The NCAA got this one right

The NCAA has absorbed loads of criticism the last few years for the amount of time it has taken to resolve eligibility issues involving high-profile athletes such as Renardo Sidney, Enes Kanter, Josh Selby and others.

This week, though, an organization known for dragging its feet is receiving some well-deserved praise for acting quickly in the matter of Thomas Robinson, the Kansas basketball player whose mother died on Friday.

The NCAA issued a statement Wednesday announcing that it had granted a number of waivers from its by-laws that will allow Kansas’ athletic department to pay for Lisa Robinson’s funeral expenses. The NCAA also granted permission for Kansas to fly its entire team to Washington D.C. for Thursday’s memorial service.

Bevo's Roundup: We're Off To Visit Little Brother

 by dimecoverage 

burntorangenation.com

Coach Cal Working w/ Enes Kanter

2011 NBA Mock Draft- First Round (1/29/11)

Team needs have NOT been taken into account with this 2011NBA Mock Draft.  We will begin to factor in team needs once the NBA trade deadline has passed.  Click on the players’ name for a complete scouting report and an NBA comparison.  Here is a list of outstanding trades for the 2011 NBA Draft.  Check out a2012 NBA Mock Draft and The Sports Bank’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft.

1. Cleveland- Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke, 6-1, Fr.
A tremendous play-maker, Irving is lightning fast with the basketball.  He is also a talented scorer who has made an early impression with his maturity while running the show for Coach K before suffering a toe injury that may cost him the rest of his freshman season.

2. Minnesota- Perry Jones, PF, Baylor, 6-9, Fr.
Jones is a long, athletic, explosive forward who by every indication will be a one-and-done.  He needs to add strength and range to his outside game before he can be a factor in the league.

3. Sacramento- Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky, 6-9, Fr.
Jones is a smooth lefty who can take bigger defenders off the bounce or post up smaller opponents.  He will be able to play either forward spot at the next level and should be ready to contribute right away due to his impressive physique for a freshman.

4. Toronto- Enes Kanter, F/C, Kentucky, 6-10, Fr.
It looks like college hoops will not get a chance to see Kanter suit up for the Big Blue, but he is a talented big man who is a lottery lock regardless of whether or not he ever suits up for UK.

5. Washington- Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State, 6-9, Fr.
A physical force down low with an NBA-ready body, Sullinger figures to be the next in the lineage of OSU big men to be one-and-done.  He may not be the best athlete in the world but is quicker than you would expect from a 6-9, 265 pounder.

6. New Jersey- Derrick Williams, F, Arizona, 6-9, So.
Williams is a tremendous athlete who lives around the rim.  He runs the floor well, is a solid rebounder, and has really improved his face-up and perimeter game since his freshman season.

7. Detroit- Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina, 6-8, Fr.
The prototypical NBA wing player, Barnes can stroke it from deep, create his own shot, handle the rock, and attack the basket.  He has not lived up to the hype so far at UNC but is still a great talent.

8. L.A. Clippers- Josh Selby, PG, Kansas, 6-3, Fr.
After sitting out the first nine games of the season, Selby has started his collegiate career with a bang.  He is a terrific athlete and scorer, but is more of a combo guard than a true point guard.

9. Indiana- Jonas Valanciunas, F/C, Lithuania, 6-10, 1992
A back-to-the-basket player, Valanciunas is not as versatile as most European big men but has plenty of up-side.  It will be interesting to see if he declares for the 2011 Draft or waits another year so he can continue his overall development.

10. Milwaukee- Kemba Walker, PG, UConn, 6-1, Jr.
Walker has been on a tear this season.  He has improved his decision-making and outside shooting which were questions heading into the season. The Bronx native is lightning quick with the rock and has seen his stock soar since an outstanding performance at the Maui Invitational.

11. Golden State- Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic, 6-11, 1989
Vesely likely would have been a lottery pick in the 2010 draft but decided not to enter the draft.  Another year overseas should only benefit his all-around game and make him more NBA-ready in 2011.

12. Phoenix- Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas, 6-7, So.
A pure scorer who can take you off the dribble and also has outstanding range on his jumper.  He has great size for an NBA wing player, but needs to improve his ball-handling, shot selection, and defensive tenacity.

13. Houston- Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State, 6-6, So. 
The Aztec sophomore has incredible athleticism and a non-stop motor that makes him a factor on the glass.  His jump shot is far from NBA ready, but based on potential, he is a sure-fire first rounder.

