NBA Mock Draft- Picks 1-5

The NBA Draft is a month away, June 27th, and now that the lottery process (very confusing) has been completed, I will be doing my first ever Mock Draft in any sport. So, here we go!

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

For the 2nd time in 3 years, Dan Gilbert (Cavs owner) sent his son to the draft lottery and his good-luck charm claimed the Number 1 overall pick. After securing their franchise player, Kyrie Irving, this draft seems much different than 2 years ago. This draft presents, in my eyes, only one immediate superstar. Ben McLemore out of Kansas I think will have the most immediate impact, yet for the Cavs he doesn't fit their needs. With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in the backcourt, the Cavaliers really need a wing that can space the floor with shooting but then playing lock down defense on the other end, this is why I believe the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick will select Georgetown's Otto Porter.

2. Orlando Magic 

The Magic actually owned the best chances at owning the number 1 pick but much like their season, they lost it to the Cavs. But fortunately for the Magic, I don't think Porter would have been their guy anyways. The Magic don't have much anywhere but they are mostly lacking a point guard. With Jameer Nelson way past his prime, the Magic are going to select the top Point Guard in the draft, Trey Burke from Michigan. This is a scary pick in my mind. I love Burke, as a Michigan fan, but his draft stock has sky-rocketed purely because of a tournament run. This may or may not be a fair judge on Burke but this is a high-risk high-reward pick for the Magic. For an analogy, imagine if Joe Flacco's pass hadn't sailed over Rahim Moore's head in the AFC Divisional round. Does Flacco really get the $20 Million he earned after claiming a World Championship? No one knows, just like no one knows where Burke would have been drafted if he doesn't hit a 30 footer to tie the game against Kansas in the tournament. Just saying.


3. Washington Wizards 

The Wizards have a similar backcourt to the Cavaliers, in that they possess John Wall and Bradley Beal, two very strong guards. Also like the Cavs, they lack that wing player that is an integral part to the team. From my studying, I feel that the Wiz are leaning towards Antony Bennett. He's a 4 man out of UNLV currently recovering from injury. This is a perfect fit for both players but I feel that at number 3, Kentucky big man, Nerlens Noel, might be too good to pass up. So my prediction for Washington will be, if they don't trade back a few spots to grab Bennett, they'll settle for Noel. And when I say settle, I'm saying they'll gladly select the player with the biggest upside in the draft.

4. Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats were not the main laughing stock of the NBA this season which is an improvement from the year before but holding the #4 pick usually means they didn't have a great season. I'll keep this prediction short and sweet. The Bobcats have Kemba Walker and Kidd-Gilchrist, need a 2 man. Ben McLemore is a 2 man. Perfect fit, no brainer, biggest superstar in the draft, book it. The Bobcats franchise will be ecstatic if McLemore falls to them at #4.





5. Phoenix Suns 

With the final prediction of my first Mock Draft, the Phoenix Suns have a lot of options. They could really use a player at any position which is why I think they'll take the best player remaining on the board in Victor Oladipo out of Indiana. While Oladipo may be a 3 year project, the least he'll do in his rookie season is lock down your top guard and bring highlight plays. The Suns actually are in the worst position out of any of these top 5 teams amazingly but I think Oladipo can help the healing process.

NCAA Championship-Michigan Wolverines vs. Louisville Cardinals

The National Title game has been set! With that being said, Sportacular Sports will analyze and predict Monday Night's game.

Background:
CBS
9:23 PM ET
#4 Michigan Wolverines vs. #1 Louisville Cardinals

Final Four Recap:
In case you missed the two National Semi-finals, here is a quick recap.

Louisville-72
Wichita State-68

At one point in this game, the Shockers actually held a 12 point game. Unlike the Ohio State, Elite 8 game, this WSU lead slipped away. It was not the constant Louisville pressure that spurred a 15-0 crazy run (this did not happen), it was a more gradual comeback by the Cardinals. One you would expect from the Number 1 overall seed. The Shockers played a great game but the Louisville bench, led by Luke Hancock's 20 points, were the main reason the Cards play Monday night. The pivotal play of the game came after a missed Hancock free throw in which the ball was corralled by Wichita State. Unfortunately for WSU fans, Hancock clasped onto the ball and forced a jump ball. The rest is as they say history because Louisville owned the possession arrow and then the National Championship berth.

