2011年1月24日星期一

24 Jan 11 Southwest Classic Preview: Arkansas and Texas Aamp;M Battle in Jerry's World, Pt. 2

The Hogs and Aggies continue the Southwest Classic Oct. 9, 2010Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesHeading into last year's matchup, the Texas AM Aggies were 3-0, and the Arkansas Razorbacks were 1-2.Hog fans were going to use the game as a measuring stick, to see if maybe the Razorbacks' woes were due Buffalo Bills jersey
to facing two highly ranked SEC teams the preceding weeks.Aggie fans were going to do the same, after facing three cupcakes that showed little resistance in AM's path to 3-0.When all was said and done, the 71,872 in attendance found out about their respective teams, with the Hogs routing the Texas AM Aggies 47-19.After the Aggies jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter, the Hogs then ripped out 30 unanswered points, for a 30-10 halftime lead.The Hogs gave up only nine points in the remaining 30 minutes of the contest.When the dust finally settled, many of the fans had left their seats to look over Arkansas Alumni Jerry Jones' $1.5 billion complex, while enough fans remained to produce a loud "S-E-C, S-E-C" chant. Individual Stats (2009) PassingTexas AM : Jerrod Johnson- 30/58 for 345 yards 2 touchdowns 2 fumblesArkansas : Ryan Mallett- 17/27 for 271 yards 4 touchdowns 1 Int RushingTexas AM : Cyrus Gray- 12 carries for 65 yards AVG 5.4 Christine Micheal- 11 carries 46 yards AVG 4.2Arkansas : Ronnie Wingo Jr- 4 carries 86 yards 1 TD AVG 21.5 Broderick Green- 11 carries 28 yards AVG 2.5 Receiving Texas AM : Brandel Jackson- 4 catches 118 yards 1 TD AVG 29.5 Ryan Tannehill- 6 catches 66 yards 1 TD AVG 11.0Arkansas : Joe Adams- 3 catches 110 yards Carolina Panthers jersey
AVG 36.7 Micheal Smith- 5 catches 65 yards 1 TD AVG 13.0 Team Statistics Texas AM ArkansasFirst Downs 28 163rd Down Efficiency 7-18 5-12Total Yards 458 434Passing 345 271Rushing 113 163Turnovers 2 3Fumbles 2 2Interceptions 0 1KR Yards 191 110PR Yards 15 10Penalties 8-87 7-52T.O.P. 32:13 27:47Based on these numbers and without looking at the score, you would think that Texas AM had won the game.With many of the same faces returning this year, those numbers will not be the same come Oct. 10, 2010.Arkansas' passing attack ranks 1st in the SEC and third nationally, while Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is averaging 359.5 yards passing per game.Last year the Aggies defense looked a little shaky on pass defense.In 2010 the Aggies have only allowed an average of 134.3 passing yards per game, albeit against Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and Florida International.Like Arkansas' Week 4 opponent, Texas AM has yet to face a high -passing attack that can score from anywhere on the field.Arkansas Razorback and Texas Chicago Bears jersey
AM fans alike will find out how good this Aggie team is tonight when they face off against Big 12 foe Oklahoma State.In the coming days I will continue with a preview piece on the Oct. 9 matchup between the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks and the Aggies of Texas AM.Thanks for the read and comments. As alway

