All Worcester Mass kids.
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“The money they pay you for each point you score is insane, bro”
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What a weird comment
Surely Barksdale is more likely to play Center minutes than Anya no? He’s only listed at 6-8
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I’m not going to worry about this addition, nor am I going to speculate about the fit. I don’t know. He redshirted last season. Any video of him won’t be particularly helpful, IMO. At some point, you just have to trust that the coaches had something in mind when he was offered, and we won’t know much until next winter. The rest is just noise. Go ‘Hoos!!!
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Sounds like a poor man’s Ryan Dunn then…
To say this guy can’t shoot is kinda strange - it’s been 14 months since he played a game and he was sick when he did… down 15 pounds…. Maybe he put up 1000 shots a day while he redshirted? I would have.
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He’s probably not Klay Thompson but he might not be Draymond either?
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Why on earth is it strange… the man is a sub-50% FT shooter across three college seasons. He could put up 10,000 shots a day and it wouldn’t help him. He has no touch.
He will be able to contribute in other ways, and I personally like his role better than I liked Tillis. But let’s not try to wishcast him into something he’s not
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Torvik projections LOVE Anya. Has him projected to be 3rd on the team in minutes
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I don’t know if this guy will be good or not but it’s the perfect add from a roster build standpoint. Fills a need that wasn’t a very attractive opening to backup a 30 mpg De Ridder, while also providing sneaky insurance at the center spot without crossing the boundary of implicitly adding a center…ie doesn’t break promises to anyone.
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Threaded the needle, eh?
I think Anya will prove to be a fan favorite. Just makes those hustle plays. The motor is always in the red.
He’ll also make TDR that much better from practicing against a pest like this.
Anya is much smaller, but zippier… his game reminds me of Dylan Cardwell’s.
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Anya takes pressure off Favor to be immediate contributor. Favor becomes a mop up player and has a year to develop strength and offensive game. Next season Favor will be ready to play regular (10-15) minutes.
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Thijs De Ridder - 6-9, 238
Johann Grünloh - 7-0, 238
Silas Barksdale - 6-9, 223
Kalu Anya - 6-8, 225
Favour Ibe - 7-1, 235
I love this frontcourt rotation, especially the concept of strong/skilled rebounding force Silas Barksdale spelling both the 4 and 5, with stopper and glass-eater Kalu Anya pestering second units.
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Yeah after watching some more tape on him this is what stands out the most. We don’t want Anya playing the 5 but he can legitimately defend the position in a pinch.
He’s a pretty unique defender in that he can get down in a stance and defend guards but he also can credibly be an effective post defender.
If he was a starter this would probably be a risky add but given the role we have to offer it makes a bit more sense.
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In the article regarding his redshirt, he specifically stated that he was going to work on his shooting. IIRC, he may have even said that he wanted to get to be an 80% FT shooter.
Don’t know how realistic 80% is, but if he’s been working on his shooting for a year with purpose, he can certainly improve.
I have to say, Anya was a head scratcher for me at the start, but I’ve come around to this point of view as well. For all of the sturm and drang here about the failure to land a top portal target, I think this has been our biggest problem—we’re shopping backup spots to guys who want to start. I think it was @StLouHoo who stated it best in the other thread. I’d feel better if we added another stud guard, but I’m feeling pretty good as is.
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Devil’s advocate here - Ryan Dunn shot 48% from the line the last two NBA seasons. He’s got all the resources in the world to get better and hasn’t.
I suspect free throw shooting is going to be a frustrating part of next season for him. If he can get to 55%, it will be frustrating all the same but definitely an improvement.
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Would love some analytics or explanation around why players can vastly improve their 3P% (especially bigs) but free throw shooting for some never improves.
My theory is that if you’ve been shooting a free throw your entire life, you probably have more reps in that shot than any. At some point in your career, it just is what it is. Plus the mental aspect of standing their alone I guess or new mental issues.
So absent of some new technique, not anywhere to go. The 32% or whatever let’s hope was mental, but still don’t think he’s going to be anywhere more than a 50% guy from the line.
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