Meeks, what can he do to be more NBA ready?

[DSouthr]

As I have said, I think Meeks should test the waters, go work out for NBA teams, get their feed back on what he needs to work on. But here is my question, what can he do that will make him more NBA ready? What feed back would you give him?

I ask this because if there really is not much he can do then would this open the door for him to maybe try Euro ball now and not really be all that concerned with the NBA? Much as I saw JP and really JMM as well, not really NBA players for more than a rookie contract IMO. JMM got in for Golden state the other night and the term the announcers used was going DEEP in their bench, guys deep in the bench do not stay in the NBA long. I think both JP and JMM realize, their real money may be in Europe and I think maybe they suspected that on entering the draft when they did. Does a Meeks that is not ready to really help NBA team take that same mindset? IMO, there may have to be a real area that Meeks can work on that is within his ability that can be pointed to.

Reality can be a biatch, some things you may want to do but they just are not within your ability to make happen. Honestly, not sure right now Meeks would be a hot commodity even for a Euro team so maybe coming back to UNC and getting degree is a better path, maybe try coaching down the road.

What would Meeks be able to work on that would make NBA teams want to draft him? First I would suggest showing he can play strong thru an entire college season before he trys the much longer NBA season. Next, he is not going to get any longer and he is not going to jump much higher so he is going to have to show the ability to consistently knock down the mid range jumpers and I actually think he can do that from the foul line extended on in. He HAS to stop camping out deep in the paint, he can not finish down there, if he gets down deep in the paint he has to seek out contact and draw the foul, stop being shy about contact.

I can not express how much I hope, if the kid does come back (I expect him back) that he will move to the high post, he was an excellent passer as a freshman, step to the middle of that zone and show that passing ability if the shot is not there. Set the high screen and roll off of it, Meeks IMO has a great set of mits to catch the tuff pass, roll off the high screen and use those mits or block out.

One other thing the kid really has to work on is he tends at times to ball watch rather than find his block out assignment and establish solid position to keep his man from the rebound. You worry about blocking out like you have to and many times you can get a rebound that has the ball hit the floor before you secure it. Meeks is a wide and very strong kid, use that width and strength, stop with the whole bringing the ball down so little guys can strip it deal, you 6'9" and 260lbs of raw bone strength, play like it. If you are going to be compared to guys like Unseld or Sullenger at some point you are going to have to dominate at the college level like they did. Ya only have one more season to be able to do that or learn a foreign language & give up those NBA dreams.

His assets as I see them:

1) Very good outlet passer, solid passer in the half court.
2) Very good hands, strong hands, can catch the hard pass.
3) Under used mid range jump shot
4) Very physically strong, has shown dedication to his body by dropping a LOT of weight.
5) Solid character
6) 3yr starter in a solid program that does a great job of teaching it's players how to play at the next level

Concerns:

1) Very little reach for 6'9", not nearly the length that NBA teams prefer for their power forwards or centers, barely NBA wing length.

2) Very little lift, below the basket big man, easily played over the top of by NBA power forwards and centers, as well as many NBA wings.
3) Lack of quickness
4) Does not put the ball on the floor well
5) Has not shown much jump shooting to guage consistency
6) Less than expected progression from soph to Jr seasons in college
7) Questionable upside potential
6) Health, has seen production and PT reduce as the season progresses

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

The biggest problem I see for Kennedy is his motor.

He's been injured and/or sick each of the last 2 seasons - after which he rarely really seemed to get fully revved up.

If I'm a pro scout, I'm not paying a good draft pick for him until I feel fairly sure that won't be a problem. Which means understanding why it happened - twice - and seeing it as something that can be fixed.

If that question can't be clearly resolved, I can see see some teams spending a late 2nd round pick on him as a gamble/project - but not anything close to 1st round.

Which is to say, he should return to prove he can have a whole season of health and decent motor. That's what Zeller did, and Zeller was less of a question mark than Kennedy is.

 

[Archer2]

Agreed on pretty much your whole post Dave.

Really would like to see him operate more in the high post, been saying it for two years now. It would take advantage of his passing and his ability to knock down the 15 footer. It would open up the lane area for cutters slashing to the basket. And it would mitigate his lack of jumping ability which results in so many missed/blocked point blank shots.

Great young man and I love him. IMO, his only shot at the NBA is displaying shooting range and passing ability. Both are better displayed/utilized in the high post.

 

[What Would Jesus Do?]

