Andre Drummond- The next Shaq?

[Rowe]

Has there been any Center prospect who was this athletic, physically mature, & talented at 18 since Shaq?

There have been some great C's who've come out of the HS ranks since then like Alonzo Mourning, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard, & most recently Greg Oden.

However, Andre Drummond appears to be physically on an entirely different level as a player at 18. The biggest criticism so far is that hes so talented he gets "bored" and doesn't dominate for an entire game. Basically the Vince Carter effect. He'll attempt layups or tough shots just to find something challenging, because if he stays on the low block he's unstoppable.

[quote]
The 6-11, 18-year-old Drummond obviously has size, but also leaping ability (a 41-inch vertical), terrific feet, great hands, is an adroit passer and can blow by guys five inches shorter than him from 15 feet out. The argument can be made there has never been a player like him in UConn's history. Drummond hasn't played a game in Connecticut threads and he

[Gotterdammerung]

Too early to expect a polished low-post game? :oldlol: At least he is a reason to watch college ball while the the millionaires and billionaires slouch towards a compromise.

[Collie]

He plays more like a bigger Amare than Shaq.

[Scoooter]

Nowhere near as big as Shaq.

[MichaelCheazley]

There will never be another Shaq. He is a once in a lifetime kind of player.

[HylianNightmare]

next dwight

[Fatal9]

impressive skill-set but where's the post game?

[Clippersfan86]

Has there been any Center prospect who was this athletic, physically mature, & talented at 18 since Shaq?

There have been some great C's who've come out of the HS ranks since then like Alonzo Mourning, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard, & most recently Greg Oden.

However, Andre Drummond appears to be physically on an entirely different level as a player at 18. The biggest criticism so far is that hes so talented he gets "bored" and doesn't dominate for an entire game. Basically the Vince Carter effect. He'll attempt layups or tough shots just to find something challenging, because if he stays on the low block he's unstoppable.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7cBbVKbTxI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXB6vc5Z_A4

Between Andre Drummond, Harrison Barnes, Anthony Davis, & Steven Adams you're talking about one of the most talented crops of talent available in the 2012 NBA Draft. Literally could grab a Franchise player between 1-10 next year.

Yup great time to be a Clippers fan.

[Rowe]

impressive skill-set but where's the post game?

Not cultivated yet. It'll be interesting to watch him this season, but he will have 0 problem holding his own down low. He already has the physical frame of a NBA player.

He faces up a lot attacking the basket instead of backing down. Already skilled in the triple threat, so he isnt just a "dunker" who relies on passes down low like many C's are at this stage & even continuing that in the NBA.

& Collie I definetly see the Amare comparison.

& Clippersfan86, if Drummond ends up a Clipper, I fear for the NBA.

[senelcoolidge]

Too small to be the next Shaq. Hey, Alonzo Mourning played at Georgetown. He didn't come out of HS.

[MichaelCheazley]

And greg oden played in ohio state.

[Miserio]

The next Kwame

[AirTupac]

What a fail thread. :oldlol:

[drainthe3]

the big men today are all trying to be perimeter players :facepalm

[bdreason]

impressive skill-set but where's the post game?


Who needs to develop a post game to dunk on HS kids?

That's the problem with the American Basketball development system. This guy will get 1 year in College against decent competition, and won't have any kind of post skills when he enters the NBA.


That said, this guy looks like the real deal. I'll be interested to see how he performs at UCONN. Don't forget, Kwame was mashing all over people in HS too.

[bdreason]

the big men today are all trying to be perimeter players :facepalm



It's been like that since the late 90's. That's what happens when generations of kids grow up idolizing MJ.



"I wanna be, I wanna be like Mike"

[MichaelCheazley]

Im pretty sure drummond didnt watch jordan growing up. Hes 18.

[artificial]

I think the "next Shaq" thing is completely out of place.

Don't get me wrong, kid looks like he has all the potential to be a great player. But by no means he looks to have the game of a typical big man. And Shaq was the ultimate big man. Most of his arsenal was in the post, and he took pride in that. Drummond, regardless if he pans out in the NBA or not, won't be a mainly downlow player. That's not where he is showing most potential.

[Kblaze8855]

Ive seen nothing the least bit Shaq like. Not at all. Every young bigman who is good isnt Shaq like. Especially the ones doing crossovers in transition, facing up, and all that. Shaq could do a little...but that wasnt his game.

Next Blake or even...Webber? Or Derrick coleman even? maybe. Not Shaq.

[brantonli]

Shaq had actual post moves and nice hook shots. While obviously his huge bulk and athleticism got him some points, those 2 alone would never have made him one of the greatest centers of all time. You've got to have skills to back up the raw power.

[Force]

Might never ever see a player Shaq's size with that quick footwork. In college the scouts were drooling at how Shaq's footwork style was more like a guards. Very rare.

If a player a big, a jump hook and a power dribble to dunk attempt is more than adequate though. Forget about comparing people to Shaq. You just aren't going to see somebody that size do those kinds of things often in your life.

[Psileas]

He seems really talented. I just hope he develops into a more versatile type of Howard, instead of a more versatile Amare, since he will struggle doing all these fancy passing and dribbling stuff in the NBA. It's too early to predict what he'll become. But he doesn't really play like Shaq here.

[Nelson14]

doesn't he wear 12 cause he is a fan of dwight?

[DCL]

There will never be another Shaq. He is a once in a lifetime kind of player.

we've been waiting for like 20 years for another beast like shaq... some creature that's big as fk AND also plays big as fk. a big ass friggin muthafugga that makes other 7-footers look like helpless 6th graders.

still ain't anything close. doubt we'd see one in another 20 years or even more. every big guy wants to be a ball handling fadeaway jump shooter these days.

well, dwight is mini-shaq but he ain't no shaq.

[abuC]

He's the most fluid center prospect we've seen in a while, he moves around much better than Oden/Bynum/Howard did, and is much heavier than McGee. He might not have Shaq's post game, but the fact he can move around like that and handle the ball lends itself to learning how to play in the post.

Maybe the next David Robinson?

[Vienceslav]

is the 41 in vertical confirmed?
coz wow.

[Rowe]

Who needs to develop a post game to dunk on HS kids?

That's the problem with the American Basketball development system. This guy will get 1 year in College against decent competition, and won't have any kind of post skills when he enters the NBA.


That said, this guy looks like the real deal. I'll be interested to see how he performs at UCONN. Don't forget, Kwame was mashing all over people in HS too.

No, Kwame is an example of why the AAU circuit exploded in the last 10 years.

Kwame is an example of what happens when a kid dominates mediocre local HS talent down there in Georgia with good physical measurables, but instead of hurting a college program who are underwhelmed by his performance, he hurt a NBA franchise. Tyson Chandler & Eddy Curry were far more hyped in his class, simply because they are from major cities(LA & Chicago) and their competition was better. They were more visible, while Kwame wasn't. Scouting services claimed he had a "weakness" of playing too much on the perimeter instead of posting up and playing too much like a Guard. Kwame never played on the perimeter in the NBA, so where was this tendency? Thats just an example of the lack of visisbility he received. When he had a good game at the McDonalds All American Game, it somehow reinforced the same poor scouting reports of him and a NBA team bit on it.

Thus, more resources are now put into seeing these players matching up versus other top talents in their class since they are in 9th grade to evaluate which ones standout among the best recruits. Now, AAU is basically more important than HS basketball.

Sorry for going off track.

[Rowe]

He's the most fluid center prospect we've seen in a while, he moves around much better than Oden/Bynum/Howard did, and is much heavier than McGee. He might not have Shaq's post game, but the fact he can move around like that and handle the ball lends itself to learning how to play in the post.

Maybe the next David Robinson?
Bingo.

Thats what I was insinuating with the "next Shaq" comment because Shaq was very much like this coming out of HS. 7'0, Nearly 300lbs but a trim muscular figure, fluid athlete, strong, & basically resembling a manchild despite being 18 years old. Could get out on the fastbreak too & run the floor.

In comparison, there has not been a C prospect who has come out since then who looks this advanced from a physical & talent standpoint like Drummond does.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2011/writers/luke_winn/08/30/Andrew.Drummond.UConn/Andre-Drummond-1.gif

I take it a lot of people are just getting hip to Andre Drummond since they havent followed recruiting. But this kid is 18. The way he looks, plays, handles himself and it looks almost LeBron level in terms of how advanced he is compared to players in his class.

He is a man among boys, although he is the same age as them.

[mr beast]

pretty amazing skill sets consider hes 6 11 with a 41 inch vert.

the next shaq is a misleading title, maybe more like a magic johnson , KG type of player

he seems to have an all around game.

