How do you value the Bison?
Alright, let's pretend the Summit league is like the NBA where trades are allowed, and we want to evaluate the trade values of the Bison starting with the most indespensible player, to the least. You need to take everything into account (talent, position, years remaining, etc) Here is my take. (I am going to skip Lindberg/Kaeding for now since I truly don't know how they will be as college players although I have extreme high hopes for both) I will also skip Hale/Wilson as I've never seen them play regular season college hoops, but if others feel more comfortable evaluating them I'd like to see them included.
1. Marshall Bjorklund - I wanted so bad to put Taylor Braun here, but at the end of the day, a true post is just too tough to replace. No one would be shocked if he becomes a consistent 20/10 guy even next year. He needs to improve on defense, but he's the guy I'd feel the worst about seeing on another team.
2. Taylor Braun - Good governor, what a stud. The only weakness I can think of is his outside shot and that improved as the season went on. His explosiveness on the break is breathtaking. He is very creative in getting to the basket, and he could possibly be our shut down defender against a stud that plays the 1, 2, 3, or 4. He's that good. Looking at him now, it's hard to believe he sat our a year because he appeared too skinny. Body type wise, we lost two 'men' this year. These top two guys look like men already.
3. TrayVonn Wright - If nothing else, the marketing department would kill me if I traded him. His ceiling is off the charts. He's more than a skinny guy that can jump out of the gym. He is extremely coordinated, has wide shoulders, and a pretty looking shot that just seemed a little long all year during games. He may be skinny/wiry, but don't confuse that with weak. He gets off the floor so quickly. As great as his offense was in the ORU game, he was getting bounced around pretty good so if he can gain weight and improve positioning it will absolutely help. I have a feeling for him the thickest he could ever get is like a KG. I'll take it.
4. Jordan Aaberg - It gets more difficult now as there's definitely a drop off after the first 3. He's a swat machine and can definitely anchor a defense. It would have been nice to have him to pair with Bjorklund when we need to go big against a major D1 team like the U of M or if we ever have to face another Aldrich.
5. Mike Felt - Could easily have been 4 on the list. An excellent shot. When he shoots free throws/threes its way different than anyone else on the Bison or maybe even the Summit. His shots don't hit all net, they hit the middle of the net. Hopefully he gets stronger and better with the dribble so he can take care of the ball much better. His defense has improved alot throughout the year, but can still get better. I'd love to see him get strong enough to start at the 2 because you have to respect him which will open up the lane.
6. Eric Carlson - Admittedly he gets hurt alot here because he only has one year left. There were times in 2009-2010 season I thought he was our best player. He needs to shoot a load of 15 footers this offseason, and free throws. Then, he has to get back into attack the rim beast bode. Plus, he needs to learn if you put your shoulder into your defender you will get called for a charge every time.
7. Drew Lundberg - He could move up a couple spots on this list if Lindberg/Hale/last recruit spot don't pan out. He is absolutely solid. Drives well, shoots well (although it looks funny), has great body control on drives, and is actually pretty clutch. He just doesn't seem to have a ton of upside, and I have to confess his rooster strut type of thing he does when bringing the ball up for some reason annoys me. I know, my problem, not his.
8. Andy Nagel - His fouls alone have to be worth something. It sounds like he's incredibly tough in practice, but seems out of control during games alot (charges, bad defensive fouls, etc) He could still be quite valuable his last two years as he has a big body and is fairly athletic. Next year will probably go from being a below average backup center to a way above average 3rd string center.
9. Nate Zastrow - He has a very quick release and is a nice shooter. He is not afraid to step up in the spot light. He just may fall into a situation where he's a good player playing behind great players.
10. Fred Newell - Does everything right and everything you ask of him. Great ball handler, nice shot, pesky defender. Just tough to be a 5'7" walk on with heart on this deep/talented of a team.
My gut feel is Lindberg could be top 4 pretty quickly, Kaeding/Hale right in that Carlson range, and Damar behind Lundberg but ahead of Nagel.
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Originally Posted by 344Johnson
