The next Euro-Basketball Star???

For about a few years now, I've been hearing the name Ricky Rubio and NBA in the same sentence...



The first time I ever heard his name was in April of 2005 while reading DraftExpress... There was this young Spanish PG more than holding his own in one of the toughest leagues in Europe. The thing that caught everyones attention was that he was only 15 years old. He has been a big name in basketball circles over there since 2004, and was already being compared to the Greatest European guard of all time, Drazen Petrovic...

• He became a very popular name amongst basketball fans early in 2004, when he amazed in a youth tournament organized by the ACB League, parallel to the King’s Cup. It became so out of control that even the President of the Spanish Basketball Federation irresponsibly compared him with the all-time greatest European guard, Drazen Petrovic, in an interview. That’s a huge load for a kid to carry, and it remains to be seen how everything turns out for him.

You'd think that with all that hype at the age of 14, it would be hard to keep it up, but Ricky Rubio did more than that the following year. His performance in the 16-U European Championships took the hype to another level. The numbers he put up as a 15 year old (Likely the youngest player in the tournament) in the U-16 European Championships were damn near Unbelievable... He finished the tournament averaging 23.3 ppg, 12.8 rebs, 7.1 asst, and 6.5 stls.

The thing is, after his outstanding play throughout the tournament he turned it up to another level in the semi-finals against Croatia and the championship game against Russia.

• As much as the preliminary and quarterfinal stages completely met our most optimistic outlook, his final display exceeded any reasonable expectation. Croatia was a dangerous but affordable rival for Spain in the semifinals. They had a big size advantage in the frontcourt, but nothing that couldn’t be battled with a physical game, and their backcourt frequently worked based on individual inspiration. Spain got an early lead that they never lost, and Ricky only need 28 minutes of playing time to put up a quadruple double, finishing the game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists and 11 steals in 33 minutes.
  
• “As Babunashvili hit an incredible fade-away three-pointer with 1.4 seconds to go, the Russians exploded with joy while the Spanish shank in despair. Nobody had any hope left, even the Spanish coach had given up. Nobody seemed capable of reacting, even to inbound the ball for that final second. Nobody but Ricky Rubio, who was asking like crazy for the ball. Finally a teammate reacted and sent the ball to him; a couple of strides and, sneaking between three rivals, he threw that bomb from the mid court, hitting the board just before going down through the net.”
  
• Russia in the final was a tougher match in advance despite the deceiving 15-point differential that Spain got in the preliminary round against them. It was so much tougher that Spain needed virtually a miracle to come up with the victory. But Rubio had an appointment with destiny, and had no intention to miss it. Russia had taken what looked like a definitive 3-point lead with under 2 seconds to go on the clock, and it had to be Ricky, a mediocre shooter, who nailed a mid-court bomb with the buzzer to send the game to the first overtime, which ultimately gave the victory to Spain and an unbelievable stat-line of 51 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists and 7 steals for Ricky.

All those feats were at the tender age of 15... Rubio is now 17 years old, and playing against the toughest competion in the toughest league in Europe. He plays for DKV Jovetnut alongside Rudy Fernandez' (a 6'6" SG who is predicted as a 1st rounder in 2008 Draft per multiple sources).

My question to all of you is, how would he rate playing against 2008's best PG's? I've seen him slotted as an early 1st Round Draft Pick in the 2009 draft on a few different sites such as NBADraft.net, DraftExpress, etc. But he has only been playing against the best Europe has to offer. Sure he's got the size (6'4" & 180lbs), but does he have the quickness and athleticism to compete with the best the US has to offer?

Below is a video of Rubio from this past season...
http://acbtv.acb.com/video/169

How do you think he'd fair against the likes of:

Brandon Jennings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJpqtynQOAM

Tyreke Evans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-DYsPXURt0

Jrue Holiday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybx_dhVBrBg

Malcolm Lee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cBJXVfI9gY

Isaiah Thomas
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid192878596?bctid=192880237

Kemba Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJkQs1d0rI

Jerime Anderson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6NrW3kCiqw

Larry Drew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pbfy3nEcIs


I guess the future will tell???

