Built Ford Tough

I know the program is in complete shambles, but on the other hand, could you imagine the props he would get if he were to be the one to "bring the storied UCLA program back to prominence"? With so many of these young players trying to build a "brand" before even stepping foot in the NBA, the possibility of bringing UCLA back into the national spotlight would go a long way in that. I don't claim to know anything about Muhammad's intentions off the court so this type of thing may not even appeal to him, but if it does, it is a great opportunity. The guy is going to be a top 3 pick in the draft next year regardless of which school he goes to anyways, so its not like his choice of school will hurt his draft stock. Again, I'm not saying this is the case. I'm just throwing it out there as a possible reason.

According to the broadcast (not sure if you watched the game or not) he has cut UNLV and Kansas from the list, which just leaves Duke, Kentucky and UCLA. From what they were saying, they believe that UCLA is the frontrunner. I think Duke was in 2nd and Kentucky 3rd, but I'm not 100% sure about that one. I do know they believe UCLA has the edge right now. Watching him and Kyle Anderson together next year would be amazing. Anderson feeding Muhammad would definitely make for a lot of great highlights.

Could you imagine if Shabazz and Parker both decide to go to UCLA? Team would be dirty next year. Anderson Shabazz Parker Wear brothers They would also have Josh Smith assuming he doesn't declare, although who knows what the hell you are going to get from him. Speaking of UCLA, I was really impressed by Anderson tonight. He isn't going to blow anybody away with his athleticism, but he sure does have a great feel for the game and is a very smooth player. He is going to be a great college player, that is for sure.

http://nbagrapevine.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/e6af0_Shabazz_Muhammad_McDonalds_2012_Presswire_1-302x202.jpg Shabazz Muhammad is the No.2 ranked recruit in ESPN's rankings. His performance—a performance that earned him MVP honors in the 2012 McDonald's All-American game—validated that ranking. In a game full of high school stars from all across the country, Muhammad was a cut above the rest. Even before the game tipped off, Muhammad's highly competitive nature was on full display. In a game where the vast majority of players are out to have a good time, laughing and joking amongst themselves, Muhammad stood out. During warm-up, he was completely focused on the game. He was not laughing and joking with teammates. He was not high-fiving and smiling. What he was doing was getting ready to dominate, and dominate he did. Muhammad set the tone early by scoring 9 of the West's first 11 points including a three pointer, a dunk and converting an ally-oop pass from teammate Marcus Paige. In addition to his scoring, Muhammad was attacking the glass and playing with more intensity defensively than anybody else on the floor. The result was the West team jumping out to an early lead. At the end of the first half, Muhammad had 15 points to lead the West. When the second half began, Muhammad would once again set the tone by sparking a run that would see the West increase its lead to 20 points before heading to the bench. With Muhammad on the bench, the East team would go on a run by increasing their defensive pressure, which resulted in multiple turnovers from the West. They would cut the lead down to 12. Upon re-entering the game, Muhammad would drive into the paint and hit a floater to extend the West's lead back to 14. However, the East would not lay over and would continue their pressure defense. The lead would get cut to five with 1:30 left, but Muhammad once again answered with a basket—this time a dunk off of a feed from Rasheed Sulaimon. This would be Muhammad's last bucket of the game as he would shortly exit the game for the final time and the West would end up coming away with a 106-102 point victory. Muhammad would finish with 21 points and 6 rebounds but it was his demeanor on the court that stood out as much as his final stats. Make no mistake about it, Shabazz Muhammad was a star amongst stars tonight. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1123754-shabazz-muhammad-wins-mvp-in-2012-mcdonalds-all-american-game Just a quick recap I wrote after watching the game. I almost didn't even bother posting it here and was going to post it in the McD AA game thread, but I figured I have this forum and might as well use it.

Game is getting underway shortly. A link for anybody who wants to watch and doesn't have ESPN: http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/115989/1/watch-hsbb:-all-american-game--west-vs-east.html

Bargnani hit some ridiculous shots during the last 3 minutes to put it out of reach. That fadeaway 3 to beat the clock and the one in Harringston's face were just nasty. I think they have now won the last 6 games that Bargs scored 18 or more points.

