Greg Oden's father said Friday his son will go pro, and said he is comfortable with his decision. "Why not, as long as he finishes school in the off-season?" the elder said. They don't want to take a chance on him getting hurt and losing out on a perfect opportunity. Greg had also become frustrated with the buckeyes offense, that focused more on three pointers, than going down low to him, and basically just wanted him to be defensive minded.
Greg Oden the 7'0, 260 pound center, is an amazing talent that many say have Hall of Famer Bill Russell potential. He has also been compared to David Robinson as a best case scenario, and Emeka Okafor as a worse case scenario. As I have said many times before I don't see why any team wouldn't take him the number one pick, he has too much potential to pass up on. All you had to do is watch his dominant performance on both offense and defense in the championship game vs Florida to see what type of player he can be. He has all the tools you look for in an NBA big man, his footwork in the post is very good for a teenager, he also has a nice hook shot. He does an excellent job boxing out and controlling the glass and is an awesome shot blocker.
Greg still is developing so let me point out some weaknesses, he is good with his back to the basket, but doesn't really know how to use his body to create space and get his shot off effectively. He needs to work on his mid-range jumper, improve his ball-handling skills which isn't a major concern but would help him out. He is still developing that killer instinct of wanting to be the go to guy, he has been known for not always having the star mentality and would rather defer to his teammates. There are times when he'll go scoreless for a while and it takes him awhile to get going again. A lot of times on offense he has been predictable on what he'll do and defenses reacted to it, he is too talented and creative to allow that to become a habit. He will also need to improve his conditioning , become more consistent at finding his position down-low, learn how to react to double-teams, and become more assertive. Greg tends to get in foul trouble causing him to sit out for a period of time.
Greg is no doubt a game changer on offense and defense once he makes key plays his teammates react to it and it starts to effect the way the other team plays. When Oden is at the top of his game he is unstoppable. I love it when he takes he goes to the basket hard and watching the defense move out the way as he throws down a massive dunk. Greg is still very young so, I feel his weaknesses will improve with age, I give him 3 years to develop, then I believe we will all see how much of a special player he is and watch him make his way to be on the Mount Rushmore of dominant centers. In Gregs case it doesn't matter whether he would play in college or the pros, he will play and learn on the job and still develop just fine.
NBA Future: DeMarcus Cousins DeMarcus Cousins is a big PF who averaged 26 pts, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, 70% FG and 80% FT per game as a freshman in high school last year. DeMarcus Cousins has developing post moves, is an excellent rebounder, and a solid athlete. DeMarcus Cousins' ability to overpower players gives him a very high ceiling. DeMarcus Cousins has a 7'3" wingspan and 9'0" standing reach. DeMarcus Cousins is very raw. DeMarcus Cousins needs to work on his footwork and decision making mostly. DeMarcus Cousins offense is coming along fine, but he needs to become more of a leader on defense. DeMarcus Cousins consistency is also a problem against top competition.
NBA Future: Jrue Holiday
Check out Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, one of the elite guards in the west, regardless of class...
Jrue Holiday, the 6-3 sophomore shooting guard from North Hollywood (Calif.) Campbell Hall, is seen here in action from a CIF playoff game last week.
Jrue Holiday is #21 in white, not to be confused with his older brother, 6-6 junior Justin Holiday, who is #22.
NBA Future: Dashonte Riley
H.S. Detroit Cass Tech
Age: 14
Sport: Basketball. She starts on the varsity basketball team.
Family: Mother, Collette Anderson; twin sister, Daisha Riley, 14
What surprises you the most about high school? "There is way more kids in school. In basketball, the speed of the game is faster."
Favorite subject: Math
Least favorite subject: Science
What are your goals for high school? "To graduate and to continue to learn."
