Tuesday, July 29, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/29/2014


Text of statement from Heat owner Micky Arison--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Our returning core, led by three-time NBA champions Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, two-time champion and nine-time NBA All-Star Chris Bosh, two-time champions Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole and NBA champion and fan-favorite Chris “Birdman” Andersen have once again shown their commitment to winning by doing what is necessary for the benefit of the team.

Top Flames Moment: Flames Break Program Record with 73-65 Win at Youngstown State--uicflames.com

Milwaukee Home Game Against Wisconsin Set To Air On ESPN2--uwmpanthers.com
Relive The Run To The Sweet 16 On Time Warner Cable Tonight--uwmpanthers.com
No. 2 In The Look Back At The Top Moments In 2013-14--uwmpanthers.com

Detroit's Shearer To Play With USA All-Star Team, Signs Professional Contract In Poland--Horizon League Network

Monday, July 28, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/28/2014

Top Mid-Major Three Point Shooters to Watch in 2014-2015--Mid-Major Madness
Travis Bader, Billy Baron, Karvel Anderson... we lost some potent threats from beyond the three point arc this offseason. With some legendary shooters gone who will step up in there place this season?
...
Anton Wilson, Detroit: Wilson still has two years to refine his game but he became a real threat in the Horizon League last year shooting over 40% from three. Consistency is the key for the junior this year. Last year he had 10 double-digit scoring games but only three of those were in conference play.

Isaiah Manderson visits Cleveland State--Cleveland State Hoops

Shearer To Travel With USA All-Star Team In China, Signs Professional Contract In Poland--detroittitans.com

Two new regular season college hoops events headed to Vegas--CollegeBasketballTalk
The first will be called the MGM Grand Main Event. It features eight teams, will be played on Nov. 24th and 26th, the Monday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week; essentially, it runs concurrently with the Maui Invitational. The Main Event will be a pair of four team tournaments, with the Heavyweight bracket including Auburn, Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Tulsa and the Middleweight bracket featuring Louisiana, Milwaukee, Oral Roberts and a final team that will soon be announced.
Two more big college hoops events to be played in Vegas next season--Eye On College Basketball
The Main Event will feature Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Auburn and Tulsa in a "heavyweight" bracket, and a "middleweight" bracket will pit Louisiana, Milwaukee, Oral Roberts and one more TBD club. Specific pairings for the mini tournament will be announced on Aug. 5, and similar to how the Maui Invitational has games among teams in its bigger field played prior to the ones on the island, these teams will do the same.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/26/2014


Franchise opportunity for Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh--Miami Herald
Beyond the starters and veterans off the bench, which includes former Pacers standout Danny Granger, the Heat will feature a hopeful core of developing players. Point guard Norris Cole, who can’t seem to shake trade rumors, is looking to take the leap from solid backup to starter. Behind Cole is 2014 first-round draft pick Shabazz Napier, who starred for four years at the University of Connecticut. Napier signed his rookie contract with the Heat on Friday evening.
New era begins for Miami Heat--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Norris Cole: At one point, it appeared Cole was poised to grab the starting spot. His third year in the league was full of inconsistency. He has struggled on the perimeter and hasn't become the playmaker the Heat envisioned. Still, Cole will always fit into the Miami system because of strong defensive skills.
Cleveland State offers Detroit Western 2015 G Josh McFolley and East English Village Prep 2014 big man Deitrich Cole commits to Owens CC--News Talk WCHB
Germany's Tim Hasbargen will join Cleveland State basketball team as walk-on--Cleveland State Hoops

McCallum named MVP as Kings beat Rockets in final--Sacramento Bee
Player development matters more than Kings’ summer league title--Sacramento Bee
3. Maybe the Kings will play faster.

There was a lot more movement to the Kings’ offense in summer league. Isolation plays did not dominate halfcourt sets, and the ball moved well for long stretches.

A lot of that had to do with not having a wing player like Rudy Gay or a post presence like DeMarcus Cousins, as the Kings will have in the regular season.

