Reynolds: Nate Wells

[Big Mike]

Getting bigger and making strides...

http://www.pjstar.com/bradleyhoops/x713195658/Redshirt-freshman-Nate-Wells-getting-bigger-making-great-strides

[Da Coach]

If fans ever get to the arena real early just after the players arrive, Nate can some times be seen on the floor shooting around with the other players. He has become a very high percentage 3-point shooter. Not that we want him to be shooting a lot of threes next year, but it has been a long time since Bradley has had a big man who can shoot threes well, like most MVC teams have.
Also, Will Egolf is getting closer to 100% and he has also improved his 3-point shooting while he has been restricted from contact workouts. We will definitely see an improved WE next season.

[lefty]

Nate and Will do more than their share of cheerleading and encouraging for the bench...they are both totally engaged in the game....

Nice article by Dave.

[lefty]

He has become a very high percentage 3-point shooter. Not that we want him to be shooting a lot of threes next year, but it has been a long time since Bradley has had a big man who can shoot threes well, like most MVC teams have.

It's an extra plus when the big man can shoot from 3......if he can shoot a good percentage I would't have a problem with that at all. It would be great to see a 5 as an outside offensive threat after seeing that high screen...

[it's boogie time]

I guess I'm more interested in what he can provide at the defensive end. Bradley hasn't had a good shot blocker in many years. 7'1" is a great start. Just being a threat to block shots can help defensively.

Obviously, I want a center that can rebound. It gets me a little worried when I start hearing about the three point shooting. I want a banger, not a finesse guy. I look forward to seeing what Nate can bring next year.

[Old Coach]

I'm happy to hear about Nate's development. I've always assumed that he would be a pretty big project in that we got a 7-footer out of the state of Iowa. My only real expectation is that he become a serviceable big man. If he ends up being a difference maker, then that will be a huge bonus.

[Bradleyfan1]

Nate wells will be a force, If he can play inside out the pick and pop will be sick, i still think he and egolf need help inside, but shayok egolf, Wells would be a nice starting front line but what after that, Hodges? Prosser? Were gonna have a ton of guards again, I cant see all of them being here when we start next season, walt,jalen,bell, dse, eastman are safe, donivine I would think is safe, but any of the others and milos too I wouldnt mind seeing one or 2 real juco brusiers brought in! Go braves, lets get back to back valley victories for the first time in Geno " I out coached Ben Jacob " Fords run!

[ph]

I guess I'm more interested in what he can provide at the defensive end. Bradley hasn't had a good shot blocker in many years. 7'1" is a great start. Just being a threat to block shots can help defensively.

Obviously, I want a center that can rebound. It gets me a little worried when I start hearing about the three point shooting. I want a banger, not a finesse guy. I look forward to seeing what Nate can bring next year.

AT is and always has been a good natural shot blocker.
Unfortunately he also needs some defensive help when he is guarding another big 1 on 1, and we've been too small of a team to help..

I agree on the finesse vs banger. Hopefully he plays more like Pickett - average near a double double but only average 1 3-point attempt a game.

[Bradleyfan1]

AT is and always has been a good natural shot blocker.
Unfortunately he also needs some defensive help when he is guarding another big 1 on 1, and we've been too small of a team to help..

I agree on the finesse vs banger. Hopefully he plays more like Pickett - average near a double double but only average 1 3-point attempt a game.

Oh I forgot about pickett, hmmm im getting gitty!

[Old Coach]

Nate wells will be a force, If he can play inside out the pick and pop will be sick, i still think he and egolf need help inside, but shayok egolf, Wells would be a nice starting front line but what after that, Hodges? Prosser? Were gonna have a ton of guards again, I cant see all of them being here when we start next season, walt,jalen,bell, dse, eastman are safe, donivine I would think is safe, but any of the others and milos too I wouldnt mind seeing one or 2 real juco brusiers brought in! Go braves, lets get back to back valley victories for the first time in Geno " I out coached Ben Jacob " Fords run!

Those are the types of predictions that make me leary. I don't think we need to put that type of expectation on Nate. Let's see him play first.

[Old Coach]

AT is and always has been a good natural shot blocker.
Unfortunately he also needs some defensive help when he is guarding another big 1 on 1, and we've been too small of a team to help..

I agree on the finesse vs banger. Hopefully he plays more like Pickett - average near a double double but only average 1 3-point attempt a game.

The benefit of Nate developing a three point shot isn't just in the scoring. It's the fact that teams will have to scout it and defend it, pulling interior defense away from the basket.

[Bradleyfan1]

The benefit of Nate developing a three point shot isn't just in the scoring. It's the fact that teams will have to scout it and defend it, pulling interior defense away from the basket.

Amen! Then comes slashing!

[Beninator]

Those are the types of predictions that make me leary. I don't think we need to put that type of expectation on Nate. Let's see him play first.

I am leary of the predictions as well until we see him play next year. I really hope that Wells bulks up a little. Keep in mind, we have heard about practice three point shooters in the past.

[Toyota12]

safe

Nate wells will be a force, If he can play inside out the pick and pop will be sick, i still think he and egolf need help inside, but shayok egolf, Wells would be a nice starting front line but what after that, Hodges? Prosser? Were gonna have a ton of guards again, I cant see all of them being here when we start next season, walt,jalen,bell, dse, eastman are safe, donivine I would think is safe, but any of the others and milos too I wouldnt mind seeing one or 2 real juco brusiers brought in! Go braves, lets get back to back valley victories for the first time in Geno " I out coached Ben Jacob " Fords run!

I don't think DS or DH either one are safe!! I think that if they were safe you would be seeing more of them in games with the record we have...I think there will be changes for the better this spring..I hope NW continues his hard work and becomes a productive BU center and a model student..

[LittleBrave]

Nate wells will be a force, If he can play inside out the pick and pop will be sick, i still think he and egolf need help inside, but shayok egolf, Wells would be a nice starting front line but what after that, Hodges? Prosser? Were gonna have a ton of guards again, I cant see all of them being here when we start next season, walt,jalen,bell, dse, eastman are safe, donivine I would think is safe, but any of the others and milos too I wouldnt mind seeing one or 2 real juco brusiers brought in! Go braves, lets get back to back valley victories for the first time in Geno " I out coached Ben Jacob " Fords run!

NW might be a force, but I don't think we'll see it until about his senior season. After JP's nice freshman season, some thought he'd be a force by next season, but this season has given cause for concern about that.

Seems like at the start of every year, our big man problem isn't one until we start playing games and realize it is - especially from a depth POV.
Of course, this season we would have been alright had WE been healthy.
Next season looks optimistic on paper with JP, WE, TP, NW. But we may be facing the same issues again if NW isn't ready to contribute 10 quality mpg and WE is plagued with foul trouble. Staying optimistic though.