Hawks Flying High in Summer League?

The NBA summer league is now in full swing! This allows us to get a look at the NBA’s next batch of superstars! Whether you are watching to see how the first overall pick Ben Simmons is doing or the question mark in the draft Thon Maker, it will be an interesting summer. Saint Joseph’s University students and alumni are glued to their TV’s as well. As we watch how our former superstar DeAndre Bembry adjusts to the NBA, and our former most improved player Isaiah Miles tries to make an NBA squad. Both players bring different unique games to their respective teams. These two have much different paths, but both hope to be great assets to their NBA teams.

DeAndre Bembry- Atlanta Hawks 21^st Overall

There is no doubt Bembry has continued his college dominance right onto the NBA summer league. Many reporters and fans are calling him the best player on the Hawks summer team, and his skills are truly being shown. Not only has Bembry brought his strong ability to take the ball to the rim, and his unbelievable defense to the NBA. But, he also brought along his never quit work ethic. Bembry has increased his basketball IQ, meaning he is taking shots that he is much more confortable with. DeAndre has also improved his ability to distribute the basketball among his teammates, something he was known on Hawk Hill for. In three games Bembry is averaging 10pts 4.7assists and 4.7rebounds. He is bringing his do all attitude right along with him to the NBA. It is clear to see the 21^st overall pick will continue to garner a lot of attention and playing time. Look for Bembry to be in the headlines in Atlanta come this fall.

Isaiah Miles- Dallas Mavericks Undrafted
Unlike his former teammate, Isaiah Miles is taking a much different approach for his path to the NBA. Miles wasn’t drafted, nor was he high on many teams’ draft boards. Miles is looking to take an approach much like that of Langston Galloway his former teammate. However, the former Hawks big man is looking to translate his unique game to the NBA. As someone who is both tall and can shoot the three, there were many questions surrounding how Miles game would work in the NBA. Miles has struggled early on in the summer league only averaging 1.7ppg and 3.3rebounds in three games. Miles though has always been a late starter. Look for his numbers to increase has the summer season goes on. Miles will continue to do his job on the court, he will score when open and pull down rebounds when needed. Minutes will be the biggest enemy for Isaiah Miles. If Miles can continue to improve his shot and rebounding ability, he may find himself a valuable asset in the D-League for an NBA team.

-Brett 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

NBA Mock Draft

The NBA Draft is only a few hours away! Here is the draft order we may see tonight!

1. Sixers
Ben Simmons

2. Lakers
Brandon Ingram

3. Celtics
Jaylen Brown

4. Suns
Marquese Chriss

5. T-Wolves
Buddy Hield

6. Pelicans
Kris Dunn

7. Nuggets
Dragan Bender

8.  Kings
Jamal Murray

9. Raptors
Jakob Poeltl

10. Bucks
Deyonta Davis

11. Magic
Henry Ellenson

12. Jazz
Skal Labissiere

13. Suns
Timothe Luwawu

14. Bulls
Domantas Sabonis

15. Nuggets
Malachi Richardson

16. Celtics
Wade Baldwin IV

17. Grizzlies
Malik Beasley

18. Pistons
Denzel Valentine

19. Nuggets
Ante Zizic

20. Pacers
Tyler Ulis

21. Hawks
Ivica Zubac

22. Hornets
Malik Beasley

23. Celtics
Brice Johnson

24. Sixers
Paul Zipser

25. Clippers
DeAndre Bembry

26. Sixers
Thon Maker

27. Raptors
Taurean Prince

28. Suns
Zhou Qi

29. Spurs
Demetrius Jackson

30. Warriors
Ben Bentil

-Brett

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

Top 5 Greatest Records

In sports there are some records that are meant to be broken, and others that will never end. Over the past 50 years we have seen some of the most incredible achievements shattered. However, there are some that will never end. This season we got a taste of that in the form of JBJ and his hits. In honor of the failed streak by Jackie Bradley Jr. we decided to look at the top five sports records that will never be broken.

5. CY Young 749 Complete Games

This record will never fall in today’s game. Baseball has changed dramatically since the days of CY Young, and it is apparent that this record will never be broken for that reason alone. We can see that it will be almost impossible to find a player that can throw that many complete games. Going beyond that, today’s players are more prone to injuries causing this to be an impossible feat.

4. Barry Bonds 688 Intentional Walks

Lets be honest, steroids or not Bonds was a god among men playing the sport of baseball.  He was the most feared player not only during his time but also, of all-time. When Bonds came to the plate there was only one option in the minds of pitchers and that was to put him on base. Though we may see a player on the same level as Barry Bonds one day. I don’t think we will ever see the astronomical number of intentional walks ever again.

3. Wilt Chamberlain 100pt game

Now if you ask me on some days I would say this record is possible. Especially looking at the players in today’s NBA. The league is extremely soft, and the defense extremely lacking. Though I think that another coming of a Kobe could possibly match this feat. I have to say it is impossible for 4 reasons: Kobe, LeBron, Iverson, Jordan. If none of those guys could match it in the past 25 years of basketball then I have to say I don’t think it can be done.

2. Michael Phelps Medal Record

I do not think we will ever see quite an athlete like Michael Phelps. His determination and his abilities were unmatched. He never let age get the best of him, and he seemed to be timeless in the pool. Though his overall medal total of 22 may be broken some day, his 18 gold medals may stand forever.

1. Joe DiMaggio 56 Game Hitting Streak

This record will never be broken; some of the greatest hitters of all-time have challenged it and have failed. In the top 10 longest hit streaks only two players are from the modern era, Pete Rose and Jimmy Rollins. Both of these players missed the record by way over 10 hits. Most of the players that have challenged it have fell short once reaching 30 games. This feat looks as though it will stand the test of time.

-Brett

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

Sixers Stink Again?!?!?!

If you have watched any Sixers games this season, it looks as though we are seeing just a continuation of last year. Though we are seeing the emergence of new players like Jahlil Okafor, it looks like this season may already be over. The team to be frank does not have it. At this point in time they don’t have the NBA skills to put a winning product on the court. Even though the young talent may be there, they have to play the waiting game. However, this does not mean they can’t be competitive. If the Sixers need to improve anywhere, it would be to play competitively every single game of the season. Even if the team loses their games if they compete it will be a success.

The Sixers as everyone knows started the season at 0-6. Losing their second game in blow out fashion against the Jazz. For any Sixers fan this may feel like “the same thing different year. “ The team may struggle early because of the learning curve. Fans must remember that the starting lineup only has 6 years of professional experience. You must be patient, considering we have only seen one blow out in the first 6 games, I would call it a success so far.

If you had an opportunity to watch this team take on the Cavs, you would have realized that this team could compete. The young team proved that they can go up against some of the best players in the league, and score. Even though they took the losses, I would consider these games successful. They provided me with an opportunity of how the team would play against real competition. In reality the season is still early, but if they play every game like they did against the Cavs I will be happy. As long as the team progresses each and everyday, they will continue to show us potential. The young core of Noel and Okafor has proven to the world that the Sixers will be a force in the near future. Just wait, don’t give up!

-Brett

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4 

MCW Gone... Now What?

February 19, 2015, that is a date that will stick in the minds of many Sixers fans to come. On that date the Sixers moved their star Point Guard Michael Carter Williams. Though the Sixers are a young team filled with potential. MCW was clearly the star, the guy that was going to lead the Sixers into the future. Not only was he the leader of this team, but he was a fan favorite. What MCW brought to Philadelphia, his love for the city and the Sixers, will be hard to replace. The question now is, what do the Sixers plan to do in the future.

From the trades made during the trade deadline the Sixers, now have the potential to have three first round picks. Two of those picks will be in the top ten as long as the Lakers fall out of the top five and the other pick will fall in the twenties. With these picks the Sixers can take another step in the right direction, and this MCW trade will viewed as a step towards the future. The reason they wanted to move MCW, was because they wanted to open the space for a star.  That star is going to be Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay is an 18year old Point Guard from the Congo, who is now playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China. The young Point Guard chose to play in China for a large contract, rather then go to college. Since playing in China, Mudiay has dominated scoring 17.7ppg, 6rebounds, and 5.9assists. The kid is truly the star that the Sixers will need. Mudiay will most likely go 2^nd overall to the Sixers and will be a much better fit for the team then MCW was.

Knowing the moves made by Sam Hinkie, it is uncertain, which direction the team will go with their other first round choices. Do not be surprised if the team brings in a good Shooting Guard such as Justise Winslow out of Duke. This team is starting to move in the right direction. In the eyes of many Sixers fans it became apparent that Nerlens or MCW would have to be moved. Nerlens looks as though he is staying put where he is and will be a great force with Embiid in the future. Next season this team will compete with a lineup that hopefully has: Muiday, Winslow, Covington, Noel, and Embiid. Be ready for an NBA Championship Philadelphia, because it will happen.

-Brett 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Let Langsanity BEGIN!

Let “Langsanity” begin in New York City. The former Hawk has been finally given his opportunity to play in the NBA, and he made the most of it. Galloway who had been scoring 16.5 ppg in the D-League, has finally been given his chance to show his scoring ability. Langston has been given a 10-day contract with the Knicks, and it is now apparent that he will be staying in New York City for a long time. The point guard last night showed in his skill in his Madison Square Garden debut, scoring 19 points.

Langston Galloway in his first two games this season has put up 7 and 19 respectively. All Hawks fans knew success was coming for both Ron and Langston, but no one thought Langston would be getting his first NBA minutes before Ronald Roberts. Galloway’s chances of playing with the Knicks was very slim to start the season, however injuries and trades have opened up a chance for Lang to show New York what he can do. Will he be able to keep up scoring 19 points like he did last night, probably not, but don’t be surprised if this is a guy that is scoring at least 10 a game or more. Langston’s career is going to be based off his shooting ability, and as long as his shot stays pure he will be a success. If Langston keeps showing that scoring ability that St. Joe’s fans fell in love with, he will continue to have success in the NBA.

With Galloway’s pure shooting ability it has opened up many chances with the Knicks, now all he has to do is make it impossible for the Knicks to send him back down. If Langston continues to play the way he has he will have unbelievable success in the NBA. Langston said after last night’s game that “he was having fun”, Lang is truly living the dream in the NBA and hopefully his success will continue. This now becomes the waiting game, and we will have to see how he does in his future games with the Knicks organization.

-Brett

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

What it means to Live and Breathe Philly Sports

McNabb you suck! Iverson get off the court! You’re a bum Burrell! Lindros you’re a loser! These are phrases every Philadelphia sports fan knows all too well. When you’re ours your ours forever. Anybody else you are the enemy. Our love for our athletes is unbelievable. A Philadelphia athlete has to be a specific type of athlete to play in this city and be successful. But once you do something great here, your name will live on forever. Players that play here can lift up the entire city. They can bring together white collar and blue collar workers. You have to be a unique player to play here, and you have to have the ability to let nothing bother you and play your heart out. Shawn Bradley once said about Philadelphia fans, “The problem with Philadelphia fans is that they want you to play every game like it’s your last one.” So, truly what does it mean to be a Philadelphia sports fan

The City of Brotherly love we don’t show too much love for our players, but when we do, they won’t only know it but the whole world will know it. Here we love our teams, our players, and our sports. In this city we wear our hearts on our sleeves. We yell and scream at the players who have done so much for us. Whether it is Donovan McNabb or Allen Iverson, our way of showing love is cursing, screaming, and freaking out at our players. That is because we do not want the best for them but for our city, that is because these players are our family and our lives. No matter what life has thrown at the City of Philadelphia, we have always had sports; the Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies to rest our hopes and dreams on. We might not have the most Championships, we might take the back seat to LA and New York with sports success, but no one can say they try harder every season for their teams then the Philadelphia fans do. Philadelphia fans have had bad seasons and rough patches, but we still have hope. We are able to have hope because of our miracles such as 4^th and 26, the step-over, or a World Series. We are passionate fans. We love our teams and players. We will believe in you until you prove us to be wrong.  As Billy Wagner said about Philly fans, “Those people, it doesn’t matter how successful you are. I don’t get it. They boo you. They scream at you.”

Philadelphia is a town of hard working individuals, and we expect the same out of our athletes. We want the best for not only them but us as well. We expect you to go out every game and play like it was your last game, if you do that, and with stand our hate you will live on forever in this town. Players like Iverson who played his heart out and gave his all to the city of Philadelphia; to take a team of rag tag guys to a championship and to play with so much heart. A guy like Pat Burrell who tried his hardest, dealt with the hate of Philly fans because he didn’t live up to his potential, but brought us a championship. These are guys that will be remembered in this city and guys we love, because they played their hearts out. Guys with the true Philly attitude, the never quit give 110% are the guys we love. I asked what does it mean to be a Philly sports fan? To live in the City of Brotherly Love? It means to love your team so much that you are willing to hate on them, it means to support your guys to the death, and finally it means to give your all to your city and players, and hopefully they will give it back to you. It takes a special type of player to play here, because we are no ordinary fans, we are Philly fans. 

-Brett

Ronald Roberts could be Living a Dream!

Well SJU Hawk fans we told you it was going to happen, and now it looks like it is! Another Saint Joseph’s University Hawk will be playing NBA basketball. Ronald Roberts Jr. is heading to Sixers camp this fall with a 3 year contract, reports staff reporter Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times. We are very excited to hear that the first year of his contract may be guaranteed, which in simple terms means he is going to have an opportunity to play in the NBA. So SJU Hawk fans go out and buy your Ronald Roberts Jr. jersey’s because he is staying in Philadelphia. 

Ron is amazingly athletic, which is why he was a piece that both the Sixers and the Miami Heat went after, inviting him to summer league. During summer league Ron truly showed his college dominance that many of us Hawk fans got to see first sight. Roberts who just turned 23 August 5, averaged 10ppg, 7 rebounds, and 1 block during summer league. Though these games were against D-Leaguers and potential NBA rookies; it truly showed the potential dominance of Ron. Roberts has been showing this ability over the last four years with the SJU Hawks, scoring 14.4ppg, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks; during his senior season with the Hawks. Roberts also showed a quality that many athletes do not have during his senior season and that was leadership. Roberts, with the help of other seniors Langston Galloway and Halil Kanacevic; was able to not only get his team to the NCAA March Madness Tournament for the first time since 2008, but also win the A-10 Championship. After SJU lost to UConn in the tournament, Roberts worked on the weakest parts of his game and became NBA ready. 

Ronald Roberts has had his ups and downs as a college player. But, an opportunity like this could not have happened to a nicer person or player. Those who didn’t get to interact with Ron wouldn’t know but everyone who has come in contact with this kid has said he’s kind and soft spoken. Ron took time out of his day after the loss to Creighton this season to talk to us, two SJU radio hosts, to tell us about their performance. This kid deserves everything that comes to him in the NBA, hard work truly pays off. Ron truly played like a star that had a chip on his shoulder during summer league. For a guy coming in as a undrafted free agent to a team that realistically speaking was expecting much, surprised us all. As SJU fans and supporters we aren’t too surprised to see the performances that he gave to the Sixers fans during summer league, but now at least he is getting the recognition he deserves. We as Hawks are proud to see another SJU Hawk getting an opportunity to play in the NBA, and this time with the home town Sixers. Hopefully, we will get an opportunity to see Ron play against Jameer come the fall. Hawks buy your Ronald Roberts Jr. jerseys now! THWND

 

Passionate. Intense. Proud... In Hinkie We Trust

The State of the Sixers

The offseason isn’t usually where a normal NBA team should be making noise, but it is for the Sixers. After enduring a season of D-leaguers, long losing streaks, longer losing streaks, and Byron Mullens, the Sixers knew that the rebuilding plan would start to take form this summer. Over the last year, mastermind GM Sam Hinkie got rid of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and any other part of the past administration while acquiring a wide array of assets in the form of potential stars and an abundance of draft picks. Sam Hinkie has a plan to get this team out of mediocrity and fans are either all in or questioning his sanity. These Sixers players will need time to grow and develop together, but this team isn’t built for now; the rebuilding process is going to take a while. Here are a few things you should know looking forward.

Nerlens Noel will be Rookie of the Year. Noel is considered a rookie after sitting out the entire year last year and showed vast signs of improvement throughout summer league. He made his debut in spectacular fashion in Orlando, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 24.7 minutes over four games. He only played in two games in Las Vegas but got comparisons to Anthony Davis with his outstanding shot blocking ability. His jump shot improved and his athleticism will fit great with the Sixers style of play. He still is very lanky and could afford to put on some weight and muscle, but the potential is there. Although he isn’t the best rookie I say he will be the ROY because of the time and touches he will get with the Sixers. As Michael Carter-Williams did last year, Noel will benefit from high paced offense and being a catalyst of a lackluster team which will lead to inflated stats and the second straight Sixers Rookie of the Year.

Dario Saric was a great pick. I know a lot of people complain about the pick because we won’t see this guy for at least two years, but that fits what the Sixers are doing. He will grow overseas into a dynamic scorer and provide pop off the bench. Saric received a lot of praise from analysts predicting that he could be a star. With eyes on the future, the Sixers are in position to swing for the fences on a guy who could prove to be a superstar in this league. Also, we just watched a Spurs team full of foreign players win the championship and that is something the Sixers have never excelled in. Along with Vasilije Micić who they also drafted, the Sixers are smart for stashing some players overseas to save cap flexibility and provide future production. Worth noting is that for trading down to get Saric, Hinkie erased some of the mistakes of the Andrew Bynum deal by getting two picks that we originally lost.

Sixers 2^nd rounder will be great pieces, not All-Stars. As I mentioned before, the Spurs are a great model for the Sixers organization to emulate. They have their big three, but their role players are the reason for their success. That team is like a puzzle with parts that fit to form a collective unit. Jerami Grant has extreme athleticism, KJ McDaniels is a defensive stopper, Jordan Mcrae is a sharpshooter, Pierre Jackson (injured this year) is instant offense, and Micic will end up being a great back-up point guard to MCW. The bench depth is going to be a point of focus moving forward so all of these guys developing is important. None of these players have the potential to dominate this team, but they all should fit roles in building this team.

Thad Young won’t be on this team for long. When Lebron went to the Cavs, you immediately knew that more than likely they would also get Kevin Love. Not only because they are in win-now mode, but because they have the most to offer the Timberwolves. Although I believe the Sixers should have been trying to do this all offseason, this is the perfect opportunity to use our cap space and help facilitate this trade. The Timberwolves have shown interest in Thaddeus Young as he remains one of the only veterans on the team. Rumors indicate we would be getting the Cavs Anthony Bennett back. After watching him in summer league, Sixers fans should be ecstatic. He lost a lot of weight and showed glimpses of his days back at UNLV where he dominated. He would be a great project to add to this growing team. I’m hoping we also take on some of the bad contracts from both teams in hopes of getting some draft picks that we know Hinkie loves.

Fans should expect a similar season to last. The Sixers have exciting pieces but they are not ready for a title run now. With Embiid sitting out this year, this season will be used for Noel and MCW’s growth as well as seeing if players like Hollis Thompson and Tony Wroten are long-term pieces for this team. We still have no legitimate shooting or scoring on this team which will make points hard to come by. People argue Doug McDermott would have solved that problem at the 10 pick but like I said the plan is not to be good. McBuckets would have made us a good team this season and ultimately too good to get another lottery pick that we strongly desire. The lottery system may be changed but in the end the Sixers will still end up in the top five. Next year’s prospects are mostly big men, but there are a few guards and wingmen that will be there, we just have to hope we lose enough to guarantee that. The term tanking is very fair as I see this team winning around 20 games this year.

Joel Embiid will be a fan favorite. Joel Embiid is receiving lots of attention even though it is unlikely he will step on the court this year. He has blown up Twitter with his attempts to lure Lebron to Philly and his persistent pursuit of both Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. He has been to Philadelphia, got a cheesesteak, and went to Mitchell & Ness to buy an Allen Iverson jersey. He’s entertaining us off the court and will eventually dominate for us on the court. 

-Jeremy