Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2021 15:54:03 GMT -5
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Alcindor simply ruled the college ranks. After sitting out his first season because NCAA regulations prevented freshmen from playing at the varsity level, he was selected as Player of the Year in 1967 and 1969 by The Sporting News, United Press International, the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. He was also named an All-American and the most outstanding player in the NCAA Tournament in 1967, 1968 and 1969. With Alcindor taking charge in the middle, Wooden and UCLA pocketed three national championships.
Over those 3 years he averaged 26.4 points, 15.5 rebounds on 63.9% shooting with a 63% FT. The dunk was banned in college basketball after 1967 predominantly due to Alcindor’s dominant use of it in his first collegiate season. He still dominated anyway. Offensively, he is possibly the most effective paint scorer ever seen in the college ranks, with monstrous strength and explosive ability combined with a dazzling array of post moves never seen before on the basketball court. His offensive rebounding abilities are stunning, and his mastery of the glass extends to the defensive end as well. He also shows the ability to get teammates involved in shots as a playmaker. Because of his passing ability and usage, he tends to get his fair share of turnovers, even though his handling is adequate for his position.
His utter dominance extends to the defensive end of the court as well, where he is an extremely physical post defender who is fundamentally sound and blocks a ton of shots. However, while he is extremely quick, his length is so extreme it is difficult for him to stay in front of his man if taken out of the paint. While he can generate steals and interrupt passing lanes, he isn’t particularly special in this area.
Amazingly, scouts believe Alcindor’s strong work ethic and mental acumen will lead to even more improvement at the next level with TMBSL coaching, and if this happens he could be one of the greatest players of all time.