24 Jan 11 Southwest Classic Preview: Arkansas and Texas Aamp;M Battle in Jerry's World, Pt. 2

The Hogs and Aggies continue the Southwest Classic Oct. 9, 2010Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesHeading into last year's matchup, the Texas AM Aggies were 3-0, and the Arkansas Razorbacks were 1-2.Hog fans were going to use the game as a measuring stick, to see if maybe the Razorbacks' woes were due Buffalo Bills jersey
to facing two highly ranked SEC teams the preceding weeks.Aggie fans were going to do the same, after facing three cupcakes that showed little resistance in AM's path to 3-0.When all was said and done, the 71,872 in attendance found out about their respective teams, with the Hogs routing the Texas AM Aggies 47-19.After the Aggies jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter, the Hogs then ripped out 30 unanswered points, for a 30-10 halftime lead.The Hogs gave up only nine points in the remaining 30 minutes of the contest.When the dust finally settled, many of the fans had left their seats to look over Arkansas Alumni Jerry Jones' $1.5 billion complex, while enough fans remained to produce a loud "S-E-C, S-E-C" chant. Individual Stats (2009) PassingTexas AM : Jerrod Johnson- 30/58 for 345 yards 2 touchdowns 2 fumblesArkansas : Ryan Mallett- 17/27 for 271 yards 4 touchdowns 1 Int RushingTexas AM : Cyrus Gray- 12 carries for 65 yards AVG 5.4 Christine Micheal- 11 carries 46 yards AVG 4.2Arkansas : Ronnie Wingo Jr- 4 carries 86 yards 1 TD AVG 21.5 Broderick Green- 11 carries 28 yards AVG 2.5 Receiving Texas AM : Brandel Jackson- 4 catches 118 yards 1 TD AVG 29.5 Ryan Tannehill- 6 catches 66 yards 1 TD AVG 11.0Arkansas : Joe Adams- 3 catches 110 yards Carolina Panthers jersey
AVG 36.7 Micheal Smith- 5 catches 65 yards 1 TD AVG 13.0 Team Statistics Texas AM ArkansasFirst Downs 28 163rd Down Efficiency 7-18 5-12Total Yards 458 434Passing 345 271Rushing 113 163Turnovers 2 3Fumbles 2 2Interceptions 0 1KR Yards 191 110PR Yards 15 10Penalties 8-87 7-52T.O.P. 32:13 27:47Based on these numbers and without looking at the score, you would think that Texas AM had won the game.With many of the same faces returning this year, those numbers will not be the same come Oct. 10, 2010.Arkansas' passing attack ranks 1st in the SEC and third nationally, while Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is averaging 359.5 yards passing per game.Last year the Aggies defense looked a little shaky on pass defense.In 2010 the Aggies have only allowed an average of 134.3 passing yards per game, albeit against Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and Florida International.Like Arkansas' Week 4 opponent, Texas AM has yet to face a high -passing attack that can score from anywhere on the field.Arkansas Razorback and Texas Chicago Bears jersey
AM fans alike will find out how good this Aggie team is tonight when they face off against Big 12 foe Oklahoma State.In the coming days I will continue with a preview piece on the Oct. 9 matchup between the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks and the Aggies of Texas AM.Thanks for the read and comments. As alway

2011年1月22日星期六

22 Jan 11 Big East Football: Monday Morning One-Liners

Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesThere is no time for sulking. Cincinnati needs to get over its loss to N.C. State last Thursday night to regroup for No. 7 Oklahoma this Saturday night.The starting quarterback position is no lock at Connecticut.Louisville might have played its best game last Saturday in a Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
loss at Oregon State.Just because you are not playing does not mean you can do what you want. One Panther player was arrested Saturday morning for fighting in downtown Pittsburgh.Rutgers quarterback Tom Savage met with former Scarlet Knight quarterback Mike Teel to discuss Savageplay thus far on the year. The two talked for three hours.The status of South Florida wide receiver Dontavia Bogan is still uncertain for the Bulls game this weekend.Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone is not one to panic, and he also refuses to let his players panic.The playmakers for West Virginia stood out in the Mountaineers win over Maryland on Saturday.

22 Jan 11 Big East Football: Monday Morning One-Liners

Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesThere is no time for sulking. Cincinnati needs to get over its loss to N.C. State last Thursday night to regroup for No. 7 Oklahoma this Saturday night.The starting quarterback position is no lock at Connecticut.Louisville might have played its best game last Saturday in a Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
loss at Oregon State.Just because you are not playing does not mean you can do what you want. One Panther player was arrested Saturday morning for fighting in downtown Pittsburgh.Rutgers quarterback Tom Savage met with former Scarlet Knight quarterback Mike Teel to discuss Savageplay thus far on the year. The two talked for three hours.The status of South Florida wide receiver Dontavia Bogan is still uncertain for the Bulls game this weekend.Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone is not one to panic, and he also refuses to let his players panic.The playmakers for West Virginia stood out in the Mountaineers win over Maryland on Saturday.

2011年1月18日星期二

18 Jan 11 Big Ten Football: Why The SEC's Dominance Will Be Challenged in 2011

Nebraska Freshman QB Taylor MartinezOtto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesWith the 2010 football season finally underway, the Big Ten brass should be very excited about the conferencefuture. Six Big Ten squads sit in this weekAP Top 25, and the addition of Nebraska will make the league every bit as formidable Green Bay Packers jersey
as the SEC. Here are the three main reasons the Big Ten is ready to rival the SEC: 1. Young Talent at Quarterback The college football landscape has recently been dominated by quarterbacks, and the future of the Big Ten looks bright at some of its premier programs with Denard Robinson at Michigan, Robert Bolden at Penn State, and incoming Taylor Martinez at Nebraska. Robinson and Martinez have been electrifying in their first seasons starting at two of college footballmost recognizable brands and already top many Heisman watch lists. Even doormats such as Illinois and Minnesota have some hope for the future with young talent at QB. 2. National Exposure The addition of Nebraska brings about four or five more prominent television events to the league each year. The inaugural Big Ten Championship Houston Texans jersey
Game will stretch the Big Ten season into December, keeping the league on the national radar when the league was once dormant before Thanksgiving. The relative balance of the divisions should also create major match-ups every year, allowing the game to challenge the SEC as the NCAAbest championship game. The success of the Big Ten Network also allows the Big Ten to remain the most lucrative conference in the nation. This will begin to pay off in recruiting as Big Ten schools are able to build and retain the nationmost state-of-the art facilities with all that extra revenue. 3. End of the Big Two, Little 9 Era This past decade has seen sustained success from multiple programs, and the Big Tenold depth problem is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Iowa, Wisconsin, and Penn State all have become steady contenders for the conference crown. Michigan State and Northwestern have both seen improvement in recent years under big-time head coaches Mark Dantonio and Pat Fitzgerald. Even Michigan appears to be back on the way up following Indianapolis Colts jersey
a tumultuous downward spiral since the death of legendary coach Bo Schembechler. Down in Columbus, Jim Tresselnational powerhouse is the most talented Buckeye team since the 06 squad that reached the BCS Title Game. Adding a resurgent Nebraska program will be icing on the cake for a league already on a roll after last yearstrong bowl showing.