'Zo

The Student Athlete...

The above photo is of Carlton at Stanfords team banquet in 2007

Carlton William Weatherby aka "Dubb" is the Epitome of the term "Student Athlete. He is not only my lil' bro, he is my best friend. Even though there are about 2,500 miles between us (Stanford CA to Atlanta GA), we still manage to speak constantly and interact as if we live next door to eachother.

I could go on and on telling you about how I watched him grow and develop into the man he is today, but my point for writing this is to show all of you basketball players out there that you can use the sport of basketball to do all kinds of things, and to not let the Basketball use you. I hate it when you see a story that gives the sport a black eye, this one should brighten your day.

He was the typical player growing up, he attended many of the major events on the circuit that most young ballers play in today from Big Time, Nike's Hoop Jamboree, West Coast All-Stars, etc. He was always looking for ways to improve his skills against the best competition possible. Even though he was a late bloomer physically (5'10" 160 lbs as a HS Sr to a 6'1" 180 lbs College Sr) many schools took notice.

One thing you should know is that Carlton turned down numerous college scholarships to attend Stanford. Stanford was his dream school, and though they recruited him lightly he made it known that he would walk-on if need be. He wasn't the tallest, most athletic, or strongest guy out there, but he made the most of his god given ability and was always one of the most determined. He found a way to balance his academics with athletics, and succeeded greatly at both. He is the epitome of the term "Student Athlete"



Carlton went from being a Recruited Walk-On, to a Scholarship Player, to being the Team Captain his senior year at one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, Stanford University. He took full advantage of his athletic scholarship, and graduated with a Degree in Human Biology Pre-Med... He experienced the joy of winning a Pac-10 championship, the joy of playing in the NCAA Tournament, the joy of being on a team ranked #1 in the Nation, and even the low points of breaking his foot and sitting out a whole season, being upset in the NCAA tourney as a #1 seed, and the experience of playing under two different coaches.

Carlton is proof that with determination anything is possible. Not only is he one of the hardest workers I know, on the court, in the classroom, in the weight room, and at home with his family. But he is also one of the most determined, faithful, and loyal as well.

Last year after his college graduation, a story was written on him that was published in media outlets... I normally do not post articles in their entirety but this is a special case.

As you can tell, "Proud" is an understatement of the way I feel about my brother. His accomplishments make everyone who knows him proud to know him. I couldn't begin to explain to you how his successes make me smile, and act as though they are my own. He is the perfect role model for all young ballers out there. If you want to reach out to him for advice on anything, let me know and I will put you in touch.

Please read the article below, and respond with your comments...



Carlton Weatherby
By Eric Freeman

Carlton Weatherby has worn many hats during his career at Stanford. Aftercoming into the program as a walk-on five years ago, Carlton earned ascholarship, overcome a broken foot, and led his teammates as a team captainthis season. One of the most respected Stanford players in recent memory, heis a devoted husband, researcher in medicine, and someone who trulyexemplifies the term "student-athlete."

As a recruited walk-on out of Curtis High School in Tacoma, WA, "Dub" showedup on campus in the fall of 2002 with some reservations about what his rolewould be on the team. Expecting to find a division between walk-ons andscholarship players, he instead found himself embraced like the rest of hisincoming class. "That really set the tone for me with this program, becauseI was always the same as any other player," said Carlton. Being the team'sonly walk-on, though, meant that Carlton had to work extra hard in practicesto improve his game. Going up against players like Chris Hernandez andJulius Barnes, Carlton often found himself struggling to stick with histeammates. "My first year, there were times when I felt really undersizedand overpowered. I didn't know how long I'd be able to stay." With the helpof the coaching staff and an intense work ethic, Carlton improved his gamesteadily. "The coaches helped m! e get through it. I got better and strongerevery day by working extra before and after practices." He also tookadvantage of his summers at home, forgoing the opportunity to play pickupgames and choosing to head to the gym for some marathon drilling sessionswith friends. "I went to the gym and weight room all day, every day."

