During the past three seasons, John Calipari has had the privilege of coaching five supremely talented freshmen. In the 2007-08 season, he coached point guard Derrick Rose. Following Rose, combo guard Tyreke Evans came to Memphis, with the hopes of becoming an elite prospect in the 2009 NBA Draft. Finally, after he left Memphis to coach at Kentucky, he recruited guards John Wall and Eric Bledsoe and power forward DeMarcus Cousins to play at Lexington.
All Calipari has done with these group of freshmen is transform them into tremendous professional prospects. First, when Rose arrived at Memphis in 2007, he was very raw offensively, with no legitimate jump shot. In addition, he had an undisciplined mindset, as scouts felt that he would take too many plays off. However, Calipari developed Rose into a terrific offensive player, as he averaged 15 points and five assists per game. Furthermore, Rose’s leadership on the court propelled the Memphis Tigers to a 38-2 overall record and a berth in the NCAA National Championship game, where the Kansas Jayhawks upended the Tigers in overtime.
Nonetheless, Calipari effectively developed Rose into a coveted NBA prospect, as the Chicago Bulls selected Rose with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Rose has averaged 18 points and six assists in less than two seasons of professional basketball and was even selected into the 2010 NBA All-Star Game.
After Rose’s departure, guard Tyreke Evans came to Memphis with the hope of developing into a professional prospect. Despite losing several players on the Final Four team, Memphis was still able to have a successful season, thanks to Evans’s overall play. Evans led Memphis to a 33-4 overall record, a perfect record in conference play, and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
While struggling early in the season, Calipari helped groom Evans into a premier scoring guard. He finished the season averaging 17 points, 5.4 rebounds, and four assists per game. In his final game with Memphis, Evans saved his best performance for last, scoring 33 points in a Sweet 16 loss to the Missouri Tigers. Evans decided to enter the 2009 NBA draft after just one season in Memphis, and the Sacramento Kings selected him with the fourth overall pick. Evans has had a stellar rookie season up to date; averaging 20.1 points and 5.3 assists per game.
Furthermore, Calipari brought in John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Eric Bledsoe, in an attempt to revitalize the Kentucky basketball program. So far, Calipari has become a hero in Lexington, as Kentucky is off to its best start this millennium with a 26-1 record. The freshmen have played an essential role in the rebirth of Kentucky, as they have combined to average 44 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. In addition, these three freshmen project to be lottery picks in the 2010 NBA Draft, if they choose to come out.
John Calipari has never been afraid to take chances on highly-touted freshmen, considering that they may bolt to the NBA after only one year. Freshmen phenoms like Rose and Evans choose to play under Calipari over other coaches because of Calipari’s uncanny ability to mentor them. Each of these freshmen who have played under Calipari has drastically enhanced their overall game under his tutelage. It is what makes Calipari one of the premier coaches in college basketball.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Pistons Have Not Recovered from Billups Trade
From 2002-2008, the Detroit Pistons advanced to an unprecedented six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Despite going through three different coaches during the span, the Pistons continued to maintain a consistent level of play by winning at least 50 games during those six seasons. The primary reason behind their sustained excellence? Point guard Chauncey Billups, whose leadership both on and off the court set a tremendous example for his teammates.
Before the 2002-03 season, the Pistons signed Billups to a five-year, $25 million contract, arguably the greatest free agent signing in NBA history. All Billups did since he arrived in Detroit was average seven assists per game, 17.4 points per game, and 90% free throw shooting. Furthermore, he was the go-to-player on the team, as he recorded numerous clutch shots at the end of games to lead his team to victories.
His stellar play led the Pistons to an NBA Championship in the 2003-04 season, in which he was named NBA Finals MVP. In the following year, he led his team to another NBA Finals appearance, when the Pistons lost to the Spurs in seven grueling games. Along with the victories, he also transformed teammate Richard Hamilton into one of the premier guards in the NBA, as their on-court chemistry was absolutely impeccable.
However, despite his excellence, Billups was often underappreciated by the Detroit Pistons organization. After signing Billups to a $64 million contract following the 2006-07 season, the Pistons put Billups on the trading block midway through the 2007-08 season, as they thought that his best years were behind him. However, despite the rumors, Billups nonetheless led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Celtics dethroned the Pistons.
