Cincyfan78
Well-Known Member
You have to have a mix of talent, leadership (experience), and luck (matchups).
I don't think you need "NBA" talent, but talent. NBA talent can be a bit overblown. Guys like Walker went to the NBA after winning it all, and while he carried UConn, and he went to the NBA, it's not like he's tearing it up. Hell, Lance Stephenson has a better career to this point than Walker.
I think after the talent, you need team. Guys who know their roles, and accept their roles. The great thing about that UK team was that they had senior leadership that accepted they weren't as talented as guys like Anthony Davis. Instead of fighting against him and the other freshmen, they worked along side them. Put the team first, and lead by example. It's why last year UK fizzled, and why they struggle so much this year, despite having more talent than just about any team in the NCAA's. They have no leadership, they have no experience, and they don't know how to handle rough patches in games, and struggle to maintain their level of play.
And, of course, you can get lucky with matchups and getting just 1 guy "hot" at the right time. OSU has benefited from this the past several years. Sullinger really caught on his freshman year in the NCAA's, though he had a great season, too. Then the following year Thomas was the guy who rose up to help OSU. Teams always need that #2 guy to emerge and help them. Always helps to get guys hot.
I don't think you need "NBA" talent, but talent. NBA talent can be a bit overblown. Guys like Walker went to the NBA after winning it all, and while he carried UConn, and he went to the NBA, it's not like he's tearing it up. Hell, Lance Stephenson has a better career to this point than Walker.
I think after the talent, you need team. Guys who know their roles, and accept their roles. The great thing about that UK team was that they had senior leadership that accepted they weren't as talented as guys like Anthony Davis. Instead of fighting against him and the other freshmen, they worked along side them. Put the team first, and lead by example. It's why last year UK fizzled, and why they struggle so much this year, despite having more talent than just about any team in the NCAA's. They have no leadership, they have no experience, and they don't know how to handle rough patches in games, and struggle to maintain their level of play.
And, of course, you can get lucky with matchups and getting just 1 guy "hot" at the right time. OSU has benefited from this the past several years. Sullinger really caught on his freshman year in the NCAA's, though he had a great season, too. Then the following year Thomas was the guy who rose up to help OSU. Teams always need that #2 guy to emerge and help them. Always helps to get guys hot.