Posts Tagged ‘Brandon Pemberton’

Almost there: Philadelphia Eagles training camp preview

Monday, July 22nd, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

Brandyn Blog

 

 

 

 

 

(Image via PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

(Image via PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

 

We’re almost there. Rookies report to Philadelphia Eagles training camp today, and the rest of the team will join the newbies at the end of the week.

With a new coaching staff and new philosophies, intense scrutiny is on this year’s training camp. Not just who will make the cut, but how is Chip Kelly seeking to utilize his players?

To help examine some of the most pressing questions entering camp, Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio visits Philly Sports Muse with a training camp preview.

The Chip Kelly era as Philadelphia Eagles head coach officially starts when rookies report for camp on Monday, July 22. He is taking over a 4-12 team who quit on the coach last year, the talent was overvalued, and was a flat out disgrace. There are plenty of questions and unknowns going into training camp and the 2013 season. Everyone is wondering what style of offense the Eagles will run under Kelly, who will win the quarterback battle, and how much better can the defense be with the switch the the 3-4? I will give you my outlook and opinion on each position, on both sides of the field.

Offense

Quarterback: Chip Kelly brought Vick back, a move that I seriously questioned, but obviously he, like other coaches before him, is intrigued with Vick’s physical talents. I’ve already seen enough of Vick over the last 2 seasons and I already know what he is. He turns the ball over too much, holds the ball too long, and doesn’t see the blitz via pre-snap reads. The Eagles’ offensive line dealt with injuries last season, and was scrutinized while Vick was under center, but when Foles took over the complaints stopped.

Nick Foles started six games for the Eagles and played in seven overall, and had some good moments while playing. He was accurate, especially in the short, quick passing game. When I went back and watched the coaches tape, Foles showed an understanding of the offense, protection schemes, blitzes, and hot reads. He got the ball out of his hands quickly and to the right WR, switched protection pre-play, and utilized audibles to better plays to beat the defense. He didn’t complete passes down field with great accuracy. On passes thrown 21-30 yards, he completed 3 of 16 for 18%. I compared those numbers to RGIII, who completed 11-18 for 61% 306 yards 3 TD’s and a passer rating of 144.7. I really think Foles in his second year in the league, has a legit shot at winning this job.

Matt Barkley went from a possible top ten pick in the 2012 draft to dropping to the 4th round and being selected by the Eagles. Barkley is smart, made good decisions with the football, has an arm good enough to make all the throws, and has experience in playing in a pro style offense while at USC. If this is a true QB competition as Kelly has said, don’t be surprised if Barkley puts himself in the mix for the starting job.

Running Back: Obviously Shady McCoy is the man, and I expect him to have a big time season this year. The one thing I do know from watching Oregon play, the running backs are setup to succeed. The blocking schemes they used in college will be much different as the Eagles hired Alabama offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, where they ran a pro style offense. When McCoy went down with the concussion, Bryce Brown stepped in and had back to back 100 yard games, showing the potential that everyone had seen when he was ranked as the #1 running back prospect coming out of high school. The Eagles also added the talented, but often injured Felix Jones. He is a legit home run threat, can help in the return game, and has good hands as a receiver out of the backfield; but can he stay healthy enough to make the team? Chris Polk is in his 2nd year with the team and had a good preseason in 2012, but didn’t factor in during the season. Matthew Tucker, an undrafted free agent from TCU is also on the training camp roster.

Tight End/H-Back/Fullback: Look at how the Patriots used the tight end combo of “Gronk” and Hernandez after they went and studied Kelly’s passing offense and now envision the same for Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, and James Casey. Zach Ertz is big, strong, fast, runs great routes, and has great hands. He is a mismatch for linebackers and safeties. While I think Celek’s body is damn near finished (he’s been banged up plenty over the last two seasons), he, if healthy, could flourish in this system as well. James Casey is a do it all type of player that the Texans lined up all over the field last season. He can block inline, at fullback, line up in the slot, play H-back and traditional tight end. Clay Harbor will be fighting for his NFL life and at Fullback,  Emil Igwenagu is currently the only one on the roster.

Wide Receiver: Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson haven’t had one of those 80-90 catch, 1200-1300 yard, 10 TD+ seasons, but in this offense, one of them could, and I think Maclin is that guy. Chip Kelly is a coach who will spread the field out to exploit mismatches, loves speed, and uses the strengths of his players. Maclin could shine in the Eagles quick passing game and also be able to make plays downfield via play action as I expect the Eagles to run the ball plenty. DeSean Jackson should get the ball more often, in non-conventional ways: Screens, Reverses, trick plays, and I expect him to be used on punt returns again.

Jason Avant, Arrelious Benn, and the little known Greg Salas will fight for the slot position. I personally have seen enough of Avant and think his time is up, but he’s a vet and will come to play. I also believe this is a make or break camp for Riley Cooper as well. It’s time for him to show up and prove that he has value as a WR and not just on special teams. B.J. Cunningham is a 2nd year player from Michigan St, was a player I liked in the 2012 draft and is on the roster. LSU WR/KR/RB Russell Shepard has a legit chance to make this roster with his versatility, speed, and athleticism.

Offensive Line: Jason Peters is returning to the field after not one, but two surgeries on his Achilles tendon. Before the injury he was the best left tackle in football and anchored an offensive line that was pretty damn good. Peters is 31 years old, in his tenth season, and I’m really worried about how he comes back, and what level can he play at. Jason Kelce was developing into one of the league’s top centers before tearing his MCL & ACL in week two vs. the Baltimore Ravens. His return to the team is just as important as Jason Peters. We are talking about two of the league’s best at their positions. The Eagles drafted Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson with the 4th pick, which means veteran Todd Herremans slides to right guard to pair with the solid Evan Mathis. Dallas Reynolds, Dennis Kelly, and Julian Vandervelde all saw significant time last year and are valuable backups for this team.

Defense

Defensive Line: The Eagles are making the transition to the 3-4 defense, which they say they plan to use a hybrid version of and at times they will use an even front (4 down lineman) as well. Bottom line is Kelly said he wanted to get bigger, stronger, tougher, and more physical. The signing of former 49ers Nose Tackle Isaac Sopoaga was key, and a telling sign to me. He is the classic “0” technique player with the girth and strength to man the point of attack in a odd man front. Antonio Dixon at 6-4 330lbs has always been a good run-stopper when healthy, and is also a good fit as a nose tackle and could play the 5 technique as well. Fletcher Cox had a good rookie year, and I expect a big season inside from him. The move to the 5 technique should be an easy one as he played in odd man fronts during his final season at Miss St. Cedric Thortnon made the team in 2012 and was a pleasant surprise who showed good production in a limited role. At 6’4 309lbs, he is big, strong, and sturdy enough to play as a 5 technique defensive end. 3rd round pick Bennie Logan was a force in the SEC playing for LSU, and while not a traditional 3-4 lineman, he gives the team a DT that gets up the field and will push the pocket vs. the pass. He will be very effective on passing downs.  The Eagles have also brought in a medley of defensive lineman who are huge; guys who will fight for a roster spot in camp.

If and when the Eagles use a traditional even man front, Trent Cole will be right at home. It’s yet to be seen how much 3-4 the team will run, but we have no clue if he can play OLB in that scheme. Vinny Curry, Brandon Graham, and Phillip Hunt are all in the same boat. I won’t know what they can do as an OLB until camp starts and I see them in practice and game action.

Linebackers: The Eagles situation at the linebacker position is up in the air in my opinion. The only player with experience playing in the 3-4 defense is newly acquired OLB Conner Barwin. He will line up on the strong side, but there is a hole on the weak side. Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, and Phillip Hunt will all battle for that spot. In the 3-4 scheme, the OLB’s will be called upon at times to drop into pass coverage, man and zone, and be expected to make plays. Vinny Curry is more of a fit on the strong side, but he as well has no experience in this defense.

DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks seem to be the Inside Linebackers going into camp. The problem is Ryans struggled in the 3-4 in Houston and Kendricks isn’t a fit in my opinion. Kendricks had issues at the point of attack last year when the Eagles had him playing out of position at the Sam backer in the 4-3. Kendricks is at his best when in space, where he can use his speed and athleticism. The Eagles don’t have the ideal ILB’s for the 3-4 defense, so they might be forced to play more 4-3.

Cornerbacks: Out the door is Nnamdi and DRC, and in comes Super Bowl champion Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, and rookie Jordan Poyer. The Eagles have clearly gone towards bigger, more physical corners; not big names, but guys who will tackle and give maximum effort. Cary Williams might have rubbed the city the wrong way when he missed OTA’s for personal reasons, and because of his response during a local radio interview, but he was really good for the Ravens over the last half of the season and in the playoffs. Jordan Poyer was a consensus All-American, and I had him as a 2nd-3rd round pick. Why he slipped all of the way to the 7th round, I don’t know, but I really think he was a steal. He could be the perfect fit as the nickel corner and also gives the Eagles value in the return games as well. Brandon Boykin struggled playing inside last season, but I think he will be given a legit chance to win a job playing outside where I think it’s more of a natural fit with his size and athleticism. Trevard Lindley and Curtis Marsh are also in the mix for roster spots.

