InClement Weather: All-Star Night Rambling

5 thoughts as I watch the last All-Star Game I can tolerate (barely) these days...

1) The President is c-o-o-l

You know what's gonna suck?
Sports' talk radio analyzing the "first pitch" for the next 36-72 hours. Yippee!!!
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

I don't feel like he had to force one second of the time he spent in the booth with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. In fact, Obama was easily the most likable person in that booth. Wait, is that a compliment? I also liked the ChiSox jacket (take THAT North side!), FOX's "friendly" camera angle on the first pitch (which wasn't bad at all, btw), and the "First Fan's" ability to actually talk sports and sound competent.

2) Taco Bell Commercial
It's all about the Roosevelts. Seriously. Seriously? Seriously!?!?! Whomever came up with thing ridiculous idea should be dragged out into public spare, humiliated like Mussolini, and be (insert further degrading punishment). I can't begin to describe how BAD that commercial truly is; especially it's corny-a** slogan and that everyone involved with it should be banned from television forever. Sadly, I already have spent way too much time talking about it. If you like this commercial...never speak to me again.

Here it is. As stupid as anything EVER.
I also can't wait for the comments. "I love this!" Please...don't.



3) Hometown All-Stars

Must be pretty cool to be mentioned in such a positive light by guys like these 5, right?
Credit: HawaiiGuy.com

Okay, if you saw it...you might've had a similar reaction. It sounded corny at first, but it ended up being classy. Very classy. In fact, it tugged on the heartstrings more than I thought it would. Great job by MLB (shocker), the current and former Presidents (yes, all of them), and, most importantly, those everyday heroes involved in making this country and world a better place. Cheesy...yes. Incredibly good for our contry...you betcha.

4) Carl Crawford > Brad Hawpe

Good luck scoring this game at home.
Would it come as any surprise that a Padres reliever loses this game? Not me.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

I'll be the first to say it. Carl Crawford's home run-saving catch might have secured homefield advantage for Jonathan Papelbon (who was pitching at the time) and the Boston Red Sox. Gotta love that stoopid stipulation, don't ya?

5) The Pro Bowl sucks

I'd rather watch the NBA Vegas Summer League than the Pro Bowl.
I'd rather clean the sweat off the floor at the NBA Vegas Summer League than watch the Pro Bowl.
In fact, I can't think of anything I'd rather do than the Pro Bowl. ANYTHING.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Seriously, who cares about this game? They should scrap it. Memo to the NFL: name an All-Pro team and no Pro Bowlers. I'm sick and tired of this game altogether. They could play it on the fourth moon of Jupiter and I still won't watch it. Just look how many of the 9-7 choking dog J-E-T-S made the team last year. 'Nuff said.

Check out some of the past "work". Tweet tweet, as always.
1) McNair Remembered
2) NBA OffSeason: Toronto Raptors
3) NBA OffSeason: Portlant Trailblazers

See you soon...

NBA Off-Season Report: 5 Teams to Watch [Installment #2]

Steve McNair thoughts here.
Plenty of talk this weekend and all week on the Twitter feed.
Tweet tweet.

Installment #1: Toronto Raptors

I've decided to take a look, in depth, at a few NBA teams that have me rather intrigued this off-season. Don't be surprised if the year 2010, specifically the free agents available, come up a time or two (or two dozen!).

I'll tackle 3 important issues for each team, make a bold prediction, and focus on the most important factor towards this team having a successful window of opportunity in the next 2-3 seasons.

I'll try my best to avoid the "easy and sexy" selections (ala Los Angeles, Cleveland, Orlando, Boston and San Antonio) and challenge myself.

Installment #1 focuses on the Portland Trailblazers.
Record: 54-28 (2nd in Northwest Division)

This smiling face will be in Toronto, not Portland, next season.
Not the best news for Kevin Pritchard.
Credit: Kansas.com

Issue #1: The Point Guard Position
Healmed mainly by Steve Blake last season, immediate questions in 2009 arise as the Blazers took a late lottery selection on Arizona point guard Jerryd Bayless in 2008, who spent the majority of the season watching and learning from the bench. Another summer league campaign should help, although questions will continue to linger until Bayless proves he can effectively handle the point guard position. This offseason, rumors had Portland acquiring Chicago Bull Kirk Heinrich, only for them to be quashed as they were unwilling to part so soon with the aformentioned Bayless.