2011年1月15日星期六

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams "Warner gives Rams a glimpse of past glory

If you tried hard enough, you could almost picture Kurt Warner wearing the blue and gold of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday instead of the red and white of the visiting Arizona Cardinals. Rams fans wish that the team had never let Warner go after the 2003 season, when it was deemed that Marc Bulger was the quarterback of the future in St. Louis. Warner struggled to get his groove back as a New York Giant, but he has found a permanent home in Arizona.Against the Rams, Warner used his old home-turf advantage to torch his formerReebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
team 34-13. Warner threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns, while Bulger struggled once again.Commentary: Warner reminded St. Louis fans of the arm that led the Rams to two Super Bowls berths from 1999-2001, including a championship. He made it look easy against the Rams; defense, leading the Cardinals to 510 yards of total offense. The Rams started out strong in coach Jim Haslett;s first two games, but have come back to earth in two straight defeats. A Ram defense that held Washington and New England to 31 combined points has given up 57 in the last two games.Bulger, who signed a big contract in the offseason, once again struggled for St. Louis. He threw two touchdowns, but he also tossed two interceptions. In seven games this season, Bulger has only thrown six touchdowns and five interceptions.Fan Pulse: Fans have clearly lost that lovin' feeling with Bulger in St. Louis. He has underperformed since signing his big contract, and fans are growing tired of his struggles. Fantasy Impact: Wide receiver Torry Holt finally scored a touchdown, but his contributions have been few and far between this season. Bulger is too inconsistent to start, unless your regular quarterback is on a bye and Bulger is on your bench. Running back Steven Jackson still hasn;t fully recovered from his thigh injury, as Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
evidenced by his 17 yards against the Cardinals.Injury Report: Although Jackson played against the Cardinals, it was obvious that his leg isn;t healed. He will be watched in practice this week to monitor risking further injury. Defensive lineman Leonard Little tried to play against Arizona, but only had one tackle in a limited role recovering from a hamstring injury. (1)

2011年1月13日星期四

14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers New England Patriots Tom Brady

The Carolina Panthers, badly in need of a win, took a page from the New England Patriots playbook.Taking every opportunity to deliver punishing hits on defense while taking advantage of the mistakes of their opponent, the Carolina Panthers avenged their Super Bowl loss, dropping the Patriots 27-17. The New England loss was just the team's third in its last 36 games.The physical Panthers had the Patriots looking disorganized all day. New England was whistled for 12 penalties while quarterback Tom Brady threw one interception and committed a costly fumble that lead to the final Panthers score.The Carolina Panthers offense also struggled as the New England Patriots had Jake Delhomme guessing all day. However, Carolina took advantage of a short field to score two touchdowns. The first proved key Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
as it came inside the final two minutes of the first half but the second one also loomed large. After a Mike Vrabel interception and return for a touchdown, the Patriots seemed to have the momentum having scored 10 straight points to cut Carolina's lead to 20-17. But Carolina made the next big play as Mike Rucker slipped past the left side of the Patriots line and knocked the ball loose from Tom Brady. Julius Peppers would recover and Carolina would start their final touchdown drive of the day at the New England 12 yard line.The Patriots issues in game one were even more apparent in game two. New England simply has not been able to run the ball with any regularity allowing the defense to tee off on Tom Brady. New England also continued to have special teams issues, as Chris Gamble returned a first half punt 76 yards leading to the critical touchdown that put the Panthers up 17-7 at the half.

2011年1月12日星期三

But why waste Ariza and an expiring contract in Penny Hardaway to trade for Steve Francis?

