Ace Bailey is legit

[Lebron23]

Ace Bailey is legit the next franchise player of the Utah Jazz[ video]hhttps://youtu.be/51VF5wBNgAU?si=EX1xl_fR0KJ-PNJq[/video]

[Lebron23]

https://youtu.be/51VF5wBNgAU?si=3NK2ISzVolQ2Mw5Z

[Xiao Yao You]

Looks like he could join stockton malone and gobert on their mt. Rushmore. The sooner they trade lauri and build around bailey the better

[tontoz]

I like Ace and was hoping he would fall to us but let's be real one preseason game doesnt mean much.

[Xiao Yao You]

Saw IT after his 2nd summer league game. He has IT. Sounds like he loves basketball and works hard. Only thing standing in his way is injury.got rid of his agent that got him to utah with his idiocy already! :cheers:

[Akeem34TheDream]

Looks like he could join stockton malone and gobert on their mt. Rushmore. The sooner they trade lauri and build around bailey the better

A few years ago this post would've baited dozens of posters.

[Akeem34TheDream]

Also this guy looks really solid

[tontoz]

The highlights missed a good drive. One knock on Ace in college was that he settled for jumpers too much instead of attacking the basket and finishing. I felt that part of the problem was the poor spacing at Rutgers.

I expect we'll see more of this from now on.


https://youtu.be/V4VwneDZbdQ?feature=shared

[Xiao Yao You]

The highlights missed a good drive. One knock on Ace in college was that he settled for jumpers too much instead of attacking the basket and finishing. I felt that part of the problem was the poor spacing at Rutgers.

I expect we'll see more of this from now on.


https://youtu.be/V4VwneDZbdQ?feature=shared

He took a couple bad shots early but looked great once he got it going. Seemed to be automatic around the free throw line. Jazz wete missing probably 3 starters against the rockets best. It can only get better

[Xiao Yao You]

Ace iso for win. Missed it but hes the future

[MrFonzworth]

Ace iso for win. Missed it but hes the future

Will be tuning in to the Utah Jazz team forum to read your hot takes on his career for the next 10 years:cheers:

[ShawkFactory]

Yikes. I know it's one preseason game so who cares but with his size, length, and shot-making ability? Looks similar to a young dude who played in Toronto his first couple years in the late 90s.

He's a little longer and jumper is a little clunkier. But still effective.

Not quite the passer the other guy was though and probably never will be.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sky is the limit. He makes the game look easy. Shows potential at both ends. Made a chase down block. Was goaltending but high energy player. Saved another ball. Great mid range game. But looks like he should be a 3 level scorer. Im sure the spurs are wondering if they took the right guy

[tontoz]

Sky is the limit. He makes the game look easy. Shows potential at both ends. Made a chase down block. Was goaltending but high energy player. Saved another ball. Great mid range game. But looks like he should be a 3 level scorer. Im sure the spurs are wondering if they took the right guy

It's not the Spurs that messed up. Harper was the clear number 2. It was Pilly and the Hornets that blew it. Thankfully they did because it allowed Tre to fall into our lap.

My top 5 was

1 Cooper
2 Dylan
3 Ace
4 Tre
5 VJ

The gap between Ace and Tre is much smaller than the gap between Tre and VJ imo. I think Kon was 7 at best, and even that is probably a reach.

[Lebron23]

https://youtu.be/OVKHTaijKzI?si=_0cU8ONPl0jl1617

[GOBB]

Sky is the limit. He makes the game look easy. Shows potential at both ends. Made a chase down block. Was goaltending but high energy player. Saved another ball. Great mid range game. But looks like he should be a 3 level scorer. Im sure the spurs are wondering if they took the right guy

You’re not baiting anyone you do know this right? I feel like you’re trying extremely hard in here. Especially when your energy towards Ace when he was drafted was nowhere close to the things being said in this thread. You might want to wait until someone on the Jazz gets bashed, hated on that’s actually a good player to do that for. If you got nothing else to do then bait away I guess. You’re kind of making it obvious is all im saying.

[GOBB]

It's not the Spurs that messed up. Harper was the clear number 2. It was Pilly and the Hornets that blew it. Thankfully they did because it allowed Tre to fall into our lap.

My top 5 was

1 Cooper
2 Dylan
3 Ace
4 Tre
5 VJ

The gap between Ace and Tre is much smaller than the gap between Tre and VJ imo. I think Kon was 7 at best, and even that is probably a reach.

A wizards fan saying another team blew it is comical to me. Especially when you look at the talent. But hey man Tre is your savior. Philly blew it!

[Xiao Yao You]

You’re not baiting anyone you do know this right? I feel like you’re trying extremely hard in here. Especially when your energy towards Ace when he was drafted was nowhere close to the things being said in this thread. You might want to wait until someone on the Jazz gets bashed, hated on that’s actually a good player to do that for. If you got nothing else to do then bait away I guess. You’re kind of making it obvious is all im saying.

Not sure what you are getting at? I was happy that they took the bpa even if his former agent didnt like it. My energy after his 2nd and last summer league game was where it is now. I tend to judge players based on watching them play basketball and not on anything else

[GOBB]

Not sure what you are getting at? I was happy that they took the bpa even if his former agent didnt like it. My energy after his 2nd and last summer league game was where it is now. I tend to judge players based on watching them play basketball and not on anything else

Your energy was mild. Sure you don’t know what I’m getting at. *thumbs up*

[tontoz]

A wizards fan saying another team blew it is comical to me. Especially when you look at the talent. But hey man Tre is your savior. Philly blew it!


I had vj at 5, as I posted, so "blew it" was probably too strong in regards to Philly. It definitely fits for the Hornets though.

[GOBB]

I had vj at 5, as I posted, so "blew it" was probably too strong in regards to Philly. It definitely fits for the Hornets though.

Was expecting a little divisional push back. But I’ll take this lol when does Tre debut tho in preseason?

[Xiao Yao You]

Your energy was mild. Sure you don’t know what I’m getting at. *thumbs up*

My energy was pretty much the same. I believe i said then that he could join the jazz mt. Rushmore. Obviously doing it in pre season means a lot more than summer league

[tontoz]

Was expecting a little divisional push back. But I’ll take this lol when does Tre debut tho in preseason?

At 3 today on NBA TV. He was pretty impressive in summer league. He showed some finishes inside that I hadn't seen in college.

The Hornets previously drafted Morrison and MKG top 5. :lol apparently there are some Duke alums in their front office that wanted to draft a Dukie. Dumb move.

[Xiao Yao You]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?521925-2025-NBA-Draft-Discussion&p=15020873&viewfull=1#post15020873

[Mask the Embiid]

i told them to draft him smh... :facepalm

[FilmyCogTurner]

I'm getting Gay vibes, Rudy you idiots...

But seriously his game is nice, he'll probably fool a lot of teams into big contracts. His name is Ace after all.

[Axe]

He and towns might get along if they do become teammates in the future.


I'm getting Gay vibes
https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg

[GOBB]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?521925-2025-NBA-Draft-Discussion&p=15020873&viewfull=1#post15020873

Mild in comparison to this thread.

[Xiao Yao You]

Mild in comparison to this thread.

Similar energy. Facts! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Ace sitting 2nd half. Knee soreness

[Xiao Yao You]

Kd?

https://thejnotes.com/bill-simmons-gives-ace-bailey-comp-that-will-excite-jazz-fans

[tontoz]

Kd?

https://thejnotes.com/bill-simmons-gives-ace-bailey-comp-that-will-excite-jazz-fans



Just stop :lol

KD averaged 26/11 in college with 4 stocks.

[Xiao Yao You]

Not sure kd at 18 in a weaker college era means ace cant be an all time great

[tontoz]

Not sure kd at 18 in a weaker college era means ace cant be an all time great


Rutgers didn't exactly have a tough schedule. :lol

Did you even watch any of his college games? I watched him a lot.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rutgers didn't exactly have a tough schedule. :lol

Did you even watch any of his college games? I watched him a lot.

Never saw him play before summer. Kd being better at the same age in a weaker college game doesnt mean ace cant be an all time great. Looks like he could be great. We shall see :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Not sure what you were watching but big 10 was 2nd best conference and rutgers had 8th toughest schedule in the country

[tontoz]

Not sure what you were watching but big 10 was 2nd best conference and rutgers had 8th toughest schedule in the country

Where are you getting that from? :lol

The SEC was the strongest conference by far. The highest ranked team from the big 10 was 7th. There are 18 teams in the big 10 and many of them are just mediocre.

Their non-coference games included:

Monmouth
Merimmak
Kennesaw State
Notre Dame
Columbia
Seton Hall

[Xiao Yao You]

The Big Ten was ranked as the second-best conference in men's college basketball last season based on the NET rankings. The conference also had eight teams selected for the NCAA Tournament, and multiple teams appeared in the final Associated Press and Coaches Polls, with Michigan State and Wisconsin finishing as the highest-ranked Big Ten teams.

Rutgers' schedule strength ranked 8th in the nation for the 2024-2025 season, according to TeamRankings.com.

