Brandon Knight (#12-- freshman) from Kentucky is impressing me today. Making good reads and hitting jumpers. I didn't really buy into him as a lottery level talent, but he's playing like a top player right now.
Last night, a guy I like, Demetri McCamey put up 17-7 for Illinois in an 11 point win over UNLV. Unless they knock off Kansas, or he WOWS in pre-draft, he seems more likely a late first, early second type. Right where we'll be. I know there was discussion of him in another thread earlier in the season, with a mixed bag of thoughts on him, but I'd really like bringing him in. Another is Nolan Smith. 9 points, 7 assists for Duke. Also likely to be available where we are picking.
im liking harrelson of kentucky hes got good hands plays good defense from what ive seen. he kinda reminds me of pryzbilla but with way better hands. hes been playing like a beast in this tourny http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=41838
I'm looking forward to watching Faried again later on this afternoon. Thursday was the first time I'd seen him in action, and I was very impressed. Gerald-Wallace-level energy, only bigger.
Seems like a lot of late 1st rounders in the Tourney to keep an eye out this year for some reason. I've been tracking: Trey Thompkins Nolan Smith Chris Singleton Kenneth Faried William Buford JuJuan Johnson Justin Harper Keith Benson Kemba Walker, and Demetri McCamey I'd also follow Jimmer, but by now he's probably a 10-12 pick and getting out of Portland's reach.
I'm intrigued by Benson as well. I'm curious to see how he measures out at the combine. Also to add another to the list, Wisconsin PG Jordan Taylor. Statistically, he looks like one of the best PGs in the country.
The Jimmer show vs. Stockton's son. There's a serious conflict going on in Utah right now. BTW, Jimmer ftw. This dude is a lotto pick.
I just can't make up my mind on that. It is a very weak draft. But I am not sure the guy will make it in the NBA. I really want to see him play against a decent team to see what he can do. Not that there are many good teams in this tournament. The NBA draft rules have killed March Madness for me.
How have the draft rules killed March Madness? Do you think the tournament would be better if the top freshmen were in the NBA instead?
No I am talking about the fact that the days of great college teams are a distant memory. The NCAA tournament used to be the most exciting event in all of sports. Now with the best players leaving after their freshman year the quality of play in college basketball is greatly reduced. And the excitement of watching stars in the tournanment are few and far between. NC, Duke, UCLA. Michigan, Aizizona, Georgetown still are in there, but hardly anyone knows the players because the rosters change more quickly. Plus the players in the draft are worse because they are not around long enough to develop. You can't leagally keep them in college, but as a fan i wish we could.
Oh, so it's not the rules, so much as the lack of rule--like the NFL rule requiring three years out of high school before declaring for the draft (which, if you recall, Maurice Clarett challenged and lost). Personally, I agree with you completely, and would go a step farther in suggesting that the 1-year rule actually hurt things more, by increasing emphasis on "one-and-done's", making roster turnover even more significant. What I'd like to see, if there's any way to get the union to agree to it, would be a rule like what MLB has: let them come straight out of high school if they want to, but if they go to college, they need to stay for at least three years. Or perhaps there could be a higher salary structure for draftees with 3+ years college experience, to reduce the incentive for early entry. Or maybe both.
Derrick Williams pretty much sealed his #1 spot in this upcoming draft tonight. What a game! Arizona played some terrific ball in that second half. You rarely see that kind of intensity (on both ends of the floor) from a team in the NBA.
Williams is a stud and has definitely improved his draft status with his tourney play. But, I still think Irving is coming out and going to be #1.
I think you have to go with Williams over Irving. His game clearly translates to the next level. Can't miss.
I think Irving as a standard PG translates a lot better than Williams, who many scouts still don't know if he is a 3/4. Which usually means he's neither a 3 or a 4.
Williams is 6-8 and he shoots 60% from the college 3-pt distance. He's clearly a 3. He's hefty enough that he can play some minutes at the 4, but he's clearly a 3.
