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Rob Dillingham declares for the 2024 NBA Draft!

Cazzie Luz — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:05:11 +0000

The 6"3" guard out of Kentucky is considered to be a Top 10 pick

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In the Paint | Kobe Bryant's Pre-Draft Journey!

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 04:19:21 +0000

On Episode 180 of the Ballislife hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins go hard on the one-year plan that was hatched for the late, great Kobe Bryant to turn pro out of high school with special guest Gary Charles, who was part of the small circle that knew of the plans for the 17-year wunderkind from Lower Merion High School (Ardmore, Pa.).

Charles spends 40 minutes detailing the plan to get Kobe from Lower Merion to the NBA, even though he was a wing guard and academically eligible for any college in the country. That was unheard of at the time. Charles goes "In The Paint" on meeting Kobe through his father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, what Kobe was like as a rising junior at ABCD Camp, the keys to hatching the plan for him to turn pro, and the occurrences that could have foiled Team Bryant's plan to keep him from Nike and keep other NBA teams drafting higher than Charlotte from realizing he should be their pick.

What would have happened in Lower Merion would have traveled to Los Angeles in January '96 for a MLK Showcase game vs. Schea Cotton and St John Bosco? Was taking R & B singer Brandy to the prom potentially worrisome? What if Tim Thomas would have went straight pro out of high school instead of going to Villanova? What if the New Jersey Nets would have went for Kobe at No. 8 instead of Kerry Kittles?

Charles, a longtime grassroots basketball coach and event director, also gives some insight on a Plan B if the Charlotte move didn't happen and what transpired leading up to draft day.

The ITP crew then close this special episode with their reactions to the interview and some media references helpful to learn more background information on Kobe's unique path. Kobe's prep-to-pro journey hasn't been told in this manner, so make sure to tune in to Episode 180 from start to finish! (The episode is time-stamped below for easy listening)

(0:00) - Intro

(1:24) - Mahomes Chasing Brady: NFL's Future

(2:01) - Super Bowl Halftime Show Reaction!

(3:54) - Intro To Kobe Bryant's Plan To Go Pro

(5:32) - Sheryl Swoopes on Caitlin Clark: Chelsea's Dish!

(10:28) - Ani & Ron's Dish on Swoopes' Caitlin Comments

(18:56) - Announcers Cheering On Greats?

(23:28) - Kobe Bryant's Statue: Instant Reaction

(25:48) - Gary Charles (Grassroots Czar) Interview

(30:51) - Charles: Kobe As Rising Junior

(32:36) - Charles: Realizing Kobe's The One

(37:59) - Charles: Keys To Hatching HS-To-Pro Plan

(43:57) - Charles: Close Calls That Could Foil The Plan!

(49:41) - Charles: Plan B If Charlotte Deal Changes!

(53:07) - L.A. Kobe Game That Never Happens

(59:06) - Charles: Shielding Kobe From Nike

(1:00:47) - Charles: Leading Up Draft Day!

(1:08:24) - Chelsea & Ani's Reaction To Kobe Plan

(1:13:52) - Ron's Experience With Kobe's Timeline

(1:17:54) - Ani & Chelsea's Dish on Finding The One

(1:22:54) - More Media References To Kobe's Journey

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NBA Summer League is BACK!

Sara Jane Gamelli — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:40:22 +0000

Twitter: @GGirlSports.?

The 2023 NBA Summer League is finally underway after a busy free agency week.? There are a total of five games tonight, although we will be focusing on the Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers.? The Lakers had a fantastic free agency, and the Heat continue to wait on Damian Lillard. The two teams will play tonight at 6 PM EST, at the Golden 1 Center, located in Sacramento, California. Also, if you're looking to watch or bet on the game, it will air on ESPN2.? If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know.

Future 2023-2024 NBA Championship Odds:

*Odds courtesy of DraftKings*

Miami Heat:?+900
Los Angeles Lakers:?+1200

NBA Summer League

*Odds courtesy of DraftKings*

Heat: +120
Lakers: -140
Over/Under: 163
Spread: -2.5 Lakers

Heat Summer League Roster

Position? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Height? ? ? ? ? Weight? ? ? ? ? ?Age? ? ? ? ? ? ? School? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Acquired
(F)Nikola Jovic? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-11? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?225 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?#27 Pick 2022
(F)Jamal Cain? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-7? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?205 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Oakland? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Signed 7/15/22.
(G)Dru Smith? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-3? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?200 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?25? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Missouri? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Signed 7/1/23.
(F) Jamie Jaquez Jr.? ? ? ? ?6-7? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?220 lbs.? ? ? ? ? 22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?UCLA? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? #18 2-23
(C) Orlando Robinson? ? ?6-11? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?245 lbs.? ? ? ? ? 22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Fresno St.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Signed 7/6/22.
(G) Jamaree Bouyea? ? ? ? 6-2? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?180 lbs.? ? ? ? ? 24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?San Fran? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Signed 7/1/23.
(G) Justin Powell? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-6? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?200 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Washington St.
(G) Chase Audige? ? ? ? ? ? 6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 200 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Northwestern
(G) Caleb Daniels? ? ? ? ? ? 6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 210 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Villanova
(G) Trenton Massner? ? ? ?6-2? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 175 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?23? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Western Illinois
(G) Alondes Williams? ? ? 6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 205 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?25? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Wake Forest
(F)Drew Peterson? ? ? ? ? ? 6-9? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 205 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?USC
(F) Taylor Funk? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-9? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 220 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?26? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Utah State
(F)Ja'von Franklin? ? ? ? ? ? 6-7? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 210 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Georgia Tech
(C)Brandon McCoy? ? ? ? ? ?7-0? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 250 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?26? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?UNLV
(C)Patrick Gardner? ? ? ? ? 6-11? ? ? ? ? ? ? 250 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Marist

Roster courtesy of the NBA

Lakers Summer League Roster

Position? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Height? ? ? ? ?Weight? ? ? ? ? ? Age? ? ? ? ? ? ?School? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Acquired
(G)Max Christie? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-5? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 190 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? ?20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Michigan State? ? ? ? #35 Pick 2022
(G)Jalen- Hood Schifino? ? ? 6-6? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?215 lbs.? ? ? ? ?? ? 20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Indiana? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? #17 Pick 2023
(G)Scotty Pippen Jr.? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-1? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?185 lbs.? ? ? ? ?? ? 22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Vanderbilt? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Signed 7/1/22.
(F) Maxwell Lewis? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-7? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?205 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? ?20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Pepperdine? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?from DEN
(F) Cole Swider? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-9? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?220 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Syracuse? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Signed 7/1/22.
(C) Colin Castleton? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-11? ? ? ? ? ? ?231 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? ?23? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Florida
(F) Alex Fudge? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-8? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?189 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? ?20? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Florida
(G) Damion Baugh? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?194 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? 22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?TCU
(F) LG Figueroa? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-6? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?200 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? 25? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Oregon
(C) Sacha Killeya-Jones? ? ? ? 6-11? ? ? ? ? ? ?220 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? 24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Kentucky
(F) Paris Bass? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 6-8? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?200 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ? 27? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Detroit Mercy
(G)Bryce Hamilton? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 205 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?22? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? UNLV
(G) D'Moi Hodge? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?6-4? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 185 lbs.? ? ? ? ? ?24? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Missouri

Heat Players to Watch

Nikola Jovic

(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

2022-2023 NBA Season:? 5.5 PPG | 2.1REB | 0.5 STL | 0.1 BLK | 94.7 % FT | 22.9 % 3PT | 40.1% FG.

Nikola Jovic was the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and has a chance to show the Heat why they drafted him. Although Jovic only has 15 career games under his belt due to a back stress reaction, he impressed last year in summer league.? We saw him score 25 points and drained three's last summer against the Warriors and has gained size in the offseason.

Although the Heat wait on star Damian Lillard, it's highly unlikely they will trade Center Bam Adebayo if they do acquire Lillard. With the resigning of Kevin Love, Jovic will certainly have some competition against Orlando Robinson and Thomas Bryant.??

The Heat anxiously await the development of their Serbian center, who has excellent basketball IQ, and is a potential three-level scorer.? With the loss of Gabe Vincent and Max Strus, Miami will need more shooting power, along with big men to back up Adebayo.?

Jamie Jaquez Jr.?

?(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

2022-2023 College Season: 17.8 PPG | 8.2 REB | 1.5 STL | 0.6 BLK | 77 % FT | 31 % 3PT | 48% FG.

The Heat shocked the world when they drafted UCLA Star Jamie Jaquez Jr. 17th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.? Led by Head Coach Erik Spoelstra, the Heat have an amazing system when it comes to the development of rookies and undrafted players.? Jaquez has great size and is a force on the defensive end.? In addition, he played all four years for UCLA, and now has the chance to develop under an elite system created by Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra.

He is an extremely hard-working individual who will fit in well with the system, and he brings elite perimeter defense to this Miami team.? Jaquez Jr. averaged more than 1 steal a game and has excellent footwork and passing skills. The Heat averaged the least number of points per game last season, and Jamie Jaquez Jr. is NBA ready, and could most likely play and guard multiple positions.

Lakers Players to Watch

Jalen Hood-Schifino?

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

2022-2023 College Season: 13.5 PPG | 4.1 REB | 0.8 STL | 0.3 BLK | 77 % FT | 33 % 3PT | 45 % FG.

All eyes will be on the rookie this summer.?

Jalen-Hood-Schifino was drafted 17th overall in the 2023 NBA draft by the Lakers, and last played for Indiana.? Although the Lakers have a tremendous amount of talent and depth in their backcourt, Hood-Schifino could find a spot in the rotation, especially if he impresses this summer. Initially the selection of Hood-Schifino was a surprise for many Lakers fans, but here's what we need to watch for:

Hood-Schifino only had one season in collegiate basketball and needs some development in his game.? He's on the taller side for a guard, and we saw him play hard defense, especially in the NCAA Tournament.? Although he needs to work on his three-point shot Hood-Schifino excels with the mid-range jumper and is capable of guarding multiple positions due to his size.? He also has the ability to get to the basketball and facilitate the ball.? It will be fun to watch him tonight.??

Max Christie

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

2022-2023 NBA Season: 3.1 PPG | 1.8 REB | 0.2 STL | 0.2 BLK | 87.5 % FT | 41.9 % 3PT | 41.5 % FG.

Max Christie was selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Michigan State. Although Christie didn't play many minutes, and averaged low numbers, it's time to watch how he produces in summer league.? There are rumors Max Christie added some weight in the off season and could be a serviceable guard in the NBA.? Also, the Lakers recently added a variety of talent in free agency, however, that doesn't mean Christie couldn't earn a rotation spot. With Schroder and Lonnie Walker IV gone in free agency, the door could open for Christie.

The Lakers ranked 27th in the league in three-point shooting last season and can use all the help they can get.? Poised to make a playoff run, Christie shot 66.7 percent from the field in three games against Denver and averaged 7.3 Points.? It's important to note, he averaged 7.3 points in only 15 minutes averaged per game.? Although Christie struggled from the three in the playoffs, he's a career 41.9 percent three-point shooter, and is an excellent shooter from the line.? The Lakers signing Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Rusell, and Cam Reddish will most likely make it near impossible for Christie to get minutes. It's his time to shine and show what he can bring to the NBA in his second year.

Predictions:

?With the Damian Lillard trade talks going on, it is not certain Jamie Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic will be on the roster if the Heat acquire him.? ?However, this is their chance to prove themselves to the organization and the rest of the league.? For the Lakers, we will see rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino show why he belongs in the NBA, and what he can bring to the team.?

I like the Lakers here, who have an abundance of talent, including Jalen Hood- Schifino and Scotty Pippen Jr., Max Christie, and Cole Swider. I think this game will be close, and I have the Lakers at -2.5.? I'm unsure of the money line since it's the first game of the summer league, and we are unsure how much each star will play.? I'll take the OVER here, since summer league is short, and this is the time for these players to show case their talents.??

Stay tuned for more basketball and betting related articles.?Click here for more NBA betting strategies.

For More NBA Betting Info & Game Predictions,?Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

Sara Jane is a full-time content creator,?focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com.?Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Kick/Twitch/Instagram: @GGirlSports.

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2023 NBA Draft: Top 10 Sleeper Picks

Sara Jane Gamelli — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 21:47:56 +0000

Twitter: @GGirlsports

Tonight, is the 2023 NBA Draft, starting at 8 PM Eastern Time, and we’ve broken down most of the betting scenarios surrounding the draft. There have been rumors swirling around stars Paul George, Damian Lillard, and others. In addition to the Celtics, Grizzlies, and Wizards trade last evening, I expect other trades to happen tonight, which may impact the mock drafts for tonight. Let’s look at my top sleepers for tonight’s draft. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:

Gradey Dick

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 18: Gradey Dick #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 18, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Top 5 odds: +5000
Top 10 odds: +220

Position: Forward | Team/Country: Kansas | HT/WT: 6-6 204| Age: 19
2022-2023 Stats: 14.1 PPG | 1.4 STL | 1.7 AST | 5.1 REB | 40.3 3PT % | 45.3 FG %

Player Profile

Strengths

Gradey Dick only played on year at Kansas and finished Second Team ALL-BIG 12. Most importantly, he established himself as one of the best shooters in this class, if not the best. If Gradey Dick is left open, he's mostly guaranteed to knock down the three. In addition, he has a smooth shot, and he is known to knock down consistent shots. Dick excels in corner threes and is always down the court in transition. We are used to seeing Gradey Dick down corner threes; however, we've seen him snipe from just about anywhere on the court. In addition to exceptional shooting, Dick is a great defender, and averaged almost 2 steals a game.

Weaknesses

I think Gradey Dick will be a force in the NBA, especially teams who need shooting and defense. Dick isn't known for his exceptional speed, in addition to playmaking and facilitating the ball. In fact, Gradey Dick only averaged 1.7 assists a game. In order to become a multi-versatile player, Dick must improve his passing and his ability to make plays for his teammates. In addition, he must work on being able to defend the 1-4 positions.

I could see Gradey Dick sliding into the top 10, given his odds are +220. The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a sharpshooter, so perhaps they will trade up. The Orlando Magic need backcourt shooting as well, perhaps they make something happen, given they have 2 first round picks. I could also see him either land with the Utah Jazz at #9, or perhaps the Raptors or hawks.

Jordan Hawkins

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 03: Jordan Hawkins #24 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates as he cuts down the net after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs 76-59 during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Top 5 odds: +7500
Top 10 odds: +3500

Position: Guard | Team/Country: Connecticut | HT/WT: 6-4 186| Age: 21
2022-2023 Stats: 16.2 PPG | 0.7 STL | 1.3 AST | 3.8 REB | 38.8 3PT % | 40.9 FG %

Player Profile

Strengths

NCAA Champion, FIRST-TEAM ALL-BIG EAST.

Besides Gradey Dick, Jordan Hawkins is considered one of the best shooters in this draft. He helped lead the Connecticut Huskies to a National Championship and did so with incredible shooting and defense. As a fellow UConn alumna, I've intently watched Jordan Hawkins for the last two seasons. Not only did he shoot 55 percent from the Three in the Championship game against San Diego State, but he also played incredible defense. Even though Hawkins stands a 6 foot 4, he has a 6'6 wingspan, and we've seen him make plenty of blocks in the regular season and the championship. He plays incredible defense, either at the 1 or 2, and has speed. Overall, I see him as strong guard in the NBA who can provide speed and movement, shooting and defense. He also has an incredible shot speed, which may help with contested shots.

Weaknesses

Jordan Hawkins is listed as a 6-foot 4 guard; however, I don't see him as a true point guard in the NBA. He only averaged 1.3 assists, and I see him playing better off ball than on offensively. I also think he's a little undersized for his height and could improve in the weight room. Overall, I would like to see him attack to the basket more.

Hawkins is one of my sleeper picks, although the odds for him to be drafted into the top 5 and top 10 are extremely high. I could see him fitting in with Miami, Los Angeles, or even Toronto or Utah.

Bilal Coulibaly

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 15: Bilal Coulibaly of Boulogne Levallois in action during the Playoffs Betclic ELITE - Finale Episode 3 basketball match between Boulogne-Levallois and AS Monaco Basket at Roland Garros Philippe Chatrier in Paris, France, on 15 June 2023. (Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Top 5 odds: +3000
Top 10 odds: +190

Position: Forward | Team/Country: France| HT/WT: 6-8 194 | Age: 18
2022-2023 Stats: 5 PPG |0.8 STL | 0.8 AST | 3.1 REB | 45.2 3PT % | 53.2 FG %

Player Profile

Strengths

Bilal Coulibaly was the teammate of Victor Wembanyama, who both played for Paris' Metropolitan 92. Don't let the stats fool, you, after watching hours of film on Bilal Coulibaly, I consider him to be an extremely underrated player in this year's draft. At 6-8, he has an incredible vertical leap, and that has turned him into a defensive player. Due to his size, he's extremely athletic, and has a high 3-point percentage. In addition, Coulibaly is a pure finisher at the rim, and he's extremely efficient at creating his own shot. Although he's been overshadowed by Wembanyama, Coulibaly can be an elite defender in the NBA, especially with a 7-foot wingspan. He may have only averaged 5 points per game; however, he can contribute as a solid slashing defensive wing in the league.

Weaknesses

We need to see Bilal Coulibaly perform more on offense in the NBA before labeling him as just a lockdown wing. In addition, he averages under 1 assists per game, and will need to improve on facilitating and handling the ball in the NBA. In addition to slashing to the rim, Coulibaly can work on shooting inconsistencies and developing more of an offensive game. The fact that Bilal Coulibaly shot the three at a high percentage shows he can space the floor, which is extremely important in today's game. Overall, he's extremely impressive, and I do believe he has a higher ceiling in the NBA, and was overshadowed in France.

Dereck Lively II

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 18: Dereck Lively II #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of the game in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 18, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Player Profile

Top 10 odds: -120

Position: Center | Team/Country: Duke | HT/WT: 7-1 230| Age: 18
2022-2023 Stats: 5.2 PPG | 0.5 STL | 2.4 BLK | 1.1 AST | 5.4 REB | 15.4 3PT % | 65.8 FG %

ALL ACCC-DEFENSIVE TEAM + ALL- FRESHMAN TEAM

Strengths

Another Freshman out of Duke University, Dereck Lively III is one of the best defensive players in the 2023 NBA Draft. Standing at 7 foot 1, Lively II is an exceptional blocker, rim protector, and finisher at the rim. His wingspan is 7 foot 8, which proves he can be an elite rim protector, and slasher in the NBA. He only averaged 5 points a game at the collegiate level, however that may change in the NBA. Either way, one team will be getting an elite defender at the Center position.

