Steve Adams

[alex15]

I have not seen this guy play, Is he Nba ready or he needs to stay in school after this season?

[CKR13]

In 13 games, his field goal % is good but what worries me is his free-throw % where he is 34.6%. My recommendation is to stay one more year and work on his game this summer. I don't want him ending up in the bench like many former collegiate centers in the NBA.

[CKR13]

13 points and 11 rebounds for Adams but Pittsburgh bowed out of the big dance to Wichita State 73-55.

[Basketcase]

Kiwi centre Steve Adams had the stats, but Tall Black Rob Loe got the “W” to progress to the third round of the US national college basketball championship.

Playing for the University of Pittsburgh, Adams had a double double of 13 points/11 rebounds, adding two blocks, an assist and a steal in 27 minutes.

But the Panthers had no answer for Wichita State, who prevailed 73-55 and now face the winners of Gonzaga v Southern.

Meanwhile, Loe got the stat that counted – a victory – with St Louis University, who defeated New Mexico State 64-44.

Loe went scoreless and had four fouls in his match-up against 2.25m (7ft 5in) Sim Bhullar.

The result was a record 28th season win for the Billikens – they are dedicating their postseason to the memory of former head coach Rick Majerus, who died earlier this season.

They now await the winner of Oklahoma State v Oregon in the NCAA tournament third round.

The women’s tournament begins Sunday (NZT), with Kiwi centre Megan Craig and her Albany University scheduled to face North Carolina on Monday.

[Basketcase]

Kiwi basketballer Steven Adams is heading to the NBA


The University of Pittsburgh freshman released a statement today saying that after weighing up his options, he believed it was in his best interest to declare for the draft.

"In discussing options with my family and Coach Dixon, I feel that it is in my best interest to declare for the NBA draft.

"I want to thank everyone at Pitt including my teammates, coaching staff, the administration and the fans who have all supported me over the last year."

His coach, Jamie Dixon, added: "After talking with Steven and his family, we fully support him in this decision. We support him in choosing to pursue his dream and in having the opportunity to provide for his family back in New Zealand. We will continue to stay involved in the process and he will always be a part of the Pitt basketball family."

The 2.13m (seven foot) Adams had a quiet season with the Panthers, averaging 7.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and two blocks per game but has always been predicted as a future NBA star due to his size and athleticism.

It is quite the about face from the younger brother of double Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams, who as recently as two weeks ago insisted he would return to college.

After his side was knocked out of the NCAA tournament at the first hurdle, Adams brushed off rumours of an NBA move.

"I'm definitely coming back," he told media. "I don't know why you guys keep asking that question. I'm definitely coming back."

Despite not quite living up to expectation in his rookie season in the States, analysts still predict Adams will be a first round pick in this year's NBA draft.

Only two New Zealanders have ever played in the NBA, most notably Sean Marks who enjoyed an 11-year career in the league mostly as a back-up centre. He won an NBA championship in 2005 with the San Antonio Spurs. He is now director of basketball operations at the Spurs and general manager of their D-League affiliate the Austin Toros.

Kirk Penney also made the league but had little success in short stints with the LA Clippers and Miami Heat.

Adams is currently predicted to go at number 19 on draftexpress.com's mock draft. He has been rated as high as number six.

[analyzed]

OK now that Steve Adams has declared for the draft, when do you think he will be selected ? lottery, 15 to 20, 21 to 25. Which team would be interested him?

I think he can go as high as 15th. and i see some playoff teams trading up for him

If he does go on the 1st round , which means a guaranteed contract, where will he rank in terms of highest paid kiwi athletes? He should easily trump any of the “all blacks” how about the “All whites” playing in Europe.?

BTW speaking of Adams , I was suprise to see him in town (Wellington) last Friday. It's seldom that you see someone who willl be a millionaire in a few months

[Basketcase]

Hopefully he gets picked on the fist round, when it comes to salary comparison, well Winston Reid,an All White who is playing in the Premier League for West Ham United is earning about 50,500 Euros/mo., thats about 606,000 US Dollars per year is a small amount to what Steven will be getting as rookie, according to the 2012-13 NBA Rookie Salary Scale, an NBA rookie is getting $4 million plus average,when it comes to Rugby, in New Zealand an average pay for a Super 14 player is $200,000 NZ dollars a year which is about 168,900 US, but if you're an "All Blacks" it's different,top English clubs are prepared to pay £180,000 ($450,000) to £250,000 ($625,000) for recognised All Blacks, with the French offering the equivalent in euros.Steven will be earning a lot more than his fellow professional Kiwi athletes and Steven if he gets drafted and stayed healthy won't be getting hungry for a while

[CKR13]

Adams made a good account of himself in the two days of the NBA draft combine. He was as athletic as advertised. Adams also showcased some nifty footwork both inside and outside. Then Adams went on to show his defense and the feathery touch. He was measured as a legitimate 7 footer and had a 7 foot and 4.5 inch wingspan.