Michigan-61
Syracuse-56

The matchup between Michael Carter-Williams and Trey Burke could have been the greatest matchup of the Tourney, instead it was the role players who put on the show. Freshmen Spike Albrecht and Caris LeVert both hit important threes and the other freshmen big man Mitch McGary tallied his 3rd double double of the Tournament. With all those Freshman superstars, the MVP should truly go to Jordan Morgan. As McGary's play has improved, Morgan's minutes have diminished to the point where he didn't record a minute in their opening round game. After being a starter for most of the past two seasons, it is fitting Morgan owns MVP honors of the Semi-Final game. While it might not seem that he played a large part in the box score (3 points) it was his two charges taken that really won the game for the Wolverines. Michigan couldn't hit a Free Throw down the stretch connecting on only 3 of their Final 11 attempts but it was Morgan's charges that got them those extra possessions to save the game. He fittingly ended the game with a Monster slam to put Michigan in the Finals.

Now for the National Championship prediction!

To think that this is the National Championship matchup is a Hard Core fan's dream. The casual fan understands the Guard play matchup between Burke/Hardaway Jr. and Smith/Siva and that's a great storyline but for someone like me, sports lunatic, we see the real storyline. 

Michigan ranks #1 in Offensive efficiency while Louisville ranks #1 in Defensive efficiency. 
For a National title to have the top ranked offenses and defenses is hardly a reality. Fortunately for us that's what we have. Throw in that Louisville loves to force turnovers (2nd to VCU) and Michigan doesn't cough the ball up (2nd to none) and we have two amazing story lines. 

These two teams matchup as evenly as can be. For example, Russ Smith and Trey Burke. Both sporadic shot takers at time, can instantaneously take over and win their school a National Title. Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Siva. Both have amazing leadership and will will their to victory. Chane Behanan and Glenn Robinson Jr. Both slash the lane but have the ability to stretch the floor. 

Louisville has the edge in the experience department. Michigan has 5 Freshamn in their rotation, a Sophomore, a Junior, and a Senior (see above-Jordan Morgan). Louisville went to the Final Four last year and have plenty of Senior leadership. While people say experience doesn't really matter, check Louisville vs. Michigan's free throw shooting down the stretch. 

With the equality of both these teams, I am waffling a ton on my pick. I picked the Cardinals pre-season (I'm impressed with myself) but my favorite College Basketball team happens to be Michigan. Seeing both teams in action this weekend, I can't point out one thing that will separate one from the other.

With ALL this being said, I'm going with the...Wolverines...no Cardinals... tie?...OK

Michigan Wolverines!!!

I think the difference in the game is Mitch McGary down low and Trey Burke being the best player in the Nation. 


Wolverines-67
Cardinals-66

Round of 64-Upset Alert-Thursday-March Madness-NCAA Tournament

The Round of 64 begins tomorrow, March 21st. In it contains 16 of the 32 games played in the Round of 64. With that being said Sportacular Sports breaks down all the possible upsets and why.

Beginning with Louisville and Gonzaga, we will assume they are safe as 16 seeds are 0-112 against Number 1 seeds. 

After that, I would say any game could be on Upset Alert. No #2 seeds are participating in the festivities on Thursday therefore Upsets are bound to happen. 

I have heard analysts throw out names like Montana over Syracuse or Davidson over Marquette but I believe the NCAA tournament is relying heavy on Coaching and backcourt play (Point guards).
Therefore, Syracuse's Jim Boeheim and Marquette's under rated head coach Buzz Williams should be able to coach their teams to victory. 

Another team I've heard under Upset Alert would be Butler against Bucknell. Bucknell's star player is Mike Muscala who plays under the basket. While he may be an underrated big man, Butler truly does well in the postseason and don't see this trend stopping this year.

A team that hasn't been mentioned on upset alert that contains a strong backcourt and excellent head coach is Michigan State. They face the #14 seeded Valparaiso who they should have no trouble handling.


With that being said, I see a ton of potential upsets on the slate for Thursday.

The College Basketball season has been madness already and to think that this trend would come to an end would be silly. 

8 vs. 9 games will also not be counted because I don't believe they are truly upsets.

Sorry for the long introduction, now we get down to business.

1.South Dakota State vs Michigan (13-4) 
Michigan started off the season with a bang and eventually obtained the #1 ranking in the nation. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, they are trending in the wrong direction. While their season did not spiral out of control like the 2010 Texas Longhorns, the Wolverines did not finish with momentum. With that being said, Michigan still has a National POY candidate in Trey Burke. But on the other side for the Jack Rabbits, South Dakota State has 6 4' guard Nate Wolters. Wolters is a tough guard who puts the ball in the basket. South Dakota State has experience in the tournament (appeared last year) and Michigan is a young team. Michigan fell in the first round last year and their coach, John Belein, only has an 8-7 career record in the NCAA tournament. My alert level would be low but don't be surprised.

2. Belmont Bruins vs. Arizona Wildcats (11-6)
My alert level would be at a medium for this matchup. Arizona was another team that began the season undefeated and entered the top 5 ranking at one point. They have excellent players in Solomon Hill and Mark Lyons but the Wildcats are inconsistent. On the other hand, Belmont has tournament experience which is very important come March. They also have a Senior Guard in Ian Clark who average 18 points per game. Arizona very well could breeze through this Belmont team and then beat New Mexico two days later. But, don't be shocked if it's this Belmont team that is defeating Arizona and New Mexico in a span of 3 days.

3. California Golden Bears vs. UNLV Runnin' Rebels (12-5)
UNLV might be in trouble. The Runnin' Rebels reign from the MWC (Moutain West) which has low success in the Big Dance. To augment to the conference's low success level is my disbelief in highly ranked mid major teams. I've never seen a team from a mid major seeded top 5 go very far in the tournament. For some reason, those schools are always the Cinderellas never the favorites. Another reason I don't like St. Louis, New Mexico, or this UNLV team. But in this instance, it is more what I like about Cal than what I don't like about UNLV. If you've never heard of Allen Crabbe and Justin Cobb you will be hearing their names tomorrow night. Crabbe and Cobb are the backcourt for the Bears and combine for 33 points per game. Not only do I think they'll run past the Rebels (no pun intended) but I think they'll shoot the lights out against Syracuse's zone two days later and advance to the Sweet 16. 

Thanks for reading my Upset Alert picks. Leave your comments below.

#1 Michigan at #3 Indiana

Headline:
The #1 Michigan Wolverines travel to Assembly Hall to face the #3 Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan Wolverines:
Trey Burke and company have withstand the curse of the 1 for a long run of 1 games. They easily defeated Northwestern in only turning the ball twice in that game. The curse of number 1 might rear its head again tonight. While Michigan could possibly fall from the top rank tonight or in their next 4 games, (Indiana, Michigan St, Wisconsin, and Ohio State) the Wolverines long term goal is a National Championship. These are the games that truly show who the top teams in the nation are. If Michigan comes away from this grueling stretch in a positive way, the Wolverines can consider themselves a contender. Freshman Nik Stauskas and Junior Tim Hardaway Jr. will look to lead the Wolverines to their first title since 1989.

Indiana Hoosiers:
The Hoosiers were pre-season ranked #1 and show they nearly deserve that title. Indiana seemed to return to relevancy last season most notably against the top ranked Wildcats. Each of those teams have gone in opposite directions. The Wildcats have fallen out of the ranks after a National Championship but the Hoosiers have jumped into the top 5 for most of this season. The Hoosiers run with big man Cody Zeller and get excellent guard play from Victor Oladipo.

Prediction:
Their are two keys to this game. The guard matchup between Burke and Hardaway Jr. against Oladipo, Hulls, and Sheehey. In addition, can Michigan big men slow down Cody Zeller and Senior Christian Watford. Whoever wins these matchups wins the game.

Final Score:
Indiana-67
Michigan- 63

Line:
Indiana -5.5
Over/Under:
144.5

Sportacular Sport's NCAA Men's Basketball Predictions

College Basketball is back and who isn't excited. Even though we have tons of exciting games remaining in the NFL season, everyone gets ready for the College Basketball Season.

College Basketball Preseason Rankings

To no surprise, Indiana is the ranked #1 in the preseason. They return a ton of their main players from last season led by preseason All-American Cody Zeller. The defending-champion, Kentucky Wildcats, aren't ranked number 1 because of all the players they lost this off-season. After a trip to the Final Four and returning many players, Louisville ranks at #2. Rivals, Ohio State and Michigan, round out the top 5 containing 3 Big 10 clubs.

Indiana Hoosiers-#1, Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Cody Zeller-C

Christian Watford-PF

Will Sheehey-SF

Victor Oladipo-SG

Jordan Hulls-PG

Led by Sophomore, Cody Zeller, the Hoosiers return their starting lineup from last season. All but Zeller are either a Junior or Senior. They have the leadership and the star-player. For some reason though, I don't see Inidiana winning a National Championship. Something says, Indiana's lack of athleticism will catch up to them against my projected National Championship, Louisville.

Louisville Cardinals-#2-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Peyton Siva-PG

Wayne Blackshear-SG

Luke Hancock-SF

Chane Behanan-PF

Gorgui Dieng-C

After a Final Four exit last season, Louisville returns many key players from their run last season. Peyton Siva should be the most dynamic PG in all of College Basketball this season. Gorgui Dieng is an unbelievable shot-blocker and will protect the rim well for the Cardinals this season. Co-captain, Luke Hancock, can do it all while Chane Behanan was excellent off the bench in the Tournament last season. The Cardinals have all the assets to win a Championship and could clinch a 1-seed with a weaker Kentucky team this season. My early prediction is the Cardinals winning the Championship this season.

Kentucky Wildcats-#3-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Ryan Harrow-PG

Archie Goodwin-SG

Alex Poythress-SF

Kyle Wiltjer-PF

Nerlens Noel-C

Kentucky looks to defend their National Championship. But look above and see how many starters they return. 0. They also lost senior, Darius Miller. Their 7th best player is finally in the starting lineup with the addition of freshman stud Nerlens Noel. While his hair is awesome, this freshman class will not be able to live up to the hype from last year's team. Expect a deep run in the tournament, only for the lack of Senior leadership to catch them this year.

Ohio State Buckeyes-#4-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Aaron Craft-PG

Shannon Scott-SG

Lenzelle Smith Jr.-SF

Deshaun Thomas-PF

Amir Williams-C

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a ton of promise this upcoming season. Even with the loss of big-man Jared Sullinger, O-H-I-O returns stud, Aaron Craft, and Deshaun Thomas. Aaro Craft can do it all for the Buckeyes which is why I believe they'll win the Big 10. He brings leadership, can spread the ball effectively, and even score buckets when necessary. Not to mention, Lenzelle Smith Jr. is an excellent player, this trio could lead the Buckeyes to a promising season.

Michigan Wolverines-#5-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Trey Burke-PG

Tim Hardaway-SG

Glen Robinson III-SF

Mitch McGary-PF

Jordan Morgan-C

The Michigan Wolverines have an excellent backcourt this upcoming season. Led by Sophomore Trey Burke and Junior Tim Hardaway. The Wolverines will play with the loss of dual-threat Evan Smotrycz but bring in Freshman Mitch McGary. The Wolverines are an excellent team in an extremely tough Big 10. I think they'll finish 3rd in the conference. Going further than their first round exit last season, the Wolverines will play in the Elite 8 but fall to eventual champions, Louisville.

The season is just beginning and much will change but everyone should get pumped for the start of another College Basketball season.

Sportacular Sports College Basketball Pre-Season All-Americans

College Basketball Pre-Season's All-Americans

• (C) Cody Zeller-Indiana
• (F) Doug McDermott- Creighton
• (F) DeShaun Thomas- Ohio State
• (G) Isaiah Canaan- Murray State
• (G) C.J. McCollum- Lehigh
• (G) Trey Burke-Michigan

Cody Zeller-Indiana

Big-man Cody Zeller from Indiana stormed into the conversation for Big man of the year last season. While Anthony Davis clearly deserved the award, Cody Zeller defeated the #1 Wildcats early in the season. Cody Zeller has helped Indiana return to the hay days as Indiana is also ranked Pre-season #1. I am not huge on the Hoosiers but they have a lot of potential returning a lot of their players from last season. With a big year, Zeller could also be the #1 pick in the draft and lead the Hoosiers to a National Championship.

Doug McDermott-Creighton

Doug McDermott, coached by his father Greg, led the Blue Jays to the NCAA tournament. After defeating Alabama, Creighton drew an unfortunate matchup with the Tar Heels. McDermott averaged 23 ppg and 8 Rebs. Besides McDermott, Creighton doesn't have much. I think at the end of the season McDermott will be a top player because of the lack of competition in the Missouri Valley Conference and the lack of depth behind him.

DeShaun Thomas-Ohio State

DeShaun Thomas was a surprising star last year and has been rewarded with a Pre-season All-American ranking. Now with Jared Sullinger gone Thomas will see even more time on the ball. Personally, I thought PG Aaron Craft was the best player on the Buckeyes roster but apparently the voters thought otherwise. In fact, I don't predict Thomas is an All-American come the end of the season unless Ohio State goes to the Final Four or deeper.

Isaiah Canaan-Murray State

PG Isaiah Canaan led Murray State to an unbelievable 31-2 season last year. At one point the Racers were in the Top 10 led by POY Candidate Canaan. Canaan is coming back this year and he is only going to be better. Now that he has created a winning environment around Murray State, the Racers can go farther than the Round of 32 this season. I believe Canaan will be an All-American by season's end as Murray State will make a deep run ending in the Elite 8.

C.J. McCollum-Lehigh

The reason McCollum made this list rather than Aaron Craft is because of Lehigh's defeat of Duke last year in the NCAA Tournament. McCollum will have another big year after averaging 22 ppg. McCollum can definitely lead Lehigh to a 2nd straight NCAA tournament birth. The chances they defeat another 2 seed though, I don't see happening. In addition, I don't believe McCollum will be an All-American.

Trey Burke-Michigan

PG Trey Burke, combined with running mate SG Tim Hardaway, are Pre-Season ranked #5 after a First Round Tournament loss last season. It was a toss-up between Burke and Craft for this final Pre-Season spot and bragging rights for top PG in the Big 10. The expectation for the Big 10 this season will be Indiana  Michigan, and then Ohio State. Indiana should claim the top spot but it will be a fight between the two rivals for the #2 seed. In the tournament both Michigan and Ohio State have the ability to go far. At the end of the season, I predict both Craft and Burke will be All-Americans.