How was Duke last year? This caveman was their go-to guy
WTF HAPPENED TO HIM????
So far this season:
2 Games, 3 Minutes, 0 Points, 0.5 Rebounds
And he's getting paid $480,000. I can do that for half!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Nightmare Before Christmas
64-62, Overtime, Madison Square Garden, Dejuan Blair fouled out with 20 rebounds, what's the one thing you cannot, under any circumstance, allow? A 3-pointer. Once Levance Fields takes that ball and dribbles through his legs a few times with absolutely no urgency, you have to realize he's going for the win there. I did, my brother did, and 25,0000 other fans did and you know what, I think Coach K thought that as well? Why else would he have David McClure, a guy 4 inches taller than Fields, defending Fields? Yet, Fields still gets off a good look, albeit a fade away, and the rest is bitter history for every Duke fan.
Game Breakdown: First of all, I can't stand any of these so-called Duke fans that go to these games at the Garden. They know absolutely nothing about this team, this program, and the University as a whole. When Duke is up by double-digits especially in the 1st Half, please don't rub it in to the opposing fans because more than likely, Duke will at least make it interesting or worse yet, lose the game. I've seen a million times whether on tv or unfortunately, in person. The first ever Duke game I ever went to was in 2003 at the Garden against a beat up, ragged St. John's team with Marcus "Man" Hatten ended in similar heartbreak. Duke had dominated the game throughout but inconsistent shooting kept the game between 12-16 points for most of the 2nd Half. At 71-60 with 2:30 left in the game, Dahntay Jones was called for a non-existant 5th and final foul and all of a sudden the crowd and the tide of the game began to change. The St. John's fans, who before this point, you had a better chance of having a face-to-face with Osama Bin Laden than finding them in the stadium, began to go crazy. My brother, who circa 2001-2004, was the biggest jinx in the world, turned around at 71-63 and screamed out "You can't press Duke, they have too many good ballhandlers" What happened? Duke turned over the ball 4 consecutive possessions, St. John's tied the game up at 71-71 and then after Marcus Hatten absolutely molested Daniel Ewing with 5 seconds left, a molestation that would make Michael Jackson blush might I add, he ran down the floor, missed a layup at the buzzer, but again, a phantom foul call came with no time left. Hatten hit a free throw at the buzzer and Duke was 0-1 with yours truly in attendance. They then went on to win the next 9 I was in attendance for (7 in the Garden, 1 in Continental Airlines Arena, 1 in Cameron) until it was bookended with another tough loss on Thursday night. Imagine that, Duke is 9-2 while I'm in attendance, with the two losses coming by a combined total of 2 points.
How many more double-digit leads blown do I have to rehash? VCU last year, Indiana in 2002, UCONN in 2004 to name a few... The problem with this Pittsburgh game is that it exposed Duke's biggest weakness, rebounding, to the tune of being outrebounded by 17. Blair, who vowed to make the Devils pay for not recruiting him, really stuck it to the K man and his squad with 15 points and 20 rebounds. To me, Duke didn't zone enough. Pittsburgh, outside of Fields, missed all of their 3 point attempts and frankly, weren't even close. That's not to say the Blue Devils were any better. They missed 15 3-point attempts, including Sheyer's desperation heave at the buzzer. Sheyer, who couldn't throw the ball into the Atlantic, actually led the team in rebounds with 12, which also shows this teams immense vulnerability. Greg Paulus, who has had probably his 2 best games as a Duke player in the Garden as a frosh and soph, was dreadful with only 3 points on 2 shots and he had 5 turnovers, including a number of costly ones at the end of the game.
Positives: Gerald Henderson is scary good and when I say scary, I mean scary because his mid-range jumper is NBA ready and I don't want to lose him after only two years. He kept the Dukies in the game, with jumper after jumper and I really thought he had the winner at the end of regulation. Kyle Singler also showed me a lot, considering the pounding he took down low. Even with that, he had 17 points, including a 3-pointer that tied it at 58-58 with 1 minute left in regulation. I still can't believe he missed the tip in at the buzzer though. The positive you take out of this game is that Pitt is a Top 10 program, they were a perfect mismatch for Duke, Duke played Pitt's game in the half court all night, the crowd in the 2nd Half was Pro-Pitt and yet with all that, they still should've and could've won the game on a number of occassions. So, it was a tough loss to swallow but a fade away 3 at the buzzer against a Top 10 team on a neutral court is not exactly a loss to Gardner Webb at home (that's for you Patrick Patterson). I bet you're regretting that decision now. Kentucky can't even beat Houston and it's not like they have Clyde Drexler and the Dream on that team.
Duke will bounce back from this and hopefully gain a little more toughness. I feel bad for the Big Red of Cornell because when Duke comes back to Cameron, they will spank them with no mercy...
Prediction: Duke 104 Cornell 60
Game Breakdown: First of all, I can't stand any of these so-called Duke fans that go to these games at the Garden. They know absolutely nothing about this team, this program, and the University as a whole. When Duke is up by double-digits especially in the 1st Half, please don't rub it in to the opposing fans because more than likely, Duke will at least make it interesting or worse yet, lose the game. I've seen a million times whether on tv or unfortunately, in person. The first ever Duke game I ever went to was in 2003 at the Garden against a beat up, ragged St. John's team with Marcus "Man" Hatten ended in similar heartbreak. Duke had dominated the game throughout but inconsistent shooting kept the game between 12-16 points for most of the 2nd Half. At 71-60 with 2:30 left in the game, Dahntay Jones was called for a non-existant 5th and final foul and all of a sudden the crowd and the tide of the game began to change. The St. John's fans, who before this point, you had a better chance of having a face-to-face with Osama Bin Laden than finding them in the stadium, began to go crazy. My brother, who circa 2001-2004, was the biggest jinx in the world, turned around at 71-63 and screamed out "You can't press Duke, they have too many good ballhandlers" What happened? Duke turned over the ball 4 consecutive possessions, St. John's tied the game up at 71-71 and then after Marcus Hatten absolutely molested Daniel Ewing with 5 seconds left, a molestation that would make Michael Jackson blush might I add, he ran down the floor, missed a layup at the buzzer, but again, a phantom foul call came with no time left. Hatten hit a free throw at the buzzer and Duke was 0-1 with yours truly in attendance. They then went on to win the next 9 I was in attendance for (7 in the Garden, 1 in Continental Airlines Arena, 1 in Cameron) until it was bookended with another tough loss on Thursday night. Imagine that, Duke is 9-2 while I'm in attendance, with the two losses coming by a combined total of 2 points.
How many more double-digit leads blown do I have to rehash? VCU last year, Indiana in 2002, UCONN in 2004 to name a few... The problem with this Pittsburgh game is that it exposed Duke's biggest weakness, rebounding, to the tune of being outrebounded by 17. Blair, who vowed to make the Devils pay for not recruiting him, really stuck it to the K man and his squad with 15 points and 20 rebounds. To me, Duke didn't zone enough. Pittsburgh, outside of Fields, missed all of their 3 point attempts and frankly, weren't even close. That's not to say the Blue Devils were any better. They missed 15 3-point attempts, including Sheyer's desperation heave at the buzzer. Sheyer, who couldn't throw the ball into the Atlantic, actually led the team in rebounds with 12, which also shows this teams immense vulnerability. Greg Paulus, who has had probably his 2 best games as a Duke player in the Garden as a frosh and soph, was dreadful with only 3 points on 2 shots and he had 5 turnovers, including a number of costly ones at the end of the game.
Positives: Gerald Henderson is scary good and when I say scary, I mean scary because his mid-range jumper is NBA ready and I don't want to lose him after only two years. He kept the Dukies in the game, with jumper after jumper and I really thought he had the winner at the end of regulation. Kyle Singler also showed me a lot, considering the pounding he took down low. Even with that, he had 17 points, including a 3-pointer that tied it at 58-58 with 1 minute left in regulation. I still can't believe he missed the tip in at the buzzer though. The positive you take out of this game is that Pitt is a Top 10 program, they were a perfect mismatch for Duke, Duke played Pitt's game in the half court all night, the crowd in the 2nd Half was Pro-Pitt and yet with all that, they still should've and could've won the game on a number of occassions. So, it was a tough loss to swallow but a fade away 3 at the buzzer against a Top 10 team on a neutral court is not exactly a loss to Gardner Webb at home (that's for you Patrick Patterson). I bet you're regretting that decision now. Kentucky can't even beat Houston and it's not like they have Clyde Drexler and the Dream on that team.
Duke will bounce back from this and hopefully gain a little more toughness. I feel bad for the Big Red of Cornell because when Duke comes back to Cameron, they will spank them with no mercy...
Prediction: Duke 104 Cornell 60
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Pitt Stop @ MSG
I've been gone for a while but I'm back for good. I apologize but the last few weeks have been crazy with a capital C baby. Speaking of that, I send out my best wishes to Dukie V recovering from throat surgery. Wow! Talk about being careful what you wish for...Sometimes listening to him makes you think "is there anything lower than mute" but now that Dukie V is out until at least February, I must admit, I'll miss him...Here's to a speedy recovery
I haven't had a post in a while. Let me touch for a little on the games that I missed and finally, move on to the all important Pitt matchup tomorrow, which I will be in attendance for so they better not freakin' lose.
Duke v. Wisconsin: I'll make this short and sweet. If Wisconsin knew what was good for them, before they got back on the Bus to go home, hopefully they bent over and let each and every Blue Devil spank them as each and every Badger called them Daddy. Duke absolutely spanked the Cheeseheads and continued its dominance in the ACC/Big Ten challenge.
Duke v. Davidson: Didn't see the game. I know, I know but I didn't have ESPNU. From what I hear, Greg Paulus really saved Duke at the end after they, in vintage Duke fashion, blew a large lead late and had to hold on. I'm not too worried about this game considering Davidson is an excellent squad and they took UNC down to the wire and were beating UCLA by 18 at one point before falling to the Bruins.
Duke. Michigan: The game started off slowly. It was about 16-14 when I went to make a sandwich. I came back and it was 32-14. Michigan, a team trying to adapt to Beilien's system of backcuts tried to pull the wool over Coach K's eyes and run with Duke. Unless you have Memphis or UNC written on the front of your jersey, running with Duke will be an immense mistake. Michigan will be relevant again with Beilien though but it may take a few years...
Duke v. Albany: 111 points from a team that couldn't throw the ball into the ocean last year, you got to love it. Will Brown is an excellent coach, almost pulled off the upset of the century against UCONN a few years back but in this one, they were clearly overmatched.
So, now we're pretty much up to date here and now we can focus on Pitt at the Garden. This is a battle of two Top 10 teams and really two of the best programs of the last decade or two in the NCAA's. I'm not sure who I favor in this game because of the contrasting styles. Pitt's gameplan will be simple: feed Blair and take advantage of Duke's lack of post depth and rebound well. Also their guards will undoubtedly be physical with the leaner Duke guards. However, Duke's spacing and shooting should present some real problems for the Panthers.
The Keys to the game:
First, Lance Thomas. Will he play or will he not play? That is the question. Duke will need Thomas and if he is absent from the lineup, Brian Zoubek will need to have an out of body experience to keep the Devils in it down low.
Second, will Duke continue their hot shooting? If Duke continues to stroke the 3 with the same type of efficiency, they could run away with this game.
Third, Blair is clearly the best post player they have played as of yet. How will the undersized Blue Devils react to someone of his caliber? Only time will tell...
Prediction: I am loving this team. I love their energy, I love the way they push the ball, I love their confidence, I love their swagger, I love that they took last year personal, and I think they will take one step further to solidifying this program as one of the elites again after a one year absence tomorrow night. Pittsburgh will be tough, Duke will come away with a ton of black and blues but I also think they will come away with a victory. Duke must play this game in the high 70's, 80's or even 90's to win...If they play in the 50' or 60's, it could be a long train ride home for me tomorrow night...
Duke 83 Pitt 75
I haven't had a post in a while. Let me touch for a little on the games that I missed and finally, move on to the all important Pitt matchup tomorrow, which I will be in attendance for so they better not freakin' lose.
Duke v. Wisconsin: I'll make this short and sweet. If Wisconsin knew what was good for them, before they got back on the Bus to go home, hopefully they bent over and let each and every Blue Devil spank them as each and every Badger called them Daddy. Duke absolutely spanked the Cheeseheads and continued its dominance in the ACC/Big Ten challenge.
Duke v. Davidson: Didn't see the game. I know, I know but I didn't have ESPNU. From what I hear, Greg Paulus really saved Duke at the end after they, in vintage Duke fashion, blew a large lead late and had to hold on. I'm not too worried about this game considering Davidson is an excellent squad and they took UNC down to the wire and were beating UCLA by 18 at one point before falling to the Bruins.
Duke. Michigan: The game started off slowly. It was about 16-14 when I went to make a sandwich. I came back and it was 32-14. Michigan, a team trying to adapt to Beilien's system of backcuts tried to pull the wool over Coach K's eyes and run with Duke. Unless you have Memphis or UNC written on the front of your jersey, running with Duke will be an immense mistake. Michigan will be relevant again with Beilien though but it may take a few years...
Duke v. Albany: 111 points from a team that couldn't throw the ball into the ocean last year, you got to love it. Will Brown is an excellent coach, almost pulled off the upset of the century against UCONN a few years back but in this one, they were clearly overmatched.
So, now we're pretty much up to date here and now we can focus on Pitt at the Garden. This is a battle of two Top 10 teams and really two of the best programs of the last decade or two in the NCAA's. I'm not sure who I favor in this game because of the contrasting styles. Pitt's gameplan will be simple: feed Blair and take advantage of Duke's lack of post depth and rebound well. Also their guards will undoubtedly be physical with the leaner Duke guards. However, Duke's spacing and shooting should present some real problems for the Panthers.
The Keys to the game:
First, Lance Thomas. Will he play or will he not play? That is the question. Duke will need Thomas and if he is absent from the lineup, Brian Zoubek will need to have an out of body experience to keep the Devils in it down low.
Second, will Duke continue their hot shooting? If Duke continues to stroke the 3 with the same type of efficiency, they could run away with this game.
Third, Blair is clearly the best post player they have played as of yet. How will the undersized Blue Devils react to someone of his caliber? Only time will tell...
Prediction: I am loving this team. I love their energy, I love the way they push the ball, I love their confidence, I love their swagger, I love that they took last year personal, and I think they will take one step further to solidifying this program as one of the elites again after a one year absence tomorrow night. Pittsburgh will be tough, Duke will come away with a ton of black and blues but I also think they will come away with a victory. Duke must play this game in the high 70's, 80's or even 90's to win...If they play in the 50' or 60's, it could be a long train ride home for me tomorrow night...
Duke 83 Pitt 75
Monday, November 26, 2007
APathetic
I guess the AP didn't have access to a television over Thanksgiving break. Duke is ranked #13, which is astounding considering they are 6-0 and they won one of the most prestigious preseason tourneys in the Maui Invitational. Okay, so the AP wasn't that impressed with Duke. Fine, they have very little size and they can't rebound but HOW THE HELL IS MARQUETTE RANKED #11 AFTER LOSING TO DUKE??? I can't take these writers seriously anymore...
ESPN has it right, Duke is #7. I'm not sure they are that good but it's deserving after the Marquette win...
ESPN has it right, Duke is #7. I'm not sure they are that good but it's deserving after the Marquette win...
Maui Final, The Colonels, and More...
I went MIA after the Marquette game on Wednesday because of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, etc...and I apologize. The Marquette game was one of the best games I had seen in the early parts of this college basketball season (until yesterday, when NC State and Nova went down to the wire and Nova lost on a terrible foul call and Kansas and Arizona going to OT). Kyle Singler was spectacular and has already lived up to the billing and more. He took that game over at the end and his takeover was culminated with two clutch free throws to seal the victory. I thought the unsung hero was Lance Thomas who clearly played his best game as a Dukie. He was active offensively and defensively. I feel really good for him considering his freshman campaign was an arduous struggle. Last year, Duke would've lost that kind of game but this year, they won because of better experience, more athleticism, and more willing options (McRoberts never wanted the ball in a big spot).
As for the Eastern Kentucky game, I didn't see a minute of the game because I don't have FSNS even though I thought I did. From what I read, it doesn't look like I missed much except a shooting barrage by Taylor King who went for 27 points in only 21 minutes. I think that really speaks to the depth of this year's team when a guy like King who played a combined 3 minutes against Illinois and Marquette in Maui can come out and spark the team to a blowout victory.
One thing I need to mention and I know I always harp on this but it really bothers me: Can we get Marty Pocius some playing time? Like my brother says, he must have slept with one of Coach K's daughters or something because he gets no love from K, even in garbage time. A guy with his offensive potential needs to get a few minutes a game. Yesterday, he only got 3 minutes, which equals the minutes that walk-on Jordan Davidson received. Poor Marty! He probably should've transferred.
Next up is Wisconsin and although they lost their two best perimeter players to graduation, they will be a load down low for the Dukies. This team will lose games this year, that's a fact. I think when they do, it will be because of a lack of rebounding and low-post defense. Wisconsin, with Brian Butch, is certainly a team that can expose this lack of size. Plus, their defensive system could shut down Duke's perimeter scoring, which would severely impair their chances of winning. However, because I'm a homer and I have a good feeling about this team, I believe Duke will pull it out in Cameron Indoor.
Prediction: Duke 68 Wisconsin 60
As for the Eastern Kentucky game, I didn't see a minute of the game because I don't have FSNS even though I thought I did. From what I read, it doesn't look like I missed much except a shooting barrage by Taylor King who went for 27 points in only 21 minutes. I think that really speaks to the depth of this year's team when a guy like King who played a combined 3 minutes against Illinois and Marquette in Maui can come out and spark the team to a blowout victory.
One thing I need to mention and I know I always harp on this but it really bothers me: Can we get Marty Pocius some playing time? Like my brother says, he must have slept with one of Coach K's daughters or something because he gets no love from K, even in garbage time. A guy with his offensive potential needs to get a few minutes a game. Yesterday, he only got 3 minutes, which equals the minutes that walk-on Jordan Davidson received. Poor Marty! He probably should've transferred.
Next up is Wisconsin and although they lost their two best perimeter players to graduation, they will be a load down low for the Dukies. This team will lose games this year, that's a fact. I think when they do, it will be because of a lack of rebounding and low-post defense. Wisconsin, with Brian Butch, is certainly a team that can expose this lack of size. Plus, their defensive system could shut down Duke's perimeter scoring, which would severely impair their chances of winning. However, because I'm a homer and I have a good feeling about this team, I believe Duke will pull it out in Cameron Indoor.
Prediction: Duke 68 Wisconsin 60
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Twilight Zone
The game had the makings of a Maalox masher especially when Illinois jumped out to an early 14-8 lead. However, although many feel that Coach K's overconsumed with coaching the USA team and that's why he's missed out on building relationships with the likes of Patrick Patterson and Greg Monroe, you can see the positives already this season from having such a wide variety of talented assistant coaches on his USA team bench. Greg Paulus, Jon Sheyer, and Nolan Smith aren't even close to Steve Nash so Duke can't transition all of the Phoenix Suns offense into their system but I love the space they are creating on the break and that backdoor cut they used twice against Princeton (I've seen Nash and Marion hook up on that exact same play many times).
More importantly than Duke's offense, Coach K had the Devils go to a 2-3 zone (see Jim Boeheim) and wouldn't you know, it worked and it worked well. In fact, BRB believes that the transition into the zone for about 5 possessions was the turning point of the entire game.
Gerald Henderson was absolutely incredible last night and he showed every bit of what we thought we were getting last year when he arrived in Durham. He shot the ball well from outside, his pull up mid-range jumper is smoother than Barry White was with the ladies, and that jam he had off the Sheyer pass was insane, very Grant Hill-esque. In fact, that dunk actually went as the #1 top play on Sportscenter.
DeMarcus Nelson was spectacular last night and he was the go-to guy early when Duke was trailing and when Illinois cut the Duke lead to 3, Nelson hit a jumper off the front rim and in and Duke never looked back. Nelson looks much faster this season than last and with the strength the Navy Seal upper body, he will be a tremendous asset in his final year at Duke.
Kyle Singler didn't have a great game points wise but I am falling in love with this guy's game quickly. He's extremely versatile, can go inside and out, and I love the fact that he stood face to face with that thug Frazier last night and didn't back down. Duke really needs that type of toughness if they are going to compete at the highest level.
I'm sure Coach K and Jon Sheyer took a ton of happiness beating the cry baby that is Bruce Weber. Bruce, do me a favor, don't snub K in the postgame because you're mad he got Sheyer. IF YOU CAN'T KEEP A LOCAL KID IN ILLINOIS WHEN YOUR BROTHER IS HIS HIGH SCHOOL COACH, YOU NEED TO LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOURSELF AND NOT BLAME OTHERS...
This was a really good win for the Dukies but it will get harder and fast with Marquette in the Maui Championship tonight. This is a rematch of last year's CBE Classic where Dominic James absolutely dismantled the Duke man-to-man defense. I look to see Duke employ even more zone tonight and I expect Duke to use their better athleticism this year to shut Marquette down this year and get some revenge for last year.
Prediction Duke 86 Marquette 79
More importantly than Duke's offense, Coach K had the Devils go to a 2-3 zone (see Jim Boeheim) and wouldn't you know, it worked and it worked well. In fact, BRB believes that the transition into the zone for about 5 possessions was the turning point of the entire game.
Gerald Henderson was absolutely incredible last night and he showed every bit of what we thought we were getting last year when he arrived in Durham. He shot the ball well from outside, his pull up mid-range jumper is smoother than Barry White was with the ladies, and that jam he had off the Sheyer pass was insane, very Grant Hill-esque. In fact, that dunk actually went as the #1 top play on Sportscenter.
DeMarcus Nelson was spectacular last night and he was the go-to guy early when Duke was trailing and when Illinois cut the Duke lead to 3, Nelson hit a jumper off the front rim and in and Duke never looked back. Nelson looks much faster this season than last and with the strength the Navy Seal upper body, he will be a tremendous asset in his final year at Duke.
Kyle Singler didn't have a great game points wise but I am falling in love with this guy's game quickly. He's extremely versatile, can go inside and out, and I love the fact that he stood face to face with that thug Frazier last night and didn't back down. Duke really needs that type of toughness if they are going to compete at the highest level.
I'm sure Coach K and Jon Sheyer took a ton of happiness beating the cry baby that is Bruce Weber. Bruce, do me a favor, don't snub K in the postgame because you're mad he got Sheyer. IF YOU CAN'T KEEP A LOCAL KID IN ILLINOIS WHEN YOUR BROTHER IS HIS HIGH SCHOOL COACH, YOU NEED TO LOOK NO FURTHER THAN YOURSELF AND NOT BLAME OTHERS...
This was a really good win for the Dukies but it will get harder and fast with Marquette in the Maui Championship tonight. This is a rematch of last year's CBE Classic where Dominic James absolutely dismantled the Duke man-to-man defense. I look to see Duke employ even more zone tonight and I expect Duke to use their better athleticism this year to shut Marquette down this year and get some revenge for last year.
Prediction Duke 86 Marquette 79
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Eye of the Tiger
Forget about soaking up the sun and some of the Duke players working on some much-needed tans (see Kyle Singler). The Devils came out like gangbusters and jumped out to a 31-4 lead and pretty much cruised after that. Kyle Singler was clearly the best player on the court with 21 points but let's face it, this wasn't your circa 1996 Princeton team. Let's see how Duke fairs against a much stronger opponent tonight when they face the Illini of Illinois, which is clearly a game that if Coach K is in position to do it, he will run up the score because he almost hates Bruce Weber as much as Weber hates him (see Jon Sheyer recruiting battle). The ideal situation is that Duke wins and Sheyer goes for 25+ to rub it in but I will take any win I can and in any which way possible.
Prediction: Duke 94 Illinois 79
Prediction: Duke 94 Illinois 79
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Aggie-ny
In the first half, it was quick and painless. In the second half, it was slow and painful even for Duke fans to watch. Duke spanked New Mexico State in the first half behind their new and improved razzle dazzle fast break, spread offense, of which they have taken a few sets from the Phoenix Suns offense. The Devils looked great offensively in the first half even though you could already see their major weakness exposed early on: the low post; whether it's scoring, rebounding, or defending, they will have trouble with any physical, low post team once the ACC season begins or even before, when they face Pitt at the Garden.
The second half might as well have been a bottle of Nyquil because it put me to sleep. Why? Because Duke, as per usual, went back to playing a slow tempo and taking the air out of the ball with 8 minutes left in the game. Since they can't rebound, they are one-and-done on the offensive end and they begin to look like an average team. If they want to stay in the Top 10, they need to keep up this frantic pace, keep running bodies in and out, play pressure defense, and increase the number of possession because there will be a ton of one and done possessions.
A few things were highlighted last night:
1) It's no myth, size matters. Duke will be able to get away with it against a minor major or a mid major like New Mexico State but once they start playing the big boys, it's going to have to be all hands on deck in terms of rebounding and defending in the post. It's tough when your best rebounder is a 6'3'' guard.
2) Taylor King has range but also has NO CONSCIENCE!! I mean towards the end of the game he wasn't even looking at the basket...
3) McRoberts or no McRoberts this team will be better this year because of one word: depth
Player of the Game: Jon Sheyer, 22 points
Next up: Nov 19th, Duke travels a looooong way to the Maui Invitational and they will play Princeton in the opener. If they beat Princeton, they will play the winner of Arizona State/Illinois.
Prediction: Duke 90 Princeton 56
The second half might as well have been a bottle of Nyquil because it put me to sleep. Why? Because Duke, as per usual, went back to playing a slow tempo and taking the air out of the ball with 8 minutes left in the game. Since they can't rebound, they are one-and-done on the offensive end and they begin to look like an average team. If they want to stay in the Top 10, they need to keep up this frantic pace, keep running bodies in and out, play pressure defense, and increase the number of possession because there will be a ton of one and done possessions.
A few things were highlighted last night:
1) It's no myth, size matters. Duke will be able to get away with it against a minor major or a mid major like New Mexico State but once they start playing the big boys, it's going to have to be all hands on deck in terms of rebounding and defending in the post. It's tough when your best rebounder is a 6'3'' guard.
2) Taylor King has range but also has NO CONSCIENCE!! I mean towards the end of the game he wasn't even looking at the basket...
3) McRoberts or no McRoberts this team will be better this year because of one word: depth
Player of the Game: Jon Sheyer, 22 points
Next up: Nov 19th, Duke travels a looooong way to the Maui Invitational and they will play Princeton in the opener. If they beat Princeton, they will play the winner of Arizona State/Illinois.
Prediction: Duke 90 Princeton 56
Thursday, November 8, 2007
CATastrophic
Don't laugh but Kentucky got blown out at home by Gardner Webb, sounds more like a british author than a basketball school. This, coupled with Ohio State losing to Findley and Michigan State losing to Grand Valley State, really makes you wonder about the parity in college basketball when low D-I or high D-II schools can go into historic buildings against historic programs and win. That's why these games against Shaw, Barton, and NC Central are so scary because if you god forbid lose, you're a laughing stock. Duke will not lose to NC Central but don't laugh at the likes of Ohio State, Mich St and Kentucky because karma is a bitch and will come back to bite you. For example, no one was happier and rubbed it in the face of UCONN fans more when George Mason shocked them in the Elite 8 two years ago. What happened? Duke lost in similar heartbreak fashion to another team from the Colonial, VCU.
As for the games so far, I have a huge bone to pick with Inside Access this year. I pay my $9.95 a month specifically for these untelevised games in the beginning of the year. However, for the games, I've either been in class or it was my birthday, so I figured I'd just watch them on archive. IA has not archived these games so I haven't seen a minute of the season yet. If anyone knows what's going on about that, let me know. With that said, anytime you score 134 points in a 40 minute game, you have to feel good as a fan. I don't care if Duke plays Chaminade High School and does that, it's still impressive. The thing I love about what I hear so far about this team is that K is insisting that he will run all scholarship guys out there and finally, finally use his depth! If you think about it, Duke doesn't have the best backcourt in the country but it certainly has the deepest in terms on guys who play 1-3. Kyle Singler looks to be the real deal and should be solid at the 4. So, it all goes back to the question we all had once Josh McRoberts decided to ride the end of the bench in Portland for pay instead of returning to Duke: What will the Devils get from the 5? From pictures and what I read, Lance Thomas looks to be more defined and built in the upper body. Only time will tell I guess but if this IA thing doesn't get corrected, Monday night will be our first look at this team against Reggie Theus-less New Mexico State and PG Elijah Ingram (remember him? The guy who got kicked out of St. John's for solliciting a prostitute with his buddy, then was accused of raping her only to be quickly acquitted because he taped the consensual acts on his cell phone, nonetheless, the Johnnies got rid of him) on Monday night (ESPN2, 7PM)
As for the games so far, I have a huge bone to pick with Inside Access this year. I pay my $9.95 a month specifically for these untelevised games in the beginning of the year. However, for the games, I've either been in class or it was my birthday, so I figured I'd just watch them on archive. IA has not archived these games so I haven't seen a minute of the season yet. If anyone knows what's going on about that, let me know. With that said, anytime you score 134 points in a 40 minute game, you have to feel good as a fan. I don't care if Duke plays Chaminade High School and does that, it's still impressive. The thing I love about what I hear so far about this team is that K is insisting that he will run all scholarship guys out there and finally, finally use his depth! If you think about it, Duke doesn't have the best backcourt in the country but it certainly has the deepest in terms on guys who play 1-3. Kyle Singler looks to be the real deal and should be solid at the 4. So, it all goes back to the question we all had once Josh McRoberts decided to ride the end of the bench in Portland for pay instead of returning to Duke: What will the Devils get from the 5? From pictures and what I read, Lance Thomas looks to be more defined and built in the upper body. Only time will tell I guess but if this IA thing doesn't get corrected, Monday night will be our first look at this team against Reggie Theus-less New Mexico State and PG Elijah Ingram (remember him? The guy who got kicked out of St. John's for solliciting a prostitute with his buddy, then was accused of raping her only to be quickly acquitted because he taped the consensual acts on his cell phone, nonetheless, the Johnnies got rid of him) on Monday night (ESPN2, 7PM)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Williams to Duke
Elliot Williams committed to Duke last night, a much needed pickup after Duke fell short in the Greg Monroe sweepstakes. It looks like Williams and Cykz are the only two from the Class of 2008, which signals a few things. One, Duke will be forced to develop Zoubek and Thomas not only this year but next year and two, the up and down style will continue to land tons of talented guards. I'm excited about Williams but for now, I'm focused on this year's team and its immense potential.
I still haven't watched the Blue/White yet on Inside Access but once I do, I will have a post on what I saw. Plus, if anyone has IA, check out Duke tonight against Shaw in an exhibition at Cameron. If they lose, cancel the season...
I still haven't watched the Blue/White yet on Inside Access but once I do, I will have a post on what I saw. Plus, if anyone has IA, check out Duke tonight against Shaw in an exhibition at Cameron. If they lose, cancel the season...
Friday, October 26, 2007
Duke #11 in ESPN Preseason Poll
Wow! I thought based off the way last year ended that Duke would land somewhere in the late teens, early 20's. I think this may be a little high for a team that still has some serious questions marks. They should be relying on a freshman to carry the scoring load and more importantly, they are the oreo cookie team; hard/strong on the outside but soft in the middle. If Thomas and/or Zoubek play up to their high school billing than this team is a Top 10 team. If not, expect more peaks than valleys again this year.
Season starts tomorrow, coincidently on my birthday: Blue/White Scrimmage @7PM (Watch on Inside Access).
Season starts tomorrow, coincidently on my birthday: Blue/White Scrimmage @7PM (Watch on Inside Access).
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The Monroe Doctrine
Let me start by saying that I am really excited and enthuised about this year. However, I was last year as well and in Duke terms, it was an utter disaster filled with heartbreak after heartbreak. I am really looking forward to seeing Duke push the ball and finally, finally, finally, use their depth, which K swears he will finally do. I love the idea of Duke playing small ball, similar to Nova a few years ago. If they do this, there will be games where they shoot lights out and look like a big time squad and games where they will shoot badly and get completely exposed in the post. However, if they get hot from outside, I can envision a deep postseason run.
Again, although I am excited about this year, what may be lost in translation is that Duke lost out on their biggest target for next year, Greg Monroe. He chose to attend G'Town last week, which was stunning to me because all I've been reading over the last year is that it was between Duke and hometown LSU. That's a huge steal for John Thompson and the Hoyas even if it may be for only one year. Now, where does Duke go here? They received a commitment from the Ckyz but the only other guy on their radar is Eliot Williams, who is a shooting guard. So, the idea that Duke will play small ball for this year only could be a stretch. Duke has now lost out on Patterson and Monroe and couple that with losing Boateng and Boykin to transfer and you have a team where your best low post player is 6'3'' Demarcus Nelson. Ouch! I will reserve my judgment for now since I need to see how Thomas and Zoubek develop this year but I have to admit, I am worried about Duke in the post this year and at least, next year...
Blue/White Scrimmage on Saturday - can't wait, BRB is back and is geared up for another season. Let's hope this year goes better than the inaugural season last year...
Again, although I am excited about this year, what may be lost in translation is that Duke lost out on their biggest target for next year, Greg Monroe. He chose to attend G'Town last week, which was stunning to me because all I've been reading over the last year is that it was between Duke and hometown LSU. That's a huge steal for John Thompson and the Hoyas even if it may be for only one year. Now, where does Duke go here? They received a commitment from the Ckyz but the only other guy on their radar is Eliot Williams, who is a shooting guard. So, the idea that Duke will play small ball for this year only could be a stretch. Duke has now lost out on Patterson and Monroe and couple that with losing Boateng and Boykin to transfer and you have a team where your best low post player is 6'3'' Demarcus Nelson. Ouch! I will reserve my judgment for now since I need to see how Thomas and Zoubek develop this year but I have to admit, I am worried about Duke in the post this year and at least, next year...
Blue/White Scrimmage on Saturday - can't wait, BRB is back and is geared up for another season. Let's hope this year goes better than the inaugural season last year...
Thursday, September 27, 2007
When Will This Year End?
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! After nearly two months off, I am compelled to get this going again. Why today? Well, as most of you know, I root for 3 teams: Duke (obviously), the New York Football Giants, and the New York Mets. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, laugh it up, I know. Los Mets are in the process of completing one of the biggest choke jobs not just in the history of baseball but in sports history. Although they aren't officially done yet, let's get this out in the open right now: They are done, they are roadkill, they are finished. See you in '08 without Willie Randolph. FYI: Funeral services will on Friday @ 7PM, Saturday @1PM, and Sunday @1PM (pretty much everyone can attend except the Phillies, something about getting ready for the playoffs). This recent Mets debacle has made me realize what a heartbreaking sports year it's been for me. Let's take a nauseating look at this...
Let's start with the Giants 06-07 campaign. Easily the most talented team on both offense and defense in the NFC, the GGGGG-Men came out like gangbusters and dashed to a 6-2 record. After that, this talent friendly team turned into a mash unit, absolutely collapsed to the point where they blew a 21-0 4th Quarter lead to the lousy Titans. Somehow, on a wing and prayer, they managed to squeak into the playoffs, only to get bounced unceremoniously by the Eagles in the first round on a field goal as time expired.
Then, Los Mets have lost games where they have 3 run, 4 run, and even 5 run leads culminating tonight with a 3-0 loss at the hands of who else, the Cardinals again. Again, they are done.
Then, I look at Duke from last year and they also started out 18-3 only to win only 4 of their last 12 including 4 losses in a row culminating with a heartbreaking loss at the hands of VCU (enrollment:54) in the first round. I can't take much more of this. I desperately need Duke to have a great year. Do I think they will win the NCAA Tournament? No, but I can't watch another debacle like last year. Sure, they won two thirds of their games last year, which is a banner season for most schools but it was the way they lost their games that didn't sit well. Outside of one or two, they all came down to the wire and hurt immensely in the end.
This is an open letter to you Greg Paulus, Jon Sheyer, Gerald Henderson, etc...Please have a good year where I don't have to experience anymore heartache. Pleaseeeeeeee.
On a lighter note, Duke got a pretty big recruit today, Olek Cyzk or something. From what I've read, he's very athletic but very raw as well. I'm sure the Polish connection kicked in there. I'm happy but let's face it, there's only one guy we want here and that's Greg Monroe. If they snatch him away from LSU then maybe I'll start getting aroused by this recruiting class. Until then, good pick up but he seems like a role player. Also, Elliot Williams would be a good pickup if they can get him but I'm a little weary of him. He wasn't a big-time recruit last year and then he had a couple of really good tourneys and then he became a big-time prospect.
Just about 30 days until the season begins with the Blue/White Scrimmage. I can't wait but if more suffering and pain is in store from the 2007-08 version of the Devils then I can wait...
Let's start with the Giants 06-07 campaign. Easily the most talented team on both offense and defense in the NFC, the GGGGG-Men came out like gangbusters and dashed to a 6-2 record. After that, this talent friendly team turned into a mash unit, absolutely collapsed to the point where they blew a 21-0 4th Quarter lead to the lousy Titans. Somehow, on a wing and prayer, they managed to squeak into the playoffs, only to get bounced unceremoniously by the Eagles in the first round on a field goal as time expired.
Then, Los Mets have lost games where they have 3 run, 4 run, and even 5 run leads culminating tonight with a 3-0 loss at the hands of who else, the Cardinals again. Again, they are done.
Then, I look at Duke from last year and they also started out 18-3 only to win only 4 of their last 12 including 4 losses in a row culminating with a heartbreaking loss at the hands of VCU (enrollment:54) in the first round. I can't take much more of this. I desperately need Duke to have a great year. Do I think they will win the NCAA Tournament? No, but I can't watch another debacle like last year. Sure, they won two thirds of their games last year, which is a banner season for most schools but it was the way they lost their games that didn't sit well. Outside of one or two, they all came down to the wire and hurt immensely in the end.
This is an open letter to you Greg Paulus, Jon Sheyer, Gerald Henderson, etc...Please have a good year where I don't have to experience anymore heartache. Pleaseeeeeeee.
On a lighter note, Duke got a pretty big recruit today, Olek Cyzk or something. From what I've read, he's very athletic but very raw as well. I'm sure the Polish connection kicked in there. I'm happy but let's face it, there's only one guy we want here and that's Greg Monroe. If they snatch him away from LSU then maybe I'll start getting aroused by this recruiting class. Until then, good pick up but he seems like a role player. Also, Elliot Williams would be a good pickup if they can get him but I'm a little weary of him. He wasn't a big-time recruit last year and then he had a couple of really good tourneys and then he became a big-time prospect.
Just about 30 days until the season begins with the Blue/White Scrimmage. I can't wait but if more suffering and pain is in store from the 2007-08 version of the Devils then I can wait...
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Maui Bracket
The Maui bracket is officially out and I must say Duke, like Marquette, have the most favorable paths to the championship game. Duke will play Princeton in the opener and let's face it, if they don't get past the Tigers, you think they were a laughing stock last year, just wait and see if they lose the opener to Princeton. In years past, Princeton has always been a tough out but let's be real here, Gus Johnson isn't doing the game and this isn't the Pete Carrill team that upset UCLA 43-41 in 1996.
Marquette will play Chaminade in the opener and unless this game involves Ralph Sampson, this will be a blowout. To me, there are five teams in this tourney that can legitimately win it: Duke, Illinois, Ok State, LSU, and Marquette. Ok State will play LSU in the opener so one of those two will, at best, finish in 5th place. Illinois could have their hands full with Herb Sendek, former Dukie Eric Boateng and company from Arizona State but they should move on to play Duke in the semifinal.
I would love to see Duke v. Illinois, given the feud Weber and K have been having since the Jon Sheyer recruiting battle. Bruce, stop crying, you sound like Kermit the frog, you couldn't even recruit a guy who was coached by your brother in high school, you took Bill Self's players to the title game not your own so shut up. I would love K and Duke to smack him around and call him Susie for a while.
LSU and Ok State is a toss up considering both teams lost big contributors in Big Baby for LSU and JamesOn Curry and Mario Boggans for Ok State. I will give the edge to LSU because of their athleticism. Either way, I think Marquette's superior guard play will be enough to land them in the finals against Duke.
If so, this would be a rematch of last years preseason tourney championship in Kansas City that Marquette won when Dominic James took over the last 5 minutes. My prediction is Duke prevails because of, get this, their superior depth. When's the last time I was able to say that? Last year, James abused the lack of speed that Paulus and Sheyer have but this time around, Nolan Smith will be the guy to stop James and lead them to a title.
Marquette will play Chaminade in the opener and unless this game involves Ralph Sampson, this will be a blowout. To me, there are five teams in this tourney that can legitimately win it: Duke, Illinois, Ok State, LSU, and Marquette. Ok State will play LSU in the opener so one of those two will, at best, finish in 5th place. Illinois could have their hands full with Herb Sendek, former Dukie Eric Boateng and company from Arizona State but they should move on to play Duke in the semifinal.
I would love to see Duke v. Illinois, given the feud Weber and K have been having since the Jon Sheyer recruiting battle. Bruce, stop crying, you sound like Kermit the frog, you couldn't even recruit a guy who was coached by your brother in high school, you took Bill Self's players to the title game not your own so shut up. I would love K and Duke to smack him around and call him Susie for a while.
LSU and Ok State is a toss up considering both teams lost big contributors in Big Baby for LSU and JamesOn Curry and Mario Boggans for Ok State. I will give the edge to LSU because of their athleticism. Either way, I think Marquette's superior guard play will be enough to land them in the finals against Duke.
If so, this would be a rematch of last years preseason tourney championship in Kansas City that Marquette won when Dominic James took over the last 5 minutes. My prediction is Duke prevails because of, get this, their superior depth. When's the last time I was able to say that? Last year, James abused the lack of speed that Paulus and Sheyer have but this time around, Nolan Smith will be the guy to stop James and lead them to a title.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Skip
After my post about Duke v. Pitt two weeks ago, I decided to take an unofficial vacation from BRB until the season started to approach but the news of Skip Prosser's sudden and tragic death has forced me to write a post.
Although Wake has been down the past two seasons, the death of Prosser is a huge blow for Wake Forest, the ACC, and college basketball. Having only seen Prosser a few times a year (usually against Duke), I never could tell if he was a good guy or not but I could always tell that he was a good college basketball coach. Having read articles all day, I must say, college basketball lost one of the good guys. To me, losing anyone is too soon but especially in Prosser's case. At 56, he appeared to show no signs of letting up and he seemed determined to build Wake Forest back up into an ACC and national powerhouse. He was on the right track after landing two big-time recruits only two weeks ago.
Many will speculate whether or not these young prospects will attend Wake now after this sudden tragedy but I won't be one of them, at least not now. Today is about honoring a fallen coach and exceptional foe on the courts. My prayers are with his entire family as they get through this arduous ordeal.
Although Wake has been down the past two seasons, the death of Prosser is a huge blow for Wake Forest, the ACC, and college basketball. Having only seen Prosser a few times a year (usually against Duke), I never could tell if he was a good guy or not but I could always tell that he was a good college basketball coach. Having read articles all day, I must say, college basketball lost one of the good guys. To me, losing anyone is too soon but especially in Prosser's case. At 56, he appeared to show no signs of letting up and he seemed determined to build Wake Forest back up into an ACC and national powerhouse. He was on the right track after landing two big-time recruits only two weeks ago.
Many will speculate whether or not these young prospects will attend Wake now after this sudden tragedy but I won't be one of them, at least not now. Today is about honoring a fallen coach and exceptional foe on the courts. My prayers are with his entire family as they get through this arduous ordeal.
Friday, July 13, 2007
PITT-stop @ MSG
It's been confirmed, Duke will play Pittsburgh at Madison Square Garden on December 20th. These two teams were on a collision course in the NCAA Tournament last season but VCU and Eric Maynor spoiled the potential matchup. If they would've met last season, I think the first team to 40 would've won the game. This year, I'm not so sure. Pitt has lost their front line to graduation but still have a tremendously physical back court that should give the Duke guards fits. Duke, outside of the recently fallen Brian Zoubek, also will feature a tremendous back court with a very uncertain front line. This matchup, between two programs built on hard-nose defense, could be a classic. You can bet that I will be in the stands to take every little bit in.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Zuo Have To Be Kidding
Brian Zoubek broke his foot in a pickup game and is out 8-10 weeks after successful surgery. Good News/Bad News situation...
Good News: It's July 11th, not November
Bad News: According to what you read, he was making tremendous strides to be the go-to player in the post next year. He's reportedly up to 266 lbs from 250 lbs last season.
Let's hope for a speedy recovery
Good News: It's July 11th, not November
Bad News: According to what you read, he was making tremendous strides to be the go-to player in the post next year. He's reportedly up to 266 lbs from 250 lbs last season.
Let's hope for a speedy recovery
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Dumb Non-Rule
I wholeheartedly believe that college basketball is the greatest sport in this country because of its purity. However, there is something so "impure" about the refusal of schools to let an incoming student out of a letter of intent when a coach switches programs. This happens a lot in college basketball and is highlighted in the Michael Beasley situation. Michael Beasley, arguably the best prospect in this years incoming freshman class, committed to the Huggy Bear at K-State. Although he is widely considered a one and done player no matter where he attends college, I still feel for the kid.
We all know the situation. The Huggy Bear left Manhattan in order to coach his alma mater, who he spurned years prior to stay at Cincy. Although you don't have to like the move, it is totally understandable. However, when Beasley went to get out of his letter of intent, Kansas State refused so now Beasley has two options: suck it up and play for a coach, Frank Martin, who was banned from high school bball in Florida or do a year in prep school until he can enter the 2008 NBA Draft. Beasley appears to be poised to take the high road and go to K-State.
When asked why they wouldn't let Beasley out of the letter of intent, they stated that the school had spent a great deal of money on recruiting resources. That's BS and everyone knows it. They didn't want to let Beasley go because a player of his stature could help generate interest and revenue in K-State bball and/or risk the possibility of him going elsewhere.
This is ludicrous. Over the course of the recruiting process, a kid/family buys into the coach more than the school. So now Beasley is stuck between a rock and a hard place. And look, I'm not trying to single out K-State because this happens everywhere. However, it didn't happen at Duke in 2004.
After the 2003 season, Duke was primed to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament and most likely contend for the national title. They were returning Senior PG Chris Duhon, Junior SG Daniel Ewing, both upperclassmen as well as an array of talented, seasoned sophomores in JJ Redick, Shelden Williams, Shavlik Randolph, and Sean Dockery. They also had signed the best recruiting class in the country, which was headlined by the best high school prospect not named LeBron James in Luol Deng. But what is forgotten is that Kris Humphries, another big-time PF, was on his way to Duke. However, Humphries had issues with possible playing time so he wanted out of his letter of intent. So here Duke was...on the cusp of contending for a title, no coaching change imminent and what did they do? They let the kid out of his letter of intent because they didn't want the kid to be there against his will. Didn't Duke put a ton of money into recruiting Humphries? So, why can they let him out of a letter of intent but K-State can't when there is a valid reason to do so?
I will always contend that Duke would've won the NCAA Title in 2004 with Humphries at Duke. He was the piece missing from a team that made the Final 4 that year and lost to the eventual national champion, UCONN 79-78.
There should be a rule in place where the school has to let the kid out of the letter of intent. However, he can't pick up and follow that coach to the other school either unless he pays the ultimate price, sitting out a year and transferring. It just doesn't seem fair...
We all know the situation. The Huggy Bear left Manhattan in order to coach his alma mater, who he spurned years prior to stay at Cincy. Although you don't have to like the move, it is totally understandable. However, when Beasley went to get out of his letter of intent, Kansas State refused so now Beasley has two options: suck it up and play for a coach, Frank Martin, who was banned from high school bball in Florida or do a year in prep school until he can enter the 2008 NBA Draft. Beasley appears to be poised to take the high road and go to K-State.
When asked why they wouldn't let Beasley out of the letter of intent, they stated that the school had spent a great deal of money on recruiting resources. That's BS and everyone knows it. They didn't want to let Beasley go because a player of his stature could help generate interest and revenue in K-State bball and/or risk the possibility of him going elsewhere.
This is ludicrous. Over the course of the recruiting process, a kid/family buys into the coach more than the school. So now Beasley is stuck between a rock and a hard place. And look, I'm not trying to single out K-State because this happens everywhere. However, it didn't happen at Duke in 2004.
After the 2003 season, Duke was primed to make a deep run into the NCAA Tournament and most likely contend for the national title. They were returning Senior PG Chris Duhon, Junior SG Daniel Ewing, both upperclassmen as well as an array of talented, seasoned sophomores in JJ Redick, Shelden Williams, Shavlik Randolph, and Sean Dockery. They also had signed the best recruiting class in the country, which was headlined by the best high school prospect not named LeBron James in Luol Deng. But what is forgotten is that Kris Humphries, another big-time PF, was on his way to Duke. However, Humphries had issues with possible playing time so he wanted out of his letter of intent. So here Duke was...on the cusp of contending for a title, no coaching change imminent and what did they do? They let the kid out of his letter of intent because they didn't want the kid to be there against his will. Didn't Duke put a ton of money into recruiting Humphries? So, why can they let him out of a letter of intent but K-State can't when there is a valid reason to do so?
I will always contend that Duke would've won the NCAA Title in 2004 with Humphries at Duke. He was the piece missing from a team that made the Final 4 that year and lost to the eventual national champion, UCONN 79-78.
There should be a rule in place where the school has to let the kid out of the letter of intent. However, he can't pick up and follow that coach to the other school either unless he pays the ultimate price, sitting out a year and transferring. It just doesn't seem fair...
Monday, July 2, 2007
BRB Draft Grades
Atlanta Hawks (B): Atlanta, with the 3rd overall pick, went with the "safe" pick Al Horford. To be honest, I don't know how safe this pick actually was. Sure, he was an accomplished collegiate player but we all know, especially Duke fans, that not all great collegiate players become great NBA players. To me, Horford is an undersized PF at the NBA level and the bully mentality that he used in college will be non-existant at the next level when his strength is neutralized. Outside of a few jump shots in the title game this year, I have never seen Horford hit the jumper with any type of consistency. If you're going on the best player on the board and you're ignoring the fact that you already have 18 PF's on the team, you have to take a guy with a much brighter upside and that would've been Brandon Wright. I love that the Hawks didn't reach and take Mike Conley at #3 because that would've been way too high. I think that decision looks even better when you add in that Atlanta got the most NBA ready PG in the draft in Acie Law. Sure, there are issues with Law's ability to be a "true" PG but one thing is for sure, he won't shy away from the big moments at the end of the game and when you're a perennial loser like the Hawks, you need a guy like that. I could be wrong about Horford. He could become a Carlos Boozer type player but I just don't see it right now. With Shelden Williams and Marvin Williams there, it just doesn't make any sense. If you're not crazy about Wright, take Yi and trade him to a team that desperately wanted him like the Warriors. Just think what the Hawks could look like if they pulled off a Yi for Jason Richardson deal: Acie Law, Joe Johnson, Jason Richardson, Marvin Williams, Shelden Williams with Josh Childress off the bench. I like the Johnson-Richardson 1-2 punch.
Boston Celtics (C): Anytime you get a guy with the talent of Ray Allen, you can't go wrong and they did dump the Wally contract as well which is a good thing. However, Allen provides the Celtics with a temporary stop gap and I'm not sure if there are enough balls on the court for the trio of Allen, Pierce, and Jefferson. Plus, the combo of Brandon Wright and Al Jefferson had the possibility of being a frontline for the ages. I like the selection of Gabe Pruitt in the 2nd Round. He has the chance to be a productive PG at the next level but Glen Davis is a very shady pick. For one thing, will he ever lay off the Krispy Kremes? Second, he quit on his team this year when they were losing. Third, did you read that piece in ESPN the Magazine? The guy is constantly suicidal. Terrible pick especially when you have McRoberts, lottery pick talent, waiting in the wings.
Charlotte Bobcats (F-): After the 8th pick in the draft, it seemed as if the Bobcats would do no worse than a C but then they traded away potential for Jason Richardson. JRich is a solid player but he's a now player with a hefty contract and to be frank, this team is not a now team and as currently constituted, it isn't a later team either. Richardson will help ease the blow when they lose Gerald Wallace to free agency. But how can you get rid of Brandon Wright after a guy with his upside slipped to #8 in the draft? It just doesn't make much sense. Jared Dudley at #22 is a stretch even though he will add some toughness and heart to that team. Michael Jordan needs to realize that success on the court does not necessarily breed success in the front office.
Chicago Bulls (C): I know I am in the minority here but Noah just isn't a lottery pick. He's a cockier version of Anderson Varejo. He does provide a load of intangibles and he'll work his ass off but when you have the kind of talent on the board that this draft did, Noah should've been an after thought. Why do the Bulls need more interior defense? They have Ben Wallace and a promising prospect in Tyrus Thomas. Spencer Hawes would've been a much better pick because he could've provided the Bulls with what they need the most, a low post guy who can score. Aaron Gray, if he works hard enough, could be a decent backup center in the Association but let's be real, he won't sniff the court. Jameson Curry is a gamble the Bulls could afford to take with such a late 2nd Round pick but make no mistake, this guy has trouble written all over him. He seems to have controlled the drug thing but is he coachable and will he play defense? Doubtful.
Cleveland Cavaliers (INC): No picks in the draft but a word of advice: if you have to sell your soul to get Billups, do it!
Dallas Mavs (C+): No first round picks but Fazekas is a decent pick in the 2nd Round despite having a piano on his back at all times. However, I don't see why they needed another slow footed white guy who can shoot. Don't they have the best one of all? I won't comment on the Euro guy, I've never heard of him but Reyshawn Terry will give them some defensive help if he decides to try ever now and then. My prediction is this team will undergo some serious changes in the offseason because I think the Warriors may have permanantly damaged their psyche.
Denver Nuggets (INC): No picks, totally worth it to get Iverson. The question is: will the dynamic duo of Anthony/Iverson ever gel where they can contend? Not when the Spurs and Suns still have those rosters they can't.
Detroit Pistons (B): I've never seen Rodney Stuckey play but I've been reading nothing but great stuff on this guy all year long. Then why did he go to Eastern Washington? Rumor has it that he couldn't even spell SAT let alone do well on them. The Pistons only care about his basketball IQ. Affalo is a nice safe pick for the Pistons and I think a good one because he has a similar-type game to Hamilton and will be able to give him a much needed blow every now and again. If it weren't for Corey Brewer the last few years, he may have been a late lottery pick.
Golden State Warriors (A): I won't give them an A+ because I really did like JRich on this team but in order to get a guy like Brandon Wright, you can't give up Adonyl Foyle. I love the Wright trade and he'll be great as the undersized, underbulked #5 in that run and gun system. If Baron Davis can stay healthy a whole year, this team could be dangerous again. I love Bellinelli at #18. From what I've read, he's the Italian version of Ray Allen. If so, he fits nicely into that system. Stephane Lasme is also a nice selection in the 2nd Round. Didn't he have 9 blocks one game this year? Love the Warriors, so much so that I will purchase the NBA package next year to watch them.
Houston Rockets (B+): If Jeff Van Gundy was still the coach, I wouldn't like the Brooks pick. With Adelman in Texas, Brooks fits in nicely with his run and gun approach. Landry may have been a little high at 31 but he's a blue-collared guy that carried Purdue this year. Jury is still out on Newley and whether he wants to play in the NBA and give up his cozy gig in Aussie land.
Indiana Pacers (C): Who the hell is Stanko Barac? Supposedly he's an assassin from outside and could be a good player but I have some serious questions about a guy who is 7' 2'' and can't score within the 3-point line in Europe. Bottom line is that they didn't make themselves better for next year and they will most likely get rid of Jermaine O'Neal.
LA Clippers (B): I've loved Al Thorton his whole career at FSU. He's an absolute freak who should contribute right away. Maybe Crittendon would have been the better pick since they have an aging Cassell and a one-legged Shaun Livingston but it never hurts to take the best overall player on the board. Jared Jordan? He's a feel good story but when a guy gets shut down by Siena twice in one week, he's not a legit pro prospect and a reason to get rid of Daniel Ewing.
LA Lakers (D): Crittendon has the potential to be good and if he lives up to his potential, he'll be a steal at #19. Problem is that you took Jordan Farmer in the 1st Round last year and Crittendon is miles away from being a finished product. With an angry Kobe Bryant, this pick won't improve them in the immediate future. McRoberts seemed to fit their system nicely at #19 as he is a PF who can pass the ball and be unselfish, which is ideal for the triangle and a ballhog like Kobe. The Chinese PG and Gasol's brother are lightyears away from contributing.
Memphis Grizzlies (C+): I think Mike Conley has the potential to be a good PG but #4 is a bit high. Sure, there most pressing need was PG but this team is still miles away from competing so why not take the best player on the board?
Miami Heat (B): They only had one pick and swapped with Philly to get Daqean Cook from Ohio State. With most of their players receiving AARP invitations, it never hurts to get a young, athletic SG with a load of potential. He could be the shooting answer as early as next season with the departure of Jason Kapono who got a ridiculously large contract from the Raptors.
Milwaukee Bucks (A-): They got Yi at #6, which was their guy. He has incredible upside but his camp doesn't want him in the middle of nowhere with a very limited Chinese population. Even if he doesn't play a game for the Bucks, it was a good move picking him up because there are plenty of teams that will give up plenty to take a chance on this guy. At worst, he's nice trade bait. Ramon Sessions at #56 could be a steal considering many thought he had first round talent. I really like what I saw from him in the NCAA Tourney when Fazekas was his usually no show.
Minnesota Timberwolves (B+): I think Corey Brewer is a steal at #7. That's how good I think he is. At worst, he's one of the best defenders in the league for years to come. However, over the course of last year, I really liked him emergence on the offensive end. Some compare him to Stacy Augman but I think he'll be closer to Scottie Pippen. Yeah, I went there. Chris Richard is a decent pick in the 2nd Round. He could be similar to what Millsap was this year for Utah. Problem is that KG will be on the decline before the likes of Foye and Brewer hit their max potential. Kevin McHale needs to be fired.
New Jersey Nets (B+): Sean Williams will be a dominant low post defender for years to come, mark my word. I'm just not sure if it will be in the NBA or the California Penal League. This guy has all types of issues but if he can get it together, watch out. To me, he's got the potential to be a mix between Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. Hopefully, he gets his act together. But let's be honest, even a Sean Williams with a crack addition is better than Jason Collins in the middle.
New Orleans Hornets (B-): Whenever you get a guy with the talent of a Julian Wright, you can have a grade out of a B. Also, I am usually a proponent of taking the best guy on the board but not in this case. This team desperately needed a SG in the worst way and Nick Young would've fit like a glove in that system. The one thing lacking from Wright's game is shooting ability.
NY Knicks (A-): Say whatever you want about Isiah but he knows how to draft so even though I have questions about Wilson Chandler and Demetrious Nichols, I'm sure they will work out. To me, the Randolph deal is a no-brainer and I just don't understand how people can say this a bad deal. Does he have a huge contract? Sure, he does but the difference between this contract and the other 50 bad contracts the Knicks have is that he's still young and in his prime. The combo of Curry and Randolph could be an absolute force in the weak Eastern Conference and plust, they get rid of a cancer in Steve Francis. Bravo Isiah, Bravo!
Orlando Magic (G?): I can't give out a grade to the Magic. Their offseason has sucked ass and this clown from Europe is an unknown. Billy Donovan may have been on to something by ditching this team prematurely.
Philadelphia 76ers (B+): Thaddeus Young is a potential pick. He has Top 5 talent but will he ever put it together? If he does, he'll make people forget about Iverson. I don't know much about Jason Smith except that he's more of a pick and pop center than a low-post scorer. Derrick Byars is absolute steal at #42. I'm almost inclined to call the D.A. to report such a thievery. He's an athletic swingman that can make an immediate impact. Herbert Hill? Best guess is that he'll be an assistant coach at Providence before he makes a big-time impact at the next level.
Phoenix Suns (C-):Alando Tucker was a very good collegiate player but he's not a Phoenix player at all. He can jump out of the gym but he can't hit the broad side of a barn with his jumper. I just don't understand this pick and I really don't understand why this team keeps selling off their picks. They need a backup PG (see Marcus Banks sucks) and Aaron Brooks or even Taurean Green makes more sense than Tucker. Strawberry fits the mold of a Raja Bell with his defensive intensity but he can't shoot it like Raja.
Portland Trailblazers (A++): Greg Oden, need I say more? He's a cahmpionship-level player on and off the court. He immediately makes Portland a contender. In addition to Oden, they got two foreign PG's that have enormous talent but aren't ready yet and then they get Josh McRoberts to fall in their laps. This is a perfect fit for McRoberts because he made his reputation and played his best when playing opposite of Oden in AAU ball. Taurean Green gives them a solid, winning backup for years to come. Sure, it hurts to give up a guy like Randolph for a guy like Channing Frye who is softer than Charmin but he was a cancer and could've dwarfed the progress of their franchise big guys, Oden and Aldridge.
Sacramento Kings (C+): I'm not sure what direction this team is actually going in. Their best player should be in Creedmore and Mike Bibby is rapidly declining and losing trade value. Hawes is a west coast guy and he has a load of potential. Reggie Theus will have his hands full this season.
San Antonio (A): This team always earns an A in my draft book. Their track record is just way too good. Splitter won't be around to make an immediate impact but the Spurs are set and can afford to take such a gamble. Marcus Williams is an enormous talent but just doesn't seem like he's all there. In any other organization, I say he falls into bad habits and doesn't become anything. However, with the Spurs, who knows. I've seen the Spurs win with Stephen Jackson in 2003.
Seattle Supersonics (A): Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, two of the best collegiate players last year, in one draft. Need I say more? Sure, Ray Allen hurts but this team is building for the future and they are moving in the right direction.
Toronto Raptors (G?): Same as Orlando except I like the Raptors future prospects. I have no idea what this guy from Greece is about but Manu Ginoboli was selected in the same postion so who knows. On a side note, Jason Kapono for 4 years/24 mill, are you kidding? What Brian Cardinal wasn't available?
Utah Jazz (B): Utah needed a shooter last year in the draft and missed out on JJ and took Ronnie Brewer instead. This year, they got the best shooter in the draft in Almond. Don't know why he went to Rice but from what you hear, he has a chance to be special. Never heard of the Euro guy they selected...
Washington Wizards (B-): Nick Young will give them yet another talented scorer but I think the pick would've been better suited going to a big guy. However, they took the best player on the board and you can't fault them for that.
Boston Celtics (C): Anytime you get a guy with the talent of Ray Allen, you can't go wrong and they did dump the Wally contract as well which is a good thing. However, Allen provides the Celtics with a temporary stop gap and I'm not sure if there are enough balls on the court for the trio of Allen, Pierce, and Jefferson. Plus, the combo of Brandon Wright and Al Jefferson had the possibility of being a frontline for the ages. I like the selection of Gabe Pruitt in the 2nd Round. He has the chance to be a productive PG at the next level but Glen Davis is a very shady pick. For one thing, will he ever lay off the Krispy Kremes? Second, he quit on his team this year when they were losing. Third, did you read that piece in ESPN the Magazine? The guy is constantly suicidal. Terrible pick especially when you have McRoberts, lottery pick talent, waiting in the wings.
