<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It figures that Drew Gooden would be worried. With so much riding on the coming season and how he capitalizes on his new opportunity with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, it figures he would be ridden with anxiety. With a big contract potentially waiting in the wings, or a deeper slide into mediocrity, it figures Gooden would be seriously stressing. Instead, he's been playing glorified pickup games at Kezar Pavilion in the San Francisco Pro City Basketball League. Instead, he's preparing to host a basketball camp for West Contra Costa County kids. "I can play this game," said Gooden, 22, an El Cerrito High School graduate. "There is no question in my mind." These extracurricular activities aren't signs of Gooden's lack of focus. Exactly the opposite. Gooden is so focused, so confident, he's not really sweating what lies ahead. The camp -- which begins Monday at Albany High School -- even helps ensure that focus, keeps him grounded. Gooden figures all he needs is 30-35 minutes a night at the power forward position, and everything will work out. He has yet to average 30 minutes per game in his first two seasons, nor has he started more than 50 games. He's played some power forward, his position of choice, but mostly in relief or for match-up purposes. All things considered, his numbers aren't too bad. Despite his circumstances, Gooden has career averages of 12 points and 6.5 rebounds. "He's still produced," said Calvin Andrews, Gooden's agent. "Look at his numbers his rookie year, and look at (Phoenix's Amare) Stoudemire and (Houston's) Yao Ming. He was one point away from one and one rebound away from the other." Still, Gooden has yet to catch on. He's been traded twice. He spent the bulk of his first two seasons either out of position or playing second fiddle. He's labeled as not strong enough to rebound or defend at the power forward, not skilled enough to play on the perimeter, not quite good enough to supplant the veteran or hold back the youngster. But he's expected to get his chance with Cleveland. The Cavaliers are in need of a power forward after Carlos Boozer jumped ship. Gooden said Cleveland coach Paul Silas told him he was going to get his 30-35 minutes at power forward. Even more, Gooden gets to play with James, who is not only one of the most talented players in the league, but Gooden's friend. They know each other through AAU ball with the Oakland Soldiers.</div> Source
Cocky would be saying he is going to become a all-star or something. Personally i like the confidence, as long as he works hard to prove he can be a good if not premier power forward like the number 4 overall pick should merit.
If your confident, there's usually something you don't know. He's a new player on the team, expected to fill Boozer's position (or at least come close), and he has been traded twice. To me, that speaks of a person who is full of self-confidence, which could be good or bad. If he thinks he is the new Boozer, he will expect the ball to come his way. He has to learn about how the team plays, which is why he won't average any more than 5-10 points for the first 10-15 games. It could also work out well for the Cav's if he backs himself to get the ball all the time. He will keep going for it, thinking he can beat any of the premier power forwards in the league, and that will make him a better player, so eventually he will be able to beat the best power forwards.
My only concern about Gooden is that he may be a little too weak to be effective in the paint. That may lead to alot of outside jumpers and that isn't a good thing.
If Drew is really dedicated on being the best player he can be, then he'll be working on his strength and conditioning over the summer. And if he really likes in Cleveland next summer, he work even harder on getting better as a player. <u>IF</u> he does this, he'll leave us thinking, Carlos who?
I sure do hope he succeeds. I'm not big on Gooden, but I do want him to do well, after Boozer bolted.
Gooden biggest problem is he avoids contact. Good luck Drew as you will be matching up against Tractor in scrimmages. I'm sure under the guidance of Silas, Goodens mentality can be improved to utilise his natural talents. Utilising his length inside can give us a solid 2 punch inside with Z.
