What Frustrates Me About Buddy Hield...

[fortworth4ou2]

After watching/rewatching the TT replay and other games recently:

1. He picks up his dribble way too early and too far from the basket. Has lead to a rash of turnovers when he allows his defender time to adjust and hug on him. With his athleticism and when his outside game is not clicking as it wasn't against TT, he should continue his drive to the basket (he usually has a step on his man) for a lay-up, draw the foul (90 % FT shooter although he has missed some critical FT's of late), or pass off to an open player inside or outside with a good look at the basket (he does seem to draw a crowd to the potential benefit of his other teammates). Fundamentals? That said, #2 below creeps into the picture.

2. His passing skills appear suspect especially to the big guys near the basket but also, at critical times, to his teammates around the arc. Passes are frequently too low (big guys on the inside where they are difficult to handle preventing fortuitous dunks/sweet and easy kiss of the backboard) or not wide enough on the outside causing steals and fast break opportunities for the bad guys. He doesn't seem to do much to make others around him perform better. Fundamentals?

3. Too impatient? Caused Lattin to draw a foul on a pick against TT when he didn't allow Lattin to fully get set. Perhaps, this is why we are poor as a team at setting advantageous picks that free-up our shooters. Fundamentals?

4. Too predictable? Knowing his love for the 3, his defender blankets him and forces awkward, tired and out-of-rhythm shots. With an attacker's mentality, he could create space between he and his defender at will based on his unpredictability - if he so chose. Fundamentals? Is it because he does not like occasional contact and shies away from it?

He's an elite floor and FT shooter on most nights but, imho, not an elite guard - one that can take over a game on the inside as well as the outside during crunch time. That said, he has made a clutch shot or two this year in close games but always from the outside - the lowest % shot for potential points, imho.

This does not bode well for this team heading into March. We still have some pretty stiff competition ahead of us in the conference. Not where I would like for us to be heading down the stretch.

If he happens to be taken in the 1st round of the NBA draft, I will be surprised unless it is at the back end of the round. It will be interesting to see which other guards come out early that can bump him down.

I still see him as most likely a 2nd round NBA pick.

Boomer Sooner

 

[bcsoonerfan]

Abandon ship!!!

It's hard to play 1 on 3. Teams are doing everything they can to stop him from getting the ball. When he does get it he's 10 feet behind the arc. Only Cousins has provided a consistent scoring threat for nearly 3 weeks.

Woodard is struggling mightily (though I haven't seen his line for tonight). Spangler hasn't attempted a 2 point bucket outside of a break away since November 2014.

This team's most important 3 point shooter is Woodard and they just ain't going down. If his shot is dropping than Buddy doesn't have 2 or 3 guys collapsing on him, Cousins has driving lanes, and Spangler has space in the paint.

This team isn't complicated. When they're on there isn't many teams that can keep up. Cold shooting? Every game's a fight.

 

[bcsoonerfan]

And of course I see Woodard finally had a good game. Didn't see Cousins line. If he struggled when Jordan finally had a good game that really sucks.

Still gotta get more from one guy if things are gonna open back up. All these guys can make shots.

Saturday is not a must win but this team needs it bad.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Abandon ship!!!

It's hard to play 1 on 3. Teams are doing everything they can to stop him from getting the ball. When he does get it he's 10 feet behind the arc. Only Cousins has provided a consistent scoring threat for nearly 3 weeks.

Woodard is struggling mightily (though I haven't seen his line for tonight). Spangler hasn't attempted a 2 point bucket outside of a break away since November 2014.

This team's most important 3 point shooter is Woodard and they just ain't going down. If his shot is dropping than Buddy doesn't have 2 or 3 guys collapsing on him, Cousins has driving lanes, and Spangler has space in the paint.

This team isn't complicated. When they're on there isn't many teams that can keep up. Cold shooting? Every game's a fight.

We seem to have one style of play and it's without any ability to adjust or CREATE, imho.

We typically run the weave outside (like the Harlem Globetrotters) until the clock runs down and we are forced to take low percentage outside shots, or worse, come down court quickly in the early stages of the shot clock and unexpectedly take a low percentage and hurried NBA type 3 point shot (ala Cousins) without any apparent thought to setting up a high percentage play.

