We'll learn more about Soko as the season progresses, but here are the comparisons that can be made:

Offense - While Saunders could score and was the best offensive player of his time (save for his year with Aaron Jackson), Duquesne's offense never worked around him. Saunders' biggest weakness was his propensity to step outside - way outside - and launch threes. Still, he was very skilled around the basket, and had that awesome leaping ability, and had that knack for finishing in the paint, which made him dominant even against taller opponents. Soko is not as skilled offensively but is still a very good and can be a load in te paint. Of late he is hitting every FT he takes, which is great, but if he would be a little more proficient in the paint he could be making more traditional 3-point plays. Would love to see him get it in his mind that he's going to finish every play strong.

Defense - No comparison. Saunders was an A-10 defensive player of the year who could body up against a 7 footer, block shots, and pick pockets all night long. Saunders probably was a little quicker than Soko is (tall WR speed vs. TE speed is the best way I can put it) and was always thinking defense. Soko may "improve" as we get into A-10 play and he gets to play against bigger and stronger players, rather than smaller and quicker guys.

Rebounding - Saunders had some great rebounding nights but also some nights when he didn't go to the glass as aggressively. Soko knows it's his job and he's diligent about it. He works more on position, something Saunders seemed to take for granted because of his quickness and leaping ability.

Supporting cast - Saunders had the privilege of playing with two very good point guards at Duquesne, AJax and McConnell. Having Billy Clark as a sidekick to provide toughness and clutch shooting was also a plus. What he lacked for four years was another big body to take some of the pressure off of him. Soko has a marvelous big guy next to him in McKoy. Hopefully Ridenour develops into the point guard that we desparately need. Ironically, Billy Clark would have been the ideal complement to Soko and McKoy, and McKoy would have been the ideal big man to work with Saunders and Clark.

Final analysis - You'd take either player, especially to fit your system, but if you had both on your roster Saunders would be your starter. That said, the season's young for Soko and he can certainly blossom as a great one-year player in the tradition of Mark Stevenson.