Draft Prospect: James Gist

[Marcus Bryant]

http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/james_gist.jpg

Full Name: James Gist III
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6-9 / 235
Birthdate: October 26, 1986
High School: Good Counsel HS
College: Maryland

NBA (http://www.nba.com/draft2008/profiles/JamesGist.html)
NBADraft.net (http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/jamesgist.html)
DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Gist-597/)

[ChumpDumper]

Maybe Jim can tell us something about this guy. Apparently a really good athlete and blocks shots -- any SF potential?

[SPURSGOAT]

Weaknesses: Has a tendency to disappear offensively at times ... Not ready to play full time on the wing, as he would likely be asked to do... Poor rebounder for his size ... Not strong enough to play the four in the NBA, and lacks great height at 6'8" ... Very passive overall, doesn't make his presence felt enough ... Must work on consistency and getting open ...

From draftnet.net

might be alright for our very last pick...

[angelbelow]

hes undersized for a 4. probably should pass on him.

[florige]

This guy has potential, but is waaay to inconsistent. He does have tremendous athletic ability, but can go from having a 35 and 10 one game to 8 and 5 the next. He has given me a many heart attacks watching him a UMD.

[MoSpur]

He looks too weak.

[dknights411]

Spurs picked him at 57

[Spurtacus]

might be alright for our very last pick...


Good call...

[ShoogarBear]

Silver Spring in da house!

[BOHOLANO#21]

he will start for the TOROS next season.

[ducks]

good

[Spurminator]

James Gist!

[urunobili]

he will start for the TOROS next season.

:tu

[rondoistimmyspenis]

he can play SF

[whitebust]

amazing. the spurs drafted a player with the ability 2 dunk

[ducks]

yeah dunking makes 10 points
instead of 2

[rondoistimmyspenis]

his dunking ability will be the ultimate reason he will be in the d-league

[whitebust]

yeah dunking makes 10 points
instead of 2

matt bonner missed dunks in crunch time have lost games for the spurs

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Ducks = PwWNnT by a white bust

[angelbelow]

i like his potential, he improved big time last year, lets hope he stays hungry.

[rondoistimmyspenis]

Haha Ducks I Hope U Feel Retarded!!!

[whottt]

The scouting reports on this dude sound bad fucking ass.


http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/draft/524663

The Sports Xchange

OVERVIEW

A rare four-year college player in the 2008 NBA Draft, James Gist's lack of ideal size to play power forward could see him shift to more of a "three" in the professional ranks.

Generally, the position is suited for someone with his great quickness, and Gist is an explosive finisher who runs the floor well.

Gist has an incredibly long wingspan (88 inches; sixth among the 79 players at the Orlando pre-draft camp and best among the small forwards in attendance) and standing reach (8'11 1/2"), along with a 36-inch vertical leap that he uses with great success as a shot blocker and rebounder. His 783 rebounds rank 11th in school history and his 231 rank fourth. He also became the fifth player in Maryland annals to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 blocked shots in a career.

At Good Counsel High School the team captain and starting power forward averaged 19.5 points per game as a senior to go along with 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game, leading the Falcons of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) to an 18-12 record. He earned third-team All-Metro honors by the Washington Post and was named to the all-tournament teams at the Bullis Holiday Classic and the Hooters Holiday Classic. He amassed more than 300 blocked shots in three seasons, becoming Good Counsel's all-time leader.

In summer league competition, Gist was a participant in Baltimore's Charm City Challenge in April 2004, scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and three steals. He also participated in the Jordan Capital Classic Regional game at Comcast Center later that month, netting 11 points and grabbing seven boards. After his senior prep season, he was a member of Team USA, competing in the Pan Am Games. Prior to the 2007-08 season, he was a member of the USA's Pan Am Games team which earned a fifth-place finish in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

As a freshman at Maryland in 2004-05, Gist saw action in 31 of 32 games, drawing two starts. He averaged 6.2 points per game while hitting at a team-leading .493 from the field. He also averaged 3.9 rebounds per game and totaled 31 blocks, good enough for third on the squad. He had ten 10 multi-rejection games and 19 contests of at least one blocked shot. He reached double-figures in scoring six times, including three of his final five appearances of the season.

In 2005-06, Gist made 21 starts and appeared in 32 games. He led the team and ranked fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 1.59 blocked shots per game, posting 51 total blocks for the season, the seventh-best total for a sophomore in school history. He averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, grabbing at least five rebounds in 19 games while also coming up with two double-double performances and scoring in double figures 13 times.

Gist garnered All-ACC honorable mention as a junior. He started 33-of-34 games, as he averaged 12.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, ranking third on the team and 23rd in the league in scoring while finishing second on the squad and seventh in the conference in rebounding. He ranked fourth in the ACC in blocked shots (2.12 per game), finishing with 72 blocks, the second-highest single-season total among juniors at Maryland. He also scored in double figures 28 times and grabbed at least five rebounds 27 times.

As a senior, Gist was named team MVP, earning All-ACC second-team and league All-Defensive Team honors. He also earned the Charles "Buck Williams/Len Elmore Rebounding Award after leading the Terps and ranking fourth in the ACC with 7.9 per game. He recorded six double-double performances and finished as the team's leading rebounder 11 times. He led the Terps with 77 blocked shots, adding 45 assists and 42 steals while averaging 15.9 points per game.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Gist lacks height and bulk (for a power forward), but he makes up for those weaknesses with his impressive wingspan (88 inches), vertical leap (36 inches) and standing reach (8'11 1/2") ... Regarded as one of the best leapers in the collegiate game, as he does a good job of elevating above the rim to put in a resounding dunk and uses his second jump skills to fight bigger forwards for the rebounds ... Uses his frame to draw contact driving to the basket, where he is becoming an adequate free throw shooter ... Uses his leaping ability and long arms to get up and over the bigger forwards and has the strength to power his way to the basket ... Has room on his frame to add more bulk without it affecting his overall athleticism ... Plays with a relentless motor and his stamina is very impressive, as he logs long stretches of minutes without tiring ... Has good foot motion and speed playing in transition and uses his body well to set up picks and screens ... Also does a good job of getting his body wide to make him a nice target for post entry passes ... Shows good weave slashing to the basket and his quickness creates mismatches when a bigger defender tries to take him on along the perimeter ... Has enough quickness and adequate ball-handling skills to get in front or put the ball on the floor for a dribble or two when playing on the fast break ... His natural hands are evident with his ability to secure the ball in the post, power his way through traffic and get to the rim ... Shows good touch, generally finishing around the basket with a quick turnaround jumper and shows good hands in catch-and-shoot situations playing in the post ... Showed much better patience waiting for his shot to develop and execute his attempts with a higher release point as a senior, seeing 3.3-point improvement in his scoring average from the previous year ... A work in progress shooting from the perimeter, but has enough range to connect from NBA 3-point range (just needs to be much more consistent with his shooting mechanics, as he will shoot from the hip at times, even after working hard on generating a high release point in 2007-08) ... When he sets his feet, he has had much better success connecting with his jumper from mid range (took too many off-balance shots earlier in his career until improving his foot mechanics) ... Has most of his scoring success from his inside game, but is also good at catching the defender off guard by suddenly pulling up and firing off his shot from the top of the key ... The best thing about his offensive game is the development of his turnaround jumper, which he showed good consistency hitting it from either side ... He has shown improvement and better confidence using his jump hook, as he times his leaps well to elevate over the outstretched arms of a defender ... His best asset comes from defending in the post -- he uses his strength well to maintain position and lock down his man in the paint ... Times his leaps and uses his length well as a shot-blocker ... Shows good snap in his hips rotating on defense and the lateral agility to prevent the perimeter players from slashing to the basket often ... His lateral range and active hands cause problems for an opponent in the passing lane and with his foot speed, he seems to be capable of covering smaller opponents on the open floor, making Gist a better fit to play small forward in the NBA ... Very determined under the boards to get to rebounds and on the offensive glass, he has made a decent living scoring on putbacks ... Even though he has been matched up vs. much bigger frontcourt types, he has the power to prevent them from boxing him out and the quickness to mirror shooters facing the rim.

