Gardner needs to watch a lot of

[Doris Burkes Thong]

Zach Randolph. I've been watching quite a few of the Memphis Grizzlies playoff games and Davante in terms of physical make-up and skill set is very similar to Randolph. Randolph is a tad bit taller though. They both aren't going to win a modeling contest with their bodies, both don't get much lift off of the ground, they both have good footwork(great footwork in Randolph's case), they both have a really nice stroke, and Davante seems to have that same craftiness around the hoop just like Randolph. I really think Davante can be a college version of Zach Randolph in the years to come if he can continue on the progression he's on and keep his weight in check. Randolph struggled with weight issues in his career and has molded himself into a really good NBA player....3rd team All-NBA this year. Now, I don't expect Gardner to be the next Zach Randolph(he was a mid first round pick and left just after his frosh year at MSU), however, I think he could become a lot like him at the collegiate level and really make MU quite formidable on the interior. Thoughts?

[We R Final Four]

Agreed.  Good points.  Keeping that weight in check is a must.

[mviale]

Really needs a strong mentor to help him with eating discipline and exercise regiment. This kid could be special.

[4everwarriors]

Right now Gardner and Randolph would bankrupt one of F*ckin's favorite dining establishments, the Old Country Buffet.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

I've heard a lot of worried comments about Devante since he joined MU that he needs to watch what he eats and get into better shape.  I am not worried.  Over the last couple of years he has lost probably 75 lbs.  His stamina also dramatically increased from just last summer.  Devante has shown that he wants to get into better shape and he has done it.  Clearly,  he needs to continue to get into better shape,  but I don't think he is as far away as others.  After all,  he is not called the "Ox" because he just some big fat guy....he has a ton of muscle!  I think he is going to be light years ahead of where he was last year when the season begins.  With the amazing progress he has made since high school,  I see in his future the distinction of becoming MU's all-time greatest athletic improvement.  Mark it down,  the "Ox" is going to become a beastly Minotaur!

[77ncaachamps]

Huge Difference: Randolph has LONG arms!

[Marqus Howard]

Davante was tweeting recently about how people think he plays like a right handed Zach Randolph. He also said he tries to play like Dirk Nowitzki, fwiw.

[GGGG]

Well, yeah there are a number of differences between him and Randolph, but I do think the comparison is fair.  They are both undersized (height-wise), neither has a great deal of lift, and both seem to have a natural touch near the basket.  

Davante had decent footwork last year, but he could really take it to another level by working on his footwork, while also maintaining his strength and conditioning.

[Goose]

Gardner is light years away from being compared to ZR. Even if you take ZR as Frosh in college and DG other than size/weight they are not similar players.

[nyg]

Randolph was heavy during his college year and lost the weight his first two years in the NBA.  I believe he was a Parade/McDonalds AA coming out of high school. 

He is now an absolute stud and has gotten thru his problems which caused him to be traded three times. 

Memphis has seemed to take him in and it shows in his play.  Plus his 13 million dollar annual salary helps out.

Cannot compare him and Gardner, not even close.  But, Gardner can become a quality college player once he gets in shape. 

[GGGG]

No one is saying that they are equal talent wise...just that they have similar games.

[PGsHeroes32]

No one is saying that they are equal talent wise...just that they have similar games.

No point in mentioning this. Some people just dont understand and over analyze every post.

[karavotsos]

I'm cool if he earns the nickname Dee Bo next year.  It's about time someone tried to give the guy a nickname.

[brewcity77]

I'm cool if he earns the nickname Dee Bo next year.  It's about time someone tried to give the guy a nickname.

Erm...Big Ox?

And while somewhat off-topic, where does the "Bo" in Z-Bo come from? Anyone know?

[reinko]

Erm...Big Ox?

And while somewhat off-topic, where does the "Bo" in Z-Bo come from? Anyone know?

Middle school teammate gave it to him, saying he got it from a movie, and it just stuck.

[Skatastrophy]

Middle school teammate gave it to him, saying he got it from a movie, and it just stuck.

Maybe from Deebo, from the movie Friday