Michigan State Basketball

I watched the MSU-Miami(FL) basketball game and a few things became very evident by the end of the night.

1. They have a difficult time defending the 3 point line.  Miami was 9 for 16 for the game (56%).  You aren't going to beat many teams guarding like that.  MSU struggles with the pick and roll as well.  Teams pick and roll them to death.  They either score or go to the free throw line at an alarmingly high rate.

2. Russell Byrd and Brandan Kearney aren't gonna be much help this season.  Byrd was brought in to make shots and he just isn't doing it.  Kearney looks confused most of the time.  He can shoot it but its as if he forgets what is going on so he takes off running to a different spot on the floor.  I think many fans were extremely happy to see Travis Trice and Gary Harris back in the lineup.  I am not a big fan of Trice playing point as he doesn't have the vision of a good point guard.  Case in point last night was when he got a steal on the sideline and weaved his way across the court.  He had Appling on his left and Harris on his right but he decided to drop it off to Adreian Payne.  Mind you, Payne can make jump shots but not from 4 feet beyond the 3 point line.  That killed a fast break opportunity and State didn't score on that possession.  They recruited him to play point guard but I just don't see it working.

3. Branden Dawson hasn't figured it out yet.  He is extremely athletic and talented but the light bulb has yet to go on for him.  Some times it takes a few years for the game to come easily and for a talented player to go out and just play the game without pressing.  Izzo and Spartan fans were hoping that he would be a big time player this season and I just don't think it is gonna happen.  He has an NBA body but doesn't have the ability to attack the rim on a consistent basis and has absolutely no jump shot.  Once he develops those aspects of his game, the sky is the limit.  Another thing I noticed about him was that when he made a mistake, he sulked.  He needed to put his head down and sprint back on defense.  Multiple times Miami had a 3 on 1 or 2 on 1 break because he jogged back.

4. They looked fatigued both physically and mentally.  They got behind and just didn't have the look of a team that could make a run.  MSU teams of the past always had a run in them.  Maybe they didn't win but they didn't let the other team handle them with ease.

5. Miami is a pretty good team that has experience and skill on their side.  They also have a very good coach in Jim Larranaga.  They have solid bigs, a go to scorer and they played with energy. That combination can take you places.

I think that they will improve as the year moves forward.  Guys will figure out their roles and become impact players if only for a few minutes.  The Big Ten is loaded and arguably the best conference in the nation so if they don't figure it out, it could be a long, tough year.

Also, Coach Izzo, I love the fact that you are willing to play anyone, anywhere.  It makes your team tougher in the long run.  But maybe you could schedule a few more off days in between.

My Favorite Athlete Nicknames

Recently ESPN ran a Top 10 list for the greatest nicknames of all time.  I thought about the nicknames over the years that I really like and that were creative and this is the list I came up with.  I should qualify it though.  To make my list, the nickname has to have some sort of meaning.  For example, Chris Paul of the Clippers has the nickname of CP3.  I like the name but but it is terribly uncreative as it is his initials and jersey number.  Same goes for RGIII.  Dwight Howard has been called Superman and I don't think that is creative and is unjust because he has no jumpshot and cannot make a free throw.  Superman could surely make a free throw.  So here is my list.

10. Never Nervous Pervis - Pervis Ellison
I love this because no matter what the situation was, Ellison always looked cool under pressure and you knew that if he had the ball, something good was gonna happen.

9.  RIP - Richard Hamilton
Hamilton was such a pure shooter that he rarely hit the rim on his shots (in his prime).  He had the greatest mid range jumper in the game and the RIP sound was the ball going through the net.

8.  Mr. Perfect - Curt Hennig
He was the excellence of execution.  He became Intercontinental Champion due to is "flawless" execution and tactical moves in the ring.  Everything he did was "simply perfect".

7.  The Big Hurt - Frank Thomas
Thomas is a big man and every time he hit the ball, he put a "hurt" on it.  Hence the nickname.  He seemed to always hit the ball squarely on the bat when he did that, you didn't want to be in its path.  And if he was rounding third and looking to score, opposing catchers prayed that the play wouldn't be close because they didn't want to be on the tracks when that train was coming.

6.  The Real Deal - Evander Holyfield
This is probably the nickname that needs the least commentary.  Holyfield was the real deal.  Enough said.

5.  Dr. J - Julius Erving & Earvin "Magic" Johnson
I put these two together because they both made miracles happen.  Magic with his brilliant passing and Erving with his ability to diagnose and solve the mystery that other defenses presented.  Both could, and did, carve up opposing teams with ease.

4.  Blade Runner - Oscar Pistorius
This nickname is very cool (in my opinion).  Pistorius is the Greek sprinter who is a double leg amputee.  He wears two prosthetic limbs designed for running and he is incredibly fast and even qualified for the olympics.

3.  The Matrix - Shawn Marion
Marion doesn't specialize in any one area on the basketball court.  He isn't a great shooter or a great ball handler but he does do everything really well.  He can make open shots.  He can attack the rim and finish.  He typically is asked to guard the opposing teams best player.  He is truly a phenomenal athlete and is deserving of his nickname.  

2.  Prime Time - Deoin Sanders
Sanders is one of my favorite football players of all time.  When the bright lights were on him, he was the absolute best in the sport.  He could electrify the crowd with his shutdown ability at cornerback.  When he was returning punts, you always expected him to take it to the house.  You wanted him to score just so you could see him dance in the endzone.  He was a polarizing figure in the NFL and brought an aura of excellence at his position that was unheard of at the time.

1.  Megatron - Calvin Johnson
He is big.  He is bad.  No one can cover him one on one and when he wants to be great, you can't stop him. When he plays angry, he cannot be denied.  So far, the NFL does not have an Optimus Prime to contain him.  He is a physical specimen never seen before at the wide receiver position.  He scares opposing players, coaches and fans all around the league.

Special Mention...
The Worm - Dennis Rodman, Mr. Big Shot - Chauncey Billups, The Truth - Paul Pierce, George "The Ice Man" Gervin, Dick "Night Train" Lane, "Iron" Mike Tyson, The Human Highlight Reel -Dominique Wilkins, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler, Shaq "Diesel", Ken "Opie" Root and Michael "Air" Jordan.

MSU Football

It has been frustrating season for the Michigan State football program.  Coming into the season there were lofty expectations for them as a whole and the defense was thought to be of national championship caliber.  Here are a few things driving me crazy about this years squad.

1. The defense is really good and they have fantastic play makers ..however...they have failed to get a stop at the end of a game when they have absolutely needed it.  They have had leads at the end of the Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska games and couldn't seal the deal.  They also needed a stop at the end of the Ohio State game to give the ball back to the offense for a chance at the win but just couldn't get off the field.  Granted the offense hasn't helped them a lot this season but when the strongest part of your team is your defense, they have to produce.

2. Why can't the wide receivers hold on to the ball.  Andrew Maxwell hasn't been a great quarterback.  But he has been good enough to win games and has thrown some great balls.  I have seen them play Ohio State and Nebraska in person and he has thrown some pinpoint accurate passes that the guys have flat out dropped.  It frustrates me as a fan but I can only imagine how Maxwell feels.  Standing strong in the pocket, getting hit as he throws, dropping a dime and...wait...another drop.  AAAAGGGHHHH!

