Cavs fans College Basketball Viewing Guide: Feast Week!

NIT Season Tip-Off

Honestly, there’s not a lot to watch from this early-season tournament. However, with Memphis being a team in the field, there’s at least two reasons to watch. Those reasons are Jalen Duren and Emoni Bates. Both players re-classified to the class of 2021, and both are playing at Memphis this year under head coach Penny Hardaway. Unfortunately, Bates won’t be able to enter the 2022 NBA Draft, which is frustrating in and of itself, but that’s for a different time. The good news is Duren will be in the NBA next year, and getting an early look at Bates is not only a good idea, but he’s very fun to watch as well.

Jalen Duren would likely have been the top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but he bet on himself and re-classified. Overall Duren is kind of an old-school big man. He’s been sensational so far, even though Memphis hasn’t really been playing the toughest schedule. Through four games he’s averaging fifteen points per game, almost 11 rebounds, and almost five blocks per game. Yes, you read that right, five blocks per game.

Obviously, he is projected to be an elite rim protector, even during his first few games in the league. He’s also shooting 75% from the field, which is impressive for a forward. Duren will continue to dominate the college ranks, so it would be wise for him to start working more on extending his range, and his shooting overall. Within five feet of the rim, he is elite, however, to be elite in the NBA he needs to develop an arsenal of different ways to score. Now, with all that being said, out of all the freshmen thus far, Duren has looked the best.

Even though Bates won’t be in the draft, barring a major change, it’s fun to watch him play. The skinny 6-8 wing is averaging just over thirteen points per game while shooting 47% from the field. Overall Bates is an explosive and exciting player. He’s got a great shooting stroke, and his offensive arsenal is huge. He, like Holmgren, needs to put on a lot of weight before he gets to the NBA. If he continues to improve and add strength, the comparison between Bates and Kevin Durant might get the slightest bit more realistic.

As I said, it’s tough to be a Cavs fan right now. Evan Mobley was looking so promising, and even though I’m sure he’ll pick up where he left off, it sucks not being able to watch him. With that being said, the Sexton injury does propose some interesting scenarios. I’m not ready to start talking about that yet, but I’m not far off.

Take my advice and when you’re watching Emoni Bates, Kendall Brown, Peyton Watson, or any other college players this week, picture them in a Cavs uniform. Is it going to help the Cavs right now? No, of course not. Will it make you feel better for about two hours? Absolutely. Have a great feast week everyone!