Tim Hardaway Jr Highlights
I'm excited about this kid, he looks to have a great shot, and I was suprised that he displayed that kind of athleticism in the highlight video. From all reports from various recruiting gurus they seem to think he's strictly a shooter, but he certainly looked pretty athletic to me. In ESPN's latest update to their top 100, he came in at #92(was previously ranked #98), and I'm sure he'll move up in both the Scout and Rivals rankings when they are updated as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV4XAKShqwE
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:37 AM ^
I too am looking forward to him getting to campus. I think he's going to be a good shooter and solid overall contributor. And heck, I don't really see how it can hurt to have Joe Dumars and Tim Hardaway Sr. in the crowd and around the program.
That being said, I was mildly disappointed in this youtube reel after you talked about his athleticism. While certainly there was more in there than what we would have seen in a Stu Douglas highlight reel, I didn't see much in the way of moves besides hitting threes and getting out on the break. Don't get me wrong, I like this guy a lot but I didn't see him take anyone off the dribble or shoot anything inside the arc.
But we're going to need him - and anyone and everyone else - to contribute next season to get the program back to the dance.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:28 AM ^
Generally speaking, when most people refer to athleticism they are speaking of jumping/running ability. Example - Kalin Lucas has superior handles/moves, but he's never mentioned in the "great athlete" category with the likes of John Wall(UK) or Derrick Rose(Memphis). I think you are correct in terms of the highlight reel not showing a lot of penetrating moves to the basket, but with regard to the athleticism/jumping, it's clear to me that he's under-rated. He may not have get-ups like Manny, but he certainly seemed to be a capable finisher on the break if given the opportunity.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:10 AM ^
With the class coming in the class looks bright for 2011 and beyond. The question I would ask, is whether Manny is ready for the next level. He is having a sub par year and I think that his draft stock has fallen off considerably. He might benefit from another year under Beilein.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:56 AM ^
I don't know if he'll get that much better with another year of college, but it doesn't seem like he's a first-rounder coming out this year. If that's the basis for a decision, maybe he will stick around for his senior year.
On another note, you have to like the (supposed) talent/athleticism of the players that Beilien (?sp) has lined up for the next two classes: Smotrczxcv, Hardaway, and Brundidge (all top 100). If he fills in both classes with similarly good players, then things would seem to be looking up.
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
Immediately, come on Jordan Morgan and Blake Mclimas
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
I wouldn't blame him if he leaves, but I'm pretty sure Manny could benefit from another year in school. Right now, he's got a 2-guard's body without a 2-guard's skillset. If he can make substantial gains in his handle and particularly his mid/longrange jumpshot, I think he could be in much better draft position a year from now. And for a guy with an uncertain professional career (though I'm sure he can make money in Europe for as long as he wants), it wouldn't be a terrible idea for him to get his degree right off the bat, either.
January 22nd, 2010 at 9:17 AM ^
I also think you can see his dad's shot in his. Hopefully Tim Jr. has a high basketball IQ from learning from Tim Sr.
Smotrycz, Hardaway, and the young guys on the team should make a nice foundation. I can't see them making the tournament next year if Manny leaves, though.
January 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^
If this develops, there needs to be a really clever name for it.