Point Taken

Anthony Davis: Game Changer

2012-05-30T08:31:00.000-04:00

Anyone who watched Anthony Davis play basketball for Kentucky saw a player beaming with potential, blessed with a unique skill set that put him in a class with Hall-of-Famers. He possesses uncanny timing for blocking shots and an outside shooting touch that seems impossible for someone as tall as Anthony is. Now he is off to make his millions in the NBA, but which city will he call home? The world will find out on May 30, after the NBA Draft Lottery. The lottery has been the source of some debate this spring as teams like the Charlotte Bobcats tanked like there was no tomorrow. But this is partially true. If they do not improve, and improve quickly, there may be no tomorrow for basketball in Charlotte. This is already the second attempt by the NBA to invade the heartland of the Duke/North Carolina hotbed of basketball love. The professional game appears shunned by those in the area. Perhaps Anthony Davis can change that.
What about the Wizards, who could be one athletic, defensive big man away from competing for a playoff spot? Or the recovering Hornets that gave Chris Paul away to the OTHER Los Angeles team? Or the Kings, who don’t know where they will be playing in five years and have a headcase for a superstar (Here’s to you, Boogie Cousins.)? How can Anthony Davis alter these franchises? Let’s take a look at the crystal ball and find out.

Charlotte Bobcats

If AD comes: Charlotte goes from awful to semi-respectable. Granted, they have no outside scoring threat, but they do have two rising defensive towers in Davis and Bismack Biyombo. Both are extremely raw offensively so it would take time to find offense. Sorry, Gerald Henderson leading your team in scoring is not a good sign. The team needs to make a move in free agency to find someone who can score besides Henderson and Kemba Walker. Suddenly, the team could make a significant jump, from 9 wins and a .106 winning percentage to a contender for the 8 spot in the playoffs. Maybe. Doubtful, but maybe. Especially if they can get Jerry Sloan to coach.

Washington Wizards

If AD comes: Can you say Lob City East? John Wall paired with Jan Vesley and Anthony Davis and Jordan Crawford (yeah, he’s the one who dunked over LeBron) could spell a high-flying act of fun in the nation’s capital. If the Wizards keep Nene on board as the veteran mentor to help young Davis, the Wizards could be competitive for the first time since....well, whenever that was. The Wizards still need to find a consistent wing scorer who can fill it up with iso’s and pick-and-rolls. They had a guy like that in Swaggy P (I mean, Nick Young...wait, what’s his real name?) but now I’m not so sure Crawford is the answer. But who is? That is the question that Washington must answer to get out of the cellar.

New Orleans Hornets

If AD comes: Not sexy at all, but a solid team could be forming. The Hornets have two lottery picks at their disposal, which should net them two top-10 picks at minimum. AD could come in as a potential upgrade from Chris Kaman, but the Hornets should re-sign Carl Landry to provide some frontcourt depth. Jarrett Jack and Greivis Vasquez will not wow any team but that combination provides some stability in the backcourt. Eric Gordon could be a rising star and Trevor Ariza provides an energy and spark at the 3. This team must develop some depth, but if they can get Damian Lillard or Tyler Zeller with their second pick, the Hornets could get serious in a hurry. It makes the Chris Paul trade seem more tolerable, at the moment.

Cleveland Cavaliers

If AD comes: If the Cavs are lottery winners two years in a row, someone needs to wake up David Stern. But the city can be excited and Dan Gilbert can start putting full page letters back in the newspaper to pump up his city. Antwan Jameson is finally off the books, as is the amnestied Baron Davis, so they have a solid core of the NBA ROY, Kyrie Irving, athletic defenders in Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson, and a solid spot up shooter in Omri Casspi. Obviously, the Cavs still need some pieces, like a wing player that can score (funny how all these teams need that) but they may be just as close to a title as LeBron, which is what Gilbert promised when he left. AD definitely makes them a playoff contender, and gives them a fighting chance to take down LeBron.

Sacramento Kings

If AD comes: Coach Cal comes too. I mean it is basically his team anyway. Evans, Cousins, and Davis? He may be the only coach who could handle those first two players. But this team has talent and some excellent pieces. Davis would create matchup nightmares for teams with Cousins by his side. Is it sad that their three biggest concerns are where they are going to play, who can coach the uncoachable players, and can the owners stay out of the courtroom? Well, at least the Cavs don’t have those problems. But the Kings have a roster of talent. Talent should win, at least some games. It is doubtful that AD can save the entire Titanic from sinking, but maybe he can save some furniture.

AFC Pre-Draft 2012 Season Predictions

2012-04-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

AFC East

New England Patriots
Buffalo Bills
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins

Why?

The teams in the AFC East will have a hard time keeping up with Tom Brady and the Patriots again this season. No one had a solution for stopping both tight ends, plus New England's defense proved adequate to reach the Super Bowl last year. It is hard to expect a dominating season from the Pats, but a division crown is not that hard to fathom. The Bills were last year's hot team in the fall and kept growing colder as the season went on. They payed a lot of money to some players who have yet to consistently prove themselves. However, they have solidified their front seven on defense which should scare every team each week. Look for a strong bounce-back campaign this season, with a win total that will put them on the doorstep of the playoffs. Tebow and the Jets will take New York by storm. Unfortunately, that probably means that the Jets are not contending for playoffs. The Jets will refuse to give up on Sanchez as their quarterback as quickly as Denver gave up on Kyle Orton. The Jets have deeper issues than just quarterback. Could Rex lose his job by year's end? Maybe, especially if they under-perform again this season. The Dolphins will be either breaking in a new quarterback or looking for a new one. It's usually not the best way to go about winning football games.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cleveland Browns

Why?

