Hoops

Rumour : Cats close to signing DeAndre Daniels

We might be arguing two different concepts, Paul.

I don't agree that the NBL is a penetration-centric league when with the exception of our imports and few local players such as Lucas Walker, Tom Abercrombie and naturalized Shaun Redhage (literally the only players I could think of), our ability to finish plays around the rim isn't great. Hence offensive possessions have the tendency to result in drive and kick, immediately followed by another drive and kick etc, leading to something other than a close-range shot.

Announcement would be pending clearance and application clearances from VISA/BA

It's been all over the media here. I'd be suprised if this isn't announced in the next few days.

^ Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky...

Paul, I remember reading an article last year that included an interview with James Ennis and possibly other imports. One thing about the interview I distinctly remember is how NBL coaches give their players 'the green light' to shoot, and how other leagues play a more slow, deliberate, inside-out style of play.

A quote from Andrej Lemanis:

"We have a natural tendency to play fast. Our players shoot shots without consideration for the flow of the game or how that shot fits in the context of the overall game."

With the tighter refereeing I'd agree last year was better in terms of emphasizing basket penetration, but with all the wrestling inside that had previously been allowed and our below-average finishing ability, I recall many a contested, low % jumpshot being settled for.

ROGER - Great sluething.

That Vimeo account is quite possibly an Wildcats account used to store scouting video. Explained by all the James Ennis impact videos. They also removed the DeAndre videos that were posted 2 weeks ago a few hours after u posted the link. Good work!

great signing if true, this season so far is looking pretty good.

This would be a great result for the Wildcats.

"Without having the numbers, I would expect the NBL to be faster, if nothing else due to the shorter shot clock and lack of extreme athleticism from our local players."

i.e. we have been characterized internationally as a league of "chuckers" as we don't have the same ability to get to, and finish at the rim.

808, have another go at reading my post.

I pointed out a few of his weakness as I understand them... after pointing out a few of his strengths. That's generally how it works, right?

The NCAA, by virtue of the number of teams and different playing styles, has a substantially larger variability of pace relative to the NBL. Without having the numbers, I would expect the NBL to be faster, if nothing else due to the shorter shot clock and lack of extreme athleticism from our local players.

I didn't claim he wouldn't be able to get off his shot in the NBL: it's his shot selection I question. Also, his defense is somewhat questionable as his length made up for a lack of lateral quickness in college.

Mick, if Daniels can battles inside the way Ennis did, I expect his rebounding ability will translate to the NBL. I actually thought Ennis's offensive rebounding was an underrated aspect of his game, and a massive contributor to the Wildcats's gameplan as it fit so well with Knight/Jervis/Hire/Redhage/Wagstaff/Martin crashing the O-boards. Until I see Daniels play professionally, I can't call that he'll have the same impact Ennis did - that's all.

Daniels seems to be a more consistent shooter and polished post player than Ennis, but it's too early to tell if he'll have a better professional debut than Ennis.

Part of the reason Perth valued Ennis so highly was:

1. His ability to finish around the basket - Daniels doesn't have the same athleticism or finishing ability around the rim
2. His rebounding ability - Daniels rebounded well in college, but his strength and toughness will be out to the test in the NBL
3. His ability to read the play (not always, but most of the time) - Daniels had an INCREDIBLY low 'Pure Point Rating' and struggles to deal with on-ball pressure, often putting up a tough contested shot or making bad passes

In all likelihood he'll be a great import, particularly with his length, shooting ability, and potential fit within the team, but I'll be reserving my judgement before rating him above Ennis.

Hey RMQ

Just a Wildcats fan with too much time on his hands

Miles in front of the league. It's a good thing they gave them those player points cap concessions.

He looks great to me, reminds me a bit of KB, another stud import picked up by the Wildcats!

He looks great to me, reminds me a bit of KB, another stud import picked up by the Wildcats!

Hey Roger, what lead you to that Vimeo account if you don't mind me asking?

http://vimeo.com/prospects1

seems pretty close

As I missed this massive event. Don't know how but I did. I'm wandering if anyone out there has a recording of the game.