Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists) played well in defeat, but Sengun’s potential game-winner rimmed out in Cleveland.
Rockets stars Alperen Sengun (24 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and Fred VanVleet (27 points, 17 assists, 8 rebounds) played extremely well on Monday night in Cleveland, but the big man’s bid for a clinching buzzer-beater rimmed out in regulation. The Cavaliers then pulled away in overtime, 135-130 (box score).
It was the second night of a road back-to-back for Houston, which seemed to run out of steam during the extra five minutes. The Rockets (13-11) finished a three-game road trip 1-2 after also losing Sunday’s game in Milwaukee, while Cleveland (15-12) won its second straight.
The Cavs were led by superstar guard Donovan Mitchell, who had 37 points and 6 assists while shooting 14-of-27 overall (51.9%) and 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%). Cleveland hit 19-of-48 from 3-point range as a team, led by five off the bench by Sam Merrill, who finished with 19 points in 24 minutes while shooting 50% on treys.
Other noteworthy Rockets performances during Monday’s game, both in positive and negative ways, consisted of:
Tari Eason: 14 points, 8 rebounds in 33 minutes; 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), 4-of-5 on free throws (80%)
Jalen Green: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; 2-of-12 shooting (16.7%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%), 7-of-7 on free throws
Jabari Smith Jr.: 5 points, 7 rebounds; 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25%)
Jeff Green: 15 points, 3 rebounds in 24 minutes; 6-of-6 shooting, 3-of-3 on free throws
Aaron Holiday: 14 points, 2 rebounds in 17 minutes; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)
Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Monday’s game in Cleveland, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets is a return home to Houston, where they have won 11 straight games. The tip for Wednesday’s Rockets-Hawks matchup at Toyota Center is slated for 7 p.m. Central.
After numerous delays and postponements, front offices and draftniks have had more time to analyze the 2020 NBA draft than any previous year.
After numerous delays and postponements, front offices and draftniks have had more time to analyze the 2020 NBA draft than any previous year.
Originally scheduled for June, the ongoing pandemic pushed the big night back by five months. While this may cause some teams to overthink their decisions, it gave analysts plenty of time to study all of the top prospects eligible in this class.
This year, players had to participate in a mostly virtual pre-draft process. On the bright side, this meant that teams had the opportunity to interview more candidates than ever before.
However, the number of in-person visits were incredibly limited due to the restrictive parameters set by the league. Similarly, the NBA draft combine was conducted without the typical scrimmages where players can separate themselves from the others with impressive on-court performances.
Overall, the players that stood out in this pre-draft process had a different path to recognition than any other year. College basketball players did not have the opportunity to showcase themselves during March Madness. The nation’s top seniors did not get to participate in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
As such, executives will rely mostly on the existing game footage as well as the intel they gathered during their conversations with the prospects. We also depended on similar strategies, getting access to one-on-one interviews with more than three dozen prospects and exchanging our thoughts with various scouts across the league.
This helped us put together our final big board, looking at the Top 100 players ranked on their potential to make a difference for teams in the NBA.
Relevant statistics were pulled from Synergy Sports Tech, Bart-Torvik, KenPom, Open Look Analytics and RealGM. Note that the age listed for each player references how old they will be on the night of the draft.
At least one Utah-area reporter thinks there might be a connection that could see the deadeye wing end up in green and white.
Could the Boston Celtics be planning a late first-round selection of Utah State guard Sam Merrill? At least one Utah-area journalist thinks it might be in the cards.
Merrill — a 6-foot-5 guard currently mocked in the latter half of the second round — is probably more in line with being taken by the Celtics at No. 47 overall than with picks 26 or 30, but he’s certainly worthy of consideration given the size and shooting he possesses.
He isn’t an especially good defender despite his size, and at 24 is one of the oldest players in the draft, which may be pushing down his draft stock.
But, his 41% 3-point shooting and free throw percentage (89.3%) suggest he may be a real value if still available that late in the second round — particularly given Boston’s need for shooters off the bench.
“When I was a kid, I was an above-average shooter but didn’t really take a ton of 3s. During my senior year in high school, I think I made 27 3s, one a game,” Merrill told Rookie Wire’s Bryan Kalbrosky. “I knew that I was going to have to be a great shooter and just put in a ton of work.”
