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Around SBN: News And Other Updates Leading Up To Pats-Giants

Report: Steve Prohm Expected To Be Named Murray State Head Coach

Following the departure of Billy Kennedy to Texas A&M, Murray State was left trying to fill a pretty big void in their coaching staff - it looks like they've found they're man. 

According to multiple reports, including CBSSports.com, assistant coach Steve Prohm will be announced at the Racers new head coach later on this afternoon at a press conference. Evan Daniels of Scout and Ricky Martin of the of the Murray Ledger and Times were among the first to report the news.

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Prohm is a long-time assistant under Kennedy, having served with him for two seasons at Centenary, six seasons at Southeast Louisiana and most recently as his top assistant for five years at Murray State. Prohm also spent one year serving on Tulane's staff in 2005. This will be his first head coaching position and he'll be taking over a Racers team that has made some waves nationally in recent years, highlighted by a 2010 NCAA Tournament win over Vanderbilt in the first round.

His introductory press conference is expected to take place at 4 PM ET today.

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2011 NBA Draft: Minnesota Workout List Undergoes Last Minute Change

As is often the case in the weeks leading up to the NBA Draft, player schedules are fluid and in a constant state of flux. Lists released in advance rarely if ever stay unchanged and such is the case for the large group workout being hosted by the Minnesota Timberwolves today and tomorrow that will be attended by some 20 additional franchises. After a handful of last second withdrawals several non-BCS players have been added to the four groups that will be participating, opening up valuable opportunities to improve their stock and possibly earn additional individual workouts.

According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, the two-day event will now include VCU's Jamie Skeen, Oakland's Keith Benson, Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack of Butler, San Diego State big man Malcolm Thomas and Charles Jenkins of Hofstra. Thomas, Jenkins and Howard were all late additions after other players pulled out.

This workout is of significant importance for Howard in particular who wasn't invited to the NBA Combine in Chicago last week. This will be his first and likely only opportunity to workout in front of multiple teams. He is currently projected to go undrafted by most media outlets.

The fastest riser of the group might be Jenkins who impressed scouts at the Combine with his better than expected point guard skill set, smarts and maturity. After coming into the weekend looking like a solid mid-second round selection, the Hofstra scoring machine has taken a major jump on a lot of boards, including climbing to No. 25 in the first round of the latest DraftExpress mock.

The remaining non-BCS players attending are all currently projected as second round selections or undrafted prospects.

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Mid-Major Morning Mashups: Minnesota Group Workouts Begin

DraftExpress: NBA Combine Interviews: Jeremy Tyler, Dunigan, Benson, Williams
Another day and more high definition interviews from the NBA Combine courtesy of DX. Oakland's Keith Benson goes under the spotlight today.

Several NBA mock drafts have Pistons taking Kawhi Leonard | The Asheville Citizen-Times
Based on this round-up of mock drafts from around the inter-webs, Kawhi Leonard could be off to Detroit.

2011 NBA Draft: Minnesota Timberwolves First Workout Includes Gophers' Blake Hoffarber - SB Nation Minnesota
The T-Wolves are hosting 20 NBA teams over the next two days for massive group workouts, but held their own private one yesterday afternoon. Among the players on the court were Paul Carter who spent time at Illinois-Chicago.

Orlando Magic will take risk with 53rd overall draft pick – Orlando Sentinel
The always insightful Zach McCann with a list of possible archetypes the Magic can look at with a late second-round pick. Option No. 1 is a productive college player without a prototypical NBA body, aka former Louisiana Tech standout Paul Millsap.

2011 NBA MOCK DRAFT - Consensus 3.0
Hoopsworld releases its third mock draft. Kawhi Leonard is in everyone's lottery, Jimmer Fredette cracks it in three out of five.

UNLV lands key commitment from USC transfer Bryce Jones - Las Vegas Sun
The Rebels make a nice addition to their roster with the former Top 100 recruit becoming eligible for the 2012-13 season as redshirt sophomore.

Pope Leaves Tulsa Basketball Team - The University of Tulsa Official Athletic Site
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged just over 6 points and 3 rebounds per game during his two seasons with the program. 

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Mid-Major Morning Mashups: NBA Draft Rumblings And A Big Loss For George Mason

Perhaps no player benefited more from a Final Four run than VCU's Jamie Skeen.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Knicks a possible 'fit' for BYU star Jimmer Fredette - NYPOST.com
Would the scoring machine work in Mike D'Antoni's fire at will offense? Marc Berman seems to think so.

BYU star increased stock at Chicago camp
Sam Amico says Jimmer Fredette tested well at the NBA's pre-draft camp and is likely to move up a few spots after his performance.

Kenneth Faried Chasing The Dream
Hoopsworld catches up with Kenneth Faried for a video interview and a nice feature article courtesy of Stephen Litel.

Kyrie Irving's body fat, Kenneth Faried's mentor - Sam Amick - SI.com
The Morehead State rebounding machine has had the opportunity to sit down with one of the games most legendary glass cleaners for some valuable advice.

Skeen gets pro look, thanks to Final Four - NewsObserver.com
A nice feature from Rick Bonnell about the impact a Final Four run has had on Jamie Skeen's NBA aspirations.

DraftExpress: NBA Combine Interviews: Kawhi Leonard, Hamilton, Thompson, Lee
Jonathan Givony and Co. continue to crank out tremendous content, including these high definition video interviews with among others, Kawhi Leonard.

DraftExpress: NBA Combine Interviews: Jimmer Fredette, Alec Burks, Charles Jenkins
Jimmer Fredette was also included in another round of interviews at the NBA Combine.

DraftExpress: Analyzing the 2011 NBA Combine Measurements
One last link - again because these guys are the best - Matt Kamalsky breaks down the Combine measurements, specifically: Greg Smith has huge hands!

Oakland center Keith Benson aims to prove he's an NBA pro | Detroit Free Press
Nice feature on the Golden Grizzlies big man and the path he has taken to reach the brink of pro basketball.

YouTube - Up Close With Charles Jenkins
NBA draft hopeful Charles Jenkins talks NBA Draft and the 2011 NBA Draft Combine with Hoopsworld.

Mason’s Hancock makes transfer official – Wilmington Star News
The biggest story of the day in mid-major land not pertaining to the draft? It's official: Luke Hancock is leaving George Mason and off to Louisville. 

Jamal Coombs-McDaniel of UConn Huskies Could Transfer To Hofstra - ESPN
The talented swingman is looking at a few schools, but so far has only made one visit, getting a closer look at the Pride's program.

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2011-12 College Basketball Preview Series: St. Bonaventure Bonnies

It's been an arduous climb back to respectability for St. Bonaventure under 5th-year head coach Mark Schmidt - but it's been a climb nonetheless. Since taking over the Bonnies the former Boston College player has taken the program from 8-22 and dead last in the Atlantic-10 in his first season, to 16-15 mark and an 8th place finish last year. Beyond simply producing the first winning record for the school since 2002, Schmidt was able to achieve that mark with a roster that features very little turnover.

Expectations in western New York may be higher going into the fall of 2011 than they've been in a very long time - and deservedly so. Can the Bonnies challenge for an Atlantic-10 championship? No, the bar unquestionably will not be set that high. But after increasing their conference win total each of the last three seasons and on the heels of their first postseason tournament appearance in years, it's certainly plausible St. Bonaventure could take another step forward in 2012.

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2011 NBA Draft: Charleston's Andrew Goudelock Lining Up Workouts

After a relatively quite couple of days at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, it looks like the ball is starting to get rolling for one of the premiere scorers in college basketball this season. According to Ryan Feldman of The Hoops Report, Andrew Goudelock has workouts lined up with 17 NBA teams in the weeks leading up to the draft. The Pistons, Thunder, Lakers, Spurs and Heat are among the teams reportedly bringing in the College of Charleston product for a closer look.

Goudelock, a 6-foot-2 point guard, averaged nearly 24 points per game this season on nearly 46% shooting. His role - as we've talked about before - will ultimately be two-fold in the NBA: act primarily as an offensive facilitator and stretch the defense in spot-up situations. Goudelock is a tremendous perimeter threat with range beyond the NBA arc, connecting on 41% of his shots during the season on almost nine attempts per game. The biggest question mark in his game remains however, being able to defend his position at the next level. These concerns remained at the forefront during his appearance at the Portsmouth Invitational, though his offensive performance did little to scare away scouts.

The Charleston gunner is currently projected to be drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 22nd pick in the 2nd round according to DraftExpress. NBADraft.net has him landing in New Orleans with the 15th pick and the 2nd round.

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Mid-Major Morning Mashups: Measurements In At NBA Draft Combine

DraftExpress: Pre Draft Measurements
Just in case you missed it yesterday, DX unveils the official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine. Lots of fun stuff here including Kawhi Leonard's massive wingspan and Greg Smith's huge hands.

Minnesota Workout List | NBADraft.net
The list of players attending this large group workout on May 23rd and 24th is unveiled. Keith Benson, Shelvin Mack and Jamie Skeen all will be in attendance.

Bobcats to pick 9th and 19th in Draft; now what? " Queen City Hoops
The TrueHoop Network's Bobcats blog says Jimmer Fredette is one of several possible fits with the No. 19 pick on draft night.

NBA Mock Draft: Sixers go big at No. 16
Sean Kane of CSN Philly is also high on Faried as a possible suitor for the City of Brotherly Love. 

Raptors HQ's 2011 NBA Draft Favourites - Raptors HQ
SB Nation's Toronto Raptors Blog lists Kenneth Faried and Kawhi Leonard as possible options for their first round selection.

NBA Draft 2011: Jimmer Fredette, Kawhi Leonard Could Struggle To Adjust Games In NBA - SBNation.com
Jonathan Tjarks thinks that Mountain West stars will struggle adjusting to life at the pro level as they attempt to adapt their games to a new style of basketball.

More links after the jump.

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2011 NBA Draft: Kawhi Leonard Gets Mixed Reviews From Measurements

What the 40-yard dash is to the NFL Draft, the combination of height and wingspan are to the NBA - somewhat overrated in the context of game play, but massively influential on draft stock. 

Remember when we all thought Michael Beasley was a lock to be the number one overall pick in the draft, dominating the competition at Kansas State while he was perceived to be a 6-foot-10 power forward with immense versatility? Of course by the time he was selected with the number two pick by the Miami Heat he had "shrank" to somewhere between 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-8. 

Then there's the other end of the spectrum where players perceived to be undersized for the prototype of their position in the NBA get a sudden boost in stock thanks to their length. Jason Maxiell and DeJuan Blair have carved out nice spots for themselves in the league despite standing less than 6-foot-7 in sneakers. Both owe a great deal of that to the huge wingspans they presented at the NBA Draft Combine, both checking in at over 7-foot-2. You can throw San Diego State's Kawhi Leonard into that second group now.

Per ESPN Draft guru Chad Ford:

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The immediate reaction to those numbers? Versatile defender. Leonard is a physical specimen, one of the most intriguing in this draft class. His ability to defend multiple positions is part of the reason why scouts like him and the fact that he is both taller and longer than Blair and Maxiell at least forces one to entertain the idea that as he matures physically (only 20-years-old) and gets stronger, he will be able to guard any position from the two to the four.

This also will help him initially at the offensive end. We know Leonard ultimately projects out as a small forward, but his skill set is quite raw right now and will take time to develop. That wingspan will help him initially on the offensive glass and finishing against bigger players in the paint as he progresses to being a more full-time perimeter player.

Just for the sake of comparison - or lack there of - according to the tremendous measurement database at DraftExpress, Leonard has the longest wingspan of any player 6-foot-7 or shorter in sneakers since the site began tracking this data. Don't think that isn't going to win him some major points. The closest comparison overall though from a physical standpoint? Stephane Lasme who was a second round selection of the Warriors in 2007 and most recently was in the Celtics system, measured at 6-foot-7 in sneakers as well with a wingspan one inch shorter than Leonards.

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Mid-Major Morning Mashups: NBA Draft Combine Day 2

While college teammate Kawhi Leonard could land in the lottery, Malcolm Thomas is starting to get some buzz from the NBA as well. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Chad Ford Recaps Day 1 Of Combine On ESPN 700 Salt Lake City
Plenty of Jimmer talk in this segment and if you're a Jazz fan, you'll be entertained as well.

NBA GM Raves About Fredette Interview
Jimmer fans will love this one too, courtesy of Adrian Wojnarowski

Kings Blog and Q&A: Leonard discusses his game
Speaking of the San Diego State star, here's a nice video interview courtesy of the Sacramento Bee following yesterday's morning drills at the NBA Combine.

Detroit Pistons - NBA | Cleveland State's Norris Cole put on show for Pistons' Joe Dumars | The Detroit News
Norris Cole was one of the players to impress the most yesterday in Chicago - apparently a former NBA Finals MVP counts himself among that group.

Derrick Williams says he's top prospect, Kemba Walker stock falls - Sam Amick - SI.com
Amick with a series of notes an interviews from Day 1 of the NBA Draft Combine, including a section with Jimmer Fredette.

Knicks may get the 'point' at draft - NYPOST.com
Yesterday we got word that the Knicks were showing interested in Hofstra's Charles Jenkins - that hasn't changed. But according to some, Donnie Walsh is "smitten" with Kenneth Faried as well. 

Billups is a Mr. Big Shot in Las Vegas - Knicks Blog - ESPN New York
Kawhi Leonard is one of several first round hopefuls working out with Chauncey Billups and renowned trainer Joe Abunassar. 

Malcolm Thomas Has Up To Eight Workouts Lined Up
According to reports, the Aztecs big man has plenty of teams bringing him in for a closer look.

Jamie Skeen skipping VCU graduation for NBA combine - dailypress.com
I wonder if his Mom will forgive him if he buys her a new house?

More links after the jump.

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2011 NBA Draft: Kings Interview Kawhi Leonard, Norris Cole

According to a report from Kings beat writer Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee, the team has already interviewed several players who could potentially address their most glaring needs. 

"Colorado guard Alec Burks, Kentucky guard Brandon Knight, Cleveland State guard Norris Cole and San Diego State forward Kawhi Leonard are also among those the Kings have interviewed."

Small forward seems to be the area that Sacramento needs to upgrade the most in the short-term where the underwhelming trio of Francisco Garcia, Donte Greene and Omri Casspi are currently filling that role. Leonard is currently one of the fastest rising players on most mock drafts thanks to his physical profile and versatility. Still, there are some questions about his current skill set with many point towards a true shooting percentage of 51% in the Mountain West Conference. Still, the San Diego State product presents one of the more intriguing make-ups in this draft class from an athletic standpoint.

The search for a backup point guard also appears to be a path the Kings could take come draft night. Several floor generals have been interviewed by the team already including Norris Cole of Cleveland State. The 6-foot-2 point guard proved remarkably efficient as a senior, averaging over 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. While there are questions about his perimeter shooting (something that has improved throughout his college career), his effort and ability to operate consistently in transition and the pick and roll makes him a very viable option as a backup point guard.

The Kings have three picks in this year's draft, one in the first round (No. 7 overall) and two in the second round, (No. 36 and No. 60). It's possible Leonard could be a reach at 7, but he should be available at that point. Cole would almost certainly still be on the board at pick No. 36.

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