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April 29, 2008

NBA Playoffs Update

I can't believe the Hawks and Celtics are tied 2-2. It's been an eventful series filled with gang signs and possible suspensions. Don't listen to the hype, you be the judge. Is this Paul Pierce throwing up an Inglewood blood sign?


Now, on to the possible suspensions. Marvin Williams (Atlanta) and Kendrick Perkins (Boston) both stepped a foot on the court during the game 4 skirmish. I for one, don't feel that either player should be suspended.

Kevin Garnett shoved Referee Eddie Rush, while Rush was trying to restrain KG. Shoving a referee during a may lay is dangerous territory. If the NBA doesn't suspend Garnett, they are opening up a dangerous can of worms. The NBA would essentially be stripping the referees of their power to break up confrontations or brawls. If roles had been reversed and Zaza Pachulia pushed an official, I guarantee a suspension would be handed down. Let's see if the same holds true for superstar, Kevin Garnett.




I seriously underestimated the lower seeds in the East. Philly and Detroit are tied 2-2, and Philadelphia is extremely entertaining to watch. The Sixers hustle, run the fast break, and have the best motion offense I've seen in the NBA. Watch closely in game 5, there is constant motion, with great utilization of the back door cut.

Philadelphia is exposing Detroit in this series. I still think Detroit will pull it out, but they're showing that they don't have what it takes to reach the Finals this year. The Pistons are aging, and seem to lack the desire needed to be successful in the playoffs. It wouldn't shock me to see Detroit go out in round 2.

All season long we heard about how competitive the West was, and how the East only had Boston and Detroit. Meanwhile, Boston and Detroit are locked into serious battles, while in the West the Lakers have swept Denver, and the Spurs, Jazz, and Hornets have cruised to 3-1 series leads. Looks like the West wasn't as balanced as we all thought.

Are the Wizards still running their mouths about LeBron? Really? Even down 3-1? Here's a link to Brendan Haywood's comments on LBJ's "whining" over rough play.

Did anyone else notice the horrendous officiating in game 4 of the Rockets/Jazz series. Luckily the poor officiating didn't determine the outcome, but I haven't seen so many missed calls late in a playoff game since the referees flat out cheated for the Lakers during the Kobe/Shaq era.

The Suns fizzling out has been very disappointing. This was shaping up to be a great series before Phoenix blew 2 big leads in San Antonio. If the Suns can pull out a win tonight, at least this will turn in to a legitimate series.

Riley Retires, But for How Long?

Pat Riley stepped down as coach of the Miami Heat on Monday . . . again! Erik Spoelstra has been named the new head coach. At 37 years old, Spoelstra is the NBA's youngest coach. The Heat assistants (McAdoo, Rothstein, Askins) are expected to stay with the team.

Riley will remain the team President. But the real question is, will he remain retired from coaching?

"I am definitely sure that I don't want to do this anymore," Riley Said.

I wish I could believe that, but his past brings clouds of doubt. With that said, I don't believe he'll be back as the head coach of the Heat. Spoelstra is a young coach, and Riley is showing great faith in him, giving him the job of rebuilding the franchise with Wade, Marion, and their upcoming draft pick. The heat (pun intended) Riley would receive if he came back again would be unbelievable, and unless Spoelstra bombs, Pat would disrupt the rebuilding process if he returns. Riley's done in Miami, but I won't count out the possibility that he'll coach again with another team.

Spoelstra is just what the doctor ordered for the rebuilding Heat. He's young, energetic, and brings a positive attitude that Pat Riley lacked.

Call me an optimist, but Miami can be a playoff team next year. Sure, coming off a 15-67 season doesn't breed confidence, but the reality is; Miami completely tanked it at the mid-way point. There's no reason a trio of Wade, Marion, and Beasley (if those ping pong balls fall right) can't lead the Heat to a playoff spot in the East. Combine that trio with Haslem (yes he's small to play C), a new PG, and a run and gun style and the Heat will not only be competitive, they will be fun to watch again.

Click here to read more about Pat Riley's retirement.

April 28, 2008

Making the Grade: Colts Draft Recap

Rd 1: No Pick
Rd 2: Mike Pollak (59th Overall)
Center, Arizona State

Pollak gives the Colts depth and a much needed backup behind Jeff Saturday. Pollak will be ready to contribute in 1 or 2 years.
Grade: B-

Rd 3: Phillip Wheeler (93rd Overall)
ILB, Georgia Tech

Wheeler's a decent athlete, but I don't see him being an NFL LB. He can help the Colts on special teams immediately.
Grade: C+

Rd 4: Jacob Tamme (127th Overall)
TE, Kentucky

I love this pickup! Scouts say he's not a great run blocker, but Tamme's an immediate threat in the passing game. I can envision Indy using him in goal line/short yardage passing situations.
Grade: B+

