What I like most about Niang

[pulse]

Are you saying they won't have to flop then?

Well if he gets as big as Royce, they probably will call charges on him since that's what happened to Royce. Need a lot of room to pivot.

 

[Snyder21]

Niang is a leader out there and will be all four years at Iowa State no doubt about that. We need him on the floor if we're going to be successful and he's been in foul trouble many games this season which will hurt us. The thing is though is that it's not his fault he's been getting in foul trouble. You can't expect a 6'7 PF/SF to guard the opponents 6'9-7'1 center most of the game and not get into foul trouble that's just being unrealistic. The only way to solve this problem is by having Percy or Booker stepping up and starting to play productively. If at least one of these guys steps up and starts playing like they each can, Niang won't be in foul trouble towards the ends of games and will make this team that much more dangerous

 

[kingcy]

He just has a nack for the game and putting ball in the hoop. I was worried he would hit a wall eariler this season but he just keeps getting better.

 

[greatshu]

He's so crafty. He may not be the most athletically gifted player, but he understands how to use his body to score.

Just an amazing player. Glad to have him as a Cyclone.

 

[WhatMeWorry]

He's the best low post scorer ive ever seen for a freshman at Iowa State. I love the guy. When Hoiberg schedules a play date with Kevin McHale in the near term, it's going to get sick. I can't wait.

 

[BBHMagic]

I've watched every ISU basketball game since '97. In that time frame he's clearly the best finisher at the rim we've had and it's not close. It's just going in somehow, some way.

A guy that barely fits that time frame is Kenny Pratt. Georges has plenty of time to surpass his abilities though.

 

[jsb]

His 4th foul could have been a disaster for Iowa State. Lots of credit to his teammates for adjusting to the new, smaller line up that they had to play. Even when Georges could have come back in, he didn't need to.

There isn't a freshman in this conferencec that I would trade Georges for. A few might be better, but Georges is right up there and is going to be around (god willing) for the next 3 years. And he is just a basketball player!

 

[WastedTalent]

Hoiberg on Niang:
"Georges will make an immediate impact in our program. He can score with anyone on the block and can take his defender on the perimeter and score from there. He is a throwback player who will find a way to beat you. He also plays the game with passion and is a player who will make his teammates better."

Goes to prove that CFH has an excellent eye for talent, and is able to accurately predict how it will translate to the Big 12.

He could have easily said a bunch of nice things about him without predicting an immediate impact. To say a 6'7 freshman, who plays the 5 in our system, is going to have an immediate impact in the big 12...that's a helluva statement!

But Fred knows. So from now on I here by will not question anyone Fred offers. Because he knows what he's doing, and how to make pieces fit.

P.S. Who else believes it was the plan all along to not start Niang until conference starts?

 

[fatkid1974]

I've watched every ISU basketball game since '97. In that time frame he's clearly the best finisher at the rim we've had and it's not close. It's just going in somehow, some way.

I think his slyness around the rim reminds me of Kenny Pratt. He has a hell of a lot more game over all than Pratt, but Pratt was a hell of a finisher.

 

[EYEoftheSTORM]

he's gonna be a terror for 3 more years.

This is what I like most about Niang...

 

[ThatllDoCy]

I think his slyness around the rim reminds me of Kenny Pratt. He has a hell of a lot more game over all than Pratt, but Pratt was a hell of a finisher.

I was just going to say he is a Rich Man's Kenny Pratt. Really happy to have him.

 

[carvers4math]

He's so crafty. He may not be the most athletically gifted player, but he understands how to use his body to score.

Just an amazing player. Glad to have him as a Cyclone.

Agree. I like the way he seems to just sneak around defenders in the low post.

 

[Cycsk]

I've watched every ISU basketball game since '97. In that time frame he's clearly the best finisher at the rim we've had and it's not close. It's just going in somehow, some way.

I can't claim to have seen as many games as you, but I certainly agree with the thought. He is awesome near the basket, even with his back turned.

My favorite Niang moment is right before halftime of the K-State game. A ball gets thrown in to him when he isn't expecting it, but he grabs it, makes a turn, and lays it in beautifully.

FH calls this "high basketball IQ." I wonder how much is just some incredible natural ability (e.g. hand/eye coordination) and how much has been developed over time by practice and coaching.

 

[Naughtius]

That play where he wasn't expecting the pass, and converted it was crazy.

With that sort of concentration, Georges would be a menace on the gridiron. Can you imagine him lining up at TE or in the slot (+20 lbs of muscle)? He'd be like that big Army wideout a couple years ago, but good.

Make it happen, CPR!

 

[madcityCY]

I can't claim to have seen as many games as you, but I certainly agree with the thought. He is awesome near the basket, even with his back turned.

My favorite Niang moment is right before halftime of the K-State game. A ball gets thrown in to him when he isn't expecting it, but he grabs it, makes a turn, and lays it in beautifully.

I do believe that Niang is a smart player, but also (as you suggest) he has great hands and feet. Excellent control and touch. When you have that, you can get away with not being an elite athlete.

FH calls this "high basketball IQ." I wonder how much is just some incredible natural ability (e.g. hand/eye coordination) and how much has been developed over time by practice and coaching.

 

[CapnCy]

I only listened to the game last night...and it was awesome it seemed every time he got the ball, Walters said his name you knew he'd say, "it's good!"

 

[CapnCy]

This Hoiberg guy seems to understand player evaluation.

I don't know....I mean, he's never coached and having NBA execs numbers isn't going to get it done.....

 

[CTTB78]

If Georges closes out the year at the pace his is now on, he would have to be the Big 12 freshman of the year. He is everything Fred told us he would be.

 

[blutarsky]

What makes Niang more valuable to ISU is that he's most likely a 4 year player. That can't be said for the other stud freshman in the B12.

 

[bawbie]

If Georges closes out the year at the pace his is now on, he would have to be the Big 12 freshman of the year. He is everything Fred told us he would be.

Nope. Mr. McLemore and Mr. Smart are battling for that title. Niang should finish 3rd, but Austin will probably get more votes than him just based on name recognition.