I hope if he comes back that Roy will engineer more plays where Kennedy can show off his passing. He should be a great high post point forward guy, but we hardly got a chance to see that playing alongside Brice. Maybe we will playing with Isaiah and Tony.

I wonder if he studies tapes of guys like Unseld. Would it make sense to do so in the current era?

 

[UNC-75]

The NBA is played with quickness below the rim and tall athletes that play above the rim. That's what Kennedy will find out. Those are hard to develop as the are God given talents. Intelligence and great passing abilities are what Kennedy has to offer. I wish him the best of course but those qualities don't get you as far as one would hope.

 

[superstar57]

Good question, and my personal feelings is Meeks would have to be "Way more aggressive and way more consistent". 6'9 not much range (Good form). Meeks will make a few million playing ball but would be surprised if he ever was drafted.

 

[gteeitup]

um, nothing within his control...we've seen him get in better shape, yet continue to lack stamina...now he has knee issues to add to his chess mentality.

sean may might have a longer nba career

 

[Spaceytoyz]

Meanness

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Meanness

Yep, some of that "mean streak" Montross had would be nice to see.

 

[gteeitup]

Yep, some of that "mean streak" Montross had would be nice to see.

that can't be developed, it's innate.

 

[GoNtheDistance]

Motor and physical ability. 1 of those he can can control. The other he simply has to minimize and do the best he can.

 

[Bubspub88]

I hope Kennedy comes back. His game is not ready. I can recall him having some good games but not any where he was really dominant inside for more then a short stretch.

 

[gary-7]

As I have said, I think Meeks should test the waters, go work out for NBA teams, get their feed back on what he needs to work on. But here is my question, what can he do that will make him more NBA ready? What feed back would you give him?

I ask this because if there really is not much he can do then would this open the door for him to maybe try Euro ball now and not really be all that concerned with the NBA? Much as I saw JP and really JMM as well, not really NBA players for more than a rookie contract IMO. JMM got in for Golden state the other night and the term the announcers used was going DEEP in their bench, guys deep in the bench do not stay in the NBA long. I think both JP and JMM realize, their real money may be in Europe and I think maybe they suspected that on entering the draft when they did. Does a Meeks that is not ready to really help NBA team take that same mindset? IMO, there may have to be a real area that Meeks can work on that is within his ability that can be pointed to.

Reality can be a biatch, some things you may want to do but they just are not within your ability to make happen. Honestly, not sure right now Meeks would be a hot commodity even for a Euro team so maybe coming back to UNC and getting degree is a better path, maybe try coaching down the road.

What would Meeks be able to work on that would make NBA teams want to draft him? First I would suggest showing he can play strong thru an entire college season before he trys the much longer NBA season. Next, he is not going to get any longer and he is not going to jump much higher so he is going to have to show the ability to consistently knock down the mid range jumpers and I actually think he can do that from the foul line extended on in. He HAS to stop camping out deep in the paint, he can not finish down there, if he gets down deep in the paint he has to seek out contact and draw the foul, stop being shy about contact.

I can not express how much I hope, if the kid does come back (I expect him back) that he will move to the high post, he was an excellent passer as a freshman, step to the middle of that zone and show that passing ability if the shot is not there. Set the high screen and roll off of it, Meeks IMO has a great set of mits to catch the tuff pass, roll off the high screen and use those mits or block out.

One other thing the kid really has to work on is he tends at times to ball watch rather than find his block out assignment and establish solid position to keep his man from the rebound. You worry about blocking out like you have to and many times you can get a rebound that has the ball hit the floor before you secure it. Meeks is a wide and very strong kid, use that width and strength, stop with the whole bringing the ball down so little guys can strip it deal, you 6'9" and 260lbs of raw bone strength, play like it. If you are going to be compared to guys like Unseld or Sullenger at some point you are going to have to dominate at the college level like they did. Ya only have one more season to be able to do that or learn a foreign language & give up those NBA dreams.

His assets as I see them:

1) Very good outlet passer, solid passer in the half court.
2) Very good hands, strong hands, can catch the hard pass.
3) Under used mid range jump shot
4) Very physically strong, has shown dedication to his body by dropping a LOT of weight.
5) Solid character
6) 3yr starter in a solid program that does a great job of teaching it's players how to play at the next level

Concerns:

1) Very little reach for 6'9", not nearly the length that NBA teams prefer for their power forwards or centers, barely NBA wing length.

