Nike Won't Allow Witnesses

As many of you know, the hot rumor flying around these days is that Xavier guard Jordan Crawford dunked on LeBron James at the LeBron James Skills Academy. Nike then promptly confiscated the tape, and it has been a topic of debate ever since.

Via Rush The Court

2009-2010 Pre-Season Top 25

Well the NBA is done, so we might as well get started with the predictions. Remember these rankings mean nothing, no games have been played, and no one has proven anything.

1. Kansas- With the return of Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins (although he has put on some pounds), and the additions of Xavier and C.J. Henry, the Jayhawks are a very popular pre-season #1. Kansas will have proven leadership and plenty of depth, and Tyshawn Taylor is emerging more and more as a combo guard.

2. Michigan St.- Losing Goran Suton will be a set back, but Big 10 Player of the Year, Kalin Lucas is still there to run the point for Sparty. This team didn't blow oppenents away last year, so despite having a great record, and winning the Big 10 by 4 games, they where under estimated by many (including myself). It was their grit, and stellar defense that got them to the final four last year, and will be their calling card this season. In addition lets not forget that the Spartans have one of the best coaches in the country in Tom Izzo.

3. Texas- Even though Kansas is #1, it is quite possible that they won't win the Big 12 outright. Texas gets an influx of fresh talent, to go with the returnees of Damion James, Dexter Pittman, Justin Mason, and Gary Johnson. Freshman Jordan Hamilton should pair with James to give the Longhorns two very versatile forwards, and Florida transfer Jai Lucas will give them a pure point guard.

4. Kentucky- The addition of point guard prodigy John Wall, and highly touted big man DeMarcus Cousins have transformed Kentucky from an 08-09 NIT sqaud into a 09-10 championship contender. If Jodie Meeks had returned, it would be very hard to put Kansas ahead of them.

5. UNC- I doubt the Heels will repeat, but they will be a talented bunch. Deon Thompson is the only returning starter, but Ed Davis has lottery pick written all over him. All of the incoming freshmen should contribute immediately

6. Purdue- Robbie Hummel, E'Twaun Moore, and JaJuan Johnson are as good as any trio in the country and should be the best three in the Big 10 hands down. Role players will be key for the Boilermakers, who have one of the best in the country. Chris Kramer, who held Stephen curry to 13 points last season, is as good a defender as anyone in the country.

7. Villanova- 'Nova has always had great guards, and this season will be no different. Scottie Reynolds returns with his backcourt mate Corey Fisher, and two tallented freshmen, Malik Wayns and Dominic Cheek will help fill out possibly the best back court in the country. As I mentioned before, the guards will be great, but much of Villanova's success will depend on how much of Dante Cunningham's 16.1 points a game can be replaced by 6'9' freshman big Mouphtaou Yarou.

8. Duke- The Blue Devils haven't quite had the post season success that they would have liked the past few years, but it's almost impossible to put them out of preseason top 10 rankings. Coach K is arguably the best coach in college basketball, and Duke will remain a powerhouse until he leaves. The big concern for Blue Devil fans has to be the departure of Gerald Henderson (NBA) and Elliot Williams (Transfered to Memphis). This leaves Duke without any true slashers, meaning that they will be even more dependent on outside shooting than they already where.

9. Tennessee- Bruce Pearl is definitely one of the most interesting coaches in the country, but he has also brought success to basketball program that was much more known for its women's team. Tyler Smith, JP Prince and Renaldo Woolridge are three forwards 6'7" or taller that can all hit the outside shot, and Allen Iverson look-a-like Bobby Maze returns to run the point.

10. Butler- Everyone returns, including up and coming coach, Brad Stevens, from a team that went 26-6 last season. Rising Sophomores Gordan Hayward and Shelvin Mack are both playing for the U.S. U-19 team in the World University Games. Matt Howard, the teams leading scorer (14.1 per game) also returns, and Willie Veasley give the Bulldogs an outstanding defender.

11. Michigan- John Belien's 1-3-1 zone gave opponents fits last season, and the inside outside combo of Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims return. Outside shooting will be key for the Wolverines, as it was for Belien's previous West Viginia teams, which had great success in March.