Safeties:  The Safety position has been a huge issue over the past two seasons. Nate Allen showed promise before injuring his knee two years ago, but has never recovered. Kurt Coleman has started during that two-year period and he clearly was in above his head. He’s a special teams player forced into the starting lineup because the Eagles didn’t properly address the position. Colt Anderson is the team’s best special teams player and will make the team because of it. The Eagles signed Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips, both who have had success in this league. Phillips, when healthy, is really good. Problem is he’s dealt with issues with his knees lately. Chung has had flashes in this league, but was benched last season while playing for the Patriots. Both are playing on one-year deals and the Eagles could get their best efforts, which is clearly better then what they had in 2012. Earl Wolff is a 5th round pick out of N.C. State who was decent making plays in the box when I scouted him, but struggled making plays in space.

Special Teams: Kicker Alex Henery was 27-31 on his field goal attempts in 2012, proving to be really reliable at this point in his career. There will be a battle for the punter job between veteran Donnie Jones and the talented rookie Brad Wing from LSU and Australia. Damaris Johnson returned punts last season for the Eagles, but I think that Kelly will put DeSean Jackson back there again. Brandon Boykin, who was one of the best return guys in the 2012 draft, had an okay 2012 as a kick returner. Felix Jones has had success has a KR, and rookies Jordan Poyer and Russell Shepard will also be in the mix in the return game.

Follow Brandon Pemberton on Twitter.

Follow Philly Sports Muse on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

Initial NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board

Monday, March 4th, 2013

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The NFL Combine is now over and now prospects are training and preparing for their Pro Day workouts at their schools.  Here is my list of the top 100 prospects at this point, according to the scouting I’ve done myself.  There’s plenty of time left before actual draft day, so this list will change a few times until then.  Be on the lookout for the release of my top prospects by position as well.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays 10am-12pm on http://ueradiolive.com or http://livestream.com/ueradiolive as Daniel Trawick and myself discuss the NFL Draft and all things in the sports world!

 

1. Chance Warmack  G  Alabama – 6’2  317lbs

2. Dee Milliner CB  Alabama – 5’11 7/8 201lbs

3. Luke Joeckel  OT  TexasA&M  6’6  306lbs

4. Eric Fisher OTCentral Michigan 6’7  306lbs

5. Bjoern Werner DE  FloridaState  6’3  266lbs

6. SheldonRichardsonDTMissouri 6’2 1/2  294lbs

7. Sharrif Floyd DT  Florida 6’2 5/8  297lbs

8. Kenny Vaccaro  SS Texas  6’0  214lbs

9. Star Lotulelei DT Utah 6’2 311lbs

10. Jarvis Jones OLBGeorgia6’2 245lbs

11. Keenan Allen  WR  California  6’2 206lbs

12. Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma  6’6 303lbs

13. Barkevious Mingo  OLB/DE  LSU  6’4 240lbs

14. Alexander Ogletree  ILB  Georgia 6’2 1/2  242lbs

15. D.J. Fluker OT Alabama 6’4 5/8 339lbs

16. Jonathan Cooper G  North Carolina  6’2 1/8  311lbs

17. Ezekiel Ansah  DE  BYU   6’5  271lbs

18. Xavier Rhodes  CB  FloridaState  6’1 1/2   210lbs

19. Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee  6’1 7/8  216lbs

20. DamontreMoore DE TexasA&M  6’4 1/2  250lbs

21. Johnathan Hankins  DT OhioState 6’2 7/8  320lbs

22. TavonAustin  WR West Virginia  5’8 1/2  174lbs

23. Tyler Eifert TE  Notre Dame  6’5 1/2 250lbs

24. Matt Elam SS Florida 5’9 7/8 208lbs

25. Sam Montgomery DE  LSU 6’3 1/4 262lbs

26. Desmond Trufant CB Washington 5’11 5/8 190lbs

27.Johnthan Banks CB  Miss St.6’2 185lbs

28. Kevin Minter ILB  LSU  5’11 3/4 246lbs

29. Dion Jordan DE/OLB Oregon6’6 1/4 248lbs

30. DeAndreHopkinsWR Clemson 6’1 214lbs

31. Zach Ertz TE Stanford 6’5 249lbs

32. Giovanni Bernard RB UNC 5’8 3/8 202lbs

33. Eddie Lacy RBAlabama5’11 231lbs

34. Terrance Williams WR Baylor 6’2 208lbs

35. Jonathan Jenkins DT Georgia 6’4 346lbs

36. Eric Reid FS/SS LSU 6’1 1/4 213lbs

37. Robert Woods WR USC 6’0 3/8 201lbs

38. Kawann Short DT Purdue 6’3 299lbs

39. Sylvester Williams DT UNC 6’2 5/8 313lbs

40. Barrett Jones G/CAlabama6’4 1/4 306lbs

41. Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas 6’2 1/8 215lbs

42. Geno Smith QB WestVa.6’2 3/8 218lbs

43. Matt Barkley QB USC 6’2 1/2 227lbs

44. DatoneJonesDE/DT UCLA 6’4 275lbs

45. Jesse Williams DT Alabama 6’3 323lbs

46. Alex OkaforDETexas6’4 264lbs

47. Khaseem Greene OLBRutgers6’0 3/4 241lbs

48. Kevin Reddick ILB UNC 6’1 3/8 243lbs

49. Quinton Patton WR Louisiana Tech 6’0 204lbs

50. Corey Lemonier DE/OLBAuburn6’3 3/8 255lbs

51. Larry Warford G Kentucky 6’3 332lbs

52.Arthur Brown ILB/OLB Kansas St.6’0 241lbs

53. Justin Hunter WR Tennessee 6’3 5/8 196lbs

54. Tank Carradine DE  Florida St.6’4 276lbs

55.Dave Amerson S/CB North Carolina St.  6’1 205lbs

56. Oday Aboushi T Virginia 6’5 3/8 308lbs

57. Jonathan Cyprien SS Florida International 6’0 217lbs

60. Kyle Long T/GOregon6’6 1/8 313lbs

61. Manti Te’o ILB Notre Dame 6’1 1/4 241lbs

62.DallasThomas T/GTennessee6’5 302lbs

63.Jamar Taylor CB Boise St.5’10 192lbs

64. BennieLoganDT LSU 6’2 309lbs

65. Justin Pugh T Syracuse 6’4 1/2 307lbs

66. Da’RickRogersWR Tennessee Tech 6’2 1/2 217lbs

67.PhillipThomasSFresnoState6’0 1/2 213lbs

68.Jordan Poyer CB Oregon St.5’11 7/8 191lbs

69. B.W. Webb CB William & Mary 5’10 1/4 184lbs

70.Menelik Watson T Florida St.6’5 1/8 310lbs

71. Darius SlayCB Mississippi St.5’11 7/8 192lbs

72. Brandon Williams DT/NTMissouriSouthern St 6’1 1/4 335lbs

73. Aaron Dobson WRMarshall6’2 5/8 210lbs

74. Nico Johnson ILBAlabama6’2 248lbs

75.LoganRyan CB Rutgers 5’11 1/8 191lbs

76. Jon Bostic ILBFlorida6’0 7/8 245lbs

77. Mike BuchananDEIllinois6’5 3/8 255lbs

78. Jordan Reed TE/H-BackFlorida6’2 1/2 236lbs

79. Cornelius Washington DE/OLBGeorgia6’4 265lbs

80. Mychal Rivera TETennessee6’3 1/4 242lbs

81. Andre Ellington RB Clemson 5’9 1/4 199lbs

82. Ryan Nassib QB Syracuse 6’2 1/8 227lbs

83. Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU 5’8 3/4 186lbs

84. Travis Frederick C Wisconsin 6’3 5/8 312lbs

85. D.J. Swearinger S South Carolina 5’10 1/2 208lbs

86.E.J. Manuel QB Florida St.6’4 5/8 237lbs

87. Vance McDonald TE Rice 6’4 1/8 267lbs

88. Bacarri Rambo FS Georgia 6’0 211lbs

89.Gavin Escobar TE San Diego St6’5 7/8 254lbs

90.Markus Wheaton WR Oregon St.5’11 189lbs

91.Leon McFadden CB San Diego St.  5’9 5/8 193lbs

92. Le’Veon Bell RB Michigan St6’1 3/8 230lbs

93. Robert Alford CBSoutheastern Louisiana5’10 1/8 188lbs

94.William Gholston DE Michigan St.6’6 1/4 281lbs

95. Sean Porter OLBTexasA&M 6’1 1/4 229lbs

96. Jelani Jenkins OLBFlorida6’0 243lbs

97. Montee Ball RBWisconsin5’10 1/2 214lbs

98. Jamie Collins Southern Miss 6’3 1/2 250lbs

99. Terron Armstead G/TArkansasPine Bluff6’4 3/8 306lbs

100. KnileDavisRBArkansas5’11 3/8 227lbs

 

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

Super Bowl XLVII Preview

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

 

 

While it’s the day we’ve been looking forward to since training camps opened up in July, it’s also bittersweet, knowing that the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens are playing the final game of the 2012 NFL season on Sunday.  There are plenty of good stories related to the big game: Jim and John Harbaugh are the coaches and brothers, born only 15 months apart and coming from a father Jack, who was a good coach himself.  Ray Lewis is playing in his final game, win or lose and the SI.com story that he used a banned substance to speed up his recovery from his torn triceps has trumped the fact that his 17-year illustrious career is coming to a close.   Finally we have 49ers’ QB Colin Kaepernick who will being starting only his 10th game of his career –  In New Orleans at Super Bowl XLVII, which by far is the most important and intriguing story of them all.  The fate of the 49ers for the most part lays on his shoulders.  I will preview and breakdown the game: Offensively, Defensively, and on Special teams and give you my winner.

