Italian Streetballer “Mucho Gusto” Dunks Over 10 People

November 30, 2010 – Allen Moll

With Pepperdine’s star player Keion Bell doing the amazing dunking over 7 people during Midnight Madness, and Indiana freshman Victor Oladipo then taking it one step farther by throwing it down over 8 people, professional players and street ballers alike have their sites set on on-upping the previous player’s mark.

As you will see by this video, outrageous dunking exploits aren’t confined to just the United States as an Italian street baller named Fabio Grousso, also known as “Mucho Gusto” recently decided to show off in front of special guest Kadour Ziani, during the dunk contest of a 3-on-3 tournament in Bologna.

If you haven’t yet heard of Kadour Ziani, he’s universally known as “The Dunkfather” for his double reverse windmill dunks and world famous “Kick the Rim” stunt. Many consider Ziani the Best Dunker in the World for his long history of winning worldwide dunk contests.

In the event’s finale, Grousso decided to obliterate what is deemed the unofficial World’s Record for number of people dunked over by attempting to jam it over 10 people. After watching the video, I’m not sure if “Mucho Gusto” now holds the record or not as he does dunk the basketball but takes out the final 2 people under the basket as he is helped to his feet.

Check out “Mucho Gusto” Dunking Over 10 People:

Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen also provides content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.

NCAA’s Top 5 Dunks in November

November 30, 2010 – Allen Moll

The ’10-’11 college basketball season is off to a roaring start with some things playing out pretty much as expected with teams like Duke, Pittsburgh, and Kansas looking very good with unblemished records. Of course there have been some surprises like UConn’s tremendous early start, beating two Top 10 teams en route to winning the 2010 Maui Invitational, and Tennessee’s surprising upset over Villanova in the NIT Tip-Off finale.

For some strange, but enjoyable reason, players seem to be dunking the ball with frequency and ferociousness in this first month of the season. Players like Kentucky’s fabulous freshman Terrence Jones, Texas’ Jordan Hamilton, and Arizona’s Derrick Williams are featured in our NCAA’s Top 5 Dunks of November.

5) Arizona State’s Trent Lockett’s Tomahawk vs New Mexico:

4) Utah State’s Tai Wesley Poster Dunk And One:

3) Arizona’s Derrick Williams’ 360 On the Break:

2) Illinois’ Brandon Paul Serving Up a Facial to Southern Illinois:

1) Kentucky’s Terrence Jones Dunking Over Two UConn Players:

Honorable Mentions:

Georgia’s Travis Leslie’s Windmill Dunk channeling Dominique Wilkins

NC State’s Lorenzo Brown Serving Up a One-Hander vs Georgetown

NCCU’s CJ Wilkerson Dunking All Over Oklahoma

Minnesota’s Rodney Williams Put-Back Jam vs UNC

Texas’ Jordan Hamilton Giving a Facial to Navy

Howard and Nowitzki Win NBA Player of the Week Honors

November 30, 2010 – THD Rumor Patrol

Given that they both are either 7′ tall or close to it (Howard is 6’11″), Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard play the game in a polar opposite fashion. Dirk Nowitzki likes to shoot from long range and mix up his game with catch and shoot plays, back to the basket turn arounds, as well as hesitation drives to the basket. Dwight Howard on the other hand, relies heavily on just physically dominating his opponents in the post. He’s a beast in the paint and puts up huge rebounding and point totals from 5 feet or less.

Regardless of how they do it, both players get it done for their team and deserved to win the NBA player of the week honors….

The Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, Nov. 28.

With double-doubles in all four games, Howard led Orlando to a 3-1 record. Howard averaged 26.3 points on .632 shooting and 14.5 rebounds. He hit the game-winning shot at Washington on Saturday with four seconds left to propel Orlando to its third consecutive win. Howard had 32 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in the victory.

Nowitzki averaged 31.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the week. He shot .573 from the field and .533 from behind the arc. His 42-point, 12-rebound night led Dallas past Detroit on Tuesday. The Mavericks went on to win four games in five nights.

Video of the Day: Russell Westbrook Posterizes Shane Battier

November 30, 2010 – Dr. J-Water

Thanks to a cool hoops site we stumbled across called The Hoop Scene, we have a replay for you of the ridiculous dunk Russell Westbrook threw down all over the Houston Rockets defenders on Sunday night. How big was the dunk? Mos def one of the dunks of the season. Everyone knows Westbrook is explosive but I guess Shane Battier didn’t get the memo. You can see Scola visibly move towards the play thinking about trying to block the Westbrook slash, only to hold himself back when he realizes the attempt would be futile. That and he probably realized he wanted no piece of being included in that poster.

