Quick Hits

So, the NBA is done and now we are entering what is known as “down time” in the sports world. Yes, baseball is around but it’s not that interesting just yet. NFL Camps don’t start for another few weeks and the biggest thing to look forward to is the World Cup Finals. Here at Pardon the Raheel Ramzanali, I like to find stories and make them interesting so here it goes.

1. World Cup Soccer

o England is moving on and so is Argentina. If one team is going to knock out Brazil, its Argentina. They have the fire power and the defense that is going to slow down the Yellow Shirts. England is my dark horse. They are starting to get hot at the right time and Beckham’s timely goal is a sign for more to come.

o Ghana, Ghana oh my Ghana! Watch out for Ghana to push Brazil to the brink of elimination. Ghana plays as fast as Brazil and can sneak behind that weak middle defense. Biggest thing for Ghana is going to be stopping the constant attacks Brazil pushes on teams.

o I’m going to start pushing for the World Cup to be played every two years. I am excited about soccer and want to be every two years. I tried watching English Premiere League Soccer but its not the same. The passion of the fans, the fight for your country and the talent is on a different level during the World Cup.

2. NBA Draft

o The NBA Draft is about three days away. I’m not going to project the top 20 picks but rather give you players and their futures. Fine, I will project the top 10.

o Chris Paul of the Draft: this player is going to dominate the league for a rookie and win the Rookie of the Year. My choice, Brandon Roy out of Washington. This guy, in my opinion, is the best player in the draft. He has the athletic ability and the basketball smarts to be a good guard in the league. Brandon Roy for ROY!

o This Guy is Going to Be Good!: Adam Morrison. Give him a couple of years in the league and he will develop that NBA toughness that Dirk lacked for so many years. Morrison has a great mid-range game and can drive the ball. His diabetes might be an issue but it did not bother him during college. He has control over his diabetes so let it go. Morrison is going to put up some good numbers but his potential is going to get teams excited.

o Who is this GUY?! Shannon Brown out of Michigan State. This guy is a beast. He is an explosive player who can rebound and play defense. He is going to be a great spark off the bench for any team. He reminds me of a softer Larry Johnson.

o Trivia Question Guy---Who was the starting PG for Oklahoma State when they went to the final four in 2004? John Lucas Jr. This year’s Trivia Question guy is Daniel Gibson from UT. He is not ready to be in the NBA. He is going to be a NBDL player for a long time. He is not big enough or strong enough to guard or drive in on NBA guards. I have seen too much of this guy at UT to believe he is going to be a good player in the NBA. Upside, he can shoot but is very streaky.

o Stromile Swift Award: Tyrus Thomas! If you don’t see an over hyped PF in Thomas than you are crazy. He has no mid-range game and depends on dunks to get his points, oh wait that’s Stromile Swift! He recently measured in at 6’9 at a pre-draft camp. Soon as his athletic ability is gone, he will be in trouble. HYPE HYPE AND MORE HYPE!

o Somebody believe in me! J.J. Reddick from Duke. Look, if GM’s drafted on what kids do in college, Reddick would be the number one pick. In my mind this guy was one of the best college players of all-time. Unfortunately, he has too many holes in his game to be a top tier player in the NBA. I can see Reddick ending up being a Jeff Hornacek player. Good shooter with a scrappy defense style.

Top Ten

1. Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani, Italy.

2. Chicago Bulls: LaMarcus Aldrigde, Texas

3. Charlotte Bobcats: Rudy Gay, UConn

4. Portland Trailblazers: Adam Morrison, Gonzaga

5. Atlanta Hawks: Brandon Roy, Washington

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Shelden Williams, Duke

7. Boston Celtics: Marcus Williams, UConn

8. Houston Rockets: Randy Foye, Villanova

9. Golden State Warriors: Shannon Brown, Michigan State

10. Seattle Supersonics: Tyrus Thomas, LSU