Negatives: Despite his leaping ability and wingspan, he lacks the ideal height you want from a power forward and if he is to stay at the "four" spot at the next level, he will have to add more bulk to his frame, but the added weight could impact his impressive foot speed and lateral mobility ... Needs to develop better moves around the basket, as he is too right-hand dominant and appears very mechanical in his stride (must develop pivot moves) to the rim ... More effective when used as a post player, as he does not seem to create the mismatches he should vs. smaller defenders when facing the basket ... Very predictable when he does put the ball on the floor, as most of his drives to the basket will come over the right side ... Good pressure defender, but will get a bit too confident in his reach and elevation, giving too much space to perimeter shooters, daring them to take a shot ... Scores most of his points around the basket and even though he is slowly developing a mid-range game, he does not have much confidence taking his shots from the perimeter, attempting just two treys his first two years and compiling a 33.0 percent success rate from 3-point range ... Can power his way to the rim, but must be more consistent setting his feet before executing his jumper away from the basket ... Lacks the creativity with his shot coming off the dribble (scores mostly on dunks or on short jumpers), as he lacks a quick release and does hesitate some following through to his release point ... Has decent assist totals, but lacks the court vision and feel for the defense to be relied upon as a passer (most of his turnovers came when he put the ball on the floor last year, as he has a high, loose dribble), as his assist-to-turnover ratio is very poor (45 assists to 90 turnovers last season).

Compares To: SHANE BATTIER-Houston ... Like Battier, Gist has a power forward's mentality, but is trapped in a small forward's body. He is a great shot blocker and rebounder for a player his size, known more as a defender than a shooter. He gets most of his points around the basket and while he is slowly developing a mid-range shot, he lacks confidence and ability to be consistent firing from the perimeter, a critical part of any small forward's game. With his defensive skills, long wingspan and leaping ability, he is certainly a valuable asset for the rotation off the bench, but until he develops a much better perimeter game, he's not going to receive consistent minutes in the NBA.

CAREER NOTES

In 130 games, Gist logged 3,242 minutes of action, ranking 17th in school history with 1,414 points scored, moving ahead of former Washington Bullets head coach Gene Shue (1,386 points, 1952-54) on the all-time record list ... Made 536-of-1,039 field goals (50.6 percent), 31-of-94 3-pointers (33.0 percent) and 311-of-447 free throws (69.6 percent) ... Ranks 11th in Maryland annals with 783 rebounds (6.0 per game) ... Handed out 142 assists (1.1 per game) and had 122 steals (0.9 per game) ... His 231 blocked shots rank fourth in school history behind Cedric Lewis (239, 1988-91), Terence Morris (256, 1998-01) and Derrick Lewis (339, 1985-88) ... His 77 blocked shots in 2007-08 tied Terence Morris (1998-99) for ninth on the school season-record list ... Was the 46th player in school history to score over 1,000 points in a career and was just one of five Terrapins to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 200 blocked shots in a career.

2007-08 SEASON

All-Atlantic Coast Conference second-team selection, adding ACC All-Defensive Team accolades ... Named team MVP and was the recipient of the Charles "Buck Williams/Len Elmore Rebounding Award after leading the Terps and ranking fourth in the ACC with 7.9 rebounds per game ... The power forward scored a career-high 525 points (15.9 per game), shooting 49.6 percent from the field (194-of-391), 31.0 percent from 3-point range (22-of-71) and 73.7 percent from the free throw line (115-of-156) ... Grabbed 260 rebounds with 45 assists (1.4 per game) and 42 steals (1.3 per game) ... Scored double figures in 26-of-33 games, producing seven double-double performances ... Charged with 101 personal fouls and 90 turnovers ... Was named ACC Player of the Week (1/21) after averaging 16.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocked shots in wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina ... Added The Sporting News National Player of the Week honors (2/11) after Gist averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and shot 76 percent in wins over Boston College and North Carolina State.

2007-08 GAME ANALYSIS

Scored a career-high 31 points, hitting a personal-best three 3-pointers and 10 free throws, while pulling down 11 rebounds at Wake Forest ... Scored 30 points on a personal best 13 field goals vs. North Carolina State, becoming the first player to score 30 points since Nik Caner-Medley scored 33 at Georgia Tech in 2006 ... Totaled 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting from the floor at Boston College ... Was one rebound shy of another double-double as he had 14 points and nine boards at Georgia Tech ... Recorded 17 points on 5 of 9 shooting while pulling down nine rebounds vs. Virginia ... Led the team with 22 points and a career-high 13 rebounds at North Carolina ... Scored a team-high 16 points while pulling down seven rebounds at Virginia Tech ... Led the team for the second straight game in points and rebounds with 22 and nine vs. Holy Cross, as he also matched his career high with five blocked shots ... Notched his fourth double-double of the season with 25 points and 10 rebounds at Charlotte, as he went 9-for-14 from the floor which tied a career high for field goals made ... Became the 46th player in Maryland history to reach 1,000 points when he scored 18 vs. Morgan State (12/06/07) ... Tallied 12 points, grabbed six boards, and blocked four shots vs. Missouri ... Added 27 points and tied his career high with four steals vs. Northeastern, as he scored half of Maryland's 28 first half points vs. the Huskies ... Notched a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds vs. Hampton.

2006-07 SEASON

All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention ... Started 33-of-34 games at power forward, scoring 430 points (12.6 per game) on 169-of-316 field goals (53.5 percent), 9-of-21 3-pointers (42.9 percent) and 83-of-117 free throws (70.9 percent) ... Grabbed 246 rebounds (7.2 per game), with 76 coming from the offensive glass ... Averaged 1.3 assists (45) and 0.9 steals (29), as he led the team and ranked fourth in the conference with 72 blocked shots (2.1 per game) ... Had 28 games that he scored in double figures and blocked at least one shot in 30 contests.

2006-07 GAME ANALYSIS

Scored 13 points, grabbed eight rebounds and blocked four shots vs. Butler, adding 12 points and hauled in eight rebounds vs. Davidson...Recorded 12 points and nine rebounds vs. North Carolina and posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds vs. Duke ... Totaled 23 points at Florida State and scored a career-high 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting vs. Georgia Tech...Grabbed a personal-best 13 rebounds vs. Siena and tallied 17 points and blocked five shots vs. the Saints...Scored 13 points and pulled down 12 rebounds vs. American, followed by 14 points, as he grabbed 11 rebounds vs. Missouri-Kansas City ... Tallied 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds at Boston College, adding 12 points, 10 boards and five blocked shots vs. St. John's...Named to the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic All-Tournament Team, as he scored 12 points vs. Hampton.

2005-06 SEASON

Made 21 starts and appeared in 32 games during his sophomore campaign...Started 15 of the team's final 17 games...Led the team and ranked fifth in the ACC with 1.59 blocked shots per game...Posted 51 blocked shots, the seventh-best total for a sophomore in school history...Averaged 8.4 points(268) and 4.8 rebounds (155), grabbing at least five rebounds in 19 games...Tallied two double-doubles and scored in double figures 13 times, as he added 27 steals and 37 assists ... Shot 49.0 percent from the field (101-of-206) and 67.3 percent from the charity stripe (66-of-98) ... Had 45 turnovers and 77 personal fouls.

2005-06 GAME ANALYSIS

Tied his career high with five blocked shots vs. Manhattan...Led the Terrapins in scoring with 14 points, and tallied five rebounds, three blocked shots, and two steals vs. Boston College in the ACC Tournament...Recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds vs. Georgia Tech...Secured his first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds vs. Duke...Led Maryland with a career-high four assists vs. Virginia and scored 13 points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots in 22 minutes vs. North Carolina State...Tallied a team-high nine rebounds and recorded 11 points vs. North Carolina...Pumped in 13 points and grabbed six rebounds vs. Wake Forest and finished 4-of-4 from the field for eight points with three rebounds, two assists, and three blocked shots at Miami...Posted 11 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal vs. George Washington...Totaled five blocked shots and recorded five rebounds to go with six points in 17 minutes vs. Nichols State.

2004-05 SEASON

Saw action in 31 of 32 games in his rookie season, drawing two starts...Averaged 6.2 points per game (191) while hitting at a team-leading .493 from the field (72-of-146)...Also averaged 3.9 rebounds per game (122) and totaled 31 blocks, good enough for third on the squad...Had 10 multi-rejection games and 19 games of at least one blocked shot, as he reached double-figures in scoring six times, including three of his final five appearances of the season.

2004-05 GAME ANALYSIS

Paced six Terps in double figures with 15 points in the Terrapins' NIT win over Davidson and put forth a 7-for-7 effort at the line vs. the Wildcats and added seven rebounds...Led the team in scoring in his second career start, netting 18 points at Virginia Tech ... Came off the bench to score eight points with seven boards in 19 minutes vs. North Carolina ... Had six points and six rebounds in 17 minutes at North Carolina State...In his first collegiate start, vs. Virginia Tech, he registered eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks vs. the Hokies at Comcast Center...Recorded 14 points on 7-for-12 shooting and grabbed a career-high tying eight rebounds vs. Liberty...Netted 11 points and collected seven rebounds and a career-high tying four blocks in 31 minutes in the Terps' overtime win over Florida State ... Scored 12 points on 6-for-7 shooting vs. George Washington in the Championship game of the BB&T Classic...Contributed six points, five rebounds and two blocks in only 16 minutes vs. George Mason in BB&T Semifinal ... Posted his first career game in double figures with 10 points vs. Mercer in his second career game.

