Daily Noontime – February 13, 2012

Rajon Rondo finished Sunday's clash against the Chicago Bulls with a triple-double. (Photo Credit: CBS Chicago)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Monday everyone, and welcome into yet another great edition of the Daily Noontime! Here are some headlines and news to jumpstart your day!

* Rajon Rondo carried the Boston Celtics on his back Sunday afternoon, as he helped the Green and White defeat the Chicago Bulls at the TD Garden, 95-91. Rondo finished the game with 32 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, while rookie forward JaJuan Johnson ended with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals. The Celtics have now won 10 of their last 13 games, and will return to the hardwood on Wednesday when they host the Detroit Pistons.

* Boston College and Boston University will meet in the Boston Beanpot championship for the 21st time in the tournament’s history on Monday evening at 7:30pm. Both teams dispatched Harvard University and Northeastern University in the semi-finals last week to punch their ticket to the title match. Also, the Terriers currently lead the series against the Eagles, 12-8.

* Former Boston Red Sox catcher Tony Pena was recently inducted into the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame this past weekend. Pena played 543 games for the Sox between 1990-1993.

* Finally, wide receiver Reggie Wayne has yet to hear from the Indianapolis Colts about a new contract. The unrestricted free agent and 11-year veteran wants to end his career in a Colts uniform, but according to sources, Wayne would be interested in joining the New England Patriots.

NBA Draft: Boston Celtics Round 2 – E’Twaun Moore

The Celtics added yet another member of Purdue's basketball team to their roster in round two!

By Matt Noonan 

How it Happened: With the 25th pick in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected E’Twaun Moore, shooting guard from Purdue University.   

What it Means: Right away, it seems that the Celtics have caught “Boilermaker fever.” Moore and JaJuan Johnson were teammates this past year at Purdue University, which certainly should help both rookies adjust to the NBA once the season begins in September.Moore is a talented shooting guard, which is certainly something the Green and White needed to acquire this off-season. However, is he the answer the for the future? Time will tell, but all in all, he’s definitely a solid pick for the organization.

How will Moore Impact the Celtics: Having Moore come off the bench will be an enormous asset for the Celtics in years to come. This past season, he averaged 33.9 minutes, 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals. Similarly to Johnson, Moore’s numbers increased over the past four seasons. He’ll be a sharp-shooter for the Celtics, especially since he ended this past season with a field goal percentage of .447%. Also, he’ll be an important facet from the free-throw line, especially since he knocks down roughly 70% of his shots.

Overall Grade: I’d give Moore a “B+.” His shooting ability will indeed help the Celtics, but similarly to Johnson, he needs to build more muscle, as well as somewhat shape his body for the NBA. Being behind Rondo or Delonte West, Moore’s game will improve drastically.

NBA Draft: Boston Celtics Round 1 – JaJuan Johnson

The Boston Celtics acquired in a trade from the New Jersey Nets, JaJuan Johnson.

By Matt Noonan 

How it Happened: With the 27th pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft, the New Jersey Nets selected JaJuan Johnson, forward/center from Purdue University. Although, due to a previous trade, the Boston Celtics retained the rights of Johnson in exchange for their 25th pick, which was Marshon Brooks, guard from Providence College

What it Means: The Celtics needed to draft a “big man.” Shaquille O’Neal retired this past spring and who knows how much gas remains in Jermaine O’Neal‘s tank, but Johnson will help the Green and Whit with his size. Johnson, who is six-feet-ten-inches and 221 pounds will certainly play a factor down low, as well as on defense.

How will Johnson Impact the Celtics: In his final year with Purdue, Johnson averaged 35.4 minutes, 20.5 points and 8.6 rebounds. Johnson improved dramatically from his freshman to senior year, so hopefully that’s a sign for things to come. Also, he won, as well as received numerous awards over his four years with the Boilermakers.

“[He] led Purdue in scoring 20 times, rebounds 24 times, blocks 31 times, steals 10 times and assists once during the season” (according to Purdue Athletics website).

Overall Grade: I’d say he is a sold “B/B+.” The All-American has plenty of room to grow, but expect his game to improve under the guidance of head coach Doc Rivers.