The D-Dobbs Basketball Blog

NCAAB 2011-2012: Top 5 Players at Each Position

ddobbs5 — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:49:46 +0000

Point Guard:

Jordan Taylor, Senior, Wisconsin (1^st Team All American)
Kendall Marshall, Sophomore, North Carolina
Tu Holloway, Senior, Xavier (2^nd Team All American)
Tyshawn Taylor, Senior, Kansas
Erving Walker, Junior, Florida

Keep An Eye On:

Scoop Jardine, Senior, Syracuse

Durand Scott, Junior, Miami

Shabazz Napier, Sophomore, Connecticut

Aaron Craft, Sophomore, Ohio State

Austin Rivers, Freshman Duke

Myck Kabongo, Freshman Texas

Shooting Guard:

Ashton Gibbs, Senior, Pittsburgh (1^st Team All American)
Jeremy Lamb, Sophomore, Connecticut
Doron Lamb, Sophomore, Kentucky (2^nd Team All American)
William Buford, Senior, Ohio State
Darius Johnson-Odom, Senior, Marquette

Keep An Eye On:

Seth Curry, Junior, Duke

Dexter Strickland, Junior, North Carolina

J’Covan Brown, Junior, Texas

Bradley Beal, Freshman, Florida

Small Forward:

Harrison Barnes, Sophomore, North Carolina (1^st Team All American)
Terrence Jones, Sophomore, Kentucky (2^nd Team All American)
Robbie Hummel, Senior, Purdue
Tim Abromaitis, Senior, Notre Dame
Michael Gilchrist, Freshman, Kentucky

Keep An Eye On:

Roscoe Smith, Sophomore, Connecticut

Tony Mitchell, Junior, Alabama

Darius Miller, Senior, Kentucky

Kris Joseph, Junior, Syracuse

Power Forward/Center:

Perry Jones, Sophomore, Baylor (1^st Team All American)
Jared Sullinger, Sophomore, Ohio State (1^st Team All American)
John Henson, Junior North Carolina (2^nd Team All American)
Alex Oriakhi, Senior, Connecticut
Tyler Zeller, Senior, North Carolina

Keep An Eye On:

Anthony Davis, Freshman, Kentucky

Thomas Robinson, Senior, Kansas

Draymond Green, Senior, Michigan State (2^nd Team All American)

CJ Leslie, Sophomore, North Carolina State

James McAdoo, Freshman, North Carolina

Quincy Miller, Freshman, Baylor

2012 National Champions: North Carolina Tarheels

: Sophomore PG Kendall Marshall

Check out this great site for Rookie Analysis!

ddobbs5 — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:59:37 +0000

It actually gets updated too.

Who the Cavs Should Draft and Why

ddobbs5 — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:29:32 +0000

With two of the top four picks in this year’s upcoming draft, it would be hard for the Cleveland Cavaliers to dig themselves into a further hole than they already are. I believe two ways of doing this are to avoid all of the European players, and to not pick Kyrie Irving number one overall.

With the first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cavs should take Derrick Williams, the sophomore out of Arizona. He is an extremely versatile forward who has an NBA-ready body. He can fit into any lineup as the small forward and play around the perimeter as a slasher, or can be played as the power-forward down in the paint. He even has three-point range. He has a huge body to help shield his defenders, and extremely long arms to block shots and grab rebounds. It would be a mistake for the Cavaliers to pass up on him.

Selecting Williams with the first pick, covers their needs for a forward. Which means they can pass up on Enes Kanter, Jan Vesely, and Jonas Valanciunas, who are three European players projected to go in the top ten. They’re all hype, no one really knows what they’re all about. Do not buy into them. Maybe they’re tall and have good basketball bodies but don’t compare them to the players from the United States, or even rank them higher, especially when they have never even played competition as close to as good as the NCAA. These guys are overrated and should not be going this high.

With that being said, this gives the Cavaliers the option of drafting one of the elite point guards in the draft. Assuming Kyrie Irving from Duke will go number two or number three overall, the Cavs can select either Brandon Knight out of Kentucky or Kemba Walker from UConn. If I were drafting, I would pick Kemba Walker at number four overall, even if Kyrie Irving is still available. Kemba’s athleticism and ability to score as a point guard is like none other. He also not only shows great confidence and maturity, but a sense of leadership coming out of a strong UConn program. Arguably the best college basketball player of the 2010-2011 season. Again if I were drafting I would rather have a more mature and experienced player in Walker than over freshmen Kyrie Irving and Brandon Knight, who still have a lot to prove, and may not be ready for the NBA.

The Cavaliers keys to success, although it may take many years of rebuilding, would be to take Derrick Williams number one overall, and then draft a point guard in Kemba Walker.

2011 Ultimate NBA Playoff Team

ddobbs5 — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:31:18 +0000

With school winding down, I find myself with more free time, which means more time to watch basketball. There has been nothing better than watching the 2011 Playoffs. There have been a lot of close games that come down to the final seconds, and many clutch performances. In fact, so many, that I have decided to form a roster of the players I would most want to have on my team in clutch situations.

PG- Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

Derrick Rose, who is about to be awarded the NBA’s most valuable player, is a pure animal. He has a hunger for getting to the rim, and quite frankly can do that whenever he wants. His multiple 30+ point games against the Pacers in the first round of the series is just a glimpse of how dangerous he really is. He is freakishly athletic and a serious threat at the end of games.

SG- Ray Allen (Boston Celtics)

35 years of age, and the NBA’s best shooter. Along with this he has established himself as one of the most clutch playoff performers in the history of the game, along side Michael Jordan and Robert Horry (to name a few). If you ever watch the Celtics you can see him constantly flying off screens and cashing in three after three. Just remember Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals where he torched the Lakers. He is the deadliest assassin in the NBA. Oh and by the way, he is the all-time leading three point shooter in the history of basketball.

SF- Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

The Durantula is the most efficient and prolific scorere in the NBA, especially in the clutch. Yeah that’s right…move over Kobe. He is leading all scorers in the playoffs with over 32 and has been as clutch as Jordan in his prime. Just look at Game 5 of the first round vs. the Nuggets. He is shooting nearly 70% from three, while shooting A LOT. His versatility is almost unrealistic. He can kill opponents in any way. Shooting off screens, pulling up, in-the-face jumpers, driving and finishing. Kevin Durant’s range: in the gym.

PF- Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)

Dirk is just Dirk. If you know basketball, you know what I’m saying. He is a 7-foot forward, with an extremely high release, who can shoot as good, if not better than some of the best guards in the league. In the last five minutes of Dallas’ close games this playoffs, he shoots almost 70% from the field. Impressive? Yes. Shooting 100% from three, and the free-throw line, in the last five minutes of games, more impressive? Yes. He is comparable to Ray Allen, but has the superstar role, so he has the ball in his hands at all times.

C – Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)

If I could build a franchise from scratch starting with any big man in the league, it would be Kevin Garnett. His intensity and passion for the game is unrivaled. He is a defensive nightmare, and refuses to lose in the playoffs. He may not average 30 points per game or 15 rebounds per game, but he is one of the best big men and playoff performers we will see.

Coach- Doc Rivers (Boston Celtics)

One of the best in the game, simply knows how to win games, and win with any combination of players of all caliber. His ideals of teamwork, selflessness, and togetherness (ubuntu) have been one of the keys reasons for the Celtics’ success.

Just off the bench:

Kobe Byrant (Los Angeles Lakers), Brandon Roy (Portland Trailblazers), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)

2011 NCAA Tourney: Southeast Region Breakdown

ddobbs5 — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:39:27 +0000

This is the second hardest region to pick, with a lot of good teams here. I don’t know how Florida lucked out with a 2 seed, I think its way too high for them. I see one of two things happening: Jimmer Fredette goes off for 30-40 points every game and carries BYU to the Elite 8 and possibly Final 4 (BYU will go as far as he takes them), or a team will upset BYU in the early rounds, ending Fredettes historical season and career. I see Pitt as the team to take BYU down in the Elite 8. Do not sleep on Wisconsin or St. Johns, two very dangerous teams.

