With the Pistons pushing towards the playoffs and possibly the top seeding in the East if they can over throw the Celtics it’s easy to forget about the 7′1″ center down in Ft. Wayne. Out of sight out of mind right? Well let’s take a sec to update some of Cheikh’s progress.
Cheikh’s currently averaging:
Min 25.7 FG% .477 FT% .756 Rbs: 6.9 Blks: 3.8 Pts: 10.5
In the Mad Ants last game, a 119-108 loss to the Austin Toros, Cheikh scored 15, collected 7 boards and blocked 8 shots.
There’s been some highs and lows for Cheikh so far. Samb got a triple-double (12 pts, 12 rbs, 11 blks) in his second game back with the Ants after getting a couple of his teeth knocked out (which he now wears a protective “Rip” mask for). Unfortunately the Ants lost that game which has been a theme for them as they currently sit at the bottom of the D-Leagues Central Division at 12-21.
Cheikh’s first coach, Kent Davidson, stepped down on Feb. 5th to take a coaching gig overseas. The team is now headed by Davidson’s assistant Jaren Jackson.
Fouls have limited Cheikh at times and forced the Ants to go small, ironically enough that’s led to a couple of their wins. In a game against the Utah Flash back on February 24th Cheikh fouled out in just 15 minutes of play. In a game against the Colorado 14ers on Feb. 2nd Samb had four fouls in less than four minutes in the first half and was fouled out before the fourth quarter.
Samb has started all twelve games he’s played in for Ft. Wayne.
March 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
[…] PistonsNation takes a look at Cheikh Samb’s progress with the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants. […]
March 2nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Saw him in action against Austin. So much raw, freakish athleticism. His big problem offensively is going away from the basket most times. He has trouble finishing. His shot blocking is phenomenal, but he’s got to continue working on his footwork. He gets lost when the lane gets muddled.
There also whispers of his attitude being somewhat questionable.
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hardwood Paroxysm,
Thanks for the insight!
I think Cheikh needs to put on some lbs before his offensive post game comes around. And as you said he needs work on footwork. That’s so paramount for big men.
The shot blocking would be exceptional for someone who’s been playing the game from youth let alone for Cheikh who’s only been hooping since his late teens.
Besides shot blocking, the other thing that impressed me in the times I’ve seen him in action is his jumper. You wouldn’t expect a 7 footer new to the game to have the mechanics and silky smooth release he has.
I hope the whispers about his attitude are just whispers because he’s got exciting potential. But, if he’s not got the best attitude right now he’s with an org. in Detroit that should be able to bring his outlook around.
PS - Nice site HP, I’ve added you to the blogroll.