Questions of the day

[Like it is]

1) didn't  Coach A recruit other pg's ( Beard , Durham , Babb ) so Madden didn't have to play PG ??  2) why would anyone even think / imagine Qualls leaving after this year? HE AINT READY !!! He can't defend , doesn't rebound & is a terrible ball handler vs pressure!!!!!!!! Those may be done key attributes to go to next level... Ya think Just sayin

[ra2ford]

I agree, thought plan was Madden at 2 guard.  Makes no sense at end of tight game when they throw on a press we don't call TO and get guards in the game.

My feeling is Bobby and Qualls are gone after this year.  Qualls is such a raw talent and NBA team would pay him even if he sat for a couple of years to develop.

[The_Iceman]

I don't mind Madden playing a little PG, but he never needs to be the only distributor on the court. Basically, don't pair him up with Bell. They need to put Durham in the starting lineup to where all he is asked to do is distribute the ball to the other 4 guys and play defense. Then, have Beard/Bell/Watkins in the second unit...giving us a good variety of defense, ball handling, and shooting.

Right now, The Madden/Bell/Qualls and Durham/Beard/Watkins lineups just don't work...and honestly don't make sense. If Durham isn't good enough, put Babb in his spot and let him handle the ball right now.

[Like it is]

I agree on raw talent , but look at Thurman..., look at the kid from Arkansas that played @ Kentucky for a year ( though he's a thug ). Play another year! Improve not only your skill level , but your stock !!

[The_Iceman]

I agree, thought plan was Madden at 2 guard.  Makes no sense at end of tight game when they throw on a press we don't call TO and get guards in the game.

My feeling is Bobby and Qualls are gone after this year.  Qualls is such a raw talent and NBA team would pay him even if he sat for a couple of years to develop.

If Qualls is going to make it in the NBA, his role will be as a 3-and-D type player. Hit the corner three ball, and be all-out dedicated to tough man-to-man defense on the other end. That will require a big change in mindset for him.

If Qualls is modeling his game after someone or is studying an NBA player, my suggestion to him would be Kawhi Leonard.

[WMHawgfan]

Just a question for those debating on Qualls leaving. If you had a choice of staying another year in college or declaring for the draft knowing if you don't get selected you have the options of working out with teams as a free agent, going to the NBADL and getting paid, or going to Europe for a couple of years and getting paid handsomely while developing against tougher competition, what would you do?

Its not as simple as he wont' get selected if he leaves.

[latrops]

I don't mind Madden playing a little PG, but he never needs to be the only distributor on the court. Basically, don't pair him up with Bell. They need to put Durham in the starting lineup to where all he is asked to do is distribute the ball to the other 4 guys and play defense. Then, have Beard/Bell/Watkins in the second unit...giving us a good variety of defense, ball handling, and shooting.

Right now, The Madden/Bell/Qualls and Durham/Beard/Watkins lineups just don't work...and honestly don't make sense. If Durham isn't good enough, put Babb in his spot and let him handle the ball right now.

I had high hopes for Bell, but he just doesn't bring much to the table except for a very inconsistent outside shot.  A lesser role until he gets or regains his confidence may be in order.  It may be as simple as him starting and getting 30 minutes a game at home, and giving him far fewer minutes on the road.  This season, at home he is averaging near 15 points a game with good percentages.  On the road he averages 6 points a game on awful percentages, including 3 for 16 from three.

I don't know why Durham isn't getting more minutes.  He probably hasn't defended well and his shooting hasn't been great, but in the first two games of the year he got 12 assists against 3 turnovers in about 18 minutes a game.  Since then his minutes have been cut in half and he has done very little.  I hope some different combos get played together and some of the guys down the bench (Durham, Babb) get more minutes over this stretch of non-con home games.  I don't have much confidence in the pairing of Madden and Bell on the road in tight games.  Qualls and Madden and even Harris can hit from the perimeter, so we need more of a ball handler/distributer in tight games rather than Bell until he proves otherwise.

[The_Iceman]

I had high hopes for Bell, but he just doesn't bring much to the table except for a very inconsistent outside shot.  A lesser role until he gets or regains his confidence may be in order.  It may be as simple as him starting and getting 30 minutes a game at home, and giving him far fewer minutes on the road.  This season, at home he is averaging near 15 points a game with good percentages.  On the road he averages 6 points a game on awful percentages, including 3 for 16 from three.

