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Things Just Got Real In La-La-Land

Daniel Ornelas — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:09:54 +0000

The NBA lockout officially ended on December 8^th of 2011. It has barely been a week since the end of the lockout and teams seem to be falling all over each other fighting for the top available talent like twin babies over a bottle. The Los Angeles Lakers, at one point this offseason, set out to be the big dealmakers as it was rumored that they were going after both All-Star players point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets and center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers made a trade offer to the NBA-owned Hornets for Chris Paul that had fans and journalists buzzing over what this trade could do for the Lakers. The Hornets accepted and all that had to happen to bring Paul to Los Angeles was approval by the other owners of the NBA for the NBA currently owns the Hornets. However, Commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade because it would give the Lakers too much power as an NBA elite.

Next, the Lakers were rumored to be going after Dwight Howard. In a surprising move, the Lakers then traded reigning 6^th man of the year forward Lamar Odom. The move was thought to be brought on by Odom demanding to be moved after he had been involved in the Hornets trade. Others felt the move hinted that the Lakers were freeing up cap space to bring Howard to Los Angeles. The move shocked Odom and the Lakers as players were upset that he was moved to Dallas, the defending world champions and Western Conference nemesis, for almost nothing in return. Also, yesterday the Orlando Magic made it public that they were no longer looking to move Howard out of town. While it seems all hopes for Los Angeles bringing in another superstar to town had slipped away, there was still hope.

The Clippers also play in Los Angeles and look to be improving their roster and taking the next step toward making a playoff appearance. The Clippers signed former Washington Wizard, Caron Butler to a three-year deal. Young center DeAndre Jordan looked as if he was headed upstate to the Golden State Warriors when they attempted to lure him away with a four year/$43 million contract. However, his status as a Restricted Free Agent gave the Clippers three days to match that amount in order to keep him. The Clippers brought Jordan back, which meant they had two talented players at the Center position in Jordan and Chris Kaman. Resigning Jordan hinted that Kaman was expendable as a player to use as trade bait. After claiming veteran guard Chauncey Billups off waivers, the Clippers sent Kaman, point guard Eric Gordon, forward Al-Farouq Aminu, and a first-round draft pick to the Hornets to get… Chris Paul!

The Clippers have beefed up at the point guard position and look to improve in other areas of the court. With forward Blake Griffin, veteran guard Mo Williams, Chauncey Billups, DeAndre Jordan, Caron Butler, and Chris Paul the Clippers look to give the Lakers and the rest of the Western Conference a run for their money. Rumor has it that they are still looking to make more moves. Look out Los Angeles, for the Clippers might just catch fire.

Happy Holidays to Los Angeles!

The Issue with the “One and Done” Rule Part I

Lucas Barra — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:26:08 +0000

This past year when Illinois freshman Jereme Richmond surprisingly declared for the NBA draft, many people on campus were shocked. Richmond’s departure has become part of a troubling trend in college basketball that allows elite athletes to leave after just one year of education. The one and done rule was created with the intentions of preventing high school entrance to the NBA. The hope of the NCAA and NBA was that the one and done rule would encourage athletes to get a college education. Unfortunately, the one and done system has made a mockery of college education as it relates to top basketball players. The one and done athletes usually take blow off classes, and do the bare minimum so they can focus on improving their game. In the midst of this ignorance, one and done players lose out. If one and done players go to the NBA and it doesn’t work out, then what is there to fall back on? Absolutely nothing.

To make matters even worse, college basketball programs have become known for extremely low graduation rates. In a recent survey by the NCAA, nearly 50 percent of teams who made the tournament had a graduation rate of less than 50 percent. Baseball used to have a similar minimum system requirement much like college basketball, but recently took measures to make sure athletes stay enrolled in college for three years. As a result, graduation rates have climbed for baseball. It is obvious that the one and done rule is broken, so college basketball needs to make a change similar to college baseball. Players should either leave from high school or go to college for at least three years to encourage better graduation rates.

Student Athlete of the Week: Madisen Irwin

SportsForce — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:10:16 +0000

Sport: Basketball Position: Center Height: 6′4″ Class: 2011School: La Costa Canyon High School Carlsbad, CA

Madisen Irwin scored an amazing 42 points in the Mavericks 90-43 win over Torrey Pines this past week. Irwin also scored the game winning free throw in the last 1.7 seconds of the game in her squad’s tough win over Poway. Irwin chipped in for the win with 13 points and13 rebounds. She is committed to the University of San Francisco.

To view Madisen complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/madisen-irwin-basketball-2011

Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

Student Athlete of the Week: Alex Perez

SportsForce — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:09:38 +0000

Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Height: 6’1″ Class: 2011 School: Otay Ranch High School San Diego, CA

Otay Ranch senior Alex Perez kicked off his season right at the Holiday Hoops Tournament at Mt. Carmel High School. Perez scored at least 30 points in each of two wins for his team. Perez scored 30 points in a win over Mission Viejo Trabuco and followed up that performance by scoring 34 points in his team’s win over Mission Hills.

To view Alex’s complete SportsForce profile click here - http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/alex-perez-basketball-2011

Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

Student Athlete of the Week: Johnny Dee

SportsForce — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 19:47:15 +0000

Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Height: 5’10″ Class: 2011 School: Rancho Buena Vista High School San Diego, CA

Rancho Buena Vista guard Johnny Dee scored a game high 45 points in his team’s win over Bonita Vista in the Grossmont Tournament. Dee scored 45 of his team’s 88 points with 22 of those points coming in the third quarter and 18 coming in the form of three pointers. The Longhorns easily beat Bonita Vista 88-67.
To view Johnny’s complete SportsForce profile click here – http://www.sportsforceonline.com/athletes/johnny-dee-basketball-2011

Scouting report courtesy of SportsForce – Home for college Sports Recruiting Videos, Tips, Tools and Premium Services – www.sportsforceonline.com

SoCal Hoop Review Highlight Video Part II

SportsForce — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:32:54 +0000

Check out more action from last year’s SoCal Hoop Review. The 7th Annual SoCal Hoop Review was held April 10th and 11th at Cal State University Dominguez Hills and Lynwood High School in Lynwood, CA. The tournament was open to all high school grades including seniors. Both AAU teams and High School teams took the chance to compete.

The tournament showcased top talent from across the country and gave players a chance to show off their skills in highly competitive games in front of top college coaches, scouts, as well as media. Check out the highlight video below from the action at Lynwood High School.