Duke is always a lock to make the NCAA Tournament and usually a good team to pick making the Final Four in your office pool. The school also churns out plenty of talented players who have long, successful careers in the NBA. Here are some names of Duke alumni who have played professionally, along with their agents of record.
Grant Hill – James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Christian Laettner – Lon Babby (Williams & Connolly). Babby is now the President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns.
Elton Brand – David Falk (FAME)
Shane Battier – James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Carlos Boozer – Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Chris Duhon – Kevin Bradbury (BDA Sports)
Mike Dunleavy – Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Dahntay Jones – Aaron Mintz (Priority Sports)
Daniel Ewing – Thad Foucher (Wasserman Media Group)
J.J. Redick - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Shelden Williams - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Corey Maggette - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Luol Deng – Jason Levien (LSR). Levien became general counsel and assistant GM of the Sacramento Kings and it is likely that Deng has either hired a new agent or is still in the market for one.
Josh McRoberts - Bob Myers (Wasserman Media Group)
This year, the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft could be coming out of Duke. Kyrie Irving is projected to be one of the top picks in the Draft. The talented freshman suffered a toe injury that has kept him out of much of this season. Other Blue Devils expected to be selected are seniors Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler. It is assumed that Smith will go ahead of Singler. If Mason Plumlee decides to leave early, he could be a first rounder.
Looking at the list of Duke players along with their agents, Wasserman Media Group stands out from the pack. Tellem, Myers, and Foucher do work! And they also have B.J. Armstrong to assist in recruiting. If you are not one of the big name agencies, it is doubtful that you have a shot securing a top Blue Devil. Good luck competing against WMG, BDA, Landmark, FAME, Priority Sports, and Williams & Connolly (who takes more of a “lawyer approach” and charges by the hour up to a certain percentage of the player’s contract).
紳士的選擇方案：杜克大學籃球
杜克始終是一個鎖，使NCAA錦標賽，通常一個好的團隊來接使四強在你的辦公室池。學校還批量地生產出大量的有天賦的球員誰長，在NBA成功的職業生涯。這裡有一些名字杜克校友誰發揮專業，以及他們的代理人的記錄。
希爾 - 詹姆斯坦納（威廉姆斯和康諾利）
基督教萊特納 - 巴比（威廉姆斯和康諾利）。雛鳥哩現在是籃球運營總裁的菲尼克斯太陽隊。
布蘭德 - 大衛福爾克（名譽）
巴蒂爾 - 詹姆斯坦納（威廉姆斯和康諾利）
卡洛斯布澤爾 - 羅布 Pelinka（地標體育局）
杜洪 - 凱文布拉德伯里（北京經濟技術開發區體育）
鄧利維 - 阿恩Tellem（Wasserman媒體集團）
Dahntay瓊斯 - 阿倫明茨（優先權體育）
丹尼爾尤因 - 薩德 Foucher（Wasserman媒體集團）
J.J.雷迪克 - 阿恩Tellem（Wasserman媒體集團）
謝爾爾登威廉姆斯 - 阿恩Tellem（Wasserman媒體集團）
馬蓋蒂 - 羅布 Pelinka（地標體育局）
羅爾鄧賈森 - 萊維恩（LSR的）。萊維恩成為總法律顧問兼總經理助理的薩克拉門托國王隊，這是鄧小平有可能要么聘請了一位新的代理或仍然在市場之一。
喬希麥克羅伯茨 - 鮑勃邁爾斯（Wasserman媒體集團）
今年，＃1順位選中，在NBA選秀可以走出公爵。主啊，歐文預計為首選之一，在該草案。天才大一遭受了腳趾受傷，他一直保持了本賽季的大部分。其他藍魔預計將所選的老人諾蘭史密斯和凱爾辛格勒。據推測，史密斯將提前辛格勒。如果梅森普拉姆利決定提前離開，他可能是第一個圓。
望著公爵的球員名單以及他們的代理人，Wasserman媒體集團脫穎而出的不二法門。 Tellem，邁爾斯和Foucher做的工作！而且他們也有北京阿姆斯特朗協助招聘。如果你是不是一個名字的大機構，這是令人懷疑你有一個鏡頭保護一頂藍色魔鬼。祝你好運同台競技渥達營銷集團，北京經濟技術開發區，置地廣場，名譽，優先體育，威廉姆斯和康諾利（誰需要更多的是“律師辦法”按小時收費達到一定比例的球員的合同）。
สถานการณ์การเลือก Gent : Duke บาสเกตบอล
Duke เสมอล็อคเพื่อให้ NCAA Tournament และมักจะเลือกทีมที่ดีที่จะทำให้ Final โฟร์ในสระว่ายน้ำที่ทำงานของคุณ โรงเรียนยัง churns ออกมากมายของผู้เล่นที่มีความสามารถที่มีความยาวอาชีพที่ประสบความสำเร็จในเอ็นบีเอ ที่นี่ชื่อบางส่วนของศิษย์เก่าที่มี Duke เล่นมืออาชีพพร้อมกับตัวแทนของการบันทึกเป็น
แกรนท์ฮิลล์ -- Tanner James (วิลเลียมส์และ Connolly)
Laettner คริสเตียน -- Babby Lon (วิลเลียมส์และ Connolly) Babby ขณะนี้กรรมการผู้จัดการใหญ่การดำเนินการของบาสเก็ตสำหรับซันฟินิคซ
ยี่ห้อเอลตัน -- Falk ดาวิด (เกียรติคุณ)
Shane Battier -- Tanner James (วิลเลียมส์และ Connolly)
Carlos Boozer -- Pelinka Rob (Landmark กีฬา Agency)
Duhon คริส -- Bradbury Kevin (กีฬา BDA)
'Ñ ¹ ÅÕÇÕ ไมค์ -- Tellem ยืม (Wasserman Media Group)
Jones Dahntay -- Mintz Aaron (กีฬาลำดับความสำคัญ)
Daniel Ewing -- Foucher ทัด (Wasserman Media Group)
เจ.เจ. Redick -- Tellem ยืม (Wasserman Media Group)
วิลเลียมส์ Shelden -- Tellem ยืม (Wasserman Media Group)
Maggette Corey -- Pelinka Rob (Landmark กีฬา Agency)
เติ้ง Luol -- Levien เจสัน (LSR) Levien กลายเป็นที่ปรึกษาทั่วไปและผู้ช่วย GM ของ Kings Sacramento และมีโอกาสที่เติ้งได้ว่าจ้างทั้งตัวแทนใหม่หรือยังอยู่ในตลาดสำหรับหนึ่ง
McRoberts Josh -- ไมเยอร์ Bob (Wasserman Media Group)
ปีนี้เลือก # 1 โดยรวมใน NBA Draft อาจจะออกมาจาก Duke คีรี่ย์ Irving คาดว่าจะเป็นหนึ่งในด้านบนเลือกโดยในร่าง น้องใหม่มีความสามารถรับความเดือดร้อนได้รับบาดเจ็บนิ้วเท้าที่มีการเก็บเขาออกของมากของฤดูกาลนี้ Blue Devils อื่น ๆ คาดว่าจะได้รับเลือกเป็นผู้สูงอายุและ Nolan Smith Kyle Singler นั้นสันนิษฐานว่าสมิ ธ จะไปข้างหน้าของ Singler หาก Mason Plumlee ตัดสินใจที่จะกลับก่อนเขาอาจจะกลมแรก
มองดูรายชื่อของผู้เล่น Duke พร้อมกับตัวแทนของพวกเขา, Wasserman Media Group ยืนออกจากแพ็ค Tellem, ไมเยอร์ส, และ Foucher ทำงาน! และพวกเขายังมี BJ Armstrong เพื่อช่วยในการรับสมัคร ถ้าคุณไม่ได้หนึ่งในหน่วยงานที่ชื่อใหญ่ก็เป็นหนี้สงสัยจะสูญที่คุณได้ถ่ายภาพการรักษาความปลอดภัยบน Blue Devil ขอให้โชคดีจากการแข่งขันกับ WMG, BDA, Landmark, ชื่อเสียงลำดับความสำคัญกีฬาและวิลเลียมส์และ Connolly (ซึ่งจะใช้เวลามากกว่าวิธีการ"ทนายความ"และค่าใช้จ่ายเป็นรายชั่วโมงได้ถึงอัตราร้อยละของการทำสัญญาของผู้เล่น
gent Keuse Scenarios: Duke Basketball
Duke is altyd 'n slot die NCAA Toernooi en gewoonlik' n goeie span te maak om af te haal om die laaste vier in jou kantoor swembad. Die skool churns ook uit baie van die talentvolle spelers wat lang, suksesvolle beroepe in die NBA het. Hier is 'n paar name van Duke alumni wat professioneel gespeel het, saam met hul agente van die rekord.