[IGOTGAME]

I have been talking about this guy for years tbh. But he still has a lot of work to do. He often disappears in games. Still extremely talented though.

Definitely nothing like Shaq though.

[Ikill]

Does he really have a 41 inch vertical? Dwight Amare Griffin Shaq only have 36 inch verts

[abuC]

Bingo.

Thats what I was insinuating with the "next Shaq" comment because Shaq was very much like this coming out of HS. 7'0, Nearly 300lbs but a trim muscular figure, fluid athlete, strong, & basically resembling a manchild despite being 18 years old. Could get out on the fastbreak too & run the floor.

In comparison, there has not been a C prospect who has come out since then who looks this advanced from a physical & talent standpoint like Drummond does.

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2011/writers/luke_winn/08/30/Andrew.Drummond.UConn/Andre-Drummond-1.gif

I take it a lot of people are just getting hip to Andre Drummond since they havent followed recruiting. But this kid is 18. The way he looks, plays, handles himself and it looks almost LeBron level in terms of how advanced he is compared to players in his class.

He is a man among boys, although he is the same age as them.


I agree, this is what Oden looked like at 17:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPsvqFUoHd8

Drummond @ 17:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH3_K4uIsxA

Huge difference in my opinion.

[MichaelCheazley]

He reminds me of a poor mans current amare stoudemire.

[KevinNYC]

He reminds me of a poor mans current amare stoudemire.

I was thinking Sean Kemp.

He looks pretty impressive. Of all the prospects, I've seen here on ISH, he looks most like the real deal.

[MichaelCheazley]

I agree but I will never find another prospect that interesting until I see a true big man. 7 feet with a great post game, dominates defence etc.

[RRR3]

There will NEVER be anyone quite like Shaq again. EVER.

[G-train]

I will reserve judgement until college.
He is very athletic, but so was Stro Swift.

[Rowe]

I will reserve judgement until college.
He is very athletic, but so was Stro Swift.

Swift got drafted on upside after he beasted on Michael Wright.

He never showed at any time the ability to dominate games consistently. He was an "athlete" first and that was before he became a NBA player.

Drummond is on an entirely different level as a NBA prospect. He can dominate games on both ends, he just has a reputation for getting bored & not asserting himself. That could be a sign of his character or could be a sign of poor coaching. Calhoun is going to be on him this season and wont let him slack.

[G-train]

Swift got drafted on upside after he beasted on Michael Wright.

He never showed at any time the ability to dominate games consistently. He was an "athlete" first and that was before he became a NBA player.

Drummond is on an entirely different level as a NBA prospect. He can dominate games on both ends, he just has a reputation for getting bored & not asserting himself. That could be a sign of his character or could be a sign of poor coaching. Calhoun is going to be on him this season and wont let him slack.

Totally missed the point. A lot of guys about 6'10 in HS can run and leap over players, and run around like there is no one there.



He can dominate games on both ends, he just has a reputation for getting bored & not asserting himself.


Sounds like Swift and about 10 other players. He looks good so far, but I'll reserve an NBA estimate of level of play until college.

[ZenMaster]

Looks like something in between Stoudemire and Durant.

[G-train]

Looks like something in between Stoudemire and Durant.

How is he like Durant?

[ZenMaster]

How is he like Durant?


From what I've seen he handles the ball quite well kind of like Durant, also he runs the wing on fast breaks in some of the videos. But with the size of Amare.

He looks very impressive to me. Can't wait for Uconn to go against Kentucky and that crazy team!

[G-train]

I'd recommend to people making big calls about players, is to actually watch them play a game. Not a mixtape.
And preferably a game against decent competition.
Also, a player needs to have transferable skills.

I'm not sayin Drummond will be a bad player. I'm saying before anointing people, check out what going on and have a think about it.

Cos at the moment this guy is a 6'10 or 6'11 dude, with kinda a funny body shape, throwing down dunks against inferior competition. He doesnt appear overly quick around the basket, compared to say Stoudemire, Chandler or Kwame at the same age. He doesnt have the skills of DeMarcus cousins at the same age.
What will be the key is his work ethic and mindset, 2 things that are slightly questionable at this point.
But if he get that down pat, he will be a good NBA centre.

[ZenMaster]

I'd recommend to people making big calls about players, is to actually watch them play a game. Not a mixtape.
And preferably a game against decent competition.
Also, a player needs to have transferable skills.

