IronHorseSooner
10/19/2005, 08:27 AM
OVERALL:
Mike Neal was named by the Big XII Coaches as the Co-Preseason Newcomer of the Year. He was a two time JUCO All-American at Lon Morris JC. He shot an amazing 41% from 3-point range, and 88% from the FT line, a high standard, no matter the level.
STRENGTHS:
1. 3-Point Shooting: See above stats. 41% is an amazing amount. If he hits at near that level at OU, OU will be darn close to unbeatable. Someone said that when he is on, he can make the basket look like a wheel barrow.
2. FT-Shooting: See above stats, again. This is close to JJ Redick/ Hollis Price type numbers. He will be the guy at the end of games who will have the ball in his hands a lot.
3. BBALL IQ: Supposedly, he understands screens and passing very well. The great shooters have already made the shot prior to getting the ball by getting into position to receive the pass or set up the screen. If the big men improve their passing to the perimeter, Neal could be a player who averages 15 points a game.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Driving Game: Having not seen him play (and please correct me if I'm wrong), but often 3-point shooters fall in love with their shot, and don't try to drive the ball. JJ Redick is a good example of this. Last year, he developed a driving game, and it helped him get to the line, where he's automatic. Neal needs to do this so defensive players don't just "stay in his shirt" all game.
2. Defensive Schemes: In the KS system, defense is a must. He must develop himself into a sound defensive player within this system. Also, with a lot of shooter, if their shot is off, they lose focus, and they are lit up defensively. Again, he might be a great defensive player, and if someone has seen him play, please let us know about his defensive game.
3. Rebounding: This might be nitpicking. KS's guards (see Everett, Godbold) crash the boards, much like an NBA team. He needs to prove that he can rebound, if needed. However, he might be better served to hang at the line and get the kick-out from the offensive rebound.
Former Sooner Comparison: Tim McAlester
NBA Comparison: Juan Dixon
Tomorrow: Chris Walker
Mike Neal was named by the Big XII Coaches as the Co-Preseason Newcomer of the Year. He was a two time JUCO All-American at Lon Morris JC. He shot an amazing 41% from 3-point range, and 88% from the FT line, a high standard, no matter the level.
STRENGTHS:
1. 3-Point Shooting: See above stats. 41% is an amazing amount. If he hits at near that level at OU, OU will be darn close to unbeatable. Someone said that when he is on, he can make the basket look like a wheel barrow.
2. FT-Shooting: See above stats, again. This is close to JJ Redick/ Hollis Price type numbers. He will be the guy at the end of games who will have the ball in his hands a lot.
3. BBALL IQ: Supposedly, he understands screens and passing very well. The great shooters have already made the shot prior to getting the ball by getting into position to receive the pass or set up the screen. If the big men improve their passing to the perimeter, Neal could be a player who averages 15 points a game.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Driving Game: Having not seen him play (and please correct me if I'm wrong), but often 3-point shooters fall in love with their shot, and don't try to drive the ball. JJ Redick is a good example of this. Last year, he developed a driving game, and it helped him get to the line, where he's automatic. Neal needs to do this so defensive players don't just "stay in his shirt" all game.
2. Defensive Schemes: In the KS system, defense is a must. He must develop himself into a sound defensive player within this system. Also, with a lot of shooter, if their shot is off, they lose focus, and they are lit up defensively. Again, he might be a great defensive player, and if someone has seen him play, please let us know about his defensive game.
3. Rebounding: This might be nitpicking. KS's guards (see Everett, Godbold) crash the boards, much like an NBA team. He needs to prove that he can rebound, if needed. However, he might be better served to hang at the line and get the kick-out from the offensive rebound.
Former Sooner Comparison: Tim McAlester
NBA Comparison: Juan Dixon
Tomorrow: Chris Walker