Dominique Jones was a versatile player for South Florida, averaging 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists a game last season. He carried the Bulls to a NIT berth after Augustus Gilchrist went down for the majority of the season with an ankle injury.
Jones has been criticized as being an undersized combo guard with no real position in the NBA. His ball handling and athleticism has also come into question during scouts’ observations. Even with all the negatives, Jones's positives and potential continue to outweigh them.
At 6’4’’ and 216 pounds Jones already has an NBA ready body. He’s taken the abuse of the Big East for several seasons and excelled. His 8’5’’ in reach make him an excellent pickpocket for steals and rebounder.
Jones was expected to carry USF last season, and because of this had the ball in his hands and extraordinary amount of time. This led to a higher number of turnovers, something Jones needs to work on at the next level.
Jones's jump shot has continued to come around, but it’s his slashing ability that makes him so dangerous on offense. His mid-range jumper has become potent and he’s improved his perimeter game. He shot 31.1 percent from beyond the arc last season for the Bulls.
Jones has a great first step and tremendous speed driving to the hole. He is a natural scorer and is very coachable, picking up new offensive schemes quickly. This ability to pick up new offenses gives him the ability to play the point as well.
Jones will do well going to a team with an already established post presence and point guard combo. Being a scoring guard is where he’ll be the most comfortable and teams will be able to utilize his strengths the most.
Current projections see Jones as a late first-round or early second-round. He has gone to workouts with over twenty teams so far, proving he’s got more than a few eyes on him. Memphis sees him as a potential point guard while Boston sees him as a Eddie House/Nate Robinson type of player.
Wherever Jones ends up he’ll be ready to contribute starting day one, something many of the players in the late first round may not be able to say. Several scouts see Jones as the possible “Biggest Steal” in this year’s draft, something I’m sure every Bulls fan would be happy to see.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Ohio State Offseason: Mark Titus Finally Gets Drafted
Mark “The Shark” Titus was finally drafted one year after declaring for the NBA Draft. It was not the NBA that came calling however. The infamous Harlem Globetrotters that selected Titus in their annual player draft today in New York.
Titus is the famous owner of the blog Club Trillion, where he described his adventures as an Ohio State bench warmer. At 6’4’’ the guard was also labeled by head coach Thad Matta as the best pure shooter the team had.
Last year Titus entered his name into the NBA Draft and was told to remove it and that he was making a mockery of the draft process. This continued to fuel his creativity and his blog hits.
Titus will be joined by Montana’s Anthony Johnson in the Globetrotter’s selections this year. Johnson, who was the hero in the Big Sky’s conference tournament this season, also got a surprise when his wife was selected by the Globetrotters as well.
Titus’s twitter account revealed that he was once again being his creative self. “I guess dreams do come true,” Titus quoted. He started his career as a manager for the Buckeyes and worked his way to being a varsity athlete. It’s been a long and interesting journey for Titus.
He also has a book deal in the works called “Don’t Put Me In Coach” that he hoped to publish in the upcoming year. His time spent in New York could make selling that book a little easier.
Mark Titus will be missed next season at Ohio State. He has been one of the most popular players to come through the university and many Buckeye fans will follow his success. The Globetrotters regularly make a stop in Ohio during their tours. I suspect there will be a few Club Trillion t-shirts in the crowd cheering on their favorite player.
Titus is the famous owner of the blog Club Trillion, where he described his adventures as an Ohio State bench warmer. At 6’4’’ the guard was also labeled by head coach Thad Matta as the best pure shooter the team had.
Last year Titus entered his name into the NBA Draft and was told to remove it and that he was making a mockery of the draft process. This continued to fuel his creativity and his blog hits.
Titus will be joined by Montana’s Anthony Johnson in the Globetrotter’s selections this year. Johnson, who was the hero in the Big Sky’s conference tournament this season, also got a surprise when his wife was selected by the Globetrotters as well.
Titus’s twitter account revealed that he was once again being his creative self. “I guess dreams do come true,” Titus quoted. He started his career as a manager for the Buckeyes and worked his way to being a varsity athlete. It’s been a long and interesting journey for Titus.
He also has a book deal in the works called “Don’t Put Me In Coach” that he hoped to publish in the upcoming year. His time spent in New York could make selling that book a little easier.
