Chad Ford's Top 100


The athletic talent is clearly there. It's just a matter of when it gets tapped. In my opinion, Rodney is the key to the Gophers' 2010-11 season. He far & away has the highest ceiling on the Gophers' current roster. Minutes certainly shouldn't be a problem. With Paul transferring to UIC, Rodney's the only true small forward on our roster.
 

Do you think that he could have the type of year this season to put him in the first round?
 

I dont have the insider, normally i dont ask but since it is a goph player can someone post what it says? Im really interested now.
 

"Do you think he could have the type of year this season to put him in the first round?"

No idea, I'll leave that up to NBA scouts, GMs, etc., but I sure hope so. If Rodney is considered first-round material after next season, that's good news for the Gophers program. That in all likelihood means the Gophers had a better-than-expected season.
 


Rodney and Tubby

Dec 15, 2009 Update: Williams was a player who shocked scouts in the early going with three big performances at the start of the season. But since then he's seen his minutes and production drop sharply. Williams has all the physical attributes you want in a small forward, but either he's just not ready to use them at the highest level or, once again, Tubby Smith doesn't know how to coach NBA prospects.

This might be commented on but what do you think. Does this imply he doesnt get them ready for the next level? Or does it mean if you dont play defense or dont execute you sit?

I think it has to do with people evaluating someone on only a few watches or looking at their numbers. Rodney can't dribble, doesnt take it to the rim, rarely jumps over anyone to get a decent shot off. Anyone can finish in the open court, they are all over the "D" league. You have to want to get better at basketball skills. Does he have this drive?
 

I think Blake starts at the 3 still. I say Rodney could have a shot at 6th man, and play the 2,3, and 4 depending on the matchup. He must defend, he must take the ball to the basket and not settle for 3's, and he must hit the weights.
 

Projection Late lottery to mid first round
Positives Elite athlete
Explosive leaper with huge vertical jump
Flies up and down the floor
Long wingspan and developing NBA body
Great in the open court
Emerging shooter with real NBA range

Negatives Still a little raw offensively
Lacks great basketball IQ
 

wishful thinking...but then again, the draft always is full of players of just potential so maybe this is our guy that leaves before he should because an agent says he might get picked in the first round...
 




Apparently he doesn't have the Big Ten Network. Would be great, but don't see going from VERY limited minutes with the Gophers to first round of the draft...

Oh well.
 

The athletic talent is clearly there. It's just a matter of when it gets tapped. In my opinion, Rodney is the key to the Gophers' 2010-11 season. He far & away has the highest ceiling on the Gophers' current roster. Minutes certainly shouldn't be a problem. With Paul transferring to UIC, Rodney's the only true small forward on our roster.

Probably true. But Oto will probably be his back-up.

Rodney needs to be more aggressive on offense. He spend to much time standing around time side lines.
 

I think Blake starts at the 3 still. I say Rodney could have a shot at 6th man, and play the 2,3, and 4 depending on the matchup. He must defend, he must take the ball to the basket and not settle for 3's, and he must hit the weights.

Blake gets his share of rebounds. But, he's a 2 not a 3.
 



Dec 15, 2009 Update: Williams was a player who shocked scouts in the early going with three big performances at the start of the season. But since then he's seen his minutes and production drop sharply. Williams has all the physical attributes you want in a small forward, but either he's just not ready to use them at the highest level or, once again, Tubby Smith doesn't know how to coach NBA prospects.

This might be commented on but what do you think. Does this imply he doesnt get them ready for the next level? Or does it mean if you dont play defense or dont execute you sit?

I think it has to do with people evaluating someone on only a few watches or looking at their numbers. Rodney can't dribble, doesnt take it to the rim, rarely jumps over anyone to get a decent shot off. Anyone can finish in the open court, they are all over the "D" league. You have to want to get better at basketball skills. Does he have this drive?

Tubby put 19 players into the NBA from Tulsa, Georgia, and Kentucky (16 years total). I think he knows how to coach NBA prospects. I think ESPN writers (and links) are worthless.
 




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