The Sports Brief with Besse and Keefe: Blake Griffin

Showing posts with label Blake Griffin. Show all posts

Friday, February 17, 2012

Monday, January 16, 2012

Team USA 2012 Finalists

The 20 finalists for the USA Men's Basketball Team for the 2012 London Olympics were announced today. Check out this ridiculous list. (The 12 man roster and alternates will be picked in June.)

Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Heat
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Heat
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Dwight Howard, Magic
Chris Paul, Clippers
Deron Williams, Nets
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Derrick Rose, Bulls
Tyson Chandler, Knicks
Eric Gordon, Hornets
Rudy Gay, Grizzlies
Kevin Love, Timberwolves
Lamar Odom, Mavericks
Chauncey Billups, Clippers
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Andre Iguodala, 76ers
Blake Griffin, Clippers
LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers

Not sure how Odom snuck past security there but whatever. Billups is probably an easy cut too. I like their chances this summer.

-Keefe

Friday, December 16, 2011

2011-12 Clippers: Point Guards Galore

The LA Clippers finally got the untradeable Chris Paul from the league owned New Orleans Hornets. All it took was Eric Gordon, Chris Kamen, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the T-Wolves 1st round (unprotected) pick in the 2012 draft. CP3 is now in Los Angeles, although he is not the only All-Star point guard who will be suiting up for the Clip.

Clearly Paul is one of, if not the best point guard in the NBA. But the Clippers must not have been sure he was going to land there (why would they be) as they also claimed Chauncey Billups after he was amnestied by the Knicks. The team also has Mo Williams (who they got in the Baron Davis deal with the Cavs) as well as 2nd year man Eric Bledsoe, and combo guard Randy Foye. That's 4-5 point guards out of your best 8 players. What to do?

Lucky for them, many of these guys are scoring point guards, therefore they do not need to immediately search out trades and sell low. CP3 is obviously the main man, but how will the rest of these guys fit in. I see the rotation looking something like this.

STARTERS:
PG - Chris Paul
SG - Chauncey Billips
SF - Caron Butler
PF - Blake Griffin
C - DeAndre Jordan

BENCH (from most mins to least):
Mo Williams
Ryan Gomes
Eric Bledsoe
Randy Foye
Free Agent Big Man X
Free Agent Big Man Y
Willie Warren

Trey Thompkins
Renaldo Major
Travis Leslie

Dealing Kamen, they got pretty small, but not something they can't overcome. They obviously need to add another big body to go along with Griffin and Jordan. The Clippers are going to be fast, quick, and exciting to watch. As long as Paul and Griffin stay healthy, there will be two playoff teams playing in the Staples Center this year.

-Keefe

Monday, April 11, 2011

NBA Awards

It’s time to hand out the regular season awards here on The Sports Brief. Everything from All-Rookie 2nd Team to the MVP is listed below. If you agree, disagree, or just want to interact, hit up the comments section below.

2nd Team All-Rookie:

Greg Monroe, Pistons
Wesley Johnson, Timberwolves
Eric Bledsoe, Clippers
Evan Turner, 76ers
Paul George, Pacers

1st Team All-Rookie:

Blake Griffin, Clippers
John Wall, Wizards
DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
Landry Fields, Knicks
Gary Neal, Spurs

Rookie of the Year:

Blake Griffin, Clippers (22.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 62 double-doubles with 1 game left to play)
Among rookies, Griffin ranks 1st in points, 1st in rebounds, 2nd in assists, and 9th in steals.

Most Improved Player:

Kevin Love, Timberwolves
14 points/ 11 rebounds in ’09-10 – 20.2/ 15.2 in ’10-11

Coach of the Year:

Tom Thibodeau, Bulls (#1 in Eastern Conference)

6th Man of the Year:

Lamar Odom, Lakers (14.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3 assists)
Yes Odom did start 34 games because of Bynum’s injury, but he is truly a 6th man this season.

2nd Team All-Defense:

Andre Iguodala, 76ers
Serge Ibaka, Thunder
Tyson Chandler, Mavericks
Chris Paul, Hornets
Rajon Rondo, Celtics

1st Team All-Defense:

Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Dwight Howard, Magic
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Josh Smith, Hawks

Defensive Player of the Year:

Dwight Howard, Magic (14.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.3 steals)

3rd Team All-NBA:

Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Pau Gasol, Lakers
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Blake Griffin, Clippers

2nd Team All-NBA:

Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Chris Paul, Hornets
Amare Stoudemire, Knicks
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

1st Team All-NBA:

Derrick Rose, Bulls
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Dwight Howard, Magic
LeBron James, Heat
Kevin Durant, Thunder

MVP:

Derrick Rose, Bulls (24.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.9 assists)

Can't wait for the playoffs!

