SI.com says Deonte Burton Top Soph Breakout Candidate

[CTWarrior]

Listed as number 1 of 5

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/09/08/deonte-burton-kennedy-meeks-breakout-sophomores

[Johnny B]

I like how it says we're in a high major conference.

[warriorchick]

Okay, stupid question:

Is "shot-fiending" a real term, or is it a typo?

[g0lden3agle]

Okay, stupid question:

Is "shot-fiending" a real term, or is it a typo?

I had never heard that term before, and google seems to think this is the first article it's ever been used in.

[Aughnanure]

Okay, stupid question:

Is "shot-fiending" a real term, or is it a typo?

Yeah, no, that's not a real term. Fiend is like a demon or enemy...so really doesn't make sense in that context. Though fiend can also mean to crave or desire something (usually negatively though, like "he's a sex fiend"), so maybe making the point that he craves to shoot a lot and dominates possession. It's kind of weird.

[warriorchick]

Yeah, no, that's not a real term. Fiend is like a demon or enemy...so really doesn't make sense in that context. Though fiend can also mean to crave or desire something (usually negatively though, like "he's a sex fiend"), so maybe making the point that he craves to shoot a lot and dominates possession. It's kind of weird.

Um, I know what "fiend" means....I thought that perhaps it was simply used in a way I wasn't familiar with.  My guess is they meant to say "Shot-finding".

[Skatastrophy]

Yeah, no, that's not a real term. Fiend is like a demon or enemy...so really doesn't make sense in that context. Though fiend can also mean to crave or desire something (usually negatively though, like "he's a sex fiend"), so maybe making the point that he craves to shoot a lot and dominates possession. It's kind of weird.

I'm fiending for a burrito right now. No lie.

[Spotcheck Billy]

I'm fiending for a burrito right now. No lie.

Chipotle or Qdoba?

[tower912]

So, Deonte was a conscience-less gunner as a freshman.   I agree with that.   But he does have the opportunity to be a high-volume scorer on this team.   I hope he can play defense and stay out of foul trouble. 

[Texas Western]

Listed as number 1 of 5

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/09/08/deonte-burton-kennedy-meeks-breakout-sophomores

I want to see Deonte and Duane on the floor together as much as possible.

[mujivitz06]

Although I haven't heard it before, there doesn't seem to be anything about the term shot-fiending that is used incorrectly in this case. I think it's correct.

[THRILLHO]

So, Deonte was a conscience-less gunner as a freshman.   I agree with that.   But he does have the opportunity to be a high-volume scorer on this team.   I hope he can play defense and stay out of foul trouble.  

Not to mention that after losing Otule and Gardner (and not replacing them) he may be playing defense on bigger guys, potentially not only making him more foul prone but also wearing him out more. That could harm his efficiency even more than you might expect by the increase in minutes.

I should say I'm optimistic he will have a breakthrough year but it is not as simple as just increasing minutes, there are more variables at play.

[brandx]

Um, I know what "fiend" means....I thought that perhaps it was simply used in a way I wasn't familiar with.  My guess is they meant to say "Shot-finding".

Similar to ball hog.
Haven't heard it before, but would seem to be someone who is always looking for his shot (i.e. sex-fiend).

[GB Warrior]

Early in the year might be tough sledding, since he'll get stuck at (eek) the 4 unless Juan and Teve are also in. Once Luke enters the picture, he can play more and more at the 3, which will help, since he'll be playing against guys that aren't banging inside quite as often.

[GooooMarquette]

Shot-fiending = latest Scoop meme.

[warriorchick]

Shot-fiending = latest Scoop meme.

I am going with it.

I have to say though, I hope I see a lot of dunk-fiending as well from him this year.

[D'Lo Brown]

Um, I know what "fiend" means....I thought that perhaps it was simply used in a way I wasn't familiar with.  My guess is they meant to say "Shot-finding".

Bingo. "Fiending" is slang usually used in a drug or drug-related context. As in, "I'm fiending for some munchies, maaan!". You know the feeling.

The author meant that Deonte is addicted to taking shots, he just can't get it off his mind. It was a really creative play on words, I thought, sure painted an interesting picture.

[NersEllenson]

Burton will be a stud this year, regardless of what position he is playing, and forced to defend.  Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him leave MU after his Junior year.

The best prospect at MU since Wade.  Burton has rare athletic gifts that D Wade had - that none of Wes, Rel, Zar, Jimmy or Jae had.  Also think Deonte has a great mental make up, attitude and work ethic - all of those point me toward saying he'll be a legitimate early entry candidate...and I'd be shocked if he came out after Junior year if he didn't get drafted.

[forgetful]

Burton will be a stud this year, regardless of what position he is playing, and forced to defend.  Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him leave MU after his Junior year.

