Travion Leonard --2011 "Big" Man Offer

vcu_dan said:
RamJamFan said:
This potential 2011 recruit we've made an offer to won't require time in VCU's cafeteria. Where's the beef?Apparently now living [and eating] in Durham.

http://hsflorida.scout.com/a.z?s=376&p=8&c=1&nid=4008486
woa...big dog...6'7" 275lbs

and only a 2 star on scout...hard for me to get overly excited

someone is spoiled awful fast. ESPN has him as a 91 and the number 15 center next year which is above where Donte Williams is and oh wait he is only a 2-star from scout this year, so guess we shouldnt want him or be excited about him possibly coming either. ;)

Only other offer I saw was UNCW and i read on some uncw type site when i looked him up last week that he went to their midnight madness event this year.

Travion Leonard (2011- Wakefield, Raleigh, NC)- 6’7’’ 275 lbs. In the one game we caught of Leonard, he was a force down low. Leonard did work in the post, finishing with contact.
http://memphisroar.com/2009/04/national ... enge-2009/

Travion Leonard, C: When he decided to attack the rim, it was a battle Donta Harper couldn’t win. With the force of an earthquake, Leonard surprised everyone in the gym, including himself. It was one of the day’s highlights but it wasn’t his best. Still working on his body, Leonard showcased a soft touch and took ownership in his area. Big strides for him.
http://nathanblue.blogspot.com/2009/04/ ... radar.html

sounds like a big Troy type maybe w a little dexter pittman in him.
 
vcu_dan said:
and only a 2 star on scout...hard for me to get overly excited

Yeah - the last time we took a big with that low a rating he didn't amount to much - what was that guy's name a few years back - Saunders or Sanders - something like that... Never did pan out.

It might be a bit early to tell how Leonard's skills and ratings will improve. Although I tend to think our program has "arrived", we seem to have the best shot with the underdeveloped potential type players, rather than fighting the BCS programs for proven 3 and 4 star recruits. At least that so far seems to be the case this year (Donte - please prove me wrong!!). If Shaka and co can pull off a good run into the post season this year that might change further, and the Michael Bradleys of the world will think twice (or three times) before deciding to ride pine at UConn or other high majors instead of coming here.

If Shaka sees potential in this guy's skills, I suppose once they work a few pounds off him, he could be a solid big in CAA.
 
His rating didn't concern me. However, his weight and height did....275 lbs @ 6-7. When I read this post last night, the first thing that came to mind is how will Travion fit into Shaka's up tempo "wreak havoc" style of play? Troy Godwin was successful at VCU but I don't believe we were running and gunning at quite the pace we are under Shaka's system. I prefer the long, lean bigs (Sanders, Bradley, Williams) that can get up and down the court. If we continue with our current style of play in 2011, Travion could struggle in our system.
 
Rambler said:
His rating didn't concern me. However, his weight and height did....275 lbs @ 6-7. When I read this post last night, the first thing that came to mind is how will Travion fit into Shaka's up tempo "wreak havoc" style of play? Troy Godwin was successful at VCU but I don't believe we were running and gunning at quite the pace we are under Shaka's system. I prefer the long, lean bigs (Sanders, Bradley, Williams) that can get up and down the court. If we continue with our current style of play in 2011, Travion could struggle in our system.


Gonna be putting in long hours with Roose I guess
 
Good comments from all...

When I saw first e-notice regarding an offer by VCU to Leonard I wasn't sure what to think, but lead "tongue-in-check" that the beef resides in Durham. I too wondered about his style in our evolving system, but have complete confidence in what I consider the first rate strategic approach our present coaching staff is taking to recruiting. So if they have determined they see him fitting (by making such an early offer), then I WANT THE DURHAM BULL PLAYING COLLEGE BALL IN VCU BLACK & GOLD!

This man-child could evolve into a real man under the bb tutoring of a Smart staff. Fast forward to his sophmore year: Leonard as potetnial 6' 8" 250 lb. chisled small/power forward. Remember Bernard Hopkins? I'm not saying Leonard could achieve such lofty status, but Bernard could "wreck havoc" on any opposition. I remember a lot of "big" man talent during Sonny Smith years. Our teams did well in the very competitive Metro conference then, and our front court made NFL offensive lines look small.

My point: I have no idea what Leonard's upside or work ethic is, but since Smart has offerend him, consider me on board. Travion "Bull Durham" Leonard or bust!
 
VCUENT said:
vcu_dan said:
and only a 2 star on scout...hard for me to get overly excited

Yeah - the last time we took a big with that low a rating he didn't amount to much - what was that guy's name a few years back - Saunders or Sanders - something like that... Never did pan out.
well mr. fancy pants lol...this guy isn't 6'10"....nor does he have a wingspan of 7'7". He might be great and if he comes I hope he is, but he does need to be in a little better shape.
 
Rambler said:
His rating didn't concern me. However, his weight and height did....275 lbs @ 6-7. When I read this post last night, the first thing that came to mind is how will Travion fit into Shaka's up tempo "wreak havoc" style of play? Troy Godwin was successful at VCU but I don't believe we were running and gunning at quite the pace we are under Shaka's system. I prefer the long, lean bigs (Sanders, Bradley, Williams) that can get up and down the court. If we continue with our current style of play in 2011, Travion could struggle in our system.

I disagree that just cause he is huge he cant play in this system. If he can rebound and outlet the break then he is good enough in this system and if we get stuck in a slow/half court game against some opponents the bull in china shop could be an excellent addition.
 
Back
Top