I just feel that Bell is being used wrong by Mike in the rotation. Around 20-25 minutes a game is great for him. But, he needs to be coming off the bench and paired with Watkins to balance each other out. Thus, getting another ball handler in the lineup with Madden.

[jesterzzn]

Qualls behavior at the end of the game makes me think he's probably going to leave.  He was agitated to a point beyond what I think was normal, and we were still winning at the time.  Frustration is one thing, but when there is a chance to win the game in regulation and your second best player is acting like a sixteen-year-old girl that was just told she can't meet her friends at the mall, well, that's not a good sign for the rest of the game.

Qualls has had some maturity and attitude problems in the past.  Maybe its time to sit him down for a game, like we seem to have to do at least once a year.

[Atlhogfan1]

Durham needs to play a good amount of minutes the rest of the non conference.  We need to find out if he can be a competent major college guard right now. Or if he is just a great NAIA guard who put up big numbers against JC competition.  If that is the case, play Beard which is what Mike has done recently.

[Like it is]

Exactly ... He's not mature to handle the next level...the way he acts even when he has success ( kissing to the crowd / pointing fingers ) is unacceptable... He's a high flyer & athlete but if u take his jumping ability away, he's just another avg college player trying to contribute. He needs to be humbled

[Kevin]

If Qualls is going to make it in the NBA, his role will be as a 3-and-D type player. Hit the corner three ball, and be all-out dedicated to tough man-to-man defense on the other end. That will require a big change in mindset for him.

If Qualls is modeling his game after someone or is studying an NBA player, my suggestion to him would be Kawhi Leonard.

Great point, I was think a Corey brewer type

[Dr. Starcs]

I could just imagine qualls rolling out onto the court with his attitude and effort for a Gregg Popovich. He wouldn't last too many practices.

[intelligence]

Qualls behavior at the end of the game makes me think he's probably going to leave.  He was agitated to a point beyond what I think was normal, and we were still winning at the time.  Frustration is one thing, but when there is a chance to win the game in regulation and your second best player is acting like a sixteen-year-old girl that was just told she can't meet her friends at the mall, well, that's not a good sign for the rest of the game.

Qualls has had some maturity and attitude problems in the past.  Maybe its time to sit him down for a game, like we seem to have to do at least once a year.

His problem is a jealous PG who wants to steal the lime-light at any cost.

[rude1]

Just a question for those debating on Qualls leaving. If you had a choice of staying another year in college or declaring for the draft knowing if you don't get selected you have the options of working out with teams as a free agent, going to the NBADL and getting paid, or going to Europe for a couple of years and getting paid handsomely while developing against tougher competition, what would you do?

Its not as simple as he wont' get selected if he leaves.

If I was a player of MQ talents I would be thinking degree first and basketball second. Sorry but 6'5" guys who can jump out the gym aren't that hard to find. He can't defend any NBA position, he can't create his own shot, and he has very poor handles. There is just too much he lacks to even worry about professional basketball at any level right now.

[ballz2thewall]

Qualls behavior at the end of the game makes me think he's probably going to leave.  He was agitated to a point beyond what I think was normal, and we were still winning at the time.  Frustration is one thing, but when there is a chance to win the game in regulation and your second best player is acting like a sixteen-year-old girl that was just told she can't meet her friends at the mall, well, that's not a good sign for the rest of the game.

Qualls has had some maturity and attitude problems in the past.  Maybe its time to sit him down for a game, like we seem to have to do at least once a year.

in spirit i'm with you, but we need his attitude right now because he's the only player that's getting fired up for whatever reason.

[Breems]

What stats back up the fact that Qualls is lazy?

He seems to have fire, if anything. I don't get the hate. He's at least one of the few that has been scoring for us.

[Atlhogfan1]

in spirit i'm with you, but we need his attitude right now because he's the only player that's getting fired up for whatever reason.

Not sure how often that is actually a "fired up" attitude.  He isn't mentally consistent I guess would be a nice way to say it which, in addition to the holes rude lists, will hold him back.  You don't want the team following him. 

[intelligence]

the first madden turnover, qualls was streaking down the baseline not 5 or 10 feet from madden with the defender in no mans land. if madden makes that pass, its an easy layup or possibly a highlight reel finish. instead, madden selfishly keeps it and turns the ball over.

[Atlhogfan1]

While we are being critical, we should also recognize that with Madden playing out of position, he is on pace to have one of the highest assist totals in our programs history with 5 more at Clemson.  46 assists to 23 turnovers on the season including the 5 to's at CU. 