Grant Hill - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Christian Laettner - Lon babby (Williams & Connolly). Babby is nou die voorsitter van Basketball bedrywighede vir die Phoenix Suns.
Elton Brand - David Falk (FAME)
Shane Battier - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Carlos Boozer - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sport Agency)
Chris Duhon - Kevin Bradbury (BDA Sport)
Mike Dunleavy - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Dahntay Jones - Aaron Mintz (Prioriteit Sport)
Daniel Ewing - Thad Foucher (Wasserman Media Group)
J.J. Redick - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Shelden Williams - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Corey Maggette - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sport Agency)
Luol Deng - Jason Levien (LSR). Levien het algemene raad en assistent GM van die Sacramento Kings en dit is waarskynlik dat Deng óf gehuur het 'n nuwe agent of is nog in die mark vir een.
Josh McRoberts - Bob Myers (Wasserman Media Group)
Hierdie jaar is, kan die # 1 algehele pluk in die NBA Ontwerp kom uit Duke. Kyrie Irving word geprojekteer om een van die top optel in die Konsep. Die talentvolle onbekende slagoffer van 'n toe besering wat hom uit gehou van baie van hierdie seisoen. Ander Blue Devils verwag om gekies te word is seniors Nolan Smith en Kyle enkelresidensiële. Daar word aanvaar dat Smith sal voor enkelresidensiële gaan. As Mason Plumlee besluit om vroeg die lokaal verlaat, kon hy 'n eerste rounder word.
Kyk na die lys van Duke spelers saam met hul agente, Wasserman Media Groep staan uit van die pakket. Tellem, Myers, en Foucher doen die werk! En hulle het ook BJ Armstrong te help in die werwing. As jy nie een van die groot naam agentskappe, is dit onwaarskynlik dat jy 'n skoot beveiliging van' n top Blue Devil. Sterkte meeding teen WMG, BDA, Landmark, roem, voorrang Sports, en Williams & Connolly (wat meer van 'n "prokureur benadering" en heffings neem deur die uur tot' n sekere persentasie van die speler se kontrak).
Gent Výběr Scénáře: Duke Basketbal
Duke je vždy zámek, aby se NCAA Tournament a obvykle dobrý tým vybrat dělat Final Four ve vaší kanceláři bazénu. Škola také víří ven spoustu talentovaných hráčů, kteří mají dlouhé, úspěšné kariéry v NBA. Zde jsou některá jména absolventů Duke, kteří hráli profesionálně, spolu s jejich agenty záznamu.
Grant Hill - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Křesťanské Laettner - Lon Babby (Williams & Connolly). Babby je nyní prezident operací košíkové pro Phoenix Suns.
Elton Brand - David Falk (FAME)
Shane Battier - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Carlos Boozer - Rob Pelinka (památka sportovní agentury)
Chris Duhon - Kevin Bradbury (BDA Sport)
Mike Dunleavy - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Dahntay Jones - Aaron Mintz (prioritní sporty)
Daniel Ewing - Thad Foucher (Wasserman Media Group)
J.J. Redick - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Shelden Williams - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Corey Maggette - Rob Pelinka (památka sportovní agentury)
Luol Deng - Jason Levien (LSR). Levien se stal generální rada a asistent GM Sacramento Kings a je pravděpodobné, že Deng má buď najal nového agenta, nebo je stále na trhu jeden.
Josh McRoberts - Bob Myers (Wasserman Media Group)
V letošním roce by # 1 celkový výběr v NBA návrhu, že přichází z Duke. Kyrie Irving je projektován být jedním z nejlepších vybere v návrhu. Talentovaný nováček utrpěl zranění nohy, které drží ho z velké části této sezóny. Ostatní Blue Devils očekává, že budou vybrány, jsou senioři Nolan Smith a Kyle Singler. Předpokládá se, že Smith bude pokračovat v Singler. Pokud Mason Plumlee rozhodne odejít brzy, mohl by být první kulatější.
Při pohledu na seznam hráčů Duke spolu s jejich agenty, Wasserman Media Group vyčnívá z obalu. Tellem, Myers, a Foucher do práce! A oni také mají BJ Armstrong pomáhat při náboru. Pokud nejste jedním z velké jméno agentury, je sporné, zda máte šanci zajistit top Blue Devil. Hodně štěstí soutěžení proti WMG, BDA, Landmark, FAME, prioritní sporty, a Williams & Connolly (kdo má víc "právník přístup" a poplatky za hodinu až do určité procento smlouvy hráče).
Gent Scenarios Val: Duke Basketball
Duke er alltaf að læsa að gera NCAA Mót og yfirleitt gott lið til að velja að gera Final Four í sundlauginni skrifstofu. Skólinn churns líka út fullt af hæfileikaríku leikmenn sem hafa lengi, árangursrík störf í NBA. Hér eru nokkur nöfn af Duke Nemendur sem hafa spilað faglega, ásamt lyfjum þeirra met.
Grant Hill - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Christian Laettner - Lon Babby (Williams & Connolly). Babby er nú forseti Aðgerðir Basketball fyrir Phoenix Suns.
Elton Brand - David Falk (FAME)
Shane Battier - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Carlos Boozer - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Chris Duhon - Kevin Bradbury (BDA Sports)
Mike Dunleavy - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Dahntay Jones - Aaron Mintz (Forgangur Sports)
Daniel Ewing - Thad Foucher (Wasserman Media Group)
J.J. Redick - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Shelden Williams - Arn Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Corey Maggette - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Luol Deng - Jason Levien (LSR). Levien varð lögfræðingur og aðstoðarmaður GM í Sacramento Kings og það er líklegt að Deng hefur annaðhvort ráðið nýja umboðsmanni eða er enn á markaðnum fyrir einn.
