04-02-2017, 12:44 AM
I am not much into comparing our own classes, but the key is that this class addresses our most glaring weaknesses -- outside shooting, perimeter defense, and an inability to break down defenses off the dribble. Teams could sag on Reid Travis, knowing that we couldn't or wouldn't shoot the 3 ball aside from Pickens. We couldn't keep guards out of the lane either, as we were slow of foot on the perimeter.
Daejon Davis gives us a 6'4" guard who can defend and rebound, but also is a clever passer with a nifty handle. What an absolute steal to get this late in the game.
Kezie Okpala is going to be something special at 6'8" with small guard skills. He can score and shoot with deep range. Will be interesting to see where he plays for us, as he played a lot of point guard for his team, but defensively played more of a center in high school.
The international prospects are going to be better than "unranked" as well.
Oscar da Silva is 6'9"-6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan and moves his feet extremely well for his size. DraftExpress rates him as the #5 international prospect born in his year (1998).
Isaac White may be 6'1" but we need a guy who is repeatedly described as "fearless". You can see that he is a more than willing 3 point shooter, and he doesn't hesitate to take an open look.
Don't forget about the return of Kodye Pugh, 6'8" versatile lefty, reminds me of a Stacey Augmon with range.
So we bring in 5 new players, 2 new guards and 3 versatile swingmen from 6'8-6'10". This should be a clear upgrade from what we are losing. We get longer and faster on the perimeter, and more skilled and versatile offensively. I am very excited for what Haase can do with this group next year, especially when putting these pieces around a player like Reid Travis (who dominated down low against the Ducks even when they had Jordan Bell and Chris Boucher). Haase and his staff deserve some real kudos for putting this class together, especially coming off a fairly underwhelming season.
Daejon Davis gives us a 6'4" guard who can defend and rebound, but also is a clever passer with a nifty handle. What an absolute steal to get this late in the game.
Kezie Okpala is going to be something special at 6'8" with small guard skills. He can score and shoot with deep range. Will be interesting to see where he plays for us, as he played a lot of point guard for his team, but defensively played more of a center in high school.
The international prospects are going to be better than "unranked" as well.
Oscar da Silva is 6'9"-6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan and moves his feet extremely well for his size. DraftExpress rates him as the #5 international prospect born in his year (1998).
Isaac White may be 6'1" but we need a guy who is repeatedly described as "fearless". You can see that he is a more than willing 3 point shooter, and he doesn't hesitate to take an open look.
Don't forget about the return of Kodye Pugh, 6'8" versatile lefty, reminds me of a Stacey Augmon with range.
So we bring in 5 new players, 2 new guards and 3 versatile swingmen from 6'8-6'10". This should be a clear upgrade from what we are losing. We get longer and faster on the perimeter, and more skilled and versatile offensively. I am very excited for what Haase can do with this group next year, especially when putting these pieces around a player like Reid Travis (who dominated down low against the Ducks even when they had Jordan Bell and Chris Boucher). Haase and his staff deserve some real kudos for putting this class together, especially coming off a fairly underwhelming season.