I want to preface this by saying, I have ran track and competed in a myriad of sports my entire life. I trained to dunk a basketball and at my peak had about a 39-40 inch vertical. I have read countless books on anatomy and physiology and read studies on muscle fiber types, muscle and tendon insertion points, genetics in sports etc.
Ausar is on another level in terms of vertical leaping ability.
I can’t speak for his top running speed since he does not display it the same way Jaden Ivey does, but his jumping ability is next level.
In the NBA, there are guys who demonstrate elite jumping mechanics and explosive fast twitch muscle fiber composition. Guys like: Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, Shaedon Sharpe, Jalen Green, Dennis Smith Jr, Zach Lavine before the knee problems etc. I’m sure you guys can think of some more as well.
When they jump, you can tell something is different. When I saw Ausar attempt that dunk after getting fouled in the Wizads game the other day I knew he was apart of that category and dare I say….might be at the top.
Since the beginning of the season, he has demonstrated that he is a tremendous athlete with a solid vertical. He has had some posterizing dunks and had some incredible rebounds. But that single dunk attempt was amazing. He took off like a rocket and floated through the air like a blimp. You could even hear a collective gasp by the audience.
Do you guys know the moment I am talking about? I have tried to find a clip or replay of it but I can’t anywhere.
Either way, the point is that the Pistons possess possibly the freakiest leaper in the NBA today.
This dunk attempt? https://thehighlow.io/video/ids?ids=24QwAS
With that said what’s crazy is Amen was considered the slightly more athletic and explosive prospect. I hope he gets a chance to play in Houston, a Thompson twin rivalry would be a ton of fun. Conversely if he doesn’t pan out I would give him a roster spot here just for the locker rooms presence and positive vibes of having them on the same team.
Can you link a clip of the attempted dunk you’re referring to?
That up and under in the Wizards game was incredible. He looked like MJ
/r/nba: “Yeah but his genetically identical twin brother who plays with the ball in his hands because he is an even worse shooter is 10x the athlete Ausar is”
https://thehighlow.io/video/ids?ids=24ajFX
This one right? I freaked out along with the crowd
He’s somehow too high when he tries to dunk. He has to adjust to how high he is.
Friggin’ nuts.
Link to the dunk. https://imgur.com/a/e3Xi2uW
So you claim to have expert opinion on this based on your training and knowledge, yet you’re primary evidence is the eyeball test on a missed dunk.
Yes, Ausar is freakishly athletic and that missed dunk was impressive. What’s more impressive is all his other highlights, lateral movement and recovery, and defensive instincts/timing. His up and under reverse layup flying through the air was way more impressive from an athletic standpoint than a missed dunk where he jumped really high.
I did not state I was an expert. I would say I am well versed in the area of vertical jumping.
And yes, after almost a decade of training and studying film of the worlds best jumpers, I think I have developed a good eye at spotting an exceptional jump. If you have not devoted as much time into vertical jumping, it is normal to not find it as impressive because you do not understand the ridiculous amount of propulsive force it takes to leave the ground like that:)
I apologize, your post just started out seeming like it was going to be more scientific than “he’s got that frog in him” lol
Ausar is one of the fastest in game players I’ve ever seen. He blows by everyone up the court and to the basket. The issue is that he’s too fast for his ball handling (which is why Ivey looks faster imo as his handle is better). Ausar’s handles literally can’t keep up with his speed/passion.
If it ever does…dear god everyone is so screwed. Even if he never gets a shot he’d be terrifying on any team.