Joe Flacco (l); Colin Kaepernick (r)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Offense

49ers: When head coach Jim Harbaugh decided to stick with Colin Kaepernick and make him the 49ers starting QB after Alex Smith went down with a concussion, he was taking a big risk.  A move like that could split the locker room and possibly cost a team that already was good enough to make the Super Bowl, their season.  But Kaepernick has been 7-2 as a starter (including 2-0 playoffs), adding a big play dimension to the 49ers that they lacked with Alex Smith at the helm.  The 49ers utilize the zone read and read option very well with Kaepernick’s ability to use his legs, opening up more passing lanes off of play action and it also gives more running room for running backs Frank Gore and LaMichael James.  They will have a tough task running up against the stout front of the Ravens, but they will and have shown the tendency to keep running the ball, to keep teams honest.

The 49ers passing game is much more explosive with Kaepernick’s strong arm and the 49ers receivers are benefiting from it.  Vernon Davis had 5 catches for 106 yards and a TDs two weeks ago versus the Falcons.  Randy Moss had 3 catches for 46 yards, his best performance in a while.  While most think he his just a running QB, Kaepernick has shown the ability to throw accurate strikes from the pocket.  Look for the 49ers to attack the Ravens linebackers and safeties in the passing game with tight ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker and with a fast running backs like LaMicheal James.  I think that’s going to be the key for the 49ers offensively to beat the Ravens.

 

Ravens: The Baltimore offense is led by Joe Flacco who has thrown for eight TD’s and no interceptions in three playoff games thus far.  Flacco has proved the doubters wrong about his ability to perform and win big games and is one game away from being in the “Elite” class of QB’s.  This Ravens offense has been on fire, scoring 30 points per game in the playoffs.  The one-two punch of Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce have been very effective, averaging 148.2 yards during the playoffs and allowing Flacco to hit targets down the field via playaction.  Expect offensive coordinator Jim Cadwell to continue to feature the running game and take advantage of Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, and Dennis Pitta down field in the passing game.  Also, the Ravens offensive line must do a good job protecting Joe Flacco.  49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has been on a sack drought lately and could have a breakout game.

Ray Lewis (l); Patrick Willis (r)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defense

49ers: The 49ers defense is led by the two best inside linebackers in all of football, Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman.  Watching them on film is a joy, they can do it all.  They are great against the run and even better defending the pass.  What the 49ers do scheme-wise is solely on Willis and Bowman’s ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and some slot receivers effectively.  The 49ers are usually stout against the run and they must be ready for the Ravens stubborn, but effective rushing attack.  Their defensive backs must play better as well.  There were times vs the Falcons in which the safeties were caught out of position and allowed receivers to get behind them.  The Ravens passing game is predicated on getting the ball down the field.  Aldon and Justin Smith must put pressure on Ravens QB Joe Flacco and force him to make errant throws and possibly turn the ball over.

Ravens: The Ravens defense is playing its best football of the year at the right time.  During the season, Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, and obviously Terrell Suggs were all hurt and not at 100%.  But during the playoffs, they have looked like the Ravens defense of old, allowing just over 14 points per game, not counting the 14 points their special teams unit allowed to Denver on two returns.  When watching the coach’s tape, three players that aren’t household names: cornerbacks Carey Williams and Corey Graham, and Inside Linebacker Dannell Ellerbee, jumped off the screen.  Williams and Graham have been excellent in the playoffs, challenging receivers with press, man-to-man coverage and disrupting the routes and timing.  Dannell Ellerbee has been great, especially in pass coverage, covering the open areas of the field that Ray Lewis can’t at this point of his career.

Ray Lewis is obviously their emotional leader, clearly not the same player he once was, but he still gets his team in the right places pre-play and uses knowledge and smarts to make plays.  Ed Reed will definitely pose a problem for the young QB Colin Kaepernick.  He has baited the best of quarterbacks into throwing a pass they think he can’t get to, but he does.  An interception in a big spot could decide the football game.  Also, the defensive unit must play assignment, team defense when the 49ers go with their read option attack.  If everyone sticks to their assignment and guys defeat blocks and tackle, they will be fine.

 

Special Teams

49ers: Kicker David Akers broke an NFL record with 14 missed field goals, a year after having the best season of his career.  He’s been shaky all season and a bad performance by him could cost his team the game.  KR/PR Ted Ginn Jr. is a big play threat, and could help the offense with field position.

Ravens: Kicker Justin Hunter has been very good this season, making 21-23 field goals.  We know he’s great inside of 50 yards, but he hasn’t attempted or made a field goal outside of 50 yards all season.  This game is played indoors, which is better conditions for kickers, so he might get a shot to show us where his leg really is.

Jacoby Jones is a Pro Bowl Kick/Punt Returner and one of the league’s best.  He is not only a home run threat, but he is sure-handed as well.

 

Prediction: Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers are playing great football.  The move to him as QB has paid huge dividends as they are in the big game, but I think the Ravens are going to force him to win the game from the pocket.  This is the game in which Kaepernick makes a mistake or two that will give the Ravens a short field, allowing Joe Flacco to strike.  I simply trust Flacco more in big game situation and I think he leads the Ravens to the victory.  Ravens 24 49ers 23

 

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

 

2012-2013 NBA Preview

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

Well it’s that time of the year again, the NBA regular season kicks off tonight and I’m here to give you my official NBA season preview and Predictions.  There has been a off-season full of moves and there have been some recent moves that have shaken up the NBA as well.  Make sure you listen to Sports Trap Radio every Saturday morning from 10am-12pm on http://ueradiolive.com, as Daniel Trawick and I give you the best two hours of Sports Radio possible on a weekly basis.

 

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

Celtics 52-30 *

Sixers 51-31 *

Nets 48-34 *

Knicks 44-38*

Raptors 32-50

 Outlook: The Atlantic division could arguably be the best in the NBA this season.  The Celtics took the Heat to the brink last season and even though they lost Allen to the Heat, they get the return of Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox, to go along with the additions of Courtney Lee, Jason Terry through free agency, and Jared Sullinger through the draft.  They still are lead by Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.  This team is deeper than last year and barring injuries, they should be good.

The Philadelphia 76ers are clearly a different team than the one who beat the Bulls in the first round and took the Boston Celtics to seven games in the 2nd round of the playoffs.  Out is Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, and Elton Brand and in comes Andrew Bynum, Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young.  I’ve watched the Sixers play during the preseason and it’s a big difference offensively this year.  This team, even though Bynum hasn’t played yet and won’t be ready for the regular season, can score it much better than last year.  They are talented and deep, but having a healthy Bynum is key to the team’s long term success this year.

The Nets made some moves to better their team, bringing in Joe Johnson, resigning Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, giving them a solid nucleus of players.  I see them making the playoffs this season, possibly a 5-6 seed.

The New York Knicks lose Jeremy Lin, but replace him with Raymond Felton, who when playing for the Knicks before, has had his best success.  When he is in shape and motivated, he is really good.  Carmelo Anthony, we all know he can score, but can he make his teammates better and lead them to a title.  Tyson Chandler is the team’s leader, tough, good defender and championship pedigree.  This team can score, but can they defend?

The Raptors enter into the 2nd year under Dwayne Casey and have made some good additions, but not good enough to contend just yet.  Philly native Kyle Lowry will run the point and Landry Fields will start at the 3 spot, giving the Raptors instant upgrades defensively and in the toughness category.  The Raptors drafted Terrence Ross in the first round, and he is just as athletic ad Dermar Derozen, but a much more polished shooter from distance and off of curls.  Don’t be surprised if Derozen is traded before the season is out to give Ross all the time at the 2.

 

Central

Pacers 54-28 *

Bulls 45-37 *

Pistons 36-46

Bucks 32-50

Cavaliers 29-53

Outlook: The Pacers return the nucleus of their players from last season, with the additions of Gerald Green and D.J. Augustin via free agency and big man Miles Plumlee through the draft.  They are battle tested, went through a tough series with the Heat and are good enough to get a 2nd seed, avoiding Miami.

The Bulls will play the majority of the season without star point guard Derrick Rose and in a 82 game season, it’s going to hurt them.  My question is who will be the go to guy down the stretch of games when they need a bucket?  We all know they will defend, but they are going to have a tough time getting baskets at times.

I like the Pistons’ drafting of Andre Drummond.  He has high potential, off the charts athleticism, and has gotten better as a player from draft day through the preseason.  He along with Greg Monroe gives the Pistons a solid frontline, and I like Rodney Stuckey and the improvement of Brandon Knight that I’ve seen during the summer.  I think they are a year away from being a playoff team.

The Cavs drafted combo guard Dion Waiters with the 4th pick overall and he will team with franchise guard Kyree Irving hopefully for the next 4-6 years.  This team also received the rights to Tyler Zeller on draft night as well.  Tristan Thompson showed some flashes at times last year playing the four spot, and Alonzo Gee has worked himself into a serviceable NBA player as a wing player.  The franchise is slowly working it’s way out of the hole Lebron James left them in when he left via free agency.