INJURY REPORT

No injuries reported.

SUMMER BASKETBALL

Was a participant in Baltimore's Charm City Challenge in April 2004, scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and three steals ... Also participated in the Jordan Capital Classic Regional game at Comcast Center later that month, netting 11 points and grabbing seven boards ... After his senior prep season, he was a member of Team USA, competing in the Pan Am Games ... Prior to the 2007-08 season, he was a member of the USA's Pan Am Games team which earned a fifth-place finish in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

HIGH SCHOOL

Attended Good Counsel (Wheaton, Md.) High School, where the team captain and starting power forward played for head coach Tim McKenna ... Averaged 19.5 points per game as a senior to go along with 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game, leading the Falcons of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) to an 18-12 record ... Earned third-team All-Metro honors by the Washington Post and was named to the all-tournament teams at the Bullis Holiday Classic and the Hooters Holiday Classic ... Amassed more than 300 blocked shots in three seasons, becoming Good Counsel's all-time leader.

PERSONAL

Letters and Sciences major ... Member of the Black Student Association in high school and performed volunteer work at soup kitchens and for the Special Olympics...Son of Linda and James C. Gist, Jr ... Born James C. Gist III on 10/26/86 ... Raised at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C ... Resides in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Stats


Career Shooting Stats
Season TEAM G MIN FG FGA FG% FG3 FG3A FG3% FT FTA FT% PTS AVG
2004-05 Maryland 31 533 72 146 49.3 0 1 0 47 76 61.8 191 6.2
2005-06 Maryland 32 708 101 206 49 0 1 0 66 98 67.3 268 8.4
2006-07 Maryland 34 945 169 316 53.5 9 21 42.9 83 117 70.9 430 12.6
2007-08 Maryland 33 1056 194 391 49.6 22 71 31 115 156 73.7 525 15.9
TOTAL 130 3242 536 1059 50.6 31 94 33 311 447 69.6 1414 10.9



More Stats
Season TEAM G MIN REB RAVG A AAVG STL SAVG BLK BAVG TO
2004-05 Maryland 31 533 122 3.9 15 0.5 24 0.8 31 1 39
2005-06 Maryland 32 708 155 4.8 37 1.2 27 0.8 51 1.6 45
2006-07 Maryland 34 945 246 7.2 45 1.3 29 0.9 72 2.1 62
2007-08 Maryland 33 1056 260 7.9 45 1.4 42 1.3 77 2.3 90
TOTAL 130 3242 783 6 142 1.1 122 0.9 231 1.8 236

[T Park]

Sounds like potentially a long 3.

[whottt]

A rare four-year college player in the 2008 NBA Draft,

Gist has an incredibly long wingspan (88 inches; sixth among the 79 players at the Orlando pre-draft camp and best among the small forwards in attendance) and standing reach (8'11 1/2"),

along with a 36-inch vertical leap that he uses with great success as a shot blocker and rebounder.

Athletically, he can compete with anyone

Dunks with authority often

Runs the fast break very well for a power forward

Good touch around the basket

Has the potential to be a lock down defender

Very good post defender

Has strong shot blocking instincts

Good footwork in the post

Developing ability to play on the perimeter

Incredible on the open floor

Has noticeably improved every year of his collegiate career

At Good Counsel High School the team captain






How can you not get excited about that scouting report?



Athleticism + defense + length + improvement = coachability = will translate to the NBA and Pop.

[T Park]

Well one need was a very athletic power forward.

If this guy can develop, that would be it.

[whottt]

This guy sounds like a replacement for Bruce, plus the long 3, plus the small ball PF.


The dude has an 88 inch wing span and a 36 inch vert...how in the fuck can you people not be excited about that shit?

[whitebust]

if he can develop i see him as a long athletic 3/4

[whottt]

if he can develop i see him as a long athletic 3/4

Noshit? I had him pegged as a backup PG myself...

[whitebust]

i thought id state the obvious for those who are slightly retarded

[Mister Sinister]

i thought id state the obvious for those who are slightly retarded
Yourself, for example?

[whitebust]

some people see him as only playing the 3 or only the 4 when he has the potential to play both

[EJK5032]

This guy sounds like a replacement for Bruce, plus the long 3, plus the small ball PF.


The dude has an 88 inch wing span and a 36 inch vert...how in the fuck can you people not be excited about that shit?


I agree.........and first team All Defense Team in the ACC !

[T Park]

This guy sounds like a replacement for Bruce, plus the long 3, plus the small ball PF.


The dude has an 88 inch wing span and a 36 inch vert...how in the fuck can you people not be excited about that shit?

Yeah I agree.

Just makes you wonder why he went all the way to 57.

Hopefully he plays well in summer league and training camp and can get a shot.

[whottt]

The only negative about him, outside of his shooting and rebounding, is that he went to Maryland....Steve Francis is enough to make me wary of all Maryland draftees forever more.

[T Park]

Steve Blake went there :)

But then again, didn't Melvin Ely? :lol

[Buddy Holly]

Well, on to the more important "shit", if he sticks... do we finally have a player for the dunk contest?

[Blackjack]

Steve Blake went there :)

But then again, didn't Melvin Ely? :lol

Blake, Dixon, Wilcox,(Baxter:lol) yes

Melvin Ely I think went to Fresno St.(Home of the National Champs)

Oh, and my boy Dominic McGuire! :lol

[whitebust]

Well, on to the more important "shit", if he sticks... do we finally have a player for the dunk contest?

that would be nice
wish james white would have gone when he was still a spur. he had mad hops

[TDMVPDPOY]

2nd comin of kenyon martin?

[whottt]

It seems like he does have the potential of being at least a decent 3 shooter:

07 3 shooting:

9-21 3FG
429%


08 3 shooting:

22-71 3FG
310%



Yeah he's not going to make anyone forget Steve Kerr...or even Bruce Bowen, but at least he's got something there...

And 3 shooting is generally something that immediately improves for every guy that joins the Spurs(except for the pure 3 shooters we sign).


Honestly...on paper this guy sounds perfect.

[Buddy Holly]

just SICK!

MgjxK-VuFog

Nasty!
cd9ZXgSN8F0

Imagine Tony on a fast break with Gist...

[whottt]

Gets a decent amount of steals too...

[T Park]

Yeah Gist has the tools.

Once again, what made him fall so far though?

[whitebust]

Imagine Tony on a fast break with Gist...

imagine this 4 smallball
PG:TP
SG:Manu
SF:JR Smith
PF:Gist
C:Mahimi

[whottt]

Yeah Gist has the tools.

Once again, what made him fall so far though?



Because he's a tweener...doesn't have the offensive game of a SF or the size of a PF. And he because he supposedly disappears and becomes passive on offense. He probably has a shitty handle too...


But his defense and athleticism are unquestioned...


IMO, his proven ability to improve is a huge bonus to his NBA viability.


The thing is...most teams want and need offense from their SF, the Spurs really don't. Tim Duncan eliminates that being a necessity for Spurs SF...and Bruce can't handle the ball either...hasn't been a problem during the 3 championships we've won with him as starting SF.

[EJK5032]

looks like he's a shot blocking, dunking machine..........that's what we need.......energy!!!

[T Park]

Because he's a tweener...doesn't have the offensive game of a SF or the size of a PF.


The thing is...most teams want and need offense from their SF, the Spurs really don't.

Very true.

Spurs have the benefit of a good shooting coach who can help him out on his shot.

Sounds like hes got confidence in it.

Could this be the sleeper Derrick McKey?

[Buddy Holly]

Tony / Hill / Vaughn
Manu / JR-A-A / Barry
Bowen / Ime / Gist
Tim / Ian
Oberto / Thomas or Jav


1. Viktor
2. Malik/SOE/No One

[T Park]

Gist might be a tad raw for the regular team, but damn, a guy with his athleticism, jumping ability and his chance to swing from the 3 to 4. That makes him quite interesting.

[MaNu4Tres]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmJL9qKnAw

For what it's worth.

[Buddy Holly]

I don't know. He's a four year player and is 22, I would hope Pop is confident enough to put him in the lineup.

I mean, that's the only way he's going to get better. It's not like he's a Freshman coming out or some foreign teen who needs time to polish and isn't ready.

