Laugh It Off

If you’re an American playing professional basketball overseas, odds are favorable that you’ll get called for a travel on your first spin move. To label the officiating overseas as ‘different’ would be the understatement of the year.

It’s common to commit the same turnovers during one’s first handful of games and think it’s poor officiating. Later, however, one will realize it’s not poor reffing, but a consistent, unique style of play where the player, not the ref, must make changes. Overseas ball players have no choice but to make adjustments if they hope to devoid themselves of dissatisfaction (and a feeling of distaste toward the game’s authority figures).

The FIBA style isn’t an alienation to the game of basketball. In fact, it can be the purest form of the sport, but it certainly feels foreign to players who first step on the hardwood on faraway lands. The overseas game is a fast-paced, up-and-down style of play, and it makes for great basketball. Because, however, there is an uptempo feel to the games, it’s hard not to notice when that tempo is hampered by the sound of a whistle.

Many times, the sound of the whistle comes in concert with a seemingly new rule unbeknown to American players, who have no choice but to learn on the fly. It was overseas when I first got a technical for looking away from the officials and smiling after a call. It was overseas where the ref first blew the whistle dead because my shoes were too sweaty. It was overseas where my spin moves became travels, my blocks became charges, and my charges became blocks. It was overseas when the same leg sleeves I wore every game suddenly became illegal overnight.

Where was it when my teammates got singled out by officials for having fingernails too long and game shorts also too long? Yes, that was overseas too.

The style of officiating beyond North America truly is unique, or ineffable to some. It’s not better or worse (because NBA and NBL officials have issues of their own, such as the overstimulation of the flagrant, hand check, and technical fouls) but simultaneously particular and unpredictable. Players directly affected by such calls are doomed if not intentional about how to manage their habitual reactions. Physical adjustments are necessary, but mental adjustments prove vital. If a player allows phantom calls to create frustration, it will never end. When a call creates confusion, a player who laughs it off has found success.

Always laugh it off.

Zuidema Ready For College Ball

SPRING ABROR, MI — Drew Zuidema, a NorthPointe Christian High School grad, is not only bringing his talents to Spring Arbor University (SAU), but his confidence too. Just days ago the 6’3 sharpshooter made the move from West Michigan to SAU, where he’ll be one of four freshman on this season’s young basketball team. 

Zuidema, who scored more than 18 points per game in high school, exudes one trait vital for immediate success, especially
 as a freshman, and that is confidence. #3 is more than ready to make a difference.

“I believe in my abilities. I know I can help this team not only with my shooting, but also with my passing and my basketball IQ, which sometimes gets overlooked,” said Zuidema.  

Despite setting high standards for himself, Zuidema’s focus is directed not just toward his play, but toward his team’s goals as well.

“We want to finish in the top four [of the Crossroads League] and then make it to Branson. We’ve got some lofty yet reachable goals that will take a lot of hard work to obtain. I just want to do whatever I can to help my team reach them,” he added.

SAU failed to make the tournament last season, but has a reshaped roster for the 2014-2015 campaign. If this year’s clan of Cougars expects to turn a trip to Branson into reality, they’ll have to compete with the likes of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). There’s no better team to serve as a measuring stick for Coach Cottingham’s Cougars team, as IWU tips of this season as defending national champions.

“I can’t wait to play IWU,” said Zuidema. “I respect their staff. They recruited me. And they’re the .champs. So you could say I’m excited to play those guys.”

Zuidema will have to wait until January 17th before fulfilling this craving against the Wildcats. Fortunately for Zuidema, he’s just excited to play anyone.

“I’m pumped to play at this level, with competition [consisting of] teams full of guys who were the best players on their high school teams. I’m excited to see how I will compete,” he said.

He doesn’t have to wait much longer. SAU opens up their season in exhibition format at Lake Superior State University on October 25th

“It can’t come soon enough. I’m ready for college ball,” said Zuidema.

2015 Western Conference Playoffs: WHO'S IN, WHO'S OUT?

The NBA’s Western Conference has never been so dominant as it is today in 2014. It’s prominence over its counterparts in the East has been indisputable for years, but never so overt from top to bottom. The current gap between the leagues is more alarming than its ever been, as all eight playoff teams from last season’s Western Conference most likely would have claimed at least the third seed out East. Needless to say, it’s quite competitive in the Wild Wild West.

     Of the 15 teams in the Western Conference, 11 have the potential to make noise come playoff time. And with the free agency season coming to its close, teams are beginning to form their identities already in August. While analyzing all the new faces in new places out west, NBA experts have begun fine tuning their predictions, some bold, others not so much. I too, am one to look toward the future. I’m making the premature jump toward the 2015 NBA Playoffs, and telling you who’s in and who’s out.

