Tennessee’s Coach Bruce Pearl Makes Racial Remark During Speech

Bruce Pearl

September 25, 2009 – Allen Moll

Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, and his own blog, Hoops Haven.

The University of Tennessee mens basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, is as animated and colorful as they come. He is loud and obnoxious and at the same time caring to his players and fun loving. He is known for not only for keeping the Tennessee team in or around the Top 25 and leaders of the SEC, but doing it in a brash, bold, and sometimes inflamitory way.

In his 4+ years, he has done some pretty outlandish things in recent years like covering his entire body in orange paint to rev up Volunteer spirit, dress up as a Lady Volunteer cheerleader to cheer on women’s basketball team and head coach Pat Summit, and occasionally wears a bright orange blazer with matching suspenders to home games.

This time, Pearl was caught on video making a joking remark about his players coming from different backgrounds, linking some to the Klu Klux Klan. He was at a charity fundraising event on Thursday night and was asked about how he blends his players together from different backgrounds. He responded that, “It’s tough. I’ve got guys from Chicago, Detroit. I’m talking about the Hood! And I’ve got guys from Grainger County, where they wear the hood!”

Even though most audience members laughed, the coach made an apology on Friday that he didn’t mean to offend anyone and in trying to excite the crowd, that he made an inappropriate comment. It is unknown if the NCAA or the university will come down with any form of fine or punishment.

Here is some footage of the incident from WBIR-TV in Knoxville:

State of the New York Knicks: Empire State Disaster

Knicks Lebron 2010

September 25, 2009 – Allen Moll

What ever happened to the NBA team that is headquartered in the “City That Never Sleeps?” Where is the team that has more than 2,400 wins, 38 playoff appearances, and 2 NBA Titles?……Or the team that has been the home of some of the league’s greatest players like Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, and Patrick Ewing?……Or plays half of their games at what is termed as the mecca of basketball, Madison Square Garden? I’m sure that you get the picture.

The hard truth is that the once proud franchise known as the New York Knickerbockers hasn’t made the postseason since ’04, hasn’t won a playoff series in 9 seasons, and has had only one winning season since the end of the Patrick Ewing era in 2000. Their three playoff appearances in the last decade were: a first round sweep by the NJ Nets(4-0) in ’04, another first round loss to the Raptors(3-2) in ’01, and a Eastern Finals loss to the Pacers(4-2) in 2000. Long gone are the 14 straight seasons of deep playoff runs from ’88 through ’01, where even though the Knicks didn’t win a title, they were annual contenders by making it to the 2nd round of the playoffs or better, 11 times, a mark equalled only by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference, over that span. Like allot of other teams during that era, the Knicks may have won a title or two if it wasn’t for Jordan, Pippen, and the Bulls.

In the present form, the Knicks can’t be described as anything less than a total disaster. Of course the management tells the fan base to be patient since they are gearing up for the Lebron/Wade/Bosh Sweepstakes of the 2010 offseason. With the franchise dumping salary for one or more of these prized free agents, what happens if all three spurn the club and play across the Hudson or in Brooklyn for the rival Nets, or return to their current teams? Who’s left, Amare, Nowitzki, or Yao Ming? While good players, each will be past their prime, with the exception of Stoudemire, and aren’t worthy of a top dollar offer. Even if they do land one of the franchise players, how can they afford to surround them with the talent to become a playoff team again? The build up will almost certainly never live up the the end result since there are 8-10 NBA franchises stockpiling cash to land 3-5 difference making free agents.

Most of the current roster is devoid of any personality and is filled with misfits and underachievers. Last season’s leading scorer Al Harrington(20.7 ppg) is their leader de facto, along with Larry Hughes(11.2 ppg), both of which have underachieved throughout their 11 year careers. Their best two players, Double-double machine David Lee(16 ppg, 11.7 rebs) and Nate Robinson(17.2 ppg, 4.1 ast) were both treated like red headed stepchildren as free agents, by not being tendered a contract until a week before training camp was to begin. Fans have to hope that European player Dino Gallinari(6.1 ppg in 28 games) and top draft pick Jordan Hill from Arizona develop quickly to go along with 3rd year player, Wilson Chandler, who was a pleasant surprise by averaging 14.4 ppg last season.

