Capel putting guys in the NBA

[OUguy11]

apparently you didn't, because it wasn't until the fourth quarter of game 3 that durant started guarding kobe. so kobe pouring in 24 a night against durant was more like 16 at most.

Don't question him, he's a 'Hawk and knows all! They created basketball silly and every fan gains some of that knowledge from Neismith.

 

[Sawyer]

I don't really get the "putting players in the NBA" argument when you're talking about guys who had NBA talent in high school. I realize that's often how reputations are made... but it makes no sense. Calipari is going to get credit for putting a bunch of players on NBA rosters for his most recent freshman class, but those guys aren't going to the NBA because of anything Calipari did. Wall and Cousins were top 5 picks out of high school if they were eligible, and Orton and Bledsoe could've just as easily built NBA draft pick resumes at any number of schools.

That said... I do give credit to Capel and his staff for the development of the Griffins. Blake went from late lotto to #1 overall pick, and Taylor developed into a solid NBA player. Still, I think both would've eventually been NBA players regardless of where they went. They have the right kind of personal work ethic (not to mention athletic ability) to get there on their own. Would Blake still have been a #1 pick? No way to tell... but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to watch him play and figure out he's got what it takes to make an NBA roster.

It is great for a program to have visible professional athletes, but IMO the reputation it helps a coach build doesn't really make that much sense.

 

[Cheno]

apparently you didn't, because it wasn't until the fourth quarter of game 3 that durant started guarding kobe. so kobe pouring in 24 a night against durant was more like 16 at most.

Then how is Durant going to harass Kobe in the above scenario? LOL.
It's absolutely silly to think Durant and Battier would slow down Kobe.
That's a mismatch of epic proportions for Kobe.

I don't really get the "putting players in the NBA" argument when you're talking about guys who had NBA talent in high school. I realize that's often how reputations are made... but it makes no sense.

I agree. And especially when talking about Capel and TMG & Tiny.
If anything it would be said how much they regressed under Capel.
I don't think it was Capel's fault at all....but I bet you'd be more likely to hear that from other coaches than you would Capel taking credit for the development of Tiny and TMG.

 

[Sam]

Word around campus is that Crocker is going to make a go for the NBA. Anyone else heard this?

Considering Tony is a senior with no more eligibility and he seems to enjoy playing basketball I don't know why he wouldn't try to. Seems like common sense assuming he can get some invites to pre draft camps or a summer league team.

 

[Cheno]

I actually think T Crock could be the type of guy who has a long career overseas. He can make some nice coin over the next decade. His type of length and athleticism will do well.

 

[Sam]

Back to the original point of the thread, I think players in the NBA are an overlooked factor in recruiting. It is beneficial to be able to point out to the elite kids that if they come to OU they can end up in the NBA. I believe it is a big part of Barnes' success in getting kids to Austin. So even though Tiny and Willie were "somewhat busts" in Norman if they can focus and spend some time in the NBA they could be beneficial down the road.

 

[Cheno]

Back to the original point of the thread, I think players in the NBA are an overlooked factor in recruiting. It is beneficial to be able to point out to the elite kids that if they come to OU they can end up in the NBA. I believe it is a big part of Barnes' success in getting kids to Austin. So even though Tiny and Willie were "somewhat busts" in Norman if they can focus and spend some time in the NBA they could be beneficial down the road.

I agree in premise, I just think ultimately the pro careers of WW, TMG and Tiny won't be looked at as a positive. As a group that is. I think WW could have a nice pro career, if he works hard. I don't think the other two will at all. I personally feel last season is one to forget. I just don't like anything at all about it.
I'm very excited about this coming season and seeing all the new faces and how they come together as a team. Almost like a fresh start.
We need one of those memory erasers from Men In Black. LOL.
I'd like to go straight from Blake being picked #1 in the NBA draft to today.

 

[NickZepp]

I think some of our guys last year where pretty much already in the NBA. And I actually don't think Willie was one of those. He just wasn't healthy.

