[drice4life1753Participant]

First I will say Calipari is a straight boss, and love how he will show joyful emotion w/ his young players when they perform.  It really looks like a fun place to play…can’t say the same for Pitino

Anyways Russ Smith used to scare me as an elite player, can’t say the same after watching their three tourney games.  He now scares me for about 10 total minutes of the game.  The rest of the game the guy plays like he is on speed.  He makes some crazy plays, but my god I think it became abundantly clear you do not want the ball in his hand at the end of the game, b/c he is going to rush HIS shot and then make a wild pass (most likely out of his shot) to a team mate.  Lucky for him, he is talented enough to where teams collapse enough so his wild passes to like the corner 3 man are generally wide open.  But last night he ended up driving wildly, passed backwards and it would have been a turnover, but….HE TRAVELED!! Literally the epitome of Russ Smith. Anyone who has played basketball at any high level has been told "It’s about ability to change speed and pace"  Seriously, he doesn’t set up his man at all by slowing down and allowing plays to develop, which would make his speed so much more devastating.  Eveyone knows he is going to get the ball and start sprinting with it like he is running a 40yd. dash.  Besides that, there is nothing new w/ Louisville.  They really hurt not having a composed savy player like Siva (got to watch him play all 4 years in HS) to lead the team.

What are peoples thoughts on his NBA future? Obviously not a first round or high pick, but early 2nd? late 2nd? undrafted? I’m curious b/c it’s interesting to see how super talented players in college w/ one glaring weakness will pan out in the NBA.  His height hold him back no doubt, but that’s why he is projected late 2nd.  Surely he has the talent to become a serviceable player, but I am curious what everyone else thinks on the forum.

 

 

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Do not mean to insult the dude but I don’t see it. Maybe if he goes D league and learns how to run a offense. He does not shoot it well enough to play any 2 guard either. He will get posted up regularly. After years spent in college you would figure some areas would have improved more than they have. He is fast and gets in the lane for floaters but thats college. NBA defenders will be quick like him say Avery Bradley or Lowry and the bigs will be ready and waiting. Might get drafted late 2nd round if he kills it in workouts. I don’t see him as a NBA player. I thought Scottie Reynolds was not a NBA player and he is better than Russ to me.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Do not mean to insult the dude but I don’t see it. Maybe if he goes D league and learns how to run a offense. He does not shoot it well enough to play any 2 guard either. He will get posted up regularly. After years spent in college you would figure some areas would have improved more than they have. He is fast and gets in the lane for floaters but thats college. NBA defenders will be quick like him say Avery Bradley or Lowry and the bigs will be ready and waiting. Might get drafted late 2nd round if he kills it in workouts. I don’t see him as a NBA player. I thought Scottie Reynolds was not a NBA player and he is better than Russ to me.

[strobox88Participant]

Russ Smith will definitely get drafted, second round likely.  People seem quick to write him off based on his performance in the tourney when there are guys in the lottery (top 3 namely) that underperformed FAR worse than what he did.  Players have bad games in the tourney all the time. The tourney isn’t everything, Making the Sweet 16 is no small feat in a tournament of 64.  People also seem to be forgetting Russ Smith had a great season (18ppg, 4.7 ast, 2.3 stl, 47% 3PT%) and is currently a finalist for the Naismith Award.  Guys like that just don’t go undrafted.

[strobox88Participant]

Russ Smith will definitely get drafted, second round likely.  People seem quick to write him off based on his performance in the tourney when there are guys in the lottery (top 3 namely) that underperformed FAR worse than what he did.  Players have bad games in the tourney all the time. The tourney isn’t everything, Making the Sweet 16 is no small feat in a tournament of 64.  People also seem to be forgetting Russ Smith had a great season (18ppg, 4.7 ast, 2.3 stl, 47% 3PT%) and is currently a finalist for the Naismith Award.  Guys like that just don’t go undrafted.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 I dont see him hitting them at a high clip from NBA deep. His 4 dimes is weak considering how much he has the ball. He will not have the rock like that in the L.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 I dont see him hitting them at a high clip from NBA deep. His 4 dimes is weak considering how much he has the ball. He will not have the rock like that in the L.

[NickWayne87Participant]

 came out on top last year he definitely would’ve got drafted……he may this year but he may not….

[NickWayne87Participant]

 came out on top last year he definitely would’ve got drafted……he may this year but he may not….

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I think his game translates well. He wont be running any offences but he can definitely be a sparkplug off the bench. With more spacing from teammates, an extended three point line, a less important role as far as usage and defensive priority goes and a green light to score he could be very effective for 15-20 mpg playing a similar role Chicago gives to their backup PGs who always end up being productive. John Lucas, Nate Robinson, DJ Augistin.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 I think his game translates well. He wont be running any offences but he can definitely be a sparkplug off the bench. With more spacing from teammates, an extended three point line, a less important role as far as usage and defensive priority goes and a green light to score he could be very effective for 15-20 mpg playing a similar role Chicago gives to their backup PGs who always end up being productive. John Lucas, Nate Robinson, DJ Augistin.

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