14. Memphis- Chris Singleton, SF, Florida State, 6-9, Jr.
One of the best defenders in college, Singleton’s offensive game is improving but still a work in progress.  He is not very effective attacking the basket and needs to improve his outside shot.

15. Charlotte- Donatas Motiejunas, F/C, Lithuania, 7-0, 1990
He pulled out of the draft process late this past off-season because he was likely falling out of the lottery.  Motiejunas is a versatile seven-footer who can vault back up the board if he shows some steady development in his all-around game and body.

16. Philadelphia- Kyle Singler, SF, Duke, 6-9, Sr.
Singler surprised many by announcing he would return for his senior season.  His size and ability to shoot the rock are positives but lacks the ideal NBA athleticism to be a three.  IfGordon Hayward can go in the lottery though, so can Singler.

17. New York- Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky, 6-3, Fr.
A great play-maker, Knight is also an effective outside shooter.  He is a scoring point guard who also knows how to distribute the rock.  Knight needs to learn how to be a true point guard before turning pro.

18. Portland- Marcus Morris, F, Kansas, 6-9, Jr.
A physical presence due to his strong body, Morris can also has range out to the three point line.  He will probably be able to play either forward position at the next level but needs to improve his ability to take defenders off the bounce in isolation situations.

19. Utah- Alec Burks, SG, Colorado, 6-6, So.
Burks is a big time scorer who thrives off the bounce.  He might be the best of a weaker class of true shooting guard prospects and still has room for development.

20. Denver- Trey Thompkins, F, Georgia, 6-9, Jr.
Thompkins has a nice variety of moves on the block including a good turnaround jumper.  He has a nice combination of physicality and athleticism.

21. Atlanta- Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee, 6-8, Fr.
Harris possesses an inside/outside game that will make him attractive for the next level.  He can handle the ball, play in the open floor, and knock down jumpers.  Harris does to add some intensity to his play.

22. Oklahoma City- Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU, 6-2, Sr.
An absolute sharp-shooter from downtown, Fredette runs the point at BYU but whether or not teams think he can handle that spot in the NBA will determine where he ends up getting drafted.

23. Phoenix (from ORL)- Kris Joseph, SF, Syracuse, 6-7, Jr.
Joseph is at his best when attacking the basket but has shown strides with his outside shot.  Still, his athleticism should earn him a spot in the first round.

24. Dallas- Markieff Morris, PF, Kansas, 6-10, Jr.
Markieff is a little more of a low post threat than his twin brother Marcus, but not quite as polished with his perimeter game.  His outside shot is showing improvement and he stays active on both ends of the floor.

25. Portland (from NO)- Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas, 6-9, Soph.
What a horrible situation.  Robinson’s mother recently passed away suddenly within a month of his grandfather and grandmother’s deaths.  Robinson’s decision to turn pro may be purely financially based as he has a nine-year old sister who now needs to be looked after.  From a basketball standpoint, Robinson would be best served returning to Kansas, but he has shown the potential to be a solid NBA player and would be worth a first round pick.

26. Chicago- Demetri McCamey, PG, Illinois, 6-3, Sr.
McCamey took a major step forward last season as a scorer and true point guard and that has continued this season.  There were concerns about his maturity and defensive effort but he has made strides in both areas.

27. Toronto (from MIA)- Kenneth Faried, PF, Morehead State, 6-8, Sr.
Faried is an outstanding rebounder but needs to work more on his face-up game.  He is a bit under-sized to be the ideal NBA power forward, but makes up for that with his non-stop work ethic on the inside.

28. New Jersey (from LAL)- JaJuan Johnson, PF, Purdue, 6-10, Sr.
Johnson is a lengthy post player who runs the floor well and can consistently knock down 18-foot jump shots.  He has shown steady improvement during his time at Purdue.

29. Boston- Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt, 6-7, Jr.
Taylor is an extraordinary athlete and has improved his three-point shooting this season.  He needs to become more of a threat in driving to the basket, but should get first round looks due to his extraordinary athleticism.

30. San Antonio- Jon Leuer, PF, Wisconsin, 6-10, Sr.
A versatile power forward, Leuer can hit from the outside, take defenders off the bounce, and has outstanding footwork in the post to go with a variety of moves on the block.  He gained a lot of buzz this summer when working out with Team USA.

2011 NBA Mock Draft- First Round (1/29/11)

thesportsbank.net

Jay Bilas to do some investigating

You thought you had heard the last of Enes Kanter until NBA Draft day, didn't you?  Well unfortunately for all of us, you were wrong. It turns out that some basketball analysts are as personally invested in this story as the most passionate Kentucky fan ever could be. Such is the case for ESPN's Jay Bilas, who is apparently going to do some investigating into the University of Washington's recruitment of Enes Kanter. In his blog for ESPN.com, Bilas said that he wants to investigate whether current NCAA President Mark Emmert knew about the Huskies' recruitment of Kanter while he was the President at Washington. 

Bilas is likely taking exception to the bizarre public comments made by Emmert in the days following the NCAA's ruling on Enes Kanter. In an interview with CBS Sports' Seth Davis, Emmert said the fact that "very few schools recruited" Kanter meant that everyone knew he was likely to be ruled ineligible. The logic was tenuous enough standing alone, but was even more puzzling considering that one of those schools was actually Washington, which recruited Kanter while Emmert was its President. 

After some writers noticed the discrepancy, Emmert again talked to Davis and said that he wasn't involved in who the basketball team recruited while at Washington and thus didn't have knowledge of the Kanter issues. Maybe so. But Bilas obviously thinks something may be amiss in the explanation and is out to do some investigating of his own to find out what Emmert knew and when he knew it.

It is somewhat odd to see one of the most public faces of college basketball so openly take on the NCAA President. However Bilas is not alone on this train as his colleague Dick Vitale recently said on a game broadcast that if Kanter had gone to Washington, the NCAA would have ruled him eligible. The blatant allegation of a double standard was surprising enough when said by Vitale, but then for Bilas to openly suggest that he doesn't believe Emmert's public statements on the subject...well that is somewhat shocking.

Where all this will end up is still anyone's guess. But for NCAA President Mark Emmert's sake, one would hope that the most embarassing part of the entire mess was his initial admission that he lacked institutional control over his previous employer's basketball program. That is eyebrow-raising enough. If we find out that he lied about his previous knowledge level, well that would be much worse. We shall see what, if anything, Bilas finds.


Jay Bilas to do some investigating
MATT JONES
college-basketball-blog.blogs.cbssports.com

What should be the Detroit Pistons' biggest offseason priority: A traditional point guard or a back-to-the basket post player?

The Detroit Pistons are a little more than halfway through the season, but let's face it, this team is barely contending for a playoff spot, and is extremely unlikely to advance to the second round. That's why it's as good a time as ever to start thinking about the offseason.

First, let's start with some basic assumptions. There are a few players that are unlikely to return to Detroit next season. Tayshaun Prince, if he isn't moved before February's trading deadline, won't be re-signed as the team continues to focus on rebuilding. The same can be said for Chris Wilcox.

Under the right circumstances, the Pistons would love to have Tracy McGrady back, but after what he's proven this season, he'll likely get a few offers from contenders. Plus, the Pistons won't want to commit too much cap space to a player that isn't a part of their future.

Finally there's Richard Hamilton. Obviously the team wants to trade him, but no one knows when, or if, the team will be able to complete a deal. Considering how poorly his situation has deteriorated, it's nearly impossible to imagine him on the Pistons' roster next season.

If Detroit is able to obtain expiring contracts in exchange for Hamilton, they'll have some money to spend in free agency, plus they'll be picking between 1-15 in the draft. So what should be general manager Joe Dumars top priority heading into the offseason?

Depending on how you weigh the importance of positions on the roster, it should boil down to a traditional, pass-first point guard or a well-rounded big man who can defend the post and operate with their back to the basket on the offensive end.

Why a point guard?

Tracy McGrady has been a pleasant surprise at the point after the Pistons moved Rodney Stuckey to shooting guard. McGrady has proven that a gifted distributor can make the Pistons' unbalanced roster run more smoothly.

Since the 2007-08 season, the Pistons have been in the bottom ten in the NBA in scoring efficiency, a stat that measures the amount of points a team averages per 100 possessions.

Detroit's struggles with efficiency are the result of a number of factors, including the team's pace, their unbalanced roster, and perhaps most of all, the lack of ball movement.

The Pistons rank 24th in the NBA in assists, averaging 19.9 helpers per contest, and 20th in the league in assist rate, which measures the percentage of a team's possessions that end with an assisted basket.

