The Return: Derrick Rose isn't the only one

Just like Michael Jordan did in 95, or Derrick Rose will later this year, I have returned. You can all breathe.

Lets recap what happened in the world of sports while I was gone.  Lebron got his first ring in one of the most dominating finals performances ever.  The Lakers acquired Dwight Howard and Steve Nash to make their own super team.  Kobe wants one more ring to cap his hall of fame career.  

 

Baseball plays how games?  The playoffs are still going on and it’s almost November! Shorten the season please!

The United States ruled in London at the summer Olympics. We watched one Olympic legend close out a remarkable career (Michael Phelps) and a new star rise in Missy Franklin (who by the way attends the same high school I did). USA basketball continued its world dominance earning another gold medal. 

And lets not forget that football season is in full force.  College football hasn’t disappointed, unless you are a Nebraska fan.  Alabama remains a top the rankings in all three polls. They continue stress defense as they assert their dominance in the SEC but can they win a second straight BCS title?  Speaking of defense, Notre Dame is relevant again? They rank top five in total defense and 2^nd in points against.  They remain one of the most exciting stories in college football this year.  With brutal road tests against Oklahoma and USC later this season, we will get to see how they rank against two powerhouse programs. 

Oregon continues to marvel the nation with their speed and uniform combinations.  Personally I’m not a huge fan of the flashy jerseys changing every week but it definitely works as a great recruiting tool year in and year out. 

And finally the NFL football.  With 6 weeks down the hatch what do we know so far?  The replacement refs were THAT bad. Vick owns a dog, oops! The Ravens went from Super Bowl contender to fighting for playoff spot in one weekend after losing Ray Lewis. And there is a new comeback kid in Denver. 

The Atlanta Falcons remain the only undefeated team in the league.  With each win getting harder and harder they look like a 4 loss team by the end of the season. 

Eli Manning has established himself as an elite quarterback as the Giants remain one of my Super Bowl Favorites. 

One week the Patriots and Tom Brady look unstoppable on the offensive end, and the next they are losing to NFC West teams like the Seahawks and the Cardinals. 

Speaking of the Seahawks, how about their “win” against the Packers?  Congrats, you earned a controversial win that wasn’t yours and Packer fans thought their season was heading for the Joy John.  But there is no need to worry. The Packers stomped on the Texans last week and Aaron Rodgers showed why he was the last year’s MVP. 

The NFC and AFC couldn’t be more different.  There are only two teams in the AFC with a record above 500 (Baltimore and Houston).  And in the NFC you have the NFC West sitting as the best division in the conference and the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings sit a top the NFC North ahead of the Packers. 

Six weeks are down, but I already have my list of contenders and pretenders. 

Here are my top ten contenders.

1. Houston Texans-are good at all facets of the game.

2. New York Giants-remain the premiere team in the NFC

3. Chicago Bears-Their offense doesn’t even have to put up points to win.

4. Atlanta Falcons-Matt Ryan and his lethal weapons get better each week.

5. New England Patriots- Tom Brady/Bill Belichick …nothing more to be said

6. Baltimore-Defense is hurt, but Ray Rice and Joe Flacco can win them games. 

7. Denver Broncos-Could be higher on the list if they played to their potential each week.

8. San Francisco 49ers- Great defense still and emerging offense.

9. Greenbay Packers- Don’t sleep on last year’s MVP

10.  Seattle/Minnesota- two way tie.  Both have physical defenses good running backs and playmakers on special teams. 

Top 5 Pretenders-Teams in playoff hunt but will tail out. 

1. Arizona Cardinals-Quarterback league and they have a good quarterback.

2. Philadelphia Eagles-Too much drama. Vick has too much pressure. 

3. San Diego Chargers- Clean house.  Fire Norv and start rebuilding. 

4.  NY Jets- Sanchez has gone backwards and they only beat really bad teams. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals- Good Offense, bad defense…the Browns beat them!

Everyone in Between-Teams without an identity.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Two bad losses to bad teams

Washington Redskins- RG3 is awesome, but question marks around their defense.

