Some good stuff here....
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigeast/2015/03/11/high-jumper-wally-ellenson-marquette-basketball-track-and-field/24748723/
There doesn't seem to be much question that he's going to play basketball for his final two years.
I was trying to put his jumps into perspective for my wife last night. Thinking that jumping over Luke is his starting height is just ridiculous.
I know not many have talked about his basketball ability, but I think he will be a contributor. I have a feeling he'll be technically sound on defense and he was regarded as a good three-point shooter in high school. That he might be the best pure athlete on the team (as well as a shot blocker) tells me that while he may not be one of our best players, he can certainly be a guy that contributes more than just getting his little brother onto campus.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 12, 2015, 09:12:54 AM
That he might be the best pure athlete on the team (as well as a shot blocker) tells me that while he may not be one of our best players, he can certainly be a guy that contributes more than just getting his little brother onto campus.
That perception should be a chip on his shoulder.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 12, 2015, 09:12:54 AM
I was trying to put his jumps into perspective for my wife last night. Thinking that jumping over Luke is his starting height is just ridiculous.
I know not many have talked about his basketball ability, but I think he will be a contributor. I have a feeling he'll be technically sound on defense and he was regarded as a good three-point shooter in high school. That he might be the best pure athlete on the team (as well as a shot blocker) tells me that while he may not be one of our best players, he can certainly be a guy that contributes more than just getting his little brother onto campus.
Top end: Juan Anderson with a little more offense.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 12, 2015, 09:16:57 AMTop end: Juan Anderson with a little more offense.
Yup, and if he's Juan Anderson with confidence from three, I'd be overjoyed to have him as our 6th or 7th man for the next two years.
With Wally, the one thing to consider that might not immediately come to mind is that he CAN BE an excellent offensive rebounder. Not only can he leap and contort his body to get to the ball, but he is also fearless (to a scary degree) and if he's ordered or allowed to crash the o-glass, he can o-rebound at a high rate.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 12, 2015, 09:12:54 AM
I was trying to put his jumps into perspective for my wife last night. Thinking that jumping over Luke is his starting height is just ridiculous.
I know not many have talked about his basketball ability, but I think he will be a contributor. I have a feeling he'll be technically sound on defense and he was regarded as a good three-point shooter in high school. That he might be the best pure athlete on the team (as well as a shot blocker) tells me that while he may not be one of our best players, he can certainly be a guy that contributes more than just getting his little brother onto campus.
Unless he's improved since his minny days. Defense is the main thing that kept him off the court. At least JJJ has instincts. Small sample but he couldn't shoot either. Very athletic though so with some size next ear hopefull it creates lanes and space for athletic drives.
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on March 12, 2015, 10:33:16 AM
Unless he's improved since his minny days. Defense is the main thing that kept him off the court. At least JJJ has instincts. Small sample but he couldn't shoot either. Very athletic though so with some size next ear hopefull it creates lanes and space for athletic drives.
Maybe I should put more stock in it, but he was buried as a freshman on a very good Minnesota team and never had much of a chance. Pitino never gave him a chance his sophomore year, so I'm hoping a year off to get acquainted with the system will help him find the strengths of his game. His defense, rebounding, and jumper were all strengths coming into college.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 12, 2015, 10:58:04 AM
Maybe I should put more stock in it, but he was buried as a freshman on a very good Minnesota team and never had much of a chance. Pitino never gave him a chance his sophomore year, so I'm hoping a year off to get acquainted with the system will help him find the strengths of his game. His defense, rebounding, and jumper were all strengths coming into college.
You are correct to not put much stock into the happenings at Minnesota. Injury and Tubby's dementia one year, new coach w/veteran backcourt the next.
Biggest concern for me is that I believe it's in his nature to be a usage guy of around 24%+. This may or may not be needed next year... if he can find comfort around 20% and limit long 2FGA's, he's GOLDEN.
At the very least he should make a run at Trend Blackledge's record Sportscenter Top 10/per 40 minutes.