Zach Lofton is the number 1 favorite to win the WAC Player of the Year. Josh Braun has nothing on him.
Did I miss something? The topic says POTWeek, but you are talking about POTYear in the body. And why are you still talking about Josh Braun? He isn't even in the WAC's top 5 or even 10 players, in terms of actual play, at this point in the season. I'm not even sure I'd say Braun is the top player on his own team right now.
In my opinion, Braun is a tough hard-nose player, strong, an excellent shooter and plays with a high basketball IQ. But I think Braun's physical limitations have leveled off his development. Braun's knees have limited his lateral quickness and ability to jump quickly. Because of this, opposing players and coaches have learn how to defend against him. Braun's physical capabilities pretty much maxed out after his sophomore season. Now, players of similar age have caught up with his physical and mental development. He went from being exceptional as a freshman to being only good as a senior. Braun is still a tough matchup... constantly moving, coming off screens, and extending his range beyond the pro arc. But one-on-one, he is not quick enough with his dribble to breakdown a defenders to create spacing for his shot. A skill Benson, Carr, and Frayer seem to be more proficient at doing now.
(This post was last modified: 12-18-2017 10:16 AM by NMSUPistolPete.)
The Player of the Week this week is Jemerrio Jones. Although he is only 6'5, he is proving to be the most versatile player in the WAC... Top 20 in scoring, #1 in rebounding and Top 10 in assists.
(12-18-2017 10:07 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote: In my opinion, Braun is a tough hard-nose player, strong, an excellent shooter and plays with a high basketball IQ. But I think Braun's physical limitations have leveled off his development. Braun's knees have limited his lateral quickness and ability to jump quickly. Because of this, opposing players and coaches have learn how to defend against him. Braun's physical capabilities pretty much maxed out after his sophomore season. Now, players of similar age have caught up with his physical and mental development. He went from being exceptional as a freshman to being only good as a senior. Braun is still a tough matchup... constantly moving, coming off screens, and extending his range beyond the pro arc. But one-on-one, he is not quick enough with his dribble to breakdown a defenders to create spacing for his shot. A skill Benson, Carr, and Frayer seem to be more proficient at doing now.
I think this is a very good explanation. Also, each year the talent pool has increased, and the caliber of players we're able to recruit has increased as well. Josh was recruited back when GCU had all D-2 players, and were just about to begin the transition process. Now, he's surrounded by guys who were approached/recruited by other D-1 programs, and in some cases, Power 5 conference teams. We're also pulling international guys who've played for national teams (Aidoo - Finland, Blumbergs - Latvia, Lever - Italy, etc.). So while Josh is still a good player, like Pete said, he probably capped out last year in terms of sheer ability and skill.
(12-18-2017 10:07 AM)NMSUPistolPete Wrote: In my opinion, Braun is a tough hard-nose player, strong, an excellent shooter and plays with a high basketball IQ. But I think Braun's physical limitations have leveled off his development. Braun's knees have limited his lateral quickness and ability to jump quickly. Because of this, opposing players and coaches have learn how to defend against him. Braun's physical capabilities pretty much maxed out after his sophomore season. Now, players of similar age have caught up with his physical and mental development. He went from being exceptional as a freshman to being only good as a senior. Braun is still a tough matchup... constantly moving, coming off screens, and extending his range beyond the pro arc. But one-on-one, he is not quick enough with his dribble to breakdown a defenders to create spacing for his shot. A skill Benson, Carr, and Frayer seem to be more proficient at doing now.
I think this is a very good explanation. Also, each year the talent pool has increased, and the caliber of players we're able to recruit has increased as well. Josh was recruited back when GCU had all D-2 players, and were just about to begin the transition process. Now, he's surrounded by guys who were approached/recruited by other D-1 programs, and in some cases, Power 5 conference teams. We're also pulling international guys who've played for national teams (Aidoo - Finland, Blumbergs - Latvia, Lever - Italy, etc.). So while Josh is still a good player, like Pete said, he probably capped out last year in terms of sheer ability and skill.
GCU does have some nice pieces for the future. With the addition of Tim Finke (next season) to a pretty good nucleus of young players, GCU will be a tough team to beat moving forward. Braun carried GCU into becoming a solid D1 mid-major. It will be players like Frayer, Blumbergs, Lever, Aidoo, Damari, and Finke who will be expected to take the Lopes to the next level.
