Do you think Ben Strong could play in the league next year? Opinions?
He doesn't seem to be having the same kind of year he had the last half of last season, but anything can happen down the stretch. He does have the physical ability to get a good look.
we asked Marty Blake this BEFORE the season and he said they'd be keeping a close eye on him.
That Marty knew who he was was a good sign.
Before and Now are different things : i'm wondering if he's still on the radar and if so, is he 2nd round draft material?
Based on what I've seen, the answer is yes. His excellent passing ability is what puts him over the top in terms of value; he can really help any team, even if he never shoots the ball.
And shoot he can, from all over the place. His strong fundamentals mean that he's always a threat to get a step and be gone if the defense doesn't pay attention. On D, he has good position and his wingspan is large. For the NBA, he'll need to work on defense and extend his shooting range even more. I'll bet after this season is over he starts working on the long range shooting.
Well, I'm a Guilford fan. Anyway, I expect wiser heads than me will give him a good hard look. That's my sense.
A probable D-leaguer, as for the NBA the weak D1 centers with the exception of a few going into this year's draft helps him, but I do not know if it will be enough.
I'd like to see him get drafted but do you think he'll sign as a free agent if not?
Can someone fill me in as to who Ben Strong is?
He plays for Guilford. 6-10 or 6-11.
Interestingly one of Marty Blake's NBA scouts who works the Carolinas is former-Potsdam head coach Jerry Welsh, who is semi-retired, lives in the Raleigh area and teaches at Duke.
Quote from: vozdelospetrels on February 09, 2008, 10:52:29 AM
Can someone fill me in as to who Ben Strong is?
He is last season's D3hoops.com Player of the Year.
The Chicago Bulls could use this kid!!!
i'd like to see him get drafted but i dont think it's gonna happen.
I meant to tell you all this, we chatted with Ben on Hoopsville this past Sunday and we did discuss the possibility of the NBA. He certainly knows his challenges... it is worth a listen (http://"http://www.d3hoops.com/audio/08/strong021008.mp3").
This is a great talk. Ben sounds like a good guy and i hope he adds the strength in the legs that he wants to get to the next level.
He won't be an NBA center ever unless he adds serious bulk. His main problem is strength. Not to sound too negative, but honestly I don't think he has the strength to guard most NBA centers and power forwards. Also, I don't think he'd match up well with the PFs that can can put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket because I don't think Strong would be quick enough for them. He's D-League material right now and he'd be better off going overseas where he could get equally as good coahing, if not better, the international game would allow Strong a better chance to get PT, and he'd get paid better too.
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie - I'm with you. It's nice to have a dream; when morning comes you wake up. Lighting everyone who is 3 or 4 inches shorter than you is no big deal (see Bienemann vs. E&H last night). A couple of years ago I heard that Hawaii & BYU were interested in Ben. There aren't too many NBA players coming out of those schools. Even the D-League has a bunch of large, physical, quick people. A "B" League in Europe is his best hope to postpone adulthood. I hope he has good grades with a strong major because that will better serve his future. He sounds like a nice young man; but lets get serious folks - he ain't going to the show.
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie, I've been trying to track this down (with no success), but I vaguely recall that both Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire were attendees at Pete Newell's camps - whether that is correct (and whether it would have overlapped Ben's participation), I can't say. But just in case, I hope you didn't bet
too heavily! ;D
You've seen him; I haven't. But from what I've read, it seems like his 'deficiencies' wouldn't be insurmountable for a professional strength trainer (and I'm NOT hinting at 'roids!); he seems to have the work-ethic it would take.
Dennie Bridges taught Jack Sikma a move that greatly helped him become a 7-time NBA all-star. From what I've read, Ben is already a more polished player than Jack was then (though Jack was naturally more 'beefy' than Ben). I'm extremely hopeful that Ben will make a splash (even if, as I suspect, he may have to go through Europe or the D-league to do it).
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2008, 11:25:36 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie, I've been trying to track this down (with no success), but I vaguely recall that both Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire were attendees at Pete Newell's camps - whether that is correct (and whether it would have overlapped Ben's participation), I can't say. But just in case, I hope you didn't bet too heavily! ;D
You've seen him; I haven't. But from what I've read, it seems like his 'deficiencies' wouldn't be insurmountable for a professional strength trainer (and I'm NOT hinting at 'roids!); he seems to have the work-ethic it would take.