What a horrible decision. But alas, that trade was in the future. The Knicks got one of the better point guards in the NBA and the best second round pick of the draft for a bunch of geezers and a couple of scrubs. That looks like a pretty good draft to me. 2007 Grade: A- 2010 Review: The Knicks gambled on trading cap space for Stephon Marbury, a decision which haunted the Knicks throughout the middle of the 2000. Instead of tearing things down and starting afresh, the Marbury trade continued a wave of awful contracts and poor personnel decisions that will only finally be reconciled the offseason after this one. On the positive side, Trevor Ariza was an absolute steal with the slim pickings in the 2004 draft. However, Ariza doesn do enough justice to the disaster of the Marbury era. 2010 Grade: D+ Indianapolis Colts jersey
Memphis Grizzlies (23) Traded the No. 23 pick (Sergei Monia) and Wesley Person to Portland for Bonzi Wells. (35) Seattle traded the No. 35 pick to Memphis (Andre Emmett) for the No. 48 pick in 2005 (Mikael Gelabale) and cash. (36) Orlando sold the No. 36 pick (Antonio Burks) to Memphis for cash. Players received: Bonzi Wells, Andre Emmett, Antonio Burks Players lost: Sergei Monia, Wesley Person, Mikael Gelabale 2007 Review: Bonzi Wells has been a knucklehead everywhere he played. His habit of wearing out the patience of his coaches and teammates isn worth the scoring he provides. Mikael Gelabale looks to have a more promising career than Andre Emmett and Antonio Burks was a waste of a roster spot. The only good side to this draft was that Wells helped the Grizzlies capture a No. 8 seed in the playoffs. Big deal. 2007 Grade: D 2010 Review: Wells was sent packing from Memphis with little fanfare after a season and a half of tantalizing talent combined with maddening decision making. Nobody else involved in the draft has done anything notable from 2004 onwards. If helping achieve a No. 8 seed and a No. 6 seed are accomplishments, then Wells may have been worth the 23rd pick. 2010 Grade: C Dallas Mavericks (5) Traded Antawn Jamison to Washington for the No. 5 pick (Devin Harris), Jerry Stackhouse, and Christian Laettner. (21) Traded a 2005 first round pick (ended up in Denver as Linas Kleiza) to Utah for the draft rights to Pavel Podkolzine. (24) Traded the No. 24 pick (Delonte West), Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, and Chris Mills, to Boston for Antoine Walker and Tony Delk. (50) Drafted Vasileios Spanoulis. Players received: Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Christian Laettner, Pavel Podkolzine, Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, Vasileios Spanoulis Players lost: Antawn Jamison, Delonte West, Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, Chris Mills 2007 Review: With Dirk Nowitzki on the team, Antawn Jamison was expendable and sent packing. In return, Dallas got a lightning quick point guard who can blow past defenders at will and who can defend all but the stronger point guards in the league. Dallas also got Jerry Stackhouse, who's a streak scorer, and one of the most powerful wing players in the league. The other deals Dallas made were awful. Anybody would be a better Dallas Maverick than Pavel Podkolzine, and Antoine Walker never had the athleticism or the unselfishness to play Nellie Ball. Instead, Walker was content launching threes at his heart content. The first trade gets an A, the other two trades each get F. Add it all together, and the Mavs final grade comes out to a C. 2007 Grade: C 2010 Review: As long as Dirk Nowitzki was in Dallas, Antawn Jamison would always be a backup. Dallas smartly moved him for Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, and Christian Laettner. Harris has evolved into one of the better point guards in the game today and both he and Stackhouse were key contributors to a Mavs team which ultimately made an NBA Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
Finals appearance. The Jamison trade ultimately earns the Mavs an A. The other decisions Dallas made didn work out. Pavel Podkolzine only played six NBA games and wasn worth taking a flier on. Antoine Walker spent his time in Dallas hoisting up threes to his heart content, while ignoring his teammates and the defensive side of the court. No doubt the pick wouldve been better off kept as Delonte West, who has evolved into a tenacious two-way player. Walker spent just a single ineffective season in Dallas before mercifully being moved on. Those two decisions earn F, averaging out to a C. 2010 Grade: C Detroit Pistons (17) Traded the No. 25 pick (Tony Allen), Chucky Atkins, and Lindsay Hunter to Boston. Traded the No. 17 pick (Josh Smith), Bobby Sura, and Zeljko Rebracca to Atlanta. Received Mike James from Boston and Rasheed Wallace from Atlanta. (54) Drafted Ricky Paulding. Players received: Mike James, Rasheed Wallace, Ricky Paulding Players lost: Tony Allen, Chucky Atkins, Lindsay Hunter, Josh Smith, Bobby Sura, Zeljko Rebracca 2007 Review: The draft essentially comes down to Rasheed Wallace versus Tony Allen and Josh Smith. Since Rasheed was the difference in Detroit winning an NBA Championship, the deal looks great at first. However, when you consider the fact that Rasheed has poisoned the next few Piston teams by being so temperamental, by taking the easy way out, and by blaming others (coaches, teammates, referees) for his own shortcomings, that the trade gets notched down to a C. Tony Allen would be hard pressed to find playing time in Detroit, and the Pistons have a better version of Josh Smith in Tayshaun Prince. Not getting either of those two doesn affect the trade one way or another, so the grade remains a C. 2007 Grade: C 2010 Review: As maddening as Rasheed Wallace tenure in Detroit wascowardly refusing to use his prodigious post talents to instead be a simple three-point gunnerhe was still the main difference in Detroit 2004 championship. Of course had he played at a 2004-level over the rest of his career he may have earned more than one ring, but he was still the player who catapulted Detroit to that title. Regardless of how Josh Smith has developed, winning a title trumps everything else, especially as the Pistons had a Kansas City Chiefs jersey
solid run in the seasons following their title. Because of this, while Wallace only played up to his potential for half a season and had a loser mindset his remaining seasons, the trade still deserves an A. I did not believe that principle in 2007 as I believe it now. 2010 Grade: A Houston Rockets (55) Drafted Luis Flores. 2007 Review: The Rockets had their only draft pick come extremely late in the draft. With the lack of talent available, they can be blamed for ending up with a scrub. 2007 Grade: C 2010 Review: Most 55th picks don turn into much, and Luis Flores was no exception. It hard to fault the Rockets for that. 2010 Grade: C Minnesota Timberwolves (58) Drafted Blake Stepp. *Minnesota also forfeited a first round pick due to salary cap violations involved in the signing of Joe Smith. 2007 Review: The T-Wolves got caught with their hands in the cookie jar with their illegal dealings with Joe Smith. The only thing worse than a cheater is a cheater who gets caught. If youre going to break the rules for somebody, why Joe Smith? 2007 Grade: F 2010 Review: As a result of the shady dealings with Smith, Minnesota forfeited their 2004 first round pick. Tsk, tsk. Give the T-Wolves a failing grade for cheating. 2010 Grade: F Milwaukee Bucks (45) Traded the #45 pick (Bernard Robinson) to Charlotte for Zaza Pachulia. Players received: Zaza Pachulia Players lost: Bernard Robinson 2007 Review: Bernard Robinson has not found a role on a team yet. Pachulia has bounced around a little bit but at worst is a respectable backup big man. The Bucks got the better player. 2007 Grade: B 2010 Review: Bernard Robinson is now out of the league after failing to find a niche in the NBA. Zaza Pachulia is still in the league as a useful backup on the Hawks. Not a bad use of a No. 45 pick. Miami Dolphins jersey
2010 Grade: A 2010 Grade ListingsChicago: A+ Boston: A+ Washington: A Philadelphia A Phoenix A Sacramento: A Milwaukee: A Detroit: A Orlando: A- Golden State: A- New Orleans: A- Atlanta: B San Antonio: B Cleveland: B Charlotte B- Dallas: C Memphis: C Houston: C Miami: C- Portland: C- Clippers: D+ Lakers: D+ New York: D+ Seattle: D Utah: D- Toronto: F Denver: F New Jersey: F Minnesota: F Indiana: F

12 Jan 11 Nicolas Batum: Portland Trail Blazers' Own Scottie Pippen

For Blazers fans, The 2009-2010 NBA season was a sick joke.Not because the team played poorly.Not because they didn't play as well as they thought they could have.But because the players that were set to have a break out season disappeared.Because Major injuries to Batum, Outlaw, Oden, Pryzbilla, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
Fernandez forced them all to miss significant time.But that's not the point.Before the 2009-2010 NBA season, Blazer Fans heard that Nicolas Batum had been playing spectacularly for the French National team.He had gained 20 pounds, he developed a mid-range jumper, he was full of confidence, and he was ready to make things happen in the NBA.Then the news came. Batum had a torn Labrum in his right shoulder and was set to have surgery the next day. A week before opening night.Let's do some recapping...Batum was drafted 25th overall out of France (Le Mans) where he had been playing professionally since he was 17. He was a defensive threat more than anything else, and needed to develop a mid-range jumper."One guy I can tell you about is Nicolas Batum. Teams are apparently worried about drafting Batum because of a possible heart ailment; I'd recommend avoiding him for other reasonslike the fact that he can't play, for instance..."That is what John Hollinger had to say about Nicolas Batum, before he was drafted.I'm sure Mr. Hollinger would like to Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
swallow his words, but as a matter a fact, he was right. Batum was set to be in the D league, playing for the Idaho Stampede. With three small forwards already on the roster, there was no place for Batum.Well, thats what coach Nate Mcmillan thought.Batum went on to start in 76 games, averaging five points and three rebounds a game.But that was last season. What I want to point out is that Batum has a chance to be something special. He has the chance to be Brandon Roy's sidekick. Like Jordan's sidekick was Scottie Pippen, and the comparisons don't stop there.Batum's rookie season averages of 5.4 points, one assist, and three rebounds is eerily similar to Pippen's rookie season (seven points, 1.5 assists, and four rebounds). Both playing major roles on defense with those long, lanky arms.Pippen played a huge role in all of the championship seasons he had, taking some pressure off of Jordan and being able to guard the opposing teams best player. He could play three positions and was athletic as heck.That is Batum in a nutshell.If the Blazers want to be a consistent threat to go to the NBA finals they are going to need Batum.Greg Oden, when drafted, was supposed to be the guy that put them over the top. He was the Blazer's savior. I don't disagree. You need a post presence to win it all. But what is rarely valued Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
more than scoring is the ability to shut down the Kobes of the league.Batum is the most versatile player on the Blazers roster and the fourth pillar of the young Blazers team.Roy, Aldridge, Oden, and Batum.When it is all said and done, Batum will be the second best player for the Blazers team.If not, the most important.Let's just hope that God doesn't pull anymore jokes. Because that joke has run out.

