FU Mock Draft Spec-tac-ular (Lotto Edition)

I know you're looking at the name of the post and you're quite confused so allow me to explain some things. This post belongs to Jonathan Tillman (@thetillshow), one of the many great people that I have met through twitter. If you're not following him, slap yourself then hit that follow button! Anyways, Till has his own blog, Fundamentally UnSound, one of the great basketball blogs out there, hence the name, the FU Mock Draft Spec-tac-u-lar. He gathered six of his twitter companions to participate and I am honored to be one of the participants because these guys really know their stuff. So I will introduce the other participants and get down to the draft, which is in a few hours.

Kenny Masenda (@soulonice6) - Creator of http://kennymasenda.blogspot.com/, contributing writer for http://www.edthesportsfan.com/, and Co-host of Unsportsmanlike Conduct on Blog Talk Radio

Michael Benjamin (@thethrowbackkid) - Creator of http://pointsoffturnovers.blogspot.com/

Eddie Maisonet (@edthesportsfan) - Creator of http://www.edthesportsfan.com/ and host of Unsportsmanlike Conduct on Blog Talk Radio.

De'Shay Turner (@isportpolitics) - Creator of http://sportpolitics.wordpress.com/

Kyle Hoffman (@khoffman3113) - Die-hard Kings fan.

And yours truly, Terrell McCoy, Jr. (@PrideOfLR) - Die-hard Rockets fan, aspiring journalist.

The picks are in this order

1) Kenny M.
2) Mike B.
3) Eddie M.
4) DeShay T.
5) Kyle H.
6) Johnathan T.
7) Terrell M.
8) Kenny M.
9) Mike B.
10) Eddie M.
11) DeShay T.
12) Kyle H.
13) Johnathan T.
14) Terrell M.

1. Washington Wizards - John Wall.

John Wall is the consensus number one pick in this draft. For a draft that I think will end up being remembered more for cats who will be drafted later, Wall will get the chance to be a star right away in Chocolate City. We saw what Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans have accomplished in their early careers, and Wall is the next Memphis guard who will come and make a similar impact.

2. Philadelphia 76ers - Evan Turner

Man, this draft bites.

I really tried to be hip and trendy. I really wanted to select a dude with tremendous upside potential and see if Dougie Collins could form a perennial All-Star from the rich composite. Oh yeah, we already saw him try that with Kwame. Ouch.

Let’s get REAL. The Sixers can either eschew offense and become the East Coast version of the ’07 Warriors, or play stagnant half-court game all the way to next year’s lottery.

I’d heavily bet the latter.

So, with the second pick in the fantabolous FU Mock Draft, I snagged Evan Turner. He’s traditional, he’s standard, he’s…exactly what you expect your #2 pick in the draft to be.

Plus, he comes with Club Trillion as an added bonus.

Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Who’s got next? No, no…anything but YOU, WNBA.

3. New Jersey Nets - Demarcus Cousins

With the 3rd pick Russian Cuban, Jay-Z and the Nets select DeMarcus Cousins from Kentucky. Because both Favors and Cousins are already good, Cousins does have better size and I think more upside. Plus, if they get Boozer/Amare then do they need another 6'9" forward? Cousins plays both positions.

Let the crucifixion begin.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Wesley Johnson

With the 4th pick, I'm taking Wesley Johnson of Syracuse. He's long, athletic, and can do a little bit of everything on the court. I wrestled between taking either Johnson and Greg Monroe, but Johnson seems to be the most likely sure bet.

5. Sacramento Kings - Derrick Favors

*walks to podium with that Vince McMahon swag walk*

With the 5th pick in the 2010 FU Draft, the Sacramento Kings select, Derrick Favors from Georgia Tech. Favors solves the Kings biggest weaknesses. He'll boost the defensive rebounding, shot blocking, and post defense.

6. Golden State Warriors - Greg Monroe

*walks up to podium in "We Believe" tee*

With the 6th pick in the FU mock draft spec-tac-u-lar, the Golden State Warriors select Greg Monroe. Forward, Georgetown University *drops mic*

Monroe will be the third left-handed power forward Golden State has acquired in recent years. He's definitely the most skilled of the three. He'll provide points in the paint, as well as space for Curry, Morrow, and Ellis to operate. Hopefully Don Nelson's weirded out version of Basketball offense showcases his strengths instead of making him an unknown (see: Randolph, Anthony).

7. Detroit Pistons - Cole Aldrich

*Thoughts on the way to the podium* ("Sigh......I really want to trade this pick")

With the 7th pick in the FU Mock Draft Spectacular, We, The Detroit Pistons, select Cole "Cole Play" Aldrich, 6'10 Forward/Center out of Kansas University.

Around the time that I chose Cole “Cole Play” Aldrich as the 7^th pick to the Pistons, I believed that they would draft him, but now, I highly doubt the Pistons will take him. Despite my “failure” as the Pistons GM, I will stand by my pick and we will see what happens tomorrow night (tonight) and in the future.

After an embarrassing 26-55 season, the Pistons find themselves in the draft lottery, unfamiliar territory for a team that hadn’t missed the playoffs since the 2000-2001 season. With Ben Wallace, Jason Maxiell, and Kwame Brown in the frontcourt, it is a no-brainer that the Pistons should draft a Center. I’m almost 100% positive that DeMarcus Cousins will not be available by the time that the Pistons are on the clock, leaving the board wide open for the Pistons to draft Ekpe Udoh, Ed Davis or Aldrich.

I chose Aldrich because he is the “safe pick” and he just seems like a Joe Dumars kind of guy. He plays extremely hard on both ends and has a high basketball IQ. He reminds me of a more athletic Joel Pryzbilla. Now, I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but hey, let’s just view it as good for now. Either way it goes, this pick (or any other pick for the remainder of the Dumars Era), will never erase the calamity of the 2003 draft pick. Sorry.

8. L.A. Clippers - Xavier Henry

*sees Terrell's pick, and now has even more reason to believe this draft class is diluted, and just not that good*

With the eighth pick, the Los Angeles Clippers select Xavier Henry, from the University of Kansas.

You can make the case that Xavier Henry is the most well-rounded Jawhawk on last year's team. He's got the tools to be a contributor right away, and if he ends up in the right situation, he'll end up earning a legit spot in a team's rotation.

9. Utah Jazz - Ekpe Udoh

*David Stern walks to podium, looks at Till Show, then sheepishly backs away...*

With the "woulda been yours Donnie if Isiah didn't trade it for Eddy Curry" New York Knicks/Utah Jazz #9 pick, Benji Clan selects Ekpe Udoh.

Yup, a project big man. Perfect.

Utah has always been hella conventional. They need an athletic big who will protect the paint and grab boards. They need someone who can push Bynum/Gasol around and catch 'oops from The Best PG in the Game Right Now (D-Will).

Ekpe Udoh'll give you that. He’s a hard-hat guy, if any of those even exist anymore.

Plus, he'll give them one helluva excuse not to re-up with Boozer.

Udoh'll definitely have to show his white side (his Hassan Whiteside?) if he wants to get love from the heaps of snow and Mormons in Utah. Which, since he's from Baylor...he definitely has. Or better yet, let's just see how Jazz fans react to having guys named Ekpe and Sundiata on their team. If Mutumbo decides to play another season at 52, maybe my dream of a West African starting five can happen. Maybe.

Next guy...you on the clock...

10. Indiana Pacers - Avery Bradley

With the 10th pick of the draft, the Indiana Pacers officially make the biggest reach in the draft...

The Indiana Pacers select....Avery Bradley from the University of Texas.

Why? Because at #10 they're either going to have to take a project big man or draft another swingman (they already have Danny Granger and Brandon Rush) plus the more and more I watched Ed Davis I became less and less impressed.

Give me Avery Bradley, I'll take his uber-athleticism and defense and hope his offensive game blossoms into anything that resembles Russell Westbrook or Rajon Rondo.

11. New Orleans Hornets - Gordon Haywood

*David Stern walks to the podium*

"With the 11th pick in the NBA Draft, the New Orleans Hornets have selected....GORdon (caps for effect) Hayward of Butler University."

The crowd instantly remembers Butler's incredible Cinderella dance this past year that ended with a nail biting loss to Duke in the National Championship. They cheer him on. New Orleans fans are excited, Chris Paul is optimistic, and Gordon is absolutely fearful of the idea of leaving Indiana for the N-O.

Lil Wayne, unfortunately, is unavailable for comment...

12. Memphis Grizzlies - Al-Farouq Aminu

*Walks to the podium with some Elvis swag*

With the 12th pick in the FU Mock Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Al-Farouq Aminu out of Wake Forest.

Aminu gives Memphis some insurance in case Rudy Gay leaves. Aminu could be a Josh Smith clone. He's a freak of an athlete who can run and jump out of the gym.

13. Toronto Raptors - Solomon Alabi

*walks to podium with Kardinal Offishall playing in the background*

With the 13th pick, the Toronto Raptors select: Solomon Alabi. Center, Florida State

He's big and athletic. Toronto's likely to lose Bosh to free agency (read: wherever Lebron goes), so they're gonna need a frontline player. Alabi will impact on the defensive end and allow Andrea Bargnani to focus more on scoring. Think of what Serge Ibaka is to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

14. Houston Rockets - Ed Davis

*Breaking News* The Houston Rockets have traded this pick along with Luis Scola, Shane Battier and Jermaine Taylor in a sign-and-trade to the Toronto Raptors for Chris Bosh and.....*SNAPS OUT OF MY DREAM AND SOUTHSIDES TO THE PODIUM*

With the 14th pick in the FU NBA Draft Spectacular, The Houston Rockets select, Ed Davis out of the University of North Carolina.

Daryl Morey instantly gets on the phone and starts looking for teams interested in a trade.

This pick is near and dear to me, as I am drafting for the team that I have loved since 1990. I wouldn’t be surprised if Daryl Morey trades up or down in the draft. I will tell you this, by the time the 14^th pick comes around, the 2010 NBA Draft will be completely wide open and everyone will be tossing their mock drafts in the trash can.

Anyways, I believe in Daryl Morey and I don’t think that he will make a bad decision here. Although the Rockets need to make a Yao-Insurance pick here (A Center who can come in and contribute during the yearly Yao early-season, mid-season, late-season or post-season injury), expect the Rockets to draft the best player available by the time this pick comes around. Initially I “drafted” Ed Davis, but I’m convinced that he won’t be the BEST player available. This pick is too unpredictable, but I’m expecting Davis, Patrick Patterson, Paul George, or Al-Farouq Aminu to slide down to this pick.

Never Question God- R.I.P Nathan Anderson

Yesterday a dear friend, and a beloved brother of the Oakwood College/University (my alma mater in Huntsville, AL) circle, Nathan Anderson, passed away after getting in an accident while on his motorcycle. While I didn't know him personally, I knew, through others, that he was a wonderful man. Talented, smart, funny, cool, God-fearing and many other adjectives can explain him as a person. I mean, my perception of him was that he really was a great guy, even though we never spoke.
After hearing about his death, it is easy us to question God and wonder why this would happen to such a great guy like Nate. And that's expected of us, because death hurts. We never know why God does the things that he does and why he allows some things happen to some people.
After learning about this untimely death, I couldn't question God and only one thing came to my mind as to why God would allow this to happen.
The impact that Nathan had on peoples lives was enormous. The moment he passed, my twitter/facebook/bbm was flooded with sadness and grief over his death. He touched so many lives of people that he knew and through his music, the lives of people that he didn't know.
I truly believe that Nathan was right with God and with God allowing this to happen, it was truly a message to all of those with any connection to Nate, that we know not the hour or the day when our time will come and that we need to get our lives right so that our calling and election is sure and we can be in that number when God returns. And a lot of us are still playing games, even though we see the signs of the times playing out right before our eyes (myself included)!
A song that Nathan played so passionately for Dynamic Praise immediately comes to mind when I think about his death. "A better day, after awhile, there will be a better day, a better day, ooo child, there will be a better day, after awhile."
My friends, there will be a better day. Know that God loves you and he wants you to be in that number so he can meet you in heaven. Take advantage of the time you have on this earth because you never know when your time will come.
Please continue to keep The Anderson Family in prayer. Stay encouraged and I Love You All.

John 14:1-4

R.I.P. Nathan Anderson 1984-2010

My Top-20 most hated athletes- Part 2

Ok, so tomorrow came a little later than expected, but the second half of my hate list is finally here! (shout out to my friends who constantly remind me to write, you know who you are) Well, I won't waste any more time, "Oh Ley DO It"!!!!


#9. Barry Bonds. How can a man so big sound like that?! Your earring bothers me and the sooner you stop lying we'll forgive you! We know you're on that needle BARRY!


#8 Jacque Vaughn. This picture is quite fitting of the career you should've been in! Listen Jacque, this is the highest you will ever be on any list! I hate that you even step foot on an NBA court. And you have a ring?! My blood boils..


Honorable Mention- Kris Brown. This picture has been the scene way too often this season for Houston Texans fans. Kris, you lost at least 5 games for the Texans this year!!!!! When I see you, I'll show u how to kick alright...straight to ure FACE!


#7. Tracy McGrady. Let me give you all a background of my "relationship" with T-Mac. When it came time to pattern my game after a player, I chose T-Mac (All offense, lazy on defense, lol). When it came time to buy my basketball shoes for the season, I walked right by the Air Jordan IX's (without a thought) and purchased,,,,,some T-Mac's. While arguing who was the greatest player in the league (2000-2004ish), I went to bat for T-Mac. Hell, when you think of a nickname for me (Terrell McCoy) what do you get......T-Mac! Get the picture yet?! Now, imagine how I felt when T-Mac, the player who was my "Jordan" (in that era), was traded to MY favorite team, the HOUSTON ROCKETS! I was on cloud nine.......THOUSAND!!! Well, despite the hype that he created, my hopes were quickly shot down by his failures (playoff losses, body parts, LIFE, etc). The only reason he isn't higher on this list is because I was his biggest fan at one point in my life. So T-Mac, I hate you for ruining my Rockets. I hate you for your injuries, your crying, your lack of heart, your selfishness and your impatience this season. The nerve of that guy! So yea, its been a sour end to our "relationship"


#6. Karl Malone. The Mailman....yea right! Karl, when did you EVER deliver? In 97? Uh uh. 98? Naw mayne. Oh ok, well what about when you left the Jazz THIRST for a title? Nope, no deliveries from me. Yea, we all know Karl. Everything about you is annoying! The wristbands, the meaningless shhh you said at the FT line, the corny celebrations, neglect of kids...did I miss something?!

Honorable Mention- Ahmad Rashad. Has ur career been ANYTHING since MJ retired? You loved him more than you loved that beautiful, intelligent, oh so sexy wife of yours! You disgust me so much that you don't even deserve a picture!


Honorable Mention- Phil Mickelson. The nerve of you to actually think you're better than Tiger! And I'll smack that stupid smirk you have on your face since he's on indefinite leave!




#5. Tim Tebow. Virgin my behind! I hate the goodie two shoe, turning brawds down, media hoggin' son of a gun! And don't get me started on his W'accuracy!


#4 Tom Brady. SMH...Tom Terrific??? tsss, more like Tom TERRIBLE! I watched every moment of his last playoff game JUST to watch him fail!!! He's a good quarterback, but he's a product of "the hoody" and his "I'm too good for you attitude" really pisses me off! So when he hits the field, I will continue to yell "Hey Tom, break a leg!"


#3. Brett Favre. Twitter wouldn't give me enough characters to describe my hate for him but I don't want to waste too much time on him! And I've never really liked him (Story from 2008)He's selfish and an attention whore. Brett, Go home and RETIRE ALREADY! I know you don't want to go back to Kilaniga, Mississippi, or whatever, but you've got to get the hell out of the NFL! I'm sick of you!


#2 John Stockton. The short shorts, the dirty play, and then when this feisty little mo-fo broke my young heart with this shot in the 1997 Western Conference Finals--> http://bit.ly/M9657 . I just shed a tear again! I wanted to take a crowbar to his knees with a Jeff Bagwell/Craig Biggio/Ken Caminiti-like swing after that shot! I never like Stockton before then and now I HATE HIM! Watch your back Mr. Stockton! I'm an angry Rockets fan seeking revenge!

And now for your #1 most hated athlete on the earth.................

DRUMROLLLLLLLLLLL PLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSSEEEE!!!!!

And the athlete I HATE THEEEE MOST IS.........



#1. Kobe Bryant. Sigh,,,,I HATE HIM and everything he stands for! From the swagger jacking of MJ, to his constant whining for calls, to his family waiting for him at halftime! I mean, WHO DOES THAT?!? Stop trying to convince us that you're a "family-man"! I hate the cockiness, the smirk, EVERYTHING! Oh and he's "black mamba?!" Satan was a snake too.....I'm JUST SAYINNNNNNNNNN......

My Top-20 most hated athletes- Part 1

I asked a question the other day on Twitter (Follow Me - @PrideOfLR) asking "Who is your most hated athlete and why?" not really expecting much response from my followers because they usually leave me hanging, but this time I got an overwhelming response. It isn't unusual for people to have a certain dislike about some athletes, but what I feel about them is deeper than a dislike, it really is! I seriously need help for being such a hateful person towards these athletes. But anyways, here is part 1 of my 20 most hated athletes! Enjoy!





#20. Tony Brothers- not an athlete, but a ref (he deals with athletes). He made the WORST call I've ever seen in my life in the 2008 playoffs. With time ticking away in the 4th quarter in a CRUCIAL game 2 of the Rockets v. Jazz playoff series (I hate the Jazz as well, which made the call that much bitter), this Tony Brothers character called a foul on Luis Scola because while watching a flopping Andrei Kirilenko go by him,,,,,,,,,,,,while his eyes were fixed on the 3-pt LINE!!!!!!!!! Tony Brothers- Watch your back!!!! (You and your unibrow!)

#19 Lebron James. Yes Mr. James, you made my list! Listen, I love you as an athlete him as an athlete but your blatant disrespect for the game (super traveling, no handles, dancing, etc) makes me sick! Get some handle, CHILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL on taking 4 steps on the regular (I know Dru Joyce taught you better than that) and maybe you won't make next years list!

#18 Rajon Rondo. Take a good look at his form,,,,well, for as long as you can without getting upset! Listen, I know for a fact that my form isn't the most model form to have, but I can make buckets. The fact that Rondo is so successful without having a jumpshot really pisses me off!!!! I mean really, what were you doing in the off season?! Was Kobe cleaning his nails while giving you 50 feet in the 2008 NBA Finals not enough of a sign that your shot needs work?!?!? Rondo, I see greatness in you, but if you don't feel the need to work on that God-awful jumpshot (I don't even want to call it that) of yours, then I'm afraid you'll just have to stay behind CP3 & Deron Williams. You don't want that now, do you?!

#17. Rafael Nadal. The hair. The left handed-ness. Him thinking he's better than my boy Roger Federer. I hate every part of him!!! No need for more words, you don't deserve it RAFA!

Honorable Mention- Jason Terry. He's over aggressive. He thinks he's nice. He has a stupid celebration for his stupid nickname,,,,Jason Terry, you and your XXXXXXXXXXXL headband need to sit down, PLEASE!!!



#16. Bobby Jackson. You see this picture?! I had to watch the scenario in this picture for an ENTIRE SERIES!!! Deron Williams OWNED Mr. Jackson to the point it was unbearable to watch! Whether it was air-balling a three pointer or missing a fast break layup, Mr. Jackson always found a way to mess up!!! Oh and did I mention that we (The Rockets) traded Bonzi Wells AND Mike James for him?!?! (I'm starting to get angry all over again! Simply put, from the time he put on that Rockets jersey, he single handedly made me hate watching my team.



#15. Allen Iverson. He is one of the most selfish people on earth. A 34 year old man with braids and now he's STARTING in the All-Star game while averaging 14 PPG?!?! PUH-LEASE! The only team A.I. should START for is the Pacers! NEXT!



#14 Anthony Carter. He should feel honored that I even thought about him!!! I ask myself everyday, "why do u have a job in the NBA?!?!" Uggggghhhh!



Honorable Mention. Tyler Hansborough. I hate u, from your never quit attitude all the way to your stupid form. And what are your eyes so open FORRRRR?!



#13. Roy Williams. Cowboys fans, I'm with you on this one. Roy, what is your purpose in life, because it sure doesn't seem like catching is a top priority for you!



#12. Sasha Vujacic. Are u really that great of a shooter that u shoot a three pointer in a 1 on 5 fast break?! NOT EVEN! And stop crying to the ref, wait, never mind, I guess you learn from a certain someone! Hmmmm....



#11 Bruce Bowen. Everything about you is annoying. Your bald head, your defense, your dirty defense, your God-awful offense, your voice and now, your bow-tie!!!!!!!



#10. Pau Gasol. Do u ever comb your hair? Or is that how they get down in Spain? Your celebration, I hate it! Your scowl, I HATE IT. Oh yea, and your form, yup, that too

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, this is only part 1 people!!!!!!! Can it get any better?! Check back tomorrow and see!!!

Throwback Thursdays-John Starks

John Starks

Throwback Thursdays is BACK!!!!!!! And how ironic is it that one of the best defenders of "The G.O.A.T." (see article below) receives the honor of having the first Throwback Thursday of 2010. We may not remember Starks because he played in the Jordan Era, but the guy still had game. With his physical defense, slashing attacks to the basket, 3-pt shooting, and a fiery passion for the game, Starks won the hearts of New Yorkers during his eight year stint in New York. His hard-work was rewarded with an All-Star appearance in 1994.

For more information on Starks, visit his website. The John Starks Foundation.

That was a dumb question!

The G.O.A.T, Michael Jordan, recently appeared on the Jay Leno Show (another story for another day) and was asked 10 questions by the late-night host.I know you're wondering, "Why this interview?". Well, for me, I believe we live in the day and age where the NBA is full of phony and stolen personalities (I won't mention any names). Anyways, it was refreshing to see M.J., and to see him in good spirits (Must be because his Bobcats are winning). Anyways, here is the interview. Enjoy!