My opinion is that Dre will need to play PG in the NBA and he needs to improve his ball-handling and extend his 3 point shot to that level, in order to move up the board. That will probably take the next 2 years.
I agree with the ball handling, but Dre already has NBA range with his shot.
I agree with the ball handling, but Dre already has NBA range with his shot.
Agreed. His shot/range are the least of his worries.
I feel Austin will go as far as his shot can take him. I think the bottom is as a Trenton Hassle or Corey Brewer type...as in he'll need to go to a good team that needs a defensive stopper who can occasionally hit the open shot. I don't think he'll have much value on a bad team. He obviously won't go as high as Wesley Johnson, but I can't imagine he'd be any worse of an NBA player.
Respectfully disagree, guys. I didn't see him pulling up routinely from 3 feet beyond the arc, which is the NBA distance. That's a big difference. Can he do it? Absolutely. He ain't there yet, IMHO.
Why would he pull up routinely from 3 feet further than he needs to? He pulled up a number of times from NBA range and drained them. To pull up from that distance "routinely" in college would just be stupid. He has the shooting ability and the range necessary for an NBA guard. If he doesn't make it in the league, it will be for other reasons. No idea why that would be one of your concerns for him making it or not.
Why would he pull up routinely from 3 feet further than he needs to?
It wouldn't be smart for him to routinely take NBA range 3's.
To pull up from that distance "routinely" in college would just be stupid
I never understand these statements, "If he thrives, he'll get drafted." NO KIDDING! If I walk on, score 50 points a game, I'll get drafted too.
Mav could also THRIVE in Pitino's system, but there's not a very good chance of him getting drafted... High Ceiling vs. Low Ceiling
True, but the basis of "thriving" depends on a players ceiling. What people are talking about is the fact that Austin's ceiling is very high, he is smart, athletic, can shoot the 3, and defends. If he can THRIVE in Pitino's system, and showcase his talents, his high ceiling will be realized and will thus be drafted.
Mav could also THRIVE in Pitino's system, but there's not a very good chance of him getting drafted... High Ceiling vs. Low Ceiling
I had a dream last night that Mav was transferring for his final year of eligibility, and all the big name schools were hot on his trail. Coaches were incredulous that Pitino had let him go, and they were all praising his athleticism and court presence.
I need to get off the Gopherhole.
Very good points, I just hate using the word thrive in these situations. There are definitely times where players raise their "ceiling". For instance, the recent interview with Dre where he said something to the extent of not being recruited heavily out of high school. I don't know much about his recruitment or anything, but if that is true then college coaches obviously didn't think his ceiling would result in an NBA draft pick. Now he still obviously has to continue what he is doing and working hard. Just saying, anybody can work hard and go after it, raise their ceiling, thrive in the game with the right work ethic.
EDIT: Side note, I do think both Austin and Dre end up being drafted after 4 years in our system.
I don't think you understand what a ceiling is. Working hard and improving doesn't increase your ceiling, it just gets you closer to reaching what your ceiling already was. The only thing that is going to raise your ceiling is if you hit a growth spurt or something that is beyond your control.