12. Cal- Percentage wise Cal was the best three-point shooting team in the country last year. Unfortunatley you can't always count on outside shooting, as the Golden Bears found out in the first round of the tournament against Maryland. For Cal to continue its success they are going to need some help from their big men, who are tall and athletic, but very raw offensively.

13. Washington- Losing Jon Brockman will leave a big hole in the front court, but the Huskies have the talent in the back court to contend in the Pac-10. Isaiah Thomas, the Huskies leading scorer brings back 15.5 points a game, along with senior Quincy Pondexter, who averaged 12.1 points a game. Abdul Gaddy, one of the top guard prospects in the country, will help form a dynamic back court trio.

14. Louisville- Starting with Samardo Samuels, Louisville will have six very athletic big men, giving them terrific front court depth. Factor in the additions of point guard Peyton Siva and Manhattan transfer Chris Smith (brother of Nuggets J.R.) and Louisville should have no problem staying a top the Big East.

15. Oklahoma- Losing 4 starters is a lot to overcome, but with Willie Warren returning and the additions of freshmen Tommy Mason-Griffin and Keith "Tiny" Gallon will help patch up those holes.

16. Minnesota- This will be one of the most talented Minnesota teams in recent memory. Everyone important returns to a team that won 22 games last season, and freshman Royce White will give team a versatile wing, which they missed last season.

17. Ohio St.- Evan Turner will be the most complete player of any team next season, but the departure of B.J. Mullens leaves Ohio St. somewhat incomplete. With David Lighty, William Buford and Jon Diebler returning it is probable that Turner will see a lot of time at the 4, but he could also see time as a point guard, seeing as he lead the buckeyes in assists last season. In short, Ohio St. will have holes at the Center and Point Guard positions, but have great depth at the 2 and 3.

18. Cincinnati- Getting Lance Stephenson is huge for the Bearcats. If he survives all the legal mumbo jumbo that he still has to go through and becomes eligible, he will give Cincy what they need to compete in the Big East. Yancy Gates gives the Bearcats an inside punch, and Deonta Vaughn brings 15.5 points a game to the table.

19. Dayton- The Flyers where one of the best defensive teams in the nation last season, giving up only 61.4 points a game. This lead them to 27 victories, and a first round win over West Virginia. Chris Wright is probably the favorite for A-10 POY, and head coach Brian Gregory has increased Dayton's win total every season since 05-06.

20. Kansas St.- Wally Judge isn't quite Michael Beasley, but he is one talented freshman. Much like Beasley, Judge is a big forward (6'9") with a polished offensive game, and he is a great athlete. He will join Dennis Clemente (who scored 44 against Texas), and Jacob Pullen, one of the most underrated guards in the country last season.

21. Mississippi St.- Everyone is raving about Mississippi St.'s front court, which will feature Jarvis Varnado (4.6 Blocks a game, lead the country), 7'2" Sudanese product John Reik and McDonald's All-American Renardo Sidney. If the Bulldogs can improve their their 3-point shooting (36%), they could be one scary team in march.

22. Siena- Kenny Hasbrouck is gone, but 4 other starters return, including the versatile Edwin Ubiles and dependable point guard Ronald Moore (6.4 assists a game) return. The Saints have won first round games the past two seasons, and are fully capable of winning another.

23. Georgetown- The Hoya's will not be very deep at all, but they will have Greg Monroe, who will easily be a lottery pick and two experienced guards in Chris Wright and Austin Freeman.

24. UCONN- Kemba Walker will be a force in the Big East soon enough, and Jerome Dyson returns from injury to give UCONN two skilled combo guards. Thabeet and Adrien are gone, but Alex Oranaki will give the Huskies another shot blocker, and if they can some how get Ater Majok (6' 11") eligible they could lead the nation in blocks (again).

25. West Virginia- Da'Sean Butler and Devin Ebanks give the Mountaineers two forwards that can step away from the basket and hit the outside shot as well as bang inside. In addition. Joe Mazzula returns from injury, which is critical, seeing as he was a key in pulling off West Virginia's upset of Duke in the tournament two years ago.

