Tim Kempton

[TMHParticipant]

I thought that the emergence of Curry, Lilliard and CJ showed the world that elite FCS talent could transform into elite NBA talent.
I had hoped that the emergence of Mike Muscala into a 10 pt, 4 rb performer in 20 mpg would show that elite Patriot League big men could forge a solid niche in the NBA.
After playing the toughest stretch of our schedule this year against good quality teams, TK is 6th in the nation in scoring. Here are his numbers this year along with MM’s senior season

Muscala 18.7 ppg on 50.9% 78.9 FT 11.1 RB 2.3 A .4 St 2.4 Bl

Kempton 22.3 ppg on 57.3% 81.1% FT 9.3 Rb 1.2 A .7 St
1.2 Bl

And yet I don’t even see him in the top 100. Sumner and Bluiet from Xavier were both in the top 26. Good, I got that off my chest

[lehigh90Participant]

I don’t remember seeing MM in a lot of mock drafts early. But, he ended up going on the second round. I think it takes awhile for draft “experts” to catch up with the mid-major guys.

[phillychuckParticipant]

I’ve watched every game Kempton has played in the last three years. I’m also a pretty avid NBA fan. In today’s NBA, a big man has to be a rim protector or a shooter to make it in the NBA. As much as I like Tim, he’s neither. He doesn’t have the quick elevation to block shots from NBA guards or forwards, and his feet aren’t quick enough to get by playing position and taking body contact. His shot takes forever to release, and he’s not going to be shooting NBA threes any time soon. He also struggles scoring against decent 6’8″ or taller defenders inside, and every forward in the NBA is that size or taller and can jump. He is what he is, a great college player. There’s nothing in the world wrong with that. Heck, the Sixers can’t find anyone to take Jah Okafor off their hands, and he’s taller and has a better offensive game then TK. Tim needs to make the most out of this season, then play overseas for a few years, make some money, and work on his shot.

[lehigh90Participant]

chuck, I don’t disagree with your assessments here. Bigs generally are rim protectors or shooters in today’s NBA. TK is neither at the moment. He is never going to be a rim protector (neither was his father, not in the genes), but I think he can stretch out his shooting to the NBA 3 line in future years. He has a nice stroke and has shown an ability to shoot the college 3 early this season (3-11 from 3 so far). I wouldn’t call MM a rim protector either, and he has not shown either an ability to protect the rim or shoot the deep jumper in the NBA. He has blocked 1/2 a shot per game for his NBA career. He has averaged less than one 3 point attempt per game for his NBA career. Yet, he has carved out a nice spot in the NBA, and continues to improve. So, I wouldn’t count out TK as of yet. His father and him are very similar, although dad a little bigger. But, his dad played in the league (albeit different era) for awhile. He was a journeyman, and that is best TK would ever be.

I think MM is more athletic than TK, with a little better quickness and foot speed. But, certain guys find success in the NBA, and others don’t, and it is often difficult to project college players at the next level. I would agree though that NBA bench bigs, are generally what I call “energy” bigs. Can they bring energy in a second group and add something on the defensive end, and score in their limited opportunities, whether it be put backs or something else. TK going to need to develop into that kind of role, if he can get a bit more athletic.

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