Watching the Rockets-Warriors game to see Ekpe Udoh play. First time I've seen play.
Nice awareness in help defensive situations. Altered a bunch of shots both in one-on-one situations and help situations. Contests shots well with his left hand (strong hand). Very aggressive in going after shots but also showed some discipline in not biting on pump fakes too often in one-on-one sequences.
Nice pick and roll + transition defense. Showed solid strength in defending the low post against Luis Scola. Did a nice job battling for post position before the pass too. Especially for a rookie. Comfortable with physical play. When matched up against the bigger Brad Miller, Miller muscled Udoh out of the play effectively. If B.Miller out-muscled him, probably not suited to defending opposing centers for the time being. Active hands in harassing passers off the high post. Makes life difficult for opponent.
One on one defense was solid but unexceptional. Team defense was good. Good overall defensive player with very good potential on that end of the floor.
Good activity on the backboards on both ends of the floor. Decent effort / discipline in looking for someone to box out on the defensive glass (very good for a rookie). Became a little inconsistent as the game went on though. Good length, taps loose rebounds, keeps them alive. Fights for loose balls.
They didn't involve him much offensively. Had a nice right hook off the left low post. Took a ten foot jump shot which was well short but reportedly he has a midrange shot in his arsenal which if true would make him a very talented complementary / role player offensively. Not sure if that (the midrange jump shot) is accurate though. Solid passer on the high post.
Ekpe Udoh looks to be a very good role player in the making. An above average defender + rebounder. Possibly a useful offensive role player. If not, a garbage man who knows his limitations. A lot of similarities to Serge Ibaka.
An impressive performance.