3. The latest collapse is more on the defense, and particularly Johnny Adams, than the officials.  Sure the pass interference call was not a good one and I am not sure why they spotted the ball at the 5 when it should have been half the distance to the goal (putting it at the 10).  No one on the MSU sideline seemed to notice or say anything.  Maybe I just don't know the correct rule.  Johnny Adams though...oh my goodness...why on earth would you even go near a guy who is 40 yards away from the ball on a interception.  You blindside him, and cost MSU a touchdown, essentially costing them the game because I have seen Nebraska play from way behind and it isn't pretty.  For all intensive purposes, the football game is over right there and the pass interference call late in the game doesn't matter.  Good defenses find a way to overcome those mistakes but time after time, this defense fails late. 

4. This season I have seen read option quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Braxton Miller play and I think Taylor Martinez is faster and more elusive than both.  Denard tries to run away from you and Miller tries to run over you. However, Martinez can do both.  He gave State fits all day with his shiftiness and next gear that Denard and Miller just don't have.  The defense looked confused at times on how to handle him and it showed by his long runs.

The season still has 2 games to go and they need another win to be bowl eligible.  That is definitely not what fans expected but hopefully the team will persevere and finish with 2 more wins.  Neither will be easy but we expect them to rise up and meet the challenge.

Tigers World Series Collapse

I have had a couple days to think about the World Series and lack of competitiveness that it was.  Bottom line...The Giants were better when they had to be.  Pablo Sandoval delivered the first big blow in Game 1 with a 2nd inning home run off of Justin Verlander and then proceeded to hit 2 more home runs and all Detroit fans knew we were in trouble.  That game finished 8-3 and then the Tiger bats went even colder.  They delivered exactly 0 runs in the next 2 games.  It wasn't as if the pitching was bad.  Doug Fister and Anibel Sanchez were good.  The vaunted Tiger offense gave them absolutely no run support.  In game 4 Detroit, at least, put up some resistance, actually taking a lead in the game (albeit short lived).  When all was said and done the San Francisco Giants won their second World Series in 3 seasons and Detroit lost their second in 7 seasons.

The biggest bust was Prince Fielder going 1-14 in the Series with 7 strikeouts.  I guess Detroit fans now know how Yankee fans felt watching Alex Rodriguez.  To make matters even worse, triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera watched a fast ball (right down the middle) zoom by for strike 3 ending the game and the season.  Not often do you see him fooled but that goes to show how good the Giants pitching was.

Another thing that I noticed from the series was that SF was more of a team.  They seemed to play for each other and play with so much enthusiasm as if they were little leaguers again.  They even had a pre game ritual they went through that was similar to one you may see at a basketball or football game. (see link below) Anytime they hit a home run or scored a run they were so fired up.  In Game 4, Cabrera hit a go ahead home run (to give Detroit its first lead of the series) and trotted around the bases emotionless.  Instead of getting his team and the fans fired up after crossing home plate, he took off his helmet, looked around with a blank stare, and did the same stupid little routine he always does with Fielder.

I enjoyed watching San Francisco play.  I am a Detroit fan to the core and I usually hate the team that stands in the way of my team and championship.  This opponent was different.  I tip my cap to them, say well played, and hope for someone to step up next year and finish the job.  Oh and a closer not name Valverde.

http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C3&Date=20121024&Category=SPORTS0104&ArtNo=210240413&Ref=AR&Profile=1361&MaxW=600&Border=0

Michigan State VS. Louisville

The further a team advances in the NCAA Tournament, the more nervous a fan base becomes.  This year is no exception.  Michigan State advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 10th time under Tom Izzo.  Not without some sweaty palms from the Spartan Nation.  Saint Louis played them tough all game "uglying" the game with fouls and physical play.  MSU survived, and advanced.  Which is the name of the game this time of year.

They advance to play a very stingy Louisville Cardinal squad that won the Big East Tournament.  They are led by Point Guard Peyton Siva, whose defense and ability to get to the rim on offense can dictate how a game is played.  He can disrupt offenses by flustering opposing Point Guards and get opposing big guys in foul trouble and change the game plan entirely for an opponent.  He is the head of the snake if you will.  You cut off the head, and you beat Louisville.  MSU Point Guard Keith Appling is more than equipped to handle the type of pressure that will be thrust upon him.  It is the backups that worry me.  Travis Trice and Brandon Kearney have never seen any type of pressure like this.

How MSU wins...
Keith Appling is solid with the basketball and MSU limits its costly turnovers.  Turnovers are bound to happen but they must limit the ones that contribute directly to points at the other end.  Draymond Green does what he does and dominates the game because there isn't anyone on Louisville (or in the country) that can guard him.  Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne continue to be the 2-headed monster that they have become and own the paint.  Someone needs to step up and make jump shots as well (looking at you Thornton and Wood).

How UL wins...
Siva is as advertised and absolutely dominates the match-up between he and Appling.  They need to get easy points off turnovers (they were 13th in the Big East in points per possession) and they need to hold their own on the boards.  Kyle Kuric is relentless on offense and makes some long range shots.  Gorgui Dieng MUST stay out of foul trouble.

Prediction...
I think MSU wins 62-56 as the scrappy Cardinals keep it close.  However, Green and the battle tested Spartans outlast what becomes a defensive grind.

Manning to Broncos/Tebow to Jets

It always amazes me that the NFL can stay relevant all year long.  Is that some good Marketing or what?  In the middle of the NCAA Tournament and MLB Spring Training, the NFL still steals all the headlines.

Peyton Manning has worked out a deal to play for the Denver Broncos.  Not surprising that he would want to stay in the AFC as the NFC is loaded with great quarterbacks and good teams.  Matthew Stafford passed for more than 5,000 yards last season and didn't make the Pro Bowl (what a joke by the way)!  Not to mention that his brother is in NY.  Also not surprising that he chose to play in Denver with the higher altitude.  The ball will travel farther so he doesn't have to overextend himself (and his surgically repaired neck) to get the ball down field.  The Broncos have a good defense and look what Manning did for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.  Now he has Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil to set up for big numbers.  Manning gives them the lead and they can pin their ears back and get after the opposing quarterback.  The Broncos also have weapons on the outside too with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.  The only facet that is missing is a decent Tight End.  Dallas Clark anyone?  The schedule doesn't do them any favors either with road games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, New England, Atlanta and Carolina.  4 of the 5 were playoff teams last season and Carolina is steadily improving with Cam Newton.  Home games include Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, Tampa Bay and New Orleans.  3 of them made the playoffs as well.  Cleveland and Tampa Bay seem to be the only easy home games on the schedule.  Then there are the division games with the Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs and anything can happen in division games.

The signing of Manning has led to Denver trading golden boy Tim Tebow.  The Broncos received a couple of draft picks from the New York Jets in return for his services.  That is an interesting story in itself.  I know a lot of people are upset about seeing Tebow-mania leaving town.  He is a nice guy, a great leader and a heck of a role model.  He seems to do everything right (except complete a high percentage of passes).  He just wasn't that great of a quarterback.  In a league that requires great quarterback play to win championships, Tebow wasn't the answer.  When you get a chance to get arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play, you jump on it.  John Elway recognized that chance and after all, he wasn't the one that drafted Tebow.

