With 60 spots in the NBA Draft, players need to find ways to draw the attention of the various teams.  Often, if you excel at one particular thing, teams will start to pay attention.  However, it is often through numbers – points, rebounds, blocks, assists – where attention is grabbed.  What happens though if what you excel at is being a defender.  I’m not talking about a shot-blocker or a big guy who pushes people away from the basket.  I am talking about a high-level lockdown perimeter defender; a guy you know you can put on the other team’s best player and you trust him to do what is needed to stop him.  Possibly, he may have a high number of steals, but that doesn’t have to be the case.  Kent State won 46 games over the last 2 seasons, and one of the major reasons was the defense of guard Michael Porrini.  Whatever Kent State needed him to do – he averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds, and almost 5 assists per game – he did, while also usually guarding the opponent’s best player, and not just opposing guards.  I had the chance to talk to Michael, who is in Las Vegas training at Impact, about his defensive mindset, the development of his game, and more:

Michael on how his game developed in college:

“Coming out of high school, I wasn’t highly recruited because I was a 2 sport guy, football and basketball.  I didn’t get the chance to play basketball year-round that a lot of guys I competed against did.  At the time, Western Carolina seemed like a good fit for me.  My freshman year, I had a decent year, and played some big games at Indiana, Illinois and other top teams.  I had to carry the team a lot, so I had to mature early.  I spent some time at different junior colleges, and I had to adjust to a totally different game, while still focusing on getting back to Division I.  Kent State was a winning program, was well-coached, and was close to home.  Also, my game was a good fit for what they did.  I learned to play tough and to be a team leader, while also working on improving myself.”

Michael on his strengths as a player: 

“Right now, I would have to say defense is my biggest strength.  I am versatile and can guard many different positions.  In college, I would guard the 1-4, but that could change in the NBA.  I know I can guard whoever I need to, and I will do whatever the coaches think we need to win.”

Michael on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“Going into this season, critics would say I couldn’t hit the 3, but I started to fix that this year, and the next step will be to hit it consistently.  I know I can do everything better, play as more of a power guard.  I can learn to hit more pull-ups and mid-range shots, and become a better finisher.”

Michael on how he developed his defensive prowess:

“It comes from my football mentality.  We were always taught if the ball was out there, go get it.  I love to take my defense and turn it into offense.  A quick steal or turnover leads to a fast break and an easy basket.  Plays like that can change the game quickly.  I love to find those big moments when I can affect the game.”

Michael on what role he can fill immediately for any team:

“I am little older (23) than a lot of the guys coming out now, so I think I can show them what I know.  I play with determination, will always fight, and never give up.  I always want to learn more and will go out and do whatever is needed to win.”

Michael on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I feel I was overlooked in high school.  People don’t realize that I played on a lot of great teams that won games and set records.  I am a team player and will always compete.  If I get the opportunity, I will bring hard work and positive energy every day.  That is all I know what to do, I just need the opportunity to go with it.”

I want to thank Michael for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank his agent, Dino Pergola of HOF Player Representatives, for helping to set up this interview.  With over 300 Division I teams, and many more quality players at other levels, it is easy for very good players to get overlooked.  While he played on some very good Kent State teams, not getting to the NCAA Tournament may have lessened his immediate opportunities, but when you have a part of the game which you excel at, the chances will come.  Michael is a top-notch defender, but can contribute offensively, and he should find pro teams paying attention very soon.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tom Crean left a good job at Marquette to clean up the mess that the Indiana basketball program had become.  It was going to be tough and take time, so he needed to bring in players who could not only raise the talent level, but would be tough enough to handle adversity.  After 3 long years, that original group of players got their payoff – a 27 win season, a last-second victory on national television over eventual champ Kentucky, and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  However, that Tournament trip was going to have to be made without one of those seniors, and team leaders, Verdell Jones III.  Jones, a 6’5 guard who is known for his composure and versatility, tore his right ACL in the first round of the Big 10 Tournament.  While he wasn’t able to finish what he started at Indiana, he will always be a part of the group that carried the Hoosiers through one of their darkest periods.  With his knee healing very well, Jones is now starting to focus more on his next steps.  I had the chance to talk to Jones recently about his rehab, his Indiana career, Tom Crean’s influence and much more:

Verdell on his knee’s status:

“It’s going great.  I have been cleared to do some light work – some shooting drills, jogging, light treadmill work.  I should be ready to go soon.”

Verdell on his development at Indiana:

“I learned how to play against much more physical players, being able to handle a lot of contact.  Also, the coaches worked a lot on making my game much more complete.”

