the kid definitely had the skill set to be something very special for us--if he had simply learned to play under control. Every time he tried (& he did try for several stretches this last season--I'll give him that)--he rarely gave us that special game--& it obviously bugged him to "settle" on that role. If he could've just "settled" on that role as a Frosh--I think he would've steadily progressed into something special with time. I'm not sure NBA was ever in his trajectory (sorry, Mr. Carlino), but he could've been a very good PG or SG for either us or UCLA.
Yes, Matt had way, way more potential to succeed than Jake--who was a practice machine, & little more. A good technician that had neither the brains or instincts to dominate at the collegiate level--& not near the athleticism or strength to realistically think about an NFL future (Sorry, Mr. Heaps). I totally agree with you on that point.
mutu.