In the clips, here’s what I really liked about him: he moved well, not stiff; he had good timing and instincts on following the ball off the rim and on lobs; he got off the floor well and flashed some athleticism; his hands looked pretty good and he demonstrated adequate skill at putting the ball on the floor; and, did I mention that he’s 7’1” with a 7’7” wingspan? That attribute is hard to improve upon.
Don’t think we are looking at him as a 15 minute a game player. I think he gets some situational opportunities and works on his game a lot - he’s more for year 2 and our retention game looks strong. Still think we will sign another, more experienced big - for no reason, I’m still thinking that Ugo gets a 5th year and comes back.
He picked up a lot of those offers in 2023. I think those offers were done on potential. He dropped over the last few years.
From the highlights he moved pretty well for a big man. Some drives from the perimeter. Doesn’t look to me like that will play at the next level though.
I don’t think he’s ready for post play in the ACC. Needs more lower body strength. Footwork where you’d expect a guy with 5 years of basketball experience.
I think he’s more a guy you hope to contribute bench minutes next year. Although Odom did have Bam play early and blocking shots. Lost in that though is Bam was a bad rebounder and got bullied by larger bigs (not many in the A-10 tho).
Yeah there’s a lot that a developmental big man could get away with in the A-10 (VCU), Mountain West (Utah St), or America East (UMBC), that doesn’t work in the ACC.
The more I look at Ibe, the more I have to think that he just might not be the guy we want as a 15mpg backup next year, much much less the guy who would be starting if something happened to Grünloh.
I’ll be curious if this is it for the center spot…would guess it is, and that was what it took to get Ibe. But it leaves them pretty thin. It’s easy to say you only need 12 minutes a game but games aren’t played based on averages. Big men get in foul trouble. You’ll have nights when Grünloh only plays 15 minutes. And he could always miss time with injury. Going into the season with a platoon of Ibe-Barksdale-Lang at the backup is a little bit of a risk.
From everything I read and hear, he’s a kid with a high ceiling who is still a year away from being a meaningful contributor. I wouldn’t expect much from him next year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Odom tries to get another, more experienced center. That being said, there are higher priorities, and at least Ibe gives them an option in 2026-2027 if nothing else comes through.
Does feel a little adventurous, but at the same time if they want guys to develop they gotta give them some real reps. Trust in your evals, internal and external, I guess.
I’d be surprised if we don’t get a mid major or international big to compete with Ibe for the back up. I assume we told Ibe he’ll have every opportunity to win the back up job but no guarantee. Equally as important, if we assume Grünloh to gone after this season, is grooming someone to take over in 27-28. Is that Ibe. Not sure it is.
I be excited about this pickup. (I be prepared to run this joke into the ground. It’s my Favourite.) The fact he’s a project means if he can work his way to ACC level, Odom cements a reputation as the Big Whisperer, and we reap the rewards down the line.
Yeah but “actively recruiting” could mean anything in between “offering big bucks to be in next year’s rotation” and “offering a token NIL package to be the 12th scholarship and a long term flyer”.