I'm not sayin Drummond will be a bad player. I'm saying before anointing people, check out what going on and have a think about it.

Cos at the moment this guy is a 6'10 or 6'11 dude, with kinda a funny body shape, throwing down dunks against inferior competition. He doesnt appear overly quick around the basket, compared to say Stoudemire, Chandler or Kwame at the same age. He doesnt have the skills of DeMarcus cousins at the same age.
What will be the key is his work ethic and mindset, 2 things that are slightly questionable at this point.
But if he get that down pat, he will be a good NBA centre.

Could you give me a link to a game with him playing against another good HS team?

And yes he's playing vs inferior competition and vs that he looks like something in between KD and Amare. We'll see what he develops to.

[Rowe]

I'd recommend to people making big calls about players, is to actually watch them play a game. Not a mixtape.
And preferably a game against decent competition.
Also, a player needs to have transferable skills.

I'm not sayin Drummond will be a bad player. I'm saying before anointing people, check out what going on and have a think about it.

Cos at the moment this guy is a 6'10 or 6'11 dude, with kinda a funny body shape, throwing down dunks against inferior competition. He doesnt appear overly quick around the basket, compared to say Stoudemire, Chandler or Kwame at the same age. He doesnt have the skills of DeMarcus cousins at the same age.
What will be the key is his work ethic and mindset, 2 things that are slightly questionable at this point.
But if he get that down pat, he will be a good NBA centre.

I agree with waiting to reserve judgement until the NCAA season starts.

However, he is 6'11. Secondly, his "funny" body shape is a chiseled upper & lower body for a 18 year old which is where the manchild comments come from. He physically is built like a 5-10 year NBA pro without the wonders of a NBA training staff.

- He doesn't have the low post skills of Cousins because as many have noted that he doesn't have a developed post game, however his overall offensive skills are superior to Cousins.

Now that may not be important for a player who projects as a NBA C, however its those skills that make Drummond a unique Elite prospect in his own right. But think of it like this: Drummond is more capable of developing a low post game than Cousins is of developing a face up game that allows him to operate as a good passer in the high post or attack the basket with ease.

In terms of his quickness around the basket. From what I watched in the Adidas Nations games, he had no problem showcasing his explosiveness against top tier talent. Now, it would standout if he did have a developed post game and consistently used a spin move to put his man on his hip and finish. I think we all have to remember hes still 18 and it took the league's best C Dwight Howard until his 6th season to consistently execute such low post skills.

But as you said, I think its best we all watch and see this season. I know a lot of people are finally being exposed to him and they'll need to do their own scouting assessments of him.

[G-train]

He is kinda looks wider across the waist than he does across the shoulders. Like Thabeet or Brad Daugherty.

[Collie]

He is kinda looks wider across the waist than he does across the shoulders. Like Thabeet or Brad Daugherty.

Yeah he kinda has a weird body shape. Hopefully he can use that big ass to the same effect as Adrian Dantley did.

[Rowe]

Could you give me a link to a game with him playing against another good HS team?

And yes he's playing vs inferior competition and vs that he looks like something in between KD and Amare. We'll see what he develops to.

This is Drummond against the best AAU team from this year featuring Shabazz Muhammad. Their AAU name escapes me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QtNisxj48M

This is him at the Pangos All American Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SuPpqMKjPg


Lets all keep in mind here hes just 18. The sky is the limit.

[abuC]

He is kinda looks wider across the waist than he does across the shoulders. Like Thabeet or Brad Daugherty.


That's because he's 18 and hasn't done any real weight training, he'll probably stay around 275lbs but replace the baby fat with muscle over time.


A wide base is better than having chicken legs like Oden.

[Nero Tulip]

This guy looks absolutely sick! A bit short to be Shaq though. But with the right attitude he could be a top player.

On a side note I could've sworn I saw him dunk on Justin Bieber on that second video from Rowe :lol

[jlitt]

Sixers need to trade Iggy, Jrue , and Turner, for as many unprotected picks as possible for his lottery draft , then tank the season.

[abuC]

Sixers need to trade Iggy, Jrue , and Turner, for as many unprotected picks as possible for his lottery draft , then tank the season.


They might end up with him without having to do all that :oldlol:

[kumquat]

I think Amare looked a lot better in highschool. He was bulling guys around.

