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PF/C Kosta Koufos (CSKA Moscow)

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jed;1117470; said:
Hello everybody,

I was disappointed to see Buckeyes go down against Michigan on Friday.
The game was broadcasted in Greece also (i am sure you didn?t know that...) but most Buckeye games are. What I have realiased throughout the season regarding the Buckeye game is that it is really hard for Kosta to play 1v1 down low.
The first reason for that being the defense played by the other teams i.e. the 2-3 zone.
The second reason being that Kostas never really got the ball too much in the low post.
The third reason being that the pace of the game of the NCAA is clearly not for Kostas.
I strongly believe that if Kostas was to play in a more European style of play (in Europe or a team like the Spurs, Raptors) he would score no less than 20 points and 10 rebs.
I also think that Kostas needs to develop his high post play not high post shooting but high post passing and driving to the hoop.
In the NCAA footwork is key and for a 7ft1 guy it is really hard to keep up with faster more athletic centers/forwards.
Regarding Kostas future I think it is not in Kostas mentality to give up and move to NBA or Europe.
I think he should participate in the National team pre Olympic tournament in June/July do well , then make it to the Olympic team and then go back to College. Of what I know Panathinaikos the biggest basketball club in Greece offered him 5 million euro (7.5m $) for 3 years last summer and Kostas turn that down (thats what the papers said over here).
I dont think he would come to Greece for that money but lets see what happens... I think Kostas can really do well in the NBA even better than Oden!
Click to expand...
Thank you for posting regarding Kosta. It is good that you got to see him play over in Greece. I don't think many of us knew that they televise many college games in Greece. While some of us might disagree with some of your statements, we are not that familiar with the European-style of basketball like you. I think we all hope that Kosta comes back for another year of college. Not only to improve his basketball skills but to get his education. Again, thank you for posting your thoughts. They are appreciated.
 
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Dispatch

Ohio State men's basketball
Still with him
Kosta Koufos continues to look to his father for inspiration 10 years after losing him to cancer
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:38 AM
By Matt Tullis


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
NCL_KOUFOS_02_03-18-08_C1_T19M2P9.jpg
NEAL C. LAURON | DISPATCH
Ohio State freshman Kosta Koufos immersed himself in basketball at a young age and formed a bond with his mother after his father's death.

crop0288.jpg_03-18-08_C1_T19M2PN.jpg
Six-year-old Kosta Koufos poses with his father, Alex, in 1995.




Before he takes the floor tonight for the Ohio State men's basketball team, Kosta Koufos will talk briefly to his father. He'll ask Alex Koufos to keep him strong and healthy during the game, and maybe seek help with a shot or two that might linger on the rim.
Then the freshman center from Canton will find his mom in the stands in Value City Arena and make eye contact. She'll turn both thumbs up and smile.
"He looks for me," Kathy Koufos said. "He barely acknowledges it, but I can tell that he sees me."
With every such exchange -- a routine throughout the 2007-08 season for mother and son -- the message is the same:
I am here. And he is still here with us.
Cont...
Click to expand...
 
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Wow what a story. As a father of a young son that really hit home. I hope Kosta does what he feels is best for him and that he has a long and successful career in basketball. Thank you Kosta for becoming a Buckeye, even if it is only for this 1 year. I am sure your dad is extremely proud of you.

:oh:
 
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I know it has been mentioned before, but when KK gets the ball he does not look to pass...It is like he feels that he will never get the ball back so takes it upon himself to try and score...

Don't get me wrong KK has a great game...But this is really bothersome...If he does in fact come back next season it would be something for him to really concentrate on next season...

Most reports have KK really dropping in the draft and have him returning to school, but from other people it seems that he will be gone...

Another guy that could benefit from another year, but might bolt early...Lets keep our fingers crossed...
 
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crazybuckfan40;1129800; said:
I know it has been mentioned before, but when KK gets the ball he does not look to pass...It is like he feels that he will never get the ball back so takes it upon himself to try and score...

Don't get me wrong KK has a great game...But this is really bothersome...If he does in fact come back next season it would be something for him to really concentrate on next season...