[Xiao Yao You]

If you arent in sec you have a weak schedule? Big 12 had an off year. Usually the best. I saw plenty of good teams there. Certainly a higher level of play than kd faced when he played in it

[tontoz]

If you arent in sec you have a weak schedule? Big 12 had an off year. Usually the best. I saw plenty of good teams there. Certainly a higher level of play than kd faced when he played in it


KD averaged 26/11 shooting 47% from the field, 40% from 3. Ace averaged 17.6/7.2 on worse shooting. That is a huge gap.

Ace had 3 games all season where he scored 26.

Again i like Ace and had him 3 on my board but anyone comparing him to KD clearly didn't watch him play.

[GOBB]

Classic case of someone deciding not to concede vs reaching for straws to argue. Durant freshman season is argued as one of the all time greatest freshman seasons in HISTORY. I’ve never ever ever heard anyone speak on it being a “weaker” college in reference to his season. Like I said your energy wasn’t like this before when it came to Ace. How a summer league/preseason has you making these argument is beyond me. And you admit you didn’t even watch Ace play. Soooooo I’m lost at the replies here. Tontoz has without a doubt watched Ace a lot becuase we were in the thread with Cooper Flagg speaking on it. As he was a huge Dylan Harper fan.

[Xiao Yao You]

Classic case of someone deciding not to concede vs reaching for straws to argue. Durant freshman season is argued as one of the all time greatest freshman seasons in HISTORY. I’ve never ever ever heard anyone speak on it being a “weaker” college in reference to his season. Like I said your energy wasn’t like this before when it came to Ace. How a summer league/preseason has you making these argument is beyond me. And you admit you didn’t even watch Ace play. Soooooo I’m lost at the replies here. Tontoz has without a doubt watched Ace a lot becuase we were in the thread with Cooper Flagg speaking on it. As he was a huge Dylan Harper fan.

Bill simmons compared aces game to kds. Not sure what kds freshman year has to do with ace becoming great? Malone and stockton are too of the greats despite not being ncaa player of the year. Gobert went from project at 21 to the best player on his team within a year. College basketball is certainly better now with nil and the tranfer portal leading to more guys staying in school longer. Be hard to argue that but you seem to have the energy to do so. I linked you to my comments after his 2nd game. Trade lauri and build around ace. Not sure what has changed other than he continued to show out in pre season. :coleman:

[Xiao Yao You]

Based on research by ESPN's John Gasaway, the average age of NCAA men's basketball players was significantly younger in the mid-2000s compared to last season. The average age has steadily increased over the past decade due to factors like the transfer portal and the granting of extra eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[tontoz]

Based on research by ESPN's John Gasaway, the average age of NCAA men's basketball players was significantly younger in the mid-2000s compared to last season. The average age has steadily increased over the past decade due to factors like the transfer portal and the granting of extra eligibility because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That's not going to make a 50% difference in production.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

[Xiao Yao You]

That's not going to make a 50% difference in production.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

Again not sure what durant at 18 has to do with ace being great :confusedshrug:

[tontoz]

Again not sure what durant at 18 has to do with ace being great :confusedshrug:

You are the one who brought up the KD comparison.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

[Xiao Yao You]

You are the one who brought up the KD comparison.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

Bill simmons did. I posted a link. Comparing players doesnt mean he thinks hes as good as durant or will be. Kd is his favorite player so not surprising that he would see similarities in their games. Hes already bigger than kd so he will certainly be a different player

[tontoz]

Bill simmons did. I posted a link. Comparing players doesnt mean he thinks hes as good as durant or will be. Kd is his favorite player so not surprising that he would see similarities in their games. Hes already bigger than kd so he will certainly be a different player


Do you really think Bill Simmons was watching Rutgers games?

Some sources aren't worth posting. There are countless videos about the draft and Ace and nobody was comparing him to KD.

So Simmons is making the comparison based on what, preseason highlights?

:facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Do you really think Bill Simmons was watching Rutgers games?

Some sources aren't worth posting. There are countless videos about the draft and Ace and nobody was comparing him to KD.

So Simmons is making the comparison based on what, preseason highlights?

:facepalm

Why would he base his opinions on what he did a year ago against college kids when he could watch what he is doing against the best players in the world? Jabari parker was probably considered better than ace at duke. Only one person on ish thinks jabari was a great nba player

[tontoz]

Why would he base his opinions on what he did a year ago against college kids when he could watch what he is doing against the best players in the world? Jabari parker was probably considered better than ace at duke. Only one person on ish thinks jabari was a great nba player

so you think you can learn more about a player from 2 preseason games than from an entire college season?

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif


Jabari is actually a better comp for Ace than Durant.

[Xiao Yao You]

Playing nba basketball against some of the best players vs playing college ball against guys that mostly will never play in the nba? Yeah i will go for nba pre season anyday. A big reason the age limit is 19 is because they wanted more info on guys than high school. I want more info than big 10 basketball or summer league. Next week i will get even more info. If a team has an nba program like byu it will be more meaningful and why they have one of the top two players in next years draft. Playing zone or against zone with all the other rules and styles of play doesnt always translate. Watching ace in the no touch league shows me a lot more

[Xiao Yao You]

Already better than jabari. He plays d

[tontoz]

Playing nba basketball against some of the best players vs playing college ball against guys that mostly will never play in the nba? Yeah i will go for nba pre season anyday. A big reason the age limit is 19 is because they wanted more info on guys than high school. I want more info than big 10 basketball or summer league. Next week i will get even more info. If a team has an nba program like byu it will be more meaningful and why they have one of the top two players in next years draft. Playing zone or against zone with all the other rules and styles of play doesnt always translate. Watching ace in the no touch league shows me a lot more



:lol


Teams aren't even trying to win in preseason. They are playing guys who won't even be in the rotation once the season starts.

Ace has similar issues to Jabari. Limited creation off the dribble and a dismal assist to turnover ratio.

You aren't going to learn squat about a player from watching preseason highlights.

[Xiao Yao You]

:lol


Teams aren't even trying to win in preseason. They are playing guys who won't even be in the rotation once the season starts.

Ace has similar issues to Jabari. Limited creation off the dribble and a dismal assist to turnover ratio.

You aren't going to learn squat about a player from watching preseason highlights.

I watched the games not the highlites. Kd looked like kd. Sengun looked like sengun. Wemby looked like wemby. Certainly learn more from that than what he does against nortwesterns 2 3 zone and their future gleaguers. Maybe he will suck once the season starts like jabari. I doubt it. I know talent. He has has IT. I saw it with stockton day 1. Jazz didnt figure it out for a while. Saw it with ace game two in july. Best player in utah since gobert certainly. Could pass dantley on their mt. Rushmore :rockon:

[tontoz]

I watched the games not the highlites. Kd looked like kd. Sengun looked like sengun. Wemby looked like wemby. Certainly learn more from that than what he does against nortwesterns 2 3 zone and their future gleaguers. Maybe he will suck once the season starts like jabari. I doubt it. I know talent. He has has IT. I saw it with stockton day 1. Jazz didnt figure it out for a while. Saw it with ace game two in july. Best player in utah since gobert certainly. Could pass dantley on their mt. Rushmore :rockon:



Jabari's college numbers were virtually identical to Ace, except he was a more efficient scorer.

If you actually watched the games you would know that they didn't face a lot of zone.

I bet you didn't even notice that Ace attempted only 3 foul shots total in preseason.

[Xiao Yao You]

Jabari's college numbers were virtually identical to Ace, except he was a more efficient scorer.

If you actually watched the games you would know that they didn't face a lot of zone.

I bet you didn't even notice that Ace attempted only 3 foul shots total in preseason.

Not too concerned with that. They have him playing the 2 as well which wont be his position once the tanking crap stops. He loves basketball and puts in the work. Will only get better.

[tontoz]

Not too concerned with that. They have him playing the 2 as well which wont be his position once the tanking crap stops. He loves basketball and puts in the work. Will only get better.

I hope so, because his college TS of 53.6% definitely needs improvement. He will be going up against much better defenders once the real games start.

[Xiao Yao You]

I hope so, because his college TS of 53.6% definitely needs improvement. He will be going up against much better defenders once the real games start.

And he will have better players around him. Hasnt played with 2 starters kessler or collier. Just a bit with lauri. Stockton supposedly couldnt shoot when he joined the league. Gobert was supposedly just long.. karl malone played for a small college. Talent and work goes a long way

[tontoz]

And he will have better players around him. Hasnt played with 2 starters kessler or collier. Just a bit with lauri. Stockton supposedly couldnt shoot when he joined the league. Gobert was supposedly just long.. karl malone played for a small college. Talent and work goes a long way

Ace played with Harper who routinely drew double teams making things easier for Ace.

[Xiao Yao You]

Ace played with Harper who routinely drew double teams making things easier for Ace.

Now he will have 4 nba players around him not 1

[tontoz]

Now he will have 4 nba players around him not 1

None of them are as talented as Harper. He was shredding teams early in the season when they were trying to guard him with one man.

He had 35 pt games on back to back nights early in the season, the second one against Alabama with a very strong defense.

I like Ace but he is more of a project than you realize.