My point is, we are enamored with the 3 point shot and don't appear to seek diversification. We can play right into our opponents hands with this style. Fundamentals? Ignoring team strengths and individual player talents?

You can abandon ship if you want but I'm in for the long haul. You might want to try it for a change. I have the inclination to report and perhaps I'm just able, I think, to see some really bad play at times and call it that way when maybe others struggle with it or don't want to deal with it. A gift?

Woodard had a big game tonight - 25 points, I believe. Buddy opened with our 1st 7 points of the game and ended the 1st half with 12 points. He would only score 4 points in the 2nd half despite many solid, uncontested and open looks at the basket. Predictably, his points and shots came from the outside.

Doesn't appear Buddy is doing anything to get himself open. Isolate on him sometime. He's an arc guy - for the most part - where predictably, he's blanketed. I watch a great deal of college basketball and blanketing of a guard appears unique to Buddy. It's easy to do against Buddy when his game is one-dimensional.

A take charge Buddy, a driving Buddy would free up his teammates for all kinds of shots. If nothing else, Buddy could go to the FT line and cause fouls to accumulate for our opponents. It's hard going to the line when all we do is shoot outside. Thank goodness for our occasional fast break transitional opportunities.

Cousins, Woodward, Buford, James, Spangler and others usually have no problems getting good open looks at the basket from the arc. We have no answer when their shots don't fall as we refuse to penetrate the paint. Buddy could be the answer but sadly he isn't. This team goes as Buddy goes. We can look spectacular and pathetically anemic all in a span of back-to-back games.

You're right as rain at least on one point. This team isn't complicated. Talented players that embrace a one-dimensional style of play on offense. We're pretty good, though, defensively.

Doesn't appear you watched the TT game at all. Maybe just highlights?

Boomer Sooner

 

[bcsoonerfan]

No I didn't get to see it, had to work. But it sounds like the same thing we've been doing for a few weeks now.

This team has to make shots. That's what I mean by not being complicated. We've gone cold as a team lately and teams are daring the other 4 guys on the court not named Buddy, to beat them. Lattin isn't a scorer. Spangler isn't much a scoring threat near the rim as far as feeding him in the paint.

I don't see this team being any more success by playing outside their strengths and right now their strengths aren't working. We run. We shoot.

I do agree though, that until the shots start dropping, Woodard, Cousins and Buddy need to attack the basket.

 

[PryorFan]

Sooners were up 4 with under 2 minutes to go but thereafter took awful shots and let TT get every offensive rebound which led to scores from then on. Was painful to watch.

 

[humblesooner]

And of course I see Woodard finally had a good game. Didn't see Cousins line. If he struggled when Jordan finally had a good game that really sucks.

Still gotta get more from one guy if things are gonna open back up. All these guys can make shots.

Saturday is not a must win but this team needs it bad.

Cousins struggled and had a bad night.
Buddy struggled after the first 5 minutes or so. While Buddy has taken some off-balance threes all-year, the problem last night in the last quarter of the game - his open threes didn't go in. He has been so solid on open threes this year. Buddy's open threes not going in and Cousins' off night cost the Sooners a win.
And they missed two lay-ups inside of 10 seconds to tie the game.

When their big guy hit his third three pointer of the season with the shot clock running out, you could feel that this one wasn't going to end well.

 

[SoonerTulsan]

Look at the scoring line for our paint players. That's the biggest issue, period.

 

[runningback43]

SoonerTulsan hit the nail on the head. We need a presence in the paint.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

SoonerTulsan hit the nail on the head. We need a presence in the paint.

He often does.

When jousting, he can, at times, carry the bigger and longer lance.

Never underestimate him.

Boomer Sooner

 

[SoonerTulsan]

He often does.

When jousting, he can, at times, carry the bigger and longer lance.

Never underestimate him.

Boomer Sooner

I'm not comfortable with you talking about my lance.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

I'm not comfortable with you talking about my lance.

If you're like me, I have to round mine to the nearest foot. That's why I believe in never underestimating lances.

