Let's try something different...

[spartansstink]

An actual conversation.

I would respectfully ask that the 5 or 6 flamers please refrain from posting in this topic and stick to the 15 other threads you guys have going. Thanks in advance.

Now, on to the question...

Will Culver come back next year? Should Culver come back next year?

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

No and no. Being a first team all-conference selection, he has nothing left to prove at this level. His weaknesses as a player, most of which have to do with his somewhat modest athleticism, wouldn't improve much with another season of college ball. He'll likely make money in the G-League or Europe in 2021-2022.

 

[spartansstink]

Can't say I disagree with a lot of what you wrote.

Definitely not an NBA player. Not so much a knock on him as it is the NBA. Nothing but 3 pointers and dunks and boring, schoolyard basketball. Culver is definitely a below the rim player.

However, I would say he regressed quite a bit defensively from last year to this. That could impact the amount of money he would make.

 

[eerdoc]

An actual conversation.

I would respectfully ask that the 5 or 6 flamers please refrain from posting in this topic and stick to the 15 other threads you guys have going. Thanks in advance.

Now, on to the question...

Will Culver come back next year? Should Culver come back next year?

IMO, he SHOULD come back; I doubt he will.
He has real potential BUT, IMO, he needs to remedy his 'bull in china shop approach ' and refine his smooth, quick, agile moves to the basket. Also, IMO, he needs to become proficient at hitting shots from the foul line and the 'elbows'. His looking to pass and involving the 'open' player when he receives multi -player defense needs work to make him a more complete player.
Right now, he is very rough and gets far too frustrated when he is unable to muscle his way to get shots, especially when the officiating is not playing in his favor.

 

[WVUALLEN]

An actual conversation.

I would respectfully ask that the 5 or 6 flamers please refrain from posting in this topic and stick to the 15 other threads you guys have going. Thanks in advance.

Now, on to the question...

Will Culver come back next year? Should Culver come back next year?

Personally I don't think he's coming back. Don't think he is NBA material but he can play overseas.

But then again wouldn't shock me if he returns as his mother wants him to get his degree.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

Can't say I disagree with a lot of what you wrote.

Definitely not an NBA player. Not so much a knock on him as it is the NBA. Nothing but 3 pointers and dunks and boring, schoolyard basketball. Culver is definitely a below the rim player.

However, I would say he regressed quite a bit defensively from last year to this. That could impact the amount of money he would make.

"Below the rim player" is an excellent description. I always think of Zack Randolph or Julius Randle when I hear that description. Culver doesn't have the "hops" of most NBA players, but is big and crafty enough to get off most of his shots. His biggest obstacle to making the NBA is that he doesn't shoot from the perimeter. Almost all of the NBA "bigs," other than the rim-protectors, shoot from the perimeter these days.

 

[WVUALLEN]

IMO, he SHOULD come back; I doubt he will.
He has real potential BUT, IMO, he needs to remedy his 'bull in china shop approach ' and refine his smooth, quick, agile moves to the basket. Also, IMO, he needs to become proficient at hitting shots from the foul line and the 'elbows'. His looking to pass and involving the 'open' player when he receives multi -player defense needs work to make him a more complete player.
Right now, he is very rough and gets far too frustrated when he is unable to muscle his way to get shots, especially when the officiating is not playing in his favor.

Excellent and dead on assessment.

 

[spartansstink]

IMO, he SHOULD come back; I doubt he will.
He has real potential BUT, IMO, he needs to remedy his 'bull in china shop approach ' and refine his smooth, quick, agile moves to the basket. Also, IMO, he needs to become proficient at hitting shots from the foul line and the 'elbows'. His looking to pass and involving the 'open' player when he receives multi -player defense needs work to make him a more complete player.
Right now, he is very rough and gets far too frustrated when he is unable to muscle his way to get shots, especially when the officiating is not playing in his favor.

Suppose he does come back?

Can he or does he remedy that "bull in the china shop approach"?

The reason I ask is because, if you think about it, other than Konate, who was the last above the rim type big man we've developed since Huggins has been here? Williams, Kilicli, etc. all played basically the same game as Culver. So, it has to be asked, is this the type of player we're recruiting or the type of player we're developing?

