he adds a J. Then he's going to have an 8-figure career barring injury.
 
#217      

Bailey

Los Angeles
I don't watch any NBA basketball, but don't you need to be able to shoot?
The short answer is - not necessarily, at his position. The template is there with guys who are great at rolling to the basket, sprint rim to rim, and can protect the rim defensively. Clint Capela is the mold. Willie Cauley Stein, Mitchell Robinson, Deandre Jordan, Dwight Howard. Adams, Thompson, Zubac etc. Anybody who tells you he can't fit in a modern NBA just simply isn't watching the NBA. Kofi fits - especially if he shoots free throws.

In regards to where he slots in the draft; who knows. But this idea that every center needs to be a euro big just simply isn't true. Same applies to Ayo as it relates to his "PG" skillset. So long as you can put the ball in the basket and defend your position, there's a place for you in the league. There's a list of comparisons for both.
 
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#218      

Huh. We must've been watching different games. Hard to be frozen out all that much when you're using a quarter of your team's possessions when you're on the floor. Which, it should be mentioned, is a higher usage rate than Morant has had the past two months.
 
#219      
Huh. We must've been watching different games. Hard to be frozen out all that much when you're using a quarter of your team's possessions when you're on the floor. Which, it should be mentioned, is a higher usage rate than Morant has had the past two months.
I was at every home game last year were you?
 
#221      
If we have a magical run in the NCAA tournament this year, then it will be partially (in large part?) because Kofi was unstoppable. And, in that instance, he should absolutely declare. I'm hoping for another year though.
Being unstoppable in a couple college games won't convince the NBA. Kofi will sell the idea of himself to the league in workouts after the tournament is over. I'm inclined to agree with the mock drafts at this point, I would be absolutely shocked to see him drafted after this year (unless he starts showing of a quality outside game in the next 2 months).
 
#222      

Bailey

Los Angeles
Huh. We must've been watching different games. Hard to be frozen out all that much when you're using a quarter of your team's possessions when you're on the floor. Which, it should be mentioned, is a higher usage rate than Morant has had the past two months.
We were talking about the 1st half of Luka's rookie season. It was covered by many, not some myth.
 
#223      
I was at every home game last year were you?

Of course not -- what an odd flex. I don't live anywhere close to Texas.

We were talking about the 1st half of Luka's rookie season. It was covered by many, not some myth.

This has gotten so far away from my original point about Ja's team in playoff position compared to the Mavs during their respective rookie seasons (maybe I shouldn't have used the word "drag"). Now it makes sense why that rubbed 3 point girl the wrong way, but that is still a fact either way you slice it. Even better, the Mavs had won 15 games after 26 games played last year, but only had 18 more wins over the next 56 games, so implying that Luka being shut out early on is the reason they weren't in playoff contention is just not true. And, regardless of whether Luka's teammates shut him out early in the season, he still had a higher usage rate every single month of last season than Ja has had over the past two months (admittedly Ja's usage was higher his first 1.5 months than Luka's first 1.5). Not only that, but he was averaging more MPG than Ja. In other words, he was using more of his team's possessions on offense while having more floor time to take advantage of those increased opportunities than Ja is getting over the bulk of this season. I didn't see anything written about Luka being shut out nor did I see it when I watched the Mavs, but then again I didn't attend "every home game" nor did I read Dallas news (unless you count the occasional Marc Stein). Still, the numbers show that this narrative is a poor point of comparison to use relative to Ja.

This isn't an apples to apples comparison, and I'm well aware of that -- all I had originally pointed out was that if Ja is selected as a reserve (I doubt he will be), it will be because his team is in playoff contention whereas the Mavs weren't in Luka's case for his rookie year. I'm not trying to place judgement on who is better right now or even who had the better rookie season. Ja is incredible but I think Luka could legit be the greatest ever if he keeps it up. If you want to poke holes in my argument, I'll do it for you -- Memphis may be in 8th place in the West right now but they only have two more wins than the Mavs did after 46 games last year. They clearly aren't a substantially better team but are benefitting from a tighter race for the 8th seed. Still, optics matter, and Ja is having a great season while Memphis is radically overreaching relative to expectations (hence the appearance that he is instrumental in possibly "dragging" them to the playoffs) -- that may cause some votes to swing his way, even though you could argue JJJ or their bench is more critical. Luka had a great rookie season but the Mavs still ended up on pace for the lottery, right where the expectations were -- there was no way he was making the All Star team while that happened.
 
#224      

Deleted member 8896

D
Guest
Of course not -- what an odd flex. I don't live anywhere close to Texas.



This has gotten so far away from my original point about Ja's team in playoff position compared to the Mavs during their respective rookie seasons (maybe I shouldn't have used the word "drag"). Now it makes sense why that rubbed 3 point girl the wrong way, but that is still a fact either way you slice it. Even better, the Mavs had won 15 games after 26 games played last year, but only had 18 more wins over the next 56 games, so implying that Luka being shut out early on is the reason they weren't in playoff contention is just not true. And, regardless of whether Luka's teammates shut him out early in the season, he still had a higher usage rate every single month of last season than Ja has had over the past two months (admittedly Ja's usage was higher his first 1.5 months than Luka's first 1.5). Not only that, but he was averaging more MPG than Ja. In other words, he was using more of his team's possessions on offense while having more floor time to take advantage of those increased opportunities than Ja is getting over the bulk of this season. I didn't see anything written about Luka being shut out nor did I see it when I watched the Mavs, but then again I didn't attend "every home game" nor did I read Dallas news (unless you count the occasional Marc Stein). Still, the numbers show that this narrative is a poor point of comparison to use relative to Ja.

This isn't an apples to apples comparison, and I'm well aware of that -- all I had originally pointed out was that if Ja is selected as a reserve (I doubt he will be), it will be because his team is in playoff contention whereas the Mavs weren't in Luka's case for his rookie year. I'm not trying to place judgement on who is better right now or even who had the better rookie season. Ja is incredible but I think Luka could legit be the greatest ever if he keeps it up. If you want to poke holes in my argument, I'll do it for you -- Memphis may be in 8th place in the West right now but they only have two more wins than the Mavs did after 46 games last year. They clearly aren't a substantially better team but are benefitting from a tighter race for the 8th seed. Still, optics matter, and Ja is having a great season while Memphis is radically overreaching relative to expectations (hence the appearance that he is instrumental in possibly "dragging" them to the playoffs) -- that may cause some votes to swing his way, even though you could argue JJJ or their bench is more critical. Luka had a great rookie season but the Mavs still ended up on pace for the lottery, right where the expectations were -- there was no way he was making the All Star team while that happened.
Luka didn’t get in because almost no one gets in their rookie year. LeBron didn’t, Luka didn’t, ja probably won’t either.
 
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