DJO Pro Potential

[NersEllenson]

This topic has been discussed before, but am curious to see what Scooper's thoughts are on DJO's pro potential - particularily those who saw him play at the ProAm.  Granted defense in Summer League isn't a top priority..but from all reports I've read..it sounds like DJO was clearly at another level...

I like his pro potential, and from what I saw last year felt he was the best prospect at MU since D-Wade.  Like Wade - DJO doesn't exactly have prototypical size/position..but just think he's too talented to not get drafted/be a player in the league.  Discuss.

[GGGG]

Wade maybe slightly undersized, but he makes up for it with his explosive, out of this world, athleticism.  DJO doesn't have that and in fact seems slow off the dribble.

He can put the ball in the basket though.  We'll see.

[TallTitan34]

Also keep in mind he has 2 years to improve his game to take it to the next level.

[HoopsMalone]

I can see DJO as a spot up shooter in the NBA and use athleticism to stay in front of guys on defense.  I think that is how he should market himself if he gets good enough in 2 years.

[QuetteHoops]

DWade has pretty decent height for a NBA SG.


I think DJO has the talent to play in the NBA but a 6'2'' SG usually doesn't work. I think he needs to eventually find some PG skills if he really wants to make that jump. To say DJO is slow off the dribble his ridiculous, there are few guys in the nation that can stay in front of him he is lightning quick so that's not the problem and obviously either his is shooting. Again i think it all comes down to his height and if he can develop some PG skills.

[NersEllenson]

Wade maybe slightly undersized, but he makes up for it with his explosive, out of this world, athleticism.  DJO doesn't have that and in fact seems slow off the dribble.

He can put the ball in the basket though.  We'll see.

Good point about Wade's athleticism - in comparison to DJO.  DJO has great straight line speed, but not nearly as good as Wade as far as stopping on a dime, getting low to go baseline, etc.  DJO does have a good spin move, and I'll bet with another year in the MU strength conditioning program..he gets even more explosive.  Maybe I'm just really, really an optimist - but I think DJO will put up 20ppg this year...likely be First Team All Big-East, and maybe even have a legitimate decision to make about leaving early....hopefully he stays for Senior year as that team could be ridiculously talented...

[QuetteHoops]

The more I think about it, who would have thought Lazar would be drafted in the 1st as a 6'6ish SF. DJO has the work ethic why won't he be a 1st round pick too  

[brewcity77]

DW3 is only 6'3", I'd say that 6'4" is the smallish size, with 6'5" or 6'6" being the preferred height. His uncanny athleticism is what makes him stand out, he definitely doesn't have decent height though. Now if he were a point...but he's not.

As far as DJO, he reminds me of Ben Gordon. Great range, can get to the hoop when he needs to, undersized for a shooting guard but not a good enough handle to play the point. All that being said, Gordon was a lottery pick and one of the best sixth men in the league, something I could see DJO replicating. He needs to show that he can shoot reliably from NBA range, but usually what you need to be a high pick is a few things that stand out. For him, he has three attributes in which he really excels. Great spot-up shooter, excellent in-line speed, and maybe the best pump fake in the NCAAs at the moment. If he can improve his handle a bit, he could very well develop into a lottery pick, and based on raw talent alone, I would be very surprised if he didn't end up going in the first round of one of the next two drafts. He is undoubtedly our most physically gifted player since Wade.

[willie warrior]

Definite Pro potential. Two areas he can improve on: his handle, in particular when driving, and his defense.

If he does improve in those two areas, he definitely will be a first round pick. This year needs to be his break out year, and I expect him to do so.

[ATWizJr]

DJO reminds me of a Piston playere in the Laimbeer/Thomas Days, Vinny somebody or other, last name escapes me. 

Was instant offense and was nicknamed the microwave 'cause he heated up so fast.  I think that's the type of role DJO could do well in.

[Ready2Fly]

Hopefully he learned a ton from CP3's pg camp, because that's where he'll need to play in the NBA.  If he can refine his game at that position (ball handling, ft shooting, etc.), he'd be a great backup pg right away for a team like the Heat.  He would play the Derek Fisher role.  Wade and LeBron will be bringing the ball up anyway.  All he would do is shoot open set shots from 25 feet and d up.  He wouldn't have to initiate offense at all.

[NersEllenson]

As far as DJO, he reminds me of Ben Gordon. Great range, can get to the hoop when he needs to, undersized for a shooting guard but not a good enough handle to play the point. All that being said, Gordon was a lottery pick and one of the best sixth men in the league, something I could see DJO replicating. He needs to show that he can shoot reliably from NBA range, but usually what you need to be a high pick is a few things that stand out. For him, he has three attributes in which he really excels. Great spot-up shooter, excellent in-line speed, and maybe the best pump fake in the NCAAs at the moment. If he can improve his handle a bit, he could very well develop into a lottery pick, and based on raw talent alone, I would be very surprised if he didn't end up going in the first round of one of the next two drafts. He is undoubtedly our most physically gifted player since Wade.

Think this is a great comparison/analysis...I don't know that DJO could ever elevate into the lottery..but think he could fall in that 12-20 range in the first round (if he stays for senior year and continues to develop)

[NersEllenson]

DJO reminds me of a Piston playere in the Laimbeer/Thomas Days, Vinny somebody or other, last name escapes me. 

Was instant offense and was nicknamed the microwave 'cause he heated up so fast.  I think that's the type of role DJO could do well in.

Vinnie Johnson...the Mircowave..good call..DJO more athletic than Vinnie tho

[mikem91288]

I think he has a shot to get drafted, like Ners I'm as optimistic, almost to a fault more than just about any fan. This guy has a great 3 point shot, for a JUCO he already is well known after just one season with us. I don't think he will be able to leave early. What about Jimmy? Is he straight to Europe or does he have a shot?

[HoopsMalone]

I think he has a shot to get drafted, like Ners I'm as optimistic, almost to a fault more than just about any fan. This guy has a great 3 point shot, for a JUCO he already is well known after just one season with us. I don't think he will be able to leave early. What about Jimmy? Is he straight to Europe or does he have a shot?

I think the Butler has a chance if he comes out and knocks down shots this year.  He has a decent SF NBA body to pick up as a James Posey/Tony Allen type of defender.  He has the athleticism and strength to be a good defender in the NBA and can be coached up to do so.  He probably won't be much of a slasher as he does not explode to the rim on a drive, but rather makes tough lay ins.  Jimmy's drives might get sent back in the NBA, so he would have to show a consistent mid-range shot.  I actually liked what I saw of Jimmy's mid-range game at the end of last season. 

He could easily have a Wes-type senior year though and shoot the ball really well.  I'd love to see Buzz consistently putting a guy in the NBA to get as a recruiting talking point.

[MuMark]

Wade measured at 6'3 3/4 without shoes and 6'4 3/4 with shoes at the predraft camp.

So he plays at a shade under 6'5. Not bad at all. If you take into account his wing span he is not really undersized for his position.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

// Awaiting MU Avenue's take.

He was right about Wes. He's a genius.

[StillWarriors]

Wade maybe slightly undersized, but he makes up for it with his explosive, out of this world, athleticism.  DJO doesn't have that and in fact seems slow off the dribble.

He can put the ball in the basket though.  We'll see.

Not saying he's at DWade's level, but DJO looked pretty explosive on that putback slam that led to Buzz's legendary sideline antics--one of the highlights of the whole season!

[HoopsMalone]

Not saying he's at DWade's level, but DJO looked pretty explosive on that putback slam that led to Buzz's legendary sideline antics--one of the highlights of the whole season!

Maybe the extra exposure for DJO will be another positive stemming from those Youtube hits.

[RawdogDX]

Aren't there plenty of other guys in the league we can compare him to?  I hate how every mu player gets his athleticism compared to a guy who could end up a top 10 player all time.

[NersEllenson]

// Awaiting MU Avenue's take.

He was right about Wes. He's a genius.

I'll private message MU Avenue to get his take on DJO - will let you know what I find out.  It might take a few weeks though.  From what I understand, he is at the Las Vegas summer league working as a consultant to all 30 NBA teams helping them decipher the posers from the prospects and diamonds in the rough...

[RawdogDX]

I'll private message MU Avenue to get his take on DJO - will let you know what I find out.  It might take a few weeks though.  From what I understand, he is at the Las Vegas summer league working as a consultant to all 30 NBA teams helping them decipher the posers from the prospects and diamonds in the rough...

I think he's busy negotiating with several NBA scouting firms.  All indicators say that he's taking his talents to south beach.

[MerrittsMustache]

Aren't there plenty of other guys in the league we can compare him to?  I hate how every mu player gets his athleticism compared to a guy who could end up a top 10 player all time.

Eddie House. Not very big, not really a PG, not really a SG, but he can score the basketball.

[NersEllenson]

I think he's busy negotiating with several NBA scouting firms.  All indicators say that he's taking his talents to south beach.

Hilarious!

Back on topic...could DJO be a Michael Redd type of player?  I realize Redd had the 6'6 frame, more protypical size..but does DJO's athleticism make up for the 4" height deficit when compared to Redd?  Still really like the Ben Gordon comparison though....

[HoopsMalone]

Tony Delk was a small player from Kentucky who went to the NBA and lit it up sometimes.  DJO could be like him too.