Docksquad Sports

In the One-and-Done Era, Veteran Leaders Still Key to Big Dance Success

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 04:08:00 +0000

In the one-and-done era, marquee freshmen like Trae Young, DeAndre Ayton, and Collin Sexton have grabbed much of the spotlight in college basketball this season. Young took the nation by storm, leading the country in scoring and assists, and drawing comparisons to Steph Curry. Ayton also dominated, leading college basketball in double-doubles, and making NBA scouts drool with his unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. Sexton exploded onto the scene, earning comparisons to Russell Westbrook and John Wall, as pundits raved about his explosiveness, quickness, and athleticism. But after the dust settled after the first weekend of the Big Dance, all three likely NBA lottery picks were left watching the rest of the tournament from home after each succumbed to a superior team. While one-and-dones may get the hype, veteran leaders are getting the big wins in the Big Dance.

Trae Young put up ridiculous numbers in high profile early-season wins, including several games with over 40 points and one with 22 assists, in leading Oklahoma to a #3 national ranking. Oklahoma games became must-see TV as Young regularly pulled up - and hit - from beyond 30 feet. But as Young's hype grew, so did scouting and game-planning from opponents, and Young's efficiency and Oklahoma's success fell off a cliff. In fact, Oklahoma won only two games during February and March, and was lucky to be selected for the NCAA tournament. While Young continued to impress pro scouts with his ball-handling, shooting, passing, and basketball IQ, he could not lead his team past a mediocre Rhode Island squad in the first round.

DeAndre Ayton averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds a game in leading Arizona to the Pac-12 Regular Season and Tournament Titles. At times, he played like a man amongst boys and seemed unstoppable in the post, grabbing highlights with poster dunks and blocks. But Ayton looked lost as his team was upset in the first-round by a veteran, cohesive Manhattan team that led wire to wire and ran away with the game. Ayton is still likely to be selected first in the NBA draft, but Arizona's first-round flop exposed his defensive deficiencies, as well as Arizona's lack of unity and togetherness behind him.

Collin Sexton averaged almost 20 points per game in leading Alabama to a solid regular season, including scoring 40 and almost single-handedly keeping his team competitive in an early loss to Minnesota in which Alabama played much of the second half with only three players. He also arguably outplayed Trae Young and beat Oklahoma on national television. Sexton scored an impressive 25 in a close first-round win over Virginia Tech. But in the second round, despite leading his team in scoring, he looked like a selfish, petulant child as his team was dismantled by a superior veteran-led Villanova squad.

Contrast the sexy highlights - and early NCAA exits - of Young, Ayton, and Sexton with the quiet effectiveness and steady leadership of upperclassmen such as Devonte Graham of Kansas and Jalen Brunson of Villanova. Both point guards have had fantastic seasons for their respective squads, with Graham garnering Big 12 Player of the Year Honors in leading the Jayhawks to the regular season and tournament championships and a #1 NCAA tournament seed, and Brunson doing the same in the Big East. However, you probably have not seen many of their highlights on SportsCenter (though you probably have seen their gaudy statistics in fine print on the screen just after the highlights). While both players have a chance to get drafted and make it to the NBA, neither will be a lottery pick. Still, both players played vital roles in leading their respective squads to the Elite 8.

Brunson scored 16 points on 7-9 shooting in an easy 1st round victory, then matched up head to head with Sexton in the Round of 32. While Sexton outscored Brunson 17 to 12, he had five turnovers and a costly technical foul, while Brunson only took seven shots, had no turnovers, and made all three of his free throws in leading his team to a landslide victory. Brunson was huge in a Round of 16 victory over West Virginia, scoring 27 points in a hard-fought win, then led his team to the Final Four with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists against Texas Tech. Graham, meanwhile, scored 29 in Kansas's first-round win over Penn, sealed a second-round victory over Seton Hall with 9 assists, steady ball-handling, and free throws down the stretch, tallied 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds against Clemson, and had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in an overtime victory over Duke.

While neither player pulls up from beyond 30 feet, plays above the rim, or wows with athleticism, each brings qualities to their team that are far more important. Basketball is a game of decisions - when to shoot, to whom and when to pass, when to be aggressive and when to facilitate, and when to push the tempo or slow the game down. These decisions - more than a highlight-reel dunk, long three-pointer, or acrobatic finish - are what win games, especially come March. While a good coach dictates many of these decisions, a good floor leader - specifically, a battle-tested veteran who knows what it takes for his team to win - serves as an extension of the coach on the floor. While the one-and-dones may have landed in the SportsCenter top 10, it is the savvy veterans who have landed their squads in the Final Four.

