Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
We’ve been told not to do it, but we just can’t help ourselves. The question keeps being asked; who’s a better defender, Nerlens Noel or Anthony Davis? This discussion, of course, has been amplified ever since Nerlens decided to reject 12 shots against Ole Miss, pulling ahead of Davis’ record block pace. Everyone seems to have an opinion too. While some think Noel is the better defender and others say Davis was superior, you’ll rarely find someone without a take on the subject. Include Nicole Auerbach and Eric Prisbell in that conversation as well. Recently, the pair hosted USA Today’s college basketball mailbag, answering the most pressing questions from college basketball fans via Twitter. When asked to speak their mind on the Davis v. Noel debate, Auerbach and Prisbell reached a clear consensus on who they thought was the better defender.
Auerbach on Davis v. Noel:
I know Nerlens Noel’s shot-blocking numbers are ahead of Anthony Davis’ at this point in the season and Noel was incredible the other night playing with four fouls against Ole Miss, BUT I’m leaning Davis anyway. Davis was in his opponents’ heads all the time. He told me last season, “A lot of guys don’t drive to the lane as much as they would against a normal team. … A lot of teams do approach us differently knowing that I’m back there.” And we saw that a lot last season. I’m sure opponents game plan for Noel and he’s in their minds, too, but because Kentucky’s defense on the whole is weaker, it’s not the same impact.
Prisbell on the debate:
Well, it’s a good, intriguing question. Mr. Flat-top is an excellent shot blocker. But I look at Anthony Davis as a once-in-a-generation shot blocker. I sat courtside for UK’s final nine games last season and, in the SEC tourney, wrote about one play that I remember clear as day. Florida’s Erving Walker drove and had a clear path to the basket against Kentucky. He had a layup in the bank. But he did not know where Davis and his 7-4 wing span lurked. So instead of attempting the layup, Walker flipped the ball back out for what turned out to be an errant three-point shot. Afterward, Florida’s Billy Donovan simply said, “There has never been a shot blocker like him.”
Both writers had more to say on the subject, but judging from these statements, they’ve clearly made up their minds. If you’re interested in seeing the rest of their comments or reading the college basketball mailbag, it can be found here.
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February 2nd, 2013 at 11:35 am
If you’re a big blue fan and have watched closely every game this season – I think it’s becoming a little more obvious each game that Nerlins is the better defender.
Nerlins lets nothing, and i mean NOTHING go in the post. He never blocks 3 pointers or long 2′s like Davis did last year, but he blocks everything in the paint.
Also, Nerlins has an uncanny ability to poke it out from whoever has the ball, and although he doesn’t get the steal many times because someone else picks it up – everyone knows who caused it.
Davis had MONSTER defenders to help him – I think we can all agree Nerlins doesn’t have the same level of help around him.
Davis better overall player – Nerlins better defender, point blank period.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:42 am
If you’re a big blue fan and have watched closely every game this season – I think it’s becoming a little more obvious each game that Nerlins is spelled Nerlens.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:42 am
Why these guys keep overlooking Noel’s steals is beyond me. We’ve been so lucky to watch these guys play, I hope people realize that.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:43 am
The ballad of Nerlens is still being written. It’s impossible to compare the two especially if you’re using examples from Davis from the tournament.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:43 am
#1 I agree. Noel is the better defender especially once you consider his steals. Davis better all around player at this point.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:43 am
2) Lmao, so true.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:43 am
Agreed, I think it’s Nerlens as well
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:45 am
2. Haha classic!! Also #1 whoever pokes it out DOES get credit for the steal. Common misconception. That’s why Noel is top 15 in steals. Good thing you watch closely
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:46 am
There is no debate. Nerlens is by far the better defender because he gets so many steals. They are equals when it comes to blocks but Nerlens blows him away in steals.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:53 am
Nerlins is much better at guarding big men than Davis was. Davis got pushed around a bit just about every time he played against a top tier college big man. However, Davis commanded more respect in the paint than Nerlins does–one of the reasons why Nerlins is putting up bigger numbers is because guards keep putting up shots against him, whereas against Davis, guards would drive in, see Davis, and dribble back out because they knew they had no chance to get a shot off.
February 2nd, 2013 at 11:58 am
10. See #2
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:01 pm
#2–funny!
