tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346908152024-03-14T06:19:08.587-04:00PHSportsThe litmus test for sports commentaryPaymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.comBlogger889125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-15525175633175574132011-06-24T23:39:00.000-04:002011-06-24T23:39:40.431-04:00Post NBA Draft BreakdownFirst things first, <b>Cleveland</b> marked a line in the sand by drafting Kyrie Irving with the 1st overall pick. They clearly wanted a point guard for the next 10 years, and he fits that bill. The Cavs threw the first major curve ball of the draft by selecting Tristan Thompson. I'm not sure what Cavs GM Chris Grant was thinking with this pick. I like Thompson as a lottery pick, but <i>at least</i> 4 picks later.<div><br />
</div><div><b>Minnesota</b> may not be the league's doormat forever. I really like their 3s and 4s with Love, 2nd pick overall Derrick Williams, and Michael Beasley (who I think should be traded). They also have a lot of talent in the pipeline. They were also very strategic about their selections, and could be a force to be reckoned with if they can improve by 10 wins each of the next two years and can retain talent. Bogdanovic could be a steal, though trading away the rights to Mirotic and Cole (best rebounding guard in the draft, who can also fill it up and pass) could be moves that GM David Kahn could live to regret.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Though I am a slightly-biased resident of the DC area, I love the <b>Wizards</b>' draft and their new hats. If Jan Vesely can play basketball anything like he kisses, the Wiz kids will be borderline watchable as the next season we have basketball. He's a high-motor PF, which the Wizards badly need, and provides competition for the ever-lazy and pouting Andray Blatche. When the Knicks were picking at 17, I was hoping "Please don't pick Singleton! Please don't pick Singleton!" When they took Shumpert, the Wizards landed the best defender in the draft class. Players in the mold of Singleton and 2010 1st-round pick Trevor Booker are exactly what the Wizards need. At pick 34, the Wizards needed a shooting guard who can back up John Wall at the point, and selected Shelvin Mack from Butler. It's easy to get hung up on him being 6"2" (or his lack of foot speed, which is why he's not a lottery pick), which is too short to play the 2 or create his own shot. But, if you watch the game tape, he had no problems hoisting and knocking down deep shots against guys who are 5 and 6 inches taller than him. Great picks all around.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The <b>Spurs</b> are the New England Patriots of the NBA. They scalp everyone, and know the board better than everyone. When they drafted George Hill, I thought it was a horrible pick, as did nearly everyone else. Well, not only were they right, but they shipped Hill to Indiana for Kawhi Leonard, who will be part of the nucleus of the new Spurs, as well as Davis Bertans, who will provide reinforcements in 2-3 seasons.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Overall High Point: </b> Booing of David Stern and cheering for Adam Silver.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Overall Low Point: </b> Picks 56- 59. These were major reaches by teams trying to outsmart themselves, and just painful to watch, as there were some good prospects on the board (Hansbrough, Delaney, Skeen).</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Who do I miss? </b> Former Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard. David Kahn did everything in his power to make the draft exciting. And to demonstrate his undying love for point guards.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Best value: </b> Charles Jenkins, G - selected 44th by Golden State. Watch this space in 2 years. Jenkins could be a starter and a top line guard somewhere in the NBA.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Forehead scratcher: </b> Cory Joseph, G - selected 29th by San Antonio. From the times I watched Texas, Joseph did not demonstrate the quality required for the 1: leadership. He will learn a lot from watching Parker and Ginobili. Pop must've seen something in him.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Burning question: </b> Why does Enes Kanter speak like a valley girl? </div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-17600504040164490102011-06-23T13:28:00.000-04:002011-06-23T13:28:00.409-04:002011 NBA Draft - Pre-Draft QuestionsWe are less than seven hours from the 2011 NBA Draft. According to the experts and anyone with a pulse, this is the weakest draft class and may also be a record-setting draft for international players who hope to be selected in the 1st round.<br />
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Here are my thoughts on some hot-button topics pertinent to the draft.<br />
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Q: Who are your top 5 prospects irrespective of position?<br />
A: Kyrie Irving, Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter, Kemba Walker<br />
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Q: If you're Cleveland and the draft order among the top 4 stays the same, who do you take with the first pick? Why?<br />
A: Derrick Williams. He is a proven leader, and can score from anywhere on the court. He is also far and away the best player at his position. While I like Irving as a prospect and believe he has the highest upside, Knight's potential is not far behind (and recall how much he improved as a floor general from November to March), and Walker may make the most immediate impact depending on where he lands. At worst, Cleveland would be able to obtain one of the top 3 point guards at pick #4.<br />
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Q: Who's your flop prediction?<br />
A: Jonas Valanciunas. From his <a href="http://www.nbadraft.net/players/jonas-valanciunas">clips</a>, he looks closer to 215 pounds than what he is listed (240). Not everyone can add the weight. He is highly skilled, but he looks very susceptible to being pushed around.<br />
<br />
Q: How far will Kemba slide?<br />
A: I don't buy Kemba sliding out of the lottery. He was top 7 on everyone's draft board less than a week ago . If he does not get drafted in the top 7 (especially if Sacramento trades their pick for Tony Parker), some team between 9 and 13 will <br />
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Q: If you're a playoff team that wants to get over the hump, which player who is outside the lottery would you take? <br />
A: Kenneth Faried. The man can rebound, play defense, and doesn't require a lot of shots to make his presence felt. That is a coach's dream.<br />
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Q: Which team has the most to gain tonight?<br />
A: Cleveland. The last month has been Christmas for the Cavs. First, they win the lottery with a pick from the Clippers. Second, LeBron plays a key role in the Heat losing the Finals. Third, they can add 3 players to their rotation tonight.<br />
<br />
Q: Who'll be dealing?<br />
A: We know Michael Jordan will be, because he announced it (Jordan didn't get the memo that this is not the draft to announce such a thing). Milwaukee too. Cleveland and New York may be buying a pick, as may Miami. I wouldn't be shocked if the Lakers jump into the 1st round - completely unsubstantiated, but they need young legs. They may want to package one or more of their 2nd-round picks and cash for a shot at the top 30.<br />
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Q: Which top tier playoff team needs to make an impact tonight?<br />
A: The Heat were already mentioned. They have several players out of contract, but by and large, they will replenish their ranks with veterans, and the guys they drafted last year. The Lakers were clearly exploited, and need young legs at every position.<br />
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Q: Who's the most intriguing player?<br />
A: Bismack Biyombo. Check out his YouTube. He's raw, but extremely talented. He could be the next Mutombo ... or the next Yinka Dare.<br />
<br />
Q: Who are your top 3 sleepers?<br />
A: JaJuan Johnson, Charles Jenkins, Jordan WilliamsPaymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-2938554098090662242011-04-03T14:11:00.000-04:002011-04-03T14:11:29.876-04:00What College Basketball Needs To FixWith a title such as this, this post may be better suited for a doctoral thesis rather than a simple blog post. However, this is short and sweet, and suggests alignment between the pro and college games. <br />
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<ol><li><b>Insert the Charge Circle. </b> This is the most obvious change that needs to be made. Player control fouls are the most inconsistently officiating calls made by referees. Insertion of a charge circle not only takes some burden off of officials, whose scrutiny (and incompetence) is at an all-time high, but also aligns itself with the NBA.</li>
<li><b>Align the NBA and college 3-point shooting distances.</b> Moving the distance back by a foot has done nothing to curb long-distance shooting. <s>Student athletes</s> Players practice in order to perform at the next level, so why don't you prepare them for the next level? And, you'd save a bunch of money on painting the arc. More money can go to ...</li>
<li><b>Extend profit sharing to players.</b> According to a recent report by <a href="http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/college/2011/03/hbo-real-sports-to-expose-the-ncaa/">HBO's <i>Real Sports</i></a>, the NCAA pulls in $757 million annually. As we all know, they see very little of that, and it's through the means of an education and room and board, a means which is not preferred by a significant number of players. There are some institutions where players are getting plenty in return (Duke, Stanford, Georgetown, to name a few), but those are exceptions to the rule. This can be done through NCAA tournament payouts which would go to players as well and would carry ripple effects for schools under probation. The concept of "amateurism" is a joke, and it should exclude D-1 football and basketball. How many professional basketball players can say they've played in an arena seating 76,000 during their NBA careers? </li>
<li><b>Enable a hybrid draft entry system. </b> This would allow high school players to enter their name into the NBA Draft. However, they would be <i>forced</i> to sign with an agent, could not withdraw their name, and would not be able to play in the NCAA (for the same sport). This option should be for types like LeBron, Kobe, KG, and even those with failed careers who were drafted early out of high school such as Kwame Brown. For players who forgo the initial entry route, they would have to be enrolled in college for 3 years prior to entering their name for the NBA draft. What would this do? For starters, it would help the college game because continuity is king. Professionals would act more like professionals. You will always have the outliers, and you will always have players who flee for Europe, and spend years toiling there before they get signed by an NBA team. </li>
</ol>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-64713857328160705232011-03-13T14:06:00.003-04:002011-03-13T17:55:53.748-04:00NCAA Field of 68 -- FINALThis is the first and last NCAA Tournament projection of the season. It's been a long and busy year, in which I've viewed the least amount of college basketball in years. I also haven't used the same amount of rigor in past years, so this is more of a test to see whether watching less will reflect closer to what the Selection Committee offers at 6pm this evening.<br />
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</div><div>At the top, Notre Dame edges Duke due to the number of quality wins (RPI Top 25). They were about even on the eye test. Had Duke won a share of the ACC in the regular season, it would've made the decision that much tougher. The argument of top 100 wins made by Jay Bilas (if you heard it) lacks relevance, because the top of the bracket is determined by wins against top competition. By that same token, UConn and Texas claim #2 seeds, and San Diego State lands on the 2 line, and Arizona finds itself outside of the protected seeds.<br />
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After Texas A&M with the 23rd overall spot, there is a severe drop-off in quality. Between the 24th (UNLV) and 37th (George Mason) spots, there is little separating these teams. From there onward, there is the next tier of teams, which are separated by even less.<br />
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Among the final block of teams is Clemson, Virginia Tech, Michigan, Alabama, St. Mary's, Georgia, USC, Boston College, and UAB. Clemson claimed the 33rd at-large spot based on their 10 ACC wins, taking UNC to the limit on Saturday, and their overall quality of play. Thanks to technology, some grit and luck, Virginia Tech takes the 34th spot. Meanwhile, Michigan's late season form, which included close losses to good teams, showed they were worthy of a dance ticket. Then came the 2 toughest choices, because neither deserve it. Alabama's 13 conference wins in the SEC, and overall performance since they were 8-6 was the decider (a win against SEC tournament Kentucky further helped the cause). In the last spot is St. Mary's, who were deserving for much of the season, save a brief span in February. As for Georgia, they squandered too many chances, including against Alabama (and Vanderbilt, and everyone else they played) in the SEC Tournament. If you want to be in the Big Dance, you must play like it. As for USC and UAB, I would not be shocked to see them in the field. USC has a number of high quality wins which none of their cohorts have. UAB won Conference USA, a top 10 conference, by an entire game. They suffered a really bad loss against East Carolina, which placed them on the outside looking in. <br />
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Can't wait for the brackets to unfold!<br />
<div><br />
1: Ohio State (Cleveland), Kansas (Tulsa), Pittsburgh (Cleveland), Notre Dame (Chicago)<br />
2: Duke (Charlotte), North Carolina (Charlotte), UConn (Washington), Texas (Tulsa)<br />
3: Louisville (Tampa), Kentucky (Washington), Purdue (Chicago), San Diego State (Tucson)<br />
4: Florida (Tampa), Wisconsin (Tucson), BYU (Denver), Syracuse (Denver)<br />
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5: Vanderbilt, St. John's, Kansas State, Arizona<br />
6: Cincinnati, West Virginia, Texas A&M, UNLV<br />
7: Georgetown, Xavier, Old Dominion, Temple<br />
8: Utah State, Richmond, Marquette, Washington<br />
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9: Florida State*, UCLA, Tennessee, Missouri<br />
10: George Mason, Villanova**, Penn State, Michigan State<br />
11: Butler, Illinois, Colorado, Gonzaga<br />
12: Clemson, Virginia Tech v. St. Mary's (play-in), Belmont, Michigan v. Alabama (play-in)<br />
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</div><div>13: Memphis, Oakland, Indiana State, Princeton</div><div>14: Bucknell, Akron, Long Island, Morehead State</div><div>15: Wofford, St. Peter's, Boston University, Northern Colorado</div><div>16: UC Santa Barbara, UNC-Asheville, Hampton v. UT-San Antonio (play-in), Arkansas Little Rock v. Alabama State (play-in)<br />
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LAST FOUR IN: Virginia Tech, Michigan, Alabama, St. Marys<br />
LAST FOUR OUT: Georgia, USC, Boston College, UAB<br />
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* Moved up 1 seed line due to conflict<br />
** Moved down 1 seed line due to conflict</div></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-3154320921929259412010-11-15T23:06:00.000-05:002010-11-15T23:06:04.065-05:007 Seniors Who Will Be Missed<b>John Scheyer, Duke.</b> Any time Duke needed to end a run or put a game on ice, John Scheyer was the man. To boot, Scheyer was an underrated defensive player who made strides between his junor and senior season. Yes, the Blue Devils have Kyrie Irving in place now, but there's no way a freshman not named Melo can account for a senior's intangibles. <div><b> </b></div><div><b>Scottie Reynolds, Villanova.</b> Hated yet respected. That is how opponents would characterize Reynolds, who was passed over in the NBA Draft. In all of the college basketball I watched the last year, there wasn't a team who followed a single player's lead more than Villanova, and I think it took its toll on Reynolds, who stumbled down the stretch. The Coreys will have an opportunity to carve out their own legacy.</div><div> </div><div><b>Tweety Carter, Baylor.</b> Sure, Epke Udoh was a lottery pick. Sure, LaceDarius Dunn is a great scorer. However, Carter was the steadying force for the Bears, who enjoyed two trips to the NCAA Tournament, which is no small feat. The Bears have Perry Jones to take on some of Udoh's responsibilities down low, but production at point guard will be a question mark all season.</div><div> </div><div><b>Sherron Collins, Kansas.</b> Another point guard. I promise you he's the last one on this list. Collins took nearly every important shot for the Jayhawks, and will be remembered for dominating the Big XII during his last two seasons at Kansas.</div><div> </div><div><b>Roman Martinez, New Mexico. </b> We go out west. Gary and Hobson earned the plaudits, deservedly so, but Martinez was the glue. Whether it was geting a loose ball that reset the shot clock or nailing a contested jumper, he was critical to Los Lobos' revival last season.</div><div> </div><div><b>Andy Rautins, Syracuse.</b> Wes Johnson was the Orange's best player, but Rautins was their <i>most important </i>player. Known throughout colege basketball circles as a clutch shooter from deep range, but those who watched the Cuse closely will know that Rautins was indispensable to the top of the 2-3 zone.</div><br />
<b>Omar Samhan, St. Mary's. </b> Power conferences starve for a player of Samhan's skill, so when the lowly Gaels lose a player of Samhan's caliber, his absence will be felt immediately.<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-87911336092057737762010-10-31T18:22:00.000-04:002010-10-31T18:22:47.823-04:00PHSports College Basketball Preseason Top 25<ol><li><b>Duke</b>. It disgusts me, but they are the best team on paper. Kyrie Irving will not be as efficient as John Scheyer was, but he's more explosive.</li>