Finally, after a coaching change prior to the 2008-09 season, the Pistons traded Billups to the Denver Nuggets for a package that included Allen Iverson. With the remainder of their core still intact, the Pistons believed that they still could compete for a championship. However, the Pistons immediately missed Billups’ leadership, as they faded to a losing record of 39-43. In the playoffs, the Cavaliers swept the Pistons in the first round, winning every game by double digits. Furthermore, tremendous turmoil existed in the locker room, as a number of players expressed their discontent about playing for coach Michael Curry.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, thrived under Billups, as he rejuvenated a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff series since 1994. In particular, Carmelo Anthony has benefitted the most from Billups, as he is currently has averaged over 25 points per game playing with the point guard. In the 2008-09 season, the Nuggets won 54 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers ousted them in six games.
Currently, in the 2009-10 season, both teams have gone in opposite directions, as the Pistons are 19-33 while the Nuggets are 35-18. Billups is averaging 19.5 points per game while helping Anthony average 29.2 points. Unlike the Nuggets, the Pistons will have immense difficulty making the playoffs, and they even suffered through a 13 game losing streak earlier in the season.
With all of the Pistons glory years in this millennium under Billups’ leadership, why did they even think about trading the face of their franchise? After all, he averaged at least 17 points in his final four full seasons with the team, while bringing the necessary intangibles to the Detroit Pistons. In addition, he knew when to keep egocentric players like Rasheed Wallace in check during difficult times and made the most out of Richard Hamilton. The Pistons have not found a leader since his dismissal, which has contributed greatly to their downfall.
Players like Chauncey Billups do not come around very often, and it will take the Pistons a while before finding a capable replacement.
Before the 2002-03 season, the Pistons signed Billups to a five-year, $25 million contract, arguably the greatest free agent signing in NBA history. All Billups did since he arrived in Detroit was average seven assists per game, 17.4 points per game, and 90% free throw shooting. Furthermore, he was the go-to-player on the team, as he recorded numerous clutch shots at the end of games to lead his team to victories.
His stellar play led the Pistons to an NBA Championship in the 2003-04 season, in which he was named NBA Finals MVP. In the following year, he led his team to another NBA Finals appearance, when the Pistons lost to the Spurs in seven grueling games. Along with the victories, he also transformed teammate Richard Hamilton into one of the premier guards in the NBA, as their on-court chemistry was absolutely impeccable.
However, despite his excellence, Billups was often underappreciated by the Detroit Pistons organization. After signing Billups to a $64 million contract following the 2006-07 season, the Pistons put Billups on the trading block midway through the 2007-08 season, as they thought that his best years were behind him. However, despite the rumors, Billups nonetheless led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals, where the Celtics dethroned the Pistons.
Finally, after a coaching change prior to the 2008-09 season, the Pistons traded Billups to the Denver Nuggets for a package that included Allen Iverson. With the remainder of their core still intact, the Pistons believed that they still could compete for a championship. However, the Pistons immediately missed Billups’ leadership, as they faded to a losing record of 39-43. In the playoffs, the Cavaliers swept the Pistons in the first round, winning every game by double digits. Furthermore, tremendous turmoil existed in the locker room, as a number of players expressed their discontent about playing for coach Michael Curry.
The Nuggets, on the other hand, thrived under Billups, as he rejuvenated a franchise that hadn’t won a playoff series since 1994. In particular, Carmelo Anthony has benefitted the most from Billups, as he is currently has averaged over 25 points per game playing with the point guard. In the 2008-09 season, the Nuggets won 54 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where the Lakers ousted them in six games.
Currently, in the 2009-10 season, both teams have gone in opposite directions, as the Pistons are 19-33 while the Nuggets are 35-18. Billups is averaging 19.5 points per game while helping Anthony average 29.2 points. Unlike the Nuggets, the Pistons will have immense difficulty making the playoffs, and they even suffered through a 13 game losing streak earlier in the season.
With all of the Pistons glory years in this millennium under Billups’ leadership, why did they even think about trading the face of their franchise? After all, he averaged at least 17 points in his final four full seasons with the team, while bringing the necessary intangibles to the Detroit Pistons. In addition, he knew when to keep egocentric players like Rasheed Wallace in check during difficult times and made the most out of Richard Hamilton. The Pistons have not found a leader since his dismissal, which has contributed greatly to their downfall.