Verdell on the influence of Coach Tom Crean:

“On the court, Coach Crean taught me a lot about attacking the basket more, and he had a big hand in my total development as a player.  He also did a lot to help me become mentally strong, both on and off the court.  Playing at Indiana is like having a giant magnifying glass on you, so you need to be able to handle that pressure.”

Verdell on being part of Indiana's resurgence:

“It was amazing, coming in with the other seniors and Coach Crean, and being able to turn the program around in 4 years was a great accomplishment.  It was great being part of it, and I have no doubt that they will continue to keep building.”

Verdell on his strengths as a player: 

“I think my mid-range game is very strong, and I have very good court vision.  I can create shots for myself and for my teammates.”

Verdell on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I want to keep improving my outside shot, especially being able to hit the NBA 3.  I also want to work on being more explosive and being able to take contact and finish stronger at the rim.”

Verdell on his role at the next level:

“I think I can come right in and be able to help any team on offense.  I can run the point and create for others, or I can play the 2 and be more of a slasher/shooter.  Also, getting to play with Cody Zeller this year, I learned a lot about the best ways to feed bigs in the post.”

Verdell on how playing in the Big 10 shaped his game:

“It definitely matured me a lot faster.  The physical nature and so many good teams, there were no days off.   You had to bring your best every game, especially being on TV so much.  If you didn’t, you were going to hear a lot about it.”

Verdell on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“I am a gym rat.  I have been playing the game all my life and this is what I do.  The injury just made me want it that much more, and my rehab is pushed me to become even stronger.  I am a motivated player and I will work my butt off for any team.  ”

I want to thank Verdell for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  An injury such as Verdell’s, especially when the team had come so far, could have been devastating for him.  He has chosen to see it as just a temporary setback and promises to be back better than before.  Verdell still has a lot he can accomplish as a player.  A point guard at his size is always an advantage for a team, and his ability to play and defend either guard position should make him very valuable.  When you add his skill to the determination and leadership he showed during some tough times for Indiana basketball, he will have a bright future playing for some team very soon.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Washington Wizards are still looking to take their next step after adding John Wall with the #1 pick 2 seasons ago.  This season, they started to purge their roster of a lot of players who had not taken advantage of their opportunities, and now have the makings of a decent foundation, though last year’s 2 first round picks did little to justify their selections.  With the #3 pick and two good 2^nd round selections, the Wizards can make a big step with the right selections.  Let’s look at the choices facing the Washington Wizards:

 

2011-2012 Record – 20-46 (4^th in Southeastern Division, Eastern Conference)

Head Coach – Randy Wittman
 

2-year Draft History  

2011 – Jan Vesely (1st Round, 6^th); Chris Singleton (1^st Round – 18^th), Shelvin Mack (2^nd Round – 34^th)

2010 – John Wall (1^st Round, 1^st), Kevin Seraphin (1^st Round, 17^th – acquired with Kirk Hinrich and cash for draft rights to Vladimir Veremeenko), Trevor Booker (1^st Round – 23rd) and Hamady N’Diaye (2^nd round – 56^th) acquired from Minnesota in exchange for Lazar Hayward (1^st Round- 30^th) and Nemanja Bjelica (2^nd Round – 35^th)

Returning Players- Rashard Lewis (SF), Nene (C), Andray Blatche (PF), John Wall (PG), Jan Vesely (SF), Kevin Seraphin (PF), Chris Singleton (SF), Trevor Booker (PF), Jordan Crawford (SG), Shelvin Mack (PG – Team Option)

Team Needs- Perimeter shooting, Backcourt depth, Bench scoring

Position Needs – SG, SF, PF, C

Picks –  #3 (1^st Round, Pick 3)

#32 (2^nd Round, Pick 2)

#46 (2^nd Round, Pick 16)

NBA Draft Blog Analysis

With John Wall and some quality players in the frontcourt, the Wizards can go a long way to solidifying their rebuild with a good pick at #3.  Of course, what happens with Charlotte at #2 will have some say in what Washington does, but they should still be able to go a long way to improving their team.  Bradley Beal would be a great backcourt compliment to Wall.  Beal can give the Wizards a consistent perimeter threat, the ability at a pace similar to Wall, and a high IQ player who can make everyone around him better.  Concerns about his height mean very little, as he knows how to make adjustments to still be an effective defender.  If available, Beal would be the Wizards’ best option.  If Beal goes to Charlotte at #2, I think the next best option becomes Thomas Robinson, even with the current frontcourt options.  Robinson would instantly be an offensive upgrade over any of the Wizards’ forwards, and being a local product could generate a lot of buzz for a team that greatly needs fan support.  Also, I still think Robinson will improve his weak areas rather quickly, and his athleticism should also benefit Wall’s game.  The last quality option I would consider at #3 would be Harrison Barnes.  Barnes will give an immediate scoring threat to the Wizards and the spacing created by Wall’s ability to get into the lane should also create a lot of room for Barnes to operate.  As with the others, I think we will see a lot of quick improvement from Barnes once he gets into the NBA style of play.

This draft also gives the Wizards opportunity to pick up quality role players in the 2^nd round.  Whether they get Beal or not in Round 1, the opportunity to pick up another shooter will be available in the beginning of Round 2.  Similar to the Bobcats, players such as John Jenkins and Doron Lamb could offer them a quality shooter off the bench, and paired with Wall and Beal, could really open the court for the Wizards.  They can also look at players who can offer versatile scoring who pair well with Wall, such as Jared Cunningham.  However, I think a player who, if available, would be a great fit under any circumstance is Kevin Murphy.  Murphy can score in a variety of ways, has great size on the perimeter, and will provide a consistent effort every night.  The 46^th pick also provides some quality players who can add depth to the Wizards bench and possibly play their way into the rotation.  A quality back-up at the 4 or 5 could be found here with players such as JaMychal Green, a solid defender and shot-blocker with some decent offense, or Drew Gordon, a physical presence who can provide scoring and rebounding in limited minutes.  Drafting an International player may also be an option, but in a draft of this quality, seems like a wasted pick.

Guest Analysis: Ben Standig (CSNwashington/D.C. Sportalist)

The Wizards closed the season with a flurry of wins and basketball smarts not often seen in these parts, not recently anyway. The presence of Nene - combined with the absence of others – over the second half of the season fueled a semblance of optimism heading into the offseason. For the largely fledgling roster to continue on its evolving path from league punch line to playoff contender, the kids on hand need to take progress by more than just baby steps next season. Improving the overall shooting is a good place to start. In terms of the draft, the Wizards have three picks - including the third overall - to find some perimeter help.

With Kevin Seraphin, Trevor Booker and Jan Vesely up front, the Wizards have young bigs. That makes Kansas’ rebounding star and D.C. native Thomas Robinson a potentially redundant addition. The current small forwards are an underwhelming lot. Therefore the intangible-laden Michael Kidd-Gilchrist makes for an obvious fit, except the Kentucky stud’s jumper is currently broken. Arguments for adding either of those players are legitimate; perhaps one for North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes is as well. However, the one for Florida’s Bradley Beal, the skilled (but very young; turns 19 on draft night) wing guard with textbook form on his shot, is stronger. In time his presence would create more options for the playmaking John Wall and Beal’s shown the ability to create his own offense. Add that element to a burgeoning group that played with a more sharing is caring style down the stretch and suddenly talk of the Wizards as a potential playoff team this year or next is no longer a joke.

Leave your comments below, email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , and follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog. Check back soon for Cleveland and Sacramento scenarios.

There are a lot of roads to the NBA.  Players come from almost everywhere these days, and sometimes the road they take can tell you a lot about them, both as a player and as a person.  Olek Czyz grew up across the street from the biggest basketball school in Poland.  Every day as a kid, he would look at it and want to get in there and play.  However, Czyz was not allowed to play until he reached the 4^th grade.  So, he settled for soccer in the meantime, but he kept waiting for that day when he would be let in to the school and play basketball.  Finally, the 4^th grade comes, Olek gets to play basketball for the first time, and with his love of the game, another road to the NBA begins  Czyz came to the United States, settling in Reno, Nevada right before he was to start high school.  As he adjusted to life and basketball in the US, he proved to be a natural at the game.  His work and skill led to him earning a scholarship to Duke, but it didn’t prove to be the best place for him to continue to develop, so he headed back to Reno and decided to play locally, for the University of Nevada.  After sitting out a year, Czyz made up for a lot of lost time, eventually putting together 2 very good seasons for the Wolfpack while also showing many new facets to his game.  I had the chance to speak to Czyz, who is participating in the upcoming adidas Eurocamp, about how his game developed, what he can bring to teams, and more:

Olek on his development in college:

“In high school, I had played mostly as a post player since I was the tallest guy on the team.  I was playing really physical, trying to dunk every time I got the ball, but there was little finesse to my game.  Also, I was still going through a transition to the US, both culturally and in basketball.  When I got to college, I had the chance to become more versatile.  At Duke, they played me more as a perimeter 4, and then when I got to Nevada, I had the chance to shoot more jumpers and work more to score outside the lane.”

Olek on his strengths as a player: 

“I think my athleticism is my biggest strength, and what I am most known for.  But, I am also a strong, physical player.  Overall, my athleticism and versatility allow me to play in different spots.”

Olek on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I need to keep working on my perimeter game, especially using ball screen more.  I have always been used as the guy setting the screens, so I need to learn to use them more looking to make plays.  I always want to improve every part of my game, what I do well and what I am adding to it.”

Olek on his role at the next level:

“I think I can be a great role player to start.  I can bring intensity on a consistent basis to any team.  I can play physical, or I can stretch the floor.  I think I am versatile enough to be a great compliment to my teammates.  Whatever the team needs from me, I will look to do it.”

Olek on attending the upcoming Eurocamp:

“This is a big chance for me.  A lot of people may still not know who I am and are getting their first look at me.  I am looking forward to showing everyone all the parts of my game I have been working on.  My ultimate goal is the NBA.  It’s been my dream since I was a little kid, so Eurocamp is a big step forward in fulfilling that dream.”

Olek on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“This is my thing.  When I play basketball, I am like a fish in water.  I am goal-driven and I am determined to accomplish everything I have my mind set on.  Having the opportunity that I have is an honor and a dream come true.”

I want to thank Olek for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  Playing for the big name school doesn’t always guarantee that a player will be a great player.  Playing for the right school will do a lot more to bring out a player’s potential and Olek is proof of this.  Once Olek got to Nevada, he started to show the makings of someone who will be a very good professional player.  Beyond the physical part, Olek also has a great understanding and love for the game, and he is just starting to scratch the surface of the player he will eventually become.  I know I am really looking forward to see that player, and basketball fans should too.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tough circumstances, whether brought on by a player’s own action, or having it thrust on them, can damage even the most talented player’s career.  In many cases, they can snowball and end a career entirely.  But in the best cases, a player can take tough circumstances and bad decisions and use them as a catalyst to make the changes they need, on and off the court.  DJ Rivera was off to a promising start playing at St. Joseph’s, until academic issues had him looking to transfer.  His next stop was at Binghamton, and in 1 season, he dominated the America East Conference and led Binghamton to the NCAA Tournament.  However, legal issues ended his career there, and he ended up finishing his career at the University of Montevallo, a small Division II school in Montevallo, Alabama.  Given a chance to put everything behind him and finish career the right way, Rivera did just that, averaging over 21 points and almost 5 rebounds a game, while leading Montevallo to their first ever DII Championship game and earning himself Division II All-American honors.  Rivera, the nephew of the late Loyola Marymount star Hank Gathers, has used his past to improve his future, both as a person and a player.  I had the chance to talk to Rivera, who is training in his hometown of Philadelphia, about his past, his game, and his future:

DJ on his development through college:

“I think by the end I had matured a lot as a person and as a player.  The situations I had been through, really helped me put a lot of things in perspective.  Each of my stops taught me something, and I was able to learn a lot on the court from different people.”

DJ on his strengths as a player: 

I think I can handle anything a team needs me to do.  I think I am a very good defensive player.  People may look at DII and think there aren’t a lot of good players, but there are a lot of guys like me who were DI players, so you had to be a good defensive player.”

DJ on what parts of his game he still wants to improve:

“I think I need to keep improving all parts of my game, but I really want to improve my point guard skills; understanding the role better and learning how to lead the team.”

DJ on his role at the next level:

“Right away, I think I can bring energy to any team, filling any role the team needs from me.  In whatever time I play, I can be a game-changer; on offense, defense, and things that don’t show up in that stats.”

DJ on whether he thinks he is being overlooked for playing in Division II:

“Not at all, every player is different.  I know I will get some opportunities, so I will wait for teams to see what I can do.  Teams know how to find talented players, wherever they are.”

DJ on what he wants teams and fans to know about him:

“Everything that I went through has made me a better person and player.  I will take full advantage of the opportunities that I have, and will be an asset on and off the court.  I think because of my past, and that I have matured so quickly, will help a lot of teams.  If the need me to bring offense, defense, or anything else, I am just asking for an opportunity to show what I can do.”

I want to thank DJ for his time and I wish him the best of luck as he looks to fulfill his dream of getting to the NBA.  I also want to thank Jared Hodges at Walton Sports Management Group for connecting me with DJ.  There is no denying that Rivera is a talented player, and still has a lot of room to grow as a player.  While he made mistakes in the past, he has taken ownership of them, and used adverse circumstances as an opportunity to improve as a person, then as a player.  Whether he is given a chance now or later, I have no doubt, and neither does he, that he’ll be ready to prove himself again.

Check back in the coming weeks for more great interviews and scouting reports as we head towards the 2012 NBA Draft.  Follow me on Twitter - @NBADraftBlog – for updates, leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.