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

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  • JAY_D1
    MVP
    • Sep 2004
    • 1780

    #121
    Lakers Get Their Revenge, Wright Lifts George Mason, Draft Lottery Looms
    By ESPN Staff Writer — June 1985
    🌟 1985 NBA Finals: Lakers Take Down Celtics in 6


    The Los Angeles Lakers have finally exorcised their Boston demons. After losing the 1984 Finals in heartbreaking fashion, L.A. stormed back this year and defeated the Boston Celtics in six games, winning the decisive Game 6 at the Boston Garden.
    • Finals MVP: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – The 38-year-old center silenced critics with dominant post play, averaging 27 points and 10 rebounds in the series.
    • Magic Johnson orchestrated the offense with near triple-doubles nightly, showing complete control of the game’s pace.
    • James Worthy provided the dagger, with multiple transition buckets that sealed Game 6.

    For the Celtics, Larry Bird fought valiantly, but his 30-point effort in the finale wasn’t enough. Boston now faces questions about how much longer they can keep their championship window open.
    🌟 NCAA Tournament: George Mason Shocks the World


    In one of the biggest Cinderella stories ever, George Mason University cut down the nets at the 1985 NCAA Tournament.
    • Frankie Wright — the transfer from Arizona State — delivered a legendary run and was named Tournament MVP, averaging 22 points and 6 assists through the Final Four.
    • Wright, only a junior, announced he will stay at George Mason for another season, making the Patriots an early favorite for 1986.
    • The championship game showcased George Mason’s resilience, proving that mid-majors are no longer pushovers in March Madness.

    🌟 NBA Draft Lottery Watch: Mavericks, Suns Lead the Way

    With the NBA’s first-ever Draft Lottery set to debut this summer, the speculation is already reaching a fever pitch.
    • The Dallas Mavericks, who fell short of expectations this season, are banking on lottery luck to land a franchise-changing star.
    • The Phoenix Suns, also in the mix for the No. 1 pick, desperately need frontcourt depth and a go-to scorer.
    • With talents like Patrick Ewing (Georgetown), Ernest Cohen (Gonzaga), and Daniel Radonich (England)potentially available, this lottery could reshape the future of the league.
    Last edited by JAY_D1; 09-25-2025, 08:03 PM.

    Comment

    • JAY_D1
      MVP
      • Sep 2004
      • 1780

      #122
      Projected Top 4 Picks


      1. Sacramento Kings – Ernest Cohen, PF, Gonzaga
      The consensus No. 1 pick. Sacramento gets a polished forward to anchor the franchise.

      2. Chicago Bulls – Patrick Ewing, C, Georgetown
      The Bulls’ interior needs are huge — Ewing changes the franchise outlook immediately.

      3. Milwaukee Bucks – Manute Bol, C, Bridgeport
      A defensive phenom who brings shot-blocking and size to a rebuilding Bucks roster.

      4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Detlef Schrempf, SF, Washington
      The Cavs need floor spacing and versatility — Schrempf provides both.

      Comment

      • JAY_D1
        MVP
        • Sep 2004
        • 1780

        #123
        1985 NBA Draft Top Prospects (Early Lottery Focus)

        📉 Top 4 Picks / Lottery Teams
        1. Sacramento Kings – Ernest Cohen (PF, Gonzaga)
        2. Chicago Bulls – Patrick Ewing (C, Georgetown)
        3. Milwaukee Bucks – Manute Bol (C, Bridgeport)
        4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Karl Malone (PF, Louisiana Tech)

        🌟 Top Contenders for Picks 5–10


        5. New Jersey Nets – Raymond Stapleton (SF/PF, Glenbard West / Kentucky)
        6. Dallas Mavericks – Joe Dumars (SG, McNeese State)
        7. Phoenix Suns – Xavier McDaniel (SF/PF, Wichita State)
        8. Cleveland Cavaliers – Shaun Williams (PF, Oklahoma)
        9. Denver Nuggets – Ivan Garnette (SF, South Carolina)
        • Smooth wing, excellent scorer and defender, expected to go early in the first round.

        10. Indiana Pacers – Charles Oakley (PF, Virginia Union)

        Comment

        • JAY_D1
          MVP
          • Sep 2004
          • 1780

          #124
          High School Spotlight: Duncanville & Lower Merion Take Center Stage


          Two rising high school programs — Duncanville High School in Texas and Lower Merion High in Pennsylvania — are starting to dominate the national recruiting conversation for the 1985–86 class. Key Players to Watch

          Donovan Perkins (Duncanville, TX – Junior, SG/SF)
          • Scored 22 points in a standout performance against Nicolet High School (WI).
          • Quick, athletic, and versatile; recruiters from Texas, Duke, and Kansas have already expressed heavy interest.
          • Expected to be a 5-star recruit if he continues his current trajectory.

          Randall Anthony (Nicolet HS, WI – Small Forward)
          • Emerging as a top target in the Midwest.
          • Strong scoring wing with defensive versatility.
          • Schools like Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Michigan are monitoring him closely.
          Program Impact
          • Duncanville High School is producing a deep roster of talent and is quickly becoming a Texas powerhouse.
          • Lower Merion continues its tradition of producing elite players (think Kobe Bryant in later years), attracting scouts from across the East Coast.
          • Both schools are expected to see multiple players recruited by major NCAA programs for the upcoming 1985–86 season.

          Comment

          • JAY_D1
            MVP
            • Sep 2004
            • 1780

            #125
            Rising Stars Across the Nation: 1985 High School Recruiting Spotlight


            The 1985 class is heating up, with prospects making waves from Texas to Ohio and Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Scouts are flocking to gyms to see these elite talents in action. Nicolet High School (WI)
            • Randall Anthony (SF, Junior) – A versatile wing being closely monitored by Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Michigan.
            • Chad Fordham (PF, Junior) – A dominant power forward generating buzz as a potential national top-10 recruit. Some evaluators are comparing him favorably to David Karl from Simeon, citing his combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability.
            Duncanville High School (TX)
            • Donovan Perkins (SG/SF, Junior) – Scored 22 points against Nicolet in a high-profile matchup. Schools like Texas, Duke, and Kansas are already showing heavy interest.
            Saint Vincent–Saint Mary (OH)
            • Franklin Sweeney (SG, Junior) – Emerging as one of the country’s most exciting shooting guards. Known for his scoring bursts and perimeter defense, NBA scouts are reportedly taking notice even before his senior season.
            Program Highlights
            • Duncanville is becoming a powerhouse in Texas, producing multiple high-level prospects.
            • Nicolet continues to develop elite talent in the Midwest.
            • Saint Vincent–Saint Mary maintains its reputation as a pipeline for top guards.

            Comment

            • JAY_D1
              MVP
              • Sep 2004
              • 1780

              #126
              Austin Hudson: The Rookie All-Star Who Took Seattle by Storm

              The Seattle SuperSonics may not have the Rookie of the Year, but they might have the most surprising rookie in the NBA. While Akeem Olajuwon dominated his way to the award in Houston, Austin Hudson gave the Pacific Northwest a season to remember, becoming an NBA All-Star in his very first year. Hudson’s Rookie Impact (1984-85)
              • 21.4 PPG
              • 7.3 RPG
              • 3.2 APG
              • 49% FG
              • 35 MPG

              Hudson didn’t just play like a rookie—he played like a franchise player. His versatility on the wing, ability to create his own shot, and confidence under pressure made him a perfect complement to Jack Sikma and the rest of Seattle’s roster. All-Star Weekend Spotlight


              At the 1985 NBA All-Star Game, Hudson put on a show:
              • 14 points
              • 6 rebounds
              • 3 assists
                Fans in Indianapolis saw why scouts believe he could be the cornerstone of the Sonics’ future.
              Seattle’s Outlook


              The Sonics missed out on competing with the Lakers and Celtics for NBA supremacy this season, but with Hudson already proving to be ahead of schedule, the front office is optimistic. Rumors suggest Seattle may look to add another frontcourt presence—possibly targeting Karl Malone in the upcoming draft—to form a young powerhouse duo with Hudson.

              Comment

              • JAY_D1
                MVP
                • Sep 2004
                • 1780

                #127
                Nicolet Knights (Wisconsin)



                The Nicolet program has been steadily rising into national relevance, and the 1984-85 season solidified that reputation.
                • Jaden Sudfield (SF, Sr.) – The 6’7” forward has officially committed to Colorado, giving the Buffaloes one of their most high-profile recruits in years. Sudfield’s versatility—smooth jumper, transition game, and rebounding ability—makes him a potential day-one contributor in college.
                • Alvin Katnik (PF, Sr.) – At 6’9”, Katnik has chosen Ohio State, turning down interest from Notre Dame and Indiana. His combination of size and finesse inside makes him a perfect fit in the Big Ten. Coaches call him a throwback big man with soft hands.
                • Randall Anthony (SF, Jr.) – A rising star who many scouts believe could be next in line for Nicolet dominance. Already getting letters from Marquette and Wisconsin, and whispers of Big Ten programs circling.
                • Chad Fordham (PF, Jr.) – Another bruising forward who’s drawn comparisons to David Karl (Simeon). At just 16, he’s already commanding double-teams.

                📈 Nicolet’s 1984-85 squad has been touted as Wisconsin’s best high school team since the 1970s, and their wins over powerhouses like Simeon and St. Vincent–St. Mary have put them firmly on the national map.
                Chester High School (South Carolina)


                Chester has long been a pipeline program, and in 1984-85, their roster once again produced national-level talent.
                • Darnell Kirkland (SG, Sr.) – Already a household name after playing in the Under Armour All-Star Game, where he scored 10 points. His slashing style and defense-first mentality has schools like Clemson and Georgia Tech interested.
                • Younger Talent Pipeline – Chester has several sophomores and juniors catching attention from ACC schools. Scouts note that while Kirkland is the headliner, Chester’s depth and toughness keep them competitive against bigger national programs.

                Comment

                • JAY_D1
                  MVP
                  • Sep 2004
                  • 1780

                  #128
                  Beyond the NBA: Bruce Barry & Kris Schneider Take Their Talents to Europe

                  The NBA’s 1985 Draft outlook has left some talented players on the outside looking in. While stars like Ernest Cohen, Patrick Ewing, and Joe Dumars dominate headlines, two collegiate standouts have decided to pursue professional basketball careers abroad: Bruce Barry of Iowa State and Kris Schneider of Portland State.

                  Bruce Barry (Iowa State – SG/SF)
                  • A versatile wing who contributed heavily to the Cyclones’ turnaround in the Big Eight, Barry has opted to sign with a Spanish club team after learning he wasn’t projected inside the NBA’s top 60 prospects.
                  • His strengths — slashing ability, perimeter defense, and court vision — could translate well in the European game, where tempo and spacing fit his style.
                  • Scouts note that Barry, still just 21, could use Europe as a springboard to the NBA later, much like other American players have done.

                  Kris Schneider (Portland State – PF)
                  • A rugged 6’8” forward known for his rebounding and physical play, Schneider drew little NBA buzz but plenty of interest from German and Italian leagues.
                  • His decision underscores a trend: talented mid-major players who may not fit the NBA’s immediate draft boards, but who can carve out lucrative careers in Europe.
                  • Portland State coaches praised his “blue-collar, do-it-all” mentality, which will likely make him a fan favorite overseas.

                  Why Europe?
                  • Financial Security: Top European teams are offering salaries and incentives that rival NBA bench contracts.
                  • Playing Time: Instead of fighting for limited NBA roster spots, Barry and Schneider will get starting roles abroad.
                  • Exposure: NBA scouts are watching international leagues more closely now — meaning Europe isn’t the end of the NBA dream, just a different path.

                  The Bigger Picture (1985)

                  With the NBA draft spotlight heavily tilted toward big men (Ewing, Bol, Malone) and elite scorers, role players like Barry and Schneider may find themselves better suited for European playstyles. Their choices could inspire a wave of other Americans who want to keep their professional dreams alive.

                  Comment

                  • JAY_D1
                    MVP
                    • Sep 2004
                    • 1780

                    #129
                    High School Basketball Landscape (1984-85)

                    Simeon (Chicago, IL)

                    • Strength: Chicago’s pipeline to the Big Ten and beyond.
                    • Core Players:
                      • David Karl (PF) – interior muscle with rebounding and shot-blocking presence.
                      • Bryan Cook (PF) – developing as a versatile scorer and rebounder.
                      • Jeff Conley (PG, junior) – floor general on the rise, drawing Big Ten eyes.
                    • Impact: Simeon remains one of the Midwest’s most respected factories for tough, polished talent.

                    Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH)

                    • Strength: A prep school building toward national relevance.
                    • Star:
                      • Ivan Garnette (PF, South Carolina commit) – rugged big man with NBA first-round buzz. His presence alone has made Brewster a program to scout closely.

                    Paul VI (Fairfax, VA)

                    • Strength: A DMV school climbing into national recruiting conversations, not yet at Oak Hill’s level but clearly growing.
                    • Core Identity: Produces skilled guards and wings, developing a reputation for discipline and toughness.
                    • Recruiting Note: Programs like Duke, UNC, Texas Tech, Auburn, and Maryland are hitting DMV gyms hard, and Paul VI is beginning to send players into those pipelines.

                    Comment

                    • JAY_D1
                      MVP
                      • Sep 2004
                      • 1780

                      #130
                      1985 Scholastic National Championship – Florida Recap


                      The 1985 Scholastic National Championship in Florida delivered one of the most competitive high school basketball showcases in recent memory. Powerhouse programs such as Simeon (IL), Huntington Prep (WV), Loyola (IL), and Crane Tech (IL) all made their mark, but in the end, it was Lancaster High School (SC) who cut down the nets. 🏆 Lancaster HS – National Champions
                      • Anchored by disciplined play and relentless defense, Lancaster stunned several bigger-name programs on their way to the crown.
                      • The victory cements Lancaster as one of the fastest-rising high school programs in the nation, putting South Carolina firmly on the prep basketball map.

                      🌟 Major Recruiting Announcements

                      • Franklin Sweeney (SG, St. Vincent–St. Mary, OH)
                        → Announced his commitment to Alabama. A smooth-scoring guard with size, Sweeney’s decision gives Alabama one of the biggest recruiting wins of the year.
                      • Rod Rowland (SF, Proviso East, IL)
                        → Committed to Florida. Rowland’s athleticism and ability to create off the wing fits perfectly into the SEC style of play.
                      • Bryan Cook (PF, Simeon, IL)
                        → In one of the most surprising announcements of the Nationals, Cook declared he’ll take his talents to Portland State. Despite heavy recruitment from Big Ten and Big East programs, Cook has chosen to blaze his own path in the Pacific Northwest.

                      🔑 Key Takeaways

                      • Lancaster’s title signals a new balance of power in high school hoops, showing South Carolina prep teams can hang with — and beat — Chicago and East Coast giants.
                      • Recruiting Shockwaves: Franklin Sweeney to Alabama is a massive grab, Rod Rowland gives Florida an SEC-ready wing, and Bryan Cook’s Portland State choice may change how mid-majors are viewed in the recruiting world.

                      Comment

                      • JAY_D1
                        MVP
                        • Sep 2004
                        • 1780

                        #131
                        1985 NCAA Tournament Recap: George Mason Shocks the Nation



                        The madness of March turned into a moment for the history books, as George Mason University stormed through the bracket and emerged as the 1985 NCAA National Champions. 🏆 Mason’s Magic Run
                        • The Patriots leaned on the leadership and steady scoring of Frankie Wright, who transferred from Arizona State seeking a better chance at postseason glory.
                        • Wright delivered in every round and capped off the run with a Most Valuable Player performance in the championship game. His poise under pressure and ability to orchestrate Mason’s offense elevated him into national superstardom.

                        🌟 Frankie Wright – The Breakout
                        • Position: Point Guard
                        • Background: Began his career at Arizona State before transferring to George Mason.
                        • Tournament Performance: MVP honors, clutch scoring, and floor general leadership throughout the tournament.
                        • Future Outlook: Though some expected him to declare for the 1985 NBA Draft, Wright has confirmed he’ll return to Mason for another year, setting up a possible dynasty run.

                        👀 Future Stars in Attendance


                        Among the sea of scouts and college coaches, Randall Anthony, the versatile small forward from Nicolet High School (Wisconsin), was spotted courtside. Anthony, one of the most heavily recruited juniors in the country, got a firsthand look at the kind of magic March Madness can create. His presence reminded programs like Ohio State and Notre Dame, who are recruiting him hard, of the kind of impact talent he could be at the next level.
                        📈 Key Takeaways

                        • George Mason’s championship run is being called the biggest Cinderella story in NCAA basketball since the tournament expanded.
                        • Frankie Wright has cemented himself as one of the premier guards in college hoops.
                        • Randall Anthony’s recruiting buzz is only intensifying as schools see him poised to become the type of player who could lead a team on a similar magical run.

                        Comment

                        • JAY_D1
                          MVP
                          • Sep 2004
                          • 1780

                          #132
                          Recruiting Buzz: Oak Hill & Crane Tech Shape the 1986 Class


                          The 1986 recruiting cycle just got a major shakeup, with two of Oak Hill Academy’s brightest stars making their commitments — and Chicago powerhouse Crane Tech once again sending elite talent to the next level.
                          🏀 Oak Hill Academy Reloads
                          • Mike Jameson (C, Oak Hill)UConn
                            • The 6’10 center, known for his interior presence and rebounding, has officially committed to the Huskies.
                            • Jameson gives UConn a much-needed rim protector and will be looked at as a cornerstone for their frontcourt in 1986.
                          • Wilson Goodrich (PG, Oak Hill)Alabama
                            • The lightning-quick point guard has pledged to the Crimson Tide.
                            • Known for his floor vision and ability to set tempo, Goodrich is being touted as a day-one starter in the SEC.
                            • Alabama believes Goodrich can be the missing piece to push them deeper into the NCAA Tournament.



                          Oak Hill may be waving goodbye to two of its leaders, but the program remains a talent factory with younger players already waiting in the wings for the 1986-87 season.
                          🏀 Crane Tech Keeps Producing
                          • Greg Terry (PG, Crane Tech)Notre Dame
                            • Terry, one of the Midwest’s most polished guards, has committed to the Fighting Irish.
                            • His ability to control games and his knack for clutch scoring make him a perfect fit in South Bend.
                            • With Terry’s commitment, Crane Tech adds another name to its growing list of college-ready guards who have risen to prominence nationally.

                          📈 National Impact
                          • UConn continues to solidify its reputation as a rising Big East power, with Jameson set to anchor their interior.
                          • Alabama is going all-in on athletic backcourt play, banking on Goodrich’s ability to energize their offense.
                          • Notre Dame gets a Midwest gem in Greg Terry, strengthening their push to compete with Big Ten and Big East programs in recruiting.

                          Comment

                          • JAY_D1
                            MVP
                            • Sep 2004
                            • 1780

                            #133
                            Glenbrook North Basketball: A Program on the Rise


                            The suburban pipeline is officially here. While Chicago’s inner-city schools like Simeon and Crane Tech continue to produce national talent, Glenbrook North has been quietly building a powerhouse of its own in the mid-1980s.


                            ⭐ Larry Strickland: The Headliner
                            • Position: Small Forward
                            • Class: 1986
                            • Recruitment: Holds a mountain of scholarship offers from Big Ten, SEC, and Big East programs.
                            • Strickland has become the face of Glenbrook North basketball, using his versatility and length to dominate both ends of the floor.
                            • Coaches love his all-around game — he can defend 1–4, rebound, and put up 20+ points without forcing shots.
                            • He’s being courted heavily by Illinois, Duke, and Arizona, all of which want him to headline their recruiting classes.

                            ⭐ Kevin Derrick: The Floor General

                            • Position: Point Guard
                            • Class: 1985
                            • Recruitment: Recently committed to Texas A&M.
                            • Derrick was selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game, where he showcased his ability to run an offense against the nation’s best.
                            • Known for his quick first step and leadership, Derrick’s commitment gives Texas A&M a cornerstone guard for the next four years.

                            📈 Glenbrook North’s National Attention
                            • With Derrick representing in the McDonald’s Game and Strickland drawing national offers, scouts are flooding Glenbrook North gyms.
                            • Programs are starting to view the school as one of the Midwest’s new recruiting hotbeds, alongside Proviso East and Oak Hill.
                            • “These kids are disciplined, fundamentally sound, and ready to compete,” one Big Ten assistant coach noted after seeing Strickland in person.

                            Comment

                            • JAY_D1
                              MVP
                              • Sep 2004
                              • 1780

                              #134
                              Texas Longhorns 1985–86: Building for a Breakthrough

                              The Texas Longhorns are quietly putting together one of their strongest rosters of the decade. After a rocky 1984–85 campaign that saw flashes of promise but inconsistency in the Southwest Conference, the Longhorns have doubled down on recruiting firepower and key transfers to raise expectations.
                              ✍️ Key Additions

                              Clifford Reece – SF, Glenbard West (Freshman)
                              • A 6’6” versatile wing out of Illinois, Reece is known for his scoring instincts and ability to defend multiple positions.
                              • He brings athleticism that Texas sorely needed on the perimeter. Scouts describe him as a “glue guy who can also take over when needed.”
                              Josh Wright – SG, Proviso East (Freshman)
                              • Wright, who signed his letter of intent last year, is considered one of the best shooters in the Midwest.
                              • Texas plans to slot him right into the rotation — his three-level scoring could make him a star in Austin.'

                              🔄 Transfers in the Mix
                              • The Longhorns are exploring frontcourt transfers to complement Reece and Wright. With the Southwest Conference full of bruising big men, Texas needs additional size to battle programs like Houston and Arkansas.
                              • Early names floated include JUCO standouts from Texas and Louisiana who could be plug-and-play post defenders.

                              Comment

                              • JAY_D1
                                MVP
                                • Sep 2004
                                • 1780

                                #135
                                Laney Hamlin: From Christ the King to Florida State… to Europe?
                                • Laney Hamlin starred at Christ the King (NY) before choosing Florida State, where he became a steady contributor in the ACC.
                                • Known for his tough shot-making and aggressive slashing ability, Hamlin isn’t necessarily seen as an NBA-ready prospect right now, but his professional ceiling remains high.


                                Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
                                • One of Europe’s premier clubs, Maccabi Tel Aviv has been linked to Hamlin.
                                • Negotiations are in the early stages. While Maccabi has the financial pull, the contracts are reportedly “far off” in terms of structure and guarantees.
                                • Ian Wilson, a veteran shooting guard who previously played for Shakhtar Donetsk before joining Maccabi, has personally been recruiting Hamlin. Wilson has become a sort of ambassador for the team, vouching for Hamlin’s style of play.

                                Other European Interest








                                Hamlin isn’t just a Maccabi target:
                                • Spain (Liga ACB): A couple of mid-tier ACB teams see him as a rotation scorer.
                                • Italy (Lega Basket Serie A): Teams value his athleticism and believe he could adapt well to the Italian tempo.
                                • France (LNB Pro A): French clubs, particularly those developing younger rosters, are monitoring him closely.

                                Why Europe Works for Hamlin
                                • Playing Style Fit: European teams love combo guards who can create offense but don’t need to dominate the ball. Hamlin’s ability to play both guard spots makes him versatile.
                                • NBA Fringe Factor: He’s not in most 1985 draft boards, but scouts will keep tabs if he thrives in Europe.
                                • Market Value: By proving himself abroad, Hamlin could increase his stock for a future NBA opportunity.

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