Golden Nugz for 1.26.08

by PJS on Jan 26, 2009 2:00 AM CST in Golden Nuggets

Wasn't sure what to lead with today, so instead I just want to complain for one second about wasting 2 hours of my life watching Appaloosa, perhaps the worst western I've ever seen.

Now, on to Thomas Vanek, a meeting between Reusse and Brewster and other items.

The Buffalo News has a very nice profile piece on former Gophers hockey star Thomas Vanek, his rise through the hockey ranks and a look back to his roots. Vanek has 28 goals for the Buffalo Sabres and is heading to the All-Star game.
And for those of you diehard WCHA fans, SBN now has a blog dedicated to your favorite league. Western College Hockey is up and running here. The site is being done by the same guy who put together this Western College Hockey blog.
Tom Crean and Tubby Smith battled to the end in Bloomington, Ind. yesterday. But, as Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal notes, the two battled in a bigger game in 2003 (In Minneapolis actually) as the top-seeded Kentucky WIlcats fell to Crean, Dwayne Wade and Marquette.
In another post, Bozich throws Tubby Smith's name out for coach of the year consideration. He states: "And Tubby Smith of Minnesota. Yep, the Gophers stumbled at home against Purdue the other night. But they're still exceeding expectations in Year Two, without a single NBA prospect on the roster." I'm most interested in the last part. Is there a Gopher you all think has NBA talent?
From a Trojans perspective, InsideUSC blogger isn't happy about the home and home with the Gophers.
So, Tim Brewster and Pat Reusse apparently had a tete-a-tete. Would have liked to be a fly on the wall for this.
Brewster's Gophers will meet the NDSU Bison in 2011 at TCF Bank Stadium. And the contract for the game limits available tickets for the visitors ro 2,500. Thank God. And because the new stadiuum will probably still be relatively popular, it will make it hard for the annoying NDSU fans to take over our house.
Remember when we noted Ohio State freshman guard Anthony Crater transferred from the team? Well, he's at South Florida now and he's been suspended indefintley for possession of marijuana.

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NBA Talent Potential On Gophers

No slam dunks but several (Nolen, Joseph, Sampson, Iverson) have potential (NBA talent).

by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 26, 2009 6:00 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for the link

to the Reusse column, that, um, beans is hilarious! ps anyone else remember that Marquette-Kentucky game? I don’t think I’ve ever been as amazed by a player in my whole life as I was by Wade that game. He was unstoppable – truly a man among boys. Laid an egg against Kansas in the final four, but that Kentucky game was amazing.

by plinytheelder on Jan 26, 2009 8:14 AM CST reply actions

Not Just Wade

Novak and the big man (C but forget his name) also played very well in that Kentucky game.

by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 26, 2009 8:14 PM CST up reply actions

Potential NBA

I think we do have some guys that will get looks in the Association.

If Westbrook is more disciplined and consistent next year, I think he will get some looks.

Nolen could turn out to be an excellent guard. When he is allowed to penetrate he is great. He carved up Louisville. He just needs to make better decisions once he beats the defense—too often he shoots instead of passes or vice versa.

I think DJ probably has the most potential as of today because of how he fills up the stat sheet. As I’ve said before, he reminds me of Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks—without as much scoring. He rebounds, he blocks shots, he gets steals—in general he is a pest to opponents.

by rencito on Jan 26, 2009 11:15 AM CST reply actions

good question

Westbrook – no shot at NBA. He is our best scorer but he’d be an average scorer at best in the NBA. He is small and turns the ball over way too much. Probably a perfect fit somewhere overseas where he can take tons of shots.

Johnson – a very long shot. 6’7" but thin and not nearly a good enough scorer at that level. His block shots would go WAY down which would minimize his overall value considerably. Great college level player but not an NBA guy.

Nolen – I’d give a big maybe. Defensively he is really (really) good, compare his on the ball defense/footwork to Joseph’s and you see just how special he is defensively. He is strong, doesn’t turn the ball over too much, he can get into the lane and is a great floor leader. His offense would really have to improve but he stands a chance.

Sampson and Joseph – early to tell but both have a chance. They are pretty raw so they’ll clearly be three, probably four year players but both have a chance.

Carter – I wouldn’t rule him out. He is a freak athletically and will be a better offensive player when all is said and done. Remember that he is a JUCO transfer but he is only sophomore. Give him a year to adjust to new system/surrounding/etc and he may really explode next year.

what you say here can, and will, be used against you

by GopherNation on Jan 26, 2009 11:56 AM CST reply actions