Josh McRoberts - Bob Myers (Wasserman Media Group)
Á þessu ári, á # 1 heild velja í NBA Draft gæti verið að koma út af Duke. Kyrie Irving er ráð fyrir að vera einn af the toppur leikir í Draft. Hæfileikaríkur freshman þola tá meiðslum sem hafa haldið honum út mikið af þessu tímabili. Aðrar Blue Devils gert ráð fyrir að valdir eldri Nolan Smith og Kyle Singler. Það er gert ráð fyrir að Smith mun fara á undan Singler. Ef Mason Plumlee ákveður að fara snemma, hann gæti verið fyrsta vaktmaður.
Ef litið er á lista yfir Duke leikmenn ásamt umboðsmönnum þeirra, Wasserman Media Group sker sig úr umbúðunum. Tellem, Myers og Foucher virka! Og þeir hafa einnig BJ Armstrong að aðstoða við að ráða. Ef þú ert ekki einn af stóru stofnunum nafn, það er vafasamt að þú sért með skot tryggja topp Blue Devil. Gangi þér vel að keppa á móti WMG, BDA, Landmark, FAME, Forgangur Íþróttir og Williams & Connolly (sem tekur meira um "lögfræðingur nálgun" og gjöld eftir klukkustund upp að tiltekið hlutfall af samningi leikmannsins).
Uchaguzi EASE Matukio: Duke Basketball
Duke daima ni lock kufanya mashindano ya NCAA na kawaida ya timu nzuri ya kuchukua maamuzi ya nne ya mwisho katika ofisi pool yako. Shule pia churns nje mengi ya wachezaji wenye vipaji ambao kwa muda mrefu, mafanikio ya kazi katika NBA. Hapa ni baadhi ya majina ya Mbegu Duke ambao alicheza kitaaluma, pamoja na mawakala wao wa kumbukumbu.
Ruzuku Hill - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Christian Laettner - Babby asab (Williams & Connolly). Babby sasa ni Rais wa Uendeshaji kwa ajili ya mpira wa kikapu ya Phoenix Suns.
Elton Brand - Daudi Falk (Fame)
Shane Battier - James Tanner (Williams & Connolly)
Carlos Boozer - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Chris Duhon - Kevin Bradbury (BDA Sports)
Mike Dunleavy - ARN Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Dahntay Jones - Haruni Mintz (Kipaumbele Sports)
Daniel Ewing - Thad Foucher (Wasserman Media Group)
J.J. Redick - ARN Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Shelden Williams - ARN Tellem (Wasserman Media Group)
Corey Maggette - Rob Pelinka (Landmark Sports Agency)
Luol Deng - Jason Levien (LSR). Levien akawa shauri ujumla na GM msaidizi wa Sacramento Kings na kuna uwezekano kwamba Deng ina ama wafanyakazi wakala mpya au bado katika soko kwa moja.
Josh McRoberts - Myers Bob (Wasserman Media Group)
Mwaka huu, pick # 1 kwa ujumla katika NBA Draft inaweza kuja nje ya Duke. Irving Kyrie yanatarajiwa kuwa moja ya tar ya juu katika Draft. Ya Freshman vipaji mateso ya kuumia toe kwamba naendelea naye nje ya kiasi ya msimu huu. Nyingine Blue Devils inatarajiwa kuwa kuchaguliwa ni wazee Nolan Smith na Kyle Singler. Ni kudhani kuwa Smith kwenda mbele ya Singler. Kama Mason Plumlee anaamua kuondoka mapema, yeye anaweza kuwa rounder kwanza.
Kuangalia orodha ya wachezaji Duke pamoja na mawakala wao, Wasserman Media Group anasimama nje kutoka pakiti. Tellem, Myers, na Foucher kufanya kazi! Na wao pia wana BJ Armstrong kusaidia katika kuajiri. Kama wewe ni moja ya mashirika makubwa ya jina, ni mashaka kwamba wewe ni risasi ya juu kupata Blue Ibilisi.Bahati nzuri kushindana dhidi WMG, BDA, Landmark, Fame, kipaumbele Michezo, na Williams & Connolly (ambaye anachukua zaidi ya "mbinu mwanasheria" na mashtaka kwa saa moja hadi asilimia fulani ya mkataba na mchezaji wa).
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label games. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Evelyn Lozada -- I'm QUITTING 'Basketball Wives
"Basketball Wives" star Evelyn Lozada claims she was stabbed in the back by producers and wants to leave the show for good ... TMZ has learned.
Sources close to the reality star tell us ... Evelyn feels producers violated her trust by allegedly divulging sensitive information about an illicit relationship she had in the past.
We're told Evelyn believes producers leaked the information to a female cast member in an effort to incite a violent confrontation between the two women on the show.
We're told Evelyn feels completely betrayed and even fired off an email to producers last night ... saying she wants to leave the show for good.
So far, no official comment from Evelyn.
See also
'Basketball Wives' -- Chris Bosh Boxes Out Baby Mama
NBA Star's Baby Mama Tapped for 'Basketball Wives'
Bball 'Wife' Whistled for Boredom -- Getting Bounced?
Sources close to the reality star tell us ... Evelyn feels producers violated her trust by allegedly divulging sensitive information about an illicit relationship she had in the past.
We're told Evelyn believes producers leaked the information to a female cast member in an effort to incite a violent confrontation between the two women on the show.
We're told Evelyn feels completely betrayed and even fired off an email to producers last night ... saying she wants to leave the show for good.
So far, no official comment from Evelyn.
See also
'Basketball Wives' -- Chris Bosh Boxes Out Baby Mama
NBA Star's Baby Mama Tapped for 'Basketball Wives'
Bball 'Wife' Whistled for Boredom -- Getting Bounced?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Watch Pittsburgh vs Villanova live free NCAA Basketball on your internet TV 5th March 201
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Match schedules
Pittsburgh vs Villanova live
NCAA Basketball
Time : 4:00 PM ET
Date:Saturday, 5th March, 2011
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You can get the best online sports coverage on your PC! Download this software and watch all live matches, international broadcasts and championships in High Quality Definition (HD)! You don’t have to miss another big game! If you’re looking for online sports entertainment with thousands of channels that include football, soccer, NCAA Basketball, cricket, hockey, boxing,or rugby, tennis, golf, etc
Match schedules
Pittsburgh vs Villanova live
NCAA Basketball
Time : 4:00 PM ET
Date:Saturday, 5th March, 2011
Pittsburgh vs Villanova live, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live stream, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live stream free, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live streaming, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live online, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live on pc, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live internet tv, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live steam, Pittsburgh vs Villanova live stream free, Pittsburgh vs Villanova NCAA Basketball live stream, NCAA Basketball live, NCAA Basketball premiership live, NCAA Basketball live steam free, NCAA Basketball live stream, NCAA Basketball online stream Today.
You can get the best online sports coverage on your PC! Download this software and watch all live matches, international broadcasts and championships in High Quality Definition (HD)! You don’t have to miss another big game! If you’re looking for online sports entertainment with thousands of channels that include football, soccer, NCAA Basketball, cricket, hockey, boxing,or rugby, tennis, golf, etc
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wes Leonard Dies: High School Basketball Player Collapses After Game-Winning Shot
Idea FOr RigHt Coaching..
