PE.com - College Sports

ESPN's Bad Night Good for Pac-10's UCLA, USC

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:26:37 -0800

As you listened to ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, North Carolina grad and one of a long line of ACC honks on the network that covers that league, you had to feel sorry for them last Thursday.

In an NBA Draft dominated by the Pac-10, a conference the network only looks at from afar most days, the lack of familiarity came glaringly through.

As in Scott's amazement that here was a conference "not known as a basketball power'' or words to that effect, making all the news.

Too bad Scott didn't pay attention to this note from the University of Arizona that shows that the Wildcats, with Jerryd Bayless' No. 11 lottery pick became the team with the most overall NBA Draft picks in the last 20 drafts since 1989 with 29 players selected.

That's one more than No. 2 Duke's 28 and three more than No. 3 UCLA's 26. So a Pac-10 Conference, with the first- and third-most players drafted over the last two decades, might not be a power only in the minds of those who don't pay enough attention to leagues they don't broadcast compared to the ones they do.

Here's the list of NBA Draft Choices since 1989

1. ARIZONA 29

2. Duke 28

3. UCLA 26

4. Kansas 22

5. North Carolina 21

Connecticut 21

7. Georgia Tech 19

Here's the Pac-10 office's take on the draft that had STANFORD's Brook Lopez selected 10th by the New Jersey and ARIZONA's Bayless picked 11th by Indiana, Pac-10 players comprised five of the 14 lottery picks. Stanford's Robin Lopez was chosen 15th by Phoenix and CALIFORNIA's Ryan Anderson selected 21st by New Jersey.
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WALNUT CREEK, Calif.-- USC's O.J. Mayo was taken by Minnesota with the third pick overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, followed in order by UCLA teammates Russell Westbrook to Seattle and Kevin Love to Memphis to lead a record seven Pac-10 players drafted in the first round. The previous high for the Pac-10 was five first round selections, which occurred twice - 1979 and 2001.

It was the first time three Pac-10 players were among the first five selections of the NBA draft.

DRAFT SURVEY: Love or Mayo? Biggest Steal? Biggest Bust?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:52:50 -0800

POLL: Who's the best NBA prospect?

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Sports Illustrated's Ian Thomsen wrote a nice piece on how NBA teams are struggling to differentiate between the elite combo guards available at the top of next week's NBA draft, so I thought I'd give you guys a chance to offer your opinion.

I'm no scout, but to me it's a matter of your priorities if you're an NBA team. If you're looking for defense and transition offense and have a little time to wait for your draft pick to develop, you take Westbrook. If you're looking for a score-first point guard, you take Bayless. If you're looking for the most well-rounded player who can contribute immediately, the choice is Mayo. If you're looking ... well ... I'm not sure why anyone would take Gordon out of that group.

USC Returns To Oklahoma

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:37:17 -0800

Here's the official word on the schedule for Year 2 of the Pac-10-Big 12 basketball series in December.

USC will play a return game in Norman, Thursday, Dec. 4, the same day UCLA will play at Texas.

Here's the official release:

June 16, 2008

Big 12 and Pacific-10 Announce 2008 Hardwood Series Matchups

Irving, Texas - The Big 12 and Pacific-10 Conferences have announced the dates and matchups for the 2008 Big 12 / Pac-10 Hardwood Series. The series is in its second year after beginning competition during the 2007-08 season.

The majority of the games are scheduled for December 4-7, with three taking place outside the four-day series window. Each matchup is a return contest from 2007. The 2009 games in the series will be played December 3-6, while meetings in 2010 will take place December 2-5. After this season, new pairings will be in place for the next two years of the arrangement.

Last season, the Pac-10 held a 7-5 edge over the Big 12 in Hardwood Series games. Overall, the Big 12 posted an 11-8 advantage between the conferences in regular season and postseason play. The 12 contests averaged more than 10,000 fans, drawing a total of 123,035 to the arenas.

Additional components of the series, including the times and television information will be announced at a later date.

BIG 12 / PAC-10 HARDWOOD SERIES

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Oklahoma State at Washington

UCLA at Texas

USC at Oklahoma

Friday, December 5, 2008

Arizona at Texas A&M

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Baylor at Washington State

Oregon State at Iowa State

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Kansas State at Oregon

Nebraska at Arizona State

California at Missouri

Outside the four-day series window

Colorado at Stanford (Sat., Nov. 29, 2008)

Kansas at Arizona (Tue., Dec. 23, 2008)

Texas Tech at Stanford (Sun., Dec. 28, 2008)

VOTE: Who's the Pac-10's team of the decade?

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:02:34 -0800

Thanks for all your interest in the Pac-10 Team of the Decade Tournament. Here are the first-round results and the second-round matchups so you can start casting your votes:

First Round

1. UCLA (2007-08) 1521 47%
16. USC (2006-07) 1683 53%

8. Oregon (2001-02) 36 19%
9. Arizona (2000-01) 153 81%

5. Arizona (2004-05) 96 51%
12. Stanford (2007-08) 92 49%

4. Arizona (2002-03) 124 52%
13. Oregon (2006-07) 113 48%

3. UCLA (2005-06) 1197 80%
14. USC (2000-01) 307 20%

6. UCLA (2006-07) 649 90%
11. Washington (2005-06) 69 10%

7. Stanford (2000-01) 134 78%
10. Washington (2004-05) 38 22%

2. Stanford (2003-04) 133 51%
15. Washington State (2006-07) 128 49%

Second Round

16. USC (2006-07)
Record: 25-12, 11-7 (T3rd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost in the Sweet 16 to North Carolina
Coach: Tim Floyd
Starting lineup: F. Dwight Lewis (Fr.), F. Taj Gibson (Fr.), G. Lodrick Stewart (Sr.), G. Gabe Pruitt (Jr.), G. Nick Young (Jr.)
Key reserves: Keith Wilkinson, Abdoulaye N'Diaye
Comment: The guard-heavy Trojans gelled late in the season and gave North Carolina a big Sweet 16 scare.

vs.

9. Arizona (2000-01)
Record: 28-8, 15-3 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Duke in the NCAA title game
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Richard Jefferson (Jr.), F. Michael Wright (Jr.), C. Loren Woods (Sr.), G. Gilbert Arenas (So.), G. Jason Gardner (So.)
Key reserves: Luke Walton (So.), Eugene Edgerson (Sr.)
Comment: Has there been a more talented starting five this decade than the one the Wildcats fielded in 2001?

5. Arizona (2004-05)
Record: 30-7, 15-3 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Illinois in the Elite Eight
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Ivan Radenovic (So.), F. Hassan Adams (Jr.), C. Channing Frye (Sr.), G. Salim Stoudamire (Sr.), G. Mustapha Shakur (So.)
Key reserves: Jawann McClellan (Fr.), Chris Rodgers (Jr.)
Comment: Had this team not blown a late double-digit lead against Illinois, Arizona would have been in the Final Four.

vs.

4. Arizona (2002-03)
Record: 28-4, 17-1 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Kansas in the Elite Eight
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Luke Walton (Sr.), F. Rick Anderson (Sr.), C. Channing Frye (So.), G. Salim Stoudamire (So.), G. Jason Gardner (Sr.)
Key reserves: Hassan Adams (Fr.), Andre Iguodala (Fr.)
Comment: Only a midseason loss to Stanford prevented this Arizona team from going undefeated in conference play.

3. UCLA (2005-06)
Record: 32-7, 14-4 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost in the national title game to Florida
Coach: Ben Howland
Starting lineup: F. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Fr.), C. Ryan Hollins (Sr.), G. Cedric Bozeman (Sr.), G. Arron Afflalo (So.), G. Jordan Farmar (So.)
Key reserves: Darren Collison (Fr.), Lorenzo Mata (So.), Michael Roll (Fr.)
Comment: With a shot-blocking center and long, ball-hawking wings, this was Ben Howland's best defensive team.

vs.

6. UCLA (2006-07)
Record: 30-6, 15-3 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Florida in the Final Four
Coach: Ben Howland
Starting lineup: F. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (So.), F. Josh Shipp (So.), C. Lorenzo Mata-Real (Jr.), G. Arron Afflalo (Jr.), G. Darren Collison (So.)
Key bench players: Alfred Aboya (So.), Michael Roll (So.), Russell Westbrook (Fr.)
Comment: This guard-heavy UCLA team might have brought home a 12th national title had it not run into Florida for the second year in a row

2. Stanford (2003-04)
Record: 30-2, 17-1 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Alabama in the second round
Coach: Mike Montgomery
Starting lineup: F. Josh Childress (Jr.), F. Justin Davis (Sr.), C. Rob Little (Jr.), G. Matt Lottich (Sr.), G. Chris Hernandez (So.)
Key reserves: Nick Robinson (Jr.), Dan Grunfeld (So.) Matt Haryasz (So.)
Commment: The second-round debacle against Alabama overshadows the accomplishments of what was probably Mike Montgomery's best Stanford team

vs.

7. Stanford (2000-01)
Record: 31-3, 16-2 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Maryland in the Elite Eight
Coach: Mike Montgomery
Starting lineup: F. Ryan Mendez (Sr.) F. Jarron Collins (Sr.), C. Jason Collins (So.), G. Casey Jacobsen (So.), G. Michael McDonald (Sr.)
Key reserves: Julius Barnes (So.), Justin Davis (Fr.), Teyo Johnson (Fr.)
Comment: This balanced Stanford team spent much of the season ranked No. 1 before falling to Maryland in the Elite Eight.

USC's Davon Just Being Davon

Thu, 29 May 2008 17:50:39 -0800

Rising to the top of a dubious list, or maybe dropping to the bottom of another one, former USC freshman Davon Jefferson was singled out at the Predraft Camp Thursday in Orlando.

But not in a good way.

To get a sense of the whole day, you can go to www.draftexpress.com right here http://www.draftexpress.com/article/NBA-Pre-Draft-Camp,-Day-Two-2901/ for the complete story but here's a graph from their coverage that will tell you everything USC fans thought they knew about Davon's decision to head off to the NBA.

Here it is from Jonathan Givony:

Who hurt himself the worst? Most likely Davon Jefferson. He came here out of shape, and has barely been hustling at all for the past two days. Although he was able to use his freakish athleticism to make some plays on the glass and in transition, NBA types can't be crazy about what they are seeing here. He needs to realize the urgency of the situation quickly if he wants to avoid destroying what otherwise might be a very promising future. At this point it looks very obvious that the 21-year old freshman is not ready to be in this draft, and definitely made a hasty decision hiring an agent.

USC's Jefferson Listed as One of 3 Most Intriguing

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:37:40 -0800

It's always something for former USC freshman Davon Jefferson, who is hanging on to a first round NBA draft spot at No. 26, according to www.NBAdraft.net, which lists him as one of the "three most intriguing'' prospects at the league's Predraft Camp this week in Orlando.

Turns out Jefferson and UCLA's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute ended up on the same team in the six-team round-robin that will run alongside the testing and interviewing regimen starting Thursday for the likes of the premier prospects like O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love and Russell Westbrook.

Want to check it out yourself. Go to http://www.nbadraft.net/2008nbapredraftcamp002.aspfor the latest news today as well as here for the team rosters http://www.nbadraft.net/2008nbapredraftcamp001.aspand here for NBAdraft.net's Top 100 players rated in order.http://www.nbadraft.net/2008bigboard.asp

VOTE: Who's the Pac-10's team of the decade?

Tue, 27 May 2008 01:06:55 -0800

What would happen if this past year's UCLA team met either of Ben Howland's previous Final Four teams? And could any of those defensive-oriented squads hang with the juggernaut Arizona and Stanford teams from earlier in the decade? Now's your chance to vote because I've created a Pac-10 Team of the Decade tournament to help us pass the time until college hoops gets started again.
The format for the 16-team tournament is simple: The eight most recent Pac-10 champions were seeded 1-8 with wild card spots awarded to the eight best remaining teams from 2000-2008. I listed some pertinent facts about each of the 16 teams below in case you need a refresher course on some of the ones from early in the decade.
You'll have a week to cast your votes on the first-round games, and I'll tally up the winners and post the second-round games next Monday morning. Is it a little corny? Sure. Will it be fun? I hope so too.

Pac-10 Team of the Decade tournament
First Round

1. UCLA (2007-08)
Record: 35-4, 16-2 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Memphis in the Final Four
Coach: Ben Howland
Starting lineup: F. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Jr.), F. Josh Shipp (Jr.), C. Kevin Love (Fr.), G. Russell Westbrook (So.), G. Darren Collison (Jr.)
Key bench players: James Keefe (So.), Lorenzo Mata-Real (Sr.), Alfred Aboya (Jr.)
Comment: Kevin Love's presence made this the most balanced of UCLA's three Final Four teams.

vs.

8. Oregon 2001-02
Record: 26-9, 14-4 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Kansas in the Elite Eight
Coach: Ernie Kent
Starting lineup: F. Robert Johnson (Sr.), F. Luke Jackson (So.), C. Chris Christofferson (Sr.), G. Freddie Jones (Sr.), G. Luke Ridnour (Jr.)
Key reserves: Anthony Lever, James Davis
Comment: With the two Lukes and Freddie Jones, this was the best Oregon team of the modern era and one of the Pac-10's most entertaining teams to watch.

vs.

9. Arizona 2000-01
Record: 28-8, 15-3 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Duke in the NCAA title game
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Richard Jefferson (Jr.), F. Michael Wright (Jr.), C. Loren Woods (Sr.), G. Gilbert Arenas (So.), G. Jason Gardner (So.)
Key reserves: Luke Walton (So.), Eugene Edgerson (Sr.)
Comment: Has there been a more talented starting five this decade than the one the Wildcats fielded in 2001?

5. Arizona 2004-05
Record: 30-7, 15-3 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Illinois in the Elite Eight
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Ivan Radenovic (So.), F. Hassan Adams (Jr.), C. Channing Frye (Sr.), G. Salim Stoudamire (Sr.), G. Mustapha Shakur (So.)
Key reserves: Jawann McClellan (Fr.), Chris Rodgers (Jr.)
Comment: Had this team not blown a late double-digit lead against Illinois, Arizona would have been in the Final Four.

vs.

12. Stanford (2007-08)
Record: 28-8, 13-5 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Texas in the Sweet 16
Coach: Trent Johnson
Starting lineup: F. Lawrence Hill (Jr.), F. Brook Lopez (So.), C. Robin Lopez (So.), G. Anthony Goods (Jr.), G. Mitch Johnson (Jr.)
Key bench players: Taj Finger (Sr.), Landry Fields (So.)
Comment: The Lopez twins masked this team's deficiencies at guard

4. Arizona 2002-03
Record: 28-4, 17-1 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Kansas in the Elite Eight
Coach: Lute Olson
Starting lineup: F. Luke Walton (Sr.), F. Rick Anderson (Sr.), C. Channing Frye (So.), G. Salim Stoudamire (So.), G. Jason Gardner (Sr.)
Key reserves: Hassan Adams (Fr.), Andre Iguodala (Fr.)
Comment: Only a midseason loss to Stanford prevented this Arizona team from going undefeated in conference play.

vs.

13. Oregon (2006-07)
Record: 29-8, 11-7 (T3rd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Florida in Elite Eight
Coach: Ernie Kent
Starting lineup: F. Maarty Leunen (Jr.), F. Malik Hairston (Jr.), G. Bryce Taylor (Jr.), G. Tajuan Porter (Fr.), G. Aaron Brooks (Sr.)
Key bench players: Chamberlain Oguchi (So.), Joevan Catron (Fr.)
Comment: Few people remember that this Oregon team came closer to beating Florida in the NCAA tournament than anyone else.

3. UCLA 2005-06
Record: 32-7, 14-4 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost in the national title game to Florida
Coach: Ben Howland
Starting lineup: F. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (Fr.), C. Ryan Hollins (Sr.), G. Cedric Bozeman (Sr.), G. Arron Afflalo (So.), G. Jordan Farmar (So.)
Key reserves: Darren Collison (Fr.), Lorenzo Mata (So.), Michael Roll (Fr.)
Comment: With a shot-blocking center and long, ball-hawking wings, this was Ben Howland's best defensive team.

vs.

14. USC 2000-01
Record: 24-10, 11-7 (T4th Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Duke in the Elite Eight
Coach: Henry Bibby
Starting lineup: F. David Bluthenthal (Jr.), F. Sam Clancy (Jr.), C. Brian Scalabrine (Sr.), G. Jeff Trepagnier (Sr.), G. Brandon Granville (Jr.)
Key reserves: Jarvis Turner (Sr.), Desmon Farmer (Fr.)
Comment: Trepagnier's suspension cost this team some regular season games, but the Trojans went on a memorable tournament run

vs.

11. Washington 2005-06
Record 26-7, 13-5 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Connecticut in Sweet 16
Coach: Lorenzo Romar
Starting Lineup: F. Bobby Jones (Sr.), F. Jon Brockman (Fr.), C. Mike Jensen (Sr.), G. Brandon Roy (Sr.), G. Justin Dentmon (Fr.)
Key reserves: Jamaal Williams (Sr.), Ryan Appleby (So.)
Comment: Questionable refereeing against UConn kept this Washington team from making an even deeper NCAA run.

7. Stanford 2000-01
Record: 31-3, 16-2 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Maryland in the Elite Eight
Coach: Mike Montgomery
Starting lineup: F. Ryan Mendez (Sr.) F. Jarron Collins (Sr.), C. Jason Collins (So.), G. Casey Jacobsen (So.), G. Michael McDonald (Sr.)
Key reserves: Julius Barnes (So.), Justin Davis (Fr.), Teyo Johnson (Fr.)
Comment: This balanced Stanford team spent much of the season ranked No. 1 before falling to Maryland in the Elite Eight.

vs.

10. Washington 2004-05
Record: 29-6, 14-4 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Louisville in the Sweet 16
Coach: Lorenzo Romar
Starting lineup: F. Bobby Jones (Jr.), C. Mike Jensen (Jr.), G. Tre Simmons (Sr.), G. Will Conroy (Sr.), G. Nate Robinson (Jr.)
Key reserves: Brandon Roy (Jr.), Joel Smith (Sr.), Jamaal Williams (Jr.)
Comment: Guards, guards and more guards -- this team was fast, high-flying and fun to watch.

2. Stanford 2003-04
Record: 30-2, 17-1 (1st Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Alabama in the second round
Coach: Mike Montgomery
Starting lineup: F. Josh Childress (Jr.), F. Justin Davis (Sr.), C. Rob Little (Jr.), G. Matt Lottich (Sr.), G. Chris Hernandez (So.)
Key reserves: Nick Robinson (Jr.), Dan Grunfeld (So.) Matt Haryasz (So.)
Commment: The second-round debacle against Alabama overshadows the accomplishments of what was probably Mike Montgomery's best Stanford team

vs.

15. Washington State (2006-07)
Record: 26-8, 13-5 (2nd Pac-10)
NCAA finish: Lost to Vanderbilt in the second round
Coach Tony Bennett
Starting lineup: F. Daven Harmeling (So.), F. Ivory Clark (Sr.), F. Robbie Cowgill (Jr.), G. Kyle Weaver (Jr.), G. Derrick Low (G)
Key bench players: Arron Baynes (So.), Taylor Rochestie (So.)
Comment: These Cougars came from out of nowhere to challenge UCLA for the conference title and emerge as one of the nation's top teams.

USC Ex Mayo Impresses NBA

Mon, 26 May 2008 18:30:26 -0800

Here's a link to a couple of www.draftexpress.com articles on O.J. Mayo's Chicago workouts that will open some eyes about the former Trojans' chances in the June 27 draft and in the NBA.

Simply said, these folks could not like Mayo any more than if he were their own son, nor could they predict more success for him after the talent and work ethic they say he has shown them.

Go here for the stories and video.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Cross-Country-Workout-Swing,-Part-4,-A.T.T.A.C.K.-Athletics,-Chicago-2892/

Mayo May Go From USC To NBA No. 2

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:59:10 -0800

Here's a new twist on the NBA Draft.

ESPN's Chad Ford is theorizing that if the Bulls take hometown Chicagoan Derrick Rose from Memphis with their No. 1 pick in this year's draft, it's no cinch that Kansas State's Michael Beasley will be the No. 2 guy since Miami's Heat desperatly needs a combo shooting/[point guard to pair with penetrator Dywane Wade.

And that combo guard could just be Mayo, whose workouts in Chicago with former Michael Jordan and Lakers strength man Tim Grover apparently have been impressive.

Check it out here at espn.com: http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftWatch-080523&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fdraft2008%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dford_chad%26page%3dDraftWatch-080523