Love this kid. Hima is a key component to rebuild this program. Guards are a dime a dozen. 7’7 wing span with athletic ability is rare especially in the A10.

It is a very nice article by Tim Benz; and I recommend that everyone listen to the audio interview to get a better appreciation of the obstacles that Mounir has had to overcome simply in terms to the "basketball language" barrier.  He had to learn English, but is now learning another language; basketball terminology and slang.  Think of all of the terms that he needed to learn just to follow a the coaches instructions; things that we all take for granted, such as jump-stop, defensive rotation, pivot-foot, jab-step, drop-step, post-up, pick-and-roll, slip-screen, stagger screen, flare screen,  and on and on!  He can speak four languages but is now learning a fifth!  Anyway, he seems like a very nice young man, anxious to learn, and cognizant of his role on the team; and how he can contribute to make the team better.  This is something that some American players never seen to understand.  Hopefully he keeps working hard, and hopefully good things will follow.   

CLK wrote:

I would love to see Hima stay and develop, but he is not the answer for next year or even the year after.  He has skills but still has a long way to go in his development.  I love his spirit, but his biggest problem right now is his understanding of the college game and his ability to communicate and defend without fouling. His blocks are spectacular but so many times he is out of position and lost on the court.  He also needs to work on his hand and develop an offensive game.  Next year he needs to bulk up get stronger and learn how to defend without fouling.  By time he is a junior if he works hard he could be force for the Dukes. We need serious help inside next season. 

While I am on the subject, I love Rotroff.  I really like what I saw from him in the limited games he played this season. He worked hard and transformed his body.  We can only imagine what his career would have been like if he was not plagued by injuries.  Regrettably, I don't think he is the answer for next year either because of his physical setbacks and high risk of injury.  I would like to see him back, but not on scholarship.  I remember a few years ago a Saint Joe player graduated and gave up his scholarship but stayed on the team.  Some of you guys who have a greater understanding if the rules may want to comment on this idea,  Rotroff in this new NIL world could make up most of his grad school costs if this could happen. You might even throw Gunn into this category,

Just keep in mind, Hima has only played since Jan.29, coming off the bench in the middle of A-10 ball. He has 20 blocks, not for a season, but in just one month against A-10 teams. He's a fast learner, and a pretty bright kid. I would not be surprised, that, if he gets 30 plus minutes per game in OOC, then he will likely be a reasonably effective Center by Conf.play, on a half court team that really needs both blocks and rebounds to have a chance to win. He has more will to succeed than the average player that we are used to seeing coming in here.    

CLK wrote:

Napa I would be surprised if Hima sees more than spot minutes next season.  I would not be surprised to see three new bigs next year.  Dambrot has made it clear he is loading up on bigs.  He got one commitment today, and one with a strong lean to Duquesne.  See Recruiting Section for articles on Dixon & Barre

Well, looks promising. But like every year, there is the expectations, then when they get here, the reality. Hopefully one or the other get here and help inside, because the Dukes need Big bodies to work this offense. I'm more concern about an experienced point guard to run this team  Not much will improve without one.