More Bowl Games Please!

I want to talk about the college football bowl system.  So much is bothering me about all of this that it's making me sick to my stomach.  Am I ecstatic the Sooners are undefeated and are going to get their shot at USC in the Orange Bowl?  Most definitely.  Though it does upset me that a solid, undefeated Auburn team gets no chance at playing for the national title. 

 What is the guy on the left so excited about exactly?  Beating a crappy Syracuse team? 

Last week on ESPN's 'The Sports Reporters' Jason Whitlock, a Kansas City Star writer, mentioned he was 'in full favor' of the BCS.  For those of you who are non-college football fans, the BCS is the Bowl Championship Series.  I'm not about to try and explain this bunch of garbage but let me just say this...we need a playoff.  It's obvious.  The BCS stinks.  I have no idea how Mr Whitlock can say he is in favor of the BCS, because if there is one undefeated team and two one-loss teams who, of these teams, gets the chance to play for the title?  Lord, I could go on and on.  (BCS = 4 bowl games and a crapload of money...approx. $14-17 million per team) for the eight teams participating in the games compared to the rest of the bowl games where the schools get nothing close to that.

How awful was the Big East conference this year?  By winning the conference, Pittsburgh, at 8-3, gets their shot to play in a BCS game.  Let me explain something to you...Pittsburgh is gawd awful.  They have three losses.  Do I need to say anymore?  They lost to Nebraska (no Tommie Frazer on this team), UCONN (yes, they actually have a football team) and Syracuse.  The same Syracuse team just got completely shredded last night by Georgia Tech, 51-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl. 

What the hell is the Champs Sports Bowl anyways?  Are they trying to get every football team who ends up over .500 in a bowl game?  Hello.  Most of those teams stink for a reason.  I'm sorry but I love college football and I can't turn on some of these games.  There is no point to 80% of them.  (Champs, the store, stinks by the way...)

For example...The Fort Worth Bowl pits the mighty Thundering Herd of Marshall vs the Bearcats of Cincinnati.  First of all, no Chad Pennington and no Randy Marshall..er...Moss, and no Byron Leftwich.  Second of all, no bowl game.  Go home guys.  Enjoy Christmas. 

Las Vegas Bowl.  Wyoming vs UCLA.  Okay, so this one is in Vegas.  The game is going to stink but at least the fans, who will have walked out by midway through 2nd quarter, will have something to do. 

Hawaii Bowl.  Hawaii AT UAB.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This game is in Hawaii, yet UAB is the home team.  Sneaky one fella's.  Hawaii's quarterback, Tommie Chang, is the leading passer in the history of the NCAA.  You'd think they would have a good team right?  They lost to Florida Atlantic, Rice, UTEP, Boise State (not just a loss...they lost 69-3), Fresno State (not just a loss, they lost 70-14)...get the picture here?  These teams are bad; really bad.

Motor City Bowl.  Toledo vs UConn.  Ford Field in Detroit will be packed to the rafters for this one.  First of all, why in gods green earth would anybody want to go to DETROIT in December for a bowl game?  Aren't bowl games in the South so teams can get away from the weather in the North?  Second, no bowl games should be indoors.  That takes the fun out of it. 

Independence Bowl.  Miami (OH) vs Iowa State.  Two teams who are over .500 so they MUST be deserving of a bowl game.  If you haven't realized it yet...these bowl games are just about money.  End of story.

Emerald Bowl.  New Mexico vs Navy.  I have nothing to say about this game.  Absolutely nothing.  I don't know anything about New Mexico.  I don't know anything about Navy.  I don't know where the Emerald Bowl takes place.  That should tell you all you need to know considering I follow college football like its the back of my hand. 

Silicon Valley Bowl.  Northern Illinois vs Troy.  See above. 

My Top Eight Bowl Games This Year.

1. USC vs Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl.  If any of you would like to go back to June and check out my college football preview article I did predict this.  Along with that, I picked USC.  That's changing.  Two words.  Adrian Peterson.  Get ready Men of Troy.  He's comin'.

2. Michigan vs Texas in the Rose Bowl.  Michigan has a great freshman quarterback in ChadHenne, the best wide receiver in the country in Braylon Edwards and a solid defense.  Texas has athletic quarterback Vince Young, all everything running back Cedric Benson and the best linebacker in the country Derrick Johnson.  Alright alright...I love this game but I'm just itching to say something about Cal not playing in the Rose. 

3. Auburn vs Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.  Everybody knows about Jason Campbell, Cadillac Williams and all Auburn has to offer.  They are undefeated and just as good as good as OU and USC.  Yet they get to play Virginia Tech in the Sugar?  Better than the Emerald Bowl I guess.

4. Boise State vs Louisville in the Liberty Bowl.  Both teams have high flying offenses.  Boise State completely ripped everybody on their schedule.  Louisville lost to Miami (Fl) 41-38, but should have won.  Just watch this game.  It'll be worth it. 

5. LSU vs Iowa in the Capital One Bowl.  Iowa dismantled Wisconsin yet again and in the process gets to play at noon on New Year's Day instead of 10am.  Congrats.  You get to sleep in another hour.  Nick Saban is going to have to be ready for this one.  Iowa doesn't mess around.

6. Georgia vs Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.  The speed of the southern team vs the power of the northern team.  I've seen this before, this exact same game as a matter of fact, and it does not turn out pretty.  Watch Georgia Run.  Watch Georgia Pass.  Watch Georgia Win By 40.

7. Texas A&M vs Tennessee in the Cotton Bowl.  This game would have been higher if the Vols top RB Jabari Brown had not been suspended.  Gerald Riggs can play like his daddy did for the 'Skins in the 80's.  A&M QB Reggie McNeal is fun to watch.  This game has all the makings of a 45-42 game. 

8. Miami (Fla) vs Florida in the Peach Bowl.  So between them there are seven losses, a coach already fired and a starting quarterback (Brock Berlin) who in the past two years has given a team with as much talent as any in the country no chance at the national title.  Yet, both teams completely hate each other.  This will be a war with somebody going off on a stretcher.  It's better than the EV1.net Houston Bowl.  I know that much.

 

 

If The Heisman Went Out Today...

Is that the Heisman pose that Adrian Peterson, freshman running back for Oklahoma, is making or is it just me?

I'm a little biased of course (being a Sooner fan), but isn't Peterson the best player in the country? 

I have always been under the impression that the best player on the best team wins the award.  Last year, Jason White of Oklahoma was phenominal but was he the best player in the country?  Not quite.  Larry Fitzgerald was.  This year my pick would be Matt Leinart, QB for USC.  Then again, Leinart might not be the best player on his team.  Reggie Bush, USC's RB, is the most amazing athlete in the country bar none.

So if you had a vote for the Heisman...who would you vote for?  Peterson?  Bush?  Leinart?  Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards? 

Could Jason White get the award again?  He went 27-for-44 for 389 yards and four TD's this weekend vs Kansas. 

Cedric Benson?  Good running back;  team is so-so and his coach, Mack Brown, is god awful.  He's out. 

Kyle Orton?  Dont get me started.  He's out.  That's all I'm saying.

My Pick?  Adrian Peterson if OU stays undefeated and he stays on pace for 2,000 yards.

P.S. I know that NONE of you follow English soccer (well, maybe one or two of you), but in the story below I mentioned the Arsenal/Manchester United game.  If you notice I said that Man U needs to start getting goals from van Nistelrooy and Rooney.  Man U beat Arsenal 2-0 Sunday ending Arsenal's streak at 49 without a loss.  Who scored the 2 goals you ask?  That's right...van Nistelrooy and Rooney.  Guess I'm doing something right.

The Sports Weekend

What a great weekend of sports we have ahead of us.  

The World Series gets underway this weekend with the St Louis Cardinals traveling to Boston to face the Red Sox in Game 1 Saturday night.  Could this series be any more exciting than the ALCS or NLCS?  I highly doubt it but I'm looking forward to see what both teams have to offer.   Of these two teams, which player would you rather have right now?  On one hand is Papi, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.  He is batting .429 and has three game-winning hits this postseason.  Manny Ramirez might be the American League MVP but Papi is Mr October in Boston this fall.

 Another dinger for Ortiz.

On the otherhand is St Louis first baseman Albert Pujols (pronounced Pu-HOLES for those of you who don't know...including me four months ago).  In the NLCS, Pujols batted .500 with four homers and nine RBI's.  Not bad.  When Barry Bonds retires maybe Pujols will get an NL MVP.   He deserves it.

Also on Saturday the college football season rolls along.  The best matchup of the weekend takes place in West Lafayette, Indiana where Michigan squares up against Purdue.  Purdue should be undefeated but Kyle Orton, senior QB for the Boilers, fumbled the ball away with 2 minutes left and blew Purdue's chances at a national title, the Rose Bowl, and the Heisman Trophy for himself.   Congratulations Kyle, you ruined your teams year.  How does that make you feel?   Tell him what you think of his performance against UW by e-mailing him:  KOrton@Purdue.edu

Another great game is the Alabama-Tennessee game.  The Tide blame Phillip Fulmer for being sanctioned by the NCAA.  Need a good read?  Read about what the fans of Alabama think about Fulmer here.  Talk about a nasty rivalry. 

 Tide fans LOVE Fulmer...like Red Sox fans love George Steinbrenner.

The Wisconsin Badgers, still undefeated because of that Orton fumble which was run into the endzone for the go ahead TD, face Northwestern in Madison.  The Badgers have to watch out for a letdown after such a big win last weekend.  Wisconsin lost 16-7 last year to the Wildcats.   It won't happen this year.   Wisconsin moves to 8-0.  

On Sunday the New England Patriots face the NY J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS.  The last time these two teams faced off Jets QB Chad Pennington had five interceptions.  If the Jets want to stay undefeated Pennington can not turn the ball over at all.   Both teams are undefeated but somebody is going home with a loss.  That team will be the Jets.  Tom Brady and the Pats win again.  

Looking for some REAL excitement this weekend?  The National Bullriding World Finals take place on Friday night.  I mean, what's not to love?  I don't know exactly.  Bullriding is not my cup of tea.  Do I look like a person who wants to be bucked off a 2000 lb bull?   Right.  

My Top Eight Sporting Events This Weekend

1. Manchester United vs Arsenal -- Top two teams in England the past ten years face off.  Arsenal hasn't lost in 49 games.  Yes, thats right, 49 games.  Man U need to start getting goals from their amazing strike force of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney or they are going to have no chance to win the Premiership this year (This is MY top eight list remember which is why this is #1).

2. St Louis Cardinals at Boston Red Sox -- Game 1 is Saturday night.  It's a good thing this matchup comes down to more than just managing because Tony LaRussa would whip Terry Francona in a managing contest...if there was such a thing.  Can Boston 'Reverse the Curse?'   Yes.  Bosox in 6.

3. New York Jets at New England Patriots -- explained above.  Tom Brady won't let the Pats lose.

4. Northwestern at Wisconsin -- Anthony Davis rushes for 200 yards.  John Stocco keeps playing with composure.  Wisconsin wins.

5. Michigan at Purdue -- Come on Kyle, I know you are a better QB than what you showed last weekend.  And another thing...Stop acting like you were playing so great by taking the lead over the Badgers.  Wisconsin's defense line, the best in the country, was out.   Every single one of them.  Just another reason to smile at your fumble last weekend.

6. Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers -- So Favre looked great last weekend.  Can somebody explain to me why he can't do that week in and week out?  If the Pack draft Orton next year I'm becoming a Bear fan...or maybe a Viking fan.  At least they are good.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts -- Colts ran rampant over the Jags in their last matchup.  Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich has a bad ankle but will play.  Can anybody else see Leftwich getting the Steve McNair syndrome very, VERY early in his career?   He will always play, hurt or not, but does that help or hurt him in the long run?  

8. Miami (Fla.) at North Carolina State -- Canes QB Brock Berlin is going to fall apart sometime.  It will happen sooner than later.  Bank on it.  

"That is damn good scotch. I could do a commercial for this stuff. Mmmmm, boy that Hennigans goes down smooth. And afterwords you don't even smell. That's right folks. I just had three shots of Hennigans and I don't smell. Imagine, you can walk around drunk all day. That's Hennigans, the no-smell, no-tell, scotch."

-Cosmo Kramer

GO PACK GO!!!

So last night the Packers played the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football.  What a great game that was.  I could barely stand to watch more than one quarter.  In that fifteen minute period of time, I watched Favre throw an awful interception, the defense miss tackle after tackle and Ahman Green fumble yet again.  When are people going to realize that just because he rushes for a lot of yards doesnt mean he is great?  Year after year he fumbles in every big game.  Honestly, I believe that Mike Sherman has to go.  The Pack has one of the best quarterbacks to ever lace up cleats in Brett Favre.  He is only going to be around for another couple years and we need to take advantage of him while he is still here.

To salvage this season...Sherman has to go and now. 

  Run Adrian, Run

On the college front, who has seen Oklahoma's freshman running back Adrian Peterson?  I saw him last year as a high school senior in Texas.  He is showing the Big 12 why he was the best player in the country last year.  He rushed for over 220 yards vs Texas last weekend.  Then again we all know how pathetic of a coach Mack Brown is.  As a Sooner fan, Mack strikes no fear and I'm sure that every other Sooner fan feels the same way.  Now if Steve Spurrier was the coach of the Longhorns that would be different.  It would be scary to see what Spurrier could do with the talent in Austin. 

Who would like to see Roger Clemens in the World Series pitching at Yankee Stadium next week?  I know I would.  I would much rather see a Cardinals vs Red Sox World Series though. 

Wisconsin plays Purdue this weekend.  This game features the Boilermakers high flying offense with Kyle Orton at QB vs a Badger defense which is one of the best, if not the best, in the country.  The Badgers completely shut down Ohio State's offense last weekend.  It was great to hear the Buckeye fans booing after every three and out.  Bring on Purdue.  It's going to be a great great college football game.  Anthony Davis rushes for 175 yards and the Badgers win, 27-21. 

The WNBA Finals are in full swing and....hahahahaha.  Sorry.  Wasted time and energy there.

My Top Eight Football games this weekend.

1.  Wisconsin at Purdue -- Already explained above.

2.  Seattle at New England -- Damn you St Louis for ruining an undefeated matchup.  Great game still. 

3.  Virginia at Florida State -- Yes Virginia is ranked #6 in the country but they havent traveled to Doak Campbell Stadium yet.  Should be a good one.

4.  Louisville at Miami (Fla) -- Who wouldn't LOVE to see the Canes go down at home on national television? 

5.  Arizona State at USC -- Can anybody stop the Trojans?  I'll answer that question.  Yes.  The Sooners in January.  I have all the answers...anybody else notice that?

6.  Houston at Tennessee -- Tennessee is Tennessee.  McNair is tough as nails.  Chris Brown is a great running back but boy, I really like watching the Texans play.  Andre Johnson is a wonderful wide receiver.

7.  Pittsburgh at Dallas -- Get ready Dallas...Ben Roethlisberger is coming to town.  Wow, he looks good.  Did the Chargers make a mistake or is it just me? 

8.  Green Bay at Detroit -- Okay so we realize its going to be a long year in Title *cough, cough* Town but we better beat Detroit.  If the Pack start 1-5 Favre will retire mid-season.  Mark my words...or something...

WAYNE ROONEY!!!

This is Wayne Rooney, Manchester United newest signing.  In his first game in a Red's uniform on Tuesday he scored three goals.  He's 18 years old. 

By the way...he wears # 8.  Giddy up.

First 3 Weeks of the NFL Season

So what are the surprises of the NFL season so far?  Did anybody expect Philly and New England NOT to be undefeated?  Philly has the one need in TO that they have missed in a go-to receiver.  New England was the best in the NFL before adding Corey Dillon.  But what about Jacksonville?  I would never have predicted the Jags to be at the top of the AFC South right now over Indy.  Granted the Colts only loss is to the Patriots.

Another surprise is the Chiefs being 0-3.  Why does it look like they have like 7 defensive players on the field during every play?  Man their D is disgusting.  Priest Holmes can only do so much on offense as can Tony Gonzalez.  The Chiefs, like the Eagles, need a go-to receiver.  They should have went after somebody in the offseason. 

After the first weekend's loss to the Browns, I also would not have predicted that the Ravens would come back and win two games in a row.  They looked completely awful in that loss.  The offense stunk and the defense was horrible.  They've pulled it together like the playoff team they should be. 

What about my friend Josh's pick of the Buffalo Bills going to the Super Bowl you ask?  They are 0-2 heading into a matchup this Sunday vs the Pats.  Good luck with that one.  He did have Seattle being the top team in the NFC West which is something I did not think would happen.  Seattle has their weapons firing on all cylinders. 

The Vick-led Falcons have the fans of Hotlanta breathing a sigh of relief.  They seemed to think that because Vick didn't play much (or well for that matter) in the preseason that they were going to struggle this year.  Not quite.  Vick is the real deal as we all know and as long as he stays healthy there is no stopping them...well, until they reach the Eagles in the NFC Championship game that is. 

Miami stinks.  Tampa Bay stinks.  San Francisco stinks.  We expected those teams to be god awful. 

My Top Eight Games to look forward to this week:

1.  Indianapolis at Jacksonville -- Can Tony Brackens and the Jags D get some pressure on Peyton like the Packers could not?

2.  Atlanta at Carolina -- Again...Carolina's D-line stopping Michael Vick...that is the question.

3.  Cincinnati at Pittsburgh -- Two rookie QB's facing each other (I consider Palmer a rookie considering he played squat last year behind Kitna).

4.  Philadelphia at Chicago -- This is high on my list just because I want to see TO score 7 td's on that crappy Bears D.

5.  NY Giants at Green Bay -- Packers need a win to stay close to the Vikings. 

6.  New England at Buffalo -- Buffalo just needs a win.  Can it happen?  Uhhhh.....

7.  Oakland at Houston -- What are the chances of the Raiders keeping the wins coming?  Can the oldies stay un-injured and not end up in the hospital for one more week? 

8.  Kansas City at Baltimore -- The Chiefs need a win and at Baltimore is not the best place to try and get one...especially on a Monday night in front of a national tv audience. 

Clueless

SCENE IV - CLASSROOM DEBATE

MR HALL

Should all oppressed people be allowed refuge in America? Amber will take the con position. Cher will be pro. Cher, two minutes.

CHER (Alicia Silverstone)

So, OK, like right now, for example, the Haitians (she pronounces it HATE-ians) need to come to America. But some people are all "What about the strain on our resources?" But it's like, when I had this garden party for my father's birthday right? I said R.S.V.P. because it was a sit-down dinner. But people came that like, did not R.S.V.P. so I was like, totally buggin'. I had to haul ass to the kitchen, redistribute the food, squish in extra place settings, but by the end of the day it was like, the more the merrier! And so, if the government could just get to the kitchen, rearrange some things, we could certainly party with the Haitians. And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty?

(Class breaks into applause)

CHER

Thank you very much.

MR HALL

Uh, Amber? Replying?

AMBER (Elisa Donovan)

Mr. Hall, how can I answer that? The topic is Haiti and she's talking about some little party.

CHER

Hello?! It was his fiftieth birthday!

AMBER

Whatever. If she doesn't do the assignment, I can't do mine.

Classic movie.

#38 by ee cummings

may i feel said he

(i'll squeal said she

just once said he)

it's fun said she

 

(may i touch said he

how much said she

a lot said he)

why not said she

 

(let's go said he

not too far said she

what's too far said he

where you are said she)

 

may i stay said he

(which way said she

like this said he

if you kiss said she

 

may i move said he

is it love said she)

if you're will said he

(but you're killing said she

 

but it's life said he

but your wife said she

now said he)

ow said she

 

(tiptop said he

don't stop said she

oh no said he)

go slow said she

 

(cccome?said he

ummm said she)

you're divine!said he

(you are Mine said she)

 

#38 by ee cummings

The Ryan and Josh NFL Prediction Machine

The much anticipated Ryan and Josh NFL Preview is ready for viewing.  We have worked long and hard so read thoroughly.  (* = wildcard teams)

 Daunte has all the tools around him.

Ryan's NFC North
1. Vikings
2. Packers*
3. Lions
4. Bears

Josh's NFC North
1. Vikings
2. Packers*
3. Lions
4. Bears

Ryan's North Rundown -- The Vikings control their own destiny this year...like they did last year (Thank you Arizona).  The Vikes have all the tools to go all the way yet something holds them back.  Could it be Randy Moss's Terrell Owens syndrome?  With the Packers we all realize it comes down to Favre's health...and his head.  Oh yes, and Mike McKenzie.  Without him, no Super Bowl run for the Pack.  The Lions have the obvious potential in years to come, but not yet.  The Bears?  Rex isn't the answer.  Next.

Josh's North Rundown -- Two teams in this conference are on the rise, one is remaining steady and another I'm afraid to say is heading downward.  The Vikings have an improved defense and their O could be the next "best show on turf." Green Bay could sneak a wild card at best but with Favre aging the defense will have to pick up the slack and I'm afraid they can only take it for so long...  Lions will turn some heads this year with several offensive gems.  Chicago.....Rex Grossman era.....next.

Ryan's NFC East
1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Redskins
4. Giants

Josh's NFC East
1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Giants
4. Redskins

Ryan's East Rundown -- TO finally cried his way out of San Fran and Baltimore and into an Eagles uniform.  I don't remember a great receiver McNabb has had to throw to (Marvin Harrison at Syracuse maybe).  The East is tough.  All four teams have great coaches, solid QB's, good defense, yet the Eagles seem to have the whole package.  Cowboys, with Testaverde, will be solid but not great on offense.  The G-men will struggle and Kurt Warners life will be ruined by his wife in NYC and Dan Snyder will do everything he can to ruin another Redskins season. 

Josh's East Rundown -- Philly is going to be so tough to beat this year it's kinda sick.  Their defense flies and their offense won't miss a step with Buckhalter's injury.  Dallas, as much as it pains me, will improve leaps and bounds with Parcells at the helm.  QB is one of the only issues, but it's a big one.  Tough call in New York: do you throw the boy to the wolves or risk it with the veteran who tanked last year?  Money gets spent in Washington as fast as the Redskins keep changing personnel.  Ridiculous.

Ryan's NFC South
1. Panthers
2. Falcons*
3. Buccaneers
4. Saints

Josh's NFC South
1. Panthers
2. Falcons*
3. Saints
4. Buccaneers

Ryan's South Rundown -- The Panthers, in my eyes, came out of no where last year.  I didnt see that coming at all.  They have all the pieces back but whether they can stay healthy or not is another matter.  Just ask the #2 team...the Falcons and Michael Vick.  If he stays healthy they might be 13-3.  If he gets injured...eesh...I can't even watch the Falcons without Vick.  Who is his backup?  Tim Couch?  Bucs and Saints have no shot at anything...so why even talk about them.  I'm not.  Next.

Josh's South Rundown -- Super Bowl runner-up hasn't really lost a step and their defense is anchored by the best DL in the game: Julius Peppers.  I'm leery about Jake Delhomme though...one good year and they throw him tons of money.  We'll see.  Atlanta will go as Vick goes, duh.  New Orleans will be in almost every game, or they should be.  When did you think you'd see the Bucs, a Super Bowl team in the last couple years, at the bottom of the conference?  Well, you'll see it this year.

Ryan's NFC West
1. Rams
2. Seahawks
3. Cardinals
4. 49ers

Josh's NFC West
1. Seahawks
2. Rams
3. Cardinals
4. 49ers

Ryan's West Rundown -- Thank you St Louis for getting rid of Kurt Warner and letting Marc Bulger take over this team.  He doesn't have to look over to the sideline every two minutes to see Kurt warming up.  I'm not falling into the 'Matt Hasselback is taking the Seahawks to the Super Bowl' fever.  Good RB (Shaun Alexander), good D, good WR's, yet Hasselback doesn't do it for me.  Cardinals might actually start moving upwards with Denny Green but it will still take a couple years.  The 49ers?  Didn't I say something to the effect of if the team stinks don't talk about them....done.

Josh's West Rundown -- This is Seattle's year if they're going to do anything.  They're almost guarenteed a playoff spot with this conference.  Their defense is tight as a drum and their offense is powered by two Pro Bowlers (Hasselbeck and Alexander).  St. Louis will still score points, but won't be nearly as tough.  Most of them are aging rapidly.  The battle here will be the cellar. San Fran is absolutely dreadful.  Their best player is a LB.  'Zona will be slightly improved with Denny Green calling the shots.

Ryan's AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Bengals*
3. Steelers
4. Browns

Josh's AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Bengals*
3. Steelers
4. Browns

 Get ready for more of Ray Ray

Ryan's North Rundown -- I wish the Ravens had an offense.  I do like Kyle Boller but boy...other than Jamal Lewis they have nothing.  TO could have helped in that capacity I think.  The Bengals and starting QB Carson Palmer are on the up and up.  Palmer has all the tools to take the Bengals a long way...but not past the first round of the playoffs this year.  The Steelers?  Time for Ben Roethlisberger to start.  He will be solid for the Steelmen for the next ten years.  The Browns?  Jeff Garcia?  You serious?

Josh's North Rundown -- Baltimore's defense will keep giving the offense opportunities.  But sooner or later they're going to get tired of carrying the team.  Lewis at RB will be steady but Boller will HAVE to improve.  The Bengals will be a wild card team, I'll say that right now.  Rudi Johnson can carry the load at RB and
Carson Palmer will be decent.  Pitt has a nice addition in Duce Staley but former XFL MVP Tommy Maddox will finally revert back to stinky form.  Cleveland, aside from rookie Kellen Winslow's mouth, has shown me nothing.

Ryan's AFC East
1. Patriots
2. Jets*
3. Bills
4. Dolphins

 Corey has to be a team player in New England.

Josh's AFC East
1. Buffalo
2. New England*
3. Jets
4. Dolphins

Ryan's East Rundown -- The Pats?  Don't even have to talk about them.  We all know what they have and what they added in Corey Dillon.  If he can't be a team player in New England then he will never be a team player.  The J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS have signed Chad Pennington long term so expect good things from them.  I'm waiting for the running back situation to blow up in Buffalo and Drew Bledsoe to go ballistic on somebody.  Nothing changes with the Bills.  The Fins?  Ha....ha....ha. 

Josh's East Rundown -- I think this also might be Buffalo's year.  The defense rivals the Patriots and I think their offense is actually better overall.  Look for Lee Evans to make an impact as well.  New England will fight them tooth and nail for the conference title.  The Jets will just kind of hang around.  They gave Pennington serious dough after a so-so season.  Don't know what that's about...  Miami.....oh boy.  Could any team have had a worse offseason?  Williams is gone and Boston is done for the year.  Fiedler leading them to glory?  Pfft.  Forget it.  Mail it in right now.

Ryan's AFC South
1. Colts
2. Titans
3. Jaguars
4. Texans

Josh's AFC South
1. Colts
2. Titans
3. Jags
4. Texans

Ryan's South Rundown -- Colts will stroll through the South.  I want to see Peyton and Co. go farther this year.  Thus...the Super Bowl.  The Titans?  Steve McNair is a walking disaster and no running game.  The Jags?  I see nothing come from them.  The Texans?  Give them a couple years and they will be all set in Houston.  Domanick Davis is showing a lot more than people gave him credit for on draft day. 

Josh's South Rundown -- Everybody is expecting a step up from Tennessee because of fresh legs at RB with George gone.  Well, McNair is getting seriously fragile.  He can't do everything for them anymore.  Indy is the team to beat.  With Dungy
continually upgrading their D, the O just keep going along steadily.  Jacksonville will be improved and might compete with the top two, but not enough to steal a top-half finish.  Houston is going nowhere fast.  Hope fans down in Texas are patient...

Ryan's AFC West
1. Chiefs
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chargers

Josh's AFC West
1.) Chiefs
2.) Broncos
3.) Raiders
4.) Chargers

Ryan's West Rundown -- Gotta like the Chiefs offense...just not the defense.  We all saw what happened vs the Colts last year.  Not pretty.  The Broncos have Champ Bailey and John Lynch in the secondary.  Their running game, with former OU standout Quentin Griffin, will hold them back from going anywhere.  The Raiders just keep getting older and older.  Can we just transport the team bus to a hospice center?  I don't like Drew Brees in San Diego.  When can Philip Rivers get his shot? 

Josh's West Rundown -- Kansas City better do something and now or else they're time will have come and gone.  Trent Green throw for over 300 yards continually and Priest Holmes runs for over 2000 yards...and yet a Super Bowl is out of reach.  Someone explain it to me.  I still like Plummer in Denver, but Quentin Griffin can't handle the load, I'm sorry.  The O in Oakland stands for OLD.  San Diego....I feel sorry for LaDanian.  He's the best guy there and their administration stinks.  I just hope they haven't spoiled things for Rivers at QB.

Ryan's Final Predictions:
AFC Champ: Pats
NFC Champ: Eagles
Super Bowl Champ: Pats

Josh's Final Predictions:
AFC Champ: Bills
NFC Champ: Eagles
Super Bowl Champ: Eagles

Ryan and Josh's Top Eight Reasons to Move in Together...We Both Enjoy:

1. Pro Football

2. College football

3. Baseball and the pennant races

4. European Soccer (Manchester United especially...)

5. Training for triathalons

6. Camping

7. Being outdoors

8. Reading poetry...

Well, I'm not sure how many of those Josh actually enjoys, but I, Ryan, enjoy them all.

The Best Time Of The Year

So, for me, this is the best time of the year.  It's the second week of the US Open, college football is underway, baseball pennant races are heating up and pro football starts this next week.  Could it get any better?  (Well, it could be March and the NCAA Tournament, but it gives me something to look forward to in six months)

At the US Open, there is a lot to look forward to.  Roger Federer and Andre Agassi face off on Wednesday night; Serena Williams plays Jennifer Capriati; Lindsey Davenport beat Venus Williams Monday afternoon leaving her with a quarterfinal matchup versus Shinobu Asagoe of Japan.  I have yet to mention Andy Roddick who faces Spanish phenom Tommy Robredo on Tuesday night.  It's a good time to be in New York.  Men's Final:  Federer/Roddick.  Women's Final:  Davenport/Serena Williams.  (A couple of Russians studs stand in Davenport's way)

Over the weekend, college football got into full swing.  My Oklahoma Sooners had a nice stroll in the park in their opening win over Bowling Green.  Number 3 ranked LSU had to struggle to get past Oregon State.  LSU pulled the victory out 22-21 at the end but everybody will remember the three missed extra points OSU missed which would have given them the victory.  We'll have to remember this in December if LSU makes it through the SEC unscathed.  Congratulations to Texas for stomping on North Texas 65-0.  Now show me in October vs Oklahoma you can do that and I'll be proud of you.  Wont happen though.

Games to look forward to this weekend? 

Michigan at Notre Dame -- Let's see the Irish go on a slide like no other. 

Georgia at South Carolina -- The Bulldogs take their freshman running back and national championship contender on the road to Lou Holtz and the Gamecocks.

Florida State at Miami (Friday) -- Haven't we seen this game like three times in the past 12 months?  Should still be exciting. 

Texas at Arkansas -- I know the Razorbacks can put up more of a fight than North Texas could.  I just want UT to keep winning so Oklahoma can crush them again in the Red River Shootout next month.

The pennant races are heating up.  The American League wildcard looks to be a two team race.  Boston is up 3 1/2 games on Anaheim.  Boston is still on the heels of the Yankees for the AL East title, down just 3 games.  In the National League, five teams still have a shot for the wildcard.  The Cubs are up 1/2 game on the Giants, but they still hold five games in hand.  The Cubs/Marlins series was postponed over the weekend because of Hurricane Frances.  The Marlins, Padres and Astros (with their ten game winning streak) are just a few games back of the Cubs. 

My early pick for the World Series?  St Louis Cardinals vs Oakland A's.

My friend, Josh, and I are going to have an NFL Preview in the next few days.  I'll keep my thoughts on the NFL until then. 

My Top Eight Fall Activities in Wisconsin

1. Camping

2. Hiking

3. College football games

4. NFL games.

5. Playing tennis

6. Golfing

7. Watching the pennant races

8. Going to pumpkin patches

Realize if the weather is nice, I would rather be outside doing anything than watching tv. 

Odds and Ends

How many people actually feel badly for Marion Jones going home empty from the Olympics without a medal?  I know I don't.  If she's going to surround herself with dumb people (ex-husband and present boyfriend both suspended from competing at the Olympics because of drug use) then she deserves nothing. 

Anybody read Jason Whitlock's article on Page 2 of ESPN.com?  He goes on and on about why people cheer against the U.S. men's basketball team.  Mr. Whitlock has come to the conclusion that everybody hates the U.S. team because they have cornrows and too many tattoo's.  Yeah Jason, thats it.  Quick thinking.  Doesn't have anything to do with them not being a real team?  Figure it out already. 

Is the NFL preseason over yet?  Man those games are boring. 

I haven't had a chance to watch much of the Olympics but what I am ecstatic about is Mia Hamm and the rest of her teammates going out in style winning another gold medal.  She has been the Michael Jordan of women's soccer for over a decade and will carry the flag for the U.S.A. tomorrow night in the closing ceremonies for good reason. 

Congratulations to Argentina's Men's Basketball and Soccer team's for taking home gold medals today.  Argentina had never won a gold medal in the Summer Olympics and they took home two today in two major sports.  I'm sure the Argentine people are having a good time tonight.

USC showed tonight why it is #1 in the country in college football.  They went on the road in front of 92,000 fans in Blacksburg, VA to beat a solid Big Eas...er...ACC team in Virginia Tech, 24-13.  What NFL team wouldn't want Reggie Bush right now?  Just a sophomore and he's got it all. 

Ever had a married woman with young kids chase you going 85 mph down a highway blinking her brights at you trying to get you to go somewhere with her at midnight?  Yeah, happened to me Thursday night.  Flattering yes, but demented and sad also.

Manchester United is on the verge of signing Wayne Rooney, the young English and Everton striker, who lit up Euro 2004 by scoring a few amazing goals.  Becks you never should have left.  Rio Ferdinand, England's best defender, will be back at the end of Sept and Man U will start to roll again.  Get ready.

My Top Eight Reasons to move on with life.

1. It

2. Gets

3. Better

4. And

5. Better

6. By

7. The

8. Minute

Happy Day.

My New Olympic Sport

Can you honestly believe synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics are sports at the Olympics?  I can't.  Shooting and archery.  Yet another two I feel are not sports at all.  But if they are, I've got one for you...Professional Wrestling.  Why can't we give the NASCAR fans of America something to cheer about.  You think the normal trailer park occupant cheers for the women's gymnastic team?  I highly doubt it. 

Let's say we have 8 teams.  Go figure.  8.  Okay...we need four teams from the USA because there just are not enough wrestlers from other countries.  The other four teams will consist of a team from Canada, a European team, Mexic...er...South Amer...er...let's just call them Team Latino and the fourth team is Team Far East because I don't know where most of these guys are actually from.

Let's forget this entire idea is ridiculous, but should it put to use someday, the only problem would be awarding the medals.  How would this happen?  Pro wrestling is choreographed, not fixed.  Whatever term you want to use, things are determined before the matches even starts.  So….would there be a panel of objective judges that bases medal justification on charisma?  Interview skills?  How hot his valet is?  There are holes, but I'm telling you it could work.

Hear are the teams. 

Team USA #1

The Rock, Mick Foley, Booker T, Kurt Angle

Team USA #2

Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Batista, Shawn Michaels

Team USA #3

The Undertaker, Randy Orton, John Cena, Rob Van Dam

Team 1980's

Andre The Giant, Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, Honky Tonk Man, Dusty Rhodes

Team Euro

Jean-Paul Leveque (aka Triple H) William Regal, Dino Bravo, Alexander Wright

Team Latino

Eddie Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero, Conan, Rey Mysterio

Team Far East

Ultimo Dragon, Tajiri, Funaki, The Great Muta

Team Canada

Edge, Christian, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit

This would be a Survivor Series style tourney.  Here is how I would have the bracket.

Team USA #1 vs Team Great Britain -- Team USA #1 wins

Team USA #3 vs Team Far East -- Team USA #2 wins

Team USA #2 vs Team Canada -- Team Canada wins

Team 1980's vs Team Latino -- Team 1980's wins

I really don't care enough to describe each match and what happens.  Sorry.

Semi's -- Team USA #1 beats Team USA #3

              Team 1980's beats Team Canada

Final (Gold Medal Match)  Team 1980's beats Team USA #1 in a huge upset...or something.  Now this would actually draw some attention to the Olympics.  Have you seen how empty some of the stadiums are?  Build a stadium like Madison Square Garden in Athens and that place would be full for this tourney I have built. 

I can honestly say I don't remember the last time I watched a wrestling show.  I'm not talking weeks people, I'm talking years.  Very sad.  Wrestling in its day was fun to watch.  Haha.  Can't even type that with a straight face. 

My Top 8 Summer Olympic Events

1. Men's 100 Meter -- Fastest man alive

2. Men's All Around Gymnastics -- Hey...the Gold medalist is from Wisconsin.  What's not to love?  He did win it because some judges can't read but who cares....he still has the gold and isn't giving it back.

3. Men's 50 swimming freestyle -- Fastest human again...just in the pool, not on the track.  Another American wins gold.  Gary Hall Jr.

4. Men's Cycling -- Yet another American...Tyler Hamilton.  He deserves it after his fall in the Tour which consequently led him to drop out.

5. Men's Shotput -- If you watched any of this you noticed they did this event out in the middle of no where...where the sport first took place 1500 years ago.  It actually was exiting.

6. Table Tennis -- Can't believe the reflexes of some of these guys.  Crazy.

7. Tennis -- Hard to watch some of the tennis at the Olympics because of all the upsets.  Should make it more exciting and fun to watch but it doesn't for me.

8. Fencing -- A girl won gold from the USA who wasn't even supposed to be participating.  Another girl from the USA lost in the semi's who had never lost before.  Better than men's basketball.  I'm not even going there.

Have to give a big thanks to my friend Josh for helping me out here.  All comments and questions are welcome.

 

 

Smokin' the Green....

What is so wrong with smoking some green now and then?  Why is it against the law again?  Somebody refresh my memory because I'm lost on this one.  Loss of vision while driving or something.  Ricky Williams of the Dolphins, as everybody knows by now, has 'retired' from the NFL at the age of 27.  He told the Miami Herald he had failed another drug test which is just one of 'more than a hundred reasons' why he doesn't want to return to football. 

Good excuse Ricky.  Run away while you still can.  Who would want to work four months a year and earn $10 mil doing so?  I know I wouldnt.  I need at least $20 mil for four months work.   Lord knows the Dolphins are never going to make the playoffs with their quarterback situation the way it is.  Jay Fiedler?  Are you serious?  Doug Pederson, Favre's backup, is better than he is (I best keep my mouth shut because when #4 retires...we are screwed).

Back to the Green though.  Baron Davis of the Charlotte...er...New Orleans Hornets once said that '90% of the NBA' smokes the green.  That is a lot of players.  I'm actually trying to come up with just three players who I think would NOT smoke weed the first chance they got.  Hang with me here...I know I can come up with a couple.  Thinking...I got it.  Nevermind...he would.  Um....then there's...wait...he's not in the NBA anymore...um....Allen Iverson?  He would never do anything like that would he?  He is as clean cut as they come.  I know it.  So it's official.  Straight from my journal...you read it here first...every NBA players smokes the ganja. 

My Top 8 Rappers who smoke the Green.

1. Snoop -- you know when you turn on MTV and see snoop he's high.  Remember the infomercials for the 'Girls Gone Wild' video's he did?  'We here in new orleeeeeeeeeeens...'  Tell me he wasn't completely gone.

 See the smoke in that pic...haha, you figure it out.

2. Dre -- see above.  just completely stoned every single day 24/7.

3. Coolio -- was he actually a rapper?  whatever.  he gets high.  good times.

4. Eminem -- i don't think i really need to explain every single one of these guys.  you see them on the tube and their eyes are all bloodshot and sh1t.  it's not hard to figure out.

5. Ice Cube -- I'm pretty sure the flick 'Friday' is not too far fetched for Cube and Chris Tucker...except for the fact they live in huge ass mansions in Hollywood instead of the ghetto of Compton.

6. House of Pain -- come on..their logo is the symbol for weed.  smoke a lil weed, do a lil X

7. Naughy by Nature -- smokin it.

8. Petey Pablo -- i honestly have no idea what this guy looks like but i've heard Freak-a-Leek enough times to know he is tokin it. 

All for medicinal purposes people...I'm sure of it.  'That's not a cigarette...thats a ciga-weed.'

The British Open

Okay...be honest.  How many of you had heard of Todd Hamilton before the British Open this weekend?  I can honestly say, being an avid golf fan, I had never heard of Mr Hamilton.  Of course, after today's final round of the open we all have.  He won the British Open in a 4 hole playoff over Ernie Els.  Of course Ernie let another major title chance slide by like so many others.  Ernie had a 12 foot putt on the last hole to win the jug. 

 Mr Hamilton and his clarett jug.

Todd Hamilton is this year's Ben Curtis and Rich Beem.  All 3, in my eyes, have come out of no where to win a major title.  Curtis in last years British and Beem a couple years back at the PGA Championship (which is being held in Sheboygan, Wisconsin this year for those that don't know...)  I know Hamilton has won many times over seas.  He has played on the Japanese tour for many years and won 11 times.  We in America do not have a clue who he is.  Unless, of course, you are from Hamilton's hometown in Illinois.  We do now, and for Todd, that is the most important thing.

Another story of the British Open is Tiger coming up short...again.  It is clearly evident why this has happened over and over again the past 2-3 years.  Elin Nordegren is her name.  Maybe you haven't seen her.  This is Tiger's wife.  She is hot.  Plain and simple.  He is putting more time into her than he did before he was with her.  I am not saying he doesn't focus on his golf game.  It is evident he does.  What I'm saying is he doesn't put as much time in as he did before.  For Tiger to be the best golfer ever he is going to have to refocus on golf. 

A good example is Pete Sampras.  He gave up having a life for the good part of a decade to become the best tennis player ever known.  Tiger was well on his way before being introduced to Elin a few years back.  Tiger is set for life either way.  He has more than enough money.  He has a beautiful wife and a strong family background.  If he wants to be remembered as the best golfer to walk the planet however, he is going to have to prioritize. 

My Top 8 Reasons on why the British Open is the best major.

1. At the British you can walk up to the gate the day of the tourney and get tickets.  Try doing that at the Masters.  Just dumb.

2. The British rotates sites to play different courses each year.

3. At the Open, not only are you playing the course you are playing the conditions (wind, rain, etc).  Makes it much more exciting.

4. Fans in Britain actually appreciate the sport.  Not touching this one.

5. I've played St Andrews.  Yessirree.  I rule.

6. Walking up the 18th fairway on the Sunday at St Andrews in 2000 next to Tiger as he wins his first British Open.  Yeah, that was me.  You must remember seeing me next to him...think dammit think.

7. Fish & Chips.  Can't get that next month at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan I'm sure of it.

8. Being able to sit in one place at St Andrews and watch 5-6 holes at the same time.  Can't do that with all the trees on the courses in America.

Don't get me wrong.  The Master's is an amazing tournament.  Do you really need to sell tickets a year in advance which gives most people zero chance of going?  Not really. 

 

Summertime

On Saturday morning, Shaquille O'Neal and his agent met with Pat Riley, General Manager of the Miami Heat, to hash out a trade which would bring the Diesel from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Heat for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant and either Caron Butler or a future #1 draft pick.  O'Neal has the right to turn down any trade but hit it off with Riley in the meeting and a trade is on the horizon.  What does this do to the Eastern and the Western Conferences?  Let's break this down a little bit.

 Shaq can just worry about basketball in Miami...

First of all, the Eastern Conference will turn into a four horse race.  With O'Neal in Miami this will bring to at least 4 (Detroit, Miami, Indiana and New Jersey) the teams which have a chance to make the Finals next Spring.  I firmly believe that although the Heat are giving up most of their team, except Dwayne Wade, they may well be the team to beat in the East.  Who can match up with Shaq in the East?  Detroit would have a great shot after just winning the title by beating Shaq, Kobe and the Lakers.

For some reason, I have a feeling the Pistons will not keep everybody who took them to the top this year.  Mehmet Okur is sure to be gone and a few others might follow.  Elsewhere in the East, Kenyon Martin has received a huge deal from the Atlanta Hawks which could keep the Nets from going anywhere in the future.  The Pacers?  Still no point guard.  They aren't going anywhere.

In the West, I'm not sure this is going to shake up everything as much as I first thought it would.  I thought some team in the West would throw out a huge deal for Shaq and change the West dramatically.  Obviously this hasn't and doesn't look like it will happen.  I was waiting for the Kings to pony up some massive deal but this is the way to go for them.  Let Shaq go to the East and let the Lakers do as they will. 

Will the Lakers maintain their dominance in the West without Shaq?  They will have NO shot.  I repeat NO shot of making the Finals next year without the monster in the middle.  Yeah, Brian Grant can stick with Tim Duncan.  Please.  I understand Shaq wants out but this is the best deal the Lakers can get?  They can't get any deal without a power in the middle...not that there are a lot of solid centers in the NBA to begin with. 

 Kobe wants to be MJ and do it on his own...good luck.

I like the San Antonio Spurs to come back strong this next year with all of their pieces back and the addition of Brent Barry from the Sonics.  With Shaq out of the West no team will be able to keep up with twin towers of big Tim and Radoslav Nesterovic.  As much as I love Chris Webber, I have finally come to the conclusion he does not have what it takes to take the Kings over the hump.  I understand he was hurt most of the year and in the playoffs he played on one leg, but I've seen enough mentally and physically from him to know that whether he is 100% or not won't matter. 

So what do I see happening next year in the NBA?  The Spurs roll through the West (as long as they stay healthy) and the Pistons come through the East depending on who they are able to keep this summer.  As much as I dislike the NBA at the moment that matchup (Spurs vs Pistons) would be very appetizing.  Nesterovic/Duncan vs Sheed/Wallace, Parker/Billups, Bowen/Prince, etc.

 Sheed's staying put in Motown.

Does Darko actually get playing time for the Pistons next year?  Can KG do even more for the Timberwolves and who can help him?  Who or what can help the Kings?  Will the Nets keep K-mart?  How much can Carlos Boozer actually help the Jazz if that deal goes through?  Who else is going to walk away from the Lakers?  Boy would I love to see Kobe in a Clippers uniform this winter next to Elton Brand, Shaq in Miami, Karl Malone retired and just Gary Payton left in LA.  If you think GP pouted enough this last year think about what he would be like if the Lakers went .500.  I would personally pay good money to see that. 

My Top 8 NBA Teams in 2004-2005

1. San Antonio Spurs -- spelled out above.

2. Detroit Pistons -- again, spelled out above...Must....Keep...Sheed....

3. Minnesota Timberwolves -- Is KG going to have to do everything?  Didn't he do that this past year?

4. Sacramento Kings -- Good from far...far from good.  I just want to see the overtime Fab Five Michigan game vs Duke with Hurley and Laettner again.  Come on...you remember.  The first game all five freshman started for the Wolverines and they took Duke to the limit.  *sigh*  College basketball is still the best.

5. Miami Heat -- Obviously this is with the trade going through for Shaq. 

6. Indiana Pacers -- Love Jermaine O'Neal but the guard play will always hold them back.

7. New Jersey Nets -- I have a strong feeling K-mart is going to take the money and run.  If this happens, expect the Nets to fall.

8. Dallas Mavericks -- How about some D in Big D?  You think Dirk is working on shuffling his feet, bending his knees and guarding somebody this summer?  I don't think so either.  Keep working on those 25 foot jumpers Dirk...that will get the Mav's to the Finals...

 No pics of Dirk playing D.

Coach K to LA

What would happen to college basketball if Coach K left Duke for the Lakers?  Coach K is Duke.  He isn't just the men's college basketball coach at Duke. When you think of Duke, do you think of their football team?  I didn't think so.  If Coach K leaves for the greener (and I mean that in a cold, hard cash way) pastures of LA, what happens to Duke basketball?

I completely understand both sides of this issue.  First of all, Coach K has done all he can in college hoops.  He has won numerous NCAA titles, been to the Final Four over and over again, named coach of the year a few times, etc etc etc.  He also has dealt with, in recent years, players leaving school early and players not coming at all.  Elton Brand, Corey Magette, Luol Deng, Shaun Livingston and the list goes on.  Duke still wins and always will as long as Coach K is in Durham, but don't you think it gets a little old when all of these players take off early who shouldn't be leaving at all?  I'm not talking about Elton Brand.  I'm talking about the Corey Magette's.  Shaun Livingston promised over and over he'd be a Dookie. 

I know the money is there but it will always be.  Coach K has to deal with this every year now.  A few years ago when players said they were coming it was a given they would stay four years.  All of that has changed.  When he recruits the best players in the country Coach K knows he will have them for one year, maybe two or they wont come at all.  Wouldn't that start to weigh on you after a while?

On the other hand is coaching the Los Angeles Lakers for $8 mil per year.  Hello.  $8 MILLION.  I understand Duke could probably match that without blinking but this is Jack, Kobe and Hollywood.  Who would turn this down?  Coach K would for one.  He does love Kobe.  He recruited him out of high school.  If Kobe would have went to college, it most likely would have been to Duke because he respected Coach K so much.  Coach K could walk into the Laker's locker room and command total respect from every player in there....Shaq or not.  Gary Payton might be another story though.  Remember Gary Payton?  He signed with the Lakers 'just to win a championship,' then halfway through the season when he wasn't getting enough shots he was complaining more than a little girl at Toys 'r' Us.  He's a baby.

I really am looking forward to Coach K's decision.  He will do what is right for him and his family.  I for one would like him to stay in college basketball.  He is this generation's John Wooden.  Coach K is not a 'pro' coach.  He is in the mold of Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, and Dean Smith.  I don't think in the long run it's a good deal for him.  He'll make the right decision and stay at Duke. 

My Top 8 College Basketball Coaches

1. Coach K, Duke-- He IS college basketball of this generation.

2. Rick Pitino, Louisville -- He is hopefully going to take Louisville to where he took Kentucky.

3. Lute Olsen, Arizona -- Done incredible things for the Wildcats even after the passing of his wife a couple years back.  Lute is a class act.

4. Rick Barnes, Texas -- As all of you know I'm a diehard Sooner fan but Barnes can recruit and coach with the best of them...unlike Mack Brown the slob who coaches UT football.  He couldn't coach his way out of a wet paper bag. 

5. Tubby Smith, Kentucky -- Who else could walk into a lion's den like UK and keep the 'Cats at the same level they have always been?  He has been under constant pressure since he took the job, primarily because he is colored, but he dominated the SEC this past year and he recruits like no other.  Keep it up Tubby.

6. Jim Boeheim, Syracuse -- Keeps the Orange at the top of the Big East year in, year out.  Lost both parents to cancer and finally got his first NCAA title in 2003 with Carmelo.  Can't cheer against the guy.

7. John Calipari, Memphis -- Taking the Tigers to the top.  He took off to the NBA to make some money after UMass, but he was born to be a college coach.  Amare Stoudamire was supposed to be at Memphis.  Think Amare could be helping Memphis right now?

8. Bo Ryan, Wisconsin -- Little biased, but what he did at UW Platteville and what he is doing for the Badgers is remarkable.  Only if Devin Harris would have stayed for his senior year...(by the way, I teach Bo's wife and daughter at the country club; nice family.

P.S. Sorry Bobby Knight fans...choking the lights out of Neil Reed pushed him right out of my list. 

Three and a half months to midnight madness, four and a half months to the preseason NIT.  I like college basketball just a little. 

What's Your Caption?

Saddam was in court in Iraq starting on Thursday.  What is your caption to this picture?  Let me start this...

'NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!  COME BACK...ONE YEAR!!!' -- Soup Nazi on Seinfeld

Comments extremely welcome.  This is going to get interesting.

Top 8 Questions Asked By Saddam Hussein When Captured

1. "Be honest...have you ever seen a nicer spider hole than this?"

2. "Who's got a coat hanger -- this beard itches like a son of a bitch!"

3. "Anyone have a mint?"

4. "Is this about the illegal music downloads?"

5. "Which describes me better right now -- 'haggard' or 'grizzled'?"

6. "How did you get past my impenetrable styrofoam brick?"

7. "Do I get the 25-million-dollar reward?"

8. "How's the war going?"

 

Lance Armstrong

Are you ready for the Tour de France?  You should be.  Cycling fan or not.  American Lance Armstrong is going for his 6th;  thats right SIXTH Tour victory in a row.  Think about that.  Do you realize the mountainous terrain in France?  The heat and exhaustion that goes into winning just one?  Lance has five and is a good bet to win next month.  Did I also mention he has overcome testicular Cancer to get to where he is today?  Closest thing we have to a God on this earth is Lance Armstrong.

I would do anything to be in Paris next month when Lance comes strolling into the city carrying a glass of wine and thousands upon thousands of Americans and cycling fans are cheering him on.  That would be the ultimate.  No cyclist has one six Tour's in a row...let alone one who has overcome Cancer.  Sports Illustrated, as well as every other sports magazine, has Lance on the cover this week.  Pick one up and read why he is going to put his stamp on cycling history.

By the way, I am one person, being in the situation I am in (at the moment at least...) who is not able to give money to charity.  Would you like to help out?  Go to Live Strong (or NikeTown stores in big cities) and buy the LiveStrong bracelets, t-shirt's, backpacks, etc.  Live Strong is part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and most of the money from the purchases goes straight to Cancer research.  Great cause.  The bracelets are only a dollar a piece.  I was in Chicago this past weekend and I bought five of them.  It's the least I can do. 

My Top 8 Bars/Restaurants In Chicago

1. Murphy's -- Right across from Wrigley.  The place to be before, during (if you don't have tickets) and after the game.

2. ESPN Zone -- Good food, just a couple tv's (sarcasm), and games, games and more games.  A place for the whole family.

3. Barleycorn -- Great restaurant and later it gets jumping with great music.

4. Kendall's -- For St Patrick's Day there is no other place to be in Chicago.

5. Clark Bar -- St Valentine's Day Massacre took place here.  Al Capone, Frank Nitti, The Untouchables, etc

6. BW-3 -- Great sports bar...has everything you need.

7. Joe's -- Only 100 tv's or so to watch every sporting event on the planet.

8. McGee's -- Loud music, cover bands, dancing, etc.  If you want to go, hang out with friends and talk...this isn't the bar for you, but if you are looking for a good time, you will have it here.

ry

 

Now it's MY turn to have a say....

I've sat back long enough and listened to what you've all had to say.  Now, it's my turn so sit back and listen up.  I'm sick of Tracy McGrady and all of his pointless babble.  What is wrong with him?  Where does he get the right to say 'I dont want to play for a losing team anymore...ship me to a team that is going to win right this instant?' 

Get over it McGrady.  All you can do is score.  Makes me sick that every couple of years you can get sick of one team and move onto the next, not like it there and want out again.  Deal with it.  The NBA doesn't have that many 'great' teams so you arent going to get the pick of the litter.  How about you stay in Orlando and help develop the Magic and Dwight Howard?  Might make you look like a good human being for once in your life instead of a selfish little crybaby. 

I put a lot of time and effort into this journal entry.  Like the three hours you put into the articles last week Ryan?  Not quite.  You know, I just thought of something.  By the title you didnt think I was going to talk about something else (i.e. the contest, other journals, etc) did you?  Right.  I've got better things to do....like the Cubs/White Sox series in Chicago this weekend. 

Effort

1 : conscious exertion of power : hard work
2 : a serious attempt : TRY
3 : something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort>
4 : effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force
5 : the total work done to achieve a particular end <the war effort>

My Top 8 Reasons Why The Cubs Trounce The Sox This Weekend

1. I

2. am

3. going

4. to

5. get

6. sloshed

7. in

8. Chicago

Go Cubbies.  Lots of effort people, lots of effort.  Back to it next week.  Nice to have a week off. 

 

Wimbledon

The 118th Wimbledon got underway this morning.  There are a few stories for all of you fans out there who have been dying, like myself, for the best tennis tournament in the world to begin. 

Today marked the return of Martina Navratilova to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in the Women's Singles draw.  Do you realize she is 47-years-old?  She is not playing just doubles like the past few years.  That's incredible.  I realize she played singles in the French Open in Paris last month but that is not where Martina thrives; Wimbledon is. 

Did I mention Martina crushed her opponent, Catalina Castano of Colombia, 6-1, 6-0?  When I'm 47, I will just be hoping to be able to pick up a racquet and go hit some balls with friends at the local tennis courts.  Wimbledon at her age?  Just remarkable.   For two more weeks let's see that 'take no prisoners' attitude again..  Women's tennis could use some liveliness after the Russian debacle at the French. Martina's body just has to cooperate. 

Another player making a comeback of sorts is Goran Ivanisevic.  In 2001, Ivanisevic came to  Wimbledon ranked 125th in the world and left as champion.  In 2002, he was unable to defend his title because of an injury to his left shoulder.  Last year, a foot infection kept the Croatian from playing again.  This is supposed to be his last year.  The 33-year-old wants to come in, hopefully win a few rounds and bow out peacefully for the last time.  Yet, this morning he dismantled the 31st seed, Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.  Waiting in the wings for a potential third round match would be Australian Lleyton Hewitt, the 7th seed. 

Can Venus and Serena get back to form?  Both sisters have been injured and off the court for a good part of the past year, but Venus and Serena, if playing well, could have no problem facing each other in the final.  Many of the women's top player's are either hurt or not playing (Henin-Hardienne, Kim Clijsters, etc). When Richard Williams shows up, Venus and Serena start playing better.  That's a fact.  He flies in on Tuesday.  Get ready for an all-Williams final for the women's title. 

Is this Tim Henman's year?  Poor Tim.  The tabloid's just bombard him for these two weeks.  Grass is his best surface by far, but he struggles every year because, I believe, the pressure.  Could you handle the pressure of a country on your back?  Think about that.  No other English tennis player is good.  It's just Tim.  The British want Tim to win Wimbledon so badly that they hurt him more than help.  Henman has the talent and ability.  If he can keep his mind on nothing but tennis for the next two weeks there is no doubt he can win it.

 Focus Tim, Focus

My Top 8 Wimbledon Moments

1. Bjorn Borg defeats John McEnroe in a marathon match, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (16-18), 8-6, in 1980. 
 McEnroe never showed any emotion on the court.

2. Pete Sampras winning his 7th Wimbledon title in 2000.  This gave Pistol Pete the most Grand Slams in the history of tennis (14). 

3. Martina Navratilova winning the mixed doubles final with Leander Paes at the age of 46 in 2003.  This gave Martina 20 Wimbledon titles, including nine in singles.

4. Boris Becker dominating the field at the age of 17 in 1985 to become the youngest player and first German to ever win Wimbledon.

5. Goran Ivanisevic becomes the first unseeded player to win the Mens Singles title in 2001.  Not only was he unseeded, but he was a wildcard which means he wasn't ranked high enough to be in the tourney, he had to be given a spot in it.

6. Martina Hingis becomes the youngest player to ever win a Wimbledon title when, at the age of 15, she wins the Ladies Doubles title with Helena Sukova in 1996.

7. Steffi Graf defeating Jana Novotna, 7-6 (8-6), 1-6, 6-4, in 1993.   This match will be remembered for Novotna (up 4-1, 40-15 in the 3rd set) choking this match away and crying on the shoulder of the Duchess of Kent afterwards.  Great moment in tennis history.

8. Andre Agassi beating the hard serving left Goran Ivanisevic for the crown in 1992 when he wasn't given any chance of winning on grass.  Agassi had the best return in the game to shut down Ivanisevic's boom of a serve.

Need a good site to read about Wimbledon?  BBC Tennis covers it from top to bottom.

 

College Football

The college football season is two short months away and thus begins 4 months or so of the best time of the year in my mind.  What makes this my favorite time of year? A team has to give all they have every game of the year for a chance to win the National Title.  Last year OU,  USC and LSU  all had one loss and there were two 'title' games, it didn't feel right to any college football fan.  Two of the three teams should have been playing in one game.  We obviously need a playoff, but that's not going to happen anytime soon so let's talk about the year to come.

Here is what I am looking forward to: 

First, is Mike William's going to get reinstated by the NCAA?  I would love to see him back in a Trojans uniform as they face the Hokies of Virginia Tech on the 28th of August.  Would the Hokies want William's in the line-up?  I doubt it.  The Trojans are going to be scary enough without him.  They have returning quarterback Matt Leinart (just a jr. and front runner for the Heisman), six returning starters on defense and by far the best recruiting class in the country.  They are deep, extremely fast and confident following last year's run.

Can LSU replace Matt Mauck?  I know Mauck was not the most talented player, but he was tough and he won games.  Senior Marcus Randall and/or freshman JaMarcus Russell should be able to get the job done with all the talent they have in the Bayou. 

Which mid-major will step and be this year's Northern Illinois?  My guess is Louisville.  They have 16 returning starters plus highly touted freshman quarterback Brian Brohm.  This is Stephan LeFors team this year though; Brohm is going to have to wait at least a year.  The Cardinals face an October 14th showdown with the Canes in Miami.  Have fun with that one.  Toledo is another mid-major with promise.  They have 13 returning starters and do not face Miami.  Well, they face a Miami, but this one is in Ohio, not Florida.  Big difference.

Can Bill Callahan turn the Nebraska Cornhuskers into a West Coast offense?  The I formation was not working anymore for whatever reason (no Tom Osborne, recruiting the talent has dried up, etc).  Do they have the talent to make the change?  Sixty thousand 'Husker fans seemed to think so as they turned out to watch the spring game and sophomore quarterback Joe Dailey throw for 241 yards on 29 of 49 attempts.  Lawrence Phillips and Tommie Frazier this team is not.

Who wins the Heisman?  Can Jason White stay healthy throughout the year and make another run?  Lets face it…the best player does not win this award.  I know Larry Fitzgerald or Eli Manning were better players, but the best player on the best team (in mid-December) gets the award.  What could Eli have done behind center for the Sooners last year?  White obviously has the talent around him to make another run, but so does Leinart and David Green of Georgia.  Georgia has every key member of the offense back, which will help immensely.  Those are my top three.  Best of the rest?  Darren Sproles, rb, Kansas State; Carnell Williams, rb, Auburn; Cedric Benson, rb, Texas; Brad Smith, qb, Missouri; Kyle Orton, qb Purdue; and Anthony Davis, rb, Wisconsin.  Defender with the best chance of winning?  Derrick Johnson, lb, Texas.

 Big 12 foes need to be ready for Derrick Johnson

How will Miami (Fla) and Virginia Tech fare in the ACC?  The ACC can now make a strong case this is the top football conference, which will make it difficult for Virginia Tech after losing some key members of last years squad (Kevin Jones for one).  Miami can step right in and fight with Florida State for the supremacy with their speed and talent.

Who wins the National Title?  Please let us have two undefeated teams.  If this happens, which is highly unlikely, Oklahoma vs USC would be my choice.  The Sooners don't have the speed to keep up with the Men of Troy.  January 4, 2005, Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida:  USC 35, OU 21. 

My Top 8 College Football Rivalries

1. Auburn vs Alabama -- Most intense intrastate college football rivalry in the nation started when both schools were still in their infancy (1893).

2. Oklahoma vs Texas -- The Red River shootout over the past four years has been dominated by the Sooners;  65-13 last year. 

3. Michigan vs Ohio State -- Both teams have new quarterbacks this year which should make for an interesting, defense-dominated game.

4. Georgia vs Florida -- 'The world's largest outdoor cocktail party.'

5. Army vs Navy -- Network television shows this game no matter what.  Ratings and wins/losses are thrown aside when these two meet.

6. Texas vs Texas A&M -- Game has been played 110 times with the 90-year tradition of the A&M bonfire back after the tragic killing of 12 students in 1999.

7. Florida vs Florida State -- Though Steve Spurrier isn't at UF anymore, this rivalry still boasts nationwide attention because both teams are normally ranked very high and need the win desperately.

8. USC vs UCLA -- The Battle of the Victory Bell has been played 73 times with no team dominating the series.

Honorable mention -- Cal/Stanford, 'The Big Game,' is remembered for the most chaotic ending in the history of college football.  That trombone player never saw it coming...

Please give us a playoff BCS.  I can die a happy man if, for just one year, I can see eight teams fight it out over three weeks for a true national champion.

Let's Hear It

Say you are at a sporting event....what gets you going?  Your team running onto the field or court?  The lights going out and the lineups being yelled through the loud speakers?  (.....and 6 foot 6.....from North Carolina.....number 23.....Miiiiiiiichaaaeellllllll Joooorrrrrdannnnnnn...)  What about Duke fans jumping up and down screaming 'OOOOOOOOOO' with Cameron Indoor Stadium rocking vs any ACC team?  How scary is that for a freshman at North Carolina? 

  Cameron Indoor Stadium...one place where the 'real' fans, the students, are on top of the court.

Does music get you pumped up?  What if you hear the Notre Dame Victory March at a USC/Notre Dame game in October with 80,000 screaming Irish fans going wild?  Would that get you going?  What about 'Hail To The Victors' at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor with 107,000 Big Blue fans as the Wolverines face the Buckeyes? 

When I'm at Wrigley and 37,000 heavily drinking Cubs fans are singing 'Take me out to the ballgame' I know that gets my blood flowing no matter what the score is.  Remember people...it's not just the game that provides the entertainment; it's the atmosphere.  I've been to some exciting sporting events, but I would love comments.  What stadium is the most exciting in America?  What song gets you going at a sporting event? 

My Top 8 Sports Songs

1. 'We Will Rock You' by Queen -- Stomp, stomp, clap, Stomp, stomp, clap.  Played at every level in every sport makes it #1 by far.  What team doesn't rise to the challenge when they hear this? 

2. 'We Are the Champions' by Queen -- Sorry to say it folks, but there has to be a winner and a loser.  The winner gets this blared over the speakers...the losers hit the showers.

3. 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' -- Already explained above.

4. Eye of the Tiger -- This song epitomizes fighting against the odds.  Rocky had it...that's for sure.

5. 'The Hey Song' -- Duh-dun duh-dun duh-dun duh-dun duh-dun-dun....HEY!  Everybody knows it and we all scream as loud as heck.  Don't deny it people.

6. 'Chariots of Fire' by Vangelis -- Mostly used to define track and field for over 20 years.  Get ready for this during the Olympics.  I'm pretty NBC has it cue'd up.

7.'Ole' -- The one word anthem sang by soccer (football) fans around the world...'Ole ole ole ole......ole.......ole.

8. 'Cenferfield' by John Fogerty -- 'Oh, put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;
Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play today;  Look at me, I can be....Centerfield.'  Did you realize John Fogerty played every instrument on the ENTIRE Centerfield Album?  Oh, its true.  Now thats talent my friend.
 
Just missing the Top 8?  'CHARGE!' 'The Best' by Tina Turner and 'Jump Around' by House of Pain -- If you haven't seen the sea of red UW students at Wisconsin football games with this song blaring you are missing out.  As the title says....they all jump around.  It's insane.  Really wanted this to be in the list, but I can't be that biased.

Best collegiate fight songs?  This is one person's opinion.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that

So I teach and coach tennis.  I love it.  I absolutely love it.  I honestly can't find a negative in what I do.  (Well....I could tell you a couple stories that would be stupify you, but I'll refrain)  Nothing beats teaching a tennis lesson to a little boy or girl and have them come over to you with a big smile on their face, slap you high-five and say thank you. 

David Duval is back at the US Open this weekend.  He opened with an opening round 83 and said he was 'happy' with it.  I'm not quite sure he is happy with the round, but he's ecstatic with his life being back on track.  Glad to see him back and with a smile on his face.  Best of luck to him.

Congrats to the Detroit Pistons....and with future NBA MVP, Darko *cough, cough* Milicic waiting in the wings Mo-town is set for the future.  Go get 'em Darko.  Will he ever play?  I mean....ever?  I understand the Pistons were very good this year, but Larry Brown couldn't find more than like 30 seconds a game for him?  Lets see what he's got already.  Obviously Coach Brown knows what he is doing but didn't the draft experts think he had a chance be something special? 

Wimbledon starts on Monday.  Andre Agassi has had to pull out with yet another injury.  Is Andre done?  I sure hope not.  I'm hoping he is saving himself for one last run at the US Open in September.  If he is done I'm happy with what he has accomplished.  The last of the great American players of the past decade or so (Sampras, Chang, Courier), he has done more than I ever would have thought (6 grand slams, 7 overall) after dropping to #151 in the world and playing satellite tour events.  My pick to win Wimbledon?  Andy Roddick or Roger Federer.  They both have the games to dominate for the next two weeks on grass.

Euro 2004, Europe's equivalent of the World Cup, got underway this past Sunday.  England, led by Real Madrid's David Beckham, had France beaten until Zinedine Zidane (his teammate at Real) scored two goals in the last minute to steal avictory for the French.  If you get a chance to watch France; get ready, they are something special. Every starting player is one of the most dominant in the sport.  They feature Zidane, David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram, Mikael Silvestre, Robert Pires and the list goes on.  Another story of the tourney is England's 18 year old Wayne Rooney.  He scored two goals on Thursday to help England beat Switzerland 3-0.  Rooney, who plays for Everton in England's Premier League, became the youngest player to ever score in the tournament.
 Rooney controlling it with ease

Have a favorite sports movie?  How many times in a row do you think I could watch Caddyshack and Major League?  The over/under is 7.  Back to back viewings can't happen with movies that give you goosebumps near the end (i.e. Hoosiers, The Natural, Rudy, etc)....which leads right into my list....

My Top 8 Sports Movies

1. Caddyshack -- "So we finish 18 and he's gonna stiff me and I say: 'Hey Lama, hey how about a little something, you know, for the effort?!' And he says: 'There'll be no money, but when you die, on your deathbed you will receive total consciousness.' So I got that going for me, which is nice."

2. Major League -- 'Juuuuuuuuuust a bit outside, he shot the corner and missed.  Ball 4, ball 8....and Vaughn has walked the bases loaded on 12 straight pitches.  I can't believe guys are laying off pitches that close' -- Harry Doyle (aka Bob Uecker).

3. Hoosiers -- What's not to love?  Tiny 'Hickory' overcoming obstacle after obstacle to beat massive Muncie Central for the state title.  No basketball movie compares.

4. Rocky -- Isn't there a 6th movie in the works?  Man, they needed to stop with Ivan 'I must break you' Drago at 4.

5. Rudy -- Everybody tears up when he runs on the field for the final kick-off then gets the sack on the next play. 

6. The Natural -- 'Alright Roy, knock the cover off the ball'....he did that and much more.  Great movie.

7. Days of Thunder -- Tom Cruise plays NASCAR driver Cole Trickle perfectly...then again I'm not the biggest racing fan in the world.  That's another story for another day.  

8. Slapshot -- A failing hockey team finds success using constant fighting and violence during games.  What's not to love?  And failing is putting it mildly...

Fascination street....

What has the NBA Draft become nowadays?  How many teams are actually figuring on getting a player who can help them right now?  Lets think about this.  Emeka Okafor out of UConn is probably the best player in the draft.  How good is he really?  I don't doubt his defensive skills because thats a given.  I remember in the national semi's he had a block that was out of this world.  Yet, I dont see his offensive skills outside a ten foot jumper....and thats what I see.  A ten foot jumper and nothing else.  Is he worthy of the number 1 pick? 

If not, who is?  Dwight Howard, the high schooler, from outside of Atlanta?  Another youngin just out of the preps in Peoria, IL, Shaun Livingston?  Both great high school players, but wouldn't you want to see them playing for Georgia Tech and Duke respectively next year?  Lord knows I would.

We know that in this day and age of the NBA, the teams draft for the future for the most part.  Obviously, there are some high school players that have stepped in and helped recently.  Lebron James obviously but didnt most of us realize when he was a 9th grader he was a phenom.  I remember watching shows 4 years ago, seeing him play and realizing this kid is different; much, much different than any other high schooler I've seen. 

I just look at the early entry list of high schoolers for the draft this year and laugh.  Howard, Livingston and JR Smith (a pure shooter who can hit from anywhere which is something nobody is able to do it seems...) have the chance to be good players.  The rest?  Bring on the CBA.  I know some high school basketball.  I watch the high school all-star games and I can see a good player.  Dick Vitale keeps me updated during the McDonald's game.  How many high schoolers in recent years do you know who have turned out to be solid NBA players with the chance of being All Stars?  Name me more than seven.  Kobe, KG, Lebron, Rashard Lewis, Tracy McGracy, Jermaine O'Neal....and um.....Al Harrington?  He's so so and not looking like an All-Star anytime in the near future. 

 What can't KG do? 

The list of players who have not been drafted or are sitting at the end of the bench is astounding.  Players who were amazing, first team all america's in high school who have gone no where in the NBA.  Korleone Young, Leon Smith, Ellis Richardson, Taj McDavid, etc etc etc.  Does it surprise me?  No.  Do any of these kids realize that college is there to help them?  To not only educate, but to also make them solid basketball players. 

What upsets me, being the college basketball fanatic that I am, is that the NCAA's talent level is dropping like a rock in the bath tub.  I will always watch college basketball;  always.  I can't get enough of it, but I'm also a realist and I see what is going on.  Many of these guys need the money for their families.  But what happens when they don't get drafted and they end up in the CBA or overseas?  Do they think the CBA is going to pay them like the NBA?  What are they being told by agents that makes them turn pro when nearly all of them wouldn't start for Duke?

I just don't understand.  Financially for Dwight Howard and Shaun Livingston this is a good deal for them.  They will be drafted in the top 5 next week but what happens to the rest?  Sit on the bench for 3 years and hopefully turn out like Jermaine O'Neal I guess.  The chances of that happening are slim to none.

My Top 8 High Schoolers in the NBA

1.  Lebron James -- Whats not to love?  The smile and the game wrapped into one.  Cav's are set for the future.

2.  Kevin Garnett -- Didn't take him long to be a star.  Who else remembers his high school teammate Ronnie Fields?  Yeah, he was supposed to be the 'next Jordan.'  Thanks for listening Ronnie.  You have not and will never get closer to the NBA than Rockford, Illinois and the CBA's Lightning.

3. Tracy McGrady -- Great offensive player.  I think he is a cry baby who wants his own way and nothing else.  What happened in Toronto when he couldnt be the start?  He cried until he was in Orlando.  Grow up already.

4. Jermaine O'Neal -- He was not happy in Portland.  Turned out he had good reason to be upset.  He might have been young, but I'm sure he could have helped the Jailblazers (get it jail...all of them have been arrested at list once....) instead of being on the end of the bench.  Hindsight is always 20/20 but they should have disbanded that team 5 years ago and kept this guy. 

5. Rashard Lewis -- He has just blown up in the past couple years.  If they can get a front court in Seattle watch out.

6. Kobe Bryant-- As most of you know I don't like Kobe.  It has nothing to do with his on-court abilities that's for sure. 

7. Moses Malone -- hey...if not for him, there wouldn't be a list.

8. Darius Miles -- I'm really scraping the bottom of the barrel now.  I honestly thought Elton Brand, Quentin Richardson, Andre Miller and Miles could take them places...guess not. 

Another high schooler drafted last year with the chance of going somewhere?  Ndubi Ebi is one.  Good read below.

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