He told us from the get go that James White was going to be a really good player for us. Some have criticized Steve, saying players never get any better than when they come here. Well at least in this case, James has come 100% from where he started. Our weight and nutrition programs have really helped him develop strength and endurance. He already had the athletic talent. But he's developing in a more all around player. Really look forward to seeing how far he can go these next two seasons.

(11-30-2014 05:43 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  He told us from the get go that James White was going to be a really good player for us. Some have criticized Steve, saying players never get any better than when they come here. Well at least in this case, James has come 100% from where he started. Our weight and nutrition programs have really helped him develop strength and endurance. He already had the athletic talent. But he's developing in a more all around player. Really look forward to seeing how far he can go these next two seasons.

At this point, I'd give Maurius Hill the nod for most improved player in one season.

Can't disagree with that. He's like a new person. What I like is that he can score from inside and out, rebounds, and plays tough defense. He is a definite keeper!

(11-30-2014 05:58 PM)outsideualr Wrote:  Can't disagree with that. He's like a new person. What I like is that he can score from inside and out, rebounds, and plays tough defense. He is a definite keeper!

I agree. I wasn't particularly high on him when we signed him because the articles in the Chicago media referred to him as an "undersized" forward. I thought, if he is undersized for high school what is he going to be on the DI level. Still, it confirms what we have seen before- getting a good player, with average numbers, from Chicago or New York is often a lot better than getting the leading scorer from most places in Arkansas (accept from Little Rock, on occasion).

What excites me is that even after seeing him last night, I do not think James is near his potential. I still say he can be as good as he wants to be. And he will leave here as one of our all-time shot blockers, so we have an eraser in the middle.