Pistons take UCONN's Andre Drummond; Monroe, Villanueva welcome him

Looks like they get immediate help in the frontcourt. Jay Bills, of ESPN, describes him as an “absolute freak athlete.” He can get up and down the floor, he has a 7-6 wingspan, he can guard pick and rolls, he’s a shot blocker, he anticipates plays well, and he’s got plenty of potential. Critics knock his offense, though. He only shoots 29 percent from the free throw line, too. Just got a bio on Drumond here at The Palace.

Some strengths, per the bio sheet: Outstanding physical profile for a big man with elite size, strength, length and agility. Runs the floor exceptionally for a player his size. Shows excellent timing as a shot-blocker. Offense game needs polish.

Personal info: The 18-year-old originally had expected to spend the 2011-12 campaign in prep school and did not decided to attend college until just before the fall 2011 semester began.

Greg Monroe gave Drummond a hearty welcome via Twitter (MooseGM10).

A few writers here at The Palace are saying the Pistons could now end up being a playoff team next season. What do you think? One writer made a good point: Monroe on the offensive glass against opposing power forward could be huge. And if you’re wondering, Monroe is only 22. This could end up being a nice tandem in the paint.

Drummond also got welcomed by Charlie Villanueva via Twitter. Drummond is on Twitter. You can find him here.

 

Eric Lacy
Eric Lacy, from Lansing, Mich., is an nine-year veteran of The Detroit News, a 14-time marathon runner, a 2001 graduate of Michigan State University and volunteer for Mission of Hope Haiti and Detroit's Dominican Literacy Center. He lives in downtown Detroit and encourages people to follow him on Twitter @EricLacy .

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