“During my freshman year, I was more of just a catch-and-shoot guy and then I just continued to work and work. “That’s how I’ve been able to develop into the shooter that I am right now.”
Sam Merrill all about making winning plays: ‘I’m more than just a shooter’ https://t.co/xSR7Ix33ZN
The Utah native also reportedly has ties to the Ainge family.
“It doesn’t hurt that Merrill is a friend of Crew Ainge, a former Utah State guard, and the son of Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge,” observed KSL Sports’ Ben Anderson in an article on the former Aggie. “Like Merrill, Ainge was a star at a smaller basketball school in Utah (BYU) who carved out a long career in the NBA.”
That friendship likely means Merrill is on the team’s radar, and it isn’t inconceivable that his game might have him in their plans.
The Ainge comparison is unfair given how highly regarded Danny was in multiple sports before he joined the NBA, though their backgrounds do have parallels as multisport athletes in high school.
With a number of quality players likely available later in the draft than in most seasons, it seems plausible Merrill could still be on the board for Boston at No. 47.
And while the Utah State product may lack much upside at 24, he’d certainly be a solid option for the Celtics to consider there.
Sam Merrill is a legitimate option for the Brooklyn Nets with the No. 55 pick in the 2020 NBA draft, which takes place on November 18.
[jwplayer C5wneBws-z6KDnl0B]
Sam Merrill can provide any NBA team with something each needs: another 3-pointer shooter.
A career 42% shooter from deep over four years at Utah State, Merrill can score both off the dribble and the catch.
“When I was a kid, I was an above-average shooter but didn’t really take a ton of threes. During my senior year in high school, I think I made 27 threes, one a game,” Merrill told USA TODAY SMG’s Bryan Kalbrosky. “I went on my LDS mission, came back and realized that the ability to shoot the basketball was going to be so important for me because, obviously, the level of athleticism from high school to college is a big jump. So I knew that I was going to have to be a great shooter and just put in a ton of work. During my freshman year, I was more of just a catch-and-shoot guy and then I just continued to work and work. That’s how I’ve been able to develop into the shooter that I am right now.”
Credit: USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire
But the projected late second-round pick — the Brooklyn Nets the 55th pick in the 2020 NBA draft — isn’t satisfied with being solely labeled as a shooter. Merrill intends to show he’s a complete player who can help teams fill up the lone statistical category they care about: wins.
“I always tell guys that while I have the ability to score the ball and do all that kind of stuff, I think the one way that I would describe myself to people is just as a guy that makes winning plays,” Merril told Kalbrosky. “That sounds like a cliché, but you can name guys in the NBA that when they come to mind, you see them as guys that just make winning plays — whether that’s taking a charge or getting a loose ball or getting a timely offensive rebound or knocking down a clutch shot. There are guys that do that, and those guys are highly, highly valued in the NBA. I think I have the ability to shoot the ball, I think I can defend, I think I handle it. But, more than anything, I really think that I can be a guy that can help teams win.”
Utah State Aggies star Sam Merrill can shoot the lights out, but he made it clear to USA TODAY SMG’s Bryan Kalbrosky that he will bring more than that to the NBA.
Utah State Aggies star Sam Merrill can shoot the lights out, but he made it clear that he plans to bring much more than that to the NBA.
Of course, when a player shoots 42 percent from 3-point territory on 5.8 attempts per game over the course of their college career, it’s not a shock when teams view said individual as a shooter above all else. Merrill isn’t satisfied with that label, however, and wants to show that in the pros.
The two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection explained his mindset and more during his conversation leading up to the 2020 NBA draft with USA TODAY SMG’s Bryan Kalbrosky.
Please note this interview was minorly edited in its transcript for brevity and clarity.
Thanks so much for your time today! What have you been telling teams about how the last few months for you?
Sam Merrill: It’s been a good process to this point. For the most part, my message has been that I really want to believe I can play at the NBA level and find a way to carve out a career. But also, I’m more than just a shooter. I do have the ability to shoot the ball, but I want to prove to teams that I can help with more than that — both on the offensive and defensive end. I’m just trying to get across my love for the game and my versatility, as well.
You mention your love for the game, where did that first come from? How did you realize that’s something you wanted to do for the rest of your life.
