ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected 14 outstanding players as finalists for the 2015 Oscar Robertson Trophy, as selected by the association’s board of directors.

The award is to be presented to the national player of the year at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award will also be presented at the gala to be held annually the week after the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Four players from four different Atlantic Coast Conference schools headline the list along with Gonzaga teammates Kevin Pangos and Kyle Wiltjer. Two of the selections, Wiltjer and Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell, have been recognized as Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week this season. This past week, Wiltjer won the award for the second time.

Overall, seven conferences are represented and among the finalists are five seniors, six juniors, one sophomore and two freshmen.

Following is the complete list of finalists:

While these standout players are the leading contenders to be named to the USBWA’s All-America Team, all Division I players remain eligible for postseason honors from the USBWA. The association will announce its 2015 All-America Team in mid-March. Ballots for this season’s USBWA men’s honors will be distributed to the entire membership on Mon., March 2.

Tickets and sponsorship information for the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards are available atcollegebasketballawards.com or by contacting Scott Hill (405-749-1515, scott.hill@access-sports.net). The April 14 banquet will also honor Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim as the recipient of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Related link:
• Oscar Robertson Trophy

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Wake Forest vs Virginia

Virginia wins 70-34

Box Score

http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2014-2015/wf022515.html

Marial Shayok (G, 6’6″, FR)

Stats

26 min, 3-8 FG, 1-2 3 pt, 5 reb, 4 assists, 1 blk, 2 steals, 1 TO, 7 TP

Strengths

Weaknesses

While Shayok has good size for the guard position, he doesnt posses much quickness and this can hurt him when matched up with quicker defenders. He lacks a go-to scoring move and his jump shot off the dribble and on the move can be a little shaky. Shooting mechanics aren’t bad at this stage but his release is slow and he will need to improve his ability to get off quality shots on his own.

Overview

Statistically Shayok doesnt jump off the page. The Canadian guard is averaging 3.9 ppg, 2 rpg, and 1.1 asp in 15 minutes a game. But he is a high usage player who contributes in multiple ways. His shooting numbers arent terrible, other then his FT % (56%), and his TO rate is low. If he can make the full time leap to the PG position, he is an intriguing player who is definitely a player NBA teams should monitor.

Photo: STEPHEN M. KATZ/AP

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: NC Central vs Delaware State

Box Score 

Jordan Parks (F, 6’7″, SR)

Stats

28 min, 2-5 FG, 9 rebounds, 1 block, 4 TP

Strengths

Good frame with excellent length- has a frame that should be able to add more muscle weight easily. Can put the ball on the floor in straight line drives.

Stays active on the offensive boards and gets a lot of his offense from putbacks.

Big time athlete who can really excite the crowd with above the rim plays.

Solid defensive player who can switch ball screens or hard hedge. Quick enough laterally to guard on the perimeter. Excellent rebounder overall who has had multiple double-digit rebounding games this season. Is active on the defensive end.

Is a highlight maker on both ends. Efficient player who can finish in the paint and doesnt need the basketball to impact the game in a positive manner. Good toughness.

Weaknesses

Is a bit limited offensively. Struggles to change directions off the bounce and must continue to improve jump shot. FT shooting needs to get more consistent.

Tweener player- not skilled enough to be a true 3 but still lacks the strength to battle stronger back to the basket 4’s.

Would like to see him be more aggressive on the offensive end.

Overview

Not the best performance for Parks tonight who didnt look 100% after taking a charge early on. To his credit he battled through the pain and was still able to grab 9 rebounds and also get the crowd excited after a big alley-oop finish. Is currently averaging 14 ppg, 7 rpg, and over a steal and block a game. He is an efficient player who doesnt need the ball to impact the game. Parks is a true team player who is a winner. He will be a player that European teams will like with his combination of athleticism, length, and rebounding abilities.

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

ST. LOUIS (USBWA) – The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected 17 outstanding players for its2015 Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List. Members of the association’s board of directors chose the players to be included on the list as contenders for the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

The award is to be presented to the national player of the year at the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards on April 14 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Henry Iba Coach of the Year Award and the Integris Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Awardwill also be presented at the gala to be held annually the Monday following the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Six players from the Atlantic Coast Conference – including Justin Anderson andAnthony Gill of unbeaten Virginia – headline the list. Two other pairs of teammates are also mentioned: Gonzaga’s Kevin Pangos and Kyle Wiltjer and Wisconsin’s Sam Dekker and Frank Kaminsky. Top-ranked and unbeaten Kentucky is represented by Willie Cauley-Stein.

Anderson and Wiltjer have earned Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honors this season. The watch list includes nine juniors to go with four seniors, three freshmen and one sophomore.

Following is the complete watch list:

While these standout players are the leading contenders to be named to the USBWA’s All-America Team and as finalists for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, all Division I players remain eligible for postseason honors from the USBWA. The association will announce its 2015 All-America Team in mid-March. At that time, finalists will also be chosen for the player of the year. Once finalists are announced, the entire USBWA membership will vote for the winner of the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

Tickets and sponsorship information for the Devon Energy College Basketball Awards are available atcollegebasketballawards.com or by contacting Scott Hill (405-749-1515, scott.hill@access-sports.net). The April 14 banquet will also honor Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim as the recipient of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award.

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of the University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest award and the only one named after a former player.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.

Related link:
• Oscar Robertson Trophy

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Winston-Salem State vs Virginia State (CIAA Game)

WSSU wins 61-58

WyKevin Bazemore (F, 6’4″, SR)

Stats

34 min, 3-5 FG, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 TP

Strengths

One of the best motors I have seen in a player this year in college basketball. Bazemore plays harder than anyone on the floor. He attacks the offensive glass relentlessly, he dives on the floor for loose balls, and he defends. A good mix of athleticism, length, and motor help him on the defensive end, where he can guard up to 3 positions. Does a great job of closing out with a high hand and also takes away driving lanes. Is routinely asked to guard players much taller and he does more than hold his own. For the season, he is averaging over a steal and a block a game- is a playmaker on this end. Terrific rebounder on both ends- makes contact w/ opponent and chases the ball with 2 hands. Rebounds outside of his area.

Showcased the capability to score from the mid-post area w/ some solid footwork and head fakes. Efficient player who can score around the basket. Aggressive slasher.

Has a high basketball IQ and is unselfish. Had a couple of nice assists tonights in critical times that lead to lay-ups for teammates.

Weaknesses

Needs to improve ball handling, particularly his left hand and the ability to attack left. Jump shot has improved but needs to continue to get better. Needs to increase range out to the 3. Is a tweener for size and needs to be able to play from the 3 pt and in, shooting 3’s and attacking the basket from the perimeter. He is strong but would be best suited to add some more muscle weight especially since he is an inside player at this stage.

Overview

Down game statistically for Bazemore, as he entered the game averaging a double-double, but you could tell what he can do. Bazemore plays his tail off on both ends and makes winning plays. He is the type of player that every coach wants to have on his team. Good teammate and is unselfish, sometimes to a fault. Terrific rebounder and defender, who needs to continue to improve his offensive skill set. Is in excellent shape (played entire 2nd half)- capable of playing hard with no dropoffs. A player with Bazemore motor is going to be able to find success at the next level. His longevity ultimately depends if he is going to be able to make the jump from a primarily inside threat to more a perimeter swingman.

James Blackburn has scouted all levels of basketball, including high school, college and the pros, as well as international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup. Want more scouting notes from James? Follow him on Twitter @jamesjunior21, right now!

College Basketball Analyst Jay Bilas Leads Conversation

ESPNU will televise The Experts: Coaching Legends on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. ET featuring Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim, Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, Louisville’s Rick Pitino and North Carolina’s Roy Williams. Hosted by ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas, the four Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame coaches will participate in candid discussion about college basketball in a half-hour special.

Among the topics expected to be discussed:

• Their first job in college basketball
• How the sport has changed over the years and how those changes have impacted their profession and the play on the court
• Power conferences and autonomy
• Compensating players

The Experts: Coaching Legends is part of ESPNU’s extensive ACC media day coverage. Today, ESPN’s dedicated college network will televise a three-hour ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special (1 p.m.), and two editions of The Experts: ACC Coaches Roundtable (7 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.), which features conversations amongst the conference’s other 11 head coaches.  ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special will also feature reports from Tim Welsh at the American media day in New York City

Five Specials; Live from American, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC Media Days; Three-Hour ACC and American Program

ESPNU will cover six college basketball conferences’ media days, over the course of two weeks and five specials, in advance of the upcoming 2014-15 season. ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special programs will begin with four one-hour episodes (3 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET) around the Big 12 (October 15), Big Ten (October 16), SEC (October 22) and Pac-12 (October 23).  ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special will expand to three hours (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) when it hosts the ACC coaches and players at the ESPNU studios in Charlotte, N.C. and covers the American media day (October 29).

ESPN college basketball analysts will be on-location as the conferences hold their annual tip-off events, providing interviews and insight for each ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special.  Fran Fraschilla and Miles Simon will travel to Kansas City (Big 12), Seth Greenberg and Jeff Goodman will be in Chicago (Big Ten), Roxy Bernstein and Corey Williams will report from San Francisco (Pac-12), and Tim Welsh will head to New York City (American).  Coverage from Charlotte (SEC) will include hosting men’s coaches and student-athletes from all 14 schools in-studio, with select content during ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special and more expansive programming on SEC Network.

Andy Katz (Big Ten, SEC and Pac-12) and Brendan Fitzgerald (Big 12) will anchor the studio coverage.

The three-hour ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special will include analysts Shane Battier, Jay Bilas, Greenberg and Jay Williams in-studio with Welsh reporting from the American media day.  Matt Schick, Cory Alexander and Dino Gaudio will also be in-studio.  Highlights include:

• Deep Discussion: Bilas will hold a roundtable with ACC head coaches
• Insight: Interviews with various head coaches
• On the Court:  ACC student-athletes will join former players turned ESPN analysts Battier and Williams on the court
• Coaches Clicker: ACC head coaches will watch and break down game film with Greenberg and Gaudio providing an insight into the X’s and O’s of the game
• Live from New York City: Welsh provides reports and interviews from the American Conference media day

ESPNU College Basketball Media Day Special Plans:

SEC Network, the 24/7 network devoted to the Southeastern Conference and operated by ESPN, will tipoff the men’s and women’s basketball season with coaches and players live from the network’s studios in Charlotte, N.C. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The network’s previews begin with every women’s head basketball coach and select student-athletes from all 14 SEC teams appearing in-studio on October 21 and coverage airing during SEC Now, 7-9 p.m. ET. The following day, every men’s head basketball coach and select student-athletes from each team will visit the studios. Coverage of the men’s visit will air on October 22 during SEC Now, 9-11 p.m. ESPNU will also cover the men’s coaches visit to the Charlotte studios during their ESPNU Media Days Special from 3-4 p.m.

This will mark the first time SEC basketball coaches have visited the SEC Network studios. Footage and interviews from two days will be used throughout the basketball season in addition to the previews and interviews airing in SEC Now. Highlights include:

· Coaches Roundtable: SEC coaches discuss the state of college basketball and the season ahead with analyst Jay Bilas (men’s roundtable) and Maria Taylor (women’s roundtable)
· Previews: coaches and select-student athletes sit down to discuss their upcoming season
· On the Court: SEC student-athletes join ESPN and SEC Network analysts on the basketball court to demonstrate technique
· Coaches Clicker: SEC head coaches break down game film, providing insight into the X’s and O’s of the game.

SEC Network will carry more than 70 women’s basketball games and 118 men’s games this season. The network will also nationally televise the First Rounds, Second Rounds and Quarterfinals of the SEC Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The SEC Network
The Southeastern Conference and ESPN have signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multiplatform network which will launch August 14, 2014. The new network and its accompanying digital platform will carry SEC content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events in its first year. The network will televise 45 SEC football games, more than 100 men’s basketball games, 60 women’s basketball games, 75 baseball games, and events from across the SEC’s 21 sports annually. Programming will also include in-depth commentary and analysis in studio shows, daily news and information, original content such as SEC Storied, spring football games, and more. AT&T U-verse® TV, Bright House Networks, Charter, Comcast Xfinity TV, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, DISH, Google Fiber, LUS Fiber, Mediacom, PTC Communications, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable, Wilkes Telephone, and members of the NCTC, NRTC and NTTC and will carry the television network nationwide at launch. Hundreds of additional live events from various sports will be offered exclusively as SEC Network+ events on WatchESPN and SECNetwork.com through authenticated access from AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DISH, Google Fiber, Suddenlink, and members of the NCTC, NRTC and NTTC.

By James Blackburn

I was fortunate to be able to scout the annual Chris Paul Elite Camp for the 5th straight year this year. Living in Winston-Salem, NC has its advantages, one of which is not having to travel far to catch the event, put on by Chris Paul and company. Some of the top high school and collegiate guards from around the country are invited to come in and compete against each other and also against Chris Paul himself. This year Chris brought in fellow pros Isaiah Thomas (Suns) and recently drafted Elfrid Payton (Magic). The coaching and the drills are top notch and are new to many of the players involved, especially those still in high school. I dedicated the majority of my time this year watching the college players (The HS and college players are divided up onto different courts). Below you will find my thoughts on some of the top performers and my ranking of the top 5.

Top 5
1. Nigel Williams- Goss (6’3”, 190 lbs, Sophomore, Washington)
2. Dez Wells (6’5”, 220 lbs, Senior, Maryland)
3. Keifer Sykes (6’0”, 170 lbs, Senior, Wis.- Greenbay)
4. Treveon Graham (6’5”, 215 lbs, Senior, VCU)
5. Marcus Paige (6’1”, 170 lbs, Junior, UNC)

Pierria Henry (6’2″, 195 lbs, Senior, UNC-Charlotte)
Looked smooth and confident throughout camp. Has one of the smoothest euro-steps in camp. Has a nice high release, but shot needs to get more consistent. Showed good energy in day 2. Terrific size for the PG position. Is never hurried or bothered by pressure defense.

Dez Wells (6’5″, 220 lbs, Senior, Maryland)
Has one of the best bodies/frames here. Handles the ball very well- dribbles the ball quickly and hard. Has a high and effortless stroke. Is not a great shooter (needs more consistency) but is one of the better shooters at this event. I dont see him having any trouble adjusting to the NBA 3 pt line. Used ball screens very well- liked his pace. Was probably the best player overall in day 2. Doing a great job guarding the ball- using strength/size. His team won the 4 on 4 full court drill 3 times in a row. Is a big time athlete who should have a big year this year in the ACC.

Will Cummings (6’2″, 185 lbs, Senior, Temple)
Really liked what I saw from Cummings all camp. Solid lead guard who handles the ball well. Blended in to a degree in day 1 but knows how to play. Did a nice job of going downhill and attacking basket. His team won 5 on 5 more than anyone. Knows how to win and compete. Scoring the ball well today in the games at the rim.

Traevon Jackson (6’2″, 208 lbs, Senior, Wisconsin)
Solid shooting lefty performed well in both drills and the games. Has a pro ready body. Has a little bit of a tendency to drop dribble the ball but can really score.

Marcus Paige (6’1″, 170 lbs, Junior, UNC)
It was really tough to spot any major weaknesses these past 2 days in Paige. Looking really smooth in 1 on 1 drills on both sides of the ball. Solid ball handler with either hand. Deceptively quick. Really utilizes footwork to get space. One of the better shooters here.

Ron Baker (6’4″, 215 lbs, Senior, Wichita State)
Good size for position- above average physically then most others in camp. Looked solid in ball handling drills. Needs to improve quickness but can score with contact.

D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera (6’3″, 218 lbs, Junior, Georgetown)
Liked his approach to the game. Is a leader, has a great frame for position, and is tough. Team won share of 5 on 5.

Codi Miller-McIntyre (6’2″, 200 lbs, Junior, Wake Forest)
Tremendous build- going through ball handling drills quickly and with good accuracy. Dribbling the ball hard. Tough to guard in 1 on 1 drills- very explosive. Liked his competitive spirit. Solid defensively. Quick 1st step. Codi was very close to making my top 5 list- should be the man this year for Wake Forest.

Kevin Pangos (6’1″, 185 lbs, Junior, Gonzaga)
Bounced back after a disappointing day 1. Had a renewed confidence in day 2 where he scored the ball and was able to win his share of games. One of the best 3 pt shooters here- quick release. Lacks some of the physicals needed at the next level, but has underrated quickness and was able to score today in some unusual ways/moves.

Rod Hall (6’1″, 205 lbs, Senior, Clemson)
Very strong build- could easily be a running back. Trying to go right through people here at camp and many times was successful. One of the better slashers here, but needs to improve his shooting.

Kasey Hill (6’1″, 177 lbs, Sophomore, Florida)
Athleticism is effortless. Quick first step. His shooting stroke is simple and doesn’t require much effort or energy. Can get to the painted area with the best of them.

Keifer Sykes (6’0″, 170 lbs, Senior, Wis.- Greenbay)
One of the quickest and most athletic guards here. Big time scorer who scored over 20 ppg a game last season. Loved his professionalism and the way he carried himself. Euro- Step looks solid. Solid pull-up game. Plays with eyes up. Best defender in camp in my mind- holds his ground, moves his feet, and fought over ball screens. Solid ball handler w/ either hand.

Fred VanVleet (6’0″, 190 lbs, Junior, Wichita State)
Had a solid showing both days. Scored at will in 1 on 1 drills in day 1. Impressed me on the defensive end too- active hands. Really competed no matter who he matched up against.

Nigel Williams-Gross (6’3″, 190 lbs, Sophomore, Washington)
From the start of camp till the last drill I saw him compete in, Nigel was my favorite player in camp. Liked his communication and the way he competed through the drills- went through everything like he had something to prove- looked really good. Was only player communicating through the drills. Looked great in partner passing drills. Was a leader in drills even though he is one of the younger players here. Has an excellent floater where he showed touch around the basket. Coachable and consistent player. Is shifty and has excellent size for being a true PG. Defended the ball well. Needs to improve 3 pt shot, but has a solid midrange.

Treveon Graham (6’5″, 215 lbs, Senior, VCU)
Biggest guard at camp. Asked the coaches questions which I liked. Has a slow release but was the best shooter in day 2 after struggling day 1. Is not a PG, but could be a solid 2 at the next level. Played well in live games, competitions, etc- used his size/strength to score and was knocking down open shots.

Day one game broadcast from the 2014 Triad Pro Am, featuring Salem Smiles versus Blue Chip Basketball Academy. This game features Wake Forest players Madison Jones, Devin Thomas and former UNC player Vassil Evtimov.