Ridiculous Upside

D-League Preseason: Can It Really Get Better?

2008-11-22T07:12:59Z

Thus far, we are five games into the D-League preseason with the final four on tap for tonight. Here's my review based on box scores:

RIO GRANDE VALLEY (77) @ Austin (70): This game had to have been atrocious! This is definitely why preseason games happen, as the combined shooting percentage was just 35%, including 2-for-19 combined from beyond the arc and shooting just 58% from the free-throw line! It got even worse, as each team had 24 turnovers! Delonte Holland's return to this side of the ocean was also terrible, as he shot just 1-for-9 (Which is BAD for a 2nd round pick). RGV was led by Stanley Asumnu, who scored just 13 points. For the Toros, the big Yawn Mahinmi had a predictably effective-yet-boring game, scoring 9 points and 9 boards, with 3 blocks, though he shot just 3-for-8 from the field.

Bakersfield (100) @ ANAHEIM (102): This game the teams were considerably less rusty on offense, but the defense for Coach Scott Roth's Jam is going to have to improve, as Anaheim shot 61% from the field. In his defense, the starters only played the first half. Mike Efevberha, who has the hardest name to spell in the D-League for the third straight season, hit the game winner for Anaheim and had a pretty good game for them, with 19 points and 6 boards in 27 minutes. Both of these teams' rosters look really good, though I don't 100% agree with the starters. Granted, it's only the preseason, but coming off the bench for Bakersfield was Jeff Trepagnier (proven at the D-League level and has had been in the NBA for a few games as well) and Derrick Byars (Bakersfield's 1st pick and 5th overall). For the Arsenal, both TJ "Don't Google Me" Cummings (Son of Terry) and Cedric Bozeman (Stud) came off the bench. These games also showed the weakness that is the 5 spot for the D-League this season, as Nick Lewis and Tony Key started at center. Not Impressed. For all the talent on these teams, I think a trade is in order for a legit big! I'd rather see a battle of Scott Roth-Paul Mokeski down low personally, and that's my Vance Palm Suggestion of the Week, as he is the VP and should be able to Make this Happen! Whether it's at the Showcase, All-Star Game, Etc, let's make this happen. Who wouldn't watch this game:

Point Guards: Jay Humphries (Reno) vs. Randy Livingston (Idaho)

Shooting Guards: Sam Vincent (Anaheim) vs. Greg Minor (Tulsa)

Small Forwards: Kevin Rice (Dakota) vs. Jaren Jackson (Fort Wayne)

Power Forwards: Darvin Ham (Albuquerque) vs. Chucky Brown (Los Angeles)

Centers: Paul Mokeski (Anaheim) vs. Scott Roth (Bakersfield)

Bench: Robert Pack (Rio Grande Valley)

All respectable, former NBA players save for K-Rice, though he was CBA stud and makes the rosters work, as this roster is pretty guard heavy with no room for Pack.

IOWA (100) @ Tulsa (89): I don't expect either of these teams to be great this season, though they aren't lacking a legit big man, so who knows where that will take them. Actually, if Steven Hill and Chris Richard both stick in the D-League for a bit, Tulsa should be able to dominate, though I don't foresee that happening. Number one pick Richard had a less than stellar debut for Tulsa, scoring 6 points, grabbing 6 boards, and picking up 5 fouls in 27 minutes, while missing both of his free throws. Luckily, returning guard, 8th round pick, and starter (Which one doesn't belong?) Derrick Dial was dialed in from deep, hitting four-of-seven of his 3-balls to keep this game looking somewhat respectable. For Iowa, their third round pick Othyus Jeffers, out of an NAIA school, led the team with 21 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocked shots. That's huge for a 6'5" rookie forward.

The other two games statistics weren't reported, though RENO won their debut against Albuquerque, despite 28 points from Cheyne Gadson. Reno's leading scorer was Antonio Meeking, who scored 27. In the other game, Erie versus FORT WAYNE, played at Grace College, Ron Howard led the Nightmare Ants with 15 points in a 95-75 thrashing of the BayHawks. I was hoping I was wrong about Erie, but if this preseason game is any indication, they might be in trouble, or Jeff Potter's Ants might be really good.

Also, as a bit of a preview for tonights games, here's what is featured on the Sioux Falls website, and Blake looks a little surprised to be there. Either Sioux Falls media guy Brett Hansen knows more than we do or this was put together before the Blake call-up.. Hmm... Also, big ups to Pizza Ranch!

Ahearn's +/- Astounding

2008-11-20T04:49:02Z

Just a quick little blurb on everyone's favorite Ahearn:

Blake played six minutes tonight down in San Antonio and Dominated! Well, actually, he missed his only shot from the field, BUT he made both of his free throws. Plus, he showed he can D up!

He stole the ball from Chauncy Billups AND he had a +/- of +9. Is this great? No. Did it lead the Spurs? Yes. Did he outplay fellow backup point guard Jacque Vaughn? Yes, but Vaughn's from Kansas, so his -15 shouldn't be a big surprise. Good thing is, this makes me think his defense is improving. Since Billups was still on the floor, you can't really disqualify Blake's minutes as garbage time, as they came while defending against one of the better point guards in the league. While he won't last with San Antonio once they get healthy, it will be interesting where he heads next...

Blake Ahearn could be this years version of Bobby Jones!

Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant Support The D-League. Turn Cue Card Over...What?

2008-11-20T04:16:33Z

Shoals points us to a pair of videos released by the D today, with Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett stating their support for the D-League.

Shoals points out that it's a bad move to have these two stars support the D, given their automatic arrival in the league as premier players. It certainly does seem like a condescending sentiment coming from two players who needed no development and immediately impacted the league. And while the league doubtless had no such considerations for the spot, they only thought "Hey, let's get two of the biggest stars in the league to support the league on video," there is a certain amount of greater sense to this selection, if you choose to think about it.

For starters, these two players illustrate the two sides of good and bad development through their careers. Not with them, but their teammates. Kobe for example, has benefited tremendously from the Lakers long-term development decisions. Drafting Bynum and slowly integrating him. Sending Farmer to the D-League and then calling him up, bringing him in slowly. The Lakers are in win-now mode. Believe me when I say, though, that when the lights go down on this particular Showtime team, this franchise will lean heavily on the D-Fenders who they own.

Garnett, on the other hand, is a perfect example of how the old way of thinking can ruin you. Instead of building a foundation and developing players, the Timberwolves instead tried to just fill in holes with veterans through free agency and drafts. They didn't go out and acquire good players to develop, though the D was in its infancy then, regardless. And while Garnett's championship has come on the backs of massive superstar trades, there's still a heavy emphasis on youth development with the Celtics, and you'll continue to see that with the Celtics when they work with the new Portland, ME franchise that should be announced within the next two months.

The other reason this makes sense is a little more ethereal. The fact is, not every player is going to be Kobe and Garnett. Most are going to be average to below average players. Otherwise Kobe wouldn't be Kobe and Garnett wouldn't be KG. They are who they are precisely because they're better than everyone else. But you need guys who can work around them, and sometimes you need young guys to incubate for call-up duty. Kobe has Farmar. And the Celtics have been developing Pruitt. They'll develop Giddens.

It would be better to have Azubuike and Sessions on these commercials, but if you're going to have them, might as well build a case by contrast with two players who needed no development. Because with a little development, some of the greatest busts of all time might not have turned out so bad, and their comparison to Kobe and KG wouldn't hurt so much.

DakotaWiz No More

2008-11-18T06:57:31Z

Two of the Dakota Wizards most famous RidiculousUpside alumni have changed a bit over the past week.

First, we'll get to the one that will impact you all the most. Well probably not, but since I'm writing this... Due to formerly having a potentially biased name before, I have decided to change my name from DakotaWiz to Ridiculous Scott. I am not a member of the Dakota Wizards, just grew up in Bismarck and, as this was a D-League blog and I joined as a fan, I decided to rep my state. I no longer live in Bismarck however, so thought I'd better switch it up.

The other news has been covered fairly well, and that is that Blake Ahearn also is no longer a DakotaWiz, but rather a SASpur. He came to Bismarck to relive the glorious life of a Dakota Wizard, got off the plane, got on the phone, got on the same plane (Now headed to Denver), got on a new plane to get to Sacramento, and sat on the bench. No worries, Blake was on the team, Spurs win, same old story.

Tonight though, they brought Blake off the bench for a glorious 4 minutes and 9 seconds. Blake responded with showing just how great the D-League is. First, he turned the ball over, but to Mike Taylor, he of D-League fame. Then, he missed a 3, but Tim Duncan got the board, rotated it to Bruce Bowen and Bruce Bowen is obviously a big fan of RidiculousUpside, as he knows what to do when Blake Ahearn is on the court -- Get Blake the Ball! He responded, of course, by nailing the 3. After that, he was subbed for George Hill, but I'd say he had a pretty succesful day. He boarded a plane to Bismarck getting ready for another D-League season Saturday, and by the time he got off that plane, he was headed to the NBA. Three days later, his new NBA team has two wins, and he has 3 points. Count it.

P.S. The Spurs have not lost a game while Blake Ahearn has been on their bench. Coincidence.

Also, don't worry Too Much about the Wizards. I think help may be on it's way.

Allocations Aplenty!

2008-11-17T15:10:12Z

Well, we've already got the big news out -- Blake Ahearn gets called up to the Spurs. Spurs win. Coincidence? No.

Since cuts probably won't be made for a couple days in the D-League camps, we'll look at some guys we haven't talked about in those camps, the allocations.

My boys in Bakersfield have got an early Thanksgiving present from Coach Nelson at Golden State, receiving his opening night point guard, DeMarcus Nelson, and a big 4 in Richard Hendrix. See, I'd call it an early Christmas present, but I'm assuming they'll get one of those as well, as rumor is up to SEVEN NBA guys could see time with Coach Roth and Deane Martin down in Bakersfield. Bakersfield, from Cellar to Stellar, write it down.

Fella's get back to me on what your starting lineup looks right now, but this is my guess. Mateen running the point, Jeff Trepagnier at the 2, Terrance Thomas at the 3, Richard Hendrix at the 4 and Nick Lewis at the 5? That would have an NBA guy coming off the bench (Which isn't likely, but did happen to McRobert's in Idaho last year) and Trey Johnson as well, who was a last cut of the Suns. I see a trade coming, Trey for a legit 5.

That is unless David Hefferhoffer as Coach Roth so eloquently referred to him in his most recent podcast, can keep playing well. Come on Vance, as VP of Communications, I'm putting it on you to get Coach to say the right names. The podcast was also brought to us by San Joaquin hospital, which is helping Coach Roth get as svelte as possible (Love that word Vance, if only you could have helped Roth on the names!)

I should also point out that the Toros got the Big Yawn, Ian Mahinmi, and Utah got JR Giddens. I expect both of those teams to get plenty more help as well, same as last season.

Big Game Blake

2008-11-16T07:13:33Z

It's late and I'm tired, but I wanted to get this out there, so this will be quick! As has been discussed for quite sometime, Blake Ahearn is an NBA player. You know it, I know it, why doesn't everyone else know it? Well, it seems at least somebody else knows it, and I assume that somebody to be RC Buford, GM of the Spurs, as he just called Blake up!

Congratulations Mr. Ahearn. You have arrived.

Holy Trades, Batman!

2008-11-12T15:22:31Z

Camp's haven't even started yet and this seasons already become exciting. Over the past couple of days, three trades have been announced.

Dontell Jefferson (Dakota) for Denham Brown (Utah) -- This trade fills a need for both teams and I honestly don't know who got the better deal. Utah needed experience and to solidy their backcourt, and Dontell, over the past two seasons, has been a solid D-League player and already has a D-League championship. Denham Brown will is a great player with NBA experience and will be either the best sixth man in the D-League or an excellent insurance policy if Renaldo Major, who didn't play at all last season following heart surgery, isn't healthy.

Dwayne Mitchell (Iowa) for Patrick Sanders (Los Angeles) -- Wow is LA strong. With Dwayne Mitchell, Joe Crawford, and Brandon Heath, they have three solid players that were in LA camp. Patrick Sanders is a rookie out UC-Irvine, where he averaged 15 points a game last season.

Keith Closs (Tulsa) for Antoine Jordan (Idaho) -- I love Keith Closs. Apparently Brandon Barnett and the 66ers do not. Antoine Jordan was a fourth round pick that averaged 13 points playing in the Netherlands last season. I would rather have K-Closs who could average three blocks a game while he smokes cigarettes on the bench.

Now for the D-League Guys Take on the Draft

2008-11-10T19:41:03Z

Coach Roth and Vance Palms, Bakersfield's VP of Communications, Grade their draft, which was held at Buck Owens Crystal Palace (which sounds amazing), an A or a B. While it's tough to really know how good anybody's draft was at this stage, I would concur that there draft was a solid B, as their first five picks all seem like they have a pretty good shot at making the league, if not the Jam. Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Vance, who calls up a "Highly respected" blog!

President Potter also gave us his take on the Mad Ants draft over on his NBA.com blog. Though he didn't put a letter grade on the draft, he felt like they filled their needs, and with 4 guys coming back, that's a solid start. Potter's Mad Ants are also getting some pub around the internet after TrueHoop mentioned Coleman Collin's mishap with the deer Friday night.

TrueHoop has been doing a lot of good stuff on the D-League lately, starting Friday with an interview with Chris Alpert, and then an interview with former D-League stud Mike Taylor, now with the Clippers. Props to Kevin Arnovitz, whose been filling in for Henry Abbott recently.

The D-League Draft in Review

2008-11-10T05:21:04Z

So, we're about 18 days, 22 hours, 34 minutes, and 47 seconds until the D-League season starts (Thanks, D-League.com!) Anyway, let's look at each teams roster post-draft to better evaluate how each team drafted. I should really wait to do this tomorrow in case some trades went down that we didn't catch, but I'll update this to reflect that if they happen. Also, quick note, every center able to be drafted, was drafted. Dear Mr. Alpert, I think we need to sign more 5's for next year!

This might be something you print out and read when you have about two hours to kill... Went a little longer than planned, but all good stuff, I guarantee it. If you don't think so, E-Mail me (Check my profile) and I will promptly get you a refund.

Tulsa, with the number one overall pick, picked Chris Richard. Like many teams, it looks like they aren't too concerned with having a center, preferring to go with two big forwards in Richard and Ryan Humphrey, a first round pick of the Jazz in 2002. From there, it looks like returning guard Russell Carter will play at the point, Jeremy Kelly at the 2, and Terrell Everett at the 3. I expect Chris Ellis (returning) and Mikheil Berishvili to also be guaranteed spots, with the rest up in the air. With whoever comes back in the trade of Keith Closs, that player could leave just one spot open for the rest of the players, depending on what the 66ers are getting in return.

Colorado, where is Elton Brown? Where is Eddie Gill? I assume at least Eddie will join them soon. If not, it looks like they'll be led by the tandem of James Mays (Great pick considering he was one of the last cuts of neighboring Denver!) and Josh Davis at the 3 and 4, with random fillers in between. If both Elton and Eddie come back, WATCH OUT! The 14ers drafted two of the better point guards in the draft in Marlon Parmer and John Gilchrist, along with rookie Trey Gilder, a skinny 6'9 post, these are my picks to most likely make the team. It looks like Joe Dabbert, who I'm fairly sure his middle name is Barry, as it rings so well, will play the center for them. I'm not sure why he was allocated to them, as he didn't go to school in Colorado, nor has he ever played for them, but being allocated a decent 5 is always good! I'm also fairly certain Eric Osmundson makes the team, as he's my favorite player ever out of UPenn and has played with them the past two seasons. Jamar Brown, a local guy out of Colorado State also will more than likely make it, being a big in this league not so full of bigs.

Idaho looks strong, as they have been since entering the D-League. Coach Gates always seems to put together a good team, and this year shouldn't be any different. They brought Randy Livingston off the court and onto the coaching staff, though his replacement is the very capable, and more than likely redshirt-rookie, Jamaal Tatum, their first round pick last year. They also return Air Georgia Brent Petway and were allocated former BSU Broncos Coby Karl and Reggie Larry. With first round pick and former Bobcat Jermareo Davidson, this team has a chance of repeating. Add in Ernest Scott, who played 40 games with the Stampede last season, big-man Anthony Coleman, and rookie guard Lanny Smith, and this is one of the top teams in the D-League.

Sioux Falls is VERY VERY VERY strong. Wow. Veteran leadership? Check. Point guard Frank Williams played parts of 3 seasons in the NBA and averaged 16 points with the Skyforce two seasons ago. NBA talent? Check! Bobby Jones has played for approximately 47 teams over the last two seasons. Size? You betcha! 7-1 Frankenstein-like Chris Alexander was the last cut of the Thunder in October and averaged 12 and 12 last season for the Skyforce. Good wings? Two of them! First round pick Gary Forbes and returning Carl Elliott are both all around players that will fill in and do everything that the aforementioned players don't. Add in draft picks Michael Adams (who isn't good, but is big!), Keith Brumbaugh (averaged 35 points, 8 boards, 6 assists last season in college), Ty Morrison, a 6'8 rookie combo forward, and either rookie Gary Ervin (Arkansas) or the vet Brock Gillespie, and this will be a team to reckon with.

Bakersfield, do I think even you guys have a strong team? Yes, I sure do! Wait, even when your top 3 players are returning from a season where you finished 11-39?!? Scary, but yes, and not just because Gates Roth and Deane Martin are running the show. Mateen "I'm Not Cryin" Cleaves at the point, Jeff Trepagnier at the 2, Derrick Byars at the 3, Richard Hendrix at the 4, and Nick Lewis at the 5, and this team is scary. Factor in Justin Reed returning in about a month and Trey Lewis coming off the bench, and this team will be 7-deep solid! Terrance Thomas, who played with Fort Worth a couple seasons ago, and David Berghoefer, a soft big man who averaged 11 and 11 over in Germany last year should also make the rotation.

Fort Wayne, I really hope you do well. Bringing back Ron Howard, fresh off a preseason campaign with the Bucks, along with Walker Russell, a strong backcourt is imminent. The front court, however, is suspect. If first round pick Coleman Collins is as careless on the court as he is when driving, you're in trouble (Just kidding Mad Ants! Hopefully we're still friends!). If I learned I was going to be a Mad Ant, I'd be excited too. I like Torree Morris too, mostly because he's 6-10 in a division that includes Courtney Sims, Chris Alexander, and hopefully, for Erie's sake, a big man from the Cavs. Anthony Kyle is fun to watch and should make the team as the backup point guard he's destined to be. Shawn Hawkins should also be a good player for the Ants. Eric Smith, who I believe was referred to exclusively as "Spider" on all of your radio broadcasts last season (New radio guy for the Mad Ants this year for anyone that wasn't a fan of them last year!), should also be consistent off the bench.

Erie, I'm sorry, but I'm just not a fan of your drafts. First, you inexplicably drafted Idaho assistant coach Randy Livingston in the expansion draft, among about 7 other guys that had no plans to play in the D-League this season and Jeff Hagen. Then, in this draft, you take the enigmatic Erik Daniels a combo forward, when it was fairly clear that a big man was in your NEEDS column after the only guy you picked up in the expansion draft, Jackie Manuel, plays the same position. In the second round, you took Taj McCullough, a Winthrop grad and combo forward. You also bring in Manuel. By my count, that's three guys who are best suited to play the 3, and are also your three top players. You never did draft anyone taller than 6'8. Hopefully Cleveland really likes your pick up of Vernon Hamilton, who was in Cavs camp this preseason, and sends JJ Hickson or Darnell Jackson down to help. Jawad Williams is also a possibility, but I'd assume they'd rather cut him then assign him to the D-League, as he's nothing special to develop. They did draft two of the greater names in the draft though in Cliff Clinkscales and Xavier Whipple, so hats off to you, Erie Bayhawks.

Anaheim, I like your team. Good first three picks in NBA vet Tierre Brown, Flight White, and rookie Roy Bright (Another Delaware State guy, just former D-League stud Jeremy Richardson). Good returnees in Mario Boggan and Mike Efevberha. Good allocated guys in Cedric Bozeman, Noel Felix, and T.J. Cummings, son of Terry (Be careful googling him.. NSFW!). Also, good job drafting four bigs! I hope that was due in part to the genius of new assistant Paul Mokeski, as pictured here in his younger days (Courtesy of The Sports Hernia Blog):

Utah had a decent draft. Bringing in Dontell Jefferson, bring back Brian Jackson, and drafting a couple legit rookies in Gavin Grant and Bennet Davis will help. If Kevin Kruger decides to come back to the D-League, this team is solid. If not, hopefully Utah and Boston help out, as your bench looks weak. Marcus Malone, how did you drop to the tenth round? Please prove me wrong in camp, as I thought you looked good down in Vegas.

Reno, big ups. Like what you did in the expansion draft. Damone Brown, Tony Gipson, Andre Patterson, Jesse Smith, and Jamaal Smith are all solid players that can contribute. In the regular draft, not so much. Antonio Meeking, who, as Matt pointed out, apparently added an inch and dropped 30 pounds, though I highly doubt this. Russell Robinson will be able to run your offense, but don't expect points out of him, as I would assume another Kansas alum, Dakota Wizards GM Tom Wagganer, could beat him at a game of PIG. Sung-Yoon BANG! should be solid, but unspectacular, as seasoning in Korea couldn't have helped him much since averaging 12 points with the Roanoke DAZZLE a few years ago.

Dakota Wizards, you're good, but guard heavy. With Mo Baker and Blake Ahearn, they've got to have one of the best backcourts in the league, if not the best. Renaldo Major will be returning from heart surgery and if he can return to his Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All D-League, he'll more than likely earn another call-up. The trade for Denham Brown will be excellent insurance if Renaldo isn't completely ready, and if he is ready, Brown will be one of the top guys coming off the bench in the league. That's four guys with NBA experience. Add Will Frisby, who was a beast last year when he got the minutes, and if he can stay out of foul trouble, he'll get the minutes, and Quemont Greer, who was with the Wizards two years ago when he averaged 17 points and 6 boards during the championship season, and the returnees are good. Then we get to Marcus Hubbard, the last cut of the Hawks this season (Peachtree Hoops wasn't big on him), will more than likely be one of the top athletes in the league and hopefully improves his basketball IQ. The Wizards are lacking on a center, but between Aaron Spears or Brad Stricker and possible NBA assignee Hamed Haddadi, they'll have the size to compete. Don't rule out a return of Too Much Rod Benson, either, who is averaging just 10 minutes and 2 points per game overseas while I assume he is getting paid a bit more than his production warrants.

RGV, not so sure about you guys. First, I really wish you would have dropped the E in Grande, or decided to pronounce it GronDay. Your best returner is Trent Strickland, and though he averaged 13 points last season, they weren't memorable. Allocated guys Kendall Dartez, who has averaged 6 points and 4 boards in 40 D-League games, and Alton Ford, a guy with forgettable NBA experiences who is a lot like Antonio Meeking, are nothing special. Your draftees are better, and include Smush Parker, who fell to the twelfth pick, and Delonte Holland, who I think should be a good D-League player. I'm also looking forward to seeing what Alpha Bangura (Two guys were drafted with bang in their last name) can do in the D-League, as he's been stateside in the minors for awhile.

LA, you surprised me with your first round pick of Jasper Johnson. I can't give a review of him, because I know NOTHING about him, though hear he was a good pick. Keith Butler is really big, which goes a long way in this draft, and therefore a solid 2nd round pick. The rest of your draft, not too much stands out. Your returning player, Darren Cooper, not exciting. Your allocated guys, however, are quite good. Joe Crawford, Lakers last cut, stud. Brandon Heath, another Lakers cut, should be good. Patrick Sanders, the rookie, should play well. Your local tryout guys are all D-League caliber, which is amazing, as I would have thought they would be in the player pool, rather than needing to go the way of the local tryout, especially since two have been drafted before -- Rashid Byrd, AKA Rashid Hartwick, AKA Seven and Sum Change and Ryan Forehan-Kelly.

Albuquerque, led by Coach Coffino, got the steal of the draft when David Noel dropped to the 12 spot. They're also in contention for best backcourt in the draft, returning Will Conroy and Cheyne Gadson, as they both have NBA talent. Cory Underwood, a former street baller, also returns after joining the Sixers preseason roster for a bit. They drafted quite solid as well, bringing in David Monds, Waki Williams (Never seen him play, but with a name like Waki...), another long 4, and Kris Clack, who played with Austin a couple seasons ago. They also brought in Eddie Robinson, who made 10 million dollars for NOT playing with the Bulls, as they bought out his contract, presumably because he was more focused on his acting career, being the lead in Juwanna Mann.

