Is Charles Matthews A Kentucky Level Recruit??????

This is actually a rhetorical question because really it does not matter. I will go into why in a moment: I will say that I have seen Charles Matthews play numerous times over the last 3 years. I am a die hard Kentucky fan, I was born in Lexington,Kentucky and grew up there, and live there until high school graduation when I left for college. I now live in Evanston, Illinois and still follow the Cats fervently. I have been out to see Anthony Davis,Tyler Ulis, and Charles Matthews play high school basketball here in the Chicagoland Area. In saying this I want Charles Matthews to succeed at Kentucky on the court and off the court. I have been hard on his play in his high school career but I and other Kentucky fans have to remember this is a 17 or 18 year old kid. This means he still has a lot of room to grow in his game. Big Blue Nation has been spoiled, used to having stud high school players come to Kentucky as monster talents, with Coach John Calipari pretty much having to sharpen these guys skills. In saying this news flash to Kentucky fans: Charles Matthews is not a one and done player, also he is not what we are used to getting out of high school, a close to finished product. I will go into his strengths and weaknesses as a basketball player AS OF RIGHT NOW!!!!!!! These things could change and we have to give him room to grow, this includes myself when I go watch him play. So it does not matter if he is a Kentucky level recruit right now: I think down the line he will end up being that. He's a good kid, outstanding student, and will represent Kentucky Basketball very well off the court, and eventually I believe that will happen on the court. So we as Kentucky fans are going to have to practice what we are not used to doing with a player for Charles Matthews........PATIENCE!!!!!!!!! Here's my breakdown of his game: Tale Of The Tape: CHARLES MATTHEWS 6'6" SENIOR GUARD/FORWARD ST RITA(CHICAGO). Strengths: I will start by saying he is a very good and explosive athlete he can slash to the basket, is a good facilitator for his teammates, and can defend 5 positions on the high school level and 3 positions on the college level. He is a very good ball handler, can play the point in a pinch. Weaknesses: He's not a good finisher at the basket this is because he needs to get stronger, also is not a good shooter right now outside of 5 feet. He needs to seriously work on his shooting midrange and 3 point shooting. Also his decision making of when to drive to the basket and when to pull up and shoot a jumper. He also needs to have confidence in his jumper, he can hit it when he squares up and follows through on his shot. Last thing he does not have a takeover mentality when his team needs him to take over. There you have it, I will say these things he can clean up when he gets to Kentucky, I have heard some folks tell me Charles Matthews will be an NBA player someday. This is possible just might not be as soon as folks think, or might want it. As for me I am going to take a different attitude with Charles Matthews when I go see him play. I am not going to pick apart his game like crazy, I am going to try and project what he could do at the next level. Also as a fellow Christian he will do great things at Kentucky off the court for sure, I also think he will on the court at some point in his career. So when Charles Matthews comes to Kentucky next summer, welcome him to BBN with open arms and be patient with the kid. If we are patient I think we will get what we want at some point, a very good player, a great teammate, and a contributor to the history of Kentucky Basketball. This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.

Breakdown of the Kentucky Blue/White Game!!!!!!!!!

I will start off by saying that the game started out sloppy but got better as the game went on. This team will be tough to score on for sure. I will have individual evaluations of each player. Here we go: ANDREW HARRISON- He was very good tonight, looked dominant on offense and defense. He was hitting his jump shots from 3 and mid range, he was getting to the basket at will, hit his free throws. He has to convert more of his drives to the basket, looked like the best point guard in the country tonight. He did have 7 turnovers so he has to clean that up. AARON HARRISON- He did not shoot well from the field, but looked quicker defensively, hit his free throws and looked more explosive in general. TYLER ULIS- Looked good shooting the ball early, was making some good passes, but he was having trouble keeping Andrew from getting to the basket. His lack of size showed sometimes, but overall not a bad outing. DEVIN BOOKER- He scored 22 points but had 8 fouls, got trapped at times which led to turnovers, hit a couple of midrange pull-ups and went to the basket. Did not shoot a lot of three point shots. He was very good on the defensive end. He played hard and cramped up at the end of the game. More water young man. ALEX POYTHRESS- He was still a little inconsistent to me, got it going with his shooting and rebounding in the 2nd half. He has to be more consistent on the court, not bad defensively. WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN- He looked very good coming off his injury, moving quicker, had some good dribble moves to the basket. Also he hit a 15 foot jumper and blocked a couple of shots. His offensive game has improved a lot, looks like he will be a threat on that end of the court also. DAKARI JOHNSON- He was a load, tough to stop, moving well, some great post moves. He drew a lot of fouls but went 1 for 11 from the free throw line. Coach Cal said he will not be on the floor at the end of the game if he does not improve in that area. Otherwise very good performance from Dakari. MARCUS LEE- Besides a couple of nice passes he looked lost out there. I almost didn't know he was on the floor. He has to be more aggressive on the boards and look for his shot. He did catch an alley oop dunk. DEREK WILLIS- He looked scared out there, just did not have a rhythm. Late in the game he showed his shooting ability by hitting a three point and a turnaround 15 footer. He needs to be more aggressive looking for his offense. He was not bad on the defensive end though. KARL ANTHONY TOWNS- He is going to be a monster folks, he was everywhere. He was blocking shots, rebounding, passing, hitting 17 foot jumpers, hitting jump hooks in the post and crashing the boards. He also has a smooth stroke and was hitting his free throws. The only downside is he had problems guarding Dakari Johnson in the post, though Dakari is a load to deal with. He has to learn to hold his position in the post and stay on his feet. TREY LYLES- I was very impressed with him, his shooting, rebounding, passing, and free throw shooting. He showed he can play the 3 spot on defense also, moved his feet very well. Only thing is as Coach Cal said he has to look to shoot, be more aggressive looking for his offense. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS- He is very improved as a shooter, his a three pointer, he's very good defensively. He is playing more aggressive on offense, looking to get to the basket as well as shoot his jumper. THE TEAM AS A WHOLE LOOKED PRETTY GOOD FOR A SCRIMMAGE, THE WHITE TEAM NEEDS TO DO BETTER FROM THE FREE THROW LINE!!!!! ALSO THEY DID NOT SHOOT A LOT OF THREE POINTERS, NOR PLAY A LOT OF ZONE DEFENSE. THEY ALSO DID NOT PRESS AS MUCH AS THEY WILL DURING THE YEAR!!!!! THIS TEAM IS LOADED AND THEY WILL COME TOGETHER. IT IS SO HARD TO SCORE ON THE INTERIOR WITH THIS TEAM!!!!!> THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!