I mean, Pop gave Tony the starting spot two or three games into the season his rookie year at 19 years old.

[T Park]

That dude is big.....

Wow hes long.

[angelbelow]

few mocks had him going early 2nd, so we definitely should be happy about getting this guy. made leaps last year, so i hope his work ethic stays the same and he stays hungry.

[Buddy Holly]

This is the player we needed against both New Orleans (though we won) and LA.

[Buddy Holly]

Before the draft:


Gist welcomes any role he can claim and realizes that he won't be a double-double threat like he was over the past couple of years.

"Coming into the NBA, I don't plan on playing a lot," Gist said. "They have their guys who can do a lot of scoring, and I don't look at my role as that. I'm a defender; I look to defend the [small forward position]. Come in and guard the Tracy McGradys of the league, the Kobe Bryants."

http://mdturtle.blogspot.com/

[Buddy Holly]

I think we may have potentially found our Bowen replacement.

A taller, more athletic replacement at that.

[bigdog]

I think he can be a very solid defender at the 3 spot, and possibly a guy that can guard a David West at the small ball 4 (if he can get a bit stronger). His offense will come with time, but we don't need to ask him to do much right away.

[Buddy Holly]

His offense will probably be very similar to Tyson Chandler, coming primarily from dunks and put backs.

[ChumpDumper]

This is one of the guys I wanted to take with the last pick. I'm happy with this one at least. He should be great for the Toros next season and vice versa. Hopefully they will have the right personnel mix so he can play a lot of SF.

[Mr. Body]

A very slim chance of making the team, but that's what you expect from a late pick like this. A cup of coffee and he's gone.

[Buddy Holly]

Says the new GM, President and owner...

[ChumpDumper]

Plenty of open slots on the team.

Drafting three Americans is significant -- each pick seems pretty athletic too.

[Mr. Body]

He does seem very athletic, his shot blocking is excellent and he can rebound a little. He has upside, perhaps more than Hairston, but has already been in college for a while.

[Buddy Holly]

Rebound a little? At 6'8ish, in his Junior and Senior years he was averaging 7 and 8 rebounds respectively as a starter getting starter minutes.

[Mr. Body]

Rebound a little? At 6'8ish, in his Junior and Senior years he was averaging 7 and 8 rebounds respectively as a starter getting starter minutes.

But he was playing mostly power forward positions. He was bound to rebound there, but to be an NBA player he'll need to learn perimeter skills, which he does not have.

[Buddy Holly]

As a comparison, Carlos Boozer at 6'9 and playing those same minutes averaged 7 and 9 his last two seasons in college.

[Buddy Holly]

But he was playing mostly power forward positions. He was bound to rebound there, but to be an NBA player he'll need to learn perimeter skills, which he does not have.

Like Bowen or Chandler, really? It crucial for them as players to have good perimeter skills? No, not when your main focus and sole reason for playing is defensive.

Like I said, Gist will play in that Chandler vein of using his athletic ability to score. From fast break dunks to lobs, put backs, etc.

Though he has shown he can knock down the three ball.

[ChumpDumper]

Gist certainly has to be a McKey project. He could pay off big if he develops some more perimeter skills. Even as just a PF his athleticism could be the key to his staying in the league.

[rascal]

I like this pick. Looks like a good finisher. Spurs needed to add some players that could run with Parker. They need to get easy points off transition and if this guy can work his way into the rotation and get some minutes they have that type of player.

[florige]

just SICK!

MgjxK-VuFog

Nasty!
cd9ZXgSN8F0

Imagine Tony on a fast break with Gist...



He has ALOT more better dunks than those two. He had one this year where he woofed it down hard on someone from UNC.

[Obstructed_View]

He has ALOT more better dunks than those two. He had one this year where he woofed it down hard on someone from UNC.

Right, but he started both of those breaks with a block on the other end. I think that was the point of the videos. Besides, I think both of those dunks would be in the top five of Spurs dunks all last season.

EDIT: That wasn't him blocking the shot in the second vid. Whoops.

[mystargtr34]

This guy is the longest guy in the draft.

You can throw all the undersized stuff out the window... he could play the 4 comfortably in the league. He has a 8'11.5" standing reach which is ridiculous for a 6'8" guy... he has a reach on par with most NBA Power Forwards in the league... yet he has Small Forward Size which doesnt hinder his ability to move laterally and quickly.

[urunobili]

this pick is very solid.. i see this guy frustrating David West, Lamar Odom among others in the western conference that give us match up problems...

[wildbill2u]

James Gist!

May prove to be a JAMES WHITE! with basketball skills.

[timvp]

98% chance this guy never makes it but if the Spurs are going to take a flyer on someone, might as well be a guy who could make the transition to Long Three, is athletic and can block shots.

[Bruno]

James Gist III = Linton Johnson III ?

[timvp]

James Gist III = Linton Johnson III ?:tu

Gist is more explosive athletically but Linton was further along in his transition to small forward. Good comparison, though.

[wildbill2u]

But he was playing mostly power forward positions. He was bound to rebound there, but to be an NBA player he'll need to learn perimeter skills, which he does not have.

Lots of players have some flaws in their games.

Remember that Bruce has no handling skills, no rebounds, no steals nor the ability to drive or hit the short jumper. His perimeter offense is limited to 3s--and sometimes he's either off target or too passive to take the shot. Yet his other skills make him a starter.

So this kid has some tools that might make him a keeper.

[whottt]

I think he's got a better than typical shot at winding up on the Spurs due to the fact that his body type and skill set fill a gaping hole for the Spurs.


Even if he doesn't make the active roster, I expect him to be with this team for a year, in the D-league at least.




The thing about this kid is...he improved every year of college. That's notable when you are talking about a project...and it's not that common.


Most of the time projects are guys that aren't improving for whatever reason...this guy did show improvement which means he does respond to coaching, and he's willing to work to improve rather than just thinking his talent will be enough.

When you have a talented guy that is coachable and continually improves, you have a guy with a good shot at reaching his potential.

[SenorSpur]

So is the prevailing notion that Hairston stands a better chance of making it than does Gist?

[Mr. Body]

So is the prevailing notion that Hairston stands a better chance of making it than does Gist?

I think the opposite. Gist has more potential to be tapped, Hairston has a more limited set and any free agent veteran can give you similar things.

[loveforthegame]

So is the prevailing notion that Hairston stands a better chance of making it than does Gist?

I think Gist has a better chance at impressing and making the team over Hairston. He'll be with the Toro's, of course, but I think he'll make the better impression over Hairston.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I think the opposite. Gist has more potential to be tapped, Hairston has a more limited set and any free agent veteran can give you similar things.

I agree.

[SenorSpur]

I think the opposite. Gist has more potential to be tapped, Hairston has a more limited set and any free agent veteran can give you similar things.

That's the conclusion I came to after re-reading their bios. It seems that Hairston has a bit more "warts" than does Gist. It'll be an interesting summer.

I'm sure the Spurs will also be scouting the waiver wire for scraps (2nd rounders and undrafted FAs) that fall by the way side - as most team will be.

[Mr. Body]

I'm sure the Spurs will also be scouting the waiver wire for scraps (2nd rounders and undrafted FAs) that fall by the way side - as most team will be.

Calathes and Dove spring immediately to mind, but other teams will be trying to grab them. Let's not have a weak-ass summer league team again this year.

[ChumpDumper]

From what little I know right now, the SL team sounds like it will basically be the Toros plus draft picks. Should actually be a pretty cohesive squad.

[Darkwaters]

Calathes and Dove spring immediately to mind, but other teams will be trying to grab them. Let's not have a weak-ass summer league team again this year.

I thought of both of them too. Actually I was kind of hoping that we'd pick Calathes with the 57 but I think I prefer Gist now that I compare the two.

Still, either Dove, Calathes, or both in SL would be great.

[mardigan]

I love this pick. Guy busts his ass every play, and can help eventually in many areas. I dont know if he will make the squad, but Im hoping. He could be a solid contributor in a couple of years.

[A.H 21-50]

this guy remind me keon clark in a different position

the style of play and also physically

if he can rebounds , block shots , defend and add some offense he could be interesting for the toros next year

http://www.nbadraft.net/2008_nbapredraftcamp_evaluations.html
Gist started off like gangbusters with 16 points in his first game on 5-8 from the floor and 6-6 from the line. Unfortunately he his a major cold spell from the field going a combined 5-18 in the final two, averaging just 5.5 in those games. The absence of the team's top floor general Jamar Butler made things more challenging for guys like Gist to get buckets. He's a freakish athlete having converted one of the most spectacular dunks of the college basketball season and is the type of specimen that should be able to find a role (poor man's Rodman) in the league even if his offensive game never vastly improves. Gist should find a spot in the early-mid second round.