NBA Superteams Race: No Players or Deals Off-Limits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 03:15:00 +0000

The 2017 NBA offseason has been an arms race. The trend has been All-Star players jumping ship from fledgling franchises to ones where they have an immediate chance to play with other stars and win now. Chris Paul to Houston, Paul George to Oklahoma City, and DeMarcus Cousins to New Orleans are noteable examples. A twist came recently when the two best teams in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, exchanged seemingly indispensible All-Star point guards Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas in a blockbuster trade to keep pace with the best teams in the league. This trade has taught us that in the current NBA landscape, no player and no deal are off-limits in the urgent quest to upgrade and win a championship.

The Superteam Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off three straight finals appearances, seemed likely to keep their core intact and seek one big offseason move to upgrade. Former MVP Derrick Rose’s signing in July offered some offensive promise off the bench, but it was hardly a move aimed to get them over the top. All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving seemed untouchable, coming off the best season of his career and a scintillating performance in the NBA Finals. But when a rift between Kyrie and Lebron surfaced over the summer, Kyrie demanded a trade. Whether Kyrie did not get along with Lebron, felt overshadowed by him, or simply wanted to lead a team of his own was unclear. What did become clear is that the Cavs, despite all their recent success, would need to shake up their team to stay in the race, with their second-best player and arguably best closer, seeking an exit.

The Boston Celtics, another budding Superteam who finished the regular season first in the Eastern Conference and made the Conference Finals, appeared primed to pick up at least one more star in their quest to upgrade. All-Star swingman Gordon Hayward was a good signing, but unlikely one that would elevate them past the Cavaliers, much less the Warriors. But with Irving demanding a trade from Cleveland, Boston offered Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, Brooklyn’s unprotected 2018 first round pick, and beloved franchise point guard Isaiah Thomas. Boston’s most successful team in nine years was almost entirely replaced, with only four players retained for next season.

Cleveland will be a new team this year, with Isaiah Thomas, Lebron James, and Kevin Love forming a new Big Three, and new additions Derrick Rose and Jae Crowder providing punch off the bench. Boston will also look significantly different, with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward now leading the way. Last season’s two best Eastern Conference teams essentially reshuffled their decks, after trading massive pieces. Why mess with success, you may ask? Because in the current landscape of the NBA Superteams arms race, they have no choice.

Last season’s Cavs and Celtics teams don’t seem so impressive when you consider the competition they would have faced at the top of the league in 2017-18. First, reigning champion Golden State returns 4 All-Stars, including 2 former MVPs, all in their prime, poised to win their third title in four years. San Antonio returns a veteran, battle-tested group, led by a Hall-of-Fame coach and an MVP candidate, that won 61 games last year en route to the Western Conference Finals. Houston finished with a better record last season than both the Celtics and Cavs, and added perennial All-Star point guard Chris Paul. It is no wonder that the two best teams in the Eastern Conference felt the urgent need to upgrade, even if it meant parting ways with All-Stars and overhauling their rosters.

Across the NBA, loyalty from both sides - players and owners - has waned as both are hungry to win a Championship, and sense the urgency to do so. The arms race continues to escalate at the top, and teams not playing the game will get left behind, even if they were successful last year.

Just ask Cleveland and Boston.

NBA Superteams are Here to Stay and It's a Good Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 19:31:00 +0000

The Warriors and Cavaliers met in the 2017 NBA Finals in what was a virtual foregone conclusion. And as each team coasted through their respective Conferences toward their inevitable Finals duel, critics panned the creation of these two superteams. While many object to the superteams trend, it appears here to stay and only bound to expand. And while some contend it is ruining the NBA, it is actually making the league better than ever.

It started with what seemed like just a Lebron Thing back in 2010-11, when he took his talents to South Beach - along with fellow All-Stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh - and led Miami to four straight finals appearances and two Championships. Lebron did his Thing again in 2014-15, returning to Cleveland – and luring post Kevin Love to complement King James and Kyrie Irving – leading to 3 straight Finals appearances and Cleveland’s first title.

Kevin Durant, another former MVP, was the first to follow King James's lead last off-season, joining a Warriors team that had just achieved the greatest regular season in NBA history. Critics knocked Durant for the move, saying it was “soft” and “weak” for a star to leave the team that drafted him and was so close to a Championship, for the very team they couldn’t overcome. But after his first season with the Warriors, Durant already has the last laugh, having won a Finals MVP en route to his first NBA Championship.

Why would a frustrated star jump ship and join the other guys? Ms. Durant put it eloquently when she defended her son Kevin's move to the Warriors against Steven A. Smith’s attack that it was the “weakest move he’d ever seen by a star in any sport.” Ms. Durant turned it on Smith, asking him why he himself joined ESPN – she correctly presumed that Smith's move was to enhance his career, be part of a great organization with the most talented coworkers, and achieve the most success. Undoubtedly, those were the very reasons for Durant’s move, which has already proven successful.

After Durant's success, even more frustrated stars hungry for a ring have already followed suit - joining a team with a ready-made title-shot. Chris Paul has joined forces with James Harden in Houston, Paul George has teamed up with Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, and Gordon Hayward has partnered with Isaiah Thomas in Boston. It is clear that the superteams movement is only gaining momentum. The only remedy seems to be to create more of them.

The Warriors could have been on a path for unchecked dominance for the foreseeable future if their big four - all of whom are 29 or younger - and their coaching staff stay together. However, things are a lot more interesting now that other teams have followed the superteam model. Prior to this offseason, Cleveland looked like the only team capable of providing a challenge to the Warriors. Now, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Boston appear up to the task as well. Other teams like Washington and San Antonio appear only one more star player away from being a threat. Even Minnesota has made strides toward superteam status, acquiring All-Star Jimmy Butler to join budding stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Imagine a 2018 Conference Finals of the Durant-and-Curry-led Warriors vs. the Harden-and-Paul-led Rockets, and the James-and-Irving-led Cavs vs. the Thomas-and-Hayward-led Celtics? That is must-see-TV in it's own right, not to mention any subsequent Finals match-up that would result.

What about the struggling teams? I say "out of sight, out of mind." The lottery system and salary cap provide checks and balances for weaker teams to catch up. But those teams had better get in the superteam-game themselves - or get left behind. This is the new NBA and it's going to get more crowded at the top and more lonely at the bottom, as stars with no rings feel increasingly left out languishing on losing teams while other stars jump ship to win a 'ship.

Won't superteams ruin the NBA? Nonsense! The superteam trend will make the NBA increasingly pure and competitive. Resting star players will be reduced, as fewer teams will be able to coast to higher seeds and/or home-court advantage for the playoffs. Tanking will be reduced, as the immediate impact of acquiring or losing a proven star would far outweigh the possible future impact of a lottery pick.

The NBA Finals should be the best teams led by the best players, playing their best basketball for the world to enjoy. The 2017 NBA Finals was just that - absolutely scintillating and sensational stuff – each game compelling from the opening whistle to the final buzzer. Durant’s full scoring arsenal and desire to win a ring and prove his critics wrong, coupled with Curry’s outstanding playmaking and shot-making, leading a cohesive cavalry of talented role-players, overcoming Lebron’s dominance and Kyrie’s playground wizardry, in a high-paced, high-scoring, and incredibly competitive battle, was truly special to witness. Durant and the Warriors were forced by Lebron and the Cavs to elevate their individual and collective performances to their absolute best. It was two superteams battling it out in a dazzling display of basketball brilliance - Isn’t that what we should expect from the NBA Finals? Perhaps we have been settling for something less.

2017 NFL MOCK DRAFT BY A LONG SUFFERING BROWNS FAN

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:04:00 +0000

1 CLEVELAND BROWNS

MYLES GARRETT DL TEXAS A&M - The pick will be Myles Garrett, but I need to explain why that is the case as the Browns are my hometown team. This will be my longest write up for any pick so please let me vent. First of all he is the best player in the draft. Secondly, people are trying to figure out reasons why he shouldn’t be number one and it comes down to his motor, effort etc. The fact of the matter is this man was double or triple teamed more than any player in the SEC in the past 25 years. His numbers will obviously be low with that type of attention on a snap by snap basis. In college he was playing 85 snaps, you can expect that number to drop by around 35 at the least. He will be a force in this league and will actually help solidify one of the more promising units on a young and unproven team. A front seven of Garrett, Danny Shelton, Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Nassib, Jamie Collins, Christian Kirksey, and Demario Davis is a nice base when you have nothing else to really fall back on. The rumors are out there that the Browns are going to take hometown product Mitchell Trubisky number one and shock the world. The fact that quarterbacks with 2nd round grades are being considered for the top pick shows you the type of misery the Browns have had at the position and it also shows you that QB is King in the NFL. I am not debating that QB is the most important position in sports, but it shouldn’t handcuff you into reaching for a pick if it does not make sense. Do the Browns need a quarterback? Of course they do. The real question that should be asked is if the Browns need talent, not just at quarterback, but across the field. The only for sure locks the Browns have on the team are a solid offensive line, but every position group after that needs help and it needs depth. If Trubisky comes into a team with so many glaring weaknesses, there is no way that he can succeed. I have followed him since he was in high school and putting up crazy numbers for Mentor in a spread offense. I was actually upset he wasn’t offered at OSU, but I figured he was just trying to leave the state so he could go get playing time somewhere else. He went to UNC and couldn’t beat out a quarterback who couldn’t even throw the ball. I don’t see it with this guy like most NFL people do. The best possible scenario for the Browns moving forward with their treasure trove of picks is to accumulate blue chip talent to help ease the transition for any new quarterback. The 2018 class is loaded with top flight quarterbacks and I am not suggesting tanking, but the Browns are not good right now and they will probably have a top five pick next year. They are also in the position to move up if needed next year so there is no sense of urgency to win now. I could write on and on about why Trubisky or any quarterback shouldn’t be the pick here, but I need to move on.

