Carolina vs Clemson

Someone call the police, cause the Heels totally stole that game tonight. It's hard to be totally shocked by the outcome given Clemson's tendency to struggle in close games and Carolina's proclivity for comebacks. Yet, this is one that will go down in the annals of Tar Heels basketball lore as one of the all-timers. For a team to be on pace for 56 turnovers at one point early in the game (56!), go down again by 15 with 8 minutes left, and 11 with 4 minutes left and pull out a win is pretty amazing. And, Clemson is a good team. They are not great, for reasons demonstrated tonight, but the Tigers are a tournament team for sure. That being said, Carolina got tough. A tough Tar Heel team makes me very happy.

My quick thoughts:

• Tyler is incredible. If he's not the national player of the year, I don't know who is. His toughness and refusal to ever chill out and take a play off, no matter the score, is remarkable. He will definitely be the quintessential Tar Heel great for a generation or two, much like Phil Ford for my Dad.
  
• Danny Green's HUGE three-pointers at the end of regulation were...um...huge. For the boneheaded plays he still makes, Danny sure does come through big-time when it matters.
  
• I'm in the process of sawing my leg off in order to give my ACL to Bobby Frasor, ankle to Ty Lawson, and foot to Marcus Ginyard. But...
  
• QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ. I stand by Q. End of discussion.
  
• This team may not (and probably will not) win the national title, or even make the Final Four. But, as I mentioned above, they are as tough and resilient as all getout. As frustrating as the games can be to watch at times, one cannot help but admire and be inspired by this squad. That being said...
• If this team gets healthy in about two weeks or so, watch out. Motivated and at (nearly) full-strength, I like their chances at Duke, in the ACC Tournament, and in the NCAA Tournament. So keep that big picture in mind as you wait for the Boys in Baby Blue to get healthy.
  

I'ma get what I can and more, even if
my blood, my sweat, and my tears don't mean nothin'
It's the heart of a champion (it's the heart of me)
It's the heart of a champion in me

-Nelly

Go Heels and good night.

Super Bowl XLII Follow-up

A few weeks ago, I made my first visit to Las Vegas. Big Balla, Rhino, Kev, Czar, Mean Steve, Ragin', and I descended upon Sin City ready to win some scrilla. Many of my posse were dead-set on winning money on card games or traditional gambling games like roulette or craps. I had my eye on the sports book. I follow sports a bit and am intrigued by the gambling side of it. I cannot bet on sports because of my job in collegiate athletics, but that didn't stop me from observing and dreaming.

Sunday night showed me, yet again, why I would lose a lot of money betting on sports. Why to never bet on the NFL. Why the "sure thing" is never sure in football. The 2007-2009 season was not kind to the two famous Patriots teams attempting to go undefeated: the Independence Patriots of Charlotte, North Carolina (109 game winning streak snapped, eventually lost in NC Football State Finals for first time since my senior year of high school in 2000) and of course, the New England Patriots who were trying to be the first team to go 19-0. Instead, the New Bern Tigers and New York Giants are each champions. I hate the way that sounds, btw. Both of those.

I'm not going to analyze the game, as you can go to any major newspaper or sports website and get all the analysis you'd ever want. But I will tell you that I am very surprised that New England played scared. The Pats never do that. The Giants "let it all hang out" and won because of it.

I will tell you from a personal standpoint that I got home from a Super Bowl party, got ready for bed, and said aloud, "man, I'm just so disappointed right now." I'm not a New England fan, not by a longshot. I'm not a Pats apologist either, although Rodney Harrison is one of my favorite players to watch (yes, he's dirty. But man, is he good or what?). But, I was definitely hoping to see history last night. I wanted to see a team go 19-0 and be the best team ever. And I didn't want a 14-10 win either. I wanted a blowout, an undeniable performance for the best team of all-time. I wanted to tell Lil' Kyle all about the 2007 New England Patriots, the champions of Super Bowl XLII when he asks me in fifteen years or so. He'd be a wee little eight year-old kid, sifting through the NFL record books online, and come wandering in to say, "Dad, how did the Patriots go 19-0?!?!? Were they the best team ever?"

Instead, Lil' Kyle will look through the record books at age eight and miss the Pats all-together. Then, at age sixteen or so, he'll be watching an NFL Films documentary about the best teams to not win a title and see something about New England in 2007. So, he'll wander out in the backyard where Dad is raining threes in the driveway and say, "yo, Dad, dude, I didn't know the Patriots almost went undefeated, then choked in the Super Bowl. That sucks. So, when do I get to borrow your car, there's this fly honey I want to take to Bojangles?"

And now, K-Trey (that's Kyle the third, Kyle III, "Trey", or "K-Trey" for short...or long...whatever), my unrivaled grandson will wander into my room in forty years and say, "Big Poppa, tell me about the 2007 New England Patriots. They were 18-1." And I'll say, "they were? Really? Hmmm...oh yeah, they lost in the Super Bowl. What a shame. K-Trey, let's go work on your batting stance." If New England had won last night and gone down as the greatest team I'd ever seen, there's no way I'd forget them in forty years. Now? Who knows. So that's why I am disappointed.


A couple quick UNC-related notes. First of all, let me say that five years ago, I'd have punched a hole in the wall during yesterday's game. As late as theMaryland road game in 2005, I've had meltdowns in-game that led to something being thrown, punched, kicked, cussed, or otherwise broken (in case you're wondering, we won that game after breaking down defensively multiple times late, then digging in a getting a stop, all without Rashad McCants). Now? I just watched it all unfold, calmly. Of course I wanted the Heels to win. I did pop the side of my grandfather's recliner after Ryan Reid hit the first three-pointer of his college career to send it to OT. But then I went in my bedroom and laughed for thirty seconds or so, took a leak, and returned to watch us lock it down in overtime. No need to get upset. Remember, there's a bigger picture to the basketball season (national championship) and, thankfully, a bigger picture to life (Jesus).

Second, Ty Lawson is not playing Wednesday night. No way. That ankle injury does not look like something he can play on this week, or maybe even next. Carolina will most likely lose, but not solely as a result of Lawson being out. However, once Frasor went down for the season, Lawson immediately became the most indespinsible player on the team. He might have been even with Frasor. Quintin Thomas will play, and play pretty well I think. But the Tar Heels are incredibly different without Lawson.

Third, do not fret about the short-term for the Tar Heels. As I mentioned above, the goal is to win the last game of the season (and don't worry, the Heels ain't NIT-bound, not this year). So getting Lawson back in time to get ready for the home-stretch and the drive through March is more important than beating Duke. And yes, I honestly believe this. Any Carolina fan who truly "gets it" should as well.

Not much else to say right now. Hopefully The Blue Team will return later this week with a National Signing Day breakdown (also on Wednesday, how great is that??) and analysis of the Duke/Carolina matchup. Until then...

bye bye bye.

Super Bowl Prediction & UNC vs FSU

Quick Super Bowl prediction, in case anyone cares: New England 37 New York Giants 13. I am stubborn in thinking the Pats are the best team until someone knocks them off. I have no real reason from a matchup standpoint other than I think the Pats have better players, better schemes, and the experience edge. Plus, giving Bellichek and Co two weeks to prepare certainly makes a difference. NYG only wins if New England turns the ball over a lot, and that's not happening because the Pats will be focused and ready to go. (My only "Howeva" here is that New England has not won any of its three Super Bowls convincingly. They had big leads in all three, but lost focus and the lead in two of them. We'll see if that becomes reality again tonight).

Now, for the only game that really matters to me on Super Bowl Sunday - Carolina vs Florida State. In case you missed it, the Heels prevailed 82-73 in OT down in Tallahassee. Ty Lawson missed nearly the entire game due to an ankle injury (one of those sprains that bothers you for a month. Great). Tyler Hansbrough did not have a made field-goal thirty minutes into the game. Wayne Ellington had only ten points or so (no boxscore up yet to confirm). SO how was this game won?.

Roy Williams knows. Toughness, Roy says. The Heels played tough physically and remained tough mentally. What started out as an infamous "No Eff-ing Way Game" (see Bill Simmons' column on ESPN.com) turned into one of the gutsiest performances of recent years. Now don't get me wrong, Florida St did its part. The Seminoles shot poorly, rebounded worse, and turned the ball over at inopportune times. Three FSU post players fouled out in overtime. Toney Douglas was 3-20 shooting. BUT, Carolina still worked to win this ballgame. On the road, in ACC play, against a team that has given them problems in the past.

Everyone contributed today. Not to mislead anyone, Hansbrough still played a great game. He did not get the ball to score much, but he rebounded like a man possessed (20+ I believe) and made some key shots late. Deon Thompson & Alex Stepheson played well at the four spot. Danny Green broke out of his recent funk and shot the ball well (he also turned it over a lot). Marcus Ginyard gutted it out on a sore foot and played great defense all day, as usual. William Graves did something well I'm sure, I just don't remember anything right now.

But the story from this game is Quintin Thomas. Q. In ten years, I will be having a conversation with some Carolina fan and his name will come up. The other person will whine about how Q underachieved, had no confidence, and really made him mad. I will then turn away for ten seconds so as not to unload on the guy and gather myself. I will then remind him of this game. And the other guy will then shut up, realize he knows nothing about basketball, and punch himself in the face. Q is about so much more than points, assists, turnovers, etc. To appreciate him, you have to see the entire picture.

A freshman who has to start his first collegiate game in his home state of California, plays poorly, and watches his team lose to Santa Clara (yes, Santa Clara). He contributes little on the floor as the squad wins the national title. As a sophomore, he is bypassed by a combo guard from Illinois, Bobby Frasor, and plays eractically as a backup. As a junior, he is relegated to third-string after Frasor is bypassed by a freshmen phenom point guard (Ty Lawson). Frasor gets hurt, Q is the backup again, and again plays eractically. Same situation now as a senior. Turns the ball over three times in a row at Clemson and seems to have no confidence.

At what point in there would you have quit? Have asked to transfer? Maybe have quit basketball all together? I'd give myself until that junior year, then I'd have been gone. No way I could have stuck it out behind two guys younger than me. Be honest here: what takes more guts, quiting or staying? Starting or being a leader from the bench? Giving your all in practice and never getting it to come together in a game or being a superstar?

Has Quintin Thomas' career as a Carolina point guard been what he dreamed about prior to accepting a scholarship? No. But did God have a perfect plan for his life and does Quintin believe in that plan? Yes. I admire his toughness more than anyone on this team. To see him contribute today and play a great game in place of Lawson is inspiring. Because he's stuck it out, continued to work, got a chance and did well for himself. What will Quintin say about this? Probably something along the lines of, "it was nice to contribute, but I'm just glad we got the win. I have a bigger goal than this one game though." I don't know if he's already said that or not, but that's the kind of player and person Quintin Thomas is. Does this team need Ty Lawson? Duh. Is Ty Lawson still the better point guard. Again, duh. Will Q always play well? Probably not. But will Q ever give up? No way. And I promise to never give up on him.

So today, be happy that Carolina won. And be happy for Quintin Thomas.

The Greatest Song of All-Time

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.

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...

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.

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:

• 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...

Role Reversal

The caption reads "Run Vick Run".

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'...

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.