The last two bigs who developed the type of shot you mentioned transferred out. Something to think about...

 

[eerdoc]

Suppose he does come back?

Can he or does he remedy that "bull in the china shop approach"?

The reason I ask is because, if you think about it, other than Konate, who was the last above the rim type big man we've developed since Huggins has been here? Williams, Kilicli, etc. all played basically the same game as Culver. So, it has to be asked, is this the type of player we're recruiting or the type of player we're developing?

The last two bigs who developed the type of shot you mentioned transferred out. Something to think about...

You may be perfectly correct. I was simply suggesting what , IMO, would make DC a more marketable commodity. I do not see the NBA folk salivating over the possibility of landing him as he is today. The next year COULS be beneficial to his future.

 

[wvpaper]

I sure hope Culver comes back. I’m guessing the earliest Cottrell can play would be January 2022. Achilles still take at least a year, correct?

 

[deedoubleyou]

If he wants to get his degree and help WVU to a potential final four, he might come back. If he's ready to start getting paid, I would imagine euro league. He's not NBA material as it is. It would be similar to losing Devin Williams I suppose. It sucked losing him and he never made it to the NBA, but he got paid to play elsewhere.

I hope he and the rest of the team come back. They could be something special next year.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

No way in Hades that the entire team returns in 2021-22. Sherman has one foot out of the door and Culver and Gabe are probably 50-50. Moreover, McBride will likely ask the NBA to evaluate him, and you'll have to hold your breath that he's not considered a first round pick, as he would and should be gone, if he receives a first round grade, which is unlikely at this point. One or two bench guys will likely transfer out for more playing time, as well. Unfortunately, that's the way that college basketball works these days.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Culver...

Europe doesn't want him.

Europe wants stretch 5s.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

Plenty of options for Culver overseas in Europe and elsewhere. He's better than Eljah Macon ever was, and close to Devin Williams in ability.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Plenty of options for Culver overseas in Europe and elsewhere. He's better than Eljah Macon ever was, and close to Devin Williams in ability.

Doesn't matter about better....

It is about style.

Watch an European basketball game.

Gabe could be a player who could make a lot of money playing pro ball

 

[wvpaper]

I think Culver stays. Irresponsible to not pursue a transfer big though. Trying to envision going into next season with Bridges at center and can’t

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

I think Culver stays. Irresponsible to not pursue a transfer big though. Trying to envision going into next season with Bridges at center and can’t

Exactly.
The question becomes what does he need to do to improve his game and can that fit WVU

 

[wvpaper]

Question is who is available and will they come to WV.

On that point, Oscar quit mid-season. Do his handlers have any idea how much that should hurt his draft status?! Nothing gained by either party

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Question is who is available and will they come to WV.

On that point, Oscar quit mid-season. Do his handlers have any idea how much that should hurt his draft status?! Nothing gained by either party

Huggins is trying to win games...
This sometimes gets in the way of pro basketball development.

Calipari...100% NBA. But sometimes that gets in the way of winning

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

Doesn't matter about better....

It is about style.

Watch an European basketball game.

Gabe could be a player who could make a lot of money playing pro ball

OVERSEAS includes more than Europe, but you're analysis is overly simplistic and broad, as Americans with different skill sets are still being courted to play in Europe. Moreover, if Devin Williams can play in China, then so can Culver. He's gone, unless he hasn't graduated in May, and then it's possible that he'd stay for the degree.

 

[wilmingtoneer_rivals]

I cannot see anyone actually transferring! Sherman may try to go pro, but would do well to take the year! Culver needs the year to learn all of the above! How to shoot from the circle would help a lot! Matthews might be tired of idiot fans telling him to Kill himself as well as Taz which would suck if they left! McNabb might leave to be the guard! Cannot see anyone else going!

 

[WVUALLEN]

Suppose he does come back?

Can he or does he remedy that "bull in the china shop approach"?

The reason I ask is because, if you think about it, other than Konate, who was the last above the rim type big man we've developed since Huggins has been here? Williams, Kilicli, etc. all played basically the same game as Culver. So, it has to be asked, is this the type of player we're recruiting or the type of player we're developing?

