Credible Chris 8/30/11

Drummond Changes Mind, Joins Reigning Champs

The Uconn Huskies just won a National Title, they lost their all-world PG in Kemba Walker. The core remains the same as they were a very young team last year, they only had 2 incoming freshman until TODAY! Andre Drummond shocked the world almost a week removed from saying that he would attend prep school this school year, he announced today on twitter that he would be joining the Uconn Huskies! Drummond is or rather was ranked as the 2nd best player in the nation for 2012, he was also rated as the best center. Earlier this week Uconn missed out on 2012 guard Kris Dunn who decided to commit to play for Providence. Dunn and Drummond were going to be teammates this year prior to Drummond's shocking decision! Due to sanctions from last year, Uconn doesn't have any scholarships available for Drummond this season. Since he decided to commit to Uconn, it is assumed that he will pay his way this year. If he were to stay more than a season, I'm sure Uconn would have a scholarship free for him next year! Drummond is considered my many a one and done case, I am extremely skeptical of this because there hasn't been any of those at Uconn. This now gives Uconn a 3-man recruiting class for 2011, the other 2 members aren't exactly chopped liver so to speak. PG Ryan Boatright out of Illinois, is an extremely athletic, cat quick guard who can really score the ball. Boatright is a little small though, measuring out at 5'11. Boatright had point totals of 63, 55, and 47 last year. ESPN graded Boatright at a 94. Uconn is known for grooming wings, they landed a sleeper in Deandre Daniels. Daniels is the prototypical Uconn SF, which means he's athletic and can put the ball in the basket. Daniels reclassified(like Drummond) to land in the Huskies 2011 recruiting class, he wasn't expected to land at Uconn at all. He's a great rebounder, and an extremely versatile scorer not to mention he has the ability to play the 2 thru 4. Daniels graded out as a 95 on ESPN's scale. Now, for Drummond...he's 6'11, 275! He isn't your typical big as he has been blessed with unique athleticism, Amare/Dwight type athlete. There is nothing the kid can't do physically as most scouts agree that it's his mental make-up that needs work. When I became aware of this the first thought that came to mind is how Calhoun could impact him. Drummond will be pushed to reach his potential by a Hall of Fame Coach who is known for getting the most out of his kids. Uconn has taken a lot of flack for not having any so called "bigs," Alex Oriahki should now be able to slide down to his natural position at the 4 which will only enhance Uconn's interior D. To any doubters, just remember that Calhoun led a Junior, a sophmore and 6 freshman to a national title and an undefeated record in tournaments last year! Uconn is right outside the top 10 in this year's pre-season poll at no. 11, do you think the acquisition of Drummond will help them rise or will they remain on the outside looking in as the reigning National Champs??

P.S- Drummond is rated a 98 according to ESPN's Grading System

Michael Carter Williams(Syracuse) Interveiw

Antoine Watson Interview

Alex Oriahki Interview

Kris Joseph Interview

Thoughts from Last night's Pre-Season Games

Just wanted to share some of the things that were going through my mind while flipping through the pre-season games. The Redskins 1st team D looked good, it was only a small sample against the 1st team Pitt Offense but still. The Skins D-Line looked and played much FASTER than it did last year. Looks like lil Shanahan wasn't too far off about the whole McNabb thing, his offense looked just fine last night with Grossman(can't believe i'm saying that). In the Falcon's game, wasn't much to say except that Matt Ryan is happy with his new toy in Julio Jones. Julio(Baby T.O. as I've called him since HS) showed his big play ability by flashing his YAC ability. Falcon's new guy in the slot Harry Douglas looked good in that spot as well. Tampa Bay looked GREAT last night, Josh Freeman looks like he's ready to breakout on the "National" level this year, the kid has played well thus far in his career but it's been underneath the radar. Freeman and his back up Josh Johnson looked sharp last night and Tampa's D pitched a shutout, keep ya eyes on Tampa's new LB Mason Foster! In the Saints-49ers(my team) game you got to see what continuity and the polar opposite looked like. The Saints were aggressive in attacking the 49ers and their new offense, the Saints were hitting the QB's early and often. What is surprising is outside of the sacks, both A.Smith and D.Brees had very similar QB ratings. Both 1st team defenses did their jobs! The 49ers offense is just THAT FAR BEHIND, their D looked good even as the night went on. Aldon Smith(7th overall pick) looked very good rushing the passer from his OLB spot. Saints backup QB Chase Daniels looked good last night, Mark Ingram's debut did a good job as well! Look forward to more Pre-season action tonight!

Andre Drummond's Decision

Andre Drummond, the best high school basketball player in the nation, has decided to stay in the class of 2012 and move on from his original school, St. Thomas More. Drummond is listing a top five of UConn, Kentucky, Georgetown, West Virginia, and Louisville. Unless the CBA changes the rule, it looks like Drummond will never enroll at a college. It's a sad day for UConn Husky faithful

Mike Bradley Interview