<li><b>Michigan State.</b> If it were not for their unexpected shuffling of the backcourt, they would be #1. Izzo will have this team ready come March.</li>
<li><b>Kansas.</b> This ranking relies on the availability of Josh Selby. If so, you're hard-pressed to find a more battle-tested squad with more depth.</li>
<li><b>Illinois</b>. The Illini returns five starters and gains two blue chip recruits. Bruce Weber may even get the chance to use a 3-guard lineup a la 2005.</li>
<li><b>Pittsburgh</b>. If the Panthers can adequately replace Jermaine Dixon and the core stays healthy, they <i>will</i> be a top 5 team. </li>
<li><b>Ohio State</b>. I'm not buying that the Buckeyes are better without do-everything guard Evan Turner, but they most definitely reloaded. If Jared Sullinger is closer to Greg Oden rather than BJ Mullens, then the Buckeyes may be Final Four bound.</li>
<li><b>Kansas State</b>. How will the Wildcats replace Denis Clemente? Conventional wisdom suggests a 3-guard led by Jacob Pullen who will be flanked by Martavious Irving and Rodney McGruder. If the Wildcats are to contend, they'll need more depth at all positions.</li>
<li><b>Gonzaga</b>. Despite losing Matt Bouldin, the Zags will be deeper and more experienced. Also, you have to love their scheduling. They face San Diego State, Illinois, Washington State, Notre Dame, Baylor, Xavier, and Oklahoma State before the new year.</li>
<li><b>Baylor</b>. If LaceDarius Dunn is reinstated, watch out. Perry Jones may allow Bears fans to forget about Epke Udoh. </li>
<li><b>Kentucky</b>. Have you ever heard of a team that's lost 5 players to the 1st round of the NBA Draft? And been able to reload? Neither have I. If Enes Kanter is not cleared, then Coach Cal will not have a chance to have a Final Four taken away by the NCAA. </li>
<li><b>Memphis</b>. Josh Pastner knows how to recruit, and for that reason, they have this rating and will be atop the Conference USA throne.</li>
<li><b>Georgetown</b>. The Hoyas boast one of the best, most experienced backcourts. Should they get any contribution with consistency from the frontcourt, they could win the Big East.</li>
<li><b>Villanova</b>. I have no question that Villanova is talented and well-coached. I just wonder where the leadership will come from without Scottie Reynolds.</li>
<li><b>North Carolina</b>. Tempo is the name of the game. When UNC regains their speedy tempo, they will be great again. What leadership abilities will Harrison Barnes exhibit in his first and only year?</li>
<li><b>Florida</b>. Billy Donovan finally has the type of squad in the mold of his championship winning teams.</li>
<li><b>Butler</b>. Brad Stevens returns four starters and one of the most disciplined teams in D-I. They'll be around come the second round of the tournament again.</li>
<li><b>Washington</b>. The Huskies have adequate replacements for Quincy Pondexter, and they return one of the quickest backcourts in the nation.</li>
<li><b>Syracuse</b>. Jim Boeheim lost some great players, but his returning core is a year older and he has Fab Melo to patrol the middle of the lane.</li>
<li><b>Missouri</b>. 40 minutes of hell returns for its latest installment, and the Tigers have added some beef to address rebounding issues. The jury remains out on their schedule.</li>
<li><b>Purdue</b>. Even without Robbie Hummel, Purdue is well-coached with two of the best 25 players in the nation (JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore). If they can find a consistent third scorer, they are a top 10 team. </li>
<li><b>Temple</b>. The Owls lost Ryan Brooks, but Juan Fernandez slides to the point. Lavoy Allen will bring the pain at power forward.</li>
<li><b>Virginia Tech</b>. Tech needs to show their worth in Maui. Otherwise, they need to win 9 or 10 to make the NCAA Tournament. Anything is possible with Malcolm Delaney at the controls.</li>
<li><b>San Diego State</b>. Steve Fishers returns five starters including Kawhi Leonard, a double-double machine. The Aztecs can limit teams to one possession, and have left their best basketball for March in recent seasons.</li>
<li><b>West Virginia</b>. The Mountaineers lost DaSean Butler and Devin Ebanks. If Deniz Kilicli can assume some scoring responsibilities and buy into Huggins's system, then WVU will be relevant in the Big East shuffle.</li>
<li><b>BYU</b>. Jimmer Fredette is a stat sheet stuffer and a true baller. The roster lost some talent, including Michael Loyd Jr., who saved his best games for the end of the season. Expect them to contend with SDSU and UNLV for the Mountain West title.</li>
</ol><b>Honorable Mention </b> <br />
Tennessee. Tobias Harris makes the Vols a legit top 15 team, but Bruce Pearl's status with the NCAA will affect the psyche of this team. For that reason, they're not in the preseason top 25.<br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-74588030041806478132010-09-27T00:06:00.011-04:002010-09-27T09:29:15.481-04:00Coming Off the Mount...<span style="font-size:85%;">Another entertaining affair between the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins tonight on <a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26393211">NBC's Sunday Night Football</a>. No surprise there, honestly.<br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAcVPpvHnI/AAAAAAAAB7k/8w9KsoTVyKo/s1600/NYJ+MIA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521444294460644978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAcVPpvHnI/AAAAAAAAB7k/8w9KsoTVyKo/s320/NYJ+MIA.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Jets win 31-23. Believe me, it wasn't an easy victory.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Yahoo! Sports</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />While the Jets walked away (</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >despite the WORST EVER attempted shovel pass from the Sanchize</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) with a <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap;_ylt=ArF_OkoNpL.wdV2gDPH.nVQ5nYcB?gid=20100926015">HUGE win</a> on the road (</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >more on that later</span><span style="font-size:85%;">); the big story surrounding this game, with just cause, was the week Braylon Edwards had.<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br /><a href="http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/09/21/braylon-edwards-arrested-for-dwi/"><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">From early Tuesday morning...</span></a></span><a style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/09/21/braylon-edwards-arrested-for-dwi/"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"></span></a></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAZNXm0-mI/AAAAAAAAB7c/jQtxcRBrh6A/s1600/Edwards.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 362px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521440860622092898" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAZNXm0-mI/AAAAAAAAB7c/jQtxcRBrh6A/s320/Edwards.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Media.NJ.com</span></div><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-size:85%;">NEW YORK -- New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards was arrested Tuesday on charges of driving while intoxicated after officers pulled him over because his SUV had excessive tinting on its windows, police said.</span></p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-size:85%;">Officers on the lookout for vehicle violations like excessive tinting or missing registration stickers pulled over Edwards' Land Rover on Manhattan's West Side at about 5:15 a.m. ET and noticed a strong smell of alcohol, chief NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said.</span></p><p style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span style="font-size:85%;">Edwards was given a breath test at the scene and another at a police station. His blood alcohol level was .16, twice the legal limit, officials said. There were four other people in the SUV at the time.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">Note: It was announced, late in the week that Edwards would NOT be suspended for the game. There is precedent for this ruling, too. Instead, <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggJGA8u4ytIb_Zt0cLvJ330EVdvAD9IG06A80">he was suspended for the first quarter</a>. And yes, he was in the first play of the second quarter.<br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAgsAApjJI/AAAAAAAAB78/GE2k6E7vOy0/s1600/Sit+Happens.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 378px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521449083445283986" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAgsAApjJI/AAAAAAAAB78/GE2k6E7vOy0/s320/Sit+Happens.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Media.NJ.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-WEIGHT: bold" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/21/jets-wont-deactivate-braylon-edwards/">From late Tuesday evening...</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Jets G.M. Mike Tannenbaum said in a conversation with the </span><i style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Associated Press</i><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> that Edwards would be active for Sunday night's game against the Dolphins, although he wouldn't start. It will be up to Rex Ryan when and if Edwards plays.</span> <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Greg Aiello of the NFL points out that the CBA </span><a style="FONT-STYLE: italic" href="http://tmi.me/1BdfX">does not allow teams</a><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"> to suspend or deactivate players for DUI arrests per CBA rules.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:+0;">As for Mr. Edwards' performance tonight? </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">2 receptions for 87 yards and 1 TD</span>. One of them a 67 yard touchdown was on the first play of scrimmage the Jets had after trailing the Phins 17-14 mid-way into the 3rd quarter, giving them a 21-17 lead. Edwards' other catch was a key 3rd and 10 reception - inside Dolphins territory - for (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">do the math, Clement</span>) 20 yards on what would be the Jets final drive of the game (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">a TD drive giving them an 8-point lead, their margin of victory</span>). Edwards </span><span style="font-size:85%;">also was highlighted by Michaels/Collinsworth for a key seal-block on a 20+yard LT run (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">remember him?</span>) and a costly tripping penalty inside the redzone (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">just lazy blocking on his part, if you ask me</span>). </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />As for the situation at-hand; as I see it, there are three issues I'd like to address surrounding this Edwards-situation, aside from the game's result (</span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >which was very pleasing, but very tough to watch, for me personally</span><span style="font-size:85%;">).<br /><br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >Issue #1: What Edwards did was wrong. In fact, it was flat out dangerous.<br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAerbf3yHI/AAAAAAAAB70/Vjxg52XZZ5w/s1600/Newspaper.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521446874620872818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAerbf3yHI/AAAAAAAAB70/Vjxg52XZZ5w/s320/Newspaper.jpg" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">SportsGrid.com</span></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Not a genius statement. But one that needs to be stated.<br /><br />Now, I'm not opposed to Edwards doing jail time for his DUI, no matter what the circumstances were when he was pulled over (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">tinted windows, not poor driving</span>). DUI/DWI is a </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >very </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">serious crime</span>. However, I don't want to compare what he did to <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3980182">what Donte Stallworth did</a>, either. Two different outcomes, fair or not, and the two </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >crimes</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> can't be compared fairly. Nevertheless, I also don't believe it's okay for Edwards to "get off" because "other players often get off". However, I also don't think it's fair to demonize ONLY Edwards - even if it's in the news <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">this </span>week - as the </span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >only </span><span style="font-size:85%;">NFL athlete to be guilty of DUI. He deserves as much of a backlash as anyone else who has been found guilty of the crime.</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Which leads me to...</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >Issue #2: Should Ronnie Brown have been sat out week 1 for his DUI this past March?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAduT898zI/AAAAAAAAB7s/_2ncow8P0lA/s1600/RB+DUI.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521445824623407922" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TKAduT898zI/AAAAAAAAB7s/_2ncow8P0lA/s320/RB+DUI.png" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: TerezOwens.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/03/22/report-ronnie-brown-arrested-for-dui/">Ronnie Brown had a DUI arrest of his own this past offseason (in March)</a>. Does that mean Miami should've "sent a message" by suspending him for the first game of the season? Is a DUI more of a crime, in the eyes of an NFL team, during the season than it is during the offseason? Does it show more or less or the same amount of recklessness? You tell me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/09/nbc_universally_opposed_to_jet.html">Many question whether Braylon Edwards would've been suspended if the Jets were playing the Bills</a> - as opposed to the 2-0 Dolphins; which is a fair question. Nevertheless, why does Ronnie Brown not see any official team discipline - in terms of quarters/halves/game(s) missed? Is it due to the "timing" of his crime? <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">I also don't want to demonize Brown, who hasn't had any trouble with the law since the arrest, mind you.</span><br /><br />If you ask me, both should've been suspended for at least 1 game. Although you may clearly point out to me that I have the foresight of knowing Edwards played, scored a big TD (made a nice block, too), and the Jets won.<br /><br /></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-size:85%;" >Which leads me to...</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" >Issue #3: It's impossible to expect a fan to leave his loyalty, right or wrong.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxev_ATA3DwbUrB7KfmqhQ3gobmGYpmw97fx86uDMEd3DwNutzc0cBwfWQpDno190RZ_7UcfC8n5do' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Many of you may think this post is just a ploy for me to explain why it was "okay" for Edwards to play tonight. WRONG. Instead, it's me addressing an issue that a fan struggles to address. I have to step off the mount, and realize I'm completely conflicted over the situation/suspension (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">and ecstatic over a big win</span>).<br /><br />I'm not much of a fan of <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/show?showId=mikeandmike">Mike and Mike</a>, although - since Mike Greenberg is a noted, avid Jet fan - I did seek out their opinions this week on the Edwards situation. Surprisingly, Greenberg and Golics' words spoke to me quite a bit. (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Listen to the video above</span>.)<br /><br />I started to realize that I've riddled plenty of Steeler fans for their QB's recent actions in a bar bathroom with an undergrad, reminded Laker fans about Kobe's night in Denver with a certain hotel employee, and been mocked endlessly (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">and justifiably</span>) for Yankee first baseman Jason Giambi's "apology" over proven-steroid use.<br /><br />Is it my fault, or anyone else's, as a fan, that players we openly root for are found guilty of crimes? <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">No</span>. But if I choose to support them, as I did Edwards during his long TD run (<span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">which admittedly had more to do with Jason Allen s-s-slipping on his butt</span>), then I'll take some justly deserved criticism.<br /><br />But a "fan" is still a fanatic. So you take the good with the bad...and move on.<br />Much like how you treat ego-maniacal, yet extremely talented wide receivers.</span><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-54731628131697539642010-09-25T00:12:00.000-04:002010-09-25T00:12:20.350-04:00If Anyone Cared About Baseball Beyond the Yankees and the Saux ...... someone would raise a stink about Jose Bautista and potential engagement with performance-enhancing drugs. Tonight, Bautista hit his 52nd HR of the season. When visiting <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bautijo02-bat.shtml">Baseball Reference</a>, you'll notice that he has surpassed his prior season high by ... 36 home runs. <br />
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In his six prior seasons, Bautista had slugging percentage and OPS highs of .420 and .757, respectively. Fast forward to this season where those numbers ballooned up to .622 and 1.005 entering tonight's play.<br />
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When I see these stats, I can't help but think of former Oriole stalwart Brady Anderson, who hit 26 more dongs (total: 50) and slugged 170 points higher than any other season.<br />
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But few care about baseball. And even fewer care about PED use in sports.<br />
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<div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-7040371446764862532010-09-15T21:39:00.000-04:002010-09-15T21:39:58.770-04:00We're Back .... and The Detroit Lions Need A Left TackleThis spring, the Detroit Lions were wavering on whether to take sure-fire stud Ndamukong Suh or draft for need and reach for an offensive tackle. <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/roster?d-447263-o=2&team=DET&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=persons.primary_Position.id.position_Id&d-447263-n=1">Not only did the Lions take Suh, but they also did not select an o-tackle until the fourth round (Jason Fox)</a>. Had I been in Martin Mayhew's position, I would have selected Suh, but my second pick would have definitely been an o-tackle. Definitely.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Credit: Mlive.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.mlive.com/lions_impact/photo/matthew-stafford-detroit-lions-3f895b4330a5b238_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>As a result, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-fantasy/09000d5d81a76959"><i>this</i></a> happened. If you're going to invest 72 million clams into a player, the smart money is on protecting his blind side. Even the Rams protected their investment by drafting Rodger Saffold (and already had Jason Smith). Instead, the Lions went with Jeff Backus, and Julius Peppers effectively separated Matthew Stafford's shoulder. <br />
<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-15030091726057208652010-07-08T11:26:00.004-04:002010-07-08T11:50:40.599-04:00LeBron in the Twitter Universe<span style="font-size:85%;">In case you've been under a log, <a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports">PHSports is on Twitter</a>.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Worry not, we're not in it for followers (clearly). Instead, it's a place to rant and rave and react to this ever-expanding medium.<br /><br /></span>Of course, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">LeBron story</span> (now somehow titled, "<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255">The Decision</a>") has officially trumped anything else in the sporting world as of late.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDXxehGeOBI/AAAAAAAAB7M/K4QrJLp_f0U/s1600/lebron-crying.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDXxehGeOBI/AAAAAAAAB7M/K4QrJLp_f0U/s320/lebron-crying.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491560827232073746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Peak-a-boo! I'm going to...Miami. To dilute my brand and always be #2 in Wade County.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: DrewLiftTV</span></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Here are a few twitter highlights (aka "top tweets) you may have missed in the last 24 hours...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tweet That May Have Said it ALL:<br /></span><span class="thumb vcard author"><a href="http://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="Chris Broussard" class="photo fn" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/226983788/broussard_chris_m_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></span> <span class="status-body"> <span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard" class="tweet-url screen-name">Chris_Broussard</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Sources with knowledge of the situation indeed saying LeBron will join Wade and Bosh in Miami, barring a late change of heart</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Funniest Tweet:</span><br /><span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/WaterWarren" class="tweet-url screen-name">WaterWarren</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">BREAKING NEWS! <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Apple" title="#Apple" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#Apple</a> is releasing a special edition Lebron James iPhone. Problem is, it only vibrates b/c it doesn't have a RING.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Desperate for Attention that even Tweeting can HELP:<br /></span></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/chrisbosh" class="tweet-url screen-name">chrisbosh</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Good morning. Waking up to more speculation. This makes tonight's show more interesting.</span> </span></span><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seeking More and More Attention Tweet:</span><br /></span></span><span class="thumb vcard author"><a href="http://twitter.com/KingJames" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="LeBron James" class="photo fn" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/1056131063/LBJ_Dots_76_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></span> <span class="status-body"> <span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/KingJames" class="tweet-url screen-name">KingJames</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Good Morning! It's your chance to ask me a question about my decision, use <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23lebrondecision" title="#lebrondecision" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#lebrondecision</a> to submit and I'll answer them tonight.</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sense from the Seemingly Senseless Tweets:</span><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco" class="tweet-url screen-name">OGOchoCinco</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">I dont even know why the **** i am talking i dont have no d@mn rings myself,i am doing the best i can with the cards i was dealt <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23BENGALS" title="#BENGALS" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#BENGALS</a></span> </span></span><br /><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco" class="tweet-url screen-name">OGOchoCinco</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">nickname is <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23KingJames" title="#KingJames" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#KingJames</a>, Kings lead with the help of an army (supporting cast on team) a lead dog doesn't join supastars to make it easy</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span class="thumb vcard author"><a href="http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="Chad Ochocinco" class="photo fn" src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1017331412/ocho_to_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></span> <span class="status-body"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/OGOchoCinco" class="tweet-url screen-name">OGOchoCinco</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Kobe-Magic-Jordan-Bird all created legacies on their own teams, they didn't join together to make winning a ring easy <a href="http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Lebronwilldodasame" title="#Lebronwilldodasame" class="tweet-url hashtag" rel="nofollow">#Lebronwilldodasame</a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Average New York Fans Giving Up Tweets:<br /></span><span class="thumb vcard author"><a href="http://twitter.com/BrandonTierney" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="Brandon Tierney" class="photo fn" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/753306967/default3_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></span> <span class="status-body"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/BrandonTierney" class="tweet-url screen-name">BrandonTierney</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">when LBJ says "Miami" tonight, I will officially pray for a lifetime of 4th Q "back-rims" and "short" for the duration of his playoff life</span></span><br /><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/NYSportzNut" class="tweet-url screen-name">NYSportzNut</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">@<a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/KingJames" rel="nofollow">KingJames</a> if you sign with Miami tonight - you will forever become Scottie Pippen to Dwayne Wade's Jordan. Your (cont) <a href="http://tl.gd/2ci1bb" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tl.gd/2ci1bb</a></span> </span></span><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br /></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/AnthonyMSG" class="tweet-url screen-name">AnthonyMSG</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Can't he find a Boys and Girls club in Florida!</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span class="status-body"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/Brnyd15" class="tweet-url screen-name">Brnyd15</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">@<a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/AnthonyMSG" rel="nofollow">AnthonyMSG</a> Lebron to Miami I guess. If true, I want us to be the 8th seed and them the #1 in the playoffs. The irony....</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Yorkers trying to Hold On:<br /></span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/knicksbuzztap" class="tweet-url screen-name">knicksbuzztap</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Bleacher Report >> The King James Saga: Believe None Of What You See; Half Of What You Hear <a href="http://buzztap.com/-7APLbU" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://buzztap.com/-7APLbU</a></span> </span></span><br /><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/AnthonyMSG" class="tweet-url screen-name">AnthonyMSG</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">If LeBron comes into our backyard and says he's going to play For The Heat!!!!! Come on!!!</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Living on a 3am Prayer Tweet:<br /></span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/jadande" class="tweet-url screen-name">jadande</a></strong> <span class="entry-content">Part of me thinks LeBron's camp is just floating this Miami thing to gauge the reaction. And what I've seen has not been positive.</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ramblings of an Idiot Tweets:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url screen-name"></a><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="PH Sports" class="photo fn" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/264823325/Rubio_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a> <span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url screen-name">PHSports</a></strong> <span class="actions"></span><span class="entry-content">Peak-a-boo. <a href="http://tiny.cc/lbjcry" class="tweet-url web" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tiny.cc/lbjcry</a> I'm going to...Miami. To dilute my brand and always be #2 in Miami-Wade County. Call him Prince Harry. #2.</span> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url screen-name"><span class="thumb vcard author"></span></a><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="PH Sports" class="photo fn" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/264823325/Rubio_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a> <span class="status-body"> <span class="status-content"> <strong></strong></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><strong><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url screen-name">PHSports</a></strong> <span class="actions"></span><span class="entry-content">@<a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/AnthonyMSG" rel="nofollow">AnthonyMSG</a> His "circle" hadn't let anything slip - to this degree potentially - until now. So why now? Seems somewhat likely it's a decoy.</span> </span> <span class="meta entry-meta" data="{}"> <a class="entry-date" rel="bookmark" href="http://twitter.com/PHSports/status/18041892470"> <span class="published timestamp" data="{time:'Thu Jul 08 15:22:07 +0000 2010'}">10 minutes ago</span></a> <span>via web</span></span></span><br /><span class="thumb vcard author"><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url profile-pic url"><img alt="PH Sports" class="photo fn" src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/264823325/Rubio_normal.jpg" width="48" height="48" /></a></span> <span class="status-body"> <span class="status-content"> <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports" class="tweet-url screen-name">PHSports</a></strong> <span class="actions"></span><span class="entry-content">@<a class="tweet-url username" href="http://twitter.com/AnthonyMSG" rel="nofollow">AnthonyMSG</a> I guess the "hope" in Cleveland and NYC is that LeBron had one of his inner circle put out the Miami rumor to distract people.</span> </span></span></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-4466654201568753492010-07-06T23:09:00.006-04:002010-07-06T23:29:38.744-04:00Scenarios Galore<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDPy2BcQjUI/AAAAAAAAB60/sa_bbq333Tc/s1600/LBJ.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDPy2BcQjUI/AAAAAAAAB60/sa_bbq333Tc/s320/LBJ.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490999380608585026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Do I keep any dignity if I beg???<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: TonySports</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5359255">LeBron James is making his announcement on Thursday at 9pm on ESPN</a>.<br />He's even selling advertisements (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >for charity, admittedly</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) for the hour potentially.<br />Wow. An entire hour. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Ego, much?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Question is (<span style="font-style: italic;">okay, question #14 on my list</span>), how long do they (<span style="font-style: italic;">James & ESPN's producers</span>) draw it out? (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >over/under 9.5 minutes.</span><span style="font-size:85%;">)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How many people see their blood pressure spike by 150% in the opening 15 minutes?</span><br /><br />So is that an hour focused on new beginnings (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >perhaps a conference call with Amar'e???</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) in New York or staying in Cleveland (can he bribe Bosh with extra $$$ or an endorsement???).<br /><br />Man, how </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >sappy </span><span style="font-size:85%;">could that be (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Cleveland for an hour</span><span style="font-size:85%;">)???<br />Or how </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >sweet </span><span style="font-size:85%;">(</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >New York</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> for a lifetime</span>)!?!?!?<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDPzyFiPddI/AAAAAAAAB68/KJ6WkZh9TyQ/s1600/chrisbosh.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TDPzyFiPddI/AAAAAAAAB68/KJ6WkZh9TyQ/s320/chrisbosh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491000412499572178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Seriously, why is this guy getting so much love right now? I may take Amar'e AND Boozer over him. Seriously.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Umbrohi</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />In the end, I think it's down to <span style="font-weight: bold;">these two teams</span> (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >NY & Cleveland, of course</span><span style="font-size:85%;">). I may be WAAAAY off, by I just can't see how LeBron is going to Chicago (<span style="font-style: italic;">w/ Bosh</span>) any longer. Too many cooks in the Chicago stew. He isn't going to Miami with Wade and Bosh either. That money won't work one way or another. Not enough (basket)balls in Miami, either. Of course, if they (<span style="font-style: italic;">i.e. Bosh & Wade</span>) showed up on-screen a mere 20 seconds after James opened his "press conference"...the world may stop spinning on its axis.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I would call for Miami to be removed from the Union, by the way.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I could speculate on and on and on (and on...), but <a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports">following my Twitter feed</a> is more fun.<br />And if you're a Knicks fan, <a href="http://www.theknicksblog.com/">this is a MANDATORY viewing</a> every 6 1/2 minutes (or less, if you wish).<br /><br />So instead of pulling out what little hair I CHOOSE to have left, I'm going hold tight to anything Knicks I can find (might be tough in this apartment in the 8-0-4) and hold out hope.<br /><br />Funny thing is, I'll be in a car en route to Atlantic City this weekend when the announcement drops. I'll expect text messages and have <a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports">several twitter feeds </a>ready to update my phone (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >sad, right?