Boomer Sooner

 

[Dastardly Deed]

After watching/rewatching the TT replay and other games recently:

1. He picks up his dribble way too early and too far from the basket. Has lead to a rash of turnovers when he allows his defender time to adjust and hug on him. With his athleticism and when his outside game is not clicking as it wasn't against TT, he should continue his drive to the basket (he usually has a step on his man) for a lay-up, draw the foul (90 % FT shooter although he has missed some critical FT's of late), or pass off to an open player inside or outside with a good look at the basket (he does seem to draw a crowd to the potential benefit of his other teammates). Fundamentals? That said, #2 below creeps into the picture.

2. His passing skills appear suspect especially to the big guys near the basket but also, at critical times, to his teammates around the arc. Passes are frequently too low (big guys on the inside where they are difficult to handle preventing fortuitous dunks/sweet and easy kiss of the backboard) or not wide enough on the outside causing steals and fast break opportunities for the bad guys. He doesn't seem to do much to make others around him perform better. Fundamentals?

3. Too impatient? Caused Lattin to draw a foul on a pick against TT when he didn't allow Lattin to fully get set. Perhaps, this is why we are poor as a team at setting advantageous picks that free-up our shooters. Fundamentals?

4. Too predictable? Knowing his love for the 3, his defender blankets him and forces awkward, tired and out-of-rhythm shots. With an attacker's mentality, he could create space between he and his defender at will based on his unpredictability - if he so chose. Fundamentals? Is it because he does not like occasional contact and shies away from it?

He's an elite floor and FT shooter on most nights but, imho, not an elite guard - one that can take over a game on the inside as well as the outside during crunch time. That said, he has made a clutch shot or two this year in close games but always from the outside - the lowest % shot for potential points, imho.

This does not bode well for this team heading into March. We still have some pretty stiff competition ahead of us in the conference. Not where I would like for us to be heading down the stretch.

If he happens to be taken in the 1st round of the NBA draft, I will be surprised unless it is at the back end of the round. It will be interesting to see which other guards come out early that can bump him down.

I still see him as most likely a 2nd round NBA pick.

Boomer Sooner

After watching/rewatching the TT replay and other games recently:

1. He picks up his dribble way too early and too far from the basket. Has lead to a rash of turnovers when he allows his defender time to adjust and hug on him. With his athleticism and when his outside game is not clicking as it wasn't against TT, he should continue his drive to the basket (he usually has a step on his man) for a lay-up, draw the foul (90 % FT shooter although he has missed some critical FT's of late), or pass off to an open player inside or outside with a good look at the basket (he does seem to draw a crowd to the potential benefit of his other teammates). Fundamentals? That said, #2 below creeps into the picture.

2. His passing skills appear suspect especially to the big guys near the basket but also, at critical times, to his teammates around the arc. Passes are frequently too low (big guys on the inside where they are difficult to handle preventing fortuitous dunks/sweet and easy kiss of the backboard) or not wide enough on the outside causing steals and fast break opportunities for the bad guys. He doesn't seem to do much to make others around him perform better. Fundamentals?

3. Too impatient? Caused Lattin to draw a foul on a pick against TT when he didn't allow Lattin to fully get set. Perhaps, this is why we are poor as a team at setting advantageous picks that free-up our shooters. Fundamentals?

4. Too predictable? Knowing his love for the 3, his defender blankets him and forces awkward, tired and out-of-rhythm shots. With an attacker's mentality, he could create space between he and his defender at will based on his unpredictability - if he so chose. Fundamentals? Is it because he does not like occasional contact and shies away from it?

He's an elite floor and FT shooter on most nights but, imho, not an elite guard - one that can take over a game on the inside as well as the outside during crunch time. That said, he has made a clutch shot or two this year in close games but always from the outside - the lowest % shot for potential points, imho.

This does not bode well for this team heading into March. We still have some pretty stiff competition ahead of us in the conference. Not where I would like for us to be heading down the stretch.

If he happens to be taken in the 1st round of the NBA draft, I will be surprised unless it is at the back end of the round. It will be interesting to see which other guards come out early that can bump him down.

I still see him as most likely a 2nd round NBA pick.

Boomer Sooner

After reading that scouting report, I've decided Buddy is a POS and we're not going to recruit him. Who's next?

 

[Van1971]

Buddy had 60 turnovers and 62 assist last year

This year
77 turnovers and 45 assist

Not good if the NBA told him to work on his ball handling

 

[Plainosooner]

He's getting a little more attention from the defense this year. He's also shooting about 50% from three and averaging over 25 points per game. Every team we play focuses their entire defensive effort on stopping him. And yet, he's still averaging 50% from three and over 25 points per game.

Did you watch him light up the team that is considered the number one team in the country right now? Or beat Texas. Or put 46 on KU in Allen Field House? Or play himself into being a middle of the first round NBA draft pick? Or get a standing O from the crowd in Lawrence. It's time to pick it up. I think he's about to.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

He's getting a little more attention from the defense this year. He's also shooting about 50% from three and averaging over 25 points per game. Every team we play focuses their entire defensive effort on stopping him. And yet, he's still averaging 50% from three and over 25 points per game.

Did you watch him light up the team that is considered the number one team in the country right now? Or beat Texas. Or put 46 on KU in Allen Field House? Or play himself into being a middle of the first round NBA draft pick? Or get a standing O from the crowd in Lawrence. It's time to pick it up. I think he's about to.

You might want to reread my initial post in this thread.

I'm a Buddy fan but that doesn't deter me from looking at his play always with my crimson glasses on. I'm a homer but not one on auto pilot. When our play is and has been poor over a particular stretch, I choose to be analytical in discovery.

Your "Every team we play focuses their ENTIRE (my emphasis) defensive effort on stopping him (Buddy)" is ludicrous, IMHO. I'm not intentionally trying to be obtuse. But, if true, the other 4 on the court - including Spangler and Lattin - would be constantly wide open and unattached. We would be unstoppable!

You're basically citing games above played in the 1st half of the season while seemingly giving no thought to what's happening in the recent past two weeks. Buddy has been exposed for what he is through adjustments made by our opponents in the 2nd half of the season. Buddy, himself, plays right into those defensive adjustments through his apparent poor ball handling skills. Many, if not most, of his 3 point shots are of the "catch and shoot" variety in which he doesn't dribble.

It's more likely that in the half court game his primary and lone outside defender keeps him shadowed and botched up around the arc and throws an arm up to contest his shot. A natural shooter's bane. His defender knows he doesn't have to worry about being picked because this is not a solid part of our offense. Buddy, like most scorers, gets the bulk of his points in the wide-open transition game where his shooting touch gives him the distinct advantage. And, its the only time he drives to the basket.

Other, more diversified and talented guards, can often create and drive off the dribble and make team play come alive. Buddy often stumbles and falls off the dribble as in the WVU game or turns it over.

IMHO, Buddy is an elite floor and FT shooter but not an elite guard. He has glaring weaknesses for a Senior and is not a complete guard by any stretch. He's a one-dimensional college scoring guard who shoots FT's well. He doesn't create opportunities for himself in the half court because he is not an adept ball handler.

Woodard is our best driving guard and even he does not embrace this talent as often as needed. Cousins may be our best shooter in the 8-12 foot range but he prefers, all too often, the 22-27 foot shot in which he is rarely contested.

Buddy's type is a dime a dozen in the NBA in which his best shot is as a reserve back-up player. Still not a bad gig.

Boomer Sooner

 

[fortworth4ou2]

After reading that scouting report, I've decided Buddy is a POS and we're not going to recruit him. Who's next?

That's certainly your prerogative to think of Buddy in that unwarranted and profane manner.

If you disagree with my analysis, expose me. That would be better than your classic hit-and-run which can make one look extremely foolish and childish. Certainly not a cerebral approach.

Boomer Sooner

 

[sooner_mike]

Buddy is arguably the best basketball player in the country. You can analyse his game all you want to, talk about his stats and his very few bad games this season all you like. As for me I'll stick to the facts......and the facts are unless injury happens Buddy will be making Millions next season. There is no opinion out there that will change this fact.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Buddy is arguably the best basketball player in the country. You can analyse his game all you want to, talk about his stats and his very few bad games this season all you like. As for me I'll stick to the facts......and the facts are unless injury happens Buddy will be making Millions next season. There is no opinion out there that will change this fact.

