5 Under-the-Radar NBA Free Agent Signings

Dee Bost, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
Bost, the former Mississippi State star, is now a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He will be behind competing in training camp for the Damian Lillard's backup point guard slot with Mo Williams and Earl Watson. Bost was eligible for the 2012 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. Bost is an excellent shooter, but after a wrist injury and suspension, his production slipped and so did his draft stock. After a strong overseas performance last year, he has a legitimate shot to make the Blazers roster this year.

Josh Akognon, PG, Memphis Grizzlies
Some people were just put on this planet to get buckets(see Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady) and Akognon is one of them. He was cut off of the Dallas Mavericks roster in training camp last year, but when the Mavericks needed shooting, they regretting cutting Akognon. He will be competing for Mike Conley Jr.'s backup point guard spot, but even if he doesn't get it, he will be a key factor for a Memphis team with little to no three-point shooters. He will join Jerryd Bayless and Quincy Pondexter as the Grizzlies go-to shooters.

Phil Pressey, PG, Boston Celtics
Already Rajon Rondo's backup, Pressey has gotten nearly no attention from the media. An established passer out of Missouri, Flip declared for the draft early, but didn't get picked. Hours after the draft, the Celtics signed Pressey, who they couldn't pass up on. Pressey may start at the beginning of the season if Rondo is not available or Avery Bradley shows inconsistency. The former SEC assists leader has had trouble in the clutch, but he probably won't be facing that this year.

Arinze Onuaku, F/C, New Orleans Pelicans
Onuaku was a D-League All-Star last year, and led the Canton Charge in field goal percentage. He is a tough inside presence, and at 6'9" and 256 pounds, the Pelicans will need him this year to help Anthony Davis and Jeff Withey defend the basket. The former Syracuse standout is underrated and is capable of making big plays under basket.

James Southerland, F, Charlotte Bobcats
Southerland is a flat out scorer. He can score from anywhere and everywhere on the floor. He possesses a high shot release that is very hard to contest, and at 6'8", that gives him a huge advantage. The undrafted free agent out of Syracuse can spread out the floor to allow Kemba Walker, Cody Zeller, and Al Jefferson make plays inside. Southerland can and will give some defenses fits. Southerland helped the Orangemen reach the Final Four last year, and hopefully he will have a positive impact on the Bobcats.

Peyton Siva: The Legend

Peyton Robert Siva Jr. was born on October 24, 1990, into a troubled Samoan family in Seattle. For his early life, he lived near an intersection of three gang territories. His father, Peyton Sr., was never around because he struggled with drugs and alcohol. His father was always in trouble with the law as well, and his sister was often caught for shoplifting. By the age of 13, Peyton Jr. had taught himself how to drive. He drove to find his father who had been reported missing for about a week, and Peyton found his father in a drug den holding a gun to his head. Peyton convinced his father to put the gun down, and his father has been forever changed by these actions

Peyton Jr. desperately wanted to avoid the fate of his other family members, so he started playing sports. When he tried out for youth football, he was too light, so he stuffed his pockets with playing cards and cell phones. He was soon known as a relentless athlete on the field and on the court. Siva helped his fellow athletes avoid drugs and alcohol as well as gangs.

In high school, Peyton led his high school to win two championships, and was the unanimous selection for Washington's Mr. Basketball award. He graduated as a 4-star McDonald's All-American and committed to Louisville on May 16, 2008.

Peyton backed up Cardinals' star Edgar Sosa in his first year at the U of L, but he managed to average 3 assists a game in 11 minutes a game. The Cards made the tournament as a 9 seed, but they lost to Cal in the first round.

In Siva's sophomore year, he started all 35 games for Louisville, averaging 9.9 points and 5.2 assists per game. In two straight games against West Virginia and Connecticut, he hit game-winning layups in the final seconds. He was selected to the All- Big East Honorable Mention Team, but his 4 seeded Cards were upset by Kenneth Faried and the 13 seed Morehead State.

As a junior, Peyton Siva struggled with his three-point shot, making less than 25% percent of his attempts, and turned the ball over way too much. Coach Rick Pitino was furious with Siva, and he scolded Siva for getting caught up in two many things. Siva was to only focus on two things- school and basketball, because Pitino need Siva's 100% attention. After this, Siva turned into the player that Mr. Basketball, and was elected the 2012 Most Outstanding Player in the Big East Tournament. The 4 seeded Cardinals made it to the Final Four before being knocked out by arch-rivals Kentucky.

Siva, now a senior, was ready to lead his team to the final goal, a national championship. The Cards were No.2 in the preseason polls and Siva was the preseason Big East Player of the Year. Siva won his second Most Outstanding Player Award, tying Patrick Ewing as the only two players to win the award twice. Siva made huge plays in the NCAA Tournament, leading the Cards to the National Championship in a tight win over Michigan. Siva left Louisville as the all-time leader in steals and third in assists.

Siva was recently drafted and signed by the Detroit Pistons. He was married this July in the KFC Yum! Center. Siva is a devout Christian who gives thanks to God in all of his actions. Siva is one of the most liked characters in basketball, and hopefully he will have a great career in the NBA.

Top Current NBA Players From Every Big East School

Butler- Gordon Hayward
Hayward is a do-it-all player for the Utah Jazz now. In his college career, he is most known for almost sinking a half-court shot that would have won the game for Butler against Duke in the NCAA Championship Game. But anyways, he is a great scorer, passer, rebounder, and defender.

Creighton- Kyle Korver

Korver, who has kept the shaggy hair over the years, is now a 3-point marksman who signed an extension with the Atlanta Hawks. Korver has been a key role player over the years for the Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls. His title may be taken away soon when Doug McDermott enters the NBA.

Georgetown- Roy Hibbert

 

Hibbert, who has been an Indiana Pacer his whole career, has made headlines the last few years. He was selected to an All-Star Game in 2012, and has made trouble for the Miami Heat in the playoffs. Hibbert, along with Paul George, should lead the Pacers to the top of the Eastern Conference the next few years.

Marquette- Dwyane Wade

Was there any doubt about this one? Wade is a top 10 shooting guard of all time, spending his whole career for the Miami Heat. The fourth pick in the 2003 NBA Draft has been an All-Star player since he got into the league, and will continue to be until he retires. Wade's explosiveness is the reason he has been as productive as he has recently.

Providence- MarShon Brooks

Brooks is a rising star now in his 3rd NBA season. He spent his first two years with the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and is now a member of the Boston Celtics. He will always be remembered for his 52-point performance against Norte Dame, tying the Friars school record. He has the ability to catch fire on any given night, and will do so for the Celtics.

St. John's- Maurice Harkless/Metta World Peace

While World Peace(top) is at the end of his career, Harkless(bottom), a second year player, plays a similar game as him, without the attitude. Both are spectacular defensive players, shooters, and athletic. World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, has signed a contract with the New York Knicks, and Harkless is currently a member of the Orlando Magic. World Peace has had a spectacular career, and it will be interesting to see how Harkless plays in the future.

Villanova- Kyle Lowry

Lowry is a standout point guard for the Toronto Raptors. The scoring guard landed in Toronto after playing for the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies, but he has been high quality his whole career. His most recent headline was when he was blocked by 5'4" comedian Kevin Hart. Hopefully, this is not a sign to come for Lowry's next year.

Xavier- David West

David West has been a huge contributor for whatever teams he has played on, whether it be his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans, or his current team, the Indiana Pacers. Roy Hibbert and West gave the Heat fits in the playoffs last year. His ability to hit the free-throw line jumper and finish inside makes him one of the most underrated power forwards in the NBA.


DePaul and Seton Hall have no current NBA players, but Fuquan Edwin(Seton Hall) should change that for his school soon.