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

[JAY_D1]

St. John’s Faces Major Roster Turnover After Championship Run

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NEW YORK, NY — St. John’s University is still basking in the glow of its 1986 National Championship, but reality has set in quickly for the Red Storm faithful. Two of the program’s biggest stars from that title team won’t be suiting up in Queens next season.

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Kirkland to Texas Tech


In a stunning move, Drew Kirkland, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, has officially entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas Tech. Kirkland cited fit and coaching relationships as the main factors behind his decision.

“I needed a place where I could continue to grow as a player,” Kirkland said. “Texas Tech is building something special, and I want to be part of it.”

The Red Raiders land one of the best guards in the country — a huge blow to St. John’s backcourt.

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Gentry Turns Pro


Meanwhile, Jeff Gentry, the versatile small forward from Whitney Young, has declared for the 1986 NBA Draft. Gentry’s combination of length, defense, and offensive flashes makes him an intriguing mid-to-late first-round prospect.

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With his departure, St. John’s loses a veteran presence and one of its top two-way players.

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The Recruiting Reset

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Head coach Lou Carnesecca and his staff now face the tough task of rebuilding their roster. The program has already begun identifying key high school targets:

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• Johnny Sara (PF, Eau Claire): A rugged interior presence with strong rebounding skills, already being compared to Big East legends for his toughness.
• Rudolph Yates (SF, Crane HS, Chicago): A dynamic junior wing who can score at all three levels; St. John’s is pushing hard to land him despite heavy Midwest competition.
• Zach Murray (SG, Sierra Canyon, CA): A flashy scorer with long-range shooting ability, Murray brings the kind of West Coast flair St. John’s hasn’t had in years.

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[JAY_D1]

1986 McDonald’s All-American Game Recap

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Prep Stars Shine, Setting the Stage for College Hoops’ Next Era

The nation’s top high school talent gathered for the 1986 McDonald’s All-American Game, and as always, the showcase did not disappoint. With college coaches and NBA scouts packed into the arena, a handful of standouts stole the spotlight and raised their stock heading into the next level.

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Franklin Sweeney (SG, St. Vincent–St. Mary → Alabama)

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Sweeney lit up the scoreboard, showing off a mix of slashing drives and a confident mid-range jumper. His 18-point performance highlighted why Alabama is so high on him as a backcourt piece. He looked every bit the part of an SEC-ready guard, poised to contribute right away.

“Franklin has that killer instinct,” one scout said. “You can just tell he wants the ball when it matters.”

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Rod Rowland (PG/SG, Proviso West → Florida)


Rowland made waves with his athleticism and playmaking, scoring in transition and setting up teammates with crisp passes. Florida gets a combo guard who can handle the ball and create, something their offense desperately needs. He finished with 14 points and several highlight assists.

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Bryan Cook (PF, Simeon → Portland State)

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Cook may not have had the same national hype as some of his peers, but the Simeon forward impressed with his rebounding and interior defense. He chipped in 9 points and 10 boards, showing that he’s going to be an anchor at Portland State. Scouts noted his blue-collar approach, calling him one of the “hardest workers on the floor.”

[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Finals on the Horizon: Celtics vs. Lakers, Part II?

As the 1985–86 NBA season winds into its final stretch, the chatter around the league is almost impossible to ignore: are we headed for another classic Finals rematch between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers?

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Boston Celtics: The East’s Juggernaut

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The Celtics have looked every bit like a team on a mission. Larry Bird is once again in MVP form, orchestrating the offense with his uncanny passing and dagger shooting. Kevin McHale has emerged as arguably the league’s most unguardable post player, while Robert Parish continues to anchor the middle. Add in Dennis Johnson’s perimeter defense and the shooting depth off the bench, and Boston feels like a team nearly impossible to dethrone in the East.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their rookie sensation Raymond Stapleton have been strong, and the Philadelphia 76ersare still fighting despite roster changes, but no team has shown they can match Boston’s blend of size, chemistry, and championship experience.

