Andrija Jelavic

[KCKUKFan]

Might have some good news moving forward in the new few weeks on Jelavic. Should keep our finger on the pulse of this one.

[WeWant9]

Hoping he can get to campus by early August. The longer this drags on, regardless of the circumstances, the more he will be behind with team development and conditioning.

[Joneslab]

Hoping he can get to campus by early August. The longer this drags on, regardless of the circumstances, the more he will be behind with team development and conditioning.

Especially because one of the raps of Euros is sometimes that they're physically behind and not suited for the toughness of the American game. Would be nice to get him in the weight room and playing pick-up to get used to the "physicality" (a word I've begun to loathe) of the American style.

[Joneslab]

Wow, using your email address, complete with your name embedded is a very bold move, Cotton.

I'm a Nigerian prince. I just emailed him.

[EKYCat]

Especially because one of the raps of Euros is sometimes that they're physically behind and not suited for the toughness of the American game. Would be nice to get him in the weight room and playing pick-up to get used to the "physicality" (a word I've begun to loathe) of the American style.

Physicality = Foul
Creating space = Offensive foul

[SportsFan]

Especially because one of the raps of Euros is sometimes that they're physically behind and not suited for the toughness of the American game. Would be nice to get him in the weight room and playing pick-up to get used to the "physicality" (a word I've begun to loathe) of the American style.

While I'm not arguing against the idea of Jelavic showcasing his toughness and/or ability against American competition, what you described sounds like it applies more to Hawthorne than to Jelavic. AJ is built like a man, while Baydon is still built like a middle schooler. I know that's because of Hawthorne's recent growth spurt, but what's holding him back right now isn't basketball skill as much as it is physicality.

[Joneslab]

While I'm not arguing against the idea of Jelavic showcasing his toughness and/or ability against American competition, what you described sounds like it applies more to Hawthorne than to Jelavic. AJ is built like a man, while Baydon is still built like a middle schooler. I know that's because of Hawthorne's recent growth spurt, but what's holding him back right now isn't basketball skill as much as it is physicality.

Generally freshmen are physically behind. Sometimes looks can be deceiving in terms of build, but mosttimes they need some time to work out stuff in the weight room. Sometimes it takes more than just a couple of years to get them there...and sometimes (Perry Stevenson et al) they never do really get there.

In the age of "skill" you've seen players negate this a little, but almost always to stay afloat they have to simply get stronger.

I've never really thought Hawthorne would play a lot for this team, but Jelavic will almost certainly be counted on.

[SportsFan]

Generally freshmen are physically behind. Sometimes looks can be deceiving in terms of build, but mosttimes they need some time to work out stuff in the weight room. Sometimes it takes more than just a couple of years to get them there...and sometimes (Perry Stevenson et al) they never do really get there.

In the age of "skill" you've seen players negate this a little, but almost always to stay afloat they have to simply get stronger.

I've never really thought Hawthorne would play a lot for this team, but Jelavic will almost certainly be counted on.

I've seen some people commenting that they thought Hawthorne was a "fall back plan in case Jelavic was ruled Ineligible". I never thought Hawthorne was going to see much PT this year, but the main point I was making was regarding the "physicality" aspect. I understand exactly what you meant, but I couldn't help but think that it applies more to Braydon than to Jelavic. Mostly from build (size), but also from highlight clips that I've seen. I agree, though, that Jelavic was brought here to play more of a primary role than what Hawthorne will play this year. Jelavic should play more of an Andrew Carr type role while Hawthorne's role will likely be similar to that of Trent Noah from last year.