Tuesday, July 20, 2010

UConn Summer League Observations


Stanley Robinson:
He didn’t force the action when the ball rolled his way and did what he knew he could do which was defend and rebound. There were a few fast break opportunities that showcased his leaping ability, but his jumper was just like it always was, stiff with no arch. He had some nice defensive plays, rising up for a monster block and snagging rebounds at its highest point, but he didn’t wow anyone and needs to continue to work hard during training camp.

Jeff Adrien: He bulked up and looked like a man among boys out there. There were stretches of ballgames where he dominated the boards and showed some good footwork around the basket, but there were also stretches where he had little to no impact. He really struggled with his passing, making several ill-advised turnovers. It was a good sign to see him get another opportunity with Memphis after his stint with the Orlando and should bode well for him. Players like Blair, Davis, and Harangody are paving the way for smaller and less athletic power forwards like Adrien to make an impact at the next level. It will be interesting to see if a team takes a chance on Adrien. We are all a rooting for him.

Jerome Dyson: He didn’t get much action early on in Summer League, but he made use out of it, showing his improved outside touch. When he did get extensive minutes, he played well. He was able to get into the lane and get to the line, but there wasn’t an eye opening play, which he might of needed to turn the heads of some General Managers. He struggled at the free throw line but took good care of the ball and played great defense. The Cavaliers played him at the point and at the shooting guard. He handled the transition well, not forcing the action or jacking up poor shots. He didn’t put enough on tape in the Summer League alone to warrant a NBA contract, but he still has a chance to make an NBA training camp.

Hasheem Thabeet: Thabeet looked bigger and more physical then at any other time in his brief basketball career. He was fighting off double-teams for rebounds and blocking shots at an incredible clip, especially against the D-League Select squad. He still didn’t show a back to the basket game that he needs to develop to become a legitimate starter, but he put his stamp on games and shined in major stretches of the game. He should become a much more useful piece off the Memphis bench, which isn’t what 2nd picks in the draft should be, but if he continues to get better, which he has in every one of his seasons, then he should become one of the dominate big men in the league down the road.

Gavin Edwards: He didn't have the summer league that he wanted. He didn't show much on the offensive end and his hands once again became a liability. He had several balls slip right through his grasps that could have easily been dunks. There is no denying that he has the desire and hustle, shown by him leaping into the stands for a loose ball, but it probably won't be enough to earn him a roster spot. More then likely, he will have to take a year and play overseas. He needs to bulk up even more and get comfortable banging against bigger foes.

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