Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
Say it with me: “The best players play. Talent is all that matters.”
But once again, here I am challenging that mantra with an apples to apples comparison. So, brace yourself. Here we go.
Player A and Player B both play for the same team. They are both combo guards. One, however, is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, while the other isn’t projected to even be drafted. Can you pick which is which based on the numbers (all of which are current as of this post)?
After all, the best players play. Right?
Player A is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior.
Player B is a 6-foot-6, 218-pound junior.
Player A plays 35.0 minutes per game.
Player B plays 34.1 minutes per game.
Player A averages 19.7 points per game on 47.7% shooting.
Player B averages 14.8 points per game on 50.9% shooting.
Player A averages 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks while committing 2.0 turnovers.
Player B averages 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks while committing 2.3 turnovers.
Player A has attempted 451 shots (made 215), attempted 215 threes (made 87), and shot 123 free throws (making 95).
Player B has attempted 342 shots (made 174), attempted 109 threes (made 42), and shot 114 free throws (making 84).
So, which player is the “real” talent and which isn’t talented enough to even be considered?
Player B is slightly younger and bigger, a slightly better rebounder, defender, passer, and shooter. Player A scores a few more points, because he shoots at a higher volume.
So, who you got?
If you picked the younger, bigger, more efficient, better all around production of Player B, then you’re clearly not aware of the Caste System ... because Player B is White. Player A is black, and therefore somehow has “dat upside” that is coveted by pro “talent” “evaluators.”
Player A is Ochai Agbaji.
Player B is Christian Braun.
Both play for the Kansas Jayhawks. Agbaji is currently projected to be one of the first 12 picks in the upcoming NBA draft; Braun is not projected to be drafted at all.
But once again, here I am challenging that mantra with an apples to apples comparison. So, brace yourself. Here we go.
Player A and Player B both play for the same team. They are both combo guards. One, however, is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, while the other isn’t projected to even be drafted. Can you pick which is which based on the numbers (all of which are current as of this post)?
After all, the best players play. Right?
Player A is a 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior.
Player B is a 6-foot-6, 218-pound junior.
Player A plays 35.0 minutes per game.
Player B plays 34.1 minutes per game.
Player A averages 19.7 points per game on 47.7% shooting.
Player B averages 14.8 points per game on 50.9% shooting.
Player A averages 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks while committing 2.0 turnovers.
Player B averages 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks while committing 2.3 turnovers.
Player A has attempted 451 shots (made 215), attempted 215 threes (made 87), and shot 123 free throws (making 95).
Player B has attempted 342 shots (made 174), attempted 109 threes (made 42), and shot 114 free throws (making 84).
So, which player is the “real” talent and which isn’t talented enough to even be considered?
Player B is slightly younger and bigger, a slightly better rebounder, defender, passer, and shooter. Player A scores a few more points, because he shoots at a higher volume.
So, who you got?
If you picked the younger, bigger, more efficient, better all around production of Player B, then you’re clearly not aware of the Caste System ... because Player B is White. Player A is black, and therefore somehow has “dat upside” that is coveted by pro “talent” “evaluators.”
Player A is Ochai Agbaji.
Player B is Christian Braun.
Both play for the Kansas Jayhawks. Agbaji is currently projected to be one of the first 12 picks in the upcoming NBA draft; Braun is not projected to be drafted at all.