Dominic James is now playing for Aris B.C.
Player Bio:
http://www.arisbc.gr/en/Aris-Thessaloniki-Basketball-Club/#/en/Dominic-James (http://www.arisbc.gr/en/Aris-Thessaloniki-Basketball-Club/#/en/Dominic-James)
Images:
(http://www.arisbc.gr/images/inner_gallery/normal/2576.jpg)
(http://www.arisbc.gr/images/inner_gallery/normal/2691.jpg)
(http://www.arisbc.gr/images/inner_gallery/normal/2816.jpg)
Turkey, Bulgaria, then Greece. I would have love that when I was his age. Not sure if he is digging it but I would have.
Any idea on what his salary may be in Greece now?
More than a "real" job, I will tell you that much!
Quote from: MarquetteDano on December 12, 2011, 12:54:40 PM
Turkey, Bulgaria, then Greece. I would have love that when I was his age. Not sure if he is digging it but I would have.
Any idea on what his salary may be in Greece now?
+1, the Bulgarian chicks I have met have been hot!
Poor guy...should have left school after his freshman year. Not to say these aren't great experiences, and I didn't love having him on the team all four years, but he missed the biggest payday of his life.
When did he change his name to Tzeime?
That ball looks eff'd up. Probably better than those things they play with at the Kohl Hole, though.
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 12, 2011, 01:36:24 PM
When did he change his name to Tzeime?
That ball looks eff'd up. Probably better than those things they play with at the Kohl Hole, though.
Tzeime means "Ocho" in Greek
Speaking of the Kohl Hole, I went there this weekend for the UNLV game since my friend is an Alumni, and wow!
I think i rather sit in the student section, because sitting 4 rows above the floor was hell! Delusional old badger fans.
Quote from: dwaderoy2004 on December 12, 2011, 01:10:51 PM
Poor guy...should have left school after his freshman year. Not to say these aren't great experiences, and I didn't love having him on the team all four years, but he missed the biggest payday of his life.
Not after missing every shot he took at the pre-draft camp.
I have a business relationship with an American that moonlights as the GM of a lower division team in Switzerland (they were corting Buycks before he went to the D league). They pay in Swiss franc which converts to about $3,000\month. This league is the same category as the league DJ plays in.
He says the upside is the higher division leagues in Europe scout these lower leagues. These higher leagues, mainly in France, Spain and Italy can pay up to few hundred thousand U.S. a year (that is until the Euro collapses). The selling point of these lower leagues is it is easy to get bought out for a higher league and many players do.
Loved everything about this kid when he played for us. Best of luck in Greece. Stay away from the everyday riots.
The way people treated him still disgusts me.
Remember that Tony Miller spent something like 15 years playing ball in European leagues like this. There are worse ways to spend your first 15 years out of school.
Quote from: The Golden Avalanche on December 12, 2011, 06:31:20 PM
The way people treated him still disgusts me.
Me as well, and Vander gets the same from some here now. Both give/gave max effort on the court and are/were excellent defenders. Just because they have/had ugly jump shots people act like they suck. It's unfathomably annoying.
Quote from: Jamailman on December 12, 2011, 06:35:51 PMMe as well, and Vander gets the same from some here now. Both give/gave max effort on the court and are/were excellent defenders. Just because they have/had ugly jump shots people act like they suck. It's unfathomably annoying.
I have a feeling in a few years, this is going to be one of the most popular meals for current Marquette fans, primarily the critics of Vander Blue:
(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001758545/1735916458_1240605367_eating_crow_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg)
I hope his paychecks are in dollars. :D
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 12, 2011, 06:57:39 PM
I have a feeling in a few years, this is going to be one of the most popular meals for current Marquette fans, primarily the critics of Vander Blue:
(http://images.sodahead.com/polls/001758545/1735916458_1240605367_eating_crow_answer_1_xlarge.jpeg)
This thread is about James. And the other poster said he thought the way the way poster talked about James was bad. James did have a terrible jumper. And it probably is part of a reason why he doesnt play in the US.