Most reports have KK really dropping in the draft and have him returning to school, but from other people it seems that he will be gone...

Another guy that could benefit from another year, but might bolt early...Lets keep our fingers crossed...
Click to expand...

I know. Even when help comes it seems like he doesn't look to kick it at all. He did have one really nice dump down to someone for a dunk last night (think it was Hunter). But I think it was off of a press break. Funny though because I was thinking, "now that's what you need to look for Kosta!" :)

All part of the learning curve.
 
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crazybuckfan40;1129800; said:
I know it has been mentioned before, but when KK gets the ball he does not look to pass...It is like he feels that he will never get the ball back so takes it upon himself to try and score...

Don't get me wrong KK has a great game...But this is really bothersome...If he does in fact come back next season it would be something for him to really concentrate on next season...

Most reports have KK really dropping in the draft and have him returning to school, but from other people it seems that he will be gone...

Another guy that could benefit from another year, but might bolt early...Lets keep our fingers crossed...
Click to expand...
In a way, I think KK's reluctance to pass the ball out once he does get it in the post area is one of the reasons sometimes one of the wings will look at him when he has pretty good position and not pass the ball to him. Almost though double-edged sword. I think Kosta thinks if he passes the ball out he will not see it again.

During the game last night, one of the announcers said that they had talked to the Greek national coach who was at the Garden but did not hear everything that the announcer mentioned. I was curious as to whether or not he said anything about where Kosta will be playing next year. That's the part of the interview I missed.

I totally agree if he came back next year he would leave a much improved player and I don't think it's so much about the dollars with Kosta as it is with other guys who leave early. Hopefully, he will come back next year because he seems to be enjoying the game and his teammates much more as the season winds down.

No matter what best of luck to him. He is a Buckeye!
 
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Time for Matta to do a sell job on Kosta for one more year. The team will be good regardless, but if Kosta stays they could be playing this game in the real tourney. A season of Kosta playing the 4 with do nothing but help his NBA stock.

Come on big guy!!!
 
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I said the same thing last year with Conley. This is starting to become very similiar. People picking his (Conley) jump shot apart saying that another year would be great for him. Everyone is questioning KK's back to the basket skills now. Conley had a great post-season and look where he got drafted. KK played like a man the last few weeks not like a freshman. Being a 7 footer with his ability to shoot the outside jumper. I believed when he turned down the $ to play professionally in Europe that he would be here for 2 years. Starting to doubt it now. He may go in the top 10. Name 2-3 big men that have his upside, potential, and skill level? I can't.


:oh::io:
 
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osugrad21;1131641; said:
The teammates hope he returns but support his decision either way.
Click to expand...
This fan hopes he stays also-- would love to see his draft stock rise next year to be a lottery pick.
As it is his performance over the last 7 games probably have shown enough that some team in the 10-15 spot would take the big guy just on his scoring potential.
Great way to finish strong and increase the earning potential much like Conley last year.
 
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Koufos had a great game last night. He took control with force. I really have to say that he has proven that he has the skill set, the learning curve and the heart to play in the NBA next year. He has got to put the feelers out and see where he projects to go in the draft. If he is a lottery pick than from a business standpoint he has to take advantage of it.

Best of Luck to Koufos, this year ended on a high note. WE WON!
 
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Dispatch

Koufos' answer is . . . wait

Not long after he received the award given to the most outstanding player in the National Invitation Tournament, freshman Kosta Koufos was fielding questions on whether it was his last game at Ohio State.
He had a pat answer ready.
?I?m taking it a day at a time and I?m just trying to enjoy this victory with my teammates,? he said.
?I don?t know what I?m going to do.?
The 7-foot Koufos is projected as a first-round NBA draft choice but not a lottery pick.



Cont...
 
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This kid has improved his overall game in the last two months.......he is potentially a lottery pick.....if he was considered a top ten pick then he should go......but I think he could use another year to polish his game like most underclassmen.......if that was the last game he played.....well he left us with 100% effort.....he deserved the MVP.

KK has until April 27 to declare for the NBA and if he does not hire an agent, KK will have until 16 June to withdraw.....I hope we are all patient and let him make an informed decision.
 
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