I thought this year's version was simply spectacular in New Orleans. The events had something for everyone to enjoy. If you were not entertained by something the NBA put on, then you either don't like basketball, or were looking for a reason to dislike the event. There was something for all ages to enjoy, and New Orleans seemed to do a great job of hosting the event, in their continued effort to rebuild the city, and the spirit of the community, following the horrific events, caused by Hurricane Katrina. It was a stark contrast from recent festivities, including last year's disaster in Las Vegas, when Pacman Jones got himself arrested, and put many people in danger at a local strip club. This year was all about fun, and the stars of the NBA gave everyone a weekend to remember.
I thought it was one of the best shows the NBA has put on during the all star break, in a long time. It reminded many of the so-called "glory days" when MJ, Dominique, and Dr. J used to routinely put on an impressive performance, that fans would be talking about for weeks, building up momentum for the 2nd half of the season. Each event had something unique, for the fans.
Whether it was the Shooting Stars competition where David Robinson was paired with Tim Duncan one more time, and they were hitting half court shots to win the contest, or it was the Skills Challenge, that came down to rivals from the same draft class in Deron Williams and Chris Paul, the entire evening was a ball of fun, for fans of the NBA. The 3 point shootout proved to be a sight to see, as Jason Kapono of the Raptors proved that he is the best shooter in the NBA by scoring 25 points in the finals in an impressive shooting display, that has rarely been seen, in repeating as champion in that event. But the event that has people still buzzing was the main event, the Slam Dunk Contest.
The Slam Dunk Contest has always been the crown jewel of All Star Weekend, the event that people look forward to, each year. Lately, it had become seemingly stale, as many of the dunks had been seen in past years, and had many wondering if it was time to scrap the contest, altogether. That has been answered with a resounding NO, as it has been revived in the last couple of years, with the best one in many years, coming this past weekend. The newest generation of stars of the NBA have revived this competition, which seemed to be on life support, and have made it a must watch event, once again.
The man that shined the brightest on this night would be Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. He would win the Slam Dunk Contest, and do it in a fashion, that was simply incredible for those that were lucky enough to witness it live. He is the biggest man to ever win the contest, and his athleticism, imagination, and strength are unfathomible. He is an absolute beast, a freak of nature, and he made everyone a fan of his this past weekend, that wasn't already.
Gerald Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves gave him a run for his money with his "cupcake" dunk, but Howard's series of dunks were amazing feats, that had never been seen before. I don't know how they can be topped in the future by Howard, but on this night, they were a ton of fun to watch, and made you shake your head in amazement, at the pure skill that was on display. Howard's Superman dunk, where he donned the cape, leaped high into the air, and threw the ball with such ferocity through the net, will be talked about for a long time.
His assortment of dunks were so dazzling that, some of them would have gotten acclaim as the best dunk of the night in other years, but he had so many good ones, that a few of them will get lost in the shadow of the "Superman" dunk that tore the house down, and created a major buzz around the water coolers at work, across the country. One thing is for sure. This All Star weekend won't be forgotten anytime soon. I can't remember the last time the NBA could claim that.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Jason Kidd FINALLY to the Mavs?
Well, it looks like this deal will get done later today, pending league approval, and we can get on with the rest of our lives. The story, which seemingly would never go away, seems to be heading toward a happy ending for Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks. It seemed like there were more snags in this deal than any other successful trade, in league history. First, Devean George backed out at the last minute, because he didn't want to waive his Larry Bird rights, thus eliminating his leverage in the off-season, to sign a lucrative free agent deal, with another team.
Then, it was revealed that Jerry Stackhouse planned to return to the Mavs in 30 days, after the Nets waived him, which the NBA would not allow, so they could not include him in the deal. Despite these 2 potentially devastating dealbreakers, the Mavericks and Nets stayed creative and patient, and were able to tweak the pieces around, to make this trade feasible.
They seemed to be at a point of no return, and realized that it would be in their best interest to find a way, to close this deal. Since the rumored deal had become such public knowledge, they did not want to have to reneg on this deal, so the principles involved would not have to return to their prior clubs, and create a possible ugly situation, and an uncomfortable working environment, for the entire team. No one needs those kinds of distractions this time of year, especially when both teams have a chance to make the playoffs, and in the case of the Mavs, they have high aspirations and goals, and do not need a good season ruined, by this mess.
So, am I surprised that this trade got done in the end, despite the snags that developed? Not really. Both teams really wanted to make this work, and had a lot of incentive to make the trade. In the end, if you are creative and smart enough, and have the cooperation of all parties involved, you're going to figure out how to make things work logistically, and that's just what the Mavs and Nets have apparently done.
The amazing part in all this, is the role Keith Van Horn, played in getting the deal done. Without him, I'm not sure how they would have figured a proper way, to make it work. Keith was semi retired, so the Mavs have signed him to a 4 million dollar deal, and are going to trade him to the Nets, so the salaries match up, to basically do nothing for 30 days, before they can release him, back into retirement. Keith was apparently thinking this proposition over. What is there to think about, Keith? Somebody wants to give you 4 freaking million dollars to do nothing, and you didn't sign on the dotted line, within seconds? This is the American dream, come true. I would have hurried up and signed before they took the offer off the table. That is unbelievable. I guess this is what they call big business in the United States of America, these days.
The other question, of course, is where does this big trade, place the Mavericks in the hierarchy of the Western Conference? I'm not sure it does much for them, honestly. Don't get me wrong, it's definitley a good trade for them, that I'd do in a second. You're getting one of the best PG's in basketball, even at his advanced age, and pairing him with one of the top players in the league, in Dirk Nowitski. That should be a lethal 1-2 combination, much like they had when Steve Nash was in Dallas, and makes you a lot better at the PG spot.
But, in making this deal, they lose Devin Harris, who is a very good player, who could do a lot of things for them, as well as Desagana Diop, who gave them a defensive presense in the middle, as well as an offensive rebounder, who set good screens, and understood his role, in their offense. What they didn't get, is someone who can clog up the middle, and score with his back to the basket, or someone that can stop guys like Duncan, Gasol, Bynum, Boozer, or Shaq. The point is, while they added a great player, they did not address their biggest weakness, which is the interior. They needed a true big man, to combine with Dirk, and they did not get that, in this trade. As strange as it sounds, even with the Jason Kidd deal, I really feel that LA, Phoenix, and San Antonio are still above them, with teams like Utah and Houston nipping at their heels in the ever loaded West.
Then, it was revealed that Jerry Stackhouse planned to return to the Mavs in 30 days, after the Nets waived him, which the NBA would not allow, so they could not include him in the deal. Despite these 2 potentially devastating dealbreakers, the Mavericks and Nets stayed creative and patient, and were able to tweak the pieces around, to make this trade feasible.
They seemed to be at a point of no return, and realized that it would be in their best interest to find a way, to close this deal. Since the rumored deal had become such public knowledge, they did not want to have to reneg on this deal, so the principles involved would not have to return to their prior clubs, and create a possible ugly situation, and an uncomfortable working environment, for the entire team. No one needs those kinds of distractions this time of year, especially when both teams have a chance to make the playoffs, and in the case of the Mavs, they have high aspirations and goals, and do not need a good season ruined, by this mess.
So, am I surprised that this trade got done in the end, despite the snags that developed? Not really. Both teams really wanted to make this work, and had a lot of incentive to make the trade. In the end, if you are creative and smart enough, and have the cooperation of all parties involved, you're going to figure out how to make things work logistically, and that's just what the Mavs and Nets have apparently done.
The amazing part in all this, is the role Keith Van Horn, played in getting the deal done. Without him, I'm not sure how they would have figured a proper way, to make it work. Keith was semi retired, so the Mavs have signed him to a 4 million dollar deal, and are going to trade him to the Nets, so the salaries match up, to basically do nothing for 30 days, before they can release him, back into retirement. Keith was apparently thinking this proposition over. What is there to think about, Keith? Somebody wants to give you 4 freaking million dollars to do nothing, and you didn't sign on the dotted line, within seconds? This is the American dream, come true. I would have hurried up and signed before they took the offer off the table. That is unbelievable. I guess this is what they call big business in the United States of America, these days.
The other question, of course, is where does this big trade, place the Mavericks in the hierarchy of the Western Conference? I'm not sure it does much for them, honestly. Don't get me wrong, it's definitley a good trade for them, that I'd do in a second. You're getting one of the best PG's in basketball, even at his advanced age, and pairing him with one of the top players in the league, in Dirk Nowitski. That should be a lethal 1-2 combination, much like they had when Steve Nash was in Dallas, and makes you a lot better at the PG spot.
