Pacquiao-Marquez III (11/12 HBO PPV) Preview

Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao 53-3-2 (38 KO's)

Notable Wins: Shane Mosley (UD), Antonio Margarito (UD), Josh Clottey (UD), Miguel Cotto (TKO12), Ricky Hatton (KO2), Oscar De La Hoya (TKO8), David Diaz (TKO9), Juan Manuel Marquez (SD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Jorge Solis (KO8), Erik Morales (KO, twice)

Notable Loss: Erik Morales (UD)


Notable Draw: Juan Manuel Marquez

Universally recognized as the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world
WBO Welterweight Champion of the World

Juan Manuel Marquez 53-5-1 (39 KO's)

Notable Wins: Michael Katsidis (TKO9), Juan Diaz (Twice, TKO9 & UD), Joel Casamayor (TKO11), Rocky Juarez (UD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Orlando Salido (UD), Derrick Gainer (TD 7)


Notable Losses: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (UD), Manny Pacquiao (SD), Chris John (UD), Freddie Norwood (UD)


Notable Draw: Manny Pacquiao

Unified (WBA & WBO) Lightweight Champion of the World
Seeking to become 2nd Mexican 4-Division Champion




Finally, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez do battle for the third time.

In the first bout, Pacquiao stormed to a quick lead after dropping Marquez three times in the opening round.  Marquez would regain his composure, find success via left hooks and straight right hands, but because of the opening round (rightfully scored by most judges 10-6, in favor of Pacquiao), the bout would end in a draw despite Marquez winning more rounds.

The second bout was just as controversial (and spectacular) as the first bout. Pacquiao scored the bout's only knockdown in the third round, which proved to be the difference maker as Manny Pacquiao won via split decision (115-112, 112-115, 114-113).

Pacquiao would go on to win titles in four weightclasses (Lightweight, Jr. Welterweight, Welterweight, Jr. Middleweight) and become arguably boxing's biggest star.  Juan Manuel Marquez has since unified Lightweight belts but always was very vocal that he wanted his trilogy bout with Pacquiao to avenge the two bout that he and many felt had won.

Marquez gets his long deserved shot at redemption this Saturday.

Prediction: Manny Pacquiao UD Juan Manuel Marquez (118-110, 10 rounds to 2)

I don't think this fight will be close.  The only reason I don't have Pacquiao winning by stoppage is because of sheer Mexican will. Ask any true boxing fan, that means a lot.

The first two bouts were at the Featherweight (126 lbs.) and Jr. Lightweight (130 lbs.) divisions. The third bout will be at a contracted weight of 144 lbs., a full two weightclasses above their last meeting.

The "Pac Man" that Juan Manuel Marquez will face this Saturday is a different version fighter that he has faced prior.  Pacquiao has since improved his head and feet movement, taking less hits and throwing more punches from all possible angles. Not to mention that his power has since translated with Pacquiao going up in weight, evident with his stoppage victory over Antonio Margarito as a Jr. Middleweight.

I see Pacquiao throwing and landing punches in bunches while a game Marquez, looking every bit of his 38 years of age, missing wildly with his counter left hooks.

Mayweather-Ortiz Preview

"Pretty Boy" Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr.  41-0 (25 KO's)

Notable Wins: Shane Mosely (UD), Juan Manuel Marquez (UD), Ricky Hatton (TKO10), Oscar De La Hoya (SD12), Zab Judah (UD 12), Arturo Gatti (TKO6), Jose Luis Castillo (UD, twice), Diego Corrales (TKO10)

Notable Losses: None

6 Time World Champion in 5 different weight classes

Former Super Featherweight World Champion
Former Lightweight World Champion
Former Super Lightweight World Champion
Former Welterweight World Champion
Former Light Middleweight World Champion

"Vicious" Victor Ortiz 29-2-2 (22 KO's)

Notable Wins: Andre Berto (UD), Vivian Harris (KO3), Nate Campbell (UD10), Antonio Diaz (TKO7)

Notable Loss: Marcos Maidana (TKO6)

Notable Draw: Lamont Peterson

Current WBC Welterweight Champion






This Saturday, "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr., makes his highly anticipated return in the ring against WBC Welterweight Champion, "Vicious" Victor Ortiz.