[jesterzzn]

the first madden turnover, qualls was streaking down the baseline not 5 or 10 feet from madden with the defender in no mans land. if madden makes that pass, its an easy layup or possibly a highlight reel finish. instead, madden selfishly keeps it and turns the ball over.

Is anyone blaming Qualls for Madden's mistakes?  No.

Does Madden's turnover spree explain why Qualls was screeming at and throwing his fists around like a crazy person while we were still up by 8?  Maybe he was psychic?

The loss was just a final minute breakdown.  No one player was entirely to blame, though Madden takes the brunt for his last two possessions.  Even so, Qualls showed no actual leadership that I could see.

Bobby tried.  He's the guy this team needs to center around in crunch time.  That is Anderson's biggest failure so far this year.

[ErieHog]

I agree, thought plan was Madden at 2 guard.  Makes no sense at end of tight game when they throw on a press we don't call TO and get guards in the game.

My feeling is Bobby and Qualls are gone after this year.  Qualls is such a raw talent and NBA team would pay him even if he sat for a couple of years to develop.

Bobby and Qualls are a good litmus test for seeing how much people know about the NBA.

One of them is a no-doubt 1st rounder with the potential to reasonably play in the league 10 years, and the other is a very very nice college player, with a very limited shot at making the league.

[ballz2thewall]

it seems fairly simple to me.

with madden's press coverage last year when we hit a decent stretch, and MA assigning him duty this year, it's fairly obvious that MA considers him our bailout man.

to further simplify things:

i'd feed qualls and portis the ball all damn day right now.  both of them.  the rest can carry water and gather the trash.

[WMHawgfan]

If I was a player of MQ talents I would be thinking degree first and basketball second. Sorry but 6'5" guys who can jump out the gym aren't that hard to find. He can't defend any NBA position, he can't create his own shot, and he has very poor handles. There is just too much he lacks to even worry about professional basketball at any level right now.

Not disagreeing on his talent level, just that if someone comes to him and says he can go to some European league and make a few hundred thousand and see if he can develop his skills to an NBA level it would be hard to say no. Not saying a degree means nothing to Qualls, it may be very important to him, but most in NCAA basketball are there just to see if they can make it to the next level.

[ErieHog]

Not disagreeing on his talent level, just that if someone comes to him and says he can go to some European league and make a few hundred thousand and see if he can develop his skills to an NBA level it would be hard to say no. Not saying a degree means nothing to Qualls, it may be very important to him, but most in NCAAA basketball are there just to see if they can make it to the next level.

Qualls can probably get on in the NBADL if that is his desired way to get to the league;  that can be a pretty hard road, though.     There are a dozen different ways to get to the NBA, but none of them are easy.

[The_Iceman]

Bobby and Qualls are a good litmus test for seeing how much people know about the NBA.

One of them is a no-doubt 1st rounder with the potential to reasonably play in the league 10 years, and the other is a very very nice college player, with a very limited shot at making the league.

In college, the best players are the most well-rounded players. In the NBA, if you can do one thing great, you can make it in the league.

If Qualls can be a 40%+ 3pt shooter from the corner, while playing very solid on ball defense, he might find a spot on a roster.

[ErieHog]

In college, the best players are the most well-rounded players. In the NBA, if you can do one thing great, you can make it in the league.

If Qualls can be a 40%+ 3pt shooter from the corner, while playing very solid on ball defense, he might find a spot on a roster.

The problem with him being a corner 3 shooter, is going to be his height.    He'll be a little small to do that, and doesn't have a game suited to being the ball handler in P&R situations, so it will do a lot to limit his opportunities.   I mean he is small, in the context that defenses aren't going to seek to sag off of him, and give him the uncontested jumper-- they're going to force him to put the ball on the court, or make the cross court pass.

One of his better NBA assets is his reach;  he's got the sort of wingspan that will at least let him gamble into passing lanes, and defend the smaller 3s and bigger 2s credibly.

[Atlhogfan1]

In college, the best players are the most well-rounded players. In the NBA, if you can do one thing great, you can make it in the league.

If Qualls can be a 40%+ 3pt shooter from the corner, while playing very solid on ball defense, he might find a spot on a roster.

He is a better off the ball defender.  Maybe some day he'll play on the ball consistently like his athleticism suggests he could. 

[Beaverfever]

Great point, I was think a Corey brewer type

Corey Brewer was an amazing college player.  I would have bet money he'd have ended up being a better NBA player.  Qualls is probably more athletic but Brewer is more of a natural basketball player.  He is a better shooter, passer, and penetrator. That Florida team was soooo nasty.  They'd beat the hell out of this kentucky team. 

[ErieHog]

Corey Brewer was an amazing college player.  I would have bet money he'd have ended up being a better NBA player.  Qualls is probably more athletic but Brewer is more of a natural basketball player.  He is a better shooter, passer, and penetrator. That Florida team was soooo nasty.  They'd beat the hell out of this kentucky team. 

Brewer is also 3 to 4ish inches taller (being generous to Qualls, using shoe-on measurements from the Nike camp), and a more natural on the ball defender.

I'm not sure he's a very good comp for Qualls.

[Beaverfever]

I'm not sure he's a very good comp for Qualls.

Yeah I don't see it.  I'm struggling to think of a player in the NBA that I'd compare him to.  He's unfortunately a few inches too short.  Hell of a college player though.  With his heart I won't count him out and I'll certainly be rooting for him. 

[ErieHog]

Yeah I don't see it.  I'm struggling to think of a player in the NBA that I'd compare him to.  He's unfortunately a few inches too short.  Hell of a college player though.  With his heart I won't count him out and I'll certainly be rooting for him. 

In a way,  he is Bizzaro World Monta Ellis.   Great athleticism, loves to run,  but doesn't gun it as much, and lacks a ton of offensive polish and ball handling.    11th Grade Monta Ellis.  That's a weird thing to type.

[latrops]

Qualls behavior at the end of the game makes me think he's probably going to leave.  He was agitated to a point beyond what I think was normal, and we were still winning at the time.  Frustration is one thing, but when there is a chance to win the game in regulation and your second best player is acting like a sixteen-year-old girl that was just told she can't meet her friends at the mall, well, that's not a good sign for the rest of the game.

Qualls has had some maturity and attitude problems in the past.  Maybe its time to sit him down for a game, like we seem to have to do at least once a year.

On Madden's last drive/TO, Qualls was standing a few feet away wide open for a three calling for the ball.  Make or miss, at least it would have been a good look to win the game.  What happened our last few possessions of regulation was unacceptable.  I'm frustrated as a fan...I can't imagine how much more frustrating it must be for Qualls and Portis to not get those opportunities. 

[bigdaddyhawg]

Bobby and Qualls are a good litmus test for seeing how much people know about the NBA.

One of them is a no-doubt 1st rounder with the potential to reasonably play in the league 10 years, and the other is a very very nice college player, with a very limited shot at making the league.

Right.  I think Qualls is a guy that will have his pro ball career overseas somewhere.

But I'm not as sold on Bobby as many are on here.  IMO he would benefit tremendously from coming back next year.   His game has definitely got holes.

[latrops]

Right.  I think Qualls is a guy that will have his pro ball career overseas somewhere.

But I'm not as sold on Bobby as many are on here.  IMO he would benefit tremendously from coming back next year.   His game has definitely got holes.

And you think those holes would be better filled with another year under CMA as opposed to practicing and playing under an NBA coach in an NBA system?  I agree he has things to work on, but his best reasons for staying are more about finishing what he started in putting Arkansas basketball back on the map and getting closer to his degree moreso than becoming a better basketball player.  He can get better in the NBA and get paid while doing it.

[bigdaddyhawg]

And you think those holes would be better filled with another year under CMA as opposed to practicing and playing under an NBA coach in an NBA system?  I agree he has things to work on, but his best reasons for staying are more about finishing what he started in putting Arkansas basketball back on the map and getting closer to his degree moreso than becoming a better basketball player.  He can get better in the NBA and get paid while doing it.

OK, you caught me.

I was giving MA the benefit of the doubt there.

[rude1]

Bobby and Qualls are a good litmus test for seeing how much people know about the NBA.

One of them is a no-doubt 1st rounder with the potential to reasonably play in the league 10 years, and the other is a very very nice college player, with a very limited shot at making the league.

Yeah you can't coach 6'11", otherwise he doesn't possess a NBA skill set just yet. But being 6'11" with a great attitude and work ethic will undoubtedly get you drafted on potential in the bottom half of the first round IMO.

[Danny J]

Yeah you can't coach 6'11", otherwise he doesn't possess a NBA skill set just yet. But being 6'11" with a great attitude and work ethic will undoubtedly get you drafted on potential in the bottom half of the first round IMO.