Dennie Bridges taught Jack Sikma a move that greatly helped him become a 7-time NBA all-star. From what I've read, Ben is already a more polished player than Jack was then (though Jack was naturally more 'beefy' than Ben). I'm extremely hopeful that Ben will make a splash (even if, as I suspect, he may have to go through Europe or the D-league to do it).
nba is a totally different game nowadays. sikma didn't have to guard 6'10 players who could put the ball on the floor from the perimeter and drive to the paint or shoot the three ball on a daily basis. there may have been a few, but not nearly as many as there are now. Strong simply doesn't have the frame to put on much more weight and he can only get so much quicker regardless of what kind of workout regimen he goes through...
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2008, 11:25:36 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie, I've been trying to track this down (with no success), but I vaguely recall that both Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire were attendees at Pete Newell's camps - whether that is correct (and whether it would have overlapped Ben's participation), I can't say. But just in case, I hope you didn't bet too heavily! ;D
You've seen him; I haven't. But from what I've read, it seems like his 'deficiencies' wouldn't be insurmountable for a professional strength trainer (and I'm NOT hinting at 'roids!); he seems to have the work-ethic it would take.
Dennie Bridges taught Jack Sikma a move that greatly helped him become a 7-time NBA all-star. From what I've read, Ben is already a more polished player than Jack was then (though Jack was naturally more 'beefy' than Ben). I'm extremely hopeful that Ben will make a splash (even if, as I suspect, he may have to go through Europe or the D-league to do it).
Even if Stoudamire and Howard didnt go to the camp, here is a list of players who did (from Newell's Camp's website): "Shaquille O'Neal, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwan, Scottie Pippen, Bernard King, James Worthy, Sean Elliott, Jermaine O'Neal, Tayshaun Prince, Kenyon Martin, Shawn Marion, Shawn Kemp, Antawn Jamison, A.C. Green, Horace Grant, Tyson Chandler, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Kwame Brown just to name a few." In addition to that, I hear he is working with Andrew Bynum closely (at least before he got hurt). Pete Newell's camp isnt a joke, NBA level talent goes through there. Obviously not everyone who goes there gets into the league, but I dont think its an experience to laugh at.
Also from the site, "The camp's impressive participants list features over 200 current and former NBA players."
Quote from: baselinejam on February 14, 2008, 10:25:52 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie - I'm with you. It's nice to have a dream; when morning comes you wake up. Lighting everyone who is 3 or 4 inches shorter than you is no big deal (see Bienemann vs. E&H last night). A couple of years ago I heard that Hawaii & BYU were interested in Ben. There aren't too many NBA players coming out of those schools. Even the D-League has a bunch of large, physical, quick people. A "B" League in Europe is his best hope to postpone adulthood. I hope he has good grades with a strong major because that will better serve his future. He sounds like a nice young man; but lets get serious folks - he ain't going to the show.
I wouldn't be so quick to write him off. After all, there have been three D3 players within the last decade who have made it to the NBA: Devean George (Augsburg), Horace Jenkins (William Paterson), and Andy Panko (Lebanon Valley). Given Strong's size, skills, and proven track record for improving his game, it's not at all unreasonable to think that he could follow in the footsteps of those three players.
I think it's more a question of whether or not he could stick if he made it to the NBA. Jenkins and Panko were there on ten-day contracts, similar to the scenario that played out for Christopher Newport's Lamont Strothers in an earlier era, and neither Jenkins nor Panko hung around for anything longer than a cup of coffee. In fact, Panko's career consisted of exactly one minute played for the Atlanta Hawks in a game during the 2001 season. Devean George is the only D3 player who has managed to make a sustained career for himself in the NBA over the past decade; prior to him, the only D3 alumni who had gotten regular minutes in the NBA as reserves were North Park's Michael Harper (1981 and 1982 seasons) and College of New Jersey's Greg Grant (1990 thru 1996 seasons).
I think it's entirely likely that Strong could make it to the NBA -- but never be anything more than a basketball-reference.com footnote, a la Jenkins, Panko, and Strothers.
