Will Tyler Ulis Be A McDonald's All-American???

Tyler Ulis of Marian Catholic(Chicago Heights) will sign his Letter Of Intent to the University Of Kentucky next week during the Fall Signing Period. His team will be a contender for the Illinois Class 4A State Title this winter. He will be in the Mr Basketball race along with Jahlil Okafor of Whitney Young(Chicago), Cliff Alexander of Curie (Chicago), and Keita Bates-Diop of University High(Normal). He's 5 foot 8 in a half 150 pound point guard. The question is will he be a McDonald's All-American? It is no doubt an uphill climb for him for a number of reasons. Looking at the National Rankings of players Ulis is ranked #33 by ESPN and Rivals, plus Scout has him #29. So with these rankings he has a chance since 24 players are picked by the McDonald's All-American committee. Tyler Ulis has two big problems, 1) He would be the shortest McDonald's All-American ever, to date the shortest one is Jacque Vaughn of Pasadena,California (Muir) and Kansas University who is 6 foot 1, and 2) Illinois has 3 players ahead of him Nationally on the list, (Okafor,Alexander, and Bates-Diop). Illinois has never had more than 3 McDonald's All-American in a year which was 1998 with Quentin Richardson of Whitney Young(Chicago), Corey Maggette of Fenwick(Oak Park), and Frank Williams of Manual(Peoria). Last season the State of Texas had 5 McDonald's All-Americans but it is such a big state. Now what Tyler Ulis has going for him is he's going to Kentucky which will help him as far as publicity goes. Also his talent for his size is unprecedented in the State of Illinois or anywhere. He's a very good three point shooter, can get where he wants on the court, protects the ball very well, and has great vision to find teammates with on time passes. So he has the talent and the moxie to make history, but will he? I think for him to do it his Marian Catholic team will have to have a special season and Ulis will have to average about 25 points and 8 assists a game to make it happen. I for one have seen him play and believe he can make it happen but this to me will be the most interesting thing to watch this high school season. I would suggest to anyone if you can get out to see Tyler Ulis play I would recommend it as he is entertaining to watch. PS the last short player I saw in high school that could have made McDonald's All-American in this state was Ryan Boatright 6'0" from East Aurora(Aurora) and University of Connecticut. That's it folks, God Bless and Peace To The Creatures, also WELCOME TO BIG BLUE NATION TYLER ULIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's a couple of highlights of Tyler Ulis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97vdK2dhEck       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwyQadf1Cew ADDENDUM- JAI LUCAS AT 5'10" WAS THE SHORTEST MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN BUT ULIS WOULD STILL BE THE SHORTEST IF HE MAKES IT!!!!!

