2011-12 NCAA Basketball Season

[mkwest]

There are a couple of interesting games airing tonight that will showcase potential draft players (5 surefire lottery picks).



UNC VS MSU, 4pm (PST), ESPN
The Carrier Classic will take place aboard the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego and feature North Carolina vs Michigan State. Notable players from UNC include: Harrison Barnes (G/F), James McAdoo (F), John Henson (PF), Tyler Zeller (F/C), Kendall Marshall (PG) and PJ Hairston (F). Micghigan State have Draymond Green (F) and Brandon Wood (PG) that could end up hearing their names called in the next draft.

Columbia @ UCONN, 4pm (PST), ESPNU
The national champs feature Andre Drummond (C), Jeremy Lamb (SG) and Alex Oriakhi (F/C).

Belmont @ Duke, 6pm (PST), ESPNU
Duke is another stacked team that is loaded with young talented prospects that will be playing in the NBA as soon as next year. Notable players include Austin Rivers (SG), Seth Curry (G) as well as brothers, Mason and Myles Plumlee (PF's).

Loyola Marymount @ UCLA, 7:30pm (PST), FSW
Player to watch for the Bruins is sophomore power forward, Joshua Smith.

[mkwest]

Top 10 2012 NBA draft college prospects

1. Andre Drummond, Connecticut, C, Fresh., 6-11, 251 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He’s the first legitimate center prospect since Greg Oden. He’s got the
physical tools of an everyday center in our league. Haven’t seen him a whole lot, but he’s big, raw and physical. You have to take him first.”

2. Anthony Davis, Kentucky, PF, Fresh., 6-10, 220 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He was intriguing because he was a shooting guard for most of his high school career before he blew up to his height. His versatility at his size stands out. He continues to get better and better.”

3. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, G-F, Soph., 6-8, 210 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He is the most prolific scorer in the draft and can be a big scorer in the NBA. But can you be instrumental on just one end of the floor? What can he do to make a team better? He deserves an argument for No. 1, but you always pick size.”

Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports

[RiversideClips]

Veteran's Day on a Military Ship w/ the President & all of America watching!
What a COOL concept!

[thanumba2clippersfan]

Can I give a shot out to my Penn State Nittany Lions hoops squad. I'm not sure that there are any future NBA players on the roster. Just thought I would give them some attention

[mkwest]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJFEpyYPD28[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K-uslw-ng0[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qbf2P2AzLg[/youtube]

Season opening debut stats:
Harrison Barnes (UNC): 17 points (5/11 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block in 31 mins
Brad Beal (UF): 14 points (5/10 FG), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal & 1 block in 28mins
Seth Curry (Duke): 16 points (5/13 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists & 1 steal in 28 mins
Anthony Davis (UK): 23 points (10/13 FG), 10 rebounds & 5 blocks in 23 mins
Andre Drummond (UCONN): 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal & 1 block in 12 mins
John Henson (UNC): 12 points (6/10 FG), 7 rebounds, 2 assists & 9 blocks in 31 mins
Terrence Jones (UK): 8 points (3/7 FG), 9 rebounds, 2 assists & 1 block in 25 mins
Perry Jones III (Baylor): DNP-Suspension
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (UK): 15 points (5/9 FG), 7 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals & 2 blocks in 28 mins
Jeremy Lamb (UCONN): 30 points (11/17 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals & 1 block in 38 mins
James McAdoo (UNC): 4 points (2/4 FG), 3 rebounds & 1 block in 17 mins
Quincy Miller (Baylor): 17 points (6/11 FG), 4 rebounds & 1 block in 27 mins
LeBryan Nash (Oklahoma St): 13 points (5/14 FG), 5 rebounds & 2 assists in 28 mins
Mason Plumlee (Duke): 13 points (6/10 FG), 14 rebounds, 6 assists & 1 block in 35 mins
Austin Rivers (Duke): 16 points (3/9 FG), 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals & 5 turnovers in 38 mins
Jared Sulllinger (OSU): 19 points (4/7 FG), 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 steal & 3 blocks in 29 mins
Marquis Teague (UK): 16 points (7/12 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists & 3 steals in 27 mins
Patric Young (UF): 12 points (6/8 FG), 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals & 2 blocks in 27 mins
Tyler Zeller (UNC): 9 points (3/8 FG), 6 rebounds & 2 steals in 31 mins

I unfortunately didn't get to watch most of these guys play, but did manage to see most of the North Carolina/Michigan State game. Barnes' jumper looked smooth to start the game. Some people don't like the hype that he's received over the years, but he could be a nice complementary player imo. He's not a freak athlete, but he's smart with a strong work ethic. The star of the Carrier Classic was definitely Henson. He was a beast on defense rejecting shots left and right. He also showed a little range and knocked down a few jumpers. McAdoo was limited in his playing time and is really going to have to make a case for himself to earn minutes. North Carolina are stacked in the frontcourt and his competition are quality second year players.

I generally cannot stand Kentucky, but I hope to see quite a few of their games this season. That team is stacked.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

I was really expecting Andre Drummond to have a better debut. I'm sure that he'll improve and get more comfortable as the season goes on.

[mkwest]

Neil Olshey is at MSG tonight to watch Duke/MSU and now UK/KU.

Austin Rivers struggled tonight. Marquis Teague had 6 turnovers and 0 assists in the 1st half for Kentucky. Kidd-Gilchrist, Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones and Thomas Robinson are all on display. It's a game worth watching if you have the time. 39-30 Kentucky with about 16:30 left in the game. Anthony Davis is a beast!

I was really expecting Andre Drummond to have a better debut. I'm sure that he'll improve and get more comfortable as the season goes on.

His second game showed improvement. The season is young and he is raw. He'll get it together over time.

[mkwest]

NBA GMs walk away from Tues games at MSG raving about Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist & Thomas Robinson. Austin Rivers? Not so much.

Chad Ford

[thanumba2clippersfan]

I'm sure Austin Rivers will figure things out eventually. When I've seen him play I don't remember him standing out.

[mkwest]

I was really expecting Andre Drummond to have a better debut. I'm sure that he'll improve and get more comfortable as the season goes on.

He put up a good line tonight. 11 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks off of the bench. He was 1 of 8 from the line though, ouch.

I'm sure Austin Rivers will figure things out eventually. When I've seen him play I don't remember him standing out.

He's not Doc (a point guard), but he still has the potential of becoming a nice player. I do like that he's playing under Coach K and hope that the pairing helps develop and round out his game. He had a pretty rough outing against Michigan State, but I'm sure there was some psychological pressure of that being #903 for Coach K.

[mkwest]

Mid-Major Alert: Long Beach State's Casper Ware

You need to know about Casper Ware.

He ticks every box imaginable for mid-major clichés. Phenomenal name drawing memories of friendly 90s cartoon characters? Check. Alma matter straight out of a Snoop Dog track? Check. Jimmer-esque shooting range? Check. Twitter shout-out from LeBron? Check. MVP of the most prestigious summer Pro-Am in America over the likes of NBA stars James Harden, DeMar DeRozan and Nick Young? Check. Sub-six-foot stature? Check, and proud of it.

While the typical NBA scouts’ initial reaction to watching him would be “he’s too small,” it might not be quite as simple as that.

Ware is as strong as they come, and possesses the type of jet quickness and highlight-reel-caliber explosiveness needed to maneuver his way amongst the trees at the NBA level.

He also possesses a lightning fast release, which should help him get his shot off against taller and longer guards, in addition to his deep range.

Best of all, he seems to be maturing as a playmaker, making a number of extremely unselfish and highly impressive passes in the win over Pitt. His teammates (particularly highly intriguing JUCO transfer James Ennis) aren’t chumps, and Ware has no problem using them. His proficiency running the pick and roll never looked better, as he was able to split through double-teams consistently and find the open man masterfully on the drive and dish.

Ware’s ball-handling skills, crafty footwork and change of speeds put a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense, and that coupled with his shot-making ability pulling up off the dribble and willingness to make the extra pass will earn him plenty of NBA looks all season long.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMF1HepyhUQ[/youtube]

Jonathan Givony, Grantland

[mkwest]

Zagoria Column: Top 5 picks of 2012 NBA draft

**Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Through his first two college games under John Calipari, the 6-foot-10 Davis is averaging 18.5 points, 8 rebounds and 6 blocks. Playing against No. 11 Kansas on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, Davis put up 14 points, 7 blocks and 6 rebounds. He has 22 blocks through four games, if you count the team’s two exhibitions.

“The ones that are truly shot-blockers … it was funny, Marcus Camby and I texted each other after the game,” Calipari said after the Kansas game. “I said, ‘Were you watching?’ He said, ‘I watch every one of your games.’ I said, ‘Does Davis remind you of a young Camby?’ He said, ‘Lots of laughter,’ and he says, ‘Yes, he does.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, but he shoots it better.’ ”
Most NBA scouts believe Davis should be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

“I think right now he’s the frontrunner, but it’s early,” one veteran NBA scout said. “He’s a great talent. His upside is tremendous. His skill set is good now and getting better every day. He’s a terrific prospect.”

**Andre Drummond, C, UConn

After deciding to enroll at UConn instead of spending a postgraduate year at prep school, Drummond arrived on campus with huge expectations. He’s averaging 6.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks through three games for the defending NCAA champs. Despite playing with a face mask due to a broken nose suffered during practice, he’s shown a proclivity for shot-blocking and highlight-reel dunks. After going scoreless in his first college game, the 6-10 Drummond posted his best game yet on Thursday against Maine, going for 14 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks.

“Davis probably has a slight edge right now [for No. 1] from what the consensus seems to be, but we need to see what Drummond looks like with no face mask and a few months of college coaching underneath his belt,” said Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.net.

Adam Zagoria, Sheridan Hoops

[mkwest]

Ford in Maui: Austin Rivers overrated?

But for Krzyzewski's star freshman, Austin Rivers, things are still a work in progress. Rivers led all Duke scorers with 18 points Monday in Maui. But it was an inefficient 18. He shot 6-for-15 from the field, made critical turnovers and passed on wide-open jump shots for contested shots at the basket.

Four games into his career, he sometimes looks like the star he was billed to be. Other times like a former high school stud who suddenly finds himself in over his head at the next level.

Rivers' inconsistency was on display for a huge contingent of NBA GMs and scouts to see. He started the game by missing five of his first six shots. He drove wildly into the teeth of the defense. He looked to shoot every time he touched the ball.

And just as quickly, as scouts started to shake their heads and jot down derogatory notes in their iPads, Rivers exploded. First it was a pair of 3-pointers toward the end of the first half. Later, in the second half, he hit a couple of beautiful floaters in the lane.

So is he a future NBA all-star or overrated?

It's too early to tell. It was about this time last year that hoops fans began wringing their hands about UNC's Harrison Barnes, who went 0-for-12 from the field in the third game of his career against Minnesota. He followed it up with a 4-for-12 performance against Vandy. People screamed overrated. Scouts dropped him on their Big Board. But by February, Barnes had found his groove and is, once again, considered one of the top-three prospects in the 2012 draft.

Coach K says he's encouraged by the adjustments that Rivers is making, but admits he still has a ways to go.

"He ended the half pretty well for us," Krzyzewski said after the game. "The main thing for Austin, as any freshman, is to learn to play defense and offense. He can be a great defender. When you're a freshman, you start evaluating what you're doing and sometimes you're a step slow to the next thing and that's because you care. You want to be good. You just have to get through it. We played a really tough schedule. This is our fifth game in about 10 days and he's learned a lot. He came through. He's not afraid. He's going to be a terrific player for us."

Chad Ford, ESPN

[mkwest]

The Great NBA Draft Debate: Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond Or Harrison Barnes



The Studs

Harrison Barnes, Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond are separating themselves from the pack right now. Barnes is the most proven commodity while Davis and Drummond are hyped-up off of potential.

So who is the early favorite for first pick in the draft? There is no consensus at the moment, but Anthony Davis looks to have the edge. The 6-10 power forward moves like a guard with the size of a center. He is skilled and athletic beyond belief. He put up 14 points, six rebounds and seven blocks against Kansas last week. Through his first four collegiate games, Davis is putting up 13 and eight (with 4.5 blocks a night), and shooting a godly 72 percent from the floor. Even if Davis broke his toe and was out for the rest of the season, he would still have a shot to be the first pick in the draft.

All Davis needs at this point is to put on weight (which – despite his frame – isn’t a problem considering how good NBA weight training programs are) and develop a better feel for the low post. Those are two weaknesses that can be easily fixed.

Davis seems like a no-brainer, but Harrison Barnes may give him a run for his money. Barnes is 6-8 with good athleticism and an elite skill set. He has the perfect size for the small forward position in the NBA. So far this year, he has looked significantly more comfortable as a leader, and while his number are identical outside of his scoring (up from 15.7 to 17.3 a night), his shooting percentage has jumped from 42 to 51 percent.

The only question mark with Barnes at the moment is his ceiling. He’s been ready for the professional level since his senior year in high school and has all of the tools to succeed at that level. But scouts think Davis and Drummond could have more success if they set their minds to it.

Outside of one dominating game (11 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks against Maine), Drummond has not gotten off to a great start (5.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, two blocks a night on 41 percent shooting). Patience is key here. You never turn your head on a 6-11, 260-pound big man who has drawn comparisons to Amar’e Stoudemire and Dwight Howard. Not only is he on a stacked team where he does not get many touches, but it definitely doesn’t help that he is playing with a broken nose. Check back in February and we could have Drummond pegged as a lock for the first pick in the draft. That’s how talented he is.

Lucas Shapiro, Dime Magazine

Stock watch: Kentucky's Davis still No. 1

Kentucky's Anthony Davis (Top 100 Rank: 1) continues to wow. His 14-point, six-rebound, seven-block performance against Kansas at MSG not only solidified his hold on the No. 1 spot on our Big Board -- a number of NBA scouts feel like there's a pretty big gap between Davis and whoever ends up being the No. 2 guy.

"Davis is the only person in this draft who I'm sure can change a franchise," one scout said. "I thought Andre Drummond may have also been ... but Davis is the only sure thing to me. He has such a unique game. He'll be a great pro."

Chad Ford, ESPN (Insider)

GM Prefers Jeremy Lamb Over Barnes

Jeremy Lamb continues to emerge as one of the best prospects in the country.

Chad Ford has moved the Connecticut shooting guard to No. 10 on his Big Board.

One GM believes Lamb is the second best prospect of the 2012 NBA Draft class behind Anthony Davis.

"I think if you matchup Lamb with Harrison Barnes head-to-head, I think Lamb comes out ahead," said the GM. "He's a better athlete and he's just more aggressive."

RealGM via Chad Ford of ESPN

[mkwest]

The Draftbook 11.22.11: Getting to know you

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

[Davis is the No. 1 overall at this point, but it's entirely possible that instead of Harrison Barnes or Jared Sullinger, two Wildcats are taken back-to-back at the top of the draft. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been very impressive early on, and even more so when you consider his pro prospects. A 6-7 forward, Gilchrist possesses an NBA-adaptable skillset with the mentality to match. His biggest weakness so far has been turnovers, but even that shows a willingness to function as a playmaker and not just as the tip of the spear. His handle in the pick and roll is going to be a major asset, and his frame allows him to back down smaller defenders. He's shooting 42 percent from the perimeter early on, and that range opens up his baseline burst which is exceptional. In short, it's hard to find a prospect element that's noticeably weak.

Defensively, he attacks well in transition and does a good job sticking. He's got a ways to go in that area in terms of technique, but his lateral quickness is sufficient and his chasedown block ability is reminiscent of some of the elite players in the game. He's a driven winner that is prone to visible frustration on the court, but not a degree he disengages when things are going poorly. MKG joins UConn's Jeremy Lamb as the fastest riser early in the season.] - Matt Moore

James McAdoo

[My early impression is that McAdoo might be a player better suited with another year in college. He's just a freshman and while he's got a solid 6-8, 225-pound frame, he could still stand a little more muscle and development, especially if he's going to play the 4 in the NBA.

Speaking of, he saw just 17 minutes against Michigan State. He wasn't all that involved offensively and really looks like he's just a raw talent that needs some development. By the end of the year, he could be seeing major minutes though. There's just so much depth up front for the Tar Heels right now.

His wingspan. Talk about some length.

He's smooth. He has the look of a guy that hasn't even started scraping his potential. He could be a terrific inside-out guy.] - Royce Young

CBS Sports

Other players that are chronicled include: Anthony Davis, Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson, Austin Rivers, Terrence Jones, John Henson, Tyler Zeller, Kendall Marshall, Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb, Patric Young and Marquis Teague.

[mkwest]

A must see game is starting on CBS right now...9am (pst). UNC vs UK. They're two of the strongest/deepest teams in the NCAA and there's a ton of prospects including Anthony Davis and Harrison Barnes and at least 7 other potential 1st rounders.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

A must see game is starting on CBS right now...9am (pst). UNC vs UK. They're two of the strongest/deepest teams in the NCAA and there's a ton of prospects including Anthony Davis and Harrison Barnes and at least 7 other potential 1st rounders.

I've been watching this game on and off. I don't know why it took me awhile to realize that both of these teams are deep and each have so many NBA prospects. It's crazy.

[mkwest]

Crazy finish. Anthony Davis was pretty underwhelming in the 1st half, nearly invisible. With a 1-point game and UNC ball, he makes the game winning block against John Henson. UNC was pretty much in disbelief and didn't bother to foul and give it another go. There wasn't a lot of time, but there was enough to keep playing, plus they still had timeouts.

Barnes had a nice start to the game, but disappeared down the stretch. Picking up 3 fouls in the 1st half slowed him down some, but he's gotta step up when the game is on the line. UNC controlled the game most of the way, but UK stayed within reach and overtook them in the 2nd.

Mike Kidd-Gilchrist is a player that needs to be on our radar. He put up his highest scoring effort of the season with 17 and also pulled down 10 boards. He has a very high motor and known for his defensive abilities. For us, he'd be able to put in time at either wing position.

I've been watching this game on and off. I don't know why it took me awhile to realize that both of these teams are deep and each have so many NBA prospects. It's crazy.

It was ridiculous on lottery talent alone. Somebody like James McAdoo is a notable prospect, but he hasn't been getting the opportunity that the older players are getting. If he declared, he'd still get drafted on potential, but I could really see him benefiting by staying another year. That is unless an opportunity presents itself for him before the season is up.

[QRich3]

I would be absolutely thrilled if we managed to keep Minny's pick and had the luck to draft either Gilchrist or Barnes

[mkwest]

Incredible finish to the Indiana/Kentucky game. Indiana wins 73-72 with a 3 point buzzer beater by Christian Watford. EJ is going to be talking smack to EB now.

Indiana controlled most of the game but gave up the lead in the last couple of minutes. I thought for sure they were going to let it slip away.