I really like the recent film of Elliott. Hey Matt, any idea on his wingspan? He certainly looks like he plays a lot bigger than 6’2 with his ability to contest shots. So I’m not sure the “he’s too small” criticism holds much water IMO.
I’m wondering if roster composition is also part of the reason JB hasn’t looked harder at Greg. We don’t have any ships unless we don’t offer Donnal a 5th year. I’d be fine with a firm handshake for Mark, but we can’t afford to have Mo leave (German pros?) and have seen very little of the 2 freshman 5s. Also JB still thinks we have a shot at Bamba (I’ve seen this before).
Seeing Greg stand directly next to Dave yesterday, I’d say Greg is a legit 6’3, with a wingspan in the 6’6 range.
At this point I do know the staff is waiting for Bamba, so that is certainly a factor. Other than that, can’t really speak intelligently as to their thoughts on the roster composition.
I like Greg but unfortunately with the make up of the team I think it would make more sense to use the spot on a grad transfer pg if we miss on bamba so we can try and make a run next year then take on an 18 kid.
I know you differ on your opinion of our chances next year but if we brought in a nice grad pg or combo guard so that it’s not all on x that we could be very good. From what I’ve seen so far id be more comfortable with x as the back up still or only getting twenty minutes a game. I think we’d be an attractive option for a good grad transfer pg. the right one could easily come in and start and really give us a nice lineup, lots of minutes and starting is a good selling point,
Bench of x, Poole, Duncan or Maar and teske and livers would be a nice bench,
Agree on the grad transfer but doesn’t need to be just PGs targeted but any one who is a triple threat option on the perimeter. More likely to find quality wings 5th year than PGs.
If I thought we realistically had a chance of signing an instant impact grad transfer on the wing, I’d totally agree, but the chance of that are slim to none. Hence, I’ll go with Greg in 17. He’s going to be better in 18 than any freshman option in my view.
Sumner…don’t see that type of end to end speed from Greg til this point nor size. Think Greg has better spatial awareness and perimeter touch, though. Caris without the bells and whistles, a utility guard that will fill up assist/rebounds/steals but not sure he is a B1G level volume scorer yet.
JB did many things last summer that we’d never thought he would do. His back is against the wall and he’d better adjust and taking guys that won’t payoff until 18/19 with proper physical development does not address potential roster deficits next year.
Oh, gotcha. Yeah I think Ed was a bit faster with the ball end to end, but Greg is superb in that regard as well. Knowing Ed personally, he is 1-2 inches taller than Greg. Have to disagree with the Caris without bells and whistles, as Greg may not have the offensive flash (IE, crossovers etc), but Greg plays with authority and isn’t a charmin boy…he’s going to the rim with purpose instead of the up and under BS. Greg is also a much better defender than Caris at the same stage.
Put it this way, you know I was not sold on Greg until recently…you had to convince me. After watching him the last 6 months its just becoming impossible to deny that he’s a high major player.
The offensive flash is what made Caris such an elite ISO player, though. Agree that Greg is an aggressive slasher and is locked in on defense. I really would like Greg but JB is going to have to be real with himself and evaluate the players on his roster to make that happen because there are other needs that should be addressed if only Donnal decides to play elsewhere.
Just did some new highlights of Greg. Not playing against garbage comp either. These 3 games he was up Isaiah Livers (needs no introduction), Keion Epps (17 EMU commit) and Tray Jackson (18 wing with offers from UD and EMU)
Things that make him high major/UM material:
the second play of the highlight Greg shows ability to be PnR ballhandler and freezes a big with an in and out dribble when he hedges…then he finishes through contact
the third play of the highlight Greg hits a three from 25 feet
hit multiple shots from NBA range
tremendous defensive ability on display
tremendous vision
very good athlete that isn’t even close to his ceiling
Stylistically/physically George Hill for me. Nothing flashy, but just productive on both ends of the court. His game looks so much better live and you were the one that pointed it out to me. Have to say though, the film above is pretty impressive