Bullock is being forced to play because of a lack of depth right now. With Mathis, Harper and Kiss coming in next year and all likely playing the 2 or 3, he has to get a lot better to earn any minutes at all. Right now, he is not able to defend at the level the coaches demand and he won't be able without dramatically improving his conditioning.
Positives (and . . . on a coaching note).
- Thread starter zebnatto
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He lost his man for a 3 against Iowa, and was lucky enough to have a couple of guards miss their layup after blowing by him. He's a weak link in the defensive chain, but he needs to play right now to help spell Thiam.
Nope, do not agree with your definition, especially the reference to "stamina and overall fitness." Neither one makes you more or less athletic. By your definition all marathon runners are athletic, which we all know is not true. And, to your first point there is nothing "traditional" about the definition of athleticism, because it's all based on conjecture, or various bias opinions. You can't develop it, can't take a pill to improve it, or lose it, if you stop exercising, it does not go away. The amazing thing about an athlete who exhibits exceptional abilities in one sport, yet fails miserably in another, is that his athleticism does not change, but his performance level does. In other words, if a person excels in basketball, is athletic, that doesn't necessarily mean you will excel in baseball. Ask MJ. Because, there are other factors that come into play, like fundamentals, experience, hand/eye coordination, genetics, etc.
As well as great athletes don't always translate to performance superiority. For this example, all we have to look to is the "Fab 5" of the Michigan Basketball team a few years back. They all were extremely athletic. And, thought they succeeded to change our perspective on many things that is basketball, they were still beat(twice), by teams that did not have the overall athleticism that they exhibited. Fundamentals, knowledge of the game, and teamwork + coaching, can overcome a deficiency in overall athleticism.
Anyway, that's the way I see it. Just IMHO....
The modern use of the word “athlete” has come to mean “fast”. That’s about it. So I agree with you that the definition should be a lot broader. I used to coach some very young kids and the best athletes at 6 or 7 were often obvious. Having said that, speed, or quickness, matters a ton in virtually every sport and certainly in basketball. To me that means Matt Bullock is not a D1 level athlete.
You are all over the map here.
First you say: "The guy that sees a maneuver by another player for the first time, then proceeds to copy that maneuver, with little effort. That's athleticism." Then you say that this doesn't apply sport to sport?
Athleticism *does* apply sport to sport (and position to position). You can be extremely athletic, but not very skilled or talented in a specific area. For instance, MJ was an athletic baseball player.... he just wasn't a very good one. You can also be an extremely athletic WR, but not have good hands - so you get moved to CB.
Ronaldo is extremely athletic - that applies within the sport of soccer, and outside the sport of soccer. He's an athletic guy.
And you do get less athletic if you stop athletic activity for a long period. Not sure why you'd think athleticism is somehow eternal.
Interesting....As far as Bullock, I never debated on his ability to be a "D1" level athlete. I just think he is athletic, based on what I said before. And, I agree with both speed and quickness as essential attributes in the context of being athletic or not. But, I don't necessarily agree that they are essential. As an upperlevel athlete(Pro or D1), yes more so; overall no.. with all due respect.
Let’s just admit that No One knows if Matt can contribute at the DI level.
All valid points, just not my position. Yet, I agree with a lot of what you say. Ambiguous, I know, but so is the whole definition of athletic, the eye of the beholder plays a big role giving a clear definition....so confused.
So we’re distinguishing between athleticism, skills, smarts, grit. Fair enough. There’s only so much the other three can do at this level for lack of athleticism relative to your opponent.
I’d include these as elements of athleticism: speed, leaping ability, quickness, timing, power, eye-hand coordination, natural ambidexterity.
I’d include these as elements of athleticism: speed, leaping ability, quickness, timing, power, eye-hand coordination, natural ambidexterity.
So did anyone see his shot last night? So athletic . . .
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. . . I think it’s odd what others latch onto in responding to posts: My OP referenced Matt (“back in the mix as a potential 8-12 minute guy”) among several others. No one has latched onto. No one has said he’ll be an impact player . . . Or a starter . . . Or a 20 minuteper game guy. I think he belongs at a lower level. But for now he’s here.
