Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kentucky. Show all posts
December 19, 2011
December 15, 2011
December 13, 2011
October 28, 2011
October 16, 2011
Kanter to play in charity game
Would-be Kentucky player Enes Kanter will play for the Big Blue All-Stars in a charity game against “villains” of the program, organizer Jeff Sheppard said.
Of course, Kanter did not get to play for UK because he was ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA.
Sheppard said he originally hoped Kanter would play for a team that will tour Kentucky in the next few days.
That was a no-go.
But Sheppard seemed happy to announce that Kanter had committed to play in the Oct. 24 charity game in Rupp Arena.
Jerry Tripton, October 6th, 2011
ukbasketball.bloginky.com
July 30, 2011
Kanter doesn’t want to sit another season, considers China
Last season the NCAA relegated Enes Kanter to wearing a suit when Kentucky played, saying he had played for a professional team in his native Turkey and was ineligible to play college ball (he did practice with the team).Still, there was enough promise there — big men with soft hands are a rarity — that the Utah Jazz drafted Kanter No. 3 overall.
And now the lockout could force him to sit another season. He, understandably, does not want to do that.
So while he is hesitant, Kanter is considering playing in China, his agnet told the Salt Lake Tribune.
"Kanter’s agent, Max Ergul, told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday that his client has official offers from two teams. Ergul does not want Kanter to miss another year of basketball, and he will seriously weigh the offers if the lockout stretches into late September.
"Kanter’s agent, Max Ergul, told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday that his client has official offers from two teams. Ergul does not want Kanter to miss another year of basketball, and he will seriously weigh the offers if the lockout stretches into late September.
“It’s very interesting stuff,” said Ergul, who said he could not reveal the names of the Chinese teams because details of the negotiations are still confidential. “We’ll be entertaining those ideas as well as the lockout progresses. He’s a ballplayer — he has to play.”
Kanter will play for Turkey in Euro Basket starting at the end of August. That tournament will deterimine European Olympic bids for the 2012 London Olympics.
Kanter will play for Turkey in Euro Basket starting at the end of August. That tournament will deterimine European Olympic bids for the 2012 London Olympics.
Jul 29, 2011, 2:43 PM EDT
June 24, 2011
Utah Jazz fill needs with Enes Kanter, Alec Burks
They never got the chance to take local favorite Jimmer Fredette as he was drafted No. 10 by Milwaukee, and was believed headed to Sacramento in a trade.
The 6-6 Burks has the size to play in the NBA, and the shooting touch.
He averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists for Colorado. He was the first Colorado player in school history to score over 770 points, grab 240 rebounds and hand out 100 assists in a single season.
In Kanter the Jazz get their coveted big man, especially considering the injury issues that have plagued Mehmet Okur.
The 19-year-old Kanter was considered the best center in the draft, with raw skills and NBA size.
He is a bit of a mystery as he hasn't played basketball in nearly a year after being ruled ineligible at Kentucky.
Kanter showed flashes at the 2010 Nike Hoops Summit, scoring 34 points for the World Team to break Dirk Nowitzki's record (33). He also was Most Valuable Player for the 2009 Turkish Under 18 National team.
Jazz President Randy Rigby announced the first pick at Utah's downtown Salt Lake City arena, where more than 5,000 fans showed up to cheer on a team that they hope is rebuilding for the playoffs.
He thanked the fans for their support in what he said would be a "memorable and monumental" draft for the Jazz.
Kanter was the first of five straight international picks taken 3rd through 7.
He checked in at 262 pounds, with just 5 percent body fat. Draft analysts said Kanter is a perfect fit for the Jazz because he is a high-IQ and high-character player.
Fans, unlike a year ago when they booed the choice of Butler star Gordon Hayward at No. 9, cheered when Kanter's name was announced.
They also sounded disappointed when Fredette's name came off the board before the Jazz had a chance to pick again.
Fans came armed with plenty of signs proclaiming who they wanted on the roster.
"Ready for the new D-Will" read one in reference to Arizona star forward Derrick Williams.
Another said, "Good Knight, the Jazz got it Right," in reference to Kentucky guard Brandon Knight.
And there were plenty of signs about Jimmer, including one taunting the Suns, who picked No. 13.
"Phoenix, Fredette About It."
Whenever the screen showed Fredette, there was loud applause at the Jazz arena and more than a smattering of boos, an indication that he is a polarizing figure even in Utah.
The Jazz have needed an outside shooter since they allowed Kyle Korver to leave for Chicago, but Korver's defensive liabilities were evident in the playoffs against Miami.
The Jazz front office also seemed divided on Fredette, arguing down to the wire about who to take.
In the end, the top four guards were off the board in Kyrie Irving, Knight, Kemba Walker and Fredette.
Kanter was thrilled at going so high, and to the Jazz.
"I know Utah Jazz fans," he said from Newark. "They're crazy. I'm gonna love them."
Kanter said he will try to do everything for the Jazz, including bringing more energy to the team.
He also said he has family in Utah, a reference to Okur, another player from Turkey.
Utah Jazz fill needs with Enes Kanter, Alec Burks
By Lynn Debruin, Associated Press
Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011 7:50 p.m. MDT
deseretnews.com
June 23, 2011
NBA Draft 2011: Enes Kanter is the safest European pick - Terry Pluto's Pre-Draft Scribbles
1. This draft is a major, major minefield. That makes me glad the Cavs are at No. 1 and No. 4. They could have been at No. 4 and No. 9 or worse if the pingpong balls went the wrong way -- and this could have been a bummer.2. Here's a list of the six players that most mock drafts have in the top six:Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter, Jonas Valanciunas and Jan Vesely.
3. Of that group, Williams has at least played two years of college ball at Arizona. He's 20 years old.
4. Four other players are 19: Irving, Kanter, Valanciunas, Knight.
5. The oldest is Jan Vesely at 21 . . . He has the most European experience.
6. Irving has played 11 college games. Knight played a full season at Kentucky. Kanter played at Stonebridge Academy two years ago, one game in the 2010 Hoops Summit and not any games this season. He did practice at Kentucky.
7. The supposed top six players are two college freshmen, one sophomore, one guy who played nowhere and two guys from Europe.
8. Group think at work: They are in love with the tall guys from overseas. They almost penalize a player who spends more than two years in college.
9. Four of these guys are 19! How good can they be right away in the NBA?
10. No matter how they spin it, there are real reasons for concern with Kanter, Vesely and Valanciunas. They are big men (who tend to develop slower and later), and they have so little experience. Vesely can run and dunk, but the lean 6-foot-11 forward shot 44 percent from the foul line at his last Euro stop. He's never shot higher than 58 percent at the foul line as a Euro pro. So he's not one of those long, tall Euros swishing 3-pointers.
11. I find it hard to believe that all three Euros should be ranked higher than the likes of Kemba Walker, Klay Thompson and some of the other college players.
12 I am CONVINCED that Cleveland State's Norris Cole will have a better career than at least one of these guys in the top six. This is not to make Cole a lottery pick, but to say that there will be some major flameouts in the top six, especially with the big guys. Jimmer Fredette will be better than one of these Euros because he is an incredible outside shooter.
13 I did watch tape of the 2010 Hoops Summit, where Kanter dominated in a game with the likes of Irving, Knight, Harrison Barnes and Jared Sullinger. At 6-10, 260, he bulled his way to layups and rebounds. But it was an all-star game with little defense and not much physical play.
14. I can't believe I'm writing this because he didn't play a game this season -- but Kanter seems to be the safest pick of the three Euros. He was on the Kentucky scout team this season, so at least he practices against good players.
15. I bet there is a Carlos Boozer (in a good way) in this draft. In 2002, the Cavs grabbed Boozer at No. 35, despite his terrific career at Duke. Scouts underrated him because they saw so much of him. I think that guy could be Kenneth Faried of Morehead State, who averaged 14.5 rebounds. He doesn't have Boozer's jumper, but he is a rebounding machine. I hear little about him other than Portland make take him. Faried had 20 points and 18 rebounds against Florida. It was 15-12 against OSU. He had 17 rebounds in the NCAA tournament when his team upset Louisville. In his last three years, he averaged 13-13-14.5 rebounds. Yes, it's the Ohio Valley, but he'll rebound in the NBA.Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 12:20 PM
Updated: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 2:32 PM
By
cleveland.com
June 17, 2011
Kanter likened to ‘Big Foot:’ Unknown of NBA Draft
“He’s kind of like Big Foot,” Fraschilla said Thursday on an ESPN-sponsored teleconference. “There’s been a couple of sightings.”
Of course, the NCAA ruled Kanter permanently ineligible because he received compensation in excess of permitted amounts while playing for a professional team in his native Turkey. That meant Kanter did not play in games this past season. The year before, he only played for a prep school.
Still, Fraschilla judged Kanter as a solid lottery pick at 6-foot-11, 262 pounds and five percent body fat.
“Pretty good prototype of Al Horford-type center-forward,” Fraschilla said.
While acknowledging that Kanter did not have a “large resume,” Fraschilla said he deferred to UK Coach John Calipari’s judgment.
“I’m going to go by what John Calipari said,” Fraschilla said. “Kanter could have been realistically what Jared Sullinger was for Ohio State.”
Chad Ford, a draft analyst for ESPN, wondered aloud how the two-year absence from games might affect Kanter.
Kanter likened to ‘Big Foot:’ Unknown of NBA Draft
Jerry Tipton
June 16th, 2011
ukbasketball.bloginky.com
2011 NBA Draft: Center Enes Kanter has another visit with Cavs scheduled
MINNEAPOLIS: Turkish center Enes Kanter will return to Cleveland on Monday for a second visit with the draft approaching.The 6-foot-11 Kanter worked out for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. The Wolves own the second pick in the June 23 draft, while the Cavaliers have the first and fourth picks.
Kanter's agent says his client will return to Cleveland on Monday and meet with Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. The Cavs are widely expected to take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the first pick, but Max Ergul says he thinks his client is still in the mix for that spot.
The 19-year-old Kanter did not play basketball last season after being ruled ineligible to play at Kentucky because he had been paid to play professionally in Turkey.
2011 NBA Draft: Center Enes Kanter has another visit with Cavs scheduled
By Jon Krawczynski
Associated Press
POSTED: 03:10 p.m. EDT, Jun 16, 2011
ohio.com
June 13, 2011
Enes Kanter to work out for Wizards
The Wizards have a workout scheduled with Turkish big man Enes Kanter on Friday in Chicago, which is significant because Kanter’s agent, Max Ergul, has already stated that he doesn’t expect his client to be around for the sixth pick that Washington currently holds.During the NBA combine in Chicago last month, Kanter expressed his desire to play for the Wizards and possibly team with his “good friend” John Wall. The Wizards interviewed the 6-foot-11 Kanter in Chicago but had been hoping to arrange another meeting with him before the June 23 draft in Newark.
The 19-year-old Kanter missed all of last season at Kentucky because of violating NCAA eligibility rules and is projected to go anywhere from second to sixth. He has already worked out for Cleveland, Minnesota, Utah and Toronto. Ergul said the two sides agreed to meet before a Wizards contingent went to Treviso, Italy, over the weekend to scout international players at the Adidas Eurocamp.
“I think they know he’s not going to be there. They need to move up,” Ergul said of the Wizards. “It’s my job to make my kid available and accessible to very good franchises with new ownership and a good front office trying to do a job for the fans. It’s my job to help their cause. They want to get to know the kid a little bit more, so they can go back and make some major decisions if they need to.”
The Wizards will host another workout at Verizon Center on Tuesday, when they welcome Florida State forward Chris Singleton, Kansas forward Marcus Morris, Tennessee forward Tobias Harris, UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt, Purdue guard E’Twaun Moore and UTEP guard Julyan Stone.
NBA draft 2011 and Cleveland Cavaliers links: Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams or even Enes Kanter at No. 1?
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We're 10 days away from the NBA draft, and it seems that as the days decrease, an undercurrent of doubt increases.The majority of analysts still believe the Cleveland Cavaliers will take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick, but -- if mock drafts mean anything, and they usually don't -- a sense of uncertainty has emerged.
The Cavs also own the fourth overall pick. FoxSports.com carries NBADraft.net's mock draft, which predicts that Cleveland will make Arizona forward Derrick Williams pick No. 1.
The NBADraft.net comment on Williams:
The Cavs have yet to settle on either Williams or Kyrie Irving, but it's possible they can have both. Owner Dan Gilbert has said he would love to see them grab Williams. He has a big wingspan and plays with high energy. His toughness playing through a broken pinkie and showing no ill effects was impressive. At the combine, Williams showed he has plenty of size and strength to play in the post at the NBA level, and he retains the same great agility that made him the most unstoppable forward in college basketball this season. If Cleveland considers there to be four elite-level players available, taking Williams at No. 1 would leave their options open better than Irving.
NBADraft.net predicts that Irving and big man Enes Kanter of Turkey will be off the board by the time the Cavs pick at No. 4, and will thus take Kentucky point guard Brandon Knight.
The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com continue Cavaliers, NBA and NBA draft coverage.
NBA draft 2011 and Cleveland Cavaliers links: Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams or even Enes Kanter at No. 1?
By Starting Blocks The Plain Dealer
Published: Monday, June 13, 2011, 6:50 PM Updated: Monday, June 13, 2011, 8:33 PM
cleveland.com
June 10, 2011
NBA draft position preview: big men
1. Enes Kanter (6-11, 260, Kentucky)
Kanter sums up this year's crop of post players perfectly. The 19-year-old has all the tools, but good luck getting a handle on how he'll perform against NBA competition.
Unless you've followed Turkish basketball closely, chances are you haven't seen Kanter play. He spent last season sitting on the Kentucky bench after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA. He practiced everyday with the Wildcats, but practicing and game action are far different animals. Kanter is an extremely polished and athletic post player, that rare combination of size and skill.
He's a legitimate center at 6-11, and is able to step out and knock down the mid-range jump shot. Kanter also has the intangibles in his favor -- from all accounts he's very coachable and handled his frustrating season at Kentucky with maturity beyond his years. Look for Kanter to go in the Top 5, maybe as high as No. 3 to the Jazz.
2. Jan Vesely (6-11, 240, Czech Republic)
Like Kanter, Vesely isn't your typical big man. The 21-year-old is an extremely gifted athlete who can excel on the offensive end right away. Vesely is a high-energy guy who would be a great fit for a team that likes to push the tempo. Consistency is the question mark with Vesely, who some feel is a tweener at the small and power forward positions.
Vesely will rely on his athleticism and explosiveness from the jump in the NBA. He's billed as having a quick first step and being a great finisher around the rim. Vesely will need to improve his strength and play on the defensive end to fulfill his potential as a Top 10 pick. The Raptors could take a chance on him with the fifth selection.
3. Jonas Valanciunas (6-11, 240, Lithuania)
In the mold of his foreign counterparts, Valanciunas is able to run the floor and is very skilled with the ball in his hands. Valanciunas is considered by some to have the most talent and potential of any of the international players in this year's draft. At 21-years- old, he has significant European experience under his belt.
The knocks on Valanciunas are familiar: needs to add strength, improve his defense and consistency to be a factor over the course of an 82-game season. But his upside will be too much for a team picking in the Top 10 to turn down.
4. Bismack Biyombo (6-9, 240, Spain)
Biyombo was born in the Congo, but last played professionally in Spain. Where as other international players are known for their offense, the 20-year-old Biyombo is a defense-first big man. He's one of the top rebounders and interior defenders in the draft -- an elite level shot blocker with a NBA-ready body. His offensive game needs serious work, but whichever team drafts him will take the immediate dividends of his defense and wait for his offense to evolve.
Biyombo should go anywhere in the 8-13 range with the Pistons, Bobcats and Bucks being the frontrunners for his services.
5. Tristan Thompson (6-9, 225, Texas)
Thompson has a ton of potential. He averaged 13 points and eight rebounds as a freshman at Texas. Thompson's frame has all the makings of a terrific rebounder and shot blocker. He made great strides offensively during his time in Austin, a lefty who is a handful to defend on the low block.
Thompson, 20, attacks the offensive glass, taking advantage of his terrific leaping ability and nose for the ball. He'll get the bulk of his points early in his career in transition and on the offensive glass. Look for Thompson to go anywhere in the 10-15 range.
5 others to keep an eye on: Markieff Morris (Kansas); Kenneth Faried (Morehead St.); Donatas Motiejunas (Lithuania); Tobias Harris (Tennessee); Justin Harper (Richmond).
NBA draft position preview: big men
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Posted: 11 a.m.
By Sean Kane
E-mail Sean Kane at skane@comcastsportsnet.com
CSNPhilly.com Contributor
Dime Q&A: DeAndre Liggins Talks NBA Draft, Kentucky & Enes Kanter
The University of Kentucky basketball program under John Calipari saw five players get selected in the first round of last year’s NBA Draft, and this year has another expected lottery pick in Brandon Knight. However, one guy who hasn’t gotten the hype of John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins or Knight is DeAndre Liggins, who entered this year’s draft after his junior season.
Liggins has been Kentucky’s defensive stopper over the past two seasons, always assigned to guard the opposing team’s best player. While defense is what he’s known for, Liggins’ offensive game has shown signs of improvement since he first arrived at UK, as he has become a respectable outside shooter and has the athleticism to get to the rim. Had Liggins not been overshadowed at times by Kentucky’s bigger names, he would probably be much better known by those outside the Bluegrass State. I caught up with DeAndre at his Nets draft workout and talked about UK, defense and his draft prospects.
*** *** ***
Dime: You participated in the NBA Group Workout held here in New Jersey in May and got feedback from scouts and other NBA personnel on your game. How much did that influence your decision to stay in the draft?
DeAndre Liggins: When I first came here for the group workout I had a good showing, but I still felt like I had something to prove. Coming here helped me out a lot because I got to show scouts what I could do.
Dime: What did you hear from the scouts in New Jersey and before that workout that made you confident enough to stay in the draft?
DL: I heard that a lot of teams liked me but a couple of teams said that I needed to go back to school and needed another year to work on my game. I felt like I could show scouts that I could do more in workouts like these and improve my draft stock.
Dime: How hard was it for you to forgo your senior season at Kentucky, especially considering UK could be national championship contenders next season?
DL: It was hard. It was really hard thinking about that, but I was also thinking about my family, and my new child that just got here who’s four months old now. It was difficult not to go back, but I just had to stick with it (staying in the draft) and go with my heart.
Dime: What is your fondest memory of your time in Lexington?
DL: Definitely when I hit that three-point shot against North Carolina in the Elite Eight (that helped seal the game for the Wildcats to send them to the Final Four).
Dime: Describe what is was like to play in front of 23,500 fans every night in Rupp Arena and for UK. What did that mean to you personally?
DL: I was always nervous at the beginning of the game playing at Rupp, but once the jump ball went up I was calm. It’s a thrill to play in front of 24,000 fans every night.
Dime: UK fans are known as some of the most devoted in college basketball. What’s the craziest encounter you’ve ever had with a UK fan?
DL: When I was out one time someone wanted me to sign their sock (laughs).
Dime: At Kentucky you were known as a defensive stopper. Do you see yourself playing that role in the NBA as well?
DL: Yeah definitely. Defense is my bread and butter so that’s going to be what I’m known for in the League. But I’ve also got to improve my offense a little bit.
Dime: Who was the hardest player for you to guard in the SEC this past year?
DL: Probably (Vanderbilt shooting guard) John Jenkins. He is constantly moving and you’ve got to chase him around screens the whole time so it’s difficult to guard him.
Dime: You are one of the few people who got to see Enes Kanter compete this year in practice. Is he worthy of all the hype?
DL: Absolutely. Enes is a really hard worker, he’s a great competitor and he’s a beast on the boards, so he’s going to be a very good NBA player.
Dime: Coach Calipari has another star-studded recruiting class this year. What makes recruits want to play for him and for UK?
DL: Players see us making the Final Four or the Elite Eight and being on ESPN all the time. They see all the hype and love surrounding the program, anyone would love to come to UK right now.
Dime Q&A: DeAndre Liggins Talks NBA Draft, Kentucky & Enes Kanter
By Daniel Marks
College, NBA, NBA Draft / Jun 8, 2011 / 2:30 pm
dimemag.com
June 7, 2011
Enes Kanter – Draft Profile
This week will be the final profiles of lottery picks. Starting next week, Mo and I will profile potential second round picks. I will also list the top 20 players that I think will be most successful. My top six are:#1 Kyrie Irving – I see no reason to disagree with the majority. Point guard is an important offensive position and Irving is the best in this or next year’s draft.
#2 Derrick Williams – I think he can be an NBA SF.
#3 Enes Kanter – See below.
#4 Jonas Valanciunas – I would consider picking Valanciunas over Kanter, drafting him on the condition that he works with a Cavs provided strength coach and shooting coach. In a year, he can come from Europe with 15 lbs of added muscle and a reliable 18 footer.
#5 Brandon Knight –He’ll eventually be a quality PG in the NBA.
#6 Alec Burks – He’s a great scorer and rebounder with good size and athleticism for a shooting guard. PER, offensive rating, on-court / off-court numbers are all impressive and he doesn’t turn 20 until July. I like that he was the #33 ranked SG in the class of 2009, now he’s a lottery pick. I give extra credit for players with late growth spurts who are rapidly improving. With improved shooting, he should be excellent.
Now, for my #3. Kanter is meeting with the Cavs this week and is a likely pick at #4.
Enes Kanter
Height: 6’ 11.25”
Weight: 259 lbs
Position: PF / C
Age: Turned 19 in May
Summary: Enes Kanter is the mystery of the high lottery. He was a basketball prodigy, dominating Europe’s youth tournaments and playing in the Euroleague as a 16 year old. Due to NCAA eligibility problems, he has not played competitively in over a year. He is projected as a top 4 pick.
Basketball Bio: Kanter first made his name in European youth tourneys. At age 16, his 15 rebounds per game earned him first team all tournament at the 2008 European U18 championship. The next year he dominated; averaging 18.6 points and 16.4 rebounds while winning MVP and leading Turkey to 3rd place. At 16, he was signed by Turkish basketball power, Fenerbache Ulker, and played in 11 professional games, including 4 in the Euroleague. This brief professional stint proved more critical to Kanter’s future than the 2 ppg and 1.5 rpg would indicate. Kanter turned down large European contracts and decided to move to the United States to play college basketball. He enrolled at Stoneridge Prep in California, playing one year of high school. He committed to play at Kentucky, but was ruled ineligible by the NCAA due to his brief professional play. He has spent the last year practicing and training with the Kentucky basketball team.
Skill Overview: Kanter has the size to play power forward and center in the NBA. He measured as the second tallest player at the combine and was in great shape, weighing 259 lbs with only 5.9% body fat. Possessing the size & strength to match up with most NBA centers, he plays physically in the low post and is not afraid of contact. He is a strong competitor, staying active on the boards and defensively. His activity level, positioning, and great hands make him a dominant rebounder. Kanter has exhibited a range of offensive talents; displaying solid footwork and finishing moves in the post, while also demonstrating shooting range out to the college three. Kanter has a good attitude and works hard at improving his game.
Kanter is an average athlete. Of the seven players over 6’10” at the NBA combine, Kanter had the second lowest vertical jumping and wingspan. Of the “tall” players, he was 2nd in the speed drill and 3rd and 4th in agility drills. Kanter has been described as “non-explosive”, and the combine athletic tests support that. Kanter’s biggest negative may be his limited history of competitive basketball, with almost no experience against players older than 18. The game is about to get a lot faster; will Kanter’s rebounding and offensive games thrive against players as big and athletic as him? Will his defensive rotations look as impressive when the guards and ball are moving at blazing speed? No one can definitively answer these questions.
Additional Info: The other forum where Kanter impressed was the Nike Hoop Summit in April 2010. At this annual high school all-star game, Kanter nearly lead the internationals to victory over a United States team featuring Kyrie Irving, Brandon Knight, Jared Sullinger, and Harrison Barnes. Kanter scored 34points, a new event record, and grabbed 13 rebounds in 24 minutes. He was great on the offensive glass and scored with post moves, jump shots, fast breaks finishes, and even on drives. Very impressive, but it was a high school all-star game, so it’s hard to tell how impressive. The US front line was not outstanding; consisting of Sullinger, Patric Young (3.4 ppg & 3.8 rpg at Florida State this year), Leonard Myers (2.1 ppg and 1.3 rpg at Illinois), and Terrence Jones (more SF than PF). Defensive rebounding wasn’t a priority in the game, as each team collected 17 offensive boards. Almost half the missed shots were rebounded by the offense.
Kanter is considered a good shooter, however again there isn’t a lot of actual data supporting this. High school highlights show him hitting high school three’s, but how many were missed? That info isn’t readily available. He shoots well during a workout, but what about with an NBA defender rapidly closing on him? Combine shooting tests were a mixed bag. Of the 16 players that performed the big men drills, he was in the top third in two drills and the bottom third in two. He was 5 of 12 for the timed shooting drill of 35 seconds shooting 15 – 18’ jumpers.
As an offensively skilled big man; comparisons include Al Horford, Kevin Love, or Carlos Boozer, and I won’t debate this. I have him rated #3 primarily because people who are a lot smarter than me have him rated highly. When he has played, he has been dominant against his age group. Hopefully the potential shown in the opportunities available to him will transfer to the NBA, both offensively and defensively.
Enes Kanter – Draft Profile
June 6th, 2011 by Kevin Hetrick
cavstheblog.com
May 26, 2011
NBA Draft Profiles: Enes Kanter, Kentucky
Stats: Ineligible for 2011 NCAA SeasonAge: 19, freshman
•Listed: 6'11", 260 lb
•Official: 6'9 3/4" (no shoes), 6'11 1/4" (shoes), 7'1 1/2" (wingspan), 9'1 1/2" (standing reach), 259 lb
Strengths: Kanter is a big, physical body on the block. He's an excellent rebounder, much of which is the result of his ability to establish and hold position on the block. His strength allows him to finish through contact, and he has a sense of where defenders are when he is around the rim. He's shown the ability to back down defenders and has an adequate post game; he's very patient when he has the ball and understands how to score inside. He's a smart player with a high basketball IQ. Kanter also has a solid midrange jumper when facing up, he knocks down his free throws, and he has a good-looking technique on his shot.
Weaknesses: Kanter's post game right now is mostly the result of his strength. He still needs to develop his back-to-the-basket moves, but that should come with time. Ball security may end up being an issue at a higher level of play. Kanter's not exactly and explosive athlete and he doesn't run the floor particularly well. He's also not an imposing defender and won't be much of a shot blocker at the next level.
Comparisons:
•Best Case Scenario: Al Jefferson. Aggressive offensive player who has an impressive post game and loves to attack the basket. Very similar in terms of build in addition, although Kanter has trimmed some lb.s to move better, which he displayed at the Draft combine. Nonetheless, he is a physical post player who establishes positions, goes after rebounds, but isn’t the best defender due to lack of athleticism.
•Worst Case Scenario: Andray Blatche. In terms of raw talent, Kanter definitely has it like Blatche and may actually play more disciplined and already has a more mature game than Blatche currently does. Both have great motors and the ability to play physical, which translates to success at any level with natural gifts like Kanter.
Outlook: The surprise player and star of the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit, Kanter dominated the game in the paint for the international team. He had 34 points and 13 rebounds in 24 minutes against the best high school players in the nation, including Jared Sullinger. He averaged 18 points and 16 boards in the Euro leagues. I think he is an amazing draft prospect with a skill set and game that is beyond his years, as he is only 19. His frame and length are everything you would hope for from an ideal post player, and his skill set take it up yet another notch. Should be an intriguing prospect to many NBA GM’s because of his combination of size, length, skill, and intrigue based on last years Nike Hoop Summit performance, although the fact that he hasn't played in two years will be a concern. He was ineligible at Kentucky and bounced around high schools the year before that. Nonetheless, a rare and incredibly gifted post player at a young age who is capable of eventually putting up 20 and 10 in the NBA.
Draft Range: 1st Round Pick, 2nd-5th overall
And the experts say...
•Fran Fraschilla: "While international players are still met with skepticism by some, ultimately evaluating them is no different than evaluating a player in the Big Ten or ACC. International draft busts are not the only kind found in the first round. Kanter's situation is unique in that there is a small body of work that shows a high level of potential for success in the NBA. Some NBA teams will see Kanter's situation as a crapshoot. Cleveland has three viable options with the No. 1 pick -- Kanter, Duke's Kyrie Irving and Arizona's Derrick Williams. If I were the Cavaliers, I'd analyze Kanter closely before passing on him at No. 1. I don't see him being available when they select again at No.4. "
•Draft Express: "As we mentioned above, this has been a productive couple of days for Enes Kanter who has impressed in workouts and measured out at nearly 6-10 without shoes with a 7-1 ½ wingspan and 260 pounds frame. His wingspan doesn't compare favorably to recently drafted PF/C's like Derrick Favors (7-4 wingspan) or Ekpe Udoh (7-4 ½ wingspan), but puts his right on par with Al Horford (6-8 ¾ without shoes, 7-0 ¾ wingspan, 246 pounds) and Nick Collison (6-8 ¾ without shoes, 7-1 ½ wingspan, 255 pounds. Kanter doesn't have long arms for his height, but he has a massive frame for a 19 year-old."
•SwishScout.com: "Complete package in the paint with his back to the basket, face up game, post moves, and finishing ability. Limited only by athleticism and a developing game, he is physically imposing with great potential and will be able to bully the paint for any team for years to come in the NBA.”
NBA Draft Profiles: Enes Kanter, Kentucky
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
ballinisahabit.net
Kanter’s draft plight could parallel that of 2010’s Cousins Landing Spot
Editor’s note: Pistons.com continues a 15-part series leading to the June 23 draft with a look at one of the possibilities for their pick at No. 8, Turkish big man Enes Kanter. Next: Kemba Walker.More and more, it looks like Enes Kanter is this year’s version of DeMarcus Cousins – the player generally considered the best big man in the draft, and one that probably will be out of reach for the Pistons, yet given a slight chance to drop to their range because of some nagging questions.
The questions are different with Kanter than they were for Cousins, but the level of uncertainty they create could have a similar effect.
On pure talent, Cousins should have been in the discussion alongside ex-Kentucky teammate John Wall to be the No. 1 pick in 2010. Concerns over Cousins’ temperament and maturity, though, sent up significant red flags in some NBA front offices. Cousins ultimately went fifth overall to Sacramento, which suspended Cousins midway through last season for an altercation with a teammate.
Kanter, likewise, would be worthy competition for presumptive 2011 No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving, Duke’s freshman point guard, had he played last season as a Kentucky freshman groomed to take over in the middle for Cousins.
And there’s the rub. Kanter has precious little game tape for NBA scouts to digest and get comfortable with the fact that what they see while watching the 6-foot-11¼ Turk in individual workouts will translate to five-on-five basketball.
The one game everybody has seen – over and over, most likely – was the 2010 Nike Hoop Summit, an annual international competition between a team of graduating American high school seniors and another featuring the rest of the world’s best at that age.
Irving was the point guard for Team USA and helped it pull out a late win with 15 points, five assists and no turnovers in 25 tidy minutes. But Kanter was the unquestioned star that day, scoring 34 points and grabbing 13 rebounds – going head to head with Ohio State’s then-incoming freshman Jared Sullinger, for the most part – in just 24 minutes on a day he didn’t know if he would play at all with a balky back.
“I didn’t show myself,” said Kanter last week at the Chicago draft combine. “I took like four painkillers for my back. Some player pushed me; my back was hurting. I talked to my coach and he said, ‘Tell me how you feel.’ I said, ‘I feel good – I took like four painkillers’ I didn’t play 100 percent. Even in practice, I couldn’t play 100 percent because of my back.”
Kanter says he came to the United States two years ago after playing professionally in Turkey at age 16 – the root of his eligibility issues with the NCAA – for the educational opportunities, learning English on his own in that time.
He showed enough in that Hoop Summit outing that Kanter made the pulses of NBA scouts race. Kanter was also why Kentucky’s practices last winter under John Calipari were likely the most heavily scouted college practices ever. The NCAA ruled Kanter ineligible, but he was able to practice with the team while Kentucky appealed the ruling, which wasn’t finally denied until well into the SEC season.
