Luke Winn on Big Roy

I should note that Jester traveled with Roy on the train up to Philly for the Pan Am tryouts at Haverford, where Winn conducted his interview with Roy.

Last dance
Hibbert defies reason to return to Hoyas for final year

He had cut weight from his 7-foot-2 frame, which is now a leaner 275 pounds. He attributed this to part running-and-lifting regimen, part decreased intake of General Mills snack food. "I have a thing for Chex Mix," Hibbert laments. "I've been cutting down on it."

. . . .

"I'd rather have seen [Hibbert] go pro -- because we have to play Georgetown twice next year," says Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who's also the chair of USA Basketball's collegiate committee and was watching from the sidelines in Haverford. "But I've never thought it hurts really good players, like Roy, to stay in college. It didn't hurt Patrick Ewing. It didn't hurt Derrick Coleman. It didn't hurt Tim Duncan or Alonzo Mourning, and they stayed all four years." Hibbert is likely to improve on his 12.9-points, 6.9-rebounds per game averages from last season, and the Hoyas -- who gain much-needed backcourt depth with freshmen Chris Wright and Austin Freeman -- should remain in the top-10 picture for '07-08. Which is a nice situation to be in, but with Hibbert and Jeff Green, the East Region's Most Outstanding Player, Georgetown would have been a consensus No. 1 in the preseason polls.

On NBA Draft night two weeks ago, the remaining Hoyas gathered in the basketball office on campus to watch Green get selected No. 5 by the Celtics. Hibbert even put his junk-food-free diet on hiatus for the occasion, which was catered with pizza and hot wings. Big Roy found, however, that he could only bear to watch the first five picks: "I left right after Jeff got drafted," he says. "It got to me ... I was just like, that could have been me up there. But I have no regrets, and I'm working for another attempt at a national championship." The emotions Hibbert felt during the draft subsided quickly, in part because he had a jam-packed summer ahead (he left the next morning at 5:45 for the Amare Stoudemire Skills Academy in Phoenix, has this potential USA Basketball trip to Brazil for the Pan Am games, as well as Michael Jordan's Flight School in Santa Barbara, Calif.), and more because he relishes college life and wants to finish his degree in government. Hibbert said the decision he made, on May 23, to remain at Georgetown was easy; "If school wasn't fun for me, if the atmosphere at Georgetown wasn't fun for me," he says, "it might have been different."

Fellow Pan Am Trials invitee Richard Hendrix, of Alabama, has been joking with Hibbert -- an admirer of Barack Obama who intended to intern at the Department of Education this summer, before basketball got in the way -- about when he'll run for governor of Maryland. Hibbert says he'll only entertain a career in politics after a long run in the NBA, so his campaign at present is to begin solidifying his status as a top-five pick in the '08 draft.

. . . .

Hibbert has been keeping tabs on Green's progress with the Sonics -- as much as someone who has neither cable nor Internet in the townhouse he shares with Georgetown teammates can keep tabs on glorified scrimmages in Vegas. "You have pay like 30 bucks a month, per person [for cable and Internet]," says Hibbert. "I don't have that type of money." Eight days earlier, Green had signed a contract that will earn him $2.548 million in his rookie season with the Sonics. Hibbert doesn't have $30 to get ESPN and NBATV in his room. Still, there is no clear answer as to whose life is better. Green is rich, Hibbert is broke. But at this same time next year, Big Roy will likely be a Lottery Pick with a degree -- and no lingering uncertainty about what kind of tourney run he could've had as a college senior. His vow of poverty is only temporary, and entirely justifiable.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/luke_winn/07/13/roy.panam/

Conference Matchups Released

The conference matchups for the Hoyas this year will be fantastic. This is the best schedule I could have possibly imagined. As all readers know, there will be 18 games for each Big East team this year. That means that all 16 teams play each other once with three repeat matchups. The way I think this should work is for each team to play a couple traditional rivals in the repeat games and maybe mix in a big matchup of two contenders, like last year when the Hoyas played Pitt twice.

That's just what they've done for the Hoyas this year! We get a home-and-home with Louisville who will be our main competition for the Big East title, and we have home-and-homes against traditional rivals St. John's and Cuse. But here is the great part. We have home games against UConn, Nova, and Notre Dame. The others will be Seton Hall, South Florida, and Cincinatti. It might have been nice to get Pitt or Marquette again at home but this is a great schedule as far as I'm concerned. It balances traditional rivalries and will let our home fans see Nova, UConn and Notre Dame again. Fantastic. Go Big East!

Now, let's get ready to give Pitino a well-deserved D.C. welcome.....

Ronny Thompson Resigns

This is a truly bizarre turn of events for former Hoyas point guard and Assistant Coach Ronny Thompson. Two days after the vocal support of his athletic director, he resigns. The issues (at least publicly) are two self-reported rules violations that certainly qualify as fairly minor and the racist notes left in his office. Does any of that rise to the level of something worth resigning over? Strange.

Thompson resigns two days after AD said no change was coming

Throughout the first weekend of the July evaluation recruiting period, Thompson's job status was the source of intense speculation by colleagues. Rumors swirled at various coaches camps, and in the Muncie, Ind., area, that Thompson would resign after his staff was caught committing offseason workout violations for the second time in as many years. Late last month racist letters were slipped under Thompson's door. According to the Muncie Star-Press, racial slurs, along with words "cheaters" and "liars," were written on notes left in the basketball offices in a "break-in" on June 24. Ball State University police officer Gene Burton told ESPN.com Wednesday that the case should be resolved next week. The suspense intensified when Thompson went on vacation the first weekend of the July evaluation period while the majority of coaches were on the road. Thompson and his staff were cited for the second year in a row for violating NCAA rules by being present at voluntary offseason workouts. It has been reported by the Star-Press that the staff lied about the violations, too.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2934452

Update on Recruits

DraftExpress.com has a few short write-ups on the high schoolers participating in the LeBron James Skills Academy. Two of interest to Hoyas fans are commit Henry Sims and recruit Greg Monroe, the consensus #1 recruit in the class of 2008.

The report on Sims was great. He sounds like he can play in the post or face-up. He thus sounds like the prototypical JTIII big man, who can do it all. Here's the report:

"Sims was surprisingly productive throughout the first two days of camp, finishes everything inside and making his presence felt on both ends of the floor. The long, athletic big man really did some damage on the offensive glass, exhibited great hands, and seemed to be a guards dream with his ability to convert their drop-off passes inside for assists. Henry has a motor that does not stop running at all, and with continued development on the low blocks should be able to receive a considerable amount of playing time as a freshman for the Hoyas."

