Kentucky Wildcat Basketball: Rookies in the NBA
by Alex Scutchfield on Dec 29, 2011 2:31 PM EST
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PrintHere is an update on last year's Cats and how each is doing in the NBA. Two games isn't much of a sample, but it is good to see that our guys have all landed on their feet.
Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons- After a dynamite 10-13 shooting performance that landed him a prominent spot on Sportscenter last night, Bradon is averaging 16 per and is the Pistons' second leading scorer after two games. Knight is backing up Rodney Stuckeyat the point, but is getting at both guard spots. Stucky and SG Ben Gordon are both proven players in the league, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Knight take his share of minutes or a starting spot by year's end. Knight isn't
Josh Harrellson, New York Knicks- Jorts has found his way into the rotation for the Knicks, clocking 9 minutes in a tight Christmas Day win and four more last night in a bad loss to the Warriors. Josh contributed a couple of rebounds, an assist and a steal in the opener, though he has yet to score. It appears Harrellson will compete with Jerome Jordan for minutes backing up Tyson Chandler. Barring a blockbuster trade of some sort, Josh's roster spot appears safely in hand. If you are up late, the Knicks take on the Lakeshow on TNT tonight at 10:30 EST.
Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz- I haven't had a chance to see him play, but word is that Kanter is showing rust from a year of not playing competitive basketball. In two games, he is 2-12 from the field, but has pulled 16 rebounds in only thirty five minutes of play. Kanter will get plenty of chances to develop on what is likely to be a god awful team. If nothing else, it will be interesting to see how his NBA play might change the narrative about "what might have been" for last year's UK team.
DeAndre Liggins, Orlando Magic- DeAndre has made the Magic roster, but has been inactive for each of its first two games. NBA teams can (but are not required to) have as many as 15 players on the roster. Only 13 are active for each game. As expected, Liggins is building a reputation for tenacity. Daniel Orton is also on the roster for the Magic and, like Liggins, has been inactive for both games. Of course, Orton is in a very different boat in that his money is guaranteed. Liggins can be waived at any point before February 10 and have no further guaranteed salary. Still, as a second round pick, Liggins has already beaten some odds by making the team. It sounds like he has made a good impression. Hopefully he can stick on the roster this year and eventually earn some playing time.
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I really hope D. Liggins-
Makes a name for himself and works his way into some playing time. His willingness to play some smothering D, rebound, and hit an occasional jumper should be able to help Orlando. It would be nice if he can stick around the league long enough to live comfortably…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Love Brandon Knight
I think Rodney Stuckey is a pretty good PG, so I would be rather impressed if Knight could steal his starting spot. In any case, I think Knight will be fine as a 1-2 guard off the bench.
expectations are premeditated resentments - cheshirecat
If Liggins was smart and could last 2-3 years in the NBA
He could do as Fred Dryer (or was it Jack Youngblood) did when he was just getting established in the NFL playing for the Los Angeles Rams back in the early 70’s. He or Jack (?) lived in a Volkswagen camper van and spent much of the time on one of the beaches outside LA. Now that’s saving a dime.
A man is nothing more than a summation of his scars!
No beaches in Orlando.
And parking your camper van at Disney is more expensive than buying a small house with a pool near that main drag with all teh buffet resturants.
My parents had a good friend
who lived with Dryer in college. Good stories.
ALS
by Alex Scutchfield on Dec 29, 2011 7:07 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
If memory serves me correctly..
(I’m 60,so it doesn’t very often), Fred Dryer is the only player to have two tackles for safeties in the same game. He was also pretty good as a cop on some TV show, Hunter I believe.
Slogan for the NCAA: If it ain't broke, break it.
You're right
I actually read up on Dryer after I posted this, mostly to make sure that I wasn’t making this up and he did in fact attemd and play football for San Diego State (which he did, in the ultra fun days when they were winning 1-AA championships). That two safeties things is apparently still a record.
ALS
by Alex Scutchfield on Dec 30, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Great job, Alex.
I have a tendency to forget about our pros, and focus on what is right in front of us.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I watched
the first half of Lakers/Knicks. I thought Josh did really well. He hustled and played quite a few minutes in the amount of game that I saw.
Not sure if it was Reggie or the other announcer (names escapes my right now) but they had some very flattering things to say about Josh — his hustle, he’s a hard worker, etc. Considering all the talent/big named players on the floor and the numerous other topics that they could have gone on and on and on about, they could have easily skipped Josh. But, they didn’t. It was neat.
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