But, in making this deal, they lose Devin Harris, who is a very good player, who could do a lot of things for them, as well as Desagana Diop, who gave them a defensive presense in the middle, as well as an offensive rebounder, who set good screens, and understood his role, in their offense. What they didn't get, is someone who can clog up the middle, and score with his back to the basket, or someone that can stop guys like Duncan, Gasol, Bynum, Boozer, or Shaq. The point is, while they added a great player, they did not address their biggest weakness, which is the interior. They needed a true big man, to combine with Dirk, and they did not get that, in this trade. As strange as it sounds, even with the Jason Kidd deal, I really feel that LA, Phoenix, and San Antonio are still above them, with teams like Utah and Houston nipping at their heels in the ever loaded West.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The mess at Indiana
It seems clear that it is only a matter of time, before Kelvin Sampson has to clean out his office in Bloomington. The writing is on the wall. The administration is just doing their due dillegence, making sure they properly investigate the charges, levied against Sampson's staff by the NCAA, before dismissing him. And when they do, they can take the AD Rick Greenspan, with him. There is no way they should have hired Kelvin. The AD has to exercise better judgement, given the infractions Kelvin commited at the end of his run at Oklahoma.
For a program coming off of a controversial, albeit highly successful coach in Bob Knight, and a less than successful coach, given IU's lofty standards in Mike Davis, the Indiana brass had to get it right with the latest hire, given the historical success and expectations the Hoosiers and their fans have, of the program. Instead, Greenspan inexplicably hired Kelvin Sampson, and it was roundly criticized, and questioned locally, as well as nationally. This is not a case of revisionist history. Everyone knew at the time, it was a mistake to appoint Sampson at IU, yet they did it anyway.
The AD needs to be held accountable for this mistake, and he will likely lose his job, over it. You reap what you sew. Indiana deserves what they got with the phone call scandal, and whatever punishment the NCAA will hand down, for these major violations. There were way too many red flags for them to take a chance on this guy. And, their program was not in a position to take, such an unnecessary risk, on hiring Sampson. They were told not to hire Kelvin, yet they did it anyway, I guess out of their own stubborness, of thinking he was a quality coach, that had learned his lesson from his recruiting violations at Oklahoma. But, there was no need to take a chance on this hire. IU is a very high profile program, it is a good job, and they could have found any number of quality candidates, that would have loved to take this job, without any of the baggage, that Sampson brough with him from the Big 12.
As for Sampson, he has exercised terrible judgement in making impermissible phone calls, at both IU and Oklahoma. He also allegedly lied to NCAA investigators, regarding the case. he has clearly not learned his lesson, and doesn't realize how lucky he was to have such high profile, high paying jobs. He clearly didn't value the situation was in, he took it for granted. Now, he will pay the price, and he will have to fight uphill to ever get a good College Basketball head coaching job in the future. He only has himself to blame, when he loses his job.
Where Indiana goes from here is unclear, but Kelvin has to go, and IU must find a new athletic director as well. They have to start from scratch, and clean up this once proud program. They have to reevaluate what they want their basketball program to stand for. This is a school that won 3 national championships under Bobby Knight, and they must look in the mirror, to determine how they can get back to the excellence on and off the court, that they are used to in Bloomington, Indiana.
For a program coming off of a controversial, albeit highly successful coach in Bob Knight, and a less than successful coach, given IU's lofty standards in Mike Davis, the Indiana brass had to get it right with the latest hire, given the historical success and expectations the Hoosiers and their fans have, of the program. Instead, Greenspan inexplicably hired Kelvin Sampson, and it was roundly criticized, and questioned locally, as well as nationally. This is not a case of revisionist history. Everyone knew at the time, it was a mistake to appoint Sampson at IU, yet they did it anyway.
The AD needs to be held accountable for this mistake, and he will likely lose his job, over it. You reap what you sew. Indiana deserves what they got with the phone call scandal, and whatever punishment the NCAA will hand down, for these major violations. There were way too many red flags for them to take a chance on this guy. And, their program was not in a position to take, such an unnecessary risk, on hiring Sampson. They were told not to hire Kelvin, yet they did it anyway, I guess out of their own stubborness, of thinking he was a quality coach, that had learned his lesson from his recruiting violations at Oklahoma. But, there was no need to take a chance on this hire. IU is a very high profile program, it is a good job, and they could have found any number of quality candidates, that would have loved to take this job, without any of the baggage, that Sampson brough with him from the Big 12.
As for Sampson, he has exercised terrible judgement in making impermissible phone calls, at both IU and Oklahoma. He also allegedly lied to NCAA investigators, regarding the case. he has clearly not learned his lesson, and doesn't realize how lucky he was to have such high profile, high paying jobs. He clearly didn't value the situation was in, he took it for granted. Now, he will pay the price, and he will have to fight uphill to ever get a good College Basketball head coaching job in the future. He only has himself to blame, when he loses his job.
Where Indiana goes from here is unclear, but Kelvin has to go, and IU must find a new athletic director as well. They have to start from scratch, and clean up this once proud program. They have to reevaluate what they want their basketball program to stand for. This is a school that won 3 national championships under Bobby Knight, and they must look in the mirror, to determine how they can get back to the excellence on and off the court, that they are used to in Bloomington, Indiana.
Looking back at the Congressional Hearing
Having had a few days to let it sink in, it is hard to put into words what wednesday's hearing on Capitol Hill, involving testimony from Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee will ultimately mean for the future of baseball, and the future of Clemens, going forward. One thing is clear. The hearing, which lasted nearly 5 hours, was equally dramatic, riveting TV, that captivated the American public, as well as a sad, puzzling commentary about where baseball is, and where it is headed in the near future.
Blame must be placed on everyone, for this embarassing debacle, that has put everyone in baseball in a negative light, all the way from Bud Selig up top, right down to Clemens, McNamee, and all the other figures in baseball that have lied and deceived the public, and the great fans of baseball. The innocence of the game we all loved as kids has now been shattered, and it will be very hard to pick up the pieces, and restore faith in our great heroes on the baseball diamond.
Who exactly told the truth on wednesday, is unclear, to anyone, perhaps except Clemens and McNamee, themselves. It is quite possible that both men have been at least somewhat untruthful in their testimony, as there are inconsistent stories, running rampant from their mouths. With directly opoosing views regarding what has happened in the past, it is clear illegal activity has occured, and perjury has been commited by someone. While it will be hard to prove who may have lied under oath, this whole situation has taken on a disgusting tone, with so much acrimony between Congress, the Clemens camp, and the McNamee side.
Congress acted horribly, and childish during the hearing, and really makes you wonder if our tax paying dollars should have been spent, on this issue. Baseball needs to sorely clean up their act in house, and leave the politicians out of it. Congress has demonstrated that they have no business being involved in baseball, as they really do not know what they are talking about, and took sides in this issue, which was unprofessional, and totally uncalled for.
While it is hard to say how this will ultimately play out, and what action, if any, is next in this saga, the steroid issue has tarnished the game, and put a dark cloud, as Spring Training opens up. We can only hope that baseball has learned something from this gigantic mess. If they haven't, baseball may never truly recover, and may be treated as a form of Pro Wrestling. While few have much sympathy for Brian McNamee, it is certaintly sad to see Roger Clemens fall from grace, much like that of Barry Bonds. Roger is one of the great pitchers of all time, but it is highly doubtful that he will ever fully regain his reputation and credibility, within the game. He will need a minor miracle to ever see the Halls of Cooperstown, after he was a sure fire, 1st ballot, record setting Hall of Famer. Let's just hope for his sake, he doesn't end up in the slammer for an extended period of time, when this is all said and done. That would truly be a tragic fall, for a once beloved hero of baseball.
Blame must be placed on everyone, for this embarassing debacle, that has put everyone in baseball in a negative light, all the way from Bud Selig up top, right down to Clemens, McNamee, and all the other figures in baseball that have lied and deceived the public, and the great fans of baseball. The innocence of the game we all loved as kids has now been shattered, and it will be very hard to pick up the pieces, and restore faith in our great heroes on the baseball diamond.
Who exactly told the truth on wednesday, is unclear, to anyone, perhaps except Clemens and McNamee, themselves. It is quite possible that both men have been at least somewhat untruthful in their testimony, as there are inconsistent stories, running rampant from their mouths. With directly opoosing views regarding what has happened in the past, it is clear illegal activity has occured, and perjury has been commited by someone. While it will be hard to prove who may have lied under oath, this whole situation has taken on a disgusting tone, with so much acrimony between Congress, the Clemens camp, and the McNamee side.
