Blake Griffin: Not a shooter

Blake Griffin averaged 22 and 14 last season. He was the national player of the year leading Oklahoma to the Elite 8. He is expected going to be the first pick in tomorrow's NBA Draft.

It seems like Griffin can do it all, right?

Wrong. During his tour of NYC, Griffin spent an after playing H-O-R-S-E S-U-B-W-A-Y with Jared Fogle (no, not this Fogle).

And apparently he lost.

Well, the first game at least. Check out the video after the jump.



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ESPN's The Rookie: featuring Blake Griffin

Last year, ESPN ran a segment online called "The Rookie", where they had a camera crew follow around Michael Beasley.

The year, ESPN's "The Rookie" will be following around Blake Griffin. The first installment has already been released:



They have expanded the segment a bit this year, as Griffin (and apparently his brother Taylor as well) will have a video blog. Andy Katz is also involved, putting together an E-ticket report on Griffin's summer workouts on the beach.

Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the rest of these videos, especially if they can get some video of the kind of things Griffin has been doing during these beach workouts.

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NBA Draft Prospects: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

For a complete listing of NBA Draft prospects and their player breakdown, click here.

Stats: 22.7 ppg, 14.4 rpg (3.9 off), 1.2 bpg, 1.1 spg, 65% FG, 59% FT

Listed Size: 6'10", 251 lb, 3/16/89 (20 years old)

(photo credit: Terry Dehere for the win)

About Him: When you are talking about Blake Griffin, the first thing you have to mention is the athleticism. Between his strength, his coordination, his quickness/agility, and his overwhelming vertical, the kid is a specimen; on par with the likes of LeBron James and Dwight Howard. This athleticism is what makes him such an enticing prospect (and most likely the #1 pick) because of how adept he is at finishing around the rim, either off of an offensive set or in transition. Chew on these stats from Draft Express: Griffin finishes an astounding 75.5% of his shots around the rim (which, along with his 7.9 attempts per game, led the country). He was fourth for all power forwards with 1.08 points per possession, but was fouled 18.5% of the time (and only made 59% from the charity stripe). He also scored on 51 of his 61 attempts in transition.

But that athleticism also can cause his some problems in the form of bad habits, especially on the defensive end. He had a tendency last season to play behind in the post, trying to use his quicks to make a steal on an entry pass or his hops to block a shot, as opposed to three-quartering his man and getting him out of post position (to be fair, a large part of that was probably that he played an absurd number of minutes, and he was trying to avoid cheap fouls and conserve energy).

The scary part about Griffin is that he looks to be far from a finished product at this point. His repertoire on the block is not terribly advanced and he definitely has room for improvement on his perimeter skills - i.e. a face-up jumper, his handle, etc. (although he has shown some flashes - we're talking about a 6'10" that has drawn comparisons to Amare Stoudamire that took defensive rebounds and led the break himself). Griffin may have the best work ethic of any player in the draft (do you remember the what his workouts were like over the summer?). I don't think there is a single NBA GM that would be worried about this kid being picked and losing his motivation to improve.

The biggest positive about Griffin is that he is not a diva. And he's more than just a hard-worker. He comes from a good, supportive family and does not seem to be interested in superstardom. He's a very focused guy, that is not only willing to sacrifice his body, but also is disciplined enough to take a cheap shot (or two) in stride.

Comparisons: Best Case - Amare Stoudamire, Antonio McDyess in his prime, some are even saying Karl Malone; Worst Case - Emeka Okafor, David Lee

Bottom Line: Griffin is going to be the #1 pick in the draft, and if he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he has a chance to be one of the best power forwards in the league.

Highlights:





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Sunday Morning Shootaround: Gonzaga Wins At The Buzzer

Why are the late game always the best games of the day? I happened against last night, as Duke needed the benefit of a couple close calls against Texas While Gonzaga got a last second bucket from Demetri Goodson that allowed them to advance.

GAME OF THE DAY: Gonzaga 83, Western Kentucky 81

The Zags had built an 81-72 lead with just 2:14 left to play, but Western Kentucky was not about to go away. An Orlando Mendez-Valdez three cut the lead to 81-77, and after a Gonzaga turnover, Mendez-Valdez found Steffphon Pettigrew for a dunk that cut the lead to two with 58.7 seconds left. The Hilltoppers would got a stop at the other end, setting up the final sequence.

