Anthony Davis may very well carry Kentucky to a national title. |
We've watched John Callipari coach a bunch of budding stars over the years, from the likes of Derrick Rose, DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans. Anthony Davis is the latest to join the group and I'm confident he's going to be a superstar in the NBA.
To say Anthony Davis is a special talent would be an understatement. Davis is 6'10" but his wingspan makes him feel like 7'5". Think of a center with the same sort of overwhelming wingspan as Kevin Durant and you've got the freshman Davis. So far this season Kentucky's center has averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and a stupid 5 blocks a game. But most of Davis's defensive plays are found off the stat sheet. His feet are exceptionally quick and when he goes to alter your shot it's like your jack and he's the beanstalk. On the offensive end he has steadily improved. Davis came to college with a quality post game thanks to his quick feet and excessively long arms, but as the season has progressed he added a Kareem like hook shot and even a nice mid-range jumper.
But what is so impressive about Davis' game and the reason why he will have an instant impact in the NBA is his ability to take over basketball games. Not only does he do with his phenomenal post play, but his shot blocking prowess accompanied by his exquisite wherewithal to get ball back on almost all of his blocks. It seems like every time Davis blocks a shot, he, or his teammates retain the possession. On the offensive end when he gets it going, as in when his quick feet and long arms are in sync, he can be unstoppable. Davis' most impressive game was a 28 point, 11 rebound, 5 block game against the 2nd best team in the SEC, Vandy. But Davis did so by going 10-11 from the field and 8-9 overall. Simply put, Anthony Davis is efficient. It doesn't take many plays or chances for him to make a legitimate impact on the game.
Anthony Davis is going to be the first overall pick, that has already been assured. He'll be an instant impact in the NBA even if his offensive game seemingly trends far behind his defense, that is because his defense is going to be so instantly visible that he'll make a difference right away. This kid will be so well molded by an NBA organization that he'll sweep the rookie of the year award and I'm sure he'll challenge for first team defense. Davis's talent is so unique both offensively and defensively that whoever drafts him will have a legitimate piece to build around for years. Dwight Howard may never reach the potential Davis will have, that's because Davis's offensive game is already more refined than Howard's. I understand that Howard has been doing it at an NBA level for years now, but Davis lacks that awkwardness that D12 has patented over the years. When Davis gets the ball down low it doesn't look like we're watching Stephen Glansburg during lunch hour it looks like were watching a master at work.
Davis will be a special talent in the NBA, whether it's taking over Dwight Howard's role as the best defensive player in the league, or becoming the next Patrick Ewing. Either way this kid has greatness tattooed on his forehead.
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