2 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

MITCHELL TRUBISKY QB NORTH CAROLINA – I just shit on Trubsiky, but Kyle Shanahan is the new coach in SF and he is a QB guru. They signed Brian Hoyer (had his best year under Shanahan) to start this year and if he can be a bridge for a year or two while Trubisky can learn the gamble could be worth it. The smart pick here would be Malik Hooker as I think he is the 2nd best player in this draft and with John Lynch also being a safety I would not rule it out. They loaded up DL the past two years so I don’t see Jonathan Allen or local product Solomon Thomas being in play here.

3 CHICAGO BEARS

JAMAL ADAMS S LSU – I would take Hooker again here, but the Bears seem enamored with Adams and Vegas agrees (odds on favorite to be the first DB taken). DL could be in play here, but there are many glaring holes with the Bears overall it is best to play it safe here. I think Allen would be the slam dunk pick here if the shoulder arthritis wasn’t such a real concern. Adams has been linked to the Bears for quite some time now. I don’t see a need to reach for QB here when there are so many areas of need like the Browns.

4 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

DESHAUN WATSON QB CLEMSON – The Blake Bortles era will finally be over. All of you who benefited from the “Garbage Man “ Blake Bortles in fantasy the past couple of years will get one more year of shitty stats for three quarters while the Jags fall behind 25 points and then 3 touchdowns in the fourth to give Bortles a decent stat line. Quietly the Jags have been as bad as the Browns at picking QBs. The Jags have loaded up big time on defense the past two years via the draft and free agency so I don’t see D in play here. Watson will get one year to learn the offense before he is given the reigns next year. In my mind no QB is worth a first round pick this year, but the urgency is there for some of these teams in the top half of the draft.

5 TENNESSEE TITANS

MARSHON LATTIMORE CB OHIO STATE – Lattimore is the best corner in the draft hands down. The Titans went out and addressed corner in free agency with Logan Ryan, but adding Lattimore a potential shut down corner here could become an area of strength the Titans haven’t had in ages. I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick is traded either. I could see the Titans moving down and getting a WR to help the franchise QB out.

6 NEW YORK JETS

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFERY RB STANFORD – This pick is the first real shocker of the draft. I haven’t seen McCaffery linked to the Jets during this lengthy wait for the draft (Roger Goodell is a pos for prolonging this whole process) but if you look at the Jets depth chart at RB nothing really sticks out. Matt Forte is older and is definitely not the player he once was, but I can’t think of a better teacher for McCaffery to learn from. A pass catching running back is what Forte was when he first came in and he helped evolve the position to what we see today and he will help mold the rookie to take the lead role soon enough.

7 LA CHARGERS

MALIK HOOKER S OHIO STATE – Hooker joins fellow Buckeye and Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa in LA. Hooker is the real life clone to future Hall of Famer Ed Reed. You’re probably asking yourself “if he’s a clone to a Hall of Famer why wouldn’t he go higher?” The answer is NFL front offices are incompetent. Hooker and Bosa will go down as two of the best at their position in three years. The Chargers hit a home run in back to back drafts.

8 CAROLINA PANTHERS

LEONARD FOURNETTE RB LSU – Getting to the point of this mock where I am realizing this is completely ridiculous that I am writing a fucking mock draft. Fournette gives Cam Newton a workhorse back that can help shoulder some of the load. At one point in 2015 he was the chosen one and potential best running back prospect ever. I don’t think much has changed with Fournette honestly. His team sucked in college and teams were able to load the box. I think he coasted and gave up last year so that is a concern, but can you blame him? Another WR could be in play here or even an OL, but the OL market is dry this year and not worthy of a top pick.

