Nice story about (not so Big anymore) Dave



  • @BeddieKU23 Can’t wait to see him by Sophomore and Junior year as well…



  • HighEliteMajor said:

    @BeddieKU23 Can’t wait to see him by Sophomore and Junior year as well…

    Your right I fast tracked a few years thinking what a finished developed Dave will look like. With his drive and determination I have a feeling he’s going to be a fan favorite by his Sr night.



  • Despite how bad the game at Norman was overall for the team McCormack finished with a season high 18 points.

    The progression of Dave at this point is important to note with the likelihood that Dedric & Doke are leaving after the season is over.

    Interesting to note:

    Big Dave in games where he averages less then 10 minutes a game- 1.0ppg

    Big Dave in games where he averages 10-15 minutes a game- 2.2 ppg

    Big Dave in games where he averages 15+ minutes a game- 9.3 ppg

    His PER with extended minutes recently has continued to trend higher. Should Dave be playing more minutes? Should he have played more minutes after Doke went down with injury?

    It’s not all about points I will admit. Lightfoot has had some recent games where his intangibles (hustle, blocking shots, extending possessions) fit better in the game flow. I’m just imagining where Dave might be with say 500 minutes as opposed to the 250 he’s logged all season. Maybe it’s not much of a difference but Dave has shown flashes in recent weeks. I have no clue if his progression over the season would have changed anything but his future looks bright the way he’s played with extended minutes in some games. His Freshman to Sophomore development could have the most impact on this team next season.



  • @BeddieKU23 His offensive game looked much better against OU. Several of those post moves looked very nice. What I like is the fact he took it right at them…no hesitation at all.



  • @KUSTEVE

    I’d love to see them run more Lob plays for him. We miss so much over the top action not having Doke but Dave is a capable athlete.



  • Bosthawk said:

    Agreed! Good article- the man is CLEARLY focused and 100% goal driven. Let’s hope Biggus Davus doesn’t turn out to be Landen as far as offensive skills… I would happily settle for Azubuike-like skills.

    I think we are starting to see - - - Dave is got some skills - -think he will be a pretty decent scorer come his JR year - - work in progress. - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    HighEliteMajor said:

    @BeddieKU23 Can’t wait to see him by Sophomore and Junior year as well…

    Your right I fast tracked a few years thinking what a finished developed Dave will look like. With his drive and determination I have a feeling he’s going to be a fan favorite by his Sr night.

    The guy is really big - -I mean frame wise body wise - -looks really really solid - - maybe not the quickest foot work but still he is a work in progress and have seen in the last couple of games - -somebody messing with the light switch - -cause I think it’s coming on - -I really like Dave - -seems like he is for sure a 100 % committed team player. If you really listen to him when interviewed he is or sounds just like another Mitch - -another player that is just really happy to be at KU and is committed to doing whatever he needs to do for the team - -those guys I’d take - -anyday - - anywhere. - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY



  • We are going to need him next year period. So it’s definitely nice to see some development.



  • @BShark

    If he’s the starting 5 next year which seems likely I think he’ll average double figure points. The sample size is small but when he gets in the game for +15 minutes he puts up stats. How much of a leap he makes this summer is a big story to watch



  • It is going to be interesting to see how Bill finishes out the 2019-2020 roster… This is all we have for next season, imo.

    • Grimes
    • Dotson
    • Ochai
    • Garrett
    • Mitch
    • Dave
    • Braun (Not ready to get time yet from what I’ve seen so far)
    • McBride - Will probably get some minutes

    5 spots left I think.



  • @Kcmatt7

    Hurt, Achiuwa, Enaruma, ____ transfer big. Come on down



  • @BeddieKU23 Ideally, you land Enaruma and one of the other two. I won’t be picky.

    If we whiff on Hurt and Achiuwa though, I think we really need to find another playable wing. Depth looks like a major issue next season.



  • @Kcmatt7 yeah that roster needs to add bigs in the worst possible way. That back court is really good.

    I think there is a world where Chuck or KJ stay. It might be hard to add 5 guys.



  • @BShark Yea I think 5 is a stretch. But if you jump down the rabbit hole with me… (All things said depend on us also not getting f***ed by the FBI probe)

    • 7 players currently committed to UT or UA to be poached. Ideally you nab Nnadji and Green. But I’d also take either of the UT bigs. Or any of them at this point…
    • Enaruna, Hurt and Achiuwa. At least one of them is a 100% must get.
    • Still 10 Top 100 guys that don’t seem to be signing anywhere soon and are probably just looking for better offers.
    • Transfers keep increasing each season. I’m sure there is at least one grad transfer worth taking out there.
    • Transfers from any of these schools where the FBI blows them up. LSU and UT could have defects from this as well. And there are a couple of guys on each team I’d definitely take.

    I could see a scenario where we end up pulling in 5 new faces still from any combination of what is posted above. It could be a very crazy March and April.



  • Kcmatt7 said:

    @BeddieKU23 Ideally, you land Enaruma and one of the other two. I won’t be picky.

    If we whiff on Hurt and Achiuwa though, I think we really need to find another playable wing. Depth looks like a major issue next season.

    I’m interested in finding out if Enaruma is actually as good as the hype coming in on him recently. His highlights are not bad but then you put actual tape of his games and I’m underwhelmed. Of course he seems to be developing as we speak so who knows. Theres a world of difference between Hurt, Achiuwa and him and as you said ideally maybe you get him to come in and develop while the top 10 guys start and play a big role. This isnt a deep class full of immediate plug and play talent which really isnt ideal because KU needs difference making talent as it looks.

    Best case Scenario is somehow Self lands at least Hurt or Achiuwa. Together they would be a heck of a duo in the frontcourt in a perfect world. We could bring Dave in off the bench for a 15-20 minute role as the big enforcer. Mitch fills his role as he always has as the 4th big.

    If we only land 1 then I hope there is an athletic 5 man available on the transfer market. Think about how big Reid Travis was for Kentucky this yr which I didnt see, I was wrong there. Also in our own league Tarik Owens has made the difference for Texas Tech. Tarik Black was a heck of a 1 yr man here years back. I’d ditch the sitout transfer market until he solidifies next years squad.

    If we are down to 7 guys with 5 spots open I’d love for Self to have at least 12 eligible players. It’s been literally years since he even finished a season with 10. That’s a problem. We are potentially looking at a real end of an era, dynasty whatever you want to call it if these guys leave and Silvio doesnt get his season back. Self needs to find veterans to blend with his young pups. I’m excited for the 2 signed freshman and I hope they find minutes next year.

    I can see a scenario where Self is in on every major transfer on the market. I cant see him being okay with how young he might be. He missed bad on Moore on that last spot 2 yrs ago. Dedric was a plus but we’ve gotten only a handful of impactful games from KJ who was part of the package deal. 2 of 3 sit out transfers have not produced as 3rd and 4th yr college players. I’m about to start digging into what might be coming available on the market



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    Kcmatt7 said:

    @BeddieKU23 Ideally, you land Enaruma and one of the other two. I won’t be picky.

    If we whiff on Hurt and Achiuwa though, I think we really need to find another playable wing. Depth looks like a major issue next season.

    I’m interested in finding out if Enaruma is actually as good as the hype coming in on him recently. His highlights are not bad but then you put actual tape of his games and I’m underwhelmed. Of course he seems to be developing as we speak so who knows. Theres a world of difference between Hurt, Achiuwa and him and as you said ideally maybe you get him to come in and develop while the top 10 guys start and play a big role. This isnt a deep class full of immediate plug and play talent which really isnt ideal because KU needs difference making talent as it looks.

    Best case Scenario is somehow Self lands at least Hurt or Achiuwa. Together they would be a heck of a duo in the frontcourt in a perfect world. We could bring Dave in off the bench for a 15-20 minute role as the big enforcer. Mitch fills his role as he always has as the 4th big.

    If we only land 1 then I hope there is an athletic 5 man available on the transfer market. Think about how big Reid Travis was for Kentucky this yr which I didnt see, I was wrong there. Also in our own league Tarik Owens has made the difference for Texas Tech. Tarik Black was a heck of a 1 yr man here years back. I’d ditch the sitout transfer market until he solidifies next years squad.

