New Nike Hyperfuse 2011 Colorway

With neither Los Angeles, Boston, and Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals this year, I doubt that we’ll see any new colorways of the Hyperfuse 2011 until next season (though I have seen a sample pair with red, black, and yellow colorblocking).

Unlike the original Hyperfuse; the new models possess a molded toecap around the front of the Torch material, which takes the place of the conventional stitching you’d normally see in the front of a sneaker.  Nike seems to continue their push of their Photo Blue color as it is seen on this shoe along with black and elements of Volt as well.  Elements like the Zoom sole and single piece tongue remain the same.

No word on the release date of pricing on this pair or any 2011 Hyperfuse, so continue to check over in our Kicks section for the latest.

Former NC State PG Harrow Chooses Kentucky

It seemed like a recipe for success just one season ago when the now deposed NC State head coach Sidney Lowe reeled in one of the top recruiting classes in the country. The trio of talented players led by PG Ryan Harrow, SF CJ Leslie, and SG Lorenzo Brown was being touted as one of the best incoming trios in college basketball. But after another forgettable sub .500 season, marred by player inconsistencies and questionable coaching moves, Lowe was sent packing with Harrow announcing he would like to transfer.

Harrow’s announcement wasn’t a shock to me since he was once a Top 20 rated prospect in the 2010 Class but came off the bench for most of last season behind the now graduated Javier Gonzalez. Despite some early struggles adjusting to the college game, Harrow averaged 9.3 ppg and 3.3 assists in only 23 minutes per night. His best game of the year came during the Wolfpack’s non-conference schedule, notching an impressive 20 point, 5 assist, and 3 steal gem against SC Upstate.

Never a stranger to the highlight reel play, the Marietta, Georgia native rather quickly excited Wolfpack fans in early December by pulling off Boston Celtics PG  Rajon Rondo’s now signature “Round the World” move to go along with scoring 17 points in a blowout win against Tennessee Tech.

After essentially re-opening his recruitment over the past month, even going on some unofficial visits, Harrow ultimately chose Kentucky over a number of schools like Louisville and GT by announcing on Twitter “I am a Kentucky Wildcat!” In accordance with NCAA rules, he will be forced to sit out next season and still have 3 years of eligibility remaining beginning  in ’12-’13.

Will he be next in a long line of Coach Calipari disciples at PG that flock to the NBA following Rose, Evans, Wall, Knight, and Teague? Possibly, but it may come a few seasons longer than his one-and-done predecessors before him. Harrow fills a glaring need at PG for Kentucky’s 2012 recruiting class, which to this point doesn’t have many stand-out point guards, outside of Kyle Anderson, ranking among the Top 20 players in the country.

While many have compared the young Harrow’s up and down floor game to that of future NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, he’s not without his flaws. One area in need of improvement is shot selection, as he connected on only 39% from the floor, including 22% on threes, during his freshman campaign. He also turned the ball over nearly 2 times per night  in only 23 minutes of action. He will definitely need to add the three point shot to his arsenal since it is a staple of Calipari’s offense. The good news is that he will have a year to practice against incoming elite level PG Marquis Teague.

Be sure to check out our new Forums section and give your opinion on whether Harrow to Kentucky is a good fit and if he will be the next great UK guard.

Check out a video of Ryan Harrow highlights from HS:

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.

THD Chats With Former Knick, Larry Johnson

Memorial Day has a different meaning to different people. For most, it’s the unofficial start of summer and to basketball fans it’s around the time the Finals begin. But for Captain Morgan, it means making sure people enjoy their long weekend.

Captain Morgan teamed up with former Knick, Larry Johnson, to host a party for some of his close friends  in New York to kick off summer right with Captain Morgan Long Island Iced Tea. Right before his Memorial Day weekend began, The Hoop Doctors had the chance to chat with LJ.

Kevin Burke: What’s going on, Larry? Kevin Burke from The Hoop Doctors here. How are you doing these days?

Larry Johnson: Hey, what’s up Kevin. I’m doing just fine, man.

Kevin Burke: So, Larry. Obviously it’s playoff time in the NBA, and if you say “NBA playoffs” and “Larry Johnson” in the same sentence, it’s impossible for any self-respecting NBA fan not to think of your 4-point play against the Pacers in the playoffs. Does that play come to mind during playoff time?

Larry Johnson: Man, I don’t even need it to be playoff time for me to remember that play. I think about it all the time. That play is etched in stone in my memory. That was a great moment in my career. I had my four sons at that game and it’s something I’ll always remember. Whenever I’m back in New York, it especially comes to mind.

Kevin Burke: I sometimes consider the NBA playoffs a coming out party, just as how the NCAA tournament can be viewed as a job interview. Has any player surprised you during this playoff season?

Larry Johnson: I wouldn’t necessarily say that any player surprised me in particular but I loved watching what Memphis and Zach Randolph did. It kind of was a coming out party for him. When he played for [the Knicks], he was a good player then too, but like you said, the playoffs are on a much bigger stage. All of the games are nationally televised and sometimes you only have one or two games a day which forces everyone to watch and it gives them the opportunity to shine.

Kevin Burke: Many people like to compare Blake Griffin to you early on in your career. Do you think that’s an accurate comparison?

