Wilbekin #24 player in college basketball

[gottapanda]

Fran Fraschilla ranks the top 25 players in college basketball and updates once a month. This month he has Scottie Wilbekin at #24 (the only Gator to make the list). Indiana, Michigan, and Kansas were the only schools with two guys on the list.

Here's what he had to say about Scottie:
If you watched Florida this season, you know there is not one star that leads Billy Donovan's team. Rather, it's a collection of seven or eight very good college players. But if there is one Gator who is both unsung and indispensable, it is Wilbekin, the 19-year-old junior.

Named the most recent SEC Player of the Week, Wilbekin painted a 13-point, 10-assist masterpiece in Florida's blowout win over Missouri. More importantly, he harassed Tigers' point guard Phil Pressey into a 2-point, 9-turnover game. That performance came on the heels of holding Texas A&M's Elston Turner to 1-for-10 shooting just days after he dropped 40 points in his previous game at Kentucky.

Previous ranking: NR

I'd say he's pretty accurate in his assessment of the team. I'd probably rank Scottie a little higher, and I think he will be by the end of the season. I'd at least put him ahead of Larkin from UM right now.

[UFG8rGuy3283]

One of the things that is so difficult for most people who don't watch us play to understand is that we are the true definition of "team". Different guys step up and everyone does their job, even if it changes from one night to the next.

It's nice to see Scottie on the list. He's played some of the best individual D I've seen in a long time, but not only that, he has really taken the next step in progressing as a PG. He runs the team well, rarely makes dumb mistakes and plays within himself.

We just have so many guys that can hurt you. All 5 starters can score if needed but they all play within themselves. Look at Mike and how well he is playing this year. Why? Because he's bought in to the system and the shots he's getting are good ones. He forces it sometimes, but his shot selection is light years ahead of where it was at Rutgers and even last year.

No one is forcing anything and while I agree that SW has been tremendous this year, I am still amazed at how Billy can get that many egos to focus on a common goal. A big part of it this year, IMO, is KB. That guy looks ridiculously focused on going out with a title.

[swampgas44]

Fran Fraschilla ranks the top 25 players in college basketball and updates once a month. This month he has Scottie Wilbekin at #24 (the only Gator to make the list). Indiana, Michigan, and Kansas were the only schools with two guys on the list.

Here's what he had to say about Scottie:


I'd say he's pretty accurate in his assessment of the team. I'd probably rank Scottie a little higher, and I think he will be by the end of the season. I'd at least put him ahead of Larkin from UM right now.

The beauty of this team is the fact that we don't need anyone on this list. :wink:

[rserina]

Wilbekin at times reminds of a poor man's Deron Williams at Illinois: unselfish offensive player who creates opportunities for others, but who can get aggressive and score very effectively in his own right because of his skill, athleticism, and size.

I probably wouldn't identify him as the 24th best player in the nation, but I would say he is the most important player on a team in the conversation for a 1-seed.

[UFreak]

I probably wouldn't identify him as the 24th best player in the nation, but I would say he is the most important player on a team in the conversation for a 1-seed.

He's growing up in front of our eyes

[themistocles]

Note the fact that he noted that Wilbekin is merely 19 years old.

Some of Ky's newest Frosh are probably near his age.

He is finally beginning to mature physically in a way that matches his skills and basketball IQ.

[InstiGATOR1]

Note the fact that he noted that Wilbekin is merely 19 years old.

Some of Ky's newest Frosh are probably near his age.

He is finally beginning to mature physically in a way that matches his skills and basketball IQ.

For example Ben McLemore of KU turns 20 on the 11 February.

BTW, last week Ken Pomeroy's top 10 players list included 3 Gators, Young, Boynton and Murphy.

[qwghlmgator]

Wilbekin at times reminds of a poor man's Deron Williams at Illinois: unselfish offensive player who creates opportunities for others, but who can get aggressive and score very effectively in his own right because of his skill, athleticism, and size.

I probably wouldn't identify him as the 24th best player in the nation, but I would say he is the most important player on a team in the conversation for a 1-seed.

Absolutely. I love the way he has developed an attacking mentality on offense (as well as defense) constantly pushing the other teams to make the quick rotation or play sound transition defense or he'll take it to the rack.

