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

[JAY_D1]

Breaking: Syracuse Power Forward Gary Swanson Declares for NBA Draft


By ESPN NBA Insider

Syracuse, NY – In a major shake-up to the 1984 NBA Draft landscape, Gary Swanson, the 6’9” junior power forward from Syracuse University, announced today that he will forego his senior season to enter the NBA Draft.


Swanson, who has been a cornerstone of the Orange’s frontcourt alongside teammates like Rob Love and other rising stars, leaves college after an impressive junior campaign where he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning All-Big East honors.

“I feel ready for the next step,” Swanson said. “I want to challenge myself against the best, and I believe this is the right time.”

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Draft Implications


Swanson’s entry adds another high-quality frontcourt option to an already deep 1984 class that features:

• Akeem Olajuwon (Houston) – towering center with dominant defensive skills.
• Sam Bowie (Kentucky) – elite size, but injury concerns.
• Andre Lyles (Italy) – international frontcourt prospect.
• Carlos Jiménez (Spain) – shooting guard turning heads overseas.
• Rob Love (Syracuse) – returning to school, opening up guard options.

For teams like the Bulls, Rockets, and Sixers, Swanson represents a ready-to-play big man who could fill immediate frontcourt needs, especially for clubs wary of drafting players still developing overseas.

[JAY_D1]

Duke vs. UNC 1984: A Rivalry for the Ages

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Chapel Hill, NC – Every year, college basketball fans circle this matchup on their calendars, but the 1984 edition of Duke vs. North Carolina promised to be something truly special. With the league’s top recruits, rising stars, and future NBA talent on both rosters, this wasn’t just a game — it was a national showcase.

UNC: Michael Jordan and the Tar Heel Machine


The Tar Heels entered the game with their star Michael Jordan, the electrifying shooting guard whose athleticism and scoring ability have made him the crown jewel of college basketball. But UNC isn’t a one-man show.

• Cole Hutchinson, the versatile 6’7” small forward and former Kenwood Academy standout, has been providing consistent scoring and defensive pressure.
• Terrence Fox, Jordan’s backcourt mate, has been showing NBA scouts that he can control a game alongside one of the nation’s best players.

Together, this duo ensures UNC is more than just Michael Jordan — they’re a complete team capable of competing at the highest level.

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Duke: Mau Su and the Blue Devils’ Rising Stars


Duke countered with a lineup designed to match UNC’s athleticism. The most talked-about name is Mau Su, the Chinese standout senior who has drawn NBA scouts’ attention for his dunking ability and explosive athleticism.

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Duke also boasts depth across the roster, with versatile wings and forwards who can stretch the floor and compete physically. Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s system emphasizes discipline, ball movement, and exploiting UNC’s defensive gaps — making every possession a chess match.

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The Duke–UNC game isn’t just about conference bragging rights. With NBA scouts courtside, every dunk, steal, and clutch shot had implications beyond the ACC. Front offices were watching players like Jordan and Mau Su, evaluating their ability to perform under pressure.

“These are the games where scouts really see who rises to the occasion,” said an Eastern Conference executive. “Pressure, intensity, and the ability to make plays — that’s what separates a lottery pick from a role player.”

[JAY_D1]

Chicago’s Basketball Pipeline: 1984 Alumni Making Waves Across College and Pro Ranks

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By ESPN Recruiting Insider

Chicago high schools continue to produce elite basketball talent impacting top college programs and stepping into professional contexts. From Kenwood Academy, Whitney Young, Crane Tech, and Simeon, alumni are proving they can compete at the highest levels both domestically and internationally.

National and Professional Implications

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Chicago high schools are feeding talent into elite college programs while producing professional-level players:

• Midwest Colleges: Kansas (Dwight May), Iowa (Cameron, Carpenter, Hilt), Michigan State (Jason Hunter), Oklahoma State (Frank Johns)
• East Coast Colleges: Syracuse (Rob Love, Gary Swanson), UNC (Cole Hutchinson), Ohio State (Jessie Johnson, Jeff Gentry)
• West Coast/Southwest Colleges: Arizona (Walter Anthony), Arizona State (Frankie Wright), Texas (Stacy Ward), USC (Archie Covington), Butler / Florida State / Duke (Casey Conley)
• Professional Exposure: George Hilt, Terrell Robinson, and Casey Conley now competing with the US Select Team, gaining national and international attention.

