Efe — best freshman since
- Thread starter unihorn
- Start date
Roy Smallwood, but to be fair there aren't a lot of freshmen to choose from from earlier years because coach Haskins wasn't big on freshmen starting
They definitely have different styles. VH was much more exciting, but Efe's numbers speak for themself. I have to admit I thought Efe's numbers would taper off a bit, but he seems to be getting better.
Smallwood 13.4, 5.9, 1.8, 1.5 blocks
Hunter 12.3, 6.5, 1.3, 0.7 blocks
Odigie 15.9, 9, 0.3, 0.3 blocks
Hunter 12.3, 6.5, 1.3, 0.7 blocks
Odigie 15.9, 9, 0.3, 0.3 blocks
Definitely different style of players. Efe’s numbers do speak for themselves and I am constantly surprised by what he brings to the table. However, I wonder if looking at it by the numbers does any justice because Hunter had Bo, J Wash, Ced and Willms to share the lane, scoring and rebounding with.
If you had to pick one or the other to fill out a roster, who would you take?
Despite his propensity for mistakes, I would still take Hunter. He was very dynamic and exciting to watch. He brought a lot of authority to the game which is what I prefer.
He reminds me of Tofi, maybe because of the similar size, position, and roster situations as a Freshman.
Tofi averaged 12.9 points per game as a freshman(over the entire year). I think that Efe can do the same.
Tofi averaged 12.9 points per game as a freshman(over the entire year). I think that Efe can do the same.
That’s a good comparison. Nothing flashy, not great athletes, but both have that blue collar mentality and just get things done.
David Van Dyke set the WAC record for blocks as a true freshman. And did it coming off the bench.
Van Dyke. Shot blocker extraordinaire! I wonder if Verhoeven will have a similar effect?
Someone said earlier in another thread that our transfers that are sitting out played against our starters this year and blew them out.... any truth to this or just an assumption that they could blow them out?
In other words did they actually blow them out or you just think they can blow them out?
In other words did they actually blow them out or you just think they can blow them out?
I don't know, but my suspicion is that those guys are really pushing our starters in practice.
Of all the past freshmen with impressive debut seasons, I think you picked the most apt comparison, UTEPD. And I happen to be a huge Tofi fan.
I would prefer Vince Hunter on versatility and the ability to get the crowd into the game. But no complaints on Efe at all. He's been a huge surprise for me this year
Just to expand on this, I think Williams and Tarke will be starters near year along with Efe, Lathon and Gilyard.
Terry will have a ton of options next year, but I think we would need more outside punch than that lineup will provide. Tarke was essentially a five at NJIT, and Williams was mostly an interior scorer at Fresno. Both are working at becoming more perimeter guys, but it remains to be seen how will that transition will go. I think Boum could be that perimeter scorer, similar to Christian Polk, who could potentially see lots of minutes.
I think that Vila will be a perimeter player, at least on the offensive end, despite his large size.
Abdul Lewis was (and still is) the 5 at NJIT. He is an all conference player. I only remember him because he considered transferring and we discussed him as a good option for UTEP. I think Tarke will be a strong SF at UTEP. He plays excellent perimeter D and is a strong finisher.
Stroud is a wild card. He is probably the best athlete on the team, but at this point Tarke is a proven commodity and was possibly the best player on his previous D1 team. I think Stroud will bring some excitement off the bench.
Williams will be the starting PF.
I thing Boum will be a nice suprise for the team next year. I think he will be in a big battle with Hawkins for 6th man. If he scores at a high level, it will hard for CRT to keep in on the bench., however Hawkins may be a better defender off the bench.
Verhoeven and Vila want to be stretch fours. I'm not sure either is proven in that regard, but we know that Tydus can protect the rim at a high level. I'm not sure how Vila fits in but CRT must have plan.
We will see about the freshman. I don't think either plays much on next years team. They may both redshirt.
My second 5 would be:
Boum
Hawkins
Stroud
Verhoeven
Eze
I think Stroud could potentially provide minutes as a defensive specialist next year. Terry has mentioned that his athleticism allows him to defend the 1 - 3 positions. Offensively, his midrange and shooting will need to continue to improve. In transition, I think he can be dynamite. With the greatly enhanced depth next year, I'm hoping the defensive pressure improves to match, and we see the flying Miners once again.
These are good discussions to have axingfools1; it is nice to talk about the many options for the starting line-up next year for once. I think Tarke is going to be an oustanding player for us. I heard him on the coaches show mentioning he played the 5 in the Princeton offense run by NJIT when he was there. He said he was focusing on improving and adjusting to the pick and roll offense run by Terry, including his perimeter game. Based on the three recruits that Terry brought in this year, his emphasis was on bringing in some shooters. I could see a guy like Vila used against a zone team, for example. One of the challenges for this year's team is the inability to make shots. The game against the Norfolk State zone was a good example. We need more than just Gilyard to make some outside shots. That is one area I am keeping my eye on for next year.
Absolutely right on with everything, but as I recall Stroud was an extremely sought after recruit and thus I expect to see him starting eventually if not immediately. He averaged over 20 ppg and 10 rpg. We will have some depth at all positions...for sure .What a nice experience that'll be.
So do you all think we will lose anyone? What has happened to the Lathon that went nuts against Marquette? He has been very timid lately.... I have been somewhat disappointed in Hawkins ability to shoot... hopefully all our players will step it up on that end
Stop worrying. This team is going to be so good next year and we are going to make the Sweet 16. Just enjoy the ride!
I knew you had a positive outlook on the team—- yep sounds good to me !! That’s awesome you think so highly of next years team just like everyone here
Efe is there but just oh so short as a legendary UTEP freshman, but season has not started conference play. Moultrie and Hunter were game changers and won games from their gut check play. I remember UTEP @ Houston during Moultrie's freshman year and he literally won the game for UTEP. He was a beast on the boards during that game.
I really like that efe can step away from the basket and hit a jump shot ! I am really glad he came to Utep hope we can keep him here for all 4 years
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