Scottie made a gem of a play last night that, to me, illustrates how effective he's become at forcing the other team to play our game. On the play he had the ball in transition and took it deep into the lane where he stopped, swung his eyes out to the wing to look for the three on the secondary break. When the defense overplayed the pass to the wing, Scottie changed directions on a dime and took it to the rim for a bucket. You could tell the defense was not expecting that and were left totally flat-footed.

Add that element to the great offensive spacing we've had this year, and this team is awfully hard to stop.

(And also mad props to Kenny on one of his steals where his man dribbled out the shot clock. When the guy had no choice but to try and create off the bounce, Kenny attacked his first move for a breakaway layup. Great, great heads-up play by the senior - to be aware of the shot clock and take advantage of a mental mistake by his opponent. Reminds me of how Bird memorized the dead spots in the old parquet floor at the Garden and would pounce when his guy would dribble there, knowing the ball wouldn't come up as high.)

[gator2109]

His improvement from last year is the #1 reason we are this good right now. Huge improvement from his first two seasons.

[UFreak]

His improvement from last year is the #1 reason we are this good right now. Huge improvement from his first two seasons.

I am not and never was an Erv hater. But I would go one step further and simply say, our point play is the main reason for our improvement.

[corpgator]

For example Ben McLemore of KU turns 20 on the 11 February.

BTW, last week Ken Pomeroy's top 10 players list included 3 Gators, Young, Boynton and Murphy.

Can you post a link to that list?

[bonelldonnell]

Fran Fraschilla ranks the top 25 players in college basketball and updates once a month. This month he has Scottie Wilbekin at #24 (the only Gator to make the list). Indiana, Michigan, and Kansas were the only schools with two guys on the list.

Here's what he had to say about Scottie:


I'd say he's pretty accurate in his assessment of the team. I'd probably rank Scottie a little higher, and I think he will be by the end of the season. I'd at least put him ahead of Larkin from UM right now.

I think Scottie is the best defensive PG in the country and should be ranked higher. Larkin, however, could be the second best defensive PG, and is at a different level offensively. I went to that Miami-Duke game, and couldn't believe how much better Larkin made every player on that team.

It's no knock on Scottie; Larkin is just that good. The best analogy I can make, purely on the offensive end, is that Scottie is a poor-man's Andre Miller, while Larkin is a poor-man's Chris Paul.

[InstiGATOR1]

Can you post a link to that list?

Here is a twiter exchange about this from 22 Jan:


MBK Rowdies Prez‏@MBKRowdiesPrez

@kenpomeroy Have you ever had more than one player from the same school in your top 10 for kPOY? What about 3 like UF has now?

Ken Pomeroy‏@kenpomeroy

@MBKRowdiesPrez Had 2 before. Happening because UF is rated so high and is so balanced. It won't last, but it's an interesting situation.


I saw a screen shot on another board and I can not copy it, but here is his list for that week from that screen shot:

1. Russ Smith, UL
2. Mason Plumlee, Duke
3. Trey Burke, UMi
4. Doug McDermott, Creighton
5. Cody Zeller, IU
6. Patric Young, UF
7. Mike Muscala, Bucknell
8. DeShawn Thomas, Ohio State
9. Kenny Boynton UF
10. Eric Murphy, UF

It of course changes every week and one or all the UF players may have fallen out by now.

[InstiGATOR1]

I think Scottie is the best defensive PG in the country and should be ranked higher. Larkin, however, could be the second best defensive PG, and is at a different level offensively. I went to that Miami-Duke game, and couldn't believe how much better Larkin made every player on that team.

It's no knock on Scottie; Larkin is just that good. The best analogy I can make, purely on the offensive end, is that Scottie is a poor-man's Andre Miller, while Larkin is a poor-man's Chris Paul.

Craft is awfully good on defense, so I would list him and Wilbekin as the top defensive PGs. I know less about Larkin's defensive game.

[SJB612]

Look at Mike and how well he is playing this year. Why? Because he's bought in to the system and the shots he's getting are good ones. He forces it sometimes, but his shot selection is light years ahead of where it was at Rutgers and even last year.

Example: Last night he passed open a good look at a 3-pointer and passed the ball to Murphy who had an even better look at a 3-pointer, and Murphy drained it. No way he passes that shot up last year. Unbelievable unselfishness.

