Thursday, March 31, 2011

McDonald's All American Game Recap


The 2011 McDonald’s All-American Game featured all of the highlight reel action you’ve come to expect from these kind of games.

James McAdoo and Michael Gilchrist led the way for the East by showing off their range and scoring 17-points apiece in a 111-96 win over the West squad before a sellout crowd of 20,019 at Chicago’s United Center.
It was largest crowd in the 34-year history of the game. The largest previous total was 18,728 in 2003 at Cleveland’s Gund Arena when LeBron James played.

Kentucky signee Gilchrist and North Carolina signee McAdoo were named Co-MVPs.

Another Kentucky commit, Anthony Davis of Perspectives Charter (Chicago), led the West with 14 points, six rebounds, four blocks and two steals.

Duke’s Austin Rivers, considered the No. 1 player in the nation by most, played a quality game. He finished with 14 points.

“I don’t like losing, point blank,” Austin Rivers told the Associated Press. “I’m just lost. That’s how I am. I’m competitive. They outhustled on defense and offense. It’s frustrating.”



(Photo courtesy of the Detroit Free Press )

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Matt Painter to stay at Purdue


Matt Painter has turned down Missouri and will continue coaching the Purdue Boilermakers.

Painter decided to stay at his alma mater and has agreed to an eight-year contract through the 2018-19 season.

"I am extremely excited about continuing my career at Purdue," Painter said in a statement. "I believe we have built something very special. At the same time, I feel we have much more ahead of us to accomplish. At the end of the day, my heart is at Purdue, and this is a place where I want to win a national championship."

The 40-year-old Painter has been selected the Big Ten's coach of the year three times and led the Boilermakers to Sweet 16 appearances in 2009 and 2010. Purdue (26-8) made it to the third round of this year's NCAA tournament but was knocked out by Final Four participant Virginia Commonwealth.

Wooden All-American Team Announced


The John R. Wooden Award Men’s All American team was announced today by the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

The ten-player men’s team includes:

Jimmer Fredette, BYU

Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame

JaJuan Johnson, Purdue

Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State

Marcus Morris, Kansas

Nolan Smith, Duke

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State

Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

Kemba Walker, Connecticut

Derrick Williams, Arizona

Ater Majok: Journey to the NBA


By: Kevin Duffy


Ater Majok has traveled a long way since he was born in Sudan in 1988.

The New York times featured an article on him and his journey before he played at the University of Connecticut. "Refugees from the war in Sudan, Majok’s family moved to Egypt when he was a child.The scar on his left ear came from a Muslim gang member’s knife when he attacked Majok, a Catholic, after his family was moved to Egypt. The wound on his right thigh came similarly. To communicate, he had to learn four Arabic dialects. Majok never forgot his father’s command, 'Don’t back down.' "

At practice, the Times reported: Majok nearly got in a fight with UConn's most intimidating player, Jeff Adrian. Majok said: ''They call you the Horse, but I'm the psycho maniac. I don't run.''

On top of his difficulty to get to Uconn, his complicated academic journey led to an NCAA ruling that he was a partial qualifier. He could practice with UConn, but couldn't play in games until he finished exams. He then explored early entry into the NBA draft, but decided to stick it out at UConn.

Now two drafts later, Majok is in the draft for good. Having left UConn before his sophomore season the 23 year old went to play professional overseas. "It was good I learned how to be a pro and I improved my skills a lot and it was fun." Majok ,who compares himself to Kevin Garnett, is looking to impress teams with his energy, shot blocking and shooting. He is "just trying to get drafted and get on to an NBA team." It is a journey that could well see Majok end up in the biggest basketball show on earth, the NBA. Remember, he won't back down.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

McDonald's All American Boy's Game Preview

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire. What do these three have in common besides being part of the new Heat- Knick rivalry? These NBA superstars are just a few of hundreds of dominant college and NBA players to have played in the McDonald's All American Game which features the top high school seniors making one of their last hoorahs before they head out to their respective colleges.

This year marks the 34th anniversary of the annual high school basketball event. With the change of scenery every year this years is to be played in the Windy City, Chicago. The game is to be played on Wednesday, March 30th at 9:00 pm. The crop of rising stars in this game promises to be a great one.

Headlined by Austin Rivers, the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, Michael Gilchrist, and Anthony Davis this years class dosen't seem to let up as any one of the participants has the potential to start next year on their college teams as freshman.

As for the outcome of the game: it's an all star game so don't expect much defense. However I believe Austin Rivers, Myck Kabongo, and Anthony Davis will be able to win this one and the West Team will be able to pull out the win.

Nevertheless I suggest to watch this game which features tommorows talent today. Take the time out to watch this electrying game. Enjoy!