Especially the latter. His work ethic makes him stand apart from other guys that size. He may not be as well rounded but he works really hard and will improve. He has already shown he has the ability to go around other bigs and can shoot that little turn around jumper with some effectiveness.

[ErieHog]

Yeah you can't coach 6'11", otherwise he doesn't possess a NBA skill set just yet. But being 6'11" with a great attitude and work ethic will undoubtedly get you drafted on potential in the bottom half of the first round IMO.

He has an NBA-ready game.   He'd play in the league, tomorrow.     It isn't a potential thing-- he's ready now. 

[Dominicanhog]

He has an NBA-ready game.   He'd play in the league, tomorrow.     It isn't a potential thing-- he's ready now.

totally agree, though a case could be made another year of college would help his all around game.. he does not play strong either back to the basket or down low looking at the hoop .. more finesse.  More moves around the bucket and getting stronger would help his game tremendously.

[ErieHog]

totally agree, though a case could be made another year of college would help his all around game.. he does not play strong either back to the basket or down low looking at the hoop .. more finesse.  More moves around the bucket and getting stronger would help his game tremendously.

Virtually no case can be made for him staying;  the NBA limitation he has right now, is athleticism, and that isn't going to be helped by staying.   Developing a  'strong post game' isn't just a waste of time, it will be utterly useless for what he will be asked to do on the next level, and counter-productive when it comes to the time that is invested.

[Dominicanhog]

Virtually no case can be made for him staying;  the NBA limitation he has right now, is athleticism, and that isn't going to be helped by staying.   Developing a  'strong post game' isn't just a waste of time, it will be utterly useless for what he will be asked to do on the next level, and counter-productive when it comes to the time that is invested.

Did I say a strong post game.. I said stronger down low and develop more moves, being able to play back to the basket and developing moves does not mean your going to play with your back to the basket  and be a center.. sometimes you get matched with someone smaller and you back him down, in the NBA this is common, clear out and back the smaller man down... that's just one aspect of more game inside, it doesn't mean be a center.

[Dominicanhog]

Virtually no case can be made for him staying;  the NBA limitation he has right now, is athleticism, and that isn't going to be helped by staying.   Developing a  'strong post game' isn't just a waste of time, it will be utterly useless for what he will be asked to do on the next level, and counter-productive when it comes to the time that is invested.

if you say so... then OK.

[ErieHog]

Did I say a strong post game.. I said stronger down low and develop more moves, being able to play back to the basket and developing moves does not mean your going to play with your back to the basket  and be a center.. sometimes you get matched with someone smaller and you back him down, in the NBA this is common, clear out and back the smaller man down... that's just one aspect of more game inside, it doesn't mean be a center.

He's never going to play with his back to the basket;  his coaches will actively bench him, if he tries to make that a part of his game at the next level.     Unless he's playing in a transition situation,   they'll be upset with him, if he's inside of 8-10 feet of the rim.

[Dominicanhog]

He's never going to play with his back to the basket;  his coaches will actively bench him, if he tries to make that a part of his game at the next level.     Unless he's playing in a transition situation,   they'll be upset with him, if he's inside of 8-10 feet of the rim.

I disagree but that's ok...

[mhuff]

Did I say a strong post game.. I said stronger down low and develop more moves, being able to play back to the basket and developing moves does not mean your going to play with your back to the basket  and be a center.. sometimes you get matched with someone smaller and you back him down, in the NBA this is common, clear out and back the smaller man down... that's just one aspect of more game inside, it doesn't mean be a center.

I have read the posts below. Dominican, I would have to agree with you. He is not a pro yet, and playing more aggressively down low and with his back to the basket would certainly help this team and be more appealing at the next level. I doubt anyone is going to chastise him for being more aggressive and versatile.

[TheOtherColombia]

I have read the posts below. Dominican, I would have to agree with you. He is not a pro yet, and playing more aggressively down low and with his back to the basket would certainly help this team and be more appealing at the next level. I doubt anyone is going to chastise him for being more aggressive and versatile.

He will be a Chris Bosh/Kevin Love type in the NBA.  Mid-range pick and roll guy who can step back behind the arc.  Will not get that staying at AR an extra year.  Needs to go get paid and get coaching by a pick and roll coach.  All he is doing by staying at AR an extra year is risking getting hurt.

[rude1]

He has an NBA-ready game.   He'd play in the league, tomorrow.     It isn't a potential thing-- he's ready now. 

I disagree. He would be drafted on potential not because he has an NBA game. He would ride pine at least a year in the NBA before he would be ready to help IMO.