Latest Gear Live Videos
NBA Draft Preview: Top Five Shooting Guards
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, NBA,
These guys are all about scoring. Hit the triple, slash to the basket, finish on the break… put the ball in the hoop. Here are the top five shooting guard prospects in this year’s draft.
1. Brandon Roy, University of Washington, 6’5”, 195 lbs.
Roy is probably the most polished and most ready to play on the NBA level. And I’ll admit, I’m really high on this guy and he’s the player I’ll be following most from this draft. Roy plays both ends of the floor very well and is a straight up smooth player. He has a high basketball IQ and could be a Shawn Marion type from the 2-guard. Okay, maybe that’s puttting a lot of expectations on him, but Roy does everything well. Roy has had knee problems in the past and that can be a concern, but look at his production in college. Also, he pulled a Dwyane Wade (when Wade was with Marquette) this past season by putting Washington on his shoulders and carrying them deep into the NCAA tournament. The intangibles are just as impressive as his physical abilty.
2. Randy Foye, Villanova University, 6’3”, 205 lbs.
Foye is a smooth slasher that can get to the hoop and finish, even if he gets fouled. He’s as stubborn as that other Philly guard, Allen Iverson, when it comes to driving the ball into the lane. But, he isn’t all about penetration as he can drain the jumper, but he is more a scorer than shooter. His skill set dictates that Foye is a two-guard, naturally, he’s a bit short for the position. He will need to improve his playmaking ability if he needs to play the point on the NBA level.
3. Ronnie Brewer, University of Arkansas, 6.7”, 228 lbs.
Brewer can score and create shots for others almost equally. He slashes to the basket with aplomb and can even drop it off when the defense collapses on him. Defensively, he can lockdown any offensive player thanks to his quickness and wingspan. At Arkansas, Brewer has a career 2.4 steals per game average. The problem with his game is that he has an uglier shot than Shawn Marion. He’ll need to work on the release on his shot in order to be able to score the way he did in college.
4. Maurice Ager, Michigan State University, 6’5”, 202 lbs.
Ager’s athletic ability helps his transition game, which is one of his strengths. Another aspect that is strong in Ager’s game is his ability to hit from beyond the arc. Ager doesn’t score much off the dribble and will need to work on that to be a better player at the next level. He has very good physicallity to succeed as a defender, but needs to be a little more intense.
5. Quincy Douby, Rutgers University, 6’3”, 175 lbs.
Douby can score to a high degree both from attacking the hoop and shooting from the outside, which makes him a difficult defensive assignment. Douby is very quick, but thin. He’ll need to add muscle mass in order to continue to slash to the hoop. Douby is a scorer and can sometimes get that tunnel vision where he isn’t looking for his teammates because he’s so focused on scoring.
Others to consider:
J.J. Reddick, Duke University; Shannon Brown, Michigan State University; Guillermo Diaz, University of Miami; Allan Ray, Villanova University; Rudy Fernandez, Spain
Advertisement
NBA Draft Preview: Top Five Point Guards
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NBA,
These are your floor generals, the extension of the coach on the floor, and the player where it all usually begins. The primary role of a point guard is to set the offense up, whether it’s a half-court set or handling the ball on the fast break and finding the open man. Here’s a look at the top five point guard prospects in this year’s draft.
1. Marcus Williams, University of Connecticut, 6’2”, 200 lbs.
Williams comes from great programs, both in high school (Oak Hill Academy) and college (UConn). He has very good court vision able to find the open man, prototype physicality, and is able to stay cool in tight situations. He has excellent ball-handling skills and being a lefty brings a different dimension to the court. Unfortunately there are some off-the-court issues with Williams and his defense isn’t the greatest.
2. Sergio Rodriguez, Spain, 6’3”, 170 lbs.
Rodriguez is only 19-years-old, a dynamo with the ball who is able to find teammates to finish and get to the hoop. Unfortunately, with that youth, Rodriguez can get too caught up in trying to look flashy, he causes turnovers. He hasn’t shown the ability to play well on defense and can be burned from the perimeter or off the dribble. However, he has a huge upside and because of his age, will probably be one of the point guards taken first within the position.
3. Rajon Rondo, University of Kentucky, 6’1”, 171 lbs.
Unlike the aforementioned players, Rondo can play defense. Not only that, the boy can rebound as well (6.1), actually leading Kentucky in that category last season… as a point guard! He has great physical skills, able to sky, great lateral quickness, and a long wingspan. Rondo’s drawbacks are that he’s thin and doesn’t quite have great perimeter shooting skills. For example a 57.7 career FT% is not a good thing.
4. Jordan Farmar, UCLA, 6’2”, 170 lbs.
Farmar is a great playmaker, heady, and makes his teammates better. He sounds like another Cali point guard that has since become one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA - Jason Kidd. I’m not saying Farmar is the next Kidd, but he does have those intangibles. Farmar can score and pass with the best of them, but has only average athleticism and needs to create space, or have it created for him by a screen, to be effective.
5. Kyle Lowry, Villanova University, 6’0”, 185 lbs.
Lowry is a tough player on both ends of the court - attacking the basket and playing defense up in his man’s face. Of the two, Lowry’s defense is his better quality. He doesn’t have a polished offensive game and his perimeter shooting is questionable. Also, Lowry is shorter than the ideal point guard height.
Others to consider:
Dee Brown, University of Illinois; Mardy Collins, Temple University; Jose Juan Barea, Northeastern University; Darius Washington, Jr., University of Memphis; Gerry McNamara, Syracuse University
Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.28.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, Injuries, MLB,
Interleague games being played in National League ballparks:
Chicago White Sox @ Pittsburgh Pirates
F. García (9-4, 4.66) vs. P. Maholm (2-6, 4.90)
Freddy Garcia looks to stay perfect against the N.L. this season, having already won three games, giving up four runs in 24.0 innings of work. In his last outing, he won a pitching duel with young pitching prospect, St. Louis Cardinals Anthony Reyes. Garcia gets to match up against another prospect in Paul Maholm. Thanks to a robust White Sox offense, Garcia should win this matchup as well.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays @ Florida Marlins
C. Fossum (2-3, 5.25) vs. S. Olsen (6-3, 4.60)
The Battle for Florida state continues as the D-Rays, representing the geriatric part of the state, face the Marlins, representing the beautiful people part of the F-L-A. Both teams are basically out of the race for their respective divisions, but both are so loaded with young talent, if management plays it right, that could all change in the coming seasons. In the meantime, enjoy the killer Casey Fossum/Scott Olsen pitching contest.
Kansas City Royals @ Cincinnati Reds
S. Elarton (3-8, 4.87) vs. A. Harang (8-5, 3.59)
The Reds are hanging with the N.L. Central leading St. Louis Cardinals, only 1.5 games back. Unfortuantely, it hasn’t been because the Reds have played particularly well, as they’re 4-6 in their last 10 games; it’s because the Cardinals have tanked in their last ten, going 2-8. With an injury to Mark Mulder, the Reds can make a move. In the forefront of that moment should be Aaron Harang who continues to build on last season’s breakout performance. In essence, the Royals are just plain bad. However, in Great American Ballpark, the offense can really boost up their offensive production. Then again, so can the Reds.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: National League 6.28.06
Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.28.06
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB, Rumors,
Interleague games going down on American League soil:
Houston Astros @ Detroit Tigers
A. Pettitte (6-8, 5.75) vs. J. Verlander (9-4, 3.39)
The Tigers beat just keeps on pumping out wins, going 9-1 in the last 10 and basically eating N.L. teams alive. Rookie pitcher, Justin Verlander, looks to get his tenth victory, which would be impressive at this juncture of the season. Andy Pettitte hopes to right his ship, especially with his old buddy, and I mean old, Roger Clemens back in the Astros fold. He looked horrible his first start since the Rocket’s return, but it was against the White Sox. That’s that other team chasing the Tigers for the best record in baseball.
Atlanta Braves @ New York Yankees
J. Smoltz (4-5, 3.89) vs. C. Wang (8-3, 4.14)
Could John Smoltz’s start in Yankee Stadium this afternoon be a prelude of things to come? There are rumors that the Yankees are interested in the 39 year old righty. The Braves have looked bad this season and a trade could very well happen, especially since Smoltz has stated he would go in a trade if it would improve the Braves. How’s that loyalty?
Los Angeles Dodgers @ Minnesota Twins
O. Pérez (4-2, 6.33) vs. J. Santana (8-4, 2.75)
Johan Santana is the truth. He goes for his third straight win, which would be against all N.L. opponents as well. Santana is unhittable in June with a .172 BAA and a very low 0.67 WHIP. And read these numbers for the month: In 36.0 innings pitched, Santana has struck out 35 batters and walked only two. That’s a 17.5 K/BB rate! Have pity on the Dodgers’ hitters now.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: American League 6.28.06
American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. Central
Posted by Tom Massimo Categories: Fantasy, MLB, News,
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
The White Sox play in National League stadiums for the balance of this week. Jim Thome should get a start in Pittsburgh and in Wrigley Field at first base. Don’t look for any more than that because Paul Konerko is the one who has to go to the bench.
Scott Podsednik owners may have to live with a batting average in the .250 to .260 area. His low contact rate of 82% is preventing him from fully taking advantage of his speed to beat out infield ground balls. Another problem is that when he hit .290 last year, his G/F ratio was a career high 2.08, this year it is 1.59, which is more in-line with his career marks.
Brian Anderson is back from his 5-game suspension and will continue to share time with Rob Mackowiak in centerfield.
Click to continue reading American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. Central
American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. East
Posted by Tom Massimo Categories: Fantasy, MLB, News,
NEW YORK YANKEES
Three of the older Yankee hitters, Jorge Posada, Jason Giambi and Bernie Williams are having productive seasons.
Posada turns 35 in August and is in his tenth season as a major league catcher. One would expect the wear and tear of playing such a demanding position to catch up with him, but he is hitting .294 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs. His power has declined since his prime days, but he is making up for it with an improved batting eye and a higher contact rate. Another reason that he is a good bet to keep it up is that his first and second half season splits in 2004 and 2005 did show any major differences.
Giambi is now 35 year old and has recovered nicely from the controversy of early last year to hit 20 home runs, with 56 RBIs so far this season. These numbers are not so far off from his big years from 1999 to 2003. The only real difference is that a lower contact rate has lowered his batting average from the .300’s to a still very acceptable .268. With all his other underlying skills still intact, look for his big year to continue.
Williams’, who turns 38 years old in September, mini-resurgence to a .290 batting average has been the product of an increased contact rate. The problem is that the combination of a decrease in power skills and batting eye means he is not hitting the ball that hard. Once some of those balls stop finding holes, his batting average should decline.
Click to continue reading American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. East
Wow! The World Cup is really heating up, and we can thank ESPN 360 for the ability to watch football in the middle of the work day. Italy won today on a dramatic 95th minute penalty kick after playing down a man for entire second half. A gutsy performance by the Socceroos was negated by Francesco Totti’s game winner.
1st bracket
Germany vs. Sweden
Argentina vs. Mexico
2nd bracket
Italy vs. Australia
Switzerland vs. Ukraine
NOTE: Winner of the 1st bracket will play the winner of the 2nd bracket in the semi-finals.
3rd bracket
England vs. Ecuador
Portugal vs. Netherlands
4th bracket
Brazil vs. Ghana
Spain vs. France
NOTE: Winner of the 3rd bracket will play the winner of the 4th bracket in the semi-finals.
Getting bounced from the World Cup seems so final. When you loose, there is no “next year.” You are dun-ski. The only thing I can compare it to is loosing in the NCAA Tournament.
These two events are the most passion filled tournaments on the planet, and it’s too bad that most Americans will tune the World Cup out at this point. Players wear their hearts on their sleeves and their countries flags proudly on their chests. The World Cup is a special tournament where one goal or one missed call by a referee makes the difference in winning or losing it’s any teams match. Truly, “one game changes everything.” There are no seven game series to make sure the best team eventually wins more games than the inferior team. It’s about getting hot, and getting some breaks- just like the NCAA Tournament.
For Ghana, a country smaller than Oregon and a population of less that 25 million, to beat the United States is an unimaginable upset. I’m all about Cinderella’s - I was at Gonzaga for the initial Elite 8 run, afterall. For that reason, and for the fact at their entire country was watching the match today (and will be celebrating with pride for the next week), a part of me is happy that Ghana won today.
As they move on to the knock-out stages of the World Cup, I hope the clock never strikes midnight for this squad.
Dealing To The Dish: National League Weekend Edition 6.24-6.25
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Editorial, MLB,
The following games take place on National League territory. Saturday and Sunday’s probable starters are listed:
Oakland Athletics @ San Francisco Giants
SAT: D. Haren (6-6, 3.39) vs. J. Wright (5-7, 4.55)
SUN: E. Loaiza (2-4, 6.94) vs. M. Cain (6-5, 4.79)
Dan Haren is starting to come around. Look for an excellent second half from him. Matt Cain needs to do some work if he’s going to match the production with the hype. Remember, after Felix Hernandez’ debut last season, Cain was second in the hype game.
Texas Rangers @ Colorado Rockies
SAT: R. Tejeda (1-2, 7.71) vs. J. Fogg (4-5, 4.94)
SUN: V. Padilla (6-4, 4.78) vs. B. Kim (4-4, 4.84)
I told you last night’s game was going to be a slugfest. The Rangers beat the Rockies by the score of 8-6. Expect more of the same the rest of the series.
Los Angeles Angels @ Arizona Diamondbacks
SAT: B. Colón (0-3, 5.57) vs. C. Vargas (6-4, 5.02)
SUN: K. Escobar (5-8, 3.54) vs. M. Batista (6-5, 5.02)
The Angels throw out their ace, Bartolo Colon, but who knows how well he pitches anymore. On the other hand, I’m really liking Escobar’s stuff.
Click to continue reading Dealing To The Dish: National League Weekend Edition 6.24-6.25
Advertisement
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.