Current Huskers as future pros

[aphilso1]

Norm's Shields/Hayward comparison got me thinking.  Who do you think on the current roster has a career after college, and at what level?

 

Petteway - I've been telling anyone that will listen that he's got a shot to leave early after next year. Needs to drastically improve his assist/turnover ratio to stick around at the highest level, but every other part of his game just screams extended NBA career.

 

Pitchford - Should stay until he runs out of eligibility.  Looks like a late 2nd rounder to me, or maybe an UFA.  If Tolliver can find an NBA home, Pitch should at least have a shot in the right system.  Whoever D'Antonio is coaching at that point should love him.  Probably wouldn't even get a sniff from a San Antonio or Indiana.  Worst case scenario, he should be able to stick in the D League for a while and could play in Europe for forever.

 

Shields - I don't think his skills translate to the NBA.  Even though he does remind of Gordon Hayward, late career Paul Pierce, etc., he's just not quite quick enough and not a good enough shooter from beyond 18 feet.  I think he would also really struggle on the defensive end and getting to the rim.  Hope he proves me wrong, but I see his ceiling as playing at the international level.

 

Webster - Love his natural abilities.  Still really unpolished, but who knows how much he'll improve over the next few years.  I'm reserving judgement for now.

 

[TheKamdyMan]

The only one I see in the NBA is Petteway. Pitchford and Shields are pros overseas right now. There's a lot of flaws in both their games for the NBA. Not saying they aren't great for college basketball but let's be honest not every great college player translates to the NBA.

[PimpMario]

Pitchford needs to work really hard the next 2 years and if he does I can see him having a career in the NBA.

[49r]

Shields is going to go to Med School and be a doctor and make fat stacks that way.

[Norm Peterson]

I think we have one for-sure NBA player on the roster and another maybe.  One doubtful and the rest not.

[a0t0w0]

Petteway reminds me of Kawhi Leonard.  I think if he picks up his defensive game he could have a similar role on a team.

 

Pitchford needs to work on his ball handling.  He's certainly got the length/athleticism. 

[ajb5856]

I've heard it mentioned that Pitchford has a legitimate shot at the NBA, as in he has the body and athleticism to make it, just needs to work on some things.

[TheKamdyMan]

I've heard it mentioned that Pitchford has a legitimate shot at the NBA, as in he has the body and athleticism to make it, just needs to work on some things.

 

Body and athleticism for sure but that doesn't get you to the NBA.  He would be a SF or stretch PF in the NBA which means he'd be playing smaller faster guys at the 3 and bigger stronger guys at the 4.  He wouldn't be able to defend either very well.  He isn't good at creating his own shot which he would need to do in the NBA.  He does not post up well at all which he would need to extremely well with his size.  

[kleitus]

steve kerr couldn't defend anyone and he found a pretty famous spot on the kickout... and he wasn't half the athlete pitch is... if pitch gets the 3 pt % up in the 47%-49% range in college he can make it in the pros with someone.  He's not that far away from that (yet miles in terms of how good it makes you).

 

Pretty sure that 47-49% translates above .420 in the pros which would make him top 15 in the league... to start.  He'd improve over time most likely.  Most of those guys on that top 15 list couldn't guard Pitch to save their life.  Some could, but not all of them.

 

You don't have to be kyle korver to have a long career as a 3pt specialist. 

[kleitus]

I just did a little looking... my numbers were a bit off.

 

korver's career 3pt% in college was about .453.  his freshman and junior years i was about .430 with his sophomore year being a bit better and his senior year being an amazing .480.

 

pitch isn't really that far off of that... he'd have to have a huge year in there, but .417 this year is fairly solid.  one decent step forward and he's definitely NBA material.

[TheKamdyMan]

steve kerr couldn't defend anyone and he found a pretty famous spot on the kickout... and he wasn't half the athlete pitch is... if pitch gets the 3 pt % up in the 47%-49% range in college he can make it in the pros with someone. He's not that far away from that (yet miles in terms of how good it makes you).

Pretty sure that 47-49% translates above .420 in the pros which would make him top 15 in the league... to start. He'd improve over time most likely. Most of those guys on that top 15 list couldn't guard Pitch to save their life. Some could, but not all of them.

You don't have to be kyle korver to have a long career as a 3pt specialist.

Thank you. I'm home sick and needed a good pick me up before the game. This gave me a good laugh.

[kleitus]

i revised what i said... it really wasn't that bad.  and pitchford isn't that far off... .417 as a sophomore.  korver is obviously the gold standard of 3pt shooters currently and people here are familiar with him.  he basically sat between .425 and .450 until his obscene senior year.

 

Keeping in mind that pitchford is a weird case as a transfer and had to settle in.. i could see him getting up in the .440-.460 range before he graduates which probably put him top 25 in 3pt% in the nba if he gets playing time... and he'll get better with age like most shooters.

 

he's got to take that step and do the work, but well... it ain't that bad.

 

he aint korver, but so what?