Gonzaga Basketball: Chatting about Drew Timme
Ed Stein
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During Gonzaga’s Sweet 16 win over Creighton, some of our PNWS staff started chatting about Zags center Drew Timme.
During Gonzaga’s 83-65 Sweet 16 win over Creighton, the Zags went up by over 20 points with nine minutes left. Some of the PNWS staff started to chat about Zags center Drew Timme, a.k.a. The Spokane Stash. Here is the transcript.
Ed: Is it me, or does Drew Timme handle the ball really well for a 6-10 guy? He likes to push it up the court.
Chris: He does! Another thing I noticed there have been at least two times where the passer has passed the ball to Timme before Timme’s even looking or ready to receive the pass, and he’s caught it so smoothly and in a rhythm that it looks like it’s a timing play…that he’s expecting the ball to be in the precise spot it needs to be so his natural hand motion puts his hand in the right position…..it’s like a QB throwing a ball to a spot before the receiver even enters the picture to catch it
Ed: And his footwork is so good. I can’t remember a college big man that skilled. He reminds me of young (but shorter) Arvydas Sabonis.
Chris: A knock on this Zags team is their shot-blocking ability
Ed: That’s my biggest criticism of Timme and why I think he needs another season in Spokane.
Chris: Yeah, it’ll be interesting to see how well Timme and Kispert do at the next level. I’d bet Corey Kispert is the more successful.
Ed: If he (Timme) can improve his D, we’re talking Top-15.
Chris: Timme also needs a jump shot.
Ed: He moves so well in the paint, though.
Chris: Timme does, and it’s unfortunate that his game is just about obsolete in the modern NBA.
Ed: Not so sure about that because he runs the floor so well. He gets up and down fast. And he can finish on the break.
Chris: The hustle bigs aren’t in vogue anymore. Lou Amundson, Tyler Hansbrough, and Kenneth Faried types aren’t used. You can be a hustle type big if you can block shots. Timme isn’t that right now, and how much can you improve that ability since a lot of it is about athleticism (springs in the calves).
Ed: I have to disagree. Talent is talent.
Scouting Report
Ed: If you were scouting him, how would you describe his game and how he fits in at the next level?
Chris: Has size, hustle, really good ball handling for a big man, moves fluid, can score on the block, passes well for a big man.
Lacks ability to score outside of the low block, not a shot blocker, rebounds average for his size. Because of his lack of shot-blocking ability, he plays straight up when he gets in trouble defensively on the block allowing the offensive player an easier to flush the ball through the rim, doesn’t shoot the ball well from the free-throw line.
His ability to rock facial hair is a plus but needs improvement in shooting the ball to succeed at the next level.
forget the basketball skills, Drew Timme's handlebar mustache is ELITE pic.twitter.com/jg4r7188OA
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2021
Enter the Zags expert
At this point, Teresa Powe, who covered the Zags all season, joined the chat.
Ed: @Teresa Powe Do you want to weigh in on Timme?
Teresa: I believe if he stays another year, he would be better ready for the next level. Just needs to be stronger.
Ed: Chris thinks Timme’s game is obsolete in the modern NBA. I disagreed because of his ability to run the floor on the break and pass.
Teresa: Definitely. Look at Rudy Gobert, KAT, Anthony Davis. He’ll be a catch because of his game and his youth.
Ed: @Chris Phillips Do you think he needs another year in college?
Chris: Yes, Timme should come back unless he’s a lottery pick. Then he needs to go. Cause college players who stay longer in college don’t get rewarded with higher draft picks and more money.
Chris: @Teresa Powe All those players you named aren’t Timme. Gobert is a rebounding and shot-blocking monster. The other two shoot threes at a good clip for their size. Maybe Timme can become Lil Sabonis in the NBA.
Ed: @Teresa Powe You have the last word on Drew Timme.
Teresa: In his last game, Timme scored his career-high 30 points. He was the high scorer today. Gonzaga is playing against NCAA tournament-level teams, making them look like high school teams. Timme is a huge part of their success. Player number one in the terrifying trio (with Kispert and Jalen Suggs).
If Gonzaga wins the tournament, he could probably go in the late first-round or early second. One more year to get sharper, stronger at the basket, and he is a top ten draft pick. The league is looking for big men, especially those rebuilding.
What do you think about Gonzaga Bullgog’s center Drew Timme? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.