March Madness picks thread

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

I also almost took the points, but didn't want to jinx Butler.

Wrote this on twitter, but one thing that's lost in all of this is that as long as Hayward doesn't declare, Butler only loses Veasley and Jukes from this team. They'll be a force next year too. Still, what a heartbreaker. And it had to be against Duke.

I'll be writing a tournament postmortem in the next few days if anyone's interested.

I cant see Hayward going pro this year. He isnt a lottery pick and really needs a lot of work. Playing in the Horizon cant help him much but he really looked lost in the 2nd half of the MSU game and was clearly outplayed by Singler tonight.

[ateamstupid]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I cant see Hayward going pro this year. He isnt a lottery pick and really needs a lot of work. Playing in the Horizon cant help him much but he really looked lost in the 2nd half of the MSU game and was clearly outplayed by Singler tonight.

I agree that he should stay. He's got a ton of skills, but he has to get a little stronger and improve his shot. Plus that team has Final Four potential again in 2010-11 and he's become the face of Butler basketball.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by ateamstupid

I agree that he should stay. He's got a ton of skills, but he has to get a little stronger and improve his shot. Plus that team has Final Four potential again in 2010-11 and he's become the face of Butler basketball.

The only thing that might make him think about going pro is that he simply isnt going to get much of a chance to work on things playing 20+ games against subpar competition. Sure he can get stronger, work on his shooting, try to develop a bit of a post game to take advantage of mismatches, etc. I would think he is a mid 20's pick now but he may be a mid 20's pick again next year unless he really improves. Is it worth the risk of staying if your ceiling to move up is only 8 or 9 picks? And what kind of one and doners are coming in next year that will take up lottery positions in the 2011 draft?

Like I said before just taking the situation at face value I would advise him to stay, make another run at the title, get stronger, shoot better and maybe he gets in the lottery. If he doesnt he will still probably be a 1st round pick.....and maybe take out an insurance policy as well

[dalakhani]

He is not much of a shot maker. He is athletic, smart and he has skills but he really needs to work on his shot both from the set and off the dribble.

His defensive versatility is very impressive.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

He is not much of a shot maker. He is athletic, smart and he has skills but he really needs to work on his shot both from the set and off the dribble.

His defensive versatility is very impressive.

I guess this would fall under being smart, but I think he has great court awareness.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

He is not much of a shot maker. He is athletic, smart and he has skills but he really needs to work on his shot both from the set and off the dribble.

His defensive versatility is very impressive.

Against non NBA players like he has been playing against maybe but he is going to have major issues guarding athletic wings and is simply too weak to have a prayer in the post. I think the biggest problem with him is he isnt strong or quick. Not sure how you get around that. But he seems cagey enough and has enough skills especially if he shoots better to have a career as a 7th-8th man,

[horseofcourse]

Gordon Hayward. The only important thing to consider in this discussion...is he better than Adam Morrison?

[rpncaine]

Maybe at Tennis. He needs another year, maybe two.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by horseofcourse

Gordon Hayward. The only important thing to consider in this discussion...is he better than Adam Morrison?

He can pass and attempts to play defense so yes he is better than Morrison. Plus he didnt cry like a 6 year old girl after they lost.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Against non NBA players like he has been playing against maybe but he is going to have major issues guarding athletic wings and is simply too weak to have a prayer in the post. I think the biggest problem with him is he isnt strong or quick. Not sure how you get around that. But he seems cagey enough and has enough skills especially if he shoots better to have a career as a 7th-8th man,

I agree with this. I really like his game but it doesn't project that well to the next level because of the quickness.