OFFICIAL PAN AM GAMES AB HYPE THREAD!!!!

[TAFKASP]

Did they name these games after that airliner that was bombed out of the sky?

[Monster]

AB played 22:14 minutes and got 10 points going 1 for 3, hitting one three pointer and going 7 for 10 at the line, he got 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block. Meanwhile Brady Heslip scored 20 points on 8 for 13 shooting in 20:33 minutes. 4 threes, 1 assist, 1 rebound. The game was taped and so I watched AB play and while he does look thinner, and he had his moments, he still looks pretty lethargic.

Thanks for your thoughts can you explain more what you mean by lethargic? I think I know but I'd like to hear you break it down more.

He looks like he's trying to conserve energy. Moves and reacts slowly, more so on defense. The most energy I see out of him is when he leaps up over shorter or less athletic guys for a rebound that is in his vicinity or when he gets an opportunity for his tomahawk jam. Payne may be equally as bad, but that guy is frenetic. Wish we could blend the motors of the two of them.

Yeah and give Payne Bennett's strong build... Damn lol

Once again I'll say that playing hard really is a skill and not everyone can do it. It's still a little amazing to me how Bazz really got after it last year.

[Monster]

Video of AB's step back 3.

http://youtu.be/fJtvBoTEITk

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Sounds like another solid game. LST I think it's time for your overall impressions of Bennett after 3 games. Also what about anyone else on team Canada or other guys they have played? It seems Murrey is doing well for himself and what is the deal with Heslip? I know you aren't a fan but I am interested in what you have to say.

I didn't know that ESPN3 was showing the games, so I have only seen AB in the few minutes ESPN has been showing. What I have seen has been very good...a guy more willing to play inside more than the AB we saw last year and drawing fouls at a high rate, a much leaner, longer physique, and quicker feet on defense. But I would put more stock in the reports from other posters who are seeing more of the games. It sounds like the general consensus is that his play is still spotty.

[Carlos Danger]

Team Canada is now 3-0

Anthony Bennett is averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and 24 minutes a game.

He's the team's 4th leading scorer:
Brady Heslip - 18 pts/game
Andrew Nicholson - 16.3 pts/game
Jamal Murray - 15.3 pts/game
Anthony Bennett - 14.0 pts/game.

He's second in rebounds behind Nicholson's 9/game.

He's third in minutes per Game:
Heslip - 25.3
Murray - 24.3
Bennett - 24.0
Nicholson - 23.0

The most impressive guy's (statistically) IMO would be Heslip (leading scorer and 10 of 20 from 3 point land) and this Andrew Nicholson guy who's averaging more points and rebounds than AB in less minutes.

[bleedspeed]

Andrew Nicholson had a promising NBA career for Magic and then fizzled. I am not sure this is enough for AB. Certainly not living up to expectations. Can he form a niche career?

[GymRat [enjin:6592663]]

Andrew Nicholson had a promising NBA career for Magic and then fizzled. I am not sure this is enough for AB. Certainly not living up to expectations. Can he form a niche career?

I think that's been the general consensus recently in other threads. We need AB to focus on what he does well (basket cuts, put-backs, rebounding), and we need Flip to stop putting him (and the rest of the team) in positions to do stupid things (long 2-pointers that aren't 3's, dribbling except on basket rolls). If he focuses on those things, he can become a niche player, with the potential to be more over time. He's just not a guy to come in and do everything well and be a focal point.

[Carlos Danger]

I'll come to the defense of AB a little bit since we don't want to kill any good karma we have going during this optimistic off-season.

1.) We have to throw out the obligatory "it's only 3 games". He could still have some "wow" games in him.

2.) Canada is 3-0. Like Khans wrote - the team is winning and AB is playing a solid role in that.

3.) He's been efficient. I can't find Advanced stats, but his FG % is 58% (10% better than Nicholson who's taking more shots to boost his scoring averages). AB is also 3 of 6 from 3 point line which should make some people on here smile.


I'm still not ready to kick dirt on AB. I just really want him to flash and show that he's the Alpha dog. As many have said, his problem seems to be in his confidence/brain more than physical limitations. I hope he can find his swagger in these games and get his mojo back.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

AB did have a nice game against Team USA. He played with more intensity than I have seen him play before. I like that he did more than rebound and score today. Hustled to block a shot and did get a few assists and also shot pretty well. He had a lot of rebounds and I think his length helps him, but he seemed to get mostly uncontested rebounds that just caromed his way. Anyway, if he plays like this every day, Flip might want him to stay.

[Carlos Danger]

Team Canada is now 4-0 and will play in the Gold Medal round today. Anthony Bennett's stats are looking very good and efficient. Here are his Per Game stats after 4 games.

15 points and 9.5 rebounds based on:

Minutes = 25.0
FG % = 61%
3 pt % = 50% (5 out of 10)
FT% = 73% (11 of 15)