Who will play the point is an even bigger dilemma since they already have 3 point guards on the roster in Robinson, Chris Duhon, and rookie Toney Douglas, and have spent all Summer flirting with signing free agent floor generals like Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Jason Williams, and even Allen Iverson. Since the season is already a bust with the franchise admitedly looking forward to ’10, why not play Douglas, who was an extremely talented scoring point guard from Florida State.

The 300 lb. gorilla in the room for the team is the bloated contracts of Jarred Jefferies and Eddy Curry, who played in a total of 59 games and averaged 7.0 ppg, when the Knicks paid more than $15 million combined for their services last season. I thought they would surely unload their two outrageous deals, but apparently their wasn’t any takers. The hope is that both make some sort of contribution so the Knicks can try to unload their contracts worthless hides at the trade deadline, to once again load up on cash for 2010.

I think that Donnie Walsh is forgetting that there are 82 games between now and next offseason. I know that the NBA is a business and that my opinion means virtually nothing to Knicks management but how long will the rabid NY fanbase wait for a contender? Isn’t 6 seasons long enough? Living in the tri-state area, I miss the old Sixers-Knicks rivalries of Barkley and Hersey Hawkins against Ewing , Larry Johnson, John Starks, and Charles Oakley. I have personally been to MSG for games, and the fans are every bit as impatient for a winner as my hometown Philly teams. They want a winner, and quite frankly they deserve one.

Dwyane Wade’s Work Outs Are Dangerous

September 25, 2009 – Dr. J-Water

We know the great ones work out hard in the offseason. Not only are the workouts to try and improve on the weaknesses in your game, they are also about preparing your body for the grueling and physical 82 game NBA season.

It’s common knowledge that Dwyane Wade gets up, right? The guy has serious hops for his size. And how do you build your hops? Box Jumps. Like most aspiring skywalkers, DWade apparently works on box jumps as well in the summer. But not the kind of box jumps you do in your local YMCA. DWade’s box jumps are sort of on the dangerous side! Check it out:

Houston Rockets Unveil New Uniforms and “We Are Red Nation” Campaign

Rockets Uniform

September 24, 2009 – Allen Moll

The Houston Rockets finally have something to look forward to this upcoming season. Things look kind of bleak in Houston since Yao Ming is done for the year, they lost former Defensive Player of the Year, Ron Artest to the Lakers, and are unsure of the date of superstar Tracy McGrady’s impending return from multiple injuries. In what is sure to be a rebuilding year, the Rockets have fired up their new marketing campaign entitled,“We Are Red Nation.”

The first move to generate excitement for the squad is the unveiling of the somewhat retro, ketchup and mustard colored, alternate jersey which the Rockets will unveil in a game on November 6th against the OKC Thunder. The jerseys design and colors bring back memories of the franchise’s glory days of the early 80′s and mid 90′s when Ralph Sampson, Moses Malone and Hakeem Olajuwan patrolled the paint.

Their “We Are Red Nation” plan is the continuation of the very popular “Get Red” campaign, which was in full force during last season’s deep playoff run. It was designed to increase interest an invigorate the always supportive Houston Rocket fanbase and give the team a distinct home court advantage. Players like Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks even donned red blazers during interviews on TNT during the playoffs. The concept was even a hit with TNT announcer Kenny “The Jet” Smith, a former Rocket himself, who also wore a red blazer during some telecasts.

The Rockets Public Relations Department even drafted a 10 part, “Bill of Red“, similar to the nation’s Bill of Rights, listing the Red Nation’s code of conduct. The list includes mantras like 1) “The Right to Wear Red“, which essentially encourages fans to wear their team’s colors, 2) “The right to Spread the Red“, where fans should spread the enthusiasm for the team amongst the masses of Houston, and even 3)”The Right to Bear Arms“, meaning to use T-shirts, posters, and flags to show support and influence others to support the Rockets.

The Houston metropolitan are will be decked out with red billboards, encouraging the masses to join the movement of Red Nation. Word from the Rockets website(nba.com/rockets) is that the new media campaign has been a work in progress for over a year.

It just seems like bad timing since the Rockets seem destined for a disastrous season. The Rockets will feature a bevy of talented rookies(Chase Budinger, Jermaine Taylor), D-Leaguers(newly signed Will Conroy, Garret Temple), around a core of veteran leaders(Battier, Louis Scola, Trevor Ariza, Chuck Hayes, and Aaron Brooks). Throw in McGrady, whenever he is cleared to play, and the team with low expectations could be a pleasant surprise out West, this season.

