I can't help but draw comparisons between Kevon as a sophomore this year and Ty in his very good year as a sophomore two years ago. Similar size, similar abilities. A couple of questions to consider...

1) Do you think Kevon is better at this stage than Ty was at the same stage in 2015-2016? My recall on Ty's first two years are starting to blurr a bit, but I'd have to say that Kevon is a little better. I think he's just a little more athletic and a little more accurate shooter from a distance.)

2) After he gets back on the court, do you think Ty will be as good at any time before the end of this year as he was in 2015-2016? As much as I'd like to say 'yes', I don't think that's possible, given his injuries and the amount to time he's had to spend away from action.

What say ye, Jack fans?

Well, I guess I see Ty's years a little differently. Ty was hyped up his freshman year like he was going to be the next stud of the team. And, for the most part he lived up to it that first year. He was lanky and long for his height with decent speed. He averaged almost 9 pts/game with 5 rebounds as a first year starter. A solid contributor. He would lift the team at times and he was probably the sole bright spot in the Utah game.

Over the summer Underwood touted his 40(!) pound weight gain in muscle. When he started his sophomore year, I felt like his bulk slowed him tremendously. Most of the year it seemed like he was trying to figure out how to use his new bulky frame. He averaged the same in points and rebounds the second year, but never seemed to inspire to me - just work. For someone seen as the next big thing, he was overshadowed by the great play of almost everyone else on that great team. Where others made their mark, he was lost in the stats. And last year, his injuries just never let him get going. He did seem to shed some of that sophomore weight though.

I don't expect much from him in way of spark, but I expect 10 points/5 rebounds. The question is if he can get those in addition to others or at the expense of others. I see him as a plus if he replaces Canete.

On the other hand, Kevon had a very similar first year as the lanky new kid. Almost 9 points a game with 4 rebounds. Coming back though, Kevon looks like he's gotten stronger and is coming out with a fire that seems to mean much higher averages this game. Of course he's not competing against Walkup, but he looks like he can take over games. He seems to me like he's fulfilling the promise that Ty was supposed to deliver on. The year's just starting, but he seems like his trajectory is going to take him much higher than anything Ty will achieve.

For fairness, Ty has been injured quite a bit, and I know this has an effect. Hopefully they both will stay healthy.

nacluth said:

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I don't expect much from him in way of spark, but I expect 10 points/5 rebounds. The question is if he can get those in addition to others or at the expense of others. I see him as a plus if he replaces Canete.

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Great observations, all. My expectations (hopes, actually) are bit lower. If we can get 6-7 ppg from Ty when he returns (and not at the expense of others) I'll be satisfied. And he will definitely be an improvement over Ivan as a forward, although Ivan can sub at the point while Ty cannot.

A healthy Ty is a game changer. When is he expected to return?

No-look said:

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A healthy Ty is a game changer. When is he expected to return?

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After the LeTourneau game the other day Coach K said "in about a week". So, he's getting close, but I don't know if that means game-ready or practice-ready. Perhaps Isaac can give us an update.

Wasn't it a shoulder issue with Ty? Maybe he's been working out legs and lower body, so he may get in bb shape sooner than if it would have been a leg or lower body injury.