In June of 2009, Victor Ortiz quit in the ring against Marcos Maidana. He was ridiculed quickly after the bout by nearly everyone in the sport of boxing -- fans, fighters, media. Many questioned if the Golden Boy protege had the "heart" to win a world title.  Three stoppage victories and a move up to the welterweight division later, Ortiz garnered his biggest victory unanimous decision over Andre Berto in this past April. In the 2011 Fight of the Year candidate, both men tasted the canvas twice, but it proved to be Ortiz' night, beating the champion to earn his first World Title, and most importantly, destroying the demons that followed after the Maidana bout.

Floyd Mayweather returns after a 16-month layoff not against a journeyman, but against a credible champion that is younger and stronger.  Say what you want to say against Floyd, but there is no denying that Mayweather is the one taking all the risk in this bout.  No matter of the outcome this weekend, Ortiz will still be a relevant Welterweight.  Floyd, on the other hand, could lose any potential mega-fight (notably the Pacquiao bout) with a loss.

In Mayweather's last bout against a southpaw -- Zab Judah in '06 -- he had early trouble, but weathered the storm and cruised to a UD.  Vic's only chance to beat Floyd is in the early rounds and Ortiz will need to do something that no one has been able to since Floyd laced up boxing gloves -- stop him.  I see Ortiz in the early rounds trying to impose his will on Floyd, pressuring and trying to land huge, looping overhand lefts. And trying to time Floyd when he comes in with a right hook.

Emphasis on trying.

I like Victor Ortiz, but I feel that Mayweather is in a different class and the kid is in-over-his-head with this bout.

Prediction: "Pretty Boy" controls every second of every round and fulfills his promise that the fight doesn't go the distance.

Mayweather TKO6 Ortiz

Why the stripping of Timothy Bradley's WBC Super Lightweight title is an example of the biggest problem with boxing..

Note: There are many alphabet titles in boxing.  However, there are only four that are recognized by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) as major championships: World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).  Any other alphabet combination is considered a minor belt.

On Wednesday, the WBC elected to strip Timothy Bradley (pictured above) of their 140 lbs version of the world title for no apparent reason.  Then, the Mexican-based WBC sanctioned the upcoming bout between Mexico's Erik Morales and  Lucas Matthysse (both of whom are coming off losses to Marcos Maidana and Devon Alexander, respectively) for the newly vacant Super Lightweight title.  It is also important to note, in obvious proof of the WBC's Mexican bias, if Morales wins, he would become the first Mexican fighter to win world titles in four different weight classes.

Stripping the rightful champion and basically handing it to a lesser deserving fighter is example to what is lacking in the sport: Integrity.

College Football Preseason Rankings

RK TEAM RECORD PTS PVS
1 Oklahoma (42) 0-0 1454 6
2 Alabama (13) 0-0 1414 11
3 Oregon (2) 0-0 1309 3
4 LSU (2) 0-0 1296 8
5 Florida State 0-0 1116 16
6 Stanford 0-0 1101 4
7 Boise State 0-0 1065 7
8 Oklahoma State 0-0 933 10
9 Texas A&M 0-0 885 21
10 Wisconsin 0-0 829 8
11 Nebraska 0-0 814 19
12 South Carolina 0-0 779 22
13 Virginia Tech 0-0 767 15
14 Arkansas 0-0 750 12
15 TCU 0-0 687 2
16 Ohio State 0-0 631 5
17 Michigan State 0-0 536 14
18 Notre Dame 0-0 440 NR
19 Auburn 0-0 329 1
20 Mississippi State 0-0 301 17
21 Missouri 0-0 266 18
22 Georgia 0-0 260 NR
23 Florida 0-0 240 NR
24 Texas 0-0 162 NR
25 Penn State 0-0 161 NR
Others receiving votes: Arizona State 158, West Virginia 149, Utah 50, Miami (FL) 49, Iowa 41, Northwestern 30, Arizona 28, UCF 22, Michigan 19, Air Force 15, North Carolina 14, Houston 13, South Florida 9, Hawaii 8, Clemson 7, Tennessee 7, Southern Miss 6, Brigham Young 5, North Carolina State 4, NORTHERNIL 4, Oregon State 4, Pittsburgh 3, Washington 3, Nevada 1, Georgia Tech 1,

Eagles Looking To Soar

The Nation Football League is back and the people who have been waiting are in store, cause the Eagles are back. And please no Rick Ross remix. But the Eagles are back, with all this free agent signings, it seems like Philly is stacked. Sorry I couldn't help it. But Philly is in the hunt for the Superbowl, and right now it seems like they are in the drivers seat. When you look on paper, as did Nnamdi, you see a team Andy Reid is going to mold into a winner. Built on the legs of Vick and the defensive signings of Nnamdi and Jenkins, if you're a Eagles fan you've got to love the hype.

