LaMarcus Aldridge bounced back to deliver a performance worthy of consideration for the #1 pick. Tyrus Thomas' defensive explosion makes you wonder if there is any player with more upside at the NCAA level. Shelden Williams again showed why he might be the most surefire bet of any player in this draft. J.J. Redick comes up with possibly the worst game of his college career at the worst time possible for him and his team. Those and much more in our fifth installment of the NCAA Tournament stock watch.
Round of 32, Sunday Games, Stock Up, Down and Neutral prospects
Round of 32, Saturday Games, Stock Up prospects
Round of 32, Saturday Games, Stock Down and Neutral prospects
Round of 64, Thursday Games, Stock Up, Down and Neutral prospects
Round of 64, Friday Games, Stock Up, Down and Neutral prospects
Stock Up
LaMarcus Aldridge, 611, Sophomore, PF/C, Texas
26 points, 13 rebounds, 11-15 FG, 4-8 FT, 2 assists
Mike Schmidt
After struggling against N.C. State in the last round of the NCAA tournament, tonight LaMarcus Aldridge again looked like the player that has been touted as the #1 pick in the draft for the majority of the college season.
Aldridge started the game by asserting his position in the paint and making a beautiful pass to an open PJ Tucker for the layup. He continued by putting on a mid-range shooting clinic, making a variety of impressive jump shots from about 15 feet out both on the move or from static positions. Some of these shots were off balance turnarounds where Aldridge just sensed where the defense was and turned and shot the other way. He finished the first half a perfect 8 for 8 from the field with 16 points. Aldridge continued his impressive display in the second half, despite the fact that West Virginia was much more keyed in on stopping him. He fought hard for position and made some good passes out of double teams to the open guard on the perimeter, a skill that will certainly help him when he is playing in the NBA. Down the stretch, with the game close the whole way, Aldridge called for the ball every time, and managed to score off of putbacks, jumpers, layups and hard fought offensive rebounds. Aldridge did nearly everything the Longhorns could have asked from him in the biggest game of his young career so far.
Though he had a great overall game, Aldridge did miss half of his free throws, including one with 14 seconds left that would have iced the game for good. Though he struggles at times from the free throw line (65% this season), Aldridge has a very nice shot from mid-range, so theres no reason why this part of his game shouldnt improve.
Against West Virginia, Lamarcus Aldridge had the type of big game that players need to have to warrant consideration as the top pick in the draft. He displayed his plethora of moves on offense, as well as outstanding rebounding potential. To lock up the position as the top pick in the draft, Aldridge will need to continue to play big in the remaining games of the NCAA Tournament.
Aldridge started the game by asserting his position in the paint and making a beautiful pass to an open PJ Tucker for the layup. He continued by putting on a mid-range shooting clinic, making a variety of impressive jump shots from about 15 feet out both on the move or from static positions. Some of these shots were off balance turnarounds where Aldridge just sensed where the defense was and turned and shot the other way. He finished the first half a perfect 8 for 8 from the field with 16 points. Aldridge continued his impressive display in the second half, despite the fact that West Virginia was much more keyed in on stopping him. He fought hard for position and made some good passes out of double teams to the open guard on the perimeter, a skill that will certainly help him when he is playing in the NBA. Down the stretch, with the game close the whole way, Aldridge called for the ball every time, and managed to score off of putbacks, jumpers, layups and hard fought offensive rebounds. Aldridge did nearly everything the Longhorns could have asked from him in the biggest game of his young career so far.
Though he had a great overall game, Aldridge did miss half of his free throws, including one with 14 seconds left that would have iced the game for good. Though he struggles at times from the free throw line (65% this season), Aldridge has a very nice shot from mid-range, so theres no reason why this part of his game shouldnt improve.
Against West Virginia, Lamarcus Aldridge had the type of big game that players need to have to warrant consideration as the top pick in the draft. He displayed his plethora of moves on offense, as well as outstanding rebounding potential. To lock up the position as the top pick in the draft, Aldridge will need to continue to play big in the remaining games of the NCAA Tournament.