Meet the Flyers and Sixers 1st Round Picks

Luca Sbisa and Marreese Speights probably don't know who each other are, but now they do have something in common. They were both drafted by professional Philadelphia based sports teams. Sbisa by the Flyers 19th overall in the NHL Entry Draft and Speights by the Sixers 16th overall in the NBA Draft. Neither are expected to contribute much early, Sbisa will be lucky to wear Orange and Black in three years. Speights will be earning his minutes during practice and side work with Moses Malone. No one can tell what the future holds for these two, but hopefully after reading this article you'll have learned a little bit more about both of them.

Sbisa was born in Italy but grew up in Switzerland, his parents took him to his first hockey game when he was around the age of 5. Sbisa enjoyed it so much his parents asked him if would like to play. The next year his parents sent him to hockey camp and the rest is history. In his early hockey career Sbisa played forward, and primarily center. His skating ability was unmistakable so when his junior team was short defensemen he was asked to play both offense and defense. When that experiment was over Sbisa's coaches asked him which position he preferred. Sbisa said he would rather play defense as he could see more at that position, got more playing time, and could more easily make offensive decisions.

Sbisa states that his favorite team is the Toronto Maple Leafs and his favorite player is Mats Sundin. The first jersey he was given as a gift when he was young was a Mats Sundin Maple Leaf jersey. I'm sure he's been told by many in the Flyers organization that he should probably rethink his choice for favorite team and player. Hows Philadelphia and maybe Mark Howe sound? Well Sbisa has plenty of time to learn the history of the Flyers and perhaps he will develop a fondness for a past Flyers blue-liner.

Sbisa plays a very offensive type game at the defensive position. Stil he isn't afraid to challenge players at the blue-line and at times delivers crushing neutral zone checks. He shows great poise with the puck in the offensive zone , however his work in the zone without the puck leaves a little to be desired. In time I believe Sbisa could be a real solid offensive defensemen in the NHL. He's got all the tools, now he just need to combine them with a little more hockey smarts and that will come with more experience at higher levels. Something Sbisa will experience starting with Flyers training camp in August.

Marreese Speights has the talent which is obvious, but does he have the desire it takes to become a great NBA player? Practicing everyday of his freshmen season at Florida against the likes of Joakim Noah and Al Horford (both 1st round picks) really allowed him to further his game. Playing center last year without both Horford and Noah, Speights didn't miss a beat. the only part of his game that is in question is how he performs in the low post. He doesn't seem to have any sort of variety of moves down there, however his athleticism allowed that to not be a factor in college.

Before his NBA career really gets going you can count on Speights to gain some weight and get stronger. He moves excellently for a big man, and can be a threat to hit the outside shot. Speights potential is through the roof, and working with the likes of Moses Malone, whose really helped Samuel Dalembert, can only help his game.

Right now I would say that Speights strengths out weigh his weaknesses. However, the weaknesses he does have could really over take him if he's not careful. I believe the Sixers are headed in the right direction and have the right personnel both on and off the court to help Speights become the best player he can.

Mike Santa Barbara