2012 NBA Draft: Team Grades - Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks: John Jenkins, Mike Scott
Jenkins was bound to be picked somewhere around this range, but I don't see why the Hawks would draft someone in the first round that plays the same position as arguably their best player. However, Jenkins might be the best pure shooter in the draft, so he still can and will produce for Atlanta. Mike Scott was a solid pick at #43, averaging 18 ppg and 8 rpg at Virginia his senior year, and could work his way into the rotation this or next year. GRADE: C+


Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jeffrey Taylor
I thought that Thomas Robinson would be a better pick at #2 than Kidd-Gilchrist, given that he's a player that can produce now. MKG works very hard and there's no denying that he could be a star three years from now, still a solid pick. Taylor is also a small forward, but is more of a shooter and played great defense for Vanderbilt.  GRADE: B-

Euro 2012 Quarterfinals Provide No Surprises

Soccer fans looking for potential upsets will be left disappointed as the first stage of knockout process in UEFA Euro 2012 saw all the favorites move on. 

The first game of the knockout stage saw Portugal take on the Czech Republic in a tightly contested affair. So close in fact, that the first and only goal of the game came from Cristiano Ronaldo’s header in the 79^th minute. The Czechs put in a very respectable effort, fighting for possession in the middle of the pitch, and even double sometimes triple teaming Ronaldo. In the end though, Portugal earned the victory, a deserved one at that. The Portuguese looked more lively early on and took the game to the Czechs. While it seemed the deadlock would continue, the star man stepped up in the crucial moment.   Joao Moutinho the creator for Ronaldo’s diving header that sends Portugal through to the next round. 

2012 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

1. New Orleans Hornets: PF Anthony Davis, Kentucky; 6'10", 222 lbs


It's fair to say that Davis is the clear #1 selection for the Hornets and that won't be changing.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas; 6'9", 244 lbs


The Bobcats could improve at many positions, but they can't ignore the way Robinson matured this season. He averaged 18 ppg and 12 rpg, all while leading the Jayhawks to the National Championship game. Not to say Beal or Gilchrist couldn't go at this slot, but a big like Robinson can produce now and fit perfectly with the Bobcats.


3. Washington Wizards: SG Bradley Beal, Florida; 6'5", 202 lbs


It's safe to say that it's been a tossup between Beal and MKG for the Wizards, but after the trade they made with the Hornets, bringing in Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, SG is their weakest position. With John Wall at PG, Beal will help spread the floor, letting Wall get into the lanes to score or kick it out for an open jumper.


4. Cleveland Cavaliers: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky; 6'7", 233 lbs


The Cavaliers will be taking whoever isn't picked between MKG and Beal. Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the most hard-working players in this draft, and will prove that in Cleveland. He has a great ability to get to the basket and will also be very exciting alongside Kyrie Irving on the fast break.


5. Sacramento Kings: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina; 6'8", 228 lbs


Originally, it was looking like the Kings would take Drummond, but after workouts and interviews, they don't want to take another risk at a center like they did with Cousins. Barnes fits well with Sacramento, who often had three guards in the starting lineup this year. While he doesn't excel at one thing, Barnes is the type of player that can do it all, which will be asked for a lot from this team.


6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets): C Andre Drummond, Connecticut; 7'0", 279 lbs


Portland may be having flashbacks with this pick, thinking of Greg Oden and his injuries, but Drummond is exactly what they need. They've struggled to get a consistent big man alongside LaMarcus Aldridge that can anchor the defense, and he can do just that.


7. Golden State Warriors: PF John Henson, North Carolina; 6'10", 216 lbs


This is a tough spot for the Warriors. The top six picks all seem to be guys that will be worth the spot they're picked at, but after that, nothing is certain. Golden State will go with the best player available at this spot, and as of right now, it's Henson. Given the injuries to David Lee and newly-acquired Andrew Bogut, he will be added security who can work into the starting lineup over the next few years, while still getting plenty of playing time.


8. Toronto Raptors: SG Dion Waiters, Syracuse; 6'4", 221 lbs


The Raptors could really use a SF at #8, but none are really available that could go this high. DeMar DeRozan is pretty big, so they'll move him over to the three spot at times to make room for Dion. He was a good shooter last year for Syracuse, and has been moving up people's draft boards like crazy.


9. Detroit Pistons: C Meyers Leonard, Illinois; 7'1", 250 lbs


With the #9 pick, the Pistons are really looking for someone to pair up alongside Greg Monroe. They might like Henson more at this spot if he drops, but they won't mind at all if they take Meyers. He had a great sophomore season for Illinois, and will look to improve even more as he enters the NBA.


10. New Orleans Hornets (from Timberwolves): PG Damian Lillard, Weber State; 6'3", 189 lbs


Although Jarrett Jack had a great season, there's no way he's the future PG to be sharing the franchise with Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon. With it being a tossup between Lillard and Marshall, the Hornets should be taking Lillard due to what his offensive abilities can do for a team that otherwise lacks in that category.


11. Portland Trail Blazers: PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina; 6'4", 198 lbs


Portland will be praying that one of the top two point guards will drop down to them at this spot, and there's no real reason that Kendall Marshall won't. The Trail Blazers have complained about their PG play last season, and Marshall does a great job running an offense and finding the right guys, despite his lack of offense.


12. Milwaukee Bucks: C Tyler Zeller, North Carolina; 7'0", 247 lbs


Given the fact that they traded Bogut away, and Ilyasova is a free agent, there's no way that the Bucks don't go for a big man with this pick. With Henson and Leonard off the board, Zeller is easily the best pick in this situation.


