Washington PBP announcer: Experience key to Chriss’ NBA development

From beginning a basketball career his freshman year of high school to declaring for the NBA Draft after his freshman year at University of Washington, Phoenix Suns’ first rounder Marquese Chriss is a quick leaner.

“I think he will grow very quickly into the NBA game,” Washington play-by-play announcer Bob Rondeau said on Off the Edge with B-Train on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Wednesday. “He’s a sponge both basketball-wise and intellectually as well.”

At Washington, Chriss averaged 13.7 points with 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He was named honorable mention to the PAC-12 All-Freshmen team.

For Chriss to really showcase his overall ability, he needs to gain more experience, Rondeau said.

“The Summer League I think will be really, really important for him playing with guys at a different level,” Rondeau said. “He can compete athletically with anyone he plays against at the NBA level.”

Rondeau believes Chriss will adjust well to the NBA offensively, but he needs to work on his defense and staying out of foul trouble to become an all-around great player.

“He can shoot it, he can go to the basket, he can dunk it every way to Sunday,” Rondeau said. “But the defensive end, the rebounding side and again just learning where to be, right place, right time, the Summer League will help him immeasurably.”

Rondeau called Chriss a foul out waiting to happen and the numbers don’t lie. Out of 34 games, Chriss fouled out 15 times during his lone season with the Huskies.

Rondeau believes the key to Chriss’ success is simply playing more games.

“It’s more about just getting experience,” Rondeau said. “Learning how to play defense, learning how to rebound, and as we said, I think this guy is sophisticated enough, both mentally and physically to process that and be able to do it.”

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