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Home , 07 Seconds or Less, Adam Keefe (basketball), Adia Barnes, Alan Henderson, Allan Houston, Alonzo Mourning

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© Volume 4 Issue 6 NBA PLAYOFFS SPECIAL April 1998

BASKETBALL FOR THOUGHT by Kris Gardner, e-mail: [email protected] A clock was involved; not a or a of the rules. When is a Basket not a Basket? The basket either was made before the clock expired or nswer: when 3 The protest by after. The clock provides tan- officials and deter- the losing gible proof. This wasn’t a commissioner mina- team. "The charge or call. Period. tion as Board of No gray area here. say so. to Governors Secondly, it’s time the Sunday, April 12, the whethe has not league allows officials to use Knicks apparently defeated r a ball seen fit to replay when dealing with is- the 83 - 82, on a is shot adopt such sues involving the clock. It’s last second by G prior a rule," the sad that the entire viewing . Replays to the Commis- audience could see replays showed Allan scored the bas- expira- sioner showing the basket should be ket with 2 tenths of a second tion of stated, allowed and not the 3 most on the clock. However, offi- time, "although important people—the refer- cials disagreed. They hud- Stern © ees calling the game! Ironi- dled after the shot for 30 "...although the subject has been considered from time to cally, the officials viewed the seconds to determine if they time. Until it does so, such is not the function of the replays in the locker after the were all in agreement. They League Office," the Commissioner stated. game; but, of course, it was were. Basket disallowed. Mi- too late to make the correc- ami wins 82 - 81. stated in his opinion, is "an the subject has been consid- tion. The Knicks filed a archetypal example of a ered from time to time. Until In this high tech day and protest with the league office judgment call." it does so, such is not the age, it should not be very claiming a clock malfunc- Stern also stressed that function of the League Of- difficult or time consuming to tion was the determining the NBA does not have a fice." allow the referees the opportu- factor in the refs’ decision. "replay rule" that allows for First of all, I disagree nity to clarify or correct a call They argued the red light review of the videotape upon that it was a judgment call. when it involves the clock. came on with 1 tenth show- I’m not advocating less- ing which may have caused Inside This Issue Page(s) ening the authority of the refs. the officials to react early. I just believe if someone (Truth be told, the light Basketball For Thought 1 makes a mistake and there is came on with at least 2 NBA State of the Team Address 2 - 3 an opportunity to correct the tenths showing.) The com- WNBA News 4, 16 mistake; then, the mistake missioner didn’t disagree Roundball Regular Season Award Winners 5 needs to be corrected. with the Knicks. He just Roundball All - NBA Teams 6 I have a very simple pro- didn’t overturn the decision. NBA Notes 6 - 7 posal: the refs should be al- While concluding on NBA Players of the Week; Playoff Predictions 8 lowed to use replay when the the basis of videotape replay Western Conference Playoff Rosters 9 clock is under 2 seconds in the that the officials made the Western Conference 1st Round Preview 10 - 11 4th quarter if a play is in wrong call, Stern deter- question. Simple. No muss. mined that the error was one Eastern Conference Playoff Rosters 12 No fuss. Beyond that, the offi- of judgment, not a misappli- Eastern Conference 1st Round Preview 13 - 14 cials can make all the judg- cation of the rules, and NCAA Post Season Camps Rosters 15 - 16 ment calls they desire. Some- therefore not an adequate Top Players for the ‘98 NBA Draft 17 one will always be upset with ground to support a protest. Around the Rim: NCAA Hoop News 18 - 19 Roundball “Rim” Shots 20 a “judgment” call anyway.

The Houston Roundball Review P.O. Box 70516 Houston, TX 77270 - 0516 888-ROUNBAL houstonroundballrev.com Page 2 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review

NBA State of the Team Address by: Kris Gardner (Records as of April 19th; End of Regular Season.) : 50 - 32. Cavaliers : he wants the club to name aggressive treatment on his Summary : The Hawks 47 - 35. interim Alvin injured feet to remove scar showed Charlotte F An- Summary : The Cavs sur- Gentry head coach for next tissue. Rik said his feet thony Mason they indeed prised a lot of people with season. an- haven’t felt this good in 2 had “heart” as they waxed their won loss record this nounced he’ll return for his years. He’s crucial to the the Hornets for the 4th time season. With 4 rookies 14th season. Changes will Pacers’ post - season hopes. in the regular season. The playing a major role, coach be made. LA Clippers : 17 - 65. Hawks matchup very well did a good has said he wants to return Summary : was with Charlotte; however, job maximizing his club’s and he won’t mind playing fired 4 / 20. It’s unknown they now have to beat the ability and potential. They behind Dumars as long as who will be the new coach. Hornets in the first round of should give ’s vet- he’s “compensated.” Owner the playoffs. Perimeter eran legs a workout; but Golden St. Warriors : agreed to move the Clips to shooting will be to their should not advance past the 19- 63. downtown LA and share a success. first round. Summary : The Warriors ac- new arena with the Kings : 36 - 46. : 20 - 62. complished their goal: they and Lakers. It’s about time Summary : Celtics’ coach Summary : did not finish with one of he left the dilapidated LA stated his club emerged this season as a the 3 worst records in the Sports Arena. Now, if he gave him everything they young star. However, it re- league which means they can focus on producing a had; however, the current mains to be seen if he is can keep their draft pick. C better product on the court... make up of the club is what just a good player on a bad ’s improved LA Lakers : 61 - 21. it is: a 36 win ball club. team. con- play this season may cause Summary : GM They need to get bigger in tinues to befuddle coach / management to sign him to apparently will step down in the front court and sign F GM with his a contract extension this August due to stress and be- to a con- schizophrenic play. One summer. has ing worn out. The Lakers tract extension this summer. game Shawn produces a said he wouldn’t mind re- have loads of talent and Assuming of course, there is big time triple - double signing with the club as could really advance far in no lockout. against Portland; and an- long as they show signs of the playoffs. However, they : 51 - 31. other game he’s is hardly progress and improvement must maintain focus for the Summary : The Hornets noticed. in the off - season. entire game and not drift played miserably the last : 11 - 71. : 41 - 41. from quarter to quarter. month of the season. Facing Summary : Hooray for the Summary : The end of the Perimeter shooting is key to Atlanta in the first round is Nuggets and their 11 victo- line is near. Injuries have their success. Shaq will probably their worst possi- ries! seem- taken a toll on the club all dominate any opponent. He ble matchup. ingly played his way to be- season. To a man, each needs help to go far. and have to ing re-signed by the club. player truly believes they Miami Heat : 55 - 27. shoot well in order to give A few questions remain: can capture lightning in a Summary : Miami finished his much needed will they re-sign F bottle one more time and the regular season very help. If the starting back LaPhonso Ellis?; who’ll re- make a run in the playoffs. poorly. re- court struggles, Charlotte place as head We’ll see. Utah in the open- turned to action in the last won’t be in the playoffs very coach?; has rookie Bobby ing round is no picnic; how- regular season game and long. Jackson’s blow ups with ever, if healthy, the Rockets looked pretty good. Trading Bulls : 62 - 20. the coaching staff forced can pose some match up Ike Austin will really loom Summary : Injuries have his exit?; and which big problems. big in the post - season if hurt the Bulls. time free agents want to be : 58 - 24. gets into is very important to the Denver Nuggets next sea- Summary : The Pacers beat foul trouble. A consistent club’s interior defense. He son? the Bulls decisively in third scorer is key to their may not play much in the Pistons : 37 - 45. Chicago and laid claim to playoff success. first round while he recovers Summary : The Pistons being the second best team : 36 - 46. from his injured knee. He closed out a hugely disap- in the East. However, they Summary : Give the Bucks probably won’t be needed in pointing season. They lost have 3 defensive liabilities credit for not throwing in the first round anyway since 21 games in which they led in their starting line - up: the towel after injuries to the Nets don’t have a domi- in the 4th quarter. Grant Mullin, Miller, and Jackson. , Terrell nant scoring . Hill has gone public stating C received some (Continued on page 3) The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 3

NBA State of the Team Address by: Kris Gardner (Records as of April 19th; End of Regular Season.)

(Continued from page 2) the first round. If they ad- perimeter shooting go a Toronto Raptor s : 16 - 66. Brandon, and . vance to the second round, long way. Summary : They will miss the playoffs Patrick should be able to play Portland Trailblazers : should be permanent head for the 7th straight season; and compete. A low post 46 - 36. coach within 2 weeks. He however, de- scorer in the 4th quarter is Summary : Damon gives the club discipline and serves to be brought back as crucial to their success. The Stoudamire’s health is cru- a work ethic. Tracy McGrady coach next year. Rookie F Knicks cannot afford G Allan cial to their success. Isaiah finally showed flashes of abil- ’s solid per- Houston to struggle. If he Rider continues to piss off ity. (the Thin formances late in the year does, they go home very the fans with his antics. Man) led the league in gives the club hope he could early. They can compete with the blocked shots; but, he just be the scorer off the bench : 41 - 41. Lakers; but, their consis- can’t stay healthy. they need. Look for them to Summary : Coach tency and focus are real : 62 - 20. trade F Armon Gilliam and got everything he could from concerns. Summary : Best record in the / or C Andrew Lang this off his players. Nick Anderson : league. Home court through- - season. finished the second half of 27 - 55. out the playoffs. That’s a lot Minnesota T’wolves : the season as one of the top Summary : The Kings of pressure if you aren’t used 45 - 37. guards in the East. They will ended the season with 1 to it. It’s right there for the Summary : Everyone begin looking into offers for win in a month. They Jazz to be NBA champs. I thought the wolves would this sum- looked listless. However, picked them to win it all; but, crater without Tom mer. management has said Ed- I still don’t see them doing it. Gugliotta. Boy, were we die Jordan will return as : : wrong! They won 12 of head coach. If they want to 31 - 51. 19 - 63. their last 15 and are really sign to a Summary : The Sixers have fi- Summary : Vancouver needs peaking for the playoffs. contract extension, they nancial decisions to make: to decide what to do with G They believe they matchup should do so this summer; how much should they offer in the sum- favorably with the Sonics in if not, trade Mitch and this summer; can mer. His performance was the first round compared to start over. Once again. they sign to a very disappointing to some in Utah or the Lakers. They’re Rookie G Tariq Abdul - contract extension this sum- the organization. If Shareef right; however, they won’t Wahad looks like a keeper. mer; should they buy out F Abdur - Rahim wants to sign get out of the first round. ’s contract : a contract extension, the sum- : 43 - 39. New Jersey Nets for $5.6 M and then try and 56 - 26. mer is the time. If he doesn’t Summary : The Nets almost re-sign him. What should Summary : is sign, he’s probably gone after blew their shot at the post they do about ? Re- unbelievable! He led the next season. If there is one. season with 3 straight losses sign him or let him go? The league in double - doubles : before winning on the last club showed signs of im- (points & rebounds). David 42 - 40. day of the regular season. provement this year which is still having problems Summary : Justice to the Wiz- Injuries to , will raise fans’ expectations with his left knee. The ards! They half stepped most , and Rony for next season which may team wimped out after of the season and put on a Seikaly have left them with- not be a good thing. knocked late push to almost make the out a low post defender. : 56 - 26. David unconscious with an playoffs. Too much talent to Williams vows to be ready Summary : Losing Danny elbow early in the month. get in the post season like for the playoffs. He should Manning to a torn ACL in Their lack of perimeter that, again. Off the court play and the Nets should get April hurt the club personnel scoring should be their problems have caused GM swept by the Bulls. wise and emotionally. How- downfall in the first round. headaches for the : 43 - 39. ever, the Suns have enough Seattle Sonics : 61 - 21. last time. Either Juwan Summary : The Knicks have depth to overcome Manning’s Summary : , wel- Howard or has a lot of heart and character. loss in the first round. Sign- come to the playoffs! Make to go if this team is to mature They match up better with ing C / F Mike Brown for the your free throws. They and reach their potential. C Miami than any team in the playoffs gives Phoenix a played the last month like Gheorghe Muresan missed East and physical presence to go they were bored. It’s time the entire season due to in- will be placed against David in the first to step up. Minnesota poses jury; but, he finally learned on the playoff roster; but, round. Quickness and some problems; but, the the cause: fish. He may re- only Dudley may see time in Sonics will advance. sign for the minimum. Page 4 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review WNBA NEWS 3 More College Players Signed to Contracts WNBA Signs 8 More College Players

April 15, The league announced the signing of 3 more col- April 9, The league announced the signings of 8 more college lege players: players: , 5’11, F from ; Atlantic Coast Howard's Alisha Hill, a 5'11" forward from the Mid-Eastern Conference Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons Athletic Conference. (1996-97 & 1997-98). Iowa's , a 6'4" center from the Big Ten Confer- Leslie Johnson, 6’2, C from Western Kentucky, a 1997-98 ence. All-Sun Belt First Team selection. LaTonya Johnson from the University of Memphis, a 6'1" Connecticut's , 5’7 guard; member of the forward, was a member of the 1997-98 All-Conference USA 1997-98 All-Big East Second Team. She was named . Most Outstanding Player of the 1997-98 Big East Champi- LaShena Graham, a 5'3" guard from Colorado. onship. Iowa's Angela Hamblin, a 6'0" guard/forward. 's Mimi McKinney, a 5'9" guard 4 Conference Players of the Year head List of Vanderbilt's Lisa Ostrom, a 6'2" forward. Signees Þ The Los Angeles Sparks acquired F / C Pamela McGee April 14, The league announced the signing of 7 college from the in exchange for F Linda players to contracts: Burgess. Arizona’s , a 5'11 forward, PAC-10 Conference Player of the Year. WNBA Inks Six International Stars Duquesne's Kori Hlede, a 5'9 guard, Atlantic 10 Conference Three 1996 Olympians among latest signees Player of the Year. Northeastern Illinois' Delores Jones, a 6'1 center, Mid- April 7, The WNBA announced the signings of 6 international Continent Conference Player of the Year. players and they are: Stephen F. Austin's Katrina Price, a 5'10 guard, Southland Susanna Bonfiglio, a 5'10" guard, was a member of the 1996 Conference Player of the Year. Italian Olympic team. Anna DeForge, 5’11 guard from Nebraska, who was named participated in the 1988 and 1996 Olympics to the All-Big 12 First Team. as a member of the Australian National Team. Stanford’s Vanessa Nygaard, 6’1 forward who was named , a 6'8" center, at 20, was the youngest mem- to the All PAC-10’ First Team. ber of the 1996 Russian Olympic team. Florida’s Mahogany Hudson, 5’6 guard who helped lead Albena Branzova, a 6'3 forward, has played on the Bulgarian the club to the ‘97-’98 Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tourney. National team since 1986. Her sister, Gergana, signed a con- tract with the league on April 2nd. Six More College Stars Signed Vedrana Grgin, a 6'1" forward from Croatia, played for Split in her native country from 1990-93 and then spent a year with April 13, The league announced the signing of six more col- Sporting in Greece. lege players to contracts: Odile Santaniello, a 6’0 guard, is the only player in history to Christy Smith, 5’6, guard from Arkansas, 1997-98 All-SEC be named MVP of the French League eight consecutive times. First Team. Alabama's , 5’5 guard, ‘97- 98 All-SEC Sec- WNBA Signs Six Seniors ond Team. Big Sky and WAC Players of the Year among signees Quacy Barnes, 6’5, center from Indiana, member of the 1997-98 All-Big 10 First Team. April 2, The WNBA signed 6 seniors and they are: , 6’1, forward from Miami, member of the Nani Cockett, 6’0 guard from Hawaii, the 1997-98 Western ‘97-‘98 Big East First Team. Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Angela Jackson, 6’4, center from Texas, member of the Skyla Sisco, 5’7 guard from Montana, the 1997-98 Big Sky ‘97-’98 Big XII Second Team. Conference Player of the Year. Jayme Olson, 6’1, forward from Iowa State, member of Pollyanna Johns, a 6'3" center from Michigan University, ‘97-’98 Big XII Second Team. earned 1997-98 All-Big Ten First Team honors.

(Continued on page 16) The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 5 Roundball Review Regular Season Award Winners The Houston Roundball Review presents the criteria necessary for a player, coach, or management to receive the following awards. Unlike the NBA, we put our criteria in writing in order to give our readers an opportunity to provide input on the awards. ¨ Winners listed in bold. Total votes: 441.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER : ROOKIE OF THE YEAR : The player who has the most value to his team. In other The rookie who helped his team improve (no. of wins) the words, if this player missed games for an extended period of most compared to the previous season. time, his team would experience a dramatic fall off in perfor- CANDIDATES: mance and / or wins. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs: 63.6% CANDIDATES: , New Jersey Nets: 36.4% , : 54.5% , Karl Malone, Utah Jazz: 27.3% , Philadelphia 76ers , Seattle Sonics , Cleveland Cavaliers , San Antonio Spurs Michael Stewart, Sacramento Kings , Houston Rockets: 18.2% DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR : MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER : The player who disrupts the opponent’s offense more than The player who has the best season statistically for his team any other player. He is not necessarily the best man to man throughout the league and also contributed the most to his defender in the league. team’s success. In order to be eligible for the MOP, the player CANDIDATES: must play in at least 60 games of the regular season. , Atlanta Hawks: 45.5% CANDIDATES: Shawn Bradley, Dallas Mavericks Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls: 54.5% Gary Payton, Seattle Sonics: 27.3% Karl Malone, Utah Jazz: 9.1% , Atlanta Hawks Gary Payton, Seattle Sonics: 18.2% , : 27.2% David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs Shaquille O’Neal, Los Angeles Lakers: 18.2% OF THE YEAR : The player who provides an offensive punch as well as any in- COACH OF THE YEAR : tangible things such as diving for loose balls, making the extra The coach who best maximized his team’s talent and overcame pass, etc. coming off the bench. any team adversity. CANDIDATES: CANDIDATES: , Los Angeles Lakers: 45.5% , Indiana Pacers: 63.6% , Seattle Sonics , Chicago Bulls: 9.1% , New York Knicks: 9.0% , Phoenix Suns: 9.1% , Phoenix Suns: 18.2% Rick Pitino, Boston Celtics: 9.1% , Atlanta Hawks , Miami Heat: 9.1% , Houston Rockets: 27.3% , NJ Nets , Utah Jazz , Seattle Sonics MOST IMPROVED PLAYER : The player who improved the most over last season statistically EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR : and became a major contributor toward his team’s success . The executive who made the best personnel decisions which CANDIDATES: led to his or her team’s improvement this season compared to , the previous season. , Indiana Pacers: 18.2% CANDIDATES: Theo Ratliff, Philadelphia 76ers: 9.1% Wally Walker, Seattle Sonics: 18.2% Alan Henderson, Atlanta Hawks , Utah Jazz Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: 45.5% Bryan Colangelo, Phoenix Suns: 9.1% , Phoenix Suns: 27.2% , Cleveland Cavaliers: 54.5% John Nash, New Jersey Nets: 18.2% Page 6 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review NBA NOTES Roundball All ‘98 NBA Teams CBA to NBA Call - Ups Note: Based on the 5 best players; regardless of position. (As of April 20th) ALL - NBA Second Team: 1. Rusty LaRue, G, Idaho: Chicago Bulls, Nov. 15 F - PJ Brown, Miami Heat 2. , G, Grand Rapids: Denver Nuggets, First Team: F - Tim Duncan, Nov. 24 F - Karl Malone, Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs 3. , G, Connecticut: , F - Tim Duncan, C - Alonzo Mourning, Dec. 2 San Antonio Spurs Miami Heat 4. , G, Sioux Falls: Atlanta Hawks, Dec. 9 C - Shaquille O’Neal, G - Mookie Blaylock, 5. Carl Thomas, G, Fort Wayne: Orlando Magic, Dec. 10 Los Angeles Lakers Atlanta Hawks 6. Harold Ellis, F, Rockford: Denver Nuggets, Dec. 14 G - Michael Jordan, G - ,, 7. , F, Fort Wayne: Orlando Magic, Dec. 23 Chicago Bulls Phoenix Suns 8. , F, La Crosse: Sacramento Kings, G - Gary Payton, Dec. 23 Seattle Sonics Third Team: 9. Lloyd Daniels, F, Idaho: , Jan. 6 F - Bo Outlaw, 10. Bob McCann, F, Sioux Falls: Toronto Raptors, Jan. 6. Second Team: Orlando Magic 11. Carl Thomas, G, Fort Wayne: Golden State Warriors, F - , F - , Jan. 9 New York Knicks 12. Randy Livingston, G, Sioux Falls: Atlanta Hawks, Jan. 9 F - , F - Grant Hill, Detroit Pistons 13. Donald Royal, F, Fort Wayne: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls G - , Utah Jazz Jan. 14 . C - David Robinson, G - Mitch Richmond, 14. , G, Grand Rapids: Detroit Pistons, Jan. 17. San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings 15. Gerald Madkins, G, Rockford: Miami Heat, Jan. 21 G - , 16. Michael McDonald, C, Grand Rapids: Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards ALL - ROOKIE Jan. 22 G - , 17. , G, Rockford: Charlotte Hornets, Feb. 2 Miami Heat First Team: 18. Carl Thomas, G, Fort Wayne: Cleveland Cavaliers, Feb. 2 F - Tim Duncan, 19. , G, La Crosse: Washington Wizards, Third Team: San Antonio Spurs Feb. 9. F - Vin Baker, F - Keith Van Horn, 20. Brandon Williams, G, La Crosse: Golden State Warriors, Seattle Sonics New Jersey Nets Feb. 10. F - Glen Rice, C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 21. Lloyd Daniels, F, Idaho: Atlanta Hawks, Feb. 13 Charlotte Hornets Cleveland Cavaliers 22. , G, Quad City: Milwaukee Bucks, Feb. 13 C - Alonzo Mourning, G - , 23. , G, Quad City: San Antonio Spurs, Feb. 24. Miami Heat Boston Celtics 24. , F, Grand Rapids: New York Knicks, Feb. 28. G - , G - Brevin Knight, 25. , G, : Orlando Magic, Mar. 2. Atlanta Hawks Cleveland Cavaliers 26. Gerald Madkins, G, Rockford: Golden State Warriors, G - John Stockton, Mar. 5. Utah Jazz Second Team: 27. , G, Yakima: Portland Trail Blazers, March 5. F - Cedric Henderson, 28. , C, Yakima: Philadelphia 76ers, Mar. 11. ALL - DEFENSE Cleveland Cavaliers 29. , F, Fort Wayne: Milwaukee Bucks, F - , Mar. 13. First Team: 30. , F, Grand Rapids: Miami Heat, March 13. F - Scottie Pippen, F - Tim Thomas, 31. Larry Robinson, G, Rockford: Vancouver Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls Philadelphia 76ers Mar. 27. C - Dikembe Mutombo, C - Michael Stewart, 32. Jeff Grayer, G, Rockford: Golden State Warriors, April 9. Atlanta Hawks Sacramento Kings G - Michael Jordan, G - Derek Anderson, Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers G - Gary Payton, Seattle Sonics G - Eddie Jones, LA Lakers The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 7 NBA NOTES 1998 NBA CALENDAR Owners and Players Meet for the First Time

Apr. 1 - 4 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament The two sides met for the first time for about three hours (Portsmouth, VA) Wednesday, April 1st, with the talks expected to last for Apr. 7 - 11 Nike Desert Classic months. The next session is not expected to be held for about (Arizona St. Univ., Tempe, AZ) three weeks. Apr. 19 1997 - ‘98 Regular Season ends Apr. 20 1998 NBA Playoffs rosters set by The agreement that allows NBA teams to sign their own free 2 pm CDT agents without their contracts counting against the salary cap, Apr. 23 1998 NBA Playoffs begin called the Larry Bird exception, appears to be the major issue May 10 Early Entry eligibility deadline at in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. 10:59 CDT May 17 NBA Draft Lottery With the owners contending they are losing money, the NBA is June 2 - 5 NBA Pre - Draft Camp (Chicago, IL) intent on changing the contract to curb escalating salaries. June 24 NBA Draft (GM Place, Vancouver) July 1 Free agents may begin negotiating Union executive director Bill Hunter, however, disputes that July 29 - contention, pointing to the $2.4 billion television contract the Aug. 9 FIBA World Championship of NBA signed with NBC and . Basketball (Thessaloniki and Athens, Greece) Twenty-four of the 29 NBA teams are over the salary cap of $26.9 million per team. The owners now want a “hard cap”, a cap without loopholes, one that would mean teams re-signing their own free agents would have to include them under the Board of Governors Votes to Re - open Deal with salary cap as if they were pursuing another team's free agent. Players Association Þ Commissioner Stern and Hunter met again April 16th to The NBA Board of Governors voted overwhelmingly, 27 - discuss a new collective bargaining agreement. 2, March 23 to exercise the league’s right to re - open its Col- lective Bargaining Agreement with the National Basketball Þ Deputy commissioner and several lawyers Players Association (NBPA). As a result, the agreement will also were in attendance for the three-hour meeting at a now expire June 30, 1998. Manhattan law office. “Our goal is to have a successor agreement in place by the time the current agreement expires on June 30. That is our highest priority right now, said Deputy Commissioner Russ Duncan and Hardaway Complete U.S. Team for the Granik. World Championships The CBA guarantees NBA players will receive 48.04% of Basketball Related Income (BRI)—which amounts to $835 M San Antonio rookie F Tim Duncan and Miami Heat G Tim in player salaries and benefits for the ‘97 - ‘98 season. The Hardaway have been named to the US team which will com- agreement gave the owners the option of re - opening the pete this summer at the World Championships in Greece. With agreement if the league paid out more than 51.8% of BRI—or their additions the roster has been completed. $900 M— to the players. Projections show that actual salaries and benefits for this season will be $995 M—or 57.2% of BRI. Ten previous players were named to the squad last fall: Detroit “Although the league’s revenue growth has been strong, Pistons forward Grant Hill, Seattle Sonics guard Gary Payton player salaries are climbing much faster than revenues, said and F Vin Baker, Atlanta F , Glen Rice of Granik. “As a result, the league is becoming unprofitable.” the Charlotte Hornets; Washington F Chris Webber; Min- “In the negotiations, the NBA will not be proposing that nesota forwards and ; Milwau- players take pay cuts,” Granik said. “In fact, we can guarantee kee guard ; and New York G Allan that salaries will continue to increase over the next several Houston. years. We just have to get increases in player salaries in line with out increases in revenues, without pricing our game be- The team will be coached by Houston Rockets head coach, yond the point that fans can or will accept.” who will be assisted by the Lakers’ , from George Washington University and Illinois’ . Page 8 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review NBA Players of the Week Roundball (through April 19th, end of Regular Season) NBA Playoffs

FOR THE WEEK ENDING: March 8th: February: Predictions Karl Malone, Pat Riley, November 10th: Utah Jazz Miami Heat Western Conference: Dikembe Mutombo, March 15th: March: First Round : Best of 5. 1. Utah Jazz vs. Atlanta Hawks. Jason Kidd, Jerry Sloan, November 17th: 8. Houston Rockets: Phoenix Suns Utah Jazz Jazz, 3 - 1. Shaquille O’Neal, March 22nd: April: 2. Seattle Sonics. vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Shaquille O’Neal, Del Hariis, 7. Minnesota T-wolves: November 24th: Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers Sonics, 3 - 1. Michael Jordan, March 29th: 3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls. Alonzo Mourning, Rookie of the Month 6. Portland Trail Blazers: November 30th: Miami Heat November: Lakers, 3 - 1. Karl Malone, April 5th: Tim Duncan, 4. Phoenix Suns vs. 5. San Antonio Spurs: Utah Jazz Michael Jordan, San Antonio Spurs Suns, 3 - 1. December 7th: Chicago Bulls December: , April 12th: Tim Duncan, Semi - finals : Best of 7. Cleveland Cavaliers , San Antonio Spurs Phoenix vs. Utah : Jazz, 4 - 2. December 14th: New Jersey Nets January: Seattle vs. LA Lakers: Glen Rice, April 19th: Tim Duncan, Seattle, 4 - 3. Charlotte Hornets Jason Kidd San Antonio Spurs December 21st: Phoenix Suns February: Conference Finals : Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Best of 7. Chicago Bulls Player of the Month San Antonio Spurs Seattle vs. Utah: December 28th: November: March: Utah, 4 - 3. David Robinson, Eddie Jones, Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs LA Lakers San Antonio Spurs Eastern Conference: January 4th: December: April: First Round : Best of 5. Rik Smits, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, 1. Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers 8. New Jersey Nets: Chicago Bulls San Antonio Spurs Bulls, 3 - 0. January 11th: January: 2. Miami Heat vs. Steve Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, 7. New York Knicks: Atlanta Hawks LA Lakers Knicks, 3 - 2. January 18th: February: 3. Indiana Pacers vs. Allen Iverson, Karl Malone, 6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Philadelphia 76ers Utah Jazz Pacers, 3 - 1. January 25th: March: 4. Charlotte Hornets vs. Jayson Williams, Michael Jordan, 5. Atlanta Hawks: Hawks, 3 - 1. New Jersey Nets Chicago Bulls February 1st: April: Semi - finals : Best of 7. David Robinson, Karl Malone, Atlanta vs. Chicago: San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz Bulls, 4 - 2. February 8th: New York vs. Indiana: All - Star Break Coach of the Month Indiana, 4 - 3. February 15th: November: Karl Malone, , Conference Finals : Utah Jazz Atlanta Hawks Advertise with the Best of 7. February 22nd: December: Indiana vs.Chicago : Roundball Review either Bulls, 4 - 3. Nick Anderson, George Karl, in the newsletter or on Orlando Magic Seattle Sonics the web site. NBA Finals: March 1st: January: Tim Duncan, Chicago vs. Utah: Larry Bird, Jazz, 4 - 3. San Antonio Spurs Indiana Pacers Inquire for ad rates. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 9 WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF ROSTERS

HOUSTON ROCKETS PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 4 F 6-6 252 2 G 6-8 205 50 F 6-10 235 31 C 6-11 255 22 G 6-7 222 12 G 6-2 194 17 G/F 6-5 210 44 F 6-9 254 32 F/C 6-9 235 23 Gary Grant G 6-3 185 8 Eddie Johnson G 6-7 215 53 C 7-0 245 27 Charles Jones C 6-9 215 5 Jermaine O'Neal F 6-11 226 12 Matt Maloney G 6-3 200 34 G 6-5 215 34 Hakeem Olajuwon C 7-0 255 11 C 7-3 292 20 G 6-1 185 3 G 5-10 171 1 F 6-6 225 30 F 6-11 225 42 Kevin Willis F/C 7-0 245 42 F 6-8 230

LOS ANGELES LAKERS San Antonio Spurs No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 20 G 6-5 210 15 G 6-4 200 23 F 6-9 235 21 Tim Duncan F 7-0 248 43 F 6-10 242 4 G 6-2 190 8 Kobe Bryant G 6-7 210 7 F 6-9 225 41 C 7-0 255 2 G 6-6 215 2 G 6-1 200 6 G 5-11 180 17 F 6-7 242 54 F 6-11 230 5 F 6-10 220 41 C 7-0 240 6 Eddie Jones G 6-6 200 45 F 6-8 235 34 Shaquille O'Neal C 7-1 315 50 David Robinson C 7-1 250 45 C 6-10 260 31 F 6-7 250 9 G 6-1 190 3 G 6-8 225

MINNESOTA TIBMERWOLVES SEATTLE SONICS No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 15 F 6-9 245 2 G 6-1 180 21 Kevin Garnett F 6-11 220 42 Vin Baker F 6-11 250 20 F 6-9 225 9 Dale Ellis G 6-7 215 31 G 6-4 195 33 G 6-3 200 3 G 6-2 180 7 F 6-7 225 42 Sam Mitchell F 6-7 215 22 Jim McIlvaine C 7-1 264 44 C 6-11 240 10 Nate McMillan G 6-5 210 1 G 6-4 208 20 Gary Payton G 6-4 180 30 G 6-3 195 14 F 6-9 260 53 C 7-0 290 11 F 6-10 235 32 DeJuan Wheat G 6-0 165 15 Aaron Williams C 6-9 225 4 G 6-2 175 25 David Wingate G 6-5 187

PHOENIX SUNS Utah Jazz No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 52 Mike Brown C-F 6-10 260 40 F-G 6-6 208 2 F 6-9 245 55 C-F 6-9 250 3 G 6-4 195 10 G 6-3 177 7 Kevin Johnson G 6-1 190 44 C 6-11 250 32 Jason Kidd G 6-4 212 14 G 6-4 190 17 Horacio Llamas C 6-11 285 31 F 6-9 241 21 George McCloud F 6-8 225 32 Karl Malone F 6-9 256 34 Antonio McDyess F 6-9 220 34 Chris Morris F 6-8 220 13 Steve Nash G 6-3 195 00 C 7-2 280 30 Clifford Robinson C 6-10 225 3 F 6-7 225 4 Dennis Scott F 6-8 229 12 John Stockton G 6-1 175 18 John Williams C 6-11 245 11 G 6-1 190 Page 10 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review PREVIEW OF THE 1ST ROUND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS Probable Starting Line - ups: Probable Starting Line - ups: 1 - Utah Jazz vs. 8 - Houston Rockets 4 - Phoenix Suns vs. 5 - San Antonio Spurs Karl Malone F Kevin Willis Antonio McDyess F Will Perdue Adam Keefe F Mario Elie George McCloud F Tim Duncan Greg Foster C Hakeem Olajuwon Clifford Robinson C David Robinson Jeff Hornacek G Clyde Drexler Rex Chapman G Vinny Del Negro John Stockton G Matt Maloney Jason Kidd G Avery Johnson

Utah won the regular season series 4 - 0. Phoenix won the regular season series 3 - 1.

S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS half - court consistent 3rd experience health athleticism half court offense Tim & David consistent perimeter. offense scorer Rudy T team defense versatility low post scorer rebounding shooting veteran exp. small guards low post off. play front court bulk team defense quality depth chemistry G.Ostertag attacking the offense Kidd’s perimeter chemistry lacks toughness home court basket bench shooting

X - Factor: consistent 3rd scorer X - Factor: 3 point shooting X - Factor: rebounding X - Factor: perimeter shooting Player to Player to Player to Player(s) to Watch: Bryon Russell Watch: Mario Elie Watch: Clifford Robinson Watch: V. Del Negro, Jaren Jackson

S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : F ORWARD F ORWARD Karl Malone can just about name his score. He and Willis will bang on If Spurs coach decides to go with the Tri - Towers of each other throughout the series; however, the Mailman has the upper hand. Duncan, Perdue, and Robinson, the Suns will have difficulties matching the Mario Elie must use his quickness advantage over Adam Keefe and attack the size; however, Suns coach Danny Ainge may go to a quicker lineup. Duncan basket. Keefe must knock down the open jumpers he will get from double has an advantage over any Suns player. Perdue is a shot blocker and teams on Malone. Willis has to have his jump hook working or he’ll get rebounder. McCloud is a perimeter shooter. McDyess flourishes in the open embarrassed. court and he must make his open 18 foot jump shots. E DGE : Solidly to Utah. Watch the Mailman deliver. E DGE : Slightly to the Spurs.

C ENTER C ENTER Hakeem could dominate this matchup if his knees hold up. However, that David Robinson has an advantage over Clifford Robinson, John Williams, may be a problem. Greg Foster just needs to score any easy baskets he gets or any other Suns’ big man. Robinson needs to play well this post - season as well as knock down any open jump shots. If Foster has problems with because he hasn’t performed well in the playoffs in his career. Williams Hakeem, Ostertag will get the call with Antoine Carr taking his time on can provide some low post defense; however, he isn’t quick enough to stay Olajuwon. In the fourth quarter, Karl Malone will probably defend with David. Hakeem. E DGE : Solidly to the Spurs. E DGE : Solidly to Houston. If Hakeem’s healthy, he could dominate.

G UARD G UARD Rex Chapman has been suffering from problems w/ his groin and hamstring; Matt Maloney has to hit his open 3 pointers and not get completely so, he may be limited. If so, KJ or Steve Nash may start. Or Ainge may go embarrassed by Stockton. Based on the starting line ups, Drexler will with McCloud in the back court. The key for the Suns is Jason Kidd making probably be guarded by Hornacek in which case Clyde should post up Jeff his perimeter shots when the Spurs force Phoenix into a half court game. as much as possible. Hornacek is a solid perimeter shooter who has a Avery Johnson, Del Negro, and / or Jaren Jackson must shoot well from the knack for making off balance jump shots. Stockton may have lost a perimeter to lessen some of the double teams on the big men . If Chapman step; but, he’s still going to provide about 10 assists and 12 points a can play, he’ll be launching jumpers all over the court. He is a true streak game as well as keep the Jazz offensive machine clicking. shooter who specializes in making jumpers off one foot. E DGE : Solidly to Utah. E DGE : Solidly to the Phoenix.

B ENCH B ENCH Howard Eisley has become a very good sub for John Stockton. The Jazz The Spurs bench is outclassed by Phoenix’. Chuck Person must connect from hardly miss a beat with him. With Bryon Russell, Shandon Anderson, and the outside; however, he’s back could spasm on him at any moment. Eisley the Jazz play a much faster tempo and look to run more. Ostertag must Monty Williams may start; but, either way he needs to play good defense and produce and save face after a disastrous regular season. If not F Antoine Carr attack the basket. Malik Rose may be a factor with his toughness. If he plays, will see more minutes. Chris Morris could, also, provide a spark. A Reggie Geary must limit his mistakes and run the Spurs’ offense effectively. Pick healthy Barkley is vital to the success of the Rockets. Brent Price must limit a weapon for the Suns: Dennis Scott to shoot; Mike Brown to bang down his turnovers and score from outside. Eddie Johnson must have his shot low; KJ to run the club; Steve Nash to shoot and run the club; Mark Bryant going or the Rockets will be hurting for points from the bench. If he’s to bang down low, etc. etc. They are loaded. healthy, Rodrick Rhodes may guard John Stockton. E DGE : Solidly to the Suns. E DGE : Slightly to the Jazz. C OACH C OACH Danny Ainge just needs to push the right buttons. He has the talent and the Jerry Sloan and Rudy T will both have their clubs prepared and focused. weapons. He’s also done a good job getting the team to play defense. Popovich Neither coach will give an inch. Whichever team loses will not be due needs to push his team to be tough and believe they can beat the Suns. to poor coaching. E DGE : Slightly to Danny Ainge. E DGE : Even. P REDICTION : Suns in 4. Too much depth and offensive firepower. P REDICTION : Jazz in 4. Rockets could pull a surprise; but it’s unlikely. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 11 PREVIEW OF THE 1ST ROUND WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS

Probable Starting Line - ups: Probable Starting Line - ups: 2 - Seattle Sonics vs. 7 - 3 - Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6 - Portland Trail Blazers Vin Baker F Sam Mitchell Robert Horry F Rasheed Wallace Detlef Schrempf F Kevin Garnett Rick Fox F Brian Grant Jim McIlvaine C Stanley Roberts Shaquille O’Neal C Arvydas Sabonis Hersey Hawkins G Anthony Peeler Eddie Jones G Isaiah Rider Gary Payton G Stephon Marbury Nick Van Exel / Derek Fisher G Damon Stoudamire

Seattle won the regular season series 3 -1. Regular season series 2 - 2.

S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS athleticism rebounding. athleticism lack of playoff Shaq transition defense athleticism inexperience experience athleticism youth / immaturity versatility shooting versatility 3 pt. reliance Garnett health concerns versatility consistent focus shot blocking focus defense interior def. Marbury consistent 3rd fast break foul shooting Stoudamire inconsistency experience versatility scorer

X - Factor: 3 point shooting X - Factor: 3 pt. shooting X - Factor: perimeter shooting X - Factor: defensive rotations Player to Player to Player to Player to Watch:Vin Baker / Hersey Hawkins Watch:Anthony Peeler Watch:Nick Van Exel Watch:Isaiah Rider

