10 Young NBA Players With Potential To Do Better!

With the NBA draft a little ways around the corner, and after reading the BRUTAL article written by Jason Whitlock on the career of Allen Iverson, I find myself analyzing some of the young stars and their potential careers in the NBA. Of course you have guys like Brandon Roy, Devin Harris, and Nate Robinson (just to name a few) who are emerging as stars in the league. But there are also a few guys who I believe have star potential...or atleast the potential to do a little better! Here's my list of the 10 young NBA players with potential to do better (NOT IN ANY RANKED ORDER):

1. JJ Reddick: Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows the shooting potential of JJ Reddick. He was a standout player at Duke in the ACC, and one of the greatest shooters college basketball has ever seen. He was also the leading scorer IN ACC HISTORY before UNC's Tyler Hansbrough climbed over his "mountain of a record" this past season. Reddick has battled with injury early in his career, but has emerged as a key contributor off the bench for Orlando this season. Will he remain in Orlando? I highly doubt it, but wherever he ends up, they need to understand the breakout potential of this sharp shooter! Given a little boost in confidence and the right situation, I think Reddick could be a major asset to any NBA roster. Who couldnt use a shooter?

2. Rashad McCants: After spending the first few years of his NBA career in Minnesota, McCants was involved in a trade a few months ago that sent him and his "could-be" NBA career to Sacramento. I actually thought this would be a good situation for him (and its waaaaay too early to say that it won't), but McCants just hasn't been producing the numbers I know he's capable of. Where's the Rashad McCants who helped lead Carolina to a National Championship in 2004-2005? Don't get me wrong, he shows shades, but I think Rashad has a bit more than that. Am i wrong???

3. Tyrus Thomas: Tyrus Thomas is a bit different of a situation from my perspective. He's actually doing pretty well in Chicago right now. He's come on strong as of late and for the season he's averaging 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game. I just see SO MUCH potential in this young player, to the point where those numbers don't reflect the incredible player I think he truly is. I dont know, maybe I've been playing too much NBA 2k9, but I believe Tyrus Thomas is a 15 and 9 player in this league (and I'm being modest). I also believe he could get you atleast 1 more block a game. Chicago's a young, exciting team. Keep Tyrus and Rose together and it could be magical.

4. Joakim Noah: Noah, also a member of this young Chicago team, has a bit of a different situation also. He's never dazzled me (or anyone else) with a tremendous scoring ability or anything of that nature; I don't really expect him to average more than 12 or 13 points a game in his career...AT MOST. He is and should be a solid rebounder and defender though. The thing I expect the most of out Noah is his firepower and intensity. He may not score the most points or fill up the stat sheet more than the next player, but when he does, YOU SHOULD KNOW IT! Help your teammates in Chicago feed off of that energy the way you did at Florida.

5. Gerald Green: Gerald Green is one of these extremely young players who's unfortunately jumped around from roster to roster already in his young career (he's in Dallas now, by the way). He was drafted by the Celtics, bounced back and forth between the NBA and the D-League, traded to the Timberwolves, traded to the Rockets, released, and signed with Dallas in the summer of 08. All of this in JUST 3 SEASONS! Regardless of the musical chairs game, Green has tremendous potential. He has good range as a shooter (although his 3 point percentage says otherwise), he can leap out of the gym (Slam Dunk Champion 1 year, runnerup the next) and best of all he's only 23 years old. Expect more from him...I sure do.

6. Ronny Turiaf: Ronny Turiaf is just one of those guys that, as a fan, you can't help but want to see him do well. He was a stud at Gonzaga and has the size and potential to be a stud in the league as well. Turiaf spent the first few years of his career as a key contributor for the Lakers and signed a contract with Golden State (whyyyyyy?) in the offseason. As an organization, things aren't going too well down in Golden State and Turiaf's numbers aren't up to par either. He's only giving me 6 points and 5 rebounds a game (2 blocks though). Come on Ronny...earn that contract!

7. JR Smith: Some people may argue with the fact that JR Smith is on this list, but in my opinion (with a little work), we have not seen this guy at his full potential. The thing that scares me and makes me so excited at the same time with this guy is how unpredictable he is. He can flat out score, but every once in a while he gets a little carried away, leaving you to wonder "what the hell was JR Smith thinking just now." Polish it up with a few coats of discipline and he'll be a household name for many years to come...HE'S ONLY 23!

8. Anthony Randolf: It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that two of Don Nelson's guys are on this list. Do I believe Anthony Randolf could have benefited from another year in college...absolutely (think about how much LSU could have benefited from HIM this season). At the same time, he has tremedous upside and could do well with a little work and guidance. I've heard not-so-good-things ahout his work ethic. He's only 19...get this guy out of Golden State and get him a role model before he becomes a "coulda-been"!

9. Adam Morrison: Morrison is one guy who i'm just not really too sure about. He was an incredible player in college...but that doesnt always transition into a good NBA player. After spending his first stay with limited success in Charlotte, this year he was traded to the almightty Lakers. I honestly don't know what type of player Morrison will be, but at heart, I personally hope he does well.

10. Luther Head: Luther Head may not be on everyone's list, but he's definitely on mine. He was a very good player at Illinois and has proven to be a pretty tough NBA player as well. He was named All-Rookie 2nd Team in 05-06, averaging 9 points, 3 assists a game. He faired well for the Rockets in his second season as well, giving them 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists a game (44% from 3 point range). Head is a career 40% 3 point shooter, and any team in the NBA should be lucky to have him. So why was he dropped by Houston??? Who knows. I do know that Miami picked him up and (although they dont need him as much as some other teams) they could definitely use a guy like Luther Head. He has lots of potential. Barely takes a genius to know that!

2008-2009 College Basketball Season: Final Thoughts

Well, lastnight marked the end of the 2008-2009 college basketball season, but (for us true fans) the fun is never over. With that being said, here are my final thoughts on this season, as well as some of my thoughts on the upcoming 2009-2010 season...its NEVER too early to make predictions!

-My Tarheels were definitely the best team in college basketball this year, and they proved it throughout this tournament. Michigan State didn't stand a chance lastnight, but should be commended on defeating some VERY GOOD teams in Louisville and UConn. That says a lot! I would expect Lawson and Ellington to jump for the draft along with the two seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green. I personally believe Ty Lawson will be the best "NBA Player" out of the 4. We shall see.

-Georgetown was one of my biggest dissapointments this year. This was a horrible season for a team of that stature and I would expect A LOT more from JT3 and crew next season.

-Steph Curry, in my opinion, had a drop in stock this season. He'll DEFINITELY still go first round, but last year may have even been a lottery pick. I think he'll do well in the NBA for one particular reason: he's a shooter. Shooters can shoot, nomatter where you put them. On an NBA roster he'll no longer have to score 30 points with 3 players on the opposing team guarding him. He'll do well minus the attention.

-I was not very shocked at all when it was reported that Seth Curry would leave Liberty (Big South) and test his game at a higher level. I was very shocked that it wasn't Virginia Tech! Tech missed out on a kid that should have fell directly in their hands the 2nd time around. HIS DAD PLAYED FOR YOU! Now he'll wear the jersey of another ACC team...and Duke at that! Gotta be kidding me.

-VCU loses a lot with star point guard Maynor and Head Coach Grant both exiting the premises. Don't be shocked if they are not in the tournament next year, and also don't be shocked if Maynor turns out the be a pretty good NBA player. He just has a certain poise about his game that will transition well at the next level. If he works on his shooting a little more, he'll be a stud!

-LSU will have some rebuilding to do with the losses of Marcus Thornton, Garrett Temple, Chris Johnson, and possibly even Tasmin Mitchell. These guys gave Carolina the biggest challenge throughout the entire tournament and had Lawson not come back the way he did, Carolina may not be National Champs today. Think about it...

-Both Memphis and Xavier lose great coaches. That has to be a horrible feeling (as a program) to desire a great amount of success, only to know that once its achieved, you'll have to let go of the key asset of your success, and start back at 1. Not a shot to the two coaches involved (chase your legacy), I just feel for the programs they left behind.

-Blake Griffin was, without a doubt, the best player in college basketball this year. He will be a star wherever he lands in the NBA this summer and I look for him to only get better. He seems like a good kid, with a strong family, and a solid head on his shoulders. That character usually results in a very coachable athlete.

-My team to watch out for next year would have to be Syracuse. They're returning everyone in their starting lineup with the FUTURE BIG EAST PLAYER OF THE YEAR, Jonny Flynn, once again leading the show! Devendorf and Andy Rautins can flat out shoot it. Onuaku, Paul Harris, and Rick Jackson are very physical inside. And they have some highly touted freshman commits coming in as well. Look for Jim Boeheim and his 2-3 zone to wreak havoc next year, and for the Orangemen to deliver. They definitely have the recipe for success. Barely takes a genius to know that!

UPDATE: Jonny Flynn will test the waters in the 2009 NBA Draft but will not hire an agent. The fate of this Syracuse team relies HEAVILY on his decision! Stick around one more season Jonny...i'm sure your stock will do nothing but RISE!

04-05 Tarheels vs. 08-09 Tarheels: Who Wins?

Sitting here, fresh out of the dentist (swollen mouth and all) with my Tarheels t-shirt on ready for tonights game, I can't help but think back to my freshman year of college when my Tarheels defeated a VERY GOOD Illinois team for a national championship in 2005. As a lifelong Tarheels fan, the feeling was incredible, probably far moreso than the feeling I'll experience after we defeat Michigan State tonight (thats right, I said it).

Thats not to say that I loved that Tarheels team any more; the atmosphere was just totally different, which allowed me to throw it in the face of everybody in my dorm (and everyone on campus the following few days), and rightfully enjoy it in true-bragging-fashion. Today's a little different; different team, different opponent, different atmosphere. This 08-09 team is incredible and a joy to watch. But how would they match up with that magical 04-05 Tarheels team, and if they were to square off, who would prove victorious? Hmmmm, i'm glad you asked:

PG: Very intruiging and exciting matchup with good ol' Raymond Felton vs. the speedy Ty Lawson. While I loved Raymond Felton as a playmaker and small guard rebounder(7 assists, 4 rebounds a game), I believe Lawson is a much better shooter and his speed keeps the defense on their heels. Don't get me wrong, I loved Felton and his ability to score, but i'd expect Lawson to get the slight edge in this incredible matchup.

SG: Wow...Rashad McCants vs. Wayne Ellington (Although McCants was listed as a 3, he played the 2 a lot). These two guys are both pure shooters (same field goal percentage at 40%, but McCants shot 44% from 3 compared to Ellington's 40%), although McCants caaaaan be a bit of a knucklehead at times. I must admit though, McCants was my favorite player on the 04-05 team, and I would have to give him the edge in this matchup because of his ability to do more off the dribble and get to the basket. He was a lot more explosive, which made us all enjoy the knucklehead trait every now and then. I loooove me some Wayne Ellington and I believe he'll be a better shooter, but McCants wows me more with his overall package.

SF: Jackie Manuel vs. Danny Green. I'm definitely going to go with Danny Green in this matchup. Green's much a better shooter (41% from the 3), fills up the stat sheet, and gives you a little more size. Green also has the ability to emerge as your leading scorer on any given night. Danny Green is my pick.

PF: Jawad Williams vs Deon Thompson. While I like the incredible player Deon Thompson is capable of being next year as the leading big, I love what Jawad Williams would give me right away. He's a proven scorer (13 a game in 04-05), a good 3 point shooter (38% in 04-05), and a leader. Jawad Williams would have to be my pick in this matchup. Deon Thompson should be a star in the ACC next year though.

Center: Sean May vs. Tyler Hansbrough. This is about as interesting a matchup as at the 1 position. They both will go down in Carolina history, but im going to have to go with the guy who's going down in ACC history: Psycho T. Sean May was a solid big, who could score and rebound night in and night out. I loved his game. But Tyler Hansbrough will get you a few more points a game, about the same amount of rebounds, and a toughness that the rest of the team will have no choice but to feed off of. Sorry Sean May, but Hansbrough's my guy!

6th Man: Marvin Williams vs. Ed Davis. Wow. The battle of the freshmen. This would be a 6th man matchup for the ages, but my pick would haaaave to be Marvin Williams. I absolutely love the young guy Ed Davis. He's long, athletic, young, and VERY disciplined (not to mention he's from Richmond VA!). But Marvin Williams was as vital to that championship team as any star in the starting lineup. As a freshman that year (on a team LOADED with stars) he averaged 11 points and seven rebounds. He also shot 50% from the field, 43% from 3 point range, and 85% from the charity line. Those numbers are too good to pass up! Marvin was a stud!

After that matchup comparison, the score is dead even 3 to 3. The deciding factor for me would have to be the contributions of the 04-05 bench. I can't forget guys like David Noel, Melvin Scott, Wes Miller, and Rashawn Terry. The 04-05 team was a lot deeper than this years team, and for that reason I would have to give them the final edge. This years Tarheel roster is definitely good enough to defeat Michigan State, but would it have been good enough to defeat that incredible 04-05 Illinois team lead by Deron Williams? I'd have a hard time saying yes. But at the end of the day, tonight, tonight's opponent, and tonight's future legacy is all that really matters. 2004-2005 is in the past, and presently we want another championship (regardless of the roster) for Carolina blue. Barely takes a genius to know that!

Is Iverson Going Through The Cycle?

Allen Iverson has publicly stated that he would rather retire than to come off of the bench another year. In the eyes of a lot of people this can be viewed as whining (after all, its only been a few games so far) but after seeing the curtain call on many great athletic careers, it should be very clear why Iverson is concerned.

No one lasts in professional sports forever. Great players have come and gone and given us tremendous memories to remember them by. We sometimes scratched our heads in confusion at them as rookies. We screamed and yelled in awe for them while in the prime of their careers. And alas were left with mixed feelings, in denial when it finally became clear that this amazing athlete had fell victim to being a mere mortal, and somewhat lost his "mojo." Am I saying this is the current case with Allen Iverson? Not neccesarily (I guess this would be the perfect moment for you to say that Im 'in denial' lol), but this scenario can help you understand why Iverson would be concerned!

Think of some of the tremendous players who have retired recently and how they spent the last few years of their careers. Some of them knew when it was their time to go, and left a little early, with enough youth and spunk to get another career underway. Some stayed for player/coaching purposes, mentoring the young star who would take their place, and using this opportunity as a resume builder in a quest to become a head coach in the future. Others never got the point, and allowed themselves to be bounced from NBA Roster to NBA Roster, to the point where no one even knew where they were when they finally decided to call it quits!

As a fan of his game, I really dont want to see that happen to Iverson (and sadly it seems to have already started). I personally feel that he has a few more years in him, and that he should try his hardest to finish with a bang right there in Detroit (no pun intended). He's just going through the cycle and threatening to retire in a desire for more control over what stage he'll enter next. Barely Takes a Genius to Know That!

Honorable Move Floyd-Much Respect!

It seriously brightens up my day to see that Tim Floyd turned down the Arizona coaching job offer and decided to stay put at USC.

With so many coaches going for the money every offseason, its refreshing to see atleast one guy who recognizes that he really has a good thing going. Over the past week we've seen significant coaching changes at VCU and of course Memphis. I have nothing against Calapari and Grant. I think that they are both EXCELLENT coaches with A TON to offer a team. But at the end of the day, I think they were doing a great job of offering it to the team and fans where they were, and I would have rather seen them stay.

Calapari built a Conference USA powerhouse at Memphis. He took that program and made them an elite program in college basketball. He was also a TREMENDOUS recruiter, bringing in the likes of Derick Rose and Tyreke Evans in back to back years. Grant worked wonders for VCU's program also, with a little help from star point guard Eric Maynor. They were an elite team in the CAA and in turn became a mid major program with tremendous respect in the NCAA Tournament year after year.

I'm sure leaving was not easy for them. But it was probably a lot worse for the fans and players who were once again reminded of that old saying "what goes up must come down." Its honorable and says a lot about character to do what Tim Floyd did. Barely Takes a Genius to Know That!

Officer Resigns? Most Likely Fired!

ESPN is reporting that the officer who detained Houston Texans player Ryan Moats and his wife has resigned. This story has been a popular topic of discussion, therefore I decided to keep my 2 cents away until there was some resolve. Now i'm extremely happy to say "GOOD RIDDENS."

Anyone who tooked the time to watch the video of this situation should be as disgusted as I was. It was absolutely ridiculous! Moats never revealed who he was and never asked for any special treatment because of who he was; he only asked to be treated as a human being. And as a human being, he and his wife should have been ENCOURAGED to rush into that hospital and be by their mothers' side in her dying moments! ENCOURAGED...not DETAINED. Moats pleaded with the officer several times, expressing the significance of the time the officer was wasting away. Did he care? NO. Do I believe he cares now? NO. He only cares that his job was at stake and is now no more. To hear him speak in the interview about how afraid he is to lose his job because of how important his family is to him, was a tad bit amusing. A few weeks ago he seemed to have no understanding of the importance of "family" but when it affects him personally he seems to have all of a sudden reached some enlightment. It's pretty sad.

"Shut your mouth, shut your mouth. Do you want me to take you to jail?" Those were the words he had for Moats, a man who was only attempting to take advantage of a moment he'll NEVER be able to get back. A moment that many of us are not even blessed to have. How could he take that moment from Moats and expect to still have a job in place when its all said and done? I dont believe for 1 second that he resigned...he was fired, but given the opportunity to resign in attempt to "save face." Regardless of the how he was kicked to the curb, it had to be done! The job of a police officer is to serve and protect. I don't feel well served or protected with my life in the hands of individuals like this. The force is much better off without him. Barely takes a genius to know that!

BarelyGenius Throwback: Penny Hardaway

Alrightty folks, it literally makes my heart happy to announce my first ever "BarelyGenius Throwback" recipient. I can remember being a kid, sharing a room with my younger brother and me and him going back and forth whenever the Bull's played the Magic. I guess you can say that I've always prided myself on being little different, because I wasn't (IN THE LEAST BIT) a Jordan fan. I respected his game, and knew he was greatness (and as a sneakerhead I fell head over heels for his shoes...I guess technically it would be heels over head in this case...WHATEVER, lol). My guy was none other than Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway!

Although Penny's career was later defined by injuries, at one point in time HE WAS THE MAN. He reminded me of a Magic Johnson/Michael Jordan combo. A 6ft 7inch point guard who had moves for days, could tear up the stat sheet (recorded two triple doubles as a junior at Memphis) and was a serious problem for any defender (and a VERY underated defender himself!). In just his second season in the league, he and Shaq led the Magic past the "almightty Bulls" in the playoffs and went on to get swept by the Rockets in the NBA Finals. Despite the sweep Penny still averaged 24 points, 5 boards, and 8 assists in the series!

He continued his excellent play the following few seasons, putting up huge numbers in several categories. He was an NBA Allstar, an Olympic gold medalist, and a model athlete. Fellow sneakerheads out there would have no choice but to remember the Air Penny's (Arguably the best of athlete sneakerlines ever behind His Airness of course). And no one can forget the commercials that featured "Lil Penny," a puppet voiced by the hilarious Chris Rock. Penny was a star, but later struggled with a left knee injury that took a toll on some of his explosiveness, and he was never able to get back to his glory days. He did have a five year stint (99-04) in Phoenix in which he played very well in a dangerous combination backcourt with teamate Jason Kidd. He was later traded to the Knicks, and also played for the Heat for a short while.

In my eyes, Penny's legacy would be that of one of the greatest, (forgotten) underappreciated players of all time. The guy was greatness...the knee injury just took away a lot of the characteristics that separated him from other players. I would have loved to have seen a present day Grant Hill scenario (happy too see this guy finally healthy and enjoying his gift), but at 37 years old I'm sure Penny's put the sneaks away. As a kid I idolized him, did book reports on him, and literally lit up whenever I put his shoes on (had the Air Penny 1's in the 4th grade!). He'll forever be my favorite player of all time. So when no you get get down in the dumps and feel that the hoop world no longer appreciates ya...just know there's one brotha here who always will Penny. Barely takes a genius to know that!