Ole Miss OOC schedule

The Rebel Basketball team and AK recently released the OOC basketball schedule. While the schedule does not have powerhouses like Memphis and UConn, it still is a very solid schedule with quality oponents.

The Rebels will open the season with two NIT teams from last season in South Alabama and MVSU. Both teams fell victim to the Rebs last season, but could serve as good early season indicators of the team's ability. The Rebs follow these games with contests against Lamar and Troy before starting the difficult part of the schedule.

After the game against Troy, the Rebels will play host to the New Mexico Lobos and new coach Steve Alford, UCF, who finished second in the CUSA behind Memphis, and then the always dangerous Winthrop. The Winthrop game will be played in Jackson and should be one of the more entertaining games of the season. Winthrop is fresh off a recent Sweet 16 appearance and has become widely known as an upset machine the past few years. After this game, the Rebs will travel to NOLA to take on the Privateers of New Orleans. This is another team that was on the schedule last year.

Following this road battle, the Rebs will fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico to participate in the San Juan Shootout. Fellow 20 game winners Clemson and Depaul will also be in this tournament and could face Ole Miss. I'm sure the Rebels would welcome a matchup with either of these two teams to boost RPI/Strenght of Schedule and to showcase the talent on their team for the SEC play that is just around the corner. The Rebs then will play in-state rival Southern Miss in Southaven, MS and will hope to prove their dominance over this familiar foe. AK will wrap up the OOC schedule with Alabama A&M before starting the tough SEC schedule.

The best part of this season is the scheduling job done by Andy Kennedy, White and all the other assistants. The staff was able to bring in some quality opponents to Oxford and was able to schedule all of the home games during times when the students will be on campus. The students proved to be a huge difference maker last season for the team and Kennedy and the staff are hoping that the same is true for next year.

Interesting Stat

This is for those of you who still say Ole Miss shouldn't have fired Cutcliffe and that O doesn't know what he's doing.

Since 1996 Ole Miss has had three coaches and signed the top player in MS 8 of those times. Let's see how the coaches did in grabbing those players.

Tubberville - 3 years as a head coach and signed the top player in MS three times.
Cutcliffe - 6 years as a head coach and signed the top player in MS two times.
Orgeron - 3 years as a head coach and has signed the top player in MS three times.

If Ole Miss was so well off under Cutcliffe, how come he couldn't convince the in-state talent to come to Ole Miss? The guy is a good coordinator, terrible coach, and left this team in big trouble. Stats don't lie.

The Roster has been filled

The Grizz came to terms with SG Casey Jacobsen tonight. Jacobsen signed a one year deal. Details of the contract were not released per team policy.

CJ is going to provide a good bench guy who can come in and nail three pointers. Many fans are upset over the signing but I don't think they realize all we were looking for was a guy who can come in off the bench when neeeded and give us a few minutes. With the money we had available, this is a great signing.

Well, it would be surprising...

Tony Barone was recently on Sports 56 and told Grizz fans that the Grizzlies were going to sign someone that would both "please and surprise" the fanbase. I thought this was the first sign that my Matt Barnes prediction was going to come true, however, reports have been circulating lately that Casey Jacobsen is going to be that signee.

While this would surprise me, it isn't exactly pleasing. Jacobsen is a great, pure shooter. He has also been out of the NBA for the past two seasons playing in Europe. Casey has dominated the European league garnering Finals MVP and lofty offensive numbers. He is playing against inferior talent though.

Chris Wallace said there were four issues the Grizzlies needed to address this offseason: frontcourt, point guard, three point shooting, defense on the wings. The Grizzlies vastly improved our front court problems with Darko Milicic and Andrew Brown, shored up the PG position with the return of Kyle Lowry and by drafting Mike Conley, Jr, and could fix the three point problem by signing Casey Jacobsen. This still leaves us with a defensive weakness on the wing. While Mike, Gay, and Jacobsen would be a potent offensive threat, they provide little help defensively. I was hoping Wallace could have lured Matt Barnes here and solved both problems with one player. However, I would be content with Casey Jacobsen and I'm still excited about the direction this team is going under Chris Wallace.

Huge news for Rebel Roundballers

Andy Kennedy and the Rebels recieved huge news today when Malcolm White was declared eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse. White is the most highly recruited player in Rebel basketball since Justin Reed. Most everyone had written White off and he was expected to attend prep school. Now, White will add to a great mix of veterans and youth. White gives the Rebs even more length and athleticism. He makes the Rebs at least 2 deep at every position on the court now. Take a look at the roster.

PG - Chris Warren (Fr) Trevor Gaskins (Fr) Brian Smith (Sr)
SG - Eniel Polynice (So) David Huertas (So) Zach Graham (Fr) Rodney Jones (So)
SF - Wesley Jones (Jr) Terrence Watson (Jr) Huertas/Graham/Polynice
PF - Malcolm White (Fr) Kenny Williams (Sr) Jones
C - Dwayne Curtis (Sr) Jeremy Parnell (Sr) Kevin Cantinol (Fr)

This is a versatile line up that will allow Ole Miss to play a half court game or run all day long. The talking heads are predicting a down year for Ole Miss, but I don't think they realize how improved this team is. We have four seniors on the team, lost three last season, are taller, more athletic, and have a head coach with one full season of head coaching experience under his belt. I'm expecting big things from this team.

