Preps to Pros: NBA 2K26 Storyline from 1983 to future with help from NBA 2K14

[JAY_D1]

Sammy Copeland – Dutch Fork → Indiana

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 12.39.12 AM.png

The 6’6 small forward out of Dutch Fork High School is headed to Indiana University, giving Bob Knight another versatile wing for the Hoosiers’ system. Copeland chose Indiana over offers from Kentucky and North Carolina, citing the program’s tradition and discipline.

“Indiana just felt like home,” Copeland said at his announcement.

---

Isaac Frazier – Morgan Park → Rutgers

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 12.38.16 AM.png

In one of the biggest surprises of the week, Morgan Park’s Isaac Frazier, a tough 6’5 small forward, committed to Rutgers. Many expected him to stay in the Midwest, but Rutgers’ persistence — and the chance to play immediately in the Big East — swayed the senior.

---

Frankie Wright – Crane Tech → Arizona State


The Crane Tech point guard was at the center of a heated recruiting battle between Arizona and Arizona State, and in the end, Wright chose to become a Sun Devil. Wright, known for his court vision and fearless play, could be a program-changing guard for ASU.

“Arizona State gave me the chance to lead a team right away,”

[JAY_D1]

As the college basketball season heads into March Madness, the whispers around front offices grow louder: Which underclassmen will roll the dice on the 1984 NBA Draft?

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.00.24 AM.png

Three names are quickly rising above the chatter — Raymond Stapleton of Kentucky, Willis George of Tennessee, and Cole Hutchinson of North Carolina. All three are weighing whether to forgo another season of college basketball for the bright lights of the NBA.

---

Raymond Stapleton – Kentucky (SF/PF)


The Glenbard West (IL) product has been the pride of Kentucky’s roster the past two seasons, a 6’7 forward with a smooth mid-range jumper and the toughness to bang down low. NBA scouts believe Stapleton could go as high as the mid-first round, particularly with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks desperate for versatile forwards.

Stapleton hasn’t made his decision public, but insiders say the allure of a lottery payday may be too much to pass up.

---

Willis George – Tennessee (SG)

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 12.59.52 AM.png

Unlike Stapleton, George makes his living on the perimeter. The 6’4 shooting guard has quickly become one of the most dynamic scorers in the SEC, blending a smooth outside jumper with the ability to attack off the dribble.

NBA scouts see him as a combo guard who could contribute right away as a secondary scorer. The New Jersey Nets and Seattle SuperSonics have both sent multiple scouts to Knoxville, and his name is creeping into late first-round conversations.

---

Cole Hutchinson – North Carolina (SF)

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.01.44 AM.png

A former McDonald’s All-American out of Kenwood Academy (Chicago), Hutchinson has been a steady contributor for Dean Smith’s Tar Heels. At 6’6, he brings defense, rebounding, and timely scoring.

Hutchinson may not have the star upside of Stapleton or George, but scouts project him as a reliable rotation wing, potentially going late in the first round. The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks have both expressed interest.

[JAY_D1]

ESPN BREAKING NEWS: Knicks Sign Ricky Chase, Michigan State’s Jason Hunter Declares for NBA Draft

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.15.15 AM.png

Mike Torres, ESPN Staff Writer

The New York Knicks have made headlines with an unprecedented signing, reaching into the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) to acquire Ricky Chase, a guard from the Columbus Riverdragons. The move signals New York’s urgency to stabilize their backcourt depth as the season heads toward its final stretch.

Chase, known for his relentless defense and ability to hit timely shots, impressed scouts with his leadership in the CBA. This is one of the rare instances in which a CBA standout has been signed mid-season to an NBA roster. Knicks officials believe Chase can provide an immediate spark off the bench.

“Ricky is a competitor. He’s earned this chance,” a Knicks spokesperson said. “We think he can help us in pressure situations and give our guards some much-needed support.”

Jason Hunter Declares for the Draft

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 12.59.26 AM.png

In other breaking news, Michigan State’s Jason Hunter, a 6’6 wing with explosive athleticism, has announced his intention to enter the 1984 NBA Draft.

Hunter, a junior, has been a driving force for the Spartans, combining scoring punch with versatile defense. While he hasn’t always been in the national spotlight, NBA scouts have noted his steady improvement. Early projections suggest Hunter could land in the late first to early second round range.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Diego Clippers are among the teams keeping close tabs on him.

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.10.26 AM.png
Ryan Bolton was that guy before Arizona, going toe for toe with Raymond Stapleton

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.10.09 AM.png

Raymond Stapleton fought back in college

[JAY_D1]

ESPN BREAKING: US Select Team Stars Waiting for NBA Call-Ups


March 1984 – By Mike Torres, ESPN Staff Writer

As the 1983–84 NBA season heads toward its climactic finish, scouts are keeping a close eye on players outside the traditional college-to-NBA pipeline. The US Select Team, a developmental squad featuring top young talent, has become a hotspot for prospective free agents and draft hopefuls.

Among the players generating the most buzz:

---

Hugh Jackson – Point Guard (Michigan State)

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 1.57.11 AM.png

Jackson, the floor general from Michigan State, has been a standout on the US Select team, showing advanced court vision and leadership beyond his years. Scouts report that Jackson’s ability to see through defenses and control tempo makes him a promising NBA candidate.

“Hugh runs an offense like a veteran,” said one NBA scout. “Teams needing a smart point guard will be watching him closely.”

---

Von McGlocklin – Shooting Guard (Gonzaga / Oak Hill alum)

Screen Shot 2025-09-06 at 2.01.46 AM.png

At 6’5, McGlocklin combines athleticism, a smooth jump shot, and defensive intensity. Formerly a star at Oak Hill Academy, McGlocklin’s time with the US Select team has given NBA evaluators a chance to see him against high-level competition outside the NCAA.

“Playing against other elite talent will only speed his path to the NBA,” one scout told ESPN.

---

The Free-Agent Pipeline


The US Select Team has effectively become a proving ground. Players like Jackson and McGlocklin are leveraging this exposure to get in front of NBA decision-makers, who increasingly are willing to look beyond traditional collegiate routes.

[JAY_D1]

NBA Outlook 1984: Lakers, Suns, Sonics Jockey for Position Before All-Star Break Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.01.49 PM.png





By John Saunders, ESPN/ABC Sports – February 1984

With the 1984 NBA All-Star Game just around the corner, the Western Conference landscape is shaping up into a battle of styles, egos, and long-term vision. Three teams in particular — the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, and Phoenix Suns — are looking at the break as a checkpoint for what’s to come.

---

Los Angeles Lakers: Showtime, But With Caution

• Record: Among the best in the West (early 30s in wins)
• Key Players: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy

The defending Western Conference powerhouse is cruising, but behind closed doors, there’s caution. Magic is orchestrating with brilliance, Kareem remains the steady anchor, and Worthy is blossoming into a star. Yet, Pat Riley has privately hinted that the Lakers will need bench reinforcement for a deep playoff run.

Draft chatter? Some in L.A. wonder if the Lakers will trade their pick or dip internationally, with whispers about Henri Fredrikkson (Sweden) or even a raw forward like Clifford Reece from Glenbard West.

“We’re not just thinking about June,” one Lakers exec told ABC. “We’re thinking about the next five years.”

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.00.52 PM.png

Seattle SuperSonics: Searching for Identity

• Record: Around .500
• Key Players: Jack Sikma, Gus Williams, Xavier McDaniel (rookie buzz beginning)

The Sonics are competitive but inconsistent, caught between an aging veteran core and the need to retool. Jack Sikma remains a double-double machine, while Gus Williams provides flashes of brilliance. But the buzz is about youth — with Seattle’s front office eyeing the 1984 Draft as a chance to reset.

Some scouts believe the Sonics could go after a guard-heavy class, or swing big for a physical forward.

“Seattle is one star away from being dangerous again,” one Western Conference scout said.

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.02.36 PM.png

Larry Bird’s MVP Push


Bird has been nothing short of spectacular. Averaging over 24 points per game, he’s added nearly 11 rebounds and 6 assists a night, making his case for league MVP. His clutch shooting and ability to control the tempo have made the Celtics nearly unbeatable.

“We’re not just playing for wins,” Bird said earlier this week. “We’re playing for history.”

[JAY_D1]

The Legacy of Crane Tech

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.15.21 PM.png

From the West Side of Chicago, Crane Tech has long been a cradle of basketball talent. The program’s players carry not just their team but their entire community on their backs every time they lace up.

• Rob Love, the dynamic point guard who starred at Crane before becoming a sensation at Syracuse, put Crane firmly back on the national map. His success is a beacon for the current generation.
• Archie Covington, another Crane standout, now shines at USC, proving the school develops talent that can succeed coast-to-coast.
• Frankie Wright, a gifted point guard, just committed to Arizona State, showing how recruiters are constantly watching Crane’s gym for the next big thing.
• Edward Lowry, a strong inside presence at center, has Kentucky and other blue blood programs calling his name.

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.15.45 PM.png

---

Crane vs. the Rest of Chicago


Crane’s rivals are no joke. Kenwood Academy, Whitney Young, and Simeon all produce elite prospects, setting the stage for some of the fiercest inner-city battles in the nation. The gyms are packed, the stakes feel like March, and scouts from across the country line the baseline with notepads ready.