Do you want it be a Superbowl champ, or a Paper champ?

With all this hype most fans of other teams, the haters, are calling them the Miami Heat of the NFL. The all hype team. But these Eagles have something to prove. Nnamdi signed there for a reason, and call him the Lebron James of the NFL, but business is business. They play to win the game, you can hate on that, but you will respect it when they win.

Nnamdi are you ready to be the hunted?

Now with the signing of Jenkins this brings fear in the NFC, yes Packers fans I'm talking to you. The Eagles are more then likely going to move Samuels, but if they were to keep him... Where are you really passing the ball? Paper Champs, Preseason Hype Team, Stacked whatever you call them, teams will fear them and play hard to beat them. And what's impressive about these signings is; the Eagles aren't known to spend money like this. The standard salary cap where all teams must spend $120 million does take effect until the 2012-13 season. You'd have to be living under a rock not to see the Eagles are looking to soar...

Still here what's next?

I got you're back Vick, for three or four games.

 

Randy Moss a Career to Remember

Randy Moss started out on a rough controversial path to College and then on to Notre Dame. When Moss was a senior in HS he was sentenced to 30 days in jail for fighting a white student after his Moss friend was called racial slurs. After his guilty plea Moss dream school, Notre Dame revoked his scholarship. After serving his 30 days he enrolled at Florida State University (after sitting out a year due to NCAA rules). Early into his freshman year Moss tested positive for Marijuana was released from the Seminoles program, and was put back in jail for 60 days on a parole violation. Moss later enrolled with the Marshall Thundering Herd, but did not lose a year of eligibility because it was a Division-AA


Moss finished as the best WR in Marshall history, and
also set NCAAA records for receiving


Moss played 2 seasons at Marshall University (Red shirt-Sophomore) and in 28 career games recorded; 174 receptions, 3,529 receiving yards, and 54 Receiving TD's. In his final year at Marshall he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award fr Nations Best WR, and was a finalist for the Heisman trophy. Moss then entered the NFL Draft, and scouts believed he would go in the Top 10-15 picks, but many teams had concerns about his character issues, and problems with the law. Moss grew up as a Cowboys fans and was hoping they would select him with their 1st round pick. The Cowboys passed on Moss because of his off the field issues, having already dealt with Michael Irvins antics before. Moss eventually was selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings, where he would start immediately and play with QB Randall Cunningham.

Moss had an instant impact on the NFL as a rookie due to his great hands, tremendous leaping ability, and blazing speed. He set a rookie record with 17 Touchdown receptions to go along with 1,313 total yards, for 3rd in the NFL. Moss helped the Vikings set a record for most points in a season (556 points) and the No.1 seed in the NFC after finishing 15-1 on the year. Moss went on to make the Pro Bowl in his 1st year, and also won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Vikings were knocked off by the Falcons in the NFC Championship, falling just short of a Super Bowl trip. Moss went on to play 6 more seasons with the Vikings. In his 6 seasons in Minnesota Moss had; 554 Reception's, 90 Touchdowns, and 9,142 Receiving yards. He was selected to 5 Pro Bowls, and was voted as an All-Pro WR 4 times.

After the 2004 season Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders for the 7th overall pick in the 2005 Draft (Troy Williamson) and two 7th round selections. The Raiders were looking for a Big Play WR to give their offense a explosive weapon, which would hopefully lead them to the playoffs. Unfortunately things did not go well in Oakland. Moss struggled with hamstring injuries for much of his time there, and even when he was on the field, he often took plays off and didn't show the heart, that Al Davis was looking for. After 2 seasons of little production ( 11 TD's, 1,558 Receiving yards, and 102 receptions) Moss was out casted in Oakland, and traded to the New England Patriots for a 4th round selection (John Bowie). Moss was looking for a fresh start in New England, but expectations were not high.

Now in New England Moss was on a mission to prove he was just as good as when he was a rookie, and that Al Davis was wrong. All he did was end up setting a new NFL Record for Receiving Touchdowns with 23, and help lead the Patriots to a 16-0 record. The Patriots seemed destined heading into the playoffs to go 19-0 and break the Dolphins previous undefeated record. They made it all the way to the Super Bowl before being upset by the New York Giants, and falling short of perfection. Moss was almost non existent during the playoffs, which many believe was one of the reasons the Patriots didn't beat the Giants. In his next 2 full seasons with the Patriots Moss recorded 24 Touchdowns, 152 Receptions, and 2,272 Receiving yards. It would end up being Moss last productive year in the NFL. In 2011, his poor play came back, and he started to take plays off again. In a Monday Night Game against the Dolphins Moss had a easy TD bounce off his hands, and he ended up not catching a single pass the entire game.

2 days later he ended up returning to the Minnesota Vikings, in hopes he would connect with future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. The return to Minnesota was a failure, after a crushing loss in his return to Galette Stadium, Moss criticized the Vikings coaching staff for their poor play calling in the game, and finished off the Press Conference saying he loved the Patriots, then walking off. He was cut shortly after by the Vikings and signed by the Titans to finish the season. He spent 8 games with the Titans, but only started in 4 games, and did not record a single touchdown. It left many to wonder if this was the last we would ever see of Moss, and if he had lost any love for the game he once had.

After reports by his agent that Moss was in the best shape of his life, and ready to prove himself again, in hopes of rejoining the Patriots. Moss shocked the NFL world and retired from the NFL after 13 incredible, memorable years. He finished with 954 Receptions, 14, 158 Receiving yards (2nd All-Time), and 153 TD's (2nd All-Time). He was selected to 7 Pro Bowls, was voted All-Pro 5 times, and won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and was also a member of the 2000's All-Decade Team. As he retires he enters a shroud of questions of where does he rank among the all time greats, and is he 1st Ballot Hall of Fame worthy.

Despite all the off the field issues, and frequent occurrences where he would take plays off, he was still one of the best WR's this game has ever seen. His amazing leaping ability, matched with his blazing speed, and great hands, made him the most feared WR of his time. He may not be the best WR of All-Time, because that designation will always go to Jerry Rice, but Moss was one of the best ever. He is worthy of a 1st Bllot HOF spot, and in my mind he is the 2nd best WR of all time. Here is to you Randy Moss for a great 13 years, for all the mistakes you made, and routes you took off, you still managed to be one of the greatest ever, and that is worthy of a HOF spot to me.

From: My sports blog 247 Sports Zone

 

 

NBA Finals Corner

NBA Final Corner…

Who would have thought that the NBA finals would have been this exciting without the East and West Champions from last year. The top teams were knocked out in the second round of the championships. I wonder would the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks be in the finals if the best teams in the WEST and EAST were healthy and playing at their best. Never the less the finals have been an interesting one with close games coming down to the wire and keeping the series tied. One would only think that the Heat will come back with a win in Miami Sunday, June 12. But if they do not, what will that say about the dream team consisting of Chris Bosh, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. No one thought that they would have got this far their first year together. Season started out rocky for the team with James and Wade each not wanting to take the lead role and passing the ball when they should be taking shots.

As we move in this series we see the problem that James cannot seem to pull through at the end of the game. Like everyone has said, it seems that he checks out at the end of the game. Could it be that he is no Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan? If he does not win this year with the help that he clearly did not have with Cleveland, then it is only safe to say that it may just be him. He may not be ready to take that lead role of carrying a team to reach the RING! James has been under ten points for the pass five games. Thursday night was his first triple double of the series. Where has this guy been? Yet the Heat still lost the game. James has not been that crutch player that the Heat needs him to be. Falling short with much needed baskets.

I can see the Mavs pulling away from this series with a win and Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki getting a ring finally. They just seem to be the better team. Miami cannot hold off the threes that Jason Terry, Josh Barea and Nowitzki are providing. Tyson Chandler is stepping up to be the big man they need in the paint. Both teams want it bad but Dallas seem to be the team that can come up from behind and fight until the end. Four out of the last five games, Dallas has been behind until the third quarter and they have come back to putting pressure on the Heat.

It will be interesting to see if James can be the player that so many think of him as. Lets see if he can shut Skip Bayless up. By the looks though he is proving Bayless right. James has to prove himself and perform in the clutch for the next two games!  

Drafting Darius Morris

While Michigan isn't known for producing a lot of NBA point guards, Darius Morris might just be the school needs. From a physical standpoint Morris has great NBA size at 6'5, he is capable of overpowering defenders. And his game has improved since his freshman season, he adjusted while leading Michigan as their best play-maker. Morris averaged points 15 and 6 assists a game in a tough Big Ten conference. He has good ball handling skills, excellent mid range game, shooting 56%, and an uncanny way of getting to the paint. While Michigan needed him to be their best player every game, at times you'd see Morris forcing the issue by over dribbling in the paint with n o place to escape, and forcing passes causing turnovers. Morris have the potential to be a good role player, on any team.
There is no doubt that Darius Morris has talent. He could've stayed an extra year to improve his draft stock. Seeing that he improved significantly from his FR to SO season the potential alone would be good enough to draft Morris. His height and ability to handle the ball remind many of Tyreke Evans. They both play better when being the playmaker. While Evans is a NBA starter, Morris in the league will be a solid role player. Any NBA team can benefit from this type of player. The size gives teams the option to play Morris at point or shooting guard.