AJ Slaughter missed a three, but Pettigrew was johnny-on-the-spot and tipped in the rebound, tying the game up at 81. The freshman Goodson took the inbounds with 7.2 seconds left. He went the distance, going around two Hilltopper defenders. The lane opened up in front of him, and the freshman hit a runner off the glass with 0.9 seconds left to send the Zags to their first Sweet 16 since 2006.

PLAYER OF THE DAY: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

He was beaten up, yet again. Manny Harris undercut him going for a rebound, sending Griffin sprawling on his back. A Zak Novak elbow going for a loose ball bloodied his nose. He hit the floor a number of times. But none of it was enough, as Griffin finished the game with 33 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Sooners to the Sweet 16 for the first time in six years. He scored 8 points in a 12-2 Sooner run to start the second half, opening up a 42-31 lead that Michigan was never able to recover from.

Griffin's effect on the game was more than just the numbers he put up. His presence inside is what allowed Austin Johnson and Willie Warren to get good looks from the perimeter. The two of them combined to go 6-13 from three, and when those two are knocking down shots, it makes Oklahoma near impossible to beat.

Griffin also had the dunk of the day yesterday:



The most impressive part of this dunk is that he doesn't take off going towards the basket. He kind of slides around the guy trying to take the charge, posterizing him while avoiding an offensive foul.

They were good too:

• AJ Price, UConn: Price had 27 points and 8 assists as UConn rolled past Texas A&M.
• JaJuan Johnson, Purdue: Johnson had 22 points, 6 boards, and 4 blocks, including two blocks on Washington's last possession to help seal the win.
• Jon Brockman, Washington: Brockman played the last game of his career, finishing with 20 points and 18 boards.
• Matt Bouldin, Gonzaga: Bouldin helped the Zags hold off Western Kentucky with 20 points, 8 boards, and 6 assists.
  
• Orlando Mendez-Valdez, Western Kentucky: Mendez-Valdez had 25 points and 7 assists, but only had 8 points after the first 10 minutes.
  
• Gerald Henderson, Duke: Henderson led Duke with 24 points.
  

TEAM OF THE DAY: Villanova

The Wildcats put a beat down on UCLA, 89-69. They were up 28-11 ten minutes into the game, and never looked back. It was a complete team effort for the Cats, as they out physicaled and out hustled the Bruins. Villanova is a dangerous team in this tournament because of their versatility. They have so many guys that can play on the perimeter, which allows them to spread out a defense. Against the Bruins, it worked because UCLA was not rotating defensively. It should be fun to watch them go up against Duke, as the two teams match-up very well with each other.

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Is Blake Griffin Tough, or Just Plain Nuts?

Just over a week ago, Blake Griffin suffered a concussion against Texas. If you remember, it was difficult to determine exactly where the injury occurred (the video most played was of Dexter Pittman catching him on the bridge of the nose as he tried to steal the ball, but apparently there were two other blows to the head he took during the game).

But one anyone watching the game, one thing was certain - Griffin certainly looked like he had suffered a concussion. It was bad enough that he sat out Monday's showdown for first place in the Big XII against Kansas.

Griffin ended up playing on Saturday against Texas Tech, and let's just say it did not exactly go the way Jeff Capel hoped:



I think that it is safe to assume Capel doesn't want to see his star player getting thrown to the ground or given a bloody nose ever, let alone seven days after suffering a concussion on a similar play.

Those incidents were the result of physical (although not necessarily dirty) play by Texas Tech. How about this one?



You have got to love this kid's heart and hustle. How many star players can you think of that would be willing to dive over the scorer's table for a loose ball? Against Texas Tech? A week after suffering a concussion? In the same game that they had already received a bloody nose?

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Blake Griffin: Still Not Ready To Play

Concussions are no laughing matter. Too many can end a career.

Which is why Oklahoma is being extra cautious with their talented big man. During Monday's game, Tommy Griffin (Blake and Taylor's father) told the Oklahoman that while his son was getting better, he was still far from being ready to play.

And if you watched that game, it is easy to believe. Griffin was into it and enthusiastic on the sidelines as OU made their comeback, but there were also times when he clearly was being affected by the lights in the gym. He looked very woozy at times as well.