[rserina]

I am not and never was an Erv hater. But I would go one step further and simply say, our point play is the main reason for our improvement.
I don't necessarily disagree, but I think the point still requires some nuance. If Murphy and Rosario weren't shattering their career highs from the arc, along with a Boynton who has been shooting very well the past month and a hot shooting freshman in Frazier, we would need Walker's ability to shoot off the high ball screen far more to space things out offensively (as we did his first two years as a starter). As it stands, though, the lane is wide open for Wilbekin offensively because opposing defenses can't help as readily and or hedge on those screens.

Defensively, no doubt Wilbekin is an improvement over Walker and that is not an insult to Walker at all. The kid is a phenomenal defensive player and was from his arrival on campus. But it also needs to be said that he isn't the only reason for improvement. Young, Murphy, and Rosario are all immensely better and our team defense on the whole has been outstanding. That was not the case for last year's team, even if we had good individual defenders.

[GatorLurker]

Here is a twiter exchange about this from 22 Jan:



I saw a screen shot on another board and I can not copy it, but here is his list for that week from that screen shot:

1. Russ Smith, UL
2. Mason Plumlee, Duke
3. Trey Burke, UMi
4. Doug McDermott, Creighton
5. Cody Zeller, IU
6. Patric Young, UF
7. Mike Muscala, Bucknell
8. DeShawn Thomas, Ohio State
9. Kenny Boynton UF
10. Eric Murphy, UF

It of course changes every week and one or all the UF players may have fallen out by now.

Today PY is #2, KB is #6, EM is #8.

I can't link it because you need to be subscribed. It is only $19.95 per year and you can make that back by winning your NCAA pool!

[gatorguz]

Love Scottie, but Billy needs to talk to him about "over passing" under the basket and going up strong himself for the basket or foul. Also bothers me that when talking about Scottie, they have so far failed to mention that he was in high school in Gainsville, and passed up his senior yr to join the gators as a HS junior. Perhaps I just missed it. It's an interesting story and a strong testament to his work ethic.

[rserina]

Love Scottie, but Billy needs to talk to him about "over passing" under the basket and going up strong himself for the basket or foul. .
I think that is just a common thing for point guards in our system. Nelson, Green, Calathes, Walker, and now Wilbekin all struggled with it because our offense is geared toward easy finishes from slipping screeners or wing threes when help defenders rotate down to cover those slips. But Wilbekin has proven he can those buckets in the paint to drop better than some others.

[MadduxFanII]

Wilbekin is also shooting 41.5 percent from three, which is rather stunning to me. I was at the K-State game and my step-dad was really impressed with Scottie. I said, "Yeah, he's great, but he can't shoot." So hitting more than 40 percent from three is impressive.

A lot of that is discretion and shot selection: Wilbekin's only taking wide open shots. I'm sure his percentage would plummet if he was shooting as often as Kenny or even Murphy or Rosario. But that's really all he needs to do. If opposing teams play off him, he's good enough out there to drain an open three. And he's fast and agile enough to blow by anyone guarding him tight.

[sec1]

I agree our point guard play is a big reason why this team has improved, of we can stay focused and not get over confident again , we will be a very dangerous TEAM .

[tampajack1]

I think Scottie is the best defensive PG in the country and should be ranked higher. Larkin, however, could be the second best defensive PG, and is at a different level offensively. I went to that Miami-Duke game, and couldn't believe how much better Larkin made every player on that team.

It's no knock on Scottie; Larkin is just that good. The best analogy I can make, purely on the offensive end, is that Scottie is a poor-man's Andre Miller, while Larkin is a poor-man's Chris Paul.

And Larkin loved the Gators. It is unfortunate that we did not pursue him.

[GatorJason]

Scottie's our Honey Mohawk Badger. Link (http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/showthread.php?t=250753&highlight=honey+badger)

[GatorPlanet]

His improvement from last year is the #1 reason we are this good right now. Huge improvement from his first two seasons.

His improvement is continuing week to week. The guy is far ahead of where he was at the beginning of the season, when his ballhandling was shaky at best. He's becoming a purer point guard every time out.

[regurgigator]

His improvement is continuing week to week. The guy is far ahead of where he was at the beginning of the season, when his ballhandling was shaky at best. He's becoming a purer point guard every time out.

