SLAM 117: On sale now
March Madness, baby!
By Ben Osborne
As you can tell, when the time came to plan this issue, which features the amazing freshmen Michael Beasley, Eric Gordon and Derrick Rose on three covers (as an “A-B-C” cover split, all should be available at your local newsstand/bookstore/Wal-Mart; be a sport and grab all three!) my thoughts were on the college game. Number one, because I wanted to do something different, and number two, because there were so many NBA trade rumors floating around that it was hard to know who the story of the month would be in the League (remember, we usually determine our covers a good five or six weeks before an issue goes on sale, so we have to be pretty confident a player and his team will be the story we thought it would. This is normally not a problem in college, though you could say the Kelvin Sampson situation—which broke after we closed our issue—does change the Eric Gordon story a bit).
It doesn’t hurt that I’m a huge college fan (certainly moreso than my four predecessors as E-i-C; this is not a good or bad thing, but it is a fact) and I appreciate that I have the opportunity to do something different. Add in that this is, as Jay Bilas told me in the Melo/AI issue, “the deepest group of freshmen class since at least the late ’70s,” the timing seemed right to give the best of that group some serious love. And by love, I don’t mean a few In Your Faces. And I also don’t mean Love, as in Kevin, who, while a great talent and a SLAM favorite, is not one of the three best freshmen in the country. Yes, we gave OJ Mayo a cover a few months back, but that was obviously as much for his compelling backstory as for his hoop skills. And that was also our “Back to School/College Preview” issue, so OJ made perfect sense (at least to me). This round of three covers (note: besides Love and OJ, we acknowledge that the likes of Jerryd Bayless, Blake Griffin, James Harden, DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph are nice neophytes, too, but their respective impacts have not been the same as our big 3), is different than OJ in that it drops when the NBA season is in full swing, too. But shoot, March Madness is about to take over the airwaves, and you should know we have an absolute bangin’ pre-Playoff issue in the works as we speak, so F it: the current issue features college players, and I think we did the right thing.
This issue is also a bit about acknowledging SLAM history. Perhaps, had Greg Oden stayed healthy and Kevin Durant and Al Horford made a larger impact on our consciousness, we would have literally re-done SLAM 35 (which featured NBA Rookie of the Year candidates Vince Carter, Paul Pierce and Jason Williams in a Tony Gervino masterpiece) with three NBA rookies, but to me, the race for College Freshman of the Year is more compelling this year.
So what do you get in this special issue? Beautifully done photo shoots of the cover subjects, as well as feature/essays by Bonsu Thompson (Beasley), DeMarco Williams (Gordon) and Jake Appleman (Rose) stating their case for their respective subjects, much like Russ (Carter), myself (Pierce) and Scoop (Williams) took turns debating the ROY back in ‘99. I don’t want to want to ruin the suspense for anyone by putting the arguments here, but trust that all three writers know their stuff (as well they should; these dudes were pitching me stories on these players all year long, yet another reason I felt compelled to give ‘em some pages) and write some entertaining pieces, which are complemented by Cub Buenning’s look at what things would’ve been like had NBA players such as LeBron been subject to the one-year-of-college rule and my personal choice for Freshman of the Year.
Sticking with the college theme, the issue’s got the staff’s annual Elite 8/Final 4/Champion predictions and a thorough old-school story that relives NC State’s miraculous run to the title some 25 years ago this spring. As for you NBA-only heads, we’ve got our typical front-of-the-mag stuff on the League, NBA posters, and several timely NBA features. It’s good stuff, if I do say so myself, and it should be in your area this weekend. Check for it.
103 Responses to “SLAM 117: On sale now”
Feb.28 at 3:33 pm
Goody says:
My man Ben… 1st
Feb.28 at 3:36 pm
nothin personal says:
No Costa Koufos? Us Greek guys are feeling offended! I hope he makes the national team for the Olympics (if Greece makes it in), and he punishes that ommision!
Feb.28 at 3:37 pm
TADOne says:
Wow! Will these be shipped equally to East/West/Midwest/South locations?
Feb.28 at 3:39 pm
Ben Osborne says:
TADOne: newsstands will get all 3 equally nationally. We could only make one for subscribers, and I’d rather not disclose that just yet since those probably won’t go out for another week.
Feb.28 at 3:39 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I forgot until this very moment that I argued FOR Vince Carter. Sheesh. Nice covers, Ben.
Feb.28 at 3:41 pm
Ben Osborne says:
We have done regional covers in the past, to some success, but there was no regional way to do this that made sense. All three guys play relatively close to each other and neither coast is represented, so sending all 3 covers everywhere seemed most logical (also gives the hardcore SLAM fans the ability to buy all three at once if they wanted to.)
Feb.28 at 3:43 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Thanks, Russ. You sure did argue for Vince; but the thing is, in 99 that was the right argument. I’m sure Scoop would be even more appalled that he argued for White Chocolate (in fact, I’m now inspired to email him this link; perhaps he will grace us with a comment like he did on Tony’s GRW post from several weeks ago). It was pretty fun to look back through that issue while working on this.
Feb.28 at 3:46 pm
andrew says:
man..the last ish hasn’t even dropped in London.
Feb.28 at 3:47 pm
TADOne says:
Good sh*t. I vividly remember those Vince, Eboy, and Paul covers and ensuing stories. That was one of Scoop’s better pieces (then again, i’m not sure he wrote a bad story). I forget who argued for Paul Pierce?
Feb.28 at 3:49 pm
Candice says:
Ben since I’m located in Chicago and have a subscription, does that mean I get the Eric Gordon cover? I would rather have Rose because he’s from Chicago.
Feb.28 at 3:51 pm
TADOne says:
Sh*t. Sorry Ben. i just re-read what you wrote and realized it was YOU who argued for Pierce.
Feb.28 at 3:52 pm
Tony Gervino says:
I still don’t think that Vince Carter guy will amount to anything. All he can do is score. Great job, Ben.
Feb.28 at 3:55 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
These covers look even better in person
Feb.28 at 3:57 pm
Eboy says:
This is fu*king great. I’ll probably get my issue in the mail after the tournaments over. Bulls*it post office.
Feb.28 at 3:59 pm
j rich says:
i’ve still not got 116 yet!
Feb.28 at 4:07 pm
reggie35 says:
With most other magazines subscribers get their copy before it reaches the news stands not a week after and here in the UK I’ll be lucky if my copy arrives before issue 118 is out
Feb.28 at 4:09 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Tony G: Thanks.
J Rich: That thing might have been stolen. I subscribe to the mag to see what the experience is like, and my 116 came over three weeks ago.
Candice: maybe I was too confusing above, but if you are a subscriber, where you live has no bearing on what cover you get; per order of our parent company, all subscribers will get the same cover (I don’t think they had the technology to separate sub covers, and again, even if they did how would we do it with three guys from similar areas).
Feb.28 at 4:12 pm
Candice says:
Thanks Ben
Feb.28 at 4:13 pm
namik says:
I’m getting the Beasley and Rose for sure. Not a big fan of Gordon’s. And please dont let these stories be 2 page recaps of the seaosn for them and thier teams.
Feb.28 at 4:22 pm
TADOne says:
Namik: Not sure if you read the past covers from above of Vince, Paul, and JWill, but Ben stated it will be the same concept. Each Slam writer will get one of the players to cover, and argue why each of them should be named Freshman of the Year in college bball. Then again, I could be completely wrong.
Feb.28 at 4:25 pm
bobby stew says:
Covers look good. I think Rose and Gordon are great prospects but I can’t imagine anyone seriously thining they are better or more equipped fpr the next level than Beasly. Gordon= Mo Williams Rose=Willie Green
Beasley=Karl Malone
Feb.28 at 4:25 pm
bobby stew says:
Covers look good. I think Rose and Gordon are great prospects but I can’t imagine anyone seriously thinking they are better or more equipped fpr the next level than Beasly. Gordon= Mo Williams Rose= Willie Green
Beasley=Karl Malone
Feb.28 at 4:30 pm
Ben Osborne says:
TADOne: you are completely right.
Feb.28 at 4:34 pm
TADOne says:
I like being right
Feb.28 at 4:43 pm
Eboy says:
TAD’s like teachers pet. Little nerd.
Feb.28 at 4:55 pm
Eazy-Yi says:
Step your game up HM Royal Mail.
Posty dropped my crisp LeBron ish off yesterday. Hot Sh*t
Feb.28 at 4:58 pm
its just alex says:
Love the covers.
Feb.28 at 5:04 pm
TADOne says:
I have an apple.
Feb.28 at 5:06 pm
Wizards Fan says:
Great Derrick and Beasley covers, but these people are the ones who need covers:
Gilbert Arenas (he gave you a shoe)
Caron Butler (should’ve got one before he was injured)
Michael Redd (brilliant player, won the last few games for em)
Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawk Lang)
Shaq and Big Ben (New teams, new cover)
Feb.28 at 5:10 pm
its just alex says:
I was going to call you ridiculous for wanting a Gilbert cover, but then I noticed your screenname.
