Only the Beginning

ONLY THE BEGINNING

   Collegiate basketball is gonna be absolutely crazy this year, never have we ever witnessed such an amazing amount of talent or so great a number of elite teams. I'm jacked out of my mind to watch march madness games where senior scoring record holders face off with highly-touted freshman if only to play against a team that goes seven deep with NBA talent. The stretch of games at the beginning of the season before conference play is something of a looking glass into our future, a future so bright any onlookers are liable to go blind from sheer spectacularness. The games are sloppier, the rotations shorter, and the players more limited, but the talent and ability present on some of the courts Tuesday night reeks of potential amazement. For so long analysts have glorified the basketball getting set to be played this year, and in this moment we will have the opportunity to witness Goliath face Goliath after Goliath. Basketball has returned, and it has returned in a greater form. Here are some of the players and match-ups that will make basketball nirvana a reality.

Not pictured, me kissing his feet.

KENTUCKY vs. MICHIGAN STATE

Julius Randle vs. Adreian Payne

   Julius Randle is the king of being overlooked by the masses. The arrival of Wiggins Mania, and all of the Riggin' for Wiggins jabber, and all of the imminent "greatest ever" hyperbole has cast a huge shadow over the game of college basketball. The rise of Jabari Christ-Parker steals whatever light may have seeped through the Wiggins canopy, leaving Julius Randle more or less unnoticed. Not to be misunderstood, people know Julius Randle, and people understand he's good, but people neglect how freaking amazing he actually is. Julius' role on this ridiculous purchased obscene pretty good team more or less mirrors Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's role from two years ago. Now, in order to capture Randle's magnitude, pretend Kidd-Gilchrist is two inches taller, now standing 6'9'', and twenty pounds heavier, now 250. Also, just for kicks and giggles, he can also shoot the three and jumps higher. Got it? Good. Randle compares himself to LeBron James, maybe Amare' Stoudamire (When he was good, but he's better than him when he was.) when he feels humble. (www.espn.go.com/blog/high-school/boys-basketball/post/_/id/4829/who-do-you-think-you-are-julius-randle) The scary part? I think I believe him. His opponent is the all too worthy Adreian Payne, an experienced, talented, athletic, versatile, kind-hearted, gifted, dangerous forward. (I felt after riding the Randle train for so long, it was about time to give someone else gobs of credit.) In all legitimacy, Payne's gonna be an NBA forward next year, and this match-up will be a good barometer of whether or not he's and NBA starter. If Payne can match up with a force like Julius Randle, and have success, he's gonna be successful at the next level. Similarly, Payne will be Randle's first true collegiate test. No offense to the guys over at Northern Kentucky, but a game featuring competent and able posts should be a much better match up in terms of progression.

It, feels like one of those nights, to dress up like Zebra's...

DUKE vs. KANSAS

Jabari Parker vs. Andrew Wiggins

   This is the one. This is LeBron/Durant, Ali/Frazier. This America vs. The Soviet Union, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Chicago style pizza versus New York, and I am prone to hyperbole. These juggernauts have seen each other before, they've played in the Jordan Classic, the McDonald's All-American game, and camp after camp after camp, but never have they met on such a stage, wearing jerseys that bare history, representing not just fan-bases but cults dedicated to their success. The stage is set for a game of epic proportions, soon enough we will know which fighter wins round one.

This has been the first of many analyses that will be posted pertaining to weekly basketball match-ups. I hope you've enjoyed our return to the internet, thanks! 

Back in Black

WELCOME TO SEASON TWO

The Stories better, the writing crisper, the grind harder.

    Welcome back to the Baseline Drive! If you're new to the site, welcome to a page of regularly updated, insightful, and unique basketball analysis with a unique point of view and alternative style. If you've stumbled across the Drive before, welcome to the remix. Back from a lengthy hiatus, Baseline Drive will seek to grow in size and create a community of fans and players who live the game. All that said, I'm pumped for both the recently started basketball seasons as well as our online season as well! Stay tuned for a different type of analysis and an intense passion for the game.

