Larry Johnson 1991-1992 Upperdeck

 The NBA draft is rapidly approaching by the day and I can only begin to wonder about all the different ways my Charlotte Bobcats will screw up whatever pick they get I look at this card for hope. Larry Johnson pictured in the card above was selected 1st overall in the 1991 NBA Draft and would go on to win Rookie of the year honors in 1992. LJ was a franchise changing talent and fresh off a national Championship at UNLV gave the Hornets instant credibility. Although it was before my time I have a deep appreciation for those Muggsy Bouges-Alonzo Mourning-Kendall Gill-Dell Curry and LJ teams of the early to mid 90's it represents a golden era for basketball in my hometown. This picture captures one of the greatest draft picks made by any Charlotte sports team, I can only hope that who ever we draft this year turns out to be what LJ was during his time with the Hornets.

5 draft prospects to watch out for in the NCAA Tournament

March Madness is going on and although the NBA will have to take a back seat for a few weeks that doesn’t mean that NBA General Managers and Executives across the league aren't watching and observing the Talent scheduled to come out next year. Although this draft class is rated by many experts as a weak one there are still some solid pieces to be added to NBA clubs. So without further ado I give you the Top 5 NBA Prospects to watch out for in the NCAA tournament.


#5 Victor Olapido (Indiana)

The 6'5 Forward has come out of nowhere to become a star for the Indiana Hoosiers and has put himself in the discussion for college player of the year. He has always been known more for his Defense but due to a vast improvement on offense his draft stock has soared and could soar even higher Depending on his Performance in the tournament. His Defensive prowess and ability to run the floor in transition could help a lot of NBA teams out.

#4 Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga)

While Kelly Olynyk won't be a star in the league he will definitely be a solid player and if you have a premier frontcourt player already on your roster then he will be a great compliment to them. He is very efficient, moves well for a guy his size. If your a team looking for a solid pick&roll big men this is your guy.



#3 Trey Burke (Michigan)

Whenever I see Trey Burke I just think about Buckets. Trey Burke is a professional scorer and although he needs to size up a bit more at the next level you can definitely see the tools. Who ever drafts this kid is getting someone who is fundamentally sound and cares about winning.



#2 Anthony Bennett (UNLV)

The Rebels are already eliminated from the tourney but Anthony Bennett showed enough people this season that he is ready for the next level. He has been compared to UNLV Legend Larry Johnson because of his physicality but Bennett also can handle the basketball and just brings a certain toughness and swagger most guys in this class don't posses. Whoever Drafts this guy is getting a whole lot of talent.


#1 Ben Mclemore (Kansas)

Many people including myself consider this guy the best player in the country. The 6'5 Shooting Guard has drawn many comparisons and for good reason the kid is “Wet” and can shoot the basketball but also has the Athleticism to get to the rim and finish with authority. Mclemore is big time and he is only a freshman so there is plenty of upside which make him a very attractive pick.

Throwback Thursday:1990 Unlv Rebels

With March Madness Here today examining and looking back at other teams is a normality for me at this time of year. Today for Throwback Thursday we look back at arguably the greatest team ever-the 1990 UNLV Running Rebels

One time when listening to a legendary Hip hop group I heard this classic line enter the airwaves of my ears.

                                                    

“Well can I get a level on the bass and on the treble
Footin up and down like a UNLV Rebel”-A Tribe Called Quest

　

Q-tip and his crew knew that the UNLV Running Rebels got up and down the hardwood better then anybody. Led By Larry Johnson the Rebels were tough and played with a Home Rucker Park like toughness and swagger. Physically they were imposing, athletically they were unmatched and culturally they were transcendent. Baggy shorts, and Black shoes were just some of the mere finger prints they left on college basketball.

　

Larry Johnson,Stacey Augmon,Anderson Hunt,Greg Anthony and David Butler represent a group of guys who were dominant and a group that people in opposing arenas came out to see. They were the talk of college basketball. 35-5 was their regular season record and once they entered March Madness it was basically over for everybody who stood in their way, including Duke who got manhandled 103-73 which is the most lopsided NCAA Championship game in history. Hard to believe that a Coach K could get dominated on such a huge stage but that just speaks volumes to the UNLV team of 1990.

The Running Rebels of 1989-1990 are among the greatest in the history of College basketball few have the matched the chemistry, Swagger and cultural impact on the game like they have