“Rebounding translates (from college basketball to the pros)”

NBA scouts always look for basketball skills that “translate” from the college level to the pros. A college player might block shots against shorter players, but might struggle against taller professional players. A college player might score against weaker competition, but might have difficulty scoring in a team role against NBA defenses.
 
The saying that “rebounding translates” from college basketball to the NBA (that is, a good rebounder in college will also be a good rebounder in the NBA) became accepted NBA draft wisdom by 2009, but the origin of the basketball proverbial saying is unknown. The saying appears to have existed since at least 2006.
 
     
KnickerBlogger.Net
Noah’s Arc
April 3rd, 2006
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COMMENTS
dave crockett says:
April 4, 2006 at 1:00 pm
I voted 8-12 on Noah.
First, I love his game. I want to make that clear. I also think it translates to the NBA, good passing always does. Rebounding and shot-blocking typically do.
 
New York (NY) Times
At Florida, Future Is Part of Maturation Process
By PETE THAMEL
Published: April 5, 2006
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His (Al Horford’s—ed.) body is more N.B.A.-ready than Noah’s, and he has a skill, rebounding, that translates immediately at the next level.
       
PinoyExchange
luks7210
Jun 27, 2009, 08:01 AM
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Forman sounded as surprised as anybody DeJuan Blair, who worked out twice for the Bulls, dropped to San Antonio at No. 37 in the second round. “He’s a big-time rebounder and rebounding translates to the NBA,” Forman said. 
 
Clips Nation
Is Blake Griffin a Sure Thing?
by Steve Perrin on Jun 29, 2009 11:12 PM PDT
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COMMENTS
Barkley, Rodman?
They were both great rebounders, think Blake can overcome the lenght issue with strength and intensity. Rebounding translates really well to the pros, it’s something you have or don’t have.
by ghost_ride on Jun 30, 2009 4:46 PM PDT
 
New York (NY) Times
Spurs’ Blair Is Lacking in Everything but Success
By HOWARD BECK
Published: November 12, 2009
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Scouts and statistical experts generally agree that rebounding translates well from college to the N.B.A., so Blair was, at first, highly regarded. He was once projected as a late lottery pick.
 
NBA.com
Nets Nab Favors, Add James in Trade
By Ben Couch
June 24, 2010
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As Georgia Tech Paul Hewitt mentioned in a previous interview with njnets.com, rebounding translates well from college to the pros, and will likely be the area in which Favors contributes best as a rookie.
 
Treehugger
QUOTE from:
Wake’s Gaudio high on recruit Desrosiers
“Rebounding translates to all levels. If you’re a good rebounder in high school, you’ll be a good rebounder in college. If you’re a good rebounder in college, it translates to the (NBA) as well ... Shot-blocking? It remains to be seen because now you’re playing against bigger guys. I think the thing that makes him good defensively in that one aspect is that he has very good timing, and I think that can translate. He has a very good feel for the game.” It was less than a year ago that Gaudio and his coaching staff entered the recruiting race for Desrosiers. 
SOURCE: The Eagle-Tribune | North Andover, MA
14 months ago
 
Basketball Prospectus
June 22, 2011
Board Work
Comparing NCAA Rebounding
It’s generally accepted that rebounding translates between college and the NBA better than any other statistic.
 
Washington Examiner
Nuggets pick Faried, trade for Hamilton, Miller
By: The Associated Press | The Associated Press | 06/24/11 1:01 AM
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“It was very important to us to get a couple of young guys and address some kind of a need,” said Masai Ujiri, Denver’s executive vice president of basketball operations. “Both are NBA-ready and both need development. Jordan Hamilton is a good scorer, a really good shooter. Kenneth Faried is a great rebounder, and rebounding translates to the NBA. He fell right in our lap.”
 
Nets Are Scorching
Welcome Aboard! The Newest Nets Rookies
June 24th, 2011 Justin DeFeo
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Analysis: It was no secret that we needed to add rebounding to our team, and the prevailing thought is Williams will do that. 11.8 rpg in the ACC is a good number to have and rebounding in college generally translates to the NBA.