FENNVILLE, Mich. — One moment: a perfect shot to end a perfect season. The star player, just 16, lifted off the floor in celebration. Teenagers triumphant, crowds cheering, the district playoffs ahead, the future open wide.
The next: Wes Leonard on the gym floor, his enlarged heart failing, his life fading just a few moments after his victory layup. Packed bleachers suddenly stunned by an event that made basketball seem a distant, unimportant memory.
A day after Leonard died from an enlarged heart, this small town near Lake Michigan remembered an "all-American kid" whose athletic heroics had been local legend since middle school, when opposing coaches sometimes asked to see his birth certificate, not believing someone so young could be so skilled.
"He was a good kid, a good friend to have and a good person to hang around with," DeMarcus McGee, who played football and basketball with Leonard, said between sobs. "You never thought it could be him. He was so healthy. It shouldn't happen."
On Thursday evening, Leonard sent the ball through the hoop from close range with less than 30 seconds left in the game. The final shot gave Fennville High a 57-55 victory over Bridgman High and a 20-0 regular season.
After the teams exchanged handshakes, Fennville players celebrated. Some began scrambling to organize a team photo that would commemorate their undefeated record. That's when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Leonard collapsed, with an estimated 1,400 fans watching.
"Thirty seconds earlier, he was laying in the winning bucket," said Ryan Klingler, basketball coach in Fennville, about 200 miles west of Detroit. "And then 10 seconds later ... everything's pulled out from under you, from out of nowhere."
Leonard was rushed to nearby Holland Hospital, where paramedics performed CPR before he was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted Friday by the Ottawa County medical examiner showed Leonard died of cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.
"It shouldn't have been like this," teammate Adam Siegel said. "Too young."
FENNVILLE, Mich. — One moment: a perfect shot to end a perfect season. The star player, just 16, lifted off the floor in celebration. Teenagers triumphant, crowds cheering, the district playoffs ahead, the future open wide.
The next: Wes Leonard on the gym floor, his enlarged heart failing, his life fading just a few moments after his victory layup. Packed bleachers suddenly stunned by an event that made basketball seem a distant, unimportant memory.
A day after Leonard died from an enlarged heart, this small town near Lake Michigan remembered an "all-American kid" whose athletic heroics had been local legend since middle school, when opposing coaches sometimes asked to see his birth certificate, not believing someone so young could be so skilled.
"He was a good kid, a good friend to have and a good person to hang around with," DeMarcus McGee, who played football and basketball with Leonard, said between sobs. "You never thought it could be him. He was so healthy. It shouldn't happen."
On Thursday evening, Leonard sent the ball through the hoop from close range with less than 30 seconds left in the game. The final shot gave Fennville High a 57-55 victory over Bridgman High and a 20-0 regular season.
After the teams exchanged handshakes, Fennville players celebrated. Some began scrambling to organize a team photo that would commemorate their undefeated record. That's when the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Leonard collapsed, with an estimated 1,400 fans watching.
"Thirty seconds earlier, he was laying in the winning bucket," said Ryan Klingler, basketball coach in Fennville, about 200 miles west of Detroit. "And then 10 seconds later ... everything's pulled out from under you, from out of nowhere."
Leonard was rushed to nearby Holland Hospital, where paramedics performed CPR before he was pronounced dead. An autopsy conducted Friday by the Ottawa County medical examiner showed Leonard died of cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.
"It shouldn't have been like this," teammate Adam Siegel said. "Too young."
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Fantasy Basketball: Make a Move Monday
Alan Diaz - APMore photos »
1 day ago: New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates after teammate Chauncey Billups (4) scored against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. The Knicks won 91-86. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Anyone catch that Knicks-Heat game last night? It certainly felt like a playoff game. The atmosphere was unbelievable, and that game-saving block on LeBron James by Amare Stoudemire was pure gold for this Knicks fan. I'm sure fantasy owners were happy about that block as well. After all that's why you're here, for fantasy basketball news, right? Last week was a crazy week with regards to the trading deadline. I touched on a bunch of the trades last week, and we actually have more to discuss as some trades have strongly impacted starting rosters. This was definitely one of the craziest trade deadlines in recent memory. Big names like Gerald Wallace, Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony found new homes. Every team in the NBA plays at least a three-game slate this week, so there should be plenty of fantasy goodness going on. Keep reading for moves to make this week...
Players affected positively from recent trades:
Marcus Thornton SG, Sacramento Kings - I mentioned the trade to the Kings when rumors were swirling on the internet. The trade did in fact take place, and Thornton is now the starting SG in Sacramento. He should post strong numbers in three-pointers and steals and should average 30 minutes or so. I'd recommend picking up Thornton and starting right away unless coach Paul Westphal (a favorite in fantasy circles) tinkers with his minutes.
Chase Budinger SF, Kyle Lowry PG & Chuck Hayes PF/C Houston Rockets - Budinger started to log more minutes even before Shane Battier was shipped out of town to Memphis. Budinger erupted for 30 and 27 points in a recent two-game stretch and will provide solid stats across the board as the starting SF. The Aaron Brooks for Goran Dragic trade with Phoenix cemented Lowry as the team's PG. Dragic may steal some minutes, but he's best-suited for a backup role as he learns the offense. Hayes, the team's starting Center, prospers with Lowry running the show. Brooks, as talented as he is, is more of a pure scorer. The big rebounder may end up averaging a double-double with a few blocks/game from this point forward. All make for great options going forward. These three plus Courtney Lee and Luis Scola should make for a formidable Rockets Team. I like all as fantasy factors.
Gerald Henderson SG, Charlotte Bobcats - The trade of Gerald Wallace for Joel Przybilla and draft picks (Really MJ, you needed a washed up aging Center??) freed up minutes for the aforementioned Henderson. Prior to February 27th against Orlando, Henderson was playing pretty well and often, even going for 22 points and 5 rebounds against a staunch Bulls defense on Feb. 15th. With Gerald Wallace out of town, Henderson has been anointed the starter, and the former Duke product makes for an intriguing pickup.
Mo Williams PG, Los Angeles Clippers - Williams becomes the Clippers' starting PG as he was dealt for the over-weight and injured Baron Davis. Williams was already averaging 7.1 assists per game for a terrible Cleveland team, and I would expect those numbers to go up from here. Williams is also an excellent three-point shooter and should hit at least 2 per game if healthy. 15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG and 2.0 3PG seems like a reasonable expectation for the remainder of the season. I'd rank the guards involved in the trade as 1. Williams 2. Ramon Sessions 3. Baron Davis.
Chauncey Billups PG, New York Knicks - the "throw-in" to the Carmelo Anthony trade is off to a tremendous start helping the Knicks knock off the Heat in one of the season's most exciting games. Mr. Big Shot is a devastating 3-point shooter and is one of the best free-throw shooters in the league. He moves to an up-tempo offense that saw Raymond Felton previously put up a career season. I'd expect Billups to at least duplicate Felton's numbers in the short-term.
Serge Ibaka PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder - The big man becomes the starting center as newly-acquired Kendrick Perkins is out with a strained MCL. Ibaka was already a complete monster in the blocks category. With additional minutes, he should supply even more blocks and double-digit rebounds in an Oklahoma City offense that loves to score.