A good point guard knows how to maximize the talents of his teammates.

Free agency won't be ripe with options. You have veterans like T.J. Ford and potentially Andre Miller, should the Blazers opt not to pick up the team-option in his contract. There's also younger, under-the-radar talent like Patty Mills, but it's far-fetched to believe he could have a major impact.

The draft has a few interesting prospects led by Duke's Kyrie Irving. He has missed most of the college season with a foot injury, but his early-season play placed him a step above other NCAA point guards.

Irving, if he comes out, will almost assuredly be a top five pick. Other names that could fit the bill for the Pistons are Kentucky's Brandon Knight, Illinois' Demetri McCamey and Villanova's Maalik Wayns.

Why a post player?

It's been said that there's nothing harder to find than a well-rounded big man. The Pistons can clearly empathize with that sentiment. The last frontcourt player to average a double-double for Detroit was Olden Polynice with 13.1 points and 12.4 rebounds during his injury-shortened 1993-94 campaign.

There are plenty of statistical measures that expose the Pistons' void down low. Detroit ranks 25th in the league in blocked shots, 27th in rebounding rate and 24th in opponents offensive rebounding rate.

As noted many times, Detroit has been carved up by opposing power forwards and centers in the post. In fact, opposing power forwards have a 21.4 PER against Detroit this year. PER is a complex formula to rate the efficiency of a player.

To put that number in perspective, only 24 players in the NBA have a higher individual PER. Basically nearly every power forward plays like an All-Star against Detroit.

On the offensive end, the Pistons don't have a big man that can consistently score from the low block.  Greg Monroe has shown improvement, but still projects better as a power forward that operates from the high block, where he can maximize his passing skills. 

Finding a well-rounded big man is easier said than done. Look around the NBA. How many power forwards and centers would you label as an offensive threat, good rebounder, defensively sound and a decent shot-blocker? There's Dwight Howard, Paul Gasol, Al Horford, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tim Duncan and Andrew Bogut are among the few elite. Other players, such Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Amar'e Stoudemire and Zach Randolph are so talented in some statistical areas, you can get past their defensive shortcomings.

There will be a few options in free agency, depending how much cap space the Pistons can clear. Randolph will probably be the top name on the market. There's also the risky option of trying to outbid Portland for injury-prone, but ultra-talented restricted free agent Greg Oden. Both David West and Nene Hilario have early termination options and should be on the market. Finally, there's Tyson Chandler, who the Pistons tried to acquire during this past offseason.

The draft offers options as well. Although he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA, Enes Kanter still projects as the top big man in draft. The 6-11, 260 pound center has an NBA body, a diverse offensive skill set, and the ability to be a dominant rebounder. Detroit would have to get lucky in the lottery to have a shot.

Other, potentially more realistic, names to watch include Georgia's Trey Thompkins, Florida State's Chris Singleton and international player Jonas Valanciunas.

What is the best option?

In reality, it's more complex than deciding on a primary need and going out and locking up the best player at the position.  Factors, such as cap space and draft position will play a large role in how the Pistons approach the offseason.

But let's imagine a scenario where the Pistons get lucky in the draft lottery, and they have the option of Kanter, the top center, or Irving, the top point guard. Which way should the team go? 

Injury concerns aside, and both players have them, you can't go wrong with either selection. Kanter would shore up rebounding, post scoring and post defense. Irving would easily be the best floor general the team has drafted since Isiah Thomas.  

Right now, I'd lean toward Kanter. The Pistons' hole in the frontcourt seems bigger, and it's simply harder to find a quality big man than a quality point guard. That's just my opinion, please use the comments to share yours.

What should be the Detroit Pistons' biggest offseason priority: A traditional point guard or a back-to-the basket post player?

Justin Rogers

MLive.com 

With the 1st pick of the 2011 NBA draft, The Cleveland Cavaliers select..

Who do the Cleveland Cavaliers select? There's quite a few talented players out there this draft, it may not be a clear answer of who as much as what position.

* * *

 Sure we haven't won in 2011, but we can get a top pick. And if there's one thing you Cav fan's need to learn. I'm a draft nut. Week 1 of the NBA I'm already thinking draft. And with a season like this we have only have one real solace and that would be he draft. This class may not have the star of a franchise of the next decade but with the right picks we very well may be in the playoff hunt once more.

