Vitale repeats 'confidential' chat on air Let's go to the audio... Candid Dickie V 'Splaining Dickie V
I'd say Dickie V had his pants down and got caught. I don't think he said anything bad, he did say that both players would be top 5 or 6, just that Horford was going ahead of Noah and the Donvan felt the same way. Donvan probably did say that, but never expected DickieV to say it in an interview. If Noah hasn't played well lately I'm sure Donavan has been on him privately in practice and in meetings. But this is all on Dickie V for not paying attention to the situation.
Truer things are said in jest. Hey I agree with Dickie V. Horford is the much better player. Noah has no shot, no offense for the NBA and way too light and skinny for the 4 or 5 spot. He's light years behind Marcus Camby at the same stage of development. Can't see him being anything but a change of pace high energy bench player. It will take him 3-4 years to develop if he develops. He started playing basketball too late so he's got a long, long way to go. Watch out for Derek Caracter @ Louisville. Comes from the same school as Al Harrington and his coach told me he is a far better pro prospect. He might be a one and done player, and if so, will get some serious consideration as a lottery pick. I think he has some weight and scholastic issues and has not played a lot this year. He's getting more pt lately averaging 13.2 pts and 5 rb's in just 18 minutes the last 5 games, just in time for March madness. OSU's Oden said that he was the best player he faced. The kid has the one of the best low post games in college basketball. He's got an NBA body and is a beast in the paint. If he keeps his head screwed on and his weight under control, he will be a star in the NBA.
Noah set the NCAA record last year for shot blocks in the tourney. When he turns up his motor and I believe he will his defense and shot blocking creates opportunities at the other end and UF feeds off that. SEC road games are much different than tourney games for all kinds of reasons and Florida has already locked up the title. I predict UF wins at Tenn tonight just to prove a point if nothing else.
I agree MCG and am hoping the Gators have not lost their intensity. I want that win over Tennessee, but want the one over Kentucky even more. A win over Kentucky would be the first time any SEC team has beaten the Cats 6 in a row.
I like Dickie V but have always thought he's capable of getting carried away when in the middle of his schtick. I also can attest that advancing age makes the strongest of men progressively less mentally sharp with time. It looks like that's what might have happened in this case. IMO Noah is an enigmatic figure to those not associated with Florida BB. You see him and despite his size he has a "soft" look, so you are deceived into thinking he's a soft player.....not as tough as the tougher-looking players like Horford. Then you watch him play and realize he has enormous talent and intensity. He seems to me to be the emotional leader of his team. I believe he can lead Florida to a repeat NC. That doesn't mean it will be his fault if they don't go all the way. I respect his "bloodline". His dad could not have gotten to the level he reached in pro tennis without being extremely focused and intense in addition to being talented. His son is the apple that fell close to the tree.