OK mike. Stick to the "facts" as you see them.

He will be POY in the conference and possibly the NCAA's POY. Neither makes him assured of being a 1st round NBA pick. Other guards who just might declare early and who possess NBA quality ball skills could seriously impact his ranking. They might move him out of the 1st round.

He gets the notoriety and the media support because he is a great guy, great shooter, is part of a great team, and his personal story is electrifying. But, he might not even be the most complete guard on his own team. He's certainly the flashiest. There's a reason why he doesn't drive to the basket which is a highly coveted NBA skill for an NBA guard.

I hope he does well financially and is a huge NBA success.

Boomer Sooner

 

[dfwsoonerfan]

After watching/rewatching the TT replay and other games recently:

1. He picks up his dribble way too early and too far from the basket. Has lead to a rash of turnovers when he allows his defender time to adjust and hug on him. With his athleticism and when his outside game is not clicking as it wasn't against TT, he should continue his drive to the basket (he usually has a step on his man) for a lay-up, draw the foul (90 % FT shooter although he has missed some critical FT's of late), or pass off to an open player inside or outside with a good look at the basket (he does seem to draw a crowd to the potential benefit of his other teammates). Fundamentals? That said, #2 below creeps into the picture.

2. His passing skills appear suspect especially to the big guys near the basket but also, at critical times, to his teammates around the arc. Passes are frequently too low (big guys on the inside where they are difficult to handle preventing fortuitous dunks/sweet and easy kiss of the backboard) or not wide enough on the outside causing steals and fast break opportunities for the bad guys. He doesn't seem to do much to make others around him perform better. Fundamentals?

3. Too impatient? Caused Lattin to draw a foul on a pick against TT when he didn't allow Lattin to fully get set. Perhaps, this is why we are poor as a team at setting advantageous picks that free-up our shooters. Fundamentals?

4. Too predictable? Knowing his love for the 3, his defender blankets him and forces awkward, tired and out-of-rhythm shots. With an attacker's mentality, he could create space between he and his defender at will based on his unpredictability - if he so chose. Fundamentals? Is it because he does not like occasional contact and shies away from it?

He's an elite floor and FT shooter on most nights but, imho, not an elite guard - one that can take over a game on the inside as well as the outside during crunch time. That said, he has made a clutch shot or two this year in close games but always from the outside - the lowest % shot for potential points, imho.

This does not bode well for this team heading into March. We still have some pretty stiff competition ahead of us in the conference. Not where I would like for us to be heading down the stretch.

If he happens to be taken in the 1st round of the NBA draft, I will be surprised unless it is at the back end of the round. It will be interesting to see which other guards come out early that can bump him down.

I still see him as most likely a 2nd round NBA pick.

Boomer Sooner

Hield is a top 10 pick I guarantee you... I have no idea where you are getting 2nd round? He is a great pure shooter and strong with the ball in the paint. His only downfall is ball handling but he isn't a PG so I don't see an issue in the NBA with that.

 

[JConXtsy]

Hield is a top 10 pick I guarantee you... I have no idea where you are getting 2nd round? He is a great pure shooter and strong with the ball in the paint. His only downfall is ball handling but he isn't a PG so I don't see an issue in the NBA with that.

Guaranteed Top 10? That's quite the guarantee.
The NBA doesn't like Seniors. They want freshmen and sophomores. Nobody can contribute in the NBA immediately and players are in their prime at their mid-20s. The NBA wants the young guys that they can put on the bench or in the D-League where they'll face much better competition and get more training than in college. That way, they are hitting their NBA stride by 23, 24, 25.
If you take a Senior, you're getting a 22-24 year old that will take a guaranteed 3-4 years to develop. He's not ready for NBA primetime until he's 26-28, and even if he gets to perform a year or two at prime for you, his trade value is going to be low because of his age.

Buddy will probably be the #1 Senior selected in the draft, but that doesn't mean he'll be in the Top 10. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting to hear his name on June 23rd.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Hield is a top 10 pick I guarantee you... I have no idea where you are getting 2nd round? He is a great pure shooter and strong with the ball in the paint. His only downfall is ball handling but he isn't a PG so I don't see an issue in the NBA with that.

