Henry Uwadiae '14 c 6-11

[SubGod22]

Another raw African project, not ready to contribute for at least 2-3 years. Just wondering how that's working out so far.

Starting to look like the Bart Westgeest, Mahnord Martina years all over again. 8)

Which is one reason I wouldn't mind seeing the last two 'ships going to post players. Henry sounds like a prime RS prospect when he gets here.

[Wuzee]

A little more video of Henry from his time at Findlay. His bit starts at the 2:50 mark. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu_phRf17N4

[shoxilla]

I'm sorry but he's just too nice. We need JT to "instill" some good old-fashioned low-post meaness in him. (and show him how to eat)

[wu_shizzle]

You can't teach height.

[vancedave56]

Another raw African project, not ready to contribute for at least 2-3 years. Just wondering how that's working out so far.

Starting to look like the Bart Westgeest, Mahnord Martina years all over again. 8)

We shall see.

[shockerfan]

The one upside over a project like EO is that this kid has at least been playing ball in America for a couple of years and has yet another year to keep learning. Plus he has been going against and playing with some pretty darn good talent.

I don't know how I feel totally yet, but this one is at least starting out smoother than the EO situation.

P.S. I still haven't given up on EO.

[ShockRef]

Another raw African project, not ready to contribute for at least 2-3 years. Just wondering how that's working out so far.

Starting to look like the Bart Westgeest, Mahnord Martina years all over again. 8)

We shall see.

Dave,
How many African imports, regardless of of their physical attributes, make significant contributions to their teams either upon or shortly after their arrival?

Answer - very few.

The fact is most are carbon copies of Dinma Odiakosa.

They are basically athletic specimens, with little basketball experience who eventually, with a lot of coaching and guidance, become good players in 3-4 years.


This roster already has one project learning the game and of course, American customs.


I whole heartily agree with Sub about the RS candidate, but is there really room for another to watch and learn for 3-4 years before he really contributes? 8)

[ShockRef]

You can't teach height.

Yea, and Darin Dugger was 7' too.

How did that work out? 8)

[Anthroshock]

Even if he was there for just one year, Findlay Prep doesn't take chumps.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Even if he was there for just one year, Findlay Prep doesn't take chumps.

:good:

And how much do you think playing against Tristan helped his game? A little? A lot?

[shocker22]

There is a reaosn we offered this guy so quickly and accepted. The staff knows what they are doing. for 2012 we already have a proven PG, the best PG out of Illinois, and a 6'11" physical specimen. Trust their judgment.

[kcshocker11]

There is a reaosn we offered this guy so quickly and accepted. The staff knows what they are doing. for 2012 we already have a proven PG, the best PG out of Illinois, and a 6'11" physical specimen. Trust their judgment.

:good: :posterwsu: 8)

[vancedave56]

Another raw African project, not ready to contribute for at least 2-3 years. Just wondering how that's working out so far.

Starting to look like the Bart Westgeest, Mahnord Martina years all over again. 8)

We shall see.

Dave,
How many African imports, regardless of of their physical attributes, make significant contributions to their teams either upon or shortly after their arrival?

Answer - very few.

The fact is most are carbon copies of Dinma Odiakosa.

They are basically athletic specimens, with little basketball experience who eventually, with a lot of coaching and guidance, become good players in 3-4 years.


This roster already has one project learning the game and of course, American customs.


I whole heartily agree with Sub about the RS candidate, but is there really room for another to watch and learn for 3-4 years before he really contributes? 8)

He may indeed be a RS candidate, but I guess the deal is, I don't really have a problem with that. Most players in a system end up making their contribution during their Jr and Sr years. At WSU, IMHO, we get very few players that make major contributions the first two years anyway; that should be the upperclassmen's role.

Of course, some of the "elite" institutions rarely have upper classmen. That will not likely be the case here.

If Henry does RS, then his freshman year should be after EO's senior season. I really believe (fingers crossed) EO will be a major contributor his SR. season.

[wufan]

Answer - very few.

The fact is most are carbon copies of Dinma Odiakosa.

They are basically athletic specimens, with little basketball experience who eventually, with a lot of coaching and guidance, become good players in 3-4 years.


This roster already has one project learning the game and of course, American customs.


I whole heartily agree with Sub about the RS candidate, but is there really room for another to watch and learn for 3-4 years before he really contributes? 8)

Yes! EO will be a senior when Henry is a freshman. Sounds like a perfect fit.

[Aargh]

Let me take a shot at naming the players at WSU who were 6'9" or taller and impressive in their first two years.

Ozell Jones
Robert Elmore
Terry Benton
Antoine Carr
Cliff Levingston

There are probably some more, but that's going back over 40 years. It also goes back to a time when recruiting was much different than it is now.

5 players in 40 years should be a clue that big guys take a little while to develop unless you get a really exceptional one.

The current staff is recruiting big guys who are a little raw. The chances of WSU recruiting and signing a 6'9"+ player who is not raw are about zero.

I'll take raw, but athletic, coordinated, and educable any day. Not every one will work out, but Kurt Bangles, Ryan Bradley, Zach Green, etc. were not raw players when they came to WSU.

Most WSU fans wished WSU would have had someone to start in front of Miller in his first two seasons.

Egelseder had one productive year. Other than that, he was a minute-eater.

Signing big guys is always a gamble. I think the gamble is a bit more in your favor if the big guy can run and jump.