A LEGEND IS BORN II

[air_edwards23]

how did you get your created team into the Association?

[Fresh8]

I think Prince for Williams & Evans was a good deal for both teams....Hawks want to contend in East now, & Prince brings defence & versatility as starting SF....it costs Hawks some depth though....I like it more for Pistons though, as Marvin as more potential & will turn out to be the better player....also better cap wise for Pistons....

as for the Stuckey deal, yep, the Lakers got a steal in that deal....rest of deals are good & fair though, even if there are too many....I'm luvin' how the Bulls knew Gordon wouldn't resign so they just gifted him to the Heat....probably not a wise move as now Heat have dynamic 6th man

- I loved the Pistons trading for Williams. I thought it was a great trade.

- Lakers ripping off other teams continues in virtual life.

- Yes, Bulls got ripped off by the Heat and the Heat now have Beasley, Marion (15 ppg), Gordon (18 ppg), and Wade (23 ppg)... and they arent doing too bad in the standings. However, I have a feeling Marion isn't going to re-sign next season. He might be coming to Seattle.

how did you get your created team into the Association?
how did you get your created team into the Association?

When you start an association, you have an option to customise the league. Hope that helps! I can't be stuffed to check on it right now sorry. I'm too lazy

NLSC Ballers

I am having NLSC players in this Association.

If you want in; PM me with name, age (usually 19-23 - would be good to have a mix of ages), position, school, height, body type/tone, 5 strengths, 5 weaknesses, brief description of your playing style and perhaps a background story that I can incorporate into this one.

You may add suggestions for signature shot, free throw, dunks, and handles.

I will be making NLSCers as mid-late first rounders so if you are lucky, you may slip into the lottery! I’m yet to decide how many I will include… it will depend on how many people want to be included. Just note that you can’t edit player faces and the what not so you will get whoever I choose for you to look like.

(Note: With the background story, you don't need one but it would be good but I'm quite the brainstormer so if you dont give me a story, I will give you one that is interesting anyways!)

Currently taking applications for the 2009 NBA Draft. Spots are limited. You have until the end of the Dynasty's virtual December (We are at the end of November) to get your application in. Any applications after that will be pushed to 2010, 2011 NBA Drafts and so on.

[The X]

Am I 23 again yet?!?

Btw, you'll see the dodgy mo' growing out & facial hair growth at my sister's engagement party tonight....you'll be luvin' it....I'm a bit like NZ Warriors & some other sporting teams, that I don't shave once I go on study leave until after my exam

[Fresh8]

No, you are not 23 again.

[Fresh8]

Chapter 4

”Oh man.”
Sit picked up the newspaper and there he was with Gary Payton on the back page. There was an article and a picture to boot. Someone had seen the fight in the parking lot and decided to submit a story about it.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
His secretary frowned and watched Sit get out of his seat, “I guess it’s time to quash these rumours hey.”
Sit left to join the press conference announcing the player trade for Brad Miller.

The press conference was supposed to be celebrating the addition of Brad Miller to the Seattle Stealth. A seven footer and two-time All-Star; Miller was expected to bring some veteran leadership to the young Stealth squad. An exceptional ball handling big man who could score and grab boards; Sit had thought he was an intriguing proposition to add to the team. Instead, the press conference was marred by the news of Sit’s injuries being caused by a flurry of kicks and punches from Coach Gary Payton.
“I will reiterate, Gary and I had a confrontation,” Sit boldly told the press, “I will not take this issue any further. It is over and both parties will move on.”
Gary Payton sat at the back of the room smirking.
“This press conference is over,” Sit announced.
As he left, some reporters moved towards the back of the room and surrounded Payton, quizzing him on the situation between Sit and himself.
“As he said, no comment,” Payton stated before leaving.
As he was walking out of the complex, Payton thought to himself, This isn’t over yet.

* * *

Brad Miller’s acquisition began with a blowout loss to the Timberwolves and then a win against the Grizzlies. His play wasn’t anything spectacular but at least it was steady. He was quickly acquainting himself to his new team mates and building a rapport with them. Miller got along well with the younger Kevin Durant, giving him tips on playing in the post. Durant would use his tips in the following game against the Bobcats where he would post a season high 38 points. Durant used his size to post up his smaller defenders before spinning and hitting a jumper or laying it up.
“You played well tonight,” Miller congratulated Durant.
“Thanks,” Durant shyly replied before getting back into the book he was reading on the team bus.
Miller walked past Johan Petro on the way to his seat. Petro looked up and shook his head at Miller. Petro had always been uncertain about how he felt to be on the team. Now he was getting fewer minutes than ever and hated it. Payton was the last to get onto the team bus before it rolled out of the parking lot and headed towards the airport. The team had to get to the next city.
“Great game tonight kid,” Payton sat next to his star player.
“Do I get the green light from now on?” Durant asked.
“If you can score all those buckets, why not,” Payton smiled.
Durant was happy, “Thanks for your faith Coach.”
Payton patted him on the back.

* * *

Ever since that 38 point game; the Stealth had never been more infused with energy. Seattle were on the road for the next two games. The first of them was in Orlando where Hedo Turkoglu and Dwight Howard awaited them. Both players played fine but a poor effort from Rashard Lewis really hurt the home side. Durant led a balanced attack with 19 points as the visiting Stealth won 114-98. Straight afterwards, the team trudged onto the team bus to make their way towards the airport for a chartered flight to Miami. It was the team’s third flight in a span of five days. The team was lethargic in their game against the Heat and despite Durant keeping up his scoring touch with 31 points; Seattle slugged to a 10 point loss.

After a much deserved day’s break, the team gathered in the training room to break down some game footage of the visiting Golden State Warriors.
“Golden State has nothing on us,” Payton briefed his troops, “Go out there and let Maggette get his points. If we let him have the ball, he will shoot his team out of the game.”
The Stealth players gave each other high fives and fist bumps before excitedly exiting the room for the floor. Payton was impressed; never seeing his team so high in morale before. Team chemistry was not high with this squad but over time, that would improve. The attitude was there at least, he thought.

“Our game plan is to let you shoot the lights out,” Durant said to Maggette as the starters lined up on the floor.
Maggette looked bemused and continued jumping up and down on the spot to warm up. Brad Miller and Andris Biedrins contested the tip off with Miller winning it. Westbrook caught the ball and passed it to Durant who immediately drove to the hoop. He was hit by Al Harrington on the way up. The shot fell and Durant went to the line. The fans were going crazy as Durant completed the three point play. The Stealth would stay to their game plan that night allowing Maggette as much freedom as plausible. Maggette wound up with 19 points as his team mates struggled due to lack of touches and open looks. Durant had another brilliant first half and finished the game with 29. However, it was the end result that counted and best summed up in his words, “We got the win baby.”

Spirits were even higher two days later after the Stealth triumphed over the lowly Memphis Grizzlies 105-99. The mood was not dampened despite a blowout loss in Dallas to the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki was unstoppable with 41 points and after taking into account that Jason Kidd chipped in with 23, one would be able to determine how the Mavs won 125-105. And with that, the Stealth travelled to battle another Texan team; the San Antonio Spurs.
“Let’s go out there and prove that we belong,” Payton told his players, “We couldn’t stop Dallas last night so we better play a heck of a lot better.”
The Stealth started off strong and we neck and neck with the home side. Then Jeff Green must have played the best basketball of his life. With only a few minutes left in the second quarter, Green dominated.
“Pass it here!” Green yelled to Westbrook.
The rookie point guard passed the ball to Green who was close to the baseline. Green pump faked and dribbled to his right, burning Bruce Bowen. Green then dunked the ball over Robert Horry and went to the line for one free throw. He hit it and retreated down court to play defence. The Spurs then pushed the ball up the floor and Tony Parker took a three pointer but was blocked by the lanky Durant. Green then got the pass off Durant and had another dunk on the fast break and this time being fouled from behind by Parker. Green made the free throw to bring his tally to six points. Green then intercepted the inbounds pass meant for Manu Ginobili and proceeded to hit a tough lay up in Tim Duncan’s face. Again he was fouled and with this, he hit the free throw and took his tally to nine points.
“I’m on fire man!” Green yelled as he was getting plenty of love from the Stealth bench.
Green then closed out the quarter with a jumper and a lay up at the buzzer. The Seattle bench emptied onto the court as the buzzer sounded. The guys all surrounded Green and celebrated his sudden 13 point burst. The team was leading at half time and did not relinquish it. Green scored a near career-high of 34 points as Seattle sent shockwaves around the league with their drubbing of the Spurs. With their record at 11-14, they were good at the top of the Division. For a team that was not supposed to contend for anything except for lottery odds; Seattle were doing fairly well.