And yes, for those that say ‘a dunk is only two points’….I get it. The Rockets won the game. But damn this must have had even you off your feet, no?

Monday’s Weekly Knicks Notes: Week 6

November 29, 2010 – Kevin Burke

I think they have hit their stride. Things seem to be clicking and running smoothly. Guys know their role and are maximizing their potential. Since coming off that 6 game losing streak, the Knicks have looked good, winning 6 of their last 7, including a 5 game win streak that just ended on Saturday.

Housekeeping:
Record: 9 -9 (2 – 5 Home. 7 – 4 Away)
Streak: W1
2^nd place in Atlantic Division
7^th place in the Eastern Conference

Team Leaders:
Points: Amar’e Stoudemire, 23.4
Rebounds: Amar’e Stoudemire, 8.6
Assists: Raymond Felton, 7.9
Steals: Raymond Felton, 1.9
Blocks: Amar’e Stoudemire, 2.1

Home and Home vs. Bobcats, Nov. 23 and 24. Knicks sweep 110 – 107 and 99 – 95

Heading into this series with Charlotte, I was interested in seeing how Raymond Felton would play against his former team. Guys in the league are always looking to show up their former team in situations like this. He would have 16 and 9 in game 1, then 23 and 13 in game 2. He definitely held his own against a young Charlotte backcourt (Felton is quietly putting together a solid season and should receive some All-Star consideration, as ballots are now officially open). However, in game 1, Ray’s replacement in Charlotte, DJ Augustine had 24 points as it looked like he also had something to prove.

They guy for the Knicks that stepped up in game 1 was Toney Douglas who had 22 points. Amar’e only had 17 because he was in foul trouble most of the evening. The Knicks largest lead was 16 and seemed in control until they let Charlotte back in the game late.

Game 2 had the same type of flow, but only Felton looked to assert himself a bit more in this one. Again, the Knicks had a double digit lead as their largest margin. The Knicks shot 25 3s in both games but their roster is more talented than Charlotte’s so they were able to get away with it. These were two games that the Knicks should’ve won – and did win. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Amar’e six blocks in the second game. He plays more D than he gets credit for.

Saturday, Nov. 27, home vs. Atlanta Hawks. Final Score, Hawks 99 – Knicks 90

This officially ended the Knicks’ 5 game win streak and did so in an ugly way. They only lost by 9 but it really wasn’t that close. Atlanta led by as many as 20 and the Knicks were never ahead. Rather than the Knicks shooting 3s like crazy, the Hawks decided to show that they were capable of doing the same thing. In one of the few times that you’ll see it, the Knicks were outshout from behind the arc 25 – 16. The Hawks were moving the ball well which led to a bunch of wide open looks.

One guy who I mentioned in previous Weekly Knicks Updates is Rony Turiaf. He is the only silver lining in the David Lee deal, but he hurt his knee again in this one. I like what he brings to the table as far as a defensive presence but he needs to be healthy and on the floor.

Amar’e did have 24 and 10, but the Hawks just simply outclassed the Knicks. This game was an unusual 1:30pm start on a Saturday, just a few days after Thanksgiving, but I don’t quite understand how that can be an excuse. Basically, the Knicks were beat by a better team. Not to mention that the Hawks only turned the ball over 6 times. Tough to lose when you take that good care of the ball.

Earlier in the year, former Knicks David Lee and Jordan Hill came to MSG and got their revenge with a win. So did Jamal Crawford, who finished with a team high 21 points off the bench.

Sunday, Nov. 28 at Detroit Pistons. Final Score, Knicks 125 – Pistons 116 in 2OT

This was the second 1:30pm start in as many days for the Knicks, which is unusual for an NBA team. But still, not an excuse for anything. This was also the first overtime game for the Knicks of the season. The Knicks have quietly become a wounded bunch with multiple guys on the bench in street clothes. Therefore, Raymond Felton, Landry Fields (I’ll get to him in a second), Amar’e Stoundemire and Danilo Gallinari all played at least 50 minutes. That’s a lot, especially on a back to back. The good thing is that you couldn’t tell. The Knicks are the 4^th youngest team in the league, so conditioning shouldn’t be a factor and Amare’s 37 and 15 backs that up.