The last two bigs who developed the type of shot you mentioned transferred out. Something to think about...

Oscar never had that shot. He just thought he did.

Culver thinks his strength can carry him even in triple teams. It can't.

Big men in the game of basketball are disappearing and you can thank the NBA for that.

 

[wvpaper]

Huggins is trying to win games...
This sometimes gets in the way of pro basketball development.

Calipari...100% NBA. But sometimes that gets in the way of winning

Still, huge red flag leaving mid season right after Cottrell went down. GMs will notice that. Dumb mistake on his people’s part.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

OVERSEAS includes more than Europe, but you're analysis is overly simplistic and broad, as Americans with different skill sets are still being courted to play in Europe. Moreover, if Devin Williams can play in China, then so can Culver. He's gone, unless he hasn't graduated in May, and then it's possible that he'd stay for the degree.

The post game has evolved. The reason it has changed because of basketball overseas ...

Most of these international teams want certain players.

Not saying Culver won't be a chance but the sane issues he will have here he will have there.

Their game is about creating space. Culver takes away space.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

I cannot see anyone actually transferring! Sherman may try to go pro, but would do well to take the year! Culver needs the year to learn all of the above! How to shoot from the circle would help a lot! Matthews might be tired of idiot fans telling him to Kill himself as well as Taz which would suck if they left! McNabb might leave to be the guard! Cannot see anyone else going!

You may want to adjust your expectations, so that you will not be disappointed. It's not a WVU problem; it's a clear trend throughout college basketball that fewer players than not stay at one school for four+ years.

 

[wvpaper]

Not sure if it’s a good thing that everyone of these guys are financially behooved to stay another year. The opposite problem is a better one IMO

 

[WVUALLEN]

Exactly.
The question becomes what does he need to do to improve his game and can that fit WVU

IMO - I think he needs to learn how to play from the foul in and also pass the ball when double and tripled team.

So work on passing game. - playing at the foul line he could l;ook for cutters to the basket. This is something Gabe is better at than he is.

Although a great rebounder he still has issues with blocking out.

His defensive skills seem to wane during a game as he gets called for fouls.

He needs to bring 100% all the time. Heck our whole team had issues with this. Exception to that was Gabe who knew what he could do and that was play defense.

But I'm no coach so I really have no idea what they look at but just giving an opinion.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

The post game has evolved. The reason it has changed because of basketball overseas ...

Most of these international teams want certain players.

Not saying Culver won't be a chance but the sane issues he will have here he will have there.

Their game is about creating space. Culver takes away space.

Wider lane = more room to operate in Europe. He'll make money overseas, but it may be in Asia or Australia rather than Europe.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

IMO - I think he needs to learn how to play from the foul in and also pass the ball when double and tripled team.

So work on passing game. - playing at the foul line he could l;ook for cutters to the basket. This is something Gabe is better at than he is.

Although a great rebounder he still has issues with blocking out.

His defensive skills seem to wane during a game as he gets called for fouls.

He needs to bring 100% all the time. Heck our whole team had issues with this. Exception to that was Gabe who knew what he could do and that was play defense.

But I'm no coach so I really have no idea what they look at but just giving an opinion.

You're posting with your heart, and not your head. He's very close to his ceiling now, and one more year at a college that hasn't developed an NBA big man since Joe Alexander (and, he was a total NBA bust) isn't going to change his game much. You want him to come back because WVU would be better with him than without him, and I get that. If getting his degree now is as important to him as the talking heads have said that it is to his mother, then you may get your wish. As a first team all-conference performer, you should want him to come back to school.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Wider lane = more room to operate in Europe. He'll make money overseas, but it may be in Asia or Australia rather than Europe.

Mindset...
When a player gets the ball
1. Shoot
2. Pass
3. Dribble

American players think dribble first

 

[WVUALLEN]

You're posting with your heart, and not your head. He's very close to his ceiling now, and one more year at a college that hasn't developed an NBA big man since Joe Alexander (and, he was a total NBA bust) isn't going to change his game much. You want him to come back because WVU would be better with him than without him, and I get that. If getting his degree now is as important to him as the talking heads have said that it is to his mother, then you may get your wish. As a first team all-conference performer, you should want him to come back to school.