2) Very little lift, below the basket big man, easily played over the top of by NBA power forwards and centers, as well as many NBA wings.
3) Lack of quickness
4) Does not put the ball on the floor well
5) Has not shown much jump shooting to guage consistency
6) Less than expected progression from soph to Jr seasons in college
7) Questionable upside potential
6) Health, has seen production and PT reduce as the season progresses

Arright, Dave...
It pains me to post this, BUT....
I've tried to keep y'all abreast of the inside goings-on concerning this topic, but there is one X-factor I didn't go into previously: The possibility of a modified collective bargaining agreement (especially given the Thon Maker situation) may change the dynamic. For example, if the NBA buys into that "5th year HS = one year of college" deal, that brings a whole 'nuther pool of players in. Kennedy is wary of that, and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go (that's the "10" in the 90/10 of him coming back). I don't think that will happen, but it could. That thing Roy said about NBA guys being honest with prospects could come into play here.

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Meeks has good size and why he does not use his lower body to move people and make room for himself is a big time mystery. He will never be a JR Reid or Tyler Hansbrough who used their bodies well to score or get fouled while in the paint but he has the tools and skills to be a double double machine like Brice Johnson did last year. Maybe he could do what Hicks did last year to improve his game by working with a NBA pro like David West. I am sure Shawn May is already working with him and maybe he will learn something at the NBA combines that will give him a good idea of what to work on during the summer. Someone mentioned a little mean steak and that is a must for anyone who wants to play in the NBA. You never once saw JR or Tyler back down from anyone and Meeks needs that approach in his overall game...

 

[IDUNK4HEELS]

Meeks has good size and why he does not use his lower body to move people and make room for himself is a big time mystery. He will never be a JR Reid or Tyler Hansbrough who used their bodies well to score or get fouled while in the paint but he has the tools and skills to be a double double machine like Brice Johnson did last year. Maybe he could do what Hicks did last year to improve his game by working with a NBA pro like David West. I am sure Shawn May is already working with him and maybe he will learn something at the NBA combines that will give him a good idea of what to work on during the summer. Someone mentioned a little mean steak and that is a must for anyone who wants to play in the NBA. YOU

 

[Spacegrass]

Meeks isn't nearly as good but he needs to model his game after a guy like Kevin Love. You aren't turning Meeks from a finesse player to a bruiser. So imo he needs to develop his counter moves , face up game , and shooting range offensively. Foot speed , defensive instincts , and conditioning need to continue from a physical standpoint.

 

[Mox94]

Kevin Love? Really? His basic attraction was the ability to hit the 3 at his size. For some odd reason, I just don't see that particular talent emerging within Meeks in one off season. Meeks will go through the NBA rigors to get the feedback. Unfortunately for him, I don't think it will be as positive as he would hope. He often struggles getting his shot off close to the bucket at the college level. They would eat him alive at the pro level. And the way the game has developed he would probably be a huge defensive liability with his lack of quickness. Meeks can't really do much about the physical gifts he has. He is never going to be very quick, or jump out of the gym. But he can best help himself by turning into sort of a bull in a china shop type of player and use his bulk to clear his own path. But that is more mindset than it is a physical problem, and to this point he hasn't shown that. I think Kennedy will be back. Unless he decides to go play on some scrub Euro team, I just don't see his translating to the NBA right now. And maybe never. But certainly not now.

 

[DSouthr]

Arright, Dave...
It pains me to post this, BUT....
I've tried to keep y'all abreast of the inside goings-on concerning this topic, but there is one X-factor I didn't go into previously: The possibility of a modified collective bargaining agreement (especially given the Thon Maker situation) may change the dynamic. For example, if the NBA buys into that "5th year HS = one year of college" deal, that brings a whole 'nuther pool of players in. Kennedy is wary of that, and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go (that's the "10" in the 90/10 of him coming back). I don't think that will happen, but it could. That thing Roy said about NBA guys being honest with prospects could come into play here.

Lot of red meat in that reply gary, I note at least 2 and likely 3 seperate discussion topics so I am trying to figure out which one I want to talk about first. Think I will start with the more on topic portion about meeks.

"and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go"...OK, so I realize that some may feel I am trashing Meeks, I am not, I am just offering opinion based on what I have seen. But I have to ask, simply because I don't see it, what it is that GMs still like that could in any way result in a decent draft grade? I am not disputing that you hear some NBA GMs like him, I am asking what it is that they like? Earlier in this thread I listed as I see it his assets and concerns, there must be some asset or several that I missed and that surprises me for as much as I have watched the kid play.