We're singing Go Cubs Go

I've been reluctant to write anything about the Cubs lately. It hasn't been because of poor play, but because I've been afraid of jinxing this cursed franchise. The Cubs have been on fire since the supposed implosion early June. The turmoil started with a fight in the dugout between ex-Cubs catcher Michael Barrett and star pitcher Carlos Zambrano. The two were seen exchanging words in the dugout and Zambrano began throwing fists at Barrett. The fight then continued in the dugout after both players were pulled from the game. The next day there was more controversy when Cubs manager Lou Piniella was ejected after blowing up after a call at third base. All the so called experts began saying that this team was in trouble and steps had to be taken to right the ship. I disagreed, I thought these two events, especially the Zambrano/Barrett fiasco would bring the team together. I was right.

Since June 3 the Cubs have been the best team in the league and are now in contention for the NL central and the Wild Card race. It hasn't been one player, or one side of the ball that has spurned this turn around. The team has been solid up and down the line up and pitching staff. A scary thought for the opposition is that the Cubs are starting to get healthy. Cliff Floyd has been battling nagging injuries, Henry Blanco has been sidelined by a strained right shoulder, Kerry Wood has been dominant in his rehab starts, Wade Miller is coming on, closer Ryan Dempster is expected back any day, and Daryle Ward should be back in a couple of weeks. Derrek Lee is also currently serving a five game suspension. The Cubs have been able to overcome the lack of these players with solid performances from Mike Fontenot, Theriot, Carlos Marmol, Hill, Marshall, and other Cubs youngsters.

Right now, the Cubs are 2.5 games out of both the Wild Card and NL Central lead and are poised to take over the NL Central with the return of their better players and the newly discovered talent from the "fill-ins."

Rebel Club Meeting

I went to the Memphis Rebel Club meeting tonight to hear what the coaches had to say about their upcoming seasons, recruiting, and various other topics. The only disappointing part of the evening was the absence of Andy Kennedy due to recruiting. I'm glad that he put recruiting infront of the meeting, but I was really looking forward to his talk. Despite his absence, the meeting was enjoyable and has increased my excitement about the direction of the Athletic Department.

Few thoughts/observations about the night

-Woohoo, Miss Americas
-The crowd seemed unsure whether or not to boo or clap when Pete Boone was announced to speak
-It's upsetting to me that we can't get enough money to build a basketball practice facility.
-The new baseball stadium is going to be amazing
-Next year has to be the year we finally make it to the CWS, there are no excuses.
-Seth Adams appears to be our starter this season
-Mico is on track to qualify
-Was Coach O dropping hints on Powe?
-QB appears to be our only glaring weakness in football, WR would be our next weakest position.
-Tiger High sucks.
-NO redshirts!

Damnit, September needs to get here soon.

Grizz sign another

The Grizzlies signed PF Andre Brown today to bolster their frontcourt. Brown will replace Alexander Johnson in the rotation and will hopefully provide more athleticism off the bench in situations where he is needed. Brown is 6'9", 245 pounds, and is known for his athleticism and dunking ability. The knocks are Andre are his jumpshot, range, and less than mediocre post moves. The Grizz don't really need a back to the basket player with Pau already feeling that need, so Brown could be a much better fit in this system than Alexander Johnson.

He's basically a poor man's Kenyon Martin. Here's a video to prove it.


I'm still waiting for that Matt Barnes signing...

Random thoughts (Grizz, Cubs, Dolphins, Rebs)

The Grizz signed Darko to a contract recently. I'm a huge fan of this deal, although numerous people have voiced concerns over signing such an unproven player to a multi year deal. This people are morons. Who else did the Grizz have to chose from that was proven? An aging Jamal Magloire, D-league journeyman Mikki Moore, and equally unproven Anderson Varejao? Darko is clearly the best prospect out of these players. He is 22 years old, 7 feet tall, 275 pounds, can pass, shoot, bang down low, block shots, and has a copious amount of untapped potential. If that's not enough to convince you Darko was a great signing you should remember we hired one of the best big man coaches in the league in Mark Iavaroni as our new coach last month. Also, Vareajo and Moore, older players whose stats are no better than Darko's, got signed to contracts of equal or greater length. Kudos to Chris Wallace and a job well done so far.

