Sophmores -5.5/251.5

JPicks · Feb 13, 2009

:36_11_6: Go get em degenerates.

GridironGems · Feb 13, 2009

sophmores usually dominate this game.. but actually like the rookies this year

cogenman · Feb 13, 2009

Your right, in the years past, the Sophomores have dominated. If I remember right, the line last year or the year before was around 11-13 pts. I guess we need to look at the lineups to analyze things. Be right back with them.

cogenman · Feb 13, 2009

<TABLE class=cnnTMbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=550 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEBoxTitle>Rookie Team Roster </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnTMcontent><TABLE class=cnnTM cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Player (Team)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Position</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Height</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Weight</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>School/Country</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Michael Beasley (Heat)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-9</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>245</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Kansas State</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Rudy Fernandez (Trail Blazers)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G-F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-6</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>185</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Spain</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Marc Gasol (Grizzlies)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>C</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>7-1</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>265</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Spain</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Eric Gordon (Clippers)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-3</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>222</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Indiana</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Brook Lopez (Nets)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>C</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>7-0</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>260</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Stanford</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-4</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>210</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>USC</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Greg Oden (Trail Blazers)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>C</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>7-0</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>285</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Ohio State</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Derrick Rose (Bulls)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-3</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>190</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Memphis</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Russell Westbrook (Thunder)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-3</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>187</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>UCLA</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnTMfooter>Head Coach -- TBD
Assistant Coach -- Dwyane Wade
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=cnnTMbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=550 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEBoxTitle>Sophomore Team roster

</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnTMcontent><TABLE class=cnnTM cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Player (Team)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Position</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Height</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Weight</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>School/Country</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Aaron Brooks (Rockets)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-0</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>161</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Oregon</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Wilson Chandler (Knicks)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-8</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>220</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>DePaul</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Kevin Durant (Thunder)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G-F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-9</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>215</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Texas</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Jeff Green (Thunder)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-9</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>235</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Georgetown</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Al Horford (Hawks)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F-C</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-10</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>245</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Florida</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Luis Scola (Rockets)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F-C</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-9</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>245</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Argentina</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Al Thornton (Clippers)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-8</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>220</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Florida State</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Rodney Stuckey (Pistons)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>G</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-5</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>205</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Eastern Washington</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Thaddeus Young (Sixers)</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>F</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>6-8</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>220</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Georgia Tech</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnTMfooter>Head Coach -- TBD
Assistant Coach -- Dwight Howard
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

cogenman · Feb 13, 2009

Looks like the sophomores have won by double digits the last 6 years.

<TABLE class=cnnTMbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=300 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEBoxTitle>T-Mobile Rookie Challenge results </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnTMcontent><TABLE class=cnnTM cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>Season</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Result</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>1994</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Phenoms 74, Sensations 68</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>1995</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>White 83, Green 79 (OT)</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>1996</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>East 94, West 92</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>1997</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>East 96, West 91</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>1998</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>East 85, West 80</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2000</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Rookies 92, Sophomores 81 (OT)</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2001</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 121, Rookies 113</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2002</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Rookies 103, Sophomores 97</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2003</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 132, Rookies 112</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2004</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 142, Rookies 118</TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2005</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 133, Rookies 106</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2006</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 106, Rookies 96 </TD></TR><TR class=cnnIERowAltBG><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2007</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 155, Rookies 114</TD></TR><TR><TD class=cnnIEColTxtL>2008</TD><TD class=cnnIEColTxtR>Sophomores 136, Rookies 109</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

JetFavre · Feb 13, 2009

no one on the rookies squad will be able to stop durant.

cogenman · Feb 13, 2009

The Sophomores don't have a true center, with Horford being the only big guy. But in a game like this, I don't think it matters. Brook Lopez or Gasol aren't going to be able to post up in a run and gun game like this. The degenerate in me is leaning on the sophs.