All your bravado and zeal will not make it so. What will is whether his perceived ball handling skills by those that matter have improved enough from last year and closer to NBA quality. I haven't seen it thus far but I'm not one of those who ensure/write the million dollar paychecks.

A lot will also depend on who declares for the draft. This is an unknown at this time. Buddy would no doubt benefit fortuitously from a draft relatively free of early declarers.

Don't have a clue as to where you got the notion Buddy is "strong with the ball in the paint". Primarily, the only time he goes near the paint is during fast break transitions. In the half court, he occasionally goes inside the arc with the dribble only to pass it off and then returns to the arc. At rare other times, he's a "catch and shoot" player near the paint. That does not make him "strong".

Are you implying that NBA Shooting Guards don't create play off the dribble? Watch Dwyane Wade, Klay Thompson, J.J. Riddick and others. Buddy doesn't possess their ball handling skills or movement without the ball, IMHO.

Like I posted earlier, I hope Buddy is a huge NBA success. He already possesses the sweet shooter's touch but he will have to show marked improvement with his ball handling abilities so he's not a turnover machine.

Boomer Sooner

 

[dfwsoonerfan]

Guaranteed Top 10? That's quite the guarantee.
The NBA doesn't like Seniors. They want freshmen and sophomores. Nobody can contribute in the NBA immediately and players are in their prime at their mid-20s. The NBA wants the young guys that they can put on the bench or in the D-League where they'll face much better competition and get more training than in college. That way, they are hitting their NBA stride by 23, 24, 25.
If you take a Senior, you're getting a 22-24 year old that will take a guaranteed 3-4 years to develop. He's not ready for NBA primetime until he's 26-28, and even if he gets to perform a year or two at prime for you, his trade value is going to be low because of his age.

Buddy will probably be the #1 Senior selected in the draft, but that doesn't mean he'll be in the Top 10. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting to hear his name on June 23rd.

NBAdraft.net has Buddy at #6 right now so I really doubt he drops out of top 10!

 

[JConXtsy]

NBAdraft.net has Buddy at #6 right now so I really doubt he drops out of top 10!

That's one opinion. I wonder if you can find a second mock draft with Buddy in the Top 10.

 

[Plainosooner]

Whether Buddy is a top five pick or a second round pick is really beside the point. He has had a spectacular senior season. And parsing through and proclaiming his weaknesses like a Longhorn fan is pretty telling. It's not the first time.

Did you watch the first three or four games of the NBA finals last year? The NBA's MVP wasn't great, and he's the best shooter I think I've ever seen. Maybe Larry Bird.

When you don't just shoot the three ball great, but also shoot it surprisingly well, and amazingly well from five feet past the arc, it doesn't take much to make that go through the occasional lull of excellence.

What does Buddy do? He gets in the gym and just keeps working at it. If I'm an NBA team, with all the player goofiness factor, having a guy who wants to work his tail off to get better, and has for each of the last four years, would be very appealing. He will have to continue to work on his game, especially the ball handling. But my second favorite player ever on the Mavs was Ro Blackman, and he was never a quality ball handler.

He started out as the second fiddle guy to Mark Aguirre in Dallas, but turned out to be the go to guy that every NBA team wants in the last minute. Buddy has a chance to be that kind of player. Not a guarantee and not a guarantee of how high he goes.

When you consider that the only guy who is really being mentioned for national POY missed about ten games, this is a no brainer. Everybody misses open looks from three. Buddy just misses it less than most everybody else, and this year, not many college players are close to his excellence of performance.

At least part of his turnover issues are about offensive structure, and other guys not being able to hit an open look. For three or four games, they left Woodard open on purpose to make sure Buddy didn't beat them, and Woodard couldn't make a wide open look.

If the other guys pull their weight on offense, this team can play for a while, and Buddy will light it up. I went back and read your OP. Heck, I can tell you all sorts of things about Johnny Unitas that were negatives in his career. He fumbled too much. He only won those two early titles and then never again, unless you count Super Bowl V when he was watching at the end.

But he's still considered a top ten All Time NFL player. So do you harp on the negatives about him, or appreciate and celebrate the greatness. Buddy isn't at that level in his sport. But then Johnny U got cut and was playing semi pro before a qb injury gave him a shot. Buddy will get his shot without need for kismet. And he has been a great player this year, and well deserving of the national player of the year.