Quote from: hugenerd on February 15, 2008, 12:55:08 AM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2008, 11:25:36 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie, I've been trying to track this down (with no success), but I vaguely recall that both Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire were attendees at Pete Newell's camps - whether that is correct (and whether it would have overlapped Ben's participation), I can't say. But just in case, I hope you didn't bet too heavily! ;D
You've seen him; I haven't. But from what I've read, it seems like his 'deficiencies' wouldn't be insurmountable for a professional strength trainer (and I'm NOT hinting at 'roids!); he seems to have the work-ethic it would take.
Dennie Bridges taught Jack Sikma a move that greatly helped him become a 7-time NBA all-star. From what I've read, Ben is already a more polished player than Jack was then (though Jack was naturally more 'beefy' than Ben). I'm extremely hopeful that Ben will make a splash (even if, as I suspect, he may have to go through Europe or the D-league to do it).
Even if Stoudamire and Howard didnt go to the camp, here is a list of players who did (from Newell's Camp's website): "Shaquille O'Neal, Bill Walton, Hakeem Olajuwan, Scottie Pippen, Bernard King, James Worthy, Sean Elliott, Jermaine O'Neal, Tayshaun Prince, Kenyon Martin, Shawn Marion, Shawn Kemp, Antawn Jamison, A.C. Green, Horace Grant, Tyson Chandler, Mike Dunleavy Jr., and Kwame Brown just to name a few." In addition to that, I hear he is working with Andrew Bynum closely (at least before he got hurt). Pete Newell's camp isnt a joke, NBA level talent goes through there. Obviously not everyone who goes there gets into the league, but I dont think its an experience to laugh at.
Also from the site, "The camp's impressive participants list features over 200 current and former NBA players."
I highly doubt Ben Strong was going up against any of those players at the camp considering the years Strong went, especially considering the professional players practice at a different time then the college players.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 14, 2008, 11:25:36 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 14, 2008, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 14, 2008, 05:40:23 PM
I'm a Guilford alumnus and live in Greensboro, NC, so I've had the privilege to see Ben Strong develop rapidly over the last four years. He went from about 10 ppg in a back-up role his freshman year to about 19 ppg and ODAC first team as a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, many of you know he had a break-out year as DIII POY. He hit over 25 per game, including a 59 point outburst in a 3OT NCAA Sweet 16 game. This year, I think his lowest game was 13 and his high was 39. He's at 25.7 through 21 games with over 11 boards. Lately, his game has elevated, with 28-34 ppg being the norm. As a team, Guilford is playing well (17-4) and the Quakers have a 9 game win streak going. They lost a few early as the team adapted to new guards and while 6'10" Tyler Sanborn recovered from an injury.
Ben's gained about 20 pounds and more muscle at Guilford, but he'll take a bit of a beating in the NBA. He handles the ball like a guard and has great court savvy. I saw Bob Kauffman, David Smith, World B. Free and M.L Carr at Guilford and Ben's a legit player too! The rap, I'm sure, will be the level of competition in DIII where few opposing players are over 6'7". Ben's been to Pete Newell's Big Man Camp every summer, however, and I hear he's handled himself well!
I hope he gets drafted in the NBA, but Europe is definitely in the cards!
I bet he's never had to face a Dwight Howard or Amare Stoudamire at Big Man Camp! ;)
Scottie, I've been trying to track this down (with no success), but I vaguely recall that both Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudamire were attendees at Pete Newell's camps - whether that is correct (and whether it would have overlapped Ben's participation), I can't say. But just in case, I hope you didn't bet too heavily! ;D
You've seen him; I haven't. But from what I've read, it seems like his 'deficiencies' wouldn't be insurmountable for a professional strength trainer (and I'm NOT hinting at 'roids!); he seems to have the work-ethic it would take.
Dennie Bridges taught Jack Sikma a move that greatly helped him become a 7-time NBA all-star. From what I've read, Ben is already a more polished player than Jack was then (though Jack was naturally more 'beefy' than Ben). I'm extremely hopeful that Ben will make a splash (even if, as I suspect, he may have to go through Europe or the D-league to do it).