</span><span style="font-size:85%;">).<br /><br />All I know is, I'm currently doing something I didn't expect to do.<br />I'm allowing myself to have hope.<br />For better or worse.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">New York...it's a hell of a town.</span></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-35563596328096275762010-07-03T22:57:00.006-04:002010-07-03T23:38:51.885-04:00Saturday Night Live: NBA Free Agency Tweeting<span style="font-size:85%;">If you aren't <a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports">tweeting</a> yet, this week was </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >the week</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> to be introduced to it. Sure, <a href="http://twitter.com/chrisbosh">Chris Bosh</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>needs a little more attention than your average MTV Jersey Shore cast member; however, it's fascinating to see the myriad of opinions - from the "<a href="http://stephena.com/">experts</a>" to the <a href="http://www.theknicksblog.com/">fan-fueled blogs</a> - that have been absolutely flooding the web since July 1st (<span style="font-style: italic;">and obviously beforehand</span>).</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC__pdcOpoI/AAAAAAAAB6s/Um4fpbV1gSM/s1600/SBTB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 366px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC__pdcOpoI/AAAAAAAAB6s/Um4fpbV1gSM/s320/SBTB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489887558530672258" border="0" /></a>T<span style="font-size:85%;">here hasn't been this much hype about a class since these kids took over Bayside back in '93.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: 123People</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Which got me to thinking, <a href="http://twitter.com/PHSports">in between tweets of my own</a>, about a few things, as we approach July 5th (<span style="font-style: italic;">which I consider to be the informal D-Day of the Summer of 2010</span>):<br /><br />1) <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://sportsrageous.com/news.php?readmore=2313">Rudy Gay</a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > should be a Houston Rocket</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. <span style="font-style: italic;">Did you know that?</span> Houston balked on keeping Gay, the 8th overall pick, and instead dealt him for Shane Battier (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >and picked up Stromile Swift's bad contract</span><span style="font-size:85%;">). </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >It's true.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> While Houston has plenty of talent on its roster, isn't Gay everything they've been looking for the past few offseasons and trade deadlines? I hated that deal then and I still hate it now.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC_-3kmwC-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/DrxbsfyALV4/s1600/CB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC_-3kmwC-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/DrxbsfyALV4/s320/CB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489886701460392930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Think he's a future #1? Think again. A 1B? Think again. A solid #2. Okay, now I'm listening.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: EpicMess</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />2) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Chris Bosh wants to get paid first and foremost</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >So does Joe Johnson</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. You can't blame either for that. Neither has a sniff of the stature of a LeBron, Wade, or even a <a href="http://blog.nola.com/davewalker/2009/02/overstockcom_super_bowl_commer.html">Boozer</a></span> (<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >yeah, I said it</span><span style="font-size:85%;">). Nevertheless, I think Johnson (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >who once said: "I'm playing for whomever pays Joe Johnson the most money"</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) is a little more likely to forgo a few bucks (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >just a few, mind you</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) for a winning situation (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >i.e. being one of the 3 pieces to a free agent pie</span><span style="font-size:85%;">). T</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >hen again, neither guy is a #1 and neither deserves anything close to #1 money</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Even you, Mr. Bosh.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">..max contract or not.<br /><br /></span>3) I like (<span style="font-weight: bold;">SARCASM!</span>) how ridiculously confident the Miami-media and reports from Dwayne Wade (<span style="font-style: italic;">from everyone who wasn't Dwayne Wade</span>) have been the past week. While I think Wade is staying in South Beach, wouldn't it be fun - especially as a Knick fan - to see them left totally empty handed? I think so.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC_-lIuL-_I/AAAAAAAAB6c/F488yR51N0M/s1600/CA.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TC_-lIuL-_I/AAAAAAAAB6c/F488yR51N0M/s320/CA.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489886384737745906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Think he's going somewhere unexpectedly? Think again.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: BettorsEdge</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">4) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Carmelo Anthony</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" > (</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >aka "my boy"</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">) isn't going anywhere</span>. Not this summer, at least. Denver isn't going to trade him. They can blow everything up, and still will keep their centerpiece. Last night, I was trying to think of who'd I'd take over Melo right now to start up my franchise. <span style="font-style: italic;">The list is short, you know</span>. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Durant, and ???</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. To be honest, the list probably ends there. I just can't elevate CP3, Deron Williams, or any current young PG over Melo. Dwight Howard vs. Melo is an interesting study. One that likely deserves some debate. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Or perhaps a poll question...</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />5) By the way, if you asked me a gunpoint </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >who I would rather the Knicks have on their roster next season: LeBron or Carmelo</span><span style="font-size:85%;">...I'd have a tough time battling my head over my heart on that debate.<br /><br />6) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >The NBA will have a work stoppage in 2011</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. It will likely cost them an entire season or a MAJOR chunk of it. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Ditto for the NFL</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. Memo to baseball: use this to your advantage. If you speed up the game (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >big time</span><span style="font-size:85%;">), add a sophisticated replay system, and promote young talent properly (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >i.e. Strasburg and Heyward</span><span style="font-size:85%;">)...progress shall be made in recapturing the hearts of America. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >More than just Yanks and Sox-love, too.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Here is where I would </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >LIKE </span><span style="font-size:85%;">to see the major free agents go (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >within the realm of reality</span><span style="font-size:85%;">):<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Knicks sign LeBron, Amar'e, and trade David Lee (sign-and-trade) for Tony Parker.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Hawks retain Joe Johnson (and pay his ridiculous contract).</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Heat re-sign Wade and pull a sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Beasley won't like Toronto, by the way.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Chicago signs Carlos Boozer and Mike Miller.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >We all know already about Pierce, Dirk, and Gay staying put.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Sorry Cleveland.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Here is what I think </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >WILL </span><span style="font-size:85%;">happen.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Cleveland retains LeBron James. They sign Mike Miller, too. That's it, for now. Seriously.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Houston pulls off the sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Knicks sign Amar'e and overpay Ray Allen for a 3-year deal.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Hawks keep Joe Johnson (and pay his ridiculous contract).</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br />Heat keep Wade and sign Carlos Boozer. Wade regrets re-signing within 48 minutes, not hours.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Chicago has a MUCH quieter off-season than you think and starts developing packages for Carmelo in 2011.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >David Lee takes too much money in Minnesota.<br />Al Jefferson gets dealt to Dallas for Dampier's expiring contract and Caron Butler.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Regardless of what happens , I'm taking LA to 3-peat (</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >shudder</span><span style="font-size:85%;">) in 2011. Same old, same old.</span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-9607872019537582672010-06-24T18:56:00.003-04:002010-06-24T19:08:18.229-04:002010 NBA Mock Draft (FINAL with trade predictions)<span style="font-weight: bold;">ROUND 1</span><br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> – <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">John Wall, PG, Kentucky</span>. The last time Washington had the 1st pick, it was in a weak draft and they selected Kwame Brown. This draft is different. Barring injury, Wall will be a franchise player. Expect the Wizards to win at least 35 games this season.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State</span>. If Wall is 1A, then Turner is 1B. Despite rumors indicating that Turner would eventually land in Minnesota for a package of picks, just look no further than the mere handful of players that the 76ers have worked out. They have their man in Turner. <br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Jersey</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech</span>. The physical forward is an impact player at both ends of the floor and can become a 20/10 guy in three years’ time. Favors will need to learn how to stay out of foul trouble. Rumors are flying about a blockbuster trade with Indiana involving Danny Granger and Devin Harris.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse</span>. A great shooter, rebounder, and defender. Though others have not pointed this out, I question Johnson’s durability.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacramento</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky</span>. Jay Bilas (and everyone else) put it best. DeMarcus Cousins is the only thing preventing DeMarcus Cousins from being a star in this league. He’s talented, a great rebounder, with a surprising 7’5” wingspan. Cousins needs to become more skilled, but the Kings will be happy to acquire his physicality down low to abut that of Samuel Dalembert. <br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden State</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown</span>. Monroe is the best passing big man in the draft, and perhaps the most complete frontcourt player in the draft. <br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit </span>– <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Epke Udoh, PF, Baylor</span>. He’s an athletic 4 who can play the 5. He’s 23, which causes concern. His athleticism fits into the scheme, but Udoh is limited in the half-court set.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">LA Clippers</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest</span>. An amazing leaper with excellent athleticism and versatility, Aminu could be the best prospect from this draft. The knocks on him are his [in]ability to create his own shot and securing the basketball.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Utah</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada</span>. There are two camps. One that Utah taking Luke Babbitt and one that has them taking Ed Davis. Babbitt is a great shooter, who excelled in two seasons at Nevada. He could the long-term replacement for Kyle Korver.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Indiana</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler</span>. Larry Bird has expressed his interest in Hayward, who like Bird, played his hoops in Indiana. Hayward is a brilliant scorer, who’s an underrated defender and rebounder. He can dominate without a lot of offensive touches, which is something that can be said about few players in this draft class. <br /><br />11. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Paul George, SF, Fresno State</span>. At 6’9”, he’s taller than the other wing prospects in this draft and is among the most skilled as well.<br /><br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky</span>. Patterson is an inside-outside threat who had a marked improvement at the defensive end this season. If the Grizz do not re-sign Zach Randolph, then Patterson serves as an insurance policy. Let’s just hope Randolph is not his off-court mentor.<br /><br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toronto</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina</span>. Davis presents a lot of upside at the power forward position. Wiry and explosive, Davis is active in the paint. Davis struggled in his sophomore season, enabling him to nearly drop out of the lottery.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Toronto trades the 13th pick overall to Portland for the 22nd pick overall and cash considerations</span><br /><br />14. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas</span>. Aldrich will not a league MVP title, but he can patrol the lane at the defensive end and improve a weak Houston frontcourt.<br /><br />15. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas</span>. Henry’s an upside guy who has great athleticism and a freakish wingspan. However, he’ll need to make better decisions re: shot selection and improve at the defensive end.<br /><br />16. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Larry Sanders, PF/C, VCU</span>. A prolific shot-blocker at VCU, Sanders improved each year offensively. He’ll be a nice addition to the frontline.<br /><br />17. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Damion James, SF/PF, Texas</span>. James is a hustle player who averaged a double-double for much of his collegiate career in the Big XII thanks to a 7-foot wingspan. To get better, James will need to improve his ball-handling and passing skills.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Chicago sends Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick overall to Washington for future considerations</span><br /><br />18. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tibor Pleiss, C, Brose Baskets</span>. Among the more skilled big men in this draft class, Pleiss’s weight has been listed as 210 and as high as 257 depending on your source.<br /><br />19. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boston</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State</span>. Boston will not hold onto this pick, so Anderson is the best player available.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Boston trades the 19th pick overall to Cleveland for a future 1st-round pick, Leon Powe and cash considerations</span><br /><br />20. <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Antonio</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Avery Bradley, SG, Texas</span>. A combo guard, Bradley may be the best backcourt defender in this year’s class. At 6’2”, Bradley may be expected to play the point, which he struggled at.<br /><br />21. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Eric Bledsoe, PG/SG, Kentucky</span>. Bledsoe is among the best on-the-ball defenders in the draft. While not a true point guard, he can develop into one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Oklahoma City trades the 21st pick overall to Indiana for cash considerations</span><br /><br />22. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Portland</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State</span>. Alabi is a proven shot-blocker with a limited offensive profile. He has ties to the Toronto organization, which makes this pick more believable. Not to mention, Toronto cannot spell defense.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">(PICK GOES TO TORONTO per earlier listed trade)</span><br /><br />23. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Kevin Seraphin, C/PF, Cholet</span>. Raw in terms of offensive footwork, Seraphin can contribute defensively. Don’t be surprised if Seraphin stays in Europe for a year or two to develop.