Brackins info

**Prone2Clone** · 12-03-2006, 07:48 PM

For those of you who are looking for info on the future like I was today after the Drake loss...

Some commentary on Brackins from a tournament. Some good, some bad.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1477

We really need some bodies that can get it done in the post. I'm not sure if Brackins sounds like he's "it" or not. I hope so!

**HandSanitizer** · 12-03-2006, 07:51 PM

Yeah, I think brackins might like to do what our current post players do a lot of and thats "not play down low". The guy has a lot of talent, but I don't think we should think our low post problems are solved when he gets here.

**Prone2Clone** · 12-03-2006, 07:54 PM

Yeah, I'm not sure we need another guy over 6'7 standing on the perimeter launching threes.

It's funny how we keep signing toothpicks to play forward and center for us when it seems even the UNIs of the world can find somebody with some beef to move people around in the paint.

**cstrunk** · 12-03-2006, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by Prone2Clone

Yeah, I'm not sure we need another guy over 6'7 standing on the perimeter launching threes.

It's funny how we keep signing toothpicks to play forward and center for us when it seems even the UNIs of the world can find somebody with some beef to move people around in the paint.

Excellent post. This is exactly our basketball problem right now. We may have height, but we need size to bully teams down low in the paint. It is interesting to see how many teams we have played that have big men, who may not be that good just dominate us inside. Think of how much better we would be if we just had one 6'8" guy that weighed 240.

**Balls** · 12-03-2006, 08:02 PM

Appears Diarra, the 7 footer, is not committed to anywhere yet. To bad we didn't have a scholarship left to offer so that we have a true center in our future.

**JHutch** · 12-03-2006, 08:08 PM

whats brackins size?

**cstrunk** · 12-03-2006, 08:10 PM

Our only hope for the near future for a "true" center-like player would be Alex Thompson, is that correct? That is, unless Brackins puts on some weight and expresses a desire to play down low...

**zoutte** · 12-03-2006, 08:13 PM

There are guys who are skinny that can still play strong (ie. Brad Sellers). I don't know if I've ever seen someone become a 'stronger player' in a short period of time. Either you play that way or you don't. Rancik did about as good of job of becoming strong as anyone at ISU and that took a few years under Larry. Taggart was most definitely never going to get there. CJ has the potential but is young and short for the post. Bottom line-we're gonna have to live with being out-manned in the paint. Use our feet better for position and block people out as far away from the hoop as possible...and cross our fingers. Oden on the horizon!

**Wesley** · 12-03-2006, 08:14 PM

If we consistently shot 35-40% threes it would be one thing. Only Mike and Dodie appear to fit that bill at times. With no inside game, the defense can then play the perimeter. Maybe McD current offense will not work with this hodge podge group of newbies. He may want to alter his thinking for this year.

**Balls** · 12-03-2006, 08:19 PM

I'm hoping that Alex can help out at center, but he is listed as a power forward. Seems we are loaded with power forwards. Hopefully he's using the extra year to bulk up and is taking notice that if he wants to bang low, he's a shoe-in for a starting position.

**Michael Lastuvka** · 12-03-2006, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Balls

I'm hoping that Alex can help out at center, but he is listed as a power forward. Seems we are loaded with power forwards. Hopefully he's using the extra year to bulk up and is taking notice that if he wants to bang low, he's a shoe-in for a starting position.

Center, at least in college, is an overrated position. Very few teams have a true NBA style center. Most are in the mold of power forwards. As long as we have a guy 6-8 or taller with some bulk, long arms, and the ability to block some shots and rebound, I don't care what his body makes him.

Hell, one year we started Fizer (6-7), Stevie Johnson (6-4), Kantrail Horton, Mike Nurse, and Jamaal Tinsley. It didn't matter, we still out-rebounded just about everybody.

**madcityCY** · 12-03-2006, 08:57 PM

[QUOTE=Michael Lastuvka;54358]Center, at least in college, is an overrated position. Very few teams have a true NBA style center. Most are in the mold of power forwards. As long as we have a guy 6-8 or taller with some bulk, long arms, and the ability to block some shots and rebound, I don't care what his body makes him.

True this. Not too many tall kids come out of HS or a Prep having bulk. It takes time at the training table and the weight room to develop that physique. Anyone remember what Shaq looked like at LSU? strong player, but very skinny.

**Prone2Clone** · 12-03-2006, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by Michael Lastuvka

Hell, one year we started Fizer (6-7), Stevie Johnson (6-4), Kantrail Horton, Mike Nurse, and Jamaal Tinsley. It didn't matter, we still out-rebounded just about everybody.

And I think Stevie might have been on his tip toes to get 6'4"...stood next to him in Lawrence outside the locker room after they beat KU at The Phog for the first time in 17 years...he didn't seem 6 inches taller than me.

Fizer had the butt, shoulders, and strength to distance people from him...he played like 6'9" on the offensive end.

**Michael Lastuvka** · 12-03-2006, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Prone2Clone

And I think Stevie might have been on his tip toes to get 6'4"...stood next to him in Lawrence outside the locker room after they beat KU at The Phog for the first time in 17 years...he didn't seem 6 inches taller than me.

Fizer had the butt, shoulders, and strength to distance people from him...he played like 6'9" on the offensive end.

Exactly. You don't have to be 7 foot to contribute inside.