Any word on today's workouts (Blatche, Turiaf, and others)
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SKY
Posts: 20356 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 6/30/2004 Member: #687 USA |
6/15/2005 8:10 PM
http://www.nba.com/knicks/news/BlatcheTuriaf_050615.html
Knicks June 15 Pre-Draft Workouts Blatche, Turiaf Show Knicks Their Strengths by Tom Kertes GREENBURGH, NY, June 15, 2005 -- Andray Blatche and Ronny Turiaf are both talented power forwards with good size -- but that's about all they have in common. Blatche is a willowy 6-11, 238. Turiaf has tree trunks for legs and looks like he could bench press Madison Square Garden with ease. Blatche likes to pop his perimeter jumper, while Turiaf believes in doling out heavy punishment down low. Blatche is an NBA early entry straight out of high school. Turiaf is a college senior with literally a world of experience -- he hails from Martinique and is fluent in four languages -- from the ultimate underdog school in college hoops, Gonzaga. "I felt that this was the ideal time for me to go into the NBA," says the soft-spoken Blatche, relaxing after his Knicks workout at the team's Madison Square Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. "For one thing, I felt that I was ready. For another, myself and the people around me felt that there aren't too many top big men in the draft this year." "I stayed for my senior year because I loved school and my teammates that much," counters Turiaf. "And I'm glad I did. I'm graduating with a triple major in Sports Management, Communications, and Business. And through all the adversity -- I had injuries to both my ankles -- I grew so much. I learned how to be a better person. I learned that life is not about money or success it's about relationships. I'm telling you, just to see my teammates' faces after our victories was worth staying around for." Turiaf, who posted 27 double doubles over his career, had 40, 34, and 33 point-games before the injury bug bit him in the ankles last year. "I would have led the nation in scoring if I didn't get hurt," he says. So why isn't he more talked-up as a prospect? "The school I went to," he says, huge brown eyes flashing with emotion. "I love Gonzaga but let's get real. You think I have a chip on my shoulder? You bet I do. If I went to one of THOSE schools -- you know, North Carolina, or Duke, or Indiana -- people would have a totally different prospective of me." Gonzaga's senior forward Ronny Turiaf. MSG Photos The long and athletic Blatche showed his stuff at The Garden in April as co-MVP of the Jordan Classic (game highs of 26 points and 16 rebounds in just 28 minutes of playing time) but still realizes it'll take him some time to adjust to the pros. "My plus points are attitude, shooting ability, and handle," he says. "But I know I need to learn a lot and get physically stronger to contribute at that level." No such concerns for the muscular Turiaf. "If a team wants a 22 year-old strong, mature person who's ready to step in and contribute right away, I'm the guy," he says. "I've played against the toughest competition possible for four years," he adds. "That prepared me. Plus, I'm a hustler, a tough physical presence on the court. I think that's what teams want from their big men. I'm quite sure that's what the New York Knicks are looking for." Blatche is a Knick fan. "I'm from the New York area," he says. "We watch all the games." Turiaf is a Knick fanatic. "WOW!" he shouts, nearly exploding from the mere contemplation of a possible New York career. "Who wouldn't want to wear a Knick uniform? Stephon Marbury, Kurt Thomas, Tim Thomas, just to be around those guys...And the past! John Starks, Patrick Ewing, come on! Awesome! I mean, those guys are basketball heroes! Listen, I've never played well at Madison Square Garden. I was always hurt. What I wouldn't give for 41 chances to play well here!" "Plus the playoffs, of course." |
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SKY
Posts: 20356 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 6/30/2004 Member: #687 USA |
6/15/2005 8:14 PM
http://draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=61
From Draftexpress: "Rony Turiaf is very reminiscent of your classic enforcer PF, of which we seem to be seeing fewer and fewer these days. Best case scenario: Charles Oakley" Too bad we're full of PFs, but what's your thoughts on Turiaf? I have never seen this guy, but the Oakley comparison intrigues me. (oh, the good old days...) |
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pizza
Posts: 20103 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 5/3/2005 Member: #895 Vatican City |
6/16/2005 10:37 AM
Posted by SKY: we see fewer and fewer, because nba basketball is less and less of a contact sport in stern's nba. today's league is more about blatche; the willowy big that shoots from the perimeter. if only laimbeer was the nba commish. then the real nba would be back. |
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crzymdups
Posts: 52018 Alba Posts: 0 Joined: 5/1/2004 Member: #671 USA |
6/16/2005 6:13 PM
Blatche at 30 would make my day.
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Any word on today's workouts (Blatche, Turiaf, and others)