#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Just wanted to throw this out there for discussion, but has anyone else noticed Luka's deterioration in weight and conditioning over the past few weeks?
Out of curiosity, I went back and watched some of the UNC game for comparison (forgot to delete it on the DVR), and it became apparent that Luka has gained probably around 20 lbs, and not a good 20 lbs, over that past several weeks. No one will ever question his commitment to preparing physically through drills, etc., but I question if the Covid restrictions are leading to bad eating habits. It has to be a challenge for these guys when you're confined to your dorm rooms and everyone around you is ordering pizza and wolfing down snacks.
It's not a major deal, but is nevertheless negatively impacting his game. By comparison, he has become noticeably slower afoot and is struggling to elevate at the rim (he never had much of a vertical, but right now it's almost non-existent), which is adversely affecting his ability to rebound in traffic. His post moves and step-backs also look sluggish.
Obviously, he's not even close to being an issue for the team. He's the best player we've had in decades, but for this team to be a legitimate Final Four contender, we need him at the top of his game. Hopefully, he'll become aware and work at it heading into the post-season. Either way, this team is going to really miss him after this year. He's been special.
Out of curiosity, I went back and watched some of the UNC game for comparison (forgot to delete it on the DVR), and it became apparent that Luka has gained probably around 20 lbs, and not a good 20 lbs, over that past several weeks. No one will ever question his commitment to preparing physically through drills, etc., but I question if the Covid restrictions are leading to bad eating habits. It has to be a challenge for these guys when you're confined to your dorm rooms and everyone around you is ordering pizza and wolfing down snacks.
It's not a major deal, but is nevertheless negatively impacting his game. By comparison, he has become noticeably slower afoot and is struggling to elevate at the rim (he never had much of a vertical, but right now it's almost non-existent), which is adversely affecting his ability to rebound in traffic. His post moves and step-backs also look sluggish.
Obviously, he's not even close to being an issue for the team. He's the best player we've had in decades, but for this team to be a legitimate Final Four contender, we need him at the top of his game. Hopefully, he'll become aware and work at it heading into the post-season. Either way, this team is going to really miss him after this year. He's been special.
