Minnesota - It is Koufos' Time (To Shine) *New Video*

(Kosta Koufos: Minnesota 2010)

He is Ready - One of our very first blog entries was titled Kosta Koufos "I am Ready for Gasol". It was a half-way serious post following comments Koufos made prior to the 2009 European Championships. Kosta Koufos was young back then, and he is still a developing player today, but the Canton big man is definitely on the right track to being able to compete with the Gasols of the world, night in and night out.

When preparation meets Opportunity - When we last wrote about Minnesota, we noted that while Koufos (pictured left: blocking Nene: 12.18.2010) is the third string center, he would still get some opportunities due to Coach Rambis' support, and the makeup of the squad.

A Coach develops confidence in a player from what he or she sees every day in practice. In Koufos' case, his hard work began way back in the Summer of 2010 when he carried his good play from the Orlando Summer League to Minnesota's fall camp & into the NBA Pre-Season. When we saw Kosta playing in the 2nd & 3rd quarters of Minnesota's early NBA games, we knew it would be a different year for him playing wise. (more after video)



Minnesota Timberwolves Intro + Kosta Koufos first points

So most already knew of Koufos as a capable young player, and we found out that Minnesota would not hesitate to play him as an available reserve big. For Kosta, it was now about keeping himself ready for whenever his name was called.

Moreover, in regards to Minnesota's team-makeup, they start Serbian Darko Milicic at Center and list Nikola Pekovic as his backup. Darko has been up and down, he started the season with a slump, but has also had some very good games (four 20+ point scoring games).

The Montenegrin rookie, Pekovic, is still adjusting to the NBA style. Nikola has displayed some flashes of what made him one of the Euroleague's best players (a willingness to bang inside on the boards, and defend), but for him it is simply a matter of becoming more comfortable with the speed of the game, learning how the NBA game is called, and getting into a flow with his teammates.

It has been said before, but one of the most underrated aspects of the NBA is getting through the grinding regular season schedule. And this is where preparation meets opportunity for reserves across the league because injuries are an inevitable part of the game.

Injury Attrition: In recent weeks, Minnesota's centers have been primarily concerned with just being able to physically stay on the court. The December 17th game at Portland was a perfect example of why you must always be ready. Darko Milicic managed to sprain his ankle on the opening tip, and in a freak coincidence, Pekovic came in and promptly sprained his right ankle after only being in for about 30 seconds. (Nikola has struggled with other injuries as well, has only played 20 games on the season)

Kosta Koufos' name was called, and he responded by bringing down a pro career high 11 rebounds vs the Trailblazers. Koufos would then get the start at Denver the next night...( first start since his rookie season, grabbed 10 boards vs the Nuggets).

-Star Tribune: Injuries leave Koufos' as Primary Center

What we See: Why is Koufos ready? Well what we are witnessing this season is a composed player who looks confident and comfortable on the court. It is cliche to say, but Koufos just looks more aggressive and sure of himself today than he did last season (in the flow of what is team is doing, not rushing anything, is very patient and is making strong moves..also looks stronger defensively).

We are not saying Kosta is breaking out just yet, but this has been a positive season for him so far. Compare his total games played for Utah last season to his early stint in the Twin Cities. Koufos has already played in 27 games for Minnesota, last season he played in a total of just 36 games for Utah!

And he is not developing against D-League talent. These are the big boys now, check out this video..Koufos is competing vs the best this season..a block on Nene & Ty Lawson, a block on Lamarcus Aldridge, a confident hook shot on Pau Gasol, yes Gasol! :) Yes indeed, it is Koufos' time to shine.