I thought KU fans were supposed to be....

[danbear45]

Aldrich can play.

 

[ByronHoustonsSweatyPalms]

How does he pick up any ladies with a broken grill?

Shows them his signing bonus?

 

[hoopsaustin]

He travels a lot at home but it's legal there

 

[buttermaker1]

He travels a lot at home but it's legal there

He also did a hop step foot shuttle for a dunk in the 2nd half that wasn't called. We laughed

 

[DeaconBoomer]

He also did a hop step foot shuttle for a dunk in the 2nd half that wasn't called. We laughed

He had at least 4 traveling violations that weren't called. They let clown around like a 1st grader. They didn't miss it...they just let it go.

 

[playmakr]

I don't think you're giving him near enough credit but you're entitled to your opinion.

He deserves credit for working hard to at least have decent footwork. He's made himself into a good player.

I simply contend his biggest skill is being 7 feet tall, and there is nothing wrong with that. He's a big part of KU's success. He will make some money pretty soon, and good for him, he seems like a guy who has worked to improve enough to do that.

I would note that he is no worse than Thabeet coming out last year.

 

[Seymore Cox]

he had four and X had the last one. Still, this game doesn't compare to the flesh raping game Brandon Rush's freshman year.

 

[gracefor24]

He deserves credit for working hard to at least have decent footwork. He's made himself into a good player.

I simply contend his biggest skill is being 7 feet tall, and there is nothing wrong with that. He's a big part of KU's success. He will make some money pretty soon, and good for him, he seems like a guy who has worked to improve enough to do that.

I would note that he is no worse than Thabeet coming out last year.

Ok, I get what you're saying. You are right in that his biggest gift is his size, but you could say that about a lot of big men. He is a huge guy, broad shoulders and really long arms. I think it actually helps him that he's not that explosive off the floor because it keeps him on the ground more to contest shots. This keeps him out of silly foul trouble, but he still has the ability to jump and block weakside shots.

I think he is above average at a few things. He shoots the ball well, he dominates his space in rebounding, he does a good job of working for position, and he has a nice jump hook.

 

[campbest]

Lurch isn't going to win any ice dancing competitions in the near future, but the guy is as effective as most 7-footers that come around. It's not "pretty" to watch, but I love his game. He complements KU's scheme really well, plays within himself, doesn't need a lot of touches and dominates the paint defensively (which is probably good for at least 10 points a game).

 

[Crimson King]

KU fans blow and Aldrich is in the middle third of KU stiffs over the years.

 

[WaymanFan]

Seriously, what fan base has intelligent fans? I live in North Carolina, and the Tar Heels faithful aren't the brightest bulbs in the box; that's for sure. Duke fans seem somehat more intelligent, but the 'Heels fans set the bar pretty low. Then again, what would you expect from a fan base that roots against their own country because of who was coaching them. I'd love to find a Tar Heels fan that I can have an intelligent conversation with about college basketball...maybe one of these days.

 

[DenverSooner]

Ok, I get what you're saying. You are right in that his biggest gift is his size, but you could say that about a lot of big men. He is a huge guy, broad shoulders and really long arms. I think it actually helps him that he's not that explosive off the floor because it keeps him on the ground more to contest shots. This keeps him out of silly foul trouble, but he still has the ability to jump and block weakside shots.

I think he is above average at a few things. He shoots the ball well, he dominates his space in rebounding, he does a good job of working for position, and he has a nice jump hook.

His shot is oddly effective. The form (taking it over/behind his head - free throws are really ugly) is bad but he has a soft shot and puts in the basket. It is really strange that he learned to shoot that way. Honestly, when you look at some of the horrible looking shots in college and the NBA I think it proves practice is more important than form ( form with practice is probably best)

 

[gracefor24]

His shot is oddly effective. The form (taking it over/behind his head - free throws are really ugly) is bad but he has a soft shot and puts in the basket. It is really strange that he learned to shoot that way. Honestly, when you look at some of the horrible looking shots in college and the NBA I think it proves practice is more important than form ( form with practice is probably best)

Yep, and his form is good for at least one lane violation per game on the opposing team!! LOL.

 

[Seymore Cox]

Yep, and his form is good for at least one lane violation per game on the opposing team!! LOL.

How is Withey coming along? I'll be interested in seeing the impact he had the kid that played with Fitz have next year.

 

[playmakr]

How is Withey coming along? I'll be interested in seeing the impact he had the kid that played with Fitz have next year.

All the KU fans say he is the best player in practice, when it's not Robinson, Little, Releford, etc. This includes starters. Robinson has been legendary in practice, just not even close to being guardable, and Withey owns him.

 

[gracefor24]

All the KU fans say he is the best player in practice, when it's not Robinson, Little, Releford, etc. This includes starters. Robinson has been legendary in practice, just not even close to being guardable, and Withey owns him.

I'm guessing you're being sarcastic.

I know Withey is way out of game shape and you can tell that he hadn't played a game in almost 2 years. I think he will be a good option as our 4th big next year. At top shape he is more athletic than Aldrich and they say a better shotblocker, but as I alluded to one of Aldrich's strengths is blocking shots without fouling.

Robinson has by far the highest ceiling. The guy is a terrific athlete, long arms, huge hands, and runs a million miles an hour. The problem is he's still learning how to play under control, but once he does I think he is an AA type of player. He reminds me a lot of Drew Gooden as a freshman (Gooden was way more polished) in that he makes some moves that make you think that he will end up being a dominant player. I honestly think that he's a big reason the Twins have improved their effort level, if you don't play hard Robinson will just wear you out.

I think the above is why he and Fitzgerald played so well together, they were a pretty good balance.

 

[Cheno]

Aldrich is an incredible shot blocker. His timing is fantastic. He's also a really good defender and uses his body well...textbook fashion. Prime example is last night when Wright got the ball...kind of lowered his shoulder and initiated contact (the way an offensive player should) and Aldrich took the blow, held his ground and then proceed to pack Wrights shot right back at him. It was textbook defense. Even Knight commented on that. Aldrich is also a great, not good, but great outlet passer. IMO, that's a skill that is overlooked. It's silly for anyone to say Aldrich is anything but a great college player. He has that unique ability to dominate a game without needing to touch the ball. He takes away the lane and forces teams to do things they typically don't do.
Sherron Collins is KU's best player...but Aldrich might be it's most valuable.

 

[playmakr]

Aldrich blocking Wright's shot is like Cheno blocking a 5'5 guys shot.




(ignored disclaimer: Cole is a good shot blocker and does a great job of staying down)

 

[DenverSooner]

Cole is a good shot blocker and does a great job of staying down)

That is why he is a good shot blocker. I literally saw one of OU's freshman jumping up and down (I think it was Tiny - I suspects the coaches will fix that mistake) like a 7th grader (or me at much later age) playing basketball thinking it is defense with zero clue that the guy could blow by you at any moment because you are out of position every time you leave the floor.

 

[buttermaker1]

Aldrich is an incredible shot blocker. His timing is fantastic. He's also a really good defender and uses his body well...textbook fashion. Prime example is last night when Wright got the ball...kind of lowered his shoulder and initiated contact (the way an offensive player should) and Aldrich took the blow, held his ground and then proceed to pack Wrights shot right back at him. It was textbook defense. Even Knight commented on that. Aldrich is also a great, not good, but great outlet passer. IMO, that's a skill that is overlooked. It's silly for anyone to say Aldrich is anything but a great college player. He has that unique ability to dominate a game without needing to touch the ball. He takes away the lane and forces teams to do things they typically don't do.
Sherron Collins is KU's best player...but Aldrich might be it's most valuable.

Good lord