Motion will be key in keeping players like Ray McCallum and McLemore involved in the regular season. Derrick Williams and McCallum also will benefit if the ball and bodies move rather than having players stare at Cousins and Gay when they have the ball.
Live chat replay: With summer league done, what's next for Kings?--Sacramento Bee
12:06


Comment From KINGS FAN
Hi JJ. What was the main take-away out of Kings in summer league? What do we know about the team we didn't know before?
12:08


Jason Jones:
That Ben is better, but still has a ways to go to live up to the hype of what the Kings thought of him when he was drafted. They said he was their No. 1 player overall in 2013 and if that's the case, he needs to be a 15-18 ppg scorer next season. Stauskas will be a contributor, McCallum will be fine, too. Not sure on Derrick Williams yet. He had one good game before leaving summer league. Team still wants a lot from him, and he knows that.
Ray McCallum scores 29, wins NBA Summer League MVP--The Detroit Free Press
Men's Basketball Announces 2014-15 Non-Conference Schedule--detroittitans.com
McCallum Named NBA Summer League Championship Game MVP--detroittitans.com
Happy Birthday Detroit as Men's Basketball Season Ticket Sale is Extended Into Saturday--detroittitans.com

2014-15 Non-Conference Women's Basketball Slate Revealed--detroittitans.com

Top Mid-Major Big Men to Watch in 2014-2015--Mid-Major Madness
Corey Petros, Oakland: Last year Corey Petros was on our watchlist and he didn't disappoint. All of his numbers went up, including assists, and he finished the year averaging 13.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. It'll be interesting to see how he plays in year two of the Horizon League now that he'll be the focal point of the Grizzlies offense with Travis Bader and others gone.
Former Oakland University basketball star Travis Bader preparing to play in French League--MLive.com
NEWS: Oakland University names Jeff Konya as new Director of Athletics--WXOU
OU'S PETROS NAMED TO NABC HONORS COURT--ougrizzlies.com

UIC announces addition of Wagner graduate transfer Jay Harris--CollegeBasketballTalk
Fifth-year transfer Jay Harris chooses UIC--The Catch and Shoot
Transfer student a ‘great resource’ for Flames--UIC News
UIC Basketball Adds Fifth-Year Transfer Jay Harris from Wagner--uicflames.com

Starting Five: Underrated stars to watch in 2014-15--USA Today
5. Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: The Phoenix were the mid-major snub from last season's NCAA tournament after posting a solid résumé that included a win against Virginia. It was a shame because Sykes has the potential to become a breakout star. At 5-11, Sykes makes up for his size with speed and high-flying athleticism. The reigning Horizon League Player of the Year, who averaged 20.3 points and 4.9 assists, will have to make up for the loss of 7-footer Alec Brown.
GB offers scholarship to top Canadian prospect--Phear The Phoenix
Alec Brown will undergo shoulder surgery--Phear The Phoenix
Green Bay Headed to Las Vegas for Holiday Tournament--GreenBayPhoenix.com
Sykes Earns Invitation to Prestigious CP3 Elite Guard Camp--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Milwaukee Basketball Says Thank You After Successful Golf Outing--uwmpanthers.com

Peters brings Valpo players to aid tornado-relief effortPeoria Journal Star
OSIPOFF: With full basketball roster on campus, Valpo’s preparations for upcoming season intensify--The Post-Tribune
Gomes Part of Angola Preliminary Squad for FIBA World Cup--valpoathletics.com
Three Crusaders Named to NABC Honors Court--valpoathletics.com
Crusaders Help Hope Swings Initiative in Washington--valpoathletics.com

Wright State’s Pacher signs with pro team in Switzerland--Dayton Daily News
Conversation with Dr. Michael Cusack – Part 2 of 2--RaiderRoundball.com
Men’s Basketball: Raiders make most of offseason--The Guardian
Griffin Honored by NABC--wsuraiders.com

Women’s Basketball: Road back to the NCAA Tournament begins with difficult schedule--The Guardian
James Signs to Play Professionally in Romania--wsuraiders.com

KINGS SIGN EXPLOSIVE POINT GUARD--SidneyKings.com
YSU’s Perry eyes overseas contract--Youngstown Vindicator
Men's Basketball Boasts Record-Breaking Camp Numbers--ysusports.com

McCallum Earns NBA Summer League Championship MVP--Horizon League Network
Seven #HLMBB Players Named to NABC Honors Court--Horizon League Network
Sykes Invited to CP3 Elite Guard Camp--Horizon League Network
Valpo Basketball Helps in Peters' Hometown of Washington--Horizon League Network

WSU's Ivory James to Play Professionally in Romania--Horizon League Network

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/16/2014


Work begins on rebuilding Miami Heat roster--Miami Herald
Chalmers shot 33.3 percent from the field in the Finals and 14.3 percent from three-point range for an average of 4.4 points per game. If he returns to the Heat, he’s expected to compete with Norris Cole for the starting point-guard position.
Miami Heat agrees to multi-year deals with Luol Deng, Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen--Miami Herald
Heat draft pick Shabazz Napier, a four-year college player, had a dreadful debut in the Orlando summer league where he shot 27.5 percent from the field and 16 percent from three-point range. His game has improved in the Las Vegas summer league, but it’s clear the Heat will need more from its point-guard position, especially now that James is gone. Chalmers provides the Heat with a veteran point guard familiar with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and his systems. Meanwhile, Norris Cole is a reliable backup ready to take the next step in his career. With James gone, Chalmers will get his chance to become a next-level point guard, and Cole will have the opportunity to take that next step in his career for which he has been waiting.
Chris Bosh sees rebuilt Heat having renewed motivation--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Among Bosh's returning teammates are Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, who are expected to have their new Heat contracts finalized shortly; Mario Chalmers, who reached agreement on a two-year deal Sunday; and Norris Cole, the lone Heat player under guaranteed contract at the start of free agency. Several other members of the 2013-14 roster also could return.
Heat push forward: Chalmers, McRoberts, Granger signed--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Beyond those already locked into the Heat's personnel orbit -- a group that also includes returning point guard Norris Cole and intriguing summer-league prospects James Ennis and Justin Hamilton -- a source familiar with the Heat's strategy confirmed that the team will also be positioned with a $2.7 million "space" salary-cap exception for an additional player from the still abundant free-agent pool.
...
With Chalmers back under contract, it gives the Heat flexibility with the contract of Cole, who is due $2 million this coming season.
Heat rookie Shabazz Napier in different situation since draft--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Napier would much rather concentrate on how his situation has changed since being drafted. Before James left, he was originally expected to serve as the backup to guard Norris Cole. All signs pointed toward Mario Chalmers, the starter the past three seasons, leaving via free agency.
Haslem returns; Heat renounce most of bench--South Florida Sun Sentinel
Otherwise capped out, the Heat are now expected to add players who fall through the free-agent cracks, as well as youthful prospects, with summer-league players James Ennis and Justin Hamilton included in that group.

The Heat also remain eligible to conduct trades, which could put Norris Cole's $2 million salary into play.
2013-14 Norris Cole Highlights--Cleveland State Hoops

Summer league wins would be a nice bonus for Kings--Sacramento Bee
Kings coach Michael Malone didn’t begin summer league expecting to win the title, but you wouldn’t know that by the look on his face following a listless second half in Friday’s 85-69 loss to San Antonio. Even though it’s summer league, the defeat bothered Malone. The Kings were outplayed despite starting five players who could be on their opening-night roster, including three – Ben McLemore, Ray McCallum and Derrick Williams – who started last season.

After that loss, the Kings rebounded to win back-to-back games in the league’s opening round. The summer league tournament starts today.
...
McCallum hasn’t shot well (33.3 percent), but he had 12 assists in the Kings’ 89-75 win over NBA D-League Select on Monday.

BADER CONCLUDES ORLANDO SUMMER LEAGUE WITH 76ERS--ougrizzlies.com

Top Mid-Major Dunkers to Watch in 2014-2015--Mid-Major Madness
Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: We might as well put Keifer Sykes on every list we make this preseason because he can do it all. While Sykes isn't huge, he can elevate and he should be a staple once again this year on Horizon League video boards.

Broken finger ends Phoenix Suns center Alex Len's summer league--The Arizona Republic
Summer Suns win

Suns second-round draft pick Alec Brownshowed off his calling card — shooting — in the Suns' 93-82 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.
Nordgaard to Brown: 'Work tail off all the time'--Green Bay Press Gazette

Broekhoff Called Into Boomers Camp--valpoathletics.com
Trio of Former Crusaders Head to Finnish National Team Camp--valpoathletics.com

Two Former #HLMBB Players of the Year Named to World Cup Training Camps--Horizon League Network

Sunday, July 13, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/13/2014

2014-2015 Top Mid-Major Point Guards--College Sports Madness
As we make our way through the summer it's always fun to rank the top mid-major players in the country as we look ahead to the 2014-15 season. Last year we told you about Elfrid Payton, Kendrick Perry, and Jason Brickman early on and this year we give you a look at the nation's top returning mid-major point guards.

Keifer Sykes, Green Bay: You're going to hear a lot about this Horizon League point guard throughout the year. Sykes was voted as a Mid-Major Madness 2nd Team All-American in April and is looking to build to a possible NBA career this season. Sykes is always on the court for coach Brian Wardle and last year he posted 20.3 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game.
...
Kahlil Felder, Oakland: Like Cameron Payne from Murray State, Kahlil Felder made quite the impression in his first year in the college ranks. The Golden Grizzlies guard averaged nearly 10 points and 4 rebounds, along with 6.4 assists during Oakland's inaugural Horizon League season. It'll be fun to see his maturation over the next three years.

Athletes In Action (AIA) NCAA All-Stars Get Unique Opportunity--Mid-Major Madness
Demonte Flannigan, Cleveland State
Aaron Scales, Cleveland State
Many scenarios as Miami Heat enters free agency period--Miami Herald
The Heat’s Big 3 — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — already agreed on frameworks for their contracts with the team, which has given Riley financial parameters to improve the team through free agency, according to multiple sources. Only backup point guard Norris Cole is currently under contract, and Riley has an NBA-record $55 million of salary cap space to build his roster.
Miami Heat adds free agents Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger--Miami Herald
James opted out of his contract with the Heat before the June 30 deadline, but it is widely believed he is favoring a return to Miami, where he has advanced to the NBA Finals in four consecutive years and won titles in 2012 and 2013. Bosh, Wade and Haslem also opted out of their contracts, leaving backup guard Norris Cole as the only player currently under contract for the Heat.
Josh McRoberts, Danny Granger agree to terms with Heat--South Florida Sun Sentinel
With McRoberts and Granger, the Heat now hold the rights to five players for the upcoming season: McRoberts and Granger; returning point guard Norris Cole, who has a guaranteed contract; center Justin Hamilton, who has a contract that becomes partially guaranteed on Aug. 1; and forward James Ennis, with the Heat holding his 2013 draft rights.

Kings look for more out of second-year point guard Ray McCallum, who expects the same himself--Sacramento Bee

Oakland U. names Jeffrey Konya its new athletic director--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland's Travis Bader inks deal with ASVEL in France--The Detroit Free Press
Oakland selects Jeffrey Konya as athletic director--The Detroit News
Oakland University names Cal State Bakersfield’s Jeffrey Konya athletics director--The Oakland Press
Additional quotes from new Oakland AD Jeff Konya--Grizzlies Den
Bader has backup plan in place, agrees to deal with ASVEL out of France--Grizzlies Den
OU announces Jeff Konya as new athletic director--Oakland Post

Top Flames Moment: UIC Defeats March Madness Participant Milwaukee, 80-58--uicflames.com

Basketball standout goes pro in Portugal--UIC News
Rachel Story Signs Pro Contract to Play in Portugal--uicflames.com

Green Bay announces departure of junior guard Lamin Fulton--CollegeBasketballTalk
Alec Brown Set to Make Phoenix Suns Debut in NBA Summer League--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Reserve Your Spot At The Milwaukee Golf Classic--uwmpanthers.com
Milwaukee Announces Big Schedule News For Upcoming Season--uwmpanthers.com

VU's Drew has a day to remember at the Cell--The NWI Times
Drew Tosses First Pitch; McClendon Leads M's to Win Saturday--valpoathletics.com

