Athleticism Does Not Equal 'Jumping High'

[Billso]

I think many used to argue that James Morris wasn't athletic enough early in his career. This year, he looked much more athletic - making athletic plays. Maybe a result of less thinking and just reacting?

Many are also idiots. Young James looked plenty athletic blitzing Mizzou in the bowl game. He looked unathletic when he was hurt. Funny how that works.

 

[LGEND24]

Odom, in his prime, was also known as one of, if not the most versatile player in the NBA, capable of playing all 5 positions because of his ball handling, great post up game, and good defense.

White has a similar body style to Odom, lanky and tall, but Odom is a highly talented player that honestly only scratched his potential.

White is maxing out his talent and potential but simply doesn't have near the physical tools that Odom has.

Or Odom's jumpshot.

 

[LGEND24]

Not sure. Has woodbury ever dunked, also serious? against maybe MN last year?

He dunked very early in the game vs ISU last year.

 

[lightning1]

" I don't have an opinion one way or another, but he has no hops and if he played with the energy and aggressiveness that Gabe plays with his defensive numbers (ie. blocked shots and rebounds) would increase dramatically"


I can't believe people actually watch the games and miss that Woodbury is one of the most active 7-footers in the country. The guy plays the perimeter as well as any big guy I've seen this year. Heck, he plays it better than almost any NBA center I've seen, and all they run in the NBA are high ball screens.

In the Drake game he was reading the rotations and closing out on guards to prevent catch and shoot 3s.

True, the guy can't jump; but, he shuffles those feet as well as any center we could ever hope to have. It might not be as exciting as a block shot, but it is probably more important in today's stretch game where most teams generate all of their offense through drive and kick action.

Woody is an active player. I dont think anyone can honestly say he doesn't give the effort. He needs a red shirt year in the worst way.

 

[lightning1]

Many are also idiots. Young James looked plenty athletic blitzing Mizzou in the bowl game. He looked unathletic when he was hurt. Funny how that works.

Agreed. James was and is a very athletic kid. There is more to playing middle LB than just running fast and jumping high. Little mental mistakes or getting caught up in the "wash" can make a guy appear to be less than athletic. Or trying to run around a 300 lb guard that has blown past you interior DTs and is now in your grill.