Larry Johnson: Man, Blake has taken it above and beyond. But he’s like me before I had my back issues. I would attack to rim and look at the guy like “don’t you jump.” Man, I was trying to tomahawk everything when I was young. Blake is the same way because he looks at guys like “jump if you want to.” But he’s taller than I am which allows him to do different things. But, I’d love to work with him one summer because he has taken it to a new level. But I also see similarities in [DeJuan] Blair in San Antonio because he uses his bulk like I did. And a younger [Elton] Brand too.

Kevin Burke: Can you still dunk?

Larry Johnson: Oh, yeah. I still try to keep myself in shape and I play with my sons all the time which helps keep my weight down. But yeah, I can still get up.

Kevin Burke: At the end of the day, and if you had to chose just one, do you consider yourself a Hornet or a Knick?

Larry Johnson: Man, I’m definitely a Knick for sure.

Kevin Burke: Really? You’re not just saying that because you’re in New York right now are you?

Larry Johnson: (Laughs) No, not at all. I enjoyed my time in New York much more. I didn’t really care much for ownership in Charlotte. They had a better handle on that in New York when I was there.

Kevin Burke: I follow the Knicks closely and often times see you sitting courtside, so you seem very visible. How involved are you with the team still?

Larry Johnson: Well, I mainly get involved in some PR related things, but that’s pretty much it. I don’t have an official title or anything but I do pay attention to what they’ve been doing.

Kevin Burke: So then what do you think about their Amar’e, Carmelo and Chauncey additions? How far away do you think they are from being serious contenders?

Larry Johnson: Those three guys are still very much brand new. They need time to gel and develop chemistry, which will come in time. I love Amar’e and ‘Melo, and I love Chauncey too, but he’s not getting any younger. I think they need a younger Point Guard in order to get them over the hump. They’ll continue to make the playoffs but if they can get a Chris Paul or a Deron Williams, I think they can win it all in about 2 to 3 years. The hardest part about the playoffs is getting past the first round. If they can do that then it’s anyone’s ballgame.

Kevin Burke: Let me go back to your college days for a second. A few months ago, the “Fab Five” documentary came out and personally, I always think of your UNLV team when I think of Michigan’s Fab Five because it was the same era. What did you think of Jalen Rose’s comments regarding Duke. Did you agree with him?

Larry Johnson: Absolutely,  man. You just didn’t say anything at the time. I respect Jalen for speaking his mind. We had nothing but inner city dudes on that squad. You see how I had the gold tooth and everything. We played Duke for the National Championship one year and the papers read “good vs. evil” and “thugs vs. the good guys” and things like that. That type of stuff made you hate Duke even more.

Kevin Burke: Do you still feel that way today about Duke?

Larry Johnson: No, not at all. I have no problems with Duke. I like Grant Hill alot. I think he’s a good guy.

Kevin Burke: What’s your relationship like with Alonzo Mourning these days?

Larry Johnson: I mean, we ain’t boys. We ain’t homies or anything like that but if we see each other, we’ll stop and speak. Man, I’m 42 years old. I don’t have time to hold grudges with another grown man. I don’t have time for all of that. And we’ve each been through alot. I had my back issues. He had his kidney issues, so there’s no time for any real grudge.

Kevin Burke: Who’s going to win the NBA Championship this year?

Larry Johnson: Miami. They’re playing very well. And you have to give them credit because they took alot of heat this year and have made it this far.

Kevin Burke: Do you think the heat they received was warranted?

Larry Johnson: No, I think it was definitely over the top. Some people got carried away. You had guys like Charles Barkley go on and on about it forever. He even called LeBron a punk for going to Miami. I did a radio interview not long after LeBron made his decision and I killed Barkley. He’s a hypocrite. How can he criticize LeBron for doing that when he went to Houston to play with [Hakeen] Olajuwon and [Clyde] Drexler and those guys? That doesn’t make any sense. He did the same thing LeBron did but made LeBron’s decision out to be a big deal.

Kevin Burke: I completely agree with you and actually said the same thing when I heard Barkley’s comments. Lastly, LJ. Please tell me people don’t still call you Grandmama.

Larry Johnson: (Laughs) Man, all the time. I was in the grocery store the other day and there was a lady and her son. The mother recognized me and said to her son “who’s that?”. He didn’t know but when she said Grandmama, he said “Oh, Larry Johnson.” I thought that was funny.

Kevin Burke: Do you mind still being called that all these years later?

Larry Johnson: No, not at all. I’m definitely cool with it. I don’t mind it at all.

Kevin Burke: Ok, Larry. I’ll continue to look out for you at Knicks games and best of luck with everything.

Larry Johnson: I appreciate it. Take care.

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

adidas adiZero Crazy Light To Be Available Through miadidas

Despite the Chicago Bulls departure from the NBA post-season, adidas is using every chance they got to showcase new markups of their adiZero Crazy Light. Read more

2011 NBA Mock Draft: Version 5.0

Now that we are roughly within a few weeks of the actual 2011 NBA Draft and all the early entry candidates have either declared or decided to remain in college for another season and the official Lottery draft order is intact, things are starting to come into focus leading up to June 23rd. 