Mark Titus will be missed next season at Ohio State. He has been one of the most popular players to come through the university and many Buckeye fans will follow his success. The Globetrotters regularly make a stop in Ohio during their tours. I suspect there will be a few Club Trillion t-shirts in the crowd cheering on their favorite player.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
2010 NBA Draft: Is Evan Turner's Draft Stock Slipping?
Evan Turner’s draft stock appears to be slipping in light of the recent developments in Philadelphia. The 76er’s appear to be more impressed with Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins, and will probably select one of the big men in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Many of the experts feel Favors will be the second pick in the draft behind John Wall. If this scenario plays out that means Turner will slide to New Jersey at three. The Nets are also in the market for a big man, but with several free agents available, most notably Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire, Turner will be a steal here.
Turner has the ability to play the one, two or three in the NBA, giving any team some options when they draft him. He averaged 20.1 points 9.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest last season with Ohio State. His 6’7’’ 214 pound frame would make an ideal guard, but he needs to bulk up some for the small forward.
Wesley Johnson is another player that may leap frog turner if the Nets decide to pass on
Turner. Even if this happens I just do not see Turner falling out of the top 5 in the draft this year. He is too versatile a player on both ends of the court to slide very far.
Turner still has time to impress teams during these pre-draft workouts. His long range jump shot and ball handling have been brought into question these past few months. These workouts are the ideal situations to show NBA scouts there have little to worry about.
Regardless of when he gets drafted Turner needs to continue building strength and improve his shooting, not just on the perimeter but inside the arc as well. He has been compared to a Brandon Roy type of player, and that is something he definitely has the talent to become.
When asked how he saw Turner in the NBA, Ohio State Head Coach Thad Matta replied, “Evan doesn’t want to just play in the NBA, he wants to be a great player and have a great career.” Turner has shown his desire be on the court, both by changing positions going into his junior year and quickly recovering from his back injury earlier in the year.
Turner’s draft stock may be slipping, but that could end up being a regretful situation for the teams that chose to pass over him. He has shown he has the leadership skills, the desire to learn and get better, and the heart of a competitor. When a team draft’s Turner they are getting a starter probably at day one. He is not a project at any level and with the amount of money involved in the decision that is something teams should not skip over.
Many of the experts feel Favors will be the second pick in the draft behind John Wall. If this scenario plays out that means Turner will slide to New Jersey at three. The Nets are also in the market for a big man, but with several free agents available, most notably Carlos Boozer and Amare Stoudemire, Turner will be a steal here.
Turner has the ability to play the one, two or three in the NBA, giving any team some options when they draft him. He averaged 20.1 points 9.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest last season with Ohio State. His 6’7’’ 214 pound frame would make an ideal guard, but he needs to bulk up some for the small forward.
Wesley Johnson is another player that may leap frog turner if the Nets decide to pass on
Turner. Even if this happens I just do not see Turner falling out of the top 5 in the draft this year. He is too versatile a player on both ends of the court to slide very far.
Turner still has time to impress teams during these pre-draft workouts. His long range jump shot and ball handling have been brought into question these past few months. These workouts are the ideal situations to show NBA scouts there have little to worry about.
Regardless of when he gets drafted Turner needs to continue building strength and improve his shooting, not just on the perimeter but inside the arc as well. He has been compared to a Brandon Roy type of player, and that is something he definitely has the talent to become.
When asked how he saw Turner in the NBA, Ohio State Head Coach Thad Matta replied, “Evan doesn’t want to just play in the NBA, he wants to be a great player and have a great career.” Turner has shown his desire be on the court, both by changing positions going into his junior year and quickly recovering from his back injury earlier in the year.
Turner’s draft stock may be slipping, but that could end up being a regretful situation for the teams that chose to pass over him. He has shown he has the leadership skills, the desire to learn and get better, and the heart of a competitor. When a team draft’s Turner they are getting a starter probably at day one. He is not a project at any level and with the amount of money involved in the decision that is something teams should not skip over.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
2010 NBA Draft: Dominique Jones Excels at Milwaukee Pre-Draft Camp
Dominique Jones said goodbye to Tampa on his was to Milwaukee for pre-draft workouts with the Bucks. He was one of six members invited to the Bucks scouting camp. Milwaukee’s scouting director Billy McKinney was on hand to give his impressions of the South Florida star.
