catmandoo
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Member # 1284
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posted 06-13-2020 09:33 PM
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of Davion Mintz, a Graduate Transfer Combo Guard from Creighton, and how I felt like the more current buzz around the addition of Olivier Sarr had overshadowed Mintz’ potential impact on the 2020-2021 Kentucky Wildcats. Now, it is time to dive a little deeper into Sarr’s game and why I think he can be one of the better true post players we have seen in Lexington under Coach Calipari. There have obviously been some guys with more raw talent, and several that had more NBA Draft potential, but the skill level that Sarr has in the post, along with his extremely high feel for the game, really excites me for how good he can be next season.
Before we dive into a few broader aspects of the Wake Forest transfers game, I would like to show a couple of clips that exemplify why I am so high on Olivier Sarr. From a coach’s standpoint, Sarr is extremely advanced in terms of the way he plays the position. You have to give Danny Manning a lot of credit for his development at Wake Forest because you can tell he has been coached the right way when it comes to footwork, how to use his body, and developing a full array of post moves.
This is just an elite overall clip for Olivier Sarr. On the defensive end to begin the sequence, Sarr is in help near the midline as he should be (while guarding the player in the deep right corner). As the ball is driven, he does an excellent job of taking an extra step or two across the midline, but also clears the restricted arc so as not to draw an automatic “blocking” foul. After he gets the stop and falls to the ground, he immediately gets up and sprints down the floor, trailing the ball by several steps. As the point guard “slices” the floor, Sarr has made his way inside the 3-point arc. Once again, he is actually the nearest guy to the rim but starts sealing his man around the free throw line which initially allows the point guard to try and drive it. Sarr eventually gets the ball at the front of the rim after the initial drive. When he catches the ball, Sarr showcases another veteran move. Instead of immediately starting to dribble the ball, he starts to make his move to his left shoulder without a dribble. As he turns, Duke brings a double team which would have led to an easy turnover had Sarr put the ball on the ground. Instead, he is able to split through the double-team and get a basket without ever having to dribble. Again, it seems pretty simple but that is a big time play.
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