    If we are down to 7 guys with 5 spots open I’d love for Self to have at least 12 eligible players. It’s been literally years since he even finished a season with 10. That’s a problem. We are potentially looking at a real end of an era, dynasty whatever you want to call it if these guys leave and Silvio doesnt get his season back. Self needs to find veterans to blend with his young pups. I’m excited for the 2 signed freshman and I hope they find minutes next year.

    I can see a scenario where Self is in on every major transfer on the market. I cant see him being okay with how young he might be. He missed bad on Moore on that last spot 2 yrs ago. Dedric was a plus but we’ve gotten only a handful of impactful games from KJ who was part of the package deal. 2 of 3 sit out transfers have not produced as 3rd and 4th yr college players. I’m about to start digging into what might be coming available on the market

    You and I are on the same page



  • @BeddieKU23 very good analysis and commentary. Way to up the game of the Board to that of several years ago!



  • @BeddieKU23 You would think that if we don’t get one of the remaining HS bigs then we would be one of the first choices for a grad transfer bigs….if there are any out there. However…the dang NCAA thing could keep them away as well.



  • @BeddieKU23 Agree with @Bwag there. Great post. This all will be very telling. As @Hawk8086 referenced, there is a current of discussion that suggests that our possibility of probation may make this difficult over the next number of months. We’ll see if that’s real or imagined.



  • @Bwag

    Thanks. I believe every move we see after the season is important. Almost like a GM, Self will be busy building and shaping next years bunch. He has a good nucleus but we need 1-2 starter level players to sign and come here. Of course this is under the assumption we dont see any major penalties after the season. I have a feeling the offseason is going to be anything but quiet for us fans



  • Another good game for Dave yesterday with 12 points. He is growing up before our eyes



  • BeddieKU23 said:

    Another good game for Dave yesterday with 12 points. He is growing up before our eyes

    I agree. You can see his confidence growing - got a nice shot he can every now and then hit that jumper – one thing he doesn’t lack for sure is effort. - I’m sorry but still kind of have to laugh and it’s just because he is so full of energy but when he out in the open floor defending - -boy those arms get to flying - -not trying to make fun but yet still I laugh hell don’t ask me why lol. - - he gonna be a good 3-4 yr player for us - - could end up being a dominant player in time believe it or not. - - - ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY



  • @jayballer73 He reminds me a lot of Trob at this stage, goes hard but is a little sped up.



  • kjayhawks said:

    @jayballer73 He reminds me a lot of Trob at this stage, goes hard but is a little sped up.

    Exactly he is sped up - - however I think that’s slowly coming to an end - -he is gonna be nice in a couple of years



  • @jayballer73 2021 B12 POY book it



  • Updated: In games that Dave plays 15+ minutes, 9.7 pts 4.5 boards, 1 blk per. His PER is at a season high 17.9.

    His per 40 numbers are 14.9 pts, 9 boards. Hopefully he gives Self a reason to play him big minutes tonight. He’s making an impact



  • @BeddieKU23 And the trend-line is up. It is amazing what some game experience can do for a player.

    Calling Diallo. Mr. Diallo, could you kindly assist in our EE game vs. Nova? We’re having a heck of a time inside vs. their athletes. They’re focusing on Perry. Please help.



  • On the other hand Ochai is trending downward. Hope that’s not due to getting exposed in games.



  • @dylans Good point. I kind of think it’s the classic freshman wall, if there is such a thing. And teams now game planning a bit. But I’d bet strongly on him in the future. Love the kid and his game and his attitude on the court. We’ll see.

    I’ve notice Agbaji’s feet are pretty wide of late when he shoots the three - meaning wider than his shoulders by a good bit. What I can’t remember is if his feet were like that when he was shooting it well. Anyone remember?



  • @dylans

    I believe he’s playing a bit hobbled just like Garrett is. His shooting has taken a nose dive which is unfortunate. Still like a lot of things he does especially rebounding and defending his position. He’s certainly still in the infant stages of realizing his confidence to make plays on his own.



  • @HighEliteMajor He’s always had that wide stance. I think it’s where a lot of the (fun) Jordan comparisons come from.

    I can’t tell if he’s currently dinged up or a little less confident. Either way I hope for big things to come.



  • After last Night Big Dave’s PER jumped again to 18.6

    In games where he has played 15+ minutes now up to 10pts 5 boards.

    Having a Mitch McGary breakout! The better he does the less attention paid to Dedric…