Forward Michael Beasley and guard Mario Chalmers covet getting their feet wet for the Miami Heat this stellar season. The two NBA novices hail from Kansas State and Kansas, respectively. If you scan the college hoops highlight reels from 2007-08, a heavy emphasis was placed on these big game players. Beasley was arguably the most prominent player in college basketball despite playing for small-time Kansas State. He was Miami’s number one selection during the draft, and second player chosen overall. Beasley was one of the hardest workers on his team in college. When he applies himself, there is nothing he can’t do on the court. From in-game ploys and strategy, he is a student of the game. The sky is the limit for the former Wildcat. He brought so much to the table for an unforgettable four years at Kansas State. Beasley set the single season points, scoring average, rebounds, free throws and field goals records. He had a total of 13 30-point games during one year. Three times in one year he scored 40 points in a game. Rebounding is where the Heat will see rewards with Beasley on the roster. His left-handed, leaping quickness fosters his rebounding aptitude.
Bill Self’s Kansas team won the national championship last year with Mario Chalmers at the helm. The 22 year old 27th overall draft pick is an aggressive strong man who earned a reputation as a player who takes advantage of loose balls and finding the open basket. He scored the decisive game winning basket during March Madness. The three point shot stymied the opposition, sending the game into overtime. Chalmers is a complete delight to catch sight of on the hardwood. I remember watching him come up as a freshman in Kansas and finish second on the team in points per game. From that season, he only improved. I will feel an emptiness watching the Jayhawks this year without Chalmers. I considered him the best overall player at Kansas. He just makes everyone around him better.
The Jayhawks’ Super Mario should be an impact player in Miami. Beasley and Chalmers can mimic Mario and Luigi dodging opponents, dashing to the basket and launching the pick-and-roll. I am looking forward to their production with the combination of shooting guard, Dwyane Wade. Chalmers will most likely not start. He is slated to backup veteran PG, Marcus Banks. And Beasley might have to sit on the bench before replacing PF Udonis Haslem for some time. The Heat having nothing to lose by trying out their rated rookies. Give Beasley a chance to work with Wade and throw in a little Chalmers. The Heat will be successful once the formula is formed.
The Miami Heat are coming off a disgraceful 15-67 2007 season. They are desperate to rise again in the East. I like the second year guard, Daequan Cook, from Ohio State, and the recent pickup of Shaun Livingston. Livingston is a gifted passer. Former UNLV’s Shawn Marion will also be of assistance to Wade and company. He is great in the steals and rebounds department for sure. Center, Jamaal Magliore, could miss some time with a hand injury early in this season. Mark Blount will likely start at center for first year coach Erik Spoelstra’s famished team. David Padgett might be the better choice at the position.
Parting points: It was another wild weekend in the college football world. LSU was creamed by Florida, USC demolished Arizona State and Texas did pull off the upset at the Cotton Bowl. There will be a new number one now that the Sooners have one loss. Missouri certainly didn’t help their ranking by losing the Oklahoma State. I can’t see the pollsters picking Penn State as number one. They are 7-0 but an SEC, Pac-10 or Big 12 team will be chosen ahead of any Big 10 team. I was very impressed with Texas’ win, but doubt they will rise to the premier position either. Either way, it will be interesting come Monday’s new AP Poll.
Bill Self’s Kansas team won the national championship last year with Mario Chalmers at the helm. The 22 year old 27th overall draft pick is an aggressive strong man who earned a reputation as a player who takes advantage of loose balls and finding the open basket. He scored the decisive game winning basket during March Madness. The three point shot stymied the opposition, sending the game into overtime. Chalmers is a complete delight to catch sight of on the hardwood. I remember watching him come up as a freshman in Kansas and finish second on the team in points per game. From that season, he only improved. I will feel an emptiness watching the Jayhawks this year without Chalmers. I considered him the best overall player at Kansas. He just makes everyone around him better.
The Jayhawks’ Super Mario should be an impact player in Miami. Beasley and Chalmers can mimic Mario and Luigi dodging opponents, dashing to the basket and launching the pick-and-roll. I am looking forward to their production with the combination of shooting guard, Dwyane Wade. Chalmers will most likely not start. He is slated to backup veteran PG, Marcus Banks. And Beasley might have to sit on the bench before replacing PF Udonis Haslem for some time. The Heat having nothing to lose by trying out their rated rookies. Give Beasley a chance to work with Wade and throw in a little Chalmers. The Heat will be successful once the formula is formed.
The Miami Heat are coming off a disgraceful 15-67 2007 season. They are desperate to rise again in the East. I like the second year guard, Daequan Cook, from Ohio State, and the recent pickup of Shaun Livingston. Livingston is a gifted passer. Former UNLV’s Shawn Marion will also be of assistance to Wade and company. He is great in the steals and rebounds department for sure. Center, Jamaal Magliore, could miss some time with a hand injury early in this season. Mark Blount will likely start at center for first year coach Erik Spoelstra’s famished team. David Padgett might be the better choice at the position.
Parting points: It was another wild weekend in the college football world. LSU was creamed by Florida, USC demolished Arizona State and Texas did pull off the upset at the Cotton Bowl. There will be a new number one now that the Sooners have one loss. Missouri certainly didn’t help their ranking by losing the Oklahoma State. I can’t see the pollsters picking Penn State as number one. They are 7-0 but an SEC, Pac-10 or Big 12 team will be chosen ahead of any Big 10 team. I was very impressed with Texas’ win, but doubt they will rise to the premier position either. Either way, it will be interesting come Monday’s new AP Poll.
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