[Fresh8]

Durant’s 38 Leads Stealth Past Bobcats

Preview | Box Score | Recap

3 Dec, 2008

CHARLOTTE (AP) – Kevin Durant scored 28 of his 38 points in the first half and the rest of them in a decisive third quarter to lead his team to a blowout of the Charlotte Bobcats. Durant added 8 assists in the high scoring affair, finding his team mates open on several occasions.

“KD was just awesome tonight,” Russell Westbrook said after the game, “He was hitting jumpers from all over the floor. No one could have stopped him, he was on fire.” Westbrook finished with 15 points and 7 assists while Adam Morrison added 16 of his own points.

Brad Miller showed why the Stealth picked him up in a trade, finishing the game with 10 points and 8 rebounds in limited minutes. He credited his performance to Durant’s presence, “Kevin was finding me in the post for easy buckets.” The big man, who is third in All-Star Voting in the Western Conference, was a major factor in a decisive scoring run in the third period.

The Stealth started the game with a 15-4 run and never relinquished their lead, and during the night the lead would balloon to 24 points. Stealth coach Gary Payton reasoned that it was the result of hard work on the defensive end rather than Seattle’s offensive fluidity. “Defense leads to scoring. Our defense was exceptional tonight. If we had stayed focused, we could have held them below 70 or 65 points.”

Jason Richardson tired his best to keep his team in the game, hitting six triples throughout the course of the game. He had a game high 24 points while Gerald Wallace also chipped in 17 points on 8 for 10 shooting. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, no other player got it going as they slumped to a loss preventing them to go over .500.

Raymond Felton and DJ Augustin both struggled as Westbrook and Earl Watson played aggressive defense on the Bobcat ball handlers. “My guard just couldn’t handle the pressure I guess,” Larry Brown stated, “Russell Westbrook really stepped up tonight. He showed my guys how to really play with some heart.”

Notes: Durant’s points, assists, and steals totals were all season highs… Durant is fifth in All-Star voting amongst Small Forwards… Morrison was greeted by fans of his former team with plenty of boos…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle (Away) 31 – 20 – 28 – 21 – 100
Charlotte (Home) 19 – 24 – 19 – 20 – 82

Jordan Player of the Game

Kevin Durant
38 Points
17-23 FG
2-2 3PT
2-3 FT
3 Rebounds
8 Assists
3 Steals

Key Performers

Seattle (7-12)

A Morrison: 16 pt, 7-10 FG, 2-4 3PT
R Westbrook: 15 pt, 7 ast, 7-9 FG
B Miller: 10 pt, 8 reb, 5-6 FG

Charlotte (8-9)

J Richardson: 24 pt, 9-20 FG, 6-14 3PT
G Wallace: 17 pt, 2 reb, 3 ast, 8-10 FG
M Carroll: 11 pt, 4-6 FG, 3-4 3PT

[Fresh8]

Five Game Recap
Kevin Durant Heats Up, Makes Case For All-Star Team

Current Starting Lineup: C Brad Miller, PF Chris Wilcox, SF Adam Morrison, F/G Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook

Team Record: 10-14
Division Rank: 2nd
Conference Rank: Tied 9th
Team Chemistry: 30%

This wasn’t a very tough five game stretch with all five of the teams being fairly mediocre with the exception of the Orlando Magic. Every game was winnable but the fatigue from travelling took its toll on the Stealth players. The team wound up going 3-2 with a surprising win against the Magic and then W’s against the mediocre Warriors and terrible Grizzlies.

Kevin Durant made more noise with outings of 19, 31, 29, 28, and 34 points. His case for a starting spot on the Western Conference All-Star team was thus strengthened over this period and reflected with his rise in the All-Star voting. Brad Miller is surprisingly ranking third amongst centers in voting. His addition to the Stealth has been positive though as Seattle has gone 5-3 since adding him.