S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : F ORWARD F ORWARD Vin Baker will be in his 1st playoffs. He must step up accordingly. He shot Robert Horry has been bothered by nagging injuries; but, this is the time of below 60% from the line in the regular season and he must do year, Robert’s play improves. Rick Fox is a steady contributor who plays better than that in the post season. Garnett can do it all and he’ll need good defense. Rasheed Wallace and Brian Grant have a talent advantage; to do it all. He can’t get into foul trouble. Detlef Schrempf is the complete however, they don’t have the mental advantage. Grant and Wallace must player who should post up Sam Mitchell as much as possible. Mitchell rebound well and avoid foul trouble. must play good defense and make his perimeter shots. E DGE : Even. E DGE : Slightly to the Sonics. C ENTER C ENTER Shaq is too quick and strong for Sabonis. However, Arvydas is a better If Stanley Roberts can provide any scoring for Minnesota, it will be a plus. passer and perimeter shooter. Shaq must make his free throws and Sabas McIlvaine may not even start due to illness. Jim’s job is to block some needs to avoid early fouls. If Arvydas is scoring from the perimeter, the shots; score on dunks; get some fouls and then sit down. Sam Perkins, Lakers could have problems rebounding because Shaq will be away from the or Jerome Kersey may start if McIlvaine is unable toplay. Sam can score from basket defending Sabonis. outside while Aaron can run up and down the floor. Kersey stays active E DGE : Solidly to the Lakers. all the time. E DGE : Slightly to the Timberwolves. G UARD Isaiah Rider could dominate Eddie Jones if he posted Jones up. However, G UARD Isaiah being Isaiah, he’ll settle for perimeter shots. If Derek starts, Van Anthony Peeler must score from the perimeter. Hersey Hawkins needs Exel will still see more minutes. Damon will be playing in his first playoffs; to be a part of the Sonics’ offense. Hawk must look for his shot. Hersey so, he may struggle. Damon has the quickness advantage over Fisher and will play good defense and pick up some rebounds. Stephon must shoot Van Exel; as a result, he must utilize that advantage and break down the well. He’ll get his assists; however, he has to limit his turnovers. Gary Lakers defense. In the past, Jones has struggled in the playoffs due to the Payton will look to score in the low post; so, Minnesota may have Peeler slower tempo. He must score from the perimeter. Perimeter shooting for each defend Payton and Steph guard Hawkins. If Gary is scoring from the 3, guard is vital to his team’s success. this will be a short series. E DGE : Decidedly to Houston. E DGE : Slightly to Seattle. B ENCH B ENCH Kobe is the key. If he takes good shots, and scores from the perimeter, LA Minnesota’s bench is limited due to injuries. F Tom Hammonds is a banger will roll. The Blazers have enough big bodies (Kelvin Cato, Alton Lister, who rebounds well. Bill Curley can guard forwards and score consistently etc.) to play “Hack a Shaq”. Walt Williams must shoot well from the outside from 15 feet. F Cherokee Parks must be active. Veteran Terry Porter has to play for Portland. Fisher of Nick (whoever doesn’t start) must run the offense well for the T-wolves. The Sonics can use Greg Anthony or Nate McMillan effectively. Elden Campbell must produce when called. Mario Bennett may to run the offense. Dale Ellis (who’s recovering from a strained abdominal see some time for the Lakers; if so, he can offensive rebound and run the muscle) is a greatoutside shooter. Jerome Kersey does the little things and floor. Gary Grant has to run the Blazers’ offense well and score from makes things happen. outside. Stacey Augmon will be called to defend any Laker who’s hot from E DGE : With a healthy McMillan, solidly for the Sonics. the perimeter. E DGE : Slightly to the Lakers. C OACH If the Sonics are struggling with rebounding, George Karl shouldn’t be C OACH afraid to use Aaron Williams who is active on the glass. Del Harris has been questioned for his coaching moves in the past and it has to keep his players focused to handle the Sonics’ pressure as well as will probably continue. Mike Dunleavy must shuffle his big men effectively any success they may achieve from 1 game. when they get in foul trouble and keep Isaiah Rider focused. Good luck. E DGE : Solidly to coach Karl. E DGE : Slightly to Del Harris.

P REDICTION : Sonics in 4. Experience over youth, again. P REDICTION : Lakers in 4. More dominant than last year’s matchup. Page 12 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF ROSTERS

ATLANTA HAWKS INDIANA PACERS No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 0 Greg Anderson C 6-10 250 4 G 5-11 182 11 G 6-5 191 33 F 6-9 230 10 Mookie Blaylock G 6-1 185 32 F 6-11 230 52 F 6-8 215 20 G 6-4 203 33 F 6-6 225 13 G 6-3 185 4 Chris Crawford F 6-9 235 9 Derrick McKey F 6-10 225 44 Alan Henderson F 6-9 235 31 G 6-7 185 32 Christian Laettner F 6-11 245 17 F 6-7 215 2 Anthony Miller F 6-9 255 43 F 6-10 235 55 Dikembe Mutombo C 7-2 261 5 Jalen Rose G 6-8 210 3 G 6-3 190 45 Rik Smits C 7-4 265 8 Steve Smith G 6-8 221 41 C 6-10 246

CHARLOTTE HORNETS MIAMI HEAT No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 10 B.J. Armstrong G 6-2 185 2 G 6-8 224 15 G 6-3 200 42 P.J. Brown F 6-11 240 30 G 6-5 205 31 C 7-0 240 12 C 7-1 260 40 F 6-11 245 52 C 7-1 245 10 Tim Hardaway G 6-0 195 14 Anthony Mason F 6-8 250 21 G 6-4 205 13 Bobby Phills G 6-5 226 9 G 6-6 220 7 J.R. Reid F 6-10 247 24 Jamal Mashburn F 6-8 250 41 Glen Rice F 6-8 220 6 F 6-10 250 5 Donald Royal F 6-8 218 33 Alonzo Mourning C 6-10 261 4 David Wesley G 6-1 202 5 G 6-1 200 32 Travis Williams F 6-7 250 30 Mark Strickland F 6-9 220

CHICAGO BULLS NEW JERSEY NETS No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 1 G 6-2 191 45 Michael Cage F 6-9 248 30 G 6-6 228 10 Sam Cassell G 6-3 185 24 F 6-7 218 20 G 6-1 195 9 G 6-6 216 11 F 6-8 220 23 Michael Jordan G 6-6 216 15 F 6-10 230 25 G 6-3 181 13 F 6-5 216 7 Toni Kukoc F 6-11 232 12 G 6-5 205 13 Luc Longley C 7-2 292 30 G 6-5 179 33 Scottie Pippen F 6-7 228 2 C 6-11 253 91 F 6-6 220 44 Keith Van Horn F 6-10 220 8 F 6-10 264 42 David Vaughn F 6-9 240 34 C 7-0 277 55 Jayson Williams C 6-10 245

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS NEW YORK KNICKS No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . No . Name Pos . Ht . Wt . 23 Derek Anderson G 6-5 195 13 G 6-6 200 2 G 5-11 165 1 Chris Childs G 6-3 195 35 F 6-10 235 35 F 6-9 250 45 Cedric Henderson F 6-7 215 14 Chris Dudley C 7-0 260 11 Zydrunas Ilgauskas C 7-3 260 33 Patrick Ewing C 7-0 255 4 F 6-10 256 20 Allan Houston G 6-6 200 12 Brevin Knight G 5-10 173 2 Larry Johnson F 6-7 263 1 Wesley Person G 6-6 195 42 F 6-7 216 52 C 6-10 280 34 Charles Oakley F 6-9 245 44 Shawnelle Scott C 6-11 250 3 John Starks G 6-5 185 3 G 6-5 200 21 G 6-2 190 30 Carl Thomas G 6-4 195 52 F 6-8 225 The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 13 PREVIEW OF THE 1ST ROUND EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS Probable Starting Line - ups: Probable Starting Line - ups: 1 - Chicago Bulls vs. 8 - New Jersey Nets 4 - Charlotte Hornets vs. 5 - Atlanta Hawks Scott Burrell / Toni Kukoc F Keith Van Horn Anthony Mason F Alan Henderson Scottie Pippen F Kendall Gill Glen Rice F Tyrone Corbin Dennis Rodman C Chris Gatling Vlade Divac C Dikembe Mutombo Michael Jordan G Kerry Kittles Bobby Phills G Steve Smith Ron Harper G Sam Cassell David Wesley G Mookie Blaylock

Chicago won the regular season series 4 - 0. Atlanta won the regular season series 4 - 0.

S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS MJ, Pip transition def. athleticism health concerns Glen Rice team chemistry starting 5 bench Phil Jackson defending quick Sam Cassell lack of playoff front court starting backcourt Mutombo scorers no point guards experience versatility shooters Dennis defending scoring versatility interior defense shooters not consistency coach Lenny poor shot selection experience centers scorers focus

X - Factor:health X - Factor: team defense X - Factor:starting backcourt X - Factor:perimeter shooting Player to Player to Player to Player to Watch: Toni Kukoc Watch: Keith Van Horn Watch:David Wesley Watch:Mookie Blaylock

S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : F ORWARD F ORWARD If Van Horn is being defended by Kukoc, Keith must win the matchup. If Glen Rice doesn’t get his shots, the Hornets will get destroyed. After Keith has better quickness and a better low post game. Consequently, saying that, the Hornets will still struggle. Atlanta won’t allow Rice to Scottie must post up Kendall Gill at all times because he’s taller and get many touches. Glen will be double and triple teamed the entire series. stronger than Gill. Kukoc prefers starting; so, without Longley, he gets Mason has to back up his talk with solid play. He needs to avoid stupid his opportunity. Being left handed, Toni has an advantage since most fouls and technical and run the club. Tyrone Corbin’s sole job is to make players are used to defending right handed players. With his moving w/o the open perimeter shot. Alan Henderson has a height and quickness the ball, his passing, and scoring ability, Kukoc will give Van Horn advantage over Mason and he must maximize both. problems, also. E DGE : Even. E DGE : Slightly to the Bulls. C ENTER C ENTER Mutombo can shut down the entire Hornets’ offense by himself. Matt With Luc Longley and Jayson Williams injured, neither team may start Geiger and Vlade Divac don’t have the low post scoring attack the give a center. Dennis will rebound and annoy Gatling. Chris must be mentally Deke problems; however, Geiger has quickness and Vlade can shoot from prepared for Dennis’ antics and rise above them. Gatling must score in the outside. If neither utilizes their talents, Dikembe will shut both of them the low post plus shoot well from the perimeter. down completely. Geiger has suffered from a bad hamstring,lately. E DGE : Solidly to the Bulls. E DGE : Solidly to Atlanta.

G UARD G UARD MJ will dominate this matchup. However, Sam Cassell has to be play The key to the series. With Glen Rice being swarmed, Bobby Phills and very well in order for the Nets to have a chance. Sam will probably be David Wesley have to shoot well from the outside. Wesley has never been defended by Ron Harper; so, Sam should use his quickness advantage. Ron in the playoffs; so, he may struggle especially being defended by Mookie will counter that by backing up and forcing Sam to shoot from the outside. Blaylock. Steve Smith and Blaylock are both streak shooters. Steve has a Kerry Kittles must play well in his first visit to the playoffs. He must height advantage over Phills and should exploit it in the low post. If David shoot well and avoid early foul trouble. cannot handle Mookie’s pressure defense, this will be a very short series. E DGE : Solidly to the Bulls. E DGE : Solidly to Atlanta.

B ENCH B ENCH Neither team may be at full strength due to injuries. If Kukoc starts, the Eldridge Recasner and Christian Laettner, basically, are the Hawks’ bench. Bulls lose his points off the bench. Scott Burrell must play well for the Recasner scores from the outside and Laettner bangs on the inside. B.J. Bulls. He can provide 3 point shooting and solid defense. Steve Kerr is Armstrong may be called on to provide playoff leadership for Charlotte. the Bulls designated perimeter gunner and he needs to shoot well. Randy Plus, B.J. can shoot well from the perimeter. Dell Curry has to have a big Brown will defend Cassell. Jayson Williams, injured right thumb and all, series for the Hornets. Donald Royal may have to defend Steve Smith will try to play. If he does, he’ll rebound as best he can. Sherman Douglas has because he’s taller than Phills. Divac or Geiger must be effective and play to be effective running the Nets’ offense; however,he’s a liability on defense. smart basketball. J.R. Reid has to knock down his open shots. F David Vaughn may have to play. If he does,he has to avoid foul trouble E DGE : Slightly to Charlotte. and play good defense. A healthy Seikaly helps NJ’s scoring down low. E DGE : Solidly to Chicago. C OACH Lenny Wilkens has coaching experience over . Cowens has C OACH had to endure the entire season with his team questioning the offense and Phil Jackson has all the experience over John Calipari. Phil is a master the team philosophy. The Hornets lost all 4 regular season games to the motivator, guru, and strategist. Cal can’t over react and get on his Hawks which may shake the players’ confidence. On the other hand, players nerves when things go haywire. Wilkens has to make sure his players don’t get over confident. E DGE : Solidly to Phil Jackson. E DGE : Solidly to Lenny Wilkens.

P REDICTION : Bulls in 3. Nets get taught a lesson. P REDICTION : Hawks in 4. Charlotte eliminated early 2 years in a row. Page 14 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review PREVIEW OF THE 1ST ROUND EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS Probable Starting Line - ups: Probable Starting Line - ups: 2 - Miami Heat vs. 7 - New York Knicks 3 - Indiana Pacers vs. 6 - Cleveland Cavaliers P. J. Brown F Larry Johnson Dale Davis F Shawn Kemp Jamal Mashburn / Dan Majerle F Chris Mills Chris Mullin F Cedric Henderson Alonzo Mourning C Charles Oakley Rik Smits / Antonio Davis C Zydrunas Ilgauskas Voshon Lenard G Allan Houston Reggie Miller G Wesley Person Tim Hardaway G Charlie Ward Mark Jackson G Brevin Knight

Regular season series tied 2 - 2. Regular season series tied 2 - 2.

S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS S TRENGTH W EAKNESS Pat Riley mind set toughness creating own shots experience consistency Mike Fratello lack of playoff overall def. Zo’s foul shooting versatility health concerns experience T.Hardaway dependence on chemistry go to guy in 4th qtr. bench focus toughness 3 pt. shooting team defense quickness at athleticism consistent toughness size in backcourt mental edge point guard play small fwd. Shawn Kemp rebounding team quickness bench prone X - Factor:3pt. shooting X - Factor:foul trouble Player to Player to X - Factor:rebounding X - Factor:perimeter shooting Watch:Jamal Mashburn Watch:Larry Johnson Player to Player to Watch:Rik Smits Watch:Wesley Person S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : F ORWARD S TARTING P OSITION M ATCHUPS : If he starts, Majerle provides Miami another 3 point threat. However, F ORWARD Dan has been bothered by a hernia and a bad back. F Mark Strickland is Shawn Kemp has to play well. If not, the Cavs are dead. Kemp must avoid athletic; but, he’s too inexperienced to start for Pat Riley. Jamal foul trouble. Cedric Henderson will be in his first playoffs like many of Mashburn has to regroup from his broken thumb. Larry Johnson has to his teammates; as a result, he may struggle. Cedric must play good defense have an effective series. Without Patrick Ewing, he is the Knicks best on Mullin and hit his perimeter shots. Chris Mullin is going to run Cedric low post scorer. Chris Mills must maintain his composure and shoot well around pick after pick in order to get open and shoot from the outside. from the perimeter. P.J. will play solid defends; however, he needs to Dale Davis has to avoid dumb fouls and be a force on the boards. avoid any more altercations with Charlie Ward (like last year). E DGE : Slightly to Indiana. E DGE : Even. C ENTER C ENTER If Rik Smits’ feet allow him to start, he has to play well including on the Zo must dominate this matchup, period. Without Patrick, he has no boards. Zydrunas is 7’3 and has a good touch; however, he isn’t very excuse. Sure, he’ll get swarmed with double teams; however, he must read physical which may pose problems is Antonio Davis starts for the Pacers. the defense and make the right passes. Beyond that, no Knick can guard Rik can provide Indiana the low post scoring threat it needs to complete him one on one. Charles Oakley must avoid foul trouble; rebound; and the offense. make the open perimeter shot. In other words, play his normal game. E DGE : Even. If Rik is healthy, slightly to the Pacers. E DGE : Solidly to the Heat. (It better be.) G UARD G UARD Wesley Person and Reggie Miller are both thinly built, long range bombers. Voshon Lenard is the key to this series. If Mashburn is ineffective, he Reggie; however, has the experience in big games. Brevin Knight has the must be Miami’s third scorer. He has to hit his perimeter shots as well as quickness advantage over Mark Jackson and he must maximize it. The attack the basket on occasion. Allan Houston has to shoot well. Plus, Pacers will give Brevin open outside shots all series and Brevin must make Allan needs to be selfish and not look to pass and give up a shot. Tim them. Mark Jackson will try and post up the shorter Knight as much as Hardaway owns Charlie Ward; however, Charlie can run the Knicks’ possible. If Wesley is hitting his outside shots, the Cavs have a very good offense pretty well. If Tim struggles, Miami is in deep trouble. chance in the series. E DGE : Even. B ENCH Without Ewing and Chris Dudley, the Knicks cannot afford foul trouble B ENCH to their front court players. John Starks needs to get out of his 3 month Bob Sura and Derek Anderson give Cleveland 2 very athletic guards off long funk. Chris Childs does a good job defending Hardaway. Eric Murdock the bench. However, neither is experienced in playoff basketball. has to play well, limit his turnovers, and shoot well from the outside. F Vitaly Potapenko is very physical and will bang constantly with the Keith Askins has been bothered by his knees, Duane Causwell is a Davises. Derrick McKey is the Pacers best defender and may guard Kemp. mystery. Terry Mills has been ineffective. Jamal Mashburn is playing Jalen Rose has the young legs and long arms to defend Sura, Person, or with a bad thumb. Other than that, Miami’s bench is in good shape. Anderson. Travis Best has the quickness to combat Brevin Knight. Terry Cummings can give the Knicks another low post scoring threat. Danny Ferry needs to make his outside shots because his defense is a E DGE : Slightly to the Heat. liability. E DGE : Slightly to the Pacers. C OACH Pat Riley and coach the same way: physical defense and C OACH low post offense. Van Gundy was an assistant to Riles; so, there shouldn’t If they were playing one on one, Larry Bird would school Mike Fratello; be too many surprises. They respect each other; but their teams loathe however, they aren’t. When it comes to X’s and O’S, Mike has the edge each other. Go figure. Bird and his assistants. Larry is more laid back. We shall see how laid back E DGE : slightly to Pat Riley. Larry is in this series. E DGE : Solidly to Mike Fratello. P REDICTION : Knicks in 5. It should be a war! P REDICTION : Pacers in 4; Indiana has too much depth and experience. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 15 NCAA POST - SEASON CAMPS ROSTERS 1998 Nike Desert Classic Roster Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Tempe, AZ, Apr. 7 - Apr. 11. Hosted by the Phoenix Suns. Portsmouth, VA, April 1 - April 4. Note : Listed alphabetically. Note : Listed alphabetically. NAME COLLEGE HT WT NAME COLLEGE HT WT Eastern Michigan 5-5 145 Adebayo Akinkunle Bradley 6-8½ 220 Xavier 6-8 235 Elijah Allen Fairleigh Dickinson 6-1 165 * Oklahoma 6-1½ 190 Chad Austin Purdue 6-2 194 Gerald Brown Pepperdine 6-3 210 Michigan 6-9 208 * Clemson 6-4½ 206 Austin Bates Vanderbilt 6-9 243 Todd Burgan Syracuse 6-7 220 Joey Beard Boston Univ. 6-9 236 Corey Carr Texas Tech 6-4 210 Ishua Benjamin North Carolina St. 6-3½ 194 Hawai’i 6-2 185 Long Beach St. 7-1 256 UNLV 6-10 220 Rashid Bey St. Joseph’s 5-11 177 Bennett Davison Arizona 6-8 212 Roderick Blakney St. 5-10½ 185 Arizona 6-5 192 Iowa 6-9½ 216 Zendon Hamilton St. John’s 6-10 240 Torraye Braggs* Xavier 6-8 235 Mitch Henderson Princeton 6-3 195 Bobby Brannen 6-7½ 232 Bakari Hendrix* Gonzaga 6-9 230 Corey Brewer Oklahoma 6-1½ 190 Minnesota 6-6 215 Antoine Brockington Coppin St. 6-2 165 Kris Johnson UCLA 6-4 235 Greg Buckner** Clemson 6-4½ 206 Charles Jones Long Island 6-3 185 Sean Colson UNC-Charlotte 6-0½ 160 Ahlon Lewis Arizona State 6-0 188 Mickey Curley Boston College 6-9½ 260 Felipe Lopez St. John’s 6-5 190 Carlos Daniel Washington St. 6-8 240 Corey Louis Florida State 6-9 230 Sean Daugherty Wisconsin 6-10½ 237 Sam MacKinnon SE Melbourne Magic 6-5 216 Nick Davis Arkansas 6-8½ 200 California 6-11 250 Rodney Elliott Maryland 6-8 223 Roshown McLeod* Duke 6-8 220 Steve Goodrich Princeton 6-9½ 232 Purdue 6-11 250 Antonio Granger Boston College 6-5½ 209 Makhtar Ndiaye North Carolina 6-8½ 248 Eric Harris Minnesota 6-3 203 Tyrone Nesby UNLV 6-6 228 C.C. Harrison North Carolina St. 6-4 196 Norman Nolan Virginia 6-8 255 Jerry Hester Illinois 6-6 209 Indiana 6-8 240 Sarunas Jasikevicius Maryland 6-4 205 Brett Robisch Oklahoma State 6-11 240 Mark Jones Central Florida 6-6 210 Mississippi 6-9 220 Mike Jones Texas Christian 6-3 205 Toledo 6-11 250 Felipe Lopez** St. John’s 6-5 190 Kentucky 6-3 190 Corey Louis** Florida State 6-9 230 New 6-8 210 J.J. Lucas Hawaii Pacific 6-10 268 Raymond Tutt Cal-Santa Barbara 6-4 205 Michael Maddox 6-8 222 Jeremy Veal Arizona State 6-3 182 Drew Maddux Vanderbilt 6-3½ 196 Saddi Washington Western Michigan 6-3½ 186 Rhode Island 6-4½ 194 Rhode Island 5-10 165 Makhtar Ndiaye North Carolina 6-8½ 248 Georgetown 6-9 290 Norman Nolan Virginia 6-8 255 North Carolina 6-2½ 200 Damian Owens West Virginia 6-6 213 Duke 5-11½ 176 Cincinnati 6-6 227 Ryan Perryman Dayton 6-7 228 * McLeod (back), Brewer (hand), and Buckner (stomach) Josh Pittman UNC-Asheville 6-5½ 204 did not participate . Jay Poerner Southern Methodist 6-10 214 * Bakari Hendrix was named the MVP. Brett Robisch** Oklahoma State 6-11 240 Tony Rutland Wake Forest 6-2 181 All Tourney Team: Marcus Saxon Utah State 6-3 198 Keon Clark Michael Dickerson Nathan Smith American Univ. 6-1½ 184 Bakari Hendrix Tyrone Nesby South Carolina 6-11 217 Andrae Patterson Casey Shaw Curtis Staples Virginia 6-3 200 (Continued on page 16) Page 16 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review

NCAA CAMPS ROSTERS cont’d. WNBA News cont’d. (Continued from page 15) Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Continued (Continued from page 4) NAME COLLEGE HT WT Gergana Branzova, a 6'4" center from Florida International Jarod Stevenson Richmond 6-6½ 202 University who earned 1997-98 All-Trans America Athletic Eric Taylor St. Francis, PA 6-8 245 Conference First Team honors. Kelly Thames Missouri 6-8 218 Aquenda Clark, 5’10 forward from Florida A&M who was Billy Thomas Kansas 6-4 206 named to the All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference First Kevin Turner Illinois 6-2 170 Team the past two seasons. Antanas Vilcinskas Valparaiso 7-0 250 and Michigan 6-9 225 Kerri Chatten, a 6'1" forward, was a four-year for Saddi Washington** Western Michigan 6-3½ 186 Providence College. She suffered a season-ending ankle in- Melvin Watson South Carolina 6-0½ 205 jury and appeared in just ten games this past season. Horatio Webster Mississippi St. 6-7 237 Tyrone Weeks Massachusetts 6-6 250 Joins WNBA Jarrod West West Virginia 5-10 172 League agrees to terms with University of Maine scoring Evan Wiley Oklahoma 6-9½ 256 star Shammond Williams** North Carolina 6-2½ 200 The WNBA announced, March 31, that Cindy Blodgett Steve Wojciechowski** from the University of Maine has signed a player contract Duke 5-11½ 176 with the WNBA. * Named Tournament MVP and invited to Nike Classic. Blodgett, a 5-9 guard, was the nation's second leading ** Invited to Nike Desert Classic in Tempe, AZ. scorer during the 1997-98 season, averaging 27.0 ppg. She led the nation in scoring in 1995-96 and 1996-97 with 27.8 ppg and 27.0 ppg averages, respectively. She was the first NABC All - Star Game sophomore in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in San Antonio, TX, Freeman Coliseum. March 28th. scoring and only the second female to win the national scor- Note : Listed alphabetically. ing title in consecutive seasons. The only other player to ac- complish that feat was the 's Andrea Cong- East Squad: reaves in 1991-92 and 1992-93 while playing for Mercer Name Pos . School University. Blodgett's 3,005 points currently ranks fourth on Boubacar Aw F Georgetown the NCAA all-time Division I leading scorers' list. Ryan Bowen F Iowa Corey Brewer G Oklahoma Greg Buckner G Clemson 1998 Key Dates Steve Goodrich F-C Princeton April 29 WNBA Draft, Secaucus, NJ Felipe Lopez G St. John's (NY) May 12 Training Camp Begins Troy Nesmith G Gannon (PA) June 11 1998 Regular Season Opens Norman Nolan F Virginia August 19 Regular Season Ends Brett Robisch C-F Oklahoma State Melvin Watson G South Carolina Pre - Draft Camp

West Squad: The 1998 WNBA Pre-Draft Camp, which will include col- Name Pos . School lege seniors, veterans with prior professional experience and Adebayo Akinkunle F Bradley international players, will be held at Moody Bible Institute in Anthony Carter G Hawaii Chicago from April 16-18. The 1998 WNBA Draft will be held Bakari Hendrix F Gonzaga via conference call with representatives from each team on Carlos Knox G - Wednesday, April 29, beginning at 11 a.m. EDT. (IN) Sean Marks C-F California Roshown McLeod F Duke Tyrone Nesby F-G UNLV ¨ Advertise with the Roundball Review either in the Ruben Patterson F Cincinnati newsletter or on the web site. Raymond Tutt G UC Santa Barbara Jeremy Veal G Arizona State Inquire for ad rates. The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 17 Roundball Review’s Top Players for the ‘98 NBA Draft (As of April 20th) CENTERS: Grade: C-. GUARDS: GRADE: B. 1. 7-0 265 Pacific TIER ONE : 2. Mike Doleac 6-11 269 Utah 1. —sophomore 6-2 192 Arizona 3. Casey Shaw 6-11 260 Toledo 2. —freshman 6-5 185 Saint Louis 4. Alexander Koul 7-0 285 George 3. 6-5 210 Ball State Washington 4. 6-5 205 UCLA 5. 7-1 285 Florida A&M 5. Michael Dickerson 6-5 190 Arizona 6. Andrew Betts 7-1 250 Long Beach 6. 6-4 200 Texas Tech State 7. 6-5 199 Arizona 7. Avondre Jones 6-11 225 Fresno St. 8. —junior 6-1 170 Nebraska (kicked off team) 9. Sam Jacobson 6-6 210 Minnesota * of Northwestern received a 6th year of 10. Jeff Sheppard 6-3 190 Kentucky eligibility and decided to return to school. * 6-2 195 Utah

FORWARDS: GRADE: B. * Andre graduates this spring; however, he, apparently, will TIER ONE : return to Utah for another year of basketball. 1. —junior 6-7 220 Kansas 2. Raef LaFrentz 6-11 240 Kansas TIER TWO : 3. 6-9 230 Notre Dame 11. 6-3 185 Valparaiso 4. Keon Clark 6-11 220 UNLV 12. Corey Brewer 6-1 190 Oklahoma 5. 6-7 226 Georgia Tech 13. Felipe Lopez 6-6 190 St. John's 6. 6-10 220 Alief Elsik HS 14. —soph. 6-6 200 Oregon State 7. J.R. Henderson 6-9 223 UCLA 15. Jeremy Veal 6-3 185 Arizona State 8. Brad Miller 6-11 240 Purdue 16. Anthony Carter 6-1 185 Hawaii 9. Ansu Sesay 6-9 220 Mississippi 17. Mike Jones 6-3 210 TCU 10. 6-10 240 Baylor 18. Malcolm Johnson 6-4 195 TCU 19. Shammond Williams 6-2 180 UNC TIER TWO : 20. Raymond Tutt 6-4 180 UC-Santa 11. —junior 6-8 300 Michigan Barbara 12. DeMarco Johnson 6-8 245 UNC- Charlotte TIER THREE : 13. Roshown McLeod 6-8 220 Duke 21. Charles Jones 6-3 180 Long Island 14. Clayton Shields 6-8 210 New Mexico 22. Melvin Watson 6-1 200 South 15. Zendon Hamilton 6-11 241 St. John's Carolina 16. 6-8 215 Fresno State 23. Rashid Bey 5-11 160 St. Joseph's 17. 6-8 220 Hargrave Aca. 24. Tyson Wheeler 5-10 165 Rhode Island 18. Ruben Patterson 6-6 225 Cincinnati 25. Kris Johnson 6-4 222 UCLA 19. Maceo Baston 6-9 210 Michigan 26. Earl Boykins 5-5 145 Eastern 20. Corey Louis 6-9 225 Florida St. Michigan 27. Saddi Washington 6-3 180 Western TIER THREE : Michigan 21. Horatio Webster 6-7 240 Mississippi 28. Greg Buckner 6-4 200 Clemson State 29. Tyrone Nesby 6-6 230 UNLV 22. Jerod Ward 6-9 215 Michigan 30. Cuttino Mobley 6-4 190 Rhode Island 23. Randell Jackson—junior 6-11 230 Florida St. 24. Bakari Hendrix 6-7 230 Gonzaga Þ The list does not yet include junior G Jason Williams who 25. Andrae Patterson 6-8 240 Indiana was dismissed from Florida nor F-C Jelani McCoy who 26. Brett Robisch 6-11 240 Okla. State “resigned” from UCLA since neither has officially de- 27. Torraye Braggs 6-8 235 Xavier clared themselves eligible for the Draft. 28. Norman Nolan 6-8 243 Virginia 29. Sean Marks 6-11 240 California 30. Jahidi White 6-9 290 Georgetown Page 18 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review Around the Rim: News on NCAA Hoops As of April 20th.

HIRINGS: $800 K a season. sophomore C 7’0 Loren transfer to a Division II or from March 25 - April 20 Virginia : Hired former Woods will transfer at the lower school to play his senior Clemson : Named former Providence coach Pete Gillen end of the spring semester: season. Wyoming head coach, as the new head coach. Gillen 4 / 17. Larry Shyatt, new head reportedly signed a 7 - year Kansas : Announced The BYU Honor Code Office coach. Shyatt worked as an contract worth $500 K per freshman F Luke Axtell has recommended the yearlong assistant under Rick season. transferred from Texas and suspension earlier this month Barnes at Clemson for 3 Murray State : Named will enroll in the fall. He will after the two players were years: 4 / 18. assistant coach, Tevester eligible to play in ‘99 - ‘00 if cited for marijuana possession Texas : Named former Anderson, new head coach to Texas grants him a waiver: on March 16, when Provo Clemson head coach, Rick replace : 4 / 13. police responded to a noise Barnes, new head coach. 3 / 27. disturbance at the players' Barnes signed a 5 - year San Jose State : Named former POINT SHAVING SCANDAL: apartment. contract worth $700 K per Arizona assistant coach, Phil Two former Northwestern year: 4 / 12. Johnson, new men’s players, Dion Lee and Both players are currently Duquesne : Promoted basketball coach: 3 / 26. Dewey Williams, were enrolled in school, BYU assistant coach Darelle Cal - Santa Barbara : Named indicted on charges of spokeswoman Carri Jenkins Porter to head coach, former UC Davis head coach, shaving points in games said. The suspension will take replacing Scott Edgar. Bob Williams, new head played during the 1994-95 effect at the end of the current UNC - Charlotte : coach: 3 / 25. Williams season: 3 / 27. semester. After they serve the Promoted assistant coach coached UC Davis to this suspension, both players can Bobby Lutz to head coach season’s Division II Williams entered an innocent apply for readmission to the replacing Melvin Watkins: Championship. plea on 4 / 1 to the federal university, provided they meet 4 / 9. Alabama : Named former charges. Lee and Williams the school's standards and Mississippi : Promoted Murray State head coach, face maximum sentences of again agree to the Honor assistant coach Rod Mark Gottfried, new men’s five years if convicted. Lee Code. Barnes to head coach basketball coach: 3 / 25. came off a suspension from replacing Rob Evans: the basketball team for WATTS' CAREER AT DEPAUL 4 / 9. FIRINGS / RESIGNATIONS: gambling in December 1994, ENDS A YEAR EARLY Arizona State : Named from April 8 the same month that Jermaine Watts, who led former Mississippi head Southern Illinois : Announced Northwestern administrators DePaul in scoring at 15.9 ppg coach, Rob Evans, new the forced resignation of head handed the results of its last season, has been kicked head coach: 4 / 7. coach Rich Herrin: 4 / 10. internal investigation of off the team and will not Iona : Named assistant Duquesne : Fired head coach gambling over to federal return to school for his senior coach new Scott Edgar; but agreed to officials. season. head coach to replace Tim honor the last year of his four Welsh: 4 / 6. year contract. Edgar’s record SELLEAZE SUSPENDED; BYU Watts, the Blue Demons' Fairfield : Named former was 29 - 55 in 3 years at CAREER OVER leading scorer as a sophomore Seton Hall assistant coach, Duquesne: 4 / 8. April 13, Brigham Young with 16.2 ppg in the ‘95-’96 Tim O’Toole, new men’s Texas : Head coach Tom suspended the school's season, had been suspended basketball coach: 4 / 2. Penders announced his leading scorer, Ron Selleaze, for the entire ‘96-’97 season Providence : Hired former resignation. Penders and the and sophomore guard for policy violations. He Iona head coach, Tim school agreed to an up front Michael Garrett for one returned last season, but Welsh, as new head coach. payout of $643 K as year after they allegedly were missed 12 games, including Welsh reportedly agreed to settlement for the 4 remaining found in possession of the last nine, with a knee a 6 year contract. years on his contract worth marijuana. injury that was operated on Texas A & M : Hired approximately $550 K a year. March 6. former UNC - Charlotte Iowa : Head coach Tom Davis The suspension will force head coach, Melvin announced he will retire at the Selleaze, who has already He had allowed his grades to Watkins, as new head end of the ‘98 - ‘99 season: redshirted one year, to miss slip to a point where it was coach. Watkins reportedly 4 / 2. his senior season, ending his determined he couldn't pull signed a 5 or 6 year deal TRANSFERS career in a Cougars uniform himself back to required worth between $550 K and Wake Forest : Announced after just 22 games. He could (Continued on page 19) The Hoop Fans’ Friend internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com BW Page 19 Around the Rim: News on NCAA Hoops As of April 20th.

(Continued from page 18) for the pain they caused," Both were further charged Paul Pierce: 4 / 2. levels, a source said. Tarkanian said at a news with assault with a deadly Iowa : 6’5, freshman G Ricky conference in Los Angeles. weapon as well as robbery. In Davis: 4 / 1. "I put it all upon myself, I "(The NCAA) can get way addition, Jones was charged Nebraska : 6’1, junior G knew what was happening, with anything they want. with possession of marijuana. Tyronn Lue: 3 / 31. and I failed to do anything They can plant stories out Both defendants are Michigan : 6’7, junior F about it," Watts said in a there that simply aren't true." scheduled to be arraigned in Robert Traylor: 3 / 27. prepared statement. Fresno Municipal Court on Florida State : 6’11, junior F The trial was scheduled to April 16th. Randell Jackson: 3 / 26. TARK AND NCAA SETTLE begin in on May LAWSUIT 18th. The NCAA tried April 17, Avondre Jones SIGNIFICANT HIGH SCHOOL April 2, Fresno State unsuccessfully to get the trial faces two new criminal COMMITMENTS basketball coach Jerry moved from Las Vegas, counts in addition to charges APRIL 15: 6’7 F Cedric Tarkanian has ended his citing Tarkanian's popularity that he used a gun and Taylor, from Waltrip HS in long running legal battle in the city. samurai swords to threaten, Houston committed to the with the NCAA, and will assault and rob a man. An Univ. of Houston. He will not receive $2.5 million for his "The NCAA regrets the 26- amended complaint filed play at UH this fall due to troubles. year ongoing dispute with Wednesday accuses Jones of academic reasons. and looks threatening to kill or injure a MARCH 25: 6’1 G Ronald The NCAA announced a forward to putting this matter woman named Alycia Curry, from Hampton HS in settlement of a lawsuit to rest," said Cedric W. Norberke in October 1996. Virginia, announced he will filed in 1992 in the state of Dempsey, NCAA executive attend the University of North Nevada by the former Long director. "While the process The other new count alleges Carolina. He will attend on a Beach State and Nevada- has been difficult, all sides that when Jones was arrested football scholarship. Curry Las Vegas coach and his have hopefully become March 17, he illegally was named the top high wife, Lois. The Tarkanians wiser, and more possessed a firearm due to a school quarterback as well as will be paid $2.5 million as understanding of one previous felony firearms the top point guard in the part of the settlement, another's positions." possession conviction in Los country. which calls for mutual Angeles. release of all claims NEW PROBLEMS at FRESNO CONGRATULATIONS relating to the lawsuit, no STATE Underclassmen Declaring MARCH 30: To the Kentucky admission of liability by April 2, Fresno State forward for the NBA DRAFT Wildcats who rallied to defeat any party and dismissal of Avondre Jones and Kenny Fresno State : 6’8, junior F the to win 78 - 69 actions cited in the case. Brunner, a guard who Tremaine Fowlkes: 4 / 17. and capture the Men’s NCAA transferred from Georgetown Alief Elsik HS : 6’10, 220, Basketball Championship. While not admitting late in the season, were high school senior F The title is the first for first liability, the settlement is charged with felony violations Rashard Lewis announced year Wildcats’ head coach clearly a for an alleged attack on an he was foregoing college and . victory for the acquaintance that included the turning pro: 4 / 16. controversial coach who is use of a samurai sword. Saint Louis : 6’5, freshman G MARCH 29: To the University viewed as an outlaw by his Larry Hughes: 4 / 9. of Tennessee Lady Vols for critics. Tarkanian claimed The Fresno County District Arizona : 6’2, sophomore G defeating the Louisiana Tech in the lawsuit that the Attorney charged both Jones, Mike Bibby: 4 / 9. Lady Techsters 93 75 and NCAA and Brunner with making Oregon State : 6’6, winning an unprecedented unfairly targeted him terrorist threats against 22- sophomore G Corey third straight Women’s during his tenure as UNLV year-old Colin DeForrest. Benjamin: 4 / 8. NCAA Basketball coach from 1973-92. But Jones is charged using a Hargave Military Academy Championship. The title is the even in victory, the coach firearm in the commission of (HS) : 6’8, 235, high school 6th for head coach Pat was pleased to have the the felony and Brunner is senior F Korleone Young Summitt. Summitt now only matter settled. alleged to have used a deadly announced he was foregoing trails legendary UCLA Head and dangerous weapon -- the college and turning pro: coach who won "Regardless of what they samurai sword. 4 / 8. 10 titles coaching the Bruins. paid, they can't make up Kansas : 6’7, junior G / F Page 20 internet site—http://houstonroundballrev.com The Houston Roundball Review ROUNDBALL “RIM” SHOTS Roundball Features TRIVIA TIP - INS LAST MONTH’S QUESTION: Who was the first team in NBA WEB SITE: history to shoot better than 50 APRIL 3: North Carolina forward was a NBA Trade Analyses, percent from the field for a sea- named the 1998 Wooden Award winner as college bas- posted w/i 2 days of the son? ketball's Player of the Year. trade (usually less). b NCAA Players of the Mth— Jamison was a runaway winner with 5,041 points in ANSWER: December - February. The 1970 - ‘71 Milwaukee the balloting of nearly 1,000 sportswriters and c Top Players for the NBA Bucks led by Kareem Abdul - sportscasters in 50 states, who vote from a ballot of 15 Draft; updated regularly. Jabbar and . players selected by the Wooden Award National Advi- d Roundball NBA Playoffs sory Board. Predictions. e Roundball All - NBA THIS MONTH’S QUESTION: Who recorded the first quadru- To qualify for the award, a player must have a mini- Teams. ple - double in NBA history? mum grade-point average of 2.0 and be making f Roundball Regular Season progress toward graduation. Award Winners.

Did You Know? Raef LaFrentz of Kansas was second with 3,901 NEWSLETTERS: Michael Jordan has worn three points, followed by Mike Bibby of Arizona with * The May newsletter will be jersey numbers in his NBA ca- 3,629, and Paul Pierce of Kansas with 2,756. available after the NBA reer—23, 45, and 12. He wore Draft Lottery on May 17. 12 on Valentine’s Day à Depending on whom you ask, NBA Commissioner 1990, when his number 23 was David Stern is looking to really drop the hammer See us in BigYellow: missing at game time. on the Players’ Association in the collective bar- HTTP://WWW.BIGYELLOW.COM/TX/ gaining negotiations. If that is the case, the ‘98 - HOUSTON_ROUNDBALL Tell a friend about ‘99 season won’t start on time, if at all. Many be- lieve negotiations won’t really get down to busi- The Houston Round- ness until the players lose game checks which oc- ball Review! curs once the season starts. à After ’s fiasco, could the NBA really be that stupid?! It looks that, way. Stay tuned.

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