Kolek

[JWags85]

So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years.  Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.

The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me.  Steady, consistent, always in the right spots.  I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept.  Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.

[MU82]

So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years.  Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.

The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me.  Steady, consistent, always in the right spots.  I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept.  Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.

The two 3s he hit, and obviously the steal/layup ... if those don't happen, we do not win last night. Period.

He looks like he can be a super-solid player for a long time. Any of those Nova PGs, and Brunson too ... I'd take 'em!

[Goose]

Kolek is going be a guy every other BE fans is going to hate and I love it. He is crafty, confident and full speed guy and is going to annoy the hell out of opponents.

[Markusquette]

He said in the postgame interview he could barely walk after his knee injury after UNH. Love the dedication just to get back into a state where he could run around and compete last night. True Warrior.

[Galway Eagle]

Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball

[Jockey]

So stoked that we get this dude for 4 years.  Vision, passing, good rebounder for a guard, can score, and just fantastic basketball instincts.

The Diener comparisons have been made but he feels way more Arcidiacono/Gillespie to me.  Steady, consistent, always in the right spots.  I was high on him already, even after a shaky UNH game (but then again the whole team outside Morsell was shaky), but 12-5-5 with 2 steals against a team like Illinois last night was just further proof of concept.  Dude is gonna be a rock for Shaka as he rebuilds this program.

I agree. With a couple shooters and a big man with decent hands, Dickie Simpkins prediction of a top 3 assist man might eventually come true.

I also like the Arcidiacono comparison. I don't think he will ever become a Gillespie-quality guy.

[MU82]

Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball

Yep. As is the case with everybody, he has a lot of room for improvement. Lewis and OMP each slammed one off the glass yesterday, too.

[cheebs09]

It seemed Illinois was sitting on his kick out passes towards the end of the game. I'm guessing he will be a little more aggressive scoring when his knee feels better.

[brewcity77]

Kolek is that dude.

[MuggsyB]

Has to get a softer touch for most his layups multiple times he slammed the ball off the backboard rather than payed it in. It's actually the reason I was still terrified when he stole the ball

His balance wasn't quite there on most of his teardrops.  I think it's a touch and footwork issue.  It seems to me the great ones often decelerate slightly once they decide to unleash the floater and are never in a hurry.   If it's a challenge for him to master he could always stop in the lane and take the mini-j.   But yes, more arc and touch is preferable.

[tower912]

Playing MU's schedule, he will have to adjust to Big East defenders vs A-10 defenders.    Saw a little of that last night.    Still hobbling some.     Like so many other things, patience and process.   

[BrewCity83]

I agree. With a couple shooters and a big man with decent hands, Dickie Simpkins prediction of a top 3 assist man might eventually come true.

I also like the Arcidiacono comparison. I don't think he will ever become a Gillespie-quality guy.

Arcidiacono is in his 5th NBA season.  Not a bad comp, if accurate.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Looks like a very solid player.  Happy to have him.  SSS so I am not overly concerned, but the shot is kind of gross.  Very flat.  But definitely willing to give that more time. 

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I just learned this week that a friend from high school's kids are friends of Kolek.  They hung out together in Cumberland, RI. 
No other info to share.

[Uncle Rico]

He'll probably transfer

[Jay Bee]

Arcidiacono is in his 5th NBA season.  Not a bad comp, if accurate.

FR year = high KenPom comp w Collin Gillespie fwiw

[Milkshakes]

Not sure if this has been discussed elsewhere but the steal at the end was really an incredible play. He started moving on that steal 5 or so steps away anticipating that Curbelo would turn back and arrived exactly on time. You just can't teach that.  Big fan of that killer instinct. 

[tower912]

He didn't steal it from Curbelo.

[DoctorV]

Also I think that play was a planned trap play by Shaka, amazing coaching if so.

I remember when Illinois was dribbling up the court I was confused why Shaka wasn't calling for a foul?? As I'm worrying about that Kolek makes the move and the rest is history

[Jockey]

FR year = high KenPom comp w Collin Gillespie fwiw

Much different circumstances. Gillespie only play 14 minutes a game and was surrounded by 5 or 6 NBA players.

That being said, if he greatly improves his 3 pt shooting, he could be a poor man's Gillespie. Styles are somewhat similar.

[Jay Bee]

Much different circumstances. Gillespie only play 14 minutes a game and was surrounded by 5 or 6 NBA players.

That being said, if he greatly improves his 3 pt shooting, he could be a poor man's Gillespie. Styles are somewhat similar.

Nope. Should have clarified — 2018-19 (soph) year Collin is the close comp

[Jockey]

Nope. Should have clarified — 2018-19 (soph) year Collin is the close comp

I almost put in my post that I would take the comp more seriously if they used Gillespie's 2nd year. I certainly see why they make this comp and see similarities.

My point, though, was about how good they will be. While their games certainly have enough similarities for the comp, I think there is a 0% chance that Kolek will be as good as Gillespie.

I know the comparison doesn't say he will be as good, but I think that is how a lot of people interpret it.

[wadesworld]

He'll need to be more of a scorer for this team than he's seemed to look to be so far this year.  He has the ability to get to spots on the court that not many other guys on this team can, and while he can put teammates in good spots to score, those guys struggle to put the ball in the hoop.  Hopefully he's aggressive looking for his shot.

[Lennys Tap]

He'll need to be more of a scorer for this team than he's seemed to look to be so far this year.  He has the ability to get to spots on the court that not many other guys on this team can, and while he can put teammates in good spots to score, those guys struggle to put the ball in the hoop.  Hopefully he's aggressive looking for his shot.

I agree with this analysis.

[Bob "Big Daddy" Wild]

Holy cow I thought he was a grad transfer.  Nice.