Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Wilridge Shows Skill

E'Torrion Wilridge scored 27 points Saturday afternoon to lead Central High to victory in the Young Men's Business League Tournament's championship game.

Wilridge was 5 of 7 from the floor and a fantastic 17 of 23 from the free throw line.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Derek Ogbeide

The guy that Ogbeide reminds me most of is not a hoops player.  It's Cordy Glenn from UGA's football team a few years back.  The first time I saw Glenn, I said, "this guy is going to be a player."

Sure enough, Glenn later starred on the offensive line for Georgia.  Cordy is now in the NFL, playing offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills.

In the same way, I am projecting good things for Ogbeide.  He has a large frame, big hands and feet, and for a big man, good athleticism.  Catches the ball well.  Is a true post player.  Doesn't float around on the perimeter.

I liked what I saw of Ogbeide in Pebblebrook's game against Laney of Augusta.  Pebblebrook doesn't run many plays, and Ogbeide rarely gets passes.  However, in an up and down, guard-oriented game, Ogbeide had 16 points, 18 boards and 7 blocks.

I wouldn't call Ogbeide skilled.  Not in the same way that Tony Parker was skilled at the same point in high school.  However, if Ogbeide continues to grow physically and athletically, he may end up as the better NBA prospect.

Next year could be a good one for UGA basketball.  Charles Mann, J.J. Frazier, and Turtle Jackson playing point; Kenny Gaines and Juwan Parker at the shooting guard spots, Iduwe (here's hoping he bulks up and learns a few moves), Yante Maten, and Ogbeide in the post, and Kenny Paul Geno and E'Torrion Wilridge on the wing.  If we somehow bring in Jaylen Brown, that looks like a definite NCAA team to me.