Category: Interview

Meet Nathan Knight, the NBA prospect building his own basketball analytical model

NBA big man prospect Nathan Knight spoke to us about growing up in Syracuse, his love for reading and his computer sciences skills.

William & Mary Tribe big man Nathan Knight spoke to us about growing up in Syracuse, his love for reading and his computer sciences skills.

Knight, 23, won Colonial Athletic Conference Player of the Year and CAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. He also won the Lou Henson Award for the most outstanding mid-major college basketball player. The 6-foot-10 prospect also mentioned an interest in coaching when his playing career is over.

Please note that this transcription was very minorly edited for clarity.

How have you been doing since the season ended?

Nathan Knight: I finished my undergraduate degree. If I’m not training, I’m reading, I’m playing video games, I’m on the phone with my parents. I just finished reading a book about computer programming. I’m actually reading a book right now that I’ve read in the past but really enjoyed and it’s called Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf. It’s a really good book. It’s my third time going through it. It’s a short read but it’s dense. During the stay-at-home orders and with the immense amount of free time that I’ve had, I’ve been reading so much. I’ll read the Bible for a couple minutes before I go to bed. I loved reading John Steinbeck. I read a lot of sports novels. I have read some science fiction, but I like to read things that are applicable.

Can you tell more about what your degree was in?

NK: My degree was in Business Analytics, which is why I was reading so much about coding language. It was more of a textbook. I read it so I could have success in my classes. My degree had an emphasis in data science. I’ve been coding for about two years now. I know a bit about RStudio, VBA, SQL, Python, Java. I’ve worked with those in some capacity over the past couple years. I’ve done some independent research and applied it to the game of basketball. Analytics in the sport are very big now. I’ve tried to learn and understand the basketball analytics side: what numbers go into it? What inputs go into it? What equations are being used? I’ve tried to build my own model where I could get different information from different statistical locations and pretty much have my program give me the analytics.

You’re already qualified for some positions in sports media, too. What did your model tell you?

NK: It was basic stuff. It wasn’t anything I was looking to go somewhere with, it was just something I wanted to do to keep myself sharp. For this, I used VBA. You can import a file and so I looked at rudimentary stats from past seasons. I did William & Mary and other programs as well. I got very specific. I looked at numbers for Daniel Dixon, who was one of my teammates from freshman year. I did stuff for Omar Prewitt. I looked at Marcus Thornton because he was probably one of the greatest players to ever play at William & Mary.

This is amazing. What, then, did the model tell you about yourself? Do you look at other advanced statistics for yourself?

NK: [Laughs] It said I was pretty efficient. I have efficiency in conjunction with versatility. I try to be as amorphous on the court as possible. I try to do a bunch of different things. But I try not to look too much into myself for statistics.

What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself while going through the pre-draft process during a pandemic?

NK: The biggest thing is how to be adaptable, really. We’re all going through it. Pandemics build character, for a lack of better words. It’s just a lot of stuff that no one is really used to. We have to be thankful for the things we do have. Nowadays, people like to focus on the things we cannot do. But I’m trying to focus on the things that I’m able to do, which is: get on the phone with my parents, spend time expanding myself as a person with reading, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to train.

During a draft process as uncertain as this one, I think seniors will have an advantage because there is more of a body of work to pull from and so teams will feel like they know what they are getting. But I also feel like those who do well in the interview process will rise as well. What have you told teams about yourself?  

NK: The biggest thing I try to do is to be transparent. If somebody wanted to, this is not what I do, but you can put on any face you want to and make anybody see you any way you want. But the biggest thing I try to do is be transparent. Because they’re going to know who you are. They know who you are. NBA teams do immense amounts of research and they’re interviewing these people because they’re investing a lot of resources into you. The biggest thing I try to emulate in this interview process is just transparency. I’m just honest and I’m just being me. I’m letting everything else take care of itself. If I’m not picked because my personality is not something somebody was hoping for, I can’t completely control that. What I don’t want to do is lie about who I am, they do pick me up, things don’t work because they expected me to do one thing and I do the other.

What do you think NBA teams are going to get out of their investment in you? 

NK: They’re going to get a hard worker. They’re going to get someone who, I know this sounds cliché, loves the games of basketball. They’ll get someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to help the organization, and that means a lot of things – not just on the court but off the court as well. They’re going to get a contributor. That’s the biggest thing that hinders people when it comes to getting to the next level. Everyone wants to be the guy. I’m not to worried about that kind of stuff. I’m worried about coming in and helping, being a giver and not a taker.

You were one of the best defensive rebounders in the country. How are you able to grab a board and then push the break in transition?

 NK: That is something that I’ve naturally progressed at because I’ve always liked to push the pace in transition. Those are some of the easiest ways to get baskets. But defensive rebounding comes with size. I’m fortunate enough to be 6-foot-9, 6-foot-10. I can’t really describe it. But I just get myself in the correct positions and then with the help of my teammates, I’m comfortable knowing that they’ll run with me. 

You are incredibly lengthy, bragging a plus-7-foot wingspan. How are you able to use that to your advantage as a defender?

 NK: The biggest way my length has helped me has not only been on rebounding but also to pester on the defensive end. As much as any player would like to be in the perfect defensive position at all times, it usually does not happen like that. But with my wingspan, I’m able to bother some shots that I wouldn’t have been able to bother if I had a wingspan equivalent to my height.

You ranked Top 10 among all college basketball players in fouls drawn per 40 minutes. What are some ways that you’re able to get to the line so often and increase your free-throw rate?

 NK: I find ways to get to the basket and from there it’s just shot fakes, creating angles. At the very basis of basketball, the easiest way to draw a foul is to just get yourself in an advantageous position and make the defense make a choice. Are they going to let you score or are they going to try and get you out of that position? But they are at a disadvantage at that point and they are going to have to foul you.

Playing for William & Mary, you had an incredibly high usage rate for three years in a row. How are you going to be able to play off the ball and be effective with a lower usage rate?

 NK: It definitely will change. As much as I would like to have the same usage in the NBA, that is earned. The biggest scope I like to have on the game of basketball is what can I do to help win games? That is a very broad way to look at it but it’s something that always sticks with me and helps me keep my scope in a positive mindset. I’m preparing myself for the lower usage that will naturally come with playing at that next level. I’ll work in spot-ups, drifts, stuff like that. I’ll incorporate my versatility with whatever usage is foreseeable from here.

If you were eventually allotted a higher usage rate, how would that look at the next level?

NK: One thing that I’ve prided myself on through my four years of college is the idea of learning and improving. What comes with that is expansion. Whether it is during the season or during the offseason, I’m always finding a few things I can add to my game that will make me that much better. If I continue to do that, if I continue to learn and continue to grow as a player and as a person in the right system and the right situation, I know I can be successful as a high usage guy.

You have definitely expanded your game beyond the arc. Both your attempts and your connections from three-point range increased by 300 percent year-over-year from junior year to senior year. Meanwhile, your 3-point percentage still got better. How do you see your jump shot continuing to evolve over time?

 NK: That is something I’ve always been able to do, something I’ve always been comfortable doing. Basketball is a very imperfect game. The ball usually bounces not in your favor more often than it does. The biggest thing I can do is rep it out and continue to try to be as efficient as possible. Hopefully, with some luck on my side, I’ll grow as a shooter.

If you do become more of a shooter, how will that help your teammates and spread the floor? I love how most of your shots are either at the rim or beyond the arc. That shows you have been studying the shift in the modern NBA. 

(via Synergy)

NK: The simplest way I can answer that is that it will space out the defense and create more advantageous positions for not only me but for my teammates as well. If defenses can just sit where they want to, it is hard to score. But if you take them out of their position, it makes it a lot easier to play offense.

Whether it was through your studies or otherwise, what are some of the biggest lessons you learned in college?

NK: As far as my mental health and my awareness, the biggest thing that I’ve learned through my time in college that I’ve been able to apply onto the court has been the “next play” mentality. Life goes on. I don’t want to get too high and I don’t want to get too low. Going out and having an amazing game feels great but you still have to go into work tomorrow, put your hard hat on and get to work. I don’t want to get too low on myself, either. That’s on the court and in life as well.

When it comes to your accomplishments so far, what has made you most proud so far?

NK: I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve been able to build through the sport. All four years in college, every person I’ve played with has become a good friend of mine. Basketball is one of the few sports where you can do that because you spend so much time with one another. College athletics is one of the few places where you can go out and build those relationships that quickly. The individual accolades speak for themselves but those are just products of the relations I’ve been able to build. My teammates had faith in me and if they hadn’t, we wouldn’t have won those games and I wouldn’t have gotten the ball in certain situations.

Speaking of those accomplishments include winning Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Conference Player of the Year as well as CAA Defensive Player of the Year and Mid-Major Player of the Year. If you had to say, what do those accolades mean to you?

NK: It was really humbling. I give immense thanks to my teammates. The coaching staff put a lot of faith and trust in me and I put a lot of faith and trust in them. We were able to have success as a team, which led to my individual success. The biggest thing I can take away from that is just that hard work is the simplest variable to success. If you work hard, success inevitable.

What advice would you give to someone who is about to embark in their career as a mid-major NBA prospect?   

NK: I think the few pieces of advice I would give is one, don’t let anyone set a ceiling for you. You’re only as successful as you let yourself be. The biggest stigma around mid-major basketball is that it is really hard to get to the NBA if you’re from a mid-major program. It’s really hard to make any transition to play pro basketball. Don’t let that take you away from that goal at hand, which is to be the best basketball player that you can be. Be the best teammate you can be. If you take care of those things, it always works out.

How did you originally decide to attend and play basketball for William & Mary? 

NK: I could go on for hours and hours about this school. When I was in boarding school and they originally offered me a scholarship, I was very fortunate to have a long list of offers. But the one thing that made me consider them in the immediate is my high school had an open gym and William & Mary brought their entire coaching staff. I’d never seen that before. That showed me they were very interested. After doing research with my mom and my inner circle, not only the basketball part but the degree that I would be able to get from there is only comparable to the Ivy League schools. That was another personal goal of mine. On top of being the best basketball player that I could be, I wanted to be the best person I could be. I wanted the enriching experience that comes with going to a great college like William & Mary. The visit really tied it all together for me. Coming down here, one, it was a change of pace from my hometown of Syracuse. It felt like home and everyone was so hospitable. The campus is absolutely beautiful. The people are awesome. I committed the next day. I was there on a Saturday and I committed on Sunday afternoon. I knew. It was a very enriching experience to go there because William & Mary is not only immense in the educational part but also in the history that they have been able to be a part of that was amazing. That’s not something that everyone has done. A weird brag that I get to have is that I went to the same college as some of our earliest presidents, which is so insane. It’s amazing to think about.

Congratulations on getting a degree from such an amazing institution. How important was it for you to finish up what you started?

NK: It meant everything to me to go back for my fourth year and get my degree. That was not only one of the goals I had for myself but that also one of the biggest that my mom wanted, too. She wanted me to get my college because that’s one of the things where no matter what happens to you, no one can take that from you. No matter what happens to you, no one can say that you didn’t do it. It meant so much to my mom and my mom means so much to me. It was not only personal for me, but it made my mother proud. I had to do it.

What are some of your favorite reflections when you look back at your experience in college? 

NK: Some of the memories I was able to build with my teammates and my friends on campus, the friendships that I was able to build. Everything was a learning experience. If I were to see myself four years ago, I don’t think I’d be able to recognize that person. I feel like I’ve changed that much. When I first got to college, I hated reading. It was one of my least favorite things to do. Now, I find myself doing it all of the time. I was an extrovert for the majority of my college career and now I tend to be more introverted. It was like a 180-degree spin for some of the things that I do now. It’s all thanks to the experiences in the time I spent here at the college. This school has done so much for me not only from a career standpoint from a personal learning aspect. I’ve just learned a lot about myself as a person, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be successful and good in nature. Those are some of the most invaluable things that you can learn. It makes me look back to my time as a child. When you’re a child, you want everything. You want the most out of growing up. I feel like, from a tangible standpoint, I was never fed from a silver spoon. But it made me appreciate my childhood because some of the lessons I was able to learn as a child and some of the things I endured were a product of my environment. Without them, I would not have been able to get through college. I wouldn’t have been able to be as successful as I was. My team here helped me not be ashamed of where I am from.

Would you mind telling me a little bit more about your childhood?

NK: I was never fed from a silver spoon. I grew up in a single-parent household and my mom was at work all of the time. My older sister was our mom when my mom was at work until my older sister passed away in 2008. Syracuse is riddled with violence and it is not a good school system. If you want to talk about systemic oppression, all of the restrictions that come with being from a crime-riddled, very culturally mundane environment, Syracuse would be the epitome. There was a lot of violence. I was able to overcome that with the help of my mom and my support group, everyone that I consider my family. I wish I had more but I’m happy that I didn’t. I appreciate everything now. You learn to appreciate more when you grew up with less.

Definitely, man. It’s an inspirational journey you’ve had. Also, I know you played baseball and football as well. What drew you to basketball?

NK: It felt like a switch. Growing up, I remember it so perfectly. My freshman year of high school, I had played basketball but during winters I was in the house all of the time. I walked through the gym and I see the guy who ended up being my skills trainer and he was working someone out and I thought that it looked amazing. It looked like so much fun. Ever since then, I’ve always to do nothing but just play basketball. I couldn’t tell you what happened to me that day. But that and maybe getting the wind knocked out of me a few times at football practice. [Laughs] I was like: I’m done with football.

That is a common story. Football is such a violent game. You were a southpaw pitcher, yeah? If you’re 6-foot-10, were like MLB Hall of Famer Randy Johnson out there? 

NK: I was a pitcher. I wasn’t elite of the elite, crème de la crème. I could get the ball in the strike zone. But I was on the shorter side of pitchers during my high school. I didn’t hit 6-foot until my sophomore year. I went into my freshman year about 5-foot-9. I grew to about 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 during my sophomore year. The growth just kept coming.

Does that mean you were a guard growing up? Is that how you developed your on-ball skills? Last season, you were 6-for-7 (85.6 percent) finishing as the ball-handler in transition.        

NK: Yeah, I played guard until I was about a junior or senior in high school. Guys like Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic, who were also guards growing up, are some of the many players that I watch when I look at film. I try to look at them when I want to find things that I can add to my game. Those are guys that you can grow to appreciate who you want to see yourself playing like.

Are there any other players that come to mind for you that may fit into that category?

NK: My list is rich. We obviously have to put LeBron James in there. We love LeBron. The things that he can do at his size are absolutely incredible. Pascal Siakam, Paul George, Myles Turner, Julius Randle, Karl-Anthony Towns, DeMarcus Cousins. The list goes on and on. I have a lot of guards that I love to watch, too. I love James Harden. We appreciate a lefty. I also love Thaddeus Young, same reason. I played against Luke Kennard my freshman year. I liked the way he played.

What are some goals you have for yourself? First, we can start on the court. Then, you can answer off the court.

NK: One of the goals I have for myself is to be the best I can be, whatever that means. I want to give 210 percent of myself every time I step in the gym because every time you get out there, it can be your last. I don’t want to take anything for granted. I want to play professional basketball. I want to play in the NBA. That is one of my dreams. It’s been a dream of mine since I could walk. But no team is going to give you anything. You have to go out and earn it. Then off the court, I want to help the people who helped me growing up. My mother, obviously, I want to give her the world. That’s going to be something that I’m going to try to do as much as possible. The city of Syracuse, as much as it has taken away from my family, they’ve taught me a lot of valuable lessons. My sister passed away, my late grandmother passed away. The city has not been kind to my family but it has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. I want to make that city better. I want to give kids like me an opportunity to achieve everything. I also want to be a father. That’s one of the greatest gifts that God gives a man – a little “them” that they can teach to be a person. I want to be a provider. I want to be a family man. My biological father wasn’t around so I want to be the best father that I can be as well.

Could you see yourself coaching or being in a front office? 

NK: Yes, definitely. I want to coach. If I got to pick my profession after basketball, if it wasn’t something in analytics, it would probably be to coach somewhere. If I had my choice, I’d want to be a college coach. At what college, I couldn’t tell you. I love William & Mary. I’d love to come back and coach there. I enjoy everything about the game of basketball so being able to teach that would be amazing. But being a coach is a lot more than just teaching the game. My coaches past and present have taught my life lessons that I’ll never forget. I just want to do that for the next generation, as well.

Is there anything else you think that would be good to add for a story like this one that we have not yet had a chance to discuss?

NK: I’m a nicer guy than I appear in photos of me on the internet. I look like a very intimidating person. I’m a very likable person, I promise.  

[listicle id=1402442]

NBA prospect RJ Hampton: ‘I kind of try to model my game after Zach LaVine now’

https://omny.fm/shows/the-hoopshype-podcast-with-alex-kennedy/rj-hampton-on-playing-overseas-lamelo-ball-nba-dra/embed On the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto is joined by RJ Hampton , who is a projected first-round pick in …

On the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast, Michael Scotto is joined by RJ Hampton, who is a projected first-round pick in the upcoming draft. After becoming a pro overseas following high school, Hampton discussed what he learned playing in the NBL and going up against LaMelo Ball. Hampton also explained what advice he’s received from Ja Morant, Mike Miller and Penny Hardaway, his long-term goals, and more. Listen to the podcast above or check out some snippets of the conversation in a transcribed version below. 

1:20 What factored into Hampton’s decision to go overseas instead of playing college basketball?

I think the decision for me was the right decision as a basketball player and as a business person and who I want to be in the future. I definitely feel like the decision I made helped me on and off the court to be a pro and be an NBA player, which is my main goal. Looking back on that decision, I don’t regret it one bit. I’m happy with the outcome. I’m happy with how much I learned this past year.

2:00 Hampton on other players he spoke to that made the jump from high school to playing professionally overseas. 

2:30 What was life like for Hampton overseas daily? 

It was a lot different than America, probably from the fact that I didn’t have to go to school. You wake up, go to the facility, get treatment, watch film, start practice, then probably get some lunch, come back, get up some shots and go home and do the same thing all over again. I feel like the biggest thing was time management. This is the first time in my life I didn’t have to dedicate seven or eight hours a day to school.

3:13 The differences between playing the overseas game versus high school and AAU 

I think the biggest thing I learned over there that’s different about high school basketball and AAU comparatively to overseas basketball is just the team ball and the movement of everybody. Everybody knows how to make great cuts. Everybody knows the different defensive actions off of the action. In AAU and high school ball, especially for me, I had the ball 99.9 percent of the time when I played. Going over there and learning how to play off the ball and play with other great guys is a skill that other players are going to have to learn at some point in their career if they want to be successful.

4:06 Playing against LaMelo Ball and thoughts on his game 

I think LaMelo’s a great player with just his combination of size and vision is unmatched. When we played over there, I think we won both of the games, so it was definitely a good matchup, high intensity, and we both competed. He was in kind of a different situation than I was in, so the outcomes varied throughout the games, but it was fun competing.

5:00 How Ball and Hampton bonded as fellow Americans overseas 

We were friends before we went overseas. I’ve known Melo for about five years now. Even when we were over there, we saw each other all the time, we’ve talked pretty much every day, or every other day now, so that’s been one of my good friends besides basketball and going overseas.

6:00 Did Ball and Hampton continue to open the door for high school recruits to play overseas or go to the G League? 

I think we did for sure, especially me and LaMelo. Me being the one or two rated point guard in our class last year and LaMelo being one of the biggest names in high school basketball history, college would’ve liked to have us a lot last year. Once guys see that RJ and LaMelo didn’t go to college and are making money and being successful, I think that kind of opened some guys’ eyes to other options. The G League was presented to them, and I think that’s a great fit for them as long as they’re going in there and working hard.

7:30 Did you feel like you had a bullseye on your back playing as a high-profile American player out of high school playing overseas? 

I think there were definitely certain times where certain guys keyed in on me the whole game, or some guys might’ve taken a little cheap shot here and there, but that’s what comes with the game. I definitely think me and LaMelo had the biggest bullseyes on our back in the NBL, and I think going through that on our first year in the NBL will definitely help us through our first two or three years in the NBA.

8:20 Hampton on his messages to his new NBL teammates when he arrived 

I think the biggest thing coming in as a high-profile guy was letting those guys know that I was there to win. I wanted to make the team better at all costs. I wanted to not bring in an ego or anything else but a winning attitude and to better the team. Once my teammates figured that out about me, everything went so much smoother.

9:10 What Hampton and his agent Dan Frank have done to prepare for the unique draft process 

I think the biggest thing for us is being mentally prepared for my rookie season even without playing basketball. If I have a Zoom call, I’m treating that like a scout. I’m treating that like I’m scouting a road or home game for my team, my rookie year. If I have workouts back-to-back, or if I’m driving down to Memphis, I train my mind to think if I’m going down to Memphis for a week and then get back home for a week, I just had a one-week road stretch and a one-week home stretch. It’s about training your mind at all costs to get ready for whatever battles are going to be thrown at you in your rookie year.

10:00 Do you remember any weird Zoom interview questions? 

I think there was one that asked if I was a paperclip in a blender, how would I get myself out? I said since I’m a paperclip, I have a wiry frame. I’m going to find some type of whole in the machine and try to wiggle my way out.

MORE: Executives share worst interview answers from NBA draft prospects

11:30 Who Hampton compares himself to now and is modeling his game after long-term 

I think the person I’ve watched the most probably over the past two or three years would be Zach LaVine because I think we’re both 6-foot-5 or 6-foot-6 guards that are athletic, can get downhill, can create for our teammates, and we’re fast. That’s definitely somebody that I kind of try to model my game after now. Then, long-term, I’d say, maybe not long-term, but one of my favorite players is Derrick Rose. If I could be like him one day that would be worth my while. 

12:47 On working with Mike Miller and Penny Hardaway 

I think the biggest thing with Mike, it kind of speaks for itself, in my opinion, he’s a Top 20 or Top 25 shooter of all-time to ever play the game of basketball. The biggest thing I’m working on with him is trying to be that high 30s or low 40s percent three-point shooter to go along with my athleticism and speed. We’re in the gym every other week with thousands of reps trying to get it down, so when I do come to the NBA, I make an impact right away.

For Penny, the biggest thing we work on is IQ. If I’m going to play the lead guard position, I want to be the smartest person on the court at all times. I definitely think that with his athleticism and his flare, he was definitely one of the smartest people on the court in the league at all times. That’s the biggest thing we work on, IQ and feel for the game.

14:00 Hampton on working with Miller on his shooting technique and Hardaway in pick-and-roll action and their relationship dating back to recruiting him out of high school

15:25 Playing against Ja Morant 

16:25 Morant’s advice to Hampton

I think the biggest piece of advice he gave me over the summer was like, ‘RJ, you’re pretty much one of the fastest guards I’ve ever seen in person, so take that to your advantage and learn to play with pace.’

17:20 Hampton’s thoughts on what experts are saying about the draft class 

18:03 Hampton evaluates his own strengths and weaknesses 

I think a lot of my weaknesses are just defensive schemes and learning where to be at all times on defense, locking in full-time on the defensive end. I feel like I’m athletic enough to be a great defender, so just locking in on that. I think a weakness was shooting, but I’ve been in the gym the past seven months with one of the best shooters all-time, so I’m getting that down pact. I think probably my biggest strengths are attacking downhill, making plays for other guys, getting to the basket. I think I’m the most athletic guard in the draft, but I think I’m the fastest person in maybe the NBA when I get there next year.

19:00 Hampton’s preference on playing point guard or off the ball at the two-guard position 

I definitely think I can be more successful on the ball being an elite guard, but honestly, I’ve just got to be put out on the floor for things to happen. I feel like I run lanes good, I do things in transition well, and I’m a good off-ball cutter. Whatever the team really needs is what I’m going to do.

19:40 Why should a team select Hampton in the draft? 

I’d say because I think I’m the most prepared player in this draft. I feel like I’m the most versatile player in this draft. Nobody can really pinpoint what I can do super great, and nobody can pinpoint what I can do super bad. I can guard one through three (positions) with my size and athleticism. I can make plays for my teammates. When my shot starts to fall, that just opens it up for me and everybody else. I think you get the best of both worlds with a young guy who’s very athletic and who competes at a high level.

20:20 Keeping tabs on his draft stock 

20:50 Hampton’s long-term goals 

I think the biggest long-term goal is to win an NBA championship. I think I want to be an NBA All-Star, MVP. I’m sure every single person interviewed has said this, but just to be a good guy in the locker room, a guy people respect, a guy people can lean on. I want to be a part of the NBPA and a lot of different things outside of basketball as well. The main thing for sure is MVP, All-Star, championship, and a Hall of Famer.

21:30 Would Hampton change anything about his journey leading up to this point?

I don’t think I’d change anything. I think the way I did it was my way. I think I’m going to continue to do things in that order and just play as hard as I can for whatever team that chooses to draft me on draft night.

22:16 What Hampton learned about the business of basketball playing overseas as a young pro 

I think I just learned my willingness to work. I feel like I learned how competitive I was and how much of a team player I was. I think in high school, I definitely was a team player, but I had the responsibility of scoring the ball pretty much every time I touched it. Just finding out different roles I can be in one day or different situations I might have to play. I feel like I’m prepared for any situation the NBA throws at me.

22:55 What’s next for Hampton heading into the draft 

23:40 Thoughts on the virtual draft this year

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down Week 8 with Colts Wire

Learning about the Colts strong D, struggling run game and more with Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire

The Indianapolis Colts come to Detroit with about as long of a gap between meetings for two teams as there can be. It’s been since Week 1 of 2016 that the Colts and Lions squared off.

To help bridge the distance and very different teams we’re seeing on Sunday, I asked Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire for some insight on the visitors from Indiana. Thanks to Hickey for some smart answers and his prediction of a very close, fun, interesting game.

How is the Philip Rivers experience progressing for the Colts?

It has had its ups and downs over the first six games but it has been more good than bad. He had a brutal outing against the Browns in Week 5 when he threw two back-breaking interceptions in the second half. But then he turned the clock back to torch the Bengals defense in a huge come-from-behind win.

The formula for success is no secret. As long as the Colts offensive line gives Rivers solid pass protection, he should be fine even if he will have the occasional turnover from forcing a ball into a tight window. He has a strong command of the offense and the Colts have already turned to him as a leader so it’s going about as expected.

The defense is posting some impressive numbers. What has been the key to the stingy D?

There are a few. The front seven has been incredibly strong against the run, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry. That’s largely in part due to the emergence of Grover Stewart at the one-technique and the athletic linebackers they have flying around at the second level.

It also helps that they are getting decent pressure with four rushers, though that part of the defense could be a bit more consistent. Lastly, they’ve made a switch from their heavy Cover-2 scheme to more a Cover-3 style similar to the Seahawks. They finally have the personnel to make the change, and it has been a successful transition so far.

The Colts have the lowest yards per carry average of any rushing offense. What’s going on with the ground game?

It’s a mixture of things, but one telling sign that may help explain it is the fact that the Colts are facing the most eight-man boxes in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Even with superior personnel on the offensive line and a diverse blocking scheme, it won’t matter if they are constantly outnumbered.

It also has a bit to do with the development of Jonathan Taylor, who continues to improve. He’s had to make some adjustments to NFL speed and a lack of an offseason means he’s still working to fully grasp protection calls and blitz pickups, but he’s making improvements seemingly every week. But it likely comes down to facing stacked boxes and needing a bit more from Taylor himself.

Who are some Colts who deserve more national attention for their play?

As mentioned earlier, DT Grover Stewart is emerging as one of the best one-techniques in the league. He’s an absolute brawler on the interior with 12 run stops, per PFF, which is tied for the eighth-most in the NFL. He’s been a huge reason for the Colts having such a stout run defense whether he’s directly blowing up runs or redirecting a back into another defender.

On offense, WR Marcus Johnson will be the downfield threat to watch. He’s coming off of a 108-yard performance in Week 6 and will be the one to make explosive plays for the passing offense.

Who wins and why?

This is a tough matchup to predict. Road games are always tough for the Colts but they are coming off of the bye week. As much as I love Matthew Stafford and Kenny Golladay, I’m predicting this to be the matchup where the Colts’ ground game finally takes over the way we have expected all season. That said, this one comes down to the wire.

Colts 24, Lions 23

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing the Week 7 matchup with Bengals Wire

Thanks to Chris Roling for providing some insight on the current state of the Bengals and his thoughts on the matchup. 

The Browns are back to facing a familiar foe in Week 7. It’s the first rematch of the 2020 season, with the Browns heading down I-71 to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Cleveland won the first meeting in Week 2, 35-30. Since then the Bengals have a win, a tie and two ugly losses. To get more in touch with what’s going on with the Browns’ AFC North rival, I talked to Bengals Wire editor Chris Roling.

Thanks to Roling for providing some insight on the current state of the Bengals and his thoughts on the matchup.

It’s been a few weeks since the teams met. How has Joe Burrow progressed from the Week 2 matchup?

Burrow’s becoming more decisive as he goes and he’s finally starting to get some of the deep attempts to connect. He had a brutal rookie outing against a strong Baltimore front, but otherwise, he’s been steady. Onlookers can also see he’s getting a much better feel for what he can and can’t do against defenders as a ball-carrier, as well as what he can get away with versus a pro defensive back’s closing speed, things he usually would’ve worked out during preseason games.

What’s going on with A.J. Green? Is he done?

He’s definitely slower and doesn’t have the benefit of moving into the slot like he needs to because of Tyler Boyd. And there have been some notable timid or downright lackluster efforts at times. It’s hard to say if he’s entirely cooked — he had a strong Week 6 showing, his first of 2020 — or if he’s just very slow in getting back, learning a new offense and overcoming a hamstring issue he had during camp.

There is talk of discontent from Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Are they candidates to get traded, or is it noise that will go away if/when the team starts winning?

Dunlap’s absolutely a trade candidate, though who would want to trade or his contract after zero good film this year is hard to say. He’s been very vocal about being a situational pass-rusher only.

Atkins could be a trade candidate, but he’s had a nagging shoulder injury since camp and is only just getting back. If his snap percentages don’t climb, he could end up being a trade candidate, but it’s likely they’re just going really slow with him.

Who are some bright spots that deserve more national attention for their play?

Jessie Bates is playing like one of the best outright safeties in football and could use some more attention. Quietly, young rookie linebackers like Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither have turned a corner and really started to look like they’ve solved one of the team’s biggest problem areas.

Offensively, second-round rookie Tee Higgins is starting to make A.J. Green look redundant.

What one matchup with the Browns worries you from a Bengals perspective?

It has to be Myles Garrett or any Browns pass-rusher against this Bengals line. Tackle play has slowly improved on the edges but not against the great players like Garrett. And to be blunt, guard play has looked almost high-schoolish at times, so Burrow figures to be on the run a lot.

Who wins and why?

Browns, 24-21. Cincinnati’s offense will miss Joe Mixon in a bad way and the defense will really struggle without No. 1 corner William Jackson. Even before the final injury report went live, this one seemed like a long shot mostly due to the bad Bengals offensive line.

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing the Lions matchup in Atlanta with Falcons Wire

Thanks to Matt Urben for taking the time and answering our questions

It’s been a long time since the Lions and Falcons last met. That Week 3 matchup back in the 2017 season was a memorable one, but both teams have had coaching and significant personnel changes since.

To get caught up on what’s going on with the 1-5 team in Atlanta, I turned to Falcons Wire editor — and former Lions Wire staffer — Matt Urben for some questions about the new-look birds. Thanks to Urben for the info!

The changes to the coaching staff and management seemed to work. How would you assess Raheem Morris’ interim debut with the Falcons?

Morris has handled the entire situation extremely well, and the players seemed to respond on the field in Week 6. Defensively, there was a renewed sense of energy. The team played with speed on both sides of the ball for all four quarters. Atlanta has actually played well in the first half of most games this season but as Lions fans will understand, there just seems to be a mental hurdle when closing opponents out.

If Morris can figure out how to minimize the Falcons’ late-game woes, this is a talented football team that could go on a run.

What’s going on with Julio Jones?

Julio Jones exploded in Week 1, then suffered a severe hamstring injury that slowed him down. After sitting out in Week 5, Jones came back and absolutely lit up the Vikings in Week 6. Similar to Calvin Johnson during his later years, Jones’ big frame causes him to basically live on the injury report. When he’s out there healthy, though, Julio is still the best receiver in football.

Who are some bright spots that deserve more national attention for their play?

One huge bright spot has been linebacker Foye Oluokun, who’s taken an unlikely path as a sixth-round pick out of Yale to a difference-making part of the Falcons’ defense. Entering the year, many doubted whether Oluokun could replicate the production of De’Vondre Campbell, who signed with the Cardinals in free agency. Through six games, you could argue the third-year LB has been an upgrade from Campbell. Oluokun forced three fumbles in the first half against the Cowboys and recorded an interception last week against Minnesota.

What one matchup with the Lions worries you from an Atlanta perspective?

All three of the Lions’ receivers could be in for a big day. While Falcons first-round pick CB A.J. Terrell has been solid since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team’s biggest weakness remains in the secondary. Safety Damontae Kazee is out for the year. Veteran Darqueze Dennard and second-year CB Kendall Sheffield have each missed time, leaving Isaiah Oliver to pick up the pieces. It’s been ugly at times, and I think Stafford’s ability to get the ball out quickly will serve Detroit well.

Who wins and why?

This is really a tough game to pick. Both teams are underachieving, yet coming off of their biggest wins of the season. I think the Falcons keep things going in their second game under interim coach Raheem Morris.

Falcons 28, Lions 27

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Week 7 with Lions Wire

Behind Enemy Lines for Week 6 with Jaguars Wire

Thanks to James Johnson of Jaguars Wire for the enemy intel

The Lions head to Jacksonville for a Week 6 matchup with the host Jaguars. It’s the first meeting since 2016 for the interconference catfight, which means a lot of unfamiliarity between the Lions and Jaguars.

To help get caught up on what’s going on with the 1-4 Jaguars, I turned to James Johnson, the managing editor of Jaguars Wire. I had questions, Johnson had some good answers that help flesh out what we’ll see on the field on Sunday.

The Jaguars’ pass defense has been dreadful. What’s the primary issue, or is it a combination of issues?

Well, they aren’t winning one-on-ones, especially in the interior. They also don’t have “that guy” to command extra attention to put the other pass rushers in favorable situations. That used to be Calais Campbell, but the team had to trade him to reallocate the salary cap. Simply put, when he was a part of the lineup, Josh Allen, Yannick Ngakoue, and others were able to flourish, so losing him has been a big issue for the team.

James Robinson is a great success story as an undrafted rookie. Can he keep it up?

Yes, he can. He’s a stud who I believed in from Day 1, to be honest. I think he should’ve been taken in the fifth-round at the least, but he’s playing more like an early draft selection. He’s a guy that I’m confident in because of his ability to get to the line of scrimmage quickly, and from that point, his burst and physicality to the next level is something that wears teams out down the stretch.

Additionally, he’ll be getting some help in the backfield as Devine Ozigbo is awaiting activation to the active roster after going on injured reserve. That’s important because the team could disperse the snaps later in the season to help Robinson avoid hitting that wall of fatigue we’ve seen rookies hit before.

How has C.J. Henderson fared as a first-round rookie CB?

He was on fire out of the gate during Weeks 1-2 and looked like a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, but as expected, he hit a little bit of a snag afterward. His Week 3 performance against the Miami Dolphins wasn’t all that great and he exited Week 4’s game against Cincy with a shoulder injury. As a result, he wasn’t able to suit up Sunday against the Texans but is working his way back to potentially play against the Lions.

Overall, many are excited about him after what we saw in Weeks 1-2 and he’s a player who hasn’t given fans the vibe of a bust though it’s early in his career. I also believe he’ll only get better with a change of defensive coordinator and also down the road when the Jags can fix their pass-rush.

Who are a couple of Jaguars who don’t get enough national attention for their play?

I want to go with D.J. Chark honestly but he’s been to a Pro Bowl, so it’s hard to make a case for him I guess. That said, I’ll say center Brandon Linder. He’s been with the franchise since 2014 and is a ProBowl caliber player when healthy. He can do it all from pass protection to run blocking and it’s really unfortunate the Jags haven’t been able to find the guy at quarterback to take snaps from him.

On defense, they don’t really have anyone who doesn’t get the attention they deserve. Many even give Myles Jack his props honestly, so he’s not a guy who I can make that case for. However, one defender who could ease his way into this type of conversation is cornerback Sidney Jones IV, who was a popular name in terms of practice squad additions after teams made their final 53-man rosters.

He was a former second-round pick with the Philadelphia Eagles who had his career mostly derailed by injuries. In fact, he was projected to be a first-round pick out of Washington in 2017 but had an Achilles injury during his pro day that hurt his stock. Afterward, he could never find his footing in Philly and they waived him in September.

He started in his first game for the Jags Sunday against Houston and balled out. He had three total tackles, four pass breakups, and a pick. One of his pass breakups also resulted in a pick and he acquired a Pro Football Focus grade of 96.1. Of course, this has made many wonder if he could see a career resurgence in Jacksonville and join Henderson to make for their corner tandem of the future.

What one matchup with the Lions worries you most for Jacksonville?

T.J. Hockenson against the Jags’ secondary. Simply put, they’ve struggled against tight ends at times. They allowed Jonnu Smith to lead the Tennessee Titans in receiving Week 2 with 84 yards for two touchdowns. Then this past week against the Houston Texans, they allowed a 44-yard touchdown reception to Darren Fells where they had a miscue in coverage. That said, with Hockenson leading the Lions in receiving, I think he’ll have a strong day against the Jags’ safeties who aren’t overly impressive.

Who wins and why?

I believe it will be close, but ultimately I think the Lions will do enough to win. The Jags haven’t shown that both their offense and defense can have a decent day together, so in other words, at least one side of the ball is probable to not show up. I also think Patricia can do enough to move Minshew off his mark, and when that happens, he struggles a bit.

I could see this coming down to a late field goal, so the score I’ll go with is Lions, 27-24.

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the Browns’ Week 6 matchup with Steelers Wire

On Big Ben, injuries, Myles Garrett and more

It’s Steelers week in Cleveland. The 4-1 Browns head to Pittsburgh to try and win for the first time in well over a decade. They’ll need to overcome an unbeaten Steelers team that is playing very well on both sides of the ball.

To get caught up with all that’s going on with the Browns’ AFC North rival, I turned to Steelers Wire editor Cury Popejoy for some questions on Pittsburgh. Thanks to Popejoy for the info!

How has Ben Roethlisberger’s return to the field looked? Is the arm back to normal?

I would say Big Ben is back completely except for his deep throws. He’s shown excellent touch and zip on his short and intermediate passes but is still floating the deep ball. I don’t know if it is just a matter of confidence or reps but he’s still missing one of the trademarks of his game.

The offensive line has some injuries. How are the Steelers managing the offensive front?

Right now it looks like guard David DeCastro might not be available. But he missed the two three games it isn’t as if the Steelers haven’t played without him. This is a new group with guys in new spots but they have played well.

Chase Claypool is coming off a fantastic 4-TD game. How do the Steelers manage all the WR talent and keeping everyone’s mouth fed?

I think having so many young guys on the team helps. There isn’t a veteran on the depth chart clamoring for the football because their ego is hurt or their earning potential. These are all just kids basically who are having fun celebrating the success of each other.

What’s one matchup where the Browns should give Pittsburgh some concern?

The easy answer here is in the Steelers secondary. This group has been exposed in the first round games against some pretty average receivers. Cleveland has a much more talented group who could give the Steelers secondary fits.

Any worry from a Steelers standpoint about the Myles Garrett incident/retribution?

I don’t look for the Steelers to do a thing. Tomlin came out this week and talked about not wanting to get into the whole reality TV thing with the drama and I believe him. If things happen in the game, I don’t look for a guy like Maurkice Pouncey to ignore it but I don’t look for them to initiate anything.

Who wins and why?

This really is a pick ’em type of game. Both teams are strong at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and this is typically where you can differentiate between teams. I give the edge to the Steelers at quarterback, the home field edge and history on their side. Pittsburgh pulls off a close one 28-24

Billy King on GM School, Steve Nash, Doc Rivers and more

Former NBA general manager Billy King is helping five contestants on NBA TV’s “GM School” learn what it takes to run a team. King discussed what to expect in the show’s season finale, how the job has changed over the years, his thoughts on the …

Former NBA general manager Billy King is helping five contestants on NBA TV’s “GM School” learn what it takes to run a team. King discussed what to expect in the show’s season finale, how the job has changed over the years, his thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets hiring Steve Nash and Philadelphia 76ers hiring Doc Rivers, and the possibility of working for a front office again in an interview with HoopsHype. 

As one of the “GM School” judges on NBA TV, do you think any of the five contestants have a realistic shot at working in the league? 

King: I think so. Looking at not only their knowledge of the stats and the game, but I think they all have different personalities that they bring to the table. The biggest challenge for them is just getting in the door.

Do any of them stick out to you as we head into the finale on Thursday, October 15, at 8 PM ET? 

King: Yeah. There were a couple that really stuck out. I don’t want to tip it away for the finale. It made it a tough decision picking a winner.

The contestants previously did some mock drafts and answered CBA questions. What can we expect for the finale?

King: The one thing is you’ll see they’re nervous, and their passion comes across. When you get down to the final two, you realize the passion they had going into it. What impressed me the most was how they improved every segment to get to that point.

The show focused a lot on analytics in today’s NBA and how to apply those stats. How has the GM role changed from when you worked with the 76ers and Nets?

King: The big thing is it changed dramatically from when I first got to Philadelphia in 1997. There were stats, but they weren’t as advanced. I think back to NBA.com, and it was just basic stats. To what SAP has done now with the stats, you can get anything you want to help you make decisions. To me, there’s a lot more information you can have as a GM. What I tried to get across to the contestants was you’ve got to use all that information as a tool. It can’t be your main driver, but you’ve got to use it and take all the information, whether it’s medical or different analytics or video, take all that information and have a staff to help you take all that information and digest it. A lot of it is managing a staff more along with managing the personalities of the players. You’re not just going to dive into one area, and that’s what you’ll focus on. You’ve got to manage your staff to be able to use all the data that you’re going to get.