Harrison Twins NBA Prospects!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will start off by saying yes I am a Kentucky fan, also yes I am a loyal Big Blue Nation supporter. I will also say I am fair when I evaluate players and their NBA prospects no matter what school they go to. I am addressing the Harrison twins in this rant, I think they are getting a raw deal from college basketball fans, as well as some NBA scouts. I will break down the criticism of their games, and also answer those criticisms. Then I will break down each individual player, because contrary to popular belief they are both separate players and will be seen as such by NBA scouts. Here we go: CRITICISMS: 1) The Harrison twins have bad body language, hence they are bad kids and bad teammates. 2) Andrew Harrison does not know how to run a team, he's more of a combo guard than anything else. 3) Aaron Harrison is a selfish basketball player. 4) The Harrison twins are not quick enough. 5) The Harrison twins get to the basket only by brute strength and that will not work in the NBA. 6) The Harrison twins are terrible defenders. 7) The Harrison twins can't shoot from the perimeter. 8) The Harrison twins only look out for themselves, they only look for each other on the court. 9) The Harrison twins don't listen to Coach Cal. 10) The Harrison twins are not smart young men. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE THINGS I HAVE HEARD AND SEEN IN WRITING ABOUT THE HARRISON TWINS.     ANSWERS TO THE CRITICISMS: 1) The Harrison twins have so called bad body language because they want to win so bad. Both of these kids are competitors and absolutely hate to lose. The body language can come across as negative but this is because they want to win so badly. 2) Andrew Harrison has been playing point guard his whole life, he is a good passer not a great passer. He is good at setting up his teammates. 3) Aaron Harrison is a shooting guard folks, he's supposed to shoot and fill up the scoreboard. Funny thing is look at his assist totals? They are pretty good for a shooting guard. 4) The Harrison twins are deceptively quick, they are not sprinters and what is called hellafast(Tyler Ulis comes to mind) but they don't have to be. Both play with good pace and under control which is what counts on the basketball court. 5) WHAT ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO DO NBA SCOUTS??????? Play to their weaknesses or play to their strengths? Both are jumbo size guards, I don't think they will have any problems getting to the bucket in the NBA. 6) I will admit they are below average defenders but so are a lot of guards in the NBA. Plus in Calipari's defensive schemes he does not have his guards play the passing lanes for steals. He more plays it safe. 7) Their shooting percentages might not be great, but they are not terrible either with exception of Andrew's 3 point percentage. I think that is a product of him not shooting a lot of them, and when he does shoot them it's at the end of the shot clock. This point is the same for Aaron. 8) THEY ARE TWINS FOLKS!!!!!!! They have been playing together their whole lives so it makes sense they look for each other, twins have that innate connection between each other. Andrew though looks for others as well as his brother. 9) These kids contrary to popular belief are very intelligent, they came to UK to learn and listen to Coach Cal. This also addresses Number 10. One last thing before I go into breaking down each player, a lot of the issue is they have grown up in a 2 parent home in the suburbs(which to some folks is not common in the African American community) which some take to them being soft, which is far from true. They are competitors and hungry for success. BREAKDOWNS: ANDREW HARRISON (6'6" SOPHOMORE POINT GUARD)- SHOOTING: His shot has improved and his percentages will go up this season. He might not get up a lot of shots because he has a lot of talent around him. SCORING: He can get to the hole whenever he wants, and also can finish around the basket with his size. REBOUNDING: He is good from his point guard spot but is not asked to do it too much. PASSING: He's a good but not great passer, knows how to create and throw lobs to the basket. BALL HANDLING: This is an improved area for him, he's not as loose with the basketball as he was last year. DEFENSE: He is better at this area, moving his feet more not using his hands as much as he was early last year. LEADERSHIP: He has to be more vocal and it seems like he is from what I saw in the Bahamas and the NBA Combine practice. He is more confident with experience in the system. INTANGIBLES: He needs to work on this, part of it is vocal, the other part is confidence which he looks more confident this year. AARON HARRISON(6'6" SOPHOMORE SHOOTING GUARD)-SHOOTING: He's a lot better at this than he was last year, more confident and consistent with his shot. He's looking more and more to attack with his shooting. SCORING: He's definitely a scorer, can do it from all 3 levels, 3 point shooting, midrange and getting to the basket and converting with strong moves. REBOUNDING: He does this well from his position on the floor, needs to get better boxing out his man though. PASSING: A good passer for his position, can run the team from the point in stretches. BALL HANDLING: This has improved but could get better but from what I see he's making better decisions with the ball which is helping his ball handling. DEFENSE: He is better also in this area, not using his hands as much, has the ability to shut his man down. LEADERSHIP: He has to be more vocal also but he more leads by example of his play than the vocal part. INTANGIBLES: He has this in spades, not afraid to take the big shot(NCAA Tourney as reference). The rest of the team is confident in his ability to life them to a victory. MY FINAL ANALYSIS, BOTH OF THESE KIDS WILL BE LONGTIME NBA PLAYERS, WHAT LEVEL OF PLAYER WILL BE UP TO THEM. SO FAR THEY ARE DOING THE WORK DROPPED BODY FAT FROM 11% TO 4%. THIS SHOWS THEY WANT TO WORK FOR WHAT THEY WANT IN THEIR FUTURES. ALSO BOTH SHOULD BE 1ST ROUND PICKS NO QUESTION IN MY MIND. THE NBA SCOUTS ASKED THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR BODIES AND THEY DID!!!! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT NBA SCOUTS???????? THAT'S THE BIG QUESTION FOR ME!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY!!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!! 

Is Simeon Favored To Win Another Class 4A State Title?

Some folks would say Stevenson(Lincolnshire) is favored with Jalen Brunson the top player in the state and his running partner Conner Cashaw. Yes these teams played in February and Stevenson won. Yes Stevenson played well, but Simeon had a lot of young talent and more beat themselves with dumb turnovers. They will play again in the City Suburban Shootout in February 2015, it will be the matchup of the year in the State Of Illinois. Here's Simeon's roster: STARTERS: POINT GUARD- EVAN GILYARD(5'8" SOPHOMORE)-He will probably be the point guard on this years team, he will also be the key player to their state title hopes. All he has to do is take care of the ball, get the ball to the top scorers for Simeon, and play pressure defense on the ball. Easiest job and hardest job at the same time. SHOOTING GUARD- ZACK NORVELL JR(6'4" JUNIOR)-In some corners he is called the best junior in the state of Illinois, a deep long range three point shooter who can also slash to the basket. He also makes a good effort playing on the defensive end of the court. He can play the point in short stretches, they tried him full time last year and it did not work out. Look for him to be a top scorer on this years team. SMALL FORWARD-ISAIAH MOSS(6'5" SENIOR)-  Iowa commit, it  took him awhile to get adjusted to Simeon after transferring from Lincoln Way East last season(Jaylon Tate comes to mind here). He took a big step forward over the summer and became a big time Division 1 prospect. He's a good three point shooter and also can slash to the basket and finish strong. I think he moves into the starting lineup and becomes a leader in his senior season. POWER FORWARD-DJ WILLIAMS(6'7) SENIOR)-Illinois commit took his game to another level also this past summer. He always had it in him but was always too passive. He has become more assertive and is slashing to the basket stronger. Very good midrange shooter still needs to extend to 3 point range. Long and athletic can rebound well and is a good passer, can play point guard in a pinch. CENTER-ED MORROW(6'7" SENIOR)- Nebraska commit is a big time energy player on both ends of the court, a dunking machine even though he's undersized. His motor is nonstop and has developed a midrange jumper. He's a rebounding monster and will dunk on anyone. Look for him to be intimidating in the middle. BENCH: BEN COUPET JR(6'8" JUNIOR)-Has been maddenly inconsistent in his high school career, can be so much more. He did play with more consistency this past summer but not quite enough to keep his starting spot in my opinion. He is getting high Division 1 looks because he is talented with a lot of bounce and a good shooter out to three point range. Has to work on his ball handling to be a great wing player. Is it because he's not the first option and playing with talented players that he floats through games? Or is it that he's not an assertive player? I think we will see the best of him his senior year. FREDERICK SCOTT(6'7" SENIOR)-Sat out last year after transferring from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth Of Wilson,VA. He's a well built young man who can play inside, also has good ball handling and surprising agility for this girth. Good shooter out to the three point line, will help with depth off the bench. Also a Division 1 caliber player. JOSH THOMAS(6'2" JUNIOR)-This kid is very talented, great at slashing to the basket. Since he is so good at getting to the basket have not seen much of his outside shot. He is a good passer off the dribble but seems to play out of control at times. If he gained some control he could play some point guard for sure. I think that would be his college position. MARQUISE(KEZO) BROWN(6'0"FRESHMAN)-I think he will be the only freshman in the rotation. I was very impressed with his defense and defensive intensity when I saw him play this summer. He's a good slasher to the basket, he will get playing time just for his defense alone. He will have to develop a consistent three point shot to maximize his potential. He is a good midrange shooter and finishes well at the basket for a freshman. Also is a good passer. THERE ARE PROBABLY A COUPLE MORE PLAYERS I HAVE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT, BUT THIS TEAM IS TALENTED AND DEEP NEVERTHELESS. MY OPINION IS THEY WIN THEIR 5TH CLASS 4A TITLE IN 6 YEARS!!!!!!!! UNTIL NEXT TIME GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Timothy's Rants: Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!...

Timothy's Rants: Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!...: I will start by saying Black folks have a right to be upset at this. This is happening too often to us as African American men young and old...

Michael Brown Shooting In Ferguson Missouri!!!!!!!

I will start by saying Black folks have a right to be upset at this. This is happening too often to us as African American men young and old. We are profiled as dangerous from the get go by the police. It does not matter if we are armed or unarmed we are targets. We are targets by the police, by the white man, by the establishment which is headed by mostly white men. This goes back centuries to the days of slavery. Why enslave our ancestors at all? One thing I felt white folks in general were lazy people but I will leave that out of this discussion. A lot of it goes back to fear, when it's an even playing field, blacks prevail more often than not. Problem is white folks are scared if we prevail and take over America that we will enslave them as they did us for centuries. This fear is passed down from generation to generation whereas any white person with a badge or in power, have to do their best to intimidate, use their power to keep us black folks in line. Fear was used in slavery to try and keep our ancestors from wanting to escape the plantation to a better life. Newsflash for black folks, especially young black folks who think we live in a "post racial" society, it does not exist. Yes we have come a long way from white fountains and black fountains, also forced to sit in the back of the bus. We have our parents and grandparents to thank for the marches, sit ins and other things they did to benefit us from that inhumane existence. We still have a very long way to go, hence this killing and other killings that have happened to Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, and other nameless faceless black men gunned down by the cops. The tragic thing to me is the apathy of African American women to see the atrocities that happen to us African American men or what we have to face every time we step out of our house. It seems like in this latest killing though I see more and more African American women as outraged as the men are. This is a good thing and it's good to see. This latest cold blooded murder by someone who is supposed to protect and serve the public, the moronic police department will not take the statement of a witness. That witness, his friend who was with him and saw what happened has not interviewed with the police yet? It's been 72 hours since the incident happened and still they have not talked to the young man. The other thing is these cops that shoot unarmed African American men, and racially profile us gets PAID administrative leave. What the heck is that? We need to march, let our voices be heard, and do whatever we can to make this stop. It is open season on African American unarmed men to be targeted by the police for just walking down the street. Any change or revolution that has happened in this country has come through violence unfortunately, nothing else seems to work. I shouldn't be surprised since this system of government was founded by violence and thievery. We have to step up as African American and not let this pass, enough is enough. This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.

Following Jesus Christ In My Life!!!!!!!!!

I have not used my blog much to write about the wonderful name and person of Jesus Christ. I will say that HE has been in charge of my life from the beginning. My Mom June Nutter made sure my brother and I went to church just about every Sunday. We sang in the choir, did Sunday School, did plays in the Church. By the way our home church was and still is Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lexington, Kentucky. I can thank my Mother for putting a Christian base for me to live life by. But it is JESUS CHRIST, who has kept my life all these years, and put the Holy Spirit into me. I went off the tracks a bit when I was in the Army, but JESUS brought me back to center and never left me. JESUS CHRIST never leaves you, but we sometimes leave him, and he still gives us a chance to come back to him. JESUS CHRIST forgives us, if we earnestly repent of our sins. People have no idea what "repent" means. 

re·pent

 verb \ri-ˈpent\
: to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right. That is the definition of the word. We as human beings can't just ask for forgiveness, we have to make an effort not to sin again. That is the essence of repentance right there.  If you read further into the definition it also says: to feel regret or remorse. If you keep doing the same sins over and over willingly that is not showing regret or remorse. We as Christians and people have to truly get closer to GOD by repenting of our sins. Also we have to love following JESUS CHRIST, which means doing our best to do the right things. I sin and fall short all the time, but I am making my best effort to repent of my sins. It's still a work in progress for me and for all of us, but if JESUS CHRIST is in our hearts then we will live for eternity. I love the LORD, and I am trying to prove that I do more and more every day GOD gives me on this journey called life. GOD has blessed me and my family immensely, two healthy and beautiful children Reginice 24, and Timothy Jr 20 (though my son has a fractured knee right now, I believe GOD will heal him and make his knee even stronger), beautiful and wonderful wife inside and out Deborah Yordy Coleman. I count my blessings every day of my life. HE has given me everything I could ask for in life, health, happiness, a roof over my head, food to eat, a comfortable place to sleep. I could not ask for anything more the LORD has given me and my family. I am a licensed Illinois High School Association Basketball and Lacrosse Referee which I enjoy doing. I will say anyone that has not given their life to Christ should do so as soon as possible. You never know if you are going to wake up the next day and have a chance to save your soul. GOD can help you with any problem you might have, he will solve it in his time not ours. Anyone not saved you can have Peace in your life by giving it up to JESUS CHRIST. If you want to know more about this KING OF GLORY let me know. I will give you more of my testimony than I have given here. I will end this with a song I learned at Quinn Chapel: PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOWWWWW, PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOWWW, PRAISE HIM ABOVE THE HEAVENLY HOST, PRAISE FATHER, SON ANDDDDD HOOOOOLLLLLY GHOST, AAAAAAAAAMENNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!

Early Breakdown of 2014-2015 Kentucky Wildcats Roster!!!!!!!!!!

With a lot of the players returning next season with the incoming recruits this should be a great team next season. Roster is now set here we go: STARTERS---------------- POINT GUARD- ANDREW HARRISON(6'6" SOPHOMORE)- This would be a great decision to return, he has to show what he did in the NCAA Tournament can be done consistently over a 30 game regular season. He has to improve his outside shooting, quickness on defense guarding people, and his ball handling. With an offseason and the foreign tour this summer he will be ready to be a Lottery Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. SHOOTING GUARD-AARON HARRISON(6'6" SOPHOMORE)- Along with his twin brother coming back to school would be a great decision. He has to improve his quickness, outside shooting with consistency over a 30 game schedule, and his defense. Same thing will happen with another season under Coach Cal. I see him being a first round pick in 2015 NBA Draft. SMALL FORWARD-ALEX POYTHRESS(6'9" JUNIOR)- Another great decision to return to school as he needs to learn how to play the 3 spot on both ends of the floor. He showed this past season he can guard 3's on defense, his offense he has to improve his dribbling and slashing to the basket with more than one dribble. I see him doing what is necessary to get ready for the NBA, as well as helping Kentucky and giving the Cats a big lineup on the front line. This is his opportunity to grab the bull by the horns, graduate, and make a lot of money in the NBA. POWER FORWARD-KARL ANTHONY TOWNS(7'0" FRESHMAN)- This will surprise a lot of people but Coach Calipari will not be able to keep him and his skill level off the floor. He can shoot from NBA Three point range, has ball handling, and has worked on his back to the basket game to play the power spot. Shot blocking on defense also from this spot, he will have to learn to move his feet better to guard the stretch 4's, but then again he's a stretch 4 himself. CENTER-DAKARI JOHNSON(7'0" SOPHOMORE)-This was a hard one too, but I will go with last years starting center here. He has a legit back to the basket game on offense and you can throw the ball inside to him and he will score consistently. He has to work on his footwork on defense but did surprisingly well in the postseason with this. He also hits the boards very well. BENCH-------CENTER-WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN(7'0" JUNIOR)-Willie is more of a 6th starter as he will bring athleticism and energy off the bench. This also helps his future NBA Career as I think he will be a bench player at that level. He needs to keep improving his low post scoring, hits the boards well and could break the Kentucky shot blocking record. I am surprised he returned but is understandable. Will also give veteran leadership to this team. POINT GUARD-TYLER ULIS(5'9" FRESHMAN)- Yes he is short BBN, yes he is slight, but will pick up weight at Kentucky. He's a disrupter on defense, will pick a lot of guard's pockets. On the offensive end, he's a true floor general, unselfish, will run the offense, can get in the lane, and oh yes he can shoot the three pointer at a high rate. Once he learns the college game he will be one of the top point guards in the country. FORWARD-MARCUS LEE(6'9" SOPHOMORE)-He had a great last 3 games in the NCAA Tournament, he was able to show his athletic skills but he is much more than that. He did not get to show it but he has a good face up 15 footer and can take the ball to the hole. Of course his shot blocking and rebounding attacking the glass, but he will have to get stronger which I think he will, and will get some playing time next season. SHOOTING GUARD- DEVIN BOOKER(6'6" FRESHMAN)-I think he will be able to play some three if needed, but is a knockdown three point shooter that is needed on the roster, also more athletic than people think. He will have to work on his shot selection and his defense as most freshman do, but he will contribute. SMALL FORWARD- DEREK WILLIS(6'9" SOPHOMORE)- Look for him to contribute a lot as he can handle the ball, is a good three point shooter and better athlete than most think, I also think he can guard 3's with his work ethic and willingness to get on the floor. He can also drive to the basket, his key is he has to get stronger for this to happen, I am confident that he will. FORWARD/CENTER TREY LYLES(6'10" FRESHMAN)- There has to be an odd man out on the frontline rotation and I think it will be Lyles and it won't be because of lack of skill. He is very skilled, can handle, shoot from outside and even take guys off the dribble, the problem is his defense and lack of athleticism. I think this will lower his playing time on this particular team. It is good though to have a kid like this who can do so many things. It is possible he could work his way into the rotation. Will be interesting to see. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS(6'1" SOPHOMORE)- There will be minutes for Dominique in the backcourt rotation for his defense if anything. He could push Ulis if he improves his outside shooting and works on his shooting in general. Makes opposing guards work on defense and is bigger defender than Ulis. He will help in practice also with his hustle and making guys work. THERE YOU HAVE IT, MY BREAKDOWN OF THE 2014-2015 KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!!!!!! I THINK THIS LINEUP COULD WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE AND BE A BETTER REGULAR SEASON TEAM THAN 2013-2014 WITH THE EXPERIENCE FACTOR ALONE!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Who's Staying, Who's Going?