“He’s very strong and a good defender. We’ve watched him for a while and he’s a real playmaker. He gets to the basket and I think that’s his strong suit right now, but he shot very well too,” McKinney said.
Jones was just as positive about his workout and seemed extremely positive about his performance during the Milwaukee camp. “I felt it went good. I like the environment and the facilities. I’d love to play for Coach Skiles,” Jones added.
He knows going into the draft these camps can drastically boost his draft grade and help solidify him as a first round pick. Right now he is seen as a late first early second round pick. Jones knows improvement now will benefit him later this month.
“ People think I can’t shoot and go under screens, but I knocked down a couple of jumpers and showed I’m able to play a combo role,” Jones stated. “ I can play either the one or the two if needed,” he added.
Most people are not aware of the traveling that goes on for these players before the draft. Many players are invited to multiple camps and mini-combines by interested NBA team. Jones is no exception and will travel to at least 18 different sites before the draft.
“I wish the draft was tonight because it’s just traveling, traveling, traveling,” he groaned. “The fun part is getting on the court, everything else is OK, but being on the court is what I do best,” he added.
It will be a transition from college play, but do not expect this former Bull to struggle into his new role. He’s exceeded expectations while at USF and I would not expect anything less in the NBA.
“He’s very strong and a good defender. We’ve watched him for a while and he’s a real playmaker. He gets to the basket and I think that’s his strong suit right now, but he shot very well too,” McKinney said.
Jones was just as positive about his workout and seemed extremely positive about his performance during the Milwaukee camp. “I felt it went good. I like the environment and the facilities. I’d love to play for Coach Skiles,” Jones added.
He knows going into the draft these camps can drastically boost his draft grade and help solidify him as a first round pick. Right now he is seen as a late first early second round pick. Jones knows improvement now will benefit him later this month.
“ People think I can’t shoot and go under screens, but I knocked down a couple of jumpers and showed I’m able to play a combo role,” Jones stated. “ I can play either the one or the two if needed,” he added.
Most people are not aware of the traveling that goes on for these players before the draft. Many players are invited to multiple camps and mini-combines by interested NBA team. Jones is no exception and will travel to at least 18 different sites before the draft.
“I wish the draft was tonight because it’s just traveling, traveling, traveling,” he groaned. “The fun part is getting on the court, everything else is OK, but being on the court is what I do best,” he added.
It will be a transition from college play, but do not expect this former Bull to struggle into his new role. He’s exceeded expectations while at USF and I would not expect anything less in the NBA.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Ohio State Offseason 2010: A Look at Buckeye Sharpshooter Jon Diebler
Jon Diebler entered his college career with big expectations. He dominated the high school game, and broke LeBron James Ohio High School scoring records. Those lofty expectations proved to be a little too much to handle in Diebler’s freshman year.
His sophomore year was a different story. He battled through transfer rumors during the summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons. That adversity made him a stronger player for the Buckeyes that upcoming fall.
He averaged 36 minutes a game and 11.2 points per contest that season. He became a valuable part of Ohio State’s transition game as a deadly sharpshooter. Diebler made 96 threes that season and finished with a 42 percent mark from behind the arc.
As he became more comfortable with his role and a perimeter shooter, he became more productive for head coach Thad Matta. Diebler was the main scoring threat in high school, but once he got to Ohio State he became one of many.
Evan Turner drew the double teams, and Diebler drained the threes during last season. Now as a junior Diebler had his eyes set on the Ohio State record books. He broke Jamar Butler’s three point mark of 242 threes for a career, as he poured in 260 going into his senior season.
Diebler averaged 13 points per game last season and finished shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc. He finished the season with 42 steals, a career high, and 38 turnovers, a career low. His improvement over the past three seasons makes him that much more valuable to the Buckeyes in this upcoming season.
Diebler will extend his three-point career mark to an almost unreachable level this season. His accuracy on the perimeter makes other teams defenses shift, opening the paint for players like William Buford and David Lighty to created points off the dribble.