[cbooze]

Having been to every Terps home game the past 3 years, I can say that this was a damn good pick at that point in the draft.

James improved vastly from his sophomore to his senior year. He was initially just an athlete who could dunk with the best of them, but at this point his shot has developed nicely, and he's become a really solid defensive player (he was VERY soft his sophomore year, which was the first year he started).

People underrate his jumper a lot; with a year or 2 of NBA workouts and coaching I can easily see him being a threat with the jump shot. Probably not from NBA 3 range, but he was getting to the point where he was a decent shooter from behind the arc in college, so the jumper from a step or 2 inside the arc is definitely a shot he should eventually be effective with.

And, you all know this already, but the guy is just a SICK athlete.

This isn't coming from a blind homer either, I'm actually rather notorious on the Terps boards for being negative. I really think this is a good pick for you guys.

He does tend to disappear at times, but in a situation when he's a role player instead of "the man", I think it's a lot less of an issue. James is really smart, a great guy, and can be intense, but I don't see him as someone who would lead a team. That hurt him a lot more at Maryland than it will hurt him in San Antonio.

Another thing worth noting is that the strength & conditioning program at Maryland has been pathetic. The S&C coach was just fired a few weeks ago, and it was staggering how poorly some of our players developed physically. That said, I wouldn't worry too much about how James is a bit thin/weak. Get him in a good NBA program, and he should put on the muscle he needs. Ultimately, I still see him as a guy who can be a effective as a 3 in big lineups and as a 4 in smaller ones.

Nice pick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWH5NhkfjbE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkZSvaics68&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q3Lr8bNepQ

And a little bit from his workout for Portland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DmJL9qKnAw

[T Park]

Thanks for the info.

Yeah I'm excited about him as well. Lots of great possibilities with that guy, hopefully he makes the team.

[AFBlue]

So is the prevailing notion that Hairston stands a better chance of making it than does Gist?

I would say yes...

Hairston has a more NBA-ready game than Gist. And the Spurs seem to have drafted with that philosophy in mind considering the first two picks made.

If Hairston can show some consistency, I see him getting a two-year min deal with the second year partially guaranteed.

[Bruno]

Do you think Spurs will try to turn him into a long SF or will they keep him at the PF spot ?

[T Park]

Let him play either or.

Seems he has the ability to switch between positions.

[AFBlue]

Let him play either or.

Seems he has the ability to switch between positions.

He's got the athleticism to potentially play the 3, but according to all the scouting I've read, he has no range on his jumpshot and can't dribble the ball.

And he's too small to make a living at the 4.

Right now, he's a "tweener" in a negative way.

[ChumpDumper]

He was taking a couple of college threes a game this season and made 31% of them.

I think his size is great for a running PF. There are plenty of NBA PFs with equal or less size. Could use a little bulk, but a few months with Sully should help.

[ShoogarBear]

James Gist might make a good point guard.

[bigdog]

I think if he really worked on his game, Gist could potentially turn out to be a lesser version of Travis Outlaw, with more of an inside game. I'm not sure if he can develop an outside game, but if he can get some midrange in his arsenal then I like the possibilities.


I see Gist as a SF in this league, or a small ball 4

[Bruno]

Let him play either or.

Seems he has the ability to switch between positions.

You can do that bu it will likely end up as Gist being able to play neither SF or PF.

I pretty much think Spurs have to decide if they want him as a PF or as a SF and depending on their choice, working on specific aspects with him.

[ChumpDumper]

Hopefully the Toros' personnel situation will be a little more stable than this past season. There were too many guys playing out of the position in which the Spurs wanted them to develop.

[Steve-O-Matic]

Gist awaits future in NBA
Workouts, travel fill hectic month for forward
Mark Selig
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: Sports


James Gist remembers being a kid, sitting down with his father and watching Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal play in the NBA. He used to think, "That's gonna be me some day," long before he knew of his actual potential.

Tonight, Gist will be watching an NBA event again. But he'll be watching to see if his childhood dreams come true, as 60 players from colleges and overseas will be selected by NBA teams during the league's annual rookie draft.

The former Terps forward who averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game his senior season is projected to be picked sometime in the draft's second round.

"Now that I'm here, it's like ... man! My whole life can change," Gist said from an airport in Detroit on Tuesday afternoon as he awaited his flight to Boston to work out for the 2008 NBA champion Celtics.

This drill has become habitual for Gist, who has recently trained in enough NBA teams' clothes to fill a walk-in closet and amassed enough frequent flyer miles to buy up an airline.

Boston was the 13th and final team Gist worked out for as part of the pre-draft preparation, where players showcase their skills to organizations which may, in turn, draft them.

So life for Gist has been a repetitive, yet exciting routine - fly to an NBA city, stay for the night in a hotel, check out by 8 a.m. and be ready to impress scouts and team management by 9.

If Gist has caught the eye of the right people, he'll hear his name called tonight and see his hard work come to fruition. Draft experts see that all happening.

"I know there's definitely some interest in the second round for him," NBADraft.net founder Aran Smith told The Diamondback. "He's probably going somewhere in the 40s."
Smith thinks there's about an 80-percent chance Gist will be selected by a team during the draft.

If Gist does get picked or latches onto a team after the draft via free agency, he will likely have a much different role than the one he had with the Terps. In college, the 6-foot-9 Gist was a power forward whom his team relied on for scoring. In the NBA, he will probably shift to the small forward position and be used primarily as a defensive replacement.

"With his standout athleticism he can overcome the fact that he's a bit raw on the offensive end," Smith said. "I could see him as a specialist guy, a defensive stopper who comes in with great energy."

Smith compared Gist's style of play to Renaldo Balkman, a New York Knicks forward who uses hustle and energy to carve out his spot in the team's rotation.

Gist welcomes any role he can claim and realizes that he won't be a double-double threat like he was over the past couple of years.

"Coming into the NBA, I don't plan on playing a lot," Gist said. "They have their guys who can do a lot of scoring, and I don't look at my role as that. I'm a defender; I look to defend the [small forward position]. Come in and guard the Tracy McGradys of the league, the Kobe Bryants."

Gist's length and leaping ability lend to the notion that he could be a good defensive player in the pros. At the Orlando pre-draft camp - an event where top prospects assemble for measurements, interviews and exhibition games against one another - Gist displayed a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a 35-inch vertical leap. Both are impressive numbers for a potential NBA player.

Gist's shot was erratic during the exhibition games in Orlando, but according to DraftExpress.com, "he looked very active defensively in the passing lanes and did a great job getting out in transition, using his athleticism well around the rim ... The energy he brought to the floor was exactly what the doctor ordered for his draft stock."

Tonight, the value of his stock will be discovered. And Gist will be watching intently from Pennsylvania with family members.

With any luck, he'll become a bit more geographically grounded, as well as a proud member of an NBA team. Just like he dreamt it at age six.

[Doctor J]

How do you pronounce his last name?

[mystargtr34]

He's got the athleticism to potentially play the 3, but according to all the scouting I've read, he has no range on his jumpshot and can't dribble the ball.

And he's too small to make a living at the 4.

Right now, he's a "tweener" in a negative way.

I think the Spurs will try and mold him into a 3...

But he also isnt undersized in terms of height for 4 IMO.... hes nearly 6'9" in shoes and andn has a ridiculous standing reach for his height... its a shade under 9'0"... or about an inch bigger than Kevin Love and probably right on par with most NBA Power Forwards.

Consider Joakim Noah had a standing reach of 8'10.5"

But i dont think he has the bulk to play the 4... he looks like a 3 to me.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

We need this guy to be a diamond in the rough.

Hopefully he dominates Summer League.

[timvp]

Do you think Spurs will try to turn him into a long SF or will they keep him at the PF spot ?You gotta make him into a small forward. He lacks both the body and the temperament of an NBA bigman. Making him into a small forward who can play power forward is the way to go. He won't last in the NBA as strictly a PF.

I hope he makes the team and gets a season in Austin at small forward. But with 57, making the team will be a long shot in itself ... even as 15th man.

[SenorSpur]

The Western Conference already had tons of athletic offensive players - even before this draft. With some learned techniques, some hard work, and some seasoning, Gist may eventually turn into the type of athletic defender who could guard the likes of a David West, Shawn Marion, LaMarcus Aldridge and the like.

