X's Bobcats Dynasty '07/08 (NBA Live 2005)

A collection of memorable stories from NBA Live's franchise and career modes.

Postby AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy on Thu Mar 03, 2005 11:48 pm

Brian Cardinal's receding hair line is waaayyyy back, you're not that bad(yet... :lol: ) . I think Marks' one is better.Now if you could get a beer on your left hand while dribbling with the right...
User avatar
AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy
 
Posts: 5190
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:30 am
Location: The Lodge...

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:21 am

if anyone has a better idea for my headshape please let me know....

I've just updated page 1 of this thread with updated BPMM Leaderboard and Record Book

January to follow....
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:30 am

I should really be asleep but ahh well, here's January....

JANUARY 2006 SUMMARY

I'll keep this month's recap short and sweet. Bobcats had another mediocre month as they fell further and further away from a post-season berth as they went 3-7 on the month (incl. 0-3 in simmed games :x). A couple of games like the road loss in Golden State and the home loss against the Clippers were ones that got away at the end of the last quarter.

Personnel-wise, coach Bernie Bickerstaff decided to give rookie Andrew Watson more burn this past month as he moved ahead of Willie Green in the depth charts to become the first guard off the bench. Rookie bigman Guy Dumars continued to impress on his way to Rookie of the Month honours in the East for the month of January. Okafor and Arenas were also steady contributors. However, all this did not factor into a winning month, and the season hangs in peril as the All-Star break awaits.

Stayed tuned to monitor the 'Cats unlikely push at the playoffs.
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:46 am

THE MONTH THAT WAS FOR THE 'CATS

Image
Image
Image

Bobcats Among League Leaders


F/C- Emeka Okafor - 11.8rpg (2nd in NBA), 1.89bpg (14th in NBA), 56.5% FG (6th in NBA)
G- Gilbert Arenas - 81 3Pt Made (6th in NBA)
F/C- Othella Harrington - 54.2% FG (13th in NBA)
F/C- Melvin Ely - 51.5% FG (18th in NBA)


It's "That Guy" Again


Guy Dumars was awarded with the Got Milk Rookie of the Month Award for the Eastern Conference for the month of January. :headbang:

Image

Taken with the 4th overall pick in 2005 NBA Draft, Guy Dumars has gradually taken the league and its fans by storm with each passing game. "That Guy" is a throwback player in the mold of Larry Nance, but has additional beef to mix it around with the big boys. He has terrific hops and provides regular highlights for Sportscenter viewers. However, it is his teaming with Emeka Okafor on the boards and defensively which has made a big difference. This duo is probably the best defensive bigman duo in the league today, and they are both under 24 years of age. There's only positives when you look at "That Guy's" game.

Guy Dumar's 2005/06 Stats:
12.0ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.63bpg
16.85 NBA Efficiency Rating
13.25 Raw Birdie Score
13.25 Weighted Birdie Score

Image
Guy Dumars shows us a old-school dunk ala Larry Nance-style
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:57 am

AROUND THE LEAGUE (JANUARY '06)


STANDINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Image
Image

Cleveland went only 2-11 in the month of January.:shock: The sole reason for this collapse:

Image

Image


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Image
Image
Image


AWARDS

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Image
Image


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Image
Image


MVP WATCH

Image


TRANSACTIONS

Image
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:11 am

NLSC PLAYER UPDATE (JANUARY '06)

This is a monthly section that will highlight different NLSC Players each month. As there is only one NLSC Player at the moment (me ), for this season it will just be a short recap of what my guy is doing. Once next season (06/07) rolls over, I'd say that this piece will hold a bit more interest to you guys.

SG- Andrew Watson (The X), 6'2", 220lbs (31st pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by Charlotte)

Image

January was a breakthrough month for Watson as he broke past Willie Green to become the 1st guard off the bench. In the month of January, The X suited up for the 'Cats 9 times, and in 14.9mpg averaged 4.8ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.3apg & 0.67spg. Coach Bernie Bickerstaff has also started using Watson more and more during crunch time and has used his 6'2", 220lb frame from PG through to SF, but he primarily spends most time at his preferred position of SG. Expect gradual improvement from Watson as the season wears on.

