Badgers

Over half of the NBA played its final summer league contest on Monday.
Though many games were missing top prospects as franchises prioritized risk management, viewers who tuned in still witnessed some exciting matchups. In many cases, perceived NBA longshots got their chances to break out and many made the most of the opportunity.
With just one more afternoon remaining on the schedule, here are my observations from Day 9:
STUDS
Brandon Boston Jr., guard/forward, Los Angeles Clippers
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Brandon Boston showing off the range 👀 <a href="https://t.co/EcLfIOajEk">pic.twitter.com/EcLfIOajEk</a>
&mdash; Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomerAzarly/status/1427457865107742754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks, 8-for-14 FG, 2-for-4 3PT
Boston Jr. thoroughly impressed me with his second half. The former five-star high school recruit attacked the basket with strength well beyond his wiry frame. Boston Jr. was unafraid of contact and didn't hesitate to fire away from deep &ndash; both areas of emphasis for him as a prospect. He took over in the later stages and helped the Clippers keep a high-scoring game competitive.
Toss in some promising defensive possessions as well, and you have a tantalizing effort from a player with one of the highest upsides among second-round picks. It's a good way to end a promising summer league showing all-around by Boston Jr.&nbsp;
Luka Garza, center, Detroit Pistons
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Luka Garza showed out tonight in the Summer League 🔥 + 21 points + 15 rebounds + 8/16 FG In case you were wondering, his ROY odds are 150-1 👀 <a href="https://t.co/uMWEKea9ea">pic.twitter.com/uMWEKea9ea</a>
&mdash; NBABet (@nbabet) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbabet/status/1427458783576563719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 21 points, 15 rebounds, 8-for-16 FG, 2-for-6 3PT
Detroit signed Garza to a <a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/pistons-sign-luka-garza-to-twoway-contract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two-way contract today</a>. The Naismith Player of the Year is certainly earning that opportunity with his summer-league showcase. Garza went to work on the interior, corralling four offensive rebounds and finishing strong at the rim. He also canned two three-pointers, flashed a mid-range stepback, and made smart passes out of the high post. Garza was clearly gassed by the fourth quarter and his mobility is still a major question mark. But he did show a few bankable skills in this outing.
Kyle Alexander, forward, Phoenix Suns
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🇨🇦🍁Kyle Alexander with the chase down swat. 🛑 Cleveland <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cavaliers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cavaliers</a> | Phoenix <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suns</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummerLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummerLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreTheValley?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreTheValley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeTheFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeTheFight</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6yDKN461C">pic.twitter.com/S6yDKN461C</a>
&mdash; BasketballBuzz.ca 🇨🇦🏀🍁 (@basketballbuzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/basketballbuzz/status/1427413244721893379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 18 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, 8-for-12 FG
What a phenomenal game from Alexander, who joins the Suns' summer league squad after spending the 2020-21 season overseas in the Spanish ACB league. The 24-year-old center was a menace as a roller, outmuscling a physical opponent in Mfiondu Kabengele.
Alexander registered a killer chasedown block (shown above) and was an active presence throughout the close game. Phoenix is assessing its options for reserve bigs behind Deandre Ayton, and while Alexander is likely low on the totem pole, this effort surely opened some eyes.
Isaiah Jackson, center, Indiana Pacers
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Isaiah Jackson... wow. Blocks a 3, runs out for a dunk, then switches on to Corey Kispert and blocks his attack. Wonderful defense from the 22nd overall pick all summer league long: <a href="https://t.co/tuclmlTFIi">pic.twitter.com/tuclmlTFIi</a>
&mdash; Tony East (@TEastNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TEastNBA/status/1427361645131702275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Box Score Stats: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 blocks, 2 steals, 4-for-14 FG, 0-for-4 3PT
Jackson tied the summer-league record for blocked shots in a single game, and he did so in just under 21 minutes of action. The athletic big man was a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive end. He guarded on the perimeter and swatted attempts from Corey Kispert, and then battled inside and neutralized screen actions.
Offensively, Jackson didn't have his shot falling today. But he got open consistently on the perimeter and as a roll man. The No. 22 pick made quality passes out of the high post to corner shooters as well.
Quentin Grimes, guard, New York Knicks
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Quentin Grimes (<a href="https://twitter.com/qdotgrimes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@qdotgrimes</a>) heats up for 26 points &amp; 6 threes in the <a href="https://twitter.com/nyknicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyknicks</a> win! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBASummer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBASummer</a> <a href="https://t.co/xUz8N11OVx">pic.twitter.com/xUz8N11OVx</a>
&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1427433692629278725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2021</a></blockquote>

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Box Score: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 10-for-17 FG, 6-for-12 3PT
The No. 25 overall pick appeared to teleport all around the half-court for the Knicks in their 105-94 rout of Atlanta. Grimes knocked in three-pointers off the catch and off pull-ups, and he did a better job attacking as a cutter as well. Those three assists don't accurately state his impact as a passer, either. Grimes is more than a connector for New York; he can operate as a playmaker off the dribble in short spurts. This was a really fun offensive game overall.
Other notable performers: D'Mitrik Trice (Bucks), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Bucks), Bones Hyland (Nuggets), Miles McBride (Knicks), Javin DeLaurier (Hawks), Rob Edwards (Thunder), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Thunder), Hassani Gravett (Magic), Saben Lee (Pistons), Olivier Sarr (Grizzlies)
DUDS
Corey Kispert, forward, Washington Wizards
Box Score Stats: 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1-for-7 FG, 0-for-4 3PT
Washington went a blizzard-like 7-for-34 from beyond the arc in Monday's loss to the Pacers. But Kispert specifically struggled because he could not gain enough separation for open looks. The first-round pick had multiple shots blocked and had to get his attempts up through some significant contests. In fairness to Kispert, having to play creator without a lead scorer to draw defenses isn't his strength and won't be his role in the NBA. It's hard to run complex plays for Kispert off the ball with limited time in Las Vegas.
Mfiondu Kabengele, center, Cleveland Cavaliers
Box Score Stats: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 2-for-7 FG, 0-for-1 3PT
Kabengele was the opposing force against Kyle Alexander's breakout game, and while he certainly battled, he ultimately came out on the wrong end. He struggled to beat Alexander inside and settled for tough face-ups in the latter stages. Alexander also destroyed in the pick-and-roll, although that was partially due to a lack of weak-side help. Kabengele still played with good physicality, had a double-double and made six of seven free throws.
Immanuel Quickley, guard, New York Knicks
Box Score Stats: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 3-for-18 FG, 3-for-14 3PT
This was a "dud" performance incarnate. Quickley just couldn't buy a bucket for most of the afternoon, though he did settle for a few too many long perimeter heaves. But the second-year star continued to demonstrate improvement as a passer with <a href="been%20with%20the%20team%20since%20it%20selected%20him%20sixth%20overall%20in%20the%202014%20NBA%20Draft." target="_blank" rel="noopener">dishes such as this</a>. There's no reason to draw any meaningful takeaway from this game &ndash; it was just a sour ending to an otherwise dominant summer league.
Sharife Cooper, guard, Atlanta Hawks
Box Score Stats: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3-for-11 FG, 0-for-2 3PT
Cooper had a tough time handling the constant pressure from Miles McBride and the rest of the Knicks defense. The rookie point guard also did not have his lob mate in Jalen Johnson, who was held out of the final contest. Cooper continues to show a somewhat awkward step-back that didn't fall on Monday, and he also was challenged frequently on his way to the rim. Without consistent rolling rim pressure, the second-round selection had fewer chances to highlight his passing wizardry.

As summer league winds down, some more NBA hopefuls delivered breakout performances and tried to make a strong impression.

Studs and duds from the ninth day of NBA Summer League

As NBA Summer League kicks off, the <a href="https://www.tampabayprocombine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tampa Bay Pro Combine</a> will be well-represented, as a number of alumni from the inaugural TBPC have been invited by NBA teams to be a part of the Las Vegas event that begins this Sunday.
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Here's the list of TBPC alumni who will be at NBA Summer League:
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<li>Justin Turner, Bowling Green: San Antonio Spurs </li>
<li>Terry Taylor, Austin Peay: Indiana Pacers</li>
<li>Asbjorn Mitgaard, Grand Canyon: Orlando Magic </li>
<li>Tahj Eaddy, USC: Orlando Magic</li>
<li>Jordan Goodwin, Saint Louis: Washington Wizards</li>
<li>Chandler Vaudrin, Winthrop: Cleveland Cavaliers</li>
<li>Micah Potter, Wisconsin: Miami Heat</li>
<li>Giorgi Bezhanishvili, Illinois: Denver Nuggets</li>
<li>Chudier Bile, Georgetown: Denver Nuggets</li>
<li>DJ Funderburk, NC State: Utah Jazz</li>
<li>Ryan Daly, St. Joseph's: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Sterling Manley, North Carolina: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Troy Baxter Jr., Morgan State: Chicago Bulls</li>
<li>Mitch Ballock, Creighton: Philadelphia 76ers</li>
<li>Justin Jaworski, Lafayette: Atlanta Hawks </li>
<li>Jahvon Blair, Georgetown: Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li>D&rsquo;Mitrik Trice, Wisconsin: Milwaukee Bucks</li>
<li>Damien Jefferson, Creighton: Sacramento Kings</li>
</ul>
NBA Summer League kicks off on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET and will be running until Aug. 17, when a champion is crowned.

