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slicedbread2 wrote:

lobosloboslobos wrote:

Hair Canada wrote:Banton is certainly exceeding my expectation, having followed his progress for the last 6 years. Always believed he has NBA potential but didn't expect it to translate so quickly after having some difficulties late in the season at Nebraska. Still, it's a pleasure to see how he's been able to figure things out.

I went back and looked at what I wrote about him in 2018, when he just entered college (Western Kentucky, where he hardly got any playing time) as an anonymous young Canadian:

"Banton is one of the more underrated Canadians coming out of high school this year. Reminds me a bit of SGA, who was also underrated coming into college last year. Like Shai, somewhat of a late-bloomer, who has really made some significant strides during his final high school year. Like Shai, not the strongest or most athletic guard you will find, though he can certainly finish above the rim in traffic. Has somewhat of an underwhelming frame, sporting narrow hips and thin shoulders. But, again like Shai, he has long strides, plays with composure, deceptively changes speeds, and able to regularly get to the basket despite his lack of explosive first step. When he’s fully engaged and in attack mode, Banton can be very dominant on both ends of the floor, with great size for a combo guard. He’s a good ball-handler, who can definitely lead the offense at least some of the time. Showed good scoring abilities last year from all three levels. His 3-point shot still needs refinement and greater persistency. But he already has floaters and mid-range stop-and-pops in his arsenal, and can also finish nicely at the rim with either hand."

that is pretty damn impressive sir

That is one amazingly detailed report. I often refer to Shai as Sega Genesis due to the fact that after learning from CP3 he became unleashed(initially learned from Sam Cassell his rookie year). I checked his college stats and they were insane:

37 games: 14.4pts/4.1rbs/5.1asts/1.6stls on shooting splits of 48.5/40.4/81.7 from the field.

It's absolutely insane that he fell as low as he did. Knicks fans will be punching air for taking Kevin Knox over SGA. A good indicator of whether or not a player's shot will translate from college to the NBA are 3 factors:

-Field goal %. If it's in the high 40's at minimum there's a strong chance he'll get there.
-3pt shot. If it's in the high 30's-low 40's even better
-FT shot. Anything in the low 80's is a good indicator of it translating to the pros. OG had the 1st 2 points checked down, but he was a career 52% FT shooter at Indiana who's shot needed a lot of work. Thankfully the Raptors coaching staff has made strides with him in becoming a reliable FT shooter.

SGA checked all the boxes and is a true 3 threat level scorer and learning from the point god was crucial.

With Banton I thought he'd be a Shaun Livingston prototype as a long guard/wing who could become a reliable secondary ball handler at minimum who's length could be used to defend the smaller guards. If he could've done what Shaun did with the Warriors minus the career altering injury I'd be thrilled especially as he was a mid 2nd round pick. His college stats were 40.8/23.7/63.1 from the field indicating he'd need a lot of work. The fact that he looks composed and aggressive for the most part is good to see.

If he were to be at least half as good as SGA man that'd be amazing.

Kevin Willis wrote:By the end of the year Johnson will be better (ohhhh snap).

Tor_Raps wrote:Bantons shot is looking really good. It's scary how good this guy can be with some seasoning!

OakleyDokely wrote:

Tor_Raps wrote:Bantons shot is looking really good. It's scary how good this guy can be with some seasoning!

He's showing that he has the potential to be more than just a back-up guard. He has starter potential.

Tor_Raps wrote:It's scary how good this guy can be with some seasoning!

tecumseh18 wrote:

OakleyDokely wrote:

Tor_Raps wrote:Bantons shot is looking really good. It's scary how good this guy can be with some seasoning!

He's showing that he has the potential to be more than just a back-up guard. He has starter potential.

Just to pick one aspect, Banton's free throw form has transformed from looking like a clown show in summer league to being a serious weapon. He looks so confident shooting it (except when he loses concentration). He's improving every week, at a faster rate than Scottie.

I'm starting to look forward to Dalano's minutes. I think he is a perfect partner for Fred. Gary should come off the bench with Flynn.

WuTang_OG wrote:monster game for banton last night for 905, 38min, 27pts, 13reb, 6asts, 12-29fg, 3-7 fg3

they beat long island on a game winner by bonga

Watch on YouTube

WuTang_OG wrote:monster game for banton last night for 905, 38min, 27pts, 13reb, 6asts, 12-29fg, 3-7 fg3

they beat long island on a game winner by bonga

Watch on YouTube