Andrew Watson's 2005/06 Stats:
3.1ppg, 0.7rpg, 1.4apg, 0.46spg
2.12 NBA Efficiency Rating
1.20 Raw Birdie Score
0.90 Weighted Birdie Score
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:16 am

PIC OF THE MONTH

Since Cocobee enjoyed last month's pic, in honour of his Bobcats' dynasty, here goes another Gilbert Arenas' pic....

Image
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:39 am

ROOKIE HEAD-TO-HEAD

I'm putting the guy I had the Clippers picking in the draft (Kojo Brackett) against the guy they ended up drafting (Dominic Lawson).

PF- Dominic Lawson, 6'8", 246lbs (6th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by LA Clippers)

Image

Dominic Lawson is buried behind Elton Brand, Chris Wilcox on a PF-deep Clippers' roster. Lawson is therefore not really getting a chance to show what he's capable of as a high lottery pick. Lawson seemed to be a decent rebounder, but I couldn't really work out if his game had any substance. All I know is that he will be buried in LA's other team for a long time.

Dominic Lawson's 2005/06 Stats:
3.0ppg, 1.4rpg
3.50 NBA Efficiency Rating
2.90 Raw Birdie Score
0.94 Weighted Birdie Score


SG- Kojo Brackett, 6'1", 192lbs (11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by Toronto)

Image

I expected that Kojo wouldn't get any minutes at backup SG with the Raptors depth in this position (Morris Peterson backing up Jalen Rose) and I was right. What did surprise me however is that Brackett was Skip's primary backup at PG. In the mock draft I said Mojo might have to slide to the point. It is positive to see him trying this. The negative is that he turned the ball over 4 times against the pressure of Gilbert Arenas and the Bobcats, and the Raptors lost.

Kojo Brackett's 2005/06 Stats:
1.6ppg, 0.4apg
0.82 NBA Efficiency Rating
0.30 Raw Birdie Score
0.26 Weighted Birdie Score


Of the two rookies, I believe Lawson will be the better of the two. However, at the moment they don't seem anything more than future NBA role players. I guess these two rooks fall into the wait and see category.
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:40 am

I hoped you enjoyed the coverage, even if it is a long time between wins (& drinks)....

time to sleep

X
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby J@3 on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:45 am

Excellent stuff, you're using alot of really cool idea's especially with the rookies. Now I've just got to come up with some of my own :x
User avatar
J@3
 
Posts: 19815
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:25 pm
Location: MLB

Postby Lionheart on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:47 am

Yes, I enjoy the coverage but still another losing month.
I think another lottery trip for the Bobcats :(
Lionheart
 
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:22 pm

Postby The X on Sat Mar 05, 2005 2:51 am

Jae wrote:Excellent stuff, you're using alot of really cool idea's especially with the rookies. Now I've just got to come up with some of my own

cheers, the latest rookie head-to-head idea was made up in 30 seconds :D

and hey, no stealing j/k your dynasty already has a lot of hooks....

and for anyone who's wondering where I'm getting NBA Efficiency & Birdie Scores, go to HonorGlow's Live Dynasty site at http://www.livedynasty.com/. Head over to this site, go to link for 2005 Birdies on the Fly and copy and paste pstats and presto, it's done....

had to get that shameless plug out as HonorGlow is doing a great job over there....

must be time for some Birdie Score shoutouts Honor?!? :wink:

Lionheart wrote:Yes, I enjoy the coverage but still another losing month.
I think another lottery trip for the Bobcats :(

yep :lol:

I think I'm one of the few people who would be happy with this fact....it's quite realistic after all....would like to make a run for playoffs though....that's not too much to ask for is it?!? :?
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy on Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:02 pm

Doesn't look good X, number 1 pick headed your way. Nice job on the monthly recaps!

"That Guy",eh? Nice one, although I would prefer something a bot more 'gangsta', suck as "Guy D"...

You starting Luke at PF or what?
User avatar
AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy
 
Posts: 5190
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:30 am
Location: The Lodge...