The Milwaukee Bucks are a team with a lot of similar pieces.  Their two best players (Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis) both like to play with the ball in their hands.  They drafted John Henson out of UNC, but drafted Larry Sanders two years ago, and got Ekpe Udoh in the Andrew Bogut trade.  I could be wrong, but this team is headed nowhere fast.

 

Southeast

Heat 62-20 *

Wizards 40-42 *

Hawks 37-45

Magic 33-49

Bobcats 27-52

Outlook: The Heat are the defending champs and have added more pieces to fit in around Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.  In comes shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to spot up and make the open shots that are always there with the attention that Lebron James and D-Wade get nightly.  This team will still be one of the league’s best defensively, and even with a glaring weakness at center, they are still my favorite to win it all again.  Lebron James is that damn good…Bottom Line.

I really like what the Wizards did during the offseason.  Brad Beal is a talented prospect and will be a future All-Star in this league.  I think the Wizards make the playoffs as a eight seed this season, if John Wall can return soon from his stress related injury healthy and ready to go.  The additions of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza bring defenders and veterans that the team lacked in prior years.

The Hawks hired Danny Ferry as general manager and he did wonders getting out of the contracts and Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.  Josh Smith is in the last year of his contract as well.  I see this year as a semi-rebuilding job.  They still have Al Horford who is an All Star when healthy.  But I seriously don’t see them being any factor this season.

The Orlando Magic are finally moving on after trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers, and I know most think that they didn’t get enough in return for him.  But when you trade a player of his caliber, you never get the same value in return.  The Magic are in full rebuilding mode.  Honestly, does a team with Glen Davis as its best offensive weapon have a shot at winning?  They will play hard and be coached well under Jacque Vaughn on a nightly basis.

The Charlotte Bobcats are a long way from being a winning basketball team.  They drafted Kemba Walker in 2011, along with Bismack Biyombo, and drafted Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor in 2012.  They will look towards Ben Gordon to be their go to guy, after he had a few mediocre seasons in Detroit.

 

Eastern Conference Finals

Heat over Celtics in 7 games

 

 

Western Conference

 Pacific

L.A. Clippers 55-27 *

L.A. Lakers 53-29 *

Warriors 41-41

Kings 38-44

Suns 30-52

Outlook: The Lakers added Nash and Howard over the offseason, but expect the Lakers to struggle early while getting used to playing together, similar to the Heat when they put their “Big 3” together a few years ago.  If they get it together and can avoid injuries, they could face OKC in the conference finals.  They must defend pick and roll better this year.  Howard is a big upgrade and should mask some of the Lakers deficiencies, especially Nash’s.

I really like what the Clippers did during the offseason, adding veterans to the young talent that they already have.  Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes, and Ronny Turiaf bring toughness, defense, rebounding and scoring off of the bench for the Clippers.  I think they have one of the deepest rosters in the league easily.  They really have a shot to make a deep playoff run, especially if Blake Griffin has improved his game with his back to the basket and from mid-range, and if he stays healthy all season.

I think the Warriors could possibly make the playoffs as an eight seed.  The additions of Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson gives their young team the much needed veteran presence that they lacked.  I like Stephen Curry a lot, but he must stay healthy.  Klay Thompson is already one of the league’s best shooters, and they also drafted Harrison Barnes as well, who’s game is more fit for the NBA.  I really think he has a chance to be a 17-20 point scorer in this league.  If this team listens to head coach Mark Jackson and defends, they could take that next step.

The Sacramento Kings have a talented roster.  DeMarcus Cousins, if he brings it nightly, could be an All Star and unstoppable.  The Kings need to decide what they are going to do with Tyreke Evans.  Is he going to play 2-3 or is he going to play the one.  Isaiah Thomas really played well last year at the one and I think the team would benefit as a whole with Evans playing the three spot.  He has the height and length to get it done defensively and would be a mismatch nightmare for the majority of the league’s threes.  I love the drafting of Thomas Robinson.  He is undersized, but he is strong, athletic, tough, and plays hard nightly.  The Kings needed a glue type guy.  This team could be battling down the stretch for a playoff seed.

The Phoenix Suns have a roster full of mediocre players, role players, no go-to guys.  I love Goran Dragic’s game, but I don’t expect him to be an All Star and carry a team.  Micheal Beasley has all the talent in the world, but he’s been a “me” guy and an underachiever from day one.  He can’t be trusted to carry or lead a team.  Luis Scola, I like him but he’s a role player as well.  Don’t expect much from this team, they will win 30-33 games at the most.  The post Steve Nash era, they should have ended 3 years ago, finally begins.

 

Northwest

Thunder 60-22 *

Nuggets 46-36 *

Jazz 44-38 *

T’Wolves  35-47

Trail Blazers 31-41

Outlook: The OKC Thunder shocked the whole NBA community by trading reigning 6th man of the year James Harden to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and two 1st round picks, while also sending Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and Lazar Heyward to the Rockets.  Harden was in the last year of his rookie deal and recently turned down OKC’s 4-year, 55 million dollar deal, and reportedly will sign a max deal with the Rockets for 4-years, 60 million dollars.  Kevin Martin has been a legit scorer during his time in the NBA, who also excels at drawing fouls and getting to the line.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may be upset about Harden’s departure, but K-Mart is no slouch and they should be right back in the Western Conference Finals barring a freak injury.

The Denver Nuggets have added lockdown defender Andre Iguodala to the mix.  He fits right in with George Karl’s system and he had the best season of his career when he played with Andre Miller, who is the Nuggets’ backup point guard.  Wilson Chandler is back after spending last season in China, and is a another key addition.  Denver signed JaVale McGee to a 4-year 44 million dollar extension, but he is having trouble beating out Kosta Koufus during the preseason.  This team is deep, at least two deep at each position, but they don’t have that one go-to guy who wins big games down the stretch in the playoffs.  The biggest problem is Iguodala believes he is that guy and will take those shots down the stretch, as he did in Philly.

The Utah Jazz made the playoffs as an eight seed in the 11-12 season, a huge surprise.  Ty Corbin did an excellent job coaching this young group of players.  There are going to be some big decisions for this team, especially at the trade deadline, as Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson are both in the last years of their deals and will be heavily coveted.  I think the Jazz will be a playoff team again, but not a title contender and will look to move one of those vets.

The Timberwolves were playing great last season before the unfortunate knee injury that rookie phenom Ricky Rubio suffered.  Kevin Love is out for the first 6-8 weeks with a broken right hand and the team will start the season shorthanded.  Brandon Roy has made a comeback after sitting out 2011-12 with knee problems, and has started all the preseason games and has looked good in limited minutes.  This team is going to struggle without their best players for at least the first two months and will miss the playoffs.

The Blazers have been bitten by the injury bug more than any team I remember recently.  They drafted well, had a nice young nucleus of players (Roy, Aldridge, Oden) but obviously we all know what has transpired with Roy and Oden.  They are officially in rebuild and reform mode and they drafted two players that I love as prospects, Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard.  Lillard was the co-MVP of the NBA Summer League in Vegas and will come in from day one and be effective and a game changer.  Leonard is still young and raw, but he has the size, athleticism and potential to be very good.  Nicholas Batum and Wes Matthews are very underrated wing players in this league and will provide scoring, toughness and defense.  This team is a season or two from being a legit factor in the west.  Mark my words.

 

Southwest

Grizzlies 53-29 *

Spurs 48-34 *

Mavericks 46-36 *

Rockets 40-42

Hornets 28-54

Outlook: The Memphis Grizzlies are the favorite to win this division in my opinion.  They have all the tools to make a possible run to the Western Conference Finals.  Not saying that they do, but they are a really good team.  They have arguably one of the NBA’s best front lines with Marc Gasol , Zach Randolph, and Rudy Gay.  They all can give you 20 points on any given night.  I know most don’t think much of PG Mike Conley, but I think he’s underrated as a player, especially as a shooter and defender.  He does an excellent job feeding his players and keeping them all happy.  Tony Allen is tough as nails, defends and is the leader of this team.

The Spurs come back another year older, but every time I count them out and say they are done, they prove me wrong.  Can Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker stay healthy during the season and going into the playoffs?  They have won an NBA record 50 plus games in 12 straight seasons, a streak I believe stops this year.  I’m looking forward to seeing how Kawhi Leonard’s offensive game has developed during the offseason.  The Spurs are going to need points from another source consistently this year.

The Mavericks lose Jason Terry and Jason Kidd from last season’s roster and replace them with Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo.  Dirk Nowitzki will miss the beginning of the season after having a procedure to clean his knee out.  The addition of Chris Kaman gives Dallas a legit go-to guy in the post.  I actually like this year’s roster more than last year’s.  O.J. Mayo finally has the chance to be a starter again, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays.

The Houston Rockets landed James Harden via trade with OKC and signed him to a 4-year, 60 million dollar max deal.  Do the additions of Harden and Jeremy Lin make the Rockets instant contenders?  No, but they will be a little bit better.  Harden has a whole franchise on his shoulders now.  He’s not the third best player anymore, he’s getting paid to be the guy.  Let’s see how good he really is without Durant and Westbrook on the court.

