The Case for Noah Vonleh

What can he contribute now?

Jan 14, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Noah Vonleh (1) warms up before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Noah Vonleh would be ready to step onto the NBA floor and provide his skill-sets.  There are several setbacks that may keep him from the NBA floor.  One, is a matter of basketball IQ.  His assist-to-turnover ratio of just 0.28:1 is simply atrocious for any NBA player.  There are times he can be foul prone.  While he bulked up for Indiana University, defending the post area is still a work in progress.  Bigger players can bump him around a bit. While he does a solid job of holding his ground, he’s prone to reaching in with his wingspan.  Sometimes that leads to a steal.  Sometimes it leads to fouls.

Despite the skills that Vonleh needs to work on, his perimeter shooting and rebounding abilities out of the power forward or center position are tremendously valued in the NBA.  Coaches love floor spacing and more possessions, and Vonleh can provide that for any team.  Whether it’s Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill, Kevin Love, or any other combo of power forward or center he ends up playing next to, he can fit well right beside them with his complementary talent.