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Lisch is pretty much everything you heard he was off the court. He couldn't have been more gracious with his time and what really struck me was his perspective on certain aspects of his experience. I was genuinely surprised by some of his answers, or at least his take on certain things that differed from what I would've expected. We're working on scheduling the second part now. I will admit to being a bit nervous about releasing the first half before the second is in the can, but based on our interactions with him so far, I'm still pretty confident we'll get that second part. I guess the advantage is that if any of you think we missed something, got something wrong, etc., let us know and maybe we can touch on it in the second part, which will mostly be focused on his pro career, national team experience, and life after SLU.

this goes a long way towards winning me over on Thames. i was pretty much indifferent. but i like your thoughts here pistol. thanks

This is exactly my impression of him, or at least how he plays on this BBE squad. I actually think he's a little too unselfish for them, giving up quite a few open looks to feed his teammates. He does a lot of little, unglamorous things that go a long way and his numbers don't show his value. I'm interested to see him play for Pattonville this season because even though he's got a good supporting cast, he's the top player there. It's a totally different dynamic and he puts up big numbers for his HS team. Regardless, he's got smarts and skill and length that should all translate. He's lean and is going to need to add to his frame, but no doubt he'll be able to do that.

I've only seen a small sample of Nick Kramer's play, but I really love about him is: you can just tell how competitive he is. He wants to win. He's the type of kid where you're never going to have to worry about him hustling. He puts in the work on defense, has a good looking shot, but he just looks like he's an elite competitor. And I know this is one of the most cliche college basketball lines ever, but you can't really teach that. You either have it, or you don't. Really excited to watch him at The Fetz!

I saw this but question whether it was just Saban using it for recruiting. Come to Alabama where you can make a million. This whole thing is a bad idea. You talk about how alums can “legally recruit “.

The no uniform or team logo rule isn't an NCAA rule. UNC just unveiled a program where their athletes can profit while wearing UNC gear. Expect many schools to follow.

exactly and honestly players like that are difference makers doing all the little things that go unnoticed.

Peter and Zac sat down with Billiken Legend to talk long form about family, high school basketball/college recruitment and his Billiken career. Unfortunately we had to log off before we could get to his pro career and experience at the Beijing Olympics with Australian national team, but are planning to get back with Kevin soon for at least a Part 2! View the full article

Zion was 22nd in the leage in offensive rebound percentage ahead of guys like Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo. Bruce Brown tied with him and he is the only guy shorter than Zion tied or higher on the O reb % leaders. However, Zion was only 83rd in defensive rebounding percentage. He's behind among others Steph Curry, Tyler Herro, and James Harden. Even on the Pelicans he is behind Josh Hart and Steven Adams with Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram right on his heels. Admittedly I did not watch much Pelican basketball this past season. However, those stats tell me that Zion's overall lack of defensive rebounding likely has more to do with their team rebounding scheme than Zion himself. Perhaps New Orleans' plan has been for Zion let another guy grab the rebound and then streak down the court trying to get a fast break opportunity (where he can uncork one of his highlight reel dunks). I do think that some of what you're saying about Zion is true (rebounding looks like a hole in his game, playing soft / afraid of injury). I'm just saying the basic stats may be a little deceiving. That being said, I think Zion needs to work on defense the most. If New Orleans is going to play him as a forward, he has to be able to guard on the perimeter. His freakish size and athleticism allowed him to be a good defender in college, but he's been pretty mediocre in the NBA.

I can't stress enough how truly surreal this was. I totally understand if people prefer to listen to the audio only version while in the car or at work but man for us Billiken die hards it really is worth grabbing your favorite snack and/or your drink of choice, kicking back on the couch and watching it on youtube.

That is a little harsh. He averaged 27 pts on 61% shooting. That was the best in the NBA for anyone scoring over 20 pts. Giannis was next at 56%. Certainly, more rebounds, true, but it was Zion’s second year, right? Who else has done anything better than that in the NBA? That team should focus on getting more rebounding. Trade some players, or maybe draft the best rebounding combo guard of the last 20 years. Something.

Nigel John is another JUCO to add to the interest list. The 6'9 center had verbally committed to Utah State but reopened his recruitment in May. Averaged 9.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 1.9 blocks at Eastern Oklahoma CC. He closed out his season really strong as he averaged over his last 6 games 13.8 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 3.2 blocks. He was home schooled in high school and played on a home school team that played in the Texas's Christian athletic association.

Thames contributed as well. He seems like a stat stuffer who will do whatever it takes to help his team win.

It is great for recruiting to put people in the league.

Even if he doesn't stick in the NBA beyond a year or two, having him drafted and getting minutes would be a nice win for Ford and SLU.

Probably because they are very different players

Seattle? that's still an American city?

I watch the finals bc I feel like I have responsibility as a sports fan. I agree though, it’s just non stop pick and roll and then players just yelling at refs every possession trying to get the upper hand. Giannis gets bumped while driving mindlessly into the lane it’s a foul. That is, unless the bucks are leading, it’s not called a foul to help the other team catch up. Booker not being called for an obvious 6th foul 2 games ago was laughable and predictable. Suns will get the good whistle in Milwaukee to make sure the series goes 7 games. I thought I was the only one that didn’t find nba enjoyable…nice to see several informed, respected posters feel like I do.