A cautionary tale of two young Chicago phenomes, both so happen to be over six foot nine and exceptional athletes, Eddy Curry and Leon Smith. Curry leaped straight into the NBA out of Thornwood High-School and was selected by the Bulls with the overall 4th pick in 2001. He never came remotely close to fulfilling the monumental promise many projected for him, but Curry managed to soak-in seven injury riddled seasons in the NBA. Smith, hails from the once storied King High program, he was the Spur’s first round pick in the 1999 draft, but was sent packing immediately to the Dallas Mavericks for whom he never suited-up with. Leon did play a grand total of 15 NBA games. “Now comes along the Cliff Alexander saga at 6-8 he cruised through high-school at Curie as well as the club team trail. He became a notable reputed power dunker, but lacked the obvious necessary basketball fundamentals & knowledge of the game, he just declared for the NBA draft. Remember, Alexander sat out the last eight games at Kansas while under NCAA investigation, the irony to this whole twisted tale is that the Alexander clan probably never intended on getting cozy with the folks in Lawrence, KS for more than a season anyhow! Their thirst for instant/immediate financial security really stifled the Jayhawk’s hopes & momentum of crashing a late party during their NCAA tournament push. Stay tuned . . . . there are certainly more layers to this tale.
Niles Notre Dame senior Joe Mooney hit the circuit with the Illinois Wolves program over the weekend in New Orleans at the Under Armor Venue. The six foot three sharp-shooter played some point-guard while captivating some interest from Horizon League & Missouri Valley schools. I certainly like the idea of an over-looked senior suiting-up in the April live-period (as long as he isn’t 19) to enhance his recruitment being that the kid is an academic qualifier.
I see where my club guys are off to a rugged start on the club team circuit. The opening of the EYBL last weekend in Virginia – the Mac Irvin Fire finished 2-2 while Mean Streets dropped to 0-4, Wolves 3-1 in New Orleans, D Rose 3-1 in Dallas; all of our significant club teams seem to lack some size. One kid they all could use is 6-9 rising prospect Tawong King of Farragut, his feathery touch and good foot-work to go along with a new assortment of moves in the paint, makes him a must see player immediately. King did attend Marshal High his first 2 years. He could eventually end-up being a terrific prospect. “Yes, most observers have been asleep on his development. Farragut has been our capital for developing big-men.”
No comments:
Post a Comment