Like A Breath

Thabeet update:

As a UConn basketball fan, Thabeet has been the most frustrating player I've seen come through the program, but I still believe that he can be a rotation player at the next level.

11-9-4 on the year and shooting a good 70% from the foul line. Nearly missed a triple double against Notre Dame with 8-9-10, had 15-11-3 against Seton Hall. He still can't dunk the ball for a mysterious reason, but he's shown rudimentary post skills and actually looks somewhat comfortable making 1-on-1 moves down there. Has shown vast improvement with his instincts on defense, knowing when to go for blocks and how to clear space after a rebound.

I'd peg him as a late first rounder at this point.

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Nimreitz

I've been a hater for a LONG time, and I'm sure it's very well documented in this thread. Watching him tonight against Syracuse I'm starting to believe in Hasheem Thabeet. I would want the guy I see out there tonight on my NBA team. He's a shot blocking machine, but he actually goes after rebounds now, which was a major problem with him his first year and a half. Ditto for him dunking the ball. He actually tries to finish strong now, although he needs to go up for the dunk EVERY TIME he touches it.

One more year at UConn. This is a kid I think could use the time in college ahead of being in the NBA. I want him getting a more aggressive attitude against college players instead of coming into the league a little timid and getting dominated by pros. One more year at UConn, and Thabeet is going to be legit. He'll never have an offensive game outside of the post, and he may never even develop a single post move, but he doesn't need it. I'm a believer in his potential now.

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Speaking about his use of the veto pen to eliminate wasteful spending, [McCain] declared, "I will veto every single beer [. . .]"

Obama '08! Because the stakes are too high.

HKF

I agree Nim. His improvement has been remarkable. Seems like Calhoun has done it again like he did with Okafor.

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My favorite NBA players: Deron Williams * Kobe Bryant * Carmelo Anthony * Ben Gordon * Joe Johnson * Kevin Martin * Tim Duncan * Kyle Lowry * Thad Young * Amare Stoudemire * Dwight Howard * Josh Smith * Brandon Roy * LaMarcus Aldridge * Rudy Gay * Al Horford * Brandan Wright * Craig Smith * Renaldo Balkman * Wilson Chandler

2008-09 Favorite Rookies: Jerryd Bayless (POR), Roy Hibbert (IND), Greg Oden (POR), Chris Douglas-Roberts (NJN), Joe Alexander (MIL), Patrick Ewing, Jr. (NYK)

College Basketball: "Where 7-Foot Bigs Foul Out Happen"

Like A Breath

I agree that he should stay for his junior season. By most accounts, Thabeet is not a self-motivated player. He needs a structured environment like UConn where his practices are monitored and he can be pushed by coaches who are depending on him to bring them back to the national title picture. I think he is easily a solid rotation player at this point, but he can be a force in the NBA if he just stays for another year.

And thank god he finally learned how to dunk.

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HKF

I didn't realize it until he spoke for the first time, but this dude is really like from right out of Africa. That could have something to do with him being improving as much as we liked. It must have been very difficult to understand all of the basketball terminology. You have to give that staff a lot of credit because he obviously understands what to do on the court now and not just swat shots. He really seems like a new version of Mutombo now.

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My favorite NBA players: Deron Williams * Kobe Bryant * Carmelo Anthony * Ben Gordon * Joe Johnson * Kevin Martin * Tim Duncan * Kyle Lowry * Thad Young * Amare Stoudemire * Dwight Howard * Josh Smith * Brandon Roy * LaMarcus Aldridge * Rudy Gay * Al Horford * Brandan Wright * Craig Smith * Renaldo Balkman * Wilson Chandler

2008-09 Favorite Rookies: Jerryd Bayless (POR), Roy Hibbert (IND), Greg Oden (POR), Chris Douglas-Roberts (NJN), Joe Alexander (MIL), Patrick Ewing, Jr. (NYK)

College Basketball: "Where 7-Foot Bigs Foul Out Happen"

Nimreitz

Well, I think he's got a LONG way before I'd call him another Mutombo. I think he can go after rebounds a lot more aggressively, and I want him to finish more on the offensive end. But in 15 months, I think he'll be ready for the NBA.

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Speaking about his use of the veto pen to eliminate wasteful spending, [McCain] declared, "I will veto every single beer [. . .]"

Obama '08! Because the stakes are too high.

HKF

Well we have to remember that Mutombo was darn near 25 when he graduated from Georgetown. He sure has a long way to get there, but with the way he plays he seems like he could have a Mutombo like impact at least on the defensive end.

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My favorite NBA players: Deron Williams * Kobe Bryant * Carmelo Anthony * Ben Gordon * Joe Johnson * Kevin Martin * Tim Duncan * Kyle Lowry * Thad Young * Amare Stoudemire * Dwight Howard * Josh Smith * Brandon Roy * LaMarcus Aldridge * Rudy Gay * Al Horford * Brandan Wright * Craig Smith * Renaldo Balkman * Wilson Chandler

2008-09 Favorite Rookies: Jerryd Bayless (POR), Roy Hibbert (IND), Greg Oden (POR), Chris Douglas-Roberts (NJN), Joe Alexander (MIL), Patrick Ewing, Jr. (NYK)

College Basketball: "Where 7-Foot Bigs Foul Out Happen"

Nimreitz

Hahahaha, yeah that's true. I think Dikembe is the first 50 year old to play in the NBA, but we'll never find out for sure.

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Speaking about his use of the veto pen to eliminate wasteful spending, [McCain] declared, "I will veto every single beer [. . .]"

Obama '08! Because the stakes are too high.

Tooeasy

wow, hes got 15/10/5 at halftime against GT, really looks dominant.

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TOOEASY'S FAVE FIVE

sov82

He's coming...

Hash is moving even better than last year (which is saying something)...he has great endurance for a man his size...his hands are improving (still need work)...he's learned how to attack the rim...he's learning how to "go get it"...he's got excellent form on his free throw shooting...and each game he wants the ball more and more. He remains a game changer on defense and his defensive rebounding is improving.

Nimreitz