This time we take a look at a true rookie for the Cavaliers, but someone of whom much is hoped for, if not expected, in 2010-11. The Fear The Sword spotlight falls on Samardo Samuels as the new week of previews begins.
Where Samardo came from/Where Samardo has been:
Samardo Samuels was born in Trelawny, Jamaica in January of 1989. He moved to the United States and played his high school basketball for Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey before moving on to play his college ball at Louisville. After two years in college he declared for the NBA draft but went without being picked in 2010. After playing for the Chicago Bulls' Summer League team this year, Samuels signed a three-year contract with the Cavaliers in August.
What Samardo has achieved:
Samardo, in his time in high school, was ranked 9th in the nation by Rivals.com and 2nd in the country by Scout.com. In 2007-08 Saint Benedict's Prep went 24-1 and ended up ranked #2 in the nation by USA Today. Samuels played in the McDonald/s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. In college at Louisville the 6' 9", 260-pound Samuels started every game, and led the 2009-10 Cardinals' team in scoring and rebounding before giving up his last two years of college eligibility and declaring for the NBA Draft.
What we can expect to see from Samardo in the coming season:
Samardo put up nine points and six rebounds in about 25 minutes off the bench last night against Houston, and for the pre-season has averaged seven points per game in three games, along with 3.7 boards per game. Of course it is hard to say how Samardo will hold up over the course of a full schedule, as by all rights he should be a junior in college, but as we all know well, young legs can get through a pro season with little problem -- or at least that was the case with LeBron James. Samardo is no LeBron, but what he can be is an asset off the bench in 2010-11 if he can gobble up some rebounds in his time on the court and score a little in the process.