Feb.28 at 5:12 pm
TADOne says:
Um, the Shaq and Ben request was worse.
Feb.28 at 5:14 pm
its just alex says:
Agreed, TAD. I just stopped reading at Gilbert cause it seemed so out of line.
Feb.28 at 5:16 pm
Louie says:
Haven’t got mine yet… I hope I get the Rose Cover.
Feb.28 at 5:38 pm
Cub Buenning says:
bobby, i shouldn’t take your bate, but Derrick Rose = Willie Green?!?!?!
You need to watch some more basketball, both pro and college.
Ben, they look amazing. Can’t wait for the NC State piece. They were the first team that I followed closely, as a kid. 25 years ago?!?!? ouch. I will never forget the scene of Jimmy V running around the Pit looking for someone to celebrate with. Much love for Jimmy V.
Feb.28 at 5:39 pm
Chris O'Leary says:
What about the all-injury issue? Cover: Gil, Butler and SLAM’s main man Etan Thomas,all shot from the owners box in DC? Features could include Steph, Yao, Garbajosa and Oden. IYF’s on minor injuries to Bynum, KG, LeBron, and an old school on Penny Hardaway or Bill Walton.
Feb.28 at 5:40 pm
TADOne says:
You know what Cub? I had started typing a response to that as well, then thought better of it. I’m not even sure who I would compare Rose too. Can’t think of anyone recent.
Feb.28 at 5:41 pm
Chris O'Leary says:
I got distracted. I’m looking forward to 117, seems like it came out quick.
Feb.28 at 5:49 pm
Cub Buenning says:
TAD, the fact that he has no contemporaries makes the WGreen comparison even more hilarious.
Maybe a freakishly athletic, if not more raw version of Deron Williams? He might be athletic like Willie Green, but the similarities end there.
Feb.28 at 5:50 pm
bobby stew says:
Cub, you got me. I knew that was the shakiest comparison out of the 3. I haven’t seen enough of Rose so I probably should have kept my mouth closed. I’ve seen enough of Beasley though and he is certainly a force.
Feb.28 at 5:52 pm
TADOne says:
Hmmmm, not bad Cub. He plays like a NYC guard, IMO. Maybe a right handed Chibbs? Honestly, I’m grasping at straws here.
Feb.28 at 5:54 pm
Glen says:
Any way of finding out which one I’m gonna get in the mail before I get it?
Feb.28 at 5:58 pm
TADOne says:
Maybe Rod Strickland, but more athletic.
Feb.28 at 5:59 pm
Cub Buenning says:
bobby, word on beas.
BEN, I have a question.
Can I get the Derrick Rose cover for my subscription issue? (me being a sarcastic jerk)
Feb.28 at 6:01 pm
Cub Buenning says:
TAD, oddly enough, Rose is getting the majority of his collegiate instruction from Strickland.
Feb.28 at 6:02 pm
Ryan says:
When does this issue go on sale for all stores???????
Feb.28 at 6:03 pm
TADOne says:
Really? What ties does Strickland have with the Memphis program? Is he a coach?
Feb.28 at 6:11 pm
Ben Osborne says:
National on sale date is March 4th, but New York/Philly/DC should have it by this weekend. Rod Strick is “Dir. of Student-Athlete Development/Mgr” for the Memphis basketball program, which is awesome. I’m not sure he even has a college degree. Played a mean PG, though. It was so wack that the Knicks pitted him and Mark against each other by drafting them in back-to-back first rounds, but I’ll always have love for both of ‘em.
Feb.28 at 6:13 pm
TADOne says:
That’s an awesome title. I love Rod. Did not know he was with the Memphis program. I bet he could school some of them young cats still today.
Feb.28 at 6:17 pm
Weapon X says:
Eric Gordon is The Truth.
Shout-outs to Jonny Flynn.
Feb.28 at 6:28 pm
Steven Bor says:
Is this out? Now thursday the 28 or what?
Feb.28 at 6:36 pm
AB_40 says:
I don’t know if any of these three will have an imediate impact on the nba game. especialy beasley. no knock on him but athletes are a lot bigger and more advanced and a lot more anoying in the nba. He looses his head in games when his team isn’t passing him the ball or when they are losing… that’s a bad thing. Plus someone compared him to a young derick coleman the other day, let’s not hope that happens.
Feb.28 at 6:45 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Derrick Coleman was Rookie of the Year.
Feb.28 at 6:47 pm
arthur says:
thosw covers look the dog’s b*****s. Nice job
Feb.28 at 6:50 pm
arthur says:
Ben, i hope you made like Tony G and got Big Dog to make your decision for you.
