How much better can Niang get?

[GoSTATE71]

Niang doesn't resemble a freshman at all out there. Yes, he has some freshman errors here and there, but quite honestly I feel more comfortable when he has the ball then Clyburn or Lucious (yes I'm serious).

His defense really isn't bad for only being a freshman, and he's shown that he can score on about every big time post defender (Withey, Austin, etc.) If he's going to improve anywhere it'll be his body, maybe he will get a bit more of a vertical and a little faster.

This is purely for conversation, but I mean Niang can score at about any spot on the floor, his jumpshot is very solid for a big man, and he's so crafty down below, and his passing is also fantastic for a freshman. I just want to know what other cyclone fans think of where Niang could be in 3 more seasons at Iowa State.

 

[MJ271]

I completely agree with you, and I even agree that I'm more comfortable when he has the ball than Clyburn or Lucious. That's not to say that I don't like Clyburn and Lucious like some people, I just feel that Niang makes less really stupid plays.

As for where will he be in 3 years? I think he truly can be one of the most dominant players in the Big 12, and hopefully be a first round pick, but I'm not sure how his game will be able to translate to the NBA

 

[IceCyIce]

All areas can improve. He will work his but off to improve. Jumping and conditioning appear most need at this point? If he stays four years he could be in the Hoiberg, Hornecek, Grayer, etc category.

 

[isuforlife]

two and out

 

[Clones21]

two and out

No way. Niang will be a four year player.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

His skill on offense is already near an all-conference level. Hopefully with S&C his defense and rebounding improve and he can muscle defenders for easier buckets.

 

[Cyclonepride]

I think from a strength and conditioning stand point, he could really improve. With his motor, just imagine what he could do in transition, and with added strength, how tough he would be to keep away from the rim.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

If he gets into Big 12 shape at any point in his career, he will be there for the best player in the Big 12 consideration. He has the skills and the smarts and the body control.

 

[aauummm]

If he gets into Big 12 shape at any point in his career, he will be there for the best player in the Big 12 consideration. He has the skills and the smarts and the body control.

I agree. In three years he'll be the complete package and he's already showing how he'll get there.

 

[cyhiphopp]

I think the big thing for him is that he is already so good at the mental aspect and the footwork. That's what usually takes big men a lot of time to develop. He can get stronger every year and be dominant as an upperclassman. I'm thinking a smaller Fizer.

 

[Tre4ISU]

I think I disagree with a lot of you. I think he will improve but he has the mental aspect. He can get in better shape and get stronger. I don't see him developing many more skills though. I think he will always be average defensively. He has a lot going for him but above average athleticism isn't one of those things. I think he will be a very good player and a very unique player in that he can do about anything offensively but defensively he can only be so good I feel. So, I think dominant offensive player by year 4 but average defensively which is great. I'm fine with that but I would like to find his inverse in another big man. Someone who can replace Ejim in two years, really. We need a garbage guy like Ejim.

 

[cloneteach]

Niang would explode along side a strong defensive big man. His efficiency offensively is excellent but he is unable to play many minutes lately because of foul trouble.

 

[acgclone]

The shots this kid gets off in the paint amaze me. He's got a little Kenny Pratt in him. His hands are so soft he can get shots up in milliseconds.

He's one of the only post players that I've ever seen that can barely dunk but is almost always the best or one of the best players on the court at any time.

 

[swarthmoreCY]

I think I disagree with a lot of you. I think he will improve but he has the mental aspect. He can get in better shape and get stronger. I don't see him developing many more skills though. I think he will always be average defensively. He has a lot going for him but above average athleticism isn't one of those things. I think he will be a very good player and a very unique player in that he can do about anything offensively but defensively he can only be so good I feel. So, I think dominant offensive player by year 4 but average defensively which is great. I'm fine with that but I would like to find his inverse in another big man. Someone who can replace Ejim in two years, really. We need a garbage guy like Ejim.

Sounds like you agree.

Niang would explode along side a strong defensive big man. His efficiency offensively is excellent but he is unable to play many minutes lately because of foul trouble.

Only if they could also shoot the three.

 

[clonedude]

If he gets into Big 12 shape at any point in his career, he will be there for the best player in the Big 12 consideration. He has the skills and the smarts and the body control.

Agree. He would be unreal if he was in better shape and was a bit stronger. He gets by in the condition he's in, but if you watch him, he does his best to conserve his energy out there every chance he gets. For example, he rarely hustles up the court unless it's crucial that he does.

He's an amazingly talented kid though. As one of the announcers once said about him.... "he's the best below-the-rim player in the Big 12 already." And that says a LOT IMO. When you say that about someone, it means you believe he has the best post moves, touch, and basketball instincts around the basket of anyone. That is saying a LOT!

 

[scyclonekid]

Anyone can get better, Niang has really good feet down low with post moves that you just do not see out of a freshmen playing in a good conference like ours most of the time. He has that frame that can get a lot stronger which he will. Niang also handles the ball well and shoots well and for a freshmen has a pretty good face up game.

Has points is his game to work on, but all players do. Just really happy we have him playing for the good guys.

 

[Rhoadhoused]

I think I disagree with a lot of you. I think he will improve but he has the mental aspect. He can get in better shape and get stronger. I don't see him developing many more skills though. I think he will always be average defensively. He has a lot going for him but above average athleticism isn't one of those things. I think he will be a very good player and a very unique player in that he can do about anything offensively but defensively he can only be so good I feel. So, I think dominant offensive player by year 4 but average defensively which is great. I'm fine with that but I would like to find his inverse in another big man. Someone who can replace Ejim in two years, really. We need a garbage guy like Ejim.

I look at it like this. Niang will always be able to finish, but if he gets better at getting to the hole and getting past his man, he will be much better. And if he gets in shape he can be an good defender IMO. His positioning is very good, and teams go at him constantly, but he does alright. And he is not even close to the same league athletically as those guys. They are way stronger than him and all of their weight is straight muscle vs Niang with a good amount of baby fat. If Niang can just get close to that level athletically, mixed with his skills, he will be insane.

 

[CyBri]

He can shoot the ball but right now it seems like he either shoots an open three, drives it to the rack, or has a jump hook. I think he can get stronger and faster to improve in these three areas. Also I think the next part of his game will be a jab step jumper from about 15 feet or a fade away. If he gets those down he will be extremely hard to defend. (not that he isn't already)

 

[acgclone]

Honestly, I don't see his offensive game getting that much better, because frankly he's already pretty amazing offensively. I do think he'll get more comfortable with the ball and facilitating. He's already very good at that, but will continue to get better, which will ultimately make the players around him that much better.

I do think his body will improve (strength and conditioning). That will mostly help him get more minutes and body up defensively.

Overall, his future is bright. I could see him setting many records at ISU before it's all said and done.

 

[BallSoHard4Cy]

Well at this point I'm okay with the ball with either of the 3 guys hands. I think a lot of them are playing at 1st or 2nd all big 12 level. We have a chance for B12 freshman of the year, leading for the 6th man of the year, might just win COY again.

Awards galore at this point.