Sergio Rodriguez, firmly in Nate McMillan's doghouse (MISTAKE!!!), was shipped off the SacTown for draft leverage (#38 to #31), and nobody thinks that (recently injured) Patty Mills will be the head of this team in the near-future. That leaves a lot of questions for a crucial position. While superstar 2-guard Brandon Roy all but demands, and deserves, the ball in the closing moments of games, playmaking ability out of the 1-spot is essential for this team's continued ascension up the Western Conference heirarchy. I highly doubt Bayless' abilities as a pass-first, distributing point guard; meanwhile, teams can often lax on Blake on the offensive side of the ball in order to focus in on his backcourt mate. Whether via a trade or free agency, Portland doesn't have the money for an elite PG, so some savvy spending is a MUST. Speaking of which...

Issue #2: General Management
Woj over at Yahoo! Sports sums up league sentiment quite well for the eccentric GM in Rip City: As the rejections and criticisms mounted lately, NBA executives and agents described Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard as “agitated” and “panicked” and even “desperate.” He kept returning to teams with the same proposals, only to be dismissed again and again. All his plans had imploded. Pritchard has long liked to talk about never laying up on the golf course and burning through cell batteries and the way that the Blazers had outworked and outsmarted the NBA. Few have been terribly impressed with how Pritchard handled the highs of the job, and now there are doubts about how he’s handling its lows.

Despite success in the past, specifically 3 years ago with Roy and Aldridge, it seems Pritchard can't win in the summer of 2009. I already questioned 2008 heavily, especially giving an extension to Martell Webster AFTER he suffered a foot fracture that ultimately kept him off the court all of last season. As for this summer, admitedly, Hedo Turkoglu did spurn the Blazers when a contract seemed all but finalized. That left the 3-spot, a glaring weakness, even further entrenched as Trevor Ariza was Houston-bound, David Lee's contract situation in New York a bit of an enigma, Lamar Odom never given much consideration, and the trade market somewhat stiffled as the Blazers had cap space, not necessarily players, as their major offer.

An offer sheet was recently offered to restricted Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap, but it doesn't seem the right fit. Why? Milsapp would likely back up talented four-man LaMarcus Aldridge, much as he does currently for All-Star Carlos Boozer. Millsap isn't at all a fit in the 3-position and doesn't offer this team up the dynamic talent Turkoglu assuredly would have. Nicholas Batum has shown flashes, but isn't ready - on either side of the ball - for the talent at that position league-wide and Webster is coming off of injury and only 22. Travis Outlaw has been rumored to be a bargaining chip for the past two-plus seasons, which leads many to believe he isn't the long-term solution at the small forward position. Recovering from the snub from Turkoglu may last longer than an offseason for Pritchard and the Blazer brass, especially its GM.

Suiting up in a uniform, not his suit, is the first step towards Oden impacting the Blazer lineup consistently. Question is: can that actually happen?
Credit: CNNSI.com

Issue #3: Brandon Roy and ???
this also serves as this post's "Most Important Factor"
Is Lamarcus Aldridge a legit #2 in the NBA? Is Jerryd Bayless a high-caliber starting point guard in this league? Is Greg Oden more than a walking stiff? Will Travis Outlaw remain on this roster for the long-term? Will Martell Webster return from injury and continue to show promise, as he did in 2007? Those are just a sampling of questions Portland, like every team, is facing. One sticks out more than most though: who will become Brandon Roy's sidekick? While a few may disagree, I firmly believe Roy is starting to enter elite status in the NBA echelon of talent. He possessess everything necessary to dominant in this league for, at least, the next half-dozen years. However, as Kobe Bryant knows and LeBron James is learning, it can't be done alone.

As talented as this youthful roster has become, their first round series against Houston proved that, for now, it isn't enough. Again, Turkoglu likely would've likely been one of the pieces necessary to help this team step out of the upper-half of the Western Conference and into the top 2 or 3. Since Turkoglu will now be in Toronto, Portland must either hope their #2 is on their roster or can be acquired next offseason. Despite a spend-happy owner (Paul Allen) and an impressive crop available next offseason, Portland's cap situation may force them to look to their own roster first. Enter LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. Both incredible talented, Aldridge appears headed towards the All-Star level, much more so than Oden at least, and will be an interesting player to watch come contract time. Both Aldridge and Roy are free agents in 2011 and it'll be very interesting how much interest Aldridge will be able to accumulate from now until then (it's very likely Roy gets a max-level extension). Especially if Aldridge's post-game can continue to improve and Oden, a story much larger than one offseason article could address, adds stability - especially on defense - inside the paint.

Is this the best young coach in the NBA? I think so.
Credit: CNNSI.com

Bold Prediction: Nate McMillian will be the coach of the Portland Trailblazers in 2012. Why? First off, any NBA coach - not named Jerry Sloan - keeping his job past their current contract would be surprising to most. Second, rumor has McMillan's desire to have a series of 1-year extensions is a ploy to escape Portland if things go array. While that might be a little much, I believe Portland's success is due equally to the leadership and stability of McMillan as well as the development of a youth-oriented talented roster. If Portland wishes to keep this team on the up and up, McMillan must be at the healm.

Surprised how little I mentioned Mr. Oden? Me too.

Next up: Miami Heat

NBA Off-Season Report: 5 Teams to Watch [Installment #1]

Steve McNair thoughts here.
Plenty of talk this past weekend and all week on the Twitter feed.
Tweet tweet.

I've decided to take a look, in depth, at a few NBA teams that have me rather intrigued this off-season. Don't be surprised if the year 2010, specifically the free agents available, come up a time or two (or two dozen!).

I'll tackle 3 important issues for each team, make a bold prediction, and focus on the most important factor towards this team having a successful window of opportunity in the next 2-3 seasons.

I'll try my best to avoid the "easy and sexy" selections (ala Los Angeles, Cleveland, Orlando, Boston and San Antonio) and challenge myself.

Installment #1 focuses on the Toronto Raptors.
Record: 33-49 (4th in Atlantic Division)

If LeBron and D-Wade re-ink, this smiling face might be the biggest fish in the free agent market of 2010.
Credit: Sportsroids.com

Issue #1: The Future of Chris Bosh
this also serves as this post's "Most Important Factor"
Hedo Turkoglu ditching Portland and signing with Toronto at the last second was an amazing free agent acquisition; however, he can't lead a team deep into the NBA Playoffs by himself. Without Dwight Howard, Orlando wouldn't have ridden the trio of Turkoglu/Lewis/even a health Nelson past the Eastern Conference semi-finals, no less the NBA Finals. In fact, Philly fans may justifibly argue they wouldn't have gotten outside the 1st round. Point is, Turkoglu needs Bosh and Toronto needs its big man alongside Turkoglu, which I've said over and over and over (and over) this post, for its future to look its rosiest. Orlando may regret the Vinsanity move, Boston is only getting older, and Cleveland must nervously wait out the potential LeBron Sweepstakes in...wait for it...2010. As for Mr. Bosh, 23 and 10 isn't easy to find in the NBA these days, especially for a kid who just turned 25. His defense clealy isn't close to dominant (no less Superman); nevertheless, Bosh will see a stark improvement in the number of open shots - especially in the closing minutes of a game - due to Turkoglu's creativity with the ball in his hands in the closing minutes games. Bosh's ability to attack the hoop in the paint in traffic, something Dwight Howard struggled with mightily in the Playoffs, will really shine next season. It'll be tough, but re-signing the Georgia Tech-product MUST be Toronto's #1-focus from now on. Just to be fun though, if they lost Bosh, don't be surprised if they made a huge play for Amare Stoudemire. I'm just sayin'.

