Jon Jaques

I dont think so. I think his broadcasting platform exaggerates his knowledge of the game. Would be an outstanding special assistant though, like a shooting coach brought in to hone the skills of a rookie who has potential as a three-point marksman.
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How about Israel pulling off the minor upset and beating Italy? Having lived there and played against most of those guys last season, I can say that even outside of Casspi that team has serious talent ... especially at point guard where the country seems to develop really solid, smart players.

Israel has a long way to go to compete with the elite's of the world, but for a nation that is developing its basketball reputation slowly but surely, the Italy win is a big step.
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The Pac 12 roundup thread got me thinking ... What does everyone make of Jio Fontan's season ending knee injury?

Sounds like USC will rely on a freshman point guard to get itself back to the Tournament. Don't see it happening. Curious to hear the board's thoughts on Trojans' chances to compete in Pac-12/for a NCAA bid now.
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Jared Dubin wrote:


Pop, Carlisle for sure at top of my list.

It's hard to say because there are so few coaches that last more than two or three years at one job now, but I think Nate McMillan, with a injury-free team (something he hasn't had in Portland recently) is impressive.

Also a big fan of Doug Collins' work this year in Philly. He's obviously been around the block a few times, but the dude can motivate/coach/broadcast with the best of them.

How about most overrated? Maybe it's just the Laker fan in me talking, but Doc Rivers anyone?
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Have to say, a lot of Syracuse players (other than Carmelo obviously) have been extremely overrated while in school and coming out of college.

Here's a list: see if you guys disagree ...

Eric Devendorf
J. Flynn
Paul Harris
Arinze Onuaku
Terrence Roberts

I'll add Fab Melo to that list for sure (though he's not nearly as good yet as any of those players I named were)
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absolutely agree on Abdul Gaddy. I'd say let's wait and see on Josh Smith ... if he loses weight (or even if he doesn't), simply stops fouling, and stays on the floor, he will put up monster #s this year.
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I like Myck Kabongo at Texas a lot also. That team will need a point guard ... the Canadian has a chance to jump right into the starting lineup.
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Joe Johnson. Though both are gunners, for some reason I trust Johnson more. I trust him with the game on the line. I trust him with the ball in his hands.

Monta is a more dynamic player, but JJ is more sturdy. If they breakeven otherwise, I'll take solid and sturdy over mercurial and flashy every time.
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No Pac 12 recruits from anyone??

Arizona's Josiah Turner and Nick Johnson should be really fun to watch. I'm expecting Turner especially to have huge impact in his first season
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Wrote about this today on another site. If there's any punishment at all, it will be a slap on the wrist.

The more interesting element about this investigation, imo, is the portrayal of Coach K in the media. Some outlets have been accused by those who cover constantly under fire programs like Kentucky, Uconn, Tennessee, etc ... that the national media is pro-Duke and lept to the defense of Krzyzewski.

Do you guys think if it this was Coach Cal or Calhoun the media would be so quick to try to prove his innocence?
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Dirk gets the edge for better player right now.

Overall, I agree KG gets the nod.

Both have one title now, but KG is the more complete overall player. In his prime, Garnett was the scariest matchup on both ends of the floor. Even now, KG is probably one of the few guys in the league who can matchup with Dirk on defense.

Great debate though.
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No Perkins absolutely killed the Celtics last season, but if Jeff Green emerges this season to be a presence on the floor (something he never did after the trade) it might not be a complete loss. Green is still a monster talent
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1. Kobe (2nd best all time)
2. D-Wade
3. Monta
4. Joe Johnson
5. Eric Gordon (and rising fast)
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l agree and I don't think he'll come close to matching his NBA averages.

The game over there is so bizarre, so different, and the coaches are, to be honest, so insane, so I don't think Willliams will have nearly as many chances to put up his typical all-star numbers.

For that reason, I might be more impressed if he put up 30 in Turkey than if he put up another 20 and 10 season in the NBA
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Great post:

I"m going to take the glass half-full approach and just be thankful that one of the two has made it through a work stoppage without any significant missed action (if you don't include the Hall of Fame game preseason game between my Rams and the Bears, the NFL did well to minimize the damage).

That being said, if I could only pick one of the two sports to return to action, I'd obviously choose hoops. Still have faith we'll see some NBA games before Thanksgiving.
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Just saw this ... can totally see him being a stud in the profession.

He's a former pg, qb, and he coached at Navy last season, so it's not as if he has no real experience. Love the hire ... would expect nothing less from Matta
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