Rookie/Sophomore Game - Dunk Off

Last night in Dallas the Rookies finally defeated the Sophomore class in the annual game that takes place during All-Star weekend. Tyreke Evans walked away with the MVP but DeJuan Blair have the best game of the night putting up 22 points 21 rebounds. One play Blair even threw the ball off the backboard then slammed it down with one hand. What's most amazing is that this guy tore his ACL in both legs. I expected Brandon Jennings aka Kenny Anderson clone to shine in this type of game but not a flashy as he was during his AAU days.

Demar Rozen qualified to participate in the dunk contest defeating Eric Gordon. I don't know why a shooter like Gordon even challenged a dunker like Rozen. I've seen Rozen do better dunks on YouTube versus the ones he did last night (don't wanna give away too much).

Tonight I'm predicting Derrick Rose will win the skills challenge along with Chauncey Billups to win the 3-point contest followed by Shannon Brown to win the dunk contest.

Tune into TNT to watch all the activities this weekend!!!!!

Potential Western Conference All-Stars

Earlier I announced the candidates for the East All-Star lineup. Now I will announce who should represent the Western Conference Dallas and land their first all-star bid.

• Deron Williams - Near double-double averaging 19 pts 9 ast but since this a popularity contest it does not bold well......again Verdict: OUT
• Al Jefferson - Putting up 19 pts 9 reb but with Dirk, Timmy, Stoudamire, Melo plus his team stinks his chances are not that well but is deserving...Verdict: OUT
• Kevin Durant - Velvet hoop is in his third year and is having a career year. Pure scorer droppiong 30 a night will not be left out in the cold....Verdict: IN
• Tyreke Evans - 20 pts 5 reb 5 ast has all-star numbers all day. The problem is Bryant, Nash, Parker, CP3, Billups are also guards that play in the west (plus they're teams are winning) Verdict: OUT
• OJ Mayo - 19 pts per night will have many all-star games in his career but just don't expect any this season or the next. Verdict: OUT
• Rudy Gay - 20 pts 6 reb for the former Huskie but once again too many forwards come out the west. Verdict: OUT

Rookie Guards Stepping Up

With Blake Griffin out until his knee heals, the rookie guards have truly stepped up their efforts attempting to make a run for ROY 2009-2010. Several first years guards such as Stephen Curry, Johnny Flynn have done well for Golden State and Minnesota but the three rookie guards that have impressed me during the early season are Tyreke Evans, Ty Lawson, and ROY front runner Brandon Jennings.  Let’s concentrate on those three guards for now and here’s what I’ve scene:

• Ty Lawson - Former Tarheel guard will gain the most experience by learning the game from Chauncey Billups. With the tutelage of Billups, Lawson will learn when to shoot, breakdown the defense, and when to take the big shot which will pay off in the long run when Billups time is up. Two weeks into the season and he’s already developing when to attack the rim…….just ask DJ

• Tyreke Evans - Labeled as one of the “Chosen One” since HS. The Kings had no choice but to stick Evans into the starting lineup and as a result, four straight wins along with a scoring average over 20 ppg. Evans style of play has always been NBA ready and the transition has not been dificult thus far. He’ll take a lot of L’s this year but he’ll score a ton.

• Brandon Jennings - He’s a clone of Kenny Anderson & Nick Van Exel. Expect the Compton PG to lead all rookies in assist and challenge Derrick Rose as the best point guard in the NBA Central. Right now Jennings only knows one speed but once he develops a half court game….scary!!!!! Oh….if you don’t think he’s real just ask the Golden State Warriors.