So the next question is...What is going on with the J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS?  Why trade for another Quarterback?  They recently signed current QB Mark Sanchez to a new deal and then went out and got Drew Stanton from Detroit to back him up.  They also have former Alabama great Greg McElroy on the roster.  4 QB's?  Not likely.  Welcome to your new Wildcat role Tim Tebow.  It may not be the position you want but at least you get to make a lot of money doing what you love.  Plus you are in NEW YORK!  The concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

If Rex Ryan thought he had a rough year last season, wait until this season.  Good luck dealing with the media circus that is Tim Tebow.

Who will be more popular in NY?  Tim Tebow or Jeremy Lin?

5 things I learned last weekend (March 3-4)

Another weekend has passed and more sports stories surface.  Here is what I learned last weekend.

1.  Michigan State had a chance to win the Big Ten outright but just couldn't get it done.  They had a 2 game lead with 2 games to play and all they had to do was win one and the title was theirs alone.  Unfortunately, the 2 teams that stood in their way were no cupcakes.  They had to play at Indiana, which is always a difficult place to play, and at home against Ohio State.  Indiana is playing as well as anyone in the country right now and the only team that has defeated top ranked Kentucky.  They have knocked off 3 Top 5 teams this season in Bloomington including the aforementioned Wildcats, The Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State.  Ohio State was looking at the MSU game as a revenge situation after State bullied them in Columbus.  It was tough to see Draymond Green lose his final home game and I certainly feel terrible for him and the other seniors.  Usually a 15-point lead at home is a lock.  Hopefully Green and the Spartans will get the last laugh come Tournament time.

2.  MSU forward Branden Dawson left Sunday's game with a knee injury and it was later revealed that he had a torn ACL.  That is a serious blow to the Spartans title chances.  He is a very athletic forward who is a beast on the offensive glass.  He has the ability to play lock down defense and can change games with his freakish athleticism. Dawson was the 3rd leading scorer for the Spartans and he will be sorely missed as the NCAA Tournament approaches.

3.  Duke is who I thought they were.  Pretenders.  They live by the 3 and die by the 3 (as many teams do).  When you make 3's, you can be in the game with anyone.  When those 3's don't fall, you get pounded and beat up by the better teams (as was evident Saturday).  Duke doesn't have an inside game to lean on when the jumpers don't fall.  Their game is to spread you out defensively, attack the gaps and kick it out to jump shooters.  I don't begin to tell anyone that I am a Duke or North Carolina fan.  As a matter of fact, I don't like either one.  However, in watching both of their head to head games this season, the Tar heels are a much more talented team (and I don't think it is close).  Duke was lucky to win the game in Chapel Hill.  Carolina figured them out, adjusted, and exposed them for the nation to see.

4.  Rory McIlroy is now the world's top ranked golfer.  He had to earn it as a hard charging Tiger Woods was making his move.  Tiger had the putter working all day as he rolled in a long eagle putt at the 3rd and made another eagle at the 18th.  He had command of his game hitting whatever shot he wanted to with precision.  He finished with a final round 62 to post -10.  McIlroy was 6 groups behind Tiger and knew what was happening. He heard the gallery roar as Woods made his 8-foot eagle putt and knew that that wasn't the type of noise they make for birdies.  Rory was on the 13th green staring down a birdie putt of his own and when it dropped in dead center, it was game on.  Just like a true champion, McIlroy answered the bell and closed the door to win by 2 shots.  Who knows how long he will maintain the top ranking in the world but he seems to be a genuinely nice guy and I cannot wait to see what the Masters holds.

5.  Northwestern still has a chance to make it to the March Madness for the first time in school history.  They dodged two VERY large bullets this weekend as Creighton held off Illinois State and Murray State avenged their only loss of the season against Tennessee State.  If either had lost, someone's bubble would have burst, as they would have stolen NCAA bids.  That bubble could easily be Northwestern's.  First and foremost, the Wildcats need to handle their own business and beat Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament.  Then beating Michigan would go a long way to solidifying a bid.  They played Michigan very tough this year losing both games in OT.  If they are to make their first Big Dance, they need the teams that are supposed to win their conference tournaments to actually win them so no automatic bids are stolen.  I am looking at you Long Beach State.

Let me know what you learned.

Here is a video that doesn't have anything to do anything.  I just thought it was funny.  SHEED!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Z-CV2EWZo&feature=related

GUS JOHNSON!!!!

I was flipping channels last night trying to find something to watch and I came across the The Big Ten Network.  Ahh yes.  Big Ten Basketball.  In my opinion, there is nothing finer in the land (except for maybe Big Ten Football).  Ohio State was playing Northwestern and the Buckeyes were consistently up 10 or so.  Then the tide started to turn and Northwestern, behind all Big Ten first-teamer John Shurna, started to make a run.  After all, the Wildcats need another signature win to make their first NCAA Tournament.... EVER.

As Northwestern climbed back into the game, play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson reeled me in.  He is, far and away, my favorite announcer.  He seems to make everything more interesting and his excitement for the game is contagious.  I was actually excited about the finish of a game that I wouldn't otherwise care about.  This game had a NCAA feel to it, but sadly, we will not get the privilege of hearing Johnson, and his insane enthusiasm, at this year's tournament.  The Big Ten Network lured him away from CBS, and March Madness.  I think that is a shame but I do get to see, and hear, him more often on BTN.

Northwestern found themselves down 3 with less than a minute to go.  They tried to run a flare screen for John Shurna but against a really good defensive team, that isn't going to work.  So the Wildcats improvised and Alex Marcotullio let it fly from 25 feet.  That is when it happened.  OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!  Vintage Gus Johnson!  After a Buckeye timeout, Jared Sullinger scored to give OSU a 2 point lead with 3.1 seconds left.  Johnson was a more subdued on that call but there is only so much you can do with a layup.  The final shot came from Shurna, a desperation heave at the buzzer that glanced off the rim.  Unfortunately, it didn't go in but could you imagine Gus Johnson's call if it had?  It would have been epic!

In case you didn't see it (or hear it), here he is at his finest!

http://btn.com/2012/02/29/best-of-gus-no-11-ohio-state-at-nu/

Greatest college basketball player names

As our child's due date gets closer and closer, the thought of what to name him continues to creep into our minds.  This, in turn, lead to a discussion at lunch the other day about some of the crazy names out there in the athletic world.  The NBA has World B. Free, Metta World Peace and Mahmoud Abdul Rauf (all changed from their original birth names).  NASCAR has Dick Trickle.  The NHL has Miroslav Satan, Radek Bonk and Ron Tugnutt.  The NFL has Tshimanga Biakabutuka, Atari Bigby and Frostee Rucker.  The PGA Tour has Fuzzy Zoeller and Jesper Parnevik. However the best names are reserved for college basketball.  Here are my favorite college names of all time broken down into a starting lineup (my 5 favorite) and reserves (honorable mention).  It's OK to say them out loud too.  It's actually funnier if you do.