[Xiao Yao You]

None of them are as talented as Harper. He was shredding teams early in the season when they were trying to guard him with one man.

He had 35 pt games on back to back nights early in the season, the second one against Alabama with a very strong defense.

I like Ace but he is more of a project than you realize.

Harper looked good coming off spurs bench

Projects dont go 5th in draft

[Xiao Yao You]

Or shouldnt anyway. Their top pick from last year looks like a project

[tontoz]

Harper looked good coming off spurs bench

Projects dont go 5th in draft

Sarr went number 2 and he is a project. Ditto Wiseman, a project that never worked out. Ditto Marvin Bagley.In fact there have been a lot of top 5 picks that end up as busts, and many others that never became good.

ever heard of Ron Holland? He went 5th last year.

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarr was the best rookie i saw last year. Sarr for keyonte george and and cody williams?

[Xiao Yao You]

So everyone is a superstar, scrub or project with you? 13 pts 8 boards 2 ass 2 blocks is a rotation player probably a starter. Obviously will have to improve his effociency

[tontoz]

Sarr was the best rookie i saw last year. Sarr for keyonte george and and cody williams?


Sarr was legit awful last year. Couldn't defend centers at all and his scoring efficiency was horrible. A 48% TS isn't a good look for a 7 footer.

They aren't going to trade him lol but he has a lot to work on. Oddly enough the one thing he did well, after an awful start, was shoot 3s

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarr was legit awful last year. Couldn't defend centers at all and his scoring efficiency was horrible. A 48% TS isn't a good look for a 7 footer.

They aren't going to trade him lol but he has a lot to work on. Oddly enough the one thing he did well, after an awful start, was shoot 3s

Looked great when i saw him. Weaker draft than this year. Ace would have went 1st

[tontoz]

Looked great when i saw him. Weaker draft than this year. Ace would have went 1st

I argued with a lot of people on a draft board who thinks Ace will be a bust. His advanced stats don't look good. They certainly don't look like a number 1 pick.

His BPM of 4.5 isn't good and doesn't project to a franchise player. Tre was at 7.7. Flagg was at 16.3.

I don't view advanced stats as gospel when evaluating freshman but they are instructive.

[GOBB]

Jesus Christ this is cringe lol Yes bill simmons compared Ace to Durant and guess what you did?

[Xiao Yao You]

Jesus Christ this is cringe lol Yes bill simmons compared Ace to Durant and guess what you did?

Posted a l]ink about it? :confusedshrug:

[GOBB]

Posted a l]ink about it? :confusedshrug:

And you tried to diminish KD freshman season and argue Ace faced tougher competition. All the while never watching either play. lol

Just enjoy Ace man. Utah got a nice talent thanks to Ace agent f*cking off his draft stock. If he’s anything like prime George in Indy that would be nice. Need to really see what he’s made of before the Durant comparison isn’t a reach. Should be able to tell by year 3. Lots of time. Lots of opportunity.

[ShawkFactory]

Jesus Christ this is cringe lol Yes bill simmons compared Ace to Durant and guess what you did?

I do have respect for Bill Simmons even if I disagree but I think that comp was definitely a hot take and slightly in jest.

Durant was far more advanced as an overall scorer at the same age. Doesn’t mean Ace won’t be. 30ppg guy someday. It’s possible. But with Durant it was a borderline certainty.

[Xiao Yao You]

And you tried to diminish KD freshman season and argue Ace faced tougher competition. All the while never watching either play. lol

Just enjoy Ace man. Utah got a nice talent thanks to Ace agent f*cking off his draft stock. If he’s anything like prime George in Indy that would be nice. Need to really see what he’s made of before the Durant comparison isn’t a reach. Should be able to tell by year 3. Lots of time. Lots of opportunity.

You really want to argue that college basketball isnt better now? Players are staying in college longer. Equals better product. Hard to argue otherwise but you seem to have the enrgy for nonsense. I have watched every minute baily has played since july including against the guy he has patterned his game after ld. Imagine someone thinking your game reminds them of yoir hero who influenced your game :facepalm

[GOBB]

You really want to argue that college basketball isnt better now? Players are staying in college longer. Equals better product. Hard to argue otherwise but you seem to have the enrgy for nonsense. I have watched every minute baily has played since july including against the guy he has patterned his game after ld. Imagine someone thinking your game reminds them of yoir hero who influenced your game :facepalm

Imagine someone who didn’t watch Ace Bailey play attempting to argue today’s game in college is better than when Durant played. Imagine the same person saying Durant played in a weaker conference. The issue here? How can you argue and be so adamant about something you don’t watch in 2025 no less 2006? Your whole argument is players stating in college longer = better product. Then have the nerve to say it’s hard to argue it when you don’t even follow college basketball. Cringe. There’s something with you where you simply can’t concede. You simply can say “I don’t know”, “I’m not sure”, “Hard for me to speak on the topic”. Whatever is in your DNA makeup doesn’t allow it.

[Im Still Ballin]

Ace Bailey's offensive potential?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8_iSAZp3U8

[GOBB]

Not sure what you were watching but big 10 was 2nd best conference and rutgers had 8th toughest schedule in the country

You never watched college basketball last season. You never watched teams in the big 10 last season. You never watched Rutgers play all season. But you type this to someone who has. And then want to argue on it. That’s weird to me. And you don’t see it.

I once was an avid baseball fan and my interest dwindled significantly to where I couldn’t name the top 10 players in the game today. I know Ohtani is the best player but I’m not even confident saying that becuase I couldn’t argue it vs someone who follows baseball today. I damn sure won’t run to links supporting my claim on a sport I hardly follow anymore just to be “right”. In the baseball thread I do a lot of reading or asking others their thoughts on who is the best (why). Rarely argue or challenge opinions. Give it a try. You might learn something from those who actually are in tune with what’s going on. Just some advice. Even tho I know it’s something you will hardly take. Because you convinced yourself you can be knowledgeable on something you didn’t watch. “Hard to argue that”.

[Xiao Yao You]

You never watched college basketball last season. You never watched teams in the big 10 last season. You never watched Rutgers play all season. But you type this to someone who has. And then want to argue on it. That’s weird to me. And you don’t see it.

I once was an avid baseball fan and my interest dwindled significantly to where I couldn’t name the top 10 players in the game today. I know Ohtani is the best player but I’m not even confident saying that becuase I couldn’t argue it vs someone who follows baseball today. I damn sure won’t run to links supporting my claim on a sport I hardly follow anymore just to be “right”. In the baseball thread I do a lot of reading or asking others their thoughts on who is the best (why). Rarely argue or challenge opinions. Give it a try. You might learn something from those who actually are in tune with what’s going on. Just some advice. Even tho I know it’s something you will hardly take. Because you convinced yourself you can be knowledgeable on something you didn’t watch. “Hard to argue that”.

The person that supposedly did watch them said they had a weak schedule. 8th toughest in the country in the 2nd toughest conference. I watch my ncaa team. I know players are older which means better. But hey keep bringing that energy and tell me otherwise! I saw lots of mannys new fave demin and i saw the sixers pick. They didnt impress me like ace but maybe they will in the nba? :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

Ace Bailey's offensive potential?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8_iSAZp3U8

Porter would be disappointing. Has a lot more two way potential and offensive versatility

[Xiao Yao You]

Imagine someone who didn’t watch Ace Bailey play attempting to argue today’s game in college is better than when Durant played. Imagine the same person saying Durant played in a weaker conference. The issue here? How can you argue and be so adamant about something you don’t watch in 2025 no less 2006? Your whole argument is players stating in college longer = better product. Then have the nerve to say it’s hard to argue it when you don’t even follow college basketball. Cringe. There’s something with you where you simply can’t concede. You simply can say “I don’t know”, “I’m not sure”, “Hard for me to speak on the topic”. Whatever is in your DNA makeup doesn’t allow it.

It is possible that durant played in a tougher conference since the big 12 is usually the best but unlikely since the ncaa is better now because the players are older. Common sense which i guess is something you lack. I didnt watch the sixers more than twice last year but i know they sucked :cheers:

[GOBB]

The person that supposedly did watch them said they had a weak schedule. 8th toughest in the country in the 2nd toughest conference. I watch my ncaa team. I know players are older which means better. But hey keep bringing that energy and tell me otherwise! I saw lots of mannys new fave demin and i saw the sixers pick. They didnt impress me like ace but maybe they will in the nba? :lol

So you saw VJ last game vs Minny and wasn’t impressed? The person who said he watched Ace did in fact watch Ace. As we all were in the Cooper Flagg thread discussing him. And he in fact watched him more than me because he is a Dylan Harper fan. Don’t play this “supposedly” game when you in fact didntt watch Rutgers or teams in that conference to determine how strong they were. You went online and found stats to support a claim. How you don’t find this strange behavior is funny to me.

[Xiao Yao You]

So you saw VJ last game vs Minny and wasn’t impressed? The person who said he watched Ace did in fact watch Ace. As we all were in the Cooper Flagg thread discussing him. And he in fact watched him more than me because he is a Dylan Harper fan. Don’t play this “supposedly” game when you in fact didntt watch Rutgers or teams in that conference to determine how strong they were. You went online and found stats to support a claim. How you don’t find this strange behavior is funny to me.

