BasslineSpin.com
2003
Sponsored
by 
BasslineSpin.com
2003
Sponsored
by
BasslineSpin.com
2003
Sponsored
by
Mark Wong: Don't Screw it Up - A look back at the 1984 draft.
The After Party
Don't just 'Throw it down'.
Trusted resources include but are not limited to:
- Akron Beacon Journal
- AuburnTigers.com
- BallStateSports.com
- CBS SportsLine
- Chicago Sun Times
- COA Sports Online
- College Basketball News
- College Sporting News
- CSKA Moscow Basketball
- Detroit Free Press
- Detroit Titans
- ESPN.com
- EuroBasket
- EuroLeague.net
- GoRacers.com
- Gulf Southern Conference
- Hoops Hype
- Jeff Sagarin NCAA basketball ratings
- Latinbasket.com
- Mansfield News Journal
- McDonald's All-America
- Memphis Athletics
- Miami Herald
- NBA.com
- NBDL
- NBADraft.net
- Ohio Valley Confernce
- Partizan
- Pittsburgh Live
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- Rivals.com
- Rocky Mountain News
- SportServer.com
- StarPress.com
- Toronto Star
- UNLV Basketball
- USA Today
- Virginia Union University
- WoodenAward.com
Final Listing - June 25, 2003
Draft eligible players only.
Prime players are listed below in alphabetical order. Click on the name for profile. The numbered list at right represents the order that we feel the players should be selected. (Read more below to see how we determine this ranking)
All underlined names below include a brief capsule of the player.
This marks the fifth year that we have undertaken the NBA draft as a project.
We believe in heart, and love of the game. We also know that heart and a passion for the game are only part of the equation. You also must have talent to win games. If you don't have talent it doesn't matter what your chemistry is.
I am a firm believer that statistics may be used as a tool to get past certain illusions that humans develop for other humans when evaluating their talent. The fact that some players have more flair than others is hard for the human mind to look past. However, does the flashy guy convert free throws, take charges, and accept his role? These "winning" intangibles are too often overlooked.
This listing is made with "all-things considered". We look at a player's efficiency, and adjust for the level of competition he was facing. We look at the strength of schedule he played against. We also consider age, maturity, and the current landscape of the NBA position the player is going to play. Does he have a feel for the game? Is he a "warrior" or a "poser"?
Finally, we obsessively read everything written, watch lots of video tape, and all the hoop we can on DirecTV's college basketball package. Ultimately, we go with our own feel for the draft.
Why do we do this?
Because I am a basketball freak, and huge believer that using a combination of data and common sense can lead to better selections. Besides, as I tell my wife, the more time you spend studying the game and the players, the more knowledgeable you become. Countless hours are spent researching the players listed.
As a broadcaster I always heard fans gripe about a team's draft picks. I knew it could not be as easy as some Friday morning drafters claimed it was.
It isn't.
The draft has become an obsession with me and a way for me to annually stay sharp just in case that broadcasting gig comes back around. The only way to do it and be credible though is to post my picks for the world to see. The good and the bad.
What we are finding is that we are doing okay vs. the NBA GMs. For example in 1999 as Lamar Odom, and Jonathan Bender were selected by the Clippers, and Raptors, we were adamant they should have picked Shawn Marion. We had him 3rd, he went 9th. Our recommendation for the Cavs at 11? Corey Maggette. They took Trajan Langdon. Our record pick for pick Vs NBA GM's for the 1999 draft was 35-15-8.
In 2000, we didn't fare as well (9-32-17). Okay, Harold "The Show" Arceneaux didn't live up to his billing. We could argue that he was never given a chance.
In 2002, we listed Carlos Boozer 4th, well ahead of his selection. Tayshaun Prince was #15 on our list. He went 22nd.
Bottom line; the NBA Draft isn't nearly as easy to gauge as fans think it is. I can't imagine being outworked at this by anyone who doesn't do it for a living. It is a hobby for us and we're proud of our picks.