Detroit Lions-Beat themselves each game with penalties and dumb plays but have so much talent on offense they can compete with anyone.

Miami Dolphins- Young and talented team that finds ways to win games, just not their time yet. 

Dallas Cowboys- Tony Romo is good one week and bad the next.   

New Orleans Saints- No Coach Payton has turned out to be problematic. 

This is the NFL in a nutshell so far and the next 11 weeks prove to be nothing short of exciting as playoff races will heat up.   

To finish the post, here are my picks for week 7

49ers over the Seahawks

Bills over the Titans

Colts over the Browns

Packers over the Rams

Vikings over the Cardinals

Giants over the Redskins

Bucs over the Saints-UPSET

Texans over the Ravens

Patriots over the Jets

Raiders over the Jaguars

Bengals over the Steelers-UPSET

Bears over the Lions

No need to agree with me on these picks but here you go.  Good luck to you this upcoming weekend in football. Whether you’re a fantasy football guru, College Football Diehard, NFL pick’em expert or just a football fan in general.  Remember one thing…”You play to win the game!” 

   

 

   

4 teams, 4 different identities

Going into the final four, we couldn't ask for a more diverse group. Each team with its own special qualities that make them unique from the rest. Throw out the rankings because they don't matter anymore at this stage. Each team has a chance, underdog or not. It's the final four and it doesn't come down to who is the better team or who has more players going in the first round of the NBA draft. It comes down to the DNA of each team. What parts do they struggle with? Where can they cause match-up problems? What style can they use to offset the other team? Experience? All of these aspects go into each game and like I said, its not about who is the better team, but who is better on that day!

Lets begin with the Kentucky Wildcats, a team picked by many to be crowned the next NCAA Champions. This team is the "Goliath" team of the tourney.

POSITIVES: A team loaded with talent across the board with 2 of the top five players in the nation in Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Their starting five is the best in the country and can put points on the board like any other team. Don't turn the ball over against them or they will go up by 10 in a heartbeat. Davis gives them a lift on defense with his length and shot blocking ability. This makes it hard for teams to score inside the paint. But lets not talk about "D" with this team because its all about the "O".

NEGATIVES: Lets begin with their experience. Sure they don't start 5 freshman but they do start three, and the other two are sophomores. In the past John Calipari's teams have lacked in the experience department. Losing close games down the stretch because they don't keep their composure. Free throws are a little better this year for Calipari's team but let's not forget about his Memphis team who let Kansas back into the National Title game because of missed free throws. The weak spot is coaching. Calipari is a great recruiter and he will reload his teams each and every year. In game situations however he doesn't compare to other elite coaches. Kentucky also lacks depth, so if their starters get into foul trouble we could see some problems.

Kentucky will be taking on Rick Pitino and his Louisville squad. Louisville is that "pesky defender" during a game who pisses you off but you can't help but to acknowledge all the hard work he has put in.

POSITIVES: This team may be the dark horse to win the Championship out of the final four. When you have Pitino as your coach, you have to like your chances. Their crazy and uncharacteristic style keeps teams from getting into their rhythm. They can speed you up or slow you down, depending on how talented the other team is. They will most likely try to slow things down against the Wildcats. Very good defensively and a point guard in Peyton Siva who is not only the leader of this team but has a will to win that many others don't.

NEGATIVES: Pitino has had a lot of talented teams in the many years he has coached but this one isn't up in the top tier. They are solid at each position but not exceptional. They don't have great height and length with the exception of forward Gorgui Dieng. Can be very streaky when shooting from the outside. Despite the negatives, they are overall a good team.

Now on the other side of the bracket there are the 2 seeds in Ohio State and Kansas
Kansas was overlooked at the beginning of the season and many believed they still overachieved during the regular season. You can't argue with wins though. With a regular season Big 12 title and a final four appearance they are a solid team. This Jayhawks team is like a "deadly assassin," because when everything is clicking they are hard to beat.