Young America

   As

                        As we speak, basketball gurus Mike Kryzewski and Jerry Coangelo are sorting through another fantastic batch of young American talent. Only seven years ago, very few elite American basketball players saw the value of representing their country internationally, and the results were indicative of it. Players like Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson were carelessly told to play with each other at the last minute with the assumption any old American talent could simply run the world's table. Several disturbing losses later, the state of American basketball was in shambles. America renovated the roster and system and replaced incompetent and uncaring coaches and players with true patriots. The brass of Kryzewski and Coangelo as well as others teamed with an embarrassed group of young players with a desire to recapture America's former dominance. Six years and four gold metals later, (2 Olympic, 1 world, 1 Americas') America has yet to even lose a game under the current regime, and doesn't appear to have any desire to slow down. With the young talent influx both already in the league and yet to be drafted, the U.S. is poised to run the tables for the foreseeable future. Looking short term though, the 2014 FIBA roster could be loaded with all star talent, just as hungry for gold as the redeem team.

THE PROBABLY GROUP

Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Derrick Rose, Kevin Love

           The simplest situation here belongs to Derrick Rose. Recovering from his ACL injury, if Rose keeps his knee safe and has a successful year, he will represent the U.S. in Spain. Barring any need for additional treatment, Rose should contribute as a solid combo guard, and an uber athlete that will give opposing players fits. Carmelo, Kevin, and LeBron are far more complicated. Both players will have the opportunity to become free agents. USA Basketball is a summer long occupation, and the process of signing or re-signing can hinder that occupation. In 2012, Blake Griffin reached a deal with the Clippers and re-signed while at USA's basketball camp via iPad. (Technology is so freaking cool!) In 2010, James missed the world championships in part due to his free agency. If both players manage their business well and on time, expect both players to report to camp.

"NOTHING SHORT OF ALIEN ABDUCTION WILL STOP ME" GROUP

Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul

         It's well documented how much Durant, Westbrook, and Harden love basketball. I am convinced the three without hesitation would pay to play NBA basketball rather than receive a salary if they so had to. Chris Paul is a fierce competitor with a love for America's program; we can only assume he will return. Finally, Blake Griffin, who missed the 2012 Olympics due to injury, is sure to try to redeem himself.

THE "I'LL TRY BUT I'M TOTALLY NOT A LOCK" GROUP

Andre Iguodala, Deron Williams, Tyson Chandler, Anthony Davis, Rudy Gay, Eric Gordon

         These guys were all on the final list of fifteen players to go to London in 2012, and all but two made it. Unfortunately for all of these players, the level of competition representing the U.S. is increasing every year, so none of these players are guaranteed, or frankly, even likely to receive spots. Given their histories with U.S. basketball, I'd be surprised if they simply called it quits based on their odds of playing.

THE FUTURE IS NOW GROUP

Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, Paul George, John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Jrue Holliday, Bradley Beal, Damian Lilliard, Kawhi Leonard, Kemba Walker, Greg Monroe, Iman Shumpert

            Let me introduce you to the most unfair U24 team in basketball history. Granted, there are one bagillion point guards vying for spots in the future, but all of them are all-star level talents, and any of them give America a huge backcourt boost. Few of them are likely to make the roster, but the depth of America's core will be unquestioned.

THE FUTURE IS PROBABLY STILL THE FUTURE GROUP

Andre Drummond, Gordon Heyward, Doug McDermott, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, Jabari Parker, Marcus Smart, Derrick Favors

            These guys all have promising careers ahead of them, but the current level of talent is simply too good for them to crack the roster. This is a pretty dominant select team though.

 

DWIGHT

Dwight Howard

            Who knows what he'll do? If he does decide to play America will welcome his return, but Dwight is simply too unpredictable to map.

BEST CASE SCENARIO ROSTER

            This roster may only occur if everything that can possibly go right does. Here, the United States avoid all injuries and Dwight Howard matures ten years under Kevin McHale and Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston.

C- Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin

PF- Kevin Durant, Kevin Love

SF- LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George

SG- Derrick Rose, James Harden

PG- Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving

            Obviously this requires some interpretation, and based on your own beliefs you may prefer one player to another, but this given roster is what every American basketball fan may hope for this year.

EACH GUY'S REPLACEMENT

Dwight Howard- DeMarcus Cousins

(Because volatile centers are a must)

Blake Griffin/ Kevin Love- Anthony Davis

(de ja vu)

Kevin Durant/ Carmelo Anthony/ Paul George- Kawhi Leonard

(Coach K loves Kawhi)

 LeBron James- Kevin Durant

(Durant is the only player in the world worthy to fill James' role)

Derrick Rose/ Russell Westbrook- John Wall

(Athletic combo guards aren't exactly a rarity in America anymore)

James Harden/ Kyrie Irving- Stephen Curry

(Shooters will great ball control are useful in FIBA play)

Chris Paul- Deron Williams

(USA veteran has been there before)

            America is ready to defend its gold, thanks in large part to the next generation of athlete's great patriotism and pride for their country. 2014 will be a great success; the only question left is which soldiers will make the squad?



Superb Sophomore's: The NBA's Best Second Year Guys

            Not every rookie to join the NBA experiences his breakthrough year right away. Often players who are drafted for their upside require a few years to realize their potential, at other times the young bloods may be held back by a clustered depth chart. Some situations are simply too poor to help young players to develop, while other franchises introduce a winning culture and offer them a chance to succeed at the highest level. For instance, Kawhi Leonard was a young talent, a ball of energy with lots of athleticism. The knock on Leonard was that he had little to no developed offensive game, two years later, Kawhi is a reliable three point shooter who can create his own shot, as well as the face of the famed "3 and D" group of wing players. If Kawhi Leonard had ended up in say, Charlotte, or perhaps, Sacramento, would he be the same player? I doubt it. Some rookies need a change of scenery, new staff, bigger role, or simply another year to turn into that player their capable of becoming. The five players listed all struggled to varied degrees last year, but are all very capable of having successful sophomore campaigns.

5. John Jenkins  

            Jenkins wasn't particularly bad in his debut season, but the second year player from Vanderbilt received inconsistent playing time from then Coach Larry Drew, and didn't live up to the potential that he could have. John shot 45% from the field last season, and a solid 38% from 3, suggesting that the prolific Commodore shooter could develop into a marksman at the next level. Given more court time to develop his game, Jenkins could morph into a solid NBA role player.

4. Patrick Beverly

            Beverly absolutely didn't struggle in his first real season in the NBA. A second round pick from Arkansas in 2009, Beverly bounced around Europe and the D-League before finally landing a spot with Houston, he would not disappoint. Patrick put up solid shooting percentages, but what really set him apart was his outstanding defense and rebounding given his size. What makes this year so compelling for Beverly is the signing of Dwight Howard. The best way to utilize Howard is to spread the floor with shooters, increasing the space he has to work with in the paint. Current starter Jeremy Lin is much more of a slasher, and doesn't seem to fit with the ideal system Coach Kevin McHale will want to run. Rumors of Lin and Omer Asik trades make Beverly a tantalizing starter, and his ability to defend at a high level could be key in an improving Rockets defense.

3. Thomas Robinson

            Unfortunately, Thomas found himself in the black hole of NBA potential. Sacramento has the sheer inability to develop players with upside. Former King Tyreke Evans managed to actually get worse over the course of his four seasons, and DeMarcus Cousins may never turn into the beast so many people thought he could become. Robinson was quickly moved after no consistent playing time to Houston, who also failed to realize his value as an asset. Currently residing in Portland, it seems for now that Robinson has landed in a stable place where he may grow and mature as a player behind all-star LaMarcus Aldridge. Robinson has explosive athleticism and a high motor; it would be shocking if he failed to develop into a stud post player.

2. Andre Drummond

           Andre Drummond is freaking big. At 6'10'' 270, Drummond has unparalleled athleticism given his size. Perhaps the most athletically dominant and imposing force in the league today, Drummond has been held back mainly by his incredible inability to hit free throws at an even poor level. Drummond's free throw shooting is unspeakably awful on a Voldemort level scale. Elementary kids who play in rec leagues who grow up to be salesmen and accountants shoot at the same level as he. Drummond shot 37% from the line last season. To put that in perspective, 65 NBA players shot better percentages from the three point line than Drummond shot from the charity stripe. If Andre can iron out this major flaw, he will be dominant. One threat to his development could be the arrival of Rajon Rondo. With Rondo, Drummond may never see the floor. The combined free throw shooting of Rondo, Drummond, and Josh Smith could single handedly topple an otherwise solid Pistons team. Time will tell if Drummond can fix his shooting stroke in time to establish a great career.

1. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

        The difference between Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Kawhi Leonard is like the difference between an assault rifle that is loaded compared to a similar assault rifle that is not loaded. Both are beautiful pieces of machinery, but only one can shoot. Clearly I am a master of comparisons. In all legitimacy, the one thing holding Kidd-Gilchrist back from becoming an impact player is his shooting ability. Michael was wretched from everywhere that wasn’t within arms reach of the rim last year, and without a formidable shooting stroke, opponents had the ability to sag into the paint to disallow him from using his greatest strength. The Bobcats have signed all time great shooter Mark Price to sure up MKG's shooting stroke, an improvement which would turn Gilchrist into one of the league's premier small forwards. Michael Kidd Gilchrist headlines a list of players hoping to break out, but like the rest of them, time will determine whether or not he is deserving of his potential.

The Great Reckoning: The 2014 Draft

In 2003, the NBA was introduced to an incredible mix of athletes and superstars that would guide the league for years to come. Since this draft, four of the top five picks have blossomed into world champions as well as global icons, and several other lesser regarded players made names for themselves as well. Players like Kirk Hinrich, Chris Kaman, Boris Diaw, and David West represent only a portion of the influential role players inducted into the association in 2003. Every draft class since then has had to face the daunting and unfair comparison to that immortal group. Does it have the star power? How deep is this draft? How many Darko Milicic's do we see in this first round? No draft to date has compared. The 2007 Draft had some stars; Kevin Durant, Al Horford, and Joakim Noah turned out nicely, but while Domonic McGuire was finding a home in 2007, with the same forty-seventh selection in 2003 Mo Williams was impacting a franchise. The 2011 draft featured many contributors who are guaranteed to have successful careers, but let's not be daft; Kyrie Irving is the only brand name player coming out of this year. That said, the 2003 draft was fairly solid. It would be a fair assumption to guess a draft quite like it would appear once in a lifetime, or at least a basketball era. Yet here we stand, on the precipice of potentially the most influential draft in a decade. Future superstars are chomping at the bit to steal the limelight, and this group is entirely capable of reshaping the landscape of basketball.

 I am the NBA's reckoning, Mr. James.

Chad Ford, ESPN's resident draft guru, because you know, they couldn't sign me, suggests that this year's top eight or so players may have all-star level potential. An extremely bold statement, but also one with much support deserves recognition. While most players on this draft board break the mold of typical NBA players, I've attempted to map out the careers of these players by comparing them to their NBA avatars. Some predictions are brash, some are unfairly lofty, but all may be reached given the proper development.

10. Glenn Robinson III

 

`           Glenn Robinson III was the most overqualified fourth-best-player-on-his-team in college basketball last year. This stunning vortex of athleticism has the athleticism, work ethic, and heritage to succeed. Robinson is great at nothing, good at everything, and bad at nothing. With time, Robinson could convert some of his unbridled athleticism into defensive stoppage. At this moment, Robinson is one of the most electric open court players in the world, college or otherwise. With development under a competent Michigan staff and an NBA dad, Glenn figures one day be an Andre Iguodala type player. Robinson possesses much upside with little chance to fail.

9. Dario Saric

 

            In case you don’t eat, sleep, and breathe basketball like I do, you are unaware that Dario Saric recently led the U19 basketball world championship in scoring, rebounding, and assisting. Dario is 6'10'', possesses some point forward type qualities, and is reminiscent of Hedu Turkoglu. Saric is an excellent shooter with NBA range and is from all accounts a pretty good kid. The only negative derived from his game is how prone he is to turning the ball over, a product that may simply be the factor of having the ball in his hands way more than he is interested in or capable of. Saric has top ten potential, and should be a much improved version of Hedu Turkoglu at the next level. If that sounds as awful as it feels to type, try to remember that once upon a time, Hedu was good at basketball.

8. Andrew Harrison

 

            Andrew Harrison is a player prepared to defy the current point guard regime currently residing atop the NBA pedestal. Quick, athletic point guards dominate the league, and Andrew Harrison is both of those things. Oh, and he's built like a tight end. Across the board, point guards top out at around the size of 6'4'', with a weight of roughly 195, this being the general maximum. Harrison is a match-up nightmare who revels in defending his position. At 6'5'' 210, who in the league will be able to defend this kid? The reason big point guards are rare in the NBA is because they lack the lateral quickness to handle the much more popular speedy and agile guard. Small quick guards will struggle with his size, and bigger guards are typically too slow to match him. The extra size also opens up Harrison's vision for finding passing lanes. Perhaps the comparison is extreme, but Harrison has the potential to enjoy a Gary Payton like career, or if he so chooses, Tony Gonzalez.

