[DondiJohnParticipant]

Yet he still has no profile. http://www.nbadraft.net/players/karl-anthony-towns

Anybody give his 2 cents about him?

 

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Though if you look at his "Related Content", we have actually covered him quite a bit. He is a legitimate center with some coordination and shooting ability. He has a 7’3.5" wingspan, was measured with a 9’5" standing reach at the Hoop Summit, though was reportedly measured at 9’1" during UK Combine. Either way, he fits the size criteria, while also possessing massive hands and feet. Runs the floor pretty well and is dangerous from the perimeter.

So far in college, he has done a great job as a rebounder and has been giving a very strong effort defensively. Right now, his defensive ability definitely stands out in comparison to Jahlil Okafor, Karl is much better at timing blocks and overall more active on that end of the floor. Some think that due to his sweet shooting stroke, which he has not had tons of opportunity to exhibit just yet, he has a higher ceiling as an overall player.

His post game is still a work in progress, though I will say he has been working on that sweeping hook for quite a while and it was pretty when it went down last night against Kansas. Also will say, he is an incredibly bright, thoughtful kid and was incredibly outgoing as well as easy to talk to when I interviewed him in April. Have heard the same thing about Jahlil Okafor.

Where I like Okafor more right now is in that low post ability, that I find is both rare and has been incredibly efficient. Jahlil is not a great athlete and has yet to face someone near his size or strength at the college level (Beyond Kentucky, Texas and a couple other teams, that will not be possible), though I have found his ability on the low block is just incredibly rare. Even when I saw him in April, with players who are indeed better "jump" athletes, he moves like a ballet dancer. He is so quick once he gets initial contact, very instinctive to reading the defense and has an incredible touch near the hoop.

Right now, potential is apparently winning out in the Mock Draft and maybe Aran has seen something to confirm his belief of Towns having more potential than Okafor, though I still side with Jahlil. The defense is a bit of a concern, Okafor needs much more awareness on that end and his lapse of awareness was apparent at times. Though I truly believe that his overall offensive game, especially where it matters for big men, gives him the edge. Towns may become a player you can run your offense through, though he is light years behind Okafor in maintaining and working with post position. His passing out of the post and in double teams was impressive, though no more than what Okafor did when confronted with the same type of scenario.

Am guessing we will wait for a larger sample size of Karl Towns before making a full profile on him, though once again, we have written quite a bit about him as a player if you have further questions, all under the "Related Content" section. If you have any further questions, will try to answer them. Thought it was an interesting change, especially since we had been debating between these two players for quite a while. Is certainly not out of the realm of possibility, though I currently side with Okafor.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Though if you look at his "Related Content", we have actually covered him quite a bit. He is a legitimate center with some coordination and shooting ability. He has a 7’3.5" wingspan, was measured with a 9’5" standing reach at the Hoop Summit, though was reportedly measured at 9’1" during UK Combine. Either way, he fits the size criteria, while also possessing massive hands and feet. Runs the floor pretty well and is dangerous from the perimeter.

So far in college, he has done a great job as a rebounder and has been giving a very strong effort defensively. Right now, his defensive ability definitely stands out in comparison to Jahlil Okafor, Karl is much better at timing blocks and overall more active on that end of the floor. Some think that due to his sweet shooting stroke, which he has not had tons of opportunity to exhibit just yet, he has a higher ceiling as an overall player.

His post game is still a work in progress, though I will say he has been working on that sweeping hook for quite a while and it was pretty when it went down last night against Kansas. Also will say, he is an incredibly bright, thoughtful kid and was incredibly outgoing as well as easy to talk to when I interviewed him in April. Have heard the same thing about Jahlil Okafor.

Where I like Okafor more right now is in that low post ability, that I find is both rare and has been incredibly efficient. Jahlil is not a great athlete and has yet to face someone near his size or strength at the college level (Beyond Kentucky, Texas and a couple other teams, that will not be possible), though I have found his ability on the low block is just incredibly rare. Even when I saw him in April, with players who are indeed better "jump" athletes, he moves like a ballet dancer. He is so quick once he gets initial contact, very instinctive to reading the defense and has an incredible touch near the hoop.

Right now, potential is apparently winning out in the Mock Draft and maybe Aran has seen something to confirm his belief of Towns having more potential than Okafor, though I still side with Jahlil. The defense is a bit of a concern, Okafor needs much more awareness on that end and his lapse of awareness was apparent at times. Though I truly believe that his overall offensive game, especially where it matters for big men, gives him the edge. Towns may become a player you can run your offense through, though he is light years behind Okafor in maintaining and working with post position. His passing out of the post and in double teams was impressive, though no more than what Okafor did when confronted with the same type of scenario.

Am guessing we will wait for a larger sample size of Karl Towns before making a full profile on him, though once again, we have written quite a bit about him as a player if you have further questions, all under the "Related Content" section. If you have any further questions, will try to answer them. Thought it was an interesting change, especially since we had been debating between these two players for quite a while. Is certainly not out of the realm of possibility, though I currently side with Okafor.

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

I see some Rasheed Wallace in him (playing style, not personality haha)

[CameronCrazy11Participant]

I see some Rasheed Wallace in him (playing style, not personality haha)

[CynthiaParticipant]

I think what Dondi meant as "no profile" is most people come here for the graph and the NBA comparisons. Footnote links at the bottom of a profile are rarely clicked on.

[CynthiaParticipant]

I think what Dondi meant as "no profile" is most people come here for the graph and the NBA comparisons. Footnote links at the bottom of a profile are rarely clicked on.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Could at least find a lot of info on his profile. I know people come here for the ratings and comparisons, but I know I am not alone in that not necessarily quenching my knowledge. Which is why I dig having other things on the profile as a resource to give more of an idea.

Understand the law of averages of what gets used and what doesn’t, though why not promote that this site actually more resources besides just the player comps and scores? If you post on the message board, my guess is you take a pretty good look around the site and want to know more about draft prospects. The ability to do so is available, rather than writing a detailed report on someone who has played 3 college games.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Could at least find a lot of info on his profile. I know people come here for the ratings and comparisons, but I know I am not alone in that not necessarily quenching my knowledge. Which is why I dig having other things on the profile as a resource to give more of an idea.

Understand the law of averages of what gets used and what doesn’t, though why not promote that this site actually more resources besides just the player comps and scores? If you post on the message board, my guess is you take a pretty good look around the site and want to know more about draft prospects. The ability to do so is available, rather than writing a detailed report on someone who has played 3 college games.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Jahlil is super skilled in the post. I haven’t seen a guy with that sort of touch and footwork at the collegiate level in a long time. He was also being guarded by Matt Costello so he should’ve had a lot more than 17 points. On the flip side, Okafor is a pretty underwhelming athlete. He looked like he got winded easily and had to be taken out after about 2-3 minute stretches. He is a pretty terrible rebounder for a 6’11’ guy. He only had five against MSU when he should be averaging at least 10. His defense right now is awful. I lost count of how many times Michigan State penetrated and he was completely lost and they got a wide open dunk. He does not block any shots as well. He is not a rim protector at all. When Okafor goes up against guys as big as him and much more athletic, I think he will struggle mightily. Right now he has been able to dominate offensively off his sheer size. The guy has an amazingly polished post game for a freshman, but his upside is severely limited because of his lack of athleticism and toughness.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

Jahlil is super skilled in the post. I haven’t seen a guy with that sort of touch and footwork at the collegiate level in a long time. He was also being guarded by Matt Costello so he should’ve had a lot more than 17 points. On the flip side, Okafor is a pretty underwhelming athlete. He looked like he got winded easily and had to be taken out after about 2-3 minute stretches. He is a pretty terrible rebounder for a 6’11’ guy. He only had five against MSU when he should be averaging at least 10. His defense right now is awful. I lost count of how many times Michigan State penetrated and he was completely lost and they got a wide open dunk. He does not block any shots as well. He is not a rim protector at all. When Okafor goes up against guys as big as him and much more athletic, I think he will struggle mightily. Right now he has been able to dominate offensively off his sheer size. The guy has an amazingly polished post game for a freshman, but his upside is severely limited because of his lack of athleticism and toughness.

[Mad MaxParticipant]

we get it, you don’t like Duke.

[Mad MaxParticipant]

we get it, you don’t like Duke.

[young waveParticipant]

 Tarheel fans are all secretly Duke fans. 

[young waveParticipant]

 Tarheel fans are all secretly Duke fans. 

[SpaceghostParticipant]

 First lemme say .. I am indeed a DUKE Hater,because i am A HEELS FAN..as far as Jahlil unless he expands his game get a face up shot a la Timmy Duncan he is going to struggle on the next level. He is very skilled offensively but the tall bouncey type athelte is going to give him trouble.. Hopefully we have Brice Johnson check him and not Kenndy Meeks. I think his upside is very limited. mean what u see is what u get Right NOW Reminds me of Jared Sullinger and look he shooting 3’s now.

[SpaceghostParticipant]

 First lemme say .. I am indeed a DUKE Hater,because i am A HEELS FAN..as far as Jahlil unless he expands his game get a face up shot a la Timmy Duncan he is going to struggle on the next level. He is very skilled offensively but the tall bouncey type athelte is going to give him trouble.. Hopefully we have Brice Johnson check him and not Kenndy Meeks. I think his upside is very limited. mean what u see is what u get Right NOW Reminds me of Jared Sullinger and look he shooting 3’s now.

[Ebown5Participant]

 Totally unfair because Okafor has more than a 5 inch standing reach advantage at about the same weight.

I agree that Okafor doesn’t have the kind of upside of a guy like Embiid for example simply because he isn’t a great athlete. However, the physical advantage that he had over everyone in high school he will still have over virtually everyone in college, and when he gets t the pros he will STILL have a physical advantage over most of his opponents on offense.

He is a legitimately big and strong dude even by NBA standards. He won’t be a great rim protector and his lack of foot speed will probably keep him from defending away from the basket, but he has great post up skills on offense even compared to NBA players. His footwork, post moves, touch, strength, length, and  incredible hands will allow him to dominate in the NBA too. He will be a beast on offense, and mediocre at worst on defense.

If the draft were today I would take him number 1, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Mudiay or Towns passed him by draft day.

[Ebown5Participant]

 Totally unfair because Okafor has more than a 5 inch standing reach advantage at about the same weight.

I agree that Okafor doesn’t have the kind of upside of a guy like Embiid for example simply because he isn’t a great athlete. However, the physical advantage that he had over everyone in high school he will still have over virtually everyone in college, and when he gets t the pros he will STILL have a physical advantage over most of his opponents on offense.

He is a legitimately big and strong dude even by NBA standards. He won’t be a great rim protector and his lack of foot speed will probably keep him from defending away from the basket, but he has great post up skills on offense even compared to NBA players. His footwork, post moves, touch, strength, length, and  incredible hands will allow him to dominate in the NBA too. He will be a beast on offense, and mediocre at worst on defense.

If the draft were today I would take him number 1, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Mudiay or Towns passed him by draft day.

[newgenduderParticipant]

Unfortunately Towns won’t get to hone his perimeter skills at UK. Similar to Randle last year (though of course the they play different on the perimeter). It really sucks becuase i believe Towns will be an equally inside/outside player at the next level.

http://youtu.be/-7iy6PahN4E?t=1m10s http://youtu.be/A_5ytnFqWiU?t=2m5s http://youtu.be/A_5ytnFqWiU?t=3m1s http://youtu.be/QiWw8W8oyW4?t=1m10s In these vids you’ll see Aldridge-like highpost stepbacks from Towns, in high school.

Towns doesn’t really play well through contact in the lowpost, but Coach Cal won’t let him shooot anything but low post shots; in fact, Cal said that the team won’t even pass him the ball in the post if he’s not in DEEP position. That may be a good tool/insentive for Towns to get tougher down there , but it’s stagnating his complete game. I really wish college basketball was way more about expanding these prospects games, instead of just winning. smh. Due to Coach Cal’s approach, i doubt we get much clarity on Town’s offensive game by seasons end.

Defensively i think Towns has a lot of room to grow. He’s not a really good rim protector yet ; mostly because he’s a slow leaper. I envision his athleticism improving over the years — just a couple years ago he was in a skinny-fat faze, looking like he had no muscle. So his legs will still get stronger IMO.

[newgenduderParticipant]

Unfortunately Towns won’t get to hone his perimeter skills at UK. Similar to Randle last year (though of course the they play different on the perimeter). It really sucks becuase i believe Towns will be an equally inside/outside player at the next level.

http://youtu.be/-7iy6PahN4E?t=1m10s http://youtu.be/A_5ytnFqWiU?t=2m5s http://youtu.be/A_5ytnFqWiU?t=3m1s http://youtu.be/QiWw8W8oyW4?t=1m10s In these vids you’ll see Aldridge-like highpost stepbacks from Towns, in high school.

Towns doesn’t really play well through contact in the lowpost, but Coach Cal won’t let him shooot anything but low post shots; in fact, Cal said that the team won’t even pass him the ball in the post if he’s not in DEEP position. That may be a good tool/insentive for Towns to get tougher down there , but it’s stagnating his complete game. I really wish college basketball was way more about expanding these prospects games, instead of just winning. smh. Due to Coach Cal’s approach, i doubt we get much clarity on Town’s offensive game by seasons end.

Defensively i think Towns has a lot of room to grow. He’s not a really good rim protector yet ; mostly because he’s a slow leaper. I envision his athleticism improving over the years — just a couple years ago he was in a skinny-fat faze, looking like he had no muscle. So his legs will still get stronger IMO.

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