TB's game...

[gary-7]

Didn't take long for texts and tweets to start flying about TBJr and people asking about his game. Clint did a nice job on the podcast mentioning his post-up instincts, fundamentals (keeps the ball high = coaches' nirvana!) and shooting touch.
One of the texts I got asked me who I would compare him to coming out of HS. The first name that always comes to mind for me is Tim Duncan with his deceptively stout post presence and shot release. For those of you who remember Tim at Wake, he had more natural quickness, but also remember that Tim was very raw early on (didn't have much basketball background) so Tony is more advanced fundamentally coming in. Although obviously one could only dream of that big an upside, it appears pretty clear that Tony has studied Tim's game, and that is a good thing.
I also see some Eric Montross, with the long arms and broad shoulders. Granted, Eric came in very fundamentally advanced and was an absolute physical powerhouse even as a frosh, but if TB grows into that big ol' frame of his he might turn out to be an immovable object on the block as well who can alter shots without being a great leaper.

Anyway, great fit for Roy's inside-out offensive philosophy and seems to be yet another solid kid as well. Great get for UNC!

 

[racinheel]

I think I read in another article that Tony mentions he has studied Tim's game. If he turns out to be anything like Duncan I will be thrilled to death, even if his first couple of years are like Tim's were when he was at Wake. Roy will know how to remedy that!

 

[gary-7]

I think I read in another article that Tony mentions he has studied Tim's game. If he turns out to be anything like Duncan I will be thrilled to death, even if his first couple of years are like Tim's were when he was at Wake. Roy will know how to remedy that!

That's pretty cool! I haven't seen that article, but yeah, the first time I saw him it was pretty obvious... kinda like it was obvious that Justin Jackson had studied George Gervin. Gotta love kids sharp enough to do that --- so many emulate the wrong players for their body type or skill set --- and I'm sure having a dad school them on basketball history doesn't hurt

 

[mikeirbyusa]

Really opens the door for a guy who wants to play the 4 in college!

Won't have to worry about being stuck at the 5, we got that covered.

 

[keysersosay#1]

He can handle the ball well too!!!!

 

[Tom79]

He's not amphibious! As Mike mentions, Tony being in would let Markannen take the 4 spot...so all we need is a strong wing and a guard, I know two we'd love to get there (as do most of us!)

 

[DSouthr]

Didn't take long for texts and tweets to start flying about TBJr and people asking about his game. Clint did a nice job on the podcast mentioning his post-up instincts, fundamentals (keeps the ball high = coaches' nirvana!) and shooting touch.
One of the texts I got asked me who I would compare him to coming out of HS. The first name that always comes to mind for me is Tim Duncan with his deceptively stout post presence and shot release. For those of you who remember Tim at Wake, he had more natural quickness, but also remember that Tim was very raw early on (didn't have much basketball background) so Tony is more advanced fundamentally coming in. Although obviously one could only dream of that big an upside, it appears pretty clear that Tony has studied Tim's game, and that is a good thing.
I also see some Eric Montross, with the long arms and broad shoulders. Granted, Eric came in very fundamentally advanced and was an absolute physical powerhouse even as a frosh, but if TB grows into that big ol' frame of his he might turn out to be an immovable object on the block as well who can alter shots without being a great leaper.

Anyway, great fit for Roy's inside-out offensive philosophy and seems to be yet another solid kid as well. Great get for UNC!

Like this kid a lot, he is a bit of a throw back kind of player, not sure I would use the Tim Duncan comparison, I would maybe remind folks of a kid we had named Brad, he to was a big ole fella, a little taller than Bradley but I see very similar movements. Neither would astound you with athletism but there is some refinement already with plenty meat left on the bone to develope. I think Bradley needs to get in better shape, a year or 2 in the weight room and this kid could be a manster! Big broad shoulders, tree trunk legs, love those big fellas with those tree trunk legs because they tend to be able to establish and hold position, not easily moved out by defenders. Decent mid range jumper already that can be honed in even tighter but really understands the value of a jump hook and tries to use both hands, seems a little right handed for now, not as smooth with his left. Has taken to heart the need for a big man to catch the ball and keep it high not giving up his height, seems to have solid hands.

 

[Scoops Heels]

Would love to see Bam Bam at the 4!!!

 

[Tom79]

Like this kid a lot, he is a bit of a throw back kind of player, not sure I would use the Tim Duncan comparison, I would maybe remind folks of a kid we had named Brad, he to was a big ole fella, a little taller than Bradley but I see very similar movements. Neither would astound you with athletism but there is some refinement already with plenty meat left on the bone to develope. I think Bradley needs to get in better shape, a year or 2 in the weight room and this kid could be a manster! Big broad shoulders, tree trunk legs, love those big fellas with those tree trunk legs because they tend to be able to establish and hold position, not easily moved out by defenders. Decent mid range jumper already that can be honed in even tighter but really understands the value of a jump hook and tries to use both hands, seems a little right handed for now, not as smooth with his left. Has taken to heart the need for a big man to catch the ball and keep it high not giving up his height, seems to have solid hands.

If he can develop a little mid range shot like that "Brad" fellow...way way more on the upside for this guy...I do like that one of the "selling" points was that Roy and staff would "take care of Tony"...from his Mom.

 

[gary-7]

Like this kid a lot, he is a bit of a throw back kind of player, not sure I would use the Tim Duncan comparison, I would maybe remind folks of a kid we had named Brad, he to was a big ole fella, a little taller than Bradley but I see very similar movements. Neither would astound you with athletism but there is some refinement already with plenty meat left on the bone to develope. I think Bradley needs to get in better shape, a year or 2 in the weight room and this kid could be a manster! Big broad shoulders, tree trunk legs, love those big fellas with those tree trunk legs because they tend to be able to establish and hold position, not easily moved out by defenders. Decent mid range jumper already that can be honed in even tighter but really understands the value of a jump hook and tries to use both hands, seems a little right handed for now, not as smooth with his left. Has taken to heart the need for a big man to catch the ball and keep it high not giving up his height, seems to have solid hands.

Brad D is an interesting comparison but their HS games are quite a bit different. The jump-hook though is something they definitely have in common, as well as being big-boned.

 

[DiehardUNC2003]

He kind of reminds me of a slightly less athletic but longer Zeller. Can get up and down the floor and has a smooth jump-hook, and the mid range jumper. I'm honestly a little too young (26) to really remember Brad when he came to Carolina or even Tim when he was at Wake, but maybe those are more apt comparisons.

 

[trollbaby]

But can he dunk?