Manimal

by Reed Weber

Coming out of little-known Morehead State, Kenneth Faried was disregarded by 21 teams until being selected 22^nd overall by the Denver Nuggets. The modern-era career rebounding leader for the NCAA, Faried surpassed Tim Duncan’s previous record of 1,570 with a whopping 1,643 boards himself. In every stage of his career though he has been overlooked for what he isn’t, rather then the great strengths of his game. Scouts have criticized him for his lack of playing against superior talent at a smaller school and for his smaller stature to play PF in the NBA. What Faried is though is a monster on the boards with relentless energy. He has a great combination of length, athleticism combined with a relentless work ethic. He runs the floor exceptionally well for a big men and can dunk over anyone in his way with ease. Although only 6’8, he plays much bigger due to his ridiculous vertical and grabs every rebound with authority to ensure that no one can rip it out of his hands. His great motor has labeled him deservingly with the term “banger” and he consistently out-works every other player on the court regardless the opponent. Another positive sign is that Faried showed growth in each season of college. He upped his point totals each year along with his rebounds, steals and blocks. As a rookie,Faried has only brought good things for the Nuggets. He boasts the top PER of all rookies in the league and his rebound rate is also tops in the league, above that of prospects drafted higher like Enes Kanter, Tristan Thompson and Bismack Biyombo out of the Congo. Deservingly so, Faried has earned the nickname of Manimal to represent he is half man, half animal. As the second half the of the season progresses, look for Faried to earn more time in the Nuggets rotation as he supplants himself as the steal of the 2012 draft . You can only overlook him so much until he earns your respect. Then, sit back and watch the greatness of a player willing to do all the little things that makes good teams great.