Monroe's write-up I found even more intriguing. Evidently, JTIII is trying to sell him on being the next Jeff Green. Damn if this doesn't sound like Jeff, for good and for ill:

"Monroe is an amazing talent, but has been unable to utilize his skills to their maximum potential throughout the first three days of camp. He showed dazzling footwork on the low blocks, finishing with both his right and left hands equally well. Monroe was money from 18 feet and in, and converted everything in transition. Still with all of these skills, he failed to take over the game we watched and was extremely passive. Greg is unselfish to a fault and while he is surely is the most talented player here at camp, by no means has he been the most dominant."

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2170

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

Spann To Marshall

I don't know if this will be news to the other Van Buren Boys, but it was certainly news to me. It turns out that Tay Spann is transferring to Marshall. In the process he will be joining his older brother, who plays for The Thundering Herd's football team.

Who knows why Tay decided to leave GU and head to West Virginia. Maybe his decision to attend Marshall was based upon Georgetown's use of the "We Are Georgetown" cheer?

To read more, click here.

Kenner League Report

I attended the first two Kenner League games of summer 2007 today. I watched the second half of Meyers & Alterman versus the Colonials, and the first half of Clyde's against Eltro Lite.

The Meyers & Alterman team was without DaJaun Summers, but for some reason the Colonials featured Tyler Crawford (instead of Electo Lite, as published). The star of this game was Sean Singletary from UVA. He's quick as heck and showed a nice handle--but I'd expect that from a rising All-ACC senior. In any event, the game also had Gus Gilgrist who pulled out of his commitment at VATech after the shooting. He's prepping for this year and GU has been mentioned as a possible destination. I wasn't blown away. He's fine and did show some nice moves but he may not be worth any the baggage that could come along with snapping up a recruit who backed out of a commitment under dubious circumstances. Tyler was his usual self--unshelfish and always hustling. He got a bunch of garbage buckets but didn't shoot the ball too much.

The second game had Patrick Ewing Jr. and Austin Freeman. Jeremiah Rivers and Omar Wattad were nowhere to be seen. PE Jr. was far and away the best player on the court. He hit some beautiful jumpers, finished and passed well, and had some nasty blocked shots. He may be ready to assert himself in the Jeff Green role. Freeman's shot looked a bit off, but he finihed beautifully in traffic. The kid is built like a tank and very well could start as a small forward. He has great instincts too. Austin will be a lot of fun to watch. Another paritipant on Clyde's was Biggie McLain--with whom the Hoyas flirted for years. He's heading to Cincinatti. I wasn't blown away but he would probably get some PT. While not incredibly skilled, he is quite coordinated for a 7'1 freshman.

Also seen at the game were Jeff Green and John Thompson Jr., who were both spectators. At one point, Chris Wright walked through the gym. He is jacked--probably more defined than Austin. Both have Big East-ready bodies. That's all I've got for now. I was hoping to see a 2007 Final Four banner in McDonough but they haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe they are waiting until the 2008 national championship....

Good Luck In Seattle Jeff

Jeff Green was selected as the fifth overall pick in last night's draft by the Boston Celtics, as part of a deal that sent Jeff to Seattle, where he joined the second overall pick, Kevin Durant. That dynamic duo should add some excitement to the Pacific Northwest for years to come.



Here is video of the selection.



And here is a collection of Jeff Green highlights. He will definitely be missed.

Gentelman's wager on the NBA Draft

I would like to solicit the feedback of my esteemed contributors.

A colleague from work and I entered into a friendly wager this afternoon regarding whether all three standouts from Florida (Brewer, Horford, and Noah) will be selected before or after Jeff Green is drafted tomorrow evening.

I said that there's no way ALL three Florida players would go before Jeff Green; my colleague disagreed.

I feel pretty confident with my stance.

Please weigh in with your thoughts.

Kenner League Preview

The Kenner League starts up again this weekend. Some of the VBBs will be in attendance at games thorought the summer to provide previews of the newcomers and updates on the development of upperclassmen. Here are the teams on which the Hoyas will be playing, according to GUHoyas.com (http://guhoyas.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/062707aac.html):

The Tombs
Jonathan Wallace
Vernon Macklin
Nikita Mescheriakov
Chris Wright

Clyde's
Patrick Ewing, Jr.
Jeremiah Rivers
Austin Freeman
Omar Wattad

Myers/Alterman
DaJaun Summers

Electro-Lite
Tyler Crawford
Jessie Sapp

Note that Roy Hibbert will not be involved. I assume that means that he will be participating in the 2007 Pan American Games. GUHoyas.com has also provided a link to a complete Kenner League schedule: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/gu/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2007KennerLeaguesked.pdf

To get ready for the summer, here is my list of the top 5 things I want to see during Kenner League play:

(1) The development of Patrick Ewing, Jr. and DaJaun Summers. With Jeff Green's departure, these two are going to be key to the Hoyas going back to the Final Four. We'll be looking for the whole package--shooting, handle, rebounding, etc. They have some big shoes to fill.

(2) Jump shots. The Hoyas will need better perimeter shooting next year from their guards. Sapp and Rivers, in particular, were suspect in that department. They've have a few months now to shoot until their arms fall off. Let's see what the learning curve is like.

(3) The Burger Boys. Are Freeman and Wright going to be as good as billed? Both reportedly bring things to the table that we really need. Freeman could play the 3 spot and allow Summers to move to the 4 in the Jeff Green role. He is strong and has a great mid-range, which will be key for the offense--again, filling the Jeff Green spot. Wright can supposedly penetrate in a way that none of our current guards can. This will open up the perimeter shots and pull double-teams off of Big Roy.

(4) Ticket. Vernon Macklin came Georgetown as a top-ranked McDonald's All-American. When we saw him play in the Kenner League last year, we described him as "raw." He was indeed, although he showed significant improvement over the course of last season. His passing and footwork were good and he flashed a nice baby hook. Macklin's biggest liability was on defense, where he was regularly pushed out of position. Let's hope he spent the offseason in the weight room and added some significant muscle!

(5) Diamonds in the Rough? To go along with the two heralded guards, Geogetown will have two utter unkowns joining the team in Omar Wattad and Nikita Mescheriakov. What can these guys do that warranted Georgetown scholarships? Presumably, the coaching staff knows something that the recruiting gurus do not--this would not be shocking and it would not be the first time--Jonathan Wallace anyone.....

