In front of him stand two very accomplished upper classmen guards who, while not gaudy or brass, do their jobs well within the system. And it’s a rather lengthy backcourt as well. Junior Austin Johnson, 6’3, and senior Tony Crocker, 6’6, both play within themselves and are fundamentally sound. Both are expected to play 30 plus minutes a game, but don’t necessarily need to put up scoring numbers excessively better than last year. Quality, not quantity, should be Tony and Austin’s aim. Though 4.6 assists/gm between the two could afford to improve.

Besides the anticipation of Warren, there are four other newcomers to the program, three of which are JC transfers. Head Coach Jeff Capel likes each one, but is really impressed with 6′6 forward/athlete Juan Pattillo

“Juan is a great athlete,” stressed Capel. “He plays hard, has a tremendous body, can play above the rim. He’s guy who you don’t give a position. He’s just a basketball player. He can affect the game in different ways with his ability to slash and his mid-range shot. He should be a really good offensive rebounder and he has a chance to be a really good defender who can match up at multiple positions.”

Another prime time Juco athlete, 6’8 Kyle Cannon, can really shoot the ball, but Capel is still cautious as to which position Kyle is best suited for.

“Kyle is a 6-8 skilled player. I wouldn’t label him as a post guy, necessarily. Like Juan, he’s just a basketball player. When healthy, he’s a good athlete. He just has a good feel for the game. He’s another guy who will give us flexibility. We could play him, Taylor and Blake together; him, Taylor and Ryan together. We’ll be able to do different things because of Kyle’s ability to step away from the basket and shoot, and because of his ability to pass.”

source

I’m not so sure OU fans are keen on Capel’s avoidance of issuing positions to these great athletes. It could be a ploy, one in which gives the opposition some hope that said newcomers aren’t bona fide skilled players, just hyper athletes who could eventually develop. I’ve heard plenty of times how a player has the ability to shoot the ball, yet can’t be fitted for a position. Usually there’s an underlying falsity about the player’s “strengths”, and while the potential is there, no concrete authentication should probably come about from a position less athlete. But on paper the Sooners garner much enthusiasm because of the depth, height and overall seasoning they seemingly exude.

I find the Sooners to be in a position very similar to the Tar Heels. A one year window of opportunity (of course UNC’s window has been agape a lot recently) to win the big one is certainly attainable, just based on the top five players alone.

It was close. If normalcy had persisted, neither team would even be in the discussion this year.

Post from: EveryJoe

Sooners at #4

Rounding out the top five was Michael Beasley, Lester Hudson (Tennessee-Martin) and Stephen Curry.

DI scoring leaders- DI vs. DI only

With so many returning quality top (*power) conference players (Conference USA included) scattered throughout the top 30 or so of last season’s scoring list, the chances that one of them could end up leading the country in scoring this year is quite reasonable.

Top candidates for the scoring title

Luke Harangody (21.0) Notre Dame
Tyler Hansbrough (23.1) UNC
Stefon Jackson (23.6 ) UTEP
Robert Vaden (21.6) UAB
Tyrese Rice (21.0) Boston College

Other candidates…

Chase Budinger (Arizona), James Harden (ASU), Marcus Thornton (LSU), Jack McClinton (Miami Fl)

So I’m going to stick up for the big boys and predict a returning power conference player will win the scoring title. It will not necessarily be a player mentioned above, but it probably will be, because finding many others who have a realistic shot at it is tedious and unforgiving business.

Strong teams with depth never will have a guy who could score 26 plus ppg, unless of course your name is Tyler Hansbrough.

I wouldn’t put anything past that dude.

So it will be easiest for a decent team, a fringe NCAA team rather, to boast a player who can put up those kind of points.

But like most years, Joe Blow from Eastern Manitoba will take the title.

*ACC, Big Ten, Big East ,Big 12, SEC, Pac 10, Conference USA-

Sorry Stephen Curry, more facilitating than usual is in your future. Probably a top ten finish though. If Jason Richards was still playing, the title would be yours.

Post from: EveryJoe

Prediction six: Buckets

My crystal ball I dust off every July or August is acting abnormally insane, as, for the very first time, the Northwestern Wildcats have scratched their way to the front of my lopsided prediction formation… via the crystal ball.

I need to listen to the ball.

You can’t not listen to the ball.

It’s like the Tommyknockers.

Apparently Kevin Coble and his band of international scholars, not so much ballers, are going to be getting some help of the vertically gifted variety this next season. Four 6’8 or taller players are included in this year’s class.

Last year, not even one player on the squad was taller than 6’8, leaving star Kevin Coble, more of perimeter oriented player, to be the only real Wildcat threat on the boards.

The Bill Carmody led team should be able to crack the top 7 in the Big Ten this season provided Coble plays the entire year and the bulk of the rotation improves.

Could a postseason appearance be in the cards for the first time since Carmody has been in Evanston?

Hell yes, surely now that there’s a 3rd postseason tournament.

No excuses!

So ten teams, players or college basketball ingredients are to be predicted upon by me

After the tenth and final prediction, you can categorize me as either a

A) moron
B) racist (races)
C) Dwight Howard cornbread non-apologist
D) genius
E) homer
F) D and E

Prediction # 1

1) The Michigan State Spartans will once again let down their exceptionally loyal and passionate fan base with a less than impressive run in the NCAA tourney. This means they will not advance past the Sweet 16. Underachieve has become a common word thrown around in East Lansing lately and it makes you wonder whether Izzo can get it done anymore.

Izzo is a fabulous recruiter, but he doesn’t seem to be able to mesh his roster together at the right time.

This year’s team, no different from most Izzo teams, has a wealth of depth and athleticism. The team can play small and fast, or also big and long, provided prized recruit Delvon Roe is in good enough shape to hold his own and whether or not Marquise Gray or Tom Herzog can show consistency.

Don’t count on it.

I cannot easily forget the team that lost to George Mason in round 1 three years ago. Shannon Brown, Maurice Ager and Paul Davis wore the Spartan green that year. To go out that way left a bad taste in a lot of fan’s mouths.

While I lean towards the Michigan Wolverines side for rooting purposes in-state, I still like to see the Spartans succeed.

Oh well, I just remembered being very shocked and let down by that loss. I probably had them going to the Elite 8 or something, like I do every year.

Damn.

$10 would be helpful right about now.

Punctual predictions 2-10 coming up in later posts.

Also I’ll explain the Northwestern Wildcat squad and why they got a mention on this blog.

Actually I’ll have to refer back to the crystal meth, I mean ball about that.

(50-20 at the half)

?

Post from: EveryJoe

Prediction one, actually there’s two in here

source

The NBA draft can be an eye-opening event. In 2005, it was just that for college basketball coaches.
When Utah center Andrew Bogut stepped to the podium to shake commissioner David Stern’s hand as the No. 1 pick, college coaches across the country took notice, dusted off their passports and began punching plane tickets to Bogut’s homeland — Australia.
That was then. Now, Vanderbilt’s Andrew Ogilvy and Saint Mary’s Patrick Mills have rekindled the flames. Australia is once again the “it” country for basketball talent, and college coaches are mining the continent for all it has.

This informative YouTube video really delves into the character of Pat Mills…

Post from: EveryJoe

Aussie resurgence?

“I’m not in favor of keeping two lines on the floor,” Kennedy said. “I think it will really create confusion with the women’s line not moving and now moving the men’s line back another foot. I know they’re going to be contrasting colors, but you’re asking for problems as it relates to which line was it behind: ‘We’ve got to check the monitor.

Really, is he the first to come up with this idea? If he is, then he’s a genius.

