Serious question, is Henriquez more skilled as a Freshmen(realize he prepped a year) than Aldrich was as a true frosh? Maybe not as polished a shooter, but his shot blocking, (can't tell on rebounding until we play a real team), passing, running the floor, general sense of where he's supposed to be is light years ahead of what I expected.
Any insight from a message board talent evaluator type would be appreciated.
Also, will his head grown into his body?
Not even close. Aldrich was a McD AA for a reason and had quite a bit of talent in front of him so he didn't see the court a ton his Freshmen year. Aldrich had a better body as a Freshman and could definitely get off the ground more. They are both extremely long though with Jordan having that advantage.
JHR still needs how to play defense in college (all our bigs do). JHR can be an even better shot blocker if he comes from the weak side while the main defender plays D while moving his feet. I was surprised how well JHR passed the ball though.
JHR does have some upside though and his game will improve with strength and coaching.
The real difference between the two at the freshman parts of their careers is having a back to the basket game. Cole could do it, JHR cannot. Most of it is due to the size albotros mentioned. I think JHR is a better raw athlete and Cole had actually fundamental skill to go with his size. In HS JHR could get away with a lot due to his size kind of like how Bennett came in and had to relearn how to play in the post. Jordan will get better, but that back to the basket piece is crucial to JHR being a meaningful player. If anyone can get him there it's Scott and Frank.
Not sure what you've guys have been watching, but Aldrich didn't have a back-to-the-basket move until the Pitt State game this season. Also, he was a terrible defender his Frosh and pretty average last year, as I'm afraid JHR will be. Would like to point out the difference b/w shot blocking and playing good defense, which are totally different things although often confused as the same.
I think I agree that Cole was probably more refined that JHR, seems like each player does certain things better than the other, respectively at that age. Cole >>>> JHR free throws
Not sure JHR has a higher ceiling either. And don't give me any McD AA bs, did you see our McD AA last night?
Just refreshing to have a 7'er that can put one leg in front of the other. Still can't believe at how good he is, must have had tremendously low expectations. I was thinking the black Joe Leonard.
