Top rookie performers

At this time of the year, the NBA doesn't exactly make much noise, generally choosing to make their deals behind the limelight. Much like in the off-season, movement in the hobby market is as exciting as watching the hair grow on Michael Jordan's head.

But the off-season, more often than not, will gauge the impact of rookies on the hobby market. Depending on which team they suit up, this will generally make or break a rook as far as collecting is concerned. Also, player marketability is dependent on how your team does as the season progresses. Of course, being in high profile teams is a big plus.

Last year's rookie class entered the gloom brought about by the imposing shadows of LeBron, Carmelo and D-Wade. But the '04-'05 rookie class has overcome the daunting task and has proven to the world that they can rough it up with the big boys.

U-Conn teammates Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon led the way among last year's rooks. Okafor, the 2nd pick, had double-double averages for the Bobcats, leading all rookies in scoring (15.1) and rebounds (10.9) per game, unexpectedly giving Charlotte a good season and thereby named Rookie of the Year.

Ben Gordon of the Bulls was the first rookie to be given the Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 22-year history of this award. Gordon has become a clutch performer, exploding for double figures in the fourth quarter 21 times this season.

Three other Baby Bulls gave us surprises. Duke freshman Loul Deng's 11.7 ppg, which was fourth among rookies was a big contribution to Chicago. Another Dukie, Chris Duhon, led all NBA rookies this season with his 4.9 assists per game. Andres Nocioni showed that his future is safe in the NBA by increasing his numbers, from scoring averages of 8.4 to 12.8 per game and rebounding 4.8 to 8.2 per game. Coach Scott Skiles did a great job of assembling a motley crew of unpredictable youngsters into playoff contenders. The four Baby Bulls - Gordon, Duhon, Deng and Nocioni have an average age of 26.

Top pick Dwight Howard of Orlando had identical success stories with Okafor, averaging 12 ppg and 10 rpg and both of them landed with exclusive contracts - Howard with Upper Deck, Oak with Topps, both card manufacturing companies.

Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks was just a name in limbo but when he wore Dominique Wilkins' jersey and took the dunk title home during the All-Star weekend, people began noticing. The kid can fly but he can soar on defense too, racking an average of 2 blocks per game.

The Sixers have 2 AI's. Let's deal on the other AI, Andre Igoudala. Philadelphia's number option is always i3, Allen Iverson, and its not easy to produce stats if you are on the same team with i3. But i4, Andre Igoudala, managed to fit into the system and average 9 points, 3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.68 steals per game. It's fun to see i4 running up and down the court like a rabid dog, doing what the team wants him to do. And boy, can he dunk!

Will Andrew Bogut and rest of the new kids on the league make waves this season?

Welcome home Crisostomo Fuentes. Tomo is an OFW, a seaman, home for the much deserved vacation. Tomo is loving husband and provider to wife Charisse, one of the moms of SHS-J. Bana ra gud tawon mi.

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