Monday Grab Bag: All-Star week sucks

I know I harp on this every year, but it needs to be said: All-Star week sucks.  The game, and its attendant fanfare, is pointless, boring, and purposely slotted in a dead period where there's nothing else available to draw my attention.  To each their own, but I generally question the sanity of anyone who 'looks forward' to this non-event.

However, that doesn't mean I want the All-Star game 'fixed,' or any of that nonsense being talked about on sports radio.  Middle aged men can wax poetic all they want about Pete Rose destroying Ray Fosse's career and Ted Williams' walk-off home run, but the All-Star Game has always sucked.  They only remember it fondly because the Mid-Summer Classic was one few games televised before the modern era.  Had other baseball been readily available on television, everyone would remember the All-Star Game as the pointless distraction that it has always been.

I know it'll never happen, but the game needs to be dumped from the schedule. And if that only highlights how unnecessarily long the baseball season is, then why not shorten the season while we're at it?

--

Today in the bag, I'm talking budget cut announcement, Spencer at the WUG, and 'Dre's first run as a professional.

Click below for the bag...

Draft Wrap: Andre Roberson is a Thunder

Yesterday, in my draft preview, I sided with the rising tide by predicting that Andre Roberson would ride his fantastic rebounding numbers and defensive flexibility into an early second round selection in Thursday's NBA Draft.  I was wrong.  In fact, 'Dre didn't get picked at any point in the second round.

In a draft filled with unexpected twists, 'Dre was, instead, selected in the FUCKING FIRST ROUND by the Minnesota Timberwolves!  That selection, 26th overall, was later traded, through the Golden State Warriors, to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  

Doubters be damned, 'Dre got exactly what he wanted.  The first round selection comes with the security of a guaranteed contract (which, according to HoopsWorld.com, will be worth at least $2 million over his first two years), and the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year wound up on a fantastic team, to boot. Any questions about his decision to turn pro have been laid to rest.

Congratulations to Andre Roberson and his family! Ladies and gentlemen, it's celebration time!

I can't in good conscience say I'm shocked.  Pre-draft momentum was on his side, and statisticians - who are, slowly but surely, take over the game - loved his profile, but a first round pick?  I don't think anyone outside of the Roberson camp saw that coming. 

I was definitely surprised by the result, as was Coach Tad Boyle. The CU head man was honest back in April that he was against 'Dre turning pro this year, and was just as honest in receiving the news yesterday evening.  Texting Roberson, Boyle submitted a mea culpa by saying, "What the hell do I know? Congratulations," and following up by telling CUBuffs.com's B.G. Brooks, “It absolutely surprises me, but I’m so proud of him. (It's) good for our program and our fans – everyone wins.”

Indeed.  Everyone wins. (Except for John Henderson. Fuck him.)

GO BUFFS!

2013 NBA Draft Preview: Will Andre Roberson get selected?

There's a lot of uncertainty headed into this evening's NBA Draft.  With no unquestioned superstars headlining the class, the first round could be both chaos and entertaining television.

Closer to home, the uncertainty takes on a different form: what is the fate of CU's former defensive dynamo, Andre Roberson? Ever since his quiet announcement two months ago that he would forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility, BuffNation has fretted over this risky choice, and whether it was a 'good decision' or not.  Tonight's result will go a long way towards providing an answer.

At first, the process didn't look kind to the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.  He came in undersized at the Draft Combine, and even 'Dre himself admits that his on-court performance those two days could've been better.  Combined with lingering questions about his offensive skillset, this lead to many experts leaving him off of their draft boards, even while teams like Orlando and Detroit were taking a closer look.

The Combine wasn't necessarily kind to Roberson.  From: @RealMatSmith

The consensus has shifted in recent weeks, however.  ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford, for one, was adamant this week that 'Dre will get drafted...

ESPN analyst Chad Ford on former #CUBuffs star Andre Roberson: I can almost guarantee you he's going to be drafted.
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) June 25, 2013

Ford said Roberson is one of the most interesting players on the board this year; he could Roberson being drafted in the 30s.
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) June 25, 2013

ESPN analyst Chad Ford on former #CUBuffs staff Andre Roberson: Many teams "absolutely love him as a player."
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) June 25, 2013

... and statistical analysis was released that projects Roberson to have the 3rd best Wins Above Replacement Player of any draft eligible player over the next five years.  'Dre, now seen as one of the best 'steals' available in an otherwise weak draft, was shooting up many mock boards, including Ford's, who has him going 41st overall to Memphis.

The key behind that shift seems to be a focus on the relatability of his skillset into the professional ranks. History has shown that defense and rebounding numbers put up in college are far more predictive of future professional success, and the more statistically inclined NBA GMs will react to what they have on paper. 

Rebounding was always going to be 'Dre's key to unlocking the NBA.

Still, some remain convinced that the most dynamic defensive force in the West will slip through the cracks, and into free agency.  Specifically, both NBADraft.net and DraftExpress have left him off their final mocks.  Doubt lingers.

In spite of that, I'm of a mind to be positive about this evening.  The recent trend is up, and I get the feeling that some GM will try to prove himself smarter than his competitors by reaching for a toolsy, athletic project like Roberson.

Despite Ford giving Roberson a surprise final grade of 'late first round pick', I think any hope of a 1st round pick is out of the question.  However, the statistical analysis of people like ESPN's Kevin Pelton has convinced me that 'Dre will get selected somewhere in the first 20 picks of the second round.  Specifically, I look at a team like Portland, who has back-to-back picks at #39 and #40, and see the potential for a chance taken on a 'glue-guy' project like 'Dre.

That kind of a result may not be as good as the Robersons may have dreamed, or BuffNation feared, but I think it's a happy medium.  Any drafted status is nothing to sneeze at, and a good agent should be able to turn a pick in the first half of the second round into some guaranteed money.

Regardless, this evening is the easy part. Starting tomorrow morning, it'll be up to 'Dre to see his NBA dream to fruition.

--

Of course, 'Dre isn't the only one hoping to hear his name called this evening.  Here is a list of some familiar names for BuffNation to listen for:

 - Ben McLemore - 6-5, SG - Kansas -

I really like McLemore.  He's an elite playmaker, and has the numbers to back it up.  He should easily go in the top-5.

- Shabazz Muhammad - 6-6, SF - UCLA -

Conversely, I've never been high on Muhammad.  Sure, he can score, but his attitude in college stunk, and he would rather lick the floor than play defense.  I just don't think he made UCLA better than they would've been without him.  He'll slip out of the lottery, but still find a nice paycheck.

- Allen Crabbe - 6-6, SG - Cal -

A great scorer with solid rebounding numbers as a 2-guard, Crabbe has always reminded me of Alec Burks.  Hopefully, whoever drafts him won't relegate him to the bench like the Jazz have with the former CU standout.

- Isaiah Canaan - 6-0, PG - Murray St. -

Canaan came back for his senior season, but I don't think it helped his draft stock any.  Still, he can shoot the lights out, and teams love to see points put up on the board.  Should be a late first rounder.

- Jeff Withey - 7-0, C - Kansas -

Another player who excels at defense and rebounding, Withey's selling point won't be as an offensive piece.

- Pierre Jackson - 6-0, PG - Baylor -

An undersized, yet skilled guard, I think Jackson will be a nice pickup for a team looking for some depth at the point. Also: Fuck Baylor.

- Grant Jerrett - 6-10, PF - Arizona -

Jerrett took a big risk by turning pro after single collegiate season spent mostly riding the pine.  He's been rated near Roberson on many 'big boards.'

- Colton Iverson - 7-0, C - CSU -

The bulky Ram makes the list for his size and motor, but I don't think any GMs will overlook his low-level athleticism and age to spend a pick on him. Solid prospects as a free agent, though.

- Arsalan Kazemi - 6-8, PF - Oregon -

The metrics wonder.  I'm very interested to see if the under-rated Iranian gets a late call this evening.

- Solomon Hill - 6-7, SF - Arizona -

Hill has all the talent in the world, but often gets lost on the court for long stretches.  I don't think he will get drafted.

