Clark Shines in Las Vegas

NBADraft.net has posted its list of the top 20 performers from the 2007 RBK Summer Championships. As has been reported here, the duo of Chris Braswell and Jason Clark performed very well. But Clark's performance earned him a spot on NBADraft's top 20.

17. Jason Clark 6'3 PG Woodbridge, VA. (DC Triple Threat) Georgetown has always loved long, athletic guards that can defend. They found a gem in Jason Clark. He showed in Vegas that he does have an offensive game. Strong with the bounce, end to end speed, decent jumper but where he excels is defensively. And not just quick hands or anticipation either...but a true lock down defender with excellent footwork. Future Big East defensive player of the year.

http://www.nbadraft.net/2007lasvegas005.asp

Yet Another Roy Hibbert Post

Any Hoya that has read the press coverage of Roy Hibbert's try outs for the US's Pan American Games team can't help but feel proud. We talked a lot last season at the image that the Hoyas portray under JTIII. The team always looked and acted professionally. In doing so they reflected extremely well on University. I mean, look at the way Jeff Green conducted himself in the days leading up to the NBA draft. He was the only player who regularly wore a suit and tie to meetings with the various teams. And The VBB weren't the only ones that noticed. Both the mainstream media and NBA execs noted this. This is definitely different than the image that Georgetown basketball put forth during its hey day in the 1980s.

Then there is Roy. Roy has gone above and beyond. Not only does he act professionally, but he has shown that a big time player in a big time program can actually love college! It's sad that this seems so shocking, but it is. We live in a day and age where college sports are little more than a minor league for future professional athletes. You almost never hear student-athletes talk about the "student" side of their title--especially not as it pertains to academics. You definitely don't expect them to cite their love of being a student as a reason for delaying a lucrative pro career. But that is exactly what Roy Hibbert has said.

Andy Katz of ESPN.com is the latest to write on this subject. His comments reflect my own sentiments exactly.

"I like school," said Hibbert before making the final Pan Am roster. "I'm a government major and have a lot of fun classes. It's easy to go to school, and it would be different if I didn't like school. But it's real fun." . . .

I'm sure there are plenty of cynics out there wondering why that would be newsy, but highly ranked prospects don't usually cite their enthusiasm for education among the reasons they wanted to return to college. That's just a fact gleaned from talking to college players for nearly two decades.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2940572&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

It's these types of comments that make Roy's decision so much different than the decision that the Florida players made last year. Their decision was all about basketball. They wanted to show that they could win it all again. Don't get me wrong, I think they also liked the college experience. Anyone who heard Noah's incoherent ramble after winning this year's national championship could tell that the kid has been having a good time in Gainesville. But I don't think it was the academics that he like the best. I don't remember hearing any of those guys talk about how much they liked class.

Now, let's not be naive about Roy's motivations. I know that he wants to try to win a national championship (though he had to know that his chances of making that happen are much lower now that Jeff Green is a Supersonic). I also know that he wants to improve his draft stock. Still, it is clear that his decision was about more than making himself into a top 5 pick.

And I couldn't be prouder because of it.

An Offer You Can't Refuse?

I have a quick question for all of the alumni who find their way to this blog. Imagine that you are still a student on the Hilltop. If someone offerred you $5 million to leave Georgetown and go do something else you loved, would you take them up on the offer even if it meant delaying your graduation? I think it would be pretty hard to turn down such a proposal.

With that in mind, I guess Jeff Green made a good decision. The Sonics signed him to a contract this weekend. ESPN reports that Green will make $2.548 million his rookie season, and $2.739 million his second year. Seattle will have a one-year optoin on Jeff for his third and fourth years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2926089

Jeff Green Works Out With The Suns

The AP (via The Sporting News) is reporting that Jeff Green, along with Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer, worked out for the Phoenix Suns yesterday. Currently, the Suns have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round, as well as the 59th pick. There are rumors, however, that the Suns may be working on a trade to improve their draft position.

