Nassir Little Interview

[pln2013]

This kid is EXACTLY the kind of player we want in our program. Very talented, but he has an extremely mature perspective. Not too often do you hear a rising star wings talk about striving to be efficient with his dribble.



His favorite player is Kawhi Leonard, and I think that's his best comparable. Strong frame, long arms, good (but not freakish) athleticism, an efficient game, and strong defensive instincts.

To me he's a top-10 player. He also apparently grew up a UNC fan, which can't hurt.

 

[UNCFan2012]

I love this guy too. He would be an instant impact type player on defense. Big frame, plays with intensity, good basketball instincts.

Look at the way he instinctively follows his shot too. He would be a terror at UNC.

Screw the Zion sweepstakes if we can get an early commitment from Nassir.

 

[Archer2]

Zion ain't comin'. I hope we don't waste time on him. Nasir looks like the real deal. Go get him Roy.

 

[heels05champs]

^Agree. Zion is a waste of time and should be moved on from. Naasir on the other hand is a realistic chance if Roy makes him an offer and prioritizes him. I want to see him offered like yesterday.

 

[Archer2]

He seems like a very good player. But in all honesty, I'd prefer we offer Joey Baker to fill the SF spot. I love his game, and he's a NC kid. I'm dumbfounded we haven't offered. Dumbfounded!

 

[RoseHeel]

He seems like a very good player. But in all honesty, I'd prefer we offer Joey Baker to fill the SF spot. I love his game, and he's a NC kid. I'm dumbfounded we haven't offered. Dumbfounded!

Although I share your "dumbfoundedness" regarding no offer to Baker, he's supposed to be visiting UNC in July. If he doesn't get an offer then, I'd be stunned.

Also, Little is '18 and Baker is '19. No reason we can't land both IMO.

 

[UNC&ME]

does anyone know why Baker has yet to be offered?..for those touting PREMIUM this is a sales pitch opportunity ..I don't have a dog in the hunt-the best player is criterion enough for me

 

[2DDIMOND]

does anyone know why Baker has yet to be offered?..for those touting PREMIUM this is a sales pitch opportunity ..I don't have a dog in the hunt-the best player is criterion enough for me

Possibly soft, doesn't finish well w/contact. I'm on the fence with Baker. I trust that if Roy offers he's a good fit, I trust that if he doesn't we have better options. I can't get with the notion that just because he's in state & likes the Heels we need to offer. Roy can be selective w/the rest of '18 & '19, & contrary to popular opinion, ABSOLUTELY knows what he's doing.

 

[RoseHeel]

Possibly soft, doesn't finish well w/contact. I'm on the fence with Baker. I trust that if Roy offers he's a good fit, I trust that if he doesn't we have better options. I can't get with the notion that just because he's in state & likes the Heels we need to offer. Roy can be selective w/the rest of '18 & '19, & contrary to popular opinion, ABSOLUTELY knows what he's doing.

And here I thought the majority wanted kids who wanted to be in UNC Blue. And that protecting the "homestate" was important.

 

[Archer2]

Baker's a top 25 recruit. You tell me if he looks soft or doesn't finish well with contact. BTW, 247 has him 100% to UNC. This kid is a special talent. He can do it all, score inside and out, defend, rebound, and pass.

 

[UNCFan2012]

I'm a big believer in recruiting kids with fatal flaws (Meeks - too fat, Berry - too short, Pinson - can't shoot) who otherwise are exceptional talents. This is ideal for college basketball - you get good players who stay 3-4 years.

Under those lens Joey Baker seems to fit. He has exceptional talents. He's tremendously skilled for his age and scores very, very efficiently. He clearly understands basketball, understands his role, and is able to get what he wants on the offensive end.

But he definitely has limitations too. His measurables aren't great and he isn't a very good defender right now (though he says he's working on it).

Honestly he reminds me of a slightly bigger Grayson Allen. Which, tripping episodes aside, means we should offer him immediately as Duke got 4 years out of a really good college player in Allen.

Little/Baker would be a really complimentary wing combo and I think we should pursue both.

 

[DSouthr]

Joey is a long 6'7", think he may fit more as a stretch 4 than a true 3, like to see him add bulk and strength. Roy has been in solid contact, can't blame Roy for wanting to checks his options but consider Joey as a stretch 4 and Nickleberry as a wing coming to us in the same class. I expect to see Joey get the offer when he visits in July.

 

[2DDIMOND]

And here I thought the majority wanted kids who wanted to be in UNC Blue. And that protecting the "homestate" was important.

And I think you are correct, the majority does want the in state kids. I guess I'm just in the minority on this one. My point is that I trust Roy to get the kids he thinks will serve us best. Wondering if I'm in the minority on that too. And I'm not saying I don't want Baker, if Roy wants him, I'm on board.

 

[pln2013]

Joey is a long 6'7", think he may fit more as a stretch 4 than a true 3, like to see him add bulk and strength. Roy has been in solid contact, can't blame Roy for wanting to checks his options but consider Joey as a stretch 4 and Nickleberry as a wing coming to us in the same class. I expect to see Joey get the offer when he visits in July.

Baker doesn't really have the traits you want from a 4. His defense, rebounding, and overall lack of physicality make him a wing. He could drop down in small ball situations, but I wouldn't play him there for extended minutes.

Little's frame, length, and strength make him a viable 4.

 

[Archer2]

Yep, he's definitely not a four. He's a classic three.