Fuller and other random thoughts...

[urohawk]

In watching Fuller develop the last few games I am getting more and more excited about his play. The move where he caught it at about 15 feet, drove across the lane with his left hand, pivoted and spun back to a right hand baby hook was just a great move.

That play very much reminded me of Brunner. Using great footwork to create space when you are undersized. Fuller doesn't quite have Brunner's size and body control yet but Brunner's doesn't have Fuller's ability to finish with both hands. Fuller is also much quicker on the bounce. I really think Fuller can be as effective of a post player as Brunner before it is all done.

With regard to all of our big men, I was very impressed with their ability to finish and rebound despite the fact the refs really allowed a lot of contact under the basket. Last year that amount of contact would of really hurt us.

On the negative, I think the problem we have at PG is becoming more evident. I know Cully will get better but our depth is really a problem. I would really rather not go into the season with a bunch of guys on the bench "who can buy you a few minutes at PG" and get somebody who can actually make some plays. Tucker, Lick and Brust are in line for backup PG spot. I hope one of them will be an upgrade than what we have this year. Tucker and Lick this year definitely have struggled when placed as the primary ball-handler. Lick has fought hard in a difficult spot but the skills and size just aren't there. I really hope Brust or one of the freshman is a surprise.

 

[DuffMan]

Fuller is bigger than Brunner.

 

[FreddyBrown]

Fuller is bigger than Brunner.

Is that based on program listing or personal observation? If they list Fuller at 6'6, that might be generous--just as Brunner's height listing (didn't they show him as 6'7?) was.

 

[iahawk20]

Is that based on program listing or personal observation? If they list Fuller at 6'6, that might be generous--just as Brunner's height listing (didn't they show him as 6'7?) was.

Ask Jon Miller how tall Brunner is.

 

[DuffMan]

I've stood next to both of them. Brunner was in the 6-4 6-5 range. Fuller is every bit of 6-6 and is also very long which give him the reach of someone a bit taller.

 

[TecmoSuperHawk]

Fuller may be taller than Brunner, but Brunner was bigger. If Fuller can add some more weight and keep his strength and quickness, he will be that much better.

Iowa's inside play was impressive last night, but Indiana doesn't exactly have big players of their own to counter an inside attack. The going will be tougher against teams with bigger/taller post players.

But it's great to see the energy and desire, particularly on the offensive boards. That was one area I have been routinely disappointed with under Lick, he doesn't seem to emphasize offensive rebounding and we need second chance points to win games.

 

[Sweetriver]

Good comparison, I as thinking the same thing. Brunner really started to develop the middle of his sophomore year as well. I don't know about heightwise or arm length, but Brunner was quite a bit heavier by the time he was a senior, hopefully Fuller can put on weight and keep his athleticism. Great to watch these types of players, they just get after it.

 

[DuffMan]

I don't think Fuller needs to, or should put on, anymore weight. He's more than strong enough to hold his own which is all that matters. If he were getting pushed around or manhandled on the block that would be one thing. Right now he's the best of both worlds. He's strong enough to hold his own down low, and quick and agile enough to out manuver other teams bigs for rebounds. Why mess with a good thing? Just because that body type was what worked for Brunner doesn't mean it will for Fuller.

 

[urohawk]

Fuller is bigger than Brunner.

I meant in bulk not in height. And no I don't think Fuller needs to add anymore weight. He looks like he is holding is own right now and I don't think he should compromise quickness.