Hoops

2009 NBA Draft - Official Thread

And this from nbadraft.net, who rated Mills as the 2nd best prospect to come out of the Reebok Eurocamp:

2. Patrick Mills 6'0' PG Australia 1988
Overall Mills played well, but did not do enough to answer the many questions that linger around his game. He proved that he is more than capable of creating his shot, and he also showed that his jumper has gained a lot more consistency. Pushing the ball in transition there are not many players anywhere that can match his speed and ball control. He has a very good understanding of how to get by people and he turns the corner with the best of them. Unfortunately, other than the improvement on his jumper, all of the other things mentioned are aspects previously known about Mills. He had this week to show that he can create for teammates and actually run a team by being a facilitator, however, this he failed to do. Most of his focus was on scoring the ball and it was not the best approach that he could have taken. His size also proved to be a major issue, even though he is tremendous at getting by people, when finishing around the basket he has great difficulty. He is not the greatest leaper and he is not comfortable finishing with his left which makes him very sporadic completing plays around the basket. Defensively, he can obviously move his feet, but he does not put much effort into staying in front of people. All in all, this was definitely not the best week Mills could have had in terms of his stock and it would be difficult to see him in the first round because of it.

And on Ingles:

Joe Ingles 6'8' SG/SF Australia 1987 -- Ingles started to warm up as the camp went on but overall he was a disappointment. Appeared to be going through the motions most of the time lacking the presence to get noticed. Teases you with good length and some skills, but appears to lack any fire.

Link: http://linky.com.au/a86kj

And here is the latest run down from Draft Express following the Reebok Eurocamp on Ingles: Joe Ingles, 6-8 ¼, 6-10 ¼, 215 pounds South Dragons, Australia, 1987 Coming off some strong NBA workouts in the States, and primed for a breakout performance, things didnt work out all that well for Australian Joe Ingles, who really had a tough week. Ingles perimeter shot wasnt falling for him right from the get-gopartially due to poor shot-selection, but also because of the fact that he seemed to lose his confidence after he had a few open looks rim out. It wasnt hard to see the talentIngles is an above average athlete with great size for the small forward spot, is capable of creating his own shot and seems to have good court vision, but he wasnt able to put that together here in Treviso. He seemed to fall in love with his pull-up fade-away jumper, not attacking the rim very frequently and avoiding contact when he did. At some point he started getting frustrated and seemed to force the issue. Defensively Ingles seemed limited guarding the perimeter, and there are plenty of question marks regarding his ability to defend his position at the NBA level. Ingles is likely a better player than he was able to show here in Treviso, but considering how little hes been seen by NBA teams in his native country of Australia, its not quite clear what this does to his draft stock. Link: <a href="http://linky.com.au/5v1lt" target="_blank">http://linky.com.au/5v1lt</a> Wil be interesting to see how he goes...

The withdrawal date for the 2009 NBA draft is fast approaching and here is what ESPN's Andy Katz had to say about both Patty Mills and Ater Majok:

Patty Mills, So., Saint Mary's: Mills was reportedly staying in the draft. He went to the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, Italy, last week and played well. But Saint Mary's assistant coach David Patrick, who is Mills' confidant, said Thursday that Mills hasn't signed with an agent and is considering returning to the Gaels. Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett confirmed this as well. Patrick said Mills wants to stay in the draft, but not at the expense of being a second-round pick. The glut of point guards in the draft could force Mills to reconsider and head back to Moraga.

Ater Majok, Fr., Connecticut: Majok worked out in front of 21 teams, and there was no consensus that he would be drafted. Financial considerations may be influencing him, but as one NBA assistant general manager said, there won't be any money to make if he's not selected. Majok needs to follow the three-year Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut path. If he does that, then he could be a player who enters the NBA with the potential to contribute, not just someone who has potential.

Link: http://linky.com.au/7f6hx

I still think Patty should go pro, although the advice offered does seem solid and with fewer PG's around next season this could see his stock rise further if he blitzes again next season and stays health. Saint Mary's will be a lot better if he sticks around for sure.

I think the advise for Majok is sound and he should stick it out in college - even it were for just 1 season so he can at least get a decent Euro contract. Having not played to me forces his hand and he would be silly not to play at least 1 full college season.

nbdraft.net conducted an interview with Patty just before he boarded a plane to Treviso Italy for the Reebok Eurocamp...

Patty talks about his time at the AIS, his chances for the NBA and the likelihood he will be drafted 20-30, comparison of his game to Tony Parker's, and of his indigenous background.

Link: http://linky.com.au/c34o6

And he finished with this (seems to have caught on as to how to market yourself):

Alright Patty, this looks great. Is there anything else you want to say about yourself?

Yes. Something else to understand about me is that I'm indigenous Australian, so I'm representing all those people. I want to get an opportunity to be in an organization who understands this, that I'm of that culture and can be marketable in that way. As I said before, my uncle was the first indigenous basketball player to represent my country in the Olympics, and now I'm just the third. I see myself as a role model for kids especially indigenous kids in Australia. I want to show them they can do what I'm doing - any kid can give it a crack and accomplish their dream. My cultural heritage is where I draw my strength, that's high on my priority list. I represent my family, but I also represent my indigenous culture. I'm in a rare, unique position, because our opportunities are limited in Australia and we need role models.

ESPN Insider also previews the Reebok Eurocamp and used both Patty and Ingles as pin-ups, but I can't access it as I don't have access.

Draft Express disscect the NBA Draft Combine's testing results: On Ingles: -Every year there are always a couple of players whose lack of upper body strength get exposed when they have to hit the bench. This season those players were Grievis Vasquez, who tested very poorly on top of his single rep, and Austin Daye, who unsurprisingly could muster only one. Three international players tied for third to last, with Joe Ingles, Rodrigue Beaubois and Omri Casspi all managing just three. (FYI - Mills did more than Ingles!!!) On Mills: -Toney Douglas ran the top ¾ court time at 3.03, with Damion James, Patrick Mills, Jodie Meeks and Damion James finishing just behind him at 3.10 or faster. For reference, Douglass time was one of the ten best weve seen in our database, which dates back to 1989. His 10.63 mark in the lane agility drill, 36.5 max vertical, and 15 reps on the bench landed him as one of the top overall athletes at the event. Link: <a href="http://linky.com.au/arxaw" target="_blank">http://linky.com.au/arxaw</a>

With day 1 of the NBA draft combine complete, the point guards were getting all the love. Mills also did well enough, and generated the following comment from ESPN: "Australia's Patrick Mills also turned some heads with his speed. It will be interesting to see who wins the three-quarter sprint drill on Friday. Mills, Collison and Lawson are the likeliest contenders for the fastest player in the draft -- all three guys are a blur." Link: <a href="http://linky.com.au/0vhgc" target="_blank">http://linky.com.au/0vhgc</a> And here is something on Ater Majok from Draftexpress.com: "Representatives of eight NBA teams spent their Memorial Day in Washington D.C. watching a workout featuring UConn freshman Ater Majok. The Sudanese big man competed alongside college seniors such as UABs Lawrence Kinnard and UIC's Josh Mayo, in both individual skill-based drills and a two on two setting. The feedback we received seemed to be lukewarm at best and very poor at worst. Majok is apparently trying to showcase himself as some type of small forward prospect, and the reaction in the gym was not very positive. Hes five years away from being five years away, one high-level NBA executive told us. He definitely needs to go back to school, said another. Majoks frame reportedly looked good, and he actually sports fairly nice shooting mechanics. The problem is that he looks like someone that has barely played any competitive basketball whatsoever in the last few years, which just happens to be exactly the case. Hes also not quite as athletic as you might think looking at him on first glance, as he appears to be more long than he is athletic. Its going to be very tough for him to get drafted this year, the NBA executive opined. By the time hes ready to play, who knows where youll be. He needs to go back to UConn for at least another two years Majoks advisors are apparently exploring the option for him to play overseas next year, according to reports weve gotten from teams in Europe. Link: <a href="http://linky.com.au/ja2fd">http://linky.com.au/ja2fd</a> And this on Mills from nbadraft.net: "Might be the fastest guard in the draft (Collison and Lawson included). The injury really diminished his play late in the season so he'll have a decision to make. Really sets his feet well on every shot, excellent form." And this inteview from Draftexpress.com: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBnGvYgJ__g&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBnGvYgJ__g&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> And nbadraft.net on Ingles: "Left hander is still very skinny but showed a solid touch. Shot the ball well although has a slow release on his shot."

Looks like first round prospect Nick Calathes amy head to Greece instead of the NBA, and his reportedly set to sign with Euroleague champions Panathinaikos.

Link: http://linky.com.au/3d3r9

Today's Draft Express update on the draft prospects has good things to say about a couple of Aussies named Mills and Ingles... "-Patty Mills is awaiting paperwork from the NCAA that will give him clearance to attend the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso without affecting his ability to return to St. Marys. Since the camp is not a sanctioned event according to the NCAA, Mills will likely have to reimburse Reebok for his travel expenses should he decide to pull his name out of the draft. It appears likely that he will play in Treviso, which should give the camp a major boost." "-A few potential second rounders who have reportedly been strong in private workouts according to reports weve received from teams and other draft prospects in attendance include DeMarre Carroll, Dionte Christmas and Joe Ingles." Draft Express has been cold on Ingles for well over a year now, and it is only since the workouts started, and Ingles was able to show them his wares in person, that they have started to give him some recognition. It seems the teams in attendance at his workouts have all been quite impressed.

Very good artickle by Draft Express' Jonathan Givony that outlines the key dates and events leading up to the 2009 NBA Draft...that even NBA.com posted on their own website!

Link: http://linky.com.au/c4jms

The lottery is May 19 (May 20 here in Australia), and the actual draft is June 25 (June 26 in Australia).

Some more news from ESPN's Andy Katz on the NBA draft following an officiall poll they took with some NBA decision makers...

Patty rates a mention, and there is a feeling he will go first round if he chooses to stay in.

Joe Ingles gets a mention too, with expectations that Ingles is going to commit to take part in the NBA's "Attack Athletics" gym in Chicago from May 27-29 and the Golden State, Phoenix and the L.A. Clippers combined workout on June 1-2 at the Warriors' practice facility. Other attendee's are expected to include Young, Teague, Calathes, Gibson, Christmas, Chase Budinger, Darren Collison, Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers, Sweden's Jonas Jerebko, Jeff Pendergraph and Marcus Thornton.

Link: http://linky.com.au/8eagc

The NBA has now released the official early entry draft list.

Link: http://linky.com.au/iubb6

So here there are two early entry Aussies in the 2009 NBA draft:

- Patick Mills (Saint Mary's)
- Ater Majok (UConn)

I expect that Majok will return to play for UConn after not being able to play last season.

The following Aussies will also be in the draft from what I gather (those who have a realistic outside shot at being drafted):

- Luke Nevill
- Aron Baynes
- Joe Ingles

It is interesting to note that Kiwi Thomas Abercrombie (formerly of Washington State) of the New Zealand Breakers has also nominated...

Have I missed any Aussies? (and please do not mention SoJ!)

ESPN's andy Katz and Chad Ford discuss and sort through the draft decisions.

Link: http://linky.com.au/9nbsz

And I thought the big news was Stephen curry declaring for the NBA draft today...

Heaven forbid, Australia's own Sudanese refugee Freshman at UConn who has not even played a game of college basketball yet has declared for this year's NBA draft!

ESPN Link: http://linky.com.au/iw5c0

And whilst he has not hired an agent, I reckon this is a big sign that Majok intends to declare for the draft afetr playing just 1 season of college ball, as he "tests the waters" and gains experience through the process.

UNC's Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington have both also nominated...

ESPN Link: http://linky.com.au/u7kkb

Who is in and out? ESPN Link: http://linky.com.au/dnnwq

Rubio is in...

But big news today is that Stephen curry is also in! Link: http://linky.com.au/bxrkn

Reported in The Age newspaper today that Patty Mills will today announce his NBA Draft intentions.

Link: http://linky.com.au/cszn8

"AUSTRALIA's young basketball sensation Patrick Mills is set to end months of speculation about his immediate future by announcing today whether or not he will nominate for this year's NBA draft."

It has been announced to day that:

- Dynamic Kentucky shooting guard Jodie Meeks will test the NBA drasft "waters" in the same way as Patty Mills (without an agent) Link: http://linky.com.au/dz1v5

- POTY Blake Griffin has confirmed he is nominating.
Link: http://linky.com.au/ntp9f

- Small forward Chase Budinger has also confirmed he will enter the draft and has hired an agent. Link: http://linky.com.au/5l6ez

- Arizona shooting guard James Harden has also declared for the draft

- Louisville forward Earl Clark has also declared for the draft

Some more draft talk on Mills suggesting he will definitely nominate and go first round:

Mercury News: http://linky.com.au/qrymd

SF Gate: http://linky.com.au/9d7dg

draftexpress.com is one of the better NBA draft websites. It is also mentionend on hoopshype that he is likely to nominate as well without an agent.

I reckon he will go and get picked up in the late first round and will be a great backup PG and defender. Remember he can play great D as well as put on the afterburners.

On another note, the Portsmouth Inivitation rosters have just been announced. For those that don't know, the PIT is a tournament for the most highly rated seniors to play in to show their wares before the NBA scouts. Australia's Aron Baynes will be playing, however Luke Nevill declined his invitation - instead relying on his MWC POTY and DPOTY awards to get him drafted. I reckon this is a silly move by Nevill as a good showing in the PIT would have boosted his already shaky chances of being drafted. What do others think of this move by Nevill?

Here is a link to the PIT website and the teams: http://linky.com.au/zeodg

The problem with Mills not nominatingf ro the draft this year is that Diamon Simpson will not be at St Mary's - the WCC Defensive Player of the Year. Like with Carlin Hughes and Lucas Walker, Simpson is a senior this year and hence all three will not be returning. And whilst they have a number of good young players coming in, including a number of AIS graduates, I don't think they will be as strong next year.

Nominate whilst the iron is still hot.

I'm pretty sure people aren't going to forget Pattys Beijiing performance overnight and he will be a constant name in the NCAA next year. I think you ppl think that he's just gonna go out the back door if he doesn't nominate.

Stay in the NCAA for another year, strengthen his game then have a big performance in the Tourney.

I agree that Patty Mills has to nominate. You dont want to do an Aaron Bruce and miss out. Bruce was unlucky with injury and then just couldnt get back into form. Patty shouldnt risk it. His chances of being a first rounder are high IMO and with Beijiing still in memory i dont think there are too many reasons for him to return to the Gaels.

Another report for the Gems:

Sunday, 24 July 2005 @ 7:07 PM
sportal.com.au

Australia's under-19 women's side, the Gems, will have to be content to play off for seventh position at the FIBA junior women's world championships in Tunisia after Spain defeated them 79-68.

The Gems led at halftime and held a 15-point advantage during the third term but Blanca Marcos inspired the Spaniards to a revival. She finished with 25 points while Australia's Renae Camino shot 20 points in the first half.

Head coach Phil Brown couldn't hide his disappointment after the game.

"I'm really disappointed we couldn't play the full 40 minutes," he said. "We played well for three quarters of the game, but we couldn't finish them off."

"To our credit, we didn't give up. They were just too strong around the boards."

Australia plays Hungary on Sunday, while Serbia and Montenegro take on the undefeated USA in the gold medal match.