Here is some video footage of the new uniforms modeled by Battier from Yahoo Sports:

Kansas Basketball Team Brawls with Football Team

Kansas Fight

September 24, 2009 – Allen Moll

Rock….Chalk….Jay….Hawk! Rock….Chalk….Jay…………..forget it……let’s fight! Apparently this is the new motto for the University of Kansas Athletics Department. The Jayhawk basketball team, which is preseason ranked #1, has some serious issues on campus since they have had not one but two all out brawls on campus with the KU football team over the past two days.

I’d like to report that their must have been a good reason for all of the drama, but early reports are that the animosity was started over a girl who was dating a member of one team was now with a player from the other, sparking the brawls. Reports also claim that a KU hoopster had pushed a football player down a flight of stairs.

There must be something else driving the incident since almost every player from both programs, except star center Cole Aldrich, was involved. The hoops squad could have used Aldrich’s size against the larger(in numbers) and beefier football team. I shouldn’t joke. This is a serious matter and a black eye on one of the nation’s premier universities. There haven’t been any comments yet by Kansas’s President or Athletic Director, but I’m sure there will be hell harsh punishment to pay once the details are made public.

The effect on the KU basketball program will immediately be felt since star sophomore, Tyshawn Taylor, from Hoboken, NJ, dislocated his thumb while trying to throw a punch. No other major injuries were reported, but I suspect some suspensions by either the University or the NCAA are coming. It’s bad news for the KU football program as well, which started 3-0 and is ranked #20 in the nation.

This is not exactly the storybook beginning that Jayhawk fans envisioned for the promising ’09-’10 season. I’m sure that fans of Texas and Oklahoma are laughing right now since this may give their squads a tiny edge, at least in the early on in the Big 12, if some of the prized talent like Sherron Collins, Taylor, and the Morris twins were given a lengthy suspension. Tyshawn Taylor is expected to miss 3-4 weeks to rehab while Kansas basketball opens up training camp on October 16th with it’s annual, “Late Night at the Phog” practice. Taylor was KU’s 3rd leading scorer by averaging 9.7 points and 3 assists as one of the top freshmen last season in the Big 12 Conference.

Click Here to see video reactions from Coaches and Players, where they describe the incident from KUSports.com

Top Candidates For a Breakout Season in 2010

Breakout NBA

September 24, 2009 – Matt Anaya

Matt graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in May of 2007 majoring in TV Production. Matt is currently a writer at StaticMultimedia.com, TheBleacherReport.com, NationalSportsNation.com, SportsMixed.com, FanFever.com, Filmcatcher.com, 2 Much Swag, and TheHoopDoctors.com. Matt will provide you with insightful wit and an eager eye for sports.

To be a breakout player you either have to A.) Get a significant increase in minutes, B.) See an increased role in the offense, or C.) Remarkably improve your numbers.

If a team does not have any players on the verge of breaking out then they are a veteran laden team.

Atlanta Hawks
Marvin Williams was drafted ahead of Chris Paul and Deron Williams who have already broken out and last season Marvin took a step backwards. But, this off-season Marvin signed a lucrative long-term deal and the Hawks are counting on him to blossom this year.

Al Horford has not yet averaged a double double in his two-year career but this season he will average that double double and establish himself as a force down low.

Boston Celtics
Kendrick Perkins’ performance might be hindered by the arrival of Rasheed Wallace and the return of Kevin Garnett but his playoff performance (11ppg, 11rpg, 2bpg) should mean he sees an increased role and minutes.

Charlotte Bobcats
D.J. Augustin was all but named the starting PG of the Charlotte Bobcats if not this year than next as Raymond Felton was not signed to a long-term deal this off-season. Known as a scoring PG, Augustin can do a lot of things offensively and will see an increase in minutes this season.

Chicago Bulls
Ask yourself this: When will Derrick Rose average 20ppg, 10apg, 5rpg? Maybe this season.

Tyrus Thomas has shown flashes of brilliance and flashes of … uh … not so brilliant plays but one of these days he will turn into a double double with a couple bpg. Perhaps this season.

The Bulls invested a lot in Luol Deng and have received very little in return. He averaged 22ppg and nearly 9rpg two playoffs ago and the Bulls would love to see those numbers this regular season.