Our Kentucky Wildcats ended up NCAA Runners Up, while it is disappointing I am satisfied. We had a great run in the NCAA Tournament. Here's my take on what happens with our underclassman and their stay in college or go to NBA choices: JULIUS RANDLE- Gone, gone and.......did I say gone? He is a Top 5 pick, plus no more double and triple teams this to me is obvious. He does have to work on his right hand, defense, and extending range on his jumper, but I feel he will. I see future NBA All-Star teams for Julius. JAMES YOUNG- Gone also, but with a caveat. He's a late lottery pick as of right now, but I see him moving up with the individual workouts. He needs to work on his defense, ball handling, and passing but the upside is too difficult to ignore by NBA GM's. He could stay and improve his draft position for love of Kentucky, but I still think he's outy. ANDREW HARRISON- This one is very iffy, I think if he declares he will be a late first round pick but his brother is not certain to be a first round pick which I think will impact his decision. He has to work on his outside shooting, floor game, and defense. I believe he will test the waters, not like the information he gets, and returns to school. He can improve his position to Lottery with another season at Kentucky. AARON HARRISON- Also iffy, he is currently projected late first to early second round pick. of course second round is non-guaranteed money. He needs to get his jump shot more consistent and work on his floor game and defense. This decision also depends on what his brother is going to do. They will probably be on different NBA Teams, so why not play another season with your brother? Returns to school. WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN- He says his career is incomplete because he missed the last three games of the NCAA Tourney. Also says he enjoys school and is not ready to go pay bills in the real world. All of that being said, I think he will be gone and jump to the NBA. He has a couple of skill sets the NBA can use right now and 7 foot with his upside and can move his feet on the perimeter in pick and roll situations. Needs work on his offense but plenty of long time NBA players with his skill set. Gone to the NBA. ALEX POYTHRESS- I believe he stays for a couple of reasons. One he's a second round pick right now, two he is very close to his degree and could get it with one more season. Three he needs more work on his dribble moves and outside shot that could be polished with one more season. Returns to school. DAKARI JOHNSON- Improved leaps and bounds as the season progressed. he started out as my whipping boy on the team and became very productive. If he came out he would be a late first round pick for a playoff team to ease into the league. I feel with another season, improved footwork, and more work on conditioning, he could be a Lottery Pick next season. Returns to school. MARCUS LEE- Great tourney run replacing Cauley-Stein, but he is raw, a lot of room to improve, and within 2 seasons could turn into a Lottery Pick. Stays in school. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS AND DEREK WILLIS- Both of these guys stay in school and I think Derek Willis makes a big jump in playing time and production next season, this kid can play folks. Hawkins will improve as well especially on the offensive end with his confidence. THERE YOU HAVE IT, WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO. GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Super Tuesday IHSA Class 3A Super Sectional Breakdown!!!!!!!!!!

Super Tuesday, Super Sectional Tuesday and Class 3A is going to be very competitive, anybody can win State in this class. Here we go in bracket order; NORTHERN ILLINOIS: Lutheran(Rockford) vs Notre Dame(Peoria)-Frankly I don't know a thing about either team so I will venture a guess: PREDICTION: PEORIA NOTRE DAME PUNCHES IT'S TICKET BACK HOME. SPRINGFIELD: Cahokia vs Lincoln- Lincoln is ranked #1 in the state in 3A and Cahokia has two division 1 players in St Louis signee Darius Austin (6'6" senior) and Drake signee CJ Rivers( 6'2" senior). Also Cahokia is looking for a return trip to Peoria for a school that almost shut all of it's athletic programs down for this season due to lack of funds. Obviously they received a reprieve. PREDICTION: CAHOKIA PUNCHES IT'S RETURN TRIP TO PEORIA!!!!!! JOLIET CENTRAL: Bogan(Chicago) vs Morgan Park(Chicago)- This game will be a way as both Red South rivals are meeting for a 4th time. Bogan won both regular season meetings and Morgan Park won at the semifinals of the Proviso West tournament. Luwane Pipkins (5'9" junior) has had a 45 point game in the playoffs and his backcourt mate Bryce Barnes (5'9" sophomore) will be key as well as Antonio Thomas (6'7"junior) will be key on the boards against a big Morgan Park team. As for Defending Class 3A Champ Morgan Park their keys will be defensive ace Lamont Walker(6'5" senior). His defense against Pipkins in the last 3 meetings has been outstanding. Josh Cunningham(6'7" senior) will have to dominate to put his team on top. Charlie Moore(5'9" sophomore) will have to play under control which I think he will PREDICTION: MORGAN PARK PUNCHES IT'S TICKET TO PEORIA AND GET A CHANCE TO DEFEND IT'S TITLE!!!!! HOFFMAN ESTATES: North Chicago vs Orr(Chicago)- I will be at this game once again this year. Last year Orr just ran all over North Chicago. A lot of trash talk the last part of last season by North Chicago saying Orr was scared to play them in the regular season. Orr shut down that talk with an emphatic beatdown last year here at Hoffman Estates. Will the same thing happen this year? Will North Chicago get revenge? Here's the breakdown:North Chicago's Big Three of Murray State signee Jayquan McCloud(6'4" senior), Toledo commit Kurt Hall(6'6" senior), and Javarious Amos-Mays (6'4" senior) will have to effect the game on both ends for North Chicago the whole game, not just in stretches. Minnesota State football signee Arnaud Shead(5'9" senior) will have to control the offense. Orr is shorthanded as Tyquone Greer (6'6" senior) was shot in the calf last weekend and is out for the rest of the season. Most teams that would be devastating but not this one. This is the most talented team in the City of Chicago with All-City Louis Adams Jr(6'4" senior), Malcolm Jones (6'8" senior), Isaiah Hayes (6'1" senior), Sire Caroll (6'7" senior) who stretches defenses with his three point shooting and is replacement for Greer in lineup. Sharp shooter Armani Ousley(6'1" senior) is back from grotesque ankle injury suffered in January vs Whitney Young. Here is my PREDICTION: ORR PUNCHES IT'S RETURN TICKET TO PEORIA!!!!!! THERE YOU HAVE IT, 3 OF THE 4 TEAMS FROM LAST YEAR WILL RETURN TO PEORIA!!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!

Super Tuesday!!!!!!! IHSA Class 4A Super Sectional Breakdown!!!!!!!!!!

Well here we are, Super Tuesday, Supersectional day, winner makes the Final Four in Peoria. Who will it be? Here we go bracket order: CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY: Whitney Young(Chicago) vs Loyola(Wilmette)- This is the mismatch of the night( I said that last year too and almost got burned). Whitney Young has the #1 High School Player In The Country in Duke signee Jahlil Okafor (6'11" senior) who is the anchor in the middle, but the key is always Georgetown signee Paul White (6'9" senior) and his versatile game along with the other Big 3 player St Louis signee Miles Reynolds(6'3" senior). Loyola will have to use some kind of junk defense and hope their three pointers are on target with Jack Morrissey(6'1" senior), Kevin Kucera(6'1" senior), and James Clark(6'2" senior). They have to also hope that Griffin Boehm (6'4" junior) does not get into foul trouble. It may by close for awhile but I have: PREDICTION: WHITNEY YOUNG PUNCHES TICKET DOWNSTATE. NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY: Stevenson(Lincolnshire) vs Auburn(Rockford)- This should be an exciting game to watch as both teams like to get up and down the floor and shoot a lot of threes as neither team has a lot of size. Superstar Jalen Brunson(6'2" junior), along with his partner in crime Conner Cashaw(6'4" junior) will get help from Matt Johnson (6'0" junior), Michigan State football recruit Matt Morrissey (6'4" senior) and Parker Nichols (6'5" junior). They can hit the three point shot from all spots 1-5 on the floor. Rockford Auburn is not shabby either Laytwan Porter (6'1
" junior), Antoine Pittman (6'2' junior), along with Zavious Hoover all can hit threes. Should be a shootout but I have: PREDICTION: STEVENSON PUNCHES TICKET DOWNSTATE FOR 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR. HINSDALE CENTRAL: Benet(Lisle) vs Glenbard North(Carol Stream)-Benet has Xavier signee Sean O'Mara (6'9" senior) in the middle that will make things hard for Glenbard North Collin Bonnett will be big from the three point line as well as Liam Nelligan. As for Glenbard North they have had great performances from Jeremiah Fleming,Chip Flanagan  and Northwestern football signee Justin Jackson (6'2" senior). PREDICTION: BENET PUNCHES TICKET DOWNSTATE. ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY: Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) vs Edwardsville- The story here all weekend has been Kentucky signee Tyler Ulis's(5'9" senior) turf toe. It will bother him the rest of the tourney, he will have to play through it. He has shooters around him in Army signee Terrone Parham (6'7" senior), John Kohn(6'1" senior), and defensive ace Kijana Crawfors(5'9" senior). Not a lot of size but a gutsy hustling team. Edwardsville has a good point guard Shaun Roundtree (6'2" senior) who will have to limit his turnovers vs the pressure of Marian Catholic. Rematch from last year when Edwardsville just absolutely hammered Marian Catholic. Revenge is a dish best served cold and I think it will be served here. Tyler Ulis will not be denied. PREDICTION: MARIAN CATHOLIC. THERE YOU HAVE IT, SHOULD BE A GREAT DAY AS 4 TEAMS WILL PUNCH THEIR TICKET TO PEORIA!!!!!!! GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!

IHSA CLASS 3A SECTIONAL FINALS!!!!!!

Well what we have here? Defending 3A Champ Morgan Park is still alive and looks like they have upped the engines. Sectional Final time, here we go: ANTIOCH-North Chicago vs Carmel(Mundelein)- North Chicago seems to be serious about playing some defense(they haven't played much of it all season). Their big three Murray State signee Jayquan McCloud(6'4" senior), Toledo commit Kurt Carr(6'6" senior), Javarious Amos-Mays(6'4" senior) are big time scorers. Jamario Shelton(6'2" junior), and football Arnold Shead(5'9" senior). Great lineup for them they finished 2nd as sophomores. Carmel is a team that is newly into the very good team category. Jack George (6'9" senior) can do some damage inside as North Chicago does not have much size. Carmel's backcourt is key they have to take care of the ball to have a chance in this game. PREDICTION: NORTH CHICAGO. VOCATIONAL-Bogan(Chicago) vs Hyde Park(Chicago): This is going to be a war, Chicago Public League teams battling it out. Luwanne Pipkins (5'9" junior) scored 45 points on Tuesday vs Chicago U High, also Bryce Barnes (5'9" sophomore) is a key in a 4 guard backcourt. Antonio Thomas will be huge on the interior for Bogan. Marcus Smith(6'2" senior) and Cashell Dixon(6'2" senior) is an underrated backcourt and this will be an entertaining game watching the backcourts. I would pick Hyde Park but they are missing their coach for suspension for playing 1 too many regular season games. PREDICTION: BOGAN. WESTINGHOUSE-Orr(Chicago) vs Fenwick(Oak Park): Normally this would be Orr all the way but they are missing a big gun Tyquaan Greer(6'6"senior) was shot last weekend and is out for the season. Orr finished 4th last season in 3A. As it is they still have All City Louis Adams Jr(6'4"senior), Malcolm Jones(6'9" senior), Isaiah Hayes(6'2"senior), and Armani Ousley(6'1" senior) who is back from grotesque ankle injury suffered in regular season game vs Whitney Young. Fenwick has Northwestern signee Scott Lindsey(6'5" senior), Mike Smith(5'11" sophomore) running the show. Dan Dwyer(6'8" senior) is the inside force. Fenwick will try and control tempo, I still think Orr is too strong though. PREDICTION: ORR. HAMPSHIRE- Lutheran(Rockford) vs Sycamore: I don't know anything about either of these teams, I have heard good things about Lutheran so: PREDICTION: ROCKFORD LUTHERAN. HIGHLAND-Cahokia vs Marion: Same as the last one don't know much except Cahokia finished 3rd in 3A last season and they still have St Louis signee Darius Austin(6'5" senior) and Drake signeeCJ Rivers (6'3" senior). PREDICTION:CAHOKIA. MATTOON: Lincoln vs Central(Champaign): Lincoln has been in the Top 5 in 3A all season long, and Central upset undefeated and #1 in 3A Lanpher Springfield on Tuesday. Tough one to call but: PREDICTION:LINCOLN. RICH EAST-Morgan Park(Chicago) vs Catholic(Joliet):Defending 3A Champ Morgan Park is poised for another run with Josh Cunningham(6'7" senior), Lamont Walker(6'5" senior), Charlie Moore(5'9" sophomore), Alonzo Chatman(6'7" sophomore) and Jarrin Randle 5'9" sophomore). A lot of talent on that team. Joliet Catholic is known more as a football school, they have only 3 seniors on their roster. Well.....PREDICTION: MORGAN PARK. BRADLEY UNIVERSITY-Notre Dame(Peoria) vs Morton: This is a total guess. PREDICTION: PEORIA NOTRE DAME. THERE YOU HAVE IT CLASS 3A WHICH SOME OF THE TEAMS I FRANKLY HAVE NOT SEEN BUT OH WELL!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!

IHSA CLASS 4A SECTIONAL FINALS!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow night is Sectional Final night in the two largest classes in Illinois. Simeon's run of 4 straight 4A State Titles was ended last night by Whitney Young so we will have a new champion in 4A. Here we go: EAST AURORA-Benet Academy(Lisle) vs Geneva: Upstart Geneva is heresurprisingly 6'7" junior Nate Navigato is a division 1 prospect his supporting cast will have to show up again to knock off top seeded Benet and 6'9" Xavier signee Sean O'Mara. Guard play will be key if Geneva can pressure Benet's guards into turnovers as their guards are average we could see an upset. PREDICTION:BENET. BARTLETT-Morton(Berwyn-Cicero) vs Glenbard North:Morton is a good program and has a very good coach with Weisner Perez(6'6" junior) is very good from 15 feet in,Greg Carter is an explosive scorer and this team plays great team ball, do not know much about Glenbard North who is another cinderella squad. PREDICTION:MORTON. MARIST- Whitney Young(Chicago) vs St Rita(Chicago): Young is very focused on a State Title after slaying their nemesis the last few years Simeon. With the #1 player in the country Duke signee McDonald's All-American Jahlil Okafor(6'11" senior), Georgetown signee Paul White(6'9" senior) and St Louis signee Miles Reynolds(6'3" senior) the big three will be tough to stop. Very good supporting cast with Rodney Herenton Jr(6'2" sophomore) and Erwin Henry (6'2" senior) playing big roles in Simeon victory. St Rita has underachieved most of the season with Northwestern signee Vic Law(6'7" senior), Catholic North Player of The year Dominique Matthews(6'2" senior), his brother Kentucky commit Charles Matthews(6'6" junior) who has come alive lately, and Myles Carter (6'7" junior) another division 1 prospect this should be a great collision. PREDICTION:WHITNEY YOUNG. EAST MOLINE-Edwardsville vs Normal: Don't know much about these downstate teams except Edwardsville finished 4th last season in Class 4A and point guard Shawn Roundtree(6'2" senior). PREDICTION:EDWARDSVILLE. ELGIN-Auburn(Rockford) vs South(Elgin): Great backcourt for Auburn of juniors Antoine Pittman and Laytwan Porter controls the tempo for them, South Elgin is the surprise of the tournament after beating Top Seed Larkin in first round. Their Coach is suspended for scheduling 1 too many games. This is the game they will miss him. PREDICTION: AUBURN. THORNTON-Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) vs Homewood Flossmoor: Marian is led by the incomparable point guard, Kentucky signee and McDonald's All-American Tyler Ulis(5'9" senior) but Army signee Terrone Parham(6'7" senior), Kijana Crawford(5'9" senior), and John Oliver (6'3" senior) are keys also to their uptempo game. 6'7" senior Tai Odiasse is key for Homewood Flossmoor as he had huge numbers in the loss Thanksgiving to Marian Catholic, their guards will be key they have to protect the ball against the fast and quick defense of Marian Catholic to have a chance. PRECICTION: MARIAN CATHOLIC. LAKE ZURICH-Stevenson(Lincolnshire) vs Fremd(Palatine): Stevenson to me is the best team in the state, they have lost 1 game this season which was without a key player being suspended guard Matt Johnson(5'11" junior). Johnson has ben that third guy this season to support super point guard Jalen Brunson (6'2" junior) and Conner Cashaw(6'4" junior). Matt Morrissey(6'3" senior) and Parker Nichols(6'5" junior). They can hit three point shots from all 5 spots on the floor and will be tough to beat. Fremd is the only undefeated team left in the State of Illinois. They have Cornell signee Riley Glassman(6'4" senior) and Xavier Williams along with 6'6" senior Ben Carlson. This will be speed and fast breaking(Stevenson) vs methodical and slow down(Fremd). Who will win? PREDICTION: STEVENSON I WILL STICK WITH MY STATE CHAMP PICK!!!!!! MAINE SOUTH-Loyola(Wilmette) vs Maine South(Park Ridge): Maine South has the home court advantage and this is top seed(Loyola) vs second seed(Maine South). Loyola has three perimeter three point shooters in Kevin Kucera(6'0" senior), Jack Morrissey(6'1"senior), and James Clarke(6'1"senior) with Griffin Boehm(6'4"junior) doing the dirty work inside. For Maine South it's Caleb DeMarigny(6'3" junior), George Sergeant(6'7" junior), Andrew Palucki(6'3" senior) the keys. Maine South wants a methodical slow down game, Loyola will run a little bit and also run half court offense to get open three point shots. Should be a low scoring game. PREDICTION: MAINE SOUTH. THERE YOU HAVE IT MY PREDICTIONS AND BREAKDOWN OF THE GAMES!!!!!! I'll be at Thornton to see Tyler Ulis's last game in the Chicagoland Area. THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Illinois Class 4A State Playoff Breakdown!!!!!