-Keefe

Monday, March 14, 2011

What If They Stayed In School?

Before the 2006 draft the League and the Players Association agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement (this is not a post on the upcoming CBA, don’t worry), and part of the agreement stated that high school players could no longer be drafted. They must wait at least until 1 year after their high school class graduation and they need to be 19 years old.

Let’s play a hypothetical and say that they changed the rule, forcing players to stay 4 years in college. (It would be a terrible rule, in fact I don’t like the restriction of keeping high school players out as it is now, but that’s another article all together.)

The 2011 NCAA tournament brackets were announced yesterday, and I’m sure it will be an entertaining few weeks with upsets, great performances, and memorable moments. But can you imagine what it would it be like had players not been allowed to leave school early for the NBA? Here is a quick look at all the teams that saw players skip out for pro ball. (Something tells me the seeding would be different and there would drastic changes to the 68 team field.)

ACC:

Florida State – Soloman Alabi, Ryan Reid

Georgia Tech – Derrick Favors, Gani Lawal

North Carolina – Ed Davis

North Carolina State – J.J. Hickson

Virginia – Sylven Landesberg

Wake Forest – James Johnson, Jeff Teague, Al-Farouq Aminu

Big 10:

Indiana – Eric Gordon

Michigan – Manny Harris

Ohio State – Kosta Koufos, B.J. Mullens, Evan Turner

Big 12:

Baylor – Ekpe Udoh

Iowa State – Craig Brackins

Kansas – Cole Aldrich, Xavier Henry

Kansas State – Michael Beasley, Bill Walker

Oklahoma – Blake Griffin, Tiny Gallon, Willie Warren

Oklahoma State – James Anderson

Texas – Avery Bradley

Big East:

Cincinnati – Lance Stephenson

DePaul – Dar Tucker

Georgetown – Greg Monroe

Louisville – Samardo Samuels

Pittsburgh – DeJuan Blair

South Florida – Dominique Jones

Syracuse – Donta Greene, Jonny Flynn, Wesley Johnson

West Virginia – Devin Ebanks

Pac-10:

Arizona – Jerryd Bayliss

Arizona State – James Harden

UCLA – Kevin Love, Jrue Holiday

USC – O.J. Mayo, DeMar DeRozan, Davon Jefferson

SEC:

Florida – Nick Calathes

Kentucky – John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton

LSU – Anthony Randolph

Ole Miss – Terrico White

Mid-Majors:

Memphis – Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, Elliot Williams

Gonzaga – Austin Daye

St. Mary’s – Patty Mills

Butler – Gordon Hayward

Xavier – Jordan Crawford

Fresno State – Paul George

Nevada – Luke Babbitt, Armon Johnson

New Mexico – Darington Hobson

UTEP – Derrick Caracter

VCU – Larry Sanders

Marshall – Hassan Whiteside

That is a total of 65 players who still would have been eligible for college basketball this season. The talent is just off the charts. This year’s All-American teams have yet to be announced, but this is how they could have looked…

Keefe’s Hypothetical 2011 All-American Team

1^st Team

Derrick Rose, Memphis

Kevin Love, UCLA

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

Eric Gordon, Indiana

John Wall, Kentucky

2^nd Team

Michael Beasley, Kansas State

O.J. Mayo, USC

DeMarcus Cousins, Kentucky

DeJuan Blair, Pitt

Jerryd Bayliss, Arizona

3^rd Team

Jonny Flynn, Syracuse

James Harden, Arizona State

DeMar DeRozan, USC

Tyreke Evans, Memphis

J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State

(Compare that list to this year’s likely All-Americans: Jimmer Fredette, BYU; Nolan Smith, Duke; Derrick Williams, Arizona; JaJuan Johnson, Purdue; Jared Sullinger, Ohio State; Kemba Walker, UConn… Do any of those guys crack the list?)

Conference Player of the Year:

ACC: J.J. Hickson, N.C. State

Atlantic 10: Jordon Crawford, Xavier

Big 10: Eric Gordon, Indiana

Big 12: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

Big East: DeJuan Blair, Pitt

Conf. USA: Derrick Rose, Memphis

Horizon: Gordon Hayward, Butler

Mountain West: Jimmer Fredette, BYU

PAC-10: Kevin Love, UCLA

SEC: John Wall, Kentucky

WAC: Paul George, Fresno St.

West Coast: Austin Daye, Gonzaga

By my count 11/12 of the best conferences in the country would have had different player of the year had they all been forced to stay.