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 1:58 am

I ain't gangsta or don't want any gangstas....

as for Luke, he started at PF in November, but the emergence of Dumars allowed me to slide Walton back to a 6th man role where he is suited to....

as for 1st pick, nah, hopefully it'll turn around :|
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 7:52 pm

just updated 1st page of this thread with updated roster (Andrew Watson is now starting at SG due to Kyle Korver's poor play of late :shock:), updated BPMM Leaderboard, Hall of Fame & Record Book....
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 8:33 pm

ALL-STAR COVERAGE ('05/06)


It's that time of year again when all of the stars of the NBA converge in one city and have some fun. Yep, you got it, it's All-Star Weekend folks. To start this season's All-Star festivities, we start with the results of All-Star fan voting.

Image

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Image

Shaquille O'Neal (Heat) and Antoine Walker (Hawks) return to their rightful All-Star starting positions, at C and PF respectively. Both Shaq and 'Toine are having MVP seasons once again, and it comes as no surprise that the fans voted the two of them in. They are joined in the frontcourt by first-time starter, SF Richard Jefferson (Nets), who is having his best season as a pro as he tries to propel New Jersey back into the post-season. The backcourt is made up of returning All-Stars SG Paul Pierce (Celtics) and PG Jason Kidd (Nets). Kidd's inclusion means that the New Jersey Nets sport two starters in this year's All-Star game.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Image

After the shock fan voting results in the West last season, this year seems to return to normality. It starts off in the middle with C Yao Ming (Rockets), who will renew his rivalry with Shaq on the big stage at ASW. Kevin Garnett (T'wolves) will start at the PF position, as Tim Duncan is once again left out of the starting lineup by the fans. SF Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets) starts for the 1st time in just his 2nd All-Star appearance. SG Kobe Bryant (Lakers) is showing that his image is starting to recover as he is voted in to start after last year's absense from the starting lineup. PG Baron Davis (Hornets) rounds out the Western Conference All-Star starting lineup, as he makes his 1st appearance for the West All-Stars.
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy on Sun Mar 06, 2005 8:53 pm

Excellent!

Oh my, in the name of everything that is holy in basketball, if I see another Antoine Walker being voted to start in the All-Star game I swear I'll hit the uninstall button.... Grrrr!

What happened to "Guy D"....errrrr.... sorry, "The Guy"? Did he make the Rookie-Sophomore game?

Oh, and BTW I DO hope you get the no. 1 pick, but rather by barely missing out on th eplayoffs and jump from the 14th spot to the 1st. Hey, it's 1/1000 chance of thet happening, but if it does, you should really fill out an actual lottery ticket afterwards. It Might just be your day to get rich...

Keep up the fine updates, and yes, that headshape looks a lot better on Watson. The wife says you should start Walton at SG now. Women...
User avatar
AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy
 
Posts: 5190
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:30 am
Location: The Lodge...

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:17 pm

ALL-STAR COVERAGE ('05/06)


OKAFOR & DUMARS TO FACE-OFF IN ROOKIE CHALLENGE

The Charlotte Bobcats were proud to announce that 2 of their young stars would feature on opposing teams at this year's Rookie Challenge at All-Star Weekend.

Image
Image

Guy Dumars has exceed everyone's expectations as he quickly moved into the starting lineup for the struggling Bobcats. Dumars has played in all 37 games this season and has averaged 12.1ppg, 8.8rpg & 1.65bpg in 30.4mpg. Dumars has quickly established himself as one of the premier centres in the league, and is widely tipped to edge out Priest Askins for Rookie of the Year honours.

Image
Image

Emeka Okafor has backed up his terrific rookie season with a stellar sophomore campaign in which he is averaging 17.8ppg, 11.9rpg & 1.91bpg in 35.1mpg.

This should be an interesting match, just for the fact that Dumars and Okafor will be playing for bragging rights.

Here are the rest of the starters for this year's Rookie Challenge:

Image

ROOKIE TEAM:

Image

Guy Dumars (#4 pick in 2005 Draft) has been everything and more than expected for the Bobcats this season as he leads the ROY race. Is proving doubters wrong by every passing game.

Priest Askins (#1 pick in 2005 Draft) is pushing for ROY and 6th Man of Year Awards as he is filling up every category on the boxsheets. He is still playing behind Jamison, so are the Wizards holding back this talent?!?

Kerry McKey (#5 pick in 2005 Draft) was a surprise pick to start, but it clearly shows the lack of depth in this year's crop of rookies at SF. McKey has struggled to crossover to the pace of the NBA game.

Zach Mayfield (#33 pick in 2005 Draft) has been a revelation for the Nets as he fell out of the 1st Round and into their laps. The Nets are weak at SG, but this former Bruin has helped to fill this void for his team.

Julian Nwanaka (#3 pick in 2005 Draft) has beaten out Luke Ridnour for primary duties as the backup PG for the Sonics. I expect Honor-ism to be starting for the Supes next season.


SOPHOMORE TEAM:

Image

The sophomores are sporting the exact same starting lineup that they field as rookies, with the exception of Robert Swift who steps in for David Harrison.

Robert Swift (#12 pick in 2004 Draft) has been handed the starting C spot for the Supersonics. Swift has not squandered this opportunity as he is having a very solid sophomore season. Expect big things from this kid.

Emeka Okafor (#2 pick in 2004 Draft) might not have earnt himself an All-Star berth this season, but he sure is playing like one for the Bobcats.

Andre Iguodala (#9 pick in 2004 Draft) has built on his superb rookie season and figures to be an All-Star staple in Philly.

Ben Gordon (#3 pick in 2004 Draft) is having another good season in Chicago, however his scoring numbers are down slightly for the Bulls.

Jameer Nelson (#20 pick in 2004 Draft) is once again stuck behind star PG Stevie Franchise in O-Town. I'd like to see him get more of a chance for the Magic.



WALLACE LOOKS TO REDEEM HIMSELF IN THIS YEAR'S SLAM DUNK CONTEST

Image
Image

After guaranteeing victory last year in the Slam Dunk Contest and being bundled out in the 1st Round, Gerald Wallace returns this year, tight-lipped about his chances of victory. "No comment, I got a game to play before I head there (to ASW)" was all that reporters got out of Wallace prior to the team's loss to the Grizzlies.


ARENAS IS A SHOCK INCLUSION IN 3 POINT SHOOTOUT

Image
Image

Gilbert Arenas was a surprise inclusion in this year's field in the 3 Point Shootout as he is only shooting at a 35.1% clip for the season. It is likely that Arenas was included because he's in the top 5 in the league for 3 pointers made, with 87 to his name. If Arenas can catch fire in this contest, then he's definitely in with a chance to stick with the other sharpshooters.

The rest of the All-Star coverage will be shown in the next day or two so stay peeled to the festivities of this year's All-Star Weekend.
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 9:28 pm

dweaver99027 wrote:Excellent!

Oh my, in the name of everything that is holy in basketball, if I see another Antoine Walker being voted to start in the All-Star game I swear I'll hit the uninstall button.... Grrrr!

yep, I hate seeing 'Toine being so good....but he was a former EA posterboy, so what else can you expect?!? :x But based on his stats and the impact he has on the Hawks in the game, he does deserve that starting spot :x

dweaver99027 wrote:What happened to "Guy D"....errrrr.... sorry, "The Guy"? Did he make the Rookie-Sophomore game?

yep, he's starting....see above....and if you have any other ideas for his nickname (I don't like Guy D :lol:), then please hit me with them....

dweaver99027 wrote:Oh, and BTW I DO hope you get the no. 1 pick, but rather by barely missing out on th eplayoffs and jump from the 14th spot to the 1st. Hey, it's 1/1000 chance of thet happening, but if it does, you should really fill out an actual lottery ticket afterwards. It Might just be your day to get rich...

I lost $2 on pokies last night (splashed out :P), so I will pass on the lottery ticket....but at the moment I don't have worst record in league anymore....I'm 10-27 and the Warriors (I think it's them) are 10-32 :dance:

dweaver99027 wrote:Keep up the fine updates, and yes, that headshape looks a lot better on Watson. The wife says you should start Walton at SG now. Women...

yep, I'm a lot happier with this headshape....and if you got a cyberface and want in on 2006 Draft then send e-mail to just_x@ihug.com.au with profile of player....

as for starting Walton at SG.... :lol: women.... :shake:

noticed you change your avatar....I've noticed that anyone who uses an NBA player's pic as their avatar always get keyed on by other members....although it usually Duncan, Webber, James or Kobe in them....
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Sun Mar 06, 2005 10:16 pm

ROOKIE HEAD-TO-HEAD

I'm putting the Wizards' #1 overall draft pick (Priest Askins) against a guy that would have been a better positional fit for the Wizards (Guy Dumars).