As a sophomore, Carlton saw just a bit more playing time on Stanford's 30-2Pac-10 Champion team, but in his third year with the Cardinal he picked hisgame up to new levels and impressed new coach Trent Johnson very quickly.With Chris Hernandez out with an ankle injury, Carlton saw more playing timein the preseason. "I wanted to impress the new coach so bad. He told methere would be the possibility to get on scholarship, and that made me work even harder."

Carlton eventually earned that spot in December of 2004, but that newscoincided with an unfortunate injury. While preparing for a road trip toDetroit to play Michigan State on national television, Carlton broke hisfoot, sidelining the point guard for the season. "It was a weirdcoincidence; the day I broke my foot was the same day he told me about myscholarship," he explained. "I was in the locker room with the trainer andhe came in and said the paperwork had gone through."

Ultimately, the scholarship made Carlton work even harder to rehab andreturn stronger than ever. "I felt more pressure to earn it. People outsideof the program look at scholarship and walk-on as a big difference, so withthat tag I felt I had to prove it to other people, too." Returning to thecourt as a now-redshirt junior in the fall of 2005, Carlton showed himselfto be a high-energy defensive player, impressing his coaches and teammateswith his tenacity.

Carlton played this past season with the same kind of energy, locking downsome high-end offensive point guards on several occasions. One of the morememorable moments of Carlton's senior season came in Maples Pavilion againstWashington State when he locked down the surging Derrick Low for a longstretch in the second half, forcing an excellent scorer into a distributingrole. "When I'm going against a faster player-which is most of the guards inthe Pac-10-I know I need to be more aggressive and tough-minded," said Carlton. "If I can be physical I can play with those guys. That's a role Iaccepted and embraced." As a team captain, that style of play helped set thetone for the Cardinal this entire season.

Offensively, Carlton ran the team well on several occasions this year, withsome of his most important contributions coming at the end of the first halfagainst UCLA in Maples. With the team down 17 heading into the last minuteof the half, Carlton acted as a sparkplug and hit a jumper off his ownoffensive rebound to bring the deficit down to a more manageable marginheading into the locker room. With renewed confidence, Stanford blitzed theBruins in the second half to pull off its highest-profile win of the year.

Off the court, Carlton took a step on September 5, 2005 that most of histeammates can only imagine: marriage. Carlton met his wife, Shayla, thesummer after his sophomore year at a large event in Seattle. "She feltperfect from the start," he said. The couple dated long-distance for a yearand a half, deciding to marry with great confidence at a young age. "She'sbeen a great supporter and motivator in everything I do." At the same time,Carlton has quickly learned why Coach Johnson refers to Shayla as Carlton'sboss. "She keeps me in my place." After the wedding, Shayla transferred toSan Jose State, where she is studying to be a teacher. The couple now livesin Sunnyvale approximately halfway between Stanford and San Jose. "We'realready compromising," Carlton joked.

Graduating with a degree in Human Biology, Carlton is on the fast track torealizing his lifelong goal of becoming a doctor. Carlton's parents Charlesand Shauna both work in the health care field as a family physician andnurse practitioner, respectively, so he has always been exposed to themedical field. Outside of the classroom, Carlton has done research with Dr.John Cooke, a leader in medical research dealing with the effects of nitricoxide on improving circulation, at Stanford Hospital for the last two and ahalf years. "We have patients come in, and we run tests on them like on atreadmill or with an EKG," he explained. "It's an especially greatexperience because I'm dealing with patients on the clinical side and alsodoing the lab work." Carlton plans to take the MCATs this spring and willwork in Dr. Cooke's lab again next year, allowing him the opportunity toroot on his teammates next season before heading off ! to medical school.Although Carlton is not sure where medical school will take him, theWeatherbys hope to end up in California or the Seattle area.

Carlton has been a part of some great Stanford teams in his five years withthe program, but he will most miss the behind-the-scenes, spontaneousmoments with his teammates. Carlton fondly remembers winning the "AmericanIdol" competition the team had last season in the hotel after beating OregonState in Corvallis, as he sang R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" to hold offrunner-up Taj Finger. That moment might not make it into any media guides,but it exemplifies the passion that Carlton brought to this program ineverything that he did. His time on the Cardinal roster might be over, butCarlton will continue to provide a great example for all student-athletes who come to Stanford looking to excel in all aspects of the university.

Official Pre-Season HS Rankings...

Above pic is of #5 ranked South Kent Schools 5'9" Isaiah Thomas dunking on the break in a game against Top 25 ranked Notre Dame Prep...

1. St. Anthony's, Jersey City NJ (Mike Rosario, Dominique Cheek, Jio Fontan, Tyshawn Taylor, Travon Woodall)
St Anthony's returns virtually EVERYONE from last years 28-1 team, meaning they have the chemistry to have similar success this year. Mike Rosario, who is headed to Rutgers, is one of the premier shooters on the East Coast, and can get buckets with the best of them. His supporting cast rounding out their starting 5 will all play high major hoops as well...

2. St. Benedicts, Newark NJ (Samardo Samuels, Greg Enchinique, Tamir Jackson, Tristan Thompson)
St. Benedicts strength is in their frontcourt. Samardo Samuels is one of the most imposing figures on the low block on the High School level. He's headed to Louisville next year, and should see immediate minutes. 6'9" PF Tristan Thompson is easily among the top 10 players nationally in the class of 2010. He's the next in a long line of Canadian imports (Via Ro Russell's Grassroots Canada) to bring their game to the US.

3. American Christian, Aston PA (Tyreke Evans, Jerimiah Kelly, Lamont Jones)
Led by Tyreke Evans with the additions of Jerimiah Kelly and Lamont Jones, American Christian will definitely be one of the top teams playing on the High School level this season. They will be tough to beat, and entertaining to watch. As has been said over and over, Tyreke Evans may be the best SG in this class nationally.

4. Montrose Christian, Rockville MD (Tristan Spurlock, Isaiah Armwood, Terrell Vinson)
They boast 3 top 50 talents from the 2009 class in 6'9" Isaiah Armwood, 6'7" Terrell Vinson, and 6'6" Tristan Spurlock, as well as two near 7' Footers in Temadayo Odebayo and Brian O'Kam on the low block. When you can throw a group with that size and talent on the floor it could get scary for rival squads. They are talented enough to contend for the top spot.

5. South Kent Academy, South Kent CT (Isaiah Thomas, Maurice Creek, Christian Morris, Jin Soo Kim, Assane Sene, Dion Waiters)
With one of the nationss best scorers and most exciting playmakers in Washington bound Isaiah Thomas and one of the most intimidating inside presences in Rutgers bound Christian "Beast" Morris, look for South Kent to be among the nations top 10 teams all season long. They've added stud Jr Guard Maurice Creek, top notch 2010 guard Dion Waiters (Syracuse Commitment), and an athletic 7' Footer from Africa in Assane Sene.

6. St. Patricks, Elizabeth NJ (Quintrell Thomas, Dexter Strickland)
Dexter Strickland has waited patiently to get his time in the spotlight, and this is his team for the next 2 years. After playing Tito Jackson to All American Corey Fisher for the last 2 years, it's Dexter's turn to run the show for the always talented St. Patricks squad. He will have help down low from talented big man Quintrell Thomas.

7. American Heritage, Plantation FL (Eloy Vargas, Kenny Boynton)
Led by one of the nations best scorers regardless of class in Kenny Boynton and one of the most versatile bigs in the country in Eloy Vargas, American Heritage will be extremely fun to watch this season. They're 2 stars hail from not only one of the country's best Travel Teams (Team Breakdown), but they were also members of this year's Elite 24! Look for big things this season from thsi duo.

8. The Patterson School, Lenoir NC (Courtney Fortson, Nate Miles, Varez Ward, Will Brown, Isaiah Rusher, Freddy Aspirilla, Matt Simpkins)
As usual the Patterson School is stocked heavy with D-1 talent. Courtney Fortson and Nate Miles will be the guys with the ball in their hands making things happen in the backcourt, with Rusher, Brown, and Aspirilla manning the low blocks. Their entire starting 5 will be playing D-1 ball next season.

9. Fairfax, Los Angeles CA (Renardo Sidney)
Fairfax was already a talented team, but with the addition of Renardo Sidney, the nations top Jr, they are even more talented. Renardo is the 6'10" do everything man child, whose ready to bring home his 2nd state title albeit with a new school/team. As many of you know he can shoot the rock like a Wing, dominate the block whenever he wants, and handle the rock on the break. There's not much he can't do.

10. Oak Hill Academy, Mouth of Wilson VA (Brandon Jennings, Keith Gallon, Malik Story)
Although they lost their starting SG Willie Warren, they added one of the top Soph's in the country in 6'3" PeShon Howard. I still expect Oak Hill to be a scary team. Brandon Jennings can take things over and put this team on his back whenever he wants, and he will be called to do so this season, especially with the surprising loss/transfer of Willie Warren. Malik Story will need to step up his contribution and will be looked to score much more. The BIG question surrounding their success this season will be their frontcourt...

11. Wheeler HS, Marietta GA (Dequan Jones, Ari Stewart, Richard Howell, Phil Taylor)
They lost a McDonalds All American PF in 6'9" JJ Hickson to NC State, but Wheeler is still the avorite for the State Championship and it's possible they'll be even better than they were last year. They are athletic enough to play with anyone, and talented enough to beat anyone. With arguably the nations most athletic swing man in Miami bound Sr Dequan "DJ" Jones, and with two of the class of 2009's top forward prospects Ari Stewart, and Richard Howell, Wheeler will be extremely tough to beat and a highlight reel waiting to happen. Watch for the emergence of 2010 PG Phil Taylor into a National Name.

12. Mater Dei, Santa Ana CA (Travis Wear, David Wear, Gary Franklin)
With the 6'10" Wear twins (Travis & David Wear) patrolling the lane, Mater Dei will be one of the West Coast's best teams. They also have one of the top PG's in the 2010 class in Gary Franklin, making them one of the top teams Nationally. As you can see Mater Dei is looking like their usual self...

13. Montverde Academy, Montverde FL (Dashan Harris, Steve Tcheingang, Marcus Capers)
After an undefeated season in 06/07, Montverde returns a solid group of players looking to try to repeat their success in 07/08. Even though they lost Solomon Alibi, their anchor in the post, they still have Texas A&M pledge Dashan Harris one of the top 10 PG's Nationally. They also bring in recent Vanderbilt commit Steve Tcheingang, and also have the services of recent Wash State commit Marcus Capers. Look for them to be very competitive.

14. Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham VA (Demarquis Bost, Eshaunte Jones, Chris Braswell, Roscoe Davis)

15. Lincoln, Brooklyn NY (Lance Stephenson, Darwin Ellis, James Padgett, Justin Green) Lance Stephenson!

16. Campbell Hall, North Hollywood CA (Jrue Holiday) Jrue Holiday!

17. Dunwoody, Dunwoody GA (Chris Singleton, Delwan Graham, Pierre Jordan)

18. Notre Dame Prep, Fitchburg MA (Terrence Jennings, Troy Guillenwater)

19. Rice, New York NY (Kemba Walker, Durand Scott)

20. Findlay Prep, Las Vegas NV (DeAndre Liggins, Clarence Trent)

21. Norcross, Norcross GA (Al Farouq Aminu, Taariq Muhammed)

22. Dominguez HS, Compton CA (Jordan Hamilton, Aaron Moore)

23. White Station HS, Memphis TN (Joe Jackson, Ferrokhan Hall)

24. Bishop O'Connell, Arlington VA (Kendall Marshall, Frank Ben-Eze)

25. Helen Cox HS, Harvey LA (Greg Monroe)