ALL NAME TEAM STARTERS
God Shammgod - Providence College 6'0" 169 lbs - His name has God in it...TWICE.  Awesome!
E'Twaun Moore - Purdue 6'4" 191 lbs - I enjoy saying Twan after he makes shots! (and in general)
LaceDarius Dunn - Baylor 6'4" 205 lbs - LaceDarius is just fun to say. It rolls off the tongue.
Boubacar (boob-a-car) Aw (ow)- Georgetown 6'7" 228 lbs - One of the best ever!
Ruben Boumtje Boumtje (boom-shay) - Georgetown 7'0" 257 lbs - A name so nice, you have to say it twice.

ALL NAME TEAM RESERVES
Ja Ja (ya) Dia (ja) - Georgetown
Duany Duany - Wisconsin 6'5" 200 lbs
Chief Kickingstallionsims - Alabama State 7'1" 265 lbs
Exree Hipp - Maryland 6'8" 205 lbs
Scientific Mapp - Florida A&M
Majestic Mapp - Virginia 6'2" 184 lbs
Just-in 'Love Smith - Siena 5'11" 190 lbs
Luc Richard Mbah A Moute - UCLA 6'8" 230 lbs
Idong Ibok - Michigan State 6'11" 260 lbs

Any that I missed?  Let me know.

5 things I learned last weekend (Feb. 25-26)

After a brief hiatus, I am back to tell you the 5 things that I learned last weekend.  These are things that presented themselves at some point and that can be very telling as the sporting year moves along.

1.  The Detroit Red Wings need Pavel Datsyuk more than they know.  They have lost him for a couple weeks as he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove fragments from his right knee.  Since he has been out, they lost at Chicago and at home to Vancouver and Colorado.  It isn't a surprise to lose to Chicago in Chicago, as they are a good team.  Losing to Vancouver is a little more of a shock just because they hadn't lost at Joe Louis Arena in more than a month.  Datsyuk was missed on defense and his ability to create on offense.  Also the game went to a shootout where Pavel usually shines.  He was absent, and so was a shootout goal for the Wings.  However, the biggest surprise was the home loss to the Avs.  They were dominated and played very poorly. I think most Red Wings fans would agree, we need Datsyuk back to restore order.

2.  Michigan State has at least a share of the Big Ten title after Wisconsin beat Ohio State in Columbus.  I never thought that I would find myself rooting for the Badgers but as the game got tighter, I was glued to the television.  I knew that a Badger win would give State a 2 game lead and a share of the title.  If MSU can win 1 of it's final 2 games, they would own the title outright.  So big time thanks to Bo Ryan and Wisconsin and a special mention to Purdue for beating Michigan in Ann Arbor on senior night making the latest Big Ten title possible.

3.  Lebron James still cannot be "The Man" down the stretch of games.  No matter what game he plays in, James just can't seem to put his team over the top.  He was brilliant in the all-star game last night leading the East back from a 17-point deficit.  He finished with 36 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.  However, when the game was on the line, he deferred to Deron Williams who missed a 3 badly.  Then Lebron got another chance when they secured the offensive rebound.  He proceeded to throw the ball away on a pass that could have picked off by multiple defenders.  I guess we now know why he defers to Dwyane Wade so often (who had a triple double by the way).

4.  Poor Joel Zumaya has another arm injury.  After throwing 13 pitches in a live batting practice session, Zumaya walked off the mound with elbow pain.  Turns out, he tore a ligament in his pitching elbow.  If he wants to continue with a baseball career, he will have to undergo Tommy John Surgery.  That would make 6 surgeries since 2006.  The hard throwing right hander is probably best known for his 100+ mph fastball and injuring his arm during the 2006 playoffs playing Guitar Hero.  You can't blame him if he decides to retire, as overcoming so many surgeries is tough psychologically.  My lasting memory of Zumaya is in a game against the White Sox during the penant race.  He was facing Jermaine Dye and he threw 2 fastballs that were 101 and 102 mph.  Then on the 0-2 pitch, he threw a devastating curve ball that almost made Dye's knees buckle.  The crowd was fired up, Zumaya was fired up and I knew something special could happen that year.

5.  With Hunter Mahan's win at the WGC World Match Play Championship, he not only kept Rory McIlroy from becoming the world number 1, but he made it 9 out of 9 Americans winning on the PGA Tour this season.  That is surprising since the world is full of so many great golfers and no Americans are ranked in the top 4 in the world.

Special mention to Pete Weber.  If you haven't seen his celebration after winning his 5th US Open title, check it out.  It is classic.  I love animated bowlers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKQOXYB2cd8

Jeremy Lin

The Jeremy Lin story is one that continues to amaze.  I, for one, am not yet tired of hearing about him and watching highlights.  Lin had 6 consecutive games with 20+ points and 7+ assists.  That is a franchise record for the Knicks.  Keep in mind that those 6 games were the first 6 games that he played meaningful minutes.  So what did he do for an encore?  He only had 10 points and a career high 13 assists.  6 of those assists were either lobs for a dunk or led directly to a dunk.  He does what his team needs whether that is scoring, rebounding or distributing the basketball.  He has to cut down on the turnovers and guard the basketball better and then he can become a great NBA player.

One thing I do get tired of hearing about is how he is being compared to Tim Tebow in the way that he burst on the scene and took over a league.  They even have their own poses that people are copying all over the world and posting on the internet.  However, that is the only thing they have in common.    Tebow won a Heisman.  Lin walked on at Harvard.  Tebow won a National Championship.  Lin led his team to a NCAA Tournament birth.  Tebow was drafted by Denver in the first round.  Lin went undrafted.  Tebow had fans chanting his name before he first started a game.  Lin had his name crossed off a few rosters (as in cut) before finally getting a chance in New York.  New York Knicks coach Mike D'antoni took a chance on Lin and sometimes that is all a person needs.

These are my favorite Jeremy Lin nicknames:

5. Super Lin-tendo - Watch out if he drops 64 on someone
4. Mr. Lin-credible - When the Knicks need him, he saves the day
3. Lin-stigator - He gets the ball where it needs to be
2. Lin-sanity - The way the world has gone crazy since he burst on the scene
1. Lin-ja Assassin - He quietly leads the Knicks and down the stretch, before you know it, you are done

Honorable mention:

Simply Lin-credible, Just L-in Baby, Lin-glorious Basterd, Lin-ferno, NY is Lin-debted to Jeremy, Lin-fatuated, All L-in, It's L-inning time, Lin-derella, Lin-stant offense, Lin-spirational, To Lin-finity and beyond, Lin-fluenza, Lin-ish him (in your best Mortal Kombat voice), L-in your face, L-in Diesel, Jackie Chan of basketball, Yellow Mamba, Jeremy "Shao" Lin, Sippin on Lin and Juice

Pistons vs. Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings were on the verge of setting the record for most consecutive home wins in NHL history.  I was excited to watch and see how the game would play out.  I sat on the couch and turned it to Fox Sports Detroit and to my surprise, the Pistons were on.  I thought, OK, let me check NBCSports.  Minnesota was playing Anaheim.  Wow was I unhappy.  After all, the Pistons are having a stellar season at 8-22.  And they did just get beat by 20 by Washington (who is 7-21).  I think they should put a bad NBA team on FSD instead of a team on the cusp of history (sarcasm).  Instead the Wings were on FSD+, which I don't get.  As it turns out, the Red Wings were dominant and won 3-1, securing the record.  Wish I could have seen it.