Well now that Curie has been kept in IHSA Playoffs(their record is now 0-25, with 24 forfeit wins), we can now breakdown the playoffs. Let's take a look at the Sectionals: MARIST-This is the toughest sectional in the state in any classification:Top Seed is still Curie and a Curie-Whitney Young Round 2 this year, Alexander vs Okafor could be in the offing. But lot's of minefields for both teams, Curie would have to get through either Kentucky commit Charles Matthews led St Rita or Mt Carmel to get there. Remember St Rita took Curie to double overtime early in the season without Charles Matthews in the lineup. Whitney Young has DeLaSalle in Regional Final, then Simeon in Sectional Semifinal so not an easy road for either team. As it is I think the matchup will take place. MAINE SOUTH- This Sectional has Top Seed Loyola who has finished the season in a bit of a swoon, needs to get their mojo back to win sectional, the Top 4 seeds Maine South, Evanston, and New Trier to get to the Sectional with no problems. Question for Evnaston though is will freshman Nojel Eastern play? ELGIN- This sectional is Larkin(Elgin)'s to lose might get a challenge from St Charles North. LAKE ZURICH- This is the 2nd toughest sectional in the State with Jalen Brunson led Top Seed Stevenson,Fremd,Lake Forest, and Zion Benton. Stevenson's only loss is to Zion Benton even though they were without Matt Johnson in that game. Lake Forest took Stevenson to double overtime so this is not a foregone conclusion for Stevenson. Stevenson could face Zion Benton a third time in Sectional Semifinal. EAST MOLINE- Downstate Sectional looks like defending champ Edwardswille and Alton will come out of there. THORNTON- Kentucky signee Tyler Ulis led Marian Catholic is the heavy favorite but Thornwood and host Thornton might have something to say about that. Also Marian Catholic's lack of size might come into play here. EAST AURORA- This is the most wide open sectional in the state, Benet is the Top Seed but have had a bad finish to the regular season, look out for West Aurora and Bolingbrook here. BARTLETT- York is the Top Seed here but Proviso East to me is the favorite, for some reason I think they will come out of this sectional. Oak Park and Morton are also threats to come out of this sectional. MY PREDICTIONS FOR SECTIONAL FINALS: MARIST-Curie vs Whitney Young,MAINE SOUTH-Maine South vs Loyola,ELGIN-Larkin vs Huntley,LAKE ZURICH-Stevenson vs Lake Forest,EAST MOLINE-Edwardsville vs Bradley Borbonnais, THORNTON-Marian Catholic vs Thornton. THERE YOU HAVE IT I WILL DO ANOTHER PICK WHEN SECTIONALS START NEXT WEEK!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!

Charles Matthews Kentucky's Newest Recruit!!!!!

Today at St Rita High School in Chicago, Charles Matthews a 6'6" guard-forward committed to the Kentucky Wildcats. He's a Class of 2015 recruit so a great get for the future. Here is my take and scouting report on him: CHARLES MATTHEWS(6'6" GUARD FORWARD, ST RITA, CHICAGO)- He is a versatile player who can play three positions on offense and defense which is key. He is long, lanky, can slash to the basket, has a great midrange jumper, is very explosive off the bounce. I have seen him play for his high school team a few times in the last three years. He seems to float through some games, to me he has not shown that he can dominate......yet. Thing is he's playing with five other Division 1 recruits including his brother Dominique, so that could be part of the reason for this. I have been told he plays a more dominant game on the travel circuit with his Meanstreets AAU Team(which he was paired up with Tyler Ulis another UK recruit last summer). Locally he is known more as a National recruit than a local one. In some corners he's 2nd in the State in Class of 2015 behind Jalen Brunson who's been more productive for his high school team. This year he was slowed by a foot injury earlier in the season, lately he has shown some dominant tendencies on the basketball court. He's averaging about 15 points and 6 rebounds a game for St Rita who as a team has disappointed so far this season. To me the best is yet to come for Charles Matthews, I foresee a dominant senior season for him. He is ranked in the Top 15 in the country on most recruiting sites. WHAT DOES HE BRING TO KENTUCKY???????? As I said before he brings versatility on both ends of the floor as he is a very good defender and willing defender, also can play point in a pinch. He has range out to the three point line and fits Calipari's dribble drive offense perfectly with his versatile skills. He is not outstanding in one thing, but very good in a number of things, shooting, scoring,rebounding, and passing. By committing so early he can start talking to other recruits to get them to join Kentucky. I as a Kentucky fan am glad he committed to us but want to see more from him on his high school team. Can he get his team to the State Finals this year? That will be tough with the Sectional they are in but St Rita has the talent. Let's see if he can explode in the IHSA Playoffs this year. THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, WELCOME TO BBN CHARLES MATTHEWS!!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!

Chicago Public League Championship Game!!!!!!!

This is the Top Heavyweights, CLASH OF THE TITANS, both team and individual. Neither team has lost a game in the State Of Illinois all year. Curie has not lost a game with Cliff Alexander in the lineup this year. Heck last game they lost with Big Cliff in the lineup was..........last year in Sectional semifinal against....guess who......Whitney Young. Curie is ranked #2 in the Nation by USA TODAY while Whitney Young is unranked Nationally. Here's the breakdown: #1 CURIE VS #2 WHITNEY YOUNG 7PM CENTRAL TIME- HERE IS A BREAKDOWN OF THE MATCHUPS:  CURIE GUARDS VS WHITNEY YOUNG GUARDS Alondre Pickens(5'7" senior),Devin Gage (6'1" sophomore) and Joe Stamps(6'2" senior)for Curie. Rodney Herenton Jr(6'2" sophomore), Miles Reynolds(6'3" senior) and Skylar Nash(6'5" sophomore) for Young. THIS MATCHUP I THINK WILL DECIDE THE GAME, WHO'S GUARD'S PLAY BETTER. REYNOLDS AND JOE STAMPS ARE A WASH TO ME, YOUNG WILL DARE PICKENS TO SHOOT THE 3 AS HE HAS NOT BEEN EFFECTIVE AT ALL THIS POSTSEASON SHOOTING IT. KEY AT THIS POSITION WILL BE THE PLAY OF GAGE(CURIE) AND HERENTON JR(YOUNG). THEY HAVE TO BE STEADY FOR THEIR TEAMS. EDGE:CURIE. CURIE AND YOUNG'S FORWARDS:Josh Stamps(6'5" junior) for Curie. Paul White(6'9" senior) for Young. USUALLY THIS MATCHUP WOULD GO TO WHITE EASILY BUT WHITE HAS AN ANKLE AND HAMSTRING INJURY WHICH EVENS THINGS UP A LITTLE. BOTH OF THESE GUYS HIT OUTSIDE JUMPERS TO LOOSEN UP DEFENSES TRYING TO PACK IT IN ON ALEXANDER AND OKAFOR. JOSH STAMPS IS VERY ATHLETIC AND WILL DUNK ON YOU ANYTIME, ALSO CAN SHOOT THE THREE.  EDGE:YOUNG. CURIE AND YOUNG'S CENTERS: CLIFF ALEXANDER VS JAHLIL OKAFOR ALREADY WENT OVER THIS ONE PREVIOUS, THIS IS A WASH.   BENCH PLAY: Neither team has a bench to speak of they go maybe six deep but Young's Erwin Henry(6'2" senior) and his thee point shooting gives Young a slight edge here.  Coaches are a wash also. I WILL SAY CURIE WINS THIS GAME BY 4 POINTS AND THE CITY TITLE!!!!! THERE YOU HAVE IT, SHOULD BE FUN THIS CLASH OF THE TITANS!!!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!

Jahlil Okafor vs Cliff Alexander Round 2?????????

You say Round 2? Yes this would be Round 2 because they went head up last season in the Sectional Semifinal at Argo. Curie led by 10 at halftime of that game before Young came back and won the game. The individual matchup was a standoff as I was at that game watching in the stands. This is Round 1 this year with a possible Round 2 in the Marist Sectional Final this year, but that might not happen as that Sectional is full of land mines for both teams. Here's the breakdown: HEIGHT- Jahlil Okafor is 6'11", Cliff Alexander is 6'9" but Alexander makes up for lack of height with an out of this world explosiveness off the floor. Okafor is more floor bound but knows how to use his body very well to carve out space. WEIGHT-Okafor goes about 270, Alexander goes about 240 so 30 pound weight advantage for Okafor but Alexander is well put together so will not get knocked off his space in the paint. ATHLETICISM-As I have said Alexander's athleticism is off the charts as he tries to dunk anything within miles of the rim. Okafor is not athletic at all but makes up for it with his smooth play in the post, also he's a very smart player. SHOOTING-Both Okafor and Alexander have a good shooting touch out to 15 feet, Alexander has worked hard on extending his range as a shooter. Okafor can handle the ball very well for as big as he is so makes up for lack of shooting range as compared to Alexander. REBOUNDING-Both average double digits on the boards but Alexander is a better rebounder by a wide margin. To me Okafor should get more rebounds than he does but has improved in this area. SHOT BLOCKING-Alexander has a wide edge in this area too as he blocks just about anything close to the rim. Okafor has improved too but he intimidates in a different way with his size and great feet. PASSING-Okafor wins this one hands down as he has great vision in the post to find teammates. Alexander is improving in this area but has some work to do here. Also Okafor's footwork in the post is better than Alexander's.  POSTUP GAME- Okafor is better in posting up, great footwork, some of the best I've seen in a high school big man in awhile, probably since Kevin Garnett. Alexander still is a work in progress with his footwork but he has worked hard to improve this area of his game. FINALLY THIS SHOULD BE A GREAT MATCHUP AS JAHLIL OKAFOR IS RANKED #1 IN THE COUNTRY IN MOST RANKINGS, CLIFF ALEXANDER IS RANKED #2 OR #3 DEPENDING ON WHICH SCOUTING SERVICE YOU LOOK AT!!!!! WE MIGHT SEE THIS MATCHUP AGAIN IN THE MARIST SECTIONAL FINAL, BUT WILL ENJOY THIS ON FRIDAY!!!!! BY THE WAY OKAFOR IS HEADED TO DUKE AND ALEXANDER IS HEADED TO KANSAS!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, LATER I WILL BREAKDOWN THE GAME!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!

Chicago Public League Semifinals!!!!!!

Today is the CPS or Chicago Public League semifinals, I plan on being out at Chicago State tonight. Should be some great basketball once again, I was 2 for 4 in predictions on Sunday(smh). Let's see if I do better today. CURIE VS HYDE PARK 5PM- These teams finished 1st and 2nd in the Red Central this year. First game Curie dominated, 2nd game was a three point game down to the last shot. Will the 3rd time be the charm for Hyde Park? Hyde Park is here on the strength of their guards Marcus Smith (6'2" senior) and Cashell Dixon (6'2" senior) both are very underrated. Inside game consist of Kendall Ivy (6'3" senior) and Antione Pike (6'5" junior). Curie is ranked #2 in the nation with National Player of The Year candidate Big Cliff Alexander (6'9" senior) signed with Kansas and the Stamps brothers Joe(6'2" senior) and Josh(6'5" senior). Not sure Hyde Park can slow down Alexander enough. Prediction: Curie moves onto the Final. WHITNEY YOUNG VS ORR 7PM- This will be a war between 1st and 2nd place teams in the Red West. Young won the only matchup between these two teams in regular season, the 2nd game was cancelled due to weather. For Young of course #1 player in the country Jahlil Okafor(6'11" senior) signed with Duke. Also Paul White(6'9" senior) signed with Georgetown who was key in the lone regular season matchup, the third big gun is Miles Reynolds(6'3" senior) signed with St Louis who suffered a bad gash on his forehead in quarterfinals vs Morgan Park. He gutted it out and will probably play tonight. As for Orr the key will be inside once again with Marlon Jones (6'8" senior) and Tyquaan Greer(6'5" senior) who had a monster game in the quarterfinals. Orr needs All-City Player Louis Adams Jr(6'4" senior) to be at his best to beat Young. As it is I think Young is too experienced and poised to lose this one. Prediction: Young moves onto the Final and a Clash of the Titans Jahlil Okafor vs Cliff Alexander two of the top 3 Players in the Country. THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY!!!!!!!! I WILL BE HERE TO PREDICT THE FINAL ON FRIDAY NIGHT!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!    

Chicago Public League Quarterfinals

It's down to the Elite 8 in the CPS(City) Playoffs that are being played on Sunday at Chicago State. Here are the match ups: FARRAGUT VS HYDE PARK- Farragut was one loss from not making the City Playoffs and also dropping to the White Division for the 1st time in history. They have a transcendent player in 6'4" point guard Ashante Jones and a bunch of scrappers around him. I frankly do not know much about Hyde Park except they finished 2nd in the Red Central. I will go out on a limb and pick Farragut in another upset. UPLIFT VS ORR- Red North Champ Uplift is a great story, only been in existence for about 5 years and in their first quarterfinal. They have a great backcourt in Jeremy Roscoe(6'2" junior) and Quintin Olagbegi (6'0" senior) can control a game from the backcourt but will need rebounding help from Jamaya Wyatt to stay with Orr. Orr should win this game with their talented trio of All-City Louis Adams Jr (6'4" senior), Tyquaan Greer(6'7" senior) and Marlon Jones (6'8" senior) to dominate the glass with adequate backcourt play from Isaiah Hayes (6'0" senior). I'll take Orr in this one but don't be surprised at an upset. WHITNEY YOUNG VS MORGAN PARK-This one should be a barnburner Young is the defending city champ with their great senior trio of Duke signee Jahlil Okafor(6'11" senior), Georgetown signee Paul White (6'9"senior) and St Louis signee Miles Reynolds (6'3" senior) leading the way. Morgan Park counters with Josh Cunningham(6'7" senior), Lamont Walker (6'5" senior) and Charlie Moore(5'9" sophomore). Morgan Park is too careless with the ball to win this one so I'll take Whitney Young. CURIE VS SIMEON- This one is tough to call even though Curie is ranked #2 in the country. Curie has Kansas signee Cliff Alexander (6'9" senior) along with the Stamps brothers Joe(6'2" senior) and Josh (6'4" junior), Devin Gage (6'0" sophomore) is key in this game. Simeon has been inconsistent this season as they are young and turn the ball over a lot with inconsistent guard play. Edward Morrow(6'7" junior) and Loyola signee Dante Ingram(6'5" senior) have been the most consistent for Simeon. Simeon has been playing very well lately. I will pick Simeon in the upset here. THERE YOU HAVE IT: SHOULD BE A GREAT SUNDAY AT CHICAGO STATE, I WILL BE THERE TO CHECK OUT THE GREAT BASKETBALL!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!! I WILL HAVE THE SEMIFINAL BREAKDOWN ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK!!!!!!