I’d just like to say that we should discuss this after the season is over. Talking about what A.D. did in March before we know what Nerlens will do in March is just kinda dumb. Time will tell.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:03 pm
you know while we’re at it…
NERLENS (not Nerlins, Nerlans)
Mays (not Mayes)
Jarrod (not jared)
Polson (not Polsen)
Jon Hood (not John)
Wiltjer (not wiltcher, wilcher.. etc.)
Terrence Jones (not Terrance)
feel free to add any others
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:10 pm
bottom line is it’s too early make this assessment. the way Nerlens is evolving as a shot blocker… he could be SPECIAL. just wait.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:10 pm
12. agreed
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Alot of Davis’ shot blocking came on the perimeter last year on jump shots and as the seconary defender on the interior, lurking behind the primary defender. Davis was better at blocking jump shooters out on the floor. But I think Nerlens is a better interior shot blocker, especially as the primary defender. Nerlens’ ablility to take a bump from the offensive player, gather himself, and explode off his feet is uncanny, as is his reaction time on the interior as he goes from helping off on one guy to turning around and blocking the next guy. Nerlens is a rim protector and at that he is better than Davis. I actually think he will pass Davis’ shot blockin numbers this year, if he can play enough games, and I don’t think it will take a full 40 games for him to do it. Of course his steals numbers speak for themselves. He is better in that regard, although the reaching has a potiential to get him cheap fouls at times, but he is mastered it to this point. Davis is the overall better player (offense & defense combined) and better at blocking perimeter jump shooters, but Nerlens is a better rim protector and steals man. I can’t complain about either!!!!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:31 pm
I don’t agree that it is nerlens point blank period. One thing that is overlooked is that Davis blocked shots and grabbed it out of the air or blocked it to another wildcat getting the possession. That is part of being a great defender as well. There have been several instances where Noel blocks a shot to another opponent and they score. I agree it is still early. Just feel blessed to be able to have both come through Kentucky.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:31 pm
We are lucky to have had both guys. Just think. In all the years of UK basketball, we have had the fortune of watching the two best in our history in back to back seasons
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Nerlens is the better shot blocker and is leading the team in steals. There is no way another big abuses him the way Withey did Davis in the championship game. Davis was clearly more developed (by leaps and bounds) in terms of his offensive skill set, but if we’re strictly talking about defense, then I believe Noel has the advantage in this debate.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:41 pm
BCG not coming to game now.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Nerlens has that pick-pocket move that I have never seen before with a big. Only problem with Noel is when he goes for a block and leaves his man open under the basket. The opposition sneaks in a lot of points that way. Sometimes he’ll have his back to the play, too. Those are just minor growing pains tho.
FEAR THE FLATTOP!! Nerlens has my nod for D.
Get that weight up, son.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:42 pm
nerlens as a defender davis shot blocker
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:42 pm
And my favorite coach (beside myself) is dook’s coach shusheffskee. Why do they call him Coach K?
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:46 pm
The “K” is pronounced like Lou Holtz is saying it.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Just saw Tom Cream and his wife on ESPN Game Day. She is not very pretty. No wonder he thinks about recruits – a lot.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Looks like all my elementary school teachers are on here today. Thanks for all the spelling lessons. Bet you would be some fun guys to hang out with.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:49 pm
I Think that Nerlens could b as good as Davis blocking perimeter shots if he had the chance, but he cant come out there. Anthony had Jones and MKG to take care of the paint when he went out there, Cal is not gonna let Noel out of the paint. I would of had loved to had seen them play together!!!!!!!!!!!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:54 pm
I think that flat top feller is pretty good.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Yea too bad guys don’t have to stay 2 years Norl at center with AD at pf? No one would get a shot off
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Stop it, Bobbum, the thought blows my mind
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:12 pm
19) You must have missed the Maryland game.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:21 pm
I’m just glad we had, and have both
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:22 pm
19) 5 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks isn’t exactly abusing someone who had 6 pts, 16 rebs, 5 asts and 6 blks, but what do I know.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:26 pm
I will say this, Davis was a great shot blocker as soon as h stepped on campus. Noel was terrible at the first of the year.Noel has gotten better and better as the year has gone along and the has only reverted back to jumping on every fake a couple of times lately. One was when the Alabama game got tight, he seemed to get too anxious and was bad down the stretch. However, saying all of that, no way Davis could have blocked some of those potential monster dunks the other night. Noel stuffed some “men” in that Ole Miss games.
