R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. One of his life-long pursuits has been writing and covering anything related to sports, specifically the NBA. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
Dunks, jams, and three point competitions; and all of that’s just the warm-up to NBA All-Star Weekend. This year’s All-Star Game in Dallas, Texas from February 11th -14th looks to be a great event for all those in attendance or watching at home. As usual, the weekend includes the Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Shoot-out, the Rookie Sophomore Game, and the actual All-Star Game. Although it’s sloppy nature, I always love watching the Rookie Sophomore game; it gives you a little insight into the future of the NBA. Last year, Kevin Durant led the sophomores over the rookies with a record 46, so what can Beasley do for the sophomore team?
Can last year’s rookies, this year’s sophomore’s, pull it around and win this year? Last year’s roster included: Marc Gasol, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook. Who will step up to lead this group of future all-stars?
Whoever starts at point will obviously dominate the ball, but who should that be? Chicago’s Rose averages the most points among second year point guards with 17.6, but the Clipper’s Gordon is biting at his heal with 17.5. One of Oklahoma’s new big three, Westbrook leads in assists with 6.9. Rose is probably the best among the group now because of his combination of 17.6 ppg and 5.6 apg that no one else really matches.
Shooting guard is easy; Memphis’ O.J. Mayo starts, no questions asked. 17.6 ppg. No other second year player is close. Courtney Lee is not having a good second season in New Jersey, shooting 38%. Small Forward is also a no-brainer: Miami’s Beasley. 15.9 ppg and 7 rpg. On the other hand, New York’s Danilo Gallinari is making a case for himself, putting up 13.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg and shooting 41% from three-point range.
At power forward, again there are some notable candidates, including Minnesota’s Kevin Love and Sacramento’s Jason Thompson, either of whom could start, but Thompson probably deserves it since he’s been playing all year, unlike Love. Another player who is among the league’s best second-year power-forwards is Philadelphia’s Marreese Speights.
At center, it’s really between Gasol and Lopez. Memphis’ Gasol is having a nice season, putting up 14.8 ppg and 9.9 rpg. Lopez is almost a legit 20-10 player right now for New Jersey, adding in 2 bpg, so you have to start him.
Who will make up the rookies in 2010? I don’t know, but they will probably include: Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, James Harden, Johnny Flynn, Stephon Curry, DeJuan Blair, Darren Collision, Marcus Thorton, Taj Gibson, among others.
Possible Starters:
| Rooks: | DeJuan Blair | Taj Gibson | Omri Casspi | Tyreke Evans | Brandon Jennings |
| Sophs: | Brook Lopez | Jason Thompson | Michael Beasley | O.J. Mayo | Derrick Rose |
Both teams will have remarkable quickness, but the sophomores will have the edge in rebounding.
Who will win?—probably the sophomores, again. Since the Rookie-Sophomore games started in 2000, the sophomores are 8-2. So, historically, the rookies have almost no chance. Also, after having Kevin Durant post a record 46 on them last year, I think this year’s sophomores will be ready to dominate these rookies. Who will step up and lead the Sophomore team? Lopez? Beasley? Mayo? Rose? It will be interesting to find out as the game unfolds.