How about the competition for NCAA Player of the Year? My pick is Rose, but it’s scary to think what kind of numbers Love and Griffin (all 3 were NBA All-Stars this year) would put up against college kids.

Also you see John Calipari’s finger prints all over this hypothetical. Chances are Tyreke Evans wouldn’t have gone to Memphis if Derrick Rose was still there for three years. I’m not going to try and guess where he would go, but that’s a big reason I got Evans all the way down at 3^rd Team status. Would Coach Cal leave that backcourt for Kentucky?

Three of the four 1 seeds in this year’s tournament (Ohio State, Kansas, and Pitt) all would have even deeper teams. The #1 overall Buckeyes could add Evan Turner as well as big men Kosta Koufos and B.J. Mullens to their roster. Kansas is stronger with Xavier Henry and Cole Aldrich, while Pitt is all the more dangerous with DeJuan Blair. Interestingly, Duke seems to have gone back to the way they were pre Corey Maggette, William Avery, Elton Brand, Luol Deng, and don’t have as many 1 or 2 and done players as they once did. Their best players (Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler) decided to return for their senior year after already winning a title.

Memphis, Kentucky, Syracuse, UCLA, USC, and Kansas State all would have likely battled for 1 seeds; I bet Duke ends up as a 4 or 5 this season.

Oklahoma, Wake Forest, Indiana, Arizona State, and Nevada would likely have all made the tournament this year instead of finishing outside the 68 team field.

Top 8 Seeds this year:

Ohio State
Kansas
Pitt
Duke
Notre Dame
North Carolina
San Diego State
Florida

Top 8 “What If” Seeds

Memphis
UCLA
Oklahoma
Kentucky
Kansas
USC
Kansas State
Ohio State

It’s difficult to really predict and understand what college basketball would look like with all these players still in the game. Someone like O.J. Mayo, who has already gone from a starter to a reserve in the NBA and seen his points per game average drop each season in the league (18.5, 17.5, 11.8), could be a senior at Southern Cal this year. I personally think if he was still there we’d be talking about a guy putting up 25+ points, 8 assists a game and it’d be must see TV when the Trojans face Kevin Love, Jrue Holiday and the UCLA Bruins.

Look at the jump Kemba Walker from UConn has made in 3 seasons. He went from 8.9 points per game to 14.6, to 23.5 this year. There were rumors swirling that he would go pro after his freshmen and sophomore seasons. You think we’d know his name had he done that? Imagine if some of these other players listed above, who left after their 1^st or 2^nd college season elected to stay, how many points per game would they average?

Again I’m not blaming anyone for leaving school, if you’re going to get drafted in the 1^st round and make millions of dollars, no one can blame you. My only point in comparing a player to Kemba Walker is you can see the jump they can make in school. Is 30 points per game too much for Eric Gordon or Jerryd Bayliss? 35?

ESPN interviewed Walker, Jimmer Fredette, and Nolan Smith yesterday after the brackets were announced. They were picked because they are 3 of if not the 3 best players in the country. If everyone stayed in school are they in the Top 15? 20? How tough a job would ESPN have had trying select just 3 players to talk to between Love, Rose, Griffin, Gordon, Mayo, Wall, Beasley etc.?

In the end it’s just a fun “What If” game that will never be/ should never be the reality in college basketball. Enjoy the tournament this year like you do every March, but try not to drive yourself crazy envisioning Bill Walker and Michael Beasley in a Wildcats uniform when watching Kansas State play. Or O.J. Mayo during USC’s games… or Kevin Love for UCLA… or Derrick Rose for Memphis… or John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins for Kentucky… or…

-Keefe

Monday, February 21, 2011

All-Star Weekend Recap

Thoughts from the recently completed NBA All-Star Weekend...

Friday: Celeb Game. I will not mention the young boy who was voted MVP. I will however question how Michael Rapaport is still a celebrity. He was in one of my five favorite movies of all time, True Romance, which came out in 1993! Since then, he’s been in a lot of gems, 95% of things you’ve never heard of. But be sure to check him out in the current (?) TV show Pound Puppies. How many people were offered a spot in this game before they got to him, or does he get an automatic invite considering he’s never missed a celeb game?

It was good to see Scottie Pippen getting after it. I am a big Pippen guy, and clearly he still has the fire.

Rookie-Sophomore Game: I was shocked. Rookie for the 2nd year in a row? I know they had Blake Griffin and John Wall, but the Sophs had won 8 of the 11. The Wall oop to Griffin made the whole game worth while. How about James Harden, who was a late addition for the banged up Tyreke Evans, dropping a smooth 30 including a monster throw down? DeMarcus Cousins went for 33-14. I really should have considered the chemistry between Wall and Cousins before making a “friendly” wager. At least the over hit.

