Dalano Banton is N

5 hours ago, jayschool said:

I worry most about our games against Wisconsin. Banton's ... um ... groin is just about at the same level as Brad Davison's hands.

Sam Vecenie is The Athletic’s NBA draft guy. Some highlights from what he wrote about Banton:

- During his year at WKU, NBA scouts were often on campus to see Charles Bassey, but Banton was the guy who always caught their eye because of his size and comfort as a perimeter player. 
 

- “Extremely fluid” ... “vision and ability to read help defenders is outstanding” .... “few players in the country can hit the cross-corner kick out pass with as much ease and creativity” .... “has two jaw dropping passing highlights per night given how big he is.”

- Criticized his shot. But commented on good free throw percentage. 
 

- “It might be better off for Banton to stay in school one more year, rep out the jumper and turn into a legitimate monster in Hoiberg’s offense. His ceiling is very high in terms of draft stock, but I do have him as a borderline top 60 guy right now. It’s just too hard to find guys like this who have that much skill and feel at his size. If the jumper ever truly improves, he’s going to be a first-rounder.”

Banton would be well advised to make that jumper a thing. Take this year, come back and prove it next year, and be a high draft pick in the summer of 2022. But the jumper has to get there.

10 minutes ago, Norm Peterson said:

Banton would be well advised to make that jumper a thing. Take this year, come back and prove it next year, and be a high draft pick in the summer of 2022. But the jumper has to get there.

I just selfishly want to see Dalano and Bryce on the court together. 

I just want to see Dalano in a Husker uniform for as long as possible, full stop.

But I also want to see all our guys get to the NBA and of the guys we currently have on the roster I think he's got the best shot.

I hope to see Banton put together two excellent years, then be picked as a high first round choice.

It is nice seeing the mention of two incoming Huskers, McGowens and Breidenbach as future draftees, and I still hold out hope than coaches Hoiberg and Abdelmassih can land Traudt which would really establish the program.

As for this year perhaps we get a reprieve what with the immediate eligibility of Lakes, and the return of Andre and likely starter, Walker. With two significant contributors, coupled with Andre possibly being more than the usual stiff NU annually trots out into the paint, this season might see a real improvement. Without them I thought we were in real trouble, although when I look at the starters, plus Webster (who I really like) and Thorb. and Stevenson I am perplexed at the struggles we have seen. Surely it must be the mere lack of time together because this team has real talent.

Anyway, here's to reversing the trajectory. Set the controls for the heart of the Sun!

Would make a hell of a starting 4 next year if he can add 20 pounds to that frame. He’s already probably the best rebounder on the team.