CaliBuck, i cant see Dante being a defensive stopper for a couple reasons. #1 is despite the fact that he's a state champion hurdler, Dante doesnt have incredibly quick feet. he'll get beat to the spot by a quick player and is kinda long and gliding in all of his motions. And #2, he lacks great physical strength to be able to be a shut down defender. if you look at guys that are traditionally great defensive players and excel in that shutdown role, they usually have one of these two things, if not both. and right now, Dante has neither. So that would limit his ability there. Dante plays for a great defensive minded coach in Rick Van Metre and yet in all the times i've watched them play in the last few years Dante hasnt ever done anything to make me notice him on that end of the floor. but he does however rebound the ball very well for a guard/wing. I know alot of it is they want to keep him out of foul trouble. Dante will be a great pickup as a scorer and versatile wing who can do a little of everything on the offensive end for a lower/mid level big conference team. I'm talking about teams in the power conferences who arent neccessarily championship contenders. I've seen him alot and as versatile an athlete he is, he's not an explosive athlete. Leaping ability, change of direction quickness, and things like this are not his strong points. I'm just not sold on his ability to play at that highest level like most everyone else around this area is.
Let's enjoy this ride of basketball excellence, it'll be fun!
