So Boston University won the America East title game in one of the ugliest games that has ever been on television. I woke up from a crazy first night of Austin's annual SXSW festival at 11:30 CT this morning and flicked on the television. To my dismay (or delight, not quite sure how I felt about it), BU had scored 2 points in the first TEN minutes of this morning's championship. 2. Apparently, John Holland lit it up in the second half and the Terriers held on to the nail-biter, 56-54. So I guess Holland and the Terriers had the last laugh, but they were still being laughed at. Congratulations to BU, 2002 was only getting further away.
In other news, Marqus Blakely is coming to Austin on March 23rd. I've had the date on my calendar since he was traded to the Iowa Energy in January. I can't wait to watch Marqus play basketball again. He has had a terrific season in the NBDL so far. His efficiency rating of 16.34 is off the chain and must be attracting the notice of NBA scouts. He is actually shooting -- I'm not making this up -- 68.2% from the field in his 16 games with the Energy this season. 68.2% from the field. His season field goal percentage (from the time he spent with the Bakersfield Jam) is 60%, which is still pretty unbelievable. Nene Hilario is the only NBA player who has a higher field goal percentage than 60%.
This is what Marqus' stats look like in his last three games:
vs. Idaho: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6-6 FG, 0 TO in 27 minutes.
@Maine: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 8-13 FG in 41 minutes.
@Springfield: 23 points, 10 rebounds, 10-11 FG in 43 minutes.
For those scoring at home, that's an average of 20 points and 7.7 rebounds in 37 minutes while shooting 80% from the field.
The knocks on Marqus have always been clear: He's a 6'5'' power forward with a lack of a jump shot. The favorable things about Marqus have always been even more obvious: He has freakish athleticism, a great work ethic, and just finds a way to play good defense and simultaneously put points on the board. You can't tell me an NBA team is not going to use Marqus as a third or fourth guy off the bench in the future. And when they do, look out dunk contest!
Great stuff. Thanks for the MB23 update. Those are some eye popping numbers.
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