The Pistons game, on the other hand, was pretty entertaining.  In typical Piston fashion, they got down 17 points against the San Antonio Spurs before mounting a rally.  Ben Wallace was playing in his 1,055th game which is the most all time for an undrafted player since the NBA-ABA merger in 1977.  They actually took the lead late in the 4th only to have the officials stear them away from a potential victory.  With Detroit down 1, Tony Parker got a "star" call on a play where Brandon Knight never touched him.  He made 2 free throws to put the Spurs up 3.  The next offensive possession for Detroit found Manu Ginobili guarding Tayshaun Prince in an obvious mismatch.  Prince did what all good players do when they have a smaller guy guarding him, he took him to the post.  Ginobili then did what is increasingly popular in the NBA.  He flopped and sold the official effectively ending the game.  It wasn't a total waste but I still would have like to watch history. 

5 things I learned last weekend (Feb 11-12)

Another fantastic weekend of sports came and went and a few things really stood out to me.

1.  Michigan State can absolutely lock you up on defense.  The Spartans put on another defensive clinic in dominating the 3rd ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus.  They held the Buckeyes to 48 total points on 26.4% shooting while ending their 39 game home win streak.  MSU has bought into the Tom Izzo philosophy that they are going to guard you, frustrate you, outwork you and beat you up physically.  State ranks 15th in the country in scoring defense, giving up 58.6 points per game, and ranks 5th in field goal percentage defense holding their opponents to 37.4%.  MSU also ranks 12th in 3-point field goal percentage, 9th in rebounds per game and 3rd in rebound differential.  Basically, they force you into bad shots and then don't give you an opportunity to get cheap points by getting offensive rebounds.  They have come a long way since giving up 81 points to Lehigh.  Now if they can put the ball in the hole, they have a real chance to make the Final Four.  Fingers crossed.

2.  I have Jeremy Lin fever.  This guy burst on the seen from the NBA D-League and has led the New York Knicks to a 5 game winning streak.  Did I mention that they are playing without superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudamire?  Lin-sanity has taken over the Big Apple just when they needed him.  He has revived the fan base and fueled his team.  They believe they can win but most importantly, they believe in him.  The former Harvard Point Guard, who was born in California, is averaging 26.8 points, 8 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game while playing 39 (out of 48) minutes a game in his 5 starts. The most staggering stat is that he is making 52% of his shots.  It isn't like he is making 4 out of 8.  He is shooting 19 times a game!  When the Knicks played Kobe and the Lakers, Kobe was asked if he knew about the sensation that is Lin.  Kobe downplayed it insinuating that by the end of the night, Lin would know who Kobe was.  WRONG!  Lin went for 38 points and 7 assists to Kobe's 34 points and 10 rebounds.  The most important statistic...  Lin-sanity and the Knicks got the win.  He is a refreshing story and I am all L-in.

3.  The Red Wings have tied the all time record for consecutive wins at home with 20.  20 games in a row!  Think about that for a second.......It is mind boggling.  These are the greatest hockey players in the WORLD!  The two teams they are tied with (Boston Bruins, 1929-30 and Philadelphia Flyers, 1976) didn't have to deal with players from across the pond.  They mainly had to play against North Americans.  To me, that is what makes this streak so impressive.  1 more to go for the outright record!  Bring on the Dallas Stars!

4.  Tiger Woods is not ready to win a major tournament just yet.  He started the final round 4 shots off the lead having shot in the 60's for his first 3 rounds.  He had played well and was 2 shots ahead of Phil Mickelson and the 2 were paired together!  What a drama filled afternoon this was gonna be.  Drama filled for about 30 minutes.  Mickelson got off to a blazing start with birdies at 2, 4 and 5 and then eagled the 6th.  He put a beating on Tiger that he has never seen before, drubbing him by 11 shots on the day.  Phil shot a magnificent final round 64 winning the tournament by 2 strokes.  Tigers putter really let him down as he missed 6 putts from inside 5 feet and limped to the clubhouse with a 75.  Tiger wasn't even the best player in his Pro-Am two-some.  Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo actually played better than he did.  Woods has looked really good at times this year but Sunday at Pebble Beach will soon be a day that he wants to forget.  This epic collapse, on that stage, leads me to believe that, mentally, he isn't ready.  Guys on tour no longer fear the mystique that he once possessed.  Once he exercises the mental demons, and only then, will we begin to see the brilliance of Tiger Woods.

5.  Kentucky's Anthony Davis will be the #1 pick in the NBA draft.  Davis is a game changer and has already set the SEC all time record for blocked shots in a season.  He averages 14 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks per game and can be a dominant post presence at 6'10" and 220 pounds.  Davis is just a freshman so he can only get bigger and better. His athleticism and the way he plays are reminiscent of a young Marcus Camby.  I have heard about him this season but haven't actually watched him play until this weekend.  I can only hope that the Pistons, while trying to win of course, tank the rest of their season so they can get lucky enough to get the first overall pick.

Will Ferrell does intros for Bulls-Hornets

Will Ferrell announced the starting lineups for the New Orleans Hornets home game against the Chicago Bulls last night.  Was this a good idea?  Probably not from the players perspective.  To be specific, the Hornets starting 5.  The starting lineups are a time for the home team to get excited and amped up.  Usually they turn the lights off and play a theme song (not Journey) or maybe do some pyrotechnics.  The fans are invested and into it.  You let a comedian do the starting lineups and it becomes a spectacle (80's night).  Everyone is laughing and wondering what they are going to say next.  Guys are wondering how he will insult them.  It could lead to a slow start in the game and when a bad team is hosting a really good team, they need to get off to a good start.  New Orleans didn't do that and ultimately ended up losing by 23.  Now was that a result of the pregame festivities?  Only the players can tell you that.  YOU'RE MY BOY BLUE!

However, from a fans perspective, it was hilarious and a nice change of pace.  The introductions added some much needed publicity to the NBA that regular announcers just cannot provide.  It was classic Will Ferrell (if you don't like him than you probably didn't think it was too amusing).  I thought he was funny and creative and said things that not many people would think of to describe guys like Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Emeka Okafor (majored in Econ but minored in LOVE).

My only problem with it was that if he is going to announce the starting lineups, he should do it for his hometown team.  Or at least a team he roots for.  A team he can really get excited about.  He is from California and doesn't live in New Orleans.  He was there filming a movie.  Maybe we can get more movie stars to do starting lineups in other cities.  Maybe Christopher Walken introducing the Heat or Bill Murray introducing the Knicks.  What do you think?

In case you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv3bYWuUUng

  

Cold Blooded Buzzer Beaters

I didn't think that there was any way that last nights game between Duke and North Carolina could live up the hype that ESPN had been giving it.  They listed the 10 greatest finishes (games) between the 2 schools through out the course of the day.  What a fantastic job of foreshadowing because they now have a new number 1.  Duke trailed by 10 with under 3 minutes to go.  They hung around just enough to get the final possession and a chance to tie with a 2, or win with a 3.  In typical live by the 3, die by the 3 fashion, Dukes Austin Rivers quieted the sold out crowd in the Dean Dome with cold blooded dagger into the hearts of Carolina fans everywhere.  In case you missed it, here is the final shot.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrevERVW5Cg

My favorite part is that Dick Vitale was speechless afterward.  That is not an easy thing to do!

