Gotta carefully consider the source.
Remember when word came out of Jamaica that Samardo Samuels would be leaving the University of Louisville basketball team early to pursue a career in the National Basketball Association? Despite all advice to the contrary from his coaches or anyone who see him play the past two seasons?
Well, there’s an update from the island, from the Jamaica Gleaner News that Samuels’ stock may have risen dramatically during NBA workouts, according to a source close to the player:
“Samardo is showing that he has all the tools. In his workouts he shot phenomenally from the field and displayed adept basketball skills, qualities about him that were not widely known before.
“He is also hitting a lot of three-pointers, and the feedback we are getting is that in terms of shape, size and skill readiness for the NBA, he is one the most impressive.”
“He is moving like a guard while maintaining his post-up game. He is being described as similar to Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand, but with better ball-handling skills — a more dynamic player. Because of his skills and first step he is uncomfortable to handle for both the big guys and the smaller guys.”
One still wishes Samardo well but he was either keeping this arsenal of skills under wraps at U of L or someone was telling the reporter what he wanted to hear.
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McCoughtry On A Tear — Angel McCoughtry is leading the WNBA in scoring and is an early candidate for player of the year. She is averaging 24 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Her surprising Atlanta Dream team leads the Eastern Division with a 6-0 record.
Atlanta faces maybe the toughest test of the season when it takes on the 5-1 Seattle Storm. Game time is 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night on ESPN-2. A great chance to finish up that remaining potato salad, ambrosia and grilled chicken from Sunday.
~~Samuels – I hope ends up in a good place. He is young and full of dreams. Although responding to Zagnut – I do not think it is a fair ? of what one would rather see (A Louisville final 4 or a NBA for Samuels?) – It would be nice if both were to happen.
My gut says no to the NBA for Samuels and a very good possible goal for the Cards in the 4. I think Pitino still has an itch for the final 4… Now that he is in a final phase of his coaching career -To end on a high note is as much for the team as for the RED Sash Coach…my 2 bits….
I’m beginning to believe that Samardo was not allowed to play the game like he wanted to. Coach P. was holding the strings and Samardo cut them.
You may be right, Debby, but it could also be said Pitino does what is best for the team and Samardo refused to cooperate. Would you rather see the University of Louisville go to the final four or see Samuels get to the NBA? There’s a clash these days between team and me, obviously.
Ballin’ in Jamaica and at NBA camps are two quite differnt things.
Is this the same Samardo?
Charlie – where is the love for Austen Childs, UofL’s NCAA runner-up in singles tennis? He had a phenomenal run that is getting no attention on any of the Cardinal blogs. At least you Charlie pay some attention to the less recognized sports. I realize that not many go to watch tennis, but it serves to further prove the great job Tom Jurich and Rex Ecarma are doing. Plus, my son attended coach Ecarma’s camp last year and Austen was a counselor. He is a super nice guy. Way to go Austen! You did us all proud! No. 1 next year!
You are so right, cardjones. I found the streaming video just as he was getting wiped out but that was an incredible feat for him and great recognition for the school. Thanks for the suggestion.
It’s hard to believe that such skills would be overlooked in individual instruction at UL. Judging from recent tweets…Samardo has a huge chip on his shoulder. I hope he makes that work for him.