Feb.28 at 7:10 pm
DP says:
I lost my damn mind when I saw this cover. I don’t know but I hope my trash talk made the magazine this time. please tell me it did Ben. play wit it.
Feb.28 at 7:10 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Arthur, great memory. I actually started to reach out to Kevin Duarant’s people, thinking Tony had chosen Big Dog because he had been ROY. Then I remembered the context: Big Dog finished third in the voting the year that Kidd and GHill shared the award. I couldn’t think of a comparable situation relating to college freshmen, so I made the choice myself.
Feb.28 at 7:19 pm
maio says:
Whatever happened to Big Dog? Couldn’t bend at the waist anymore is what Lang used to say.
Feb.28 at 7:31 pm
DP says:
Just in case yall want me for the future here is my video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3-SqPDQ0wk
I know it’s gay and I can’t play, but it’s funny to me so check it out. I’m the kid with the headband and NBA sleeve. play wit it.
Feb.28 at 7:47 pm
poohbiz says:
oh dear i’m going to have to buy two of each, to save and put up on the wall
I like the beasly one the best, dare i say that it’s beastly?
Feb.28 at 9:21 pm
Ryan says:
Hey ben do you know whos on the SLAM-UPS???
Feb.28 at 9:36 pm
Joey E. says:
i really want the Eric Gordon one!
Feb.28 at 9:52 pm
CLay__ says:
SLAM, My sincere thanks for mixing things up with this month’s cover. The ‘08 draft is going to be the most interesting in years, and the tourney is going to be dope. Giving the college game some run is *exactly* what the magazine needed after last month. (No offense, but aside from naming members of LeBron’s inner circle, did the cover profile tell us anything we didn’t already know?) I hate ‘cuz I love, guys. Please don’t take it personally.
Feb.28 at 10:56 pm
Ryan says:
Anyone know what issue will be sent to subscribers? I know back when the Dirk/Shaq cover came out the Dirk cover was the one sent to all subscribers so I assume one of these covers is what we all get…
Feb.28 at 11:32 pm
Pat Is Five says:
When’s the Lorenzo Mata cover dropping?
Feb.29 at 10:22 am
BETCATS says:
FRESH!!!
Feb.29 at 10:22 am
BETCATS says:
and Jason Richardson love! FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH
Feb.29 at 11:02 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Is it just me or does Gordon look like an arrogant azzhole on his cover? The other two, especially the Beasley one, are very nice. And Rod Strickland is probably on of the most underrated players of all-time, Strick played a mean point.
Feb.29 at 11:38 am
ciolkstar says:
I bet Beasley goes out to US subscriber’s. I’m good with that though. EGordon and Rose will both be solid - strong players on the next level (esp if Rose works on the J) but I see Beasley wrecking shi.t hard! So much depends on the team/situation they find themself in the L though.
Feb.29 at 11:54 am
cdro says:
i think if memphis gets the first pick they’ll go after rose and so will miami. but seattle could go either way taking rose or beasely but gordon wont go first. maybe not even third.
Feb.29 at 12:34 pm
B. Long says:
I luv the college coverage and I know all these guys will be drafted way b4 him but Psycho T needs sum luv. No one with his talent has ever played harder. Ever.
Feb.29 at 12:58 pm
bobby stew says:
Jason Williams used to be so nasty with his. I loved playing with him on Live. I guess HUbie Brown snatched his soul from him and calmed his game down. I can even remember when he dunked on Mario Elie, nasty. I wish they never put the shackles on J-Will, thanks for reminding me of how fresh “white chocolate” used to be. By the way that is probably the most racist nickname ever.
Feb.29 at 1:12 pm
Ken says:
That Beasley cover is so awesome.
Feb.29 at 3:23 pm
tike says:
Nice Slam i must commend you on your good work man…ill be looking forward to get them…i hope i get Beasley, damn that ddue got game!
Feb.29 at 4:24 pm
hansosword says:
Are you really still sleeping on Brook Lopez ? tisk..tisk..
Feb.29 at 4:50 pm
sam chadwick says:
lol… all da best to slam readers everywhere
cummon ben just giv us international subscribers a little hint as to whos on the cover for us outside the usa…u know maybe say the team
Feb.29 at 5:13 pm
Cub Buenning says:
Both the Lopez twins are nice. No sleeping here.
Feb.29 at 5:48 pm
AB_40 says:
I know he was ROY but still. I don’t hope that is his ceiling… but imagine the GS warriors just falling out of the playoffs and getting him letting him loose. Together with brandan wright al harington and andreis biedriens… impresive to watch. that prop won’t happen. And if seatle get’s the first pick do they go for a point guard? Or put these longtime friends together on a team.
