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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK HOOPS THOUGHTS

1. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Watched them last night in their loss at Chicago and saw a team that looked nothing like the NBA champion we witnessed last season. They had low energy, poor defense, inconsistent offense and general malaise overall.   It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what's causing all of this. Their defence, as we all know, has been brutal of late yet it's even more than that.  I don't see the same passion, fight and determination right now, which is surprising.  I'm a bit baffled watching them at this stage, they should be so much better.  Not sure where it's gone, but they need to recapture that. They're a fun team to watch when they're clicking. It just goes to show how fragile chemistry, cohesion and winning are, even for an elite team. I'm sure they'll rediscover it, but it's not easy, even for a great team.   

2. KENNEDY MEEKS (North Carolina): Quietly he's been a force on the boards during the NCAA's averaging close to 10 RPG. I like his approach; he understands his role and does his job.  He does the dirty work for a team that's loaded with talent and the favourite now in the Final Four to win it all.    

3. MARCO BELINELLI (Hornets): Many years back, I was excited when Raptors President/GM Bryan Colangelo acquired him in Toronto.  I have always liked his game; unfortunately, his time in Toronto didn't work out well. Raptors fans wish the player they saw torch their team on Wednesday night was the one that played for them. He's become a very sound pro, excellent using screens and has a quick release.  He shoots the ball well, has a nice feel for the game as a passer and is a tough competitor who doesn't back down. Along the way he has really matured into a good player.   

4. JOHNATHAN WILLIAMS (Gonzaga): He has played exceptionally well for the Bulldogs in the NCAA's. High energy level, sound defender and has a good nose for the ball and above average finisher. So often to win big games, you need a guy committed to making the little plays-taking charges, getting deflections, diving on loose balls and just playing harder than the next guy. He does that.     

5. LANCE STEPHENSON (Pacers): What a long strange trip it's been for him, but he's back. He left a good situation when he took less money to play in Charlotte after he miscalculated his market value and was out of the league for a stretch. Worthy gamble by team President Larry Bird considering they know him very well. He's got good tools offensively and as long as he plays under control and respects what his role is, he'll settle into a nice rhythm there. Indiana needed to roll the dice and when you do, it's always important to roll it with a guy you know extensively.