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

[JAY_D1]

North Carolina Tar Heels (1984-85 Season)

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• Core: The Tar Heels are powered by the “Twin Towers” frontcourt of Greg Armstrong (PF, Eau Claire HS) and Leonard Madison (PF/C, Montverde Academy via Dutch Fork). Both 5-star recruits from the class of 1984 shocked the country when they committed to UNC together.
• Impact: Armstrong’s inside-out game and Madison’s strength on the block have given Dean Smith a lethal 1-2 punch.
• Season Outlook: UNC is sitting near the top of the ACC standings, looking like a Final Four contender. Scouts note this could be one of the best Tar Heel rosters since the Jordan/Perkins era.

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🔹 NBA Attention on Chapel Hill

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• New York Knicks: With Darren Collins already shining at MSG, New York is keeping tabs on Armstrong and Madison. The Knicks’ scouting department views both as potential future franchise cornerstones, especially with their ability to rebound and defend multiple positions.
• Chicago Bulls: Still searching for a dominant center, the Bulls have quietly scouted Madison, who at 6’10” looks NBA-ready despite being a freshman.

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• Utah Jazz & Dallas Mavericks: Both Western Conference squads sent multiple scouts to Chapel Hill this winter, impressed with Armstrong’s ability to stretch the floor.

[JAY_D1]

Current Knicks Picture

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• Record: With Darren Collins emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate (29.3 PPG, 8 REB), the Knicks are building around him as their superstar.
• Need: Depth in the frontcourt and a versatile wing scorer to complement Collins. Despite Collins’ brilliance, New York’s roster is thin, and scouts know they can’t waste Collins’ prime years.

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🔹 Knicks Scouting Focus

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Texas Pipeline

• Wil Buford (PG, Texas A&M, via Sierra Canyon)
  Undersized at 6’0”, but tough as nails. Buford’s speed and floor generalship has NBA scouts buzzing. The Knicks see him as a potential spark plug guard off the bench.
• Clifford Reece (SF, Glenbard West → Texas)
  A freshman standout who’s already looking NBA-built. Knicks like his versatility and defense but know he’s more of a future pick (1986-87).

Tennessee Volunteers

• Willis George (SG, Junior)
  Smooth scorer who can handle the ball and stretch the floor. Scouts love his shot mechanics and leadership. New York views him as a possible late-lottery option if they slide in draft position.
• Sylvester Madison (PG, Sophomore)
  A floor leader with toughness, he’s drawing second-round looks. Knicks are monitoring closely.

LSU Tigers

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• Sylvester Bailey (PF, transferred closer to home at Western Illinois)
  Once at LSU, now reinventing himself as a rugged rebounder. Knicks’ Midwest scouts are curious, but he’s a long shot for the 1985 draft.
• Freshman Standouts: Knicks are watching LSU’s younger players as longer-term prospects, especially in the frontcourt.

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🔹 NBA Draft 1985 Outlook

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• The Knicks currently don’t own a high lottery pick, but with trades possible, New York could move up.
• Early chatter: If they climb high enough, the Knicks’ dream scenario would be pairing Patrick Ewing (Georgetown) with Collins, instantly making them a force in the East.
• Plan B: Keep hunting shooting guards and versatile forwards in the mid-first round range, possibly Willis George or international prospect Martin Diaz (France).

[JAY_D1]

Simeon Career Academy (Chicago) – The 1980s Giant

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In the 1980s, Simeon was the standard of inner-city basketball greatness. Known for producing gritty, tough, and skilled players who thrived under the spotlight of Chicago gyms, Simeon’s program was feared across the Midwest.

• Star Players of the Era:
  • David Karl (PF, Class of 1984) – a dominant presence who controlled the paint and drew NBA scouts courtside.
  • Bryan Cook (PF) – physical and polished, considered one of the top Midwest forwards in the mid-1980s.
  • Nelson Williams (PF) – a rugged contributor who carried the Simeon name with pride.
• Identity: Simeon was blue-collar, a reflection of Chicago basketball — defensive intensity, relentless rebounding, and the toughness to win close games.
• Pipeline: Illinois schools like DePaul, Illinois, and even Kentucky feasted on Simeon products, and NBA scouts regularly made Simeon a mandatory stop.

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🔹 Sierra Canyon (California) – The Modern Prep Powerhouse

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By contrast, Sierra Canyon represents the new wave of high school dominance. Located in Los Angeles, Sierra Canyon has turned into a national prep powerhouse, blending elite California talent with transfers from across the country.

• Recent Stars Mentioned in the Era’s Expansion:
  • Wil Buford (PG, later Texas A&M) – a Sierra Canyon product who proved that even undersized guards could dominate with grit and skill.
  • Dusan Sherman (SG, Michigan State) – one of the most talked-about guards, with NBA scouts circling.
  • Rudy Tate (SG, Ohio State) – another star whose rise brought credibility to the program.

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• Identity: Sierra Canyon is flashy, nationally marketed, and media-driven, often traveling across the country to take on other national programs. Their games feel like events, with packed gyms, TV coverage, and big-time coaches watching.
• Pipeline: Players funnel into top-tier NCAA programs like Duke, Kentucky, and UCLA, with NBA scouts treating Sierra Canyon games like pro showcases.

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🔹 Comparing the Legacies

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• Simeon’s Greatness (1980s): Defined by local dominance and producing hard-nosed, NBA-caliber players. Their legacy built Chicago’s reputation as a basketball mecca.
• Sierra Canyon’s Greatness (Modern Era): Defined by national branding and becoming a superteam at the high school level, producing a conveyor belt of Division I stars and NBA prospects.

[JAY_D1]

Life After Jeff Sellers

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USC entered the mid-1980s as a program determined to move up the Pac-10 ladder. The Trojans had a signature star in Jeff Sellers, the smooth-shooting forward who carried the program with his scoring punch.

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• At USC: Sellers averaged around 11 points per game, carving out a reputation as a reliable, versatile scorer. He wasn’t just a numbers guy; he gave USC the kind of star presence they needed to compete with UCLA, Arizona, and Washington in the conference.
• NBA Leap: His selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1984 Draft shocked some, as Boston traded up to get him. It instantly boosted USC’s credibility — proof they could develop real NBA talent.

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🔹 USC’s Recruiting Push

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With Sellers now gone, USC’s focus has turned to stacking the roster with high-upside recruits. The program is hitting the trail harder than ever, targeting national-level prospects, not just local talent.

• Local Connections: Southern California’s deep talent pool has always been USC’s bread and butter, and now they’re doubling down.
• National Scope: Reports say the Trojans are in conversations with several Midwest and East Coast prospects — showing a willingness to battle bluebloods like Indiana, North Carolina, and Duke.

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[JAY_D1]

Florida Gators Basketball: Searching for an Identity in 1984-85

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College Hoops Spotlight

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🔹 A Rough Season in Gainesville

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The Florida Gators entered the 1984-85 campaign hoping to make noise in the SEC, but so far the season has been a grind.

• Record: Hovering below .500, plagued by inconsistency on both ends.
• Offense: At times stagnant — lacking a true go-to scorer, the Gators rely too heavily on streak shooting.
• Defense: They’ve been vulnerable against elite big men, giving up too many second-chance points in the paint.

Simply put: it’s a rebuilding year.

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🔹 Bright Spots


While the win-loss column is frustrating, there are flashes of promise:

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• Guard play: Florida has young guards showing fight, creating tempo in spurts.
• Home crowd energy: Gainesville still rallies around its team, and the O’Connell Center has kept games competitive against stronger opponents.

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🔹 Recruiting the Future

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Florida’s coaching staff knows the key to turning the program around lies in recruiting battles. They’ve put their focus on securing high-level athletes who can give the Gators an edge in the SEC.

• Target Areas:
  • Georgia & South Carolina: fertile recruiting grounds for athletic wings.
  • Chicago pipeline: Florida has quietly reached out to Midwest guards, hoping to bring toughness to Gainesville.
  • Florida’s backyard: keeping Miami, Tampa, and Orlando talent in-state remains a priority.
• Names in Play: Florida is believed to be monitoring Joey Riley of Glenbrook North (IL) and Harry Warren of DeMatha (MD), though they’ll have to fend off heavyweights like Kansas and Duke.

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[JAY_D1]

ESPN Recruiting Insider (1984-85)

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Juniors in Demand: Williams, Parks & Simpson Drawing National Heat

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The class of 1986 is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory, and three names at the power forward spotare commanding nearly every scout’s attention. Though they’re only juniors, the phones at Sunrise Christian, Lancaster, and Oak Hill haven’t stopped ringing.

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🔹 Hector Williams – Sunrise Christian (KS)

• Profile: Undersized but rugged power forward, relentless on the glass.
• Recruitment War: Butler, Illinois, USC, and Florida are pressing hardest, while European clubs are keeping an eye on him for the future.
• Class Status: A junior, meaning any decision is still a year away — but Illinois wants him locked in early.
• Insider Note: Coaches love his motor; some compare him to a young Paul Silas.

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🔹 Edgar Parks – Lancaster HS (TX)

• Profile: Explosive leaper with raw skill, still refining his offense.
• Recruitment War: Ohio State, Duke, and Illinois are at the front of the line. Florida and LSU lurk in the background.
• Class Status: Another junior, but he’s already receiving handwritten notes from head coaches — rare at this stage.
• Insider Note: Midwest schools feel confident, but Duke’s prestige is creeping in.

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🔹 Maurice Simpson – Oak Hill Academy (VA)

• Profile: The most polished of the trio, a strong interior scorer with NBA potential.
• Recruitment War: Duke, UNC, Ohio State, USC, and even Butler are in pursuit.
• Class Status: A junior, projected as one of the top 5 players in the nation for the 1986-87 class.
• Insider Note: NBA scouts are already circling, but he’s expected to do at least a couple years in college.

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📈 Big Picture – Juniors Running the Show

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With all three still in their junior year, the 1986-87 recruiting cycle could be defined by this trio of power forwards.Schools like Duke, Illinois, Ohio State, and USC have made them priorities now — hoping to get an early commitment before their stock explodes further.

Florida and Butler, meanwhile, are banking on the promise of playing time to offset the pull of traditional powers.

[JAY_D1]

Scholastic Nationals Spotlight

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Jeremy Andreuss Crowned National Player of the Year


Proviso East’s Jeremy Andreuss has officially been named the Scholastic National Player of the Year, cementing his place as the brightest star in high school basketball.

The 6’2” point guard, whose game draws frequent comparisons to Magic Johnson for his vision and flair, edged out an elite field of nominees:

• Greg Terry (Crane Tech) – The hard-nosed point guard with Chicago grit.
• Jalen Sudfield (Nicolet HS) – Rising small forward who has NBA scouts buzzing.
• Wilson Goodrich (Oak Hill Academy) – A do-it-all swingman and Oak Hill’s engine.
• Jesse Grant (Dutch Fork) – A steady floor general with SEC programs chasing him.

A National Stage, A National Star

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At the Scholastic Nationals — the premier High School National Championship — Andreuss showed why he stood apart.

• Versus Brewster Academy: Controlled the tempo, scoring efficiently while dishing dimes.
• Versus East Lake HS: Took over late with clutch shot-making, proving he can be a closer.

Andreuss’s ability to score, create, and elevate teammates in high-pressure settings left an impression that extended far beyond Proviso East’s gym.

Scouts Everywhere

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No less than 20 NBA scouts attended the Nationals — a rare number for a high school event — underscoring how special this year’s class is. Andreuss, along with Terry, Sudfield, Goodrich, and Grant, are now seen as legitimate NBA pipeline prospects, though most are expected to spend time in college first.

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One scout was quoted:

“Andreuss doesn’t just put points on the board — he bends the game to his rhythm. That’s pro-level poise.”

[JAY_D1]

Under Armour All-Star Showcase: A New Era for High School Hoops

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By ESPN Recruiting Staff – 1985

The high school basketball landscape just got a major shake-up. Under Armour has launched its own All-Star Showcase, bringing together not just graduating seniors, but also standout sophomores and juniors who are already catching the eyes of scouts across the country.

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Unlike the traditional McDonald’s and Scholastic Nationals showcases, the Under Armour event focuses on future stars— giving underclassmen a national stage years before they even hit their prime.

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🌟 Standouts From the Showcase

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• Darnell Kirkland (Chester HS, Senior)
  The fiery guard capped his senior year by proving he could shine against national competition. He scored 10 points, showing the same toughness that has made him one of Pennsylvania’s legends.
• Jeff Conley (Simeon, Junior)
  The slick point guard was one of the best floor generals in the game. He dished out eight assists, commanding the floor with poise that has recruiters buzzing. Colleges like Illinois, DePaul, and Ohio State have been in constant contact.
• Tyson Slater (Mater Dei, Junior)
  The 6’9” center didn’t stuff the scoreboard, but he showed flashes of dominance in the paint with six points and five rebounds. His size and mobility have already earned him offers from Illinois State and Cincinnati, with more expected soon.

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📈 Why This Game Matters

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Under Armour’s decision to spotlight sophomores and juniors changes the recruiting landscape. College coaches and even NBA scouts are watching earlier than ever, hoping to identify the next wave of stars before rivals can.

[JAY_D1]

Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting Surge: Targeting Chicago & DMV Talent

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By ESPN Recruiting Staff – 1985

The Oklahoma Sooners are ramping up their recruiting efforts for the 1985-86 class, and their eyes are firmly set on Illinois and the DMV region. With Big 12 competition heating up, head coach Billy Tubbs is looking to add impact players who can contribute immediately.

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🌟 Chicago Pipeline

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Simeon High School has long been a hotbed for NBA-caliber talent, and Oklahoma is now making serious inroads:

• Ernest Cameron (Point Guard, Junior) – Currently committed to Iowa, but reports suggest Oklahoma has made a strong late push to sway the talented floor general. Coaches love his vision and ability to control tempo.
• Bryan Cook (Power Forward, Junior) – A hard-nosed frontcourt presence who has already drawn attention from Illinois State, Western Illinois, and Kentucky. Oklahoma is reportedly positioning to be a dark horse if he reconsiders options.

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🌟 DMV & Paul VI High School

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Oklahoma isn’t stopping at Illinois. The coaching staff is making inroads into the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, targeting standout athletes from prep schools like Paul VI High School:

• Tyler Greene (Small Forward, Senior) – Known for versatility and athleticism, Greene is on Oklahoma’s radar alongside Syracuse, Duke, and Georgetown.
• Marcus Fields (Shooting Guard, Junior) – A rising talent with a high basketball IQ, the Sooners hope to lock him early before ACC powers swoop in.

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Oklahoma’s recruitment strategy emphasizes:

1. Versatile guards from urban pipelines – aiming for floor generals who can make immediate impact.
2. Frontcourt depth from top prep programs – targeting players with size, skill, and athleticism for the Big 12 grind.
3. Early commitments from juniors – building the foundation for a nationally competitive class in 1985-86 and beyond.

[JAY_D1]

Oklahoma & Washington in 1984-85


By ESPN College Hoops Insider – 1985

As the 1984-85 college basketball season unfolds, two programs — Oklahoma and Washington — are making waves on the recruiting trail. Both schools are pushing hard to secure blue-chip talent for 1985-86 and beyond, targeting players from Chicago, the DMV, and the West Coast.

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🔴 Oklahoma Sooners

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Head Coach Billy Tubbs is determined to elevate Oklahoma into a national power, and his recruiting list proves it.



Top Offers & Targets (1984-85):

• Bryan Cook (PF, Simeon – Chicago) – A tough interior presence who has interest from Illinois State, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.
• Tyler Greene (SF, Paul VI – DMV) – One of the most athletic small forwards in the class, Greene has picked up offers from Oklahoma, Syracuse, and Georgetown.
• Marcus Fields (SG, Paul VI – DMV) – A sharpshooting guard with high IQ, offered by Oklahoma and Texas.

📣 Insider Take: Oklahoma is building a Chicago-DMV recruiting pipeline, banking on big guards and forwards who can run Tubbs’ up-tempo system.

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🟣 Washington Huskies

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The Huskies are quietly building something special under Coach Marv Harshman, looking to lock down the West Coast while stealing recruits from Big Ten and ACC territory.

Top Offers & Targets (1984-85):

• Robin Newsom (PG, Columbus HS – Miami) – The #1 ranked point guard in the country has offers from UNC and Washington. Washington hopes its system appeals to his transition style.
• Gregor Irving (PG, DePaul/Brewster Academy alum) – Though tied to Team USA duties, Washington is evaluating him closely.
• Wilson Collier (SF, Morgan Park – Chicago) – Has heard from Washington along with Kentucky and Illinois.
• Hector Williams (PF, Sunrise Christian – Kansas) – Undersized but strong, Williams has caught Washington’s attention alongside USC and Butler.

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📣 Insider Take: Washington wants athleticism and length on the perimeter, and they’re going hard at both Midwest standouts and West Coast guards to keep pace with UCLA and Arizona.

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🔥 The Overlap




Interestingly, both schools have been linked to Simeon’s Bryan Cook and Paul VI’s Marcus Fields. That sets up a recruiting war between Big 8 Oklahoma and Pac-10 Washington that could swing depending on who lands a postseason run.

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“Oklahoma’s trying to be the flashy up-tempo program. Washington is building quietly with versatility and West Coast ties,” an anonymous recruiter told ESPN.

[JAY_D1]

Recruiting Wars: Texas vs. Alabama (1984-85)

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By ESPN College Basketball Recruiting Insider

When it comes to blue-chip battles, few are as heated this year as the recruiting war between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both programs are pushing into the same talent pools — and both are ready to spend time, money, and resources to lock down the next generation of stars.

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🤘 Texas Longhorns

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Coach Bob Weltlich is fresh off signing a big win in the backcourt.

Signed

• Josh Wright (SG, Proviso East – IL)
  🔥 Letter of Intent signed. One of the most dynamic scorers in the class, Wright brings Chicago toughness and instant impact. He’ll pair with Clifford Reece, giving Texas one of the most exciting guard duos in the Southwest.

Top Targets & Offers

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• Harry Warren (PF, DeMatha – MD)
  Long, physical power forward — Texas has made him a priority. Big-time battle with Alabama and Kansas.
• Edward Lowry (C, Crane – IL)
  A big man Texas desperately wants to anchor the paint. Their staff has been in Chicago multiple times this winter.
• Joey Riley (PF, Glenbrook North – IL)
  A junior with huge upside — Texas is getting in early before Big Ten schools swoop in.

📣 Insider Take: Texas is going all-in on Chicago + DMV pipelines, trying to turn their guard-heavy roster into a balanced, national contender.

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🟥 Alabama Crimson Tide

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Coach Wimp Sanderson knows the SEC runs through size and defense, and his recruiting reflects that.

Top Targets & Offers

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• Harry Warren (PF, DeMatha – MD)
  Matching Texas offer for offer — Alabama believes his rebounding and shot-blocking are SEC-ready.
• Edward Lowry (C, Crane – IL)
  Alabama has parked themselves at Simeon, making a full-court press to lure the Chicago big man south.
• Wilson Goodrich (PF, Oak Hill – VA)
  A rugged defender and rebounder, Alabama has jumped into the mix against Indiana and Georgetown.
• Tyson Slater (C, Mater Dei – CA)
  Still just a junior, but the Tide are already putting in work early with offers — hoping to build a national frontcourt pipeline.

📣 Insider Take: Alabama wants to load up with frontcourt size, while also stealing national attention from bluebloods by camping out at Chicago’s Simeon.

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⚡ The Showdown

• Josh Wright is already in Texas’ pocket, but the real head-to-head fight is over Harry Warren (DeMatha) and Edward Lowry (Simeon).
• If Texas lands Warren, they’ll have a complete frontcourt guard balance.
• If Alabama can pull Lowry from Simeon, they’ll have the centerpiece of their future.

“This isn’t just about one class — it’s about two programs trying to define their future in the mid-80s,” one Big Ten scout told ESPN.

[JAY_D1]

1985NBA All-Star Weekend: Rookie-Sophomore Spotlight Belongs to Collins


By ESPN Basketball Insider

The NBA rolled out a new wrinkle to All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis — the Rookie vs. Sophomore Challenge. While fans were eager to see the league’s rising stars square off, one major headline changed the buzz:

Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls rookie sensation, was forced to sit out due to injuries.
The guard has already wowed crowds this season, but recurring ailments have left many wondering if durability will be his biggest hurdle.

Rookie Headliners


With Jordan sidelined, the stage opened for others — and no one grabbed the spotlight more than Darren Collins of the New York Knicks.

• Darren Collins (Knicks, SF) – Exploded for 30 points, showing off why he’s not just the Knicks’ future, but perhaps the face of the entire rookie class. His combination of strength, skill, and poise has Madison Square Garden rocking nightly.
• Casey Conley (Warriors, SG/SF) – Still recovering from injury, Conley played in bursts, dropping in quick buckets and flashing why he’s averaging nearly 28 PPG on the season.
• Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets, C) – A dominant interior presence, grabbing rebounds and swatting shots into the stands.
• Carlos Jimenez (Clippers, SF) – A crowd favorite for his explosive dunks, he brought life to the game.
• Gregor Irving (Nets, PG) – Quiet but steady, showing his leadership running the rookies’ offense.

[JAY_D1]

1985 NBA All-Star Game: Darren Collins Steals the Spotlight

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By ESPN Basketball Insider

The 1985 All-Star Game in Indianapolis was supposed to be a showcase of legends like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Julius Erving. Instead, it turned into the Darren Collins Show, as the New York Knicks’ rookie phenom nearly dropped 40 points on the league’s brightest stage.

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🔥 Darren Collins: Unstoppable


The Knicks’ rookie small forward, already in the MVP conversation, showed that his regular-season dominance was no fluke:

• 39 Points (game-high)
• 8 Rebounds
• 3 Assists
• Countless highlight finishes, including a thunderous dunk over veteran center Artis Gilmore that brought the crowd to its feet.

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Collins went toe-to-toe with Magic Johnson, outscoring the Lakers’ star and demanding the ball down the stretch. The East, behind Collins and Julius Erving, walked away with a 132–128 victory over the West.

• Magic Johnson (Lakers) – 16 points, 6 assists, dazzling as always but overshadowed by Collins’ scoring spree.
• Larry Bird (Celtics) – 20 points, including four deep jumpers in a row that gave the East momentum before Collins closed the show.
• Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets) – The rookie big man posted 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks, making his All-Star debut look effortless.
• Julius Erving (76ers) – Steady as ever, 17 points and the alley-oop partner Collins leaned on all night

[JAY_D1]

1985 NBA Playoff Picture: Familiar Powers, New Surprises


By ESPN Staff Writer

As the regular season winds down, the NBA is once again shaping up to deliver an epic postseason. At the top, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers remain the class of the league, but challengers like the Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors are determined to crash the party.

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☘️ Boston Celtics (Eastern Conference Leaders)

• Record: Best in the East, once again dominant.
• Larry Bird is in peak form, averaging close to 29 PPG with effortless shooting.
• Kevin McHale and Robert Parish anchor the frontcourt, overwhelming most Eastern teams.
• With veterans like Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge contributing, Boston has the balance to repeat.

Outlook: The Celtics are on a collision course with Los Angeles for another Finals showdown — but must navigate Philly and Milwaukee first.

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🌟 Los Angeles Lakers (Western Conference Leaders)

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• Record: Still nearly untouchable, storming toward 60+ wins.
• Magic Johnson is orchestrating the showtime offense with 13 assists per night.
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, though slowed a bit by nagging injuries, is steady in the post.
• The supporting cast — James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper — makes them the deepest team in the NBA.

Outlook: L.A. looks unstoppable, and with revenge in mind after losing the 1984 Finals to Boston, the Lakers are hungry.

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🎺 Utah Jazz (Breakthrough Contender)

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• Adrian Dantley is having another prolific scoring season, hovering around 28 PPG.
• Darrell Griffith provides perimeter shooting, while Mark Eaton locks down the paint.
• Their balanced attack and physical defense have turned them into a team no one wants to face.

Outlook: A second-round playoff run looks likely. If their stars catch fire, they could push either the Lakers or Warriors to the brink.

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⚡ Golden State Warriors (The Surprise of 1985)

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• Fueled by rookie sensation Casey Conley, who averages nearly 28 PPG when healthy.
• Sleepy Floyd and Purvis Short provide scoring depth.
• Conley’s explosive play has electrified the Bay Area, giving the Warriors a star they can rally behind.

Outlook: A dark horse in the West. If Conley returns strong from his pre–All-Star break injury, the Warriors could shock the world.

[JAY_D1]

1985 NBA Conference Finals Recap: Celtics, Lakers on a Collision Course Again

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By ESPN Staff Writer

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🌟 Eastern Conference Finals: Boston Celtics vs. Indiana Pacers

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The Boston Celtics made quick work of the Indiana Pacers, completing a 4–0 sweep.

• Larry Bird looked unstoppable, averaging nearly 30 points per game with clutch shooting and relentless hustle.
• Kevin McHale and Robert Parish controlled the paint, smothering Indiana’s frontcourt.
• The Pacers, led by Clark Kellogg, fought hard but simply couldn’t match Boston’s depth and experience.

Takeaway: The Celtics are peaking at the right time, cruising into the Finals with their stars healthy and locked in.

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🌟 Western Conference Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

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The Los Angeles Lakers reminded everyone why they’re the kings of the West, sweeping the upstart Golden State Warriors 4–0.

• Magic Johnson dominated the tempo, orchestrating fast breaks that Golden State couldn’t contain.
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar delivered steady post play, while James Worthy slashed his way to highlight-reel finishes.
• Rookie sensation Casey Conley shined in moments, but Golden State’s lack of playoff experience was exposed against the Showtime machine.

Takeaway: The Warriors proved they’re a team of the future with Conley as their franchise cornerstone, but the present still belongs to L.A.

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🔥 The Stage is Set: Celtics vs. Lakers, Again

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For the second straight year, the NBA will crown its champion in a Boston vs. Los Angeles showdown.

• The Celtics want to prove their 1984 title wasn’t a fluke.
• The Lakers, undefeated through two rounds, are hungry for revenge.
• It’s Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson, the rivalry that defines an era.

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