I was not comparing. What I said was he got the better of the number 1 player in the state. That has to put him in any top 10 list. I was referencing the list that didn't have Drew in that list. You don't get a scholarship to Louisville and not be a great talent. I just wanted to present my argument for Drew's inclusion.

 

I think that one of the biggest hinderance's to Drew's evaluations at the high school level is when people look past high school alone and start projecting him to the next level. Fair or not, that's something that plenty do (I know I do so myself).

 

As far as a high school player, I think McDonald makes a solid case for one of the State's 10 best and that he'd be on more people's lists had the Breds been able to get to Rupp in the past seasons and give him a chance at having a nice performance down there in front of everyone.

 

Another point I'd probably add to the "reasons he's underrated" is that people see him on a team with a huge front line (plus with a few other kids who can really play... i.e., Pangallo, who I am a real fan of) and think "what would his numbers be if he weren't getting the other team's #2 post defender" or "what if he didn't play with Schulte". Maybe his numbers are off the charts, maybe he doesn't fare well against doubles on the interior and doesn't get the same looks from 15 or so that he gets now. It's just hard to say because of how their team is built around what they have and what he's being asked to do.

 

In conclusion, I'd say he's one of the tougher kids to evaluate because of the team he plays on and system he plays in, and that it's easier for people to pick at his game because they perceive an overall lack of athleticism and rely on that as justification when putting others ahead of him.

 

I'm not saying that isn't a valid criticism, I'm just saying that if we're simply talking "best HIGH SCHOOL players" and nothing else, that I can see how people would overly rely on that rationale.

Fair enough.

 

I Wish him luck in his upcoming season.

I think that one of the biggest hinderance's to Drew's evaluations at the high school level is when people look past high school alone and start projecting him to the next level. Fair or not, that's something that plenty do (I know I do so myself).

 

As far as a high school player, I think McDonald makes a solid case for one of the State's 10 best and that he'd be on more people's lists had the Breds been able to get to Rupp in the past seasons and give him a chance at having a nice performance down there in front of everyone.

 

Another point I'd probably add to the "reasons he's underrated" is that people see him on a team with a huge front line (plus with a few other kids who can really play... i.e., Pangallo, who I am a real fan of) and think "what would his numbers be if he weren't getting the other team's #2 post defender" or "what if he didn't play with Schulte". Maybe his numbers are off the charts, maybe he doesn't fare well against doubles on the interior and doesn't get the same looks from 15 or so that he gets now. It's just hard to say because of how their team is built around what they have and what he's being asked to do.

 

In conclusion, I'd say he's one of the tougher kids to evaluate because of the team he plays on and system he plays in, and that it's easier for people to pick at his game because they perceive an overall lack of athleticism and rely on that as justification when putting others ahead of him.

 

I'm not saying that isn't a valid criticism, I'm just saying that if we're simply talking "best HIGH SCHOOL players" and nothing else, that I can see how people would overly rely on that rationale.

I get it. People can't see hand eye coordination and that is probably his best trait when you match it with his intelligence. The ability to do the same muscle pattern consistent ly leads to a great shooting stroke. Knowing when to do it makes an efficient player. Efficiency is not as exciting as athleticism. Had he not done well out of position on the Travellers I would have more doubts about his skills against the elite. Right now I don't.

I get it. People can't see hand eye coordination and that is probably his best trait when you match it with his intelligence. The ability to do the same muscle pattern consistent ly leads to a great shooting stroke. Knowing when to do it makes an efficient player. Efficiency is not as exciting as athleticism. Had he not done well out of position on the Travellers I would have more doubts about his skills against the elite. Right now I don't.

McDonald will be a much better player in college than some people think because he is a total team player. As good a passing big man as you will see. Used to break presses. Extremely good basketball IQ. Will he average 20 a game? No, because that's not what he does. Will his team be much better when he is in the game than when he isn't? without a doubt. People love spactacular dunks, etc. which isn't his game, but if you need a basket he will get it. People always surprised after a game when they see his stats because his points and rebounds are "quite" but still count the same.

Regarding Spalding, he can be very special IF he changes his work ethic. Have seen him a number of times and he never goes 100% very long. As for the injuries, he doesn't like to play if it hurts. He has plenty of time to change, but if he doesn't he won't see the light of day at Louisville. Time will tell, as potential is just potential until it is realized. I know a number of people will disagree with this assesment, but let it play out and we will see who is right.

McDonald will be a much better player in college than some people think because he is a total team player. As good a passing big man as you will see. Used to break presses. Extremely good basketball IQ. Will he average 20 a game? No, because that's not what he does. Will his team be much better when he is in the game than when he isn't? without a doubt. People love spactacular dunks, etc. which isn't his game, but if you need a basket he will get it. People always surprised after a game when they see his stats because his points and rebounds are "quite" but still count the same.

Regarding Spalding, he can be very special IF he changes his work ethic. Have seen him a number of times and he never goes 100% very long. As for the injuries, he doesn't like to play if it hurts. He has plenty of time to change, but if he doesn't he won't see the light of day at Louisville. Time will tell, as potential is just potential until it is realized. I know a number of people will disagree with this assesment, but let it play out and we will see who is right.

 

To the "he doesn't like to play if it hurts" sentiment, have you had face to face contact and heard him say this or you just forming your own opinion? Also when was the last time you saw him play?

I get it. People can't see hand eye coordination and that is probably his best trait when you match it with his intelligence. The ability to do the same muscle pattern consistent ly leads to a great shooting stroke. Knowing when to do it makes an efficient player. Efficiency is not as exciting as athleticism. Had he not done well out of position on the Travellers I would have more doubts about his skills against the elite. Right now I don't.

 

Agree completely with everything you've said sans the Traveller's (and that's just because I didn't see him play with them). That was just kind of my general thoughts as to why Drew's name isn't popping up in everyone's "Top 10" type threads.

To the "he doesn't like to play if it hurts" sentiment, have you had face to face contact and heard him say this or you just forming your own opinion? Also when was the last time you saw him play?

Have you ever heard a player say he doesn't like to play hurt? Obviously no one says this, but from having watched him play this summer it is my, and others, opinion. Someone who was at the Peach Jam said a player from an out of town team ask the Travellers team where Spalding was and when informed he "quit" the team responded "That doesn't surprise me because he was "soft" when we play againest him". As I said, time will tell.

Have you ever heard a player say he doesn't like to play hurt? Obviously no one says this, but from having watched him play this summer it is my, and others, opinion. Someone who was at the Peach Jam said a player from an out of town team ask the Travellers team where Spalding was and when informed he "quit" the team responded "That doesn't surprise me because he was "soft" when we play againest him". As I said, time will tell.

 

So your opinion. That's fine everyone is entitled to one.

I saw this on the LaRosa MVP Website

 

Busy Summer For Two Sport Star Drew McDonald

What a busy summer for Newport Catholic two sport star Drew McDonald! In golf, he competed in, and won, several NKY 7-Up junior golf tour matches. As a member of the Kentucky Travelers basketball team, he played in the prestigious Peach Jam finals at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League in South Carolina and the AAU National Basketball Finals in Louisville. Drew averaged 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds for Newport Catholic his junior year, helping the Thoroughbreds to a second straight All "A" Classic state title.

Evan Hall said he had a great visit to IUPUI. He is visiting Morehead, EKU, and NKU.

With all this said, it's going to make for another great basketball season...

 

Bring it on..

 

:dancingpa

Evan Hall said he had a great visit to IUPUI. He is visiting Morehead, EKU, and NKU.

 

He is taking an official to EKU.