Below is a snap-shot of what we saw and heard:
J.R. Giddens:
Workout Results:
Giddens shows ideal physical attributes for the wing. He has the length and size to play both the or the 3 effectively looks to have added strength to his frame improved handle, still needs work pronounced follow-through on jump shot speaks to work hes put in great results on catch-and-shoot opportunities from 12-17 feet .set 3-point shot is developing, gets good arc, but consistency is much better with time explosive leaper, can attack with power both straight line and laterally good change of speed and direction deceptive, probing driver made smart decisions with the ball intense defensive energy blocked numerous pull-ups by moving feet and keeping minimal space between opponent and himself.
Thoughts on Performance:
Giddens has dark horse potential a solid skill-set and physical attributes give him the potential to be a work-out warrior during the draft process. It will be interesting to see how he performs if/when matched up with some of the drafts more highly regarded wing prospects, namely: Donte Greene, and Nicolas Batum, Chase Budinger, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Giddens has a good combination of length and physical strength that should make him a difficult match-up for his competition.
Hes the type of player that may be denied the opportunity to go head-to-head by some players looking to rest on their reputations. Its more likely that hell be cutting his teeth against the Shan Fosters, Courtney Lees, and Bill Walkers of the world, although he will surely be able to show off his sleeper status in the upcoming Orlando Pre-Draft Camp. Hell need to be aggressive in one-on-one scenarios against the longer opposition, though. His size and explosive strength going to the basket are preferable to shooting challenged jump shots-despite the improvement hes made in that area.
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: I think JR just hasnt been seen enough. When I watch him work out, based on what I know, I find it hard to believe hes not a first round pick .I think his strength is his athleticism and [physical] strength, in the month that hes been here hes really improved with the ball. We do a lot of screen/roll stuff, which makes him handle a lot. If he can keep on improving his basketball IQ and his ability to be efficient, then I think eventually hes an NBA starting two. I do this every year, so if Im BSing a kid, it comes back to haunt me and hurts my reputation. I wouldnt say it just to get one of my kids drafted.
Hes focused in on what hes doing. I think at the end of the day thats 95% of what he needed--just get locked in on playing and forget all the BS, quit goofing around, concentrate, and focus on what youre doing. Weve been able to keep him focused. He sharpened up and started and I give [Steve] Alford a lot of credit. He understands, hes been humbled some. He understands the magnitude of where hes at and that this is kind of like his last hurrah. I think JR understands all of that. Hes been here every day working his tail off. He doesnt give me any problems, and hes great with the other guys.
Giddens shows ideal physical attributes for the wing. He has the length and size to play both the or the 3 effectively looks to have added strength to his frame improved handle, still needs work pronounced follow-through on jump shot speaks to work hes put in great results on catch-and-shoot opportunities from 12-17 feet .set 3-point shot is developing, gets good arc, but consistency is much better with time explosive leaper, can attack with power both straight line and laterally good change of speed and direction deceptive, probing driver made smart decisions with the ball intense defensive energy blocked numerous pull-ups by moving feet and keeping minimal space between opponent and himself.
Thoughts on Performance:
Giddens has dark horse potential a solid skill-set and physical attributes give him the potential to be a work-out warrior during the draft process. It will be interesting to see how he performs if/when matched up with some of the drafts more highly regarded wing prospects, namely: Donte Greene, and Nicolas Batum, Chase Budinger, and Chris Douglas-Roberts. Giddens has a good combination of length and physical strength that should make him a difficult match-up for his competition.
Hes the type of player that may be denied the opportunity to go head-to-head by some players looking to rest on their reputations. Its more likely that hell be cutting his teeth against the Shan Fosters, Courtney Lees, and Bill Walkers of the world, although he will surely be able to show off his sleeper status in the upcoming Orlando Pre-Draft Camp. Hell need to be aggressive in one-on-one scenarios against the longer opposition, though. His size and explosive strength going to the basket are preferable to shooting challenged jump shots-despite the improvement hes made in that area.
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: I think JR just hasnt been seen enough. When I watch him work out, based on what I know, I find it hard to believe hes not a first round pick .I think his strength is his athleticism and [physical] strength, in the month that hes been here hes really improved with the ball. We do a lot of screen/roll stuff, which makes him handle a lot. If he can keep on improving his basketball IQ and his ability to be efficient, then I think eventually hes an NBA starting two. I do this every year, so if Im BSing a kid, it comes back to haunt me and hurts my reputation. I wouldnt say it just to get one of my kids drafted.
Hes focused in on what hes doing. I think at the end of the day thats 95% of what he needed--just get locked in on playing and forget all the BS, quit goofing around, concentrate, and focus on what youre doing. Weve been able to keep him focused. He sharpened up and started and I give [Steve] Alford a lot of credit. He understands, hes been humbled some. He understands the magnitude of where hes at and that this is kind of like his last hurrah. I think JR understands all of that. Hes been here every day working his tail off. He doesnt give me any problems, and hes great with the other guys.