If you are behind it, it’s good for men, and if you’re touching it, it’s good for women,” Kennedy said. “I’ve been told that wasn’t feasible, but I think two lines will cause confusion. … I’m talking about a line that’s a foot thick. It would look odd, but we’d get used to it in a year.”

source

He’s right. It would be a bit different to have this thick line out on the court, but nothing that couldn’t become normal after a little while.

Is Kennedy’s idea a realistic one?

Is the NCAA too stubborn to consider it?

Though this new 20 foot 9 inch three point line is still a far cry from the 23 foot 9 inch line for the pros.

If the NCAA really wanted to open up more room for dribble drives and lessen the dependency on threes, 21 foot and 9 inches would have been a more proactive length to set the line at.

Most three point attempts are about a foot out from the old 19 foot 9 inch line anyway. At least they seem like it.

I don’t expect any significant changes due to the line being moved a foot back.

Post from: EveryJoe

A Foot Thick?

The Washington Post recaps Brandon’s decision and how it could affect the decisions of the talented, young U. S. players who have zero desire to play the required one year of college ball (or one year removed from high school) needed to be eligible for the NBA draft.

GoAZcatsblog says, no big deal!

So much for the tandem of Jennings and Budinger in 08.

Post from: EveryJoe

Brandon Jennings: Coming to an Italy arena near you

Brandon Jennings sure might believe it.

The young basketball whiz from California, PG Brandon Jennings, might just decide to play overseas if he is found to be ineligible to play at Arizona next season due to insufficient SAT scores.

Brandon Jennings, who signed a letter of intent to play at Arizona, is looking at the unprecedented option of playing overseas next season to get ready for the 2009 NBA draft if he’s not eligible to play for the Wildcats next season.

source

Anyone with a pulse can get into the UofA. Why can’t Jennings? Who would want this moron leading their team?

Brandon might be all that and a bag of chips on the court, but no one would be unjust referring to him as not the sharpest tool in the shed off of it.

Maybe while he’s overseas polishing up his game some he’ll learn another language.

Don’t count on it.

Also don’t count on a high level Euro team, or any other high level foreign team for that matter, setting aside many minutes for a guy who will only stick around for one year. It just won’t happen. He’s kidding himself, those leagues are vastly more competitive and superior to the ones like, for example, the D-League.

If Jennings wants to play in some lower level leagues in Sweden or Poland, sure, he’ll get some good playing time, though the likelihood he’ll considerably improve is small.

Hold it right there.

Much of what is above is the opinion many folks have taken in terms of Jenning’s situation. They suddenly see the headline of this story on ESPN or FoxSports or any news media, read a couple of sentences, and then automatically jump to the conclusion that Jennings is an intellectual lightweight.

Then these people also say he wouldn’t get any interest from good overseas teams.

I’ve seen comments on the web like

“He’s dumb” and “He’s a moron, 3 SAT attempts and he’s still not in” and “What are they teaching at Oak Hill” and even “Will he be illiterate in two languages now?”

And even some bewildering statements about how much talent he actually has.

Many teams would love to sign this kid. An up and coming team looking to make a big push would gladly welcome an uber-athletic point guard to the mix. Even just for one year. He wasn’t named the 08 Player of the Year by numerous sources for nothing.

The guy would simply dominate the D-League. He’d be better off playing in a Euro League somewhere. It would give him a different perspective and hey, he would get paid more than he would in the D-League.

But he might be eligible to play for the Wildcats after all.

Back to the SAT dilemma

If you carefully read the article (and other articles from different sources about this), it specifically mentions Jennings did in fact pass his SAT in his second try, just that the NCAA wanted to make sure the jump from his first score to his second score was valid. So the NCAA basically told him to take the SAT over again and prove it.

Jennings said he will get his standardized test results back next Thursday. This is the third time he has taken a standardized test. Jennings said he was red-flagged for a jump in his score from the first to the second test. He said he didn’t know his scores.

