Player Spotlight: Hasheem Thabeet

Hasheem Thabeet is as talented a player that has ever walked through the doors at Uconn. His size, 7-3, his weight 265 pounds, and his footwork are outstanding. Just think that this kid came into one of the hardest conferences in college basketball and lead that conference in block shots and made the All-Rookie team. That is amazing without throwing in the fact that he had only played competitive ball for a handful of years. NBA scouts are drooling.

Thabeet is already a role model for what sports athletes should be, hard working, loyal, caring, competitive and grounded. He could have left for the NBA and would have been scooped up in the later first round or early second but waited until his mother could make it through the maze of red tape of our citizenship policies and settle here. Then he did the right thing and stayed. With another year or two under his belt there is no limit to where his game will soar.

The Good: It starts with his defense. He has a natural feel for getting after the ball and playing his man straight up. His footwork comes from playing soccer and helps him keep position. How many countless shots where missed just by his presence inside? Thabeet’s 119 blocks were more than Adrien, Kelly, Edwards and Mandeldove’s combined totals, which was 92.

His natural athletic gifts gave him advantages in the rebounding department, averaging 6.4 a game. Another year under his belt of Calhoun coaching will bring that total closer to 10 a game.

One of Thabeet’s greatest attributes is his work ethic. He is an intent listener and needs only to be told once. He has a drive and thirst to be the best that he can be. He knows he has a special opportunity here and has the responsibility for his whole family riding on his shoulders.

The Bad: It’s not right to come down hard on Thabeet’s game because he is six years behind every other player out there but there are areas he needs to improve on. He seemed to get pushed out of position by stronger opponents while rebounding and at times seemed to disappear while on the court, which is hard to do for a 7-3 player. He also became foul prone, having a team high 82 personal fouls. He needs to learn how to play aggressive without committing silly fouls.

Anything offensively from Thabeet is a plus. His post game is his weakest area. Free throws come in a close second. He just doesn’t have the confidence in this part of his game and ends up throwing up awkward shots. He needs to develop a comfort level with his back to the rim and start with a jump hook. If he can get a familiarity with the ball in his hand then it will lead to other moves.

Overall: Thabeet is a raw talent but his potential is overflowing. With his work ethic and athletic ability, he will make the transition this year into a well rounded center. Who knows what this kid went through last year, with the transition of going to a new school and playing in the Big East without the stability of having family to be there for you? With his mother by his side, Thabeet will become a more focused and dominant force. Big East beware.