Blue is not good on offense at this stage. He just isn't. Of course he can get better (much better), but right now he sucks on offense. Once he gets better, I'll say he is getting better.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 08:05:51 PM
This thread is about James. And the other poster said he thought the way the way poster talked about James was bad. James did have a terrible jumper. And it probably is part of a reason why he doesnt play in the US.
Blue is not good on offense at this stage. He just isn't. Of course he can get better (much better), but right now he sucks on offense. Once he gets better, I'll say he is getting better.
McNealFrosh: 87.7 ORtg, took 25% of MU's shots when he was on the floor
Soph: 93.7 ORtg, took 29.6% of MU's shots
Junior: 104.4 ORtg, took 27.8% of MU's shots
Senior: 108.6 ORtg, took 30.3% of MU's shots
VanderFrosh: 89.1 ORtg, took 17.7% of MU's shots
Soph: 104.1 ORtg, takes 21.5% of MU's shots
You probably think McNeal was leaps and bounds better than Blue, but the fact is he just took way more shots so his scoring numbers were higher. McNeal's jumper was funky his first two and a half years too. Keep saying Blue sucks if it makes you feel tough though. Just realize it also exposes you as an idiot.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 08:05:51 PM
Blue is not good on offense at this stage. He just isn't. Of course he can get better (much better), but right now he sucks on offense. Once he gets better, I'll say he is getting better.
Second best FG% among the guards behind DJO...second in assists...third in rebounds...
For as much hype that Mayo has (deservedly) got here, Blue is actually a better shooter so far this year.
Yeah...he "sucks at offense."
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on December 12, 2011, 08:37:18 PM
Second best FG% among the guards behind DJO...second in assists...third in rebounds...
For as much hype that Mayo has (deservedly) got here, Blue is actually a better shooter so far this year.
Yeah...he "sucks at offense."
He certainly has improved but he still is not considered a "good" shooter by any means and it seems half the times he drives it ends up into a layup that doesn't draw iron.
Here's how Blue stacks up next to the best 2 guards MU has had in the last 20 years during their second year on campus:
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/compare?dwyane-wade=2001-2002&jerel-mcneal=2006-2007&p2=vander-blue&p3=dwyane-wade&p4=jerel-mcneal&remove=chris-otule
Pay attention to the field goal %, effective field goal%, true shooting %, free throw %, and the offensive rating. Then look at the percentage of shots Blue takes compared to the other two. He could pump up his shot volume and his raw ppg would look more like the other two, but that's not what this team needs.
People have short memories. McNeal's jumper was ugly and ineffective his first two and a half years, he was turnover prone (much more so than Blue), and he drove into traffic without drawing iron on many layups. The knock on Wade heading into the draft was his jumper. Blue is doing just fine. I guarantee after another off season he will explode next year, especially with the amount of shots he will need to take due to the void left by DJO and Crowder. 16-18 ppg with improved shooting #'s across the board wouldn't surprise me in the least.
Blue had a better A/TO ratio of the three. Yeah...he "sucks" offensively.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 08:05:51 PM
Blue is not good on offense at this stage. He just isn't. Of course he can get better (much better), but right now he sucks on offense.
The problem is: You're wrong.
Vander doesn't suck at offense. He just doesn't.
Quote from: Jamailman on December 12, 2011, 08:22:18 PM
McNeal
Frosh: 87.7 ORtg, took 25% of MU's shots when he was on the floor
Soph: 93.7 ORtg, took 29.6% of MU's shots
Junior: 104.4 ORtg, took 27.8% of MU's shots
Senior: 108.6 ORtg, took 30.3% of MU's shots
Vander
Frosh: 89.1 ORtg, took 17.7% of MU's shots
Soph: 104.1 ORtg, takes 21.5% of MU's shots
You probably think McNeal was leaps and bounds better than Blue, but the fact is he just took way more shots so his scoring numbers were higher. McNeal's jumper was funky his first two and a half years too. Keep saying Blue sucks if it makes you feel tough though. Just realize it also exposes you as an idiot.
Do you watch the games? Seriously, do you?
