The Emergence of Demetri McCamey

One of the most overlooked players in the nation, Demetri McCamey, a rock solid point guard from Illinois has emerged from obscurity and jumped onto the radar board of every NBA team.  At 6 foot 3 inches tall and built like a football player, McCamey is an explosive package of quickness, strength and ball handling. His shake and bake moves and unique way of dipping his shoulders as he penetrates makes him very, very difficult to stay in front of.  His jumper has looked very good and he gets many good looks from outside because of his quickness.

But it's not all about pure athleticism and McCamey is far more than just an athlete.  He is a true point guard who loves to set up his teammates and only takes over the game when necessary.  He's only a Junior but he might be bouncing from college ball quicker than a crossover since he's now projected as a first round pick on some boards.  I've got him going in the lottery.

Upperclassmen, Anderson and Pondexter Impress

We all love to hype the youngsters but the upperclassmen are very strong this year, highlighted by the play of James Anderson of Oklahoma State, Quincy Pondexter of Washington and many others including Damion James, Stanley Robinson and DaSean Butler.  Meanwhile it seems that many of the Freshmen have hit a wall, with the exception of..... John Wall of course (no pun intended).


Seniors around the country have stepped up but none with better numbers than Anderson.  Averaging 22 Points, 5.8 Rebounds and getting to the foul line 8.2 times a game Anderson has begun to blossom and looks like a mid to late First Rounder.  Damion James is rounding out his game and looks very NBA ready and Stanley Robinson has emerged, not only as a good player but as the leader of that UConn team.  Meanwhile Quincy Pondexter has stepped out from the shadows of overhyped Freshman Abdul Gaddy and Sophomore Isiah Thomas to become the best pro prospect at UW.  His all around game is impressive, now that his shooting and offensive production have matched his defensive abilities.  All four of these upperclassmen now project as first round picks in June.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Freshman class is the versatility and talent of Gonzaga SF Elias Harris.  In many ways he reminds me of a young Shawn Marion!  He has sneaky quickness and very good strength.  He plays an intelligent game and makes his teammates better.  He often looks more like a Senior than a Freshman and might be making like a Senior and leaving college next year for the NBA.


and..


in other news, what's up with North Carolina?  With all these losses I'm questioning whether Ed Davis belongs in the top ten.  He looks softer than Brandon Wright at this point.  I'm still intrigued with Henson and think that he might be the best of the bunch.... but ouch, they're all playing pathetic, uninspired ball.

Harrison Barnes and John Henson

When North Carolina received a commitment from #1 High Schooler Harrison Barnes I began to envision what the Tar Heels might look like next year.  I know it's early and there's a whole season left to be played but in the world of basketball prospects it's never too early to look ahead.

The 2010/11 Tar Heel Roster could be one of the best in the history of college basketball if the underclassmen stay in school but more than likely at least one will turn pro.  Sophomore forward Ed Davis projects as a lottery pick this year and will likely be playing in the NBA next Fall.  But even if he goes pro and the talk of greatest college roster ever never gets off the ground UNC will still be loaded.  

Assuming Freshmen forward John Henson returns for a second run, he will team with Harrison Barnes on a team that could feature the #1 and #2 selections in the 2011 draft.  They would be the most dynamic duo in the land next year and as team first type players they would make the Tar Heels very tough to beat.  And that's what make's this story just a little more interesting.  

So often these future NBA stars have huge attitude problems and play selfish ball.  They are often immature and misguided by all the praise that gets heaped upon them.  But both Barnes and Henson are humble, down to earth, focused, team first players who elevate others to their level instead of hogging the spotlight.  These two players on the same NBA team would be a dream come true.  These two players on the same college team might just prove to be unstoppable.  

There's a long and hopefully exciting season still to play but I'm already getting excited about next year.

Daniel Orton, The Next Coming

It's not often that a player scores just one point, fouls out in 9 minutes of play and yet leaves NBA scouts drooling at his potential for greatness. But amid the hype and hoopla of the Kentucky vs. UConn matchup and beneath all the headlines about the greatness of John Wall and the tenacity of Kemba Walker another NBA prospect was quietly on display. And yeah, he scored only one point and often looked a little behind the speed of the game but Kentucky Freshmen Daniel Orton remains a physical specimen unmatched in college ball and scouts have noticed.

At 6 feet 10 inches tall Orton is a broad shouldered, thick and strong power forward with very good quickness and leaping ability. He has the potential to overpower opponents on the block and is a force on the defensive end. But the thing that separates Orton from some of the other young big men (including teammate DeMarcus Cousins) is his dedication to improving every aspect of his game. He has a quiet demeanor and a focus on playing the game right. He has the work ethic to take his great natural ability to the next level and become a dominant big man in college and in the NBA.

For this year he has the luxury of hiding in the shadows of the other big name players on the UK team but as the season progresses expect the name Daniel Orton to begin falling from the lips of the commentators, scouts and basketball gurus. And by June 2011 expect the name Daniel Orton to be called very early on draft day.

Freshmen Finding Their Way

With the first few games of their college careers under their belts the Freshmen class has impressed.  Top prospect John Wall has shown the elite athleticism we expected and has already hit a game winning shot.  He remains a sure bet to go #1 in June.  Fellow Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins has held his own.  He put up big numbers against lowly Sam Houston State, dominating with his size and strength but his attitude and mental make up remain a step behind his physical prowess.  He's still projected as a lottery pick on my board due to his vast potential but there are serious questions about him reaching that potential.

Shooting Guard Xavier Henry broke out for 27 points in his first game and despite coming back down to earth recently looks like a top ten pick in the making.  His deadeye shooting and superior strength make him a matchup nightmare and his understanding and feel for the game make up for his lack of elite speed.

Carolina youngster John Henson is having trouble getting off of the bench for the Tar Heels but still has all the potential in the world.  He may have to stay in school for two years to fully show off his skills but the NBA draft is all about upside and Henson's ceiling is very high.  In the few minutes he's gotten he has show nice fluid athletic ability, moving around the court effortlessly and he seems focused and determined to play the game the right way.  His strength is lacking and he has yet to discover his role but I remain high on him and would not be surprised if he's a one and done lottery pick come June.

I have yet to see Derrick Favors in action for Georgia Tech but his stat lines have been good and his athletic ability remains off the charts.  More on Favors once I have a chance to study his game further.

Texas combo guard Avery Bradley is off to a slow start but like the other top prospects on this list, it's all about upside.  If he can become a point guard he''ll be a lottery pick.  If he remains a tweener he's a later first round pick.  Despite the slow start I remain high on Bradley due to his elite athletic ability, tenacious defense and explosiveness to the rim.  Like Henson, two years of school would be good for him but he'll be a high pick whenever he decides to go pro.

Another freshman off to a slow start is Kansas State forward Wally Judge.  He is still finding his role on the team and should settle in and have the game slow down for him as the season progresses.  I have yet to see him in action this year so I'll withhold further judgement.

A freshman who is just starting to explode onto the national scene (thanks to the reporting of NBADraft.Net) is Minnesota SF Rodney Williams Jr.  He is a superior athlete and a  great dunker who loves to finish at the rim.  His athletic ability alone will make him a high draft pick but if he can round out his game, develop his outside shot, ball handling, passing and defense he would project as a lottery pick down the road.

With only a few games under their belts this freshmen class has displayed all the athletic ability we expected but for some it has been a rough transition to college ball.  It's a long season and I expect that the players who are off to a slow start will find their footing and step up their game as the season goes on.  And for some, like John Wall and Derrick Favors the NCAA will simply be their playground until they're eligible for the NBA.

NCAA athletes getting paid, NBA's age discrimination

Kentucky point guard John Wall was cleared by the NCAA to play this season.  He'll have to sit out for the first two games and repay some $800 in travel expenses but he'll be the starting PG for the wildcats before long and should be a regular feature on Sports Centers' Top Plays.


But within this story are two larger questions about compensation for NCAA athletes and age limits in professional sports.  These young men generate millions of dollars for their universities yet can't even accept a free meal or plane ticket from coaches, agents, boosters, supporters, shoe reps, etc.  Players like John Wall have the talent to make a difference in the NBA and yet, even in this "Land of the Free" they are banned from their chosen profession by the recent reintroduction of archaic rules based on age discrimination.  Old enough to work in any other profession, old enough to fight and die for their country, old enough to work in bars, clubs and adult entertainment, old enough to be sentenced as adults for breaking the law but not old enough to play professional basketball?


This question was raised last year when then high school junior Jeremy Tyler passed on the rest of his high school and college career to play professionally in Europe.  Now we have the best basketball player not in the NBA, John Wall, getting slapped on the wrist and suspended for a few hundred dollars in benefits, which unfortunately is just the tip of the iceberg.


Within basketball circles it is known and understood that star athletes get more than just special treatment and recognition.  Payments of various types are used to lure players to one university or another.  They mostly go unnoticed or unreported but that doesn't mean it's not happening.  Do you think O.J Mayo was broke while attending USC?  On the same note, will Renardo Sidney ever play for Mississippi State or did he take too much money?


Solution:


While I do not think that NCAA athletes should be paid (besides perhaps a small stipend) I think the NBA should ease it's age limits to allow high school graduates or players over 18 years of age to enter the draft and join the professional ranks.  This will have it's negative consequences as we've seen before, such as average players declaring for the draft, going undrafted and losing their NCAA eligibility, high school stars neglecting their studies, college ball losing out on some star players and NBA scouts forced to make tougher decisions about drafting young players but at least it will be fair and consistent with the tenants of this free country. 


Age discrimination gets little attention compared to all the other issues out there but it is an issue all the same.  Not only do athletes have a limited window of opportunity to make a career out of their talents but they have, just like everyone else in this country, a right to earn a living within the confines of the law.  

"David Stern, tear down that wall and let John Wall play"

2009/2010 NBA Season Thoughts and Predictions

On the eve of the new NBA season here are a few thoughts and  predictions.

Break out player of the year:  Anthony Morrow, Golden State Warriors.  One of the best shooters in the world, Morrow will have a permanent green light from Nellie.


Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin.  Hum, hard choice.


Under the Radar Rookies:  Gerald Henderson, Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, Ty Lawson.


How sweet will it be to see a Cavs vs. Lakers Finals?  Lebron vs Kobe, Shaq facing his old teammates/nemesis.


MVP:  Bronbron


Sixth Man of the Year:  Who cares.

Worst NBA Team:  Timberwolves.  Flynn will add some excitement, Jefferson is a beast, Brewer is starting to come into his own but the T-Wolves will still be atrocious.  With Kevin Love out for the first part of the season and Ricky Rubio hiding out overseas, the Wolves will struggle to reach 15 wins.  Question:  If they are drafting #1 next year will they take John Wall and trade Flynn or Rubio?  Question #2:  How much longer can Minnesota support an NBA franchise?


Other thoughts:  Greg Oden will have a breakout year, as will Mo Speights.  Gilbert Arenas will not be the same, nor will Elton Brand.  NBA analysts will talk and talk and talk so much about the Summer of 2010 free agents that they'll loose track of who's actually playing this year.


It all tips off tomorrow!