With the Spurs missing out on Batum, they need to begin developing another long, athletic SF. Remember, Bowen isn't going to be around but maybe another couple of years and still he can't be expected to simulateneously guard the opposition's top 2 offensive players.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

So if this guy has a bad ass summer league, he will most likely join the Toros....if this guy has a mediocre summer league, do you see us just getting rid of him?

[SenorSpur]

So if this guy has a bad ass summer league, he will most likely join the Toros....if this guy has a mediocre summer league, do you see us just getting rid of him?

I don't see how they can afford to not develop this guy. Again, his skill set is one that this team is lacking. If they had gotten Batum, then they wouldn't have needed a guy with the skills of Gist.

[timvp]

So if this guy has a bad ass summer league, he will most likely join the Toros....if this guy has a mediocre summer league, do you see us just getting rid of him?Basically. James White looked firmly entrenched in the Spurs pipeline and then he sucked in summer league and his time was over. Same with Marcus Williams. He went from 33rd pick to horrible summer league to waived.

Gist will need to have a solid summer league and then he'll also have to hope that there isn't a shortage of roster spots because he'd be the one on the chopping block.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I don't understand the method. White actually made it to the spurs team. He even started a freaking game and scored 17 points.
Did we cut him after the summer league after the championship?

[timvp]

I don't understand the method. White actually made it to the spurs team. He even started a freaking game and scored 17 points.
Did we cut him after the summer league after the championship?Yes. The Spurs didn't have him for the previous summer league.

[Steve-O-Matic]

How do you pronounce his last name?

With a hard 'G', like Gary. Not like "jist."

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Too bad Manu and Tony will both be overseas this summer, this guy could use an Admiral-esque boost to his confidence to get his work ethic in top gear.

[cbooze]

How do you pronounce his last name?

You prounce the G the way you would in 'good'

[exstatic]

Basically. James White looked firmly entrenched in the Spurs pipeline and then he sucked in summer league and his time was over. Same with Marcus Williams. He went from 33rd pick to horrible summer league to waived.

Gist will need to have a solid summer league and then he'll also have to hope that there isn't a shortage of roster spots because he'd be the one on the chopping block.

I know that neither was really any fucking good, but you don't think that bumping up against the tax at that time contributed to the short tenure?

[rascal]

I think the opposite. Gist has more potential to be tapped, Hairston has a more limited set and any free agent veteran can give you similar things.

I agree. Gist has more potential than Hairston and fills a skill set the spurs are lacking. They need some players who can finish on a break and run in transistion for easy baskets to stop the scoring droughts the team always seems to go through when the perimeter shots aren't falling. It also fires up the home crowd when there is a player or two who can soar for the hammer dunk on a break. Its an emotional lift that gives just a little more power to a home court advantage.

If he can improve some other areas of his game he will be a great pick.

[SenorSpur]

The Spurs have virtually nothing in the pipeline and this new crop of guys does possess a unique skill set that the Spurs truly lack. At some point, they have to give up-and-coming rooks, like this, a legitiimate chance for a roster spot.

Which is why I'm so vehemently opposed to keeping long-time veterans (Finley, Horry), whose skills have declined to the point where they're contributing nothing in the way of bench production or energy.

If allowed to develop, Gist and the others, could potentially fill a specific void during the long stretches of the season. Which would lessen the burden on the older players.

[manufor3]

amazing. the spurs drafted a player with the ability 2 dunk

well this guy might be james white 2.0

[Ocotillo]

I wonder if he is of the mind where he could take the approach of "look at Bruce Bowen, the guy really does nothing on offense other than pop a 3 once in awhile, I can do that! I will work on being a perimeter stopper and that can be my ticket to making it in this league." Or will he think, I can score, I gotta do that to impress.

[ChumpDumper]

He really can't score all that much. He can run and jump. If he's smart, he will do whatever the coaches tell him. There are usually only one or two players featured on a Spurs SL team and they will run the same play over and over to the same guy for evaluation purposes. Gist will probably impress the most by running the floor constantly and being in the right place in the defensive and offensive sets. If a guy like Benson is on the squad he will have direct competition for his roster spot (though Rod has no potential as a three), so he needs to be sharp.

[ace3g]

f_moLhRZmDI

they discuss Gist during the 2nd half of the video

[Darkwaters]

f_moLhRZmDI

they discuss Gist during the 2nd half of the video

Nice little vid. Good find.

I wonder, did that series ever feature Hill or Hairston?

[wildbill2u]

[quote=cbooze;2629637] with a year or 2 of NBA workouts and coaching I can easily see him being a threat with the jump shot. Probably not from NBA 3 range, but he was getting to the point where he was a decent shooter from behind the arc in college, so the jumper from a step or 2 inside the arc is definitely a shot he should eventually be effective with.
/quote]

Because of the difference in value between the 2 and the 3 point shot, nobody values a player with a shot from two feet inside the arc. If you're gonna shoot a 2, you're better off to have a pull up jumper from 15 feet in that is deadly.

I still think the guy is a steal/good pick at 57.

[brakeguru]

I watched Gist plenty. MD fan blah blah

I don't like many of the evaluations.

On the court he is not short at all. At MD he never played w/ a real center. So he was pretty much always the most skilled big man on the floor. In the ACC that is a tough road to hoe - and at times, often when Osby, Ebekwe or whomever struggled he became inneffective. When MD's other big men produced however he really shined. He regularly makes spectacular plays on both sides of the ball.

He has huge feet and hands and has good balance and power but doesn't appear super quick on the first step. He can cover a lot of ground quickly though and is good at getting the ball in his hands while on the run and converting the layup/dunk without dribbling. On defense same story - blocking off his man and batting down passes and a very quick jump to block the ball. Think Pippen/Rodman - but more athletic - that's his body type.

He is fluid and has soft hands and plays very well in a moving game.

His shot looks good -just needs work to quicken the release and improve accuracy and consistency. Looks to be more confidence and repetition than anything. Overall he just needs a more diverse offense - going both ways and that sort of thing.

He played very well in his senior season at MD. He and Vasquez -an overachieving PG had to carry the team in the tough ACC. They faded down the stretch but in several games when James had more inside support he was quite dominant making NBA type plays and MD was very tough to beat.

He's coachable - and like many DC area players that weren't quite the top dog he's undertrained. He will likely still be in the NBA in 4-5 years for someone - and could certainly end up a pretty good player ala Marion etc.

[Solid D]

Welcome to the Forum, brakeguru.

btw, nice mixed metaphor (road to hoe).

[tav1]

I agree. Gist has more potential than Hairston and fills a skill set the spurs are lacking. They need some players who can finish on a break and run in transistion for easy baskets to stop the scoring droughts the team always seems to go through when the perimeter shots aren't falling. It also fires up the home crowd when there is a player or two who can soar for the hammer dunk on a break. Its an emotional lift that gives just a little more power to a home court advantage.

If he can improve some other areas of his game he will be a great pick.

Disagree. Gist will be forgotten,and quickly. Better for the Spurs to use their trade exception of Shawne Williams or Renaldo Balkman. Much, much better.

Hairston could make it in the league as a rotation 2. Handicapping from home, I'd say the he has about a 30 or 40% chance of making the team, wheras Gist is around 5 or maybe 10%.

2009 will be an exciting season because Pop will need to spend the first 2/3 of the season developing young players and acclimating new guys into the system. Duncan, Parker, Ginobli and Bowen will probably be right 28 minutes or so a game (Bowen maybe more like 33-35) until All Star break.

Austin will be fun to monitor with Hairston and possibly a young big (Gist, Benson). And wouldn't it be wild if Sandikze--the Keyser Soze of Georgian Basketball---emerged from the mist and played well in summer league. I'm not even sure he exists, but some people around here push him like the second coming. It's like a SpursTalk urban legand. "Once there was a skinny Goergian kid who played 15 minutes of great ball in Utah..."

[Gorge Hill]

WHO??

Now for some real highlight:

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100122


George Hill!

[Blackjack]

FOX Sports @ NBA pre-draft camp-

James Gist, 6-8, 223, SF/PF, Maryland, Sr.: Gist started off like gangbusters with 16 points in his first game on 5-of-8 from the floor and 6-of-6 from the line. Unfortunately, he hit a major cold spell from the field, going a combined 5-for-18 in the final two, averaging just 5.5 in those games. He's a freakish athlete and is the type of specimen that should be able to find a role in the league even if his offensive game never vastly improves (a poor man's Rodman).

[Blackjack]

From an aticle by Mark Selig of diamondbackonline-

If Gist does get picked or latches onto a team after the draft via free agency, he will likely have a much different role than the one he had with the Terps. In college, the 6-foot-9 Gist was a power forward whom his team relied on for scoring. In the NBA, he will probably shift to the small forward position and be used primarily as a defensive replacement.