Saturday Night: Shooting Stars again? Come on. I don’t know what the worst part is. The NBA stuffing the WNBA down our throats. The retired player wearing a current jersey and looking sadly out of shape. Watching three people take turns missing a half court shot. Or the WNBA. Just get rid of this. I was on board for HORSE when they did that, it wasn’t good, but it made Shooting Stars look like a 1980’s Dunk Contest.

Skills Challenge: Great lineup. Chris Paul, Stephen Curry (who was my pick), Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, and John Wall. They clearly don’t give a crap about it, but I still like it. It’s a solid obstacle course and shows off some different things. Passing through tires? Yes please. Of course this is coming from a guy who will be watching hours of the NFL Combine coming up.

3-Point Shootout: I had Pierce, thought he would rise to the challenge and overcome the LA crowd. He seemed surprised by the boos. I understand he is from Inglewood, but you were the Finals MVP beating the Lakers less than 3 years ago. It’s not going to be a friendly atmosphere. Pierce should have gone from rack to rack in a wheel chair then given the finger the Staples Center. But he probably handed it better.

Despite not winning, there is no shame in the efforts put forth by Ray Allen and Pierce. The same can not be said for Boobie Gibson and Kevin Durant. Why was their a Cavalier allowed at All-Star weekend? Did we get an answer on that yet? No one else would shoot 3’s?

Dunk Contest: Very solid. NBA TV recently aired an NBA Slam Dunk Contest Marathon, airing every single Dunk Contest in order from 1984 to now. Needless to say, I got nothing done that day. (Side note: best part may have been the guys who didn’t win and maybe you forgot about like Stacey Augmon, Larry Johnson, Shawn Kemp, Ray Allen, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Kendall Gill, and the fact that Clyde Drexler was in it 5 times and never won.)

Fair criticisms about the event this year: only 1 star player/ guy casual fans have heard of, lots of gimmicks, the coaches, and the number of times it took most dunks to be completed.

I didn’t hate the coaches, but can understand those who found them annoying. I also thought the lineup was fine. Sorry people LeBron is not going to do it, Kobe isn’t coming back, and I think Vince Carter has disappeared in the Arizona desert. Michael Jordan was in it 3 times with his last being in 1988 (3 years before he won the title). It’s easy to look back and say all the stars used to do it, which is really part true. Yes Jordan was an All-Star and scoring leader, but he had not yet become a champion and owner of best player on the planet distinction.

If you just saw the completed dunks from this year’s contest, it was as good, if not BETTER, than any other. I do believe that the number of attempts hurts the WOW factor, and that is my biggest criticism of this year’s event. In 2000 did Vince have any re-dos? I don’t think so. In the same event, in fact, I remember Steve Francis picking himself off the floor at one end of the court; kinda stretch his legs while dribbling toward half court then just tossing a crazy high pass down court, letting it bounce before catching it and throwing down a sick dunk (below 5:30 mark). It looked like he just woke up and then he brought the place down. It was nuts. No do-over needed.

I loved both of DeMar DeRozen’s dunks, although the number of attempts and likely Darryl Dawkins, hurt his chances. Serge Ibaka did a TRUE free throw line dunk, which no one seemed to care about. JaVale McGee did something I have never seen (also one that is hard to practice for you 7 footers with bounce out there.) Blake won, and that’s fine with me. I wonder what he was really going to do on the Kia dunk as Kenny Smith did say the pass from Baron Davis wasn’t where it was supposed to be. Maybe we’ll find out next year…

(Ideal 2012 Dunk Contest: Blake Griffin, LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, Monta Ellis… that’s right, going back to six.)

Sunday All-Star Game: A record night. Kobe Bryant went for 37 and 14 to win his 4th MVP (tying a record) as the West beat the East 148-143. LeBron James slapped up just the game’s 2nd triple-double (only Jordan had done it previously). It was a typical All-Star game other than that, long outlet passes, dunks, oops, open shots, tons of points, then about 2-3 minutes of “this is gonna be a game” at the end.

The four Celtics combined for just 28 points off the bench led by Ray Allen’s 12. More importantly Doc Rivers made sure to rest his guys. Kevin Garnett played a game-low 8 minutes, Paul Pierce just 11, Allen 17, Rajon Rondo 21.

All and all, it was a successful and enjoyable All-Star weekend, the best of all the four major sports. Now it’s time to turn our attention to the second half… well final quarter of the season.

-Keefe

Saturday, February 19, 2011

FYI Sports Brief fans, coming soon the first Sports Brief Podcast. Terms are currently on the table for the debut pod. Stay tuned...

