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Greedy, Why Wait? Why High School Ballers Are Over College
In basketball today, the almighty dollar rules the world. Take young Brandon Jennings for example. One of the top high school players in the country has recently decided to skip college and go straight to the pros. Maybe your saying "Wait a second AROC, I thought high schoolers had to go to at least one year of college before going to the pros." Well you are correct my friend but only in the case of the NBA. This is not the case when it comes to playing professionally in places over seas where no such rules apply. "Ah yes AROC I think I know where you are going with this."
Over the past decade symptoms of foreign interest and involvement in the game of basketball have been growing. Before the year 2000 if I said "international basketball" you'd probably think "Tony Kucoc or Detlef Schremph?". The US has dominated the sport since its inception but now things are changing quickly. Yao Ming, Tony Parker, and Steve Nash are but a few of the foreigners that are among the best players in the league. The fact that the USA basketball team is even being questioned as the consensus pick to win the Olympics should be evidence enough to convince us all that the game is changing.
Back to Brandon Jennings. The NBA's policy is such that a player is not allowed to enter the NBA Draft straight out of high school. At first this seems like a great idea. Better players in the NCAA, more mature players in the NBA and happy fans across the boards. Besides the 1/1000 players that have a career changing injury in that one year of college everybody wins. Right? Problem is that the kids want or in a few cases need the money and don't want to wait it out. In this years NBA draft many players from overseas were questioning whether or not it was worth it to join a team that may not even garauntee them a spot on the roster. Rookie contracts in the NBA are also becoming a factor as non-NBA contracts continue to grow with the popularity of the sport. Some players might be able to find a more lucrative contracts abroad whereas the NBA limits the amount of money a rookie can make.
In the case of high schoolers like Jennings, possibly the best h.s. player in his class, the difference is very significant. A free year of schooling and college hoops at Arizona or hundreds of thousands of dollars and pro basketball overseas. Well Brandon Jennings has made his decision and will become the first player to give up his scholarship. Dorm rooms and textbooks? No Sir. He will likely play ball in Europe for a year, make a bundle of cash (hopefuly Euros for his sake) and watch college hoops from his apartment in Italy.
This will undoubtedly set the precedent for the future and could even lead to others following suit this year. The whole thing wreaks of Maurice Clarett but it does make sense and will probably work out better for the Jennings. The jig is up everyone. If it wasn't going to be Jennings then it was going to be somebody else. What remains to be seen/heard is the reaction from the NBA and NCAA chieftons who'd be smart to start figuring out a way to stop this from happening. If not, there could be two drafts next year and and a bunch of 6'9 kids signing up for Latin. In basketball today, the almighty dollar rules the world. Take young Brandon Jennings for example. One of the top high school players ... more -
Love & Collison are going pro
Pac 10 Player of the Year and should be first team All American Kevin Love and star point guard Darren Collison are reportedly going to enter into the upcoming NBA draft. A big relief to 9 Pac 10 teams.
Love's absence combined with the lo-pro bros leaving the trees to go play tarzan with the big boys takes about 20 feet of solid post play out of the Pac 10 for next season. Coming back next year are Washington twins towers (wallace and brockman) and the new best center in the conference Aron Baynes of Washington State. Unless I'm missing something. Let me know.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/news/story?id=3... Pac 10 Player of the Year and should be first team All American Kevin Love and star point guard Darren Collison are reportedly going t... more -
One Shining Moment (NCAA Tournament Montage)
What an awesome tradition. Luther Vandross and college basketball. Enjoy and look out for your B.O.Y.
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Wulff quickly putting his imprint on Washington State program - College Football
I work at a WSU Extension and I happen to be a fan of the rival Washington huskies football team, but I have to admit I'll be rooting for this guy and thus the Cougs as well(except when they play the Dawgs) I work at a WSU Extension and I happen to be a fan of the rival Washington huskies football team, but I have to admit I'll be roo... more
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Giving one for the team
The great Rochestie press keeps on coming w/ lots of AROC quotes and mention of Current.Com
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Taylor Rochestie is an example of Washington State's team-first attitude
Outstanding article by Bud Withers of the Seattle Times w/ lots of HRochestie quotes
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NCAA Tournament: Indispensable Pieces, East Region
Just c&p'ed the picks for NC and WSU... Full article is available with all regions through the above link.
Wayne Ellington (North Carolina)
Likely national player of the year, Tyler Hansbrough is unquestionably the Tar Heel’s premier player. But the play of sophomore Wayne Ellington might be the biggest factor in UNC’s tournament success. Through the first two games against Mount St. Mary’s and Arkansas, Ellington has been stellar; averaging 22 points on an astounding 63% from the floor (14 of 22 in the two games combined). In addition to being remarkably efficient, Ellington is the player most responsible for UNC’s offensive spacing; as he is proficient at producing spotting up, pulling up off the dribble, or finishing in transition. Although, Ellington is brilliant offensively, it is his effort and production at the defensive end that is going to be most critical; as an imminent match-up against Kyle Weaver awaits. If Carolina survives Washington State, it certainly won’t get any easier for Ellington as he will either draw the assignment of defending the Smiths (JaJuan and Tyler for Tennessee or Jerry for Louisville). In each scenario, Ellington is going to face off against players and teams who are capable of making things difficult for him offensively (particularly Weaver) and challenge him defensively with their own ability on the offensive end. If UNC is going to win it all, it will certainly need Ellington to excel the rest of the way.
Taylor Rochestie (Washington State)
In virtual obscurity for much of the country, the Cougar’s junior guard has put up some very solid numbers (10.7ppg 3.2rpg 4.8apg 1stl). What’s even more remarkable about Rochestie’s level of productivity is that he has just 58 turnovers all season (its even more special considering that fourteen of them came in a two game span against Gonzaga and Portland State). It is that kind of steadiness (2.8/1 a/to ratio) that allows both Weaver and Low the luxury of operating in the half-court, and not bringing the ball up against defensive pressure. In addition to being able to handle the ball, Rochestie is arguably Washington State’s best outside shooter (43% from three) and distributor (thus far in the tournament he is averaging 8 assists per game). With an East semi-final match up against Ty Lawson and UNC, and potential match-ups against ball-hawking Louisville or Tennessee (should the Cougars advance); Rochestie’s ball handling prowess is going to be needed more than ever. Rochestie provides Wazzou the perfect third guard compliment to the tremendous Weaver and Low tandem. Just c&p'ed the picks for NC and WSU... Full article is available with all regions through the above link. ... more -
WSU basketball reserves help team improve
The bench of Washington State.
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Cougars show off the "Gun Show"
Funny little local news spot on the WSU cougar basketball team.
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Rochestie Named 2008 V Foundation Comeback Finalist
Redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio.
March 4, 2008
CARY, N.C. - Washington State University redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie has been named one of 14 finalists for the eighth annual V Foundation Comeback Award, the foundation announced Tuesday.
The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma. Student-athletes are nominated by their athletics department representative.
The award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN"s inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano"s "Don't Give Up. . .Don't Ever Give Up!"® motto created a legacy from which the Comeback Award was created.
Rochestie is in his second full season with the Cougars and is currently the starting point guard. He was lightly recruited out of high school and accepted an offer from Tulane University where as a freshman he started 25 games and earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans prior to Rochestie's sophomore season forcing the team to relocate to College Station, Texas. Two weeks before the 2005-06 opener he sustained a season-ending knee injury requiring major surgery.
With the team's relocation and lack of facilities and tools for rehabilitation Rochestie left Tulane and accepted an offer to transfer to Washington State. Earlier this season Rochestie announced that he will give up his scholarship next season and play as a walk on during his senior year to open up another scholarship for an incoming freshman.
This season Rochestie is tied for third on the team with 10.7 points per game. He leads the No. 23/22 ranked Cougars in assists and ranks second in the league with 4.62 dishes per game. He also leads the league and ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio.
The14 finalists include: Jermaine Bishop, Northern Arizona University; T.J. Carter, University of North Carolina Wilmington; Kevin Coble, Northwestern University; Mickey Duncan, Berry College; Jamar Fleming, Virginia State University; Alex Franz, St. Mary's College of Maryland; Khaliq Gant, Cornell University; Danielle Hagen, University of Northern Colorado; Jessica Hall, University of Memphis; Nicole Hester, Drexel University; Darnell Jackson, University of Kansas; Taylor Rochestie, Washington State University, Carlos Taylor, Montana State University; Anthony Williams, SUNY Plattsburgh.
The award is presented in conjunction with ESPN and the recipient will be announced during ESPN's basketball Final Four/NIT weekend coverage. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org. Redshirt junior Taylor Rochestie ranks sixth in the nation with a 2.98 assist/turnover ratio. March 4, 2008 ... more -
WSU Rolls Over Cal Bears/Cub = Bearcubs
Great game and greater win for the Cougars of Washington State. the outmatched Berkeley Bersh never had a chance to beat the Cougs, who, with a win over the trees at su are looking at a fairly decent tournament bid. A quick win against the cards, another W over UW and a decent showing in the Pac-10 tournament could earn this team a solid 4-6 seed going into the tournament. Neh? Great game and greater win for the Cougars of Washington State. the outmatched Berkeley Bersh never had a chance to beat the Cougs, wh... more
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WSU's Kyle Weaver blocks Russell Westbrook
Great clip. Good editing and sound track
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No turnover at point guard for WSU Cougars
Great article about the Pac-10's leader in assists (and 6th in the nation in Assist/TO ratio!)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/colleges/wsu/story...
No turnover at point guard for WSU Cougars
TODD MILLES; todd.milles@thenewstribune.com
Gifted and gritty, just the way coach Tony Bennett likes point guards, Taylor Rochestie was handed the keys to the Washington State Cougars to start this season.
The appointment excited the junior from Santa Barbara, Calif., who a year ago was still healing from a severe knee injury he sustained while playing for Tulane.
To be trusted that much was an honor. To understand exactly what Bennett wanted was another matter.
He thought he was good enough.
Bennett wanted him to be better than that.
"I really thrive on taking that challenge, and being the point guard of the Cougars," Rochestie said. "It's who I've wanted to be the last couple years, the primary guard to run this team."
Leading the way led to early struggles. Rochestie had six turnovers against Gonzaga, followed by eight turnovers in a game against Portland State, both in early December.
The miscues, often because Rochestie was trying to do too much, were correctable.
A Bennett-to-Rochestie talk also went a long way toward setting him straight.
Bennett, a former point guard at Wisconsin-Green Bay and with the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA, wanted Rochestie to embrace his role in two capacities.
First, he wanted Rochestie to be the guard who retreated to stop transition play by opposing teams.
Second, and more importantly, he wanted him to take care of the ball when it was in his hands.
Then came BennettâÃÂÃÂs parting message: To win, you have to eliminate losing first.
"That was something that really hit home", Rochestie said. "You can't win if you turn it over"
Overall, Rochestie's 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio is second in the Pacific-10 Conference behind Arizona State's Derek Glasser, and sixth in NCAA Division I.
But in 11 conference games, Rochestie has been far and away the most efficient point guard in the country. His assist-to-turnover ratio is a remarkable 5.1 (56 assists, 11 turnovers). Five times he's played a game without committing a turnover.
"It's tremendous, and it's not like he's a safe player, like he doesn't try and make a play", Bennett said. "He's aggressive. He's wheeling and dealing, and driving and dishing." Great article about the Pac-10's leader in assists (and 6th in the nation in Assist/TO ratio!) ... more -
March Madness '07
In 2007, Current Producer Josh Soskin taught us about the NCAA College Basketball tournament and how to fill out a bracket. He met with a psychic, a super-fan and a disinterested outsider, as all three of them competed to see who could pick the most teams correctly in their tournament brackets. In 2007, Current Producer Josh Soskin taught us about the NCAA College Basketball tournament and how to fill out a bracket. He met wit... more
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How To: Super Bowl Party
The Super Bowl is Alex Rochestie's favorite holiday of the year. A programming coordinator by day, Alex takes us into his wheelhouse and divulges his fail safe guide to throwing a Super Bowl party that is fit to suit one of the most sacred of American traditions. The Super Bowl is Alex Rochestie's favorite holiday of the year. A programming coordinator by day, Alex takes us into his wheelho... more
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Cougars Prowl Down South
The sixth ranked Washington State Cougars will face another tough weekend on the road this week when they face off against Arizona and Arizona St. The biggest matchup of the weekend has to be the game against Arizona State but a win against Arizona shouldn't be a foregone conclusion. Arizona is the kind of team that poses the biggest threat to WSU. They can run up the score with all of their 3-point shooters. It should be a good game but in the end WSU should win this game. Great, now that we have that settled lets talk about ASU...
State vs. State! The Pac 10 game of the weekend. ASU has quickly become the WSU of last year. Picked to finish at the bottom, the Sun Devils have been showing opponents and the rest of the country. Harden and Pendergraft make up a tough combo of offensive force. Derek Glasser does a good job distributing the basketball and they get quality minutes from most of the players in their playing rotation. WSU gets the advantage when it comes to the big men. Cowgill and Baynes should be able to get some easy buckets inside and keep the cougs % at a level that will allow them to rely on their defense to win the game. Should be an awesome two nights of basketball. Can't wait to get down there in that sun and watch some of the Pac 10's finest teams go head to head. The sixth ranked Washington State Cougars will face another tough weekend on the road this week when they face off against Arizona and... more -
Top 8 Teams in College Hoops
The Guy from SI.com has guaranteed that this years NCAA championship winner will be one of the following teams:
1. UCLA
2. Indiana
3. Kansas
4. Tennessee
5. Georgetown
6. Memphis
7. Louiseville
8. Xavier
As hard as it is to pick a winner this early in the year it got me thinking about my top eight. My picks for the championship are as follows:
1. UCLA
2. Indiana
3. Kansas
4. Tennessee
5. Georgetown
6. Michigan State
7. Washington State (had to pick them)
8. UNC
Which list do you like better? What's your list? Post today and we'll pull this up in a couple months to see how everyone panned out. The Guy from SI.com has guaranteed that this years NCAA championship winner will be one of the following teams: 1. UCLA 2. Indiana ... more -
Game of the Week/Month/Year
In what has to be the game of weekend, WSU will walk into Pauley Pavillion tomorrow in a Pac 10 showcase showdown that makes me forget there is playoff football happening. So lets get down to business...
Who's winning this game? Easy, it has to be the Washington State Cougars by at least 1 point. Something just feels good about this being the year that WSU finally gets their second or third ever against UCLA in that storied building. I think Baynes will have a big game but so will Love. I think Low will be a big factor and remind a lot of people of what he can do offensively. Collison and Luc being <100% doesn't help UCLA either. Shipp will have a tough matchup going against Kyle Weaver who is the best defensive player at his height.
Such an even matchup means that supporting players will be crucial. UCLA definitely has the advantage in this regard with Matta and Aboya able to contribute quality minutes and give Love some rest when he needs it or gets into foul trouble. For the cougars, solid play will be needed from Forest, Harmeling and Koprivica to counter UCLA's depth.
Analysis aside, two great teams, coaches and records will collide Saturday in what should be nothing short of a March Madness type atmosphere. Can't wait to watch this story unfold.
If you have something intelligent to say on this matter feel free to comment below... best,
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aroc In what has to be the game of weekend, WSU will walk into Pauley Pavillion tomorrow in a Pac 10 showcase showdown that makes me forget... more -
Tony Bennett builds winner at Washington State - USATODAY
Great sports feature in today's USA Today
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