Sikma was also invited to the '76 Olympic trials. Even though he didn't make the team I was impressed with his game then. He stood out in what was essentially a college all-star scrimmage. To go further Sikma became an NBA All-star. He was special. Please don't take this the wrong way - Ben Strong isn't that kind of special.
http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501
Not saying this guy knows what he's talking about, but here's a site that assesses DII, DIII and NAIA players for NBA potential. Scroll down and you'll see what he has to say about Strong.
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 11:58:36 AM
http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501
Not saying this guy knows what he's talking about, but here's a site that assesses DII, DIII and NAIA players for NBA potential. Scroll down and you'll see what he has to say about Strong.
Well it appears he doesn't have any D2, D3, or NAIA guys being drafted on his mock draft.
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 15, 2008, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 11:58:36 AM
http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501
Not saying this guy knows what he's talking about, but here's a site that assesses DII, DIII and NAIA players for NBA potential. Scroll down and you'll see what he has to say about Strong.
Well it appears he doesn't have any D2, D3, or NAIA guys being drafted on his mock draft.
Drafted players obviously have a better chance, but others are always signed for developmental leagues. We'll see ...
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 12:20:19 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 15, 2008, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 11:58:36 AM
http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501
Not saying this guy knows what he's talking about, but here's a site that assesses DII, DIII and NAIA players for NBA potential. Scroll down and you'll see what he has to say about Strong.
Well it appears he doesn't have any D2, D3, or NAIA guys being drafted on his mock draft.
Drafted players obviously have a better chance, but others are always signed for developmental leagues. We'll see ...
Yep, but of all places to have a non-d1/international drafted, I would think it would be this website seeing as how their focus is on D3/D3/NAIA.
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 12:20:19 PM
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 15, 2008, 12:10:01 PM
Quote from: hasanova on February 15, 2008, 11:58:36 AM
http://www.thedraftreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3501
Not saying this guy knows what he's talking about, but here's a site that assessesDII, DIII and NAIA players for NBA potential. Scroll down and you'll see what he has to say about Strong.
Well it appears he doesn't have any D2, D3, or NAIA guys being drafted on his mock draft.
Drafted players obviously have a better chance, but others are always signed for developmental leagues. We'll see ...
Let's gain some perspective - 60 players will be drafted. Last year 13 were foreign, Eyeballing the list at least 25 were underclassmen. My question - Is Ben Strong one of he best 22 senior hoopsters in the country and if so which ACC team would he start on? My answers are "no & none".
I work out with Mike Dunleavy Jr. & Troy Murphy in the summers at the Sports Club L/A in NYC and I'm sure Ben Strong could play with both of them...i'm not saying he could dominate these guys but he could stick with them.
Quote from: NYBB on February 15, 2008, 05:13:55 PM
I work out with Mike Dunleavy Jr. & Troy Murphy in the summers at the Sports Club L/A in NYC and I'm sure Ben Strong could play with both of them...i'm not saying he could dominate these guys but he could stick with them.
Strong is a PF, Dunleavy is a SG. They have completely different games. Dunleavy is a perimeter player who can't guard the post. Strong is a post player who probably can't guard on the perimeter well on a consistent basis. Also, Dunleavy is averaging 17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists. It doesn't really matter if anyone thinks Strong could hold his own against Dunleavy. Why? They'd never guard each other and play entirely different positions and games!
Quote from: NYBB on February 15, 2008, 05:13:55 PM
I work out with Mike Dunleavy Jr. & Troy Murphy in the summers at the Sports Club L/A in NYC and I'm sure Ben Strong could play with both of them...i'm not saying he could dominate these guys but he could stick with them.
There isn't a way on earth he could go 1 on 1 against either of them or could have when they were college players either.
What he has going for him (in terms of making the NBA) is that he is a big man. From what I have read, he is 6'11" and pretty decent strength wise. If he has good basketball skills, he has a chance. Nobody is saying he is going to dominate the NBA, the argument is whether he will make it at all. In terms of hanging with the most athletic big men in the world (like Amare or Dwight Howard), I dont think he can, but, that said, most NBA players cant either. Look at some current and former NBA players: Eric Montross and Bryant Reeves both former NBA big men who were very slow but 7'0" and could score around the basket. They both played a few years in the league. Look at Aaron Gray right now, he is a really slow guy with almost no outside game, but he is tall. Even if he is an inch or two shorter, Strong could still have a chance if he can make mid range jumpers and can handle the ball.
