Solomon vs. Ukic

[Acie]

I guess it's not set in stone yet who will be number two.

Sponge-like Ukic battling for a job


It is as much Roko Ukic's inquisitive nature as his basketball skills that have vaulted him right back into the picture in the Raptor battle to be starting point guard Jose Calderon's primary backup.

The rookie will get significant minutes in the final four pre-season games to see if he can beat out Will Solomon for the job, and it's his willingness to absorb information that's caught the eye of his head coach.

"He's always asking questions, man," coach Sam Mitchell said of Ukic yesterday.

"During the games, he sits next to (assistant coach) Mike Evans ... Mike tells me, `Hey, Roko's just asking me questions about this play, that play, why Jose does this, why he does this.' That's how you learn."

www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/518301

[Conqueror of the Goths]

See, I love reading things like that about players. I still think Roko should be starting the season as the third string PG so he can continue absorbing information, espescially when things change in the regular season and teams play for keeps.

I'll continue to say that Solomon doesn't impress me and reminds me alot of a poor man's Mike James without the defensive tenacity that I would like him to show. Solomon will start as the back up this year but won't end it.

[StinkPalm]

Ukic will be the starter by midseason [/joking]

[Acie]

More from Doug...

Honestly, Sam was going on so much about Roko Ukic yesterday, I thought he was going to turn to all of us and say:

"If you put Roko in the gym with a chicken, he wouldn’t leave until he caught it.”

(That was his oft-used statement describing the work ethic of one Araujo, Rafael, and we all know how that worked out).

Okay, I know there’s a lot of validity to what the coach had to say about Ukic – the kid has been impressive in his short stints – but how much do you think was a shot across the bow at Solomon?

Maybe by praising the guy he’s in competition with is Sam’s way of lighting a fire under the guy who still has the job.

Sam’s not that devious, is he?

Besides, those guys don’t read the papers, right?

[Scarf Tot]

i think it's awesome that Roko is showing us this "good student of the game" mentality. I really have high hopes for him.

And anyways, both him and soloman have the ability to be combo guards, so i think there's going to be enough minutes for both of them if they warrant it.

[Superjudge]

nice little spin into the lame with the solid finish he had against CSKA. Showed his length... one thing I always remember saying about that when I was younger..... "can't teach size".

[Acie]

I like the way Doug's article and blog contradict each other.

[StinkPalm]

Oct 16, 2008 10:18:55 GMT -5 Acie said:

I like the way Doug's article and blog contradict each other.

Doug is a walking contradiction.

I think Ukic has the tools to be an effective player in the league, its just gonna take a little time to adjust to it.

He is obviously putting in th ework with the coaches and I hgave a funny feeling Jose will sort of take him under his wing and help as well.

Once his shot gets better he will be fine.

[Gurk]

I think Roko will be the back-up point guards or Solomon will be