D-League All-Star Candidates: Centers
by Matthew Brennan, D-League.com with D-League Dir. of Basketball Operations Shawn Respert
January 25, 2008: Voting for the second annual D-League All-Star Game will continue until February 1, so be sure to fill out your ballots so that your favorite player can make it to New Orleans. On this year's ballot where you can vote once every 24 hours, you will select four guards, four forwards, and two centers. This year's game is scheduled for Saturday, February 16 during NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. Here are a list of some top candidates at the center position, as well as some comments on each player by D-League Director of Basketball Operations and NBA veteran Shawn Respert. Center obviously has the smallest amount of players to choose from on the ballot, but there are still many talented big men in the D-League who are deserving of an All-Star nod.
Lance Allred, Idaho Stampede - Allred, in his second D-League season with Utah, played sparingly early last season but has become one of the league's premier big men after being inserted into the starting lineup. At 6-11, 250 lbs., Allred has been a model of consistency for a Stampede team that has been one of the league's best over the past two season. He averages 18.2 points and 9.5 rebounds, and ranks second in the D-League with 13 double-doubles, including one stretch where he recorded six in a row.
Respert on Allred: "Lance Allred is making a strong push this season for an NBA call-up. He is a versatile big man who can post up and score in the low post, but is just as effective on the perimeter where his range extends to 18'-20'. He is also a very good rebounder and always seems to make the right play at the right time. Lance "Mr. Consistency" Allred may not jump out at you at first, but he is what most NBA teams need. With an emphasis on athletic ability and potential, it is unfortunate that scouts have missed on an opportunity to reward consistency."
Kyrylo Fesenko, Utah Flash - Kyrylo Fesenko is on his third assignment of the season to Utah, and has played a crucial role in their success during his rookie season. A huge target at 7-1, 288 lbs, Fesenko averages 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, and is one of the league's top shot blockers with 2.6 rejections per game. The Utah Jazz acquired Fesenko after Philadelphia made him the 38th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Respert on Fesenko: "Kyrylo Fesenko is a load in the middle against any opponent. He is very mobile for a player his size and works hard on the offensive and defensive end to establish his presence in the low post. Fesenko gives a good effort every night that he plays and has a great feel for the game. He can score with his back to the basket and wears down opponents because of his size and strength. With a strong jump hook over both shoulders, he scores easily without expending a ton of energy."
Ian Mahinmi, Austin Toros - A first round pick by San Antonio in 2005 and one of eight French players currently on NBA rosters, Mahinmi has been a dominant presence for Austin since his assignment in November. The 6-11 Mahinmi has been a mainstay in the Toros' shifting lineup this season, averaging 17.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in 21 games. The Toros are 12-3 when Mahinmi starts.
Respert: "Ian Mahinmi is a huge key to the Austin Toros' success this season. An assignment player from the Spurs, Ian makes his work in the paint look like Michaelangelo worked his magic on the canvas. With an array of post moves, he leaves many defenders confused on how to stop him. He can post up strong and use his quick feet and athletic ability to get around and over the defense, or he can use his brute force to go through the defense. Wondering if he took any notes practicing against Tim Duncan?"
Jelani McCoy, Los Angeles D-Fenders - McCoy is a veteran NBA center who already received one GATORADE Call-Up to the Denver Nuggets this season. The D-Fenders' first round pick in the 2007 D-League Draft, the 6-10 McCoy is averaging 8.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks on .788 (26-33) shooting in eight games for Los Angeles. The UCLA product is one of the most experienced players in the D-League, having played in eight different NBA seasons after being selected by Seattle in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft.
Respert: "Jelani McCoy has already proven to most people that he is talented enough to play in the NBA. He is back to prove that he belongs there again this season. Jelani plays with a patience and confidence that most veteran players possess. He can face up and put the ball on the floor to attack most big men off the dribble. He is also a very good offensive rebounder and keeps a lot of pressure on defenses trying to keep him off the boards."
Mouhamed Sene, Idaho Stampede - Mouhamed Sene has been a dominant player this season, his second year on assignment to Idaho by the Seattle Supersonics. The 7-0 Sene, the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, is a physical specimen who lacks a good deal of game experience, which makes him the perfect candidate for improving with playing time in the D-League. Since his assignment to Idaho in late December, Sene has averaged 12.6 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Stampede, who have won all 11 games he has played in. His best game of the season came last weekend against Bakersfield, where he scored 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Sene is one of the league's most accurate from the field, converting on .633 (50-79) of his field goal attempts.
Respert: "Mouhamed Sene has improved on his strength and conditioning since last season and it shows in his play thus far. He is long and uses his length to be a major force on both ends of the court. On defense, Sene allows perimeter players to apply tons of pressure because he deflects a lot shots. On the offensive end, he possesses a very good jump hook and stays active around the rim."