The contestants addressed how they built their rosters. Some built younger teams with upside, and others had more veterans. Did you share your philosophies on how to build a team?

King: I told them that, one, you’ve got to figure out your coach. Then, you’ve got to build a team that fits that coach. It’s like a chef. You don’t hire a great chef, and then he says I need these ingredients, and you say, ‘I’m only getting two of them. Make that same dish.’ I think you’ve got to figure out who your coach is and then build your team accordingly. I don’t think there’s one way to build a team. I think you’ve got to look to see what your assets are. Is it draft picks? Do you have a lot of draft picks? You may want to go young and build through the draft. Or, you may want to take those picks and trade. I think there’s no one way. If you look at the champions, the Lakers, they built through free agency, trades, and a little bit of the draft. If you look at Miami, they built a lot of it through the draft, and then they added Jimmy Butler. You can’t lock in and say you’re going to do it one way. You’ve got to be able to adapt and build it according to what your assets are and who your coach is.

There’s so much talk about analytics, but is chemistry or the eye test a lost art now in building a team?

King: Not to teams that win. I think the teams that win understand that. Everybody uses analytics. Some people talk about it more, but everybody is using that to base it on drafting a guy or signing a free agent and looking to see if they can make a three, are they good at defending, and what are their defensive rebounding percentages? Then, as you go about it, the chemistry part is what puts you over the hump. Miami wasn’t the most talented team, but I think they were one of the better chemistry teams. I thought the Lakers’ chemistry came together in the bubble more or less. They struggled at the beginning against Portland because they had pieces that were in and out. You saw other teams that people thought were more talented but didn’t have that chemistry and didn’t make it as far. I do think you’ve got to use analytics data and the medicals, but the chemistry and understanding people is a big part of it as well.

Were there analytics or stats that were more useful than others?

King: I think some translate from college to the pros. To me, when you look at rebounds per minute, it translates. If you’ve got a guy like Dennis Rodman in his heyday, I think got one every 2.5 minutes. That’s a great rebounder. If a guy grabs one every three minutes, he’s a good rebounder. If you have a team that needs rebounding, that’s what you’ve got to go for. You’ve got to look at what guys do per minute because that translates. With shooting, if a guy is a shooter and he has a high percentage, no matter where he plays, he’s going to make it, but you’ve also got to look at is he quick enough, is he tall enough, what’s his release point? Shooting and rebounding, to me, definitely translates no matter where you play the game.

You’re one of the judges with Wes Wilcox, who will go to Sacramento as an assistant GM. Did working with the contestants make you want to work in a front office again, and were you close at any point to returning to the league? 

King: I’d love to get back in. It’s something that when you’re away from it, you have a chance to reflect on your mistakes, and so you say if I get back in, whether it’s as an assistant GM or as a GM, I would do things a little differently. I’m anxious to get back in. I told the contestants, if I get a job tomorrow, I’d call one or two of you right away because I’d want you on my staff just because I thought their energy level, knowledge, and composure was so impressive.

You said you build a team around a coach. We’ve seen a lot of coaching turnover thus far in the offseason. The Nets hired Steve Nash as a coach. What are your thoughts on Steve Nash working with guys like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant?

King: Personally, I think he’s great. Personality-wise, his demeanor, composure, and knowledge of the game, he has that. The biggest challenge for him is going to be taking that and being a coach because it’s different because you can’t play. The best advice someone gave me was when I started as a college coach when I was 23 and two years removed from Duke. The AD said to be a good coach, you can’t expect every player to have the same drive, desire, and demeanor that you had as a player. If you can figure that out and understand that, you’ll be a good coach. That’s what Steve has to understand. Not every player is going to approach the game like Nash did. Not every player on the team is going to have his knowledge. He has to understand that and teach them to become better at what they’re not good at. I think Steve will be good at the job because it’s something that he prides himself on. I don’t think Steve has an ego. He’ll step into it understanding it’s not just about Nash, it’s about the Nets and putting the guys in a position to be successful. I think he’ll listen to them, but at times he’ll say, ‘Look, I heard you, but we’re going to do it my way.’

You hired Jason Kidd, who also made a similar transition from the court to coaching. Do you see any similarities in the situation or the two guys personally making the transition?

King: I think the situation is very similar because there are high expectations. Both teams had high expectations. When we hired Jason, we hadn’t done what we did to make the trade, but there were high expectations. I think they both were great players. The difference is Steve is going to have guys there in their prime, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. I think Sean Marks will probably help Steve a little better than I did with Jason. I probably should’ve spent more time with Jason at the beginning in putting the staff together and building a staff. That’s probably where I think Sean will do a better job than I did.

One of your other former teams, the 76ers, hired Doc Rivers. What do you foresee for Doc in Philadelphia? 

King: I think Doc is coming in with credentials. He won a championship. He’s won almost 60 percent of his games as a coach in the NBA. None of the guys on this team have won a championship, so they will have to listen to Doc. It’s at a point now where Brett Brown lost his job, so now it can’t be Doc’s fault if they don’t win. It’s going to be now a little bit of the pressure falls on the players. It’s their responsibility. I think Doc is going to challenge them, and they’ll be receptive to learning because he’s coached some of the best players. He’s coached Hall of Famers in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kawhi Leonard. If they want to get to that level, they’ve got a great guy with a blueprint to show them.

What would you do with Philadelphia’s roster?

King: I would sit down with Doc and get his thoughts because he’s obviously seen them play. Then, you’ve got to look to tinker a little bit. I wouldn’t trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid to start because they’re two young talents. Now, if Doc says this guy I won’t be able to coach, then you have to explore it. You’ve got to look at Al Horford and if there’s a possibility of a trade there. They need more guys that can create off the dribble. You saw it in the playoffs when Ben wasn’t there. They don’t have a lot of guys that can create shots for other guys. I think they need more guys that can create shots or at least put the ball on the floor to take pressure off guys and get them easier shots.

After the show’s finale, what’s next for you? Are you consulting with any teams? 

King: I’ve talked to a few teams, and I’m going to continue to talk to them. I’ve talked to the league with Adam Silver about some ideas I have in how I can assist them. I co-host a radio show here in Philadelphia once a week. My goal is to try to get back in the league and help. I feel that I’ve been blessed to be around Donnie Walsh, Larry Brown, Rod Thorn, and different guys in the league. I’d like to continue to give what I’ve learned from different people to help. I know I can help a team. That’s my goal to get back in some capacity.

Since that’s your goal, do you have a sales pitch to how you can help a team and what things differently you’d do? 

King: The one thing is I think I would have a bigger staff and I’d rely on my staff more to do more. My best asset is with the draft. I think, in Philadelphia and Brooklyn, I was blessed with a good staff, where we drafted guys in the second round that ended up being pretty good players, and some of the guys I drafted are still playing. That’s where I think I’m at my best in the draft. If I can get back in with the draft, or even running a team, I’d focus on really having a deep bench. I’d try to put as many experienced people around me, so when we’re making decisions, we’re doing the best we can with the experience that we have. Not a knock on anything from Brooklyn, but I just don’t think I did a good job of building out an experienced staff to help us along the way as we made these decisions. In Philadelphia, that’s what I had with Kevin O’Connor, Tony DiLeo, Courtney Witte, I had experienced people.

You can follow Michael Scotto on Twitter: @MikeAScotto

Behind Enemy Lines with Cowboys Wire breaking down Week 4 at Dallas

Thanks to K.D. Drummond for taking the time and providing good info

The 2-1 Cleveland Browns pack their bags and head southwest to face the 1-2 Cowboys on Sunday.

To catch up with what’s going on with “America’s Team,” I asked Cowboys Wire managing editor K.D. Drummond a few questions about the matchup. Drummond is a font of information and isn’t your typical Cowboys homer, so it’s very nice to get some good tidbits on the NFC East foe.

What is going on with the once-vaunted offensive line?

Time waits for no man, and certainly not for a group of them. The biggest issue is injury. Travis Frederick retired. Tyron Smith’s neck stingers popped up earlier than usual this season. La’el Collins is dealing with a hip injury that will likely require surgery. Losing both tackles and a center is a death sentence for any line.

Connor Williams, the weak link, now has weak links flanking him. Even though 2019 UDFA Brandon Knight has been really good, 2020 UDFA tackle Terence Steele has been really bad. There’s no continuity, no familiarity, and therefore nobody but Zack Martin holding things down. It’s a whole mess.

Dak Prescott might be the most criticized good QB by his own fan base. How is that relationship playing out, and why can’t Jerry Jones shut up about it?

This week’s comments were taken out of context. He worded it poorly but he was saying that Prescott is the same type of QB as [Patrick] Mahomes and [Tony] Romo that can even give their team a chance to make a play under the circumstances at the end of the Seattle loss. As for Prescott’s status among the fanbase, the smart ones know what they have. The dumb ones are always stuck on draft pedigree and finding ways to justify their early beliefs he isn’t the guy.

In addition, it’s America’s Team, so everyone has an opinion on it. Prescott is ridiculously good, but he’s not perfect. So despite setting a franchise record with 291 straight attempts without an interception — old narratives re-emerge as soon as he does throw one.

The Dallas pass rush has not clicked yet, though it is trending up. Is it personnel, scheme or just more of a need to play together?

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who doesn’t have the best track record, decided he was going to implement a hybrid 30/40 front with two-gap responsibilities on the interior and edge rushers from a two-point stance. Then COVID-19 happened and wiped out all install sessions and prep work, along with preseason games to work on technique in actual game conditions. Instead of reverting to what the players know, they pressed forward.

If it weren’t for the natural talent of DeMarcus Lawrence drawing attention and Aldon Smith’s supernatural abilities, it’d be a barren wasteland of pressure.

Who are a couple of Cowboys who don’t get enough national attention for their games?

That’s an oxymoron, isn’t it? Cowboys who don’t get enough attention? I mentioned Knight, who will likely have the unfortunate responsibility of stopping Myles Garrett on Sunday. LB Joe Thomas is playing in place of Leighton Vander Esch (though at Will backer) and is outplaying Jaylon Smith each week.

Rookie Trevon Diggs has given up some big plays, but his future stardom is evident in almost every snap. The down-roster WRs, Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown, have each emerged as serious threats to any defense.

What is one thing about the Browns that scares you for Dallas?

Nick Chubb. That’s a whole problem, man. He’s the real deal.

Who wins and why?

I think the Cowboys, at home in front of fans, have the advantage here. Tyron Smith should be back and help calm the line down a bit, improving both left and right tackle. They’ll keep Dalton Schultz in to help protect against Garrett a lot and allow the wideouts to go to work.

Shout out to Terrance Mitchell for y’all — he was my first player interview back when he was drafted by Dallas. Proud of him, but I don’t know how he holds up against this arsenal of receivers. Cowboys 40, Browns 27

NBA trainer Chris Brickley: ‘I wanted my hat to represent equality’

Elite basketball skills trainer Chris Brickley recently caught up with HoopsHype to talk about his future plans with his clothing company.

Elite basketball skills trainer Chris Brickley recently caught up with HoopsHype to talk about his future plans with his clothing company.

Brickley, who played D-I college basketball for the University of Louisville and was a player development coordinator for the New York Knicks, owns BlackOps Basketball. The gym has become the home of legendary pick-up games on Instagram featuring players like Kevin Durant as well as pop stars like Drake and Quavo.

He also launched his own streetwear brand in 2016, called Color Blind, which has since been sported by the likes of world-famous celebrities including Justin Bieber and Khloe Kardashian.

Please note that this interview transcription has been edited for clarity.

Your primary work is as a trainer. But you also own the brand Color Blind. What does your design process look like?

Chris Brickley: Basketball is my main thing and training is first and foremost but I’ve always been into fashion and clothes. That is one of the reasons why I started Color Blind. My manager Alex Koblenz and I come up with our designs in-house. We did the logo and the slogans and we have some really cool collabs coming out in the future but it’s been growing since we started it three or four years ago.

How has Color Blind changed in the years since you first launched it?

CB: Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and we are looking to try and continue spreading awareness. Social media makes it easier to bring these things to light. When we come out with a cool slogan talking about what we stand for and one of my clients wears it, we have a platform where we can post it and push the brand forward which is good because we stand for the right thing. It is something that I stand by, too.

The name comes from a place of activism, too. How does that manifest itself in the designs?

Credit: LIDS

CB: So many of the conversations we are having right now are about equality and justice. I started the brand looking at everyone as who they are and not their color, race or what they believe in. I just want to look at people for who they are. It represents the light in everyone. Some of the slogans we work with are “no one above no one” and “enough is enough” and those are some of the values that we stand on. I wanted my hat to represent equality, seeing everyone for who they are and not what they look like. The message is important. We try and give a message that is relevant in the world and we try and design something that is fashionable.

You work with some of the best basketball players in the world. What kind of feedback have you have gotten so far?

CB: I’ve shown our designs to my clients and they really like it! I’m not going to tell them to push a brand or push clothes onto someone. If they ask me about it, I’ll show them. I want them to stand for what the brand means and actually like the hat and actually like the piece of clothing. So I keep it organic and I try to design hats and clothes that the players ask me for and will wear before the game or when they are out and about.

What are some of your plans moving forward with your brand? 

CB: We are going to do new hat designs with Lids Customs. So you will be able to get our logo on the side of any hat in the store. Then we are going to design our own hat, which is also very exciting. I’m super excited. I’ve been a customer for as long as I can remember growing up in New Hampshire. My father and I used to go to the mall and we would go to Lids. It was really cool to get a hat and so to be the newest brand ambassador means a lot. It’s cool to be collaborating with one of the dopest hat stores in North America. That is a blessing.

When you were a kid, do you have any specific hats that you lusted after or knew you needed to have?

Credit: LIDS

CB: When I was little, growing up in New Hampshire, I used to buy Patriots hats and Red Sox hats and Celtics hats. Those are the teams that I was a fan of and it meant a lot to get one of those because everyone in New England is passionate about those teams. It’s kind of cool to walk into Lids now, being a brand ambassador, and picking out one of those.

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