Diebler enters his final season as a Buckeye with mixed support for the Buckeye faithful. Many still feel he has not lived up to his high expectations. When it is said and done he will be the greatest Buckeye perimeter shooter in the history of the program. That is something even the most critical fans can respect and be proud of.
His sophomore year was a different story. He battled through transfer rumors during the summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons. That adversity made him a stronger player for the Buckeyes that upcoming fall.
He averaged 36 minutes a game and 11.2 points per contest that season. He became a valuable part of Ohio State’s transition game as a deadly sharpshooter. Diebler made 96 threes that season and finished with a 42 percent mark from behind the arc.
As he became more comfortable with his role and a perimeter shooter, he became more productive for head coach Thad Matta. Diebler was the main scoring threat in high school, but once he got to Ohio State he became one of many.
Evan Turner drew the double teams, and Diebler drained the threes during last season. Now as a junior Diebler had his eyes set on the Ohio State record books. He broke Jamar Butler’s three point mark of 242 threes for a career, as he poured in 260 going into his senior season.
Diebler averaged 13 points per game last season and finished shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc. He finished the season with 42 steals, a career high, and 38 turnovers, a career low. His improvement over the past three seasons makes him that much more valuable to the Buckeyes in this upcoming season.
Diebler will extend his three-point career mark to an almost unreachable level this season. His accuracy on the perimeter makes other teams defenses shift, opening the paint for players like William Buford and David Lighty to created points off the dribble.
Diebler enters his final season as a Buckeye with mixed support for the Buckeye faithful. Many still feel he has not lived up to his high expectations. When it is said and done he will be the greatest Buckeye perimeter shooter in the history of the program. That is something even the most critical fans can respect and be proud of.
USF Basketball: Augustus Gilchrist Healthy and Ready To Take on the Big East
Augustus Gilchrist had a trying season last year. He missed 15 games with an ankle injury in the middle of the season and never got back into the groove when he returned to action.
Gilchrist dominated the court during the first seven games of the season. He averaged 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds, both put him in the top 10 nationally. He was a great compliment to Dominique Jones, and even shadowed the Bulls guard at times.
Dominique Jones went on to win the Big East scoring title, but it was Gilchrist who carried the team up to his injury. Gilchrist would have been the odds on favorite for the scoring title had his fate been different.
The ankle injury took its toll on Augustus, his lack of conditioning during his time off was very apparent on his return. He struggled getting back into the fast-paced Big East play, and his production suffered. He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, stats he was not very proud of.
The torch has been pasted from Dominique Jones to Gilchrist. Jones declared for the NBA draft and now “Big Gus” is looked at as the team’s leader. This is a responsibility he is more than ready for. The 6’10’’ forward makes his presence known on both sides of the court, and when needed in the locker room.
Gilchrist is an extremely dynamic player for USF. He has an expansive offensive arsenal that includes both a mid-range jump shot and a knack for knocking it down behind the arc. He finished the season shooting 49 percent from beyond the arc.
His offense is not the only thing teams need to be aware of, however, as Gilchrist is a monster on the boards and is a very capable shot blocker. He should easily average a double-double next season and should be a candidate for Big East Player of the Year next season.
The Bulls will need the very best from their star forward as they transition out of the Dominique Jones era. The influx of youth at the guard position will be something the Bulls struggle with early on this season. Augustus Gilchrist has the ability on both sides of the court to ease those growing pains for USF.
Gilchrist dominated the court during the first seven games of the season. He averaged 20.1 points and 8.4 rebounds, both put him in the top 10 nationally. He was a great compliment to Dominique Jones, and even shadowed the Bulls guard at times.
Dominique Jones went on to win the Big East scoring title, but it was Gilchrist who carried the team up to his injury. Gilchrist would have been the odds on favorite for the scoring title had his fate been different.
The ankle injury took its toll on Augustus, his lack of conditioning during his time off was very apparent on his return. He struggled getting back into the fast-paced Big East play, and his production suffered. He finished the season averaging 13.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, stats he was not very proud of.
The torch has been pasted from Dominique Jones to Gilchrist. Jones declared for the NBA draft and now “Big Gus” is looked at as the team’s leader. This is a responsibility he is more than ready for. The 6’10’’ forward makes his presence known on both sides of the court, and when needed in the locker room.
