Do you think we'll see Anas playing the PF position at all this season or still be in the mix just for center or both?
Do You Think We'll See Mahmoud At PF?
- Thread starter shadow force
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If he pounds the weights and gains some weight (preferably about 25 lbs or more) he'll play! Where he'll play? No clue.
I think he plays the 4 and I could even see him play the 3 if we went zone exclusively and had foul trouble. I don't have any inside information but just watching the young man last season you could see that all he was missing was the ability to mix it up due to his lack of size (weight). I think PF will be his natural position ala Dirk Nowitzi. But because of his height I could see him playing the 5 spot too in college.
As far as projecting out thought he has the skills and athleticism to be a PF/SF on the NBA level. Probably more athletic than most PF and just a little less athletic than most SF. I think a good model would again be Dirk or Durant. Durant's natural position is the SF but you can see him play the SG spot as well as the PF spot because of his height. Dirk's natural position is the PF spot but he can be seen playing the SF and even C in a pinch.
No matter what he plays I hope he works on his body this summer so he can get more playing time because I love his skill set and desire. You can't coach height or work ethic!
As far as projecting out thought he has the skills and athleticism to be a PF/SF on the NBA level. Probably more athletic than most PF and just a little less athletic than most SF. I think a good model would again be Dirk or Durant. Durant's natural position is the SF but you can see him play the SG spot as well as the PF spot because of his height. Dirk's natural position is the PF spot but he can be seen playing the SF and even C in a pinch.
No matter what he plays I hope he works on his body this summer so he can get more playing time because I love his skill set and desire. You can't coach height or work ethic!
I think that Mahmoud playing the 4(not calling it power forward in his case) is very likely. Whether he is playing the 4 or 5 he needs to be at least 220lbs (preferably more) to be effective. I think where he plays depends on the development of the other 4s and 5s. We have so many guys at those 2 spots that are unproven. If I were a betting man(I'm not) I would say Jaylen Johnson will start at the 4 and either Mango or Nanu will start at 5. I think Mahmoud is a key player for our success and may start at either. But at least initially I see him backing up both spots, because of his lack of strength. He has a skill set that our other 5s don't. He is the only 5 I could see developing into a scoring threat on the pick and roll. He also passes the ball well and I think we will see a reliable 15 foot jumper from him this year. Another factor is whether Raymond Spalding is ready to play. I have never seen the guy play. But most of the posts I have seen on this site indicate that he probably is not ready. If that is the case Mahmoud would almost have to play some minutes at the 4 along with Johnson.
I hope Rick and the coaches can really work with him. I see alot of potential with him. I do believe we will see him alot this season.
I will believe that Pitino will play a 7'2" at PF guy when I see it.
Also, he has the ability to be an elite rim protector. I guess if Matz, Mangok or Nanu becomes that then having him at the 4 would be great defensively.
Also, he has the ability to be an elite rim protector. I guess if Matz, Mangok or Nanu becomes that then having him at the 4 would be great defensively.
To play the 4, he would need to have the lateral quickness to stay in front of perimeter players, and be able to play at halfcourt in our press. Offensively, I really like Mahmoud at the 4. Defensively, he just needs to build muscle. He already has the instincts, which is the hard part.
