The Lopez Twins

[nbrans]

I don't know if they're coming out this year, but man... The game's not over and Brook Lopez has 16 points, 11 boards and 12 blocks against USC. These guys need to work on some back to the basket moves, but they're legit seven footers, really athletic and some really great shotblocking. They can also pass and shoot well from outside. With those back to the basket moves and some added strength they look like they could really be good NBA centers.

 

[kpm308]

I was watching that game too and it was a great game by Brooke. My nephew went to school with them here in Fresno and I went with him to watch a few of their games last year. Brooke seems to have more potential of the two, better shooter and has a pretty good turnaround jumper. Neither has much of a post game though and they could really benefit from staying in school a couple more years. Their mom is really adament about their education though and I can see them staying in school for four years, doubt they'll be coming out any time soon, which is probably the best, but I think if they keep developing they can both become good NBAers.

 

[Rain man]

Yeah- their mom wants them to stay awhile at Stanford and get their degrees. Robin (the long-haired brother) has had the better year to date, but Brook really had a monster game against USC. The most impressive thing is that Brook and his coach both say that he is playing at about 70% right now (he had back surgery in September, and missed the first 8-10 games of the season). If 70% eqauls 18 points 11 boards, and 12 blocks, look out for a full-strength Brook...

Both need to work on the post game, but they have a few nice moves. Brook tends to play better defense, Robin has a decent jumper and a developing post game. But they are both forces on the boards and on interior defense. When they come out in 3-4 years they will both be lottery picks, and they already project out as having FAR greater impact than the last Stanford twins (Jarron and Jason COllins).

 

[LPKingsFan]

First, a little self promotion (didn't write this, but do have ties to the Daily): http://www.stanforddaily.com/article/2007/1/26/blockParty

Breakout game for Brook tonight. For as long as I've known that the twins were coming here to The Farm, I've heard that Brook had star written all over him. "Could have been a lottery pick if not for the new age rule," and all that.

But academics and family history will play a huge factor. Their mother attended Stanford, and after their brother didn't fare so well in Washington (he ended up transferring to Santa Clara, I beleive), they decided that Stanford was the place for them. They are very involved in student life here, and Robin even played a fairly significant role in a campus play (one that is designed to lampoon Cal, nonetheless). I've heard from numerous sources that they intend to stay all 4 years and get their degrees from Stanford, and so far I have no reason not to believe what I hear.

But onto the scouting report. Brook came in very highly regarded but was slow to recover from offseason back surgery. His triple double tonight (18 points, 11 rebounds, 12 blocks) may show that he's now 100% and finally back in the swing of things. In time, he is expected to provide both an inside presence, as well as a perimter threat. Stanford coach Trent Johnson jokes that Brook fashions himself a three-point shooter, but the truth is that in time he will likely be able to score well from any point on the floor. In all likelihood only second to Spencer Hawes (who almost came to Stanford) in terms of freshman rankings in the Pac-10--also note that the Lopez twins effectively shut down Hawes in Stanford's upset win last week.

Robin (the longer haired one) has played better so far this year, mostly because Brook has been recovering from the surgery. He's demonstrated a proficiency to take over games on the defensive end, and has anchored our post defense and controlled the paint. Tonight's game against USC, however, showed that Brook is equally, if not more, capable of making a difference on the defensive end. Needless to say, it will be a treat watching these two develop, as the Card looks to play the spoiler role in a wild and dangerous Pac-10 conference.

 

[nbrans]

^Good stuff, LPKingsFan. I'm just really excited that the Cardinal finally have some non-wuss big men for the first time since Mark Madsen. If only Stanford had some offense we'd be a serious team again.

 

[CalBears1]

More 7 ft white guys, great! 7ft white guys have a great track record in the NBA.

 

[nbrans]

More 7 ft white guys, great! 7ft white guys have a great track record in the NBA.

I would be surprised by your ignorance, except that you're a Cal fan. So that's just par for the course.

 

[CalBears1]

I would be surprised by your ignorance, except that you're a Cal fan. So that's just par for the course.

It's called sarcasm, guy.....ever heard of it!

 

[nbrans]

It's called sarcasm, guy.....ever heard of it!

Your brilliant sarcastic wit just drips off the page. I bow before your sarcastic genius.

Also Cal sucks.

 

[CalBears1]

Your brilliant sarcastic wit just drips off the page. I bow before your sarcastic genius.

Also Cal sucks.

Stanford fan?

 

[nbrans]

Stanford fan?

Yes.

 

[Rain man]

If only Stanford had some offense we'd be a serious team again.

You a Stanford guy as well, NBRANS? My senior year there was the season we started 26-0, only to get upset in the second round by Alabama (heartbreaking- although watching Josh Childress never got boring).

It has been very exciting to watch this team grow up this season, especially after two very uninspired and under-achieving years. There was almost zero expectation for this team early in the year, but guys like the Lopez twins, Law Hill, and Anthony Goods have really come into their own. The scary thing for the rest of the Pac-10, is that outside of Freddy Washington, no contibuting player on this team is older than a sophomore. Maybe another golden period of Stanford hoops...

 

[nbrans]

You a Stanford guy as well, NBRANS? My senior year there was the season we started 26-0, only to get upset in the second round by Alabama (heartbreaking- although watching Josh Childress never got boring).

It has been very exciting to watch this team grow up this season, especially after two very uninspired and under-achieving years. There was almost zero expectation for this team early in the year, but guys like the Lopez twins, Law Hill, and Anthony Goods have really come into their own. The scary thing for the rest of the Pac-10, is that outside of Freddy Washington, no contibuting player on this team is older than a sophomore. Maybe another golden period of Stanford hoops...

Yeah, I'm '02 -- that Bama loss was heartbreaking, although I'd say the loss to Maryland in the Elite 8 was the worst of all. They just played the game of their life. I remember going into that halftime thinking Maryland couldn't shoot like that in the second half and then they were better.

And I'm really really hoping for another golden era. If they could just get a star perimeter player (or if Goods keeps developing) they could be really awesome. I was so excited watching last night.

 

[Rain man]

Maryland was my freshman year. Very tough pill to swallow. Just remembering that game reminds me of why any comparison of Jason/Jarron Collins and Robin/Brook Lopez begins and ends with the factt hat they are twins who went to Stanford...

 

[CalBears1]

Ya, I cannot hate on Stanford as much as I like to anymore since my little brother is more than likely going to be an incoming Freshman there next year.

 

[Entity]

should i mention I am a Bama man??

 

[LPKingsFan]

Goods is one of the streakiest players I've seen. But when he's hot from the perimeter, look out. He gets a little smirk on his face, and starts hitting shots from anywhere on the floor.

As for the twins, Stanford head coach Trent Johnson was quick to point out the differences with the Collins twins. The Collins twins had Madson and Tim Young, two first round picks, leading the squad when they first donned a Cardinal jersey. But the Lopez twins are already the primary offensive and defensive leaders of a team that graduated 3 all-league seniors last year. So while they may falter in the early going, assuming the mantle of leadership at such an early stage may pay off big in the long run.