February 2nd, 2013 at 1:41 pm
#27..that’s what I was going to say. Davis had MKG and Jones to help guard the paint. Terrence Jones could also block shots under the basket. This allowed Davis to help out on jump shooters. Davis was incredible, but Nerlens is CAT quick, and leads the team in steals and floor burns. I love Noel’s intensity. That Flat Top feller could be the best defensive big man ever!
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:00 pm
32, I think you said it all. Amen, brother.
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:22 pm
Flattop sailors will understand this:
Noel, “You have the Ball”
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:33 pm
One thing that was never talked about last season, was how much help Davis got on the interior. The entire team was involved as a shot blocking/altering unit. Many of A.D.’s blocks came because Terrence, MKG, or Darius were there helping to impede the driving offensive player, allowing Davis to set up for a block, without fouling. NerlEns gets NO HELP…ZERO, ZILCH, NADA.
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:37 pm
What I like to compare between the two is what name they wore across their chest and how they represented the commonwealth’s team! We’ve been very blessed! #BBN #CoachCal
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Not sure about defender, but Acie Earl had the best hightop fade of all time. Flat Top is what crackers with tiny pee pees say. Also, Everick Sullivan(former tard player) had a pretty sweet looking fade.
February 2nd, 2013 at 2:48 pm
strongly disagree, because nerlens is on a weaker team defensively he has to cover more ground than a davis to help defend the weak side at the same time protecting his man and the basket. which is what we saw against ole miss. Now if we were talking offense obviously the edge goes to a davis. Also, Nerlens is slightly quicker off the ground than a davis
February 2nd, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Absolutely idiotic when someone says “no contest” for Nerlens. It’s amazing how ignorant and short of memory some fans are. Same category as those who bellyache because our team struggles in the middle of the year, forgetting how awesome Cal is and will continue to be. Nerlens has a ton of steals, and that’s his main argument vs Davis. They block the same number, but Nerlens only gets in big guys’ heads, whereas Nerlens prevented everybody on the opposing team from getting comfortable on offense for 40 minutes. Davis’s blocks also were steals basically all the time. Nerlens is very likely to just bat the ball away, which usually does nothing more in the tangible sense than to shorten the opponents’ shotclock, whereas Davis got the ball back and started fastbreaks. They’re both DPOY kind of guys at this level and the next, which is great for us, but don’t be a huge idiot and downplay Anthony effin Davis’s defense.
February 2nd, 2013 at 3:07 pm
^should read “whereas anthony..”
February 2nd, 2013 at 3:25 pm
#31, I saw the Maryland game, but that was at the beginning of the season; a rough-around-the-edges performance for a freshman is to be expected, while the game against KU came at the end of the season. That was my point.
#33, Thanks for the stats research. Maybe my memory deceives me. Withey seemed stronger in the tug-of-war battle down low, but maybe Davis did get the better of him? Your stats, if correct, back it up and prove me wrong. In my defense, I was pretty drunk by the end of that game, so maybe things are fuzzier than I thought(lol).
February 2nd, 2013 at 3:37 pm
My appreciation of Nerlens is growing as the season progresses. However, I would pick AD. Noel may be quicker on his jump, but Davis was better at not getting in the air before the shot was in the air. Noel may be a bit more agressive and the flat top fade is more intimidating than the unibrow. I still think the nod goes to Davis on his ability to guard any player on the perimeter. Davis worked so hard on his offense and I haven’t seen that level of improvement in Noel. I wonder if that could have detracted slightly from Davis’ defensive game. I would argue that the championship game was proof of Davis’ defensive abilities on the biggest stage in college basketball.
February 2nd, 2013 at 4:58 pm
43) I hear ya lol. I was pretty trashed myself. But, yea I looked those stats up. No big deal though. It’s really a moot point though. Give me either kid (Davis or Noel) and I’ll be happy. Oh wait, we’ve had both!
February 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Let’s just let Nerlens be Nerlens! I am just thrilled to be able to say I have seen two of the greatest shot blockers of all time in college hoops dawn the blue & white! We have been spoiled since Cal arrived and I feel sorry for the next guy who is named head coach. The elite talent he continues to bring in year after year is amazing. I am also ecstatic to turn on the NBA this year. It seems like every time I turn on a game their is a fellow wildcat on the court. It is truly a pleasure to be a witness to what has happened since Cal arrived at our university.