I don’t have the exact statistics handy, but I’m sure of this: the NBA is a code that’s damn near impossible to crack. Of the thousands of potential prospects in collegiate competition and foreign clubs around the world, there are still only 60 draft slots available each June.

For some, seeing their replica jersey adorn store shelves has been a foregone conclusion since middle school, while others have taken a more unconventional route through minor league lineups and 10-day contracts. But whatever path is ultimately taken to the NBA, it’s undoubtedly filled with its share of surprises, sidetracks and lucky moments. Read More »

It’s Championship Week in college basketball, otherwise known as the week of tournaments before THE Tournament. And honestly, it seems this year people only really care about two conference tourneys: the Big East and the Big 12 … and maybe the ACC based on history and hype.

This week we’ll be previewing those anticipated conference tournaments. But for now I’m doing the Pac-10, because that’s the one I know best, because I don’t want the Left Coast to get overlooked again, and, well, because I can. Read More »

Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) forward C.J. Leslie is the #10-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. Previously committed to N.C. State, Leslie recently re-opened his recruiting and has opted to wait until the spring to decide on a college. That alone makes his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 senior class, and Leslie also happens to be one of its most exciting players. C.J. has agreed to give us exclusive access in a bi-monthly diary about his season and the recruiting process as he inches closer to a decision. Here’s an excerpt: Read More »