BJ Freeman's NBA Prospects

[PantherU]

[skrapheap]

I was skeptical when Coach Lundy stated that one of his goals was to prepare players to go pro. There are only a certain number of roster spots on an NBA or G-League team, and I didn't think the players who ended up playing for Milwaukee had much of a chance, unless one was thinking about playing overseas.

At this point, I have to confess my ignorance about what constitutes NBA-level play. If BJ Freeman is being talked about credibly as an NBA prospect, Coach Lundy and his staff can deliver on that goal.

[PantherU]

I think the fact they had 24 guys go pro from Division II Queens is a good indication of Lundy's coaching ability.

[mattg]

Aug 30, 2023 16:06:58 GMT -6 skrapheap said:

I was skeptical when Coach Lundy stated that one of his goals was to prepare players to go pro. There are only a certain number of roster spots on an NBA or G-League team, and I didn't think the players who ended up playing for Milwaukee had much of a chance, unless one was thinking about playing overseas.

At this point, I have to confess my ignorance about what constitutes NBA-level play. If BJ Freeman is being talked about credibly as an NBA prospect, Coach Lundy and his staff can deliver on that goal.

If you don't talk about preparing guys to be pros you will never ever recruit good talent.  It's just the reality of basketball today.  There's so much money to made in pro basketball all over the world that it would be very stupid not to attempt to become a pro if you have even the slightest chance AND it's very achievable for D-1 players if guys get good coaching AND work hard.   

In terms of BJ, he definitely has the potential to make the NBA.  The talent and ability is there, he shows flashes too.  But like the article touched on, his areas to work on are mostly mental and will greatly determine how he's viewed as a prospect.  He has to take pride defensively, because he straight up was bad on that end often being hidden on the weakest offensive player and barely tried far too often for someone of his ability.  His shot selection also is a big concern.  He often takes atrocious shots with no regard for score/situation.  Not only does that negatively impact his efficiency and the team's ability to win, but it will lead to questions about his BBIQ.  NBA scouts are going to want to see that he's a guy who could fill a role as a wing shooter who can create a bit and defend.  But if he comes across as a gunner with mediocre efficiency who doesn't do much else that really hampers his chances.   It's especially important considering there is a lot more talent on the roster this season as well.  Finally, I think BJ has to improve his body language.  He's the leader of the team, and when he's sulking and walking up the court not hustling that trickles down. Luckily, these are correctable things, but admittedly it can be tough to rein in your best player on a mid major that isn't exactly an offensive powerhouse.  Good scorers often feel like them taking a contested tough shot is better for the team than trusting the ball to move and find a good look but that's what BJ needs to do more and Bart has to hold him more accountable when he starts chucking. 

[TBone]

Aug 30, 2023 16:06:58 GMT -6 skrapheap said:

I was skeptical when Coach Lundy stated that one of his goals was to prepare players to go pro. There are only a certain number of roster spots on an NBA or G-League team, and I didn't think the players who ended up playing for Milwaukee had much of a chance, unless one was thinking about playing overseas.

At this point, I have to confess my ignorance about what constitutes NBA-level play. If BJ Freeman is being talked about credibly as an NBA prospect, Coach Lundy and his staff can deliver on that goal.

Keep in mind that if his goal was as you state - to prep players to go pro, that could mean a number of things.

We in the US typically think of pro as NBA and G-League, but there are a number of basketball leagues throughout the world - Europe and I believe South America, that would be considered going pro. In fact, some of our alum have gone on to play a bit in Europe if I'm not mistaken. It may be a bit of word trickery, but as mentioned, you won't get high-level recruits if you don't say that.

As for BJ's prospects for the NBA - he's got a lot of work to do. Defensively and mentally, he has to improve a great deal, as mentioned. A bigger concern for me is his outside shot consistency. He ran either red hot or ice cold for long periods of the season last year. As a 2, he's going to have to have a more consistent outside shot. But I could certainly see him going on to play as a pro in Europe, provided his expected growth occurs. We're still too far away from knowing if he can take the big steps needed to potentially make an NBA (or G League) roster. One thing BJ has done that PBJ never did, he seemed to relish putting the team on his shoulders at times. PBJ was given that opportunity and seemingly wilted.