 

[Cleavon Little]

Sticking to the thread title and nothing else, yes, if these three stick it will be five in the NBA, and that shows Capel can recruit NBA-caliber players (even if some are not NCAA-caliber mentally). I would guess some potential recruits would notice that. They certainly do in football. Then again, if you want to be seen by the NBA, having a franchise 30 miles down the road can't hurt either.

 

[Cleavon Little]

And yes I know he didn't recruit Taylor. Still.

 

[Max Power]

And yes I know he didn't recruit Taylor. Still.

he had to convince him to stay though which is recruitment in its self

 

[BanjoCharley]

I think Joe Smith retired too and he was never as good as anyone thought he would be. And Blake hasn't played an NBA game last I looked.

I didn't know that, thanks zep.

 

[afaSooner]

I don't really get the "putting players in the NBA" argument when you're talking about guys who had NBA talent in high school. I realize that's often how reputations are made... but it makes no sense. Calipari is going to get credit for putting a bunch of players on NBA rosters for his most recent freshman class, but those guys aren't going to the NBA because of anything Calipari did. Wall and Cousins were top 5 picks out of high school if they were eligible, and Orton and Bledsoe could've just as easily built NBA draft pick resumes at any number of schools.

That said... I do give credit to Capel and his staff for the development of the Griffins. Blake went from late lotto to #1 overall pick, and Taylor developed into a solid NBA player. Still, I think both would've eventually been NBA players regardless of where they went. They have the right kind of personal work ethic (not to mention athletic ability) to get there on their own. Would Blake still have been a #1 pick? No way to tell... but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to watch him play and figure out he's got what it takes to make an NBA roster.

It is great for a program to have visible professional athletes, but IMO the reputation it helps a coach build doesn't really make that much sense.

It's the same in football. I don't necessarily disagree with your assessment but recruits (even high level recruits) have always felt more comfortable (in terms of making it to the next level) taking their chances with coaches who have a history of putting guys into the league. After all if given the choice, wouldn't you rather play for a coach who routinely watches his guys get drafted vs a guy who for some reason or another fails in that regard?

 

[Sawyer]

If I'm a high level basketball player, I play for the coach who I'm most comfortable with and ignore how many players he's "put" in the NBA. But of course, I'm doing that as a person who doesn't put much weight in that...

I do, however, think it's extremely beneficial to have alumni in the NBA who speak highly of your coach/program. It's one thing to have Tiny or TMG on an NBA roster. It's another for them to happen to be on campus the day of a visit and "bump" into a recruit, then tell him about how great coach X is. Obviously, some coaches do better at developing talent than others. I just don't think the number of players on NBA rosters is really indicative of that at all. How those players recall their time at the school is a lot more relevant IMO.

 

[stoops4pres]

I don't really get the "putting players in the NBA" argument when you're talking about guys who had NBA talent in high school. I realize that's often how reputations are made... but it makes no sense. Calipari is going to get credit for putting a bunch of players on NBA rosters for his most recent freshman class, but those guys aren't going to the NBA because of anything Calipari did. Wall and Cousins were top 5 picks out of high school if they were eligible, and Orton and Bledsoe could've just as easily built NBA draft pick resumes at any number of schools.

That said... I do give credit to Capel and his staff for the development of the Griffins. Blake went from late lotto to #1 overall pick, and Taylor developed into a solid NBA player. Still, I think both would've eventually been NBA players regardless of where they went. They have the right kind of personal work ethic (not to mention athletic ability) to get there on their own. Would Blake still have been a #1 pick? No way to tell... but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to watch him play and figure out he's got what it takes to make an NBA roster.

I agree with everything except your belief that Taylor Griffin would have been an NBA player regardless of the school he played at. I think Capel's staff had a lot to do with his development. He was so raw coming into college that I don't think its a foregone conclusion that he would be on an NBA roster had he gone anywhere else.

 

[Sooner Quick]

Considering Tony is a senior with no more eligibility and he seems to enjoy playing basketball I don't know why he wouldn't try to. Seems like common sense assuming he can get some invites to pre draft camps or a summer league team.