7. Gary Harris

 

            Tom Izzo recruits toughness. The Spartans demand to live up to their moniker every time they step on the court, and Gary Harris epitomizes what it means to be a Michigan State basketball player. At 6'4'', Harris plays solid fundamental defense and boasts above average athleticism. He uses both his ability and toughness to subsidize for any issues he might have matching up against taller shooting guards. Gary shot over 41% from three this past season, making him a threat from all over the court. Harris is about as can't miss as a prospect can be given his work ethic, and was heralded as a top 5 pick in the 2013 draft before he opted to return to college. Harris reminds me of a contemporary Joe Dumars, or for a more recent comparison, a less athletic but headier Victor Oladipo.

6. Aaron Gordon

            Aaron Gordon has drawn many comparisons to Blake Griffin, and not only because of his similar bi-racial complexion. Gordon jumps out of the gym, his vertical may actually surpass Blake's, helping to compensate for his lesser size. At roughly 6'8'', Gordon figures to be a small forward at the professional level, which means he will need to greatly improve his shooting and ball-handling capabilities. The MVP of the U-19 tournament in Prague led America in both scoring and rebounding, two things he is guaranteed to provide in the association.

5. Willie Cauley-Stein

            After Nerlens Noel's season ending ACL injury, Willie Cauley-Stein was the one object preventing Kentucky from sucking even worse than it did. Willie preformed admirably for the Wildcats a season ago and will look to provide leadership for this year's highly touted Kentucky squad in the post. Cauley-Stein can absolutely elevate. His vertical is surpassed in this draft class by only Aaron Gordon and Andrew Wiggins, and at 7'0'', he's a shot-blocking dynamo. Willie is still a youngling in the art of basketball, and his decision to return to Lexington to master the post and hone his instincts was an excellent one. With so many unknowns in his path, Cauley-Stein could have a career similar to Javale McGee's, or reach as high as Dikembe Mutombo.

4. Marcus Smart

 

            The first thing you will notice is that Mr. Smart is physically terrifying. At 6'4'' 225, Smart is a massive point guard built like Dwyane Wade. The comparison ends there however, as Smart is likely to play point guard in the NBA, his creativity passing and incredible feel for the game are evident when you watch him play. Smart is the fiercest competitor in this draft, and defends both backcourt positions with the ferocity of a Bengal tiger who has been poked one too many times. This is very important, as Smart possesses only above average athleticism. Other critiques include Smart's inability to shoot consistent jump shots, making shooting guard a poor position for him. Holding him back from truly converting to the point guard position is his lack of ball security; Smart turns the ball over more than an elite point guard should. Despite these shortcomings, Smart is the one player in this draft who I would select to go into battle with me. His NBA likeness may be found somewhere between Doc Rivers and James Harden, and will be a valuable asset to any team with a desire to win.

3. Julius Randle

            See, this is why this is supposed to be the best draft class in over a decade. The book on Julius Randle is as follows: fantastic kid with a fantastic work ethic; loves basketball. All of these guys are unlike so many newly knighted NBA players. These kids just love to play, and Randle is no exception. His high character combined with phenomenal athleticism would make him a top ten pick alone, but Randle complements his athleticism with an incredible degree of skill given his age. Julius has the ability to shoot out to the three point line, and has a decimating post game. A post game! A player entering the NBA with a post game! That's so novel! Randle has the potential to rise to a Karl Malone type level, and will at the minimum be of the Chris Webber mold. And he looks so happy!

2. Jabari Parker

 

            Ready for this? Jabari Parker is a, you guessed it! High character kid with a tremendous motor. Shocker right? What is surprising however is that Parker is actually one of only 10,000 black Mormons in the United States. Parker was kind enough to consider BYU when selecting colleges before eventually selecting Duke. Jabari plays the game with an incredible degree of intelligence, and is able to score in every feasible way. Parker can post up, shoot, drive, run, and crash the boards with a high degree of success. Parker was the LeBron James of this class before it was cool and Andrew Wiggins snatched the mantle. It's just as well, Parker plays in the fashion of Carmelo Anthony, if Carmelo cared at all about things that weren't scoring. Parker's athleticism is underrated, and at a higher level than that of Anthony. Off the court, I'm nobody to judge Carmelo's character or who he is as a person, but Parker is much more hands free. A gym rat, Parker is basically guaranteed to be a perennial all star, and should live a bountiful career.

