Let's Talk: Noah Vonleh

Let's Talk is a weekly series where Chris Webber sits down and has a chat with a CSL prospect, asking them questions about their life, about their game, and of course, about their future in the CSL

Week 1: Noah Vonleh


Noah Vonleh of Indiana is an interesting prospect. One of the youngest players in college, he will be just 18 years old by the time of the 2015 CSL Draft. In spite of his youth, or perhaps because of it, he's become one of the more erratic yet impactful players in the Big 10, top 3 in the conference in both blocks and steals, and hitting shots at a good rate from everywhere on the court. His averages of 6.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.9 steals on 52% shooting just highlight how much he impacts the game and in so many areas.

Webber: First of all, thanks for agreeing to have this chat with me Noah. Now I want to ask you about how your season is going and what you think about your game personally. Some people have mentioned that your greatest skill is that you can do a little bit of everything, and other people say that you won't cut it at the next level because you don't have any one elite skill.
Vonleh: No problem Chris. You know, when I was growing up and learning how to play, one thing my coaches always taught me was that nobody likes players that can only do one thing. Coaches like to have players that can do anything they ask on the court, and that stuck with me. So I try to give my effort everywhere I can, whether that means crashing the glass, pushing the ball up the court, taking the shot or passing it out. I don't want to be known as the one trick pony.

Webber: You're currently 17 years old, one of the youngest players in college basketball. You have already said you are leaning towards declaring for the draft. Do you feel that your age isn't an issue, that you are ready to play with the big dogs?
Vonleh: I definitely think so. Yeah I'm young, but I think I have the skills to play in the CSL right now. I'm not an idiot, I don't think I'm going to be a superstar from day one. I know I have a lot to learn. But I'd rather join early and learn from the best and play against the best.

Webber: Listed at 6'9", 236, you might be slightly undersized to play center or even power forward where your skills seem to suggest you should play. Do you think you'll be able to succeed as a small forward, or do you think that your size won't hold you back?
Vonleh: Well, hopefully I'm still growing haha. I'm still only 17 after all. At the same time though, I do have a jumper and I do think I can play any position from 3-5 as of right now. Once I hit the CSL maybe things are a little different, maybe I'm a little taller and a little bigger. I do think I have the skills to succeed at any of those positions though.

Webber: You mention your jump shot, and we've seen you score as a slasher and in post up situations, so why don't you score more out there? Seems to me like you could really boost your stock if you were to try and score more.
Vonleh: I might be able to score more but would we win more? I try to make the right play, that's not always me looking for my shot. I think I could score more, but I'd rather just let the game come to me and not force anything.

Webber: If you were to compare your game to one player in the CSL, who would it be?
Vonleh: That's a tough one, because I pride myself on being my own player. If I had to pick though, I'd have to say Josh Smith. We both play tough defense, and I think I've got similar abilities on offense that he does.

That was all we had time for, but it seems to me that Vonleh is quite the impressive prospect. His versatility on both ends of the court could make any coach drool, and he's got a lot of potential to fulfill. If he can get the right coach and the right situation, he could really turn out to be one of the better well-rounded players in this draft. Not many guys I know have the all around skill he does. Count me in as a Vonleh believer.

He just had to compare himself to Josh Smith :/ lol

I was thinking more along the lines of a Shawn Marion in his prime.

Given his skillset, size and temperament he could end up being very similar to Kawhi Leonard. He's a bit bigger and would have to extend his range but that's a player any team could use.

He looks like Jimmy Butler with that IND jersey.

I'd compare him to Ibaka. Don't think he is in the mold of a Point-Foward like Smith.

Ibaka plays tough D, can hit the jumper, but won't score 20 a game.

Another comparasion to me can be Nene.

I love Vonleh.. Now that I discovered I have the Dallas 1st, can be a player I'm going to target.

Comparison to Josh Smith? Nope nope nope.

This guy is my man! Similar josh smith ? Never please

he is somewhat undersized but appears to be a decent rebounder at the PF position and looks like a decent defender