When I was at LSU, I use to go to many of the basketball games. One year, the team had a freshman who the students would laugh at, make fun of and generally give MUCH GRIEF to. The kid seemed extremely uncoordinated in pregame warmups, and didn't do much better the few times he got some garbage minutes. EVERYONE thought that he was a waste of a scholarship as a freshman, although he was the student "fan favorite" as far as attention. His name - Ricky Blanton. The moral - adjusting to college life takes A LOT. And, it takes some players a longer to adjust.
Just like Neltner was Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in high school, Ricky Blanton was Florida's Mr. Basketball in his senior year in high school.
I remember another guy that people used to ride into the ground...He developed into a great LSU basketball star... He was none other than Adam Walton...
Last night his brother Luke made a great no look pass for an assist in the Laker's game. His Dad Bill Walton was the color guy for the broadcast and he said that was the greatest pass in the history of the Walton family.
Geert really turned into a solid player during his senior year for the Tigers. He played behind Stanley Roberts for a year and Shaq for 2 years before he got his chance to shine.
Geert was drafted by the Orlando Magic where he became Shaq's backup again. Marv Albert just said that Luke Walton was the Lakers best perimiter passer.
Umm...You guys DO know that was tongue in cheek, right? Geert led the SEC in rebounding in his one year in the sun...If you don't think being the punching bag for Stan and Shaq for four years didn't do good, just take a look...That guy progressed well...
