Can Rockets' Whitmore Live Up to Former Coach's Expectations?

Villanova coach Kyle Neptune gives high praise to Houston Rockets rookie forward Cam Whitmore.

Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore's Summer League MVP campaign was nothing short of excellent, as he averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a stellar 2.5 steals.

Whitmore was selected by the Rockets with the 20th overall pick in the NBA Draft, despite being labeled as a top-10 prospect. He fell in the draft due to medical concerns.

The Villanova product only spent one season with the Wildcats but didn't play until Dec. 3 due to a thumb injury. Whitmore shined donning the navy-blue jersey, averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals. He'd earn Big East Rookie of the Year honors for his efforts.

Villanova coach Kyle Neptune spoke with Chancellor Johnson of KPRC2 Houston Sports about what made the 19-year-old so vital to the Wildcats.

"The one thing a lot of people forget is how young Cam is," Neptune said. "He was so valuable to what we did last year, even though he missed a good portion of the early season because he was injured. He came in and right away made a big splash."

Neptune described how physical and aggressive Whitmore was on the boards, but believes his best asset is putting the ball in the basket.

"I do think his true talent is scoring," Neptune said. "He has such a unique mindset for it and he does it in a lot of different ways."

Neptune explained that Whitmore's unique physique is what makes him an excellent scorer.

"It's very rare to have the kind of package he has at his size: his body control, vertical athleticism, body and his thought process for scoring," Neptune said. 

Neptune believes that Whitmore will thrive in the association and turn a lot of heads.

"I really feel like Cam Whitmore is made for the NBA and his game is gonna translate better," Neptune said. "I thought he did a great job at Villanova and now I feel like he's ready to take off. I think people will be very surprised at what he's capable of."

Rockets offseason free agent pickup Dillon Brooks will likely start at small forward, but Whitmore's Summer League performance may have increased his minutes share for the regular season.

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You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.

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