High School Basketball Throwback:

I was always told as a child to never forget where I came from, hell that simple statement 'never forget where you came from' is one of the strongest lyrics and sentiments in the hip-hop community. Well as a short white kid with no rapping ability, this is my way of never forgetting where I came from. Coatesville, PA, the biggest little city and the biggest basketball city that is not Philadelphia.

A brief view of youtube made me a bit nostalgic. So here are some interesting articles from my viewings. The first is called Born to Ball Part. 2.

Fisher leads 'Nova to romp of Monmouth

Corey Fisher scored a game-high 20 points to go along with five assists and five rebounds as the No. 8 Villanova Wildcats topped the Monmouth Hawks 76-36.

Corey Stokes added 19 points, including five three-pointers, and Mouphtaou Yarou scored 14 for the Wildcats (10-1), who have won five straight and will next face Big 5 rival Temple on December 30.

Maalik Wayns had 11 points and six assists for the victors.

Phil Wait led Monmouth with eight points and Jordan Davis scored seven for the Hawks (4-8), who have lost four of five.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

Monmouth's R.J. Rutledge made the first of two foul shots to tie the game at 5-5 with 16:08 remaining in the first half, but Fisher's jumper on the other end started a 19-2 run for Villanova that put the game away for good.


Stokes followed Fisher's jumper with a layup in the lane, and Fisher added two more jump shots -- surrounding a Davis layup -- to put Villanova up 13-7.

The Wildcats scored a total of 13 unanswered points and the Hawks went 0-for-6 from the field to widen Villanova's lead to 24-7 with 8:32 left in the half.

Fisher and Stokes scored 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Villanova in the first half, en route to a 44-17 lead at the break.
Monmouth would never threaten down the stretch.

Game Notes
Villanova shot 50 percent from the field, while Monmouth shot just 25.5 percent...The Wildcats converted 13 turnovers into 23 points...The Hawks shot 1-for-19 from beyond the arc.

Copyright. The Sports Network

Villanova's Corey Fisher reportedly scores 105 points in a game

In the game of basketball, the number 100 has become a milestone.

With the evolution of the game, we often see teams averaging over 100 points a game and the stigma with Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point effort for the Philadelphia Warriors is still the stuff of legends.

If all accounts are true, we may have reports that another Philly player has broken that mark. Villanova guard Corey Fisher has reportedly dropped 105 points in a NYC Summer League Game.

The Bronx native was participating in a Watson Basketball Classic Summer League game where his team allegedly finished with a whopping 138 points en route to a 138-130 win.

Corey Fisher Looking To Lead Villanova in 2010.

(Philadelphia, PA) - Last season was not the ending the Villanova Wildcats were hoping for. After falling to Marquette in the Big East Tournament and their crushing loss to St. Mary's in the second round of March Madness, Jay Wright's squad is looking to leave the past in the past.

With their less-than-stellar ending to the season and the inevitable loss of Scottie Reynolds to the NBA, Villanova is now looking for a new on the court leader to help the 'Cats return to their 2009 Final Four form.

Any team that loses the school's second all-time leading scorer is expected to take a step down, but in the case of Villanova, the transition may be quite simple with a new leader and many agree that they will not have to look any further than current guard Corey Fisher.

The Ultimate Uniform: Patriots On And Off The Field

In the world of sports we often lose track of the important things in life. As today is the 4th of July, it is only proper to acknowledge those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for out country.

As we take the day to remember those that have defended our county, we often have the chance for the world of sports and patriotism to collide.

Here is a list of those professional athletes that all shared a common uniform... that of the United State Military.

God Bless America and Happy 4th of July everyone.

Today is a day of celebration and remembrance.

 BEGIN SLIDESHOW

2010 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0 (3-of-3)

This is part three of my three part NBA Mock Draft. 

(Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3)

First before I begin giving you my first draft of the 2010 NBA Mock Draft season I want to preface this by saying I made the picks I did with the assumption that a few free agents are leaving their respected team and certain I feel are remaining. I think that D-Wade is staying in Miami, LeBron is leaving, Chris Bosh will no longer be a Raptor and Joe Johnson is exiting the way of Mike Woodson. I preface this by saying that if you don't agree I am sorry but I guess we won't know the true validity of the free agent market till July, 9th.

I made my picks based on need, availability and a large amount of common sense. Despite the rumors and theories John Wall is going to be the second pick and if the Sixers don't take Evan Turner with the second pick I might jump off a bridge... That being said I present you part 3-of-3 of the Mock Draft 1.0.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Larry Sanders (PF/C) VCU

This kid is the biggest anomaly of the draft. He is so unique because of his skills set he could go anywhere between a top 10 pick to the second round. Truth is he has so much upside but just as much unknown. I think he would be a great fit for the Thunder as it would be a step up to Nenad Kristic at center but also could help them pound with the bigs when Serge Ibaka becomes the full time starter in OKC.

22. Portland Trailblazers: Solomon Alabi (C) Florida St.

I always feel bad for the Blazers. They will always have to deal with the Sam Bowie / MJ comparisons and now as Kevin Durant ascends to the pantheon they will now always be the Greg Oden people. Facts are Oden is one more disappointment from being a complete bust and the only other option this team has was Joel Przybilla and with him entering his 10 season the Blazers need to start thinking about getting someone young.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stanley Robinson (PF) UConn

This is third pick for the T-Wolves and with the first two I gave them SF help so I think that with this draft being so deep as the forward position why not another. Basically if Robinson is here they will take him because I think he is the best talent as trade bait. If hes the pick hell never wear the uniform. This kid was a under shadowed talent at UConn but I commend him for graduating and I think that he will become a useful role player for a team. Think Juwan Howard.

24. Atlanta Hawks: Eric Bledsoe (SG) Kentucky

If Joe Johnson leaves this team will be in desperate need of guard help. Bledsoe was over shadowed by John Wall but I think given the chance he could be a great combo guard, specifically for the Hawks. The Hawks have max money and if they decide the can keep Joe Johnson then Bledsoe could be groomed into the PG of the future for when Mike Bibby retires.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Elliott Williams (SG) Memphis

I know what your saying, The one thing Memphis has is guards, and you right. Just like with the T-Wolves, I dont expect them to keep all three picks. If this pick is not traded then the player chosen will be. But he was my highest player left on my list and I don't see him fitting with any other team with the last five picks.

                                          26. Oklahoma City Thunder: Willie Warren (PG/SG) Oklahoma

Great in state talent as well as a good kid overall. Who knows how long they will be able to keep Russell Westbrook in town and Warren could learn a lot in this system. We saw how successful James Harden was this year and I think the same thing could happen for Willie. The Thunder are excelling with picking up unknown talents and I think this may be another case.

27. New Jersey Nets: Paul George (SF) Fresno St.

This kid has great range and has been praised as amazing coach-able, which is a huge selling point for the Nets. Hes quick off the dribble and in workouts this week was described as NBA range when it came to his shooting. The Nets will take a big man at the third spot and try to deepen themselves with this pick.

28. Memphis Grizzlie: Dominique Jones (PG) South Florida 

This kid is a great leader and has smart court sense. The Grizzlies are deep at SG but with a young PG and the right coaching it could completely change their offensive strategy (which is deeply needed). He is a bit of a project but has the potential to be a leader.

29. Orlando Magic: Quiny Pondexter (SF) Washington

Not that the Magic need help as the SF position with Pietrus and Barnes Pondexter can also play SG when needed. He is a hard worker and I think Stan would really like this kid. He wont have pressure to start and could learn much from a good group of veterans.

30. Washington Wizards: Kevin Seraphin (C) France

The Wizards need help EVERYWHERE and I think that Seraphin would be a good pick for this team. He is registered as a C but I think that in the pro game he will fit more in with a team as a PF. Either way this kid has size and quickness. I don't know if he will come over right away but with the last pick in the first round its not a huge loss. The Wizards will need a few years to turn it around in the first place.

So there it is ladies and gents... my 2010 NBA Mock Draft. I expect it to go through some changes before the 24th but I think it a solid selection of the talent that's available.

Love it or hate it, I would love to hear your comments.

-b.chan

2010 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0 (1-of-3)

This is part one of my three part NBA Mock Draft. 

(Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3)

First before I begin giving you my first draft of the 2010 NBA Mock Draft season I want to preface this by saying I made the picks I did with the assumption that a few free agents are leaving their respected team and certain I feel are remaining. I think that D-Wade is staying in Miami, LeBron is leaving, Chris Bosh will no longer be a Raptor and Joe Johnson is exiting the way of Mike Woodson. I preface this by saying that if you don't agree I am sorry but I guess we won't know the true validity of the free agent market till July, 9th.

I made my picks based on need, availability and a large amount of common sense. Despite the rumors and theories John Wall is going to be the second pick and if the Sixers don't take Evan Turner with the second pick I might jump off a bridge... That being said I present you part 1-of-3 of the Mock Draft 1.0.

1. Washington Wizards: John Wall (PG) Kentucky 

This pick was a no brain-er even before the Wizards won the lottery. Wall has the most hype and potential out of this draft. This is a good fit for the Wizards because it will allow the reinstated Gilbert Arenas to move to the SG position, which is his natural fit. This team has the money to take on a max contract so with Wall and Arenas in the backcourt expect them to make a move after a PF or PF/C combo.

2. Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner (SG) Ohio State

This is the smartest pick for the lowly Sixers. The team has no many multiples in the front court and having the chance to take Turner at the second pick is a gift to the Sixers who went a dismal 27-55 last year. Turner is a all around talent, and will make a strong asset to a team that needs a fresh start. The Sixers will get a back court of the future with Turner and last years first round pick Jrue Holiday. 

3. N.J. Nets: Derrick Favors (PF) Georgia Tech

Nets majority Mikhail Prokhorov took over with a grand plan in his first night as Nets gm: Take John Wall with the first pick, steal LeBron James in free agency and instantly turn around the Nets. Problem is in the last five years the worst team in the league has not won the lottery. With all of that in the past I expect the Nets to take the young and talented Favors. It has been made clear that Prokhorov does not plan on keep Yi Jianlian so expect Favors to slide into the starting PF position quickly.

  4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wesley Johnson (SF) Syracuse. Johnson averaged 16 points a game last season and will fit in nicely with a Timberwolves team that is still rebuilding. Yes I know he is pretty much a Ryan Gomes replica but that will add some stability to a team that is lacking a deep bench. Plus Johnson can slide into the 4 when Kevin Love needs a break. Be advised I would not be surprised if the T-Wolves went with a center in this pick. (DeMarcus Cousins is option 2).

5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins (PF/C) Kentucky

The Kings need help in the low post and Cousins would be a great fit. The Kings would be better then they finished last season is Spencer Hawes wasn't injured. Cousins and his 6'11 frame will add some stability in the low post and allow Carl Landry to move to SF.

6. Golden State Warriors: Al-Farouq Aminu (PF) Wake Forest

At 6'8 with a seven foot wing span Aminu could really help the young fast Warriors. He used to playing in a run and gun offense and could balance well with SF Corey Maggette. The Warriors were a -10 rebounding next season and Aminu can crash the boards. Many have compared him to Josh Smith and I agree. He is a hybrid forward that plays beyond his size.

7. Detroit Pistons: Ekpe Udoh (C) Baylor

Ben Wallace is old and Kwame Brown is garbage so taking a center at the seven slot is the easiest pick since Evan Turner. Udoh will be an immediate starter and will allow Jonas Jerebko to move out of the paint and take more outside shots. This will be an immediate upgrade for Detroit. This is a SG heavy draft so expect that Pistons to take one with their second round pick (26 overall).

8. L.A. Clippers: Cole Aldrich (PF/C) Kansas

Aldrich won't start seeing as the Clippers are expecting a rookie of the year season for Blake Griffin but expect the 6'11 Aldrich so get plenty of time off the bench. The reason I took Aldrich here is because I think he could be a top 5 selection. Don't be shocked if the Clippers take a SG but I think they like the insurance policy Aldrich can give them is Blake Griffin becomes the next Greg Oden.

9.  Utah Jazz: Greg Monroe (PF) Georgetown

This is one of those picks that I mentioned in the preface. Monroe is a project player but may be a safe bet for the Jazz is Carlos Boozer opts out next year. Hes a smaller Lamar Odom type but with the right coaching could become a strong utility starter in the league. John Thompson produces quality Big Men and Monroe may be the next product to take over that crown.

10. Indiana Pacers: Ed Davis (PF) North Carolina

I really felt bad for the Pacers at the draft lottery. Danny Granger looked so stoked to be at the lottery but looked like someone shot his dog when the 10 pick came up. The Pacers have many needs and I don't think Tyler Hansbrough will ever be an NBA talent. In Davis the Pacers will get a true North Carolina PF and someone that will give Troy Murphy a rest when needed. Plus I think I speak for all NBA fans in saying the Pacers need to stop taking white guys, T.J. Ford looks like hes constantly being audited. 

Picks 11-20 to come tomorrow, just a hint: 9-of-10 will be forward hybrids... 

Let the scrutiny begin.

-b.chan

This Day In Sports: Lady Macs win second AIAW title

1973 - Immaculata beats Queens College, 59-52 to win AIAW Basketball title

There was a time, not to long ago, when the NCAA did not recognize women. There were hundreds of women's athletic programs that could not compete nationally with the likes of the boys. At a time where the NCAA was battling with the AIAW over the fact that not only did womens sports deserve to be marketed and shown to a national auidence but that it deserved equal respect on the national level.

We think of UConn and Tennessee as the biggest dominant programs in womens sports, but before Pat Summit and Geno took the spotlight it was the small all girls teaching school from Southeast PA that was the juggernaut. When the Immaculata Mighty Macs were the big dogs and practically ruled the AIAW with a iron fist. After the Macs defeated Queens College for the 1973 title the team had clinched their second of three straight womens national basketball titles.

 This is monumental in womens sports because this was only the second official womens national championship played with the traditional rules of  basketball. Before 1972, when the Mocs won their first title, womens basketball was restricted to half court play, and players were held to a fundamentally flawed three dribble rule.

With the growth of the sport and things such as the WNBA or 73 game winning streaks the sports has evolved heavily.

The Mocs were leaders in the fight for equality for womens athletics and led that charge for the sport of womens basketball we know today. So when you see the highlights of this years tournament remember that it was the small school for Southeast PA that led the charge.

The story of the Might Macs is set to become a full length feature film. Check it out here

http://www.themightymacs.com/



-b.chan

Love representing Philly in March Madness

This is an Examiner.com piece to read the original CLICK HERE

With Villanova and Temple making quicker then expected exits from this years tournament many Philadelphians have lost most of their interest in March Madness. Little do they know that Philadelphia is still be represented in  HUGE way.

Jason Love, the 6-9 forward from Xavier, is that reason. Love is a Philadelphia native and an 2006 Abington Friends graduate. The three year starter for the Musketeers is one of the most productive players for the upstart #6 seed.

In the teams most recent win against #3 seed Pitt, Love finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and also had a team high two blocks that helped keep the tempo for XU.

So for all you Philly fans out there, don't fret there is still another reason to root for the city of brotherly love.

Next up for Love and the Musketeers in one of their toughest meetings yet as they will face #2 ranked Kansas St. Xavier will attempt to make the Elite Eight for the first time since 2008.

More Resources:
XU v. Pitt Box Score

For all the March Madness updates stay tuned to Examiner Sports special MARCH MADNESS section.

-b.chan

Temple Left As Only Philly Team In A-10 Tourney

This is an Examiner.com piece to read the original CLICK HERE

With the annual Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball tournament commencing this weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City there is only one team left representing Philadelphia, reigning champions the Owls of Temple University. The Owls are sitting with the #1 seen in the tourney and with that had a bye in the first round.

Temple is having a stellar season and is currently the #17 team in the nation according to the AP Top 25. With all this attention being paid to Temple it was easy to lose track of the stories from the other Philly A-10 teams. The Hawks of St. Josephs exited in the first round of the tournament last night as they fell to Rhode Island 87-76 and a lackluster campaign for the La Salle Explorers kept them from postseason play.

 

  St. Josephs's Hawks (11-20, 5-11 A-10)

The Hawks have been going through a bit of a tough rebuilding process since their back to back title in 2005 and 06. The magical teams of Jameer Nelson and Delonte West are no more for the Hawks that struggled throughout this season.

The Hawks exited early in the first round of the tourney to the Rams of Rhode Island and even with the 11 point loss played like a team without balance. The 2009-10 version of the Hawks suffered from lackluster offensive production as they only had three players averaging more then 10 points a game.
The leader for St. Josephs was guard Darrin Govens. The Chester native was a two time Big 5 player of the week and consistently averaged over 10 points a game.

St. Josephs ranked second to last in the A-10 this season and need to spend the off season balancing out a group of young talent that could help them rebound next season.

La Salle Explorers (12-18, 4-12 A-10)

Every few years a team has a season that they hope to soon forget. Just as North Carolina and UConn are having one of those season, so did the Explorers. La Salle ended their season losing nine of their final 10 games and failed to have a defining win for their season. They ended the season at the bottom of the Atlantic 10 and averaged a sub par 70.1 points a game.

The team did have a high point with the play of senior guard Rodney Green. The Prep Charter grad not only averaged over 18 points and five rebounds a game (third the in the A-10) but he was named First Team All Atlantic 10 by The Sporting News.

"Rodney has always been an explosive athlete but he has become a truly outstanding player by improving his shooting, decision making and defense. He is one of the biggest and best point guards not only in the A-10 but nationally." - Head Coach Dr. John Giannini

The Explorers failed to make the tourney and will hopefully spend the off season trying to fill the holes facing the team with the losses of Green and forward Kimmani Barrett. Barrett averaged over 13 points a game.

Temple Owls (26-5, 14-2 A-10)

This is surely a season to remember for Fran Dunphy's Owls. Not only is the team looking to claim their third straight Atlantic 10 title but they have guaranteed themselves a bid in the NCAA tournament with the #17 national ranking.

With season defining wins over cross town rival Villanova and convincing wins over both Seton Hall and Virginia Tech the Owls have shown the nation that they could be one of the surprise teams in the NCAA tournament. Based on ESPN.com bracketologist Joe Lunardi the Owls currently sit with a 5 seed.

Temple is led by a duo of upperclassmen in senior Ryan Brooks and junior Lavoy Allen. Both local products (Brooks, Lower Merion; Allen, Pennsbury) are averaging over 10 points a game and Allen is averaging a double-double with 11 points and over 10 boards.

The duo is being helped by sophomore Juan Fernandez. The 6-4 Argentinian sophomore is averaging 12.2 points and leads the team with 105 assists a game.

With the play from this trio and a strong supporting cast of bench players Temple could make a deep run. After clinching the #1 seed and getting the first round bye the Owls will begin their Atlantic-10 tournament play Friday at noon as they take on the Bonnies of St. Bonaventure. In their last meeting Temple dominated the Bonnies 75-55 on February 17th.

Notes:
Xavier forward and Abington native Jason Love is averaging 11 points and eight boards for the Musketeers. Xavier has the #2 seen the the tournament and will face Dayton on Friday at 6:30 p.m...

More Resources:

Atlantic-10

Boardwalk Hall

For the most update and current Atlantic 10 tournament news stay posted to Examiner.com and our upcoming March Madness page for the latest on the 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship.

"Shot Doctor" Reaches Coaching Apex

 

This is an Examiner.com piece, to read the original CLICK HERE

Philadelphia University head coach Herb Magee tied Bobby Knight for most wins by an NCAA Men's basketball coach today as his Rams beat Post University 70-67. Magee is the only active coach to win over 875 games and has a chance to pass Knight and become the all time wins leader.

Magee has coached at Philadelphia University (Formally Philadelphis Textile Institute) for over 43 years and in that time has only had two losing seasons (10-14 '73, 13-14 '81). He is a member of the Pennsylvania & Philadelphia Sports Halls of Fame.

Magee nicknamed "Shot Doctor" due to his shooting instruction videos, also has one of the highest winning percentages in NCAA Division II history.

Magee is a Philadelphia University Alumni and after becoming a two-time All-American basketball player was drafted by the Boston Celtics as the 62nd pick in the 1963 NBA Draft. Magee turned down the offer to return to the Philadelphia area and coach.

Magee can pass Knight on Tuesday as his Philadelphia University Rams (22-6) take on Goldey-Beacom.

NCAA Wins Leaders (Mens Basketball)

1	Bob Knight	1965-2008	Army, Indiana, Texas Tech	902
2	Herb Magee	1967–	Philadelphia	902
3	Dean Smith	1961-1997	North Carolina	879
4	Adolph Rupp	1930-1972	Kentucky	876
5	Mike Krzyzewski	1975–	Army, Duke	854

Game Recap

HerbMagee.com

-b.chan