Suns GM, Steve Kerr, was impressed with what he saw from the three juniors. "I think that all three guys could play right away for almost every team in the NBA," Kerr said. "I don't know if any of the three would be starters on our team. I think we've got obviously one of the most talented starting groups in the NBA. But they're all different."

For the entire article, click here.

Dizdarevic and Izzo Try Their Luck Abroad

The Washington Post has a fascinating article this morning about Sead Dizdarevic and Kenny Izzo's pursuit of professional basketball careers abroad. With all of the hype surrounding Roy and Jeff, you sometimes forget about the other guys--especially guys like Kenny and Sed that labor in relative obscurity (even to the VBB). I am especially intrigued by Kenny. You have to admire the kid's tenacity. He walks on, never plays, and he still hasn't given up the dream of playing as a pro. It takes a special person to keep the faith in that kind of situation.

Anyway, the article is worth a read. Check it out.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/25/AR2007062501844.html

The Belarusian Bear Speaks

The Frederick News Post has a good article about Nikita on their website. It sounds like he is a really good kid. He seems very excited to come to Georgetown (and who wouldn't). I hope that his basketball skills grow to match his enthusiasm.


Nikita's dream team
June 22, 2007
By Jason Barbato
News-Post Staff

Once his lengthy, Belarus name had been penned to basketballs, T-shirts and other items during a coed youth basketball camp in the St. John's-Catholic Prep gymnasium Wednesday, Nikita Mescheriakov delivered an inspirational speech to the awestruck third- through ninth-graders in attendance at the clinic.
"Everybody has a dream. I've got the chance to go to Georgetown, and that was my dream," Mescheriakov, the lanky, 6-foot-7 recent recipient of a full athletic scholarship from the powerful Hoyas basketball program, told the kids.

"I just keep working hard every day, and my dream came true," Nikita continued. "And the same can happen for you."

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/sports/display.htm?StoryID=61655

MSNBC.com Analyzes Jeff Green's Decision

MSNBC.com provides some good analysis of Jeff Green's decision to leave the Hoyas (And before anyone thinks anything; I know I should move on...but I can't). It makes two good points.

First, it reiterrates the point made by The Washington Post about why this was a difficult decision for Jeff.

By all accounts, Green enjoyed college basketball and loved Georgetown. Hoyas coach John Thompson III told The Washington Post that Green’s affection for his school and his friends there made was the reason it was such a difficult decision.

That's the kind of sentiment that should make any Hoya pround.

Second, it notes that Georgetown is going to be just fine in its first post-Green season.

When the time, Green made his decision and did what was best for him.

He did it without hurting the Georgetown program and that’s the best part of the story. Sure, the Hoyas would be better off with this multi-dimensional player back in a Georgetown uniform. So would college basketball as a whole.

But Thompson had plenty of time to brace for Green’s departure, and Hibbert’s return certainly softens the blow. Eight of Georgetown’s top nine players return — including Jonathan Wallace, Jessie Sapp and DeJuan Summers — and recruits Austin Freeman and Chris Wright were considered two of the top high school guards in the country.

Georgetown will remain a Big East contender, with high hopes for a return to the Final Four, even without Green.

Let's hope that this turns out to be true!

Andy Katz on the Meaning of Green's Departure

Andy Katz provides an analysis at ESPN.com today of how yesteday's decisions about whether or not to stay in the NBA draft will affect teams next season. Of course, Jeff Green's decision to leave Georgetown was at the top of Andy's list. Here's his take on what Jeff's departure will mean for the Hoyas next season.

Georgetown: John Thompson III had already mentally prepared that he might lose Green, the Big East Player of the Year. Originally, when there was talk that both Green and center Roy Hibbert would bolt, Thompson III told ESPN.com that he could see the Hoyas going smaller and being quicker.

Now, the Hoyas will be a bit of a blend. They could go with a four-guard lineup with Hibbert since they will have a plethora of options with the return of Jonathan Wallace (who some would argue was this team's most important player at times), Jessie Sapp, Tyler Crawford and Jeremiah Rivers, let alone the addition of two heralded freshmen in Chris Wright and Austin Freeman. But don't discount the emergence of DaJuan Summers in a much more productive role and as well as Vernon Macklin and Patrick Ewing Jr., who is becoming one of the better glue guys in the Big East.

Sure, losing Green hurts the fluidity of the squad since he was the player that could be plugged into any spot -- whether it was passing, handling or scoring -- but the pieces are still in place for the Hoyas to be a major factor in the Big East and in contention for the national title. If the Hoyas can run their system as well as they did last season, they'll be doing just fine even without Green.

To read Katz's analysis of the impact of all of yesterday's decisions, click here.

Gary Parrish's Preseason Top 25

Now that the dust is settled and we know who is staying and who is going, Gary Parrish of CBS Sportsline has compiled his list of the top 25 (and one) teams for next season. Unsurprisingly, he has Memphis in the number one slot. The Hoyas are at number 8. Gary notes, however, that he would have had the Hoyas in the one slot if Jeff had decided to stay at Georgetown. Oh well.

8. Georgetown: In the spirit of full disclosure, had Jeff Green rejoined Roy Hibbert at Georgetown, the Hoyas would've been atop these rankings.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10229862

Barker Davis on Green

By now everyone should know that I'm a big fan of Barker Davis and his coverage of Georgetown Hoyas basketball for The Washington Times. Here is his take on Jeff Green's exit from The Hilltop.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/sports/20070619-010107-6856r.htm

There's nothing special about the article; I just wanted to give Barker some props.

And if you're a masochist who needs to read 100 different articles about Jeff's departure, here are a few more:

The Washington Post

The Philadelphia Daily News

The AP (via NorthJersey.com)

and

The Detroit Free Press

Bucks Work Out With Green

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a report on the Bucks' workout with Jeff Green on Tuesday. The quotes from the Bucks' officials, who have the 6th overall pick in the draft, are mainly generic. They note that Jeff can play either 3 or 4, and that they think he has the skill to be a solid defender in the NBA.

There are, however, two interesting nuggets in this article. First, the author notes that "Bucks general manager Larry Harris, director of player personnel Dave Babcock and coach Larry Krystkowiak traveled to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to take a look at Georgetown junior forward Jeff Green, whose stock has been rising during the workout process." That is not a good remark if you really want Jeff to return to Georgetown. And I really want him to. Second, the author quotes the Bucks' director of player personnel, Dave Babcock, who explained that, "It's not set in stone that he's coming out. He really likes school, and they have a legitimate national championship contending team (for next season)." Though we've heard this many times before, I like that it's coming straight from a team official and that it was said as recently as yesterday. There is still hope.

For the entire article, click here: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=619001

Jeff Green to Work Out for Boston Celtics This Friday

This morning's Boston Herald is reporting the Celtics will travel to Washington this Friday to work out Jeff Green. I've posted the blurb below for our readers. If the workout takes place, it will only be 72 hours from the deadline (June 18) for early entrants like Green to withdraw. If Jeff returns, looks like he's going to wait until the last minute to let us all know.

Going to Green
Ainge, coach Doc Rivers and the rest of the staff plan to watch Georgetown forward Jeff Green work out Friday in Washington.
Green, who has not hired an agent and is retaining the option of a return to college, is thus required under NCAA regulations to pay his own way to workouts. As a result, teams are coming to him.
Like Brandon Wright [of UNC], Green is conducting workouts without a partner, meaning general managers and scouts are traveling for the opportunity to watch him in shooting drills.
The same was true when the Celtics traveled to watch Yi Jianlian, the Chinese star, in Los Angeles. . . .

Updates On Jeff Green

It's a busy day at work today, so I don't have a lot of time to post. Nonetheless, I wanted to let everyone know about the flood of new information that is coming in on Jeff Green. It seems increasingly like Jeff may be returning to The Hilltop for his senior year (knock on wood).

First, The Boston Globe reports that the Boston Celtic's Danny Ainge believes that Jeff is "seriously considering" coming back to school.

"Different agents have different philosophies of this whole process," said Ainge. "We have some ideas of what we'd like to see in a workout and how we'd like to structure them, but the agents don't see things that way. We've got to go see Jeff Green, which is understandable. He's still very seriously considering going back to school and doesn't want to incur the expenses. Yi's agent doesn't think it's in his best interest to go against other players. Brandan Wright really doesn't want to go against other players. Julian Wright doesn't want to play against other players.

For the entire article (there isn't much more of interest in it unless your name is the IBP) can be found here.

Similarly, Andy Katz is reporting on his blog on ESPN.com that a number of NBA teams now believe that Jeff Green is coming back to finish school and will withdraw his name from consideration on the 18th.

For more, click here.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

Add the Sixers to the Mix

Following up on Diamond Mike's article a few days ago about Jeff Green's decision to make NBA teams come to him at Georgetown, rather than him traveling to them, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported this morning that the Sixers will also becoming to the Hilltop.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/7858257.html

Interestingly, The Inquirer explains that the reason Jeff is working out for teams in D.C. is because he would have to reimburse teams for his travel expenses if he withdraws his name from the draft. I think that this is encouraging news.

Jeremiah as a Boston Scout

Following the horrific result that befell the Boston Celtics in the NBA Draft Lottery, The Boston Herald ran a story examining the potential players Boston may select with the no. 5 pick. Jeff Green is increasingly being mentioned and Celtic head coach Glenn "Doc" Rivers joked with a Herald reporter that the Celtics could hire Jeremiah as a scout. Rivers went on to say, “I don’t know what the rules are. I may not be able to talk to him [Jeremiah] now. He’ll probably be very happy with that.”

To read the full article, see http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1002699.

If Jeff Returns....

one crucial factor that has not been sufficiently explored or analyzed is the impact of Roy's decision on Jeff. As we all know, this is an extremely tight-knit group of young men. Roy's decision to return has likely increased the conflicting emotions Jeff is feeling about leaving his band of brothers and has to be animating to a large degree his hesitation about jumping to the NBA.

My point is that if Roy had decided to stay in the draft, I find it extremely unlikely these discussions about Jeff's return to Georgetown would even be occurring.

More props to Roy!

Roy Spotting

First off, apologies to our loyal readers for my absence of late. I have been under water at work and am only now emerging from the catastrophe that was the NBA Draft Lottery. More on that in another post.

A trusted source informed me earlier this evening that he spotted Roy hanging out at our infrequent contributor Johnny Shades' favorite Georgetown dining establishment, Old Glory. Glad to see the big guy was out having some post-finals fun. Well deserved.

More Indications That Green May Return

Any Katz has a report in his blog on Insider indicating that there is mounting evidence that Jeff Green may return to Georgetown to get his degree and a national championship. Jeff seems incredibly reluctant to head to the NBA--unlike most college players who are slated to be lottery picks. I know all the VBBoys have their fingers and toes crossed that he returns to the Hilltop.

Green schedules D.C. workouts

posted: Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Jeff Green's actions throughout the NBA draft process continue to indicate he might be closer to returning to Georgetown instead of being a certain lottery pick. Georgetown coach John Thompson III confirmed to ESPN.com that the Big East player of the year will conduct all his workouts at Georgetown instead of incurring any expenses going through NBA workouts at a team's practice facility.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2893568&name=katz_andy&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d2893568%26name%3dkatz_andy

Teaser: Green is working out for only Chicago, Boston, and Milwaukee. Also, "multiple NBA teams" are beginning to believe he will withdraw from the draft. My guess is that if he doesn't get a guarantee from any one of those, he's coming back.

Hibbert Invited to Try Out for Pan-American Games

The AP has reported that Roy Hibbert is one of 30 collegians that USA Basketball has invited to try out for the US team for July's Pan-American games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Best of luck to Roy. If he's going to trade in his Blue and Gray for any other colors, even on a temporary basis, I am glad that they will be Red, White, and Blue.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10212564

Congratulations to Coach Thompson

For the second straight year the Black Coaches Association has honored Coach John Thompson III with the Fritz Pollard Award, the association's accolade for the male coach of the year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2890905

Now, if we can just get JTIII that new contract he deserves.