What position do we draft though? There's 5 prospects that are head and shoulders above the rest of this class.Those players are Perry Jones SF Baylor, Jared Sullinger PF Ohio St., Derrick Williams SF/PF Arizona, Kyrie Irving PG Duke, and Enes Kanter PF/C Kentucky.  So there's a SF, a PF, a SF/PF, PG and PF/C. All those areas would be upgrades over what we have. (I know I'll get someone saying no Sullinger we have J.J.) It raises the question which way we want to go. I feel anyone of these 5 players could be a top 3 pick if not a number 1 pick. I would go to the extent that if we draft in the top 3 picks (damn lottery) I guarantee one of these will be wearing win in gold in 2011.

Also to those who may not have already known we have our 1st round pick, our 2nd round pick and the Thunders' 2nd Round Pick (top 40 protected). So there is chance we can address our needs at SF, PG and get a Center.

Instead of only voicing my opinion tell me What position you would draft with our top pick. For extra credit tell me your opinion on what we need to look for in round 2 via comments.

--- Addition---

A few "Mock Blockers" that we may look at depending where the lottery may send us. Terrence Jones SF Kentucky, Harrison Barnes SG NC, (underperforming but stellar tourney play may send him top 5 again.) Kemba Walker PG UCONN, Brandon Knight PG Kentucky.

With the 1st pick of the 2011 NBA draft, The Cleveland Cavaliers select..

by CByers 

fearthesword.com

WBN Kentucky Wildcat Basketball Roundtable: Was Enes Kanter worth the risk?

Goodmorning and welcome back again to anoher edition of the WBN Wildcat Roundtable and wih this week's edition, we look to pu o rest the Enes Kanter saga. Also I should note that we have a new member on the panel this week. Kent Spencer of Channel 36 in Lexington joins us and offers his insight. Let's get right to this week's question and it does have a followup:

From all appearances, there were red flags that Enes Kanter may not be eligible for this team. I am referring to the attempt to reclassify DeAndre Daniels into the 2011 class and the brief pursuit of Royce White. Now let's just say that the presence of Kanter on the UK roster also deterred players like CJ Leslie and even Marcus Thornton from enrolling at Kentucky. Based on the scenario that Kanter may have kept another front court player from committing, would you still say the Kanter commitment was worth the risk?

Kent Spencer, Channel 36 WTVQ: The Kanter commitment was definitely worth the r...

Kentucky Wildcats: Big Blue Linkapalooza

NCAA President Mark Emmert Says NCAA Doesn't Have 'Tsunami of Cash'

New NCAA president Mark Emmert has caught the brunt of fan disapproval in recent weeks. First the Cam Newton decision was handed down in a "hear no evil, see no evil" precedent; then, the Ohio State fiasco took place; and, finally, the NCAA ruled Kentucky's Enes Kanter permanently ineligible -- much to the chagrin of the Wildcat faithful.

After weathering that storm, Emmert has hit the road to try and change the perception of the NCAA. He wants people to understand that the NCAA does not have a "tsunami of cash," despite the recent announcement of the organization's agreement with CBS and Turner Broadcasting worth $10.6 billion.

"There's confusion about that because the numbers look big and people see a football stadium with 105,000 people in at Michigan or somewhere and do the math in their head and say, 'Well, this is all about money,'" Emmert said.

The reality, Emmert says, is that Michigan was only one of 14 schools that made money on athletics last year. Emmert is trying to spread the word that the money that comes in from these deals are funneled directly back to all student-athletes. In fact, 96 percent of the profits from the television deal will go directly to institutions.

Emmert also discussed the importance of the big money makers -- football and basketball -- in the evolution and advancement of all sports.

"It's like I used to say at the U of W or at LSU, 'Look, if you like gymnastics, buy football tickets. If you like volleyball, buy football tickets. If you like crew, buy football tickets because that's how we pay for those things,'" he said. "At the NCAA, it's all about driving revenue around the basketball tournament."


NCAA President Mark Emmert Says NCAA Doesn't Have 'Tsunami of Cash
Evan Hilbert
ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com

That .00004% contingency of Kentucky fans sure is active

The detail wasn't new, says Bob Williams, the NCAA's vice president of communications. But the necessity was underscored by loud, often angry and occasionally alarming reactions to a series of recent rulings — stiff sanctions against Southern California's football program, clearance for Auburn quarterback Cam Newton to finish the season despite his father's involvement in a pay-for-play scheme, a suspension of five Ohio State football players delayed to next season to allow them on the field for the Sugar Bowl, a declaration that Kentucky basketball recruit Enes Kanter is permanently ineligible.