<br /><br />24. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida</span>. Jones is a dynamic combo guard with an NBA body who can create shots for himself in a variety of ways and has been known to have several scoring outbursts. <br /><br />25. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia</span>. Ebanks is a wiry, physical player who crashes the boards and does not give up on defense. Unless he adds muscle, he will be pushed around when asked to guard power forwards.<br /><br />26. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Hassan Whiteside, PF/C, Marshall</span>. The rationale for picking Whiteside is that he presents a skill set as a specialist (shot blocking). He is unproven offensively, but that is not a bad thing if he can clean up the boards.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Oklahoma City trades the 26th pick overall and Byron Mullens to Denver for cash considerations and a future pick</span><br /><br />27. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Jersey</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier</span>. When he was at Indiana, you could see the potential. You could see that Crawford could go on scoring sprees. He could easily average 20 points a game in the right situation.<br /><br />28. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Daniel Orton, PF, Kentucky</span>. When a team has players who take a lot of shots, you need to surround them with role players who can contribute in other ways. Orton fits that bill as a physical defender who can also block shots. Don’t be surprised if he slips into the 2nd round.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Memphis trades the 28th pick overall and Marko Jaric to Dallas for DeShawn Stevenson, Eduardo Najera and cash considerations</span><br /><br />29. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Orlando</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Greivis Vasquez, PG, Maryland</span>. The Magic have only worked out a few players. If they hang onto the pick, then Vasquez can immediately step in at backup point guard, which will be a position of need with Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson out of contract.<br /><br />30. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington</span>. A matchup nightmare. That’s what opposing coaches have called Pondexter over the years. Pondexter excels in an open game, but has improved his skills in the half-court set. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ROUND 2</span><br />31. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Jersey</span> – Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa<br />32. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami </span>– Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech<br />33. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacramento</span> – Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas<br />34. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Portland</span> – Ryan Richards, PF, Gran Canaria<br />35. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> – Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State<br />36. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit</span> – Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada<br />37. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span> – Terrico White, PG/SG, Ole Miss<br />38. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New York</span> – Elliot Williams, SG, Memphis<br />39. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New York </span>– Stanley Robinson, SF/PF, Connecticut<br />40. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Indiana</span> – Willie Warren, PG/SG, Oklahoma<br />41. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami </span>– Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati<br />42. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami </span>- Jon Scheyer, PG, Duke<br />43. <span style="font-weight: bold;">LA Lakers</span> – Alexey Shved, PG, Dynamo Moscow<br />44. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span> – Omar Samhan, C, St. Mary’s<br />45. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – Trevor Booker, PF, Clemson<br />46. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Phoenix</span> - Darington Hobson, SF, Milwaukee<br />47. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span> - Jarvis Varnado, PF, Mississippi State<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Milwaukee trades the 47th pick overall to New York for cash considerations</span><br /><br />48. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami</span> – Lazar Hayward, SF, Marquette<br />49. <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Antonio</span> – Elijah Millsap, SF, UAB<br />50. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dallas</span> – Dexter Pittman, C, Texas<br />51. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> – Nemanja Bjelica, SF, Red Star<br />52. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boston</span> – Ryan Thompson, SG, Rider<br />53. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta</span> – Keith “Tiny” Gallon, PF, Oklahoma<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Atlanta trades the 53rd pick overall to New Jersey for cash considerations</span><br /><br />54. <span style="font-weight: bold;">LA Clippers</span> – Mikhail Torrence, PG/SG, Alabama<br />55. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Utah</span> – Thomas Huertel, PG, Strasbourg<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Utah trades the 55th pick to Toronto for cash considerations</span><br /><br />56. Minnesota – Charles Garcia, SF, Seattle<br />57. Indiana – Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: Indiana trades the 57th pick overall to Houston for a future 2nd-round pick and cash considerations</span><br /><br />58. LA Lakers – Luke Harangody, PF, Notre Dame<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">TRADE: LA Lakers trade the 58th overall pick to Golden State for cash considerations</span><br /><br />59. Orlando – Da’Sean Butler, SF, West Virginia<br />60. Phoenix – Andy Rautins, SG, Syracuse<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-17987600091063528702010-06-22T23:24:00.003-04:002010-06-22T23:47:36.999-04:002010 NBA Draft Quick HitsA few quick tidbits to pass along ...<br /><ul><li>The Nets are now turning their sights to Wes Johnson with the 3rd pick. <br /></li></ul><ul><li>Al-Farouq Aminu canceled his visit to the Detroit Pistons who hold the 7th pick. This could mean that he has a promise in the top 6. If Wes Johnson goes in the top 4, then this is very possible.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>While Ryan Richards is rising up draft charts, Hassan Whiteside is sliding down the big board. Richards will not last after pick 33.</li></ul><ul><li>The Mavs, Cavs, and Nuggets want back in the first round. The Raptors and Wizards want to each add a pick. Possible sellers include the Clippers (8), Pacers (10; seeking a point guard in return), Chicago (17), Miami (18), Boston (19) Atlanta (24), Oklahoma City (multiple), Memphis (multiple) and Orlando (29). The rumored cost of a 1st-round pick is $3M, but that sounds like a conservative estimate.</li></ul><ul><li>Trade rumor reported by ESPN's Andy Katz: Memphis would acquire the 16th pick from Minnesota for the 25th and 28th. This would give Minnesota 4 first-round picks [that they don't need] and two second-round picks. I'm still trying to understand Michael Kahn's master plan. Clearly, he is no Sam Presti. Kahn's lack of creativity as a general manager is only matched by NBA veterans' non-desire to play in Minnesota. It may be possible that the stockpiling of picks is a precursor to acquiring Evan Turner via trade from Philadelphia, who holds only one pick but has many holes. Could the 4th, 23rd, and 25th/28th be enough to lure the Sixers?<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Don't be shocked if Portland successfully packages the 22nd and 34th picks and possibly a player for a higher pick in the 1st round. Kevin Pritchard may be on his way out, but I'll be damned if there's a GM who's done more for draft night ratings [and shrewd evaluation of players] than he has.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Though Clement had mentioned CP3 trade rumors weeks ago, I'm choosing to ignore trade rumors in the mainstream media. <br /></li></ul><ul><li>On the same day John Salmons opted for the early termination clause of his contract, the Bucks traded for oft-injured Corey Maggette. <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/96920999.html">To get him, they gave up garbage of lesser value</a>. The beauty of the expiring contract ...<br /></li></ul><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-34384795759737196432010-06-21T20:22:00.003-04:002010-06-21T20:30:13.272-04:002010 NBA Mock Draft (1-Round)NOTE: This edition does not include trades. In our final edition, we will make trade predictions.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">John Wall, PG, Kentucky</span>. The last time Washington had the 1st pick, it was in a weak draft and they selected Kwame Brown. This draft is different. Barring injury, Wall will be a franchise player.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State</span>. If Wall is 1A, then Turner is 1B. Despite making the pick, expect the 76ers to trade the rights to Turner to either New Jersey or Minnesota. <br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Jersey</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech</span>. The physical forward is an impact player at both ends of the floor and can become a 20/10 guy in three years’ time. Favors will need to learn how to stay out of foul trouble.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota </span>– <span style="font-weight: bold;">DeMarcus Cousins, C, Kentucky</span>. Let’s face it. Al Jefferson is not a center. Wesley Johnson, who many have tabbed as the pick here, is not a desirable trade piece for Philadelphia. Joe Dumars is desperate to land the big man and may throw everything and the kitchen sink to land Cousins. That said, who wants their garbage?<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sacramento</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown</span>. The Kings now have Dalembert, Thompson, Landry, but their frontcourt remains their biggest weakness. Monroe is the best passing big man in the draft, and perhaps the most complete frontcourt player in the draft. <br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden State</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse</span>. The Warriors love their wing players, and both Johnson and Al-Farouq Aminu are amazing fits. The nod goes to Johnson, who is a better defensive player.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Epke Udoh, PF, Baylor</span>. Since they drafted every small forward in last year’s draft pool, the Pistons are in an unenviable position. Based on who the Pistons have worked out so far, Udoh is the pick. He’s an athletic 4 who can play 5. He’s 23, which causes concern. If Detroit decides to go in a different direction, Cole Aldrich may be the pick.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">LA Clippers</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest</span>. Aminu will not slip past this pick and the Clippers get a steal. An amazing leaper with excellent athleticism and versatility, Aminu could be the best prospect from this draft. The knocks on him are his [in]ability to create his own shot and securing the basketball.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Utah</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina</span>. I’m not in love with this pick, but Davis is the best prospect at a ‘need’ position with the likely departure of Carlos Boozer and the bust that is Kosta Koufos.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Indiana</span> - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Avery Bradley, SG, Texas</span>. Expect the Pacers to trade down, because they are stocked with young big men and are weak in the frontcourt. If they are lazy or are forced to play their hand, Bradley, who they’d like to convert to the point, is the pick. That said, Bradley had moments when he lacked vision and made bad decisions.<br /><br />11. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans – Paul George, SF, Fresno State</span>. The Hornets have made no secret that they are in love with George. At 6’9”, he’s taller than the other wing prospects in this draft and is among the most skilled as well.<br /><br />12. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis – Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky</span>. Patterson is an inside-outside threat who had a marked improvement at the defensive end this season. If the Grizz do not re-sign Zach Randolph, then Patterson serves as an insurance policy. Let’s just hope Randolph is not his off-court mentor.<br /><br />13. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Toronto – Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas.</span> The Raptors need a true center. Bargnani played center, but will likely return to his natural position of power forward. Aldrich was a dominant defender at the collegiate level, and can make adjustments to the pro game quickly though it may not come in his first season.<br /><br />14. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler</span>. The Rockets brass have come up and said that they will select the best prospect, even if they are already stocked at the position. Hayward is their man because of his ability to take over a game without having to score points. <br /><br />15. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Milwaukee</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada</span>. Babbitt may be the best pure shooter in this year’s crop, and it’s wise to surround Brandon Jennings with as many role players as possible. The jury is out on how his defense will fit into Scott Skiles’s plans.<br /><br />16. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas</span>. If the Wolves land Evan Turner via trade or select Wesley Johnson, then they will select Hassan Whiteside. If they do not, they cannot pass up on Henry’s upside and freakish ability. Henry will need to improve his shot selection at the next level.<br /><br />17. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State</span>. A proven scorer and defender is exactly what the Bulls need. If the Bulls trade down, they may select Gani Lawal, Jerome Jordan or Dominique Jones.<br /><br />18. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hassan Whiteside, PF/C, Marshall</span>. This pick is wide open given that Miami will be affected more by free agency than any other team. The rationale for picking Whiteside is that he presents a skill set as a specialist (shot blocking). He is unproven offensively, but that is not a bad thing if he can clean up the boards.<br /><br />19. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boston</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Larry Sanders, PF/C, VCU</span>. With the rumored retirement of Rasheed Wallace and Kendrick Perkins being out of contract, the Celtics need to get replenished down low. Sanders is a shot blocker who’s improved as a 1-on-1 defender. If the Celtics go with Daniel Orton, it may spell the end of Perkins’s stay in Beantown.<br /><br />20. <span style="font-weight: bold;">San Antonio</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida</span>. Jones is a dynamic combo guard with an NBA body who can create shots for himself in a variety of ways and has been known to have several scoring outbursts. Unfortunately, the tweener label applies.<br /><br />21. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Daniel Orton, PF, Kentucky</span>. When a team has two players who take a lot of shots, you need to surround them with role players who can contribute in other ways. Orton fits that bill as a physical defender who can also block shots.<br /><br />22. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Portland</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eric Bledsoe, PG/SG, Kentucky</span>. Portland has a knack for selecting players who other teams want in order to get their guy. I will assume that their guy will be off the board in time for their pick. Bledsoe is among the best on-the-ball defenders in the draft. While not a true point guard, he can develop into one.<br /><br />23. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State</span>. Alabi is a proven shot-blocker with a limited offensive profile. Toronto may buy back into the first round to grab Alabi, who has ties with the organization.<br /><br />24. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech</span>. The Hawks need muscle and the local product may be the guy to provide it. They, however, can go in many directions. If so, Devin Ebanks may hear his name at this point.<br /><br />25. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Elliot Williams, SG, Memphis</span>. Rudy Gay and Ronnie Brewer may leave in free agency, so it may be good to stock up now in case one or both leave. Williams is a scorer, but is also a strong defender despite his small frame.<br /><br />26. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Oklahoma City</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Damion James, SF, Texas</span>. James is a hustle player who averaged a double-double for much of his collegiate career in the Big XII thanks to a 7-foot wingspan. To get better, James will need to improve his ball-handling and passing skills.<br /><br />27. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Jersey</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia</span>. Ebanks is a wiry, physical player who crashes the boards and does not give up on defense. Unless he adds muscle, he will be pushed around when asked to guard power forwards.