Monday Grab Bag: SMAHT KIDS FROM HAHVAHD

I continue to be most excited about the continuing drip, drip, drip of scheduling information for the coming basketball season.  Outside of that, this is a tough time of year to follow a university without a baseball team.  It's a damn shame I didn't win the lottery the other night, otherwise I'd have been anouncing the return of hardball this morning. *sigh*

Today in the bag, I'm talking another solid addition to the out-of-conference basketball schedule, minor recruiting news for both basketball and football, and Andre Roberson at the NBA Draft Combine.

Click below for the bag...

(UPDATED) Quick Post: On 'Dre's departure, and the word 'failed.'

If you haven't completely given up on traditional media, you may have come across a pair of articles in the local rags about the reasoning behind Andre Roberson's decision to turn pro.  Both featured essentially the same argument from the Roberson camp as to why 'Dre needed to enter the NBA Draft.  One of them, however, featured an editorial hammer-blow aimed at Coach Boyle and staff that jumped the boundaries of reality, and strikes me as an intentional attempt to injure Colorado Basketball. 

It was in the Denver Post that editors chose to slap John Henderson's story with the ominous title "Andre Roberson left Colorado for NBA because coaches failed, dad says."  The phrase 'coaches failed,' is a serious charge, one that seems to imply that the Roberson family feels that Coach Boyle is to blame for both 'Dre leaving, and only being a projected 2nd round pick.  You would imagine that such an inflammatory accusation would be supported by the content of the article. You would be imagining wrong.

Do me a favor, and ctrl+F the word 'failed' in that article.  Any results beyond the title?  Nope.  John Roberson, Andre's father, never used that word.  It was thought up by some editor at the newspaper.  You could say it was pulled out of his ass.

If anything, the 'failed' implication seems to stem from the following quotes:

"That's what he ('Dre) told Coach Boyle. That's the struggle he was fighting. Was it more about 'Dre and fulfilling his dream or more about getting wins?  I think it has to go both ways. If you're going to develop him, develop him. Don't just take the point of view of, 'We need 'Dre so we can have a Final Four team or a top-10 team.' Now if you look at it that way, it's selfish as opposed to (Andre) being selfish."

In the larger context of the whole article, I read that more as John Roberson protecting his son from accusations of selfishness, and explaining that the nature of basketball at the collegiate level simply wouldn't allow Andre to get the singular focus he would need to improve his abilities and draft standing.

Now, compare the titular theme of 'failed' in the Post with the more conciliatory tone of Brian Howell's Buffzone.com article.

"'I think it would be really hard (at CU) for him to develop at the three spot (small forward), just considering the impact that he has as a four and the mismatches he has against bigger players,' John said. John also acknowledged that Andre has to develop more on offense, but said that would have been tough to do at CU, as well. With so many scoring options at CU, including guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Askia Booker, the opportunities to take shots would have been limited, both in practices and in games"

The sentiments I espoused last month, that 'Dre would have trouble showing improvement with all the offensive firepower returning in Boulder, are echoed, and the situation is passed off as a matter of circumstance.  It's essentially saying that 'Dre's skills necessitate a certain style of play at the collegiate level that would keep him from further developing the skillset that he will rely upon at the next level.

That very explanation is found earlier in the Post article, where John Roberson is quoted as saying:

"You'd have a lot of guys coming (back) next year that were demanding the basketball. 'Dre, not being a selfish player, it'd be hard for him to kind of say, 'I want to work on my NBA game my senior year' while the other guys are doing their thing.

 That doesn't say 'coaches failed' to me, that says 'Andre needs to go pro for developmental reasons,' and certainly has nothing to do with 'blaming' Coach Boyle for the situation.  It all boils down to development, which was exactly what Boyle expressed at his season ending presser.

The editors at the Post did a disservice, both to their credibility and their readers, by intentionally using an inflammatory title to sensationalize a narrative that simply doesn't fit with reality.  Coach Boyle and staff didn't 'fail' Andre Roberson, and that's not what 'Dre's father is saying (or even implying).

This is the kind of shit editors at the New York Post resort to when they don't have any real news to report. The Denver Post shouldn't be playing that fast-and-loose with reality, as they haven't (yet) become a tabloid. 

