<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ST. FRANCIS ? As he did during his two-year basketball career at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Javier Mendiburu has made an immediate impression on the Milwaukee Bucks. During the second day of the Bucks? four-day summer camp on Tuesday, Mendiburu was making the same pinpoint passes he did while playing for the Phoenix. But instead of making a pass to Josh Lawrence or Benito Flores, Mendiburu was finding No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Andrew Bogut in the paint during a four-on-four drill, or making a sharp pass to NBA veteran guard Erick Strickland on the wing. As with any rookie, there were a couple of missed shots and a few mistakes by Mendiburu, each greeted with a quick clap of his hands in disgust. By the end of the three-hour practice, however, Mendiburu couldn?t keep from smiling. ?I am feeling great,? said Mendiburu, who averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season and was the co-most valuable player for UWGB. ?It is a great experience for me, playing against all of these guys that are on a different level than when I was in Green Bay. It?s a learning experience. I have never played with these kinds of players. I am just trying to do my best.? After battling nerves in his first practice on Monday, Mendiburu looked poised on Tuesday. ?The first 10 minutes of practice on the first day, I was like, ?Whoa, I am practicing with Andrew Bogut, T.J. Ford, Strickland,?? said Mendiburu, 24. ?But after that, it?s just basketball.?</div> Source
Any of you Buck fans want to know anything about Javy, ask me, I'll give ya the ins and outs. Having spent last winter in Green Bay, I hit almost every GB game this winter. (it was also my cousin, and team captain, senior year) So, I've watched his play with eagle eyes from behind the bench. He's from Spain, played with their Jr National team, and his biggest asset is by far his intensity and his Kidd-esque passing. He's a big body (was listed at 6-4 210) and has an excellent outside shot. Was in the top 10 all season in the NCAA in assists. If he doesnt make the NBA, he'd be a sure fire star back in Spain.
How is he defensively? One-on-One & Team defense? Also what would you estimate his wingspan to be and what type of offensive set does he strive in? Uptempo or halfcourt sets? Thanks.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to this Shape. Defensivly, he's a much better off ball than one on one. He sees the ball well and can anticipate, however is pretty slow of foot. He also had a nasty ankle turn in late season which slowed him down. His wing span is probably average, not too much longer than what it should be. But he has very large hands. His court vision is best for a fast break offense, Throws the oops real well and can feed a pass into the smallest holes. He finds cutters and back doors in the half court aswell, however, I think with guys running on his sides, he's at his best because of his creativity and Kidd type passing style.
Wow, that's great to see another Wisconsin guy getting a shot at the Association. I only saw him play a couple times @ Green Bay, but he looked solid and for sure has talent. Thanks for the info, Kicksdaddy
Thanks for the scouting report on Mendiburu. He has great size for PG and big hands are important for passers. It's good to see the Bucks bring him in for a look. I bet if Mendiburu was an International prospect with those physical attributes and skillset, he would be a draft choice.
Wouldn't shock me. I honestly compare him to Deron Williams, with less ups. His body is similar, Javy is maybe an inch taller and less stocky. but they both are thicker guards, with an incredible array of passes and a wonderful vision. Milwaukee usually has a pretty long track record of giving GB guys a shot in summer league. UW-Milwaukee players too. Although I'm looking for Joah Tucker to actually GET drafted next summer. Something I would have thought "Easy" Ed McCants would have had a shot at this year.
