Shaquille Thomas

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Robert

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Although his numbers were basically identical to last year, I noticed some encouraging signs in his game this year.

As the season progressed, it seems like his defensive awareness improved. He is still nowhere near reaching his potential on that side of the ball, but he looked a lot more comfortable this year and, at times, started to show signs of becoming a disruptive off-the-ball defender.

As his awareness improved, so did his rebounding. The last 3 games of the season we finally saw Shaq use his athleticism and length to crash the boards, especially on offense. He grabbed 5, 6, and 7 rebounds his last 3 games and had numerous put-backs late in the season -- several were on key possession late in games.

And as much as we have derided his flat jumper, he really doesn't shoot a bad percentage from mid-range or 3. I thought he looked a little more confident driving to the basket this year and although he was the same old Shaq early, he finally started to get to the rim late in the year.

I really don't know what to expect from Shaq his senior season. I thought he would make a huge leap this year, and he didn't. But at least his progress wasn't completely stagnant. Thoughts, predictions for 2015-16?
 
I'd say more of the same. He's just not consistent enough to make a leap. I hope I'm wrong because I think the talent is there
 
I'd say more of the same. He's just not consistent enough to make a leap. I hope I'm wrong because I think the talent is there

I'm just hoping we get the late-season Shaq for all of next season. He is still going to disappear sometimes, but he did average 8.4 ppg the last 8 games and 6 boards his last 3. If we could get 8 points and 5 rebounds out of him, plus a little more consistency and continuous improvement on defense, I think I would be very happy. It's a far cry from the 13-15 points I would have expected for his senior year when he started his career, but it will be adequate.
 
I mean he has about everything you need, outside of the most important one. He cannot handle the ball. His hands let him down time and time again and unfortunately that's not usually a coach-able skill.


For next year he has to get his turnover rate back down. 22 % is way too high for somebody that isn't a primary ball handler (too high for anybody really). It was his worst turnover rate of his career.


Shaq is always somebody that will give hope because of the athleticism he brings to the game, but there's no way of telling what he's going to be next year.
 
If Shaq is a second tier scorer for us with Cobb and KJ (behind Ellis, Caupain and Clark), I think we can be very happy with him as a senior. We can't get the 0 point games though. He had 5 of those this year.

Edit- I shouldn't count out DeBerry as a scorer...
 
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Although his numbers were basically identical to last year, I noticed some encouraging signs in his game this year.

As the season progressed, it seems like his defensive awareness improved. He is still nowhere near reaching his potential on that side of the ball, but he looked a lot more comfortable this year and, at times, started to show signs of becoming a disruptive off-the-ball defender.

As his awareness improved, so did his rebounding. The last 3 games of the season we finally saw Shaq use his athleticism and length to crash the boards, especially on offense. He grabbed 5, 6, and 7 rebounds his last 3 games and had numerous put-backs late in the season -- several were on key possession late in games.

And as much as we have derided his flat jumper, he really doesn't shoot a bad percentage from mid-range or 3. I thought he looked a little more confident driving to the basket this year and although he was the same old Shaq early, he finally started to get to the rim late in the year.

I really don't know what to expect from Shaq his senior season. I thought he would make a huge leap this year, and he didn't. But at least his progress wasn't completely stagnant. Thoughts, predictions for 2015-16?

I just think he needs to slow it down a little so he can react to the game. He's got the fastest spin move I have ever seen but it's not necessary to go that fast. Most of his TO's are from going faster than his brain can process. Faster than any brain can process
 
Didn't he go off in the tourny his freshman year and everyone thought, wow! I really really hope he can put it all together for his final year, huge boost. But like was said, he absolutely can't completely disappear in any games
 
I really don't know what to expect from Shaq his senior season. I thought he would make a huge leap this year, and he didn't. But at least his progress wasn't completely stagnant. Thoughts, predictions for 2015-16?
if Mick gives him freedom to play his style of play with mistakes. I see him making all conference next year. He needs average around 11&5 with good defense.
 
I mean he has about everything you need, outside of the most important one. He cannot handle the ball. His hands let him down time and time again and unfortunately that's not usually a coach-able skill.


