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ESPN has its mock NBA Draft out. Check out this little tidbit:

18. Orlando: Frank Williams
6-3, PG, Jr., Illinois

"The Magic have been interested in a point guard after the Jeryl Sasser fiasco last season. Taking Sasser as a point turned out to be a mistake. The Magic has an interest in Williams and Dan Dickau, but could be shocked to see Haislip still on the board. The favorite still seems to be the talented, but on-again, off-again, Williams.""

Fiasco? A little early for that, isn't it?

What a joke. Sass was injured a lot last year and spent most of the year on the injured list. It's true that his game needed serious refinement from the freestyle routine he performed here, but he'll do fine. Is he going to bump Tracy McGrady as the team's top offensive option? No. But he's still tall, quick, better defender than he gets credit for and an smart offensive player.

And the Orlando paper ran a story early this year (I'm told) that they've mostly straightened out his shooting mechanics.

there is no doubt that Sasser's shooting mechanics needed to be overhauled. If the Orlando wants to have any chance of recouping their investment, they'd be wise to consider sending Jeryl off to play in the developmental league where he could get the necessary playing time to improve his shot. If you can't shoot, you won't ever see playing time in the NBA. That game has become one of being able to shoot while guys are pounding on you.

Couldn't agree more. He was great at the college level, but until he gets that corkscrew motion straightened out, he's staring at a CBA future.

I think he's proved his worth on the Magic. Sorry ESPN.

You must have pulled that quote out of some stale archive. That refers to last year's draft. Frank Williams, point gaurd from Illinois, was drafted by the Knicks and gets less playing time than Sasser does. Sasser may never be an NBA star, but he put 28 points on the board against the Celtics when he got an opportunity earlier this year.

Well this post is from June of last year.

Uhm...yes, I know this. I thought it was ironic that the ESPN article had said how bad of a pick Sasser was, but he only needed time to mature. He's now a very reliable backup to McGrady.

[This message has been edited by UNFMustang06 (edited 02-28-2003).]

The most shocking basketball stat I have EVER SEEN was in this morning's paper:

Sass played 15 minutes in last night's OT loss to the Knicks (ugh), and DID NOT ATTEMPT A SHOT!!! Wow.

SMU is the only school I have ever seen where alumni actually cheer against a former player who moves on to the NBA. Even if you didn't like him while in school, do you not realize that Sass being successful in the NBA is a GREAT thing for recruiting.

The negativity irritates me to know end.

Who's being negative?