Via phone and e-mail, blogs and social networks, Kentucky followers have been particularly outspoken, flooding Emmert's Facebook page with so much vitriol that the NCAA was compelled to block posts by outsiders. Without specifying the source or subject, Williams says he got an e-mail a couple of weeks ago warning, "You'd better check your car."

That .00004% contingency of Kentucky fans sure is active

Mike Rutherford

cardchronicle.com

Anger over rulings prompts NCAA to enhance security

Down wide, carpeted hallways and in and out of meeting rooms, new President Mark Emmert moved through the NCAA's annual convention in San Antonio last week with an entourage that spoke to a reality of modern sports.

Beside him walked university presidents, key athletics administrators and, most always, a couple of stockily built guys in suits and earpieces who looked exactly like what they were.

Security.

The detail wasn't new, says Bob Williams, the NCAA's vice president of communications. But the necessity was underscored by loud, often angry and occasionally alarming reactions to a series of recent rulings — stiff sanctions against Southern California's football program, clearance for Auburn quarterback Cam Newton to finish the season despite his father's involvement in a pay-for-play scheme, a suspension of five Ohio State football players delayed to next season to allow them on the field for the Sugar Bowl, a declaration that Kentucky basketball recruit Enes Kanter is permanently ineligible.

Via phone and e-mail, blogs and social networks, Kentucky followers have been particularly outspoken, flooding Emmert's Facebook page with so much vitriol that the NCAA was compelled to block posts by outsiders. Without specifying the source or subject, Williams says he got an e-mail a couple of weeks ago warning, "You'd better check your car."

Anger over rulings prompts NCAA to enhance security

Steve Wieberg

usatoday.com

Enes Kanter Decision In A Nutshell

It continues to amaze me how a lot of pro UK fans, competitors, and even media members nationally and locally define, critique, and debate Enes Kanter's recent dilemma with the NCAA and it's final decision. No one at UK nor the Kanter family denies there were NCAA eligibility rules tainted or even broken. But for anyone to imply that the NCAA's present set of foreign player eligibility rules for a 14-15 year old teenager is applicable to Kanter's situation is just not correct in my eyes.

It is a classic case of the present rules that are enforceable by the NCAA not fitting the crime committed. You've had million dollar professional athletes playing one sport professionally and while simultaneously playing another sport an an NCAA student athlete for years now.

The NCAA's inconsistent and outdated rules on eligibility and professionalism has made the Enes Kanter case look like a sports version of the O. J. Simpson trial in my eyes. As a matter of fact you could argue that the NCAA applied their rules pretty much like the jury did the evidence at the O. J. Simpson trial as far as Kanter's college life is concerned.

For God's sake NCAA at least listen to Lee Todd and come up with some kind of a cooperative correction in the future for these situations.


Enes Kanter Decision In A Nutshell

• Posted by Ira's Blog on January 19, 2011 at 9:49pm
• View Ira's Blog's blog
• kentuckysportsnetwork.com

2011 Mock Lottery - NBA Draft List (Updated: 1/11/11 9:45 pm)

Updated: 1/11/11 9:45 pm

www.nbadraft.net

Morning Five: 01.17.10 Edition

We usually don’t pay attention to mock drafts or player ratings until the end of the season when players are deciding whether or not to go pro, but Chad Ford’s most recent Top 100 caught our eye because of how the top players are rated: (1) Perry Jones (talented, but very inconsistent — four points in a loss at FSU followed by zero points in a close win over Texas Southern); (2) Kyrie Irving (phenomenal, but injured with a toe injury that apparently cannot be described); (3) Harrison Barnes (the preseason #1, but very disappointing so far); (4) Enes Kanter (a talented inside player, but banned from playing this year); (5) Terrence Jones (phenomenal this season); (6)Jared Sullinger (your current national player of the year favorite). Outside of the dominance of freshman in the top six, we are struck by the fact that the two most productive players are rated below an inconsistent big man, a point guard with an injury that nobody can figure out, a massively disappointing freshman, and a Turkish big man who was given the NCAA’s equivalent of an individual death penalty.


Morning Five: 01.17.10 Edition
rushthecourt.net