9 CINCINNATI BENGALS

JONATHAN ALLEN DL ALABAMA – I really wanted to give the Bengals a shitty pick so my Bengals friends would cry, but Allen is a steal at 9. Rueben Foster would fit in perfectly in the Nati with his troubled past, but they cannot take the risk on another dude with legal troubles. OL is a major need that will be addressed in later rounds I believe. Corey Davis or Mike Williams would also be a nice pick for the Bengals here.

10 BUFFALO BILLS

RUEBEN FOSTER LB ALABAMA – Back to back Bama defenders here. The Bills need to address the defense so a corner could be in play. Foster is a stud, but he is also crazy. There is a lot of Rolando McClain in his game and demeanor. If he can keep it together this would be a steal for Buffalo.

11 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

HASSAN REDDICK LB TEMPLE – Saints can always use defensive help. I would put a corner here, but I have a feeling Malcolm Butler will be a Saint by the start of the season. Reddick is a legit freak of nature and I could see the Bills taking him and Foster being the pick here. I could also see the Patriots moving in here if the Butler trade is done tonight. Nonetheless, Reddick is the type of prospect that you take a gamble on here. He has the size and speed to wreak havoc on the NFL. The Saints are finally getting a defense together.

12 CLEVELAND BROWNS

OJ HOWARD TE ALABAMA – So I basically did this mock draft because I couldn’t sleep last night because I kept having nightmares the Browns would draft Trubisky one or even here at 12. I didn’t want that to happen and I was already full on tilt by 8 am this morning. The smartest thing for the Browns to do in this draft and in particular the first round is to acquire Blue-Chip prospects. OJ Howard is the best tight end to come into the draft in recent memory. He checks out with an A+ in size, speed, and intellect. He should be a top 10 pick this year and I could see the Jags, Titans, Jets, Bills, and Saints taking him before this selection. Let’s just say that for whatever reason Josh Gordon is allowed to play in the NFL again and let’s just say that he will be back on the Browns, all of the sudden that is a decent looking offense. Obviously these are pipe dreams, but it would be a dream scenario for the Browns and the front office of NERDS. Will this happen, probably not. The Browns seem to fuck up even the simplest things, but could the tide have turned? Could these NERDS and ANALYTICS be onto something new? Who knows? A trade down and accumulating more picks would be a good scenario. Basically anything besides a QB, Kicker, or Punter in the first round would be a WIN-WIN. With that being said, I have to get back to work so no more write ups.

13 ARIZONA CARDINALS

PATRICK MAHOMES QB TEXAS TEACH

14 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

MARLON HUMPHREY CB ALABAMA

15 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

SOLOMON TOMAS DL STANFORD (THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN, I JUST FORGOT ABOUT HIM AND MY MOCK IS PROBABLY A PIECE OF SHIT, I JUST MADE IT FOR GOOD KARMA FOR THE BROWNS TO NOT FUCK THIS DRAFT UP)

16 BALTIMORE RAVENS

COREY DAVIS WR WESTERN MICHIGAN

17 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

DEREK BARNETT DL TENNESSEE

18 TENNESSEE TITANS

MIKE WILLIAMS WR CLEMSON

19 TAMPA BAY BUCS

CAMERON ROBINSON OL ALABAMA

20 DENVER BRONCOS

FORREST LAMP OL WESTERN KENTUCKY

21 DETROIT LIONS

JOHN ROSS WR WASHINGTON

22 MIAMI DOLPHINS

DAVID NJOKU TE MIAMI

23 NEW YORK GIANTS

DALVIN COOK RB FLORIDA STATE

24 OAKLAND RAIDERS

TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE CB LSU

25 HOUSTON TEXANS

DAVIS WEBB QB TEXAS TECH

26 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

KEVIN KING S WASHINGTON

27 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

QUINCY WILSON CB FLORIDA

28 DALLAS COWBOYS

JABRILL PEPPERS S/LB MICHIGAN

29 GREEN BAY PACKERS

TJ WATT LB WISCONSIN

30 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GARRETT BOLLES OL UTAH

31 ATLANTA FALCONS

JARRAD DAVIS LB FLORIDA

32 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

RYAN RAMCZYK OL WISCONSIN

RP & Hegde - Episode 1 - NBA Season Recap & Round 1 Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 16:18:00 +0000

RP & Hegde - Episode 1 - NBA Season Recap & Round 1 Preview

RP & Hegde drop their first ever podcast (linked above) to recap the NBA season, hand out awards, preview the first round of the playoffs and create their own award. Take a listen while you're on the treadmill, doing groceries or getting shots up. You might learn a thing or two ;)

Enjoy and let the games begin!

***Please be patient with us. We're rookies and hope to get better in due time. Thanks for listening. A few of you cats got shoutouts!***

NCAA Immersion - Let the Tournament Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 15:54:00 +0000

This is my favorite time of year, the third week of March, the start of the NCAA tournament. At this point, I am always filled with loads of optimism and cheer. Perhaps, this will be the year, this will be the season that I break through the muck and win a bracket. It is infectious. The problem is by the end of the first weekend of the tournament, I am in terrible shape and there is no way I can even place in the top 10% let alone win. That is going to change this year, though!

So far, I haven't looked at the full bracket. I am not sure how I am going to decide which teams to pick. But, I guarantee you, I will come up with some formula and share my findings. We'll all see how one man goes from an also-ran to champ in a season.

In any event, if you want to see detailed analysis of the brackets and all that stuff, you can go to ESPN or some other site. If you want unfiltered opinions from a 38 year old who hasn't watched more than 15 college basketball games a season in over a decade, then you came to the right place.

Top 10 thoughts on the tournament:

1. I don't like that Kentucky and UCLA are in the same region.
2. Duke is peaking at the right time
3. There is going to be quite a few upsets, but I can't call it yet.
4. Villanova has a good chance to repeat.
5. Congrats to Michigan for winning the Big Ten.
6. Northwestern is making their first appearance since ever, shout out to Chicago.
7. When did SMU become a good team?
8. UNC is not going to the final four.
9. Dickie V is synonymous with NCAA tournament in my mind.
10. Let's get ready to rumble.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

Happy Birthday to the Goat by Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 14:24:00 +0000

54 years ago today, A child was born in Brooklyn. That kid went on to change the world of sports, sports marketing, sneakers, and the memories of 95% of the male population over the age of 30. He was an icon for me, right up there with the other two Mikes, Tyson and Jackson. It's only fitting we take the time to honor the greatest athlete of the modern era.

This is also the birthday of another great athlete that I am a fan of, Jim Brown. Unfortunately, I never got to see him play, but he was an icon nonetheless. When I think of a man's man, the image of Jim Brown pops into my head. It's only right to honor this man too, even if he is friends with Trump.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

WORLD SERIES CHAMPION Kris Bryant Gets Pranked by Hall of Famer Greg Maddux

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 19:41:00 +0000

This is awesome!

CUBS FOO! Mad Dog still has it! I love these two, lol.

H/T Red Bull YouTube Channel

Six Week Immersion into NCAA - Day 3 by Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 01:47:00 +0000

It's no surprise that your Docksquad college basketball writer is a fan of Kentucky basketball. Every year I talk about how ill the Wildcats are and how they will roll to the Final Four and win the championship. They did make the Final Four two years ago. Last year, they had a dubious seed and lost early on. This year they came in with another stellar class, and another top ranking. Could this be a year they win it all? Speaking of teams that can win it all, click here for NCAA Basketball Odds!

Anyways, in a word. No. Kentucky will not make the Final Four this year. It is sacrilegious for me to sit here and type this, but I believe it down to my bones. They have a very talented backcourt with Monk, Fox, and Briscoe and a athletic front court with Bam and Willis and others. The problem is that unlike most Calipari teams, this team does not mesh well. Monk and Fox have great individual games, but they don't play like a unit . I guess, this should not be surprising since they turn over the roster so much. It's a function of the one and done ethos that Coach Cal likes to promote, but the downside is it is difficult to get a team of guys to mesh together in a few months. Let's not forget it took Wade, Bosh, and Lebron 35 games to become solid as a team. Imagine trying to do that as an 18 year old.

Against Tennessee last night they dominated, but a couple of weeks ago Tennessee beat them by two. They are all over the place, sort of like this article. And just like them I won't make the Final Four of any writing competition. In fact, I don't even have an ending for this...

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

Six Week Immersion into NCAA Basketball - Day 2 by Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:56:00 +0000

There is no need to write a lengthy introduction trying to place what the UCONN Lady Huskies have done over their past 100 games in the annals of history. In the words of the great T-Pain, all they do is, "win, win, win, no matter what." One hundred games in a row and zero losses.

I've seen a lot of great teams out of Storrs, from Kara Wolters and Rebecca Lobo to Nykesha Sales, Sue Bird and Diana Taruasi, however, none of them have reached this level of greatness.

The Lady Huskies are a boon to young girls all across the land that also aspire to greatness in the athletic realm. Often, the average guy ignores women sports, with the exception of Serena Williams. That will not be the case here today.

These women are the epitome of excellence and it is a joy to watch them play. I hope they can keep the streak going, simply because great team play and enthusiasm are a jdelight to witness. These ladies have it in bunches. If you haven't seen Geno's team in action, please check them out. A few years from now your daughter may ask you what you remember most from this historic run. It would be a shame if you said you never watched a game.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

Six Week Immersion into NCAA Basketball - Day 1 by Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 00:52:00 +0000

For all of you loyal readers out there, it's about that time. The Superbowl is over, it's the middle of February, and Duke is still hated. Yes, it's time for my annual Six Week Immersion into NCAA basketball. For the four of you that read this, this year should be a special treat. I have even more time to watch games now because my engagement is over. It's not over because of marriage, it's just over because it's over.

But that is neither here nor there. I'd much rather spend time watching hoops than deciding what type of toaster oven goes well with the coffee machine. March Madness holds my attention above all, and this year should be a good one.

According to my calculations, there are 55 teams that have a strong chance to win the title this year (56, if you count Monmouth). Since there are so many teams in the running, the next six weeks are going to be action packed. I can't wait.

As in previous years, I will attempt to watch at least one half of college basketball each night and then write about what I see. Then I will fill out a bracket and try to win won for the first time since 1995. Since 1995 was before Lil Yachty was born, I feel I am due a win. Perhaps my insights will help you win your bracket. At the very least, I am sure they will provide you with the sort of solace that comes from knowing your life is in much better condition than the poor guy in front of you.

As always, thanks for reading and come back tomorrow.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

Turning Back The Clock by Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 03:11:00 +0000

The 2017 Australian open was one for the ages. All of the finalists in the Men's and Women's championship matches were over the age of 30. I am not sure if this is the first time that this has happened, but it's an amazing feat that I'm certain doesn't happen often. If you were a tennis ten to twelve years ago, this weekend felt like a blast from the past.

In the Woman's final, Serena Williams was playing against her sister, Venus. I didn't watch the match, but I know Serena won because I saw these cool Jordans that she received from Mike.

The Jordans are special because yesterday was the 23rd singles title of Serena's Career. This is the most wins in the open era. This is amazing and I believe it is solidified that Serena is the best to ever do it. Congratulations.

In the other final, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal met for the 10,000th time of their career. In a thrilling match, Federer ended up on top for his 18th title. Many people have considered him "done" for years, but he has consistently been in the top 3 slots of the rankings. This year, however, he has fallen to 17 as he took much of last year off. Playing his last match 6 months before the Aussies began, it's unbelievable that he was able to win this championship and he said this one stands on its own. Hopefully the man from Switzerland can win another title this year and establish his legend even more.

If you know someone over the age of 30, give them a hug today. Us grey hairs are here and we got something to say.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi

CHICAGO BULLS & MAKE-A-WISH MAKE A BULLS FAN'S DREAM COME TRUE

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 22:38:00 +0000

Yesterday, the Chicago #Bulls and @ORWish made one 17-year old #Bulls fan's dream come true.

Trey, 17, has dreamed of playing in the same arena as his basketball idol Michael Jordan since he learned to play basketball at the age of two. The Make-A-Wish Foundation wanted to make this dream come true after he survived an eight-hour liver transplant operation after going into inexplicable, acute liver failure in the spring of 2015. His remarkable recovery from his liver issues saw Trey bounce back three months quicker than expected, earning him the nickname “The Rockstar” from his doctors at Stanford University. Nearly a year and a half after his surgery, Trey is now able to work out and be active again.

This is honestly what it's all about man...amazing! Big ups to the +Chicago Bulls and +Make-A-Wish America for making this happen!

#NBA #ChicagoBulls #Bulls #ThisIsWhyWePlay

H/T Chicago Bulls

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 16

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 17:53:00 +0000

Merry Xmas everyone!

Richboy's Picks:

Chargers -4
Bears +3
Pats - 17
Rams -5
Texans -2

Docksquad's Picks:

Bears +3
Vikings +7
Broncos +4
Panthers +3
Niners +5

Good luck playaz!

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 15

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 17:24:00 +0000

Richboy's Picks:

Cards -3
Bengals +3
Bears +4
Bills -10
Panthers +7

Docksquad's Picks:

Broncos +3
Titans +6
Bears +5
Giants -4
Eagles +5

Good luck playaz!

Gatorade presents: “Sounds of Hope” with Dwyane Wade

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 18:37:00 +0000

#dwyanewade #dwade #chicagobulls #Chicago #Gatorade #BiggerthanBasketball

I love this video so much. Basketball is life and for a lot of us, Basketball was/ and still is our escape from life itself.