I am by no way saying that he will definitely make it, I have never seen him play. I just think everyone is putting way too much emphasis on athleticism. Yes, the dominant big men in the game right now are very athletic big men, but that doesnt mean all big men in the league are like that.
Quote from: hugenerd on February 15, 2008, 10:11:30 PM
What he has going for him (in terms of making the NBA) is that he is a big man. From what I have read, he is 6'11" and pretty decent strength wise. If he has good basketball skills, he has a chance. Nobody is saying he is going to dominate the NBA, the argument is whether he will make it at all. In terms of hanging with the most athletic big men in the world (like Amare or Dwight Howard), I dont think he can, but, that said, most NBA players cant either. Look at some current and former NBA players: Eric Montross and Bryant Reeves both former NBA big men who were very slow but 7'0" and could score around the basket. They both played a few years in the league. Look at Aaron Gray right now, he is a really slow guy with almost no outside game, but he is tall. Even if he is an inch or two shorter, Strong could still have a chance if he can make mid range jumpers and can handle the ball.
I am by no way saying that he will definitely make it, I have never seen him play. I just think everyone is putting way too much emphasis on athleticism. Yes, the dominant big men in the game right now are very athletic big men, but that doesnt mean all big men in the league are like that.
Strong is an NBA power forward on both ends of the court. The players you mentioned are NBA centers on both ends of the court. Ben simply isn't strong enough to play center like those guys did. If we are going to use former or current NBA players as a comparison, you should use comparisons to the same position. It's pointless to compare strong to players who don't even play the same position. Unless we're talking Nelly ball, I imagine Strong won't be signed to play center in the NBA.
Brandon Adair exposed Strong at times when he put the ball on the floor and drove to the basket. He exposed Strong at times posting up. Adair will never make it to the NBA. If Strong has difficulties guarding him there's no chance he'll be able to guard nba power forwards who are bigger and will be either strong than Adair and/or much more quicker and athletic than Adair.
Ben Strong is like a worse Detlef Schrempf to me.
Detled Schrempf was a dead eye three point shooter, Strong is 1-8 from the three point line. What next silly comparison are y'all going to make? ::)
Quote from: Scottie Too Hottie on February 16, 2008, 07:43:36 AM
Detled Schrempf was a dead eye three point shooter, Strong is 1-8 from the three point line. What next silly comparison are y'all going to make? ::)
from the
19' 9" three point line at that! ;)
I've never seen Ben Strong play, so I really can't assess his prospects as an NBA player. I'd just encourage everyone to keep in mind the incredible difference in play from NCAA Division III to the NBA.
Illinois Wesleyan's Zach Freeman (6-7) was the power forward on the D3hoops.com 2006-07 All-American team on which Ben Strong was the center. Last year as a senior, Freeman averaged 21.6 ppg and 9.1 rpg and shot .614 from the field. Here is a video featuring Freeman at the 2006 D3 Final Four (his junior year), playing against Virginia Wesleyan and Amherst...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2EANANcrj8
Freeman, who was even better as a senior than he was as a junior in that video, is 6-7 and certainly not 6-10 like Ben Strong, but his incredible athleticism made him a player who could have played Division I somewhere.
Zach is now playing professionally in Germany for Hagen. Hagen is in the Bundesliga 2 -- a very good professional league. Bundesliga 2 is a step down from Bundesliga 1, which is really a big-time professional league. The following site has links to the Phoenix Hagen roster, as well as info on the B1 and B2 leagues...
http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=GER&Team=2480
http://www.phoenix-hagen.de/index.php?area=1&p=static&page=pro-a
Zach does not start for his team. The starting 4/5 players are Adam Baumann (6-8/250, Youngstown State) and Kyle Jeffers (6-9/270, Oregon State). Freeman averages 10.6 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 20 minutes per game, shooting .542 from the field...
http://statistik.basketball-bundesliga.de/zweite/stats/player/index.php?team=473&pos=PF&spieler_id=8369&saison=2007
Here is a video recap from a game in January, to give a better feel for the level of play...
http://werthmedia.de/spielbericht.php?id=17
(Zach Freeman is #7 for the team in yellow and has dunk about 2:00 into the video.)
