Sai Tummala -> Arizona St.-> Hawaii

[hhcmatt]

I would think Arizona State would be the toughest since it's closest to home

[GATA]

I think there's more to the Atewe story than meets the eye.  It's not that Auburn pulled out all the stops.  Probably not even that the AAU coach got involved.  Once we got Smith, Atewe might have been more of a back-up plan.  Just going off of things I've picked up, it looks like Tummala was (and remains) our primary target.  We got Smith and, with a spot left open for Tummala, that fills our open spots.  So the only way of getting Atewe is if we clear room on the current roster.  Which means we'd need to cut someone.

 

And, granted, Sergej is a project but so is Atewe.  Atewe has much greater athleticism than Sergej but lacks skills; Sergej isn't big and strong like Atewe but he's a lot more skilled.  So, do you exchange one project for another project?  Or do you maybe go luke warm on the one not already in the fold? 

 

I don't know this but I suspect that when we didn't get a commit from Atewe right away after his visit, the coaches started looking for a Plan B big man, found one, and took the bird in the hand with Smith.  And that left Atewe as somewhat of an odd man out.  We'd still have some interest at that point, just in case Sai didn't commit, but our need for Atewe diminished when we got the Smith commit.  Just adding 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 and trying to figure out how to come up with 10.

 

I'm guessing of course, but I think the staff probably had it Atewe-Smith-Tummala in that order because we wanted Atewe's upside at a massive position of need and we wanted Smith for his size and ability to play right away at a massive position of need (C or PF). Tummala, I think, was the backup plan since we got in on him really late (possibly reading the tea leaves with Atewe) and the fact that we already have a number of guys who can play SF/PF. Tummala, though, does present an upgrade in athleticism over some of the others we have (Fuller, Shields, Petteway). Just my opinion, of course.

[hhcmatt]

I think there's more to the Atewe story than meets the eye.  It's not that Auburn pulled out all the stops.  Probably not even that the AAU coach got involved.  Once we got Smith, Atewe might have been more of a back-up plan.  Just going off of things I've picked up, it looks like Tummala was (and remains) our primary target.  We got Smith and, with a spot left open for Tummala, that fills our open spots.  So the only way of getting Atewe is if we clear room on the current roster.  Which means we'd need to cut someone.

 

And, granted, Sergej is a project but so is Atewe.  Atewe has much greater athleticism than Sergej but lacks skills; Sergej isn't big and strong like Atewe but he's a lot more skilled.  So, do you exchange one project for another project?  Or do you maybe go luke warm on the one not already in the fold? 

 

I don't know this but I suspect that when we didn't get a commit from Atewe right away after his visit, the coaches started looking for a Plan B big man, found one, and took the bird in the hand with Smith.  And that left Atewe as somewhat of an odd man out.  We'd still have some interest at that point, just in case Sai didn't commit, but our need for Atewe diminished when we got the Smith commit.  Just adding 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 and trying to figure out how to come up with 10.

 

Tummala seems like a good get but is there any doubt we would choose Atewe over Tummala just based on need?

If we had landed Atewe would we be looking at perhaps Tummala with someone transferring?

 

BTW, I haven't watched a single second of Tummala so I'm not sure how skilled he is. While I'm sure he's more skilled than Tyrance,  I do know that Jordan would have been also considered a preferred walkon who was one of the most athletic players on the team.

[FredsSlacks]

I think Miles is going to embrace the small ball next season. Our potential starting lineup reminds me a little of the 2006 phoenix Suns. I have a feeling we are going to be very uptempo for a B1G team.

 

Pitchford-   Stoudemire

Tummala-   Marion

Shields-      Diaw

Gallegos-    Raja bell

Webster-     Nash

[hhcmatt]

I think Miles is going to embrace the small ball next season. Our potential starting lineup reminds me a little of the 2006 phoenix Suns. I have a feeling we are going to be very uptempo for a B1G team.

 

Pitchford-   Stoudemire

Tummala-   Marion

Shields-      Diaw

Gallegos-    Raja bell

Webster-     Nash

 

I'd settle for a taller 2011-2012 Colorado State team

[GATA]

A few recruits have talked about Miles' honesty during recruiting pitches. If that's true, he told Leslee that he'd be really disappointed if he didn't start next season. I think Miles would prefer he be in the lineup or we could get beaten up on the boards in the B1G.

[FredsSlacks]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

[FredsSlacks]

I think Miles is going to embrace the small ball next season. Our potential starting lineup reminds me a little of the 2006 phoenix Suns. I have a feeling we are going to be very uptempo for a B1G team.