I realize that but he had mentioned to that he didn't think he was going to continue with basketball being a new dad and all. I guess playing at the Huff got the itch back and Rachel gave him the all needed female approval!

 

[Mr.B!!!]

If I'm a high level basketball player, I play for the coach who I'm most comfortable with and ignore how many players he's "put" in the NBA. But of course, I'm doing that as a person who doesn't put much weight in that...

I do, however, think it's extremely beneficial to have alumni in the NBA who speak highly of your coach/program. It's one thing to have Tiny or TMG on an NBA roster. It's another for them to happen to be on campus the day of a visit and "bump" into a recruit, then tell him about how great coach X is. Obviously, some coaches do better at developing talent than others. I just don't think the number of players on NBA rosters is really indicative of that at all. How those players recall their time at the school is a lot more relevant IMO.

I think if I am a recruit and ultimately, my aspiration is to play professionally, then I would be more likely to go to a place and play for a coach/program that has shown a propensity for putting players in a position to do that. To me this is even more important if I am outside of that 5* type of recruit.

Additionally, and from a selfish standpoint, I enjoy watching kids from OU move on to the next level where I can watch them play for another 5-10 years. It is a big part of my renewed interest in the NFL. To me it is completely ridiculous to make a blanket statement that 'I don't care if another kid from OU plays in the NBA". I'd have killed for Hollis and Corey Brewer to get that opportunity.

Finally, I 100% agree with the implication that with some of these guys, particularly the "one and done" types, who coached them and/or what happened on campus will have had nothing to do with their ultimate success in the NBA.

I guess were I end up if it plays any part of recruits decision process, then I'd rather be on the plus side than the negative side of that.

 

[boksooner]

I thought you did when you listed the 5 starters and 3 bench players. LOL
Of course when you have a list of 16 guys you can make a long list of depth. You listed the best and they don't matchup.
And about half the guys on that list are old, beatup and hurt. I mean really you're going to use Hansbrough, Blake, Bogut, Joe Smith, Battier, etc as guys of "quality size and depth that no NBA team could handle". :facepalm
And then man, even guys like Elton Brand, Camby etc are shells of themselves.


Yep, watch a lot of it. And I just watched all 6 games where Kobe poured in 24 a night against Durant. It was Durant who was the one that was harrassed all series. And quite honestly you don't know anything about Derek Fisher if you think Jameer Nelson would "eat" him all day.

Derek Fisher is old and arguably the worst defensive point guard in the NBA. Just look at the Rockets series last year and the OKC series this year. He cannot guard fast, young point guards. And Battier is one of Kobe's least favorite guys to go against. That's why he, and not Artest, was guarding Kobe in last years play-off series.

This team would destroy the Lakers. Easy sweep.

Marcus Camby	Center
Tim Duncan	Center
Andrew Bogut	Center
Antawn Jamison	Forward
Elton Brand	Forward
Kenyon Martin	Forward
Shane Battier	Forward
T. J. Ford	Guard
Jameer Nelson	Guard
J. J. Redick	Guard
Kevin Durant	Guard

That is a hell of a team. Just a little light on guards

 

[OUguy11]

Derek Fisher is old and arguably the worst defensive point guard in the NBA. Just look at the Rockets series last year and the OKC series this year. He cannot guard fast, young point guards. And Battier is one of Kobe's least favorite guys to go against. That's why he, and not Artest, was guarding Kobe in last years play-off series.

This team would destroy the Lakers. Easy sweep.

Marcus Camby	Center
Tim Duncan	Center
Andrew Bogut	Center
Antawn Jamison	Forward
Elton Brand	Forward
Kenyon Martin	Forward
Shane Battier	Forward
T. J. Ford	Guard
Jameer Nelson	Guard
J. J. Redick	Guard
Kevin Durant	Guard

That is a hell of a team. Just a little light on guards

Amen! Finally someone watches the NBA and agrees with me.

 

[Max Power]

I didn't know that, thanks zep.

You didn't know that because Joe Smith is still active on the Hawks Playoff roster. He might be riding the bench, but he played in game one of the current series against Orlando