Jimmy Whitt!

[MB Hog]

Just watched the attached YouTube video.  I figure it has been posted before, but worth posting again anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpwfY1TFhfU

This guy is the missing link for this team.  If Coach A. can somehow convince Qualls and Portis to stay another year (which I think they need), UA becomes a major player in the NCAAs next year.  The one thing we REALLY miss on this team is the pure scorer with ice water in his veins.  We have size, athleticism, depth, etc., but not the one guy who can flat out take over the game.

Watching Richardson for TN last night... he is that kind of player, but he doesn't have enough support.  Whitt can be that guy and UA has all the other weapons already assembled.

I'm enjoying the improvement this year, but especially excited about next year with Whitt.  Portis and Qualls - please stay and be a part of this!

MB Hog

[PorkRinds]

I think we should recruit the albino kid from that video.  Just so we can have an albino on the team...

[chiefhawg]

I think we should recruit the albino kid from that video.  Just so we can have an albino on the team...

His name is Jaylen Fisher and he has an offer from the Razorbacks.

[HawgTrough]

His name is Jaylen Fisher and he has an offer from the Razorbacks.

yep, 4 star PG. Would love to have him

[The_Iceman]

His name is Jaylen Fisher and he has an offer from the Razorbacks.

Jaylen has said some very positive things about Mike and Arkansas. I think he would be a great PG in our system.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jaylen-Fisher-34121
http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=583572.msg9417760#msg9417760

He and Beard would be a nice 1-2 punch at PG.

[Danny J]

Yes....Whitt is the real deal. He is not only a great player and would be in any system used but he is perfect in our system.

[PorkRinds]

His name is Jaylen Fisher and he has an offer from the Razorbacks.

Nice!

[Hoggle]

Going to be a perfect fit here. One interesting note is that he shoots right handed but when he shoots off the dribble, which is often, he's going to the left almost every time. 

[chiefhawg]

Not to get too far off subject. But I am looking forward to the Beard - Chiozza match-up on Saturday. They were AAU teammates.

[MB Hog]

Jaylen has said some very positive things about Mike and Arkansas. I think he would be a great PG in our system.

http://247sports.com/Player/Jaylen-Fisher-34121
http://www.hogville.net/yabbse/index.php?topic=583572.msg9417760#msg9417760

He and Beard would be a nice 1-2 punch at PG.

Your 247 link says he is "warm" on Memphis, but cool on the Hogs and everyone else.  But it is early...

[The_Iceman]

Your 247 link says he is "warm" on Memphis, but cool on the Hogs and everyone else.  But it is early...

I'm not sure what they base that off of. Probably the same reason they have Malik listed as:
http://247sports.com/Player/Malik-Monk-23019

If Arkansas continues to trend upward and makes the NCAA tournament, and Memphis continues to falter under Pastner, Arkansas's chances go way up. I hope players in Memphis realize that staying home isn't the best place to showcase their skills:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/235/memphis-tigers

[BrooklynRoss]

His name is Jaylen Fisher and he has an offer from the Razorbacks.

I just checked out his mix tape: (

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnbzU_u4if8). Wow.

[TM Hog]

Qualls, absolutely positively needs to stay another year.  I hope people tell him the truth! Stay another year and get a better shot at the NBA.

[Hoggish1]

I just checked out his mix tape: (

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnbzU_u4if8). Wow.

Nice.  Very confident with the ball in his hands!

[Cresthog]

Portis isn't staying.

Qualls really needs to but I have a feeling he makes a bad choice. Hopefully a degree means something to him.

[scruf]

I think we should recruit the albino kid from that video.  Just so we can have an albino on the team...

Several students at his high school got suspended for showing up at a game with a banner that read "WHITE POWER"

[Hogberry Snortcake]

Several students at his high school got suspended for showing up at a game with a banner that read "WHITE POWER"

That's hilarious.

[spahoopsfan]

Portis isn't staying.

Qualls really needs to but I have a feeling he makes a bad choice. Hopefully a degree means something to him.

I think Portis really needs to stay.  He has a lot of work to do on defense and with his back to the basket.  He has a very good mid range shot but is limited on many things.

