Kingsley an Abdul-Jabbar Award Finalist

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/695624034667593728

http://www.hoophall.com/news/2016/2/5/2016-kareem-abdul-jabbar-award-narrowed-to-ten-finalists.html

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the ten watch list finalists for the 2016 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award.  Named after Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the annual honor in its second year recognizes the top centers in men's college basketball.

[hogsanity]

he deserves to be considered, he has performed very well and consistently for most of the season.

[Pork Twain]

Who are we recruiting to replace him after this year?

[TomBigBeeHog]

Who are we recruiting to replace him after this year?

Someone really good if he is going to step into Moses shoes and produce at that level next year.

[HSVhogfan2]

Couldn't happen to a better kid. He has worked his ass off to become better. Hope he makes a boat load of money in the NBA.

[TomBigBeeHog]

Couldn't happen to a better kid. He has worked his ass off to become better. Hope he makes a boat load of money in the NBA.

I am rooting for this guy to make it big because I like how hard he has worked to get better. If he keeps improving, he will join his best buddy Bobby on the big stage.

[Hawg Red]

Who are we recruiting to replace him after this year?

Could happen, but he's not a favorite of scouts right now. He's not on any draft boards right now, which tells me there is no buzz on him coming from the scouts.

Also, only two of the guys on that list are currently first round prospects (Sabonis and Poeltl). NBA is about what you can do in the NBA, not what you did in college. It's February. If he isn't on draft boards by now with the season he's had, there something that the scouts see that is holding him back.

[Pork Twain]

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place, because he has looked really good this year and we have all seen less qualified players leave early.

[jry04]

Who are we recruiting to replace him after this year?

You think he wants to go overseas?

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place, because he has looked really good this year and we have all seen less qualified players leave early.

Not the same situation. Moses is a very good college player at this point, but Qualls shot up the board because of his size and athleticism. You are right, we have seen far worse players leave early. No doubt about it. Moses will not make a NBA roster next season if he leaves after this season. If he is content with going overseas since he isn't originally from the US, then good for him. Very little chance he ever sees a NBA floor if he does that, though.

[Hawg Red]

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place

Michael Qualls most definitely had NBA buzz this time last year, plus he floated the idea of going pro after his sophomore year. There's been nothing of that sort from Kingsley. No indications that he's got the NBA on his mind right now. Doesn't mean that he doesn't, but with Qualls, anyone who was paying attention knew he was looking to go pro. Sam Vecenie had Qualls #73 in a much deeper draft on March 2 of last year. Can't find any archives for the mock draft sites outside of their final mocks, which obviously didn't include Qualls because of his injury.

Qualls had a young child to provide for, and there's been talk that Portis leaving greatly influenced his decision to leave. We've had guys go pro before that weren't super NBA prospects, but none of them were surprises. We knew for sure about B.J. Young and Powell before they left. We knew Portis was going to be a high pick and leave. Qualls was a more borderline case, but the possibility that he was thinking about going pro was no secret. It would be a surprise if a guy like Kingsley went pro without being a solid first round pick.

[Pork Twain]

Michael Qualls most definitely had NBA buzz this time last year, plus he floated the idea of going pro after his sophomore year. There's been nothing of that sort from Kingsley. No indications that he's got the NBA on his mind right now. Doesn't mean that he doesn't, but with Qualls, anyone who was paying attention knew he was looking to go pro. Sam Vecenie had Qualls #73 in a much deeper draft on March 2 of last year. Can't find any archives for the mock draft sites outside of their final mocks, which obviously didn't include Qualls because of his injury.

Qualls had a young child to provide for, and there's been talk that Portis leaving greatly influenced his decision to leave. We've had guys go pro before that weren't super NBA prospects, but none of them were surprises. We knew for sure about B.J. Young and Powell before they left. We knew Portis was going to be a high pick and leave. Qualls was a more borderline case, but the possibility that he was thinking about going pro was no secret. It would be a surprise if a guy like Kingsley went pro without being a solid first round pick.

So you are saying there was no excuse for not having recruits in place to take BP and MQ's roster slots?

[Hawg Red]

So you are saying there was no excuse for not having recruits in place to take BP and MQ's roster slots?

Yes, absolutely.

Pretty sure I made no secret of that all over the board for a few months...

[Pork Twain]

I will be worried about our good players leaving up until the point that we get to where we have a steady flow of talent.  I hated to see May, Day, Big O, Corliss and Scottie leave, but I never really worried because the flow existed.

[jry04]

I will be worried about our good players leaving up until the point that we get to where we have a steady flow of talent.  I hated to see May, Day, Big O, Corliss and Scottie leave, but I never really worried because the flow existed.

That is understandable. I think the issue I have with that comment is worrying about players who are very unlikely to leave. If he does, it would likely be a huge shock to most associated with the NBA. The guy is nowhere near a NBA talent right now. With another offseason and improvement as much as he did coming into this season he definitely could be.

It isn't a popular opinion, but the guy struggles in the post against average to good big men. It isn't hard to see. However, he still finds ways to score based on his hustle and ability to run the floor. He struggles to defend post players, too. Those are huge problems when trying to jump to the NBA. He can work on that and jump up to a potential first round pick with another year, though. Bobby was never really going to be any better of a prospect than he was. He needed to leave. Moses would be leaving money and a shot at the NBA on the table if he left after this season.

[RaisinHog]

That is understandable. I think the issue I have with that comment is worrying about players who are very unlikely to leave. If he does, it would likely be a huge shock to most associated with the NBA. The guy is nowhere near a NBA talent right now. With another offseason and improvement as much as he did coming into this season he definitely could be.

It isn't a popular opinion, but the guy struggles in the post against average to good big men. It isn't hard to see. However, he still finds ways to score based on his hustle and ability to run the floor. He struggles to defend post players, too. Those are huge problems when trying to jump to the NBA. He can work on that and jump up to a potential first round pick with another year, though. Bobby was never really going to be any better of a prospect than he was. He needed to leave. Moses would be leaving money and a shot at the NBA on the table if he left after this season.

This!!!! He gets a ton of points off of garbage baskets and hustle plays running the floor etc ... If he improved again this off season and works on defence without fouling he will be a high draft pic next year .. And yes I know NBA drafts off of potential but he is still very raw .

P.s. I love the kid and I am very glad we have him but I think it would be an epic fail for him to even consider the NBA after this season!!

[Hawg Red]

That is understandable. I think the issue I have with that comment is worrying about players who are very unlikely to leave. If he does, it would likely be a huge shock to anyone associated with the NBA. The guy is nowhere near a NBA talent right now. With another offseason and improvement as much as he did coming into this season he definitely could be.

It isn't a popular opinion, but the guy struggles in the post against average to good big men. It isn't hard to see. However, he still finds ways to score based on his hustle and ability to run the floor. He struggles to defend post players, too. Those are huge problems when trying to jump to the NBA. He can work on that and jump up to a potential first round pick with another year, though. Bobby was never really going to be any better of a prospect than he was. He needed to leave. Moses would be leaving money and a shot at the NBA on the table if he left after this season.

Moses is going to have to become more perimeter-oriented, believe it or not, to make it in the NBA. That's what made Portis an NBA prospect. Not saying Moses needs to work on his 3-pointer, but he likely needs to work on his face-up game and his ball-handling. He's going to need to be a 4 in the NBA, which factoring in his slight frame and average height, means he probably needs to be a stretch 4. He's shown that he can step out and hit a 17, 18-foot jumper already, and he's shown better ball-handling. He's getting there. Another of development is going to do wonders for him. Like jry04 says, he does struggle against size. Fouls played into it some, but Egbunu had his way with Moses in the paint.

