@B0rnLeader951@APH00PS I’m sure the Clippers will make a more informed decision that either of us, but hearing MBJ possibly sat out the tourney because his daddy said so gives me another concern. Either way I hope the back is all good and just due the growth spurt like you said!
@B0rnLeader951@APH00PS I think his size gives him a few more development options than the other guards but I can see the foot speed thing being an issue at the next level. I can only go off of what I saw in those games but his will to compete gives me a lot of confidence he’ll find ways to succeed.
@B0rnLeader951@APH00PS No doubt, Illinois’ offense was based on attacking less athletic defenders but in the tourney he went straight up against some tough defenders and beat them on more than a few occasions. Ntm he beat Lendeborg on a few plays (but ultimately lost that game big).
@B0rnLeader951@APH00PS I thought he only scored on bigs too but in the tourney he was always guarded by the opponents best players and performed extremely well in every game. He also was picked up full court all game by Lendeborg in the Michigan game and still found ways to score.
@B0rnLeader951@JetsClipper@APH00PS Whatever it was he missed nearly half the season and the NCAA tourney so you’d think it would have to be something serious
@APH00PS I honestly believe that if he works on his lower body strength and overall conditioning this summer, he’ll be a solid defender quickly. Strength will be an issue for literally all the guards in this draft except for Burries.
@APH00PS But the strength is a big issue for him defensively. Even shorter guards can get separation by getting into his chest or pushing off. He’s not a ball watcher off-ball, has no problem moving his feet, but the lack of strength hurts him on screens.
We’ve all seen the clips highlighting Darius Acuff’s defensive issues and it would be disingenuous to hand wave them. Still, I don’t think Acuff is a lost cause.
I won’t argue that Acuff has been good nor would I project him to be good at the next level as being “good” at something requires consistency in both effort and ability and he hasn’t shown consistent effort on that side of the ball. I think part of it may be an effort to not pick up fouls, but that also shouldn’t excuse the inconsistency. The ability on the other hand is something I believe he does possess and the core issue is how often he is willing to lock in, sit down, and guard. Getting him to buy into that part will be up to his next team.
All that to say…here is four minutes of Darius Acuff locking in and guarding.
I did a deep dive on Darius Acuff's defense and I'm sad to report: it really is that bad.
I watched him every play for two games and noted 24 (!!!) poor defensive possessions, ranging from questionable to truly WTF. More commentary in thread.