Unless you are a Davidson alum or live in Davidson County, North Carolina, you probably had no idea of who Stephen Curry was until Davidson played Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA tournament. In that first game, Mr. Curry put on quite a show, scoring 40 points, shooting 14 of 22. Flying underneath the radar earlier this year at Davidson, Stephen Curry averaged 25 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists as the Davidson Wildcats went 24-4, losing losing to Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, and Charlotte and going undefeated in the Southern Conference.
The Wildcats started their season by beating Emory University then faced a series of losses over a period of a few weeks to powerhouses Duke, North Carolina, UCLA, and Charlotte. After crossing that challenge, they won 24 straight games, due in large part to the man of the moment--Stephen Curry.
The short list of the things that I love about Stephen Curry:
1) He has the quickest release I have ever seen--it is literally so quick it is unblock-able;
2) He has a basketball IQ of 200+--he uses moves at the right time and knows what to do in an instant;
3) He is unselfish. He averages 3 assists and never takes a shot that isn’t called for;
4) He is CLUTCH. He made the big shot over Gonzaga;
5) He has one of the prettiest shots ever, shooting 44.8% from three-point land and 48% from the field.
Stephen Curry has had the one of the best tourneys in the history of the NCAA Tournament--40 against Gonzaga. 30 against Georgetown, 33 against Wisconsin. That is simply unbelievable. The only other select players to have three straight 30+ point tournament games are Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain! That is pretty good company if you ask me.
Stephen Curry plays the game with style, intelligence and determination. Some people compare Curry to Rip Hamilton, but he is more explosive and has a better shot in my opinion. Curry really is in a different world out on the basketball court. For example, he took on Wisconsin’s Michael Flowers (arguably the best defender in the NCAA) and just abused him. Curry did everything but insult Flowers’ mama.
There is one play that stood out to me in particular in the Wisconsin game: Stephen was on a fast break, got the ball at the three point line, stopped, gave a pump fake to the guy running towards him, sent the guy flying, then Curry set his feet waited a moment and sunk the three. I think Curry has raised the eyebrows of the people who decide the Player of The Year
This guy is unstoppable. I am going out on a limb based on this guy’s talent to predict that DAVIDSON WILL GO TO THE FINAL FOUR. It is remarkable that virtually nobody knew who this guy was until he put up 40 on Gonzaga. WHO KNEW?
--Sports Guru
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Small Surprise for NBA MVP?
Small Surprise for NBA MVP?
There are many candidates for Most Valuable Player (MVP) this year in the NBA. Right now Stephen A. Smith is saying Kobe Bryant and Bill Walton is saying Kevin Garnett for MVP. Others are saying LeBron James, but I think they are all wrong.
I have to admit these candidates' numbers are impressive, but my prediction for the MVP is a six foot, 175 pound point guard on the New Orleans Hornets a.k.a. Chris Paul(CP). CP is my pick for a few reasons. One reason is the numbers: 21 points, 11 assists and 2 steals a game. He may be small but this 22 year old is a BEAST! The second reason why Chris Paul should be MVP this year is that he has taken a team (almost single handedly) that didn’t make the playoffs last year and as of this posting (3/25/08) has them tied for first place in the West. That is nothing short of completely impressive.
People say that since Lebron is the best player in the NBA, he should be MVP. Well, he has amazing numbers (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game). However, one problem is that LeBron in the East. Put CP in the East he will put up 30 points 14 assists, and five rebounds guaranteed. The East in the NBA is like the National League in the MLB (not as good as the AL/West).
Then there are the Garnett fans who say KG turned a team with the worst record last year into a team with the best record this year. My response is three-fold. First, again is geographic--he too is in the East. Second, look at the extent of KG’s support staff: Ray Allen(18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists); Paul Pierce( 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists); Raja Rondo (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists); and Kendrick Perkins (7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist). Honestly, you if you can’t win MVP with that line-up you shouldn't even be talked about for MVP. Third, KG’s numbers aren’t that impressive. He is only averaging 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists per game in the eastern conference (East).
You also have the Lakers back in the spotlight with their MVP candidate, Kobe Bryant. Kobe (28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) is a solid number two MVP candidate, behind Chris Paul. The reason Chris Paul is MVP and Kobe is runner-up is because of the comparatively weaker supporting staff behind Paul compared to the supporting staff of Kobe. Kobe has Pau Gasol who is averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists (better numbers than KG) for the Lakers. Kobe also had Bynum early in the season who was looking Shaq-esque until the injury. Kobe also has Lamar Odom who averages 14, 10, and 3, plus Kobe has 2 key role players (Derek Fisher and Luke Walton). By contrast, who does CP have in his squad? David West, (19 points, 9 rebs, and 2 assists), a player that is breaking out this year, but isn’t always confident with his shot, Peja (16 points, 4 rebs, and 1 assist), a streaky shooter who is either on or way off, and two mediocre players at best in Tyson Chandler and Bonzi Wells. My second reason for ranking Kobe as the runner-up is that he brought a team to vie for first in the West from the number 8 slot last year. Chris Paul brought a team that is now tied for first from number 10 in the West last year.
My final reason why Chris Paul is the MVP this year is that CP leads a team that is tied for first at the age of 22. Kobe is doing the same at 29. When Kobe was 22, he wasn’t even mentioned as an MVP candidate.
For all these reasons, Chris Paul is my pick for the small surprise 2007-2008 NBA MVP...
There are many candidates for Most Valuable Player (MVP) this year in the NBA. Right now Stephen A. Smith is saying Kobe Bryant and Bill Walton is saying Kevin Garnett for MVP. Others are saying LeBron James, but I think they are all wrong.
I have to admit these candidates' numbers are impressive, but my prediction for the MVP is a six foot, 175 pound point guard on the New Orleans Hornets a.k.a. Chris Paul(CP). CP is my pick for a few reasons. One reason is the numbers: 21 points, 11 assists and 2 steals a game. He may be small but this 22 year old is a BEAST! The second reason why Chris Paul should be MVP this year is that he has taken a team (almost single handedly) that didn’t make the playoffs last year and as of this posting (3/25/08) has them tied for first place in the West. That is nothing short of completely impressive.
People say that since Lebron is the best player in the NBA, he should be MVP. Well, he has amazing numbers (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game). However, one problem is that LeBron in the East. Put CP in the East he will put up 30 points 14 assists, and five rebounds guaranteed. The East in the NBA is like the National League in the MLB (not as good as the AL/West).
Then there are the Garnett fans who say KG turned a team with the worst record last year into a team with the best record this year. My response is three-fold. First, again is geographic--he too is in the East. Second, look at the extent of KG’s support staff: Ray Allen(18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists); Paul Pierce( 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists); Raja Rondo (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists); and Kendrick Perkins (7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist). Honestly, you if you can’t win MVP with that line-up you shouldn't even be talked about for MVP. Third, KG’s numbers aren’t that impressive. He is only averaging 18 points 9 rebounds and 3 assists per game in the eastern conference (East).
You also have the Lakers back in the spotlight with their MVP candidate, Kobe Bryant. Kobe (28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) is a solid number two MVP candidate, behind Chris Paul. The reason Chris Paul is MVP and Kobe is runner-up is because of the comparatively weaker supporting staff behind Paul compared to the supporting staff of Kobe. Kobe has Pau Gasol who is averaging 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists (better numbers than KG) for the Lakers. Kobe also had Bynum early in the season who was looking Shaq-esque until the injury. Kobe also has Lamar Odom who averages 14, 10, and 3, plus Kobe has 2 key role players (Derek Fisher and Luke Walton). By contrast, who does CP have in his squad? David West, (19 points, 9 rebs, and 2 assists), a player that is breaking out this year, but isn’t always confident with his shot, Peja (16 points, 4 rebs, and 1 assist), a streaky shooter who is either on or way off, and two mediocre players at best in Tyson Chandler and Bonzi Wells. My second reason for ranking Kobe as the runner-up is that he brought a team to vie for first in the West from the number 8 slot last year. Chris Paul brought a team that is now tied for first from number 10 in the West last year.
My final reason why Chris Paul is the MVP this year is that CP leads a team that is tied for first at the age of 22. Kobe is doing the same at 29. When Kobe was 22, he wasn’t even mentioned as an MVP candidate.
For all these reasons, Chris Paul is my pick for the small surprise 2007-2008 NBA MVP...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Top Ten Freshmen in NCAA Basketball
Here are my top ten freshmen in order:
1. Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State.
I choose Michael as the number one because if you look at the numbers he is averaging 26 and 12! This guy is an absolute stud. He gets tons of rebounds and is the top scoring freshman. Also, during the season he took an unranked basketball team and put them in the top 25. Here is an example of a way to think about how good Michael Beasley is, take him off the team and think how good the Wildcats would be. He also got Kansas State back in the tourney this year.
2. Eric Gordon, G, Indiana
Eric Gordon is number two but could be arguably No. 1. He was one of the two reasons Indiana is in the tournament. The other is D.J. White. Eric Gordon has one of the best shots I think I have ever seen. He shot about 36% from deep and averaged 21.5 points and 3.3 rebs. He took the Hoosiers to a level that they haven’t seen since there Championship since 1987.
3. Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Anybody surprised with this pick? You shouldn’t be, this guy is absolutely amazing. Dropping 20 a game and shooting 46% from the field and 40% from deep. He has taken over the reins for Arizona, put them back in the tourney and made Arizona a respectable team once more. No doubt in my mind he is No. 3
4. Derrick Rose, G, Memphis
People might say his stats don’t match up to the other players who could be No. 4 but he has a presence that is not calculated in the stats. People also might say Memphis doesn’t play any good teams, well, against at the time the no.2 team in the country Derrick Rose had 23 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and for steals. Pretty good game for a freshman. He is also a really good defensive player. Averaging 1.3 steals a game and shut down lots of key players who played against him for example: Chris Lofton, Tennessee guard, (averaging 16 points a game) against Memphis he had 7.
5. O.J. Mayo, G, USC
Everybody asks me why do you have O.J. Mayo at 5 that is so low he is so much better than that. Well his numbers look good averaging 20 points, 4 rebs, and 3 assists. His numbers are good but if you look at any game tape of O.J. and SC you see that when O.J. is in the offense stalls and it is just Iso for him. But when O.J is out the offense is flowing . I mean, I could also score 20 points if I took 27 shots a game like he did against Mercer.
6. Kevin Love, C/F, UCLA
I know what everybody who reads this is thinking. WHY IS KEVIN LOVE NUMBER 6? I will tell you why, this guy is so overrated I laugh sometimes. Yes, he may average 17 and 10 but people the way people talk about him you would think he averages 40 and 20. People also say he is the savoir of the UCLA program. STOP! The Bruins don’t need saving. UCLA has been to the last 2 final fours without him. The truth is he is not an athletic phenom and isn’t explosive at the rim. He gets blocked way too much at the rim. On the other hand, he has the best outlet pass I have ever seen and he does have great range for a big man.
7. James Harden, G, Arizona State
An absolute great all around player averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals a game. He put Arizona St. back on the map. They were a bubble team for the tourney that didn’t get in but because of James Harden they were in consideration. I was debating to put James No. 6 and if the Sun Devils got in to the tourney I would have put him at No. 6. I think he is that good.
8. Donte Greene, F, Syracuse
Syracuse has had a tough time rebuilding after the loss of Gerry McNarma but Donte Greene averaging 17 points, and 7 rebounds in arguably the toughest conference in the country has really helped them. He had them in consideration for the tourney but got they got snubbed. This kid is the future of Syracuse. You can quote on this: Next year I guarantee Syracuse will be in the tournament because Green will be putting up 20 and 10 a night.
9. A.J. Ogilvy, C, Vanderbilt
An amazing freshman who averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game. He was a weaker conference but his team upset quite a few teams including No. 1 Tennessee and No. 18 Arkansas in which he had and excellent game which included 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He is a stud in the SEC.
10. Patrick Patterson, F, Kentucky
A very tough physical player who averaged 16 points 7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks a game. He almost single handedly put his team back in the tournament as the 11th seed in the East. He didn’t have a particularly tough schedule but did have 20 points and 3 blocks against Tennessee in a win.
These players above are my top ten freshmen. Other notables who didn’t make my top ten but would be contenders for my top fifteen are: Bill Walker, Jonny Flynn, Kyle Singler, Blake Griffin, and Austin Freeman
--Sports Guru
1. Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State.
I choose Michael as the number one because if you look at the numbers he is averaging 26 and 12! This guy is an absolute stud. He gets tons of rebounds and is the top scoring freshman. Also, during the season he took an unranked basketball team and put them in the top 25. Here is an example of a way to think about how good Michael Beasley is, take him off the team and think how good the Wildcats would be. He also got Kansas State back in the tourney this year.
2. Eric Gordon, G, Indiana
Eric Gordon is number two but could be arguably No. 1. He was one of the two reasons Indiana is in the tournament. The other is D.J. White. Eric Gordon has one of the best shots I think I have ever seen. He shot about 36% from deep and averaged 21.5 points and 3.3 rebs. He took the Hoosiers to a level that they haven’t seen since there Championship since 1987.
3. Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Anybody surprised with this pick? You shouldn’t be, this guy is absolutely amazing. Dropping 20 a game and shooting 46% from the field and 40% from deep. He has taken over the reins for Arizona, put them back in the tourney and made Arizona a respectable team once more. No doubt in my mind he is No. 3
4. Derrick Rose, G, Memphis
People might say his stats don’t match up to the other players who could be No. 4 but he has a presence that is not calculated in the stats. People also might say Memphis doesn’t play any good teams, well, against at the time the no.2 team in the country Derrick Rose had 23 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and for steals. Pretty good game for a freshman. He is also a really good defensive player. Averaging 1.3 steals a game and shut down lots of key players who played against him for example: Chris Lofton, Tennessee guard, (averaging 16 points a game) against Memphis he had 7.
5. O.J. Mayo, G, USC
Everybody asks me why do you have O.J. Mayo at 5 that is so low he is so much better than that. Well his numbers look good averaging 20 points, 4 rebs, and 3 assists. His numbers are good but if you look at any game tape of O.J. and SC you see that when O.J. is in the offense stalls and it is just Iso for him. But when O.J is out the offense is flowing . I mean, I could also score 20 points if I took 27 shots a game like he did against Mercer.
6. Kevin Love, C/F, UCLA
I know what everybody who reads this is thinking. WHY IS KEVIN LOVE NUMBER 6? I will tell you why, this guy is so overrated I laugh sometimes. Yes, he may average 17 and 10 but people the way people talk about him you would think he averages 40 and 20. People also say he is the savoir of the UCLA program. STOP! The Bruins don’t need saving. UCLA has been to the last 2 final fours without him. The truth is he is not an athletic phenom and isn’t explosive at the rim. He gets blocked way too much at the rim. On the other hand, he has the best outlet pass I have ever seen and he does have great range for a big man.
7. James Harden, G, Arizona State
An absolute great all around player averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals a game. He put Arizona St. back on the map. They were a bubble team for the tourney that didn’t get in but because of James Harden they were in consideration. I was debating to put James No. 6 and if the Sun Devils got in to the tourney I would have put him at No. 6. I think he is that good.
8. Donte Greene, F, Syracuse
Syracuse has had a tough time rebuilding after the loss of Gerry McNarma but Donte Greene averaging 17 points, and 7 rebounds in arguably the toughest conference in the country has really helped them. He had them in consideration for the tourney but got they got snubbed. This kid is the future of Syracuse. You can quote on this: Next year I guarantee Syracuse will be in the tournament because Green will be putting up 20 and 10 a night.
9. A.J. Ogilvy, C, Vanderbilt
An amazing freshman who averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game. He was a weaker conference but his team upset quite a few teams including No. 1 Tennessee and No. 18 Arkansas in which he had and excellent game which included 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He is a stud in the SEC.
10. Patrick Patterson, F, Kentucky
A very tough physical player who averaged 16 points 7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks a game. He almost single handedly put his team back in the tournament as the 11th seed in the East. He didn’t have a particularly tough schedule but did have 20 points and 3 blocks against Tennessee in a win.
These players above are my top ten freshmen. Other notables who didn’t make my top ten but would be contenders for my top fifteen are: Bill Walker, Jonny Flynn, Kyle Singler, Blake Griffin, and Austin Freeman
--Sports Guru
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