Honorable Mention: Wake Forest, Maryland, Xavier, Clemson, Illinois, Gonzaga, Tulsa, Pitt, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt

UNC Cribs

The video is a bit old, just found it, still entertaining.

Don't Sleep on C.J. Henry

While Xavier Henry has been enjoying a stellar senior season, leading his team in scoring, playing in the McDonald's All-American Game, Jordan Classic, Nike Hoop Summit and writing a basketball diary for SLAM magazine, many people have almost forgotten that his brother C.J. is coming along for the ride. C.J. transferred from Memphis to Kansas to play with his brother, and to play for his dad's alma mater. Just like Xavier, C.J. also starred at Putnan City High School (23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.4 steals as a senior), but instead of going to college on a basketball scholarship, he chose baseball. C.J. started his pro baseball career as a minor league player for the Yankees, but after three years in the Yankees farm system he decided to take up a hoops career. He signed with Memphis, but didn't play a single game for the Tigers last year, due to injury, then transferred when Xavier chose Kansas. He has the skills, his high school stats are exibit A, and he is much older than most college players, he turns 23 in May. People are sleeping on him, because he hasn't played organized basketball in a couple years, but there are many, including head coach Bill Self, that think he can contribute right away. His dad, Carl said "Many people are going to be shocked when the see 'C' play", and even went on to say that he believes he will play in the NBA. Bill Self , also has an optimistic view saying, "He is a point guard who can really shoot the ball," and "His absence from basketball for four years will be a transition for him, but he has always kept a basketball in his hands during that time." Self has been recruiting C.J. since 2004, and for good reason. Xavier is not the only second generation Jayhawk named Henry that can play.

Summer Reading: The Last Amateurs

The Last Amateurs is a chronicle of the 1999-2000 Patriot Leagues basketball season. The book was written prior to Bucknell's back to to back first round victories in the NCAA tournament and reigning Patriot League champion American University wasn't even a member of the league. The book is designed to show that student-athletes really can take both parts of that phrase seriously and seeing as almost no (Adonal Foyle of Colgate is the exception) Patriot League players go on the play in the NBA, these players where playing for love of the game and personal pride. The book is not dramatized, because it is written as more of a documentation. It is very critical of large institutions that serve as "farm teams" for the NBA as well as sneaker reps and agents that come into contact with student-athletes. It also gives a great insight to low-major college hoops and what it is like to go up against the giants of the game in the first round year after year, and to be thoroughly dominated year after year. This is a great read, by one of the best sports journalists in the business, John Feinstein.

Derrick Rose Is A G

This photo has been circulated through ESPN and Hardwood Paroxysm. Rose has released a statement, saying that this was a poor attempt at a joke. Not sure who the other guy is, could be Chris Douglas Roberts.

Why The One & Done Rule Doesn't Work

I am a firm believer that the one and done rule does not benefit college basketball the way some people perceive it to. For example Michael Beasley and Kevin Durant. Sure is was exciting to see these hoop prodigies dominate the college game for one year, but the benefit was very short term. Despite both Beasley and Durant putting up inhumane stat lines, neither Texas nor Kansas St. made it past the second round of the tournament. Signing a one and done player does not mean that your team will suddenly be in the contention for a national championship (Derrick Rose and Greg Oden are exceptions), it simply means that player will use your school as a gate way to the NBA. Players don't have to show any kind of a commitment to a team or university and many times, such as the instances of O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose and Marcus Johnson strings are pulled to lure top prospects to schools that are later tainted by NCAA allegations. Kelvin Sampson managed to ruin one of the most recognized basketball programs, over one and done Eric Gordon. Players being accused of cheating on SAT's (Brandon Jennings, Darrel Arthur, and Derrick Rose) and players receiving illegal benefits (Rose and O.J. Mayo) should not be a part of college basketball. Bottom line: If a player does not want to go to college, don't make them. If players want to leave straight out of high school, let them, but if they decide to go to college make them stay at least 3 years. Elite players who have already been contacted by agents and scouts are on their way to the NBA are not what college basketball needs.