I love guys who whip out stats to prove their point. If you actually watch the games, you will see an athletic player who can blow around a defender who ends up not finishing most of the time or making a terrible decision.
Do you remember on three occassions Blue getting to the rim against Washington and jumping with no where to go and deciding to simply come down with the ball in his hands for a travel? How is that good? You might say, "bad game" but he did that in a previous game and he constantly blows layups. His instincts are a million times better on the defensive end than the offensive end.
So since ya love stats, look at his stats vs top 100 teams compared to the rest. You will see a difference.
How about this... How many shots has he made from 15 ft and further this season? I would bet that you can only count them with one hand.
I want him to be awesome. I want MU to win the whole thing. But I watch a bunch of basketball and he is not good at this stage. He has A LONG ways to go (jump shooting, decision making, finishing).
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 09:31:44 PM
Do you watch the games? Seriously, do you?
I love guys who whip out stats to prove their point. If you actually watch the games, you will see an athletic player who can blow around a defender who ends up not finishing most of the time or making a terrible decision.
Do you remember on three occassions Blue getting to the rim against Washington and jumping with no where to go and deciding to simply come down with the ball in his hands for a travel? How is that good? You might say, "bad game" but he did that in a previous game and he constantly blows layups. His instincts are a million times better on the defensive end than the offensive end.
So since ya love stats, look at his stats vs top 100 teams compared to the rest. You will see a difference.
How about this... How many shots has he made from 15 ft and further this season? I would bet that you can only count them with one hand.
I want him to be awesome. I want MU to win the whole thing. But I watch a bunch of basketball and he is not good at this stage. He has A LONG ways to go (jump shooting, decision making, finishing).
Do you remember McNeal getting rejected time and time again while we blew a 9 point halftime lead to Cincinnati at home? Do you remember him turning it over way more often than Blue? Or do you just tune that out because he averaged more ppg while taking a ton more shots because we had no other option on those teams?
Quote from: Jamailman on December 12, 2011, 09:38:58 PM
Do you remember McNeal getting rejected time and time again while we blew a 9 point halftime lead to Cincinnati at home? Do you remember him turning it over way more often than Blue? Or do you just tune that out because he averaged more ppg while taking a ton more shots because we had no other option on those teams?
Why are you talking about McNeal? Like he is some gold standard. The point is simple. If you are can't hit a layup, you aren't that good on offense. Once he fixes that, he will be better.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on December 12, 2011, 08:37:18 PM
Second best FG% among the guards behind DJO...second in assists...third in rebounds...
For as much hype that Mayo has (deservedly) got here, Blue is actually a better shooter so far this year.
Yeah...he "sucks at offense."
Vander definitely does NOT suck at offense because he can slash to the rim. If Vander's outside shooting improves he will play in the NBA. If it doesn't he will travel the same path as Jerel and Dominic. My prediction here early in his sophomore year is that he has the work ethic and intellect to be a first round NBA draft choice. If Clinic can learn to defend almost as well as Vander he also will be a first round NBA draft choice. They both need to focus on opposite things to improve their games. Both are immensely talented.
I liked it better when I thought this was moving to Bulgarian women! Don't agree with trashing Vander who is getting better and better on offense to match a tenacious D
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 09:47:46 PM
If you are can't hit a layup, you aren't that good on offense. Once he fixes that, he will be better.
You've said this before, and it's still stupid this time.
Vander had 2 huge dunks last game. Is he good now?
How many dunks/lay-ups does he need to make to be good at offense?
Does DJ have a twitter?
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 09:47:46 PM
Why are you talking about McNeal? Like he is some gold standard. The point is simple. If you are can't hit a layup, you aren't that good on offense. Once he fixes that, he will be better.
Ya, how dare you use one of MU's most prolific scorers in it's history as your gold standard for how a player develops over 4 years!
Anyone have the highlight of James blocking the Scotty Hopson dunk? Possibly the greatest highlight of all-time.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 09:31:44 PMDo you watch the games? Seriously, do you?
Do you watch the games professionally? Seriously, do you? DO YOU!?!
