The Champions Classic Draft: For when the event is that good

Posted: November 13, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Big Ten, Centers, Forwards, Guards, SEC | Leave a comment

Tonight, The State Farm Champions Classic delivered two quality games to millions around the world from the friendly confines of Chicago. The event featured four of the Top 5 teams in the nation and didn’t disappoint. There’s a solid shot that at least 5-6 players taking part in the event are currently spending their final (or only) season in college during 2013-14, and most are deserved of that.

A bunch of players in this four-team event are already NBA-ready. With that in mind, and using just the players in tonight’s event, how would a draft look using just Kentucky, Duke, Kansas and Michigan State?

Ladies and gentleman, the 2013 TBBC Champions Classic Draft.

Using just one round (because no one is draft walk-ons) we take a look at the talent in this event and how they would fare in a situation where the massive about of talent on the United Center was the only talent you could choose from. I kicked it around, and this is what I came up with.

(NOTE: I included the players’ entire body of work up to now, including Tuesday’s results, as a the measuring stick for where they went in the draft.)

1.) Andrew Wiggins, G/F, Kansas – Duh. The Top 3 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft had a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds in the win over Duke. He showed everyone he can play on the biggest stage, now he just has to maintain that.

2.) Julius Randle, F, Kentucky – It was already a race between Wiggins and Randle for next year’s top pick. Randle showed some flaws (free throws?) but it’s obvious the big stage doesn’t scare him. He finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds.

3.) Jabari Parker, F, Duke – The third of the trio of talented freshman to show off on Tuesday night did exactly what every expected too, with 27 points and 9 rebounds, including 4-7 on threes. Well, looks like they’re all gonna be alright.

4.) Adreian Payne, F, Michigan State – The senior is following in a long line of experienced bigs to play under Tom Izzo. He finished with 15 points and just three boards, but he showed a variety of post moves and a face-up game that can hang.

5.) Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky – He’s starting to get it under John Calipari, you can tell. Harrison is the point guard, the most important position in that Dribble Drive Motion Offense. He finished with 11 points and three assists, along with four turnovers, which has to improve.

6.) Keith Appling, G, Michigan State – I really think he could end up as a dark horse lottery pick in the June draft. The senior had 22 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals for the Spartans. Easily the best stat line of the night.

7.) James Young, G/F, Kentucky – The 6-6 shooter had an off-night (3-11 from three) but had 19 points in the loss. He’s got a pull-up game that is pro ready. He’s just got to become more consistent.

8.) Gary Harris, G, Michigan State – The sophomore is fully healthy and showed it with 20 points on the night. He was projected as a one-and-done in 2013, but he made the right decision to come back.

9.) Rodney Hood, G/F/, Duke – The Mississippi State transfer has a lot of “best transfer of the season” hype surrounding him. I think he will live up to it. The redshirt sophomore finished with 11 points in an average showing. He’ll need a few weeks to assimilate.

10.) Rasheed Suliamon, G, Duke – The sophomore probably had the quietest 13 points you’ll ever see, but we all know Suliamon is capable of more. He’ll show it later on in the season.

11.) Alex Poythress, F, Kentucky – A guy who was supposed to be gone after one season has improved dramatically in Year 2. The final line is Ben Wallace-esque, 7 points and 12 rebounds (7 of them offensive). The nasty streak has to develop if he wants to be a success in the NBA.

12.) Branden Dawson, F, Michigan State – Dawson has either a double-double or near a double-double in Sparty’s first two games. He had 8 points and 9 rebounds on Tuesday night. A guy who can do both consistently will get a look in the NBA. A long one.

13.) Tarik Black, F/C, Kansas – The Memphis transfer is a brute that has a game built just like Ben Wallace (second BDub reference!). I don’t care that he didn’t score a point. I want him on my team because he’s not afraid of contact, which is key in the League.

14.) Quinn Cook, G, Duke – More and more, Cook looks like the true point guard Mike Kryzewski wants him to be. He finished with 10 points, 3 assists and 2 boards. If he develops, he’s gone after this season. His decision making has to improve, though.

15.) Willie Cauley-Stein, F/C, Kentucky – Calipari’s ultimate project from 2012-13 has proven to be a successful one. The 7-footer had 5 points, 7 boards and two blocks with only 2 fouls in 27 minutes. He might want to stay another year, but if he came out he’d have a shot to get drafted at a decent slot.

16.) Perry Ellis, F, Kansas – Ellis really hasn’t gotten the love he deserves in two seasons in Lawrence. First because of en McLemore, now Wiggins. Well, that can’t happen much longer after games of 24 points and 7 rebounds like he had against Duke.