  Defensively Morris can be a solid defender. He doesn't possess the a quick first step, but he has done everything that Michigan has asked him to do. While he still needs to improve his free throw shooting 77%, and perimeter shot 28%, is intriguing because he would be a tough match for other teams. If Morris can improve his three point shot it would allow him to become a slasher, allowing teams to use him off the ball.
Overall Darius Morris stood out this season because he made huge improvements in his game. The Knicks could use his talent with the 17th pick, while that is a bit higher than he should Morris is a late first round talent. If the Knicks don't draft Morris the Heat could with the 31st pick or the Clippers with the 37th pick could be teams that offer playing time right away.

 

Appointed King James

There have been times in the past where King James, passed on the moment to be a superstar. Like in 2007 game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons. Instead of taking the game tying shot on the collapsing defense King James passed out to a wide open Donyell Marshall who missed the game winning three. As soon as the media saw this we questioned his leadership and ability to take and make clutch shots. This year reminds us of how much pressure is put on King James to silence his critics. Something that he will never be able to do, until this year. How you might ask? He signed with the Miami Heat after 7 seasons of seeing that he needed another superstar, not role players, to deliver him a title. Now with Miami up 2-1, King James can taste the title that...

Drafting Klay Thompson

Drafting Klay Thompson is like drafting the new school Mike Miller. Both have similar games, excellent at hitting the uncontested shot. Not dominate ball handlers, but the comparisons will stop there. Klay Thompson is a pure shooter averaged 22.1 ppg for the Washington St. Cougars. His role at the NBA level will be; make the open shot kid! Standing 6'7 Thompson has the size to be an effective NBA shooting guard. Put him along a superstar that demands a double team and Thompson could average a respectable 10-12 points per game. When watching him play two things stand out, first he understood his limits, and plays well off the ball. Its will be interesting to see who drafts Klay Thompson.
Projected to be a lottery to mid first rounder, a couple teams standout that need shooters and shouldn't pass him up. The Suns, with the 13th pick, are still built around Steve Nash's dribble drive and kick out. This plays to Thompson's strength; a good spot up shooter, and doesn't hurt him on the defensive end since the Suns don't believe in D. The Pacers, with the 15th pick, also could use a pure shooter to team up with Danny Granger. A shooter on each wing for Darren Collison to dish too, frees up space for Roy Hibbert to be more productive in the paint. The Wizards, with the 18th pick, badly need shooters. This would be a steal if they land him. Thompson would excel in Flip Saunders system, spot up shooter as John wall drives and dishes. Even with Jordan Crawford and Nick Young in the line this young team needs a shooter. Crawford and Young are streaky scorers, Thompson would give them that one pure shooter, and it helps that plays well off the ball. The only downside is Thompson plays better in a half court set then in transition. While all three teams could use Thompson the Pacers seem to be able to benefit the most if they draft him.