To further whet everyone's appetite, here is some video of Austin Freeman from Rivals.

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

Class of 2000

This is pretty far afield from Georgetown basketball, but since all of us graduated from Georgetown in 2000, I thought it was appopriate to recognize the accomplishments of some of our classmates. FishbowlDC is reporting that three of them are basically taking over at ABC News's politics division. Now, if they could only get Miles O'Brien (College '81) back on on the air after CNN pulled him and Soledad from American Morning, altering my a.m. television habits....

Davis, Travers, O'Keefe Step It Up At ABC News

ABC News today announced two Deputy Political Directors and an ABCNEWS.com Senior Political Editor. Teddy Davis and Karen Travers will both serve as Deputy Political Directors and report to David Chalian who was promoted to ABC News Political Director in March 2007. Ed O'Keefe will serve as the Senior Political Editor of ABCNEWS.com. Teddy Davis is covering his third election cycle for ABC News. Before being promoted to Deputy Political Director, he covered the 2006 Democratic takeover of Congress and the 2004 re-election of President Bush. Throughout his time at the network, Mr. Davis has provided guidance on political coverage to ABC News' broadcasts, on-camera political analysis to ABC News' webcasts, and political writing to ABCNews.com. He also has been a regular contributor to The Note. A graduate of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, he earned his law degree from The Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Karen Travers joined ABC News in 2000. Before being promoted to Deputy Political Director, she was a White House producer since December 2004. Prior to the White House, she covered the Bush-Cheney 2004 campaign and was a researcher for Ted Koppel at Nightline. Ms. Travers graduated in 2000 from Georgetown University with a degree in American Government. She served as editor-in-chief of The Hoya. Ms. Travers earned a Masters' degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown in 2003.

As Deputy Political Directors, Travers and Davis will provide editorial guidance and work with all ABC News platforms and correspondents on story development and reporting, as well as filing political content for ABC News Digital Media. Mr. Davis and Ms. Travers will also play a key role in planning for Vote 2008 coverage across the news division for the Iowa caucuses, New Hampshire primary, Super Tuesday, conventions, debates, and election night.

Ed O'Keefe joined ABC News in 2000. Prior to serving as ABCNEWS.com's Senior Political Editor, he was a producer at "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" and "World News with Charles Gibson". He traveled as a reporter covering John Kerry's presidential campaign in 2003-2004 and, prior to that time, worked as a field producer on Capitol Hill. Mr. O'Keefe graduated from Georgetown University in 2000, studying Government, Psychology and English. As Senior Political Editor of ABCNEWS.com Mr. O'Keefe will oversee all political content for ABCNEWS.com and he will play a key role in planning for Vote 2008 coverage across the digital spectrum for the news division.

Fun fact: Davis, O'Keefe and Travers were all in the same class in college (Georgetown, 2000). The Hoyas are slowly taking over...

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/the_revolving_door/davis_travers_okeefe_step_it_up_at_abc_news_61407.asp?#email

Recent Hoya Lawya Out As Wiz Prez

Female president O'Malley leaves Wizards

Marketing whiz Susan O'Malley, the first and only female president of an NBA franchise, is leaving the Washington Wizards. O'Malley has been president of the Wizards since 1991, earning a leaguewide reputation for creative promotions that helped draw new fans to a team that had been struggling at the gate. "Susan has been my right hand through the past 20 years and has helped guide the fortunes of our company," said Wizards owner Abe Pollin. "She has simply been fantastic in every way, from the moment she came here to the present, and I will always be thankful for her guidance and leadership."
. . . .

O'Malley also oversaw the business operations of the NHL's Washington Capitals for four years until Pollin sold the team in 1999. Her contract with the Wizards expires June 30, but she said she will remain an adviser with the team through the 10th anniversary celebration of the Verizon Center in December. O'Malley, 45, graduated from the law school at Georgetown University last month. She said she will take a vacation before deciding on her future plans. "Nobody believes me when I tell them I have no idea," O'Malley said. "It's going to be hard to find something that challenges me like this gig."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/wizards/2007-06-20-o-malley_N.htm?csp=34

One interesting side note: O'Malley graduated from Georgetown Law this year along with Rebecca Grunfeld Hamilton, daughter of the Wizards' president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld, and Jessica Thorn, daughter of the New Jersey Nets' president Rod Thorn.

Georgetown Law Graduates Have NBA Flair
"It's pretty crazy," Grunfeld Hamilton said. "It's a huge accomplishment, so to be able to do it with people that you share a common bond with makes it even more special." It's pure coincidence that the NBA-connected trio ended up together, although Thorn and Grunfeld Hamilton had previously known each other for a few years. Of course, both were familiar with O'Malley, the marketing whiz who in 1991 became the first female president of an NBA franchise.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/17/AR2007051701458.html

Luke Winn says GU is #1 Offseason Winner

From CNNSI: Georgetown Coach John Thompson III made an appearance at the NBA's Predraft Camp in early June to check on star forward Jeff Green, a physical-only invitee who was having second thoughts about entering the draft after his junior season, despite being a sure-fire lottery pick. Green's flirtation with returning -- and the Hoyas' shot at being a preseason No. 1 -- didn't pan out, but I remember Thompson having this casual exchange with an NBA scout outside the Milkhouse Gym:

Scout: "Congrats on getting Big Roy back, coach.
JTIII, grinning: "Thanks guys."
Scout: "That must have been some conversation."
JTIII: "Hey, he wanted to come back."

At that, the scout and his cohorts gave Thompson incredulous looks and laughed. They could not fathom the idea 7-foot center Roy Hibbert -- another likely lottery pick -- would pass up the draft for another year with the Hoyas. Yet that's exactly what had happened a few weeks earlier. Big Roy's return was the biggest gift received by any team in the nation this offseason. Now that Greg Oden, Aaron Gray and Spencer Hawes are gone to the NBA, no one is left to challenge Hibbert's supremacy as the college game's most dominant true center. With sophomore forward Dajuan Summers ready for a breakout year, and two McDonald's All-American guards, Austin Freeman and Chris Wright, on the way in, the Hoyas have to be considered a part of the national championship picture for a second-consecutive season -- even if Green is gone.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/luke_winn/06/20/winners.losers/index.html

I thought this was interesting in light of Chad Ford's comments about Green on ESPNInsider: "I was told several teams in the top 12 worked the phones hard this morning to convince Green to stay in. "

Now, maybe I'm just a bit naive, but while I can understand slimy agents telling players to leave school, I'm a bit disappointed that NBA executives, who all have college degrees think that stuff is appropriate. It is one thing if you are guaranteeing a player you will take him but to lobby a kid to leave school because you think you might want to pick him seems pretty low. I best not hear that the Celtics were one of those teams. If so, Baby Doc should be riding some pine this year! Again, I'm not sure if it reflects poorly on the scouts or on the players with whom they are used to dealing, but some people do really love college and do really value getting an education and are willing to delay making a lot of money to do so. Shocking. I know.