Congress acted horribly, and childish during the hearing, and really makes you wonder if our tax paying dollars should have been spent, on this issue. Baseball needs to sorely clean up their act in house, and leave the politicians out of it. Congress has demonstrated that they have no business being involved in baseball, as they really do not know what they are talking about, and took sides in this issue, which was unprofessional, and totally uncalled for.
While it is hard to say how this will ultimately play out, and what action, if any, is next in this saga, the steroid issue has tarnished the game, and put a dark cloud, as Spring Training opens up. We can only hope that baseball has learned something from this gigantic mess. If they haven't, baseball may never truly recover, and may be treated as a form of Pro Wrestling. While few have much sympathy for Brian McNamee, it is certaintly sad to see Roger Clemens fall from grace, much like that of Barry Bonds. Roger is one of the great pitchers of all time, but it is highly doubtful that he will ever fully regain his reputation and credibility, within the game. He will need a minor miracle to ever see the Halls of Cooperstown, after he was a sure fire, 1st ballot, record setting Hall of Famer. Let's just hope for his sake, he doesn't end up in the slammer for an extended period of time, when this is all said and done. That would truly be a tragic fall, for a once beloved hero of baseball.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Chad Johnson
The Washington Redskins and Daniel Snyder are said to be interested in trading for the disgruntled, yet extremely productive Pro Bowl Wide Receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. There are also rumors suggesting the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are interested in acquiring Johnson. I guess the whole NFC East, sans the NY Giants, are interested in Chad. Chad is unhappy with Marvin Lewis and the Bengals brass. He feels that he is the scapegoat for the disappointing season Cincinnati had in 2007.
I don't see him going to Dallas or Philly, if he were to be dealt. Dallas already has an ego filled franchise WR in Terrell Owens, and haven't won a playoff game with him, yet. Chad currently wants the ball more in Cincy, with TJ Houshamanzadeh as his sidekick. How do you think he'd feel if TO were his teammate? There is no way they would be able to co-exist. Too much of a me-first mentality, for those two to work side by side. I don't see him going to the Eagles, either. Donovan McNabb didn't exactly enjoy his time when TO was his teammate. I don't think he and Andy Reid would sign off on acquiring another potential major distraction in the locker room, as good as Chad Johnson is on the field. I don't see them, putting themselves through that hassle, once again.
Of the rumored teams, the Redskins make the most sense, to me. Daniel Snyder isn't afraid to throw money around, and Chad is looking for a new, long term contract. They didn't make a splash when they hired Jim Zorn as their head coach. If they were to land Johnson, that would take some of the heat off of that hire, and the focus would turn to Chad. They could use a big time WR, opposite Santana Moss, to give their young QB Jason Campbell a big target, that can stretch the field, and draw the attention of the defense. This could also open things up more for their tight end Chris Cooley, as well as Clinton Portis, their featured RB.
The other question, of course, is, would the Bengals be willing to deal Chad to another team? I've gone back and forth on this, but at the end of the day, I think they would, and perhaps should, if they get some decent value in return. Obviously, Chad is a great pro bowl caliber player, and has consistently proven that year after year, with Cincinnati. But, they haven't won a single playoff with him on their roster, and it's very hard to deny that his strong personality has had a negative effect on the team, and has caused a negative vibe in the locker room. Look, the Bengals have had more than enough talent the past few years under Marvin Lewis. Why can't they get over the hump? I think it has to do with the intangibles, like character and off the field distractions, where you can't count on your teammates to do their job, and do it with professionalism.
Carson Palmer is one of the top QB's in the league already, and is the franchise player, but I think Chad's antics have really stalled his, and the team's progress. If you look at another young QB in Eli Manning, he didn't take the gigantic step that he did at the end of the season until big egos such as Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey were no longer around, to distract him and the team from their central goal. At the end of the day, it is a team, and if everybody doesn't fall in line and buy in, there are bound to be problems. The Bengals need to clean out the excess garbage, and as good as Chad is, sometimes he does more harm than good for the organization.
Besides, they have 2 other good WR's in TJ and Chris Henry, you can always find an adequete WR, via free agency or in the draft. It's not that hard to find a quality WR in the NFL, similar to the running back position, there is a lot of depth out there, at those skill positions. If the Bengals can use a Chad Johnson trade to help fill some holes on their defense, which is their biggest current weakness on paper, then I think you have to do it.
Start remaking this team, and get quality character guys, that are also good football players. You don't want guys around that don't want to be there, it just brings everybody else down. negative energy from the star player, can filter all the way down the 53 man roster. The NY Giants, and the Patriots that won their first Super Bowl in 2001 have proven, it's not always the most talented team on paper that wins, but it's the team that plays together, and their whole unit is surperior than their individual parts. The Bengals didn't play together this past season, and by unloading me-first Chad Johnson, they might become a more complete team, as a result.
I don't see him going to Dallas or Philly, if he were to be dealt. Dallas already has an ego filled franchise WR in Terrell Owens, and haven't won a playoff game with him, yet. Chad currently wants the ball more in Cincy, with TJ Houshamanzadeh as his sidekick. How do you think he'd feel if TO were his teammate? There is no way they would be able to co-exist. Too much of a me-first mentality, for those two to work side by side. I don't see him going to the Eagles, either. Donovan McNabb didn't exactly enjoy his time when TO was his teammate. I don't think he and Andy Reid would sign off on acquiring another potential major distraction in the locker room, as good as Chad Johnson is on the field. I don't see them, putting themselves through that hassle, once again.
Of the rumored teams, the Redskins make the most sense, to me. Daniel Snyder isn't afraid to throw money around, and Chad is looking for a new, long term contract. They didn't make a splash when they hired Jim Zorn as their head coach. If they were to land Johnson, that would take some of the heat off of that hire, and the focus would turn to Chad. They could use a big time WR, opposite Santana Moss, to give their young QB Jason Campbell a big target, that can stretch the field, and draw the attention of the defense. This could also open things up more for their tight end Chris Cooley, as well as Clinton Portis, their featured RB.
The other question, of course, is, would the Bengals be willing to deal Chad to another team? I've gone back and forth on this, but at the end of the day, I think they would, and perhaps should, if they get some decent value in return. Obviously, Chad is a great pro bowl caliber player, and has consistently proven that year after year, with Cincinnati. But, they haven't won a single playoff with him on their roster, and it's very hard to deny that his strong personality has had a negative effect on the team, and has caused a negative vibe in the locker room. Look, the Bengals have had more than enough talent the past few years under Marvin Lewis. Why can't they get over the hump? I think it has to do with the intangibles, like character and off the field distractions, where you can't count on your teammates to do their job, and do it with professionalism.
Carson Palmer is one of the top QB's in the league already, and is the franchise player, but I think Chad's antics have really stalled his, and the team's progress. If you look at another young QB in Eli Manning, he didn't take the gigantic step that he did at the end of the season until big egos such as Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey were no longer around, to distract him and the team from their central goal. At the end of the day, it is a team, and if everybody doesn't fall in line and buy in, there are bound to be problems. The Bengals need to clean out the excess garbage, and as good as Chad is, sometimes he does more harm than good for the organization.
Besides, they have 2 other good WR's in TJ and Chris Henry, you can always find an adequete WR, via free agency or in the draft. It's not that hard to find a quality WR in the NFL, similar to the running back position, there is a lot of depth out there, at those skill positions. If the Bengals can use a Chad Johnson trade to help fill some holes on their defense, which is their biggest current weakness on paper, then I think you have to do it.
Start remaking this team, and get quality character guys, that are also good football players. You don't want guys around that don't want to be there, it just brings everybody else down. negative energy from the star player, can filter all the way down the 53 man roster. The NY Giants, and the Patriots that won their first Super Bowl in 2001 have proven, it's not always the most talented team on paper that wins, but it's the team that plays together, and their whole unit is surperior than their individual parts. The Bengals didn't play together this past season, and by unloading me-first Chad Johnson, they might become a more complete team, as a result.
Are you ready for a circus?
That's precisely what it's going to be like at the Congressional hearings in Washington, DC later this morning, when Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee are grilled by Congressional members on Capitol Hill. It's going to be an absolute train wreck of a day, that we're in for, a surreal atmosphere, and what will be looked back on, as a very ugly episode in baseball's long and storied history, a game that used to be America's Past Time. What is it now? Hard to say, but this whole story has not, and is not going away any time soon, and more closely resembles General Hospital, or your favorite daytime Soap Opera, than a professional sport, at the moment.
