Congrats to the Cavs and Samardo Samuels

by OhioVilleAlum on Jul 22, 2010 9:45 AM CDT

As a class of 2007 University of Louisville alum, I would like to congratulate Samardo on his achievement! Samardo left his childhood home in Trelawny, Jamaica (hometown of Usain Bolt) during his teenage years to pursue a basketball career in the United States. As Samardo grew as a player, he became highly touted by college scouts all over the country. As a senior, Samuels averaged 24.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots per game, leading St. Benedict Prep to a 24-1 record and the No. 2 ranking in the USA Today high school basketball rankings.

Samardo achieved the most prized high school player award after being named the USA Today high school basketball player of the year in 2008. He was ranked in the top five by the most recognized scouting websites in the country: ie: ESPN 150, Scout.com, Rivals.com, etc. A prized five star recruit, with a huge up-side and heading to the University of Louisville.

College basketball was a new ballgame for Samardo, but things looked up as his experience level grew. Sam Sam (as we call him in Louisville) is a strong, powerful player who can face up as well as play with his back to the basket. His free throw shooting is solid, but his 15 foot jump shoot could use some work. As a senior, Sam Sam averaged 15.3 ppg, 7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Add these stats with a fg % of 52.3 and he can give you valuable mins on the court. Samardo jumped into a starting role as a freshman and I personally feel he can contribute to the CAVS when needed and possibly become a great asset to this team. One huge benefit we as CAVS receive from the acquisition of Samuels is his ability to run the floor. This asset will be something Byron Scott can use to his advantage.

I have watched every game Samardo has played in his college career and feel his talent level is continuing to grow with his age and maturity. Good luck to Sam Sam, can't wait to see you in the Wine and Gold.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on FearTheSword.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff at FearTheSword

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I don’t see anywhere that the Cavs have offered him a contract. Link?

You are reading my signature.

by rolub on Jul 22, 2010 11:16 AM CDT reply actions

It was mentioned in the Windhorst story about Matt Barnes this morning. All the way at the bottom.

Apparently he played well during summer league. If he has so much upside though, why wasn’t he drafted. Winning high school player of the year awards and what not, he should have been on somebody’s radar.

Every pessimist thinks himself a realist. In the case of Cleveland sports fans, they are probably right.

by evereye3 on Jul 22, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

found it. I’ve been ignoring recent FA news as it seems Barnes is fairly uninterested in playing here. If he signs, so be it.

As for Samuels, you’d hope that he becomes a 15-minute guy off the bench at best. As an undrafted free agent, that’d be excellent.

You are reading my signature.

by rolub on Jul 22, 2010 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I dunno why…He put up decent enough stats in college…maybe the fact that he was a 6’8’’ center…but he has a ridiculous wingspan, similar to that of Sasha Kaun and has a standing reach 2 inches higher than Kaun. He is only 6’8’’ but because of his reach can almost touch the rim just by standing (he is about a half a foot away so he is touching the net at least).

He reminds me a lot of boozer but rawer with more upside.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.

by bross09 on Jul 22, 2010 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

I love it.

We need a solid big man who can run the floor.

I consider this a success if we can get 15 minutes, 5 points and 3 or 4 rebounds per game out of him. He’s an undrafted rookie so any production is great, really.

I live in Cincinnati. I'm a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cincinnati sports teams. Besides UC, I'm a Xavier fan for basketball. I also like the Ohio State Buckeyes for all sports.

My name is Tyler. So I guess now you know about me.

by sexsalad on Jul 22, 2010 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree. I think with this team, by the 2nd half he could be getting 17-20 minutes a game, 8 points and 5.5 rebounds. People sometimes forget that Boozer was a 2nd round pick himself and was able to get playing time because the team sucked.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.

by bross09 on Jul 22, 2010 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Glad to see you found it, because I tried to put the link in and it didn’t take.

Yeah. 15 minutes a game as an undrafted rookie would be great. I just hope we have a team good enough where he has to work his ass off in order to earn those minutes. If he gets them in garbage time, it means we are already out of the game.

Every pessimist thinks himself a realist. In the case of Cleveland sports fans, they are probably right.

by evereye3 on Jul 22, 2010 12:35 PM CDT reply actions