Re: Billups

[CECIL WRIGHT <cdubs@loki.atcon.com>]

John Lyell wrote:
> 
> ----------
> > From: CECIL WRIGHT <cdubs@loki.atcon.com>
> > To: celtics@igtc.com
> > Subject: Billups
> > Date: Thursday, January 23, 1997 11:51 AM
> >
> > I have no idea if he would come out after this year, but he is more than
> > worthy of taking the time to investigate.  I have heard rumblings that he
> 
> > wants to get his degree, and I don't know much about his personal or
> > family situation.  But I'm telling you, THIS GUY CAN'T MISS!!!
> >
> 
> >Cecil, I am always hesitant to call someone a "Can't miss".  There have
> been so many players that have had extremely successful college careers,
> but have not did anything in the NBA. Some never even making it there.
> 
> I can think back to the likes of Jack Givens, Fred Banks, Greg Kelser,
> Donald Williams, Scotty Thurman, Ed Pinckney, and our own Pervis Ellison,
> leading teams to national championships,  but disappearing in the NBA. Some
> recent examples of major underachievers are Donyell Marshall, Lionel
> Simmons, Ed O'bannon, Eric Montross, Corliss Williamson, Shawn Bradley,
> Cherokee Parks,  etc.  In the last 15-20 years, I have seen very few "Can't
> Miss " prospects .  Someone a while back posted a list of the top draft
> picks in the last 10-15 years, a high % never really panned out.
> 
> Does anyone still have that list ?
> 
> Other than Duncan, I don't know if any other players will become franchise
> players.  I have seen Ron Mercer play since high school & like his
> potential, but I have mixed feelings, as others do, on the likes of Van
> Horn, Fortson, Vaughn, Koul, etc.,  especially with a picks in the top 5.
> Billups looks good, the Kansas game and the tournament will be a good test.
> 
> I hope the Celtics do their homework on these 2 picks.
> 
> John
> 
> I too hope the C's do their homework, but being the realist that I've 
often been accused of, whose wonderfully capable(?) hands are we putting 
the scouting and ultimate decision making authority?  Therein lies the 
1st problem.

As for Billups, I will not dispute the fact that the players which you 
have listed, did not live up to their advanced billing.  There could be 
many other additions such as Bo Kimble, Anderson Hunt, Freeman Williams, 
Butch Lee, Steve Alford, and even WAY BACK TO THE IMMORTAL, Howard 
Komives.  But Billups appears to have a more complete package.  He, 
THOUGH I'M NOT MAKING THIS COMPARISON, gives his team whatever they need 
from him in order to win, just like a certain #33 did, as did #17 before 
him, and #6 before him.

Chauncey Billups leads his team in scoring, but you won't find him among 
the national leaders.  He also leads Colorado in assists, rebounds and 
probably will lead them in steals by season's end.  When Col. defeated 
Texas Tech this year, it was the first homecourt loss for T.T. in several 
years.  Battie had a monster game with 31pts/17rebs, but Billups had 
29pts/10 rebs as a shooting guard.  He also iced the cake by canning the 
game winning jumper with .5 sec remaining.  He's an all around athlete 
who's an unselfish, quiet leader. 

What I would hope, is that they give a talent such as this, a real good 
look before they make these selections.  Who knows when we'll be in the 
position to make 2 such high picks again.  Although, at this rate, it 
could be the same thing next year, as some fans seem to be wishing for.

Just heard that Kansas lost their big man.  Keep your eye on Chauncey and 
let me know what you think John!

Cecil

P.S.  I've really been enjoying the posts lately and GO PATS!!