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November 4<sup>th</sup>
Has the next “G.O.A.T.” arrived
We live in a society where people are quick to anoint players as the next best thing. Last year people talked like that about Ra’Shawn Michaels and rightfully so. This year however…the NCAA will be introduced to a player that may have the skill and ability to be the face of the NBA. Wallace Sapp is a 6’11 235 pound power forward that can handle the rock, shoot the three, defend the paint marvelously, score in the paint….. basically he is a matchup nightmare for just about anyone. Many believe that the second he stepped foot on Cincinnati’s campus he became the best player in college basketball. Although Sapp is a young man that cares about his education and is looking forward to the college experience, I am willing to bet the farm that he will be hearing his name called by the commissioner in a few months.
November 8<sup>th</sup>
We are on the fourth and final lap of a great college career
We have become accustomed to seeing Texas A&M center Emmanuel Rodriguez at the top of different lists at the beginning of each year. He has been defensive player of the year, 1<sup>st</sup> Team All American on multiple occasions and made a name for himself as one of the best college basketball players that we have seen in years. Of course, it makes us a little sad that this will be the last year that we will get an opportunity to watch him play in college. As one of the best defenders in the nation and an improved post game, Rodriguez is looking to go out with a bang and lead the Aggies on another tournament run. He is projected to be a top three pick next year.
November 13<sup>th</sup>
November Week 1 “Big Game Watch”
Cincinnati Freshman PF Wallace Sapp: 20 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 2 stelas against Miami (OH) in a 79 – 52 win
UCLA Junior Jacob Eugene: 31 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 rebounds against Columbia in a 79 – 57 win
Creighton Sophomore SG Mitchell Hawthorne: 18 points, 8rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks against Cal Poly in a 62 – 45 win
November 17<sup>th</sup>
Connor Lucas embracing his role as the leader of the Fighting Irish
With Senior Cole Campbell gone and in the NBA, many believe that the Irish ruined their last chance to win a championship after falling short against Michigan State last year. Individuals close to the team however feel that with the growth of Connor Lucas and the fact that the team is now his, the team may be even better. Connor Lucas is not a flashy payer at all but he has shown the ability to do a variety of different things on the court at a high level. One coach even predicted that Lucas would finish the year leading the team in every single major statistical category. With the improvement that the kid has shown, I can’t say that I disagree. I doubt that Lucas will be leaving after this year but if he does he will absolutely be a HIGH lottery pick.
November 20<sup>th</sup>
November Week 2 “Big Game Watch”
Cincinnati Freshman PF Wallace Sapp: 33 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal against Old Dominion in a 80 – 63 win
Notre Dame Sophomore SF Connor Lucas: 25 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals against Florida A&M in a 77 – 56 win
Texas A&M Senior C Emmanuel Rodriguez: 20 points, 21 rebounds, 4 blocks against UTEP in a 74 – 47 win
November 24<sup>th</sup>
Rick…. Blaze? May be a name you want to remember
So why am I wasting my time writing about the #43 ranked high school recruit that signed Sam Houston State? Blaze is formally know as Rick Jones but the moment that he turned 18 he had his name legally changed to Rick Blaze. When asked why he decided to change his name, he without hesitation answered “Why the hell not”.
Blaze is a fiery competitor that mentally appears to approach the game like Matt Barnes or Dennis Rodman. Blaze has already been suspended for one game after he “mushed” Richmond guard Percy Houston during a verbal altercation. How did Blaze respond you ask? “If I knew I was going to get suspended I would have punched him instead”.
Rick Blaze isn’t just a bad boy. He is also showing to be an excellent basketball player that we may have dropped the ball on when it comes to these high school rankings. Although it has been a small sample size, Blaze is averaging 20 points and 5 rebounds a game. Mr. Blaze will be one of those players that you either hate and want no parts of or would love to have on your team. Only time will tell if he decides to declare but if he keeps playing like this, he will definitely hear his name called very very early.
November 27<sup>th</sup>
November Week 3 “Big Game Watch”
Virginia Sophomore SG Joseph Taylor: 41 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals against Oregon in a 82 – 85 loss
Oregon Junior SF Kentavious Martin: 25 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks against Virginia in a 85 – 82 win
UNLV Senior PF Nat Hawkins: 18 points, 22 rebounds, 2 blocks against Valparaiso in a 69 – 54 win
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