Announcing the debut of Hoops Talk Live, the first ever all-basketball online radio station
Trey Thompkins stood out among the Select Team players. (Icon SMI)
By Ryan Feldman rfeldman@thehoopsreport.com Friday, July 23, 2010
LAS VEGAS - The USA Men's Select Team is loaded with talent, from Kyle Singler to Nolan Smith to Kemba Walker and so on. But there was a distinct difference between the college players and the NBA players on the Men's National Team when the two teams scrimmaged in practice.The only college player who really stood out on the college side was Trey Thompkins of Georgia. The versatile 6-foot-10 big man hit a few jumpers, ran the floor well, and played solid all around.The college team played very sloppy for the most part, allowing the NBA team to create turnovers for transition opportunities. Kemba Walker ran the point well and was able to handle the pressure. He showed that he can be a quality NBA point guard. His ball-handling skills, basketball IQ, quickness and speed are up to par.Most of the college players appeared too slow for the NBA game, primarily Chris Singleton, John Shurna, Lavoy Allen and Jimmer Fredette. Fredette had trouble running the point. He has a lot to work on if he wants to project as an NBA point guard. For now, he is just a scoring guard with a great outside jumper.Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith both looked like they fit in just fine with the NBA players. Both players were very under control. They didn't necessarily make all of the plays, but they didn't make many mistakes at all. Singler defended well, moved well without the ball, and handled the ball well. Smith finished well around the basket. Neither player shot particularly well from the outside. Mike Tisdale's jumper is pure. He is a great catch-and-shoot big man from 18-20 feet. He doesn't have much of an effect down low because of his lack of strength, but his pick-and-pop shot is terrific.Shelvin Mack had trouble running the point. He turned the ball over once in a trap under his own basket and he had trouble handling the ball against pressure.Jacob Pullen's shot selection is poor, as evidenced by the scrimmage against the NBA players and practice against the college players. He isn't a real point guard. He prefers to just shoot the ball. But he doesn't take rhythm jumpers. Instead, he shoots the ball often off the dribble with a hand in his face.Marcus Morris shot the ball well from the outside. His ability to stretch defenders out to the perimeter will be a big plus this season for Kansas.No matter how much any of the players struggled, it was a great experience for all of the college players to attend the training camp and get to play against the elite NBA players. All of the players involved should become significantly improved from their experience this week in Las Vegas.