The Ravens appear to be the team that looks so close, but is so far away. They need to establish what they want to become as a team: smashmouth, defensive-minded team or a gunslinger, shootout team that forces enough turnovers on defense to win. I would hope that they decide to become the former rather than the latter (which is the smashmouth team), but last year they truly looked conflicted. Ray Rice is a talent that they should not squander. The Bengals are the young, up and coming team in the NFL. Dalton to Green should become a household connection, but they can shore up their defensive secondary and offensive line to ensure that they make the playoffs. The Steelers are the old dogs who are trying to win while rebuilding. Don't tell Steeler fans that, but that is exactly what they are trying to do. Ben Roethlisberger is not good enough to carry this team by himself, but it does help that Mike Wallace is back in a contract year. Hopefully they can fill the holes left by aging veterans with younger talent that grows up quickly. The Browns are two years away. They need to make sure that Colt McCoy is their quarterback, they need to surround him with talent, and they need to make sure that their defense continues to progress. I doubt that all comes together this year.

AFC South

Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars

Why?

The Houston Texans were the best team in the AFC last season. Were it not for late season injuries, the team may have made it to the Super Bowl. Matt Schaub proved that he could become a quality quarterback and get to the playoffs. They also had the talent on defense to cause issues for teams. It's hard not to like their chances for this season. The Titans are one of the better teams in the AFC South, but that's like saying it is one of the better cars at a junkyard. They have a nice quarterback situation, and their defense showed some promise, but they still have too many holes to contend for a wild card slot this season. The Colts will be bad, even with a new quarterback (Here's to you, Mr. Luck.). However, they are in the midst of a complete overhaul of the team. The offense should actually be one of the bright spots. However, they need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball and it will take a year or two to completely rebuild that unit. Somehow, Jacksonville wins the jackpot for worst team of the worst division (Yes, I have heard of the NFC West. And yes, this division will be worse this season.) It's hard not to feel like Jacksonville squandered a generational talent in Maurice-Jones Drew (except fantasy owners, who truly appreciate who he is). Blaine Gabbert has shown zero signs that he is the team's future quarterback, and I doubt he ever will. If I am Jacksonville, I see if anyone is willing to do the deed and take MoJo for a Herschel Walker deal. Otherwise, they will continue to be the NFL's laughingstock team.

AFC West

Denver Broncos
San Diego Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders

Why?

The Broncos will be the most interesting team this season, no matter how well Peyton Manning performs. If he does well, it will become the comeback story script. If he does poorly, it will become a "fallen legend" story. If he does okay, gets the team to the playoffs but loses early, it will become a "how good was Tebow" story. Maybe the last one won't happen, but I'm sure I won't be the only one saying it. The Chargers may actually make the playoffs this season. Okay, probably not, but they do have a tough team that will only get better as the defense matures. Philip Rivers is good enough, but his supporting cast needs to move from mediocre to above average. Kansas City was absolutely ravaged with injuries last season. One would think that the entire team picked up unlucky pennies last year in training camp to have so many significant players go down. People quickly forget that they are very talented and have a solid squad capable of playoffs. They will challenge the Chargers for a wild card, and they may very well steal it (especially, with Norv Turner as head coach). The Raiders are still the Raiders despite the death of their late owner (R.I.P. Al Davis). They will need a complete overhaul, and its difficult to do that without a first round selection. Carson Palmer is not the answer and they just got over the JaMarcus debacle. The team needs to find an identity and soon.

NFC Pre-Draft 2012 Season Predictions

2012-04-20T16:35:00.001-04:00

NFC East

1. NY Giants (11-5)

2. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)*

3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)

4. Washington Redskins (3-13)

Why?

The NFC East will continue to be a bar fight for supremacy. The Cowboys spent some money wisely this year, which gives them a slight edge over the Eagles. The Eagles, who fell apart early last season, should be better but may have some real defensive issues. They will be relying on rookies to fill key spots and that may not be enough to grab a wildcard. As for the Cowboys spending, they filled some needs and refused to place all of their free agent eggs in one basket (i.e. Nnamdi Asomugha). Each year always seems to be “the year” for Tony Romo. However, I believe this will be the last year unless he makes a breakthrough in the playoffs (NFC Championship Game). The Redskins will be drafting a new quarterback, which will require some time to develop. Additionally, the team gave up its future in the deal to get RGIII/Luck, so it seems unlikely that the team will develop the depth necessary to compete unless it gets lucky late in drafts/free agency. As for the defending champion New York Giants, Eli Manning remains as their quarterback. Last year, he seemed to grow from an overqualified game manager to a full blown field general. He has the ability to make just enough throws and the smarts to make each throw a little easier (i.e. audibles at the line). Therefore, I see them repeating as division champions once again. Unless Michael Strahan

NFC North

1. Detroit Lions (10-6)

2. Chicago Bears (10-6)*

3. Green Bay Packers (9-7)

4. Minnesota Vikings (4-12)

Why?