Thirty-eight (yes, you heard right) 3s were attempted by the Knicks to only 13 by Detroit. That’s absurd. Tayshaun Prine’s 31 points led the way for Detroit and it was tough watching Tracy McGrady, knowing what he’s become. He’s trying, but it’s sad how much he’s fallen off.

I believe Detroit has a better roster than they get credit for as one of the more under appreciated guys in the league, Rodney Stuckey, added 29. This game was close throughout and I’m not surprised by that because like I said, I think Detroit’s roster is better than advertised. For some reason, this game reminded me of the Knicks/Bobcats David Lee tip-in game from back in 2006 they way it came down to the wire (until the 2^nd OT anyhow).

General Thoughts
What scares me about this team is that beat who they should beat and lose against teams that are perceived as better. That may sound like an obvious statement, but you’d like to see them beat a couple of teams that are better than them. So far, they’ve benefited from playing teams like the Clippers, Kings and the like, so far but have lost to the Hawks, and Nuggets, etc. In their defense, they still have only been blown out once this year (to the Bucks).

What I have seen is that Amar’e has become the clear leader. You see it on the court, on the bench and in team huddles. That’s a good sign. Another good sign is rookie Landry Fields. He’s the farthest thing from a household name, but he can surely play. If the season ended today, he should get some All-Rookie 1^st team love and has been very consistent, including a 21 and 17 effort earlier in the year.

One thing I’m getting sick of hearing is Knicks announcer, Mike Breen, talk about how good Mozgov is/can be. We must be watching different games.

The Knicks can certainly score, putting up 106.8 a game (4^th in the NBA), but surrender 107.2 (3^rd from the bottom on the NBA). That recipe equals 9 – 9.

This week they are home against the Nets tomorrow, at the Hornets on Friday and at Toronto on Sunday. I say they go 3 – 1. I’ll fill you in next week.

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

ESPN Sources Say Heat Players Want Coach Spoelstra Replaced

November 29, 2010 – THD Rumor Patrol

Rumors are circulating across the web today, most of which seem to be stemming from the ESPN post by Chris Broussard this morning claiming that the Miami Heat Players are frustrated with coach Erik Spoelstra and want him replaced. The Miami Heat have lost 4 of their last 5 games and are sitting on a very average record of 9-8 at this early juncture.

Coach Spoelstra and Lebron James have not been seeing eye to eye.

While some experts believed this Miami Heat team with Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh could get 70 wins, others thought the team would need a year to gel and really get their chemistry right. But no matter who you spoke to heading into this season, I don’t think anyone could have guessed the Heat would be barely over a .500 record heading into December.

So what happens when a team doesn’t perform up to their hype and expectations? Cue the complaints about the coaching….

Sources say the players believe he is not letting them be themselves, that they are questioning his offensive strategies, and that they think he is panicking because he fears losing his job.

“Right now, in my opinion, no one is doing a good job,” said Heat guard Dwyane Wade, asked Monday about Spoelstra’s performance. “We’re 9-and-8. We’re all in this together. The players are not doing a good job. The coach is not doing a good job.”

In contrast to the popular view that Spoelstra has been hesitant to jump on Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, sources say the Heat coach has shown no fear in criticizing them.

Exhibit A was a recent shootaround in which Spoelstra told James that he had to get more serious. The source said Spoelstra called James out in front of the entire team, telling him, “I can’t tell when you’re serious.”

“He’s jumping on them,” one source said. “If anything, he’s been too tough on them. Everybody knows LeBron is playful and likes to joke around, but Spoelstra told him in front of the whole team that he has to get more serious. The players couldn’t believe it. They feel like Spoelstra’s not letting them be themselves.”

Derrick Rose Puts Tyreke Evans in the Spin Cycle

November 29, 2010 – Kevin Burke

Every NBA season brings the unexpected. This year is no different. One thing that this season has brought us so far is unlikely MVP candidates. Granted, we’re just barely a month in but it’s never too early to kick this topic around. A guy who I think is an MVP candidate as of right now is Derrick Rose. When Carlos Boozer went down with a hand injury prior to the start of the season, that meant Rose had to step it up, which he certainly has. Rose is averaging 26.2 points and 8.2 assists for the Bulls this season, a team who actually became a legit with the acquisition of Boozer.

The Bulls have a record of 9 – 6 so far this young season (0-1 without Rose), but I don’t know if they would have any wins so far without him. He’s been that valuable to the Bulls in my opinion and I’ve dubbed them the Chicago Roses because he is the team, at least until Boozer is healthy.

One recent win for the Bulls came against the Kings over the weekend where this game highlighted a matchup of two talented Guards: Rose and Tyreke Evans. These two guys have a lot in common. They are both two of the best young Guards in the league, former one-and-done John Calipari Point Guards from Memphis, and former Rookie of the Year recipients. Of the two, Rose is more elusive with the ball in his hands and he showed it during a play in that game. Check out what Rose does to Evans here. The Hoop Doctors actually had the chance to chat quickly with Evans earlier this summer and one of the topics was his D. Rose tested that D on this play, but in Tyreke’s defense, what happened to him here would’ve happened to any human being on the planet if they were defending this move.

‘Melo’s Double Figure Scoring Streak Ended Due to Illness

November 29, 2010 – THD Rumor Patrol

Personally, I don’t think this should be counted as ending Carmelo Anthony’s streak of consecutive games scoring in double figures. He had a ridiculous streak going and I hate to see it end because he had to leave the game with an illness. It wasn’t exactly a streak like Michael Jordan’s double figure scoring run, but it was still impressive none the less…

Denver Nuggets leading scorer Carmelo Anthony left Sunday’s game with an illness and did not return.

Anthony started against the Phoenix Suns and scored two points and grabbed three rebounds in 2:48 before leaving the game. He sat on the bench the rest of the first half and then left the building at halftime, according to a team representative.

Anthony’s streak of scoring in double figures ended at 134 regular season games. The last time he failed to score at least 10 in a game was Nov. 30, 2008, against Houston, when he scored two points.

Michael Jordan’s Voice Sets Lebron Straight In Video Mash-Up

November 29, 2010 – Allen Moll

Many people have differing opinions on whether Lebron James made the right choice in taking his talents to play in South Beach this season depending on their allegiances, but no one’s opinion means more in the eyes of basketball fans than that of the G.O.A.T. – Michael Jordan.

Everyone from Hall of Fame players like Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, Scottie Pippen, and even Charles Barkley chimed in to voice their disapproval of Lebron’s choice to leave his home-state and play alongside his friends Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat.

In my opinion, legends of the game take issue more with how “The Decision” was revealed in a national TV special rather than the actual making the choice to change what team to play for. After all, Barkley left Philly after numerous seasons to chase down a ring with the Suns and Rockets later in his own career, only to be thwarted by MJ and those darn Chicago Bulls. But MJ is the player that the legends of the game, as well as James himself, are constantly compared to and desperately want to be like.

To make matters worse, within the last month, Lebron has tarnished his image a little more by putting out that annoying “What Should I Do?” commercial, that looks to be a child-like rebuttal to all who question his motives. Cleveland fans recently edited their own responses to Lebron’s questions in their very own Lebron diss video mash-up.

Not sure who is responsible for the mash-up but they are using the voice of the GOAT to put closure to all these revenge pieces by setting Lebron straight in a video mash-up of Lebron’s now famous “Rise” commercial and Jordan’s “Become Legendary” joint from ’08.

Watch and enjoy:

Jimmer Fredette’s Buzzer Beating Assist Helps BYU Win in 2 OT

November 29, 2010 – Allen Moll

With all eyes clearly fixed upon BYU senior guard Jimmer Fredette after he decided to return to the Cougars, rather than keep his name in the NBA Draft, the consensus NCAA All American has started the year off strong, averaging an impressive 25 ppg and shooting more than 40% from downtown helping to lead his team to a perfect 7-0 record.

Surley if Fredette is once again to keep, not only his name on the tip of NBA talent scout’s tongues but propel his squad to another deep run come March, he must prove he can do alot more than just score the basketball. So far this season, he’s done just that by also averaging 5 assists and 2.2 steals per night, while turning the ball over just over once per game.

One of those assists came at the most opportune time as he served up a sweet dish to teammate Noah Hartsock, who sank the game winning shot in a 77-75 double overtime thriller over South Florida in the 3rd round of the San Padre Invitational Tournament.

In the game, Fredette was again magical as he scored 32 points and dropped 4 assists, while shooting a perfect 8 of 8 from the free throw line. Jimmer looks like he’s clearly focused on making it to the next level.

Check out Jimmer Fredette’s Assist to Noah Hartsock to Beat USF in 2 OT: