11/21/24
March 29, 2005
The next big thing : could be Andrew Bogut. Well, he's big at least. But is he the male Lauren Jackson? Australia's media think so.
posted by owlhouse to basketball at 10:17 PM - 13 comments
Don't forget Darco.
posted by mayerkyl at 06:49 AM on March 30, 2005
But is he the male Lauren Jackson? Australia's media think so. I'm not getting this. The linked SMH article didn't mention Jackson at all. Nor did it say anything about Bogut being destined to be MVP of the league. Are other Australian media outlets asserting this? The article mostly details a money list and Bogut's potential earning power. Jackson is not on that list, so I can't see how the comparison is money, as Bogut will almost certainly make a lot more. The article also mentioned the likelihood of Bogut going high in the draft. I don't know that anyone disputes this. This is pretty much conventional wisdom on ESPN radio, it's not just Aussie media.
posted by the red terror at 10:25 AM on March 30, 2005
Sorry Phar Lap, I couldn't link to the electronic media or other places where Bogut has been mentioned over the weekend, and the jackson comparisons made. The SMH article was the one I thought would be useful for readers on this list, most of whom are not antipodeans. And unfortunately as a top female athlete, Lauren is never going to appear on the rich list, unless she takes up tennis or golf.
posted by owlhouse at 03:46 PM on March 30, 2005
Do the Australian media watch much college basketball? Because I wonder if they're as underwhelmed as I was. He should be thankful his team lost when it did and his draft stock wasn't subjected to a beating by the likes of Sean May. I don't wish Bogut any ill, but I just don't see him setting the NBA on fire.
posted by Uncle Toby at 09:32 PM on March 30, 2005
The Australian sports media don't understand anything apart from Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union (sometimes) and Australian Rules. And even then it depends on what city you're in. Basketball, like football (soccer) is a fringe sport. You can only see bits and pieces of college hoop if you have cable and like staying up till 5 in the morning or don't work during the day. Any Aussie 'making it' overseas gets a lot of attention back home - hence my reason for posting the article. I'm wasn't sure what the American media are thinking about Bogut, but just letting you know how it gets reported back here....
posted by owlhouse at 12:47 AM on March 31, 2005
Bogut might pan out, and if he does, he'll get paid and glorified, sure. But Lauren has my heart. And frankly, that's what really matters.
posted by chicobangs at 01:07 AM on March 31, 2005
Uncle Toby> "I just don't see him setting the NBA on fire" Preobably true, but the scouts drool at his height, he'll be drafted high.
posted by the red terror at 08:19 AM on March 31, 2005
"The Australian sports media don't understand anything apart from Cricket, Rugby League, Rugby Union (sometimes) and Australian Rules." Six-out-of-8 Sydney Morning Herald "experts" are picking the Waratahs over Crusaders this Saturday. Sounds more like wishful thinking than analyses, but I shall keep my eye on their prognosticating.
posted by the red terror at 09:07 AM on March 31, 2005
I've been seeing him projected as the number one pick which seems ludicrous to me. Olowokandi anyone?
posted by panoptican at 09:33 AM on March 31, 2005
I agree panoptican......I think he will be very ordinary as soon as the Raptors draft him.
posted by smithers at 09:55 AM on March 31, 2005
Olowokandi anyone? Because the Kandi man can't (and if the link doesn't work then I can't either...)
posted by chris2sy at 11:37 AM on March 31, 2005
7 footers with Quick feet are hard to come by. Yao hasn't impressed me either, but would you rather have Shawn Bradley??
posted by LostInDaJungle at 03:56 PM on April 01, 2005
The next big thing is Robert Swift on the Sonics. An underrated 7 foot rookie that was drafted right out of high school last year in the first round. A Bakersfield native, USC offerred him a full ride. He got lured away from college basketball, by the sweet smell of first round NBA money. Look for him to get more playing time in the next year or so. I had the pleasure of witnissing the 7 footers domination on the court in high school. Robert Swift has quick feet, a mean array of dunks, and a soft touch on his mid-range jumpers. Oh, one more thing about him, he's the whitest player in the NBA. He's representing a rare breed now days in basketball.