Which new guy is going to step up and surpise?

[Sam]

Some newcomers are coming in with high pedigrees like Cameron Clark and carry the burden of expectations but which of the other new guys are going to surprise this season?
(excluding Cameron and TJ since they are top 100 recruits and Carl Blair since many on here seem to expect him to be the starting PG and what not. Or Osby since he has to sit out a year.)

The Candidates
C.J. Washington - 6'7 post, Juco All American. Accomplished rebounder, a grinder type downlow. Possibly best rebounder on the roster. Will do the dirty work but might be undersized for the D-1 level.

Nick Thompson - 6'10 post, juco transfer, started last season at Small Forward for Eastern Utah. Most skilled big on campus, with the handles, shot and passing skills of wings. One drawback is the question mark on how he will handle the big bodies, especially on defense after playing on the wing.

Tyler Neal - 6'7, 2010 Gatorade Player of the year for Oklahoma, good shooter for his size and posses good versatility. Has the chance to create mismatches with his size combined with three point shooting. One drawback is he might not have a true position (too short for a 4, needs to continue to improve on the perimeter to defend Big 12 3's) as a young freshman transitioning to high level division one basketball.

Calvin Newell - 6'1 Combo Guard type - explosive scorer in high school and prep school with the ability to score in multiple ways (off the bounce, shooting, etc). A good athlete for his size with quickness and hops. A little raw after having a somewhat unorthodox high school career and might not be ready to run the point or lack the height to play the 2 full time in the Big 12.

Abdi Ahmed - 6'10 Post - From England and spent the past season at the Canrias Basketball Academy in Spain. Very raw as he only started playing the game recently after being a soccer player when younger. Possibly the best shot blocker on the roster given his size and could be a true 5. He could be a couple years away from being a true impact player given his newness to basketball and the States in general.

 

[thebigabd]

Good thread. I went with CJ Washington.

 

[p230]

I'm going with Nick. Don't know why it is just a gut feeling.

 

[CMSOONER]

I think Nick will be able to utilize his size and skill as a missmatch against other bigs. And i think he'll add some weight before the start of the season. Boomer Sooner Baby!!!

 

[Dem Coltz]

I hope it's more than just one guy that surprises. If it's like Dennis Green said "they are who we thought they were" we may be be up the crick without a bottle of grandma's old cough medicine. But I think Washington can be a solid banger like we need and Newell can add some spice to our taco meat.

 

[Krugerfan52]

I went with Washington because I think he will have a to play ton of minutes. Because of that I think he "surprise" us with his production.

I dont expect Neal or Ahmed to play much, and I have a bad feeling that Newell will have off the court issues that effect his ability to stay on the court, much like a Bobby Maze or Juan Patillo. I think Thompson will be solid, but not a surprise. I think Washington will have 5 or 6 double-doubles and that will surprise people.

 

[j2d2]

Carl Blair

 

[boksooner]

Carl Blair

Some newcomers are coming in with high pedigrees like Cameron Clark and carry the burden of expectations but which of the other new guys are going to surprise this season?
(excluding Cameron and TJ since they are top 100 recruits and Carl Blair since many on here seem to expect him to be the starting PG and what not. Or Osby since he has to sit out a year.)

.

 

[Dem Coltz]

I wish there was a poll to gauge what returner people think is going to step up and surprise, because in my opinion that is just as unknown. (aside from Cade, although even he could surprise based on what improvements he's made)
Also we need a poll to see which Step Up steps up to the streetz the most.

 

[NickZepp]

I'll go with Washington, mostly because he's the only one I've seen play and I know he will impact right away with this rebounding and defense. Blair is the 2nd guy I would pick even though he isn't on this poll. I think Neal will be a real solid player also. Don't know much about Thompson and Ahmed. Ahmed seems like maybe he can mold himself into being a Jabahri Brown type player, but I base that completely off being tall and inexperienced. Don't really know if he can even be that good.

 

[Seymore Cox]

Good thread. I went with CJ Washington.

who was second, Nick Thompson?

 

[SuperHoops]

Is CJ a legit 6'7"? When he signed there were stories floating around that he was closer to 6'5". Was that just a bunch of bunk?

 

[MNsooner]

I went with Thompson. He has good size and is very skilled. From what I can tell he seems to be a mature player and person who really wants to contribute. I think he will find a role on this team and be a pleasant surprise.

I feel like all these predictions are difficult without seeing these guys play at a d1 level, but I guess I have to go with a guy who has the size, skills, and ethic to contribute. Let's just hope he develops some gritty post defense and improves his rebounding otherwise we may not seem him on the court much.

 

[BigTime]

My gut says Nick Thompson. He has a unique skillset for a guy his size and I think he will do well setting up our shooters for good shots and getting the ball down to Fitz and Washington where they can score. I just think he will be a real "glue guy" that will help this team steal a couple of toss-up games.