Saw gim in college

[GOBB]

It is possible that durant played in a tougher conference since the big 12 is usually the best but unlikely since the ncaa is better now because the players are older. Common sense which i guess is something you lack. I didnt watch the sixers more than twice last year but i know they sucked :cheers:

Now it’s possible Durant played in a tougher conference when you were so adamant it was weak. All because Utah drafted a kid from Rutgers. So you want to show he played in a tougher conference even though you don’t even follow college basketball. Common sense would be you just sticking to the nba. Talking about things you aren’t knowledgeable on makes you look like an idiot. Don’t be an idiot.

[GOBB]

Saw gim in college

No you didn’t.

Let’s just go back to waiting for Ace Bailey next game and discussing that. You can’t talk college hoops here. You don’t watch.

[Xiao Yao You]

No you didn’t.

Let’s just go back to waiting for Ace Bailey next game and discussing that. You can’t talk college hoops here. You don’t watch.

I didnt watch ace. Why would i watch a crappy team in new jersey?

[GOBB]

I didnt watch ace. Why would i watch a crappy team in new jersey?

A team in the “toughest conference in college basketball”

A team that featured two highly touted NBA lottery picks

I don’t know.

[Xiao Yao You]

A team in the “toughest conference in college basketball”

A team that featured two highly touted NBA lottery picks

I don’t know.


I just follow my teams these days. I have other interests.

[GOBB]

I just follow my teams these days. I have other interests.

I can’t tell you speak like you follow everything and everyone. “Hard to argue that”.

[Xiao Yao You]

You want argue that younger players are better than older players? Dont know what to tell you. Some things are just common sense.:wtf:

[tontoz]

You want argue that younger players are better than older players? Dont know what to tell you. Some things are just common sense.:wtf:

The first 8 picks in the draft were 1 and done. I guess they didnt get your memo about guys staying in school. :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

The first 8 picks in the draft were 1 and done. I guess they didnt get your memo about guys staying in school. :lol

The top prospects are still going more guys are staying longer. They have options now. Many guys entered the tranfer portal and the draft. In The past they would have had to sit a year to transfer so they may have went pro if they werent happy at their school than sit a year or because they needed to feed their family.

Flagg only freshman on 1st or 2nd team all america. 3 graduate seniors. 2 seniors. 2 juniors. 2 sophomores. Those teams were dominated by freshman for a couple decades. Players staying in school makes a better game in college and the nba. Might be hard for ish to ununderstand? :confusedshrug:

[Xiao Yao You]

Also have euro pros going to ncaa which couldnt happen in the past

[tontoz]

The top prospects are still going more guys are staying longer. They have options now. Many guys entered the tranfer portal and the draft. In The past they would have had to sit a year to transfer so they may have went pro if they werent happy at their school than sit a year or because they needed to feed their family.

Flagg only freshman on 1st or 2nd team all america. 3 graduate seniors. 2 seniors. 2 juniors. 2 sophomores. Those teams were dominated by freshman for a couple decades. Players staying in school makes a better game in college and the nba. Might be hard for ish to ununderstand? :confusedshrug:


So who were the guys who could have been drafted this year but decided to stay in school? I know a couple but this is not a common thing.

[tontoz]

Also have euro pros going to ncaa which couldnt happen in the past


The top 2 picks in the draft last year played overseas . Holland and Buzelis played for overtime elite which didn't even exist in 2006.

[Xiao Yao You]

The top 2 picks in the draft last year didn't play in college.

But they also have other options now. Demin went to an nba program and became a lottery pick

[tontoz]

But they also have other options now. Demin went to an nba program and became a lottery pick

Another one and done. Guys who can get drafted don't stay in school often. It is the random late 1st/2nd round guys that decided to stay in school

A handful of guys aren't enough to change the competitive landscape. There are so many teams that the effect is negligible.There are 18 teams just in the big 10.

[Xiao Yao You]

Another one and done. Guys who can get drafted don't stay in school often. It is the random late 1st/2nd round guys that decided to stay in school

A handful of guys aren't enough to change the competitive landscape. There are so many teams that the effect is negligible.There are 18 teams just in the big 10.

Guys guaranteed 1st round makes sense. 2 guaranteed years. Otherwise they are weighing their options especially if they like school like student athletes should. Stupid to have guys in college that are only there to play sports. Give the scholarships to those who want to be there. If the gleague was a real minor league it would help. The best player in the final four played 4 years as did half of the all americans i.e. the best players.. older players is better. The ncaa and nba are better now. Not as good as when most guys played 4 or at least 3 but a lot better than it was before nil and portal for sure. Less guys like cody williams and keyonte george watering down the nba on tanking teams is better

[Xiao Yao You]

Also more ncaa teams hiring nba coaches and personnel to prepare guys for the nba

[tontoz]

Much better than before nil? :lol

NIL just started and there are only a handful of guys choosing to stay in school instead of getting drafted. You are acting like it is dozens of players even though you can't name one of them.

Two of the guys drafted top 10 last season played in the gleague.

[Xiao Yao You]

Much better than before nil? :lol

NIL just started and there are only a handful of guys choosing to stay in school instead of getting drafted. You are acting like it is dozens of players even though you can't name one of them.

Two of the guys drafted top 10 last season played in the gleague.

I have to name the graduate seniors and seniors who were voted as top 10 players? Broome, clayton, sears, jones and tonje. Tonje i know is 24. The average age has went up. A handful of players doesnt change the average age. Most of the guys drafted top 10 should have played in the gleague. That is a big part of the problem. They should all be considered gleaguers until they prove otherwise. Nba should be for proven vets. A lot easier to tank with gleaguers though. You if anyone should have a handle on it with that roster. You called ace a project. Projects should be in the gleague not taking minutes from a proven vet. Sucks!

[tontoz]

I have to name the graduate seniors and seniors who were voted as top 10 players? Broome, clayton, sears, jones and tonje. Tonje i know is 24. The average age has went up. A handful of players doesnt change the average age. Most of the guys drafted top 10 should have played in the gleague. That is a big part of the problem. They should all be considered gleaguers until they prove otherwise. Nba should be for proven vets. A lot easier to tank with gleaguers though. You if anyone should have a handle on it with that roster. You called ace a project. Projects should be in the gleague not taking minutes from a proven vet. Sucks!

Do you not understand English? Let's try this again.

Who are the guys who COULD HAVE BEEN DRAFTED THIS YEAR BUT DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL INSTEAD?

Two I know of are Yaxel Lendeborg and Philon? Anyone else?

[Xiao Yao You]

Do you not understand English? Let's try this again.

Who are the guys who COULD HAVE BEEN DRAFTED THIS YEAR BUT DECIDED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL INSTEAD?

Two I know of are Yaxel Lendeborg and Philon? Anyone else?

I named 5 of the top 10 players that have played at 4 years instead of going pro. Only flagg was a freshman so 9 of 10 went back for more schooling after their freshman year. I know ritchie saunders went back to try to win the title with aj

multiple reports list over 30 players who withdrew before the initial May 28 deadline, with others withdrawing even later. Some articles specifically mention the return of players like Braden Smith (Purdue) and Thomas Haugh (Florida).

Significant increase: The number of players returning to college after declaring for the draft was notably high in 2025, potentially higher than previous years. This is the first year that players can withdraw after the NBA combine, giving more flexibility.

[Xiao Yao You]

At least 45 NCAA players entered the 2025 NBA draft and then withdrew to return to college, though the exact number fluctuates and some sources may vary. This was a significant number, driven in part by factors like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and recent rule changes allowing players to withdraw even after the NBA combine.

[Xiao Yao You]

In the past more than 60 guys entered the nba draft early when only 60 can be drafted. Now they have other options than going pro. Not sure why that is so difficult to undetstand?

NIL deals: High-profile NIL deals at some universities made it more financially viable for players to stay in school.
Draft projections: Many players who were not projected as lottery picks or first-round selections opted to return to school to improve their draft stock.
Rule changes: The new rule allowing players to return to school after the combine if they notify their athletic director by a certain deadline provided a safety net for those who participated in the event.

[tontoz]

At least 45 NCAA players entered the 2025 NBA draft and then withdrew to return to college, though the exact number fluctuates and some sources may vary. This was a significant number, driven in part by factors like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and recent rule changes allowing players to withdraw even after the NBA combine.



:facepalm

Nobody was talking about the draft stock of Clayton or Sears last year. If they had come out they would behave been mid 2nd round picks at best, probably going undrafted.

Feel free to post the mock drafts from last year that had Clayton or Sears ranked anywhere.

Guys staying 4 years is nothing new. They were doing that 20 years ago too because their draft stock wasn't high enough to come out early.

You still haven't provided one name that would have been drafted this year but chose to go back to school.
Just because someone declared for the draft doesn't mean they actually would have been drafted. A lot of guys who went back to school did so because they didn't get drafted.

[Xiao Yao You]

:facepalm

Nobody was talking about the draft stock of Clayton or Sears last year. If they had come out they would behave been mid 2nd round picks at best, probably going undrafted.