The Chicago Bears have done a tremendous amount to help their quarterback, Jay Cutler. The only thing they haven’t done is solidify their offensive line. That could become a problem through the season, but shouldn’t keep them out of the playoffs. Detroit hasn’t made any splashy moves this offseason, except resigning Megatron (Calvin Johnson) to a long term deal. Matthew Stafford proved that he could be a reliable starting quarterback when healthy. The team needs to improve defensively and, more importantly, mentally to take the next step towards a division crown. Stomping on dudes when they are down might score points with their coach, but it will get them tossed faster than a skinny dude in an MMA match. As for the Packers, they look as lethal as ever offensively. However, their defensive liabilities continue to mount. Although Aaron Rodgers has some serious talent, the team has been living on the edge with their offensive line depth and defensive issues for too long. It will come down and hurt them, leading to an 9-7 finish. If they win this year, it will prove that offense wins championships and maybe people will actually believe them. The Vikings are rebuilding, but don’t know who the quarterback is yet. That’s not good for the Purple & Gold. Maybe they can ask Brett Favre to come back. Or not. Let’s all hope for not.

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

2. Carolina Panthers (9-7)

3. New Orleans Saints (8-8)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)

Why?

The Falcons return the most seasoned squad, including a stable quarterback and receiving corps that can stretch the field. However, their offensive line could cause the team issues as they look forward into next year. Matt Ryan was hit an obscene 82 times last season. There are no guarantees that he survives another season with beat-downs like that. The Panthers are up-and-coming with a hot new star who could be the next Madden cover boy. Yeah, Panther fans should be cringing. Cam Newton could revolutionize the league with his play, but his defense needs to improve its play before the Panthers can think playoffs. But they are closer than you think. The Saints, still reeling from “Bounty-gate,” have a tough task this season to march on without their head coach and, potentially, a slew of their defensive players. Drew Brees is a great quarterback and can execute a gameplan with the best of them. However, he is not Peyton Manning and cannot dictate an offense on the fly. That is why they will fall off this season. Remember when Sean Payton had his knee blown out last season and had to leave the game. The offense stalled without him there to call plays and dictate the offense. It shocked me how lost they seemed without their head coach. It might be the biggest blow to the Saints season. The Buccaneers are in a state of flux. They are having second thoughts about their young quarterback, but they do not want to give up on him yet. A new coach may help, but they have deep issues on defense and at the skill positions on offense. And the offensive line. And special teams. And…well, you get the picture.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)

2. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

3. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

4. St. Louis Rams (5-11)

Why?

The 49ers are a lock to win the division. Unless, of course, the team is ravaged with injuries and a quarterback within the division steps up to a Pro Bowl level. The 49ers are hoping that their young players develop, their older players don’t lose a step, and that their team will develop some depth. The Seahawks are quickly rising to the cream of the NFC West crop. Pete Carroll has done a terrific job of rebuilding the franchise. Now he must find some speed on the defensive side of the ball to make the transformation complete. The Seahawks have a chance to scrap for the final wild card spot. The Cardinals played inspired football at the end of last season, but I’m not sure that they have found the right solution at quarterback. Of course, more weapons to throw to would help. However, Kevin Kolb must do more to prove that he was worth the trade and contract that they gave to him. The St. Louis Rams were the trendy pick last season. They had Sam Bradford as a progressing prospect at quarterback and a defense that seemed stout enough to win some games. Well, it never happened. So far they have shored up their needs away from Bradford, but he still needs some big-time targets to throw to. If the Rams want to compete with Bradford, they better start building around him.

10 Things To Look For in WVU Spring Game

2012-04-20T16:07:00.002-04:00

With the nation getting a chance to watch the record breaking offense perform some pre-season magic again, here are some of the key things to watch for:

1. Geno Smith’s Progression: As if one of the best players on one of the best offenses couldn’t get any better, Geno Smith has been working hard to improve his game since last fall. He certainly showed a glimpse in the bowl game, but he has the opportunity to set the stage for a tremendous season. His footwork and play recognition constantly improved throughout the year; however, he still has some room to improve and it will be important to see if any of those skills are on display Saturday.

2. Tavon Austin’s Speed: And if you thought the fastest player couldn’t get any faster, think again. According to coaches this spring, Tavon has been playing at a higher level than last year. And last year he had 101 receptions and over 1000 yards. He has decided to run routes with the same speed and intensity as he does without the ball. It will be interesting to see if it is visible during the course of a game and if he can keep it up for an entire game. For a receiver that claimed to only run hard during 15% of the game, it is hard to see if he has the endurance to run hard even 90% of the game without becoming completely exhausted.

3. Josh Francis’s Emergence: It was a mere two springs ago when Mountaineer Nation was introduced to the pass rush ability of Bruce Irvin. Now that he has graduated and is looking for a new gig in the NFL, Josh Francis looks to reclaim the throne of quarterback wrecker. From all accounts, this player has a similar ability to get the passer. He also came from a JUCO situation, which better helped his transition. While he had a hard time getting on the field last season, the defensive coaches have made a concerted effort to make sure that he receives as many plays in each game as possible. They even claim that they will reduce the playbook and simplify it to ensure that he plays. Can he prove it Saturday? I sure hope so. And I hope Paul Millard is ready to take a beating.

4. Josh Jenkins’s Return: Last year, Josh Jenkins saw his season disappear with one cut to his knee. A blown knee kept him out the entire season, but left him hungry to come back. While Josh and his coaches reported that he was learning to trust his knee again, the offensive line has gelled under its second season with Bill Bedenbaugh. While the Mountaineers played with a hodgepodge of players last season, including a converted defensive tackle, this year’s group returns with some promise and additional experience. Coach Holgorsen has said that the Big 12’s largest difference between the Big East is offensive line play. It will be important to watch if Jenkins return has a positive effect on their ability to protect Geno Smith and open holes for the running back.

5. Shawne Alston’s New Title: He now calls himself “the Boss.” Coach Holgorsen tends to agree with his senior running back. In practice, he has been an absolute handful to tackle. This year appears to be one of his first where he is actually healthy for the spring training and drills. He hopes to become an every down back and Coach Holgorsen relishes the idea of having someone play consistently out of the backfield. He has the opportunity to steal the starting job from Dustin Garrison while he is out wearing a red jersey. A big, “Boss-like” performance on Saturday could make the backfield a little more interesting come fall camp.

6. Ryan Nehlen’s New Job: While living with the name of Nehlen in Morgantown certainly has its ups and downs, Nehlen can finally shed the job title of “Nehlen’s grandson” and become “starting wideout.” He proved that he possesses excellent athletic ability and the intelligence to play in Coach Holgorsen’s system. Now he must prove that he is up to the challenge of keeping up production behind the “other” two receivers in Geno Smith’s repertoire. Last season, he was called upon to block the last second field goal against Cincinnati (Although Eain Smith came through for the Mountaineers, Nehlen was the intended blocker because of his 37” vertical). This season, he will be called upon to provide a deep ball threat, as well as a reliable red zone target that Geno Smith desperately needs as the team inches towards the goal line. It will be interesting to see how he is used in the spring game and how much his back-up, former high school all-American Ivan McCartney, plays throughout the evening.

7. Joe DeForest & Keith Patterson’s New Scheme: It has been awhile since the Mountaineers had a new defensive coordinator. Now they have two. Gone is Jeff Casteel, and with him went the 3-3-5 odd stack. In is the new 3-4 hybrid scheme developed and used throughout the Big 12. It includes three down linemen, just like the odd stack, but this defense includes more shading and favors smaller, quicker linemen. Luckily for them, the defensive personnel that they inherited fit that mold exactly. It will be exciting/nerve-racking to see if this scheme can excel at the one thing the past scheme failed at: a power running game.

8. West Virginia’s Pace: The Orange Bowl performance unveiled the new style that the Mountaineers hope to play with. Speed, tempo, and more speed. That should be on display this Saturday. The team has an infinite amount of ability, but running more plays helps to keep the talent on the field and put the offense in the best position to exploit the defense. If Geno Smith threw the football 465 times last season and they were moving slow, how many times will he throw this year? Saturday might be a good indication of that number. It should also show if the defense is ready to become the best “bend-but-don’t-break” defense in the Big 12. The Mountaineers have a ton of offensive talent and should run at a high pace, just like the rest of the league. It will be just as interesting to see if the defense can keep up.

9. Dave Kerns’s Activity: The head athletic trainer has an important job on the football field. However, every team hates to see him on the football field. The Mountaineers hope that their spring game goes off without a hitch and without Kerns stepping foot on the Astroturf. Last year, Kerns had to bring the cart with him to take off Josh Jenkins. Fans should root for Kerns to stay as inactive as possible on Saturday.

10. Coach Holgorsen’s Team Chemistry: Last season was a unique one. Yes, an Orange Bowl victory would make any season unique, but the circumstances of the rise to head coach for Dana Holgorsen along with the awkward structure of the staff led to some interesting moments. Now, the entire team is on the same page, including the coaching staff. And after Coach Holgorsen’s call out of the team last fall following a disappointing loss to Louisville brought the team together, the chemistry is bubbling at its highest level. Watch for players helping each other up, cheering each other on, and the coaches swapping ideas after the scrimmage. All are necessary ingredients for a successful season.

Colts & Packers: Draft Time

2012-04-16T08:32:00.001-04:00

Rather than give you a mock draft of the entire, three-day event, I have decided to focus on two teams and find players that fit their schemes and styles based on their current draft order. Oh, if I didn't include your favorite team, hit me up in the comments and I will try to do an analysis for them as well.

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 1 - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This pick has absolutely no doubt about it involved. He was the best quarterback in college for two straight years and has the talent to win soon. It is important to remember that even Payton Manning was not able to turn around the Colts in his first season. However, his second season began one of the greatest streaks in the history of the game. Can history repeat itself? Jim Irsay better hope so.

