Does Karaban remind anyone else a little of Alex Jensen, for those who remember him when he played for the U?
Following Potential 2026 Draftees
- Thread starter Miggs
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I needed more Mullins that half. Hurley needs to be fired.
I think Boozer is like a better version of Domantas Sabonis -- better handle, more aggressive, more fluid, better shooter, more natural position at the 4, etc. He's going to put up big numbers.
I dont know how to properly rate Boozer. I'm concerned about the playstyle/size, but he is undeniably a great player.
Boozer is the first Duke Freshman to have 35 or more points twice in a season.
I think the concerns on Boozer are valid...but also maybe overstated? I get the idea that when against bigger/better athletes he may struggle more. It concerned me that he was only dominating the bad teams before his game. BUT, I don't think the power game is out of style at all. The NBA is clearly wanting physicality to favor the offensive player. Bully ball is better than ever. That size, skill, and IQ seems unstoppable in the modern game.
He's a clear #1 level prospect in my eyes, the question is is just how #1 guys we have in this draft and if anyone looks generational.
He's a clear #1 level prospect in my eyes, the question is is just how #1 guys we have in this draft and if anyone looks generational.
HadAnEffectHere
Well-Known Member
I mean, I would also like to see him defend more good perimeter players too as he's so huge and you need to be great at closing out and moving side to side at PF.
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
Undeniably a great college player, yes.
The fact that the list of "great college players" includes both future NBA Hall of Famers and guys who struggled to play rotation minutes in the League is interesting. It tells you that NCAA performance only matters if you strictly look at it through NBA glasses.
The terrible basketball quality and outdated tactics of college help some guys and hurt others. It depends on what type of player you are. When evaluating, you sort of have to mentally remove the player from his environment and place him in the pro game.
How many Freshman have been that dominant that didnt go on to be good pros? I would get it if he was 21-22, but he's 18 and Duke isnt a great team outside of him.
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
No. From an evaluation standpoint, you can gain a lot from watching college ball, even though it's terrible. You just have to ignore the whole competitive aspect. Stats don't matter, wins and losses don't matter, struggling against paint-collapsing defensive schemes doesn't matter.
I don't value perimeter defense much compared to overall defensive IQ and off ball defense. Defense is a 5v5 thing and I think we highly overvalue the ability to guard 1v1. I think Boozer is a good defender who will have a positive impact on defense in the NBA. He's a dominant rebounder+stocks guy and does so without fouling. I care way more about than his perceived athletic weaknesses.
If you don't think stats and production matter, you must suck at using those tools. User error.
I came in to the season thinking that Boozer would be a bad defender. He's been much better than I expected. I don't know if he'll have a positive impact on team defense, but I'm not currently worried about him having a negative one.
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
I'm more bullish on Koa than Boozer, but yeah, the things you mentioned are a concern. Koa is a much better athlete though. Explosive, fluid and light on his feet, despite his size.
The over-emphasis on post play is one of the main reasons why I can't stand the college game. It disproportionately rewards the strong 6'6'' to 6'8'' kids who'll be awkward tweeners in the League.
I feel pretty confident that he’ll be a positive defender, but I also have a different view of defense. I see the concerns, but my optimism has more to do with what I value in NBA defense versus Boozer himself.
Tremendous Upside
Well-Known Member
NBA history is full of busts who had fantastic stats and production in college. There's also plenty of guys who, at a glance, were "nothing special" in the NCAA, but blossomed when they got to play a smarter brand of basketball.
Yeah and I'm sure the other ways of scouting have been flawless. If you're not able to gain value from numbers and production, that's a skill issue.
Iowa St has a 6'9 240 LB senior PF putting up Draymond Green kind of stats (Joshua Jefferson).