Similar to last season with Wall and Turner, the field has shrunk with only 2 prospects, Duke’s Kyrie Irving and Arizona’s Derrick Williams, emerging as the probable first 2 selections.  After that it appears that anything goes as any number of players from Enes Kantner, Brandon Knight, or even Donatas Motiejunas, among others could be chosen with picks #3 through #10.

As such, these Mock Draft rankings are based on potential with this year’s Draft order based on Draft Lottery results and current team records from the end of the NBA regular season. These are only my choices and not the consensus picks of all of The Hoop Doctors writers, with that said here is my 2011 Mock Draft:Version 5.0:

Draft Order	College Team	Player	Position	Physical
1. Cle	Duke	Kyrie Irving	PG	6’2 180 lbs Freshman
		Immediate impact player that is the total package from PG position. Excellent handles with great end-to-end speed, elite level scoring abilities, lock down defender, and has the ability to take over a game. Improved outside shooting to go along with great midrange game and high basketball IQ. 5 Star floor general that fills Cavs glaring need at PG that many compare to Chris Paul.  Should teams be concerned about his 10% body fat?
2. Min	Arizona	Derrick Williams	PF/SF	6’9 240 lbs Sophomore
		The 2 time PAC-10 POY has been every bit as good as advertised this season, and then some. Williams stock has skyrocketed as he has become a game-changing big man who projects well at the next level. After surprising fans with his outstanding play as an unheralded freshman last season, he has taken his game to another level, helping to make the Wildcats relevant once again out West. He uses his big body and at times overpowering strength to get into the paint to do most of his damage, leading all NCAA players at getting to the foul line. Has added range from last season extending to the 3 point arc, in addition to shooting more than 62% from the field.  Potential double-double performer in the mold of Carlos Boozer.
3. Utah	Kentucky	Brandon Knight	PG	6’3   185lbs    Freshman
		The next great PG in Calipari’s long history of producing NBA ready floor generals after Rose, Evans, and Wall is Knight. Despite starting slowly Brandon has developed into an elite level shooter with an ever improving handle, matched with outstanding size, speed, athleticism, and above average defensive abilities. The jury is out on whether he will play the 1 or 2 positions at the next level because his shooting skills are way ahead of his ball-handling to this point. During the NCAA Tourney, he has shown the ability to take over a game without being the leading scorer. At only 19 years of age, we have only scratched the surface as to how good Knight can be.
4. Cle	Kentucky	Enes Kantner	PF/C	6’10 260 lbs Freshman
		The Turkish phenom’s sitting out over eligibility concerns hasn’t hurt his draft stock any as he is a bonafide Lottery lock.  It didn’t expose any weaknesses, despite not really showing how well he would perform against some of the NCAA’s top big men. But practicing in Coach Cal’s pro style offense has to help even though most scouts are probably still impressed by his domination of International competition during last year’s Nike Hoop Summit(where he broke Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record). Enes has amazingly soft hands contributing to an above average scoring and rebounding abilities.  He has the size and strength to contribute immediately at the highest level and could be a difference maker for the right team.
5. Tor	UConn	Kemba Walker	PG	6’1   175lbs   Junior
		Kemba keeps proving everyone wrong. We all kept saying he was too small, isn’t a good enough shooter, and isn’t capable of running and leading a team. He proved everyone wrong by helping UConn make arguably the greatest postseason run in NCAA history, sweeping the Big East Tourney and winning the National Title. He exudes star power by becoming an elite level scorer, with playground like handles, and the heart and determination of a champion. Walker has all the skills to be a star at the highest level despite concerns about his diminutive size.  Comparisons to Iverson are inevitable.
6. Was	Czech Republic	Jan Vesely	SF/PF	6’11   230lbs   International
		Not many players tend to pass up a chance to earn millions in the NBA to remain another season in Europe, but the move appears to be paying off for Vesely as he showed great improvement this season in the Euroleague.  Jan has shown a more ferocious demeanor around the rim this year as he attempts to dunk on seemingly every possession playing for Partizan. Although possessing a more slender frame, many scouts have compared Vesely to the European version of Blake Griffin, as he continually posterizes dozens of opposing players. He has terrific size(6’11) and length to play the SF position in the NBA although concerns remain defensively as to whether he can guard smaller quicker players.  Like many European players, contract issues remain, as he would have to be bought out if he is to play next season in the NBA.
7. Sac	San Diego St	Kawhi Leonard	SF	6’7  225lbs   Sophomore
		Anyone that has watched a SD State game this season can attest that the 2nd year forward has developed into hands down the hardest working player in the nation. Despite not having a defined position, he possesses excellent strength and length for a wing player, showing off his high motor and athleticism on drives to the basket. He has an excellent first step, enabling him to finish with authority or pull up for a short range jumper. For the season he averaged a double-double in helping lead his squad deep into the NCAA Tourney. On the flip side, he sometimes relies too much on his explosiveness and at times takes too many off balance shots, as well as needing to improve his perimeter shooting(27%). Leonard’s stock is on the rise as despite playing either SG, SF, or PF at times, he is undeniably an NBA talent as he is one of the nation’s best athletes on the hardwood.
8. Det	Lithuania	Jonas Valanciunas	PF/C	6’11  240lbs  International
