By Walter Dubowec

Well, well, well. Seems that Andrea Bargnani does indeed have some game.

Over his last six games, Bargnani is averaging 17.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, with a 48% FG, 51% 3PT FG and over only 30 minutes per game.

So many self-proclaimed internet experts had already written off Andrea Bargnani. What happened? How did these so-called great basketball minds overlook this kid’s obvious talents and get it so wrong?

                      

Andrea is putting on dazzling offensive displays with regularity which include emphatic dunks, hard drives to the hole and the occasional soft turnaround jumper down low. The kid can pass, too.

Bargnani and Chris Bosh are playing well together and the young Italian is showing flashes of brilliance that you don’t often see in a seven footer. No doubt, he’s got loads of natural talent.

Its been a frustrating couple of months for intelligent Raptors fans. We were forced to listen to and read utter nonsense on sports radio and the internet while Bargnani worked through his early season struggles.

Now Andrea is coming back with a vengeance and the numbers are impressive. Over the past six games (including a night where he struggled in DC), Bargnani’s numbers are excellent.

Bargnani’s Last 6 Games

Games: Celtics, Bucks, Wizards (2), Lakers, Heat
Minutes per Game: 30
FG shooting: 36-75 (48%)
3 Pt shooting: 14-27 (52%)
Rebounds per Game: 5.1
Points per Game: 17.5

Take away the game in DC where he was in foul trouble and Andrea is averaging 20.4 points and 5.8 rpg over a five game stretch. He's also enjoyed a career high 28 point night in that stretch. I'll guarantee he hits the 30 point plateau this year.

Best of all, his rebounding, one-on-one defence, box-outs, court awareness and overall hustle are all improving.

Why? He has his confidence back.

Will Andrea have some ups and downs? Of course. Its all part of his development and growth as a player.

Over the next year or two, Andrea will be become an excellent NBA player – despite what the wannabe experts may have proclaimed over the past couple of months.