Wall Finally Makes The Call

The nations most sought after point guard recruit, John Wall, has announced that he will sign with Kentucky. Wall, a 6' 4" point guard from the Word of God Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina has attracted serious attention from not only college coaches, but NBA scouts as well. He posses a ultra quick step and the great play making ability necessary to play the point guard spot. Wall was not even considering Kentucky before John Calapari took the job there, but his lure was strong enough to bring Wall to the Wildcats. Other finalists included Miami, Duke and Florida. Wall will join a loaded Wildcat class that includes DeMarcus Cousins, Daniel Orton, Eric Bledsoe, Jon Hood, Darnell Dodson as well as Hampton Transfer Matt Pilgrim. Wall is the #1 overall prospect by Rivals.com, 5th by ESPN and 2nd by Scout.com.

Where Amazing Happens College Basketball Version

I Know the NBA has all these little "Where Amazing Happens" Commercials so I decided to make one for college basketball...

Davidson's I Love Common's (I Love College Parody) Featuring Stephen Curry

Curry's Rapping starts at about the 1 minute mark... very funny

AAA Classic Rosters

The AAA Classic features the best high school players in the country, that where also Academic All-Americans. While many of these players will be headed to prestigious academic institutes such as Princeton and Cornell, some of them might have a future in the NBA, like UNC recruit Leslie McDonald. The game is not televised, but I thought it would be interesting to see which high schools with dominate on the court as well as the class room at the next level. 


West Team

Andrew Bock PG 6-1 165 Eisenhower High School (Rialto, CA) Creighton

Anthony Stover C 6-10 227 Windward (Los Angeles, CA) UCLA

Bak Bak PF 6-10 210 Village Christian (Northridge, CA) California

Brendan Lane PF 6-9 205 Rocklin High School (Rocklin, CA) UCLA

Jared Cunningham PG 6-3 170 San Leandro High School (San Leandro, CA) Oregon State

Jordan Finn SF 6-4 165 Etiwanda High School (Etiwanda, CA) Air Force

Keegan Hornbuckle W 6-7 195 Campbell Hall (North Hollywood, CA) Colorado

Kelly Olynyk G/F 6-10 208 South Kamloops Secondary (Kamloops, B.C.) Gonzaga

Reeves Nelson F 6-8 230 Modesto Christian High School (Modesto, CA) UCLA

Tyler Honeycutt W 6-9 180 Sylmar High School (Sylmar, CA) UCLA

Head Coach: Jamal Adams – Loyola High School



East Team

Darius Morris PG 6-3 175 Windward High School (Carson, CA) Michigan

DaShonte Riley C 6-11 234 Detroit Country Day (Detroit, MI) Syracuse

David Wear C 6-10 230 Mater Dei High School (Huntington Beach, CA) North Carolina

Ian Hummer SF 6-7 205 Gonzaga College High School (Vienna, VA) Princeton

Leslie McDonald SG 6-5 200 Briarcrest High School (Memphis, TN) North Carolina

Malcolm Washington PG 5-11 175 Windward High School (Los Angeles, CA) Penn

Mike Marra SG 6-5 200 Northfield Mt. Hermon (Smithfield, RI) Louisville

Peter McMilllan PF 6-7 220 Northfield Mt. Hermon (Los Angeles, CA) Cornell

Ryan Peters G/F 6-4 195 Northfield Mt. Hermon (Saugus, CA) Lehigh Univ.