Three Players negatively impacted by the recent trades:
Tony Allen SG, Memphis Grizzlies. I have been pimping Allen for weeks, and the moment he receives a starting nod, the Grizz go out and trade for fan-favorite Shane Battier. Coincidentally enough, Battier plays the same positions as Allen. Allen, Battier and Sam Young should all split minutes (it has already started - check out Saturday's game log: Spurs 95, Grizzlies 88). Expect the offense to revolve around Zach Randolph as the three SG/SF prototypes will negatively impact each other's stats.
Jeff Green SG/SF, Boston Celtics: Green becomes Paul Pierce's backup. Good for real-life, but not so good for fantasy. His minutes will be limited.
Aaron Brooks PG, Phoenix Suns: Brooks can't catch a break; he now is backing up one of the league's best point guards, Steve Nash. Until Nash leaves Phoenix, Brooks should see some minutes when Nash needs a breather. Brooks is shaping up to be a one-year wonder.
I'll touch on pickups in Wednesday's article, but if for any reason these players are free agents in your league, please pick them up immediately: Serge Ibaka, Greg Monroe, Marcin Gortat, D.J. Augustin, Kris Humphries, Mo Williams, Kirk Hinrich, Chase Budinger, Ramon Sessions.
Lastly, before you set your lineups tonight, please note that the Spurs' Tony Parker strained his calf in last night's game and will be out for the next 2-4 weeks. Other key injuries to note: SG Eric Gordon of the Clippers is NOT expected to play tonight; rather he will play in Wednesday's game. I'd roll the dice on him despite the injury. Marcus Camby returned to action for the Blazers as LaMarcus Aldridge was injured. I'd keep Aldridge active as the injury appears minor.
Best of luck this week.
1 day ago: New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates after teammate Chauncey Billups (4) scored against the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Miami, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011. The Knicks won 91-86. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
Anyone catch that Knicks-Heat game last night? It certainly felt like a playoff game. The atmosphere was unbelievable, and that game-saving block on LeBron James by Amare Stoudemire was pure gold for this Knicks fan. I'm sure fantasy owners were happy about that block as well. After all that's why you're here, for fantasy basketball news, right? Last week was a crazy week with regards to the trading deadline. I touched on a bunch of the trades last week, and we actually have more to discuss as some trades have strongly impacted starting rosters. This was definitely one of the craziest trade deadlines in recent memory. Big names like Gerald Wallace, Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony found new homes. Every team in the NBA plays at least a three-game slate this week, so there should be plenty of fantasy goodness going on. Keep reading for moves to make this week...
Players affected positively from recent trades:
Marcus Thornton SG, Sacramento Kings - I mentioned the trade to the Kings when rumors were swirling on the internet. The trade did in fact take place, and Thornton is now the starting SG in Sacramento. He should post strong numbers in three-pointers and steals and should average 30 minutes or so. I'd recommend picking up Thornton and starting right away unless coach Paul Westphal (a favorite in fantasy circles) tinkers with his minutes.
Chase Budinger SF, Kyle Lowry PG & Chuck Hayes PF/C Houston Rockets - Budinger started to log more minutes even before Shane Battier was shipped out of town to Memphis. Budinger erupted for 30 and 27 points in a recent two-game stretch and will provide solid stats across the board as the starting SF. The Aaron Brooks for Goran Dragic trade with Phoenix cemented Lowry as the team's PG. Dragic may steal some minutes, but he's best-suited for a backup role as he learns the offense. Hayes, the team's starting Center, prospers with Lowry running the show. Brooks, as talented as he is, is more of a pure scorer. The big rebounder may end up averaging a double-double with a few blocks/game from this point forward. All make for great options going forward. These three plus Courtney Lee and Luis Scola should make for a formidable Rockets Team. I like all as fantasy factors.
Gerald Henderson SG, Charlotte Bobcats - The trade of Gerald Wallace for Joel Przybilla and draft picks (Really MJ, you needed a washed up aging Center??) freed up minutes for the aforementioned Henderson. Prior to February 27th against Orlando, Henderson was playing pretty well and often, even going for 22 points and 5 rebounds against a staunch Bulls defense on Feb. 15th. With Gerald Wallace out of town, Henderson has been anointed the starter, and the former Duke product makes for an intriguing pickup.
Mo Williams PG, Los Angeles Clippers - Williams becomes the Clippers' starting PG as he was dealt for the over-weight and injured Baron Davis. Williams was already averaging 7.1 assists per game for a terrible Cleveland team, and I would expect those numbers to go up from here. Williams is also an excellent three-point shooter and should hit at least 2 per game if healthy. 15.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG and 2.0 3PG seems like a reasonable expectation for the remainder of the season. I'd rank the guards involved in the trade as 1. Williams 2. Ramon Sessions 3. Baron Davis.
Chauncey Billups PG, New York Knicks - the "throw-in" to the Carmelo Anthony trade is off to a tremendous start helping the Knicks knock off the Heat in one of the season's most exciting games. Mr. Big Shot is a devastating 3-point shooter and is one of the best free-throw shooters in the league. He moves to an up-tempo offense that saw Raymond Felton previously put up a career season. I'd expect Billups to at least duplicate Felton's numbers in the short-term.
Serge Ibaka PF/C, Oklahoma City Thunder - The big man becomes the starting center as newly-acquired Kendrick Perkins is out with a strained MCL. Ibaka was already a complete monster in the blocks category. With additional minutes, he should supply even more blocks and double-digit rebounds in an Oklahoma City offense that loves to score.
Three Players negatively impacted by the recent trades:
Tony Allen SG, Memphis Grizzlies. I have been pimping Allen for weeks, and the moment he receives a starting nod, the Grizz go out and trade for fan-favorite Shane Battier. Coincidentally enough, Battier plays the same positions as Allen. Allen, Battier and Sam Young should all split minutes (it has already started - check out Saturday's game log: Spurs 95, Grizzlies 88). Expect the offense to revolve around Zach Randolph as the three SG/SF prototypes will negatively impact each other's stats.
Jeff Green SG/SF, Boston Celtics: Green becomes Paul Pierce's backup. Good for real-life, but not so good for fantasy. His minutes will be limited.
Aaron Brooks PG, Phoenix Suns: Brooks can't catch a break; he now is backing up one of the league's best point guards, Steve Nash. Until Nash leaves Phoenix, Brooks should see some minutes when Nash needs a breather. Brooks is shaping up to be a one-year wonder.
I'll touch on pickups in Wednesday's article, but if for any reason these players are free agents in your league, please pick them up immediately: Serge Ibaka, Greg Monroe, Marcin Gortat, D.J. Augustin, Kris Humphries, Mo Williams, Kirk Hinrich, Chase Budinger, Ramon Sessions.
Lastly, before you set your lineups tonight, please note that the Spurs' Tony Parker strained his calf in last night's game and will be out for the next 2-4 weeks. Other key injuries to note: SG Eric Gordon of the Clippers is NOT expected to play tonight; rather he will play in Wednesday's game. I'd roll the dice on him despite the injury. Marcus Camby returned to action for the Blazers as LaMarcus Aldridge was injured. I'd keep Aldridge active as the injury appears minor.
Best of luck this week.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Texas Basketball: How Much is in Your Glass?
RAPID gAmE...