		At only 18 years of age, Jonas was the perfect compliment to Donatas Motiejunas on the Lithuanian National Team this past Summer. Although still considered a raw talent, he has an incredible wingspan(7’6) that makes him very difficult to defend on the offensive end. Right now he is clearly a low block player with range on his jumper extending only to about 10-12 feet, but is reportedly a tireless competitor who ranks among the most improved players in all of Europe over the past 2 seasons.  Jonas has a motor that doesn’t quit, runs the floor like a gazelle, and is an outstanding offensive rebounder.   He still needs to improve strength and conditioning to compete against NBA bigs but has unlimited potential.
9. Cha	Texas	Tristan Thompson	PF	6’9   230lbs    Freshman
		Perhaps the very best of the Longhorn’s fabulous freshmen, the Canadian born Thompson has come on strong down the stretch and now ranks as an elite level talent among NCAA big men.  His stock has skyrocketed behind a string of double-double performances that saw him average 18 points and 12 rebounds over the last month of the season in leading Texas all the way to the Big 12 Finals.  Tristian has a rare skill set for a PF where he is an absolute beast in the painted area yet has decent handles and is more than capable of taking his man of the dribble when needed.  While he is still a raw talent, there’s no doubt that he may be drafted on pure potential as he could one day be a sleeper of this year’s draft.
10. Mil	Colorado	Alec Burks	SG	6’6  191lbs   Sophomore
		Possessing excellent size to play the 2 guard at the next level, the average fan probably hasn’t heard much of Burks until he helped lead the Buffaloes to a deep run in the Big 12 Tourney and an NIT Title. He has shown the ability to score and hit big shots, immediately drawing comparisons to former Colorado alum Chauncey Billups. Alec, an athletic wing with long arms who is an aggressive player off the dribble, actually prefers to get to the rim, while others are more comfortable settling for the jumper. He’s more than just an elite scorer as he rebounds well(6.5 reb) from the 2 guard position, has above average handles, and is an outstanding passer. He still needs to improve his 3 point shooting and add weight to a thin frame but has outstanding size and skill-set to be one of the sleepers in the draft.
11. GS	Kansas	Marcus Morris	SF	6’8   230lbs   Junior
		Marcus may very well be the most complete front-court player in the entire draft. He can shoot from the perimeter, is capable of banging down low, or taking his man off the dribble. When on the court, Morris is capable of dominating a game as he led the Jayhawks in scoring(17.2 ppg), as well as grabbing 7.6 rebounds per night. He also shoots nearly 60% from the field and an impressive 35% on treys. He has scored in double figures in all but 2 contests and ranked among the nation’s leaders in double-doubles. He brings an added toughness from Philly that exceeds most players at his position. Is average defensively because of a short wingspan. Marcus’s stock is on the rise even though his Jayhawks suffered an early exit from March Madness. Although he played mostly PF in college, Marcus will have to look to be more of an offensive minded SF at the next level because of lack of height against bigger forwards.
12. Utah	Lithuania	Donatas Motiejunas	PF	7’0   225lbs   International
		While some rate Vesely or Valanciunas as the best pure International prospect, in my opinion Motiejunas has the most potential to be a star in the NBA. At only 20 years of age, he has blossomed into one of the best scoring big men in all of Europe as he is currently averaging 13 ppg, shooting nearly 60% from the field, including more than 44% from behind the arc at the highest level in the Italian leagues. Since withdrawing his name from last year’s Draft, Donatas has added 10 lbs of muscle and has showed a bit more toughness making international scouts compare him to current NBA superstars Pau Gasol and Andrea Bargnani. Defense and rebounding remain as areas of improvement but has the potential to be a real sleeper of the Draft.
13. Pho	Congo	Bismack Biyombo	C	6’9   245lbs    International
		Prior to this year’s Nike Hoop Summit, not many fans outside of the Spanish Leagues in Europe had heard of the 18 year old native of the Congo.  But after blocking 10 shots and registering the Hoop Summit’s first ever triple-double, against USA’s best HS Players I might add, NBA GM’s are slobbering over his amazing talent and athleticism.  He already has an NBA sized body and may already be as fast as anyone running the floor at his position.  Despite being a dominating and intimidating force on defense, his offensive game is very raw.  There are also questions about his actual age as some insist he has the body of a grown man rather than that of a teenager.
14. Hou	Texas	Jordan Hamilton	SG/SF	6’7   225lbs   Sophomore
		While there have been some questions early on concerning attitude and coach-ability, Jordan’s talent is undeniable. After an up-and-down freshman season last year, Jordan became the go-to-guy for coach Barnes in ’10-’11. He is one of the Big 12′s best scorers, averaging a team best 18ppg, to go along with nearly 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He’s had 16 games of 20 or more points and could help a team offensively from day 1 at the next level. He has excellent size(6’7) for the 2 guard position but could also play SF in smaller line-up. He is one of the premier shooters and scorers in the ‘11 Draft class, and is an absolute threat to knock down shots anywhere on the floor. Jordan arguably has Top 10 talent but at times suffers from bad shot selection and tends to shoot too many threes. Nonetheless, his size and offensive prowess are tailor made for the NBA game.
15. Ind	Wash St	Klay Thompson	SG	6’6   205lbs  Junior
		After earning the “soft” label almost exclusively as a great perimeter shooter in his first 2 years in college, Klay has developed nicely into one of the nation’s best scorers as evidence of his gaudy 22 ppg average. His touch and body control are outstanding using the dribble-drive to get to the basket and has become far more than just a 3 point shooter. NBA GM’s are may look to transform him into a high scoring SF or bigger SG at the next level but still could stand to add weight. Defense will always be an area of concern because of only average athleticism but he has made great strides in his all around game to be considered a 1st round selection. A late season arrest for possession of a controlled substance may see him slide a bit.
16. Phi	Morehead St	Kenneth Faried	PF	6’8 230 lbs Senior
