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.
Friday, June 29, 2007
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...
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