With a massive 106 kg muscular frame, Donald Little certainly has the ability to dominate the paint. The centre is built like a double-double machine and he will be a crucial part of any team that he plays for.
It is no different for the Singapore Slingers. The big man was brought in at the start of the 2012 season to replace Kyle Jeffers as their starting centre in the ASEAN Basketball League. Together with Louis Graham, who has been impeccable in the first two games of the season, they add the much needed size to the two-time semifinalist’s frontcourt.
In a league where teams are very dependent on imports, the pressure is certainly on the two imports to perform. Graham has responded brilliantly to this pressure, going all out converting every rebound and defending with plenty of heart.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Little. After two disappointing games, Slingers fans have yet to see what this essential puzzle piece is capable of and it is testing the patience of some. They have even wondered if Kyle Jeffers, who is now part the Slingers’ staff, should throw on a jersey and replace him.
Well, the stats don’t lie.
Little has managed just seven boards in both his games and averaged only 10.5 points. He also fouled out in the first game against the Indonesia Warriors and accumulated four fouls against the Slammers.
In the opening two games, the 211cm tall player struggled against opposing centres, Steven Thomas of the Indonesia Warriors and DeAndre Thomas of the Thailand Slammers. DeAndre, in particular, had a field day with Little, as he finished the game with a game-high 27 points.
If not for the effort of the local boys and the 23-point performance from Graham, the Slingers would not have been able to overcome a 14-point deficit to claim their first win of the season. Little only got his first points in the second half and finished with five turnovers to his name.
He is now the league leader in turnovers.
The first two games have also showed that Little loves to dunk, even though he’s not particularly skilled at it. He missed four or five dunks when the Slingers were trailing against the Slammers, something that left fans starching their heads.
Coach Neo Beng Siang has stood by the former Philippine Patriots man, saying that the reason they brought the big man on was for his defensive ability and his shot-blocking skills. Granted, he has got six blocks so far, but for a man of his size and height, his rebounding remains much to be desired.
For an import, you not only have to contribute in defence, but you’ve got to contribute in offence.
In contrast, Graham has showed what being an import is all about. He managed 23 boards and 23 rebounds in the defeat to the Warriors while playing brilliantly in the victory against the Slammers. As a result of Little’s ineffectiveness, Graham has shouldered the rebounding responsibility and is now the overall rebounding leader.
If Little steps up, just like how the locals did against the Slammers, the Slingers will be quite an unstoppable team. The current aspect that is lacking is rebounding as well as the ability to score in the paint. Little has to bear the responsibility of these aspects to impose himself on the game and help the team.
Well, the season is still only two games in and there’s still a long way to go, but if Little continues to underperform and show any signs of improvement, fans will get frustrated. I am hoping that the best of this player will show up.
Sooner, rather than later.
Article written by: Koh Yizhe
