I'd go with Nwoko. From watching him the first game to where he is now - he has been a welcome addition. I knew Kugel had talent so he's contributing on how I thought he would.
Who's been the most surprising basketball player this season?...
- Thread starter dawgstudent
- Start date
Seeing as how I'd never heard of most of these players until about 6 weeks ago, I'd say most all of them. But for me, one big surprise is how much Cam has improved his basketball skills. He's always been a valuable defense/rebound/hustle type player. But he is running point guard at times for us, getting assists, beating defenders off the dribble this year. If he was just a little better shooter, he'd be a 5-tool player. Even there, he's smart and disciplined enough that he doesn't take bad shots (except at the free throw line).
Kugel - there have been some games where he is shooting 100% until late in the game
I guess I’ll go with Murphy because he really hadn’t shown us anything but discontent in his first two years, and I don’t think that begging guys to come back from the portal typically leads to much, but he’s been a really pleasant surprise.
When he is engaged and on his game, he’s a difference maker on both ends of the court.
When he is engaged and on his game, he’s a difference maker on both ends of the court.
Murphy has been my biggest surprise. He's gone from a role player to an X factor this season.
Without a doubt Murphy. We'll see how he stacks up when we play someone with actual post presence, but either way there is no doubt he's improved dramatically.
I didn't think he could fix his broken shot. It looks so much better. The hitch he used to have is gone. It's no doubt a case of him listening to what coaches had been been telling him, likely for years, and putting in the work to make the change. I didn't think he would do it, but I'm glad to be wrong.
Kugel. He had such a jacket on him for being moody and hard to coach. He has given us a spark in some games that is marvelous. I am happy to see him in maroon and white, lighting it up.
Kugel is my favorite player on the team. He has the type of elite skill that we just don't see much of here. We get athletic guys, we get scrappy guys, and occasionally a guy who can shoot, but we don't get such highly skilled basketball players very often.
If he wasn't 6'5 he'd be an NBA guy, and he still might be. He plays much bigger than that.
I'm gonna vote Melendez. I sort of new what to expect from Kugel. Saw the talent in flashes from Murph last year, so that's more of just seeing what we wanted to see.
I had read that Claudell was a shooter, but he has also been a pleasant surprise on defense and his commitment to hustle and rebounding. Really good.
But I didn't really know where RJ would fit in. The answer is, everywhere. He loves playing D, loves rebounding, loves to run the court on the break, and can shoot. The dude is just a baller.
I had read that Claudell was a shooter, but he has also been a pleasant surprise on defense and his commitment to hustle and rebounding. Really good.
But I didn't really know where RJ would fit in. The answer is, everywhere. He loves playing D, loves rebounding, loves to run the court on the break, and can shoot. The dude is just a baller.
Was going to put in a vote for Harris. Sneaky good rebounder.
Certainly a bunch of good choices and that's a good thing. Just a super fun team to watch play.
This in spades. Not only his play but his attitude and on-court demeanor have been a pleasant surprise. His vision passing the ball is impressive.
Melendez and Murphy. I knew Kugel would be good once he got his bearings because I saw what he could do at Florida. Melendez is a great perimeter defender with some length, a nice 3 point stroke, and can drive to the basket.
Murphy has improved all of his game. He defends well and is VERY underrated passer. Has started to get a good feel for blocking shots too.
Murphy has improved all of his game. He defends well and is VERY underrated passer. Has started to get a good feel for blocking shots too.
I would say the biggest thing to me is the chemistry. These guys look like they've been playing together for 2-3 years. A testament to Jans. What a great coach we have.
I appreciate what Murphy has done to improve his game, but always knew the talent was there.
We have 7-8 guys that in any giving game can go for 20. That is amazing to me. We have an elite D & borderline elite basketball team. Alot of fun to watch.
I appreciate what Murphy has done to improve his game, but always knew the talent was there.
We have 7-8 guys that in any giving game can go for 20. That is amazing to me. We have an elite D & borderline elite basketball team. Alot of fun to watch.
I’m going Nwoko and Murphy. Both were good recruits out of HS, but Nwoko didn’t produce much at all last year and Murphy didn’t show nearly as much around the rim as he has this year.
And unfortunately, I’d give a (dis)honorable mention to Clary. Surprised by the lack of production. Not because of the “injury” but because even in the games he played, he was not very impressive to me. May be unfair since he’s missed a bunch of games, but I expected more from him. Hope get gets back and turns it around.
And unfortunately, I’d give a (dis)honorable mention to Clary. Surprised by the lack of production. Not because of the “injury” but because even in the games he played, he was not very impressive to me. May be unfair since he’s missed a bunch of games, but I expected more from him. Hope get gets back and turns it around.
Melendez is the guy for me. Really solid guy on both ends.
Same for me! Plays lights out defense and is unselfish on offense. His quickness will be key against the top ten teams in the SEC when we play them.
Murphy by a long shot. I don't even recognize this guy anymore. He's now one of 3 players on the team that consistently flirts with a dbl-dbl, and if that wasn't enough he's bumped his FT % up this year to ~ 75% ish. That said, really dig what Melendez, Kugel, and Harris have brought to the table, but didn't have any expectations for these three.
I think NIL has potential to have a positive impact on college basketball. These guys can see the immediate payback from playing well. They can make some legit money on the college level but being a cancer will get you blacklisted
Melendez
I had heard and read in the offseason how great of a shooter he was and could be but his defense, effort and energy getting out in transition has been surprising. Hes always one of the first to dive on the floor for a loose ball, comes up with rebounds out of nowhere over guys much larger than him. Hes been so fun to watch. Kugels offensive game has been impressive as well and Harris has been a huge piece to provide some shooting when Hubbard isn’t on.
I had heard and read in the offseason how great of a shooter he was and could be but his defense, effort and energy getting out in transition has been surprising. Hes always one of the first to dive on the floor for a loose ball, comes up with rebounds out of nowhere over guys much larger than him. Hes been so fun to watch. Kugels offensive game has been impressive as well and Harris has been a huge piece to provide some shooting when Hubbard isn’t on.
The way they play team ball, whether defense or offense, they all seem to work well together. I found that very hopeful for the future. I hope we can all remember that whenever they have to play a road game against one of the big dogs. It is going to be challenging in the SEC this season.
Cam's point guard/ball handling abililty might be his ticket to the NBA. But he has to be able to shoot at least from 15-20'. I could see a NBA team maybe taking a 2nd round pick chance on him. If there was such a thing as a 5 tool basketball player, then Cam is a 4 tool player. The thing is.....I think he can shoot decently, but he just doesn't. He'll pass up makeable shots in order to assist to a player with a better shot opportunity. Almost looks like he'd rather do what will win games than to work on his own shot. He's everything most coaches want in a player.
Kugel. Yeah, he was scouted as a good player, but the beginning of the season he was not sure of this role.
Now, the dude is unstoppable when he wants to score. His attitude seems to have changed too, which helps.
2nd place, Melendez.
Now, the dude is unstoppable when he wants to score. His attitude seems to have changed too, which helps.
2nd place, Melendez.