Illini in the NBA
- Status
Just crossed over a GD All Star
blackdog
- Champaign
Trae sees Ayo in his nightmares
In. His. Head.
Ayo making us proud, looks like a budding star. I was very reluctant to think he would be more than a minor role player. He has bball smarts that many players don't have.
Champaign Toast
Fan since Kiwane Garris
Kofi remains far down internet-published draft boards and off mock drafts. Rookiescale.com’s consensus big board has him #85. NBADraft.net has him #93. Sports Illustrated doesn’t list him in their top 80. He’s missing from the mock drafts that I checked out. That shocks me.
On one hand, I can see why Kofi might not get love:
On the other hand, Kofi:
Looking at some collegiate big men who bear similarities to Kofi and are rated higher on the 2022 big boards:
-Walker Kessler, Auburn, doesn’t shoot the 3, but has superb block stats.
-Mark Williams, Duke, also doesn’t shoot the 3, but better block stats.
-Orlando Robinson, does shoot the 3.
-Christian Koloko, Arizona, does not shoot the 3, but is more mobile and has better block stats.
-Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana, doesn’t shoot 3s and is 3 inches shorter.
What I take away is that all of the above are at least slightly lighter on their feet, and either shoot 3s or block lots of shots. I’ve noted that Purdue’s Zach Edey, who doesn’t do either of the latter especially well, is in the same big board range as Kofi. Not sure why Jackson-Davis gets rated higher, as a 4 who doesn’t stretch the floor. The most obvious inference is that pundits believe NBA teams see more potential in 64+ players.
Final word: I still have a hard time seeing how no NBA team would draft and develop Kofi, who has terrific intangibles to go along with size and ability to dominate lighter centers down low. I’ve read that NBA teams want at least one aspect in a player’s game that they can hang their hat on, to provide value in the minutes they get. Kofi has that, with real potential for more.
On one hand, I can see why Kofi might not get love:
- NBA favors centers who have game outside of the post and are highly mobile.
- Kofi could be MORE dominant in core areas of HIS game e.g. countering double teams, accumulating blocks, defending pick and roll.
On the other hand, Kofi:
- Has a record of working on his game and adding new components to his game
- Is coachable
- Is a very willing defender (I thought he was excellent last year at defending on the perimeter when he had to, and he shows ability to play with great technique and IQ and avoid fouls)
- Plays big minutes for a center
- Commands attention in the paint with his scoring ability, even against big-bodied centers.
Looking at some collegiate big men who bear similarities to Kofi and are rated higher on the 2022 big boards:
-Walker Kessler, Auburn, doesn’t shoot the 3, but has superb block stats.
-Mark Williams, Duke, also doesn’t shoot the 3, but better block stats.
-Orlando Robinson, does shoot the 3.
-Christian Koloko, Arizona, does not shoot the 3, but is more mobile and has better block stats.
-Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana, doesn’t shoot 3s and is 3 inches shorter.
What I take away is that all of the above are at least slightly lighter on their feet, and either shoot 3s or block lots of shots. I’ve noted that Purdue’s Zach Edey, who doesn’t do either of the latter especially well, is in the same big board range as Kofi. Not sure why Jackson-Davis gets rated higher, as a 4 who doesn’t stretch the floor. The most obvious inference is that pundits believe NBA teams see more potential in 64+ players.
Final word: I still have a hard time seeing how no NBA team would draft and develop Kofi, who has terrific intangibles to go along with size and ability to dominate lighter centers down low. I’ve read that NBA teams want at least one aspect in a player’s game that they can hang their hat on, to provide value in the minutes they get. Kofi has that, with real potential for more.
As a general rule shot blockers don’t rebound as well and foul more. Don’t believe the higher ranked do a better job of defending the rim. But then I wasn’t impressed with Fran’s Wagner and he is doing great in the NBA.
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
Kofi needs to do what is best for him, but selfishly I will lose my ever-loving mind if he decides to return for a last hurrah in O & B.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
not in the NBA, but he was great for us and is a VG pro:
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Yeah thought that as I was typing it. No translation for dawg
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
"Junkyard dog" doesn't translate, either, unfortunately.
Wagner has surprised me. I was unimpressed with his game at the collegiate level.
Then again, I haven't liked watching the NBA in years.
Illini Store email today- In case anyone here is looking
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
Yeah, perro del depósito de chatarra doesn’t have the same ring to it…
BU ought to have that AF rebound clip running on a loop in the locker room before each game.
Depending on where you are in the Spanish-speaking world “gallito” can be “cocky” or “tough guy.” That might work.
- Status