RE: Pro Day - Basketball Team
So Griffin, I'm confused I keep seeing things like this free article in the Memphian.
Note the hi-lite section.
More than 75 NBA scouts and executives made the trip to Memphis to check out the Tigers’ pro day on Wednesday.
All 30 NBA teams were represented, with some sending half a dozen or so scouts to check out one of the most talented teams in college basketball.
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The pro day lasted about two hours, with the Tigers going through a number of drills that emulated some of the workouts from an NBA combine.
Two-on-two, three-on-three and four-on-four competitions were among the activities. The players went through shooting drills, as well as those that tested their abilities to make plays off the bounce and off screens.
All in all, coach Penny Hardaway was not only pleased with the turnout, but also how the players performed and what it means for the program moving forward.
“It definitely means a lot because the scouts here, showing these kids when you come to the University of Memphis, you’re going to get this opportunity to be seen in front of scouts before the season starts,” Hardaway said. “This is like Disney World for these kids today, to see all these teams with the logo on their chests.”
From the stars to likely reserves, the Tigers put their best foot forward in front of executives, leaving plenty wanting to see more.
Here are observations from the Memphis pro day.
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Emoni Bates looks like a No. 1 pick
[b]Scouts had to walk away thinking the 6-foot-9 Bates lived up to all of the hype that has surrounded him since he was 15.
He excelled at all of the shooting drills. His shooting ability has been well documented, but his fluidity with his handle and his effectiveness knocking down jumpers off the dribble was impressive.
It was almost a surprise to see Bates miss a shot. While the team didn’t break out into a traditional five-on-five scrimmage, he still showed encouraging signs as the lead guard when the situation calls for it. He’s buying in and not simply looking for his shot every time down the floor.
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He recognized how big the moment was, but didn’t put too much pressure on himself.
“It was special, but I’m trying to look at it like another day in the gym. I told my teammates we’re going to come in here and work hard like we do every day and make each other better,” Bates said.
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Hardaway sold Bates on being a big guard like himself and has continued to challenge him to grow into the role. He was more than pleased with how Bates handled himself on Wednesday.
“He’s adjusted well because he’s listening to everything we tell him,” Hardaway said. “He’s a sponge, he wants to learn. ... He doesn’t have an ego and he’s one of our hardest workers.”
John Camden surprises
The beautiful thing about a setting like this is that while scouts are there to check out prospects like Bates and Jalen Duren, it’s also a great opportunity for other players to get on the radar. One of those players who seized the opportunity was freshman wing John Camden.
If Bates was the best shooter of the day, then Camden came in right behind him. Whether it was individual drills or during a four-on-four, Camden showed off impressive ability behind the arc.
It’s not like he was just making wide-open 3-pointers, either. At 6-8 and with his shooting prowess, Camden is sure to have gotten someone’s attention, and Hardaway says he has been progressing nicely in camp.
“John is doing really well, John is shooting the ball really well. He’s playing with energy and he’s working every day. He understands how he’s going to get on the floor and stay on the floor and he’s doing a really good job,” Hardaway said.
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The return of Timberlake
Miami transfer Earl Timberlake (6-6, 215 pounds) didn’t participate in the Tigers’ open practice last week, but was on the court Wednesday for NBA scouts. He hasn’t been practicing long as he recovers from an injury, but what immediately jumped out was his physicality. He and Duren (6-11, 250) both look like they already have NBA physiques.
He was able to showcase some of his slashing ability, and finished at the rim with authority each time. He also locked in on defense and was clearly enjoying the drills that required the Tigers to defend one of their teammates for full court.
Timberlake is working on rebuilding his jumper, and the form is there, it’s just the fluidity and increasing the quickness of his release that is still a work in progress. Considering how long he has been out, Hardaway is thrilled with his potential.
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“This is Earl’s third practice since he’s been back from surgery and probably his fifth practice since he’s been here. He still has to get the kinks out, but he’s going to be very special for us,” Hardaway said.
Timberlake is a projected first-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
More quick hits
Duren also had another good day and caught the eye of ESPN lead draft analyst Jonathan Givony with his play.
“Duren had an awesome day in particular, playing with impressive intensity while showcasing tremendous athleticism and nice budding chemistry with Emoni Bates,” Givony tweeted.
Hardaway joked that he wanted Duren to have been a better rim protector, and that Duren had two blocks, but Hardaway wanted him to have 10.
Jokes aside, Duren has potential to be dominant on the defensive end, and showcased a growing array of offensive moves, including a nice turnaround jumper near the end of the pro day.
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Alex Lomax also made his return after missing significant time because of an injury, and the senior point guard played well. He finished inside and even hit a long 3-pointer. Lomax’s role is one that fans have been curious about all offseason. If he performs like he did Wednesday, he’ll play an important role even if it’s off the bench.
I also thought junior Landers Nolley II and freshman Johnathan Lawson had solid days. Both shot the ball well in individual and team segments.
It’s also clear that Lester Quinones’ work in the weight room has been paying off. He looked a little leaner and took a step forward with his athleticism. He could be an all-conference type of performer for Memphis this season.
(This post was last modified: 10-07-2021 03:59 PM by Tigerx3.)
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