 

Pitchford-   Stoudemire

Tummala-   Marion

Shields-      Diaw

Gallegos-    Raja bell

Webster-     Nash

 

I'd settle for a taller 2011-2012 Colorado State team

Yea. We just have to hope that style can work in the B1G. I think we already have more talent than that CSU team if we land tummala, but experience could be what hurts us next year.

 

The style worked pretty well this year for Miles, but it's difficult to win a lot of games when you have 6 guys in the rotation. Next year should be much better.

[MandRHusker]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

I agree but would contend that Sai is a much better shooter than David Rivers, especially from the 3.

[FredsSlacks]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

I agree but would contend that Sai is a much better shooter than David Rivers, especially from the 3.

Having Rivers will be nice though because he will allow us to ease sai into the lineup if he is not ready.

[Nebrasketballer]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

Tummala also weighs 25 lbs more than Rivers.  Rivers is is listed at 6'7", 190 lbs.  Tummala is listed at 6'7", 215 lbs.  This is why it was so comical to me that people kept saying that Tummala was too small to play the 4-Spot.  People don't have a problem seeing Rivers playing the 4-Spot, but Tummala has 25 lbs on him and much better moves in the post.

 

In my personal opinion, to say that Tummala is a "slightly better shooter and dribbler" than Rivers is an extreme understatement. 

[Nebrasketballer]

 

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

I agree but would contend that Sai is a much better shooter than David Rivers, especially from the 3.

Having Rivers will be nice though because he will allow us to ease sai into the lineup if he is not ready.

Agree

[MandRHusker]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

I agree but would contend that Sai is a much better shooter than David Rivers, especially from the 3.

Having Rivers will be nice though because he will allow us to ease sai into the lineup if he is not ready.

Totally agree. Add some weight to Rivers and you have an effective, experienced PF in the B1G!

[Nebrasketballer]

 

 

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

I agree but would contend that Sai is a much better shooter than David Rivers, especially from the 3.

Having Rivers will be nice though because he will allow us to ease sai into the lineup if he is not ready.

Totally agree. Add some weight to Rivers and you have an effective, experienced PC in the B1G!

Agree.  Rivers could be a very exciting player to watch if can put on 15-20 lbs in the offseason.  He has the mentality of a banger down in the post, but just doesn't have the weight on his frame yet.  He is still aggressive and scrappy, so he is somewhat effective.  With another 15-20 lbs on his frame, he could be force in the post.

[Norm Peterson]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

Rivers is pretty athletic.  The only info I really have on Sai's athleticism is what the Michigan coach said about him while he was still there and that was that Sai was the most athletic player on the team with the possible exception of Trey Burke.

 

My guess is that Sai is stronger just because he has Rivers by probably 10-20 pounds.  (I don't think Rivers is still 190# but Sai will probably be playing at better than 215# next year as well.)  Sai's biggest advantage over Rivers is his shooting ability.  Rivers is hit and miss, especially from deep.  Sai would have been one of the better shooters on our team any of the last dozen years or so, but particularly last year.  I haven't seen a lot of video with Sai dribbling but I have seen a lot of him shooting, both inside and out, and he has moves that David Rivers simply doesn't offer.

 

What I think we get with Rivers is a guy who plays bigger than himself.  I actually like David.  He has heart.  Not tremendous skill but for a skinny kid, he's still able to get inside, get boards and get put-backs.  And occasionally that mid-range baseline jumper.  If he had the bulk of a Behanan, he'd be a beast.  But what David isn't is overly skilled.  Some skills but not great skills.  Sai appears to me to be significantly more skilled than Rivers.  I'd say they're closer in athleticism than they are in skills.

[GATA]

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

Rivers is pretty athletic.  The only info I really have on Sai's athleticism is what the Michigan coach said about him while he was still there and that was that Sai was the most athletic player on the team with the possible exception of Trey Burke.

 

My guess is that Sai is stronger just because he has Rivers by probably 10-20 pounds.  (I don't think Rivers is still 190# but Sai will probably be playing at better than 215# next year as well.)  Sai's biggest advantage over Rivers is his shooting ability.  Rivers is hit and miss, especially from deep.  Sai would have been one of the better shooters on our team any of the last dozen years or so, but particularly last year.  I haven't seen a lot of video with Sai dribbling but I have seen a lot of him shooting, both inside and out, and he has moves that David Rivers simply doesn't offer.

 

I've mentioned this before, but I would take juco stats with a big grain of salt. Obviously his percentages say he is able to knock down open 3-pointers, but those open looks come a lot less often in the B1G than the juco level. 

[Silverbacked1]

When do we get the Sai is N thread?

 

Any guesses?

 

Should we start a pool?

[bobcat402]

When do we get the Sai is N thread?

 

Any guesses?