Zach Freeman, a D3 1st Team All-American last year, does not start for Phoenix Hagen in the Bundesliga 2...which is a step down from Bundesliga 1...which is a step down from the really elite European leagues...which are a HUGE step down from the NBA.
I am not trying to compare Ben Strong to Zach Freeman, as I know strong is 6-10 and has a much higher ceiling because of that. My point is simply to keep in perspective the world of difference between the ODAC and NBA.
http://www.pennatlantic.com/main.php?module=event-detail&eventId=5178
If you want to see Ben Strong today, the Guilford/Bridgewater game will be videocast from Greensboro by Penn Atlantic at 3 pm EST. There is a $3.50 charge, but it is available. Enjoy.
The cream of the crop of international leagues would, according to most folks who follow both American and internaional hoops, would be in between that of D1 and NBA. The top one is Euroleague I believe. Even the best guys there often don't make it to the NBA.
Whatsamatta - nobody answered my query. If Ben Strong is so hot which ACC team would he start on? Again I say none. This is my last post on this silly thread.
Zach Freeman was a beast in college...i watched that youtube thing: a 6'7'' guy who has good post moves destroys D3
Quote from: baselinejam on February 16, 2008, 10:12:20 PM
Whatsamatta - nobody answered my query. If Ben Strong is so hot which ACC team would he start on? Again I say none. This is my last post on this silly thread.
I don't know the answer to that question, but he did score 27 at the SEC's DI South Carolina in a Nov. 5 exhibition game.
Quote from: hasanova on February 17, 2008, 09:20:51 AM
Quote from: baselinejam on February 16, 2008, 10:12:20 PM
Whatsamatta - nobody answered my query. If Ben Strong is so hot which ACC team would he start on? Again I say none. This is my last post on this silly thread.
I don't know the answer to that question, but he did score 27 at the SEC's DI South Carolina in a Nov. 5 exhibition game.
And it's an exhibition. If exhibitions/scrimmages meant anything, then LC would have had a decent season in the 07 and 06 years...
USC's starting front line is 6'7" 200 lbs. and 6'7" 230 lbs., and their "bigs" off the bench in that game were 6'7" 205 lbs., 6'8" 215 lbs., 6'7" 210 lbs, and 6'9" 216 lbs. So we are talking about thin D3 size centers for the most part, not exactly the types of players Ben Strong would be facing in the NBA. Other than the 6'9" guy, these players would be NBA small forwards or terribly undersized power forwards at best.
Quote from: hasanova on February 17, 2008, 09:20:51 AM
Quote from: baselinejam on February 16, 2008, 10:12:20 PM
Whatsamatta - nobody answered my query. If Ben Strong is so hot which ACC team would he start on? Again I say none. This is my last post on this silly thread.
I don't know the answer to that question, but he did score 27 at the SEC's DI South Carolina in a Nov. 5 exhibition game.
I'm a back slider & for that I apologize - SC ain't in the ACC they don't have any NBA talent & it was an exhibition. For example Bienemann had 10 points against The Citadel the 3rd game (not exhibition) of his freshman year. What does that mean? It means they lost by 9 & he got 10.
Now I really promise never to comment on this very silly thread again. Moon Pies to anyone who catches back sliding again ;)
www.collegiatebasketballinvitational.com
He's on the Player Watch List.......
Having played with ben, coached him, and also having talked to him about the newell camp, working amare's camp, lebron's camp, and yes having played with all those guys, how it went and so forth, i think ben has a legit shot at the league.
However, I am not sure on being drafted, because ben is seriously still raw from a physical stand point. He stopped growing in college, and can still benefit from a strength and conditioning program. He has good strength now, weighing in around 225, but he could still add about 25 more lbs and still be just as mobile. My opinion is that he should take a contract overseas, keeping developing on and off the court, and then attempt to make it into the league, but thats just my opinion.
Fellas- I was AT the Pete Newell Big Man Camp this past summer(at 8:30 EVERY morning to be exact! You try that in VEGAS-no mean feat) and I can assure ALL of you that Ben did extremely well, so much so that one of the reps from the Timberwolves(that's right-the NBA) and I were marveling at Ben's talent and ability.
Indeed, we also talked with some of the other scouts and coaches about Ben, and the running joke was 'where in the hell is Guilford?' All were in concurrence that Ben was a diamond in the rough.
Personally, I feel he needs to seriously hit the weights and add 25 lbs to stay competitive. Still, his skill level is extraordinary, and his footwork is magnificent!
Will he be a surprise draft pick? Hmm..I don't know. But a team with a dearth of big men(like the Lakers) could see him as a project PF. If Ben can get a dead-on outside shot, the sky's the limit.
Oh, and 'mybleedinghands': At this particular session of the Camp, there were only 3 pros this year(Solomon Jones, Justin Williams amd Roderick Riley), so yes, eveybody played against each other this year-no delineation between anybody. Bear in mind this is a TEACHING camp, not one of those joke AAU camps where it's only run-n-gun games. At the most, there were 3 on 3's. However, when each player was required to execute solo or team moves and drills, Ben performed flawlessly. Believe me, some of the D1 players could not do these tasks as effortlessly as Ben, albeit they were much stronger and beefier specimens.
And for Amare and Dwight-these guys are ALL STARS! Very, very few can hold up to them! Also, we all are guilty of NBA draft hype-it takes most players a few years to get up to speed in the league.
So bottom line: I hope Ben gets drafted-I've been a fan since seeing him this summer. But, will it happen? The odds are against him. That being said, getting paid to play ANYWHERE is damn good thing! Europe ain't a bad deal. And, he can still make it to the league in a few years too.
BTW great book recommendation about pro ball at all levels: 'Can I Keep My Jersey?' by Paul Shirley. Getting to the NBA obviously takes talent, but a lot of luck and timing factor in too!
Good Luck to Ben Strong!
-SDBrum
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Oh yeah-almost forgot-Sikma used to try and guard a guy named Kareem- ever heard of him? ;D
And Walton, and Parish and Cartwright and Lister and Malone and...you get the idea!
Sikma's over the head shot was pretty close to unstoppable and he backed down from NO ONE-helluva rebounder too!
No, he would NOT be guarding 6'10 perimiter players-he was a friggin' CENTER! A position that seems to be vanishing in the NBA........
And Joakim Noah SUCKS!!! UGH. What a NASTY game he has...and the WORST footwork EVER!!! Don't believe me? Watch for yourself. Not to mention one of the most HORRIBLE shots EVER. Can't stand the guy. How is he in the NBA?
He is an example of NBA luck and timing-I personally feel Ben Strong has WAY more talent than this stiff. Noah will be out of the league soon enough, hopefully.
Perhaps to make room for Ben! That would be cool!
OK, now I'm outta here!!!
Not for the next few years, at least.
Ben Strong signed a multi-year contract with professional team Haifa Heat, (also called Maccabi Haifa Heat) located in northern Israel. Here's a link to the release. (Ben played for D3 Guilford College the past four years.)
http://www.mhbasket.co.il/newsEng.asp?lang=en&id=362
The Haifa Heat plays in the Israel Premier league, reputedly one of the ten best leagues in the world. The league participates in the European championship. Haifa Heat just earned their way into the Premier league last year, so you could consider them up and coming.
Strong reportedly did a great job in a 50 player, two day tryout in Florida. The players mainly had professional experience, some with ACC backgrounds. Strong has some heavy traffic in front of him on the roster; he'll be working hard for playing time. It's a great development opportunity!
Fantastic! One of my rec league teammates played in that league and he says it's great competition. (he'll be in the Sac. Kings training camp in a few weeks-best of luck to him as well!) Good for Ben! I hope Ben develops a dead-on outside jumper with range, puts on the weight and continues to evolve his overall game. I still feel the NBA is a viable option for Ben-this is one of the first steps to getting there. I'll try to stay abreast of his situation as best I can.
Man, gettin' paid to play! Sludge, you must be proud!
BTW, would it be too much to ask what he signed for? I saw that it's a 2 year+options contract. Just curious! ;D