Arch: New Zealander finds right fit at Wright State--Dayton Daily News
Benzinger Featured in WSU Newsroom--wsuraiders.com
2014-15 Men’s Basketball Season Tickets Now Available--wsuraiders.com
Raider Roundup for Season Ticket Holders is Back--wsuraiders.com

Lordstown’s Cash to walk on at YSU--Youngstown Vindicator

Friday, July 4, 2014

News On The Horizon 7/4/2014

Mid-Majors Highlight NBA Summer League Rosters--Mid-Major Madness
The NBA Summer League will kick off here shortly and a slew of former mid-major stars have found their ways onto various rosters across the league.
...
Brooklyn Nets (Orlando):

Kyle Casey, Harvard
Michael Jenkins, Winthrop
Nick Minnerath, Detroit
...
Golden State Warriors (Vegas):

Travis Bader, Oakland
Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara
Walt Lemon, Bradley
Robert Loe, Saint Louis
Davon Usher, Delaware
...
Miami Heat (Orlando):

Ivan Aska, Murray State
Jerrelle Benimon, Towson
James Ennis, Long Beach State
Langston Hall, Mercer
Eli Holman, Detroit

Miami Heat (Vegas):

James Ennis, Long Beach State
Langston Hall, Mercer
Eli Holman, Detroit
Frank Gaines, IPFW
Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's
...
Orlando Magic (Orlando):

Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga
Cameron Jones, Northern Arizona
Elfrid Payton, Louisiana
Kendrick Perry, Youngstown State
Augustine Rubit, South Alabama

Philadelphia 76ers (Orlando):

Travis Bader, Oakland
Ed Daniel, Murray State
Jamelle Hagins, Delaware
Ronald Roberts, St. Joseph's
Capser Ware, Long Beach State
...
Phoenix Suns (Vegas):

Taylor Braun, North Dakota State
Alec Brown, Green Bay
David Stockton, Gonzaga
...
Sacramento Kings (Vegas):

Sim Bhullar, New Mexico State
Ra'Shad James, Iona
Dwayne Jones, St. Joseph's
Ray McCallum, Detroit
Jake Odum, Indiana State
Nick Wiggins, Wichita State

Many scenarios as Miami Heat enters free agency period--Miami Herald
The Heat’s Big 3 — LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — already agreed on frameworks for their contracts with the team, which has given Riley financial parameters to improve the team through free agency, according to multiple sources. Only backup point guard Norris Cole is currently under contract, and Riley has an NBA-record $55 million of salary cap space to build his roster.

CSU Women’s Basketball Mourns The Loss Of Former Player Destinee Blue--csuvikings.com

Who Will Detroit Play This Season? Join us on July 17 for a Special Titan Luncheon--detroittitans.com

Bader determined for success--Oakland Post
Athletic director search continues--Oakland Post
BADER SET FOR NBA SUMMER LEAGUE IN ORLANDO--ougrizzlies.com

Suns select Alec Brown with 50th pick in NBA draft--Arizona Republic
Meet the Phoenix Suns' 2014 NBA draft class--Arizona Republic
2014 NBA draft grades: Grading each team's picks--Arizona Republic
Phoenix Suns

Additions: SF T.J. Warren (No. 14 pick, North Carolina State), PG Tyler Ennis (No. 18 pick, Syracuse), SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (No. 27 pick, Serbia), C Alec Brown (No. 50 pick, Green Bay).

Analysis: This was the serviceable draft Suns fans should have been expecting if not exactly hoping for. Warren is a very good scorer, one of the draft's best, who should fit in well whether or not the Suns bring back P.J. Tucker. Ennis is the backup point guard they so desperately needed last year. Bogdanovic could contribute right away or stay hidden in Europe for a year or two but seems destined to be a very solid rotation wing. And Brown is a shot-blocker who could gain toughness in the NBA Development League. None of the picks were mistakes. None were reaches. All fit needs.

Grade: B+
Fulton Granted Release from Men's Basketball Program--GreenBayPhoenix.com

Six #HLMBB Alums to Compete in NBA Summer League--Horizon League Network