Now this from Jeff Capel. Asked about whether Griffin will play on Saturday against Texas Tech:

Right now we still have no clue. It takes time, and we're not going to do anything to rush it. We want him to be OK before he plays again or before we even put him in a position to practice with us again. He's getting better. But it's a slow process, and we don't want to speed it up.

To be honest, I think the Sooners are going about this the right way. The game against Texas Tech doesn't matter (hell, they should win that game without the big fella). After that, OU plays Missouri and Oklahoma State, two much tougher games (although at this point in the season, any loss will essentially end OU's chances of winning the Big XII outright). Continue reading...

College Hoops BlogPoll Roundtable

BIAH is a voting member of the CBS Sport's College Hoops BlogPoll, and as such we have been asked to participate in their College Hoops roundtable. Each week, a different blog will host and ask a number of questions to be answered by each voting member. This week it is A Sea of Blue, so be sure to stop over there and take a look at some of the other blog's answers.

Who really looks like the best team in college basketball this season?

At this point, barring a major collapse, it is pretty much a done deal that UConn, Pitt, Oklahoma, and UNC are going to be the four #1 seeds come March 15th meaning that these are the consensus best four teams in America right now. Assuming that "best" means "most likely to win the national title", I'm going to go with Oklahoma. UConn just isn't the same team without Jerome Dyson. DeJuan Blair is a load on the block, but I just don't see him being able to stay out of foul trouble for six straight games, especially with the tighter whistles that are par for the course come March. UNC doesn't play enough defense on a consistent basis (how did they gave up 91 to Maryland and 80 to NC State?). Oklahoma has the best player in the country in Blake Griffin, has developed their bench to the point where it is almost a strength, and is getting exceptional seasons out of Austin Johnson and Willie Warren. I really think Griffin is good enough to put this team on his shoulders and carry them to a title a la Carmelo circa 2003.

Is Blake Griffin the Player of the Year already, or can somebody catch him?

The only way Griffin doesn't get player of the year is if someone like Jodie Meeks or James Harden goes on a tear, averages 40 a game for the rest of the season, and carries their team to a regular season conference title. Other wise, it is tough to argue against him. He is the best player (by far) on what will likely be the #1 team in the country come Monday. He has put up some absurd numbers this year (23 and 14 on 64% shooting).

What currently ranked team is the biggest disappointment so far this year?

The "currently ranked" part makes this one tricky because Georgetown, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and the like have been ... how do I say this ... a joke this year. I'm going to go with Gonzaga and Syracuse. A lot of people have been saying UCLA or Michigan State, but the Bruins are extremely young and thus growing pains are to be expected, while the Spartans have yet to play at full strength for an extended period of time. Syracuse and Gonzaga have two of the most talented rosters in the country, but just seem to be devoid of consistency. Syracuse seems unable to start a game with any form of intensity while Gonzaga can't seem to figure out a way to play together. I've said this before, but I believe effort and teamwork to be coached, which means that the blame should fall on the shoulders of Mark Few and Jim Boeheim for not finding answers. So what is the answer? Well, honestly, I don't know. If I did, I'd be making Arab Bill Self money.

Predict the next team to beat Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has three games left on their schedule that are losable (is that even a word?): at Texas, Kansas at home, and at Mizzou. Texas has the size too match up with the Sooners, but the last time the two met up, Oklahoma won by 15. I don't see Kansas going into Norman on Big Monday and beating OU either. That leaves at Missouri. My prediction? The Tiger press is too much for Austin Johnson and Willie Warren, and despite 30 and 15 from Griffin, Mizzou knocks off the Sooners by forcing 20-some turnovers. Continue reading...

Got a Question for Blake Griffin? Now You Can Ask him

Blake Griffin is the most dominant big man in the country and one of the front runners for national player of the year. But he seems like a pretty down to earth guy.

How would I know, given I've never met the kid?

Sooner Sports, Oklahoma's official athletics website, has started a feature known as Blake's Mailbag. Fans around the country can go there to submit questions to the big fella. He seems to answer pretty honestly.

In the first edition posted yesterday, Griffin answers questions about his living arrangements (apparently roommate Cade Davis doesn't clean at all), his NBA draft status (he says as of now he is coming back - I call bull shit), his relationship with his brother, and his car (an '02 Denali).