Charlotte Bobcats (F-): After the 8th pick in the draft, it seemed as if the Bobcats would do no worse than a C but then they traded away potential for Jason Richardson. JRich is a solid player but he's a now player with a hefty contract and to be frank, this team is not a now team and as currently constituted, it isn't a later team either. Richardson will help ease the blow when they lose Gerald Wallace to free agency. But how can you get rid of Brandon Wright after a guy with his upside slipped to #8 in the draft? It just doesn't make much sense. Jared Dudley at #22 is a stretch even though he will add some toughness and heart to that team. Michael Jordan needs to realize that success on the court does not necessarily breed success in the front office.
Chicago Bulls (C): I know I am in the minority here but Noah just isn't a lottery pick. He's a cockier version of Anderson Varejo. He does provide a load of intangibles and he'll work his ass off but when you have the kind of talent on the board that this draft did, Noah should've been an after thought. Why do the Bulls need more interior defense? They have Ben Wallace and a promising prospect in Tyrus Thomas. Spencer Hawes would've been a much better pick because he could've provided the Bulls with what they need the most, a low post guy who can score. Aaron Gray, if he works hard enough, could be a decent backup center in the Association but let's be real, he won't sniff the court. Jameson Curry is a gamble the Bulls could afford to take with such a late 2nd Round pick but make no mistake, this guy has trouble written all over him. He seems to have controlled the drug thing but is he coachable and will he play defense? Doubtful.
Cleveland Cavaliers (INC): No picks in the draft but a word of advice: if you have to sell your soul to get Billups, do it!
Dallas Mavs (C+): No first round picks but Fazekas is a decent pick in the 2nd Round despite having a piano on his back at all times. However, I don't see why they needed another slow footed white guy who can shoot. Don't they have the best one of all? I won't comment on the Euro guy, I've never heard of him but Reyshawn Terry will give them some defensive help if he decides to try ever now and then. My prediction is this team will undergo some serious changes in the offseason because I think the Warriors may have permanantly damaged their psyche.
Denver Nuggets (INC): No picks, totally worth it to get Iverson. The question is: will the dynamic duo of Anthony/Iverson ever gel where they can contend? Not when the Spurs and Suns still have those rosters they can't.
Detroit Pistons (B): I've never seen Rodney Stuckey play but I've been reading nothing but great stuff on this guy all year long. Then why did he go to Eastern Washington? Rumor has it that he couldn't even spell SAT let alone do well on them. The Pistons only care about his basketball IQ. Affalo is a nice safe pick for the Pistons and I think a good one because he has a similar-type game to Hamilton and will be able to give him a much needed blow every now and again. If it weren't for Corey Brewer the last few years, he may have been a late lottery pick.
Golden State Warriors (A): I won't give them an A+ because I really did like JRich on this team but in order to get a guy like Brandon Wright, you can't give up Adonyl Foyle. I love the Wright trade and he'll be great as the undersized, underbulked #5 in that run and gun system. If Baron Davis can stay healthy a whole year, this team could be dangerous again. I love Bellinelli at #18. From what I've read, he's the Italian version of Ray Allen. If so, he fits nicely into that system. Stephane Lasme is also a nice selection in the 2nd Round. Didn't he have 9 blocks one game this year? Love the Warriors, so much so that I will purchase the NBA package next year to watch them.
Houston Rockets (B+): If Jeff Van Gundy was still the coach, I wouldn't like the Brooks pick. With Adelman in Texas, Brooks fits in nicely with his run and gun approach. Landry may have been a little high at 31 but he's a blue-collared guy that carried Purdue this year. Jury is still out on Newley and whether he wants to play in the NBA and give up his cozy gig in Aussie land.
Indiana Pacers (C): Who the hell is Stanko Barac? Supposedly he's an assassin from outside and could be a good player but I have some serious questions about a guy who is 7' 2'' and can't score within the 3-point line in Europe. Bottom line is that they didn't make themselves better for next year and they will most likely get rid of Jermaine O'Neal.
LA Clippers (B): I've loved Al Thorton his whole career at FSU. He's an absolute freak who should contribute right away. Maybe Crittendon would have been the better pick since they have an aging Cassell and a one-legged Shaun Livingston but it never hurts to take the best overall player on the board. Jared Jordan? He's a feel good story but when a guy gets shut down by Siena twice in one week, he's not a legit pro prospect and a reason to get rid of Daniel Ewing.
LA Lakers (D): Crittendon has the potential to be good and if he lives up to his potential, he'll be a steal at #19. Problem is that you took Jordan Farmer in the 1st Round last year and Crittendon is miles away from being a finished product. With an angry Kobe Bryant, this pick won't improve them in the immediate future. McRoberts seemed to fit their system nicely at #19 as he is a PF who can pass the ball and be unselfish, which is ideal for the triangle and a ballhog like Kobe. The Chinese PG and Gasol's brother are lightyears away from contributing.
Memphis Grizzlies (C+): I think Mike Conley has the potential to be a good PG but #4 is a bit high. Sure, there most pressing need was PG but this team is still miles away from competing so why not take the best player on the board?
Miami Heat (B): They only had one pick and swapped with Philly to get Daqean Cook from Ohio State. With most of their players receiving AARP invitations, it never hurts to get a young, athletic SG with a load of potential. He could be the shooting answer as early as next season with the departure of Jason Kapono who got a ridiculously large contract from the Raptors.
Milwaukee Bucks (A-): They got Yi at #6, which was their guy. He has incredible upside but his camp doesn't want him in the middle of nowhere with a very limited Chinese population. Even if he doesn't play a game for the Bucks, it was a good move picking him up because there are plenty of teams that will give up plenty to take a chance on this guy. At worst, he's nice trade bait. Ramon Sessions at #56 could be a steal considering many thought he had first round talent. I really like what I saw from him in the NCAA Tourney when Fazekas was his usually no show.
Minnesota Timberwolves (B+): I think Corey Brewer is a steal at #7. That's how good I think he is. At worst, he's one of the best defenders in the league for years to come. However, over the course of last year, I really liked him emergence on the offensive end. Some compare him to Stacy Augman but I think he'll be closer to Scottie Pippen. Yeah, I went there. Chris Richard is a decent pick in the 2nd Round. He could be similar to what Millsap was this year for Utah. Problem is that KG will be on the decline before the likes of Foye and Brewer hit their max potential. Kevin McHale needs to be fired.
New Jersey Nets (B+): Sean Williams will be a dominant low post defender for years to come, mark my word. I'm just not sure if it will be in the NBA or the California Penal League. This guy has all types of issues but if he can get it together, watch out. To me, he's got the potential to be a mix between Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. Hopefully, he gets his act together. But let's be honest, even a Sean Williams with a crack addition is better than Jason Collins in the middle.
New Orleans Hornets (B-): Whenever you get a guy with the talent of a Julian Wright, you can have a grade out of a B. Also, I am usually a proponent of taking the best guy on the board but not in this case. This team desperately needed a SG in the worst way and Nick Young would've fit like a glove in that system. The one thing lacking from Wright's game is shooting ability.
NY Knicks (A-): Say whatever you want about Isiah but he knows how to draft so even though I have questions about Wilson Chandler and Demetrious Nichols, I'm sure they will work out. To me, the Randolph deal is a no-brainer and I just don't understand how people can say this a bad deal. Does he have a huge contract? Sure, he does but the difference between this contract and the other 50 bad contracts the Knicks have is that he's still young and in his prime. The combo of Curry and Randolph could be an absolute force in the weak Eastern Conference and plust, they get rid of a cancer in Steve Francis. Bravo Isiah, Bravo!
Orlando Magic (G?): I can't give out a grade to the Magic. Their offseason has sucked ass and this clown from Europe is an unknown. Billy Donovan may have been on to something by ditching this team prematurely.
Philadelphia 76ers (B+): Thaddeus Young is a potential pick. He has Top 5 talent but will he ever put it together? If he does, he'll make people forget about Iverson. I don't know much about Jason Smith except that he's more of a pick and pop center than a low-post scorer. Derrick Byars is absolute steal at #42. I'm almost inclined to call the D.A. to report such a thievery. He's an athletic swingman that can make an immediate impact. Herbert Hill? Best guess is that he'll be an assistant coach at Providence before he makes a big-time impact at the next level.
Phoenix Suns (C-):Alando Tucker was a very good collegiate player but he's not a Phoenix player at all. He can jump out of the gym but he can't hit the broad side of a barn with his jumper. I just don't understand this pick and I really don't understand why this team keeps selling off their picks. They need a backup PG (see Marcus Banks sucks) and Aaron Brooks or even Taurean Green makes more sense than Tucker. Strawberry fits the mold of a Raja Bell with his defensive intensity but he can't shoot it like Raja.
Portland Trailblazers (A++): Greg Oden, need I say more? He's a cahmpionship-level player on and off the court. He immediately makes Portland a contender. In addition to Oden, they got two foreign PG's that have enormous talent but aren't ready yet and then they get Josh McRoberts to fall in their laps. This is a perfect fit for McRoberts because he made his reputation and played his best when playing opposite of Oden in AAU ball. Taurean Green gives them a solid, winning backup for years to come. Sure, it hurts to give up a guy like Randolph for a guy like Channing Frye who is softer than Charmin but he was a cancer and could've dwarfed the progress of their franchise big guys, Oden and Aldridge.
Sacramento Kings (C+): I'm not sure what direction this team is actually going in. Their best player should be in Creedmore and Mike Bibby is rapidly declining and losing trade value. Hawes is a west coast guy and he has a load of potential. Reggie Theus will have his hands full this season.
San Antonio (A): This team always earns an A in my draft book. Their track record is just way too good. Splitter won't be around to make an immediate impact but the Spurs are set and can afford to take such a gamble. Marcus Williams is an enormous talent but just doesn't seem like he's all there. In any other organization, I say he falls into bad habits and doesn't become anything. However, with the Spurs, who knows. I've seen the Spurs win with Stephen Jackson in 2003.
Seattle Supersonics (A): Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, two of the best collegiate players last year, in one draft. Need I say more? Sure, Ray Allen hurts but this team is building for the future and they are moving in the right direction.
Toronto Raptors (G?): Same as Orlando except I like the Raptors future prospects. I have no idea what this guy from Greece is about but Manu Ginoboli was selected in the same postion so who knows. On a side note, Jason Kapono for 4 years/24 mill, are you kidding? What Brian Cardinal wasn't available?
Utah Jazz (B): Utah needed a shooter last year in the draft and missed out on JJ and took Ronnie Brewer instead. This year, they got the best shooter in the draft in Almond. Don't know why he went to Rice but from what you hear, he has a chance to be special. Never heard of the Euro guy they selected...
Washington Wizards (B-): Nick Young will give them yet another talented scorer but I think the pick would've been better suited going to a big guy. However, they took the best player on the board and you can't fault them for that.
Friday, June 29, 2007
You Must Be Joshin'
Lay off the chocolate cake! That was the message pretty much every NBA team sent to Josh McRoberts last night. McRoberts, who was regarded as a definite lottery pick a season ago, dropped to #37 and the Portland Trailblazers. Good news is that he will be reunited with AAU teammate Greg Oden and he will join one of the best up and coming NBA teams. Bad news is that there is no guaranteed contract and there already is a log jam for playing time for Josh with LeMarcus Aldridge and now Channing Frye accompanying Oden in the paint.
Many people on television, including Judas himself, Jay Bilas, say McRoberts miscalculated before entering the draft. Yes, I believe he picked the wrong year but everyone in their right mind, including K, saw him as a mid-to-late first rounder. A guy who is 6' 10'' and can pass and dribble like a guard, doesn't drop to the 2nd Round too often. I think Portland took a flyer on McRoberts because Oden, according to his blog, has a little man crush on Josh and loves sitting poolside eating baked treats that Josh's mom makes for them.
A few things absolutely killed McRoberts: 1) the body fat test in Orlando where he had a whopping 13% body fat. For you or I, that is a fairly healthy lifestyle but for a professional athlete, that's pretty pathetic and speaks to a lack of dedication. Problem is that the proof is in the pudding. Sure, he's a little fat boy in NBA terms but he averaged37 minutes per game in the ACC after having back surgery last summer 2) Duke's very public down season last year killed McRoberts because he seemed to be the posterboy for all of their frustration and 3) this draft was too deep especially at his position.
I feel bad for Josh but it's time to move on as Duke fans and look forward to the upcoming season. From what I read, Brian Zoubek is primed to be a force in the paint next year. Let's hope so. If not, we could be starring another 22-11 season in the face.
Many people on television, including Judas himself, Jay Bilas, say McRoberts miscalculated before entering the draft. Yes, I believe he picked the wrong year but everyone in their right mind, including K, saw him as a mid-to-late first rounder. A guy who is 6' 10'' and can pass and dribble like a guard, doesn't drop to the 2nd Round too often. I think Portland took a flyer on McRoberts because Oden, according to his blog, has a little man crush on Josh and loves sitting poolside eating baked treats that Josh's mom makes for them.
A few things absolutely killed McRoberts: 1) the body fat test in Orlando where he had a whopping 13% body fat. For you or I, that is a fairly healthy lifestyle but for a professional athlete, that's pretty pathetic and speaks to a lack of dedication. Problem is that the proof is in the pudding. Sure, he's a little fat boy in NBA terms but he averaged37 minutes per game in the ACC after having back surgery last summer 2) Duke's very public down season last year killed McRoberts because he seemed to be the posterboy for all of their frustration and 3) this draft was too deep especially at his position.
I feel bad for Josh but it's time to move on as Duke fans and look forward to the upcoming season. From what I read, Brian Zoubek is primed to be a force in the paint next year. Let's hope so. If not, we could be starring another 22-11 season in the face.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
BRB's Need To Know List For The Draft
I usually like to make predictions on the draft and whether a pick will turn out to be good or a bust this time of year. Sometimes I am 100% correct. Sometimes I really drop the ball (see me saying Dwyane Wade and Carlos Boozer would struggle in the NBA). Despite my shortcomings, without further ado, here is what you need to know about this years draft:
1. Anyone who thinks Kevin Durant has a shot at the #1 pick is crazy, Oden will be #1 and go down as one of the best defensive centers of all-time when all is said and done.
2. Despite having a log jam at the 4 position, the Atlanta Hawks would be asanine if they don't pick Brandon Wright. That kid has perennial all-star written all over him and could be a player that could turn that franchise around in a few years.
3. Brandon Wright will be a better player than Al Horford. To me, Horford could end up like so many great Duke players of the early 90's and that means having an average career after being highly-tauted after being on great collegiate teams --> see Christian Laettner.
4. Mike Conley Jr. is the best PG in the draft. However, he is nowhere good enough to be going in the Top 5 especially in this draft.
5. Joakim Noah will be a great role player in the NBA. Key word is "role". You can't take a role player in the Top 5 or 6. Not when talent like Yi, Corey Brewer, Spencer Hawes would still be on the board.
6. If Josh McRoberts lands on a half-court team, he might as well be dead and buried. Give him fast breaks or give him death.
7. Thaddeus Young is the steal of the draft if he's taken outside of the lottery. My buddy and I saw him at the Jordan Classic and the consensus between the both of us was that he was better than Durant. Their freshman years proved us wrong for the time being but Young has the talent and ability of a Top 5 pick.
8. If Sean Williams is on the board at #27, Detroit will grab him up because four straight losses due to LeBron penetration made the Pistons realize how important Ben Wallace was to their team and they need a big-time defensive presence.
9. Even though he lacks athleticism, if Jared Dudley is around at #25, the Jazz need to grab him. He fits their mold perfectly and he would fit in nicely off the bench especially with Kirilenko on the trading block after drastically underachieving this season.
10. A few words on the careers of the possible lottery picks:
Greg Oden: moment he steps on the floor, he's 1st-team All-Defense, whether or not he develops offensively is another story.
Kevin Durant: will have his spectacular moments early on but won't dazzle until he puts on added muscle, his lack of strength will force him to take a ton of fade away jumpers.
Brandon Wright: in any other draft, he could be #1, the Hawks shouldn't have sobbed when they got the #3 pick because if they pick the best player available, which is Wright, they'll have a stud for years to come.
