By now everyone in the country knows that UCLA's super freshman Kevin Love and junior Darren Collison are reportedly going pro.
While that makes sense from a business stand point, millions of dollars and no school work...hey where do I sign? It just doesn't make sense from a basketball stand point; I feel as though Love is just not ready yet to get up and down the court with the quicker paced NBA players.
Love may be a bit slow and lacks the athletism it takes play in the NBA.
Love also lacks defensive quickness, he plays below the rim and he has an inability to defend the perimeter. These are definitely things he should work on before the draft.
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But because he does have some size, he’s probably 15-20 pounds overweight, and great hands, teams will take a chance on him with a lottery pick. Many scouts have noticed that he has good fundamentals and has range on his jump shot.
If he works hard on becoming faster and stronger, he should be able to develop into an 8-10 point and 8-10 rebound per game player. Definitely not star numbers but he does have an NBA type frame.
Collison on the other hand is extremely fast with the ball in his hand but may be too small to be a starter in the next level. Because of his lack of size he may have trouble finishing at the rim and his scoring tools may be limited.
Some reports have him as a top 15 pick the upcoming draft.
I just have a problem with a team using their lottery pick on someone who won't even average double digits in points per game. These picks should be used on a guy with a lot of upside and not someone that's being compared to shorter version of Chris Duhon.
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5 months ago
I definitely think they both should stay in school one more year. How bad can life on the west coast be when you are the top dawgs at your school? Love needs to come back for all the reasons you said. He's not quick enough to play at the NBA pace and if they come back UCLA will definitely be a front-runner to do what has eluded them the past few seasons: Win in the Final Four.
5 months ago
if they come back they will be front runners. however still not assured to get back to the final four. Better to leave on a high note than come back for a let down. The obvious injury factor is there for both of them. But also, you have to come out when you're hype is greatest. If NBA scouts see Love for another year and he doesn't improve his speed, his draft status/money will be gone forever. The Florida Gator team is the exception to the rule.
5 months ago
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5 months ago
As a BRUIN FAN, I hope they come back, but they won't( they:Daren Collinson, Kevin Love
5 months ago
Collison is no where near ready for the NBA. And Love should stay at least one more season.
from 4 months ago
I agree. Collison's form isn't too great, and his three-point shot could improve. Love, meanwhile, could be a huge bust this year if he doesn't greatly improve his defense.
Defense wins championship...and makes lottery picks.
5 months ago
Kevin Love will shoot 1000 shots a day. the 3 point line will be his friend. He will out work anybody shooters are made not born.
5 months ago
From Love's perspective, it's probably in his best interest to enter the draft rather than stay in college for one more year. As of right now, he's not completely NBA ready, but will one another year really make a difference? Sure, he can shed some weight, but how much quickness will he realistically gain? Certainly never enough to erase many scouts' doubts about his athleticism.
He has already shown that he can be dominant in college, and I don't think improved fundamentals (he's already as sound as they come) and slightly better quickness will make his stock any higher.
5 months ago
They should wait a year
5 months ago
They should wait a year
4 months ago
dudes look at the picture kevin love is getting a b.j!!
ewwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!
4 months ago
Regarding Love, as a huge Bruins fan, he is the best player we have had since Ed O'Bannon, but at the pro level he is just average- First and foremost, who will he guard??- he must guard 4's in the league, but can anyone really see him slowing down the Stoudamires,Boozers, Bosh's, KG's, Al Jeffersons or even Lamar Odoms of the league- He is extremly limited on defense- I do think that he can get his shot off a bit, but down low he will struggle with guys with length- he will be a pick and pop guy- and the lack the athleticism will keep him him from being a energy guy like other undersized 4's like David West, David Lee or Paul Milsap- The best comparisons I can make are guys like Nick Collison or Sean May- great college stars, but rotation guys in the league- he should look at Hanborough at UNC, who will probably be a better pro than Love, and follow his lead- stay in college, be the man and enjoy college life- the one thing Love does not need is money- his family is well off and he does not need to be the bread winner of the family- plus if he comes back, UCLA is the huge favorite to win the title next year
4 months ago
Kevin Love should declare for the NBA Draft and not think twice about it. His next step should be to hire an experienced and respected "NBA Draft Trainer" that will help him shed some weight to appear more slender and athletic looking in front of NBA scouts and GMs. Unfortunately Love's stock will not improve with another year or two of collegiate experience--instead slightly younger and more athletic players will continue to move in front of him on draft boards. Right now he is a young player with skills that will translate to the NBA: passing, rebounding, above-average shooting range. He should capitalize on these strengths and a strong freshman season to make the jump to the NBA now. One or two more years in college won't magically make him quick enough to defend the athletic PF's of the NBA. Similarly, his game will remain "below the rim" no matter how long he plays the game of basketball. The point is, in the eyes of NBA scouts his potential is at its crest. A year or two from now and his abilities won't be markedly different than they are now. Why not capitalize on the hype of a great frosh season and enter when your stock is at its highest.
4 months ago
Great article and you definitely have a point: Love does lack athleticism. He does have a nose for the ball though and seems to do a good job. He is a tad slow on D. Remember people, the kid's only 19. He's only going to get better...
4 months ago
Regarding Kevin Love, the kid is only 19 years old! He will be playing among men and besides the fact that he lacks some athleticism, you have to consider the maturity factor. One year more of college will not hurt his NBA prospects. His numbers as a sophomore will only get better, especially playing with rabbits like Jrue Holiday. One more year of college will make him more experienced and MATURE and he will be better prepared to handle the pressures of playing in the NBA from an athletic standpoint as well as from a maturity standpoint.
Bruinfan
4 months ago
dude look at picture!!!
4 months ago
dude look at picture!!!
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