The guy asked a question I answered. You seem to be getting off topic and into smack talking mode.

Didn't think the thread would stay clean long. Oh well. Have a good evening.

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Coaches develop players not colleges.

Alexander is a perfect player for European Basketball...

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

The guy asked a question I answered. You seem to be getting off topic and into smack talking mode.

Didn't think the thread would stay clean long. Oh well. Have a good evening.

Not smack talking at all, but every time I see you post about WVU players staying vs. leaving, you say that they should stay, then rationalize as to why they should do so. I wish that all players would stay four years in college, but it's not always in their best interest to do so. Culver isn't going to become a good perimeter shooter, passer or defender by staying one more year in college. He is what he is at this point, and very good at scoring down low and rebounding.

 

[JWG66]

Question is who is available and will they come to WV.

On that point, Oscar quit mid-season. Do his handlers have any idea how much that should hurt his draft status?! Nothing gained by either party

Oscar who?

 

[spartansstink]

Not smack talking at all, but every time I see you post about WVU players staying vs. leaving, you say that they should stay, then rationalize as to why they should do so. I wish that all players would stay four years in college, but it's not always in their best interest to do so. Culver isn't going to become a good perimeter shooter, passer or defender by staying one more year in college. He is what he is at this point, and very good at scoring down low and rebounding.

But isn't this the reason he SHOULD stay?

Right now, his game is very limited, as you say. Basically, scoring 5 feet and in and getting some rebounds. What about defensively? You didn't mention that. I would assume pro teams, no matter what country, want a more complete player.

In essence, with bad defensive skills and limited offensive skills, isn't what Allen is saying basically correct?

 

[spartansstink]

Mindset...
When a player gets the ball
1. Shoot
2. Pass
3. Dribble

American players think dribble first

Very true. As we saw yesterday, Bridges gets a rebound and instead of going right back up takes one dribble to get closer and has it stolen. A freshman mistake to be sure, but one a lot of non-freshmen also make.

 

[spartansstink]

You're posting with your heart, and not your head. He's very close to his ceiling now, and one more year at a college that hasn't developed an NBA big man since Joe Alexander (and, he was a total NBA bust) isn't going to change his game much. You want him to come back because WVU would be better with him than without him, and I get that. If getting his degree now is as important to him as the talking heads have said that it is to his mother, then you may get your wish. As a first team all-conference performer, you should want him to come back to school.

Is the TEAM really better with him in or out?

I'm no basketball guy at all. I judge success on the court just one way - did you as a player score more points than the guy you are guarding.

If the answer to that question is yes - then our team won the game.

So, if Culver scores 10 but the other team scores 15 or 20, then we lose with him on the court.

Would getting Gabe back and teaching him some offensive skills so that he gives you 8 to 10 per night to go along with his defense acumen make WVU a better team in the end?

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Very true. As we saw yesterday, Bridges gets a rebound and instead of going right back up takes one dribble to get closer and has it stolen. A freshman mistake to be sure, but one a lot of non-freshmen also make.

Being exposed to soccer is very good for basketball players.

This is something that happened about 25 years ago but they noticed the difference between how Europeans see the game and Americans.

But you have seen a lot of this influence the American game

 

[TownesVanZandt_rivals]

Fran actually scouts in the Big 12 for some European teams.
If Culver is highly desired you will know.

Truthfully think Gabe is because of ability to guard every inch of the floor.

 

[tOSUaluminWVa]

But isn't this the reason he SHOULD stay?

Right now, his game is very limited, as you say. Basically, scoring 5 feet and in and getting some rebounds. What about defensively? You didn't mention that. I would assume pro teams, no matter what country, want a more complete player.

In essence, with bad defensive skills and limited offensive skills, isn't what Allen is saying basically correct?

Absolutely not. He's not going to improve dramatically be staying in college for one more season, so why not get paid to play? Of course, this assumes that getting his college degree now isn't his first priority, and that he won't graduate this Spring.