Why The Latest Accusations Against John Wall Is Nothing More Than Speculation

Everybody knows John Wall, and what he has done for Kentucky.

But after the season he had, Wall was selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards.

Now here comes speculation. With Allen Iverson career winding down, Reebok was definitely looking for a new face. 

So why not extend their offer to bring in the hottest young talent in Wall?

The current accusations are that Wall's former AAU coach negotiates the Reebok deal. Now the NCAA is poised to look at all Kentucky players’ connection with professional agents.

One word: Speculation! One Phrase: Yellow Journalism!

There are so many people out there that have been trying to dig deep and find the slightest mistakes UK has made since signing Coach Calipari.

However, linking Wall to this is a bit crazy.

Wall has been the model player since his days in high school. He is a smart kid, and has a great mindset. Out of all the players in college, Wall would be the last person linked to accusations like this.

Remember how LeBron James came onto the scene?

He was a hot commodity, and boom; speculation started flying about illegal benefits.

Now here comes a similar situation, but different player.

So, college basketball fans, sports fan, or just people in general; here is two things you must know.

• Coach Calipari has nothing to do with this

As soon as the speculations started flying around, everybody turned their heads to Coach Calipari rather than the player.

Last time I checked, it said the players were being investigated not Coach Calipari.

Just because he recruits players that have bad reputations--that happen to be pretty good players--doesn't mean the media has to attack him every time speculation starts. 

• It's nothing more than speculation

The Kentucky basketball has gone through a lot since hiring Coach Calipari.

There was the DeMarcus Cousins' trouble, Eric Bledsoe transcript, and now John Wall's Reebok deal.

None of that was proven up to this day. Until anything is proven, I believe fans need to give these Kentucky players a break.

Just because Coach Calipari reaches out to the five-star recruits that your team wants, doesn't mean he is cheating. He is simply a better recruiter and I think everybody hates him for that.

Until any of this is proven, it's nothing more than speculation.

(I want to know what you think. Is this speculation or does the Kentucky players really have something to hide? Let me know, send me an email at CollegiateHoops@gmail.com or simply reply below)

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

2010 NBA Draft: The All-2010 NBA Draft Team

The 2010 NBA draft is now behind us, and some people are starting to make observations of the biggest night in college and professional basketball.

The NBA draft was very deep in terms of talent, but outside of the lottery picks all I see is solid contributors. 

With that said, here is my All-2010 NBA Draft Team

PG - John Wall 6'4'' Washington Wizards

Who else did you think you were getting here? John Wall has the most upside of any player in this draft and will be a great pro.

He is very long and has the ability to use that length on defense. Wall comes in as the face of the franchise and will take on the challenge of being the leader of an NBA team.

Down the road, John Wall will prove to be the best player in this year’s draft.

SG - Evan Turner 6'7'' Philadelphia 76ers

Turner was the best player in this draft. He is 6'7'' and because of his skill-set, he can play three positions on the court.

He has elite ball-handling skills and drives into the paint at will. Not to mention, his ability to finish around the basket or pull up for the mid-range jumper.

Turner is just an all-around talent that you want to have. He attacks the glass on both ends of the floor. He is a solid defender, and he makes his teammates better.

If this isn't the guy you want on your team, I don't think you're a real basketball fan.

SF - Wesley Johnson 6'8'' Minnesota Timberwolves

I don't know how he is going to be set up with the T'Wolves, considering they acquired more two more small forwards in the draft. Despite that, Johnson is a great player. 

Johnson is 6'8'' but has the ability to guard out of position because of his lateral quickness and length.

With that comes a very offensive player as well. Under Boehim's system we weren't able to see a full arsenal of Johnson's moves but once he gets to showcase his skills we'll all know just how good he is.

Dick Vitale has pegged him as the Rookie of the Year--although, I don't think he will be that good.

PF - DeMarcus Cousins 6'11'' Sacramento Kings

Cousins' is the total package. Because of his so called "attitude-problems" teams passed on him and the Kings cashed in.

Cousins at 6'11'' is an extraordinary athlete. He can play at different speeds, beat defenders off the dribble, shoot the three; it's just a lot of things he does that you don't expect from a player 6-foot-11.

To add to that, he is a monster in the paint and likes to use his strength to overpower players. Not to mention, he does have the ability to play defense and if he is committed he will be a monster.  

You think John Wall is good, wait to you see Cousins at his full potential.

C - Cole Aldrich 6'10'' Oklahoma City Thunder

Aldrich is the most complete center that was drafted. 

He brings defensive intensity to the post that lacks it. He brings amazing size, and the ability to alter and block shots. Not to mention, he will be a nice addition to the pick-and-roll game.

He is very long and can score outside the paint if needed. At Kansas, you didn't witness much of this because he wasn't as aggressive as he should have been. 

But once he gets to the pros you'll witness his jump shot--it's ugly, but goes in--and his ability to score with an array of post moves in the paint. 

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

Collegiate Hoops: Steal Of The 2010 NBA Draft

I know that the guards coming out of John Calipari's system are usually the ones to get, but this year his big man can come in and make a huge impact in Sacramento.

After grabbing a guard from Coach Cal in last season's draft, Tyreke Evans, the Kings selected another one from under his wing in DeMarcus Cousins.

The 5th overall pick stands at 6'11 and weighed in at 292.

The scouts rave about his excellent skill level. Cousins has the ability to put the ball on the floor and can score at will.

However, the greatest aspect about this pick is the upside for Cousins.

While he did seem to be a bit immature last season for Kentucky, that can only get better. Also, wait until he drops a few pounds and gains a bit more muscle.

If he commits to conditioning and working harder, he can only get better.

Coming into next season, it's looking great for Kings fans. With last season's Rookie of the Year, Cousins can add a great one-two punch to go with Evans.

And, despite winning only 25 games last season, the Kings look to have a bright future with those two leading the way.

The Kings also picked up Hassan Whiteside with the 33rd overall selection.

Some teams rated Whiteside as the top true center in this year's draft class. His huge wingspan is what allowed him to lead the NCAA in blocks last season.

On the contrary, the problem with Whiteside is his strength. The 235 pounder needs to bulk up if he plans to play with NBA centers.

However, the future looks to be bright in California's capital. It was a good night for Kings fans.

Written by Collin O'Connor

2010 NBA Draft: Sacramento Kings Draft Grade

Sacramento Kings Draft Picks

DeMarcus Cousins 6'11'' Power Forward

DeMarcus Cousins despite falling to No. 5 is the best big man in this year’s draft. Cousins could have possibly been the No. 1 overall pick if it wasn't for his so called "attitude problems." 

Cousins is a very talented four-man. He is very strong in the post area. He can give you rebounding in the low post on both ends of the floor. 

Also, he will give you scoring down on the low block. He has worked on his post moves and doesn't just over power defenders, he has a nucleus of moves he has assembled and will use them effectively at the next level.

Cousins' is not always around the painted area though. When he came into Calipari arms, he seriously wanted to be a point guard. He has good handle, and the ability to beat defenders off the dribble. I even witnessed him pre-game knocking down jumpers from the college three-point line. 

Not to mention, he has the ability to play lock down defense. If he is committed to playing defense, and continues to improve his game, he'll be the biggest draft steal at No. 5.

Hassan Whiteside, 7'0'' Center

Hassan Whiteside is a great player. He has a ton of potential but is still ready to contribute to an NBA team. 

He has a 7'7'' wingspan, very coordinated and a sure post presence. 

Whiteside a very long athlete came on the college scene because of his defensive presence. In just a three-fourth of the college season, Whiteside had already broken Marshall's school record for blocked shots.

Whiteside is a big-time defensive player with a lot of potential on offense. He is very long so that helps with put-backs and rebounds. Not to mention, he can score with his back towards the basket. 

What is my biggest concern about Whiteside is can he step out and hit mid-range jumpers consistently. He can shoot the ball it's just more about how much more he can expand his range. 

Analysis:

The Sacramento Kings had one of the better drafts tonight. They got two great players in Cousins and Whiteside. 

Both players will be an immediate spark in the post for the Kings. Add Jason Thompson and Tyreke Evans in the mix and you're looking at one of the most improved teams in the league.

Cousins will bring you immediate offense to the paint. Not just that, but he will also be good in the pick-and-roll and mid-range game.

Whiteside is what you need defensively in the post. 

Last year, the Kings gave up 104 points a game to opposing defenses. With Whiteside in the post, that will not happen.

His 7'7'' wingspan will be put to work and showcased in the Kings frontcourt right away. He will block and alter a lot of shots at the next level. He will be the ultimate paint protector for the Kings

Draft Grade: A+

Written by DeAnte Mitchell