With the new rules changes, though, I would not be surprised to see him declare for the draft to get some good feedback. I think a lot of guys will be doing that. I would be absolutely shocked if he got feedback good enough to make him declare for the draft, though.

[ErieHog]

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place, because he has looked really good this year and we have all seen less qualified players leave early.

Not really, no. 

The NBA game is looking for a different set of things than the college game.   Moses has some of them, but everything in his game is so incredibly raw-- it would have been like Bobby leaving after a semester of his freshman year.

He's a classic 4 year guy,  and not a candidate for early departure.

[daprospecta]

Not really, no. 

The NBA game is looking for a different set of things than the college game.   Moses has some of them, but everything in his game is so incredibly raw-- it would have been like Bobby leaving after a semester of his freshman year.

He's a classic 4 year guy,  and not a candidate for early departure.

I think he could be the Buddy Hield of next year.

[The Hogfather]

It isn't a popular opinion, but the guy struggles in the post against average to good big men. It isn't hard to see.

Very true.  Go watch the last game.  On the offensive end, he got pushed around and lost the ball several times.  He struggled on the defensive end as well against Egbunu at times.

[TomBigBeeHog]

Moses is going to have to become more perimeter-oriented, believe it or not, to make it in the NBA. That's what made Portis an NBA prospect. Not saying Moses needs to work on his 3-pointer, but he likely needs to work on his face-up game and his ball-handling. He's going to need to be a 4 in the NBA, which factoring in his slight frame and average height, means he probably needs to be a stretch 4. He's shown that he can step out and hit a 17, 18-foot jumper already, and he's shown better ball-handling. He's getting there. Another of development is going to do wonders for him. Like jry04 says, he does struggle against size. Fouls played into it some, but Egbunu had his way with Moses in the paint.

With the new rules changes, though, I would not be surprised to see him declare for the draft to get some good feedback. I think a lot of guys will be doing that. I would be absolutely shocked if he got feedback good enough to make him declare for the draft, though.

needs to work on his handles if he is going to become more perimeter oriented. could use a few dribble into the lane, finish at the basket type of moves. Yeah, lots of room for development. Would be huge for him and the team if he plays himself into a first round draft pick next year.

[ErieHog]

I think he could be the Buddy Hield of next year.

Its a difficult cross-position comp.   I can't think of a 4 year big I'd draw a good parallel for Moses with right now.

[jry04]

Its a difficult cross-position comp.   I can't think of a 4 year big I'd draw a good parallel for Moses with right now.

To a lesser extent, Frank Kaminsky. Maybe not POY good, but similar progress. Nobody saw Kaminsky doing the things he did in his last 2 seasons at Wisconsin after his first two season.

[azhog10]

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place, because he has looked really good this year and we have all seen less qualified players leave early.

Yes he was. I remember seeing boards that had him as a guy that could play his way into the 2nd round and some had him as one of the last few picks before he messed his knee up. He was always a longshot, but he was being talked about.

[jry04]

Very true.  Go watch the last game.  On the offensive end, he got pushed around and lost the ball several times.  He struggled on the defensive end as well against Egbunu at times.

I have been saying it all season. Last game is a perfect example, but you can look at his play against LSU, Vanderbilt, Akron, etc. He put up big numbers in many of those games, but he scored most of his points on the backups or in transition and struggled quite a bit in the post on both ends. Moses had his way with a hobbled Kornett in his first game back for Vandy, but as soon as Jones checked in Moses couldn't get anything going and was manhandled on offense. The great thing about Moses is he can stretch the floor decently with his mid-range, and he runs the floor better than most guys with his size. It allows him to get a lot of buckets that players with deficiencies in the post wouldn't be able to get. He has so much room for improvement it is crazy to think about considering how much he has already improved. From the way the coaches talk, he is the hardest worker on the team so I have no doubt he will be even better next season.

[azhog10]

Yes, absolutely.

Pretty sure I made no secret of that all over the board for a few months...