18 players who took part in the inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine are headed to NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Tampa Bay Pro Combine to be well-represented at NBA Summer League

The inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine was last weekend at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The event featured 41 draft-eligible players from around the nation who competed in drills, 5-on-5 and athletic testing.
The athletic testing and measurements were done by BAM (Basic Athletic Measurement) Testing, who also do the testing and measurements every year at the NBA Draft Combine.
<a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiMTAyYTI1NWYtYWMxZi00Y2FjLTliNjktNWEwMGJkZWU3OTI1IiwidCI6ImUxNzc2MmQ4LTk1MDktNDQ5Yi05OGRlLTE2MWRkMzdiMWE0YSJ9&amp;pageName=ReportSection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for the athletic-testing results and measurements.</a>
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Here are some takeaways...
&bull; Asbjorn Midtgaard (7'0) and Sterling Manley (7'0.5) tied for the longest wingspan (7'4).
&bull;&nbsp;Giorgi Bezhanishvili had the largest hands at the event (9.5 inches in length, 11 inches wide).&nbsp;
&bull;&nbsp;Jimma Gatwech had the highest vertical (35.50 inches), which he displayed <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/1400587765096583169" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during the dunk contest</a>. Obadiah Noel (33 inches), Makuach Maluach (33 inches) D'Mitrik Trice (32.5 inches), Keith Williams (32.5 inches), Manny Camper (32.5 inches) and Clay Mounce (32.5 inches) also stood out.
&bull;&nbsp;D'Mitrik Trice and Manny Camper had the best 3/4 Court Sprint time (2.97).
&bull;&nbsp;Justin Jaworski (2.93) and Quade Green (2.99) had the best Reaction Shuttle time.
Here are highlights from the Tampa Bay Pro Combine:&nbsp;
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Here are the athletic-testing results and measurements from the inaugural Tampa Bay Pro Combine (courtesy of BAM Testing).

Tampa Bay Pro Combine: Measurements and athletic-testing results

The 2021 Tampa Bay Pro Combine is in the books. The inaugural event featured 41 prospects competing in 5-on-5 games, which were streamed for NBA executives and scouts. Several players have already earned NBA workouts after shining at the TBPC.&nbsp;
Here is the All-Combine-Team, which was determined by the event&rsquo;s coaches and organizers:
&nbsp;
D'Mitrik Trice, Wisconsin, Guard
18.0 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.3 3PG, 1.5 SPG, 52.0 FG%, 55.0 3PT%
&nbsp;
D.J. Funderburk, N.C. State, Center
15.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.5 3PG, 0.7 TOs, 49.0 FG%, 46.0 3PT%
&nbsp;
Hasahn French, Saint Louis, Forward
9.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 TO, 47.0 FG%
&nbsp;
Joel Ntambwe, Texas Tech, Forward
20.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 49.0 FG%, 42.0 3PT%
&nbsp;
Jordan Goodwin, Saint Louis, Guard
18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.8 TOs, 42.0 FG%
&nbsp;
Justin Gorham, Houston, Forward
16.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 TOs, 49.0 FG%, 46.0 3PT%
&nbsp;
Micah Potter, Wisconsin, Forward
18.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.3 3PG, 0.5 BPG, 1.2 TOs, 52.0 FG%, 36.0 3PT%
&nbsp;
Obadiah Noel, UMass Lowell, Guard
14.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 48.0 FG%
&nbsp;
Quade Green, Washington, Guard
16.0 PPG, 5.8 APG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 41.0 FG%
&nbsp;
Ryan Daly, Saint Joseph's, Guard
16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.0 SPG
&nbsp;
Terry Taylor, Austin Peay, Forward
18.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.8 TOs, 51.0 FG%
&nbsp;
Troy Baxter Jr., Morgan State, Forward
17.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 52.0 FG%
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/2021-tampa-bay-pro-combine-recap-the-statistical-leaders-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here are the complete stats from the Tampa Bay Pro Combine.</a>

The Tampa Bay Pro Combine announced the All-Tournament-Team, which was determined by the event's coaches and organizers.

Tampa Bay Pro Combine: Announcing the All-Tournament Team

The Tampa Bay Pro Combine has announced the professional draft prospects that will be participating in its inaugural event.