Drafting Brandon Knight

The 6'3 177 pound guard out of Kentucky had a somewhat mixed season in the college ranks. At the start of the season Knight showed why Coach John Calipari prized him as a high recruit. Knight created offense and showed superior ball handling skills, but lacked proper decision passing needed to be an effective point guard. In his first seven college games he averaged nearly five turnovers a game. Needing to quickly adjust his game to a tough SEC schedule, Coach Calipari started using Knight in pick and roll situations helping cut down the turnovers. As the season progressed his basketball IQ seemed to improve to the point where Kentucky's surprising run in NCAA tournament made NBA scouts pay more and more attention. While shooting 33% from the field and still averaging 3 turnovers, Knight still found ways to hit a pair of game winners, and get a 30 point game in. Leading Kentucky to the Final Four before losing to eventual champions Connecticut Huskies lead by Kemba Walker. Knight showed enough potential to declare for the NBA draft, leaving many to say he's a lock for a lottery pick.
Coach Calipari is known for recruiting one year players especially at the point guard position, and Brandon Knight was no different. With Derrick Rose being a prime example of how good Calipari's eye is, many feel that Knight has a similar skill set. Knight is a excellent ball handler who appears to play well in the limelight, in 2010 while scoring 48 in the McDonalds All American Game, he also hit the game winning three pointer. While leading his team to the Final Four, as mentioned before he also hit a couple game winning shots. There  are many things to like about Knight's game, and judging by what the NBA scouts think. Knight has NBA three point range, and creates off the dribble well. He is excellent in pick and roll situations, uses his first step and misdirection moves to get into the paint. He has the potential to be a solid point guard because he has shown glimpses throughout the season.
Some weakness in Knight's game stand out mostly due to the fact that he is young. The defensive end of the court he struggled to defend the pick and roll. Over dribbled and at times drove to the paint with no outlet passes available. The turnovers in the right system is something he will improve on, he needs to show improvement finishing with his off-hand. These weaknesses are things NBA coaching staffs will help him improve upon.
All in all Brandon Knight, has excellent potential to become a solid point guard. In his first season he might come off the bench as he is learning how to play point. One thing that he can do will is score, a streaky scorer at times, he can still score. NBA General Managers and scouts like his potential and it also helps that he played under Coach John Calipari who has shown that he tends to produce good point guards. Knight will be a project this season, but slated a top five pick he will be fun to watch. Now the question is who will pick him? If the Cleveland Cavaliers pick Derrick Williams or Enes Kanter first overall expect Knight to be taken number 4 overall by the Cavaliers. If Cleveland goes with Duke's Kyrie Irving, Knight might go to the Utah Jazz where he would fit perfectly. This draft many are saying is a weak draft filled with many role players. But Knight in the right system could be a start of something great. And Utah known for their pick and roll offense might be what Knight needs. 
       

Drafting Demetri McCamey

The senior guard out of Illinois spent four years in college perfecting his crave, showing the college world that he can be a legit NBA point guard. The promise was there in the beginning of the season, he showed excellent poise, being the setup man while displaying he has range from three. But unfortunately for McCamey the big man on campus went to his head. McCamey midway through the season was called out by Coach Bruce Weber, for lacking effort and letting off court distractions effect his game. It didn't help that McCamey didn't accept responsibility, instead placed blame on those distracting him. Coach Weber also when on to say McCamey work ethic was not the same as in the past. That's all NBA scouts need to hear, before placing you on the red flag list. Once considered the Deron Williams type place, McCamey 6'3,  205 showed that same type of style that caught scouts attention. But with a closer look NBA teams have started to breakdown McCamey's faults.      
The strengths to McCamey's game are; great court vision, has the ability to penetrate, also display excellent ball handling skills. For a point guard he shoots that ball very well from three, 45% this season. Showed some promise in his ability to create space off the dribble. When leading a fast break McCamey made excellent reads on the situation. Effective point guard and a leader of the team in the early part of the season. Has high basketball IQ for a PG.
The weaknesses in McCamey's game start with his lack of defense. He wasn't always aware on the court and showed that he couldn't keep the quicker guards in front of him. He isn't explosive when trying to get to the lane, needs to improve his floater. Didn't like to create opportunities of driving the lane and relied too much on his jumper. Out of the 11 shots McCamey took per game 5 of them were three pointers. Plus the work ethic questions won't go away, McCamey will need to focus on improving his game, and less about distractions.
While seeing his stock drop from mid first rounder to mid second round pick, McCamey might have something to prove. Thus making him a sleeper in this years draft. Most mock drafts like DraftExpress.com and NBAdraft.net, have him going to the Portland Trailblazers with the 21st pick in the second round. That would be an outstanding fit for McCamey, with the tutelage from Andre Miller, who seems to have a similar style of place, he could learn how to run Coach McMillan's second unit. McCamey showed a lot of promise at the start of the college season. While leading the Fighting Illini to huge wins over Maryland, Gonzaga and NC on a big stage like Madison Square Garden, he showed potential to be a good fit for a NBA team. The issue that General Managers and NBA scouts will look at it the off court distractions, and how he handles the interview process. Although he didn't seem to improve his stock at the NBA draft combine, all it takes is one team to give him a chance, and he might show that he was worth it.