BRoysBoy · Feb 13, 2009

Oden and Fernandez are playing thier third game in three days tonight, they are going to be dead tired. And when Rudy gets tired he makes very foolish plays, and it seems (the last few game) that he hit the rookie wall. Odens still having a hard time in the paint, fumbling the ball and traveling. leaning sophs tonight

Santacapper · Feb 13, 2009

Oden got a injury red shirt?

BRoysBoy · Feb 13, 2009

haha, Nah we need the big guy to keep playing. In april you will think you are watchingdwight howard play!

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

its a traveshamockery that the best rookie in the NBA, Maurice Speights, is not on this team...

BRoysBoy · Feb 13, 2009

its a traveshamockery that you think speights is the best rookie this year

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

BRoysBoy said:
its a traveshamockery that you think speights is the best rookie this year

<table class="tablehead" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr class="stathead"></tr><tr class="stathead"><td colspan="14">Hollinger Stats: Player Efficiency Rating - Rookies
</td></tr> <tr class="colhead" align="right"><td align="left">RNK</td><td align="left">Player</td><td>GP</td><td>Min</td><td>FG%</td><td>FT%</td><td>TS%</td><td>Ast</td><td>TO</td><td>Usg</td><td>ORR</td><td>DRR</td><td>RebR</td><td>PER</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">1</td><td align="left">Marreese Speights, PHI</td><td>48</td><td>15.5</td><td>.536</td><td>.790</td><td>.576</td><td>5.1</td><td>8.2</td><td>20.5</td><td>12.2</td><td>16.4</td><td>14.3</td><td class="sortcell">21.06</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">2</td><td align="left">Greg Oden, POR</td><td>46</td><td>22.9</td><td>.568</td><td>.634</td><td>.600</td><td>6.7</td><td>16.2</td><td>17.0</td><td>15.5</td><td>24.5</td><td>19.9</td><td class="sortcell">17.87</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">3</td><td align="left">Kevin Love, MIN</td><td>51</td><td>23.8</td><td>.451</td><td>.775</td><td>.532</td><td>10.3</td><td>12.4</td><td>17.7</td><td>16.5</td><td>26.7</td><td>21.4</td><td class="sortcell">17.70</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">4</td><td align="left">Roy Hibbert, IND</td><td>43</td><td>11.9</td><td>.527</td><td>.662</td><td>.554</td><td>10.5</td><td>10.5</td><td>20.4</td><td>10.9</td><td>14.2</td><td>12.5</td><td class="sortcell">17.48</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">5</td><td align="left">Brook Lopez, NJN</td><td>53</td><td>29.9</td><td>.508</td><td>.814</td><td>.544</td><td>5.8</td><td>13.2</td><td>18.3</td><td>11.3</td><td>21.3</td><td>16.2</td><td class="sortcell">17.05</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">6</td><td align="left">JaVale McGee, WAS</td><td>47</td><td>15.3</td><td>.484</td><td>.632</td><td>.518</td><td>3.3</td><td>9.9</td><td>18.3</td><td>12.6</td><td>19.8</td><td>16.1</td><td class="sortcell">16.97</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">7</td><td align="left">Derrick Rose, CHI</td><td>53</td><td>36.8</td><td>.473</td><td>.790</td><td>.515</td><td>25.0</td><td>9.9</td><td>22.5</td><td>3.4</td><td>7.8</td><td>5.6</td><td class="sortcell">16.12</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">8</td><td align="left">Russell Westbrook, OKC</td><td>53</td><td>31.7</td><td>.407</td><td>.808</td><td>.502</td><td>21.3</td><td>13.6</td><td>24.3</td><td>8.2</td><td>8.8</td><td>8.5</td><td class="sortcell">16.11</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">9</td><td align="left">Marc Gasol, MEM</td><td>52</td><td>30.2</td><td>.523</td><td>.710</td><td>.576</td><td>12.8</td><td>14.3</td><td>16.2</td><td>9.8</td><td>19.4</td><td>14.4</td><td class="sortcell">16.09</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">10</td><td align="left">Michael Beasley, MIA</td><td>51</td><td>24.3</td><td>.455</td><td>.768</td><td>.513</td><td>5.8</td><td>11.2</td><td>25.1</td><td>6.6</td><td>19.2</td><td>12.8</td><td class="sortcell">15.67</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">11</td><td align="left">Kosta Koufos, UTH</td><td>47</td><td>11.8</td><td>.505</td><td>.706</td><td>.538</td><td>7.9</td><td>10.3</td><td>17.1</td><td>11.0</td><td>18.6</td><td>14.8</td><td class="sortcell">15.62</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">12</td><td align="left">Anthony Morrow, GSW</td><td>41</td><td>18.6</td><td>.463</td><td>.826</td><td>.563</td><td>10.5</td><td>5.5</td><td>16.6</td><td>6.2</td><td>10.3</td><td>8.3</td><td class="sortcell">15.57</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">13</td><td align="left">Rudy Fernandez, POR</td><td>51</td><td>26.2</td><td>.416</td><td>.888</td><td>.582</td><td>17.7</td><td>10.4</td><td>18.0</td><td>3.8</td><td>10.5</td><td>7.1</td><td class="sortcell">15.55</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">14</td><td align="left">O.J. Mayo, MEM</td><td>52</td><td>37.9</td><td>.442</td><td>.873</td><td>.545</td><td>12.3</td><td>11.1</td><td>22.9</td><td>2.4</td><td>11.6</td><td>6.9</td><td class="sortcell">15.54</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">15</td><td align="left">Anthony Randolph, GSW</td><td>36</td><td>12.8</td><td>.428</td><td>.704</td><td>.467</td><td>7.3</td><td>14.9</td><td>22.3</td><td>12.6</td><td>22.4</td><td>17.5</td><td class="sortcell">15.52</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">16</td><td align="left">D.J. Augustin, CHA</td><td>42</td><td>28.8</td><td>.414</td><td>.916</td><td>.572</td><td>23.5</td><td>11.4</td><td>20.9</td><td>1.1</td><td>7.2</td><td>4.2</td><td class="sortcell">14.45</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">17</td><td align="left">Eric Gordon, LAC</td><td>53</td><td>33.0</td><td>.445</td><td>.865</td><td>.586</td><td>15.2</td><td>11.3</td><td>18.6</td><td>1.7</td><td>6.9</td><td>4.2</td><td class="sortcell">14.44</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">18</td><td align="left">J.J. Hickson, CLE</td><td>44</td><td>11.6</td><td>.536</td><td>.627</td><td>.559</td><td>3.3</td><td>13.8</td><td>16.4</td><td>9.5</td><td>18.0</td><td>13.9</td><td class="sortcell">14.40</td></tr><tr class="oddrow" align="right"><td align="left">19</td><td align="left">Jason Thompson, SAC</td><td>54</td><td>26.3</td><td>.500</td><td>.713</td><td>.542</td><td>8.3</td><td>14.4</td><td>17.5</td><td>11.2</td><td>19.4</td><td>15.3</td><td class="sortcell">13.52</td></tr><tr class="evenrow" align="right"><td align="left">20</td><td align="left">Mario Chalmers, MIA</td><td>52</td><td>31.6</td><td>.426</td><td>.733</td><td>.550</td><td>30.0</td><td>13.0</td><td>16.5</td><td>1.1</td><td>8.8</td><td>4.9</td><td class="sortcell">13.36</td></tr></tbody></table>

BRoysBoy · Feb 13, 2009

Im not saying he isnt damn good, its just hard to say when he gets limited time. With Brand out ill be watching close.

broadwayjoe · Feb 13, 2009

i'll take the points with that rook squad

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

agreed...this game will obviously degenerate into some playground crapfest...

