Completely out of the blue, I want to construct an argument related to a love of mine outside of sports: music. I am here to tell you what the greatest song of all-time is. Now, before we get into the song and my evidence, let's set up a bit of background.
First, I really enjoy most genres of music. That does not mean I listen to pop. Big Balla and I used to get quite frustrated in college when we would ask someone "what kind of music do you like?" and they'd reply with, "I like everything." Do you really? Everything?
Me: "So who's your favorite rapper?"
Friend: "Um...I dunno, I don't listen to that much rap."
Me: Ok then, how about your favorite jazz artist?
Friend: I don't know any jazz artists.
Me: Alright...favorite rock band?
Friend: Not a big fan of rock...but if I had to choose, I'd go with Nickelback.
Me: Shoot them.
When most people say, "I listen to everything," they mean they listen to the Top 40 station. Why? Because society says that the Top 40 station plays all types of music. Generally if you look at the twenty songs on XM Radio's "20 on 20" station, you'll see 10-12 pop songs (ex: Justin Timberlake, Pussycat Dolls, Avril), 2-4 R&B/Hip-Hop songs (T-Pain, Chris Brown), 1-2 country songs (Rascal Flatts counts in a different category, called "crap"...don't get me started), 2-4 rock songs (Hinder, Seether, Evanescence), and maybe a song with no category (Amy Winehouse, Gym Class Heroes). Now just because a person listens to a station that samples from multiple genres does not mean they like all kinds of music. Someone who enjoys many genres typically runs out of pre-set buttons of their radio and has a CD collection that can only be described as "eclectic."
As it relates to me, this means you are as likely to hear Christina Aguilera as 311, Run DMC as John Mayer, Dave Matthews as Subdudes as Alicia Keys as Three-6 Mafia. The Roots? Check. Coheed and Cambria? Got it. Rush? Duh. Now that's an individual who listens to a lot of different kinds of music. Does this make me a music snob? Probably so. Do I look down on people with no music taste? I'm trying to kick that habit. It's a work-in-progress.
All of this description is to say that I have some credibility in deciding the greatest song ever. I am willing to argue my choice with anyone who also has credibility, i.e. listens to more than just one type of music.
Second, I am a musician of sorts. I have played drums/percussion since 5th grade, and fairly well at that. From concert band to quints to a drum set, from tympani to xylophone to the sleigh bells, I've got it covered. This is to point out that I (somewhat) have an ear for quality musical performances. I am no where near a great musician, never have been. However, I fancy myself as intelligent enough in the musical realm to form a credible opinion.
Now that we've set this up, let's talk about the criteria for the greatest song ever. I am working with a limited perspective here, so let's go ahead and be honest about it: Beethoven, Mozart, etc are well and good, but we need a "greatest song" that people can relate to right now. I am also not really talking about the greatest song from a musical standpoint either. For a song to have an impact as grand as this one, it must be pretty simple and easily relatable. It also helps that it is by a band that many people are familiar with. I love many independent-label artists, the grassroots bands that no one has heard of outside their mamas and high school friends. But this is my blog with my criteria, so my readers need to have heard this song before. And know it. This brings me to my point:
The greatest song ever must have three traits: easily sing-a-long-able, transferable to many situations, and of great impact over many years through multiple generations.
I know, I know, this eliminates classics such as Lovefool, Hey Paula, Livin' La Vida Loca, This is Our Country, & Chickenhead. But the above criteria are fundamental in my mind to choose the greatest song of all-time.
FYI, as I write this column, I stumbled across an hour's worth of Jay-Z videos on MTV Jams. I'm in the zone and I ain't talkin' 'bout the 2-3. This is great.
Without further adieu...the biggest moment in The Blue Team history since April 4, 2005: The Greatest Song of All-Time...is...
"We Are the Champions" by Queen.
Three reasons:
1. Everyone knows it, recognizes it the second it comes on
2. It can be played in so many different circumstances
3. Generations have been exposed to it
So I lied a bit earlier. This column is not entirely unrelated to sports. Because the major impact of We Are the Champions is related to sports. Every time a team wins a championship, you hear Queen. Every time you're at a karaoke bar, you hear Queen. An awards banquet? A company function? Queen, you better believe it. I think they even play it in heaven.
"We Are the Champions" was released as the second track on Queen's album News of the World on October 28, 1977. The album went 4x platinum in the United States. "We Are the Champions" was released as a double a-side single with "We Will Rock You." FYI. I love Wikipedia.
In all honesty, the biggest impact on me from Queen's "We are the Champions" is within the world of sports. It's so cheesy and over-the-top, but when your team wins a championship, the night is not complete until you get a dose of Queen. Rednecks, thugs, sorority girls, athletes, it doesn't matter: they all want some Queen. It's been around forever and stadiums are filled with people today who still know the words. On top of that, during its heyday, Queen filled stadiums for sold-out concerts that included "We Are the Champions" on the setlist. This is arguably the quintessential power-rock band of its generation, pop kings who were larger than life. Therefore, I feel their longevity and impact as a group contributed to the popularity and staying power of "We Are the Champions."
"We Are the Champions" is also such a positive song. Generally, people can only associate positive memories with hearing the song. Personally, winning the state football title senior year of high school & the Tar Heels' national title in 2005 top my list. Queen was present during the celebration of both events.
Finally, this is a song that has become a part of American culture that will remain well into the future. Lil' Kyle will win his first tee-ball championship and we'll listen to this song on the way home. Lil' Kylie will dominate a high-school volleyball tournament and Queen will be cranking on the bus ride back. Carolina will win its 14th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship with Roy Williams as head coach (he'll be around 90 or so) and the team will celebrate with Queen playing in the Georgia Dome II. And I can't wait to sing along.
If you disagree with my choice, that's fine. Post your case in the "comments" section. Just don't get mad at me when you pass on and get to heaven, only to find DJ Peter rockin' out to "We Are the Champions."
We are the champions my friend
And we'll keep on fighting til the end
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world
of the world.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Three Quick Hitters
From a magically delicious Saturday of sports, let's hit these fast and go to sleep. First up, the game that occupied the main television with DVR from 2-4:30 pm. Carolina defeated Kentucky for the fourth straight season, its second straight victory at Rupp Arena. It was a rough game for the most part, as Kentucky tried to ugly things up enough to hang close to a more talented team. In the end, a rough play illustrated this game and gives me hope (Adam Lucas mentions it in his game perspective story as well). With about six minutes left in the second half, nursing a 19-point lead, Carolina pressured Kentucky in a half-court trap. A loose ball ensued and multiple Tar Heels hit the floor after the ball. Yes, in case you missed the game (which should not happen), there were multiple Tar Heels on the floor, diving after a loose ball. This is noteworthy for two reasons: 1.last year's squad did not tend to intentionally dive at all; 2. this is a quality found in most teams who play in late March/early April. I never got to write my "why Carolina will not win it all this year" column and it might be a good thing. I'm not 100% convinced yet, but I think this team is more championship-inclined than I initially thought. This level of toughness was missing last year and the first three games this season after being a prominent characteristic of the 2005-2006 "underdog" team. Danny Green eventually knocked the loose ball to Bobby Frasor, who passed it from the floor, then sprinted to the right corner where he caught a pass from Deon Thompson and proceeded to deposit a three-pointer to extend the lead. I personally lept from my recliner and hollered "that's what I'm talkin' about" for a minute straight, clapping feverishly. If you are interested in hanging another large banner in the Smith Center anytime soon, that should be your reaction to such plays as well. Because it's plays like that in which good teams become great, talented teams become tough, and contenders become champions. More Carolina analysis to come soon.
By the way, Cobie Caillet's video "Bubbly" just came on MTV Hits. And every fiber of my manly body cringed.
Second topic is my quasi-employer, Virginia Tech, came through with an ACC football title today, defeating Boston College 30-16. This is a brief topic, as there is not much to cover other than I will be making the trek to Miami for the Orange Bowl and drinking mojitos for a few days. This is exciting, lest my rental car roll onto the wrong side of the tracks in Miami.
Third topic is probably the one I am the most fired up about: college football and the complete cluster that is the Bowl Championship Series. I wrote about my feelings related to the BCS a while back and admitted to defending it in a speech for a communications class in college. It was a good speech, actually. As I wrote previously, I have gotten frustrated with the BCS. While it is good in theory, it does not work in reality. I am not alone. Go to any major sports website today and I bet you someone is slamming the BCS. But that's not what I'm here to slam. I'm slamming everyone who is hiding behind the BCS. Brent Mussberger said tonight during the Big 12 Title Game that the BCS does not work, but that a playoff is "impossible." Why? No one has said why a playoff is not possible. I've heard excuses for years, but never a legitimate reason for why we cannot have a playoff in Division One College Football. This is now officially being introduced as the "Because I Said So" hypothesis, as in "we can't have a college football playoff because...um...because I said so. I mean, we just can't." That does not cut it anymore. As previously mentioned, all major sports use a playoff post-season system, as do all of the other branches of college football. And we're having to deal with the BCS because the Rose Bowl does not want to lose its Big Ten vs Pac 10 matchup? I just hope that by the time Lil' Kyle is 10 years-old or so that I'll be telling him how the BCS used to work while we're watching the college football playoffs. Heck, maybe Carolina will even be playing in them. Nah...
Wrapping it up for now. "It starts in my toes and I crinkle my nose"
remix: and I can't stand that song, it makes me want to throw dem bo's...
By the way, Cobie Caillet's video "Bubbly" just came on MTV Hits. And every fiber of my manly body cringed.
Second topic is my quasi-employer, Virginia Tech, came through with an ACC football title today, defeating Boston College 30-16. This is a brief topic, as there is not much to cover other than I will be making the trek to Miami for the Orange Bowl and drinking mojitos for a few days. This is exciting, lest my rental car roll onto the wrong side of the tracks in Miami.
Third topic is probably the one I am the most fired up about: college football and the complete cluster that is the Bowl Championship Series. I wrote about my feelings related to the BCS a while back and admitted to defending it in a speech for a communications class in college. It was a good speech, actually. As I wrote previously, I have gotten frustrated with the BCS. While it is good in theory, it does not work in reality. I am not alone. Go to any major sports website today and I bet you someone is slamming the BCS. But that's not what I'm here to slam. I'm slamming everyone who is hiding behind the BCS. Brent Mussberger said tonight during the Big 12 Title Game that the BCS does not work, but that a playoff is "impossible." Why? No one has said why a playoff is not possible. I've heard excuses for years, but never a legitimate reason for why we cannot have a playoff in Division One College Football. This is now officially being introduced as the "Because I Said So" hypothesis, as in "we can't have a college football playoff because...um...because I said so. I mean, we just can't." That does not cut it anymore. As previously mentioned, all major sports use a playoff post-season system, as do all of the other branches of college football. And we're having to deal with the BCS because the Rose Bowl does not want to lose its Big Ten vs Pac 10 matchup? I just hope that by the time Lil' Kyle is 10 years-old or so that I'll be telling him how the BCS used to work while we're watching the college football playoffs. Heck, maybe Carolina will even be playing in them. Nah...
Wrapping it up for now. "It starts in my toes and I crinkle my nose"
remix: and I can't stand that song, it makes me want to throw dem bo's...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sean Taylor Dies
Sean Taylor, 24 year-old safety for the Washington Redskins, died from a gunshot wound early this morning. Details of the shooting here and of the on-going reaction of the Washington Redskins here.
Also, Jemele Hill, a fantastic and fresh writer for ESPN.com weighs in on the big picture problem that is illustrated in Taylor's death.
Only a few brief thoughts on my end. First, it's clearly very sad. A young man who was turning his life and playing career around is killed in his home in front of his girlfriend and with a one year-old child nearby. Second, this is a big sports story because Taylor was a Pro Bowl player, one of the best safeties in the league. Third, as described by Hill on the link above, this is one example in a long line of problems that plagues America. Especially Black America. There are far too many people who think that's not White America's problem to solve. They are wrong. I just look forward to the day that there's not a white or black America, but just an America.
From a slightly different perspective, the Redskins team has a tough road ahead of itself. I'm not talking about the games themselves, but just in growing as individuals from this sad tragedy. However, I think they have the head coach best equipped to help them get through this, learn, and grow. Joe Gibbs is a man of great faith in Jesus Christ. He serves as a coach, but also a father figure for many of his players, current and former. If there is any NFL coach who can delve into the emotions of his players, help them sort through their feelings, and demonstrate the faith in God and a bigger picture to get through this, it's Coach Gibbs.
Sean Taylor's death is another example of something else: a reason there's a heaven. There is no murder in heaven, no pain. Without this pain his family, friends, and teammates are going through, there would be no heaven, no reason for a higher place. I pray for his soul and pray for strength for the only source to help our sick world continue to get through tragedies and pain like this: Jesus Christ.
R.I.P Sean Taylor.
Also, Jemele Hill, a fantastic and fresh writer for ESPN.com weighs in on the big picture problem that is illustrated in Taylor's death.
Only a few brief thoughts on my end. First, it's clearly very sad. A young man who was turning his life and playing career around is killed in his home in front of his girlfriend and with a one year-old child nearby. Second, this is a big sports story because Taylor was a Pro Bowl player, one of the best safeties in the league. Third, as described by Hill on the link above, this is one example in a long line of problems that plagues America. Especially Black America. There are far too many people who think that's not White America's problem to solve. They are wrong. I just look forward to the day that there's not a white or black America, but just an America.
From a slightly different perspective, the Redskins team has a tough road ahead of itself. I'm not talking about the games themselves, but just in growing as individuals from this sad tragedy. However, I think they have the head coach best equipped to help them get through this, learn, and grow. Joe Gibbs is a man of great faith in Jesus Christ. He serves as a coach, but also a father figure for many of his players, current and former. If there is any NFL coach who can delve into the emotions of his players, help them sort through their feelings, and demonstrate the faith in God and a bigger picture to get through this, it's Coach Gibbs.
Sean Taylor's death is another example of something else: a reason there's a heaven. There is no murder in heaven, no pain. Without this pain his family, friends, and teammates are going through, there would be no heaven, no reason for a higher place. I pray for his soul and pray for strength for the only source to help our sick world continue to get through tragedies and pain like this: Jesus Christ.
R.I.P Sean Taylor.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back in the Saddle Again
After four months hiatus, The Blue Team has returned with avengence. And by avengence, I mean with little fanfare and many moans and groans. Kind of like your prom night.
Since we last met, there have been many huge news stories in sports, including an entire season's worth of college football, the NFL, the end of the NASCAR and MLB seasons, and the beginning of the NHL & NBA seasons. And of course, who can forget the exciting MLS Cup.
However, for the sake of time, let's just list everything I think about sports right now in this column, then delve in-depth in future weeks about the most important topics (i.e. Carolina basketball, Carolina football, Carolina recruiting, NCAA Hoops, the BCS/Playoffs, the New England Patriots, and gangsters. Correction, gangstas). So, here's what I think:
Since we last met, there have been many huge news stories in sports, including an entire season's worth of college football, the NFL, the end of the NASCAR and MLB seasons, and the beginning of the NHL & NBA seasons. And of course, who can forget the exciting MLS Cup.
However, for the sake of time, let's just list everything I think about sports right now in this column, then delve in-depth in future weeks about the most important topics (i.e. Carolina basketball, Carolina football, Carolina recruiting, NCAA Hoops, the BCS/Playoffs, the New England Patriots, and gangsters. Correction, gangstas). So, here's what I think:
- The best team in college football probably has two losses (USC anyone? I'll still take LSU). Oregon was great, but Dennis Dixon's injury crushed the team and Brady Leaf plays like his brother did in the NFL.
- The best team in college basketball is UCLA. They have four players who are hurt and still have not lost. Imagine how good this team will be in three months. Plus, they are quite POed about losing in two Final Fours recently.
- The best team won the MLB Playoffs. Kudos to Boston, they are good now and will remain so for years to come. But, I had fun rooting on the Rockies for three weeks. Matt Holliday, a Hokie Diamond Thugs alum, carried this team at times, but they have a number of other great young players as well. Also, congrats to Jimmy Rollins, another Hokie Diamond Thugs alum, on winning the NL MVP. Guess that's why the Hokie Diamond Thugs won it all this year.
- I recently acquired a NY Yankees New Era ballcap. Not so much because I despise Boston or love (or like, or even tolerate) the Yankees, but because I think every dude who wears hats should have one. It's an accessory, not an allegiance.
- I quit watching NASCAR once the Chase for the Nextel/Sprint/whatever Cup started because I am tired of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon winning everything. I honestly watched two laps of the last race. That's not good.
- I love the arrangement between Dale Earnhardt Jr's current sponsor (Bud) and new sponsors (National Guard and Mountain Dew/Amp) to allow for his merchandise to be sold the last few months before he moves over to his new team and sponsors full-time. Win-win situation for all. And I am a sports marketing nerd
- Speaking of marketing, I love the new Bud Light "Dude" advertising campaign. When they had the "What's Up" campaign a few years ago, it was clearly a target for the black audience. This is clearly a campaign targeted towards the white, 25-42 year-old demo. It worked before, it's working again. And what makes both so good is the day-to-day reality of both situations.
- On a fantasy football note, the Hokie Thugs are having a rough season in all three leagues. As in struggling to qualify for the playoffs in two and waiting to get healthy for a run in the other. However, props to Gramps for maintaining a 12-0 record thus far in the Phi Alpha League.
- Shout out to Appalachian St for beating Michigan three months ago. I promised I'd say that to a friend, so go Mountaineers. It's easy for everyone in NC to get behind App since they play I-AA football and aren't a rival to any of the Tobacco Road schools. It's like the little cousin you're happy to see every year at Thanksgiving. Speaking of...
- I put on the weakest eating display in my recent Turkey Day history this year. While I did pile my plate with multiple layers of food, nearly breaking it, I was not able to finish it in one sitting. Even after a timeout midway through the meal, I still struggled. It was like Kobayashi...except not.
- I am DVR-ing Heroes and Journeyman this season. I have watched neither as of now, so don't mention them to me. But I've heard bad things about Heroes, which is a shame. I'm just now polishing off last season and have much enjoyed it.
- I saw a movie on Thanksgiving night, as has become family tradition. American Gangster was full of drugs, naked women, brutal deaths, and lots of Denzel Washington. I was bothered by Russell Crowe being cast as a 1970s New York cop though (it took me an hour into the movie to remember his name, I just knew he was Australian). He played the part well, it's just tough to buy into an Aussie playing such an "everyman" role in America.
- Speaking of, the new Jay-Z album of the same name (American Gangster if you skipped the previous bullet point) is solid. Much better than his previous effort. There is some serious drumming, which Hova has worked into his last two albums, along with a great deal of background vocals. A slightly different sound for Jigga, but I like it. I also bought his MTV Unplugged Album (great) and The Roots Greatest Hits (looooove The Roots). New musical suggestions, especially of the rock variety would be much appreciated.
- Carolina is not winning the National Championship this season. I'll tell you why in more detail soon, but this team just doesn't have it. They are very good, but not the type to win the big one.
- I think Tebow or McFadden win the Heisman Trophy. The experts can talk all they want about Colt Brennan or Chase Daniel or Matt Ryan, but Tebow has the stats and plays on the right team to be recognized while McFadden has the pre-season hype and the future NFL Draft status. Remember the people who vote for this are not always completely intune with the season itself. They vote based on names, teams, and stats, not always the best players. If I had a vote, I admit I would vote for Tebow because he's nasty. But I could live with Daniel winning the thing.
- The Braves signed Tom Glavine for one year so they could try to solidify the rotation this year, and save their money up for a better free agent pitcher next year. Not that they can afford Johan Santana, but he will be available, as will Dontrelle Willis if he does not get traded this off-season. Others as well (Ian Snell anyone?) will be the long-term type of pitcher the Braves will look for to replace Smoltz.
- The Carolina Panthers are absolutely atrocious. Jake Delhomme haters have gotten what they deserved. Now, many of those same people want John Fox and Marty Hurney fired. Huh? Fox would be unemployed for about three days before someone hired him. This team needs re-building, yes, and it did prior to this year. I predicted six wins for this team in the pre-season. I would have been wrong if Delhomme stayed healthy, they might have won 8-9 games. Now, I will still be wrong, as they'll win but 5. My point is that the fans need to remember who they are (fans), who they pull for (a team with three playoff appearances in its history), and why the NFL is great (it's cyclical, everyone can win and everyone can lose). The Panthers are down now, but give it two or three years and they can be back up among the league's best.
- The New England Patriots are gross and I frankly enjoy watching it. Maybe it comes from picking them to win the Super Bowl the first year they won the thing (which was going way out on a limb at the time), but I've never had a problem with this team. I do think they run up the score and I don't think they are playing with a ton of class right now, but they are dang good. So if teams have a problem with it, then stop them and shut them up. Until then, enjoy the view.
Enough for today. I'm trying to pace myself. Like I said, hopefully we'll have some more in-depth pieces in the coming weeks as things slow down a bit at work. Tune in to watch the Virginia Tech Hokies in the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville, FL this Saturday afternoon at 1pm. Also, check out Bracketography in the coming months for written piece by me and others on our staff as we prep everyone for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.
Chop with the straight shots and then pop bottles...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
NBA Draft
I absolutely love the NBA Draft. It is one of my five favorite days of sports each year. Others: New Year's Day Bowl games, Bracket Day, the College World Series, and the Daytona 500. And Wrestlemania if you count that. Anyway, the draft is Thursday night and there seems to be a ton of misinformation as to which player will be selected where. Further muddling the picture are the crazy trade rumors involving Kobe, KG, The Matrix, etc. Anytime trade rumors involve guys you know by only their nicknames, they're big. And probably not true.
Clearly, Oden & Durant go one and two. And there's no way Portland or Seattle trade these picks unless Portland wants to take Durant second and get some sort of incentive to move down one spot. From there, the Atlanta Hawks take over at pick three, and it all hits the fan. No so-called "expert" has any clue what Atlanta will do, because the Hawks don't know what they'll do either. Not that anyone really cares.
All that being said, I'm only concerned about a few things: the Bobcats' draft, Tar Heels being drafted, and Hokies being drafted. In reverse order:
It is a big deal at Virginia Tech, my school of semi-employment, if any players off last year's squad are selected. That doesn't happen too much at this football-friendly school. Dell Curry is a former Hokies hoopster, but he has been the only impactful player from VT. Seniors Coleman Collins, Jamon Gordon, and Zabian Dowdell all have a chance to be selected. Of the bunch, Dowdell, in my opinion, has the best chance to be drafted fairly high, as he is a smart combo guard with great competitive fire. In the pros, he'd be a solid backup as a lefty who can score off the bench. Collins has had good workouts to offset a lackluster regular season campaign and Gordon's game is probably better suited for Europe at this point. Honestly, I'd argue on Gordon's behalf and think he will get a summer league tryout; however, those do not typically work out for the better.
The Tar Heels to be drafted include Brandan Wright and Reyshawn Terry. Wright will go in the top ten barring a draft night slide. Whoever drafts him had better be patient, as he will not make an impact in the next two seasons. Marvin Williams was much more polished when he left following the 2005 National Championship (I love saying that still) and he has not yet become a regular factor for Atlanta. I personally have little affinity for Wright's pro potential at this point and do not feel strongly tied to him given his very short, sometimes too laid-back, stay with Carolina last season. Wright was very good, don't get me wrong, but I feel safe saying that not too many people became too emotionally attached to him. Marvin certainly threw himself into the team and played with reckless abandonment at all times; Wright did not. As Rhino once said, in five year, ten years, twenty years, Brandan Wright will be but a blip on the radar in Carolina basketball history.
Reyshawn Terry, on the other hand, will not be a blip. In fact, he will be remembered forever through the coining of the term "pulling a Reyshawn"; that is, to commit a mental error in a game, then do something great, then commit another error, then do something great, rinse repeat. NBA teams love Reyshawn's athleticism (who wouldn't?) and feel his size and body style translates will for the pro game. I agree. But, if he ends up on a team that does not tolerate mental errors, he will be buried on the bench. One such rumor was the defending champion San Antonio Spurs (I love saying that as well). The Spurs would be much better off at the three-spot with Jared Dudley, a smart, savy frontcourt player, than the erratic Terry. All that being said, I'm pulling for Reyshawn and hope he ends up in a good situation. A very likeable dude.
Finally, the Bobcats, who are at the mercy of the five teams drafting directly in front of them. The Cats needs include a shooting guard and a center. But what they really need is a big-time scorer. A LeBron, Carmelo, D-Wade, Kobe, Pierce, Arenas type of player who fills the basket. More importantly, the Bobcats need a guy who can create his own shot (hopefully a good one) with time running down in a close game. No one on the team does that at this time.
Honestly, picking eighth, the Bobcats will not find that player. Unless they do the impossible and trade for Kevin Durant (Morrison, the #8, #22, Brevin Knight, and your mom anyone?), they will not fill that void in this draft. There are only a few guys who could even develop into that type of player a few years down the road, but Charlotte needs that type of guy to put them over the hump now. FYI - Rashard Lewis, free agent from Seattle, is NOT the answer. Do not get into a bidding war over him. DO NOT. Quality player for a 48 win team, but not a superstar.
So where does that leave the Bobcats? Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer are my preferences. There is a decent chance at least one of them is available at number eight. *Insert Stephen A Smith screaming, "HOW-EV-A..." right here: there is a chance the Bobcats could trade the pick. Rumor has it that Phoenix is trying to move one of its high-priced players in order to get to the lottery and take a Florida guy. Or, they could package Atlanta's unprotected first-rounder for next year with their #24 & #29 picks this year to move up. The Bobcats are a prime candidate to trade with for a few reasons. 1) If you cannot fill your need or have an offer that you feel is better than the "best available player", then trade out of the pick. 2) If you can fill your need directly with a trade for the pick, then clearly you make the trade. So what does that mean?
If Phoenix is willing to trade Leo Barbosa for this pick, I'd have to think about taking it. He's an exciting young scorer who could be a terrific piece of the puzzle with a re-signed Gerald Wallace. His defense is ok, his passing skills are great, and his scoring is perfect for the team. But, how well will he adjust to playing out of the Suns' frenetic system? No clue. That being said, I'm not sure he's the perfect fit at this point, especially given some of next year's free agents. Now, if the Bobcats were willing to trade down for two more late first-rounders and pick up Atlanta's pick next year, I'd be willing to listen. Next year's draft probably won't be as deep as this one, but a high pick would still have value. There is one major problem with this option: the Bobcats already have the #22 pick this year as well, which has been the source of trade rumors for a month. I personally could see the Phoenix deal going down, then the Bobcats using the two first rounders it acquired to trade back up in to the 13-14-15 range to take Nick Young or Rodney Stuckey. I love Nick Young's offensive game myself, especially after watching him tear up Carolina twice.
All that being said, I doubt such a scenario will unfold. In fact, all the rumors of trades and draft promises will be long forgotten come Friday morning following the draft. In the end, it's Brewer or Noah, then the opposite position at #22. For example, Brewer at #8 with Tiago Splitter, Shawn Williams, or Jason Smith at #22; Noah at #8 and Morris Almond at #22.
I'd take the latter of those two options right now and call it a day. High energy, hates-to-lose, new team mouthpiece at eight with a smart shooter at twenty-two. Love it. Of course, if Nick Young fell to #22, I'd take him as well. The more I think about it, Noah seems like a better fit than Brewer for what this team really needs. Brewer will be a good player for many years, but Noah would be some personality and energy to the team. It's about time we find someone to talk crap and piss opposing fans off; who better than the guy that's been doing it the last two years for the two-time defending National ChOmps?
Ok, if there's time, I'll post a draft before Thursday. Highly unlikely since I'll be gone to the ATL for a conference (and Braves game), but we'll see.
My lip gloss is poppin'...
Clearly, Oden & Durant go one and two. And there's no way Portland or Seattle trade these picks unless Portland wants to take Durant second and get some sort of incentive to move down one spot. From there, the Atlanta Hawks take over at pick three, and it all hits the fan. No so-called "expert" has any clue what Atlanta will do, because the Hawks don't know what they'll do either. Not that anyone really cares.
All that being said, I'm only concerned about a few things: the Bobcats' draft, Tar Heels being drafted, and Hokies being drafted. In reverse order:
It is a big deal at Virginia Tech, my school of semi-employment, if any players off last year's squad are selected. That doesn't happen too much at this football-friendly school. Dell Curry is a former Hokies hoopster, but he has been the only impactful player from VT. Seniors Coleman Collins, Jamon Gordon, and Zabian Dowdell all have a chance to be selected. Of the bunch, Dowdell, in my opinion, has the best chance to be drafted fairly high, as he is a smart combo guard with great competitive fire. In the pros, he'd be a solid backup as a lefty who can score off the bench. Collins has had good workouts to offset a lackluster regular season campaign and Gordon's game is probably better suited for Europe at this point. Honestly, I'd argue on Gordon's behalf and think he will get a summer league tryout; however, those do not typically work out for the better.
The Tar Heels to be drafted include Brandan Wright and Reyshawn Terry. Wright will go in the top ten barring a draft night slide. Whoever drafts him had better be patient, as he will not make an impact in the next two seasons. Marvin Williams was much more polished when he left following the 2005 National Championship (I love saying that still) and he has not yet become a regular factor for Atlanta. I personally have little affinity for Wright's pro potential at this point and do not feel strongly tied to him given his very short, sometimes too laid-back, stay with Carolina last season. Wright was very good, don't get me wrong, but I feel safe saying that not too many people became too emotionally attached to him. Marvin certainly threw himself into the team and played with reckless abandonment at all times; Wright did not. As Rhino once said, in five year, ten years, twenty years, Brandan Wright will be but a blip on the radar in Carolina basketball history.
Reyshawn Terry, on the other hand, will not be a blip. In fact, he will be remembered forever through the coining of the term "pulling a Reyshawn"; that is, to commit a mental error in a game, then do something great, then commit another error, then do something great, rinse repeat. NBA teams love Reyshawn's athleticism (who wouldn't?) and feel his size and body style translates will for the pro game. I agree. But, if he ends up on a team that does not tolerate mental errors, he will be buried on the bench. One such rumor was the defending champion San Antonio Spurs (I love saying that as well). The Spurs would be much better off at the three-spot with Jared Dudley, a smart, savy frontcourt player, than the erratic Terry. All that being said, I'm pulling for Reyshawn and hope he ends up in a good situation. A very likeable dude.
Finally, the Bobcats, who are at the mercy of the five teams drafting directly in front of them. The Cats needs include a shooting guard and a center. But what they really need is a big-time scorer. A LeBron, Carmelo, D-Wade, Kobe, Pierce, Arenas type of player who fills the basket. More importantly, the Bobcats need a guy who can create his own shot (hopefully a good one) with time running down in a close game. No one on the team does that at this time.
Honestly, picking eighth, the Bobcats will not find that player. Unless they do the impossible and trade for Kevin Durant (Morrison, the #8, #22, Brevin Knight, and your mom anyone?), they will not fill that void in this draft. There are only a few guys who could even develop into that type of player a few years down the road, but Charlotte needs that type of guy to put them over the hump now. FYI - Rashard Lewis, free agent from Seattle, is NOT the answer. Do not get into a bidding war over him. DO NOT. Quality player for a 48 win team, but not a superstar.
So where does that leave the Bobcats? Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer are my preferences. There is a decent chance at least one of them is available at number eight. *Insert Stephen A Smith screaming, "HOW-EV-A..." right here: there is a chance the Bobcats could trade the pick. Rumor has it that Phoenix is trying to move one of its high-priced players in order to get to the lottery and take a Florida guy. Or, they could package Atlanta's unprotected first-rounder for next year with their #24 & #29 picks this year to move up. The Bobcats are a prime candidate to trade with for a few reasons. 1) If you cannot fill your need or have an offer that you feel is better than the "best available player", then trade out of the pick. 2) If you can fill your need directly with a trade for the pick, then clearly you make the trade. So what does that mean?
If Phoenix is willing to trade Leo Barbosa for this pick, I'd have to think about taking it. He's an exciting young scorer who could be a terrific piece of the puzzle with a re-signed Gerald Wallace. His defense is ok, his passing skills are great, and his scoring is perfect for the team. But, how well will he adjust to playing out of the Suns' frenetic system? No clue. That being said, I'm not sure he's the perfect fit at this point, especially given some of next year's free agents. Now, if the Bobcats were willing to trade down for two more late first-rounders and pick up Atlanta's pick next year, I'd be willing to listen. Next year's draft probably won't be as deep as this one, but a high pick would still have value. There is one major problem with this option: the Bobcats already have the #22 pick this year as well, which has been the source of trade rumors for a month. I personally could see the Phoenix deal going down, then the Bobcats using the two first rounders it acquired to trade back up in to the 13-14-15 range to take Nick Young or Rodney Stuckey. I love Nick Young's offensive game myself, especially after watching him tear up Carolina twice.
All that being said, I doubt such a scenario will unfold. In fact, all the rumors of trades and draft promises will be long forgotten come Friday morning following the draft. In the end, it's Brewer or Noah, then the opposite position at #22. For example, Brewer at #8 with Tiago Splitter, Shawn Williams, or Jason Smith at #22; Noah at #8 and Morris Almond at #22.
I'd take the latter of those two options right now and call it a day. High energy, hates-to-lose, new team mouthpiece at eight with a smart shooter at twenty-two. Love it. Of course, if Nick Young fell to #22, I'd take him as well. The more I think about it, Noah seems like a better fit than Brewer for what this team really needs. Brewer will be a good player for many years, but Noah would be some personality and energy to the team. It's about time we find someone to talk crap and piss opposing fans off; who better than the guy that's been doing it the last two years for the two-time defending National ChOmps?
Ok, if there's time, I'll post a draft before Thursday. Highly unlikely since I'll be gone to the ATL for a conference (and Braves game), but we'll see.
My lip gloss is poppin'...
Friday, May 18, 2007
Those Dirt-ay Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are now the dirtiest team in the NBA. At least that's how ESPN, NBA beat writers, and many fans are painting them. The same Spurs who have been called "model citizens," "the quintessential NBA franchise," and "winners" for the past decade plus. In that time period, they've also been called my favorite (non-Charlotte) NBA team.
In 1988, I went to the first Diet Pepsi Tournament of Champions at the then-new Charlotte Coliseum. The beloved Tar Heels were playing their first game in the gargantuan arena and my Dad ensured that we were there to see it. In this tournament were four teams, matching a double-header Friday night with a loser vs loser & winner vs winner double-header on Saturday night. Carolina, Temple, Missouri, and Arizona comprised the field that season, with all four team ranked in the top 25 of the AP poll. Carolina played Arizona in the first round, winning the advance to Saturday night's championship game versus Missouri. I went home a happy Tar Heel after the squad defeated Stormin' Norman's Mizzou Tigers...and I also went home with some perspective. As a bright and shining six-year old, this was the first time I saw a team play in a game that did not involve Carolina. Somehow I became fixated with Arizona (I guess I had forgiven the Wildcats for eliminating the Tar Heels in the West Regional Final the prior season). I also got stuck on a particular player: Sean Elliott. Don't ask me why, as I honestly think I thought he had a cool name (which is also why I started pulling for BYU football: Ty Detmer had a cool name). I continued to follow Elliott as much as a six-year old could that year.
The following June, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Elliott third overall in the NBA Draft. My Dad also told me about David Robinson, who was to be a rookie that season for the Spurs following two years of military service with the Naval Academy. Combine those two young players with hip new colors (remember, neon blue, pink, and orange were soooo in during the early nineties) and I had a Western Conference team to cheer for. I had two Spurs shirts and a hat by fourth grade. I used to attend Charlotte Hornets games versus San Antonio every year, pulling for the home team, but also pulling for my two favorite players not named Michael Jeffery Jordan.
This continued throughout the nineties, painful as it could be at times, as the Spurs lost every season in the playoffs. Portland, Houston, Phoenix...never reaching the NBA Finals. Until the season that changed their franchise's trajectory.
David Robinson went down early in the 1996-1997 season. Bob Hill was fired as coach and some guy named Gregg Popovich took over. The Spurs struggled all year long, finishing at the bottom of the old Midwest Division. As luck, fate, and possibly some Jesus would have it, the Spurs ended up with the number one overall pick and drafted some dude named Tim Duncan.
Duncan terrorized my Tar Heels for four seasons. Unemotional, almost assassin-like, a methodical 20 & 12 what seemed like every night. But I knew, though I screamed against him many a night, that he was really good. Plus, he stayed in school for his senior year. Of course, I knew he'd be a great NBA player, as did everyone else who knew what a basketball was. So when the Spurs captured the number one pick, it was a no-brainer as to who they'd draft.
Fast forward to now. Three titles later, the Spurs are the closest thing to a dynasty in the league right now. Duncan is all that remains from that 1999 team's players, along with much of the coaching staff. However, I have continued to pull for San Antonio over all these years. Had the Hornets and Spurs played, I'd have been rooting on my home-town Hornets; of course, this never happened because George Shinn and Ray Wooldridge are pompous jerks (this blog is rated PG). Today, I'd pull for the Bobcats. But since that's not happening for a while, I'll continue to enjoy the Spurs.
Now, on to the dirty part of the Spurs. I love how all of a sudden, the Spurs are the bad guys. It's great. It just goes to show that no one likes a winner. People love to see Duke & Carolina lose. Why? Because chances are one or both have kicked their teams' ass at some point (PG-13). Same for the Yankees. Same for the Detroit Red Wings & New Jersey Devils. Same for the Dallas Cowboys of old or New England Patriots of today. Notre Dame? Different story for another day.
The Spurs play ugly basketball. Not much personality, some whining, some clutching, some grabbing...and some serious winning. Every time someone asks Gregg Popovich about his squad being dirty, he should rub his face with his right hand, three NBA Championship rings shining in the light, and ask them to repeat their question. As Jimmie Johnson's Sprint/Nextel commercials says, "I'm gonna need it again" as his teammate brings over his championship trophy from last season. I fully expect Coach Pop to be able to do that next season as well.
I have nothing against the Phoenix Suns. They play fun, exciting basketball. Extremely talented team, albeit a little on the soft side at times. Everyone who doesn't have a favorite team or whose team is sitting at home is pulling for them. That's cool, I'd likely be on that side if I was not a Spurs fan. But somehow I don't think the Spurs will be rattled by being the hated, "dirty" team. They'll be too busy thinking about the design for their next title ring.
In 1988, I went to the first Diet Pepsi Tournament of Champions at the then-new Charlotte Coliseum. The beloved Tar Heels were playing their first game in the gargantuan arena and my Dad ensured that we were there to see it. In this tournament were four teams, matching a double-header Friday night with a loser vs loser & winner vs winner double-header on Saturday night. Carolina, Temple, Missouri, and Arizona comprised the field that season, with all four team ranked in the top 25 of the AP poll. Carolina played Arizona in the first round, winning the advance to Saturday night's championship game versus Missouri. I went home a happy Tar Heel after the squad defeated Stormin' Norman's Mizzou Tigers...and I also went home with some perspective. As a bright and shining six-year old, this was the first time I saw a team play in a game that did not involve Carolina. Somehow I became fixated with Arizona (I guess I had forgiven the Wildcats for eliminating the Tar Heels in the West Regional Final the prior season). I also got stuck on a particular player: Sean Elliott. Don't ask me why, as I honestly think I thought he had a cool name (which is also why I started pulling for BYU football: Ty Detmer had a cool name). I continued to follow Elliott as much as a six-year old could that year.
The following June, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Elliott third overall in the NBA Draft. My Dad also told me about David Robinson, who was to be a rookie that season for the Spurs following two years of military service with the Naval Academy. Combine those two young players with hip new colors (remember, neon blue, pink, and orange were soooo in during the early nineties) and I had a Western Conference team to cheer for. I had two Spurs shirts and a hat by fourth grade. I used to attend Charlotte Hornets games versus San Antonio every year, pulling for the home team, but also pulling for my two favorite players not named Michael Jeffery Jordan.
This continued throughout the nineties, painful as it could be at times, as the Spurs lost every season in the playoffs. Portland, Houston, Phoenix...never reaching the NBA Finals. Until the season that changed their franchise's trajectory.
David Robinson went down early in the 1996-1997 season. Bob Hill was fired as coach and some guy named Gregg Popovich took over. The Spurs struggled all year long, finishing at the bottom of the old Midwest Division. As luck, fate, and possibly some Jesus would have it, the Spurs ended up with the number one overall pick and drafted some dude named Tim Duncan.
Duncan terrorized my Tar Heels for four seasons. Unemotional, almost assassin-like, a methodical 20 & 12 what seemed like every night. But I knew, though I screamed against him many a night, that he was really good. Plus, he stayed in school for his senior year. Of course, I knew he'd be a great NBA player, as did everyone else who knew what a basketball was. So when the Spurs captured the number one pick, it was a no-brainer as to who they'd draft.
Fast forward to now. Three titles later, the Spurs are the closest thing to a dynasty in the league right now. Duncan is all that remains from that 1999 team's players, along with much of the coaching staff. However, I have continued to pull for San Antonio over all these years. Had the Hornets and Spurs played, I'd have been rooting on my home-town Hornets; of course, this never happened because George Shinn and Ray Wooldridge are pompous jerks (this blog is rated PG). Today, I'd pull for the Bobcats. But since that's not happening for a while, I'll continue to enjoy the Spurs.
Now, on to the dirty part of the Spurs. I love how all of a sudden, the Spurs are the bad guys. It's great. It just goes to show that no one likes a winner. People love to see Duke & Carolina lose. Why? Because chances are one or both have kicked their teams' ass at some point (PG-13). Same for the Yankees. Same for the Detroit Red Wings & New Jersey Devils. Same for the Dallas Cowboys of old or New England Patriots of today. Notre Dame? Different story for another day.
The Spurs play ugly basketball. Not much personality, some whining, some clutching, some grabbing...and some serious winning. Every time someone asks Gregg Popovich about his squad being dirty, he should rub his face with his right hand, three NBA Championship rings shining in the light, and ask them to repeat their question. As Jimmie Johnson's Sprint/Nextel commercials says, "I'm gonna need it again" as his teammate brings over his championship trophy from last season. I fully expect Coach Pop to be able to do that next season as well.
I have nothing against the Phoenix Suns. They play fun, exciting basketball. Extremely talented team, albeit a little on the soft side at times. Everyone who doesn't have a favorite team or whose team is sitting at home is pulling for them. That's cool, I'd likely be on that side if I was not a Spurs fan. But somehow I don't think the Spurs will be rattled by being the hated, "dirty" team. They'll be too busy thinking about the design for their next title ring.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Big Picture
Last night's meltdown by Golden State in its NBA Playoffs game at Utah was tough to watch. As the self-proclaimed conductor on the Warriors' bandwagon, I was a little frustrated with their ability to choke away another certain victory. But, Derek Fisher's story, the Utah shooting guard who arrived midway through the third quarter was much larger than the game.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070510
Fisher has never really played on a squad I particularly liked at the time. In fact, his buzzer beater in game five of the Lakers/Spurs series in 2004 is one of the angriest NBA Playoffs moments of my life; remarkable shot, totally unexpected, yet very frustrating. But, Derek plays hard, plays tough, and leads. And he really loves him some Jesus. He used to play with a WWJD bracelet and almost always references his faith in interviews, including after the shot to beat the Spurs. Last night was no different, as the first words out of his mouth referenced the Grace of God. It was at that point that any frustration with the Warriors' defeat was replaced by a thankfulness that God's plan, the big picture, is perfect. No matter what I think should have happened or what I want to see happen, His Will is bigger and better. Can I get an amen?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-070510
Fisher has never really played on a squad I particularly liked at the time. In fact, his buzzer beater in game five of the Lakers/Spurs series in 2004 is one of the angriest NBA Playoffs moments of my life; remarkable shot, totally unexpected, yet very frustrating. But, Derek plays hard, plays tough, and leads. And he really loves him some Jesus. He used to play with a WWJD bracelet and almost always references his faith in interviews, including after the shot to beat the Spurs. Last night was no different, as the first words out of his mouth referenced the Grace of God. It was at that point that any frustration with the Warriors' defeat was replaced by a thankfulness that God's plan, the big picture, is perfect. No matter what I think should have happened or what I want to see happen, His Will is bigger and better. Can I get an amen?
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Golden State vs Dallas
The Golden State Warriors finished off the 67-win Dallas Mavericks late last night with a barrage of three-pointers & dunks in what is being discussed as the biggest upset in NBA Playoffs history. I'm not qualified to comment on the historical implications, seeing as I am only 24 years old. However, I will say that it was one of the most enjoyable series to watch as a fan that I've ever seen. The games were intense and free-wheeling at times, with the contrast between the two organizations making it that much more entertaining. Today's storylines center on the underdog Warriors being an eight-seed, Dallas losing much earlier than anticipated, and Dirk Nowitzki's supposed inability to perform in the clutch (not true always, definitely true in this series). However, not enough has been made about the characters on this Golden State team and how it was put together.
Baron Davis is the centerpiece of the Warriors' squad. He came over in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets during the 2004-2005 season and was the number three overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Hornets. As a Hornets fan turned Bobcats fan, I must say that Davis' brilliance in these playoffs is not surprise. When it matters most, when it's "do-or-die" time, when the spotlight is on your team in the playoffs, Baron Davis shows up. Big time. He was virtually unstoppable in the 2002 playoffs. The problem in his career has been two-fold. He has battled injuries and lacked a ton of talent around him. After the team moved from Charlotte, Baron has suffered injuries that kept him out for an extended period of time every season. The New Orleans Hornets were a middle-of-the-road team, with no real shot at a championship; the Warriors were stuck with a bad salary cap situation and too many young players. But now, with the right system and a talented (yet borderline crazy) group of guys around him, Davis is excelling. His game one performace was almost exactly as I remember his performance against Orlando in those 2002 playoffs: scooping layups, a vicious dunk, spinning jumpers, and three-pointers from waaaay downtown in someone's face with the shotclock winding down. Of all the players in the league, a Baron Davis three-pointer is one of the most fun to watch. He shoots with such a pronounced squat, almost throwing his arms down in the follow-through, spinning to celebrate almost before it goes in, always back-peddling. So exactly the kind of shot you dream about hitting on someone in a pickup game, except he hits them on a regular basis. Quickly, Davis has reintroduced himself to the NBA world as a clutch playoff performer.
Steven Jackson came over in a trade with Indiana. We've all seen him in the Palace brawl backing up Ron Artest and throwing wild haymakers at a fan. We've all heard him through his various run-ins with the law, most recently the strip club shoot-out as a member of the Pacers. But now, we're getting to see why he was instrumental in the Spurs' 2003 championship and why fellow players have so much respect for the guy. He is tough, he doesn't care what people think, and he plays big when it matters. He was a second-round pick out of high school, played in Venezuela, the CBA, and the Dominican Republic. I would never argue Jackson to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I would argue him to be one of the most loyal and tough players in the game today.
Jason Richardson was a first-round pick by Golden State in the 2001 NBA Draft following his sophomore year at Michigan St. He is a two-time NBA Slam-Dunk Champion and a highlight real on many a night. This is his first playoff series. He has taken a backseat of sorts to Davis, and even Jackson recently, but has continued to go about his business of averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.
The supporting cast is no different than the three big guns on this team. Al Harrington - very talented, often traded. Matt Barnes - five NBA teams, an ABA stint, and an appearance in the NBDL. Monta Ellis - high draft pick, no experience. Andris Biedrins - high draft pick, no experience. Mickael Pietrus - French pro with no playoffs experience.
Don Nelson is the coach of this ragtag group. They free-wheel, the NBA's version of rapper Twista - fast, exciting, hard to understand, and without a clue where it will all lead. But Nelson has found a mix of players who love his system. A lot of these players are finding an identity on this team with a coach who accepts them and emphasizes their strengths. He wants them to play with reckless abandonment, borderline out-of-control. Plus, Nellie really understands what buttons to push as a player's coach. He has formed a style and a mantra that these guys rally around, where they want to play hard, play tough, play aggressive defense, and play for one another. The scary thing about this team is they have been together and healthy for less than half a season. No one in their rotation has been in the league longer than seven years, there is no age factor adversely affecting this team's ceiling. Translation: they could be just scratching the surface of being a competitive playoff-caliber team.
Where Golden State goes from here (meaning after this season) is up to Chris Mullin, a former Warriors' great and the current decision maker on player personnel. He has been rightfully criticized for some horrendous signings, specifically of big men (see Dampier, Eric and Foyle, Adonal) and tall, unathletic white guys (Murphy, Troy and Dunleavey, Mike Jr.). With the development of Biedrins and hopefully last year's first rounder, Patrick O'Bryant (I'm not holding my breath on O'Bryant, he is a long ways off), the Warriors could have a young core of eight or nine guys who would potentially win a lot of games.
In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy Golden State; an eclectic, often-hilarious bunch of guys to watch fly around, wreaking havoc and having a blast. The Phoenix/San Antonio series will be great, but Golden State has stolen the show thus far in these playoffs.
Baron Davis is the centerpiece of the Warriors' squad. He came over in a trade with the New Orleans Hornets during the 2004-2005 season and was the number three overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the then-Charlotte Hornets. As a Hornets fan turned Bobcats fan, I must say that Davis' brilliance in these playoffs is not surprise. When it matters most, when it's "do-or-die" time, when the spotlight is on your team in the playoffs, Baron Davis shows up. Big time. He was virtually unstoppable in the 2002 playoffs. The problem in his career has been two-fold. He has battled injuries and lacked a ton of talent around him. After the team moved from Charlotte, Baron has suffered injuries that kept him out for an extended period of time every season. The New Orleans Hornets were a middle-of-the-road team, with no real shot at a championship; the Warriors were stuck with a bad salary cap situation and too many young players. But now, with the right system and a talented (yet borderline crazy) group of guys around him, Davis is excelling. His game one performace was almost exactly as I remember his performance against Orlando in those 2002 playoffs: scooping layups, a vicious dunk, spinning jumpers, and three-pointers from waaaay downtown in someone's face with the shotclock winding down. Of all the players in the league, a Baron Davis three-pointer is one of the most fun to watch. He shoots with such a pronounced squat, almost throwing his arms down in the follow-through, spinning to celebrate almost before it goes in, always back-peddling. So exactly the kind of shot you dream about hitting on someone in a pickup game, except he hits them on a regular basis. Quickly, Davis has reintroduced himself to the NBA world as a clutch playoff performer.
Steven Jackson came over in a trade with Indiana. We've all seen him in the Palace brawl backing up Ron Artest and throwing wild haymakers at a fan. We've all heard him through his various run-ins with the law, most recently the strip club shoot-out as a member of the Pacers. But now, we're getting to see why he was instrumental in the Spurs' 2003 championship and why fellow players have so much respect for the guy. He is tough, he doesn't care what people think, and he plays big when it matters. He was a second-round pick out of high school, played in Venezuela, the CBA, and the Dominican Republic. I would never argue Jackson to be the brightest crayon in the box, but I would argue him to be one of the most loyal and tough players in the game today.
Jason Richardson was a first-round pick by Golden State in the 2001 NBA Draft following his sophomore year at Michigan St. He is a two-time NBA Slam-Dunk Champion and a highlight real on many a night. This is his first playoff series. He has taken a backseat of sorts to Davis, and even Jackson recently, but has continued to go about his business of averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.
The supporting cast is no different than the three big guns on this team. Al Harrington - very talented, often traded. Matt Barnes - five NBA teams, an ABA stint, and an appearance in the NBDL. Monta Ellis - high draft pick, no experience. Andris Biedrins - high draft pick, no experience. Mickael Pietrus - French pro with no playoffs experience.
Don Nelson is the coach of this ragtag group. They free-wheel, the NBA's version of rapper Twista - fast, exciting, hard to understand, and without a clue where it will all lead. But Nelson has found a mix of players who love his system. A lot of these players are finding an identity on this team with a coach who accepts them and emphasizes their strengths. He wants them to play with reckless abandonment, borderline out-of-control. Plus, Nellie really understands what buttons to push as a player's coach. He has formed a style and a mantra that these guys rally around, where they want to play hard, play tough, play aggressive defense, and play for one another. The scary thing about this team is they have been together and healthy for less than half a season. No one in their rotation has been in the league longer than seven years, there is no age factor adversely affecting this team's ceiling. Translation: they could be just scratching the surface of being a competitive playoff-caliber team.
Where Golden State goes from here (meaning after this season) is up to Chris Mullin, a former Warriors' great and the current decision maker on player personnel. He has been rightfully criticized for some horrendous signings, specifically of big men (see Dampier, Eric and Foyle, Adonal) and tall, unathletic white guys (Murphy, Troy and Dunleavey, Mike Jr.). With the development of Biedrins and hopefully last year's first rounder, Patrick O'Bryant (I'm not holding my breath on O'Bryant, he is a long ways off), the Warriors could have a young core of eight or nine guys who would potentially win a lot of games.
In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy Golden State; an eclectic, often-hilarious bunch of guys to watch fly around, wreaking havoc and having a blast. The Phoenix/San Antonio series will be great, but Golden State has stolen the show thus far in these playoffs.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Paul Wall
Is there a more fascinating hip-hop star than Paul Wall today? How does a white dude from Houston (not historically the mecca of hip-hop) turn into a chart-topping artist? It's a simple formula really, but the execution and precision are what make his schtick fascinating to me.
1. Create a distinct look - how is it supposed to get more distinct than a white guy with sparkly teeth?
2. Create a distinct sound - His lyrics are incredibly simple. Which is why his singles catch on so easily, everyone can sing them. When I hear a 14 year-old female hick (and that's putting it mildly) at a basketball game singing "lemme see ya grill, yeah yo grill," then it's easy to sing. But, Paul Wall also works in everyday culture into his lyrics. He raps about being rich & fly, having a nice car, nice teeth, and women, like most rappers. But, he also works in lyrics about sports, other songs, cities, and people. Nelly is well-known for combining a great deal of sports references with catchy beats, and Paul Wall has taken this formula to the next level.
3. Create a personna - when you tell someone, "hey, he looks like Paul Wall," they know exactly what you mean. There is an image associated with him that is easy to remember.
4. Create good music - ok, I wouldn't label most of Paul Wall's songs as deep, or even good at times. But, catchy, definitely. To the point of being over-played by stations that play "everything" (aka Top 40) and hip-hop. Also, most of his rhymes are analogies. Similes and metaphors galore. Example - "Now to broads I'm a sharp-shooter like Steve Kerr..." is a line in his new single, I'm Throwed. Somehow, making a reference to Steve Kerr, a retired basketball player, is fascinating to me. At the least, his music is creative.
With this formula, Paul Wall has worked his way into the mainstream music culture and helped put Houston on the hip-hop map, even working in some reference to Texas along the way. I do wonder if he is resented or portrayed as a wanna-be by our culture. I'm not sure, feedback is welcome. But, I do know that he is very, very different from Eminem. Eminem, first of all, can flow with the best of 'em. I'm sure Paul Wall is talented, but Eminem seems to have a little more substance than show. Also, Eminem predominately used shock value and Dr. Dre to enter into our thoughts; Paul Wall has more or less elbowed his way in with his teeth, if that's possible. Finally, Eminem really has a look that a lot of girls seem to go for. I knew numerous girls in high school who had him in their Hot Five. Paul Wall doesn't seem to have that going from him, at least from this heterosexual male perspective.
Though different, both white rappers have seemed to make a place for themselves in a mostly black industry. Personally, I could care less what color an artist is; I just want some good music. White rappers or black country singers ("clickity clack, I'm big and black" - Cowboy Troy) ...I just like good music. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the catchiness of Paul Wall and continue to marvel at his climb into prominence within the hip-hop and mainstream music fronts.
"It's the Ice Man baby and you know what it do, I'm throwed."
1. Create a distinct look - how is it supposed to get more distinct than a white guy with sparkly teeth?
2. Create a distinct sound - His lyrics are incredibly simple. Which is why his singles catch on so easily, everyone can sing them. When I hear a 14 year-old female hick (and that's putting it mildly) at a basketball game singing "lemme see ya grill, yeah yo grill," then it's easy to sing. But, Paul Wall also works in everyday culture into his lyrics. He raps about being rich & fly, having a nice car, nice teeth, and women, like most rappers. But, he also works in lyrics about sports, other songs, cities, and people. Nelly is well-known for combining a great deal of sports references with catchy beats, and Paul Wall has taken this formula to the next level.
3. Create a personna - when you tell someone, "hey, he looks like Paul Wall," they know exactly what you mean. There is an image associated with him that is easy to remember.
4. Create good music - ok, I wouldn't label most of Paul Wall's songs as deep, or even good at times. But, catchy, definitely. To the point of being over-played by stations that play "everything" (aka Top 40) and hip-hop. Also, most of his rhymes are analogies. Similes and metaphors galore. Example - "Now to broads I'm a sharp-shooter like Steve Kerr..." is a line in his new single, I'm Throwed. Somehow, making a reference to Steve Kerr, a retired basketball player, is fascinating to me. At the least, his music is creative.
With this formula, Paul Wall has worked his way into the mainstream music culture and helped put Houston on the hip-hop map, even working in some reference to Texas along the way. I do wonder if he is resented or portrayed as a wanna-be by our culture. I'm not sure, feedback is welcome. But, I do know that he is very, very different from Eminem. Eminem, first of all, can flow with the best of 'em. I'm sure Paul Wall is talented, but Eminem seems to have a little more substance than show. Also, Eminem predominately used shock value and Dr. Dre to enter into our thoughts; Paul Wall has more or less elbowed his way in with his teeth, if that's possible. Finally, Eminem really has a look that a lot of girls seem to go for. I knew numerous girls in high school who had him in their Hot Five. Paul Wall doesn't seem to have that going from him, at least from this heterosexual male perspective.
Though different, both white rappers have seemed to make a place for themselves in a mostly black industry. Personally, I could care less what color an artist is; I just want some good music. White rappers or black country singers ("clickity clack, I'm big and black" - Cowboy Troy) ...I just like good music. For now, I'm just going to enjoy the catchiness of Paul Wall and continue to marvel at his climb into prominence within the hip-hop and mainstream music fronts.
"It's the Ice Man baby and you know what it do, I'm throwed."
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Sports World
It is nice to write about something as meaningless and unnecessary as sports again. However, please continue to keep Jason Ray’s family, the victims & families at Virginia Tech, and Christie Smith in your prayers.
Random thoughts on sports, both recent past, present, and near future:
On a national scope, three major events right now. The NBA Playoffs are underway, which basically means the NBA season has finally commenced. After six months of boredom and tanking, the good teams are remaining and their stars will begin taking it to the next level. Of course, the excitement of the playoffs can be destroyed with an NBA Finals matchup of San Antonio & Detroit, or enhanced with Phoenix & Cleveland. Either way, I unashamedly love the NBA Playoffs. LOVE it. After discussing the matchups and big picture of the post-season with a few friends, I really have no gauge on who will win the title. San Antonio and Detroit have a huge advantage because of each team’s defensive prowess. Houston could say the same thing, but I just don’t see them going three rounds to even make the finals. I like Chicago’s squad, but there is no way they can ride four jump shooters to a title. Denver was the darkhorse, until they beat San Antonio in the first game of that series…now they’re the lighthorse I guess. Thanks, I’ll be here all weekend.
Seriously, as a buddy mentioned to me, Detroit should be the favorite because of their balance, experience, hunger, and the fact that they will be more rested if they make the finals than their counterparts. Cleveland looks to be the only Eastern Conference squad who could give the Pistons a run, seeing as Dwayne Wade is playing at about 65% health. Out west, I almost always pick the Spurs. However, I think Dallas will come back, defeat the pesky Warriors in a long series, then gain some confidence as they roll back to the finals. But go Spurs. And go Raptors, like anyone in Canada has anything else to cheer for, besides…
The NHL Playoffs. The NBA & NHL have identically long regular and post-seasons, but exactly the opposite color of dudes playing their sports. And I have no clue why. Either way, I love everyone, so I watch the mullets in hockey just as much as the afros & dreads in basketball. The NHL has already moved to the second round, with Vancouver the lone remaining representative from the Great White North, hence why Canadians have only the Canucks to cheer for besides the Toronto Raptors. Keeping this short and sweet, I like the Buffalo Sabres to roll through the east, even though the New York Rangers looked nasty in the opening round. Out west, Anaheim is the team to beat in my mind. What a great Stanley Cup Finals matchup that would produce, for all 17 of the hockey fans to watch. By the way, I love how last year everyone in North Carolina, especially the Triangle area, became a hockey fan for two months. Now, no one watches the playoffs since the Canes are not participating. And we want a Major League Baseball team in North Carolina? We don’t support the Bobcats, only support the Canes & Panthers when they’re winning, but we want a team in the state that has 81 home games a year? Just stick to college athletics and NASCAR.
Finally, the NFL Draft is coming up this weekend. Straight up, the Panthers should pick Patrick Willis, the linebacker from Ole Miss if he’s available at the fourteenth pick. They shouldn’t even use the entirely-too-long fifteen minute time block that’s allotted to them to make that selection. However, if he’s gone (which he should be), then we have a problem on our hands. I’m not a huge fan of picking a safety there if his name is not LaRon Landry, but I guess I could deal with Reggie Nelson. No other linebacker is supposed to be selected that high, with that Timmons guy from FSU as the only viable candidate. A WR is a possibility, as the draft has lots of those. Personally, if Willis is gone, I’m hoping Jamal Anderson, the defensive end from Arkansas, slides to the Panthers. Mike Rucker is a great human being, but not a healthy football player. I really think a decent safety can be had later in the draft while an elite pass rusher should be taken as early as possible. All I know is if I read one more mock draft that has the Panthers taking Greg Olsen at tight end in the first round, I’m going to flip out. I could be wrong, but it just doesn’t make sense that the team would waste its first rounder selection on the position it values the least. Yes, I’d love to have a great threat at tight end, but John Fox, Marty Hurney, et al do not value that spot. Last time I checked, they’re still in charge. My guess is we end up with Ted Ginn Jr. or a defensive end.
On to the more-localized portion of our show. Brandan Wright declared for the NBA Draft and Tar Heel fans everywhere shed a small tear. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but the tantalizing thought of, “my, what could have been” is now in the past. Truthfully, any knowledgeable fan would agree that Wright made the correct decision. Yes, college is great, and yes, life is so much fan…but $3.5 million guaranteed dollars is still $3.5 million guaranteed dollars. Hel-lo. There is little tangible gain in staying. Of course winning an NCAA Championship is awesome and no feeling or amount of money can replace that, but it is not guaranteed. The last time I checked, the $3.5 million dollars are guaranteed. End of discussion.
So what does that mean for next year? Not a lot really. Carolina will still be top five pre-season and will more than likely finish in the top five at the end of the regular season. As a regular reader would know (can you be a regular reader of someone’s blog who writes on an irregular basis?), I am madly in love with Deon Thompson’s game. His offensive moves are solid and he has the chance to be an All-ACC player in his college career. More PT for Big D is a good thing. Alex Stepheson will also benefit. Not much was made of Stepheson’s season in 2006-2007, but he should be a more-than-adequate sub off the bench for Roy’s Boys. I am quietly optimistic that his shot-blocking skills will prove solid enough to make a difference for the team’s defense, as lack of a shot-blocking presence has been an Achilles heal for the Heels in recent years.
In truth, the success of next season will depend greatly on the success of this off-season. How much improvement will the freshmen make? Can Danny Green step into the roll of a consistent offensive threat at the 3-spot, whether he starts or not? Vitally important is the re-development of Bobby Frasor after last season became a lost cause due to injury. There is no real backup to Wayne Ellington at the 2-guard spot (assuming Ginyard is a 3) and Frasor has also proven to be a steady point guard when healthy. Also, Mike Copeland will be called on for spot minutes next season. I am afraid of Deon Thompson trying to guard the 4-spot, so foul trouble could become a regular issue, forcing Copeland into more minutes. I can really see Copeland becoming the Wes Miller of next year’s team. No, not a short white guy who shoots threes, but a high-energy, scrappy player who the fans and especially the students can rally behind. Ultimately, the Tar Heels will be fine next season. I’m not sure a national championship is on the horizon, but a solid year and hopefully an ACC title to boot.
Quick thoughts, then I’m out. Sebastian Telfair is immature and selfish. He’s at a crossroads, much like Pacman Jones: either be a man and grow up or keep acting like a thug and remain immature. One will lead to a great NBA comeback story, the other to the NBDL and eventually cleaning toilets.
TNT’s studio show consisting of Ernie Johnson, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, & Kenny “The Jet” Smith (Tar Heel) is the best on television. I LOL-ed last night listening to a rant about Brokeback Mountain, the halftime show in Dallas, and Charles & Kenny’s quality time the previous evening. I’m not sure how they got away with it, but it was hilarious. Just like I said last season, it’s must-see TV.
The Braves are winning with smoke and mirrors. There will come a time this season that the starting pitching will be beaten up and broken down, and the bats will become silent in unison. As the boys and I have contended for three seasons now, this team’s reliance on the long ball looks good when it’s working, but can go into hibernation for extended periods of time. Please give us improved team speed and the ability to play some small ball when needed. Please.
I too am addicted to the possibilities of the upcoming NBA Draft. I will give my arm to have Kevin Durant on the Bobcats. More on that soon. Long drives on Fridays somehow lead to me talking to God in the car about the Bobcats.
Billy Gillispie is the right guy at Kentucky. I wanted State to hire him last year (and by wanted, I mean hoped they would not, because he’s good) and thought Kentucky should make a push for him after Donovan. In fact, I felt from the outset that if Donovan turned them down, he was the next best candidate. Sometimes a resume can be outweighed by potential and being a good fit. This is one of those cases.
Spoiler Alert for Bachelor watchers: Dear Andy the Midshipmen – please pick Amber.
Spoiler Alert for 24 watchers: Jack Bauer, please stop taking projects on your own. And quit producing a show that has stupid plot items that involve ridiculous inner-office politics.
I’m out. If sexy never left, then why’s everybody on my s-…
Random thoughts on sports, both recent past, present, and near future:
On a national scope, three major events right now. The NBA Playoffs are underway, which basically means the NBA season has finally commenced. After six months of boredom and tanking, the good teams are remaining and their stars will begin taking it to the next level. Of course, the excitement of the playoffs can be destroyed with an NBA Finals matchup of San Antonio & Detroit, or enhanced with Phoenix & Cleveland. Either way, I unashamedly love the NBA Playoffs. LOVE it. After discussing the matchups and big picture of the post-season with a few friends, I really have no gauge on who will win the title. San Antonio and Detroit have a huge advantage because of each team’s defensive prowess. Houston could say the same thing, but I just don’t see them going three rounds to even make the finals. I like Chicago’s squad, but there is no way they can ride four jump shooters to a title. Denver was the darkhorse, until they beat San Antonio in the first game of that series…now they’re the lighthorse I guess. Thanks, I’ll be here all weekend.
Seriously, as a buddy mentioned to me, Detroit should be the favorite because of their balance, experience, hunger, and the fact that they will be more rested if they make the finals than their counterparts. Cleveland looks to be the only Eastern Conference squad who could give the Pistons a run, seeing as Dwayne Wade is playing at about 65% health. Out west, I almost always pick the Spurs. However, I think Dallas will come back, defeat the pesky Warriors in a long series, then gain some confidence as they roll back to the finals. But go Spurs. And go Raptors, like anyone in Canada has anything else to cheer for, besides…
The NHL Playoffs. The NBA & NHL have identically long regular and post-seasons, but exactly the opposite color of dudes playing their sports. And I have no clue why. Either way, I love everyone, so I watch the mullets in hockey just as much as the afros & dreads in basketball. The NHL has already moved to the second round, with Vancouver the lone remaining representative from the Great White North, hence why Canadians have only the Canucks to cheer for besides the Toronto Raptors. Keeping this short and sweet, I like the Buffalo Sabres to roll through the east, even though the New York Rangers looked nasty in the opening round. Out west, Anaheim is the team to beat in my mind. What a great Stanley Cup Finals matchup that would produce, for all 17 of the hockey fans to watch. By the way, I love how last year everyone in North Carolina, especially the Triangle area, became a hockey fan for two months. Now, no one watches the playoffs since the Canes are not participating. And we want a Major League Baseball team in North Carolina? We don’t support the Bobcats, only support the Canes & Panthers when they’re winning, but we want a team in the state that has 81 home games a year? Just stick to college athletics and NASCAR.
Finally, the NFL Draft is coming up this weekend. Straight up, the Panthers should pick Patrick Willis, the linebacker from Ole Miss if he’s available at the fourteenth pick. They shouldn’t even use the entirely-too-long fifteen minute time block that’s allotted to them to make that selection. However, if he’s gone (which he should be), then we have a problem on our hands. I’m not a huge fan of picking a safety there if his name is not LaRon Landry, but I guess I could deal with Reggie Nelson. No other linebacker is supposed to be selected that high, with that Timmons guy from FSU as the only viable candidate. A WR is a possibility, as the draft has lots of those. Personally, if Willis is gone, I’m hoping Jamal Anderson, the defensive end from Arkansas, slides to the Panthers. Mike Rucker is a great human being, but not a healthy football player. I really think a decent safety can be had later in the draft while an elite pass rusher should be taken as early as possible. All I know is if I read one more mock draft that has the Panthers taking Greg Olsen at tight end in the first round, I’m going to flip out. I could be wrong, but it just doesn’t make sense that the team would waste its first rounder selection on the position it values the least. Yes, I’d love to have a great threat at tight end, but John Fox, Marty Hurney, et al do not value that spot. Last time I checked, they’re still in charge. My guess is we end up with Ted Ginn Jr. or a defensive end.
On to the more-localized portion of our show. Brandan Wright declared for the NBA Draft and Tar Heel fans everywhere shed a small tear. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but the tantalizing thought of, “my, what could have been” is now in the past. Truthfully, any knowledgeable fan would agree that Wright made the correct decision. Yes, college is great, and yes, life is so much fan…but $3.5 million guaranteed dollars is still $3.5 million guaranteed dollars. Hel-lo. There is little tangible gain in staying. Of course winning an NCAA Championship is awesome and no feeling or amount of money can replace that, but it is not guaranteed. The last time I checked, the $3.5 million dollars are guaranteed. End of discussion.
So what does that mean for next year? Not a lot really. Carolina will still be top five pre-season and will more than likely finish in the top five at the end of the regular season. As a regular reader would know (can you be a regular reader of someone’s blog who writes on an irregular basis?), I am madly in love with Deon Thompson’s game. His offensive moves are solid and he has the chance to be an All-ACC player in his college career. More PT for Big D is a good thing. Alex Stepheson will also benefit. Not much was made of Stepheson’s season in 2006-2007, but he should be a more-than-adequate sub off the bench for Roy’s Boys. I am quietly optimistic that his shot-blocking skills will prove solid enough to make a difference for the team’s defense, as lack of a shot-blocking presence has been an Achilles heal for the Heels in recent years.
In truth, the success of next season will depend greatly on the success of this off-season. How much improvement will the freshmen make? Can Danny Green step into the roll of a consistent offensive threat at the 3-spot, whether he starts or not? Vitally important is the re-development of Bobby Frasor after last season became a lost cause due to injury. There is no real backup to Wayne Ellington at the 2-guard spot (assuming Ginyard is a 3) and Frasor has also proven to be a steady point guard when healthy. Also, Mike Copeland will be called on for spot minutes next season. I am afraid of Deon Thompson trying to guard the 4-spot, so foul trouble could become a regular issue, forcing Copeland into more minutes. I can really see Copeland becoming the Wes Miller of next year’s team. No, not a short white guy who shoots threes, but a high-energy, scrappy player who the fans and especially the students can rally behind. Ultimately, the Tar Heels will be fine next season. I’m not sure a national championship is on the horizon, but a solid year and hopefully an ACC title to boot.
Quick thoughts, then I’m out. Sebastian Telfair is immature and selfish. He’s at a crossroads, much like Pacman Jones: either be a man and grow up or keep acting like a thug and remain immature. One will lead to a great NBA comeback story, the other to the NBDL and eventually cleaning toilets.
TNT’s studio show consisting of Ernie Johnson, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, & Kenny “The Jet” Smith (Tar Heel) is the best on television. I LOL-ed last night listening to a rant about Brokeback Mountain, the halftime show in Dallas, and Charles & Kenny’s quality time the previous evening. I’m not sure how they got away with it, but it was hilarious. Just like I said last season, it’s must-see TV.
The Braves are winning with smoke and mirrors. There will come a time this season that the starting pitching will be beaten up and broken down, and the bats will become silent in unison. As the boys and I have contended for three seasons now, this team’s reliance on the long ball looks good when it’s working, but can go into hibernation for extended periods of time. Please give us improved team speed and the ability to play some small ball when needed. Please.
I too am addicted to the possibilities of the upcoming NBA Draft. I will give my arm to have Kevin Durant on the Bobcats. More on that soon. Long drives on Fridays somehow lead to me talking to God in the car about the Bobcats.
Billy Gillispie is the right guy at Kentucky. I wanted State to hire him last year (and by wanted, I mean hoped they would not, because he’s good) and thought Kentucky should make a push for him after Donovan. In fact, I felt from the outset that if Donovan turned them down, he was the next best candidate. Sometimes a resume can be outweighed by potential and being a good fit. This is one of those cases.
Spoiler Alert for Bachelor watchers: Dear Andy the Midshipmen – please pick Amber.
Spoiler Alert for 24 watchers: Jack Bauer, please stop taking projects on your own. And quit producing a show that has stupid plot items that involve ridiculous inner-office politics.
I’m out. If sexy never left, then why’s everybody on my s-…
Monday, April 16, 2007
Virginia Tech Tragedy
Dear God:
Lord, you are good. Period. You created us, gave us life, and take away life. More importantly, you also gave us eternal life through your Son, Jesus. For some reason, you chose to grant me the free will to choose you in return. I trust you, Lord, with my life, with this earth, and with the afterlife.
But God, I have some questions following the past month or so. Jason Ray died. Pam Barrow died. Christie Smith is in critcal condition. And today, at least thirty three people were killed in the town I live, Blacksburg, VA, at Virginia Tech. And I don't know why. But God, that's not my question. The "why?" aspect of all these things is far above my grasp. You know, clearly, why each of these things has happened. I don't really need to know why they happened. Besides, there's always the chance I might not like the answer.
But I do want to know, "why not?" As in, "God, why them and not me?" I think that's a natural, albeit morbid, question. I mean, why has J-Ray got to be the first BOFFO member to go to heaven? Why does Christie's incredible heart for God have to be slowed by a horse riding accident? Why does my friend Jessica have to lose her mom so soon after losing her Dad?
And God, you haven't told me the answers to these questions yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to check out on earth yet. I think there's still some good I can do here. Certainly, I want to glorify you with as much of my life as I can while I'm in this life. But it still makes me wonder why it was a specific person, how do you choose?
God, I don't expect an answer to this question either. I think the ultimate answer is that each bit of sadness on this earth helps create heaven. Without our sadness on earth, there would be no reason to have heaven, where all glory is your's. Obviously there is so much pain and sadness here, in our lives. I just ask that you give each of us the strength to get through it all, and provide us the discernment to know and understand your will and your power over all things.
Love,
KPW
Ok, some thoughts on Virginia Tech. Since I am not a student at Tech, I was not really in danger, nor directly effected (at least thus far) by the shootings today. I do not know a ton of students, but the ones I do are safe. However, to say that today did not effect me in some way would trivialize the events. The best description is surreal. It is really hard to relate what I watched unfold on my office's television and outside our windows as being reality. People really died. And it happened in Blacksburg, VA. The eerieness of the town is...well, eerie. Today will define the college experience for many students at Tech, and the lives of many people in the New River Valley.
Next, it is important, at least in my mind, to try to grasp the magnitude of the events in a historical context. As I have discussed with multiple people, today will be in history books that our children read. The shooter's name, once released, will be infamous. Virginia Tech will be mentioned in the same breath as Columbine, Kent State, University of Texas, Oklahoma City, Olympic Park bombings, and of course, 9/11. Re-read that sentence and let it sink in for a minute. I had to read it aloud.
Also, I tried to put myself in the position of someone in a classroom. Growing up, I often thought about being a hero of sorts in a hostage situation or some other crisis. Ok, that's probably from playing with too many G.I. Joes (I still have over 200 mind you). But, the point is I wanted to put myself in the situation to figure out how I'd react. Ideally, I'd be rushing the gunman, throwing a desk, throwing a chair, and probably getting shot in the process. Certainly helping others and putting myself at risk. But is that what I would actually have done? If you're not close enough to jump the gunman, what do you do?
The news conferences and questions have been a little rough. Hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure that not everything possible was done to prevent this incident, but there is no precedent. No one can be blamed, so quit trying to find someone (ahem, journalists). Just be patient and wait until everything is straightened out. Your grilling of the people involved is not helping the crisis, so back off.
Please continue to pray for Virginia Tech, its students and staff, Blacksburg, and our society. Also, THANK YOU to everyone who called, emailed, Facebook-ed, text messaged, or just spoke to me today. Yes, I am ok, but just to know that such a high number of people would think to inquire and care is amazing. Not really just concern for me, but mainly for how people were doing up here. Some of you I had not spoken with in years and you still got in touch. It means a lot that you care about VT and our community.
I am confident that God is doing great things through this horrible tragedy. He will be glorified somehow, and already has been. Please pray also that His love will pour out on this campus and people will come to Him for eternal love and support. Remember, when everything else is falling apart, God is steadfast in His love for each of us.
Lord, you are good. Period. You created us, gave us life, and take away life. More importantly, you also gave us eternal life through your Son, Jesus. For some reason, you chose to grant me the free will to choose you in return. I trust you, Lord, with my life, with this earth, and with the afterlife.
But God, I have some questions following the past month or so. Jason Ray died. Pam Barrow died. Christie Smith is in critcal condition. And today, at least thirty three people were killed in the town I live, Blacksburg, VA, at Virginia Tech. And I don't know why. But God, that's not my question. The "why?" aspect of all these things is far above my grasp. You know, clearly, why each of these things has happened. I don't really need to know why they happened. Besides, there's always the chance I might not like the answer.
But I do want to know, "why not?" As in, "God, why them and not me?" I think that's a natural, albeit morbid, question. I mean, why has J-Ray got to be the first BOFFO member to go to heaven? Why does Christie's incredible heart for God have to be slowed by a horse riding accident? Why does my friend Jessica have to lose her mom so soon after losing her Dad?
And God, you haven't told me the answers to these questions yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to check out on earth yet. I think there's still some good I can do here. Certainly, I want to glorify you with as much of my life as I can while I'm in this life. But it still makes me wonder why it was a specific person, how do you choose?
God, I don't expect an answer to this question either. I think the ultimate answer is that each bit of sadness on this earth helps create heaven. Without our sadness on earth, there would be no reason to have heaven, where all glory is your's. Obviously there is so much pain and sadness here, in our lives. I just ask that you give each of us the strength to get through it all, and provide us the discernment to know and understand your will and your power over all things.
Love,
KPW
Ok, some thoughts on Virginia Tech. Since I am not a student at Tech, I was not really in danger, nor directly effected (at least thus far) by the shootings today. I do not know a ton of students, but the ones I do are safe. However, to say that today did not effect me in some way would trivialize the events. The best description is surreal. It is really hard to relate what I watched unfold on my office's television and outside our windows as being reality. People really died. And it happened in Blacksburg, VA. The eerieness of the town is...well, eerie. Today will define the college experience for many students at Tech, and the lives of many people in the New River Valley.
Next, it is important, at least in my mind, to try to grasp the magnitude of the events in a historical context. As I have discussed with multiple people, today will be in history books that our children read. The shooter's name, once released, will be infamous. Virginia Tech will be mentioned in the same breath as Columbine, Kent State, University of Texas, Oklahoma City, Olympic Park bombings, and of course, 9/11. Re-read that sentence and let it sink in for a minute. I had to read it aloud.
Also, I tried to put myself in the position of someone in a classroom. Growing up, I often thought about being a hero of sorts in a hostage situation or some other crisis. Ok, that's probably from playing with too many G.I. Joes (I still have over 200 mind you). But, the point is I wanted to put myself in the situation to figure out how I'd react. Ideally, I'd be rushing the gunman, throwing a desk, throwing a chair, and probably getting shot in the process. Certainly helping others and putting myself at risk. But is that what I would actually have done? If you're not close enough to jump the gunman, what do you do?
The news conferences and questions have been a little rough. Hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure that not everything possible was done to prevent this incident, but there is no precedent. No one can be blamed, so quit trying to find someone (ahem, journalists). Just be patient and wait until everything is straightened out. Your grilling of the people involved is not helping the crisis, so back off.
Please continue to pray for Virginia Tech, its students and staff, Blacksburg, and our society. Also, THANK YOU to everyone who called, emailed, Facebook-ed, text messaged, or just spoke to me today. Yes, I am ok, but just to know that such a high number of people would think to inquire and care is amazing. Not really just concern for me, but mainly for how people were doing up here. Some of you I had not spoken with in years and you still got in touch. It means a lot that you care about VT and our community.
I am confident that God is doing great things through this horrible tragedy. He will be glorified somehow, and already has been. Please pray also that His love will pour out on this campus and people will come to Him for eternal love and support. Remember, when everything else is falling apart, God is steadfast in His love for each of us.
Monday, March 26, 2007
When Basketball Does Not Matter: Part 2
A tragic update to the below blog entry: Jason Ray, 21, passed away today. A sad situation is now officially tragic. JRay, we love you man. Your spirit will truly live on in the hearts and lives of everyone you touched during your time on this earth. We know you are in heaven now, perfect and praising Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for giving us time with Jason on this earth. We look forward to being reunited with him for eternity thanks to the sacrifice of your Son.
Boffo is defined as, "extremely successful; great." You certainly fit that definition. Much love Jason Ray, we miss you.
Boffo is defined as, "extremely successful; great." You certainly fit that definition. Much love Jason Ray, we miss you.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
When Basketball Doesn't Matter
There are times in life when you find yourself so absorbed by yourself that nothing else registers in your mind. What I mean is that it is our nature as humans (also known as our sin) to become completely engrossed in Me: what I think, what I want, when I want it, Me. This state of mind comes to different individuals in varying ways. For me, it frequently arises as sports. I become completely and totally engrossed in a particular game or team, blocking out everything else. Two years ago, as Carolina was beginning to make a run at a national championship, I was able to let it all go. The season was not in my control, it was not in our players' control; it was in God's control. This season became much the same the past few weeks. I have watched, cheered, strategized, hoped, and prayed, as I always do, but with a clearer sense that life is much bigger than this particular basketball season. At least I thought I understood that.
Second half. East Regional Semi-Finals. Southern California is kicking my Tar Heel butt. And I really must have thought I was playing. I hollered. I yelled. I screamed at one point. Frustrated and frankly pissed off, I was very close to giving up hope. Translation: I was not just letting it go and turning it over to God. Then Jim Nantz brought the game back from a commercial and basketball ceased to matter.
To summarize, Nantz announced a statement from the University of North Carolina Director of Athletics, Dick Baddour. Jason Ray, a senior from Concord, NC, had been injured in a pedestrian/vehicle accident prior to that evening's game. Ray, who portrays the Ramses mascot, was hit by a car exiting the freeway in New Jersey and was in critical condition at an area hospital. Shocked, I paused the DVR and began to pray. Basketball suddenly did not matter one bit.
JRay is one-of-a-kind. Don't get me wrong, we are not best friends. But, we are definitely friends. He's a guy in my life that I would move through a crowd to say hello to, have a solid conversation, and sincerely mean it when I finished with, "it's good seeing you buddy." Because it's always good to see Jason. He is enthusiastic, passionate, hilarious, and really genuine.
Jason & I share a bond between men. We were in an InterVarsity Bible Study in Morrison Dorm my junior year at Carolina; Jason was a freshmen. BOFFO, as this group became known, was a group of around twenty guys or so who had Jesus in common. We met every week for what was supposed to be an hour and a half or so. Frequently, our fun Tuesday nights would instead last for at least three hours. We cut up, we talked about God, we talked about our lives, and we listened to each other. JRay brought humor and he brought enthusiasm. But, he also brought honesty and a willingness to share. It was rare for a freshman in a group setting be so frank and comfortable talking about stuff. He shared great stories and motivated others to do the same. This group was BOFFO because it was so tight-knit. We were a group of guys from varying backgrounds, of different age, and unique interests. But man, we were close. Green t-shirts, orange letters. BOFFO.
Over the three plus years since our year together, the BOFFO guys have grown up a great deal. That large freshmen class Jason is a part of are now seniors. A number of the rest of us have graduated. We no longer all see each other every day, every week, or even every year. But since my graduation, JRay is someone I have constantly run into. I go to a lot of Tar Heel sporting events, and clearly, so does Ramses. We talked for about an hour last year prior to a home basketball game while killing time. About my job, his classes, girlfriends, life in general, and nothing at all. It was a fun time, just two dudes hanging out and being honest with one another because that's all we know how to be together.
The last time I saw Jason was just last weekend, in Winston-Salem, at the 1st/2nd Round NCAA Tournament games. I only saw him out of costume for a few minutes, but he was in good spirits, of course. My friends and I watched as Ramses directed the Carolina band, pumped up the crowd, and generally acted a fool. But what an enthusiastic, happy fool he was.
As of right now, JRay is still in the hospital. I do not know his exact condition other than what I have been told. His family and closest friends are by his side, providing prayer and support. It does not look good, but things like this never look good. Here's what I do know. Jason Ray is truly an awesome guy, a man who loves God and his friends. He loves life, period. There is no doubt in my mind where his heart is and that he serves God. But his life is not in our control. It is completely up to God as to whether Jason joins Him in heaven now, or later.
I also know this. I always think of JRay with a smile. Everytime I hear a Rage Against the Machine song, I think of him freestyling Rage in our BOFFO group. When I think of my time in college, I think a lot about that BOFFO group and the fun we had, the jokes we still have, the tears we shed, and the close bond of the guys. There are a lot of people that you do not comprehend their impact on your life until something happens. Jason is not one of those people. You are very aware of him and how special he is while you interact with him. To be able to call him a genuine friend is an honor.
There are many others, some who may be reading this, who are much closer to Jason. You are even more blessed than I. You are thinking of inside jokes, funny stories, deep conversations, tears, laughter, and other special times than involve Jason. Treasure those memories.
You see, basketball does not matter. Life matters. Friends matter. Serving Christ and eventually enjoying eternity with Him matters. Yes, Carolina lost tonight to Georgetown to end the season. Choked away the game, quite frankly. Was it fun? Nope. Did it feel good? Not at all. But does it really matter?
I'll write about the NCAA Tournament at some point this week. Analyze the Tar Heels and the upcoming Final Four. Reflect on the season that has been and look ahead to next year. But I'll do it with a heavy heart and a prayerful soul. Please keep Jason Ray, his family, and his friends in your prayers. In BOFFO, we had a verse that we lived by and had embroidered on the back of our t-shirts: Proverbs 27:17. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It basically means for all men to lift up one another through prayer and your daily walk with God. JRay, that's what we're doing right now. From one BOFFO guy to another, keep fightin'. Know that we love you and are lifting you up always.
Basketball just doesn't matter. Life matters. People matter. And Jason Ray, you matter.
Second half. East Regional Semi-Finals. Southern California is kicking my Tar Heel butt. And I really must have thought I was playing. I hollered. I yelled. I screamed at one point. Frustrated and frankly pissed off, I was very close to giving up hope. Translation: I was not just letting it go and turning it over to God. Then Jim Nantz brought the game back from a commercial and basketball ceased to matter.
To summarize, Nantz announced a statement from the University of North Carolina Director of Athletics, Dick Baddour. Jason Ray, a senior from Concord, NC, had been injured in a pedestrian/vehicle accident prior to that evening's game. Ray, who portrays the Ramses mascot, was hit by a car exiting the freeway in New Jersey and was in critical condition at an area hospital. Shocked, I paused the DVR and began to pray. Basketball suddenly did not matter one bit.
JRay is one-of-a-kind. Don't get me wrong, we are not best friends. But, we are definitely friends. He's a guy in my life that I would move through a crowd to say hello to, have a solid conversation, and sincerely mean it when I finished with, "it's good seeing you buddy." Because it's always good to see Jason. He is enthusiastic, passionate, hilarious, and really genuine.
Jason & I share a bond between men. We were in an InterVarsity Bible Study in Morrison Dorm my junior year at Carolina; Jason was a freshmen. BOFFO, as this group became known, was a group of around twenty guys or so who had Jesus in common. We met every week for what was supposed to be an hour and a half or so. Frequently, our fun Tuesday nights would instead last for at least three hours. We cut up, we talked about God, we talked about our lives, and we listened to each other. JRay brought humor and he brought enthusiasm. But, he also brought honesty and a willingness to share. It was rare for a freshman in a group setting be so frank and comfortable talking about stuff. He shared great stories and motivated others to do the same. This group was BOFFO because it was so tight-knit. We were a group of guys from varying backgrounds, of different age, and unique interests. But man, we were close. Green t-shirts, orange letters. BOFFO.
Over the three plus years since our year together, the BOFFO guys have grown up a great deal. That large freshmen class Jason is a part of are now seniors. A number of the rest of us have graduated. We no longer all see each other every day, every week, or even every year. But since my graduation, JRay is someone I have constantly run into. I go to a lot of Tar Heel sporting events, and clearly, so does Ramses. We talked for about an hour last year prior to a home basketball game while killing time. About my job, his classes, girlfriends, life in general, and nothing at all. It was a fun time, just two dudes hanging out and being honest with one another because that's all we know how to be together.
The last time I saw Jason was just last weekend, in Winston-Salem, at the 1st/2nd Round NCAA Tournament games. I only saw him out of costume for a few minutes, but he was in good spirits, of course. My friends and I watched as Ramses directed the Carolina band, pumped up the crowd, and generally acted a fool. But what an enthusiastic, happy fool he was.
As of right now, JRay is still in the hospital. I do not know his exact condition other than what I have been told. His family and closest friends are by his side, providing prayer and support. It does not look good, but things like this never look good. Here's what I do know. Jason Ray is truly an awesome guy, a man who loves God and his friends. He loves life, period. There is no doubt in my mind where his heart is and that he serves God. But his life is not in our control. It is completely up to God as to whether Jason joins Him in heaven now, or later.
I also know this. I always think of JRay with a smile. Everytime I hear a Rage Against the Machine song, I think of him freestyling Rage in our BOFFO group. When I think of my time in college, I think a lot about that BOFFO group and the fun we had, the jokes we still have, the tears we shed, and the close bond of the guys. There are a lot of people that you do not comprehend their impact on your life until something happens. Jason is not one of those people. You are very aware of him and how special he is while you interact with him. To be able to call him a genuine friend is an honor.
There are many others, some who may be reading this, who are much closer to Jason. You are even more blessed than I. You are thinking of inside jokes, funny stories, deep conversations, tears, laughter, and other special times than involve Jason. Treasure those memories.
You see, basketball does not matter. Life matters. Friends matter. Serving Christ and eventually enjoying eternity with Him matters. Yes, Carolina lost tonight to Georgetown to end the season. Choked away the game, quite frankly. Was it fun? Nope. Did it feel good? Not at all. But does it really matter?
I'll write about the NCAA Tournament at some point this week. Analyze the Tar Heels and the upcoming Final Four. Reflect on the season that has been and look ahead to next year. But I'll do it with a heavy heart and a prayerful soul. Please keep Jason Ray, his family, and his friends in your prayers. In BOFFO, we had a verse that we lived by and had embroidered on the back of our t-shirts: Proverbs 27:17. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." It basically means for all men to lift up one another through prayer and your daily walk with God. JRay, that's what we're doing right now. From one BOFFO guy to another, keep fightin'. Know that we love you and are lifting you up always.
Basketball just doesn't matter. Life matters. People matter. And Jason Ray, you matter.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Bracket Projection
As of 11:10pm on Saturday night...
Last five in: Texas Tech, Stanford, Purdue, Illinois, Florida St.
Last five out: Kansas St, Drexel, Old Dominion, West Virginia, Air Force
I am least convinced of Illinois & Florida St, as seen by their slots as 64 & 65. Illinois has not impressed me all year, and I've seen them numerous times. FSU has convinced me, but I doubt they will convince the committee. Clearly, my ACC alliance plays a role, but I think FSU is a quality team. I have seen a number of other bubble teams in person this year and think FSU is better than all of them.
I heard Lunardi on ESPN saying that Stanford was out. I disagree completely. They lost to a good USC team in the quarterfinals on Thursday in the Pac-10 tournament, which apparently dropped them from a 9-seed last week to out of the tournament this week. No way. In my opinion, if Stanford misses this year's field, they will have as good or better an argument than Cincinnati had last year.
As far as number one seeds go, I'm all in for Ohio St, UCLA, and Florida. I'm waiting on Carolina or Kansas. The Heels have the better resume as far as RPI, etc, but Kansas has been so hot recently that the human element tells me they deserve a number one seed. I am obviously on UCLA's side, despite their consecutive losses to close the season. How does a team go from number one overall seed to a number two seed with one upset loss? Maybe the margin of error this year is just that tight, but I'm not buying that either. Who would have thought I'd ever come off as a Pac-10 apologist.
Finally, pay close attention to NC State and Arkansas on Sunday. If either wins, that takes a bid away from one of the above bubble candidates. If both were to win, it would practically be a bubble team killing spree this week, with up to five bids stolen. Both teams have a solid chance, but I'm not betting against Florida...and I'm stopping short of jinxing the Tar Heels. You think I'm crazy?
Alright, hopefully one more posting tomorrow pre-brackets. I'll be out of town Mon-Wed, so if I make a pre-tournament posting, it will probably be on Thursday morning. Either way, set your clocks forward an hour (thanks Brilla), and enjoy a happy ultimate holiday: 311 Day & Bracket Day.
"You're a transistor, lightning resistor, connected to the mother star, yeah that's what you are..."
Last five in: Texas Tech, Stanford, Purdue, Illinois, Florida St.
Last five out: Kansas St, Drexel, Old Dominion, West Virginia, Air Force
I am least convinced of Illinois & Florida St, as seen by their slots as 64 & 65. Illinois has not impressed me all year, and I've seen them numerous times. FSU has convinced me, but I doubt they will convince the committee. Clearly, my ACC alliance plays a role, but I think FSU is a quality team. I have seen a number of other bubble teams in person this year and think FSU is better than all of them.
I heard Lunardi on ESPN saying that Stanford was out. I disagree completely. They lost to a good USC team in the quarterfinals on Thursday in the Pac-10 tournament, which apparently dropped them from a 9-seed last week to out of the tournament this week. No way. In my opinion, if Stanford misses this year's field, they will have as good or better an argument than Cincinnati had last year.
As far as number one seeds go, I'm all in for Ohio St, UCLA, and Florida. I'm waiting on Carolina or Kansas. The Heels have the better resume as far as RPI, etc, but Kansas has been so hot recently that the human element tells me they deserve a number one seed. I am obviously on UCLA's side, despite their consecutive losses to close the season. How does a team go from number one overall seed to a number two seed with one upset loss? Maybe the margin of error this year is just that tight, but I'm not buying that either. Who would have thought I'd ever come off as a Pac-10 apologist.
Finally, pay close attention to NC State and Arkansas on Sunday. If either wins, that takes a bid away from one of the above bubble candidates. If both were to win, it would practically be a bubble team killing spree this week, with up to five bids stolen. Both teams have a solid chance, but I'm not betting against Florida...and I'm stopping short of jinxing the Tar Heels. You think I'm crazy?
Alright, hopefully one more posting tomorrow pre-brackets. I'll be out of town Mon-Wed, so if I make a pre-tournament posting, it will probably be on Thursday morning. Either way, set your clocks forward an hour (thanks Brilla), and enjoy a happy ultimate holiday: 311 Day & Bracket Day.
"You're a transistor, lightning resistor, connected to the mother star, yeah that's what you are..."
Thursday, March 01, 2007
NCAA Madness
Let’s cover a few college basketball related items before we get into discussing the NCAA Tournament (editor’s note: most of this blog was typed Sunday night, then somehow put off until Thursday morning for posting. What can I say, I suck at life).
First, the National Player of the Year debate will heat up soon. I’m here to say that Kevin Durant should win it, period. Without Durant, Texas is fighting to be included in the Big Dance. With him, they’re a 3-5 seed, competing with Kansas to win the Big 12 regular season title, while starting four freshmen and a sophomore. Alando Tucker of Wisconsin is a lovely player, a senior who’s stuck around (more because he’s a 6-5 small forward than he loves college that much) and is leading the Badgers to a memorable season. But, he’s not the best player in the country. Neither are Tyler Hansbrough, Aaron Brooks, anyone on Florida, nor Greg Oden (please, he shouldn’t be in the discussion). The only player I could see an argument for is Acie Law IV of Texas A&M. He’s the definition of clutch, leading the Aggies to their best season ever. Need proof? Find a tape of last night’s epic battle with the above-mentioned Longhorns of Texas, where Law IV made two tying three-pointers to extend the game. Better yet, according to Tom Brennan of ESPN, Law IV is outscoring the opposition in the last four minutes of games by himself. Read that again. Sunk in yet? For a term that is thrown around far too often, that is truly a clutch player right there. But, I’m still giving the nod to Durant. You’ve probably heard enough about him by now, so I’ll save all the statistics to back it up. If you want to argue though, just look at his numbers and call me later.
Second, the ACC Player of the Year picture is a little cloudier. Jared Dudley looked like a runaway winner until last week. I’m not certain that Dudley can win the award now, with the recent slide for BC combined with the general bias of the voters on Tobacco Road. However, only Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts are candidates in that area, and McRoberts is a big stretch. Al Thornton is probably the best player in the league, but he’s buried on a nearly-dead Florida St team. That leaves us with the UVA guards, Singletary and Reynolds, and Virginia Tech guard Zabian Dowdell. Personally, I feel the UVA guards will cancel out votes. Neither is more important or consistently better than the other. That leaves us with Dowdell. Obviously, I am quite biased since I work at Virginia Tech and watch him every night. That being said, I would vote for Dowdell. He is completely vital to Virginia Tech’s success. If the Hokies end up tying for or winning outright the ACC Regular Season championship, then he has to at least be considered. At this point, I say it’s a three player race between Dowdell, Dudley, and Hansbrough.
Third, the Tar Heels. I should caution you, the reader, that I’m typing this incredibly rare blog entry within two hours of the loss at Maryland. So yes, I’m ramming my head into a wall right now. But, far prior to this evening, I’ve come to a conclusion on this team. Think back to 1986, 1995, or 1997 for a reference point, because those are the comparable teams to this one. The ’86 team was very, very good and more experienced than this team, but just didn’t have the killer instinct. The 1995 team was extremely talented, but lacked a vocal leader and defensive stopper. The 1997 team was shaky for half the season, but got hot and road a winning streak into a tie for the ACC Regular Season title, won the ACC Tournament, and flamed out in the Final Four with poor shooting and the inability to maintain a lead. What’s the comparison? All of these teams lacked the ability to successfully go for the kill.
I came to my conclusion during the loss earlier this season at NC State, a less-talented opponent rolling on emotion. Carolina failed to get a big stop, took bad shots, and let State hang in the game. The same thing happened against Virginia Tech at home and again Sunday night against Maryland (minus the bad shots). To me, that reveals two related problems. First, there are times this team does not understand how desperate an opponent is playing. My biggest concern entering the season was that come March, this team would not understand the intensity it takes and the desperation it takes to win. Lose, your season is over. This comes largely from leaders on the team communicating this fact to freshmen who have never experienced it. Obviously this problem still exists (leadership has been shaky, no matter what people have said).
Second, the Tar Heels have an inability to shoot someone execution style. Viewers of any television drama involving Jack Bauer know how many times he has been on the brink of death, but escaped. How many would-be killers are going to put him on his knees, hold a gun to his head, and launch into a five minute monologue about the past, what they did, why they did it, only to see Jack escape and kill them? That is exactly what this team has done this season in its three most-recent losses. The bad guy was down, you are ready to kill him, and you somehow blow it. Carolina doesn’t go for the kill nearly enough and succeed. Yes, it was done at Boston College. Yes, the foot never came off the gas at Clemson. And yes, this team won at Duke in a tough environment. But it has not been consistent and I do not think it will suddenly become a collective assassin in the NCAA Tournament. Can they? Certainly. Will they? Don’t get your hopes up. I’m certainly not.
Ok, on to the real discussion of the upcoming Selection Sunday festivities. For the first time in a while (I’m too lazy to see how long “a while” is), Selection Sunday is the same day as 311 Day. I will celebrate by listening to 311 all day long while watching basketball and editing my bracket. While I’d love to have to pause my CD player during the ACC Tournament final (pending a Carolina appearance), I doubt that will be an issue (see above paragraphs). I will be ending celebrations a bit early that evening because I fly out the following Monday to beautiful Pittsburgh (sarcasm, sarcasm) for a three day sales training academy. Surely I will not be looking at brackets on this trip, right?
Entering the season of brackets, three main topics come up: who are the real contenders for the Final Four/National Title, who are the sleeper teams, and who is on the bubble. In reverse order:
Bubble: Currently, I have 47 tournament bids in “lock” status. This includes the 31 automatic bids that go to league champions, plus 16 at-large bids. Here are those teams:
Automatic Bids (current conference leaders) –
America East
Vermont
A-10
Xavier
ACC
Carolina
Atlantic Sun
ETSU
Big East
Pittsburgh
Big 12
Kansas
Big Sky
Weber St
Big South
Winthrop
Big Ten
Ohio State
Big West
Long Beach St
CAA
Virginia Commonwealth
C-USA
Memphis
Horizon
Wright St
Ivy
Penn
MAAC
Marist
Mid-Con
Oral Roberts
Mid-American
Toledo
MEAC
Delaware St
Missouri Valley
Southern Illinois
Mountain West
BYU
NEC
Cen Conn State
Ohio Valley
Austin Peay
Pac-10
UCLA
Patriot
Holy Cross
SEC
Florida
Southern
Davidson
Southland
A&M C-C
SWAC
Jackson St
Sun Belt
South Alabama
West Coast
Santa Clara
WAC
Nevada
The sixteen at-large spots that are, in my opinion, locks:
Duke
Carolina
UVA
Boston College
Georgetown
Marquette
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Texas
Washington St
Oregon
Southern Cal
Kentucky
Butler
Air Force
UNLV
That leaves 18 at-large spots to be decided. Of these 18 spots, nine teams started out the week on my bubble, but are currently solidly “in” the tournament. These 9 teams would have to do something drastically bad to not make the Big Dance. They are:
Maryland
Louisville
Notre Dame
Michigan St
Creighton
Stanford
Arizona
Vanderbilt
Tennessee
Obviously, Maryland should move up a category following the wins over Carolina & Duke. Louisville & Vanderbilt move up as well. That leaves us with another nine spots to be decided right now. As of Monday morning, February 26th, the final nine spots go to (in no particular order)…
Georgia Tech
Villanova
Syracuse
Illinois
Texas Tech
Old Dominion
App State
Gonzaga
Alabama
…with the last teams out being:
Kansas State
Purdue
Clemson
Missouri St
Providence
Oklahoma St
Georgia
San Diego St
Keep in mind, these bids are based a full allotment being available. What I mean is there are always a few at-large spots that are essentially stolen when a team that would get in no matter what loses in its conference tournament. For example, if Butler were to lose in the Horizon conference tournament, they would require one of the at-large bids for tournament entry. Obviously, Butler is clearly a tournament team, so their inclusion would bump someone off the bubble into the NIT. This season, by my count, there are an astonishing eight such instances to keep an eye on:
Atlantic 10 – Xavier (only viable at-large candidate, bubble team at best right now)
Big South – Winthrop (bubble team right now, should make it no matter what)
CAA – Virginia Commonwealth (Old Dominion and Drexel are both knocking on the door)
Conference USA – Memphis (definitely only at-large candidate)
Horizon – Butler (currently lead by Wright St)
Southern – Davidson (App State could potentially get an at-large as well)
West Coast – Gonzaga (currently lead by Santa Clara; Gonzaga is barely in right now anyway)
WAC – Nevada (Utah St and New Mexico St are sneaking into the discussion)
Of these teams, Butler, Nevada, Memphis, Winthrop, and Gonzaga would currently be in the field even if they lost in their conference tournaments. I don’t think Gonzaga can afford a loss personally, but the other four teams should dance in my opinion. Right now, Old Dominion would also sneak in from the CAA; strangely, I’m not sure league-leading VCU would get an at-large. Of course, any major conference could have a bid stolen if a team who would not have gotten an at-large berth makes a magical run. I have a strange feeling that this may happen this year, as a number of talented teams have underachieved in multi-bid leagues. The following teams have enough talent to get hot and win their conference tournaments, but would not make the tournament otherwise: Florida St, UCONN, Providence (could still get an at-large bid), Iowa, Bradley, Wichita St, Washington & LSU. LSU scares me the most, as the Tigers have played well in a loss at Kentucky and a win versus Florida.
Now, I don’t get too much into numbers and RPI rankings and strength of schedule and all that mess. These brackets are just my opinion, mostly based on watching a lot of basketball, reading a lot about basketball, and common sense. Things will change, and I will try to post regularly my actual tracking chart of teams and conferences.
Sleepers:
Recall that I divide sleepers into two groups: first round/upset sleepers (Bucknell ‘05, Santa Clara ‘93, Weber-friggin-State ‘99, etc) and Final Four sleepers (Syracuse ’96, Arizona ’97, UNC ’00, etc). An “Upset Sleeper” must be a 12-seed or lower to qualify and a Final Four sleeper must be a 5-seed or lower.
Upset Sleepers: Long Beach State, Holy Cross, South Alabama, Xavier (if applicable)
Final Four Sleepers: Maryland, Vanderbilt, Southern Cal, UNLV
I love Long Beach State if they make the dance. Their top seven players are all seniors, they shoot a ton of threes (and shoot them quickly), and mix up their defense enough to overshadow the fact that they really are not that good defensively. This is important, because those switching defenses will be unfamiliar to their potential first-round opponent and it will take multiple possessions to adjust. However, note that they are the type of team who could come out and have a bad shooting night and get blown out as a result. And all of this, again, is only if they make the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, I also have a category called the Five to Thrive. These are five teams I think will succeed in March, regardless of seed. Doesn’t mean they’re Final Four picks, I just have a feeling they will play well in the tournament and are not getting a ton of publicity as such. Two years ago, this list included Michigan St (Final Four team). Last year’s list included LSU (also a Final Four team). And yes, that made me one out of five last year (the others were UNC, KU, Washington, and Ohio St. Ouch).
As a note, my original list, written on the back of a DORNA signage tracking sheet at a Virginia Tech women’s basketball game a month ago, included Georgetown before they started playing really well and getting hyped up. Kansas was on the same list. Both teams are now on fire and are getting hyped up by the media. Just so you know…
Vanderbilt – Spread the floor, everyone can shoot, Derrick Byers is the go-to guy. Kevin Stallings is one of the more underrated coaches in the country in my opinion, and he will have his team ready. A good matchup could see them in the Sweet 16.
Georgetown – They’re staying on my list, even though they’ll get a higher seed than I generally allow for in the Five to Thrive. Again, style of play will be key; if the Hoyas get a bad matchup, things could end early. As it is, I think they’ll be playing in at least the Sweet 16, possibly the Elite Eight, and certainly have the ability to make it to Atlanta (the site of this year’s Final Four).
Texas – no one wants to play the Horns. They are really young and playing hot basketball right now…just like Kansas was last year before they lost in the first round to Bradley and ruined brackets across the country. But, Texas is different because they have Kevin Durant. He is the entire reason alone that Texas is on this list.
UNLV – Mainly because one of the three/four Mountain West Conference teams is going to make a run of some sort, I just don’t know who. BYU is not as talented as UNLV, Air Force is playing poorly right now, and San Diego St is on the outside looking in today. UNLV is athletic, has played a tough schedule, and has a good coach in Lon Kruger.
Virginia Tech – Because I love my job. And because they have an experienced backcourt, a go-to guy in Zabian Dowdell, and can play multiple styles in the tournament. A slowdown game does not favor Tech, but the Hokies have won games in the fifties this season as well. And yes, I was going to say Maryland, but everyone on ESPN is blowing the Terps right now and I refuse to join the party.
Bonus – Xavier. Just a weird feeling. Which is probably my supper from last night, meaning Xavier will miss the tournament all together.
Final Four Contenders???:
I love Kansas. I like UCLA. I am hott for Texas A&M, but Joseph Jones keeps fouling out of games. I love Carolina as a fan, but…truth is, I don’t really know who is a Final Four Contender. Every team has a weakness in my eyes. It might be easier to say who I don’t like:
Ohio State – Greg Oden plays defense, but he is the lone Buckeye who does so on a regular basis. They did do an admirable job against Wisconsin last Sunday, but I am skeptical of their ability to do it for four straight games in the NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin – Can’t shoot, lost Brian Butch, Kameron Taylor is too streaky. There defense will keep them in games, but they look more like a second-round upset waiting to happen than a viable national title contender.
Memphis – I don’t think anyone has an accurate gauge on Memphis because they haven’t played a really good team in three months. One of these years under Calipari, they’ll make the Final Four. I just don’t think this is the one.
Florida – teams that try to “turn it on” in March frequently lose. I’ll make a decision on the Gators based on how they play in the SEC Tournament next week. When focused, they are obviously very, very good. When distracted, they lose to LSU and Tennessee. Ugh.
Pittsburgh – just have my doubts. In fact, I don’t know of many people who really like this team’s chances. Not that they will be upset in the first round, but they look like a ho-hum Sweet 16 team.
Nevada – they are ranked in the top ten of the polls right now. However, how many voters have seen the Wolfpack play more than three times? And how many of those voters would think I meant the NC State Wolfpack in the previous sentence? That being said, Nevada just doesn’t do it for me. After all, I’ve seen them play at least twice.
There are some other teams that could make some noise: Washington St, USC, Duke, and Southern Illinois. All four have holes, but wouldn’t be a total shock. Quick problem with Duke: the Blue Devils are already playing with “March desperation”, but have still lost some games. When they win, they out-hustle other teams and just want to win more. When they lose, they still do those things, but don’t have enough talent.
Ok, that is finally enough I reckon. If I were picking a Final Four right now, it would include Kansas, UCLA, North Carolina, and Texas A&M, but obviously all of those highly-ranked teams will not make it to Atlanta. Either way, I’m in full March Madness Mode at this point. Enjoy the beginning of Championship Week, the Duke/Carolina game, the ACC Women’s Tournament, and a cold beverage.
“Baby…would you eat that there snap cracker in your special outfit for me please?”
First, the National Player of the Year debate will heat up soon. I’m here to say that Kevin Durant should win it, period. Without Durant, Texas is fighting to be included in the Big Dance. With him, they’re a 3-5 seed, competing with Kansas to win the Big 12 regular season title, while starting four freshmen and a sophomore. Alando Tucker of Wisconsin is a lovely player, a senior who’s stuck around (more because he’s a 6-5 small forward than he loves college that much) and is leading the Badgers to a memorable season. But, he’s not the best player in the country. Neither are Tyler Hansbrough, Aaron Brooks, anyone on Florida, nor Greg Oden (please, he shouldn’t be in the discussion). The only player I could see an argument for is Acie Law IV of Texas A&M. He’s the definition of clutch, leading the Aggies to their best season ever. Need proof? Find a tape of last night’s epic battle with the above-mentioned Longhorns of Texas, where Law IV made two tying three-pointers to extend the game. Better yet, according to Tom Brennan of ESPN, Law IV is outscoring the opposition in the last four minutes of games by himself. Read that again. Sunk in yet? For a term that is thrown around far too often, that is truly a clutch player right there. But, I’m still giving the nod to Durant. You’ve probably heard enough about him by now, so I’ll save all the statistics to back it up. If you want to argue though, just look at his numbers and call me later.
Second, the ACC Player of the Year picture is a little cloudier. Jared Dudley looked like a runaway winner until last week. I’m not certain that Dudley can win the award now, with the recent slide for BC combined with the general bias of the voters on Tobacco Road. However, only Tyler Hansbrough and Josh McRoberts are candidates in that area, and McRoberts is a big stretch. Al Thornton is probably the best player in the league, but he’s buried on a nearly-dead Florida St team. That leaves us with the UVA guards, Singletary and Reynolds, and Virginia Tech guard Zabian Dowdell. Personally, I feel the UVA guards will cancel out votes. Neither is more important or consistently better than the other. That leaves us with Dowdell. Obviously, I am quite biased since I work at Virginia Tech and watch him every night. That being said, I would vote for Dowdell. He is completely vital to Virginia Tech’s success. If the Hokies end up tying for or winning outright the ACC Regular Season championship, then he has to at least be considered. At this point, I say it’s a three player race between Dowdell, Dudley, and Hansbrough.
Third, the Tar Heels. I should caution you, the reader, that I’m typing this incredibly rare blog entry within two hours of the loss at Maryland. So yes, I’m ramming my head into a wall right now. But, far prior to this evening, I’ve come to a conclusion on this team. Think back to 1986, 1995, or 1997 for a reference point, because those are the comparable teams to this one. The ’86 team was very, very good and more experienced than this team, but just didn’t have the killer instinct. The 1995 team was extremely talented, but lacked a vocal leader and defensive stopper. The 1997 team was shaky for half the season, but got hot and road a winning streak into a tie for the ACC Regular Season title, won the ACC Tournament, and flamed out in the Final Four with poor shooting and the inability to maintain a lead. What’s the comparison? All of these teams lacked the ability to successfully go for the kill.
I came to my conclusion during the loss earlier this season at NC State, a less-talented opponent rolling on emotion. Carolina failed to get a big stop, took bad shots, and let State hang in the game. The same thing happened against Virginia Tech at home and again Sunday night against Maryland (minus the bad shots). To me, that reveals two related problems. First, there are times this team does not understand how desperate an opponent is playing. My biggest concern entering the season was that come March, this team would not understand the intensity it takes and the desperation it takes to win. Lose, your season is over. This comes largely from leaders on the team communicating this fact to freshmen who have never experienced it. Obviously this problem still exists (leadership has been shaky, no matter what people have said).
Second, the Tar Heels have an inability to shoot someone execution style. Viewers of any television drama involving Jack Bauer know how many times he has been on the brink of death, but escaped. How many would-be killers are going to put him on his knees, hold a gun to his head, and launch into a five minute monologue about the past, what they did, why they did it, only to see Jack escape and kill them? That is exactly what this team has done this season in its three most-recent losses. The bad guy was down, you are ready to kill him, and you somehow blow it. Carolina doesn’t go for the kill nearly enough and succeed. Yes, it was done at Boston College. Yes, the foot never came off the gas at Clemson. And yes, this team won at Duke in a tough environment. But it has not been consistent and I do not think it will suddenly become a collective assassin in the NCAA Tournament. Can they? Certainly. Will they? Don’t get your hopes up. I’m certainly not.
Ok, on to the real discussion of the upcoming Selection Sunday festivities. For the first time in a while (I’m too lazy to see how long “a while” is), Selection Sunday is the same day as 311 Day. I will celebrate by listening to 311 all day long while watching basketball and editing my bracket. While I’d love to have to pause my CD player during the ACC Tournament final (pending a Carolina appearance), I doubt that will be an issue (see above paragraphs). I will be ending celebrations a bit early that evening because I fly out the following Monday to beautiful Pittsburgh (sarcasm, sarcasm) for a three day sales training academy. Surely I will not be looking at brackets on this trip, right?
Entering the season of brackets, three main topics come up: who are the real contenders for the Final Four/National Title, who are the sleeper teams, and who is on the bubble. In reverse order:
Bubble: Currently, I have 47 tournament bids in “lock” status. This includes the 31 automatic bids that go to league champions, plus 16 at-large bids. Here are those teams:
Automatic Bids (current conference leaders) –
America East
Vermont
A-10
Xavier
ACC
Carolina
Atlantic Sun
ETSU
Big East
Pittsburgh
Big 12
Kansas
Big Sky
Weber St
Big South
Winthrop
Big Ten
Ohio State
Big West
Long Beach St
CAA
Virginia Commonwealth
C-USA
Memphis
Horizon
Wright St
Ivy
Penn
MAAC
Marist
Mid-Con
Oral Roberts
Mid-American
Toledo
MEAC
Delaware St
Missouri Valley
Southern Illinois
Mountain West
BYU
NEC
Cen Conn State
Ohio Valley
Austin Peay
Pac-10
UCLA
Patriot
Holy Cross
SEC
Florida
Southern
Davidson
Southland
A&M C-C
SWAC
Jackson St
Sun Belt
South Alabama
West Coast
Santa Clara
WAC
Nevada
The sixteen at-large spots that are, in my opinion, locks:
Duke
Carolina
UVA
Boston College
Georgetown
Marquette
Wisconsin
Texas A&M
Texas
Washington St
Oregon
Southern Cal
Kentucky
Butler
Air Force
UNLV
That leaves 18 at-large spots to be decided. Of these 18 spots, nine teams started out the week on my bubble, but are currently solidly “in” the tournament. These 9 teams would have to do something drastically bad to not make the Big Dance. They are:
Maryland
Louisville
Notre Dame
Michigan St
Creighton
Stanford
Arizona
Vanderbilt
Tennessee
Obviously, Maryland should move up a category following the wins over Carolina & Duke. Louisville & Vanderbilt move up as well. That leaves us with another nine spots to be decided right now. As of Monday morning, February 26th, the final nine spots go to (in no particular order)…
Georgia Tech
Villanova
Syracuse
Illinois
Texas Tech
Old Dominion
App State
Gonzaga
Alabama
…with the last teams out being:
Kansas State
Purdue
Clemson
Missouri St
Providence
Oklahoma St
Georgia
San Diego St
Keep in mind, these bids are based a full allotment being available. What I mean is there are always a few at-large spots that are essentially stolen when a team that would get in no matter what loses in its conference tournament. For example, if Butler were to lose in the Horizon conference tournament, they would require one of the at-large bids for tournament entry. Obviously, Butler is clearly a tournament team, so their inclusion would bump someone off the bubble into the NIT. This season, by my count, there are an astonishing eight such instances to keep an eye on:
Atlantic 10 – Xavier (only viable at-large candidate, bubble team at best right now)
Big South – Winthrop (bubble team right now, should make it no matter what)
CAA – Virginia Commonwealth (Old Dominion and Drexel are both knocking on the door)
Conference USA – Memphis (definitely only at-large candidate)
Horizon – Butler (currently lead by Wright St)
Southern – Davidson (App State could potentially get an at-large as well)
West Coast – Gonzaga (currently lead by Santa Clara; Gonzaga is barely in right now anyway)
WAC – Nevada (Utah St and New Mexico St are sneaking into the discussion)
Of these teams, Butler, Nevada, Memphis, Winthrop, and Gonzaga would currently be in the field even if they lost in their conference tournaments. I don’t think Gonzaga can afford a loss personally, but the other four teams should dance in my opinion. Right now, Old Dominion would also sneak in from the CAA; strangely, I’m not sure league-leading VCU would get an at-large. Of course, any major conference could have a bid stolen if a team who would not have gotten an at-large berth makes a magical run. I have a strange feeling that this may happen this year, as a number of talented teams have underachieved in multi-bid leagues. The following teams have enough talent to get hot and win their conference tournaments, but would not make the tournament otherwise: Florida St, UCONN, Providence (could still get an at-large bid), Iowa, Bradley, Wichita St, Washington & LSU. LSU scares me the most, as the Tigers have played well in a loss at Kentucky and a win versus Florida.
Now, I don’t get too much into numbers and RPI rankings and strength of schedule and all that mess. These brackets are just my opinion, mostly based on watching a lot of basketball, reading a lot about basketball, and common sense. Things will change, and I will try to post regularly my actual tracking chart of teams and conferences.
Sleepers:
Recall that I divide sleepers into two groups: first round/upset sleepers (Bucknell ‘05, Santa Clara ‘93, Weber-friggin-State ‘99, etc) and Final Four sleepers (Syracuse ’96, Arizona ’97, UNC ’00, etc). An “Upset Sleeper” must be a 12-seed or lower to qualify and a Final Four sleeper must be a 5-seed or lower.
Upset Sleepers: Long Beach State, Holy Cross, South Alabama, Xavier (if applicable)
Final Four Sleepers: Maryland, Vanderbilt, Southern Cal, UNLV
I love Long Beach State if they make the dance. Their top seven players are all seniors, they shoot a ton of threes (and shoot them quickly), and mix up their defense enough to overshadow the fact that they really are not that good defensively. This is important, because those switching defenses will be unfamiliar to their potential first-round opponent and it will take multiple possessions to adjust. However, note that they are the type of team who could come out and have a bad shooting night and get blown out as a result. And all of this, again, is only if they make the NCAA Tournament.
Of course, I also have a category called the Five to Thrive. These are five teams I think will succeed in March, regardless of seed. Doesn’t mean they’re Final Four picks, I just have a feeling they will play well in the tournament and are not getting a ton of publicity as such. Two years ago, this list included Michigan St (Final Four team). Last year’s list included LSU (also a Final Four team). And yes, that made me one out of five last year (the others were UNC, KU, Washington, and Ohio St. Ouch).
As a note, my original list, written on the back of a DORNA signage tracking sheet at a Virginia Tech women’s basketball game a month ago, included Georgetown before they started playing really well and getting hyped up. Kansas was on the same list. Both teams are now on fire and are getting hyped up by the media. Just so you know…
Vanderbilt – Spread the floor, everyone can shoot, Derrick Byers is the go-to guy. Kevin Stallings is one of the more underrated coaches in the country in my opinion, and he will have his team ready. A good matchup could see them in the Sweet 16.
Georgetown – They’re staying on my list, even though they’ll get a higher seed than I generally allow for in the Five to Thrive. Again, style of play will be key; if the Hoyas get a bad matchup, things could end early. As it is, I think they’ll be playing in at least the Sweet 16, possibly the Elite Eight, and certainly have the ability to make it to Atlanta (the site of this year’s Final Four).
Texas – no one wants to play the Horns. They are really young and playing hot basketball right now…just like Kansas was last year before they lost in the first round to Bradley and ruined brackets across the country. But, Texas is different because they have Kevin Durant. He is the entire reason alone that Texas is on this list.
UNLV – Mainly because one of the three/four Mountain West Conference teams is going to make a run of some sort, I just don’t know who. BYU is not as talented as UNLV, Air Force is playing poorly right now, and San Diego St is on the outside looking in today. UNLV is athletic, has played a tough schedule, and has a good coach in Lon Kruger.
Virginia Tech – Because I love my job. And because they have an experienced backcourt, a go-to guy in Zabian Dowdell, and can play multiple styles in the tournament. A slowdown game does not favor Tech, but the Hokies have won games in the fifties this season as well. And yes, I was going to say Maryland, but everyone on ESPN is blowing the Terps right now and I refuse to join the party.
Bonus – Xavier. Just a weird feeling. Which is probably my supper from last night, meaning Xavier will miss the tournament all together.
Final Four Contenders???:
I love Kansas. I like UCLA. I am hott for Texas A&M, but Joseph Jones keeps fouling out of games. I love Carolina as a fan, but…truth is, I don’t really know who is a Final Four Contender. Every team has a weakness in my eyes. It might be easier to say who I don’t like:
Ohio State – Greg Oden plays defense, but he is the lone Buckeye who does so on a regular basis. They did do an admirable job against Wisconsin last Sunday, but I am skeptical of their ability to do it for four straight games in the NCAA Tournament.
Wisconsin – Can’t shoot, lost Brian Butch, Kameron Taylor is too streaky. There defense will keep them in games, but they look more like a second-round upset waiting to happen than a viable national title contender.
Memphis – I don’t think anyone has an accurate gauge on Memphis because they haven’t played a really good team in three months. One of these years under Calipari, they’ll make the Final Four. I just don’t think this is the one.
Florida – teams that try to “turn it on” in March frequently lose. I’ll make a decision on the Gators based on how they play in the SEC Tournament next week. When focused, they are obviously very, very good. When distracted, they lose to LSU and Tennessee. Ugh.
Pittsburgh – just have my doubts. In fact, I don’t know of many people who really like this team’s chances. Not that they will be upset in the first round, but they look like a ho-hum Sweet 16 team.
Nevada – they are ranked in the top ten of the polls right now. However, how many voters have seen the Wolfpack play more than three times? And how many of those voters would think I meant the NC State Wolfpack in the previous sentence? That being said, Nevada just doesn’t do it for me. After all, I’ve seen them play at least twice.
There are some other teams that could make some noise: Washington St, USC, Duke, and Southern Illinois. All four have holes, but wouldn’t be a total shock. Quick problem with Duke: the Blue Devils are already playing with “March desperation”, but have still lost some games. When they win, they out-hustle other teams and just want to win more. When they lose, they still do those things, but don’t have enough talent.
Ok, that is finally enough I reckon. If I were picking a Final Four right now, it would include Kansas, UCLA, North Carolina, and Texas A&M, but obviously all of those highly-ranked teams will not make it to Atlanta. Either way, I’m in full March Madness Mode at this point. Enjoy the beginning of Championship Week, the Duke/Carolina game, the ACC Women’s Tournament, and a cold beverage.
“Baby…would you eat that there snap cracker in your special outfit for me please?”
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