On another Grizz related note...why are we trying to sign Juan Carlos Navarro? This is a guy who has never played in the NBA, was a second round pick, and is 27 years old. Yes, he has been tearing up the Spanish leagues over the past few years and has continually improved his game, but he is a 6'3 unproven shooting guard. I really hope the only reason Wallace and the Grizz are pursuing JCN is not because they want to suffice Pau's whining...A much better option for the Grizzlies is Matt Barnes. Barnes had a great year last year could come relatively cheap. Barnes has not garnered the interest he though he would after this past season and could come relatively cheap. The knock on Barnes is that he is a product of Don Nelson's system and does not have the ability to contribute to other teams. However, the Grizz are basically implementing the same system Nellie used in GSW so even if Barnes is a product of a system he will be in that same system and hopefully be able to continue his improvement and contributions.


How about those Cubbies? 16 of their last 20 and the best team in baseball since June 3. I would just like to say to all those who told me I was crazy for predicting the Cubs would turn it around after the Sweet Lou outburst and Barrett-Zambrano melee that the Cubs would turn it around. While the season isn't over yet I'm liking how the team is performing lately

Don'ty look now but not only are the Cubs cruising along but they are also getting healthy. Kerry Wood has made a rehab start and is on his way back, Ryan Dempster is scheduled to play today, Wade Miller has begun his rehab, and Henry Blanco should be back soon too. Not only are they getting healthy but they also just acquired Jason Kendall from the A's. Kendall is one of the better hitting catchers in his career but has struggled some this season with the A's. Let's hope all he needs is a change of scenery.

The Dolphins are going to suck again this year. Yes, we got Trent Green but did you see our draft? What the hell were we thinking taking Troy Ginn, Jr that high and over Brady Quinn? I'm still in shock over that. Not only did we add zero talent via the draft, Chris Chambers just got arrested for DWI and with freur Goodell in charge he'll probably be suspended a few games.

Just to give Ole Miss a mention I'd like to throw out the fact that I'm not excited at all about having Seth Adams being our starting QB. Let Herrick play!

Are You Ready?

It's about that time of the year again. Yes, football time. Baseball is starting to lose the appeal it had earlier this summer, basketball is in a dead period, and football is two months away. Being a life long Southerner I live for those Saturdays during the late summer and fall, especially now that I attend these games as a student of the best team in the land, Ole Miss.

There's something about the South and football, it like its own religion. This isn't a religion from the end of August to the beginning of January, it is a practice that requires a year long commitment. The "religious" season starts at the beginning of January when the coaches shift focus from on the field strategies to recruiting. It's first big holiday is in February on Signing Day. This is the day when all future players commit to the school of their choice. At times this recruiting process can be as heated as the game itself, especially among rival fans. Signing Day is followed by spring practice and the annual Spring Game, which features the first and second string teams, offense and defense, competing against each other. To me, this is the biggest tease in America, because it only makes us miss football more, when it is still months away. The summer is filled with worries over recruits making the grades and the beginning of trash talk for the upcoming season. September finally arrives and the games begin.

To me, there is nothing better than sitting in the stands and watching two SEC teams slug it out on the field. No other conference has the tradition, talent, or pagentry that the SEC boasts. The SEC produces some of the best NFL players, is the strongest conference in football, and has the best fans in the world. Where else can you see 50,000 packing The Grove taillgating before the game, even though Ole Miss is 3-5, or see 100,000 screaming hillbillies in Orange packed into a football stadium, what other school can boast their crowd is so raucous that they once made so much noise it measured as a small earthquake? You can only find this in the SEC, and that's why the SEC is the best conference in football.

So, we're at the end of July right now, and the season is a little over a month away, and tensions are already high with the anticipation of the approaching season. This season there are numerous things to be excited about, Nick Saban's return, Tim Tebow, McFadden's run at a heisman, a Florida repeat opportunity, and other stories relating to your team of choice.

The story Im going to be following the closest is the QB battle in Oxford between Seth Adams, Michael Herrick and Brent Schaeffer. Seth Adams emerged from the Spring as the apparent leader to be the starting QB for Ole Miss when they take the field September 3 against the Memphis Tigers. However, not everyone is thrilled with the thought of Seth Adams leading the Rebs all season long. Adams was not heavily recruited out of high school and walked on to the football team. He was the most accurate passer on the team last year, stastically, but posesses many similarities to a former Ole Miss QB named Seth Adams. Seth is basically a statue in the pocket and his game relies on being able to make quick, short passes to his recievers. Seth is going to have to improve on his medium range game and his long ball if he wants to be an effective QB in the SEC.

Brent Schaeffer, last year's stater, is another player vying for the starting job. Schaeffer was heralded as the savior of the program when he signed with Ole Miss out of JUCO. He was annointed the starter before anyone ever saw him take a snap and he was instantly loved by the Rebel fans. His relationship with the fans didn't last very long. Schaeffer quickly soured his reputation and became one of the biggest busts in football. A 5 star QB out of JUCO and a freshman standout at UT, Schaeffer is now a sub-par QB who couldn't handle the pressure and quickness of life as an SEC QB. The majority of Ole Miss fans have written of Schaeffer and are welcoming Seth in as the new starter, but I'm still not sold. Schaeffer still is ridiculously talented and has a cannon arm, he just needs to improve his decision making...quite a bit. I also think Schaeffer gives Ole Miss the ability to win games with his playmaking ability. This is something Adams does not have, Adams will be able to keep Ole Miss in games, but I'm not sure he has the ability to rise to the occasion and make the big play to win the game. With the ball in Schaeffer's hands you never know what is going to happen...

Michael Herrick is the third candidate for the job and the darkhorse to get it. Herrick owns the California state record for passing yards and has a strong and extremely accurate arm. The knock on Herrick is size and experience. Herrick has come along since when he first arrived on campus and has put on about 20 pounds and is now a legitimate 6'1". All of his hardwork and weight training may pay off and get him a shot at running the team in 2007. If Herrick steps in next season and takes over the team and performs well the Rebs will see another heated QB competition between Herrick and Jevan Snead the next year.

As it stands, I'm going to go with what I saw in the Spring and predict that Seth Adams is the opening game starter for the Rebs. I will not be surprised to see Herrick playing full time as the season goes along, and the same can be said about Brent. It will be an interesting season for the Rebs no matter who is behind the center.

Fortunately for the Rebs, the second part component of a backfield is going to relieve pressure from the quarterback the position. The Rebels are returning 1000 yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis for his senior year, and have fellow senior Bruce Hall as well as Sophomore Cordera Eason accompanying BJGE. Bruce Hall has put on weight this offseason, the good kind, in hopes of becoming a more powerful runner for the Rebs next year. Cordera Eason wowed both the coaches and the fans this Spring. In the Red/Blue game Eason erupted for 120 yards and was clearly the player of the game. Eason was a four star prospect out of high school and the number one rated back in Mississippi. The Rebs are hoping this three headed monster at tail back are able to carry them through this season and hopefully to a bowl game.

A major question mark for this Ole Miss team is its thin WR corp. The Rebs had a great class when it came to recievers in David Rue, Lionel Breaux, A.J. Jackson, and Roderick Davis, but it appears that only one of these player will qualify. Jackson, Rue, and Davis are projected as falling victim to grade casualties. This leaves Breaux who many have projected as a DB at the college level, but may see time at WR this year due to a lack of depth. The Rebs are returning some young talent at the position. Dexter McCluster will be back in action for the Rebs after he suffered a season ending injury off a vicious hit in the Vandy game. Marshay Green will probably the number one reciever for the Rebs and will have help from Mike Wallace, Shay Hodge, Mico McSwain, and Michael Hicks who all contributed last year. If A.J. Jackson and Rod Davis can get their act together and make it to campus the Rebs will change this current weakness into a major strength.

TE is one position the Rebels hope will be a bright spot next season. The two main targets will be sophomore Robert Hough and senior Robert Lane. Lane is returning from a disappointing junior campaign riddles with nagging injuries and inconsistent play. To Lane's defense, his lack of production can be attributed to the pathetic QB play the Rebs endured. Outside of these two the Rebs don't have any proven players. Former OL, David Traxler has been converted to TE and QB Billy Tapp will also be moved to TE. Greg Hardy can play TE if necessary as well.

The Offensive line, according to the coaches, is the strength of the team this season. Art Kehoe has done a great job transforming this line into a solid group of players. The Rebs are returning 4 of the 5 starters from last year, Andrew Wickers graduated, and they are looking to improve on their solid season last year. The line is anchored by Junior Michael Oher and Sophomore John Jerry. Both players have started as true freshmen and are expected to be high selections in the NFL draft when it's their turn to enter. Maurice Miller had a solid year last year and has made great strides in improving his footwork and mobility according to the coaches. Corey Actis is the heart and soul of the line. Actis is the senior and a blue collar type player who is going to give it his all on every play and try to lead his team to the best of his ability. The final spot on the line is still up in the air. The battle is between Reid Neely, the surprise of the spring, and Daryl Harris who missed most of last season due to a knee injury. The advantage appears to go to Neely, but having Harris on the bench will provide the Rebel O-line with even more depth. Thomas Eckers is another Rebel who saw playing time last year and is expected to contribute off the bench. The Rebels also added a quartet of solid freshmen via recruiting. The most heralded of these signees is Rishaw Johnson who may see some early playing time as a freshman this season. Mark Jean-Lewis is another player who may come in late and vye for a starting position in the fall. Bradley Sowell is the hardest worker out of this group and has gone to great lengths this spring and summer to lose weight and get in better condition to make an impact for Ole Miss. Alex Washington is the last OL signee of the 2007 class who has great size and potential. With the depth and youth of the line, the Rebs are hoping the line can continue to gel and become a dominant force over the next few years.

The Defensive line, like the offensive line, is the a position where the Rebs can pretty much guarantee consistency. The line did not lose any players last year and is returning freshmen All-Americans Greg Hardy and Marcus Tillman at the DE position. The Rebels are loaded at the DE position with Chris Bowers, Peria Jerry, and Kentrell Lockett. The Rebs may not have the biggest Dline in the league but they have a line that is full of speed and strength. DTs Brandon Jenkins and Jeremy Garrett will provide the Rebs with some beef in the middle to clog up the holes. Backing up these two will be Daverin Geralds, who had a great spring according to the coaches, and converted TE Cecil Frison. The Rebs also had a great signing class for DLs. They were able to sign 4 star DT, Ted Laurent, who will contribute immediately if he arrives on campus, Chris Strong who was an Army All-American and will be a monster on the line when he arrives, and two other DTs in Lawon Scott and Justin Sanders.

The LB corp is a major concern for the Rebs. Ole Miss lost Garry Pack, Quentin Taylor, and all-worlds Rory Johnson and Patrick Willis this past season. This has left the Rebs with only two returning LBs in Jonathan Cornell and Antonio Turner. The Rebs are going to rely on transfers and recruits to try to fill in the gap left by the departure of last season's LBs. Tony Fein, a four star JUCO transfer is expected to take over at MLB for the Rebs. Fein is 24, strong, athletic, fast, and a bruiser. While he has some huge shoes to feel, Fein should ease the Rebels concerns of having a player to replace Patrick Willis. Jonathan Cornell will undoubteldy be the second starter at a OLB position. Cornell played significantly last season and will add tremendous speed to the Rebels LB corp. Another JUCO transfer, Lamar Brumfield, is expected to recieve the final LB spot. Brumfield comes to Ole Miss from Compton CC and was named the team MVP while he was there. Also adding depth and speed to the LBs are converted safeties Allen Walker and Ashlee Palmer who will see the field plenty during this season. JAmie Phillips, a transfer from NWMCC, is another surprising player from this Spring who will vye for playing time come this fall. While the Rebels have been charged with the impossible task of replacing two NFL caliber LBs in Patrick Willis and Rory Johnson, Coach O and company have done a fantastic job of recruiting good, athletic, talent that can step in and perform at the LB position.

The Rebel secondary is going to have to replace Charles Clark and NFL draftee Trumain Mcbride this season, but it still returns plenty of experience. Jamarca Sanford is back at his natural position of SS after playing some LB last season, Kendrick Lewis seems to be holding down the FS position, and Cassius Vaughn and Dustin Mouzon are slated as the starting CBs coming out of the spring. Luckily for the Rebs, the depth does not end there. Ashlee Palmer and Allen Walker are Safety/LB combo players who can step in and provide more than adequately if need be, Nate Banks is a seasoned player who will be a great nickel back and back up CB, Terrell Suggs is another player who has seen playing time on the field and will compete for a starting position before the fall. The Rebs also added 4 DB recruits who will probably not see much playing time this season but are capable of coming and filling in if injuries get out of hand in the secondary this season.

Special Teams appears to be solid at Kicker and the return game, but the situation at Punter is iffy. Joshua Shene is coming off a freshman All-American season and hopes to continue his success as a Sophomore. Marshay Green and Dexter McCluster will be our return men, and with those two returning kicks opposing teams are going to have to be careful. While these two positions are more than locked down, the punter question is in the air. Rob Park has been the Rebs Punter the past two seasons, but he has been inconsistent and does not have a great leg. In the offseason, Ole Miss signed a Punter from a JUCO in CA who could come in and take the starting job away from Rob Park.

SPL Game One

The Grizzlies opened up their Summer Pro League games with a showdown against Yi Jianlian and team China. It was the opening game to the SPL season and it proved to be a great opener. The Grizzlies were able to overcome the Chinese team 86-77, largely in part to the efforts of Rudy Gay.

Rudy Gay excited the crowd early with a nice baseline drive dunk. That dunk was soon outdone though minutes later. Rudy Gay had the ball on the block against Yi, and he was trying to make a move around him to get to the hoop. Gay faked inside, stopped, spun, got passed Yi and...just watch the video.



Gay had a great night for the Grizz shooting 7-11 from the field, 2-3 from three, grabbed 6 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals, and completed the night with 21 points. Gay could have gone off for even more but it was evident he toned down his game in the second half in order to get his teammates more involved.

Gay wasn't the only Grizz to have a solid night, the Grizzlies PGs of the future also proved why they Grizz fans have something to be excited about this upcoming season. Kyle Lowry, a second year player out of Villanova, had two highlight reel dunks on the night, 13 points on 5-10 shooting, and 5 assists. Not to be out done, this year's first round pick, Mike Conley, had 12 points on 4-6 shooting, 3 steals, 5 rebounds, and 0 turnovers in over 20 minutes of play.

Last season's surprise, Tarence Kinsey, picked up where he left off at the end of last year's regular season. Kinsey finished the night with 20 points on 7-10 shooting, including 2-4 from the beyond the arc.

Another notable player is Rod Benson. Benson played 20 minutes and scored 6 points on a perfect 3-3 shooting night.

The Grizzlies did not play 2005 second round pick Sergei Lishouk in yesterday's game. Lishouk is coming off a year where he earned DPOY and was awarded first team honors in his Ukranian basketball league.

The Grizzlies will tip off again Monday against the Detroit Pistons. Game time is set for 5:00 CDT.

Grizzlies Free Agency

This is going to be a short post discussing rumors and speculations concerning who the grizzlies will be pursuing in Free Agency. The Grizzlies are one of the few teams in the NBA this season who have a respectable amount of cap room, unfortunately this is not a huge year for Free Agents. The two biggest FAs this offseason are Rashard Lewis, who has signed with the Magic, and Chauncy Billups, who appears to be headed back to Detroit. These two players are not on the Grizzlies radar anyways, so it their signings are of no concern to Wallace and the Grizz brass. The two players the Grizzlies are concerned about are Anderson Varejao and Andres Nocioni.

Nocioni seems to be number one the Grizzlies list. GM Chris Wallace has even gone down to Argentina to speak with Nocioni about signing a potential deal. Gasol and Iavaroni have also joined in on the recruitment through phone calls trying to sell Iavaroni on the idea of becoming a Grizzlie. One problem with Andres is that he is not an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls think highly of Nocioni and will probably match any offer around the MLE, and barring a mental lapse by Wallace the Grizzlies won't offer anything much higher than the MLE.

Anderson Varejao is the other major player in Free Agency. Varejao is the ideal big man for the Grizzlies new up tempo style from a size stand point. He's 6'10" 240 pound center who can run the floor, hustle, rebound, and has a decent ability to score. While his numbers may not be that impressive he is considered a great up and coming center prospect. The Grizzlies would love to be able to sign him, but like the Bulls and Nocioni the Cavs covet AV and may force the Grizz to do a sign and trade in order to get Varejao.

Darko is another big man that is UFA this offseason. Darko, a former 2nd overall draft pick by the Detroit Pistons, just finished up his most productive season of his career for the Orlando Magic and is looking for a contract in the neighborhood of 10 million a year. He won't get that. Darko, like Varejao, would be another good fit for the Grizzlies new style of play. Darko has some work to do on the offensive end of the floor but showcased his defensive assets last season for the Magic. The Magic are currently trying to unload some of their contracts to free up cap space to sign Darko, but the Grizzlies could tender a rather large contract to him in hopes of luring him away from Orlando.

Mikki Moore is the final legitimate free agent big man the Grizzlies may pursue. I'd rank him last on the list though due to age and size. Moore was a vital part in New Jersey last year, but he is not that bruiser that the Grizzlies are looking for to take some pressure of Pau Gasol. The other knock on Mikki Moore is that he is already over 30, while the other Free Agent big men are no older than 25 and will be around the NBA for a much longer time period.

While the Grizzlies appear to be set a PG, Derek Fisher may be a possible acquisition this offseason. The veteran PG, who spent last season with the Jazz, was released from his contract in order to pursue treatment options for his daughter. Fisher's daughter was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer and he is considering sending her to St. Jude Children Research Hospital for treatment. If Fisher does decide to send his daughter there it's highly possible he may sign with the Grizzlies. However, Fisher is not going to put the NBA first at this time and I wish him and his daughter the best and hope they are able to treat and cure her unfortunate malady.

Team by Team Draft Overview

Portland Trail Blazers - The Blazers had another extremely active draft this year and added 8 new players to their lineup. The past draft the Blazers added LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Sergio Rodriguez, Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau. This year the Blazers parted way with Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau while adding Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, Demetris Nichols, Steve Francis, Channing Frye, Taurean Green, Petteri Koponen, and Josh McRoberts. The interesting part of all these additions is the number of point guards that are now on the Blazers roster. The Blazers already had Rookie of the Year, Brandon Roy, Jarrett Jack, and Sergio "Spanish Chocolate" Rodriguez. Through the draft and traded they added Steve Francis, Taurean Green, and Petteri Koponen. That gives them 6 point guards on the roster. One way they may try to solve this problem is to buy out Steve Francis ridiculous contract, put Jarrett Jack on the trading block, or cut some of their 2nd round draft picks. Despite the influx of point guards the Blazers had a great draft night. The best part of their night, besides drafting Greg Oden, was ridding themselves of Zach Randolph and his cancerous attitude to allow them to have a frontline of LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. The Blazers are the youngest team in the league and probably one of the best thanks to these past two drafts.

Seattle Supersonics - The Sonics weren't nearly as active as the Blazers on draft night but still had a very productive night. The Sonics started the night by making the easiest selection in Draft history by taking Kevin Durant #2. Durant will have an instant impact on the Sonics and could be the biggest star out of this draft class. The Sonics then also took advantage of an inept Danny Ainge and were able to trade a past-his-prime Ray Allen and Glen Davis for Jeff Green, Delonte West, and Wally Sczerbiak. The Sonics not only added quality players but they now have solid Small Forwards to step in and take over if Rashard Lewis decides to leave via Free Agency.

Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks, surprisingly, had a very solid draft. The took instant production down low with their selection of Al Horford at the third slot and added their point guard for the future in Acie Law IV at number eleven. These two players should step in immediately and improve a young, but talented Atlanta team.

Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizzlies took Mike Conley, JR with the fourth pick in the draft. Conley is heralded as the best PG in the draft and has drawn comparison to Nash and Tony Parker. He has blinding quickness, can get to the rim with the best of them, and makes superb decisions once he gets the ball into the lane. He fits in really well the new system the Grizzlies and Iavaroni are trying to adapt in Memphis. The Grizzles only had this one selection in the draft and will probably look to Free Agency to add an athletic big man to complement Gasol down low. Anderson Vareajo?

Boston Celtics - The Celtics moronically traded away their fifth pick in this draft for Ray Allen and Glen Davis. While Ray Allen was a fantastic player and still has some game left in him, he's 32 years old and has two surgically repaired ankles. Allen can't have more than one or two productive years left in him. The Celtics could have taken Jeff Green who could have not only complimented Pierce for the next couple of years but suceeded Pierce as their SF/SG for the years to come. The Celtics other addition, Glenn Davis, is basically Antoine Walker reincarnated. I'm not a fan of Davis as a player, but we'll see if he proves me wrong.

Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks took a huge gamble at number six by selecting Yi. Not only has Yi refused to workout against other players, but he also refused to work out for the Bucks because they don't have any Chinese people in Milwaukee. It is possible that Yi could hold out from the Bucks camp and/or demand a trade. The value teams would offer for Yi would not be nearly as much as the Bucks could have gotten with the sixth pick and could set this team back.

Minnesota Timberwolves - The Timberwolves took Corey Brewer with their first round pick. Brewer is a defensive specialist who will be a very good player in the Association. There are questions about his offensive ability, but I don't think his deficiencies on this end will hinder his career too much. I am a big fan of this pick, but I don't think he is going to make the Timberwolves a playoff team, even if they end up keeping Garnett.

Charlotte Bobcats - The Bobcats recieved a barrage of criticism from many NBA analysts for their draft day actions, but I'm going to disagree with them. The Bobcats traded Brandan Wright, their selection at #8, for Jason Richardson. The Bobcats had no need for Brandan Wright, they already have Brezec, Okafor, and May down low. The Bobcats desperately needed a SG and they got one of the most exciting ones in the league with Jason Richardson. If the Bobcats are able to resign Gerald Wallace then they will easily be a playoff team next season. The Bobcats also grabbed Jared Dudley at #22. Dudley is a very scrappy player who will hustle and do all the little things for the Bobcats. I felt there were better selections at #22 for Charlotte, but this pick wasn't that bad. I personally would have gone after Afflalo or Fernandez. The Bobcats were also able to acquire Jermareo Davidson in the Brandan Wright deal. Davidson is an intriguing prospect with a Chris Bosh type body. If he fine tunes his skills he could hang around the league.

Chicago Bulls - I was very disappointed with the Bulls draft. They took Joakim Noah. Why? The reason the Bulls weren't in the conference finals this year was because they had no post game. So they sign a guy who will be lucky to average double figures at any point during his NBA career? It makes no sense. The Bulls did select Aaron Gray in the second round who was a very proven scorer in college, but may lake the quickness and strength to be effective in the NBA.

Sacramento Kings - The Kings took Spencer Hawes. Hawes is a decent big man with some good low post moves. However, he can't rebound or play defense, two things the Kings really need. I can't criticize the Kings here because Hawes was the best available pick here considering their needs.

Philadelphia 76ers - The 76ers really surprised me by taking Thaddeus Young at number 12. Even though Young was one of my favorite players in the draft, the pick made no sense from Philly's standpoint. The Sixers already have the other AI, Carney, and Kyle Korver on the wing, so why would they take another 2/3 combo? The sixers then added another 2/3 combo in Derrick Byars in the second round. They did make on smart move in trading Daquean Cook for Jason Smith. Smith is a great scorer who could see some significant playing time in Sixer uni this season.

New Orleans Hornets - This is another team's draft that I was not thrilled with. The Hornets added to their log jam at the 3 spot. The Hornets really needed a three point threat with this pick, they have Peja but he's been injury proned as of late. I would have them expected to try out Nick Young, but Wright will be able to provide them with a stronger defense.

Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers took the best available approach to the draft and took Al Thornton at 14. Thronton wowed teams with his work out this year, but may have trouble finding a true position in the league. Thornton is a 6'9 tweeer who does not have a true post game or outside shot. However, thornton can approve on either one hang around in the NBA. The Clippers did need a PG since Livingston is constantly injured and Cassell is almost eligible for Social Security and they passed on my second favorite point guard in the draft in Javaris Crittenton. The Clippers did pick a darkhorse candidate at Pg in Jared Jordan of Marist in the 2nd round. Jordan is as fundamentally sound as any point guard in the draft and could be a servicable third point guard on any team in the league.

Detroit Pistons - The took a phyiscal point guard in Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey is described as a poor man's Dwayne Wade and will probably backup Billups next season in Detroit. The Pistons took Aaron Afflalo with their other first round pick. Afflalo is another typical Pistons player in that he is a hard worker, strong, and very team oriented. The Pistons did a great job in this draft in addressing needs and adding backcourt depth.

Washington Wizards - The Wizards also decided to go with the best available pick in this year's draft. The Wizards added Nick Young, a projected lottery selection, to bloster their 2/3 slots. Young was a great scorer at USC who can come in and make a big splash with the Wizards. He's going to be learning from one of the best, and my favorite player, Gilbert Arenas.

New Jersey Nets - The Nets took a huge gamble in selecting NCAA bad boy Sean Williams. Williams was suspended his freshman season at BC and kicked off the team in January for repeated violations of team rules. This is also a player who has publically stated that he enjoys smoking marijuana during his free time. Williams is undoubtedly one of the most athletic players and could be a huge upgrade over Mikki Moore in the Nets rotation with his tremendous potential. The Nets could end up with a huge steal with this pick or the Pac Man Jones of the NBA.

Golden State Warriors - The Warriors took Italian shooting Guard Marco Bellnellii at #19. Bellinelli fits in well with Warriors up tempo quick strike offense in that he moves very well without the ball, is quick, and has a quick shot off the dribble. Golden State is hoping that he fills the role of Monta Ellis off the bench now that Ellis will be starting in place of J-rich. The Warriors also acquired Brandan Wright from the Bobcats who would be a great fit in their run and gun style with his size and athleticism. However, it is being rumored that Wright may have been acquired as part of a bigger deal to get the Timberwolves to part with Kevin Garnett or to replace Biedrins who may be moved to get KG.

Los Angeles Lakers - Kupchak and Buss displayed more ignorance in this draft with the selection of Javaris Crittenton. While I'm enamored with Crittenton's potential in this league, I'm perplexed as to why the Lakers took him. The triangle offense the Lakers run does not require a true point guard and the Lakers drafted a PG in Jordan Farmar last year. The Lakers then wasted their 2nd round pick by taking Marc Gasol. I have personally seen Marc Gasol play numerous times and this guy is not that good. He is the laziest player in any sport I've watched. He has all the talent in the world, but refuses to trim down or get in shape to utilize it to the best of his ability. In my opinion, the Lakers had the worst draft of any team from a needs standpoint.

New York Knicks - The Knicks had a good draft day. Thomas was applauded for probably the first time in Knicks history. With his first round selection he took Wilson Chandler from DePaul. Chandler flew under the radar for many teams but he is a very talented prospect with good size. I'm a fan of this selection and expect to see Chandler having a good career in the NBA. The best part of the night for Knicks fans is they were able to trade away Steve Francis and his awful contract. Francis was part of a log jam at the point guard spot and had an atrocious contract. The Knicks were also able to get a 25 and 10 guy in Zach Randolph who will make Eddy Curry look twice as good as he really is.

Utah Jazz - The Jazz were one of the big surprised this past season and didn't really have any glaring needs to fill, at least through a pick this late in the draft. So, the Jazz picked Morris Almond, one of the best shooters available in the draft. Almond isn't going to blow by anyone in this league, or electrify the crowd, but he is going to hit down any open shot he sees. I like this pick for the Jazz and expect to see them fighting in the playoffs once again.

Houston Rockets - The Rockets drafted the scrappy Aaron Brooks with their pick. Brooks is lightning quick and is fantastic at creating shots with his quickness and ability to seperate. He has also improved his outside shooting capability and can shoot both set and off the dribble. However, he is not very strong and will have trouble guarding some of the bigger point guards in this league and is not a true point guard.

San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs drafted Tiago Splitter of Brazil. Splitter won't be in the NBA next season but will eventually join the team after a year or two. Splitter is another foreign prospect selected by the Spurs and the Spurs are hoping he turns out like their other successful draft picks. The Spurs also got Marcus Williams of Arizona with their second round selection. Williams is a 6'7" SG who came out early but is still expected to be a decent NBA player.

Phoenix Suns - The Suns took Alando Tucker with their first round pick. Tucker is an undersized SF/PF, but has a knack for scoring. He was one of the best players in the big 10 last year and lead his Wisconsin team for four years. The Suns are expecting him to provide a good scoring punch off the bench. The Suns also took a gamble on the inconsistent, yet extremely talented D.J. Strawberry in the second round.

Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs did not have any first round picks but were able to grab Nick Fazekas in the 2nd round. Fazekas is arguably the best shooter in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Steve Novak. I expect Fazekas to provide a good tall shorter for the Mavs next season.

Orlando Magic - The Magic didn't have a first round pick either but they were able to get my favorite second round selection of the draft in Reyshawn Terry. Terry has a great NBA body and skills, but he is a little inconsistent. I'm hoping Terry works hard this offseason to prove his naysayers wrong and become the Gilbert Arenas of his draft class.

Indiana Pacers - Did not have a selection

Toronto Raptors - did not have a selection

Cleveland Cavaliers - Did not have a selection

Denver Nuggets - Did not have a selection