Round 2, No. 2 - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

It never hurts to have your rookie quarterback's safety blanket from college join him as they transition to the NFL. Fleener has the sure ability to make a play and will become Luck's version of Dallas Clark. Fleener has similar qualities to Aaron Hernandez, the tight end with the New England Patriots. Both have the ability to stretch the field. Both should thank Tony Gonzalez has the revolutionary model from which all teams base their aspirations for a tight end. Although there is a good (likely) chance that Fleener is off the board at this point, the Colts will look to add one offensive "weapon." It may be an offensive lineman, but should be Fleener if he is available.

Round 3, No. 1 - Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

As the Colts hired a new head coach, they also adopted a new philosophy of defense first. While the first two picks set up the foundation for a solid offensive future, it will be time to see if the Colts can pick up a solid lineman to solidify their front seven. Crick has the ability to play right away and could provide a solid selection for the Colts as they move forward. He has the strength to play outside on a 3-4 defense and the quickness to play on the interior of a 4-3. It makes their defense multiple, something that it hasn't been for a very long time. Injuries last season limited Crick, but the ability to dominate is one that he still possesses and could be a great steal at this point in the draft.

Round 4, No. 2 - Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina

Norman would be a terrific find for a team this late in the draft. He has the ability to step in as an immediate nickle corner, but could grow into a solid corner for years to come. He shows the ability to read the quarterback and has the athletic ability to make a play on any ball. One of the keys for the new Colts defense will be corners that can hold up in coverage while 4, 5, or 6 rush the passer. Norman seems like a good fit for a Cover 2 type defense.

Round 5, No. 1 - Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

Something of a wild card selection, Rainey has the athletic ability to take the ball to the house on every snap. However, the reason that he falls this low is because of his lack of durability concerns. His slight frame is smaller than Reggie Bush and there is no guarantee that he is as explosive of a playmaker. Reggie Bush demonstrated that fast running backs in college can transition. However, it also showed that there is a definite ceiling for the impact that they can have on a team. Rainey would add an element that had been missing in Indy with their offense, but is definitely a gamble.

Round 5, No. 35 - Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

There is no such thing as a team having too many cornerbacks. Tandy is too good of a value to pass up here in the later stages of the 5th round. He plays with a physical tenacity and could develop into a solid cornerback in the league. I wouldn't leave him on an island with Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but he could be a very serviceable corner in the NFL.

Round 6, No. 37 - David Molk, C, Michigan

Molk is a mid-western Michigan man who has proved over and over that he has the smarts and physical ability to perform at a high level. He was the commander of the Michigan offensive line and helped to open holes for Denard Robinson as he ran and passed the Wolverines to a Sugar Bowl victory. Molk has some durability issues and does not demonstrate an overpowering game, but his preparation and recognition skills will help keep Andrew Luck upright more times than not.

Round 7, No. 1 - JK Schaffer, LB, Cincinnati

The defense will need some depth in the linebacker corps, and Schaffer adds a nice player who overachieved at UC. He was a magnet around the ball at all times, even though his athleticism dicatated that he should not be there. His preparation and hard work ethic will help him become successful at the next level. He fits in well as a 3-4 inside linebacker who can cover running backs out of the backfield.

Round 7, No. 7 - Corey White, S, Furman

The defense of the Colts has relied on the health and availability of Bob Sanders. White adds some depth to the position. While he was at an FCS school, he began to blossom into an excellent safety. He progressed in each season and showed an ability to be a playmaker. While he will require some coaching, he could be an excellent prospect to pick up here in the seventh round.

Round 7, No. 46 - Nate Potter, T, Boise State

This year's Mr. Irrelevant could provide some value to the Indianapolis Colts. Potter finished last season as an all-American selection from two publications and has shown the ability to protect for a premier passer at a high level. His time under the training of Chris Peterson at Boise St. has helped him develop into a NFL prospect who has the potential to play for the Colts next season.

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 28 - Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

No matter who the Packers select with their first round pick, it will be on the defensive side of the ball. It seems that safety Harrison Smith would fit in perfectly in their secondary and could provide some playmaking ability in the back end of the defense. He has the skill to step right in and make plays for a defense that struggled at times against the pass. Also, Smith has shown the ability to come up and defend the run, which can be a problem at times in the 3-4 defense. A solid selection that may not come with much glitz or glamour.

Round 2, No. 27 - Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

While a running back does not appear to be too much of a pressing need for an offense that has been so prolific with Mr. Discount Double Check at the helm, Pead offers a significant upgrade at the running back position. He has the shake and speed to take plays to the house and could provide an added dimension as a receiver out of the backfield. Imagine a defense that has to defend Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, and a running back who is a home run threat on every single down. I'm not sure a team could hold the Packers under 30 points in any game next season.

Round 3, No. 27 - Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

My dieheart Packers fan friend has been bugging me if they can land Irvin in the upcoming draft. While it is unlikely that he falls this far, it is definitely within the realm of possibility. He has an amazing burst coming off of the line of scrimmage and will provide an immediate pass rushing upgrade on the other side of Clay Mathews. Irvin has experienced some recent run-ins with the law, along with a checkered past that led him away from football. However, his time in Morgantown allowed him to grow and mature. Besides, how many linebackers do you know that can run a 4.45 40 yard dash?

