Batten ESPN

[mje1]

From ESPN:

ODU's next star?
9:41AM ET
Old Dominion Monarchs


Dimitri Batten used just 49 percent of Old Dominion's available minutes last season, but on the upperclassman-laden team (per Ken Pomeroy, the Monarchs were one of the most experienced squads in the nation), the 6-foot-3 guard did not necessarily have a role. However, it is worth noting Batten's offensive rating lead the squad as he connected on 46 percent of his twos -- one of the best rates on the team.

Sans Chris Cooper and Kent Bazemore, coach Blaine Taylor has high expectations for his soon-to-be sophomore. Speaking to Michael Litos of CAA Hoops, Taylor said of Batten: "I told him I don't care how old you are just play basketball and know 'I'm good enough to do this.' "

Batten could be a breakout player for the Monarchs during the team's final CAA campaign. If the guard is able to combine his offensive ability with confidence -- with per Taylor's quote, seems to be an area Batten could improve -- the soph could provide support to former Clemson guard Donte Hill. It is worth noting, though, that playing time will be plentiful in 2013: Hill and Nick Wright are the only returnees who used more than 50 percent of ODU's minutes last season.

[Bluebyu]

Batten will be the next ODU player to make the NBA...NOT Bazemore! Batten wants the ball at crunch not go and hide like Baze. He's a better ball handler and shooter than Bazemore right now, plus he has the swagger/confidence required for the NBA.

[ODUblue]

Where's the link?

[Beenjammin More]

Batten will be the next ODU player to make the NBA...NOT Bazemore! Batten wants the ball at crunch not go and hide like Baze. He's a better ball handler and shooter than Bazemore right now, plus he has the swagger/confidence required for the NBA.

Why is it necessary to attack a former Monarch while praising a current one? I just don't understand what this adds to the conversation.

[Bluebyu]

you are correct...............my bad

[mje1]

Batten maybe a little small for the pros but could be all Conference USA as a Junior

[ODUgobigblue]

Batten's got serious swagger. He makes it obvious. If someone dunks on him, he makes sure he gets them back. I don't think he has confidence issues at all. It's just a matter of development for him.

Not sure who has a better chance of the NBA between him and Ross. Both of them are fantastic and have high ceilings, as long as they stay on track.

[N2theBLUE]

IMO, Batten is far ahead of where Bazemore was at the end of his freshman year.

[Beenjammin More]

It is just so very difficult for players from even BCS programs, much less MM level programs to make it to the NBA. There are few open slots and lots of competition. I hope KB can impress Golden State or OKC and get a f/a contract. He will at least earn a great living playing the sport he loves. Pretty sweet. BTW I believe today is KB24's Birthday.

[DABIGBLUE]

There's about 4,500 players playing D1 basketball and only 60 get drafted. It's very tough to make the NBA.