<br /><br />28. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memphis</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington</span>. A matchup nightmare. That’s what opposing coaches have called Pondexter over the years. Pondexter excels in an open game, but has improved his skills in the half-court set. <br /><br />29. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Orlando</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greivis Vasquez, PG, Maryland</span>. The Magic have only worked out a few players. If they hang onto the pick, then Vasquez can immediately step in at backup point guard, which will be a position of need with Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson out of contract.<br /><br />30. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> – <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa</span>. Slated as a second-round pick until recent weeks, Jordan has impressed teams in workouts with his defensive prowess. His 7’5” wingspan doesn’t hurt either.Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-64270658196477828832010-06-18T21:53:00.005-04:002010-06-18T22:14:30.277-04:00Soccer Scenarios and Stuff<span style="font-size:85%;">After a rather thrilling <a href="http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/us-rallies-to-draw-2-2-with-slovenia--fbintl_ap-wcup-slovenia-us.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">USA/Slovenia</span></a> matchup - especially during the last day of school - it became quite clear I needed my World Cup scenarios (<a href="http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/groups/c/">for Group C</a>) explained.<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TBwnmx3Li3I/AAAAAAAAB6U/zwzgDncquEE/s1600/1276883748.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 228px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TBwnmx3Li3I/AAAAAAAAB6U/zwzgDncquEE/s320/1276883748.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484301993403714418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Meet Koman Coulibaly. Jim Joyce thinks he blew that call...badly.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: AP</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Have no fear, for <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/georgina_turner/06/18/groupc.qualification/index.html?eref=sihp">CNNSI.com's Georgina Turner</a> has us covered:<br /></span><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Group C</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> is wide open after Friday's play, with three points separating all four teams. When the last two games kick off simultaneously at 10 a.m. ET next Wednesday, almost anything could happen. Here's how the various scenarios pan out for the U.S.:</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>If the U.S. defeats Algeria --</b> It will go through regardless of the other result, though its final ranking will be affected by that result. If Slovenia beats England, the U.S. will qualify second. If England beats Slovenia, it will be level on points with the U.S. and goal difference will come into play -- currently, that goes in favor of the U.S.</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>If the U.S. loses to Algeria -- </b>It cannot progress to the next round, no matter the other result.</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>If the U.S. ties with Algeria and England loses to Slovenia</b> -- Bob Bradley's team will qualify second behind the Slovenians.</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>If the U.S. ties and England wins</b> -- England and Slovenia will qualify.</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>If the U.S. ties and England and Slovenia also draw</b> -- Slovenia will top the group. England and the U.S. will be split by goal difference, but the U.S. currently has a two-goal advantage in goals scored in that category.</span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Be warned</b>: If Wednesday's results mirror Friday's -- with England drawing 2-2 with Slovenia and the U.S. tying 0-0 with Algeria -- Slovenia will qualify first, and FIFA will draw lots for second place.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">As for Saturday and Sunday's slates, here are <span style="font-weight: bold;">5 questions</span> I am pondering...</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />1) Will the "real" Cameroon (vs. Denmark) either STAND UP or just fade away with a disappointing showing this World Cup?<br />2) After Germany's hiccup (or more) against Serbia earlier today, will Ghana prove to be the top dog in Group D (vs. Australia)?<br />3) Can Ivory Coast, with Drogba perhaps starting in Game #2, keep up with Brazil up and down the field?<br />4) Is Italy the next "giant" due for major disappointment in their second game?<br />5) How good is Paraguay?<br /><br />We'll find out soon enough, right? RIGHT!?</span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-69562107343979005312010-06-15T23:07:00.004-04:002010-06-15T23:44:38.774-04:002010 NBA Draft: Key ThemesIt’s no secret that the 2010 NBA Draft is overshadowed by not only the NBA Finals, the World Cup, and the free agency period which will follow it shortly after the draft. That said, this draft is deeper than those in recent memory, and teams that come in with a plan can see great improvement, as seen in Oklahoma City and Memphis.<br /><br />The themes below encapsulate the key storylines that will dominate draft night.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington</span> holds 3 picks among the first 35 and have only 6 players under contract. It’s a foregone conclusion that John Wall will be the first pick. If the Bullets can parlay picks 30 and 35 into bench contributors, then Ernie Grunfeld will live to see more days as the Bullets GM.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia</span> has the 2nd pick overall (their only pick), and Evan Turner would be the value pick. However, Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young are already on a roster that lacks inside muscle. Not to mention, Samuel Dalembert, the team's only real roster, is in the last year of his contract.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota</span> owns 3 picks in the first round (pick #s 4, 16, 23) and 5 picks overall. They could use interior depth, but have a gaping hole at the shooting guard position. Could Minnesota package 3 picks into a trade with the 76ers and select Evan Turner? <br /></li></ul><ul><li>If your roster is starving for <span style="font-weight: bold;">power forwards and centers</span>, then this is your draft. I have given 1st-round grades to 11 power forwards and centers. If I had any love for Kevin Seraphin, that number would be one higher.</li></ul><ul><li>After John Wall, <span style="font-weight: bold;">there are no true point guards with a 1st-round grade</span>. Shooting guards Avery Bradley, Eric Bledsoe, Armon Johnson (combo guard), and Terrico White may play point guard at the next level.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toronto</span> is actively attempting to acquire a pick in the 20s. Cap-starved teams like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Orlando</span> and teams with multiple first round picks (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Memphis</span>) are possible dance partners for the Raptors. That said, the Raptors have approximately $46M locked up in contracts next season that do not include Chris Bosh. They are in serious trouble.</li></ul><ul><li>What will <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mikhail Prokhorov</span> do in his first draft? His Nets hold picks 3, 27 and 31. They some good young pieces in Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Yi Jianlian, Terrence Williams, and Chris Douglas-Roberts, but will be wise to add muscle to the frontcourt.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>According to John Sheridan of ESPN.com, the current <span style="font-weight: bold;">asking price for a spare 2nd-round pick has a starting price of $1.5M</span>. Of course, picks in the early half of the 2nd round are more expensive. Last year, Houston paid Washington $2.5M in Lil' Flip albums for the 32nd pick overall.<br /></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Knicks</span> will be calling teams to possibly purchase 2nd-round picks (in addition to their two early second-round picks), who would cost them a paltry cap figure of $473,604, and effectively fill out their roster.</li></ul><ul><li>Who will fall precipitously on draft night? We don't know yet, and we won't know until draft night. All I know is that calls and texts will be prefaced by, "What were they thinking? I can't believe [insert name] is still on the board." Two years ago, it was Darrell Arthur. Last year, it was Pittsburgh's DeJuan Blair and Sam Young.<br /></li></ul>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-89127511468708542622010-06-07T14:53:00.007-04:002010-06-07T15:09:26.172-04:002010 PHSports Mock Draft: Would’ve Should’ve (Lottery Edition)Pay will be dishing out the expertise in a week or two; however, I’d like to rant on who I’d take if I would draft, as a team President and/or GM (within the lottery only, mind you).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Enjoy…</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1Bf3F4HNI/AAAAAAAAB5s/E__2xwLcO6k/s1600/Wall%5D"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1Bf3F4HNI/AAAAAAAAB5s/E__2xwLcO6k/s320/Wall%5D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480108337200110802" border="0" /></a>Fear not Wizard fans. I won't stray you from the obvious #1-selection.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: UKBigBlueNation</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1. Washington Wizards select … John Wall (G, Kentucky)</span><br />He’s offering almost everything Derrick Rose did. While point guards often take a back seat to big men with the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, there is NO valid reason I can see not to take Wall and build your franchise around him. <span style="font-style: italic;">Of course, this is the Wizards…</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2. Philadelphia 76ers select … DeMarcus Cousins (C, Kentucky)</span><br />Pay made an excellent case that, if the 76ers front office decides to keep Iggy, Turner isn’t the right man for Philadelphia with the #2 pick. While there is NO denying his immense all-around talents, I’d be willing to take a chance on Cousins. He has a mean streak that, if harnessed, could produce scary results (especially in a center-starved Eastern Conference). <span style="font-style: italic;">Assuming his fitness is addressed, of course.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3. New Jersey Nets select ... Evan Turner (G/F, Ohio State)</span><br />You don’t get the #1 pick, yet you may walk away with pound-for-pound the best pure talent in this draft. He can help immediately, but shouldn’t be asked to. He is a vital cog, but not a 1A performer for a future title contender. Instead, Turner reminds me of a clone combining some of the best traits of Danny Granger (if his outside shooting improves) and Scottie Pippen (if his defense improves). <span style="font-style: italic;">Scary stuff, right?<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1B3QeTvCI/AAAAAAAAB50/0AOxoSBhPi8/s1600/AJ"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1B3QeTvCI/AAAAAAAAB50/0AOxoSBhPi8/s320/AJ" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480108739150461986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Al Jefferson's future in Minnesota isn't set in stone, right?<br />If not, this pick becomes a true wild-card.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: NBC Sports</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#4. Minnesota Timberwolves select … Derrick Favors (PF/C, Georgia Tech)</span><br />I’m not completely sold on the guy, but he offers a lot more bulk than many of the other options at the all-too-popular PF/C position this draft. Current Minnesota-big Al Jefferson may not be a permanent fixture for the franchise, so Favors, as the very least, offers a future replacement. If Jefferson is a T-Wolf for good, I’d jump all over Wes Johnson’s athleticism as a #3 alongside Love and the aforementioned Jefferson.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#5. Sacramento Kings select … Greg Monroe (PF/C, Georgetown)</span><br />Utah has to be praying Monroe slips to #9, but he won’t. Monroe is a new-age Brad Miller, who enjoyed quite a bit of success in SacTown during his tenure. While Monroe doesn’t scream “All-Star” to me, he is a great compliment alongside Tyreke Evans and the youthful Kings.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note</span>: I’d love to swap at #9 with Utah and see Sacremento wait and select Kansas’ Xavier Henry, by the way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#6. Golden State Warriors select … Cole Aldrich (C, Kansas)</span><br />I’m not nearly as high on Aldrich as this pick might entail. However, I think Biedrins (and his contract) should be moved this offseason, if possible. The last thing this team needs is another developing swingman-esque athlete on their roster (Morrow, Maggette, Randolph). I love Wes Johnson’s potential…but don’t like him sitting so much on an already youthful team.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1CbRNhuaI/AAAAAAAAB58/lqaR_3faUSA/s1600/WJ"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1CbRNhuaI/AAAAAAAAB58/lqaR_3faUSA/s320/WJ" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480109357823801762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">For Johnson to truly become a superstar, he needs an envrionment (and head coach) who can nurture his potential and help enrich his skill-set. If those happen, he's the #2-overall talent in this draft, in my opinion.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Syracuse.com</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#7. Detroit Pistons select … Wesley Johnson (SF/PF, Syracuse)</span><br />It’s odd to see Detroit selecting this early, isn’t it? If only they didn’t give out those two deals last year (Gordon/Villenueva especially), they’d be a much bigger player in the Summer of 2010. Johnson has a tremendous upside, but needs steady coaching and stability. He needs to learn how to find his shot off the dribble and NOT fall in love with an inconsistent outside shot. His length alone already allows Detroit to move Tayshaun Prince, as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#8. Los Angeles Clippers select … Ekpe Udoh (PF/C, Baylor)</span><br />I love this guy. I loved everything he did in the NCAA Tournament. The Clipper have their young nucleus…for now…with Gordon (PG) and Griffin (PF). Nevertheless, the rest of their roster (especially with veterans Baron Davis and Chris Kaman far from locked into the teams’ future), isn’t much to smile about. Udoh is a big body who can split minutes at the 4 with Griffin and bring some muscle into the paint. He also doesn’t need the ball in hands to be a productive contributor. I see a lot of Serge Ibaka in him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#9. Utah Jazz select … Xavier Henry (SG, Kansas)</span><br />Call me crazy, but this guy might be the sleeper of the early-to-mid 1st round. Henry just scratched the surface last year and would benefit tremendously from Jerry Sloan and the veteran-laden Jazz. Imagine if he used his length to play defense. Scary. While replacing Boozer (potentially leaving this summer) may be priority #1 for the Jazz, the 2-guard position in Utah hasn’t been nearly productive enough in recent years. <span style="font-style: italic;">In fact, when has it been since Jeff Hornacek???</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#10. Indiana Pacers select … Al Farouq-Aminu (SF/PF, Wake Forest)</span><br />I think he may be one of the easiest busts to predict, especially if he goes in the top 5 or 6. Nevertheless, I hope he finds a team that allows him to mature at a realistic pace. He doesn’t need to be in a place like Golden State or Los Angeles, earning minutes based on measurements. Instead, let the Pacers avoid the all-too-easy pick – Gordon Hayward – and give themselves an athletic, high-risk/high-reward piece to their young nucleus.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1DC-jf8SI/AAAAAAAAB6E/ohYY6Fyx_4M/s1600/HW"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1DC-jf8SI/AAAAAAAAB6E/ohYY6Fyx_4M/s320/HW" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480110040010453282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Are people too easily writing this guy off? I'd be guilty alongside those who already have.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: NBADraft.net</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#11. New Orleans Hornets select … Hassan Whiteside (C, Marshall)</span><br />CP3 is leaving. <span style="font-style: italic;">Count on it.</span> Nevertheless, Darren Collison may be more than just a stop gap at the point guard position. Then again, is there a point worth of this slot? I doubt it, highly. I know Okafor is there, but let’s be honest…he’s not a center. Never has been in the NBA. So why not take a chance on Whiteside and see if he’s more Andrew Bynum than Saer Sene.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#12. Memphis Grizzlies select … Avery Bradley (SG, Texas)</span><br />A high-riser, maybe for only me, Bradley would allow the Grizzlies to make some tough moves on the fates of their young roster. There’s no telling where Rudy Gay ends up and Mike Coley has far from sewn up the point guard position in Memphis. Frankly, I’d be willing to build around Mayo (PG) and work from there. Selecting another untested big, alongside the already-developing Hasheem Thabeet, is a mistake. Take a 2-guard who can play with or without the ball. Zach Randolph’s legal troubles (surprise surprise) may alter this completely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#13. Toronto Raptors select … Larry Sanders (PF/C, VCU)</span><br />Homer, right? <span style="font-style: italic;">Probably</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Here come the Ed Davis-lovers.</span> Bosh decides this pick (basically), doesn’t he? Problem is, they won’t know for sure come draft day where Bosh stands. While he’s likely gone (even if it’s a sign-and-trade), the Raptors also need to deal with Hedo and the potential of a large chunk of cap-space available with no free agent to lure. Sanders, who has done as well as any bigs in rookie camps, still has a LOT of work to do. Especially with his attitude. Nevertheless, Sanders has just as many, if not greater, physical tools equal of the BCS-conference draftees many have going before him. He is just scratching the surface, while also performing at a higher level than several bigs who have only been “projected” to perform (Whiteside, Orton, etc.).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#14. Houston Rockets select … James Anderson (SG, Oklahoma State)</span><br />He’s my Paul Pierce/Danny Graner/Rajon Rondo/DeJuan Blair of this year’s draft. A guy I know will be a solid NBA pro. Some are superstars and some are glue guys. Nevertheless, each draft has a guy or two that far too many GOOD teams passed over. Anderson could be a star, but won’t be a top 10 (or even top 20???) pick. The Rockets would be wise to get this guy on their roster, no matter if it’s “too early” or not. He’d also earn plenty of minutes, which he might not do going in the twenties.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1DvqpaYuI/AAAAAAAAB6M/E82lJYj-f4g/s1600/UNC"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/TA1DvqpaYuI/AAAAAAAAB6M/E82lJYj-f4g/s320/UNC" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480110807760659170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">There are more than a few absent names in this top 14, right? Patrick Patterson, Gordon Hayward, & Ed Davis (below).</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: JBJSports</span><br /></div><br />Of course, the true story will be told soon enough. 17+ days, to be prices.Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-12091581124692174892010-05-31T11:54:00.002-04:002010-05-31T12:38:33.845-04:00NBA Draft Buzz: Is Evan Turner the clear-cut 2nd pick overall?In nearly every mock draft I've seen, Evan Turner is the #2 pick overall. And why not? He's one of 2 slam-dunk superstars in this draft (John Wall), and few combo guards can match his size and skill.<br /><br />This is before you factor in three things.<br /><ol><li>The 76ers already have Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young.<br /></li><li>Samuel Dalembert, the only guy who can really play center, is out of contract next summer. Some would even argue this point. Translation: They need a center.<br /></li><li>Philadelphia has $65 million committed in salary next season, which is within striking range of the luxury tax.</li></ol>Barring sign-and-trade possibilities involving the expiring contracts of Dalembert ($12.2M), Jason Kapono ($6.6M), and Willie Green ($4M), the 76ers will not be a key player in free agency, and will need to add height and bulk through the draft.<br /><br />That's why the 76ers organization needs to be creative, and not just look at drafting the best player and hope for everything to fall into place. As much as Evan Turner should be the clear-cut #2 pick who goes to the 76ers (he could still be the #2 pick overall to another team, of course) based on talent, the organization must put more stock in making a need-based pick.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-42362155628365961882010-05-18T23:44:00.003-04:002010-05-19T00:17:45.042-04:00NBA Draft Lottery ThoughtsA few quick hits on tonight's NBA Draft Lottery:<br /><ul><li>The draft lottery has become a media spectacle, and demonstrates America's fascination with the prospect of new beginnings. As an aside, I don't remember the last time a likely #1 pick was interviewed during the telecast, but John Wall will certainly look good in a Bullets uniform. <br /></li></ul><ul><li>I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> it when 18-year-olds are given canned statements for interviews by their agents / advisors. It makes for arresting television. <br /></li></ul><ul><li>For the 6th year in a row, the team with the worst record did not get the #1 overall pick. As a result, New Jersey becomes even less likely to win the LeBron sweepstakes.</li></ul><ul><li>Simply stated, I think the draft lottery is rigged, favoring bad teams who actually tried to win games late in the season. Washington fit the bill. Minnesota and Sacramento did not. At all. As for New Jersey, they won a few games late, but their #1 pick probability never wavered.</li></ul><ul><li>What happens after the 1st pick will be the storyline of the draft. I rate Evan Turner as the 2nd-best player in the draft, but is his skill set too similar to that of Andre Iguodala? If so, which big man is selected?</li></ul><ul><li>Another theme to keep your eyes peeled for is whether teams will draft based on proven talent (Evan Turner, Patrick Patterson, James Anderson, Damion James, etc.) OR limitless potential (Derrick Favors, Ed Davis, Xavier Henry, etc.). Will teams finally learn that proven talent is the way to go following the successes of 2009 class members such as Darren Collison (21st), DeJuan Blair (37th), Marcus Thornton (43rd), Chase Budinger (44th), and Wesley Matthews (undrafted)? Time will tell.<br /></li></ul><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-37587635064128814612010-04-25T15:00:00.007-04:002010-04-25T15:56:32.496-04:0030 for 30 Reflections<span style="font-size:85%;">In case you've been under a rock over the past 9+ months, <a href="http://30for30.espn.com/">ESPN's 30 for 30</a> has been a staple of mandatory viewing - save for the unnecessary break from late December to mid-March - for any sports fan or wannabe sports' historian.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SWwlrPiLI/AAAAAAAAB5M/UFW5svqZX0M/s1600/30.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SWwlrPiLI/AAAAAAAAB5M/UFW5svqZX0M/s320/30.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464158009398626482" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">If anything, 30 for 30 serves as a visual encyclopedia - through an albeit biased lens at times - to some of the sporting worlds' greatest stories of the past 30 years.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: ESPN.com</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_for_30">As Wikipedia might tell you...</a><i><b><br />30 for 30</b></i> is a documentary series chronicling 30 stories from the ESPN era, each of which detail the issues and events that transformed the sports landscape since the sports network was founded in 1979.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SduUYllpI/AAAAAAAAB5c/3Jw042jxMzQ/s1600/2+Live+Crew.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SduUYllpI/AAAAAAAAB5c/3Jw042jxMzQ/s320/2+Live+Crew.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464165666978633362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Learning about the U in the 80s and Uncle Luke? Priceless.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Deadspin.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Some of the topics have included: </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Muhammad Ali, the USFL, Wayne Gretzky, Allen Iverson, Jimmy the Greek, Len Bias, and Reggie Miller.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SeTmHqewI/AAAAAAAAB5k/pcqlShf1YGg/s1600/AE.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SeTmHqewI/AAAAAAAAB5k/pcqlShf1YGg/s320/AE.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464166307394648834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The words "own goal" only conjured up one name for me: Andres Escobar.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The 30 for 30 surrounding him may be the eeriest of them all.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: JimmytheMan.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Some future topics will include: </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Marion Jones, Michael Jordan, Matt Hoffman, George Steinbrenner, Mike Tyson, and Marcus Dupree.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />While I haven't had the opportunity to watch all of them (and won't comment on all those I have seen), I wanted to offer a few thoughts, highlights, and see if I could trigger a reaction or two.<br /><br />For more thorough analysis, one need go no further than the <a href="http://www.avclub.com/tvclub/tvshow/30-for-30,93/">AV Club</a>.<br /><br />Before I begin, I better "</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >date</span><span style="font-size:85%;">" myself.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >I am a rabid sports fan</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. We all know that.<br />What you may not know is I was born in </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >1983</span><span style="font-size:85%;">.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >This dates me for the majority of these stories, honestly.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Nevertheless, I used to wake up at 6am to watch an hour-long Sportscenter before getting ready for school (<span style="font-style: italic;">starting in the 2nd grade</span>), collected cards (<span style="font-style: italic;">baseball, football, and primarily basketball</span>) with any spare change I could squeeze out of my mom or grandparents, and have New York affiliations (<span style="font-style: italic;">Jets, Yanks, Knicks *sigh*, and Syracuse</span>) to my heart.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SaQ7cLphI/AAAAAAAAB5U/yLAfMtTYzGc/s1600/CF.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S9SaQ7cLphI/AAAAAAAAB5U/yLAfMtTYzGc/s320/CF.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464161863531734546" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Why is it when I search on Google Images for "Craig Kilborn + Sportscenter" I am subjected to countless pictures of this untalented, unfunny moron???<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: AllDigitalNews.com</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />In addition, here are my first true sporting memories...<br />College Basketball - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >My uncle nearly sobbing after Rumeal Robinson hit 2 free throws - after being fouled with 3 seconds and Michigan trailing Seton Hall by 1 in the 1989 title game - thus ending the Pirates chance at a national championship.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Baseball - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Cincinnati annihilated the A's - and then-favorite player Rickey Hendrson - in the 1990 World Series.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Basketball - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >The layup still shown round-the-world by MJ against the Lakers in LA.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">(I'm a rabid-MJ hater, by the way.)</span><br />Football - </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Roger Craig's fumble always come to my mind first, way back in the 1990 NFC title game. First actual memories? Timmy Smith seeming faster than the camera during Super Bowl XXII.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />College Football -</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > George Teague and Bama (p)owning Gino Torretta. It still makes me chuckle a little.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />As for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">30 for 30 </span>specials, a few thoughts and observations...<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #1: King's Random</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >[Wayne Gretzky's trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings.]</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />-The year in focus is <span style="font-weight: bold;">1988 </span>and it's a trade that will likely remain in the top 5 (if not the top spot) in every conceivable "<span style="font-style: italic;">Most Infamous Trades</span>" list ever compiled. Perhaps only the Babe Ruth deal has involved a star and a celebrity the likes of the Great One. Key word: <span style="font-style: italic;">perhaps</span>. I found Peter Berg's direction to be steady, although I admittedly didn't feel moved as much as I expected to by the story. Perhaps it's me being American or my ambivalence towards hockey. Ironically, an episode of a now defunct ESPN show (<span style="font-style: italic;">The 5 Reason's You Can't Blame...</span>) which may have done a better job of capturing my interest in this story.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #3: Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >[Rise and fall of the United States Football League.]</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I suppose I wanted to learn more about the USFL, the talent it snatched up from underneath the NFL (Walker, Young, Kelly, White etc.), and less about the business side of it. Unfortunately, that wasn't the story being told. Nevertheless, the links to Donald Trump - who is not a 100% success story in business, I hope you know - and the ever-growing behemoth that is the NFL was riveting enough to maintain my interest throughout.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #5: Without Bias</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >[The life of Len Bias.]</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />In a word gut-wrenching. My favorite episode of the series thus far, it was more than tough to watch at times. I was far too young to know anything about Bias while it happened, but the story was told as if it just happened. Jim Vance (DC newsman) and Michael Wilbon were poignant, primary sources who were brilliantly used. I'm not sure if I'll watch this again, but not due to the quality. It was almost too emotionally taxing, to say the very least.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #6: The Legend of Jimmy the Greek</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >[The life of Jimmy the Greek.]</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Finally able to watch it this weekend (which spurned this column), I was fascinated about the dynamics of the <span style="font-style: italic;">NFL Today on CBS</span>. I find similar shows today to be glorified advertisements for the hosts (Michael Strahan promoting "Brothers") and filled with the hosts putting forth their personal agendas (I heart Brett Favre by Chris Berman) over any NFL analysis the most average fan could give you. <span style="font-style: italic;">You mean to tell me that Brett Favre plays well in cold weather? </span>Nevertheless, the story of Jimmy the Greek brought forth a character that was larger than life and a staple of football and all of sports - gambling - that is bigger than even the biggest Vegas Sportsbooks believe it is today. It immediately made me want to seek out someone who was old enough to remember the Greek during his heyday.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #8: Winning Time - Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[Reggie Miller's impact on the New York Knicks in the 1990s.]</span><br />As a Knick fan, it brought back <span style="font-weight: bold;">waaaaaay </span>too many memories that I have tried to forget. Even after beating Miller, which happened as often as we lost to him, the Knicks still never could bring home that title for Ewing and the all-too-passionate fans of his era. When you find yourself angry over a game that happened 15+ years ago, the filmmakers more than succeeded. Although, truth be told, an upcoming 30 for 30 on June 17th, 1994 (ala OJ in the Bronco vs. Houston/New York Finals game) has me salivating even more.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #10: No Crossover - The Trial of Allen Iverson</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[Iverson's high school race trial]</span><br />Being a citizen of Virginia for quite some time, this story had a personal touch. I've only visited Hampton (and not all of it), but you felt the tension in this story existed to this day with many of its citizens. Two important things were expertly analyzed:<br />1) The racial tensions which still have divided the city of Hampton.<br />2) The absolute avoidance of the topic by 99% of the people involved (including Iverson) 16 years later.<br />The conspiracy theories were an absolute riot, as well. I also should mention its direction, Steve James, directed the best documentary I've ever seen (and maybe you as well), Hoop Dreams.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Episode #11: Silly Little Game</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">[The development of Rotisserie (Fantasy) Baseball.]</span><br />I didn't enjoy the style in which it was presented, but I loved hearing about the birth of fantasy sports as we know it today. Anyone who believes themselves to be a "fantasy junkie" should watch this. I only wish the spouses of the founding members had been given more of a forum to express their opinions on how this "silly little game" impacted their lives. If it were better directed, the content alone may have put this in my 2nd - or even top - spot.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >If I had a request a few topics for future 30 for 30s, I think I'd go with these 5:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1) The day (and potentially build-up) of Magic Johnson's press conference revealing he had contracted the HIV virus<br />2) Michael Jordan and his gambling addiction (including the 2-year suspension "conspiracy theory")<br />3) The story of the "Jewish Jordan" Tamir Goodman<br />4) The tragic death of New Jersey Net Drazen Petrovic<br />5) The paternity cases of Shawn Kemp (seriously)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Your requests???</span><br /></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-28876587812906776872010-04-21T00:54:00.013-04:002010-04-21T01:15:09.782-04:00Midnight Revelations: The Return<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/boxscore;_ylt=AkJrAz697vbM0EjSSxwaHGA5nYcB?gid=2010042013">While watching an entertaining Oklahoma City/Los Angeles opener</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, the NBA (aka the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_throw">Free Throw</a> Association) still absolutely sucks. <span style="font-weight: bold;">HARD</span>.</span><br /><br />1) With all due apologies to the 90% legit fans of the two teams, whose bandwagon is full of more absolute <span style="font-weight: bold;">posers</span>: Red Sox Nation or Kobe-era Laker fans???<br /><br />2) Charles Barkley is good for one memorable quote...a <span style="font-weight: bold;">minute</span>.<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">The rest of the NBA better get their wins against Oklahoma City and Chicago now. Because in a few years, they're gonna be REAL good. Better beat that <span style="font-weight: bold;">butt </span>(he used a different word, mind you) now, before you can't in a few years</span>."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86I_nfFK9I/AAAAAAAAB5E/ZuCLYr20KRQ/s1600/EM.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86I_nfFK9I/AAAAAAAAB5E/ZuCLYr20KRQ/s320/EM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462454024559471570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Call me a homer (go ahead, you wanna), but this guy can be very good...sooner than later.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Blog.Newsok.com</span><br /></span></div><br />3) <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/14654/eric-maynor-matters">Eric Maynor</a> is fully capable of being a <span style="font-weight: bold;">starting </span>point in the NBA. Russell Westbrook may be a potential rising phenom, but I see Maynor (who <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4766058">Utah idiotically gave up</a> in a far-too-lazy-cap relief move) successfully starting for a team in less than 3 years (i.e. his next contract)...against the likes of Westbrook and the Thunder.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86HyHLfbdI/AAAAAAAAB40/59BAfOUOAo4/s1600/Pau.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86HyHLfbdI/AAAAAAAAB40/59BAfOUOAo4/s320/Pau.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462452693037444562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">How do you say "<span style="font-style: italic;">boo hoo</span>" in Spanish? Anyone? Anyone?<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: Buttheadsports.com</span></span><br /></div><br />4) <a href="http://dimemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/paugasol_lal_01.jpg">Pau Gasol's mannerisms</a> make me want to die. Why <span style="font-weight: bold;">pretend </span>to act like you're tough, Pau? Why act like you're too physical (by pounding your chest down the court) for your opponent, when you're clearly not, Pau? We saw what KG did to you in 2008. That tape will never lie. You're incredibly skilled, Pau. And a Spanish <a href="http://www.ohjohnny.net/donnie/donniebutton.jpg">fugazi </a>on the court. <span style="font-style: italic;">Only in your facial expressions, of course.</span><br /><br />5) They need to end people being rewarded a timeout while rolling around on the floor with the ball in a crowd. <span style="font-style: italic;">Isn't that <span style="font-weight: bold;">traveling</span>? </span>The NBA did well to end the Rodman-rule (diving out of bands and calling a timeout). Time to end this nonsense.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86IsDod4nI/AAAAAAAAB48/pUYeJRHgfWc/s1600/JG.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S86IsDod4nI/AAAAAAAAB48/pUYeJRHgfWc/s320/JG.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462453688517649010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Jeff Green needs to get rid of the shakes too when he's 1-on-1</span><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: DailyThunder.com</span><br /></div><br />Oklahoma City just needs a solid big and some time to develop. And to stay healthy, of course. But they're getting swept this series. Oh well.Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-63666165213994205822010-04-01T23:51:00.004-04:002010-04-01T23:56:36.574-04:00Join Facebook Group Denouncing 96-Team NCAA Tournament FieldEarlier today, NCAA Senior VP Greg Shaheen stated that the prospect of a 96-team tournament format had been discussed and favored over the current 65-team format, and proposed 68- and 80-team formats.<br /><br />See the video <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5047881">here</a>.<br /><br />Join the Facebook group <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=nf&gid=111264448891298#%21/group.php?v=wall&ref=nf&gid=111264448891298">here</a>.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Paymonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04179522944078513967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-2994522218913889452010-03-28T10:14:00.008-04:002010-03-28T10:48:31.075-04:00Week in Review: Bummer City<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Second straight busy week at PHSports.</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br />First off, check out the <span style="font-weight: bold;">NEW POLL </span>top right of the page. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vote on!!!!<br /><br />Picture of the Week: <span style="font-style: italic;">It still leaves a sick feeling in my stomach...</span><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S69mwwFRkAI/AAAAAAAAB4o/cnBn0Z9Spp0/s1600/SU.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S69mwwFRkAI/AAAAAAAAB4o/cnBn0Z9Spp0/s320/SU.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453690661495738370" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: DailyOrange.com</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br />1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Urban Meyer is a tool</span>. Yeah, we already knew that. But Gator fan has a much tougher task defending his blatantly ridiculous actions this week. For a summary: <a href="http://www.ajc.com/sports/urban-meyer-mouths-off-401545.html">check it</a>. For my opinion, see the first sentence in this post. <a href="http://trojanempire.wordpress.com/2009/12/27/florida-to-meyer%E2%80%99s-daughter-%E2%80%98i-get-your-daddy-back%E2%80%99/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tool</span></a>.<br /><br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Women's basketball remains boring</span>. No matter how much ESPN wants us to care, women's college basketball is unwatchable and UCONN's streak is as meaningless as any of its kind in recent memory. Don't try and be PC, either. <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369952-brittney-griner-the-new-face-of-womens-college-basketball">Admit it</a>.<br /><br />3) Butler and West Virginia advanced to the Final Four on Saturday. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Who told you to worry about Kentucky?</span> <a href="http://phsports.blogspot.com/2010/03/sweet-sixteen-questions-without_23.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Oh yeah, ME!!!</span></a><br />A) Nobody could stabilize them on the court as West Virginia dominated the second half with back cuts and a non-scoring point guard SCORING at will. Not to mention them missing countless 3s against WVU in a <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/recap?gid=201003270292">73-66 loss Saturday night</a>.<br />B) John Wall didn't shoot free throws well at all (4-8), ala Derrick Rose in 2008. <span style="font-style: italic;">Yeah, I went there.</span><br />C) Patrick Patterson has <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO </span>business shooting 3s. Not even 1. So to prove me wrong...he shot 4. And missed all 4. <span style="font-style: italic;">Well predicted, me.</span><br /><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michigan State/Tennessee and Duke/Baylor today for the two remaining Final Four slots</span>. Who told you not to doubt Izzo (going for 6 Final Fours in 12 years)? <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh yeah, ME!!!</span> Who won't have even 1 Final Four team correct from his "Sheet of Integrity"? <span style="font-style: italic;">Oh yeah, ME!!!</span><br /><br />5) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Go Baylor</span>. <a href="http://www.truthaboutduke.com/">Duh</a>.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Video of the Week: <span style="font-style: italic;">Can somebody PLEASE tell Optimus Prime to shutup so I can hear Meyer pretend he's a bad@ss???</span></span><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSmxtFItPhvn5PwFAH-uqCUOCx1YGkHinIkrP2_Irizy9KZuPZXHGBsNWNBHDRrgrR0OKBaeCPxWA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: YouTube.com [UFSoftballFan]</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I only hope Meyer doesn't threaten to ban PHSports from Gator practices now...</span><br /><br />Time to pretend I'm still not bumming...<a href="http://phsports.blogspot.com/2010/03/anatomy-of-upset.html">over a game</a>.<br /></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34690815.post-40979806548452474592010-03-25T21:18:00.007-04:002010-03-25T21:49:44.670-04:00Anatomy of an Upset:<span style="font-size:85%;">You want to know why <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=300840183">Butler WON tonight's game</a>? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Syracuse lost it</span>.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I know that wreaks of sour grapes, but it's true.<br />And don't get me wrong...I'd have killed to have Butler lose it.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >But they didn't. Syracuse did.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wQiIphK1I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/6-oV5F4NgHg/s1600/Cuse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wQiIphK1I/AAAAAAAAB4Q/6-oV5F4NgHg/s320/Cuse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452751427462048594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">18 turnovers to 7. Syracuse was lazy, undisciplined, and lacking any touch on lob passes into the paint.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">That's just the start of what went wrong.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">In a word: <span style="font-weight: bold;">pathetic</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: ESPN.go.com</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim Boeheim was outcoached</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">completely</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">Not that this ever surprises me anymore</span>. Calhoun, Dixon, and Pitino have been outclassing him in the Big East for years now.<br />2) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wesley Johnson isn't assertive enough to create his own shot</span>. His raw athleticism is amazing, but he did NOTHING after a nice 3 that gave Syracuse a BRIEF 41-40 lead. He may be a top 5-pick, but if he can't learn to create his own shot...bye bye relevancy in the NBA.<br />3) <span style="font-weight: bold;">A 7-man rotation that goes to 6 - after AO's injury - showed the pathetic lack of depth on Cuse's bench</span>. (<span style="font-style: italic;">Believe me, I don't blame DeShonte Riley one bit. Not his fault.</span>) Pay knew it (I hated to agree, but he was soooo right), that Boeheim was playing with fire with such a short bench; especially if an injury occurred to one of his bigs. <span style="font-style: italic;">Lucky for the Cuse, AO is injury prone!!!</span><br />4) <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Jackson is NOT someone you run your offense through</span>. The game plan was <span style="font-weight: bold;">AWFUL </span>tonight. Jackson touched the ball far too much. He was uncomfortable, turnover prone, lazy on defense (probably due to being exhausted), and couldn't grip the basketball anywhere near the paint. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pathetic performance from Rick Jackson, who deserves a reign of boos next time he enters the Carrier Dome</span>.<br /><br />Of course, I'm INCREDIBLY dissapointed as a fan. I didn't have 100% Final Four aspirations, without AO, if Kansas State was waiting for us. However, I didn't want a season I invested so much time in, to end so poorly. I'd love to throw a few words in front of poorly. <span style="font-style: italic;">Man, would I ever.</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wRUq3NCII/AAAAAAAAB4g/0vOt2Fy8fYI/s1600/But.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wRUq3NCII/AAAAAAAAB4g/0vOt2Fy8fYI/s320/But.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452752295639713922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">To the victor goes the spoils. An impressive final 5 minutes, to say the least, for the Bulldogs.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: CNNSI.com</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />But <span style="font-weight: bold;">props to Butler</span>. They made stops, hit deep 3s very late (lucky bounces or not), contained Jackson with relative ease, and made Rautins work his butt off. Syracuse had little to no chance to get second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass, force turnovers due to the zone extending, or get the fast break going.<br /><br />Funny thing is, Butler didn't shoot lights out either (40% from the field, 25% from 3). Far from it. They didn't need twelve 3s or 30 trips to the free throw line to win. Syracuse beat themselves by failing to execute on the offensive side of the ball. A minor tweak may result in 2 or 3 nice possessions, only until things broke down yet again.<br /><br />Obviously the point is, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Syracuse played a pathetic game</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">With a pathetic game plan</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">With pathetic coaching</span>. Outside of an above average opening stretch in the second half, I could sadly see the writing on the wall. No lead lasted long, even 54-50 with the under 4-timeout. <span style="font-style: italic;">Of course, the inbound play led to a turnover, a Butler deep 3, and an 11-0 run! Great adjustments Jimmy!!!</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wQ6LLz0MI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/L8GczsQLjLk/s1600/Jax.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 365px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wQ6LLz0MI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/L8GczsQLjLk/s320/Jax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452751840459608258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I knew it all too soon in the second half. This game would end in all too unfamiliar fashion.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It wreaked of that infamous Vermont game in 2005</span>.<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: CNNSI.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Up 54-50, Syracuse stalled completely. Killing any momentum by holding onto the ball too long on multiple possessions (after STOPS, no less). Why on EARTH did Boeheim allow the team to force BAD shots by Scoop Jardine (really?) late in the shot clock, allowing Butler time to settle their defense in, rebound poor shots, and then hit shots of their own on the offensive end??? Why not call a timeout and map out an offensive gameplan. Maybe one through Johnson, Rautins, or Joseph (who looked like his 2008-self) and NOT Jackson or Jardine. <span style="font-style: italic;">Then of course, the aforementioned turnover and 11-0 run came after the 4-minute timeout. No surprise Brad Stevens had a better game plan for the final 4 than Jimmy, right?</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wOmobSEjI/AAAAAAAAB4I/dAJnSzwOEx8/s1600/Boe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 406px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Aq4ZRKGHw9c/S6wOmobSEjI/AAAAAAAAB4I/dAJnSzwOEx8/s320/Boe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452749305688494642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">A team of overachievers just underachieved.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">And I want real answers.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> From Boeheim</span>.<br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;">Credit: CNNSI.com</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Unfortunately, much like the Vermont-loss in 2005...I won't get any (answers).<br /><br />I'll just get Gus Johnson unabashedly rooting for underdogs to hit deep 3s.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">At least he doesn't hide it, I guess.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Utterly embarrassed to be a Syracuse fan right now.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'd feel better if I were a Jayhawk fan right now, I think.<br /><br /></span><span>Now I'm going to stop pouting, grow up, and move on.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">At least I didn't break anything...expensive.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Clementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04324526593033658641noreply@blogger.com0