Hoops

Best Aussie Baller in the Collegiate System?

I think that Anthony Drmic will be the next superstar of Australian basketball.

Rohant16, calm down.

I wasn't exactly criticising the mid-major schools..I was asking a question as to whether it not playing for a mid-major school genuinely hindered their chances at exposure.
("I just wonder if Aussies are hindering their chances at playing NBA/Euro / gaining more exposure by playing in "mid-major" conferences")


If anything, I am only reiterating the skill and talent of these players to the extent where I feel like they could have performed for bigger schools.
Drmic, Greenwood and Iggy and even Wroe are big time players..Drmic and Iggy were looking at playing for Partizan Belgrade and Virtus Bologna in Europe.

Iggy got an offer from UCLA as well.

MACDUB, I too have been quite intrigued recently as to the school selection for a few Aussies players. I'm not at privvy to understand the logic behind their decisions, but perhaps the bigger programs from the "premier" conferences either were not interested?

I was actually more surprised than anything else that Butler sought after Aldridge, as were many of their fans. However as good a program as Butler is, it also plays in one of the mid-major leagues being the Horizon League (same league as Broekhoff @ Valparaiso).

Guys like Motum & Kernich-Drew at Washington State and Brandt & Murphy @ Oregon State in the soon to be renamed Pac-12, and Vandenberg with North Carolina State in the ACC are hopefully going to pave the way for more Aussies in the more prominent conferences and teams. The MWC is actually quite strong, however will drop a bit with BYU joining the WCC - that only helps the profile and status of the WCC.

However coming in and getting genuine minutes in Div 1 basketball is a very attractive offer rather than sitting on the bench for 2-3 years on a more prominent team in a more prominent conference.

Boise State are on the rise in the WAC and are doing well in the post-season to date.

I guess that ultimately if you are good enough, you will make the cut and generate attention. Mills did and although it was a fine line, he is now making the grade in the NBA. Bose has received plenty attention although is realistically off the NBA draft radar due to his team's lack of success. Delly gets plenty of love at the moment and will get even more next season with McConnell graduating.

To gain individual attention and recognition when you play for a mid-major, it is a simple formula: your team needs to be successful = conference champion = NCAA tourament berth. If a player can get a mid-major team to the NCAA tournament and even scrape together a few wins (e.g. Davidson & Steph Curry), with it brings greater individual recognition and potential reward.

As mid-major teams, Saint Mary's (Steindl, Delly, Young & Page) will have that potential next season, as will New Mexico (Bairstow & Greenwood), Butler (Aldridge) and Boise State (Drmic & Hadziomerovic).

Interesting to see the group of current Emus and where they have committed.
Good to see Aldridge go to a big program--Butler is definently a top tier program and Im confident he will perform there with a player like Shelvin Mack to guide him. UNM (Where Greenwood is going) is still a powerhouse however its going to hurt his NBA/Euro chances playing in the M.W. Conference, even if he performs really well.

Dissappointed to see Igor and Drmic go to Boise State which is predominately known for its football. BSU was 22-12 this past season playing in the "mid-major" WAC. I know they wanted to chose a program where they had guaranteed (starter-like) minutes, but IMO these two could have been getting burn and performing at much bigger programs = bigger exposure

Also, Corban Wroe committed to Hartford--another mid major school.

I just wonder if Aussies are hindering their chances at playing NBA/Euro / gaining more exposure by playing in "mid-major" conferences.

Look at how hard it was for Mills--People were still doubting him despite his stellar play.. It was because he was playing for SMC in the WCC.

Although the players might think it risky to go to a big program (your mins could easily evaporate into nothing), IMO Igor, Drmic and Greenwood are all good enough to play in the big conferences.
Going to be hard for Igor and Drmic to get attention playing for Boise State.

HO, I think everyone on this thread are talking about the men rather than the women.

But I do agree, some fine performances from the Aussies women including Tomlinson who has set all kinds of records for SMC and for the entire nation in regards to blocked shots.

Draft Express lists Dellavedova at 6"4..Is that right?
Thought he was 6"2.5-6"3 at best..

I noticed Ellis missed the last 9 games of the season..Was he injured or did he simply fall out of favour with the coach to that extent that he was 'DNP-coaches decision'

Personally, I think the success of Rob Loe as a freshman has meant Ellis' minutes are down. Loe was impressive in some games against good opposition including
-19 points against Georgia (5/8 3-point)
-18 points against Xavier (4/4 3point)

Motum is likley to see out a full 4 years of college - he stil has 2 more years to go.

I'm still unsure as to what his ceiling may be, but I think we may find out next season as he is likely to be a regular starter. I actually think that at worst, he would be a bonafide starter in the NBL.

Maynard impressed and got more minutes as the season progressed. He is on a very weak team in a weak conference and that doesn't help ala Anatoly Bose.

And Paul, it would not surprise me at all to see Ellis leave Saint Louis as he has definitely fallen out of favour with Coach Majerus. Perth definitely beckons.

If Bose doesn't get the pro gig overseas he is likely to be after, his hometown of Sydney may be the right fit for him.

Personally, I love Broekhoff's blend of skills and attributes. He would be ready made for a 2nd Melbourne NBL team IMO.

Australian "NCAA Div 1 College Watch" - 2010/11

As taken from the above thread:

Here are my selections for the 2010/11 NCAA Division I Season "Aussie Awards"...

Australian “All American” NCAA Division I Team…
1. Anatoly Bose / Sr / G / Nicholls State
Stats: 22.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, 39.0%FG, 32.5%3PT, 79.3%FT
Ranked 9th in the nation in scoring and boasts career best numbers, and can do it all. Only knock on him is that he is playing on a mediocre team in a weak league, but in any case he draws all the attention game in game out and still posts good numbers.
2. Matt Dellavedova / So / G / Saint Mary's
Stats: 13.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 5.4apg, 1.3spg, 41.2%FG, 36.2%3PT, 88.4%FT
A hard nut defender and point guard that can dish it up on a plate, get to the rim and/or line, and fill it up from downtown.
3. Ryan Broekhoff / So / G / Valparaiso
Stats: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, 49.2%FG, 45.3%3PT, 77.2%FT
A shooting guard that can do it all and stuff his stats sheet, racking up career high numbers as a genuine starter in a solid league. Recorded two double-doubles and scored in double digits 17 times, and more than 20 points 3 times.
4. Ben Dowdell / Jr / F / Santa Clara
Stats: 8.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 0.8apg, 1.2spg, 54.2%FG, 66.7%FT
Started every game and does what his team needs - a consummate team player who racked up career-high numbers.
5. Jeromie Hill / Fr / F / Texas-San Antonio
Stats: 13ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.0apg, 46.2%FG, 37.2%3PT, 60.5%FT
Started every game as a Freshman, recording 3 double-doubles and with a career high of 27 points, scoring in double figures in 22 games.
6. Mitchell Young / So / F / Saint Mary’s
Stats: 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, 0.6apg, 61.8%FG, 58.1%FT
Provided a much needed scoring punch and energy off the bench for the NCAA bound Saint Mary’s. Runs the pick and roll to perfection with Delly and McConnell.
7. Brock Motum / So / F / Washington State
Stats: 7.4ppg, 3.0ppg, 0.9apg, 61.8%FG, 34.8%3PT, 64.3%FT
Started a number of games for the Wazzu and was instrumental in some games despite playing behind Pac-10 leading scorer Klay Thompson. Next season may yet define Motum’s career prospects.
8. Luke Devlin / Fr / F / Albany
Stats: 7.4ppg, 6.9rpg, 0.8apg, 40.3%FG, 31.1%3PT, 72.3%FT
The 6’8” forward started every game as a Freshman and recorded 6 double-doubles.
9. Matt Massey / Jr / C / Southern Utah
Stats: 9.4ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, 54.9%FG, 72.7%FT
Played every game and remained ahead of fellow Aussie centre Matt Hodgson.
10. Nate Tomlinson / Jr / G / Colorado
Stats: 3.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg, 47.6%FG, 41.3%3PT, 56.3%FT
Regular starting point guard for Colorado in the Big 12, one of the toughest conferences in Div I hoops.

Top 5: Most Valuable Players…
1. Anatoly Bose / Sr / G / Nicholls State
2. Matt Dellavedova / So / G / Saint Mary’s
3. Ryan Broekhoff / So / G / Valparaiso
4. Ben Dowdell / Jr / F / Santa Clara
5. Jeromie Hill / Fr / F / Texas-San Antonio

Top 5: Most Improved Players (Freshman are excluded)…
1. Mitchell Young / So / F / Saint Mary’s
Has gone from just providing minutes off the bench into being a valuable scoring option off the bench…his game has gone to new heights and a starting berth awaits him in 2011/12.
2. Brock Motum / So / F / Washington State
Has gone from a marginal bench warmer to solid contributor week in week out and was even elevated to a starting role a number of times. A starting berth awaits for season 2011/12.
3. Ryan Broekhoff / So / G / Valparaiso
Has become an integral starter, scoring weapon and defensive stopper for the Crusaders. Uses his athleticism and height (6’6”) and could go a long way.
4. Angus Brandt / So / C / Oregon State
Stats: 5.0ppg, 2.7rpg, 0.6apg, 40.9%FG, 30.8%3PT, 52.9%FT
Elevated to regular starting centre and continued to improve as the season progressed.
5. Trian Iliadis / Jr / G / Old Dominion
Stats: 5.9ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg, 37.5%FG, 33.6%3PT, 81.1%FT
Iliadis is the Monarch’s super sub on an NCAA tournament bound team, and is able to light it up from downtown or set up his team mates for open looks. With career high numbers, could be elevated to starting lineup next season.

Top 5: Season’s They Would Rather Forget…
1. Cody Ellis / So / F / Saint Louis
From potential team start and starter, to backup off the bench, to benchwarmer, to injury…
2. Tanner Kerry / So / C / Pepperdine
From part-time starter to not even playing…
3. Jorden Page / So / G / Saint Mary’s
Decent minutes off the bench to injury and a red-shirted season
4. Shane Harris-Tunks / So / F / Colorado
Knee injury pre-season - enough said.
5. Josh Duinker / Jr / F / Richmond
From providing genuine back up minutes off the bench to junk time minutes only.

Top 5: Most Impressive Freshman…
1. Jeromie Hill / Fr / F / Texas-San Antonio
2. Luke Devlin / Fr / F / Albany
3. Corey Maynard / Fr / G / Bryant
Stats: 4.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 38.3%FG, 35.2%3PT, 65.5%FT
Great debut season, with increasing minutes off the bench (up to 30min)
4. Cameron Bairstow / Fr / F / New Mexico
Stats: 2.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 0.2apg, 60.0%FG, 50.0%3PT, 50.0%FT
Some great contributions in coming off the bench in a pretty good conference on a bubble NCAA team.
5. Igor Nujic / Fr / G / Texas-San Antonio
Stats: 2.1ppg, 1.3rpg, 0.7apg, 32.0%FG, 21.4%3PT, 75.0%FT
Started off the season providing genuine backup minutes, but fell away as the season progressed. Will get more opportunities next season.

Graduating Seniors…
1. Anatoly Bose / Sr / G / Nicholls State
2. Ben Dowdell / Sr / F / Santa Clara
3. Brad Kelleher / Sr / G / Hofstra
4. Ben Louis / Sr / G / James Madison
5. Chris Clausen / Sr / G / North Dakota
6. Graeme Radford / Sr / C / Stetson

Anatoly Bose is the pick of the graduating seniors, although Dowdell, Kelleher and Louis would be very handy rookies on any NBL roster next season. Clausen and Radford would also be hopeful of securing an opportunity in the NBL but may need to prove themselves in a league like the SEABL first.

By all accounts he is a top 3 pick in this year's draft if he leaves after just 1 injury interrupted season of basketball...

Irving will be going to the NBA and not the NBL.

Kyrie Irving may have been born in Australia,but he will never play for Australia.

Check out my rankings in the NCAA Aussie thread.

According to the article Jonno gave the link to, Kyrie Irving, despite being born here, has chosen to play for the USA over the Boomers, mostly because he see's a better future in that. To me he's thinking NBA in the future because NBA teams and their scouting systems would see more of him not only playing for Duke University but in the American national team than they would him playing for the Boomers or even here in the NBL.

Unless you're over in the US and in their system, sometimes you can be forgotten about. A player here or even in Europe putting up big numbers wouldn't get as much attention as an NCAA or D-League player putting up the same.

its true

check out

http://www.usabasketball.com/mens/u18/10_mu18_q_a_irving.html

Would be awesome to get him here as a aussie to play NBL, but doubt it would happen atm.