This game, and that shot, made me think of my favorite buzzer beating game winners. In no particular order.

Korie Luscious in the NCAA tournament against Maryland.  After General Greivis (Vasquez) single handedly brings Maryland back, Luscious steps on their dreams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3_bcJyAaI4

Grant Hill to Christian Laettner to beat Kentucky.  My favorite part of this is Thomas Hill's face afterward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY-iq58_oz4&feature=fvst

Michael Jordan against Cleveland in the 1989 Playoffs.  He hangs in the air just long enough to let Craig Ehlo fly by and bury the jumper.  The celebration afterward is classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5WUOnTxwPw

Bryce Drew beats the buzzer to upset Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA tournament.  It is always fun to watch Cinderella dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0haGKGiX9qA

Evan Turner makes a 35 footer at the horn to beat Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament.  This is one of my favorites because, well, it was Michigan on the losing end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVLWsHjVu9Y

Last and certainly not least...

Michael Snaer beats the buzzer and upsets Duke.  FSU snapped Duke's 45 game home win streak that spanned 3 years.  My favorite part of this video, other than it was FSU beating Duke, was the look on Seminole coach Leonard Hamilton's face afterwards.  The look of "No big deal.  Just another day at the office."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=ovReB_4s3P8

Angry fan voices displeasure after missed free throw

Winning boils down to a few things in college basketball.  Play good defense, rebound the basketball and make your foul shots.  Generally, if you do that, you will be victorious.  Coaches know it.  Players know it.  Even fans know it.  That is why, as a fan, the game can be so frustrating.  Under such intense pressure, the body reacts differently.  With the game on the line, it is much more difficult to make a free throw than it is if you are in the practice gym by yourself.  Do players intentionally miss free throws?  Of course not.  Do fans understand that? I am not so sure.

Such was the case in the recent college basketball game between Maryland and Clemson.  Clemson guard Andre Young (an 88% free throw shooter) stepped to the line after being fouled while attempting a 3-pointer.  His team trailed by 3 with 10.7 seconds left.  Under an intense amount of pressure and the game on the line, he promptly missed the first "free throw".  The crowd groaned and waited for the next attempt.  Which he, you guessed it, missed again.  I feel for him in that situation.  I know a lot of people who would feel terrible for him.  Apparently one fan in particular doesn't feel the same.

http://deadspin.com/wake-up-deadspin/

Gronk

Oh the life of an NFL player.  Before the game, analysts talked about how Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury may limit what the New England Patriots want to do offensively.  Maybe that was true.  However, the ankle didn't stop Gronk from dancing on stage during the Patriots post game party.  Gronkowski only had 2 catches for 26 yards in the Super Bowl loss and was 2 yards from a miracle.  Apparently that didn't faze him.  People cope with defeat differently.  Some rest and reflect on how they could have played better.  Some sulk (Tom Brady) and try to hold back tears (Wes Welker).  Some hit the bottle pretty hard.  Not Gronk.  He hit the dance floor. With his brothers and Patriots Left Tackle Matt Light, Gronk rocked out on stage during a performance by LMFAO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNN_eBFlZ5U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQgVjt2H9lg

Should this be the reaction from someone who, that day, lost the Super Bowl?  I don't think so and I am pretty sure that most people would agree with me.  Even if you aren't heart broken, as many of your teammates were, at least act like it.  Go to the post game party, hang out for a few, say hi to some people and then leave.  Maybe even have a drink or two but don't get up on stage and take your shirt off.  That gives the perception that you don't care that you just lost the championship game, the biggest game you may ever play.  These guys owe personal apologies to Patriots owner Robert Kraft.  A guy who has built this franchise into what it is today.  A guy who recently lost his wife of 48 years to cancer and was visibly crushed after the game.  He deserves better than that.

5 things I learned last weekend (Feb 4-5)

This past weekend was filled with many ups and downs.  As you know, it was Super Bowl weekend and the game, while dull at times, did not disappoint from a drama aspect.  While everyone was getting ready for the big Super Bowl parties that were going on, there were other stories and events taking place.  Here are 5 things I learned.

1. The New York Giants are the first team to win a Super Bowl with a negative point differential during the regular season.  They were outscored by 6 points during the 16 game season.  Just goes to show you that if a team gets hot at the right time, anyone can win.

2. Giselle Bundchen, Tom Brady's wife, isn't afraid to say what is on her mind.  She criticized the Patriot receivers for dropping balls at inopportune times.  She stated that her husband cannot throw the ball and catch the ball too.  What?!?  You mean to tell me that he isn't Superman.  As a fan of the game, I don't want to hear that criticism from anyone, let alone a player's wife.  They weren't trying to drop the ball.  Sometimes you just don't make the play.  That is the difference between a Super Bowl Champion and a runner up.

3. Kevin Love does have a little bit of a dark side.  A few weeks ago, when the Minnesota Timberwolves were playing the Houston Rockets, Luis Scola tried to save a ball from going out of bounds and fired it directly into Love's midsection.  He apparently didn't forget that in the most recent matchup when he stomped on Scola's head.  Scola caught the ball in the post and started to back Love down.  Love reached in and smacked the ball away (getting mostly arm) and knocked Scola down.  Then stomped on his head as he was going to the other end of the floor.  He got a 2 game suspension for that and by the way, no foul was called.

4. 1 week after blowing a 3 shot lead on the 18th hole, Kyle Stanley came from 8 shots back to win the Phoenix Open by a single shot.  He has enough talent to win on the PGA Tour but no one, except maybe Stanley himself, thought that he could rebound from such a disappointment so quickly.  The game of golf is as much mental as it is physical and apparently no lead is safe.  Maybe the greatest teacher of all is failure.  It just depends on how quickly you can pick up the pieces and move forward.

5. Apparently the cycling world has a real doping issue.  Alberto Contador was stripped of his 2010 Tour De France title and banned for 2 years after he was found guilty of doping.  It is big blow to the sport for a well-known name to be found guilty after winning the most famous race in their sport.

A big congratulations to former Spartan Greg Jones, who not only gets a Super Bowl Championship, but also became engaged, proposing to his girlfriend as the confetti fell from the rafters.

Super Bowl in London? Not a good idea

The NFL is considering having Super Bowl L in London.  Is it because L can stand for London or 50?  I think that the NFL should really consider this proposition before actually making it happen.  The game of football, while gaining international interest, is still very much an American game.  Super Bowl Sunday is almost an american holiday.  It's more than just a game.  It is an event.  People get together for Super Bowl parties regardless of if their team is playing.  It is the grandest stage of all professional championships and I think it would be an injustice to take it overseas at this point.  People in the United States worship the game as if it were a religion and gather on their couches every Sunday (perhaps after church) to watch 9 hours of countless collisions and car crashes.  People in England worship Soccer the same way.  Would England ever consider having its greatest game in the US?  I don't think so.