- - -

Game Recaps On-The-Fly

Seattle Show Some Magic In Surprise Win Against Orlando
Poor nights from Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson cost Orlando game

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Dec 5, 2008

Seattle Stealth at Orlando Magic: 114-98

Key Performers

Seattle

K Durant 19 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast, 7-16 FG, 1-5 3PT, 4-4 FT
A Morrison 17 pt, 3 reb, 5-10 FG, 1-1 3PT, 8-8 FT
R Westbrook 15 pt, 6 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 6-7 FG
B Miller 15 pt, 12 reb, 8 ast, 5-9 FG

Orlando

H Turkoglu 21 pt, 4 reb, 9-16 FG, 3-4 3PT
D Howard 15 pt, 13 reb, 3-10 FG, 9-15 FT
R Lewis 10 pt, 3 reb, 3 ast, 4-6 FG, 2-5 3PT
J Nelson 10 pt, 5 ast, 2-7 FG, 0-3 3PT, 6-7 FT

Miami Pull Away From Spirited Stealth Effort
Back-to-back away games too much for young Seattle squad

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Dec 6, 2008

Seattle Stealth at Miami Heat: 100-110

Key Performers

Seattle

K Durant 31 pt, 4 reb, 10-23 FG, 3-5 3PT, 8-10 FT
J Green 12 pt, 3 reb, 4-7 FG
A Morrison 12 pt, 4 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 3-9 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-6 FT

Miami

B Gordon 21 pt, 2 reb, 5 ast, 8-14 FG, 5-8 3PT
D Wade 20 pt, 8 ast, 6 TO, 7-11 FG
M Beasley 17 pt, 4 reb, 8-11 FG

Durant’s 29 Leads Seattle To Victory
Golden State unable to handle pace of the Stealth

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Dec 8, 2008

Golden State Warriors at Seattle Stealth: 98-117

Key Performers

Golden State

C Maggette 19 pt, 2 reb, 7 ast, 3 stl, 9-19 FG, 0-4 3PT, 1-2 FT
A Harrington 13 pt, 8 reb, 6-13 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-1 FT
K Azubuike 13 pt, 2 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 5-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-2 FT

Seattle

K Durant 29 pt, 6 reb, 4 ast, 3 stl, 10-18 FG, 1-3 3PT, 8-10 FT
R Westbrook 23 pt, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl, 8-14 FG, 1-1 3PT, 6-6 FT
J Green 15 pt, 2 reb, 4-7 FG, 1-1 3PT, 6-6 FT
B Miller 13 pt, 10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl, 6-11 FG, 1-1 FT

Memphis’ Late Comeback Not Enough To Beat Seattle
Grizzlies give Stealth a fright; Durant deadly down the stretch

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Dec 10, 2008

Memphis Grizzlies at Seattle Stealth: 99-105

Key Performers

Memphis

R Gay 19 pt, 8-17 FG, 1-8 3PT, 2-3 FT
M Conley 16 pt, 5 reb, 13 ast, 6-11 FG, 1-1 3PT, 3-4 FT
OJ Mayo 15 pt, 8 reb, 5 ast, 6-13 FG, 3-8 3PT

Seattle

K Durant 28 pt, 7 reb, 8-18 FG, 2-2 3PT, 10-10 FT
D Miles 14 pt, 2 stl, 1 blk, 7-10 FG
R Westbrook 14 pt, 3 ast, 4-8 FG, 6-6 FT
D Wilkins 13 pt, 5-5 FG, 3-3 3PT

Kidd, Nowitzki Too Much For Seattle
Mavericks deliver a blowout against Stealth

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Date: Dec 13, 2008

Seattle Stealth at Dallas Mavericks: 105-125

Key Performers

Seattle

K Durant 34 pt, 5 reb, 4 ast, 13-24 FG, 3-6 3PT, 5-7 FT
E Watson 10 pt, 7 ast, 2 stl, 4-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-1 FT
R Westbrook 10 pt, 4-11 FG, 2-3 3PT
B Miller 10 pt, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3-6 FG

Dallas

D Nowitzki 41 pt, 14 reb, 6 ast, 14-22 FG, 3-4 3PT, 10-12 FT
J Kidd 23 pt, 6 reb, 9 ast, 3 ast, 7-11 FG, 4-5 3PT, 5-6 FT
J Howard 16 pt, 5 reb, 4-11 FG, 1-4 3PT, 7-9 FT

[Fresh8]

Jeff Green Secures Huge Win For Stealth

Preview | Box Score | Recap


Jeff Green dribbles past Tony Parker for the bucket

14 Dec, 2008

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Jeff Green had a chance to reach a new career high but passed up that chance by throwing the ball into DJ White with 10 seconds left in their match against the San Antonio Spurs. White scored the bucket to put the away side up by 32 points against the perennial championship contenders but a score from Green would have helped the second year player beat his career high of 35 points.