Rd 5: Marcus Howard (161st Overall)
OLB, Georgia

Marcus Howard is small for the position, but has great speed (sounds like the entire Colts D). On a unit built around quickness, Howard will be a great fit.
Grade: B

Rd 6: Tom Santi (196th Overall)
TE, Virginia
Santi will be a special teams player, perhaps being utilized in short yardage situations (to take advantage of his above average blocking). I don't see him making headlines, but he could be a solid role player for the Colts
Grade: C

Rd 6: Mike Hart (202nd Overall)
RB, Michigan

Another great pickup by Polian and the Colts. Hart will be a great compliment back to Addai. He's smart, which will help him learn the Colts complex offensive scheme.
Grade: A

Rd 6: Pierre Garcon (205th Overall)
WR, Mount Union

He dominated Division III, but will it translate to NFL success? Only time will tell, but he could see the field as a kick/punt returner this season.
Grade: C

Rd 7: Jamey Richard (236th Overall)
Center, Buffalo
I'm not entirely sold on the idea of picking up 3 centers in the draft. I don't see Richard making the team. This pick could've been better utilized on another position, specifically D-Line depth.
Grade: D-

Day 2 Draft Steals

Jacob Hester RB, LSU (69th, San Diego)
NFL Comp : Heath Evans - Patriots
Hester is a very tough runner who can pick up difficult yardage. He has soft hands, great work ethic, and is an exceptional blocker. Hester will most likely be converted into a fullback with the Chargers.

Dan Connor LB, Penn State (74th, Carolina)
NFL Comp : Keith Bulluck - Titans
Connor is the prototypical linebacker. He is a hard hitting, mean, instinctive, and physical player who is tougher than grandma's pot roast. Connor will be one of the top defender's to come out of the 2008 draft.

Mario Manningham WR, Michigan (95th, Michigan)
NFL Comp : Reggie Wayne - Colts
Manningham is an extremely talented receiver who has great vision, speed, and hands. He runs good routes and is also a good red zone threat as he possesses a great vertical leap that allows him to go above corners and come down with the ball. The only blemish on his record would be a knee injury he suffered in '06.

Anthony Collins OT, Kansas (112th, Cincinatti)
NFL Comp : Levi Brown - Cardinals
Collins is a big bruising right tackle, who is a stallwart in pass protection. He can open up huge holes in the run game and is very strong and athletic.

Josh Sitton OT, UCF (135th, Green Bay)
NFL Comp: Edwin Mulitalo - Detroit
Sitton's wide body and drive blocking skills are more suited for an interior position. He might have been born 20 years too late, as he would have been an ideal "Hog" next to Joe Jacoby on the Redskins' front line. Sitton plays with a mauler's mentality. He doesn't look pretty on the move, but has a knack for leveling second-level defenders. Just look at the success of the UCF ground game behind him.

John David Booty QB, USC (137th, Minnesota)
NFL Comp : Trent Green - Dolphins
Booty is a gunslinging signal caller who has put up big numbers in USC's pro-style offense. His arm strength and accuracy are both well above average and he isn't afraid to take a hit in the pocket.

Dennis Dixon QB, Oregon (156th, Pittsburgh)
NFL Comp : Vince Young - Titans
Dixon is a dual threat quarterback who is just as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. He has good pocket awareness, a very strong arm, and is becoming a great leader. Pittsburgh loves gadget plays, and Dixon's ability to run and throw will be utilized.

Marcus Henry WR, Kansas (171st, NY Jets)
NFL Comp: Jeff Webb - Kansas City
He has the long limbs to extend for the ball at its high point and soft hands. He's not a physical receiver, nor does he relish a role blocking. He still needs to refine his route running and will gather and drift in his routes. If used on controlled routes or underneath, he has the size to compete for the jump ball and uses his body control effectively near the sideline.

Colt Brennan QB, Hawaii (186th, Washington)
NFL Comp : Brett Favre - Packers
Brennan is an accurate passer who isn't afraid to distribute the ball to a multitude of targets. He has a good arm and is very comfortable in the pocket. The knock on Brennan is that he is a "system" quarterback and will not find success in the NFL. Fans will be calling for him to start some time in the next 2 seasons (I'm not sold on Campbell as a solid NFL QB).

Mike Hart RB, Michigan (202nd, Indianapolis)
NFL Comp : Warrick Dunn - Falcons
Mike couldn't be more appropriately named because he plays the game with 100% heart. He is a leader on and off the field, and is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. He is a tough runner who can run inside and out. Addai and Hart will be a solid 1-2 combo.