Feel free to post the mock drafts from last year that had Clayton or Sears ranked anywhere.

Guys staying 4 years is nothing new. They were doing that 20 years ago too because their draft stock wasn't high enough to come out early.

You still haven't provided one name that would have been drafted this year but chose to go back to school.
Just because someone declared for the draft doesn't mean they actually would have been drafted

Ritchie saunders. Draft stock will probably drop because of his age

NIL and the transfer portal are keeping players in college longer, which allows teams to see prospects develop for more seasons before they are draft-eligible. This can lead to a more polished product entering the draft, although it has also led to a decrease in early entrants, as seen in recent years.

Also the top conferences are getting better because of transfer portal

[Xiao Yao You]

In the past guys may have went pro even if they werent projected to be drafted by the nba. Needed money, didnt want to sit out a year to transfer etc. More fuys are staying in school longer. Unless you gate school and arent guaranteed to be a 1stvrounder it makes more sense to stay in school now. Hard to understand?

[tontoz]

Ritchie saunders. Draft stock will probably drop because of his age

NIL and the transfer portal are keeping players in college longer, which allows teams to see prospects develop for more seasons before they are draft-eligible. This can lead to a more polished product entering the draft, although it has also led to a decrease in early entrants, as seen in recent years.

Also the top conferences are getting better because of transfer portal

So that's 3 guys. Sorry but that isn't changing the competitive landscape in the NCAA.

The good prospects still declare ASAP. There were 14 one and done players in the first round.

[Xiao Yao You]

Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): The forward and two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year was a potential first-round pick but will play his final season at Michigan instead.
Milos Uzan (Houston): After a stellar season with the Cougars, Uzan withdrew his name and returned to Houston, positioning the program as a top contender.
PJ Haggerty (Kansas State): The AAC Player of the Year withdrew from the draft and transferred from Memphis to Kansas State.

Boogie Fland (Florida): After an impressive freshman season at Arkansas that was cut short by injury, the guard withdrew from the draft and transferred to Florida.
Donovan Dent (UCLA): The guard was one of the best point guards in the country at New Mexico before transferring to UCLA for his final year of eligibility.
Labaron Philon (Alabama): The dynamic guard nearly declared for the draft but returned to Alabama for a starring role in the team's offense.

Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn): Despite a strong performance at the NBA Draft Combine, the guard decided to return to Auburn for his sophomore year.
Darrion Williams (NC State): The first-team All-Big 12 forward transferred from Texas Tech to NC State.
Isaiah Evans (Duke): As a key returning piece for Duke, Evans has the opportunity to break out in the ACC during the 2025–2026 season.

2025–2026 season.
Alex Condon (Florida): The forward opted to return to Florida, a move that helped bolster the team's prospects following several key departures.
Elliot Cadeau (Michigan): A gifted passer and former five-star prospect, Cadeau transferred from North Carolina to Michigan to run the offense for coach Dusty May.
Karter Knox (Arkansas): After a strong finish to his freshman season, Knox returned to Arkansas, making the team a potential top-15 contender.

Bruce Thornton (Ohio State): The veteran guard is a key returner who helps position the Buckeyes for the 2025–2026 season.
Dante Moore (Oregon) and Caleb Banks (Florida): These players were also listed as prospects who opted to return to college.

[Xiao Yao You]

So that's 3 guys. Sorry but that isn't changing the competitive landscape in the NCAA.

The good prospects still declare ASAP. There were 14 one and done players in the first round.

14 guaranteed contracts fir two years. Smart move!

[Xiao Yao You]

14 guys returned that were projected to be drafted. More than a handful for most of us

[tontoz]

Let's assume that all of those guys would have been drafted, which is debatable. That isn't moving the needle. There are 52 teams just in the top 3 conferences (Sec, big 10, and ACC).

Most likely some of them pulled out of the draft because they realized they wouldn't be drafted.

[Xiao Yao You]

Let's assume that all of those guys would have been drafted, which is debatable. That isn't moving the needle. There are 52 teams just in the top 3 conferences (Sec, big 10, and ACC).

Most likely some of them pulled out of the draft because they realized they wouldn't be drafted.


2025 Big 12 tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's ...
The Big 12 was the #1 ranked conference in NCAA men's basketball for the 2024-25 season

More players returned to school last year than ever before. It does make a difference. Older more experienced players. If they werent in a top conference many transferred to one. Pros fros around the world also joining. Ncaa better than it has been in more than 2 decades certainly

[tontoz]

2025 Big 12 tournament: Bracket, schedule, scores for men's ...
The Big 12 was the #1 ranked conference in NCAA men's basketball for the 2024-25 season

More players returned to school last year than ever before. It does make a difference. Older more experienced players. If they werent in a top conference many transferred to one. Pros fros around the world also joining. Ncaa better than it has been in more than 2 decades certainly



:roll:

The SEC had 14 teams make the NCAA tournament, twice as many as the big 12

[tontoz]

I went back a looked at the 2007 draft and that draft class was older than this one.

:roll:

There were 8 juniors and 5 seniors just in the first round there were only 8 freshmen compared to 14 this year.

:roll:

Notably there were 3 juniors in the top 10 horford, Noah and Jeff Green.

[Xiao Yao You]

I went back a looked at the 2007 draft and that draft class was older than this one.

:roll:

There were 8 juniors and 5 seniors just in the first round there were only 8 freshmen compared to 14 this year.

:roll:

Notably there were two juniors in the lottery, horford and Noah.


And yet the average age of college players has went up

[tontoz]

And yet the average age of college players has went up

Based on what, the voices in your head?

I can't remember any time in recent years when there were 3 juniors in the top 10, 13 upper class men in the first round. That would never happen now.

This draft class was younger than 2007 you have been talking out of your ass the whole time.

[GOBB]

I went back a looked at the 2007 draft and that draft class was older than this one.

:roll:

There were 8 juniors and 5 seniors just in the first round there were only 8 freshmen compared to 14 this year.

:roll:

Notably there were 3 juniors in the top 10 horford, Noah and Jeff Green.

Hahahaha

[Xiao Yao You]

:roll:

The SEC had 14 teams make the NCAA tournament, twice as many as the big 12

Quality vs quantity.

Postseason Success: Of the seven teams that made the tournament, six made it to the Sweet 16 or further.

[Xiao Yao You]

Based on what, the voices in your head?

I can't remember any time in recent years when there were 3 juniors in the top 10, 13 upper class men in the first round. That would never happen now.

This draft class was younger than 2007 you have been talking out of your ass the whole time.

Already posted it. If you arent going to pay attention why should i bother schooling you?

[Xiao Yao You]

Age trends: The average age of NCAA players has been increasing. For example, the average age of a Sweet 16 starter was 20.8 in 2019 and climbed to 21.6 in 2025.

A full year. Wonder why?:facepalm

[tontoz]

Already posted it. If you arent going to pay attention why should i bother schooling you?

Covid? Lol being older doesn't matter if you suck.

The players good enough to get drafted were older in 2007 than they were this year.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

[Xiao Yao You]

For the 2024-2025 season, the average NCAA men's basketball player is approximately 3 to 4 years older than Kevin Durant was during his freshman year in 2006–2007.

The average age of NCAA men's basketball players has been steadily rising due to rule changes.
In the 2023–2024 season, the average age was about 21.3 years old, and it has since risen even further.
For the 2024–2025 season, the average age of a player is projected to be between 21 and 22 years old.

This contrasts sharply with Durant's era, when most elite freshmen like him were already declaring for the NBA draft after just one year of college.

[Xiao Yao You]

Covid? Lol being older doesn't matter if you suck.

The players good enough to get drafted were older in 2007 than they were this year.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/61c9c379-dc9e-4342-8972-a3c17258e5a1/bf94b5f6-cb5f-4d5b-b916-e1fd52b75fba.gif

That is a handful of players as you say. Most college players arent drafted. Some of the best ones. You can be great in college in nor be drafted. Wgich is why ace agaonst kd, sengun, wemby etc. Means more than against ncaa players

[tontoz]

.


This contrasts sharply with Durant's era, when most elite freshmen like him were already declaring for the NBA draft after just one year of college.


:roll:


There were 8 freshmen in the draft that year compared to 14 this year.

The extra year due to covid applies to all players, most of whom suck anyway. That isn't making the NCAA more competitive.

[Xiao Yao You]

:roll:


There were 8 freshmen in the draft that year compared to 14 this year.

The extra year due to covid applies to all players, most of whom suck anyway. That isn't making the NCAA more competitive.

Older players are better. Not sure how you can argue otherwise. Oh yeah ish :cheers:

[tontoz]

Older players are better. Not sure how you can argue otherwise. Oh yeah ish :cheers:



There were only 5 upper class men in the first round this year compared to 13 in 2007. The best players stayed in school longer back then.

Being older doesn't matter if you are a scrub which most players are . The average age metric includes guys who don't even play.

[Xiao Yao You]

There were only 5 upper class men in the first round this year compared to 13 in 2007.

Being older doesn't matter if you are a scrub which most players are . The average age metric includes guys who don't even play.