2015 NBA PLAYOFF WESTERN CONFERENCE TEAMS: WHO’S IN & WHO’S OUT?

San Antonion Spurs:

The defending champs return the same roster from a year ago… Crafty vet Boris Diaw got paid. M anu’s still healthy. The greatest power forward of all-time announced his return. Four-time champion Tony Parker restructured his deal. Patty Mills, the energizer bunny from down under, earned himself a new paycheck. And the NBA Finals MVP is only going to get better and gain experience. The Spurs will be just as good as last year, if not better. Look for Kawai Leonard to step it up a notch and make a push for the all-star game, while the Big 3 of Duncan, Parker, andGinobli continue to do what they do. Even my grandma knows the Spurs will make the playoffs. Verdict: IN.

Los Angeles Clippers:

The Clippers needed to make a big off-season splash in free agency if a championship remains the goal, but failed to do so. Spencer Hawes will space the floor and Jordan Farmar can provide spark, but neither will prove a major difference maker for Doc’s team. Paul Pierce was the target, and unfortunately for Steve Ballmer’s new team, they missed that target. A disgruntled Donald Sterling stole the headlines for the Clips this off-season. If a championship is truly what they seek, that better not be the case in the summer of 2015. Chris Paul, however, is still the best leader in the game. He’ll lead them to a 4 seed, but Jamaal Crawford needs to play a bigger role if they expect better than that. Verdict: IN.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

The T-Wolves won more games than most people anticipated last season. Much of that was in large part because of Kevin Love’s 26 & 12 per night. This season’s team is soon to be loveless, as Kevin takes his talents to Cleveland in exchange for the future (Wiggins, Bennett, and a protected first round pick), which means many of those surprising W’s from last season will be L’s this season. The Wolves are now stockpiled with guards, and have very little in terms of size. Andrew Wiggins, Corey Brewer, Alexi Shved, Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine, Kevin Martin, free agent addition Mo Williams, and my role model J.J. Barea will all be splitting time at the guard positions. The bigs (Nikola Pecovic and Ronny Turiaf) aren’t exactly prominent post players. Ergo, this team better play fast. Flip Saunders wants to win now, but he’s better off grooming Wiggins and prepping for the future. Verdict: OUT.

Dallas Mavericks:

Dallas snuck into the playoffs last season. This year, no sneaking will be necessary. The team and the city have been re-energized by the return of Tyson Chandler and the signing of Chandler Parsons. Team that pair with the offensive prowess of Monte Ellis and the Great Dirk, and success seems inevitable. This Mavs should be in the top 5 in total points scored this season, but will have to make strides defensively if they want to turn their initial playoff push into a journeyed playoff push. The team’s only glaring weakness is depth at the center position. If Tyson Chandler can’t stay in the game as the rim protector, Brandan Wright and Dirk are plan B and C. In a league getting smaller and faster by the day, that shouldn’t be too much of a cause for concern. Verdict: IN.

Sacremento Kings:

The Kings signed Nik Stauskas so they are automatically out in my book. Verdict: OUT.

New Orleans Pelicans:

Omer Asik was a nice addition to help Anthony Davis down low. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, that’s all it was, a nice addition and nothing more than that. The Pelicans, like the Clippers, failed to make a big off-season move and didn’t add enough small pieces either to improve upon what they started to build last season. Unlike the Clippers, however, the Pelicans don’t have Chris Paul or Blake Griffin. Anthony Davis is a star in the making, but that’s not enough. Verdict: OUT.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Over the course of the past three seasons, OKC’s roster has progressively gotten worse. The past two seasons they have been one piece away from making that jump from good playoff team to NBA Finals team. They’re still one piece away. Sharpshooter Anthony Morrow was a great pickup to space the floor for Westbrook and Durant, but I’m not convinced he’s enough to give OKC the nod over Duncan and company. Nevertheless, KD and Russ will be enough to claim home court advantage in the first round. Verdict: IN.

Portland Trailblazers:

Portland essentially returns the same team from a year ago. Damian Lillard adds another year of experience to his resume and LaMarcus Aldridge brings his deadly midrange game back to Portland. Portland defends well, plays team basketball, and plays with an edge needed in this dog-eat-dog world. Though they don’t have championship experience, they have all the makings of a future championship team. In fact, I believe Portland has the best chance of anyone to knock off the Spurs. Verdict: IN.

Utah Jazz:

Utah is far removed from the Stockton and Malone era. Jazz fans should expect their team to have the worst record in the NBA unless Dante Exum is actually Superman himself. Gordon Hayward is the team’s best player, and he’d make a good 6th man for most teams. Having personal ties to Australia has got me interested to see what Exum (the young Aussie point guard) can bring to the table, but other than that, there is little to be excited about in Utah. Verdict: OUT.

Houston Rockets:

Houston lost point production when Chandler Parsons and Jeremy Lin headed their separate ways. Ariza is a respectable downgrade from Parsons, and Beverly, who will now dominate minutes at the point, isn’t much of a scorer. A lineup of Beverly, Harden, Ariza, Jones, and Howard should excel defensively, however, with Harden and Howard each having the greenest lights of their careers on offense. Howard is one of the few true centers remaining in this game, and his physical presence teamed with Harden’s uncanny ability to score the basketball will be enough to finish in the top 8 out west. Verdict: IN.

Phoenix Suns:

The Suns no doubt entertain. Though this era’s team hardly compares to the Nash-Stoudemire teams of a half-decade ago, they do get up and down, they do run, and they do score. Similarly to the Denver Nuggets, they score by committee. If you could win an NBA Championship by having the most talent at the point guard position, Phoenix would take home the hardware in 2015 for the first time in franchise history. Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas, and Eric Bledsoe will all need time to figure out how to co-exist and find happiness (if they all stay put in Phoenix). I see them playing Thomas and Dragic together and wouldn’t be surprised if Bledsoe leaves town. But whether the former Kentucky Wildcat stays or goes, there’s still not enough defense or effective size down in the desert. Vertict: OUT.

Golden State Warriors:

Steph Curry is well on his way to becoming the greatest shooter in NBA history. Sure, Steve Kerr and Steve Nash were more efficient, and sure Ray Allen and Kyle Korver can shoot lights out flat footed, but nobody shoots off the dribble going in either direction like Steph. His fellow splash brother Klay Thompson isn’t far behind, his wing-mates Iguodala, Green, and Barnes bring the athleticism and toughness, and Lee and Bogut provide what’s needed down low. Golden State has all the weapons to contend with anyone. The deciding factor will be how well they defend. Verdict: IN.

Denver Nuggets:

Denver does it by committee. Team basketball, incessant energy, and a fast pace gets it done in the mile high city. This team should be very similar to last season’s group, having a number of guys who can score, pass, and defend, but no superstars to dominate touches. I love Denver in the spoiler role, but unfortunately for second year coach Brian Shaw, there just are not enough playoff spots to go around. Verdict: OUT.

Memphis Grizzlies:

The Grizzlies style of play, contrary to that of the Nuggets, is blue-collar, tough, and slow. These guys have girth, grit, and toughness – normally everything I love in a team. This time around, however, I see Memphis falling off a bit and finishing with the 9th best record out west. Their defense and chemistry will keep them in the hunt, but droughts and lapses offensively will cost them a playoff spot by a game or two. Verdict: OUT.

Los Angeles Lakers:

 

The Lakers should have no problem scoring the basketball this season. Nick Young and Jeremy Lin are both capable of being high volume scorers. Nick Young even leaves his right arm void of tattoos because it’s ‘strictly for buckets.’ Steve Nash also claims he is 100% healthy for the first time in two years (time will tell how true that is), and Boozer has never struggled to score from midrange. Unfortunately for L.A., the other half of the game is played on defense. While Byron Scott claims that defending is the team’s top priority, don’t expect to see much of it. Will they have enough defense to grab hold of an 8 seed? No. Will they have enough offense to outscore people and grab hold of an 8 seed? Yes. NEVER BET AGAINST THE MAMBA! Verdict: IN.

Little Men, Big Faith

     Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, once the NBA’s little engine that could, defiantly rebuked the notion of limits when he entered the NBA Draft in 1987. At only 5’3, Muggsy was too small to play in the NBA, or so he’d been told. Guys his size had no business playing sports at any level, let alone professionally, many often mocked.
     Muggsy proved that statement a falsity while enjoying a successful 14-year career in basketball’s most prominent league. He remains today the smallest player to ever wear an NBA uniform. It is largely because of him that many small guards across the world have faith in themselves, and now more than ever, that faith is being tested.
     While the storm of free agency in the NBA is at its calm, the opposite can be said for professional overseas players who have yet to sign on dotted lines. While various countries have their own leagues with their own starting dates, professional basketball in Europe, where the quality of play is second to only the USA, is nearly a month away.
    Finding a suitable team in a European country can be a stark challenge for American cagers. This is especially true when the coaches U.S. players hope to be recruited by speak a different language, sleep at a different hour, don’t enjoy burgers or fries, and have never seen the faces or names of those their scouts recruit.
     While the eye test allows forwards and centers to pass with flying colors, it leaves small guards with F’s time after time. Regardless of any gaudy stats and film, the majority of faraway coaches don’t want players shorter than 6’0 who they have never seen. As a result, this is why the ‘Muggsy Mentality’ must be in every point guard if one hopes to thrive on foreign soil.

     Most coaches ruled out Muggsy Bogues after one look at him. One anonymous college coach degradingly once joked he could fit Muggsy in his pocket. That certainly didn’t stop the little man from reaching his dream of becoming a full-time basketball player in the NBA, but instead fueled that dream into reality. Muggsy’s mindset could be summed up in one phrase: “You can’t stop me.”
     It only took one basketball mind to take a chance on heart trumping height. Kevin Loughery, who at the time led the Washington Bullets, was that man. Muggsy needed only one opportunity, and coach Lougery gave him just that. Muggsy did the rest.
     The little man eventually joined the Charlotte Hornets, where he now remains the franchise’s all-time leader in assists, steals, and minutes played. He was small, but he was driven. He was short, but he could play. Most importantly, when he got his shot, he proved his worth.
     Guards all over the world can take inspiration from Muggsy’s career. While free agency is nearing its climax for many overseas professionals, now is the time for professional American-born guards seeking a distant opportunity to avoid doubt and concern, just as Muggsy did. Now is the time when the little guys of the world must work for their contracts, but remain confident, and embrace the opportunities when they arrive. Now is the time to believe.

Mount Rushmore: A Trendy Topic

     As if LeBron James’s play on the court doesn’t speak for it’s self, the self-proclaimed “Chosen One” and current figurehead of the NBA felt the need to defend the future of his legacy when he revealed his NBA Mount Rushmore just weeks ago.

     When James maintained that either MJ, Magic, Bird, or Robertson would have to make room for him on the “basketball mountain,” the notion of a Mount Rushmore for the NBA’s all-time greats promptly became a hot topic among basketball fans everywhere.

     I, too, am one of those fans who couldn’t resist acknowledging a Mount Rushmore of my own. Unlike LeBron, however, I didn’t stop after ranking who I considered the four greatest of all-time.

     Instead, I chose to assert a top four for a variety of positions and categories. In most instances, it is extremely difficult to limit these lists to four. Nevertheless, without further ado, here are my Mount Rushmores…

Best Players In NBA History:

1. Michael Jordan     2. Bill Russell     3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar     4. Kobe Bryant

*Honorable Mention: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamerblain, LeBron James

Best Point Guards In NBA History:

1. Oscar Robertson     2. Magic Johnson     3. John Stockton     4. Isiah Thomas



Best Shooting Guards In NBA History:

1. Michael Jordan     2. Kobe Bryant     3. Jerry West     4. Dwyane Wade

*It kills me to leave Allen Iverson off this list, but he and Clyde Drexler were right on Wade’s heels.

Best Small Forwards In NBA History:

1. LeBron James     2. Larry Bird     3. Julius Erving     4. Elgin Baylor

*Kevin Durant is coming.



Best Power Forwards In NBA History:

1. Tim Duncan     2. Charles Barkley     3. Karl Malone     4. Dirk Nowitzki

*Two Boston big boys (Kevin Garnett and Kevin McHale) just missed this mountain.

Best Centers In NBA History:

1. Bill Russell     2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar     3. Shaquille O’Neal     4. Wilt Chamberlain

* Hakeem Olajuwon rounds out the top five.

Best Shooters In NBA History:

1. Steve Kerr     2. Ray Allen     3. Reggie Miller     4. Kyle Korver

*Most people don’t realize that Steve Nash could arguably fit on this list (if going by the numbers) as well.



Best Dunkers In NBA History:

1. Vince Carter     2. Dominique Wilkins     3. Michael Jordan     4. Julius Erving

*Shawn Kemp and Blake Griffin lead the pack of power dunkers.

Best Passers In NBA History:

1. Jason Kidd     2. Steve Nash     3. Magic Johnson     4. John Stockton



Best Defenders In NBA History:

1. Bill Russell     2. Dennis Rodman     3. Ben Wallace     4. Scottie Pippen

*Gary Payton, David Robinson, Kevin Garnett, Joe Dumars, and Bruce Bowen also deserve consideration.



Best Footwork In NBA History:

1. Kobe Bryant     2. Hakeem Olajuwon     3. Michael Jordan     4. Manu Ginobili

*Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce, and Al Jefferson come to mind when thinking of strictly current players whose feet work magic.

Best Euro Step In NBA History:

1. Manu Ginobili     2. James Harden     3. Dwyane Wade     4. Chris Paul



Classiest Players In NBA History:

1. David Robinson     2. Grant Hill     3. John Stockton     4. Tim Duncan

Biggest Cry-babies In NBA History:

1. Dikembe Mutombo     2. Rasheed Wallace     3. Antoine Walker     4. Dwight Howard



Biggest Floppers In NBA History:

1. Vlade Divac     2. Reggie Miller     3. Manu Ginobili     4. Bill Lambeer

*Honorable Mention: LeBron James, Richard Hamilton, Anderson Varejao

Best Coaches In NBA History:

1. Greg Popovich     2. Red Auerbach     3. Phil Jackson     4. Pat Riley

Best 6’0 And Under Players In NBA History:

1. Allen Iverson     2. Calvin Murphy     3. Chris Paul     4. Tim Hardaway



Best Handles In NBA History:

1. Pete Maravich     2. Tim Hardaway     3. Jason Williams     4. Allen Iverson

Best Mid-Range Shooters In NBA History:

1. Jerry West     2. Kobe Bryant     3. Richard Hamilton     4. Dirk Nowitzki



VP’s Favorite Players In NBA History:

1. Allen Iverson     2. Kobe Bryant     3. Steve Nash     4. Chauncey Billups

*Honorable Mention: Earl Boykins, JJ Barea, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul

The Greatest Spartans Of All Time

I’ve recently been asked who the greatest Spartan athletes of all time were. No, I did not come up with a top ten, nor a top five. To be honest, I felt it too difficult to rank and thus compare the careers of the likes of Charles “Bubba” Smith, Scott Skiles, Andre Rison, Steve Smith, Lorenzo White, Percy Snow, and even Kip Miller among others. Instead, I narrowed it down to two. While you may have beef with my runner-up, I don’t think anyone’s arguing with my leader of the pack.

Though he would have been unfit to take over Gerard Butler’s role as King Leonidas in the movie 300, Earvin Johnson is indeed the unquestionable leader of all Spartan greats. Living up to his nickname, “Magic” did things with a basketball never seen before by Spartan and basketball fans alike. Jenison Fieldhouse (MSU’s basketball facility prior to the Breslin Center’s existence) became not only a place to watch basketball games, but also a place to watch Magic.

Johnson’s 1979 team defeated Larry Bird and Indiana State to win the program’s first ever NCAA national championship in basketball. It was that year that he solidified himself as an iconic figure in the land of green and white, and it was then that he put the school’s basketball program on the map.

As evident by his success in the NBA following a career at MSU, winning one title wasn’t enough for the 6’9 point guard. He had to go and win five more, and unanimously categorized himself as an all-time great in the process. And as if his 1979 Big Ten MVP and NCAA tournament MVP were not enough, he proceeded to mess around in the League and earn himself three regular season MVP’s and three NBA Finals MVP’s to go along with five rings, twelve all-star appearances, 9 all-NBA first team selections, four NBA assists titles, and two NBA steals titles among many other things (such as gold medals, a retired jersey number, two statues in his honor, and consideration for being the greatest point guard to ever pick up a ball). It isn’t just Magic’s resume, moreover, that makes him the greatest Spartan athlete to ever live. His personality is what puts him over the top.

Magic has a personality that has allowed him to transcend time and keep himself a consistent poster child of the NBA despite retiring 17 years ago. Whether you know him for advocating for AIDS, intensifying the most fervent chapter to the NBA’s fiercest rivalry (Celtics vs. Lakers), his wide-sized smile, or his dazzling ball handling skills and sky hook (which he stole from Kareem after the big man tried it in a game of H-O-R-S-E against Johnson), you certainly know who he is. He’s an iconic figure, who will forever be remembered by the basketball gods, Lakerland, and most importantly, Spartan Nation. He is without a doubt, the greatest Spartan athlete of all-time.

Who trails Magic, you ask? Well, to answer that, we have to leap sports and consider the pigskin. For me, I simply need to meander across my family tree to find the answer.

Brad Van Pelt is your man.

He was not only one of the greatest Michigan State athletes to ever compete, but he was also the busiest. Brad earned seven varsity letters while playing football, basketball, and baseball at MSU. He did not just participate in each sport, but flourished in all three. He did not coast, but he worked his tail off and wound up an All-American or honorable mention All-American in all three of America’s favorite sports.

Brad Van Pelt was described by many as all business come game time, and did not have the boisterous personality to transcend the game like Magic has done with basketball. The unfortunate part about the career of my father’s cousin is that it’s often forgotten or ignored by the younger generation. If he would have played in the ESPN era, however, then his name would surely be remembered by sports fans of all generations. While a number of people my age have never heard of Brad, a number of people twice my age won’t stop asking me about him. This is because the Owosso, Michigan native played at State from 1969-72, which is certainly before my time. I did, however, get to meet the man and have also been fortunate enough to hear plenty of Brad-based stories from my Dad, who seems to admire the former man of steel.

Brad was great on and off the field. While he was a light-hearted, easy-going person when the pads were off, he was as tough as nails under the lights. He excelled in three sports (which played an intricate role in me putting him #2 to Magic), but ultimately made the football field his domain, as well as the platform for which he would make a career out of.

After being the first defensive back to ever win the Maxwell Award (which goes to College Football’s best player nationwide), he was selected in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft and went on to enjoy a 14-year NFL career in which he was voted to five Pro Bowls. He was a man-among-boys, standing about 6’5 and 230 pounds (which was more significant in the 70s and 80s than it is today). BVP was also the hardest-hitting safety in college football when he wore the Spartan helmet, and an even harder hitting linebacker when he played for the Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants in the NFL.

Brad spent most of his professional years with the G-Men in New York, an organization that didn’t take his talents for granted. In 2011, just six years after he was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, The Giants honored their former linebacker at halftime of a game against the Packers by inducting him into the New York Giants Ring of Honor.

He’s my second greatest Spartan, moreover, not for what he did in the NFL but for what he did while still a Spartan. And he certainly did a lot. Brad Van Pelt is currently in the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Sports Hall of Fame at Michigan State. It’s safe to say such honors are well deserved. Though Brad is no longer with us today, his legacy lives on with the Michigan State University football program, who’s current dominating defense surely would have made him proud.  I am honored to say I am related to the greatest Spartan football player who ever lived.

Smith finds new beginning at SAU

SPRING ARBOR, MI -- Lansing Community College transfer Montel Smith is the newest member of the Spring Arbor University (SAU) men’s basketball team. For Smith, playing under head coach Ryan Cottingham comes as no surprise.  “I came to SAU a couple years ago for work, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I could see myself playing basketball here. Clearly, that was no coincidence,” said Smith.         The 6’4 wing from Lansing maintains that he is already feeling comfortable on SAU’s small campus. After Growing up near Michigan State University, home to one of the nation’s largest campuses, Smith finds relief in the idea that getting lost won’t be an issue now that he’s found solace in small college America. “I love the people here. I love the small college atmosphere. And thank God I can go from class to class without getting lost.” Though not the biggest of universities, SAU certainly does not lack in athletic prestige. The Cougars play in the Crossroads League, which is consistently among the most competitive basketball conferences in NAIA division II. The parity of the Crossroads League is undeniable. Whether facing the team in first or in tenth, blowouts are a rarity, which has Smith excited. “I know the teams in this league are real competitive and I love that. We’re going to have to compete every time we step on the floor, and I can’t wait.”  If the Cougars are to make it to Branson, which Smith acknowledges is the goal, they’ll certainly have to.  Smith’s on-court role on the team is yet to be seen, but he believes he is prepared to do whatever it takes to get W’s. “I’m not exactly sure what my stats will look like this year. While it would be ideal to average double figures, I know Coach Cotts will first and foremost want me to play hard-nosed defense and rebound the ball. If the other team can’t score they can’t win, so defense, without a doubt, comes first.” “Offensively I’m just preparing myself to be able to do whatever coach asks of me. If he wants points, I’ll look to score. If he wants assists, I’ll pass the rock. Really, I’m just looking forward to my fresh, new start.” Now in Spring Arbor, a fresh start is exactly what Smith has been granted. We’ll see what he makes of it in 44 days, when the Cougars open up the season at home against the Tigers of Grace Bible College.

Eastern Conference Predictions

In trying to predict how the NBA's regular season will finish next season, I struggled to select a team that will lead the Eastern Conference in wins.

Just kidding.

I think all basketball analysts alike agree that the Miami Heat will finish atop the East (in the regular season at least).

Who then, can compete with the Heat and dethrone them? I'm not interested in who can keep things tight with the Heat and provide a scare to the disloyal fans of South Beach. The Pacers have done that for two straight seasons. Who cares who can hang with the Heat? How about, who can beat the Heat?

But before I get to my playoff predictions, moreover, I first need to pinpoint which teams are playoff worthy. And while everyone and their moms know the eight, seven, and six seeds of the East have little to no chance of winning a playoff series (unless maybe it's my Pistons), it's still fun to predict who will finish where when 82 games have been played.

Starting from the top, Miami is the clear-cut favorite. Miami is Zeus, and Indiana Poseidon. Much like in the past few years, Indiana will be near the top, but not at the top. Perhaps they can change that this time around when the post-season commences. But first, why Indiana for the the second spot?

Well, it's simple. They have have pieces and they have chemistry. They play defense and they play team ball. And most importantly, they have experience playing with one another. David West re-signed because he believes this is the year Indiana gets over the hump. Luis Scola, who will now join West in the Pacer's front court, is an extremely valuable pick-up as well and substantially improves the team's depth. He is an upgrade from Psycho T, who left the team to go north of the border and join the dreadful yet always athletic Toronto Raptors. These two have the preferable type of skillset to play alongside a footer like Hibbert.

Yeah, that's right. Indiana still has the beef down low. And it comes in the form of one of the games best and few remaining "true centers."


Indiana is not only set in the post, but they also have #24. No not Kobe. But if you followed the NBA last season you know what Paul George can do. And he is quickly becoming the team's go-to guy. He was widely regarded as the team's second best player when Danny Granger was healthy. While most probably agree with me in saying that George is now the better of the two, it sure won't hurt the team to have both (regardless of who you think is better, but it's clearly George) in the starting five now that Granger is returning from injury. This allows the team to match-up perfectly with the two-time defending champs. Granger and George form a better defensive threat to Lebron and Flash than any other duo in the league.

With this being said, a second place finish in the East makes sense for Indiana. But why not number one? Well the answer to that lies in the position I have not yet mentioned: point guard. The fact of the matter is the point guard position is the team's only weakness. This is not a knock on George Hill, who is a great pro and has had a successful career thus far. But quite frankly, I don't think George Hill will ever be a championship level point guard. He was a great back-up to Tony Parker in San Antonio, and he has been a formidable starter in Indy. However, I'll say it again: He is not a championship level point guard. It seems plausible that Hill could win a title as a very effective 6th man, but Indiana will only continue to get so close and then fall just short as long as he remains the team's starter. But in regards to the regular season, a Hill, George, Granger, West, Hibbert starting lineup ought to wrap up the two seed. If they don't, shame on them.

The 3 seed will surely fall to either New York, Brooklyn, or Chicago. I first must address the brewing inner-state rivalry that is sprouting between the Knicks and new-look Nets. People are beginning to question whether or not Brooklyn can take over the city of New York. I don't mean to de-magnify the situation, but there isn't much to take over. It's not as if the Knickerbockers, who have done nothing impressive as of late, have owned the city by any means. Even when Melo's squad was solo in the city, the fans complained often and never completely bought in. So I wouldn't say any team runs New York, but Brooklyn does have the advantage in the short-term future.

I like this modernized Coach Kidd-led team to claim the third spot in the East. It's difficult to turn a blind eye to the weapons the Nets now have. Bringing two future Hall-of-Famers and a jet to the roster has sparked life into what was becoming quite an average franchise. The team has weapons. Because of age they may no longer be weapons of mass destruction, but they are weapons nonetheless.

D-Will, Joe, the Truff, the Big Ticket, and Lopez looks like a top-five NBA starting lineup on paper. While I imagine it will take them some time to develop the necessary chemistry on and off the court to become great, the second half of the season ought to be their time. While I can't wait to see what KG's insertion into the lineup does to the team's defense, the one who needs to step up most on offense is not the aging vets from Boston, but the point guard who deems himself great.

Deron Williams has been a very good player over the best few years. But very good is not good enough. He has fallen short of his superstar expectations and is no longer in the conversation for the league's top PG. He needs to stop being very good, and start being great. D-Will needs to establish himself as the team's leader and best player right off the bat. Having former point Jason Kidd in his ear every day of the week should help him in doing just that.

Pierce and Johnson's style of play will compliment D-Will's very well, and KG's jump shooting, one would think, should mesh perfectly with Lopez's post presence. If for some reason the starting five struggles with the championship-or-bust type pressure that will dawn on them, they've got excellent peer support on the pine.

I have quickly fallen in love with the depth of Brooklyn's re-shaped front line. Backing up Garnett and Lopez is instant offense in Andre Blatche, and instant defense in Reggie Evans. Rookie Mason Plumlee (who will be a very effective pro) will also provide energy and a presence in the post. They have the pieces to battle with any and all teams down low. While the front line is a bit thinner, they have instant energy in former Sixth Man of the Year, Jason Terry.

I believe we will see the Jet from Dallas, and not the underachieving one from Boston. While he will not score as much as he did while playing next to his current coach J-Kidd and Dirk, he will be the energizer bunny for the club as well as the team's best floor spacer. I'm assuming Terry regrets tattooing the Boston Celtic mascot holding the Larry O'Brien trophy on his left bicep. Terry does, however, have an excellent chance of holding that championship hardware once more if Brooklyn can match all the pieces to their talented puzzle. For this reason, I see them beating out the Bulls and Knicks for 3rd in the East.

Chicago will be the last team to obtain home court advantage in round one. While a few additions and subtractions were made to the team's roster, Coach Tibbs has his core group of guys back. Chicago ranks in the top five for best chemistry in the NBA, and that is a direct result of the core group playing as a unit. Noah, Deng, Boozer, and company return and will help lead one of the the league's premier defenses. The Bulls adhere to a system, and play passionately on defense (they can put the clamps down), which keeps them in games when their offense struggles. And it's inevitable that their offense will occasionally struggle. That, moreover, is why the Windy City fans should embrace and celebrate "The Return."

That's right; Derek Rose is back folks! Much like I will understand if it takes the Nets a while to learn how to play with one another, it might also take D Rose some time before he's back to elite status. It might take time for the rust to be shaken off, which is why I have given Rose's team nothing better than a four seed. But if he's mentally and physically 100% by playoff time, that's when he'll be on an equal playing field with the likes of Miami. While Nate Robinson's departure to Denver will be a significant loss, I still anticipate the core of the team will lock up on defense while Rose anchors the offense when needed. The net result, come playoff time, could mean a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Chicago's style of play is quite dissimilar from that of New York's. The Knicks have a roster that looks extremely similar to the one they've had in the past two seasons, each of which have been failures if the playoffs mean anything. New York likes to outscore people. They still have guys who like to compete to see who can take the most bad shots in a game. The team still has the worst backup point guard in the NBA (Pablo Prigioni) who is relieving an out-of-shape starting point (Raymond Felton). Even more concerning, the team only has one legitimate defensive-minded player in Tyson Chandler (Metta WorldPeace tries to be, but he can't play on either end of the court these days).

Clearly this means some people will have to step up. Amar'e Stoudemire, whose name has nearly been completely zapped from the media, will be the x-factor. Andrea Bargnani will not be. Bargnani loves to get buckets which is why he's a Knick. But unfortunately, he seems to like giving up buckets more than he does getting them, which also fits a team that often plays on only one side of the floor. Bargnani and Stoudemire are two amongst a handful who need to step up and make significant strides defensively. I posted an article about Stoudemire last year in which I deemed him a disappearing act. I stand by every word I wrote in that post. Injury-plagued Amar'e has been non-existent in the past few years, and has let the city of New York down. If the Knicks are to do anything this year, he will need to be a big part of the success.

Despite my criticism of Coach Mike Woodson's team, it's not all negative in NYC. They still have one very dynamic thing going for them, and that thing is 6'8 and 230 pounds of skill. Yes, Carmelo Anthony is still a Knick, and though he's not yet won a ring, he cannot be ignored. Melo is a top-fve player in the game today, and is fully capable of carrying his team through the regular season. Melo's greatest challenge will not be to score more, but to make others around him better in 2014. No, I'm not saying Melo needs to develop a point guard mentality (he can still do his thing on offense), but he does need to rally his troops and be a leader from the forward position. He can only carry his team for so long. The Knicks will trail the Bulls in wins next season by a very slim margin (these two teams will face off in the first round of the playoffs), and consequently, find themselves with a five seed.

Selecting the final three seeds is where the fun begins. While others might disagree with the order in which I have placed Miami, Indiana, Brooklyn, Chicago, and New York, I don't know a single basketball analyst who would refute the notion that I have already given the five best teams (in the East) a seed. The remaining three teams are those that have little to no chance of winning a playoff series (unless maybe it's my Pistons), but will be ecstatic just to make the post-season. These teams will be as happy to find life after 82 games as my childhood friends were to win the Toilet Bowl at the Greenville Gus Macker in elementary school.

The first of my final three playoff teams is my home-state squad, the Pistons. This is not a byproduct of me dwelling in the overzealous praise given to Dumars by Detroit fans because the team finally has a couple of well-known players on the team. While I'm happy with the moves Dumars has made post-draft, I realize the team will still be very flawed on defense. I like what Detroit did in picking up Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith, and former World Champion with the Pistons, Chauncey Billups (who, aside from assistant coach Rasheed Wallace, is clearly the fan favorite already). The reality is, however, that neither Jennings nor Smith play a lick of defense, and Chauncey (who is still a very good player) is inching closer to retirement as you read this.

New coach Mo Cheeks has a difficult task ahead of him, but he does have more tools to work with than he previously thought he would when he took the job. There is talent on the roster now, and while the new guys struggle on D, they will be able to put up points. We know about the shiftiness of Jennings and the athleticism of Smith, but the leadership and outside shooting (which was desperately needed in Detroit) of Billups ought not be overshadowed.

It's not just the new guys, but the returning size down low that also has people excited. Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond are coming into the 2013-2014 season with one more year of experience under their belts. That year will make a world of a difference.

Drummond's athleticism is comparable to that of Smith's. If those two get in on the fastbreak lob action, Detroit could be fun to watch. While they run the floor, Monroe will be assigned to the paint, where he and Tony Mitchell (who might be the steal of the draft) will be formidable bigs. If Cheeks can find a way to utilize the individual talents of his new-look team (they even have new jerseys) and make them play as one, Detroit might even flirt with a run to the second round of the playoffs.

A Hibbert-Bynum matchup in the first round of the playoffs also sounds intriguing. That matchup might very well take place (given both are healthy), as Cleveland is my likely candidate for the seventh seed. The success of the Cavs leans largely on Bynum's state of consciousness this season. If he is physically and mentality bought in to Cleveland basketball, then Eastern Conference big men should be forewarned. When healthy, he is arguably the best center in the NBA. When you team him with Kryie Irving, an incredibly dangerous duo is created. Kryie is the future of the league, and might be the best PG basketball has to offer in three to five years.

Kyrie will spend some time at the shooting guard position as a direct result of Dan Gilbert acquiring Jarret Jack from Golden State. Jack and fellow newcomers Earl Clark and first overall selection of the draft Anthony Bennett look to compliment Bynum and Irving with their new roles, which are still being shaped today. These Lebronless Cavs have two of the most talented payers in the league, and a number of potentially effective role players. As a result, they should find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since their King abandoned them.

The last team to sneak into the playoffs will be the Boston Celtics. Yes, I know the Celtics are supposed to be in rebuilding mode. But if they are planning their lottery picks already, they'll have to wait another year. Boston did little to earn my eighth seed, but was granted it via process of elimination.

The Raptors might enjoy their time on SportsCenter's Top Ten, but their above the rim play is not enough for a playoff bid. I've also began mourning for the 76ers following a quick glance at their roster. Philadelphia might be the bottomless pit of the NBA next season. And the Bobcats surely won't make the playoffs either. The Wizards still have no idea how to play as a team, and the Hawks lost too much talent. Victor Oladipo is the only positive thing about Orlando. And O.J. Mayo is the only true offensive weapon in Milwaukee, and he should be a team's third or fourth option, not first. This leaves one team: The Boston Celtics.

Should NBA fans be surprised that the league's most successful franchise might make the playoffs? I certainly understand that losing Pierce, Garnett, and Doc took the life out of Boston. But now they have a young nucleus and a young coach who are beginning the process of re-energizing Beantown to the best of their ability. Boston still has Rondo, one of the game's best. He will be accompanied by returners Jeff Greene, Jared Sullinger, Avery Bradley (who is the basketball's best defender of point and shooting guards), and Courtney Lee. Kelly Olynyk out of Gonzaga is also a bright spot for the team's future. If Boston drafts as well as they did this past June, then their road to recovery might be quicker than expected. Olynyk will quickly become one of Rondo's favorite targets. If the 7'0 rookie can discover his role among the returners, and Rondo returns to prime form, Boston should make a run at the East's final playoff spot.

Thus, my predicted Eastern Conference playoff seedings look like this:

1. Miami Heat
2. Indiana Pacers
3. Brooklyn Nets
4. Chicago Bulls
5. New York Knicks
6. Detroit Pistons
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Boston Celtics