From what it looks like from the outside is McDonald played very well in the EYBL while Spalding left the Travelers to play for the The Ville. Sounds is much in the same way as taking himself out of the 1st half of Covington Catholic.

 

Like the kid but at this moment he doesn't have the needed fire to make in impact at UL. Then again, I'm positive Pitino will surely light that fire and it will be up to him to keep it from going out.

 

Just looked at the KHSAA site, Trinity plays at NCC on 2/17 @ NCC. It will be a battle.

 

Did you read thru the update thread and see that he was hurt when he exited the game? Or was you at the game and see him get hurt and hobble into the locker room?

I only saw Spalding in the state touney last year and McDonald in 9th region games, but comparing skill level against each other Spalding had much better overall skill set than McDonald.

 

There's not many big men in the country with Ray's skill set and upside. His problem has always been consistency which is continuously getting better. If anyone watched him play over the summer they would know that.

There's not many big men in the country with Ray's skill set and upside. His problem has always been consistency which is continuously getting better. If anyone watched him play over the summer they would know that.

 

I saw him play a few times over the summer.

 

He is a heck of a player for sure, but I think his decision over the summer to opt out of playing in the EYBL, against way better competition, is part of what is causing some doubt about his "fire."

 

Drew McDonald did play in the EYBL for the summer and did more than hold his own against the best big men in the country. Drew is not flashy, but he gets the job done night in and night out.

 

I'm sure that Walter could provide some of the names of the big men McDonald played against, and what his stats were compared to theirs.

I saw him play a few times over the summer.

 

He is a heck of a player for sure, but I think his decision over the summer to opt out of playing in the EYBL, against way better competition, is part of what is causing some doubt about his "fire."

 

Drew McDonald did play in the EYBL for the summer and did more than hold his own against the best big men in the country. Drew is not flashy, but he gets the job done night in and night out.

 

If you didn't understand the situation then your perception will always be skewed. To each his own I guess. All he can do is play at this point.

 

McDonald is a heck of a player from what I've seen on film, but skill wise, I'm not sure where the comparisons even begin.

I saw him play a few times over the summer.

 

He is a heck of a player for sure, but I think his decision over the summer to opt out of playing in the EYBL, against way better competition, is part of what is causing some doubt about his "fire."

 

Drew McDonald did play in the EYBL for the summer and did more than hold his own against the best big men in the country. Drew is not flashy, but he gets the job done night in and night out.

 

I'm sure that Walter could provide some of the names of the big men McDonald played against, and what his stats were compared to theirs.

 

Walter did mention in the other post, no other player in the state impacts the game as ray does. But once again with that being said, he does lack the top level consistency some others have but he has only gotten better and will continue to improve in that area.

If you didn't understand the situation then your perception will always be skewed. To each his own I guess. All he can do is play at this point.

 

McDonald is a heck of a player from what I've seen on film, but skill wise, I'm not sure where the comparisons even begin.

 

1.) Most of us don't understand the situation... whatever that even means. I'm guessing there were some personality conflicts? Whatever the reason, McDonald played against a higher level of competition over the summer... unless you can make the case that the AAU circuit is superior to the EYBL?

 

2.) "Skill wise" I think Drew is definitely in the conversation. In fact, I would argue that Drew's "skill set" is better. Now, if you want to compare athleticism, then Spalding wins hands down! It's Drew's skill set that has gotten him to where he is... not many big men have his low post moves, his outside shooting ability, nor his great passing skills.

I would argue that Drew's "skill set" is better. Now, if you want to compare athleticism, then Spalding wins hands down!

 

On this point I'm in full agreement. I'm not sure either one of them love basketball all that much, but I'm making that observation strictly on watching them both play in person several times, not on any inside knowledge of the kids. Maybe I'm dead wrong, and honestly, I hope I am.

 

A.T., I respect the heck out of your loyalty and support of your guy, and I know that each and every post about Ray that is even remotely critical must be a like a flame to you (poor moth analogy, work with me). He is lucky to have you in his corner.

I saw him play a few times over the summer.

 

He is a heck of a player for sure, but I think his decision over the summer to opt out of playing in the EYBL, against way better competition, is part of what is causing some doubt about his "fire."

 

Drew McDonald did play in the EYBL for the summer and did more than hold his own against the best big men in the country. Drew is not flashy, but he gets the job done night in and night out.

 

I'm sure that Walter could provide some of the names of the big men McDonald played against, and what his stats were compared to theirs.

 

Out of most of the statements made about Drew the above statement may say it best. If the criteria for Mr. Basketball is as follows then IMO Drew is one of the frontrunners:

Team oriented, incredible basketball IQ, coachable, incredible work ethic, great basketball skills, great student, and overall one of the nicest young men I have ever had the pleasure to meet, then yes Drew should be considered one of the favorites, but as it has been shown in the past this distinction usually comes down to who has the best PR guy. Due to that fact that NCC has a very deep team again this season and that Drew IMO is very unselfish in sharing the ball his stats at times may not be as flashy as others mentioned it may effect his chances, but I will take a total team player any time and that is one stat that is over looked!!

 

To me it seems that the 9th Region doesn't usually get the respect and recognition that other parts of the state receive. Having been around a program that had a Mr. Basketball award winner from the 9th Region, I can attest that due to the lack of said recognition, there was more to it that went into assisting this player in receiving this award. I am in no way saying he did not deserve the award, but what went into this was much more extensive than players that may be from the central part of the state. All of the young men mentioned in the previous posts are well deserved, but I also feel Drew should be considered as a strong candidate, with all he brings to the game!!

 

Good luck to all and I wish each a healthy and successful season and hope to see them all on the biggest stage in March at Rupp!!

1.) Most of us don't understand the situation... whatever that even means. I'm guessing there were some personality conflicts? Whatever the reason, McDonald played against a higher level of competition over the summer... unless you can make the case that the AAU circuit is superior to the EYBL?

 

2.) "Skill wise" I think Drew is definitely in the conversation. In fact, I would argue that Drew's "skill set" is better. Now, if you want to compare athleticism, then Spalding wins hands down! It's Drew's skill set that has gotten him to where he is... not many big men have his low post moves, his outside shooting ability, nor his great passing skills.

 

I wasn't saying the AAU circuit is better everybody knows that is no where near the case. All I was saying was to look at the situation as "Ray ran from competition" is completely false.

 

As far as the skill set comment, neither of us are really qualified to make that assessment so we will agree to disagree. Good luck to drew and everyone else the rest of the season.

1.) Most of us don't understand the situation... whatever that even means. I'm guessing there were some personality conflicts? Whatever the reason, McDonald played against a higher level of competition over the summer... unless you can make the case that the AAU circuit is superior to the EYBL?

 

2.) "Skill wise" I think Drew is definitely in the conversation. In fact, I would argue that Drew's "skill set" is better. Now, if you want to compare athleticism, then Spalding wins hands down! It's Drew's skill set that has gotten him to where he is... not many big men have his low post moves, his outside shooting ability, nor his great passing skills.

 

You know I'm a huge fan of Drew and so do his parents, but Ray is just as skilled, if not more skilled, on top of being way more athletic. Drew plays harder more consistently but Ray does so many things that a guard does, even at 6'10. Not too often you see a 6'10 big guy grab a rebound, start the break, cross his man, and finish at the other end. He can also knock down the mid range and outside shot with consistency.

 

Put Ray on a team where he's "the guy" or on a team that plays more uptempo and you'd see his skillset showcased better.

 

Drew is successful because of how hard he plays and the simple fact that he hates to lose. And it doesn't hurt that he has the versatility to do multiple things on the offensive end.

On this point I'm in full agreement. I'm not sure either one of them love basketball all that much, but I'm making that observation strictly on watching them both play in person several times, not on any inside knowledge of the kids. Maybe I'm dead wrong, and honestly, I hope I am.

 

A.T., I respect the heck out of your loyalty and support of your guy, and I know that each and every post about Ray that is even remotely critical must be a like a flame to you (poor moth analogy, work with me). He is lucky to have you in his corner.

 

I'm going to tell you, you are dead wrong about Ray.

 

Thanks though, and yes it really it is. But I guess it comes with the territory.

I'm going to tell you, you are dead wrong about Ray.

 

Thanks though, and yes it really it is. But I guess it comes with the territory.

 

Fair enough. Thanks A.T.! :thumb:

You know I'm a huge fan of Drew and so do his parents, but Ray is just as skilled, if not more skilled, on top of being way more athletic. Drew plays harder more consistently but Ray does so many things that a guard does, even at 6'10. Not too often you see a 6'10 big guy grab a rebound, start the break, cross his man, and finish at the other end. He can also knock down the mid range and outside shot with consistency.

 

Put Ray on a team where he's "the guy" or on a team that plays more uptempo and you'd see his skillset showcased better.

 

Drew is successful because of how hard he plays and the simple fact that he hates to lose. And it doesn't hurt that he has the versatility to do multiple things on the offensive end.

 

A lot of people don't understand how hard it is to see his skill set in the T offense. He's limited.

Did you read thru the update thread and see that he was hurt when he exited the game? Or was you at the game and see him get hurt and hobble into the locker room?

 

Playing at the next level you are you are going to have to play through pain. Give a 100% when you're not actually at a 100% physically.

 

My opinion, but I just don't see it.

I'm with you.. I take the other... Drew Mc Donald if Bolden is a contender then Drew should be.