Peyton Hillis FB, Arkansas (227th, Denver)
NFL Comp: Brian Leonard - St. Louis
Hillis has good value as a short-yardage runner, but to have him carry the ball often would not be beneficial, as he does not have the second gear or speed to make big gains on the ground. He has natural hands for short-area tosses. He's a good blue-collar type who can help in a variety of roles, rather than being utilized strictly as a blocker. Hillis can develop into a key element of the Shanahan run game.

Draft Analysis brought to you by CBS Sportsline and DraftSeason.com

April 26, 2008

Random 1st Round Observations

What are the odds of two Longs going 1 and 2 in the NFL draft?

How long will it take for Atlanta to live down the Michael Vick fiasco? They take more heat than Vick, which makes absolutely no sense.

Showing Matt Ryan and Glenn Dorsey on the phone grinning ear to ear minutes before the 3rd and 5th picks were announced kinda killed the suspense. Makes me wonder; what's the purpose of the pre-pick phone calls? Is it that important to talk to the player 60 seconds before the pick is announced? Just wait 'till after he has your team hat on, then give him a call. Maybe I'm missing something, but I just don't get it.

It's only pick 11 and I've already lost interest.

I'm interested (it's back) to see if Joe Flacco pans out in Baltimore. I like to see small school guys have NFL success.

Felix Jones is a nice pickup at #22. In regards to the Dallas having Pacman and Felix as punt and kick returners; Berman says the Cowboys are "pushing the envelope" . . . How?

On ESPN they have fan's comments running on the screen. Why do I care what TheJakester1768 thinks about the Cardinals' pick?

Phoenix Suns - Time For a Change

During game 3 of the Suns/Spurs series, the ESPN announce team laid into Dan Bickley of the Arizona Republic for writing this article.

In summation, Bickley claims that D'Antoni has failed to develop the Suns bench, lacks the personality to control an NBA team, and fails to make the necessary mid-game adjustments needed to be successful (especially in the Playoffs). Fans are unhappy, and Bickley feels that D'Antoni is on the "hot seat".

The crew from ESPN - specifically Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy - jumped all over this idea of Phoenix wanting to send D'Antoni out of town, going so far as to call the idea "ridiculous". While I didn't necessarily enjoy Bickley's article, or find it especially insightful, the idea of a possible coaching change isn't far fetched.

Why do former players and coaches generally refuse to make negative comments about current NBA coaches? D'Antoni has failed to get the Suns over the hump and deserves criticism for his shortcomings as a head coach. Hey, Mark and Jeff, you're being paid as basketball analysts . . . objectively analyze something!

Here's the facts:

D'Antoni has coached 4 full seasons (and part of the 2003-2004 season) with a very talented group of players. In 2005 the Suns lost to the Spurs 4-1 in the Conference finals, in 2006 Phoenix was again eliminated in the conference finals - this time by Dallas 4-2. In 2007 they took a step backwards, losing to the Spurs 4-2 in the 2nd round. Now, after gambling the future on Shaquille O'Neal (Steve Kerr, you're seat may be warm too), they are 1 game away from being swept in the 1st round and eliminated by San Antonio yet again.

Jackson and Van Gundy claim D'Antoni is an "offensive genius". Call me cynical, but it doesn't take a genius to get scoring output from Nash (2004-Present), Shawn Marion (2003-2008), Leandro Barbosa (2003-Present), Amare Stoudemire (2003-Present), or Joe Johnson (2003-2005).

The Suns have failed to address the following issues for the past 4 years:

Phoenix is soft, they don't hustle to loose balls, they don't fight on the boards, they can't play defense, and they're mentally fragile. Is it all Mike's fault? . . . Absolutely not. But, either a major roster overhaul is needed (which will be close to impossible with current contract situations), or it's time for a coaching change. Can anyone envision the Suns winning a championship next year with D'Antoni coaching a core of Shaq, Nash, Stoudemire, Barbosa, Bell, Diaw, and Hill?

Is the seat on fire yet, or is it that Arizona sun burning your ass?

April 24, 2008

NFL Draft 2008: What's the Big Deal?

Call me crazy, but I don't get too excited over the NFL draft. Before you question my fanhood, hear me out.

First, the NFL Draft is excruciatingly long, 2 days (7 rounds) long to be exact. Even the most die hard draft fanatics don't watch all 7 rounds, do they?

Second, I just can't convince myself to care what the other 31 teams (besides Indy) are doing with their draft selections. Sure, if a big name college star (D-Mac) goes somewhere, I'm interested. But, truth be known, I don't know every college lineman (aside from the 3 or 4 college teams I follow very closely, I actually know very few), and therefore don't give two hoots where they go in the NFL.

And, third, the Colts have the 59th pick. I absolutely refuse to sit through the previous 58 selections, just to see who Indy picks up in the 2nd round. I have no doubts that the Colts will make a solid choice (and I have no problem reading about that choice after day 1 of the Draft has concluded). The Colts have a knack for picking up solid late round picks, and Bill Polian most certainly has a solid track record, when it comes to the draft.