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Los Angeles Lakers: Still Showtime

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Out West, the Lakers remain the gold standard. Magic Johnson has taken the reins of the offense even more assertively this year, while James Worthy has blossomed into a devastating scorer in transition. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, in what could be his last full run, is still capable of controlling stretches of games with his skyhook and veteran savvy.

But what has people buzzing is the potential clash of personalities: Akeem Olajuwon’s Rockets are looming, young and hungry, ready to push past the veteran Lakers. And Kareem’s possible retirement tour casts a shadow — will this be the Lakers’ final ride with their core?

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The Rivalry’s Weight


The NBA is at its peak when Boston and Los Angeles meet. Their 1985 Finals showdown, where the Lakers finally conquered Boston in the Garden, was a cultural event. The idea of running it back in 1986 has everyone — from players to networks to fans — salivating.

“When you face the Celtics, it’s not just a game, it’s history,” Magic recently said. “We know they’re waiting. And we’ll be ready.”

Larry Bird, in his typical cool fashion, offered his own take:

“If they get there, they get there. We’ll be waiting.”

[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Finals Preview: Rockets vs. Celtics

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Basketball fans are buzzing as the 1985–86 season comes to a close, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown: the Houston Rockets vs. the Boston Celtics. This East vs. West clash is a true test of firepower, skill, and coaching acumen.

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Boston Celtics: Eastern Powerhouse

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The Celtics are riding high on a blend of experience and championship pedigree.

Key Stars:

• Larry Bird – Still the heartbeat of Boston. Bird’s combination of clutch shooting, vision, and leadership makes him the most dangerous player in the league.
• Kevin McHale – Post presence that demands double teams, McHale can dominate both in scoring and defense.
• Robert Parish – Anchors the paint, providing rim protection and rebounding.
• Dennis Johnson – Defensive stopper and secondary playmaker, capable of taking over games in key moments.

Strengths: Depth, veteran savvy, defensive versatility, and playoff experience. Celtics fans are confident, and most analysts peg them as favorites, but Houston’s young duo presents a unique challenge.

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Houston Rockets: Western Contenders

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The Rockets are younger but brimming with talent.

Key Stars:

• Akeem Olajuwon – Rookie phenom. Olajuwon’s shot-blocking, agility, and post moves make him a matchup nightmare. Already drawing comparisons to the league’s best big men.
• Ralph Sampson – Another towering force in the paint. The “Twin Towers” combination with Olajuwon gives Houston unmatched interior size.

Strengths: Size, athleticism, shot-blocking, and a high ceiling for explosive scoring. Analysts note that Houston has a chance to challenge Boston if they can limit turnovers and execute on the boards.

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What People Are Saying:

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• Boston Sportswriters: “Experience and chemistry will carry the day. The Rockets are talented, but the Celtics know how to win in these moments.”
• Houston Analysts: “Olajuwon and Sampson can dominate the paint. If Houston’s guards can stay composed, this series could be tight.”
• Betting Odds & Fan Sentiment: Boston slightly favored, but Houston’s size advantage has many predicting a long, competitive series, possibly going seven games.

[JAY_D1]

Boston Celtics: Post-Championship Analysis – 1986

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After sweeping the Houston Rockets to capture yet another NBA title, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a familiar position: dominance, but with questions about how to maintain it as the league evolves.

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1. Who to Add to the Team?

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The Celtics’ core of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, and Dennis Johnson is still elite, but there are a few gaps to shore up:

• Bench Scoring: Beyond Bird & DJ, Boston’s bench scoring is inconsistent. Adding a guard or wing who can create their own shot could reduce pressure on the starters.
• Athleticism & Defense on the Wing: While the starting five is formidable, faster, more explosive wings could help against teams with speed or perimeter shooters.
• Backup Center/Forward Depth: Parish and McHale carry heavy minutes; an energy big man could provide relief in heavy playoff stretches.

Potential Targets:

• European/overseas prospects with NBA readiness. Some rising international stars are playing in Spain, Italy, and Israel, who could contribute immediately.
• Young players from the 1986 Draft who could complement the core rather than replace it.

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2. 1986 NBA Draft Targets

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Boston has late 1st- to early 2nd-round picks due to previous trades. Ideal picks:

• Wings / Small Forwards: Players with athleticism who can defend multiple positions. Someone like Cristiano Conti (mocked #1 by Kings) could provide a versatile scoring and defensive option.
• Point Guard / Secondary Playmaker: A backup to Dennis Johnson who can handle the ball and orchestrate when Bird or DJ are on the bench.
• High-IQ Big Man: Not necessarily a star, but a reliable role player who can rebound and protect the paint in relief of Parish/McHale.

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Boston’s scouting should focus on high basketball IQ, team-first mentality, and versatility rather than flashy stars—they already have the marquee names.

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3. Trades to Consider

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Even a championship team can tweak via trades:

• Trading Aging Assets: Veteran role players with high salaries could be flipped for youth or draft picks. For example, if any backup guard has peaked or underperformed, moving him for a 1st- or 2nd-round pick makes sense.
• Trade for a Guard/Forward: Packaging a veteran bench piece to acquire a young wing or scoring guard can maintain the starting five while improving depth.
• Avoid Breaking the Core: Larry Bird, McHale, Parish, and DJ are untouchable. Trades should enhance, not disrupt, championship chemistry.

[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Offseason: Big Moves & Rising Stars

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The NBA offseason is already buzzing with news. After a storied 20-year career, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has officially announced his retirement. The Lakers’ legendary center leaves behind a legacy of dominance—six MVPs, six championships, and an unmatched skyhook. Los Angeles now faces the challenge of retooling its roster around Magic Johnson and a supporting cast that must carry the team without Kareem’s inside presence.

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1. Kareem Retires: Lakers Future

• Impact: Los Angeles loses a generational big man. The Lakers’ strategy will now focus on perimeter offense, speed, and adding a young center to take pressure off Robert Parish-like matchups.
• Rumors: Some whispers indicate the Lakers are exploring trades for a young big man or drafting overseas talent to eventually replace Kareem in a few years.

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2. New Jersey Nets Win the 1986 Lottery


The New Jersey Nets, coming off a dismal 1985-86 season, secured the #1 overall pick in the 1986 Draft.

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• Options:
  • Trade the pick: Rumors suggest several teams, including the Celtics and Lakers, have expressed interest. The Nets could turn this pick into multiple assets—future first-rounders or established veterans.
  • Use the pick: Most analysts believe the Nets will stay put and select Chase Jefferson of Auburn, a junior shooting guard with explosive athleticism and elite scoring ability.
• Chase Jefferson:
  • Averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in his junior year.
  • Known for versatility—can play SG, SF, and occasionally point guard.
  • Scouts rave about his high basketball IQ and leadership qualities, ideal for a rebuilding team like New Jersey.

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3. Draft and Trades Outlook

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• Top Contenders for the 1986 Draft:
  • Chase Jefferson (Auburn, SG/SF) – Nets favorite.
  • Cristiano Conti (Italy, SF) – European star entering the draft.
  • Jonathan Perkinson (St. John’s, SF) – Consistent scorer with solid defense.
  • Fred Hannan (Xavier / Real Madrid) – Small forward, strong overseas resume.
• Trade Buzz: Several rebuilding teams, including Atlanta and Denver, are reportedly discussing draft-day deals, trying to move up for Jefferson or Conti.

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4. League-wide Implications

• Lakers: Transition to a faster, guard-heavy team with Magic leading the offense.
• Nets: Rebuilding around Jefferson could shift them from lottery fodder to a future playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
• Overall: This draft could shape the next decade of the NBA. Analysts are calling it one of the most pivotal drafts of the 1980s, with potential franchise-altering talent at the top.

