Oso is being slighted

[PGsHeroes32]

Hard to take any of the lists seriously

Oso made the top 10 for the Karl Malone award which is the 10 best PFs

A position he simply doesnt play.

[Tyler COLEk]

I think Oso has some legitimate star potential at the NBA level. It's possible we're seeing just the tip of the iceberg with his ball-handling and driving abilities. If he significantly develops those attributes and adds a decent jump shot, he's a star.

[MuggsyB]

I think Oso has some legitimate star potential at the NBA level. It's possible we're seeing just the tip of the iceberg with his ball-handling and driving abilities. If he significantly develops those attributes and adds a decent jump shot, he's a star.

I hope you're right.  It will be interesting to watch him in a more free flowing game. 

[JTJ3]

If Oso is drafted by a team with a star guard or wing and multiple perimeter scorers, he will be awesome.  Someone like OKC where they have SGA, Jalen Williams and Chet where Oso can just defend, pass and play his elite role player game.

[BM1090]

What? He has the exact opposite body type.

Totally different body type, but I understand Muggsy's comparison. He can defend 1/5 and excels when the offense is running through him because he reads the defense so well. Body types are different, but look and feel for the game is the same.

[JWags85]

Hard to take any of the lists seriously

Oso made the top 10 for the Karl Malone award which is the 10 best PFs

A position he simply doesnt play.

I always think the lists are for the 5-8 true contenders (for the Wooden) and then 2-3 for positional lists, and then the rest is just PR fluff for major programs or schools that sportswriters push.

If you are really good player from a top 25, much less mid major, program but aren't 1st/2nd team AA caliber, you'll likely not make the list but someone from Duke/UNC/Zona/etc... who isn't as good will

[Jay Bee]

Muggsy, you watch more basketball than I do.  What is your assessment of Oso's NBA prospects?

My criteria is watching NBA playoffs.  Can I picture MU player X playing defense for an NBA playoff team?  With OMAX, and now Oso, the answer for me is yes.   I can easily see them guarding Bam and Jimmy, getting a switch, and being able to defend the switch.   Or Jokic and Murray.   Naturally, they both still have much to learn, but I can still see it.

Brooke Lopez couldn't shoot 3s coming out of college.  I think Oso can figure out shooting from distance.

Lopez - crazy high usage and attempted treys. Just didn't need them.

Oso - low usage & %shots compared to most wooden guys.

[Tyler COLEk]

If Oso is drafted by a team with a star guard or wing and multiple perimeter scorers, he will be awesome.  Someone like OKC where they have SGA, Jalen Williams and Chet where Oso can just defend, pass and play his elite role player game.

ESPN's most recent mock has him going to OKC and that would be amazing. https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39281094/2024-nba-mock-draft-21-college-prospects-scouts-monitoring

[brewcity77]

Hard to take any of the lists seriously

Oso made the top 10 for the Karl Malone award which is the 10 best PFs

A position he simply doesnt play.

Not sure how they pick, but maybe Marquette submitted him for that. The competition is probably Filipowski & LeDee, which feels far easier to overcome than Edey for the Kareem center award.

[Newsdreams]

I'd like to see him stay another year and work on developing a jump shot

Midrange!

[Jockey]

Can he become a dominant glass cleaner?

No.

[MU82]

I always think the lists are for the 5-8 true contenders (for the Wooden) and then 2-3 for positional lists, and then the rest is just PR fluff for major programs or schools that sportswriters push.

If you are really good player from a top 25, much less mid major, program but aren't 1st/2nd team AA caliber, you'll likely not make the list but someone from Duke/UNC/Zona/etc... who isn't as good will

And let's not forget that we do have a guy on that list - Kolek. Marquette getting two of the top 20, that'd really have been something, especially given that Oso's stats do not jump out at you.

Oso can, and probably will, have a long NBA career even if he never develops a shot outside the paint. Tall, athletic, active, smart, switchable defender, great handle, great passer, decent moves around the rim. He needs to get stronger, for sure, but I could see him playing a long time in the league.

Claxton is a pretty darn good comparison, Wags.

[rgoode57]

Oso may never develop into an NBA star, but he will have a long and profitable career. Always a place for a 6'10" guy who can pass, defend, run the floor, and has a high bb IQ. He may be a role player and he may move around from team to team, but he will be in the league for quite a while.

[HutchwasClutch]

Oso may never develop into an NBA star, but he will have a long and profitable career. Always a place for a 6'10" guy who can pass, defend, run the floor, and has a high bb IQ. He may be a role player and he may move around from team to team, but he will be in the league for quite a while.

I agree with this outlook. So happy he's put himself in this position.  He'll be an outstanding representative of MU.   Just a great, hardworking, selfless, humble kid.  I hope Hamilton and Amadou especially listen and watch him closely.