I learned that from a report of Wake Forest's campus newspaper the year when he entered NBA. The report also claimed he ranked top 3 (or top 5) in all his courses taken. They argued the reason why he didn't received Rhodes Scholarship (Bill Bradley got it in Princeton) was that he was not born in continental US.
I think its a legitimate major, its not like some major where you can slack off. Its alot of anaylzing, and alot of technical research (studying hormones, though patterns and what not).
Duncan is a finesse Power Forward. Yao Ming is a finesse Center. Duncan is at the top of his Game. Yao Ming is starting his second year of becoming an NBA Player. He has the potential to set a new standard for Centers. He must be Yao Ming, not Shaq or any other great Center.
By the way, does everyone know how Yao is trying to convince people that he's not going to be as good as Shaq "expectations too high?" Well, I wonder how Yao would feel if he could make TD a goal to reach. I think that would be more realistic. Because one of the main reasons that Yao doesn't like to be expected to "be like Shaq" is because Shaq is just so dang POWERFUL! And for Yao, relatively skinny, to be like Shaq would be unfair. But TD type skills isn't that unrealistic for Yao.
Duncan only shoots long jumpers when the defender backs off of him or left open. I've never seen Duncan shooting a jumper coming off a pick. If Yao can do that at a respectable percentage, and I think he can, he will have an edge in scoring. Yao is tall, mobile, and sweet shooting, I would like to see that aspect of his game being explored.
Duncan is waaaaaaaaay better than Yao. No comparisons, right now. Don't get me wrong, I like Yao but we are talking about the 2 time MVP here.
Are you kidding? Duncan has 10 times as many post moves as Yao. Duncan pretty much has every post move that you can have. Duncan is one of the smartest players in the game and certainly Yao is not smarter than Duncan or a better passer. Duncan can go out lead the fastbreak dish out tons of beautiful assists every game. Yao is far away from that level. And Duncan isn't athletic? He is no Amare but he is very athletic.
I found out it's really easy to get a disliked player bashed. Just pit him against another well-respected and dominant player. I guess a "Comparing Yao to Walt Chamberlain" thread is coming.
Actually, they both have tons of post moves - but neither has mastered them all. Athleticism? That is comprised of two components. One is body control and basic skills in your sport, which Duncan is pretty good at. The other is explosiveness. Duncan does not really have this attribute (thankfully). Steve Francis and Wilt Chamberlain are good examples of players who are extremely athletic. As far as passing, I don't think any other player in the league could have done the slap pass to the corner Yao did. It was a terrific example of his presence of mind and court/player awareness. If you didn't see it, you probably didn't watch enough of Yao's play this year to comment accurately on his passing. My prediction? Watch Van Gundy use Yao's passing skills this year and enjoy.
Duncan does not have more post moves than Yao. I very much doubt you've watched enoughof Yao if you truly believe what you're saying. They have very very similar post games. Only difference is, Duncan gets away with a lot more, and has more strength to get some moves going, unlike Yao at this point in time.
The main reason I don't post much, is that things are usually taken care of to my satisfaction. This thread has umpteen people making sense. Definitely time for bed. P.S. If you're not familiar with South Park you can't imagine the pleasure I got when Spurs fans here in Austin yelled "timaaay".
slinslin, when someone says that they "see Duncan in Yao's game." That doesn't mean the same thing as Yao's is JUST AS GOOD as Ducan. It just means that we see some of the skills that Yao posseses similar to Ducan.
that is true, But a good shooter doesn't have to be a good shooter in the game, and a good shooter in the game doesn't have to be a good free trhow shooter. example Bradley, good free throw shooter but in the game he isn't a good shooter. example Nick Anderson, good shooter but terrible free throw shooter so W&S you do got a point, and i'm not saying Yao isn't a good shooter, but i just think Duncan is a great shooter for a big man, and i think he is better in shooting than Yao is now. and i also wonder why people keep saying Yao is a better shooter than duncan like it is a fact.
According to scouts Yao has the ability Shoot Jumpers ranging up to the 3-point area. I think he just needs to gain more confidence and that will come in time. I dont think he's had the chance to dispay that ability. Being 7'5 300lbs, I dont think people want him to take midrange jumpers.