PF- Priest Askins, 6'10", 247lbs (1st pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by Washington)


Image
Askins delivers a message to Watson: "No NLSC handouts today boy"

Priest Askins is the Wizards' 6th man as he backups at PF & C. Unfortunately for Askins, he has an All-Star calibre PF in Antawn Jamison in front of him in the rotation. Priest Askins has a bit of Chris Webber in his game (outside of the tendency to launch the 3-ball) in that he is a big man who can rebound, defend and create for others. Askins is a stud defensively but needs to work on his footwork and his midrange jumpshot. Askins appears to have a pretty bright future ahead of him.

Priest Askin's 2005/06 Stats:
8.1ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.3bpg
14.23 NBA Efficiency Rating
12.05 Raw Birdie Score
12.05 Weighted Birdie Score


C- Guy Dumars, 7'0", 289lbs (4th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by Charlotte)


Image
Dumars need to continue to work on his post moves if he wants a successful career in the NBA

The Bobcats wanted Iwanaka, but the Sonics snapped him up one pick prior to the Bobcats' selection. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as they took the best available talent, Guy Dumars. Dumars has drawn rave reviews so far in his rookie campaign and has drawn comparisons to many former NBA stars, including Larry Nance. Dumars is a high-flyer who excites the crowd with his electrifying dunks. He has the ability to face up a defender and take him to the hole. Dumars is also strong defensively and on the boards, and combines well with Okafor to provide a formidable wall for opponents to combat. Dumars does have to work on his midrange jumpshot, as well as trying to stay out of foul trouble. The Bobcats are expecting big things for this guy, and I'm sure Guy won't disappoint them.

Guy Dumar's 2005/06 Stats:
12.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 1.65bpg
16.81 NBA Efficiency Rating
13.13 Raw Birdie Score
13.13 Weighted Birdie Score


Head-to-Head Matchup - Charlotte @ Washington, Feb 1, 2006


Priest Askins - 25mins, 4pts (2/5 FG), 11rebs (4 off), 4blks & 2stls
Guy Dumars - 29mins, 24pts (11/17 FG), 17rebs (6 off) & 1blk
Result - Bobcats win 93-83


Category Winners:

Offense - Dumars
Shooting - Even
Passing - Askins
Dunking - Dumars

Defense - Askins
Rebounding - Even
Blocking - Askins
Stealing - Askins

Other - Dumars
Strength - Dumars
Athleticism - Dumars
Quickness - Dumars
Intangibles - Askins
Potential - Even

OVERALL - EVEN
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby Micchy_boy on Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:12 am

you almost at the all-star break :shock:
I'l be looking forward for the coverage...
I like Guy vs. Oafor matchup..
Image
Micchy's Lakers Dynasty l 2nd Season w/ NLSC BALLERS l
User avatar
Micchy_boy
 
Posts: 1975
Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2004 1:47 am

Postby The X on Mon Mar 07, 2005 1:10 pm

yep, I'm flying through the season....I'm making up for my 1st season taking so long....and when you sim every 1/3 game and intervene in 4th in another 1/3 of the games, then 58 game season goes very quick....I'm also had a bit more spare time lately....

have now basically scouted all the rookies now so I'm gonna start spending some time on dbf editing NLSC, college and Euro players in there....trying to accrue as many cyberfaces as possible....rookie scouting reports will be coming soon....probably after the February recap through to the end of the season....

as for the Guy v Meka matchup, one of them wins the matchup, one of them wins the game....

and for the game I played the 1st half with rookies and the 2nd half with the sophomores since I had some of my team members on each team....

rookie-sophomore game to follow this message asap....
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Mon Mar 07, 2005 1:57 pm

changed my mind....I'll update it with Rookie Challenge later....

also, cheers to c0nr4d for the great sig 8-)
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:12 pm

ALL-STAR COVERAGE ('05/06)


ROOKIE CHALLENGE


This year's game has a few more storylines than usual. You've got the Bobcats' 2 1st Round draftees ('Meka vs. Guy); the teaming of the top rookies (Askins vs. Guy); and the teaming of the top 2 picks in last year's draft ('Meka vs. Howard) among others.

Firstly, we'll start with the team lineups. We begin with the Sophomore Stars who will be playing in their respective team's home jerseys. We already know the starters, let's check out who else made the cut for the sophomores.

Image

Swingman Loul Deng (Bulls - #7 pick in 2004 Draft) will be the 1st guy off the bench for the Sophomores. The former Blue Devil has really stepped up his play in this season as he starts for the Bulls, and provides a strong offensive punch alongside soph star Ben Gordon.

Dwight Howard (Magic - #1 pick in 2004 Draft) must once again backup rival PF, and last season's ROY, Emeka Okafor. Howard is still producing solidly for the Magic, however expect big things from this kid in the next couple of years.

Andris Biedrins (Warriors - #11 pick in 2004 Draft)
has been the benefactor of the retirements of Clifford Robinson and Dale Davis this past off-season. Their departures has meant that Biedrins has been thrust into the starting lineup for the struggling Warriors. He has put up decent numbers and the Warriors hope he continues to improve rapidly.

Rafael Araujo (Raptors - #8 pick in 2004 Draft) is the final sophomore star to make the cut. The Brazilian bigman has shown strong improvement this season and he is providing good rebounding and defense off the bench for the Raptors.

Now we look at the Rookie Stars lineup and the 4 rookies who were named reserves for this event.

Image

PG Joshua Fowles (76ers - #7 pick in 2005 Draft) shocked everyone when the 76ers called out his name with the 7th pick in the Draft, which was about 7 or 8 slots higher than many expected him to go. He has not stopped surprising folks as he is playing superbly in a 6th man role as a backup PG/SG for the 76ers. This kid looks like he is for real.

Turkish born bigman Ivan Hrkac (Pacers - #9 pick in 2005 Draft) has been a solid find for Indiana and has been providing solid backup minutes behind Jermaine O'Neal. Hrkac is a strong rebounder and shot-blocker and has a nice little midrange jumper.

Ade Recasner (Warriors - #38 pick in 2005 Draft) was originally picked by the Pacers in last year's draft. Since the Pacers had already picked up Ivan Hrkac with their 1st Round pick, they had no need for Recasner and traded him straight up for the next pick, guard Bandele Williams (#39 pick in 2005 Draft). The centre-thin Warriors couldn't have been happier with they landed a 1st Round talent like Recasner. Since then, Recasner has stepped in well for the Warriors, especially when Troy Murphy went down with another injury.

Finally, Euro youngster Mark Becker (Nuggets - #14 pick in 2005 Draft) has made fans quickly with his hustle and his non-European approach to the game. Becker was a nice pickup that late in the draft for the Nuggets, and they are reaping the rewards of this pick.

Now to the game....

Image
A subdued Okafor is determined to get the better of Bobcats' rookie teammate Guy Dumars

Image
It looks like Dumars has other things on his mind as he's just there for a good time

Not knowing that they were suppose to lose this game, the Rookie Stars came out flying, and quickly ran out to a 19-2 advantage.

Image
Fowles feeds Dumars with the sweet alleyoop pass

Realising now that the Rookie Stars were embarrasing them they started a fightback late in the 1st quarter.

Image
I think someone forgot to tell these foreigners that no one plays hard in these sort of games


The quarter ended with the Rookie Stars up 33-19, with Priest Askins exploding for 12 1st quarter points.

Image

The 2nd quarter was a see-sawing battle as the Sophomore Stars turned it up a gear.


Image
No one expected Biedrins to have this sort of effect on the game when he was put in

'Meka exploded in the 2nd term to bring them back into the game. Bobcats' teammate Guy Dumars also impressed on the offensive end, while Priest Askins already had a double-double by half-time as the Rookie Stars held onto an 8 point lead at the half.

Image

The key players at the half for their respective teams were Priest Askins and Emeka Okafor. Whilst 'Meka had the advantage in the scoring department, Askins filled up every category of the boxsheet in the 1st half.

Image

The 3rd quarter was one where the Sophomores continue to claw into the Rookies' lead.

Image
It took to the 3rd quarter for the 2 'Cats to battle

Just as the heat of the game started to rise, a Japanese magician stepped in.

Image
We knew Honor-ism wasn't a one-trick pony but this is just ridiculous

On the back of a buzzer beating jumper by Ben Gordon, the sophomores cut the deficit to 2 points going into the last quarter. Whilst Okafor continued to score at will, Nets' rookie Kerry McKey was surprising with his ability to get others involved.