Gilchrist is an extremely dynamic player for USF. He has an expansive offensive arsenal that includes both a mid-range jump shot and a knack for knocking it down behind the arc. He finished the season shooting 49 percent from beyond the arc.
His offense is not the only thing teams need to be aware of, however, as Gilchrist is a monster on the boards and is a very capable shot blocker. He should easily average a double-double next season and should be a candidate for Big East Player of the Year next season.
The Bulls will need the very best from their star forward as they transition out of the Dominique Jones era. The influx of youth at the guard position will be something the Bulls struggle with early on this season. Augustus Gilchrist has the ability on both sides of the court to ease those growing pains for USF.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Michigan Self Imposes NCAA Sanctions: What This Means for Rich Rodriguez
Michigan’s Head Coach, Rich Rodriguez, is beginning to feel some serious heat under his seat in Ann Arbor. The University of Michigan announced self-imposed sanctions today after coming forth with the initial findings back in late February.
Allegations of improper practice times, along with some quality control issues, arose, leading to an NCAA probe into the football program. “We take full responsibility for knowing and following NCAA rules,” President Mary Sue Coleman quoted during a press conference.
“We have made some mistakes as a program and we know that,” Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon said. He went on to say that Michigan is on the right track and is striding to make amends for any wrong doings it has had in the past.
Michigan found itself guilty of having too many coaches, and has reduced its quality control staff to adhere to NCAA guidelines. Michigan was also found guilty of practice and training times violations as well. The countable athletically related activities, or CARA, was in excess of 65 hours in 2008 and 2009. The reduction places the Michigan on a 2:1 ratio of practices to training times until 2012.
Rodriguez admitted that his staff made mistakes monitoring the allowable time, but the NCAA has implied that he encouraged this disobedience in his program. Michigan has disputed this with the NCAA, and showed its evidence to the contrary in a letter it submitted back to the investigation committee.
Michigan ’s football program has been less than mediocre since Rodriguez’s arrival. He has failed to lead Michigan to a winning season or a bowl appearance during his tenure in Ann Arbor. These sanctions fueled the fire of the boosters' campaign to remove the coach and take the football program in another direction.
Even with a successful season, which for Michigan would mean making a bowl game this year, Rodriguez may not be safe. The Michigan program is a proud one, and does not take to sanctions lightly. They have already had run-ins with the NCAA in the past, most recently with the basketball program in 2003.
Rich Rodriguez will once again navigate the Big Ten season attempting to get to that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility. It may take that and a bowl win to keep his job, something that, up to this point, has been much easier said than done.
Allegations of improper practice times, along with some quality control issues, arose, leading to an NCAA probe into the football program. “We take full responsibility for knowing and following NCAA rules,” President Mary Sue Coleman quoted during a press conference.
“We have made some mistakes as a program and we know that,” Michigan Athletic Director David Brandon said. He went on to say that Michigan is on the right track and is striding to make amends for any wrong doings it has had in the past.
Michigan found itself guilty of having too many coaches, and has reduced its quality control staff to adhere to NCAA guidelines. Michigan was also found guilty of practice and training times violations as well. The countable athletically related activities, or CARA, was in excess of 65 hours in 2008 and 2009. The reduction places the Michigan on a 2:1 ratio of practices to training times until 2012.
Rodriguez admitted that his staff made mistakes monitoring the allowable time, but the NCAA has implied that he encouraged this disobedience in his program. Michigan has disputed this with the NCAA, and showed its evidence to the contrary in a letter it submitted back to the investigation committee.
Michigan ’s football program has been less than mediocre since Rodriguez’s arrival. He has failed to lead Michigan to a winning season or a bowl appearance during his tenure in Ann Arbor. These sanctions fueled the fire of the boosters' campaign to remove the coach and take the football program in another direction.
Even with a successful season, which for Michigan would mean making a bowl game this year, Rodriguez may not be safe. The Michigan program is a proud one, and does not take to sanctions lightly. They have already had run-ins with the NCAA in the past, most recently with the basketball program in 2003.
Rich Rodriguez will once again navigate the Big Ten season attempting to get to that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility. It may take that and a bowl win to keep his job, something that, up to this point, has been much easier said than done.
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