Demarcus Cousins Vs Derrick Favors

There are five major components that big men need to have, they are: Athleticism, Post play, Shooting, Defence, and Quickness. Cousins and Favors need to be separated somehow.

Athleticism: Easy winner is Derrick Favors. He is the most athletic big man in this year's draft. He can jump out of the building, and he can maneuver throughout the paint very efficiently. Cousins is more of a brute strength guy. He doesn't have explosive athleticism, but don't get me wrong he is a monster down low.

Post Play:Winner is DeMarcus Cousins. He is a monster on the rebounding aspect of post play. Not only does he clean up the defensive boards, he rips offensive boards and creates second chance points. He has an arsenal of moves down low, and he can disrupt a defence enough to create room for a slashing guard. Favors is a very strong post player, but he needs a little more strength if he can compete with Cousins.

Shooting:Honestly I would like to say neither, but Cousins edges Favors by a little. Both are very poor shooters from outside the paint. Cousins gets this category because he is a better foul shooter. The good news is that shooting is very easily fixable.

Defence:The winner is Favors by a landslide. Not only does he have better form on defence, but he has much more hustle. Favors goes all out, all the time. Cousins as flashes of Defence brilliance, but more often than not, he looks like he doesn't care. He needs to pick up his hustle if Cousins wants to be a star in the NBA. In addition, Favors as a great nose for the ball on defence, he can block any shot within a 5 foot radius.

Quickness:Again the winner is Favors. He has the ability to move throughout the floor very efficiently for a big man. Again, Cousin's hustle comes into question. Will he take his lackluster approach to the game, or will he find a new motivation and kick it up a gear. If so, he could be the best player in the draft, but if not Favors should go to the Nets with the third pick.

Evan Turner Naismith Player of the Year Candidate Video

Player Spotlight:Evan Turner

Evan Turner had to go through a lot of hardship as a child. He was very sick all throughout his childhood. In his first year of being alive he had Chicken Pox, Pneumonia, Asthma, and Measles. He was in the Emergency Room every other week. This was not the last of his misfortune. He was hit by a car at the age of three, resulting in a concussion and stitches.

Throughout all of his problems he turned out to be an incredible basketball star. The Buckeye star has incredible size for a shooting guard(6'7). He can handle the rock as well as anybody in the draft. He is the best at driving to the rim in this draft class. His biggest weakness is his jump shooting. He is able to knock down the mid range shot, but not as consistently as most NBA starters. The good news is that shooting is the easiest thing to fix. It is the intangibles that Turner possess that will make him an incredible talent in the basketball world. His incredible wingspan(7 feet),he has an uncanny knack for getting to the free throw line and has the leadership to lead his team to the NBA championship.

Player Spotlight: John Wall

John Wall was Kentucky's saving grace. He took the Kentucky Wildcats to the elite eight and put the nation in a Wall crazy mood come March. He averaged 17 points and 6.5 assists per game as a freshman(stats thanks to NBAdraft.net). He did have help along the way via DeMarcus Cousins, Pattrick Patterson, Eric Bledsoe, and Daniel Orton. Wall still was the leader as only a freshman. The awards that he won were astounding. In one year he won:

2010 SEC Tournament MVP
2010 SEC Tournament First Team
2009–10 SEC Player of the Year
2009–10 First Team All-SEC
2009–10 SEC All Freshman Team
2009–10 John R. Wooden Award Finalist
2009–10 Yahoo! Sports National Player of the Year
2009–10 Yahoo! Sports First Team All-American
2009–10 Yahoo! Sports SEC Player of the Year
2009–10 Yahoo! Sports SEC Freshman of the Year
2009–10 Yahoo! Sports First Team All-SEC
2009–10 Sporting News First Team All-American
2009–10 Sporting News National Freshman of the Year
2009–10 Sporting News First Team All-Freshman
2009–10 Associated Press SEC Player of the Year
2009–10 Associated Press SEC Newcomer of the Year
2009–10 Associated Press First Team All-SEC
2009–10 CBS Sports First Team All-American
2009–10 CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year
2009–10 CBS Sports First Team Freshman All-America
2009–10 CBS Sports SEC Player of the Year
2009–10 CBS Sports SEC Freshman of the Year
2009–10 CBS Sports First Team All-SEC
2009–10 Fox Sports First Team All-American
2009–10 Fox Sports National Freshman of the Year
2009–10 Fox Sports All-Freshman Team
2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association's First Team All-America Team
2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association District IV Player of the Year
2009–10 U.S. Basketball Writers Association District IV All-District Team
Named ESPN National Player of the Week (11/16 – 11/22) in first week of collegiate career.
Named MVP of 2009 Cancun Challenge (11/25).

He will be an outstanding NBA player.

My Ranks: "1st Team All Superhero"

PG -The Flash ,6'0,190 lbs

His speed is literally out of this world, defenders would have no chance of stopping him getting to the lane. His passing would be unseen by the defenders. He would be incredible on defence with his quick hands and ability to steel the ball without the defenders seeing it. He got his powers from a lighting bolt striking chemicals that he then drank, but his lighting fast speed would make him the fastest player in the SBA.

SG-Spider-Man, 5'6 130lbs

Don't let the height fool you, he can shoot the lights out.(literally if he wanted to.) He can create great shots and opportunities for his teammates by either passing the ball via web, or tying up the opponents in a web. His web-style of play is very unique, but he has made it his own and can shoot it form any where on the court. Is remarkable 88% 3 point shooting in the superhero league made him MVP last year.

SF Mr. Fantastic, 6'1 180lbs

The perfect slasher. He can get into the lane in many different ways.(literally) His claim to fame in the Superhero Basketball Association(SBA) is having the longest dunk in history. He dunked from half court without anyone blocking him. He is a great passer and a smart player. He is the captain of the fantastic four and he is a fantastic leader for any SBA team. Mr. Fantastic is a player that every team needs.

PF Superman, 6'4 210lbs

An absolute monster on the inside. He is "faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound." He can really torment the opposing defenders. He is the fastest and strongest player at his position. He would have been named MVP last year if shooting was so poor. He needs to work on his outside game if he wants to be MVP of the SBA.

C The Hulk, 7'0 900lbs

He literally takes up the entire paint. He is unstoppable down low. His biggest problem is that he sometimes isn't angry and then he is a little wimp. He needs someone on his team to get him fired up and pissed off or he will play like Lisa Leslie. Overall he has the most upside of anyone in the league, but he also has the biggest fault.

My Ranks: 1st Team All-American(NCAA Men's Basketball 2010-2011)

PG Jacob Pullen(Kansas State)-Senior

Sharpshooter from 3 point land, can drive to the lane, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His facial hair is key to Pullen's success this year, as it is my favorite beard in the collegiate level. His Beard may be the reason he hit 5 or more 3's in eight games last year. Bottom line Pullen will play the point like Stephan Curry did in 2008, Pullen will score.

SG Ashton Gibbs(Pittsburgh)-Junior

Just like Pullen, Gibbs can shoot the ball as well as anyone in the country. He also has quickness, which he uses to get open on the perimeter. He has great basketbal IQ, and he can play great defence. He hustles more than anyone in the entire country. He has lower than average speed even though he hustles like a mad man. If his hustle continues look for the Panthers to be playing in late March.

SF LaceDarius Dunn(Baylor)-Senior

The overall best scorer in the country. He has speed and quite possibly the best ability to get to the rim and create offence all by himself. He can also shoot the lights out. His defence has been unbelievable. He has been guarding the best opposing shooter for three years and he will be harassing the opposing guards for many years in the NBA.

PF Kyle Singler(Duke)-Senior
Very good passing ability for a big man. He is able to find space and give his teammates a chance to score. He has a very good inside-outside game which makes him very difficult to defend. He needs to step up as a leader if the Blue Devils want to repeat as national champions. He also has below average quickness and does not have the ability to create shots of the dribble.

C JaJuan Johnson(Purdue)-Senior

JaJuan is a shot blocking monster. He changes the game plan of other teams because they are afraid to go inside. He has a very good shot for a 6'11 center and has very good foot speed for a big guy. He is not a great rebounder due to his lack of strength. He needs to add some muscle if he wants to be a top pick in the 2011 draft. He can jump out of the building and he can shoot free throws which are the intangibles.

Johnson and Moore pull out of draft

JaJuan Johnson and E'twaun Moore have pulled out of the 2010 NBA draft in order to reunite with Robbie Hummel in West Lafeyette next year. All three of them will be seniors for the Purdue Boilermakers next year. They have made it to the final four two straight years, losing to UConn(in 2009) and Duke(in 2010). This year they have the potential to make it to the final four. They will be a standard in the AP top 25 this upcoming year. The starting lineup for the Boilermakers will be:PG Lewis Jackson(Junior), SG Etwaun Moore(Senior), SF Kelsey Barlow(Sophomore), PF Robbie Hummel(Senior), C JaJuan Johnson(Senior).

John Wall leaves Gilbert Arenas needing a new place to keep his gun. He's also teaching the Wizards a new and different dance this year.

My First Mock Draft

1.Wizards- PG John Wall(Kentucky)*see picture: #11

2.76'ers-SG Evan Turner(Ohio State)

3.Nets-SF Derrick Favors(Georgia Tech)

4.T'Wolves- SF Wes Johnson(Syracuse)

5.Kings- PF Demarcus Cousins(Kentucky)

6.Warriors- SF Al-Farouq Aminu(Wake Forest)

7.Pistons-C Cole Aldrich(Kansas)

8.Clippers-PF Greg Monroe(Georgetown)

9.Jazz- PF Ekpe Udoh(Baylor)

10.Pacers- SF Gordon Hayward(Butler)*see picture: #20

11.Hornets-SG James Anderson(Oklahoma State)

12.Grizzles-PF Ed Davis(North Carolina)

13.Raptors-SG Avery Bradley(Texas)

14.Rockets-C Daniel Orton(Kentucky)*see picture

15.Bucks-SF Luke Babbit(Nevada)

16.Timberwolves-C Hassan Whiteside(Marshall)

17.Bulls-SG Xavier Henry(Kansas)

18.Heat-SF Damion James(Texas) *see picture:#5

19.Celtics-SF Paul George(Fresno State)

20.Spurs-C Dontas Motiejunas(Lithuania)

21.Thunder-SG Eric Bledsoe(Kentucky)

22.Portland-PF Patrick Patterson(Kentucky)

23.Timberwolves-C Solomon Albi(Fresno State)

24.Hawks-SF Quincy Pondexter(Washington)

25.Grizzles-SF Devin Ebanks(West Virginia)*see picture: #3

26.Thunder-PF Kevin Seraphin(France)

27.Nets-PG Willie Warren(Oklahoma)

28.Grizzles-SG Dom Jones(South Florida)

29.Magic-SF Larry Sanders(VCU)

30.Wizards-SG Jordan Crawford

The 5 Worst Draft Picks in NBA History

The scouts for NBA teams have one of the crucial jobs that separates the best franchises from the worst. When they pass on a hall of famer for a bust it is going to be hard to keep your job. Here is a list of the five worst draft blunder.

5. In 1993, Philadelphia passes on Penny Hardaway and Jamaal Maglore and pick Shawn Bradley(Second pick overall)

Now we will give them a little sympathy. Who wouldn't pick a 7'5 center that has mobility. He was supposed to be an absolute monster, but his career highlight was starring in Space Jam with Michael Jordan. In the NBA he averaged 8.1 points and 6.5 rebounds. Penny Hardaway went to four All-Star Games and was on the All-NBA team twice. Mashburn averaged over 19 points a game and 5 rebounds in a long career.

4. Washington picks Kwame Brown(coolest name in the NBA) with the number one overall pick and pass on Pau Gasol and Tyson Chandler.

Kwame was a complete mess for the Wizards and the Lakers. He averaged 7 points in his entire career. He is now out of the NBA, while Pau Gasol his on the footsteps of his second straight NBA Championship with the Lakers and Tyson Chandler is a force on the inside.

3. In 1996, four teams pass on Kobe Bryant because he was too skinny. Dallas, Indiana, Golden State, and Cleveland all passed on one of the most clutch players in the NBA. They instead picked Samaki Walker, Erick Dampier, Todd Fuller, and Vitaly Potapenko respectively. Kobe is one of the best players ever and the GM's of these teams are probably still kicking themselves over this gargantuan blunder.

2. In 1984, Portland Passes on Michael Jordan(and Charles Barkley) to pick the great Sam Bowie.

Everybody and their mother knows that Jordan is the best player ever to play the game Jordan went on to win six NBA championships and was a major icon in the USA. Everybody wants to be "Like Mike". Sam Bowie wasn't exactly "Like Mike". He was hurt most of his career and averaged 10 points a game. If you need to see MJ's credentials here they are.

1. Detroit passes on Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, in order to pick Darco Milicic(second pick overall).

This 2003 draft is the best draft in NBA history. Not only were Anthony, Bosh, and Wade in it, Lebron James was the first pick overall. It is always a risk to pick players form over seas. The talent doesn't seem to translate into the NBA. You can hear the fans saying, "Darco!" whenever the Heat, Raptors, or Nuggets are playing. The Pistons great franchise is now over all thanks to the worst pick ever by Joe Dumars.

Top NBA Bound Players (6-10)

SF Al-Farouq Aminu 6'8, 210lbs-Wake Forest (Sophomore)

He is absolutely the most athletic player in this draft. His is explosive off the dribble and has incredible leaping abilities. In addition he has above average length which makes him more valuable as a defender in the NBA. Aminu committed way too many turnovers in the ACC last year, but his glaring weakness is his inability to find shots. He has a hard time finding separation from defenders. He doesn't have the ability to pull up and shoot and needs to learn how quickly if he is going to be an affective NBA forward. His NBA similarity is Marvin Williams.



PF Greg Monroe 6'10, 247 lbs- Georgetown (Sophomore)

Monroe is not your average big man. He has the body of a tall, lefty center, but he has the skill set of a guard. His offence for the Hoyas when though him. He is an exceptional passer, who can create plays for his team's shooters. His biggest problem is that he is too cautious on the offensive end. He rarely looks to dominate, because he tries to make the players around him look good. He is literally too nice. He also is too weak on the interior post. He is much more effective on the high post trying to create looks for his teammates. His NBA similarity is a very big Jason Kidd.



SG Xavier Henry 6'6, 220lbs- Kansas (Freshman)

A dynamite scorer, with an eagle's eye from beyond the arc. He already has the body of an NBA guard at the age of 18. He could slash to the hoop in the NCAA but can he do it in the NBA. One of the best on the ball defenders in this years draft. He read passing lanes like their books. Has an absolutely stunning wing span, which makes him a very effective rebounder for a guard. His weakness is that he is not as strong as most of the NBA players. He is quick, but not too quick. He is explosive, but not too explosive. He has as much potential in anyone in the draft not named John Wall. His NBA similarity is Rip Hamilton.


C Cole Aldrich 6'11, 250lbs- Kansas (Junior)

He is a BIG MAN. He can establish his pr essence in the post at all times. He has excellent hands for a big man and he and the rest of his Jayhawk team were able to establish a pick and roll game because of Aldrich. Don't get me wrong Cole Aldrich is not fast, but he is quick. He is able to navigate though the post very quickly, many times leaving his defenders in the dust. His weakness is his shooting and his ability to face the basket. Just like Monroe he needs to assert himself on the offensive end. His NBA similarity is Andrew Bogut.

SG James Anderson 6'6, 195lbs- OKlahoma State (Junior)

He is an offensive guard. His offensive skills are equall to those of Xavier Henry. He can flat out shoot the rock. He has the shooting range of Ray Allen. Although he is highly touted on the offensive end, he is weak to say the least on the offensive end. He gives the opposing guards way too much room to shoot and navigate the offence from beyond the perimeter. If he wants to be an outstanding player in the NBA he Needs to improve on the defensive end. His NBA similarity is Chris Douglas-Roberts.

Wall's Balls

Tonight in Seacacus NJ, the fate of 14 NBA teams was decided by little, white ping pong balls. These teams all want one thing, the outstanding young gaurd John Wall. This was made obvious when Pacer All-Star said that he had a John Wall jersey on that he would tear off if the Pacers won. After the primary revieling the Nets, the 76'ers and the Wizards remained. The disgust could be seen on the faces of many including Danny Granger. Then it was decided The Nets will pick third, the 76'ers will pick second and the Washington Wizards will have the first pick in the upcoming NBA draft. The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the Gilbert Arenaes will be a distant memory and the Wizards will be able to compete again. The NBA Draft order will be as follows:

Washingtin Wizards

Phillidelphia 76'ers

New Jersey Nets

Minniesota T'Wolves

Golden State Warriors

Detroit Pistons

L.A Clippers

Utah Jazz

Indiana Pacers

New Orleans Hornets

Memphis Grizzles

Toronto Raptors

Houston Rockets.

The Lebron Effect

The biggest story this offseason is going to be the LeBron Saga. It is going to engulf ESPN like Brett Favre has done for the past few years. This upcoming draft is critical for Lebron's decision. You can bet that Lebron will be glued to one of the many T.Vs at his house tonight as the Lottery unfolds. There are a few teams that need to get his attention by receiving the first pick. The New Jersey Nets are one of these teams that need this pick. Not only do the Nets have plenty of cap room because of their new owner, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, Lebron has expressed interest in playing with the highly touted phenom John Wall. If the Nets win this lottery they will be in the running for having one of the best turnarounds in NBA history. The New York Knickerbockers also have a chance to sweep Lebron of his feet. The city that never sleeps has been waiting for a star to wake the knicks from their championship slumber. How can Lebron resist playing in the "greatest sports city in the world." To quote the great Jay-z, "These streets will make you feel brand new, lights will inspire you, lets hear it for New York." Lebron will just have to wait and see who gets THE John Wall.

NBA Draft Lottery

Tuesaday, May 18, 2010, is when the NBA Draft picture finally starts to clear up. Every team is on the edge of their seats waiting to see which way the balls bounce.

The 2010 NBA Draft Lottery Odds ended up like this:

NJ Nets-25% chance of winning

Minnesota Timberwolves- 19.9%
Sacramento Kings- 15.6%

Golden State- 10.4%
Washington Wizards- 10.3%

Philadelphia 76ers-5.3%

Detroit Pistons- 5.3%

L.A Clippers- 2.3%

Utah Jazz- 2.2%

Indiana Pacers- 1.1%

New Orleans- .8%

Memphis Grizzles- .7%

Toronto Raptors- .6%

Houston Rockets- .5%

Top NBA Bound Players (1-5)

1.PG John Wall- 6'4, 184 lbs- Kentucky(Freshman)

This lightning fast guard from Raleigh, NC, is possibly the best player to be in the draft since Lebron James. He has the basketball IQ of Jason Kidd, and the ability to drive to the hoop like Dwayne Wade. He is compared to Chris Paul meets Derrick Rose.

2.SG Evan Turner- 6'7, 205 lbs- Ohio State(Junior)

Unlike Wall, Turner single-handedly led the buckeyes to the Big Ten Championship. His ability to drive to the lane and pull up and shoot will land him in the top 2 in June's upcoming draft. He is compared to a better Tayshaun Prince. His defining moment as a buckeye was in the Big Ten Tourney, he hit a buzzer beater to end the rival Michigan's season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz1sSkExw8M

3. C DeMarcus Cousins- 6'11, 260 lbs- Kentucky(Freshman)

The second of four Kentucky Freshman in this year's draft. He is an absolute monster on the offensive glass. He will bring fear to the opposing team's centers for years to come. He is comparable to a young Jermaine O'Neil.

4. PF Derrick Favors- 6'9, 215 lbs- Georgia Tech(Freshman)

A super athletic Forward. He has an above average verticle, and has the basketball IQ of a guard. He was teamed up with Gani Lawal and together they formede a wall for the Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech. He is compared to Marcus Camby

5. SF Wesley Johnson- 6'7, 198 lbs- Syracuse(Junior)

An extremly athletic forward, could play guard if needed. He has the quickness of the guard and he has the ability to drive like a forward. His weakness is the fact that he is a little to timid on defence and has trouble mixing it up with the opposing team's bigs. He is comparable to Shawn Marion.