I agree!

On the offensive end, he's made a big jump just in the last 4 or 5 games IMO.

[gogators73]

I agree his offensive game has soared exponentially.

To be honest, I have the most faith in him finishing a drive to the bucket out of anyone on our team. His hesitation dribble is really, really good. Extremely close to a carry every time but at most he might get called for it a couple more times this year.

[grant1]

For example Ben McLemore of KU turns 20 on the 11 February.

BTW, last week Ken Pomeroy's top 10 players list included 3 Gators, Young, Boynton and Murphy.

Top 10 nationally or SEC or state? Very flattering, but Top 10 is a bit of a stretch.

[dmgator]

Florida's defense is so much better than last years. Due to Walker's size, sometimes it was like playing four against five. Now with Wilbekin's defense, the other teams guards are not hurting us.

[rserina]

His improvement is continuing week to week. The guy is far ahead of where he was at the beginning of the season, when his ballhandling was shaky at best. He's becoming a purer point guard every time out.
Part of it I think was the missed practice and game time. Donovan really praised him at the start of practice, going out of his way to say he was extremely confident in him at the one. Then the suspension sort of set him back. When he did return, it was mostly off the ball until January. Now he has settled into the role the staff envision for him back in October.

[gatorrick1]

Wilbekin at times reminds of a poor man's Deron Williams at Illinois: unselfish offensive player who creates opportunities for others, but who can get aggressive and score very effectively in his own right because of his skill, athleticism, and size.

I probably wouldn't identify him as the 24th best player in the nation, but I would say he is the most important player on a team in the conversation for a 1-seed.

It's funny you say that about D. Williams. That's exactly who I have been comparing him too since his freshman year. Plays under control and athletic, but does not play above the rim like Rose or Westbrook. I like how he has been more aggressive these past several games. He is growing as a player right in front of our eye's.

This is the jump he needed to make to be noticed at the next level and I give big credit to Billy, who loves SW, for helping him build his confidence. That's what bringing SW with him to the USA team Billy coached was all about.

The one area I still thinks he needs to improve is that mid range game. He still occassionally gets into the lane and picks up his dribble. He will figure it out.

[gator2109]

Today PY is #2, KB is #6, EM is #8.

I can't link it because you need to be subscribed. It is only $19.95 per year and you can make that back by winning your NCAA pool!

What list is this? I am subscribed but do not see where they are rated this highly.

Edit - found it.

[rserina]

The one area I still thinks he needs to improve is that mid range game. He still occassionally gets into the lane and picks up his dribble. He will figure it out.
What I find ironic is that was an area of his game everyone lauded his summer with with Nike Team Florida. I suspect he is still not looking for his offense at this stage after two seasons as essentially a utility defender.

[corpgator]

Top 10 nationally or SEC or state? Very flattering, but Top 10 is a bit of a stretch.

Nationally. Not a stretch with the numbers they put up while playing for the team with the nation's #1 defense and #2 offense.

[gatorrick1]

What I find ironic is that was an area of his game everyone lauded his summer with with Nike Team Florida. I suspect he is still not looking for his offense at this stage after two seasons as essentially a utility defender.

I would love to see him use his floater more. He has a nice one. As you suggest he can look for it more. He does a good job using his change of speed to get by defenders but he will learn as they play against better defenses that picking up the ball in the lane usually equals turnover.

I know there are a couple NBA GM's that want him to continue to fly under the radar. They won't be happy about this list.

[67walkon]

The age thing is a big deal. Kelvin Taylor, the football RB, was 19 his senior year in HS. The difference between a 17 year old and a 19 year old can be a pretty significant one. The difference between a 17 year old and a RS 22 or 23 year old senior can be incredible. I think Scottie has a huge upside as he'll only be 20 when he finishes his 4 year college career. And I agree he's the best back court on ball defender I've seen this year in any college games.

[j7]

One of the TV commentators mentioned how SW is good at avoiding the trap/double team (I'm paraphrasing.) After that I noticed it also. He seems to be very good at it.

[gogators73]

I would love to see him use his floater more. He has a nice one. As you suggest he can look for it more. He does a good job using his change of speed to get by defenders but he will learn as they play against better defenses that picking up the ball in the lane usually equals turnover.

I know there are a couple NBA GM's that want him to continue to fly under the radar. They won't be happy about this list.

I LOVE his floater.

I remember last year I told my girlfriend at a game that I cringed every time Scottie had pressure on him because I was so used to Erv being able to break away so easily.

Now, I love if they are pressuring him. I'd like to see a team press us for a bunch of the game and see how much he has improved in that area.

[Osiris_DPM]

Wilbekin is also shooting 41.5 percent from three, which is rather stunning to me. I was at the K-State game and my step-dad was really impressed with Scottie. I said, "Yeah, he's great, but he can't shoot." So hitting more than 40 percent from three is impressive.

A lot of that is discretion and shot selection: Wilbekin's only taking wide open shots. I'm sure his percentage would plummet if he was shooting as often as Kenny or even Murphy or Rosario. But that's really all he needs to do. If opposing teams play off him, he's good enough out there to drain an open three. And he's fast and agile enough to blow by anyone guarding him tight.

Scottie has always shot the 3 ball pretty well.

[gogators73]

Scottie has always shot the 3 ball pretty well.

Yea it was mostly he just didn't shoot before.

He always seemed to hit a couple vs. Kentucky but that was about it.

I think a lot of people feel he doesn't shoot well because some of his misses are really, really bad bricks. But then he'll knock down 2 swishes in a row. Like said above though, he shoots over 40%. That's terrific.

[rserina]

He struggles as a freshman, but really hit a stride on catch and shoot threes last season. The one real weakness in his game is that he can't square his shoulders up and shoot off the high ball screen when they don't hedge or switch. That is the single most effective play in our offense because you can pretty much get it whenever you want if they are defending a certain way. Dupay, Nelson, Roberson, Green, Calathes, and Walker all got a bulk of their shots off it.

Ironically, neither Wilbekin or Kasey Hill are effective with it, so it will be interesting to see how Donovan adjusts his offense going forward this year and into next. As long as you run the pick and roll effectively, can score in the lane, and can pass out of penetration to get open looks on the perimeter, there are still plenty of ways for these guys to get their own points and contribute offensively. The better you space the floor with three point shooters, the less of a problem it is for your offense.

That's why we desperately need those athletic frontcourt players (Walker, Finney-Smith, Prather) to hit their shots next year or our floor spacing will be way off. Frazier and Wilbekin will be great shooting off the ball and that will help. But losing Murphy and Boynton will be very tough.

[tilly]

The beauty of this team is the fact that we don't need anyone on this list. :wink:

Billy Ball at its best.

[regurgigator]

One of the TV commentators mentioned how SW is good at avoiding the trap/double team (I'm paraphrasing.) After that I noticed it also. He seems to be very good at it.

Wilbekin was not good at it early in the year and had some TO's because of it. As some have mentioned, they must have really worked on some of these issues hard in practice and it's showing on the court. Great to have coachable players :happy:

[gatorbogey]

lol, was just thinking or remembering: before the season started i was one strongly wanting to redshirt Scottie. have KB run the point w/ Rosario and Braxton subbing in to gain experience. then scottie can be the man next season. was way off base w/ that line of thinking....

[GatorLurker]

Wilbekin was not good at it early in the year and had some TO's because of it. As some have mentioned, they must have really worked on some of these issues hard in practice and it's showing on the court. Great to have coachable players :happy:

Not only him, but the other players got better and getting to the right spots.

[DrewLaing]

I would love to know who thought Wilbekin could have made this kind of an impact before the season had started...now he's one of the best defenders in all of college basketball and lot of that credit should go to Donovan. Heck of a teacher

[MJGator8104]

I would love to know who thought Wilbekin could have made this kind of an impact before the season had started...now he's one of the best defenders in all of college basketball and lot of that credit should go to Donovan. Heck of a teacher


Well, Wilby did go to BD's bball camps so between that and his hs coach (his Dad), he was bound to be great at defense.

[Bazza]

It would be hard to say who our best player is I agree - because we have so many and they work so well together.

That said - my favourite player to watch is Wilby!

And he is a different player this season.

Excellent thread and comments - thanks folks.

Go Gators!