Joakim Noah can thank Kendrick Perkins for lighting a fire under him as the Celtic big bullied him the entire epic series. His playoff numbers were incredible and he should see an increase in production across the board.

Denver Nuggets

J.R. Smith will become Denver’s second leading scorer this season as Chauncey Billups’ role decreases. Smith is suspended the first seven games of the season but that wont stand in his way of averaging 20ppg this season.

Last season Carmelo Anthony averaged his lowest ppg since his second year in the NBA and this might be the season where he puts Denver on his back. He averaged 27ppg in last season’s playoffs and look for more of the same as Melo turns into a leader this year.

Detroit Pistons
Chris Wilcox was irrelevant last season as he only averaged 16mpg but this year he will average close to 30mpg and his numbers will go back to the respectable 13ppg and 7rpg they were a few years back.

Golden State Warriors
Anthony Randolph is everyone’s favorite sleeper pick this season and it is for good reason. He is still very young and raw but immensely talented and should see an increase in production across the board.

Houston Rockets
Aaron Brooks is a scoring PG and his numbers will increase with more minutes. He averaged 16ppg in the post season and might be able to reach that number this season.

Carl Landry will significantly benefit from the Yao Ming injury and will see an increase in production all across the board.

Trevor Ariza signed a lucrative long-term deal this off-season and he goes from role player to play maker in Houston.

Indianapolis Pacers
Brandon Rush averaged good minutes last season due to Mike Dunleavy’s injury and this season he should see similar minutes with better production.

Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Gordon will be Baron Davis’ Monta Ellis this season and he might average 20ppg as a 20 year old. His game is scary good.

Al Thornton will also benefit from a healthy and focused Baron Davis this season. Last season Thornton led the LAC in minutes and this season his production will increase while his mpg go down.

Los Angeles Lakers
Adam Morrison has had a dreadful NBA career and it can only go up … right? Phil Jackson will do everything he can to find a role for the talented sharp shooter and that might mean replacing the enigmatic Sasha Vujacic who has fallen out of favor.

Memphis Grizzlies
Mike Conley is a multi talented NBA PG and should become an All Star in no time. BUT this season he is playing with Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph and it will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies keep Conley from regressing with that motley crew. I still think he will progress even with those clowns.

Rudy Gay oddly took a step back last season but he should get back to the 20ppg even though the Grizzlies have The Answer, O.J. Mayo, and Zach Randolph.

Marc Gasol will most likely not see an increase in ppg next season but his numbers will increase in all other categories.

Miami Heat
Mario Chalmers has established himself as a solid starting PG for Miami and his numbers should increase all across the board.

Michael Beasley has had a rough summer but he will take his frustrations out on the court. He should have a great season and might average close to 20ppg and 8rpg like he did last April.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Ramon Sessions is finally a starting PG and will average career highs across the board.

Kevin Love is apart of a menacing frontcourt and last season will be the only year he does not average a double double.

Milwaukee Bucks
Hakim Warrick has seen limited minutes his entire career and this season he will be starting. He is primarily a scorer but everything should increase as he sees starter’s minutes this season.

Joe Alexander almost did nothing last season but he only averaged 12 mpg. This season should be different and he will likely double his minutes and production.

New Jersey Nets
Courtney Lee’s role will significantly increase, as he is the starting SG for the Nets. He can do a lot of things on the court and his expanded role will increase his minutes and production.

Yi Jianlian’s career has been full of hype and has gotten off to a slow start but this might be the year we have all been waiting for. Yi is talented and his mpg will increase this season and so will his production.

New Orleans Hornets
Julian Wright’s career has started slowly but the former lottery pick will average over 20mpg for the first time in his career and he should be a relevant NBA player also for the first time in his career.

New York Knicks
Danilo Gallinari can do a lot of things on the court and unlike last season he should start the season healthy. His minutes, production, and role will all increase and he should be starting by the end of the season, if he is not already at the beginning.

Orlando Magic
Ryan Anderson might have been a salary cap throw-in in the Vince Carter trade but the second year big man is talented and should be able to provide a nice impact off the Magic bench.

Philadelphia 76ers
Lou Williams increased his ppg last season but this year he will be the starting PG for the Sixers. He has averaged 2.4 apg for his career and that is not a good thing for Philly but Williams is super talented and his numbers and role will increase this season.