Weaknesses

One of his biggest weaknesses is the inability to shoot from the three-point range. Many Centers in the NBA today can shoot and stretch the floor. He lacks playmaking and any sort of low post game. In addition, he only averaged 5 rebounds, considering his height.

His production was low at Duke, which could change. His elite defense and slashing abilities will make him a difference maker right away. According to CBS, he is projected 10th overall to the Dallas Mavericks to play alongside Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving, who's a free agent.

Stay tuned for more basketball and betting related articles. Click here for more NBA betting strategies.

For More NBA Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Kick/Twitch/Instagram: @GGirlSports.

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NBA Draft: Best bets and analysis

Sara Jane Gamelli — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 16:27:25 +0000

Twitter: @GGirlSports

?In case you missed the last article, tonight is the 2023 NBA Draft. I discussed the odds of the #1, #2 pick, and the exact 1-2-3 order and their odds. In this piece, player draft position odds, top 5 odds, and top 10 odds will be discussed. If you’re planning on watching the 2023 NBA Draft, it will be held at the Barclays Center, located in New York. In addition, the Draft is on June 22 at 8 p.m. Eastern, and will be televised on ABC (First round) and ESPN for the full draft. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:

Top 5 Draft Odds:

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

In previous articles, we discussed the profiles of Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, and Amen Thompson. There are a few players that COULD move into the top 5, including Anthony Black, Jarace Walker, Cam Whitmore, and more.?We will break down their full odds and player profiles below.

Top 10 Odds:

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Anthony Black

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 10: Anthony Black #0 of the Arkansas Razorbacks shoots a free throw against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Top 5 odds: +1200
Top 10 odds: -3000

Position: Two-Way Guard | Team/Country: Arkansas | HT/WT: 6-6 210 | Age: 19
2022-2023 Stats: 12.8 PPG | 2.1 STL | 3.9 AST | 5.1 REB | 30.1 3PT % | 45.3 FG %

Player Profile

?Anthony Black was an ALL-SEC 2nd team and SEC ALL-FRESHMAN in his first season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. As a freshman, Black led the Razorbacks deep into the NCAA Tournament, in which their season ended against the Connecticut Huskies. Standing at 6 foot 6, Black is a versatile player that can do it all. He’s an extremely athletic player who has a vertical jump of 39”.

Strengths

Although he lacks a consistent three point shot at times, Anthony Black is a fantastic defender. In both the regular season and the tournament, we saw Anthony Black use his athleticism to get to the rim and finish. His size gives him the ability to catch lobs and dunk over defenders, which we’ve seen over the course of his freshman year.? In addition, his size advantage gives him the ability to get to the free-throw line.? ?We’ve also seen his ability to play excellent defense, in which he averaged over 2 steals in his first collegiate year.

Weaknesses

In addition, we’ve seen Black do it all, including getting up for blocks. Although Black isn’t the best shooter beyond the perimeter, he can work on that part of his game. We’ve seen him create his own shot and can catch and shoot. Additionally, He has fantastic post spin moves and can take matters into his own hands. Rather than a player who excels at one or two things, Black has skills sets in mostly everything. In addition to defending, driving to the basket, shooting, and catching lobs, he can also dish the ball out. Due to his size and strength, I believe he lacks the explosiveness compared to other guards and has inconsistent shooting. With that said, I would like to see him improve his 3-point shot.

Anthony Black is a top 10 pick in my eyes. It’s hard to see him entering the top 5 unless a particular team wants to trade up for him. According to Bleacher Report, Black had two workouts with the Washington Wizards since the Bradley Beal trade, and the Utah Jazz are interested in trading up for Black.?

Prediction: UNDER 8.5. The Washington Wizards currently hold the 8th pick in the Draft, and the Utah Jazz hold the 9th pick. If Utah is interested in Anthony Black, there’s a very good chance they could trade up with Pacers, or the Rockets. Washington would be a great fit for Black, considering they are rebuilding and traded away start Beal.

Jarace Walker

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 24: Jarace Walker #25 of the Houston Cougars reacts to a play against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 24, 2023,?in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Top 5 odds: +110

Position: Forward | Team/Country: Houston | HT/WT: 6-7 249 | Age: 19
2022-2023 Stats: 11.2 PPG | 1 STL | 1.8 AST | 1.3 BLK | 6.8 REB | 34.7 3PT % | 46.5 FG %

Player Profile and Strengths

?Houston was one of the top teams in the country for a reason. Jarace Walker standing at 6 foot 7, has the strength and body structure of an NBA player. Walker was the AAC Freshman of the Year, and is extremely athletic for his size, given he weighs nearly 250 pounds. Over the course of the season and the tournament, we’ve seen Walker perform as an elite defender. His wingspan stands at 7’2 ?, and we’ve seen him block, protect the paint, and uses his strength to get down low in the post.

Furthermore, he can shoot beyond the perimeter. He is a big player that can be a force on both sides of the ball. To me, Walker is a true forward, and one of the strongest players in this draft. I believe his ceiling is very high, especially if he can work on his perimeter defense and his jump shots.

Weaknesses

Due to his size, Walker is not as quick as some other defenders, especially against three-point shooting. Although he shot nearly 35 percent from the three, he can be inconsistent at times, in which we saw in the NCAA tournament against Memphis and Cincinnati.

Prediction: My prediction is UNDER 6.5.

Walker is a big player that can stretch the floor and can play strong defense. Although his draft position is over or under 6.5, I truly believe he has the capability of being a top 5 draft pick come tonight's draft. The Pistons are sitting at #5, and already have young talent in guard Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Detroit needs interior scoring, along with defense. I think he would fit great in Detroit. According to Yahoo Sports, Jarace Walker is predicted to fall to Indiana at #7 top play alongside Miles Turner.

Cam Whitmore

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Cam Whitmore #22 of the Villanova Wildcats takes a foul shot during the Quarterfinal round of the Big East Basketball Tournament against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden on March 9, 2023,?in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Top 5 odds: +1200
Top 10 odds: -3000

Position: Guard | Team/Country: Villanova | HT/WT: 6-6 235 | Age: 18
2022-2023 Stats: 12.5 PPG | 1.4 STL | 0.7 AST | 5.3 REB | 34.3 3PT % | 47.8 FG %

Player Profile

According to ESPN, Cam Whitmore’s draft stock is rapidly falling. Per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Whitmore was seen “struggling at times with his shooting and intensity” during his individual team workouts. It’s important to note Whitmore has -200 odds currently to land in the top 5.

Strengths

Unfortunately, he missed several games of his first season with a thumb injury, and has shown he can shoot beyond the arc, and be a force in the paint. In the regular season, we saw Cam as an effective catch and shoot player. In addition, he’s great at reading defenses, especially in cut situations. He has shown extreme power and force at the rim and can use his size and strength to finish down below. His dunks are powerful, ferocious, and he is a player again that has multiple skillsets. In addition, I see Whitmore as a durable player, who will be able to play night in night out, especially given his frame size.

Weaknesses

According to multiple sources, Whitmore is reportedly struggling during team workouts and struggled in the tournament, I still see him as a top 10 player. Originally slated to be a top 5 player, I can see him falling anywhere from 6-10. Whitmore plays the guard position, and he needs to improve at facilitating the ball to his teammates. In basketball, you must be able to provide playmaking and facilitate to your teammates for tempo upkeep, especially?at guard. ?Cam Whitmore played incredibly well in the Big East Tournament first round against Georgetown. He scored 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and shot 3-5 from the three, and 8-11 from the field.

It’s important to note he did not record a single, block, steal, or assist in the game against Georgetown. We especially saw Cam struggle in the Big East Tournament Quarterfinal against Creighton. Whitmore only scored 4 points in 28 minutes, and shot 2-7 from the field, and 0-3 from the three. Although Whitmore has had incredible games, including his 26-point performance against Xavier, we’ve seen his offensive numbers to be inconsistent at times throughout the season.

Prediction: OVER 5.5: ?According to Yahoo Sports, several mock drafts have the Detroit Pistons taking Cam Whitmore at the #5 spot. I personally don’t see this as a good fit, given Detroit recently drafted Jayden Ivey and Cade Cunningham. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fall, potentially to the Magic at #6, or the Wizards at #8. I could potentially see him falling further.

Ausar Thompson

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 16: Ausar Thompson poses for a portrait during the 2023 NBA Draft Combine Circuit on May 16, 2023,?in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Player Profile

Top 5 odds: +110

Position: Forward | Team/Country: Overtime Elite | HT/WT: 6-6 218 | Age: 20
2022-2023 Stats: 16.3 PPG | 2.4 STL | 6.1 AST | 1.1 BLK | 7.1 REB | 29.8 3PT % | 56.2 FG %

Player Profile and Strengths

?2023 is an unusual draft in a good way. 3 out of the top 10 projected picks are coming from either the G-League or the Overtime Elite League. Not only is Ausar Thompson projected as a top 10 pick, so is his twin brother, Amen Thompson. Although I think he is overshadowed by his brother, he has incredible footwork, and the ability to finish at the net. He essentially is a scorer and has extreme athleticism, in addition to playmaking abilities.

It's clear that Ausar Thompson isn’t quite there with his three-point percentage, although he can improve his shooting with practice and development. He excels in off ball screens, shoots off the dribble, in addition to hitting fadaways. For his size, he plays hard defense, and averaged more than 7 rebounds a game, and more than 2 steals a game.

Weaknesses

I truly believe the right coach and mentors can help Thompson with his shooting inconsistencies in the NBA. He's not as careful with the ball and creates turnovers a lot of the time. If he lands with the right team, he could be one of the best explosive two-way guards in the league. Much like his brother Amen, and Scoot Henderson, all three of these players have experience in professional basketball leagues.

Prediction: OVER 5.5
My prediction is Ausar Thompson over 5.5, however, he has been linked to the number 5 spot.? Like his brother, Ausar is an extremely talented player who has experience in a professional basketball league. If he can limit his turnovers, and shoot consistently, he might be one of the best players in the draft. Right now, he is not the best catch and shoot player. He excels when he carries the ball in his hand, so I don’t see that working in Detroit as well as other teams. Maybe the Magic will take him at #6. Don't be surprised if he is taken top 5.?

Taylor Hendricks

CINCINNATI, OHIO - FEBRUARY 04: Taylor Hendricks #25 of the UCF Knights dunks the ball in the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena on February 04, 2023,?in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

Top 5 odds: +1000
Top 10 odds: -2000

Position: Forward | Team/Country: UCF | HT/WT: 6-8 214 | Age: 18
2022-2023 Stats: 15.1 PPG | 0.9 STL | 1.4 AST | 1.7 BLK | 7.0 REB | 39.4 3PT % | 47.8FG %

Player Profile and Strengths

Hendricks, standing at 6 foot 8, is nearly a 40 percent three-point shooter. He's excellent with the catch and shoot, and we've seen him posterize over other players at the rim. He's extremely athletic for his size and has excellent blocking capabilities. He will also be a defensive force in the NBA that can guard multiple positions on the court.? He stretches the floor, which is a key attribute needed in the league. I would also consider Hendricks to be an outstanding glass cleaner as well.?

Weaknesses

Taylor Hendricks is a forward, however, we are entering an era of positionless basketball at times.? I will say Hendricks has a post-game, which could improve, especially given his size, and athleticism.? In addition to his three-point shot, a strong post-game can separate him from other forwards in this draft. Much like some players in this draft, Hendricks could improve his shooting inconsistencies, and could use some more strength when finishing at the rim. He's an excellent catch and shoot player, however, Hendricks is not a shot creator.? Even though he's a defensive powerhouse, Hendricks lacks playmaking ability.?

Prediction: UNDER 8.5

I absolutely love Taylor Hendricks, and it's not often that you see a top 10 pick out of UCF.? I have him under 8.5, and I think he would fit in beautifully with the Indiana Pacers at the 7th pick. The Pacers need a Power Forward to play alongside Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Heild, Bennedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner. I don't think Hendricks will land in the top 5, however, I absolutely see him in the top 10.?

Stay tuned for more NBA Draft articles. Click here for more NBA betting strategies.

For More NBA Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

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WATCH: Ballislife NBA Draft Show, LIVE!

Ronnie Flores — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:53:13 +0000

Make sure to join us for the 2023 Ballislife NBA Draft Show, taking place LIVE, June 22, at 5:30 pm ET. Our NBA Draft show begins two and a half hours before the actual draft takes place and you'll get plenty of insight and have some fun in the process! Get your notification for Thursday's show!

Join podcast co-hosts Ronnie Flores, Ani Umana and Chelsea Hopkins for the 4th Annual Ballislife NBA Draft Show LIVE, taking place on Thursday, June 22 at 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm. This year's show figures to be our best one yet, with special NBA Draft guests, including a 2023 NBA draftee, expert analysis and much more.

The three plus hour long show has a bit for everyone.

The ITP crew has watched many of Thursday's Dratees since early in high school and have a good read on whom might hit or miss. Everyone knows French sensation Victor Wembanyama is the top prospect in this draft, but what about after that? Also, is he really one of the best prospects ever? How many generational prospects have there REALLY been over the years?

The show will break it all down!

If you want the lowdown on your favorite team and the best bets before it goes down, make sure to tune in! We'll make it fun, too, with some comparisons, insight from a high school scouting perspective and some free Ballislife give-aways. You don't want to miss out on the fun before the big party begins later Thursday evening!

What: 4th Annual BIL NBA Draft Party
When: June 22, 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT
WATCH: https://rb.gy/nf1ys

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Is Victor Wembanyama the #1 Pick?

Sara Jane Gamelli — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:27:06 +0000

Twitter: @GGirlSports.

?We are officially one day away from the 2023 NBA Draft, and it’s clearer than ever who are the favorites to go 1-2-3 Thursday. French Super Star Victor Wembanyama has been seen riding the subway in New York City, as the league awaits the #1 selection. In addition to throwing out the 1st ceremonial pitch at the New York Yankees Game Tuesday night, there’s still speculation and much confidence he will be the first overall pick in the draft. Although anything can happen, it’s looking very promising Alabama Forward Brandon Miller, and G-league sensation Scoot Henderson will follow 2-3 in the draft.

Additionally, we’ve seen some incredible, iconic drafts in the history of the NBA. This includes the 1984 draft class that included Michael Jordon, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, and Hakeem Olajuwon. In 1996, we saw some of the greatest basketball of all time drafted. That class included the late Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Derek Fisher. The 2003 draft class was one of the most iconic, which included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, David West, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony. Can this year’s draft top those iconic years? The odds have changed from our let’s article. Let’s break down the NBA odds and analysis.

1st Overall Pick Odds

San Antonio Spurs hold the #1 Pick.

Player Odds

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

The San Antonio Spurs still currently hold the #1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, after finishing 22-60 last season. The Spurs, led by longtime coach Greg Popovich, haven’t won an NBA Championship since the 2013-2014 season. In fact, the last time San Antonio had the #1 pick was in 2007 when they drafted NBA Legend Tim Duncan. From 1997-2001, the Spurs additionally drafted NBA greats Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, who’s also from France. Will San Antonio follow in the footsteps of Tony Parker, and draft the biggest sensation from France?

Victor Wembanyama is the biggest prospect since the arrival of LeBron James, and the Spurs already have talent in Devin Vassell, Tre Jones, and Keldon Johnson. According to LP Ellis of Spurs Talk, "two different league sources I've spoken to say the Spurs are one of the most active teams in trade talks heading into the draft. I still stay Arkansas sensation Anthony Blacks projection is lower, and the Spurs could target him.

Reported by Bleacher report, the Spurs are telling teams their preference is to trade for another first-round pick." It seems as if San Antonio is committed to the #1 pick, although we cannot specifically say Wembanyama at this time. The good news is that Victor Wembanyama would certainly embrace his role with the San Antonio Spurs. According to Bleacher Report, Wembanyama told reporters, “To me, San Antonio is synonymous with winning.” The 19-year-old prospect also quoted, he felt “l(fā)ucky” considering the general structure the Spurs have put in place over the years that helped their players thrive.

It's important to note, the San Antonio Spurs have won 5 NBA Championships under Head Coach Greg Popovich, from 1998-2013. The odds of drafting Victor are very high at -20000. For betting purposes, I would stay away from that line, as you would gain very little return on investment. Unless you have thousands of dollars for your bank roll.

2nd Overall Pick Odds

The Charlotte Hornets hold the #2 Pick.

Player Odds

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

The Charlotte Hornets currently hold the #2 pick in the NBA Draft, after going 27-55 last season. The Hornets most recently drafted LaMelo Ball #3 in the 2020 draft, and their last #2 pick was Center Alonzo Mourning in the 1992 draft. Also, the decision for Michael Jordon to sell his ownership in the Hornets leaves the organization with many questions surrounding ownership. ?According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony, even though Jordan sold his stake in the franchise, Michael Jordon is expected to be in attendance when the Hornets plan to “conduct a second round of workouts and interviews” with Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller.

Last week the odds were completely different, and guard Scoot Henderson was projected to go #2 to the Hornets. Woj also stated that both Miller and Henderson prefer Charlotte due to their southern roots, and the “Hornets are reportedly planning to select Brandon Miller at #2 in the NBA Draft.

The Hornets have their franchise guard LaMelo Ball, and it seems that Miller would be a better selection to play alongside Ball. However, this may not always be the case. Last year, the Magic selected Paolo Banchero out Duke, while Jabari Smith was the projected #1 pick. With Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington left as restricted free agents, there’s a possibility the Hornets will be very thin at the forward position. If this is the case, Brandon Miller would make the most sense. The odds for Brandon Miller are -400, however the Hornets can still trade the pick, or perhaps select Scoot after all. The odds at -400 is a risky bet, considering there is still a chance Henderson could be drafted here.?

Odds: Top 3 Exact Order.

Since the legalization of sports betting came about in 2018, the opportunities have expanded. For example, not only can some states bet on the draft, but you can also bet on different scenarios. In the 2023 NBA Draft, certain states can bet on the top 3 exact order of the NBA Draft. As of right now, the projected top three include Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, and Scoot Henderson. Let’s break down the odds and discuss the Portland Trailblazers #3 pick.

Top 3 Exact Order Odds

*Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook*

All these odds are contingent on Victor Wembanyama going first overall in the Draft. If for some reason, Wembanyama is NOT selected #1 overall, none of these scenarios would work. I would like to point out Villanova's Cam Whitmore, Arkansas Guard Anthony Black, and Houston Forward Jarace Walker are three players that COULD end up in the top three, and many teams are looking to trade up for. As mentioned previously, the odds have significantly changed since there have been reports the Charlotte could take Brandon Miller at #2.

Pick #3: Portland Trail Blazers

There has been news swirling about the #3 pick held by the Portland Trailblazers and whether they will keep or trade away the pick. According to Bleacher Report, the Pelicans have expressed interest in G-League Ignite Guard Scoot Henderson. However, the Pelicans have not made a formal offer to our knowledge, and the draft is just one day away. The reports come days after it was reported Zion Williamson does not have a relationship with the Pelicans organization.

It’s no secret All-Star Damian Lillard has remained faithful with the Trailblazers and expressed his desire to win an NBA Championship. Lillard recently signed a 2-year $122 million extension, which would keep him in Portland until the 2026-2027 season. In fact, Lillard liked a tweet involving a potential move for the Trail Blazers to acquire Zion Williamson this week, along with the desire to not get involved in the draft process.

What will Portland do with the pick?

Portland hasn’t won a championship since the 1976-1977 season, and Lillard has been to the playoffs 8 times. However, the Portland Trailblazers have never been able to get over the hump and make it to the NBA Finals.

With the #3 Pick, the Trail Blazers have an incentive to trade the pick for a start to pair with Lillard. Additionally, there have been several reports that the Blazers expressed interest in trading for Miami Heat’s big Man Bam Adebayo.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the Portland Trail Blazers are “planning on keeping” the #3 overall pick. If Brandon Miller is selected #2 overall to the Hornets, Scoot Henderson might be a nice fit with Lillard. If this is the case, I would imagine Anfernee Simons would be put on the trade block. Players such as Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, and even Keegan Murray have been huge contributors to their teams. There could be a possibility the #3 pick could be that guy next to Lillard.

Stay tuned for more NBA Draft articles. Click here for more NBA betting strategies.

For More NBA Betting Info & Game Predictions,?Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

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Introduction to Betting: Part 1

Sara Jane Gamelli — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:11:24 +0000

Twitter: @GGirlSports.?

Welcome to Ballislife Bets! If it’s your first-time sports betting or need some tips, you’ve come to the right place. Here we offer the best tips, tricks, and betting advice for every level of bettor. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information about betting types, and how to bet, so you can get your best experience and return. We will feature several articles about the basic information of betting so you can get started with confidence.

Sports betting has taken off since the legalization in 2018. In addition, it’s not legal in all 50 states, and some states have different age requirements. If you’re unsure of the requirements, make sure to investigate your states betting age law and limitations. It’s also important to use and recognize legal sports books when making a bet.

Here at Ballislife, we mainly use Draft Kings, however, There are other sportsbooks to use.?

States that allow legal online sports betting:

More in-depth legal sports betting Information can be seen here

Arizona? ? ? ? ? ?
Arkansas? ? ? ? ?
Colorado? ? ? ?
Connecticut? ??
Illinois? ? ? ? ? ?
Indiana? ? ? ? ??
Iowa? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Kansas?
Louisiana?
Maryland?
Massachusetts?
Michigan?
Nevada?
New Hampshire
New Jersey?
New York?
Ohio
Oregon?
Pennsylvania?
Rhode Island?
Tennessee
Virginia?
Washington?
West Virginia?
Wyoming?

Starting advice

We had the chance to interview a few professional sports bettors and asked them their tips and tricks when getting into the hobby of betting.? Chelly, a Content Creator for Bookit Sports sat down with us with some advice. "My number one advice when it comes to betting would be to try and get involved some sort of positive-minded community. Finding a group of people to surround yourself in such an often-negative space is much better for you mentally and you will often see the results in your bets." Having positive and knowledgeable mentors is key when it comes to betting. Click here to follow Chelly, who bets daily.

Finding the right Sports book

As mentioned before, we provided a list of our top sports books, however, that does not mean you need to use those exact ones. There are over 20 legal United States sports books, and not everyone is legal in your state. We highly recommend you do the research to find which sports books are legal, and the ones that you are most comfortable with. For example, Draft Kings has bonuses and existing player promotions daily, and offer different types of bets compared to other books. This includes odds boosts, missions and more. In addition, they offer VIP and dynasty awards.? Identifying the right book and knowing how to deposit funds are the two most important steps. It’s also important to learn how each sports book app works and to learn the interface before making any bets.

Examples of some legal sports books in the United States include Draft Kings, Fan Duel, Points Bet, Bet MGM, Caesars Sports Book, Bet Rivers, Unibet, and WynnBet. Again, it’s important to make sure you’re wagering your money with a LEGAL book.

As far as the promotions go, some books will give you a reward just for signing up.? Additionally, it’s up to the customer to review the terms and conditions of the app. For example, Draft Kings offers $200 in bonus bets if you place a bet of $ or more on any game. Often, there will be requirements for these bets, age requirements, expiration dates, and are only legal in certain states.

What do the Odds mean?

If you’re new to betting, you will notice various lines next to a player or team names. For example, you may see Dallas Wings -165 or the Atlanta Dream +140. If you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry. It’s important to distinguish the meaning of these numbers before diving into the types of bets you can make. Although there are different formats of odds, we will stick to American odds for now.

According to Draft Kings, odds are how likely an event or outcome is to happen. In addition, they show you how much money you can win from a wager. Here is how we rate the books .

Here is an exact example from DraftKings sports book

Anything that says negative before the number sign always means the outcome is favored. In this case, you have to bet more to win more.? Whenever there is a plus or positive sign in front of a number, it means the outcome is not favored. ?If there is a plus sign, it means the risk is greater when you place your wager, although the payout could be significantly higher. It’s important to note your units placed on bets is completely up to the individual, although there are maximum bet laws in the states. We will discuss the?word “Units” in the next few sections.

Although we won’t get too much into the types of bets, you can live bet during an event or game. As the game continues and progresses the odds will move in favor of the winning team. However, this can continuously change. In the Dream and Wings example, the Dallas Wings-180 simply means they are the favored team in the game the moment you bet. However, this line isn’t set, and can move days before an event, and during an event.

What causes the lines (odds) to move or change?

Aside from live betting, the odds and lines usually change before an event. The factors that would change the odds include weather conditions, player injuries, how many people are betting on that subject, and so forth. It’s important to pay attention to these factors when making a particular wager.

Shopping around for the best odds

We briefly talked about the legal sports books in the United States, and which ones we recommend for you to use. It will be up to you to shop the NBA odds lines. Let’s talk about the Atlanta Dream and the Dallas Wings game again. The Dream odds to win may be higher in another Sports Book. For example, the odds for Atlanta could be +140 on DraftKings, and +170 on FanDuels sportsbook.? Third parties’ apps, such as PIKKIT Sports are convenient apps where you can shop lines.? Shopping for the best bets may be time consuming, however, it can maximize your profits in the end.

Bank Roll Management

Sports Bettors are simply known as “Cappers” in the sports betting world. Most cappers would recommend that you bet responsibility, and don’t wager on bets with money you can’t afford to lose. Bank Roll Management is extremely important when it comes to sports betting. It can lead to a more profitable gain in the long run, and there are strategies that can help grow your bankroll.

Engaging in sports betting can either be a long term or short-term investment, along with a loss. The return on investment can be quite large in the betting world, however you must consider what you can afford to lose. For some sports betting is a hobby, and for many it’s an investment. The occasional bettor may make one wager for their lifetime, and others may wager regularly in hopes of a profit return.

Bank Roll management is an important concept that must be understood before investing in sports betting. How much you deposit into your sports book can be weekly, monthly, yearly, and so on.? If you set aside $1000 for your bank role management in betting, it can be lost very quickly, or you can get a decent sized ROI (Return on Investment). As you bet responsibly, it’s possible to grow your bank roll management, and protect it.

What does a unit mean?

Now that we discussed bank role management, it’s important to understand the meaning of a ‘unit.’ Once you determine your bank role, it’s important to note how much of your bank role you want to wager on a bet. According to Forbes, professionals’ advice bettors to bet 1 % to 2 % of your overall bankroll, 2 % leaning towards experienced bettors.

For example, let’s say you put $1000 in your bankroll on any given sports book. If you go to make a bet on a particular team, 1 % of the bet would be 10 dollars, which would be less of a risk. Another words, you are putting '1 Unit down on a particular bet.'? If you were to put down 2 % of your $1000, that would be a riskier bet of $20. That 20 dollars would also be known as “2 units put down on a bet.”

What is a bet slip?

A Bet Slip is going to show what you are wagering, how much, and how much return you would get. For example, on Draft Kings, it typically is a white colored slip with a green symbol that states “bet slip.” The Betting Slip refers to the actual place where you build and make a bet.?

Here, is an example of a bet slip. A $10 wager on +140 would make you $14 dollars in profit.

As the odds are higher, you MAY have a greater return in profit.? At +140 odds, if you risk $100, depending on your bankroll, there is a chance for a GREAT return. If the Dream win here, the return would be $140.

Stay tuned for more Betting Advice and information, Click here for more NBA betting strategies.

For More NBA Betting Info & Game Predictions,?Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

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Evaluating Boozer, Flagg & Dybantsa!

Matt Babcock — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:40:48 +0000

This past weekend, our resident NBA Draft Analyst Matt Babcock made a trip to Springfield, Mass., the birthplace of basketball, and the home of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to attend two high school events: the HoopHall Classic and HoopHall Prep Showcase. Today, he outlined a few of the prospects from the events that caught his eye, how their styles of play could fit the modern NBA, and some of the changes within the evolution of basketball at the NBA level.

As an NBA Draft analyst, I routinely travel to evaluate top prospects worldwide. Although I usually focus on prospects likely to be eligible for the upcoming NBA Draft, I make a concerted effort to get ahead by evaluating younger prospects, too, which leads me to my latest trip. This past weekend, I visited a special place: Springfield, Mass., the birthplace of basketball. I attended two high school events: the Spalding Hoophall Classic, which was held at Springfield College, and the HoopHall Prep Showcase, held at MassMutual Center.

I evaluated top players in the Class of 2023, who will be college freshmen next season, and some who could become one-and-done at that level before entering the 2024 NBA Draft. I also evaluated many top prospects from the Class of 2024. I believe there were a lot of future NBA players in those buildings and playing in those games. However, several prospects especially caught my eye, but they weren't in either of those classes; they were even younger. The players I'd like to highlight today are three of the top young prospects in the country: 2025 forward Cameron Boozer of FAB 50 No. 6 Columbus (Miami, Fla), 2025 wing forward Cooper Flagg of FAB 50 No. 2 Montverde Academy (Fla.) and A.J. Dybantsa, of St. Sebastian's School (Needham, Mass.), a 6-foo-7 wing from the Class of 2026.

One thing I find interesting about Boozer, Flagg, and Dybantsa is they are somewhat similar. All three players are just 15 or 16 years old, 6-foot-7 or taller (and likely still growing), athletic, and possess well-rounded skill sets. They play inside and out, shoot threes, put it on the floor, perform highlight finishes above the rim, and have the potential to defend multiple positions effectively. They generally play faced toward the hoop, and they're incredibly versatile. They're positionless. Their physical builds, body movements, athleticism, and overall physicality are different. Still, they're pretty much the same: they are do-it-all players with size and versatility. And most importantly, they're dynamic and, subsequently, elite prospects.

Another player that would fit a similar description is the No. 1 pick from the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero from Duke, who is currently playing well in his rookie season for the Orlando Magic. Banchero is listed at 6-foot-10 and 250 lbs -- he's an absolute brute. And despite his physical size and tools, he's a versatile, do-it-all player without a strict penciled-in position, just like the three high school prospects I mentioned.

And this year's No. 1 NBA prospect is a player from France, whom everyone's likely heard of now, Victor Wembanyama, as he has seemingly set the world on fire this season with his talent and play. Wembanyama is an extreme version of this type of do-it-all player, as he's 7-foot-4 with an 8-foot-wingspan. Still, despite his size, he shoots threes and crosses guys up off the dribble, in addition to dunking and blocking everything in sight. He's a unicorn as an NBA prospect.

So after spending several days in Springfield, getting to know these young prospects better, I couldn't help think about Dr. James Naismith, who invented basketball in Springfield in 1891. I thought about the origin of the game and the game's evolution. Basketball has come a long way, and the game is changing rapidly, especially at the NBA level.

The days of predictable isolations on the low block, hand checks, and rough physicality are long gone, as today's game is much more predicated on spacing, skill, and finesse. It's often discussed that small guards and traditional bigs are a dying breed in the NBA. Due to extreme spacing in today's game, NBA coaches prefer flexibility on the defensive end, with switchable players that can defend multiple positions and players that can shoot the ball with range on the offensive end. So players with size and versatility on both ends of the floor generally hold much more significant value across the board in the NBA. So naturally, Boozer, Flagg, and Dybansta check all the right boxes for what NBA scouts are looking for in young prospects.

So I left Springfield asking myself, "are Cameron Boozer, Cooper Flagg, and AJ Dybantsa future NBA stars?"

Well, I'm not going to make any bold statements about 15 or 16-year-olds. I think that would be reckless. However, I will say this: all three have the potential to become great and are on the right track. And although I'm admittedly being a bit vague, I can say one thing for certain; they are high-priority prospects for me to monitor, and I will track their progress very closely moving forward.

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It's in the Game: Early Free Agency Talk & Draft Recap

It's In The Game — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:05:39 +0000

Randy Cruz and Denny Blanco discuss Kyrie Irving staying in Brooklyn, Russell Westbrook staying with the Lakers, John Wall to the Clippers, the Knicks in the running for Jalen Brunson and much more!

The post It's in the Game: Early Free Agency Talk & Draft Recap appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The Noble & Roosh Show: With Jay Bilas

Noble & Roosh — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 17:03:44 +0000

Jay Bilas (ESPN) sits down with Noble & Roosh to discuss:

Winners/Losers of the draft
Mental health makeup as an evaluation metric
The preparation that international leagues provide
The college programs and coaches that prepare players for the NBA
Jay’s thoughts on the impact of the NIL Rule
Who will emerge as the best player of the '21 Draft Class

… and much more!

Information on the Jay Bilas Skills Camp can be found right here.

Follow Noble & Roosh on Twitter:

@ZakNoble @RooshWilliams

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In The Paint Show: NBA Draft Winners and Losers, NBA Free Agency, Olympic Hoops

Devin Ugland — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 19:03:13 +0000

On Episode 103 of the Ballislife In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss a variety of basketball topics. First, Ron and Dev break down the USA Men's Basketball team performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Is the U.S. in a no-win situation in its gold medal game against France? Should USA Basketball switch from a selection process back to a tryout? Click the play button below to listen!

Next, the guys give their winners and losers of the 2021 NBA Draft. Who got better? Which team's draft approach made the least sense? Which teams used their selections to add viable assets or immediate contributors? Finally, Ron and Dev break down all the big moves in NBA Free Agency. Who made signings and trades to put themselves in championship contention? Find out on the latest episode of the In The Paint Show.

You can also watch a video episode of Ep. 103 of the In The Paint Show on the Ballislife Podcast Network!

The post In The Paint Show: NBA Draft Winners and Losers, NBA Free Agency, Olympic Hoops appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Magical Night For Montverde Academy!

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 07:19:03 +0000

FAB 50 power Montverde Academy makes history with a record seven players selected in the 2021 NBA Draft. Perhaps an even more impressive NBA Draft statistic is four of them off the 2019-20 FAB 50 national championship team are taken in the first round.

There is a definite difference on how great a high school player is while in high school and how good of a NBA prospect he is and how good of a player he can be down the line.

The same ideology holds true for great high school teams.

Obviously, its record and position in the FAB 50 National Team Rankings powered by www.ebooksnet.com is a good indication of how good a team is, but sometimes it's not until many years later that one can look back at a high school team and realize just how great it was. When a player goes on to success at the highest levels of a game, that can obviously enhance the perception of just how good his high school team was. That especially holds true if a team has more than one great player or future pro.

Once in a blue moon a team comes along that you know is special right away in real time as you're watching it. It's evident in its makeup, skill level, size, pedigree and results of its games. In that situation, even the players on the team know it.

That was clearly the case with the high school team most long-time followers, prep editors, and national rankings compilers feel was the best overall during the last 40 years: 1982-83 Dunbar (Baltimore, Md.). That outfit went 31-0 and defeated a strong schedule of foes (for its era) by an average margin of 36.5 ppg. The players on that roster and coach Bob Wade knew how special the group was right then and played accordingly.

It's the same feeling the players off the 2019-20 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) felt in 2020 as the Eagles rolled to a 25-0 record and beat every foe on a true national schedule by an average margin of 38.9 ppg.

Wade's '83 unit cemented its status four years later in the 1987 NBA Draft when three of its players were drafted in the first round. Reggie Williams, the 1983 Mr. Basketball USA went No. 4 overall, spark plug guard and team MVP Muggsy Bouges went No. 12 and reserve Reggie Lewis went No. 22 overall. It blew many people's minds when Lewis, who was Dunbar's sixth or seventh man and averaged 5.5 ppg, became the third player off a single high school team taken in the same draft when the Boston Celtics selected him.

There has been 46 documented high school teams with at least three NBA players on its roster, but that '83 Dunbar team set the standard for other high school teams to follow by having three players taken in the first round of the same draft.

That was the standard until the 2019-20 Montverde Academy team came around.

The Eagles also produced the best player in the country (Mr. Basketball USA pick Cade Cunningham) and rolled to a No. 1 mythical national title as Dunbar did. The players on the Eagles' roster didn't have to wait four years to make history, as the core of the group all declared for the NBA Draft after one year of college (a record-low seven seniors were drafted in 2021). Not only did three players off that Eagles team go in the first round, the team produced the No. 1 overall pick (Cunningham), the No. 4 pick (team glue guy Scottie Barnes) and a third lottery pick in Moses Moody.

Not only did its top three get drafted higher than Dunbar's trio, MVA's 2019-20 team added a fourth first round pick in power forward Day'Ron Sharpe.

2021 NBA Draft Picks From Montverde Academy (Fla).
No. 1 Cade Cunningham (Oklahoma State) - Detroit Pistons
No. 4 Scottie Barnes (Florida State) - Toronto Raptors
No. 14 Moses Moody (Arkansas) - Golden State Warriors
No. 29 Day’Ron Sharpe (North Carolina) - Pheonix Suns (traded)
No. 50 Filip Petrusev (Gonzaga/Serbia) - Philadelphia 76ers
No. 54 Sandro Mamukelashsvili (Seton Hall) - Indiana Pacers (traded)
No. 57 Balsa Koprivica (Florida State) - Charlotte Hornets (traded)

As if having four players off the same high school team taken in the same draft isn't enough, the program produced seven of the 60 overall players drafted in 2021.

