Yeah now that I've gotten a chance to see Udoh firsthand in two straight games (what a Houston regional!), I have to say that I would take him over guys who were previously higher rated including Ed Davis, Greg Monroe, Patrick Patterson, Hassan Whiteside, Gani Lawal, and Solomon Alabi. The only big men that are still unquestionably above him are Cousins and Favors. I bet many of the teams in the NBA will move towards this point of view also. Udoh has the feel of a top 10 if not top 7 pick now. He's not just an athletic big man who blocks shots--his offensive repertoire is better than I ever could have imagined.
Epke Udoh could be our potential Jordan Hill replacement, should Morey include Hill in a sign in trade for a Bosh type player. We could also sign Marcus Camby . Probably use the MLE to either sign JJ Redick or Manu Ginobili. My Dream Lineup would be: Lowry/Jack or Banks Martin/Redick or Manu Ariza/Budinger Bosh/Udoh Yao/Camby
Hassan Whiteside has officially declared for the NBA Draft....http://www.sbnation.com/2010/3/29/1395117/hassan-whiteside-nba-draft-declares-marshall-lottery-pick I have no doubt that from all the lottery teams (including the Jazz via NY) this year the Rockets organization is the most Ideal place to develop a big of Whiteside potential, constantly working with rocket personnel like Dawson, Sikma, Yao, Scola to a legend like Hakeem....could really help him expand his game in order to meet that potential.... <object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bl6q49ruwS4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Bl6q49ruwS4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object> --RB
Did morey mean that we were gona replace carl's position or did he mean we were gona draft an equal hard working guy not nessesary the power foward??
Very astute post. I don't think the rockets will have a shot a picking Udoh at their current draft position. I see Udoh vaulting up the draft boards as we get closer to June. Udoh can really effect a game and your right about his offense, he definetly looks like a top 10 to 7 pick for sure.
I like Udoh's game and I feel the Rockets should draft him. I just hope that he doesn't fall into the Tyrus Thomas/Stromile Swift hell hole.
Hassan Whiteside has some character issues.. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x879456100/Landon-Whiteside-lets-down-in-the-CIT ..Rockets draft guys with high character
Udoh is 23 and is turning 24 soon.. that's pretty old for a rookie..other than that he's a very good player. Also everyone knows Morey likes efficient players. Udoh and Monore are in the top 20 in efficiency. http://www.draftexpress.com/stats.php?q=usage&sort=7&league=NCAA&year=2009/10 Looking back at last years draft, Jermaine Taylor was high in efficiency too. http://www.draftexpress.com/stats.p...stage=all&conference=0&pos=all&qual=prospects I think Morey will choose a player whos high on the efficency list. Also I saw Jarvis Varnado from Miss State, high on the list. He is an awesome shot blocker. He is my sleeper pick as a late 1st or 2nd rounder. Here is Varnado's profile..http://www.nbadraft.net/players/jarvis-varnado
He also chose Landry and Brooks, who weren't even close in efficiency to other high efficiency players like Fazekas and Big Baby. There's alot more to Morey's choice than numbers.
It may have been too early. There's a story that refutes the early draft declaration. http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/143141662
While I do like Udoh and Monroe, I would not pass up an opportunity to trade up for a future starting center. Luis Scola/Jordan Hill Yao Ming/?????? I would like to see Jordan Hill put on about 15 pounds or so...
I agree that Morey doesn't just go by the numbers but I'm sure that it informs his decision making. I remember Morey touting Dorsey's production when he got drafted (great rebounding numbers, and good amount of blocks and steals). And Landry's PER in his senior year was actually quite good. 9th in the country: http://www.draftexpress.com/stats.p...006/07&stage=all&pos=all&q=eff&min=20&q=usage But you're right that he's looking at other factors, specifically if the player has a skill that translates to the NBA. Such as AB's quickness and ability to create his own shot. Or why he didn't draft Chris Douglas-Roberts, because he wasn't that great of a shooter or have much athleticism.
Scola will be the starting PF for the next 5-plus years imho... Still, a big at PF or C would be nice, just make him a beast please!
I do think a big would be very nice. Evan Turner and Wes Johnson would be nice as a consolation prize.
Absolutely. I think Xavier Henry would be a nice fit for the princeton offense. Ekpe Udoh is a very obvious choice, but I wonder If it might be a good idea to draft a freshman to really take advantage of talent coming out early because of the lockout stuff... I know you guys do not like Whiteside, but If that guy falls to us I think you almost have to pick him. A super athletic 7 footer that blocks over 5 shots a game, and has a smooth looking jumpshot? I don't know, I would have a hard time passing on that ball of clay for Luis/Shane/Chuck and coaching staff to work with.
Brooks/Lowry Martin/Budinger Ariza/Battier Scola/Hill Yao/Whiteside I think Hill and Whiteside would be great prospects to develop together as a tandem...
Sorry to say Udoh and Whiteside won't fall to us. I'm hope Morey grabs Dontas Motiejunas. He'd be great with the right coach. I hope Morey can swing a trade for Rubio's rights though...