Clearly, Roger Clemens and his legal team, led by the combative Rusty Hardin, are on the defensive, and must come out swinging, if they want any chance to sway the public opinion to his side, and more importantly, to keep him out of jail, for possibly commiting perjury. The revelation of what Andy Pettite allegedly said in his deposition to Congress about Roger talking about using HGH in 1999 or 2000, could potentially be a damaging blow to his case, and one of many pieces of circumstancial evidence, that will be hard for Clemens to overcome.
He will have to explain away all of these things, and it will very tough for Roger, who is a very tough minded Texan, to not crack, and wilt under the pressure. He will have to keep his emotions in check, he must stay calm under the adversity of what is sure to be a long, and trying day, and he has to tell his side of the story in a very clear fashion, in order to stem the tide, of what is continuing to look like a long uphill climb for the Rocket.
He has won many hard fought battles over the course of his historically great Hall of Fame Career, but this is a different type of game he is playing, than when he is staring at a batter 90 feet away, with a 3-2 count, and the bases loaded. In this contest, he has to clear his name, protect his legacy and his livelihood, in order to avoid being put behind bars. It is quite ironic and eeerie that the damaging evidence in this case comes directly from his longtime trainer and good friend, Brian Mcnamee, and perhaps his best friend in the baseball world and longtime pitching rotation teammate, Andy Pettite.
How does the saying go? Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. In this case, his close friends have become his bitter enemies, in a case that may wind up permanetely tarnishing what was not just a good name in baseball, but one of the great baseball legends in the history of the game. This morning's hearing could go a long way toward determining, if that comes to pass. A lot is at stake for Roger Clemens. That is why everyone will be glued to the set, to see exactly what happens, in that court room.
Clearly, Roger Clemens and his legal team, led by the combative Rusty Hardin, are on the defensive, and must come out swinging, if they want any chance to sway the public opinion to his side, and more importantly, to keep him out of jail, for possibly commiting perjury. The revelation of what Andy Pettite allegedly said in his deposition to Congress about Roger talking about using HGH in 1999 or 2000, could potentially be a damaging blow to his case, and one of many pieces of circumstancial evidence, that will be hard for Clemens to overcome.
He will have to explain away all of these things, and it will very tough for Roger, who is a very tough minded Texan, to not crack, and wilt under the pressure. He will have to keep his emotions in check, he must stay calm under the adversity of what is sure to be a long, and trying day, and he has to tell his side of the story in a very clear fashion, in order to stem the tide, of what is continuing to look like a long uphill climb for the Rocket.
He has won many hard fought battles over the course of his historically great Hall of Fame Career, but this is a different type of game he is playing, than when he is staring at a batter 90 feet away, with a 3-2 count, and the bases loaded. In this contest, he has to clear his name, protect his legacy and his livelihood, in order to avoid being put behind bars. It is quite ironic and eeerie that the damaging evidence in this case comes directly from his longtime trainer and good friend, Brian Mcnamee, and perhaps his best friend in the baseball world and longtime pitching rotation teammate, Andy Pettite.
How does the saying go? Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. In this case, his close friends have become his bitter enemies, in a case that may wind up permanetely tarnishing what was not just a good name in baseball, but one of the great baseball legends in the history of the game. This morning's hearing could go a long way toward determining, if that comes to pass. A lot is at stake for Roger Clemens. That is why everyone will be glued to the set, to see exactly what happens, in that court room.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Pro Bowl
If you've come to this blog looking for recap and analysis of the latest Pro Bowl game from Hawaii, featuring the best players the NFL has to offer, you've come to the wrong place, unfortunately. I don't want to call anybody a loser if they watched that game, but the fact is, this is a meaningless exibition game, that is boring to the point that it has long outlived its usefulness, and relevence on the sports landscape. I didn't watch a single play of this atrocity of a game, and I'm proud to say it's the first time that I've done so.
The only reason I know anything about this year's edition of the Pro Bowl is that I saw a few highlights of the game on SportsCenter. I know that it was a high scoring game, that TJ Houshmanzadeh had 2 Touchdowns, Adrian Peterson got the game's MVP, and Jeff Garcia threw a touchdown pass to his sworn enemy, Terrell Owens. But really, who cares in the least bit about this game? Let's be honest. Very few people. in fact, I don't know anybody that watched it this year, or would admit to seeing any of it. It's gotten so bad, that no one is willing to admit to tuning in to the game. This from a nation that loves our football. We'll watch any game, as long as helmets and chinstraps are involved. Except this game. Because this isn't football. It's a joke, and has been for years.
Now, I understand why the game is played. It's a time honored tradition. Players like the free vacation to Hawaii, and it's a real prestige to be considered one of the best in the league, and get to hang out with your peers, that you've always wanted to play with, for one week. But, no one actually wants to play in the game, and fear getting hurt in an exibition game. They just want to be called a Pro Bowler, so they can make more money in their next contract. Most of the top players conveniently pull out the week of the game, because they'd rather not get hit one last time, after a grueling NFL season.
It's basicaly a watered down version of the Pro Bowl, by the time the game actually starts, which takes any of the possible intrigue right out of the game. When Tom Brady and Randy Moss pull out right after the Super Bowl, it takes away all the luster of the game. If you're going to bill this as the game where the top stars all meet on the same field, you need to have them all there playing, or it's a pointless affair. And, it's totally understandable that Moss and Brady pulled out this year. Do you really think they can get up for a game, just days after being upset by the Giants, in a game, and a year where they poured their heart and their soul into not just winning a Championship, by going on a quest to become the greatest team in NFL history? I don't think so.
There are reasons why the MLB and NBA all star games work so much better than the Pro Bowl. First of all, those sports have skill competitions surrounding it, making it a festive weekend for the fans to enjoy watching their favorite stars entertain them, during a much needed break, during the middle of a long, grueling season.
Secondly, Football doesn't translate as well, in an all-star format. It's fun to watch Randy Johnson pitch to Barry Bonds in a dream scenario that you might not get to normally witness, or see A-Rod and Derek Jeter play in the same infield, before they became teammates with the Yankees. It's pretty cool to watch Lebron James play with Shaq and Dwyane Wade, and see all the highlight reel plays, or watch Nate Robinson in the slam dunk contest. Football doesn't have any events surrounding the game itself, so it doesn't really feel like a big event, that is worth watching. It's just not compelling watching guys go through the motions, at half speed because they don't want to get hurt. After a long, physical football season, nobody wants to play one last game, before shutting it down for the summer.
So, what's the solution? Just cancel the game. It's very simple. Nobody is interested in watching it anymore, and the players don't want to play in it. The TV ratings aren't anything to write home about. Sure, it may be well attended in Honolulu, but there aren't enough reasons to keep it around, anymore. The football season should just end with the Super Bowl. That is the perfect climax to the NFL season. It is a great sport, but there is no need to drag it out one more week than it has. It is painful to watch, and it really doesn't resemble the NFL product that we've all grown to love. Just cut it off at the umbillical cord, and call it a day. Are you listening Roger Goodell?
The only reason I know anything about this year's edition of the Pro Bowl is that I saw a few highlights of the game on SportsCenter. I know that it was a high scoring game, that TJ Houshmanzadeh had 2 Touchdowns, Adrian Peterson got the game's MVP, and Jeff Garcia threw a touchdown pass to his sworn enemy, Terrell Owens. But really, who cares in the least bit about this game? Let's be honest. Very few people. in fact, I don't know anybody that watched it this year, or would admit to seeing any of it. It's gotten so bad, that no one is willing to admit to tuning in to the game. This from a nation that loves our football. We'll watch any game, as long as helmets and chinstraps are involved. Except this game. Because this isn't football. It's a joke, and has been for years.
Now, I understand why the game is played. It's a time honored tradition. Players like the free vacation to Hawaii, and it's a real prestige to be considered one of the best in the league, and get to hang out with your peers, that you've always wanted to play with, for one week. But, no one actually wants to play in the game, and fear getting hurt in an exibition game. They just want to be called a Pro Bowler, so they can make more money in their next contract. Most of the top players conveniently pull out the week of the game, because they'd rather not get hit one last time, after a grueling NFL season.
It's basicaly a watered down version of the Pro Bowl, by the time the game actually starts, which takes any of the possible intrigue right out of the game. When Tom Brady and Randy Moss pull out right after the Super Bowl, it takes away all the luster of the game. If you're going to bill this as the game where the top stars all meet on the same field, you need to have them all there playing, or it's a pointless affair. And, it's totally understandable that Moss and Brady pulled out this year. Do you really think they can get up for a game, just days after being upset by the Giants, in a game, and a year where they poured their heart and their soul into not just winning a Championship, by going on a quest to become the greatest team in NFL history? I don't think so.
There are reasons why the MLB and NBA all star games work so much better than the Pro Bowl. First of all, those sports have skill competitions surrounding it, making it a festive weekend for the fans to enjoy watching their favorite stars entertain them, during a much needed break, during the middle of a long, grueling season.
Secondly, Football doesn't translate as well, in an all-star format. It's fun to watch Randy Johnson pitch to Barry Bonds in a dream scenario that you might not get to normally witness, or see A-Rod and Derek Jeter play in the same infield, before they became teammates with the Yankees. It's pretty cool to watch Lebron James play with Shaq and Dwyane Wade, and see all the highlight reel plays, or watch Nate Robinson in the slam dunk contest. Football doesn't have any events surrounding the game itself, so it doesn't really feel like a big event, that is worth watching. It's just not compelling watching guys go through the motions, at half speed because they don't want to get hurt. After a long, physical football season, nobody wants to play one last game, before shutting it down for the summer.
So, what's the solution? Just cancel the game. It's very simple. Nobody is interested in watching it anymore, and the players don't want to play in it. The TV ratings aren't anything to write home about. Sure, it may be well attended in Honolulu, but there aren't enough reasons to keep it around, anymore. The football season should just end with the Super Bowl. That is the perfect climax to the NFL season. It is a great sport, but there is no need to drag it out one more week than it has. It is painful to watch, and it really doesn't resemble the NFL product that we've all grown to love. Just cut it off at the umbillical cord, and call it a day. Are you listening Roger Goodell?
College refs
Let's be honest. College referees, by and large, aren't that good. I'm sure they're nice people, who work hard to feed their families, but most of them just don't do a very good job of calling the games. That's just the way it is, simple as that. They are nowhere near as good, or as thorough as the striped shirts in the NBA are. Many people give flack to NBA officials, and the whole Tim Donaghy situation didn't help perception, but these guys do a very good job, and are the best in the world at what they do. Please don't take them for granted. Sure, they miss calls from time to time. Refs are only human, and these are some of the best athletes in the world. It's impossible to catch everything. But, anyone who watches a lot of basketball at all levels knows the difference in officiating between the NBA and College Basketball. It's really not that close, and it shouldn't be. After all, the NBA is the highest level of basketball, and should have the better zebras.
Perhaps the worst example of this occured in tonight's Big East clash between Georgetown and Villanova, a huge rivalry dating back many years. To set the scene, the Hoyas were tied for first in the standings with Notre Dame, heading into tonight's battle, while Villanova is on the outskirts of making the Big East Tournament, with a 4-6 record, heading into play tonight. Only the top 12 of the 16 team Big East Conference qualify for the tournament in Madison Square Garden, so each win the Wildcats can acquire during the stretch run of the season, is critical.
To say this game is important is certaintly an understatement. Coaches livelihoods are on the line, as they scratch and claw for each win, they can get, at this time of year. If you don't win, you'll get fired. College athletics has become a cut throat business, much in the realm of professional sports. Just ask John Brady, formerly of LSU. He went to the Final Four two seasons ago, and is now in the unemployment line. It's all about, "what have you done for me lately", and what you did prior to that has been rendered insignificant and useless to alumni, fans, and admnistration alike, in a win now, or else mentality that has seeped into today's society.
All this leads to tonight's game. Georgetown and 'Nova were tied, when the Hoyas rebounded a Villanova miss, as time was running out in regulation. The G-town player was bumped about 80 feet from the basket, as he tried to avert the sideline, and run upcourt, in an attempt to then heave up a desperation shot, before the horn sounded. Inexplicably, one of the refs blew his whistle, and called a foul on the Villanova defender with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Georgetown then ended the game, making 2 free throws to nip Villanova, 55-53.
It was a terrible call, one of the worst I can ever remember, at the end of a basketball game. Don't get me wrong. There was a legitimate bump, and this call could have possibly been made if it were much earlier in the basketball game. But it wasn't. It was at the very end, and there is no viable excuse for making the call they made. Now, the Villanova defender shouldn't have been as close to the Georgetown player with the ball as he was, and I'm sure that is what Jay Wright will preach to his players the next few days in practice, but that is no excuse for the incredibly bad error made by tonight's official.
The bottom line is, the officials cost Villanova the game tonight, and they owe the entire university an apology. I'm sure they are good officials and called a good game for the most part tonight, but there is absolutely no excuse for the error of judgement made at the end of the game. Players and coaches are held accountable everyday by their bosses, and the media. The officials need to own up to the mistake, and this situation calls for some disciplinarian action taken, as soon as possible. There is too much at stake, way too much on the line, for this mistake to be dismissed and forgotten about.
Perhaps the worst example of this occured in tonight's Big East clash between Georgetown and Villanova, a huge rivalry dating back many years. To set the scene, the Hoyas were tied for first in the standings with Notre Dame, heading into tonight's battle, while Villanova is on the outskirts of making the Big East Tournament, with a 4-6 record, heading into play tonight. Only the top 12 of the 16 team Big East Conference qualify for the tournament in Madison Square Garden, so each win the Wildcats can acquire during the stretch run of the season, is critical.
To say this game is important is certaintly an understatement. Coaches livelihoods are on the line, as they scratch and claw for each win, they can get, at this time of year. If you don't win, you'll get fired. College athletics has become a cut throat business, much in the realm of professional sports. Just ask John Brady, formerly of LSU. He went to the Final Four two seasons ago, and is now in the unemployment line. It's all about, "what have you done for me lately", and what you did prior to that has been rendered insignificant and useless to alumni, fans, and admnistration alike, in a win now, or else mentality that has seeped into today's society.
All this leads to tonight's game. Georgetown and 'Nova were tied, when the Hoyas rebounded a Villanova miss, as time was running out in regulation. The G-town player was bumped about 80 feet from the basket, as he tried to avert the sideline, and run upcourt, in an attempt to then heave up a desperation shot, before the horn sounded. Inexplicably, one of the refs blew his whistle, and called a foul on the Villanova defender with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock. Georgetown then ended the game, making 2 free throws to nip Villanova, 55-53.
It was a terrible call, one of the worst I can ever remember, at the end of a basketball game. Don't get me wrong. There was a legitimate bump, and this call could have possibly been made if it were much earlier in the basketball game. But it wasn't. It was at the very end, and there is no viable excuse for making the call they made. Now, the Villanova defender shouldn't have been as close to the Georgetown player with the ball as he was, and I'm sure that is what Jay Wright will preach to his players the next few days in practice, but that is no excuse for the incredibly bad error made by tonight's official.
The bottom line is, the officials cost Villanova the game tonight, and they owe the entire university an apology. I'm sure they are good officials and called a good game for the most part tonight, but there is absolutely no excuse for the error of judgement made at the end of the game. Players and coaches are held accountable everyday by their bosses, and the media. The officials need to own up to the mistake, and this situation calls for some disciplinarian action taken, as soon as possible. There is too much at stake, way too much on the line, for this mistake to be dismissed and forgotten about.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Jim Zorn
In case you missed it, the Washington Redskins hired Jim Zorn over the weekend as their new head coach. Yes, you read that right. That Jim Zorn. The same Jim Zorn who was hired weeks ago, in the early stages of the long mess, known as Daniel Snyder's strange odyseey in search of a new head coach, to run his organization. Only, at that point, he held the title of new offensive coordinator for the 'Skins, and now strangely, he will run the whole show. What an odd coaching search. I'm just glad ity's finally over, and we can all move on with our lives.
In case you are left wondering who exactly Zorn is, you're not alone. He's not exactly a household name. They went from losing one of the great coaches in NFL history in Joe Gibbs, to interviewing or at least discussing guys like Steve Mariucci, Pete Carroll, Jim Fassel, Steve Spangnuolo, the Giants defensive coordinator and latest flavor of the day after his defense's masterful performance against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, to finally hiring Zorn for the gig. Why does it seem like they settled on Zorn, after rumors were rampant, with many big names possibly up for the job? Well, it's probably because they did. Zorn, no doubt, came cheaper than any of the other candidates, not that Snyder has been shy about throwing money around in the past.
Who is Zorn, you ask? Well, he was actually a pretty good quarterback in his day, throwing touchdown passes to Steve Largent for the Seattle Seahawks in the 80's. He worked for Mike Holmgren in Seattle for 7 years, and a lot of the credit to Matt Hasselback's growth and development as a quality starting QB in the NFL has gone to Zorn. But, Zorn has never been a head coach before, which makes this a questionable hire at best, and a very risky to bad hire, at worst.
The Redskins, who have run through coaches like a loaf of bread since Snyder bought the team in '99, badly need stability at this time, and this hire will come under heavy scrutiny and fire. Snyder needs to get it right with this hire, and he leaves himself open to heavy criticism by not hiring a proven winner, or even an experienced head coach. Now, apparently Zorn had a great interview, and Snyder really likes him, but this is a storied franchise, with a solid team coming back, with a rabid fanbase, so there is no reason that the 'Skins couldn't have hired more of a proven commodity than Jim Zorn. Time will tell if this hire works out, but maybe this just speaks to the lack of candidates interested in working for Daniel Snyder, under the working conditions he provides.
In case you are left wondering who exactly Zorn is, you're not alone. He's not exactly a household name. They went from losing one of the great coaches in NFL history in Joe Gibbs, to interviewing or at least discussing guys like Steve Mariucci, Pete Carroll, Jim Fassel, Steve Spangnuolo, the Giants defensive coordinator and latest flavor of the day after his defense's masterful performance against the Patriots in the Super Bowl, to finally hiring Zorn for the gig. Why does it seem like they settled on Zorn, after rumors were rampant, with many big names possibly up for the job? Well, it's probably because they did. Zorn, no doubt, came cheaper than any of the other candidates, not that Snyder has been shy about throwing money around in the past.
Who is Zorn, you ask? Well, he was actually a pretty good quarterback in his day, throwing touchdown passes to Steve Largent for the Seattle Seahawks in the 80's. He worked for Mike Holmgren in Seattle for 7 years, and a lot of the credit to Matt Hasselback's growth and development as a quality starting QB in the NFL has gone to Zorn. But, Zorn has never been a head coach before, which makes this a questionable hire at best, and a very risky to bad hire, at worst.
The Redskins, who have run through coaches like a loaf of bread since Snyder bought the team in '99, badly need stability at this time, and this hire will come under heavy scrutiny and fire. Snyder needs to get it right with this hire, and he leaves himself open to heavy criticism by not hiring a proven winner, or even an experienced head coach. Now, apparently Zorn had a great interview, and Snyder really likes him, but this is a storied franchise, with a solid team coming back, with a rabid fanbase, so there is no reason that the 'Skins couldn't have hired more of a proven commodity than Jim Zorn. Time will tell if this hire works out, but maybe this just speaks to the lack of candidates interested in working for Daniel Snyder, under the working conditions he provides.
Proving the doubters wrong
Watching the Suns-Wizards game tonight, and seeing the interviews Shaq has done the last few days, and his press conference, it is clear to me that Shaq is as fired up, and motivated as he has been, in a long time. That is not good news to the rest of the league. It appears Bill Walton, and the rest of the media has lit a fire under Shaq, that we haven't seen since he helped deliver the Miami Heat their only NBA Championship, two seasons ago.
Look, there are a lot of things you can, and many have said about Shaq. You can say that he's not always committed to winning, he's not always in shape, that he's lost a step, his best days are behind him, etc etc. The bottom line is, this guy thrives on people questioning him, and doing it publicly. If you get the big man mad, he feels that his man hood has been questioned, and he has a point to prove. he can get lazy at times, but if he has been slighted, he will come out swinging like the warrior that he is. he has the heart of a champion, just look at his 4 NBA Championship rings for further proof.
When he was a young player in Orlando, they wondered if he had what it took to get over the hump, and win the big game. Along with Penny Hardaway, he helped lead them to the NBA Finals. In LA, they wondered if he could co-exist with Kobe Bryant, and if his poor free throw shooting would ultimately cost the Lakers. He responded by leading LA to 3 consecutive titles, and becoming an icon in Los Angeles. He went to Miami, and they wondered if he was done as a dominant franchise center in the NBA. Along with a young superstar in Dwyane Wade, he surprised the basketball world by upsetting Dallas in 6 games after going down 2-0 in the series, to claim his 4th ring.
Now, you have Bill Walton claiming that Shaq faked an injury in Miami, because the team was so bad, and he didn't want to play anymore, just collecting his big salary, while sitting on the sidelines. Everyone says the Suns made a terrible move, by trading for Shaq, and that he won't fit it with Phoenix's up-tempo offensive style, and that he has no more game left.
While we all know that Shaq isn't what he used to be, he can still be effective if he's healthy, and surrounded by good players. An angry big fella, with one last point to prove before retiring into the sunset, desperate to get his 5th ring, and shut his critics up once and for all, is a very dangerous thing for the rest of the NBA, and in particular, the loaded Western Conference. As the saying goes, "You wouldn't like to see me, when I'm angry", and I think it applies directly to Shaq's arrival in Phoenix. He is motivated again, and he sees the opportunity to win again. He's going to come out with both hands swinging. Watch out. I'm not saying that the Suns will win the NBA title, but things just got a lot more interesting with Shaq joining Nash, Amare, and co. Shall be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out.
Look, there are a lot of things you can, and many have said about Shaq. You can say that he's not always committed to winning, he's not always in shape, that he's lost a step, his best days are behind him, etc etc. The bottom line is, this guy thrives on people questioning him, and doing it publicly. If you get the big man mad, he feels that his man hood has been questioned, and he has a point to prove. he can get lazy at times, but if he has been slighted, he will come out swinging like the warrior that he is. he has the heart of a champion, just look at his 4 NBA Championship rings for further proof.
When he was a young player in Orlando, they wondered if he had what it took to get over the hump, and win the big game. Along with Penny Hardaway, he helped lead them to the NBA Finals. In LA, they wondered if he could co-exist with Kobe Bryant, and if his poor free throw shooting would ultimately cost the Lakers. He responded by leading LA to 3 consecutive titles, and becoming an icon in Los Angeles. He went to Miami, and they wondered if he was done as a dominant franchise center in the NBA. Along with a young superstar in Dwyane Wade, he surprised the basketball world by upsetting Dallas in 6 games after going down 2-0 in the series, to claim his 4th ring.
Now, you have Bill Walton claiming that Shaq faked an injury in Miami, because the team was so bad, and he didn't want to play anymore, just collecting his big salary, while sitting on the sidelines. Everyone says the Suns made a terrible move, by trading for Shaq, and that he won't fit it with Phoenix's up-tempo offensive style, and that he has no more game left.
While we all know that Shaq isn't what he used to be, he can still be effective if he's healthy, and surrounded by good players. An angry big fella, with one last point to prove before retiring into the sunset, desperate to get his 5th ring, and shut his critics up once and for all, is a very dangerous thing for the rest of the NBA, and in particular, the loaded Western Conference. As the saying goes, "You wouldn't like to see me, when I'm angry", and I think it applies directly to Shaq's arrival in Phoenix. He is motivated again, and he sees the opportunity to win again. He's going to come out with both hands swinging. Watch out. I'm not saying that the Suns will win the NBA title, but things just got a lot more interesting with Shaq joining Nash, Amare, and co. Shall be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
UCLA, Kansas, Memphis, and Duke
This is one of the best times of the year in Sports. College Football and the NFL have recently concluded. Pitchers and Catchers report to Spring Training in a matter of days. And, currently the NBA and College Basketball are entering the stretch run, where every game matters that much more than the previous one. In the NBA, teams are jockeying for playoff positioning, while to make the NCAA Tournament, you have to keep winning key conference games to avoid falling on that all important "bubble", which is an announcer term, repeated ad nauseum this time of year, only.
With that in mind, with another saturday full of big games upon us, let's focus on the college kids. While it is always unpredictable predicting who will go deep into the NCAA Tournament, which is probably the greatest sporting event of them all, a group of favorites have emerged in my mind, to win 4 games, and make it to the Final Four.
UCLA is probably the best, and most complete team in the country, when completely healthy. They are deep, they have Final Four experience, and are supremely talented, and well coached. They play as well on the defensive end as any team, with Ben Howland as their coach, and when you guard well, you always have a chance of making a deep run late into March. They have an elite PG in Darren Collison, as well as a POY candidate in freshman big man, Kevin Love. They have every ingredient that you need to be successful, and I believe Love may have been the missing piece to get them over the top, and go all the way.
Kansas has all the parts, and can wear you down, with their depth, size, and athleticism. They probably have the best combination of offense and defense, and if they get the game up-tempo, and turn you over, they are lethal in transition. They have a pletheora of "bigs" that they can use inter changeably, with Darnell Jackson, Darrell Arthur, and Sasha Kaun. Brandon Rush is their wing scorer, who is very athletic, and can stretch out the defense with his long-range shooting, and Mario Chalmers will harass you on the perimeter, speed up your offense, and he will get steals, leading to easy baskets for KU.
Memphis is still undefeated, so that has to count for something. They are loaded with athletes, and they also play great defense. While they don't play in a top conference, they have had more than their share of tests in the non-conference portion of their schedule, and haven't had it easy with the bullseye on their backs every night in C-USA. They added a great freshman PG in Derrick Rose this season to an already stacked roster, shoring up their biggest weakness. They have a very good wing scorer in Chris Douglas-Roberts, who can score from all areas on the court, as well as an absolute beast on the inside, in Joey Dorsey. Like Ben Wallace, he doesn't need to score, and won't have any plays called for him, but he is probably the heart and sole of this team, as he rebounds ferociously, and is extremely athletic. The weakness of John Calipari's team is that they shoot free throws very poorly, and don't always look fluid in the half-court on offense.
Duke has surprised me, with how well they have played, this season. They like to spread the floor, drive and kick, and look for thir 3-point shooters. They play very good defense,and play very smart basketball, seldom doing anything to beat themselves. They know that they are not very big inside, so they have to maximize their abilities, in order to mask their weaknesses. Freshman Kyle Singler has helped to give them an influx of talent, along with Nolan Smith. Singler can do a little bit of everything at 6-8. he is a very smart player, who plays with high basketball IQ, and makes everyone around him better. DeMarcus Nelson is their best scorer, as well as being an excellent leaper. Gerald Henderson has had a breakout sophmore season, as their slasher, and is their best athlete. Greg Paulus has been much maligned throughout his career, but he steadies this team at the point with his toughness and leadership, and he has had a great year shooting the ball from beyond the arc.
Their are other teams that occasionally have the look of a Final Four contender, but they are not as consistent, as these 4 teams. UNC has the talent to be listed here, but they must put it together on a more regular basis, and care as much about defense, as they obviously do on the offensive end of the court. It is always hard to tell what will happen once th Big Dance comes around, as it is always unpredictable and exciting from start to finish, and you never can tell how college kids ages 18-22 will react on the big stage, but this is how I handicap the field in early February. Should be an exciting sprint to the finish line, as always.
With that in mind, with another saturday full of big games upon us, let's focus on the college kids. While it is always unpredictable predicting who will go deep into the NCAA Tournament, which is probably the greatest sporting event of them all, a group of favorites have emerged in my mind, to win 4 games, and make it to the Final Four.
UCLA is probably the best, and most complete team in the country, when completely healthy. They are deep, they have Final Four experience, and are supremely talented, and well coached. They play as well on the defensive end as any team, with Ben Howland as their coach, and when you guard well, you always have a chance of making a deep run late into March. They have an elite PG in Darren Collison, as well as a POY candidate in freshman big man, Kevin Love. They have every ingredient that you need to be successful, and I believe Love may have been the missing piece to get them over the top, and go all the way.
Kansas has all the parts, and can wear you down, with their depth, size, and athleticism. They probably have the best combination of offense and defense, and if they get the game up-tempo, and turn you over, they are lethal in transition. They have a pletheora of "bigs" that they can use inter changeably, with Darnell Jackson, Darrell Arthur, and Sasha Kaun. Brandon Rush is their wing scorer, who is very athletic, and can stretch out the defense with his long-range shooting, and Mario Chalmers will harass you on the perimeter, speed up your offense, and he will get steals, leading to easy baskets for KU.
Memphis is still undefeated, so that has to count for something. They are loaded with athletes, and they also play great defense. While they don't play in a top conference, they have had more than their share of tests in the non-conference portion of their schedule, and haven't had it easy with the bullseye on their backs every night in C-USA. They added a great freshman PG in Derrick Rose this season to an already stacked roster, shoring up their biggest weakness. They have a very good wing scorer in Chris Douglas-Roberts, who can score from all areas on the court, as well as an absolute beast on the inside, in Joey Dorsey. Like Ben Wallace, he doesn't need to score, and won't have any plays called for him, but he is probably the heart and sole of this team, as he rebounds ferociously, and is extremely athletic. The weakness of John Calipari's team is that they shoot free throws very poorly, and don't always look fluid in the half-court on offense.
Duke has surprised me, with how well they have played, this season. They like to spread the floor, drive and kick, and look for thir 3-point shooters. They play very good defense,and play very smart basketball, seldom doing anything to beat themselves. They know that they are not very big inside, so they have to maximize their abilities, in order to mask their weaknesses. Freshman Kyle Singler has helped to give them an influx of talent, along with Nolan Smith. Singler can do a little bit of everything at 6-8. he is a very smart player, who plays with high basketball IQ, and makes everyone around him better. DeMarcus Nelson is their best scorer, as well as being an excellent leaper. Gerald Henderson has had a breakout sophmore season, as their slasher, and is their best athlete. Greg Paulus has been much maligned throughout his career, but he steadies this team at the point with his toughness and leadership, and he has had a great year shooting the ball from beyond the arc.
Their are other teams that occasionally have the look of a Final Four contender, but they are not as consistent, as these 4 teams. UNC has the talent to be listed here, but they must put it together on a more regular basis, and care as much about defense, as they obviously do on the offensive end of the court. It is always hard to tell what will happen once th Big Dance comes around, as it is always unpredictable and exciting from start to finish, and you never can tell how college kids ages 18-22 will react on the big stage, but this is how I handicap the field in early February. Should be an exciting sprint to the finish line, as always.
Pau Gasol and the Lakers
Watching the Lakers narrowly win in Orlando tonight, it is amazing to me, to see what a transformation this team has undergone in the past few seasons. Gone are the days where Kobe Bryant had to jack up 30 shots a night, and if he didn't put up 40 to 50 points, his team couldn't win a big game against a quality opponent, because he had an inferior supporting cast. To me, the Lakers then, were kind of in the same position the Cavs are at the moment with Lebron, although the Cavaliers do play good defense, and have a little better personnel than LA did, at that time. Nonetheless, it is startling to see what the Lakers are working with these days.
The acquisition of Pau Gasol was a brilliant one by Mitch Kupchack, and he has done a great job in slowly, but surely acquiring the necessary pieces around Kobe, for the Lakers to be a viable threat in the Western Conference. Gasol has played tremendous since joining the Lakers, as he had a 30 point night against the Magic, and made scoring inside look easy tonight, against a quality Eastern Conference team in the Magic, and an excellent young big man, in Dwight Howard. I am definitely surprised to see how quickly Gasol has adjusted to the triangle offense in LA, and his chemistry with Kobe, is already apparent. They will be a lethal 1-2 combination, as they continue to get used to playing with each other, and discover each other's tendencies, and where they like to be on the floor, with the basketball in their hands.
When they get Andrew Bynum back, they will have an elite starting 5, in terms of guys who can score the basketball, and play together, on the offensive end of the court. With Derek Fisher and Kobe in the backcourt, playing with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Bynum up front, they have a starting unit, that can matchup favorably with any team in the league. Combine that with guys like Jordan Farmar, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujicic, and Trevor Ariza off the bench, and you have a deep, lethal team that will cause problems for anybody in the West. The key, in determining just how far Phil Jackson's squad can go will rest on how quickly Bynum heals, and how he assimilates with Gasol, and his teammates when he returns, as well as a commitment to play tough defense every night, and accept the challenge of shutting people down. There is no doubt this team can score, and will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover on a nightly basis. If they can get enough stops at the other end of the floor, they may end up with a ring on their fingers, by the end of June.
The acquisition of Pau Gasol was a brilliant one by Mitch Kupchack, and he has done a great job in slowly, but surely acquiring the necessary pieces around Kobe, for the Lakers to be a viable threat in the Western Conference. Gasol has played tremendous since joining the Lakers, as he had a 30 point night against the Magic, and made scoring inside look easy tonight, against a quality Eastern Conference team in the Magic, and an excellent young big man, in Dwight Howard. I am definitely surprised to see how quickly Gasol has adjusted to the triangle offense in LA, and his chemistry with Kobe, is already apparent. They will be a lethal 1-2 combination, as they continue to get used to playing with each other, and discover each other's tendencies, and where they like to be on the floor, with the basketball in their hands.
When they get Andrew Bynum back, they will have an elite starting 5, in terms of guys who can score the basketball, and play together, on the offensive end of the court. With Derek Fisher and Kobe in the backcourt, playing with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Bynum up front, they have a starting unit, that can matchup favorably with any team in the league. Combine that with guys like Jordan Farmar, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, Sasha Vujicic, and Trevor Ariza off the bench, and you have a deep, lethal team that will cause problems for anybody in the West. The key, in determining just how far Phil Jackson's squad can go will rest on how quickly Bynum heals, and how he assimilates with Gasol, and his teammates when he returns, as well as a commitment to play tough defense every night, and accept the challenge of shutting people down. There is no doubt this team can score, and will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover on a nightly basis. If they can get enough stops at the other end of the floor, they may end up with a ring on their fingers, by the end of June.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Terrelle Pryor
I heard Mark May of ESPN say that it was unfair for Pryor, the 6-5 top rated QB recruit out of Jeannette, PA, to not sign with a school on National Signing Day. He reasoned that by leaving schools like OSU, Michigan, Penn State,and Oregon in limbo, and making them hold onto a scholarship in case they land the blue chipper, he could be costing them, because they can't sign another great prospect, because they are waiting around, to see if they can land him. I like Mark May, and think he usually does a good job covering College Football, but with all due respect, that is riduculous, and I could not disagree with it more strongly.
First of all, if Pryor is as good as everyone says he is, and I've heard Vince Young comparisons at the college level, then he is certaintly worth the wait. These schools weren't going to get anybody better than Pryor with that scholarship, so they really don't have anything to lose, and have to hold it, in hope they hit the jackpot, so to speak.
Secondly, schools typically sign about 20-25 players, and not all of them pan out. Some will end up as good players, while others won't make it at the college level. To assume this one scholarship is costing them a good player, makes no sense, because you really have no idea how any of these players will or won't turn out. With about 85 players on scholarship, you don't have to depend on every one of those scholarshipds in order to have a good team. In fact, you need 11 playerss on offense, 11 on defense, and you sprinkle some in on special teams, and backups for depth. So, you have plenty of leeway with those other scholarship allotments, and don't have to count on every player. Not to mention, high profile, big time schools such as these get great players every year, with highly regardedf recruiting classes, so holding onto one scholarship isn't really going to throw them into that much of a loop.
Finally, and most importantly, this is an extremely important decision for the kid, and if he's not ready to make up his mind yet, then he shouldn't feel pressured to decide by a certain date, just ot appease a coach, who wantsd one more blue chip recruit, to sell to his fanbase. This decision is most likely the most important one that Pryor will have made in his young life thus far, and it needs careful consideration, and thought. This will determine where he spends the next 4-5 years of his life, and will affect the rest of his life. This is not a process to be taken lightly, for any kid. He needs to make sure he gets it right. Too many kids rush into a quick decision to appease everyone but themselves, and end up regretting it at a later date. That he wants to take extra time to make sure, he doesn't end up transfering in 2 years, end up sitting out for a year, and interrupting his whole college experience, is not necessarily a bad thing. Shame on Mark May for putting more pressure on the kid, and criticizing him for thinking it through, making sure his head is clear, and his mind is made up.
First of all, if Pryor is as good as everyone says he is, and I've heard Vince Young comparisons at the college level, then he is certaintly worth the wait. These schools weren't going to get anybody better than Pryor with that scholarship, so they really don't have anything to lose, and have to hold it, in hope they hit the jackpot, so to speak.
Secondly, schools typically sign about 20-25 players, and not all of them pan out. Some will end up as good players, while others won't make it at the college level. To assume this one scholarship is costing them a good player, makes no sense, because you really have no idea how any of these players will or won't turn out. With about 85 players on scholarship, you don't have to depend on every one of those scholarshipds in order to have a good team. In fact, you need 11 playerss on offense, 11 on defense, and you sprinkle some in on special teams, and backups for depth. So, you have plenty of leeway with those other scholarship allotments, and don't have to count on every player. Not to mention, high profile, big time schools such as these get great players every year, with highly regardedf recruiting classes, so holding onto one scholarship isn't really going to throw them into that much of a loop.
Finally, and most importantly, this is an extremely important decision for the kid, and if he's not ready to make up his mind yet, then he shouldn't feel pressured to decide by a certain date, just ot appease a coach, who wantsd one more blue chip recruit, to sell to his fanbase. This decision is most likely the most important one that Pryor will have made in his young life thus far, and it needs careful consideration, and thought. This will determine where he spends the next 4-5 years of his life, and will affect the rest of his life. This is not a process to be taken lightly, for any kid. He needs to make sure he gets it right. Too many kids rush into a quick decision to appease everyone but themselves, and end up regretting it at a later date. That he wants to take extra time to make sure, he doesn't end up transfering in 2 years, end up sitting out for a year, and interrupting his whole college experience, is not necessarily a bad thing. Shame on Mark May for putting more pressure on the kid, and criticizing him for thinking it through, making sure his head is clear, and his mind is made up.
Clemens vs. McNamee
The high stakes poker "he said, she said" game between Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee is about to reach it's boiling point. Both were in the same court room building today, meeting with members of Congress. It is now abundantly clear that each side is vehemently sticking to it's story, and neither side is going to back down, at this point. The realization that both Clemens and McNamee, who used to be best of friends, are going to go to Capitol Hill in next week's Congressional hearing, and that one of them will apparently commit perjury, is both amazing and bone chilling, at the same time.
The other issue at hand is credibility. Who to believe? One of these men is telling the truth, while the other one is lying right to our face. this is black and white, there are no shades of gray in this case. This is pretty startling, and with the evidence that McNamee and Clemens have tried to present, it is coming straight out of a Hollywood movie script. It is like a murder mystery, but we don't know who did it.
Each persons side has some holes in it, so it will be very hard for the public to decipher who is telling the truth. While most want to believe in Clemens, arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, there is no denying a dip in his career at the end of his run in Boston, and a tremendous spike back up in his stints in Toronto, New York, and Houston, all the way into his mid 40's, where for a time, he seemed to be getting better, not worse. In a lot of ways, his career path seemed to mirror that of Barry Bonds, which is why it seems, where there is smoke, there must be fire.
McNamee's case seems to be strong, based on his close relationship with Clemens as his personal trainer, as well as the admission that Andy Pettite used steroids, while also working with Mcnamee. While Mcnamee may not appear to have the greatest personal integrity, and his evidence presented is questionable at best, many of the accusations in baseball and other sports regarding steroid and human growth hormone use, has turned out to be accurate, despite the strong denials, when the news first comes out. Because of this, it is impossible to dismiss these allegations off hand.
While we may never have the hard evidence that everyone is looking for, to find out if Clemens indeed took steroids, hopefully next week's hearings will provide even more insight into this fascinating case, that seems to have come out of an epidsode of Murder She Wrote, more than the baseball diamond. The steroid era, like it or not, must be put to a close before the baseball world an move on to the future, and part of that involves digging into the past, and finding out as much as we can, about what illegal acts did or did not go on, behind closed doors. Not only for the sake of the Hall of Fame, but also the integrity of the game, and learning from past mistakes, to ensure future transgressions are not commited in the same fashion. It is impossible to know at this point if the greatest pitcher of this era took steroids at some point in his career, but it sure will be intriguing to see if we can find out the answer to that question at some point, and what the fallout of this case, turns out to be.
The other issue at hand is credibility. Who to believe? One of these men is telling the truth, while the other one is lying right to our face. this is black and white, there are no shades of gray in this case. This is pretty startling, and with the evidence that McNamee and Clemens have tried to present, it is coming straight out of a Hollywood movie script. It is like a murder mystery, but we don't know who did it.
Each persons side has some holes in it, so it will be very hard for the public to decipher who is telling the truth. While most want to believe in Clemens, arguably the greatest pitcher of all time, there is no denying a dip in his career at the end of his run in Boston, and a tremendous spike back up in his stints in Toronto, New York, and Houston, all the way into his mid 40's, where for a time, he seemed to be getting better, not worse. In a lot of ways, his career path seemed to mirror that of Barry Bonds, which is why it seems, where there is smoke, there must be fire.
McNamee's case seems to be strong, based on his close relationship with Clemens as his personal trainer, as well as the admission that Andy Pettite used steroids, while also working with Mcnamee. While Mcnamee may not appear to have the greatest personal integrity, and his evidence presented is questionable at best, many of the accusations in baseball and other sports regarding steroid and human growth hormone use, has turned out to be accurate, despite the strong denials, when the news first comes out. Because of this, it is impossible to dismiss these allegations off hand.
While we may never have the hard evidence that everyone is looking for, to find out if Clemens indeed took steroids, hopefully next week's hearings will provide even more insight into this fascinating case, that seems to have come out of an epidsode of Murder She Wrote, more than the baseball diamond. The steroid era, like it or not, must be put to a close before the baseball world an move on to the future, and part of that involves digging into the past, and finding out as much as we can, about what illegal acts did or did not go on, behind closed doors. Not only for the sake of the Hall of Fame, but also the integrity of the game, and learning from past mistakes, to ensure future transgressions are not commited in the same fashion. It is impossible to know at this point if the greatest pitcher of this era took steroids at some point in his career, but it sure will be intriguing to see if we can find out the answer to that question at some point, and what the fallout of this case, turns out to be.
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