Well, neither do I ;D but here's what one NBA scout that was at the Washington game had to say about Blue:
Game Play: "This kid is really fast with the ball or on a dead sprint. Has great quickness, too. Blue looks like he's a combo guard with some passing talent. He made a number of nice touch passes and frequent skip or diagonal passes against a zone defense. I liked his overall court awareness. He knew when to use his athletic gifts and when to slow down. And he always knew where his teammates were. He handled the point guard duties well, though he had few chances to earn an assist. What he did do was move the ball well. He showed me enough to think he might be able to play full-time point guard in the NBA, in part because he did not force shots."Basketball Tools: "Blue is a smooth dribbler with a nice perimeter shot. He mixed up his driving speeds well. He looked like he enjoyed playing defense and was up for the challenge of guarding Washington's talented guards without fouling."Physical aptitude/comparables: "Built like Raja Bell, Blue is totally proportional (as opposed to so many freakishly long athletes) but plays with more athleticism than Bell ever did. Blue is able to play with burst, but he's normally very smooth while still moving quickly."LINK (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/135196038.html) to the full article.
Listen, I guess it's nice to get all Internet tough-guy, but you're disputing hard evidence simply because you don't like Blue. My guess is you've had a bias against him since last year. A lot of people have had that bias, and it's evident on these message boards. The simple truth is Blue is having a very good year and has been one of our three best players. And in games where his shot isn't falling, he's finding other ways (rebounds, assists, steals) to impact the game.
I think what surprises me most about it is people's constant need to discredit him, rather than accepting that he's becoming a really good player, and doing it against more than just the cupcakes.
Quote from: Jamailman on December 12, 2011, 09:38:58 PM
Do you remember McNeal getting rejected time and time again while we blew a 9 point halftime lead to Cincinnati at home? Do you remember him turning it over way more often than Blue? Or do you just tune that out because he averaged more ppg while taking a ton more shots because we had no other option on those teams?
McNeal was awful as a freshman. Why would you use him to defend Blue? Makes no sense.
Incidentally, the NBA scout quoted by brewcity is absolutely wrong. Blue is not a "smooth dribbler with a nice perimeter shot" and I defy anybody to prove to me otherwise. This is a guy who still dribbles the ball off his foot. If you want to compare him to McNeal, start with ball handling. Jerel was a far better ball handler. Unfortunately, they are equals as decision makers. The NBA scout says Blue "mixes up his driving speeds." Again, he's so far off it's as if he has not watched him play. He predetermines what he's going to do with the ball possession by possession. When he fixes that he'll be better. We all hope he does. This season Blue is leaps and bounds ahead of where he was last year, by the way. Even his body language is better. So I have high hopes for him. Arrow is pointed up.
As for the fans treatment of him, at least he doesn't dramatically "cramp up" every other game.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on December 13, 2011, 06:12:46 AM
Incidentally, the NBA scout quoted by brewcity is absolutely wrong.
I hope for his sake that his boss doesn't read this board, then.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on December 13, 2011, 06:12:46 AM
McNeal was awful as a freshman. Why would you use him to defend Blue? Makes no sense.
That's exactly my point. Freshmen struggle. Blue was no different from McNeal as a freshman last year except he took a lot fewer shots because we didn't need him to be anything more than he was since we had other options on offense. He's clearly improved this year and will continue to improve. He has flaws offensively but doesn't "suck" like people want to believe.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on December 13, 2011, 06:12:46 AMIncidentally, the NBA scout quoted by brewcity is absolutely wrong.
Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but he's paid a lot more money than either you or I to make these evaluations, and my guess is he probably is far more adept at identifying a players skillset than anyone on this board.
Quote from: elephantraker on December 12, 2011, 09:57:56 PM
I liked it better when I thought this was moving to Bulgarian women! Don't agree with trashing Vander who is getting better and better on offense to match a tenacious D
+1 on the Bulgarian women comment
:-*
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 13, 2011, 08:29:43 AM
Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but he's paid a lot more money than either you or I to make these evaluations, and my guess is he probably is far more adept at identifying a players skillset than anyone on this board.