But Jennings is slated to be in Tucson on Monday to start summer school. He has been admitted to the institution. It’s unclear what kind of affect having him on campus would have on Jennings’ decision — assuming he shows up.

source

So there.

A lot of this confusion and ignorance would be avoided if people would just have read the article in its entirety and, instead of expecting the worst, expect the best.

By Thursday we will know if Brandon will be playing in America at UofA, or in some foreign country.

He will be a top 5 pick in next year’s NBA draft either way.

Post from: EveryJoe

Not so fast Doubters

DECISION TIME

A.J. Abrams, Texas
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: The 5-10 shooting guard shocked everyone – including the Texas coaching staff – when he entered the draft. It would be an even bigger shock if he gets drafted.

Joe Alexander, West Virginia
STATUS: Likely to stay in
THE BUZZ: Nobody may have seen his stock rise more since early March. Alexander averaged 23.8 points over his last nine games, then excelled in the combine portion of the pre-draft camp. He is projected as a late lottery pick.

Josh Akognon, Cal-State Fullerton
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: At best, this 5-11 guard has an outside chance at being a second-round pick. He was not invited to the pre-draft camp.

Ryan Anderson, California
STATUS: On the fence
THE BUZZ: Anderson is looking for a first-round guarantee. If the forward doesn’t get it, new Cal coach Mike Montgomery may have the best player in the Pac-10 next season.

Chase Budinger, Arizona
STATUS: Likely to stay in
THE BUZZ: It’s tough to envision any scenario where Budinger slips out of the first round — which likely means he’s staying in the draft. His other option is to return to a program whose coaching staff seems to be in constant limbo.

Mario Chalmers, Kansas
STATUS: Likely to stay in
THE BUZZ: After a recent workout with the Denver Nuggets, Chalmers told reporters he has no intention of staying in school. He probably will be taken between the 20th and 40th picks.

Lee Cummard, BYU
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Four NBA teams are bringing in Cummard for workouts, but he didn’t receive an invitation to the pre-draft camp. Unless the swingman plays extraordinarily well at those workouts, he’ll be suiting up for the Cougars next season.

Robert Dozier, Memphis
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Dozier has been criss-crossing the country working out for teams, but Memphis coach John Calipari expects the big man to pull out of the draft. He would be fortunate to be selected in the second round.

Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis
STATUS: A lock to stay in
THE BUZZ: Signing with an agent is a mere formality for CDR. He has made it clear his college career is over. He is expected to be taken between the 20th and 30th picks.

Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Ellington looked great at times at the pre-draft camp — but he also looked terrible at times, too. He is a second-round pick at best.

Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State
STATUS: Likely to stay in
THE BUZZ: Gordon, who has been busy on the workout circuit, is committed to staying in the draft even though it’s a deep class for point guards and he probably won’t be taken until the second round.

Danny Green, North Carolina
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Racked up multiple injuries at the pre-draft camp. He’s hoping to get a second-round guarantee, but that is a long shot.

Richard Hendrix, Alabama
STATUS: On the fence
THE BUZZ: He put together a solid performance at the pre-draft camp, but remains a borderline first-round pick at best.

J.J. Hickson, N.C. State
STATUS: On the fence
THE BUZZ: Needs to impress in workouts to lock up a spot in the first round. Otherwise, draft day will be a nerve-wracking experience
.
George Hill, IUPUI
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Played well at pre-draft camp, but with so many point guards available, he likely would go undrafted.

Lester Hudson, Tennessee-Martin
STATUS: On the fence
THE BUZZ: A lot of teams are showing interest, but this small-school star measured a shade under 6 feet (5-11 3/4). That’s a big concern, especially when you’re not a true point guard.

Ty Lawson, North Carolina
STATUS: Likely to stay in
THE BUZZ: Remains a probable first-round pick despite a recent arrest for driving after drinking alcohol. The Denver Nuggets may take Lawson with the 20th pick.

Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Showed he could score at the pre-draft camp but had problems taking care of the ball. He would be better-served by using his senior year to sharpen his skills.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Not returning to school would be a big mistake. He has little chance of being drafted.

Ronald Steele, Alabama
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Had a so-so performance at pre-draft camp. Questions remain about whether Steele can regain the quickness he had two years ago. If he stays in the draft, he can do no better than a second-round pick.

Robert Vaden, UAB
STATUS: Should head back to campus
THE BUZZ: Vaden was at the pre-draft camp and has been working out for teams, but he’d be risking going undrafted if he doesn’t pull out.

Bill Walker, Kansas State
STATUS: Likely will stay in
THE BUZZ: Walker, who elected not to go to the pre-draft camp, is banking on impressing scouts at workouts. He is projected as a borderline first-rounder.

source

First I’m somewhat surprised at the Luc Richard Mbah A Moute buzz.

Could have sworn he was listed as a first round pick in at least 3 different mock drafts I looked at.

Of course I’m not exactly sure how informed those particular sites are (can’t remember which sites either), not to say somebody can’t ever be right who is uninformed, but usually … well it goes without saying.

It’s like those NBA trade proposals certain fans make up that are so one-sided that it just leaves you saying,

“The other team(s) would not do that!”

You know, those kinds of people.

Having internet access doesn’t mean you’re qualified at putting together a mock draft.

Just be careful what mock drafts you look at.

Post from: EveryJoe

Mock Drafts are just that, Mock

Unless, of course, Kersey believes the Celtics can be beat four straight times?

During the game I was making my way through both rosters and began to think– who is going to have a similar impact in the league as a Paul Pierce? Luke Walton? Derek Fisher? Glen Davis?

Are there any guys in the upcoming 08 draft who remind you of certain current NBA role players, or who embody the personality or mentality of a perennial All-Star?

Kevin Love Freshman UCLA

Love could be chosen anywhere between 5 and 15 according to the gazillion mock drafts circulating the web. The role player tag will probably end up defining the career of Love, however, only if he can get himself into better playing condition. Optimistically I could see Love turning out to be a slightly less athletic version of Brad Miller. Brad has never quite been a three point gunner, but has the range. Linas Kleiza has also surfaced as a comparable player in my basketball database of a head. But these similarities are only based off of Love’s ability to shoot the ball from anywhere past 16 feet, especially three point land. But neither Milller nor Kleiza are thick, grind it out post players like Love can be. But I do know of one very thick post player who did not see any action in Game 1 that Love reminds me of. That would be Glen “Big Baby” Davis. If Kevin Love didn’t have any shooting or passing skills he’d be almost an exact copy of Glen Davis.

Lester Hudson Junior Tennessee-Martin

The D-Fish prototype could very well fit Lester Hudson. Small school– check. Quality shooter—check. Hard nose defensive attitude–check. Good head on shoulders–check. Sounds like a guy who could carve out a Derek Fisher type career. And that’s just fine by Hudson, “I would like to have a career just as successful.”

Pat Calathes Senior St. Joes.

The unbridled fondness for Calathes continues, but listen, I need this kid to have a fine career so when I interview for a NBA GM spot I can say I knew he was going to be good… and I have the proof! Pat plays kind of like Luke Walton. Pat handles and passes the ball like a guard and has the shooting touch of a guard, all the while being 6′10 and rather unathletic. I’m not saying that Walton is that great of a shooter, but the comparison is still mostly there in my eyes. Let it fester awhile. You’ll see it.

Bill Walker Sophomore Kansas St.

Bill’s name has shown up on mocks as early as a lottery pick and as late as a 40 something pick. Quite frankly the guy would be a great fit in Detroit, maybe backing up Prince, provided Tayshuan is still in a Piston’s uniform next year. Bill’s strength reminds me of Paul Pierce. Bill will definitely get the nod in terms of athleticism, though both have similar bodies and are about the same size (6’6). Both sometimes methodically make their way to the basket using their muscle and brute force. If Walker can improve is outside shooting as his career moves on, he could put up Paul Pierce like numbers. Though I’m not saying he will average 16ppg like Pierce accomplished in his rookie year.

Any players in this draft remind you of current NBA’ers?

If you got any, just leave a comment!

Post from: EveryJoe

The next Paul Pierce?

source

David Padgett Louisville

David Padgett put on a passing clinic, rebounding from two underwhelming performances to show NBA executives in attendance just what he can bring to the table as an extremely heady high-post center who makes everyone around him better. He finally played a bit more aggressively looking for ways to make his presence felt offensively, not just looking to pass the ball unselfishly on every possession like he did previously. He showed nice footwork in the post to go along with his crafty head-fakes and ability to finish with either hand. He often lacks the athleticism to finish many of the moves he creates for himself, but hopefully he will be able to improve on that as his body gets healthier. He’s a really interesting player who would be well served to develop a deadly jump-shot teams need to respect from 16 to 18 feet.

It’s too bad Padgett had such injury trouble in college because otherwise he would have been a likely first round pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if David eventually makes a roster, but it won’t be likely for a couple of years.

Othello Hunter Ohio St.

Othello Hunter again put his impressive physical tools in display, to the tune of 11 points and 14 rebounds (7 offensive) in 25 minutes. His length and athleticism allow him to make plays that other big men here aren’t capable of, and he’s made a strong case for himself to be drafted or get a long look in summer league/training camp. He still has a lot of upside to continue to improve.

Maybe he will prove me wrong and a team will draft him. He could just go on to have a 10+ year career in the NBA too. And maybe Kwame Brown will finally live up to all the hype?

Jeremy Pargo Gonzaga

Jeremy Pargo had a game-high 20 points (7-16 FG, 5-7 FT) to go along with 4 assists. Unfortunately, he also had 6 turnovers and missed three of his four 3-pointers. He pushed the ball up the floor extremely well, showed terrific explosiveness getting by his man and giving himself options in the half-court, and also flashed some glimpses of solid court-vision, but his poor decision making led to way too many turnovers, which has typically been his problem. Going back to school and improving his decision making skills looks like a very good option at this point.

Jeremy has shown up on a lot of draftexpress.com write ups. I hope he knows what his chances are. If not, look out D-League.

Robert Vaden UAB

Robert Vaden finished off the camp with another fairly solid performance, scoring 11 points in 21 minutes to go along with 3 assists and no turnovers. He’s really impressed with his ability to move off the ball, read screens and find open shots for himself, elevating sharply and creating separation from his defender and throwing the ball in the basket with machine like efficiency, despite his violent leg kicks. He’s really strong and has clearly worked on his body since the season ended, and did a much better job playing within the offense and setting up teammates than he did earlier in this camp. On the negative side, he’s not the most athletic or creative player you’ll find in terms of his ball-handling skills, favoring his right hand strongly and struggling to finish that at times around the rim. It appears that he’ll be returning to school, and it will be interesting to see what kind of year he has next season.

If Vaden were to stay in the draft, I would not be shocked. He’s already 23 and having already sat out a year because of a transfer, it would probably be wise just to throw his hat in the ring and if all else fails, just hope to get signed by some team’s summer league squad.

DraftExpress believed that Gary Forbes was the MVP of the camp. You would think his overall performance would catapult him into the first round, but apparently he will still be a 2nd round choice.

Regardless, he’s clearly the MVP of the pre-draft camp by a fairly large margin, and has helped his stock considerably from being projected as a late second round pick on our board. You would think that he’d have a chance to maybe get some looks in the late first based off what we’ve seen here at the pre-draft camp in years past, but most NBA people we spoke with did not agree with that. We will have to wait and see…

Hey, Gary sure made an impression on at least some of the teams. I’ll go out on a limb and say 1st round selection for Gary Forbes.

Post from: EveryJoe

Day 4 in Orlando