Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Rockets Sign Tarik Black

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Clutch, Aug 27, 2014.

Tags:

Page 5 of 7

don grahamleone Contributing Member

Joined:

Aug 11, 2001

Messages:

23,384

Likes Received:

33,544

Does anyone on this site do research anymore or do you just see the name, don't recognize it and assume they suck?

Smooth interview:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EwA8omxeTMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Some dunks and blocks (1 steal):

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pAtMu6s1v1Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I want to see a big man rebound, block shots and hit free throws. Why aren't there highlight reels like this?!! haha

#81 don grahamleone, Aug 28, 2014

dragician Member

Joined:

Feb 27, 2011

Messages:

3,990

Likes Received:

131

is Daryl a racist? He gave away Parsons for nothing and now signed Black?

#82 dragician, Aug 28, 2014
CertifiedTroll Member

Joined:

Feb 1, 2012

Messages:

3,103

Likes Received:

924

don grahamleone said: ↑

Does anyone on this site do research anymore or do you just see the name, don't recognize it and assume they suck?
Click to expand...

I see a four year college player that averages 5 points in his final season, then I assume he sucks.

#83 CertifiedTroll, Aug 28, 2014
Carl Herrera Contributing Member

Joined:

Feb 16, 2007

Messages:

45,153

Likes Received:

21,570

don grahamleone said: ↑

Does anyone on this site do research anymore or do you just see the name, don't recognize it and assume they suck?

Smooth interview:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EwA8omxeTMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Some dunks and blocks (1 steal):

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pAtMu6s1v1Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I want to see a big man rebound, block shots and hit free throws. Why aren't there highlight reels like this?!! haha
Click to expand...

I watched the summer league games, not very impressed. He is pretty strong, but not all that athletic or tall/long. Also don't take or make many jump shots at all. OK as a filler body, but can't see him being all that special or even get a roster spot over Adrien and Dorsey. The plan is likely to cut him in preseason, which I think allows HOU some priority in getting his DLeague rights.

#84 Carl Herrera, Aug 28, 2014
AvgJoe Contributing Member

Joined:

Apr 8, 2009

Messages:

3,637

Likes Received:

392

Carl Herrera said: ↑

I watched the summer league games, not very impressed. He is pretty strong, but not all that athletic or tall/long. Also don't take or make many jump shots at all. OK as a filler body, but can't see him being all that special or even get a roster spot over Adrien and Dorsey. The plan is likely to cut him in preseason, which I think allows HOU some priority in getting his DLeague rights.
Click to expand...

Tarik Black will give you hustle, defense and rebound. And best of what he brings is:

6 fouls to give

#85 AvgJoe, Aug 28, 2014
langal Contributing Member

Joined:

Nov 13, 2004

Messages:

3,824

Likes Received:

91

The next Lebron.

#86 langal, Aug 28, 2014
don grahamleone Contributing Member

Joined:

Aug 11, 2001

Messages:

23,384

Likes Received:

33,544

CertifiedTroll said: ↑

I see a four year college player that averages 5 points in his final season, then I assume he sucks.
Click to expand...

You aren't smart. Assuming is what it is.

The guy only played 13.5 minutes per game. Why? Why only 13 minutes when he shoots 69% from the floor? Oh yeah, he's playing behind Joel Embiid and Perry Ellis. Not to mention he's playing with the number one pick in the draft so how many balls is he going to see while playing 13 minutes a game?

He played well at Memphis and is relatively injury free. I'm not saying he's a great prospect, but there is no evidence that "he sucks" whatsoever. He rebounds, he finishes at a high rate, and he knows what you have to do when you are playing behind stars. These are all good things if you're trying to play a role in the NBA.

Then the Rockets see him in a mini-camp against other NBA prospects and he does this: 13 points, 9 rebounds (6 defensive and 3 offensive), 6-for-6 FGs

Again, I don't see anything that tells me suck. But that's because I did some research. Lazy sack.....

#87 don grahamleone, Aug 28, 2014

1 person likes this.

don grahamleone Contributing Member

Joined:

Aug 11, 2001

Messages:

23,384

Likes Received:

33,544

Carl Herrera said: ↑

I watched the summer league games, not very impressed. He is pretty strong, but not all that athletic or tall/long. Also don't take or make many jump shots at all. OK as a filler body, but can't see him being all that special or even get a roster spot over Adrien and Dorsey. The plan is likely to cut him in preseason, which I think allows HOU some priority in getting his DLeague rights.
Click to expand...

I'm with you on the possible DLeague development. That interview tells me he has the right disposition for going down to develop his game in the valley. I do worry about how much he'll develop when a 3 point madman is the head coach though.

#88 don grahamleone, Aug 28, 2014
BoneYardDog Contributing Member

Joined:

Jul 4, 2005

Messages:

451

Likes Received:

94

King901 said: ↑

Is this the big news plowman?
Click to expand...