 

Should we start a pool?

in at least anothe 20+ pages, we havent cracked 30 yet, and there havent been any jokes about basement memorbila, or even any nervous converstations about a new mentor.

[Norm Peterson]

 

I would say Tummala is a stronger more athletic version of Rivers that is also a slightly better shooter and dribbler.

Rivers is pretty athletic.  The only info I really have on Sai's athleticism is what the Michigan coach said about him while he was still there and that was that Sai was the most athletic player on the team with the possible exception of Trey Burke.

 

My guess is that Sai is stronger just because he has Rivers by probably 10-20 pounds.  (I don't think Rivers is still 190# but Sai will probably be playing at better than 215# next year as well.)  Sai's biggest advantage over Rivers is his shooting ability.  Rivers is hit and miss, especially from deep.  Sai would have been one of the better shooters on our team any of the last dozen years or so, but particularly last year.  I haven't seen a lot of video with Sai dribbling but I have seen a lot of him shooting, both inside and out, and he has moves that David Rivers simply doesn't offer.

 

I've mentioned this before, but I would take juco stats with a big grain of salt. Obviously his percentages say he is able to knock down open 3-pointers, but those open looks come a lot less often in the B1G than the juco level. 

Understand what you're saying, GATA.  And I would ordinarily agree.  But with Sai you can see his stats and those stats are backed up by his video.  Or the video is backed up by the stats.  I looked at the videos, and just watching the ball roll off of Sai's fingertips, I can tell you I think he's as good or better of a shooter than a lot of the players we've had over the past dozen or so years.  When you add the stats to that, it confirms what the video shows.  The ball goes in the basket a good percentage of the time. 

 

From a mechanics perspective, he's very good.  From a results perspective, he's very good.  In his videos, he's taking contested shots and still making them.  If he had a strange looking outside shot like Kale Abrahamson's, I could see where his shooting percentage might be deceptively high playing a lower level of ball than it would be in the B1G.  Kale is a guy who probably doesn't get the looks in college that he was able to get in HS just because of how he delivers the ball.  He'll still be able to hit them when he's open but he won't get open as easily because he needs more room than a guy like Sai.  But the fact about Sai is his mechanics are very good.

[Silverbacked1]

When do we get the Sai is N thread?

 

Any guesses?

 

Should we start a pool?

in at least anothe 20+ pages, we havent cracked 30 yet, and there havent been any jokes about basement memorbila, or even any nervous converstations about a new mentor.

Now that's funny right there, don't care who you are that's funny. :D

[Norm Peterson]

Speaking of Kale Abrahamson, how in the world did he get in the Rivals top 150?

 

Kale is 6'7" and 195# and averaged 5 pts and 2 bds while shooting 35% from beyond the arc.  And, after watching him play against us, even if only for just a couple of minutes, I'd take Sai over him 10 times out of 10.

 

They'll both be sophomores next year.  If Sai signs, I can't wait to see how that match-up works out.

[nebrasketball10]

 

I think Miles is going to embrace the small ball next season. Our potential starting lineup reminds me a little of the 2006 phoenix Suns. I have a feeling we are going to be very uptempo for a B1G team.

 

Pitchford-   Stoudemire

Tummala-   Marion

Shields-      Diaw

Gallegos-    Raja bell

Webster-     Nash

 

I'd settle for a taller 2011-2012 Colorado State team

Yea. We just have to hope that style can work in the B1G. I think we already have more talent than that CSU team if we land tummala, but experience could be what hurts us next year.

 

The style worked pretty well this year for Miles, but it's difficult to win a lot of games when you have 6 guys in the rotation. Next year should be much better.

 

After seeing numerous projected starting lineups with Atewe in it, I am no longer a fan of seeing "potential starting lineups" with uncommitted recruits.

[FredsSlacks]

can't say i ever had a starting lineup with atewe in it. Sai is a much better overall player than atewe. The only thing atewe had over sai was his size.

 

I've also said this before, but i see Leslee Smith coming off the bench similar to what Ravenel did for Oh st.

[bobcat402]

i will say if Sai commits, this is a definite palette cleanser compared to the debactle of Akoy and Atewe, aside from his coach relasing some bad info there wasnt any crazy twitter posts and not a whole lot of telling a reporter he wants to hear stuff.

[a0t0w0]

can't say i ever had a starting lineup with atewe in it. Sai is a much better overall player than atewe. The only thing atewe had over sai was his size.

 

I've also said this before, but i see Leslee Smith coming off the bench similar to what Ravenel did for Oh st.

 

That would be amazing if Leslee Smith can be what Ravenel was.  However, NO ONE can ever be as mean looking as Ravenel.  I had to turn away from the tv for fear of making eye contact with him. 

 

MI DIOS, es el diablo!