For next year he has to get his turnover rate back down. 22 % is way too high for somebody that isn't a primary ball handler (too high for anybody really). It was his worst turnover rate of his career.


Shaq is always somebody that will give hope because of the athleticism he brings to the game, but there's no way of telling what he's going to be next year.
Ball handling is one of the most coach able skill there is. He spends just 15min a day working just on ball handling he'll improve. Needs players that will run with him also.
 
If Shaq is a second tier scorer for us with Cobb and KJ (behind Ellis, Caupain and Clark), I think we can be very happy with him as a senior. We can't get the 0 point games though. He had 5 of those this year.

Edit- I shouldn't count out DeBerry as a scorer...

Need Shaq next year to score over Ellis. I want Ellis work exclusively on defense and rebounding. If he watches film of him goaltending and going after every block to learn from mistakes Ellis should win defensive player of year.
 
Need Shaq next year to score over Ellis. I want Ellis work exclusively on defense and rebounding. If he watches film of him goaltending and going after every block to learn from mistakes Ellis should win defensive player of year.

I feel like Ellis would've averaged 2 more rebounds a game if he didn't try to block/goal tend every single shot attempt. I'm all for going after blocks, but do it under control. So many times did he leave a wide open space for offensive rebounders to crash because he was out of rebounding position. Can't be mad about effort though. These guys just need to play a little smarter next year.
 
I feel like Ellis would've averaged 2 more rebounds a game if he didn't try to block/goal tend every single shot attempt. I'm all for going after blocks, but do it under control. So many times did he leave a wide open space for offensive rebounders to crash because he was out of rebounding position. Can't be mad about effort though. These guys just need to play a little smarter next year.
That's why some players need more teaching in film room than working with coaches on court. Ellis and Caupain need to watch alot of film this off season.
 
Ball handling is one of the most coach able skill there is. He spends just 15min a day working just on ball handling he'll improve. Needs players that will run with him also.


Good hands are not a coach-able skill. Shaq has problems with the catch and the dribble. You can work day and night, but if you can't catch, you can't catch. It is the #1 thing holding him back.
 
Need Shaq next year to score over Ellis. I want Ellis work exclusively on defense and rebounding. If he watches film of him goaltending and going after every block to learn from mistakes Ellis should win defensive player of year.

Ellis could be a 15 ppg scorer if he learned how to use his feet. He's so much quicker than almost anybody he plays. He also has the 12 foot jump shot.
 
Need Shaq next year to score over Ellis. I want Ellis work exclusively on defense and rebounding. If he watches film of him goaltending and going after every block to learn from mistakes Ellis should win defensive player of year.

Ellis must cut down on goaltends and travel calls. Way too many this year. I bet he averaged at least 2 of each per game this year
 
if Mick gives him freedom to play his style of play with mistakes. I see him making all conference next year. He needs average around 11&5 with good defense.

That's the problem Bulldog. We run a halfcourt offense and He can't score within the framework of the offense. Other than fastbreak dunks and freelancing with the ball in his hands he can't score. However, I do expect an uptick in his scoring and rebounding. I believe 9 and 6 would be great from him IMO.
 
That's the problem Bulldog. We run a halfcourt offense and He can't score within the framework of the offense. Other than fastbreak dunks and freelancing with the ball in his hands he can't score. However, I do expect an uptick in his scoring and rebounding. I believe 9 and 6 would be great from him IMO.
He never should start then and only play in spurts if we only run half court sets.
 
That's the problem Bulldog. We run a halfcourt offense and He can't score within the framework of the offense. Other than fastbreak dunks and freelancing with the ball in his hands he can't score. However, I do expect an uptick in his scoring and rebounding. I believe 9 and 6 would be great from him IMO.
he's pretty decent slasher in half court though. I think we get big time wing player that brings out best in Shaq this season anyway
 
I hope Shaq proves me wrong but in 4 yrs his improvement is minimal, I believe the only way for Shaq to improve is to add weight/muscle and get more physical. He shys away from contact on both ends of the court.
 
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