"This is a special day for all our players their families and the whole Montverde Academy community," said Boyle. "I'm very happy to see all the sacrifice and dedication pay off for all our players. To have seven drafted, four in the first round, and three in the lottery has truly exceeded our expectations. All of these guys are a special part of the Montverde family."

Petrusev was a starter on the 2017-18 team led by Mr. Basketball USA RJ Barrett (the No. 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft) that went 36-0 and wire-to-wire No. 1 in the FAB 50. Mamukelashsvili was a senior on the 2016-17 team that finished 26-5 and No. 5 in the FAB 50. Koprivica, who played with Barnes at FSU, was the starting center on the 2018-19 team that featured juniors Cunningham and Moody that lost in the GEICO Nationals semifinals to eventual FAB 50 National champion IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and finished No. 4 in the FAB 50 with a 22-3 mark.

Cunningham (13.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.4 apg in 2019-20 for MVA) is the third No. 1 overall pick for Boyle, with the first two being Ben Simmons in 2016 (one year after graduating from MVA as the Mr. Basketball USA) and Kyrie Irving, who played at St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.), in 2011. It surprised some when Barnes (11.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 4.6 apg for MVA) went ahead of Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs at No. 4 and Moody (10.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg) was drafted alot higher than projected coming out of high school. Sharpe (12.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) was actually the third McDonald's All-American and earned All-American Elite team honors from Ballislife.

As for the firth starter on that team, that would be sophomore forward Caleb Houstan (10.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg), who like Barrett, re-classed up after his sophomore season of high school and will head to Michigan this fall after earning All-American acclaim as a senior in 2020-21. In all likelihood, all five of the starters off that 2019-20 Montverde Academy team will eventually play in the NBA.

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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NBA Draft: Sleepers & Enigmas

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:14:19 +0000

The 2021 NBA Draft (July 29) is rapidly approaching and as all the draft day scenarios begin to play out, we wanted to take a look at six prospects we feel are going to be steals in this year's draft and six we feel will are the biggest risk-reward players. Will they pan out?

This year's NBA Draft is supposed to field one of the deepest crop of impact players in recent memory. Which teams will make the right decisions in the lottery? Make sure to check out our special NBA Draft "In The Paint" podcast , Devin Ugland's NBA Draft Board watch our second annual Ballislife NBA Draft Party on July 29 at 6:15 pm ET/3:15 PT to get our insight before the draft and as the top picks unfold.

Devin Ugland's NBA Draft Day Steals

Jared Butler, Baylor (Junior), 6-3 PG (Age 20)
Projected Pick: No. 30
Butler proved that not only could he improve individually over the course of his college career, but that he also impacts winning in high level games as he led the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Tournament title. Butler is a heady and smart lead guard who can play both on or off the ball. In his final season at Baylor, Butler shot 41.6 percent from three-point range and just over 47 percent from the field overall. Guys like Butler. who are drafted to a good team late in the first round, usually end up in a good situation where they can ease into the NBA game in a back-up style role. I'm confident Butler has the intangibles, leadership and shot making ability to be a long-term NBA guard.

Quentin Grimes, Houston (Junior), 6-5 CG (Age 21)
Projected Pick: No. 32
Though we have Grimes slotted as an early second round pick, I can see a few teams picking in the late first round who could use his services. Grimes got off to a bit of a rocky start to his college career at Kansas before transferring to Houston where he put up numbers consistent with his Top 10 ranking coming out of high school. I like Grimes to be a draft steal because he has an NBA body, showed poise in big game situations and shooting and playmaking at his size should translate well to the pro game. Something else that stands out about Grimes is the success he had after leaving Kansas with some labeling his a "bust."

Kessler Edwards, Pepperdine (Junior), 6-8 SF (Age 21)
Projected Pick: No. 44
Edwards is one of the more unheralded prospects in this draft - both when he was coming out of high school and now coming out of college. The 6-foot-8 swingman has a ton of versatility to his game due to his combination of length, fluid athleticism and lateral mobility on the defensive end of the floor. Edwards averaged 17.2 points per game as a junior on 55.3 percent from the field, 37.8 percent from three and hit 87.6 percent of his free throws. Those are solid percentages for an inside-out type of scorer who prefers to operate in the mid-range area of the floor. NBA teams might have to be patient with his three-point shooting stroke as he gets used to the deeper line.

Ronnie Flores' NBA Draft Day Steals

Cam Thomas, LSU (Freshman), 6-4 SG (Age 19)
Projected Pick: No. 16
This former Oak Hill Academy (VA) standout is one of the most accomplished scorers in the draft at any pick. Any questions about being a shoot-first, volume player at his draft position will quickly be quelled by his talent level and ability to adjust and find the right role that will maximize his potential. LSU had bouts of selfishness across the board and I think he’ll excel down the line because of his innate ability to score and draw fouls.

Miles McBride, West Virginia (Sophomore), 6-2 PG (Age 20)
Projected Pick: No. 29
I like winners and tough guards and "Deuce" foots the bill. He was way better in HS than the recruiting evaluators gave him credit for coming out of Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio), where he was a key cog on a FAB 50 ranked team. He led teams that won back-to-back D1 states titles, had a 49-game winning streak and went 29-0 his senior year. That type of production (not to mention defense) from a team standpoint translates. In two college seasons, McBride became a viable NBA prospect by improving his shooting (shot .414 from 3-point range in 2020-21) and increasing his play-making while his turnover count remained low. Obviously size will come into play for some teams with regards to where he lands, but whom ever needs a quality back up better take a long, hard look because he makes up for his lack of size with terrific on-ball defense, athleticism, instincts and a winner's mentality.

John Petty Jr., Alabama (Senior), 6-5 SF (Age 22)
Projected Pick: No. 58
If Petty can display solid enough ball-handling, I think he can stick in the NBA. He’s always been a good shooter (.370 3-point) and can get the ball up against good defenders. He has the ability to get hot and played with other talented scorers on a balanced Alabama team and should have no trouble being productive in what would be limited minutes if he makes a roster down the line. If Petty improves on the nuances of the game, he can be a complete steal late in this draft. I like reliability in the range he's may get drafted at instead of taking a big gamble on a project.

Devin's Draft Day Enigmas

Corey Kispert, Gonzaga (Senior), 6-7 G/F (Age 22)
Projected Pick: No. 11
It's always risky when you take a specialist-type prospect with a lottery pick and Kispert is absolutely one of the best shooters in the draft. The questions with Kispert are: what else does he do well that translates to the NBA? Can he guard and rebound his position well enough to see extended minutes? At age 22 with four years of college under his belt, what type of upside is there for him? I think Kispert is valued so highly because NBA teams are putting an emphasis on players who can spread the floor with limited dribbles, and while I think Kispert would be a safe pick in the mid to late first round range, taking him in the middle to the end of the lottery could be a risky decision.

Sharife Cooper, Auburn (Freshman), 6-0 PG (Age 20)
Projected Pick: No. 19
Cooper is an enigma in two different ways: I think there's a chance he could out-play his draft position (if selected around this projected range) or a guy who doesn't quite live up to the expectations of a first round selection. Cooper is an extremely talented ball handler who has great feel for the game and possesses the passing instincts necessary to play the PG spot in the NBA. There are, however, questions about his size, burst in transition and with his first step, and his lackluster three-point shooting percentage from the college line (22.8 percent) in 12 games. I don't see Cooper slipping out of the first round, but there are some shortcomings that could make NBA front offices second guess picking him.

Ziaire Williams, Stanford (Freshman), 6-8 SF (Age 19)
Projected Pick: No. 20
Williams has shown flashes of having all the tools to become a solid NBA wing, but his up-and-down season at Stanford cooled his draft stock after many believed he was a surefire lottery pick heading into the 2020-21 college basketball season. The 6-foot-8 wing averaged just 10.7 points per game in 20 games for the Cardinal and shot 37.4 percent from the field and 29.1 percent from 3-point range. In addition to those poor shooting numbers, Williams had a streak to close the season where he scored in single digits in five of his last seven games, a stretch where Stanford went 2-5.

Ronnie's Draft Day Enigmas

Jonathan Kuminga, G League Ignite (1st Year Pro), 6-8 SF (Age 18)
Projected Pick: No. 6
Evaluating some of the G League Ignite games, Kuminga's skill and production level simply didn’t indicate a top 4-5 pick to me. Does he have loads of potential? Absolutely, plus he's a bit younger than a majority of the other prospects at the top of this draft. He also has the frame and explosiveness many NBA GMs cost. However, he shoots a low percentage (38.7 FG, 24.6 3-point, 62.5 FT), needs tons of work on what to do without the ball and his decision making left alot to be desired in those G League games. He does have plenty of potential, but not much experience even dominating at the high school level. Will that potential blossom? There’s would be a lot less pressure for him going at No. 6 through 8 than No. 3 or No. 4. The lower he goes, the more I like his chances for long-term success.

Scottie Barnes, Florida St. (Freshman), 6-9 SF (Age 19)
Projected Pick: No. 5
How do you pass on a guy who does so much well? And how do you NOT pass on a guy that simply can’t shoot it well enough for his on court and draft position (27.5 3-point, 62.1 FT)? You do because he can improve his shooting and the other things he excels at (leading, defense, play-making) most of the other draftees simply are not as capable and likely won’t ever be, no mater how much they work on it. I feel Barnes will be a good pro, but if he doesn't pan out at the production level of the pick where he's expected to go (No. 4-5), a GM will be kicking himself in the foot for overlooking the obvious.

Jalen Johnson, Duke (Freshman), 6-9 PF (Age 19)
Projected Pick: No. 14
Will he buy in and be committed to the team that drafts him, or will he excel only in a situation for a team that covets his talents and will be patient with his development? We ask that because he Johnson has one of the biggest draft ranges of any eligible prospect. To me, he has lottery type talent and the make-up of a starting caliber NBA forward, but I also wouldn't be surprised to see him drop to the slot Dev currently has him listed at. There is alot of talent to work with, but not a big body of work. He didn’t have a complete senior high school season (he abruptly left IMG Academy early in the 2019-20 season) nor a complete college season (as he exited the program in a highly-publicized manner). Why is that? What will NBA teams find out when they dig deep on those incidents? Players have to be more talented than their perceived problems and it only takes one team with the right fit to unlock the best version of a talented prospect.

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Mac McClung: "Road To Becoming a PRO" | Exclusive Look Into Mac's World & Training For The NBA!

Arek Kissoyan — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:37:03 +0000

We caught up with Mac last month to get an exclusive look into his big summer as he gets ready for the NBA Draft! Mac is one of the most chill & down to earth players we've ever come across. He's also one of the hardest working players we've ever covered. Hope you enjoy watching this as much as we enjoyed creating it.

The post Mac McClung: "Road To Becoming a PRO" | Exclusive Look Into Mac's World & Training For The NBA! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The Noble & Roosh Show: With Trey Murphy III

Noble & Roosh — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Trey Murphy III sits down with Noble & Roosh to discuss:

Trey talks about what draft workouts are like for incoming prospects
The differences in his college experiences at Rice and Virginia
His strengths as a player, what kind of team he wants to go to, and where he sees himself going as an NBA player
Who he is as a person off the court

… and much more!

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Ballislife's 2021 NBA Draft Big Board Countdown: 60-51

Devin Ugland — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 23:41:09 +0000

The uncertainty of the 2020 NBA Draft due to the COVID-19 pandemic is spilling over into the 2021 crop of draft-eligible players because of the up-and-down nature of the college season.

We've seen a number of top-ranked teams and highly-regarded prospects miss out on game action due to postponements, cancellations, and precautionary sit-outs. But even with those ups-and-downs, the NCAA season has pushed through, and we've watched enough game film to put together a solid list of who we think are the top 60 prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft.

In this piece we will break down and analyze prospects ranked No. 60-51 with in-depth details on each player's skill-set based on the games and film we have viewed. This list is based on United States prospects only. We'll update once we get some more looks at the international players.

All stats and player vitals courtesy of College Basketball on Sports-Reference.com.

60. Ochai Agbaji | SG/WF | 6-5 | 210 | Kansas | Junior

The two most transferrable traits that standout to me immediately with Agbaji are his shooting ability and his size for the two or three position. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder has improved his three-point shooting dramatically in each of his three seasons at Kansas, culminating in a 43.2 percent clip from deep to this point in his junior campaign. Agbaji is a capable transition scorer who can get downhill and finish through contact. He moves well without the ball and can attack open lanes with straight-line drives for paint finishes. Agbaji's size, strength, physicality and athleticism lends to his potential as a multi-positional defender at the NBA level. As far as improvements go or areas of his game in need of attention, Agbaji needs to become a more fluid creator and ball handler in isolation situations. He projects as a "Three and D" guy at this point.

59. John Petty | SG | 6-5 | 185 | Alabama | Senior

Petty's game at his size looks like it will be a good fit in the current state of the NBA. The 6-foot-5 swingman is a knockdown three-point shooter with deep range, but also hits on better than 58 percent of his field goals inside the arc which are of the isolation drive and score or slashing without the ball variety of buckets. Petty doesn't need much time or space to get his shot off and has improved his isolation ball handling to be able to create offensive opportunities for himself off the bounce. With added strength to his wiry frame and the floor spacing at the NBA level, Petty could be a viable floor stretching shooter. Where we think Petty can improve upon his draft stock is by showing he's capable of reading defenses off the dribble and creating for teammates.

58. Oscar Da Silva | F | 6-9 | 225 | Stanford | Senior

While Da Silva might not be the best long-term prospect in the Pac-12 Conference this season - and we'll talk about who is once we approach our lottery predictions - he's in the conversation for Pac-12 Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 forward is the definition of a "skilled" big man with his versatility to do just about anything offensively. He has soft touch around the basket with either hand, can step out and knock down pick-and-pop and catch-and-shoot perimeter shots and possesses the vision and IQ to find open shooters out of the low post, hit cutters out of the high post and execute dribble-hand off action. The question marks on Da Silva's game are from an athletic standpoint from vertical explosiveness on offense to a lack of rim protection and rebounding for his size.

57. Moussa Cisse | C | 6-10 | 220 | Memphis | Freshman

Cisse is a beast of a rim protector and shot blocker with an NBA-ready frame. The 6-foot-10 freshman plays with great energy and effort on both sides of the floor and brings a gritty, workers mentality with his minutes. Cisse's best qualities right now are his shot blocking, defensive rebounding, and rim-running and finishing in transition. While his game is more traditional big than modern big, especially on the offensive end, Cisse is effective in ball screen action where he rolls hard to the rim and can finish lob passes with authority.

56. Justin Moore | CG | 6-4 | 210 | Sophomore | Villanova

When watching Villanova play at the collegiate level, it's comes as no surprise why the program produces solid pro players both in the NBA and overseas. Moore should be the next in line behind guys like Kyle Lowry, Jalen Brunson, Eric Paschall, Mikal Bridges, Saddiq Bey and many more. So why such high praise for Moore who doesn't appear on other 2021 Draft boards? We think his all-around skill-set at the guard spot as a playmaker for himself and teammates, to go along with his nice size for the position, put him in a spot to be on the radar of teams picking in the second round. Moore lets the game come to him, operates with a smooth and deliberate pace, and can play both on or off the ball as needed. The one area for concern with Moore is his three-point shooting as he's only hitting at a 29.3 percent clip on the season.

Kofi Cockburn

6'10" - C - 2019

55. Kofi Cockburn | C | 7-0 | 285 | Illinois | Sophomore

If you took Cockburn and inserted him circa any NBA Draft in the mid-90's, it's very likely he would have been a first round pick based on how center-dominant the league was back then outside of Michael Jordan. The 7-footer is a throwback big man in every sense of the term, relying on physicality, bully-ball and power dunks and finishes in the paint on the offensive end. Where Cockburn will make his biggest immediate impact is on the defensive end. Despite his muscular 285-pound frame, the Illinois sophomore is surprisingly quick off of his feet and agile when providing help or coming over for a weak-side contest. Cockburn is averaging 1.5 blocks per game through 15 games this season and we have seen many cases where a physical, rim protecting center is a commodity at the NBA level.

54. Marcus Carr | CG | 6-2 | 195 | Minnesota | Junior

Carr, who ranks among the top 20 scorers in Division I college basketball this season (20.9 points per game) brings a dynamic scoring and playmaking ability in both the transition and half-court settings. Carr (featured picture) is super creative off the bounce in isolation situations where he uses a variety of hesitations, dribble moves and step-backs to create space from his primary defender for rhythm jumpers. Carr's strong build allows him to absorb bumps and stay on balance into a strong finish around the basket. One of the aspects of Carr's game that makes him so intriguing to us is his ability to play both guard positions. The biggest concern with Carr's game from what we've seen on film is his quick twitch explosiveness and the effectiveness of his burst and blow-by speed in half court situations.

53. Taevion Kinsey | WF | 6-5 | 185 | Marshall | Junior

Kinsey is probably the best highlight-reel player you don't know about. A quick Google or YouTube search will bring up countless videos of him flying down the court in transition and skying over a poor defender who is bound to end up on a poster. The 6-foot-5 wing has elite speed, vertical explosiveness and body control which allow him to finish in a variety of ways around the basket. When taking a closer look at Kinsey's numbers, it's difficult to see how effective of a three-point shooter he is at the college level. As a sophomore, Kinsey shot 26.4 on 2.3 attempts per game and this season is up to 41 percent on 2.2 attempts per game. We think NBA teams will take a long look at this prospect because of his dynamic athleticism and defensive potential.

52. Jalen Wilson | F | 6-8 | 215 | Kansas | Freshman

Wilson has all the look of the modern NBA swingman and the skill-set to play the three or four at the next level. The rangy 6-foot-8 wing has shown a ton of upside during his redshirt freshman season, especially on the offensive end where he's shown the ability to hit the catch-and-shoot three but also attack the top foot of a defender and get into the teeth of the defense and finish through or over contact. The key for Wilson to get into the league and develop a role to stick is if he cant consistently hit the NBA three-point shot and if he's able to effectively guard his position at that level.

Trendon Watford

6'9" - PF - 2019

51. Trendon Watford | F | 6-9 | 240 | LSU | Sophomore

Watford is one of those skilled "jack of all trades" type of players who can operate just about anywhere on the court from the low and high post to a point-forward type of role. Watford's stat line tells the story of his impact on the floor - 18.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game - all of which are indicative of his versatility. Watford is most effective with his back to the basket offensively. His soft touch with his left and right hands and ability to use his body to create space and seal in deep post position gives him an advantage at the college level. While Watford's skill-set and IQ definitely translate, the question is will his lack of athleticism and explosiveness hurt him? The NBA is full of dynamic athletes but we've seen that some skills can pay the bills.

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Chino Hills HS to #6 Pick In NBA DRAFT! | Onyeka "Big O" Okongwu "DRAFT DAY In The Life"

Arek Kissoyan — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 16:12:35 +0000

Ever thought what it's like getting drafted to the NBA? We take you behind the scenes of Chino Hills High School, Compton Magic stand out and #6 pick in the NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Onyeka "Big O" Okongwu big draft day party!

A big shoutout to our partners! Make sure to sign up/support them..

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In The Paint Show: Giannis' Supermax, LaMelo's Debut, Looking Forward to Top Prospects in the 2021 Draft

Devin Ugland — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:06:04 +0000

On Episode 90 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland touch on a variety of NBA topics.

First, the guys discuss Giannis signing a five-year supermax contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks. What other pieces do the Bucks need to add in order to create a championship contender? Can Giannis draw another superstar to Milwaukee to play alongside him?

Hit the PLAY button below to tune into ITP 90!

Ballislife Podcast Network · Ep. 90 - Giannis Supermax, LaMelo's Debut, James Harden Partying, Looking to 2021 NBA Draft

James Harden

6'5" - SG - 2007

Next Ron and Dev dissect the latest story on ESPN regarding James Harden and his influence on the culture in Houston. Does Harden's partying lifestyle hurt the continuity of the team chemistry or does it make his insane stat lines even more impressive? Ron and Dev also debate whether a team can win a title with Harden as its centerpiece.

To follow that up, the guys take a closer look at LaMelo Ball's first two preseason games with the Hornets. Were they impressed or does Ball need to show more? Also, why Hornets fans and NBA fans in general should be patient for LaMelo's offensive game to get into full gear.

Ron and Dev then transition into their latest story on Ballislife on the six rookies that NBA fans can expect to make an immediate impact in the league and close out the show with some more updates on high school basketball guidelines, scheduling and COVID-19-related cancellations.

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Ron and Dev Predict the NBA's Impact Rookies

Devin Ugland — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 19:47:04 +0000

The NBA preseason is now in full swing with the first official games of the 2020-21 seasons scheduled to tip off on December 22nd.

One of the more interesting things to follow this season will be the trajectory and impact of the 2020 rookie class. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, first-year players have seen their time to prepare for the NBA level cut short. From the draft to training camps to preseason contests and to opening tip-off, rookies are looking at a months worth of time to get accustomed to the new level of play and their new teammates and coaching staffs.

In this piece, myself and Ronnie Flores do our best to predict which rookies will have an immediate and lasting impact throughout the 2020-21 NBA season.

Ronnie's Top Pick: Isaac Okoro | SG | 6-5 | 225 | Cavaliers

This former McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) product went a bit higher in the draft than we anticipated but with the makeup of Cleveland’s roster I expect him to have tremendous impact. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if he started at some point in the 2020-21 season.

Cleveland just needs a major upgrade defending the wing and perimeter and Okoro foots the bill with his size, core strength and activity level. His play is contagious and he’ll get starter type minutes if his shooting comes around. Cedi Osman just doesn’t defend well enough against the elites in the league to keep Okoro on the pine, while Dylan Windler is coming off an injury.

Windler shoots it well enough and will get opportunities, but Okoro will just create them with his approach. Point guard Sharife Cooper (a freshman at Auburn who may never play pending NCAA eligibility) got most of credit for the success of McEachern (the No. 2 team in the FAB 50 in 2018-19), but it’s apparent Okoro was a big reason why the team went 32-0 and is regarded as one of Georgia’s best ever.

Ronnie's Second Pick: Isaiah Stewart | PF| 6-9 | 250 | Pistons

Isaiah Stewart

6'9" - C - 2019

The Portland Trailblazers drafted him, but the 2020 All Pac-12 choice will learn the NBA ropes in Detroit. We don’t think it will take him long to get comfortable because of what he brings to the table physically and mentally. Stewart, simply put, is a man and he’s a load to move. Even though the game is so perimeter-oriented nowadays, there is still a spot for a big man that goes after every rebound and sets screens that foes feel. He is a total team-first player and will pick up on what the veterans teach him about the rigors of NBA post play quickly. Does Stewart need to get better offensively? Yes. Does he need to make defenders respect him more outside 8-10 feet from the basket? Of course. But I have a hunch he’s going to get an opportunity because the Pistons likely won’t be very good. And when Stewart does get the opportunity, he’ll be ready and will eventually be a solid contributor. Rebounding always translates and Stewart led the Pac-12 in total rebounds in his only season in college. Rebounds might not win rings for the Pistons, but they’ll win the Piston’s coaching staff over and get Stewart on the floor.

Ronnie's Third Pick: Jahmius Ramsey | SG | 6-4 | 195 | Kings

Nothing is guaranteed with NBA second round picks, and that is especially true with such a short turnaround between the draft and the start of the NBA season because of COVID-19. With that being said, it’s a terrific sign for Ramsey that the Kings signed him to a three-year rookie deal, with two of them guaranteed. Ramsey has first round talent with his ability to score and knock down the perimeter shot, which he did in his lone college season at a 42.6 percent clip from three-point range. He's quite versatile and is a capable defender, too. Yes, Ramsey is going to spend plenty of time in the G League, but he’ll be ready for his call-up because the Kings could move one of their guards before the trade deadline and already like what they see in the shard-shooter from Duncanville (Texas). It’s not going to be an easy season for second rounders by any means, but of the ones near the top of the second round we like Ramsey’s chances to make a lasting impression.

Devin's Top Pick: Deni Avdija | SF | 6-9 | 210 | Wizards

Many believed heading into the draft that Avdija was a top four to five talent, and while he slipped a little from that original prediction - going No. 9 to the Wizards - the early returns are looking really good for D.C. The 6-foot-9 wing had an impressive preseason debut, scoring 15 points on 6 of 6 shooting and 3-for-3 from three-point range. Avdija looked confident and comfortable on the floor with his new teammates and that feeling of poise likely stem from Avdija's extended time playing at the highest levels of the Euro League. Avdija fits in seamlessly with the Wizards roster and his combination of size, skill and offensive versatility should mesh nicely with Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans. Avdija flashed the ability to score from all three levels of the floor from the catch-and-shoot three to an off the bounce pull and even some back to the basket skill in the painted area which all bode well for his immediate and long-term NBA future.

Devin's Second Pick: Malachi Flynn | CG | 6-1 | 185 | Raptors

Flynn was one of college basketball's most dynamic scorers during his redshirt junior season at San Diego State. The 6-foot-1 combo guard is a crafty and confident scorer and playmaker off the bounce who has deep and consistent NBA range on his three point shot. Toronto is a great fit for Flynn as he can learn the ropes of the professional game from seasoned veteran Kyle Lowry and also model his game after one of the game's bright young guards in Fred Van Vleet. The purpose of this story is about the opportunity for immediate impact at the NBA level, and with Flynn's ability to play both on or off the ball as a creator and scorer, he should see plenty of action off the bench with the Raptors in his first season. In his first two preseason games, Flynn scored nine and 17 points, respectively, against the Hornets in just under 20 minutes of action in each contest.

Devin's Third Pick: Payton Pritchard | PG | 6-2 | 190 | Celtics

Payton Pritchard

6'0" - PG - 2016

There are few players who were drafted to a better fit than Pritchard to the Celtics. The gritty floor general who spent four years running a high-level program at the University of Oregon brings that steadiness, toughness and high IQ feel for the game that will fit well with what Brad Stevens does in Boston. Pritchard is known for his tenaciousness on the defensive end and ability to create for others in both the transition and half-court settings while not turning the ball over - evidenced by his career 2.3-to-1 assist to turnover ratio in college - but his offensive repertoire often gets overlooked when breaking down his game. Pritchard averaged 20.5 points per game in his senior season for the Ducks and shot 41.5 percent from three and 82.1 percent from the free throw line. To me, Pritchard has the offensive maturity and competitiveness on the defensive end to be a viable back-up point guard from game one and beyond.

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4 SZNS NBA Podcast: 2020 Draft Recap w/ Andy Katz

Zak & Ryan — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 16:23:28 +0000

College Basketball Analyst Andy Katz joined Ryan Magdziarz and Zak Noble to recap the entire 2020 NBA Draft. Sleepers, most overrated player, best fit, biggest reach, 2nd round gems and more were discussed in this beautiful conversation!

Listen to "Andy Katz, 2020 NBA Draft Recap" on Spreaker.

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In The Paint Show: NBA Season Fast Approaching, College Blue Bloods Struggling, HSBB Update!

Devin Ugland — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 21:02:25 +0000

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Subscribe on SoundCloud

On Episode 89 of our In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland discuss a variety of basketball topics from the NBA's quick offseason, free agency winners and losers, which rookies will make an immediate impact and which teams have the biggest advantage heading into the 2020-2021 season.

Hit the PLAY button below to tune in!

Ron and Dev also breakdown the Houston Rockets situation with James Harden. Should Houston try to move Harden before the season starts? Where does one of the best offensive players the game has ever seen fit best? What should the Rockets expect to get in return for their disgruntled superstar?

Andre Curbelo

6'0" - PG - 2020

The guys also discuss the early themes and surprises of the college basketball season. Why are the "Blue Blood" programs like Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina struggling? Has the balance of power evened out this season among college hoops teams? Which college freshmen have stood out the most? Finally, Ron and Dev break down what the high school sports scene looks like across the country.

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2020 NBA Draft: Biggest Surprises

Devin Ugland — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 23:57:55 +0000

The theme of the 2020 NBA Draft was uncertainty. A lot of uncertainty with how the quick off-season will impact a draft class, which is considered underwhelming in terms of rotation level talent.

We're thinking that, when we look back at this draft class a few years down the line, the most productive players might not be the ones who heard their names called early. Like what often happens in these drafts, we see a few guys taken in the late first round, and even into the second round, who could stick in the league for a long time.

In this piece, Ron and Dev give their three biggest surprises of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Ronnie's Surprises

Jalen Smith to Phoenix at No. 10

Jalen Smith

6'10" - PF - 2018

Seems to be at big reach at this spot for the Suns. Many are not sure his talent level was top 10 worthy, and it doesn’t seem to fit in with the Suns’ current personnel. He skill set is more of a five than a four, and Jalen Smith (Maryland) hasn’t shown that he’s a true stretch four at this time. Plus, if he is more of a traditional pivot, this team already has DeAndre Ayton on its roster. Smith is a talented player, but doesn’t seem to be the wisest choice at this spot.?

Zeke Nnaji to Dener at No. 22

The Nuggets have a nice roster and what would seem to be a bright future with it, but unless they are looking far down the line with Zeke Nnaji (Arizona). He brings some athleticism that The Joker (Nikola Jokic) lacks, but isn’t very polished. If he can develop into a rim protector deserving a quality minutes, then Devour could be on to something, but if the franchise truly coveted this big man it would seem it could have picked him up lower in the draft.?

Teams That Didn’t See Value in Traditional Bigs

With a generational player like Steph Curry and with a healthy Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson to complete the trio, it not hard to see why teams want to emulate what Golden State has done for the past decade. It got results, but there are only a few players with the talent level of Curry and Durant around. Most teams have proven it can’t win in that fashion, so it makes no to devalue quality big men. Even Obadiah Toppin is not a traditional big, but he still is a much better talent than the spot he got drafted at (No. 8). Players such as Vernon Carey Jr. (Duke) and Udoka Azubuike (Kansas) seemed to be afterthoughts to many GMs and draft analysts. Why? They can move and are big and physical and can make a difference on the right teams. There is still room in the game for a traditional back to the basket big man. That’s why we think Detroit gained great value at No. 16 with Isaiah Stewart (Washington). He’s physical, you have to account for him, has great character and you know what he’ll give you, which is 10 points, eight rebounds, quality fouls and a team-first approach. Many analysts pegged him to be much lower in the draft because he doesn’t fit the mold of a “modern” power forward, but we thought that was an excellent pick. Again, not many teams will be able to build their team as Golden State did in the 2010s.

Devin's Surprises

Immanuel Quickley jumps into first round

Many mock drafts, including ours, had the former Kentucky guard projected as a solid second round selection, but, as often happens in every NBA Draft, Immanuel Quickley made a huge impression on the New York as the Knicks took him with the 25th overall pick after swinging draft day trade to acquire more selections. The Knicks are looking to be in the thick of a rebuild and most franchises that go through that process put a big emphasis at the guard position and Quickley, when you watch his film and look at his numbers, fits the bill of an NBA-caliber guard. The rangy 6-foot-3 playmaker brings with him a ton of confidence, savvy, ball skills and shot making ability. Quickley averaged better than 16 points per game for the Wildcats during his sophomore season while shooting an impressive 42.8 percent from three-point range.

Nico Mannion's Draft Night Fall

Nico Mannion

6'3" - CG - 2019

A lot of draft pundits considered Nico Mannion a sure-fire one-and-done lottery pick when he reclassified up a class and announced his commitment to Arizona, but draft night told a different story that might've stung the talented point guard in that moment, but could pay off for him in the long-term based on where he's heading. Golden State selected Mannion with the 48th overall pick in what could be one of the better fits for any player in the 2020 draft when it comes to style of play. Mannion's high basketball IQ, vision, court awareness and all-around feel for the game will be crucial to him getting some rookie playing time with the Warriors. The question marks with Mannion that gave some teams a cause for pause were his three-point shooting consistency and defensive capabilities when it comes to guarding the point guard position at the NBA level. There's no better place to address those two things than with a Golden State franchise looking to get back into the NBA Finals conversation.

Golden State Goes Big at No. 2 Despite Thompson Injury

Some of the biggest news on draft day had nothing to do with the draft itself, but instead an injury to one of the NBA's brightest stars. Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson suffered an achilles injury during a workout and will miss the entire 2020-21 NBA season. With that news breaking shortly before the first pick was announced, my head started churning out scenarios of what Golden State could do with its second pick to make up for the loss of the sharpshooting Thompson. My mind immediately jumped to either a trade to get an established NBA shooter or go the upside route and select LaMelo Ball at No. 2. The Warriors did neither of those things (and maybe that's why I'm not in an NBA front office) and made the safe pick of taking Memphis big man James Wiseman. While Golden State definitely needed to add an impact big man to its roster, and Wiseman fits in great with their style and roster, the basketball junkie in me really wanted to see a Stephen Curry/LaMelo Ball backcourt.

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2020 NBA Draft Winners

Devin Ugland — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 20:56:54 +0000

The theme of the 2020 NBA Draft was uncertainty. A lot of uncertainty with how the quick off-season will impact a draft class which is considered underwhelming, at this point in time, in terms of rotation level talent.

We’re fairly certain some of the late first round picks will develop into quality players over some of the higher picks towards the back end of the lottery. It happens in nearly every draft and we think the sleepers will what this particular draft will be remembered for a few years down the line.

In this piece Ronnie and Dev make their three picks for which franchises came out in the winner's column on draft night.

Ronnie's Winners

Sacramento Kings - Tyrese Haliburton (Iowa St.) was an excellent pick at No. 12 because he’s a point guard with size and was likely the best available player from pick No. 9 until the kings nabbed him. He can push De'Aaron Fox or play alongside of him. The Kings also got Robert Woodard II (Mississippi St.) at No. 40 and he’s a top-tier athlete and can handle the rigors of guarding wing players. At No. 43, the Kings picked up Jahmius Ramsey (Texas Tech), one of the better our shooters in the draft. If Ramsey can develop into a reliable catch-and-shoot backup, then the Kings just picked up three excellent pieces for their future.

James Wiseman

7'0" - C - 2019

Golden State Warriors - In terms of the actual draft, the Warriors might be the biggest winners because they got the player most physically ready to contribute in this draft. Sure, the Warriors lost when it was revealed Klay Thompson will be lost for the 2020-21 season with a torn Achilles, but that just makes the selection of James Wiseman (Memphis) that much more important. Stephen Curry will be 33 this season and Thompson will be 31 and they simply won’t be able to win in the manner in which they did forever. Every dynasty has to adjust to stay relevant and Wiseman has a good chance to be the most impactful player in this draft. Even if Wiseman reaches 75-80 percent of his max ceiling, he’ll still be better than nearly everyone in this draft. After being unable to trade this pick for a top-tier veteran, the Warriors made the right move.

New York Knicks - Knicks’ fans are desperate for any good news or a winning piece, and they likely had their prayers answered in Obadiah Toppin (Dayton). Toppin may not the upside of Wiseman, but he was the best player in college basketball last year and the safest bet to be a contributor right away of any player drafted. It was surprising to see him drop this far, unless you overvalue upside and some teams did in bypassing Toppin. He’ll have plenty of opportunity in New York and if any player in this draft can help the Knicks steer the ship in the right direction, he was the player. Could he be the next Amar’e Stoudemire? That’s a stretch but his ceiling is higher than what many teams valued it at.

Devin's Winners

RJ Hampton

6'5" - CG - 2019

Denver Nuggets - Fresh off of an appearance in the NBA Bubble Western Conference Finals, Denver added two young pieces to an already well-balanced roster. The Nuggets selected Zeke Nnaji out of Arizona with the 22nd overall pick. Nnaji, the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, is an athletic, long and physical 6-foot-11 forward who showed flashes of inside-out scoring ability and defensive versatility in his one season in Tucson. Nnaji, if he turns out to be as good as Denver expects, could soften the blow of losing Jerami Grant to Detroit in Free Agency. Denver made a clever trade to acquire a second first round pick which they used to select 6-foot-5 guard RJ Hampton with the 24th pick. Most know Hampton as a highly-regarded high school player who opted to go to New Zealand for a season instead of playing collegiately. That move may have hurt Hampton's draft stock, but the talented playmaker has great size and feel for the position and Denver will pair him with Jamal Murray who will show him the NBA ropes.

Charlotte Hornets - The Hornets landed the most talented and highest-upside player in the draft in 6-foot-7 point guard LaMelo Ball. Ball was definitely the most polarizing and talked about player in this Hornets' draft class - and rightfully so - as he could potentially be a franchise-changing pick if his talent and skill-set translates well to the NBA level. Aside from Ball, which was a no-brainer selection, the Hornets made two solid second round picks taking Vernon Carey Jr. out of Duke and Grant Riller out of Charleston. Carey was a highly-touted high school prospect whose five-star resume and production at the college level kind of went under-the-radar. The 6-foot-10, 270-pound center averaged 17.8 points and nearly nine rebounds per game, providing a thin Charlotte front-court with some depth and long-term upside if Carey can become a consistent face-up perimeter shooter. Most people were probably wondering, "who?", when Riller's name was announced, but the four-year college player was a big time scorer at Charleston and a guy who can stroke the three-ball similar to Brooklyn's Joe Harris. If Riller can shoot it at a high 30 percent or low 40 percent clip at the NBA level, that pick will be of tremendous value.

Cassius Winston

6'2" - PG - 2016

Washington Wizards - Most scouts, mock-drafters, NBA personnel didn't think that Deni Avdija, the top international prospect in the draft, would slip past the sixth pick because of his size, all-around guard skill-set and experience playing at a high level overseas, but luckily for the Wizards, the 6-foot-8 19 year-old fell into their lap. Avdija, as mentioned above, has great ball skills, a high passing IQ and the ability to finish around the basket with either hand. The biggest question for Avdija at this point in his development is how well his shot translates to the NBA three-point line. Washington's other pick of the night was a second rounder in which they snagged Cassius Winston out of Michigan State after a draft day trade with Oklahoma City. The former Spartan was one of the most reliable true point guards in college basketball last season, but his lack of explosiveness scared teams off enough for him to be a late second round selection. Winston brings with him a breadth of experience in one of the best college conferences and is a proven leader in big game situations. With John Wall potentially wanting out of D.C., Winston could be a guy who could provide valuable minutes at the point guard spot.

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Ballislife Film Breakdowns: Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Precious Achiuwa and Cole Anthony!

Devin Ugland — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 23:39:13 +0000

With the 2020 NBA Draft kicking off in a couple of hours, the Ballislife crew wanted to take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of some of the top prospects in this year's crop of talent.

Anthony Edwards

6'4" - SG - 2019

We gathered the film we shot of these players throughout their high school careers and turned it into a visual and verbal breakdown of what makes these players intriguing NBA prospects and what they will need to work on if they want to stick in the league.

In these film sessions, Devin Ugland discusses four expected first round picks - Anthony Edwards (Georgia), LaMelo Ball, Precious Achiuwa (Memphis) and Cole Anthony (North Carolina).

Edwards looks to be one of the most polished and safe picks in the 2020 Draft, check out the film breakdown below.

Ball is perhaps the most polarizing and highest-upside prospect in this crop of 2020 talent. His breakdown is below.

Achiuwa has intriguing defensive versatility and impressive transition finishing ability. Click below to watch his breakdown.

Finally, Anthony has deep NBA bloodlines and has competed against top competition at every level. Devin breaks Cole down below.

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3 or More Pros On A High School Team? Incredible!

Ronnie Flores — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 23:00:50 +0000

There has been 46 high school programs that have produced three or more NBA players off a single roster. It's a rare occurrence, which we take a deep dive on here. It only makes what the 2015-16 Chino Hills (Calif.) team has accomplished that much more remarkable as the first team with three future NBA Draft lottery picks.

With LaMelo Ball and Onyeka Okongwu set to join the NBA as lottery picks in the 2020 NBA Draft (November 18), we thought it would be an interesting time to pour over all our past FAB 50 rankings and other files to check on just how difficult it is for a single high school team to produce three NBA players.

This is not a list of three future NBA players produced from one program, but rather a rundown of three or more future NBA players on one specific varsity team, in the same season (while excluding programs that knowingly accept post-graduates). The definition of "playing in the NBA" is making an appearance in a NBA game, not being on a NBA roster on injured reserve or part of a summer league team. Nor is it playing on the G-League team or being in training camp; it means actually playing in a regular season NBA game.

With those parameters in place, we have uncovered three teams with five future NBA players, six teams with four, and 37 with three. Believe it or not, there are dozens of high school teams with at least two future NBA players. Forty-six teams is actually more than we originally thought, but when digging deeper, one realizes it’s super rare if you take away independent-academy programs that are designed to produce high level college prospects. Take away now defunct Findlay Prep of Nevada and perennial FAB 50 powers Montverde Academy of Florida and Oak Hill Academy of Virginia and that number dwindles to 32 teams. When accounting for public high schools, that number is 19.

What makes Ball and Okongwu joining the NBA as lotto picks so special is Melo’s oldest brother Lonzo Ball was also a lottery pick, going No. 2 to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. No other school has produced three lottery picks on the same team, and Chino Hills is one of those 14 public schools. Chino Hills also is the last public school to capture the mythical FAB 50 national title, going 35-0 in 2015-16 when Melo and O were 14-year old starting freshmen. Will other players on that already legendary 2015-16 Chino Hills roster, namely Eli Scott (LMU), Andre Ball (Pepperdine) or Cam Shelton (Northern Arizona), one day crack a NBA roster?

Stay tuned.

Quinn Cook

6'0" - PG - 2011

5 NBA Players On One Varsity Team

2008-09 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 31-4
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 14
Pros: Quinn Cook (SO), Jerami Grant (FR), Jerian Grant (JR), Victor Oladipo (JR), Josh Selby (JR).
Synopsis: The Stags were 15-2 when Selby transferred out, and finished off the season by winning the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) regular season and tournament titles. Selby was the No. 1 prospect in the 2010 class, according Rivals.com.

2009-10 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 32-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 3
Pros: Jabari Brown (JR), Nick Johnson (JR), Cory Joseph (SR), Tristan Thompson (SR), Nigel Williams-Goss (FR).
Synopsis: This was an ultra-talented team that won its second consecutive ESPN RISE NHSI title with an avenging win over Montverde Academy. The Pilots’ coaching staff and players were fairly confident had No. 2 Neumann-Goretti (Philadelphia) and FAB 50 National Champion Yates (Houston) been in a tournament field with them that Findlay Prep would have won decisively.

2013-14 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 31-5
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 5
Pros: Jonah Bolden (SR), Dillon Brooks (JR), O’Shae Brissett (FR), Kelly Oubre (SR), Rashad Vaughn (SR).
Synopsis: Under former NBA player Jerome Williams, the Pilots somewhat salvaged a disappointing season by knocking off No. 2 seed and previously unbeaten Rainier Beach (Seattle), 67-59, at Dick’s Nationals behind Arizona-bound Craig Victor (23 points, 11 rebounds) and the Kansas-bound Oubre (17 points, 14 rebounds).

4 NBA Players On One Varsity Team

1981-82 Dunbar (Baltimore, Md.) 29-0?
Final Rank: No. 2 (Basketball Weekly)
Pros: Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues (JR), Reggie Lewis (JR), Reggie Williams (JR), David Wingate (SR).
Synopsis: This great team finished ranked behind cross-town Calvert Hall, which defeated Dunbar in the final game of 1980-81 season and went wire-to-wire as No. 1. Calvert Hall played a national schedule, and while Dunbar didn’t, it defeated preseason No. 2 Camden (N.J.), 84-59, while Calvert Hall trailed the same team late before defeating it, 67-62. Wingate was the senior leader along with UNLV-bound Gary Graham (6-4).

1992-93 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 36-0
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: Mark Blount (SO), Jeff McInnis (SR), Makhtar N’Diaye (SR), Jerry Stackhouse (SR).
Synopsis: This is the best team in the long, storied history of the Warriors’ program with no weaknesses. Oak Hill defeated six college teams led by Stackhouse, a man amongst boys in high school, and McInnis, who joined Stack at the McDonald’s All-American Game and at North Carolina. For more on this team, CLICK HERE.

2007-08 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 21-10 ?
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Quinn Cook (FR), Jerian Grant (S0), Victor Oladipo (S0), Josh Selby (SO).
Synopsis: Young Stags team finished in third place in the highly-competitive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCA). DeMatha was able to hand conference champ and FAB 50 No. 8 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) its only loss, but later lost to that team 61-44 at the Alhambra Catholic Invitational.

2009-10 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 32-4 ?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 40
Pros: Quinn Cook (JR), Jerami Grant (SO), Jerian Grant (SR), Victor Oladipo (SR).
Synopsis: Jerian Grant got plenty of attention as did Cook, but only one credible ranking (Hoop Scoop) had Oladipo in the Top 100 (No. 98). On a team with 12 eventual D1 players, a couple of close losses prevented the Stags from cracking the Top 10 in the FAB 50.

2010-11 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 28-4?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 14
Pros: Anthony Bennett (JR), Nick Johnson (SR), Naz Mitrou-Long (JR), Nigel Williams-Goss (SO).
Synopsis: The Pilots were the preseason FAB 50 No. 1 team, but had a bad habit of falling behind in games all season long. With leading scorer Myck Kabongo playing in the McDonald's All-American Game less than 24 hours before taking on Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) at the NHSI, the Pilots got 13 minutes and zero field goals from him in a first-round loss. Mitrou-Long played spot minutes.

2010-11 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 29-4
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 7
Pros: Jordan Adams (JR), Quinn Cook (Sr), A.J. Hammons (Jr), Ben McLemore (SR).
Synopsis: This Warriors unit did spend some time at No. 1, but ended up losing in the NHSI championship game to No. 2 Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.), 71-64 in double overtime. Cook came over after playing on three DeMatha Catholic teams that had five and four future NBA players, respectively, while McLemore did not finish the season with the Warriors. Adams led Oak Hill to a 44-0 mark and FAB title the following season.

3 NBA Players On One Varsity Team

1957-58 Overbrook (Philadelphia) 22-0
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Walt Hazzard (SO), Wayne Hightower (SR), Wali Jones (SO).
Synopsis: Three years earlier Overbrook featured Wilt Chamberlain, the game’s first true high school superstar, but this ‘Brook team was more balanced and didn’t lose a game. It beat Neumann in the City title game at the famous Palestra, 71-54, as All-American Hightower had 23 points and 18 rebounds.

1963-64 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) 27-2?
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Sid Catlett (FR), Joe Kennedy (SR), Bernie Williams (JR).
Synopsis: The Stags won their fourth of six consecutive WCAC championships under Naismith Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wootten, who passed in January 2020 at age 88. One of the two losses was to eventual mythical national champion Power Memorial (New York), 65-62, which was led by junior and all-time great Lew Alcindor. The Stags played much better team defense on Alcindor in a return game the following season to end Power’s 71-game winning streak in what many historians consider the greatest high school game of all-time.

1963-64 DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, N.Y.)?
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Luther Green (JR), Ollie Taylor (SO), Willie Worsley (SR).
Synopsis: The defending PSAL champs ran their winning to 38 games before losing to Boys in the PSAL semifinals at Madison Square Garden before 10,000 fans. Clinton has produced 17 NBA players and most came through the school in the 1960s and early 1970s. This program was so loaded future NBA Hall of Famer Nate Archibald was cut as a sophomore, but he later teamed up with Worsley at UTEP.

1964-65 DeWitt Clinton (Bronx, N.Y.)?
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Nate Archibald (JR), Luther Green (SR), Ollie Taylor (JR).
Synopsis: Green was named the PSAL Player of the Year and the Governors had another fantastic season, advancing to the PSAL finals where it fell to a 22-0 Erasmus Hall team, 85-80. A year later when Archibald was a senior, he teamed up with star forward Mike Switzer and backcourt mate Walt Robertson to lead DeWitt Clinton to a 21-0 mark and the mythical national title as named by the National Sports News Service (FAB 50 precursor).

1968-69 Washington (Indianapolis, Ind.) 31-0?
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Steve Downing (SR), George McGinnis (SR), Wayne Pack (SR).
Synopsis: Compton (Calif.) won the National Sports News Service mythical national title, but the Continentals would have given the Tarbabes all they could handle. Washington was big, deep, physical and had a future pro guard in Pack. McGinnis was the nation’s best player and also all-state in football and would become the first player in the state of Indiana to score 1,000 points in a season. The IHSAA had its most highly-anticipated state Final Four ever in '69, as the four teams came in with a total of one loss with Washington becoming only the second unbeaten Indiana state champ.

1970-71 Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) 21-1
Final Rank: N/A
Pros: Rudy Hackett (SR), Earl Tatum (JR), Gus Williams (SR).
Synopsis: The top-ranked team in New York, the Knights only lost their final game to McKinley Tech (Washington, D.C.), in the post-season Knights of Columbus Tournament in Washington, D.C. Williams, who was still under six-foot, averaged 24 ppg and was named state player of the year by the New York Sports Writers Association. The next season, Tatum earned the same honors with an even more spectacular season and was joined by Ray Williams, Gus’ younger brother who also went on to play in the NBA.

1972-73 Verbum Dei (Los Angeles) 29-2
Final Rank: No. 1 (National Sports News Service)
Pros: Lewis Brown (SR), David Greenwood (SO), Roy Hamilton (SO).
Synopsis: The Eagles were in the midst of winning six consecutive CIF Southern Section titles, and Brown (24.1 ppg) was the star in the middle. The two-time section player of the year was complemented by Greenwood, who was already becoming a star in his own right, and Hamilton, who took on a bigger role the next season. That underclass duo led Verbum Dei to another section and mythical national title as juniors but did not win a section title during their senior seasons in 1975 after being upset in the semifinals.

1981-82 St. Bernard (Playa del Rey, Calif.) 28-3?
Final Rank: No. 22 (Basketball Weekly)
Pros: Corey Gaines (JR), Ronnie Grandison (SR), Leonard Taylor (SO).
Synopsis: The Vikings won the CIF Southern Section 3A title behind a team that included 10 future D1 players before losing to Banning (Calif.) in the first-ever SoCal D2 regional final. Grandison (14 ppg) was the leading scorer on a balanced team that included all-section performers Kevin Vidato (12 ppg) and Robert Howling (11 ppg), while Gaines (10 ppg) was named the state’s junior player of the year.

1982-83 Dunbar (Baltimore, Md.) 31-0?
Final Rank: No. 1 (National Sports News Service)
Pros: Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues (SR), Reggie Lewis (SR), Reggie Williams (SR).
Synopsis: Most veteran observers rate the Poets the greatest high school team of all-time, considering they were expected to be great (they were the first preseason No. 1 by USA Today) and delivered. Against a national schedule, the Poets never played down to the competition and won by an average of 36.5 ppg. On a deep team with 11 future D1 players, Lewis (a future NBA All-Star) came off the bench but made most of his limited opportunities. Williams was the star and Bogues was the unquestioned leader of a group that included three 1987 first rounders. For more on this team, CLICK HERE.

1986-87 St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 30-1?
Final Rank: No. 10 (USA Today)
Pros: Terry Dehere (SO), Bobby Hurley (SO), Luther Wright (FR).
Synopsis: The Friars won their fifth consecutive New Jersey Non-Public Group B state crown with a young club that seemed destined for greatness. St. Anthony did go on to win two more state titles and the first-ever state Tournament of Champions crown in 1988-89 when Dehere and Hurley were seniors, but they did it without Wright, a talented and imposing big man. After the season, Wright transferred to Elizabeth (N.J.) High School for his sophomore season. St. Anthony went on to capture nine consecutive state titles, but Elizabeth did beat the Friars, 65-62, to capture the 1990 TOC crown when Wright was a senior.

1987-88 Murrah (Jackson, Miss.) 31-6
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Lyndsey Hunter (SR), Ryan Lorthridge (S0), James Robinson (JR).
Synopsis: The Mustangs featured three terrific perimeter players with Robinson getting most of the publicity as a two-time high school All-American. Under the guidance of legendary coach Orsmond Jordan Jr., Murrah was a power, but this season they were no match for regionally-ranked, Chris Jackson-led Gulfport in the Class 5A state title game, 96-76. Murrah got more national recognition in 1991 and 1992, when they won back-to-back state titles led by All-Americans Othella Harrington, Ronnie Henderson and the late Jesse Pate. Jordan also won a national championship for Negro schools in 1965 at Lanier (Jackson, Miss.), in the third to last national championships for segregated schools.

1988-89 Southwest (Macon, Ga.) 24-5
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Ivano Newbill (SR), Chris Robinson (FR), Sharone Wright (SO).
Synopsis: The 1978-79 Southwest team is one of the best of all-time, but its this Patriots club that produced three pros. Coach Don Richardson won his last state title behind the play of Newbill, Georgia's Mr. Basketball, and Russell Odom, the state tourney MVP. Wright was one of two talented sophomores, including Reggie Manuel (UNLV), while Robinson was a deep reserve. The team finished No. 6 in the South regional rankings.

1988-89 Southwestern (Detroit) 25-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Howard Eisley (JR), Voshon Lenard (S0), Jalen Rose (SO).
Synopsis: This young Prospectors club fell in the Class A state final to Cooley (Detroit). Rose (19 ppg, 7 rpg, 5 apg) was already showing All-American potential and Lenard (16 ppg) was not too far behind. Eisley averaged 11 assists per game on a team that returned 12 players in 1989-90.

1988-89 St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) 32-0?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: Terry Dehere (SR), Bobby Hurley (SR), Rodrick Rhodes (FR).
Synopsis: A terrific defensive team capped a perfect season by winning the first ever New Jersey TOC crown behind the play of bruising forward Jerry Walker, the tourney MVP and Naismith Hall of Fame coach Bob Hurley’s most consistent player. The fifth stater was 6-foot-7 Sean Rooney before he tore ligaments in his ankle. Junior forward Jose Ortiz then stepped in for a club that won the Great Florida Shootout and the King Cotton Classic.

1989-90 Proviso East (Maywood, Ill.) 25-3?
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Donnie Boyce (JR), Michael Finley (JR), Sherrell Ford (JR).
Synopsis: The Pirates were a good team, but Boyce broke his ankle early in the season. It caused Ford to step up his game and Finley, the sixth man, to earn more playing time after playing JayVee as a 10th grader. Boyce eventually came back but the team lost to St. Joseph (Westchester, Ill.) in the sectionals.

1989-90 Southwestern (Detroit) 27-0
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 5
Pros: Howard Eisley (SR), Voshon Lenard (JR), Jalen Rose (JR).
Synopsis: Coach Perry Watson’s club overcame years of state title game frustration by capturing the program’s first Class A state title behind its terrific perimeter defense and Rose, a hybrid forward who could handle like a point guard. The Prospectors’ 1991 team was named mythical national champions by USA Today with a 26-1 mark after Eisley moved on to Boston College. Interestingly enough, Chris Webber, the Mr. Basketball USA in 1990-91, could have easily been on this club. One of the most sought-after middle school players in Michigan history, Webber decided to attend Detroit Country Day instead of joining his close friend Rose at Southwestern.

1990-91 Proviso East (Maywood, Ill.) 32-1?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 6
Pros: Donnie Boyce (SR), Michael Finley (SR), Sherrell Ford (SR).
Synopsis: The Pirates were an incredibly talented team that won the program’s third Class AA state crown with the best record in school history. Proviso East’s only loss was a 65-64 setback to Rock Island (Ill.). Boyce (10.3 rpg) controlled the paint, Ford (22.1 ppg) was the go-to scorer and Finley (13.6 ppg) did a bit of everything. “The Three Amigos” were all selected within the first 42 picks of the 1995 NBA Draft.