17.) Brannen Greene, G, Kansas – Greene will eventually make a splash, which is why he’s a bit high on this list. He only had 5 points, but his consistent stroke is undeniable. He’s going to make some team happy as a result whenever he comes out of KU.

18.) Joel Embiid, F/C, Kansas – He’s only been playing basketball for three years, but Embiid is a 7-footer who shows the makings of being a great defensive big man. He had 2 points with 5 rebounds and 3 assists against the Blue Devils, which previews an all-around game.

19.) Dakari Johnson, F/C, Kentucky – He’s such a project pick, but if Daniel Orton could parlay one mediocre season into a first round selection, Johnson, a much more polished freshman, definitely can. The 6-11 Johnson had 2 points and 5 rebounds in 14 minutes.

20.) Wayne Seldon, G, Kansas – This is probably too low, but Seldon doesn’t look like a great pro. He’s great in the Jayhawks’ system, with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against Duke, and in this crop, he’d be a Top 20 pick.

21.) Tyler Thornton, G, Duke – I can always get behind a senior glue guy that the younger guys listen to. Thornton, despite the lack of stats, is that guy. Which works great on a bench and in practice. And late in games. No mistakes.

22.) Travis Trice, G, Michigan State – Now that he’s healthy, look for  Trice to make his presence felt more often. Trice is a solid defender who provides depth at multiple positions. He had a bucket in 14 minutes.

23.) Naadir Tharpe, G, Kansas – Tharpe is just a calming presence on the floor. He had 7 points and a bevy of 3’s in the stat box (rebounds, assists, turnovers, fouls.) It’d need to be the right team, but Tharpe could be a serviceable defensive guard.

24.) Denzel Valentine, F, Michigan State – He might be a bit higher if he wasn’t a product of the flow of the game. Valentine finished with 5 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.

25.) Andrew Harrison, G, Kentucky – He probably, like his brother, was a first round pick if the one-and-done rule wasn’t around. But now he has  a year to develop that jumper. He finished with one bucket and he and Young will be battling each other for the NBA scouts to see who could be the best 2-guard out of the duo.

26.) Marcus Lee, F, Kentucky – We’re talking about ONLY this game, remember? Lee has some skill, or Cal wouldn’t have recruited him. He played 1 minute, but he will come around this season and have a Darnell Dodson-type impact (without the whole leaving the team thing.)

27.) Marshall Plumlee, F, Duke – He’s a Plumlee, so he’s got to have that game like his two older brothers, right? After redshirting and dealing with injuries his first two seasons, the youngest Plumlee to head to Duke is healthy and ready to contribute. His game translates to the NBA because like his brothers, he’s not afraid of contact, Kendrick Perkins style.

28.) Conner Frankamp, G, Kansas – NBA general managers love guys who can stretch a defense. Frankamp can do just that. In a few seasons, he’s going to fit that Brady Morningstar role really well.

29.) Jarrod Polson, G, Kentucky – I really think Polson gets overlooked for his acumen. This kid can play when called upon, and I think Calipari picks his spots with this guy. He didn’t play Tuesday night, but he will definitely in SEC play.

30.) Frank Mason, G, Kansas – You can’t ignore a guy who hits 11-12 free throws and caps the night with 15 points after just 3 points in their season opener.

Got praise? Got a problem? A tip? find David via email at Judson.harten@gmail.com or on Twitter at @David_Harten.

TBBC conference previews: The B1G

Posted: October 9, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: 2013 Preseason, Big Ten, Preseason Previews | Leave a comment

Like most other seasons, the Big Ten has a ton going for it. It’s a mixture of playmaking guards and dominant post men that will be the trademark of the league…and that’s just in the state of Michigan. But there’s a ton of talent from Happy Valley to Lincoln.

Preseason All-Conference team

G-Aaron Craft, Sr., Ohio State – 2012-13 stats: 10 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.1 spg. Duh, right? One of the best on-ball defenders in the nation and not to mention a totally underrated game-managing point guard. Plus he recently got engaged. Being settled down can help a man’s game, I think.

G-Gary Harris, Soph., Michigan State – 2012-13 stats: 12.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 41.1% three-point percentage. After starting his collegiate career with a foot injury, Harris assimilated to the college game with little lag time in the middle of last season. Now as a fully-healthy guard in a Tom Izzo system, Harris is expected to take a solid jump in efficiency this year.