Cleared out my ignore list from LOFs, now rebuilding it.

#89 BoneYardDog, Aug 28, 2014
JamalP. Member

Joined:

Jun 21, 2012

Messages:

324

Likes Received:

92

Would rather have P. Young but not a bad consolation

#90 JamalP., Aug 28, 2014
King901 Member

Joined:

Sep 9, 2008

Messages:

1,614

Likes Received:

243

BoneYardDog said: ↑

Cleared out my ignore list from LOFs, now rebuilding it.
Click to expand...

Good for you. Put on your special hat first.

#91 King901, Aug 28, 2014
Z-Ro&Trae Member

Joined:

Sep 13, 2009

Messages:

2,735

Likes Received:

41

Is he related to rapper Crunchy Black?

#92 Z-Ro&Trae, Aug 29, 2014
ThatBoyNick Member

Joined:

Dec 8, 2011

Messages:

28,470

Likes Received:

43,687

Really surprised i'll be the first to make this comparison in this thread.

Tarik Black is the Black Greg Smith.

Greg Smith - Height - 6' 9.25 Weight - 253 Wingspan - 7' 2.5 - Standing reach - 8' 10.5 Body fat% - 7.4

Tarik Black - Height - 6' 8.5 Weight - 253 Wingspan - 7' 2.75 Standing reach - 8' 11 Body fat% - 10.2

Both born in 1991

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/epMOi_126j4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pAtMu6s1v1Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Center Greg Smith had an impressive freshman campaign, but he has failed to distinguish himself as a sophomore for the 11-12 Fresno State bulldogs.

At 6'10 with solid length and a stocky 250-pound frame, Smith is big enough to play either post position at the next level. While he is not overly quick or explosive, he is a solid and coordinated athlete with above average mobility given his size.

Smith was expected to assume greater offensive responsibilities with the departures of Paul George and Sylvester Seay, but, he has actually seen his role reduced. His production has dropped from 16.7 points per 40 minutes pace adjusted as a freshman, to just 15.2 as a sophomore. His lack of production is particularly frustrating not only given his physical advantages in the post at this level, but also considering the skill level that he shows with his back to the basket.

Smith receives over 40% of his offensive possessions on post-ups, where he continues to show the same combination of soft hands and basic footwork. His 59.8% 2FG represents how efficient he is as a post scorer. He looks particularly comfortable this season executing a spin move to his left hand.

For the most part, however, his skill set has not improved since last season. He must continue to work on expanding his game, primarily getting more comfortable going right and developing more advanced footwork. Furthermore, while he has gotten to the line at a slightly greater rate this season, he is still an abysmal foul shooter to the tune of 54.5% while showing very little potential as a spot-up shooter at this stage.

Smith shows improved decision making abilities, however, cutting down on his turnovers and fouls while displaying improved passing and off-the-ball movement. Unfortunately, his motor still runs hot and cold, which leads to periods of ineffectiveness and invisibility on the offensive end. This, in addition to Fresno State's miserable offensive execution, likely explains his mediocre production and usage rate.

Inconsistency defines Smith's defensive performance, as well. While his size, bulk, and solid mobility should help him stand his ground in the post with relative ease at this level, he struggles with focus. Far too often, his man beats him with a simple fake or countermove and Smith is forced to foul to compensate for his poor effort.

While he is still a below average rebounder given his size and athleticism, he noticeably improved on the defensive boards on his way to a far more respectable 9.6 rebounds per 40 minutes pace adjusted. Nevertheless, it is in this area where his lack of activity and effort are most evident and he still has a lot to prove to scouts.

For these reasons, Smith remains both a legitimate prospect and an extremely frustrating player. He should be dominating mid-major collegiate competition with his physical advantages and ability to play with his back to the basket. Fresno State's shaky game plan and disorganized offense certainly isn't helping matters, but scouts will be watching to see if he can compensate by producing through hustle and sheer effort.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz3BlHRpLFx
http://www.draftexpress.com
Click to expand...

Earning second team All-Conference USA honors, Tarik Black had a sophomore season right on par with the one he turned in as a freshman. Showing improvement in a few select areas while regressing or stagnating in many others, he did not take the significant step forward many expected him to after his impressive freshman campaign.

A slightly undersized power forward possessing every other athletic tool scouts look for, the Memphis native's impressive physical profile is what makes him such an efficient collegiate scorer, gives him intriguing upside, and makes his inability to consistently impact games so frustrating.

Shooting 75% in finishing situations and 61% in the post according to Synergy Sports Technology, Black's blend of length, strength, and explosiveness give him a clear advantage offensively at the NCAA level. Able to carve out deep position in the paint, overpower defenders when maneuvering to the rim, and finish emphatically around the basket given a split-second to gather himself, Black posted the second highest field goal percentage in all of college basketball last season, shooting 68.9%, some 16% better than he shot the year before.

As effective as Black proved to be around the rim en route to his respectable 10.7 point per-game average, he still has plenty of room to grow offensively. He has made just 1 of the 11 jump shots he's attempted at the collegiate level, shot below 60% from the line two-consecutive years, and is yet to show the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. In order to make himself a more versatile offensive threat, Black would be well served to expand his offensive game and particularly his polish in the post.

Defensively, Black remains a mixed bag. He's capable of making highlight reel plays blocking shots and has the physical tools to capably defend his man at and away from the rim, but he still has some lapses in effort, remains foul prone, and finds himself out of position too frequently. Black's upside on the defensive end is unquestionable, but he'll need to become a more disciplined and consistent presence on the interior to make the most of his tools.

In many ways, the same can be said with regards to Black's biggest weakness, his rebounding ability. Often straying from the paint to pursue the ball defensively, Black is not disciplined or aggressive in his approach on the glass, especially on the defensive end of the floor. His numbers on the offensive glass are solid, if not above average, but his 4.3 defensive rebounds per-40 minutes pace adjusted was the fourth lowest mark among power forwards in our database last season.

For a player with Black's physical tools and penchant for physical play on the offensive end, it is fair to expect significantly better from him on the defensive boards. Disappearing for stretches last year, the name of the game for Black this season will be aggressiveness. If he finds more ways to impact the game with his athleticism, he'll surely improve his standing among scouts.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz3BlGzfQsK
http://www.draftexpress.com
Click to expand...

Very similar players, If Black turns out to be as good as Smith then great signing.

#93 ThatBoyNick, Aug 29, 2014

ThatBoyNick Member

Joined:

Dec 8, 2011

Messages:

28,470

Likes Received:

43,687

RocketsMAN! said: ↑

Meh. I could do without. Looks like Greg Smith jr.
Click to expand...

TheRealAllpro said: ↑

I believe he will play center... he reminds me of a less explosive Greg smith with more defense.
Click to expand...

ThatBoyNick said: ↑

Really surprised i'll be the first to make this comparison in this thread.
Click to expand...

Woops nevermind missed those 2, still, it needs to be emphasized how extremely similar they are.

#94 ThatBoyNick, Aug 29, 2014
CertifiedTroll Member

Joined:

Feb 1, 2012

Messages:

3,103

Likes Received:

924

don grahamleone said: ↑

You aren't smart. Assuming is what it is.

The guy only played 13.5 minutes per game. Why? Why only 13 minutes when he shoots 69% from the floor? Oh yeah, he's playing behind Joel Embiid and Perry Ellis. Not to mention he's playing with the number one pick in the draft so how many balls is he going to see while playing 13 minutes a game?

He played well at Memphis and is relatively injury free. I'm not saying he's a great prospect, but there is no evidence that "he sucks" whatsoever. He rebounds, he finishes at a high rate, and he knows what you have to do when you are playing behind stars. These are all good things if you're trying to play a role in the NBA.

Then the Rockets see him in a mini-camp against other NBA prospects and he does this: 13 points, 9 rebounds (6 defensive and 3 offensive), 6-for-6 FGs

Again, I don't see anything that tells me suck. But that's because I did some research. Lazy sack.....
Click to expand...

Saying I am not smart is assuming (but could be correct). I watched him play all summer league and he is not better than Jones, DMo, Dorsey, or Adrien.. You shouldn't call out and insult other posters for saying a player sucks when he is a lesser version of two guys who most likely will get third string minutes.

#95 CertifiedTroll, Aug 29, 2014
Z-Ro&Trae Member

Joined:

Sep 13, 2009

Messages:

2,735

Likes Received:

41

This guy looks like a crappy version of JJ Hickson.

#96 Z-Ro&Trae, Aug 31, 2014
i3artow i3aller Member

Joined:

Aug 5, 2008

Messages:

20,163

Likes Received:

37,878

#97 i3artow i3aller, Sep 4, 2014
don grahamleone Contributing Member

Joined:

Aug 11, 2001

Messages:

23,384

Likes Received:

33,544

Bump! He's in the game as I type.

#98 don grahamleone, Oct 7, 2014

Crashlanded19 Member

Joined:

Jun 27, 2012

Messages:

7,816

Likes Received:

2,294

don grahamleone said: ↑

Bump! He's in the game as I type.
Click to expand...

And he sucks

#99 Crashlanded19, Oct 7, 2014
don grahamleone Contributing Member

Joined:

Aug 11, 2001

Messages:

23,384

Likes Received:

33,544

Crashlanded19 said: ↑

And he sucks
Click to expand...

Care to explain your opinion?

Just kidding. I don't want to read your opinion.

#100 don grahamleone, Oct 7, 2014

(You must log in or sign up to post here.)

Page 5 of 7

Share This Page