La Bamba! Welcome to Vanderbilt, James Siakam!

by KingJamesIV on Apr 26, 2010 11:11 PM EDT in Vanderbilt Commodores Basketball

Update: Enjoy this description from Illinois Prep Bullseye:

Siakam is an elite student in addition to being a talented basketball player, which is why above everything else he was looking for a school which would offer a perfect blend of academics in addition to being able to play college basketball at the highest level. Needless to say, Vanderbilt offers Siakam the ideal combination in that regard and therefore is a perfect fit.

From a basketball standpoint, Siakam personifies the definition of a "warrior" in the truest sense of the word. While he may be a bit undersized as a power forward, he more than compensates for that by the fact that he plays hard from start to finish. Siakam is a ferocious rebounder and an outstanding athlete who finishes with authority on the break, can put the ball on the floor and is also a terrific passer. He also has the ability to defend either in the post or on the perimeter. The only thing lacking is a consistent perimeter jump shot.

Word on the street is that Illinois PF James Siakam, originally a 2011 recruit, has not only committed to play for the Commodores but has signed an LOI this past weekend and will be graduating a year early, making him a member of the 2010 signing class that includes PG Kyle Fuller, SF/PF Rod Odom, and C Josh Henderson.

It will be interesting to see where all these kids end up in their respective classes in the final rankings. I will be referring to this crop of freshman as the four dark-horsemen of the apocalypse, at least for the time being. If the chips fall the right way, this class could potentially be vaulted into the Top 25.

As it stands, Vanderbilt's Men's Basketball team now potentially leads the NCAA in players from Cameroon. Stevie Thunder is obviously excited.

So am I.

You should know that it's James "Bamba" Siakam...though time will tell if that will stand up to the demanding standards of AOG, VSL, DorePosts, etc.

I'll have more information on him once the Rivals and Scout sites put up some official information. In the mean time, here are links to his Rivals, Scout and ESPN profiles.

After the break, a brief youtubing.

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Comments

Translating to College

What is his game going to look like in college?

Is he just a straight up slasher SF? A PF in a really small lineup?

I saw one clip of him driving to the basket. I assume that would have to be more his game than playing post. Will he be like a shorter Jeff Taylor without the jumper?

by The Goche on Apr 26, 2010 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

I think the more accurate comparison would be to Lance Goulbourne

As a SF/PF, albeit with more shot blocking and time covering opposing bigs. He’ll need to bulk up, but he’s got some long arms and nice hops. His offense looks like it’s behind his defense, so he might be coming in as a Jamie Graham type in the frontcourt, bringing energy and harassing opposing players. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he redshirted his first year to get in the weight room, expand his shooting range, and put a little distance between him and the rest of the team’s talented SF/PFs for developmental reasons.

It’s a nice pickup for sure, I’m just not sure that the ’Dores needed another SF/PF…but if he can rebound in the NCAA, I will love him forever.

by Train Island on Apr 26, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

What TI said

…although his coach commented that he has developed a perimeter game to complement his inside strengths. He can guard the 2-4. Excellent rebounder (overcomes size disadvantage through superior athleticism).

Has toughness. Stallings reportedly LOVES him (to steal from someone on VandySports.com).

Anchor of Gold

by KingJamesIV on Apr 26, 2010 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions