| 802 Beiträge - Forenjunkie
|
|
|
LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Two of the top freshmen in the country wont have a whole lot of time to get acclimated to college basketball before squaring off in an early season showdown. Try just four days each. Canadas Andrew Wiggins is the headliner for the most heralded class at Kansas in years, while Jabari Parker is the biggest name headed to Duke. The two of them will face each other Nov. 12 at the United Center in Chicago as part of a doubleheader that also features Michigan State-Kentucky. Two more programs boasting a slew of stellar freshmen. In an era of one-and-done superstars, the first-year players hitting the hardwood this season may trump any other year. Along with Wiggins and Parker, theres Kentuckys class of Julius Randle, Dakari Johnson, James Young and the Harrison brothers, Aaron and Andrew. Theres also Noah Vonleh at Indiana, Aaron Gordon at Arizona and Kasey Hill at Florida. All of them have the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft next year. In the meantime, all of them will be trying to deliver an NCAA title. "We can be great, the best team in the country," Wiggins told The Associated Press. "We have a young team, the chemistry is really good. The first couple weeks of practice were hard for the freshmen, but everything is coming easier now, more fluid. So the potential is there." Potential is a dangerous word in college basketball. There are no sure bets. Plenty of highly touted players have flamed out before they ever earned a dime. It happens every year. But perhaps never before has a group of freshmen promised to make such a statement on the national stage. Just about every program with a chance to compete for a national championship this season will be counting on at least one first-year player to make an immediate impact. In the case of Kansas, its more than one. Wiggins may be the most recognizable name, but combo guard Wayne Selden and raw 7-footer Joel Embiid have the potential to be lottery picks. Theyre joined by a group of freshmen that includes sharpshooters Conner Frankamp, Frank Mason and Brannen Greene. "Theres as much hype around this year as any," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said, "and I think its a large part because of the unknown. Weve had other good players and other good teams return and this team hasnt proven itself at all. But the unknown has everyone excited." Kansas opens the season against Louisiana Monroe on Nov. 8, the same day Duke opens its season against Davidson. The two blue bloods -- and their blue chippers -- collide four days later. On the same floor that night will be Kentucky coach John Caliparis latest bumper crop, which some pundits believe could be the best recruiting class in college basketball history. Randle is a bruising forward who can also play the wing. The Harrisons should form a dangerous backcourt. Johnson is a talented, athletic centre. Young is the quintessential wing scorer. Just like the newcomers at Kansas and Duke, though, theyll have to get accustomed to playing with each other in a hurry. The Wildcats play UNC-Asheville and Northern Kentucky before they head to Chicago for their high-profile date with the Spartans. "Let them get on the court," Calipari said. "Weve got some tough games early. Weve got one of the best schedules in the country. Weve got one of the most inexperienced teams in the country. So it will be interesting." Vonleh, a 6-foot-9 forward, should give the Hoosiers a bruising inside presence as they chase their second straight Big Ten title. Hell compete with Michigans Derrick Walton Jr., the heir to guard Trey Burke, among others for the honour of the leagues best freshman. Out in the desert, the 6-8 Gordon is already drawing comparisons to Blake Griffin -- much to the chagrin of Arizona coach Sean Miller, who is trying to temper expectations just a bit. "Hes extremely focused. Hes somebody that is tireless in his own approach to be great," Miller said. "But yet, at the same time, because of how he plays the game and conducts himself, hes a fun guy to have as a teammate. Hes a fun guy to have as part of your program." As high as expectations are for Gordon -- California coach Mike Montgomery called him "just a monster" -- theyre just as high for Hill, who is expected to take over for Kenny Boynton and run the point for Florida. Hell join a veteran team that includes forward Patric Young. "What you can do as a coach when you have an unknown -- youve never coached a guy, youve never been in a game with a guy, never been in a huddle with a guy -- I dont know how hes going to respond in certain situations," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "Hes going to really have to be able to understand there is going to be a lot on him, but I dont need to overwhelm him." Good luck with that, Billy. Then again, considering all the touted freshmen wholl be playing important minutes for their teams this season, there are a whole lot of coaches worrying about the exact same thing. Bertrand Traore Chelsea Jersey . After Mondays hard-fought loss, the wait seemed longer than usual. Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week. Eden Hazard Jersey . The Dutchmans tenure got off to a poor start when referee Guido Winkmann awarded a penalty within two minutes for Niklas Starks clumsy challenge on Alexandru Maxim. http://www.chelseafconlineshop.com/loic-remy-chelsea-jersey. html . The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey-free round for a 17-under total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. Branislav Ivanovic Chelsea Jersey .05 million next season unless Graham and the Saints subsequently agree on a long-term deal. The designation was released Monday after the deadline passed for NFL teams to use franchise or transition tags on players becoming free agents. John Terry Jersey . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kyle Williams spent the morning meeting with coaches, squeezed in a little time to get fitted for his new uniform, and then headed out to the practice field for an afternoon workout. It was a whirlwind beginning to his fresh start with the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams was claimed off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers a day earlier, and didnt fly into Kansas City until after midnight. Still, the Chiefs believe hell be able to contribute on special teams when they travel to Denver for their big showdown Sunday night. "Its a quick turnaround," Williams said Thursday. "We have a big one on Sunday, and hopefully I will be able to get in there and make something happen." Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said that Williams could serve as a backup kick and punt returner right away, something that he had plenty of experience doing in San Francisco. Offensive co-ordinator Doug Pederson said it would be unfair to expect Williams to contribute on that side of the ball against the Broncos. Williams said it was "like they were speaking Spanish" as he tried to get up to speed on the Chiefs offensive terminology. "Right now well just see how it goes," Pederson said. "Hes a tough, physical kid with some speed, so we just have to get him and practice and see what hell do." Williams wasnt out of work for long after he was waived by the 49ers, where hed spent his entire four-year career. He was snapped by the Chiefs in fewer than 24 hours, reunited with former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver A.J. Jenkins. In fact, it was Jenkins who told Smith that Williams was joining the Chiefs. "He was kiind of surprised," Jenkins said.dddddddddddd "We didnt even know they had waived Kyle until he signed here. But hes excited for the new opportunity, the new start he has." Williams acknowledged that he was happy to get a fresh start after a period of dark days in San Francisco. He had two costly fumbles in a loss to the Giants in the NFC championship game following the 2011 season, and received death threats and was harassed on social media. He was on a roll last season before tearing the ACL in his left knee. "Im not trying to run from anything that happened there or anything like that," Williams said. "Im excited about the opportunity. Im excited about joining a team thats had as much success as weve had here. There were some times out there, definitely some learning experiences, but moving forward, Im just excited about the future." Williams said he wasnt told by the 49ers why they decided to part ways, but his production this season likely had something to do with it. He had just 12 catches for 113 yards, and has continued to deal with fumble issues that have plagued him much of his career. The Chiefs were enamoured of his speed and playmaking ability, though, and were in desperate need of help at wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is facing a suspension at some point for his weekend arrest for speeding and marijuana possession, and he hasnt been that productive anyway. Donnie Avery and Dexter McCluster have also disappeared at times. "How they use everybody, the types of playmakers over here, theyre explosive," Williams said, "and theyve made plays so far. Its my job to fit in and help out wherever I can." Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China ' ' '
|
