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Some basketball related comments from Matter
Posted on: May 10, 2019 at 09:43:55 CT
FIJItiger MU
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https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/mizzou/dave-matter-read-his-chat-q---a-for/article_c3e22ada-c3b1-5f72-bbd0-3f79567b88af.html
While Jordan Clarkson was sitting out I remember hearing rumors he was good enough that he was expected to be an NBA draft pick the next year, which ended up being true? Any of those same rumors with Dru? He is a great 3 point shooter but a lot of the NBA prospects seem to be drafted on pure athleticism and potential. I haven't watched him play so I don't know where he is from a athleticism stand point.
I haven't heard the same kind of NBA buzz around the program that we heard about Clarkson, but that might also be because Martin's staff doesn't hype up their guys like Tim Fuller did with Clarkson. Before Clarkson played a minute for the Tigers, Fuller told me he compared favorably to Russell Westbrook. Now, Clarkson has become a legit NBA player and put together some nice seasons but safe to say he hasn't lived up to that kind of bluster.
With Dru Smith, the staff loves his floor game, his defense, his passing, his ability to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. They really like his game and his personality/demeanor.
Assuming that Tillman comes back, Nikko, and the freshman recruit who else does Mizzou have to play either the 4 or 5?
Tilmon and Nikko at the five. Tray Jackson, Mitchell Smith and Parker Braun at the four. Martin really liked what he saw from Braun in practice during the second half of the season. He's a good athlete, has some range and plays the game fundamentally well. I'd expect him to get a scholarship. Mitchell Smith showed some flashes down the stretch. He was much more competent offensively and always brings energy to the floor. He's got a nice jump shot from midrange and 3 and if he's got that energy focused in the right direction can be a disruptive presence and productive rebounder.
Martin was reluctant at times to play four guards at once but he might be more open to it next season considering his personnel.
Great news that Geist is getting a workout with Minnesota. Realistically I don't think he's not going to end up in the NBA so what is the value of the workout to Geist or Minnesota? For geist does the invite raise his profile for D-league or Europe options? For Minnesota it's zero risk so you might as well take a look? Thoughts?
The upside is impressing the team enough to get a roster spot for the Summer League. And if you play in the Summer League you get to play in front of not just one team's scouts and coaches but the rest of the league. And if that goes well maybe somebody offers an invitation for a training camp, like Jordan Barnett earned this time last year. Exposure can lead to options, and the more eyeballs you get to play for, the more options you can pile up. Geist just wants to play. The NBA is the dream, but if you can make a G League roster, the money isn't great but you can set yourself up for an NBA call-up if things go well. And there's always overseas opportunities.
What can a player in Jontay's position do to prepare for the draft? Sit back and hope for the best? Or is there still an interview process that carries weight in NBA teams making final determinations?
He can interview. He can undergo medical tests, have doctors and trainers look over his knee and MRIs. Last year the Porters had the Bulls' medical staff conduct tests on Michael's back and then made the results available to other teams. Michael's agent - who I presume will be Jontay's agent - is based out of Chicago and has a good relationship with the franchise.
From what you can tell, what are the differences and similarities between Jordan Giest and Dru Smith? I would think Dru would be earning Giest-type of minutes and also a Giest-like role on the team next season. Thanks.
Fair to say Dru's more athletic and more versatile defensively. He was a better 3-point shooter and a more efficient shooter overall in his time at Evansville. But I think you'll see him play a similar role as a ball-handler and floor leader.
While Jordan Clarkson was sitting out I remember hearing rumors he was good enough that he was expected to be an NBA draft pick the next year, which ended up being true? Any of those same rumors with Dru? He is a great 3 point shooter but a lot of the NBA prospects seem to be drafted on pure athleticism and potential. I haven't watched him play so I don't know where he is from a athleticism stand point.
I haven't heard the same kind of NBA buzz around the program that we heard about Clarkson, but that might also be because Martin's staff doesn't hype up their guys like Tim Fuller did with Clarkson. Before Clarkson played a minute for the Tigers, Fuller told me he compared favorably to Russell Westbrook. Now, Clarkson has become a legit NBA player and put together some nice seasons but safe to say he hasn't lived up to that kind of bluster.
With Dru Smith, the staff loves his floor game, his defense, his passing, his ability to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. They really like his game and his personality/demeanor.
Assuming that Tillman comes back, Nikko, and the freshman recruit who else does Mizzou have to play either the 4 or 5?
Tilmon and Nikko at the five. Tray Jackson, Mitchell Smith and Parker Braun at the four. Martin really liked what he saw from Braun in practice during the second half of the season. He's a good athlete, has some range and plays the game fundamentally well. I'd expect him to get a scholarship. Mitchell Smith showed some flashes down the stretch. He was much more competent offensively and always brings energy to the floor. He's got a nice jump shot from midrange and 3 and if he's got that energy focused in the right direction can be a disruptive presence and productive rebounder.
Martin was reluctant at times to play four guards at once but he might be more open to it next season considering his personnel.
Great news that Geist is getting a workout with Minnesota. Realistically I don't think he's not going to end up in the NBA so what is the value of the workout to Geist or Minnesota? For geist does the invite raise his profile for D-league or Europe options? For Minnesota it's zero risk so you might as well take a look? Thoughts?
The upside is impressing the team enough to get a roster spot for the Summer League. And if you play in the Summer League you get to play in front of not just one team's scouts and coaches but the rest of the league. And if that goes well maybe somebody offers an invitation for a training camp, like Jordan Barnett earned this time last year. Exposure can lead to options, and the more eyeballs you get to play for, the more options you can pile up. Geist just wants to play. The NBA is the dream, but if you can make a G League roster, the money isn't great but you can set yourself up for an NBA call-up if things go well. And there's always overseas opportunities.
What can a player in Jontay's position do to prepare for the draft? Sit back and hope for the best? Or is there still an interview process that carries weight in NBA teams making final determinations?
He can interview. He can undergo medical tests, have doctors and trainers look over his knee and MRIs. Last year the Porters had the Bulls' medical staff conduct tests on Michael's back and then made the results available to other teams. Michael's agent - who I presume will be Jontay's agent - is based out of Chicago and has a good relationship with the franchise.
From what you can tell, what are the differences and similarities between Jordan Giest and Dru Smith? I would think Dru would be earning Giest-type of minutes and also a Giest-like role on the team next season. Thanks.
Fair to say Dru's more athletic and more versatile defensively. He was a better 3-point shooter and a more efficient shooter overall in his time at Evansville. But I think you'll see him play a similar role as a ball-handler and floor leader.
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Some basketball related comments from Matter - FIJItiger MU - 5/10 09:43:55