DJO

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

You didn't read the bolded statement from the quote.  Someone said that he is too small to play anything but PG.  As far as his size goes, he could play SG and there are plenty of players around his size that play SG in the NBA.  As for as skill goes, he obviously has alot of work to do but that wasn't my point.

I think the Ben Gordon comparison is pretty good (size wise and basic skill set), I didn't even think of him.

With this said, I don't think their are "plenty of players" out there who play SG at close to 6'. It can be done, but it's a pretty small group.

[Henry Sugar]

No insight into DJO's NBA prospects, but I would like to point out that he currently has an efficiency of 110 with a usage of 23%.  If it holds, that would qualify him as a first year "stud" according to being above average on both usage and efficiency.

As covered previously in October, DJO would be one of only five JUCOs in the revised BE to fall in this category.  In fact, very few JUCO players even count as quality role players in their first year.  

Also, DJO's first year contributions to this point are better than any of the Three Amigos or Lazar.  He has the highest first-year efficiency of any of them, and more usage than any except James.  

Finally, as much as I dislike Buycks' game, he is right there too (99.9, 19%) as being either a quality role player or even a stud.

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2009/10/jucos-in-big-east.html

[Jacks DC]

If you want to make a case for DJO's draft prospects, I think a good comparison in terms of size and skill set might be Jack McClinton.  He was drafted by the Spurs last year (although later waived and now in Turkey).  Pretty similar statistical profile - DJO a slighty better shooting %, McClinton much better from the line though.  Both viewed as undersized SGs by NBA standards, they can defend with quickness and anticipation but not really lock-down on the ball defenders.

[MUrugger]

I'm a big DJO fan and have spoken enthusiastically of his upside from my perspective, but I think we need to be a little cautious about the NBA.  I remember similar talk about all three of the 3 Amigos here early in their career and only one of them has made it.

Also, Ben Gordon was on occasion the point guard for an NCAA champion and was the #3 pick in the entire NBA draft.  And he still can't dribble.  I would also bet that he is closer to 6'0" than the 6'3" that he is listed at.

DJO has a long way to go before he is seen in the same light as Ben Gordon by the NBA.  And I don't think he will ever be considered as a point guard.

[boyonthedock]

Ben gordon is short, but he is also a historically great 3 point shooter. he is in the top in 3pt% in NBA history

[PE8983]

"DJO can drive and finish".
Yeah, once in while.  He uses the glass well (sometimes on reverses) when he can create enough separation.  But, alot of the time (especially in BEast play), he is getting blocked or turning over when he doesn't get that separation.  BEeast officials are also not bailing him out and calling a foul due to his size.  He will have alot harder time finishing in the pros, where they are even bigger and more skilled.

[rocky_warrior]

Whoa.  I think many need to realize that when people here say DJO will play in the NBA, they mean "I think DJO will be NBA material after 3 years at MU".

I don't think anybody is saying he's ready right now.  Just that based on 1/2 a season, they think he'll be ready in 5 more 1/2 seasons   Sure you can pick out all the things he doesn't do well now, but he has plenty of time to get better.

BTW...count me in the DJO has NBA potential camp.

[NersEllenson]

IF DJO sees how hard Jimmy Butler and Lazar Hayward have worked this past off-season, and DJO does the same thing - I see no reason why he can't be NBA ready by the end of his senior season.  Keep in mind he has only been in MU's program/strength/conditioning for about 7 months - he's got about another 30 months in the program to improve and evolve.  He is a much more explosive athlete than Jerel McNeal - McNeal could barely dunk, whereas DJO can throw down with some fierce authority.  Keep in mind D-Wade is only about 6'3" and was thought to be a "what position does he play in the NBA" guy...I don't think DJO will ever be quite as laterally quick as Wade, but I can see his vertical and strength being about equal by the time he leaves MU.  He's already a better shooter than D-Wade ever was at MU.  Now....not even trying to say he'll ever be D-WAde good in the NBA, just pointing out some similarities.

[reinko]

Ben Gordon sucks.

[shaquilvaine]

DJO shot 7-14 yesterday. He shoots an incredibly high percentage.  If you watch the replay, what is even more impressive is that he often passes up many good looks, only to find a better shot.  There is no doubt in my mind that with the game on the line, the ball should be in his hands.  He can get a shot at will.  Brute Force said earlier in the year that DJO should never pass.  I think he will be our leading scorer next year with the offense focused on him.  I love the prospects of Blue and love Butler's game, but DJO has unique ability.  Hopefully he can continue to improve other areas of his game, most notably defense.  When he has games like Depaul where he shoots 2-9, we are in trouble.