Expectations for Nerlens Noel

[kentubbybasketball]

What does everyone expect out of him? When Cal came we thought every point guard would be compared to the last, and although that has come to pass, it's also the same with the centers: Cousins begat Kanter/Harrellson, who begat Davis, who begets Noel.

According to Anthony Davis, Noel needs to learn to sit in the post better, which is something Cal stresses a lot. This allows you to get better position and in effect seal off your man somewhat too. When he gets that, I think he'll be great on offense, because he's working on the hook. I think Noel is one of those rare bigs in this day and age where he knows his bread is buttered in the post, not shooting threes.

http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1414810

[GatorMan32]

i expect him to be good but nowhere near the phenom that was Davis. UK will be fine but i am not sure he dominates quite that way.

[joehogjoe]

I dont look at NN the same way I do as AD. AD was dominant inside but had skills of a guard, NN is a man among boys with an untold upside. UK can feed the post, feed the post, feed the post. Unfortunately for the Hogs we get them right there near the end when his college skill set will be at it's best.

[kentubbybasketball]

I never really felt like Davis was dominant inside on offense until maybe February when he started hitting that hook with consistency even using the left hand. Both guys are dominant inside on defense. Noel is even more dominant defensively, according to Davis mind you, because he can block shots well with both hands. Who knows?

Another thing I think about when I analyze Noel's game is that he's always been big. Why does that even matter you ask. He doesn't have to learn on the fly about how to deal with a growing body like Davis did. Davis is still learning how to be a big guy in some ways trying to catch up with his body.

The one that I think Noel does worse on defense than Ant is that Noel is such a great shotblocker he goes after every one. This is going to get him in foul trouble if he's not vigilant though. Being a great shotblocker, sometimes you think you can get them all, and it just causes him to leave his feet too much. Davis did that some against LSU, but we never really saw him leaving his feet until "well after" his man did most of the time. Noel has to learn the art of that.

We are definitely getting a rim protector. Having Antigua work with Noel will make a major difference by season's end, as joe has said.

[joehogjoe]

that's what I'm talking about Kt, NN isn't growing into his body like AD. He's comfortable at his size and he's bigger than AD. Noone in the SEC will be able to move him off the block one on one.

I did see his video where he tried to dunk over someone and busted his behind. Glad he wasn't hurt.

[kentubbybasketball]

, I do think some guys like Young with good muscle can move him off the block right now. He doesn't hold his position well right now. Thatll change.

[BasketballofUF]

that's what I'm talking about Kt, NN isn't growing into his body like AD. He's comfortable at his size and he's bigger than AD. Noone in the SEC will be able to move him off the block one on one.

I did see his video where he tried to dunk over someone and busted his behind. Glad he wasn't hurt.

Low-block offense has more to do with strength than it does length and athleticism, and Stokes and Young are probably a good deal stronger than Noel at this point.

I'd expect something in the range of 9-11 ppg, 8-10 rpb, and 3.5-4.5 bpg. That should be good enough for about 2nd team SEC.

[kentubbybasketball]

That's said people weren't pushing Davis around who was smaller than Nerlens.

[BasketballofUF]

That's said people weren't pushing Davis around who was smaller than Nerlens.

Agreed, but if there is one weakness in Davis' game, it's probably position defense.

[kentubbybasketball]

I guess I don't agree with that. He held his position on defense well for a freshman. That's something all freshmen have to learn. No longer are they facing 6'5 centers, now it's guys their size. Davis held his ground a lot. Not many people scored on him and it wasn't simply due to his ability to block shots.