[cheetosjalapeno17Participant]

 Is the hype real for this guy? Seems weird in times like these that a junior makes it to a top 5, though it is extremely early. Is this guy the real deal though?

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i wouldnt say he’s the 5th best player in next summer’s draft..when he might be only the 4th or 5th best prospect in his own conference the SEC…

but if he plays with more aggressiveness & consistency this season..he could be top 10 or late lottery..becuz he does have the size and physical tools that’ll translate to the next level….

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i wouldnt say he’s the 5th best player in next summer’s draft..when he might be only the 4th or 5th best prospect in his own conference the SEC…

but if he plays with more aggressiveness & consistency this season..he could be top 10 or late lottery..becuz he does have the size and physical tools that’ll translate to the next level….

 

 

[YungmUNyParticipant]

 I know that A.J. Hammons is three years older than Jones, but Hammons is also a late bloomer and is still developing from a basketball standpoint. Other than the age gap, is there really that much difference between their games? They’re the same size, they’re both great shotblockers and have good defensive instincts, they’re both developing their post games, and they’ve both been caught ball-watching and getting lost in the offense.

As a Big 10 fan, Hammons is one of the most frustrating players I’ve ever watched, because when his motor is going and he puts it all together, he’s as dominant as anyone in college basketball, but other games he’ll just fade into the background. At the end of the day though, is age really the only thing separating Jones and Hammons, or is there something that different to Jones’ game that Hammons doesn’t have right now?

 

[YungmUNyParticipant]

 I know that A.J. Hammons is three years older than Jones, but Hammons is also a late bloomer and is still developing from a basketball standpoint. Other than the age gap, is there really that much difference between their games? They’re the same size, they’re both great shotblockers and have good defensive instincts, they’re both developing their post games, and they’ve both been caught ball-watching and getting lost in the offense.

As a Big 10 fan, Hammons is one of the most frustrating players I’ve ever watched, because when his motor is going and he puts it all together, he’s as dominant as anyone in college basketball, but other games he’ll just fade into the background. At the end of the day though, is age really the only thing separating Jones and Hammons, or is there something that different to Jones’ game that Hammons doesn’t have right now?

 

[GBeeParticipant]

 He’s a good prospect. Probably not top 5 good, but somewhere later in the lotto good.  I think the fact that he’s grown since he started college and is legit NBA C size now was the reason for his stock boost.  He’s still raw, even for a soon-to-be junior, but his physical tools are good.  He’s got a strong base, explosive leaping ability, decent touch on his jump hooks and he does have nice form on his jumper, albeit with an inconsistent release.  I don’t think he projects as a defensive stopper.  His instincts are not great on that end.  He tends to ball watch, doesn’t display leadership ability on that end with his lack of communication and his reactions aren’t very fast despite his physical tools.  Offensively he was still a meat and potatoes kinda C: drop steps, deep baby hooks, finishing plays, with the occasional step away jumper, but at least he has that foundation.  He’s still very young for being a junior and he plays for a very good coach, so I expect improvement,  I just don’t see top 5 good.

As for the comparison with Hammons, 3 years age difference is HUGE.  IDK how you can undersell that fact.  Jones is the age right now, with 3 years of experience and growth that Hammons was as an incoming freshman and he has plenty more room to grow, whereas Hammons is closer to being a finished product.  I’m not saying Hammons is a bad prospect, in fact I think he’s underrated according to this site’s mock.  I think he can be a back up C who won’t be a liability offensively.  He’s pretty versatile on that end with his improved jumper and some post skill vs the less physical C’s of the league.  He can be a nice player in spurts… when his motor is actually on.  I thought he played great last year, but I also think it was no coincidence that his play was maximized in smaller doses, splitting C responsibilities with Haas.  I’m not sure he projects to be a good defender because he’s a bit soft and relaxes on that end, but I do think he at least projects to be a better shot-blocker than Jones with his better length.  But c’mon now, similar production as Jones but 3 years older?  That cannot be dismissed as just a minor detail.  There’s also the fact that Jones is the more explosive athlete which just adds to his greater upside.

 

[GBeeParticipant]

 He’s a good prospect. Probably not top 5 good, but somewhere later in the lotto good.  I think the fact that he’s grown since he started college and is legit NBA C size now was the reason for his stock boost.  He’s still raw, even for a soon-to-be junior, but his physical tools are good.  He’s got a strong base, explosive leaping ability, decent touch on his jump hooks and he does have nice form on his jumper, albeit with an inconsistent release.  I don’t think he projects as a defensive stopper.  His instincts are not great on that end.  He tends to ball watch, doesn’t display leadership ability on that end with his lack of communication and his reactions aren’t very fast despite his physical tools.  Offensively he was still a meat and potatoes kinda C: drop steps, deep baby hooks, finishing plays, with the occasional step away jumper, but at least he has that foundation.  He’s still very young for being a junior and he plays for a very good coach, so I expect improvement,  I just don’t see top 5 good.

As for the comparison with Hammons, 3 years age difference is HUGE.  IDK how you can undersell that fact.  Jones is the age right now, with 3 years of experience and growth that Hammons was as an incoming freshman and he has plenty more room to grow, whereas Hammons is closer to being a finished product.  I’m not saying Hammons is a bad prospect, in fact I think he’s underrated according to this site’s mock.  I think he can be a back up C who won’t be a liability offensively.  He’s pretty versatile on that end with his improved jumper and some post skill vs the less physical C’s of the league.  He can be a nice player in spurts… when his motor is actually on.  I thought he played great last year, but I also think it was no coincidence that his play was maximized in smaller doses, splitting C responsibilities with Haas.  I’m not sure he projects to be a good defender because he’s a bit soft and relaxes on that end, but I do think he at least projects to be a better shot-blocker than Jones with his better length.  But c’mon now, similar production as Jones but 3 years older?  That cannot be dismissed as just a minor detail.  There’s also the fact that Jones is the more explosive athlete which just adds to his greater upside.

 

[druneave3Participant]

Desire, work ethic, effort, basketball character, basketball awareness….. The most important characteristics are all huge question marks for me. He should consult with Hassan Whiteside.

[druneave3Participant]

Desire, work ethic, effort, basketball character, basketball awareness….. The most important characteristics are all huge question marks for me. He should consult with Hassan Whiteside.

[Author]

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