(UPDATE) The Post has since changed the wording of the title to "Andre Roberson left Colorado for NBA to find better coaching, dad says" While still misleading, it's at least less inflammatory.  Can no one over there come up with a damn article title that isn't purely sensationalistic?

(UPDATE, pt 2) The title has gone through a second rewrite, and now says "Andre Roberson left Colorado to develop his NBA game, dad says."  Finally, a title with a firm grasp on context and reality.  Only took them three tries.

The Attrition Files: Andre Roberson

Note: Grab Bag tomorrow.

It's official, Andre Roberson, Tad Boyle's first recruit, and the most dynamic defensive force in the West, is turning pro... that sound you hear is scoring forwards across the Pac-12 breathing a sigh of relief.

LOL, Jacob Pullen.  He should've recognized.

It's not easy, from a fan's perspective, to say goodbye to 'Dre.  He brought passion and energy with him to the stadium each night, and made it a joy to watch the affairs on Sox Walseth's hardwood.  In future years, it will be impossible to discuss the legacy of Colorado Basketball without bringing up the name Andre Roberson.  Simply put, he's one of the best to ever don the Black and Gold.

An integral part of the RollTad era, Roberson has been on the court for all but one of CU's 69 wins over the past three seasons, while helping to lead the program on historic runs at a conference title and three straight postseason appearances.   A proven master of the defensive arts, he finishes his collegiate career 2nd in program history in rebounds, 3rd in blocks, and 7th in steals (he lead the team in all three categories for three consecutive seasons), all while becoming only the second player in program history to accumulate both 1,000 points and rebounds (Stephane Pelle).

The old adage 'defense wins championships' applies.

The ultimate diamond-in-the-rough story, CU managed to find this program-defining talent almost purely by chance.  New to the job in the spring of 2010, and desperate for a boost in the paint after years of neglect by Jeff Bzdelik, Coach Boyle turned to the lone holdover from the Bzdelik staff, Tom Abatemarco, for a recruiting target who could rebound in the rough-and-tumble Big XII. Abatemarco responded by saying, "a guy I trust in Texas told me that Andre can really rebound," and CU, essentially sight unseen, beat out Penn State for 'Dre's services only two weeks after Boyle had signed on.  The rest, as 'they' say, is history.

Almost immediately, those paying attention could tell that 'Dre was special.  While most of the headlines from the 2010-11 season revolved around the scoring prowess of Burks, Higgins, et al, it was Roberson who did the dirty work on the defensive end to help that group win games.  By the end of the season, he was almost single-handedly holding teams like Texas and Kansas St off the boards, while Burks and crew ran up the score.

'Dre would even beat out his own teammates for boards.  GET OUT OF THE WAY, SABATINO!

Over his final two seasons in Boulder, he became a star. Using his high motor and superior athleticism, Roberson could dominate games even if he wasn't scoring.  He could guard seemingly anyone on the floor, and, once a missed shot was forced, it only became fodder for his ever expanding highlight reel of high-flying rebounds.  While 'Dre's offensive game never exploded the way many had hoped, his ball hawking abilities on the defensive end helped the other four guys on the court up their games.  Said Askia Booker:

"It still happens to this day. I'll go up for a rebound, and he'll come from nowhere and just snatch it. That's why I always look for Andre. If he's going up, I get out of there and run the lane. [...]  Once I see Dre going for the ball, I don't even go for it anymore. I know he's going to grab it and my job is to get out and go. It speeds the game up a little bit." -link

It's not easy to make a name for yourself doing the little things on defense, but Andre was the exception that proves the rule.  A two-time All-Conference selection, he also stands as the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year, an honor he probably deserved in 2011-12 as well.

Yet another victim.

With his announcement yesterday afternoon, Roberson became only the fourth player in CU history to leave early for the professional ranks, following in the footsteps of Chauncey Billups, David Harrison, and Alec Burks. Unlike those three, however, Andre probably won't enjoy the security of a guaranteed contract offer that comes with a first round selection, as most draft experts view him as an early-to-mid second round pick at best.

His decision to enter the professional ranks is final, but the arguments will continue into the future.  The unfortunate reality of this moment is that many will choose mark it not with praise for one of the program's all-time best, but by deriding his choice.  The cynics, the haters, look at the second round grade, and dismissively slam the young man as immature and greedy.  Conversely, I think there's more than enough justification for him to turn pro, with only his loyalty to his teammates, and the chance to be a part of what could be the best team in program history, making him pause.  Regardless, this isn't about his decision, and whether or not it was 'right,' it's about remembering one of the best to ever walk out of the north tunnel at the CEC.

The only disappointment in this situation is that he spent the final homestand on the bench, rather than receiving the raucous sendoff he so richly deserved.  CU will just have to have him back to make up for it.

Thank you, Andre! You kick-started the Tad Boyle era, and helped redefine basketball on the Front Range.  Whatever team ends up selecting you in June will be getting a hell of a player.

--

Best remembered for - 

Being a double-double machine.  He finished with 37 for his career (CU was 28-9 in those games), while averaging one in both his sophomore and junior campaigns. 

Also, his magical penguin hat.

Best aspect of his game - 

Rebounding.  I think this quote from Coach Boyle sums it up pretty well: "You can teach and coach positioning and blocking out, but you can't teach going up and getting it. That's an instinct. And it takes a lot of heart, a warrior attitude." -link

Best game as a Buff - 

Plenty to choose from here.  Part of me wants to say his 11/14/3 against K-State in the 2011 Big XII tournament, or his ridiculous 12/20/3/3 against Stanford this past season, but I have to pick his performance against UNLV in last season's NCAA Tournament.  Not only did he put up a 12/16/2, but he held heralded Rebel forward Mike Moser to 10 points on 4-15 shooting.  Moser hasn't been the same since.

Quick Post: So... about 'Dre's decision...

Hey, remember when the news broke that there was a press conference set for 9am this morning, and that we were finally going to hear whether or not the reigning Pac-12 defensive player of the year would be back for his senior season?  Well, not so much. 

After talking it over with Coach Boyle last night, Andre Roberson has apparently decided that he needs more time to decide.  Regardless of which way he's leaning, he has until Sunday night at 9:59pm MST to declare, or the choice will be made for him.

I honestly feel bad for 'Dre, because the decision isn't an easy one.  He has prepared his entire life driven by the hope of becoming an NBA star, but he's stuck in the second round no-man's land, with cloudy prospects of improving his stock.  With influential camps pulling him both directions (Father: go pro, Coach Boyle: stay in school), it's only complicating matters further.

My suggestion: flip a coin.

Quick Post: 'Dre's decision set for Friday

Since the final seconds slipped away in Austin, the big story hanging over the CU basketball program has been the pending decision from Andre Roberson concerning his professional status.  Tomorrow morning at 9am, BuffNation will finally get the answer it's been waiting for, as 'Dre will announce whether or not he will be entering this summer's NBA Draft.

Those able to can catch the announcement live by clicking here.

The more prominent rumor has 'Dre turning pro, but I haven't heard definitively one way or the other.  Coach Boyle was meeting with Andre earlier this evening, so it's still probably still anyone's guess at this point.

For the record, while I would selfishly prefer that he stays, I've long since come to terms with the idea that 'Dre would jump into the Draft, even without the 'guarantee' of a 1st round selection.  I've heard plenty of people say that this would be a terrible choice, but, as I said earlier this month, I'm not convinced that another year in Boulder would necessarily improve his professional stock.

If 'Dre does indeed declare for the Draft tomorrow, the choice will essentially be that he would rather spend 2013-14 developing in a professional atmosphere (NBA, NBADL, or Europe), than in Boulder, struggling to balance scholastic endeavors and gym time.  I think that's fair, as long as he is properly informed that an NBA roster might not be attainable right away.

I'll have more on 'Dre's decision tomorrow.

On 'Dre and the Draft

For most of the year, the working assumption had been that Andre Roberson was going to turn pro.  It was seen as such a foregone conclusion, that Coach Boyle went ahead and spent a 3rd scholarship on the 2013 recruiting class, even when there was only two known to be available (all indication is that Shane Harris-Tunks' graduation and departure were known well in advance of the announcement last month).

Recently, however, there has been a hitch in that plan, with many draft experts predicting that Roberson will land as a second round draft pick at best, with a decent chance that he'd see draft day roll by without hearing his name called.

The problem isn't his defense and rebounding.  The reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player-of-the-Year has lead the program in rebounds, steals and blocks each of the last three seasons, and has cemented his status as one of the nation's premier defensive forces.  NBA scouts recognize these skills, and they are unquestioned (and even earn him the heralded 'high-motor' designation). 

No, the problem is that his offensive performance in his junior season slipped from the numbers he put up as a sophomore.

From: KenPom.com

He stopped getting to both the line (where he also slipped to 55% shooting) and the rim (a career-low 51% of attempts), shot the ball at career low rates, and posted a declining O-Rating for the second consecutive year.  Part of the decline may be attributed to Josh Scott 'stealing' interior touches, continuing to play out of position, and a team-wide move away from the rim on offense, but the statistical decline shrieks 'look at me,' and NBA GMs are listening.

Given this shaky offensive track record, the conventional wisdom becomes, 'Roberson needs another year in college to improve his draft stock.'  I, however, remain unconvinced that another year at CU would do anything to move the draft needle, and may in fact be harmful to his overall NBA prospects.

For me it comes down to this: even assuming he reverses the trends and improves offensively, NBA GMs are still going to look at him as offensively deficient.  He just doesn't have the game for the small forward role that CU continues to play him in, and it's highlighting the weaker aspects of his game, rather than emphasizing what he does best at.  Barring some ridiculousness where he breaks out a la Derrick Williams, that narrative can't change. 

Further, how is he going to show offensive improvement on next season's deeper, more balanced roster?  Who will he be stealing points from, since the majority of the roster that put points on the board will be returning?  Scott is only going to improve, Spencer Dinwiddie, assuming he returns, is only going to improve, and Askia Booker probably (*cough*) won't be in a season-long slump.  The scoring situation only becomes more crowded when you consider incoming freshmen like Chris Jenkins, Tre'Shaun Fletcher, and Jaron Hopkins, in addition to the front-line touches that Wes Gordon will be pushing for.  There's just not enough water left in the stone for 'Dre to squeeze out eye-popping numbers.

Sure, 'Dre coming back makes a lot of sense from a non-NBA point-of-view.  Not only would it make the team better - possibly Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight better - but he'd also get another year as the BMOC, a final dose of accolades and awards, the opportunity to pursue a league title with a special grouping of talent, a chance to ascend to the Mt Rushmore of CU basketball, and, last but not least, a degree... but I just don't see how all of that would improve his draft standing.

Talk about the benefits of staying in school if you must, but don't tell me it'll make him better in the eyes of the NBA.  From my perspective, it won't.

Quick Post: Pac-12 D-POY follow-up

On Saturday, I was stunned to see a list of candidates for Pac-12 defensive player of the year that didn't include CU junior forward Andre Roberson.  The nation's leading rebounder, and the Pac-12's #1 ball thief, seemed a necessary inclusion, and I proceeded to tell anyone and everyone my thoughts.

The list had been provided by Fox Sports' commentator Marques Johnson, who was actually pretty cool about the whole thing.  He admitted that he had overlooked 'Dre, primarily because he hasn't covered any CU games this year.  Given a DirecTV fueled blackout of most Pac-12 games, that means he has very few chances to catch the non-scoring plays that most highlights overlook - i.e. the things that define a great defender.

That got me thinking: what are the chances that there is a similar coverage bias (unintended) in the minds of more than just Mr. Johnson?  How many CU games has Bill Walton, for example, actually seen?  Has the master of hyperbole any appreciation for the skills of Andre Roberson beyond what little is written about him? Walton will be on the call Wednesday night, which is great, but the point remains.  BuffNation was shocked when Roberson was denied the award last year; maybe this coverage bias is a reason.

That's why I bristle when I hear people talk about 'Dre "taking a step backwards this season."  I read things like this, and roll my eyes. For those of you who don't have a Rivals subscription, allow me to summarize.  Two writers out of a panel of three say that Roberson has underachieved this year, citing offensive numbers below what they perceive to be his potential.  This is not an isolated example, and I've heard plenty of Buff fans say that they feel similarly.

'Dre's primary value, both as a Buff, and as a NBA prospect, is derived from his defensive prowess.  He rips boards, disrupts passing lanes, protects the rim, and neutralizes offensive threats like none other in the region, yet we're still complaining that his 11 points per game aren't enough!  Those outside of BuffNation hear this, and assume he's having a down year, when that's simply not the case.  No one else in the conference can claim the distinction of averaging a double-double each night, and I can count at least four games this year that Andre almost single-handedly won through his rebounding and defense alone.  Without him, CU loses to Fresno St, Stanford, Oregon, and Utah, and might as well start printing NIT tickets this afternoon. 

We BasketBuffs should be shouting from the rooftops that Andre is not only the conference's defensive player of the year - possibly the best defender in the whole country - but a candidate for overall Pac-12 player of the year, as well.  The kid is special, and we need to make sure that everyone associated with this conference understands that.

Quick Post: Marques Johnson has never heard of @FlyDre21

This is Marques Johnson:

Marques covers Pac-12 games for Fox Sports Net.  Apparently he doesn't take his job all that seriously, because, when asked about his pick(s) for Pac-12 defensive player of the year, he dropped this list:

Tweeted by @RyanKoenigsberg.

Wow.  Just wow.

Really?  Eric Moreland?  He of the 13-14 Oregon St Beavers, who have the worst shot-percentage and scoring defense in the league?  You have to be kidding me.  And Jordan Bachynski?  That dude whose only major contribution over the last month of Pac-12 play was to put an elbow into Josh Scott's cheekbone?  I'm dumbfounded.

I have to ask, does Marques Johnson even watch basketball?  How could he compile a list of the conference's best defenders, yet leave out Andre Roberson, the most dominating defensive force in the west?  You know, that one dude who leads the nation in rebounds per game, is first in the conference in steals per game, and chips in a block and a half per game, all while playing on a team that actually relies on it's defense to win.

Two Bunk posts in one week.

Seriously, just awful.  Someone better inform Mr. Johnson, because he has yet to recognize.

Quick-Post: 'Dre's Magical Penguin Hat

Shabazz Muhammad's Gucci backpack, meet Andre Roberson's Magical Penguin Hat:

ALL PRAISE PENGUIN HAT!  MASTER OF ALL IT SEES!

No compliance investigation needed, no violation here.  That's all 'Dre.

I just want every Pac-12 wanna-be scorer to remember: that dude who just rejected your shot, ripped your board, or stole your ball feels comfortable wearing that around campus.  He is more of a man than you are.

It's 'Dre's world; we just live in it.

Happy Thursday!

'Dre getting some pre-season love

Andre Roberson is one of the best players in the Pac-12 conference.  Anyone who obsesses over West Coast hoops understands this.  On a team dedicated to rebounding and shot defense, he's been the straw that stirs the drink.  Last season he averaged a double-double every night (11.6/11.1), while blocking nearly two shots per contest and notching the second best defensive rebounding percentage in the nation.  Now, after that stellar 2011-12 campaign which included carrying the Buffs through a conference title run, and a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament, the word is starting to spread to national outlets.

Late last week, Andre was anointed the #1 NBA draft prospect in the Pac-12 Conference by DraftExpress.com.  Coach Boyle's recruiting strategy this year has lead many to believe that he is banking on 'Dre jumping for the NBA early, and this only underscores that point.  Their projections may not yet include UCLA's Shabazz Muhammad (who's not only a freshman, but potentially ineligible), but that's still impressive.  Key quote:

"There is little doubt, then, that Andre Roberson is an excellent NBA prospect. When contemplating an NBA comparison, players as diverse as Shawn Marion, Kawhi Leonard, and Kenneth Faried come to mind, showing just how many different directions his development could take him and just how good he could be. He already possesses ideal size and athleticism for the NBA wing position along with excellent defensive potential and intangibles. Scouts will be watching him closely this year to see whether he can emerge as a comfortable, consistent, and prolific perimeter shooter. His NBA future is bright, regardless of his offensive development, but if he continues to improve as a scorer, then he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level."

I'm surprised that this article never mentions the name Dennis Rodman, but I digress. I don't think we'll ever see 'Dre hit the floor with a prolific perimeter shot, but a comfortable 18-20 foot jumper to stretch the defense is well within his capability, and would make him a strong professional contributor (Remember: if you can rebound, the Association will find a spot for you). DraftExpress currently has 'Dre pegged for a late first round pick, slotting him in a #23. A season of improved offensive output should kick that up, maybe even kissing the edges of the lottery, making his NBA choice a very simple one.

Additional lists of the top players nationally have also featured high praise for the rebound machine from San Antonio. CBS has him at #36, calling him "the best player you don’t know anything about." (Seth Davis voiced that sentiment earlier this summer.) Big Lead has him at #16.

As preseason lists begin to drop over the next few weeks, expect more than a few places to list 'Dre as their pick for preseason conference player of the year, and for him to make a slew of preseason All-Conference teams.  His days as an insider's secret are numbered.  As 'Dre ominously said last night "they will recognize."

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Remember, you can see 'Dre, along with all the other members of both the men's and women's basketball teams, at the CEC this Friday night for Buffs Madness.  Admission is free, and the event will tip-off around 8:30.

You should also join the Facebook event page here.

Quick Post: Thorburn on 'Dre

Last night Ryan Thorburn of the BDC dropped a lengthy article on Andre Roberson and his record-setting rebound pace. 

The lightly regarded recruit out of Texas is shooting up the CU record books in numerous categories.  At this point, only time and how long he stays in Boulder stand between him and all-time records in rebounds, steals and blocks.

The article really is a good read, tying in CU's history with its present; give it a look.

Quick-Post: Kenpom has a raging brainer for Andre Roberson

Ken Pomeroy, who has transcended into the ethereal in the eyes of many basketball junkies, devoted time on his blog this morning to the discussion of Buffs forward Andre Roberson.

Read it.  Do it now.  Like, right fucking now.  Key quote: "His rebounding and defensive numbers almost certainly will be among the best in the nation."  That's some pretty high praise from a guy who knows his stuff.

Kenpom's point on the relative anonymity of 'Dre is fair, to an extent.  I'm sure that beyond us Buff nuts and a few frustrated K-State fans, few have put too much thought into #21.  However, one group who do seem to know him and his capabilities are the crew at NBADraft.net, who think highly enough of the springy Texan to have him as high as 4th in their 2013 NBA mock draft (Assuming, of course, that there still is an NBA in 2013).  The word is starting to get out.  'Dre is athletic, smart, and competitive... and a badass.

Cue Michael Bay-esque sweeping shot and dramatic music.  'DRE: "Shit just got real."  From: the Post.

 'Dre was the missing piece from the '09-'10 season that Coach Boyle plugged in to make the '10-'11 squad one of the best in school history.  Think back to Bzdelik's final year; forget the "hyper-Princeton" and all of that, the one glaring weakness was a obscene lack of rebounding on both ends of the court.  To combat this, the incoming Coach Boyle tasked the only holdover from Bzdelik's staff, Coach Abatemarco, with finding someone who could rebound.  "A man he could trust" told Abatemarco that 'Dre was his guy.  Sometimes it's just that easy.

Now, with a year of stunning production under his belt, the lanky San Antonio native is expected to expand on his "hustle" numbers, and to take on a much larger role in the offensive end to help replace the loss of Burks, Higgins, et al.  From what I saw last year, I'm comfortable with these high expectations.  Kenpom is too.

Monday Grab Bag: *facepalm*

Sigh.... is it weird that at halftime I thought we'd blow that lead?  FYI, today's bag will be abbreviated; a Baylor wrap, and some quick thoughts on the Pro Bowl.  The weather is nasty, and real work will take precedence.

Follow below for today's (weather shortened) Bag...