Round 4, No. 28 - Trevor Guyton, DE, California

The Packers need a solid force on the end of their defensive line to help contain outside runs and allow their dynamic pass rushers to get to the quarterback quickly. Trevor Guyton has the ability to take up space and demonstrated some strength at Cal to warrant this fourth round selection. He defintely has the ability to step in and compete for a starting positon, which is pretty good value for a team in the fourth round.

Round 4, No. 37 - Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana Tech

Not a household name, but a productive tight end with terrific upside. He has some terrific athleticism that will rival current TE Finley. He needs to add some polish to his game before he is a legitimate threat, but he has the chance to become special. Picking him up this late in the draft is a steal for the Packers.

Round 4, No. 38 - Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

Should the rich really get richer? Why not, with the selection of this stud from Oklahoma. He found himself injured for the back end of the regular season, but without him the entire offense fell apart for the Sooners. If he is that big of a difference maker, he can help to phase out Donald Driver and make the receiving corps a little younger looking into the future.

Round 5, No. 28 - Lucas Nix, G, Pittsburgh

A solid guard out of Pittsburgh, Nix offered support on the offensive line for three years as a Panther. He has the ability to develop into a solid backup, providing some depth to a unit that has the tendency to become decimated quickly.

Round 6, No. 27 - Vontez Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Known as one of the biggest hitters in college, he has seen his stock fall like a stone after scouts watched multiple tapes of the player. However, at this point in the draft he is a steal and could step in as a run-support specialist who can hit harder than most. Some say he's the hardest hitter since Ray Lewis. Pretty high praise for a middle linebacker. With AJ Hawk and Clay Mathews as mentors, I doubt that his suspect attitude will fly in Green Bay.

Round 7, No. 17 - Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

Wolfe has the ability to take up space while penetrating the offensive line at the nose tackle position. He has a strong swim move and developing a spin move to effectively invade the backfield. He would add immediate depth to the Packer defensive line while possessing some potential to become a Pro Bowl player someday.

Round 7, No. 28 - Josh Oglesby, T, Wisconsin

He has the ability to become a solid backup tackle, further adding to the depth chart for the Packers. He will need more polishing to become a starter in the NFL, but he is an immediate large body that will take up room and protect Rodgers when called upon.

Round 7, No. 34 - Joe Martinek, FB, Rutgers

Not many teams use a fullback, especially teams so driven by the shotgun position like the Packers are. However, Martinek offers a hybrid H-back for the position that could be an asset in the passing game that Rodgers loves to use. I could easily see him running routes in the flat and picking up some extra yardage. Could be eventual replacement for Kuhn.

Round 7, No. 36 - John Brantly, QB, Florida

Most quarterbacks are gone by this point, but Brantly has the ability to become a great quarterback. He was never really given the chance to succeed at Florida, but the Packers QB guru could work wonders again on a late round SEC QB draft pick. He adds a bit of a safety blanket as Rodgers backup. The Packers may still have to sign a vetern to feel better about the situation this fall.

Football Anyone?

2012-04-16T08:30:00.001-04:00

This recent cold stretch in the northeast has people reaching for their blankets. It also has fans thinking football. And it's all so comforting. As a friend of mine points out frequently, God may have invented football to make the commandment regarding a day of rest slightly easier to follow. In any event, football is slowly creeping back into the mind. There is spring football practice for college teams, while the professional ranks look to add supreme talent in the NFL Draft. So be on the lookout for a couple articles to keep you out of your springtime football blues.

Why THIS Kentucky Team is Different

2012-04-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

When John Wall arrived in Lexington, a party was thrown. I remember watching Midnight Madness in Buffalo Wild Wings and the cheers were on. It was the unbeatable team. An All-American in John Wall, a returning power in Patrick Patterson, and the best freshman big-man in DeMarcus Cousins. The party was as big as Miami before there was a South Beach speech ("not five, not six, not seven...). It seemed right that they were undone by a West Virginia Mountaineer team that couldn't miss from three point land when no one could buy a basket on UK's side. The Wildcats were not worthy of cheering for that season. They were the most talented team, but that did not equate to championships. John Calipari was the godfather of the "dirty" NCAA recruiting. It felt wrong to want "dream teams" in college basketball.

The next season was only slightly better. Once again, star recruits descended upon Lexington. Brandon Knight was the star point guard and Terrence Jones was ready to become the next big thing. Instead, Kentucky relied on Josh Harrellson, a hard-working homegrown talent, to lead them to the Final Four. Darius Miller came through in key moments and covered up for the flawed freshmen. This team was tolerable, but still unworthy of cheering for.

Finally, this is the season that I can cheer for the Kentucky Wildcats whole-heartedly. It is time to give Coach Cal his due. In my opinion, this is the greatest team he has ever assembled. Does it have a star-studded squad of young players? Yes. But it also is one of the hardest playing teams that seems to understand that you do not have to be a rockstar and play college basketball. Michael Kidd-Gilcrest sets the tone and Anthony Davis has been mostly quiet about his dominance. Instead, the team has focused on its intensity on the floor and not how well they can dance off of it. Even Terrence Jones has given better consistent effort this season. At times he will shrink back and give up, but he has upped his level of play to match those of his teammates. No one will watch a one-armed point guard go in for a layup untouched in this game. This team deserves everything that they have earned this season, and they deserve a national championship.

UK vs. UL: Kentucky-geddon

2012-03-31T20:28:00.001-04:00

Here is the retro diary of the Kentucky Armageddon, Kentucky vs. Louisville. It seemed appropriate that someone write the thoughts of the game as they happened so that people can look back and feel the ebb and flow of the game.

Pre-Game Thoughts

As good as I think Kentucky is, I find it completely plausible that they lose. Peyton Siva + tight coaching from Coach Cal + Davis in foul trouble = Louisville win. I have been less than impressed with Marquis Teague recently; he could cost Kentucky a shot at the title.
The UPS commercial is declaring outright war on Big Blue Nation.
Incredible sight looking at the crowd. It's like Kansas and Ohio State don't exist.
The sight lines here in Superdome are better than in the other venues in the recent past. It actually feels like a big basketball stadium, rather than a football field with hardwood in the middle. It might help the shooting of each team.
Had to be hard to find the Louisville offensive highlights for their pre-game package.
Kentucky highlight package much more impressive.
How in the world can Teague get last call from announcer?
Crowd was definitely loudest with coaches' introduction.

1st Half

Don't adjust your television with UL's uniforms. The neon is natural.
19:45 - First shot made is important for Louisville.
19:10 - Teague gets off to good start. Good sign.
18:54 - Size overwhelms Peyton Siva.
18:40 - Teague at it again. Looks quicker.
18:05 - UK opens 3-for-3. Davis just looks over the defense and finds an open Lamb.
17:34 - UK gets out and runs. UL looks slow and slightly overwhelmed right now. If UL big men can't slow down or pose a threat against UK, Cards have no chance.
16:51 - UL's best offense is pushing in open court. Gets layup in transition.
16:14 - Teague with another jumper. He is scoring at a clip unseen this year.
15:22 - Chaos in the open court has favored UL so far. Half-court possessions have been in UK's favor so far. Kentucky's length and athleticism have refused to allow Louisville an open shot in half court.
15:07 - Anthony Davis saves a bad pass and turns it into a layup, then converts on the next possession.
14:24 - UL turnover. If Cards to press and get turnovers, they have no shot. Refs really letting them play.
13:52 - 2 missed dunks by UL. Playing tight and without focus.
13:47 - MKG goes out with two fouls. Tough break for UK, but not too huge at this point.
13:18 - Jones with NBA slam. Kentucky playing really well right now. So talented. So utterly, undeniably talented.
12:52 - First block from Davis. Kentucky really covering the paint defensively.
12:42 - Terrence Jones fouls three point shooter. Coach Cal looks nervous that his team is suffering breakdowns. Meanwhile, all of Louisville's shots look incredibly off. Even free throws. We'll see if its the rims. #doubtful
11:00 - UK still getting open half court looks, but not hitting them now.
9:58 - Louisville is trying to win with wraparound passes and interior ballhandling and that is just not working. If Pitino is as good of a coach, he will adjust and play with proper floor spacing. Siva has been invisible so far, and that is not good for UL. Kentucky needs to keep good ball movement and run in transition to get some proper looks. Teague left the game and their fast break offense has weakened.
9:08 - Teague back in and UK fast break looks more aggressive.
8:49 - I take back what I said about the refs. Calls starting to grow with charge against Davis.
7:58 - Can UPS really milk this commercial anymore? Really? Oh, and Dieng looks very nervous for Louisville. Finally got a shot to go, but can't matchup with Davis.
7:22 - Horrible call against Kentucky. Big Blue Nation has legit beef with officials at this point.
7:13 - Siva picks up foul number two. Stays in the game. Key minutes coming up for UL.
5:36 - What an oop from Teague to Davis. Wow.
4:07 - Anthony Davis has so many moves in the post. Could become next Kevin McHale.
4:00 - And Behannan is keeping UL in the game.
3:41 - Turnover by Lamb leads to easy bucket. Cards cut lead to 6. How is it that close? It is clear UK is superior team, but score not reflecting that at all. Coach Cal might be a little too tight with the grabbing of the ball from Lamb.
3:34 - Lamb charges out of the press right into Dieng for an "And 1" possession. Maybe Coach Cal does know what he's doing.
2:36 - Back and forth layups/dunks. UL seems to answer, but can't recapture any ground.
2:14 - Jones with another foul. Big Blue Nation better hope they can still get these offensive looks in the second half.
1:30 - And Louisville finally does something impressive. Can cut the lead to 3. Wow.
1:13 - Wiltjer responds with a three. Lamb turns a turnover into two free throws. #BBN can catch his breath.

Halftime

0:00 - 35-28 Kentucky at half.
Louisville has to feel good at halftime. Kentucky must feel as nervous as a team up 7 can feel.
Coach Cal just mentioned offensive rebounds. It's been a big factor, but the tipping point for the game will come down to Louisville's defense.
Can the Cards force turnovers/tough shots? They haven't yet, but they are only down 7. They play ugly and win. Oh, and they are a 2nd half team. I never buy that argument, but at least they have been here before.
Kentucky has been without MKG and Terrence Jones down the stretch of the 1st half. Getting both of them back is big. It will help them tremendously. They need to rebound and take care of the ball and they will be in the championship. But too early to celebrate.

