Could Small Flaw Be Holding Manny's Game Back?
I noticed a small flaw in Manny's game last night that could potetially be holding him back. That flaw is a lack of a mid-range game. He has a good enough shot as to where he should be able to hit a 12-15 foot pull-up consistently. With his explosive first step and ability to get up over smaller opponents (ala Travis Walton), he could make a killing in this area.
The only problem I see is his release point. Manny releases the ball around his face instead of above his head, thus making him smaller and its easier to bother his shot. If he made the simple adjustment of releasing the ball 8-10 inches higher it could unlock a whole new facet of his game. It would also help him limit the amount of charging fouls he receives (he seems to pick up two a game easy).
Any other thoughts on why Manny seems to struggle to score so mightely against Big Ten opponents?
PS: For my first post was the title informative enough?
February 11th, 2009 at 1:57 PM ^
he fades back on almost all of his shots. If he would go up straight he could have a more consistent shot and possible get fouled more.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:03 PM ^
novak has the same problem. a good, consistent shooter lands almost precisely where left the ground. but the two of them constantly land several feet behind, or to the side of, where they took off from.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:29 PM ^
A little off topic, and forgive me if this had been discussed before, but I attended my first M basketball game since the 90's the other night (Penn St), and Manny may have the skinniest calves I've ever seen on any human being, man or woman, ever. He literally has cankles because his calves are no thicker than his ankles. Has anyone else noticed this? Or is it "old news" so to speak?
February 11th, 2009 at 3:00 PM ^
I haven't heard anyone on MGoBlog talk about this before (I'm sure it has), but it has definitely been brought up before by friends and roommates. I think one of the comments was he had toothpick appendages.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:11 PM ^
Usually you only find cankles on fat chicks, but the guy's calves are so thin he actually has cankles.
February 11th, 2009 at 7:43 PM ^
The fact that Manny needs to drive more is his only flaw. He takes way to many jumpers for a guy who just really isn't that good at them, but so does the rest of the team. But Manny needs to penetrate more.
That's what she said.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:13 PM ^
I think you've nailed it. Manny will not be an NBA player unless he learns to create his own shots. He can explode to the bucket, but if the defender doesn't respect his pull-up game, then he is simply one-dimensional. The good news is he's only 19, he will be back for at least another year (hell, I'll say right now he'll be a 4 year player) and he can definitely improve in this regard.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:14 PM ^
Yeah, his midrange game could be better, but Manny's biggest problem is that he can't handle the ball well. He commits far too many unforced turnovers for a guy who is supposed to be our primary scorer. He's got to really work on his dribbling skills over the summer. If he wants to be an NBA player, he'll have to.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:27 PM ^
Yeh, but he has excellent potential, he makes some beautiful drives. If he stays the full 4 years in college I think he could be a mid first rounder. He just has to stop forcing shots when he is struggling.