Originally Posted by
Aclone 
Fred's Freshman Class vs Fred's First Freshman Class
I was interested, on Media Day, to see that one publication included a photo of Fred Hoiberg's freshman class, twenty years ago in 1990. Aside from the obvious "boy am I getting old!", I couldn't help but think about the similarities between the two groups of incoming freshman basketball players. the '90 group was arguably Johnny's most talented--and decidedly his was the most successful, and it will be interesting to see if this class manages to build as much sucess as the before their careers are over. Of course, Fred has managed to assemble a bit of talent to complement them as well. .
Yet I was surprised at some of the eerie similarities, some more
Fred Hoiberg vs Melvin Ejim
I might as well start off with the easy one. Fred Hoiberg was the most recognized member of his class, the most highly recruiited and decorated, and as a freshman played out of position (small forward) as he proved himself an all around, selfless, multiply skilled shooter and athlete--not just a shooter. Melvin Ejim is the most decorated player of his recruiting class, it looks like he'll be spending some time playing out of position (power forward), and appears that he is an all around, selfless, multiply skilled player. Next?
Julius Michalik vs Eric McKnight
This one is a matchup of obverse players. Julius Michalik was highly skilled, while not everly gifted in the athletic run-and-jump department. Mcknight, on the other hand, is outrageously gifted in the latter, and still developing the former. How much those ball skills come along will show just how well he can emulate Julo's sterling career.
Hurl Beechum vs Calvin Godfrey
This matchup is in the nature of roles, for Hurl Beechum was largely a one dimensional role player--a shooter, with all it's permutations. Godfrey, by all accounts, is a banger--with all it's permutations-and he certainly has a role to play. Especially this season--but in a few years, someone will have to complement Railey and McKnight. I'm pretty sure that Godfrey will offer bang for the buck whoever he complements.
Loren Meyer vs Jordan Railey
No, I didn't just stick the two centers together by simple accident. Nor is that strange a coupling. After all, Loren, along with The Mayor, was the most highly recuited member of the class, and captured a lot of nartional attention. Both he and Fred went on to be drafted, albeit with differing NBA careers. Railey's high school career was much more...anonymous.
However, that doesn't mean that their skills and abilities aren't similar, with a potential for similar results one day. Meyer, for all of his foibles, was a player who could run the court, score inside, and rebound. So far, it looks like Railey can run the court--with the remainder to be seen. Of course, that's kinda what Loren looked like as a freshman.
Well, sure, before it was all done, Fred, Loren and Co had some help--and more than a little success. Of course, Melvin and Co have a little help waiting in the wings (and to bang against in practice), so it'll be really, really interesting to see how their four year ride rolls along. :yes:
