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Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Celtics vs Lakers game seven: More than just a game for Kobe, Pierce
When discussing the greatest rivalries in sports, some obvious answers come to mind. Yankees vs. Red Sox. Michigan vs Ohio State. North Carolina vs. Duke. Packers vs. Bears. But perhaps one rivalry that is above the rest, if not at least special in its own right, is the bitter hatred between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics.
As we approach the first NBA Finals game seven between the Lakers and Celtics since 1984, one thing is for certain: Tonights game seven is bound to be a classic.
In 1984, Dick Stockton and Tom Heinsohn were the television announcers. K.C. Jones was coach of the Celtics and Pat Riley coached the Lakers. Larry Bird was the face of the Celtics and Magic Johnson was the face of the Lakers.
In 26 years, so much has changed, but at the same time, so little has changed. While yes, each team has different coaches, a different roster of players, and we are no longer privileged enough to have Dick Stockton calling the game, one thing remains the same: The air suddenly becomes a little thicker whenever the Lakers and Celtics are facing off, due to the tension mostly. While yes, the rivalry isn’t nearly as physical as it once was, don’t think for a second that the mystique between these two teams has changed. Players on both teams will tell you that when these two teams match-up, the atmosphere is a little different. The rivalry between these two teams only makes a game seven in the NBA Finals all the more exciting.
There are hundreds of statistics that point both ways as indicators to which team will win tonights game seven. The Boston Celtics are 7-0 all time in NBA Finals game sevens, including 4-0 against the Lakers. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson have never been in a game seven. The Celtics starting five of Rondo-Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Perkins has never lost a playoff series. But with the recent injury to Perkins in game six, that starting lineup is forced to change for tonights game. The loss of Perkins inside is a huge blow for Boston. Pending Doc Rivers decision, either Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis will step in to play power forward as Kevin Garnett moves to center for tonight.
Some people may look at game seven between the Celtics and Lakers as ‘just a game’, but that is where they are sadly mistaken. Tonights game seven is much more than ‘just a game’. Game seven will determine legacies for players on both teams.
If Los Angeles loses, the doubters will say Kobe could never beat the Celtics when it mattered and he couldn’t get that fifth ring to tie Magic Johnson. Kobes four rings will look like nothing compared to Michael Jordans six rings and Magic Johnsons five rings. However, if the Lakers win, there will be even more talk of Kobe not only being the best Laker ever, but perhaps the best basketball player ever. Kobe Bryant is already commonly recognized as one of the best to ever play the game, but with a win tonight would only further give merit to the argument of Kobe being better than other past greats such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and perhaps even the great Michael Jordan. I’m not saying I would agree with Kobe being the best basketball player ever, because at this point and time, that’s just not true. But a fifth
championship ring would go a long way to supporting #24s case in the MJ vs Kobe debate.
Tonights game seven for the Boston Celtics also goes a long way in determing where Paul Pierce ranks on the list of all time greatest Celtics. A loss tonight would leave Paul Pierce still with only one championship ring, although that lone Finals win did come against the Lakers in 2008. Larry Bird, the greatest player in Boston Celtics history, has three rings. A win tonight for the Celtics would leave Paul Pierce with two rings, and Pierce would come that much closer to narrowing the gap between Bird and himself.
While Bryant (31 years old) and Paul Pierce (32 years old) are still years away from retirement, tonights game seven will have severe implications on each players legacies.
Like it or not, game seven will affect each players legacy. Perhaps that is unfair though. We can almost guarantee that both Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce come to play tonight, and play well. What we cannot guarantee though, is how each players supporting cast plays. Each players supporting cast has been innefective at times during this post-season, and even more so in the Finals. So when it really comes down to it, players like Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will determine Kobes legacy with how they play tonight. On the other hand, players like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo will determine Paul Pierces legacy tonight with how they play. It sounds funny, but it’s true.
Bottom line: Both Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce are among the greatest players of not only this generation, but are also among the greatest players in the history or their respective franchises. The old adage is “It’s just a game.” But it’s funny, because tonights game seven isn’t just a game. It’s more than a game. It’s career defining. It will leave imprints on legacies. It will make history. It will transcend good players to great players. So when you are sitting on your reclining chair tonight, watching game seven unfold in front of your eyes, consider this for a second: Tonights game seven will be talked about ten years from now. Tonights game seven will be talked about twenty years from now. Tonights game seven will be talked about when your children are parents. Tonights game seven is more than just a game, it’s history.
As we approach the first NBA Finals game seven between the Lakers and Celtics since 1984, one thing is for certain: Tonights game seven is bound to be a classic.
In 1984, Dick Stockton and Tom Heinsohn were the television announcers. K.C. Jones was coach of the Celtics and Pat Riley coached the Lakers. Larry Bird was the face of the Celtics and Magic Johnson was the face of the Lakers.In 26 years, so much has changed, but at the same time, so little has changed. While yes, each team has different coaches, a different roster of players, and we are no longer privileged enough to have Dick Stockton calling the game, one thing remains the same: The air suddenly becomes a little thicker whenever the Lakers and Celtics are facing off, due to the tension mostly. While yes, the rivalry isn’t nearly as physical as it once was, don’t think for a second that the mystique between these two teams has changed. Players on both teams will tell you that when these two teams match-up, the atmosphere is a little different. The rivalry between these two teams only makes a game seven in the NBA Finals all the more exciting.
There are hundreds of statistics that point both ways as indicators to which team will win tonights game seven. The Boston Celtics are 7-0 all time in NBA Finals game sevens, including 4-0 against the Lakers. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson have never been in a game seven. The Celtics starting five of Rondo-Allen-Pierce-Garnett-Perkins has never lost a playoff series. But with the recent injury to Perkins in game six, that starting lineup is forced to change for tonights game. The loss of Perkins inside is a huge blow for Boston. Pending Doc Rivers decision, either Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis will step in to play power forward as Kevin Garnett moves to center for tonight.
Some people may look at game seven between the Celtics and Lakers as ‘just a game’, but that is where they are sadly mistaken. Tonights game seven is much more than ‘just a game’. Game seven will determine legacies for players on both teams.
If Los Angeles loses, the doubters will say Kobe could never beat the Celtics when it mattered and he couldn’t get that fifth ring to tie Magic Johnson. Kobes four rings will look like nothing compared to Michael Jordans six rings and Magic Johnsons five rings. However, if the Lakers win, there will be even more talk of Kobe not only being the best Laker ever, but perhaps the best basketball player ever. Kobe Bryant is already commonly recognized as one of the best to ever play the game, but with a win tonight would only further give merit to the argument of Kobe being better than other past greats such as Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and perhaps even the great Michael Jordan. I’m not saying I would agree with Kobe being the best basketball player ever, because at this point and time, that’s just not true. But a fifth
championship ring would go a long way to supporting #24s case in the MJ vs Kobe debate.
Tonights game seven for the Boston Celtics also goes a long way in determing where Paul Pierce ranks on the list of all time greatest Celtics. A loss tonight would leave Paul Pierce still with only one championship ring, although that lone Finals win did come against the Lakers in 2008. Larry Bird, the greatest player in Boston Celtics history, has three rings. A win tonight for the Celtics would leave Paul Pierce with two rings, and Pierce would come that much closer to narrowing the gap between Bird and himself.
While Bryant (31 years old) and Paul Pierce (32 years old) are still years away from retirement, tonights game seven will have severe implications on each players legacies.
Like it or not, game seven will affect each players legacy. Perhaps that is unfair though. We can almost guarantee that both Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce come to play tonight, and play well. What we cannot guarantee though, is how each players supporting cast plays. Each players supporting cast has been innefective at times during this post-season, and even more so in the Finals. So when it really comes down to it, players like Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will determine Kobes legacy with how they play tonight. On the other hand, players like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo will determine Paul Pierces legacy tonight with how they play. It sounds funny, but it’s true.
Bottom line: Both Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce are among the greatest players of not only this generation, but are also among the greatest players in the history or their respective franchises. The old adage is “It’s just a game.” But it’s funny, because tonights game seven isn’t just a game. It’s more than a game. It’s career defining. It will leave imprints on legacies. It will make history. It will transcend good players to great players. So when you are sitting on your reclining chair tonight, watching game seven unfold in front of your eyes, consider this for a second: Tonights game seven will be talked about ten years from now. Tonights game seven will be talked about twenty years from now. Tonights game seven will be talked about when your children are parents. Tonights game seven is more than just a game, it’s history.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Lakers hoping "Home, sweet home" isn't just a saying
Five games deep in the 2010 NBA Finals and we, as fans, have seen it all, haven't we?
We've seen Ray Allen score 27 points in the first half of game two and set the record for most three pointers made in an NBA Finals game with 8 only to be held to two points in game three on 0-13 shooting. We've seen Kobe Bryant, the best closer in basketball, get shut down in the fourth quarters of games three and four. We've seen Kobe Bryant score 19 points in the first eight minutes of the third quarter in game 5, and yet the Celtics still outscored the Lakers in that same third quarter.
Then again, have we really seen it all?
With a maximum of two games left in the 2010 NBA Finals, both of which are slated to be played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, anything can happen in these remaining games.
What I'm waiting to see in game six on Tuesday night is for the Lakers to play like the Lakers we are accustomed to seeing.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the focal point of this Lakers team, but he does not need to be the only point of the offense. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher all need to contribute more on the offensive end. The five of them combined for only 42 points in game 5. Bryant had 38 alone. Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo combined for 45 alone. Do you catch my drift? The Celtics are getting more production out of two players than the Lakers can get out of five. It's no wonder the Lakers are trailing in this series, the only Lakers player who consistently shows up is Kobe Bryant.
Down 3-2 in the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers can't afford to have any more poor production from Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest, or Fisher. One more bad game for the Lakers, and the 2010 season ends in disappointment for Lakers fans across the globe.
Los Angeles Lakers fans have become accustomed to using the old cop out "Don't worry, Kobe won't let us lose this game." I'm sure plenty of fans have that mentality going into game six, and even more will have that mentality if the Lakers force a game seven in Los Angeles.
However, who wins and who loses isn't all up to Kobe like most Lakers fans like believing. Despite being the greatest player on the planet, and one of the greatest players to ever step on the hardwood, Kobe Bryant can't do this on his own. At the end of the day, when it's all said and done, basketball is a team game, and Kobe can't make up for his teammates lack of production on the court. Kobe scored 38 points in game 5 on a very efficient 13-27 shooting performance, including a third quarter where Bryant scored 19 points alone.
While the Lakers 86 points in game 5 was the lowest amount they have scored this entire postseason, perhaps the biggest problem for the Lakers though, lies on the defensive end of the floor. While Boston only scored 92 points in their game 5 victory over Los Angeles, they scored those 92 points on 40-71 shooting from the field. That's over 56%. If you let an opposing team shoot 46% from the field, that's too high. Yet if you let a team shoot 56% from the field, you might want to give Bruce Bowen a call and ask him how to play defense, because you clearly have no clue.
In game 5, the Celtics had way too many easy looks inside. Simple lobs and catches led to easy lay-ups and easy points in the paint. Too much separation between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest allowed Pierce to score 27 points and play like the superstar he is. It just proves true the old adage "Defense wins championships." Without defense, the Los Angeles Lakers can certainly not win this finals match-up.
Yet when all else fails, Los Angeles Lakers fans have become accustomed to using the old cop out "Don't worry, Kobe won't let us lose this game." However, who wins and who loses isn't all up to Kobe like most Lakers fans like believing. Kobe can put up 50+ and the Lakers can score 100+ points in game 6, but none of it will matter if the Lakers let the Celtics shoot anywhere near that high of a percentage again. As every knowledgeable NBA fan knows, it's all about defense in the playoffs, especially the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant can only cover one man at a time. Without contributions and extra efforts from his teammates, the Celtics will be popping champagne in the Staples Center sometime this week.
It's do or die time for the Lakers. Most Lakers fans are assuming that just because the Lakers are returning home to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, that everything will be alright. But Lakers fans, do you remember game two? Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett only combined for 16 points total in game two, and the Celtics still beat the Lakers on the road. So don't get too comfortable before you automatically assume homecourt advantage will solve all of the Lakers problems, because if you do, you can get ready to here Kevin Garnett yelling "Anything is possible!" at midcourt of the Staples Center.
We've seen Ray Allen score 27 points in the first half of game two and set the record for most three pointers made in an NBA Finals game with 8 only to be held to two points in game three on 0-13 shooting. We've seen Kobe Bryant, the best closer in basketball, get shut down in the fourth quarters of games three and four. We've seen Kobe Bryant score 19 points in the first eight minutes of the third quarter in game 5, and yet the Celtics still outscored the Lakers in that same third quarter.
Then again, have we really seen it all?With a maximum of two games left in the 2010 NBA Finals, both of which are slated to be played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, anything can happen in these remaining games.
What I'm waiting to see in game six on Tuesday night is for the Lakers to play like the Lakers we are accustomed to seeing.
Yes, Kobe Bryant is the focal point of this Lakers team, but he does not need to be the only point of the offense. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest and Derek Fisher all need to contribute more on the offensive end. The five of them combined for only 42 points in game 5. Bryant had 38 alone. Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo combined for 45 alone. Do you catch my drift? The Celtics are getting more production out of two players than the Lakers can get out of five. It's no wonder the Lakers are trailing in this series, the only Lakers player who consistently shows up is Kobe Bryant.
Down 3-2 in the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers can't afford to have any more poor production from Gasol, Odom, Bynum, Artest, or Fisher. One more bad game for the Lakers, and the 2010 season ends in disappointment for Lakers fans across the globe.
Los Angeles Lakers fans have become accustomed to using the old cop out "Don't worry, Kobe won't let us lose this game." I'm sure plenty of fans have that mentality going into game six, and even more will have that mentality if the Lakers force a game seven in Los Angeles.
However, who wins and who loses isn't all up to Kobe like most Lakers fans like believing. Despite being the greatest player on the planet, and one of the greatest players to ever step on the hardwood, Kobe Bryant can't do this on his own. At the end of the day, when it's all said and done, basketball is a team game, and Kobe can't make up for his teammates lack of production on the court. Kobe scored 38 points in game 5 on a very efficient 13-27 shooting performance, including a third quarter where Bryant scored 19 points alone.
While the Lakers 86 points in game 5 was the lowest amount they have scored this entire postseason, perhaps the biggest problem for the Lakers though, lies on the defensive end of the floor. While Boston only scored 92 points in their game 5 victory over Los Angeles, they scored those 92 points on 40-71 shooting from the field. That's over 56%. If you let an opposing team shoot 46% from the field, that's too high. Yet if you let a team shoot 56% from the field, you might want to give Bruce Bowen a call and ask him how to play defense, because you clearly have no clue.
In game 5, the Celtics had way too many easy looks inside. Simple lobs and catches led to easy lay-ups and easy points in the paint. Too much separation between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest allowed Pierce to score 27 points and play like the superstar he is. It just proves true the old adage "Defense wins championships." Without defense, the Los Angeles Lakers can certainly not win this finals match-up.
Yet when all else fails, Los Angeles Lakers fans have become accustomed to using the old cop out "Don't worry, Kobe won't let us lose this game." However, who wins and who loses isn't all up to Kobe like most Lakers fans like believing. Kobe can put up 50+ and the Lakers can score 100+ points in game 6, but none of it will matter if the Lakers let the Celtics shoot anywhere near that high of a percentage again. As every knowledgeable NBA fan knows, it's all about defense in the playoffs, especially the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant can only cover one man at a time. Without contributions and extra efforts from his teammates, the Celtics will be popping champagne in the Staples Center sometime this week.
It's do or die time for the Lakers. Most Lakers fans are assuming that just because the Lakers are returning home to the Staples Center in Los Angeles, that everything will be alright. But Lakers fans, do you remember game two? Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett only combined for 16 points total in game two, and the Celtics still beat the Lakers on the road. So don't get too comfortable before you automatically assume homecourt advantage will solve all of the Lakers problems, because if you do, you can get ready to here Kevin Garnett yelling "Anything is possible!" at midcourt of the Staples Center.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
The night Strasburg rocked Rochester
The buzz in Rochester surrounding Strasburg was different from anything I have ever seen before. Strasburg was originally slated to pitch against the AAA Rochester Red Wings on Tuesday, May 18th. Due to rain, his start was pushed to the night game of a day/night doubleheader at Frontier Field on May 19th.
The Rochester Red Wings are the MLB affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, so Rochester fans have seen their fair share of talented players. Francisco Liriano, Michael Cuddyer, Matt Garza, Jerry Hairston Jr, Curt Schilling, Mike Mussina, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and even Cal Ripken Jr. all played for Rochester at one point or another during their professional careers. I wasn't old enough, or even alive, to see some of these players play for the Red Wings when they did, but I do know that Strasburg brought a different buzz to Rochester than any other previous player.
My friend received four free tickets through his boss at work, so me and some friends decided to go check out Strasburg and see what he was really all about. I'm fortunate enough to live only twenty minutes away from Frontier Field in downtown Rochester, therefore going to a Red Wings game is something that I can do whenever I choose to do so.
The media before Strasburgs start was in a craze. No matter what local news station or newspaper you watched or read, Strasburg was the main focus of interest. While trying to find parking at Frontier Field, there were masses of people crossing streets to get to Frontier Field. Looking out of the window of the car, I was amazed by all the people attending the game. The crowd at Frontier Field was easily the largest I had ever seen at a Red Wings game, hands down.
To explain to you just how big the crowd at Frontier Field was, consider this: On May 17th the Rochester Red Wings hosted the Louisville Bats. The total attendance for the game was 3,542. On May 19th, when Rochester hosted Stephen Strasburg and the Syracuse Chiefs, the attendance for the night game (in which Strasburg started) was 12,590. Need I say more? Strasburg sparked so much interested in Rochester, as I'm sure he does in every city he pitches in, that nearly ten thousand more fans showed up to see him pitch.
While I have made it clear what Strasburgs 'buzz' was like off the field in Rochester, you're probably wondering "Yeah, so, what did you think of him on the field?"
On the field, Strasburg was everything I anticipated he would be (and more). From inning one to his last pitch with one out in the seventh, it never seemed as if he became tired or fatigued. He consistently hit 97 MPH on the radar gun and even hit 98 a few times. His backdoor junk was nasty. Plain and simple. What doesn't look like a strike at first ends up hooking around and freezing the batter, most of the time making opposing hitters look foolish, as Strasburg is accustomed to doing. His change-up wasn't perfect, but it's good enough to keep opposing hitters at bay. Strasburg is known for his fastball, but his off-speed pitches are good enough to make it so no player can sit and wait on his heater.
Through his 6.1 innings against the Red Wings, Strasburg allowed only three hits and only walked two people, while striking out nine and not allowing one run to score.
Strasburg has everything you would expect a prospect, who gets as much publicity as he does, to have. Composure, control, velocity, and more. Some 'experts' have stated that his throwing motion is 'too violent' and he will eventually develop arm injuries as a result. Experts can say what they want and form their own opinions, but the one thing I do know is that Stephen Strasburg is undoubtedly an absolute phenom. For any of you doubters out there, I'm here to set the record straight: Stephen Strasburg is the real deal.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The 6 people you are guaranteed to see at a pro baseball game
I'll save my thoughts on Strasburg for another column, but what I will tell you is that something finally hit me last night, and no it wasn't a foul ball.
Looking around at the near sellout crowd of 12,000+ at Frontier Field, I noticed all the different demographics of people that were at the ballgame. Kids, teenagers, adults, senior citizens. People from Rochester, people from other parts of New York, and people from out of state. All sorts of different people, with different backgrounds, from different places, in one venue.
I've been to professional baseball games before. I've been to two Yankees games, one Mets game, and a handful of Rochester Red Wings games before. I love going to professional baseball games because baseball has been a passion of mine since I began playing at the age of five. What I realized at the Red Wings game the other night though, was all the different types of people you are bound to meet when attending a professional baseball game.
So what's the point I'm trying to make? My point is that whenever you attend a professional baseball game, there are six different people you are bound to encounter at the game. I realized this when I encountered all six of these people at the Red Wings game the other night. These six people are, in detail..
The Constant Mover
When I say constant mover, I do not mean that they are always changing seats in order to get a better view. Instead, I mean that this person is constantly getting in and out of their seats. Whether it be to go to the restroom, go get food, or anything else that they feel they must do, this person is constantly on the move, thus they are The Constant Mover. The person I'm talking about in particular sat two rows ahead of me and must have left his/her seat AT LEAST fifteen times during the game. When I sat down in the top of the second inning (Yeah, we got there late), I did not get up again until we left to go home. All I needed was my ranch sunflower seeds, a bottle of water, and my communication devices. Besides that, I was set to kick back and enjoy the beautiful game of baseball. Apparently, some people have more "needs" than myself. Stay in your seat people. You're there to see the game after all...aren't you?
The Know It All
This is the fan that knows more than you. More than the umpires. More than the managers. More than Abner Doubleday. If this guy was the manager, he would make all the right decisions. This guy often heckles the manager for any decision he makes and the umpires for any call they make. Whether it be the manager bringing in a new pitcher, the umpire calling a runner out at home, or someone in the stands chewing ranch sunflower seeds rather than original, The Know It All will disagree with everything anyone does, because after all, he knows it all. Hell, why even have umps anymore? This guy knows it all.Next time a decision needs to be made by a manager or a call needs to be made by an umpire, just run up to Section 215, Section C, Row F, Seat 5 and ask The Know It All!
The Die Hard Fan
Ah, yes! My personal favorite! This is the one fan that tries to start the chants at the game. This guy sings along "Take me out to the ball game" louder than any fan in the stadium. He is often decked out in his newest team apparel, covering his entire wardrobe with his teams logo. This fan has more passion than you, and he knows it too. It's okay, not all of us can be die hard fans, but we can all strive to be. So next time you are sitting there with your bag of peanuts and drink closely watching the game, watch out for The Die Hard Fan as he may be the guy who is screaming "Lets Go (Insert your favorite teams name)!" so loud that your eardrum bursts.
The Chatty Kathy
If you're as unlucky as I tend to be, this individual will sit in the seat directly behind you, which was my case two nights ago at the Red Wings game. This person either A.) knows nothing about baseball and continues to rant all game about hooplah or B.) actually understands the sport of baseball, but does not shut up. Either way, you as the suffering fan, are getting screwed over. I happened to have choice A. The person behind me did not stop talking all game. Not once. Not ever. They would blab on and on about someone who just called them, how someone they knew got hit in the face with a basketball while driving (I'm not making this up, people) and other hogwash. I mean I just wanted to focus on the game, is that too much to ask? Pipe down, Chatty Kathy.
The Drunken Fool
This guy may be the most infamous of the six. In fact, he's so popular, you can see numerous drunken fools at not only pro baseball games, but mostly any sporting event! This particular fool that I saw two nights had probably four to five beers too many. He was yelling at Strasburg and even posed the bold question "What is the umpire Strasburgs dad?". How did he know!? In fact, the International League scheduled Strasburgs dad to umpire in Rochester on the EXACT day that his son Stephen was pitching. The drunken fool was right! What a genius! Nothing gets past the drunken fool! While some of the things The Drunken Fool can be entertaining, we all know that he will likely spend his night with his head in his toilet. Poor guy.
The THAT'S GONE guy
Everyone knows this guy. This guy either struggles with depth perception or obviously is in need of a pair of glasses. Or maybe both. Anyways, this guy feels the need to scream "THAT'S GONE!" every time a ball is hit in the air to the outfield. I mean, I understand sometimes a ball is hit to the warning track and it someone yells "THAT'S GONE!", but when you say it every time a ball is hit in the outfield, you probably deserved to be punched in the neck. Just saying.
Now it might sounds like this column is just one big complaint, and maybe it is, but the morale of my story is that these six people are the reasons that I love attending professional baseball games. Seeing pro hockey, football, or basketball games in person are all very COOL experiences in their own right, but in no way, shape or form do they compare to the ballpark experience. I don't care how popular football or any other sports is in America, baseball is and always will be Americas pastime.
These six people only make the ballpark experience a better one, if they don't get out of hand of course. In closing, I would like to thank these six people for all that they do, because without you, seeing a professional baseball game just wouldn't be the same.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Third time's the charm for Kobe, Lakers
In 2006, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers blew a 3-1 series lead in the first round, as the Phoenix Suns won three straight games against Los Angeles, shocking NBA fans across the nation with the improbable comeback.
In 2007, Phoenix again defeated the Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Phoenix made quick work of the Lakers, needing only five games to send the Lakers packing.
In 2010 the Lakers and Suns are set to square off again, only this time the winner advances to the NBA Finals.
Lakers fans are hoping that the third time is the charm for Kobe and company.
Kobe and the Lakers are looking to avoid getting sent home by Phoenix for the third time in the last five postseasons, meanwhile two time MVP winner Steve Nash looks as determined as ever to make his first ever NBA Finals appearance, as Nash is the only MVP in NBA history to never have played in the NBA Finals.
There are plenty of storylines to discuss with this series. How healthy is Andrew Bynums knee? Kobe just had his knee drained, how serious is that? Can Nash make his NBA Finals debut? And on, and on, and on the storylines go.
While all the storylines fill the newspapers and sports shows, what truly matters is what happens on the court tonight in game one at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The Suns and the Lakers are polar opposites on the court. The Suns try to run opposing teams out of the building with their up-tempo, fast break oriented offense. The Lakers on the other hand try to slow the pace of the game down, using their size to their advantage in a half-court offensive tempo.
Tempo, tempo, tempo. Let me pound that into your head. Got it? Good, because game tempo will decide this series.
If the Lakers can capitalize on their size advantage over the Suns, they will win this series. Seven footers Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol can decide this series. If Bynum is somewhat healthy and can contribute numbers close to 15 points and 8 rebounds each night, the Suns will be in for a heap of trouble. However, if Bynums knee continues to get worse, the Suns won't have to worry about defending two seven footers in the paint each night, thus allowing Phoenix to run their up-tempo offense. If the Suns want to have any chance at winning this series against the Lakers, they must win game one in Los Angeles tonight. Lakers coach Phil Jackson is 45-0 all time in playoff series after winning game one of the series. If the Suns drop game one tonight, history is certainly not on their side.
To be honest, the Suns very best does not beat the Lakers very best. Plain and simple.
Even despite the recent fluid draining of his knee, Kobe has had time to rest and has looked like he is finally healthy again. As I mentioned, the Lakers have a significant size advantage over Phoenix, and I believe they will be able to successfully implement their halfcourt offense against the run n' gun Suns.
Seeing as the Lakers are 6-0 at home in the 2010 postseason and hold homecourt advantage over the Suns in this series, I'll take the Lakers in six games over the Suns. I know Steve Nash is on a mission to lead the Suns to the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant is perhaps as motivated to win as the NBA has seen since Michael Jordan, and a healthy Kobe Bryant spells trouble for the Suns.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Game 6: More than just a game for LeBron
This isn't just any regular game 6. Of course whenever a team is facing elimination on the road in the playoffs, the stakes are a bit higher, but tonights game 6 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics is more than just an elimination game. Tonights game 6 is the biggest game of LeBron James young career.
Yes, you heard me. Bigger than all four of the NBA finals games he has played in. Bigger than game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, when James scored the Cavaliers final 25 points in a double overtime victory that gave the Cavaliers the 3-2 series lead over the highly favored Detroit Pistons.
No, game 6 tonight will not define LeBron James' legacy. Nor should the abismal performance LeBron and the Cavaliers put on during game 5. After all, LeBron is only 25 years old. He is still young. His best years are still ahead of him. But while LeBrons legacy won't be defined by game 6 tonight, or even this series, we did learn a great deal about LeBron in game 5 of the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals, and we will learn even more about LeBron tonight in game 6.
We will learn how LeBron responds to adversity. We will learn how LeBron responds to the media and the public, after some media sources tore LeBron apart for his game 5 performance. We will learn whether LeBron is not simply a guy who wants to win, but rather someone who needs to win.
Although he is only 25 years old, LeBron has accomplished almost every task there is to accomplish as a professional basketball player. He has won a regular season scoring title. He has made numerous all star game appearances. He has led the Cleveland Cavalier to an NBA Finals appearance. The one thing he hasn't done though, is win an NBA title.
Yes, you heard me. Bigger than all four of the NBA finals games he has played in. Bigger than game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals, when James scored the Cavaliers final 25 points in a double overtime victory that gave the Cavaliers the 3-2 series lead over the highly favored Detroit Pistons.
No, game 6 tonight will not define LeBron James' legacy. Nor should the abismal performance LeBron and the Cavaliers put on during game 5. After all, LeBron is only 25 years old. He is still young. His best years are still ahead of him. But while LeBrons legacy won't be defined by game 6 tonight, or even this series, we did learn a great deal about LeBron in game 5 of the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals, and we will learn even more about LeBron tonight in game 6.
We will learn how LeBron responds to adversity. We will learn how LeBron responds to the media and the public, after some media sources tore LeBron apart for his game 5 performance. We will learn whether LeBron is not simply a guy who wants to win, but rather someone who needs to win.
Although he is only 25 years old, LeBron has accomplished almost every task there is to accomplish as a professional basketball player. He has won a regular season scoring title. He has made numerous all star game appearances. He has led the Cleveland Cavalier to an NBA Finals appearance. The one thing he hasn't done though, is win an NBA title.
In 2007, LeBron single handedly led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, where the Spurs swept the Cavaliers in four games. In 2008, the Cavaliers lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in seven games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In 2009, LeBron James won his first regular season MVP award and led the Cavs to a league leading 66 regular season wins. The Cavaliers were a favorite among many to win the NBA Finals and finally get LeBron his first title. However, the Cavs lost to the Orlando Magic in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
This past season, LeBron led the Cavaliers to 61 regular season wins, which again led the league. The off-season addition of C Shaquille O'Neal provided an experience presence in the paint. The mid-season acquisition of former two time all star PF Antawn Jamison made the Cavaliers look almost invincible. Not to mention the Cavs already have PG Mo Williams, a former all star in his own respect. C Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a capable scorer as well for the Cavs.
My point? There are no excuses for the Cavaliers or LeBron James this season. None. Zero. Nada.
No longer can Cavs fans claim that LeBron James has no supporting cast. LeBrons supporting cast may not be as talented as Kobe Bryants supporting cast on the Lakers, as the two are often compared, but the Cleveland Cavaliers have absolutely no excuses for losing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. If a team leads the league in regular season wins in back to back seasons, and doesn't make an NBA finals appearance, there are no excuses. LeBrons elbow is not a valid excuse either. At this point in the season, everyone is banged up, and one injury is no excuse to lose by 32 points at home in a pivotal game 5.
My point is that tonights game 6 between the Cavaliers and Celtics in Boston is not just your average game 6. We learned, as fans, in game 5 that LeBron has another side to him that we have not seen before game 5. LeBron appeared unmotivated and complacent in game 5. He didn't seem like he had that dire need to win, as the truly great players do. LeBron let his attitude get the best of him, and when the Cavs were down and LeBron was struggling, he didn't rally the troops and put his foot down and say "Enough is enough. This is our house, and we're gonna win this game." Instead, he let the game pass him by and it left a permanent image in the minds of NBA fans forever.
I understand that LeBron James is only 25 years old. I understand that he is still learning. But as the leader of a team, and even an entire city, LeBron has to at least show he wants to compete. I didn't see that out of him in game 5. Which leads into my reasoning of why tonights game 6 is the biggest game of Mr. James' career.
Its the one question that everyone watching tonight will want answered: How will LeBron respond?
Will LeBron come out with a fire that we haven't seen before? Or will he simply crumble like he did in game 5 and once again simply just go through the motions rather than playing his game?
We have all seen LeBron when he wants to win. What I'm looking for tonight out of him is the need to win. As the face of the NBA for the next ten years (at least), LeBron needs to prove to the world what type of player he is.
Rarely has LeBron ever had to prove himself. Rarely has LeBron been torn apart like he was following game 5. But now is a time like no other for LeBron James. Tonights game 6 is all on LeBron. Whether the Cavaliers win or lose, the world will know much more about LeBron James than we do now. What is he really made of? Only time will tell.
Although in Boston, tonights game 6 between the Cavs and the Celtics is LeBrons stage, and its time for him to show the world who LeBron James really is.
Friday, May 7, 2010
LeBrons Elbow: Why the fuss?
Enough is enough. LeBrons elbow has now surpassed Tommy John's elbow as the most famous elbow in the history of sport.
It all began on the night of Tuesday, April 27th. LeBron "injured" his elbow in the process of the Cavaliers defeating the Bulls in game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, thus clinching the series for Cleveland. LeBron injured his elbow while making contact with Bulls guard Derrick Rose. LeBron visibly showed that his elbow was bothering him throughout the rest of the game, and even had to resort to shooting a free throw left handed (which he missed) in the last minute of the game when Cleveland had the win secured.
Now there are two ways to view LeBrons left handed free throw shot. You could A.) Believe LeBron is sincerely hurt and that he HAD to shoot that free throw left handed because his right arm was in too much pain or B.) Think that LeBron is exaggerating his pain and that he is showboating.
I choose choice B.
LeBron loves the limelight. He wants all the cameras on him at all times. He is a diva and acts accordingly so. LeBron knew before the shot that if he took it left handed, he would be the talk of America for the next week, and he was right. SportsCenter basically cleared their schedule for Wednesdays show and replaced opted to cover "the latest" on LeBrons right elbow. On the front page of nearly every newspaper in America, there was a picture of LeBron and a caption pertaining to his "injury." Hell, the world is so engulfed in the story of LeBrons elbow, that as my friend and sports journalist for The Daily Iowan Brendan Stiles pointed out, THIS exists.
Sorry LeBron, I know you think you're crafty and witty, but you're not fooling me. You might have fooled the majority of the sports world, but you're not fooling me.
Do I believe LeBron James is injured? Yes. Do I believe he is exaggerating the pain? Yes. Do I believe LeBron is a diva and absolutely adores all of the extra media attention he is getting due thanks to the injury to his right elbow. After all, LeBrons elbow has only been described as a "bone bruise." A bone bruise will hurt. A bone bruise isn't fun to deal with. A bone bruise, however, should not completely force you off of your game.
Maybe I'm wrong though. Maybe LeBrons elbow is causing him more discomfort than I believe. Maybe LeBron is hurting more than he is letting the media know. If so, I would urge all Cavaliers fans to start praying now.
If LeBron is actually as hurt as he says he is and his elbow is affecting his play, Cavaliers fans and the rest of the NBA should question his durability.
I know, I know. You're thinking "Question his durability? This is his first major injury of his career and you don't think he's durable?"
That's not what I'm getting at people. LeBron has avoided suffering any serious injuries throughout his career. Until now.
LeBron has never played with an injury this serious before. He doesn't know how to deal with the injury.
Kobe Bryant is considered by many the toughest player in the NBA today, as well as one of the toughest athletes in the world today. Injury after injury, Kobe continues to do his thing, and he does it well. Right now, Kobe has a broken finger that he is forced to tape up for each game. Kobe also has a sore knee. Earlier in the season, Kobe also suffered from back spasms and ankle injuries (although he claims to have ankle insurance).
Even throughout all of these injuries, Kobe has continued to play his game, and he does it well. Part of this may be due to the fact that Kobe has played with injuries before and knows what he can and cannot do when injured. Not to mention, Kobe is thirty-one years old and is in-between his prime and the decline of his career. Even with his injuries and age, Kobe has consistently put up impressive numbers and has helped his team win in the playoffs.
My question is: If LeBrons play is being affected this much by an elbow injury at age twenty-five, what will LeBron be like when he is Kobes age and his body starts breaking down? Kobe has played in 478 more NBA regular season games than LeBron has. Not to mention all of the Olympic competition, playoff games and more that Kobe Bryant has played in during his career.
Kobe's body has MUCH more wear and tear on it than LeBrons. If LeBrons elbow actually is hurting him, it better be severe, or else Cavaliers fans and the rest of the league should be concerned about LeBron not being durable.
If Prince James is struggling with his elbow injury as much as he is, I just can't picture what LeBron will be like when he is in his thirties, and he has played hundreds of more games, and his body is not as strong and durable what it once was.
The last ten paragraphs only apply though if I am wrong about LeBrons injury. I still believe that LeBron is acting more than he is hurt, and he's blaming his poor play on his "injury". Like I said before, I do believe that LeBrons elbow is actually hurt, but I do not believe that the injury is as severe as LeBron is making it seem on the court.
LeBron has won two straight MVP's for a reason. That reason being, he means more to his team than any other player in the NBA. Therefore, Cavaliers fans should be worried, because if LeBron isn't at full strength, the Cavs are going nowhere.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The NBA: Where two first names happens.
Have you ever noticed how many players in the NBA have two first names? You probably haven't. Don't feel stupid though, it's not something that many people have noticed.
Now maybe this is just a coincidence. Maybe I'm just being a sports nerd. Or maybe it's a sign from the basketball gods. Whatever you want to make of it, it's just plain creepy.
Look at all of these examples of NBA players with two first names:
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Dwyane Wade
Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard
Paul Pierce
Ray Allen
Richard Hamilton
David Lee
Brandon Roy
Baron Davis
Vince Carter
Tim Duncan
Steve Nash (As in Nash Bridges; Nash can be a first name!)
Zach Randolph
Rashard Lewis
Kevin Martin
Jameer Nelson
Tony Parker
The commonality with all of these NBA players? They have all been selected to play in at least one NBA all star game and most have been selected numerous times! Twelve of the players listed above even played in this years 2010 NBA All Star Game in Dallas! Shocking I know!
Now I'm not saying that in order to be an NBA All Star, you must have two first names, because there are obviously exceptions (Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki etc). However, I do believe that if you are blessed enough to be born with two first names, you are automatically good at basketball. This theory of mine may be the explanation of why I am not exactly an outstanding basketball player, because no one in the right mind would ever name their kid "Mentz". Ever. "Mentz" just simply isn't a first name. However, if my last name was "Anthony", I would be re-writing the New York State high school basketball record book.
Do me a favor. Think of all of your friends. Which of your friends excel at the sport of basketball? Do they have two first names? Exactly. If you answered no to that question, you're just being ignorant.
To further prove my point, here are some more NBA players with two first names:
Tony Allen
Nate Robinson (as in Robinson Crusoe)
Stephen Jackson
Ben & Eric Gordon
Devean George
Blake & Taylor Griffin
Gerald Henderson
Josh & Juwan Howard
Jarrett Jack
DeAndre Jordan
Koby Carl
Courtney Lee
Roger Mason
Kevin & Cartier Martin
Randolph Morris
Joakim Noah
Anthony Parker
Chris Quinn
Anthony & Shavlik Randolph
Quinton Ross
Chris Richard
Jermaine Taylor
Jason Terry
Hakim Warrick
Hell, you could even include Tayshaun Prince if you wanted to. (The musician known as "Prince" was actually born as Prince Roger Nelson, meaning he has three first names!)
Now again, I'll make my point clear. You are not required to have two first names in order to succeed at basketball, but if you do have two first names, you are automatically good at basketball. The evidence is indisputable. Like it or not, and as creepy as it may be, if you have two first names, you have a gift when it comes to the beautiful sport of basketball. Case. Closed.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Dallas Cowboys 2010 NFL Draft Summary
With the 8th overall pick in the in the 1998 NFL Draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones passed on a wide receiver with humongous potential, but also was known for needing an attitude adjustment.
Later that season, that same wide receiver set the record for most receiving touchdowns by a rookie in a single season with seventeen. Who is this player? Randy Moss, ladys and gentleman. Jerry Jones was worried about Moss' potential 'character issues', and opted instead to draft LB/DE Greg Ellis instead of the highly talented Moss.
Twelve years later, Jerry Jones finally had the chance to redeem himself. With the 23th overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, Jones selected WR Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State University.
Jerry Jones lucked out here. Dez Bryant was a top 10 talent in this years 2010 NFL Draft. The only reason teams were weary of drafting him is because of his 'character issues' which I believe have been blown out of proportion.
Bryant only played in three games of college football last season before being indefinitely suspended by the NCAA because he "failed to openly disclose to the NCAA the full details of his interaction with a former NFL player not affiliated with OSU." The former NFL player referenced by the NCAA is former Dallas Cowboys great Deion Sanders, who described the situation by saying "Working with kids is what I do."
According to the NCAA, Bryant had illegal contact with Sanders and failed to tell them about it and as a result Bryant was suspended indefinitely. Before this incident, Bryant was often to late to practices and even games themselves while playing at Oklahoma State, according to a source from a Yahoo Sports story written back in February (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-bryantrisk022810)
When the term 'character issues' is used, I think of Pacman Jones or Ben Roethlisberger. Pacman was involved in a shooting outside of a club. Roethlisberger has twice been accused of sexual assault. What is Bryant guilty of? Being goofy and a little undisciplined - AT BEST.
Bryant may be undisciplined, unorganized, or just plain goofy, but describing him as having "character issues" is an unfair stigma to tie to his name. There was no question though that Jones would draft Bryant when the Cowboys moved up in the draft. No way was Jones again passing on a tremendously talented wide receiver who may suffer from being goofy and unorganized. I applaud Jones for the selection, Dez Bryant is going to be a top notch receiver and future NFL Pro Bowler for the next decade and beyond.
In the second round, the Cowboys drafted ILB Sean Lee from Penn State University. Penn State is notorious for being a NFL linebacker producing factory, so you usually can't go wrong when you select a Penn State linebacker. Lee reminds me much of former Nittany Lion linebacker Paul Posluzny. Like Posluzny, Lee is undersized for the ILB position at only (6'2, 238 pounds). Lee also does not possess great speed either, but he makes up for it with his natural football instincts, an intangible that is valued at the NFL level. Lee plays bigger than he is and is a very solid tackler. Lee could find himself starting for the Cowboys sooner rather than later, as current Cowboys RILB Keith Brooking is 34 years old and could be heading into his last season in the NFL. Very wise and safe selection by Jerry Jones.
After the selection of Bryant in the first round and Lee in the second, Dallas only had four more picks in the rest of the draft. With those picks, Dallas drafted CB/S Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (don't ask how its pronounced)from lesser known Indiana (PA). Owusu-Ansah is a raw talent as he lacks natural football instincts and a high football IQ, but has a great combination of size and speed and could eventually develop into a dependable starter for the 'Boys.
Dallas also selected Fighting Irish OT Sam Young in the 6th round as the Cowboys lacked youth in the trenches as four of the Cowboys current starting five offensive lineman are thirty years of age or older. Being the first ever true freshman to start on the offensive line for Notre Dame during opening weekend, Young has one hell of a pedigree and combined with his strength and size (6'7, 316 pounds), he should be able to have a long and respectable career in the NFL.
With their last two selections, Dallas selected CB Jamar Wall from Texas Tech and DT Sean Lissemore from William & Mary. Both selections make sense as the NFL has become a pass first league over the past few years. In order to combat that, adding depth and talent to both the cornerback and defensive tackle positions can never hurt, especially considering Dallas will see quarterbacks Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Kevin Kolb a combined 6 times next season.
Its no secret: The Cowboys have one goal in mind, and that is to win Superbowl XLV in Arlington. Tony Romo has proven he is among the elite quarterbacks in the league, and the addition of WR Dez Bryant only makes the Cowboys offense that much more dangerous.
Dallas Cowboys 2010 NFL Draft Grade: B
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Oakland Raiders 2010 NFL Draft Summary
By Zach Mentz
As a dedicated Oakland Raiders fan since age 10 (only eight years ago), the NFL Draft has never been 'fun' to watch growing up.
In 2003, it was Tyler Brayton. In 2004, it was Robert Gallery. In 2005, it was Fabian Washington. In 2006, it was Michael Huff. In 2007, it was Jamarcus Russel. In 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey.
What two things do all of these names have in common? First off, they are all former first round draft selections by the Oakland Raiders. Secondly, none of them ever reached their potential in the NFL.
The Oakland Raiders are notorious for making AWFUL choices when it comes to the NFL Draft. So when the 2010 NFL Draft began on Thursday night, I was worried to say the least. My only question was, "Who is Oakland going to waste their picks on this year?"
Well, dare I say it, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Raiders draft selections. Rolando McClain at #8 overall was a bit of a reach as it is rare that inside linebackers go that high, but McClain is a hell of a talent. We only reached by about 5-7 picks, rather than the usual 3 rounds too soon (Heyward-Bey).
McClain is not known for his speed, but he makes up for his lack of speed with his inital instincts, allowing him to cover more ground and make more plays. I originally wasn't pleased with Oakland selecting McClain just because I was hoping they would take Clausen instead. After I settled down and thought about it, I realize I am actually pretty pleased with this pick.
The selections of DT Lamarr Houston from Texas is a solid selection as well. Again, the Raiders passed on Clausen here, but it is obvious that Oakland is focused on shoring up the defense and stopping opponents on the ground. McClain and Houston are nice building blocks and should help improve a defense that was 29th against the run last season.
With the 69th overall pick, Oakland selected OT Edwin Veldheer from the lesser known Hillsdale College (Division II). Veldheer is an athletic freak, so this seems like a typical Al Davis selection. Veldheer is a 6'8, 312 pound animal who runs a 5.05 forty yard dash. There are concerns about Veldheer because he certainly did not play against top flight competition at the Division II level, but he has a ton of potential.
In the fourth round, Al Davis made another typical selection by drafting OT Bruce Campbell from Maryland. There were rumors before the draft that Oakland would select Campbell with the 8th overall pick, but instead, Oakland DIDN'T reach for him, and ended up getting the best player available in the fourth round. There is no doubt that Campbell has a ton of pro potential, so he is definitely worth a fourth round draft pick, especially if he can develop into an elite NFL tackle.
Other draft picks of note for Oakland: WR Jacoby Ford out of Clemson is basically just a repeat of Johnnie Lee Higgins, a current Raiders receiver. Has great speed but has inconsistent hands and while he runs great straight away, he has trouble changing directions. Oakland spent its last four picks in the draft on all defensive players. CB Walter McFadden from Auburn, ILB Travis Goethel from Arizona State, CB Jeremy Ware from Michigan State and S Stevie Brown from Michigan. Its obvious Oakland is trying to shore up its rather porous defense, and with the addition of two cornerbacks and a safety via the draft, this could imply that Oakland plans on trading Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Usually after I watch Oaklands draft selections, I have nightmares that night. However, this year I was actually pleased with how the Raiders fared. Oakland addressed their obvious issues on defense by spending six total picks on defense, including stud Roland McClain, who I am liking more and more every day. They also brought in two offensive tackles to protect the newly acquired Jason Campbell, who may actually succeed behind a decent offensive line, something he did not have in Washington. I do wish Oakland addressed the need for a franchise quarterback in the draft thought and did not pass on Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy in the second round.
Oakland Raiders 2010 NFL Draft Grade: B+
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The State of the Lakers: Can they repeat?
The Los Angeles Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 57-25. Los Angeles finished with the third best record in the NBA, and clinched the first seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Smooth sailing ahead for Los Angeles, right?
Wrong. The Los Angeles Lakers are not playing like they are the NBA’s defending champions. Instead, they are playing like its 2005, when the Lakers finished with a lowly 34-48 record. Having lost seven of their last eleven games, the Lakers have a lot of issues heading in to the 2010 NBA playoffs.
The NBA’s western conference is as talented and as deep as its ever been, with every playoff team in the West finishing with at least 50 wins during the the regular season. Before the Lakers can worry about their first round opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Lakers must first worry about themselves.
The Lakers have their fair share of problems to deal with heading into the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant is a still banged up and missed five of the Lakers final six games in the regular season. Even when Bryant has played, he has been off his game as of late. In the three games Kobe has played in during the month of April, Bryant has only made 30% of his shots, well below his season average of 46%.
Starting center Andrew Bynum hasn't played since March 19th due to injury but the Lakers do expect to work him back into the lineup as the playoffs progress.
The off-season 'swap' with of Forward Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest hasn't worked out in the Lakers favor either. Artest has been inconsistent all season for Los Angeles, and is only averaging eleven points and four rebounds per game.
And on top of it all, the Lakers are slated to play one of the NBA's youngest and talented teams in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are led by 21 year old Kevin Durant, who set the record this season for being the youngest player in NBA history to lead the league in points per game. While the Thunder may lack experience, they certainly don't lack playmakers as PG Russell Westbrook and Forward Jeff Green both average over 15 ppg to add on to Durants average of 30.1 points per game. The Lakers are still the favorites in the series, but when only seven games seperates the top seed and the bottom seed in the Western Conference, how much of an 'upset' would it be if the Thunder won the series against the NBAs defending champions?
The last time the Lakers and Thunder played was on March 26th. The game was played in Oklahoma City and Kevin Durant scored 26 points to lead the Thunder to an impressive 91-75 win over the Lakers, who at the time were on a seven game winning streak.
While the Lakers did finish 3-1 against the Thunder during the regular season, it looks as if Oklahoma City is peaking at the right time while Los Angeles is sliding.
Life for the NBA's defending champions is rough right now. The one question is: Can the Los Angeles Lakers turn it around?
The obvious answer, to me, is yes. After all, the Lakers still do have the best coach in the history of basketball in Phil Jackson and arguably the best player in the world in Kobe Bryant. Not to mention, the Lakers will have homecourt advantage all throughout the Western Conference playoffs as well.
Kobe Bryant is too good and too hungry for another title to let his recent shooting slump continue into the playoffs. Andrew Bynum will be back sooner rather than later and will gradually be worked back in to the Lakers lineup. When healthy, the combination of Bynum and Gasol could be the best frontcourt duo in the NBA.
So while life in Los Angeles may seem gloomy right now with the Lakers current slump, look on the bright side and remember that this is still the same Lakers team (minus Trevor Ariza, add Ron Artest) that won the 2009 NBA championship. Lakers fans, you can breathe a little easier now and remember, "The night is darkest just before the dawn, and the dawn is coming."
Monday, April 5, 2010
Inside the life of a Fairport Manleader
By Zach Mentz
(A bit of a 'spoof' story I wrote for my senior column in my high school newspaper. A little less serious than my usual stories! Thought I would mix it up!)
What is a manleader? What is a Fairport Manleader? What does it all mean? Manleading, as defined by Websters Dictionary: Bro Edition is “the act of performing and entertaining crowds with stunning movements and elegant grace in order to excite high school student bodies all over the world.” Manleading was also defined by Rochesters own Democrat and Chronicle as “a group of boys who pump up the student body at pep rallies and games.” In a nutshell, yes, that is what the Fairport Manleaders do.
Manleading was invented at the fine institution of Fairport High School only a few years ago. Being a Fairport Manleader is something that is respected around the globe. For instance, while on a cross country trip to the state of Washington, I ran in to Bill Gates at one of the twenty thousand Starbucks in the Seattle area and he said “It’s an honor to meet you, bro.” He gave me a bro hug and slapped me up before we parted ways, but like I said before, being a Fairport Manleader isn’t just a persona I put on, it’s a lifestyle.
Anyways, back to my story. Let me explain to you what it takes to be a Fairport Manleader. First off, everyone wants to be one, whether they admit it or not. Secondly, being a Fairport Manleader isn’t just a stroll in the park. It requires hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, and a true bro spirit. Practices during the week can run pretty late, as some nights we were even practicing until past ten o’clock at night. One night, I even skipped my own court hearing just to go to practice. (I am being sued by
Being a Fairport Manleader is an honor. I was asked by team co-captain Terry O’Neill back in September of 2009. As soon as he asked me, it was like Taylor Swift asking you to marry her; of course you are going to say yes! The Fairport Manleaders performed at the homecoming pep rally earlier in the school year, at the staff basketball game, and most recently at the Brotherhood-Sisterhood week assembly. “Each performance was a perfect display of elegance” said history teacher Kevin “Cash Money” Sax.
After our most recent performance at the Brotherhood-Sisterhood week assembly, Principal Chris “Sweet Feet” Salinas said “It brings a tear to my eye every time I watch the manleaders do their thang’. They truly are the most talented group of performers the world has ever seen.”
Due to our notorious popularity and dedicated fan base, videos of our performances have even been posted on Youtube.com. We have been asked to perform in numerous Las Vegas casinos and we have even been asked to replace the Blue Man Group performance on the senior trip to Boston, but unfortunately we have had to decline offer after offer due to contract disputes.
All in all, being a Fairport Manleader is serious business. Manleading is not just for any average joe. Being a manleader is a lifestyle that you have to live by day in and day out. Their was an emptiness in my heart before I was a Fairport Manleader, and ever since I joined the squad, that emptiness has been filled. Being a Fairport Manleader is something I know I was born to do, and without Fairport Manleading, who knows where my life would be.
(A bit of a 'spoof' story I wrote for my senior column in my high school newspaper. A little less serious than my usual stories! Thought I would mix it up!)
What is a manleader? What is a Fairport Manleader? What does it all mean? Manleading, as defined by Websters Dictionary: Bro Edition is “the act of performing and entertaining crowds with stunning movements and elegant grace in order to excite high school student bodies all over the world.” Manleading was also defined by Rochesters own Democrat and Chronicle as “a group of boys who pump up the student body at pep rallies and games.” In a nutshell, yes, that is what the Fairport Manleaders do.
Manleading was invented at the fine institution of Fairport High School only a few years ago. Being a Fairport Manleader is something that is respected around the globe. For instance, while on a cross country trip to the state of Washington, I ran in to Bill Gates at one of the twenty thousand Starbucks in the Seattle area and he said “It’s an honor to meet you, bro.” He gave me a bro hug and slapped me up before we parted ways, but like I said before, being a Fairport Manleader isn’t just a persona I put on, it’s a lifestyle.
Anyways, back to my story. Let me explain to you what it takes to be a Fairport Manleader. First off, everyone wants to be one, whether they admit it or not. Secondly, being a Fairport Manleader isn’t just a stroll in the park. It requires hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, and a true bro spirit. Practices during the week can run pretty late, as some nights we were even practicing until past ten o’clock at night. One night, I even skipped my own court hearing just to go to practice. (I am being sued by
Being a Fairport Manleader is an honor. I was asked by team co-captain Terry O’Neill back in September of 2009. As soon as he asked me, it was like Taylor Swift asking you to marry her; of course you are going to say yes! The Fairport Manleaders performed at the homecoming pep rally earlier in the school year, at the staff basketball game, and most recently at the Brotherhood-Sisterhood week assembly. “Each performance was a perfect display of elegance” said history teacher Kevin “Cash Money” Sax.
After our most recent performance at the Brotherhood-Sisterhood week assembly, Principal Chris “Sweet Feet” Salinas said “It brings a tear to my eye every time I watch the manleaders do their thang’. They truly are the most talented group of performers the world has ever seen.”
Due to our notorious popularity and dedicated fan base, videos of our performances have even been posted on Youtube.com. We have been asked to perform in numerous Las Vegas casinos and we have even been asked to replace the Blue Man Group performance on the senior trip to Boston, but unfortunately we have had to decline offer after offer due to contract disputes.
All in all, being a Fairport Manleader is serious business. Manleading is not just for any average joe. Being a manleader is a lifestyle that you have to live by day in and day out. Their was an emptiness in my heart before I was a Fairport Manleader, and ever since I joined the squad, that emptiness has been filled. Being a Fairport Manleader is something I know I was born to do, and without Fairport Manleading, who knows where my life would be.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Expand the NCAA tournament? No, no and no
By Zach Mentz
It’s that time of year again. The NCAA basketball tournament is well underway and the entire nation is completely captivated. Brackets are being shredded, money being lost, and tears are being shed (in severe cases).
The madness began this year on Sunday, March 14th. College basketball teams and their fans all over the nation waited anxiously for their tournament fate to be decided on what is now known as “Selection Sunday.” Some bubbles were burst and some prayers were answered. Traditional powerhouses such as Connecticut and North Carolina were left out of the tournament while in the meantime lesser known teams such as Murray State and St. Marys made the field of sixty five with automatic bids by winning their respective conferences.
Yes that’s right. In case you did not know, the NCAA tournament fields sixty five teams each year to compete for the national championship. That is a boatload of basketball to be played and makes for even more opportunities for players to become heroes and history to be written.
If sixty five teams are not enough, how many teams deserve to get in? 96? 128? Or how about we let every team in and have a huge free for all for the national championship?
My response: Leave the tournament alone! There are those who argue that the NCAA tournament is not big enough and that it needs to be expanded. Excuse me, but how is sixty five teams not enough? Of the 65 spots in your bracket, 31 are automatically assigned to conference champions, leaving 34 spots for "at large" teams to be selected based on their performance throughout the course of the season.
Now there are 347 teams in D1 college basketball, so some argue that only 65 of those 347 teams making the tournament (just under 20%) is not nearly enough. The MLB lets 27% of teams in postseason and they are constantly criticized for needing to add teams to postseason play. So to some people, less than 20% of teams getting in to the NCAA basketball tournament just doesn’t sound right. To me though, it sounds just right.
The month of March in the world of sports is already dedicated to the NCAA tournament, thus the term “March Madness.” I have absolutely no problem with the way the tournament is currently set up and I have never thought anything needed to be changed. I don’t ever remember sitting in front of the television thinking to myself “This tournament needs an overhaul.” Sixty five teams are plenty to let compete for a national championship. If you can’t prove over the course of the regular season that you are one of the most deserving sixty five teams in the nation, then realistically you probably don’t have a chance at winning the national championship anyways. And that is the goal after all, isn’t it?
. The NCAA tournament may not be perfect, but it definitely is not broken either. The goal of the tournament is to make sure that the best team wins the national championship year in and year out, and I think it is fair to say that that has consistently happened time and time again. Too often in America we try to fix things that don’t need fixing. Until the NCAA tournament loses popularity and no one decides to watch it (which will not happen anytime soon), lets hold off on shaking things up. Bottom line: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
It’s that time of year again. The NCAA basketball tournament is well underway and the entire nation is completely captivated. Brackets are being shredded, money being lost, and tears are being shed (in severe cases).
The madness began this year on Sunday, March 14th. College basketball teams and their fans all over the nation waited anxiously for their tournament fate to be decided on what is now known as “Selection Sunday.” Some bubbles were burst and some prayers were answered. Traditional powerhouses such as Connecticut and North Carolina were left out of the tournament while in the meantime lesser known teams such as Murray State and St. Marys made the field of sixty five with automatic bids by winning their respective conferences.
Yes that’s right. In case you did not know, the NCAA tournament fields sixty five teams each year to compete for the national championship. That is a boatload of basketball to be played and makes for even more opportunities for players to become heroes and history to be written.
If sixty five teams are not enough, how many teams deserve to get in? 96? 128? Or how about we let every team in and have a huge free for all for the national championship?
My response: Leave the tournament alone! There are those who argue that the NCAA tournament is not big enough and that it needs to be expanded. Excuse me, but how is sixty five teams not enough? Of the 65 spots in your bracket, 31 are automatically assigned to conference champions, leaving 34 spots for "at large" teams to be selected based on their performance throughout the course of the season.
Now there are 347 teams in D1 college basketball, so some argue that only 65 of those 347 teams making the tournament (just under 20%) is not nearly enough. The MLB lets 27% of teams in postseason and they are constantly criticized for needing to add teams to postseason play. So to some people, less than 20% of teams getting in to the NCAA basketball tournament just doesn’t sound right. To me though, it sounds just right.
The month of March in the world of sports is already dedicated to the NCAA tournament, thus the term “March Madness.” I have absolutely no problem with the way the tournament is currently set up and I have never thought anything needed to be changed. I don’t ever remember sitting in front of the television thinking to myself “This tournament needs an overhaul.” Sixty five teams are plenty to let compete for a national championship. If you can’t prove over the course of the regular season that you are one of the most deserving sixty five teams in the nation, then realistically you probably don’t have a chance at winning the national championship anyways. And that is the goal after all, isn’t it?
. The NCAA tournament may not be perfect, but it definitely is not broken either. The goal of the tournament is to make sure that the best team wins the national championship year in and year out, and I think it is fair to say that that has consistently happened time and time again. Too often in America we try to fix things that don’t need fixing. Until the NCAA tournament loses popularity and no one decides to watch it (which will not happen anytime soon), lets hold off on shaking things up. Bottom line: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
USA Hockey sets new precedent
By Zach Mentz
For one Sunday here in the United States, America was a hockey nation. Hockey, which has always been the ugly brother to football, baseball, and basketball in America, compelled a nation and brought us together as a country, if even for only one day.
While the USA did not win the gold medal in the 2010 winter Olympics at Vancouver, they did win the silver medal. Team USA also had the entire country of Canada on their heels when USA’s Zach Parise forced overtime with a goal with less than thirty seconds to play against Canada in the gold medal game.
America has never been known as a “hockey country”, and in all honesty never will be. America has only won two gold medals in hockey, the first time in 1960 and the most recent gold medal came in 1980, the year of the “Miracle on Ice.” Since the first gold medal winning in 1960, America only has a total of five medals won in ice hockey in the winter Olympics.
The USA finished in eight place four years ago at the winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Expectations have never been high for the USA in ice hockey at the Olympics due to past results and our inability to compete in international play. My point is, finishing with a silver medal and a five and one record, including a 5-3 romping over Canada in the preliminaries, is much more than anyone expected before the games began.
At the beginning of the tournament, team USA was not considered by many, if anyone, to be considered a favorite to medal in the Olympics. With that being said, it is bedazzling to think that team USA could take Canada, a country that is known across the globe as a hockey country, into overtime in the gold medal game and narrowly lose by only a score of 3-2.
Of course the USA players are going to be disappointed in themselves with the loss. They wanted the goal medal, not the silver medal. The loss to team Canada in the gold medal game was their only loss of the Olympics and couldn’t have come at a worse time. It is a loss that will stick with these players for the rest of their lives. A gold medal would have been unbelievable achievement, but finishing second to team Canada in a nail biter is nothing to be ashamed of. It seems as if the silver medal has become last place and the bronze medal now feels like second place. A silver medal in any competition is an impressive accomplishment, but when you come as close to gold as the USA hockey team did, silver doesn’t quite cut it. But for a country that keeps hockey on the backburner when it comes to sports, does the success team USA had this winter at the 2010 winter Olympics set the table for future US teams?
Perhaps the United States will now be considered a legitimate contender when it comes to international competition. Maybe the USA can begin to creep in to the conversation when talking about legitimate contenders in international play. Compared to other traditional powerhouse such as Canada, Russia, and Sweden, the USA has always been considered inferior. Maybe though this 2010 Olympic USA hockey team has changed all of that. Only time will tell whether or not future USA squads can feed off of this years impressive run.
For one Sunday here in the United States, America was a hockey nation. Hockey, which has always been the ugly brother to football, baseball, and basketball in America, compelled a nation and brought us together as a country, if even for only one day.
While the USA did not win the gold medal in the 2010 winter Olympics at Vancouver, they did win the silver medal. Team USA also had the entire country of Canada on their heels when USA’s Zach Parise forced overtime with a goal with less than thirty seconds to play against Canada in the gold medal game.
America has never been known as a “hockey country”, and in all honesty never will be. America has only won two gold medals in hockey, the first time in 1960 and the most recent gold medal came in 1980, the year of the “Miracle on Ice.” Since the first gold medal winning in 1960, America only has a total of five medals won in ice hockey in the winter Olympics.
The USA finished in eight place four years ago at the winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Expectations have never been high for the USA in ice hockey at the Olympics due to past results and our inability to compete in international play. My point is, finishing with a silver medal and a five and one record, including a 5-3 romping over Canada in the preliminaries, is much more than anyone expected before the games began.
At the beginning of the tournament, team USA was not considered by many, if anyone, to be considered a favorite to medal in the Olympics. With that being said, it is bedazzling to think that team USA could take Canada, a country that is known across the globe as a hockey country, into overtime in the gold medal game and narrowly lose by only a score of 3-2.
Of course the USA players are going to be disappointed in themselves with the loss. They wanted the goal medal, not the silver medal. The loss to team Canada in the gold medal game was their only loss of the Olympics and couldn’t have come at a worse time. It is a loss that will stick with these players for the rest of their lives. A gold medal would have been unbelievable achievement, but finishing second to team Canada in a nail biter is nothing to be ashamed of. It seems as if the silver medal has become last place and the bronze medal now feels like second place. A silver medal in any competition is an impressive accomplishment, but when you come as close to gold as the USA hockey team did, silver doesn’t quite cut it. But for a country that keeps hockey on the backburner when it comes to sports, does the success team USA had this winter at the 2010 winter Olympics set the table for future US teams?
Perhaps the United States will now be considered a legitimate contender when it comes to international competition. Maybe the USA can begin to creep in to the conversation when talking about legitimate contenders in international play. Compared to other traditional powerhouse such as Canada, Russia, and Sweden, the USA has always been considered inferior. Maybe though this 2010 Olympic USA hockey team has changed all of that. Only time will tell whether or not future USA squads can feed off of this years impressive run.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Kobe Bryant: Greatest Laker Ever?
He was seventeen years old when his career began. The first guard to ever be drafted straight out of high school, Kobe Bryant, is considered among the greatest players of his generation. Bryant, also known as the “Black Mamba”, has officially passed NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West as the all time leading scorer in Los Angeles Lakers franchise history. With such an impressive achievement, this only raises the question that sports shows and journalists will be debating until the end of time; is Kobe Bryant the greatest Laker of all time?
The top ten scorers in Los Angeles Lakers franchise history are (in order) Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O’Neal, Gail Goodrich, Byron Scott, and Jamaal Wilkes. That list includes not only some of the greatest players in Lakers franchise history, but also some of the greatest players in history of the National Basketball Association. The irony about Bryant recently passing NBA logo-man Jerry West on the list is that West was the one responsible for bringing Bryant to Los Angeles. Bryant was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets. Shortly after, then Lakers general manager West traded his then starting center Vlade Divac to the Hornets for Bryant. Since Bryant was only seventeen years old upon entering the league, his parents had to co-sign on the contract with Los Angeles. The rest, they say, is history.
Throughout Bryants career, he has drawn comparisons to former Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan. Both are 6’6 shooting guards who are known for being electric scorers and clutch playmakers. Both have won more than their fair of championships titles (Bryant with four and Jordan with six) and both have been coached by perhaps the best coach in the history of basketball, Phil Jackson. Jordan is widely considered the best player in the history of the sport, and Bryant is considered by many the best player of the last decade. So once again this poses the question; if Bryant is talented enough to be compared to the greatest player of all-time, is it fair to say that Bryant has taken the spot as the best in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers?
My answer: Not yet. Magic Johnson is the best player in Lakers history, for now. Yes, Bryant is the all time leading scorer in Lakers history. Yes, Bryant has won four titles while with the Lakers and appeared in twelve NBA All-Star games. He has also won the Most Valuable Player trophy as well as an NBA Finals MVP trophy as well. The list of accolades to his name goes on and on for days, but he isn’t the best in Lakers history, yet. I say “yet” because I believe when Kobe decides to hang it up, he will be considered the best player in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers, and perhaps the entire NBA.
Let’s not forget though, Bryant is still in his prime. He is only thirty-one years old and is arguably the best player in the league. Kobe still has another five to seven years left to play. He could easily win another title or two (at least) during that time, not to mention any other awards he may rack up over the span of another five to seven years. He is still adding to his legacy. Magic Johnson has already completed his legacy.
Magic was a 6’9 point guard who could play any position on the floor, and play it well. Magic won five titles with the Lakers and was named the Finals MVP three different times. His first Finals MVP aware came during his rookie year in 1980 when Johnson scored 42 points, grabbed fifteen rebounds and dished out seven assists to lead the Lakers to a game six win over the Julius Erving led Philadelphia 76ers to clinch the series.
Johnson is also a three time regular season MVP and a twelve time All-Star. You might ask: How can Magic be the best player in Lakers history when he was fifth on the Lakers all time scoring list and Bryant was first? Well the answer is simple, really. Magic didn’t just score, he did it all. He was one of the most complete players in NBA history. Over the duration of his career, Johnson played in 905 games; all for the Lakers. Over that span, Johnson averaged over nineteen points per game, over seven rebounds per game, and over eleven assists per game. For anyone to average close to a triple-double over the course of a season is impressive. To continue that level of play for an entire career is astonishing. For a point guard to do it is something we may never see again.
Like Bryant, the list of accomplishments goes on and on for Magic. You could definitely argue that Bryant is the best Los Angeles Laker of all time. However, I don’t think we can give that title to someone who is still in their prime, especially considering the other candidates.
Lets wait and see how Bryant finishes his career before we get ahead of ourselves. As I said, I do believe Bryant will ultimately be the better player when it is all said and done. For now though, Bryant is the second best player in Lakers franchise history behind Magic Johnson.
The top ten scorers in Los Angeles Lakers franchise history are (in order) Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Shaquille O’Neal, Gail Goodrich, Byron Scott, and Jamaal Wilkes. That list includes not only some of the greatest players in Lakers franchise history, but also some of the greatest players in history of the National Basketball Association. The irony about Bryant recently passing NBA logo-man Jerry West on the list is that West was the one responsible for bringing Bryant to Los Angeles. Bryant was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets. Shortly after, then Lakers general manager West traded his then starting center Vlade Divac to the Hornets for Bryant. Since Bryant was only seventeen years old upon entering the league, his parents had to co-sign on the contract with Los Angeles. The rest, they say, is history.
Throughout Bryants career, he has drawn comparisons to former Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan. Both are 6’6 shooting guards who are known for being electric scorers and clutch playmakers. Both have won more than their fair of championships titles (Bryant with four and Jordan with six) and both have been coached by perhaps the best coach in the history of basketball, Phil Jackson. Jordan is widely considered the best player in the history of the sport, and Bryant is considered by many the best player of the last decade. So once again this poses the question; if Bryant is talented enough to be compared to the greatest player of all-time, is it fair to say that Bryant has taken the spot as the best in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers?
My answer: Not yet. Magic Johnson is the best player in Lakers history, for now. Yes, Bryant is the all time leading scorer in Lakers history. Yes, Bryant has won four titles while with the Lakers and appeared in twelve NBA All-Star games. He has also won the Most Valuable Player trophy as well as an NBA Finals MVP trophy as well. The list of accolades to his name goes on and on for days, but he isn’t the best in Lakers history, yet. I say “yet” because I believe when Kobe decides to hang it up, he will be considered the best player in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers, and perhaps the entire NBA.
Let’s not forget though, Bryant is still in his prime. He is only thirty-one years old and is arguably the best player in the league. Kobe still has another five to seven years left to play. He could easily win another title or two (at least) during that time, not to mention any other awards he may rack up over the span of another five to seven years. He is still adding to his legacy. Magic Johnson has already completed his legacy.
Magic was a 6’9 point guard who could play any position on the floor, and play it well. Magic won five titles with the Lakers and was named the Finals MVP three different times. His first Finals MVP aware came during his rookie year in 1980 when Johnson scored 42 points, grabbed fifteen rebounds and dished out seven assists to lead the Lakers to a game six win over the Julius Erving led Philadelphia 76ers to clinch the series.
Johnson is also a three time regular season MVP and a twelve time All-Star. You might ask: How can Magic be the best player in Lakers history when he was fifth on the Lakers all time scoring list and Bryant was first? Well the answer is simple, really. Magic didn’t just score, he did it all. He was one of the most complete players in NBA history. Over the duration of his career, Johnson played in 905 games; all for the Lakers. Over that span, Johnson averaged over nineteen points per game, over seven rebounds per game, and over eleven assists per game. For anyone to average close to a triple-double over the course of a season is impressive. To continue that level of play for an entire career is astonishing. For a point guard to do it is something we may never see again.
Like Bryant, the list of accomplishments goes on and on for Magic. You could definitely argue that Bryant is the best Los Angeles Laker of all time. However, I don’t think we can give that title to someone who is still in their prime, especially considering the other candidates.
Lets wait and see how Bryant finishes his career before we get ahead of ourselves. As I said, I do believe Bryant will ultimately be the better player when it is all said and done. For now though, Bryant is the second best player in Lakers franchise history behind Magic Johnson.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
And here it is, the grand daddy of them all - Superbowl 44!
I remember when I first started watching football. I was eleven years old. It was 2002. The Oakland Raiders were one of footballs best teams and for some odd reason, I fell in love with a team on the complete opposite side of the country. Why? Well, Oakland was good. Plain and simple. And what do you know? My new found favorite team had defeated the Titans in the AFC championship game and were now playing in the Superbowl against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The ultimate match-up of offense vs. defense. Little did I know, defense wins championships. Long story short, Tampa Bay ran a train on Oakland and intercepted my all time favorite player Rich Gannon five times, taking three picks back to the house. I still have a deep hatred for Tampa Bay. And Jon Gruden, damn you. You had our playbook in your back pocket and sent my team in to a complete downward spiral. All in all, my first Superbowl was very forgettable.
Seven years later and look where we are. Saints vs. Colts. Manning vs. Brees. The consistently dominant Colts vs. Americas sweetheart Saints.
I, like many people, would like to see New Orleans win. For a team that was at absolute rock bottom less than five years ago, it is amazing to think that a franchise that is used to being found at the bottom of the standings can now be found in Miami, Florida, as the Saints are less than twenty four hours away from arguably the biggest game in the history of their franchise.
The Colts on the other hand, are a completely different story. Perhaps the "team of the decade", the Colts are known for doing one thing consistently: winning. Peyton Manning has been the face of that franchise ever since he was drafted in 1998. He hasn't even retired yet and he is considered by some to be the greatest quarterback of all time. From my viewpoint, a second Superbowl win (his first in 2007 over the Chicago Bears) would almost solidify his spot as the best quarterback in the history of the NFL, and maybe the best player in the history of the NFL. Anyways, before I get ahead of myself, why don't I just start talking about the actual game itself.
Indianapolis comes in to the game as the favorites. My heart says New Orleans, but my head says Indianapolis. My heart also led me to like Oakland. Besides that though, a wise man once said "Never pick against Peyton Manning". Who said that? Probably plenty of wise men.
Never underestimate a team that has as much to play for as the Saints do. I'm not saying the Colts have nothing to play for, but lets be honest, I think its obvious how badly the Saints want to bring a Superbowl trophy back to New Orleans.
Dwight Freeney, even if he plays, will not be that effective. Reggie Wayne banging his knee up even more does not help either. But look at who would replace each (assuming neither can play, which is very unlikely). Raheem Brock will get more snaps at defensive end in absence of Freeney. Brock is a proven NFL veteran who can be an X factor with his play in this game. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have transformed from rookies who have potential to legitimate threats on the outside. You definitely have to keep an eye on these guys throughout the game. Did I mention a guy named Dallas Clark? Yeah, he's pretty good too.
New Orleans is known for doing two things: scoring points and forcing turnovers. Drew Brees and this offense can score points in a hurry, so you better be ready to respond. Reggie Bush can change the game in one play, whether it be a punt return, a screen on the outside, or anything else. Darren Sharper is an absolute game changer on the defensive side of the ball for New Orleans. Don't be surprised if he gets the best of Peyton for at least one play and picks off a Manning throw. Sharper is just that good.
All in all, this is what was the deciding factor for me. The Colts, this season, have tried to win fifteen games. They have won just that, fifteen games. I have to go with my head here and I'm taking the Colts, but they won't cover the spread which is 5.5
Colts 34, Saints 30
That's it for me tonight folks. Be sure to follow me on Twitter! For now I'm off to go relax. Doesn't sound like much but hey, I rarely find time to just sit down and chill. Taking advantage of it while I can!
Aloha, World.
Seven years later and look where we are. Saints vs. Colts. Manning vs. Brees. The consistently dominant Colts vs. Americas sweetheart Saints.
I, like many people, would like to see New Orleans win. For a team that was at absolute rock bottom less than five years ago, it is amazing to think that a franchise that is used to being found at the bottom of the standings can now be found in Miami, Florida, as the Saints are less than twenty four hours away from arguably the biggest game in the history of their franchise.
The Colts on the other hand, are a completely different story. Perhaps the "team of the decade", the Colts are known for doing one thing consistently: winning. Peyton Manning has been the face of that franchise ever since he was drafted in 1998. He hasn't even retired yet and he is considered by some to be the greatest quarterback of all time. From my viewpoint, a second Superbowl win (his first in 2007 over the Chicago Bears) would almost solidify his spot as the best quarterback in the history of the NFL, and maybe the best player in the history of the NFL. Anyways, before I get ahead of myself, why don't I just start talking about the actual game itself.
Indianapolis comes in to the game as the favorites. My heart says New Orleans, but my head says Indianapolis. My heart also led me to like Oakland. Besides that though, a wise man once said "Never pick against Peyton Manning". Who said that? Probably plenty of wise men.
Never underestimate a team that has as much to play for as the Saints do. I'm not saying the Colts have nothing to play for, but lets be honest, I think its obvious how badly the Saints want to bring a Superbowl trophy back to New Orleans.
Dwight Freeney, even if he plays, will not be that effective. Reggie Wayne banging his knee up even more does not help either. But look at who would replace each (assuming neither can play, which is very unlikely). Raheem Brock will get more snaps at defensive end in absence of Freeney. Brock is a proven NFL veteran who can be an X factor with his play in this game. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have transformed from rookies who have potential to legitimate threats on the outside. You definitely have to keep an eye on these guys throughout the game. Did I mention a guy named Dallas Clark? Yeah, he's pretty good too.
New Orleans is known for doing two things: scoring points and forcing turnovers. Drew Brees and this offense can score points in a hurry, so you better be ready to respond. Reggie Bush can change the game in one play, whether it be a punt return, a screen on the outside, or anything else. Darren Sharper is an absolute game changer on the defensive side of the ball for New Orleans. Don't be surprised if he gets the best of Peyton for at least one play and picks off a Manning throw. Sharper is just that good.
All in all, this is what was the deciding factor for me. The Colts, this season, have tried to win fifteen games. They have won just that, fifteen games. I have to go with my head here and I'm taking the Colts, but they won't cover the spread which is 5.5
Colts 34, Saints 30
That's it for me tonight folks. Be sure to follow me on Twitter! For now I'm off to go relax. Doesn't sound like much but hey, I rarely find time to just sit down and chill. Taking advantage of it while I can!
Aloha, World.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Pro-Bowl is embarrasing
The NFL Pro-Bowl is a joke now. With everyone dropping out due to "injuries", second and third choices are now going to the Pro Bowl. Players that aren't the best at their positions or even in the top five at their position ex.) McNabb from Philadelphia and DT Smith from San Francisco. Bottom line, you know your "all-star game" is messed up when Peyton Manning, the best player currently in the game, the current league MVP, and maybe the best quarterback of all time, is not involved in this "all-star" get together.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Down to the Final Four
Jets-Colts. Vikings-Saints. Everyone knows the story lines. No need for me to rehash the same babble you have heard on ESPN all week. Lets get right in to my predictions, which are worthless in the playoffs, but hey why not try?
New Orleans 31, Minnesota 24
To the city of New Orleans: Say hello to the city of Miami
The impressive run by the Minnesota Favres is over. Drew Brees and the amped up Louisiana Superdome crowd take down the purple people. Playing on the road in the dome is like a snow man in a sauna - it's very torturous and usually not fun.
Adrian Peterson has been having a pretty quiet season, although he is still a game changer and arguably the best running back in the NFL. Brett Favre has had an incredibly successful season at the age of 40. It truly is something we may never see again. someone at his age playing the game with as much energy and enthusiasm and playing as well as he is. However, I think the run ends here for the Vikings.
Assuming the Saints O-Line, which has two pro-bowlers on the right side in Evans and Stinchcomb, can protect Brees and allow him the time he needs to make plays, the Saints win this one. Believe me, I went back and forth with this game deciding who I thought would win. Drew Brees said that when he came to New Orleans, it was a "life defining moment". Maybe I believe in destiny too much. Maybe I'm a sucker for fairy tale endings. Either way I believe that the Saints take this one, and lead this very deserving city to their first Superbowl appearance ever. Home field advantage doesn't hurt either.
Indianapolis 24, New York 20
Sorry Rex, but this is where it comes to an end. A rookie head coach, a rookie quarterback, and an appearance in the AFC championship game isn't so bad though.
Either way, a rookie head coach will represent the AFC in the Superbowl, be it Caldwell or Ryan. The difference?
Peyton Manning is the best player in the game right now, bar none. Revis vs. Wayne is going to be an interesting match-up. Joey Galloway said on Sportsnation earlier this week that Wayne would score twice. I don't see that happening with Revis on him. Dallas Clark is going to be hard to cover though. Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have become legitimate factors as well. Don't worry Colts fans, Peyton is going to get his. He will find his receivers and make the plays necessary. Telling stat? Peyton has been sacked ten times all year. This O-Line protects him no matter what. Rex will have some crafty defensive schemes I'm sure, but if one players in the NFL can figure out a defense, who better than Peyton?
The Jets can run the ball though, and they do it very well. The key for the Colts is shutting down the Jets running game and putting the game on Sanchez' shoulders. The Colts have the ultimate "bend but don't break" defense. I expect the Jets to have their fair share of big plays and runs, but when it matters, the Colts defense has consistently come through.
I think Trey Wingo put it best when he tweeted "it never ceases to amaze me how many people give the colts no respect. they've tried to win 15 games this season...and won.....15"
That's it for me, folks. I'm about to hit up my XBOX. No work tomorrow, thankfully. I get to watch both championship games and both should be great games. But with the way the playoffs and my predictions are going, who knows!
Gonna miss you Conan! (I had to get him a shout-out)
Hasta la vista, world.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
And I thought I had a clue..
After going 1-3 last week in my Wild Card predictions, I have to redeem myself this week. A very strange weekend of NFL action though. A 51-45 shootout ends on a defensive play. The New England Tom Bradys lose at home in the first round of the playoffs. The Cowboys smack the Eagles for the second time in six days, and along the way win their first playoff game in 14 years. Coach of the Year Marvin Lewis and the Bengals lose at home to the New York Jets, who as of two weeks ago, were 'done' according to Rex Ryan. I'll try to counter all of the unexpected and wacky story lines this week, so here we go..
Arizona 38, New Orleans 28
The Cardinals are soaring after an exciting overtime win against the Packers last week. The Saints aren't exactly marching as they ended the regular season losing three straight, and they looked completely out of sync on offense. Both offenses cancel each other out as nearly both can score at will. On defense, safeties Adrian Wilson for Arizona and Darren Sharper for New Orleans cancel each other out as they will start along side each other in the 2010 Pro Bowl. So what decides this game? The X factor to me is the running game. Whichever team can get the running game going first is going to have the upper hand. Its hard enough to stop Kurt Warner or Drew Brees. Now imagine is Beanie Wells or Pierre Thomas get hot. Then you have to stack that extra defender in the box rather than in the secondary, opening up the skies for either QB. This Arizona team is reminding me of last years team. They were always the underdogs, never got the respect they deserved and you know what? They took care of business each week in the playoffs and were two minutes and thirty seconds away from defeating Pittsburgh in the Superbowl. Don't count this determined Cardinals team out.
Indianapolis 23, Baltimore 19
Anytime you have # 18 on your side, you are in a position to win. Four time MVP award winning Manning and the Colts have had some time off to rest and prepare for this week, and my guess would be that they used it to their advantage. Manning studies film almost religously, so he will be more than prepared for this stingy Ravens D who I underestimated last week. Ray Rice is proving each week how talented he is, but I don't think he alone is enough for the Ravens to walk in to Indinapolis and upset the Colts. If Joe Flacco plays anything like he played last week (4-10, 34 yards, 1 INT) this game is going to be over early. The Colts are the definition of a "bend but don't break" defense and have come up big time and time again when the game was on the line. Peyton and the passing attack are going to be hard to stop. It would be impressive to see the Ravens defeat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in back to back weeks on the road in the playoffs though.
More predictions to come tomorrow. Today is a busy day for me. I'm going to go play Madden 10 and try to turn around an awful team in franchise mode and most likely fail. Aloha, world.
Arizona 38, New Orleans 28
The Cardinals are soaring after an exciting overtime win against the Packers last week. The Saints aren't exactly marching as they ended the regular season losing three straight, and they looked completely out of sync on offense. Both offenses cancel each other out as nearly both can score at will. On defense, safeties Adrian Wilson for Arizona and Darren Sharper for New Orleans cancel each other out as they will start along side each other in the 2010 Pro Bowl. So what decides this game? The X factor to me is the running game. Whichever team can get the running game going first is going to have the upper hand. Its hard enough to stop Kurt Warner or Drew Brees. Now imagine is Beanie Wells or Pierre Thomas get hot. Then you have to stack that extra defender in the box rather than in the secondary, opening up the skies for either QB. This Arizona team is reminding me of last years team. They were always the underdogs, never got the respect they deserved and you know what? They took care of business each week in the playoffs and were two minutes and thirty seconds away from defeating Pittsburgh in the Superbowl. Don't count this determined Cardinals team out.
Indianapolis 23, Baltimore 19
Anytime you have # 18 on your side, you are in a position to win. Four time MVP award winning Manning and the Colts have had some time off to rest and prepare for this week, and my guess would be that they used it to their advantage. Manning studies film almost religously, so he will be more than prepared for this stingy Ravens D who I underestimated last week. Ray Rice is proving each week how talented he is, but I don't think he alone is enough for the Ravens to walk in to Indinapolis and upset the Colts. If Joe Flacco plays anything like he played last week (4-10, 34 yards, 1 INT) this game is going to be over early. The Colts are the definition of a "bend but don't break" defense and have come up big time and time again when the game was on the line. Peyton and the passing attack are going to be hard to stop. It would be impressive to see the Ravens defeat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in back to back weeks on the road in the playoffs though.
More predictions to come tomorrow. Today is a busy day for me. I'm going to go play Madden 10 and try to turn around an awful team in franchise mode and most likely fail. Aloha, world.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Alabama vs. Texas will be closer than you think
Nick Saban was right when he accused the media of always trying to create a David vs. Goliath match-up for any big game in sports. If you watch ESPN or pay attention to any other news source, 90% of "experts" are taking Alabama in this game and are not giving the Texas Longhorns much of a shot.
Alabama is a great team. Alabama has a great defense. Alabama has Julio Jones, one of the best wide recievers in the country. Alabama has Nick Saban, who has already won a national championship at LSU. Alabama also has the 2009 Heisman winner in Mark Ingram. You have heard this all before, and any average fool could tell you how great Alabama is.
Did we forget about Texas though? Texas has Colt McCoy, who is tied for the most wins as a starting QB in college football history with 45 wins. At receiver, Jordan Shipley is one of the most explosive players in the country. On defense, Earl Thomas could be the best safety in the nation not named Eric Berry.
A big reason people are down on Texas is because this was considered a 'down year' for the Big 12 conference as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech all had less success than they did a year ago, and somehow Texas gets faulted for playing 'weaker' competition. The fact that the Longhorns needed a last second field goal against Nebraska in the Big 12 championship has people wondering if they really are as good as their 13-0 record indicates.
13-0 is 13-0, I don't care what you say. Especially when its against solid competition.
Alabama played their best game of the year against Florida, no doubt. Texas didn't win nearly as convincingly against Nebraska, but when Ndomakung Suh has 4.5 sacks against you, you aren't exactly going to blow the other team out.
On ESPNs online polls, 49 out of 50 states favored Alabama in this game. The lone state that chose the Longhorns? Texas. No surprise their, but I was surprised at the 49-1 ratio.
My point? Don't write Texas off so soon. Mack Brown knows what hes doing, and this team is going to be motivated. Remember what happened last time Texas was the underdog in the National Championship? Let me just say: Vince Young.
I'm gong with the upset, Texas wins 27-23.
Alabama is a great team. Alabama has a great defense. Alabama has Julio Jones, one of the best wide recievers in the country. Alabama has Nick Saban, who has already won a national championship at LSU. Alabama also has the 2009 Heisman winner in Mark Ingram. You have heard this all before, and any average fool could tell you how great Alabama is.
Did we forget about Texas though? Texas has Colt McCoy, who is tied for the most wins as a starting QB in college football history with 45 wins. At receiver, Jordan Shipley is one of the most explosive players in the country. On defense, Earl Thomas could be the best safety in the nation not named Eric Berry.
A big reason people are down on Texas is because this was considered a 'down year' for the Big 12 conference as Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech all had less success than they did a year ago, and somehow Texas gets faulted for playing 'weaker' competition. The fact that the Longhorns needed a last second field goal against Nebraska in the Big 12 championship has people wondering if they really are as good as their 13-0 record indicates.
13-0 is 13-0, I don't care what you say. Especially when its against solid competition.
Alabama played their best game of the year against Florida, no doubt. Texas didn't win nearly as convincingly against Nebraska, but when Ndomakung Suh has 4.5 sacks against you, you aren't exactly going to blow the other team out.
On ESPNs online polls, 49 out of 50 states favored Alabama in this game. The lone state that chose the Longhorns? Texas. No surprise their, but I was surprised at the 49-1 ratio.
My point? Don't write Texas off so soon. Mack Brown knows what hes doing, and this team is going to be motivated. Remember what happened last time Texas was the underdog in the National Championship? Let me just say: Vince Young.
I'm gong with the upset, Texas wins 27-23.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
No clear cut favorite for the Superbowl
Each year in the NFL playoffs, it seems like there is a clear cut favorite in both conferences to make an appearance in the Superbowl. This year? Not so much.
Seedings are..
AFC
1. Indianapolis 14-2
2. San Diego Chargers 13-3
3. New England 10-6
4. Cincinnati 10-6
5. New York 9-7
6. Baltimore 9-7
NFC
1. New Orleans 13-3
2. Minnesota 12-4
3. Green Bay 11-5
4. Dallas 11-5
5. Philadelphia 11-5
6. Arizona 10-6
Three of the four wild card matchups this weekend are repeats of last weeks games, with two of those three repeats being at the same venue. As always with wild-card weekend, most games can go either way. Then again, games can go either way any weekend..
Anyways, here are my predictions for this weekends games..
Cincinnati 19, New York 13
If you asked anyone (including Rex Ryan) just two weeks ago if the Jets would be in the playoffs, the answer would be no.
Its been a great first year for Rex Ryan in New York as he has turned the Jets defense in to one of the NFLs best, but it ends in Cincy today. Usually the formula for winning in the NFL is running the ball and stopping the run, but not today. Cincy will get back on track despite being smashed by the Jets six days ago in New York by a score of 37-0. Chad OchoCinco will produce better than most expect and Cincy will win their first playoff game since the Big Bang (at least it feels that way)
Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24
Is it possible that Dallas finishes the season with back to back defensive shutouts and loses in the first round again? Oh its possible, but I think this Dallas team is different from recent years past. Tony Romo has really become an effective leader on that Dallas team and I think McNabb is past his prime. If Dallas doesn't win this though, Wade Philips is as good as gone come Monday.
New England 31, Baltimore 14
Losing Wes Welker is going to hurt this New England offense more than people think. Tom Brady always comes up big in January and will keep the chains moving for the Pats. Randy Moss needs to step up for New England. Get ready to watch Wes Welkers apprecntice in the slot: Julian Edelman.
Baltimore has a great running game behind Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Leron McClain, but the passing game is mediocre at best. That defensive unit still has great leaders in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Haloti Ngata, but the loss of Rex Ryan has showed as that defense just isn't as intimidating. Baltimore for some reason isn't the same team that was one game away from the Superbowl a year ago and will be headed back to Maryland after this game.
Green Bay 24, Arizona 23
Arizona got completely whacked by the Packers last week, but this week will be much closer.
Kurt Warner is one of the best passers in the league still and Aaron Rodgers is quickly becoming one of the leagues best QB's. If I was a Pack fan, I wouldn't be complaining about losing Favre to start Rodgers. Heres irony for you: Which two starting QB's have thrown the least amount of interceptions this season? Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre both with 7.
Seedings are..
AFC
1. Indianapolis 14-2
2. San Diego Chargers 13-3
3. New England 10-6
4. Cincinnati 10-6
5. New York 9-7
6. Baltimore 9-7
NFC
1. New Orleans 13-3
2. Minnesota 12-4
3. Green Bay 11-5
4. Dallas 11-5
5. Philadelphia 11-5
6. Arizona 10-6
Three of the four wild card matchups this weekend are repeats of last weeks games, with two of those three repeats being at the same venue. As always with wild-card weekend, most games can go either way. Then again, games can go either way any weekend..
Anyways, here are my predictions for this weekends games..
Cincinnati 19, New York 13
If you asked anyone (including Rex Ryan) just two weeks ago if the Jets would be in the playoffs, the answer would be no.
Its been a great first year for Rex Ryan in New York as he has turned the Jets defense in to one of the NFLs best, but it ends in Cincy today. Usually the formula for winning in the NFL is running the ball and stopping the run, but not today. Cincy will get back on track despite being smashed by the Jets six days ago in New York by a score of 37-0. Chad OchoCinco will produce better than most expect and Cincy will win their first playoff game since the Big Bang (at least it feels that way)
Dallas 27, Philadelphia 24
Is it possible that Dallas finishes the season with back to back defensive shutouts and loses in the first round again? Oh its possible, but I think this Dallas team is different from recent years past. Tony Romo has really become an effective leader on that Dallas team and I think McNabb is past his prime. If Dallas doesn't win this though, Wade Philips is as good as gone come Monday.
New England 31, Baltimore 14
Losing Wes Welker is going to hurt this New England offense more than people think. Tom Brady always comes up big in January and will keep the chains moving for the Pats. Randy Moss needs to step up for New England. Get ready to watch Wes Welkers apprecntice in the slot: Julian Edelman.
Baltimore has a great running game behind Ray Rice, Willis McGahee and Leron McClain, but the passing game is mediocre at best. That defensive unit still has great leaders in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Haloti Ngata, but the loss of Rex Ryan has showed as that defense just isn't as intimidating. Baltimore for some reason isn't the same team that was one game away from the Superbowl a year ago and will be headed back to Maryland after this game.
Green Bay 24, Arizona 23
Arizona got completely whacked by the Packers last week, but this week will be much closer.
Kurt Warner is one of the best passers in the league still and Aaron Rodgers is quickly becoming one of the leagues best QB's. If I was a Pack fan, I wouldn't be complaining about losing Favre to start Rodgers. Heres irony for you: Which two starting QB's have thrown the least amount of interceptions this season? Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre both with 7.
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