Possible 2nd round selections for Indianapolis include Early Doucet (WR, LSU) and Ray Rice (RB, Rutgers). The Colts need depth at both the WR and RB positions. Marvin Harrison isn't getting any younger, and last year's injury riddled season doesn't exactly instill confidence in his longevity.

Early Doucet would give the Colts another deep threat, as well as a solid run blocking wideout (which is key in the Colts stretch running game). Should Ray Rice still be available, he would be a huge addition to the Colts backfield. While Joseph Addai will still get the majority of the workload, Rice provides speed and big play ability that Joseph Addai lacks. I'd be thrilled with either guy at #59.

April 23, 2008

MMA and Overalls

Itomo Ariyama vs. Katsuhiko Kumano


Those crazy Japanese are at it again. This "classic" confrontation comes to you via the DEEP Megaton Grand Prix.

April 22, 2008

Quick Hits: NBA Playoffs

I couldn't have been more wrong on the Rockets. This series is once again proving that the regular season is . . . the regular season, and it doesn't mean anything come playoff time.

Love him or hate him, LeBron probably isn't as overrated as Deshawn Stevenson thought. Oh, and Deshawn, as much as you probably wish you were invisible right now, we still see you. Taunting when down by 20 really shows a person's true character . . . and you clearly have none.

Why do the "experts" have Cleveland winning in 6 or 7? They've eliminated the Wiz the past 2 years, and this time Gilbert Arenas is nowhere near 100%, and the King is extremely motivated. I will be stunned if this series makes it to game 6.

Could the Eastern Conference 1st round be any worse? It's an absolute lock that all the top seeds will advance. The only thing even remotely interesting, is how big of a scare can the Sixers give the Pistons? I'd rather watch the NHL playoffs . . . almost.

Philadelphia and Atlanta are in the Playoffs, while the Heat are crossing their fingers for a #1 draft pick. That's a statement I never would've anticipated making heading into this season.

Tim Duncan . . . for 3?

Chris Paul is a one man show. There are better scorers, but no one carries their team the way CP3 does. The ball is always in his hands and nothing positive happens, unless he orchestrates it. He's more fun to watch than J-Will in Sacramento, and that's saying a lot.

April 21, 2008

Sixers Shock Detroit . . . and Me

Yes, it's only one game, but the 76ers game 1 win over Detroit was a shocker. The Pistons failed to capitalize on numerous late game opportunities after blowing a 15 point lead. Philly didn't do anything particularly well. They shot 43%, had 12 turnovers, and survived Andre Iguodala's missed throws down the stretch. It's this lack of spectacular play that makes this game even more remarkable.

To set the record straight, I thought the Sixers would get swept. If I were to envision a scenario where they would win a game, Sunday's performance was not what I would have pictured.

Detroit looked like the same overconfident, disinterested team that lost to Cleveland in last year's playoffs. I'm still 100%, absolutely, positively, sure Detroit will make it out of round 1, but unless they get focused real quick, they will be ripe for a 2nd round ousting.

April 20, 2008

Chris Paul: Can He Really Be THAT Good?

If you happened to be watching New Orleans' game 1 victory over the Mavs on Saturday, you witnessed one of the greatest playoff debuts in the history of the NBA. CP3 finished with 35 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals, and more importantly, he led his team to a 104-92 victory.

If you weren't a believer in #3 before Saturday night, what in the world is stopping you now?

There's still a long way to go in this series, and only time will tell if Paul can lead his team to the 2nd round. But, one thing is certain, his performance Saturday will remain memorable, no matter the outcome of the series.

CP3 for MVP

GSP Dazzles, B-Hop Bores

The UFC 83 card was relatively uneventful, aside from the dominating performance put on by Georges St. Pierre. GSP's 3rd consecutive victory was just as impressive as his previous two. While Anderson Silva and Quinton Jackson can both make claim to the top pound for pound spot, it's difficult to argue that GSP is the best in the sport right now. I don't know what else is out there in the welterweight division right now. It appears Jon Fitch will be GSP's first title defense. Fitch is big, strong, and a good wrestler. It'll be a decent test for St. Pierre, but I can't see him walking away with anything less than than a 4th consecutive victory.

In the only other eventful moment of the night, TUF 6 winner Mac Danzig won his UFC debut over Mark Bocek. Danzig caught Bocek with a rear naked choke in round 3.


In other action Saturday night, Joe Calzaghe made his debut on American soil with a split decision victory over Bernard Hopkins, to capture the Light Heavyweight championship. The fight was horrendous, and I feel sorry for others that had to watch it. Hopkins is reaching John Ruiz status, as one of the world's most boring fighters. After 12 rounds of clinching, grappling, and the occasional sloppy flurry, scores were 113-114, 115-112, 116-111.

