2012 NBA Draft--Lottery Mock Draft--Picks 1-14

Let's be honest. This wasn't the NBA's most shining season. After a long lockout that cut down the season from 82 games to 66, the year was filled with injuries and at many times, very bad play. The Playoffs were a different story. Possibly the best postseason since the days of Michael Jordan.

But it's time to put that past us and enjoy the upcoming NBA Draft.

This year's class is loaded. From 1-60, you can easily find a star. Here is my early look at how the draft lottery should go according to needs and rumors.

1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis - F/C - Freshman - Kentucky
The clear-cut #1 pick. Plain and simple, Ant is a one in a lifetime player. His length and overall size are essential to his game. He can knock down a mid-range jumper and is a good free throw shooter. He will beef up throughout the next few years and will be a force to be reckoned with.

2.. Charlotte Bobcats - Thomas Robinson - F - Junior - Kansas
The Bobcats got screwed out of the number one pick because of the lottery. But they got the next best thing -- the second pick. Losing out on Ant will be huge, but Robinson can bring a lot to the table. Slightly undersized at around 6'9", he still rebounds like a monster. In the National Championship game, he pulled down 17 rebounds against Kentucky. Outstanding numbers. Offensively he is a work in progress, but has the energy and work ethic to get where he needs to be. Robinson thinks he should be the #1 pick over Davis, but everyone knows he won't be. Whether it is good confidence or cockiness, it is still good to see he believes in himself.


3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal - G - Freshman - Florida
The Wizards have a plethora of athletic guards. However, Bradley Beal is not easy to pass up. Sure, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist would suffice, but Beal has too much pure talent to skip out on. His high-IQ and deep shooting range make him the player he is. A good selection for the Wizards and finally gives John Wall someone to kick the ball out to for a shot.

How many Wildcats will be selected in the first round?

4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - G/F - Freshman - Kentucky
The first thing you hear on every scouting report of MKG is his motor. For good reason. He will fit well with Kyrie Irving. If not for the fact Kentucky had 6 possible first round picks, MKG's number would have been much better. But he played efficient all year. Another step towards rebuilding for Cleveland.

5. Sacramento Kings - Andre Drummond - C - Freshman - Connecticut
Drummond was a part of Connecticut's dreadful season last year. Andre wasn't exactly great last year, but in a few games he shined and showed why he is projected to be a top pick. He is a big boy! Hard to get around. He needs to put his mind on being a star and he has all the intangibles to do so. The Kings are in need of another big man. Hopefully they are not pulling in another DeMarcus Cousins. Talent-wise, that would be okay. But attitude and work ethic wise -- not good.

6. Portland Trail Blazers - Harrison Barnes - G/F - Sophmore- North Carolina
Barnes and Portland will love this pick. The Trail Blazers received this pick from Brooklyn. Barnes will get to go to a place where he can win more and have better fans than probably any other lottery team.  I didn't see what was so great about Barnes until late last season. He is insanely athletic and can play any spot on the floor. He can push the ball, pull up, or attack. Portland can use an athletic mid-range shooter. Here he is Portland, take him.

7. Golden State - Perry Jones III - G/F - Sophmore - Baylor
PJ3 really impressed me this season. He is the typical do-everything guy. He is a fantastic shooter. He can bang around in the post. Once he puts on more muscle, he will be great. He has the fundamentals to be a much-lesser Tim Duncan. I do not mean to say he will be any where as close to Tim Duncan, but just to give an idea of how he can play.

8. Toronto Raptors - Jared Sullinger - F - Sophmore - Ohio State
Undersized? Yes. But that doesn't phase Sully. He is still probably the best rebounder and low-post scorer in the entire draft. The Raptors need a true post player and they have him with Sully. He can also step out for a 10-15 foot jumper.

9. Detroit Pistons - Tyler Zeller - F/C - Senior - North Carolina
Has been compared to a poor-man's Pau Gasol. He doesn't do many things great, but does a lot of things well. Him and Greg Monroe down low can cause some problems for opposing teams. A small step towards getting Detroit back to where it belongs in the basketball world.

10. New Orleans Hornets - Dion Waiters - G - Sophmore - Syracuse
The only knock on Waiters is a consistent jumper, which he lacks. He is slightly undersized for a shooting guard, but it doesn't affect how hard he plays. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard teams like Waiters in the top 10, but now that I look deeper into it, I agree. He is sneaky, strong, quick, confident. Everything you want in an attitude for a basketball player, Dion has. He has the potential to be a point guard. Don't be surprised if he is near the top of Rookie of the Year voting next season.

11. Portland Trail Blazers -Jeremy Lamb - G - Sophmore - Connecticut
He is very athletic and his arms are freakishly long. About a 7-foot wing span for a 6'5" guard. His jumper is a little inconsistent, but he does have the range to put up the 3-ball. Gazelle-like runner, he is just very smooth down the floor. Also, his long arms attribute to his tough defense.

12. Milwaukee Bucks - Meyers Leonard - C - Sophmore - Illinois
 Do NOT question this kid's heart. Incredible passer out of the post, runs the floor well,  extremely quick and athletic for a big man, great rebounder and shot blocker. He does what a shot blocker should do. Waits for the ball to leave the shooters hand, then goes up and gets it. Probably the most potential of all players in the draft. He is a little raw offensively, but once he gets stronger it will come to him. He is still  an above average shooter for a center. He fits the Bucks perfect after dealing Andrew Bogut away.

13. Phoenix Suns - Damian Lillard - G - Junior - Weber St.
Damian Lillard is the annual "do we take a risk on him?" guy. Because of where he played, many teams are not sure if Lillard is reliable enough to be consistent. That alone is probably the only knock on Lillard.  He is a pure scorer. Can shoot the ball, penetrate, dish it out. On the court, he is the guy who doesn't make mistakes. I will stretch it and say Damian Lillard is the "perfect basketball player". A risk on him will pay off.

14. Houston Rockets - Terrence Jones - G/F - Sophmore - Kentucky
Another do-everything well guy. Rebounds well, shoots even better, can handle the ball. Very versatile. I love watching him play. Houston can use an athletic forward. If he does fall to 14, Houston will not pass up on him.

Many reports have teams such as the Chicago Bulls trying to trade up into the Lottery. We will see how it all plays out. But this is how I picture it going.

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Andrew High School and Meanstreets Star Jubril Adekoya Commits to Valpo

Adekoya goes up for a tough layup against Thornton High School

It is official. Jubril Adekoya is going to be a Valporaiso Crusader.

Adekoya surprised everyone, including his own parents, with the commitment. His parents claimed at the time when asked that they "Had not talked to" Jubril about his commitment to Valpo.

But Adekoya says he wanted to go there. That is where he wants to be.

Something I realized--there is a Lifetime Fitness where Adekoya often works out. Valpo assistant coach and former Illinois Fighting Illini star Roger Powell is also often up there. It is likely that they had talked in Lifetime many times about Adekoya attending Valpo. Just a thought to put in your head.

Adekoya would flourish where ever he decided to go. In the end, he felt being a Crusader was the best thing for him.

If he had held off on committing, I personally believe he could have gotten a few more offers. He even had bigger schools, such as Tennessee, with much interest in him. But he decided to stay a little closer to home and attend Valporaiso.

Adekoya says he can now focus on the rest of his AAU circuit with Meanstreets, a team that Bulls point guard Derrick Rose and other NBA star Eric Gordon both played for at one time.

I've seen Adekoya play up close. He is a big boy. Tough to get around with a wide body. Strong and smart. He is very intelligent, on and off the court.

Jubril is still expanding his game tremendously. His shot is improving. His post game is getting stronger. He can do everything. A great pickup for Valporaiso, no doubt.

UCLA Is Back--Will the Bruins Be As Good As Expected Next Season?

Shabazz, Kyle, and Tony pose for a quick picture

We all heard about it. Shabazz Muhammad, a 6'6" 215 pound G/F from Nevada, is headed to UCLA. Along with Kyle Anderson, Tony Parker, and Jordan Adams. All four are ESPNU Top 100 players for the Class of 2012.

Shabazz Muhammad is considered by many to be the best of the class. Others may say Nerlens Noel, but I say Shabazz. He has the heart of a lion. He will do anything to win, whether it be a pickup game or the NBA Finals.

"Slo-Mo", better known as Kyle Anderson I think will be the key to UCLA's success. Shabazz will do what he needs to do. Kyle Anderson needs to do what he always has and control the tempo of the game.

Tony Parker needs to use his size. He is a big boy. But he needs to add muscle and lose fat. Plain and simple, he needs to get better conditioned. But he is a hard worker and I have no doubt he can do that.

Jordan Adams must attack and dish. Whether it is a dump pass to Tony Parker, or a kick out to Anderson or Muhammad. They can generate a lot of baskets if Adams does that.

I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to watch UCLA next season. I want to see if they live up to the hype. But that is the huge question right now. Will they live up to their expectations?

If you ask me; yes they will. They don't have over hyped players. They have student-athletes with one goal. Bring UCLA basketball back to the top. I have little doubt that they're going to do exactly that.

There is a lot of hype and expectations in front of them, but they won't back down from the challenge.

20 wins is easily within reach, I can even see 25+ in the regular season. They'll make the tourney easily too.

Shabazz, Kyle, Jordan and Tony are bringing UCLA basketball back.



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Six 1st Rounders Guaranteed to Succeed from the 2012 MLB Draft

This was the first year I looked forward to the MLB Draft. I had followed a few players in high school and college and was interested to see where they would land. Not to mention, the overall talent in the draft is pretty good. But there are six first round draft picks that really stick out to me.

Top selection by the Houston Astros, Carlos Correa waves to fans

#1 pick, Carlos Correa, Houston Astros, Shortstop, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School

Over the final few weeks of scouting, Correa stock rose from a top-ten pick to the #1 overall. When you're being compared to a young Alex Rodriguez, you should probably be the top pick. He is just 17 years old, so it will be a few years before he makes his way up the the show, but don't expect it to be super long. I can see him being up and possibly starting at age 20. Of course the top pick will be expected to succeed, but Correa has the intangibles to be not just a great player, but a superstar.

#2 pick, Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins, Outfielder, Appling County High School

Yes, I am starting with the first two picks. But I absolutely love was Bryon Buxton brings to the table for the Twins. He is the definition of the five-tool player. Not only is he is a star at baseball, he is a three sport athlete. He played basketball and football, along with baseball in high school. Buxton hit .513 with three home runs and 38 stolen bases during his senior season. He also pitched, striking out 18 batters in seven innings in the Georgia Class Double-A state championship series. But Buxton will stick to playing outfield. He has a cannon for an arm too. He has possibly the brightest future of all picks in the draft this season. 

#6 pick, Albert Almora, Chicago Cubs, Outfielder, Mater Academy

I think the Cubs finally got it right with this pick. He is not particularly fast and doesn't have an outstanding arm, but his offense will make up for that. He batted .603 with 13 doubles, five triples, six home runs, 34 RBIs and 24 steals with Mater Academy this season. The main problem with Almora will be signing him. As I said, he is not the best defensive player, but isn't so bad that it make him unreliable out there.

#8 pick, Mark Appel, Pittsburgh Pirates, Right-handed pitcher, Stanford University

Appel was expected to be the number one pick for the longest time. The Pirates feel him dropping to #8 was a steal. The main reason he fell so far was because of the new signing rules. This is the third RHP the Pirates have selected in the first round in the last three years. For the Pirates sake, I hope they all pan out. But Appel may have the chance to be the best of all three.

#13 pick, Courtney Hawkins, Chicago White Sox, Outfielder, Carroll High School

Fortunately for the White Sox, 2009 first round selection Jared Mitchell is progressing in AA ball. But to me, Hawkins is going to succeed Mitchell very quickly. Sox fans, expect Courtney to be up in the big leagues in no time. The Sox will take their time with him, but I think he can progress quick enough to be up very quickly. That is how good he can be. He hits for power, as well as contact. Living in Chicago, I am going to love following him throughout his career.

#16 pick, Lucas Giolito, Washington Nationals, Right-handed pitcher, Harvard-Westlake School

Another great pick by the Nationals. He did have an elbow problem this year, but it appears to be no big deal. Has ace potential and has recently touched 100 MPH on the gun. The Nats, not afraid of taking a risk, also picture this pick as a steal. I do as well. Giolito is going to be great, little doubt about it. I love this pick.

To me, these six players have the brightest futures of all first round selections in the 2012 MLB Draft. For obvious reasons too. I love following young players and can't wait to see how these six pan out in the future.

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