Al Horford: undecided about Horford, could either be a Boozer-type or on the flipside, could end up like Marcus Fizer or Mike Sweetney.
Yi: I've only watched one abridged workout but I love his talent. Could be as good as Gasol...
Joakim Noah: The JJ Redick of this year, overhyped, overachieving college career will land him in the lottery where he doesn't belong...prominent role player on a good team, useless on a bad team.
Mike Conley Jr: Must get drafted by the right team, he is suited for run and gun type of offense, a half court offense does him no good and the defense will dare him to sink jumpers all day long until he can, could be as good as TJ Ford but is more like an Avery Johnson.
Spencer Hawes: very, very skilled big man who underachieved in Washington's system. Given the right system, he'll be a solid pro. However, if he gets stuck in the middle of a run and gun system like he did in college, he won't fit in and get to utilize his skill set.
Corey Brewer: easily the most complete player in the draft, can do it on the offensive end and more importantly, on the defensive end. At the worst, he's Stacy Augmon, another defensive minded, long width guy on a national championship team that was stacked. At best, he could be Scottie Pippen. He's that talented.
Acie Law: reminds me of Chauncey Billups because of his ability to hit the clutch shot in college. He was the Mr. Big Shot of college bball last year. I think he enjoys a successful career anywhere he goes but not an all-star.
Julian Wright: supremely talented but the "tinman" of college bball - no heart whatsoever. He only turned it on when he wanted to in college and I see him taking the same approach in the pros.
Nick Young: what is good about Young is that he has a mid-range game, something that lacks in bball these days. I didn't see him much since he's on the West Coast but no one can deny his talent.
Al Thorton: a superfreak athlete who really made himself into a great player in college. One thing that bothers you is that despite his enormous talent, he never pushed Florida St. off the bubble and into the tourney. A guy like that can put teams on his back and he seemingly only did it against Duke and one game against a very bad Miami team when he scored 45.
Jeff Green: very versatile in college, did everything correct and played the game the way it was supposed to be played. I think he'll be a good pro but I tend to be tentative on guys who are "system" guys and at G'Town, the system exposed all of his strengths and minimized weaknesses.
Only time will tell how these guys perform at the next level but one thing is for sure, I'll be right on some and wrong on others. The question is: who will those guys be? Wait and see...
1. Anyone who thinks Kevin Durant has a shot at the #1 pick is crazy, Oden will be #1 and go down as one of the best defensive centers of all-time when all is said and done.
2. Despite having a log jam at the 4 position, the Atlanta Hawks would be asanine if they don't pick Brandon Wright. That kid has perennial all-star written all over him and could be a player that could turn that franchise around in a few years.
3. Brandon Wright will be a better player than Al Horford. To me, Horford could end up like so many great Duke players of the early 90's and that means having an average career after being highly-tauted after being on great collegiate teams --> see Christian Laettner.
4. Mike Conley Jr. is the best PG in the draft. However, he is nowhere good enough to be going in the Top 5 especially in this draft.
5. Joakim Noah will be a great role player in the NBA. Key word is "role". You can't take a role player in the Top 5 or 6. Not when talent like Yi, Corey Brewer, Spencer Hawes would still be on the board.
6. If Josh McRoberts lands on a half-court team, he might as well be dead and buried. Give him fast breaks or give him death.
7. Thaddeus Young is the steal of the draft if he's taken outside of the lottery. My buddy and I saw him at the Jordan Classic and the consensus between the both of us was that he was better than Durant. Their freshman years proved us wrong for the time being but Young has the talent and ability of a Top 5 pick.
8. If Sean Williams is on the board at #27, Detroit will grab him up because four straight losses due to LeBron penetration made the Pistons realize how important Ben Wallace was to their team and they need a big-time defensive presence.
9. Even though he lacks athleticism, if Jared Dudley is around at #25, the Jazz need to grab him. He fits their mold perfectly and he would fit in nicely off the bench especially with Kirilenko on the trading block after drastically underachieving this season.
10. A few words on the careers of the possible lottery picks:
Greg Oden: moment he steps on the floor, he's 1st-team All-Defense, whether or not he develops offensively is another story.
Kevin Durant: will have his spectacular moments early on but won't dazzle until he puts on added muscle, his lack of strength will force him to take a ton of fade away jumpers.
Brandon Wright: in any other draft, he could be #1, the Hawks shouldn't have sobbed when they got the #3 pick because if they pick the best player available, which is Wright, they'll have a stud for years to come.
Al Horford: undecided about Horford, could either be a Boozer-type or on the flipside, could end up like Marcus Fizer or Mike Sweetney.
Yi: I've only watched one abridged workout but I love his talent. Could be as good as Gasol...
Joakim Noah: The JJ Redick of this year, overhyped, overachieving college career will land him in the lottery where he doesn't belong...prominent role player on a good team, useless on a bad team.
Mike Conley Jr: Must get drafted by the right team, he is suited for run and gun type of offense, a half court offense does him no good and the defense will dare him to sink jumpers all day long until he can, could be as good as TJ Ford but is more like an Avery Johnson.
Spencer Hawes: very, very skilled big man who underachieved in Washington's system. Given the right system, he'll be a solid pro. However, if he gets stuck in the middle of a run and gun system like he did in college, he won't fit in and get to utilize his skill set.
Corey Brewer: easily the most complete player in the draft, can do it on the offensive end and more importantly, on the defensive end. At the worst, he's Stacy Augmon, another defensive minded, long width guy on a national championship team that was stacked. At best, he could be Scottie Pippen. He's that talented.
Acie Law: reminds me of Chauncey Billups because of his ability to hit the clutch shot in college. He was the Mr. Big Shot of college bball last year. I think he enjoys a successful career anywhere he goes but not an all-star.
Julian Wright: supremely talented but the "tinman" of college bball - no heart whatsoever. He only turned it on when he wanted to in college and I see him taking the same approach in the pros.
Nick Young: what is good about Young is that he has a mid-range game, something that lacks in bball these days. I didn't see him much since he's on the West Coast but no one can deny his talent.
Al Thorton: a superfreak athlete who really made himself into a great player in college. One thing that bothers you is that despite his enormous talent, he never pushed Florida St. off the bubble and into the tourney. A guy like that can put teams on his back and he seemingly only did it against Duke and one game against a very bad Miami team when he scored 45.
Jeff Green: very versatile in college, did everything correct and played the game the way it was supposed to be played. I think he'll be a good pro but I tend to be tentative on guys who are "system" guys and at G'Town, the system exposed all of his strengths and minimized weaknesses.
Only time will tell how these guys perform at the next level but one thing is for sure, I'll be right on some and wrong on others. The question is: who will those guys be? Wait and see...
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Maui
I just took a look at the rest of the Maui Invitational field and I must say, the Devils will be tested early on. I've seen the field much stronger in the past but there are some interesting story lines if Duke plays some of these teams:
Arizona State: Duke should handle State but remember, Herb Sendek used to get his NC State teams in good position to knock off the Dukies. Also, Eric Boateng, the Duke transfer, will be eligible to play in this game. Wouldn't it be a slap in the face if he got the best of the Dukies?
Marquette: Dominic James should be back after faltering in the NBA Pre-Draft camps. This would set up a rematch from last year where James looked more like LeBron James rather than Dominic when he single-handily dismantled the Blue Devils.
LSU: No Big Baby, No Tyrus Thomas but it would be nice to take out the team that ended the storied careers of JJ Redick and Shelden Williams. Plus, I can't stand John Brady, comb your hair!
Illinois: This would be the matchup that would intrigue me the most. We all know the public feud that Bruce Weber has with K over the commercials and more importantly, the Jon Sheyer saga. How about Jon hits a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the win and fades away and lands in the Illini bench? Now that would be sweet. Stop crying Bruce! If you lose a recruit from Illinois who goes to the high school that YOUR brother coaches then it's your own damn fault.
I know one thing for sure...I'll be glued to the television Nov 19-21 to watch this. Duke's depth on the perimeter could propel them to the title but it won't be easy.
Arizona State: Duke should handle State but remember, Herb Sendek used to get his NC State teams in good position to knock off the Dukies. Also, Eric Boateng, the Duke transfer, will be eligible to play in this game. Wouldn't it be a slap in the face if he got the best of the Dukies?
Marquette: Dominic James should be back after faltering in the NBA Pre-Draft camps. This would set up a rematch from last year where James looked more like LeBron James rather than Dominic when he single-handily dismantled the Blue Devils.
LSU: No Big Baby, No Tyrus Thomas but it would be nice to take out the team that ended the storied careers of JJ Redick and Shelden Williams. Plus, I can't stand John Brady, comb your hair!
Illinois: This would be the matchup that would intrigue me the most. We all know the public feud that Bruce Weber has with K over the commercials and more importantly, the Jon Sheyer saga. How about Jon hits a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the win and fades away and lands in the Illini bench? Now that would be sweet. Stop crying Bruce! If you lose a recruit from Illinois who goes to the high school that YOUR brother coaches then it's your own damn fault.
I know one thing for sure...I'll be glued to the television Nov 19-21 to watch this. Duke's depth on the perimeter could propel them to the title but it won't be easy.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Billy The Kidder's First Magic Trick
Billy Donovan's first "magic" act as the Orlando coach was his very own disappearing act. In what can only be classified as a bizarre turn of events, Billy has changed his mind and wants out of Orlando. Wow! Either two things happened to cause this drastic change of heart: one, he realized Orlando is still years away from competing for a championship or two, it actually got to him to leave the Gators and to break his word to the kids he so passionately recruited. It looks like the Magic organization believes it's the first reason because they seem to be asking for Billy to accept a 5-year ban from the NBA to get out of his contract without further legal action. This would stabilize his recruiting situation but certainly cripple his plans of conquering the NBA like he has conquered college basketball in recent years. It will be interesting to see how this pans out...
On the flip side, Anthony Grant, who must have ran around the VCU campus naked a few times after Donovan bailed because he was going to a big-time basketball program after only 1 year as a head coach, albeit a very successful one (not so successful for the Dukies). Now, he's stuck at VCU for another year with Eric Maynor returning for his Junior season. However, the chances of duplicating their success from a year ago is slim considering the Colonial on its best day is a two-bid conference.
More on this soap opera as it unfolds...
On the flip side, Anthony Grant, who must have ran around the VCU campus naked a few times after Donovan bailed because he was going to a big-time basketball program after only 1 year as a head coach, albeit a very successful one (not so successful for the Dukies). Now, he's stuck at VCU for another year with Eric Maynor returning for his Junior season. However, the chances of duplicating their success from a year ago is slim considering the Colonial on its best day is a two-bid conference.
More on this soap opera as it unfolds...
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Taken For Granted?
According to Katz, Anthony Grant is the likely successor to Billy the Kid at Florida. Name sound familiar? Yes, Duke fans it's the same guy who coached VCU this year and ended your season in brutal heartbreak. Florida fans should consider themselves lucky to get such a hot young coach but they probably will curse Donovan instead...
Billy The Kid-der
I said it, my brother said it, Watson said it, and you know what, it came true. We all knew Billy Donovan wasn't seriously staying at Florida. Once Corey Brewer, Al Horford, Joakim Noah, and Taurean Green said bye bye so did Billy. Losing out on the much documented Patrick Patterson sweepstakes couldn't have helped. However, he lost out on Patrick because Patterson knew better than to believe his sordid lies. How can Billy ever look Jai Lucas in the face again after lying to him point blank?
Orlando was the perfect NBA home for Donovan. He doesn't have to move his family from the state of Florida where he just built a Catholic School that his son attends. The money didn't hurt either. According to ESPN (see I document my sources), it's a 6 year/$36 million deal. He inherits a pretty decent team, at least by Eastern Conference standards. Dwight Howard is an absolute stud, Darko has some promise, and if Grant Hill spurns retirement and is healthy next year, they could be decent. Although we are JJ lovers not JJ haters here at BRB, Orlando may have reached last year taking him in the lottery next year. Even with that, he has the ability to be a good pro if one, he plays, and two, Howard establishes himself in the post, draws doubles, and kicks to JJ. One thing that hurts them immensely is the absence of a 1st Round pick this year. Detroit gets pick #15 (probably from the Darko trade), which leaves the Magic with only two second round picks.
Will Billy succeed in the NBA? I'm not sure. Sure, he is coming off of two national championships in a row but let's not forget, only two years ago, Billy was called a cheat by Mike Montgomery and was considered a classic underachiever as a coach. He seemed to always get the big recruit whether it was Udonis Haslem, Jason Williams, Donnell Harvey, James White, David Lee, or Matt Walsh but yet it seemed as if he was getting bounced by the likes of Manhattan every year in the NCAA Tournament. He caught lightning in a bottle with a recruiting class that although they were talented, their greatest asset was their chemistry on and off the court.
If you go according to history, you can't like his chances. Outside of Larry Brown, college coaches never seem to enjoy success once they arrive in the NBA and remember, Brown had already been in the NBA before coaching UCLA and Kansas. Donovan's mentor, Rick Pitino, crashed and burned in the pros a few times. Their full-court, team-oriented pressure doesn't translate to a league full of lazy one-on-one players.
To me, although there is talent in Orlando, until they sign a big-time wing player to go along with Howard, they won't step into the elite of the East and compete with Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and Miami. If they had their pick this year, nbadraft.net has the #15 pick as Javaris Critteton from Georgia Tech who has the potential to be a big-time PG.
Whether or not Billy makes it in the pros, one thing remains: he lied to his incoming recruits, they bought it hook, line, and sinker and now they are coughing up their respective lunches because of it. I guess money means more in this day and age than the possibility of crippling a young man's future...
Orlando was the perfect NBA home for Donovan. He doesn't have to move his family from the state of Florida where he just built a Catholic School that his son attends. The money didn't hurt either. According to ESPN (see I document my sources), it's a 6 year/$36 million deal. He inherits a pretty decent team, at least by Eastern Conference standards. Dwight Howard is an absolute stud, Darko has some promise, and if Grant Hill spurns retirement and is healthy next year, they could be decent. Although we are JJ lovers not JJ haters here at BRB, Orlando may have reached last year taking him in the lottery next year. Even with that, he has the ability to be a good pro if one, he plays, and two, Howard establishes himself in the post, draws doubles, and kicks to JJ. One thing that hurts them immensely is the absence of a 1st Round pick this year. Detroit gets pick #15 (probably from the Darko trade), which leaves the Magic with only two second round picks.
Will Billy succeed in the NBA? I'm not sure. Sure, he is coming off of two national championships in a row but let's not forget, only two years ago, Billy was called a cheat by Mike Montgomery and was considered a classic underachiever as a coach. He seemed to always get the big recruit whether it was Udonis Haslem, Jason Williams, Donnell Harvey, James White, David Lee, or Matt Walsh but yet it seemed as if he was getting bounced by the likes of Manhattan every year in the NCAA Tournament. He caught lightning in a bottle with a recruiting class that although they were talented, their greatest asset was their chemistry on and off the court.
If you go according to history, you can't like his chances. Outside of Larry Brown, college coaches never seem to enjoy success once they arrive in the NBA and remember, Brown had already been in the NBA before coaching UCLA and Kansas. Donovan's mentor, Rick Pitino, crashed and burned in the pros a few times. Their full-court, team-oriented pressure doesn't translate to a league full of lazy one-on-one players.
To me, although there is talent in Orlando, until they sign a big-time wing player to go along with Howard, they won't step into the elite of the East and compete with Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and Miami. If they had their pick this year, nbadraft.net has the #15 pick as Javaris Critteton from Georgia Tech who has the potential to be a big-time PG.
Whether or not Billy makes it in the pros, one thing remains: he lied to his incoming recruits, they bought it hook, line, and sinker and now they are coughing up their respective lunches because of it. I guess money means more in this day and age than the possibility of crippling a young man's future...
Kobe
There is very little debate who is the most talented player in the NBA. The discussion usually begins and ends with Kobe Bryant. However, there is no one in the NBA or possibly all of sports that I dislike more. I'll admit I am a bit biased here considering I love Shaq and I love Coach K.
First, I find it ridiculous that pro-Duke blogs talk about Kobe as if he was a Dukie at one point in his life. Kobe wasn't even close to going to Duke. It was only after the fact that Kobe indicated that he would've loved to play for Duke if he went to college. AND, I may be in the minority here but I am so glad that this guy didn't step foot on Duke's campus and that is saying a lot since he would've arrived in 1996 when Duke was still struggling.
Let's get this straight, I think he is the most talented player in the league and I respect that talent. That's all I respect about this guy. I won't even get into his personal life because that is none of my business and only he and that girl know exactly what happened that night. But, this guy rats out Shaq to the police, basically cries Shaq off of his team because he's so conceded that he believed he could win without him, tries to steal Coach K from Duke, commits some of the dirtiest flagrant fouls in the NBA and then cries when Raja Bell throws him down, at no point has he made any of his teammates better, and now he goes on the radio demands a trade, claims he had nothing to do with Shaq leaving LA, claims management hasn't given him enough talent to work with and has since demanded a trade, rescinded that demand, demanded a trade again, and again has rescinded that demand. I am so sick of this guy it's not even funny.
I vowed a few months ago that I would be much more objective but I just can't stand this guy. He's not the only one around sports but he is the only one of those guys somehow linked to Duke. To all those who link Kobe to Duke, stop! You are embarrassing Duke. Duke is a program built on character, teamwork, and integrity. Duke is not a program that revolves around snitching on other teammates, pointing fingers and cheap fouls. Let's reaffirm our association with the Elton Brands, Luol Dengs, and Shane Battiers of the world who exemplify what is stands for to be a Blue Devil.
First, I find it ridiculous that pro-Duke blogs talk about Kobe as if he was a Dukie at one point in his life. Kobe wasn't even close to going to Duke. It was only after the fact that Kobe indicated that he would've loved to play for Duke if he went to college. AND, I may be in the minority here but I am so glad that this guy didn't step foot on Duke's campus and that is saying a lot since he would've arrived in 1996 when Duke was still struggling.
Let's get this straight, I think he is the most talented player in the league and I respect that talent. That's all I respect about this guy. I won't even get into his personal life because that is none of my business and only he and that girl know exactly what happened that night. But, this guy rats out Shaq to the police, basically cries Shaq off of his team because he's so conceded that he believed he could win without him, tries to steal Coach K from Duke, commits some of the dirtiest flagrant fouls in the NBA and then cries when Raja Bell throws him down, at no point has he made any of his teammates better, and now he goes on the radio demands a trade, claims he had nothing to do with Shaq leaving LA, claims management hasn't given him enough talent to work with and has since demanded a trade, rescinded that demand, demanded a trade again, and again has rescinded that demand. I am so sick of this guy it's not even funny.
I vowed a few months ago that I would be much more objective but I just can't stand this guy. He's not the only one around sports but he is the only one of those guys somehow linked to Duke. To all those who link Kobe to Duke, stop! You are embarrassing Duke. Duke is a program built on character, teamwork, and integrity. Duke is not a program that revolves around snitching on other teammates, pointing fingers and cheap fouls. Let's reaffirm our association with the Elton Brands, Luol Dengs, and Shane Battiers of the world who exemplify what is stands for to be a Blue Devil.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
No Rush
When Brandon Rush dropped out of the NBA Draft, I figured he had learned from his brothers mistakes but it looks like that wasnt the case. Andy Katz is reporting that Rush tore his ACL in a pickup game and that caused the withdrawal. It's pretty sad for college basketball that the only way you can get your superstar back is a serious knee injury. If Rush comes back to 100%, Kansas will have a shot at the title.
I read an article that Isiah Thomas is strongly considering drafting Josh McRoberts. I don't think that's a good fit. There is already a log jam at the 4 with the Knicks with Channing Frye, David Lee, and Renaldo Balkman. Even though he may be a risk, I think the Knicks should take a flyer on BC's Sean Williams. If he can keep his head on straight, he's got the potential to be a big-time shot blocker something they so desperately need since Eddy Curry only plays on the offensive end.
I read an article that Isiah Thomas is strongly considering drafting Josh McRoberts. I don't think that's a good fit. There is already a log jam at the 4 with the Knicks with Channing Frye, David Lee, and Renaldo Balkman. Even though he may be a risk, I think the Knicks should take a flyer on BC's Sean Williams. If he can keep his head on straight, he's got the potential to be a big-time shot blocker something they so desperately need since Eddy Curry only plays on the offensive end.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Cha-Ching
Portland and Seattle cashed in the other night and they will get Oden and Durant. This serves the Grizzlies and Celtics right considering they tanked their seasons to get these guys and now they are stuck with the likes of Yi Julian, Al Hortford, Jeff Green etc...which isnt too shabby but nowhere near Oden and Durant.
Although Durant and Oden are intriguing, let's take a look at possible prospects for McRoberts. I would love Josh to land at #18 to the Warriors. I think he fits the Warriors style perfectly and he gives them the athletic, tall, good passer/defender that the Warriors covet. They will go no further than the 2nd Round with 6'8'' Al Harrington playing the 5.
More on the draft once I investigate a little more but according to Draft Express, McRoberts looks spectacular in his private workouts and the only negative surrounding right now is the inability of the scouts to forget two years of underachieving at Duke. He could go as high as late lottery and I can't see him dropping past 22 or 23.
Also, I never brought this up when it happened but congrats to Shelden Williams who got engaged a few weeks ago to Candace Parker from Tennessee. Good job Shelden! I would think a girl like that would be out of his league.
Although Durant and Oden are intriguing, let's take a look at possible prospects for McRoberts. I would love Josh to land at #18 to the Warriors. I think he fits the Warriors style perfectly and he gives them the athletic, tall, good passer/defender that the Warriors covet. They will go no further than the 2nd Round with 6'8'' Al Harrington playing the 5.
More on the draft once I investigate a little more but according to Draft Express, McRoberts looks spectacular in his private workouts and the only negative surrounding right now is the inability of the scouts to forget two years of underachieving at Duke. He could go as high as late lottery and I can't see him dropping past 22 or 23.
Also, I never brought this up when it happened but congrats to Shelden Williams who got engaged a few weeks ago to Candace Parker from Tennessee. Good job Shelden! I would think a girl like that would be out of his league.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Patterson To Kentucky
Looks like Patrick Patterson has decided on Kentucky, which is a bit of a surprise to me. I figured he would follow Jai Lucas to Florida. This decision shows me that the Patterson family wasnt sold on Billy Donovan staying at Florida and I agree with them.
Billy G gets his first big recruit and he will fit in nicely with the departure of Randolph Morris to the Knicks. I knew Patterson wasnt going to Duke a long time ago so this doesnt come as a shock to me. However, the shock is Kentucky. Once Tubby Smith left and Patterson's mom went off on the alumni, I figured it was between Duke and Florida. Give Billy G credit. He immediately got in touch with him, developed a full-fledged plan for him and promised him 16-20 shots a game. Although I don't approve of selling a recruit on the number of shots you're going to get, he did what he had to and landed a big-time recruit.
So, Duke is now faced with the worst case scenario BRB set forth after the heartbreaking VCU loss: they lost McRoberts to the NBA and Patterson didn't come to Durham. What does this mean? Well, for starters, you have to believe Duke wont have any transfers now. The only possible transfer to me is Marty Pocius but it looks like he'll be sticking around despite a log jam at his position. So, this means that they need the combo of Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek, and David McClure to be huge next year. Also, this means they will be running a number of small sets with basically 4 guards and a forward. I think the offense will be much more fluid this year with the addition of Singler, King, and Smith and with Gerald Henderson almost certainly gaining a much bigger role in the offense. Their problem will be defensively. Say whatever you want about McRoberts and the lack of chemistry between him and the rest of the team, he played some great defense with the departure of the Landlord.
I, for one, believe that Lance Thomas will have a breakout season this year. You saw glimmers at the beginning of the season but for a variety of reasons, they got nothing from Thomas last year except some amusing defense. To be honest, I'm not sure about Zoubek. All indications at the beginning of last year was that he would be a big-time contributor in year 1. He was not.
If Zoubek is as good as people made him out to be entering Duke than the finger has to be pointed at the coach. There hasn't been a better coach in history but I don't subscribe to the "they went small so we couldn't play him" theory. Look where that got the Dallas Mavericks. Don't let inferior teams dictate your style, you're Duke! You dictate the style.
Good luck to Patterson. I wish he would've went to Duke but I'd rather him go to Kentucky than Florida because Donovan is all over the NBA right now and was going to screw him over. I can feel it. And remember, we beat out Florida and Rutgers for Thomas at the deadline last year so you can't win them all.
Billy G gets his first big recruit and he will fit in nicely with the departure of Randolph Morris to the Knicks. I knew Patterson wasnt going to Duke a long time ago so this doesnt come as a shock to me. However, the shock is Kentucky. Once Tubby Smith left and Patterson's mom went off on the alumni, I figured it was between Duke and Florida. Give Billy G credit. He immediately got in touch with him, developed a full-fledged plan for him and promised him 16-20 shots a game. Although I don't approve of selling a recruit on the number of shots you're going to get, he did what he had to and landed a big-time recruit.
So, Duke is now faced with the worst case scenario BRB set forth after the heartbreaking VCU loss: they lost McRoberts to the NBA and Patterson didn't come to Durham. What does this mean? Well, for starters, you have to believe Duke wont have any transfers now. The only possible transfer to me is Marty Pocius but it looks like he'll be sticking around despite a log jam at his position. So, this means that they need the combo of Lance Thomas, Brian Zoubek, and David McClure to be huge next year. Also, this means they will be running a number of small sets with basically 4 guards and a forward. I think the offense will be much more fluid this year with the addition of Singler, King, and Smith and with Gerald Henderson almost certainly gaining a much bigger role in the offense. Their problem will be defensively. Say whatever you want about McRoberts and the lack of chemistry between him and the rest of the team, he played some great defense with the departure of the Landlord.
I, for one, believe that Lance Thomas will have a breakout season this year. You saw glimmers at the beginning of the season but for a variety of reasons, they got nothing from Thomas last year except some amusing defense. To be honest, I'm not sure about Zoubek. All indications at the beginning of last year was that he would be a big-time contributor in year 1. He was not.
If Zoubek is as good as people made him out to be entering Duke than the finger has to be pointed at the coach. There hasn't been a better coach in history but I don't subscribe to the "they went small so we couldn't play him" theory. Look where that got the Dallas Mavericks. Don't let inferior teams dictate your style, you're Duke! You dictate the style.
Good luck to Patterson. I wish he would've went to Duke but I'd rather him go to Kentucky than Florida because Donovan is all over the NBA right now and was going to screw him over. I can feel it. And remember, we beat out Florida and Rutgers for Thomas at the deadline last year so you can't win them all.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Long Shot
Now that Jai Lucas has announced he will go to Florida, you have to believe Patrick Patterson will follow him. Although his dad is a huge Duke fan, Patterson has formed a friendship with Lucas and are believed to be a packaged deal. I concluded a long time ago that he wasn't going to Duke but I hate to see a kid go somewhere and the coach bail on him weeks later. I just have a feeling Donovan will get some NBA team to give him full control, like the Orlando Magic, and he will leave these kids for dead. Patterson seems like a good kid and if that's going to happen, I'd rather him at least go to Kentucky where you know Gillespe is going nowhere.
Here is my last plea to Patrick: If you want a reason to go to Duke, I will give you two: Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer. Both Duke centers in that NBA PF mold that are 20/10 players in the NBA that have multimillion dollar deals. If you are as good as they say you are, use Duke and their national TV coverage to boost up your NBA stock.
On another note, Virginia Tech just lost a solid recruit for next year and the kid stated that he couldn't come because he wasn't emotionally and mentally ready to step foot on the campus after the shootings. Poor Seth Greenberg...I'll tell you this, if Donovan bounces to the pros this season, I think Seth would be a nice replacement there.
Expect an unhappy post on Wednesday when Patterson decides to go to Florida...Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek better be working on their games as I write this because if they don't improve, Duke will get eaten up alive down low.
Here is my last plea to Patrick: If you want a reason to go to Duke, I will give you two: Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer. Both Duke centers in that NBA PF mold that are 20/10 players in the NBA that have multimillion dollar deals. If you are as good as they say you are, use Duke and their national TV coverage to boost up your NBA stock.
On another note, Virginia Tech just lost a solid recruit for next year and the kid stated that he couldn't come because he wasn't emotionally and mentally ready to step foot on the campus after the shootings. Poor Seth Greenberg...I'll tell you this, if Donovan bounces to the pros this season, I think Seth would be a nice replacement there.
Expect an unhappy post on Wednesday when Patterson decides to go to Florida...Lance Thomas and Brian Zoubek better be working on their games as I write this because if they don't improve, Duke will get eaten up alive down low.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
So Sick...
Okay, so I hate to sound like Neyo here but I am so sick, so sick of the "myth" that Duke doesn't translate into success in the NBA. Why? Because it's completely untrue, take a look:
Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand are two of the elite power forwards in the NBA, both average double-doubles over the course of the season, and now Boozer is on his way to leading Utah past Golden State in the 2nd Round.
Since 1986, Duke's 1st National Title Game appearance under Coach K, the following players have been drafted in the 1st and 2nd Round:
Johnny Dawkins (10)
Mark Alarie (18)
Danny Ferry (2)
Alaa Abdelnaby (25)
Christian Laettner (3)
Brian Davis (48)
Bobby Hurley (7)
Thomas Hill (39)
Grant Hill (3)
Antonio Lang (29)
Cherokee Parks (12)
Erik Meek (41)
Roshown McLeod (20)
Elton Brand (1)
Trajan Langdon (11)
Corey Maggette (13)
William Avery (14)
Chris Carrawell (41)
Shane Battier (6)
Jay Williams (2)
Mike Dunleavy (3)
Carlos Boozer (35)
Dahntay Jones (20)
Luol Deng (7)
Chris Duhon (39)
Daniel Ewing (32)
Shelden Williams (5)
JJ Redick (11)
Johnny Dawkins is always referred to as the first big-time bust that Coach K produced in the NBA. How so? Over his 9 year career in the league that was cut short because of injuries, he averaged 11 points and 6 assists per game. Sure, he wasn't the superstar he was at the collegiate level but overall that's a successful career.
I think the stereotype revolves around the failures of Danny Ferry. Even though he was before my time as a Duke fan, he was the original hated Dukie and the fact that he was drafted #2 and only averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game over his 13 year career really fuels the anti-Duke bandwagon. He did, however, play an intrical role in San Antonio's championship in 2003.
Another guy that everyone loves to pick on is Christian Laettner, arguably the most hated Duke player of all-time and why wouldn't he be? He played in 4 Final Fours, won 2 National Championships, won the POY in 1992, and hit every clutch shot known to man. Everyone says he was a bust in the NBA. How? Sure, he wasn't a franchise player but he played 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. That's a very solid career.
Bobby Hurley can't be considered a bust because of the horrific accident that doomed his career. I don't think he would've been a franchise NBA player but he would've been a servicable PG for many years.
Grant Hill, who is considering retirement this year, is a borderline hall of fame player. He probably won't make it because of the littany of injuries he's endured over the course of his career but he still managed to put up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists per game over his 12 years in the league. If he would've stayed injury free, he could've been the superstar to succeed MJ.
Cherokee Parks was a complete bust and just a failure in life. After a promising freshman season at Duke in 1992, I never really liked his attitude and he went freakin crazy in the NBA. I think he actually got a tatoo of a battleship on his tongue...Ewww
Up to this point in history, Duke players had relative success in the NBA but considering the success of a Dawkins, Ferry, Laettner, and Hurley, you can see where the stereotype emerged. However, let's take a look from 1999 on and see if this really holds true:
1999:
Elton Brand: Over his career, he has averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. He has been a tremendous ambassador to the sport and is amongst the elite PF's in the game today. If he was able to get another big time player, he could lead a team to a championship.
Trajan Langdon: Even the most optimistic of Duke fans were left scratching their heads when the Cavs made him a lottery pick. At best, he was a late first rounder. He was a great shooter in college but that's all his was. The reputation and constant spotlight around Duke may have overhyped him. However, he has enjoyed a very successful career on CSKA Moscow, which has won a number of Euro titles with him as a star.
Corey Maggette: Despite only playing one season in Durham, he's one of the most explosive players in the league. He's averaged over 15 points and 5 rebounds over his career and if he was able to ever develop a consistent jumper, he'd be unstoppable. He's a very good NBA player and he is only getting better.
William Avery: One of these Duke players that Duke fans can't stand. He tried to ride the coattails of Brand and Maggette and a spectacular 37-2 season into the pros and went in the lottery. Coach K urged him and his mother to wait because he wasn't ready and would get eaten up alive in the pros. Avery's mother called Coach K selfish and a liar. Where is William now? I think he's struggling to get time in Tel Aviv. That one is not on Duke basketball...
Shane Battier: The consumate team player. Everyone knew he wouldn't be a superstar in the league but let's face it, he is one of the best intangible players in the league. He's averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block per game for his career and constantly guards the other teams best player.
Jay Williams: Sort of a Bobby Hurley situation but let's face it, despite having a pretty average rookie season in Chicago, this guy had All-Star guard written all over him. He would've been an absolute star but he couldn't stay off his motorcycle.
Mike Dunleavy: Ask anyone, I said it then, he went way too high. He was a jump shooter, he was great in college because he had the best penetrator in college basketball in Jay Williams. Even with that, he's averaged 14 point per game for his career and I think he is suited better in a half court system in Indiana than the run and gun in Golden State.
Dahntay Jones: Considered by many around the NBA as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Problem is that his offensive game has never really developed. If he develops his offensive game, he'll be a starter in this league for years to come.
Luol Deng: Did you see what he did to Miami? He's one of the most versatile players in the game and toughest to guard because of his length. He will be an all-star in this league for years to come and will be a franchise player.
Chris Duhon: Considering he had one of the most miserable junior seasons I've ever seen, you have to feel good for Duhon. He's a very solid PG for the Bulls and plays excellent defense. He'll never wow anyone with numbers but he will hang around the pros for years to come...
I think it's still too early to judge Shelden Williams and JJ Redick. If Redick fails in the NBA, the stereotype will gain even more momentum because people love to hate him. If he succeeds, he will just be another player who disregards this stereotype.
Carlos Boozer and Elton Brand are two of the elite power forwards in the NBA, both average double-doubles over the course of the season, and now Boozer is on his way to leading Utah past Golden State in the 2nd Round.
Since 1986, Duke's 1st National Title Game appearance under Coach K, the following players have been drafted in the 1st and 2nd Round:
Johnny Dawkins (10)
Mark Alarie (18)
Danny Ferry (2)
Alaa Abdelnaby (25)
Christian Laettner (3)
Brian Davis (48)
Bobby Hurley (7)
Thomas Hill (39)
Grant Hill (3)
Antonio Lang (29)
Cherokee Parks (12)
Erik Meek (41)
Roshown McLeod (20)
Elton Brand (1)
Trajan Langdon (11)
Corey Maggette (13)
William Avery (14)
Chris Carrawell (41)
Shane Battier (6)
Jay Williams (2)
Mike Dunleavy (3)
Carlos Boozer (35)
Dahntay Jones (20)
Luol Deng (7)
Chris Duhon (39)
Daniel Ewing (32)
Shelden Williams (5)
JJ Redick (11)
Johnny Dawkins is always referred to as the first big-time bust that Coach K produced in the NBA. How so? Over his 9 year career in the league that was cut short because of injuries, he averaged 11 points and 6 assists per game. Sure, he wasn't the superstar he was at the collegiate level but overall that's a successful career.
I think the stereotype revolves around the failures of Danny Ferry. Even though he was before my time as a Duke fan, he was the original hated Dukie and the fact that he was drafted #2 and only averaged 7 points and 3 rebounds per game over his 13 year career really fuels the anti-Duke bandwagon. He did, however, play an intrical role in San Antonio's championship in 2003.
Another guy that everyone loves to pick on is Christian Laettner, arguably the most hated Duke player of all-time and why wouldn't he be? He played in 4 Final Fours, won 2 National Championships, won the POY in 1992, and hit every clutch shot known to man. Everyone says he was a bust in the NBA. How? Sure, he wasn't a franchise player but he played 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. That's a very solid career.
Bobby Hurley can't be considered a bust because of the horrific accident that doomed his career. I don't think he would've been a franchise NBA player but he would've been a servicable PG for many years.
Grant Hill, who is considering retirement this year, is a borderline hall of fame player. He probably won't make it because of the littany of injuries he's endured over the course of his career but he still managed to put up 20 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists per game over his 12 years in the league. If he would've stayed injury free, he could've been the superstar to succeed MJ.
Cherokee Parks was a complete bust and just a failure in life. After a promising freshman season at Duke in 1992, I never really liked his attitude and he went freakin crazy in the NBA. I think he actually got a tatoo of a battleship on his tongue...Ewww
Up to this point in history, Duke players had relative success in the NBA but considering the success of a Dawkins, Ferry, Laettner, and Hurley, you can see where the stereotype emerged. However, let's take a look from 1999 on and see if this really holds true:
1999:
Elton Brand: Over his career, he has averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. He has been a tremendous ambassador to the sport and is amongst the elite PF's in the game today. If he was able to get another big time player, he could lead a team to a championship.
Trajan Langdon: Even the most optimistic of Duke fans were left scratching their heads when the Cavs made him a lottery pick. At best, he was a late first rounder. He was a great shooter in college but that's all his was. The reputation and constant spotlight around Duke may have overhyped him. However, he has enjoyed a very successful career on CSKA Moscow, which has won a number of Euro titles with him as a star.
Corey Maggette: Despite only playing one season in Durham, he's one of the most explosive players in the league. He's averaged over 15 points and 5 rebounds over his career and if he was able to ever develop a consistent jumper, he'd be unstoppable. He's a very good NBA player and he is only getting better.
William Avery: One of these Duke players that Duke fans can't stand. He tried to ride the coattails of Brand and Maggette and a spectacular 37-2 season into the pros and went in the lottery. Coach K urged him and his mother to wait because he wasn't ready and would get eaten up alive in the pros. Avery's mother called Coach K selfish and a liar. Where is William now? I think he's struggling to get time in Tel Aviv. That one is not on Duke basketball...
Shane Battier: The consumate team player. Everyone knew he wouldn't be a superstar in the league but let's face it, he is one of the best intangible players in the league. He's averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block per game for his career and constantly guards the other teams best player.
Jay Williams: Sort of a Bobby Hurley situation but let's face it, despite having a pretty average rookie season in Chicago, this guy had All-Star guard written all over him. He would've been an absolute star but he couldn't stay off his motorcycle.
Mike Dunleavy: Ask anyone, I said it then, he went way too high. He was a jump shooter, he was great in college because he had the best penetrator in college basketball in Jay Williams. Even with that, he's averaged 14 point per game for his career and I think he is suited better in a half court system in Indiana than the run and gun in Golden State.
Dahntay Jones: Considered by many around the NBA as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Problem is that his offensive game has never really developed. If he develops his offensive game, he'll be a starter in this league for years to come.
Luol Deng: Did you see what he did to Miami? He's one of the most versatile players in the game and toughest to guard because of his length. He will be an all-star in this league for years to come and will be a franchise player.
Chris Duhon: Considering he had one of the most miserable junior seasons I've ever seen, you have to feel good for Duhon. He's a very solid PG for the Bulls and plays excellent defense. He'll never wow anyone with numbers but he will hang around the pros for years to come...
I think it's still too early to judge Shelden Williams and JJ Redick. If Redick fails in the NBA, the stereotype will gain even more momentum because people love to hate him. If he succeeds, he will just be another player who disregards this stereotype.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Makes You Wonder...
What could have been? That's the questions I've been asking myself throughout the NBA Playoffs this season.
First, what could have been if Luol Deng didn't bolt Duke after only one season? If you haven't noticed, he's the Bulls best player and was a mismatch for the defending champions. Sure, Ben Gordon may be their money guy at the end of the game but Deng has become a tremendously versatile player and if he would've hung around for a few more years at Duke, the sky could've been the limit. He's on the verge on becoming a perennial All-Star...
Second, what could have been if Coach K wouldn't have given Baron Davis' scholarship away to William Avery? First, William Avery was an excellent PG for Duke for two seasons but let's face it, who would Duke fans have rather had: a 6'5'' PG who is dominating in the NBA playoffs or a guard who is struggling to find time in Tel Aviv? Exactly. To me, when healthy, Baron Davis is the 3rd best PG in the league and that's saying something considering only Nash and Kidd are better and that's only because Davis has been plagued with injuries. Just imagine if Davis would've went to Duke though, how about this lineup in 1999:
PG- Baron Davis
SG- Trajan Langdon
SF- Chris Carrawell
PF- Shane Battier
C- Elton Brand
6th Man- Corey Maggette
The 1999 team with Avery was seconds away from going down as one of the greatest teams of all-time. They went 37-2 that year and the two losses were by a combined 4 points. If you put Baron Davis, with the way he played at UCLA because it's not fair to compare him now, on that team, that truly could've been a 39-0 National Championship team.
Finally, what could've been if Carlos Boozer showed us his jumper at Duke and didn't play back to the basket? There were two reasons why Boozer dropped to the 2nd Round after he came out after his Junior season: 1, he blew a wide open layup at the buzzer of the Indiana game, which turned out to be his last shot at Duke and 2, for a back to the basket player, at 6'8'', he was a little small despite being chiseled out of granite.
Other Notables in the Playoffs:
Chris Duhon is ran a nice PG off the bench as Chicago swept Miami.
Shane Battier is a perfect fit for Houston and when he scores, it's all gravy considering the intangibles he brings day in and day out.
Also, I know Toronto is getting spanked by New Jersey but how about how Kris Humphries is playing? He's the forgotten man. Everyone talks about Deng and Livingston playing a combined 1 year at Duke but what about Humphries who cried his way out of a letter of intent to go to Minnesota, where he dominated for a year before he jumped to the pros. I have contended this since 2004, if Humphries goes to Duke, Duke wins the 2004 National Title.
First, what could have been if Luol Deng didn't bolt Duke after only one season? If you haven't noticed, he's the Bulls best player and was a mismatch for the defending champions. Sure, Ben Gordon may be their money guy at the end of the game but Deng has become a tremendously versatile player and if he would've hung around for a few more years at Duke, the sky could've been the limit. He's on the verge on becoming a perennial All-Star...
Second, what could have been if Coach K wouldn't have given Baron Davis' scholarship away to William Avery? First, William Avery was an excellent PG for Duke for two seasons but let's face it, who would Duke fans have rather had: a 6'5'' PG who is dominating in the NBA playoffs or a guard who is struggling to find time in Tel Aviv? Exactly. To me, when healthy, Baron Davis is the 3rd best PG in the league and that's saying something considering only Nash and Kidd are better and that's only because Davis has been plagued with injuries. Just imagine if Davis would've went to Duke though, how about this lineup in 1999:
PG- Baron Davis
SG- Trajan Langdon
SF- Chris Carrawell
PF- Shane Battier
C- Elton Brand
6th Man- Corey Maggette
The 1999 team with Avery was seconds away from going down as one of the greatest teams of all-time. They went 37-2 that year and the two losses were by a combined 4 points. If you put Baron Davis, with the way he played at UCLA because it's not fair to compare him now, on that team, that truly could've been a 39-0 National Championship team.
Finally, what could've been if Carlos Boozer showed us his jumper at Duke and didn't play back to the basket? There were two reasons why Boozer dropped to the 2nd Round after he came out after his Junior season: 1, he blew a wide open layup at the buzzer of the Indiana game, which turned out to be his last shot at Duke and 2, for a back to the basket player, at 6'8'', he was a little small despite being chiseled out of granite.
Other Notables in the Playoffs:
Chris Duhon is ran a nice PG off the bench as Chicago swept Miami.
Shane Battier is a perfect fit for Houston and when he scores, it's all gravy considering the intangibles he brings day in and day out.
Also, I know Toronto is getting spanked by New Jersey but how about how Kris Humphries is playing? He's the forgotten man. Everyone talks about Deng and Livingston playing a combined 1 year at Duke but what about Humphries who cried his way out of a letter of intent to go to Minnesota, where he dominated for a year before he jumped to the pros. I have contended this since 2004, if Humphries goes to Duke, Duke wins the 2004 National Title.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Hostage Crisis
I couldn't give a damn about Bill Self and his program at Kansas but I'm really sick of these college coaches being held hostage by their players. Look at what just transpired. Brandon Rush kept putting off his decision until the last second. Yesterday, Kansas target Alex Legion, who played with Nolan Smith at Oak Hill, signed a letter of intent at Kentucky and one of the reasons he signed was because he couldn't wait to see if a scholarship would open up at Kansas or not. Today, Rush declares for the draft and now Kansas, who certainly isn't hurting for talented players, lost out on Legion. Something needs to be done to control this epidemic. It is severely hurting the college game and really handcuffing coaches. If you're going to declare early, why can't you do what Josh McRoberts did? McRoberts declared almost instantly after the season ended and I have to believe one of the reasons was Coach K told him he didn't care what the decision was as long as he did it quick so they could strengthen their case to get Patterson.
By the way, while we are on the subject, I think all Blue Devil fans needs to come to the realization that Patterson will not be coming to Duke next year. You have Billy Guillespe promising 16-20 shots a game and Billy Donovan is still in the mix and right now, Florida is the sexy pick. Plus, Patterson has developed a great relationship with another unsigned recruit, Jai Lucas and many believe Patterson will go where he goes. I get the same feeling...
With that said, I hope I am proved wrong but if he doesn't come, don't start feeling bad for Duke. I think from offensive and chemistry standpoints, they will much improved. McRoberts was Mr. Versatile for them but from what you read, no one was shedding any tears in that lockerroom when he decided to declare. Supposedly, he gave off the persona to the entire team that he was better than they were and the college game was beneath him.
Out of the following guys: Paulus, Sheyer, Singler, Henderson, would it surprise anyone if any of those guys scored over 15 points a game? It wouldn't surprise me. Like I've been saying, Duke is as talented as any team in the country at the 1-3 positions. If Singler and King are as advertised and Lance Thomas shows why Duke waited until minutes before the 1st game for his decision to go there, then they will be fine at the 4. To me, the season depends on the development of Brian Zoubek. If Zoubek adds some muscle, improves his footwork and defense, then Duke will be a top team. If he looks like he did for most of last year, you're looking at a platoon of Lance Thomas, Kyle Singler, and David McClure at the 5 position. Duke will get killed down low if that happens.
By the way, while we are on the subject, I think all Blue Devil fans needs to come to the realization that Patterson will not be coming to Duke next year. You have Billy Guillespe promising 16-20 shots a game and Billy Donovan is still in the mix and right now, Florida is the sexy pick. Plus, Patterson has developed a great relationship with another unsigned recruit, Jai Lucas and many believe Patterson will go where he goes. I get the same feeling...
With that said, I hope I am proved wrong but if he doesn't come, don't start feeling bad for Duke. I think from offensive and chemistry standpoints, they will much improved. McRoberts was Mr. Versatile for them but from what you read, no one was shedding any tears in that lockerroom when he decided to declare. Supposedly, he gave off the persona to the entire team that he was better than they were and the college game was beneath him.
Out of the following guys: Paulus, Sheyer, Singler, Henderson, would it surprise anyone if any of those guys scored over 15 points a game? It wouldn't surprise me. Like I've been saying, Duke is as talented as any team in the country at the 1-3 positions. If Singler and King are as advertised and Lance Thomas shows why Duke waited until minutes before the 1st game for his decision to go there, then they will be fine at the 4. To me, the season depends on the development of Brian Zoubek. If Zoubek adds some muscle, improves his footwork and defense, then Duke will be a top team. If he looks like he did for most of last year, you're looking at a platoon of Lance Thomas, Kyle Singler, and David McClure at the 5 position. Duke will get killed down low if that happens.
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