Chicago Public League(City Playoffs)

Well the City Playoffs begin tonight, to me it's the hardest high school basketball tournament to win in the country. Want proof? Jabari Parker's 4 time State Champion Simeon teams only won the City Tournament once. What would make this must see television around the country would be if Curie and Whitney Young clashed in the Final? Big Cliff Alexander (Kansas) vs Jahlil Okafor(Duke), two of the top 3 players in the country. But both have some big land mines in front of them before this matchup could materialize. Here are the contending teams: CURIE- Big Cliff Alexander(Kansas) has had a National Player of The Year type season for Curie. The improvement of this team is it's guards have finally started getting Alexander touches in the interior every time down the floor. Key will be the Stamps Brothers both guards (Josh a senior, and Joseph a junior) being knockdown three point shooters. Devin Gage is key at the point steadying the offense. Curie has lost once all season which was in Michigan when Alexander sat out due to suspension. Can they win their first City Title? WHITNEY YOUNG- This veteran team and defending City Champ has a rough road to the Finals, especially with possibly Morgan Park in the quarterfinals and Orr in the Semifinals. Leader is the senior trio of Jahlil Okafor(Duke), Paul White(Geogretown), and Miles Reynolds(St Louis) a 3 point sniper. Key will be the play of point guard Ant Moseley, and staying out of foul trouble especially since Whitney Young has no bench to speak of once again. Will they defend their title? ORR- This is my 3rd choice, they have quietly had a wonderful season with only 2 losses. They have inside play with Marlon Jones (6'8" senior) and Tyquan Greer (6'7" senior) doing damage on the glass. To me the key is the Coaches son Lou Adams Jr(6'4" senior) can he control his emotions and take advantage of his explosive and immense talent? If he can then they might pull the surprise and win the City Tournament.  BOGAN- This is a small, explosive team that won the toughest division in this league the Red South. Luwan Pipkins (5'9" junior) a small quick explosive guard who can light up the gym from three point range, also Bryce Barnes (5'7" sophomore) is another explosive point guard who keeps the pace up. Key will be rebounding as Antonio Thomas will be key on the glass. This is a young team with only one senior in the rotation, could be a year away. SIMEON- Four time defending 4A State Champs have been up and down this season. They are frightenly young like Bogan and have been inconsistent most of the season. They are starting to play better in the last couple of weeks, Donte Ingram(Loyola Chicago) 6'5"senior swingman has taken a big leadership role the past couple of weeks. Ed Morrow (6'7" junior) has been a monster on the glass, Illinois commit DJ Williams (6'7"junior) needs to be more assertive if they are going to have a chance at the title. Evan Gilyard(5'11" freshman) has been effective at the point, Simeon as a possible date with Curie in quarterfinals. MORGAN PARK- Defending Class 3A State Champ has been up and down this season also. Josh Cunningham (6'7" senior) is probably the best uncommitted player in the country has to be a leader, Lamont Walker(Missouri Kansas City) 6'5" senior is the defensive ace. Charlie Moore (5'9" sophomore) has to run the team for Morgan Park to have a chance at the title. They also have to hit the glass better for their size. THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!! THIS WILL BE AN EXCITING 2 WEEKS CULMINATING WITH THE FINALS ON FEBRUARY 21ST!!!!!!!! WILL COME BACK WITH PREDICTIONS FOR THE QUARTERFINALS!!!!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!




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Tyler Ulis vs Jalen Brunson Post Mortem!!!!!!

Marian Catholic vs Stevenson!!!!!!! Tyler Ulis vs Jalen Brunson!!!!!! This is my take on the game after the fact. Stevenson won 76-66 and it was a great game and great matchup, one for the ages. Quality basketball by 2 floor generals which you rarely see on the high school level anywhere. My take on how both players did: TYLER ULIS (MARIAN CATHOLIC)- The Kentucky recruit shot 5 for 20 from the field, a bad shooting night and still almost made it right with one fabulous quarter. The shots he took were good shots, shots he would normally make, a lot of in and outs. I think he took one bad shot the whole night. Almost made up for a bad shooting night in the 4th quarter. THE 4TH QUARTER!!!!!! WOW!!!!! He was in one word  "DOMINANT" in that quarter. How dominant? 18 points in the 4th quarter, scored or assisted on 26 straight points!!!!! A 5'9" guard is not supposed to dominate on the high school level like this. Hit long 3 pointers, mid range shots, created wide open shots for his teammates. He ended up with 25 points and 10 assists unofficially( newspapers were wrong with the 23 and 9), he guarded Brunson pretty well when he was on him. It alas was not enough and blamed the loss on himself. Now THAT is what you call a leader on any level. Should be named a McDonald's All-American on Wednesday. JALEN BRUNSON(STEVENSON)-He was steady the whole game, no lulls in his game at all. He has 32 points with about 6 assists, did the things needed to keep his team ahead, made a key bucket to put his team up 8 with 1:20 left in the game, a pretty reverse layup. He only missed 6 shots the whole game, had an off night(for him) at the free throw line with 4 misses. He guarded Ulis for only parts of the game and did a decent job of guarding him. This is an experienced team that was runner-up in 4A last year to Simeon. He will be a McDonald's All-American next season in my opinion. He showed a great lefty three point shot, hit a dagger 3 (it was thought that at the time) at the end of the 3rd quarter with Ulis flying at him. Very heady player, knows how to draw fouls on defenders and get to the line. Made a couple of nice passes to teammates for layups that they blew, so missed out on a couple of assists. WELL THERE YOU HAVE IT, ONE OF THE BEST POINT GUARD MATCHUPS IN YEARS LIVED UP TO THE HYPE!!!!! THING IS THESE TEAMS COULD MEET AGAIN ON A BIGGER STAGE!!!!! THE CLASS 4A STATE SEMIFINALS IN PEORIA!!!!! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THEM GO AT IT AGAIN!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY!!!! GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!

Kentucky Wildcats Mid Season Report!!!!!!!

I have to admit to this point I am not too happy with how the Kentucky Wildcats have been playing. Too many turnovers yes teams turn the ball over but our have been bad turnovers, not thinking at all, horrible free throw shooting, and three point shooting leaves little to be desired. I will say the effort is better and this team is getting better. I also still believe by March this team will be title worthy. Here's my breakdown of the players individually at this point: ANDREW HARRISON-He has the toughest job, being the point guard for Coach Calipari, like most point guards he is still a work in progress. He is getting better, with his shooting, passing, and attacking the rim. I do wish the officials would blow their whistle a little more when he attacks because he gets fouled every time. He still turns the ball over too much but even that has improved. I think by the end of the season he will be back in his position as a Lottery Pick in this upcoming NBA Draft. AARON HARRISON-He is getting better also, starting to attack the rim more, also shooting his midrange jumper, three point shooting needs to get better, also still getting into foul trouble too much. Both twins still need to get better with their body language but it's coming along. JAMES YOUNG- He has been probably the best player on the team the last 5 games, he affects the game in a positive way even when he's not shooting well. I am very satisfied with his progress, stepping up to shoot and make big time 3 pointers. His free throw shooting is getting better also as is his defense. JULIUS RANDLE- He is a monster inside, a double double machine, problem is he still turns the ball over too much, and I thought I would never say this: he ball fakes too much in the paint, he needs to go straight up, he would draw more fouls that way, his free throw shooting is not too bad, needs to get better defensively. WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN-He protects the basket very well with his shot blocking, offense has improved, I actually think he needs to touch the ball more on offense, he runs the floor well for a 7 footer. Still needs to improve his free throw shooting. DOMINIQUE HAWKINS-He does very well defensively and hustles more than anyone on the team. He needs to look for his shot a little more and also needs to stay aggressive on both ends of the floor. He's doing very well with his role. ALEX POYTHRESS- Most think he has been playing very well lately, I thnk he has played well all season, being aggressive, hitting the glass on both ends, I think he needs to hunt his outside shot a little more but I am pleased with his progress. DAKARI JOHNSON- I usually have a whipping boy on every Kentucky team and he is it for this team. To me he does not play like a 7 footer inside, he plays more like a 6'5" player, goes up very weak, doesn't move his feet defensively, needs to rebound and play more aggressive. Has played like a stay puft marshmallow to me. MARCUS LEE-He has been the odd man out in the rotation, he hasn't blocked shots like I thought he would, like most of the team he needs work on his free throw shooting. Also he needs work on his offensive game period. DEREK WILLIS-I think he needs more playing time, he can help this team with his outside shooting and passing. Also he's not bad defensively, it's just hard to get opportunities to play on this team. JAROD POLSON-He gives the team steady point guard play on the offensive end, hustles and does his best but still a liability on the defensive end of the court. He's goos to give the Harrison's some rest for a few minutes. JON HOOD- Incomplete, a head injury kept him out for awhile so not much of a chance to try and break into the rotation. THERE YOU HAVE IT!!!!!! THIS TEAM I STILL THINK WILL TURN INTO A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM, MOST OF THE WEAKNESSES ARE FIXABLE AND ARE BEING FIXED LITTLE BY LITTLE. KEEP WATCHING AND GO BIG BLUE, BBN ALL DAY EVERY DAY!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!