Wow, that would certainly solidify the back up center spot
BeddieKU23
31745 posts
Wooten is available again..
Matt deleted his own thread about whatever it was that was possibly going to happen. Something is going on
I was so hoping the updated site came with an Ignore Button. Hopes dashed...but Elpoyo certainly knows how to take darkside to a new level
Around the time Matt started the thread, Duke insider said Duval was a done deal to Duke. The same story he's said for months really.
Matt is hard to trust after he knew Trae Young was going to OU for a week and then pumped KU up until the night before to drive traffic to his site. I guess we all have a job to do but it sheds some light on how much you can trust Matt for anything.
I get the feeling its the younger Lawson (Chandler) that Matt put in a CB pick for today. 2 others did yesterday as well.
Chandler is a 2019 kid..
Jeez, Baker is a good shooter. that's a big pick up for them because they didn't have a shooter signed
An old scouting report on Dedric Lawson from Draftexpress. Informative.
After seven years under Josh Pastner, Memphis basketball will transition to a new era this season under the leadership of Tubby Smith, with Pastner departing for Georgia Tech. Last season Memphis failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, but found a bright spot in American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Dedric Lawson. Lawson, a Memphis native who finished off his high school career at Arlington Country Day in Florida, was a consensus top 50 recruit who participated in the McDonalds All American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. After an impressive individual season under Pastner in which he tied the program record for double doubles by a freshman, Lawson received an invitation to the NBA Combine, but ultimately received the feedback he needed from NBA personnel after a poor showing, and opted to return to Memphis for his sophomore year.
At 6'8, with a wingspan that stretches to 7'2.5 Lawson has the size and length to play either forward position at the pro level, but most likely projects as a stretch-4 given his athletic limitations. He has a solidly built frame, but lacks the real strength or power to use it effectively. After his performance at the NBA Combine this summer it has been a point of emphasis for him this off-season to add strength and lower his body fat, and he is reportedly coming into the season at 236 pounds, 11 pounds up from what he weighed in at the Combine. It will be essential for Lawson that any additional weight comes in the form of muscle.
He is smooth and fluid, but lacks quickness in a serious way and is predominantly a below the rim player who lacks the explosiveness or burst to be effective athletically in a crowd. It will be interesting to see if improving his body helps maximize his physical tools to be more effective athletically than he currently is.
What makes Lawson an intriguing pro prospect is the diverse offensive skill set that he has for someone with his size and length. While he is by no means a polished ball handler, he is comfortable handling the ball in stretches, and is more than capable of taking his man off the bounce in isolation situations or pushing the ball in transition. He is not explosive with change of direction, but he plays at his own pace and has a slow, methodical, old school game where he is able to create his own offense off the dribble.
He is also a gifted passer, particularly from his position and averaged 3.2 assists per 40, but also posted a high turnover rate of 3.9 per 40. The turnover numbers are definitely on the high side, but somewhat to be expected from a freshman forward with a high usage rate as a ball handler. While Lawson has the tools to create his own offense, he was not efficient last season at turning those scoring opportunities into points. He averaged 19.6 points per 40, but only shot 42.2% inside the arc and only finished 46.6% of his shots around the basket. Part of those low numbers can be attributed to Lawson's lack of explosiveness, but he also had the tendency to force plenty of bad shots in traffic, particularly on runners and floaters, which he finished only 4 of 17 attempts (per Synergy).
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Assist per 40 went up, turnovers down. 3.9 to 2.8
Per 40 scoring average increased from 19.6 to 22.2. Given that he played 34 minutes a game this is insignificant.
Shooting % inside the arc increased from 42% to 52%.
He has a fairly rudimentary back to the basket game, but with his ball handling and footwork is occasionally able to get to impressive mid-range jumpers out of his face up game, which he can hit, but hasn't yet proven he can convert consistently. Teams played a fair amount of zone against Memphis last season, and Lawson was effective flashing to the middle for quick jumpers or playmaking opportunities. He has soft hands, good touch around the basket, and excellent scoring instincts, but will need to improve the efficiency in which he turns close field goal attempts into points.
As a freshman, Lawson definitely showed some potential as a stretch four who can knock down shots from behind the arc. His release his on the slower side, but when he is given time and space, he is more than capable of converting perimeter scoring opportunities. He shot 35% on 3.0 attempts per 40 last season and had eight games where he knocked down at least two shots from deep. He has solid mechanics and proved to be consistent from the 17' range, but will need to stretch that consistency to beyond the 3-point line. It will be essential for Lawson to become a steady perimeter scoring threat so that he can stretch defenses and use his ball handling ability to attack hard close out situations.
