Former Saint Mary’s big man Jock Landale is actively exploring the possibility of landing an NBA job for the 2020/21 season, according to Lithuanian journalist Donatas Urbonas (Twitter link).
Landale, who turned down NBA training camp invitations after going undrafted in 2018, joined KK Partizan in Serbia for the 2018/19 season, then spent this past year in Lithuania with Zalgiris Kaunas. In 25 EuroLeague games in ’19/20, the forward/center averaged 11.0 PPG and 4.4 RPG on .532/.302/.821 shooting in 20.6 minutes per contest.
Although Landale has yet to sign an NBA contract, he has been a fixture in the Summer Leagues over the last two years, playing for the Hawks in 2018 and the Bucks in 2019. In four games in Las Vegas last summer, he averaged 18.3 PPG and 7.0 RPG for Milwaukee. The 24-year-old was also part of the Australian squad that made the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup, earning a spot in the Tokyo Olympics.
With three months to go until the NBA’s free agency period begins, it remains to be seen if this is the right time for Landale to try to come stateside. But Urbonas suggests that Zalgiris is preparing for the possibility that the big man will opt out of his contract, which has one more year on it.
When I see the words Saint Mary’s big man I’m always reminded of Brad Millard. Right around 1997 or so 7-3 345 lb and skilled. I tried Googling him but can’t find what he’s doing today? Foot problems derailed his basketball career so I wonder how he’s doing and what he’s doing.
Players that size always have health issues that naturally shorten their career just like what happened with Yao. But the modern game is all about speed and being able to guard multiple positions, the days of giants in the paint is slowly coming to an end. The successful centers in years to come are smaller and faster, and if they can shoot effectively from more than 5-10 feet away that’s even better.
6’11” 256 is a size that “always has health issues”?
pc01, that’s Brad MILLARD with a “D” on the end, not Brad Miller (6-11 256.)
The modern game may be geared toward speed, and being able to guard multiple positions- but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t build an effective alternative in today’s game. You’d just need a GM to commit to it. It’s a copycat league though, so everyone is following the current blueprint. Let us not forget though that today’s style didn’t exist until someone strayed outside the box, and won with it.
Looks like he’s doing some web design…link to linkedin.com
I remember him. His nickname was Big Continent.
Excellent !! Thanks.
I didn’t remember Big Continent because it was so long ago, but it rings a bell now. Then of course there was Big Country so it was an interesting time for big guy nicknames. Good research thanks.
One could call that the App_law! Because, true, in the way GMs apply themselves.
But—
The blueprint may not be followed correctly. People remember the GSW splash threes, but not how they toughened up with the bigs.
Also Steve Kerr is running a particular offense that nobody seems to be talking about and I have already forgotten the name of, and never did get the points of.
Kerr has not established much of a coaching tree, which doesn’t help the cause of fame. Intentional?