Players like Chauncey Billups do not come around very often, and it will take the Pistons a while before finding a capable replacement.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Despite Super Bowl Loss, Manning’s 2009 Season Arguably Greatest Ever
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning underwent a tremendous team makeover from the 2008 to the 2009 season. First, head coach Tony Dungy, who won a Super Bowl with Manning in the 2006 season, retired to become an analyst on NBC. Then, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who along with Manning holds the all-time record for quarterback-to-wide receiver touchdowns, yards, and completions, left the Colts.
Following the departures of key personnel, the Colts replaced them with rookie head coach Jim Caldwell and unknown receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. In addition, the Colts entered the 2009 season with Anthony Gonzalez primed to breakout as the team’s number two receiver, behind Reggie Wayne. However, Gonzalez damaged his MCL in his knee during the first quarter of the first game of the regular season. He would not return for the rest of the year. Things looked bleaker for the Colts following the opening game of the regular season.
However, Manning overcame all of the transformation to have his greatest season as a professional, if not the best season in the history of the NFL. First, despite having one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, Manning made adjustments to counter inefficiencies in protection. Tony Ugoh, who the Colts drafted in 2007 to supplant Tarik Glenn as left tackle, switched to guard. That left Charlie Johnson, a sixth round draft pick, to play guard. Mike Pollak, a player who contemplated quitting football, anchored one of the guard positions. In fact, the porous offensive line contributed to the league’s worst rushing attack.
Yet, Manning’s constant pre-snap audibles at the line of scrimmage put the linemen in a better position to succeed. In spite of the troubles at the line, opponents only sacked Manning 10 times all season.
Next, Manning groomed two unknown receivers into quality forces in the NFL. First Pierre Garcon, a sixth round draft pick in 2008 from Mount Union, only caught four passes for 23 yards prior to this season. This year, through Manning’s guidance, Garcon enjoyed a breakout season with 47 receptions for 765 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. Furthermore, Austin Collie, a rookie fourth-round draft pick, caught 60 passes for 676 yards and seven touchdowns.
Then, in the postseason, teams double covered both tight end Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, leaving single coverage for both Collie and Garcon. The young receivers responded, as both Garcon and Collie accumulated over 120 yards receiving and a touchdown each in the AFC Championship victory over the New York Jets.
Moreover, along with providing invaluable assistance to teammates, Manning enjoyed a spectacular statistical season. He established career highs in completions and completion percentage while passing for a total of 4500 yards. Furthermore, he threw for over 300 yards passing in eight out of the team’s first nine games. Overall, he threw for 33 touchdowns and had a quarterback rating of 99.9.
While other quarterbacks may have had a higher rating than Manning, few had a larger impact on his team than the Colts quarterback. In fact, in the 16 games that Manning played the entire game, including the postseason, the Colts won each and every single one of those. He even did that with inferior and inexperienced talent around him on both sides of the ball.
In fact, Manning often instilled confidence in his youthful and depleted defense through his presence alone. The Colts defense could play every game thinking they could surrender some points and still have a chance to win, since Manning could always lead his team to victory. This season alone, Manning orchestrated seven come-from-behind wins, including one over the Jets in the AFC Championship game.
Therefore, with the combination of mixing in new personnel and still playing at an exceptional level on the field, Peyton Manning had arguably the greatest season in the history of the NFL.
Following the departures of key personnel, the Colts replaced them with rookie head coach Jim Caldwell and unknown receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. In addition, the Colts entered the 2009 season with Anthony Gonzalez primed to breakout as the team’s number two receiver, behind Reggie Wayne. However, Gonzalez damaged his MCL in his knee during the first quarter of the first game of the regular season. He would not return for the rest of the year. Things looked bleaker for the Colts following the opening game of the regular season.
However, Manning overcame all of the transformation to have his greatest season as a professional, if not the best season in the history of the NFL. First, despite having one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, Manning made adjustments to counter inefficiencies in protection. Tony Ugoh, who the Colts drafted in 2007 to supplant Tarik Glenn as left tackle, switched to guard. That left Charlie Johnson, a sixth round draft pick, to play guard. Mike Pollak, a player who contemplated quitting football, anchored one of the guard positions. In fact, the porous offensive line contributed to the league’s worst rushing attack.
Yet, Manning’s constant pre-snap audibles at the line of scrimmage put the linemen in a better position to succeed. In spite of the troubles at the line, opponents only sacked Manning 10 times all season.
Next, Manning groomed two unknown receivers into quality forces in the NFL. First Pierre Garcon, a sixth round draft pick in 2008 from Mount Union, only caught four passes for 23 yards prior to this season. This year, through Manning’s guidance, Garcon enjoyed a breakout season with 47 receptions for 765 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season. Furthermore, Austin Collie, a rookie fourth-round draft pick, caught 60 passes for 676 yards and seven touchdowns.
Then, in the postseason, teams double covered both tight end Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, leaving single coverage for both Collie and Garcon. The young receivers responded, as both Garcon and Collie accumulated over 120 yards receiving and a touchdown each in the AFC Championship victory over the New York Jets.
Moreover, along with providing invaluable assistance to teammates, Manning enjoyed a spectacular statistical season. He established career highs in completions and completion percentage while passing for a total of 4500 yards. Furthermore, he threw for over 300 yards passing in eight out of the team’s first nine games. Overall, he threw for 33 touchdowns and had a quarterback rating of 99.9.
While other quarterbacks may have had a higher rating than Manning, few had a larger impact on his team than the Colts quarterback. In fact, in the 16 games that Manning played the entire game, including the postseason, the Colts won each and every single one of those. He even did that with inferior and inexperienced talent around him on both sides of the ball.
In fact, Manning often instilled confidence in his youthful and depleted defense through his presence alone. The Colts defense could play every game thinking they could surrender some points and still have a chance to win, since Manning could always lead his team to victory. This season alone, Manning orchestrated seven come-from-behind wins, including one over the Jets in the AFC Championship game.
Therefore, with the combination of mixing in new personnel and still playing at an exceptional level on the field, Peyton Manning had arguably the greatest season in the history of the NFL.
Monday, February 8, 2010
NBA: Memphis and Oklahoma City Developing Contending Teams with Young Nucleus
Both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been two of the NBA’s biggest laughingstocks over the past three seasons. In fact, during the 2006-07 and 2007-08, these two teams held the bottom two spots in the Western Conference standings. In 2008-09, they finished with a combined 47 wins and ended with two of the four worst records in the Western Conference.
All of that has changed, however, this season, as both the Grizzlies and the Thunder remain in playoff contention through 50 games in the regular season. The Thunder are surprisingly 29-21 and currently sit seventh in the Western Conference. In addition, they have already surpassed their win total from each of their past two seasons. Along the same lines, the Grizzlies currently have a winning record with 26 wins and 24 losses, after beginning the season at 1-8.
First, the Thunder have achieved their remarkable start with an outstanding young nucleus, which features four lottery picks in the past three drafts. In 2007, during the first year of Oklahoma City’s existence, the Thunder picked up forwards Kevin Durant and Jeff Green within the top five picks. After a long and heated debate about the future potentials of Durant and Portland center Greg Oden, the Thunder have come away with arguably the best player to have come out in the past five years.
Kevin Durant has played at an all-star caliber level throughout the season, earning a berth in this year’s All-Star Game in Dallas. He has improved his scoring in each of his first three seasons in the league, averaging 20.3 ppg his first year, 25.3 ppg in his second year, and an incredible 29.7 ppg currently this season. In addition, he has become a more complete player this year, averaging career highs in steals, assists, rebounds, and field goal percentage. Durant has become an unstoppable force this year, largely due to his developed inside game to go along with his exceptional shooting abilities.
Furthermore, Durant has additionally helped foster the growth of Jeff Green, who has averaged 14.4 ppg and has played tremendous defense this year. After allowing over 103 points per game over each of the past two seasons, the Thunder have only surrendered 95.8 ppg this year. Green has contributed immensely to the defensive resurgence, as his versatility and length allow him to guard the opponent’s best player, regardless of position.
Moreover, the Thunder’s past two lottery picks, guards Russell Westbrook and James Harden, have had productive seasons as well. The revamped backcourt has turned into a strength for this team, as Westbrook is averaging 16.2 points and 7.5 assists per game. The point guard has additionally become a vocal leader for his team both on and off the court. Meanwhile, Harden has had a solid season, averaging 9.7 points and 1 steal per game. Both players will continue to improve with more experience.
Along the same lines, the Grizzlies have built an outstanding young core through the draft and free agency. First, the team has one of the more dynamic backcourts in the league, with top-five picks Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo anchoring the unit. After a mediocre first two seasons, Conley has played well this year, averaging 10.2 points and a career-best 5 assists per game. In addition, he has drastically improved defensively, allowing point guards to stay in front of him. Mayo, on the other hand, has become the clutch scorer for this team, averaging 17.7 points and hitting numerous key shots for his team.
Likewise, the Memphis frontcourt has been the overall strength of this team. After acquiring him in a trade from the Clippers, Zach Randolph earned his first all-star appearance this year, as he has accumulated totals of 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. His dominance has opened up the floor for other players on this team, including Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol, who are averaging a combined 35 points per game. Furthermore, this unit has tremendous depth on the team, with Darrell Arthur and Hasheem Thabeet developing into quality NBA prospects.
Therefore, both the Thunder and the Grizzlies have positioned themselves beautifully for the future, as the nucleus of each team is under 26 years old. In addition, each team is phenomenally positioned financially, having more than $13 million to spend for the upcoming free-agent class, which is arguable the greatest offseason class ever.
All of that has changed, however, this season, as both the Grizzlies and the Thunder remain in playoff contention through 50 games in the regular season. The Thunder are surprisingly 29-21 and currently sit seventh in the Western Conference. In addition, they have already surpassed their win total from each of their past two seasons. Along the same lines, the Grizzlies currently have a winning record with 26 wins and 24 losses, after beginning the season at 1-8.
First, the Thunder have achieved their remarkable start with an outstanding young nucleus, which features four lottery picks in the past three drafts. In 2007, during the first year of Oklahoma City’s existence, the Thunder picked up forwards Kevin Durant and Jeff Green within the top five picks. After a long and heated debate about the future potentials of Durant and Portland center Greg Oden, the Thunder have come away with arguably the best player to have come out in the past five years.
Kevin Durant has played at an all-star caliber level throughout the season, earning a berth in this year’s All-Star Game in Dallas. He has improved his scoring in each of his first three seasons in the league, averaging 20.3 ppg his first year, 25.3 ppg in his second year, and an incredible 29.7 ppg currently this season. In addition, he has become a more complete player this year, averaging career highs in steals, assists, rebounds, and field goal percentage. Durant has become an unstoppable force this year, largely due to his developed inside game to go along with his exceptional shooting abilities.
Furthermore, Durant has additionally helped foster the growth of Jeff Green, who has averaged 14.4 ppg and has played tremendous defense this year. After allowing over 103 points per game over each of the past two seasons, the Thunder have only surrendered 95.8 ppg this year. Green has contributed immensely to the defensive resurgence, as his versatility and length allow him to guard the opponent’s best player, regardless of position.
Moreover, the Thunder’s past two lottery picks, guards Russell Westbrook and James Harden, have had productive seasons as well. The revamped backcourt has turned into a strength for this team, as Westbrook is averaging 16.2 points and 7.5 assists per game. The point guard has additionally become a vocal leader for his team both on and off the court. Meanwhile, Harden has had a solid season, averaging 9.7 points and 1 steal per game. Both players will continue to improve with more experience.
Along the same lines, the Grizzlies have built an outstanding young core through the draft and free agency. First, the team has one of the more dynamic backcourts in the league, with top-five picks Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo anchoring the unit. After a mediocre first two seasons, Conley has played well this year, averaging 10.2 points and a career-best 5 assists per game. In addition, he has drastically improved defensively, allowing point guards to stay in front of him. Mayo, on the other hand, has become the clutch scorer for this team, averaging 17.7 points and hitting numerous key shots for his team.
Likewise, the Memphis frontcourt has been the overall strength of this team. After acquiring him in a trade from the Clippers, Zach Randolph earned his first all-star appearance this year, as he has accumulated totals of 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. His dominance has opened up the floor for other players on this team, including Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol, who are averaging a combined 35 points per game. Furthermore, this unit has tremendous depth on the team, with Darrell Arthur and Hasheem Thabeet developing into quality NBA prospects.
Therefore, both the Thunder and the Grizzlies have positioned themselves beautifully for the future, as the nucleus of each team is under 26 years old. In addition, each team is phenomenally positioned financially, having more than $13 million to spend for the upcoming free-agent class, which is arguable the greatest offseason class ever.
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