It looks like Nikita is official

As reported here before, there were some hangups with Nikita's high school transcript that have evidently been cleared with the NCAA. Welcome to Georgetown, Nikita! We'll be courtside at Kenner League this summer to see you play.

St. John's forward Mescheriakov gets full ride from Georgetown
St. John's-Catholic Prep graduate Nikita Mescheriakov is headed to Georgetown University this fall to continue his basketball career. Mescheriakov, a 6-foot-7 forward for the Vikings, has received a full scholarship to play for the Hoyas, St. John' coach and athletic director Silas Cheung said. Georgetown won the Big East Conference championship and reached the Final Four last season under head coach John Thompson III. Mescheriakov averaged 14.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.0 blocks per game for the Vikings. He shot better than 50 percent from the floor and 78 percent from the foul line. "Nikita understands the level of competition in the Big East," Cheung said.
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/sports/display.htm?StoryID=61616

Hoyas' Latest Recruit Is Finally Done
Until 4:31 this afternoon, when I got an email from St. John's assistant coach Donald R. Shopland Jr. announcing Mescheriakov was bound for Georgetown. Ok, good. Done, right? Well, no. First of all, is it "Mescheriakov" -- which I've used all year online and in print because that's how his older brother, Yegor, spelled his name when he played at George Washington. Or is it "Mescharakou" as Shopland writes? Second, what to do about a release from a coach I'm not familiar with who writes "advanced for release" at Thursday 6 a.m. What the heck is that about? Why would there be an embargo on using this info and should I agree to follow any embargo I didn't agree to? In any case, I think that Mescheriakov will turn out to be a good pickup for Georgetown. He might not make the immediate splash of Austin Freeman or Chris Wright, but Mescheriakov will be a solid player for years to come.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/recruitinginsider/

KG a Celtic?

According to this morning's Boston Herald, the Celtics are closing in on a trade that would bring Kevin Garnett to Boston in exchange for Al Jefferson, the Celtics' #5 pick in next week's draft, and likely a couple other players.

While it makes Boston relevant in the short term, I am going on the record now to state this is a bad deal.

Kevin Garnett has been the consummate professional but let's face it: he's 31 years old and hasn't even been able to lead his team to the playoffs over the last couple of seasons (admittedly in a very very deep Western Conference). Garnett has at most a couple of more good seasons before he starts to decline.

Al Jefferson, on the other hand, played like a beast last season and he's only 22! I would be shocked if he were not an all-NBA 1st, 2nd or 3rd team member by the time he's 25 (and pehrhaps earlier). He's well on his way to being a bona fide 20 point-10 rpg guy for many seasons to come.

Plus giving up the #5 pick in one of the deepest draft in recent years!

Boston will have so much money tied up in Pierce and Garnett that what you see is basically going to be what you get unless another veteran is willing to take a huge pay cut to play along side those two. This duo is not going to be enough to get it done and bring championship banner #17 home to Boston.

I am sick.




Source: C’s closer to KG deal
By Steve Bulpett
Boston Herald Sports Reporter
Thursday, June 21, 2007 - Updated: 04:49 AM EST

The process still is far from complete, but a league source indicated last night the Celtics [team stats] were moving closer to a deal for Minnesota star Kevin Garnett.
“There’s a good chance nothing happens,” the source cautioned, “but the talks seem to be ongoing. Neither side seems willing to drop this.”
It was further indicated that if such a deal goes down, it would indeed involve both Al Jefferson [stats] and the Celtics’ No. 5 overall pick in next week’s draft.
Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge admitted earlier this week to the Herald that he had discussed a deal for Garnett with Timberwolves counterpart Kevin McHale. When reached last night, Ainge said he is not commenting on any trade rumors.


Reacting to the Herald story yesterday in Minneapolis, McHale said any trade talk involving Garnett so far has been just that - talk.
“Who knows what’s going to happen?” McHale said after the Wolves worked out college stars Jeff Green and Al Horford in preparation for next week’s draft. “But we’re not out there actively shopping Kevin Garnett around the NBA. I can tell you that much.”
The Celtics are said to still be mulling over the pros and cons of the deal. A plus is the opportunity to take a giant step in an Eastern Conference race that would appear to be fairly wide open next season. On the downside, the Celtics would be trading away a player nine years Garnett’s junior in Jefferson, who is coming off a breakout season just three years out of high school.
It is not yet known what other pieces would be involved in the deal to make it work financially, but one can assume Theo Ratliff [stats]’s expiring contract could be part of the mix.
Garnett can opt out of his contract after next season, meaning the Timberwolves run the risk of losing him without compensation if they don’t trade him before then and he tires of not playing on a competitive team. That has ramped up speculation that he could be on the move.
A key part of the transaction would be the Celts knowing Garnett wants to make the move.
Garnett, who turned 31 on May 19, is an eight-time All-NBA selection and a 10-time All-Star. He averaged 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for Minnesota last season.
Jefferson, a first-round pick by the C’s in 2004, averaged 16.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists last season.
In the past, McHale has completely dismissed questions of Garnett’s availability, including after last season when he said emphatically, “We’re not going to trade Kevin Garnett.” Now, McHale is qualifying those remarks.

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

It's Official: Green is Gone

After much waffling on Mr. Green's part, he has made a final decision and is staying in the NBA draft. We would have loved him to return to GU but it is hard to argue with his decision, especially if he has been told that he will be at the high end of his projected draft status. (If the IPB is lucky, Jeff will be in Celtic green next year.) Jeff will go down as one of the all-time great Hoyas. He brought the program back to respectability in his first year; in his second he took the program back to where it belonged--in the March mix with a run to the Sweet 16; and as a junior, he brought the program back to the Final Four for the first time since 1985. My advice to Jeff at this stage is as follows: (1) don't let the NBA change you; continue to represent GU well, as you have for the past 3 years; (2) make sure you complete your college degree; (3) remember to give back to the alma mater; Coach and the players who follow you will need your support. Good Luck & God Speed!

http://guhoyas.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/061807aaa.html

Jeff Green-Boston Celtics Workout Details

Celtics work out Green
By Shira Springer, Globe Staff

Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers traveled to Washington D.C. today to watch Georgetown forward Jeff Green work out at McDonough Arena. The session started at 10 a.m. and lasted approximately an hour with Celtics’ assistant coach Armond Hill running the workout while Ainge and Rivers watched. The workout consisted of shooting from particular spots, rebounding and running the floor.

The Contract Situation: Still Unresolved

CBS Sportline is just as flabergasted as we all are about Georgetown's inability to get this done. I have a little more faith than he does that JTIII won't be sour over whatever the delay is . . . so long as there is a reasonable explanation for it (e.g., getting Board approval for a new practice facility). Also, we have to remember that DeGioia and JTII have been very close friends for decades. While I can see JTIII getting upset at the delay in the process, I'm sure he is more understanding than someone like Calipary would be.

Georgetown's indecision might lead to Dear John

It'll get done, eventually. Off the record, that's what everybody keeps telling me. Just wait. Don't worry. Calm my nerves, hold my horses -- or Hoyas, in this case -- and find something else to write about because the moment I make a big deal out of the strange situation surrounding John Thompson III's contract is the same moment he'll agree to a new contract, and I'll look silly for ever wasting words on the subject. Those folks might be right. But I'm tired of waiting around. And I'm guessing good old JT3 is too. So now is the time to ask: What's up at Georgetown?

. . . .

I know things take time, but this is silly. Though at least a dozen coaches have had their contracts extended this offseason -- everybody from Rick Pitino to Chris Lowery to Mike Brey to Larry Eustachy -- Thompson is still sitting right where he has long been, making $456,000 a year with just two years remaining on the contract. Granted, that's a nice salary for most of us. But in the wacky world of college basketball it's an embarrassingly low figure for a guy coming off a Sweet 16 in 2006 and Final Four in 2007, a salary that reportedly ranks 11th in the Big East.

. . . .

Now nobody is talking. But that actually says plenty. Because if everything is fine, wouldn't somebody say everything is fine? Hell, in this business people tend to insist everything is fine even when everything clearly isn't fine. So when you combine the silence with the fact that it has been more than two months since the season ended, it's safe to assume the contract negotiations between Georgetown and Thompson haven't gone as planned, meaning everything can't possibly be fine. Which is not to suggest the contract won't get done. Rest assured, it will get done. I'm quite certain of that.

But while operating in such an unrushed manner, Georgetown is likely, at least in some regard, souring its relationship with its coach, and a soured relationship can lead a man to irrational things. Remember last year when John Calipari nearly left Memphis for N.C. State, got on the plane and flew to Raleigh and everything? The reason that happened wasn't because he necessarily wanted to leave Memphis or go to N.C. State, but because Calipari felt Memphis was disrespecting him in contract negotiations that stalled after he led the Tigers to the Elite Eight. Ultimately, Calipari stayed at Memphis. This year, he went to another Elite Eight.
Two days later, he had a raise and extension. Credit athletic director R.C. Johnson for learning his lesson.

It's a lesson DeGioia, Muir and everybody else at Georgetown would be wise to review sometime soon. The school is in the middle of a perfect run under the perfect coach who in just three years has returned Georgetown to national prominence in a way Esherick never could after replacing Thompson's father (Hall of Famer John Thompson Jr.). Messing around with perfection while haggling over money -- or anything, really -- is a shortsighted way to operate in the current state of college athletics. Thompson deserved a raise after the 2006 NCAA Tournament. But he didn't get it. Thompson deserved a raise after the 2007 NCAA Tournament. But he still hasn't got it.

Perhaps there's a reasonable explanation for the lack of action, but I can't imagine what it could be. And if Georgetown doesn't alleviate this situation soon with a contract that makes a statement, the administration might find itself again negotiating after the 2008 NCAA Tournament, only it'll be with a new coach not named Thompson, and we all know how well that has worked for them in the past.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10226897/1

The Latest on Green

It sounds like he still hasn't made up his mind, per Mr. Katz:

Players' return to college would be big boost to teams

Georgetown coach John Thompson III told ESPN.com on Thursday that he is expecting to meet with Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green on Saturday, after Green talks with his family, to discuss his plans. . . . Thompson said he doesn't know which way Green is leaning. "There was a stretch where I thought he was definitely gone," Thompson said. "Then, more recently, there was a stretch when I thought he was coming back. I don't think he knows." Green worked out for Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Boston at Georgetown. Sacramento, Minnesota and Charlotte are all waiting to work him out if he stays in the draft. "He's very methodical, like his coach in that regard, and I think he's going to really think this through," Thompson said. It's quite simple for Green: He's likely a Nos. 5-12 pick this year or next. So it comes down to whether he wants to get paid now or in a year, and whether he wants to help lead the Hoyas to a possible national title.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=2905111

Recruiting Update

There have been a number of reports circulating on the recruiting front over the last couple of weeks. Scout.com just released its updated top 100 ranking, so I figured this was as good a time as any to post an update here. http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=9&c=4&cfg=bb&pid=88&yr=2008

It seems that Broadus's departure has indeed led to the recruiting fallout many expected. Early targets like #6 Samardo Samuels (6'8, 240) and #10 David Ebanks (6'8, 185) are off the table. Samuels just committed to Louisville and Ebanks is deciding between Indiana, Rutgers and Miami. (Rutgers? . . . . Really?) Although we are still listed by #2 Ed Davis (6'8, 215), most think he's headed to UNC or UVA.

The new targets appear to be #1 Greg Monroe (6'9, 195), #20 Michael Dunigan (6'9, 240) and #39 J'mison Morgan (6'9, 265). Georgetown was the first school out of Monroe's mouth when he was asked about his leaders and the Hoyas do supposedly lead outright for Dunigan. Morgan has listed Kanas and GU as his top 2. Obviously, any of these guys were be a great pick-up. Keep your eye on Monroe. We're going to have to battle Duke, among others, but this kid is described as smart and unselfish. He would fit perfectly into the Jeff Green role in the Princetown offense.

In case you were wondering, Scout now ranks Henry Sims at #40, Chris Braswell at #47, and Jason Clark at #82. By the way, Braswell has reportedly left Dematha and is enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy, Vernon Macklin's alma mater. Chris basically spent all of last year riding pine do to academic issues and saw his national rank drop from top 10 to top 50. My guess is that a military academy is probably a good solution to get him on track in the classroom and on the court. Clark and Sims continue to impress and improve. Some observers think Clark (who was the only junior on the All-Met First Team) will be the stud of this class.

Hoyas are going to Memphis

Georgetown will play John Calipari's Tigers next year and for the following three years. Next year will be particularly interesting as both teams could be in the top 5. If Jeff Green returns to the Hoyas, this could ever be an early #1 vs. #2 match-up. We already got our revenge for 1982; will 1996 be next?

Georgetown added to U of M schedule
The University of Memphis is adding a home game with Georgetown, a potential preseason top-five team, and delaying its road game at Ole Miss for two years in a major shakeup of the 2007-08 schedule, according to a source close to the situation. Though the University of Memphis has not received the signed contracts, the deal is done, according to the source. The contracts will be for a four-year, home-and-home series with Georgetown, which went to the Final Four last season and will return star center Roy Hibbert and possibly Jeff Green, who is currently in the NBA Draft but is eligible to withdraw and return to school.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/tigers/article/0,2844,MCA_25363_5585890,00.html

Update on Green from Katz

Any Katz keeps on top of the Jeff Green situation on his insider blog. This is the latest:

Georgetown's Jeff Green remains the most intriguing early entrants in the draft. At least one player on the Hoyas is under the impression that Green is staying in the draft, but an NBA team said it has been told that he's going back to the Hoyas, sources told ESPN.com Wednesday. Green will work out for the Boston Celtics brass Friday on campus.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2904106&name=katz_andy&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d2904106%26name%3dkatz_andy

I may be an optimist but, despite what one of his teammates believes, I think this is good news. It is far more important that the NBA teams that are evaluating him know where he stands than one of his teammates. My guess is that he and JTIII are keeping this pretty close to the vest, but are more likely to share with the NBA scouts who are watching him practice. Also, I think Katz worded this carefully. A team member is "under the impression" while a team "has been told." I guess we'll see soon enough!

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.

More on Green...From Today's Boston Herald

Celts begin auditions
By Steve Bulpett/ Celtics Notebook
Boston Herald Sports Reporter
Thursday, June 7, 2007 - Updated: 01:44 AM EST

The Celtics [team stats] will get down to more serious business today when they begin individual auditions for the No. 5 overall pick.
Florida’s Corey Brewer and Florida State’s Al Thornton will be put through their paces at the team’s Waltham facility, as the C’s proceed on the assumption they will still be holding the high pick in the June 28 draft.
The two are among six prospects the Celtics have currently identified as possibilities at 5. Brandan Wright, Jeff Green, Yi Jianlian and Al Horford are the others.
Green was originally scheduled to work out with today’s group, but in that he is retaining his right to go back to Georgetown (he still hasn’t hired an agent), he would have to pick up his own travel costs.


Celtics director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said last night that Green will be hosting his own workouts in D.C. next week, and the Celtics are expected to fly down to see him.
Ainge and the Celts crew returned home from Orlando last night after spending additional time working out players who figure to be in the mix later in the draft, if at all.
“You’ve got to look at everybody because you never know what your needs are going to be,” Ainge said.

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.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Also Reports Green May Return to Hoyas

In a similar vein to Andy Katz's story on ESPN.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer is also reporting that Jeff Green may forgo the NBA to return to the Hilltop.

"Things could change," Green told reporters yesterday during a break from the NBA's pre-draft camp. "Something could go wrong in the workout and persuade me to go back to school."

* * *

Green seems conflicted when talking about his possible return.

"We could come back and probably be a top-five team and have the opportunity to win a national championship," Green said. "That has been one of the things I have been looking at."

On the other hand, he would not have been invited to the pre-draft camp, along with the likes of Ohio State's Greg Oden and Texas' Kevin Durant, if the NBA did not value his talent.

"It's very encouraging that I have been invited here and it's one of the things that could possibly persuade me to stay in the draft and hire an agent," Green said. "Seeing how the NBA sees me as one of the top players in the draft, it's one of the things you have to look at in this process."

Of particular interest (to me anyway) in the Inquirer's coverage of this big Georgetown story is it's discussion of Jeff's physical presentation.

The 10 other players at the news conference wore shorts and polo shirts, but Green was attired in a dress shirt and tie.

"You have to present yourself well," Green said. "You are interviewing for a job, so you have to look nice."

All year long we've talked about the great image the Hoya players have presented under JTIII. They always show up to interviews, etc. in suits and ties. I'm glad to see that Jeff has taken this important life lesson to heart. In a day and age where NBA players seem resigned to the lowest common denominator in all things sartorial, Jeff, and the rest of the Hoyas, are a breath of fresh air.

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, here you go...

Jeff Green and the NBA -- Not a Done Deal?

Andy Katz has a great piece on ESPN.com today about Jeff Green and the NBA. According to Katz, and Green himself based on the quotes attributed to him, Hoyas fans still have hopes of seeing last year's Big East Player of the Year in Blue and Gray next season.

"I haven't made it final that I'm coming out yet, and I'm still going to take some time to make a decision," Green told ESPN.com.

"I haven't signed with an agent yet and there's still a chance [to go back to the Hoyas]," Green said. "It just depends on how my workouts go. I just have to keep working hard and hopefully get the commitment that a team wants to draft me. If I don't get that commitment that a team is willing to take me in the lottery, then that will sway my decision to come back."

Green is projected to be a lottery pick with interest from Boston at No. 5 on down.

The reason this is newsworthy is that it was just last Wednesday, Green announced he was staying in the draft at a news conference where teammate Roy Hibbert said he would come back for his senior season.

Now, more than a week later, the headline on the Georgetown Web site still says: "Jeff Green to forego senior season for NBA, Roy Hibbert to stay at Georgetown."

The press release has a quote from Green that states, "I haven't hired an agent yet, but we are starting that process now. I love Georgetown, my friends, my team, coaches & but after a lot of examination I've come to the conclusion that this is what's best for me. I intend to get my degree eventually, but right now it's the NBA."

Green said Thursday that the only thing he was saying last week was, "I was keeping my name in the draft." And he qualified that by saying as in last week. As of this week, he still hasn't made up his mind on whether he's staying in the draft past the June 18 withdrawal date.

This is definitely big news!

Gaughan's Hoya-Themed Truck to Rumble Around the Monster Mile

This weekend, Hoyas alumnus, Brendan Gaughan, will bring his Georgetown-University-themed paint job to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the "Monster Mile" in Dover, Deleware.


As a student, I was amazed that Brendan managed to play both football and basketball for the Blue and Gray. That amazement pales to my dumb-foundedness at his latest accomplishment: advocate for the value of a Georgetown education.

http://www.truckseries.com/cgi-script/NCTS_07/articles/000112/011245.htm

Will wonders never cease?

For more on the world of Brendan Gaughan Racing, check out the team's web site: http://www.brendangaughan.com/

Barker Weighs in on Green & Hibbert

Barker explains why Roy will be more valuable next season than Jeff could have been. He's right on all of it, and indeed a number of these points have been made in this blog:

"1) You can't teach ..." : "Guess how many 6-10 or taller players who averaged double digits in scoring, six or more rebounds and two or more blocks will be returning to major-conference rosters next season? Hibbert (12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) ... and, well ... Hibbert. That's it. Just one. And, as Thompson has always been quick to point out, Big Roy has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Green came to Georgetown with a high hoops IQ and an incredible skill set for a prepster. Of course, he improved, particularly his game away from the hoop. But few players in recent hoops history have enjoyed Hibbert's near-stratospheric developmental arc. "

"2) Team Need": "While 'Big Ticket' showed flashes of the game that made him a McDonald's All-American at Hargrave Military Academy, his 9.8 minutes-per game average and single season in the system leave him less prepared to fill the void that would have been left by Hibbert than the player who will likely be asked to assume Green's starting role: rising senior Patrick Ewing Jr. (14.5 minutes). Throw in gifted wing man DaJuan Summers, who enjoyed an exemplary freshman season (9.2 points), and incoming McDonald's All-American Austin Freeman (DeMatha), and the Hoyas actually have three NBA-caliber talents to share the onus of replacing Green's myriad contributions as the team's point-forward."

"3) Gameplan": "As good as Green was in his three seasons, Hibbert represents a far more daunting matchup problem for opponents on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Hibbert's ability to alter shots and provide help on dribble-drive proponents makes the paint a virtual no-fly zone for Georgetown opponents."

http://washingtontimes.com/blogs/storyview.php?StoryID=20070524-064817-9430r&TopicsID=discourse

Barker is correct on all counts. I think that #2 is the big one for me. There are three players who can step up and pick up the slack for Jeff. And although they have not been as dramatic as Jeff's, Summers's dagger 3's in a number of big games took some serious stones. I think he will want to take the big shot in next year's Vandy, Nova, or Notre Dame-type game. You thrown in Freeman and Ewing, who got markedly better as the year wore on, and I think the void can be filled. Add to that player development--I think Roy, DaJaun and Ticket will all seriously elavate their games--and Freeman and Wright, and I think next year's team will be a better one come March than this year's was. That's not to say they will definitely be in San Antonio, but I think one has to put them among the top 4 or 5 contenders--particularly when you factor in post-season experience that teams like Memphis and Kansas can't match.

Good Riddance

I would have liked if he were fired, but I'll take his departure anyway I can get it. I will now donate to GU T&F. To say tha he cared for his student athletes is a huge, huge overstatement. I've never encountered a coach at any level or type of athletics with such a "What have you done for me lately attitude?". The man is a total SOB who, at least during our tenure at GU, treated the men's team like we were a bunch of thugs and mentally tormented many a female runner.


Georgetown Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Announces Resignation
Washington, D.C. - Georgetown University Director of Athletics Bernard Muir announced today that Ron Helmer had resigned as Director of Track & Field and Cross Country.

"Ron is taking a position at Indiana University," Muir said. "While we are sorry to lose someone of Ron's ability and experience, we are grateful for h is many contributions to the track program's success. Ron is someone who genuinely cares for and develops his student-athletes and we wish him all the best in his future. Our challenge, which we will begin immediately, is to find a top quality person to continue the track program's tradition of success."

Helmer spent 21 years at Georgetown, including the last eight as the Director of the Men's and Women's Track & Field and Cross Country program. Helmer's impact on the Georgetown program during his time on the Hilltop can be seen with 119 of his student-athletes earning a total of 341 All-American recognitions, including 43 student-athletes receiving 100 certificates since he became director in 1999. In addition, 219 student-athletes have won BIG EAST individual titles, including 67 since the start of the 1999-00 academic year.

At the NCAA Championships, he has guided 27 athletes or relay teams to a top-three finish, highlighted by four national champions. As for team accomplishments, Helmer has coached 20 top-10 finishes in NCAA Championship action, including a streak of 15-straight at the cross country championships that ended in 2003. In addition, under Helmer's reign six Hoya teams have won the Penn Relays Championship of America relay, the latest being the 2004 men's 4x800m squad with a time of 7:13.75, the seventh fastest time in collegiate history. He has been part of 38 BIG EAST Championship teams, including winning the BIG EAST Indoor women's title this year, and his student-athletes have been honored 11 times as the Robert A. Duffey Scholar-Athlete award winner.
For more information on Georgetown Athletics, visit www.GUHoyas.com

Boswell on Hibbert & Green

Thomas Boswell has an article in today's Washington Post about Hibbert and Green's respective decisions. Boswell believes that both players made the right choice. I think I'm inclined to agree.

Giving in to my greedy side, I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed. I would have loved for both big men to come back for their senior years. But, then again, just last week I was praying that either start would return. After all, it made sense for both of them to go to the NBA. Jeff Green already accomplished everything that one could hope for individually: Big East Player of the Year, Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player, the most outstanding player in his bracket in the NCAA Tournament. It makes sense that he would go.

I think there was also a good case for Roy going pro. Roy played an outstanding Tournament and, in most people's estimation, outplayed Greg Oden in the Final Four. You could argue that his stock couldn't get much higher. But Roy saw things differently. He believes in himself. He thinks he can be a number one overall pick. I don't know if he'll accomplish this goal, but I do know that it means Roy is coming back to the Hilltop ready to work. And that's a great thing. Just as with previous off seasons, you know that Roy is going to work his butt off this summer. That will undubtedly pay dividends for the team. Hopefully, it will also pay dividends for Roy next year.

The most interesting thing about Boswell's analysis in my mind is his focus on the players' relative maturity and the role that played in their decisiosn. As Boswell says:

[T]he bubbly Hibbert is clearly having a ball in college and doesn't want to stop acting his age. Why should he? Asked if he "kind of liked" college, including the classes, Hibbert answered, "I kind of love it."

On the other hand, ... Green is as sober and mature in public as Hibbert seems youthful and buoyant. ... "It's my time to move on," Green said. "The decision was very tough. . . . Just walking down the street people would say, 'Go get the money,' or, 'Come back and get your degree.' I'd just keep on walking, either way."

