I think he got away with the occasional illegal contact, too, because of respect from the refs. Players/teams who are known as good defenders always seem to get away with more, because they’re known/respected as good defenders. Jeff Withey and most good MSU teams come to mind.
Personally I wish the game was called a little looser. It’s tough to play d if there isn’t a little contact. I thought the refs were pretty good all weekend.
I agree. Just saying that DJ wasn’t getting called on stuff that usually gets called. But the refs definitely let the boys play, this weekend, which is great.
Maurice Taylor talked a better game than he played. Overrated.
Time to bump this thread with some DJ throwback. Our baby boy’s all grown up!
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Haven’t gone through all the posts, how many are worried about DJ leaving early around here??
I think he has legitimate shot at the NBA. There are other layers to his game that have not even been displayed yet because he is 1)not playing with a playmaker and; 2) he is stuck in the right corner.
I love the film. After watching that, I’m still puzzled why it took so long for Wilson to be a contributor to the team. My only guess is it has something to do with strength since he’s now so much stronger than he was the past couple of years.
JB needed to have him play the 5 which he is not which cost him development.
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Not in the least. He wouldn’t be a 4 in the NBA (no back-to-the-basket game) or a 3 (no handle). I think he definitely has potential, but he isn’t there yet and he doesn’t look close to adding either of those things.
Side note, though: I still love what DJ brings to Michigan/the college game
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I think DJ could be a combo forward in the NBA. Sure, he could be a stretch 4 on the right team, but I think he could be a 3-and-D SF off the bench possibly. This is wayyyy down the road, of course, but I think DJ has more of a chance to play minutes at the 3 in the pros than the 5.
I also think he could be an NBA 3, but the question was about him leaving early. His handle seems way too far away for that to be an option, this year or next year. Hopefully he, again, proves us all wrong.
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If he leaves early for the NBA, his position will be Energy Guy.
On a team with one of two guys who dominate the ball, he won’t need a legit handle. He’ll camp out behind the arc or fill and finish in transition. He’ll be a specialist of some sort early on then see if his development continues in the NBA to a larger role.
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NBA 4s don’t need a back-to-the-basket game. If DJ does not make the NBA it will be because of a lack of athleticism and elite shooting skills.
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At this point I would see DJ having the same issues as that Pistons first round bust Darrin Day? A weak small forward. Although I think DJ is stronger than Day. Just not NBA strong in any area.
DJ has made strides this year in becoming a solid contributor to this Michigan team, but NBA talks are almost insane in my view.
If Adrien Payne cannot cut it in the NBA, I have a hard time envisioning DJ making it at that level. Payne was a better shooter and better defender at the same stage from what I can recall, while playing a similar role it with a much better back to the basket game
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I completely agree with Matt here, I don’t see DJ having a role there barring a very drastic improvement.
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Adrien Payne was a person without a position. probably not strong enough for post positions and no handle or ability to guard a three. To me all of his movements screamed Center. DJ does show some ability to handle the ball and I can see him getting better at it over the next couple of years but still I agree with you as I don’t see him making it in the NBA at this point.
Consensus is DJ is a long way from the NBA.
He’s a late bloomer who is still blooming. I have my doubts about a NBA career, but think he will be a very good college player when all is said and done. He’s raw in so many areas, but he’s so tantalizing. He’s going to be a fun one to watch develop.
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Assuming you mean Austin Daye? (interestingly I googled and his dad was Darren)
He’s actually a decent comparison IMO…although I’d take Austin Daye in his college days over what DJ is doing thus far.
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