The New Orleans Hornets had the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and obviously took Anthony Davis and then later on they drafted Austin Rivers.  They re-signed combo guard Eric Gordon to a max deal after he played in 9 games last season and hasn’t played in a preseason game this year.  When healthy, he is really good, but he simply can’t stay on the court.  Davis has shown the star potential during the preseason and barring any freak injuries, he will be an All Star, and one of the league’s more versatile defenders.  His game will really flourish with the NBA’s open style of play.

Western Conference Finals

Thunder over Clippers in 7 games

NBA Finals: Heat over OKC in 7 games

Awards Predictions:

MVP:  Lebron James (Heat)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard (Lakers)

Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard (Blazers) / Anthony Davis (Hornets) (Co-MVP’s)

Sixth Man of the Year: Nick Young (Sixers)

Coach of the Year: Mark Jackson

 

* – Indicates playoff team

 

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles: Was Juan Castillo Used As a Scapegoat?

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

Yesterday the Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid, fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, making him a scapegoat for the teams mediocre 3-3 start.  In the Eagles last two games, the defense gave up leads in the fourth quarter and Sunday’s collapse forced Reid to make changes.  But this is more of a indictment towards Reid and the reason why, if they don’t somehow turn it around and make a trip to the Super Bowl, he and this whole regime must go.

There is plenty of blame to go around when you break down why this team with all this “so called” talent is 11-11 in their last 22 games.  We can start on defense if you like.  It all started when Andy Reid hired Juan Castillo as the defensive coordinator when he has never coached defense in the NFL, let alone college.  He had been the franchise’s offensive line coach since Ray Rhodes was here, and was one of the league’s best.  He made a constant habit of taking late-round picks and undrafted free agents like Jamaal Jackson, Artis Hicks, and Hank Fraley, and turning them into serviceable starters in the league.

Moving a lifetime offensive coach to the defensive side, let alone in charge of the defense was unprecedented and downright foolish.  It showed me that Reid thought and knew he was teflon and wasn’t going anywhere.  The defense in 2011 was horrible, probably the worst I’ve seen in 27 years of watching Eagles football.  After the play of last year’s defense, which was for the most part a direct result of Reid giving Castillo the job, they all should have been fired.

The players on defense also need to be held accountable for their play.  Juan Castillo can call the right defense for a certain situation, but if the players don’t execute out there on the field, there is nothing he can do.  The defensive line has been a flat-out disgrace, 7 sacks in 6 games (on pace for 18 for the season), after leading the league with 50 last year.  They weren’t able to pressure the QB with the down four, so Castillo was left no choice but to blitz.  Trent Cole, Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins have been complete no-shows vs the pass this season.

Okay an obvious target is Mike Vick and the offense as a whole.  He’s turned the ball over 13 times in just six games, often costing the team points and constantly putting the defense on the field and in tough spots.  The Eagles rank 31st in the league in scoring at 17.2 ppg, but is ranked 11th in total yards, which tells me that obviously Vick’s carelessness with the ball is a huge problem, and two, the red zone offense stinks and hasn’t gotten any better since last season. 

The offensive line is a glaring problem, losing the best left tackle in football and your starting center is going to leave you short handed.  I’ve watched the coach’s film and they aren’t as bad as most say they are, but the line definitely isn’t playing to the level that they were in 2011.  Guards Evan Mathis and Danny Watkins, honestly have been mediocre at best this season and I don’t expect much from backup center Dallas Reynolds. 

Finally, Andy Reid, the one who has put this team together.  He picks the players, he picks the coaches, and he has final say scheme-wise as well.  The bad play calling, his inability to adjust on game day, not using Shady McCoy (who is one of the top 3 running backs in all of football), and the fact that he had the gall to appoint an offensive line coach as the defensive coordinator, should have been grounds for dismissal at the end of last season.  Instead, owner Jeffrey Lurie brings him back and we have more of the same mediocre play from last season.

It’s no coincidence that the Eagles are 11-11 over their last 22 games, but a win in two weeks over Atlanta could give the Eagles confidence, momentum, and start a winning streak, but the downside of it is that it could also give Reid another year.  We will see how it plays out.  Football is a funny game. 

 

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

Final Top 60 NBA Draft Big Board

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

The 2012 NBA Draft is TODAY and like I promised you previously, I have updated my big board and here are my top 60 draft prospects going into TONIGHT’s draft:

  1. Anthony Davis 6-10 220lbs SF/PF Kentucky Fr.
  2.  Bradley Beal 6-5 205lbs SG/PG Florida Fr.
  3. Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist 6-8 232lbs SF/SGKentuckyFr.
  4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 240lbs PF Kansas Jr.
  5.  Perry Jones III 6-11 235lbs PF/SF Baylor So.
  6. Harrison Barnes 6-8 228lbs SF UNC So.
  7. Andre Drummond 6-11 275lbs C/PF UConn Fr.
  8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 190lbs SG UConn So.
  9. Dion Waiters 6-4 222lbs SG/PG Syracuse So.
  10. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbsPG Weber St.  Jr.
  11. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 235lbsPF Miss St. Jr.
  12. Austin Rivers 6-5 202lbs SG/PG Duke Fr.
  13. Terrence Jones 6-10 250lbs PF/SF Kentucky So.
  14.  Meyers Leonard 7-0 240lbs C Illinois So.
  15. Jared Sullinger 6-9 268lbs PF/C Ohio St.  So.
  16. Terrence Ross 6-7 195lbs SG/SF Washington So.
  17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs C UNC  Sr.
  18. QuincyMiller 6-10 210lbs SF Baylor Fr.
  19.  KendallMarshall6-4 190lbs PG UNC So.
  20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs SF St. John’s Fr.
  21. John Henson 6-10 220lbs PF/SF UNC Jr.
  22. Andrew Nicholson 6-9 230lbs PF St. Bonaventure Sr.
  23. Royce White 6-8 245lbs SF/PF Iowa St.  So.
  24. Fab Melo 7-0 25 lbs C Syracuse So.
  25. Doron Lamb 6-4 195lbs SG/PG Kentucky So.
  26. Festus Ezili 6-11 260lbs C Vanderbilt Sr.
  27. Jeff Taylor 6-7 225lbs SF Vanderbilt Sr.
  28. John Jenkins 6-4 200lbs SG Vanderbilt Jr.
  29. Marquis Teague 6-2 190lbs PG Kentucky Fr.
  30. William Buford 6-6 210lbs SG/SF Ohio St. Sr.
  31. Tony Wroten Jr. 6-5 210lbs PG/SG Washington Fr.
  32. Tyshawn Taylor 6-3 190lbs PG Kansas Sr.
  33. Will Barton 6-6 170lbs SG Memphis So.
  34. Scott Machado 6-1 185lbs PG Iona Sr.
  35. Darius Miller 6-8 225lbs SF/SG Kentucky Sr.
  36.  Kevin Jones 6-8 240lbs PF WestVa. Sr.
  37. Draymond Green 6-6 235lbsSF/PF Mich St.  Sr.
  38. Jared Cunningham 6-5 195lbsOregon St.Jr.
  39.  Khris Middleton 6-7 220lbs TexasA&M Jr.
  40. Mike Scott 6-9 240lbs PF Virginia Sr.
  41. Marcus Denmon 6-3 SG/PG Missouri Sr.
  42. JaMychal Green 6-9 230lbs PF Alabama Sr.
  43.  Herb Pope 6-8 255lbs PF Seton Hall Sr.
  44. Kim English 6-6 200lbs SG/SF Missour iSr.
  45. Henry Sims 6-10 242lbs Georgetown Sr.
  46.  Rakim Sanders 6-6 220lbs SF/SG Fairfield Sr.
  47. Quincy Acy 6-7 230lbs PF/SF Baylor Sr.
  48. Robert Sacre 6-11 260lbs C Gonzaga Sr.
  49. Yancy Gates 6-9 255lbs PF/C CincinnatiSr.
  50.  Kris Joseph 6-7 230lbs SF Syracuse Sr.
  51. Ricardo Ratliffe 6-8 240lbs PF Missouri Sr.
  52. Bradford Burgess 6-6 215lbs SF/SG VCU Sr.
  53. Miles Plumlee 6-11 240lbs C/PF Duke Sr.
  54. Ramone Moore 6-4 190lbs SG Temple Sr.
  55.  Darius Johson-Odom 6-2 215lbs Marquette SG/PG Sr.
  56. Zack Rosen 6-2 185lbs PG PennsylvaniaSr.
  57. Maalik Wayns 6-0 205lbs PG Villanova Jr.
  58. Jae Crowder 6-6 225lbs SF MarquetteSr.
  59. Garrett Stutz 7-0 255lbsC Wichita St.Sr.
  60.  Drew Gordon 6-8 235lbs PF New MexicoSr.

 

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles (#s 1-20)

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs Freshman St. John’s SF 19 years old

2011-12 stats: 36.1 mpg, 15.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 1.6 spg, 44%fg, 68%ft

Projection: Mid first round, could rise up into the lottery before it’s all said and done.

Strengths: Moe Harkless is a promising prospect with plenty of potential and upside.  He has a natural ability to score, while still being raw offensively.  He is always around the ball, is a great offensive rebounder, and is good taking guys off the dribble to the basket.  He is already a formidable defender and with strength and maturity, he will be even better.  If Harkless puts in the work, he could be the steal of the draft 4 years from now.

Weaknesses: Harkless really needs to work on shot selection.  I know he pretty much had the green light during his one and only season at St. John’s, but there were times when he shot his team out of games.  He also needs to work on his outside shot.  If he becomes a more consistent shooter he could be a 20 point scorer in the NBA.

19. Terrence Ross 6-6 195lbs Sophomore Washington SG/SF

2011-12 stats: 31.1 mpg, 16.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 45% fg, 37% 3ptfg, 77% ft

Prediction: Late Lottery to Mid first round

Strengths: Terrence Ross is an elite athlete with ability to score in various ways.  Usually a player this young and with his athleticism wouldn’t be such a good scorer from the outside, but he is.  Ross has worked himself into being a knockdown shooter.  He also thrives in transition and is a highlight reel waiting to happen when he finishes at the rim.

Weaknesses: I would like to see Ross go to the basket and draw fouls more often.  He took only 2.7 free throws a game, which is too small of a number for a player of his caliber.  He also needs to lock in defensively.  He could potentially be a lockdown defender with his combo of height, length, and athleticism.

18. Quincy Miller 6-10 210lbs Freshman Baylor SF

2011-12 stats: 24.4 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 45% fg, 81% ft, 35% 3ptfg

Prediction: Mid to late first round pick

Strengths: Quincy Miller is a talented prospect when you factor in his offensive skills, to go along with his height.  His ability to score from the perimeter for a player his height is rare.  He really has a natural stroke when shooting the ball.  He is effective shooting the ball off the dribble, coming off of screens, and as a spot up shooter as well.

Weaknesses: Miller tore his ACL and missed his whole senior year of high school because of it.  It was clear that he wasn’t at 100% during his one and only season as a Baylor Bear.  Anytime a player has a knee injury, it’s a red flag.  Miller relied too much on his perimeter game and didn’t take it to the hoop as much because of the injury.  Miller if healthy, has the ability to be a versatile defender because of his height and quickness.

17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs UNC Senior C/PF

2011-12 stats: 28.1 mpg, 16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 55% fg, 80% ft

Prediction: Mid to late 1st round

Strengths: Tyler Zeller was a productive, four year player at UNC, in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball.  He has some skills and traits that will allow him to play in the NBA for a long time.  For one, he hustles and plays hard at all times.  He might not be the best athlete out there, but his effort and toughness make up for it.  Zeller is skilled in the post, has both a left and right hand hook shot that’s effective.  He averaged almost 10 rebounds a game, and he has range on his jump shot out to 18 feet.  On the right team, Zeller could come in and start and give you quality minutes right away.

Weaknesses: Zeller doesn’t have the upside that most prospects have, because he’s limited athletically.  He pretty much is what he is, and will have to get used to the speed of the game and can be over matched by swifter, better athletes.  If you are looking for a franchise player he isn’t that guy.

16. Kendall Marshall 6-4 190lbs UNC Sophomore PG

2011-12 stats: 33 mpg, 8.1 ppg, 10 apg, 2.6 rpg, 46.7 % fg, 35% 3ptfg, 2.8 tpg

Projection: Mid first round pick

Strengths: Kendall Marshall isn’t a flashy player by any means, but he knows how to run a team, doesn’t turn the ball over, and is probably the best passer in this draft.  He showed how good he was when UNC struggled during the 2010-11 season while Larry Drew II was running the point.  When he took over as starter, the team took off and played great.  Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, and John Henson all became better because of Marshall’s play at the lead guard.  He is effective in the half court and running the fastbreak.

Weaknesses: Marshall has gotten better, but his jump shot still needs plenty of work.  His lack of shooting ability could hurt him at the next level because unlike Rondo, he isn’t a top flight athlete and it’s going to make him easier to cover.  His lack of athleticism makes him a mediocre defender and will get exposed at the next level.

15. Meyers Leonard 7-0 250lbs Illinois Sophomore C 20 years old

2011-12 stats: 31.8 mpg, 13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 58% fg, 73% ft

Prediction: Late lottery to mid 1st round

Strengths: Meyers Leonard is a skilled big man with legit NBA size and length for a center.  He’s only 20 years old, played two years at Illinois, starting his 2nd and final year.  For a man his size, he’s very athletic, jumps out of the building, and is quick and agile.  He won’t have any problems coming out and defending the pick and roll in the NBA, while being able to recover and get back to the paint and block shots.  Offensively, he has the ability to score with his back to the basket and he can hit the jump shot out to 15 feet. He will force bigs to come out and check him on the perimeter because of his shooting ability.

Weaknesses: He is young and a bit raw and there is always a big gamble when drafting young big men.  I would like to see him rebound the ball better and play with more of a mean streak.  He at times can fall in love with floating on the perimeter offensively.

14. Jared Sullinger 6-9 268lbs Ohio St. Sophomore PF/C

2011-12 stats: 30 mpg, 17.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1 bpg, 51% fg, 40% 3ptfg, 77% FT

Prediction: Late Lottery, might slip out of the lottery

Strengths: Jared Sullinger has an highbasketball IQ, was very productive during his two years at Ohio State.  While’ he’s not the greatest athlete, he uses his large lower body, length, and proper angles to score points in the paint.  Sullinger has also extended his game to the perimeter, he has a nice touch out to the college three point line, where he shot 40% for the season.  Sullinger is a good rebounder, and became a better rebounder out of space, due to the fact he was in better shape than during his freshmen year.  Sullinger also measured in at 6-9 in shoes at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Weaknesses: Weight will always be a topic of discussion with Sullinger.  While he’s lost about 40lbs since joining OSU out of high school two years ago, he really could still afford to lose about another 20-25lbs.  He’s already not the greatest natural athlete and getting in the best shape possible and staying that way will make a more effective player and keep him in the league.  Udonis Haslem weighed well over 300lbs during his college career and lost 65lbs and has made himself into a decent  NBA player.  Sullinger was a horrible defensive player in college and that also can be attributed to him not being in shape.  He is either going to have a long, solid career, or we will see him out of the league like Sean May.

13. Terrence Jones 6-9 250lbs Kentucky Sophomore PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 29.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 50% fg, 62% ft

Projection: Late Lottery to Mid first round

Strengths: Terrence Jones is a very skilled big man.  He projects to be a stretch 4 in the NBA, and he also possesses the ability to put the ball on the floor and take bigger guys to the hole.  He is a tough, rugged rebounder, especially on the offensive end.  He is very athletic and long, tries to finish everything in the paint with authority.  Has the tools to be a solid defender in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Jones is a lefty, and offensively he can only go left and use his left hand to finish.  He really needs to develop his off hand offensively if he’s going to score consistently with his back to the basket in the NBA.  At times during his college career, Jones would take games off and had to be ripped into or sat down by his coach.  In the NBA he’s going to need to play hard every night.  Also, he needs to improve his free throw shooting.  He’s a great rebounder and finisher at the rim and will draw plenty of fouls, so if he can get up in the mid to high 70’s, it would be good.

12. Austin Rivers 6-5 200lbs Duke Freshmen SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 33.2 mpg, 15.5 ppg, 43% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 66% ft, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg

Projection: Late Lottery

Strengths: Austin Rivers came into this past year’s college basketball season full of hype and at times he lived up to it.  Rivers was forced to play with the ball in his hands plenty because Duke lacked a true point guard who could play.  The bottom line with this kid is, he can flat out score the ball.  He’s really comfortable in pick and roll situations, slashing to the basketball and has the ability to get by defenders at will.  He’s a fierce competitor just like his father was when I watched him play growing up as a kid.  I thought Rivers was more around the 6’3 range and was surprised when he measured in at 6’5 at the Draft Combine, which tells me he can get away with playing the 2 in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Rivers needs to work on shot selection and his decision making with the ball in his hands.  He is an okay shooter, but needs to become more consistent with his shot from 3-point range.  He didn’t share the ball much at Duke, but he was often left with the ball late in the clock, forcing him to take bad shots.  Defensively, he was flat out atrocious and in my opinion it was more lack of effort and not having a defensive attitude than anything.  If he plans on being a starter in the NBA, he needs to defend.

11. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbs Weber St. Junior PG

2011-12 stats: 34.5 mpg, 24.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 47% fg, 41% 3ptfg, 89% ft

Projection: Lottery Pick ( Top Ten)

Strengths: Damian Lillard is well known by degenerate college basketball fans like myself, but most haven’t heard of him until the draft process started.  He is not only the best point guard in the draft, but one of the best scorers and shooters.  He played on a team in Weber St. who even in a weak conference was outmatched on most nights, and he carried his team while being doubled and triple-teamed.  He tested out very well athletically at the combine, with an amazing 40 inch vertical leap.

Weaknesses: Level of competition always comes up, he played in a weak conference and never made it to the NCAA tourney during his time at Weber St.  Lillard has shown great scoring and shooting ability, but is he more of a scorer than a traditional lead guard?  I’m not sure if he’s going to be able to score at that rate in the NBA and he will need to have more of a pass first mindset in my opinion.

10. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 235lbs Miss St. Junior PF

2011-12 stats: 35.8 mpg, 16.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 55% fg, 78% ft

Projection: Late Lottery to Mid 1st round

Strengths: Arnett Moultrie is a very athletic big with both post and perimeter skills offensively.  I have him ranked higher than some do on their boards, but I’ve been watching him since he played at UTEP and I really think he’s going to be a good NBA player.  He is going to be effective in the pick and roll game because of his ability to hit the mid range shot and ability to finish with authority at the rim.  He averaged over ten rebounds a game and is very good on the offensive boards.

Weaknesses: Moultrie at time falls in love with the jump shot and doesn’t play in the post as often as I think he should.  He also should be a much better defender and shot blocker with his athleticism.  He averaged just under 1 block a game during his college career.  He will also need to hit the weight room and get stronger in order to deal with NBA bigs on a nightly basis.

9. Dion Waiters 6-4 222lbs Syracuse Sophomore SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 24.1 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 47% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 73% ft, 2.5 apg, 2.3 rpg

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Strengths: Dion Waiters is a combo guard with great scoring ability, especially in pick and roll situations.  Even though he came off the bench for the Orange (he was the Big East 6th man of the year), he was clearly the best player on the team and arguably the best in the Big East.  Waiters does a majority of his damage from mid range and in the paint where he uses his strong frame to fend off defenders and finish at the rim.  He was close to leaving Syracuse after his freshman year due to rumored problems with head coach Jim Boehiem, but came back this past season in better shape, with a better attitude and a commitment to the defensive end of the court.

Weaknesses: Waiters is a tweener, a bit small to play the two and isn’t a natural point guard.  His jump shot from year one to two has gotten better, but he is still a streaky shooter.  I believe he needs to become a more consistent shooter in the NBA in order to make guys play him close and he can then drive by defenders.  He did put forth more of an effort defensively this season, but he could still be a better defender with his size and strength.

8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 180lbs UConn Sophomore SG/SF

2011-12 stats: 37.2 mpg, 17.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 48% fg, 33% 3ptfg, 81% ft

Prediction: Top 10

Strengths: Jeremy Lamb is a sophomore shooting guard prospect from UConn, where in his freshmen season he played Robin to Kemba Walker’s Batman, helping lead them to the 2011 NCAA championship.  At 6-5 with a 6-11 wingspan, Lamb has good height for an NBA two guard and elite length to go along with supreme athleticism.  In his sophomore season, his minutes, points per game, and rebounds all increased as well as his overall game.  Offensively, Lamb is a very good shooter running off of screens and stand-still situations.  He is a good slasher and finishes well at the rim in transition.  Defensively he uses his quickness and length to bother the opposition and make shots more difficult to make.  As I’ve said before, I really don’t like to make comparisons but watching Temple basketball growing up, Lamb (along with U of Washington’s Terrence Ross) really reminds me of Eddie Jones.

Weaknesses: Lamb goes through stretches in games where he is invisible and seems to just be out there instead of taking over the game.  In college he had the ability to be a difference maker on both ends of the court, but he just didn’t assert himself as he should.  At 180lbs he really needs to hit the weights and and add good muscle and size to his frame, and I think that should come with age.  Remember he’s only a sophomore.

7. Harrison Barnes 6-8 227lbs UNC Sophomore SF/SG

2011-12 stats: 29.2 mpg, 17.1 ppg, 5.2 ppg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 44% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 72% ft

Prediction: Top 10

Strengths: Harrison Barnes has one of the more polished offensive games in the 2012 NBA Draft, if not the best.  Barnes was the number one high school prospect in the country in 2010, hailing out of Ames, IA and came into college with very high expectations, ones that were too high if you ask me.  But in his two years in Chapel Hill, Barnes overcame the hype, criticism, pressure, and left a better player than when he came.  Harrison Barnes has perfect NBA size, length and strength for a small forward and the scoring capabilities to go along with it.  A pure shooter from mid range and from distance, Barnes can fill it up once he gets going.  Barnes decided to take smaller defenders to the mid post this season as well and increased his free throw attempts from 3.4 the prior year, to 5.1 per game this past season.  The scouts who questioned Barnes’ athleticism where shut up when he posted a 38.5 standing vertical leap, the highest at the combine.  He worked out for the Bobcats recently, who hold the number two pick and there is a good chance he goes there.  If not to Charlotte, he won’t make it out of the top ten for sure.

Weaknesses: There are stretches in big games where Barnes seems uninterested and not fully involved.  He clearly had superior talent than most of the players in the nation and probably could have scored more points and dominated games nightly, but he often deferred to his teammates, or bailed out defenders who couldn’t check him by shooting jump shots too often.  He is a scorer, but at the college level he didn’t display the ability to get others open shots or rebound at a high level.  He has the physical ability to defend at an elite level, but didn’t defend that way in college on a consistent basis.

6. Andre Drummond 6-11 278lbs UConn Freshman C/PF

2011-12 stats: 28.4 mpg, 10 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 54% fg, 30% ft

Prediction: Top 5-6 pick

Strengths: Andre Drummond might be the most athletic big man I’ve seen in my 20 plus years of watching high school, college and NBA basketball.  Yes, that’s including Olajuwon, Shaq, David Robinson, and Dwight Howard, but I’m not saying he has the skill of these players.  But if he puts in the work, and gets with the right big man coach, he could be really good.  He is very raw offensively in the post, but did get better as the season went along and was a force on the offensive boards.  Anything he catches near the rim is either a dunk or you have to foul him.  Defensively, I’ve never seen a man his size with the ability to switch on pick and rolls, having the ability to defend wing players and stay in front of them.  He averaged almost 3 blocks a game in just 28 minutes and changed a lot more.

Weaknesses: Drummond is a late comer to the game and you can tell at times when it comes to his basketball IQ.  At times he isn’t where he should be on the floor and ends up out of position when he could be under the basket for easy offensive rebounds and putbacks.  Drummond is very limited offensively with his back to the basket right now and needs serious work.  Drummond was over aggressive when it came to shot blocking and the results was early foul trouble and a seat on the bench.  He only shoots 30% from the foul line, yes 30% people.  He’s going to get fouled plenty in the NBA and he seriously needs to improve his mechanics at the foul line.  Drummond has the athletic ability, all the physical tools to be a great center in this league, but does he want to be great?  Will he work hard at his craft and maximize his talent?  He is probably the biggest risk-reward player in this draft.  He can either make GM’s look smart for passing up on him or cause a GM to lose his job for not picking him.

5. Perry Jones III 6-11 233lbs Baylor Sophomore PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 30.7 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 50%fg, 70% ft

Projection: Late Lottery  to mid 1st round

Strengths: I have had Perry Jones III rated as one of my top NBA Draft prospects since his freshman year at Baylor.  If you’ve watched him play, and I’ve watched damn near every game’s he played in college, there might not be a more talented or complete basketball player in this draft.  There aren’t many 6-11 ball players with his skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ, anywhere in the world.  Jones can score with his back to the basket, face up out to 20 feet and hit the jump shot consistently, and put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket, finishing or drop it off to a teammate for a bucket.  When he wants to, he can dominate the glass on both ends of the floor and shut down his opposition offensively.  For stretches against Kentucky in the Elite Eight game, Jones was the best player on the floor.

Weaknesses: Jones is an enigma.  He was the most talented player in the country in my opinion, and he flat out disappeared at times.  Against Missouri, who had not one player who could check Jones at all, he averaged 6 ppg, and 5 rpg in those two contests.  In two games against Kansas, he averaged 11.5 ppg and 4 rpg.  These were four of the biggest games of the season and he was basically a no-show.  This right here is the lone reason why Perry Jones III most likely won’t be a top 5-10 pick and might even drop out of the lottery.

4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 244lbs Kansas Junior PF

2011-12 stats: 31.8 mpg, 17.7 ppg, 12 rpg, 50% fg, 68% ft

Prediction: Top 5

Strengths: Thomas Robinson is a high energy, athletic, power forward, who has improved in each of his three years at the University of Kansas.  He spent a majority of his first two seasons there playing behind the Morris twins, who where both 1st rounders themselves, but Robinson was always the better pro prospect in my opinion.  Robinson’s offensive game has gone from alley-oops, layups and dunks, to scoring with his back to the basket and occasionally hitting the mid-range jump shot.  Defensively, he’s very versatile.  I can see him guarding some 3’s at the NBA level as well as his natural position at the four.  Robinson is a beast on the boards and when it comes down to it, he is going to play hard and compete nightly.

Weaknesses: Robinson’s game in the post has come a long way, but he is still sort of robotic at times.  It’s like he’s thinking too often instead of just feeling his man and reacting.  He’s become a much better shooter than when he first arrived at Kansas, but he really needs to become a more consistent jump shooter from mid range.

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6-8 232lbs Kentucky Freshman SF

2011-12 stats: 31.1 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2 apg, 49% fg, 74% ft

Projection: Top 3 pick

Strengths: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is more competitive and plays harder than any pedigreed, celebrated high school player I’ve seen.  He was able to put his ego to the side and accept his role on Kentucky’s team this past season, and I know Anthony Davis received plenty of deserved praise, but Kidd-Gilchrist set the tone for that team with his defensive intensity and hustle.  He was given the assignment of checking the opposite team’s wing player and even point guards as well.  Offensively he has the ability to beat his man off the dribble, take the contact and finish or draw the foul.  I know his game from the perimeter needs refining, but this kid is a winner.  At 18 years old he’s already 233lbs so by the time he fills out, he will have a body similar to Ron Artest with way better athleticism.  He has the chance to be an elite, all league defender.

Weaknesses: To say his jump shot is broke would be an understatement.  He really needs to get with a shot coach and learn better shooting habits.  Defensively he’s fine, but his offense needs work, and hopefully the team who drafts him will get a player who’s willing to work and maximize his potential.  Bottom line, we know what kind of effort you are going to get from MKG on a nightly basis, but will he ever become a player who can get his own shot and be a one or two option in the NBA?

2. Bradley Beal 6-5 202lbs Florida Freshman SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 34.2 mpg, 14.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 44% fg, 34% 3ptfg, 1.4 spg

Predictions: Top 3

Strengths: Bradley Beal is a sweet shooting, 18 year old shooting guard prospect who left the university of Florida after one season.  He has good height for an NBA two guard and an unusually strong frame at 202lbs for a kid so young.  Beal came into college with a reputation as a dead-eye shooter, some scouts compared him to Ray Allen and while he didn’t actually shoot the lights out as a freshman at Florida, you saw flashes of his sweet shooting stroke.  Anyone who watched Florida play this past season knew that he played on a team dominated by three veteran guards who have made it a habit to take bad shots and not get others involved, so it was hard for Beal to get into a flow constantly all season.  Beal was the second leading rebounder on the team at 6.7 per game, and one thing that always translates to the NBA is rebounding.  Beal was also the team’s best perimeter defender and has the frame to be a good defender at the next level.  Beal also did a good job getting to the foul line, attempting almost 5 per contest and hitting them at a 77% clip.

Weaknesses: Beal wasn’t as aggressive as he should, he was clearly the best player on the team and often deferred to his elder teammates too often.  Beal wasn’t a consistent shooter from distance during the season, but has impressed all the teams he’s worked out for.

1. Anthony Davis 6-11 220lbs Kentucky Freshman PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 32 mpg, 14.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.7 bpg, 1.4 spg, 62% fg, 71% ft

Prediction: Top pick in the draft

Strengths: Anthony Davis has lived up to the hype and some in his one year at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats to a national championship and winning the national player of the year, along with the defensive player of the year award.  Davis had a rare growth spurt between his sophomore and junior season, growing from 6-4 to 6-9 and eventually stopping at 6-11.  He went from a player who was unknown and playing in the lowest level of high school basketball in Chicago, to being the number one ranked high school player in the 2011 class in a year.

He is a rare talent, while he is now 6-11, Davis still has the speed, quickness, and mobility of a wing player and it allowed him to dominate the college game defensively.  He has the ability to switch on pick and rolls, actually guard wing players as well as he does bigs in the paint.  His ability to block shots is as good as I’ve seen in a long time, his second jump is amazing and he doesn’t throw the shots away, he controls them after the block and starts the fastbreak.

Offensively, he still has the ball handling skills and shooting touch of a guard and it allows him to take defenders his size away from the basket and beat them off of the dribble.  He has some game with his back to the basket, but is still working on it.  You have to keep a body on him, because he will kill you with putbacks on the offensive boards and alley oops.

Weaknesses: Davis obviously needs to add good weight and strength to his frame, and with time and maturity it should come.  Remember he’s only 19 years old.  Other than that, he has no other glaring holes in his game.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles (#s 21 and 22)

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

22. Andrew Nicholson – 6-9 240lbs Senior St. Bonaventure PF

2011-12 stats: 30 mpg, 18.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2 bpg, 57%fg, 43% 3ptfg (23-53), 77% ft

Projection: Mid to late first round

Strengths: Andrew Nicholson is a skilled, four year starter from St. Bonaventure of the Atlantic 10 conference.  I was able to get a close look at him during his career and I’ve seen the development of his game, due to me being from Philly and covering Temple hoops closely.  He is going to be a stretch four, pick and pop type of player in the NBA.  His mid-range jump shot is deadly, he has range out to the college three point line, and in recent workouts, he’s been hitting the NBA three with ease.  Is a good defender and rebounder, averaged two blocks a game during his senior season.  Isn’t the greatest athlete, but plays the angles, uses his body and length, and is wise.

Weaknesses: I would like to see him add some more strength and bulk to his frame in order to deal with NBA fours on a regular basis.  He’s not a top flight athlete, and might have problems checking superior athletes at the four in the league.

21. John Henson – 6-11 220lbs Junior UNC SF/PF 21 years old

2011-12 stats: 29.1 mpg, 13.7 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 bpg, 50%fg, 51% ft,

Projection: Mid first round pick

Strengths: John Henson is one of the more versatile defenders in the 2012 NBA Draft.  Between his junior and senior years in high school, he had a growth spurt and went from a 6’4 guard to a 6’10 forward.  He is now a hound defensively, a great shot blocker, can guard smaller players on the perimeter, and is a good rebounder.  His offensive game has gotten better since his freshman year, Henson has the ability to hit the 15-foot jumper as well.  He is at his best in the open court, where he uses his length and athleticism to finish at the rim.

Weaknesses: What position is Henson going to play at the next level,  3 or 4?  He doesn’t have the weight or strength to play power forward at this point.  I’m not saying that he never will.  Marcus Camby, Kevin Garnett, and other players have added strength to their frames over their careers.  Henson’s game with his back to the basket really needs some work as well.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles (#s 23-26)

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

26. Doron Lamb – 6-4 210lbs Sophomore Kentucky SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 31.2 mpg, 13.7 ppg, 47%fg, 46%3ptfg, 82.6%ft

Prediction: Late 1st round pick

Strengths: You could have a legit argument on who’s the best shooter in the draft between Doron Lamb and John Jenkins.  If you’ve watched Kentucky play over the last two seasons, you have seen the natural, sweet, shooting stroke Lamb possesses.  Lamb has one of the highest basketball IQ’s in the draft.  His ability to play off the ball is rare for a player his age.  He’s also added the floater in the lane to his arsenal as well.  He also has the ability to run the point as well, and does a good job taking care of the ball and running the offense in the halfcourt.  Honestly I think Lamb is one of the more underrated players in this draft and he will have a long productive NBA career.

Weaknesses: Is undersized at the two guard position.  Is a willing defender, but not the greatest defender.  His lack of ideal size could hurt him at the next level against NBA 2-guards.

25. Fab Melo – 7-0 260lbs Sophomore Syracuse C

2011-12 stats: 25.4 mpg, 7.8ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.9 bpg, 56%fg, 63%ft

Projection: In the 20’s (late 1st round)

Strengths: Fab Melo was the Big East defensive player of the year and could have been the most improved player as well.  The progress he made as a player from year one to two was tremendous.  Had perfect size and length for an NBA center, rebounds the ball, and is arguably the best shot blocker in the draft.

Weaknesses: Is limited offensively, very raw and robotic in the post.  Gets in foul trouble early too often in games, but should get smarter with proper coaching.  Played in a zone his whole career and will have to get used to playing man defense and in pick and roll situations.

24. Tony Wroten Jr. – 6-4 Freshman Washington PG/SG 19 years old

2011-12 stats: 30 mpg, 16 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.8 tpg, 2 spg

Projection: Anywhere from mid first round to early second round

Strengths: Tony Wroten Jr. is a playmaking, combo guard with elite size, length, and athleticism.  He uses his strength to bully his way into the paint, draw contact and finish at the rim.  He is also a skilled passer, with the ability to make the flashy, highlight plays as well.  He uses his length to his advantage defensively and really could be an elite defender at the next level if he puts his mind to it.

Weaknesses: Wroten is very talented, but played out of control and selfishly a lot during his freshman season at Washington.  His jump shot is flat out horrible, needs plenty of work.  He turns the ball over too often, and takes bad shots instead of running the offense.  The physical talent is there, but there is also a huge bust factor as well.  Teams might be scared and he could drop into the early 2nd round.

23. Royce White – 6-8 270lbs Sophomore Iowa St. PF/SF 22 years old

2011-12 stats: 31.5 mpg, 13.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 5 apg, 3.8 tpg, 53% fg, 50% ft

Projection: Mid to late first round

Strengths: Royce White is a jack of all trades, very versatile for a player of his size.  Played the point forward for the Cyclones, leading them to the NCAA tourney and a first round victory over UConn.  Can take players his size or bigger to the perimeter and beat them off the dribble, creating for himself and others.  Uses his big frame well in the paint to carve out space and get shots off  over taller defenders.

Weaknesses: White suffers from an anxiety disorder that makes it hard for him to travel by plane.  Well in the NBA, planes are the lifestyle and way of travel.  White is a player who can get to the foul line frequently, but only shoots 50% from the line.  That is something he really has to work on.  Teams are really high on his skill level, if not for the anxiety issues, White could be a lottery pick.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles

Monday, June 11th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

27. Festus Ezeli – Senior 6-11 260lbs Vanderbilt 22 years old C/PF

2011-12 stats: 23.2 mpg, 10.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg, 54%fg, 60%ft

Prediction: Late 1st to early 2nd round

Strengths: Festus Ezeli has a good combination of size, length, and athleticism for a man his size.  A four year player who has gotten better each year he was at Vanderbilt.  Is a good shot blocker, defensive player in the post, has the agility to come out and defend the pick and roll.  One thing I like about him is he tries to finish everything with authority at the rim at all times.

Weaknesses: Needs to cut down on the fouls.  He often gets two early fouls and has to sit out the first half of games. Even though he’s improved greatly, Ezeli is still raw offensively.  If he could develop a go to move he could easily be a double-double guy for his career.  He is also a poor free throw shooter and needs to get better in order to remain on the floor late in games.

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports