[valentine]

Andre Drummond vs. Khem Birch
The two big-time centers played to a draw last spring when they last squared off as the top-two players in the Class of 2012. With Birch now reclassified to 2011 and signed with Pitt, all that was at stake was bragging rights, but Drummond, from St. Thomas More, nonetheless came away as the clear winner. He established his jump hook as a weapon on the game’s very first possession and continued to go to it until Birch took away his left shoulder at which point he showed a quick spin to the baseline. Drummond was also more of a defensive presence inside the paint blocking shots, rebounding and utilizing his size and mobility to contain the pick-and-roll. For Birch, the lone bright spot on the day might have been the continued development of his midrange skill set as he faced up for short jumpers from the mid-post and even made shots from the short corner off pick-and-pop action.

Andre Drummond vs. Nerlens Noel
Two days after winning his duel with Birch, Drummond returned to take on the top ranked center in the Class of 2013. While both players were even in the scoring category, Noel’s impact was far greater as he dominated both backboards and controlled the game defensively, blocking three shots, changing countless others, and demonstrating unrivaled instincts on that end of the floor. Drummond made his customary three or four big-time plays but lacked consistency and focus, never effectively utilizing his size and strength advantage inside the paint. As for Noel’s offense, while the vast majority of his points still come by bouncy finishes at the rim, his high-post game continues to expand with soft touch on his short jumpers and a series of impressive high-low passes.

[NastyDHLParticipant]

stats?

[NastyDHLParticipant]

stats?

[OhCanada-Participant]

The Drummond and Birch rivalry is one of the truest funnest rivalries in basketball. I think Drummond will go to Uconn and extend this rivalry to the Big East. Should be interesting to see two these big men sqaure off as Freshman in the Big East which is a division very tough on freshman.

[OhCanada-Participant]

The Drummond and Birch rivalry is one of the truest funnest rivalries in basketball. I think Drummond will go to Uconn and extend this rivalry to the Big East. Should be interesting to see two these big men sqaure off as Freshman in the Big East which is a division very tough on freshman.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Heres video of the 2 playing, it seemed fairly even imo. Drummonds offensive game was great yet Birchs defensive game could shut it down, and did multiple times. Drummond is just too strong for him thou, and Birch doesnt have much on the offensive end to wear him down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZy_QDn0UNQ

This was a while ago thou.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Heres video of the 2 playing, it seemed fairly even imo. Drummonds offensive game was great yet Birchs defensive game could shut it down, and did multiple times. Drummond is just too strong for him thou, and Birch doesnt have much on the offensive end to wear him down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZy_QDn0UNQ

This was a while ago thou.

[Author]

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