1. Andrew Wiggins

 

            Aside from owning the record for all-time pictures on this website, Wiggins has established a few accomplishments for himself. Everything you've heard about him is true; with the exception of the rumor he is a shape shifting griffin, which is still unconfirmed. At the LeBron James skills camp, Wiggins OUTJUMPED THE MEASURING SYSTEM. Andrew is virtually unblockable, and has more vertical athleticism than any player we've ever seen…ever. Wiggins jumps higher than Michael, and higher than LeBron. That said, Wiggins does not have the all around ability of either of those legends. He isn't as strong as LeBron; he isn't as crafty as Michael. He can't pass like James, nor can he close like Jordan. Sure all of these traits may be learned, but it's extremely unrealistic to think that any player may just acquire the ability to play at the level of either of the two stars. What truly haunts Wiggins in terms of limiting his potential is at times, Wiggins grows complacent, and is reported to lack the work ethic of a Jabari Parker or Julius Randle. He may be hailed as the next LeBron, but a more realistic comparison is somewhere between Bron' and Scottie Pippen. Wiggins can be the best player in this draft; all he has to do is apply himself.

New World Order: The Future of Basketball

   In honor of Independence Day, I opted to write today's column about international basketball, because I'm so very patriotic. In my head, the idea seemed sound, I could write about the impact American basketball is having on today's international sports landscape, and relish in America's past dominance and hopefully it's future. Sarcasm aside, I do love America, and in this column we shall examine how the United States managed to globalize a domestic game and how it plans to expand into the future.

   Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker, and Dirk Nowitzki are all global icons and ambassadors for the sport of basketball. All three men are past champions, all-stars, as well as future hall of famers. These three international heroes all fell in love with a foreign game when the Dream Team arrived in Barcelona. The United States squad arrived with the admiration of the press and the aspirations of Americans, and immediately became rock stars in Spain. Basketball had never looked so cool, so fun, or so possible. A world dominated by international football would experience a torrent in the form of basketball stealing headlines and popularity. True, even to this day soccer rules the international athletic landscape, but basketball has never been as prominent as it is today, and much of that is owed to the Dream Team.

Oh good...the only fat one is an American

   How cool was that! There are kids today in China, Nigeria, Lithuania, Argentina and even England who dream of being like Mike, not Messi. And Ronaldo is pretty cool, but he can't fly like LeBron James. Sure it's the beautiful game, but have you ever seen Chris Paul dribble? All of a sudden, countries around the world adopted basketball into their own cultures. Here's a pretty incredible list of countries who love basketball, and where they rank, courtesy of www.mostpopularsports.net

Countries where Basketball is King  

Argentina- Believe it or not, there are more sports websites dedicated to basketball than to soccer in Argentina. This being the country responsible for producing the current best soccer player alive.

China- Basketball got so popular at the 2008 Beijing Olympics that basketball in China experienced a meteoric rise in terms of being an active and spectator sport. The CBA is now one of the most popular basketball league's around the globe.

France- I honestly didn't believe this, but it's the same story as Argentina. The number of Frenchmen in the NBA increases by the year.

Lithuania

The Phillipines

   Basketball also ranks second in Canada, Germany, Greece, and Japan. Each of these countries has sent players to the NBA, and each of them represents a growing international demographic for the NBA.

   Here's the scoop on David Stern, Stern might be the most successful league Commissioner in the history of American sports. David rescued the NBA from a potentially fatal cocaine spell that destroyed the reputation of the league and renovated the association into a totally marketable and exciting league. It's been no secret that Stern always hoped to turn the NBA into a global phenomenon, and thanks to incredible marketing and loads of superstar talent, it has. Part of the reason China has embraced not only the sport of basketball but specifically the NBA brand is because of the incredible job the association did in marketing superstars overseas. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are legends in China, as well as across the globe. Programs like Basketball Without Borders has spread the game into corners of Africa and Asia, as well as improved the NBA's handle in Europe. Basketball wouldn't be the game it is today without David Stern at the helm of the ship and the future of global sports will have him to thank long after he is gone.

   As far as future competitors go, it stands to reason that as the world learns to love Basketball it will improve, and while America may always stand atop the heap in terms of both popularity and international success, other countries will begin to rise to at the very least, challenge the United States. Canada has a ridiculous amount of NBA prospects currently in the league, and in American colleges and high schools. Soon, Canada will probably move into the discussion for International elite status, an idea that used to be no more than a joke after Steve Nash announced he would retire from Canadian basketball. Countries that love basketball in the way China, Lithuania, France, Nigeria, and Spain do are bound to breed superstars to attempt to match the success of America. As the game grows internationally, basketball will improve. While soccer may always rule the world, basketball will always lurk about to challenge soccer for its popularity. A sport that is rapidly growing global is teaching giving youth in other countries something to work for and to be excited about. For that, America should be proud. Happy Independence Day.