Potential is a scary scary word. A fun one too, though.


Issue #2: The "Development" of Demar Derozan
Swingman with top-flight athleticism and a high motor. (NBA.com)
Jaw dropping athletic specimen. At a chiseled 6'6 220 with large wingspan. Possesses the prototypical frame for an NBA wing. NBA Comparison: Vince Carter (NBADraft.net)

While only two sources, those are just a few of the upside-laden comments that made Derozan, despite one somewhat quiet season at USC, a top 10 pick.

However, DraftExpress.com might hit the nail on the head best:
A freak athlete, DeRozan has some natural offensive talent, but he’s essentially a blank canvas in terms of what kind of player he can be in the long run. Whoever picks him will obviously need to be patient, although he may more upside that arguably any wing player in this draft.

Derozan doesn't need to be great, or even that good, immediately. He won't start (likely) thiat any point this season and won't be ask to shoulder too much of an offensive load. Where he can most make his presence known is on the defensive side of the ball. Using his physical attributes, especially his impressive wingspan, will open up opportunities for increased minutes AND THEN increased looks at the basket. If he can develop an attack-the-hoop mentality, the kid could live at the free throw line. If he falls in love with his shot, for better or worse, he will be restricting the impact he can have on offense. Funny how much that has always pertained to Vince Carter, a likely comparison to Derozan. If I were Chris Bosh, I'd take a real good look at this kid and envision playing next to him for the next several years. He might be as good a 4th or 5th option the league has in a few seasons, if he's prepared to put in the work. In a few years, don't forget that I was the first to coin the nickname the "5th Element" (more below) for Derozan.

Shipping off Jason Kapono to Philly might've been a little overhyped, especially if Evans is the glue this team needs off the bench. The extra cap space didn't hurt either.
Credit: GlobeandMail.com

Issue #3: The Role Players
It's fairly obvious the nucleus of this team, assuming Bosh re-inks (big assumption!), has a core of four high quality players: the aforementioned (again and again) Chris Bosh, Hedo Turkoglu, Andrea Bargnani, and Jose Calderon. Derozan will likely be the "5th Element" (catchy, right?) of this roster, or maybe even more, but I don't want to automatically assume too much with him (yet). After signing Turkoglu, salaries were dumped (notably Shawn Marion and Anthony Parker), yet there was still enough left in the bank to re-ink Bargnani (aka "The Magician) to a deal in the neighborhood of 5 years at $50-million. However, something pressing starts to show. The bench. Or lack thereof. Names like Reggie Evans (a strong rebounder and glue guy), Marcus Banks, and Quincy Douby don't exactly illicit confidence when you're looking for solid reserves and role players. Remember, sharpshooter Jason Kapono is now in Philly. Although sometimes I wonder if All-Star Weekend overhyped this guy just a bit? Evans may be a little underrated by some (or just me), yet this team appears to lack a consisent scoring option off the bench, as well as a defensive stopper. Not to mention depth in the blocks. Perhaps everyone is looking for a James Posey in 2008-clone these days; unfortunately, there's not one on this roster. If Bosh can be kept, money will be tight as ever, which means rock solid drafting and savvy trades are at the utmost importance north of the border.
Note: Toronto had no 2nd-round selection this season.

Bold Prediction: Chris Bosh will NOT be in Toronto for the 2010-2011 season. Why? I believe LeBron and Wade, clearly the two biggest prizes of the 2010 Summer of Free Agency, are staying put. Ditto for veterans like Dirk, Pierce, Yao (injury be darned), and CP3 (who we likely re-ink mid-way through this season). That leaves Bosh, alongside names like Amare/Joe Johnson/Boozer/Ginobli/Nash as the biggest prizes in the free agency market. While a few people question Bosh's status as an elite #1-guy, I don't. His defense will improve and his potential (aka stock) is still growing. That means New York, who clearly is eyeing LeBron and Wade as options 1a and 1b, may be calling on Bosh to join (Nash???) in what Donnie Walsh should be calling Plan B.

