Kolek planning to go pro
Thanks again for great information. One question though. He's only been out of HS for two years, so how does he have three numbers? Could the 957 be a projected number for his freshman year based on his HS performance?
He is NBA prospect today, but would be foolish to try it. If he has solid year next year I have no doubt he is gone. If he happened to be in hot water at MU I could see him testing the waters. He has very big upside and will be paid to play ball when college career is over.
I just don't get this. As a 6-3 kid and not a 7-3 kid, one would think a prerequisite for the NBA would be the ability to, you know, play basketball well. He is very athletic. He has no PG skills that translate to the NBA, is not an adept ball handler, passer, scorer or shooter. He is a plus defender at the college level, but nothing like a lock down defender. What on Earth is it about his game that makes people think he is an NBA player? That's he a good rebounder for a 6-3 guy? I agree he improved a lot this year, but only from wretched to not good. We watched McNeal here for 4 years and not get much NBA interest and Blue is not remotely near the ballplayer McNeal was. NBA after next season? You gotta be kidding!
The athletic ability is there for Vander. He was the most improved player this year and with another off season working with Buzz he could be scary good. He was a sophomore last year guys we have to remember that. Yea he was overrated out of highschool but that is no indication that he wont be successful at the next level. All he needs is one break out year. If he gets his spot up jumper down and raises his 3 point percentage where would the flaw in his game be? If he develops these tools to his game he will naturally be able to drive the lane better and not get stuffed like we saw this year. With Buzz being able to work with him all summer I see him making a dramatic leap on the stat sheet. Vander is a tremendous athlete. I just don't know if that makes him a tremendous basketball player. I think he would have to really, really dedicate himself to becoming better before scouts would consider him ready for the next level.
As far as the Vander debate...I get the impression that everyone is on the same page, but arguing it pretty much for the sake of it. Two points I see:1) Vander has NBA-level athleticism, which is why some see him playing in the NBA.2) Vander does not have NBA-level skills, which is why some do not see him playing in the NBA.Whether he gets there or not, I think everyone would agree the raw ability is there, but the necessary skill development is not. If he tried to go now, he probably wouldn't get drafted. If he could reliably finish at the rim, consistently hit the 12-15 foot jumper, and be a 30% or better 3-point shooter, he would have a decent shot at getting drafted. So what it really comes down to is that he is not a NBA player yet, but it's not impossible that, given progress over the next two years, he could become one.Just curious if anyone disagrees with that.
This sums up where Vander is today very well. Also agree with mu03eng that if Vander can tighten up his handle he has a future at the point.
Whether he gets there or not, I think everyone would agree the raw ability is there, but the necessary skill development is not.
Vander has been playing basketball all his life and hasn't developed those tools yet. I don't know that we can take it for granted that he will suddenly get good at them in the next two just because Buzz is coaching him.
Are there any transfers out there who don't have an interest in MU and we don't want also.
All these players, so few (if any) openings for them. Unless, that is, unless we do some creaning. Looks like that is going to happen. Will it be 1, 2, 3?
No...and after reading many many psosts from people on this board that do...I have to say I'm MUCH better off, if this is the type of "intelligence" a degree from MU gets you. It sure is on full display I will say that.
Everyone laughs at Vander but he is NBA talent.
Appears to be heading to Illinois.