Way to go out on a limb there, haha. Isiah Austin may be able to challenge him if only because a 7 footer with his skill set should thrive in a game like this, but it is defnitely Muhammad's to lose without Noel playing (and even if Nerlens was playing, I'd still think Shabazz would be the favourite in this game).

Anybody plan on watching this tonight? It starts at 9:30 EST and is aired on ESPN. The rosters are: East Kyle Anderson St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) SF UCLA DaJuan Coleman Jamesville-Dewitt (DeWitt, N.Y.) C Syracuse Kris Dunn New London (New London, Conn.) PG Providence Perry Ellis Wichita Heights (Wichita, Kan.) PF Kansas Shaq Goodwin Southwest DeKalb (Decatur, Ga.) PF Memphis Gary Harris Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.) SG Michigan State Amile Jefferson Friends' Central (Wynnewood, Pa.) PF Undecided Tyler Lewis Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) PG N.C. State Tony Parker Miller Grove (Lithonia, Ga.) PF Undecided Alex Poythress Northeast (Clarksville, Tenn.) SF Kentucky Rodney Purvis Upper Room Christian Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) SG N.C. State T.J. Warren Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.) SF N.C. State West Brandon Ashley Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) PF Arizona Isaiah Austin Grace Prep (Arlington, Texas) C Baylor Anthony Bennett Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) PF Undecided Yogi Ferrell Park Tudor (Indianapolis) PG Indiana Archie Goodwin Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, Ark.) SG Kentucky Grant Jerrett La Verne Lutheran (La Verne, Calif.) PF Arizona Shabazz Muhammad Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) SF Undecided Marcus Paige Linn-Mar (Marion, Iowa) PG North Carolina Devonta Pollard Kemper County (De Kalb, Miss.) PF Undecided Cameron Ridley Bush (Fort Bend, Texas) C Texas Marcus Smart Marcus (Flower Mound, Texas) SG Oklahoma State Rasheed Sulaimon Strake Jesuit (Houston) SG Duke I'm expecting the West team to win this fairly easily but should still be fun to watch.

And now my interst in this game fell about 50% again... Awesome.

Because he didn't flop around, complain non-stop, stare down opposing players after every play, etc... Basically, he just shut up and played basketball. I'm sure people would love Griffin if he did the same because he is a hell of an athlete and a very exciting player to watch. All of the extra crap he does just rubs people the wrong way, and you can't really blame him. It has absolutely nothing to do with him playing for the Clippers.

Leafs signed Spencer Abbott, the likely Hobey Baker winner, today. He had 62 points (21 goals, 41 assists) in 39 games for the University of Maine this past year. He is a top 6 or bust type of player, though. At 5'9 and 170 pounds I don't see any chance of him playing in a Carlyle bottom 6 role. His HockeyDB page, for anybody who wants a look: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=100199

And Davis. Him playing less minutes this year than his rookie season is inexcusable in my opinion. I understand making him earn his minutes, but him barely playing 20 minutes a game is taking it too far. The two complaints I have about his coaching this year has been his handling of those two.

DeRozan is expected to return, so I might actually watch this game. With him and Bayless being out/playing limited minutes over the past handful of games, I really haven't felt the slightest desire to watch any of their games since last Wednesday's game against Chicago.

Didn't realize that Texas was overseas... (Kabongo isn't entering the draft) As for Rivers, why do you think he is better suited to entering the draft? You don't think he could've developed his game better by staying at Duke for another season?

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/631/375/141023915_crop_650x440.jpg?1332900486 Every year in late March and early April, NCAA basketball players are faced with a difficult decision that will shape their future, both personally and professionally. A question that has become even more of an issue in this age of “One and Done's”. That question is whether or not they should forgo their college eligibility and declare for the NBA draft. They need to ponder whether they are ready to make the jump from the collegiate level to the professional level. A variety of factors need to be considered when making that decision, the least of which is whether they are ready from a basketball standpoint. They need to consider whether they are emotionally, mentally and physically ready to make the jump. They will need to decide if they are mature enough to be thrust into the cutthroat world of professional basketball. Sure, they may have the basketball skills required to make the jump, but if they are not capable of handling all that life will throw at them, both on the court and off, there is a good possibility that these players will not reach their utmost potential. Last year we saw both ends of the spectrum. Despite only playing in 11 games after suffering a toe injury early in the season, Kyrie Irving decided to leave Duke and enter the NBA draft. Kentucky's Brandon Knight, fresh off a Final Four appearance, decided to follow Irving's lead. Both players were top-10 picks and have enjoyed strong rookie seasons, especially Irving who is the favourite to win Rookie of the Year. On the other hand, North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes and Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger both decided to stay for their sophomore seasons, citing a desire to win a National Championship as the major reason for staying. Baylor forward Perry Jones III and Kentucky forward Terrence Jones both decided to stay in school as well, believing that they needed to become more mature before making the jump. This year, the same dilemma has crossed the minds of college underclassmen, and, once again, both sides of the coin are represented. Duke's Austin Rivers decided to leave college and enter the draft while Texas' Myck Kabongo felt it was in his best interest to stay for his sophomore season. Rivers, son of Boston Celtics coach and former NBA player Doc Rivers, has been around the professional game since he was born. He knows what to expect from the pro lifestyle from his father. He has a supreme confidence and swagger about himself and that disposition will serve him well at the next level. He is the type of person who doesn't second guess himself and is sure of the decisions that he makes which, again, will aid him next year when he becomes a professional. However, despite him seemingly being well equipped to make the jump from a personality standpoint, there are serious questions about whether or not his game is reason to leave the collegiate level. He has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt about it, but there are some wrinkles in his game that still need to be ironed out. These include: •A weak left hand •Poor decision making •Limited playmaking ability •Defensive inconsistencies All of these issues could be fixed by returning for his sophomore season and playing another year under Coach K. They are all cases of a player simply needing to gain more experience. At the collegiate level, where player development is the most important factor, he would have more time to hone his game. At the NBA level, where winning games is the most important factor, he may find himself with fewer opportunities to develop in game situations. Rivers will be drafted this season, possibly even in the top 10 if he impresses enough during workouts, but if he finds himself in the wrong situation, it could stunt his development as a player, which would not happen if he returned for his sophomore season. Meanwhile, Kabongo, another highly recruited high school guard, decided to return to college. Originally thought to be the best point guard available, he saw his draft stock fall as the season went on and he struggled to make the adjustment to the college game. Kabongo has clear NBA tools. He is very quick, both with and without the ball; he is a good passer, a pesky defender and a capable shooter. An argument can be made that his game is better suited to the NBA, a faster paced, more wide open style, than the crowded, slowed down college game. Despite the fact that his game is better suited to the NBA, he decided it was in his best interest to stay at Texas to "improve as a player and a leader". By staying at Texas, a young team with potential, Kabongo will be looked upon as a leader both on and off the court, especially if junior guard J'Covan Brown leaves for the NBA. He will have another year to develop as a player and as a person and, if he has a successful season, he could find himself taken in the lottery of the 2013 NBA Draft. However, from a business standpoint, it could be catastrophic for Kabongo. Should he struggle again next year, he could find his NBA future in doubt, and the millions of guaranteed dollars along with it, and join a long list of high school stars who simply couldn't make the transition to the professional rank. It is a slippery slope these young men are forced to walk. Do they make the jump before they are ready, to ensure the millions of dollars that the NBA offers? Or do they go back to school to grow as a person and a player, but run the risk of losing that lucrative first round draft pick salary? Regardless of the decision that is made, it is an interesting dilemma that becomes a major story this time of year, and it is enjoyable to see the different ideologies that factor into each individual's ultimate decision in whether to stay or go. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1122108-austin-rivers-and-myck-kabongo-the-one-and-done-dilemma

7 years and counting and after this season officially wraps up, the only team who hasn't made the playoffs post-lockout!

And because of the stupid infatuation with starting Calderon, the Raptors finish another season without being 100% sure of what they have in Bayless. To make matters worse, Bayless is an impending RFA this season so they have to make a decision on his future, unlike last year where they at least had this season to look at him.

That raises an interesting dilemma. Most people believe that the Raptors need to draft a perimeter player this year and have to come out with one of Barnes, MKG, Beal or Lamb. However, if you don't have faith in Bargnani as your 4 of the future, should they look just as strongly at guys like Sullinger, Robinson and Drummond as they would at the wings? Personally, I'm all about establishing tiers such as: Tier 1 - Anthony Davis Tier 2 - MKG, Barnes, Beal, Drummond, Robinson, Sullinger Tier 3 - Lamb, Zeller, PJ3, Lillard (not saying those are my tiers, just using a hypothetical example) and then going with the player who you believe is the best from that tier in terms of combination of talent, potential and need. If you don't view Bargnani as the long term 4, it makes the pick less cut and dry as before where it was a forgone conclusion that you draft the best wing available. Personally, I don't think the Raptors braintrust are going to go with a big (unless it is Davis) because they still believe Bargnani is the long term 4, but it is an interesting dilemma.

And if you would've scrolled down further you would've saw...

I was just going off the assumption that the higher seeds win, but you make a valid point. I did neglect to consider that they aren't a tree format (as evident by me having a possible Van/Chi 2nd round matchup, which wouldn't happen if Vancouver stayed ind 2nd), even though I did know that. It is also worth noting that home ice advantage would be huge for a team like St. Louis considering how stingy Hitch is about getting the matchups he wants out there and how important it is to the Blues' success.

Prior to his 2nd calf injury, Bargnani's averages were: 23.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.1 apg on 57.5 TS% with an ORTG of 110.8 and a DRTG of 105 in 13 games Since returning he is averaging: 13.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.9 apg on 43.2 TS% with an ORTG of 84.8 and a DRTG of 111.9 in 11 games In those first 13 games he scored over 20 points 10 times. In those second 11 games he scored over 20 points 1 time. So what is the cause for the serious drop in productivity? Was he simply playing over his head in those first 13 games? Is he unmotivated now given Toronto's situation? Did his injury cause him to get out of shape? Also, if Bargnani is unable to prove that those 13 games weren't a fluke what should his future with the team be, if he even has one? I think we can all agree that if he played like he did over those 13 games he has a place on this term long term, but the more likely scenario is that he isn't able to play at that level consistently and the player we saw last season is what Bargnani is.

Just to talk about something other than Hasek/Roy, does anybody else think it would be more beneficial to finish 2nd than 1st in the West? Lets say Dallas/Phoenix win the Pacific Division (the other finishes 7th), one of San Jose/Los Angeles finishes 8th and St. Louis holds onto 1st and Canucks stay 2nd. If you are Vancouver, your road to the Stanley Cup Final is: 1st round: Dallas/Phoenix 2nd round: Dallas/Phoenix or Chicago 3rd round St. Louis or Nashville/Detroit Now, if you are St. Louis, your road is: 1st round: SJ/LA 2nd round: Detroit/Nashville 3rd round: Vancouver Strictly based on matchups alone, I'd much rather have Vancouver's path than St. Louis'. I know there is the whole "you have to go through them eventually" but still, I'll take the easier road where you are less likely to be banged up (just look at Vancouver in the Final last year, they were just physically spent after 3 hard fought series) than having to go through what is to likely be 3 very physical, hard fought series.

Oregon's Jared Cunningham is in.

I disagree. He played a big part, but at the end of the day, Henson and Zeller were outplayed by Robinson and Withey and Taylor outplayed Barnes. Those were much larger factors in the loss than Bullock's poor play in my opinion. When your stars get outplayed by the opposing teams stars, you can't blame the loss on a role player.

By the way: Tyshawn Taylor - 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists on 10-19 shooting Harrison Barnes - 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists on 5-14 shooting Taylor performed in the 2nd half and Barnes didn't. Like I said at half time, whoever performs better in the 2nd will see his team win, and Taylor easily outplayed Barnes.