POSITIVES: Thomas Robinson, should I say anymore? Not only has he gone from being the 6th man last year to the leader of this team but he is up for player of the year and has Kansas back in the final four. If Robinson is Batman, then Tyshawn Taylor is Robin. Kansas will go as far as these guys will take them. They have a great supporting cast that steps up in big situations. And o yeah, Bill Self is there coach. That means their defense usually isn't lacking.

NEGATIVES: They do rely heavily on Robinson and Taylor, if either of these guys has a horrific night they are in trouble. Their bench is good but streaky. They tend to not show up in some games and in those games Kansas usually gets beat bad.

To round out the final four you have Ohio State. This team is the "comeback kid". They never go away and never stop fighting. After a disappointing end to last season, they are ready to redeem themselves and show that they can win it all.

POSITIVES: Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft lead the troops. Ohio State has the ability to beat you in numerous ways. Whether it is in the post, in a transition game or just an old fashioned shoot out. They can do it all. Numerous players who can shoot the rock and aren't afraid to step up and hit clutch shots down the stretch. Ohio State is a fearless team.

NEGATIVES: Sullinger has to assert himself early in the game or he usually struggles the rest of the time. He is good defensively but sometimes gets into foul trouble. At times they rely too much on the 3 pointer. If they are on, they are great and if they are cold they can shoot themselves out of a game. Also at times Craft becomes too passive and isn't aggressive on the offensive side of the ball. If he isn't a threat that allows teams to key in on their other scorers.

So there is the layout. 4 teams with 4 different make-ups. One thing is certain though. Each of them want to be the 2012 NCAA champs. I see Kansas beating Ohio State and Kentucky getting by Louisville. That would leave us with a Kentucky vs. Kansas final, but only time will tell.

Sweet 16 predictions

I'm sure a lot of you out there are just like me. Your bracket isn't turning out the way you planned so now all you care about is watching good games while hoping and praying that some how some way your bracket will remerge. The second part isn't very likely (then again it is called march madness) but the first part I definitely agree with.
All #1 seeds remain in the tourney for now. Some will have their hands full, others will probably coast on through to the elite 8.

A lot of folks had Syracuse losing to Vandy in this round. Now that can't be the case after Wisconsin beat them last round. Syracuse will be facing a tough Badgers team but look for them to win with ease. Wisconsin just doesn't have the fire power to keep up with the Orange. They are too long and athletic despite not having Fab Melo down low.

As for the Tar Heels, they got pretty lucky with their matchup. Ohio is a good story and they have a had a good run but North Carolina is arguably the most talented team in the nation. Yes, Kendall Marshall not being a 100% doesn't help their chances at winning a title, but for now they can breathe and get some good practice in against Ohio.

Tom Izzo finally has Michigan State back to playing his type of basketball. Physically and mentally tough! In the past, the Spartans have had the strength and talent but they didn't have the mental part of the game, and that is the difference this year. Draymond Green is ready to take Izzo and his team back to the final four. Louisville is a good team don't get me wrong but at times they struggle to put up points and Michigan State shouldn't have that problem against them. This is no cup cake game for Michigan State but I do see them pulling out the victory.

Finally, the "Rematch" Kentucky vs Indiana. Indiana is primed to make a run but standing in their way is the best team in the nation. The good thing for Indiana is that it doesn't matter who the better team is, as long you are the better team on THAT DAY, in that game. Kentucky can go up on you in a heartbeat. At one moment your are down 2, 30 seconds later they have just gone on a 8-0 run. This is the one #1 team who I see having some trouble, but they are also the team that could absolutely go off against a solid Hoosiers team who beat them earlier in the season.

As for the remaining games...
Ohio St over Cincinnati-too much talent, and Aaron Craft is the difference.
Kansas over NC State-Thomas Robinson's will to win and the rest of the supporting cast aren't ready to leave.
Florida over Marquette- sharp shooters every where, and Florida can match Marquette's quick pace.
Baylor over Xavier-Tu Holloway and his "Gangster" teammates have seen the end of their run. Quincy Acy is too good.

It's March Madness though, and anything can happen!

