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Around the League => The Draft => Topic started by: chambers on February 08, 2014, 05:17:42 PM

Title: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: chambers on February 08, 2014, 05:17:42 PM
Amazing what 18 months and some skills work/coaching will do.
He's now the number 1 recruit from his class.
You may remember this topic/video from August last year which showed his 8th grade highlights. He's now 16 (turns 17 soon) but has come a looong way.
Amazing how far his shooting has come too. His stroke from the FT line is beautiful.
Have Durant and Lebron changed the game forever as part of a natural evolution? 7 footers with point guard skills and shooting ability are becoming more and more normal.

Original topic/video:
http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=67157.msg1533396#msg1533396


Recent video/update...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZaJFd4aSk
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: celticmania on February 08, 2014, 05:33:58 PM
Wow
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: LarBrd33 on February 08, 2014, 05:38:38 PM
when does he enter the nba? 

I commented on the thread last year and joked that he looked less talented than I was in 4th grade... except he was 7 feet tall. 

He looks like he's dramatically improved since that other video.  He now looks as talented as I was in 7th grade... except he's over 7 feet tall.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: CFAN38 on February 08, 2014, 05:49:03 PM
I don't ussually put much stock in highlight videos but wow this kid looks special, hope he develops a decent post game to go along with the obvious perimeter skill and physical gifts.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: hpantazo on February 08, 2014, 05:52:40 PM
I hope one of our future Nets picks lands us this guy
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Global Celtic on February 08, 2014, 06:04:24 PM
The pride of Sudan (only moved to Australia a few years ago).
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Who on February 08, 2014, 06:23:47 PM
Wow, that was impressive.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: gift on February 08, 2014, 07:02:04 PM
I've been looking for an update on him for a while now. He's definitely improved which impressive, but should also be expected since the last bunch of highlights I had seen are almost two years old now. The potential is incredible and given his improvement there's plenty of reason to think he'll keep improving.

Same class as another high profile (Youtube) guy, Seventh Woods, who is I think ranked in the top ten in the class.

Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: nickagneta on February 08, 2014, 07:07:02 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Sketch5 on February 08, 2014, 07:17:37 PM
when does he enter the nba? 

I commented on the thread last year and joked that he looked less talented than I was in 4th grade... except he was 7 feet tall. 

He looks like he's dramatically improved since that other video.  He now looks as talented as I was in 7th grade... except he's over 7 feet tall.

He's part of the 2016 "prospect" class. Which looks pretty good, and he's #3 over all.

DA's move to get all of those Brooklyn picks might pan out. Now we just need Brooklyn to work with us and loose a bunch over the next couple seasons...:D
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: SHAQATTACK on February 08, 2014, 07:26:06 PM
when does he enter the nba? 

I commented on the thread last year and joked that he looked less talented than I was in 4th grade... except he was 7 feet tall. 

He looks like he's dramatically improved since that other video.  He now looks as talented as I was in 7th grade... except he's over 7 feet tall.

He's part of the 2016 "prospect" class. Which looks pretty good, and he's #3 over all.

DA's move to get all of those Brooklyn picks might pan out. Now we just need Brooklyn to work with us and loose a bunch over the next couple seasons...:D


Yeah.....right ....they sign LBJ ....our luck
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: SHAQATTACK on February 08, 2014, 07:30:30 PM
Given his age and height ....not bad .....yeah another three years and thirty pounds of muscle ......he very well could be draft stock

He looks better skilled than Fab Melo all ready.     ;D
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: jackson_34 on February 08, 2014, 07:43:42 PM
It's nice to see another great prospect emerging from Australia, especially from the (South) Sudanese community that has really adopted a strong connection with basketball here. From what I've seen (which is only highlights), it would appear Thon has unlimited potential at such a young age.

Here's an exceptionally interesting article with regards the recruitment of refugees in Australia to play basketball. Well worth a read in my opinion:

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/refugees-escaping-war-are-aiming-for-the-stars-20130810-2rovx.html (http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/refugees-escaping-war-are-aiming-for-the-stars-20130810-2rovx.html)

Sadly, Thon is probably not going to play for any Australian national teams. However, I absolutely love hearing stories of refugees in Australia seizing opportunities such as Thon's, given some of the negative framing placed on refugees or asylum seekers in this country.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: sofutomygaha on February 08, 2014, 07:46:57 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

I normally have the same reaction to highlight reels. To make things worse, fully 80% of most highlight reels is just guys finishing on lobs in time to some stupid music.

But this is legitimately amazing. I haven't seen a young seven footer move, handle the ball, and exhibit form like that since shaq.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: rocknrollforyoursoul on February 08, 2014, 08:35:44 PM
The proud of Sudan (only moved to Australia a few years ago).

Interesting, because as I watched the video, I was thinking, "Yeah, he's pretty good, but I see some Manute Bol in him." By which I mean not just the physical traits, but that in spite of his athleticism, it looks like he might break in two at any moment.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: GreenFaith1819 on February 08, 2014, 08:59:03 PM
TBH, first person that came to mind with the kid is....The Kid.