FW, your focusing on the weaknesses in his game is misplaced. But not surprising.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Whether Buddy is a top five pick or a second round pick is really beside the point. He has had a spectacular senior season. And parsing through and proclaiming his weaknesses like a Longhorn fan is pretty telling. It's not the first time.

Did you watch the first three or four games of the NBA finals last year? The NBA's MVP wasn't great, and he's the best shooter I think I've ever seen. Maybe Larry Bird.

When you don't just shoot the three ball great, but also shoot it surprisingly well, and amazingly well from five feet past the arc, it doesn't take much to make that go through the occasional lull of excellence.

What does Buddy do? He gets in the gym and just keeps working at it. If I'm an NBA team, with all the player goofiness factor, having a guy who wants to work his tail off to get better, and has for each of the last four years, would be very appealing. He will have to continue to work on his game, especially the ball handling. But my second favorite player ever on the Mavs was Ro Blackman, and he was never a quality ball handler.

He started out as the second fiddle guy to Mark Aguirre in Dallas, but turned out to be the go to guy that every NBA team wants in the last minute. Buddy has a chance to be that kind of player. Not a guarantee and not a guarantee of how high he goes.

When you consider that the only guy who is really being mentioned for national POY missed about ten games, this is a no brainer. Everybody misses open looks from three. Buddy just misses it less than most everybody else, and this year, not many college players are close to his excellence of performance.

At least part of his turnover issues are about offensive structure, and other guys not being able to hit an open look. For three or four games, they left Woodard open on purpose to make sure Buddy didn't beat them, and Woodard couldn't make a wide open look.

If the other guys pull their weight on offense, this team can play for a while, and Buddy will light it up. I went back and read your OP. Heck, I can tell you all sorts of things about Johnny Unitas that were negatives in his career. He fumbled too much. He only won those two early titles and then never again, unless you count Super Bowl V when he was watching at the end.

But he's still considered a top ten All Time NFL player. So do you harp on the negatives about him, or appreciate and celebrate the greatness. Buddy isn't at that level in his sport. But then Johnny U got cut and was playing semi pro before a qb injury gave him a shot. Buddy will get his shot without need for kismet. And he has been a great player this year, and well deserving of the national player of the year.

FW, your focusing on the weaknesses in his game is misplaced. But not surprising.

How can one not include Buddy's weaknesses in a general overall critique? All points are relevant and not just your cherry picked ones. Perhaps, your blind homerism is on full display above. That is why I don't place great value usually to your full blown crimson opinions. And, I don't mind if you feel likewise to mine. I value posting integrity which includes posting the good and the questionable.

I get it. You love Buddy. I do too. I just see his entire game as relevant points of discussion. I'm not attacking Buddy as you appear to believe. I'm just analyzing his game.

As for your "Longhorn fan" reference (a long-time personal favorite of yours for one disagreeing with your perspective), that's childish and laughable, as usual. Aren't you tired of that nonsense? Be as blind as you wish but that's not my bent.

Buddy's turnovers cannot be blamed on others or "offensive structure". Against WVU, he hit the floor twice while dribbling turning it over once. In the early minutes of the game, we had a favorable 2 on 1 fast break transition play at a point in which all 3 were basically running lateral to each other. A bounce pass was not possible based on angles so Buddy tried passing over the defender's head and turned it over for WVU's transition opportunity. Buddy could've continued to the basket for an easy layup but chose differently. Cost us much needed points. Judgmental turnover. And, that's just the WVU game turnovers. His turnovers are from dribbling or passing.

I'm deeply touched by your reminiscences as if they have any apparent and realistic relevance to Buddy's situation. But, keep on with your "iffing" and hoping if it brings you relief.

Boomer Sooner

 

[dfwsoonerfan]

That's one opinion. I wonder if you can find a second mock draft with Buddy in the Top 10.

I know my college hoops he is going top 10! His stock will only go higher as OU goes through March.

 

[dfwsoonerfan]

All your bravado and zeal will not make it so. What will is whether his perceived ball handling skills by those that matter have improved enough from last year and closer to NBA quality. I haven't seen it thus far but I'm not one of those who ensure/write the million dollar paychecks.

A lot will also depend on who declares for the draft. This is an unknown at this time. Buddy would no doubt benefit fortuitously from a draft relatively free of early declarers.

Don't have a clue as to where you got the notion Buddy is "strong with the ball in the paint". Primarily, the only time he goes near the paint is during fast break transitions. In the half court, he occasionally goes inside the arc with the dribble only to pass it off and then returns to the arc. At rare other times, he's a "catch and shoot" player near the paint. That does not make him "strong".

Are you implying that NBA Shooting Guards don't create play off the dribble? Watch Dwyane Wade, Klay Thompson, J.J. Riddick and others. Buddy doesn't possess their ball handling skills or movement without the ball, IMHO.

Like I posted earlier, I hope Buddy is a huge NBA success. He already possesses the sweet shooter's touch but he will have to show marked improvement with his ball handling abilities so he's not a turnover machine.

Boomer Sooner

Chad Ford from ESPN has Hield as the #1 Shooting Guard and a top 10 pick... My boy is going top 10

 

[SoonerTulsan]

How can one not include Buddy's weaknesses in a general overall critique? All points are relevant and not just your cherry picked ones. Perhaps, your blind homerism is on full display above. That is why I don't place great value usually to your full blown crimson opinions. And, I don't mind if you feel likewise to mine. I value posting integrity which includes posting the good and the questionable.

I get it. You love Buddy. I do too. I just see his entire game as relevant points of discussion.

As for your "Longhorn fan" reference (a long-time personal favorite of yours for one disagreeing with your perspective), that's childish and laughable, as usual. Aren't you tired of that nonsense? Be as blind as you wish but that's not my bent.

Buddy's turnovers cannot be blamed on others or "offensive structure". Against WVU, he hit the floor twice while dribbling turning it over once. In the early minutes of the game, we had a favorable 2 on 1 fast break transition play at a point in which all 3 were basically running lateral to each other. A bounce pass was not possible based on angles so Buddy tried passing over the defender's head and turned it over for WVU's transition opportunity. Buddy could've continued to the basket for an easy layup but chose differently. Cost us much needed points. Judgmental turnover. And, that's just the WVU game turnovers. His turnovers are from dribbling or passing.

I'm deeply touched by your reminiscences as if they have any apparent and realistic relevance to Buddy's situation. But, keep on with your "iffing" and hoping if it brings you relief.

Boomer Sooner

Buddy did hit the floor twice. On the one I saw it was a clear foul...that wasn't called.

 

[fortworth4ou2]

Chad Ford from ESPN has Hield as the #1 Shooting Guard and a top 10 pick... My boy is going top 10

Hope it happens.

Boomer Sooner

 

[JConXtsy]

Did you watch the first three or four games of the NBA finals last year? The NBA's MVP wasn't great, and he's the best shooter I think I've ever seen. Maybe Larry Bird.

Steph Curry is arguably the best ball handler in the NBA. I think you mistook his 1 bad game in the Finals for 3-4 bad games.

2015 Finals Stats for Curry (pts, asst, stl, shooting%, 3p%)
Game 1 - 26 / 8 / 2 / 0.500 / 0.333
Game 2 - 19 / 5 / 0 / 0.217 / 0.133
Game 3 - 27 / 6 / 3 / 0.500 / 0.538
Game 4 - 22 / 7 / 1 / 0.471 / 0.571
Game 5 - 37 / 4 / 2 / 0.565 / 0.538
Game 6 - 25 / 8 / 3 / 0.421 / 0.273

 

[jobea01]

That's one opinion. I wonder if you can find a second mock draft with Buddy in the Top 10.

I just googled and everything I found has him 6-11.

 

[JConXtsy]

Top 25 Senior Picks, NBA Draft
2015 - #9, #19
2014 - #11, #15, #24
2013 - #22, #23
2012 - #17, #19
2011 - #10, #22, #25

Notable Names - Kenneth Farried, Mason Plumlee

The odds are certainly stacked against him. Maybe it's a poor draft year. I honestly don't watch college ball, because it's too painful to watch.