G-D.J. Newbill, Jr., Penn State – 2012-13 stats: 16.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg. Jermaine Marshall transferred to Arizona State, so the Nittany Lions’ show is all Newbill’s. He’s on a team that isn’t expected to pull a ton of upsets this season, but that shouldn’t stop a guard with serious game from getting his numbers.

F-Mitch McGary, Soph., Michigan – 2012-13 stats: 7.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 59.8% field goal percentage. This time last year McGary was expected to be a dominant big man. He wasn’t until late in the season. Now we’re right back where we started. This time with some proof that he possesses that takeover ability.

F-Adreian Payne, Sr., Michigan State – 2012-13 stats: 10.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 54.6% field goal percentage. He’s the stud of this conference, in my opinion. A prototypical Big Ten big man with the touch around the rim and the ability to navigate in traffic for rebounds and putbacks. He’s going to have a big year, so long that he stays healthy.

Preseason Player of the Year- Adreian Payne – I don’t really see a more polished player in this conference. There might be more athletic players, but none that possess the discipline that Payne has to be as efficient as his is.

Sleeper player- Roy Devyn Marble, Sr., Iowa – Great name, great game. Marble was near the top of the conference in scoring last year and with a better team this year, he should get the publicity he deserves. Expecting a lot from this guy.

Team rankings

Michigan State – Payne anchors the post, Harris will control the ball on the perimeter and as long as he stays healthy, this could be his last season in East Lansing. Travis Trice, who averaged just 4.8 ppg last season, could become an x-factor this season. Tom Izzo knows how to put together a solid team year-in and year-out.

Michigan – It’s not a surprise here. They lose Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke to the NBA, but Mitch McGary’s surge in March last season, coupled with Nik Stauskas coming back with Jordan Morgan will still make some sizable noise. Caris LaVert could be an underrated piece this season. Watch out for freshman Zak Irvin to make an impact in his first season in maize and blue.

Ohio State – All of the Buckeyes top scorers return besides DeShaun Thomas, and they also have one more season of ball-hawking goodness from Aaron Craft. Lenzelle Smith, Jr. and his 9.2 ppg last season are expected to improve with Thomas gone, as well LaQuinton Ross, whose numbers aren’t just expected to improve, but skyrocket. OSU will definitely need more from 6-11 Amir Williams, who is the only 6-8-plus player on their roster.

Indiana – The Hoosiers will have to replace a lot of scoring. Specifically their Top 3 bucket-getters from last season in Cody Zeller, Victor Oladipo and Christian Watford. Will Sheehey and Yogi Ferrell are the obvious leaders, but Jeremy Hollowell should make a sizable jump in his sophomore year. The Hoosiers are also sporting an 8-man recruiting class led by studs Troy Williams (when he returns from injury), Stanford Robinson and Luke Fischer.

Iowa – This one is a stretch. Call it a gut feeling. The Hawkeyes return nine of their Top 10 scorers off a team that went to the NIT Final Four last season. All those players averaged at least 10 minutes per game as well. Roy Devyn Marble is going to be a steady presence that gets the national publicity he deserves this season and what’s more? Fran McCaffery finally gets the team he’s been building towards since he arrived in Iowa City.

Wisconsin – Bo Ryan will have to replace some scoring. Leading scorer Ben Brust (11.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 79 assists) does return, as does Sam Dekker (9.6 ppg, 36.1 three-point percentage)and Traevon Jackson (6.9 ppg) coming back as well. Frank Kaminsky (6.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 28 mpg) will be asked to do more in the post.

The rest

Purdue – The Boilermakers Top 3 scorers return in Terone (13.5 ppg) and Ronnie Johnson (10.3 ppg, 139 assists) with A.J. Hammons (10.6 ppg. 6 rpg). It’s going to be interesting to see who steps into the hole left by D.J. Byrd.

Minnesota – Losing Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe will hurt and as of now, new coach Richard Pitino has only one freshman on his roster. He does have both Hollins’ boys (Andre 14.6 ppg, Austin 10.7 ppg) back along with big man Elliot Eliason (13.7 mpg), but a number of low-end role players will have to grow up.

Illinois – There are few teams that will rely more on transfers this season than the Fighting Illini. Drake transfer Rayvonte Rice is eligible, as is Illinois State graduate defector Jon Ekey. Tyler Griffey’s 7.2 ppg and 3.5 rpg will be much needed since he’s the top returning scorer who played at in Champaign last season.

Penn State – Losing Jermaine Marshall to Arizona State was a huge blow. Allen Roberts, a graduate transfer from Miami (Ohio) comes in to fill the spot, and leading scorer D.J. Newbill (16.3 ppg) makes it back as well. The biggest boost will come from Tim Frazier and his 16.3 ppg, though it came in four games last season before he went out for the season with a torn ACL.

Northwestern – Chris Collins will have a decent team on paper in his first season in Evanston, but no one should look at it as a litmus test for his tenure. Drew Crawford was lucky enough to get his medical redshirt and his 13.5 ppg will be needed. Dave Sobolewski (9.8 ppg, 127 assists) returns and three redshirt freshman enter the mix.

Nebraska – Ray Gallegos (12.5 ppg, 46 steals) returns, but not a ton more. Watch out for David Rivers (5.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) to break out as a junior, as well as Shavon Shields (8.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg).

Most likely too….

…Average 20 points and 10 rebounds – Adreian Payne – He averaged 10 and 7 per game, but with Harris and Appling coming around, solid shooting on the perimeter and the fact that post play is a bit down in the B1G this season, he could beast his share of teams.

…Be a first round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft – Glenn Robinson III, Jr., Michigan – This is a given. There are a number of candidates here. McGary, Harris, Payne, etc. But he passed up first round money to come back. Another solid season locks him into the Top 10, probably.

…End up first-team all-conference after being left off the preseason team – Andre Hollins, Jr., Minnesota – He might be the most complete player in the league that no one seems to care about. Averaged 14.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists per game. With the right season under Pitino, Hollins could not only get onto the first team, but in the first round of the draft.

Preseason, postseason predictions

Regular Season conference champions – Ohio State – Smith, Jr., Craft, Ross. That upperclassmen trio alone can do a lot for any team. People remember that Deshaun Thomas left, but they forget that not much else did.

Conference tournament champions – Michigan State – With the best big man in the conference in the post and the leadership of Tom Izzo, there just isn’t a time that anyone should ever doubt the Spartans, especially not in March.

2012-13 Player Superlatives

Posted: November 7, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Big 12, Big Ten, College Basketball | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

For the rest of the week, we’ll be picking the players, coaches and teams most likely to do some big things, or, well, bad things for the upcoming season. We’ll start today with four individuals poised for big seasons.

Most Likely to Win National Player of the Year:

Cody Zeller: Easy answer, right? He’s being heralded as the best player in the nation on the best team in the nation. As someone who grew up in southern Indiana watching and reading about all three Zeller brothers, I’m pretty excited to see what Cody is capable of this year. Simply put, he can do it all. With freshman year averages of 15.6 points per game, 6.6 rebounds and a 62 percent field goal percentage, Zeller helped bring an IU team back from the dead into one of the top 10 teams in the nation. He also averaged over a steal and a block each time out. The Hoosiers have a really deep team this year, but I still anticipate Zeller getting more touches this year. Last season he only had 11 games with more than 10 field goal attempts. This is Zeller’s award to lose, as expectations are as high as they’ve been in over 20 years in Bloomington. Creighton’s Doug McDermott and Murray State’s Isaiah Canaan are the two guys that could challenge Zeller the most.

Most Likely to Lead the Nation in Scoring:

Doug McDermott: One of the guys that could possibly give Zeller a run for his money for PoY, McDermott can flat out score. Averaging 22.9 points per game last year for Creighton, good for third in the nation, McDermott did so shooting a staggering 60 percent from the field. Plenty of people shoot 60 percent, but very few of them are also deadly 3-point shooters. The Creighton sharpshooter connected on 49 percent of his three’s last season, making 1.5 a game. Word is he’s improved his shot off the dribble, so the Missouri Valley better be on the lookout now more than ever.

Most Likely to Lead The Nation in 3-pointers:

Brady Heslip: With apologies to Indiana’s Jordan Hulls and Butler’s Rotnei Clarke, I just can’t get Heslip’s performance from last year’s NCAA Tournament for Baylor out of my head. In a second-round game against Colorado, he made nine threes and scored 27 points. For the year he made 100 of them. All this kid does is shoot three’s, but why fault him when he makes 44 percent of them? He made 2.6 three’s per contest, and only 0.6 two-point field goals. Something tells me the folks down in Waco don’t mind, though.

Most Likely to Lead the Nation in Rebounding:

Andre Roberson: Fifth in the nation in rebounding last year, I think this Colorado big man has the tools to finish out on top for 2012-13. Last season he averaged 11.1 rebounds per game, grabbing down double figure boards 26 times. He helped Colorado upset UNLV in the  first round of the NCAA Tournament last year, hauling down 16 rebounds to go with 12 points.

Images: Google Images/SI.com