[G-train]

I think Amare looked a lot better in highschool. He was bulling guys around.

Undoubtedly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-x05PoOpk

[trooper]

Undoubtedly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-x05PoOpk

:eek: :eek: My god, physically it looks like he hasn't changed at all, it's like they put current Amar'e into his high school team. He's massive - his point guard probably only makes it to his shoulders.

His ballhandling looks really rough but I would honestly shit myself if I had to play against a monster like that.

Thanks for sharing :cheers:

[Go Getter]

Gotta be a legit 7-footer who plays in the paint to be the next Shaq first off.

His game reminds me of Chris Webber/KG in that he's comfortable handling the ball and has excellent passing skills.

I like this kid's game.

Now we have to see him vs. top-notch competition.

[RoseCity07]

Holy sh*t this kid looks good. Handles, passing, and likes to dunk. He is going number 1.

[RoseCity07]

Undoubtedly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z-x05PoOpk

I think Amare has a lost a lot of that mobility too. I do remember early in his career he seemed way more dominant. He still is pretty unstoppable at times, but the man he was in high school was really something special.

Amare before the microfracture was definitely a super freak of nature.

[KrizMiz]

combination of dwight and amar'e

[imdaman99]

I have been talking about this guy for years tbh. But he still has a lot of work to do. He often disappears in games. Still extremely talented though.

Definitely nothing like Shaq though.
This beast disappeared in HS games? WTF???!!! Unless you're talking about elementary school games, I would understand than.

[abuC]

I think Amare looked a lot better in highschool. He was bulling guys around.


That's because Amare played in a public league, Drummond played in a prep league with guys that were 2-3 years older than him (5th year seniors). There are plenty of people in the videos of Drummond that are his own height, Amare was just a man among boys, literally.

[abuC]

the next javalee mcgee...

McGee wasn't even nationally ranked coming out of HS.

[Miserio]

The next John Salley.

[G-train]

intredasting

[Collie]

36% FT shooter :facepalm

[Shade8780]

As a UConn fan, I can just say, he has great dribbling and C-Webb like passing for a big man.

[KDthunderup]

I see the Bobcats drafting him

Kemba + Drummond = decent future

[Rowe]

I see the Bobcats drafting him

Kemba + Drummond = decent future

Honestly, I think MJ goes with Harrison Barnes over Drummond.

They took a risk last year to trade up to get Bismack Biyombo in hopes he becomes a dominant defensive PF/C(depending on if he gets taller/stronger).

Barnes has Superstar Potential.

Everything from his game to his attitude is far advanced for his age.

[KDthunderup]

Honestly, I think MJ goes with Harrison Barnes over Drummond.

They took a risk last year to trade up to get Bismack Biyombo in hopes he becomes a dominant defensive PF/C(depending on if he gets taller/stronger).

Barnes has Superstar Potential.

Everything from his game to his attitude is far advanced for his age.
I dont think you could pass up a player like Drummond, Biyombo wil be PF for them.

[TaLvsCuaL]

The last time I heard about the next Shaq the player ended up with serious injuries. So I hope not the same thing happens to this kid.

http://wgtccdn.wegotthiscovered.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Greg-Oden-Injury.jpg

[kumquat]

****ing ouch.....take a look at that knee, that looks wrong.

http://wgtccdn.wegotthiscovered.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/Greg-Oden-Injury.jpg

[Rowe]

I dont think you could pass up a player like Drummond, Biyombo wil be PF for them.

I love Drummond & his potential.

But Harrison Barnes should be the pick for them even if they get the #1 pick.

Their franchise is on the brink of extinction.

Drafting back to back Rookie of the Years can fix things quickly much like it did with OKC.

[OmniStrife]

Damn his legs are like tree trunks!

[Aussie Dunker]

Come on Pistons! A frontcourt of Drummond / Monroe would be amazing :bowdown:

[Zenji]

I don't know, guy seems to lack that killer instinct. Physical tools might be too impressive to pass up though. His passing skills are pretty enticing also.

[Lebron23]

Come on Pistons! A frontcourt of Drummond / Monroe would be amazing :bowdown:


Drummond and Monroe = the next twin towers.

[CLTHornets4eva]

I'd love to have him in Charlotte. Even as a UNC fan I would take him over Barnes.

[copper]

Come on Pistons! A frontcourt of Drummond / Monroe would be amazing :bowdown:
the thought is like viagra for a piston fan