Breakdown of Louisville Basketball 2013-2014

This school won the National Title last season, congrats but this is a new year and here's the breakdown, enjoy: STARTERS: POINT GUARD-CHRIS JONES(5'10" JUNIOR)-National Junior College Player Of The Year is slated to replace Peyton Siva, he's quick, very good outside shooter and adequate defender. Biggest question mark is leadership and balancing his scoring mentality with running the team. SHOOTING GUARD-RUSS SMITH(6'0" SENIOR)-Decided to come back to school to improve NBA Draft stock and run some point guard. He will get his chance but will it take away from his scoring aggressiveness? He is a volume shooter with quick hands on the defensive end and blinding quickness. This team will go as Russ goes. SMALL FORWARD- WAYNE BLACKSHEAR(6'5" JUNIOR)- Former McDonald's All-American is finally healthy after shoulder issues his 1st two years, very athletic and good three point shooter. Will have to be more aggressive on the offensive end and has to improve his slashing ability. POWER FORWARD- MONTREZI HARRELL(6'8" SOPHOMORE)-This kid has a lot of potential especially hitting the boards, very explosive, work in progress offensively in the post, offensive game is 10 feet in is powerfully built with lots of upside. Might be the best NBA prospect on the squad. CENTER- STEPHEN VAN TREESE(6'9" SENIOR)-Works hard on the inside, on the boards but limited offensively, his role will be to use his body to keep other teams players off the boards. Will provide veteran leadership to this team. BENCH- LUKE HANCOCK(6'6"SENIOR)- Final Four Most Outstanding Player, knock down three point shooter, leader and pulse of the team. Not great defensively but tries his best on that end. Plays well off other players penetration not so good of the dribble. KEVIN WARE(6'2"JUNIOR)- Has been cleared to practice and play after a gruesome leg injury in Elite 8 game vs Duke. If he gets past some issues from the off season where he was suspended for a time, he will give this team great depth at the guard position. Good at running a team and can hit the 3 pointer if teams back off him. ANTON GILL(6'4 FRESHMAN)-One of the top prep school players, can hit the 3 pointer and slash to the basket, is decent defensively can disrupt with his length. Will help with guarding other shooting guards. TERRY ROZIER(6'1" FRESHMAN)- Explosive scorer who can go off for points in bunches, not a point or a two guard, more of a combo who will give this team scoring off the bench.MANGOK MATHIANG(6'10" FRESHMAN)-Redshirted last season to get stronger, seems like he will have to contribute this year even though he might not be ready. Is on a similar path to Gourgui Dieng had here, a good shot blocker who will develop his offensive game as time goes on. Will have to help on the boards as he's U of L's tallest player. AKOY AGAU(6'8" FRESHMAN)-Another player who will have to help on the glass this year, not sure he is physically ready to contribute but he is a good shot blocker who will help in that department. His best is ahead of him, good potential for the future. CHANE BEHANAN(6'6" JUNOR)*- He has been suspended for a violation of University policy indefinitely. I say he will be back (this is U of L after all), A monster on the glass, had a double double in National Title game, good post game, terrible free throw shooter, uses his body well defensively in the post. THERE YOU HAVE IT: THIS TEAM WILL CONTEND FOR A NATIONAL TITLE, THIS WILL BE A GOOD THREE POINT SHOOTING THEM BUT TO ME ARE TOO SMALL TO WIN ANOTHER NATIONAL TITLE!!!! ALSO IF BEHANAN DOES NOT COME BACK FOR SOME REASON THEIR CHANCES SHRINK EXPONENTIALLY!!!!!! ALSO THE TEAM CHEMISTRY ISSUES WITH AND WITHOUT BEHANAN!!!!! THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!   

Breakdown Of Louisville at Kentucky Basketball!!!!!!

A highly anticipated game on December 28th between the last two National Champs, should be entertaining. Opening comment this is experience (Louisville) vs youth and talent (Kentucky). Here we go: POINT GUARD- CHRIS JONES( 5'10" JUNIOR) VS ANDREW HARRISON (6'6" FRESHMAN)- Jones is a newcomer National Junior College player of the year, quick, ball handler, decent passer, serviceable 3 point shot, has experience at the college level. Andrew Harrison one half of the Harrison twins is the top incoming freshman point guard in the country, can pass, shoot, good ball handler, serviceable 3 point shot. Both are adequate defensively it comes down to talent, because both do not have experience at Division 1 level. ADVANTAGE- ANDREW HARRISON. SHOOTING GUARD- RUSS SMITH (6'0" SENIOR) VS AARON HARRISON (6'6" FRESHMAN)- Smith is experienced (2 Final Fours, 1 National Title), quick on offense, quick hands, resilient, volume shooter. Aaron Harrison other half of the Harrison twins is a lot like his brother but is more aggressive with his offense, good defender, can play point also, good 3 point shooter. This matchup I will go with experience over talent. ADVANTAGE- SMITH. SMALL FORWARD-WAYNE BLACKSHEAR(6'5 JUNIOR) VS ALEX POYTHRESS (6'8" SOPHOMORE)- Blackshear a former McDonald's All-American has had shoulder problems but is very explosive leaper, can shoot the 3, good defender, and he's one of my favorite players. Poythress had a freshman season that was good by standards at any other school but Kentucky, good shooter out to 3, explosive, decent ball handler, okay defender. ADVANTAGE- POYTHRESS. POWER FORWARD- CHANE BEHANNAN(6'6" JUNIOR) VS JULIUS RANDLE(6'9" FRESHMAN)-  Behannan is a beast, a monster on the glass, runs the floor very well, and experienced. Randle is a total monster himself, can shoot the 3, good ball handler, explosive off the floor, shot blocker,possibly the best incoming freshman in college basketball. I go with experience here, only slightly. ADVANTAGE- BEHANNAN. CENTER- STEPHAN VAN TREESE(6'9" SENIOR) VS WILLIE CAULEY-STEIN( 7'0" SOPHOMORE)- Van Treese has been a serviceable player for Louisville with some injury issues, good rebounder, not much of a scorer, runs the floor well, Cauley-Stein is a good rebounder, good offensive player, can run the floor very well, shot blocker. I take size in this one ADVANTAGE- CAULEY-STEIN.       For the bench I will name player and say which team has the advantage. LOUISVILLE- LUKE HANCOCK(6'6" SENIOR), MONTREZI HARRELL(6'8" SOPHOMORE), ANTON GILL (6'4" FRESHMAN),TERRY ROZIER(6'1" FRESHMAN), MANGOK MATHIANG(6'10" FRESHMAN), AKOY AGAU(6'8" FRESHMAN), KEVIN WARE (6'2" JUNIOR)- They have Final Four MOP, Under 19 participant, and some young guards coming off the bench, pretty impressive also with a couple of young big men to provide rebounding. KENTUCKY- JAMES YOUNG (6'7" FRESHMAN),DAKARI JOHNSON (6'11" FRESHMAN), MARCUS LEE(6'9" FRESHMAN),JAROD POLSON(6'2" SENIOR), JON HOOD(6'7" SENIOR),DOMINIQUE HAWKINS(6'0" FRESHMAN), DEREK WILLIS(6'9" FRESHMAN)- Lots of youth and size off the bench, a little thin in the backcourt, but a lot of interchangeable parts off this bench, also a ton of athleticism. I will go with size and give bench advantage to: ADVANTAGE- KENTUCKY. COACHING- RICK PITINO VS JOHN CALIPARI- Pitino is a Hall of Fame Coach, brought Kentucky's program back to life in the 90's, he has shown he still has the magic touch as a Coach and gets the best out of his talent. Calipari will be a Hall Of Fame Coach someday and is doing well recruiting and is a very underrated Coach, but I will have to give Coaching edge to ADVANTAGE- Pitino. CONCLUSION- This game will be about experience vs youth and talent, I would say if this game was being played earlier in the season and at a neutral site Louisville would be a slight favorite. But with the three weeks extra time afforded for practice this year and Kentucky having about 10 games under their belt when this matchup takes place. Also the game being in Rupp Arena, oh I have to take into account Louisville's pressure defense and playing a matchup zone. They will get killed on the glass in their matchup zone and are too small to play man to man, I will say Kentucky wins this game and by double digits. KENTUCKY BY 11. THERE YOU HAVE IT, SHOULD BE AN EXCITING GAME AND BOTH FAN BASES SHOULD LOVE THE HIGH TALENT IN THIS GAME. THIS IS MY RANT FOR TODAY, GOD BLESS AND PEACE TO THE CREATURES!!!!!!!!!! 

My Predictions For Kentucky Basketball Class of 2014!!!!!!!!!!

These are my predictions for players being recruited by Kentucky in the Class of 2014: TYLER ULIS (MARIAN CATHOLIC, CHICAGO HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS)- He just committed last week, he's a 5'8" point guard and will run the team for 4 years. KARL TOWNS JR (ST JOSEPH'S, METUCHEN, NEW JERSEY)-He has been committed for over a year now, a 7'0" forward/center who has an inside/outside game, can shoot it out to NBA 3 point line. Now guys who have not committed to any college yet: JAHLIL OKAFOR (WHITNEY YOUNG, CHICAGO)- The 6'11" 270 pound center was impressed on his official visit to the Kentucky Alumni Game which put Kentucky back in the race. Still I think he's headed to Duke eventually. TYUS JONES( APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA)- He's a 6'1" point guard who I think was a long shot for Kentucky from the beginning. His Mom wears Duke gear all the time and is enamored with the school. It has been long rumored that Jones/Okafor is a package deal. It will happen as both will head to Duke. KELLY OUBRE (FINDLEY PREP,LAS VEGAS,NV by way of FORT BEND BUSH RICHMOND,TEXAS)-He was thought to be a Kansas lean until Coach Calipari's recent home visit, at this time, he's a 6'7" swingman who can shoot and slash equally well. I think Kentucky has a good chance to get him. STANLEY JOHNSON(MATER DEI, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA)- He's a 6'7" solid rock built do it all small forward, is said to be a package deal with Oubre, so if Kentucky gets Oubre there's a decent chance he comes to Lexington. My gut feeling is he stays on the West Coast and heads to Arizona. DEVIN BOOKER (MOSS POINT,MISSISSIPPI)- He's a 6'6"shooting guard, who can shoot and is a decent slasher to the basket. I am confident he will be a Kentucky Wildcat as he is said to be a package deal with Ulis. I think he was blown away by his visit to the Kentucky Alumni Game. Mark him down for Kentucky. JAMES BLACKMON JR(MARION,INDIANA)- He's a 6'4" shooting guard who I think can play point equally well, an Indiana decommit. He's a legacy recruit as his father James Sr played at Kentucky in the mid-80's. I think he will follow his Dad's legacy and will be a Kentucky Wildcat. RASHARD VAUGHN (FINDLEY PREP, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA by way of MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA)- He's a 6'6" shooting guard who I think will not be coming to Lexington as Coach Cal has had no contact with him in over a month. This one is not happening. TREY LYLES (ARSENAL TECHNICAL, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA)- He's a 6'10" small forward/power forward who is very versatile, he's an Indiana decommit and Kentucky is battling Louisville for this one, a Cats/Cards old fashioned battle. As usual Kentucky will win this one, as Lyles will commit I think shortly after Big Blue Madness. CLIFF ALEXANDER(CURIE,CHICAGO)- He's a 6'9" power forward who has improved his perimeter shooting, he tries to dunk everything within miles of the rim. I think Kentucky has cooled down from recruiting him. I think he follows his girlfriend Caelynn Manning-Allen who's a freshman on the Women's Basketball Team at Kansas. THERE YOU GO, MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2014 KENTUCKY MEN'S BASKETBALL. WHEN IT'S ALL SAID AND DONE, KENTUCKY WILL HAVE ANOTHER GREAT RECRUITING CLASS!!!!!! This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace To The Creatures!!!!!!!!!!!  

Can Tyler Ulis Succeed At Kentucky??????????

This is a question a lot of BBN is asking lately, since he was offered in August by John Calipari. The kid's name is Tyler Ulis, he's a 5'8" point guard at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights,IL. He is a Class of 2014 player, Kentucky offered him a scholarship because Emmanuel Mudiay the Top point guard in the class committed to SMU. Questions about Ulis: is he big enough to play on the high level of basketball Kentucky plays at? I for one watched him play once last year for his high school team in the Regional Final vs Crete Monee(who had current freshman superstar Ole Miss wide receiver LaQuan Treadwell on the team). I watched him that night and thought he was a fabulous player, he did not shoot all that well that night, but he still dominated the game from the point guard position. He is the kind of player that you have to really know the game to appreciate. No he's not an awesome high flying athlete like Nate Robinson, he's only 150 pounds at the most, and yes everyone else on the court is taller and bigger than him. Two things he has in abundance: heart and talent. The Heart part he will not back down nor is he intimidated by anyone. He went right at Tyus Jones another top point guard at the EYBL to the tune of 22 points and 17 assists. The Talent: he's a great 3 point shooter, can penetrate a dish the ball, knows where everyone is on the court, doesn't let himself get trapped in the half court or front court. He has speed,quickness, and great leadership qualities. Most of the time I would say a 5'8" player could not survive on the big time levels of college basketball. Tyler Ulis is an exception, Kentucky fans will end up loving this kid( if he announces for Kentucky tonight as anticipated). He is not a one and done, nor two and done player. The point guard position at Kentucky will be in good hands with his kid, or Dominique Hawkins who will not just give the starting position to Ulis without a fight. In conclusion I think Tyler Ulis will succeed and thrive at Kentucky for the 4 years he will be there. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime Big Blue Nation, Tyler Ulis is coming to town in 2014-2015 season. Blessings to you and your family Tyler Ulis. This is my rant for today, God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.

Jesus Christ Is The Son Of God No Doubt In My Mind!!!!!!!

Hello folks it's been awhile, I have had the stomach flu the past few days. Before that was on vacation at Bay Shore Family Camp in Seebewaing,MI then took my son to school at Valley Forge Military College just outside of Philadelphia,PA. I have been a Christian most of my life, have taken some turns and crooked roads but God has still kept me. The devil has tried to do some things to knock me out but God has still blessed me. Why? Sometimes I wonder myself as I have not been the best representative of Jesus Christ that I should be. I apologize to anyone I might have hurt with some of my words I have typed or what I have said. I will still say some things that might make some mad because some people are offended my Jesus Christ and what he is to the world. I myself have had to improve my love for people to get Jesus message across effectively. Jesus is working on cleansing me of that malady so I can be a more effective witness for Jesus Christ. As John 4:16 (NIV) in the Bible says  "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes through the Father except through me." I will say I will not be deterred by anyone or anything that gets in the way of my witnessing to people who Jesus Christ is and explain repentance through Christ. I am not perfect, no human being is except Jesus Christ, but I will do my best from now on to represent Jesus Christ in every way in my life. I will be out there giving my best effort to Make God Well Known and to Make God Look Good. That's what all Christians should do, color should not matter black, white, latino, chinese, japanese, whatever. We are all equally loved by God, but we are to do our best to follow God's Laws or there will be a price to pay for us according to the Bible. I have to be a more effective witness, does not mean I will convert everyone to Jesus Christ but I have to do my duty to make Him well known and make Him look good. So I will still put out sports stories that I see, or put out things that are socially conscious, but most of my words and typings will be to glorify Jesus Christ, the one who should be glorified and first in all of our lives. So I might lose some Facebook friends because of my renewed focus on what my life is supposed to be, but I don't care I am doing the right thing. I will do my best to witness to folks about Jesus Christ in Love. This is the big change in my life and I hope folks will understand, but if they don't I know I am doing the right thing, and heeding my call from God to witness to folks. This does not mean I will get to Heaven because of this, because you don't get to Heaven with your works, it's confessing with your heart that Jesus Christ is The Son Of God, and you have the heart to love other people enough to witness to them.  I would not want my worst enemy to go to Hell, it is a terrible place and yes there are some people who have seen it and are still here to tell about it. So this is the renewed me, hopefully people will notice the change because it's the only way I can effectively witness for Jesus Christ. God Bless everyone and Peace To The Creatures.

No Justice For Trayvon Martin Why Are Blacks Surprised At This????????

There was a trial over the last two weeks for George Zimmerman in the killing of 17 year old Trayvon Martin in Sanford,Florida. He was found not guilty by a jury of his "peers". I have a lot to say about this: first of all why are my fellow African Americans upset at the verdict? We should have known what was going to happen. I didn't waste one second watching the trial at all because I knew what was coming. I told friends weeks ago that he would get off and be found not guilty. Second of all a jury of 6 people all white females that live in Sanford,Florida. Sanford has never been known as a progressive city for blacks. Thirdly from what I heard the trials was not about what it should have been about. This should have been an open and shut case, Zimmerman stalked Martin, kept following him when dispatch told him not to. Stalked,harassed,shot and killed an unarmed teenager. Instead the idiot prosecutor,defense focused on who was on top of whom, whom was crying out, and how much marijuana Martin smoked. These things did not have a thing to do with what happened that night. Trayvon Martin's past history in school or how much endo he smoked should not have been introduced into the trial at all. To me it seemed more like Trayvon Martin was on trial not George Zimmerman who I feel is racist and thinks he's a white man. But we as black folks should be used to this: black man's repurtation, humanity, and rights as a human being have been trampled on for centuries. Did we think this would stop when a half black, half white man was elected to the White House? As African Americans we should have known better, we should have been shocked if Zimmerman was found guilty. We can't be brainwashed that this is a post racial society just because Barack Obama is President of The United States. My fellow African Americans this is still the "United States of America". When has this country ever been "United" in anything? The Constitution still has in it's document that blacks are 3/5th's of a human being and you think Trayvon Martin is going to get any kind of justice? OJ Simpson was found not guilty by a court of law yet he was ostracized by the "United States Of America".  Progress for African Americans is we have to get out of the economic slavery that we are in from this system. Yes we have some that have come a long way in this, but there are still too many in poverty and dependent upon the White Establishment. So as I asked originally: Why Are We Surprised That Trayvon Martin Did Not Get Justice? Also what is justice from the millions of African Americans killed over Centuries in this country by jealous white folks? Then again where's the uproar from blacks killing blacks every day? I hope my fellow African Americans think about these questions very deeply. This is my rant for today. God Bless and Peace to the Creatures.