Wait and see is all we can do from here.

Next up: Portland Trailblazers

Remembering Steve McNair...

In case you haven't heard the news, tragedy struck today in Nashville, Tennessee.



Former NFL QB Steve McNair was killed in a shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, authorities said Saturday. Police said they found McNair and a woman shot to death in a Nashville residence.

McNair will be remembered for who he was on and off the field and not by how his life was ended abruptly.
Credit: ESPN.go.com

There is, unfortunately, plenty of speculation out there already on the circumstances of his death and those potentially involved; however, fortunately, far more has come out speaking on the character of McNair both on and off the field.

While we here at PHSports were all stunned and saddened by the news, I'm sure we all have fond memories of McNair's collegiate and professional career to remember.

Below is how I will always remember McNair. It seems a little cheesy to quote myself, yet I spoke about McNair just two days ago when discussing collegiate quarterbacks.

"As talented as guys like (Charlie) Ward and (Michael) Vick were from an athletic standpoint at the quarterback position, I'll never forget seeing highlights of McNair on ESPN. Guy would've dominated in Division 1 or any football field at that point. Seriously, how many D2 guys end up finalists for the Heisman?"

If I remember any single moment about McNair, it's this one. I like that.
Credit: CNNSI.com

Pl.	Name	School	Cl.	Pos.	1	2	3	Total
1	Rashaan Salaam	Colorado	Jr.	RB	400	229	85	1,743
2	Ki-Jana Carter	Penn State	Jr.	RB	115	205	146	901
3	Steve McNair	Alcorn State	Sr.	QB	111	85	152	655
4	Kerry Collins	Penn State	Sr.	QB	101	117	102	639
5	Jay Barker	Alabama	Sr.	QB	36	58	71	295
6	Warren Sapp	Miami (Florida)	Jr.	DT	17	37	67	192
7	Eric Zeier	Georgia	Sr.	QB	7	15	32	83
8	Lawrence Phillips	Nebraska	So.	RB	1	8	21	40
9	Napoleon Kaufman	Washington	Sr.	RB	3	3	12	27
10	Zach Wiegert	Nebraska	Sr.	OT	1	7	10	27

If anything sticks out about the list above, it's Alcorn State. But that only displays McNair's talent and ability to overcome any and all obstacles and expectations, even those of his own. Nobody expects quarterbacks from Division II to contend for the Heisman trophy. No less being a top NFL draft pick, star in the league for 13 seasons, become a three-time Pro Bowler, and share an MVP-award (with Peyton Manning).

Yahoo's Chris Chase has an excellent article you should check out.
He titled it, "Definition of Toughness".
Well said, well said.

InClement Weather: 5 NBA Free Agency Stories

While most of the talk has been about the soon-to-be-fabled free agent summer of 2010, there has been plenty of action in the summer of 2009.

A lot of talk about LeBron, Wade, Amare, Dirk, and Bosh in 2010.
Don't sleep on some of the other talent though, especially Joe Johnson (above).
Credit: NBA.com

Sure, a few of the 2010 names include: Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Manu Ginobili, Marcus Camby, Tracey McGrady, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, Amare Stoudamire, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Mike Redd, Steve Nash, and Carlos Boozer...not to mention another name that might wait out a contract extension to the last second, CP3.

Fortunately, for the present, there's still plenty to speculate about this summer.

After a rather pedestrian draft-class (or so the hype seems to say), plenty of sparks have been flying.