Why Inner-City Hoops Matters

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.16.08 PM.png

The success of Crane Tech and its rivals underscores how basketball isn’t just a sport — it’s opportunity. For many kids, basketball is the pathway out of poverty, the ticket to education, and the chance to shine on the national stage.

It’s also reshaping recruiting. Prep schools like IMG and Oak Hill are emerging, but programs like Crane remind the nation that inner-city basketball still produces the toughest, most battle-tested players.

[JAY_D1]

Sixers’ Front Office Eyes Future Amid 1983-84 Campaign

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.24.04 PM.png

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 1983-84 season as defending champions, still riding the glow of their 1983 NBA Finals sweep of the Lakers. But while the Sixers’ core of Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Maurice Cheeks remains intact, the front office is already thinking ahead — both in terms of the 1984 NBA Draft and international scouting.

---

Scouting the Draft Class


The Sixers’ scouts have been out in force this winter. With what’s shaping up to be a loaded draft pool — headlined by Michael Jordan (UNC), Sam Bowie (Kentucky), and Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston) — Philadelphia’s brass is quietly considering how to balance their win-now roster with future development.

While they don’t project to land a top pick, several mid-to-late first round options intrigue Philly:

• Terrence Fox (UNC) – Jordan’s college teammate, a wing scorer with shooting touch that scouts believe would thrive next to Dr. J.
• Cristiano Conti (Brazil) – a 6’5 shooting guard who starred in France; Philly scouts love his toughness and international experience.
• Jason Hunter (Michigan State) – a quick point guard who transferred from Ohio State; his stock is climbing after NCAA tournament play.

Milwaukee Bucks (26–12, East Contenders)

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.27.43 PM.png

The Bucks have quietly put together one of the strongest rosters in the Eastern Conference, sitting behind Boston in the standings. With Sidney Moncrief, Marques Johnson, and Bob Lanier leading the charge, Milwaukee is well-positioned for a playoff run. But GM Wayne Embry and the scouting department know reinforcements are needed for the future.

Draft Priorities:

• Frontcourt depth. Lanier is aging, and the Bucks need a young big to develop.
• Scoring off the bench. Milwaukee’s offense tends to slow when Moncrief sits.

Names on Their Radar:

• Sam Bowie (Kentucky) – if the Bucks somehow move up in the draft, he’s their ideal center of the future.
• David Karl (Simeon HS, Chicago) – an ambitious look. Bucks scouts were spotted at Simeon games; while Karl is debating NBA vs college, Milwaukee is one of the franchises intrigued by his size.
• Cristiano Conti (Brazil) – international wing scorer, a strong candidate for a late-round pick.
• Willis George (Tennessee, SG) – an athletic guard who fits Milwaukee’s physical style.

“The Bucks don’t need a savior — they need pieces. Whoever they draft has to fit Moncrief’s two-way mentality,” one scout told ESPN.

[JAY_D1]

1984 NBA All-Star Game Final Box Score

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.31.15 PM.png

East 154 – West 145 (OT)

Top Performers – East

• Isiah Thomas (DET): 21 points, 15 assists, 5 rebounds (All-Star Game MVP)
• Julius Erving (PHI): 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
• Larry Bird (BOS): 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists
• Moses Malone (PHI): 18 points, 12 rebounds

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.31.52 PM.png

Top Performers – West

• Magic Johnson (LAL): 20 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (LAL): 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks
• Alex English (DEN): 18 points, 7 rebounds
• George Gervin (SAS): 15 points, 6 assists

Prospects & Recruits in Attendance


The All-Star Weekend wasn’t just for NBA veterans — college and high school stars were in the crowd, soaking up the atmosphere and catching the eyes of scouts:

• Raymond Stapleton (Glenbard West/Illinois) – projected NBA first-rounder, sat courtside with family.
• David Karl (Simeon HS, Chicago) – hotly debated on whether he’ll jump from HS to NBA; several scouts shadowed him all weekend.
• Leonard Madison (Montverde, via Dutch Fork) – one of the nation’s best forwards, made the trip with Montverde teammates.
• Clifford Reece (Glenbard West, junior SF) – rising 1985 recruit, introduced to NBA scouts for the first time.
• Walter Anthony (Whitney Young, committed to Arizona) – attended alongside Ernest Cameron (Iowa commit).
• Jason Hunter (Michigan State PG) – with rumors of declaring, his presence raised eyebrows among executives.
• Cristiano Conti (Brazil SG) – flew in from France, marking one of the first times an international teenager was spotted at an NBA All-Star Weekend.

[JAY_D1]

imeon Basketball: Life After 1983-84 and the New Wave of Talent

By Curry Kirkpatrick, ESPN

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.40.01 PM.png

Chicago’s Simeon High School has long been a basketball pipeline, and with the national spotlight on David Karl, the Wolverines are once again a central part of the recruiting conversation. But as the 1983-84 season winds down, the question for scouts, fans, and recruiters is simple: what comes next?

---

🌟 David Karl: The Big Decision


Karl, the dominant 6’11 center, has been tracked by NBA and college scouts alike all year. The Knicks, Bucks, and Bulls all had reps in attendance at his games, while colleges like Duke, UNC, Oklahoma, and Rutgers have already made family visits.

Yet, Karl is reportedly leaning toward playing college ball first rather than making the unprecedented leap to the pros. His inner circle believes the NBA will always be there, but his body and game could sharpen further in the NCAA.

---

💪 Nelson Williams: The Next Anchor


While Karl has grabbed the headlines, Nelson Williams, a 6’7 power forward, has been the glue for Simeon this season. Williams isn’t flashy, but his rebounding, rim protection, and willingness to do the dirty work make him invaluable. Coaches around the Public League say he’s the player who “keeps Simeon stable.”

Recruiters from Iowa State, Marquette, and UIC have quietly begun conversations with Williams, and many believe his stock could skyrocket once Karl departs.

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.40.30 PM.png

Simeon’s Future Outlook


With Karl leaning toward college and scouts circling Williams and Cook, Simeon’s frontcourt pipeline looks as strong as ever. The Wolverines remain a destination program in Chicago, rivaling Crane Tech, Morgan Park, and Whitney Young.

As one Big Ten scout told ESPN:

“If you want to know where the next wave of Midwest basketball is coming from, go to Simeon’s gym. They’re never rebuilding — just reloading.”

[JAY_D1]

Chicago Recruiting Wars: Loyola Fights for its Share vs. National Powers

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.52.00 PM.png

By Dick Vitale, ESPN – March 1984

Chicago has long been the beating heart of Midwest basketball, and in 1984 the recruiting scene is hotter than ever. While prep stars from Simeon, Crane, Whitney Young, and Morgan Park keep attracting attention, the battle lines are clear:

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.59.47 PM.png

• Loyola Chicago, trying to keep talent at home.
• Xavier, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and DePaul, swooping in with bigger stages, bigger arenas, and bigger promises.

What Entices a Recruit in Chicago vs. Elsewhere?


Staying in Chicago (Loyola/DePaul):

• Close to home, family, and support system.
• Community pride — carrying the city on your back.
• Chance to instantly become “the guy” on campus.

Leaving Chicago (Xavier/Kentucky/Cincinnati):

Screen Shot 2025-09-07 at 11.49.55 PM.png

• Larger arenas and stronger national TV exposure.
• Proven NBA scouting pipelines.
• A chance to step outside the crowded Chicago basketball bubble.

One Whitney Young coach told ESPN:

“Chicago kids love the idea of staying home. But when they walk into a 15,000-seat arena on a campus visit, it’s hard not to dream bigger.”

[JAY_D1]

DMV Hotbed: How College Powers Are Battling for Paul VI and DeMatha Talent

Screen Shot 2025-09-08 at 12.06.06 AM.png

By John Saunders, ESPN

The Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region has long been one of the richest recruiting grounds in America. Now, as programs like Paul VI High School rise to prominence alongside legendary DeMatha Catholic, the region is becoming an all-out recruiting battlefield.

---

🎯 The Heavy Hitters: Duke & UNC


When the Blue Devils and Tar Heels circle an area, you know the talent pool runs deep. Both ACC powers have been all-in on the DMV this season.

• Duke has been actively pursuing Paul VI guard Marcus Daniels, a smooth playmaker who fits their system of controlled tempo and outside shooting.
• North Carolina, already boasting a roster stacked with stars, sees the DMV as a way to stay dominant. Roy Williams’ staff has been spotted at DeMatha and Paul VI games, evaluating wings like Derrick Holloway for the 1985 and 1986 classes.

Auburn’s Southern Strategy


Don’t sleep on the Auburn Tigers. Coach Sonny Smith has identified the DMV as fertile ground, and he’s been doubling down on athletic guards and versatile forwards. Auburn recruiters were courtside at Paul VI’s showdown with DeMatha earlier this winter, zeroing in on Holloway and underclassmen from Baltimore.


The DMV is no longer just DeMatha’s kingdom. Paul VI’s rise has reshaped the prep school map. With multiple programs competing on a national level, the tug-of-war between ACC, SEC, and even Big 12 schools is only going to heat up.

Screen Shot 2025-09-08 at 12.08.31 AM.png

As one Georgetown assistant joked:

“If you’re not in the DMV, you’re not in the game anymore.”