Trent Plaisted
Workout Results:
Active on both ends of the court good straight line explosiveness footwork impressive, uses counters well solid frame, has ability to add the strength he needs more comfortable with back-to-basket than face up shoots a dead ball type shot-soft, but lacking consistent rotation must continue to improve face up shot, though he shows no hesitance to take it shot motion is compact, arm angle high showed good intelligence with ball strong decisive drives against longer, taller opponent, (Ryan Hollins.) Nice adjustments made while in air, using his off-arm and body to shield the ball and go for the finish.
Thoughts on Performance:
Plaisted showed some things in this setting, especially in the 3-on-3. Not a great shot-maker at this point, Plaisted nonetheless showed confidence in his shot and consistency in his mechanics, a sure sign of focus in terms of working on that aspect of his game. Had a good matchup against Ryan Hollins, which tested his ability to operate against a larger, more experienced NBA opponent. Battled for position well, got to some balls, and made plays. Looked like he belonged on the court with his competition. A good, solid Orlando camp will be huge for him, as will the rule changes allowing for more players on the court, because Plaisteds offensive game is going to have to change substantially on the next level. If he can put up some quality hustle stats in these setting he can help himself.
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: Trent I think is an NBA player. Weve helped him by simplifying the game, giving him more on the block. If you saw him in college it was all pound it, pound it, right shoulder. Everything was laying up, flippy, and scoopy. Now were trying to get him to turn it over. You saw it today where he went right at [Ryan] Hollins--you wouldnt have seen that out of him in college. The more he develops, which he will because hes a good listener and very coachable, the more hell do it.
The first week I spent a lot of time with him just talking about how he can be good at the next level, and it aint going to be by backing guys down and turning. He needs to improve his shooting to the point that when he does square a guy up at the next level, he can knock it down from fifteen feet every time. Hes gotten better in the last month at that and athleticism-wise he jumps, he can really jump. Hes made a few plays where youre like holy @$#%. With his size, athleticism and his willingness to get better, I think hes going to be a good NBA player.
I wish I had another three months with him, because then I think he could be really good. Im not knocking the coaches at BYU, because they have to play the way they have to play to win games, theyre not worried about Trent Plaisteds draft status. But [because of that] this stuff is all new to Trent. I think the more he gets in the NBA environment, wherever he goes in the draft, I think theyll start with this stuff and in time hell be a good NBA player.
Active on both ends of the court good straight line explosiveness footwork impressive, uses counters well solid frame, has ability to add the strength he needs more comfortable with back-to-basket than face up shoots a dead ball type shot-soft, but lacking consistent rotation must continue to improve face up shot, though he shows no hesitance to take it shot motion is compact, arm angle high showed good intelligence with ball strong decisive drives against longer, taller opponent, (Ryan Hollins.) Nice adjustments made while in air, using his off-arm and body to shield the ball and go for the finish.
Thoughts on Performance:
Plaisted showed some things in this setting, especially in the 3-on-3. Not a great shot-maker at this point, Plaisted nonetheless showed confidence in his shot and consistency in his mechanics, a sure sign of focus in terms of working on that aspect of his game. Had a good matchup against Ryan Hollins, which tested his ability to operate against a larger, more experienced NBA opponent. Battled for position well, got to some balls, and made plays. Looked like he belonged on the court with his competition. A good, solid Orlando camp will be huge for him, as will the rule changes allowing for more players on the court, because Plaisteds offensive game is going to have to change substantially on the next level. If he can put up some quality hustle stats in these setting he can help himself.
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: Trent I think is an NBA player. Weve helped him by simplifying the game, giving him more on the block. If you saw him in college it was all pound it, pound it, right shoulder. Everything was laying up, flippy, and scoopy. Now were trying to get him to turn it over. You saw it today where he went right at [Ryan] Hollins--you wouldnt have seen that out of him in college. The more he develops, which he will because hes a good listener and very coachable, the more hell do it.
The first week I spent a lot of time with him just talking about how he can be good at the next level, and it aint going to be by backing guys down and turning. He needs to improve his shooting to the point that when he does square a guy up at the next level, he can knock it down from fifteen feet every time. Hes gotten better in the last month at that and athleticism-wise he jumps, he can really jump. Hes made a few plays where youre like holy @$#%. With his size, athleticism and his willingness to get better, I think hes going to be a good NBA player.
I wish I had another three months with him, because then I think he could be really good. Im not knocking the coaches at BYU, because they have to play the way they have to play to win games, theyre not worried about Trent Plaisteds draft status. But [because of that] this stuff is all new to Trent. I think the more he gets in the NBA environment, wherever he goes in the draft, I think theyll start with this stuff and in time hell be a good NBA player.
Bryce Taylor
Workout Results:
Shows patience and intelligence on the court clearly focused on being aggressive when shot opportunities presented themselves good separation ability to free himself for the jumper nice elevation on shots, even on step-back looked very comfortable shooting off the dribble functional ball-handling ability, good enough to set himself up for his shots works to spots on the court average short-line burst, but gets up there once hes going to the basket effortless jumper, text-book form and good mechanics throughout doesnt have tremendous length or height, but has a solid frame
Thoughts on Performance:
Taylor was a pleasant surprise in many ways he has a tremendous understanding of his future role on the professional level, and what he needs to focus on in order to accomplish his goals maturity level and perspective beyond his years showed me good effort defensively and should be solid in team defensive situations, but probably lacks the size, length and lateral quickness to be a superman defender was really impressive with his overall shooting, hitting all the shots hell need to make on the next level 3-pointer, spot-shots, one and two dribble pull-ups, catch-and shoot of down screen-all very fundamentally consistent Doesnt look like a great athlete at first sight, but has the ability to elevate well above the rim when he gets going to the basket .conditioning looks very good, hardly broke a sweat during well-paced workout
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: This is my 5th year doing this. Bryce might be the kid that has showed the most improvement over a one month span. I cover the Pac-10 for television, so Ive probably watched him play around 20 times the last four years. He is literally a completely different player right now. Hes attacking, making more shots, hes more aggressive. With his ability to shoot, hes an NBA player all day. I didnt think that initially, based on what I had seen, I wasnt sure-now Im convinced. I think he struggled with confidence a bit at Oregon. The way things were set up, I think he got pigeon-holed into just being a catch-and-shoot guy and never really had the ball. Now his confidence is sky-high, hes trying to dunk on guys now, and hes been really sharp with the ball.
His mentality when he plays now is different. At Oregon I think he lost some confidence, [thinking to himself] Ill take my looks when I get em, Im a pretty good defender, etc. Now hes like give me the damn ball and Im going to make a play. The way hes thinking about playing now is completely different .and lets not discount the conditioning factor. Theyre in shape that theyve never been in before. Everyone thinks theyre in shape when they come to this camp, but theyre not. I think that Bryce was a hair out of shape. Now, because of his condition, he doesnt get tired. At the end of the day it takes more energy to get to the rim than it does to just catch-and-shoot. So I think thats part of it for Bryce. Hes gotten himself into supreme condition.
Shows patience and intelligence on the court clearly focused on being aggressive when shot opportunities presented themselves good separation ability to free himself for the jumper nice elevation on shots, even on step-back looked very comfortable shooting off the dribble functional ball-handling ability, good enough to set himself up for his shots works to spots on the court average short-line burst, but gets up there once hes going to the basket effortless jumper, text-book form and good mechanics throughout doesnt have tremendous length or height, but has a solid frame
Thoughts on Performance:
Taylor was a pleasant surprise in many ways he has a tremendous understanding of his future role on the professional level, and what he needs to focus on in order to accomplish his goals maturity level and perspective beyond his years showed me good effort defensively and should be solid in team defensive situations, but probably lacks the size, length and lateral quickness to be a superman defender was really impressive with his overall shooting, hitting all the shots hell need to make on the next level 3-pointer, spot-shots, one and two dribble pull-ups, catch-and shoot of down screen-all very fundamentally consistent Doesnt look like a great athlete at first sight, but has the ability to elevate well above the rim when he gets going to the basket .conditioning looks very good, hardly broke a sweat during well-paced workout
Trainers Take:
Don MacLean: This is my 5th year doing this. Bryce might be the kid that has showed the most improvement over a one month span. I cover the Pac-10 for television, so Ive probably watched him play around 20 times the last four years. He is literally a completely different player right now. Hes attacking, making more shots, hes more aggressive. With his ability to shoot, hes an NBA player all day. I didnt think that initially, based on what I had seen, I wasnt sure-now Im convinced. I think he struggled with confidence a bit at Oregon. The way things were set up, I think he got pigeon-holed into just being a catch-and-shoot guy and never really had the ball. Now his confidence is sky-high, hes trying to dunk on guys now, and hes been really sharp with the ball.
His mentality when he plays now is different. At Oregon I think he lost some confidence, [thinking to himself] Ill take my looks when I get em, Im a pretty good defender, etc. Now hes like give me the damn ball and Im going to make a play. The way hes thinking about playing now is completely different .and lets not discount the conditioning factor. Theyre in shape that theyve never been in before. Everyone thinks theyre in shape when they come to this camp, but theyre not. I think that Bryce was a hair out of shape. Now, because of his condition, he doesnt get tired. At the end of the day it takes more energy to get to the rim than it does to just catch-and-shoot. So I think thats part of it for Bryce. Hes gotten himself into supreme condition.
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