13. Phoenix Suns: SG Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut; 6'5", 179 lbs


The Suns are still in the mindset of keeping Steve Nash this offseason, and SG is their main weakness. Lamb was a great shooter at UConn last season and will fit perfectly into the Suns' system as long as Nash is still on the team.


14. Houston Rockets: PF Perry Jones III, Baylor; 6'11", 234 lbs


Houston could really use a center like Zeller or Leonard at this postion, but if they're gone, look for Perry Jones to stay in Texas for at least a few more years. PJ3's draft stock rose and fell very quickly throughout the season, mostly because scouts questioned his laziness, despite his undeniable talent. The Rockets have some ability to take a little bit of a risk on this pick, given that they have another selection just two picks later. If he never had motivation before, Jones has plenty of naysayers to prove wrong now.

Nkemdiche Chooses Clemson...But Will He Actually Suit Up For The Tigers?

The top high school football player in the nation, defensive end Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson, Georgia, committed to the Clemson Tigers on June 14th. This came as a shock to many, as it had been speculated that Nkemdiche would wait until National Signing Day to announce his decision. It also leaves some doubt as to whether or not the star will actually play his collegiate football for Clemson. With 7 months until Nkemdiche will have to sign his letter of intent, there will be plenty of time for him to brood on his choice.

Before his sudden commitment, most recruiting experts had Nick Saban as the odds-on-favorite to land Nkemdiche, who has been called the best defensive end prospect since Julius Peppers. Between Saban's fantastic recruiting record and the influence of Nkemdiche's high school coach, Mickey Conn (an Alabama grad), it seemed that it would take a massive recruiting upset for Robert to choose anywhere but the national champions. With most followers of Nkemdiche's recruitment set in for the long haul, he took a visit to Clemson and abruptly announced his commitment.

Any followers of Nkemdiche on Twitter can tell you that he has one eye on the NFL, even as a high school junior. Clemson has had a solid record of producing pro DE's recently. Among those selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft since 2007 include Andre Branch, Jarvis Jenkins, Da'Quan Bowers, Phillip Merling, and Gaines Adams. Still, Dabo Swinney pulled a huge recruiting coup in luring Nkemdiche from the draw of the SEC. Alabama were considered favorites, with LSU, Georgia, and Ole Miss also thought of as possible destinations. Clemson had always been in the picture, but not many figured he would end up in ACC version of Death Valley.

After the Gunner Kiel recruiting fiasco of last year, Nkemdiche's early decision leaves plenty of room for doubt that the prodigy will actually sign his letter of intent for Clemson in February. And this doubt is not unfounded. With access to Twitter, the commoner now has the ability to gain insight into the personality of big time athletes. Nkemdiche does not seem to shy away from the spotlight and it is reasonable to believe that he may not like the shift of focus from him to other undecided recruits. Also, at one point he had set his announcement date for May 18th after the Grayson High School spring game because he "knew where he wanted to go". Soon after, however, his announcement was cancelled and news came out that it was possible that his announcement would have to wait all the way until National Signing Day.

These abrupt changes of heart cannot be reassuring to Clemson fans who have seven longs months to sweat out before they can feel secure that Nkemdiche will suit up for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Mark Richt, and others are sure to be in the star player's ear.

Written by Patrick McBride

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Washington Wizards

Players Returning

PG John Wall
C Nene Hilario

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#3, #32, #46

Team Needs

SF, SG

The only way to describe the play of Washington's SFs this season is terrible. There is no doubt in my mind that the Wizards should be taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from Kentucky. Not only because he's from John Wall's former school and they should have solid chemistry, but mainly because he is flat out the best player available at that spot and he just so happens to be playing the position that the Wizards need so badly. They might even be able to draft a solid SG with their #32 pick like Will Barton out of Memphis or John Jenkins from Vanderbilt to get some great playing time as well. Washington still has one year left of Rashard Lewis's terrible contract, therefore no cap space, but this may be one of the more exciting young teams in the NBA for years to come.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Utah Jazz

Players Returning

C Al Jefferson
PF Paul Millsap
PG Devin Harris

Key Free Agents

none

2012 Draft Picks

#47

Team Needs

SG, SF

The Jazz made a great run to make the playoffs this year, but were just unfortunate to run into a red-hot Spurs team. It's hard to find a glaring weakness in this team, because even though they're weak at the SG and SF, they still have young and developing Gordon Hayward and Alec Burks. Most likely the main reason that this happened is that they really won't have too much cap space in the offseason and only have one pick in the draft, and it's a mid-late second round pick. The only big moves I could see them doing is maybe trading away Millsap or somehow obtaining a backup to Devin Harris. As long as their youth at the swingman positions develops and they can stay healthy, they'll be fine for this upcoming season.

Written by Wes B.

2012 NBA Offseason Preview: Toronto Raptors

Players Returning

PF Andrea Bargnani
SG DeMar DeRozan
PG Jose Calderon

Key Free Agents

PG Jerryd Bayless

2012 Draft Picks

#8, #37, #56

Team Needs

SF, C

As far as it goes being a true PG, Jose Calderon is pretty close to the real deal, especially when you consider the roster he's working with. He's great at orchestrating the offense and finding the right guys in the right places. DeRozan is still working his way into becoming one of the better young SGs this league has to offer. They really need to beef up their front court, considering Bargnani just isn't physical enough to bang inside and grab rebounds, and Ed Davis is seeming like he could be a solid sixth man for most of his career. The problem with that, is that Meyers Leonard from Illinois may be too much of a reach at #8, and nobody else is really available at that slot. Their next hope is that Harrison Barnes will drop to them, or they'll just pick up Jeremy Lamb. They will have some wiggle room with cap space, but let's be real, no free agent that's a real difference maker will be signing to Toronto this offseason.

Written by Wes B.