Tag Archives: Mike D’Antoni

Danilo Gallinari got another vote of confidence. This time former St. John’s basketball coach, and current international draft expert at ESPN, Fran Fraschilla gave Marc Berman of the Post a thumbs up. Fraschilla also believes that no point guard will be worth a pick at number six, unless you are talking about combo guard OJ Mayo. Berman also discusses the buzz about D’Antoni “not liking” Gallinari.

First, great work by Marc Berman who has been one of the most active beat reporters at the pre-draft camp. Since I am an alumni of St. John’s I admired the job he did while I was there recruiting Ron Artest, Eric Barkley, and Lavar Postell for that team. Mike Jarvis was the one that coached that group to the elite eight in 1999, but it was with the talent that Fraschilla recruited. With that being said I am very leery of anyone deemed a “international expert”. If all you do is analyze European talent you might become a bit bias in your analysis. However, it is another piece of information to chew on until the draft next month.

Once again I hear the name OJ Mayo. There has been lots of debate on this site from the fans about Mayo. I have a feeling if the Knicks pass on him that it might bring on some of the same frustration that happened in ’99 when Ron Artest was overlooked. I have confidence that Donnie Walsh will do the right thing, but according to someone I talked to he really does like Eric Gordon. Wow, with all the buzz at pre-draft camp I can’t wait to see the rumors fly as we approach the draft in late June.

Tagged Danilo Gallinar, Mike D'Antoni, O.J. Mayo |

Newsday’s Alan Hahn gives us an inside look at the “Italian Stallion” this morning. He goes on to cite an email conversation he had with Gallinari’s dad Vittorio, draft experts thoughts on his talent ceiling, and the strong connection with Mike D’Antoni. You can read the full article here.

I discussed Gallinari on my Sunday radio show with Greg Hutchins of the Garden Grasp. Back during my playground days in Bensonhurst the neighborhood would have loved to have a fellow Italian on the Knicks roster. With the state of the team today I am not so sure. Hearing one scout say that he is one of the “Top 6 Players in this years draft” makes me question if the Knicks should really keep this pick. Players from overseas are very hard to translate to the NBA game, much like Japanese baseball players. For every Dirk Nowitzki there is a Maciej Lampe. The dilemma is do the Knicks trade the pick for an impact player, risking future salary cap flexibility, or use this draft to start fresh and build from the ground up. Stay tuned I am sure we will hear more about this kid. All this talk about Italy makes me yearn for a plate of pasta.

Tagged 2008 NBA Draft, Danilo Gallinari, Mike D'Antoni | Newer posts →