		Perhaps no one player’s stock is on the rise as that of Faried. In his 4 seasons at a small Kentucky school, all the dominating big man has done is break Tim Duncan’s long-standing rebounding record, while leading his squad to the 2nd Round of March Madness. He has one of the best motors on the planet and exudes athleticism that enables him to be an elite level rebounder and defensive stalwart. Offensively is where Faried’s game struggles as he relies mostly on lay-ups on offensive rebounds and short jump hooks, in addition to some nasty putback jams over defenders. Many have compared him to the modern day Dennis Rodman, and the comparison isn’t far off, minus all the tatoos and multi-colored hair. He is a physical specimen in the mold of Ben Wallace.
17. NY	Kansas	Markieff Morris	PF/C	6’9   240lbs   Junior
		As one of the safest picks in this year’s Draft, the other Morris twin at Kansas is more of a conventional 4 or 5 at the next level.  He has excellent size, strength, and touch to be a solid contributor for a contending team.  He has an unstoppable motor, above average rebounding skills, and blocks about 1 shot per night.  One way he is similar to his brother Marcus is that he possesses long range shooting skills as he connected on 42% from downtown.  Despite having outstanding low block skills and great touch from behind the arc, Markieff lacks a mid-range game and is limited by only average athleticism.  Late 1st to early 2nd Round seems appropriate since he doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as other PF prospects.
18. Was	Tennessee	Tobias Harris	SF	6’8   225lbs   Freshman
		In his first season under the now dismissed coach Bruce Pearl, the once highly touted HS prospect adapted nicely to rank 2nd on the Volunteers in both scoring(15.3) and rebounding(7.3). Despite his team’s roller coaster of a season, Harris has been the model of consistency, scoring in double figures nearly every game of the season. He is a tremendous mismatch in that he can take his man off the dribble in addition to being big enough to bang down low. He has amazing passing skills and has been known to take a defensive rebound all the way to the cup on occasion. He is a noted gym rat, has shown versatility by being able to play nearly any position on the court with his skill set and size. Tobias shows promise defensively as well because of a tremendously long wingspan and large frame. Harris is still a work in progress and considering he’s one of the youngest players in the college ranks he would benefit from another year at Tennessee but is good enough to be selected in Round 1. Potential could be unbelievable once his body fills out.
19. Cha	BYU	Jimmer Fredette	PG	6’2   195lbs   Senior
		Most teams out West can verify that Fredette is the most potent offensive player in this year’s draft. He has swept most NCAA POY Awards as the nation’s leading scorer and has scored 30+ points an amazing 20 times this season, highlighted by a 52 point gem in the MVW Semis. While he is an elite level collegiate player, there are questions as to how he will defend opposing guards at the next level. Even though he possesses only an average level of athleticism and struggles a tad on defense, he more than makes up for it with toughness and determination. Although it probably dates me, Jimmer reminds me a bit of former Cavaliers PG Mark Price.
20. Min	Florida St	Chris Singleton	SF	6’9   225lbs   Junior
		As one of the more intruiging players in the entire draft, Singleton decided to return to Florida State this season to prove he can be a go-to-guy and to further develop his offensive game. He has a prototypical NBA physique and reminds some scouts of Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace. He can drain the occasional three(41%) but still struggles to find his own shot. Since he has improved his low post game, it is difficult to predict exactly where he will be selected as some Mocks have him as either a Lottery sleeper or missing the 1st round all-together. He shook off an unfortunate knee injury late in the year but returned in a limited capacity to help the Seminoles play into the final weekend of March Madness. Defensively, Singleton shines, possessing lock-down ability even at the next level. If healthy, he could be a sleeper in this year’s Draft.
21. Por	USC	Nikola Vucevic	C/PF	6’11   240lbs   Junior
		While many were shcocked that the near 7 foot, sweet shooting Trojan big man declared for the Draft early, they shouldn’t be.  Nikola projects well at the next level because he is tailor made for the pick-and-roll heavy NBA.  In the typical European mold, he has an above average long range shot, balanced out by some developing low post moves.  At this point is still an average rebounder and has shown much more mobility than expected.  Vucevic’s stock is on the rise after measuring out extremely well at the combine.
22. Den	UCLA	Tyler Honeycutt	SF	6’8   185lbs   Sophomore
		Honeycutt is a 6’8 versatile and athletic player who can interchange between the off guard and forward positions as his long arms and active movement help him hit the boards hard and rebound the basketball despite being just under 200lbs. He’s deceptively quick in the post, yet equally potent from the perimeter. He definitely needs to add bulk to guard bigger players at the next level, hence he is better served at the SF position. He also could use work creating his own shot. Tyler is reportedly one of the hardest workers in practice and projects as a stat stuffing player in the Tayshaun Prince/Josh Childress mold. Could have been a Top 10 player with another year of seasoning.
23. Hou	Michigan	Darius Morris	PG	6’4   190lbs   Sophomore
		As arguably one of the most improved players in the nation this season, the sophomore PG increased his numbers across the board on the way to becoming one of the Big 10‘s best players. Possessing great size for the PG position, Morris is able to overpower most opposing guards, giving him an extreme advantage against most defenders. Although he is prone to a high number of turnovers, Morris has more than doubled his output when it comes to being a facilitator, ranking among the top assist men in the country. With that being said, most scouts agree he needs another year of seasoning after most weren’t even sure if he was a PG or SG as a frosh. He needs to drastically improve his outside shooting as he really isn’t a threat from behind the arc and must improve lateral quickness to defend quicker PG at the next level. Even though he has more negatives than positives to this point, he insists on keeping his name in this year’s draft.
