Many people may not be familiar with the University of Connecticut's 6 foot 11 inch athletic specimen Ater Majok. The reason for this is because the Australian has been a colossal disappointment. Hearing the hype about this man as he was sitting on the bench, (academically ineligible two years ago) made any Uconn hoops fan salivate. However, what was seen on the court last year could be seen as nothing short of a disaster.
The guy had no clue how to play the game; he made Stanley Robinson look like a brain surgeon. For long stretches in the game he appeared lost on both sides of the floor, and I believe I have seen his photo on the back of milk cartons. I also hear he has auditioned for this hit television series LOST. Anything is better than playing basketball for the Huskies in the upcoming season. Thankfully, it appears as if Ater may be on his way out.
A nice video of Ater before he actually played. All looks great in Huskyland...
It has recently circulated that Majok will in all likelihood play professional ball in Australia next year. Perhaps he will feel more comfortable playing in his homeland, because he couldn't have been any worse in the states. Jim Calhoun told the Hartford Courant, ?He hasn't made any decision yet, but he could certainly go back and play in the Australian professional league?.
Two years ago I remember hearing that Majok was eating Jeff Adrien alive in 1v1 practice settings. Adrien, a real man, was on offensive and defensive stalwart for the Huskies in his distinguished college career, earning the captaincy in the process. If not for his height deficiency, he could have been a productive NBA player. If only you could combine the two players attributes: Ater's frame and athletic ability, and Adrien's heart and brain.
Here is a video where Ater looks like a boss. Notice the scrubs he is playing against. Do not be tricked!
In Ater's Husky career he averaged a mind boggling 2.3 points and 3 rebounds per game. I think a paraplegic could average those numbers. Amazingly, Ater almost entered for the NBA draft last year. If nothing else, he has a big ego. I cannot say I wish him luck in Australia, but I'm sure he will be better over there, as it would be nearly impossible not to be.
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