Hello There, Guest! (LoginRegister)
Open TigerLinks
 

Post Reply 
Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
Author Message
Bookmark and Share
HometownTiger Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,334
Joined: Jan 2010
Reputation: 437
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Post: #1
MyBB Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
Before everyone piles on, let me preface this post by saying I am not wishing anything to happen nor predicting anything will happen. I am simply “thinking out loud” and wanted put this out there for discussion.

Looking at the scholarship numbers, this HAS to be the year for Kuran, doesn’t it? Now, let me explain what I mean by “the year” … I’m not saying he has to have some revelation and suddenly he becomes a 12 & 6 guy (though that would be nice), but doesn’t he have to prove that he can produce -- whether it’s at the 3 or the 4. Doesn’t he have to show signs?

I mean, he didn’t show much his freshman year. I’m willing to chalk that up to the freshman learning curve. I’m willing to chalk that up to him playing out of position last year (he’s a 4 IMO). I’m willing to chalk that up to a lack of PT. I think Kuran is talented, so I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt …

That being said, if this year is rough for him, isn’t he the prime candidate to transfer? Sure, Shaq could take the grad-transfer route (assuming he’s on the 3 year graduation path that most CJP recruits were on). Sure, Austin could have a break out year and turn pro early (still think he’s a year away). Sure, any one of reserves could skip class one too many times, cuss during a practice, etc. and come to a “mutually beneficial decision” to transfer. However, if Shaq stays 4 years, Austin doesn’t go pro, and nobody screws up…somebody’s gotta go. We only have 2 scholarships available as of today. Those are reserved for the Lawson brothers. We are still recruiting Skal, despite the mess that comes with that. Even if we pass/lose out on Skal, we are still recruiting back-up plans (Kapita). We want to take 3 in 2015, apparently. So if we sign 3 players for the C/O 2015, AND Kuran doesn’t show something this year -- I think it’s pretty obvious that he’s the odd man out.

That’s not meant as a knock on Kuran. I’m not pushing him out the door. I would like nothing more than to see Kuran have a great year and be a Tiger for life. However, with Nick King, KJ & Dedric Lawson, Chris Hawkins, Shaq, Austin, maybe even Skal…that’s a lot of competition he’d have to beat out during his junior season. 4 of those guys would be upperclassmen (3 have been starters for 3 years). The other two have their father on staff. Oh, and Skal (if we land him) is widely considered to be a one-and-done guy.

Needless to say, it could be easy to get “lost in the wash” going forward if Kuran doesn’t establish himself this season. If a guy is going to transfer due to PT, it usually happens after his sophomore season (see D. Wilson – as I predicted). Iverson is talented enough to transfer to another high-major program with less competition at his position and play 2 years after redshirting. Or he could go the mid-major route, maybe closer to home, and be a go-to guy. There’s nothing wrong with that, heck it COULD be the best thing for him to do.

So, here’s to Kuran having a great year in Tiger blue and making this post an even more incredible waste of time. Here’s to hoping he makes me look stupid for even bringing this up …he’s certainly gifted enough to do that.

But, am I crazy for thinking this has to be THE year for him?

Thoughts …
10-31-2014 11:13 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


MemphisCanes Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 22,048
Joined: Dec 2007
Reputation: 415
I Root For: THE Tigers
Location: Knoxville, TN
Post: #2
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
IMO I don't think he's going to spend two years on the bench and then wait around for a third. Either he solidifies his place in the rotation this year or he's transferring.
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2014 11:24 AM by MemphisCanes.)
10-31-2014 11:23 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
idroot4russia Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 6,497
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 251
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #3
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
These are things for Kuran to worry about, not me.
10-31-2014 11:28 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
holyterror Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 16,881
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation: 1074
I Root For: Memphis
Location:
Post: #4
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
I see it the same way, Hometown. Kuran could be a 12 and 6 PF in CUSA. He's got an uphill battle getting on the floor for us this season, at least, and probably next season, as well.

He's the kid of guy (think Roger Flowers) that places like USM have relied heavily on, and been good for.
10-31-2014 11:46 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Stammers Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 38,187
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 1739
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Montreal, Canada
Post: #5
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
In Canada, he worked harder than any other player on defense, he was very supportive when others made good plays, and he had much improved court awareness. There are no guarantees, but he seems to be doing the right things to put himself into position to succeed.
10-31-2014 11:49 AM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
cmt Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,335
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 631
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #6
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
I believe he will be our leading scorer this season and will be in the NBA before too long.

Now that the herd of good/average guards are out of the way, Kuran can play small forward with King and/or Nichols and/or Shaq (2 of them) and end up with a huge height advantage. He has the skills and now, he has the room to reach his potential, which I believe soars above Witherspoon's potential and Witherspoon was just this side of NBA good. I think Iverson is better than Thomas or Dozier or Witherspoon, etc.

Kuran Iverson will make a lot of noise nationally this season! And I still think Nick King will be our most productive player and I think Nichols and Shaq will both be improved. For a change, we have it going on under the basket.

Our win-loss record will all be in the hands of our guards. If they prove to be better than their predecessors I believe a great season is in store!
10-31-2014 12:04 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Stammers Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 38,187
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 1739
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Montreal, Canada
Post: #7
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 11:46 AM)holyterror Wrote:  I see it the same way, Hometown. Kuran could be a 12 and 6 PF in CUSA. He's got an uphill battle getting on the floor for us this season, at least, and probably next season, as well.

He's the kid of guy (think Roger Flowers) that places like USM have relied heavily on, and been good for.

I think he has a great shot at seeing the floor. Shaq, Austin and Godfrey will split 75 minutes per game at the 4/5. That will leave 15 minutes for Iverson, King and Hawkins. Iverson, King, Burrell and Hawkins will split minutes at the 3.

If the players split the minutes evenly, that will leave 15 minutes apiece for Iverson and King. If Iverson and King went through growing pains as freshmen; I fully expect the same to happen with Hawkins and Burrell. I would think that there will be 20 minutes per game available to both Iverson and King.
10-31-2014 12:06 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Stammers Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 38,187
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 1739
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Montreal, Canada
Post: #8
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:04 PM)cmt Wrote:  I believe he will be our leading scorer this season and will be in the NBA before too long.

Now that the herd of good/average guards are out of the way, Kuran can play small forward with King and/or Nichols and/or Shaq (2 of them) and end up with a huge height advantage. He has the skills and now, he has the room to reach his potential, which I believe soars above Witherspoon's potential and Witherspoon was just this side of NBA good. I think Iverson is better than Thomas or Dozier or Witherspoon, etc.

Kuran Iverson will make a lot of noise nationally this season! And I still think Nick King will be our most productive player and I think Nichols and Shaq will both be improved. For a change, we have it going on under the basket.

Our win-loss record will all be in the hands of our guards. If they prove to be better than their predecessors I believe a great season is in store!

I would love to see Kedren and Pookie on the floor at the same time. I think that Pookie is head and shoulders above the other guards and I love the idea of having two ballhanders in the game at all times.

Pookie is going to be an awesome player.
10-31-2014 12:07 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
holyterror Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 16,881
Joined: Apr 2012
Reputation: 1074
I Root For: Memphis
Location:
Post: #9
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:06 PM)Stammers Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 11:46 AM)holyterror Wrote:  I see it the same way, Hometown. Kuran could be a 12 and 6 PF in CUSA. He's got an uphill battle getting on the floor for us this season, at least, and probably next season, as well.

He's the kid of guy (think Roger Flowers) that places like USM have relied heavily on, and been good for.

I think he has a great shot at seeing the floor. Shaq, Austin and Godfrey will split 75 minutes per game at the 4/5. That will leave 15 minutes for Iverson, King and Hawkins. Iverson, King, Burrell and Hawkins will split minutes at the 3.

If the players split the minutes evenly, that will leave 15 minutes apiece for Iverson and King. If Iverson and King went through growing pains as freshmen; I fully expect the same to happen with Hawkins and Burrell. I would think that there will be 20 minutes per game available to both Iverson and King.

I hope you're right. Kuran played well in Canada. But I'm not sold on him as a small forward, based on his handles and outside shooting (he had a nice series from about 12-14 feet up there, tho). I think his minutes may be more at the PF position, but I'm not sure he's got enough bulk/strength to body up in the paint for more than a few minutes.

Having said all of that, Kuran intrigues me. I BAD want to see him do well, and do well HERE.
10-31-2014 12:11 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Brother Bluto Offline
Banned

Posts: 46,059
Joined: Apr 2009
I Root For: Jamammy
Location: writing the check
Post: #10
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
I need TC to give me an update on "The Truth" before I comment
10-31-2014 12:20 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
MemphisCanes Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 22,048
Joined: Dec 2007
Reputation: 415
I Root For: THE Tigers
Location: Knoxville, TN
Post: #11
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:04 PM)cmt Wrote:  I believe he will be our leading scorer this season and will be in the NBA before too long.

Now that the herd of good/average guards are out of the way, Kuran can play small forward with King and/or Nichols and/or Shaq (2 of them) and end up with a huge height advantage. He has the skills and now, he has the room to reach his potential, which I believe soars above Witherspoon's potential and Witherspoon was just this side of NBA good. I think Iverson is better than Thomas or Dozier or Witherspoon, etc.

Kuran Iverson will make a lot of noise nationally this season! And I still think Nick King will be our most productive player and I think Nichols and Shaq will both be improved. For a change, we have it going on under the basket.

Our win-loss record will all be in the hands of our guards. If they prove to be better than their predecessors I believe a great season is in store!

If he puts up better numbers than Dozier then we should all be extremely happy.
10-31-2014 12:21 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Stammers Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 38,187
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 1739
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Montreal, Canada
Post: #12
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:11 PM)holyterror Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 12:06 PM)Stammers Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 11:46 AM)holyterror Wrote:  I see it the same way, Hometown. Kuran could be a 12 and 6 PF in CUSA. He's got an uphill battle getting on the floor for us this season, at least, and probably next season, as well.

He's the kid of guy (think Roger Flowers) that places like USM have relied heavily on, and been good for.

I think he has a great shot at seeing the floor. Shaq, Austin and Godfrey will split 75 minutes per game at the 4/5. That will leave 15 minutes for Iverson, King and Hawkins. Iverson, King, Burrell and Hawkins will split minutes at the 3.

If the players split the minutes evenly, that will leave 15 minutes apiece for Iverson and King. If Iverson and King went through growing pains as freshmen; I fully expect the same to happen with Hawkins and Burrell. I would think that there will be 20 minutes per game available to both Iverson and King.

I hope you're right. Kuran played well in Canada. But I'm not sold on him as a small forward, based on his handles and outside shooting (he had a nice series from about 12-14 feet up there, tho). I think his minutes may be more at the PF position, but I'm not sure he's got enough bulk/strength to body up in the paint for more than a few minutes.

Having said all of that, Kuran intrigues me. I BAD want to see him do well, and do well HERE.

Outside of our core at the 4/5 (Austin, Shaq, Godfrey) all of our other 3/4's are flawed. King has trouble playing defense and still struggles going to his right. Iverson has never really played the post and might be too slow to guard the 3 and not bulky enough to guard the 4. Hawkins will give up height to every 4, might not be quick enough to guard the 3, has trouble staying injury free and has to make the transition to D1 ball. Burrell has to make the transition to D1 ball, is thin and might have trouble handling the ball with his left hand.

The 3 of them are versatile and can do different things. Pastner should be able to mix and match quite well depending on how he wants to play, and depending on what our opponent is doing.
10-31-2014 12:33 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
2tigers Offline
Special Teams
*

Posts: 973
Joined: Aug 2013
Reputation: 112
I Root For: U of M and LSU
Location: Cordova
Post: #13
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:33 PM)Stammers Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 12:11 PM)holyterror Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 12:06 PM)Stammers Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 11:46 AM)holyterror Wrote:  I see it the same way, Hometown. Kuran could be a 12 and 6 PF in CUSA. He's got an uphill battle getting on the floor for us this season, at least, and probably next season, as well.

He's the kid of guy (think Roger Flowers) that places like USM have relied heavily on, and been good for.

I think he has a great shot at seeing the floor. Shaq, Austin and Godfrey will split 75 minutes per game at the 4/5. That will leave 15 minutes for Iverson, King and Hawkins. Iverson, King, Burrell and Hawkins will split minutes at the 3.

If the players split the minutes evenly, that will leave 15 minutes apiece for Iverson and King. If Iverson and King went through growing pains as freshmen; I fully expect the same to happen with Hawkins and Burrell. I would think that there will be 20 minutes per game available to both Iverson and King.

I hope you're right. Kuran played well in Canada. But I'm not sold on him as a small forward, based on his handles and outside shooting (he had a nice series from about 12-14 feet up there, tho). I think his minutes may be more at the PF position, but I'm not sure he's got enough bulk/strength to body up in the paint for more than a few minutes.

Having said all of that, Kuran intrigues me. I BAD want to see him do well, and do well HERE.

Outside of our core at the 4/5 (Austin, Shaq, Godfrey) all of our other 3/4's are flawed. King has trouble playing defense and still struggles going to his right. Iverson has never really played the post and might be too slow to guard the 3 and not bulky enough to guard the 4. Hawkins will give up height to every 4, might not be quick enough to guard the 3, has trouble staying injury free and has to make the transition to D1 ball. Burrell has to make the transition to D1 ball, is thin and might have trouble handling the ball with his left hand.

The 3 of them are versatile and can do different things. Pastner should be able to mix and match quite well depending on how he wants to play, and depending on what our opponent is doing.


I love all the expert coaches we have on this board. They know everything that needs to be done without seeing them practice. I don't know why we even have paid coaches. We have hundreds of them on this board and they are free. Like my dad always said you don't get nothing worth anything for free.
10-31-2014 12:59 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
macgar32 Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 32,671
Joined: Dec 2007
Reputation: 758
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Bartlett
Post: #14
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 12:21 PM)MemphisCanes Wrote:  
(10-31-2014 12:04 PM)cmt Wrote:  I believe he will be our leading scorer this season and will be in the NBA before too long.

Now that the herd of good/average guards are out of the way, Kuran can play small forward with King and/or Nichols and/or Shaq (2 of them) and end up with a huge height advantage. He has the skills and now, he has the room to reach his potential, which I believe soars above Witherspoon's potential and Witherspoon was just this side of NBA good. I think Iverson is better than Thomas or Dozier or Witherspoon, etc.

Kuran Iverson will make a lot of noise nationally this season! And I still think Nick King will be our most productive player and I think Nichols and Shaq will both be improved. For a change, we have it going on under the basket.

Our win-loss record will all be in the hands of our guards. If they prove to be better than their predecessors I believe a great season is in store!

If he puts up better numbers than Dozier then we should all be extremely happy.

Exactly...

And Dozier did Sooooooo many things that didn't show up on the score sheet.
10-31-2014 01:14 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
idroot4russia Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 6,497
Joined: Mar 2004
Reputation: 251
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #15
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
Without Dozier and his free-throw line jumper we would have seen a zone from every team we faced.
10-31-2014 01:18 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
HometownTiger Offline
Hall of Famer
*

Posts: 10,334
Joined: Jan 2010
Reputation: 437
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Memphis
Post: #16
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
I expect Iverson to be the first guy off the bench and play the back-up 4 spot. Much like Nick king last season. If that's the case, he'll get plenty of PT to prove his ability. I, for one, am rooting for him!
10-31-2014 01:20 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Advertisement


Rob
Unregistered

 
CrappiesNew Orleans Bowl
Post: #17
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
I've been down on him from day 1 because of his age. If he had come in as a 17 year old and been as raw as he is I would have seen things differently but he came in at 20 years old and looked completely lost. There isn't a long list of guys who fit his profile that suddenly become awesome. I've said all along that I hope to be as wrong as I can be but I still don't expect he'll ever put it all together. He does look very talented in spurts, though.
10-31-2014 01:20 PM
Quote this message in a reply
Stammers Offline
Legend
*

Posts: 38,187
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 1739
I Root For: Memphis
Location: Montreal, Canada
Post: #18
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 01:20 PM)Rob Wrote:  I've been down on him from day 1 because of his age. If he had come in as a 17 year old and been as raw as he is I would have seen things differently but he came in at 20 years old and looked completely lost. There isn't a long list of guys who fit his profile that suddenly become awesome. I've said all along that I hope to be as wrong as I can be but I still don't expect he'll ever put it all together. He does look very talented in spurts, though.

That's the spirit.
10-31-2014 01:42 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
true_blue_thru_and_thru Offline
All American
*

Posts: 3,136
Joined: Feb 2008
Reputation: 138
I Root For: The Tigers
Location: 38104 is Memphis
Post: #19
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
(10-31-2014 01:20 PM)Rob Wrote:  I've been down on him from day 1 because of his age. If he had come in as a 17 year old and been as raw as he is I would have seen things differently but he came in at 20 years old and looked completely lost. There isn't a long list of guys who fit his profile that suddenly become awesome. I've said all along that I hope to be as wrong as I can be but I still don't expect he'll ever put it all together. He does look very talented in spurts, though.

[Image: tumblr_lf5h51aMmH1qazn6h.gif]
10-31-2014 01:46 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
cmt Offline
Heisman
*

Posts: 9,335
Joined: Feb 2004
Reputation: 631
I Root For:
Location:
Post: #20
RE: Does This HAVE to be Kuran's year? (LONG POST)
Say what you want about message board coaches and talent evaluators, but I can tell you this…
If you spend your whole life watching basketball as a fan and not a coach, scout, etc, it has become very obvious to me that you see things quite a bit differently than when you are submerged in the sport like coaches and scouts are.

Let's go through the list of sure fire college stars and NBA players, some even lottery picks (so said the scouts and coaches)
Joe Jackson
Adonis Thomas
Tarik Black
Dejuan Wagner
Sean Banks
Darius Washington
Paris London
Duece Ford
and on and on, and thats just here at home. The first time you saw Durant play at Texas, you just knew. There are guys who are just stars and then there are guys who find there niche. But there are a lot of guys the experts say are stars that just flat out aren't.

From a distance you could see right away that Haraway had it and Wagner didn't, even if he was the Messiah
From a distance you can see that Joe Jackson was way too small and weak to ever hold his own with the big boys even in college, let alone the NBA
From a distance it was obvious Will Barton and Rose and Tyreke could play and Adonis Thomas could not.

So say what you want, but waaaay more often than you would think, the so-called experts can't see the forest for the trees. All the drills and practice squads and high school dunks and AAU circuses can't take the place of getting out there with the TV cameras rolling, 20,000 people in the stands and everyone is hanging on your performance.
10-31-2014 01:47 PM
Find all posts by this user Quote this message in a reply
Post Reply 




User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


Copyright © 2002-2024 Collegiate Sports Nation Bulletin Board System (CSNbbs), All Rights Reserved.
CSNbbs is an independent fan site and is in no way affiliated to the NCAA or any of the schools and conferences it represents.
This site monetizes links. FTC Disclosure.
We allow third-party companies to serve ads and/or collect certain anonymous information when you visit our web site. These companies may use non-personally identifiable information (e.g., click stream information, browser type, time and date, subject of advertisements clicked or scrolled over) during your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services likely to be of greater interest to you. These companies typically use a cookie or third party web beacon to collect this information. To learn more about this behavioral advertising practice or to opt-out of this type of advertising, you can visit http://www.networkadvertising.org.
Powered By MyBB, © 2002-2024 MyBB Group.
MemphisTigers.org is the number one message board for Memphis Tigers sports.