There is IMO no way he is a 1st round pick, the only consideration would be is he a 2nd rounder and clearly from what you hear some believe he could be? From what I have seen, I am not sure he would be a 5th rounder right now and I don't think NBA workouts are going to change that. So I sincerely ask what they see that I don't?

 

[UNC Blue Hup]

There's no way JJ or Meeks are a 1st round pick this year--Meeks will never be a 1st, (and I love that kid) maybe JJ can get there if he gets ALOT stronger.

 

[gary-7]

Lot of red meat in that reply gary, I note at least 2 and likely 3 seperate discussion topics so I am trying to figure out which one I want to talk about first. Think I will start with the more on topic portion about meeks.

"and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go"...OK, so I realize that some may feel I am trashing Meeks, I am not, I am just offering opinion based on what I have seen. But I have to ask, simply because I don't see it, what it is that GMs still like that could in any way result in a decent draft grade? I am not disputing that you hear some NBA GMs like him, I am asking what it is that they like? Earlier in this thread I listed as I see it his assets and concerns, there must be some asset or several that I missed and that surprises me for as much as I have watched the kid play.

There is IMO no way he is a 1st round pick, the only consideration would be is he a 2nd rounder and clearly from what you hear some believe he could be? From what I have seen, I am not sure he would be a 5th rounder right now and I don't think NBA workouts are going to change that. So I sincerely ask what they see that I don't?

Dave, all I can tell ya is that going into this season Kennedy was higher on most boards than Brice dfor whatever reason. And had he had the kind of season he envisioned he'd be long gone, as that was intended ft dating back to last summer when he got some "informal" feedback.
His disappointing season and the nagging injury, as well as Brice blowing up in his senior season are the factors that now have him likely to stay. HOWEVER... there is the collective bargaining X-factor I mentioned at play, so there's still an outside chance a good evaluation could bring leaving back in play. Again, we're likely still at 90/10 he comes back, but that 10 ain't zero, IYKWIM.
Now... here's where it gets sketchy: I was told (from about as good a source as you could imagine) that even a second round evaluation won't be enuff to make him jump, but ya never know what stars would get in a kid's eyes if that was to happen..... jes' sayin'......

 

[gunslingerdick]

Meeks has very little of anything today's NBA wants. IMO, he'll be lucky to have more than a cup of coffee with any NBA team. He can't "develop" what he's lacking. His destiny is not to play in the NBA.

 

[gary-7]

Lot of red meat in that reply gary, I note at least 2 and likely 3 seperate discussion topics so I am trying to figure out which one I want to talk about first. Think I will start with the more on topic portion about meeks.

"and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go"...OK, so I realize that some may feel I am trashing Meeks, I am not, I am just offering opinion based on what I have seen. But I have to ask, simply because I don't see it, what it is that GMs still like that could in any way result in a decent draft grade? I am not disputing that you hear some NBA GMs like him, I am asking what it is that they like? Earlier in this thread I listed as I see it his assets and concerns, there must be some asset or several that I missed and that surprises me for as much as I have watched the kid play.

There is IMO no way he is a 1st round pick, the only consideration would be is he a 2nd rounder and clearly from what you hear some believe he could be? From what I have seen, I am not sure he would be a 5th rounder right now and I don't think NBA workouts are going to change that. So I sincerely ask what they see that I don't?

Dave, I'm gonna throw one more thing out there in response to some of the opinions ITT:
The NBA has a place for stout guys with skills. Not everyone is a freak athlete -- just watch the playoffs
Kennedy is a stout guy with skills that we tend to undervalue. He is a terrific passer and has the shooting touch to become an effective pick-and-pop guy. There is a good 10-15 MPG in the league for guys like that.

 

[gteeitup]

Meeks has very little of anything today's NBA wants. IMO, he'll be lucky to have more than a cup of coffee with any NBA team. He can't "develop" what he's lacking. His destiny is not to play in the NBA.

legit poast play

 

[Tru Blu Tar Heel]

Kevin Love? Really? His basic attraction was the ability to hit the 3 at his size. For some odd reason, I just don't see that particular talent emerging within Meeks in one off season. Meeks will go through the NBA rigors to get the feedback. Unfortunately for him, I don't think it will be as positive as he would hope. He often struggles getting his shot off close to the bucket at the college level. They would eat him alive at the pro level. And the way the game has developed he would probably be a huge defensive liability with his lack of quickness. Meeks can't really do much about the physical gifts he has. He is never going to be very quick, or jump out of the gym. But he can best help himself by turning into sort of a bull in a china shop type of player and use his bulk to clear his own path. But that is more mindset than it is a physical problem, and to this point he hasn't shown that. I think Kennedy will be back. Unless he decides to go play on some scrub Euro team, I just don't see his translating to the NBA right now. And maybe never. But certainly not now.

No sir...coming out of UCLA his range didn't extend past the foul line and his foot speed was slow. He built his range and worked to chisel off the weight and improve his foot speed. He was known as an exceptional passer coming out of HS (much like Meeks).

 

[DSouthr]

Dave, all I can tell ya is that going into this season Kennedy was higher on most boards than Brice dfor whatever reason. And had he had the kind of season he envisioned he'd be long gone, as that was intended ft dating back to last summer when he got some "informal" feedback.
His disappointing season and the nagging injury, as well as Brice blowing up in his senior season are the factors that now have him likely to stay. HOWEVER... there is the collective bargaining X-factor I mentioned at play, so there's still an outside chance a good evaluation could bring leaving back in play. Again, we're likely still at 90/10 he comes back, but that 10 ain't zero, IYKWIM.
Now... here's where it gets sketchy: I was told (from about as good a source as you could imagine) that even a second round evaluation won't be enuff to make him jump, but ya never know what stars would get in a kid's eyes if that was to happen..... jes' sayin'......

"Dave, I'm gonna throw one more thing out there in response to some of the opinions ITT:
The NBA has a place for stout guys with skills. Not everyone is a freak athlete -- just watch the playoffs
Kennedy is a stout guy with skills that we tend to undervalue. He is a terrific passer and has the shooting touch to become an effective pick-and-pop guy. There is a good 10-15 MPG in the league for guys like that.

22 gary-7, Yesterday at 6:53 PM"

OK, I agree, NBA has a place for a stout pick & pop front court guy, I agree with that. My problem is I have not seen Meeks actually do much pickin & poppin, sincerely wish I had. Meeks stayed so much deep in the paint that he was nearly charged rent, he has not stepped out and showed a mid range pop up. Heck, I feel like I could count on my fingers the total number of mid range jumpers that he took all last season and not have to use a toe. I have to ask, if he had that type of pick & pop ability why have we not seen it used in games consistently?

By stout guys you are referring to guys with broad shoulders and are physically strong. I agree that meeks is that but those stout guys in the NBA didn't get there by just being stout, they got there because they play a very physical version of the game, they do not shy away from contact. They get deep in the paint for instance they attack the defender to draw the foul even if they can not finish, I want to see that from meeks, I have been waiting for it, so has Roy.

I would ask who are these stout guys that get 10-15MPG that do not finish thru contact or attack the defender to pick up the foul call, who are those stout guys that are finess players that set up deep in the paint but are below the rim operators?

I am not arguing, I am asking because I truely do not understand, was it Roy? Did Roy force meeks to stay so deep in the paint and never go up top and show that pick & pop ability? Did Roy make him set up deep in the paint and pump fake 5 times before going up to get his shot blocked and not at least draw the foul call? Meeks in games did get a lot of rebounds but most of his rebounds or at least a heck of a lot of them were his own misses. How many times last season lets say as comparred to Hicks, did Meeks catch deep in the paint and finish strong, if you are one of those stout guys in the NBA you better be able to finish strong.

I am talking about what I have seen from the kid in games and I am trying to be honestly with what I saw. I am not really worried that Meeks will leave, modify the CBA all they want, but I want to set expectation for what meeks may be able to improve on as a senior at UNC.

 

[DSouthr]

Arright, Dave...
It pains me to post this, BUT....
I've tried to keep y'all abreast of the inside goings-on concerning this topic, but there is one X-factor I didn't go into previously: The possibility of a modified collective bargaining agreement (especially given the Thon Maker situation) may change the dynamic. For example, if the NBA buys into that "5th year HS = one year of college" deal, that brings a whole 'nuther pool of players in. Kennedy is wary of that, and given that some NBA GMs still like him (fact), if he gets a decent draft grade he may still go (that's the "10" in the 90/10 of him coming back). I don't think that will happen, but it could. That thing Roy said about NBA guys being honest with prospects could come into play here.

The CBA, I am not sure the Thon Maker path is that big a deal, he went to Canada and played another season of ball at a prep school, he basically had 2 senior in HS seasons. Maker went and played that extra senior season in Canada for 2 reasons, first being he could not get admitted and eligible to play NCAA ball after his real senior season. So he went and played in Canada giving him that 1yr seperation from USA high school graduation class that is the rule that allows him now to enter the draft. he just found a 3rd option to college or NBADL, a different version of what the guard a few years back did when he went from HS to euro ball for that one season and hated it.

There just is not going to be many kids that will fore go the exposure of the NCAA college game just to go in to seclusion playing against HS level talent in Canada. You literally would have to be an amazing prospect for that to work out well for you and Maker is an amazing prospect for sure b ut very few could do that and have any NBA interest and I submit even his NBA interest has waned by his lack of exposure. So a modified CBA based on the Maker issue is a waste of time, I seriously doubt the NBA would do anyhting about this unless they saw it become some trend. I didn't see Giles, Tatum, Bam, or Ball take that route.

Now maybe they are finally ready to do something about the one & done rule, geez, we all pray they would. My best guess would be they would do away with it more so than extend the time to more than a single season. You may be willing to accept not having Lebron for 1 season in college but y0u are not going to like not having him for 2 or more. Now if they eliminated the one & done rule and meeks knows they will after this coming draft then absolutely the place for him in a draft is questionable even in the second round. But how deeply would that effect future drafts, every one gets pushed down maybe 10 spots because you are going to have about 10 guys that enter right out of high school in most classes. That would clear it self out in a couple of drafts because you would not have nearly the number of one & dones enter, they would enter directly out of high school. The problem Meeks has is a CBA that allows kids right out of high school fills up more NBA roster spots and if meeks is able to get a second round spot in this coming draft his roster spot is not guranteed, likely that he loses it when the direct to the NBA doors are opened back up for HS seniors. Any deep bench guy on a NBA team that does not have a guranteed contract, like guys selected in the second round of this coming draft are the most likely first out.

 

[heelmanwilm]

He doesnt have the physical skills. Dont know how u can change that. love all the heels and wish him the best in any future endeavors.

 

[gary-7]

"Dave, I'm gonna throw one more thing out there in response to some of the opinions ITT:
The NBA has a place for stout guys with skills. Not everyone is a freak athlete -- just watch the playoffs
Kennedy is a stout guy with skills that we tend to undervalue. He is a terrific passer and has the shooting touch to become an effective pick-and-pop guy. There is a good 10-15 MPG in the league for guys like that.

22 gary-7, Yesterday at 6:53 PM"

OK, I agree, NBA has a place for a stout pick & pop front court guy, I agree with that. My problem is I have not seen Meeks actually do much pickin & poppin, sincerely wish I had. Meeks stayed so much deep in the paint that he was nearly charged rent, he has not stepped out and showed a mid range pop up. Heck, I feel like I could count on my fingers the total number of mid range jumpers that he took all last season and not have to use a toe. I have to ask, if he had that type of pick & pop ability why have we not seen it used in games consistently?

By stout guys you are referring to guys with broad shoulders and are physically strong. I agree that meeks is that but those stout guys in the NBA didn't get there by just being stout, they got there because they play a very physical version of the game, they do not shy away from contact. They get deep in the paint for instance they attack the defender to draw the foul even if they can not finish, I want to see that from meeks, I have been waiting for it, so has Roy.

I would ask who are these stout guys that get 10-15MPG that do not finish thru contact or attack the defender to pick up the foul call, who are those stout guys that are finess players that set up deep in the paint but are below the rim operators?

I am not arguing, I am asking because I truely do not understand, was it Roy? Did Roy force meeks to stay so deep in the paint and never go up top and show that pick & pop ability? Did Roy make him set up deep in the paint and pump fake 5 times before going up to get his shot blocked and not at least draw the foul call? Meeks in games did get a lot of rebounds but most of his rebounds or at least a heck of a lot of them were his own misses. How many times last season lets say as comparred to Hicks, did Meeks catch deep in the paint and finish strong, if you are one of those stout guys in the NBA you better be able to finish strong.

I am talking about what I have seen from the kid in games and I am trying to be honestly with what I saw. I am not really worried that Meeks will leave, modify the CBA all they want, but I want to set expectation for what meeks may be able to improve on as a senior at UNC.