The best prospect at MU since Wade.  Burton has rare athletic gifts that D Wade had - that none of Wes, Rel, Zar, Jimmy or Jae had.  Also think Deonte has a great mental make up, attitude and work ethic - all of those point me toward saying he'll be a legitimate early entry candidate...and I'd be shocked if he came out after Junior year if he didn't get drafted.

He needs to learn to play considerably better defense, understand team offense and become a better outside shooter.

I agree he has probably the most potential since Wade (but Vander had a lot of potential also...never developed the shot), but without improvement in these categories he won't make it.

[susie90]

I agree with this article whole-heartedly; absolutely cannot wait to see him play this year.  Go get-em Deonte!  I've spoken to him a few times too, seems very level-headed, grounded.

[NersEllenson]

He needs to learn to play considerably better defense, understand team offense and become a better outside shooter.

I agree he has probably the most potential since Wade (but Vander had a lot of potential also...never developed the shot), but without improvement in these categories he won't make it.

His defense will be fine.  As far as "understanding team offense," well, last season, the way lineups were constructed - Burton pretty much HAD to launch a shot every time he was in the game.  I suspect he will be more selective as his career moves on - yet I'm not sure he needs to shoot less. Go to guys, are go to guys.

Mentioning Vander Blue's potential and Burton's are in two different area codes. Blue struggled mightily as a freshman and sophomore.  Blue rarely could create his own shot.  Burton can get his own shot off anytime he wants, and generally a pretty good shot.  Burton is a bull - Blue needs about 20 pounds of muscle added while not losing a step of quickness to have a shot at the league.  The picture I saw of him in the Celtics uniform looked like he dropped about 10 pounds from his Junior season at MU - very slight build - that doesn't look NBA ready whatsoever.

[HutchwasClutch]

His defense will be fine.  As far as "understanding team offense," well, last season, the way lineups were constructed - Burton pretty much HAD to launch a shot every time he was in the game.  I suspect he will be more selective as his career moves on - yet I'm not sure he needs to shoot less. Go to guys, are go to guys.

I agree about his shot selection mentality and the teams crying need for it last year however, he's always going to jack up a lot.  He's tremendously gifted offensively and he knows it.  Kevin O'Neill very poignantly stated during a broadcast last year, he'll never lead the team in assists! 

[HutchwasClutch]

I agree w/ this SI writer unfortunately that Nigel Hayes has break out potential.  You couldn't help but be very impressed with him.  Every game I saw him, I just kept thinking, why did he have to choose UW?   

[NersEllenson]

I agree about his shot selection mentality and the teams crying need for it last year however, he's always going to jack up a lot.  He's tremendously gifted offensively and he knows it.  Kevin O'Neill very poignantly stated during a broadcast last year, he'll never lead the team in assists! 

Was a great quote....and KO also said Burton is a guy who can give you 20 and 10 the moment he walks in the gym.  Yes, a little hyperbole, but the point was made.  O'Neill was glowing about Burton in the games he called.  Wojo also had high praise for Deonte in his initial impressions of players on the team.  Deonte is a stud.  And studs stand out from the rest.

[forgetful]

His defense will be fine.  As far as "understanding team offense," well, last season, the way lineups were constructed - Burton pretty much HAD to launch a shot every time he was in the game.  I suspect he will be more selective as his career moves on - yet I'm not sure he needs to shoot less. Go to guys, are go to guys.

Mentioning Vander Blue's potential and Burton's are in two different area codes. Blue struggled mightily as a freshman and sophomore.  Blue rarely could create his own shot.  Burton can get his own shot off anytime he wants, and generally a pretty good shot.  Burton is a bull - Blue needs about 20 pounds of muscle added while not losing a step of quickness to have a shot at the league.  The picture I saw of him in the Celtics uniform looked like he dropped about 10 pounds from his Junior season at MU - very slight build - that doesn't look NBA ready whatsoever.

First,  There is a big difference between having to look for a shot and having to launch a shot.  Maybe he was the best option on the floor at times, but that doesn't mean throw up off balance contested shots early in the shot clock, which he was very prone to do.  Mind as well just hand the ball to the defender.

As for potential with Vander Blue and Burton.  Walking through the door as Freshman, Vander had a lot more potential.  He was on Team USA and was praised for his extremely good defense and athleticism.  He was NBA quality in both those departments.  He also could create his shot off the bounce, except his jump shot was so bad no one respected it, which allowed them to step back and deny his ability to create his own shot. 

If Vander had developed a truly dangerous/respected jumpshot he would be in the NBA for a long long time.  But he didn't.

Similarly, Burton has unparalleled athleticism.  But he lacks the height for his position.  That means he needs to play SMART (on TEAM offense and defense), and develop a dangerous outside shot.  If he does, he will be in the NBA for a long time.  If he doesn't he may, like Vander, be fighting for a cup of tea.