In case you missed it, here are the highlights from the D-League Dunk Contest this past weekend. NBA hopefuls Chris Johnson (LSU), Marqus Blakely (Vermont, 2010 NCAA champ), Derrick Byars (Vanderbilt) and defending champ Dar Tucker (DePaul) went at it, with the finals coming down to Tucker and Johnson. Brian Grant, Jerome Williams and Paul George were among the judges.

Around the Dime HQ, the weeks after March Madness are all about appreciating the passion of college ball, cheerleaders, Gus Johnson, and NBA projections. Around this time last year, opinions about Dukie DeMarcus Nelson‘s NBA future were mixed. But Nelson is proving doubters wrong now, as he’s tearing up the Development League and looks poised to get back to the big show. Read More »

Now that James White (of legitimate free-throw line dunk contest fame) has taken the big leap from the D-League to the Houston Rockets, we’re on the lookout for the next D-Leaguer bound for the League. Check out these 10 guys who have been killing it as of late.

10. Jared Jordan – Everybody’s favorite Marist guard, Jared Jordan led the nation in assists in college, just under 9 per night. It seemed as though his dream of playing in the NBA was fading at the beginning of this season, when he finished December averaging 4.8 points and 4.2 assists. But he’s come on incredibly strong as of late, proving to be one of the best passers in the D-League. Read More »