This is an underestimated component in these players' decisions to go pro or not. It's a trait that is readily apparent to anyone that has seen these two talk. Roy is obviously still just a kid. A kid who loves his life in college. It makes sense that he would hold on to that. Jeff just seems older. He is ready to move past Healy Gates.


I also thought it was really interesting that Roy appears to have taken out an insurance policy to protect him in case he gets injured next year. In our desperation to find a way to entice Jeff and Roy to return, loyal readers Joshua and I had previously mused about how to buy Jeff and Roy insurance policies without violating NCAA rules. Either someone found a way, or Roy decided to take matters into his own hands. Regardless of who is footing the bill, I think it's a good idea. The biggest reason to go pro is the possibility that you could get injured in college and lose out on all that money. I'm glad that Roy will be protected.

At the end of the day, Boswell is right. This really is a win-win situation. You have to be happy that both players made the decisions that they did. And, more importantly from the VBB's perspective, you have to be happy for the Hoya team's future. Roy's return ensures some depth in the front court. Summers just needs to continue along the course of development that he started upon last year. If Macklin works hard and develops this summer (much like Roy did after his freshman year), we're not going to miss Green too much. Especially if you consider the new speed and skill we'll have in the back court. We'll be a much more balanced team next year and, as a result, we'll be much more deadly. It should be a lot of fun to watch.

Hoya Saxa and Godspeed, Jeff.

Green Goes, Hibbert Stays

In a weird split decision press conference, one is staying and one is going. Although Jeff said that his decision was "not set in stone," it seems like he's gone. Roy, on the other hand, provided fodder for next year's t-shirt quote:

"I have some unfinished business here."

-- Roy Hibbert, C'08

http://hoyasports.blogspot.com/

May 23rd -- Decision Day

GU will hold a press conference tomorrow in which Jeff and Roy will announce their intentions with regard to the NBA Draft. Nobody seems to know anything but color me the eternal optimist if I believe that a press conference to announce they are staying in the draft is mother of all anticlimaxes. In fact, I have never heard of such a thing. Here's to hoping.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2007/news/story?id=2879546

UPDATE: THE POST IS REPORTING THAT ROY IS COMING BACK!!!! COMMON JEFF LET'S GET A 'CHIP!!!!!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/22/AR2007052201624.html

Rumors: New Assistant Coaches

Rumors are swirling that GU has in fact hired David Cox to fill the Coach Broadus role as the program's lead local recruiter. The Coach Johnson role has supposedly also been filled with a third-year assistant out of Xavier, Kenya Hunter. Hunter, who also served as director of basketball operations for four years at NC State under Herb Sendak, has developed a great reputation as a lead recruiter at Xavier. I imagine he also picked up some Princeton offense knowledge as an assistant at NC State. Here is his bio: http://goxavier.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/hunter_kenya00.html

One significant black mark on this hire is Coach Hunter's DUI arrest two seasons ago. He was suspended for several games from the Xavier team because of this incident. http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/ncaa/2006/01/xu-kenya-hunter-suspension-extended.asp

Update: Cox and Hunter hired. Welcome to the Hoya family!http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_508317.html

Early Summer Roundup

Well, I've been on my deathbed in Caracas and I know know that Jester has been down south trying a case. I'm not sure what excuses other contributors have.... We owe more regular updates to our reader(s).

There have been a number of signifcant happens in Hoyaland since the Sims commitment. Here's a rundown:

(1) The Hoya Hoop Club held its annual banquet with the IPB and me in attendance. It was a remarkable affair, as the coaches, JTIII, and President DeGioia all made speeches. Coach Broadus did a great job describing each member of the team. Afterward, the IPB and I spoke with a number of players. Jon and Roy autographed my copy of their SI cover. All players were very gracious. Kenny Izzo reported that he's planning on playing in Europe for a few years before he moves back to Chicago to pursue a career as a commodities trader. (He was also clearly chafing under his double major--accounting and finance, I think.) Tyler said that he was in for another summer of hard work. Roy avoided the IPB's question about doing an internship on the Hill so as not to reveal his future plans. There were no inside scoops on Roy or Jeff, but I clearly got the impression that Tay Spann would be leaving soon and JTIII wouldn't be going anywhere.

(2) Tay Spann is indeed leaving GU. http://guhoyas.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/050907aaa.html This means that, if Jeff and Roy leave, our frontline will be unbelievably thin. Pat, Vern, and Summers will have to hold down the fort! Presumably, this also clears space for Nikita (not to be confused with St. John's College High School and future George Mason center Vlad Moldoveanu, as he was here: http://thevanburenboys.blogspot.com/2007/04/mescheriakov-is-hoya.html; Nikita attends St. John's Catholic High School).

(3) Rumors are swirling that there could be some issues with Nikita's transcript (presumably transfer credit from Belarus) and that GU is holding off on an official announcement until that is cleared up. After the Egerson situation, it cannot afford any more recruiting embarrassments.

(4) JTIII has still not yet been extended. Quotes from this article are a little worrisome. http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20070503-115751-4330r.htm This could prove a decisive moment in President DeGioia's tenure. We are confident that the University will do what it needs to do to keep JTIII for the next decade. If it fails to do so, alumni wrath will be swift and strong.

(5) JTIII is close to hiring an assistance for the Broadus spot. A leading candidate is former D.C. Assault assistant and current Pitt Director of Basketball Operations David Cox. In fact, he has already reportedly interviewed for the position. http://www.pittsburghsportsinsider.com/?p=827 Cox would be a great pick-up. He was a finalist for the spot that went to Syd Johnson. Presumably, JTIII didn't think that at that point he needed two D.C. recruiting gurus. Well, now he needs one and so Cox is the logical choice to fill the role, as he now has some collegiate experience to boot. Also, he likely wants to leave Pitt as his D.C. roots haven't really opened up the D.C. pipeline I'm sure Pitt had hoped for. Pitt will always have a hard time competing for D.C. talent with Georgetown and Maryland here. If Cox joins the program, I would expect JTIII to look to another Princeton guy to fill the Johnson role. In any event, here's Cox's bio from Pitt's website: http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/cox_david01.html Note that, as an assist with D.C. Assault, Cox coaches, Tony Bethel, Jeff Green, and Chris McCray. As a coach at Archbishop Carrol, he coached Ruben Boumjte-Boumjte. And he served as an Assistant Principle at Chris Wright's high school. Cox would be a huge asset in the local D.C. recruiting scene.

Hopefully updates on JTIII, Cox, the third assistant, Nikita, Jeff, and Roy will all be coming soon!

Video of Sims

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