Re: Never Happen

[Joe Hironaka <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

Jimbo, I have to agree with you point by point on this one. I guess you
could say that Bird looked quick relative to his teammates, while Toine
looks slow relative to his. But the 1986 starting five didn't have anyone
who could even dunk a cherry-picked layup.

Actually, I think Toine has a more explosive dribble rate than Ron Mercer.
It's like watching those speed bags that boxers use to train (except that
the bag doesn't bounce off anyone's foot). I know perfectly well that it can
lead to turnovers, but I just LOVE watching a big man dribble like that.
There is nothing like it, even in the NBA.

Ron Mercer has a higher and much softer dribble (like most of us), while
Toine really pounds the ball down into the wood.  It could just be a
question of confidence, but I'd like to see if Ron would improve his dribble
penetration if he marginally increased the power of his dribble (pushed down
a little harder basically). I think this fundamental skill is just as
important as learning how and when to execute a cross-over.

Joe

****
Jim Meninno wrote:

> You know, I've had almost the entire opposite impression of Antoine's
> physical abilities.  I've always considered him to be very quick, which
> I'll grant is different from being fast, but is more important in
> playing defense.  He's especially quick with the ball, which is a
> different skill altogether.  If he's so slow, why do we keep hearing
> comments like, the power forwards who guard Antoine just cant stay with
> him?  Also, I don't think he's got very good hops at all.  Sure, he
> dunks, but not that spectaularly compared to similar sized guys of
> today.  And when he contests a shot, look how much higher the other guy
> gets.  Funny how two people can watch the same thing and have such
> differing views.
>
> What does any of it matter?  I don't know.  Bird wasn't quick, fast or a
> good leaper and he was the greatest player in my memory (I'm not that
> old).  Pierce doesn't strike me as that quick either, but his instincs
> more than make up for it on the defensive end.  Mercer's quicker and
> jumps better than both of them.  By far.  But he doesn't make nearly as
> much use of his abilities.  Bottom line?  I think 'Toine's got plenty of
> physical tools to be a good defender.
>
> Jim