[JoeWolf1]

 Here are my impressions of KU’s players during the exhibition last night.

Andrew Wiggins – Wiggins clearly had a few butterflies in his stomach to start the game as he took a few bad deep jumpers to start the game, but at the same time blocked two shots in about 4 minutes. As the game progressed, Wiggins slowed down and scored in a variety of ways. I really like his moves off the dribble, going to the rack, and his nice stroke from the line. Despite what a few reporters said lately, I’m pretty confident Wiggins will be KU’s leading scorer. He’ll out athlete his way to at least 6 or 8 points per game to go with his drives and jumpers.

Wayne Selden – Wayne is a big guard, who clearly has the strength to play in the NBA. He had a rough night, though, picking up two fouls early and sitting out most of the 1st half. He displayed some nice floaters and the ability to score in the lane off the dribble, but he was pretty quite last night. Not enough to change my opinion on him, just got in foul trouble and never got in the groove. I’m sure he’ll bouce back vs. FHSU.

Joel Embiid – Embiid is extremely raw, but I know why Bill Self loves him so much. Within 30 seconds of getting in the game Joel dove on the floor and forced a steal and the dove again trying to save a loose ball. He later hurdled the first row, in stride chasing another one, he’s very fast and coordinated, but the game is really fast for him right now. He was TO prone, and struggled against contact, but is so blessed physically he made a couple of his buckets look very easy too, and looked good sliding his feet on defense. He finished with 9 points, but it was very up and down. According to Self, he’s been improving rapidly, so hopefully he’ll build on last nights performance.

Perry Ellis – Ellis has an extremely advanced offensive game for a sophomore. He can really do it all and is a perfect high low player for KU’s offense. He’s great in one on one post isos and can also step out and hit a 15 footer. He looks stronger than he did last year, and I suspect him to be KU’s 2nd or 3rd leading scorer. He’s a little short for a PF by NBA standards, but he’s got a really high Bball IQ.

Andrew White III – The benefactor of a 4” growth spurt his senior year in HS, White didn’t look like he knew what to do with his body last year. Well, that’s not the case anymore. His arms are huge and he’s improved his speed, and athletic ability. Not to mention, I’d bet he’s between 6’6” and 6’7” in shoes. His jumper has always been there and he was Bill Self’s first player off the bench. I don’t think White will be a draft pick in 2013, but I think he’s a pro player as a junior or 4 year player. 

Brannen Greene – Green has a beautiful jumper, at 6’7”,  and gives Self a couple real floor spreaders over 6’6”. He’s not a great athlete, but is mobile and a couple years with KU’s excellent trainer, Andrea Hudy, I don’t doubt some improvement on that end. 

Tarik Black – Many have seen more of Black than I have over the past 4 seasons, but he’s gonna be great for KU this year. He’s so strong, and plays that way and is going to be needed as Embiid improves. He’s a vet, he looked like Shaq against those D2 guys last night, but I think he could be drafted this year. I don’t see how Patrick Young is any better than he is.

Nadiir Tharpe – Tharpe is going to rack up assists this season for the Jayhawks. He had 9 last night and he was just playing his game. He has some real one on one offensive skill, but due to his height and his supporting cast I think he’ll take a back season scoring the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tharpe lead the Big 12 in assists.

Frank Mason – Mason seems to be Tharpe’s primary backup and plays with good speed and intensity. He didn’t try to do too much, but did a good job running the show. 

Landen Lucas – Lucas really improved and looks like a good college post player. His minutes will be sparce, but he’s a 6’10” option to bring off the bench.

Jamari Traylor – Traylor has more or less been a beast who fouled a lot, rebounded and blocked shots. He seems to have added some improved ball handling this year, but will probably mainly rebound for KU.

Connor Frankamp – Connor is tiny, but he’s pretty tough and didn’t shy away from contact fighting through screens. He has a great stroke, but was just a little off, missing his 3 point attempts, but not by much. I don’t know how much he’ll be used this year, but has the makings of a very good 4 year college player.

 

 

[samosasParticipant]

Out athlete people to points….very true.

[samosasParticipant]

Out athlete people to points….very true.

[PhogifyParticipant]

Seeing him run the floor so well and diving for loose balls really reminded me of Nerlens Noel.

[PhogifyParticipant]

Seeing him run the floor so well and diving for loose balls really reminded me of Nerlens Noel.

[GoJOSH HUESTISParticipant]

Hope Embiid comes back for another year because he would get destroyed in the NBA. Has potential but is soooo raw on offense. Will most likely have a Fab Melo first year at best

[GoJOSH HUESTISParticipant]

Hope Embiid comes back for another year because he would get destroyed in the NBA. Has potential but is soooo raw on offense. Will most likely have a Fab Melo first year at best

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