Many of us witnessed a second straight meltdown on the hardwood earlier today. Texas has now dropped back to back road games, has wilted away its two game conference lead, and, for the time being, given up any hopes of landing on the No. 1 line in the NCAA tournament. The real question revolves around what to make of the losses to Nebraska and Colorado. Two teams with their backs against the wall who came up big or clear cracks in the Longhorn armor? Minor road blips on the road to the Final Four or a first and second draft blueprint of the ideal takedown of Texas?
From the open threads in each of the two conference losses, there are clearly fans who will vehemently argue each side of the issue. Some might call those who are commenting that the sky is falling, Chicken Littles or reactionaries or pessimists. Some might call those who are easily brushing off the defeats as Barnes defenders or blind or adorning burnt orange glasses.
For the purposes of this piece, let's identify the two sides as Glass Half Full and Glass Half Empty. Even if you already know on which side you are, I encourage you to read the full piece. Understand the other side and then defend yours in the comments. Remember to keep it civil and rationale. With the high emotion of a loss worn off at least some, there is no place for "On a good day, Texas could take down the Lakers" any more than there is room for "This ‘Horns teams is the worst in the history of the university." Neither comment is rationale nor productive.
Now with the ground rules set, let's take a look at both sides of the coin, starting with the negative after the jump.
Glass Half Empty
Defense of Guards: After Alec Burks' performance today, some might say that a pattern has developed. Ashton Gibbs (24 pts, on 8-of-14). Kemba Walker (22 pts on 8-of-27). LaceDarius Dunn (26 pts, on 11-of-26). And now Burks (33 pts, on 10-of-21). When Texas faces an elite guard, that guard goes off and usually affects the outcome of the game. Many believe that to win in March, you must have great guard play. Given that axiom, Texas will run into an opponent in the NCAA tournament with a great guard or two and that will be our exit ramp.
Free Throw Shooting: Before the Colorado game, Texas was shooting a horrific 64.4% as a team from the free throw line, good for 297th in the country (KenPomeroy). After a game stalling, 20-of-34 performance against the Buffaloes, that number will only get worse. Missing free throws is bad enough, but when that inability changes substitution patterns at the end of game, fans should be really worried. In the NCAA tournament, if Texas is holding a three or four point lead in the final minute, can Rick Barnes really afford to keep Dogus Balbay (58%) or Tristan Thompson (48%) on the court? On the offensive side, the strategy is clear-take them out and insert Alexis Wangmene and J'Covan Brown to knock down the free bees. But what about the other side? What if Barnes can't substitute as the ball change ends? How worried are you now about the Texas defense if the best perimeter and best post defender are watching from the sidelines? Free throw shooting has yet to truly cost the ‘Horns a game, but in March, it only takes one.
One-on-one offense: As we slaughtered the Sam Houston States and Coppin States of the college basketball world, the new Texas offense based on the Utah Jazz and UCLA principles looked pretty good. In fact that same offense looked solid as the Longhorns raced to early leads and cruised past Big 12 foes like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Texas Tech. However, in the face of adversity, this year's Texas offense looks a whole lot more like the 2010-11 Texas offense than it does a true motion, screen, cut, and re-screen one.
Look no further than the last two Saturdays. As Texas yakked up double digit leads in Lincoln and Boulder, Texas was busy reverting to one-on-one basketball. Jordan Hamilton tried to create his own shot or simply stood still on the perimeter waiting for his chance to launch a contested 24 footer. J'Covan Brown took his role as instant offense to a new level with multiple no pass-first shot possessions. Even the calming influence of Cory Joseph looked to create off the dribble instead of run the more efficient inside-out attack through Tristan Thompson. With the talent margin getting smaller in smaller in each advancing round, the chance that Texas trails in a tournament game is near 100%. After what we've seen in the last two losses, Texas doesn't have the patience or trust in their offensive system to keep running their stuff and come from behind.
Inability to play the full 40 minutes: During the 11 game conference winning streak, there were whispers about this as an issue. Now that Texas has dropped two of its last three games, those whispers sound more like premonitions. The Longhorns jumped to double digit leads in so many conference games, particularly home ones, that Texas wasn't forced to focus and execute for a full two halves. Again, as opponents get tougher and tougher, very few games will be won in the first half. Most tournament games, beyond maybe those in the first round. will require two solid halves of basketball. Texas hasn't played a full 40 minutes in weeks, and there is no reason to suspect they get it together any better away from the Erwin Center.
Lack of Depth: Sure the timeouts are longer in the NCAA tournament, and if players aren't in shape by now, they never will be. However, Texas started the season with a slim roster after the move by Avery Bradley to the NBA and the decisions by Varez Ward and Shawn Williams to transfer. Couple those with the plan-for-next-season decision to red-shirt Clint Chapman and Texas was quickly down to just nine scholarship players. Given the limitations of Jai Lucas, some might argue that Barnes is only playing with eight. In Boulder, six players accounted for all the minutes but 13.
Is March going to be any different? Maybe. Alexis Wangmene will be back on Monday but Jai's skill set isn't going to change. Texas will field, at best, eight likely NCAA tournament players. Barnes has two frontcourt subs in Wangmene and Matt Hill and one backcourt sub in J'Covan Brown. That's it. Eight is probably enough on paper but foul trouble and limited abilities should scare Longhorn fans.
Glass Half Full
Tristan Thompson is a Longhorn: TT should be freshman of the year in the conference and first team all Big 12. He is a game changer on both ends. His low block skills create space for Hamilton, Joseph, and Brown on the perimeter for threes or driving angles and open mid-range looks for Johnson. His body control and first and second chance jumping abilities give the Longhorns a legitimate chance on the offensive glass and help mask a still developing offensive scheme.
All that said, his defense makes his an even more valuable ‘Horn. TT's timing and ability to block shots from the help side make the lane a dangerous place for opposing guards. His consistent last line defense also provides opportunities for the Texas guards to pressure the basketball. Pressure creates mistakes, extra possessions, and easy buckets. Pressure also makes feeding the post more difficult. With Thompson on the floor, Texas has a chance to beat anyone in the country.
Can score in a multitude of ways: As shown all season long, Texas can beat you in a number of ways-Hamilton or Joseph from deep, Thompson on the low block, Gary Johnson from the elbow, Dogus Balbay in transition, or even off screens and cuts not previously seen in Texas half court sets. Good teams have the ability to score in at least two ways; great teams can score from three spots.
With J'Covan and Cory, Texas can definitely score from the guard spots. With Hamilton, opponents must focus on taking away the wing too. And with Tristan on the low block, opposing coaches must decide whether or not they must double the post. When all three components show up, Texas is unlikely to lose. And even if just two components are present on a given night, Texas still defeats most opponents.
Lock Down Defense: Throw out the second halves of the Nebraska and Colorado games as anomalies. Texas has been simply outstanding on the defensive end of the floor this season. It starts with the ball pressure of Balbay and extends to the wing where Joseph roams and even into the improved defensive skills of Hamilton. Even if opposing offenses navigate past the perimeter defense, Thompson's long arms and impeccable timing are probably waiting. Those are just a few of the reasons why Texas has been ranked No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency for most of the year.
Unlike last year, Texas is communicated in helping on defense. Opponents rarely enjoy straight line drives to the basket or uncontested jumpers. Given this near constant, NCAA tournament foes better have career nights to move past the ‘Horns.
Ability to Win Away from Home: A lot of teams gaudy home records help mask an inability to win away from home-think Missouri. Texas doesn't have that problem. In fact, the Longhorns most impressive work has been accomplished away from the Erwin Center. Texas owns defeats of Illinois in New York City, North Carolina in Greensboro, Michigan State in East Lansing, Kansas in Lawrence, and Texas A&M in College Station. Few, if any, teams have that many quality wins, let alone quality road wins. Given their road success, winning on a neutral court in March should be cake.
Jordan Hamilton: Jordan is as big a match-up problem as any player in college basketball. Most college teams and future NCAA tournament opponents don't have a 6-6 or 6-7 three man that can stay with Hamilton. If coaches decide to play small, Jordan can easily shoot over defenders. If coaches decide to go big, Jordan has enough ball skills to take slower defenders to the hole, especially by attacking the baseline. While there are a few teams that have someone that can handle Jordan that list is very short and the chances of running into one of those teams and players are small. Therefore, from the opening tip, Texas will likely have an extreme advantage with its best offensive player.
Those are just a few of the arguments why Texas won't make it to the second week of the NCAA tournament and why the Longhorns are destined for an '08 or '03 like run in March.
Many of us witnessed a second straight meltdown on the hardwood earlier today. Texas has now dropped back to back road games, has wilted away its two game conference lead, and, for the time being, given up any hopes of landing on the No. 1 line in the NCAA tournament. The real question revolves around what to make of the losses to Nebraska and Colorado. Two teams with their backs against the wall who came up big or clear cracks in the Longhorn armor? Minor road blips on the road to the Final Four or a first and second draft blueprint of the ideal takedown of Texas?
From the open threads in each of the two conference losses, there are clearly fans who will vehemently argue each side of the issue. Some might call those who are commenting that the sky is falling, Chicken Littles or reactionaries or pessimists. Some might call those who are easily brushing off the defeats as Barnes defenders or blind or adorning burnt orange glasses.
For the purposes of this piece, let's identify the two sides as Glass Half Full and Glass Half Empty. Even if you already know on which side you are, I encourage you to read the full piece. Understand the other side and then defend yours in the comments. Remember to keep it civil and rationale. With the high emotion of a loss worn off at least some, there is no place for "On a good day, Texas could take down the Lakers" any more than there is room for "This ‘Horns teams is the worst in the history of the university." Neither comment is rationale nor productive.
Now with the ground rules set, let's take a look at both sides of the coin, starting with the negative after the jump.
Glass Half Empty
Defense of Guards: After Alec Burks' performance today, some might say that a pattern has developed. Ashton Gibbs (24 pts, on 8-of-14). Kemba Walker (22 pts on 8-of-27). LaceDarius Dunn (26 pts, on 11-of-26). And now Burks (33 pts, on 10-of-21). When Texas faces an elite guard, that guard goes off and usually affects the outcome of the game. Many believe that to win in March, you must have great guard play. Given that axiom, Texas will run into an opponent in the NCAA tournament with a great guard or two and that will be our exit ramp.
Free Throw Shooting: Before the Colorado game, Texas was shooting a horrific 64.4% as a team from the free throw line, good for 297th in the country (KenPomeroy). After a game stalling, 20-of-34 performance against the Buffaloes, that number will only get worse. Missing free throws is bad enough, but when that inability changes substitution patterns at the end of game, fans should be really worried. In the NCAA tournament, if Texas is holding a three or four point lead in the final minute, can Rick Barnes really afford to keep Dogus Balbay (58%) or Tristan Thompson (48%) on the court? On the offensive side, the strategy is clear-take them out and insert Alexis Wangmene and J'Covan Brown to knock down the free bees. But what about the other side? What if Barnes can't substitute as the ball change ends? How worried are you now about the Texas defense if the best perimeter and best post defender are watching from the sidelines? Free throw shooting has yet to truly cost the ‘Horns a game, but in March, it only takes one.
One-on-one offense: As we slaughtered the Sam Houston States and Coppin States of the college basketball world, the new Texas offense based on the Utah Jazz and UCLA principles looked pretty good. In fact that same offense looked solid as the Longhorns raced to early leads and cruised past Big 12 foes like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Texas Tech. However, in the face of adversity, this year's Texas offense looks a whole lot more like the 2010-11 Texas offense than it does a true motion, screen, cut, and re-screen one.
Look no further than the last two Saturdays. As Texas yakked up double digit leads in Lincoln and Boulder, Texas was busy reverting to one-on-one basketball. Jordan Hamilton tried to create his own shot or simply stood still on the perimeter waiting for his chance to launch a contested 24 footer. J'Covan Brown took his role as instant offense to a new level with multiple no pass-first shot possessions. Even the calming influence of Cory Joseph looked to create off the dribble instead of run the more efficient inside-out attack through Tristan Thompson. With the talent margin getting smaller in smaller in each advancing round, the chance that Texas trails in a tournament game is near 100%. After what we've seen in the last two losses, Texas doesn't have the patience or trust in their offensive system to keep running their stuff and come from behind.
Inability to play the full 40 minutes: During the 11 game conference winning streak, there were whispers about this as an issue. Now that Texas has dropped two of its last three games, those whispers sound more like premonitions. The Longhorns jumped to double digit leads in so many conference games, particularly home ones, that Texas wasn't forced to focus and execute for a full two halves. Again, as opponents get tougher and tougher, very few games will be won in the first half. Most tournament games, beyond maybe those in the first round. will require two solid halves of basketball. Texas hasn't played a full 40 minutes in weeks, and there is no reason to suspect they get it together any better away from the Erwin Center.
Lack of Depth: Sure the timeouts are longer in the NCAA tournament, and if players aren't in shape by now, they never will be. However, Texas started the season with a slim roster after the move by Avery Bradley to the NBA and the decisions by Varez Ward and Shawn Williams to transfer. Couple those with the plan-for-next-season decision to red-shirt Clint Chapman and Texas was quickly down to just nine scholarship players. Given the limitations of Jai Lucas, some might argue that Barnes is only playing with eight. In Boulder, six players accounted for all the minutes but 13.
Is March going to be any different? Maybe. Alexis Wangmene will be back on Monday but Jai's skill set isn't going to change. Texas will field, at best, eight likely NCAA tournament players. Barnes has two frontcourt subs in Wangmene and Matt Hill and one backcourt sub in J'Covan Brown. That's it. Eight is probably enough on paper but foul trouble and limited abilities should scare Longhorn fans.
Glass Half Full
Tristan Thompson is a Longhorn: TT should be freshman of the year in the conference and first team all Big 12. He is a game changer on both ends. His low block skills create space for Hamilton, Joseph, and Brown on the perimeter for threes or driving angles and open mid-range looks for Johnson. His body control and first and second chance jumping abilities give the Longhorns a legitimate chance on the offensive glass and help mask a still developing offensive scheme.
All that said, his defense makes his an even more valuable ‘Horn. TT's timing and ability to block shots from the help side make the lane a dangerous place for opposing guards. His consistent last line defense also provides opportunities for the Texas guards to pressure the basketball. Pressure creates mistakes, extra possessions, and easy buckets. Pressure also makes feeding the post more difficult. With Thompson on the floor, Texas has a chance to beat anyone in the country.
