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

[JAY_D1]

Arizona Wildcats Basketball (1985–86 Outlook)

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The buzz in Tucson is real. Arizona is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations in college basketball, thanks to its blend of recruiting pull, player development, and a wide-open style of play that appeals to top high school stars. 🌟 The Freshman Prize: Maurice Simpson

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• Maurice Simpson (PF, Oak Hill Academy) is already making noise in practices and early games.
• At 6’9”, he brings athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking that Arizona badly needed in the frontcourt.
• Coaches believe Simpson could be a one-and-done caliber player if the NBA Draft rules allowed for it.

🏀 Senior Leadership: Ryan Bolton

• Ryan Bolton (PG, Senior) has been the steady hand guiding Arizona’s offense.
• Known for his court vision, calm under pressure, and defensive grit, Bolton has emerged as the kind of floor general who keeps everyone in sync.
• NBA scouts are taking a close look, though some question if his size will limit his pro upside.

🔥 Recruiting Edge

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• Arizona’s pitch is simple: sunshine, freedom to run, and NBA exposure.
• They sell recruits on the idea that Tucson can be a launching pad — much like how other West Coast programs pitch themselves as steppingstones to the pros.
• Landing Simpson shows that Arizona can now out-recruit blue bloods for elite prep talent.

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📈 The Formula

• Inside-out game: With Bolton running the point and Simpson patrolling the paint, Arizona finally has balance.

[JAY_D1]

Midway Point of the 1985–86 NBA Season

📍 Philadelphia 76ers & Ernest Cohen

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• Rookie Ernest Cohen, drafted #21, has been a bright spot for Philly.
• He earned a spot in the Rookie–Sophomore Game and held his own, scoring 12 points and pulling down 5 rebounds.
• Coaches are impressed with his versatility — he can bang inside but also stretch defenses a little with midrange looks.
• With Philly trying to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, Cohen’s energy off the bench is giving them depth.

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📍 Houston Rockets & Their Frontcourt Duo

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• Akeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson continue to wrestle with both dominance and chemistry.
• At the Rookie–Sophomore Game, Olajuwon surprisingly struggled: just 4 points and 2 rebounds — a quiet outing by his standards.
• Behind the scenes, there are whispers about Akeem wanting to be the clear #1 option in Houston, while Sampson still views himself as a co-star.
• That tension hasn’t derailed Houston yet, but eyes are on how this dynamic will play out in the postseason.

📍 Rookie–Sophomore Game Standouts

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• The marquee star was Patrick Ewing, who looked every bit the future face of the league with 26 points and 6 rebounds.
• His dominance on both ends of the floor turned heads, and it’s clear the Knicks have their franchise cornerstone.
• Alongside Ewing, Ernest Cohen’s effort gave credibility to the Sixers’ pick, while other rookies tried to prove they belonged.

[JAY_D1]

1986 Rookie–Sophomore Game Recap

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The NBA’s second-year showcase has quickly become a fan favorite, and the 1986 Rookie–Sophomore Game in Dallas did not disappoint. A mix of future stars and overlooked prospects gave fans a glimpse of the league’s next generation.

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⭐ Rookie Standouts

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• Patrick Ewing (Knicks)
  • Dominated the paint with 26 points, 6 rebounds.
  • His touch inside and defensive presence made him the centerpiece of the night.
  • Widely considered the game’s MVP.
• Bill Wennington (Spurs)
  • Shocked many with an incredible performance: 17 points, 14 rebounds.
  • Controlled the boards against more heralded big men and gave San Antonio fans a reason to be excited.
  • Analysts said he “looked like a future double-double machine.”

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• Dexter Towns (Bulls)
  • Chicago rookie impressed with 12 points.
  • Played scrappy defense and showed flashes of being a solid rotational guard.
  • A nice bright spot for a Bulls team struggling in the standings.
• Ernest Cohen (76ers)
  • Showed his versatility with 12 points, 5 rebounds.
  • His footwork and activity around the rim caught scouts’ attention — a true “glue guy” for Philly.

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⭐ Sophomore Highlights

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• Akeem Olajuwon (Rockets)
  • Surprisingly quiet, just 4 points, 2 rebounds.
  • Looked more tentative than usual — some believe the ongoing “co-star clash” with Ralph Sampson is weighing on him.
• Wayman Tisdale (Pacers)
  • Provided steady scoring with 7 points, 3 rebounds.
  • Didn’t take over the game, but showed his polished lefty game in flashes.

