Local Ballers

With College Basketball in full swing, here are some players that are making headlines:

John Williamson: Forward - Cincinnati

Hailing from Marion-Franklin in Columbus, Williamson is the Bearcat's muscle inside. He stands just about 6'6'', but in the wake of other undersized overachieving post players from UC, (Maxiell, Hicks, Fortson) he holds his own down low. The Bearcats are much improved from last year, but will likely just miss the NCAA tournament due to a grueling Big East Schedule.

J'Nathan Bullock: Forward - Cleveland State

J'Nathan is the leading rebounder and second leading scorer on a suprisingly good Cleveland State team. So far the Vikings are undefeated in league play and sit atop the Horizon League Standings. A native of Flint, Michigan, he is a good student as well as a solid ball player. Look for CSU to win their conference and earn an NCAA bid.

Kosta Koufos: Center - Ohio State

The big Greek from Canton has potential. His touch from the outside reminds me of Zydrunas, except with quicker feet. If he can develop a stronger back-to-the-basket game, he might have some success in the NBA. If the Buckeyes can get him to score more down low, and give freshman Evan Turner more offensive freedom, they should make the tournament. If they do, it would not suprise me if they knock off a few high seeds before they bow out.

Brian Roberts: Guard - Dayton

I have not yet seen this guy play, but they say he can shoot the lights out. He played high school ball at St. John's in Toledo, and was a teamate of Xavier's current small forward, B.J. Raymond. He is averaging just over 20 points a game, while shooting about 50% field goals and 45% from behind the arc. The Flyers are 14-2 and ranked 16th in the nation, but as I write this post they are losing by 25 to A-10 rival Xavier.

In other sports news, the Patriots and Giants face off in Super Bowl XLII on February 3rd. I am not aware of a man, woman or child outside of New England that wants the Patriots to win. Go Eli!