Rodney Carney was a late signing this off-season and is behind Jason Kapono and Willie Greene on the depth chart but he is much more talented than both. If all goes to (my) plan he will be starting by the end of the season and will see career highs across the board.

Marreese Speights will see more than 16mpg this season and will likely average close to 25mpg. The future of the Sixers frontcourt will start to blossom this season.

Phoenix Suns
Channing Frye came to Phoenix as a free agent to start and will see a significant increase in his numbers across the board.

Portland Trail Blazers
Nicolas Batum started 76 games last season but only averaged 18mpg. He might start again this season and he will likely see 25mpg and an increase in numbers across the board.

Martell Webster was injured for all but five minutes last season and Portland is waiting for the former sixth pick overall to materialize. If he can stay healthy he can average close to his career highs.

Greg Oden is ready to break out but his propensity to foul the opposition is holding him back. He only averaged 21mpg last season and if he can average close to 30mpg he will be a solid force in the middle.

Sacramento Kings
Francisco Garcia averaged career highs in nearly all categories last season and this year his numbers should only get better as his team gets better around him.

Spencer Hawes averaged nearly 30mpg last season and this year he will see more minutes, an increased role, and better production.

Jason Thompson was a rookie last season and put up good numbers at 11ppg and 7rpg. This season he will get more minutes and in those minutes he will be more productive.

Toronto Raptors
Marco Belinelli was stuck in the guard heavy rotation in Golden State last season and this year he will put much better numbers in a much better role. I think he will average more mpg than DeMar DeRozan.

Andrea Bargnani is ready to break out in a big way and this might be the season he does it. Toronto is primed for a great season and Il Mago (The Magician) is a major reason why.

Utah Jazz
Ronnie Brewer can do a lot of things on the court and as he matures his game will follow.

C.J. Miles started 72 games last season and this season he will likely see a larger role in the offense. Miles has been inconsistent in his career but will only be 23 years old in March.

Kosta Koufos will benefit if Carlos Boozer gets traded and is similar to Joe Alexander, as he will most likely double his rookie numbers.

Washington Wizards
Randy Foye should start for the Wizards this season and the only number that should decrease is his ppg. Everything else should increase, as the Wizards are very talented.

Andray Blatche nearly broke out last season but he should be even better this season with an increase in mpg.

Javale McGee benefited from Brendan Haywood’s injury last season but that does not mean his mpg will decrease. McGee is more talented than Haywood and only needs seasoning.

Kevin Martin Is a Superstar

Kevin Martin

September 23, 2009 – Michael Pina

Michael Pina has a BA in English with a concentration in Journalism from the University of Delaware. He is currently living in his hometown of Boston.

Kevin Martin is the least talked about, most underrated player in professional basketball. In the 2009-10 season, already Martin’s sixth in the league, the Kings look to once again be rebuilding through a youth movement that unfortunately is loaded with embarrassingly terrible contracts (Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia and Desmond Mason) and young talents that are understandably unproven assets.

Coming off a season that saw him miss over 30 games due to injury, Martin now finds himself on the brink of being a household name. With the most unorthodox shooting form from a legitimate shooting threat since Reggie Miller played, Martin is one of the most complete offensive players in the league. As the only serious threat to put the ball in the basket on his team, Martin was the focus of every opposing team’s defense and still manage to finish sixth in the league in scoring two years ago.

The first round draft pick out of Western Carolina (just the sixth player in league history to come from that school) can get to the free throw line as good as anybody, shoot a decent three point shot and finish strong at the hole.

With a new starting point guard and back court partner in rookie of the year candidate Tyreke Evans, Martin could finally have a little offensive support which would only increase his field goal percentage.

New head coach Paul Westphal, historically a proponent of the run and gun style of offense that a backcourt tandem like Evans and Martin could eventually thrive in should also help the situation.

Due to all the reasons listed above, in the upcoming season Martin should be making the jump to his first all-star berth. It’s inevitable that a player of Kevin Martin’s caliber should eventually join the ranks of Brandon Roy and Deron Williams but the obvious difference here is the actual winning of basketball games. Martin has made only one post-season appearance as a 22-year old with Mike Bibby and Ron Artest serving as capable teammates.

Unless drastic moves are made, the Kings are most likely going to be at the bottom of the Western Conference for another couple of years, but regardless Martin’s constantly improved numbers should make for a trip to Cowboy Stadium in 2010.

NCAA Conference Power Ranking: Is the Big East Still On Top?

Big East NCAA

September 23, 2009 – Allen Moll

For the past few seasons, college basketball’s best conference has been the Big East. Last season’s NCAA Tournament had 3 Big East teams as #1 seeds(Louisville, Connecticut, and Pittsburgh), 4 teams make it to the Elite 8, and 2 teams in the Final Four. The conference has regularly produced some of the best NBA caliber talents like Patrick Ewing, Ron Artest, and Dwayne Wade. With so many of these players flocking to the professional ranks, especially this offseason, is it possible that some of college’s other power conferences like the ACC, Big 10, SEC, PAC-10, or SEC, are catching up?

’09-’10 Conference Power Rankings

1) Big 12 - In my opinion, the Big 12 has been nipping at the Big East’s heels (along with the ACC) for years. Even though the conference has lost a number of talented underclassmen like Blake Griffin, Michael Beasley, and Kevin Durant, to the NBA in recent seasons, the Big 12 will be loaded with teams with NCAA Tourney aspirations. It should be a great battle for the top spot with seemingly everyone’s preseason #1, Kansas having there hands full with a resurgent Texas, a rebuilt Oklahoma, upstart Baylor, always tough Oklahoma State, and Kansas State. Kansas, Texas, and OU could be Top 10 in the polls all season long. The conference will have plenty of elite players like Willie Warren and “Tiny” Gallon(OU), Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich(Kansas), Damion James and Avery Bradley(Texas), Wally Judge and Denis Clemente(Kansas St), and LaceDarius Dunn(Baylor). I wouldn’t be surprised to see two Big 12 teams in the Final Four in ’10.

2) ACC – Last season’s National Champion UNC Tarheels lost a ton of talent to the NBA, but they don’t rebuild, they reload. If their young recruits mesh with returning veterans like Ed Davis, the Tarheels could once again make a deep run in March. Duke may finally have a young frontcourt to match is usually outstanding guard play and will also be good. After the usual UNC and Duke, the rest could be a toss up, but a few teams under the right conditions could contend. Georgia Tech is stacked due to an elite group of incoming freshmen, Gary Williams, newly extended, always gets the most out of his players at Maryland, Wake Forest, after sending 2 players to the NBA could surprise with an underrated frontcourt. Florida St, Clemson, and Virginia Tech could also find themselves flirting with the Top 25. The conference always boasts some of the nation’s best talent like Ed Davis(UNC), Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer(Duke), Al-Farooq Aminu(Wake), Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal(GT).

3) Big East – A slip to #3 is primarily because of the heavy losses due to graduation and the NBA draft. The only possible NCAA title contender is Villanova who return many pieces from last season’s Final Four team along with a 4 player, top 5 recruiting class. The return of pg Scottie Reynolds for his senior year along with Duke transfer, Taylor King and two incoming frontcourt freshmen will try to offset the loss of Dante Cunningham to the NBA. West Virginia may challenge Villanova within the conference behind one of the country’s best backcourts. UCONN should take a step back with the loss of three starters, but could surprise with their talented replacements. Georgetown looks to rebound after a dissapointing last season with three McDonald’s All Americans on the roster, Louisville could surprise with a talented bevy freshman recruits. Top Big East performers include Reynolds(VU), Stanley Robinson and Kemba Walker(Conn), Greg Monroe(G-Town), Luke Harangody(ND), Jeremy Hazell(Seton Hall), Samardo Samuels(Louisville), and Devin Ebanks(W Virginia).

4) Big 10 – Michigan State will again be a title contender since they return everyone besides Suton and Walton. After State, should be Purdue and Ohio State respectively. Both should be in the Top 15-20 teams in the country. After that, it’s anyone’s guess since Michigan is improved, Tubby Smith will have his young core in Minnesota ready to finish top 4 in the conference. Illinois, behind some talented juniors, Wisconsin, and yes………even Northwestern could have March Madness within their sights. Top players include Talor Battle(Penn St), Kalin Lucas(Mich St), Evan Turner(Ohio St), Robbie Hummel(Purdue), and Lawrence Westbrook(Minn).

5) SEC - Although down in recent years, the SEC is rapidly improving. The infusion of top tier coaches (Bruce Pearl and John Calipari) along with top recruits(John Wall and Renardo Sydney) has the conference headed in the right direction. If everything falls into place and Kentucky lives up to the hype, the Wildcats should be back among the nation’s elite. Mississipi State could be a Top 10 team if their super frosh Sydney is cleared to play. Bruce Pearl should have last season’s underachieving Tennessee squad back near the top of the conference. Florida, LSU, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina as a sleeper could push for a final tourney spot. Top players include everyone in Kentucky’s starting lineup, Jarvis Varnado(Miss st), Tyler Smith(Tenn), Devan Downey(S. Carolina), and John Jenkins(Vandy).

6) PAC-10 – It could be the conference’s worst season in years since the usual top tier programs(Arizona, UCLA, and USC) are riddled by scandal and in rebuilding mode. The top could be a two team race between California and Washington, but neither can be considered contenders. With UCLA rebuilding, the conference is up for grabs. The rest of the group consisting of Oregon State, Washington State, and Oregon just aren’t very good and should occupy the middle of the pack. The conference is devoid of star power with the departure of John Brockman from Washington to the NBA. Trying to fill his shoes will be Brockman’s teammate, Isaiah Thomas, Nic Wise(Arizona), Tajuan Porter(Oregon), Jerome Randle(Cal), and Klay Thompson(Wash St).

Kobe’s Summer Workouts: What’s Next?

September 23, 2009 – R.S. De France

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.

As a fan of the NBA, you hardly ever get a real inside glimpse of the athletes themselves. Sure, once I shook hands with Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Byron Scott, and Michael Thompson through basketball summer camps and other events. But, I would not say that provided much insight into their upcoming seasons. Recently, I was lucky enough to watch something completely different—a great athlete, at his peak, preparing for the next season.

Nearby his Newport Beach home, Kobe Bryant swims laps. Day and night. Bryant works out in Irvine with a local assistant basketball coach, when he can avoid the crowds of people and spectators. There were only a handful of people in the pool area when I walked in. As he swam, he alternated between different strokes. Kobe did not overwork himself, but took a steady stride to his off-season training. Like teammate and friend Derek Fisher, Bryant, now 31, has to take a more measured approach to his workouts.

During the regular season, Fox Sports West reported that Derek Fisher, on his trainer’s advice, was using the elliptical machine more and a running machine less. This creates less tension on the knees and joints. Similarly, swimming is a great low-impact workout that is also easy on an athlete’s body.

A summer when Bryant should be revered for his and the Los Angeles Lakers’ accomplishment of winning the 2009 NBA title, critics and writers have pondered about the challenges the up-coming 2009-2010 season will present as the Lakers undertake another title defense. Stronger competition. Life without Ariza. All that mileage on Kobe Bryant’s legs. Complacency. The chemistry issue with bringing in Ron Artest.

Watching his workout, I could tell Bryant still looks in season shape. His muscles are toned, his body lean. Clearly, he is still motivated, still hungry. This made me think back to the summer after he and Shaquille O’Neil won their 1st of their three-peat run of championships. Shaq spent the summer and most of the preseason loafing around and taking it easy. Bryant worked desperately to improve, to advance his game. Then, Shaq was seasoned and Bryant was still growing as a player, but even now, after playing 13 seasons, winning 4 championships and his 1st without Shaq, Kobe is neither resting on his accomplishments, nor taking it easy. He’s working, working every minute.

Laker fans should no longer be concerned about chemistry issues—they’ll work it out. Bryant still has the desire to win, to compete. And the mileage? He’s clearly taking care of his body with plenty of low-impact workouts, ideal for a seasoned veteran.

After finishing some laps, Kobe Bryant pauses by the side of the pool to ask his assistant what he had left on his workout list. He asked the same question many are wondering about his career: “What’s next?”

Video of the Day: Kobe Bryant – Greatness Personified

September 22, 2009 – Dr. Browntorious

In basketball the great ones make for amazing highlight reel YouTube videos. The art of creating a great highlight mix has gone from the production room, to anyone’s personal computer with the advancements in personal computing/software, and the advancement of Web 2.0.

I saw this Kobe Bryant highlight reel mix yesterday on facebook and I knew it was something that readers of The Hoop Doctors would appreciate. Is it the greatest Kobe Bryant mix of all time? I’m still partial to this Kobe Mix to Lil’ Wayne. But the video below is a close second: