Great work as always by Blum, who captures the curious case of Deonte Burton.
http://cyclonefanatic.com/2017/02/blum-deonte-burton-the-enigma/
http://cyclonefanatic.com/2017/02/blum-deonte-burton-the-enigma/
BLUM: Deonte Burton, The Enigma
- Thread starter ChrisMWilliams
- Start date
Burton might be the only player that can strike fear in the hearts of both Cyclone fans and the opposing team.
After I read the Daily article about him and his mom, you will never hear me criticize this young man for not being perfect. I see that sweet face, and just want to give him a hug and a cookie (that's what we old ladies do). Hope he makes the NBA.
"Burton is currently tenth in the Big 12 in scoring, ninth in rebounding, fifth in steals and seventh in blocked shots."
Those are some damn nice defensive stats for someone who was heavily criticized for his defense. He really uses his wingspan to his advantage.
Those are some damn nice defensive stats for someone who was heavily criticized for his defense. He really uses his wingspan to his advantage.
While I think Deonte being on is extremely important to our success, I think what we get out of the 5 spot at any given time is even more critical in maintaining some consistency. I'd like to see the 5 spot rotating a full 40 minutes with Young-Holden-Bowie (in that order) going full tilt, with an emphasis on defense and rebounding for whoever wants to stay on the floor.
I was at the Miami game and on about 3 or 4 of Deonte's early shots, I said "No, Deonte". And they all went in (he dropped 20 that game). The Cyclone fan in front of me told me I should be saying that for every one of his shots since it seemed to work.
I agree 100% that when he's on, our ceiling is WAY higher. He is a match-up nightmare, in a different way from Niang but still a tough guy to guard. It's clear that he's put time in to his jumper since last season.
The steals and blocks were unexpected. He's improved on defense on technique, positioning and effort. He's still no Gary Payton but I credit the guy for the improvement.
Hi decisions frustrate us and sometimes that J doesn't fall.
Someone chastised me on these boards for saying that the NBA will look at him because of his poor D but it's gotten better and the NBA looks at elite bodies. He's got size, speed, hops and a decent jumper. I thought Nader wasn't great on D and he's going to make it to the NBA.
The guy writes poetry and puts on dunking shows in jeans and Timberlands (there's a video). I have no evidence to show that he's anything but a good kid. I just have to pull for the guy; he's a memorable Cyclone and he's carried us on his ample shoulders a number of times this season.
I agree 100% that when he's on, our ceiling is WAY higher. He is a match-up nightmare, in a different way from Niang but still a tough guy to guard. It's clear that he's put time in to his jumper since last season.
The steals and blocks were unexpected. He's improved on defense on technique, positioning and effort. He's still no Gary Payton but I credit the guy for the improvement.
Hi decisions frustrate us and sometimes that J doesn't fall.
Someone chastised me on these boards for saying that the NBA will look at him because of his poor D but it's gotten better and the NBA looks at elite bodies. He's got size, speed, hops and a decent jumper. I thought Nader wasn't great on D and he's going to make it to the NBA.
The guy writes poetry and puts on dunking shows in jeans and Timberlands (there's a video). I have no evidence to show that he's anything but a good kid. I just have to pull for the guy; he's a memorable Cyclone and he's carried us on his ample shoulders a number of times this season.
I thought Young's athleticism may have kept him from picking up quick fouls the other day.
Burton's been pretty crazy to follow and it would be fun if he stays the course a bit as the season winds down here.
I'm someone who tends to avoid movies and shows that involve stressful situations, so I'm not sure why I voluntarily watch ISU basketball as it's not exactly the definition of a calming activity a lot of the time.
He got two relatively quickly, but didn't foul again the rest of the game. He may need to get warmed up for a few minutes to really get in the groove (with fouls, with defense, with everything).
Agree there...my hope is Prohm gets that too. If he gives up a couple of easy buckets, keep him out there to get a feel for things until it just becomes a disaster. He looked very comfortable imo in the 10 minutes of the game Saturday.
Amen. Here is the link if anyone is curious/interested: http://www.isdhoops.com/article/mothers-love
Great article Blum - I love me some Deonte - As his B12 stats show he does so many things well, but its the "little things" that aren't so noticeable that blow my mind. For example, if the opponent puts the ball between himself & Deonte its gone - he'll just take or strip it - great hands. His wind up tennis smash shot to block a shot vs KU - amazing, or thumping KU Jackson at the rim to deny the dunk, even his missed dunks are mesmerizingly entertaining. IMO since Prohm decided to "roll with Deonte" there's been a shift - watch out he's just getting warmed up.
When his shots are falling we're a tough out, particularly if Prohm can figure out the five spot.
Reminds me of Kaepernick during the Niners run to the SB.
IMHO we've asked Deonte to do a lot of things on that are unfair to him on defense, but he's been solid.
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I shouldn't have read that while dusting.
Bingo. Good for you, Carver.
I enjoy reading Blum, but this is one article that I hope Burton personally doesn't read. It's another public expression - this message board is littered with them - from someone saying he's inconsistent and his actions "infuriating." That may be from a fan's perspective, but I beg the rest of you for the remainder of the season to go easy on the guy. He's out there trying his best and he needs people believing in him and behind him, rather than ready to jump on his first mistake as so many of the message board posters do. I'm quite confident he beats himself up when he makes a mistake and doesn't need everyone piling on. I'm not criticizing Blum so much, as asking the rest of you to stop with the Burton hating we read so much and ask yourself before you type: "would you say this to his face?" If not, don't post it.
Maybe my sensitivity with criticizing players comes from playing one year of small college ball where a few negative things were said about me which I knew to be untrue, and that was tiny, infinitesimally small change and publicity compared to the public scrutiny these guys receive, but I can't imagine all this negativity I read about the team, as if they're aren't trying their best, is easy to take for these guys and I don't believe it helps them be better. Got to be tough to be a player in the era of social media.
So, a plea for the remainder of this Senior class' term: before you spout off and call some play or player stupid, etc. just realize they know they made a mistake and they're already beating themselves up for it (or the coaches will); they don't need you to pile on. Just enjoy the ride the rest of the way.
I love when Burton pulls the trigger from deep without dribbling. He's an above average catch-and-shoot guy. It's the pumpfake, jab step, one-dribble jumper that I can't handle. Just let it fly, Deonte.