NBA Draft Combine 2011

Day one of the NBA draft combine is over, and who helped their stock and whose stock did not improve, or now is dropping. Well first the draft about a month away, clearly the number one point guard in the draft will not be there. Kyrie Irving is not participating in any of the drills, while that's no be shocker it would have been nice to see him at least take part in the agility drills. With that said that the player that showed up did help their stock. And Enes Kanter taking part in the drills, seems to be proving to have the most upside for a big man. It wouldn't be a shocker if he replaces Kyrie Irving as the number on player taken in the June 23rd draft.
The winners out of day one seem to be TheJimmer, showing teams that he is instant offense and could impact right away. Hofstra standout Charles Jenkins, a solid 6'3 200 he showed that he will be able to compete and provide bench help for any team. Jenkins still looks like a late 1st early 2nd round pick, he could've solidified his placement as a first round choice. Teams that could use his bench production Blazers, Celtics and Bulls.
Players that didn't improve their stock Cory Joseph, while at Texas he had a lot of talent around him but was not a pure point that they needed. At 6'3 170 he looks like he could've benefited if he stayed in school one more year. He needs to polish his game, but if a team chooses to take him he will develop in the NBDL. Another year of college playing against better competition could've improved his draft stock for next year.
The combine really shows teams the fundamentals a player has and also with raw skills they possess. The team workouts and this being a weak draft, will determine if these role players can help a team win. This years draft is more about filling a bench. The NBA Draft combine has showcased that so far. That was day one, day two agility testing takes place.

Adidas Adizero "Blackout" Crazy Light

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING.
Adidas has created a strong buzz ever since Derrick Rose become this years best basketball player. They also announced the release of the worlds lightest basketball shoe, enter the Adidas Adizero Crazy Light. These sneakers not only look like they could make ballers look fresh on the court but also provide the casual look, something that seems to be helping the Adidas brand. With a June 3rd release date and four colorways dropping, Adidas Basketball is looking like the brand it once was; dominate.

Release Date: June 3rd
Black/black
$130
 

PODCAST 2nd EPIC SHOW

stay tuned that podcast is coming to a speaker near you: 2nd EpicShow

2011 NBA Draft Combine, May 18-22 in Chicago Participants

So the NBA Draft Combine start May 18 and here are the participants:

Keith Benson, Oakland; Marshon Brooks, Providence ; Alec Burks, Colorado ; Jimmy Butler, Marquette; Norris Cole, Cleveland State; Kenneth Faried, Morehead State; Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young; Andrew Goudelock, College of Charleston ; Jordan Hamilton, Texas; Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame; Justin Harper, Richmond ; Tobias Harris, Tennessee; Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA; Scotty Hopson, Tennessee; Kyrie Irving, Duke; Reggie Jackson, Boston College ; Rick Jackson, Syracuse ; Charles Jenkins, Hofstra ; JaJuan Johnson, Purdue ; Cory Joseph, Texas; Enes Kanter, Kentucky; Brandon Knight, Kentucky; Malcolm Lee, UCLA; Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State; Travis Leslie, Georgia; Jon Leuer, Wisconsin ; DeAndre Liggins, Kentucky ; David Lighty, Ohio State ; Shelvin Mack, Butler ; Demetri McCamey, Illinois; E’Twaun Moore, Purdue ; Darius Morris, Michigan ; Marcus Morris, Kansas; Markieff Morris, Kansas; Lucas Riva Nogueira, Estudiantes II (Spain); Chandler Parsons, Florida ; Jereme Richmond, Illinois; Josh Selby, Kansas ; Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech; Kyle Singler, Duke; Chris Singleton, Florida State; Jamie Skeen, Virginia Commonwealth ; Greg Smith, Fresno State ; Nolan Smith, Duke ; Isaiah Thomas, Washington ; Malcolm Thomas, San Diego State; Trey Thompkins, Georgia ; Klay Thompson, Washington State; Tristan Thompson, Texas; Jeremy Tyler, San Diego HS/Maccabi Haifa (Israel)/Tokyo Apache (Japan); Nikola Vucevic, Southern California ; Kemba Walker, Connecticut

NBA Prospects Kyrie Irving

With the consensus number one pick, most people would say, Kyrie Irving is a diamond in the rough. A pure point guard that isn't blindingly quick, but a floor general that controls the pace of the game. Standing 6'2, 180 pounds the freshman guard only had the opportunity to play in 11 of Duke's game. While in those games, he proved that he is a valuable lottery pick. Kryie's game speaks for itself; when he was on the court, Duke was easily the best team in the country. Averaging 17 points and 4 assists, Irving quickly became the player Coach Krzyzewski envisioned he would be. To note just how good on a player Kryie was, Duke moved the more experienced Nolan Smith, a Senior, to play off the ball. That in and of itself tells us how much talent Coach K thought Irving possessed. Kyrie is a solid floor general with high basketball IQ; the kid is a can't miss for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have gone through a lot already. What a lucky charm Nick Gilbert proved to be. What more can you ask for...

NBA Mock Draft

Now that the lottery is over. The questions raise who is your number one pick if you were a general manager. The number one pick in this years draft looks to be Kyrie Irving, and the Cavs quickly need to build around him. But we'd like to think that the Cavs should take a two for two deal. With that said, they should draft Derrick Williams and then Brandon Knight, both players could play together. Byron Scott is excellent at teaching young guards how to play the game, look at Chris Paul, but he is horrible at knowing when to tell them grow. Look at the Charlotte Hornets when he coached young Baron Davis, lett'em play. But with that said the Cavs are in a excellent position to make great picks. With the first and forth pick, the consensus number one pick will be Kyrie Irving and they will move on from there.

the mock draft 1st round as www.draftexpress.com would have it:

First Round
1	Cavaliers From Clippers	Kyrie Irving  PG 19 years old; 6'2"; 185 lbs. Duke, Freshman
2	Timberwolves	Derrick Williams  PF 19 years old; 6'8"; 235 lbs. Arizona, Sophomore
3	Jazz From Nets	Kemba Walker  PG 21 years old; 6'0"; 180 lbs. Connecticut, Junior
4	Cavaliers	Jonas Valanciunas  C 19 years old; 6'11"; 240 lbs. Lietuvos Rytas, International
5	Raptors	Brandon Knight  PG 18 years old; 6'3"; 170 lbs. Kentucky, Freshman
6	Wizards	Jan Vesely  SF 21 years old; 6'11"; 240 lbs. KK Partizan Belgrade, International
7	Kings	Bismack Biyombo  PF/C 18 years old; 6'9"; 240 lbs. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada, International
8	Pistons	Enes Kanter  C 18 years old; 6'10"; 250 lbs. Kentucky, International
9	Bobcats	Donatas Motiejunas  PF/C 20 years old; 7'0"; 215 lbs. Benetton Treviso, International
10	Bucks	Marcus Morris  PF 21 years old; 6'9"; 225 lbs. Kansas, Junior
11	Warriors	Kawhi Leonard  SF 19 years old; 6'7"; 225 lbs. San Diego State, Sophomore
12	Jazz	Alec Burks  SG 19 years old; 6'6"; 200 lbs. Colorado, Sophomore
13	Suns	Markieff Morris  PF 21 years old; 6'10"; 235 lbs. Kansas, Junior
14	Rockets	Tobias Harris  SF/PF 18 years old; 6'8"; 210 lbs. Tennessee, Freshman
15	Pacers	Klay Thompson  SG/SF 21 years old; 6'6"; 187 lbs. Washington State, Junior
16	76ers	Tristan Thompson  PF 20 years old; 6'8"; 235 lbs. Texas, Freshman
17	Knicks	Kenneth Faried  PF 21 years old; 6'8"; 225 lbs. Morehead State, Senior
18	Wizards From Hawks	Chris Singleton  SF 21 years old; 6'8"; 210 lbs. Florida State, Junior
19	Bobcats From Hornets	Jordan Hamilton  SF 20 years old; 6'7"; 210 lbs. Texas, Sophomore
20	Timberwolves From Grizzlies	Jimmer Fredette  PG 22 years old; 6'2"; 195 lbs. BYU, Senior
21	Trailblazers	Lucas Nogueira  C 18 years old; 7'0"; 225 lbs. MMT Estudiantes, International
22	Nuggets	Reggie Jackson  PG 21 years old; 6'3"; 208 lbs. Boston College, Junior
23	Rockets From Magic	Davis Bertans  SF 18 years old; 6'10"; 210 lbs. Union Olimpija Ljubljana, International
24	Thunder	Kyle Singler  SF/PF 23 years old; 6'9"; 210 lbs. Duke, Senior
25	Celtics	Travis Leslie  SF 21 years old; 6'4"; 202 lbs. Georgia, Junior
26	Mavericks	Tyler Honeycutt  SF 20 years old; 6'8"; 200 lbs. UCLA, Sophomore
27	Nets From Lakers	Josh Selby  SG 20 years old; 6'1"; 180 lbs. Kansas, Freshman
28	Bulls From Heat	Justin Harper  PF 21 years old; 6'10"; 225 lbs. Richmond, Senior
29	Spurs	Darius Morris  PG/SG 20 years old; 6'4"; 190 lbs. Michigan, Sophomore
30	Bulls	Nolan Smith  PG/SG 22 years old; 6'3"; 185 lbs. Duke, Senior