2007-08 NBA Rookie Class: #1 - Louis Scola http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=Rookies-080312 By David Thorpe ESPN.com "Luis Scola has had such an impact on the Rockets this season that he deserves to be No. 1 on our list for at least one week. And like Al Horford, our previous No. 1, Scola does things to help his team win that do not show up on any stat sheet. Consider the Rockets' first basket against the Nets on Monday night: Scola set three screens, tried to set two more but was turned down by a teammate (meaning the dribbler drove opposite the screen), and then made a beautiful post move for an easy bucket after an effective post up and attack dribble. There's not another rookie in this class who would be as productive and meaningful for Houston as Scola is, and his role in the Rockets' 19-game winning streak deserves some recognition." Here is the ranking: 1. Luis Scola, Rockets (3) 2. Kevin Durant, Sonics (2) 3. Al Horford, Hawks (1) 4. Al Thornton, Clippers (4) 5. Thaddeus Young, Sixers (6) 6. Jamario Moon, Raptors (5) 7. Carl Landry, Rockets (7) 8. Joakim Noah, Bulls (NR) 9. Jared Dudley, Bobcats (NR) 10. Spencer Hawes, Kings (NR) http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings Finally....Scola get some recognition!
ESPN.com: Argentinian Rises to number one Scola gettin some major love from ESPN. Finally top of rookie rankings!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/rookies/rankings
I doubt he wins ROY but he deserves it. Oh and BTW, You Pronounce LUIS in spanish with ONE syllable, not two. Lwees not Looees. That's just been bothering me for a while.
scola rookie of the year, t-mac mvp, adelman coach of the year!!! this is the year of The Clutch, aka the Rockets
Not trying to jinx anything but the Rockets have had an interesting win/loss record with him as a starting 4.
Durant plays for my hometown but we must admit its a garbage team. Not taking anything for Durant or Horford but Scolandry for co-roy imo. Makes more sense. A rookie who has a big impact (influential contributions) on a playoff potential team should receive more emphasis over a star rookie who has a better stat line and plays for a lottery team. I don't know if that makes any sense but scolandry should be co-roy since they make their team that much better.
He's (Durant) also only shooting 40% from the field. How low can you go and still get ROY? It shouldn't be all about PPG.
What I like the most about Luis is his high IQ and hustle. He still needs a lot of work on defensive rotation and learning how to keep out of foul trouble. His jumpshot has gotten better but I would like to see him score more often in the low post. He is having a harder time without Yao and Landry which is expected but I always feel he can do more because of his low post footwork. Perhaps the coaching staff can work out plays which can help him score a bit more easily. GO Luis!
Scola may lose votes for ROY because he is 27 (turns 28 next month) while Durant is 19 and Horford is 21. All three are in their first NBA seasons but I don't really consider Scola a rookie. He's ahead of the curve.
“I was just trying to help my team out on second-chance points. I understood that my man plays extremely hard, Scola, and I knew I had to keep him off the boards. By blocking out, I gave myself opportunities to be able to get extra rebounds on the defensive end.”-Josh Smith Scola getting some recognition round the league...good to see.