Can score in a multitude of ways: As shown all season long, Texas can beat you in a number of ways-Hamilton or Joseph from deep, Thompson on the low block, Gary Johnson from the elbow, Dogus Balbay in transition, or even off screens and cuts not previously seen in Texas half court sets. Good teams have the ability to score in at least two ways; great teams can score from three spots.
With J'Covan and Cory, Texas can definitely score from the guard spots. With Hamilton, opponents must focus on taking away the wing too. And with Tristan on the low block, opposing coaches must decide whether or not they must double the post. When all three components show up, Texas is unlikely to lose. And even if just two components are present on a given night, Texas still defeats most opponents.
Lock Down Defense: Throw out the second halves of the Nebraska and Colorado games as anomalies. Texas has been simply outstanding on the defensive end of the floor this season. It starts with the ball pressure of Balbay and extends to the wing where Joseph roams and even into the improved defensive skills of Hamilton. Even if opposing offenses navigate past the perimeter defense, Thompson's long arms and impeccable timing are probably waiting. Those are just a few of the reasons why Texas has been ranked No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency for most of the year.
Unlike last year, Texas is communicated in helping on defense. Opponents rarely enjoy straight line drives to the basket or uncontested jumpers. Given this near constant, NCAA tournament foes better have career nights to move past the ‘Horns.
Ability to Win Away from Home: A lot of teams gaudy home records help mask an inability to win away from home-think Missouri. Texas doesn't have that problem. In fact, the Longhorns most impressive work has been accomplished away from the Erwin Center. Texas owns defeats of Illinois in New York City, North Carolina in Greensboro, Michigan State in East Lansing, Kansas in Lawrence, and Texas A&M in College Station. Few, if any, teams have that many quality wins, let alone quality road wins. Given their road success, winning on a neutral court in March should be cake.
Jordan Hamilton: Jordan is as big a match-up problem as any player in college basketball. Most college teams and future NCAA tournament opponents don't have a 6-6 or 6-7 three man that can stay with Hamilton. If coaches decide to play small, Jordan can easily shoot over defenders. If coaches decide to go big, Jordan has enough ball skills to take slower defenders to the hole, especially by attacking the baseline. While there are a few teams that have someone that can handle Jordan that list is very short and the chances of running into one of those teams and players are small. Therefore, from the opening tip, Texas will likely have an extreme advantage with its best offensive player.
Those are just a few of the arguments why Texas won't make it to the second week of the NCAA tournament and why the Longhorns are destined for an '08 or '03 like run in March.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
College Basketball and the NBA Both Being Destroyed by the CBA
fantastic games...
The current CBA draft eligibility rules were put in place for the 2005-2006 season. The rule states; “All drafted players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft.” Since this rule has been put into place, college basketball has lost it’s Old Spice swagger.
The number of players that are now playing one year of college basketball has not been the exciting adventure we had once thought it would be. Campuses see star players come and go without them even going to their classes, and why should they go to class? They’re going to be making millions in couple of months.
Perry Jones from Baylor is projected to be one of the first players picked in the upcoming draft. Since arriving at Baylor, he has shown very little interest on the court. He continually jogs back on defense as his opponent is fast breaking, as well as not going hard for a loose ball up to this point in the season.
Once again, why should he? He’s going to be taken high in this years draft, so why risk dislocating his elbow? He has no interest in playing there, and now Baylor is responsible to find a new prospect every season. There is a way to fix this problem.
Recently Tom Izzo of Michigan State has spoken out on the problems with the CBA. He introduced The Izzo Compromise earlier this week. The compromise gives players the choice of entering the NBA draft right out of high school or going to college where they will be required to stay for three seasons. This idea would give each league a huge boost in competitiveness.
It would be a really good step in the right direction for American basketball; however, I would like to see them get away from the compromise all together and require the players to stay for three seasons. If the players had to stay for three seasons, they would have to be prove themselves again.
Perry Jones wouldn’t be jogging up and down the court, for he’d have to prove to Scott Drew that he deserves playing time. As we all know, every player in college basketball would then be forced to work their asses off, and from doing so they’ll develop into a complete NBA player.
One problem with my non-compromise is the fact that some high school players will just decided to pack up and head over to Europe, but it’s really not a problem at all. These players won’t be able to declare for the draft until their 21 anyways, so they can head over to Europe make their money and still develop.
The three year rule is obviously good for college basketball, for it gives them players that want to be there, and it gives them a more consistent roster as well as better players going to mid-major schools. College Basketball is a league ran by great coaches. With this system in play, these great coaches will have more than one season to critique the players skills and develop them into physically and mentally.
Because of the great college coaches having the players for three seasons, the NBA will improve immensely. They league will no longer be forced to draft a player like Kosta Koufus or Byron Mullens. Because their scouts will have more time to do their job, they’ll know that some of these recent busts wouldn’t amount to anything, and who knows maybe two more years with Thad Matta would have made both of these players into NBA players.
American Basketball is currently becoming less and less relevant, but with a few changes it will regain it’s power.
The current CBA draft eligibility rules were put in place for the 2005-2006 season. The rule states; “All drafted players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the draft.” Since this rule has been put into place, college basketball has lost it’s Old Spice swagger.
The number of players that are now playing one year of college basketball has not been the exciting adventure we had once thought it would be. Campuses see star players come and go without them even going to their classes, and why should they go to class? They’re going to be making millions in couple of months.
Perry Jones from Baylor is projected to be one of the first players picked in the upcoming draft. Since arriving at Baylor, he has shown very little interest on the court. He continually jogs back on defense as his opponent is fast breaking, as well as not going hard for a loose ball up to this point in the season.
Once again, why should he? He’s going to be taken high in this years draft, so why risk dislocating his elbow? He has no interest in playing there, and now Baylor is responsible to find a new prospect every season. There is a way to fix this problem.
Recently Tom Izzo of Michigan State has spoken out on the problems with the CBA. He introduced The Izzo Compromise earlier this week. The compromise gives players the choice of entering the NBA draft right out of high school or going to college where they will be required to stay for three seasons. This idea would give each league a huge boost in competitiveness.
It would be a really good step in the right direction for American basketball; however, I would like to see them get away from the compromise all together and require the players to stay for three seasons. If the players had to stay for three seasons, they would have to be prove themselves again.
Perry Jones wouldn’t be jogging up and down the court, for he’d have to prove to Scott Drew that he deserves playing time. As we all know, every player in college basketball would then be forced to work their asses off, and from doing so they’ll develop into a complete NBA player.
One problem with my non-compromise is the fact that some high school players will just decided to pack up and head over to Europe, but it’s really not a problem at all. These players won’t be able to declare for the draft until their 21 anyways, so they can head over to Europe make their money and still develop.
The three year rule is obviously good for college basketball, for it gives them players that want to be there, and it gives them a more consistent roster as well as better players going to mid-major schools. College Basketball is a league ran by great coaches. With this system in play, these great coaches will have more than one season to critique the players skills and develop them into physically and mentally.
Because of the great college coaches having the players for three seasons, the NBA will improve immensely. They league will no longer be forced to draft a player like Kosta Koufus or Byron Mullens. Because their scouts will have more time to do their job, they’ll know that some of these recent busts wouldn’t amount to anything, and who knows maybe two more years with Thad Matta would have made both of these players into NBA players.
American Basketball is currently becoming less and less relevant, but with a few changes it will regain it’s power.
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