but the sophomores dont have enough ball handlers

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

In this year's rookie-sophomore game, the sophs have, by far, the best player on the floor, Kevin Durant. They also have the oldest and most experienced pro, Luis Scola, and five players with real playoff experience. But the rookies have everything else.
Their roster is deeper, their bigs are bigger, their guards are better on offense and defense, and their confidence is sky-high. This rookie class is one of the best we've ever seen. And considering how the rookies typically get blown out in these contests, we can presume this team will be on a mission, too.
Still, the sophs will no doubt play with pride. And they have the advantage of experience and the knowledge that this is a game they are expected to win -- so I wouldn't expect them to roll over and allow dunk after dunk. If the sophs lock in for most of the game, we should be looking at the best rookie-sophomore game ever played.
Let's take a closer look at the rosters:

ddk997 · Feb 13, 2009

Rookie Challenge -- Roster Analysis

<table><thead> <tr> <th width="50%">Rooks</th> <th width="50%">Sophs</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr class="last"> <td> Derrick Rose | PG | Bulls

17.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.3 apg
If Rose didn't have to fly in and play so quickly after his Thursday night game, I'd expect him to dominate much of the action with his dribble-attack game. Or his improved midrange game. Plus his acrobatic finishes at the rim. But since he plays so many minutes for the Bulls, and this game is essentially a back-to-back for him, there's a chance he'll chill and let his teammates do the fun stuff.
<hr>Russell Westbrook | PG | Thunder

15.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.9 apg
Like Rose, Westbrook can dominate the game with his ability to attack the rim. Like Mayo, he takes great pride in his defense, which is rarely seen in these games. Westbrook also enjoys pounding guards inside on the glass, and that could hurt his opponents who probably won't be so concerned with "boring" things like boxing out in this game. Anyone watching him for the first time will see arguably the best athlete in this game.
<hr>O.J. Mayo | SG | Grizzlies

19.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.8 apg
An obvious MVP candidate in a game that will feature no help on defense. Mayo is one of the top shooters in this game, and the sophs will have a tough time defending him with just one man. His very competitive nature also dictates that he may be one of the few players locked in on defense. A Mayo-Kevin Durant matchup may be the highlight of the game.
<hr>Eric Gordon | SG | Clippers

14.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.6 apg
Another dynamic guard for the rookies, Gordon is a scoring machine from outside and off the dribble. He has the strength, like his teammates at the guard spots, to get by almost anyone and finish with power. Playing on such a bad team leads to many joyless nights, so Gordon may really enjoy playing in this kind of atmosphere. And he is as good a one-on-one player as there will be on the court.
<hr>Rudy Fernandez | SG | Trail Blazers

10.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg
He may have the best combination of shooting skills and overall athleticism in this game. And he's such a brilliant shot-maker and creative player that he should get heavily involved in the action. It's easy to envision him putting together a string of consecutive 3s made, sprinkled in among some outstanding dunks and finishes.
<hr>Michael Beasley | PF | Heat

13.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.5 bpg
Beasley may be thrilled at the chance to show off his offensive game without being in D-Wade's shadow. While on the Heat he's just another guy, he's a very respected talent on this team.But so did his opponents, and there are a few tough matchups for him in this game. He has to be a rebounder for the rooks to win this game.
<hr>Brook Lopez | C | Nets

12.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg
If his guards decide to involve the bigs on offense, then Lopez will be able to display a nice array of offensive talents. He can score with his back to the basket and make plays off one or two dribbles. He's an excellent shot-blocker, too, so if he's competitive on defense, he'll be able to punish the sophs for finishing too casually. I expect he'll race the floor early on, but will continue to do so only if his teammates get him some touches.
<hr>Marc Gasol | C | Grizzlies

11.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.0 bpg
Gasol has played inspired defense lately, but we likely won't see it tonight. However, we should expect to see hustle and crafty play from him, because that's what he always brings. He can score from a lot of positions on the floor, and he has the size to match up with anyone from the opposing side. Look for him and his Spanish teammate Rudy Fernandez to work some two-man magia (magic).
<hr>Greg Oden | C | Trail Blazers

9.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 apg
Oden is in a strange spot, obviously, since he was drafted two summers ago alongside his opponents. But once the game starts, that will be forgotten. If Oden enjoys running rim to rim and fighting hard for position, the lack of solid defending will translate into a guaranteed dunkfest for him. He's just too big not to be a force in a game like this, as long as he runs the floor and his teammates throw him the ball.
</td><td> Aaron Brooks | PG | Rockets

10.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.6 apg
He is the best pace-pusher in this game, so I expect him to fly around the court when the ball is in his hands. He's right there with Rose as the quickest guard in this game, so that matchup could be fun to watch. He'll be able to get to the rim with ease, but there will be at least one shot-blocker on the floor at all times for the rooks to make finishing a little tougher.
<hr>Rodney Stuckey | PG | Pistons

13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.9 apg
Stuckey can choose to be a true lead guard in this game, setting up Durant and others. Or he can carry the scoring load himself, as he did in a matchup against Rose earlier this season (40 points). He's a crafty player who can blow by players or simply use his body and strength to get angles at the rim. Defending the quick rookie guards will not be fun, but he'll have to do it when Brooks is resting.
<hr>Kevin Durant | SF | Thunder

25.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.8 apg
This game should be a nice warm-up for what he'll be doing for the next 10-plus years at All-Star Weekend: playing in the Sunday game. He is undoubtedly the best player in this game, and he's coming in hot, averaging 30, 7 and 4 in his last 5 games. He'll score from everywhere on the floor and will welcome the challenge that guys like Mayo and Fernandez may present to him. If the rooks can keep the game close, we'll get to see Durant shine in the closing minutes.
<hr>Jeff Green | SF | Thunder

16.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.1 apg
A candidate for the Most Improved award, he has a great combination of raw athleticism, ball skills and basketball IQ. He's going to be very hard to guard Friday night because he can score inside on smaller guys and take bigger guys off the dribble with ease. Oh, and he's shooting 41.5 percent from 3 on the season, which means he'll have a lot of space to operate in.
<hr>Wilson Chandler | SF | Knicks

13.7 ppg, 5. 0rpg, 2.1 apg
Athletic and strong guys tend to do well in this kind of game, unless they decide to stand outside and shoot. Chandler needs to avoid that and instead attack the rim as often as possible. He may have some matchup advantages on offense and some problems on defense when the rooks go small. He can play some 4, too, which could earn him extra playing time.
<hr>Al Thornton | SF | Clippers

16.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.5 apg
His athleticism plays perfectly in game like this. He can score inside and out, and no one will care about his shot selection. He's capable of being the MVP or a total non-factor.His motor normally runs hot, so seeing him race the floor and compete hard would not be a surprise. And he is another guy who can play some 4 and let the sophs go small.
<hr>Thaddeus Young | SF | 76ers

13.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.2 apg
Young has had a disappointing season thus far, but he has played a bit better in February. In an exhibition game, though, he could be stellar. He's a blur running the floor, so seeing him fill the break alongside Brooks or Stuckey numerous times is a given. He has a good feel overall and should mesh well with the other primary players on his team.
<hr>Luis Scola | PF | Rockets

12.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.2 apg
This crafty veteran is not suited for games like this, compared with the true battles come playoff time. He'll set good screens and make smart passing plays, to be sure. It's in his DNA. And maybe the international juices of Spain versus Argentina will get him going at a high level.
<hr>Al Horford | C | Hawks

10.4 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.5 bpg
He has played in five games since returning from an injury he suffered in January, so he's far from being 100 percent ready to go. He always competes hard and plays the right way, so he'll still earn some touches at the rim and start some breaks with his rebounding and dribble-advance skills. But I doubt he'll spend a lot of time fighting Oden and Lopez inside, something he would normally do on every possession.
</td></tr></tbody></table>

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

oh shit....we posted that at exactly the same time

crazy

ddk997 · Feb 13, 2009

hahahaha

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

Experience is KEY----

Rookies have 6 months of experience vs SOPHS who have 1.5 years of Experience--

IMO the sophs win this game because when playing team ball the rookies have guys that only played half a season this year--

The sophs play better together becase they have 1 full year extra to understand team ball. It seems to me that is what happens in this game.

The rookies look more attractive also because they ARE ROOKIES and are MORE HYPEd and MARKETED this year--

The reason sophs win because they have 1 full year extra, so in a game like this they can execute better because everyone has 1 full year over the rookies who are very RAW and pretty much new to the NBA-

so in a team game the sophs win becasue they are accustomeed to NBA Offenses and running plays.

Anyone feeling my boner oh I meant vibe?

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

Rose, Beasley, ODEM, Fernandez all played last NIGHT IN TNT GAMES--

they all play for rookies

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

The guards are better for the rookies, ROSE and WESTBROOK--

but ROSE played last night and lets not get carried away, STUCKEY is better than Westbrook I think anyway--

Sophs have guys that rookeis cant stop, THORTNON, DURANT AND SCOLA HORFORD should dominate in this game.

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

Guys dont get carried away today, its the only game on TV today and its an all star game which can be unpredictable.

If you must bet the game just make sure you dont bet it BIG, just make a small bet like 8 or 9 hundred on it and enjoy the game for fun.

cogenman · Feb 13, 2009

Sophomores in a route!!! They'll be playing with a lot of pride.

wizardofodd · Feb 13, 2009

why is hell do they have oden as a rookie? hes a freakin sophmore!! NBA needs to get its rules straight. So does that make him elgible for ROY award also??

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

Sammy Meatballs said:
Guys dont get carried away today, its the only game on TV today and its an all star game which can be unpredictable.

If you must bet the game just make sure you dont bet it BIG, just make a small bet like 8 or 9 hundred on it and enjoy the game for fun.

:36_11_6::36_11_6:

B.A.R. · Feb 13, 2009

Like the Scruffmores in this one....

Tired Rookie legs....good post Broy....was gonna say same thing...

Also this is a guards/swingmen game...

Lay it.

Inspekdah · Feb 13, 2009

I understand betting a game of this type is of degenerate form...

But I think there's trends, and basic analysis behind it that makes picking it alot better than a divisional game in the middle of January between two .500 clubs.... You get the point.

Love the soph's... for what BAR said above.

Durant/Green/Thorton/Young/Chandler should all get their own tonight. Really like Durant or Chandler to win the MVP of the game.

Rookies have better PG's, and perhaps talent... but Rose is not a distributor at this point in his career and played last night... Oden, should not be in there too long also. This soph squad, led by two players on an up and coming team together do not want to be a joke and lose to the rookies... 5.5 points is not alot when the total is 251!

rod_steel · Feb 13, 2009

Can't believe the Sophmores aren't laying double digits in this one

The Thunder duo could drop 60 between them tonight for the Sophmores

sportjunky · Feb 13, 2009

wonder if stuckey's ankle is an issue? i didn't see much of the game on wednesday, but he didn't look that great and for him to end up with one assist in 30 minutes, you gotta wonder if that ankle is affecting him......cuz if it is, the sophs are left with one healthy guard, and he's a 5'10 combo guard.

jimbo1227 · Feb 13, 2009

i grabbed the 5.5, i think it could be a tight one.

jimbo1227 · Feb 13, 2009

also, faded the wings. took the under in bos/nj. took WVU ML and illy chicago +13.

Smokedawg · Feb 13, 2009

B.A.R. said:
Like the Scruffmores in this one....

Tired Rookie legs....good post Broy....was gonna say same thing...

Also this is a guards/swingmen game...

Lay it.

Agreed...you gotta think Lopez and Oden are pretty much worthless in this game...

sharpie · Feb 13, 2009

Sammy Meatballs said:
Rose, Beasley, ODEM, Fernandez all played last NIGHT IN TNT GAMES--

they all play for rookies

impressesd.

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

Played Rookies +5 and Over 248...

One thing that strikes me about the Soph team is few of these guys are super studs or playing on "winners" . Rookies have some franchise type players and that is impressive ....Sophs always have the edge but I think this is going to be a good exciting game . Missing for the SOPHs is definetly size even in an up and down game not having any resence in the middle can be confidence boasting for the ROOKS....

:cheers:

Played the OVER because think is the YEAR that the ROOKs finally crack 120++ points .....

JetFavre · Feb 13, 2009

oden not even playing tonight

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

sophs will take this, might be closer but sophs are better team and have way more experience--

this matters to the players which is why sophs always win this game prettyeasily

JPicks · Feb 13, 2009

Have to think that I'd just take the ML if I was interested in playing the rookies. How many of these things are ever in single digits? And that includes the real ASG. Really no clue though as I haven't looked at all.

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

What does experience matter ? The entire 1 season more in the NBA is an experience factor in a glorified scrimmage game ? I think OJ Mayo had a ton more experience then say Rodney Stuckey entering the NBA . Experience doesnt mean much in basketball especially here when its a talent based exhibition.....:cheers:

Nothing to do with who is going to win but experience ...meaningless IMO...

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

The rookie team is playing DEFENSE while the sophs are not playing any--

Lopez and GASOL are actually rejecting people and trying hard on D--

wonder if sophs will turn the D on in the 2nd half--

so far it looks like rookies are better team, better guards and big men

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

JPicks said:
Have to think that I'd just take the ML if I was interested in playing the rookies. How many of these things are ever in single digits? And that includes the real ASG. Really no clue though as I haven't looked at all.

Agree on the ML but book didnt offer it for some reason..Part 2 of your post ...how many are decided by single digits ?? I would expand that to how many were LINED in singles digits or around -5 or less..?? Just my twist on your valid point.

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

Sammy Meatballs said:
The rookie team is playing DEFENSE while the sophs are not playing any--

Lopez and GASOL are actually rejecting people and trying hard on D--

wonder if sophs will turn the D on in the 2nd half--

so far it looks like rookies are better team, better guards and big men

I think its much easier to play defense when you are a true 7 ft center then a 6'10 power foward playing center ...Presence is the word.....:shake:

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

Biggest weakness is still FT shooting and 3 Pt shooting ...

Capt. Slap · Feb 13, 2009

Sophmores have looked disgustingly horribly this 1st half,

Yet I still like them to come back and win

Capt. Slap · Feb 13, 2009

That 3 ball helped

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

sophs dont have a point guard---

also their bigs are useless because rookies have the 7 footers---

other than durant, the sophs are not into the game---

rooks are clearly better--

SportsNut · Feb 13, 2009

If I could would take over 122.5 2nd Half and seeing the spread looks real short would lean the Rookies as well ......but already have them and the over as well...:cheers:

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

Who the hell is this ****** singing at halftime????

I feel like smashing my tv, get this ****** off TV immediately

this mothafucka is a Screetch look a like

Sammy Meatballs · Feb 13, 2009

SportsNut said:
If I could would take over 122.5 2nd Half and seeing the spread looks real short would lean the Rookies as well ......but already have them and the over as well...:cheers:

I think Rookies want this game more bro, they are playing real defense, sops have no guards to create and too many forwards like thorton, scola, horford, green and durant--

Am i right when saying sophs dont have the players like 6'3 or 6'5 to win this game while rookies have those players

Sophmores -5.5/251.5

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