Going into Thursday, many had a good idea of who was going to be drafted in the first round. Sam Bradford was the likely candidate for the #1 overall pick, Suh had a possibility of going first, but most likely would be the second pick in the draft. Dez Bryant was the best available wide receiver in the draft, and CJ Spiller the best running back in the draft were likely to be high to mid first round picks. And o ya Tim Tebow would be picked 25th by the Denver Broncos...o wait.
The top story in the draft wasn't the fact that Bradford was picked #1, but about the surprise of the Denver Broncos Josh McDaniels taking Tim Tebow in the first round. Tebow who was thought to be a second round to early third round draft pick was taken by the Broncos, this surprising almost everyone including Tebow himself. Tebow is regarded as maybe the best college football player ever, winning two national Championships and a Heisman Trophy. He is known for his leadership and willingness to win and make his teammates better as well as his speech during the 2008-2009 season after his Gators lost to South Carolina. The Gators went on to win the National Championship that year. Though Tebow seems to have all of these positives, many NFL scouts and coaches didn't believe his game could transfer over to the NFL level, at least at the quarterback position.
So what do I make of this pick being a Broncos fan myself? At first I thought to myself, "McDaniels, you are an idiot." But after thinking more and more about this pick, I like it more and more. What McDaniels is trying to do is send a message to the rest of the team saying guys like Tebow are the players he wants in his locker room and on his team. Tebow more than likely won't be the Broncos starting quarterback this up coming season, but just like Tebow said in his interview on draft night, "I am going to do what ever they ask me, and do it with all my heart." This guy is not only an athletic football player, but maybe the most motivated player the NFL has seen in a very long time. His work ethic alone will make him a good football player in the NFL in my opinion, even if he has to make the transition to an H back. Could the Broncos have waited until the second round to pick him, probably, but McDaniels had his mind made up, and now all we can do is sit back and see how everything turns out.
-Sink
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Best Tourney Ever?
As we came to the conclusion of the 2010 NCAA Tournament one should wonder, is this the best tournament we have ever seen?
Looking back, to the first and second rounds, we witnessed numerous overtime games, memorable buzzer beaters and UNI upsetting the number 1 overall seed (Kansas) in the tournament. Two number five seeds reached the final four in Indy, and Duke was the only number 1 seed to survive through all the turmoil leading up to the final four. Butler was America's team in the final four and also became the first mid major school to make it to the championship game since the NCAA went to the 65 team tournament. Not only that, but they were able to make it to Indianapolis where their campus was just 6 miles from where the games were played. Butler's semi final game against Michigan St. was a thriller as it went down to the wire. Michigan St. came up short as their hopes for returning to the championship game for the second strait year were broken by Butler's cinderella run. Going into the their game against Duke, Butler had won 25 strait games, the longest winning streak going into the championship in history. As for the championship game itself, it couldn't have gotten much better, as their were numerous lead changes, and the largest lead held in the game was 6 points by Duke early in the first half. Duke held off the Bulldogs in Lucas Oil Stadium for their 4th National Title. I don't want to take anything away from Duke, their win was well deserved as they continuously got better as the tournament went on, and were most definitely the best team left in the tournament when the final four began, but the real story belongs to Butler. Many made "Hoosier" comparisons to the Bulldogs improbable run. Butler's home gym is where the legendary "Hoosiers" won their Indiana State Championship. The majority of people didn't give Butler a chance to make it to the finals, but when you watched them play, you knew each player on that Butler team knew they belonged. They were one possession away from winning the National Title, one shot away from making history, and even though they lost, you can't take anything away from what those players and coaches endured. Imagine the story lines if sophomore Gordon Hayward would have hit that half court shot at the buzzer. And though it didn't have a story book ending, Butler accomplished something special and the 2009-2010 Bulldogs will never be forgotten for what they overcame.
This was the year of the underdog as teams such as Cornell, St. Mary's, Northern Iowa and of course Butler showed that they can run with the best of them. As a result we were able to witness in my opinion one of the best, if not the best tournament for many years to come. Again, this is why I call it the best time of the year.