Iowa should be solid. They return Dwayne Mitchell, who left to go overseas mid-season last year and was with the Lakers this preseason, and Courtney Sims, one of the top big men in the league. Aristide "The Ostrich Riding Dawg" Sawadago was also apparently a big returner for them, as one team (I'll leave them anonymous) tried to draft him. Curtis Stinson, a journeyman D-Leaguer who has played 50 games for five teams over the past two years, also returns. In the first round, they drafted Cartier Martin, who sounds more like an alcoholic beverage than a D-League player, and followed that up with Larry AKA "Elias" or "Old Man" Ayuso, and then Othyus Jeffers, who will turn heads in the D-League. They also drafted Oregon State rookie Marcel Jones, who is also apparently pretty good, as another team tried drafting him later.

Austin, I'm glad you got the last pick, otherwise, you'd be a lot scarier than you already are. Returning Marcus Williams (Legitimate NBA player, not computer-steling-already-NBA-player-with-Golde-State-Marcus-Williams), and bringing in Charles Gaines and Malik Hairston, this teams 2,3,4 spots are probably the best in the D-League. Add Squeaky Johnson and first round pick and this team is solid everywhere but the 5 spot, which is probably why they grabbed 6'10 Mohammed Abukar in the 2nd round. They also got "Better Than" Ezra Williams and Michael Sturns, who were both good pickups in the 3rd and 5th rounds. Add in the possible allocation of Ian Mahinmi, and wow.

I'll let Matt rebuttal, as I'm sure we differ, but I'm ranking the great 8 heading into camp:

1. Dakota -- Six returners, 4 guys with NBA experience, going to be great.

2. Austin -- If they get Mahinmi again, pencil them in for the championship.

3. Albuquerque -- Great backcourt, great front court, great team.

4. Idaho -- Won't fall off much from championship season.

5. Sioux Falls -- Scary back court, scary (and scary looking) front court.

6. Anaheim -- LOTS of NBA talent here.

7. Bakersfield -- Legit starting 5.

8. LA/Reno -- LA built from nothing getting lucky with allocations, Reno built from nothing using the expansion draft.

And It's Over...

2008-11-09T03:39:41Z

Well, the draft is over and went pretty much as planned. I was most surprised that Marcus Malone lasted until the last round and that players like Derrick Dial and Mike Peeples, guys that the team didn't retain, got drafted by their former teams anyway. Good stuff.

Couple quick hits and rumors (My thoughts on the draft coming tomorrow):

Denham Brown has been traded to the Wizards for Dontell Jefferson.

Keith Closs will be changing teams, though I'm not sure to which.

Richard Hendrix will spend the majority of his time in the D-League this season with Bakersfield.

Hammed Haddadi, the 7-2 Iranian center for Memphis, will more than likely join Dakota for the beginning of the season.

"Moments after" the Mad Ants called Coleman Collins to let him know he was their first round pick, he hit a deer. With his car. He must have been really excited to become a Mad Ant!

D-League Live Blog

2008-11-08T00:21:23Z

Okay folks, here's the action.

LIke we called it to start.

1. Tulsa 66ers: Chris Richard- Best overall prospect

2. Colorado 14ers: James Mays-

3. Idaho Stampede: Jamario Davidson

4. Sioux Falls Skyforce: Gary Forbes

5. Bakersfield Jam: Derrick Byars:

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants: Coleman Collins

7. Erie Bayhawks: Erik Daniels: 6-8, PF, Kentucky.

8. Anaheim Arsenal: Tierre Brown

9. Utah Flash: Denham Brown

10. Reno Bighorns: Antonio Meeking: Listed at 250. LIE! 280.

11. Dakota Wizards: Marcus Hubbard

12. Rio Grande Valley: Smush Parker

13. Los Angeles Defenders: Jasper Johnson

14. Albuquerque Thunderbirds: David Noel: Albuquerque has the best backcourt in the league. Do they have enough bigs?

15. Iowa Energy: Cartier Martin

16. Austin Toros: Robert McKiver

17. Austin Toros: Muahmmad Akubar

18. Albuquerque Thunderbirds: David Monds

19. D-Fenders: Keith Butler: Can't coach size.

David Noel is plummeting. STILL PLUMMETING

D-League Draft Day!

2008-11-07T18:31:58Z

via www.nba.com

Woohoo! After tonight we'll actually have rosters to discuss! Hurrah!

By the way, if you want to watch, the whole thing is on NBATV tonight starting at 7PM EST. They'll be streaming Rounds 2-10 online at D-League.com as well.

Talked to 66ers Basketball operations manager Brandon Barnett last night, and they were still waiting for the final list to decide. IF we hear anything, you'll be the first to know.

Also, spoke to Colorado Head Coach Bob MacKinnon. Again, you're not going to get the actual pick out of them, but he did give me his top players and they included Chris Richard, David Noel, Smush Parker, and James Mays.

Word has it there's a deal in the works to send Utah's pick to Dakota for Dontell Jefferson. Again, we'll keep you updated.

Consider this an open thread for any questions or comments.

We almost have rosters!

UPDATE 3:41EST: Couple of trade rumors out there. Utah is shopping their first round pick to Dakota for Dontell Jefferson. And the 66ers are asking for the Thunderbirds' second rounder for Keith Closs. Neither deal is done at this time.

Update: 4:28PM EST: Things are getting crazy. We hear Idaho and the 66ers, with the number one pick, are looking to trade. Sioux Falls should make a bid, as should Dakota. This might turn into the Chris Richard arms race.

Additionally, here's our preliminary mock of the top of the draft.

1. Tulsa 66ers: James Mays: We can't believe it ourselves, but this is what we're hearing was last reported. 1 and 2 are almost locks, consider them the Beasley-Rose of the D-League Draft. (Update: We're hearing rumors that Tulsa is looking to trade their first rounder. Dakota's got the most assets, but there are a few others that could do so as well.)

2. Colorado Chris Richard: D-League vet. Everyone loves him. Almost made Minnesota's roster. Huge talent but also likely to be gone in a call-up.

3. Idaho Stampede: David Noel: This guy could go high as 1, low as 6. Consider him the OJ Mayo of the draft.

4.Sioux Falls Skyforce: Jamareo Davidson- We here this is a lock.

5. Bakersfield: If Noel or Mays make it this far, this is where they're going.If not, look for Derrick Byars. Experience, experience, experience to complement Justin Reed, nursing a foot injury.

6. Fort Wayne Mad Ants: Smush Parker- It's Smush, but top point guards are hard to find. It'll be interesting to see if the Mad Ants try and replace Samb with another big.

Here's some other general observations.

Big men are in short supply.

Here's the final draft list:

Last	First	School/Country	Year	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.
Adams	Michael	Youngstown St.	2006	C	6-11	235
Adler	Jerod	Indiana St.	2005	PF	6-9	235
Aikens	Travis	Marshall	2007	SG	6-4
Allen	Derrick	Valdosta St.	2007	SG	6-5	215
Allen	Ronald	Cincinnati	2007	PF	6-9	235
Ambres	Mildon	S. Nazarene	2007	G/F	6-5	200
Anderson	Michael	VCU	2008	SF	6-7
Ard	Eddie	Lipscomb	2008	G/F	6-5	195
Axon	Jarred	E. Michigan	2008	PG	5-11	180
Ayuso	Larry	USC	1999	SG	6-3	202
Bang	Sung-Yoon	Korea		G/F	6-5	200
Bangura	Alpha	St. John's (NY)	2002	SG	6-4	195
Barber	Stephen	UT-Arlington	2002	PG	5-10	175
Barnes	Kenny	USF	2005	SF	6-7	210
Barrow	Matthew	Lamar	2008	SG	6-4	185
Bausley	Alex	Sacramento St.	2007	PF	6-7	245
Beacham	Donny	UT-Arlington	2004	SF	6-5	200
Beaulah	Warren	Brewton Parker College	2007	SG	6-4	195
Belfor	Jomo	JMU	2006	PG	6-0	185
Bell	Jeremy	Williams Baptist College	2005	PG	6-0	185
Benjamin	Keith	Pittsburgh	2008	SG	6-2	190
Berghoefer	David	W. Carolina	2006	C	6-11	235
Berishvili	Mikheil	Georgia		PF	6-9	195
Blackwell	Tim	UMKC	2008	SG	6-4	195
Bowie	Nate	C. Arkansas	2008	PG	6-0	175
Bright	Ryan	Sam Houston St.	2008	SF	6-6	225
Bright	Roy	Delaware St.	2008	SF	6-6	225
Britto	Joseph	UMASS - Dartmouth	2005	SG	6-5	185
Broadus	Caheem	Delaware St.	2006	G	6-3	185
Brown	Parrish	Maryland	2007	PG	6-1	180
Brown	Nate	St. Peter's	2002	PG	6-1	185
Brown	Calvin	Norfolk St.	2007	PF	6-9	220
Brown	Jamaal	Cal. St. Fullerton	2006	PF	6-7	240
Brown	Marshall	Missouri	2008	SF	6-6	205
Butler	Keith	DePaul	2007	C	7-1	260
Byars	Derrick	Vanderbilt	2007	SG	6-7	220
Carlisle	Geno	California	1999	SG	6-3	200
Carter	Maurice	Robert Morris	2005	PG	6-0	180
Champion	Tony	Sacramento St.	2004	C	6-10	265
Clack	Kris	Texas	1999	SF	6-5	225
Clarke	John	Point Loma	2007	SG	6-3	190
Coleman	Dominique	Colorado	2007	SG	6-3	190
Coleman	Anthony	Long Beach St.	2005	PF	6-10	220
Cook	Casey	UCSB	2005	F	6-8	220
Cox	Robert	S. Polytechnic St.	2007	SG	6-5	200
Cox	Torrington	King College	2007	F	6-7	210
Darden	Pierre	Cumberlands	2007	PF	6-9	210
Davidson	Jermareo	Alabama	2007	PF/C	6-10	230
Davis	Lorenzo	Mountain St.	2005	F/C	6-10	220
Davis	Shaun	New Mexico St.	2007	PG	5-11	180
Davis	Bennet	Northeastern	2007	SF	6-8	220
Davis	Ryan	Langston University	2005	G	6-2	195
Davison	Andrew	Emporia St.	2008	SG	6-3	195
Day	Quinton	UMKC	2007	PG	6-0	180
Dial	Derrick	E. Michigan	1998	SG	6-4	195
Doss	Marcus
Drisdom	Tim	Utah	2006	PG	6-3	185
Easterling	Charles	Kilgore JC	2003	G/F	6-3	220
Ehambe	Moses	Oral Roberts	2008	SF	6-6	200
English	Carlos	Cleveland St.	2007	PG	5-7	175
Epps	Rodrick	UT-Arlington	2008	PG	6-0	180
Ervin	Gary	Arkansas	2008	PG	5-11	180
Evans	Brian	Texas A&M	2004	PG	6-1	185
Ewing	Austin	NC A&T	2008	PG	5-11	180
Forbes	Gary	UMASS	2008	G/F	6-6	220
Fox	Isaiah	Arizona	2006	PF	6-9	270
Francis	Richard	Tarleton St.	2007	SG	6-4	195
Francis	Andrew	UTSA	2008	SF	6-7
Freeman	Gabe	Mesa CC	2006	F	6-8	205
Garland	KJ	UNC-Asheville	2008	PG	6-1	185
Gibson	Fred	Georgia	2004	G/F	6-4	185
Gibson	Drew	Wofford	2008	PG	6-2	185
Gilder	Trey	Northwestern St.	2008	PF	6-9	185
Godbold	David	Oklahoma	2008	G	6-5	210
Goodman	Damien	UNC-Pembroke	2004	SF	6-6	220
Grant	Gavin	NC State	2008	SF	6-7	200
Green	Jermaine	N. Texas	2003	SF	6-8	205
Griffin	Rob	Iowa	2000	SF	6-6	200
Hall	Demarcus	Cal. St. Bakersfield	2008	SF	6-7	210
Hamilton	Vernon	Clemson	2006	PG	6-1	190
Harris	Jovan	USF	2004	PG	6-3	190
Harris	Anthony	Miami	2007	PG	6-2	185
Harrison	JR	Rice	2006	F	6-6	220
Hart	Michael	N. Illinois	2008	PF	6-8	210
Hawkins	Shawn	Long Beach	2006	SF	6-6	220
Herndon	Boomer	Belmont	2007	C	6-10	270
Hill	Alex	Sante Fe CC	2006	SF	6-6	210
Hill	Marcus	Tulsa	2001	SF	6-5	220
Hillstock	Phillip	Barber Scotia	2004	F	6-7	220
Hill-Thomas	Garry	Nevada-Reno	2005	SF	6-5	205
Horton	Jason	Missouri	2008	G	6-1	185
Howard	William	NC A&T	2004	SG	6-4	215
Jeffers	Othyus	Robert Morris	2008	G/F	6-5	200
Jenkins	Darrell	E. Carolina	2008	PG	5-11	180
Johnson	Justin	Mississippi	2005	PG	5-11	180
Johnson	KeJuan	Long Beach St.	2007	SG	6-4	200
Johnson	Jasper	Delta St.	2006	PF	6-8	275
Jones	Dwight	Houston Baptist	2007	SG	6-3	185
Key	Tony	Mountain St.	2005	C	6-10	280
Kottke	Isaiah	Master's College	2007	SG	6-3
Lawrence	Robert	LaGrange	2007	SG	6-3	195
Lewis	Greg	Winston Salem St.	2008	PF	6-8	265
Liberty	Adam	Oral Roberts	2008	G	6-2
Little	Theo	Arkansas St.	2007	C	6-10	260
Looby	Kurt	Iowa	2008	C	6-10	230
Love	Casey	Robert Morris	2007	PF/C	6-8	245
Lum	Harry	Florida International	2004	G	6-2
MacCullough	Taj	Winthrop	2007	F	6-7	220
Malone	Marcus	Houston	2008	G/F	6-5	215
Mason	Chet	Miami-OH	2005	G	6-3	190
Mattear	Darius	UTEP	2004	F	6-6	224
Maxim	Kourtney	Cypress College	2008	SF	6-5	220
Mays	James	Clemson	2008	PF	6-8	230
McClellan	Jawann	Arizona	2008	G/F	6-4	200
McKiver	Robert	Houston	2008	SG	6-3	195
Meeking	Antonio	LA Tech	2003	PF	6-7	250
Miller	Michael	Coppin St.	2008	G	6-2	190
Millsap	John	UTSA	2005	SF	6-6	220
Mims	O'Neal	Angelo St.	2005	PF	6-9	235
Monds	David	Oklahoma St.	2007	PF	6-8	240
Monroe	Sammy	Newberry (D2)	2006	SF	6-6	205
Morris	Toree	Pittsburgh	2004	PF/C	6-10	280
Morrison	Ty	Grand Canyon	2008	F	6-8	220
Morrison	Brian	UCLA	2005	G	6-2	180
Muhlbach	Beau	Texas A&M	2008	G	6-4	195
Murphy	Tony	Norfolk St.	2008	SG	6-4	200
Nelson	Reggie	Tennessee Tech	1999	PF	6-7	225
Ogunoye	Yemi	Oral Roberts	2008	F	6-9	210
Page	Julius	Pittsburgh	2004	SG	6-3	195
Parker	Charlie	Millersville	2008	SG	6-4	195
Parmer	Marlon	Kentucky Weslyan	2003	PG	6-2	190
Peeples	Michael	Fairleigh Dickinson	2007	SF	6-6	210
Phillips	Marvin	Claflin	2004	F	6-7	225
Plair	JeJuan	Sam Houston St.	2007	G	6-1	185
Plummer	Greg	Eckerd (D2)	2005	SG	6-4	200
Porter	Earnest	Nicholls St.	2006	SG	6-4	190
Porter	Nick	Creighton	2007	SG	6-3	215
Randolph	Lonnie	Drake	2005	PG	6-1	185
Rashad	Marvin	Fairmont St.	2006	G/F	6-4	210
Richard	Chris	Florida	2007	PF/C	6-9	265
Robinson	Russell	Kansas	2008	PG	6-1	190
Sanders	Thomas	Gardner Webb	2008	G	6-3	190
Savage	Derek	Goldey Beacom	2008	SG	6-4	200
Scales	Dominique	East Central	2008	PF/C	6-9	235
Scott	Ernest	Valdosta St.	2004	SF	6-7	225
Sloan	Marcus	TCU	2005	F	6-8	235
Smith	Lanny	Houston	2008	G	6-3	190
Smith	Tristan	St. Francis	2006	PG	6-2	185
Smith-Harris	Terry	Minnesota	2000	SG	6-4	195
Spears	Aaron	St. John's (NY)	2007	C	6-10	255
Stampley	Jason	SE Oklahoma	2007	G	6-0	185
Strawberry	Michael	Chaffey College	2006	G/F	6-4	200
Stricker	Brad	Georgia St.	2000	C	6-10	280
Sturns	Michael	Holy Family	2008	G/F	6-5	200
Sweetwyne	Kevin	Idaho St.	2000	SF	6-4	200
Taybron	Mario	Kansas St.	2007	G	6-2	185
Terry	Curtis	UNLV	2008	G/F	6-5	205
Thomas	Terrance	Baylor	2004	SF	6-6	220
Thorpe	Jahmar	Houston	2007	G/F	6-6	215
Tuggle	Nick	ETSU	2007	SF	6-5	195
Vick	CJ	Quinnipiac	2005	F	6-7	215
Walters	Kirk	Arizona	2008	C	6-11	233
Watson	Keoni	Idaho	2007	PG	5-9	158
West	Rashad	Hampton	2008	PG	6-1	180
Wheeler	Carlos	Campbellsville	2002	PF	6-7	220
Whipple	Xavier	LSU	2005	PG	6-2	185
White	John	E. Kentucky	2001	PG	6-1	185
Whiters	Terrance	Loyola (IL)	2004	PG	6-0	185
Wilborn	Elgrace	W. Kentucky	2006	F	6-8	220
Williams	Ezra	Georgia	2003	SG	6-4	205
Worthy	Brandon	LMU	2007	SG	6-2	205
Foyle	Alexus	BYU-Hawaii	2003	PF	6-6	225
White	James	Cincinnati	2006	SF	6-6	200
Collins	Kris	N. Mexico	2006	SG	6-2	190
Collum	Robby	W. Michigan	2003	G	6-1	190
Williams	Waki	Memphis	2006	F	6-9	220
Brooks	Chris	Florida Southern	2004	SG	6-3	190
Martin	Cartier	Kansas St.	2007	SF	6-7	220
Schmidt	Ryan	W. Oregon	2008	SF	6-8	220
Abukar	Mohammed	San Diego St.	2007	PF	6-10	220
Sandoval	Ambres	Dayton	2008	G	6-4	205
Robinson	Seth	Boise St.	2007	SF	6-6	210
Moss	Raheem	Cleveland St.	2007	SG	6-4
Gilchrist	John	Maryland	2005	PG	6-2	190
Levros	LP	Rhode Island CC	2005	SF	6-6	210
Hubbard	Marcus	Angelo St.	2008	PF	6-9	230
Jones	Marcel	Oregon St.	2008	F	6-8	225
Gamble	Terrence	Tarleton St.	2008	C	6-10	255
Collins	Coleman	Virginia Tech	2007	PF	6-9	220
Anderson	Tejay
Jordan	Antoine	Siena	2006	SF	6-5	205
Clinkscales	Cliff	DePaul	2008	G	6-1
Wrice	Dock			SF	6-7
Parker	Smush	Fordham	2002	PG	6-3	190
Rogers	Chris	Arizona	2006	SG	6-3	185
Mitchell	Tommy	Siena	2005	SG	6-3	190
Noel	Dave	C. Florida	2008	SG	6-3	195
Brumbaugh	Keith	Hillsborough CC	2008	SF	6-9	215
Holland	Delonte	DePaul	2004	PF	6-7	220
Brown	Denham	UCONN	2006	SG	6-5	215
Daniels	Erik	Kentucky	2004	F	6-8	225
Brown	Tierre	McNeese St.	2001	PG	6-2	190
Noel	David	N. Carolina	2006	G/F	6-6	224
Gillespie	Brock	Rice	2003	PG	6-0	175
Moore	Chris A.	Charleston Southern	2008
Day	Jeffrey	Creighton	2006	PF/C	6-9	235
Allen	Steve	Clemson	2006	C	6-10	242
Barber	John	Youngstown St.	2008	SF	6-6	205
Cook	Ashanti	Georgetown	2006	PG	6-2	185
Crow	Darold	Tulsa	2007	SF	6-6	220
Fluellen	Wesley	Robert Morris	2002	SF	6-7	210
Heard	Marcus	DePaul	2007	PF	6-7	225
Keyes	Kyle	Montana	2001	PG	6-1
Lafayette	Oliver	Houston	2007	PG	6-2	190
Mason	Dameon	LSU	2008	SF	6-5	200
Norwood	Rishawn	Mt. San Antonio JC	2007	G	6-3	190
Parker	Eric	Wayne St.	2006	PF	6-8	230
Parique	Lance	Georgia St.	2007	SF	6-7	215
Prejean	Dejon	Cal. St. Los Angeles	2008	SG	6-4
Reid	Larry	Kansas St.	2002	PG	6-0	180
Robinson	Eddie	C. Oklahoma	1999	SF	6-8	215
Sheldon	Bryce	S. Carolina	2007	G/F	6-4	200
Sonderleiter	Sean			C	6-9
Ugrinoski	Alexsander	Croatia		PG	6-4	195
White	Lou	Vorhees	2000	G	6-3	195
Williams	Demario	Miles	2008	C	6-11	220

Looking At Tonight

2008-11-07T15:59:38Z

It looks like this could be a pretty exciting draft with quite a few former NBA guys and guys that were in camp this season. Here are some of the top players:

Chris Richard -- Surprising cut by TWolves

Smush Parker -- NBA vet

Jermareo Davidson -- Surprising cut by Bobcats

James Mays -- Athletic Rookie forward out of Clemson

David Noel -- NBA vet

Tierre Brown -- NBA vet

Derrick Byars -- Out of Vandy, OKC camp this preseason

Larry Ayuso -- Puerto Rican national team

James "Flight" White

Gary Forbes -- Versatile swingman out of UMASS

Denham Brown -- UConn, played with Sonics two seasons ago

Marcus Hubbard -- Rookie forward cut by Hawks in preseason

Coleman Collins -- Big man that was in Suns camp

Erik Daniels -- Played 22 games with Kings few seasons ago

Taj MacCullough -- Rookie out of Winthrop; recent Wizards cut

Delonte Holland -- Impressive in VSL with Knicks

Eddie Robinson -- Probably still getting paid by the Bulls

Roy Bright -- Rookie swingman out of Delaware State that can score

Othyus Jeffers -- Rookie out of Robert Morris; NAIA player of the year

Russell Robinson -- Solid ball handler with excellent defense; can't shoot

Keith Brumbaugh -- 6'9 SF out of Hillsborough CC where he averaged 35 points, 8 boards, 6 assists

Eddie Ard -- Rookie out of Lipscomb; probably first guy drafted from D-League camp

Mikheil Berishvili -- Berishvili.com

Derrick Dial -- NBA vet that played for Tulsa last season

Gavin Grant -- Rookie out NC State

Vernon Hamilton -- Point guard; last cut by Cavs this preseason

Waki Williams -- Love the name; CBA guy last season out of Memphis

Bennet Davis -- Played at Northeastern with JJ Barea; 2nd in school history in blocked shots

John Millsap -- Brother of Jazz's Paul; not retained by Flash

David Berghoefer -- Averaged 11 points, 11 boards in Germany last season

Jeremy Bell -- Leading scorer in PBL last season

It's Here...

2008-11-07T15:21:03Z

Well, the final list is out, but I'm having trouble getting it on the blog. In the meantime, here are some of the better players that came in last minute:

Smush Parker

Erik Daniels -- NBA vet, out of Kentucky

James "Flight" White

Marcus Hubbard -- Camp cut by Hawks

Coleman Collins -- Camp cut by Suns

Denham Brown -- NBA Vet, Out of UConn

Tierre Brown -- NBA Vet

David Noel -- Played for Milwaukee last season

Eddie Robinson -- REALLY Rich from a GIGANTIC Bulls contract