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[JAY_D1]

1986 NBA Draft Recap: Nets Take Jefferson, International Talent Makes Waves

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The 1986 NBA Draft did not disappoint. With the New Jersey Nets holding the #1 pick, they made a decisive move, selecting Chase Jefferson out of Auburn. Jefferson, a versatile shooting guard capable of playing multiple positions, instantly becomes the centerpiece of the Nets’ rebuilding project.

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Top Selections & Notable Picks

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1. New Jersey Nets – Chase Jefferson (Auburn, SG/SF)
   • Averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists.
   • Scouts love his combination of athleticism, versatility, and leadership.
2. Portland Trail Blazers – Bryan Cartwright (Indiana, PF/SF) #15
   • A physical forward with a strong inside/outside game.
   • Will add depth to Portland’s frontcourt rotation immediately.

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1. Seattle Supersonics – Jonathan Perkinson (St. John’s, SF)
   • Known for consistent scoring and defensive versatility.
   • Expected to contribute immediately in the Western Conference.
2. Denver Nuggets – Gordon Madden (Michigan, PF)
   • A high-energy big man who can rebound and protect the rim.
   • Nuggets look to him as a future rotation starter.

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International Influence

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• Daniel Mellor (Spain) – Drafted in the second round. Mellor impressed scouts with his floor vision and perimeter scoring.
• Eric Zamora (Spain, SF) – Second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons. His athleticism and European experience give him an NBA-ready edge.

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Draft Takeaways

• Nets: Jefferson is the clear cornerstone for their rebuilding project.
• Seattle & Denver: Focused on bolstering their wings and frontcourt depth.
• International Prospects: Teams are increasingly scouting overseas talent, with players like Mellor and Zamora showing that NBA-ready international stars can make immediate contributions.

The 1986 draft signals a new era of international influence while giving the Nets a foundation for future success with Jefferson at the helm.

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[JAY_D1]

Basketball Amid Change: The Serbian Region in 1986

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In 1986, Serbia is a constituent republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), a country composed of six republics including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Macedonia. While politically stable compared to the turbulent years that would follow in the 1990s, Yugoslavia is experiencing underlying economic pressures and subtle shifts in national identity.

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For basketball, however, it remains a golden era. Clubs like KK Partizan, Red Star Belgrade, and Cibona Zagrebdominate European competitions, producing players renowned for their fundamentals, teamwork, and tactical intelligence. The country’s Yugoslav Basketball League is one of the strongest in Europe, often acting as a pipeline for American and European talent.

Athletes like Frank Johns and Terrence Saunders entering this system in 1986 will encounter:

• Tough, disciplined coaching: Yugoslav basketball emphasizes fundamentals, ball movement, and situational awareness.
• High-intensity competition: Games often feel like mini international tournaments, with a strong fan culture creating intense atmospheres.
• A bridge to the NBA: Scouts already monitor Yugoslav stars for future drafts, meaning American players overseas aren’t hidden from NBA eyes.

While the broader political landscape carries hints of future change, for players and fans in 1986, Serbia is a basketball powerhouse, and Partizan offers a rare opportunity for young Americans to grow in a high-pressure, highly tactical environment

[JAY_D1]

Terrence Saunders, a versatile forward with a reputation for being a relentless rebounder, echoed the sentiment:

"I was looking at the options—stay in the States, play a lot of minutes in the CBA, but Partizan offered me competition at a high level. Every practice, every game, I’ll be tested against some of the best European talent. That’s the kind of challenge I want. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about becoming a better player, physically and mentally."

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The European Advantage


Partizan has built a reputation for being a breeding ground for talent, producing several NBA-caliber players over the last decade. The coaching staff emphasizes team basketball, defensive discipline, and high-pressure game situations that replicate what players will face in the NBA.

"They’ve got a system that really values fundamentals and basketball IQ," Johns added. "I think the CBA is more about exposure, while this is about skill growth. That’s why I made the choice."

[JAY_D1]

Oak Ridge Rising: The Pioneers Crash the National Scene


By Sports Illustrated Staff Writer

In a year where powerhouse programs like Christ the King (NY) and Kenwood Academy (Chicago) dominate headlines, one team from Florida is forcing its way into the national conversation — the Oak Ridge Pioneers.

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Long known as a football-first school, Oak Ridge High has quietly built one of the most balanced and electrifying basketball teams in the South. Under head coach Marcus Ellison, the Pioneers are running a brand of basketball that blends streetball creativity with tight, disciplined defense — a combination that’s carried them all the way into the Scholastic Champions League, where they’ll now face off with national heavyweights.

The breakout star has been Jerome “J.T.” Wallace, a 6'4” guard with serious bounce and a flair for the dramatic. Wallace is averaging 22 points and 7 assists per game and recently received interest from Louisville and Memphis State. His backcourt mate, Derrick Lowery, is a defensive hound who gives the team its toughness and vocal leadership.

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But it’s the Pioneers’ frontcourt — led by sophomore center Marcus Wynn, a 6'8” rim protector with raw athleticism — that’s made scouts take notice. Wynn’s been compared to a young Patrick Ewing, and recruiters from Florida State and Auburn are already circling.

Their next test? A marquee matchup against Kenwood Academy in the upcoming Scholastic Champions League showcase. The Pioneers are considered underdogs, but that’s exactly how Ellison likes it.

“We’ve heard all the talk about Chicago and New York,” Ellison says. “We’re just here to show that Florida hoops can stand on its own.”

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The national spotlight is new for Oak Ridge — but the way they’re playing, it may become their new normal.

[JAY_D1]

Broken Wings in Chicago: Bulls Face a Long Summer After Playoff Humiliation

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By Sports Illustrated Staff Writer

Boston didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls — they embarrassed them.

A four-game sweep capped by a 70-point drubbing at Chicago Stadium left fans filing out in silence, heads down, the echoes of Celtics jumpers ringing through the rafters. For a team that entered the postseason full of promise — armed with Michael Jordan’s brilliance, Reggie Theus’s scoring, and the hype of rising rookie Dexter Towns — the ending was nothing short of a meltdown.

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Now, the Bulls are facing a summer of hard questions.

Towns, who just months ago was heralded as one of the NBA’s brightest young scorers after averaging over 24 points per game in the regular season, completely unraveled against Boston. Over the series, he shot just 28% from the field, looked lost defensively, and clashed with head coach Stan Albeck during the team’s film sessions. Sources within the organization say a trade is “on the table” as the front office evaluates possible roster shakeups.

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Meanwhile, veteran guard Reggie Theus has made it clear he’s ready to move on.

“I’ve been here through the losing years,” Theus told reporters after Game 4. “I’m not interested in another rebuild. I want to win — and if that’s not happening here, I’ll find a place that is.”

And at the center of it all stands Michael Jordan, visibly frustrated but ever the competitor. The 23-year-old superstar has reportedly met with team management, urging them to find help — real help — to turn the Bulls into contenders. Jordan averaged 37 points in the series, but even that wasn’t enough to keep Chicago competitive.

League insiders are whispering that the Bulls are exploring big moves — including a possible trade involving Towns and draft picks for a proven veteran forward. With the 1986 NBA Draft approaching, Chicago’s war room is under pressure to deliver a roster that can actually keep up with the league’s elite.

“We’ve got one of the greatest players this game will ever see,” said a Bulls executive off the record. “If we don’t build around him now, we’ll regret it forever.”

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The Celtics walked away with another Finals berth — and the Bulls walked into an offseason storm. For a franchise desperate to rise from mediocrity, this summer could decide everything.

[JAY_D1]

New Era of Prep Basketball: Bishop Gorman Joins the Scholastic Champions League


By Sports Illustrated Staff Writer

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High school basketball has never looked so big — or so national.

The Scholastic Champions League (SCL), a growing circuit showcasing the best prep programs in the country, has just added a powerhouse: Bishop Gorman High School of Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for producing elite athletes across multiple sports, Bishop Gorman now joins a slate of basketball titans that reads like a who’s who of future NCAA and NBA stars.

The Gaels will face off this season against programs like IMG Academy, Christ the King, and Simeon, all part of the expanding network that has transformed the prep basketball landscape. Their early matchup with IMG is already being called “the high school game of the year,” with scouts from nearly every major college expected courtside.

“It’s the best of the best, every night,” said Bishop Gorman head coach Ronald Tisdale. “This isn’t about local bragging rights anymore — it’s national exposure, national competition. That’s what these kids deserve.”

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On the East Coast, Montrose Christian is also slated to join the league, rounding out a coast-to-coast balance that ensures the country’s top talent sees each other regularly. Their inclusion adds even more star power, as Montrose has long been a pipeline for ACC and Big East programs.

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NCAA officials and recruiters alike are taking notice. The level of play, structure, and consistent competition offered by the SCL has been praised as a step toward preparing athletes for college ball — and, for some, even the pros.

“This is the kind of structure that bridges high school and college,” said one NCAA official. “When these kids arrive on campus, they’ll already know how to play against size, speed, and real defensive schemes.”

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With Bishop Gorman’s entry, the SCL is solidifying itself as the premier proving ground for America’s basketball future — a place where stars are born, legacies begin, and rivalries take root long before March Madness.

[JAY_D1]

The Auburn Catalyst: Jeremy Andreuss Is Turning Heads Everywhere

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By Sports Illustrated Staff Writer | January 1987

If there’s one name lighting up SEC basketball this winter, it’s Jeremy Andreuss. The Auburn Tigers’ sensational guard — the same kid who once ruled the prep scene at Proviso East — is now running the floor with the confidence and charisma of a veteran pro. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

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NBA scouts are packing Auburn’s small but electric arena every night. The Sacramento Kings, desperate for a true floor general to build around their young star Daniel Radonich, are among the most interested.

“Jeremy’s got that Magic Johnson feel,” said one Western Conference scout. “He controls tempo, lifts teammates, and you can’t take your eyes off him when the ball’s in his hands.”

But unlike Magic, Andreuss isn’t a showman first — he’s a leader. His averages — 19.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game — tell only part of the story. What the box score doesn’t show is his voice in the huddle, the way he talks freshmen through mistakes, or how he sets up teammates two steps before a play develops.

“He’s our heartbeat,” Auburn head coach Cliff Ellis said. “He sees the floor differently. The ball moves better, guys play looser — and we win when he’s in control.”

For Andreuss, the comparisons and attention haven’t rattled him. “I just want to make the right play,” he said after a recent road win over LSU. “If people think that makes me special, then I’m doing my job.”

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NBA front offices agree — and none more so than Sacramento’s. The Kings, who’ve struggled through another season near the bottom of the standings, view Andreuss as the kind of player who could change the team’s culture overnight.

“You add a kid like that next to Daniel Radonich, and suddenly the Kings aren’t a punchline anymore,” one rival GM said.

Colleges across the country are also taking notice of how Andreuss’s success is reshaping the recruiting blueprint — looking for bigger, cerebral guards who can command the floor rather than just fill up the stat sheet.

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As Auburn chases an NCAA Tournament berth, Andreuss’s star keeps rising. He may not be Magic Johnson — not yet — but in the eyes of scouts and fans alike, Jeremy Andreuss is the next big thing to believe in.

[JAY_D1]

The CBA Boom: How the Continental Basketball Association Became the NBA’s Proving Ground

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Sports Illustrated | March 1987

The Continental Basketball Association (CBA) — once viewed as basketball’s last stop before hanging up the sneakers — has officially become a legitimate proving ground for the NBA. What began as a scattered collection of regional teams has evolved into a competitive, fast-paced developmental league where overlooked players, fringe pros, and rising coaches all get a second chance to prove they belong under the NBA lights.

In 1987, the CBA features a healthy mix of established clubs and ambitious newcomers:

1987 CBA Teams

• Albany Patroons
• Rockford Lightning
• Rapid City Thrillers
• Tulsa Fast Breakers
• Quad City Thunder
• Wyoming Wildcatters
• La Crosse Catbirds
• Detroit Spirits
• Bay State Bombers
• Maine Red Claws (New Expansion Team – Portland, Maine)

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The Maine Red Claws, one of the league’s newest additions, have already drawn attention for their strong local support and tight partnership with nearby NBA teams. Operating on a shoestring budget — like most CBA clubs — Maine’s roster is filled with gritty journeymen, college stars who just missed NBA rosters, and international hopefuls looking to adjust to the North American style.



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“It’s not about the paycheck,” says Red Claws forward Terry Newsome, formerly of Louisville. “It’s about keeping the dream alive. You play here because you love the game and still believe your number will be called.”



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And that number does get called — more than ever. NBA teams like the Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, and Seattle SuperSonics have begun to use the CBA as a direct talent pipeline. Some players get 10-day contracts, others sign after strong playoff runs, and a few — like forward Kevin Gamble, who jumped from the CBA to the Boston Celtics — become regular NBA contributors.

[JAY_D1]

Europe Opens Its Doors: The Rise of American Players Abroad

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Sports Illustrated |

In the late 1970s, only a handful of American basketball players were willing to pack up their bags and chase opportunity overseas. By 1987, the tide has turned completely — Europe has become a booming basketball destination, and American players once buried on NBA benches or CBA rosters are now finding new life, new money, and new meaning across the Atlantic.

Two names perfectly embody this new wave: Damon Bush and Benson Ollie.

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Damon Bush: From Florida Sunshine to Turkish Stardom


Standing 6'10" and weighing in at 245 pounds, Damon Bush was once the centerpiece at the University of Florida — a bruising center with soft hands and defensive instinct. After a brief stint with a smaller U.S. club, Hartford Athletic, Bush was scouted by Bahçeşehir Koleji in Turkey.

Now, just one season in, Bush has become a fan favorite in Istanbul. Averaging 17.8 points and 10 rebounds per game, he’s leading Bahçeşehir to one of their strongest campaigns in club history.

“I didn’t come here to hide,” Bush told Sports Illustrated after a recent EuroLeague matchup. “I came here to grow. The game is different — more movement, more finesse — but I love the challenge.”

Turkish fans have embraced him completely, chanting “Bush! Bush! Bush!” every time he throws down one of his thunderous dunks. Coaches around Europe say he could be one of the best American big men to come overseas in years.

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Benson Ollie: The Quiet Force in Italy

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Over in Siena, Italy, Benson Ollie — a 6'8" power forward from Chattanooga University — has found a new basketball home with Montepaschi Siena. Known in college for his hustle and rebounding grit, Ollie has evolved into a polished all-around threat in Europe.

Through 30 games, he’s averaging 15.2 points and 8 rebounds, shooting an impressive 54% from the field. His coach, Giancarlo Bianchi, calls him “the American with the Italian heart.”

“In the States, I was just another guy trying to make it,” Ollie said. “Here, I feel valued — the fans know my name, and I can play my style. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Ollie’s move represents a growing trend — American players who skip the grind of the CBA or NBA tryouts for guaranteed contracts, better minutes, and cultural experiences abroad.

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The Global Game Is Here

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European basketball clubs — from Italy’s Montepaschi Siena to Spain’s Real Madrid, from Bahçeşehir to Partizan — are investing heavily in U.S. talent. Salaries are climbing fast, sometimes reaching $300,000 to $500,000 per season, far more than most players can make stateside unless they crack an NBA rotation.

And it’s not just about money. American players are helping elevate European leagues, bringing fast-paced athleticism, creativity, and an edge that’s shaping how basketball is played overseas.

“You’re seeing a cultural shift,” says NBA scout Marty Douglas. “These guys aren’t running from the NBA — they’re running toward opportunity. Europe gives them that.”

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From Damon Bush’s dominance in Turkey to Benson Ollie’s rise in Italy, a new chapter of global basketball has begun — one where talent knows no borders, and the world is the court.

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