Jack Scheuer’s Off The Boards – December 17, 2014 Edition

I’ve talked to several NBA scouts who are very impressed with Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky, and they feel sure he will be a lottery pick. If that information is accurate, then there are quite a few reasons why he would seem to be the perfect draft selection for your 76’ers. First of all he’s a 7-footer, and the Analytics obviously love those big guys (Bynum, Noel, Embid).  Secondly, for a guy that size he’s a very good shooter, and the team certainly needs a big man who can provide some offense.  And, probably the best reason of all as to why the Sixers should draft Kaminsky, is his nick-name: He’s known as Frank the Tank.

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Duke’s Jahlil Okafor has been wildly heralded as the best big man in the nation, and the 6-11 freshman has indeed been impressive. However, Willie Cauley-Stein looks to me like an even better prospect.  At 7-0, 240, the Kentucky junior is very active, runs the court well, is an impressive inside scorer, and outstanding on defense.  He’s also a solid bet to lead the country in blocked shots.

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Trivia Time: Who holds the Division 1 career record for the  highest 3-point shooting average? Hint: He’s currently a Division 1 coach. Answer at the end of the column.

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Some big-time hoops coming up at the Wells Fargo.  On Saturday, streaking Villanova meets long-time rival, the Syracuse Boeheims, who, for the first time in recent memory, are not ranked in the top 25.  The Orange have 3 good local players in Rakeem Christmas, B.J. Johnson, and Trevor Cooney, plus promising freshman, 6-10 Chris McCullough.  Then on Monday, Temple plays 10th ranked Kansas featuring 6-8 freshman Cliff Alexander.  The Owls are hoping  recent eligible transfers Devin Coleman and Jesse Morgan  will provide some much needed offense.

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This and That: Kyle Lowry is having a terrific year with red-hot Toronto.  The former Wildcat guard is averaging just over 19 points and 7 assists….Unfortunate for Penn, that after getting it together and winning 3 straight, they had to be off for 13 days.  Also unfortunate is that their next game is at Vanderbilt….Indiana’s 6-6 leaper Troy Williams is the son of Boo, the ex-St.Joe’s stalwart…. Tell me that you’re familiar with Incarnate Word, the school who upset Nebraska last week (me neither).  They’re located in San Antonio, and went 21-6 last season, their first in Division 1….Drexel meets tough Penn State in Allentown on Saturday.

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Answer to Trivia Time: Virginia coach Tony Bennett hit 3-pointers at a 49.7 clip in his career at Wisconsin-Green Bay.