-Keefe

Friday, February 4, 2011

NBA All-Star Reserves Revealed

A record tying 4 Celtics were named as reserves for the Eastern Conference All-Star team tonight. The C's and Miami Heat combine for 7 of the 12 roster spots in the East. Here are the squads starting with the newly announced subs...

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Ray Allen, Celtics
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Al Horford, Hawks
Joe Johnson, Hawks
Chris Bosh, Heat

Starters: Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

Tim Duncan, Spurs
Manu Ginobili, Spurs
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Pau Gasol, Lakers
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

Starters: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Yao Ming*

These were the All-Stars I picked last week with two exceptions. I had Danny Granger over Joe Johnson in the East. Johnson is the smarter pick as he is on a far superior team, and that is clearly important in the East as all 12 All-Stars are on the Top 6 teams. Johnson has picked it up after a slow start while Granger's Pacers are struggling big time.

Meanwhile I also had Kevin Love as an All-Star for the West, and that can still hold true. David Stern has not selected his replacement for the injured Yao Ming yet. There is a deep pool of snubs in the West including Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph, and Lamar Odom, just for big guys. Also All-Star worthy were/are Monta Ellis, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker.

I'll be rooting for Kevin Love who leads the NBA in rebounding with 15+ to go along with 21+ points a night.

-Keefe

Coming soon Besse and I will make our pick for the Super Bowl, game MVP, and plenty of other exciting props that will make you want to reactivate your online account.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Blake Griffin dishing out facials for free

Over the weekend the big NBA hype was this monster game that Blake Griffin had against the Knicks, with a few ridiculous slams added in. Check out two of them in the video below. Absolute porn star stud with the facials he gave out. Nut everywhere.

A couple things about these dunks...with the first one, I love two aspects: a) he actually pulls the guy's head into his crotch with his left hand, completing disrespecting him in the worst of ways; b) his hand never touched the rim. Just threw it straight into the hoop. Unreal.

Also, the second one is fantastic just because Gallinari had no freaking clue what to do. Sometimes you just need to abort. Get the hell out of there so you don't end up in a highlight reel or on a poster. Sadly, Gallinari chose to ignore such advice and now qualifies for both.

I won't even ask you which one is better, because we all know it's the first one. But both are fantastic.

-Bess

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Keefe’s 2009 NBA Mock Draft

We are sneaking up on one of the greatest sporting events of the year. In fact, there is not a better sporting event that does not involve a game. March Madness, NFL Playoffs, NBA Playoffs, World Series, NFL Draft, MMA Main Events, they are all good. But the NBA Draft may be the best of them all. If you love the NBA, and I understand I’m in the minority on this, the draft is can’t miss. Even in a weak class (like this one) you got to keep your head on a swivel for trades. Ray Allen was dealt 2 years ago on draft night, and rumor has it he could be dealt again.

Needless to say I am over the top excited for June 25^th. I took a year off from making a mock draft but it’s back by popular demand… err it’s back nonetheless. 60 players with some break down. Leave a comment with your thoughts. (You don’t need an insider account to see picks 6-60, enjoy.)

1. Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin, Soph., PF, Oklahoma

The Clip have already announced this one, but I will gladly count it when it goes down. I wonder if Blake can succeed in LA. The have a crowded front line with him, Camby, Kamen, and Randolph.

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain

Became a huge fan of his watching the Olympics. I know they have Mike Conley, and it’s early, but he kind of sucks. Rubio-Mayo-Gay-Warrick-Gasol, it’s getting there.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder- James Harden, Soph., G, Arizona State

In a couple years Seattle is really going to feel the effects of losing their team, not to say they haven’t already. They may be intrigued by Thabeet, but I think they should take Harden who’s the 3^rd best player in the draft.

4. Sacramento Kings- Johnny Flynn, Soph., PG, Syracuse

This may seem high for Flynn, but why mess around. The Kings need a PG in the worst way. Everyone loves Jrue Holliday… I don’t get it. Take Flynn and move on.

5. Washington Wizards- Hasheem Thabeet, Jr., C, UConn

Most likely lottery pick to be traded there has been a lot of talk about the #5. Washington is not likely to make and Thabeet is not likely to fall this far, so I’ll slot him here.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Tyreke Evans, Fr., PG, Memphis

They could use just about everything. Hopefully Al Jefferson returns to form. Evans and Randy Foye would make for an interesting back court, each can play both spots.

7. Golden State Warriors- Stephen Curry, Jr., G, Davidson

The Knicks will be steaming, but you think Don Nelson would pass up on a guy like Curry. I’m torn on what kind of player he will be. A Curry-Monta Ellis back court would be small, but scary.