Looking back, to the first and second rounds, we witnessed numerous overtime games, memorable buzzer beaters and UNI upsetting the number 1 overall seed (Kansas) in the tournament. Two number five seeds reached the final four in Indy, and Duke was the only number 1 seed to survive through all the turmoil leading up to the final four. Butler was America's team in the final four and also became the first mid major school to make it to the championship game since the NCAA went to the 65 team tournament. Not only that, but they were able to make it to Indianapolis where their campus was just 6 miles from where the games were played. Butler's semi final game against Michigan St. was a thriller as it went down to the wire. Michigan St. came up short as their hopes for returning to the championship game for the second strait year were broken by Butler's cinderella run. Going into the their game against Duke, Butler had won 25 strait games, the longest winning streak going into the championship in history. As for the championship game itself, it couldn't have gotten much better, as their were numerous lead changes, and the largest lead held in the game was 6 points by Duke early in the first half. Duke held off the Bulldogs in Lucas Oil Stadium for their 4th National Title. I don't want to take anything away from Duke, their win was well deserved as they continuously got better as the tournament went on, and were most definitely the best team left in the tournament when the final four began, but the real story belongs to Butler. Many made "Hoosier" comparisons to the Bulldogs improbable run. Butler's home gym is where the legendary "Hoosiers" won their Indiana State Championship. The majority of people didn't give Butler a chance to make it to the finals, but when you watched them play, you knew each player on that Butler team knew they belonged. They were one possession away from winning the National Title, one shot away from making history, and even though they lost, you can't take anything away from what those players and coaches endured. Imagine the story lines if sophomore Gordon Hayward would have hit that half court shot at the buzzer. And though it didn't have a story book ending, Butler accomplished something special and the 2009-2010 Bulldogs will never be forgotten for what they overcame.
This was the year of the underdog as teams such as Cornell, St. Mary's, Northern Iowa and of course Butler showed that they can run with the best of them. As a result we were able to witness in my opinion one of the best, if not the best tournament for many years to come. Again, this is why I call it the best time of the year.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
March Madness is finally here. Time for people to spend way to many hours evaluating each game in each region, as they fill out way too many brackets. Looking for potential sleeper teams to see who has the chance to make a cinderella run is only half the fun. Sitting on the couch or in your favorite sports bar watching game after game, either cheering because your team won or crying because the team you had going to the elite 8 got knocked out in the first round. This is the roller coaster we like to call the NCAA Mens Basketball tourney. "It's the most wonderful time of the year", indeed it is.
A few questions, and my answers.
Who will be in the final four?
Answer: Kansas, West Virginia, Kansas St., Duke: as of right now, this my prediction for the final four.
Potential Sleepers in each Region?
Answer: west=Butler...midwest=Tennessee...east=Temple...south=Notre Dame
these are teams that I believe can make a legitimate run in the tournament. They may not be your cinderella teams like George Mason a few years ago, but they can definitely spoil some brackets.
Cinderella Teams?
Answer: Siena from the south region is one of my cinderella picks. Their first round game is against a Purdue team that was playing way better during the middle season than at the end, not to mention their best player is out with a torn ACL. Siena is a team with senior leadership, which has proven to be a key aspect in small schools success in the tournament. I can see Siena making a run on their side of the bracket.
Another cinderella team in my opinion is Minnesota. Inconsistent during the season, but loaded with talent. They also made an unexpected run at the Big 10 title but came up short in the championship against Ohio St. If Minnesota can get passed Xavier, they have a chance to make some noise in the BIG DANCE.
National Champion?
Answer: Kansas Jayhawks. I picked the Jayhawks to win the tournament mid way through the season, and I'm sticking with it. Even though they are the overall #1 seed in the tourney, they may have the toughest road to the final four with teams like Ohio St.(2), Georgetown(3), Maryland(4), and even Michigan St. with the 5 seed. Despite this, I believe Kansas will roll into Indianapolis this year and cut down the nets.