SM: I’ve been a huge sports fan my entire life. My dad and I have a good relationship that revolves around sports. As a kid, I played every sport. When I was in elementary school, my favorite sport would be whatever sport was in-season — basketball, baseball, football. I realized basketball was what I was best and it was the one I had the most love for, and it was probably going to give me the best chance to play in college. So, I put most of my focus there. But again, I love watching the NBA, the NFL, golf tournaments, all that type of stuff. My whole life has revolved around sports.
What was your second-best sport growing up? How do you think being a multi-sport athlete helped you get to where you are now?
Thinking of the 1-sport specialists in today's college hoops: Utah State superstar Sam Merrill — Sam the Man — was all-state in football, basketball, led HS team to state baseball title and was 3-handicap in golf. And Princeton offered him scholarship, too.
SM: Definitely football. I played baseball and was on a good team, but that was probably my third-best one. I am so, so thankful that I played multiple sports in high school. I learned so much from my football coaches, and the experiences that I had there — and my baseball coaches, as well. I really think that’s an important thing to do. But it’s not for everyone, not everyone can be successful at every sport or love other sports. But for me, I’m very grateful that I was a multi-sport athlete.
Being from Utah, what drew you to Utah State and playing at home near your family in the Moutain West Conference?
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
SM: I’ve had a long-standing connection to Utah State. My dad grew up in Logan. Both my parents graduated from Utah State. My sister played soccer at Utah State. When I got to high school and realized that I was being recruited and was going to hopefully play at the next level, I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision and not just choosing Utah State because of my fandom as a kid. But like you said, I wanted to stay close to home. I wanted to stay in-state and tried to do my due diligence and felt like Utah State was going to be the best option for me. They have had a very good program for the last twenty years.
I actually committed very early. I committed at the beginning of my junior year. At the time, the only other offer that I had was from the University of San Francisco. I had spoken with Princeton, I had solid grades, but I didn’t think my grades were going to be good enough. I just felt confident in going to Utah State. I was talking to the other in-state schools and a couple of other schools, but again I just really felt like Utah State was going to be the best option for me. At the time that I committed, they just announced they were going to the Mountain West. So I knew I was going to be going into a very good basketball conference.
When you look back at your experience in college, what are some of the moments that are going to jump out at you?
SM: Probably the biggest thing was meeting my wife, which was obviously incredible. But from a basketball standpoint, there was a ton of incredible experiences. I’m so thankful that I made the choice to go to Utah State. In my first two years, we weren’t very good, and that was hard. As a fan of Utah State, that had been a successful program, to be on two teams that weren’t quite as good was difficult. I had to work and try and do my best to help get Utah State out of that. But eventually, to be able to have the success that we did at Utah State my last two years, just kind of big-time games and big-time win. That’s the number one thing that I’ll look at: how difficult it was my first two years and how much fun we had my final two years with the success that we had.
In what areas do you think you grew most during your time at Utah State?
SM: I’ve grown as a person, and that’s come through the many experiences I have had. That’s extremely important. As far as basketball goes, my handle has gotten so much better. That’s out of necessity. I realized I was going to have to be a guy that had the ball in his hands quite a bit. I had to improve my handle and even then it’s still not at an NBA level. So that’s something I’m working on every single day: my handle and the ability to shoot off the dribble, which I didn’t really have. I’ve always been able to shoot off the catch, but that need to be able to create more for our offense, that’s something that I had to work through and develop as well.
One of the last moments of college basketball of this year was your game-winning shot against San Diego State. Walk me through the emotion of that play and what that felt like for you, especially knowing that you are senior and it was going to be one of your last games — at the time not knowing what was going to happen next.
UTAH STATE'S SAM MERRILL WITH THE GAME-WINNER TO UPSET NO. 5 SDSU 😱❄️
SM: There was a big race of emotions because we had the high expectations preseason and everyone expected we were the only unanimous preseason pick to win the league ever in the Mountain West. We were a preseason Top-25 program. We wanted to get back to the NCAA Tournament, really avenge the loss that we had to Washington. It wasn’t perfect. There were ups and downs throughout the season. It wasn’t as nice as people probably would have liked. We were in a situation where I wasn’t sure if we were going to make the tournament if we lost that game. We might have, but in my mind, that wasn’t going to happen. In my mind, we had to win that game. So, to give ourselves a chance against a top-five team and I had the opportunity to try and make what would be a game-winning shot. So to be able to see that shot go in and end up winning the game was just such a big relief for me. So incredible to go through the range of emotions that we did throughout the season and still be able to come out on top.
Utah State had a top-50 offense and a top-50 defense. How did you view your role in terms of helping to have such a solid identity offensively and defensively?
SM: We prided ourselves on being a team that could do everything and didn’t put all our cards into one table. Offensively, obviously, I had the ball in my hands quite a bit. I had a pretty high usage rate. But our style was unselfish. We tried to share the ball. We were top ten in assists in the country last year. I’m not sure about this year, but I believe we were pretty high. So we really tried to share the ball. Obviously, I led the team in scoring. But I felt like it was a team thing. Defensively, we just tried to be sound. We had our big rim protector Neemias Queta who’s so good. That was our biggest goal on defense: be sound and make teams shoot over the top.
One thing that stands out with you is your assist-to-turnover rate. Tell me about the importance of distributing the ball to others and not turning it over.
Credit: USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire
SM: Yeah, that’s something that’s always been very, very important to me. I think that’s a great trait that a prospect can have, especially a role player. I’m hoping that people look at that and see that’s something that I can provide at the next level. I’m someone that is going to take care of the ball and make the right decision. Again, that’s been so important to me. The best teams usually don’t turn the ball over, so that’s what I try to provide.
You could be labeled as a point forward given your size and everything. How would you classify your role in an offense, given your height and playmaking ability?
SM: I’ve always seen myself as a point guard. But I think versatility is something that I do try and add on the offensive end. I’m a guy that can handle the ball, can handle play the point if I need to and if I need to play off the ball, I feel comfortable doing that as well. I think that’s a lot of what teams are looking for nowadays, at any level: guys that can do a lot of things on the offensive end. So that’s another thing that I try to provide.
As a ballhandler, how do you feel you would do in a fast-paced offense?
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
SM: My goal has just always been to make the right play. You’re not going to see me making flashy plays ever. That’s just not who I am. But I do try and make the right play and make the right decision, make the right reads. I do like playing in a fast-paced style. Maybe not running up or down, but again, playing fast within the flow of a half-court offense. Hopefully, that’s another thing I can provide: the ability to make plays for others.
You were really efficient in the pick and roll, but you were just as impressive when shooting oof handoffs, coming off screens, spot-up possessions. How’ve you been able to become effective off the ball and how do you think that can help translate to the NBA level knowing that you might not be on-ball as much throughout your first few years in the league?
SM: Yeah, that’s definitely something that I tried to show. I didn’t have as many opportunities over the last two years again because I had the ball in my hands quite a bit. But I know the ability to be versatile offensively is so important if I want a chance to make the NBA really stick. I think I can be a floor spacer if I need to, a guy that just stretches the floor. But having that versatility and also showing the ability to shoot off the dribble when I need to, I think that will hopefully that’s something that’s intriguing for teams.
That versatility to be as efficient off the catch and off the dribble, like you were, is so important in making the transition. What’s the history of your jump shot?
Sam Merrill, 2019-20 Shot Chart (via Synergy Sports)
SM: When I was a kid, I was an above-average shooter but didn’t really take a ton of threes. During my senior year in high school, I think I made 27 threes, one a game. I went on my LDS mission, came back and realized that the ability to shoot the basketball was going to be so important for me because, obviously, the level of athleticism from high school to college is a big jump. So I knew that I was going to have to be a great shooter and just put in a ton of work. During my freshman year, I was more of just a catch-and-shoot guy and then I just continued to work and work. That’s how I’ve been able to develop into the shooter that I am right now.
Were there any drills, coaches, lessons or advice that you think helped make you such a good shooter off the dribble?
SM: I don’t know if there any specific drills that I did. I think it’s just repetition. Just like most guys, if you work at something, you’re generally going to improve it. So, I put in a lot of work over the summers shooting, off-balance, going right, going left, any type of shot that I felt like I might take in a game. That was something that I worked on. I put in a lot of reps and I was able to improve.
You finished with a top-20 free-throw percentage in college basketball and the best free-throw percentage in program history. How has that become a part of your identity and your game?
SM: I didn’t take a lot my freshman year but I think I shot close to 90%. From that point on, it just kind of turned into who I was. In high school, I was probably an 80% free-throw shooter. That was still good, but not quite at that level. It was the same thing, just putting in work, shooting extra free throws whenever you can. It got to a point where everyone knew that if I got the line, I was going to make them and because of that, I really felt confident as well.
Playing with Neemias Queta, you played with a future NBA big on your team. How do you think that helped you as a pick-and-roll ball-handler?
SM: Having a roll threat like him was really helpful. The spacing is so different from college to the NBA. But he’s really good at the pick and roll. When I’m coming off handoffs, he knows when to keep it, when to hand it off, when to set a screen. He’s very, very, good at that just like many NBA bigs are too. That experience I got with him will certainly help me.
How would you describe your game to someone who’s never seen you play?
SM: I always tell guys that while I have the ability to score the ball and do all that kind of stuff, I think the one way that I would describe myself to people is just as a guy that makes winning plays. That sounds like a cliché, but you can name guys in the NBA that when they come to mind, you see them as guys that just make winning plays — whether that’s taking a charge or getting a loose ball or getting a timely offensive rebound or knocking down a clutch shot. There are guys that do that, and those guys are highly, highly valued in the NBA. I think I have the ability to shoot the ball, I think I can defend, I think I handle it. But, more than anything, I really think that I can be a guy that can help teams win.
Who are some of those guys that come to mind that remind you of yourself and the way you add those hustle stats, as well as being the well-rounded and distributor that you are?
SM: There are guys that, stylistically, I think I match up with. I look at guys like Duncan Robinson, Wayne Ellington and Joe Harris. As a shooter, I think that’s what I’m going to have to provide, obviously, and I think I can. Those guys are constantly spacing the floor or creating offense through pin downs and staggers. But I also have the ability to handle the ball a little bit and one guy that I’ve been watching a lot lately because we have similar athleticism and size is Bogdan Bogdanovic. He has been able to turn into a great, great player. If I could be half of that, that would be fantastic. Some other guys that come to mind are Kyle Lowry because he is a guy that’s always taking charges, just makes winning plays. Pat Connaughton is always getting offensive rebounds when you need them. Joe Ingles here for the Jazz does the same thing, just makes winning plays — whether it’s making the extra pass, driving, a closeout all that type of stuff. Those are three guys that I think of quite a bite.
What was your mission like? I know you went to Nicaragua.
SM: It was just an incredible experience and one that I’ll forever be grateful for. As a missionary, we would go on for two years and preach what we believe to be the Gospel of Jesus Chris and invite people to listen to us and invite people to hear our message and come to church and learn more about what we do. It’s a hard, hard experience. It’s two years in a different country, learning a different language. There’s no sports or anything like that. We’re just solely focused on what we’re doing. It was very difficult with all the stuff that comes with it and with people saying no. But I learned toughness. I learned how to work hard. I learned how to persevere through difficult times. While it hurt me from a stock perspective, because I’m two years older than other seniors, I wouldn’t trade it for anything because I wouldn’t be where I am without the experience.
How would you feel about the G League as a way to potentially start your career? What are some ways that you think you could potentially use that as a learning experience to become an NBA player?
SM: I just want to reach my maximum potential. If that means spending some time in the G League, then that’s what I’ll do. I think there are a lot of organizations that do a really good job with their G League teams. We’ve seen a lot of guys that have spent time in the G league and are now either impact players or even stars in the NBA. I’m not a guy that would look down on that, and if that means spending a year, spending three months, Whatever it takes, I’m willing to do so, so I can hopefully carve out a career in the NBA.
What are some of the things you like to do when you’re not playing basketball?
SM: I love anything about basketball, so I’ll watch old games, old highlights, stuff like that. But if I’m not doing something with my wife or friends, I love golf. That’s probably the one biggest thing. I’m not great at golf but I do enjoy playing.
What are your goals for yourself either on or off the court?
SM: For me, my only focus right now is trying to have a career in the NBA. Whether that means hearing my name called or not, nothing is guaranteed in this league. Even guys that are first-round picks, a lot of those guys don’t make their second contracts. I believe in myself, I believe in my work ethic and I hope I can carve out a role. I know it’s going to be a grind and it’s not going to be easy, but that’s my No. 1 goal for right now.
This also provided context for realistic high-end and low-end predictions for the players most often included in mock drafts.
Please note that the range included for each player is not based on our own reporting or intel and it only reflects the data pulled from the various mock drafts.
The full list of our latest aggregate mock draft rankings can be found here. HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report.
This also provided context for realistic high-end and low-end predictions for the players most often included in mock drafts.
Please note that the range included for each player is not based on our own reporting or intel and it only reflects the data pulled from the various mock drafts.
The full list of our latest aggregate mock draft rankings can be found here. HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report.
Mountain West Basketball: NBA Draft Update Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Let’s take a look at where some of our favorite MW stars stand going into June. As the world of sports seeks to get back to business as “normal” worldwide after …
Let’s take a look at where some of our favorite MW stars stand going into June.
As the world of sports seeks to get back to business as “normal” worldwide after coming to a sudden halt in late March, the NBA is tasked with rescheduling their current season, free agency, and all draft-related activities in the coming months.
The anticipated early entrant withdrawal date on Wednesday, June 3rd has been pushed back like many other draft related deadlines. There hasn’t been any mention of a new deadline, but the NCAA said it would be set once a more concrete pre-draft schedule was announced by the NCAA.
The early entry withdrawal deadline was not the only date pushed back as the draft lottery, scheduled for May 19th and the scouting combine, scheduled to be held May 21st-24th were also moved further back.
The only date that has remained untouched is the draft itself, which is still scheduled for June 25th, but likely to change. But one thing is for sure, and that is that time is winding down
There is definitely an unknown or mystery element to this year’s draft process, players who may normally opt to stay in the draft due to certain unforeseen
Alston Jr. is a legacy draft prospect, as his father was drafted in the second round and 33rd overall in the 1994 draft out of Duquesne. His father’s NBA career was short lived (a little over two seasons), but played almost two decades overseas and has since made a career in couching in the NBA and NBA G-League as the current head coach of the Westchester Knicks.
Alston Jr. is an intriguing prospect as a 6-9 guard who can handle the ball and get his teammates involved when he drives the lane.
Mitchell was a terrific player on what may have been one of the best Aztec teams in school history. He began the season coming off of the bench for the Aztec’s first 13 games before reentering the starting lineup and never leaving. His development over the course of the season elevated Mitchell to a spot on the conference’s first team at the end of the season.
After declaring for the draft in late April, he spoke with Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union-Tribune revealing anything but eagerness to jump to the NBA.
“I was definitely going back and forth on the decision to put my name in,” Mitchell said. “But at the end of the day, I felt it was the best thing to do for myself and help myself in the future. All I’m looking to get out of this is to get feedback about what I need to get better at, what they’re looking for me to do better next season.
“And if they do open for workouts, under God’s graces, I would take workouts if asked. That’s all I’m looking to get out of it. I don’t think I’m looking to leave this year.”
Mitchell is extremely self-reflective and understands the current situation globally and how it limits exposure and potential in-person contact with NBA teams. He also understands
Here are the three mid-major college prospects that should have the attention of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Philadelphia 76ers have five draft picks in the 2020 NBA Draft with four coming in the second round. There are always some hidden gems at the back end of the draft that every team can find with a little hard work.
Normally, those picks at the end of the draft come from mid-major colleges. Those college teams that always fly under the radar and they don’t have the same shine as a team like Duke or Kentucky or North Carolina and the like. However, there are always a few guys who deserve some love and can be productive NBA players.
For the Sixers, there are three guys who stand out as potential prospects for the team who can help right away and that is what this post is about. Let’s get into it.
2020 NCAA Tournament Simulation Results of East Region First Round is underway. Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire We have our first upset out of the East region and an exciting first day of games. We are joining the herd by simulating a March …
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2020 NCAA Tournament Simulation Results of East Region
We have our first upset out of the East region and an exciting first day of games.
We are joining the herd by simulating a March Madness bracket through this month. We are doing ours a touch differently and are not going to just blow out the bracket in a few days. Our plan is to have this going on for probably two or so weeks. In the first few days we will have the first and second rounds done by over the weekend.
