Names To Know...Kris Joseph

If you have been watching any college basketball this year, you know that staying at the top of the polls has been tough. Kentucky, Kansas, Texas and Villanova have all either been at the top or close only to lose. The one team that has managed to stay in the top 10 is the Syracuse Orange. They started the year at number 6 and have moved to number 2 this week after beating Cincinnati this past weekend.

One reason they are near the top of the NCAA basketball world is the play of 6'7", 210 lbs sophomore from Montreal, Kris Joseph. Although Joseph didn't make much of a splash as a freshman, but now he is widely considered to be one of the best 6th men in college basketball.

Averaging just over 25 minutes a game, Joseph has been averaging 11pts and 5 rebounds a game. These are the type of stats that will get him noticed by NBA scouts and by Canadian national basketball coach Leo Rautins (who, no doubt watches plenty of the 'Cuse anyways because of his son Andy Rautins).

Joseph has been a great boost of energy off the bench for Syracuse and is making a push to be a starter. Although, with coach Jim Boeheim giving seven players just about equal playing time, coming off the bench isn't that big of a deal.

His best performances of the season has been put up this month. February 2nd vs. Providence he put up a season best 23pts and complimented that with 7 rebounds, a block and 4 steals. Then, this past Saturday vs. Cincy he hit two big three pointers to help the Orange pull away in the second half as part of a 17pt performance.

The Orange are looking to make their deepest run in the NCAA tournament since Carmelo Anthony led them to the title in 2003 and Kris Joseph hopes to be a big part of it.

Names To Know - DeMar DeRozan

The NBA draft had quite a few surprises and the Raptors ended up going against my wishes and drafted USC guard DeMar DeRozan.

Here are his vitals so you can cheer on the newest Raptor come September.
Height: 6' 7" - Weight: 207 lbs - Bday: 08/07/1989
High School: Compton HS - Hometown: Compton, CA
NBA Best Case Scenario: Josh Howard - NBA Worst Case Scenario: Rodney Carney

Thanks to NBADraft.net for the write-up. Although they compared him to Vince Carter which is great, but for Toronto fans that hurts just a little.

Strengths: Jaw dropping athletic specimen. At a chiseled 6'6 220 with large wingspan. Possesses the prototypical frame for an NBA wing ...Incredible leaper and explosive finisher. Vertical is reportedly 40 inches plus ... His head is even with the rim on many of his dunks ... Has all but mastered the art of the mid-range game ... Shoots the ball exceptionally well from inside 20 feet. At his best with one dribble and then elevating, preferably to his left ... Moves well without the ball, always looking for creases in the defense ... Uses screens well and comes off ready to fire ... Puts his unique package of leaping ability and strength to good use on the glass ... Excellent offensive rebounder (2.4 per game) ... Finishes strong around the basket, but shows finesse and variety with floaters and spin moves ... Right hand dominant when attacking the hoop. Defenders know this, but he still gets to the rack, a testament to his first step and strength ... Puts in a strong effort on the defensive end ... Above average lateral quickness, but often too high in his defensive stance. Reads habit passes well off the ball ... Showed signs of being a pressure performer, taking his game to another level in the Pac 10 tournament, completely outclassing his competition with a myriad of out of this world athletic displays ...

Weaknesses: Still very much a work in progress, filled with untapped potential ... Despite all of his physical attributes, is often satisfied to 'go with the flow'. Does not look to dominate ... His on court presence leaves much to be desired at this stage of his development .. He plays hard, but rarely full throttle ... Passion to be a superstar has always been questioned .. Needs to enhance range on his jumper ... Shot only 17% from three in his one season at USC, attempting only 1 per game ... He steps into his mid-range jumper well, but tends to fade away on three point attempts ... Despite a picturesque stroke, shot only 65% from the FT line ... His ball handling needs a lot of work ... Rarely, if ever, takes more than one dribble to his left without pulling up or spinning back right ... Very predictable. Lacks creativity in the face up game which he will need to succeed at the next level ... Despite his size and strength, he did not utilize the post up game at all in college. Not much of a passer or facilitator (1.5 assists per game) ... Has a quick first step, but not dynamic ... His ceiling is unlimited, but needs to add many significant dimensions to his game. A year older than his freshman counterparts, turning 20 in August.