I know. Superstars, scrubs and prjects. No in betweens!

1 freshman in top 10 players last season. Why? Experience maybe?:facepalm

[tontoz]

I know. Superstars, scrubs and prjects. No in betweens!

1 freshman in top 10 players last season. Why? Experience maybe?:facepalm


Huh? There were 4 freshmen drafted in the top 10 last year in addition to the teenagers playing overseas or on ignite.

The only upper classman in the top 10 was Edey.

[Xiao Yao You]

Huh? There were 4 freshmen drafted in the top 10 last year in addition to the teenagers playing overseas or on ignite.

The only upper classman in the top 10 was Edey.

You seem to be confused by best college players and best nba prospects. 1 freshman was all american. Lower upside the older you get. Younger more upside. More bust potential. Projects like you say.

[tontoz]

You seem to be confused by best college players and best nba prospects. 1 freshman was all american. Lower upside the older you get. Younger more upside. More bust potential. Projects like you say.

And the best prospects declare for the draft earlier now than they did 20 years ago, making the college game weaker.

We will probably never see a comp for Horford/Noah, junior teammates going top 10.

We drafted a one and done player at 24 last year who will probably be our best player this year. He would surely dominate in college if he stayed.

[Xiao Yao You]

And the best prospects declare for the draft earlier now than they did 20 years ago, making the college game weaker.

We will probably never see a comp for Horford/Noah, junior teammates going top 10.

We drafted a one and done player at 24 last year who will probably be our best player this year. He would surely dominate in college if he stayed.

Noah horford were exceptions not the rule.

[tontoz]

Noah horford were exceptions not the rule.


There were 13 upper classmen in the first round in 2007. Only 5 last year. I think I see a trend.

But a 5th year senior riding the bench makes the NCAA tougher now, right? :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

There were 13 upper classmen in the first round in 2007. Only 5 last year. I think I see a trend.

But a 5th year senior riding the bench makes the NCAA tougher now, right? :lol

3 graduate senior all americans. Players 1 year older than just 6 years earlier. Best players transferring to best conferences. More players withdrawing from draft to return to school.

[tontoz]

3 graduate senior all americans. Players 1 year older than just 6 years earlier. Best players transferring to best conferences. More players withdrawing from draft to return to school.


Just out of curiosity I looked at the 2006 draft. There were only 2 freshmen in the entire first round. that would never happen in this era.

[Xiao Yao You]

And yet players were younger

[tontoz]

And yet players were younger

Right, the 5th year senior on the bench makes the competition so much tougher.

:roll:

[Xiao Yao You]

Of course they are on the bench because freshman are better than 5th year seniors :roll:

[tontoz]

Of course they are on the bench because freshman are better than 5th year seniors :roll:

There are over 5000 players in division 1 basketball, the vast majority of whom are irrelevant to evaluating NBA prospects.

They guys who actually are NBA prospects are far more likely to declare for the draft after one year now than they were 20 years ago.

[Xiao Yao You]

There are over 5000 players in division 1 basketball, the vast majority of whom are irrelevant to evaluating NBA prospects.

They guys who actually are NBA prospects are far more likely to declare for the draft after one year now than they were 20 years ago.


Didnt know we were evaluating nba prospects. Thought you were arguing that college basketball isnt better today with much older players

[tontoz]

Didnt know we were evaluating nba prospects. Thought you were arguing that college basketball isnt better today with much older players

This is a NBA forum and we are evaluating NBA prospects. You are trying to argue that players being slightly older somehow makes the league tougher for Ace than it was for Durant. You were the one who started all this nonsense.

I say that the ages of thousands of NCAA players are irrelevant because they didn't even play against Ace and if they did they wouldn't be able to defend him regardless of how old they are.

The best players, who might have a chance against him, are more likely to turn pro now than they were 20 years ago.

[Xiao Yao You]

This is a NBA forum and we are evaluating NBA prospects. You are trying to argue that players being slightly older somehow makes the league tougher for Ace than it was for Durant. You were the one who started all this nonsense.

I say that the ages of thousands of NCAA players are irrelevant because they didn't even play against Ace and if they did they wouldn't be able to defend him regardless of how old they are.

The best players, who might have a chance against him, are more likely to turn pro now than they were 20 years ago.

Not slightly older. A year older in the last 6. That is a lot at that age . Someone must have defended him. Rutgers wasnt good despite him and harper. Maybe because they were only freshman playing against older players?

[Xiao Yao You]

A lot of the best defenders in college arent nba players. Have to be able to sgoot too

[tontoz]

Not slightly older. A year older in the last 6. That is a lot at that age . Someone must have defended him. Rutgers wasnt good despite him and harper. Maybe because they were only freshman playing against older players?


You are acting like that is something new. That has never changed. That is why Calipari struggled at UK with all his one and done players.Getting an extra year due to covid isn't going to make a hill of beans difference when guarding NBA players.

How was Tre Johnson able to lead the toughest conference in scoring if it was so tough?

Alabama was a strong defensive team with plenty of upper class men but that didn't stop Harper from shredding them.

Rutgers struggled because the rest of the team just wasn't any good.

[GOBB]

Rutgers lost to Kennesaw State.

[Xiao Yao You]

Rutgers lost to Kennesaw State.

Should have played some 5th year seniors

[tontoz]

Rutgers lost to Kennesaw State.


Ace was 6-17 that game with 1 rebound, no assists and 3 turnovers. Not exactly a Mt Rushmore game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Does ncaa pre season mean as little as nba pre season? Im sure the tankers were pating attention


https://x.com/slam_university/status/1979634167727218824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1979634167727218824%7Ctwgr% 5E1d27bbb284dbaed2aa8cf282942b14b06085f3f1%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ksl.com%2Farticle%2F5139 2129%2Fdybantsa-drops-30-in-1st-college-outing-a-1-point-exhibition-loss-at-nebraska

[tontoz]

You have to watch a guy for a few games to actually get a read on him. I haven't watched AJ much but when I did I wasn't that impressed. Maybe it's because he's gotta so much hype and my expectations were too high.

I think his jumper is a question mark. He is aggressive taking it to the rim and likes to bully guys but I wonder what he will do when that doesn't work.

Ace really had 3 different seasons at Rutgers. His first third of the season was bad, to the point that I didn't even have him top 5. The middle third he was very good. Then the last third he was bad again. People tended to see what they wanted to see with him. Whatever their take was prior to the season they looked for things to back that up.

[Xiao Yao You]

I will see plenty of aj. Scored from 3 levels last night.

Jazz probably need the pg at kansas actually though but they will be at all of ajs home games for sure!

[GOBB]

Peterson is better than AJ. I just saw more jump out at me when I watched them play. AJ and Ace pairing Im skeptical how that works. Only because neither to me have shown much of a playmaking skillset. Do they need that to coexist? Maybe not but I think so.

Peterson at least has better playmaking ability than both. I’d need to see how he runs a team for a season in college if I’m comfortable with him being my guy at PG. Maxey plays PG but he’s so much better when he’s not due to his scoring ability. Not comparing Maxey = Peterson btw. Just what I see Peterson excelling at in the NBA.

He’s my guy I’ll be tracking all season. AJ I guess by default. He’s definitely NBA ready from a physical standpoint.

[Xiao Yao You]

We shall see if hes a playmaker. One of the looks they went to last night was him with 4 shooters around him. They plan on giving him the opportunity

[tontoz]

Based on what I've seen I have Peterson on his own tier. Next tier is AJ, Boozer, Ament and Brown. After that who knows.

[Lebron23]

Next McGrady

[Axe]

Do you think he'd be able to lift the jazz out of playoff drought someday, eh louie?

https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg

[Full Court]

Do you think he'd be able to lift the jazz out of playoff drought someday, eh louie?

https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg

Looks like somebody got triggered into a bitch fit again. :lol

Stinky biatch over there stomping his merman tail. :roll:

:lebronamazed:

[tontoz]

https://youtu.be/l0nHYJK7WTk?si=D6TRzDKZAvJBySNc

[Xiao Yao You]

https://www.slcdunk.com/jazz-analysis/64859/utah-jazz-film-room-ace-bailey-showcased-for-the-jazz-in-the-preseason

[Xiao Yao You]

Sarah Todd: Ace Bailey, who was listed as questionable (illness), has been upgraded and will make his debut tonight when the Jazz play the Clippers

bsky.app

Had the flu

[Xiao Yao You]

Was KD your basketball idol growing up? Ace Bailey: Yeah, for sure. I watched a lot of his game. I mean, my game is his game low-key. I mean, it hit me a moment—like one of my teammates was like, “Bro, y’all just did the same move.” He did the little spin fade—not the spin fade, but the spin on the little spin jump shot creation. I came down and did the same thing. It was just like, “Bro,” I didn’t even realize. It’s crazy.

YouTube

And—and I’m curious with you like, in your NBA, what are your sort of your motivations as a rookie? What do you want to accomplish this season? Ace Bailey: I mean, of course Rookie of the Year. I mean, that’s the main goal for all of us rookies is just try to win that. So that’s a big goal of mine. I mean, I want to be an All-Star, for sure. I mean, just got to keep putting in the work. Want to make defensive team—show the defense been working. Um, also just become a better teammate, be—open up to learning a lot more.

