Friday, August 26, 2011

Drummond Changes Mind, Joins Reigning Champs

The Uconn Huskies just won a National Title, they lost their all-world PG in Kemba Walker. The core remains the same as they were a very young team last year, they only had 2 incoming freshman until TODAY! Andre Drummond shocked the world almost a week removed from saying that he would attend prep school this school year, he announced today on twitter that he would be joining the Uconn Huskies! Drummond is or rather was ranked as the 2nd best player in the nation for 2012, he was also rated as the best center. Earlier this week Uconn missed out on 2012 guard Kris Dunn who decided to commit to play for Providence. Dunn and Drummond were going to be teammates this year prior to Drummond's shocking decision! Due to sanctions from last year, Uconn doesn't have any scholarships available for Drummond this season. Since he decided to commit to Uconn, it is assumed that he will pay his way this year. If he were to stay more than a season, I'm sure Uconn would have a scholarship free for him next year! Drummond is considered my many a one and done case, I am extremely skeptical of this because there hasn't been any of those at Uconn. This now gives Uconn a 3-man recruiting class for 2011, the other 2 members aren't exactly chopped liver so to speak. PG Ryan Boatright out of Illinois, is an extremely athletic, cat quick guard who can really score the ball. Boatright is a little small though, measuring out at 5'11. Boatright had point totals of 63, 55, and 47 last year. ESPN graded Boatright at a 94. Uconn is known for grooming wings, they landed a sleeper in Deandre Daniels. Daniels is the prototypical Uconn SF, which means he's athletic and can put the ball in the basket. Daniels reclassified(like Drummond) to land in the Huskies 2011 recruiting class, he wasn't expected to land at Uconn at all. He's a great rebounder, and an extremely versatile scorer not to mention he has the ability to play the 2 thru 4. Daniels graded out as a 95 on ESPN's scale. Now, for Drummond...he's 6'11, 275! He isn't your typical big as he has been blessed with unique athleticism, Amare/Dwight type athlete. There is nothing the kid can't do physically as most scouts agree that it's his mental make-up that needs work. When I became aware of this the first thought that came to mind is how Calhoun could impact him. Drummond will be pushed to reach his potential by a Hall of Fame Coach who is known for getting the most out of his kids. Uconn has taken a lot of flack for not having any so called "bigs," Alex Oriahki should now be able to slide down to his natural position at the 4 which will only enhance Uconn's interior D. To any doubters, just remember that Calhoun led a Junior, a sophmore and 6 freshman to a national title and an undefeated record in tournaments last year! Uconn is right outside the top 10 in this year's pre-season poll at no. 11, do you think the acquisition of Drummond will help them rise or will they remain on the outside looking in as the reigning National Champs??

P.S- Drummond is rated a 98 according to ESPN's Grading System

2 comments:

  1. Boo Yall got Drummond. I was hoping he stayed at a prep school and just went straight to the league. Now yall actually have a legit post scorer which was the one advantage we had over yall. I repeat BOO! lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lol thanx for the honesty, alot of ppl out there acting like uconn died just cuz kemba left!

    ReplyDelete