I could be wrong, but I don't think it was ever the staffs focus to replace BP. I think they knew their replacement was MK. The issue was Kapita, and was magnified when Jacorey had to be let go. The one position/player we weren't able to fill or did not have anyone signed to fill was the Qualls/Wing type role. We didn't have a 6'6 or 6'7 wing type lined up and although the staff tried to bring one in late, they failed. But I imagine BP was to be replaced by MK, AH by Kaptia, and Thompson filling MK's role from last year. When Kapita situation looked less likely they got Willie, but no one replaced Qualls. Doobie was a reach and I think the staff knew he would be a practice body for the time being and see what happens. After we missed on the kid that played for Team Penny (or whatever Memphis team) and the kid who ended up following Mike White to Florida (not KA) we ran out of options. It sucks but there's no excuse for it and I don't see CMA making excuses. They know they failed to bring enough helpful bodies in this season but they are on track to have just that next year.

[azhog10]

Moses is going to have to become more perimeter-oriented, believe it or not, to make it in the NBA. That's what made Portis an NBA prospect. Not saying Moses needs to work on his 3-pointer, but he likely needs to work on his face-up game and his ball-handling. He's going to need to be a 4 in the NBA, which factoring in his slight frame and average height, means he probably needs to be a stretch 4. He's shown that he can step out and hit a 17, 18-foot jumper already, and he's shown better ball-handling. He's getting there. Another of development is going to do wonders for him. Like jry04 says, he does struggle against size. Fouls played into it some, but Egbunu had his way with Moses in the paint.

With the new rules changes, though, I would not be surprised to see him declare for the draft to get some good feedback. I think a lot of guys will be doing that. I would be absolutely shocked if he got feedback good enough to make him declare for the draft, though.

He doesn't HAVE to become more perimeter oriented. It would help. But if he doesn't develop his post moves, doesn't put on some more weight, and doesn't improve his post defense. Then yes he has to develop his perimeter game. Guys like Noah, Tristian Thompson, and many other big men in the NBA don't shoot it at ALL from deep. Obviously it limits the types of NBA teams that will go after him, but he doesn't have to do that to get drafted. IMO

[Hawg Red]

He doesn't HAVE to become more perimeter oriented. It would help. But if he doesn't develop his post moves, doesn't put on some more weight, and doesn't improve his post defense. Then yes he has to develop his perimeter game. Guys like Noah, Tristian Thompson, and many other big men in the NBA don't shoot it at ALL from deep. Obviously it limits the types of NBA teams that will go after him, but he doesn't have to do that to get drafted. IMO

Moses does not have a good frame to add bulk/muscle. He's got more of a Garnett-like slender frame. He compares most favorably to Thompson among the players you mentioned, but Tristan has much better frame than Moses. This is where being more perimeter-oriented is going be a must for Moses, I think. I don't think his body type will allow for him to be an NBA prospect as a true post. I think he can make it as an active, high-motor stretch 4, though. He's got find a way to use his speed against opposing bigs.

I think if he comes into next season having added some handle and a more pronounced jumper, he becomes an attractive first-round prospect. If he just improves some on the interior, I still think it limits his prospects and he's more like a second-round pick because he's an undersized center at that point.

[Pork Twain]

Again, I think there is a very good chance he is not on this team next year

[hogwood]

Qualls was not on any lists at this time last year.  I hope there is a plan in place, because he has looked really good this year and we have all seen less qualified players leave early.

I saw Qualls as high as #38 on a mock draft, and usually around the mid-late 40's on most others. Kingsley isn't on any that I can find.

[Pork Twain]

I saw Qualls as high as #38 on a mock draft, and usually around the mid-late 40's on most others. Kingsley isn't on any that I can find.

I must of had a total brain fart on that because I did not remember him getting so much love

[Hawg Red]

I must of had a total brain fart on that because I did not remember him getting so much love

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Michael-Qualls-59353/mock-draft-history/