February 2011 | Page 18 of 19 | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Saturday / November 23.

NEW YORK — Count Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban among those who’s glad the Melo Drama is still ongoing.

“Anything that distracts other teams in our conference or in the league, that’s a good thing,” Cuban said before the Mavs met the Knicks Wednesday at MSG. “I want every other player on every team to revolt. Just refuse to play when we’re in town. That would make me happy.”

Carmelo Anthony remains the subject of trade talks even after he visited New Jersey Monday night.


NEW YORK — Sean Grennan became the latest player to commit to the future of Seton Hall when he pledged to the Pirates over the weekend.

“I think it’s a spectacular fit,” Grennan, a senior at Monsignor Donovan High School in Toms River, N.J., told ZAGSBLOG Wednesday. “To be able to play in the Big East like that is such a great opportunity. It’s kind of something I’ve dreamed about since a little kid. Day in and day out, you’re going up against some of the greatest coaches in college basketball.

“The school itself, it’s a great school academically. The opportunities outside of that are unlimited. It’s a great thing, and I’m really excited.”

NEW YORK — For Bob Hurley and the St. Anthony Friars, it must be the shoes.

OK, it might also be the fact that they feature two major Division 1 talents, a group of solid role players and a Hall of Fame coach.

But St. Anthony is undefeated (15-0) in the specially designed Reebok kicks made in honor of Hurley, who today shoots for career win No. 1,000 against St. Mary’s of Jersey City in St. Anthony’s gym (4 p.m.).

Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans, the reigning NBA  Rookie of the Year, and Los Angeles Clippers rookie forward Blake Griffin,  the  only  player  in  the NBA averaging at least 20 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, lead a list of 18 players selected for the 2011 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, Feb. 18, in Los Angeles All-Star Weekend.

The participants in the Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam were selected
by the NBA’s assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot.

Joining  Evans  on  the Sophomore team are: San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair, Golden  State  Warriors  guard Stephen Curry, Toronto Raptors guard DeMar  DeRozan,  Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson, Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue  Holiday,  Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks  guard  Brandon  Jennings, and  Portland  Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews.

At the midway point of the Big East season, here are the ZAGSBLOG Big East awards.

I left Casey Mitchell of West Virginia and Jeremy Hazell of Seton Hall off the teams because they’ve both missed games, but their status could change going forward. Mitchell is expected to return from suspension soon, and Hazell recently returned from a broken wrist.

Big East Player of the Year

Kemba Walker, UConn, G, Jr

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