Green went on an amazing tear in the second quarter. With the Spurs threatening to close the gap against Seattle; Green connected on three consecutive three point plays and two jumpers to score 13 points in a span of two minutes. “That was amazing,” Tony Parker spoke of the opposing swingman, “To have someone come off the bench and do that was huge for Seattle. It doesn’t happen every night.” Parker went on his own scoring run in the last quarter, scoring 10 points on two treys and two layups in the opening minutes of that period. However, his efforts were futile as Green was on fire.

Green finished the match with 34 points, relieving team mate and captain Kevin Durant the role of leading the team with another large scoring effort. Durant joked, “I hope Jeff does this more often. It means I don’t need to tire myself out so much.” Durant finished the match with a respectable 21 point effort on efficient 8 for 10 shooting from the field.

The Stealth also received 12 points apiece from Earl Watson, Adam Morrison, and Darius Miles. After a blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks on the previous night, Head Coach Gary Payton was impressed with his team’s effort, “I told them before the game that we needed to prove that we belong. Tonight, we didn’t play half bad.”

The Stealth didn’t win due to their offence though, it was their defense. Although Parker scored 27 and Manu Ginobili added 20; Tim Duncan’s touches of the basketball were limited and that resulted in the big man reaching a total of just 8 points for the night. The rest of the Spurs players looked lost on the court as Seattle’s full court press got the better of the home team.

Gregg Popovich was not impressed, “We’ve played together for so long and you would think that we would know how to break a press by now. But I would warn them (Seattle) not to get too excited. It’s only one win in a long season and I am predicting that by the time the season is over, they will be back in their rightful position.”

Notes: Seattle moved into first place of their division and if the season ended today, they would a surprising addition in the playoffs. Many expected them to be stuck at the bottom of the Western Conference standings for the full season… Ginobili injured his troublesome ankle in the second quarter but shrugged off the injury to continue in the second half… Seattle won every quarter of this match by at least 5 points… Stealth SF Morrison had a surprising block against Ginobili at which the Argentinean commented after the game, “I didn’t know he was that quick!”…

Quarter-by-Quarter Team Score

Seattle (Away) 25 – 32 – 21 – 31 – 109
San Antonio (Home) 20 – 22 – 16 – 19 – 77

Jordan Player of the Game

Jeff Green
34 Points
14-17 FG
6-6 FT
4 Rebounds
3 Assists
2 Blocks
3 Steals

Key Performers

Seattle (11-14)

K Durant: 21 pt, 3 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk, 8-10 FG
A Morrison: 12 pt, 3 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk
E Watson: 12 pt, 2 reb, 2 ast
D Miles: 12 pt, 6-6 FG

San Anotino (12-11)

T Parker: 27 pt, 7 ast, 11-20 FG, 4-8 3PT
M Ginobili: 20 pt, 9-16 FG, 1-5 3PT
T Duncan: 8 pt, 4 ast, 4 blk, 4-9 FG

[The X]

Might be a generic uniform, but still a lot better than the Thunder's current one

can't believe you are top of quite a tough division with an 11-14 record

[StupidBoy]

Yeah, I agree with The X, those jerseys look much better to me than Thunder's jersey
And wow, you actually beated the Spurs and the Magic Watch out, league, Seattle woke up again.
Btw, what are the FG% of Durant and Green?
Take care, stay Fresh

[Fresh8]

can't believe you are top of quite a tough division with an 11-14 record

Me too actually. I'm shocked... This is not what I planned. I wanted a lottery pick!

And wow, you actually beated the Spurs and the Magic Watch out, league, Seattle woke up again.
Btw, what are the FG% of Durant and Green?