12 Jan 11 Allen Iverson Proves Why He Is a Top 10 Player at the 76ers-Lakers Game

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesHe is one of the best all-time.He is a legend.He is Allen Iverson.The Sixers versus Lakers was a very exciting game.I like to call this game: Kobe Bryant versus Allen Iverson.At the first half, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant both only scored 2 points, both of them combined scoring 4 Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
points.Then, in the second half Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant put on a exciting show.At the third quarter, Allen Iverson led his team in scoring and was playing like the top 10 player he is.Now, the most exciting play was done by Allen Iverson. He crossed over Derek Fisher and tossed up a running bank shot and also got fouled. Hemade the free throw to complete the three-point play.Now Lets Compare their stats:Kobe Bryant:24 points4 rebounds3 assists10-22 from the fieldAllen Iverson:23 points2 rebounds4 assists10-18 from the fieldIf Allen Iverson took as much as shots as Kobe, I think he would have had more points than him. Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant both made 10 shots, one of the shooting 22 times, the other shooting only 18.If Allen Iverson countinues playing like this, (which I think he will) he will prove he is a top 10 player. Allen Iverson has been having the kind of stats he had about 2-3 years ago. He has been getting alot of positive comments from his teamates and his coach. He is being a good leader. He also proving that he is unselfish.Allen Iverson can take 25 shots a game. He won't because he even once said that his team has scorers now. He said he didn't have to score alot for his team to win like he used to. I expect Allen Iverson to keep playing like this. He seemed healthy atReebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
the 76ers-Lakers game. Kobe Bryant may have won the battle, but Allen Iverson was the better player tonight.I think Allen Iverson is a top 5 player and the MVP for te 76ers.Even though the Sixers lost, it was a one of my favorite games Allen Iverson has played this season.

12 Jan 11 Allen Iverson Proves Why He Is a Top 10 Player at the 76ers-Lakers Game

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesHe is one of the best all-time.He is a legend.He is Allen Iverson.The Sixers versus Lakers was a very exciting game.I like to call this game: Kobe Bryant versus Allen Iverson.At the first half, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant both only scored 2 points, both of them combined scoring 4 Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
points.Then, in the second half Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant put on a exciting show.At the third quarter, Allen Iverson led his team in scoring and was playing like the top 10 player he is.Now, the most exciting play was done by Allen Iverson. He crossed over Derek Fisher and tossed up a running bank shot and also got fouled. Hemade the free throw to complete the three-point play.Now Lets Compare their stats:Kobe Bryant:24 points4 rebounds3 assists10-22 from the fieldAllen Iverson:23 points2 rebounds4 assists10-18 from the fieldIf Allen Iverson took as much as shots as Kobe, I think he would have had more points than him. Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant both made 10 shots, one of the shooting 22 times, the other shooting only 18.If Allen Iverson countinues playing like this, (which I think he will) he will prove he is a top 10 player. Allen Iverson has been having the kind of stats he had about 2-3 years ago. He has been getting alot of positive comments from his teamates and his coach. He is being a good leader. He also proving that he is unselfish.Allen Iverson can take 25 shots a game. He won't because he even once said that his team has scorers now. He said he didn't have to score alot for his team to win like he used to. I expect Allen Iverson to keep playing like this. He seemed healthy atReebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
the 76ers-Lakers game. Kobe Bryant may have won the battle, but Allen Iverson was the better player tonight.I think Allen Iverson is a top 5 player and the MVP for te 76ers.Even though the Sixers lost, it was a one of my favorite games Allen Iverson has played this season.

2011年1月10日星期一

10 Jan 11 Your New Chicago Bulls

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe Bulls have released what numbers their new additions will be wearing when they take the floorAcie Law will be wearing #0 which makes me wonder if he got the ok from Randy Brown or did he have to ask Robert Parish?Flip Murray got #6 which I think it fitting since he will be filling the role left open by Ben Gordon #7 that Pargo was unable to fill. But let's be honest Flip is a poor man's Gordon.Joe Alexander traded in his #11 with the Bucks for #20. I've got a over under for everyone. Will Alexander score more points then Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
his number?Hakim Warrick got #21. I really don't have much to say about this number. Last person who wore it was Chris Duhon and I really didn't have anything against him and I think Warrick will be the best player out of this bunch.Expect to see the new Bulls take the court tonight vs the Twolves up in the Twin Cities tipping off at 7 PM. Game can be found on Comcast and of course ESPN 1000 for radio

2011年1月9日星期日

9 Jan 11 The Raptors' Reggie Evans Shows He's Got Game!

Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesIt has been a long time since Reggie Evans suffered that minor preseason mid-foot injury that sidelined him until the All-Star break.But it didn take long before Raptors fans restarted the Reggie, Reggie, Reggie chant from that first preseason game in London, Ontario when Evans was the best Raptor on the floor.After only five minutes in his first game back, the completely winded Evans was being honored for his efforts at the ACC by fans chanting his name.And after only a handful of games back, Raptor fans have seen why Bryan Colangelo went out to acquire the 76ers little-used big man with career averages of just 4.3 points and 6.8 boards in less than 20 minutes of play over the past 7.5 seasons.Evans is one of those players who does contribute more than Seattle Seahawks jersey
his stats might indicate.One of league true hustle players, Evans only plays at one speed and that full speed. And as one of the league true physical players, Evans makes up for an apparent lack of skill with effort, force, and a never give-up attitude.Every team Evans has joined was immediately better with his addition. He's been a game changer for teams throughout his NBA career.It also doesn hurt that he is known for an element of dirty play.In the picture run on Raptors Republic of Evans guarding the 76ers' Samuel Dalembert in his first game back, Evans hand vanishes into the folds of Dalembert shorts.Sometimes a picture is worth a thousands words.Since Evans has made his way into the Raptors rotation, he has left an impression by drawing charges, chasing down rebounds, and bullying his way into the painteffort plays that stand out on a highly skilled finesse team like the Raptors.And unlike the much younger Amir Johnson who plays a similar game, Evans has the brute strength to contest and even overpower other big men.Where Johnson has the better offensive skill set and greater potential, Evans is already producing similar points and rebounds per game in about a third less minutes.In the recent game against Cleveland, Evans showed his veteran savvy and toughness St. Louis Rams jersey
with a 13 point, five rebound effort in 25 minutes. By feeding Evans the ball deep in the post, Reggie could use his brute force to go 4-8 and get to the line nine times.But in the previous game, fans witnessed the other side of Reggie offensive talents. The Raptors ran him in pick-and-roll with Calderon and Evans could not complete a moving play.Evan's game is all about the effort. He has never shown Johnson ability to consistently catch and finish in motion.Evans has never averaged more than 24 minutes per game in his NBA career. His offensive limitations and the arrival of high potential talent on his teams have always precluded this.But Evans has always had the potential to lead the NBA in reboundingsomething his career 12.6 rebounds per 36 minutes would indicate. Unfortunately, a career 46.6 percent shooting and 52.4 percent free throw rate for someone who only makes plays directly under the basket, has always held him back from playing enough minutes to capture the rebounding crown.This season with the Raptors, Evans has started off rebounding at a 14.8 boards per 36 minute rate and he provides the skills other Raptors players are missing.Evans could be the missing player needed for a successful playoff run.Maybe if the Raptors can learn the lessons from his first few games and avoid putting Evans in offensive sets where he is likely to fail.And maybe if Evans is used offensively solely within three feet of the basket against players he can take advantage of.Then maybe Evans will be more than just a rebounding machine who annoys the opposition and out hustles everyone on the floor. But even if that all there is, Evans is still a much needed addition to this Raptors line-up.The unexpected stand-pat position of Bryan Colangelo at this Tennessee Titans jersey
season trade deadline might have been just little confusing to fans who have followed this GM usual pattern.But maybe this time, the Raptors GM had his big mid-season acquisition already on the roster and about to join the team rotation.Reggie, Reggie, Reggie

2011年1月8日星期六

8 Jan 11 Let's Be Real, Can the Pistons Really Turn Things Around?

Elsa/Getty ImagesThe Pistons have obviously been a perplexing team to watch this season.After displaying a promising preseason, they were mercilessly attacked by the ghost of sprained ankles, bad backs, and broken noses. But instead of losing their next five games, they managed to WIN them.And in Tennessee Titans jersey
exciting fashion, at that.Next, we Piston fans were relieved to hear that Rip Hamilton was making his long-awaited return. Only to see him go down two games later. Oh, and leaving us a 13-game losing streak as a gift. Finally, everybody became healthy, right on time to display every single problem we predicted they would have.The culprit? No, not injuries, chemistry problems, or lack of motivation.The culprit is Joe Dumars.Yeah, I said it. The man who turned spare parts into the second-best team of the 2000's single-handedly made a monster. You know, the one that is 50 feet tall, has steel armor; oh, and can create bad contracts out of thin air.For the first time in a decade, things are looking bleaker than ever. And it would take a miracle for everything to fall neatly into place. No playoffs, no life, no hope. That's what many Pistons' fans are chanting this season. And who can blame 'em?Optimism is out. We have a serious puzzle on our hands. Why did the famed GM get rid of Piston killers Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson to invest 95 million dollars into... Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson duplicates? He got so caught up in creating a better offensive team, he forgot what made the Pistons good in the first place: defense.I can understand why he signed Charlie Villanueva, a young power forward who could develop his defensive game with the help of Big Ben Wallace. But why Ben Gordon got a $60 million contract is beyond me, especially with Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey both comfortable playing the two.It's even more beyond me Washington Redskins jersey
why he didn't sign a center. He could have tossed money at restricted free-agents Andrew Bynum or David Lee. Bynum may have been hard to pry away from the Lakers, but Lee could have been had for a four-year contract worth $30-35 million.Deep inside, Dumars thinks that this will play out nicely. But any basketball fan can see that the Pistons have a jumbled mess in front of them.Next season, we could possibly be looking at the same roster, minus Will Bynum. There are many teams in the league who could use Bynum, especially contenders like the Lakers, who are relatively weak at the PG spot. If we matched any offers thrown at Bynum, we could easily be thrown into the luxury tax.This team has all the potential in the world. But without financial flexibility, the extra parts needed to push the team over the edge of mediocrity will be hard to reach. Was Joe D intending to end up in the lottery this season? I mean, after all, he has had great success in the draft.What, he hasn't? Oopsy.Although John Wall is the most popular player of the draft, he can't fix the guard problem. Rather, he would add to it. What would we do with Stuckey? Trade him? Would Joe Dumars admit that Stuckey isn't good enough?Hey, it would be a step in the right direction. I like Stuckey, but he will never blend in with both Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton.This is a situation that has no immediate answer. Adding a center, although helpful, will only take us so far. Let's face it. Pistons fans don't want to just make the playoffs. We want to make it to the Finals. Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
We want thrilling rivalries, intense determination, and timeless moments.I remember when the regular season used to be an opportunity to get home-court advantage. If some of these unnecessary contracts aren't moved, home-court advantage could soon be a distant memory.

8 Jan 11 Let's Be Real, Can the Pistons Really Turn Things Around?

Elsa/Getty ImagesThe Pistons have obviously been a perplexing team to watch this season.After displaying a promising preseason, they were mercilessly attacked by the ghost of sprained ankles, bad backs, and broken noses. But instead of losing their next five games, they managed to WIN them.And in Tennessee Titans jersey
exciting fashion, at that.Next, we Piston fans were relieved to hear that Rip Hamilton was making his long-awaited return. Only to see him go down two games later. Oh, and leaving us a 13-game losing streak as a gift. Finally, everybody became healthy, right on time to display every single problem we predicted they would have.The culprit? No, not injuries, chemistry problems, or lack of motivation.The culprit is Joe Dumars.Yeah, I said it. The man who turned spare parts into the second-best team of the 2000's single-handedly made a monster. You know, the one that is 50 feet tall, has steel armor; oh, and can create bad contracts out of thin air.For the first time in a decade, things are looking bleaker than ever. And it would take a miracle for everything to fall neatly into place. No playoffs, no life, no hope. That's what many Pistons' fans are chanting this season. And who can blame 'em?Optimism is out. We have a serious puzzle on our hands. Why did the famed GM get rid of Piston killers Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson to invest 95 million dollars into... Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson duplicates? He got so caught up in creating a better offensive team, he forgot what made the Pistons good in the first place: defense.I can understand why he signed Charlie Villanueva, a young power forward who could develop his defensive game with the help of Big Ben Wallace. But why Ben Gordon got a $60 million contract is beyond me, especially with Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey both comfortable playing the two.It's even more beyond me Washington Redskins jersey
why he didn't sign a center. He could have tossed money at restricted free-agents Andrew Bynum or David Lee. Bynum may have been hard to pry away from the Lakers, but Lee could have been had for a four-year contract worth $30-35 million.Deep inside, Dumars thinks that this will play out nicely. But any basketball fan can see that the Pistons have a jumbled mess in front of them.Next season, we could possibly be looking at the same roster, minus Will Bynum. There are many teams in the league who could use Bynum, especially contenders like the Lakers, who are relatively weak at the PG spot. If we matched any offers thrown at Bynum, we could easily be thrown into the luxury tax.This team has all the potential in the world. But without financial flexibility, the extra parts needed to push the team over the edge of mediocrity will be hard to reach. Was Joe D intending to end up in the lottery this season? I mean, after all, he has had great success in the draft.What, he hasn't? Oopsy.Although John Wall is the most popular player of the draft, he can't fix the guard problem. Rather, he would add to it. What would we do with Stuckey? Trade him? Would Joe Dumars admit that Stuckey isn't good enough?Hey, it would be a step in the right direction. I like Stuckey, but he will never blend in with both Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton.This is a situation that has no immediate answer. Adding a center, although helpful, will only take us so far. Let's face it. Pistons fans don't want to just make the playoffs. We want to make it to the Finals. Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
We want thrilling rivalries, intense determination, and timeless moments.I remember when the regular season used to be an opportunity to get home-court advantage. If some of these unnecessary contracts aren't moved, home-court advantage could soon be a distant memory.