:happy:

[InstiGATOR1]

I would love to know who thought Wilbekin could have made this kind of an impact before the season had started...now he's one of the best defenders in all of college basketball and lot of that credit should go to Donovan. Heck of a teacher

Well all you had to do was come to this board or read basketball threads on other UF boards. He shut down UTns 6'7" All SEC Hopson as a frosh. He came to UF an excellent defender and there were calls here for him to get more minutes.

[GatorPlanet]

I would love to know who thought Wilbekin could have made this kind of an impact before the season had started...now he's one of the best defenders in all of college basketball and lot of that credit should go to Donovan. Heck of a teacher

I'll admit I didn't see this caliber of play coming from Wilbekin. I thought he would be a good defender with limited offense. Instead, he's the best defensive point guard in the nation, a steady scorer, and a guy that's really initiating the offense at a high level, and breaking down the defense with his drives when he needs to.

And he's still getting better.

[rserina]

After his freshman year, I thought Wilbekin had real upside. His size, athleticism, and defense alone could make him a great collegiate point guard, but he also had a decent handle, nice mid range jumper, and a good floater. I kept making the comparison to Justin Hamilton (with a little Brandon Triche mixed in after seeing him play so well against us a couple of years ago as a freshman), only a little more assertive offensively.

What concerned me about Wilbekin was finding a spot where he could fit. We were so loaded at guard that there just wasn't much playing time last season. With Ogbueze coming in and Hill on his way, I wondered when he would get an opportunity to play regularly. So far, he has taken the chance and run with it. But that opportunity was set up by great defensive play as a freshman and improved shot and handle last year. Wilbekin has made strides each season and put himself in position to succeed.

[madgator]

After his freshman year, I thought Wilbekin had real upside. His size, athleticism, and defense alone could make him a great collegiate point guard, but he also had a decent handle, nice mid range jumper, and a good floater. I kept making the comparison to Justin Hamilton (with a little Brandon Triche mixed in after seeing him play so well against us a couple of years ago as a freshman), only a little more assertive offensively.

What concerned me about Wilbekin was finding a spot where he could fit. We were so loaded at guard that there just wasn't much playing time last season. With Ogbueze coming in and Hill on his way, I wondered when he would get an opportunity to play regularly. So far, he has taken the chance and run with it. But that opportunity was set up by great defensive play as a freshman and improved shot and handle last year. Wilbekin has made strides each season and put himself in position to succeed.


I like SW's overall game better than Hamiltons. But I get your comparison in many ways. However, physically Hamilton was a specimen. Much more gifted than SW.

[gatorrick1]

I would love to know who thought Wilbekin could have made this kind of an impact before the season had started...now he's one of the best defenders in all of college basketball and lot of that credit should go to Donovan. Heck of a teacher

Having the advantage of speaking on occasion with people in and around our program I knew what the staff thought about him and it was in line with my thoughts on him since his freshman year. Which is once he physically catches up and gains confidence offensively then watch out because he knows how to play and is crafty with the ball. Well he has physically caught up and you can see his confidence growing weekly. Billy really believes in him and assuming he keeps developing he has a nice basketball future ahead of him.

[yellowboy90]

I wonder if he can make it on the next level? I hope he has a huge wingspan and maybe some team will see another Avery Bradley type.

One thing I have notice about Scottie is that he really can get a shot off when he wants to and I don't mean a long jumper. It seems like every time the clock is low when he has the ball he gets an easy bucket or a really good shot attempt. I think there is more to Wilby than we know. I still remember reports when he was a freshman about how the team was amazed at how athletic he was and how much hops he had.

[Osiris_DPM]

I wonder if he can make it on the next level? I hope he has a huge wingspan and maybe some team will see another Avery Bradley type.

One thing I have notice about Scottie is that he really can get a shot off when he wants to and I don't mean a long jumper. It seems like every time the clock is low when he has the ball he gets an easy bucket or a really good shot attempt. I think there is more to Wilby than we know. I still remember reports when he was a freshman about how the team was amazed at how athletic he was and how much hops he had.

He's taller than you think. He's easily 6'3"

[yellowboy90]

He's taller than you think. He's easily 6'3"

No that's about around what I think. :laugh:

[madgator]

there are some guys that are good/great college players that just aren't NBA material. Now, I have always been a huge SW fan but I am not sure if he is an NBA player today.

of course he is still just 19 years old so the continued growth curve is substantial