“Chicago produces players who are polished, versatile, and ready for high-level basketball,” said an NBA scout. “Conley’s path shows how these athletes adapt to multiple systems and still succeed at the professional level.”

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Simeon Alumni

• Mike Carpenter → Iowa – Point guard orchestrating Hawkeyes’ offense.
• George Hilt → Iowa / US Select Team – Former Simeon standout now gaining professional experience with the US Select Team.
• Casey Conley → Butler → Florida State → Duke / US Select Team – Small forward who transferred across multiple programs in college to find the right fit. After completing his collegiate career, Conley joined the US Select Team, showcasing his versatility and professional potential.

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Crane Tech Alumni

• Rob Love → Syracuse – Top guard staying in school for another year.
• Frankie Wright → Arizona State – Point guard adding leadership and scoring.
• Stacy Ward → Texas – Point guard running Longhorns’ offense.
• Archie Covington → USC – Shooting guard contributing at Pac-10 level.

Kenwood Academy Alumni

• Dwight May → Kansas – Freshman shooting guard already impacting the Jayhawks’ offense.
• Cole Hutchinson → UNC – Junior small forward, consistent and NBA-ready.
• Chase Jefferson → IMG Academy → Auburn – Former Kenwood center competing at elite prep level before starting at Auburn.

[JAY_D1]

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Kelvin Godson: From Crane Tech to Villanova, Then DePaul

• Background: Godson, a long, versatile shooting guard from Crane Tech High School in Chicago, joined Villanova as a freshman, quickly making an impression with his perimeter shooting and athleticism.
• College Career:
  • Freshman & Sophomore Years: Played at Villanova, showing off his range and defensive abilities.
  • Transfer to DePaul: Godson transferred to DePaul University after his sophomore season to help care for his mother, demonstrating maturity and commitment off the court while continuing to pursue basketball.
• Professional Outlook: Scouts note Godson’s height, shooting touch, and versatility. While he may not declare for the NBA immediately, he is being monitored as a potential overseas professional prospect where his skills could translate well in European leagues.

While Villanova remains a Big East powerhouse, the 1983–84 season has also highlighted the human side of college basketball, where personal circumstances influence player decisions and team dynamics.

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Villanova Team Context


Despite losing Godson after his sophomore year, Villanova has continued to maintain a competitive edge in the Big East:

• System Impact: Villanova’s disciplined, perimeter-oriented system ensures that players like Godson can thrive both as scorers and defenders.
• Recruiting Success: Godson’s journey demonstrates that Villanova attracts versatile players who are prepared for both personal and athletic challenges.

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[JAY_D1]

Dutch Fork Rising: South Carolina’s New Basketball Hotbed

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By ESPN Recruiting Insider

For years, South Carolina high school basketball has been overshadowed by the powerhouse programs of Chicago, New York, and California. But in 1984, two schools are changing the conversation: Irmo High and its crosstown rival, Dutch Fork High School.

Where Irmo has produced stars like Ryan Bolton and Kris Schneider, Dutch Fork is now producing its own wave of talent that has national scouts buzzing. Screen Shot 2025-08-29 at 11.18.29 PM.png

Dutch Fork vs. Irmo: A New Rivalry in South Carolina



While Irmo and Dutch Fork already battle on the hardwood, their alumni paths are creating a new rivalry at the college level:

• Irmo boasts Ryan Bolton (Arizona) and Kris Schneider (Portland State).
• Dutch Fork counters with Sammy Copeland (Indiana), Steven Suns (Portland State), and Matthew Payton (Ohio State).

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Both schools are shaping the narrative that South Carolina basketball belongs on the national stage.

[JAY_D1]

NBA Scouts Eyeing High School Stars in 1984


By ESPN’s Chris Fowler – Special Report

The year is 1984, and the NBA landscape is changing fast. While the league is salivating over a draft class that includes the likes of Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Sam Bowie, there’s another conversation bubbling beneath the surface: high school players.