Really simple answer. Pick-and-pop for Bigs is not a big part of our offense.unless it just happens to occur in the freelance Passing Game..Kennedy has a nice face-up/fall-away jumper.

 

[DSouthr]

Really simple answer. Pick-and-pop for Bigs is not a big part of our offense.unless it just happens to occur in the freelance Passing Game..Kennedy has a nice face-up/fall-away jumper.

While I agree, I think he can drain a mid range (pop) he just has not shown it other than one here or there. Brice did, Brice popped all season, Meeks didn't. Wouldn't you, as a NBA GM need to see that used consistently in games before you assumed he had it to the extent he could use it effectively in the NBA? I honestly can not recall him taking more than 10 jump shots all last season? Joel James I believe would have taken more jump shots than Meeks did and if not more it was really close and Joel actually hit a good number of his. Joel is stout and Joel can dunk, is the NBA all over Joel?

 

[Spacegrass]

SAo t

Kevin Love? Really? His basic attraction was the ability to hit the 3 at his size. For some odd reason, I just don't see that particular talent emerging within Meeks in one off season. Meeks will go through the NBA rigors to get the feedback. Unfortunately for him, I don't think it will be as positive as he would hope. He often struggles getting his shot off close to the bucket at the college level. They would eat him alive at the pro level. And the way the game has developed he would probably be a huge defensive liability with his lack of quickness. Meeks can't really do much about the physical gifts he has. He is never going to be very quick, or jump out of the gym. But he can best help himself by turning into sort of a bull in a china shop type of player and use his bulk to clear his own path. But that is more mindset than it is a physical problem, and to this point he hasn't shown that. I think Kennedy will be back. Unless he decides to go play on some scrub Euro team, I just don't see his translating to the NBA right now. And maybe never. But certainly not now.

So Meek's should just give up and not aspire for the NBA?

Kevin Love wasn't the 3PT shooter he is now until his 3rd season in the NBA. Love was a sub 30% 3PT shooter his first 2 seasons in the league on only 125 attempts. And in college was only 35% 3PT shooter on a low volume on a shorter 3 PT line. It was something Love didn't develop until he was 22-23 years old. Love as well was a guy despite immense post skills and rebounding ability was overweight , had slow feet , and was a defensive liability. The latter you can argue he is still sub par and a liability.

Not saying he is gonna be Kevin Love but his skill set isn't far off despite not being as talented.

 

[gary-7]

While I agree, I think he can drain a mid range (pop) he just has not shown it other than one here or there. Brice did, Brice popped all season, Meeks didn't. Wouldn't you, as a NBA GM need to see that used consistently in games before you assumed he had it to the extent he could use it effectively in the NBA? I honestly can not recall him taking more than 10 jump shots all last season? Joel James I believe would have taken more jump shots than Meeks did and if not more it was really close and Joel actually hit a good number of his. Joel is stout and Joel can dunk, is the NBA all over Joel?

Although he didn't do it as much this season, Kennedy has shown that he can hit the trail jumper on the Secondary Break, and I have little doubt his range could extend. Dave, I'm not sure why, but you're selling him short. If he has a good healthy Sr season and there's no reason he can't have a chance in the league.

 

[DSouthr]

Although he didn't do it as much this season, Kennedy has shown that he can hit the trail jumper on the Secondary Break, and I have little doubt his range could extend. Dave, I'm not sure why, but you're selling him short. If he has a good healthy Sr season and there's no reason he can't have a chance in the league.

I may be selling him short, it isn't my intent but I saw no progression from soph to Jr season, if anything I saw regression. Gary, if you are high in him, I can't tell ya how much I would LOVE to see that same thing, I just honestly don't.

This much I know, for him to have the kind of season he will have to IMO, to be a reasonable 1st round selection, he will have to show me an improvement from Jr to senior seasons that I have never seen. I am talking Hicks from Frosh to soph like, Shammond or VC like 1yr improvements.

Just discussing but it is one thing to show you can hit a shot, JP hit treys, not a lot of them but he showed he could when the first one went in. Theo showed us he can hit a trey, do ya really want him taking many or any with the same shooting stroke we watched this season? Showing you can do a thing and doing it consistently is 2 different things for me. For him to be a pick & pop guy in my mind I need to see him take and make those shots consistently and that I have not seen. If I have not seen that in 3yrs of college ball what allows me to expect him to do it in his final shot?