YouTube

[tontoz]

So how do you like Mr Rushmore now? :lol

I like Ace but i tried to tell you that he's more of a project than you think. He has no chance in the ROY race.

[Xiao Yao You]

So how do you like Mr Rushmore now? :lol

I like Ace but i tried to tell you that he's more of a project than you think. He has no chance in the ROY race.

Only the real ad won roty on their mt. Rushmore and none of them were 19. Its early. looked a lot better last nite after his bout with the flu. Everyone will look better once collier is back

[GOBB]

If ace played in a weaker conference his transition into the NBA would’ve been more impactful and on a Durant trajectory. Heh heh heh should’ve played less 5th year seniors?

[Xiao Yao You]

His best stretch. Money from mid range

[GOBB]

Good for him

[Xiao Yao You]

The hesitation blow by on clingan and the feed was great

[Manny98]

Already a top 4 Utah player of all time just behind Malone, Stockton & Mitchell :applause:

[Xiao Yao You]

Already a top 4 Utah player of all time just behind Malone, Stockton & Mitchell :applause:

Mitchell might make top 10? Stockton malone gobert AD in that order.

[tontoz]

Kd?

https://thejnotes.com/bill-simmons-gives-ace-bailey-comp-that-will-excite-jazz-fans


:lol

[Xiao Yao You]

Kd maybe not the best comparison? Even if he doesnt become one of the great scorers the d, playmaking rebounding and energy has mt. Rushmore shaking. Watch out AD!

[tontoz]

Kd maybe not the best comparison? Even if he doesnt become one of the great scorers the d, playmaking rebounding and energy has mt. Rushmore shaking. Watch out AD!

His critics dogged him in college for having tunnel vision because he had more turnovers than assists. Having watched the games I didn't really buy that. I saw him make a lot of good passes that didn't wind up as assists because his teammates sucked. One valid criticism is that he settles for midrange shots too often.

[Xiao Yao You]

His critics dogged him in college for having tunnel vision because he had more turnovers than assists. Having watched the games I didn't really buy that. I saw him make a lot of good passes that didn't wind up as assists because his teammates sucked. One valid criticism is that he settles for midrange shots too often.

His best spot is the mid range around the free throw line so not surprisng he likes it

[GOBB]

The KD take was kinda crazy lol

[Xiao Yao You]

1st start!

[GOBB]

How did he do? Didnt watch nor even look it up

[Xiao Yao You]

Best game. Capped by a reverse dunk

[Proctor]

How did he do? Didnt watch nor even look it up
Awful so far. Clayton has looked pretty good

[Xiao Yao You]

Done nothing but impressed me. Wouldnt expect a troll to get it. He will be telling svi and kyle anderson are better!:roll:

Clayton is 22 and played 4 years of college and he hasnt looked as good

[tontoz]

How did he do? Didnt watch nor even look it up

He missed his 3s but was good outside of that. 3 steals, 7 rebounds, 4-6 on 2s.

[Xiao Yao You]

With kessler out he has an argument as their 2nd best player already

[Druckenmiller]

With kessler out he has an argument as their 2nd best player already

Are we correct to assume being the second best player on the Utah Jazz is about the same ass being the second tallest midget?

[Xiao Yao You]

Are we correct to assume being the second best player on the Utah Jazz is about the same ass being the second tallest midget?

Pretty much but nice when it is your youngest player and recent top pick. Finally the piece to build around . hopefully they finally get it right. Never figured it out with stockton/malone or gobert

[Xiao Yao You]

Putting on a show. The kid has arrived. Add another name to the roty conversation :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

Not bad for a project :roll:

[Proctor]

Looking good against a tanking team. Would like to see him against a team not trying to lose. Clayton looks good and Flipowski looks great

[Xiao Yao You]

Looking good against a tanking team. Would like to see him against a team not trying to lose. Clayton looks good and Flipowski looks great

Whoever flip is guarding looks good too. The trolls kind of player. Box score brilliance! :roll:

[tontoz]

Not bad for a project :roll:


You really want to go there? His TS is all the way up to 47.6% now? :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

You really want to go there? His TS is all the way up to 47.6% now? :bowdown:

No idea what his stats are. Hes certainly trending upwards the past 4 games and especially the past two. 4 step back 3s last night. See more amd more of the project every nite

[tontoz]

No idea what his stats are. Hes certainly trending upwards the past 4 games and especially the past two. 4 step back 3s last night. See more amd more of the project every nite

Lets see how he does against teams with more than 1 win. :lol

Utah scored 152 pts in regulation. I will go out on a limb and guess Indy's defensive effort wasn't great.

[Xiao Yao You]

Lets see how he does against teams with more than 1 win. :lol

Utah scored 152 pts in regulation. I will go out on a limb and guess Indy's defensive effort wasn't great.

Jazz havent been a bad offensive team. They have been the worst defensive team in the league the past two years. No one was stopping his step back 3s

[tontoz]

Jazz havent been a bad offensive team. They have been the worst defensive team in the league the past two years. No one was stopping his step back 3s

Step back 3s shouldn't be a big part of his game. His shot isn't consistent enough. He didnt exactly light it up from 3 in college and is currently shooting 26.7% from 3.

Shot selection was part of his problem in college.

[Xiao Yao You]

Step back 3s shouldn't be a big part of his game. His shot isn't consistent enough. He didnt exactly light it up from 3 in college and is currently shooting 26.7% from 3.

Shot selection was part of his problem in college.

Might want to check out what hard work gets you. He is getting better every game and you are talking college still. If you draining step back 3s it should be part of your game

[tontoz]

Might want to check out what hard work gets you. He is getting better every game and you are talking college still. If you draining step back 3s it should be part of your game


So all that hard work has led to shooting 26.7% from 3? :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

So all that hard work has led to shooting 26.7% from 3? :bowdown:

Id say the flu ro start the season, a bad head coach on a franchise trying to lose games and a small sample size would. Looks like he can get and make any shot he wants while playmaking, defending, rebounding... get on the bandwagon. Going to be one hell of a ride

[Xiao Yao You]

Collier being back would be another reason as i predicted. Amazing what having your elite playmaker back does for a team

[tontoz]

Id say the flu ro start the season, a bad head coach on a franchise trying to lose games and a small sample size would. Looks like he can get and make any shot he wants while playmaking, defending, rebounding... get on the bandwagon. Going to be one hell of a ride

Just get ready for a roller coaster for awhile. His defense is usually pretty good but his offense can be wildly up and down, even more than most young guys.

[Xiao Yao You]

All up hill on the projects roller coaster. Must be the team they are playing? :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Who is the last project to win roty?

[tontoz]

Who is the last project to win roty?

Why are you so butthurt over the project comment lol? Anyone who watched him in college would say the same thing. Hitting a few 3s doesn't change anything.

You knew nothing about him at all until Utah drafted him. I watched him a lot at Rutgers and was talking about him on here a lot. I had him at 3 on my board so it isn't like i was dogging him lol.

[Xiao Yao You]

Someone who is nba ready isnt a project. Their top pick last year you could call that from a physical stand point. Gobert was a project. Wasnt ready physically.

[Xiao Yao You]

Hes not just hitting a few 3s. If that was the case id be thinking 3 and d. Im seeing the whole package. High bb iq. High motor. Loves the game. Wants to get better. Is getting better every game. Length. Athleticism. 3 level scorer. Playmaker. Rebounder. Defender... :bowdown:

[tontoz]

Hes not just hitting a few 3s. If that was the case id be thinking 3 and d. Im seeing the whole package. High bb iq. High motor. Loves the game. Wants to get better. Is getting better every game. Length. Athleticism. 3 level scorer. Playmaker. Rebounder. Defender... :bowdown:


Exactly. you don't know his game.

[Xiao Yao You]

Exactly. you don't know his game.

Thats what ive seen. Big 10 doesnt apply anymore.

[tontoz]

Thats what ive seen. Big 10 doesnt apply anymore.


You are just a cheerleader.

I had Ace rated ahead of VJ and Tre and you are acting like I am a hater because you are just waving your pom poms.

What do the on off numbers look like for Ace?

[GOBB]

Yeah you’re being a little weird here with Ace Xiao.

[Xiao Yao You]

Yeah you’re being a little weird here with Ace Xiao.

What is weird about appreciating the next franchise player in utah as he ascends? Been waiting 3 years for him to arrive. A lot of losing to get to this point. better days ahead

[Proctor]

Needs to play smarter. Low IQ isn't gonna cut it. 6 fouls in short order

[Xiao Yao You]

Watch a game troll. He has high iq. Rookie getting called for questionable fouls. Idiot coach playing him with 3 in 1st half

Ought to play kyle anderson!

[beasted]

In a league where defense isn't even played, his efficiency is worrisome given his physical tools.

Seems like he's the type that will take 2 years before breaking out in his 3rd season. Jazz aren't going anywhere, so, no rush.