[benji]

I like Fisher's vision and handling, but his shot release is terrifying. Way to low. Almost looks like he pushes the ball from his face. If that doesn't changed, he will get blocked like crazy at the next level.

[trippigs]

He speaks and carries himself well. Respective of his parents. Hope he is focused on college because he talks a lot about the NBA.Love to have him as a HOG. 

[rude1]

First time I really watched footage of Whitt. I am usually skeptical about a players "highlight" reel, well because they are just that, the player at his best. I have to say I concur with most observations around here, he is the real deal. Will be the only guard on the team who can put the ball on the floor and create for himself off the bounce. Very smooth player, but is really going to need to get him to the weight room asap.

[WorfHog]

Led me down the road of highlight reels and ended up at Malik Monk, damn can you imagine those two on the same team?

[Danny J]

First time I really watched footage of Whitt. I am usually skeptical about a players "highlight" reel, well because they are just that, the player at his best. I have to say I concur with most observations around here, he is the real deal. Will be the only guard on the team who can put the ball on the floor and create for himself off the bounce. Very smooth player, but is really going to need to get him to the weight room asap.

Yes....I have seen him play and virtually every game looks like that highlight reel. I may be exaggerating a bit  but you get the point. He is for real...no joke. His ability to get to the rim, shoot from anywhere on the court(really loves the mid-range jumper) and his willingness to actually play defense is quite impressive.

[MB Hog]

I think Portis really needs to stay.  He has a lot of work to do on defense and with his back to the basket.  He has a very good mid range shot but is limited on many things.

I agree.  Portis gets a lot of publicity for being tall, athletic, and somewhat versatile, but it is not like he dominates every game against college competition.  His inside game needs a lot more development to have a chance to make an impact in the NBA.

I think he has the potential to have a long NBA career, but he is not NBA ready yet.  He is working hard to get better, but I hope he knows how much more he needs to improve to take on the size and athleticism he will see every game at that level.

MB Hog

[swinesation]

Jimmy Whitt is going to make watching the Razorbacks fun again! Not since Patrick Beverly have we had a guard who is usually better than the guards on other SEC teams (I don't really think of Qualls as a guard, really more of a small forward).

IMO, Portis's best chance at success in the NBA is as a Dirk Nowitzki type. He'll never hang with the big boys inside, but he has a chance to develop into a tall, sweet-shooting 3/4 with pretty good handles. Just my opinion, and I'm not an expert.

[The_Iceman]

Jimmy Whitt is going to make watching the Razorbacks fun again! Not since Patrick Beverly have we had a guard who is usually better than the guards on other SEC teams (I don't really think of Qualls as a guard, really more of a small forward).

I really wish we could have 3 guards on the floor at the same during critical parts of the game that can handle the ball and shoot from deep. For the next 3 years, I think Beard and Whitt will be two of those for us. Will we be able to find that 3rd?

[yodcw2003]

For anyone that has seen Whitt play in person, how would you compare his readiness to come in and play immediately to that of Beard's?

I think we've all been more than pleasantly surprised at how Beard has been able to step in and play as a freshman.

[Cresthog]

For anyone that has seen Whitt play in person, how would you compare his readiness to come in and play immediately to that of Beard's?

I think we've all been more than pleasantly surprised at how Beard has been able to step in and play as a freshman.

He's a lot longer and probably more skilled overall than Beard.

But honestly no way to tell at this point.

[mbgrulz]

For anyone that has seen Whitt play in person, how would you compare his readiness to come in and play immediately to that of Beard's?

I think we've all been more than pleasantly surprised at how Beard has been able to step in and play as a freshman.

He will be WAY more impactful than Anton as a freshmen. There is NO question about that. It won't be close.

He is near BJ Young fast with the ball. I won't say he as fast, but its close. He can blow by his man, whereas Anton is not really going to give you that. Skill wise, Anton has some nice things to his game, but he really just takes what you give him. Whitt will be able to create things 1 on 1 vs. just take advantage of angles/mistakes like Beard.

[Hawg Red]

For anyone that has seen Whitt play in person, how would you compare his readiness to come in and play immediately to that of Beard's?

I think we've all been more than pleasantly surprised at how Beard has been able to step in and play as a freshman.

All of the measurables favor Whitt, and he's a bigger scoring threat. Not sure about his toughness. Beard's always been a tough little dude and he's mature for his age on the court (makes plays you see juniors and seniors typically make). I'd lean toward Whitt being a little more of a contributor than Beard as a freshman. So he'll make a positive impact right away. How big of one is the question.

[latrops]

Yes....I have seen him play and virtually every game looks like that highlight reel. I may be exaggerating a bit  but you get the point. He is for real...no joke. His ability to get to the rim, shoot from anywhere on the court(really loves the mid-range jumper) and his willingness to actually play defense is quite impressive.

His shot looks good.  Solid form, high release.  As far as his ability to get to the rim, we will just have to wait and see.  He is great at that level of competition, but I didn't see many 6'8"+ bodies that could really play in those highlights.  Certainly he looks like he has the quickness and athleticism to do some things on the break and a good enough handle to get where he wants to go.  I look forward to having his scoring in the mix.  Offense should be OK next year and beyond, even without Portis.  Defense, however, has some things that need to be worked out.

[yodcw2003]

He is near BJ Young fast with the ball.

This is who he reminds me of w/ a better looking shot. I'm excited for this kid.

[yodcw2003]

he's mature for his age on the court (makes plays you see juniors and seniors typically make).

This is a good description of Beard. Seems to really have a high basketball IQ. That combined w/ his toughness really separates him from normal freshmen.

[swinesation]

I really wish we could have 3 guards on the floor at the same during critical parts of the game that can handle the ball and shoot from deep. For the next 3 years, I think Beard and Whitt will be two of those for us. Will we be able to find that 3rd?

I take that Monk kid. 

[The_Iceman]

This is who he reminds me of w/ a better looking shot. I'm excited for this kid.

The best comparison I can think of for Jimmy Whitt is Patrick Beverley. I see a little bit of Madden as well in his mid-range game, but his size/length/athleticism resembles Beverley.

[1highhog]

I agree.  Portis gets a lot of publicity for being tall, athletic, and somewhat versatile, but it is not like he dominates every game against college competition.  His inside game needs a lot more development to have a chance to make an impact in the NBA.

I think he has the potential to have a long NBA career, but he is not NBA ready yet.  He is working hard to get better, but I hope he knows how much more he needs to improve to take on the size and athleticism he will see every game at that level.

MB Hog

I wish Portis would stay another year and somehow get to mentor under an NBA player like Hakeem Olajuwon, that would be the best player he could mentor under bar none.  But getting tutelage under Hakeem would be almost impossible I would think, so many NBA players go to mentor under him I wouldn't think he would have the time or Portis the money if Hakeem charges anything to do such a thing.  But there would be no other better player for Portis to learn from, they both have the same size and Portis can move good with his feet.  Another thing I've failed to see as much of this year is Portis taking as many shots using the board, I hope the Coaches are not trying to discourage him from doing so, there's no better way to shoot than using the backboard, it seems as though it's a lost art these days.  Only players like Duncan and Dirk with the Dallas Mavericks do so a lot, with remarkable results, you'd think other players would catch on.

[yodcw2003]

The best comparison I can think of for Jimmy Whitt is Patrick Beverley. I see a little bit of Madden as well in his mid-range game, but his size/length/athleticism resembles Beverley.

I'd take that as well.

[MB Hog]

I'd be curious to know how well Whitt passes.  Does he find the open man and get his teammates involved?  The rest of his offensive skill set seems so polished.  Good ball handling and driving.  Most importantly, it seems he can shoot from anywhere.  Not just hanging around the 3-point line waiting for a kick-out pass.  He shoots from wherever he gets open.  And his shot appears to be very smooth and true.  A scorer, yes, but also a pure shooter.

I can't wait to see him play for the Hogs.

MB Hog

[3kgthog]

I admit I have not watched tape of JW yet, but I get the vibe he's a Patrick Beverley type without the extra baggage of hush hush police run-ins and academic cheating whispers. How far off am I?

[The_Iceman]

I admit I have not watched tape of JW yet, but I get the vibe he's a Patrick Beverley type without the extra baggage of hush hush police run-ins and academic cheating whispers. How far off am I?

Not far at all.

[Hogimus Prime]

Really looking forward to Beard and Whitt in the backcourt with Babb on the wing.  I hope MA can find another 3/4 combo forward or two to go with Kingsley and Thompson at the 5

[FelixJonesorDMAC?]

Kid has a nice shot and quick off the dribble too, this is what we need, good elevation on his shot and the ability to use both hands comfortably.  Good recruit

[ErieHog]

I agree.  Portis gets a lot of publicity for being tall, athletic, and somewhat versatile, but it is not like he dominates every game against college competition.  His inside game needs a lot more development to have a chance to make an impact in the NBA.

I think he has the potential to have a long NBA career, but he is not NBA ready yet.  He is working hard to get better, but I hope he knows how much more he needs to improve to take on the size and athleticism he will see every game at that level.

MB Hog

He's not going to play within 10 feet of the rim in the NBA.

I wish our fans could understand this.

[ErieHog]

I wish Portis would stay another year and somehow get to mentor under an NBA player like Hakeem Olajuwon, that would be the best player he could mentor under bar none.  But getting tutelage under Hakeem would be almost impossible I would think, so many NBA players go to mentor under him I wouldn't think he would have the time or Portis the money if Hakeem charges anything to do such a thing.  But there would be no other better player for Portis to learn from, they both have the same size and Portis can move good with his feet.  Another thing I've failed to see as much of this year is Portis taking as many shots using the board, I hope the Coaches are not trying to discourage him from doing so, there's no better way to shoot than using the backboard, it seems as though it's a lost art these days.  Only players like Duncan and Dirk with the Dallas Mavericks do so a lot, with remarkable results, you'd think other players would catch on.

It would be utterly useless.  His utility as a pro is the creation of spacing, not creating bunched situations in the lane.

[klp1]

He's not going to play within 10 feet of the rim in the NBA.

I wish our fans could understand this.

even "stretch 4's"  have to finish at the rim and post up on occasion

If he's not going to play within 10 feet, who's he going to guard......

[MB Hog]

He's not going to play within 10 feet of the rim in the NBA.

I wish our fans could understand this.

If he can't play within 10 feet of the rim, he won't make it in the NBA.  People comparing him to Dirk need to realize that half of Dirk's points, until recently, came near the basket or from free throws for fouls he drew by driving to the basket.  And Dirk is a much more prolific outside shooter than Bobby.

Portis has a good outside shot for a big guy, but it'll take a lot more than that to play for big money.

MB Hog

[TrueBlue]

I'm not sure what they base that off of. Probably the same reason they have Malik listed as:
http://247sports.com/Player/Malik-Monk-23019

If Arkansas continues to trend upward and makes the NCAA tournament, and Memphis continues to falter under Pastner, Arkansas's chances go way up. I hope players in Memphis realize that staying home isn't the best place to showcase their skills:
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/235/memphis-tigers

Wow. Monk has a .9975 composite score on 247? Never seen a score that high.

[ErieHog]

even "stretch 4's"  have to finish at the rim and post up on occasion

If he's not going to play within 10 feet, who's he going to guard......

He's going to guard people in the mid range,  where he'll play.  Stretch 4s anywhere near the rim offensively are death to NBA offenses.     Power 4s are pretty well a dead thing in the League-- you take his defensive limitations in the post, every single time,   because you'd much rather have someone try to pound him on the block, and destroy their offensive spacing.

[ErieHog]

If he can't play within 10 feet of the rim, he won't make it in the NBA.  People comparing him to Dirk need to realize that half of Dirk's points, until recently, came near the basket or from free throws for fouls he drew by driving to the basket.  And Dirk is a much more prolific outside shooter than Bobby.

Portis has a good outside shot for a big guy, but it'll take a lot more than that to play for big money.

MB Hog

You don't have to be Dirk, to be a successful NBA forward.  You don't have to be Dirk, to be a stretch 4.     That's a horrible comparison for a ton of reasons.

[HSVhogfan2]

You don't have to be Dirk, to be a successful NBA forward.  You don't have to be Dirk, to be a stretch 4.     That's a horrible comparison for a ton of reasons.

You mean Portis isn't going to be a Hall of Famer his first year in the league? Man, that's disappointing.