Wes Matthews after graduation vs. Vander Blue now - who's better prepared?

[Niv Berkowitz]

I can't help but keep going back to wanting to compare Vander to Wes Matthews as I make the case for why he should stay in school and try to improve your draft stock.

Now, some might say (right or wrong) that Wes is the wrong guy to use since he never actually did get drafted. He HAS, however, had a very successful NBA career no doubt. And, Wes' senior season proved to be a game-changer that got him even considered. So that got me to thinking:

Wes Matthews' stats:
fg   fga   %   3fg   3fga   %   ft   fta   %   pts
65   163   0.399   14   32   0.438   63   80   0.788   9
133   304   0.438   23   80   0.288   141   183   0.770   12.6
121   279   0.434   31   67   0.463   132   167   0.790   11.3
193   406   0.475   42   114   0.368   213   257   0.829   18.3

Vander's stats thru three years:                           
69   175   0.394   4   25   0.160   45   74   0.608   5.1
100   242   0.413   8   31   0.258   85   120   0.708   8.4
183   403   0.454   40   132   0.303   96   127   0.756   14.8

To me, I think Wes was a better prepared palyer for the league than Vander is now. I'm not just saying that because of hindsight (although that does help). But, considering the guys are similar in size - on paper - I think Wes' skill set is way more suited for success in the league than Vander. Vander never was a true PG and neither was Wes. Since I just don't see Vander becoming a PG, that leaves the 2-guard spot open, which is also what Wes was - a 2/3 type guy. And, because of Wes' much-greater outside shooting ability, as well as his propensity to drive and get to the line way more than Vander, I don't think this is good for Mr. Blue.

Love the kid and hope he's successful, but like many of us here, I don't agree with this young man's decision.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Wesley fell into a perfect situation in Utah and was WAY more mature physically and mentally. The guy was a specimen. Vander had made an immature decision, IMO. I don't know if he's gonna get drafted, but if he does I certainly hope it's not by the Bulls.

[brewcity77]

Really tough to say. Not many saw Wes as a NBA player, probably less than see Van that way. Many Marquette fans realized Wes had NBA game (and quite a few thought he'd be a better pro than collegiate player) but I don't recall him showing up in many mock drafts, and his age was against him.

I would say pre-draft Wes was more NBA-ready, but I think Vander has more NBA potential. And I'm sure some people will misinterpret what I'm saying there.

[TallTitan34]

Dominic James.

[PGsHeroes32]

Wes, far better shooter from deep and the line. Drives better. Bigger in bulk and height for a SG. Both are good on D but that's what got Wes his start so he has edge there too.

[MUMonster03]

Wes was probably better off. His size allowed him to play at his natural position. Vander may have to develop into a PG to stick since he would be undersized for the 2.

[ecompt]

As erratic as Vander is from outside, he's worse as a ballhandler. He is far from a prototypical NBA point guard.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

As erratic as Vander is from outside, he's worse as a ballhandler. He is far from a prototypical NBA point guard.

Totally agree. I'm not sure anybody could have predicted Wesley's success. But in retrospect, he was a pretty good prospect. I think everybody would have said he was a good candidate to get tried out via free agency. I have a feeling, in retrospect, we won't be saying any of that about Vander. He should have stayed, not to improve his draft standing, but because he's not a professional basketball player in waiting.

[Groin_pull]

It's Wes. Not even close.

[Niv Berkowitz]

Yeah PRN, I remember saying that Wes had the most prototypical NBA skill set of the three. His ability to drive, get to the rack, hit free throws, defend AND hit an outside shot gave him the best chance to succeed, even though as a college player he wasnt the most heralded player to graduate that year.

I've vacillated on Vander's decision between "this isn't remotely smart", moving to "Ok, he does have a shot" and now it's back to my first inclination. Think of the Bucks...who are awful. Could Vander play for them? No chance. He'd never see the court on an abysmal NBA team like the Bucks.

Ugh. I have a bad feeling how the draft night's gonna go down. And I think Vander's going to be like all of our "son" who made a poor decision and must now live with the consequences, meanwhile the rest of us "parents" are saying "what if?". Hope I'm wrong.

[Warriors10]

Wes and it isn't even close.

Wes had the NBA body type/size/length for a 2/3 guard and a better outside game.  Vander has neither.  Ford said it best, Vander can/probably will have to become a PG to play in the NBA.

[MUSF]

It's Wes. Not even close.

+1

However, I don't think Wes is the best comparison. I think Blue and McNeal is a better comparison. Of those two, I think Blue is a better pro prospect.

[Aughnanure]

It's Wes. Not even close.

Yup.

[MU82]

Wes bigger, stronger and far better 3-point shooter. Wes got a chance in Utah in great part because he could be a spot-up 3-point shooter who could help spread the court. Vander? Not so much.