Image

The 4th quarter was see-sawing with the Rookies extending their lead to 7 and then the Sophomores bringing it back down to 2. The Sophomore Stars were led by Bulls' pair Ben Gordon and Loul Deng in the 4th quarter.

Image
Gordon had his game face on in the 4th but would it be enough?!?

With a furious charge in the last 2 minutes the Sophomore Stars trailed by only 2 in the final 20 seconds with a chance to either tie or win the game. Unfortunately for the Sophomores, Okafor's short jumper rolled out and Iwanaka grabbed the board and was sent to the line for 2 free throws.

Image
All the pressure is on the little Asian, but can he handle it?!?

With the game riding on these 2 shots from the charity stripe, the #3 pick in last year's draft calmly drilled both of them to give the Rookie Stars a shock 98-94 victory over their favoured rival Sophomore Stars.

Image

Whilst Honor-ism secured the victory, there was one star that shined above the rest. Introducing the 2006 Rookie Challenge MVP from the Rookie All-Stars, Priest Askins!!! :applaud:

Image
There must be another reason why Askins is so happy, but what is it?!?

Askins thoroughly deserved to win the award as he had a stellar night, and showed what an ace he is on the boards (19 including 6 on the offensive end) and defending the basket (5 blocks). He really did prove that he was a worthy #1 pick in last year's draft. Maybe the Wizards will be watching and get him some more minutes.

Image

Let's checked out the stats. We'll starting with the winning Rookie Stars who were led by Askins, Dumars and Iwanaka.

Image

Now to the Sophomore Stars who got a stellar night from Okafor, and strong support from Deng, Gordon and Iggy.

Image

Let's now take a look at the highlights from the game....

Rookie Stars:

Image
We've all gotten use to this all too familar sight of "That Guy"

Image
This had to be Askins' most explosive bucket of the night as he put back a missed shot with pizazz!!!

Image
He usually leads the break, but this time Honor-ism strides away for the uncontest layup, which formed part of the Rookie's 1st quarter run

Image
Whilst he seemed more comfortably giving the ball up (9 assists), McKey did find time for one flush

Image
We now know that they know how to raise the roof in Croatia

Image
Fowles glides in for a duece

Image
The Sophomore Stars didn't respect Mayfield's game. Result: He burns them for 17 points.

Image
Someone forgot to tell Hrkac he wasn't Vinsanity, and Deng wasn't Weis. Result: Hrkac tries to lay it in and misses.

Image
No, don't ask me why Recasner needs 3 armbands 'cos I don't know


Sophomore Stars:

Image
Okafor unleashes his fury on the rim

Image
Howard goes one better than 'Meka with this effort and sends a statement to the NBA for not inviting him to the Slam Dunk Contest

Image
Air Gordon unleases a nasty one-handed slam in the Sophomores' 4th quarter run

Image
Loul Deng makes Mayfield look like he's still in grade school

Image
I guess Iggy hasn't learnt yet that you have more chance making a shot if you are balanced.

Image
Nelson absorbs the contact and makes the shot in a 3 point play

Image
Who said Euro players are soft?!? Biedrins looks pretty fired up after a 2-handed jam

Image
Swift did what he does best for Seattle which is grab a few boards and block a couple of shots

Image
Come on Guy!!! You won't last in the league long if you let guys like Araujo score on you


That concludes the coverage from the 2006 Rookie Challenge from ASW. Make sure to tune in for further All-Star festivities.
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

Postby The X on Mon Mar 07, 2005 8:16 pm

hope you enjoyed the rookie game recap....I'll do small ones for the 3pt and dunk contest, although there will likely a few less pics as I don't have technology to do continuous ones while I'm doing it like micchyboy did....

I will probably not do as indepth a recap for actual All-Star game as none of my players are in it....

rest of the All-Star updates will be up in the next day or two I'd say, depending of course on how busy I am with other stuff....

as always, comments are appreciated....

and if you want to get in on 2006/07 season then I need your cyberface ASAP....send to just_x@ihug.com.au

enjoy
User avatar
The X
is
NLSC Team Member
 
Posts: 11499
Joined: Mon Nov 08, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Brisbane

PreviousNext

Return to NBA Live Stories Hall of Fame

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests