Zion Williamson is the No. 2 overall recruit in the country according to ESPN聽and everyone has been waiting for his commitment. He went on ESPN to make the announcement and he is headed to Duke. Zion Williamson is headed to Duke https://t.co/4w3PaI0dTD — Benjamin Bornstein (@THE_BOOMSTEIN) January 21, 2018 ESPN recruiting guru Jeff Borzello spoke with Williamson last week and it was down to a handful of schools including the in-state schools. Continue reading “Nation’s No. 2 recruit Zion Williamson officially makes his college decision”
ACC basketball
Marvin Bagley breaks yet another Duke record with his latest outstanding effort
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The bigger story coming out of Monday night’s game between the Duke Blue Devils and Miami Hurricanes concerns the health of freshman Marvin Bagley. However, let the issue with his shoulder not cloud the fact that the super-freshman set yet another program record. Continue reading “Marvin Bagley breaks yet another Duke record with his latest outstanding effort”
No. 24 FSU’s ACC slate begins with No. 12 UNC
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Atlantic Coast Conference front office didn’t do Florida State any favors when it made the Seminoles’ schedule this season. Five huge tests in Florida State’s first five games — all against perennial ACC powers — means one of two results for the No. 24 Seminoles early on: feast or famine. Continue reading “No. 24 FSU’s ACC slate begins with No. 12 UNC”
Duke freshman transferring after the Blue Devils scrambled to sign him for this class
Duke surprisingly lost out on top-10 recruit Kevin Knox for the 2017 recruiting cycle and quickly went after another forward in Jordan Tucker. They got him on campus quickly after Knox’s decision and ended up signing him for depth. However, it looks like he is now leaving before even finishing an entire season with the team.… Continue reading “Duke freshman transferring after the Blue Devils scrambled to sign him for this class”
Coach Kevin Keatts says NC State ‘acted appropriately’ to Markell Johnson’s indictment
The felony assault case against suspended N.C. State basketball player Markell Johnson has been continued until Jan. 8, according to his attorney’s office. Johnson and three other defendants were … Continue reading “Coach Kevin Keatts says NC State ‘acted appropriately’ to Markell Johnson’s indictment”
Clemson topples No. 22 Florida
SUNRISE, Fla. — Junior guard Marcquise Reed scored 22 points and reached a milestone on Saturday afternoon, leading Clemson to a 71-69 upset win over 22nd-ranked Florida in the annual Orange Bowl Classic at the BB&T Center. … more month. … Clemson plays host to rival South Carolina on Tuesday. While Clemson has missed the NCAA Tournament six straight years, South Carolina reached the 2017 Final Four. … Florida plays James… Continue reading “Clemson topples No. 22 Florida”
Duke matches historic record after latest AP Poll is released
Duke basketball is considered one of the “blue bloods” of college basketball and a lot of that is thanks to Coach K. He’s accumulated over 1,000 wins with the vast majority of them coming at Duke and that means a lot of weeks spent as the No. 1 team in the AP Poll. Continue reading “Duke matches historic record after latest AP Poll is released”
Sleeper Report: Doral Moore (Wake Forest)
Game Scouted: Richmond @ Wake Forest
Wake Forest wins 82-53
Doral Moore, C, 7’1″, JR
Stats
25 min, 6-7 FG, 3-6 FT, 8 reb, 4 blocks, 1 assist, 1 TO, 15 TP
Strengths
You can see a big improvement in all areas from the last two years to this year for Moore from his confidence level to his offense and everything in between. Starting with his body and conditioning, Moore has added muscle and strength. This extra weight has allowed him to hold his post position, finish inside, and hold rebounding position. He has great length and athleticism and can really finish above the rim. He has solid hands and can catch alley-oop passes from multiple angles and distances. Solid rebounder who will get a couple of pro level/above the rim rebounds a game.
Offensively, Moore is showing much more confidence and it seems to be growing by the game. He has good touch around the rim and has a nice turn around jump shot which is becoming his go-to post move. He also has a nice sweeping right nook which is impossible to guard. Richmond actually sent a double a couple of times when he caught it with his back to the basket and he didnt turn it over and made the cross court pass to the open man. He keeps the ball high on offense rebounds and finishes inside. Moore gets the majority of his baskets in the PnR or with his back to the basket on post ups.
Defensively, Moore uses his length and size to disrupt in the paint and is a presence. Good shot blocker and has gotten better staying straight up and not fouling.
Weaknesses
Needs to continue to improve conditioning and his ability to run the floor- it has gotten better but could improve. Defensively he tends to be out of position too much. His lateral speed and ability to rotate across the lane is concerning especially when it comes to projecting him for the next level (Defending the screen and roll/ Defensive 3 seconds rule).
Overall
If he can make the same improvement level jump next summer as he did this summer then I see Moore being drafted. I would project him as an early to mid 2nd round pick at this stage depending on how much more he improves. Has the size, length, and athleticism that makes him attractive to the pro game. I see him being a backup 5 in the NBA where he can give some rim protection and finish efficiently.
First Look: Wake Forest
Game Scouted: Wake Forest vs Queens
I was able to attend Wakes first exhibition game of the season against D2 nationally ranked Queens from Charlotte. Two highly touted freshman and one grad transfer played significant minutes and will all 3 be counted on heavily for the Deacs this season. Wake was able to narrowly escape Queens upset bid with a score of 76-74.
Olivier Sarr, 7’0″, C, FR
Wake Forest was fortunate to land the 4 star French prospect who was labeled one of the top international prospects by multiple recruiting services and had his share of offers. First thing you notice about Sarr is his length and size. Lanky but runs the floor like a deer. Can hedge ball screens pretty well and is fluid. Needs to add strength and is still a bit raw at this stage, but Coach Manning has a great track record when it comes to developing bigs, so Sarr should improve weekly especially with more game experience. High upside with size and his athleticism which is what NBA teams love with him. I can see him getting into foul trouble especially in ACC play. Showed some flashes last night in limited minutes and finished with 4 pts and 3 boards.
Chaundee Brown, 6’5″, G, FR
Brown is Wake’s highest ranked recruit since 2008 and after watching him play 27 minutes last night I can see why. Absolutely loved his composure and court presence. Great body, strong and athletic. Plays hard and doesnt play outside his strength. Defends and can guard multiple positions- I can see this eventually being one of his biggest calling cards as a lockdown defender. Shot is a little slow and his 3- point shot needs to improve- did hit one 3 in the second half. Showcased the ability to score off the bounce and in transition. Definitely a player NBA teams need to add to their list if he isn’t on it already. Would not be surprised if he made the leap to the pros before his 4 years was up. Finished with 9 points, 2 rebounds, and a block.
Terrence Thompson, 6’7″, F, GR
Thompson is a grad transfer after playing the previous 2 years at Marshall. Thompson is going to be asked to fill a big hole after the departures of John Collins and Dinos Mitoglou, 2 big men who are now pro’s. Gritty player who fights inside and is a traffic rebounder. Plays hard on both ends. Underrated hands. Not a good outside shooter, did attempt one 3 (which he missed), and needs to improve his FT shooting. His calling card is going to bring toughness, rebounding, and some scoring out of pick and rolls (Which the Deacs run at a high rate). Would like to see if he could score with his back to the basket, which he was not able to showcase much in this game per lack of post ups. Low to mid level European prospect.
Louisville initiates action to fire Pitino with cause
The University of Louisville Athletic Association voted unanimously on Monday to initiate the process of dismissing head basketball coach Rick Pitino for cause. Pitino reportedly stands to lose $44 million remaining on his existing contract, per Yahoo Sports, if fired with cause. According to his contract, Pitino must be given 10 days’ notice before any firing… Continue reading “Louisville initiates action to fire Pitino with cause”