Dominic James, a standpoint guard as a freshman, averaging just under 15 points a game, went relatively “unnoticed” last year with the Golden Eagles, despite the fact that his stats improved in almost every worthwhile category. I think that is a huge testament to head coach Tom Crean and his recruiting staff, as they have been able to bring in high quality players ever since the departure of Dwayne Wade and the moving to the bigger Big East conference. James, who was highly considering entering the draft, decided to pull his name out of the draft hat and return to Marquette for at least one more season. Marquette’s “Big Three” as some people may refer to it, of course consists of the three standout guards James, Jerel McNeal, and Wesley Matthews. With the changing of the guards after Wade, Steve Novak, and Travis Diener left, the new three have been key to the team’s success, scoring a whopping 40 points a game between them. But it was also a freshman who stepped up big last year toward the end of the regular season, Lazar Hayward, that really allowed MU’s offense to click. James has definitely made the right decision in coming back, because he really didn’t “wow” anyone with his play on the court or statistics. With James returning, MU should be considered a favorite in 2007-2008 to challenge for the Conference championship, and with the departure of Georgetown’s Jeff Green, MU stands alot better chance to compete for the title. Dominic, I applaud you for your decision, it was the right one. You can be a lottery pick in two years, assuming you stay in school. All I can say is look out ESPN Insiders, because MU could be on the war path in 2007-2008.

With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, GM Larry Harris is probably starting to feel the pressure of making his selection a little more.  After last year, when the Bucks of course didn’t have a first rounder, Harris’ job was fairly easy, saying that he would just sit back and make his pick based on who he thought was the best player available.  This year is definitely a little different year for Harris, who may have his job in jeopardy come next season, if the Bucks’ record does not improve. Yes, Harris can’t control when his players get hurt, but he does make critical decisions. Two years ago, when the Bucks signed Bobby Simmons away from LA, everyone in Milwaukee was very excited to land the “Most Improved Player” from the year before. But now after two injury riddled seasons and minimal playing time on the court, Harris needs to nail this offseason to give himself and the Bucks a chance to go deep into the playoffs. With the #6 pick, their has been discussion that the Bucks may want to maximize value, by trading the pick to Golden State, who wants Chinese phenom Yi Jianlian, for their pick (#18 overall and Jason Richardson). Richardson would then most likely slid into the 3 spot, landing Bobby Simmons on the bench. If the Bucks keep the pick, which is the more attracting option to some, the consesus picks have probably narrowed down to Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr. and North Carolina forward Brandan Wright. Wright, if available, would probably be picked over Conley, but it all depends on how Harris views his team. If he feels they can resign Mo Williams for a reasonable price or not. In the second round, I would look for the Bucks to take Purdue Carl Landry, brother of Wisconsin’s Marcus Landry, whom the Bucks fell in love with after his workout. I will be attending the Bucks draft at the Bradley Center as a member of the press, so I’ll give you the lowdown on both picks when they go down.

With top prospects flooding the farm system before the start of the year, it was anticipated that some of these highly touted players would soon be called up around the 2007 All-Star Break. Well Brewers’ fans (including me) have certainly gotten what they wanted: callups of both Ryan Braun and Yovani Gallardo. Braun callup was nothing less than a desperation move for Doug Melvin and Co, as the Crew went through a scoring drought in dire need of an offensive spark. Braun has certainly answered the bell, smashing 4 homers (in 75 ABs) while solitifying the Brewers future infield, already featuring home grow talents J.J. Hardy, Rickie Weeks, and Prince Fielder. The move opened even an ordinary fan’s eye, as the Brewers have continued to move their plethora of young talent to the bigs. Over the past years players like Ben Sheets, Bill Hall, Corey Hart, and Tony Gwynn Jr. have been recalled from the minors, not to mention the aforementioned infield. But even with all the recent callups, fans were still not satisfied as perhaps the most acclaimed of the bunch, pitcher Yovani Gallardo, was still pitching in AAA Nashville, posting a 8-3 record with a 2.90 ERA. But after Chris Capuano was unable to make a recent start due to a groin injury, Doug Melvin’s hand was forced yet again. Gallardo, who experts call the “most polished” young prospect, is scheduled to make his debut this Monday against the visiting Giants and Barry Bonds. All I can say is, stay tuned because the next one of Jack Zduriencik’s players is certain to be bound for Brewtown soon.