He reminds me of a young KG....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW0k7HtzQ4
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 08, 2014, 10:32:10 PM
Oh my basketball God. This skid will be VERY SPECIAL.

I'm in love and almost went drooling with the way he moves.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: KGs Knee on February 08, 2014, 10:35:37 PM
TBH, first person that came to mind with the kid is....The Kid.

He reminds me of a young KG....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW0k7HtzQ4

Yup.

100% agree.

This kid is taller though, which is amazing.   Very interested to see how he turns out.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: cb8883 on February 08, 2014, 10:53:09 PM
Brooklyn pick might pay off after all. This guy needs to wear Green.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Boston Garden Leprechaun on February 08, 2014, 11:01:26 PM
geez louise. kid has a nice stepback jumper also. wow.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Ogaju on February 08, 2014, 11:23:06 PM
TBH, first person that came to mind with the kid is....The Kid.

He reminds me of a young KG....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW0k7HtzQ4

You really should view the highlight reel a little more critically before you compare him to a first ballot HOFamer - he is playing a bunch of scrubs!!!! By the way I dis not know Australians play like that. Is he really Australian?
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: chambers on February 08, 2014, 11:58:41 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

Have you ever seen a 16 year old at 7 feet 1 with shooting and dribbling ability like that?

Maybe that's why he stands out? You don't see what he's doing every day and it's fun for basketball fans to monitor his progress with ease in the internet age.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: moiso on February 09, 2014, 12:17:52 AM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.
Yeah but can you make your son look like the next Thon Maker?
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on February 09, 2014, 12:21:47 AM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

Fair point Nick, but you gotta atleast respect the ability this kid has.

Not many 7 footers can move and handle the ball like this kid. I mean, it could be just highlight reels, but there's an obvious unique skill set there that stands out, despite the competition, or the selected clips being shown.

Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: indeedproceed on February 09, 2014, 02:25:47 AM
Highlight video looks amazing. His name is amazing. Cool thing for my kid to look forward to, a Celtics jersey with 'Maker' on the back. Beats his Sullinger onesie.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: indeedproceed on February 09, 2014, 02:52:53 AM
I will say this though..looking at that guy, it brings to mind the book 'Guards Guards' by Terry Pratchett. The main character is looking at this giant dragon and he thinks to himself, considering the membranous wings and giant two-ton body of the dragon as it nimbly swoops and dives and ascends again and thinks, 'Nothing that big should be able to fly like that.'

Jonathan Bender proved they can't. KG proved they can. This kid could be either , but physics says Bender is more likely than Garnett.

But in 2017, we will be due another 'once in a generation' type player.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Kiorrik on February 09, 2014, 03:29:32 AM
TBH, first person that came to mind with the kid is....The Kid.

He reminds me of a young KG....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW0k7HtzQ4
That's funny; one of my teammates (he works at Fox Sports here in Sydney) told me about this youngster and described him as a "young Kevin Garnett".
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: vjcsmoke on February 09, 2014, 03:44:47 AM
His thin physique and movement is more like a young KG.  It's ridiculous that he's showing off those kinds of moves and length at age 16.

Then again he is dominating high school competition, which he should.  I want to see this kid going up against top college competition his freshman year before I pass final judgment.  But looks like a phenom as far as athleticism is concerned.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: ManUp on February 09, 2014, 04:45:37 AM
Impressive.

I think this was bound to happen when 7 footers played the game because they liked it instead of because they were tall. He definitely has skills, but if he's going to make it in the NBA he's going to have learn to bang like a big. Working with people like John Lucas and other specialty basketball coaches will do nothing but help him get ready for college and maybe the league.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: GreenFaith1819 on February 09, 2014, 07:17:55 AM
TBH, first person that came to mind with the kid is....The Kid.

He reminds me of a young KG....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVW0k7HtzQ4

You really should view the highlight reel a little more critically before you compare him to a first ballot HOFamer - he is playing a bunch of scrubs!!!! By the way I dis not know Australians play like that. Is he really Australian?

Thanks, Ogaju - for pointing that out to me....that this young kid is playing against supposedly some scrubs.

But look at his MOVES.....to me, I couldn't help but think of a young KG....especially with the few defensive plays that Thon delivered.

The kids has MOVES...SKILLS...after only 18 months of tutoring, supposedly. He will only continue to get better.

Did any of us think that KG would do the things that he has done at this stage?

I think Thon is special. I hope that he continues to get better, especially defensively.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: moiso on February 09, 2014, 07:32:19 AM
I wonder if his age is accurate.  He looks more like 21 than 16.  Either way, he looks special.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: gift on February 09, 2014, 07:44:40 AM
I wonder if his age is accurate.  He looks more like 21 than 16.  Either way, he looks special.

I think his age is pretty accurate. Two years ago he definitely looked his listed age (~14/8th grade).
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: GreenFaith1819 on February 09, 2014, 07:58:02 AM
I'm sure he's on Danny's radar, lol.

From a Fan standpoint, I'd LOVE for him to become another KG...that is a HUGE pair of shoes to fill, but from a fan standpoint you hope for another KG, another Kareem, another Magic, another Larry, Duncan, Hakeem, etc, etc.