[Xiao Yao You]

Foul trouble limited his opportunities in Sunday's win, but at this point the trajectory is pretty promising: 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and .642 true shooting over his last five.

Set his career high in scoring 5 straight games

[Xiao Yao You]

Another nice game from the low iq project :cheers:

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/282864/Jazz-Raving-About-Ace-Bailey-Feel-Lucky-He-Dropped-To-No-5

[tontoz]

Another nice game from the low iq project :cheers:

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/282864/Jazz-Raving-About-Ace-Bailey-Feel-Lucky-He-Dropped-To-No-5


You really need to get over the project comment :lol

Technically what I said is that he is more of a project than you realize. You try to dismiss what he did in college as if it isn't relevant yet his current TS is actually identical to what it was in college.

[Xiao Yao You]

You really need to get over the project comment :lol

Technically what I said is that he is more of a project than you realize. You try to dismiss what he did in college as if it isn't relevant yet his current TS is actually identical to what it was in college.

66% ts as a starter. 42% off the bench to start the year off the bench after being out almost a week with the flu. Keep looking at his past when he is all about whats next. Just starting to work on his body.

[Xiao Yao You]

The highest the guy hes looking to replace on mt. Rushmore had 66% ts. 2nd in the league. Hes 14th all time at 62%. 60% as a 21/22 year old rookie with 3 years of college and an olympics. 6th in league. Roty. HOF :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

23 min a game.
2 off reb
1.5 stl
14 pts
54% fg
41% 3pt

[tontoz]

Ace gets to the foul line 2 times per 36 minutes. He still loves long 2s while shooting them at 40%.

Hard to be efficient with those numbers.

[Xiao Yao You]

20-29 from 2 as a starter. Free throw area appeared to be his best spot so i can see why he would like that but with his 3 ball falling from everywhere that is changing fast

[tontoz]

20-29 from 2 as a starter. Free throw area appeared to be his best spot so i can see why he would like that but with his 3 ball falling from everywhere that is changing fast

:lol

Ace started against the Lakers on Tuesday but still shot 1-6 from 3 and didn't get to the foul line once. What's your excuse for that?

[Xiao Yao You]

:lol

Ace started against the Lakers on Tuesday but still shot 1-6 from 3 and didn't get to the foul line once. What's your excuse for that?

Hes a rookie playing a role not as a main ball handler? That article said they are just starting to work on his body. Look at keyonte. From Young Bum to one of the top foul drawers in the league over one off season

[tontoz]

Hes a rookie playing a role not as a main ball handler? That article said they are just starting to work on his body. Look at keyonte. From Young Bum to one of the top foul drawers in the league over one off season

So why did he go 1-6 from 3? I thought being a starter magically made him a better shooter.

[Xiao Yao You]

So why did he go 1-6 from 3? I thought being a starter magically made him a better shooter.

Hes not? He is supposed to hit his shots every night? Name one player who didnt have an off shooting night? Probably should put the ball on the floor when it wasnt falling. Good thing he is 19 and will only get better despite him supposedly not getting better since last year

[Xiao Yao You]

Doesnt qualify i guess

Ryan Kalkbrenner: 82.2% (CHA)
Goga Bitadze: 77.9% (ORL)
Nikola Jokić: 73.3% (DEN)
Harrison Barnes: 72.4% (SAS)
Jalen Duren: 70.6% (DET)
Rudy Gobert: 68.7% (MIN)
Keon Ellis: 66.7% (SAC)
Christian Braun: 66.1% (DEN)

[tontoz]

Hes not? He is supposed to hit his shots every night? Name one player who didnt have an off shooting night? Probably should put the ball on the floor when it wasnt falling. Good thing he is 19 and will only get better despite him supposedly not getting better since last year

But I thought being a starter all of a sudden made him a lights out shooter?

Or maybe it's just random variance. Funny that he shoots 90% from the foul like as a reserve, 71% as a starter.

[Xiao Yao You]

But I thought being a starter all of a sudden made him a lights out shooter?

Or maybe it's just random variance. Funny that he shoots 90% from the foul like as a reserve, 71% as a starter.

He isnt joe ingles but 41% is lights out to some. Hit one from 3 feet behind the line last nite. Spot up. Step back. Maybe not pull up so much from there yet but certainly in the mid range where he is sucking obviously based on his 20-29 from 2. The numbers tell a different story than what he did in 1 season as an 18 year old in the big 10 or coming off the bench and the flu

[tontoz]

He isnt joe ingles but 41% is lights out to some. Hit one from 3 feet behind the line last nite. Spot up. Step back. Maybe not pull up so much from there yet but certainly in the mid range where he is sucking obviously based on his 20-29 from 2. The numbers tell a different story than what he did in 1 season as an 18 year old in the big 10 or coming off the bench and the flu


Or maybe you are just looking at things through rose colored glass. His TS is 53.7% now, 53.6% in college.

Everyone gets more efficient if you take out their bad games :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

Or maybe you are just looking at things through rose colored glass. His TS is 53.7% now, 53.6% in college.

Everyone gets more efficient if you take out their bad games :lol

Yeah but when it is trending more towards good than bad you ate just ignoring the obvious. I expect guys to get better. But keep doubting! :cheers:

[Xiao Yao You]

Lakers game he was 5-6 from 2

[tontoz]

Lakers game he was 5-6 from 2


His TS against the Lakers was 54.2%. dat improvement :bowdown:

[Xiao Yao You]

And bounced back against a better d last nite

[BarberSchool]

Bailey seems to abuse gather/travel rules more than almost any young player, despite such a small sample size, he travels every few touches, one way or another. Question is, will they call it ?

[Xiao Yao You]

Low iq project taking advantage of the rules. Of only he can improve on his college days somehow!

[Axe]

And utah is still struggling atm. Maybe kessler and lauri should shape up.


Low iq
https://i.ibb.co/XZ5qVsYf/Screenshot-20250703-235925.jpg (https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg)

[Xiao Yao You]

And utah is still struggling atm. Maybe kessler and lauri should shape up.


https://i.ibb.co/XZ5qVsYf/Screenshot-20250703-235925.jpg (https://i.ibb.co/JmpGnKz/IMG-20230528-095117.jpg)

Yeah kessler better step up :roll:

[tontoz]

And utah is still struggling atm. Maybe kessler and lauri should shape up.




Speaking of low IQ :lol

Kessler is out for the season with shoulder surgery. Wizards could use a player like him. I wonder if ainge will pay up to keep him.

[Proctor]

Nurkic is a moron and should have never been on the floor at the end of game. Spent time staring down the ref instead of fouling. Flip looked great again. Bailey a couple years away from being a couple years away

[Xiao Yao You]

Nurkic is a moron and should have never been on the floor at the end of game. Spent time staring down the ref instead of fouling. Flip looked great again. Bailey a couple years away from being a couple years away

Flip the next greg monroe! :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Coach finally left ace in. Nice game. Athletic dunks, playmaking, energy and d

[Axe]

Yeah kessler better step up :roll:


Speaking of low IQ :lol

Kessler is out for the season with shoulder surgery. Wizards could use a player like him. I wonder if ainge will pay up to keep him.
:yaohappy:

That's why i said 'maybe', you freaking geniuses. :hammerhead:

[BarberSchool]

Bailey can play.

My only issue with him …

… is he almost certainly has fetal alcohol syndrome.

And he is abusing gather rulings to get away with subtle, “smooth-looking-to casuals” travels.

[Full Court]

Speaking of low IQ :lol

Kessler is out for the season with shoulder surgery. Wizards could use a player like him. I wonder if ainge will pay up to keep him.

Well, Axe was in fact voted dumbest poster in ISH history. :lol

[tontoz]

That's why i said 'maybe', you freaking geniuses. :hammerhead:

He is out for the season. "Shaping up" wont do anything for them this season. :facepalm

[Xiao Yao You]

Tied career high. Still waiting for him to revert back to big 10 ace :rockon:

Flip continues to make one yearn for luka garza

[tontoz]

Tied career high. Still waiting for him to revert back to big 10 ace :rockon:

Flip continues to make one yearn for luka garza



Nice job statpadding with 11 pts in the 4th quarter during garbage time :applause:

[Xiao Yao You]

Nice job statpadding with 11 pts in the 4th quarter during garbage time :applause:

It is all garbage time when you are tanking

[tontoz]

It is all garbage time when you are tanking

Cool story bro. The other team isn't playing their best players in garbage time.

[Xiao Yao You]

Cool story bro. The other team isn't playing their best players in garbage time.

And the jazz arent playing their best players to start games. Garbage time!

[tontoz]

And the jazz arent playing their best players to start games. Garbage time!

Oh really? How many games has Lauri come off the bench?

[Xiao Yao You]

Oh really? How many games has Lauri come off the bench?

Svi and nurk have went from non rotation players to starters. Ace is playing out of position

[tontoz]

Svi and nurk have went from non rotation players to starters. Ace is playing out of position

You didn't answer the question. Pretty sure the answer is zero :lol

[Xiao Yao You]

You didn't answer the question. Pretty sure the answer is zero :lol

They have 1 nba starter and a rookie stud. Garbage time for any oppsoing team