Posted May 2, 2011    

•Ricky Rubio

•Ralph Sampson III

•Christian Ballard

•Maya Moore

•Nick Blackburn

Kahn Headed to Spain for Rubio Talks 

Timberwolves basketball executives David Kahn and Tony Ronzone leave for Spain today and meetings with Ricky Rubio and his representatives, according to a basketball source. 

The process of bringing the European point guard to Minneapolis for an NBA career with the Timberwolves is ongoing, the source said.  The Timberwolves chose Rubio with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft but thus far he has remained in Europe. 

Representatives of Rubio spoke with Timberwolves officials last week about endorsements for the 20-year-old Rubio.  Money from endorsements is one of the factors that can ease the transition from Spain to the NBA. 

In the weeks ahead Kahn, president of basketball operations, and Ronzone, assistant general manager, hope to solidify an agreement to bring Rubio here for next season.  That will be a major transition for Rubio who will not only face cultural and language changes, but also the more physical style of play in the NBA.   

At 6-4, Rubio’s name sparks excitement but also controversy.  Basketball authorities acknowledge his extraordinary court vision and passing skills, but whether he has the physical strength and all around game to immediately be a solid NBA player next season is debatable.  

For certain his signing would be a major box office and corporate sponsorship stimulus for the Timberwolves.  Rubio is a handsome kid, who plays basketball with flair and has an international reputation.   

He’s potentially a major upgrade for a franchise facing perhaps the most intriguing summer in organization history.  The Timberwolves may change coaches, luck into the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, sign free agents, make progress on the renovation of Target Center…and bring Rubio to town. 

Other than that, not much going on.

 

NBA D-League or Europe May Await Sampson 

Sources with second-hand information told Sports Headliners last week that Ralph Sampson III was declaring for the NBA draft.  Thursday’s early entry list from the NBA confirmed his intent. 

But neither Sampson, his family nor the Gophers have made it known whether a professional sports agent has been retained.  If so, Sampson can’t return to Minnesota for his senior season.  Players who don’t have representation have until May 8 to change their minds about entering the draft and return to college teams.  

Sampson’s three year career has been characterized by inconsistency and mediocrity.  The 6-11 junior center-forward has averaged 8.2 points and 5.2 rebounds.  His best career season scoring was 2011 when he averaged 10.2 points per game while his top rebounding average was a year ago when he finished at 5.8.                    

News of his sniffing at the pros has been met by surprise and even cynicism by Gophers fans.  A finesse big man with not even honorable mention all-Big Ten honors during his career, Sampson seems an improbable candidate to be chosen even on the second round of the June NBA draft.   

Yes, the NBA is always looking for length and athleticism, and it doesn’t hurt that his bloodlines include dad Ralph II, among the most famous college centers of all time.  But Ralph III is a classic example of a tall player that could benefit from one additional season of college basketball, adding more muscle, plus strength and versatility for his game. 

What fans should be asking is why this development?  If Sampson has hired an agent then he knows there’s no return to Gopherville.  That means facing the real possibility of not making an NBA team next fall either through the draft or as a free agent.  Even if he were drafted on the second round or signed as a free agent, neither designation guarantees him a roster spot next fall in the NBA. 

In this scenario what Sampson has to be prepared for is a future later this year playing in the NBA Development League, in Europe, or some other professional league.  Sampson may feel those options are better for his career than another season at Minnesota.  

If Sampson returns to the Gophers he faces less competition for playing time than it appeared a few weeks ago.  Center Colton Iverson, who for three years shared playing time with Sampson, has transferred.  During the last 12 months or so the Gophers have lost three players who were juniors but chose not to return for their senior seasons.  Paul Carter transferred last spring, then Devoe Joseph and Iverson this year. 

Gophers fans are hoping Sampson doesn’t become No. 4.

 

Worth Noting

The Vikings chose 10 players in the NFL draft, the most since they selected 10 in 2000. The large number is important for an organization trying to create more competition for jobs, and with numerous personnel needs even at starting positions. 

Among the most intriguing selections is Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard, drafted on the fourth round.  Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said his organization considered Ballard a second round value.  

The Big Ten Conference led the nation in men’s basketball attendance for the 35th consecutive season, averaging 12,826 fans per home game, according to NCAA figures. Seven Big Ten schools ranked in the top 25 in average attendance, while no other league had more than four.  Wisconsin was seventh nationally with an average of 17,230 fans per game.  Illinois was No. 10 (15,851), followed by No. 12 Indiana (15,259), No. 13 Ohio State (15,125) and No. 15 Michigan State (14,797).  Also among the top 25 were No. 17 Purdue (13,916) and No. 24 Minnesota (13,241).

Lynx players Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Candice Wiggins were named last week to the USA Basketball Women's National Team training camp roster, the most participants of any WNBA team.  The five players are expected to comprise nearly half of the Lynx’s 11 women season opening roster later this spring.  The USA training camp will be May 10-12 in Las Vegas.

Because of declining student enrollment, the Minneapolis North basketball team will participate next season in Class A, the smallest of Minnesota State High School League groupings for teams.  Class A includes charter schools and other schools such as the Academy for Sciences & Agriculture, Calvin Christian High School and Maranatha Christian Academy.  

Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn, expected to start Wednesday in Chicago against the White Sox, is 1-4 with a 5.14 ERA.  In his last outing he gave up eight hits and five earned runs during 3.1 innings at home against Tampa Bay.  

The Twins have to play seven of their next 11 games against East Division teams Boston and Toronto.  After Tampa Bay swept the Twins at home last week, Minnesota was 5-12 so far this season against teams from the East Division. 

The NHL Coaches Association will hold its annual Coaching Clinic on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis.  Coaches from all hockey levels are welcome at the clinic where NHL coaches will lead group presentations and break-out sessions.  Registration for the clinic is available at www.wild.com/nhlca.

 

 Seimone Augustus

Lindsay Whalen