My personal favorite answer came on a question from a fan in Alaska. I can't remember what the question was in regards to, but Griffin's answer started with "Let me ask you a question. Can you really see Russia from up there?"

For a guy that has taken a number of cheap shots this year, he is sure quick to dish them out.

My question to Blake: "What's with the crossdressing?" Continue reading...

Blake Griffin or John Amaechi?

Yup, I am about to post pictures of Blake Griffin in drag. Two more after the jump.







So many questions... Why? Who is he hugging? How long before you can't find a pink tube top, a green skirt, or a blonde wig near a college campus in the midwest? Continue reading...

College Basketball Week in Review: Will Anyone Be Able to Stop Steph Curry or Blake Griffin This Year?

GAME OF THE WEEK:
Xavier 63, Virginia Tech 62
This one was pretty easy to pick. Virginia tech led by as many as 12 in the second half and went up 7 with 5:14 left on a Malcolm Delaney three, but the Hokies would not score for the remainder of regulation. Xavier battled back to tie the game up on two Kenny Frease free throws to force OT. In that OT, there were six lead changes as the two teams went back and forth. Tied at 60 with time running out, Dorenzo Hudson missed a pull-up jumper but Jeff Allen was in the right place as he tipped in a weak side rebound to give Tech the lead. Out of timeouts, Jason Love took the ball out of bounds and quickly found Dante Jackson, who took one dribble and fired from just beyond half court. He banked in the prayer, and the Xavier players stormed the court. Derrick Brown led Xavier with 16 and 6 boards while CJ Anderson added 13. Jeff Allen led everyone with 22 and 11, but AD Vassallo was held to 4 points on 2-13 shooting (he did have 10 boards and 8 assists).

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:
Stephen Curry, Davidson and Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
In three games this week, Curry averaged 35.7 ppg, 8.3 apg, and 3.0 spg while shooting 53% from the floor, 15-33 from three, and 24-25 from the line. He led Davidson to a 2-1 week. Their only loss was to Blake Griffin and the Oklahoma Sooners, where Curry scored 44 points on what most considered to be an off-night. Griffin has been equally as impressive in the early season. In three games this week, Griffin averaged 26.7 ppg and 20.3 rpg while shooting 72% from the floor. For the season, Griffin has yet to score under 20 points and grab fewer than 18 rebounds.

While both players were pre-season first-team all-americans, no one could have expected the performances that these kids have had four games in. Blake Griffin's athleticism is on a whole different level from the rest of college basketball. The kid is a freak of nature. With his size, mobility, and leaping ability, he is drawing comparisons to Amare Stoudamire. Curry has been just as impressive. He has silenced anyone who doubted his ability to run the point. He is not the play maker that Jason Richards was, meaning he isn't going to be breaking people down off the dribble to create for his teammates. But Curry has proven he is very good at findings people spotting up in transition and that he is able to get the ball up the floor and get Davidson into their offense without turning the ball over. Davidson will not be as good as they were last year, but with Curry on the floor, the Wildcats will never be out of a game.

TEAM OF THE WEEK:
Xavier
If Mercer had held on to their 18 point lead against Georgia tech at home, they would have been back-to-back winners of the TOTW award. But they lost, which opens up the door for the Xavier Musketeers. X won three straight games against good opponents as they won the Puerto Rico Tip-Off Sunday night. They beat Missouri 75-71 on Thursday, Virginia Tech on the buzzer beater on Friday, and held on against Memphis on Sunday night for the title. I've been really impressed with Xavier in the early going. I thought that they were going to be down after losing three seniors in Stanley Burrell, Josh Duncan, and most importantly Drew Lavender. But former Indiana recruit Terrell Holloway and looked better than advertised in five games this season. He hasn't put up spectacular numbers (7.8 ppg, 6 assists vs. 10 turnovers), but he had protected the ball, he has gotten the ball up the court against two teams with a very good press (Missouri, Memphis) and he has stepped to the line an knocked down big free throws (27-28). Fellow freshman Kenny Frease has looked promising as well, but he still has a way to go to learn the college game. As usual, X is getting a balanced effort as they have eight guys averaging between 6.0 and 10.6 ppg and more than 15.8 mpg.

MATCH-UPS OF THE WEEK:
For the best games this week, check-in daily for Lay-up Lines as all of the marquee match-ups take place in the tournaments. Continue reading...