Minnesota Sports Forum

Camden wrote:Even if Aaron Gordon fell in our lap, that's a big win. By the way, he's a small forward in the NBA in my eyes. Very good laterally and disciplined in terms of defense. On that end, I believe he's going to be above average. On offense, he's a good driver and terrific athlete. Good handle too. I keep seeing PF next to him on draft sites, but in the NBA, there's no reason why he can't be a physically dominating SF. Too good of a driver to not be able to succeed against normal sized SFs. Very capable passer too. Can play within a system. Can grab a rebound and go the length of the floor; big advantage. Needs to work on the jumper, though. Form looks fine, honestly, it's just not falling.

I also just like him as a kid. Seems to have a relentless work ethic. Has a great understanding of team concepts and WINNING. Also only 18 years old. Potential is very high.

I don't see him making it to 13, but if he does, we'd have to think about drafting him. I wouldn't groom him to be a PF, though. Looks like a small forward through and through.

Camden wrote:Okay, so I've seen some talk about Stauskas over the last few days criticising him for his ability to get to the rim and finish. I also don't think he's getting enough credit for his passing ability. In my eyes, he's got the full package on offense. I can understand the questions about him on defense, though I think he'll be good enough there for it not to be an issue. It's the questions about his offense that have me a bit baffled.

Here's a short compilation of Stauskas plays that can show you what he's all about. The guy who did the breakdown did a pretty good job. No one has the time to show every play, but I've watched the majority of Michigan's basketball games this year just to see this guy play. The video is what I see on a game to game basis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjCE4TXhgEU

sjm34 wrote:Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

Camden wrote:

sjm34 wrote:Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

He added about 16 pounds of muscle and six inches on his vert last off-season. Only 20 years old. Him and Ricky should become workout buddies.

As for the K-Mart comparison, I don't 100% remember Martin when he was younger, but I doubt he was as good of a passer as Stauskas. Stauskas also seems to have the "alpha dog" mentality that Martin doesn't have.

I see Curry/Hayward in Stauskas.

longstrangetrip wrote:

Camden wrote:

sjm34 wrote:Every time I see him, he reminds me of Kevin Martin with much better form. The big question for me is, can he put on some more weight.

He added about 16 pounds of muscle and six inches on his vert last off-season. Only 20 years old. Him and Ricky should become workout buddies.

As for the K-Mart comparison, I don't 100% remember Martin when he was younger, but I doubt he was as good of a passer as Stauskas. Stauskas also seems to have the "alpha dog" mentality that Martin doesn't have.

I see Curry/Hayward in Stauskas.

The thing that Stauskas has that sets him clearly apart from Martin is his edgy attitude. Martin is a nice guy, but soft, and fades away when the game is on the line. Stauskas is cocky and maybe even a little bit arrogant. He's the kind of guy that gets in the heads of opponents, and that helps him on defense. He just thinks he's better than his opponent. I think we could use some of that attitude on this club .

thedoper wrote:Harris out edged him in the big ten tourney. I see Harris as the superior prospect. Time will tell though.