NCAA Court Designs That Aren't Real But Should Be

Arizona

The cacti around the edges, the big A logo, and the slogan "Out in the Desert" across half-court would make the Arizona court look amazing. The only con is trying to imagine how many players would get injured by stepping on cacti.

Colorado

Nothing represents Colorado more than mountains. So the University of Colorado put mountains on their court, confusing everyone including the refs trying to tell where the lines are.

Hawaii

The infamous "Rainbow Warriors" add to their arsenal of color with a court with flowers around the edges. The location of Hawaii inspires the slogan "Middle of the Pacific" on the court. Seems like a nice place for a luau.

Louisville

As a Louisville fan, I couldn't help but love seeing this court become a reality. The Cards play in the KFC Yum! Center, which is the reason for Colonial Sanders face all over the court. The Cards could also use a little of Colonial's Secret Sauce to help them win next year.

LSU

Louisiana is known for two things: Marti Gras and swamps. So the Tigers decide to put one of their landmarks on their courts. They chose the bayou and the slogan "Deep in the Bayou" because Marti Gras masks frighten players from Ole Miss and Alabama.

Miami (FL)

Ahh, South Beach in Miami. Palm trees are everywhere. Suddenly one gets sick of palm trees and decides to watch the University of Miami play Wake Forest. The person steps into the arena, takes one look at the court, passes out, and wakes up with an irrational fear of palm trees.

Nebraska

Hey, Nebraska was pretty good last year. They beat some of the top teams in the Big Ten at home. Now they can beat everyone at home with their court designed with corn. The only problem is Terran Petteway's hair not matching the court's hair.

No Flop Zone's 2014 Mock Draft: Edition 1

1. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, Kansas (SF/SG, 6-foot-8, 200 pounds)

The "Canadian Jordan" is still the best player on the board at this point. The forward duo of Wiggins and Giannis Antetokounmpo would be incredibly deadly.

2: Philadelphia 76ers: Jabari Parker, Duke (F, 6-8, 240)

Teaming up Jabari Parker with NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel could make a deadly young core for the 76ers.

3. Orlando Magic: Dante Exum, Australia (G, 6-6, 180)

With Jameer Nelson aging, the Magic need to select a point guard here to play in the backcourt with Victor Oladipo. Exum's size, range, and playmaking ability make the most sense here for the Magic.

4. Utah Jazz: Joel Embiid, Kansas (C, 7-0, 250)

Embiid was a possibility for the first 3 picks, but his back injury raises question marks. With the Enes Kanter experiment not working super well for Utah, the Jazz can't pass up Embiid at this spot.

5. Boston Celtics: Aaron Gordon, Arizona (F, 6-8, 210)

Aaron Gordon would make a strong frontcourt even better. He would help Jeff Green, Brandon Bass, and Jared Sullinger put the ball and basket and provide energy.

6. Los Angeles Lakers: Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State (PG, 6-3, 225)

The Lakers only real point guard the 40-year old Steve Nash. Why not fill the void with the young, athletic point guard from Oklahoma State.

7. Sacramento Kings: Julius Randle, Kentucky (PF, 6-9, 225)

Picture a frontcourt of Randle, DeMarcus Cousins, and Rudy Gay. That's a really good frontcourt.

8. Detroit Pistons: Dario Saric, Croatia (F, 6-10, 225)

Team executives will have a hard time turning down Saric’s combination of size and versatility, even if he moves like he is standing in four feet of water.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers: Noah Vonleh, Indiana (PF, 6-10, 240)

When the Cavaliers are looking for Anderson Varejao's replacement, they should look no further than the big man out of Indiana. Vonleh's size and inside game should give him an advantage in the post.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Gary Harris, Michigan State (SG, 6-4, 210)

Harris's shot and competitiveness will make him a favorite in Philly, and he might even have an opportunity to start next to Michael Carter-Williams.

11. Denver Nuggets: James Young, Kentucky (SG, 6-6, 215)

Young's athleticism and shooting ability make him a perfect small forward prototype in the NBA. The Nuggets cannot pass up Young at 11.

12. Orlando Magic: Adreian Payne, Michigan State (PF, 6-10, 245)

Payne comes as a surprise here, but he really shouldn't. He is 6'10", athletic, and can shoot the rock. He makes the most sense for the Magic as a power forward after they drafted Exum at 3.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyler Ennis, Syracuse (PG, 6-2, 180)

With Ricky Rubio still erratic from the field, the Timberwolves take Ennis, a good shooter and playmaker. Ennis is kind of like a Rubio 2.0.

14. Phoenix Suns: C.J. Wilcox, Washington (SG, 6-5, 195)

This is the highest you will probably see C.J. Wilcox in a mock draft. But he should be worth this pick, as Wilcox is the best three-point shooter in the draft. Wilcox will get good minutes behind the guards and forward for Phoenix when they go to sit, and send Wilcox in. Wilcox has the potential to lead a team in three-pointers.

15. Atlanta Hawks: Rodney Hood, Duke (SF/SG, 6-8, 180)

Rodney Hood is a great shooter and has exceptional length, but he almost never goes all out on either side of the floor, which raises questions.

16. Chicago Bulls: Nik Stauskas, Michigan (SG, 6-6, 205)

Stauskas was the most improved player in college basketball in his sophomore season. He has catapulted to the number 16 spot, where the Bulls will snatch him up to help lead the offense.

17. Boston Celtics: P.J. Hairston, D-League (SG, 6-6, 220)

Hairston has lottery potential, but his character concerns will knock him down to number 17.

18. Phoenix Suns: Doug McDermott, Creighton (F, 6-8, 210)

McDermott and C.J. Wilcox will be a deadly shooting combo for Phoenix.

19. Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine, UCLA (SG, 6-5, 180)

LaVine is one of the best athletes in this draft. He also has the potential to be one of the best shooters in the draft. He slipped during the second half of last season, but he could be a lottery pick.

20. Toronto Raptors: Jerami Grant, Syracuse (SF, 6-8, 210)

Grant is an athletic, strong power forward who can give a team a boost off the bench. Expect him to have a large role on the Toronto Raptors next year.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: K.J. McDaniels, Clemson (SF, 6-6, 200)

McDaniels is a perfect example of why I'm not an NBA general manager, because if I was, I would take him much higher than anybody probably should. McDaniels’ ridiculous hops and willingness to attack opponents both offensively and defensively will make him both loved or hated by fans, depending on which side they are rooting for.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: T.J. Warren, NC State (F, 6-8, 215)

Warren can provide a badly needed scoring bunch to this Grizzlies team who's best scorer is Mike Conley.

23. Utah Jazz: Kyle Anderson, UCLA (SF, 6-9, 230)

Kyle Anderson is a 6'9" point guard who averaged 15 points per game, 9 rebounds per game, and 7 assists per game. But the bad news is: he can't shoot and he is slow.

24. Charlotte Hornets: Shabazz Napier, UConn (PG, 6-1, 180)

Napier is one of the best point guards in the NBA Draft. He will get the opportunity to back up former UConn teammate Kemba Walker on the Hornets.

25. Houston Rockets: Cleanthony Early, Wichita State (SF, 6-8, 220)

Cleanthony Early has a great game, and the best way to utilize it would be to back up Chandler Parsons and Terrance Jones on the Rockets.

26. Miami Heat: Jordan Clarkson, Missouri (PG, 6-5, 195)

Jordan Clarkson. Dwyane Wade. LeBron James. This team would be so deadly that the league would just give the title to them. Oh wait, they have the last two years.

27. Phoenix Suns: Glenn Robinson III, Michigan (SF, 6-6, 220)

Robinson is pure athleticism. When he develops a strong jump shot, he could be very deadly.

28. Los Angeles Clippers: Deandre Daniels, UConn (SF, 6-8, 195)

Deandre Daniels would be yet another stretch and slam player for the Clippers. Lob City would yet again be expanded.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Markel Brown, Oklahoma State (SG, 6-3, 190)

The Oklahoma City Thunder select..... The greatest athlete in the history of space and time.

30. San Antonio Spurs: Elfrid Payton, Louisiana Lafayette (PG, 6-3, 190)

Payton can't shoot and he turns the ball over too much, but Coach Pop will turn him around easily.

Breaking Down Every Threat to the Miami Heat's Title Quest

The Miami Heat have won the last two NBA Finals on the shoulders of the Big 3; LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh (above). The Heat are trying to become the first team to three-peat since Shaquille O'Neal's Lakers squad in the early 2000's.

The Second-Round Opponent: Brooklyn Nets (6-seed)
Season Series: Nets 4-0

The Nets swept the season series against the Heat this year. The Nets are a seasoned team with many veterans at the helm. The starting lineup of Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams, and Shaun Livingston have played a combined 61 years in the NBA. Johnson and Pierce played big in the first round series against Toronto, and expect them to go at the Heat with the same intensity. The Nets also have a strong bench loaded with three-point shooters like Alan Anderson and Marcus Thornton to go along with bench bigs Mason Plumlee and Andray Blatche. The Brooklyn Nets have a legitimate shot to knock off the Miami Heat in the second round.

The East's One Seed: Indiana Pacers
Season Series: 2-2

The Indiana Pacers have been on a huge skid for a while now, and that came back to bite them as they almost lost to the 8-seed Atlanta Hawks in the first round. The Pacers managed to pull it out in seven games, but a look back at the Atlanta series spells trouble for the Pacers (actually, a look back at the Atlanta series spells Atlanta series, but you know what I mean). Roy Hibbert was exceptionally terrible in the first round, including a no-point no-rebound game in Game 5. Add that to the fact that he is 7'2", and the Pacers are going to have a lot more trouble against the Heat. The Pacers have yet to find an offensive identity. Their point guard, George Hill is not skilled enough. Wings Paul George and Lance Stephenson aren't willed to take over ball games, and big men West and Hibbert aren't talented enough. Off the bench, your only scorers are going to be C.J. Watson (a 3-point specialist) and Chris Copeland. While the Pacers are good enough defensively, their offense is too bad to move on. If they can even get past their second-round matchup, the Washington Wizards, the Pacers cannot beat the Heat.

The Surprise Team: Washington Wizards (5-seed)
Season Series: 2-2

"With the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select John Wall..... With the third pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Bradley Beal." Those draft picks and terrible years are paying off now. The tandem of Wall and Beal makes the two one of the deadliest guard combos in the NBA. With Wall's speed and finishing ability combined with Beal's shooting, the Wizards also have a very, very bright future. Not only do the Wizards have the two great youngsters, they also have seasoned veterans, like Trevor Ariza, Nene, and Andre Miller. The Wizards have enough firepower to take down anyone. They are incredibly tough-nosed, with physical players like Wall, Nene, Trevor Booker, Marcin Gortat and Drew Gooden getting regular minutes. In the future, expect big minutes from rookies Otto Porter and Glen Rice Jr. The Wizards have a strong future ahead of them, but they can also win now. If they meet the Heat in the East Finals, the Wizards have the best shot of knocking them down before a West team gets a shot.

The West:

The MVP's Squad: Oklahoma City Thunder (2-seed)
Season Series: 1-1

Kevin Durant has had a magical 2013-14 for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the consensus MVP, and his team is spectacular too. Russell Westbrook is a two-time All-Star, Thabo Sefolosha is a lockdown defender, and Serge Ibaka is still the best rim protector in the NBA. Add that to the emergence of backup point guard Reggie Jackson and the veteran leadership of Caron Butler and Derek Fisher, and you got yourself a team. More good news about OKC is that they are still young. Except for veterans Fisher and Nick Collison, the Thunder players will still have many more opportunities to get a title. The Thunder will have to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round, but they should be able to win there and get to the Finals where they can beat Miami.

The West's One Seed: San Antonio Spurs
Season Series: 1-1

Remember last year's Finals? When the refs "missed" Ray Allen stepping out of bounds with 41 seconds left in Game 6? When San Antonio could've put the game away? Probably not that, but it happened. Below is a picture

So Miami got away with it. Nothing anyone can do now. Except for getting revenge by winning the Finals. In a dream situation, Manu Ginobili would step out of bounds, come back in, and hit a four point play while fixing his bald spot. But San Antonio doesn't need a dream situation to beat Miami again. I believe that San Antonio can win a series in five games. With the Big 3 of Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Tim Duncan, the Spurs can beat anyone in the Finals. Maybe it is a Big 4 now, with the emergence of star small forward Kawhi Leonard. With the bench power of Marco Belinelli and Patty Mills, the Spurs are deep enough to run anyone off of the court. Expect the Spurs to make a deep run to the Finals to take down Miami.

L.A's Other Team: Los Angeles Clippers (3-seed)
Season Series: 0-2

The Los Angeles Clippers are probably the most athletic team left in the playoffs. Led by dunk champion Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan (above), the Clippers are a highlight reel waiting to happen. Led by assist leader Chris Paul and a whole arsenal of snipers (notably J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley), the Clippers can fill up the bucket. The rebounding prowess of Jordan and the rest of the Clippers squad can take down Miami's small front line easily. The Clippers pose a serious threat to any and all of the teams in the NBA, and left in playoffs. They will have a tough road to the Finals, but if they make it, they can produce a victory.

The Up-and-Comers: Portland Trail Blazers (5-seed)
Season Series: 0-2

The Blazers are quickly getting better and better. Led by point guard Damian Lillard's amazing on-court abilities, the Blazers have found themselves in the second round for the first time since 2000. Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge have led the Blazers team of seemingly unknowns past Houston and hopefully past San Antonio. The Blazers have the ability to fill up the basket in a hurry, but they still do not have a very good bench. The Blazer's best bench players are Mo Williams, Dorell Wright, and Thomas Robinson. Good thing their core of Lillard, Aldridge, Nicholas Batum, Wesley Matthews, and Robin Lopez produce enough so that they do not have to rely on bench points. The Blazers have a legitimate shot at making the Finals, where they should take down the Heat.

RANKING THE COMPETETORS:
7. Portland Trail Blazers
6. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Washington Wizards
4. Brooklyn Nets
3. Indiana Pacers
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
1. San Antonio Spurs

NBA Draft Profile: K.J. McDaniels

K.J. McDaniels, a junior forward from Clemson, declared for the NBA Draft recently. McDaniels is projected by many to be a late first pick. McDaniels stands 6'6", 200 lbs, and averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game last year as a Tiger.

The Good:
Athleticism. K.J. McDaniels has the potential to be the best athlete in this draft. He uses his athleticism to the best of his ability, giving his all every single time down the court. It has also helped him lead the Clemson roster in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks this past season. He provides a high-energy motor and willingness to be a leader. McDaniels uses his athleticism to swat shots, as he is only 6'6". K.J. is known for his ability to crash the offensive boards and throw down putbacks. Here is a link to K.J.'s best slam dunks over the past few years. http://youtu.be/HmtP3nrD6u8. K.J. is also an impressively improved shooter, knocking down 30% of his three-point tries last season. He helped lead the Clemson team to a victory over Duke and the NIT Final Four.

The Bad:
K.J. is not a consistent shooter. He has good stretches from the floor, but he is not as consistent as NBA teams would like to see. He doesn't have great mechanics. He is also not super smart with the ball. He tends to turn the ball too much, and his passing isn't very good. K.J. is also not one for creating off the dribble. He doesn't have a great pull-up jump shot, and he struggles with drives that are not straight line drives.

The Low-down:
K.J. will be spectacular NBA athlete and role player off of the bench. He can come into a game and knock down a few shots. He will provide a spark while not having a great jump shot to go along with it.

Pro Comparison:

Gerald Green

Draft Slot:
Late First Round

NBA Draft Profile: Semaj Christon

Semaj Christon, a sophomore guard from Xavier, declared for the NBA Draft. Christon is projected by many to be a late first-round draft pick or a second round pick. Christon stands 6'3", 190 lbs, and averaged 17 points per game and 4.2 assists per game.

The Good:
Semaj is an excellent athlete and finisher at the rim. He has a great floater and excels at finishing through contact. He has very good handles and has the speed to blow by defenders and get to the rim with ease. His jump shot has also gotten exceptionally better. He bumped his three-point percentage up to 38.8% after shooting 25% last year. He also averaged about 2 more points as he shot better. Christon can also be a defensive pest and pressure ball handlers into losing control or making bad passes. Christon also has an incredible upside that can land him a first round pick alone.

The Bad:
Christon does not have a consistent shot. Anything outside of a layup can be a bad shot for him. Even his free throws are bad. He only shot 67% from the line this year. He has shown that he can shoot, but there is still somewhat of a shooting struggle for Christon. Other than a shot, Christon seems to be a very strong prospect.

The Low-down:
Christon is a fast point guard who can get out and run. He should be able to make an impact coming off of the bench for an NBA team, where his role will be to get out and run the break. His shooting will probably derail him from having a starting job for years.

Pro Comparison:

Tony Wroten Jr.

Draft Slot:
Late First Round-Second Round