Introducing: Gani Lawal and Dwayne Collins

[binkar]

A couple interesting blurbs about our picks:

*Vegas Workout Report Miami's Collins gets the award for the most extreme measurements I've ever seen. Collins measured 6-6½ in socks yet sported an incredible 7-4 wingspan. I went back and checked our database of measurements from the NBA pre-draft camp and I believe he has the largest disparity ever (9½ inches) between his height and wingspan.

Collins isn't the most skilled big man you'll find, but he's a very good athlete and tries to rip down the rim on every possession. He goes at the basket so strong that players were yelling "Watch your head, Dwayne!" when he'd go up for a dunk. They weren't kidding. A couple of times he almost dinged his forehead on the rim

*Jun 2 Update: Q: What player outside of Chad Ford's top 30 will be the best five years from now? In other words, which guy's upside are you most willing to bank on?

Ryen Russillo: Gani Lawal. He has fallen from mid-first to No. 40 in Chad's latest top 100. I can understand why he isn't a hot name anymore, but the guy competes every minute he is on the floor. He definitely takes some shots outside his range but I think he can develop better selection. His best attribute is his ability to run the floor and he consistently beats his man in transition. Lawal's effort will keep him in the league.

 

[SunsTzu]

Wonder what Collins' standing reach is. Sometimes guys with broad shoulders get inflated wing span numbers that don't translate well to interior length.

 

[Mainstreet]

Wonder what Collins' standing reach is. Sometimes guys with broad shoulders get inflated wing span numbers that don't translate well to interior length.

After watching video he barely has to jump to stuff the ball. So yes, he has long arms and the length is not inflated. Also if players have to tell you to not hit your head on the rim when going for a stuff, there is some serious athleticism going on as well.

 

[JCSunsfan]

So, his standing reach is 9-1.5. Dwight Howard's is around 9-2.5 and Greg Oden 9-4. That is pretty amazing for a guy 6-8. Here is what it means, plain and simple--he can play center. He has the length and the strength.


On the subject of freaks of nature, I have to bring up Shaq. In 1992, Shaq measured 7’1” without shoes, weighed 303 pounds, recorded a 35 inch vertical and had his wingspan measured at 7’7”. To put that in perspective, from the minute he entered the league and for the next 10 years Shaq was the strongest player, the most athletic big man, one of the tallest players, one of the longest players and one of the quickest big men. His body fat was measured at a surprisingly low 12.2% too. A 1992 St. Paul Pioneer Press article said he even had veteran team physicians in awe of his physical stature. 7’0”, 255 listed Hakeem Olajuwon was so small compared to Shaq that he was estimated at 6’8”, 235 after standing next to him.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com/article...BA-Pre-Draft-Measurements-2912/#ixzz0s1KhUaQw
http://www.draftexpress.com

 

[Mainstreet]

So, what is his standing reach again? Dwight Howard's is around 9-3.

Dwayne Collins standing reach is 9'1" per an azcentral article written by Paul Coro dated 6-24-10.

Collins is short for a power forward but has a 7-4 wingspan with hands that he said are 11 inches long. Standing, his reach touches 9-1.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/06/24/20100624phoenix-suns-gani-lawal-draft.html

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...enix-suns-gani-lawal-draft.html#ixzz0s1N61nPh

 

[JCSunsfan]

Did the guy grow or shrink or what?

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=16198

Dwayne Collins: No player surprised and amazed as much as Dwayne Collins. His senior year at Miami was terrible, but Dwyane is a classic case of a kid playing the role his coaches defined for him and that role never reflected his game. Dwayne is a MONSTER around the basket. His outside touch is a little suspect, but when you have a power game like Collins has, there is no need for an outside jumper – although it wasn't terrible by any stretch. The best NBA comparison would be DeJuan Blair meets Dwight Howard. Collins is a legit 6'8 and has a monstrous 7'5 wingspan and a standing reach of 9'5-9'6. Some players look small when they play and then some guys look bigger. When you see DeJuan Blair play there is no way you buy that he's 6'6. Dwayne Collins plays like a 6'10 front court player. Physically he is a beast. Personally, he is an extremely smart, low-key guy. Collins is a steal-type pick. He is headed to San Antonio today, who had him in last year when he tested the waters. Don't be surprised if they try and bait Dwayne into shutting down workouts with a second round promise because he's the kind of athlete the Spurs desperately need. The problem for San Antonio is teams like Oklahoma City and Sacramento that also desperately need front court power may have to enter the bidding and Dwyane's stock could be primed to take off. He was by far the most physically impressive player of the day.

Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=16198#ixzz0s1PJWujt

 

[SunsTzu]

I could buy a 9'1 reach even though that is borderline ridiculous for someone his height. There is no way he'd have 9'5 reach, which is excellent for true 7+ footers with long arms. Plus that link is for hoopsworld which is basically a fan site and not an actual news source.

 

[Mainstreet]

As I read about Dwayne Collins dimensions and athleticism I wonder how in the world he fell to #60. In past years there were players drafted in the top 10 of the NBA Draft like Sene purely based on potential. JCSunsfan, your right this kid could play a traditional center role or as a PF. I hope Gentry can figure out a role for him. Let him be the thirteenth player on the roster. Apparently he has been playing in the wrong system.

 

[Mainstreet]

I could buy a 9'1 reach even though that is borderline ridiculous for someone his height. There is no way he'd have 9'5 reach, which is excellent for true 7+ footers with long arms. Plus that link is for hoopsworld which is basically a fan site and not an actual news source.

The physical stats quoted do not agree, however, even taking the low side this kid is massive and he is not a stiff. Watching some video clips on YouTube show his size. I'd hate to be the big man to defend him if he gets the ball down low as it doesn't seem to bother him if a defender is there.

 

[slinslin]

Dwayne Collins standing reach is 9'1" per an azcentral article written by Paul Coro dated 6-24-10.



http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/06/24/20100624phoenix-suns-gani-lawal-draft.html

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/sun...enix-suns-gani-lawal-draft.html#ixzz0s1N61nPh

Doesn't mean a thing, according to Coro Lawal has a wingspan of 7'2 that compensates his height. Truth is Lawal officially measured in with a 7' wingspan at the combine.

 

[Folster]

You guys got me all hyped on Collins, making it sound like he could be a diamond in the rough. Actually, I'm really excited about both he and Lawal and can't wait to see them play in the summer league.