Aytes Fisher Neilson

With Aytes, Chase Fisher and now Isaac Nielson (working his way back into shape from his mission) available for the practice squad and practicing with the team it would be interesting to hear how they stack up with the current players. I know Nielson has some work to get into shape but where do Aytes and Fisher stack up against our current starters? How will the three fit in next year?



Go Cougs!



L Hatton

Louisville, KY

Potentially all three could start next year. Nielsen to replace Mika at the 5, Aytes to replace Austin at the 4 and Fischer to whomever is playing the 1 (KC moving to the 2/3 or Carlino).

SpiffCoug wrote:
Potentially all three could start next year. Nielsen to replace Mika at the 5, Aytes to replace Austin at the 4 and Fischer to whomever is playing the 1 (KC moving to the 2/3 or Carlino).

Isn't a Fisher basically a gunner? A two only?

We desperately need to find a big man to play the post next season. Neither Austin nor Sharp have demonstrated the ability to play the position. Don't know much about Nielson, but seems very thin for a 6' 10" guy. Hopefully he can put on some weight and gain strength so he can help the Cougs. Otherwise, Rose will be shopping the CC ranks to try to find another Halford-type player at the post.

A dominant big is likely already on a team.



If Neilson, Austin and Aytes can limit damage in the paint, others can carry the scoring load - Haws, KC, MC, Halford, etc.



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If we keep playing good teams again next year, we better have an inside game to go with our outside game or good defenses will shut us down.



Mika was quoted before the season saying that he would go on a Mission unless he felt at the end of this season that he had the opportunity to go to the NBA right away. He was rated in the top 10 freshmen at one point this season. Not sure if his stock dropped after the last two losses. NBA, my son tells me, takes a ton of the cream right out of the freshman class. My son thinks Mika will have that opportunity.



Big men are in short supply, but he does not yet look ready to me. We will see how he looks in March.



He may not go on that mission. If his stock is high - might try to play his Sophomore season and then declare.



If he is gone on a mission next season - we need a scoring threat inside.



Mika is a freshman - so it is doable with a freshman. Just not clear we have a talented freshman big man coming in to replace him.



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Mika would be lucky to be a 2nd round pick right now. He isn't a dominate athlete at the NBA level. So he would need some polish to his game. Be able to shoot free throws and make a 15 jumper. Have a face-up game. Mika needs to learn how to be a 4 at the next level.

Qman wrote:
Mika would be lucky to be a 2nd round pick right now. He isn't a dominate athlete at the NBA level. So he would need some polish to his game. Be able to shoot free throws and make a 15 jumper. Have a face-up game. Mika needs to learn how to be a 4 at the next level.

He's going to need a full four years.

Qman wrote:
Mika would be lucky to be a 2nd round pick right now. He isn't a dominate athlete at the NBA level. So he would need some polish to his game. Be able to shoot free throws and make a 15 jumper. Have a face-up game. Mika needs to learn how to be a 4 at the next level.

This. Mika needs to develop a reliable free throw and a 15-18 foot jumper or he will be another european player with little shot at the NBA. 4's in the NBA have to be able to shoot the ball and Mika can't do it right now.

Mizzoublue wrote:
We desperately need to find a big man to play the post next season. Neither Austin nor Sharp have demonstrated the ability to play the position. Don't know much about Nielson, but seems very thin for a 6' 10" guy. Hopefully he can put on some weight and gain strength so he can help the Cougs. Otherwise, Rose will be shopping the CC ranks to try to find another Halford-type player at the post.

I just got home from a cruise with Nielson's uncle. He said his nephew is 6'11", 230lbs and has a 7'3" wingspan. He said Rose said he could run the floor like someone 6'5". He, the uncle, also felt Mika could be scoring more if they'd get the ball in to him. Maybe Austin and Sharp could too.