Best Team: Pittsburgh or BYU

Who Will Win: Pittsburgh

Player(s) to Look Out For: Jimmer Fredette (BYU), Ashton Gibbs (Pitt)

Matchup(s) to Look Out For: St. Johns vs. BYU (3rd Round), Pittsburgh vs. Wisconsin (Sweet 16), Pittsburgh vs. BYU (Elite 8 )

Possible Upset(s): Wofford over BYU (2nd Round), Utah St. over Kansas St. (2nd Round)

2011 NCAA Tourney: Southwest Region Breakdown

ddobbs5 — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:25:24 +0000

Everyone most likely will have Kansas or Notre Dame out of this region, which is why I’m going out on a limb and picking Purdue. There is no doubt in my mind Kansas could very well win it all. However, with a few big upsets things could look bright for Purdue even without 6th man Kelsey Barlow. Notre Dame is just as good as any other 2 seed, but can lose to anyone. May not happen but I predict Richmond to upset Vanderbilt, and then to move on to face Kansas, where they shock the world and win.

Best Team: Kansas

Who Will Win: Purdue

Player(s) to Look Out For: Morris brothers (Kansas), Justin Harper (Richmond), Ben Hansbrough (Notre Dame)

Matchup(s) to Look Out For: Notre Dame vs. Purdue (Sweet 16), Richmond vs. Louisville (3rd Round)

Possible Upset(s): Richmond over Vanderbilt (2nd Round), Richmond over Kansas (Sweet 16)

2011 NCAA Tourney: West Region Breakdown

ddobbs5 — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:08:16 +0000

This was one of the toughest regions to pick. But after I sorted everything out, I came to the conclusion that I am not having Duke going to the Final 4. Big surprise. This is the best region in the entire bracket, and I believe either of the top four seeds (Duke, San Diego State, UConn, Texas) have a shot at making it to the Final 4. I have Texas and San Diego State in the Regional Finals with Texas advancing to the Final 4. They are a tough Big 12 team who has what it takes, just as much as any other team in the region. Also, with their first two rounds in Arizona, San Diego State shouldn’t have a problem advancing to Regionals in Anaheim. Their home court advantage will give them a win over Connecticut and a chance at a Final 4 birth.

Best Team: Duke

Who Will Win: Texas

Player(s) to Look Out For: Nolan Smith (Duke), Jordan Hamilton (Texas), Kemba Walker (UConn), Kawhi Leonard (San Diego State)

Matchup(s) to Look Out For: Duke vs. Texas (Sweet 16), UConn vs. San Diego State (Sweet 16)

Possible Upset(s): Texas over Duke (Sweet 16)

2011 NCAA Tourney: East Region Breakdown

ddobbs5 — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 13:51:41 +0000

Cutting it as close to the deadline as possible, I’ll be breaking down each region of the 2011 NCAA Tournament, starting with the East region. There shouldn’t be any real surprises in this region, but then again Northern Iowa did shock the world with their upset of Kansas last year. I see the Ohio State Buckeyes storming through this region without a problem, and punching their ticket to Houston for the Final 4. Their run won’t stop there as they will play for the National Championship on April 4th, and win. Their biggest threat will be Syracuse.

Best Team: Ohio State

Who Will Win: Ohio State

Player(s) to Look Out For: Jarred Sullinger (Ohio State), Tu Holloway (Xavier), Kendal Marshall (North Carolina)

Matchup(s) to Look Out For: Syracuse vs. Xavier (3rd Round), Syracuse vs. North Carolina (Sweet 16)

Possible Upset(s): Princeton over Kentucky (1st Round), Washington over North Carolina (3rd Round)

Q&A with UMass Freshman Walk-On Jordan Couture

ddobbs5 — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:38:02 +0000

What you wanted to be when you grew up?

6'2'' Freshman guard from West Springfield, Massachusetts

I had high hopes to make it to the NBA.

Favorite NBA player?

Ray Allen. Purest jump shot in the game.

Which NBA player does your game most resemble?

I’m not sure my game really brings to mind anyone in particular. I’d like to mold my game into the J.J. Redick type.

Where did you get offers from during high school?

Hartwick, Springfield College, STCC, Alfred, Eastern Nazarene, WNEC, Elms.

First school that drew interest in you?

Hartwick.

Why did you choose to play here over other possible schools?

I knew playing division 1 was something I couldn’t pass up.

Did you ever imagine yourself playing D1 College basketball?

When I was younger, of course, it is every basketball player’s dream to play at the highest level possible. As I became older, however, I realized it may not be attainable and just hoped for the best. The opportunity I’ve been given is once in a lifetime.

How is the adjustment going from HS ball to this?

The division one level is lightyears away from high school ball. It has been difficult adjusting to the sheer speed of the game. One thing many people take for granted is it certainly is a thinking man’s game. It has taken awhile to adjust, but things are picking up.

Favorite thing about playing basketball?

Stepping on the court, putting all stressors and problems to the side, and enjoying the game for all that it is.

Best part about being on the team?

The high level of competition day in and day out.

Toughest part of being on the team?

Adapting to a lesser role.

Favorite pair of basketball shoes?

Jordan XIII.

Favorite sport other than basketball?

Football.

Favorite movie?

He Got Game.

Favorite vacation spot?

Aruba.

One thing not people may know about you?

I played some center in high school.

One thing you’d like to accomplish as a player or team before graduating?

Make it to the NCAA tourney.

Prediction on NBA MVP and Champions?

MVP:Derek Rose Champions: Boston Celtics.

2011 Mid-Season Awards

ddobbs5 — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:22:14 +0000

Although the All-Star break is a couple weeks away, the half way point of the season has officially come and gone. With that being said, here are my predictions for the NBA hardware if the season were to end today.

MVP: Amare Stoudemire (New York Knicks)

Why: Stoudemire has soared to new heights in New York and is fitting in perfectly. He is second in the NBA in scoring with 26 point per game, and is leading the Knicks towards a 50+ win season, which has not been accomplished since the 1996-1997 season. He also leads the defensive charge with 2.5 blocks per game. However, Stoudemire does need to be thankful that Russell Westbrook is along side Kevin Durant in OKC, otherwise the award would go to the invaluable Kevin Durant

Other Leading Candidates: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder), Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), LeBron James (Miami Heat)

Coach of the Year: Greg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)

Why: The Spurs have a league best record of 35-6. Yeah because they have Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, right? Well when one of the best forwards of all-time is averaging over 4 points below is career-low, things could be different. However, Coach Popovich has lead them to 35 wins at the halfway point, which has only been accomplished 7 times since 1976. He also has 5 players averaging over 10 points per game. They are on pace to go 70-12.

Other Leading Candidates: Mike D’Antoni (New York Knicks), Tom Thibideau (Chicago Bulls), Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz)

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)

Why: Ladies and gentlemen, the Blake Griffin Show…..enough said. Not to mention his 27 (and still going) consecutive double-double game streak. He hasn’t gotten less than 10 rebounds since November 18th, 2010. He’s averaging 22 points and 13 rebounds. He dunks harder than anyone I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s only 21. Ridiculous, just ridiculous. Arguably one of the most exciting players now in the NBA for years to come. If you missed the first viewing of the Blake Griffin show, here it is again.

Other Leading Candidates: Landry Fields (New York Knicks), John Wall (Washington Wizards)

Most Improved Player: Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Why: One of my upcoming favorite players, Love is averaging 21 points per game and 16 rebounds per game. Yes, 16 rebounds per game. Obviously a league best. This is an improvement of 7 points and nearly 5 rebounds from last year. Not to mention his 31 point, 31 rebound game earlier this year. Love grabs 20+ boards almost every other game. Gotta love him for his toughness and tenacity.

Other Leading Candidates: Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Clippers), Dorrell Wright (Golden State Warriors), Raymond Felton (New York Knicks)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)

Why: The sky is blue, grass is green, Dwight Howard wins Defensive Player of the Year awards. That’s life.

Other Leading Candidates: Amare Stoudemire (New York Knicks), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

6^th Man of the Year: Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks)

Why: Terry is averaging 15 points per game off the bench. He plays 32 minutes a game, and is arguably one of the best 4^th quarter performers in the NBA. It’ll be a close race between him and Crawford of the Hawks, but Terry’s sharp shooting and clutch performances will earn him the award.

Other Leading Candidates: Jamal Crawford (Atlanta Hawks), JR Smith (Denver Nuggets)