NBA scouts are not highly compensated and are, in fact, practically a thing of the past.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 13, 2011, 05:57:45 AM
Do you watch the games professionally? Seriously, do you? DO YOU!?!
Well, neither do I ;D but here's what one NBA scout that was at the Washington game had to say about Blue:
Game Play: "This kid is really fast with the ball or on a dead sprint. Has great quickness, too. Blue looks like he's a combo guard with some passing talent. He made a number of nice touch passes and frequent skip or diagonal passes against a zone defense. I liked his overall court awareness. He knew when to use his athletic gifts and when to slow down. And he always knew where his teammates were. He handled the point guard duties well, though he had few chances to earn an assist. What he did do was move the ball well. He showed me enough to think he might be able to play full-time point guard in the NBA, in part because he did not force shots."
Basketball Tools: "Blue is a smooth dribbler with a nice perimeter shot. He mixed up his driving speeds well. He looked like he enjoyed playing defense and was up for the challenge of guarding Washington's talented guards without fouling."
Physical aptitude/comparables: "Built like Raja Bell, Blue is totally proportional (as opposed to so many freakishly long athletes) but plays with more athleticism than Bell ever did. Blue is able to play with burst, but he's normally very smooth while still moving quickly."
LINK (http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/135196038.html) to the full article.
Listen, I guess it's nice to get all Internet tough-guy, but you're disputing hard evidence simply because you don't like Blue. My guess is you've had a bias against him since last year. A lot of people have had that bias, and it's evident on these message boards. The simple truth is Blue is having a very good year and has been one of our three best players. And in games where his shot isn't falling, he's finding other ways (rebounds, assists, steals) to impact the game.
I think what surprises me most about it is people's constant need to discredit him, rather than accepting that he's becoming a really good player, and doing it against more than just the cupcakes.
I don't disagree with the scout. I didn't see "great finisher" or "good jump shot" anywhere there, correct? I am not saying he shouldn't see the court. I just think there is much to be desired on the offensive end.
Quote from: TVDirector on December 13, 2011, 09:17:23 AM
+1 on the Bulgarian women comment
:-*
Is that a melon in the picture?
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 12, 2011, 08:05:51 PM
This thread is about James. And the other poster said he thought the way the way poster talked about James was bad. James did have a terrible jumper. And it probably is part of a reason why he doesnt play in the US.
Blue is not good on offense at this stage. He just isn't. Of course he can get better (much better), but right now he sucks on offense. Once he gets better, I'll say he is getting better.
I'd say his offensive game is below its potential at this point in his career. But saying that wouldn't fit with your narrative.
Quote from: The Golden Avalanche on December 12, 2011, 06:31:20 PM
Loved everything about this kid when he played for us. Best of luck in Greece. Stay away from the everyday riots.
The way people treated him still disgusts me.
I was also a big fan of DJ. Super athlete who became a great on ball defender. Unfortunately his stroke was a weakness when he arrived and it never really improved. Reminscent of Chris Thomas (ND), another point guard who was a stud from day 1 who seemed destined for greatness but never developed.
I think Dominic James' biggest problem was that he didn't improve as much in the eyes of the fans as they thought he would. After his freshman year and his decision to come back, I'm sure many thought he'd be a lottery pick in the next few years. However, by his senior year his biggest improvements were defense and being a floor general. Fans couldn't point to the box score with those things or stats to show how he improved.
Also, I don't think Crean and his offense did him any favors. James being forced to shoot at the end of shot clocks sort of magnified his poor shooting. Buzz's offense allowed James to not have the bulk of the pressure on him to score and could play to his strengths better. I wonder if James didn't get injured and could show off his abilities in Buzz system in the huge 5 games at the end of the year and then in post-season tournaments, he may have had a better chance at latching on to an NBA team.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 11:24:25 AM
I don't disagree with the scout. I didn't see "great finisher" or "good jump shot" anywhere there, correct? I am not saying he shouldn't see the court. I just think there is much to be desired on the offensive end.
Jamail Jones was a highly regarded recruit, and he still barely see's the floor.
Are you concerned about his jumper and ability to make lay-ups?
Quote from: LancesOtherNut on December 13, 2011, 11:38:55 AM
I'd say his offensive game is below its potential at this point in his career. But saying that wouldn't fit with your narrative.
Missing open jumpers is one thing... Consistently missing layups or jumping in the air with the ball and coming down with the ball for a travel (on multiple occasions) is another.
I am over this. Live in LA LA Land and think that he is a premier offensive player. Just because I speak negatively about the kid's offensive game doesn't mean I hate him. He will be alot better once he learns how to hit a layup. Until then, he is very limited in what he can do.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 01:52:06 PM
Missing open jumpers is one thing... Consistently missing layups or jumping in the air with the ball and coming down with the ball for a travel (on multiple occasions) is another.
I am over this. Live in LA LA Land and think that he is a premier offensive player. Just because I speak negatively about the kid's offensive game doesn't mean I hate him. He will be alot better once he learns how to hit a layup. Until then, he is very limited in what he can do.
I kind of agree with you. Blue has trouble controlling his speed during game situations. He gets to the hoop moving faster than he expected and the ball goes banging off of something or other.
Let's not talk about his inability to finish with his left hand, though :)
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 01:52:06 PM
Missing open jumpers is one thing... Consistently missing layups or jumping in the air with the ball and coming down with the ball for a travel (on multiple occasions) is another.
I am over this. Live in LA LA Land and think that he is a premier offensive player. Just because I speak negatively about the kid's offensive game doesn't mean I hate him. He will be alot better once he learns how to hit a layup. Until then, he is very limited in what he can do.
Where did I say this? In fact, I can't recall anyone saying this?
Stop being butt-hurt since you're rightfully getting called out for hating on the kid.
There are ways to critique without resorting to, "He sucks on offense."
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 01:52:06 PM
Missing open jumpers is one thing... Consistently missing layups or jumping in the air with the ball and coming down with the ball for a travel (on multiple occasions) is another.
I am over this. Live in LA LA Land and think that he is a premier offensive player. Just because I speak negatively about the kid's offensive game doesn't mean I hate him. He will be alot better once he learns how to hit a layup. Until then, he is very limited in what he can do.
Any chance there's some sort of middle ground between "he sucks on offense" and "premier offensive player"? No one calling you out has said he was premier, only that he didn't suck which is what you said.
Quote from: copious1218 on December 13, 2011, 02:45:51 PM
Any chance there's some sort of middle ground between "he sucks on offense" and "premier offensive player"? No one calling you out has said he was premier, only that he didn't suck which is what you said.
Agree. There is an entire galaxy between "premier offensive player" and "can't make a layup". Vander lives in that galaxy, along with, dare I say, the vast majority of D1 college players.
So I guess "sucks", "not good", "below average" mean different things to difference people.
Offense is about putting the ball in the basket.
"Great" players can score in a variety of fashions
"Above average" players are great at one thing (lights out shooter) or solid in a couple of areas.
"Average" players can score in one fashion. They are good jump shooters but thats it. Like a Cubes
"Below average" aren't good in any area.
I see Blue in the "Below average" range. He is not a good jump shooter. He can not finish. And at many moments, he makes poor decisions while driving. He is very athletic and can get to the rim at will. But that alone doesn't score points. I think "below average" players suck. And I think most of you would think so too if he wasn't wearing Marquette across his chest.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 04:20:12 PM
So I guess "sucks", "not good", "below average" mean different things to difference people.
Offense is about putting the ball in the basket.
"Great" players can score in a variety of fashions
"Above average" players are great at one thing (lights out shooter) or solid in a couple of areas.
"Average" players can score in one fashion. They are good jump shooters but thats it. Like a Cubes
"Below average" aren't good in any area.
I see Blue in the "Below average" range. He is not a good jump shooter. He can not finish. And at many moments, he makes poor decisions while driving. He is very athletic and can get to the rim at will. But that alone doesn't score points. I think "below average" players suck. And I think most of you would think so too if he wasn't wearing Marquette across his chest.
Exactly. Offense is about putting the ball in the basket. Blue is shooting 44% from 3PT, 48% from the field, and 67% from the line. So he is doing exactly what you define offense as. If he is not exceeding your expectations, maybe that's your problem not his.
I'm very happy that Blue is wearing an MU uniform and not a UW uniform. I was thinking that during the MU/UW game.
Were you a critic of McNeal his first year and second year? I'd assume so. Wade his first year: Ya he could drive and finish, but that was about it - problems with the handle, defense (other than jumping passing lanes for steals), no reliable jump shot. I liked these guys despite their limits... that is what college is about, seeing these guys add pieces to their games from year to year. Few come in as well rounded players.
I for one see Blue as a young player that could easily exceed McNeal's all around game. I don't think he'll break McNeals scoring record, but then again, the 3 amigos were in a special situation where the 3 of them had to start and score from freshman year on. But Blue already is solid on D, is great in the open court. He needs to work on his jumper and finishing. No doubt, but it looks like he is doing a better job this year than last year already.
Again. Stats are great for ESPN but not really evaluating a player. We all know he can beat up HS teams. But when he plays higher level teams, he really struggles. Look at his stats from his first 9 games of last season. Looked pretty good. But when he played better teams, he really crapped the bed. And that is what I am getting after. I honestly have nothing against the kid. I just see similar bad habits as last season. So I am not going to get jazzed about some good stats when I see he is still struggling doing certain things.
Stats are not going to show how he gets caught in the air too often or that he has a hard time getting a shot off a shot blocker or that he can't go left. If he magically learns how to fix these things by conference play, I would love it. Knowing that it takes time, I have this feeling that he will struggle again in BE play.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 04:45:10 PM
Again. Stats are great for ESPN but not really evaluating a player. We all know he can beat up HS teams. But when he plays higher level teams, he really struggles. Look at his stats from his first 9 games of last season. Looked pretty good. But when he played better teams, he really crapped the bed. And that is what I am getting after. I honestly have nothing against the kid. I just see similar bad habits as last season. So I am not going to get jazzed about some good stats when I see he is still struggling doing certain things.
Stats are not going to show how he gets caught in the air too often or that he has a hard time getting a shot off a shot blocker or that he can't go left. If he magically learns how to fix these things by conference play, I would love it. Knowing that it takes time, I have this feeling that he will struggle again in BE play.
This is my last response, because frankly, I do not like arguing on the internet and this thread is about James.
However, if you refuse to use stats, and are instead using your own eye test, no one can really argue with you because you have a subjective standard.
As to the objective standard, yes - his current stats are against lesser teams, but when comparing them against our own players, those players have also played the same teams. I can agree with you on one thing though - let's wait and see how he does against BE competition. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I don't really understand the harsh response on Van's play. I would think if anybody deserves to be on the chopping block it would be Junior?
Anyway, hope things come around for Dominic, he was a terrific MU player!
Quote from: ErickJD08 on December 13, 2011, 04:20:12 PM
So I guess "sucks", "not good", "below average" mean different things to difference people.
Offense is about putting the ball in the basket.
"Great" players can score in a variety of fashions
"Above average" players are great at one thing (lights out shooter) or solid in a couple of areas.
"Average" players can score in one fashion. They are good jump shooters but thats it. Like a Cubes
"Below average" aren't good in any area.
I see Blue in the "Below average" range. He is not a good jump shooter. He can not finish. And at many moments, he makes poor decisions while driving. He is very athletic and can get to the rim at will. But that alone doesn't score points. I think "below average" players suck. And I think most of you would think so too if he wasn't wearing Marquette across his chest.
I think this is more of a argument in linguistics than facts.
Using your scale, the following players "Suck": Jamail Jones, Derrick Wilson, Junior Cadougan, Jamil Wilson, Chris Otule and a ton of former players.
I would say none of those players suck, even though each has holes in his game. You would say they suck because they are below average in several areas (shooting, defense, finishing).