[lawrence-related id=27218]
The way we are doing the simulation is through WhatIfSports.com and it will be a one-and-done simulation. Both teams will be played on a neutral floor and we will post the box score and play-by-play info that was generated.
Cleveland, OH–They wouldn’t have been the first ever sixteenth seed to pull the upset and everyone was cheering on the favorite instead of the underdog in this one as Dayton won over the hearts of thousands, maybe millions this past season. But that didn’t matter to the Eagles as they made it a close one in Cleveland by avenging a poor first half performance by outscoring the Flyers 45-35 in the second half. It wasn’t enough as they couldn’t dig themselves out of the hole they dug for themselves in the first half. Even though Obi Toppin was relatively quiet with only 12 points and 6 rebounds, Trey Landers led Dayton with 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Flyers to the next round.
Cleveland, OH–This one seemed close, like most No. 8 vs. No. 9 seeds, the Buffaloes and Golden Eagles played hard. But Markus Howard never got the help he needed pouring in 32 points and Sacar Amin the only other Marquette player in double-digits. Colorado’s attack was a bit more balanced and although they have several guys who can get it done for them, Mckinley Wright IV led them with a double-double consisting of 24 points and 10 rebounds. Tad Boyle’s team moves on with some confidence after a double-digit win over one of the best scorers in the country.
Sacramento, CA–Auburn usually plays some of their best basketball in the tournament and are looking for an encore performance to their Final Four appearance last year. Cincinnati attempted the upset but struggled in the first half and turned the ball over seventeen times. J’von McCormick led the Tigers with 15 points but had help as Auburn advances with their net cutting aspirations still alive.
Sacramento, CA–Wisconsin surprised everyone coming in at the No. 4 seed as they looked like a team set to miss the tournament back in beginning of the season. They didn’t disappoint, receiving double-digit scoring from six different players. But it was big man Nate Reuvers who led them with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. North Texas played a tough game and almost became the first double-digit seed to get an upset behind 29 points from junior guard Javion Hamlet. The Badgers move on but a little shook up from a close 6-point victory.
Greensboro, NC–Our first Mountain West team in the East is Utah State and though they kept the first half deficit to just one point, they couldn’t seal the deal as double-teaming Sam Merrill in the final minutes proved to be effective. Brock Miller led the Aggies as the team’s hot hand in this one with 21 points while finding space on the perimeter with all eyes on Merrill. Luke Garza seemed to be the difference maker in this one as he finished with 23 points and 9 rebounds showing poise against one of the better frontcourts in the Mountain West. The Hawkeyes advance, expecting a match up against the Blue Devils in the next round, barring a Belmont upset of course.
Greensboro, NC–Belmont was on everyone’s list of possible Cinderella’s and it’s quite understandable. But they were going up against the Duke Blue Devils who didn’t plan on being a part of their fairy tail story. The Blue Devil’s are young but talented and were led by freshman Cassius Stanley who chipped in 17 points in this 11-point win. The Bruins didn’t make it easy but were just out shot from every spot on the field and out rebounded 45-34. Coach K’s team moves on as they look to go further than last March, and that means a Final Four appearance.
Albany, NY–The first upset in the region came in the No. 7 seed vs. No. 10 seed match up of the No.7 Houston Cougars against the No. 10 Arizona State Sun Devils. Houston and head coach Kelvin Sampson have had a great season led by Freshman guard Caleb Mills and a balanced supporting cast. This didn’t turn out how Cougar fans might have wanted as a tough shooting night for Houston’s stars might have been their downfall against a hot handed Rob Edwards who finished the night with 25 points after going 6-11 from deep. Arizona State advances to face the winner of Villanova and Northern Kentucky later in the day, hoping for a Norse upset to avoid facing one of the best coaches in March Madness history in Jay Wright.
Albany, NY–Jay Wright’s teams always perform well in March and even though this one was closer than they would have wanted they move on with a 10-point win over the Norse of Northern Kentucky. The Norse keep their tournament ticket this year under first year head coach Darrin Horn and keep it close but hot hand and former Louisville Cardinal Tyler Sharpe couldn’t do it alone as he finishes the night with 18 points. Villanova found their production in Jermaine Samuels in this one as he ends the night with a team high 16 points to help the Wildcats advance on after a double-digit win over a dangerous Northern Kentucky team.