Per 40, 3 point % went down from 35% to 27%. Sounds like a year off will help him tune in his shot.
Defensively, Lawson is a bit of a mixed bag, and while he has the length to be a factor, he struggles in one on one situations and needs to improve how he defends ball screens. He is regularly beaten off the dribble or caught out of a stance, issues that can be improved with more consistent effort. His lack of strength hampers him in the post, and his added bulk should be able to help his ability to defend bigger players around the basket. He was able to average 2.1 blocks per 40, an impressive number which is a product of his length and timing as a rim protector. Lawson's defense may be effected by the offensive load he is asked to carry, but NBA scouts will definitely be looking to see whether he improves on that end of the floor, as there's likely no path for him to play at that level without significant refinement.
Blocks per 40 increased from 2.1 to 2.5. For reference Dedric had 68 blocks this season which is slightly less then Landen Lucas and Josh Jackson had combined. His length and instincts will make him a good rim protector at the 4 spot.
Perhaps Lawson's most NBA ready skill is as a rebounder on both end. He has excellent instincts tracking down balls outside of his area and uses his length well to go up and get difficult rebounds. He had 19 games last season in which he totaled double digit rebounds, and was able to find a good deal of quick scoring opportunities on the offensive boards. His rebounding numbers are particularly impressive given his lack of elite strength or athleticism. Having just turned 19 years old in October, and thus one of the youngest players in his class, Dedric Lawson has plenty of room for growth as he looks to build on what was a very strong statistical freshman season. Lawson has a unique skill set, and there are not too many guys his age and size who have the scoring instincts and guard skills that he does. He'll need to improve his athleticism and play with more efficiency on both ends of the floor, but it seems that Lawson has the tools and skill set to be in the conversation in a future NBA Draft.
Dedric had 20 double double's this past season, just 1 more then his freshman year. About as consistent as you can expect out of any player.
We are extremely lucky to have landed these two brothers
Anyone know if the Lawson Brothers can play this summer in Italy? I have been wondering this since yesterday
I would love to think Garrett would be ready to play minutes as a freshman. If he is apart of the rotation early on that's a great sign that he's earned the coaches trust. I think its a stretch right now projecting that without seeing him in uniform first. The Italy trip should give us some insight about how ready he is now.
Agree about Doke, the goal is to keep him on the floor as much as possible. Everyone knows how much of a force he can be on a given night if he's in the game. The fouls concern me but his ability to protect the rim and alter shots will be such a refreshing addition to what's been missing from this defense. Lucas was a great defender but he was not someone that defenses feared.
We definitely need a big who can play next season unless Lightfoot or Coleby make some big strides this off-season. That's why I prefer bringing in Juiston. He's got one elite skill, rebounding, even at 6'7. He's a great athlete, a much better athlete then Mitch & Dwight. He will provide weak-side rim protection ability which we saw in the Oregon game can completely change the complexion of a game. Lots of highlights on him erasing shots at the rim which is kind of the role Josh Jackson was able to provide. Not only can he rebound well his 2nd best skill is his floor vision. A 4 that can set up Doke inside or swing the ball out for an open shooter. Skills that I don't think Preston, Lightfoot and Coleby are comfortable with. For reference Juiston had a 144 assists this year, 5 less then Devonte Graham had this year.
I do agree that a more skilled backup to Doke might be the best option but it seems like the staff is more worried about the 4 spot. They must think Coleby can have a productive off-season and provide the minutes we will need. Coleby had some good games but we know his limitations if he's not able to become much more explosive with that knee. It's a gamble if he doesn't regain what he once had. So I can see the concern and the view to get someone that can help now with no questions attached. It will be interesting to see how we use the scholarship now that it became valuable with the Lawson brothers sitting out.
Have to think the success of Kris Dunn helped them in this one. Providence could be a sneaky team next year.
It sounds like a lot of the issues had to do with Pastner's departure from Memphis. That wasn't a pretty exit for all involved and that's the coach that got the Lawson's to stay home in the first place.
Then Pastner is replaced with Tubby and the roster was decimated. Tubby Smith is no longer the coach he once was and he doesn't recruit well. Memphis went from getting Top 100 kids to recruiting Juco's and unranked kids just to fill the vacancies. Tough for talented kids from Memphis to swallow seeing a really good basketball program year in and year out fall apart, especially one they have grew up with.
I'm sure the Father being involved didn't help things especially when he was demoted by Tubby this past year. Seems like a no win situation. It's likely Pastner hired the Lawson dad to secure the son's staying in Memphis. You have a coaching change and old school Tubby doesn't see things the same way baby faced Pastner did. He's demoted to have a role within the program just so the apple cart isn't totally turned upside down. These Lawson kids could have left last year but they stuck it out. Now they reach for a better situation, the same fresh start Carlton Bragg is seeking.
A side-note: Self is playing an important recruiting angle here. Gonzaga just took two high level transfers (Williams-Goss McDonald's All American out of HS) & (Williams Top-100 recruit of out HS) to the Championship game. Those two guys were intergral parts of that team.
Self is banking on guys like Malik Newman (Top 10 recruit, Mickey D kid) helping this season and the Lawson brothers (both Top 50 recruits) helping the next year. Reports are that Newman's year off really helped him, I imagine the same will benefit these two brothers.
Outside of Danny Manning finding eligibility in 2018-19, Dedric Lawson will start and be a favorite for Big-12 POY. Dude has game. We are talking Thomas Robinson his Jr year for the type of production we will get from him.
On Dedric, he wanted to be a OAD. Much like Newman he had a bad combine and went back to school. He was clearly a much better player this year on a bad team and put up great numbers so it's surprising he's transferring instead of testing the draft again. I think that says a lot about him that he wants to get better playing at a premiere program. Working on his shot and body seem like the two main goals for him during his year off. This is like hitting the lottery with this one.
KJ is not as skilled as Dedric and I think he's tried really hard to match his brothers reputation. From the games I saw of them both this year they seemed competitive. I don't see any personality issues on the surface. I hope KJ becomes a more well rounded player which I think KU will help him do.
The issue with cutting Graham's minutes is who's handling the ball when he's not on the court?
Self said Doke should be able to go 25 minutes next year. Give or take how much he learns to limit his foul trouble is the key with him.
Looks like it. Preston is a guard in a big body. Lightfoot will put on some weight but isn't getting any taller and has said he wants to continue to work on being a stretch 4..Having Doke back is going to help the 4 spot out so much
They could wait until his court date and when he gets closer to getting drafted.. I suspect it will be close to the NBA draft
Interesting, I think Svi stays and we use the last scholarship on a big. Can't have just 4 healthy bigs for next season. Allen might fill a long-term need but there really isn't a situation where he plays minutes next year, but a 5th big would definitely have a chance at beating someone out.
We have one open spot for one!
Ranking and Stats from their 2 years at Memphis. Obvious improvements can be made shooting the ball for both, particular from 3 land. Both are very good rebounders. Dedric is tailor made to play the 4 here.
Dedric Lawson was ranked #35,
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KJ Lawson was ranked #53.
Which makes this decision all the more crazy. Dedric is good enough for the NBA now, although I'm sure he was not happy about how his combine went last year. I think Hudy will maximize both of them, I can see where both of these guys will really benefit from her strength and conditioning program
Dedric is a Double Double machine. The brother will be a red-shirt Soph. Most likely we'll have them one season
We might sign the whole family. Dad, Mom, Grandparents.
Yes that is correct
There goes 2 scholarships. If Svi stays we have only 1 scholarship left.
WOWWW
Really good points regarding the timing of Preston's signing to Diallo's, In the end with Diallo they witch-hunted his grades and fell back to benefits from his handler.. I don't think Preston will have anything similar in regards to that. He's either going to qualify fully or be in a Traylor/McLemore situation as a partial. Which would force a red-shirt or force him to hunt an oversea's contract.
Did Clemons by chance go to schools that no longer exist? That's my biggest concern is the NCAA just throws out anything to do with Prime Prep/API and his associated classes from there.
Honestly I'm just as concerned as you about Preston. But I did find Self's comments interesting in response, almost makes it sound as if he knows something the public doesn't about his eligibility.
We will probably know around the time practices start up for the Italy trip whether he's good to go or not . I don't believe he'd be able to play on that trip if there is a hold up. The wait continues whether our concerns are overblown or not.
The "quick twitch 4 man" sounded like he was indirectly saying Shakur Juiston. He's a quick twitch 4 man that Self is after..
Yup.
What do we take of Self's comments here.
Bragg’s departure opens up another scholarship and Self recently told the Journal-World he would like to add “a quick-twitch 4 man” to back up incoming freshman Billy Preston.
Sounds like he's confident Preston will be here playing and starting..
Smith landing at MSU would be a good situation for both. They need someone like him. I think he fits the Michigan St mold well
Waters has academic issues? That is the first I've seen of that.
Some rumors out there were that his dad was an issue (helicopter type). I think the majority that has been reported on Waters is KU is not recruiting him even though he visited in the fall. Waters probably wants a situation where he can start given his ranking which is unlikely at KU.
Has the staff even reached out to another 2017 point guard this spring? It seems like the 5 that are left for Duval are not upsetting him in any way by recruiting other point guards. Maybe there's some behind the scenes contact with some potential targets but it does seem like nobody wants to lose out on landing Duval by recruiting others.
I honestly think KU will try and get a graduate transfer point guard (after the Duval announcement) that's looking to win in his last year. We have potentially 4-5 guard/wings but no backup to Devonte. All the current options have a lot of question marks. Someone who could provide a steady 6-10 minutes a game would really help this team out. Another benefit to getting a graduate transfer guard is he doesn't hurt 2018 recruiting for elite level guards. The Italy trip would also benefit said transfer as they integrate into the team.
Could be at least a few more. Looks like they have 2 more spots open at the moment.
Tilmon seems likely as long as Illinois doesn't try and prohibit him from going there. That could happen with all the talk of Martin visiting his school and recruiting him while he's still signed to Missouri.
Knox seems like a longshot, more likely Duke or UNC.
It makes sense following Porter for his one year. I don't think he landed somewhere where he'd start with Phillips back but he should play a bunch with the transfers to Hughes and Walton. Martin is a great salesman apparently.
Duke insiders have started to mention Duke with Devon Dotson. They think he's moved up their board.. It's still likely that Duke is going to land Tre Jones (Tyus lil brother) and Garland so it may be nothing more then talk, but the recent talk of Dotson on their board is gaining more traction. If Duke enters the picture, hard to imagine we have any chance after that.
They also feel confident with Grimes even though mostly everything out there is KU has a good chance there. Not sure whether these guys are just sunshine pumping or what.
Blake Harris ended up at Mizzou. I take back anything nice I said about the kid for that decision
Most likely, but they will use him the way Devonte was used this past year. Jackson is a scorer, not a PG
1 decision down, 1 to go. Maybe Svi will announce he's returning Tuesday!!
Might come back, suffered a knee injury in the South Carolina game that will most likely keep him out of the combine. Might still be a 1st round player anyway but it seems like he's entertaining coming back
Duke doesn't have a PG so he'd automatically be their floor general.
Arizona has 2 PG's on the roster- a Senior and an incoming freshman ranked in the low 4 star end. They also have a transfer with size who can facilitate.
Graham came back to run the show. Duval wants to run the show. Devonte isn't deferring to anyone this season. This Duval talk is over
Having a night to sit on it, Thank You Devonte Graham for choosing to come back and finish your career here. Frank Mason probably was a huge influence in that decision. We most likely have Frank to thank for this..
Given how well Allen shoots it I hope we get to see him here and developing. My Brewster connections said they think he's a good kid who will work hard. They think the key to his situation at KU is how quickly he can establish his role. Will he try and play PG or stick to his more natural role
Good points.
I think Young didn't want to compete with Devonte but honestly Young wanted to stay home so I don't think one player was the issue for young. He saw how Mason was doing and still stuck with OU. His choice..
Garrett is definitely underrated. I mean practically nobody saw him much before he signed with KU. Had a great year and was rewarded. A lot of people don't think he will be a point guard and at his size he's probably going to be a SG/Wing at this point. I liken him to a player that grows out of position but keeps his skills and that's what Garrett is. Hope he adds muscle and keeps toning his shot. The word is his defense is something we can count on from him early. Such an exciting prospect
Great post.
If Svi returns we will have excellent guard depth once again.
Then self can focus on getting something with talent in the post. He has to sign 13 this time around you would think
@BShark said:
Staff is still recruiting Duval. So it might eliminate KU because of Duval, but not because of the KU coaches.
Of course. We have known for months duval was a pipe dream
@SkinnyKansasDude said:
Needed this. Will have depth at every position next year. Wonder what Trevon thinks about this? A commitment would mean a preseason number 1 ranking.
We still don't have a backup pg but we will have to rely on Newman to facilitate. How quickly Garrett becomes apart of the rotation would potentially give us another ball handler
@BShark said:
Don't think so. Staff still wants Duval and would 100% play Duval/Graham/Newman starting line-up. Duval knows he is starting wherever he goes anyway.
Allen is a long term project that knows he isn't starting even if Graham didn't come back. So I can't see who KU has been recruiting that Graham waiting to announce would impact.
Graham coming back eliminates duval
HUGEEE