Bluejays are dancing

As the weekend came to a close teams from mid major conferences began to punch their tickets into the NCAA tournament. On Sunday Creighton defeated Illinois State for the Missouri Valley Championship. A game that many believed would be between Wichita State and Creighton still gave fans exactly what they wanted to see; a close and exciting game. Creighton won in overtime to give them an automatic bid into the big dance, now the question is how far can these Bluejays go? Currently many analysts have them as a 6 or 7 seed but that could still change before the week ends.
Despite their seed Creighton remains one of the top mid major teams in the nation along with Wichita State and Saint Mary's and if they play their basketball they could potentially make some noise in the tourney.
The last few weeks have proven a lot about this team. For starters they have shown they can win close games down the stretch. With the consistency of Doug McDermott and the leadership of Antoine Young the team answered all the critics after a 3 game skid. The Missouri Valley was a very under rated conference this season, especially with College basketball having a down year. So don't expect Creighton to just be a “one and done” team when the tourney starts.
Many teams haven't faced and don't understand how to handle the combo of McDermott and Gregory Echenique. People are going to prepare for McDermott but he will still get his production, the trouble is if you focus too much on him, Echenique has the size and potential to hurt a lot of teams down low. The one thing that they will have to step up is shooting from the perimeter. Yes they remain a top team as far as shooting percentage goes but the team’s shooting production has gone down since January. In the MVC tournament they shot well and hopefully that carries over to the dance.
Three players are going to have play well in order for the Bluejays to have success. Like I said earlier, McDermott will get his points and rebounds. 1. Grant Gibbs, the glue to this team. Gibbs played spectacular in the MVC championship and I expect him to continue. His knowledge and leadership will always be there but if he knocks down the open shot when given to him he adds another scoring threat. 2. Josh Jones, the spark off of the bench. Jones can be a lock down defender and has the capability to shoot the three, not to mention if he gets out on the break he is a great finisher. His production is key going forward. 3. Echenique: standing at 6"9" and 270lbs can be a dominating force on the offensive end but more importantly on the defensive side of the ball. With his size he can alter shots and dominate the boards.

From the beginning of the season, this has been a team that believes they can play with the best of them, and I believe they are correct. Creighton is going dancing for the first time in five seasons and look for them to keep their foot on the gas pedal.

NBA mid season awards

Half way through a shortened NBA season, some players are making more noise than others.
Here are my top 5 MVP candidates of the first half of this season.
#5: Tony Parker
Many of you may be surprised with this choice, but lets take a look at the Spurs season thus far. The Spurs rank 2nd in the Western Conference behind the Thunder, and without Parker this wouldn't be possible. The Spurs were said to be old and beat up. With Time Duncan on the down side of his career and Manu Ginobli getting hurt for a majority of this season, the Spurs have relied heavily on their veteran point guard to lead them. He has averaged 25 points in the month of February while the Spurs held the league's longest win streak of the NBA season at 11 games.

#4: Kobe Bryant
Not much to say here. The Lakers are getting old and everyone knows it. They don't have a point guard and no one on there bench can give Kobe a break when needed. Averaging 29 points a game at 33 years old and keeping his team in the middle to upper pack in the Western Conference, this guy always belongs in the MVP conversation

#3: Lebron James
The Heat are probably the favorites to win the NBA Championship right now, and they show no signs of letting up on the gas. Lebron continues to be the leagues overall best player, playing with more confidence than ever. He is third in scoring this year behind Kobe and Kevin Durant and has showed he is the best player in Miami. He fits the definition of giving the award to the best player on the best team and half way through the Heat are certainly the NBA's best team.

#2: Chris Paul
Lob City wouldn't be possible without the best point guard in the league and with the season he is having, Chris Paul deserves that recognition. Paul took that team from only highlight reels to potential Western Conference Champs. All the talk seems to go back to Blake Griffin, but the Clippers will go as far as Paul will take him. Without Paul, the Clippers are an average team that would probably miss out on the playoffs again. Averaging over 18 points, 8 assists and 2 steals a game, Paul may take the MVP award if the Clippers make a run at the top seed in the West.

#1: Kevin Durant
How can you ignore the scoring machine Kevin Durant has become, not to mention his team is in first place in the Western Conference. Durant has shown he can score in a variety of ways this season and is virtually one of the hardest players to guard in the league. He is second in the league in scoring and averages almost 9 rebounds a game. Not to bad for a player who is only 23 years old.

New York's Savior? is Lin the Answer for the Knicks?

As you all have probably heard, Jeremy Lin has taken New York City and the NBA by storm. Selling millions of jerseys, averaging 26.8 ppg in 5 starts and in those starts the New York Knicks are 5 and 0. So why all the questions? The guy scored 38 on Kobe and the Lakers, he is a legit 6 '3' 200lbs and is undefeated as a starter. Not to mention he knows how to play the point guard position the right way, and until Lin, the Knicks didn't have a point guard to run Mike D'Antoni's offense.

I want everyone to think back to when D'Antoni was the coach of the Phoenix Suns. There he had one of the best point guards of all time in Steve Nash, partnered with Amare Stoudemire and role players such as Shawn Marion and Boris Diaw. That offense was a work of art as Nash averaged about 11 assists per game and the Suns were legit contenders in the Western Conference almost every year. Now let’s fast forward to the present, where D'Antoni finally has a true point guard. For the time being, Lin will be given the opportunity to run this offense along side Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler.

If you ask me, that’s about as good as it is going to get. Sure, Lin is no Steve Nash, but the guy has proven he can lead a team to victories and put up some good numbers. Now the Knicks aren’t forced to run an isolation offense through Anthony and Stoudemire. They still have that option, but now they can beat teams in multiple ways. The point guard should always run the offense and Lin is the type of point guard who will make everyone around him better.

The questions should no longer be about Lin, but instead they should be if Anthony and Stoudemire can put their egos aside and let Lin run this offense. Their numbers may fall a little, but wins will build. D'Antoni is a good coach and knows how to have success in this league and now with the essential tools, look for the Knicks to rise in the east as legit contenders as long as they all buy into this system. For now...Lin is the answer in the Big Apple.

Creighton shows no signs of slowing down

For those of you who go to Creighton like myself, the talk around campus is about our up and coming basketball team, that stands at #12 in the USA Today poll. It’s evident that Creighton is on its way to the “Big Dance” in March as they continue to roll through Missouri Valley opponents.
Though I am just as stoked as everyone else on campus, there are those people who are still skeptical about this team but let me tell you there is nothing to be skeptical about. Ok… are they really the 12th best college team in the nation? Who really knows is the better question… but they are ranked there now and these Jays are a team to be reckoned with. They are what I like to call the “Dirty Dozen”, which was the name of a 1967 war film, where a U.S. Army Major is assigned 12 convicts. His goal is to turn them into soldiers and lead them into battle. What is unique about the 12 is that each of them has something different they excel in. Each character in the film is unique in his own way. Each person has their own role and they realize each person must do his role in order to have success.
This seems to be a fair comparison to the Creighton Basketball team. Obviously this team doesn’t go 12 players deep but what team in the nation can actually do that? The point I am trying to get across is the fact that each individual has bought into the team. They rely on one another and encourage one another. They don’t play for the spot light or for a chance to make it big in the NBA someday, not to say that isn’t on their minds, but they play for their school, their coaches and for one another. Creighton leads the nation in field goal percentage, is 2nd in assists per game and is 5th in points scored per game. These are attributed to the team oriented basketball that Gregg McDermott has instilled in these young men. Each player does their role exceptionally well: Grant Gibbs is the glue of the team and keeps everyone on the same page, Jahenns Manigat knocks down the open three every time he gets his chance, Antoine Young is clutch down the stretch in either scoring a big bucket or knocking down free throws and it makes things a lot easier when you have a consistent scorer and player of the year candidate in Doug McDermott. The matter is, however you look at it, Creighton finds ways to win games. It may not be pretty sometimes and sometimes they may blow out a team but they always find a way to get the job done because they believe and trust in one another.
The Jays head to Northern Iowa tonight for another road test, but they should be able to get the job done. #rolljays