"With his standout athleticism he can overcome the fact that he's a bit raw on the offensive end," Smith said. "I could see him as a specialist guy, a defensive stopper who comes in with great energy."

Smith (Aran Smith of NBADraft.net) compared Gist's style of play to Renaldo Balkman, a New York Knicks forward who uses hustle and energy to carve out his spot in the team's rotation.

Gist welcomes any role he can claim and realizes that he won't be a double-double threat like he was over the past couple of years.

"Coming into the NBA, I don't plan on playing a lot," Gist said. "They have their guys who can do a lot of scoring, and I don't look at my role as that. I'm a defender; I look to defend the [small forward position]. Come in and guard the Tracy McGradys of the league, the Kobe Bryants."

Gist's length and leaping ability lend to the notion that he could be a good defensive player in the pros. At the Orlando pre-draft camp - an event where top prospects assemble for measurements, interviews and exhibition games against one another - Gist displayed a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a 35-inch vertical leap. Both are impressive numbers for a potential NBA player.

Gist's shot was erratic during the exhibition games in Orlando, but according to DraftExpress.com, "he looked very active defensively in the passing lanes and did a great job getting out in transition, using his athleticism well around the rim ... The energy he brought to the floor was exactly what the doctor ordered for his draft stock."

[SenorSpur]

From an aticle by Mark Selig of diamondbackonline-

If Gist does get picked or latches onto a team after the draft via free agency, he will likely have a much different role than the one he had with the Terps. In college, the 6-foot-9 Gist was a power forward whom his team relied on for scoring. In the NBA, he will probably shift to the small forward position and be used primarily as a defensive replacement.

"With his standout athleticism he can overcome the fact that he's a bit raw on the offensive end," Smith said. "I could see him as a specialist guy, a defensive stopper who comes in with great energy."

Smith (Aran Smith of NBADraft.net) compared Gist's style of play to Renaldo Balkman, a New York Knicks forward who uses hustle and energy to carve out his spot in the team's rotation.

Gist welcomes any role he can claim and realizes that he won't be a double-double threat like he was over the past couple of years.

"Coming into the NBA, I don't plan on playing a lot," Gist said. "They have their guys who can do a lot of scoring, and I don't look at my role as that. I'm a defender; I look to defend the [small forward position]. Come in and guard the Tracy McGradys of the league, the Kobe Bryants."

Gist's length and leaping ability lend to the notion that he could be a good defensive player in the pros. At the Orlando pre-draft camp - an event where top prospects assemble for measurements, interviews and exhibition games against one another - Gist displayed a 7-foot-4-inch wingspan and a 35-inch vertical leap. Both are impressive numbers for a potential NBA player.

Gist's shot was erratic during the exhibition games in Orlando, but according to DraftExpress.com, "he looked very active defensively in the passing lanes and did a great job getting out in transition, using his athleticism well around the rim ... The energy he brought to the floor was exactly what the doctor ordered for his draft stock."

If nothing else, you've got to love this kid's attitude. Potential Bruce Bowen replacement?

[Blackjack]

If nothing else, you've got to love this kid's attitude. Potential Bruce Bowen replacement?

Possible. He's got the tools and the work-ethic.

His offensive game needs work, but I really think he could contribute right away with his defensive versatility and energy.

On the offensive end I'd play him next to a 4 that spreads the floor from the 3-point line. Allowing him to play close to the basket where he's more comfortable would really put him in position to utilize his strengths.(i.e. off. reb., put-backs, etc.)

[wildbill2u]

well this guy might be james white 2.0

No, James White might be Gist Lite.

[TDMVPDPOY]

fuk all you haters seriously

this guy has alot of potential......






a fukn bust hahahaha

[Marcus Bryant]

Gist has the physical tools. He's a prime candidate for IR and Austin.

[Solid D]

Gist has the physical tools. He's a prime candidate for IR and Austin.

If he plays D on a string the way Pop likes it, then he is most def a candiate for the Inactive List and/or an assignment player. That has been a big IF lately with players understanding what the Spurs' defense requires.

[Darkwaters]

He seems to be the kind of guy that revels in defense, rebounding and other assorted "dirty work" type of assignments. If he has not only the willingness to do these things but also a propensity to excel at them then I say hes worth an IR slot.

[SenorSpur]

The fact that Gist has no offense isn't such a big deal. Hell, Bruce didn't either when he came here. Yet he worked to become an accomplished defender first, then added his offense later.

I'll say this for Gist, if he continues to exhibit the same willingness to defend and a good, eager attitude, and assuming he works hard, the Spurs should be give him as long a look to develop as they did Bruce.

The skills and attitude that he has exemplified so far are not normal for your run-of-the-mill, everyday NBA prospect hopeful.

[SPURSGOAT]

The fact that Gist has no offense isn't such a big deal. Hell, Bruce didn't either when he came here. Yet he worked to become an accomplished defender first, then added his offense later.

I'll say this for Gist, if he continues to exhibit the same willingness to defend and a good, eager attitude, and assuming he works hard, the Spurs should be give him as long a look to develop as they did Bruce.

The skills and attitude that he has exemplified so far are not normal for your run-of-the-mill, everyday NBA prospect hopeful.

I agree... just because he was our last pick does not mean he should be destined for the Toros if he does a great job in the summer league. He could be Bowen 2.0... we will need someone to be able to replace Bowen once he retires in a couple of seasons... he could come on board and learn from Bowen and the Spurs system while he gets help with his shooting...

[Marcus Bryant]

Gist is long and athletic. Ditto for Hill. Based on the playoffs, those are not bad qualities. Add Mahinmi to the mix and slowly, but surely, the Spurs are adjusting their supporting cast to today's NBA.

[SPURSGOAT]

Gist is long and athletic. Ditto for Hill. Based on the playoffs, those are not bad qualities. Add Mahinmi to the mix and slowly, but surely, the Spurs are adjusting their supporting cast to today's NBA.


Pop knows what he is doing... in Pop we trust...:flag:

[Obstructed_View]

If some of these other young guys can score some points, then maybe the Spurs don't repeat last season's problem of going into the tank offensively for long stretches. If that happens, then maybe Pop allows two guys on the roster that play defense first without much offense, one of them being mentor to the other. I think the time in Austin would still be good for him.

[SenorSpur]

If some of these other young guys can score some points, then maybe the Spurs don't repeat last season's problem of going into the tank offensively for long stretches. If that happens, then maybe Pop allows two guys on the roster that play defense first without much offense, one of them being mentor to the other. I think the time in Austin would still be good for him.

No question about it. He will certainly need time there to hone his skills and gain confidence. If he does stick, though, I'd love to see him ply his craft against the big boys some time later this season.

Someone needs to try and slow down David West. No one else seems to be able to do so. :lol

[Obstructed_View]

No question about it. He will certainly need time there to hone his skills and gain confidence. If he does stick, though, I'd love to see him ply his craft against the big boys some time later this season.

Someone needs to try and slow down David West. No one else seems to be able to do so. :lol

David West has as good a midrange jumper as there is in the league. That makes him a tough matchup, even if that's all he does. That it isn't just makes him harder to defend.

[ShoogarBear]

I watched Gist plenty. MD fan blah blah.

Speaking of which . . . how have we managed to go this long without Jim coming in here and gracing us with the Terp fight song?

[brakeguru]

yeah - someone else will have to bring out the fight song....

[angelbelow]

Gist is long and athletic. Ditto for Hill. Based on the playoffs, those are not bad qualities. Add Mahinmi to the mix and slowly, but surely, the Spurs are adjusting their supporting cast to today's NBA.

for year one, thats all im expecting.

[Jlowd21]

I'm a Duke fan and I hated Gist at Maryland, so he must be doing something right.

[Blackjack]

The fact that Gist has no offense isn't such a big deal. Hell, Bruce didn't either when he came here. Yet he worked to become an accomplished defender first, then added his offense later.

I'll say this for Gist, if he continues to exhibit the same willingness to defend and a good, eager attitude, and assuming he works hard, the Spurs should be give him as long a look to develop as they did Bruce.

The skills and attitude that he has exemplified so far are not normal for your run-of-the-mill, everyday NBA prospect hopeful.

:tu

Unlike Bowen though, I think Gist would be able to contribute on the offensive-end right off the bat.

He's got the type of tools that should allow him to do his damage without a play ever being called for him. Have him come in and be that glorified "garbage man" untill he develops his offense. Allow him to use his energy/effort/athleticism for hustle-plays that change momentum, get the crowd involved, and his teammates hyped.

