Any news on Orukpe?

[SHOXAAC]

How about raw ? ;-) Alot of people wrote Stutz off last season. I think there is a lot of soul searching that goes on between a players Jr and Sr seasons. It would be nice if EO could go to a big man camp.

IMHO, he showed a much better BB IQ and his footwork and positioning was light years ahead of 10-11. I'm sure that 3G has identified areas for improvement and let EO know that the clock is ticking.

I also think that as GS played better.....EO became a better cheerleader. He was in the VCU game for a few minutes and had his guy posted up but didn't get the ball.

EO is catching up to the game. Let's hope he catches up before his time at WSU runs out.

Even I draw a line on raw crow.

[all valley]

I hope he is in the gym now

[WSU757]

If he gets enough minutes he will beat out break-a-knee-kay for valley DPOY next year. Any offense will be gravy after that. Or in the words of FSF "groovy"

[vancedave56]

If he gets enough minutes he will beat out break-a-knee-kay for valley DPOY next year. Any offense will be gravy after that. Or in the words of FSF "groovy"

Agree.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

Had the chance to meet him last night. Semmed pretty happy

[kcshocker11]

3.7 gpa in math. His future so bright hes makin good grades gotta wear shades

[im4wsu]

EO's biggest "improvement" toward getting minutes next year is not having GS eat up the minutes in front of him.
Early in the season he was not really given the opportunity to play with the "regulars," so it is very difficult to look impressive.
GS averaged 24.6 and EO 7.8. Yes, there's another 7.6 available at the 5, but CH is really more a 5 than a 4. CH already averages 22, so if he takes 6 of GS's 24, that leaves 18 to be replaced by EO or somebody else. I don't think EO will be playing 25. I expect him to be in the 18 range, however. He averaged 5.9 fouls per 40 minutes, so that will limit minutes in some situations.
With EO in the game, we can really turn the heat up on the pressure defense which will create steals and easy baskets. Part of the offense I expect from EO is the credit I give him for his "effect" on those easy basket opportunities.

[SubGod22]

EO will better learn not to foul with more PT. And you're right. Without Garrett there, there are plenty of minutes available for a defensive beast who will prevent others from getting easy baskets. He'll also get more comfortable on offense and figure out what does and doesn't work. There's no doubt the kid works very hard to improve his game and become better.

[proshox]

I beleive HCGM will start next season focused on the defensive side of the equation. As a result, I think EO will receive a lot more minutes and will be a starter in the first game.

I could see us being a lot like VCU with the following line-up until the newcomers buy-in to the system, conditioning, and intensity of WSU basketball.

Starting:
Armstead
Williams
Cotton
Hall
EO

The problem with my proposed line-up is Hall's lack of demonstrated diversity on the offensive end.

The upside with this line-up is speed, system knowledge, and ability to play some crazy pressure defense.

[tropicalshox]

Playing pressure defense with EO as the goalie is a potential trademark for next year's team.

[tropicalshox]

Oh, but Early will be starting.

[forevershockerfan]

Oh, but Early will be starting.

Yes Trop, I concur with this statement.

[SpanglerFan316]

I would love to see this thread get to 200 pages before EO plays his first NBA game. :friendly_wink:

[SHOXAAC]

I would love to see this thread get to 200 pages before EO plays his first NBA game. :friendly_wink:

Just what exactly makes you think EO is going to play in the NBA?

I have no doubt there is a pay-for-play scenario out there for EO, but not in the NBA.

[shock]

Just what exactly makes you think EO is going to play in the NBA?

I have no doubt there is a pay-for-play scenario out there for EO, but not in the NBA.

He has a rare combination of height and athleticism, is ripped, and the stuff he lacks can be learned. Look for him to start in the d-league and work his way up. He will play in the NBA, if he continues to play ball. He is simply too rare.