Feb.29 at 8:27 pm
Vince says:
Eric Gordon is so overrated. Im sure i could average the amount he is i shot as much too. I dont care what anybody says but Derrick Rose is not a pass first PG more passes he makes are flashy. Beasley = Beastly
Feb.29 at 8:28 pm
Vince says:
if i shot as much*
Feb.29 at 8:35 pm
francis says:
when will this one be in toronto
Feb.29 at 8:37 pm
Jared says:
no homo but howd u guys get gordon to take his shirt off? he’s a monster too…all of these guys are, holla
Mar.1 at 3:25 am
malak33zy says:
Jared u homo but the beasley covers the best im getting dat one
Mar.1 at 3:47 am
MoMONEY says:
Derrick Rose. That is all
Mar.1 at 12:54 pm
Rahim says:
Where is OJ MAYO should have made a 4th cover
Mar.1 at 6:12 pm
jconn says:
wow! can’t wait to get this one in the mail. I get alot of coverage on Beasely from where i live n have to say that he’s making people forget about Durant’s phenominal frosh season(especially because he’s from the big 12). Do u think you guys can show love to D.J. Augustin & Texas, this guy is hands down in the top 3 conversation with rose & gordon as far as pg’s.
Mar.1 at 6:29 pm
boobie_gibson says:
I hope I get the Michael Beasley one. Joe Johnson is a good idea. He is overdue. He is the only reason why the Hawks are in the playoff race, or maybe him and Mike Bibby. But Deron Williams is one of the best 3 point guards in the NBA, in my opinion, he is better than Chris Paul, and the Jazz, have been so good, and he hasn’t got any love.
Mar.1 at 8:59 pm
Bob from tha B-low says:
Yo Ben, how relevant is it that dem same three was part of the Slam High school all-americans as well as O.J. who also got a cover.All wonna know is when is Kevin Love gonna get his cover?
Mar.2 at 12:11 pm
rashaan says:
amazing covers. slam neva disappoints me. that michael beasley cover is sick.
Mar.3 at 12:47 am
Ben Osborne says:
Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.
Mar.3 at 2:05 am
Wizards Fan says:
Gilbert Arenas, whether he is injured or not, should get a cover. Maybe give him the cover for next years NBA preview, I don’t know, but he has a shoe based on the mag as well. How can you refrain from giving Gilbert Arenas a cover. He is better than all of the Utah Jazz even though he isn’t playing. Vote Gilbert For SLAM cover. Idea for cover: around the same time as the presidential election even. title: Gilbert Arenas: Black President
Mar.3 at 2:45 am
Phila says:
At my work we still have the OJ ish out
Mar.3 at 11:53 am
Buster says:
The 3 covers r dope
Estan bellacas
Mar.3 at 12:02 pm
tike says:
What cover would the subscribers get?….i bet were stuck with Gordon or Rose
Mar.3 at 12:40 pm
Jer Boi says:
lets hope we get beasly
Mar.3 at 2:11 pm
philly boy1302 says:
a true point guard is in this book…………………………..MIKE GREEN
Mar.3 at 2:39 pm
DeMarco says:
Ben/Susan/Monique, the covers look super. But there’s something special about that middle one. Maybe I’m a bit partial. I dunno…
Mar.3 at 3:29 pm
Beth says:
Vince Carter..*shakes head*
Mar.4 at 7:55 am
Konate says:
Ben you got some dope covers under your belt! Glad to be apart of em!
Mar.4 at 11:10 am
Ryan Jones says:
Greetings.
Because it is my job, I will remind everyone that Kevin Love is averaging 17.3 points (on 58 percent shooting) and 11.1 rebounds per game for the No. 2 (or 3) team in the nation. He does this while playing less than 29 minutes per game in a conference loaded with good big men. Quit sleeping.
Also, Ben, I hope you asked Jay Bilas about Josh Smith.
Also, nice covers.
Mar.4 at 12:20 pm
j rich says:
WOOHOO!!! issue 116 just arrived
Mar.4 at 8:01 pm
Akoni says:
hey j rich who is on the SLAM-UPS?????
Mar.7 at 10:54 pm
raymond says:
my favorite dude is derrick rose hes the best
Mar.12 at 11:56 am
Orlando says:
Hey this is late…I know, but there is no other place to post this…but pg. 27…ahaha…who ever is working in the marketing department at South Pole needs to be fired. Whoever wears SP, if they’re out there, and reads SLAM, does not want to be on a beach with two other dudes, looking gay, riding an ATV. This is hilarious!