This kid is already an inch taller than KG and has some skills.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Gari on February 09, 2014, 09:21:42 AM
Scary thing is at 16, he still has room to grow taller! Wonder if he can maintain that level of handle and skill as he continues to grow.
With some more muscles added he'll be an absolute beast!

Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: mqtcelticsfan on February 09, 2014, 12:45:40 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

This is fair to an extent. I wouldn't get too excited about his jumpshot or moves or whatnot from a highlight, but his athleticism at his size still jumps out at you when you watch this video.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: biggs on February 09, 2014, 12:57:32 PM
That's incredible! Imagine covering him as a 16 year old? Holy cow!
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: guava_wrench on February 09, 2014, 01:10:43 PM
While highlight videos don't give a full picture, they are enough to show that he has skills rare on a 7 footer. His dribble is amazing for a 7 footer. Plus, he is not tentative when shooting. He is clearly comfortable pulling up from anywhere.

While his style really does remind of Durant, Durant is an elite shooter. There is no way to know from that video if Maker is an elite shooter. Clearly he CAN shoot from distance, but that doesn't mean that the ball drops at a high rate. On the other hand, who can block his shot on the perimeter? If he can hit step back 3s like that at any kind of decent rate, geez.

Another thing to keep in mind -- Durant was one of the all time worst physical specimens to be drafted so high based on combine numbers. If this kid can really play the 2/3 at 7', then I wouldn't worry much about his frame.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Future Celtics Owner on February 09, 2014, 03:02:49 PM
believe it or not I think there are 2 ahead of him on the rankings. But it is way too early to go by those very seriously .
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Future Celtics Owner on February 09, 2014, 03:08:16 PM
[ftp]http://nbadraftcentral.weebly.com/2017-mock.html/ftp]

(http://nbadraftcentral.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/5/6/11562801/9144092.png)

^^
Deron Davis has been ranked #1 for some time.  Unless this thread is actual news then I think he still is. But, I would 100% pick Thon
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Future Celtics Owner on February 09, 2014, 03:12:45 PM
http://nbadraftcentral.weebly.com/2017-mock.html (http://nbadraftcentral.weebly.com/2017-mock.html)

Sorry...I am trying to learn how to insert url, this so you can just click on it.

Anyways that is the site where i got my info. It is old though, because I have been reviewing this mock for some time.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: action781 on October 21, 2014, 11:01:15 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

I normally have the same reaction to highlight reels. To make things worse, fully 80% of most highlight reels is just guys finishing on lobs in time to some stupid music.

But this is legitimately amazing. I haven't seen a young seven footer move, handle the ball, and exhibit form like that since shaq.

If he missed half the jumpshots he took in this video, I'd still be impressed with him.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: fitzhickey on October 21, 2014, 11:25:12 PM
I wonder if his age is accurate.  He looks more like 21 than 16.  Either way, he looks special.
Age is legit, dude is 17. And will be a total beast
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: slamtheking on October 28, 2014, 03:18:42 PM
so, draft class is 2017?  hmm, being able to flip spots with Brooklyn that year may come in very handy when they're in decline.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: Eddie20 on October 28, 2014, 03:54:57 PM
His younger brother is also a top prospect. Similar body, but a couple of inches shorter.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: slamtheking on October 28, 2014, 03:57:31 PM
I can see the NBA marketing machine already drooling for this kid.  They've already got this sales pitch lined up when he goes on the road "Come meet your Maker".   you heard it hear first
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: kozlodoev on October 28, 2014, 04:18:33 PM
This judging talent off of highlight reels really needs to stop at some point because its like judging how fast a car is by looking at a picture of it while it is sitting in your garage.

I think I could probably make a highlight reel of my son playing ball that would make him look like the next Jordan.

Have you ever seen a 16 year old at 7 feet 1 with shooting and dribbling ability like that?

Maybe that's why he stands out? You don't see what he's doing every day and it's fun for basketball fans to monitor his progress with ease in the internet age.
Seeing how he "just moved from Sudan", I'll take the age with a pound of salt. To be precise, he seems to have arrived in Australia in 2002 via Uganda as a refugee, so whether or not the age is legit is a valid question.

And yes, we've seen seven footers moving like that. Yi and Jonathan Bender come to mind first -- and we all know how those two ended.

Also, forgive me if I'm not impressed by the fact that he can dribble around high schoolers without tripping over his own feet.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: AusCeltic on November 04, 2014, 12:57:18 AM
Moved to Australia when he was 5 so his age isn't in question otherwise someone would have dug it up by now (school records etc). Hope he can fill out to KGs size in time if so would be a beast.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: loco_91 on November 04, 2014, 01:18:06 AM
good handles, super long stride, athleticism, awesome size/length. That can add up to something.
Title: Re: 7' 1" Australian Thon Maker is now #1 recruit and moving like Durant *WOW*
Post by: knuckleballer on November 04, 2014, 02:07:47 AM
Someone needs to ask KG if he visited the Sudan after his rookie season.