5 Minutes of Basketball

Basketball is finally in full swing, but that does not limit it to the United States. Two future lottery picks, Ricky Rubio and Brandon Jennings, faced off in Barcelona this past week. Jennings is known for his decision for forego college altogether and play in Europe for a year. Ricky's team, Joventut, ultimately defeated Brandon's, Roma, 97-93 in a game that proved both players have the ability to play in the League right now. Rubio was just coming off an injury and was essentially playing with one good arm so he didn't even attempt a shot yet still had a solid game playing defense and making good decisions on offense. Jennings, on the other hand, had 12 points and two assists in 22 minutes of playing time. Ricky and Brandon currently rank one and two, respectively, at the point guard position in the 2009 draft class.

From my point of view, Jennings is a better playmaker and will create more offense than any other player in next year's draft. Rubio, however, plays a much more well-rounded game. He plays superior defense, is bigger and stronger, and is one of a few players in the draft that can boast a resume that includes Olympic play.

They also have their weaknesses. Rubio is certainly not so fast nor so quick as other point guards like Ty Lawson, Jennings, and Jrue Holiday. His jump shot needs a little work as well. Brandon needs to become a better defender, first and foremost, and needs to add some bulk in the weight room before entering the L.

In the NBA, the Cavs' 11-game win streak was put to an end while the Lakers and Celtics continue to dominate and only further stoke the thoughts of a Finals rematch. LeBron James has been averaging 27, 7, and 6 in less minutes per game than last season. But don't mistake Cleveland for a one-man team because everyone is doing their part in having one of the best offenses and defenses the League has to offer. (LeBron, Mo Williams, Big Z, and Delonte West are all averaging double figures in points.) This team could be the Celtics' toughest test in the playoffs.

I find it particularly interesting that the Lakers, who featured a prolific offensive attack last season, have taken great strides to improve their defense, while Boston, home to last year's best defense, decided to change and improve their offense this year. Boston and LA are both outscoring their opponents by more than ten points per game so the changes seem to be working. The Lake Show (21-3) and the World Champion Celtics (24-2) are set to meet on Christmas Day. Stay tuned.

In college hoops, North Carolina may be the most impressive team, but Chapel Hill is possibly no longer home to the nation's most impressive player. The reigning National Player of the Year, Tyler Hansbrough, may be averaging 23 points and seven rebounds, but three other studs are making names for themselves as well.

Blake Griffin of Oklahoma has been annihilating opponents on his way to 23 points and 15 rebounds per game. Not only can he get out and run in transition, but Griffin can also use a very good spin move to drive around the defense and dunk or hit the fadeaway jumper from ten feet. I do, however, expect his averages to dip somewhat when the Sooners begin their conference schedule in January.

Another on my list is the boy who killed every single bracket last spring, Stephen Curry of Davidson. What's scary is the thought that he actually got better since last March. Currently, he's averaging 32 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and three steals per contest. Only nine games into the season, Steph has already notched six 30+ plus scoring nights. His quick release and ability to move without the ball make him even harder to guard.

Some basketball heads would stop their lists after those two. They are forgetting one tremendous player out West when they do this though: Arizona State's James Harden. His averages of 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals don't do him justice if you can believe it. The Sun Devils have failed to score 65 points in a game three times this season, making his scoring even more remarkable. Add to that the fact that he attracts double teams and traps quite often, and you have one hell of an overlooked player.

So that's what's new in the world of basketball. Have a good rest of the week. I personally cannot wait for the Gonzaga/UConn game Saturday. I'm really liking some of the matchups, such as the "Senior Floor General Battle" (Pargo versus Price). Four o'clock on CBS, fellas.