A few questions, and my answers.
Who will be in the final four?
Answer: Kansas, West Virginia, Kansas St., Duke: as of right now, this my prediction for the final four.
Potential Sleepers in each Region?
Answer: west=Butler...midwest=Tennessee...east=Temple...south=Notre Dame
these are teams that I believe can make a legitimate run in the tournament. They may not be your cinderella teams like George Mason a few years ago, but they can definitely spoil some brackets.
Cinderella Teams?
Answer: Siena from the south region is one of my cinderella picks. Their first round game is against a Purdue team that was playing way better during the middle season than at the end, not to mention their best player is out with a torn ACL. Siena is a team with senior leadership, which has proven to be a key aspect in small schools success in the tournament. I can see Siena making a run on their side of the bracket.
Another cinderella team in my opinion is Minnesota. Inconsistent during the season, but loaded with talent. They also made an unexpected run at the Big 10 title but came up short in the championship against Ohio St. If Minnesota can get passed Xavier, they have a chance to make some noise in the BIG DANCE.
National Champion?
Answer: Kansas Jayhawks. I picked the Jayhawks to win the tournament mid way through the season, and I'm sticking with it. Even though they are the overall #1 seed in the tourney, they may have the toughest road to the final four with teams like Ohio St.(2), Georgetown(3), Maryland(4), and even Michigan St. with the 5 seed. Despite this, I believe Kansas will roll into Indianapolis this year and cut down the nets.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
NBA Update
The NBA season has entered the home stretch as there are only 20 more games, for most teams, left to be played before the NBA playoffs begin.
As of right now, the top three teams in conference stand like this.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Boston Celtics
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. LA Lakers
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Denver Nuggets
Now the question is, will these standings of the top three positions change before the regular season is finished.
As for the eastern conference I see the Cavaliers holding on to the number one spot for the remainder of the season, Lebron is just too good plain and simple. Orlando in my opinion has established themselves as the second best team in the east behind the cavs. The three and four spot is where things may change. The Celtics and Atlanta Hawks are pretty even record wise, I can definitely see the Hawks sneaking into that number 3 spot over the Celtics during the remainder of the season.
In the West the Lakers will keep the number one spot. Kobe and the troops are ready to make another championship run, and they definitely want that home court advantage during the playoffs. Now comes the tricky part, as of right now the mavs hold a one game lead over the nuggets. I believe the Denver Nuggets are the only team to have a chance at beating the Lakers in the playoffs, so in that case, they will have to make a late run during the season to steal the number 2 spot from the mavs. The other team that could cause trouble for the top tier teams in the west would be the Utah Jazz, who many believe are the second best in the west as well. We'll see, only time will tell.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Semi finals= Cavaliers vs Magic, a rematch from a year ago
= Lakers vs Nuggets, another rematch from a year ago
Sleeper team in each conference
Atlanta Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. These two teams are very similar in the fact that they can play with the best do to the fact that they are both very talented at every position but also play good team basketball. Wouldn't be surprised to see either team make a run and knock off a heavyweight in the playoffs.
-Sink
As of right now, the top three teams in conference stand like this.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Orlando Magic
3. Boston Celtics
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. LA Lakers
2. Dallas Mavericks
3. Denver Nuggets
Now the question is, will these standings of the top three positions change before the regular season is finished.
As for the eastern conference I see the Cavaliers holding on to the number one spot for the remainder of the season, Lebron is just too good plain and simple. Orlando in my opinion has established themselves as the second best team in the east behind the cavs. The three and four spot is where things may change. The Celtics and Atlanta Hawks are pretty even record wise, I can definitely see the Hawks sneaking into that number 3 spot over the Celtics during the remainder of the season.
In the West the Lakers will keep the number one spot. Kobe and the troops are ready to make another championship run, and they definitely want that home court advantage during the playoffs. Now comes the tricky part, as of right now the mavs hold a one game lead over the nuggets. I believe the Denver Nuggets are the only team to have a chance at beating the Lakers in the playoffs, so in that case, they will have to make a late run during the season to steal the number 2 spot from the mavs. The other team that could cause trouble for the top tier teams in the west would be the Utah Jazz, who many believe are the second best in the west as well. We'll see, only time will tell.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Semi finals= Cavaliers vs Magic, a rematch from a year ago
= Lakers vs Nuggets, another rematch from a year ago
Sleeper team in each conference
Atlanta Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder. These two teams are very similar in the fact that they can play with the best do to the fact that they are both very talented at every position but also play good team basketball. Wouldn't be surprised to see either team make a run and knock off a heavyweight in the playoffs.
-Sink
Thursday, February 18, 2010
NCAA Hoops: changes in my top 5
A few weeks ago I gave you my top 5 teams in NCAA basketball. The list went like this; 1. Kansas Jayhawks, 2. Syracuse Orangmen, 3. Villanova Wildcats, 4. Kentucky Wildcats, 5. Texas Longhorns.
Now I would like to make a few changes, first off I want to switch Villianova and Kentucky. Since their loss to South Carolina, Kentucky has responded well, especially with a big win against Tennessee this past week. They may be young, but they sure are talented. The only thing I want to say more is that they play in the SEC, one of basketball's worst conferences this year. The lack of competition may hurt them in the long run, but I still believe they deserve my number 3 spot.
That moves Villanova to 4.
My final change is to kick Texas out of my top five. Better yet kick them out of my top ten. Since the loss to Kansas State a few weeks ago, the Longhorns have done the exact opposite of impress me. Their latest loss came last night to an unranked Missouri team. They have failed to live up to any expectations I had of them, therefore they get the boot out of my top 5.
Who takes their place? This was a tough decision, but I'm going with the Duke Blue Devils. Number 1 in the ACC, and number 6 in the AP polls, Duke seems to have found their swag. Even on days when their shooting is lacking they have found ways to win games, mainly with hard nosed defense. The question is will Coach K have them ready to play come the Big Dance. Recent years have showed Duke going out earlier than predicted. We will see if that trend changes come March.
My revised top 5 looks like ->1. Kansas Jayhawks, 2. Syracuse Orangmen, 3. Kentucky Wildcats, 4. Villanova Wildcats, 5. Duke Blue Devils
Other notable teams that missed out on my top 5.
Michigan State, Purdue, West Virginia, Georgetown, Kansas State
Now I would like to make a few changes, first off I want to switch Villianova and Kentucky. Since their loss to South Carolina, Kentucky has responded well, especially with a big win against Tennessee this past week. They may be young, but they sure are talented. The only thing I want to say more is that they play in the SEC, one of basketball's worst conferences this year. The lack of competition may hurt them in the long run, but I still believe they deserve my number 3 spot.
That moves Villanova to 4.
My final change is to kick Texas out of my top five. Better yet kick them out of my top ten. Since the loss to Kansas State a few weeks ago, the Longhorns have done the exact opposite of impress me. Their latest loss came last night to an unranked Missouri team. They have failed to live up to any expectations I had of them, therefore they get the boot out of my top 5.
Who takes their place? This was a tough decision, but I'm going with the Duke Blue Devils. Number 1 in the ACC, and number 6 in the AP polls, Duke seems to have found their swag. Even on days when their shooting is lacking they have found ways to win games, mainly with hard nosed defense. The question is will Coach K have them ready to play come the Big Dance. Recent years have showed Duke going out earlier than predicted. We will see if that trend changes come March.
My revised top 5 looks like ->1. Kansas Jayhawks, 2. Syracuse Orangmen, 3. Kentucky Wildcats, 4. Villanova Wildcats, 5. Duke Blue Devils
Other notable teams that missed out on my top 5.
Michigan State, Purdue, West Virginia, Georgetown, Kansas State
Friday, February 12, 2010
NBA All-Star Weekend
Friday Night= The Rookie/Sophomore Game
Im excited to watch the two point guards, both of which went to Memphis and left after their freshman year. Derrick Rose, who will be on the Sophomore team, and Tyreke Evans who will play for the Rookie team will be the key matchup on friday. The other matchup on friday that i have interest in is taking place at half time, as DeMar DeRozan and Eric Gordan square off in a battle to see who will continue to Saturday's dunk contest. The winner will join defending slam dunk champion Nate Robinson along with Gerald Wallace and Shannon Brown.
Saturday Night=H.O.R.S.E., Skills Competition, Team Shooting, 3-Point Contest, and the Slam Dunk contest
In my opinion this is the most exciting night of NBA All-Star weekend. The events are definite crowd pleasers as the stars come out to display their talents of shooting, passing, dribbling, and of course dunking.
Looking forward to see if Nate Robinson will win back to back dunk contests. I believe Shannon Brown is the best dunker in the contest this year, the only thing I worry about is if he has the creativity to win it all.
Sunday Night: The All-Star Game
"the main event" The stars align in Dallas. NBA's best play a game of offense and more offense. You think defense disappears in during a regular season game in the NBA, that is nothing compared to what goes on during the All Star game. The only disappointment I have is that Kobe Bryant, in my opinion the best player in the league will not be playing due to injuries. I am however very excited to see my boys Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups teaming up and representing the Denver Nuggets.
What a weekend if you love NBA basketball.
Im excited to watch the two point guards, both of which went to Memphis and left after their freshman year. Derrick Rose, who will be on the Sophomore team, and Tyreke Evans who will play for the Rookie team will be the key matchup on friday. The other matchup on friday that i have interest in is taking place at half time, as DeMar DeRozan and Eric Gordan square off in a battle to see who will continue to Saturday's dunk contest. The winner will join defending slam dunk champion Nate Robinson along with Gerald Wallace and Shannon Brown.
Saturday Night=H.O.R.S.E., Skills Competition, Team Shooting, 3-Point Contest, and the Slam Dunk contest
In my opinion this is the most exciting night of NBA All-Star weekend. The events are definite crowd pleasers as the stars come out to display their talents of shooting, passing, dribbling, and of course dunking.
Looking forward to see if Nate Robinson will win back to back dunk contests. I believe Shannon Brown is the best dunker in the contest this year, the only thing I worry about is if he has the creativity to win it all.
Sunday Night: The All-Star Game
"the main event" The stars align in Dallas. NBA's best play a game of offense and more offense. You think defense disappears in during a regular season game in the NBA, that is nothing compared to what goes on during the All Star game. The only disappointment I have is that Kobe Bryant, in my opinion the best player in the league will not be playing due to injuries. I am however very excited to see my boys Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups teaming up and representing the Denver Nuggets.
What a weekend if you love NBA basketball.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Saints Victorious in Miami
The Super Bowl in a sense was a huge surprise. It seemed as though all odds were against the Saints. Peyton Manning was supposed to add a Championship to his hall of fame career. Dwight Freeney wasn't supposed to play, but instead he surprised everyone when he ran out of the tunnel ready in full pads. Despite all these assumptions, the Saints believed in themselves, and got the job done, as they won their first ever Super Bowl.
Lets now take a deeper look at the other things that were affected by the biggest football game of the year.
1. How about Drew Brees. Let look a few years back when Brees was let go by the San Diego Chargers because of a shoulder injury. Brees was looking to make a name for himself and he certainly has, proving to the Chargers that he had what it took to be a winning quarterback in this league. Though Brees is far from cocky, I'm sure this thought is in the back of his head. Since he was let go, he has been one of the leagues top passers and now he has led the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl victory.