Detroit made the earliest splash in free agency, but was it the wisest?
Credit: Sculu.com

I've already touched on a few issues via the blog and Twitter:
-San Antonio reviving their title candidacy by acquiring swingman Richard Jefferson for a box of Rasinets and a few veteran big men.
-Orlando all but giving up on re-inking the opted-out Turkoglu by trading Courtney Lee and Skip to my Lou (Alston) for Vinsanity. Seems like a mistake, doesn't it? Carter is often (truthfully) viewed as a black hole with the basketball, despite being able to put up 25 on a daily basis. Carter's often more than a liability towards a team's chemistry (or so it seems), which is an odd acquisition for a team who just made the NBA Finals.
-What happens to Detroit's backcourt with the addition of Ben Gordon? Is Rodney Stuckey the future point guard of this team? Is Rip Hamilton the odd man out? How will Joe Dumars handle rebuilding his storied franchise and its overloaded backcourt?

Now let's dive head-first into five of the biggest issues of the this off-season.

Story #1: The Shaqtus ships out to Cleveland
Shaquille O'Neal is seeking a 5th title, this time by protecting the King and his men. While it's far too soon to speculate on 2010 and Shaq v. Kobe (in fairness, it'd be LeBron v. Kobe), it is juicy stuff, right? My question is, with LeBron demanding open access to the paint, doesn't the Diesel hinder that a bit? Not to mention, can Shaq remain healthy away from the positive sunshine vibes of Phoenix? I suppose it's an even trade off to risk such problems with KG (supposedly) healthy next season and Superman the dominant big man in the Eastern Conference. Fortunately for the Cavs, Turkoglu offered more matchup nightmares than anyone on the Magic roster...and he's in Toronto now and not Orlando.

Story #2: Hedo heads out to Portland...whoops...I mean Toronto
You can't blame the Raptors if Chris Bosh bolts next season. Signing Turkoglu away from the Blazers was a huge coup for Brian Colangelo. He is the perfect compliment to Bosh on a roster than has talent at key positions (don't sleep on Calderon at the point) and perhaps the draft's biggest make-or-break superstar, USC's DeMar Derozan. The Eastern Conference could see a major power tilt after next season, especially with LeBron, Wade, and nearly the entire nucleus of the Celtics' roster up in the air. Well played north of the border. As for Portland, it might not be as terrible as it seems. Both Turkoglu and Brandon Roy demand the ball in their hands in the closing minutes. The Blazers have a talented young roster (trading Rodriguez for so little was a MIS-take) and have that money to spend still. They'll survive.

Story #3: Zach Randolph takes his 20 and 10 act to Memphis
Score 20 and board 10 for an entire season and team's can wait to get rid of you, if you're name is Zach Randolph anyways. Randolph has only himself to blame though, never considered a team-first guy and always one to find himself in trouble. Nevertheless, Memphis traded Q Richardson (recently acquired from New York for Darko) for the big man. What this move means in Memphis perplexes me just a bit. A lot of ball-hungry guys (Gay, Mayo, and now Randolph) on one roster is going to be a challenge. Especially considering just how young the nucleus of this team is. Not to mention what they're going to do at the point guard position (is Conley the answer?). Will they soon become the Clippers of the midwest? Wait and see, I suppose.

Story #4: Ron Artest heads to LaLa land, Ariza packs it up and heads off to Houston
This story has gotten plenty of pub, so I won't bludgeon any of you with details. Instead, I'm wondering if the Lakers think that Ariza's 2009 postseason was a bit of an aberration. Do they feel they know something that nobody else did? As for Houston, they had to make a move, especially since Artest didn't take Yao's recent medical diagnosis so well, and Ariza (all of 24 years old) might very well be part of the Rockets' nucleus of the future. How? T-Mac's health is never certain, ditto for Yao, and Aaron Brooks can only do so much. 2010 in Houston will be a potential search for a new superstar, but with Ariza in tow (a potential new-age Scottie Pippen?), it just got a little easier.

Story #5: The Plight of Allen Iverson
How the mighty seem to have fallen. Detroit imploded more due to the loss of Chauncey Billups than the addition of AI. Joe Dumars made the move in large part, in fact 100% of the reason, to free up cap space for moves in 2009 (and 2010 likely). Now rumors have AI contacting Memphis (not the right fit), ending back up with Larry Brown (now in Charlotte), or potentially joining D-Wade in South Beach for a season. Point is, one of the NBA's top talents and fan favorites has flown completely under the radar in an offseason where some felt he would've been a centerpiece. Question is: will AI rise back to prominence or continue to sink into relative obscurity?

Reunited and it feels so good?
Credit: Paperthoughts.com

All food for thought. The offseason is still quite young and plenty of moves will be made. Finding those gems (2010's Ariza perhaps?), role players off the bench, and dumping contracts for 2010 has just begun. Especially in New York.

Enjoy the ride...especially since it's not even practice time yet.

NBA Free Agency Primer

In a couple hours, the free agency period will open in the NBA. Instead of providing a laundry list of free agents and their possible destinations, I'll be offering a serious of useful resources.

It's important to know that the 2009-10 salary cap figure is $57.3M. This is a soft cap. I have been unable to find the numbers for the luxury tax threshold for the upcoming season. In past years, the luxury tax threshold has been approximately 125% of the salary cap figure. The significance is that teams exceeding the threshold must pay a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax.

• List of top free agents
• Updated NBA salaries
• Article by ESPN's Chris Sheridan about dead money and bad contracts. He must have read my article last year on the NBA's 10 worst contracts.
  

Mid-Majors Matter Too!!!

Be sure to check in here at PHSports and the Twitter site (Tweet Tweet) for plenty of post-NBA draft analysis.

If you're looking for retrospect on some BUSTS (and booms) of the past 10 NBA draft, check out my latest offering...until this.

Now for a little love-fest, VCU, CAA, & mid-major style...

Eric Maynor didn't have to play in a power conference to get drafted -- in the first round at that. He didn't need face time on the tube. It just proves that if you have talent, the NBA will find you, Gary Parrish says.

Credit: CBSSports.com

The article reads...
"Can't Hide Skill"

If you want to play for a national title, go to North Carolina.
That's a good way to get a championship.
If you want to play on national television, go to Kentucky.
That's a good way to get on TV.

But what Thursday night's NBA Draft proved -- once again -- is that the best and quickest way to David Stern's league isn't necessarily through the best and biggest conferences. Oh sure, that's one of the recruiting pitches BCS-affiliated coaches use, and I'd probably use it too if I were them. But whether it was Stephen Curry (from the Southern Conference) or Eric Maynor (from the Colonial) or some dude from another country few of us have ever seen, the reminder from Madison Square Garden was that the NBA will find you if you can play, and it doesn't really matter where you play.

It's not all a love fest though, although you have to wonder if the grade is more about the selection than the player.

Fortunately, Utah doesn’t seem shy about their positive reaction towards their selection at #20.

Although this is somewhat humorous...
During the interview, Maynor passed along a "hello" to coach Jerry Sloan from his father, George, a former East Carolina player who was cut in training camp by the Chicago Bulls -- when they were coached by Sloan. Sloan didn't make the connection until the younger Maynor told him. "Let's not talk about that," Sloan chuckled during the news conference. "I guess I cut his dad when I was coaching in Chicago."

A 6-foot-3, 164 pound pure point guard, Maynor played all four years of college ball. ESPN's Jay Bilas says Maynor is "a true point guard … has a great feel for the game. Superior change of pace and change of direction, a great leader, runs the pick and roll to perfection. Very old-school." Credit: KSL.com

ESPN's expert Chad Ford says, "I thought they might go with Sam Young here, but I have to admit that I love this pick for the Jazz. They needed a backup for Deron Williams, and Maynor is perfect for Utah as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He has a high basketball IQ and great leadership qualities. The Jazz fill a need and get a guy that I think is the most underrated player in the draft."

Don't worry Pay, GMU gets some pub in this article...
Just consider the scouting report on the Jazz's newest draft pick from George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, who had a spot in the NCAA Tournament swiped by Maynor in the last two minutes of the 2007 CAA Championship Game.

"A player like Eric has the ability at both ends of the floor to do things that I don't think a lot of players even think about," Larranaga said. "When I talk about Eric, I often say he's like a magician ... and he made us disappear."

Well said. Well said.