[PaintTouches]Analyzing Vander Blue’s early offensive struggles

[GoldenZebra]

Geez lay off the kid, be happy for what he does well and move on, sheesh.

[CTWarrior]

People can laugh all they want, but Vander has NBA talent.  A shot can be taught.  Out of this world athleticism, size, and instincts can't.

I disagree with the premise that given outstanding athleticism all you need to do is work hard to make the NBA.  I'd bet Vander works very hard on all aspects of his game.  Just because you work really hard doesn't mean you have it in you to be an NBA level ball handler or shooter.  In a lot of ways, those are DNA gifts just like superior athleticism.  With Vander's skillset, you had better be 6-10 if you want to play in the NBA.

But let's focus on what he can do for Marquette.  He can and does always hustle, and he can make it very difficult for the oppostion's best wing player to get points.  He can help out on the defensive glass and force turnovers and get out in transition.  He has a great motor.  Those are valuable things to Marquette.  He's a nice stone on the bridge, he's just not the keystone.

[Aughnanure]

I've personally given up any hope of VB ever being a shooter and/or scorer.  His FT stroke looks improved and he's shooting them with confidence, so that's improvement.  But for two, (going on three), years he hasn't been able to finish at point blank range.  Do most honestly think he's suddenly going to become a scorer?

+1 and nope.

[MUHoopsFan2]

I disagree with the premise that given outstanding athleticism all you need to do is work hard to make the NBA.  I'd bet Vander works very hard on all aspects of his game.  Just because you work really hard doesn't mean you have it in you to be an NBA level ball handler or shooter.  In a lot of ways, those are DNA gifts just like superior athleticism.  With Vander's skillset, you had better be 6-10 if you want to play in the NBA.

But let's focus on what he can do for Marquette.  He can and does always hustle, and he can make it very difficult for the oppostion's best wing player to get points.  He can help out on the defensive glass and force turnovers and get out in transition.  He has a great motor.  Those are valuable things to Marquette.  He's a nice stone on the bridge, he's just not the keystone.

I disagree....on one point that he would not make a good Pro just because he works hard and I do agree on another point that someone will be able to look at this kid and take him and do something with him.
Man I like this kid's game and makeup as a player but you are right he cannot finish at this time at the rim and tricks alot of easy shots and open shots. The minute in his freshman year when he had an article and he was hanging out with the Bucks Larry Sanders and talking about 1 and done and the NBA I knew right then he was not focused on what he needed to be doing.
But he does have elite level tools you can't coach. Speed, explosion, size, quickness and acceleration iwth the basketball in his hands.
Some guys can run without the ball but he can run with the ball and has a good hitch and go game and I KNOW he can get up and dunk...but he locks up when he gets in games. It is all mental...I know he can play. And he can guard and defend the ball and play the passing lanes as well as I saw Dwyane Wade do when he first game here.
I seriously think that the drama of spurning the Badgers and coming here has in some way effected his game. Call me crazy...but I know this guy can finish near the rim but he has not developed that part of his game...and when he does LOOK OUT!
He needs a floater and tear drop and some kind of shot or spot on the floor where he can go to to get jump starter and relax and have fun...He is too uptight and tense at times. J. Maymon really hurt this kid when he left IMO...then Vander got in fights and his game flew away.
Now he has done a 360 in leadership and maturity. I wish they had played the Ohio State game to see if he would have performed on a big stage and loosened up. All he needs is a near triple double statline and he will be ok.
Some guys see their dream and are able to carve a path to reach it and do whatever they have to do to ge to where they need to and where they need to be like it seems Trent Lockett does and others think they are more ready then they are.
His form has changed though. His hand placement is better. He just needs to hurry up and slow down. Go fast in taking your time from his mind to his body to his game. He needs to get in sync.
I wonder if he does any meditation before games or plays hyped up music...he needs to be a guy who chills before games and locks in. I am not giving up on him like many have. That corner jumper is almost there....moneyball side pocket!
Stay the course VBlue!

[MUHoopsFan2]

You don't get points for being close. Who cares whether his shots rim out or they miss everything? Bottom line: he's shooting 20% and that's horrible. I'd feel better if he at least had some feel around the hoop, but he doesn't. Blue has the quickness to get the basket, but he can't do anything once he gets there.

It is not "horrible" it is just early. And I disagree that you cannot fix your shot and get better. Some grow into their shots later on. I personally think that he was ranked too high coming into college and did not work as hard on his shot, nor saw the need to and he got caught lagging in that area.
Guys like DJO went JUCO and had to work on all aspects of their games adn could not take anything for granted. I think Vander did.
And I think the drama surrounding whether to come here or stay in Madison and JMaymon leaving effected him and became a distraction as well as running around with Pro's.
I would not go so far as to say overratted but now he has to work and for someone with his raw gifts in the run, jump, and move category that is a stretch.
It's still early for him.