Ron Baker, NBA Prospect

[Shockeriffic]

I agree that Baker can play the 2 guard in the NBA because of his 6-8 wingspan. Also, a lot of people were angry at the Thunder (a possible Early landing spot) for pulling whatever that crap was they did with Huestis. Basically, they took him in the first round with a handshake agreement that he would sign a D-League contract instead of the traditional first round guaranteed one.

[SB Shock]

Players can have bad games, but last 4 games have been subpar - 8 for 29 from 3pt against quality competition - not seeing the NBA thing.

[vancedave56]

Other teams are well aware of him this year - last year Cle got the most attention.

[Perezident]

Something is definitely not right with Baker. His shot selection is atrocious, and his FG% reflects it. I can only guess it's because he is forcing it way too much this year. It could be to pick up the slack from losing Early, but I think it might have more to do with trying too hard to prove his NBA readiness. Either way, the dude needs to chill, continue doing all the intangibles, and get his shots in the flow of the offense.

[vancedave56]

Agree. We haven't found our identity or everybody's roles. It may take a while for the dust to settle. All the upperclassmen appear to be trying to do too much on their own.

[LandStander]

Is he rushing shots. I noticed he wasn't squaring up on his first 3 attempt and then on his 2nd, Dino mentioned it to. Now I know I'm not that smart and not a bb coach so if I'm noticing it, then something is really off. Is he doing too much? Last year, early in the year when Cle was getting tons of media hype and struggling you could tell he was pressing. Same type of thing?

[vancedave56]

Believe so; we are shooting too many 3's off the dribble instead of being set up with a pass.

[wsushox1]

Ron's off-the-dribble 3PT percentage last year was well above 50% for most of the year.

[Dan]

Heavy pressure on Baker on the perimeter, deny Darius and let Fred drive into the trees where he will get it blocked if he dares to shoot. The recipe for success against the Shox. We have 3 reliable scorers on this team, if you let the rest of the group do what they want, you will probably win.

[vancedave56]

His off-the-dribble 3 pt shot this year seems to be off balance.

[swiltar71]

Is he rushing shots. I noticed he wasn't squaring up on his first 3 attempt and then on his 2nd, Dino mentioned it to. Now I know I'm not that smart and not a bb coach so if I'm noticing it, then something is really off. Is he doing too much? Last year, early in the year when Cle was getting tons of media hype and struggling you could tell he was pressing. Same type of thing?

It's hard to tell on tv, but watching in person I think his misses look much flatter than his makes. I think he's better from further back because he shoots with more legs and arch.

[Play Angry]

We have weaker screens from our post players this year. Other coaches have adjusted accordingly.

HCGM will tweak the sets, make sure the posts improve their screening (quickly), or both. Ron's 3FG % will bounce back in January.

[swiltar71]

Heavy pressure on Baker on the perimeter, deny Darius and let Fred drive into the trees where he will get it blocked if he dares to shoot. The recipe for success against the Shox. We have 3 reliable scorers on this team, if you let the rest of the group do what they want, you will probably win.

I agree. I also think we will see valley teams put their heads down and drive us because our bigs will foul. And if we can't play any better against a zone, we'll see some of that too.

[Rosewood]

We can probably kill this thread now.

[CBB_Fan]

Glad to see our perimeter is set for next year. We might have a really strong team if our freshmen bigs continue to develop.