NBA Mock Draft Ver.1

-This won't be a article about how big of a joke the NBA Lottery is, or how insane it is that the fate of a franchise is decided by ping pong balls when many consider the entire situation "fixed". This is a pure NBA Mock Draft the 1st of it's kind by myself this year, and while there will be speculation it will be on my part speculating who will be picked. So without further delay, let's get to it.

1.) New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis PF, Kentucky

-This is a 100% locked pick. This pick is so certain Anthony Davis may already be in New Orleans training and chatting with his new teammates. Anthony Davis is a specimen of a basketball player, at 6'10 220 lbs, Davis brings a big body in the paint who excels at defense and shot blocking. Anthony Davis is very athletic with his length and versatility making him even more of a danger our threat in the paint. While Davis has an excellent defensive game, he is still developing an offensive game, but only at the age of 19 years old has an enormous amount of potential. Davis will be the No.1 pick in this draft and be the future for this Hornets franchise.

2.) Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF, Kentucky

-Easily the worst team in the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats have to be steaming after the lottery. Despite the track record of Michael Jordans' prior drafts, he couldn't have messed up with Anthony Davis. He won't get his chance now, as the Hornets lost the lottery getting the 2nd pick. At 2 the Hornets should go Best Player Available and that is Michael Kidd-Gilcrhist. MKG is one of my favorites from this draft as he has great ability to drive the ball inside for easy baskets, he also is very versatile on defense. Kidd-Gilchrist can cover both Guard and Forward positions, and at a high level. The biggest asset Michael has is his motor and heart, he plays every minute going 100%, and hustling on every play. This type of playing style is exactly what the Bobcats need.

3.) Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal SG, Florida

-The Washington Wizards have their man for the future in John Wall, but in order to continue to rise back to relevancy in the NBA they will need to give Wall some weapons. At 3 the Wizards can give Wall a complement scorer in Bradley Beal. Beal draws comparisons to Eric Gordon and those claims are spot on. Beal has a sweet stroke from the outside and has shown a wide range from beyond the 3 point line. He isn't just an outside shooter though as Beal can drive to the hoop for the And 1 as well. In Washington, Beal and Wall can develop into one of the more deadly Guard duo's in the league and give the Wizards a bright future, for the first time in a long time.

4.) Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeremy Lamb SG, UConn

-The Cavaliers spent 2 picks last year by taking PG Kyrie Irving at 1 and PF Tristan Thompson at 4. Now fast forward a year later, and both players are looking like they could be cornerstones for this franchise. The Cavaliers will again pick at 4 and try to find a complement scorer to Irving. UConn SG Jeremy Lamb can be just that guy for this team. Lamb possesses a great outside game with a tremendous ability to make 3's, and possessing the instincts and athleticism to come off screens and hit the open jump shot. Lamb has seen his stock rise up boards as of late, and while this may seem early, could be the pick for the Cavs at 4.

5.) Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson PF, Kansas

-Kings fans had to be heart broken when they found out once again the NBA Draft Lottery wasn't kind to them. In a year when a player like Anthony Davis or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist may have turned this franchise around, they instead will stay at the 5th pick in a difficult circumstance. At 5 the Kings may look to trade out either packaging the 5th pick with Tyreke Evans, who will enter the final year of his contact this upcoming season, and may not be extended after a disappointing 2 years following his breakout rookie season. The Kings may try to get a veteran SF like Rudy Gay or Andre Igoudala, but if neither are available they will have to pick at 5. At 5, the Kings would be happy to get PF Thomas Robinson. Robinson broke out this year displaying his size and athleticism to NBA Scouts, while also putting his toughness and explosiveness in the paint on display. A pairing of DeMarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson could be dynamite for the Kings, even if they aren't in Sacramento.

March Madness Preview

-After months of College Hoops action, it's everyones' favorite time of year again, March Madness. Over a span of 21 Days, 64 teams will all play their hearts out for the right to cut down the nets on the biggest stage in college basketball. 2011 was a memorable march, but 2012 will certainly bring a much different result. The Butler Bulldogs who have been to the past 2 National Championship games failed to even make it into the tourney this year, and while the 2011 Champion Connecticut Huskies made the tournament, they only come in with the 9th Seed in the South Region. The Top 4 Seeds (Kentucky, Syracuse, Michigan State, North Carolina) all have historical backgrounds in the tournament, and will be looking to continue that tradition in 2012. As always though, there is always that Dark Horse that makes it to the Final Four or even Big Dance and surprises and captivates a nation of basketball fans.

South Bracket:

Favorite: Kentucky
-The No.1 team in the entire tournament, Kentucky is led by the evident No.1 pick in the NBA Draft, in Shot Blocker and difference maker Anthony Davis. The freshman PF dominated in his first year as a Wildcat,  He is the best player in the nation, and will lead the Wildcats to the National Championship Game.

Dark Horse: Virginia Commonwealth University
-VCU did it last year and they could make a nice run this year as well. Shaka Smart is one of the best in the business, and has done a tremendous job coaching up his guys, and executing his game plans at the right time. If Shaka Smart and VCU want to get back to the Final Four, they will have to get past a tough Wichita State team, and possibly Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

X-Factor: Austin Rivers G, Duke
--The X Factor in the South Region is definitely young freshman Austin Rivers. Rivers has been a key to the Blue Devils success this season, but also has been their kryptonite. Coach K is the best at bringing the most out of his players, and has helped Rivers this season. The key for Duke to make it back to the Title game is Austin Rivers play, and if he plays well, not only will Duke cut down the nets, Rivers will be a Top 5 NBA Draft pick.