This is definitely a big boost for us and hopefully it'll help ease the growing pains. Although he's obviously inexperienced too, it never hurts to have a 7'3" athletic kid in the paint!
He's already projected as #9 in next year's draft by NBADraft.net, here's his bio from there.
NBA Comparison: N/A
Strengths: A mountain of a player, he’s a legit 7-3 with a big body and good mobility … He’s still raw offensively but has the frame and body strength to easily put on another 20-30 pounds and retain his mobility … It is rare to find a player with his type of size, speed and strength combination … Has good coordination … Decent touch on his shot, especially considering the amount of time he has been playing organized basketball, so it can improve … At worst he will be a force inside as a rebounder and shot blocker …
Weaknesses: Still very new to the game, needs flying time … Offensively he is still very raw, must learn to play in the post … He’s a few years away from being ready to contribute on the NBA level …Right now his leg strength is ahead of his upper body strength … From Tanzania (birth records are suspect in African countries) so there is some question about his true age. Scouts say he “looks young” but realistically he could be anywhere from 18-22 …
Notes: Considered a possible lottery pick based on his size and athleticism … Thabeet opened the eyes of NBA scouts at the Global Games in Dallas, Texas in June of 2006 … He played last year at Cyress Communty Christian in Houston, Texas. Right now he’s a project, but with a huge ceiling … Said one scout, “He’s getting better every day. If he gets eligible, he’s one year and out at UConn and I’m calling it right now, he’s a top 10 pick.”
Aran Smith - 7/12/2006
He's already projected as #9 in next year's draft by NBADraft.net, here's his bio from there.
NBA Comparison: N/A
Strengths: A mountain of a player, he’s a legit 7-3 with a big body and good mobility … He’s still raw offensively but has the frame and body strength to easily put on another 20-30 pounds and retain his mobility … It is rare to find a player with his type of size, speed and strength combination … Has good coordination … Decent touch on his shot, especially considering the amount of time he has been playing organized basketball, so it can improve … At worst he will be a force inside as a rebounder and shot blocker …
Weaknesses: Still very new to the game, needs flying time … Offensively he is still very raw, must learn to play in the post … He’s a few years away from being ready to contribute on the NBA level …Right now his leg strength is ahead of his upper body strength … From Tanzania (birth records are suspect in African countries) so there is some question about his true age. Scouts say he “looks young” but realistically he could be anywhere from 18-22 …
Notes: Considered a possible lottery pick based on his size and athleticism … Thabeet opened the eyes of NBA scouts at the Global Games in Dallas, Texas in June of 2006 … He played last year at Cyress Communty Christian in Houston, Texas. Right now he’s a project, but with a huge ceiling … Said one scout, “He’s getting better every day. If he gets eligible, he’s one year and out at UConn and I’m calling it right now, he’s a top 10 pick.”
Aran Smith - 7/12/2006
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