“When the NCAA made me ineligible, I was so sad because I came to the United States for education,” Kanter said. “When they told me no, I cannot play because I am a professional, it just made me so sad, because I didn’t want to be a professional. That’s why I came here. But after that, I talked to my teammates, I talked to coach Cal, and I said, ‘I cannot give up right now.’ They said, ‘You have to be ready for the next level.’ ”
There isn’t much about Kanter’s game not to like. He has a fine shooting touch beyond mid-range. He’s strong, likes to play inside and has the frame to accommodate NBA pounding. While not a freakish athlete, he’s got more than enough athleticism to flourish. Scouts who saw him frequently at Kentucky practices – where two freshman teammates, Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones, were both considered lottery worthy – say Kanter was clearly the standout prospect. Kanter’s soft hands draw consistent raves.
In today’s NBA, where power forward and center are virtually interchangeable, Kanter has the size and skill set to play either position, which means teams with a proven center can take Kanter without worry and put him at power forward, and vice versa.
It’s considered a near certainty that Cleveland will select Irving with the No. 1 pick. Kanter could go as high as No. 2, though, a pick held by Minnesota. The Timberwolves might spend it themselves on Kanter or they could be talked into trading the pick – it is widely believed Minnesota is interested in veteran help for a young team that needs a rallying force.
If Kanter doesn’t go No. 2, Utah would consider him at No. 3 and Cleveland might well wind up grabbing him at No. 4 – most believe the pick there will be Kanter or Jonas Valanciunas, another 19-year-old. Or Kanter could get snapped up by either Toronto or Washington, picking fifth and sixth. That’s considered Kanter’s likely floor in this draft – unless something is discovered over the course of the evaluation process that will play out over the next four weeks to scare teams away.
Kanter is spending that time, as he has much of the past two months, in Chicago working under renowned trainer Tim Grover. His body fat was an impressive 5.9 percent at the Chicago combine and Kanter said he’s working to expand his offensive repertoire.
“I think my game is a lot to play toughness,” he said. “I would say rebound and post moves, but right now I’m working on my face-up, my shooting, with Tim Grover. … In Europe, they put me in low post, but coach Cal told me, ‘You are not just a center; you can play power forward.’ Me and coach Cal just worked on my shot and worked on my quickness and worked on my face-up game, dribbling and everything.”
More on Enes Kanter
College: Kentucky (ineligible)
Size: 6-foot-11¼, 259 pounds
Age: 19 on draft night
The good: Kanter has the size to play center and the skill to play either center or power forward. His shooting range should eventually extend to the NBA 3-point arc, yet he is comfortable with his back to the basket, as well. Soft hands are an outstanding trait.
The bad: The only rap on Kanter right now is lack of experience and exposure. He hasn’t played organized basketball in two years since leaving Turkey, where he played professionally at age 16.
The skinny: There is only a sliver of a chance that Kanter gets past Cleveland, Toronto and Washington – picking 4-5-6 – to get to the Pistons at No. 8. You can safely assume that if he were to fall that far, he would draw very strong consideration.
Kanter’s draft plight could parallel that of 2010’s Cousins Landing Spot
by Keith Langlois, Pistons.com @Keith_Langlois
nba.com
May 24, 2011
Kanter passes first few tests but team workouts will be key
CHICAGO -- There was plenty to talk about in the lobby at this year's NBA predraft combine.
That's always the case, of course, with team executives, agents and even players themselves filling the foyer of the downtown Westin every year to discuss which prospects are rising and which ones are falling as D-day (June 23) nears. But the buzz was even louder than normal this time around, in part because of the weak nature of the draft class and the first-round fluidity that it creates, and also because of the heavy dose of international players has added to the mystery.
The next step has already begun, as more than 20 prospects are in Minnesota on Monday and Tuesday to showcase their skills. Teams have begun holding workouts as well, but it's the Windy City gathering where first impressions are made and the unofficial stock price is set even if there aren't actual games being played.
As such, we take a look back at the players not previously discussed to help paint a clearer picture of this year's draft pool.
Don't count out KanterThe 19-year-old Turkish center is as big a mystery man as there is in this class. Literally.
The player who was stuck on the sidelines at Kentucky last season because he was ruled ineligible, measured out quite well, standing 6-foot-11 ¼ in shoes and weighing in at 259 pounds while proving to be incredibly well-conditioned. His body fat was just 5.9 percent, or a little more than half of expected No. 1 pick and former Duke point guard Kyrie Irving (10.2).
And according to his agent, Max Ergul, Kanter -- who is projected as a top-five pick despite the fact that teams haven't seen him play since last year's Nike Hoop Summit in Portland -- convinced NBA executives that he has the stamina to play heavy minutes right away.
He lasted approximately 21 minutes on a brutal treadmill test that includes steep inclines, declines and sprints, putting himself atop the big man class when it comes to being dedicated about his body.
"He went 21-plus minutes on the treadmill test, and only five guys -- plus Enes -- [did that] and four of them were guards," Ergul told SI.com. "[NBA officials] said that was the first time in the draft in modern history that had happened, that no 6-11-plus guys ever finished 21-minutes-plus on the treadmill test ... People don't realize how prepared this kid is, how dedicated he is."
Yet the talk surrounding Kanter in Chicago had much more to do with the fact that he didn't sit down for interviews with Utah (No. 3, No. 12 picks), Toronto (No. 5) and Milwaukee (No. 10). Those non-meetings raised questions about whether Kanter's camp was avoiding certain teams, but Ergul said that wasn't entirely the case. They were only avoiding the Bucks.
"The only one I really didn't care for him [to go to] is Milwaukee," Ergul said. "I'll be honest ... it came out all wrong. [Utah general manager] Kevin [O'Connor] knew about it ... We called them, and it was because in next two weeks I had a feeling we were going to see each other extensively, so there's no reason for that [interview].
"Kevin told me he's really impressed with the kid and he wants to have him in Utah and he'll also come to Chicago ... I apologized to him five times for it coming out wrong, even though I didn't do anything wrong. He knew we were going to see them."
Ergul also answered the questions about why Kanter sat down with teams that have picks much lower than Kanter is expected to be taken.
On a meeting with New Jersey (No. 27): "New owners [Russian Mikhail Prokhorov] have European ties, and they're moving to Brooklyn -- which has the No. 1 Turkish population -- so I wanted them to get to know Enes a little bit."
On a meeting with San Antonio (No. 29): "I think coach [Gregg] Popovich has an opinion that really matters. If [Detroit president of basketball operations] Joe Dumars or Pop calls me or [Lakers general manager] Mitch [Kupchak] and asks for an interview, I'm not going to deny that. They may or may not get him, but I will give them their seniority. They are the guys who earned it. It's the same thing with Kevin O'Connor."
There is another lottery team that did not meet with Kanter, though, as he did not sit down with Sacramento (No. 7 pick). Kanter, who has been working with famed trainer Tim Grover in Chicago for the past six weeks, plans on holding most of his workouts in Chicago and being selective about where he travels.
"Utah is coming here to Chicago, and we're going to go to Minnesota in the second half of June," Ergul said. "Toronto is coming here. Cleveland (Nos. 1 and 4 picks), we're trying to discussing logistics of dates and stuff."
As was reported here on Thursday, Houston (14th, 23rd picks) is interested in moving up in the draft. The source with knowledge of the Rockets' desires said they are hoping to do so to either nab Kanter or perhaps San Diego State small forward, Kawhi Leonard.
Because teams have only seen Kanter in person when he scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the 2010 Nike Summit, his workouts will be key.
"I can now say that I've never seen him play live before," one executive who was at predraft camp said sarcastically. "But in the drill work, [Kanter] looked terrific."
Kanter passes first few tests but team workouts will be key
Sam Amick>INSIDE THE NBA
Posted: Monday May 23, 2011 7:02PM ; Updated: Monday May 23, 2011 7:32PM
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Who is Enes Kanter and why are the Jazz interested?
SALT LAKE CITY - Enes Kanter, a 19 year old, 6'-11" center from Turkey will soon be playing in the USA as he is one of the top picks for the upcoming NBA Draft, but exactly where he will go is another question.
Is it possible that he could be playing for the Utah Jazz come the 2011-12 season? Maybe, as they have a No. 3 pick for the draft in June.
But where did he come from and why are NBA teams salivating over this apparent unknown? He seems like he just popped onto the radar.
While fans may not be too familiar with Kanter, NBA executives and writers have know about this kid for quite some time and he was one of 54 prospects at last week's NBA Draft Combine.
Chances are he would have become a household name last year playing for the University of Kentucky, but because he was ruled ineligible due to benefits he received while playing in the professional league in Turkey, Kanter wasn't able to wow anyone by dominating college basketball like Jimmer Fredette, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams and Brandon Knight.
However, NBA execs are judging Kanter by his earlier years.
In 2008 at the age of 16, Kanter played for the Turkish professional team Fenerbahce Ulker in four Euroleague games.
In 2009, Kanter played for Turkey at the 2009 FIBA Under-18 Championships where he averaged 18.6 points and 16.4 rebounds and led Turkey to a bronze medal. Kanter also received MVP Honors in the championships.
With the many mock drafts out there, Kanter is almost as enigmatic as Fredette projected to go a number of places, but likely landing in the Top 5 with the Jazz just being one of many teams interested in him.
ESPN.com insider Chad Ford put his thoughts about the NBA Draft Combine out there last Friday after the Combine concluded in Chicago and said Kanter received the most buzz.
Ford also stated in his Friday blog post that he thought Kanter "didn't have one particular wow moment, he looked athletic, made a number of emphatic dunks and outhustled everyone else in his category. His performance here won't be enough to erase all the question marks teams had, but it was a start," posted Ford.
Ford projects that Kanter will go to the Cleveland Cavaliers as their No. 4 pick, but the Jazz have the No. 3 pick and could snatch him before the Cavaliers do.
The official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine were released late last week and Kanter was proved just as exciting by those as he is by his performance.
Kanter measured in height at 6'9.75" without shoes and 6'11.25" with shoes. He weighed in at 259.2 pounds and measured a wing span of 7'1.5". What team wouldn't want a player like that?
At almost seven feet tall (with shoes on), weighing almost 260 pounds, and with a wingspan of over seven feet, Ford said Kanter's measurements, "gives him a very good size at the power forward position and makes him a passable (albeit slightly undersized) center as well."
In a scouting report by David Locke, the play-by-play voice of the Utah Jazz, he stated simply that Kanter "is an NBA player. His elite skill is rebounding. He is going to be a big time rebounder in the NBA."
In a recent article by the Deseret News, Kanter spoke about how he used to wake up early to watch fellow Turkish player Mehmet Okur play.
Kanter also told the Deseret News that he will have a workout in Utah before the draft, but in Ford's ESPN.com blog post Monday, Ford stated that "sources in both Utah and Kanter's camp said it was mutually agreed that the Jazz would fly to Chicago on June 2 and see Kanter work out in Chicago."
Who is Enes Kanter and why are the Jazz interested?
By Kira Terry, ksl.com contributor May 23rd, 2011 @ 4:00pm
ksl.com
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