24. OKC	Duke	Kyle Singler	SF	6’8   230lbs   Senior
		While it’s a bit puzzling to figure out just why Kyle’s numbers were down across the board in his senior season, he remains one of the best all-around players that the college ranks have ever seen. His production has been almost legendary, ranking in the Top 5 in most offensive categories in Duke history. He has been stuck in a prolonged shooting slump that goes back to the 2010 calendar year but has a plethora of moves to create space and score at an above average level. Despite a lack of overwhelming athleticism, Singler excels in nearly every facet of the game from rebounding, passing, ball-handling, and even holds his own defensively. He is the consummate winner and team player, qualities that some NBA coaches long for.
25. Bos	Providence	Marshon Brooks	SG/SF	6’5   190lbs   Senior
		Despite playing on a bad team in the nation’s best conference(Big East), the wiry thin Brooks has quietly become one of the country’s most prolific scorers. He and Jimmer Fredette are the only players to top the 50 point mark in a game this season and finished 2nd in the nation behind the BYU star with a gaudy 24.6 ppg average. He scored 20 or more in an NCAA best 26 games this season and had contests of 52, 43, and twice notched 33 point efforts during the regular season. Brooks is one of the more intruiging players in the draft as he can score from anywhere on the floor, has impressive handles, and has the physical tools to play against bigger defenders because of his outstanding length. Brooks is truly one of the premier players in the nation because of his play on offense, and his undervalued defensive play but gets seemingly little respect or attention around the nation. Concerns over rail thin frame, at times questionable shot selection, and average athleticism.
26. Dal	Georgia	Travis Leslie	SG/SF	6’4   202lbs   Junior
		While mostly known nationally for serving up a facial on DeMarcus Cousins last season, Leslie is a freakish athlete, who ranks amongst the top physical specimens in the ’11 draft class. With rare athleticism, length and strength at 6’4, Leslie played an undersized SF at times. While at this point he relies too much on his physical attributes, he is a tremendous backcourt rebounder, as evidence of pulling down 7 boards per night this season. He has a still developing jumper, extremely high motor, and excellent on-ball defense, to go with explosive leaping ability. Able to guard multiple positions using his combination of strength and agility. Still needs to work on ball-handling and creating his own shot but GM’s absolutely love his potential. Future NBA Dunk Contest contestant. Must improve long range shot and catch and shoot ability to get regular minutes as 2 guard at next level.
27. NJ	Tokyo Apache	Jeremy Tyler	C/PF	6’10   250lbs   International
		Although his skipping some time in HS to play overseas experiment has to be considered a disaster, he did get some valuable time against legit pro players.  The former #1 rated HS player is still a project at this point but measuring out at nearly 7 feet, and posessing an amazing 7’5 wingspan, all in a surprisingly mobile body is a rare combination that some GM’s will clamor for.  To this point he’s primarily a low block player but shows promise on an improving midrange jumper and could develop into a dominating PF/C for years to come.
28. Chi	Duke	Nolan Smith	SG	6’3   189lbs   Senior
		Nolan has proven over his 4 years at Duke that he is the ultimate competitor, providing Coach K whatever is needed to help his team win. In Kyrie Irving’s absence, Smith took his game to another level, showcasing above average PG skills and a high basketball IQ to lead the ACC in scoring and finish 2nd in assists last season. Despite being slightly undersized, Smith regularly got the best of opponents in college behind some spectacular handles and quick strike dribble moves as he changes pace and direction with a great hesitation move. Defensively, he may have problems guarding bigger 2?s in the NBA and lacks explosiveness but his determination and toughness balance him as a player. Winning on the biggest stage for the most respected coach in college basketball can only help his draft stock.
29. SA	Cleveland St	Norris Cole	PG	6’2   175lbs   Senior
		Norris is the perfect example of a player making the right decision to stay in school. By returning for his senior season, he has steadily increased his all-around numbers to being the lone Division I player to average 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists. He burst upon the national scene with his 41 point, 20 rebound, 9 assist effort against an opponent in February but his biggest improvement has been his true PG skills, where he was a finalist or the Bob Cousy Award given to the nation’s best PG. He’s a solid PG prospect with above average offensive abilities and is at his best in pick and roll situations. Some concerns include lack of high level competition, having only average athleticism, and must improve range on his jumper as he doesn’t connect on a ton of shots from three. Norris is a 4 star PG prospect, better served as a scorer than facilitator on a team with an already in place superstar.
30. Chi	Butler	Shelvin Mack	SG	6’2   215lbs   Junior
		As the big shot taker on the nation’s runner up squad two years running, Mack has finally become a household name because of all the exposure that comes with deep Tourney runs. His shooting range and physical strength are two attributes that translate nicely for NBA play. Shelvin compares favorably to that of Ben Gordon as an instant offense type of shooter/scorer at the lead guard position. Has good handles and plays excellent defense and is one of those long range shooters that has range anywhere inside the gym. Has the physique of an NBA linebacker with huge shoulders and a barrel chest and uses his excellent body strength to his advantage. Some question what exact position he projects as at the next level as he has excellent size for PG yet doesn’t possess the necessary ball-handling skills to be a starter.

Players stock on the rise:

Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego St - The ulta athletic SF prospect measured out extremely well at the combine, having an enormous 7’3 wingspan, which is longer than many center prospects.  He has prototypical size to make an immediate impact from Day 1.  Many mocks have begun to show some love, taking him from probable 1st Rounder to potentially see him creep into the Lottery.

Nikola Vucevic, C/PF, USC – While not many fans on the East Coast have seen him in action during the season, the promising big man has an impressive inside out game and a surprising mobility that bodes well in the pick-and-roll heavy NBA.  After measuring out a legit 6’11 and 3/4 in shoes, with a 7’4 wingspan, and the tallest standing reach(9’4) out of his group, Vucevic seems poised to burst into the late 1st Round.

Marshon Brooks, SG/SF, Providence - It’s surprising that the nation’s 2nd best scorer, behind Jimmer Fredette of course, and after playing in arguably the nation’s best conference(Big East) that more fans don’t know about Brooks.  He measured out with an impressive 7’1 wingspan and despite concerns over his thin frame weighed in heavier than Alec Burks, who has a height  advantage as the top SG prospect.  Brooks can flat out score and is beginning to get some mid-1st Round buzz. 

Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky - Some scouts are beginning to rank Knight as the #1 PG prospect over Irving simply because he both measured out well and was hands down outstanding in drills.  Many also think Knight may have a higher ceiling because of his already impressive long range shooting prowess.  I wouldn’t be surprised to hear him get some consideration for the #1 overall pick by Draft day.

Josh Selby, PG, Kansas - Despite having an up-and-down freshman campaign marred by ineligibility, offensive inconsistencies, and an unwillingness to adhere to coach Bill Self’s offensive scheme, Selby is wowing those in attendance at the combine.  His physical measurements(6’2) quelled any doubts about his percieved lack of height and ranked #1 in vertical leap among all players.  It no secret that the Knicks, sitting at #17, would love to select Selby as the heir apparent to Billups in a few seasons.

Players Stock declining:

Trey Thompkins, PF, Georgia - Despite being a potential Lottery selection prior to last season, Trey hasn’t faired well at the combine.  He came in with the highest (15%) percentage of body fat among all players and compared unfavorably among other PF in drills.  He did fare better in the shooting drills, ranking amongst the better midrange bigs, but his limited mobility opened some eyes.  It appears that Thompkins may slip into 2nd Round territory.

Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU - As the nation’s leading scorer and national POY, to many, Jimmer has unreal expectations.  He measured out about what was expected(6’2 in shoes) but  had the smallest hands of any PG in attendance.  After initially being projected as a late Lottery selection during the season, Jimmer has slipped way down into the 20′s.  Many are concerned he is JJ Redick V2.0. 

Jonas Valanciunas, C/PF, International - While many consider Jonas the best international prospect on the board, and projected as high a the #4 pick by Cleveland, some teams looking for an instant impact player may want to reconsider taking him so high.  Even though he is a raw 19 year old 7 footer who is a surefire Lottery pick this season, the Lithuanian big man has hinted that he doesn’t feel he’s ready to play at the highest level just yet.  He may slide a bit to a team that doesn’t have a pressing need next season as he will undoubtedly need to be bought out to become an NBA player. 

Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke - While most think Irving made the right choice in skipping the workout portion of the combine, it has narrowed the gap between he and the #2 rated prospect Brandon Knight.  He measured in at a respectable 6’3 in shoes but sent up a few red flags weighing in at 191lbs and an alarming 10% body fat.  Some are beginning to question whether a player with 11 NCAA games to his credit, coming off of a serious injury, and appearing out of shape is worthy of the #1 pick.

Jordan Hamilton, SG/SF, Texas - Measuring in at an impressive 6’8 in shoes, which was an inch or 2 taller than expected, was a good thing.  But struggling and finishing near the bottom among other prospects in his group during drills doesn’t.  Although he displayed an adept 3 point shot during the season, Hamilton struggled to find his shooting stroke in the drill portion of the combine.  Add that onto the perception that he sometimes bristles with authority and some teams have already begun to recoil.  I still believe Jordan to be a promising NBA player but several mocks have him sliding to late 1st Round.

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.

The Hoop Doctors Podcast: Episode 54

This week on THD Podcast Kevin Burke discusses his take on the playoffs thus far…

If you often find yourself too busy to watch The Hoop Doctors Podcasts, get them on the go for your iPhone or iPod! Subscribe to our Podcasts in the iTunes Directory, free of charge. Also, if you have any questions you’d like answered by Kevin or any other member of The Hoop Doctors team, feel free to email them to admin@thehoopdoctors.com and we will be sure to select the best of the best to have answered by Kevin On-Air next week or in a future episode.

THD’s NBA Finals Preview Mixtape

Well it’s finally here. The NBA’s biggest stage that we’ve been waiting for with anticipation all season long, the NBA Finals. Once again this year the Finals has a star studded cast of players. The storylines are plenty with the veteran and balanced Mavs, taking on the front loaded big three of Wade, James, and Bosh. The Hoop Doctors decided to put together this preview mixtape to wet your appetite for what’s to come. Game 1 tips off at 9pm EST on Tuesday, May 31st. Who you got?

NBA Finals 2011: Game 1 Spread and Prop Bet Predictions

The 2011 NBA Finals are officially set. The Miami Heat will be taking on the Dallas Mavericks, in a rematch of the 2006 Finals. Game 1 will tip off Tuesday at 9:00 ET on ABC.

I don’t think we can call this matchup a surprise, but it’s safe to say it is definitely surprising to an extent. Throughout the regular season, Miami never really looked like the super team everyone expected. Despite winning 58 regular season games, it was believed by many their lack of experience playing together would be their undoing come playoff time.

Now, the Heat are headed to the Finals, and the team has only lost three games all postseason. The Heat are definitely who they thought they were. As far as the Mavericks are concerned, everyone was waiting for one of their annual playoff meltdowns. Thus far, the Mavericks have silenced their critics. They swept the defending champion Lakers in the conference semifinals, then they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, staging two impressive comebacks in games 4 and 5 of the series.

Game 1 Spread: Dallas at Miami (-4.5)

So, Vegas has Dallas as four and half point underdogs in Game 1. Really no big surprise. That is usually the average for a team playing on the road in a Finals game. Dallas has lost two road games this postseason, both of them coming in the first round against Portland. Conversely, Miami has not lost a home playoff game.

The Mavericks may not win Game 1 outright, but if I was betting man, I would take the Mavericks and the extra 4.5.

Here are some of the prop bets for Game 1.

Total Points for LeBron James: over/under 26.5

I will take the under on this one. James has averaged 26 points a game so far this postseason, while Wade has averaged 23 and Bosh, 18. Something tells me Wade will be the player with the big scoring game in Game 1, while James plays more of his dangerous facilitator role. LeBron will finish with 19, 12 rebounds and six assists.

Total Points for Dirk Nowitzki: over/under 25.5

I will take the over. I look for Dirk to get a lot of points from the charity stripe in Game 1. I predict he will finish in the range of 33-37 points.

Should be a great NBA Finals. There are plenty of storylines and future hall of famers in this one to keep all of us hoop junkies happy.

Joshua Sexton is a lifelong basketball fanatic, who watches as many games as possible. In addition, He has played and coached the game at the high school level. He has recently started writing about the game of basketball.

Scottie Pippen: “LeBron May Be the Greatest Ever”

Yes, you read that correctly. About an hour ago or so, Scottie Pippen was a guest on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” where he was interviewed by Mike Greenberg and Chris Broussard about the Eastern Conference Finals. Scottie is still plenty involved with the Bulls so he follows the team very closely. He was asked by Greenberg and Broussard to give his thoughts on LeBron James‘ performance in the series. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard him utter the words you’re about to hear. Not that I think he’s far off because LeBron is definitely one of the most complete players ever, but the man played with Michael Jordan. This comment by Scottie Pippen single-handedly puts LeBron back in the “greatest ever” conversation that so many have excluded LeBron from as a result of him going to Miami. This comment is a slap in the face to the real GOAT who helped Scottie earn some significant jewelry. I’ll stop typing now. Listen for yourself:

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

Caron Butler’s Status For Finals Uncertain

The Dallas Mavericks typically fly under the radar in the regular season and they certainly surprised many in the playoffs. Mainly because they lost a key offensive threat, Caron Butler earlier in the year. As of right now, Dallas isn’t sure if Butler will be ready for the Finals. But do they even need him at this point?

The Dallas Mavericks do not anticipate Caron Butler will be able to play in the NBA Finals, although a return remains a possibility.

“It’s unlikely, but I can’t say no for sure,” coach Rick Carlisle said during a Thursday morning appearance on ESPN 103.3′s “Ben and Skin Show.”

Butler, a two-time All-Star who began his career with the Miami Heat, has been working to return from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Butler is able to sprint and jump, but he has not yet been cleared for full-contact practice.

Butler suffered the injury on New Year’s Day in Milwaukee, popped the kneecap back in place and walked to the Mavericks’ locker room because he didn’t want to be seen carried off the court in front of the dozens of friends and family members who traveled from his hometown of Racine, Wis., to attend the game.

Read more about Butler’s status via ESPN.com.

Next Page »