I'm pretty optimistic about Gist and Hairston. They're both guys I was hoping the Spurs would take a look at in the 2nd rd., or as undrafted free-agents. Hopefully they're able to impress in Summer League, which I'm actually looking forward to for a change. :hungry:

[SenorSpur]

:tu

Unlike Bowen though, I think Gist would be able to contribute on the offensive-end right off the bat.

He's got the type of tools that should allow him to do his damage without a play ever being called for him. Have him come in and be that glorified "garbage man" untill he develops his offense. Allow him to use his energy/effort/athleticism for hustle-plays that change momentum, get the crowd involved, and his teammates hyped.

I'm pretty optimistic about Gist and Hairston. They're both guys I was hoping the Spurs would take a look at in the 2nd rd., or as undrafted free-agents. Hopefully they're able to impress in Summer League, which I'm actually looking forward to for a change. :hungry:


Same here. Very excited - even. With the potential addition of maybe a FA swingman, like Pietrus, I wont sweat much losing both Barry and certainly not Finley.

[Blackjack]

Same here. Very excited - even. With the potential addition of maybe a FA swingman, like Pietrus, I wont sweat much losing both Barry and certainly not Finley.

I'm thinking we need to keep Barry, if for no other reason to play the S.Kerr role.

I'm all for the youth, but we need a guy like Barry on the bench. If a young fellas shot should falter in the playoffs, Barry's a nice insurance-policy to have.

Plus he's a great locker-room guy, and capable of playing the point in a pinch.

[whottt]

I don't think it's a given that Gist absolutely has to be able to play SF and hit perimeter shots to buy minutes on the Spurs just because he is small for a PF...


Keep in mind, Pop has played Bowen, Finley and Barry at PF at times during the past 4 years...in fact he seems to love doing that, and Gist is a giant compared to any of those guys....and he's got better tools to rebound and defend in the post than any of those guys.

If this guy has the speed to keep up with perimeter players on D, and can hit a non-horrendous PCT from 3, and doesn't have absolutely horrible handles...he could get minutes this season.

You know...when Pop has to develop guys due to a thin roster, he throws them out there and develops them...

He's not set in stone about not giving young players a chance, and it's no certainty that he prefers them playing in Austin....he didn't like White playing in Austin, he wanted him on the Spurs. I mean just because he's done it when the roster is full, doesn't mean he prefers to do it that way.


I think Gist has a better shot than people give him for making the roster and getting minutes this season. I think he can get minutes if he plays up to his athletecism.

I think the bigget thing will be his ball handling...if he's inept at that Pop will probably send him to Austin if the Spurs decide to keep him.



But I don't think he absolutely has to have a perimeter offensive game and play SF to get minutes on our roster....PF's aren't as big as they used to be, and that size criteria is an outdated line of thinking.

[Blackjack]

I don't think it's a given that Gist absolutely has to be able to play SF and hit perimeter shots to buy minutes on the Spurs just because he is small for a PF...


Keep in mind, Pop has played Bowen, Finley and Barry at PF at times during the past 4 years...in fact he seems to love doing that, and Gist is a giant compared to any of those guys....and he's got better tools to rebound and defend in the post than any of those guys.

If this guy has the speed to keep up with perimeter players on D, and can hit a non-horrendous PCT from 3, and doesn't have absolutely horrible handles...he could get minutes this season.

You know...when Pop has to develop guys due to a thin roster, he throws them out there and develops them...

He's not set in stone about not giving young players a chance, and it's no certainty that he prefers them playing in Austin....he didn't like White playing in Austin, he wanted him on the Spurs. I mean just because he's done it when the roster is full, doesn't mean he prefers to do it that way.


I think Gist has a better shot than people give him for making the roster and getting minutes this season. I think he can get minutes if he plays up to his athletecism.

I think the bigget thing will be his ball handling...if he's inept at that Pop will probably send him to Austin if the Spurs decide to keep him.



But I don't think he absolutely has to have a perimeter offensive game and play SF to get minutes on our roster....PF's aren't as big as they used to be, and that size criteria is an outdated line of thinking.

I agree for the most part.

He's going to need to be able to guard the 3/swing position, but offensively he just needs to clean up the garbage.

Like I said before, he's got the kind of tools to have an impact on a game without ever having a play called for him.

His skill-set fills a need for this team and I'd actually be pretty disappointed if the Spurs don't give him a shot.

[timaios]

The fact that Gist has no offense isn't such a big deal. Hell, Bruce didn't either when he came here. Yet he worked to become an accomplished defender first, then added his offense later.

I'll say this for Gist, if he continues to exhibit the same willingness to defend and a good, eager attitude, and assuming he works hard, the Spurs should be give him as long a look to develop as they did Bruce.

The skills and attitude that he has exemplified so far are not normal for your run-of-the-mill, everyday NBA prospect hopeful.

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba/nba-players/bruce-bowen-ar20880/bio.html

In 1996-97 Bruce Bowen started the season in France, with Besancon, averaging 23.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 20 games … then signed with the Rockford Lightning in the CBA on 2/7 … appeared in 16 games with Rockford averaging 17.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 38.7 minutes per contest … had 32 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals at Omaha on 2/28.

[Obstructed_View]

I agree for the most part.

He's going to need to be able to guard the 3/swing position, but offensively he just needs to clean up the garbage.

Like I said before, he's got the kind of tools to have an impact on a game without ever having a play called for him.

His skill-set fills a need for this team and I'd actually be pretty disappointed if the Spurs don't give him a shot.

Only trouble is that Mahinmi is likely to be playing that role as well during the upcoming season. There simply may not be enough opportunities for both of them to get garbage points, unless their defense and rebounding are top-notch.

[Blackjack]

Only trouble is that Mahinmi is likely to be playing that role as well during the upcoming season. There simply may not be enough opportunities for both of them to get garbage points, unless their defense and rebounding are top-notch.

If Gist is given some run in his rookie year (assuming he makes the team), it will be situational at best. If there's a matchup problem defensively or Pop needs some more rebounding, is the only time I could see Pop giving Gist a look.

Ian's game resembles a poor-mans Amare, while Gist is probably a little more Balkman. Depending on line-ups they could probably play together, but there's no need for them to.

[Spurtacus]

I won't complain if this guy succeeds Bruce Bowen. Even if it takes 2-3 years.

[Blackjack]

I won't complain if this guy succeeds Bruce Bowen. Even if it takes 2-3 years.

:tu

Oh, and love the sig. :lol

[Spurtacus]

:tu

Oh, and love the sig. :lol


Thanks man. :hat

[spurman20]

:tu

Oh, and love the sig. :lol

I dont think his game will be like Bowens Hes more of a david lee type...an undersized athletic 4 who if he works hard the next few yrs could be a starting 3 or 4 in the right system....He must improve his shoot and ball handling

[Blackjack]

I dont think his game will be like Bowens Hes more of a david lee type...an undersized athletic 4 who if he works hard the next few yrs could be a starting 3 or 4 in the right system....He must improve his shoot and ball handling

His game isn't like Bowen's, but that doesn't mean he couldn't develop into a defensive-stopper.

I see a little more Balkman than Lee, but you're right that he needs to improve his ball-handling and shooting

[Brazil]

Guys... time to think off season... Spurs need to land the Gist !!! dude is still in Greece ?

[Keepin' it real]

Guys... time to think off season... Spurs need to land the Gist !!! dude is still in Greece ?

:lmao

[Brazil]

I found some info the think tank forum !

"Gist wins Greek championship minutes ago. Pao (his team) won Greek cup too same months ago, defeating Olympiacos, the Euroleague winner."

[Southwest Texas Fan]

Guys... time to think off season... Spurs need to land the Gist !!! dude is still in Greece ?

Why do we need to think off season? Playoffs aren't over.

[phxspurfan]

why bump this? Dear lord.

[dallasmaverickslose]

Why the hell was this bumped

[Agloco]

why bump this? Dear lord.


Why the hell was this bumped

Because Brazil is in full sellout mode.

[Brazil]

Why do we need to think off season? Playoffs aren't over.

fuck... you didn't get the memo ?

[Southwest Texas Fan]

fuck... you didn't get the memo ?

What memo was that?

[Brazil]

What memo was that?

that it's over ?

[Southwest Texas Fan]

that it's over ?
Sorry didn't get it.

[beallionaire]

Guys... time to think off season... Spurs need to land the Gist !!! dude is still in Greece ?

Brazil you are an expert at trolling and sucking cock

[Brazil]

Sorry didn't get it.

you can thank me later tbh

[Brazil]

Brazil you are an expert at trolling and sucking cock

cannot be both tbh if I troll the shit of you it means I'm an alpha and an alpha doesn't suck cock