J.P. Batista, 6'9, Senior, Power Forward, Gonzaga

20 points, 9 rebounds, 10-18 FG

Jonathan Watters

One of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend came tonight when JP Batista took on Marko Killingsworth in a showdown of accomplished back to the basket scorers. Batista won this battle in a landslide, scoring at will early and often. He showed off a dazzling array of polished post moves, and Killingsworth was helpless to stop him from converting around the basket. After this game, it is easy to see why many believe that Batista is the most effective back to the basket scorer in the entire country.

With Adam Morrison's recent inconsistency from the field, it has been Batista that has stepped up as Gonzaga's go-to guy. He was sensational in the WCC Tourney, and has continued his hot play on the biggest of stages. As undersized and grounded as Batista is, NBA teams are going to give him a long look this spring. Players with his size and effectiveness around the basket don't come along too often, and he will get a chance to prove that he can score on NBA sized big men when it’s all said and done.

I already indicated that the Knicks should draft best pg then best sg, then acquire a second round pick and draft Hollins. Throw all 3 in the NBADL and build
on for the future.

[Edited by - pharzeone on 05-12-2006 09:51 AM]

not much impresses you tkf.

I like Batista's game. If he can get up and down the floor for the Bulldogs and Coach Few I doubt he won't be able to do the same for just about any NBA team and coach.

IMO he is a ballplayer and a much better bigman prospect than Boone or Hollins

need a true inside presence. Curry dunks and not much else.

he isn't Nene - all athlete. he is more like Barbosa and has an actual game that can be preened.

[Edited by - McK1 on 05-12-2006 10:55 AM]

Posted by McK1:

not much impresses you tkf.

I like Batista's game. If he can get up and down the floor for the Bulldogs and Coach Few I doubt he won't be able to do the same for just about any NBA team and coach.

IMO he is a ballplayer and a much better bigman prospect than Boone or Hollins

need a true inside presence. Curry dunks and not much else.

he isn't Nene - all athlete. he is more like Barbosa and has an actual game that can be preened.

[Edited by - McK1 on 05-12-2006 10:55 AM]

MCK1: Do you think batsita is a better player than turiaf? I think turiaf is a career bench role player, at his very best....

Posted by McK1:

not much impresses you tkf.

I like Batista's game. If he can get up and down the floor for the Bulldogs and Coach Few I doubt he won't be able to do the same for just about any NBA team and coach.

IMO he is a ballplayer and a much better bigman prospect than Boone or Hollins

need a true inside presence. Curry dunks and not much else.

he isn't Nene - all athlete. he is more like Barbosa and has an actual game that can be preened.

[Edited by - McK1 on 05-12-2006 10:55 AM]

IMO I think Hollins has the most upside out of Boone and Batista. And ain't that what we now draft for nowadays, apparent upside, future ability.

Batista has terrible hands, at least from what I've seen. I think Craig Smith is a lot better, but I've seen more of Craig.

You pretty much know what you'll get with Smith, great back to the basket scorer who will rebound. Not a shotblocker, not much else, but great post moves and great rebounder.

Posted by VDesai:

Batista reminded me of Boozer in a lot of ways. Not saying he will be that good, but he's a bull and IMO could be a good NBA role player.

puts me in the mind of Boozer as well.

thing about JP, for a guy not asked to do much damage from the perimeter, he stil lstepped to the free throw line and knocked them down at an 80% clip. And he had quite a few games where he went to th eline 8,9, times. Can he face up and consistently hit shots if asked upon, I'd wager so.