Spurs aren't doing good but Magic are. And I will check FG% of Green and Durant... I think both close to .500.

[Lamrock]

This continues to blow all other associations out of the water. Though I don't post much on here these days, I am still following.

[Fresh8]

This continues to blow all other associations out of the water. Though I don't post much on here these days, I am still following.

Thanks man. Glad you dropped by!

[Fresh8]

Deleted

[Skills]

I cannot believe I haven't commented on this yet. You're Carlton-dancing all over the other associations. Sucks to see I'm the 2010 class though. Meh, at least I made it in. Keep this shit up.

[Fresh8]

Don't worry skillmatic as I think the seasons will go quickly.

I would have done an update tonight but our LCD TV died on us after just two months and Sony won't come fix it for another week. In the meantime, when I have some spare time (ie. Monday), I will bring the 360 upstairs and try and play it on my normal tv.

[The X]

damn, unlucky about LCD....I've had mine 2 & 1/2 years & had no problems at all....guess it's just random luck....

nice draft update....still don't understand how a 27 year old can be in draft though....my understanding is that players become automatically draft eligible once they finish their 4 year college eligibility or in the year they turn 22 (if they are international player)....once I get paid to play in Europe & Breakers, I lose my amateur status....anyways, enough technical talk, I'll let you away with that one mere oversight

[Fresh8]

I browsed on forums and seen that people have had similar problems with their tvs... all they need is to get their HD tuner replaced... however, I'm still angry as we are without LCD for another week! And the 360 wont work on our older tvs... what a bitch!

Also, I already knew you couldn't be in the Draft but didn't know what other way to get you in. We will just have to pretend that it's ok.

[homicide1550]

Wow.. Surprised to see you on top of your division... Anyways, amazing write-ups! Keep it up, we are all following...

[StupidBoy]

Wow, great article
I can't wait for an article about Europeans
Take care, stay Fresh

[The X]

Ahh well, at least I'm not as old a rookie as Sabonis or Garrett

just hitting my prime for entry into NBA

[Fresh8]

Mark Moore Announces Aspiration To Make NBA

15 Dec, 2008

ARIZONA (AP) – Arizona Wildcat Mark Moore, has announced his interest in declaring for the 2009 NBA Draft. If picked up by a team, Moore would be following in the footsteps of New Zealand basketball pioneers; Sean Marks and Kirk Penney; becoming just the third New Zealander to ever play in the World’s premier basketball league.

Moore has not started a game for the Wildcats but has still received substantial playing time. He is currently averaging a respectable 12 points along with a team leading 4 assists a game. To put that into perspective, one would need to note that in his Sophomore season for Arizona, Moore averaged 18 points a game.

Coming off the bench this season, the 22 year old Moore has proven to be an excellent slashing scorer due to his height, endurance, and athletic ability. His leadership and sacrifice of playing time in order to help his team win has impressed many scouts and coaches. As one NBA scout recently commented, “His ability to change the game as he steps onto the court is a testament to his talent. His professionalism in accepting his role and doing all that he can do to help the team win is outstanding.” Another scout stated, “Moore is definitely a capable starter and would be a star for the Wildcats but he has chosen to play less minutes so that his team can have a great chance of winning the title.”

A member of the New Zealand National basketball team, Moore was able to spend the last Summer at the Olympic Games in Beijing. The 6’6” swingman was a star for New Zealand, averaging a second best 15 points a game for the ‘Tall Blacks’ in an Olympic Game Qualifying Tournament. Although New Zealand failed to qualify for the Olympics; the team put in a gutsy effort. The highlight of Moore’s tournament was his 32 point game against Greece.

“My (Olympic) experience has really helped my game,” Moore has said, “I learnt a lot from the older players and having played against many professional players, I can take it all back to College with me.” Moore has kept to his word and is currently having success in his Junior year at Arizona. Although he has stamped his authority on the Tall Blacks as a starter, Moore has been content with coming off the bench for his College side. His ability to play all three backcourt positions means that he is a very valuable part of the team.

Moore’s coach Russ Pennell provided him with some glowing praise, “The reason why we are undefeated is not because of our starters but it is because of Mark Moore. Basketball is a team game and Moore is the ultimate team player.” His coach heaped further compliment on his attitude to the team and the sport, “Mark was supposed to be a starter this season. With all of the things he’s been through with his national team, we anticipated that he would be a leader. However, after much thought, we decided that he was a bigger asset to use as a leader of our second unit.” When asked if Moore’s chances of making the NBA would be compromised if he were to continue to start on the bench, Pennell stated, “As long as he is finishing games and having the impact he is having, I don’t believe Mark would be overlooked (to be picked by an NBA team). He is showing just how much of a talent he is by coming in and doing what is best for the team. Players like Mark are a dying breed all around the World.”

Moore remains excited about his chances of playing in the NBA but admitted that taking less minutes had ruined his chances of being a lottery pick, which was always a dream of his. However, the young star has said, “The ends should justify the means. It may be a different and more unique route but if at the end of the day I am able to be a champion in College and still make it into the NBA; I would be stoked.”

[Fresh8]

Former West Virginia Star Attempts ‘Comeback’

15 Dec, 2008

VIRGINIA (AP) – Yesterday, Andrew Watson was working in a small accounting firm trying to make ends meet. Today, he is training to be an NBA rookie.

Watson, a New Zealand native, was the star of the darling West Virginia team that made the 2004 NCAA Elite Eight before being knocked out by eventual champions Connecticut. A two point loss to Emeka Okafor and the Huskies was enough to crush Watson’s dreams of playing professionally. The 6’3” star guard decided to quit playing basketball and focused on becoming an accountant.

Four years on, the now 27 year old has decided to make a big career move. Despite being considerably heavier than his optimal playing weight and having not played in a handful of years, Watson decided to return to West Virginia in order to hit the hardwood. The former star senior has apparently been in great form in Mountaineer training sessions.

One of the West Virginia coaches was impressed with Watson’s form in training, “You can tell that he hasn’t lost much of his game. He may have lost a couple of steps but his scoring touch is back. He’s burning far more athletic and younger guys on a regular basis at the moment.” Watson agreed with those sentiments, “I think that what I have lost in foot speed is made up by my confidence. If I had this confidence, I don’t think I would have ever quit doing this. Basketball is really what I love to do.”

Watson was a brilliant shooter who led the nation in three point shooting in his senior season. He led his team in scoring at a clip of 22 points and was projected to be a late first round pick. Watson had a quiet first three years at West Virginia but describes himself as a late bloomer. He came to everyone’s attention after a superb game against Syracuse in the Sweet Sixteen Stage of the tournament. The Orangemen could not contain the New Zealander who shot his way to a game high 38 points in a narrow 67-65 win. Now though, Watson does not have any hype going for him and having been four years removed from competitive basketball, one cannot see how he could make it.

There was much debate whether Watson would be able to play in the NBA however that has been cleared after it was ruled that since Watson never signed any contract to play for a professional team; he has never waived his amateur status. The fact that he withdrew from the 2004 NBA Draft means that he is eligible for the 2009 one.

Watson is confident though, that he will be able to make it into the league. “I never thought this opportunity would arise for me again,” Watson said, “I have rekindled my passion for the game and I am working hard to get into shape to play in the NBA. I was very close in 2004 and having been there and done that, I know what it will take to get back there.” No matter how much the odds seem to be stacked against him, the resilient ‘Kiwi’ is adamant that there is always a need for a court-savvy shooter for any team. “I’m just the man if you need a couple of baskets,” Watson, who is nicknamed ‘The X’ states, “But I am also very happy to be paid for sitting on the bench. I don’t mind taking the Sean Marks route.”

[Fresh8]

Wow.. Surprised to see you on top of your division... Anyways, amazing write-ups! Keep it up, we are all following...

Thanks man! I am trying to keep this thing going but sometimes it's hard because the forums seem to be dead at the moment... same with my tv

Wow, great article
I can't wait for an article about Europeans

For sure man, there is defintiely more good stuff to come!

Since I didn't plan to be without my LCD for a week, it looks like Draft stories will be posted earlier than I thought I would do it. But at least it keeps you all entertained!

Ahh well, at least I'm not as old a rookie as Sabonis or Garrett

just hitting my prime for entry into NBA

I have edited the story to make it a lil more believeable... what do you think?

[Mandich]

Wow, you really got the thing for writing, great update