Bernard James Ready To Contribute

Bernard James' name was called for the 33rd pick in 2012 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers who then traded the draft rights to the Dallas Mavericks.  James will now be playing in the state where he began his military career.  As a two year starter for the Seminoles' he led the team in blocks and rebound improving on both each year.
James can be a help to the Dallas Mavericks right away, he has the size and ability to be a great defender in the NBA.  Also he knows where he stands as a player.

"I know who I am as a basketball player," James said. "I'm not under the impression that I'm going to go out there and be Kobe Bryant for a team. I know I'm a hustle guy, an energy guy. I'm going to rebound, block shots and play defense well. That's my role at the NBA level. I know that and I'm happy with that. If you get a couple of points out of me, that'll be a bonus. I know I can contribute to a team."

The Dallas Mavericks will be playing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, their first game will be played on July 15th against the Denver Nuggets.

Buster Posey Voted To All-Star Game

Buster Posey was voted to his first ever All-Star game on Sunday.  The former Seminole received the most votes ever by a National League player with 7.6 million.  He will be the starting catcher beating out St. Louis Cardinal's catcher Yadier Molina.  Here is what Buster Posey said about making the All-Star team.

"This is a little overwhelming," Posey said. "It's kind of hard to wrap my head around right now. It's going to be a blast. ... Since I can remember, I watched the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby. It's surreal I get to play in one and watch the derby."

Posey has had a good year for the San Francisco Giants.   During his 71 games played he is batting .303 average with 42 RBIs and 32 runs scored.
The Giants will be on the road to finish the first half of the season starting with a three game series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday then a three game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
The 2012 MLB All-Star game will be played on July 10th in Kansas City.

Xavier Gibson Given The Chance

Xavier Gibson will be headed to play for the Milwaukee Bucks summer league team.  The Bucks will play in the Las Vegas Summer League starting on Monday July 16th and will play five games in seven days.  The former Seminole center who was undrafted will get his chance to show his talents along side John Henson who was the Bucks first round pick.  As a Senior, Gibson and the Seminoles' beat John Henson and the Tarheels twice, shutting down their post presence.  

Loucks Going Overseas

Luke Loucks is heading to play overseas for the two-time defending champions of the Latvian League, VEF Riga.  He was the starting point guard for the Seminoles in his Senior year playing in all 35 games and had a career best in points 7.7 average, assists 4.3, steals 1.2, rebounds 3.3.  Loucks improved in every statistical category helping lead the Seminoles to their first ever ACC Championship.

Xavier Gibson's Draft Stock

Xavier Gibson's career at Florida State was a building block to the NBA.  Gibson was the anchor of one of the best defenses in college basketball.  When playing for Coach Leonard Hamilton, defense always comes first.  In his four years he ranks 12th all-time in blocked shots with 100 and 45 in his senior year, and averaged 4.2 rebounds a game which was a career best.  But he has another skill set that was not seen in his career but was on display at NBA workouts, and that is his face to basket game.  He has shown that he has a nice touch from mid-range and is not afraid to put the ball on the floor and go around a defender to finish at the rim.  Even though he is projected to go late in the second round, Gibson has the ability to make it as a NBA player with his size, ability to defend, rebound, and his new offensive approach.  

Hunter Scantling Is Now A Tiger

Hunter Scantling has signed with the Detroit Tigers after being selected in the 14th round of the MLB draft.  He is a hard throwing right hander that has been used as one of the Seminoles' relief pitchers.  In 31 appearances as a senior, Scantling threw 49.2 innings with 40 strikeouts and a 3.81 ERA.  Now his journey will begin as he will head into the Tigers minor league system, probably starting out in single A with their short season team the Connecticut Tigers.

Robert Benincasa Turns Pro

The Seminole's closer was selected in the seventh round of the MLB draft and has signed with the Washington Nationals.  Robert Benincasa put up great numbers in his junior year at Florida State, appearing in 32 games and earning 16 saves, he had 58 strikeouts and posted a 1.32 ERA.  He throws in the low 90s, has a sinker and a slider that have good movement.  He was named first team All-American by Perfect Game, an honor in which he shares with fellow Seminoles' Jayce Boyd and James Ramsey.