2. Now for me, this is the most important question to raise after this game. How does this game affect Peyton Manning's legacy? For last the few weeks I have said that with a win in Miami, Manning would go down as the best ever, end of story. But now some questions have been raise. Not only did Peyton Manning lose on the biggest stage, but he threw an interception to help the Saints secure the win. I don't know about you, but when the Saints took their first lead late in the fourth quarter, I had all the confidence in the world that Manning would lead the colts down the field to tie it up at 24 a piece. I keep hearing so many questions: How will this loss affect Manning mentally? Will he rebound next season? (My opinion=Of course he will), but the better question would be, when will he have another chance to win a Super Bowl? To me the questions need to stop. Manning will get another chance, very soon in my opinion, and he will still go down as the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL. I mean come on, he has been to two Super Bowls, and lost one. Its a little early to raise questions. Look at John Elway for instance. He appeared in 4 Super Bowls before winning his first in 1997 and another in 1998.
But enough of Peyton Manning.
3. The game changing moment would have to be the onside kick recovery out of half time. The amount of guts it took for Sean Peyton, the coach of the Saints, to make that call is ridiculous enough, but it was something that had to be done. If the Colts were to score on that opening possession coming out of half time, the game would have been almost out of reach for the Saints. Not only did that play give the Saints the ball, but it gave them the momentum. Their attitude, especially on the defensive side of the ball, had changed drastically. They were an inspired football team on a mission, looking like nothing could stop them. And with the help of a missed field goal from Colts kicker, Matt Stover, the Saints began to role. They made all the right plays in that second half, including a pick six late in the game to put them up by two touchdowns. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints. As much as I wanted the Colts to win the game, you can't help but to give the Saints all the credit in the world.
Lets now take a deeper look at the other things that were affected by the biggest football game of the year.
1. How about Drew Brees. Let look a few years back when Brees was let go by the San Diego Chargers because of a shoulder injury. Brees was looking to make a name for himself and he certainly has, proving to the Chargers that he had what it took to be a winning quarterback in this league. Though Brees is far from cocky, I'm sure this thought is in the back of his head. Since he was let go, he has been one of the leagues top passers and now he has led the Saints to their first ever Super Bowl victory.
2. Now for me, this is the most important question to raise after this game. How does this game affect Peyton Manning's legacy? For last the few weeks I have said that with a win in Miami, Manning would go down as the best ever, end of story. But now some questions have been raise. Not only did Peyton Manning lose on the biggest stage, but he threw an interception to help the Saints secure the win. I don't know about you, but when the Saints took their first lead late in the fourth quarter, I had all the confidence in the world that Manning would lead the colts down the field to tie it up at 24 a piece. I keep hearing so many questions: How will this loss affect Manning mentally? Will he rebound next season? (My opinion=Of course he will), but the better question would be, when will he have another chance to win a Super Bowl? To me the questions need to stop. Manning will get another chance, very soon in my opinion, and he will still go down as the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL. I mean come on, he has been to two Super Bowls, and lost one. Its a little early to raise questions. Look at John Elway for instance. He appeared in 4 Super Bowls before winning his first in 1997 and another in 1998.
But enough of Peyton Manning.
3. The game changing moment would have to be the onside kick recovery out of half time. The amount of guts it took for Sean Peyton, the coach of the Saints, to make that call is ridiculous enough, but it was something that had to be done. If the Colts were to score on that opening possession coming out of half time, the game would have been almost out of reach for the Saints. Not only did that play give the Saints the ball, but it gave them the momentum. Their attitude, especially on the defensive side of the ball, had changed drastically. They were an inspired football team on a mission, looking like nothing could stop them. And with the help of a missed field goal from Colts kicker, Matt Stover, the Saints began to role. They made all the right plays in that second half, including a pick six late in the game to put them up by two touchdowns. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints. As much as I wanted the Colts to win the game, you can't help but to give the Saints all the credit in the world.
Friday, January 29, 2010
NCAA Hoops begin to heat up
In these last 2 weeks, we have begun the week with a different #1 team in the nation, and the trend will most likely continue due to Kentucky losing on tuesday to South Carolina. Kansas will most likely make its way back to the #1 spot.
With the rankings switching every week and March being right around, who looks like they could be a contender for a national championship? Here are my top five teams.
1.Kansas Jayhawks
-When you look at the Jayhawks roster, I believe they have the perfect balance of senior leadership, and young talented players. Sherron Collins in my opinion is the best pure point guard in the country at the college level paired with his experience and leadership, he makes everyone around him better. Surrounding him are a number of talented and athletic players along with a great coach, I see Kansas as the number 1 team in the country.
2. Syracuse Orangemen
-Jim Boeheim has "the Cuse" back in the top 5, but in my opinion they are the second best team in the nation. The 2-3 zone is at its best, and unless teams shoot the ball extremely well from the outside teams are going to struggle to put up points. They make teams play their style and most teams can't keep up with them. I see them as a final four team in Indianapolis.
3. Villanova Wildcats
-As of right now, they are actually ranked above Syracuse, the reason I have them at the number 3 spot is do to the fact that Syracuse is playing their best basketball now where as I feel Villanova played there best ball at the beginning of the season but they are still a top five team and play in the hardest conference. Scottie Reynolds and Cory Fisher make for one of the best backcourts in the nation, making this Villanova a top team in the country.
4. Texas Longhorns
-Sure, the Longhorns have slipped of late but in my mind they are a great tournament team and very well coached. I actually believe this drop could help them in the long run, making them a team looking to reek havoc in the tournament.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
- Kentucky might have the most talented roster in the nation, along with a player of the year candidate in John Wall, who might I add is a freshman. Kentucky is also one of the youngest teams in the nation which makes me worry that they won't be able to win the big game in tournament. John Caliparri's teams in the past have also been known to choke, and shoot a poor percentage at the free throw line. He is a great recruiter but not a great coach in my mind.
With the rankings switching every week and March being right around, who looks like they could be a contender for a national championship? Here are my top five teams.
1.Kansas Jayhawks
-When you look at the Jayhawks roster, I believe they have the perfect balance of senior leadership, and young talented players. Sherron Collins in my opinion is the best pure point guard in the country at the college level paired with his experience and leadership, he makes everyone around him better. Surrounding him are a number of talented and athletic players along with a great coach, I see Kansas as the number 1 team in the country.
2. Syracuse Orangemen
-Jim Boeheim has "the Cuse" back in the top 5, but in my opinion they are the second best team in the nation. The 2-3 zone is at its best, and unless teams shoot the ball extremely well from the outside teams are going to struggle to put up points. They make teams play their style and most teams can't keep up with them. I see them as a final four team in Indianapolis.
3. Villanova Wildcats
-As of right now, they are actually ranked above Syracuse, the reason I have them at the number 3 spot is do to the fact that Syracuse is playing their best basketball now where as I feel Villanova played there best ball at the beginning of the season but they are still a top five team and play in the hardest conference. Scottie Reynolds and Cory Fisher make for one of the best backcourts in the nation, making this Villanova a top team in the country.
4. Texas Longhorns
-Sure, the Longhorns have slipped of late but in my mind they are a great tournament team and very well coached. I actually believe this drop could help them in the long run, making them a team looking to reek havoc in the tournament.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
- Kentucky might have the most talented roster in the nation, along with a player of the year candidate in John Wall, who might I add is a freshman. Kentucky is also one of the youngest teams in the nation which makes me worry that they won't be able to win the big game in tournament. John Caliparri's teams in the past have also been known to choke, and shoot a poor percentage at the free throw line. He is a great recruiter but not a great coach in my mind.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Fans votes should weigh less
This past week, the NBA introduced the Western and Eastern Conference All-Star starting lineups, but what stole the show was the surprise of Allen Iverson being a starting guard representing the eastern conference. Iverson began the season playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and after not starting and only playing in three games, Iverson made the decision to retire. Just a few weeks later, Iverson would sign a contract with the Sixers. This seemed to be a good fit considering the circumstances, but since he reunited with his original team, he hasn't made a big impact. He is averaging currently less than 15 points per game and the Sixers have a eye popping record of 15 wins and 28 losses. So ask yourself, does Iverson deserve to start in the All-Star game let alone be an All-Star period? The answer in my opinion is no way! How does a man who is having no impact on his team and having his worst statistical season become a starter in the All-Star game? No one and I repeat, no one could make me believe that Iverson deserves that honor. I thought this was the 2010 All-Star game, a game to display those players who have blossomed or dominated this season. Iverson isn't the dominate scorer that he used to be, so why not start someone who deserves the spot. Rajon Rondo, the point guard of the Boston Celtics is having his best season yet in his young career. Averaging almost a double double a game with 14.1 points per game and 9.6 assists per game, he statistically is the best point guard in the Eastern Conference, not to mention he plays on a team who currently has one of the best records in the entire NBA. Why not reward Rondo? This is exactly why the fans shouldn't be the reason someone starts in the All-Star game. Fans should still be able to vote, but their vote needs to count for less. Yes, fans want to see their favorite players in the game, I understand that, but an All-Star team should also be made up of all star players and Iverson is not an All-Star, plain and simple.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Favre returns to a familiar place...+ my predictions
Its January 1996, and Brett Favre and the Packers have just defeated the Patriots and won the Super Bowl. Now where exactly was that game played? The answer is the Super Dome in New Orleans. Favre returns to the Super Dome, for what could possibly be his last NFL game, or he could be given a chance at history as being the oldest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl. As I look at this game, I just don't see a game between the Saints and Vikings. I see a legend, a legend trying to leave a lasting impression on this league which he has been apart of for 19 seasons. I also see a team that represents more than the name on their jersey. The Saints have been a symbol of hope for the city of New Orleans since Katrina hit. When the Purple and Gold play the Black and Gold, keep in mind the the magnitude and importance of this game but also the fact that the winner heads to Miami for a chance to win the Lombardi trophy.
Now here are my predictions for the AFC and NFC Championship games.
I see the Colts putting a stop to the scrappy and persistent Jets. Peyton Manny is just too good. He will be prepared for whatever they throw at him, and so will his offensive line. They will buy him the protection he needs to get the job done. And enough talk about Revis and how good the Jets defense is. Did any one else see the Colts hold the Ravens to 3 points in their divisional playoff game? Their defense is peaking at the right time, just as they did a few years ago when they won the Super Bowl. Rex Ryan and his Jets had a good run, but thats all it is in my mind. They caught San Diego on a bad day and who cares if they are playing with a chip on their shoulder. I will take the best quarterback in the league, along with a lot of talent to go along with him, over a team with a bunch of swagger.
Now, the NFC game is a little tougher but I see an upset in store as the Vikings go into New Orleans and take down Drew Brees and the high powered Saints. After both the Vikings and Saints destroyed their opponents last weekend, one could say this game is a toss up. But what the Vikings have that the Saints don't, is running back looking to get out of a slump. The last eight games the Vikings have played, Adrian Peterson hasn't gone over a 100 rushing yards, but I say that dry spell ends on Sunday. The Saints will be focused on a hot Brett Favre which will make them a little more relaxed with the run. It will be Peterson, not Favre, who is the secret for Minnesota to have success. Their defense in my mind is the best in the league, and will slow the Saints offense down enough to give the Vikings a chance at a Championship, and the Who Dat Nation crying.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jets head to Indy
Who would have thought that the Jets, who finished 9-7 in the regular season, would be on their way to Indianapolis for the AFC Championship. The answer is no one, but the Jets themselves and their hard nosed head coach Rex Ryan. They have done their best Cinderella act in these 2010 playoffs, but now comes the real test, will the glass slipper fall into place. The Indianapolis Colts, the overall number 1 seed in the AFC, looked flawless against the Ravens in their AFC Division playoff game. Peyton Manning, who won a Superbowl just 3 seasons ago is eager to get a second ring. The thing standing in his way of this chance, is a scrappy minded football team (the Jets). Will number 18 and the Colts continue their dominance or will the J...E...T...S, Jets Jets Jets continue their unbelievable run at a cinderella finish?
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