Travis Wear F 6-10 232 Mater Dei High School (Huntington Beach, CA) North Carolina

Head Coach: John Carroll – Northfield Mt. Hermon

North Team

Andy Brown SF 6-8 210 Mater Dei High School (Yorba Linda, CA) Stanford

Angus Brandt C/PF 6-10 210 Lake Forest High School (Lake Forest, IL) Oregon State

Andrew McCarthy PF 6-8 200 Northfield Mt. Hermon School (Northfield, MA Brown

Brandyn Curry PG 6-1 175 Hopewell High School (Huntersville, NC) Harvard

C. J. Wilcox SG/SF 6-6 175 Pleasant Grove High School (Pleasant Grove, UT) Washington

Garrick Sherman C 6-10 220 Kenton High School (Kenton, OH) Michigan

Jack Cooley PF/C 6-9 235 Glenbrook South High School (Glenview, IL) Notre Dame

Justin Cobbs PG 6-1 180 Bishop Montgomery High School (Torrance, CA) Minnesota

Matt Vogrich SG 6-4 180 Lake Forest High School (Lake Forest, IL) Michigan

Roger Franklin W/F 6-4 215 Duncanville High School (Grand Prairie, TX) Oklahoma State

Tyler Haws SG/SF 6-5 190 Lone Peak (Alpine, UT) BYU

Head Coach: Steve Turner – Gonzaga High School



South Team

Anthony Marshall SG 6-3 195 Mojave High School (Las Vegas, NV) UNLV

Carlos Lopez C 6-10 210 Findlay Prep (Las Vegas, NV) UNLV

Cory Jefferson PF 6-9 190 Killeen High School (Killeen, TX) Baylor

Donnavan Kirk PF 6-7 210 Detroit Country Day (Detroit, MI) Miami

Glen Rice Jr. SG 6-5 175 Walton High School (Marietta, GA) Georgia Tech

Kyle Hardrick PF/SF 6-9 230 Putnam City High School (Oklahoma City, OK) Univ. of Oklahoma

Michael Dixon PG 6-1 175 Lee Summitt West (Lee Summitt, MO) Missouri

Nick Russell PGT 6-5 195 Arlington Bridge Prep (Duncanville, TX) Kansas State

Nolan Dennis SG/SF 6-5 185 Richland High School (Richland Hills, TX) Baylor

Trent Lockett SG 6-5 210 Hopkins High School (Golden Valley, MN) Arizona Stat

Head Coach: A.D. Burtschi – Putnam City High School

Izzo Goes To Broadway

Mississippi St. Just Got Bigger

John Riek, who went to prep school for a year, after verbally committing to Cincinnati has signed with Mississippi State. Riek is 7'2" and has a 7'8" wing span, on top of weighing in at 250 pounds. Riek, a Sundanese product, originally explored NBA Draft options, but had trouble with his knee, he reportedly injured it working on a weight machine that was too small for him. Reik played for the Winchendon (Mass.) high school as well as the IMG academy in Florida. He has reportedly had some great showings at the LeBron James Skills Academy and some believe he has the potential to be a lottery pick in the future. This may be a sign that Jarvis Varnado is staying in the draft. I will be interesting to see what this guy can bring to the Bulldogs, seeing as he hasn't played basketball for a team in a while.

2009 Legends Classic and Paradise Jam Fields

Legends Classic

Date: Nov. 27-28 (semifinals and final)
Michigan State, Florida, Rutgers, UMass

Paradise Jam
Friday, Nov. 20

Game 1 – Northern Iowa vs. DePaul, 12 p.m.
Game 2 – Tennessee vs. East Carolina, 2:30 p.m.
Game 3- Boston College vs. Saint Joseph’s, 5 p.m.
Game 4 – Purdue vs. South Dakota State, 7:30 p.m. 

NCAA Hoops Rule Changes

From NCAA.org 


"The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules Committee at its meeting May 3-5 in Phoenix made two rules recommendations in the men’s game regarding the area secondary defenders can establish position and substitution for a player who is injured and unable to attempt a free throw."

"On the men’s rules side, the committee made two significant alterations. After discussing adding a restricted area arc at length, the committee instead decided to define the area under the basket and prohibit a secondary defender from establishing guarding position in that area. In the rules proposal, a secondary defender must establish position outside the area from the front of the rim to the front of the backboard."

"The committee also approved a proposal dealing with a free-throw shooter who is injured. In the proposal, if a student-athlete is fouled (without the foul being flagrant or intentional) and unable to attempt the free throws, the opposing coach will choose the player to attempt the free throws from the four remaining players on the court."

All rules changes are subject to approval of the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is scheduled to meet via conference call on June 3.