In usual B-Hop fashion he pretended to be shocked with the decision, and claimed to be the rightful winner. The only way justice will truly be served, is if the "Executioner" drops the axe on his career and calls it quits. Boxing fans should not be subjected to another 12 rounds of wrestling and dirty tactics.

Roy Jones Jr. seems to feel a fight with Calzaghe is a done deal and will happen before the year's end. While Jones is past his prime, Calzaghe vs. Jones will definitely be more aesthetically pleasing.

April 19, 2008

NBA Playoffs Round 1

Western Conference

(1) LA Lakers
(8) Denver Nuggets
Denver is dangerous, but I can't see them winning more than 1 game in LA, and I know they won't hold home court. When Melo and AI are hot they'll steal a couple games, and when they're cold they'll get blown out.

LA Lakers 4-2

(4) Utah Jazz
(5) Houston Rockets
T-Mac's notorious for not getting the job done come playoff time. Will things be different this time around without Yao? Call me crazy, but I'm going with Houston. I expect this to be the most closely contested first round series.

Houston Rockets 4-3

(3) San Antonio Spurs
(6) Phoenix Suns
Phoenix took a huge gamble when dealing for Shaquille. The team has slowly started to mesh and build chemistry. Shaq will neutralize Tim Duncan just enough, and Nash will out play Tony Parker.

Phoenix Suns 4-3

(2) N.O. Hornets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
I've never felt so uneasy about a 2 seed. I'd love to see New Orleans move on because they play an exciting style of basketball, and CP3 is always fun to watch . . . But, Dallas has too many weapons. These teams held home court during the regular season, but Dallas will steal one of the first 2 and go on to win the series.

Dallas Mavericks 4-2

Eastern Conference

(1) Boston Celtics
(8) Atlanta Hawks
Boston's a legit team and Atlanta stinks. It's an embarrassment that a team this bad is actually in the playoffs. Boston could get lazy and blow one game, but I doubt it.

Boston Celtics 4-0

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers
(5) Washington Wizards
Cleveland, specifically LeBron, seems motivated for this series. As much as the Wiz don't want to believe it, they'll be ousted for the 3rd straight year by the Cavs.

Cleveland 4-1

(3) Orlando Magic
(6) Toronto Raptors
This will be a highly competitive series. Look for plenty of offense, with the winning team scoring over 100 in each game. Home court will be served, with Orlando winning game 7 at the Amway Arena.

Orlando Magic 4-3

(2) Detroit Pistons
(7) Philadelphia 76ers
Just like Atlanta, Philly should not be in the post season. Detroit will end this quick, and be the 2nd Eastern Conference team to sweep in the 1st round.

Detroit 4-0

April 17, 2008

The Weekend Watch


It's a big sports weekend if you're a fan of fighting and hoops. The NBA Playoffs tip off on Saturday, and include two very intriguing matchups.

Phoenix @ San Antonio (Sat 3:00 ABC)
The Suns acquired Shaq for this exact scenario. It's the Big Aristotle vs. the Big Fundamental. Can O'Neal turn back the clock and cement his legacy as the most dominant big man of his era? Or, will Tim Duncan lead his team to the 2nd round and put the entire nation to sleep in the process?

Dallas @ New Orleans (Sat 7:00 ESPN)
The home team won in each of the 4 regular season meetings. This is another scenario where a trade decision will be tested. It's Jason Kidd matching up against Chris Paul (my MVP choice). Holding home court will be huge for the Hornets.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe (Sat 9:45 HBO)
Calzaghe vs. Hopkins provides us with the best Middleweight of this era and the best Super Middleweight. The catch? The fight's happening at Light Heavyweight. This favors Calzaghe, who is naturally the bigger man. If Hopkins doesn't have the power to hurt Joe, I expect the Welshman to pressure B-Hop all night and score a Unanimous Decision.

Georges St. Pierre vs. Matt Serra (Sat 10:00 PPV)
GSP has looked spectacular in his last two outings, which is no easy feat considering they were against Josh Koscheck and Matt Hughes. Serra caught Pierre in their first fight, but I just can't envision it happening again. GSP will dominate and all US MMA fans will have to endure weeks of gloating and "nut huggery".

Two extremely interesting fights. One is free, one costs $55 (and you could probably find a free download within hours following the event) . . . the decision is yours.

Denver @ Los Angeles (Sun 3:00 ABC)
Sunday is a little weak in the Playoff department. The only intriguing game is the 1 vs 8 matchup out west. Any team with Melo and AI is dangerous, but I don't see them being able to overcome the red hot Lakers. If Denver has upset plans, game one may be their best opportunity to steal one in Los Angeles. If the Nuggets can't pull off a win on the road, at least Melo will have a plethora of drinking spots to choose from. Iverson looks saint-like in Denver . . . who woulda thunk'it?