A lot of people wondered why Wade signed with the Bulls...well here's your answer. Not only is Wade one of my favorite players in the NBA on the court, but he is one of my favorite people off of it as well, for everything he does to give back to the City of Chicago.

Bravo to DWADE + Gatorade for making this initiative happen.

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 14

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 17:21:00 +0000

Let's go!

Richboy's Picks:

Dolphins +2.5
Redskins -2
Rams +6
Cowboys - 3 (hook)
Ravens +7

Docksquad's Picks:

Titans -1
Niners -3
Seahawks -3
Shawks/ Packers over 44
Falcons/ Rams under 45

Good luck playaz!

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 13

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 17:03:00 +0000

Richboy's Picks:

Jags +4 (hook)
Lions +7
Bills +3
Seahawks -7
Colts -1

Docksquad's Picks:

Niners -1
Steelers -6
Texans +7 (hook)
Bengals -1
Chargers -3

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 12

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 17:17:00 +0000

Back for some week 12 action!

Richboy's Picks:

Jags +9 (hook)
Saints -8
Jets +8
Fins -7
Browns +7.5

Docksquad's Picks:

Niners +7
Jets +8
Bucs +6
Panters +4 (hook)
Eagles -2.5 (hook)

Good luck playaz!

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 11

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 17:09:00 +0000

Richboy's Picks:

Ravens +8 (hook)
Browns +9
Jags +7
Bucs +7
Pats -13

Docksquad's Picks:

Vikings - 2
Redskins -3
Jags +7
Colts -3
Colts Under 53

Good luck playaz!

WATCH: RED BULL RELEASES AMAZING KRIS BRYANT MVP VIDEO

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 04:07:00 +0000

This gave me chills! M-V-P!!!!

What a player!

WATCH: THE CAST OF ANCHORMAN WATCHING GAME 7 OF THE WORLD SERIES

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 04:12:00 +0000

This is so perfect...

The 'Anchorman' Team Watches The Cubs Win The World Series (Mashup) from Funny Or Die

Follow me on Twitter: @docksquad33

WATCH: CUBS MINI-MOVIE CALLED 108 YEARS IN THE MAKING

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 18:21:00 +0000

If you are a Cubs fan, stop whatever you are doing and watch this 7 minute mini-movie titled 108 years in the making:

This literally gave me goosebumps! Cubs foo!

STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - WEEK 10

noreply@blogger.com (Docksquad) — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 17:46:00 +0000

Richboy's Picks:

Dolphins +4
Panthers -3
Saints -3
Eagles -1
Seahawks +8 (hook)

Docksquad's Picks:

Eagles -1
Steelers -2
Vikings +3(hook)
Bears -1 (up to 2)
Jags -2 (hook)

Thoughts on the First Week of the NBA Season from Ryan Nar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 14:14:00 +0000

1) Kawhi Leonard has made a leap

With Tim Duncan retiring and mileage adding up on the legs of Parker and Manu, this is undoubtedly Leonard's team, sorry Lamarcus. The first few games of the season have shown Kawhi on a tear, as he plays harder on both sides of the floor than any one I can think of in recent memory without the initials L. J. It is a joy to watch him develop this year, and if the opening day trouncing of the Warriors was any indication, San Antonio will again be in the thick of things this post-season.

2) The Warriors will need time to develop

Kevin Durant joining forces with two-time MVP Steph Curry was the talk of the summer. However, a week into the season it is clear GSW has a few problems. For one, they have yet to mesh on offense, with Durant's style of play leading to less ball movement and the fluidity we say last year. Secondly, their defense has taken a step back. They will need to get a solid big man to shore up the lane, however, there aren't many of those guys available. They will figure out something, but for now they have taken a step back.

3) Russel Westbrook is on a tear

With his second triple-double in three games, Russ is determined to replicate Iverson's monster 2000-2001 NBA season. I don't think there is any way in hell that he will be able to keep up this pace. However, I also didn't think there was a chance in hell that Durant would go to the Warriors.

4) Joel Embiid is the Process.

This guy did not play basketball until seven years ago. He did not start in high school until his senior season. He did not take more than 10 shots in any game at Kansas. He has not played basketball in two years. Despite all of this, it took him all of one week to become one of the best stories this season. His agility, skill, swag, and confidence are leading many to compare him to Hakeem the Dream. If he can stay healthy, Joel will have a very interesting and entertaining year.

Twitter - @RYANNARsayshi