Friday's Tidbits: June 19

1. NBA Free Agency

With the NBA season now over, fans and owners can turn their attention to the offseason, as in, next week's draft and ongoing free agency. We'll get to the draft in tidbit #2.

As for free agency, a few big name studs will hit the market this summer, looking for a hefty payday and in some cases, more playing time. Of course, many teams are holding out for the 2010 free agency bonanza, where the bidding will begin with the names of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. For now, though, let's take a look at the big name free agents this summer and see where they might end up.

Carlos Boozer: The once Duke prodigy will likely opt out of his year of his deal in Utah, and look for more cash elsewhere. While Cleveland makes the most sense, it's been said New Jersey or Detroit would be willing to offer a 5 year, 15 million a year package. That type of money will get Boozer's attention.

Hedu Turkoglu: Even though Turkoglu had a fine regular season, he blew up in the postseason, which could lead to a huge deal this summer. Orlando has said they want to keep him, even if that means paying the luxury tax. Depending on Orlando's new offer, these teams could also be intrigued by the 6-10 versatile big man: New York, Miami and Cleveland. Turkoglu made 5 million this season and is looking for around 10-12 million next season.

Ben Gordon: The Bulls sharp shooter is due for a heavy payday. Chicago would like to resign him, but there is only so much cash to go around. He turned down a 50 million contract earlier this season, instead wanting Luol Deng money (5 year, 80 million). In this economy, Gordon likely won't get that type of contract. However, look for Detroit, Philadelphia and Chicago to push for his services.

Other Notable Free Agent Candidates:

Rasheed Wallace
Ron Artest
Joe Johnson
Allen Iverson
Jason Kidd
Lamar Odom
Mike Bibby

2. NBA Draft: More Whispers

-Stephen Curry been lights out in NBA pre-draft camps, improving on an already high stock value. If so, it wouldn't be crazy to see Oklahoma City take him at #3, pairing Curry with Russell Westbrook in the Thunder backcourt.

-It's almost a forgone conclusion that Memphis will trade out of the #2 pick. Don't be shocked to see New York, or Washington move up to grab Ricky Rubio or Hasheen Thabeet. Chicago could also dangle their two first round picks to move up in the top five. If Memphis stays put, however, they go with Thabeet, or draft Rubio and trade him away.

-Despite winning the 2009 Finals. the Los Angeles Lakers need to upgrade at the point guard position. Luckily for them, this year's draft is littered with above average guards, many of them combo guards. They are crossing their fingers that Eric Maynor (VGU) or Ty Lawson (UNC) fall to them at #31.

-The closer draft day approaches, the more it looks like the Pacers will go with Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair (if available, of course). If not, point guard is a valid option.

3. IU Basketball Recruiting

-As stated on Tuesday, Kyrie Irving did not commit to Tom Crean and the Hoosiers, as rumors suggested early this week. However, many scouts and insiders believe it's Indiana verse everyone else.

-Indiana recruiting fans should became very familiar with the name T.J. Bell. Bell is a 6-7, power forward, who is moving with his family to Bloomington, Indiana, next year. He will attend Bloomington South High School, and will join a 2012 Indiana high school class that could be the best in recent memory.

ESPN Scouting Report

T.J. is a slasher supreme. He is very good at catching on the wing, putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. Young and athletic, his potential is limitless. He is a good passer with excellent basketball instincts. He needs some work on his jumper which is more of a push shot at this point. T.J. is a top 20 prospect in the 2012 class nationally.

The Hoosiers haven't offered, but will soon.

4. ND Football Recruiting

-The Irish are still waiting on a committment from Cincinnati quarterback Andrew Hendrix. As noted in previous tidbits, Hendrix is ranked 11th among quarterbacks in the class of 2010. Word out of South Bend says he should commit in the next week or so. However, Ohio State is making one last push for his signature. It appears both teams are scrambling after losing out on Nick Montana.

-While Charlie Weis has been successful lately recruiting in the state of Ohio, the past few years he has stolen talent out of southern California, or USC's backyard. La Canada (CA) safety Dietrich Riley is a new name on the radar from this region, and he holds a Notre Dame offer, along with USC and UCLA, among others. Although he likes the Trojans and Bruins, Riley is currently planning a trip South Bend this summer.

-Three prospects have decided to visit Notre Dame the weekend of October 16: Running back Jordan James, Linebacker Kendall Moore and Cornerback Joshua Shaw. Why October 16 you ask?

USC vs. Notre Dame

Notre Dame stadium should be electrifying on this night. A win could help the Irish in more ways than one.


5. Tincapping It

Congratulations to the Fort Wayne Tincaps for clinching a playoff spot for the Midwest League playoffs. The last time the Tincaps (or Wizards) made the playoffs was in 2006. According to the team's website, the squad will play a best-of-three series starting September 9-11.

6. Cubs and Trade Deadline

According to friends who follow the Chicago Cubs religiously, the "North Siders" will look to make a move or two before the July 31st trade deadline. The problem, though, it is unclear who will be available when that time comes around. The Cubs will most certainly look for more offensive production, as no full-time starter currently holds a .300 or above batting average. At the moment, Ryan Theriot leads the team with a .282 average. Don't considered this a positive statistic.
Before going down with injury, Aramis Rameriz was hitting .364 and owned a .417 on base percentage. Cubs fans can't wait for his return to the starting lineup.