8. New York Knicks- Jeff Teague, Soph., G, Wake Forest

Another reach potentially, however Mike D’Antoni would love a guy with the versatility of Teague. He’d prefer Curry, and I think Jennings will be better than Teague, but still this is the pick.

9. Toronto Raptors- Jordan Hill, Jr., PF, Arizona

The Raptors take a long look at Holliday, who is still available on my board, instead they bolster the front line by taking Hill.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon Jennings, PG, Italian League

I love Brandon Jennings. You’ve heard the story by now, wanted to go to Arizona, wasn’t eligible, went to Italy to play pro ball. He did not play well. But this guy was the #1 rated high school player in a class that had Holliday, DeRozan, Evans, and Mullens. I don’t think he got worse this year playing in a league better than the NCAA.

11. New Jersey Nets- Terrence Williams, Sr., F, Louisville

The Nets have done a decent job in the draft in recent years and it continues here with Terrence “Point Forward” Williams.

12. Charlotte Bobcats- DeMar DeRozan, Fr., G, USC

A freak athlete joins the Bobcats. Maybe MJ can rub off on DeRozan.

13. Indiana Pacers- Eric Maynor, Sr., PG, VCU

Indiana needs someone to split time with T.J. Ford and get the ball to Danny Granger, that guy is Eric Maynor.

14. Phoenix Suns- Earl Clark, Jr., F, Louisville

With Matt Barnes and Grant Hill as unrestricted free agents this summer the Suns will have to replace at least one of them. Earl Clark is a great athlete who could fit right in.

15. Detroit Pistons- Austin Daye, Soph., F, Gonzaga

This is one of those picks that proves that my mock is a combo of what I think should happen and what I think will happen. I am not a fan of Daye, right now. He needs to add strength, and should have played another year. All accounts say he’s a Top 20, Top 15 pick, so here ya go.

16. Chicago Bulls- DeJuan Blair, Soph, PF, Pitt

The Bulls young bigs (Thomas and Noah) are long and athletic, not thick and strong. Blair would give them a much needed dimension.

17. Philadelphia 76ers- Jrue Holiday, Fr., PG, UCLA

If I was a GM I wouldn’t pick Holiday in the 1^st round. I remember watching him play a high school game on ESPN a couple years ago and thinking this guy is good. Then I read he was a top 5 player in the country and was shocked. Now everyone says Top 10, Top 5. What? We’ll see.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves- James Johnson, Soph., F, Wake Forest

Corey Brewer has been a bit of a flop, this is the 2^nd of the 3 1^st round picks for Minny. I doubt they take them all, but Johnson is someone they could use.

19. Atlanta Hawks- Ty Lawson, Jr., PG, UNC

Hawks and PGs. Classic. Do they or don’t they? Bibby is a free agent if he doesn’t come back they’ll have a huge need.

20. Utah Jazz- Gerald Henderson, Jr., G, Duke

Definitely a Jerry Sloan type of player. If he slips this far the Jazz would be thrilled.

21. New Orleans Hornets- Tyler Hansbrough, Sr., PF, UNC

I’ve never been a fan of Hansbrough. That’s just a fact. But he can be a back up PF in the NBA for 10-12 years, who spot starts and gets you 8 points 6.5 rebounds. He could be an important piece on a winner.

22. Dallas Mavericks- B.J. Mullens, Fr., C, Ohio State

The Mavs are a team that don’t have a ton of needs, especially in a thin draft like this. They can take on a project like Mullens… the Kosta Koufas clone.

23. Sacramento Kings- DaJuan Summers, Jr., F, Georgetown

With their first pick I have the Kings taken a much needed PG. Speaking of needs, they have a lot of them. They should take whoever they feel is the best player left on the board.

24. Portland Trail Blazers- Sam Young, Sr., F, Pitt

The Blazers have a ton of picks (5), but only 1 in the first, meaning 1 guaranteed contract. Young proved to be a very good player in the best conference in the country.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeff Pendergraph, Sr., PF, Arizona State

I love Pendergraph. Maybe I loved him and Harden too much as I has the Sun Devils in the Final 4. This guy is a gamer. If he falls to the 2^nd round it will be a steal, but one of these teams in the 20s should snatch him up.

26. Chicago Bulls- Chase Budinger, Jr., G, Arizona

The Bulls have a big decision to make on free agent Ben Gordon. If they bring him back they’ll once again have 3 similar sized guards, Gordon, Derrick Rose, and Kirk Hinrich, Budinger could give them an outside threat with height.

27. Memphis Grizzlies- Derrick Brown, Jr., PF, Xavier

The Grizz can use a big tough guy to come off the bench. Derrick Brown fits the bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves- Patty Mills, Soph., PG, St. Mary’s

Patty Mills is fantastic. Not sure the T-Wolves keep all 3 of their 1^st round picks, but if Mills is available here they should take him. The guy can run a team.

29. Los Angeles Lakers- Danny Green, Sr., F, UNC

Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza are both free agents. Not saying Danny Green is anywhere as good as those two, but he’s the right position and a proven winner.

30. Cleveland Caviliers- Jon Brockman, Sr., PF, Washington

Cavs are soft, Jon Brockman is hard. He’s not projected to be a 1^st rounder, but this draft does not have a lot of size or toughness, I say they take a shot.

ROUND 2

31. Sacramento Kings- Marcus Thornton, LSU

If the SEC player of the year doesn’t get picked in the 1^st, he won’t last long in the 2^nd.

32. Washington Wizards- Darren Collison, UCLA

Wasn’t this guy supposed to be a lottery pick until he submarined his stock 2 NCAA tournys ago.

33. Portland Trail Blazers- Toney Douglas, Florida State

Great scorer for the Seminoles could be a 2^nd round pick we look back at one day.

34. Denver Nuggets- DeMarre Carroll, Missouri

Carroll may need liver surgery. Yes, liver surgery, but in the 2^nd round he’s worth a shot.

35. Detroit Pistons- Nick Calathis, Florida

Calathis signed with a Greek team already, so he could play overseas. Good talent, surprised he’s not going back to Florida for another year.

36. Memphis Grizzlies- Josh Heytvelt, Gonzaga

Another big body for the Grizzlies to trot out there, Heytvelt has a lot of skill, but can he put it together?

37. San Antonio Spurs- Jack McClinton, Miami

One of the best 3 point shooters in the draft, he could find his way into the Spurs rotation.

38. Portland Trail Blazers- Wayne Ellington, UNC

How can a Final 4 Most Outstanding Player fall to the 2^nd round? Ask Miles Simon and Jeff Sheppard.

39. Detroit Pistons- Omri Casspi, Israel

When you have a bunch of picks, you either trade them or draft foreign guys and leave them on the other side of the pond. Look for that going forward.

40. Charlotte Bobcats- Jodie Meeks, Kentucky

I would have liked to see Meeks go back to school and lead that stacked Wildcats team, but instead he’ll have to do all he can to crack an NBA rotation.

41. Milwaukee Bucks- Taj Gibson, USC

Big man who’s jumping ship, did Tim Floyd leave anything there?

42. Los Angeles Lakers- A.J. Price, UConn

Shannon Brown is a restricted free agent this summer, Farmer is an RFA next year and Derek Fisher’s contract is also up after 2010. Makes sense for the Lakers to take someone with this type of skill.

43. Miami Heat- Jerel McNeal, Marquette

I saw a lot of Marquette this year, and think that McNeal could be a solid 9^th man for someone.

44. Detroit Pistons- Dar Tucker, DePaul

Pistons are a mess. How do we not talk about them passing up Carmelo, Bosh, and Wade more? I mean that’s as bad as it gets.

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Victor Claver, Spain

6’11 youngster who is the typical 2^nd round project that we’ve become accustomed to seeing.

46. Cleveland Cavaliers- Dante Cunningham, Villanova

Cavs need size, and they may end up getting that in a trade.

47. Minnesota Timberwolves- Dionte Christmas, Temple

This guy can score, and when he’s picked he will combine by two favorite days… NBA Draft night and Christmas.

48. Phoenix Suns- Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga

Great athlete who can get up and down, could be a solid bench player for Phoenix.

49. Atlanta Hawks- A.J. Abrams, Texas

Awesome 3 point shooter, but can he get his shot off in the NBA?

50. Utah Jazz- Jeff Adrian, UConn

Tough, but undersized player who could fit in well for Jerry Sloan.

51. San Antonio Spurs- Jonas Jerebko- Sweden

I got nothing.

52. Indiana Pacers- Goran Suton, Michigan State

Hey, remember him?

53. San Antonio Spurs- Dominic James, Marquette

An injury forced James out of the Big East and NCAA Tournament, will he be able to make an NBA team? I think so.

54. Charlotte Bobcats- Ronald Steele, Alabama

Felton is a restricted FA, I assume they try to bring him back, but you can always grab insurance in round 2.

55. Portland Trail Blazers- Taylor Griffin, Oklahoma

I wonder if the Clippers will try to trade back into the bottom of the draft and pick Taylor to help ease the transition for Blake.

56. Portland Trail Blazers- Daniel Hackett, USC

Portland has a million picks, I can’t see making all of them.

57. Phoenix Suns- Tyrece Rice, Boston College

Rice is a dynamic player who had a great career at BC, I’m saying right now he averages 17.8 points per game in the D league.

58. Boston Celtics- Garrett Siler, Augusta State

Will this be the only selection the C’s make? Rumor had it they were interested in the 2^nd pick. Maybe they just move up in the 2^nd round, Danny has had success there with the likes of Glen Davis, Leon Powe, and Ryan Gomes. I’ve never seen Siler play, but he’s 7 feet tall, and my cousin went there.

59. Los Angeles Lakers- Josh Shipp, UCLA

Adam Morrison could use some company on the bench, maybe Shipp can teach him how to dress.

60. Miami Heat- Nate Miles, Southern Idaho

You might remember Miles as the guy who went to UConn, but never played in a game after getting the boot for violating a restraining order. Sounds like a real class act. Tons of talent though, someone may take a chance.

-Keefe

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Sports Brief's Preseason All-American Team

The college basketball season is underway, and I feel compelled to give you a list of the very best players in the country. As we all know it is both a blessing and a curse for college hoops, that the NBA makes players attend schools for at least a season. On the one hand college fans get to see the very best players such as Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo (wow looks like the top of the draft the past 2 years). But as quick as they come on the scene, they are gone. Frankly I don't think 18 year olds, who can go to Iraq and fight for the United States, can not go to the NBA where there are plenty of teams that would take a chance on them for millions of dollars a season.

There is always incredible turnover from year to year in college basketball, and for me it's quite an adjustment to get used to the teams/ players. What do we know? Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Joe Alexander, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayliss, Brandon Rush, Anthony Randolph, Robin Lopez, Marresse Speights, JaVale McGee, J.J. Hickson, Ryan Anderson, Kosta Koufos, George Hill, Darrell Aruther, Donte Greene, Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Douglass-Roberts, and Bill Walker were all in college last season, could have been back this season, but all went to the NBA.

Where does that leave us? The same place as every new season since we've been attached to these incredble freshmen and underclassmen only to see them go pro, looking for the next big thing. We start our list with a very familiar face...

Tyler Hansbrough, SR, UNC
Like saying Tim Tebow could be a factor the year after he wins the Heisman. I would have voted for Beasley for player of the year a season ago, but truth is Hansbrough put up monster numbers in the ACC and then wisely came back to school. He's the best player on the best team, should be a force again and the overwhelming favorite to not only be All-American 1st team, but POY.

James Harden, Soph, Arizona St.
Last season the lefty Harden posted the 8th highest points per game average for a freshmen in Pac-10 history. His 17.8 ppg, helped him land on the All Pac-10 1st team, the other four players to earn that honor were lottery picks in this past draft. Harden, who is also a steals machine, flirted with going pro, but decided to come back to school. I predict a monster season that propells him into the early 1st round, a 2-and-down guy.

Luke Harangody, JR, Notre Dame
The Big East is loaded once again this year with 7 teams in the pre-season Top 25 including the Irish. Harangody burst onto the scene last year and was a 20-10 guy. If he comes close to those numbers this year, when everyone is expecting him to do it, he's a no brainer for the All-American team. The spotlight is on this season.

Blake Griffin, Soph, Oklahoma
Griffin was one of many incredible freshmen last season in college basketball. But unlike the majority of them who had success, even some who didn't, he returned to school like Harden. With Beasley, Walker, Augustin, the Kansas guys, and even DeAndre Jordan gone to the pros, Griffin should take down Big 12 Player of the Year no problem, promting him to All-American status.

Willie Warren, FR, Oklahoma
Wait a minute. Before we crown Griffin the Big 12 Player of the Year, his biggest competition could come from super stud freshmen teammate Willie Warren. Warren dropped a game-high 23 in the most recent McDonald's All-American game. We've seen freshmen make big time impacts in the past few seasons. Durant was POY and Beasely finished 2nd. I expect Warren to be in the mix as well.

Jrue Holiday, FR, UCLA
One of the few college freshmen that I actually saw play an entire game and did not just see in highlights, the McDonald's game, or read about. Holiday's high school team played on ESPN last year and he was as good as advertised. UCLA will get a lot of attention trying to make it back to 4 consecutive Final Fours. Darren Collison has been named a preseason All-American in some publications, not The Sports Brief however, but the Bruins will be in the public eye all season.
Holiday and Warren will continue the trend of freshmen showing up on post season All-American lists.

Yes I know that is 6 players, consider it a bonus. Sometimes they name 6 guys to the 1st team. Didn't 15 guys take home 1st Team All Big East last year? I'm looking forward to another exciting season.

Besse also wants everyone to keep an eye out for University of Vermont star junior Marqus Blakely (see below).

-Keefe