1990-91 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 27-1?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 4
Pros: Corey Alexander (SR), Thomas "Junior" Burrough (SR), Ben Davis (SR).
Synopsis: The Warriors defeated teams from nine states and after this team came along, Oak Hill Academy had an incredible run of NBA talent and McDonald’s All-American selections. Oak Hill did record a win over eventual No. 1 Simon Gratz (Philadelphia) in the semifinals of the Great Florida Shootout, but had a 28-point loss against Dunbar (Ft. Worth, Texas). Davis was the leading scorer (20 ppg), Burrough (3.1 bpg) was a defensive stalwart and Alexander recorded 253 assists.

1995-96 Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.) 26-1
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 14
Pros: Erick Barkley (JR), Craig “Speedy” Claxton (SR), Lamar Odom (JR).
Synopsis: The Royals opened up No. 4 in the National Prep Poll (FAB 50 precursor) and were up to No. 2 when they were shocked in the Catholic High School Athletic Association Class A final, 64-63, by Rice (New York). Rice’s Bevon Robin scored with 1.3 seconds remaining in overtime to end the season of a team many felt was New York City’s most talented since the 1988 Malik Sealy-led St. Nicholas of Tolentine team that finished No. 1 in the country. Odom did not return to the program for his senior season, while Barkley took a prep school year at Maine Central Institute.

1998-99 Willowridge (Houston) 29-3*?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 3
Pros: Daniel Ewing (SO), T.J. Ford (SO), Ivan McFarlin (JR).
Synopsis: The Eagles had all but one of their victories forfeited because of of University Interscholastic League residency violations surrounding McFarlin, a transfer who went on to play at Oklahoma St. It was evident with the trio the program would be a juggernaut the next two seasons.

1999-00 Willowridge (Houston) 36-1?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 3
Pros: Daniel Ewing (JR), T.J. Ford (JR), Ivan McFarlin (SR).
Synopsis: The Eagles won their last 23 games and a second UIL Class 5A crown in the last seven years. McFarlin was the lone senior and averaged 16 ppg and 14.9 rpg. The next season with McDonald's All-Americans Ewing and Ford leading the way, Willowridge capped an unbeaten season by beating Converse Judson, 67-64, in double overtime, and Bryan, 65-58, to win back-to-back state titles to finish No. 2 in the FAB 50 behind Oak Hill Academy.

2001-02 Westchester (Los Angeles) 32-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 4
Pros: Hassan Adams (SR), Trevor Ariza (JR), Bobby Brown (JR).
Synopsis: The deepest and most talented of Ed Azzam’s six CIF state championship teams, Adams was California’s Mr. Basketball and led a terrific senior trio that included Brandon Heath and Brandon Bowman. Ariza earned Mr. Basketball honors as a senior and Brown stepped into the starting lineup at point guard for Ahmad Cook (Georgetown), who helped the Comets win back-to-back City of Palms Titles in 2000 and 2001.

2003-04 San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 24-10
Final FAB 50 Rank: N/A
Pros: Brook Lopez (SO), Robin Lopez (SO), Quincy Pondexter (SO).
Synopsis: Not only did this trio play together for three years in high school, they also played travel ball together for Fresno-based EBO and had more success on the travel ball circuit than it did in the CIF ranks. EBO who the prestigious adidas Super 64 Tournament in Las Vegas in 2004 and 2005 with a team that also featured Tre'Vonn Willis (Washington of Easton, Calif.) and Derek Gasper (Paso Robles, Calif.).

2004-05 San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 23-11
Final FAB 50 Rank: N/A
Pros: Brook Lopez (JR), Robin Lopez (JR), Quincy Pondexter (JR).
Synopsis: This team underachieved, despite the raw talent, although some felt they were a year away. The Panthers fell to Garces of Bakersfield in the CIF Central Section Div. IV title game.

2005-06 San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, Calif.) 33-4
Final FAB 50 Rank: N/A
Pros: Brook Lopez (SR), Robin Lopez (SR), Quincy Pondexter (SR).
Synopsis: This team had the talent to be California’s best, but took some early losses before being shocked, 68-67, in double overtime in the CIF SoCal D4 final by Horizon (San Diego). Pondexter (21 ppg) was the North Yosemite League MVP and D4 State Player of the year over his two highly-regarded teammates, both whom played in the McDonald’s All-American Game in San Diego.

2005-06 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 40-1
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 3
Pros: Michael Beasley (JR), Ty Lawson (Sr), Nolan Smith (Jr).
Synopsis: The Warriors lost their final game of the season to No. 2 Montrose Christian (Rockville, Md.) on a last-second outback in one of the most talent-laden high school games every witnessed. The loss snapped Oak Hill's 56-game winning streak for a team that spent most of the year ranked No. 2 with a deep club. Montrose Christian's star player was Kevin Durant, who actually played at Oak Hill the season before. Beasley, a future No. 1 NBA Draft choice, did not return to Oak Hill for his senior season.

2006-07 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 40-1
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: Brandon Jennings (JR), Nolan Smith (SR), Trey Thompkins (JR).
Synopsis: The Warriors captured their sixth FAB 50 title by recording their second straight 40-1 record season and winning 96 of their last 98 games. Oak Hill defeated six of seven teams ranked in the top 30 of the FAB 50. Smith, a McDonald's All-American, led the way with 22 ppg and 4.5 apg, while Alex Legion (Michigan) and Jennings also garnered some All-American mention.

2007-08 Christ School (Arden, N.C.) 34-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: NR
Pros: Marshall Plumlee (FR), Mason Plumlee (JR), Miles Plumlee (SR).
Synopsis: This team finished just outside the FAB 50 as a NCISAA Private School champion. With three Plumlee brothers on their roster, the Greenies defeated Greensboro Day in the title game. Although Marshall played only sparingly on this particular team, he later helped the program win four consecutive state titles, something his older brothers were not able to accomplish.

2008-09 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 33-0
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: Avery Bradley (SR), Cory Joseph (JR), Tristan Thompson (JR).
Synopsis: In its first year as a program eligible to be ranked in the FAB 50, the Pilots made a big splash after adding Thompson three quarters of the way through the season. They won the inaugural ESPN RISE NHSI (now GEICO Nationals) via a win over previous No. 1 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), 74-66. Bradley (20 points) and Joseph (18) combined to score 38 points in the landmark victory.

2011-12 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 32-1?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 2
Pros: Anthony Bennett (SR), Nigel Williams-Goss (JR), Christian Wood (JR).
Synopsis: Brandon Ashley didn’t have a particularly strong senior campaign with the Pilots, but he came through when necessary, scoring 15 of his 31 points against Montverde Academy in the fourth quarter of an incredible 86-83 overtime victory in the title game of the ESPNHS NHSI. Williams-Goss scored the winning basket and had 17 points for a Pilots’ team that lost out on the FAB 50 title because of a loss to No. 35 La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.), a team No. 1 Oak Hill Academy defeated.

2012-13 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 26-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: Dakari Johnson (SR), DeAngelo Russell (JR), Ben Simmons (SO).
Synopsis: The 2012 MVA team would have three future NBA players, too, had Johnson not sat out after following coach Kevin Boyle over from St. Patrick (Elizabeth, N.J.). Joel Embid was a reserve for the 2012 MVA team who left, but it didn’t matter as the Eagles started out No. 1 in the FAB 50 and ended there after winning the NHSI over St. Benedict’s (Newark, N.J.) on a last-second 3-pointer by Jalyn Patterson. This physically dominant team welcomed Simmons towards the ends of the season, and the Ballislife Player of the Decade for the 2010s led the program to two more FAB 50 titles in 2014 and 2015.

2012-13 Prime Prep (Dallas) 37-2
Final FAB 50 Rank: N/A
Pros: Terrence Ferguson (FR), Emmanuel Mudiay (JR), Jordan Mickey (SR),
Synopsis: This academy, which was opened by NFL Hall of Fame Deion Sanders, dropped out of the UIL. It made them ineligible for the FAB 50 that season, but Prime Prep still had a formidable team. Its season ended when it lost to eventual FAB 50 national champ Montverde Academy, 57-55, in the NHSI semifinals.

2012-13 Simeon (Chicago) 30-3
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 5
Pros: Zach Norvell (FR), Kendrick Nunn (SR), Jabari Parker (SR).
Synopsis: Started No. 3 in the FAB 50 but got off to a slow start as Parker was recovering from an off-season injury. By the end of the season Parker was playing up to form and so were the Wolverines, who joined Peoria Manual as the second Illinois team to win four straight state Class 4A titles. Parker became the state’s first two-time Mr. Basketball, Nunn did alot of the dirty work and Norvell played spot minutes.

2013-14 Prime Prep (Dallas) 21-6
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 34
Pros: Terrence Ferguson (SO), Emmanuel Mudiay (SR), P.J. Washington (FR),
Synopsis: McDonald's All-American Mudiay led this team, which finished ranked a bit below preseason expectations. Prime Prep notched a win over Sunrise Christian Academy early in the season, then lost in a rematch. The team also posted a win over No. 5 Finley Prep and beat Dallas Kimball, the Texas Class 4A state champ.

2014-15 Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) 29-3?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 5
Pros: O’Shae Brisset (SO), Allonzo Trier (SR), P.J. Washington (SO).
Synopsis: After a so-so regular season, Findlay Prep lost to No. 1 Montverde Academy, 57-53, in overtime under hard-to-believe circumstances in the Dick Nationals semifinals. Trier and junior Derrick Thornton Jr. made up a terrific backcourt and senior Horace Spencer was a clutch defender and rebounder.

2015-16 Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.) 26-2?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 5
Pros: R.J. Barrett (FR), Bruno Fernando (SR), Anfernee Simons (JR).
Synopsis: Although this MVA team was young in both the back court and front court, it was clear Barrett was going to be a star with the program. This team lost 55-47 to No. 4 La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) in the Dick Nationals semifinals. Will Simi Shittu, Silvio DeSousa and/or E.J. Montgomery one day log NBA minutes?

2015-16 Chino Hills (Chino Hills, Calif.) 35-0?
Final FAB 50 Rank: No. 1
Pros: La’Melo Ball (FR), Lonzo Ball (SR), Onyeka Okongwu (FR).
Synopsis: It was amazing that this team rose from No. 9 in the preseason FAB 50 to No. 1 considering Melo and O were both 14-year old starting freshmen and there wasn’t much depth because of injuries. The springboard victory was a 83-82 win over three-time defending FAB 50 champion Montverde Academy at the City of Palms Tournament in Florida. After defeating Bishop Montgomery (Torrance, Calif.) in a state No. 1 vs. No. 2 regular season showdown, it became clear this was a team of destiny whose legend just looms larger after 2020 NBA Draft night. What’s next for this already iconic group?

Ronnie Flores is the national Grassroots editor of www.ebooksnet.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter: @RonMFlores

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Film Breakdown: NBA Draft Prospect LaMelo Ball

Devin Ugland — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 22:40:23 +0000

With the 2020 NBA Draft right around the corner, the Ballislife crew wanted to take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of some of the top prospects in this year's crop of talent.

LaMelo Ball

6'6" - PG - 2019

The first film breakdown features LaMelo Ball, a 6-foot-7 point guard who most recently played in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks, and also spent time at Chino Hills high school in Southern California, played professionally in Lithuania and finished his prep career at SPIRE Institute.

Ball is the most polarizing, and perhaps most talented, player in the 2020 NBA Draft, but his game comes with a lot of question marks. Check the video below to see the LaMelo Ball breakdown!

The post Film Breakdown: NBA Draft Prospect LaMelo Ball appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

In The Paint Show: Matt Babcock on the NBA Draft, Pangos AA Festival with Jabari Smith, Pre-Draft Talk with Nick Richards!

Devin Ugland — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:07:12 +0000

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On Episode 88 of the In The Paint Show, co-hosts Ronnie Flores and Devin Ugland take a deep dive into the 2020 NBA Draft with expert analyst Matt Babcock of Babcock Hoops. Matt and the guys discuss the trends of the Top 5 picks, if LaMelo Ball will slip beyond those selections, the top international prospects, which late first round or second round picks will have a long career and much more!

Hit the PLAY button below to tune in to the latest ITP Show!

Ballislife Podcast Network · Ep. 88 - NBA Draft w Matt Babcock, Pangos AA Festival w Jabari Smith, Pre-Draft w Nick Richards!

In the second segment of the ITP Show, Ron and Dev discuss the standout performers from the Pangos All-American Festival 4, including Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Nolan Hickman and bring on one of the co-MVP's of the event, Sandy Creek F Jabari Smith Jr.. Smith goes in-depth on the highlights from his weekend of competing against other top players, how he's preparing for the upcoming high school season and the reasons why he chose to play his collegiate ball at Auburn.

Jabari Smith Jr.

6'9" - PF - 2021

In the final segment, the guys welcome on University of Kentucky center Nick Richards for a pre-draft interview. Ron, Dev and Nick discuss the junior's breakout season, how his game translates to the NBA, and what it is about Kentucky that produces so many pros.

The post In The Paint Show: Matt Babcock on the NBA Draft, Pangos AA Festival with Jabari Smith, Pre-Draft Talk with Nick Richards! appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Ron & Dev Predict the NBA Draft Lottery! (Picks 1-4)

Devin Ugland — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 22:22:49 +0000

The NBA Draft Lottery pecking order is set for the teams picking No.’s 1-14 in this year’s draft. The winner among the losers was the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team with the third-worst regular season record was awarded the first overall selection.

The Golden State Warriors, who are looking to get healthy and return to their winning ways, will pick second, the Charlotte Hornets third, with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers rounding out the first five selections.

This will be one of the most unique NBA Drafts on record due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is the draft delayed by at least four months, NBA front offices will be making picks with far less real-time evaluation because of the cancellations of many conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament last season. Another interesting aspect of this draft is NBA scouts and front office personnel will not be able to evaluate prospects in a live draft combine setting, but rather a virtual one taking place at regional sites.

In this piece, myself and Ronnie Flores do our best to predict which players the lottery teams will select based on fit and team needs. Check out our selections for the top four picks in the final part of our three-part NBA Draft Lottery predictions series.

4. Chicago Bulls

Ronnie’s Pick: LaMelo Ball | Guard | 6-7 | 190 | Australia | PRO

Why: The Bulls moved up three spots and could they be picking up the best talent in the draft? Some feel so, as Ball is the over-sized playmaker NBA teams covet nowadays. The most polarizing player in this draft, and perhaps’ the most in many years, he’s also got the biggest risk-reward factor of any potential draft pick. The younger brother of 2017 No. 2 pick (Lonzo Ball) has a big more wiggle, craftiness, and potentially a tighter handle than his brother, while both have that incredible vision and court awareness. Some NBA brass feel it’s a big plus that he’s already been through the rigors of pro basketball, but his defensive intensity and “gimmicky” style does raise some legitimate question marks about his long-term potential. Melo has been one of the most scrutinized players in basketball, at any level, or the past five years and that should help him should be get off to a slow start in his NBA career. Ball should be a rotational player as long as he picks up the defensive schemes and the fact that Chicago doesn’t have big glaring weaknesses should help his transition. Golden State will take a long look at him at No. 2, but he’ll fall here, and that will give him a better chance to learn on the job and eventually thrive.

Devin's Pick: Obi Toppin | Forward | 6-9 | 220 | Dayton | So.

Why: When taking a closer look at the Bulls' roster, two areas of need immediately jump off the page: guards and forwards. Chicago could certainly go with LaMelo Ball here if he's still available and come away with a high risk/high reward selection and add him in to a solid backcourt alongside Zach LaVine and Coby White. Or, as I believe will happen, the Bulls will select a guy who will be a productive NBA player from day one in Obi Toppin. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Dayton is a high motor guy who plays with great energy on both ends of the floor and has proven he can score inside and out. His rim running ability in transition, along with his vertical athleticism, make him a guy who could excel as an open court finisher or a pick-and-roll lob finisher in the half-court. Toppin shot 39 percent from the college three-point line, and while his catch-and-shoot mechanics are fundamentally sound, it will be interesting to see if his perimeter shooting translates to the deeper NBA three-point stripe.

3. Charlotte Hornets

Ronnie’s Pick: Obi Toppin | Forward | 6-9 | 220 | Dayton | So.

Why: If Wiseman is the Warriors’ pick, and he should be, taking Melo Ball here would be a tempting move for the Hornets, as would his former high school teammate from Chino Hills (Calif.) Onyeka Okongwu. I just get the feeling Charlotte will play it safe, as they are one of those teams that favors more seasoned talent rather than gambling on younger players with a perceived higher ceiling. As the 2020 Naismith Award winner, Toppin was an efficient player in college who will be able to operate down low in the NBA and contribute right away. The Dayton star is a classic what-you-see-is-what-you-get type and at 22 would be the oldest top five pick in a decade. Toppin is an underrated shooter, but there are some concerns about his defensive ability and ceiling. Will those concerns cause him to drop? We don’t think so and in a draft with plenty of question marks, he’s not going to fall out of the top five.

Devin's Pick: LaMelo Ball | Guard | 6-7 | 190 | Australia | PRO

Why: As mentioned above, Ball might be the most talented prospect in this year's draft class, but there are plenty of unknowns that come with drafting a player like him. We all know the story of him leaving Chino Hills to go to Lithuania and then to SPIRE Academy and finally to Australia where, for the first time, he played in a more structured environment than he did at the high school and club level in the states. Like Ronnie said, the youngest of the three Ball brothers is the most polarizing player in the 2020 Draft and he's also the most talented of the three siblings. At 6-feet-7, Melo has the ball skills, creativity, craftiness, vision and basketball IQ to serve as a primary ball handler and playmaker. The question marks about Ball, among NBA decision-makers, stem both on and off the court. Does his freewheeling style of play translate to the NBA level? Will he be a consistent three-point shooting threat from the NBA line? Can he guard his position and properly defend in an NBA defensive scheme? In a draft that doesn't feature a whole lot of no-brainer talent, Charlotte has to go with the best available player here and it is Ball. To me, Melo would fit in nicely with the vastly-improved Devonte' Graham and veteran point guard Terry Rozier along with young, talented forwards in P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges.

2. Golden State Warriors

Ronnie’s Pick: James Wiseman | Center | 7-1 | 235 | Memphis | Fr.

Why: The dynasty with the closing championship window are the big winners in this year’s draft. Why? For starters, its selection won’t have the added pressure of being the No. 1 pick in a weak draft (think Anthony Bennett and how that worked) and regardless, two players from among Anthony Edwards, Melo Ball and Wiseman will be available. That means the Warriors’ front office will have a quality pick/player to shop around should they decide no player from this draft will greatly assist within the time frame of that championship window (keep in mind the Warrior’s own Minnesota’s 2021 first-round pick). Wiseman combination of immense size, frame and mobility easily offsets his limited body of work to get to this point. Sure, Wiseman only played three college games, but should fit in with a team that doesn’t need him to produce gigantic numbers right away. He’ll have some pressure on him to perform at some point, but with Golden State’s shooters, he’ll eventually thrive. And if the Warriors want to package this pick as part of a deal for a veteran, he brings the most value or they’ll be choosing for another team. Either way, the Warriors have quality options.

Devin's Pick: James Wiseman | Center | 7-1 | 235 | Memphis | Fr.

Why: There are expectations that Golden State will try to trade this pick for a more seasoned veteran as it tries to bounce-back to championship form after an injury-riddled season, meaning there's a lot of different ways the Warriors could go here. For the sake of this story, let's assume the Warriors keep this pick, and I think they go with Wiseman here. The mobile 7-foot-1 center has all the makings of a modern big man and his skill-set would translate quite nicely to a Golden State roster that needs some help inside. Wiseman had a brief cup of coffee at Memphis, but showed flashes of his next-level ability in the three games he played. Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and three blocks per game before a NCAA suspension led him to leave school to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft. So what is it about Wiseman that could fit in well with the Warriors? The first thing that stands out for me is rim protection, and as the league becomes more athletic and more offensively gifted, there's always a place for a guy who can block, change or alter shots at the rim. The second aspect of Wiseman's game I like is his rebounding, both offensively and defensively. There's no better way to start a fast break than old-fashioned glass cleaning and second-chance opportunities on missed shots are all-important in deep playoff runs.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves

Ronnie’s Pick: Anthony Edwards | Guard | 6-5 | 225 | Georgia | Fr.

Why: There is no questioning Edward’s offensive talent and we’ve known for a long time (since the 2018 Pangos All-American Camp) that he had No. 1 in the draft-type talent. Since the Wolves have some quality offensive players on the perimeter, Edwards won’t be under a tremendous amount of pressure to put up big numbers right away, but he’ll be under the microscope to show offensive efficiency and be engaged defensively. If Edwards gradually improves his shooting percentages and displays an locked-in attitude on defense, we’re talking a potential All-Star player (and there is not too many of those with that potential in this draft). He has to be in a position to succeed and with a coaching staff that feels any shortcomings can be addressed in an adequate amount of time. He’s not a “project” as a No. 1 pick, but not a sure-fire star. Nobody in this draft is, but Edwards is still its best bet because of his combination of athleticism and offensive play-making ability against NBA level defenders.

Devin's Pick: Anthony Edwards | Guard | 6-5 | 225 | Georgia | Fr.

Why: I compare Edwards to Toppin in this year's draft and not because of style of play, but more because of the fact that you know what you're getting and that's a bonafide scorer. The 6-foot-5 off-guard has an impressive combination of physical strength and vertical explosiveness, both of which led to him averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game as a freshman in the SEC. Edwards will be a guy who can play off the ball alongside De'Angelo Russell, Karl Anthony-Towns and another young and talented wing in Jarrett Culver. While Edwards is a creative scorer and shot creator, it remains to be seen if his perimeter shooting ability is at the level it needs to be for him to live up to a No. 1 Draft selection. Edwards struggled from three-point range at Georgia, connecting on just 29.4 percent of his 7.7 three-point attempts per game. As we all know, shooting the deep ball has become one of the more important aspects of the game and Edwards will need to develop a more consistent deep ball to have a long and productive NBA career.

The post Ron & Dev Predict the NBA Draft Lottery! (Picks 1-4) appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Why Not? Ron and Dev Predict NBA Draft Lottery Picks (5-9)

Devin Ugland — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 18:32:27 +0000

Click Here to see picks 10-14! | Click Here to see picks 1-4

With the 2020 NBA Draft date of Nov. 18 swiftly approaching, we wanted to take a deeper dive into this year's crop of talent. The winner among the losers on NBA Draft Lottery night was the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team with the third-worst regular season record was awarded the first overall selection.

This will be one of the most unique NBA Drafts on record due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is the draft delayed by five months, NBA front offices will be making picks with far less real-time evaluation because of the cancellations of many conference tournaments and last season's NCAA Tournament. Another interesting aspect of this draft is NBA scouts and front office personnel will not be able to evaluate prospects in a live draft combine setting, but rather a virtual one taking place at regional sites.

In this piece, myself and Ronnie Flores do our best to predict which players the lottery teams will select based on fit and team needs. Check out our selections for picks 5-9!

9. Washington Wizards

Ronnie's Pick: Devin Vassell | Guard | 6-6 | 180 | Florida State | So.

Why: With the Wizards pushing for the playoffs next season (whenever that may be), they value a rotation-level player who is more steady than high-risk, high-reward. Vassell’s combination of size and skill should fit in for a team that doesn’t necessarily need the pick at this spot to produce big offensive numbers. He can help this team on both ends and is a young player that doesn’t need to pound the ball to be effective. His shooting is actually better than one might believe and is he can learn to create his own shot and still be efficient, he would be a hell of a get at this spot for a franchise looking to take the next step towards a run at the Eastern Conference title.

Devin's Pick: Devin Vassell | Guard | 6-6 | 180 | Florida State | So.

Why: Like Ronnie said, Washington is a borderline playoff team in the Eastern Conference when fully healthy and adding Vassell to go alongside Bradley Beal and a (hopefully) healthy John Wall is the most viable option at this No. 9 pick. Vassell has good size on the wing, shot the college three-ball at a 41.5 percent clip on 3.5 attempts per game, and brings some two-way perimeter versatility to a team that needs a young, hungry on-ball defender and transition scoring threat. The Wizards have plenty of young pieces in the front court with Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans and Thomas Bryant, and Vassell is a guy who could come in and immediately address a need on that Washington roster.

8. New York Knicks

Ronnie's Pick: Tyrese Haliburton | PG | 6-5 | 175 | Iowa State | So.

Why: Oh boy, oh boy, the Knicks, are in a tough spot, but it seems like that’s the case in every draft since New York won the rights to Patrick Ewing in the first NBA Draft Lottery back in 1985. Knicks’ fans have been tormented ever since, and after being leapfrogged by Charlotte in this draft, New York fans will definitely find something to complain about about whomever the franchise selects. The Knicks need a point guard (not to mention the best player available) and Haliburton foots the bill and New York should be fortunate if he drops to this spot because of his length, shooting (42 percent 3-point) and ability to not dominate the ball in order to facilitate. Haliburton also brings value should the Knicks explore to move up in the draft (for a chance at Obi Toppin or Melo Ball) or pick for someone else.

Devin's Pick: Tyrese Haliburton | PG | 6-5 | 175 | Iowa State | So.

Why: The point guard position continues to be a spot of need for the Knicks, and much to their chagrin, the NBA Lottery balls did not bounce in their favor. Much of the pre-lottery speculation had the most polarizing player in this year's draft, LaMelo Ball, tabbed to resurrect one of the most storied and biggest market teams in the league, but the Knicks didn't get into that top three conversation. Could New York swing a trade with a team currently among the top three? Sure, but it would cost them quite a few of their youthful talent. If the Knicks stay in this current draft position, I see them taking Haliburton because of his reliability at the point guard spot. Haliburton has great size and feel for the position, was among the best in college basketball in assist-to-turnover ratio as a freshman and sophomore, and provides a pass-first mentality to a team loaded with guys looking to score.

7. Detroit Pistons

Isaac Okoro

6'5" - SG - 2019

Ronnie's Pick: Isaac Okoro | SF | 6-6 | 225 | Auburn | Fr.

Why: If he’s still on the board, there is no question the Hawks at No. 6 will take a long look at Okoro, a homegrown prospect who starred at McEachern High School in nearby Powder Springs. Question marks surrounding Okoro’s ability to consistently make the NBA 3-pointer and his offensive polish will make some teams pause (including the Hawks, who need percentage shooters), but the Pistons need a jolt of energy and talent and would be a terrific fit. He is a lockdown defender if there ever was one in this draft and what he does translates and is dependable. The Pistons may not get star value at this spot, but a player who brings good value for new GM Troy Weaver.

Devin's Pick: Isaac Okoro | SF | 6-6 | 225 | Auburn | Fr.

Why: Okoro wasn't the most decorated member of the 2019 high school class, but shot up the draft boards during his freshman season at Auburn because of his combination of size, athleticism and defensive versatility. The Pistons have an interesting roster mix with veteran forwards Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond anchoring the front court and sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard the team's most effective perimeter scorer. Okoro could come in and add a wing and transition slasher and scorer who can defend multiple positions on the perimeter. The biggest question mark surrounding Okoro's game is his three-point shooting ability. He shot 28.6 percent from deep during his freshman season and will need to improve that to live up to the billing of a No. 7 draft pick.

6. Atlanta Hawks

Ronnie's Pick: Deni Avdija | SF/PF | 6-9 | 210 | Israel | PRO

Why: The Hawks will try to build a contending team around young centerpiece Trae Young, and this Israeli League standout will foot the bill with his play-making ability. The Hawks are actually not one of the better outside shooting teams in the league, so there may be some concern about Avdija’s ability in that department, but his overall skill set will alleviate those concerns. For his size Avdija has terrific skills on the ball, pushing it off the glass and creating for others off the dribble, and is a terrific passer. He’s also has plenty of experience and won in a quality pro league and in a draft that doesn’t have overwhelming, sure-fire lottery picks, this proven 19-year old will be in high demand and the Hawks will be fortunate if he falls to this spot.

Devin's Pick: Onyeka Okongwu | PF | 6-9 | 245 | USC | Fr.

Why: We all know who the Hawks are building around and it's Trae Young, one of the most dynamic young players in the league. When you examine Atlanta's roster closely, the biggest area of need that stands out to me is front court depth behind or alongside John Collins and Okongwu would fit in seamlessly here. Many outside (and some inside) the Southern California high school basketball scene didn't see Big O as a one-and-done guy, but the three-time California state high school champion is a mix of a modern and throwback type of big who produces on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Okongwu is great in the pick and roll because of his ability to catch and finish lob passes and serve as a face-up shooter when picking and popping. There might not be a better, more instinctual defender and rebounder in this draft class than Okongwu. I've been watching him since the ninth grade at Chino Hills and his highest value has always been as a shot blocker and contester around the basket who understands body control and how to stay vertical on contest. I think Okongwu would compliment the Hawks current roster makeup and style of play very nicely.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Onyeka Okongwu

6'8" - C - 2019

Ronnie's Pick: Onyeka Okongwu | PF | 6-9 | 245 | USC | Fr.

Why: The Cavs may have fallen further in the draft than they hoped for, but they could still wind up with one of the best value picks and defensive players in this draft. Had the Cavs remained in the top 3, they should have still given this Southern Cal big man a serious look. He’s that good and his production in his lone college season was of zero surprise to us having watched him since the 9th grade on Chino Hills (Calif.) FAB 50 national title team. The Cavs have plenty of offense in its backcourt and need to shore up their interior defense if they plan to become a serious East contender with its current core. With his ability, production, and high character, the only question is who will be drafted higher between he or his good friend and former high school teammate LaMelo Ball.

Devin's Pick: Deni Avdija | SF/PF | 6-9 | 210 | Israel | PRO

Why: The Cavs are another team who had high hopes to be picking among the top three, but fell a bit to the five spot where they could still get a good value pick. Cleveland is looking to build around the talented guard duo of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland and Avdija could fill the need of a versatile wing forward who can rebound, push the break, and alleviate some ball handling and shot creating duties for Sexton and Garland. Diving into Avdija's stats is tough because of his limited action on Maccabi Tel Aviv's top squad, but when watching film you can see he has great ball skills and feel off the wing, can attack the basket and finish above the rim and can create for himself and others in both transition and half-court settings. Avdija does need to improve his three-point shooting, but I think he fits in nicely with Cleveland's current backcourt and provides another layer of offensive versatility to the Cavs roster.

The post Why Not? Ron and Dev Predict NBA Draft Lottery Picks (5-9) appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

Why Not? Ron and Dev Predict NBA Draft Lottery (Picks 10-14)

Ronnie Flores — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 22:10:00 +0000

See Picks 5-9! | See Picks 1-4!

In this piece, myself and Ronnie Flores do our best to predict which players the lottery teams will select based on fit and team needs. Check out our selections in a three-part series, beginning with picks No.'s 10-14 below.

14. Boston Celtics (from Memphis)

Ronnie’s Pick: Precious Achiuwa | PF | 6-9 | 225 |Memphis | Freshman

Precious Achiuwa

6'9" - SF - 2019

Why: The Celtics have done a good job in the draft and on are the cusp of being the best team in the East, so whoever they bring in would be fighting to become a rotation player. Achiuwa has a chance to do that because he brings energy to both ends of the floor and is a hellacious rebounder. The brass will be taking a long look at North Carolina’s Cole Anthony, but the Celtics don’t need perimeter scoring more than they need front court depth. Achiuwa fits the bill.

Devin’s Pick: Jalen Smith | PF | 6-10 | 225 | Maryland | Sophomore

Why: I can see Boston going in multiple directions with this pick, because when you look at the Celtics roster, there’s not a specific area of need they need to fill. With Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart occupying the guard positions along with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward on the wing, if Boston keeps this pick I can seeing them adding some more front court depth as current starter Daniel Theis is fills more of a glue-guy type of role. Smith, if available would be a nice choice here of proven production at a high college level with plenty of tools to build on at the NBA level. Smith was a double-double machine for the Terrapins during his sophomore season, averaging 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and his 2.4 blocked shots per game were good for second in the Big Ten Conference. Smith shot 36.8 percent on just under three attempts per game from the college three point line, which makes me think he could be a potential two-way impact guy as a rim protector and versatile scoring option at the five, which is very reminiscent of Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner.

13. New Orleans Pelicans

Ronnie’s Pick: Saddiq Bey | SF | 6-8 |215 | Villanova |Sophomore

Why: The Pelicans have some terrific offensive pieces and could shore up their defensive prowess, and Bey foots the bill. If he earns minutes on the floor because of his defense (which would be a tremendous value at this spot), he is a good enough spot-up shooter to keep defenses honest and compliment Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.

Devin’s Pick: Saddiq Bey | SF | 6-8 | 216 | Villanova | Sophomore

Why: This will be another interesting pick come draft night as the Pelicans have a host of young talent on its roster to go along with the veteran leadership of Jrue Holiday and J.J. Redick. New Orleans has nine players aged 24 years or younger and we didn’t get to see the full extent of what the youth movement looked like due to Zion Williamson missing time due to injury and the stoppage of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking strictly at roster need, three-point shooting is always of value, especially when your best long distance shooter (Redick) is heading toward his 36th birthday. I think Bey fits in nicely here because of his size, length, athleticism to go along with his 45.1 percent three-point shooting clip as a sophomore at Villanova.

12. Sacramento Kings

Ronnie’s Pick: Patrick Williams | PF | 6-8 | 225 | Florida State | Freshman

Why: The Kings’ front office is in transition and after some draft gaffes in recent years, they want to get this pick right. This isn’t a particularly loaded draft, but Williams has the potential to stick because of his frame, foot speed and long-term defensive ability. There are some terrific wing defenders in this draft, and the Kings can’t afford to swing and miss badly. Williams didn’t produce at a high level offensively in his lone college season, but the Kings need a shot in the arm not someone jacking up shots.

Why: For me, this is a best available pick type of situation for the Kings. The point guard spot is locked up with De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic (if he re-signs) will see the majority of the time at shooting guard, while Harrison Barnes, Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes will continue to see the minutes in the front court and Sacramento needs a reliable piece that can come in and help right away. The best available guy at No. 12 could be Nesmith out of Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-6 wing brings versatility on the offensive end as evidenced by his above 50-percent shooting clip from both two and three-point range to go along with his 82.5 percent success rate from the free throw line. Nesmith played only 14 games last season due to injury, and while that’s a small sample size to draw from, his scoring feel on the perimeter and has some defensive versatility upside with his frame.

11. San Antonio Spurs

Why: The Spurs will take a long look at Florida State’s Patrick Williams and can only hope Isaac Okoro (Auburn) falls this far. He likely won’t, so Nesmith is a terrific value pick because he can really shoot the deep range shot and complement the talented backcourt players the Spurs already have. It will be enticing to pick up a defensive-oriented forward, but passing up an offensive talent the likes of Nesmith will be too difficult to pass up.

Devin’s Pick: Patrick Williams | PF | 6-8 | 225 | Florida State | Freshman

Why: This is the first time in a long time (23 years to be exact) that the Spurs will draft in the lottery, so San Antonio will have to rediscover this uncharted territory. As most know, this franchise has a rich history in drafting an unknown international player, stashing him, and bringing him over at the perfect time to help them on a championship run. Could that happen again this year? Sure, but for the purposes of this “mock lottery” let’s pick a player for Pop & Co. The reason I go with Williams here is because San Antonio could benefit from adding some athleticism and energy to its front court. The one-and-done forward out of Florida State fits that bill quite well with his explosive leaping ability, mobility in transition and ability to finish with through and above contact in the paint. Williams didn’t put up eye popping numbers during his only college season, averaging 9.2 points and four rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game and needs some work to refine his all-around offensive skill set. Where better to do that than with the Spurs who happen to have one of the best power forward’s the world has seen on its coaching staff.

10. Phoenix Suns

Ronnie’s Pick: Killian Hayes | PG | 6-5 | 215 | France | PRO

Why: The Suns ended the season on an upswing and hope to keep the positive momentum going with a home run at this spot in the draft. The Suns will likely look to the backcourt with someone who can play on the ball and be effective off it. Tyrese Maxey (Kentucky) will get a look at this range, but Hayes has terrific upside and there won’t be tons of pressure for him to perform right away. If Hayes can learn the NBA game from Ricky Rubio and be a complement to Devin Booker, this would be a terrific spot for him.

Devin’s Pick: Killian Hayes | PG | 6-5 | 215 | France | PRO

Why: The Suns need to show they are committed to building a long-term backcourt around superstar guard Devin Booker in addition to providing a true point guard who can operate out of ball screen action with stud power forward De’Andre Ayton. Hayes might be the perfect successor to Ricky Rubio at the point guard position in Phoenix. The 18 year-old lefty plays with a high basketball IQ, great vision and decision-making out of the pick and role, and knows how to use angles and changes of speeds to get into the paint. Just imagine a high ball screen with Hayes and Ayton with Booker spotting up on the wing. That’s tough to guard. Hayes does need to get better as a three-point shooter to keep defenses honest in those ball screen situations.

The post Why Not? Ron and Dev Predict NBA Draft Lottery (Picks 10-14) appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

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