It might be interesting to compare Cliff to the 3 other very athletic centers we have had over the years. Good news: these 3, Bailey, Hinson and Kent, also happen to be our 3 best centers since the 70’s.
Other than the fact he played on a Final Four team as a freshman, Bailey had an unremarkable freshman year. He wasn’t expected to score; he was primarily a rebounder and shot blocker. But he absolutely exploded the second half of his sophomore year as dunks became legal again (he may be the all-time NCAA leader) and his mid-range game became unstoppable. None of that could have been projected from anything he had done to that point. His athleticism was awesome but it was his mid-range shooting ability that made him an All American.
Hinson got heavy minutes his freshman year and I don’t remember seeing the big-time potential then. His improvement over the years was more gradual than Bailey’s until his scoring took off his senior year. Again, it was about developing a shot. And, of course, he was an incredible shot blocker.
Kent was an effective 6’5” center. That’s about all you need to know about his incredible strength and athleticism. Unlike Bailey or Hinson he never developed a shot - other than dunking. But Kent was a great rebounder and is one of RU’s all-time leaders in steals.
All 3 of these players become more than just athletes by developing basketball skills. What will Cliff develop and when will it happen? This year maybe?
Other than the fact he played on a Final Four team as a freshman, Bailey had an unremarkable freshman year. He wasn’t expected to score; he was primarily a rebounder and shot blocker. But he absolutely exploded the second half of his sophomore year as dunks became legal again (he may be the all-time NCAA leader) and his mid-range game became unstoppable. None of that could have been projected from anything he had done to that point. His athleticism was awesome but it was his mid-range shooting ability that made him an All American.
Hinson got heavy minutes his freshman year and I don’t remember seeing the big-time potential then. His improvement over the years was more gradual than Bailey’s until his scoring took off his senior year. Again, it was about developing a shot. And, of course, he was an incredible shot blocker.
Kent was an effective 6’5” center. That’s about all you need to know about his incredible strength and athleticism. Unlike Bailey or Hinson he never developed a shot - other than dunking. But Kent was a great rebounder and is one of RU’s all-time leaders in steals.
All 3 of these players become more than just athletes by developing basketball skills. What will Cliff develop and when will it happen? This year maybe?