For the first time in years, NBA scouts are showing up regularly in gyms across the country to watch high school prospects, raising questions about whether the league will soon start looking directly at prep stars instead of waiting for them to develop in college.'

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Leonard Madison – PF, Dutch Fork / Montverde Academy


At 6’10”, Madison looks like he was built for the pros. After transferring to Montverde, he’s been a two-way force against the nation’s best.

• NBA Teams: Lakers, Pistons, and 76ers scouts have circled his games.
• Colleges in the Mix: Indiana, Kentucky, and North Carolina are pushing hard, selling him on being the “next big man” to carry a blue blood.
• Projection: Madison is seen as a one-and-done candidate if he chooses college.

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David Karl – PF, Simeon (Chicago)

Karl is Chicago’s crown jewel right now, and his battles with DeMatha and Oak Hill have only boosted his profile. Knicks scouts were in attendance for his Simeon-DeMatha matchup, and word is he outplayed the hype.

• NBA Teams: Knicks, Bulls, Celtics.
• Colleges in the Mix: Duke and UNC have already met with Karl’s family, while Oklahoma and Rutgers have hosted visits.
• Buzz: Most insiders expect Karl to play a year or two in college before jumping, but the NBA loves his toughness so much that whispers of skipping college linger.

Darnell Kirkland – SG, Chester High School (South Carolina)

At 6’5”, Kirkland has gone from sleeper to sensation in just a year. His combination of speed, slashing, and fearless playmaking has six NBA teams already scouting him, making Chester High’s gym one of the most heavily scouted gyms in the South.

• NBA Teams: Lakers, Rockets, Sixers, plus three others with reps in the stands.
• Colleges in the Mix: Georgetown and Iowa are both hot on him, and Arizona has sent multiple assistants to Chester.
• Why He’s Different: Scouts say Kirkland could be the first guard to jump straight from high school to the NBA in 1984-85.
• Quote from Scout: “He has the fearlessness of a pro already. The jump isn’t crazy — not anymore.”

[JAY_D1]

SkyBreakers’ NBA Buyout Clause Raises Alarms Across League


The New Zealand SkyBreakers have flipped basketball’s recruiting world upside down. But their latest contract stipulation has NBA executives grinding their teeth: a $3 million NBA breakout clause.

That means if an NBA team wants to sign one of the SkyBreakers’ stars — like William Sampson, Chris Jones, or Dedric Wall — they’ll need to pay $3 million just to buy them out of their overseas deals.

As one Eastern Conference GM told ESPN off-record:
“We can’t even pay our own stars what they deserve. Now we’re expected to spend three million just to talk to a teenager in New Zealand? It’s insane.” SkyBreakers Forcing the NBA’s Hand


The SkyBreakers’ owner Malcolm Varela defended the buyout clause, calling it “a protection of our investment.”
He added:
“If the NBA wants our players, they’ll have to pay. We’re not a farm system. We’re competition.”

That statement alone has NBA owners rattled. The league has always feared a European or international rival draining its pipeline of prospects.

NCAA Coaches Furious

College coaches are equally livid. One Big Ten coach vented:
“Not only are we losing kids to the SkyBreakers, now the NBA can’t even get them back easily? This is messing with the entire system of American basketball.” What’s Next for the NBA?

• Legal Challenges: Several NBA owners are quietly exploring whether FIBA clauses could be challenged in U.S. courts.
• New Collective Bargaining: The upcoming salary cap system may need new language for international buyouts.
• Draft Complications: If William Sampson declares for the NBA Draft in 1986, does a team waste a first-round pick on a player they might not be able to afford?

[JAY_D1]

BREAKING NEWS: Continental Basketball Association Launches as NBA’s Developmental Arm


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The NBA is officially backing the creation of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), a new minor league system designed to give young players, free agents, and international hopefuls a professional proving ground inside the United States. Why Now?


With the rise of international leagues like the New Zealand SkyBreakers and powerhouse clubs in Spain, Italy, and France offering massive contracts to teenagers, NBA officials pushed for a stateside alternative.

One of the most aggressive recruiters? Real Madrid Basketball, which has quietly become a giant in the European market. The Spanish juggernaut has been offering American players contracts in the range of $400,000–$500,000 annually, far outpacing NBA rookie salaries. The catch? Contracts often lock players into 4–5 year commitments with limited escape clauses.

NBA executives worry this model could siphon off promising stars before they even touch an NBA court.

[JAY_D1]

Milwaukee Bucks: Draft Process, 1983-84 Season Outlook, and Future Plans


By Dick Stockton

The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the most consistent organizations in basketball since their championship in 1971, but as the 1983-84 season moves into its final stretch, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. The 1983-84 Season So Far
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The Bucks entered the year with high expectations, led by Sidney Moncrief, the All-Star guard whose two-way game has made him one of the most respected players in the league. Alongside Moncrief, Marques Johnson continues to provide scoring on the wing, and Bob Lanier, though aging, anchors the middle with veteran savvy.

At 30–18, Milwaukee remains firmly in the Central Division race, but questions linger about whether this roster can truly contend with the likes of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers come playoff time.

“We’re a team that competes every night,” coach Don Nelson told Sportscaster. “But to win a title in this league, you need a superstar or two who can carry you through those Boston Garden or Spectrum battles. That’s what we’re still searching for.” The Draft Process


The Bucks’ front office has been aggressive in scouting both college stars and international prospects. While Milwaukee’s record likely keeps them out of the top lottery picks, the 1984 draft is deep enough to add impact talent.

[JAY_D1]

The 1984 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich classes the league has ever seen. From college headliners like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley, to overseas risers like Cristiano Conti (Brazil) and Carlos Jimenez (Spain), scouts are calling it the kind of draft that can reshape a franchise.

While the Milwaukee Bucks remain a perennial contender trying to add depth around Sidney Moncrief, two other teams — the Utah Jazz and the Atlanta Hawks — are also plotting how this draft could define their future.


Milwaukee Bucks: Holding Steady, Looking for a Breakthrough


With Sidney Moncrief and Marques Johnson leading the way, Milwaukee is again in the playoff hunt. But with Bob Lanier aging, the Bucks are hunting for a big man or an explosive scorer.

Potential Targets:

• Andre Lyles (Italy) – a developing center who could replace Lanier.
• Kurt Sheridan (Mega Basket) – European combo guard who can bring versatility.
• Cristiano Conti (Brazil) – scoring wing who impressed against France.

Utah Jazz: Searching for a Running Mate for Adrian Dantley


The Jazz, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, have a clear priority: build around All-Star Adrian Dantley. Dantley’s scoring brilliance (nearly 30 points per game) has been wasted on a team lacking consistency at point guard and rim protection.

Coach Frank Layden has admitted the team’s scouting has broadened this year:
“We need another cornerstone — someone who can help us get out of the cellar and into the playoff picture.”

Potential Targets:

• John Stockton (Gonzaga) – Though not a household name, some scouts believe Stockton’s vision could make him a star.
• Sam Bowie (Kentucky) – If available, a big man to solidify the interior.
• Carlos Jimenez (Spain) – A long shooting guard, fresh off big wins in Europe.

The Jazz are unlikely to be in Olajuwon or Jordan range unless the lottery balls bounce their way, but even a second-tier prize could change their trajectory.

Atlanta Hawks: From Dominique to What’s Next?


The Hawks already boast one of the NBA’s most electrifying players in Dominique Wilkins, who has transformed Atlanta into must-watch television. But the team’s inconsistency has left them hovering in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta’s front office is weighing whether to grab frontcourt muscle to help Wilkins, or find a backcourt leader who can distribute and defend.

Potential Targets:

• Charles Barkley (Auburn) – The “Round Mound of Rebound” would bring energy and toughness to pair with Wilkins.
• Jason Hunter (Michigan State) – Point guard with flair, currently making noise in the NCAA Tournament.
• Terrence Fox (UNC) – Michael Jordan’s teammate, a guard rising up boards.

“We’ve got Dominique,” GM Stan Kasten said. “But you can’t ride one horse forever. This draft might be the one that balances our roster.”

[JAY_D1]

The NBA is a bit lopsided, you have the kings of the crown, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. You then have the kids of the underground, Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets. One group is fighting for a ring,, while the other is fighting for the first pick. “Chicago and Houston are in a dogfight to see which one stinks the most, while Boston and LA are the most dominant” stated an ESPN column

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Some major NBA Draft news came out that UNC star Michael Jordan is thinking about jumping out the draft. “My biggest concern with him is that he may get bored of his teammates, depending on which team he goes to. Everyone is looking for a big” stated an Eastern Conference scout. Akeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie are also major locks, but there is one player that most are taking a look at: Leonard Madison.



Leonard Madison is known as a country kid from South Carolina, that has battled players like Charles Barkley when he was a freshman playing for Dutch Fork. “Charles is a great player, taught me a lot before he left for college”. As a Dutch Fork player now, hehas been sought out by prep schools and even NBA scouts.

[JAY_D1]

CHINA HAS A SQUAD

China has dominated the Asian market when it comes to World Cup for years, and now has three top players in NCAA to bring their glory days back.

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The “Mau Dynasty” as international writers call it, are Muchaung Su (Duke) and Mauchung Huang (UCONN). Huang made headlines by announcing he will transfer to Duke in order to play with his Chinese teammate Su. “It only makes sense to be able to play all year long together to help bring a championship to the Chinese fans and to Duke” stated Huang.

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Time will only tell.

[JAY_D1]

MORE MOVEMENTS IN THE NCAA

Thomas Bellamy, formerly of Florida State, has decided to transfer to Tennesse. “The SEC will be good for me, great competition over there”

Herbert Webb, standout from Michigan University, is looked to be a lock for the NBA Draft this summer

Curtis Hawkins, standout from UNC, is also on early draft boards to be drafted this year as well.

Stephan Dupin, small forward from Kansas, has signed on to play for France in EuroBasket Playoffs

Rok Drobnjak, graduate of Oak Hill, signed on to play for Slovenia in EuroBasket Playoffs

Reinaldo Carlos, Power Forward from Washington, has signed to represent Brazil in EuroBasket Playoffs

[JAY_D1]

The FIBA “Amateur” Grey Area
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Unlike the NBA, which is explicitly professional, many international leagues operate under different definitions. In Italy, Spain, France, and even New Zealand, clubs often classify players as “state employees” or “club members” instead of pros. That allows foreign recruits to get paid while still sliding under the amateur umbrella.

• Andre Lyles — an Arizona-born center playing in Italy — has technically been ruled ineligible for the Olympics due to his professional contract.
• Dedric Wall, who just signed a deal with the New Zealand SkyBreakers, faces the same issue. His contract is professional on paper, which closes the door.
• Cristiano Conti, the Brazilian star playing in France, has stirred debate because he’s not American, but if he were U.S.-born he could test the loophole — France has “federation contracts” that look semi-amateur.

For Americans, it often comes down to paperwork and definitions rather than the reality of getting paid.

[JAY_D1]

Australia Opens the Door: Boomers Welcome U.S.-Tested Talent for 1984


By Jack McCallum |

Australia’s basketball federation has quietly changed the game for its national program. A new rule states that any player who has competed at least two years in the National Basketball League (NBL) is eligible to represent the country in FIBA competitions. Combined with the emergence of a generation of homegrown talent who sharpened their skills in the U.S. college system, the Australian Boomers suddenly look like a serious dark horse heading into the Los Angeles Olympics.

Artie Vernie: The Born-and-Bred Anchor


Unlike some of Australia’s past “imports,” Artie Vernie is the real thing — a born Australian, standing 6’10” with power, strength, and mobility. Raised locally before gaining attention through Rancho Christian (CA) during his teen years, Vernie returned home to anchor the Adelaide 36ers and is quickly becoming the face of the Boomers’ frontcourt. His rebounding and post presence give Australia legitimacy they’ve never had before.

Konrad Grimes: The Aussie Floor General


Also a born Australian, Konrad Grimes took the unusual path of starring at Kansas, where his sharp passing and on-ball defense made him a Big Eight standout. Now back with the Illawarra Hawks, Grimes has emerged as the natural leader of the Boomers’ backcourt. While others bring athletic flash, Grimes brings poise and control — exactly what Australia needs to survive the chaos of Olympic play.