Hey CoachTalk, on a previous thread I posted Kur playing the five off of his videos, my mistake no inside knowledge on my part. I've been following him after you mentioned him as a possible target earlier last year. His team posted that he has a 7'5'' wingspan so i assume that part is correct. He is skinny but looks to be at 6'9'' with massive feet and hands. I say that because one recruiting web site had him listed at 6'7''.
That's interesting if the plan is to redshirt. After glancing over the roster, the team loses quite a bit by the time Kur will be a RS SR. Looking at it through this perspective it makes sense. Particularly if the staff can clean up some areas in his game while giving another year to learn and be in the weight room. I already liked this pickup but by redshirting a athlete with some potential like this, to me is a low risk high reward scenario. By his RS senior year OU's front court will consist of Manek, Polla and Kur to go along with any future commits or other possible changes. Worst case, he adds some shot blocking, 5 fouls a game and some spot minutes for depth. I just think his style of play transitions over to make more of a impact. If he can play on the wing some it adds to his value as well.
I can also understand peoples varying opinions evaluating players. I can understand the hesitation to tap the brakes until its proven on the court, especially Juco. I tend to be cautiously optimistic myself but not afraid to highlight what I like about a player. It's the fun part of being a fan and why I enjoy this board so much. In my uneducated opinion, The staff seemed to identify, pursue and want Kur pretty early on. Just based on being a tall lanky Juco kid from Senegal I'd probabley be inclined to think he's more of a project type player. He very well could be and I'd be off the mark on my assessment.
I say all that but watching his film, he's making some coordinated skillful moves. Some tough below the waist catches under the basket a lot of tall guys don't typically make. I like his anticipation not only on his blocks but with his offensive takes. Pretty versatile in what he brings with shear length as a player. Rebounding against that wingspan combined with his aggressiveness and athleticism will be a welcomed addition on many teams. If his weight is accurate is does not show on film to be a overwhelming or glaring weakness. I'm sure certain type of players could overwhelm him at his current weight but he doesn't shy away from contact, but initiates quite a bit of it. I see a little of former Syracuse player Jerami Grant. Former OU player comparison would be a top end Amath M'Baye, slightly more realistic maybe Selvy or J. Patillo. Those are solid players but Kur looks to have some of those qualities and potential skills in his future development.
IMO, what I like about his film is the no hesitation plays and attacking. Not over thinking but reacting. Shows the kid has some feel for the game and is coachable and capable of handling his assignments. I don't think he'll take over games on the offensive side of the ball (don't necessarily need him to average 15 a game) but he has some tools to work with already to not be a liability on the offensive side of the ball. I don't see his role as a scorer but more of a defensive and rebounding chess piece for Krug and company to move around. Who knows until that time has passed but its still fun to play Sam Presti or Coach Krug from my computer.
Going into next year, the need at point guard if Trae leaves would tend to make sense for the final ship. If the staff believes incoming 18 commit Jamal Bieniemy can help Shep and company until PG Harmon arrives in 19 do you address need or best available? Could you see Krug and company going after a Senior Transfer for a one year rental? OU could be in one the most attractive position in quite some time for a Senior that wants to play his last year on a quality team.
To the untrained eye, next year looks pretty good at the 2,3,4 spots. Possibly just go after best available which seems like that would be Moore in this case. However it unfolds its exciting to think about all the skill, length and athleticism the team is continuing to acquire.
