Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Young Aussie Talent

Rhys Murphy and Angus Brandt are joining the Beavers!

Today's entry I take a look at what some of the Aussie NBA prospects are up to and update you on where some of young talent will be attending college next season.

- 8. "Luke Nevill, 7-1, 250, Utah: Reigning Mountain West Player of the Year has nice touch and decent skills, but lacks athleticism." Courtesy of Pro Basketball News

Utah Utes centre Luke Nevill is currently ranked eighth in the Pro Basketball News depth charts at his position.

The Utes all time leading shot block passed up an opportunity to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. Neville averaged 17pts and 9rebs per game which saw him awarded the Mountain West Player of the Year.

It is not unusual for a player to skip this tournament if they are confident they have done enough to get drafted. Playing at Portsmouth will only hurt their chances.

- 9. "Aron Baynes, 6-10, 270, Washington State: Australia native had great career to help aid the Cougs' resurgence, but is in the same boat as his countryman Nevill, a smart player lacking athleticism. He lacks Nevill's height, too.10. Goran Suton, Michigan State 6-10, 250: He's not the prototype, but you can't argue with the results he's helped garner, not to mention how intelligent his game is. Will make a living with the mid-range jumper... more than likely in Europe." Courtesy of Pro Basketball News

Unlike Nevill, Baynes felt he needed to play at the Portsmouth Tournament.

Baynes did what was expected, rebound and shoot a good percentage. He averaged almost 13 pts, 8rebs and 1.3blks a game, while shooting 57% from the field.

Any scout that was at the game would have known Baynes can do this.

Click here for complete player stats from the PIT.

- 6 "Patrick Mills, 6-0, 180, St. Mary's: At the very least, he's a tempo-changer off the bench who will thrive at pushing the pace and dribbling around opposing guards like traffic cones. The dimunitive Aussie got to improve his shooting stroke and will be a defensive liability over extended minutes, but if he learns to mask his lack of size, he'll be a difference-maker." Courtesy of Pro Basketball News.

Mills is ranked sixth at the PG position. More on Mills in the coming week.

- Brock Motum has decided to go with his original choice and stay at Pac-10 school Washington State.

WSU has had a coaching change from Tony Bennett to Ken Bone over the past few weeks. Bone and assistant coach Ben Johnson made a mad dash to Australia to meet with the young lefty. He was happy with what he heard and remained true with his commitment to the Cougars.

- Angus Brandt has committed to Oregon State Beavers.

Brandt left the Blue Mountains, NSW last year and caught the attention of many as soon as he landed in the USA.

After some fierce recruiting Brandt has chosen the Beaver over many others. He has been honing his skills at the high school level at Lake Forest (Ill) Academy. He averaged 14 pts and 10rebs per game.

It seemed inevitable the Brandt would land in the North West as OSU and the Academy have close ties.

- Little known Aussie Rhys Murphy has also committed to the Beavers.

Murphy has also been playing high school ball in the States (Maine). He is an athletic wing player who is still very much developing.

My eyes in the USA have commented on how this kid is a real sleeper. Time will tell.

- "The disagreement follows a separate stoush last week over BA's requirement that every club provide a $1 million bank guarantee as a condition of entry into the new league, which led to the resignation of Melbourne Tigers' co-owner Seamus McPeake from the BA board."

Full article courtesy of The Age.

- Boti Nagy tells his side of the story as well.

Cavs Proposal

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rills i dont think the crocs trainer will ever get a ring on his finger

nwon5385 said...

rhys murphy. he has got unlimited potential.