Disclaimer: Neither Jordan Adair or Gambling Horses condones or engages in the illegal downloading of multimedia content. Readers assume all responsibility when engaging in illegal activities.

April 16, 2008

2008 NFL Schedule

Break out a calendar and a Sharpie, and circle these dates . . . the NFL 2008 schedule was released on Tuesday.

The Cowboys play the Packers at Lambeau in an NBC Sunday night game (Sept. 21). Unless Favre has second thoughts about his retirement, this will be the night John Madden has an emotional breakdown on air. Expect plenty of Frank Caliendo skits leading up to this one.

Another chapter will be written in this growing rivalry, when San Diego hosts the Pats on Sunday, Oct. 12. What are the odds that a key Charger is out due to injury and SD makes more excuses for another loss to NE?

The Saints and Chargers will play on Oct. 26 in London. I'm sure the Brits are thanking their lucky stars that they don't have to watch the Dolphins again.

The defending Super Bowl champs meet the Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 2. The intensity will be at an all time high for this division rivalry (assuming the Giants don't have one of those Carolina-like post Super Bowl hangovers).

And now on to the key matchups on the Colts' schedule. Indy gets five prime time nationally televised games.

Bears at Colts (Sunday, Sept. 7) (NBC)
In a rematch of Super Bowl XLI, Indy will christen their new Lucas Oil Stadium. The crowd will be raucous and I'm expecting a huge offensive performance and a big blowout.

Patriots at Colts (Sunday, Nov. 2) (NBC)
Need I say more?

Colts at San Diego (Sunday, Nov. 23) (NBC)
Playoff rematch will be big for both teams. While I suspect the Chargers win was a fluke, the Colts will have to prove they are truly the better team. If San Diego can pull off another win, it will be huge for their confidence.

Colts at Jags (Thursday, Dec. 18) (NFL Network)
It's always physical and intense when these two teams meet. The Colts have proven their superiority in this rivalry, but each year the Jags get more dangerous. This game could be key in deciding the AFC South.

April 14, 2008

World Record Slam Dunk




This is an older video, but I just came across it. I'd love to know how many people came close to killing themselves attempting a similar dunk.

April 10, 2008

Was It Worth It?

14 wins
48 games back from 1st in the East
8 home wins
1-26 over a 27 game stretch

Listed above, are just a few of the many lowlights of this 2008 Season. Pat Riley has passed on coaching actual games to scout NBA prospects, Miami hasn't even attempted to win a game in the last few months. Riley shut D. Wade down for the year, sidelined Shawn Marion, Jason Williams and Udonis Haslem with various "injuries", and gave minutes to Earl Barron, Joel Anthony, and Bobby Jones (These 3 combined to shoot 2 for 20 during the Heat's 96-54 loss to the Raptors in March). Could it be any more obvious that Miami has been tanking on purpose? Atleast try to disguise it a little bit.

With all that said, this torturous season could have a light at the end of the dark (very dark) tunnel. Miami is in prime position to get either the #1 or #2 pick in the NBA draft. Should the Heat land in the top 2, they will take Beasley (at #1) or Derrick Rose (at #2). Each player has huge upside, and I don't see Miami going wrong with either pick.

Should Miami fall to #3 the smart selection lies with Brook Lopez. While Lopez won't achieve the same level of NBA success as Beasley or Rose, I see him being a solid NBA center (think Chris Kaman).

Now here's where the trouble begins. God forbid the ping pong balls slot the Heat at #4. Sure, they could get lucky and still land Stanford's Lopez at the 4 spot, but it's unlikely. That would leave Miami to chose between OJ Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, and Eric Gordon. Danilo Gallinari may deserve some consideration here, but he's European, so that immediately eliminates him from Riley's draft board.

OJ Mayo doesn't make much sense, considering they have Wade and Marion at the 2 and 3, and Mayo can't play the point. The same can be said for Eric Gordon. This leaves Jerryd Bayless. I don't claim to speak or all Miami fans, but a shoot first point guard wasn't exactly what I had in mind when looking at a 14 win season.

The year's already a complete disaster. The only consolation prize will come with one of the top 3 picks. A #4 selection will surely drive Riley into retirement and slow the rebuilding process even further.

April 9, 2008

NBA Draft - Confirmed Early Entries

Darren Collison (6-1, 170, PG, UCLA, Jr)
Kevin Love (6-9, 260, PF, UCLA, Fr)
Eric Gordon (6-4, 220, SG, Indiana, Fr)
Marreese Speights (6-10, 250, PF, Florida, So)
Chase Budinger (6-7, 215, SG, Arizona, So)
Anthony Randolph (6-10, 200, SF, LSU, Fr)
Donte Green (6-10, 226, SF, Syracuse, Fr)
Ryan Anderson (6-10, 235, F, California, So )
Jerryd Bayless (6-3, 182, PG, Arizona, Fr)
Derrick Caracter (6-8, 260, PF, Louisville, So)
Earl Clark (6-8, 220, SF, Louisville, So)
Richard Hendrix (6-8, 260, PF, Lousiville, So)
JJ Hickson (6-9, 235, PF, NC State, Fr)
Lester Hudson (6-3, 190, PG, UT-Martin, Jr)
Brook Lopez (7-0, 260, C, Stanford, So)
Robin Lopez (7-0, 255, C, Stanford, So)
Javale McGee (7-0, 237, C Nevada, So)
Ronald Steele (6-2, 185, PG, Alabama, RSSr)
Robert Vaden (6-5, 224, SG, UAB, Jr)
Shawn James (6-10, 225, PF, Duquesne, Jr)

Who's Making a Mistake

Marreese Speights - The stats look decent (14.5 PPG, 8.1 REB) and Marreese has the frame to play in the league, but Speights is not NBA ready. He averaged only 24.3 minutes per game due to poor conditioning, which doesn't say much about his work ethic. His demeanor on the floor doesn't impress me, and he is prone to turnover trouble at times. This jump has disaster written all over it.

Derrick Caracter - Unbelievable! Scored in double figures only once in his last 14 games, and averaged only 17 minutes per game. I don't see much upside in Caracter, as he is already fully developed physically. I feel sorry for any team who gambles on this pick (it'll probably be Miami)

JJ Hickson - He's long, athletic, and a decent scorer (sounds good so far). I question his mental toughness, and ability to take the punishment of an entire NBA season. Of all the players on my list of busts, I see the most potential for success in Hickson.

Robert Vaden - Volume shooters from average teams rarely materialize into successes in the NBA. Vaden can score, but will see a different level of defense as a pro. Vaden is not a great passer or rebounder. I can't see a one dimensional scorer of his caliber being anything other than a bust.

Ronald Steele - Steele is presently just "testing the water" and does not plan to hire an agent. This is a very smart move on his part. He has shown no signs of being ready for the draft. If an agent gets ahold of this kid and somehow convinces him to sign, it will be the biggest mistake Steele could make.

Richard Hendrix - There is potential here, but one more year could do wonders for Hendrix. He's statistically improved in all of his 3 seasons, and I see no reason why that trent wouldn't continue into his senior season. Hendrix can develop into something if he finds the right situation, but I feel like he's taking a big gamble by coming out now.

April 8, 2008

How It Should Have Ended

Kansas had proved me wrong all tournament, why would I have thought things would be any different late in the 4th quarter on Monday night?

Memphis up 9 with under 2 minutes to go felt like a lock, but Kansas stormed back. The furious comeback was capped by Mario Chalmers 3 point shot, which tied the game with only 2 seconds left.

Now on to the real story, no not the OT win by the Jayhawks, but the strategy employed by Memphis at the end of regulation. There were two controversial subjects: No. 1, should Memphis have called a timeout after hitting the FT to go up by 3? And, No. 2, should Memphis have fouled to prevent Chalmers' game tying 3?

The answer to both questions is . . . YES!

This was the National Championship. You don't take chances on this stage.

The timeout is probably the more controversial of the two topics. Kansas was out of TO's and calling one would give them a chance to draw up a play. However, people that are using this argument are forgetting one key point. Memphis was not going to allow Kansas to get off a shot! The Tigers should've used their timeout and made it clear to all players that they were to foul when the ball was near the half line.

Calipari claims they were trying to foul, but I'm not sure I'm buying it. I believe that he wanted his players to foul, but It didn't appear that a single player on the floor for Memphis got that message.

It hurts me to say it, because I like Calipari as a coach, but he simply blew it. Combine the coaching error with horrendous foul shooting down the stretch, and it equals a monumental meltdown that will be remembered forever by fans of both the Tigers and Jayhawks.

April 6, 2008

Then There Were Two


The Final 4 was cut in half on Saturday night, and I'll be the first to admit, I could not have been more wrong about Kansas. I gave the Jayhawks very little respect heading into the tournament, and gave them even less going into Saturday's game against the Tar Heels. Much to my surprise, Kansas proved to be quicker, bigger, stronger, and much better defensively.

With approximately 7 minutes left in the first half, Billy Packer declared the game "over". This rubbed me the wrong way, much like a lot of what comes out of Packer's mouth. However, his assessment held true, even with a Carolina rally narrowing the lead down to 4 midway through the 2nd half.

Hansbrough was held in check, Ty Lawson didn't show up, and UNC shot only 36% from the field.

In the early game, Memphis' guards (Rose and CDR combined for 53 points) outplayed UCLA's duo of Collison and Westbrook. Darren Collison was especially shaky, fouling out with only 2 points, and 5 turnovers (compared to only 4 assists).

What can be taken away from Saturday night's showdowns?
  • Memphis is even more athletic than I previously thought. This was evident in the way they blew by the defensive minded Bruins for a number of easy layups.
  • Memphis looked sharp at the foul line, hitting 20 for 23 against UCLA.
  • Kansas' mauling of the Heels makes Davidson's performance even more impressive.
  • While I'm not a huge fan of either Memphis or Kansas, Monday's championship should be fast paced and intense.
  • Note to North Carolina: When you reach the Final 4, you need to come ready to play from the opening tip. It's a shame that they wasted this opportunity by coming out so lethargic.

April 4, 2008

AP Player of the Year Announced . . . What a Joke!

First off, I have no problem with Tyler Hansbrough being named player of the year by the AP. He's the best player on one of the top 4 teams in the country. He consistently brings his best night in and night out. He scores, rebounds, defends, and hustles. I don't care who the best NBA prospect is, I care about who is the best college basketball player this season. With that as the primary criteria, I don't see how anyone can have too much of issue with Hansbrough's selection.

Ok, now on to my gripe. Only 3 players received votes for the award . . . that's right, only THREE! Psycho T received 56, Michael Beasley brought in 15 votes, and Memphis' Chris Douglas-Roberts got one vote.

The lopsided favoritism showed towards Hansbrough and Beasley is just another example of how little credibility the AP has when it comes to handing out awards and top 25 polling.

CDR with 1 vote? No votes for Kevin Love? No votes for Stephen Curry? No votes for Brook Lopez or DJ Augustin? Call me a cynic, but something tells me these voters got a little caught up in the hype.

April 3, 2008

Memphis Suspends Allen

5'10 PG, Andre Allen has been suspended for the Final Four due to a failed drug test. Allen plays about 14 minutes per game for the Tigers and is averaging 3 points and 2 assists per game.


First off, what a disappointing way for a senior to end his career. Memphis is on the brink of a national championship, with Allen playing an important role in their run to the Final 4. I wonder if the "high" was worth it?

Second, will this affect Memphis' chances in San Antonio? With Allen out, the Tigers rotation will be altered. If Derrick Rose gets into foul trouble, difficulties could arise. But . . .

Memphis has incredible athleticism, and plays a style of offense that doesn't require a traditional point guard. It's these two issues that lead me to believe Allen's absence will not be a determining factor in San Antonio.

April 2, 2008

I Hate Baseball: The Marlins Made Me Do It

This is not a rare sight at a Florida Marlins game. A lone fan finding an entire section all to himself. Why does no one care? And, more importantly, why do I hate baseball?

It's supposed to be America's past time, and plenty of people seem to enjoy the game, so how in the world did I come to dislike it so strongly? Here's my theory . . .

First, the Marlins inaugural season came in 1993, when I was 8 years old. I was playing little league, and was having some fun with it. All of the ingredients were there to welcome me into baseball fandom. There was excitement surrounding the team (sure they sucked, but no one cared), enthusiasm in the stands, and an overall positive feeling at the ballpark.

Then, in 1994 came the strike. Florida was getting better, on pace to finish 72-90 (an 8 game improvement over their 1993 campaign), and the fans allegiance to their team was growing. All of a sudden, the season is over, there's no MLB post season, and things would never be the same again.

The Fish drew an average of 37,330 fans in their first two years, a number that would never be duplicated. In their two World Series winning seasons, the Marlins averaged only 22,600 per game. Baseball was new to the South Florida fans in 1993, and we all jumped on the bandwagon. The strike put a stop to the wagon, and we all jumped off, leaving our passion for baseball behind.

Through 15 years of existence, the Marlins have won 2 World Series Championships and followed each with a major sell off of all the team's talent. Florida's had the lowest payroll for the past two years, trying to scrape by on a minimalist's budget while waiting on a new stadium (that may never come). Losing is one thing, but not even trying to win is another. Fans have been left out to dry by the franchise for the past 2 years, and have lost nearly all emotional attachment they once held for their hometown team.

Will a new stadium save the Marlins, bring South Floridians back to the ballpark, and more importantly make me love this game one more time? There will be excitement in the air again, mixed with the smell of stadium hot dogs and green grass, the stadium will be full, and management will be motivated to put a competitive product on the field. Plus, it won't hurt that a retractable roof will protect those in attendance from the 95 degree heat and future chemotherapy appointments.

Can the Marlins bring my heart back to baseball? . . . Only time will tell, but I have my doubts.