[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Draft – Team Standings Context

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Worst to Best Records (Draft Lottery Impact):

1. Sacramento Kings – Worst record, hold the #1 pick. Targeting Cristiano Conti.
2. Atlanta Hawks – Second worst record. Poised to grab a top prospect to help their rebuild.
3. New Jersey Nets – Third worst record. Will likely pick a high-upside guard or wing.
4. Denver Nuggets – Fourth worst. Scouts say they’re eyeing a versatile forward.
5. Milwaukee Bucks – Fifth worst. Could target a scorer or perimeter defender.

[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Draft – Team Context & Lottery Outlook

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Worst Records Leading to Top Picks:

• Sacramento Kings: 13–57. With the league’s worst record, they are firmly in line for the #1 pick, widely rumored to target Cristiano Conti.
• Atlanta Hawks: 14–58. Poised for #2, looking for a high-upside player to complement their young core.
• Philadelphia 76ers: Previously traded their 1986 1st and 2nd round picks to Phoenix in a multi-year deal. That pick is now projected as a top 5 selection, giving the Suns a chance to snag a star from the loaded draft class.

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• New Jersey Nets: 17–50. Likely to pick a top guard or wing to speed up their rebuild.
• Denver Nuggets: 25–46. Looking at versatile forwards to add scoring and length.
• Milwaukee Bucks: 25–46. Could target a perimeter shooter or defensive-minded wing.

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The trade by the Sixers has shifted the draft dynamic, giving Phoenix a prime opportunity to select a high-impact player without a rebuild.

[JAY_D1]

Sacramento Kings & Chicago Bulls – Rookies Making Waves

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Sacramento Kings – Daniel Radonich, Small Forward

• Background: From England, Radonich has quickly become the Kings’ go-to scorer.
• Stats: Averaging 25.4 points per game, already a fan favorite in Sacramento despite the team struggling to just 13 wins this season.
• Impact: Radonich’s scoring and versatility are keeping the Kings competitive, giving fans hope for the future. Scouts are excited about his potential to anchor the team long-term.

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Chicago Bulls – Dexter Towns, Forward

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• Background: Another international talent from England, Towns is bringing excitement to the Bulls’ roster.
• Stats: Averaging 24.1 points per game, making him one of the standout rookies in the NBA this season.
• Playing Style: Athletic, fearless driving to the basket, capable of scoring inside and from mid-range. His defensive versatility adds value to the young Bulls roster.
• Impact: Towns is helping offset some of the Bulls’ struggles in the 1985-86 season, giving fans a glimpse of a bright future alongside veteran leadership.

[JAY_D1]

Chino Hills High School (California)

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• Overview: After a few rebuilding seasons, Chino Hills is emerging as one of the premier programs on the West Coast.
• Recruiting Attention: Scouts from Illinois, Texas, and Arizona have been attending games, impressed by the team’s depth and balance.
• Outlook: If Chino Hills keeps its roster intact and develops underclass talent, they could challenge the top national teams this season.

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Christ the King High School (New York)

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• Overview: A perennial powerhouse in the New York metro area, Christ the King continues to dominate, combining experience with top-tier talent.
• Key Alumni Players:
  • Laney Hamlin, Forward: Already getting attention from European clubs and NCAA programs.
• Recruiting Attention: NCAA powerhouses like Syracuse, Duke, and Kentucky have sent scouts to every home game. European teams are also keeping tabs on their top talent.
• Outlook: Christ the King remains a national contender with a deep roster capable of making a run at the Scholastic National Championship.

[JAY_D1]

Lakers Eye Next Generation: Kingsley Etim Joins LA After European Stint

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LOS ANGELES, CA – 1985 – The Los Angeles Lakers are already looking toward the future, and their newest addition, Kingsley Etim, is a prime example. Drafted out of Europe after stints with a top British team and Olympiakos in Greece, Etim is expected to be a cornerstone for the Lakers once the franchise’s veteran stars begin to retire. Etim’s Journey

• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• European Experience: Developed elite scoring and defensive skills in Europe, adjusting to physical, fast-paced international basketball.
• NBA Draft: Selected by the Lakers in the 1985 Draft, joining a team hungry for youth and versatility.
• Expectations: Seen as a dynamic scorer and capable perimeter defender, Etim brings international experience that could translate immediately in the NBA.

Lakers’ Scouting Strategy

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• The Lakers aren’t just looking at overseas talent—they’re scouting high school prospects nationwide.
• From California’s Chino Hills to New York’s Christ the King, Lakers scouts are attending games to identify players who could develop into future stars alongside Etim.
• Goal: To blend high school phenoms with international pros, maintaining a pipeline of young talent while the veterans like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson approach the twilight of their careers.

Looking Ahead

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Lakers fans are hopeful that with Etim and this new wave of recruits, the franchise can remain dominant in the Western Conference for years to come. The combination of experienced leadership and young, versatile talent is exactly what the Lakers are banking on to sustain success post-Magic and Kareem era.

[JAY_D1]

Duncanville High School: Texas Powerhouse Poised for National Glory

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DUNCANVILLE, TX – 1985-86 – The Lone Star state continues to produce high school basketball stars, and Duncanville High School is at the forefront. With a loaded roster and top recruits, they are favorites to contend for the Scholastic National Championship. Star Player: Shelton Banks

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• Position: Guard
• Background: Recently transferred from Whitney Young in Chicago, Shelton Banks brings elite experience and versatility to Duncanville.
• Playing Style: Known for his court vision, clutch shooting, and defensive tenacity, Banks has immediately elevated the team’s backcourt.
• Recruiting Buzz: College scouts are already circling, noting his ability to run a team and impact both ends of the floor.

Team Strengths

• Balanced Roster: Duncanville isn’t just Banks; their lineup features sharpshooters, versatile forwards, and athletic guards capable of switching positions.
• Defensive Prowess: They are among the nation’s top-ranked defensive teams, capable of suffocating opponents with aggressive man-to-man schemes.
• Coaching: The coaching staff emphasizes discipline, fundamentals, and adaptability—perfect for preparing the squad for high-stakes national competition.

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National Outlook

• Competition: Schools like Chino Hills, Christ the King, Oak Hill, and Brewster Academy are in the mix, but Duncanville’s combination of talent and depth makes them a serious contender.
• Predictions: Analysts predict Duncanville could reach the finals of the Scholastic National Championship, with Banks leading the charge.

What Scouts Are Saying

• “Shelton Banks has the potential to dominate at the next level,” says one college recruiter. “Combine him with the rest of Duncanville’s roster, and they could be unstoppable this year.”

[JAY_D1]

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Kareem, now 38 years old in the 1985-86 season, is in his 17th year in the league. The six-time MVP, already the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, has nothing left to prove. He had brought the Lakers multiple championships in the 1980s, pairing with Magic Johnson to keep “Showtime” alive. But as the grind of the NBA wore on, whispers grew louder that this could be Kareem’s last season.

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Public Sentiment

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• Fans: Everywhere the Lakers played on the road, fans gave Kareem standing ovations. Opposing cities treated his appearances almost like farewell exhibitions. It had shades of Julius Erving’s 1986 farewell tour.
• Media: Reporters speculated on a nightly basis. Some insiders said Kareem was “70-30” leaning toward retirement, while others suggested he’d consider one more year if the Lakers won another title.
• Players: Younger stars like Patrick Ewing, Akeem Olajuwon, and Ralph Sampson publicly credited Kareem as their inspiration. There was a sense of “passing the torch” in the NBA’s big-man lineage.

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Inside the Lakers

• Front Office: Jerry Buss and Jerry West were preparing for the transition, quietly scouting younger centers and thinking ahead.
• Magic Johnson: Vocal about wanting Kareem to stay. He believed the Lakers’ title hopes still hinged on Kareem’s presence.
• Locker Room Tension: Some whispers that Kareem wanted to go out on his own terms, not as a diminished piece next to Magic.

[JAY_D1]

Crane HS & Simeon: The New Wave of Chicago Stars (1985-86)

Rudolph Yates – Crane HS (Small Forward, Junior)

• Game: Yates has that classic Chicago edge — a wing player who can attack downhill, finish through contact, and defend multiple positions. At 6’6”, he’s strong enough to battle inside but quick enough to stretch the floor.
• Impact: Crane has been trying to climb back to prominence in the city, and Yates is the centerpiece. He’s already getting Big Ten attention (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State all rumored to be watching).
• Style: Old heads around the city say he plays with the craftiness of Mark Aguirre and the motor of a young Dominique Wilkins.

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Louie Braxton – Simeon HS (Point Guard, Junior)

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• Game: At 6’1”, Braxton is a floor general with elite quickness. He’s one of the best ball-handlers in the Public League right now and has a knack for setting up teammates while still dropping 15–18 points on his own.
• Impact: Simeon is already a Chicago powerhouse, but Braxton’s leadership has scouts saying the Wolverines could dominate the Public League again.
• Recruiting: Louisville, Marquette, and even Kansas have reportedly started keeping tabs on him.

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Chicago Basketball Outlook

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• The Rivalry & Brotherhood: Yates and Braxton are both juniors, both rising stars, and both products of the tough Chicago circuit. They push each other, whether in summer leagues, playground runs, or head-to-head matchups.
• Glory Days in Reach: Crane has been hungry for respect, while Simeon is fighting to stay on top. The presence of these two could spark a new wave of Chicago dominance in high school basketball, drawing crowds and scouts in the same way Ben Wilson once did at Simeon before tragedy struck.

[JAY_D1]

Dubai Basketball Club: The New Frontier (1985-86)


Basketball has been exploding worldwide, with Europe already providing opportunities for NCAA standouts and fringe NBA players. But in a groundbreaking move, Dubai has now formed its own club team, Dubai Basketball Club, aiming to compete with European powers for talent. The Model

• Salary: The club is offering up to $3 million per year — a shocking figure in 1986, well above what many NBA role players are making.
• Contracts: The catch? No NBA-out clause. Once you sign, you are locked into your Dubai contract, even if an NBA team comes calling.
• Competition: Dubai is pulling players from top colleges, high school legends, and those left just outside NBA rosters, creating a unique roster of hungry talent.

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Key Signings

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1. Saul George (USC / Simeon HS)
   • A scoring guard with explosive athleticism, once hyped as a future NBA lottery pick.
   • Struggled to find his footing in college, but Dubai gave him a new platform.
   • The city’s fans love his Chicago flair and tough shot-making.
2. Allan Gardner (USC / Simeon HS)
   • A 6’10” center with a bruising inside game.
   • Had NBA scouts intrigued at USC, but conditioning and inconsistency left him undrafted.
   • Now, he’s anchoring Dubai’s frontcourt and already putting up double-doubles.
3. Kent Watson (Kansas / Simeon HS)
   • A former Kansas star forward, Watson had the size and versatility NBA teams liked, but a slow pre-draft process cost him.
   • In Dubai, he’s becoming the face of the franchise, marketed heavily as the “American star” of the new club.

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Why Players Are Going

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• Money talks: $3 million is life-changing, especially for players who may never see NBA minutes.
• Global spotlight: Dubai is trying to market itself as the “Las Vegas of Basketball,” hosting exhibition games and potentially inviting European and even NBA summer squads in the future.
• Brotherhood: With multiple Simeon alumni (George, Gardner, Watson), the team already feels like a reunion of Chicago stars looking for redemption.

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The Risks

• No NBA exit clause is a major barrier — players who blow up in Dubai could be stuck overseas for years.
• Competition level is still unknown. Can Dubai really measure up to Italy, Spain, or Israel’s established leagues?
• NBA perception: Some scouts are already labeling Dubai signees as “cash players,” more focused on money than making the league.

[JAY_D1]

Red Storm Rising: St. John’s Marches to the National Championship

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By Sports Illustrated Staff |

The dream run continues for Lou Carnesecca’s St. John’s Red Storm, who stunned the nation by knocking off North Carolina in the Final Four to punch their ticket to the 1986 NCAA National Championship Game.

It was a heavyweight battle in the paint and on the perimeter — Dean Smith’s Tar Heels, loaded with talent and tradition, against a St. John’s squad that has lived all year on grit, shot-making, and New York swagger.

When the buzzer sounded in Dallas, the scoreboard told the story:
St. John’s 82, North Carolina 76.

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Jeff Gentry: From Whitney Young to the Big Stage


For Jeff Gentry, the 6’7” small forward from Chicago’s Whitney Young High School, this was the game that announced his arrival to the national stage. Gentry torched UNC with 28 points, using his length, toughness, and relentless drive to dominate both inside and out.

“This is everything I dreamed of — from Whitney Young to Madison Square Garden, now the championship game,” Gentry said postgame. “I think I’ve proven I’m ready for the NBA. It’s time to take the next step.”

NBA scouts have been circling him all season. One Western Conference exec summed it up: “He’s a matchup nightmare — strong enough to bully smaller forwards, quick enough to beat the bigs. He’s got a pro body already. He won’t last past the lottery.”

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Drew Kirkland: The General at the Point

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If Gentry was the hammer, Drew Kirkland was the surgeon. The 6’2” point guard controlled tempo with poise beyond his years, finishing with 16 points and 8 assists while repeatedly breaking down Carolina’s vaunted defense.

Kirkland’s future remains undecided.

“I’m focused on one thing — winning the national championship,” Kirkland said. “After that, I’ll sit down with my family, Coach Carnesecca, and see what’s best. I love St. John’s, but I know the NBA is out there too.”

St. John’s fans are holding their breath — losing Gentry is one thing; losing their floor general could reshape the entire roster.

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Tar Heel Talk: Armstrong Stays, Madison Weighs Europe

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On the other side, North Carolina’s locker room was heavy with disappointment. Greg Armstrong, the sophomore guard, confirmed he’ll return next season.

*“This one stings, no doubt,” Armstrong said. “But I’ve got unfinished business here at Carolina.”

But teammate Leonard Madison may be headed in another direction. The versatile forward has been in talks with top clubs in Italy and Spain, with offers rumored north of $1 million.

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The Road Ahead


St. John’s now stands 40 minutes from their first NCAA championship in program history. With Gentry and Kirkland leading the charge, Carnesecca’s Red Storm have the balance of power, toughness, and city grit to finish the job.

For Gentry, it’s likely his last dance in college basketball. For Kirkland, the choice between legacy and opportunity looms large. And for the Red Storm, the chance to etch their name in history has never been closer.

[JAY_D1]

Showtime in ’86: Lakers Roll, Kings Find a Gem

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The Los Angeles Lakers came into the 1985-86 season carrying the weight of being champions — and they’ve lived up to the billing. Showtime basketball has been alive and well, with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbarorchestrating the offense, but the X-factor has been their depth.

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Michael Cooper: The Glue of Showtime

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While Magic and Kareem get the headlines, Michael Cooper has been the steady force that makes Showtime tick. Cooper’s defense remains elite — shutting down opposing wings night after night — but he’s also hitting outside shots with more confidence. Averaging around 11 points, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, Cooper is proving to be both a defensive stopper and a reliable secondary playmaker.

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Pat Riley has leaned on him heavily in crunch-time lineups:

“Coop does all the little things — the defense, the hustle, the passing. He’s the guy who makes us go when the game tightens up,” Riley said.

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Kings Rookie Spotlight: Daniel Radonich

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On the opposite end of the standings sit the Sacramento Kings, but one bright light has shone through the struggles: rookie forward Daniel Radonich.

The 6’8” small forward from England has been nothing short of electric, averaging over 25 points per game as a rookie. Known overseas for his scoring flair and aggressive slashing game, Radonich has translated seamlessly to the NBA, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Sacramento.

“It’s different here — the speed, the physicality,” Radonich said. “But I love the challenge. I want to help build something in Sacramento.”

Despite the Kings sitting near the bottom of the standings, Radonich has given the franchise a new face to market and a star to build around.

[JAY_D1]

St. John’s Cuts Down the Nets: Drew Kirkland Shines, But Future in Question

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LEXINGTON, KY — St. John’s University has done it. Behind the dazzling play of point guard Drew Kirkland, the Red Storm stormed through the NCAA Tournament and capped their magical run by winning the 1986 National Championship.

Kirkland, the lightning-quick floor general from New York, was named Most Outstanding Player of the Championship Game after dropping 24 points and 9 assists in the title win. His ability to dictate pace, break down defenders, and rise to the moment made him the undeniable star of March Madness.

But while St. John’s fans celebrated their first title in school history, all eyes quickly turned to Kirkland’s future.

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A Rift With St. John’s

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Despite his on-court brilliance, Kirkland’s relationship with the Red Storm hasn’t been smooth. Sources close to the program revealed that Kirkland and the St. John’s coaching staff, particularly head coach Lou Carnesecca, have butted heads throughout the season.

Kirkland himself didn’t shy away from the tension:

“I love my teammates, I love this school, but I think I need a new challenge,” Kirkland said after the title game. “Winning here is something I’ll never forget — but I don’t know if I see myself back at St. John’s next year.”

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NBA or Transfer?


Scouts have been buzzing all March about Kirkland’s pro potential. His size, court vision, and fearless scoring ability have many projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Several executives even believe his ceiling is higher than some of the more hyped guards in the class.

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Still, Kirkland hasn’t fully committed to entering the draft. He has voiced interest in possibly transferring to another school, hoping to continue building his résumé in a system better suited to his game. Programs like Georgetown, Arizona, and Kansas are already rumored to be monitoring his situation.