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By
Channing McCarthy
NBADraft.net
3/27/08
Perhaps more
so than any other region, the South Regional is host to the most
NBA ready talent. As according to our latest projections, Memphis,
Texas, and Stanford feature a combined five likely first-rounders
in this upcoming June’s draft (this number could spike to
six if Texas sophomore Damion James explores his draft opportunities);
and although Michigan State might be short on first round talent,
they possess one of the nation’s most clutch players in Drew
Nietzel, and their coach is the only one in this region with championship
experience. No different than what we have explored all week, because
the firepower of these teams could offset each other; and the outcome
will be impacted by each team’s indispensable piece.
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Joey
Dorsey
Icon SMI |
Joey Dorsey
Memphis
During Memphis’
tournament run last season, the Tigers senior center created quite
a bit of controversy, by suggesting that a certain Ohio State freshmen
was a tad bit overrated (no he was not referring to Mike Conley
Jr. or Daequan Cook) as we all know. Last year’s meeting with
Oden and the Buckeyes in the elite eight wasn’t the most pleasant
experience of Dorsey’s Memphis career. Although he wasn’t
dominated by Oden, he really wasn’t that much of a factor
either. While Brook Lopez may not be Greg Oden, as arguably the
best big man in college basketball, matching up with him does provide
Dorsey with an opportunity of redemption. Though Dorsey is essentially
a non-factor offensively (he only averages 7 points per game), he
is an absolute juggernaut on both boards (9.7 rebounds per contest)
and the defensive side of the ball (2blks 1stl). In perhaps his
biggest individual challenge this season, Dorsey thoroughly outplayed
Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado, putting up 13 points,
collecting 12 rebounds and tallying 6 blocked shots. If Dorsey can
bring a semblance of that type of effort against Stanford, he could
counteract Stanford's biggest strength by disrupting to both Lopez
brothers.
Connor
Atchley Texas
With the shooting
prowess of guard A.J Abrams, the stellar play of All-American D.J.
Augustine, and the nightly Shawn Marion impersonation provided by
swingman Damion James; it is somewhat easy to see how Longhorn junior
center Connor Atchley could fly under the national radar. While
Atchley might only be the fourth best player on his team, he is
still arguably one of the most versatile players in the nation 6”10
and over. No, his point total (9.6ppg) is not going to cause anyone
to raise their eyebrows; but his level of efficiency is at a very
high level (54% FG, 42% 3pt). Averages of 2.1 blks and .8 stls suggests
that Atchley is more than capable of holding his own on the defensive
end as well. Most importantly, he appears to be peaking at the right
time, as thus far he has been outstanding in tournament play (13.5points
6 rebs and 3 blocks). Because of his proficiency from beyond the
arc, look for Atchley to force the Lopez twins to defend beyond
their comfort zone. This could allow D.J. Augustine opportunities
to penetrate the Cardinal defense.
Anthony Goods
Stanford
Unfortunately
for Goods he is not on this list because of his stellar play, but
rather because his ineffectiveness has the potential to be a major
reason why the Cardinal fall short of their bid to reach San Antonio.
Goods has unquestionably regressed from a solid sophomore season
(10.3 points, only 1.7 apg and abysmal 37% from the field). If Marquette’s
Jarel McNeal can put up 30 against Goods’ defensive effort,
what kind of outing does D.J. Augustin have in store; or should
the Cardinal advance; Derrick Rose or Drew Neitzel? With the dominant
front court that the Cardinal possess, if Goods can simply hold
his own defensively against Augustin, the chances of Stanford advancing
increase dramatically. However, if he displays anything resembling
his early tourney showing; more than likely it will be a long flight
back to Palto Alto.
Kalin Lucas
Michigan State
Measuring the
impact of Spartans freshmen guard Kalin Lucas by stats alone would
be an injustice. Although, with averages of 10 points and nearly
4 assists, his statistical production has been solid. But Lucas’
real value is in his ability to run the point guard position, and
allow Michigan State senior, Drew Neitzel to focus less on being
a distributor and more being the Spartans primary scoring option,
which is when Neitzel is most effective. How Lucas fairs against
Derrick Rose and Memphis’ hellish full court pressure, will
go along way in determining whether or not Coach Izzo will make
his second final four appearance in four years. Judging how Lucas
went toe to toe with rugged Pittsburgh guard, Levance Fields, I
would say he is certainly up to the challenge.
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