A Really Early Look at the 2013 College Basketball Season

   The 2013 season has more promise of excitement than any season in recent memory. The number of great teams set to take the stage exceeds perhaps the last three years combined. Superstars return from all over the country, and a new breed of big names enters the college plaza. Great rivalries are renewed, conferences are realigned, and the return of great basketball promises us much excitement and drama. Given the potential of next years possibly historic season, I feel that an early look into next year's gauntlet is merited.

   THE TEAMS

   Bluegrass State

   John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats boast yet another top flight recruiting class, this one perhaps, being the most remarkable in recent memory. The 2013 class reminds analysists of the Fab 5 from Michigan. The number of top rated players and five star athletes in unparalled by anything college sports has ever seen, and with the top rated point guard, shooting guard, power forward, and several other blue chip prospects, Kentucky has once again claimed most people's preseason top 25's. The level of talent present in Lexington will be like someone simply swapped some Kentucky jerseys with the given Jordan Brand Classic ones. All of this pageantry and yet, the returning national champion stands firm with a large portion of last year's title team in tact. Scorer extraordinaire Russ Smith returns, as does sharpshooter and Final Four MVP Luke Hancock. The only contributors lost are Gorgui Dieng and Peyton Siva, who can be replaced by Montrezl Harrell and Kevin Ware respectively. The Cardinals also bring in a talented recruiting class, albeit overshadowed by Kentucky's.

I will cringe every time this man jumps this year.

   ACC, SEC of Basketball

   It's sad to see a great conference like the Big East die, but through that death, we find hope. Not to dramatize or over react to a basketball conference meltdown, but the promise of such a good conference is tantalizing. The idea of a conference championship final four of Duke, North Carolina, Syracuse and Louisville in a few years is stupid good, and that of course is given Notre Dame, North Carolina State, Pittsburg, and Virginia were just eliminated. For this upcoming season, Duke introduces perhaps the second mostly highly touted and respected player coming out of high school since LeBron James, Jabari Parker. Parker is basically Carmelo Anthony if Carmelo didn't hold defense beneath contempt, and with potentially better athleticism. He has a similar basketball IQ to Melo, but a much high real one. Jabari is a model student and leader ready to lead Duke back to the promised land. Along side him will be battle tested point guards Quinn Cook and Tyler Thornton, sophomore phenom Rasheed Sulaimon, and a young but talented frontcourt including Amile Jefferson and the most recent Plumlee, Marshall. North Carolina returns most of its nucleus, and adds a solid recruiting class. Questions about P.J. Hairston will need to be answered this offseason as to avoid an in-season distraction.

I just really want to be friends with that.

   Rock Chalk- This really isn't fair, they need to be bad sometime- Jay Hawk.

   Remember roughly ten inches ago when I called Jabari Parker the second most highly touted guy since LeBron? The only reason he's rated even that lowly is because of this superstar in the making, Andrew Wiggins.

Clearly a born killer.

   Just when Kansas is on the precipice of slipping, just when it appears Rock Chalk might miss their usual high level of success, the best high school player since LeBron joins the program. That's simply ridiculous, and will be the main reason Kansas is likely to make a deep March run once again. Wiggins dunks with his eyes at rim level simply by lazily bouncing, if he applies his talent correctly, and past results suggest he will, Wiggins will be the best player in college basketball this year.

   The fairly decently sized 10.

   Michigan State is going to compete once again. Sparty returns all but Derrick Nix to this year's squad, a large physical hole but a replaceable one. Gary Harris could be the best 2-guard in basketball this year, and Tom Izzo always overachieves. The Wolverines return dominant big Mitch "Michelin Man" McGary, ( a name I coined) and all-around athlete Glen Robinson III. Ohio State will reload and play stifling defense behind Aaron Craft, but will rely on LaQuinton Ross to shoulder the scoring load given the departure of DeShaun Thomas. Indiana won't be up to last year's team, but freshman workhorse Noah Vonley could turn a few heads if he continues to develop. Overall, the Big 10 will lose a step, but should fill the role of second best conference.

  Soon enough we'll dive further into next year's crop of heroes who will compete for a trip to raise rafters, with a specific look at top tier mid-major programs. Thanks for reading!