Marvin Bagley 32 points and 21 rebounds tonight in win over FSU.
Just a beast within.
What I really, really like about him is his motor and some of his drives - some of them reminded me of Tatum, the way he used his length and body control to get under or around defenders to the rim. That kind of ability is likely going to translate.
Today's game plan gave us a pretty limited view of his potential, though. When Duke had the ball, a lot of the time he just set up on the block waiting for an entry pass or a shot to go up. Camping out on the block alongside Carter, another lottery-level talent, set him up for rebound after rebound and plenty of putback opportunities against shorter, less athletic players. He won't be doing that in the NBA.
I still think he should be a plus rebounder - his physical tools are better than Tatum's, and he's got miles of desire. He's probably more of a go-and-get-it guy than someone with the bulk to box out the Enes Kanters and Marcin Gortats of the world. I wouldn't count on him being a truly elite rebounder unless he really grows into it. What else he brings on offense was harder to see. Based on a few drives, it looks like he should definitely be able to attack a closeout or get to the rim if the defense is scrambling. But can he shoot? That's the 100 million dollar question, which would open everything up. He just wasn't asked to do that today. Hopefully, if the Cs get him, he's doing the same drills as Tatum!
Here's a weird question out of today's game - can he set a good screen and then roll? That seems like a very teachable skill, but it may be one he'll need to develop. I didn't see anything useful develop from the few high screens he set; not sure if that's on him or the guards. Let's just say he didn't look anything like Horford or Baynes, or even Theis; defenders easily slipped every screen. Surely if Theis can do it, Bagley can learn - and I see no reason he can't be a deadly roll man.
On defense Duke spent a lot of time in zone. He showed good energy closing out on shooters,and he seemed to recover well on p and r defense a few times they were in man; I don't remember him standing out on the defensive end, or being challenged much, but I might have missed a few plays.