Then and Now

"Colleges gettin' at 'em, with all type of scholarships..."

Common - U, Black Maybe

Last night the Lakers played in the unfriendly confines of Arco Arena...for me the game had a Pennsylvania flavor to it, bringing a smile to my mind's eye.

Opportunity

The rookie of the year race started out a few months ago as a lock for Blake Griffin...however after an injury sidelined him before the season...the field opened up for Brandon Jennings, and most recently Tyreke Evans.

After a loss on Christmas day...Kobe Bryant couldn't wait to play against the Kings. His wish was granted, as the game went into 2 overtimes before getting the 112-103 victory. There are a few interesting things from this game...Bryant played without any feeling in his right arm from the 3rd-quarter on...even though he was able to keep playing...and Evans, continued to show that he is no ordinary rookie stepping up to the challenge of attacking, and guarding Bryant.

Three years ago Tyreke was in high school, playing in the Kobe Bryant Classic with American Christian versus a tough Academy of the New Church squad...and while Evans didn't do anything spectacular...he earned MVP honors with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks.

I interviewed him directly after and it's good to see that nothing has changed, as he continues to play with a business never personal style:

AG: Talk about the other marquee name in this tournament Elena Delle Donne.

Evans: This is big, and I’ve seen Delle Donne play one other time, and she’s tough...she’s taller than me, and she’s big and she can shoot the jumper. I think she’s going to be a great WNBA player.

AG: Can you tell me what playing in the Kobe Classic means to you?

Evans: Kobe is a great player to watch, there’s a lot you can learn from him. He’s an incredible player, everything you want, the pull-up [jump shot]...the fade away...he has it all! Growing up I’ve watched a lot of players and I try to learn their signature moves, as a matter of fact I watched Kobe get 46 last night [against Toronto]! My favorite player is Tracy McGrady, but right now...I want to give it to LeBron [James], but I’m going to give it to Kobe. LeBron might not want to hear that, he’s my man, but Kobe is incredible.

AG: You're a senior, talk to me about the next level, and playing in college.

Evans: I’ve been watching a lot of college ball, and I think this is the year of the freshman, and I hope that all of them can make it to the NBA.

Photos: Anthony Gilbert/AXG, Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Young Buck

"Everybody is a star..."

Sly and the Family Stone - Everybody Is A Star

I missed the Sixers season opener against the Bucks, so recently I traveled to DC to see what Brandon Jennings was all about...

Poise

Milwaukee has an interesting team in that they are a lot better than their 11-11 record shows. They have talent at every position, and it is going to take a few more games until they smooth out the rough edges...however what I was most impressed by that night was two fold: the leadership and play of veteran Hakim Warrick, and the way Brandon Jennings carries himself both on and off the court. He is as talented as he is respectful and polished.

If you have an opportunity to watch this team...be sure to tune in as you do not want to miss this rising star's rookie year. In the Eastern Conference anything can happen, and I will not be surprised if and when the Bucks return to the post season.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

Double Nickel

Faith

"Allen Iverson...Hakeem Olajuwon...don't even bounce"

Asher Roth - I Love College

When Brandon Jennings was selected by Milwaukee this past summer, no one saw what was coming next...

Self Confidence

The 76ers played the Bucks in their home opener...I was busy covering the World Series...so I didn't attend the game, however my friend and colleague Michael Tillery was there and wrote a great piece for SLAM's website...entitled I Saw A Rookie of the Year Tonight. He texted me at during the 4th quarter telling me how amazing the rookie is, and while I hadn't seen him since the McDonald's game, I was intrigued, because now he's in the League, and apparently getting busier than a worker bee in July.

When Jennings went from high school to play professionally in Italy...I wasn't too sure how well he would do as a point guard. Needless to say its good to see that my opinion doesn't matter, and the work that this man had put into his game, and basketball IQ is now getting the last laugh.

Last night he scored 55 points in a 129-125 win over the visiting Warriors. Interestingly enough he didn't score in the 1st quarter, but he kept his composure en route to breaking Lew Alcindor's 39-year old Bucks rookie record by 4 points.

There is never a dull moment in NBA action...from this, to Dwyane Wade's dunk...things are heating up. This week I'll interview LeBron James, and Rudy Gay, so be sure to stay tuned...as the best is just ahead of us.

Photo: NBAE