It is no surprise that NFL owners are interested in taking the Super Bowl to an international destination.  They have had preseason games in London, at Wembley Stadium, in the mid 80's and early 90's and have had a regular season game there since 2007.  This move is about one thing, the almighty dollar. Tickets for this years Super Bowl in Indianapolis are going for an astonishing $5,000.  The event is already one that the average american cannot afford to attend.  Now you tack on international flights, sight seeing expenses and hotel stays, there isn't a chance that many Americans can attend.

Now there is the discussion of a time difference.  London is 5 hours ahead of the us on the east coast and 8 hours on the west coast.  So to maintain the normal starting time that we are accustomed to (6pm), the game would have to start around 11pm.  I don't think that Wembley Stadium, which seats 90,000, would be sold out and it could be borderline embarrassing for the NFL.  After all, it would be a Sunday night and people would have to work the next day.  I am not sure that they could sell out the FA Cup at that time.

The NFL has built a powerhouse of a brand and to have the Super Bowl anywhere but American soil (maybe Toronto) would be a travesty.  If they do this, they will lose a whole lot of the fans that have made the game what it is today.  Fans that drive the business, and as a fan, I would be very unhappy if my team (Detroit Lions) was to make the Super Bowl for the first time and it was being played in London.

College chosen because of fast food Restaurant

Signing day for High School football players has come and gone.  Most of the highly recruited athletes held press conferences and tried to come up with creative ways to say that they were going to one college or another.  There are many factors that go into consideration before choosing which school will be best.  Academics, atmosphere, coaches, tradition, location, what fast food chains are on campus.  UHH.  The latter being the supposed reason that LB Cassanova McKinzy (from Birmingham) chose Auburn over Clemson.  REALLY?  He stated that "It was kind of the environment and plus they had no Chick-fil-A on campus.  You had to go like, probably like 15 minutes off campus to go to like a real restaurant."  Nothing says REAL restaurant like Chick-fil-A.  I hope Brann's Steakhouse isn't offended.  The really funny thing is that Clemson DOES have a Chick-fil-A on campus.  He probably should have asked about that.  I can honestly say that I would not choose a school based on whether or not a Taco Bell was there.  Some priorities are way out of whack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhC0f-o0jfY  - McKinzy interview.

I think that the winner here is....Clemson.  Going to college is supposed to be about getting an education to better yourself and prepare for the real world.  McKinzy clearly doesn't think that.  He is getting a full scholarship and has probably bumped a kid who actually wants to go to school to learn.  Why would you want a guy on campus who only cares about what fast food chains are there?  That is sending the wrong message to the youth of america.  He is already showing his true colors and he probably won't be there very long.  Athletes are already perceived to be selfish and egotistical and this story doesn't do much to discredit that.

I guess the only thing left to say is....War Eagle!

MSU Vs. Illinois

I have had a couple days to think about the horrendous game that was Michigan State and Illinois.  Not exactly an instant classic.  This was a game that finished 42-41.  83 total points for the game.  To say that each team struggled to shoot the ball is a huge overstatement.  To put in perspective, Illinois guard Brandon Paul had 43 points in a win against Ohio State earlier this season.  43 all by himself.  Neither team reached that mark.  Michigan State had more rebounds (43) than either team had points.  What!?!  When has anyone ever had more rebounds than points?  Those are mind-boggling statistics.  Before the game, if you tell me that MSU hammers Illinois on the glass and shoots 83% from the free throw line, I would have told you that State wins by 15, if not more.  As Chris Berman says, that is why you play the games.

To break it down further, MSU was 14-58 from the floor (24.1%) and Illinois was only marginally better at 15-46 (32.6%).  Keith Appling was 1-11 from the floor including a missed layup at the end and Adreian Payne was 3-10, with all 7 of his missed shots being layups as well. Sometimes layups are hard, I get it.  I have missed them with the game on the line.  As a coach, there isn't anything you can do or say to make them go in.  The guys aren't trying to miss them or any other shot for that matter.  Sometimes you have tough nights.  Nothing is more frustrating to a coach, believe me, I have been there too.  It appeared that nobody wanted to win this game.  Brandon Paul (73% free throw shooter) was 5-9 for the game including missing the front end of 1 and 1's, twice, late in the game.  This was at home no less.  Maybe Dan Dakich was right when he said that the basketball was over inflated.

Oh yeah, did I mention that Draymond Green (MSU's best player) sat out early with foul problems and then got injured late and was a non-factor?  That certainly doesn't help things.

I try and watch all the Michigan State games and this is by far the worst offensive performance I can ever recall.  They played great defense, were dominant on the glass and Brandon Dawson was a monster.  But if you can't put the ball in the hole, you aren't going to beat anyone.  This performance just makes the next game against Michigan all the more important.  Hopefully Green will be able to play and I expect a great bounce back game (at home) against their in state rivals.

They can't play any worse.

Top 5 favorite dunks

After seeing Blake Griffin posterize Kendrick Perkins last night, it made me think of my top 5 favorite dunks.  There is something majestic about watching someone rise up in the air, cock their arm back, and embarrass someone trying to defend them.

5. Jerome Lane breaks the backboard
I have had the pleasure of being on the basketball court when someone gets dunked on and the backboard breaks.  It is one of the coolest things you can ever see.  "Send it in Jerome!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk8EiJiWW9o

4. Dr. J over Michael Cooper
Dr. J was always so graceful as he flew through the air to hammer it down.  My favorite part of this dunk was that Michael Cooper decided at the last second to get out of the way because Dr. J was way to high in the air.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCT9QyqhkBU

3. Blake Griffin on Kendrick Perkins
Blake Griffin looks like he jumps off a trampoline and this is no exception.  Perkins comes to challenge and Griffin is still rising as Perkins is on his way down.  Awesome!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9q8jsVQnNk

2. Vince Carter over Weis in the Olympics
On the world's biggest stage, Vinsanity jumps OVER a 7 footer for the throw down.  Not around, but completely over him.  If you put that in a movie, no one would believe it.  As he lands, he turns around and almost punches KG with a fist pump and yells "WHAT!" What is right.  You can't really say anything after that.  Just watch replay after replay in awe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMrPjl-927Q

1. Michael Jordan on Patrick Ewing
When Jordan touched the ball you always had a feeling something special was about to happen.  This time was no different.  He drove baseline and was cut off and double-teamed.  Instead of passing it off, he spun baseline out of the trap and met Patrick Ewing at the basket. Ewing was late in reacting and by that time, there was nothing he could do.  Ewing attempted to foul but Jordan was so high it didn't matter.  Not many players can make the move Jordan did and then finish by dunking on a 7 footer.  One of the many reasons he is the greatest player ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkEVn1VUBlE

Honorable Mention:
Durrell Summers over Stanley Robinson in the NCAA Final Four
John Starks against Chicago in the 1993 Playoffs
Kevin Johnson on Hot Rod Williams and then rides piggy back on him
Most of Lebron's dunks

What I learned this weekend

A few things stand out from this weekend.

1. The officiating in the Big Ten is bad.
Case number 1.  The officials called a phantom foul on Meyers Leonard at the end of the Illinois-Minnesota game essentially costing Illinois a win.  Minnesota was down 3 with inside 10 seconds to play. Austin Hollins decided to drive down the lane and flip it off the glass getting the layup and the foul call on Leonard.  Leonard was moving backwards with both hands up in the air and the foul was called by an official along the sideline (not his call).  The play occurred near the basket with the official under the basket watching idly by.  Not a good call.
Case number 2.  Michigan attempted 4 free throws in their game against Ohio State.  The first of which did not come until 2:34 left in the game.  REALLY!!  4 free throws.  I am not even a Michigan fan and I think that is atrocious.  I know that Michigan is primarily a jump shooting team but they do have guys who attack the rim with Tim Hardaway and Trey Burke.  Plus Jordan Morgan is a physical force inside.  On the flip side, OSU attempted 18 free throws.  Per usual, the Big Ten officials love some home cooking.

2. Watching Men's Tennis is entertaining
The battle that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal was one of epic proportions.  The quality wasn't the highest but after almost 6 hours, who can be at the top of their game.  I am just glad they let them sit down during the insanely long trophy presentations.

3.  A 3 shot lead heading to 18 isn't enough
Kyle Stanley stepped up to the Par 5, 18th tee with a commanding 3 shot lead.  He hit a decent drive and decided to layup short of the water (the smart move right Tin Cup?).  What happened next is unimagineable.  His 3rd shot was a really good one that just happened to spin back too much.  It slowly and I do mean very slowly trickled back into the water creating a gasp from the crowd and some tension in Stanley.  He calmly took a drop and hit a pretty good shot that was towards the back of the green.  Now all he needed was a 2 putt and he would get his first career win.  He left himself a 4 footer for the win and he pulled it left.  Sudden death ensued where he fell short and Brandt Snedeker won the tournament.  It was a shame but a valuable lesson was learned...Take nothing for granted.

4.  Matthew Stafford should have been on the NFC Pro Bowl team instead of Cam Newton (who had 3 interceptions in the game)

5.  Goalies in the NHL All-Start game get hung out to dry by the lack of defense in the game.

6.  The Detroit Pistons are not a good team (that is being nice).

7. Hulk Hogan had the best theme song of any wrestler...EVER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guG9cVs3ms4

Fielder to the D?

I have had a few days to think about the Detroit Tigers acquiring Prince Fielder from Milwaukee.  He is a fantastic hitter and a pretty good defensive first baseman.  Sound familiar...describes Miguel Cabrera doesn't it?  So Detroit goes out and gets a guy who plays the same position as their best player.  Hmmm.  I know that Victor Martinez getting injured really hurt the Tigers' lineup, but getting Prince Fielder (who can be electric) doesn't help that out.  He is going to get paid over $20 million a year so he can't sit the bench or only DH.  Cabrera can't do that either.  So the logical choice is the put Cabrera at... third base.  The position he started his career at.  Detroit tried this once before and Cabrera made 5 errors in 14 games.  That would put him on pace for over 50 errors in a season.  Brandon Inge was not a great hitter by any stretch of the imagination but he did solidify the hot corner with dazzling plays and great range.  Thanks for the memories Inge.  Let's say for arguments sake that the Cabrera experiment doesn't work.  You have him and Fielder splitting time between first base and DH.  Then what happens next season when Martinez comes back?  He is the odd man out.  Baseball can be a tough business!  I sure hope that Miggy can play third. If he can, that is a World Series winning lineup.

MSU Disappointment

Disappointing as last nights MSU - UM game was for Spartan fans, I feel it was a very telling story.  I thought that if State won the rebounding battle (31-15), held Michigan to an average 3-point shooting night (6-21 29%) and out worked them than they would win big.  Wow was I wrong about that.

The one stat line that stands out was the lack of free throws attempted.  Michigan state averages 23 free throws a game and only shot 5!  WHAT!!!  Teams accidentally go to the line more than that.  Last I checked, this is the Big Ten.  It is a conference of physical play and tenacity where defenders practically get in your shorts to guard you.  I am not saying that MSU should have gone to the line 23 times but Michigan was whistled for 8, count them 8 fouls the ENTIRE game.  Unbelievable.  There were many missed calls throughout the game and if you watched it than you know what I am talking about.  And no I am not talking about the over and back call which was actually the correct call.

As the game unfolded, something else caught my eye.  6-7, 230 pound Draymond Green was being guarded by 6-4, 210 pound Zach Novak.  Even people who don't know anything about basketball would recognize that as a mismatch.  It is beyond me why Izzo never thought to throw the ball into the post every single trip.  Who cares if you want to save that for late in the game or not.  As a coach, you use what works until the other team stops it.  Michigan could not stop it!  The 3 times they got Green the ball in the post, they either scored or got fouled.  Seems like an easy decision to me.

Players have to play and coaches have to coach.  This loss is on Izzo (and Fife and Stephens) for not putting his players in the position to succeed.

That is all.

In State Rivalry

It is that time of year again when Michigan and Michigan State face each other on the hardwood.  A series that had been dominated by the Green and White for so long has now become a toss up.  It used to be that you knew that MSU would win.  The only question was...by how many.  Michigan fell on some tough times and Spartan fans relished it.  Now, Michigan has closed the gap by getting big time recruits (Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke).  State still gets its pick of the litter but more high school players from the state of Michigan have both schools on their radar.  Michigan swept both games last year and that has fueled the fire for this years first meeting.  Draymond Green took it personally and has vowed to never lose to Michigan again.  Tom Izzo says that he respects John Beilein and his program but absolutely does not like them.  Should be an emotional game tonight.

As for the game itself, I think it comes down to 2 things.  Michigan's ability to knock down the 3, and MSU's ability to rebound the basketball.  If UM is on, they can bury you quickly.  They will have four 3-point threats on the floor at any given time making them a tough cover.  If State can contain Hardaway Jr. off the dribble and get a few missed 3-point shots, MSU wins going away.  They rebound better, they guard better, and, when motivated (as they should be), they are the scrappier group.  It doesn't hurt to have Draymond Green as your leader either.

Michigan State 68   -   Michigan 63

Greatest Speeches - Real or not

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, I thought that I would make a list of the most inspirational speeches to me.  These are speeches that get my blood boiling and get me energized.  These are but a small sample of motivational and inspirational speeches out there.

5. Rocky Balboa - How hard life hits Speech (yes I actually watched it)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Vg4uyYwEk&feature=fvwrel

A great speech about going out and getting what you want.

4. Independence Day - Protect against Annihilation Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUdB8gCMcXI

When I first saw this movie, I watched this part and immediately wanted to go fight aliens.  You can't tell me that you didn't feel the same way.

3. Braveheart - Defiance of Engllish Tyranny Speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgRcNmh51-U&feature=relate

How many people dressed up as William Wallace that year for Halloween and went around yelling, "You Will never take..our freedom!"

2. Charlie Chaplin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=WibmcsEGLKo

Speaks for itself.

1. (and it isn't even close) Martin Luther King Jr. - I have a dream speech

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdTpU5WZHHM

The speech that will live on forever!

Have any speeches that really spoke to you and got you fired up?  Let me know.