2nd Half

19:34 - MKG misses a contested layup and UL hits a three and suddenly its down to a 4 point lead for Kentucky.
19:09 - Dieng with big block on Teague. Suddenly, UL seems like they are awake. This is the team that rolled through the Big East tourney.
18:56 - Lamb with tough pull-up jumper. He is a great shooter.
18:42 - Teague picks up his second foul; UL has to make free throws when they get them. Pressure defense forces UK timeout. #BBN starting to sweat a little.
18:31 - Wow. Refs helping out UK now. Close jump ball called a foul.
18:04 - Miller rises up over Siva and utilizes his height advantage. In fact, it's height advantage all the way around for UK.
17:03 - Davis with another baseline turnaround hook shot. Can't wait to see that in the NBA.
16:44 - Miller with a steal and dunk. #BBN has now officially caught their breath.
16:14 - Davis can't be guarded by anyone but Dieng. If it's not him, it's two points. This is the first time that I have seen UK run their offense through his scoring.
14:33 - Tough defense and bad offense equals quality possession defensively for Louisville.
14:07 - Third foul on MKG. Tough call on UK. He goes out again.
13:45 - Bookmark that block in the draft night highlights.
13:30 - 13-2 offensive rebounds going to Louisville. Yet they can't convert.
12:18 - UL still cannot defend UK in half court offense.
11:48 - Getting scary with UK not getting rebounds.
11:23 - Now it's getting really scary. UK not attacking the glass. Waiting for the ball to come to them. Except UL getting in the way.
10:47 - Davis proves he can do put-back slams too. But Dieng is starting to become a factor on the defensive end. He looks like a very poor man's Hasheem Thabeet. VERY poor man's Thabeet. And we thought Thabeet had no offensive game.
10:08 - MKG with his first point of the game. UK up 5.
9:24 - Steve Kerr makes great point: MKG sat and is out of rhythm. Misses two free throws.
9:10 - Siva ties it. Wow. How did we get here?
8:45 - MKG gets first FG. UK back up 2. But UL believes they can win now.
8:02 - MKG getting assertive now. He refuses to lose. He's got so much heart. #BBN owes this young man a lot.
6:46 - MKG got steamrolled on a screen. Limping back on offense.
5:06 - Miller caps off crazy sequence with 3 pointer. Calipari follows up shot with a big hug and "Thank you for saving my reputation."
4:47 - UL in must score possession and go to most offensively inept player on the floor against the best defensive player on the floor.
4:03 - UL has gone cold. Can't buy a bucket.
3:27 - Davis with a big defensive rebound.
2:52 - UL with first bucket in a LONG time.
2:27 - Terrence Jones with an "And 1." And Kentucky can smell it.
1:51 - With a foul on Anthony Davis, Kentucky just has to make free throws. Just like every other Calipari team in history.
1:23 - UL not giving up. Siva dunk + UK turnover = interesting finish.
1:08 - Anthony Davis with a dunk off an AWESOME oop. He's so good. 18 points, 13 rebs., 5 blocks. Just another day in the office.
:25 - rather than hold and get fouled, UK has decided to dunk. And dunk again. They avoided the worst nightmare. Free throws.
:00 - Kentucky 69, Louisville 61. Should not have been that close, but offensive rebounds kept it that way.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky is very good. And Louisville was scrappy. But in the end, talent won out over the heart of a champion. Kentucky proved that they can play any style in this tournament. They may be one of the best college teams ever. And that is not an understatement.
To win the championship, Kentucky has to get MKG going early and keep Anthony Davis engaged. Hit free throws and make some perimeter jumpers. But getting to the rim is where they excel.

Coaching: Is It Important?

2012-03-27T20:36:00.002-04:00

As the sports world gets wrapped up in the latest hiring and firing, the almost fired and the next big thing, it is time to take a step back and ask, "Is it really worth it?" Does it really matter if the Saints lose Sean Payton? Furthermore, is it that imperative that they hire Bill Parcells to replace him? There are two parts to the art of coaching and each has a significant role to play.

The first part of coaching comes down to basic people skills. Imagine that your boss has difficulty talking to you, approaching you, criticizing your work, and does a poor job of praising you. It would significantly impact your day-to-day performance, especially if you relied on your boss for instructions and had little autonomy. If your boss is able to communicate well, get his/her point across, and encourage you in the proper moments, your performance should receive a boost. After observing some coaches, it seems hard to understand how they have the job they do in the first place. They can't communicate, they don't criticize in the right moment, and they seem to lose the endearment of their players. Successful coaches tend to communicate well (although strangely at times) and provide the right motivation at the proper moment. This is the difference between Phil Jackson and Vinny Del Negro. It is what made John Wooden a legend at UCLA and Vince Lombardi an icon in Green Bay. Going back to the boss analogy: if your boss was as horrible as I described, what percentage would your work level fall to? 70% capacity, 60% capacity? And how high would it rise if I were the good coach? 110% or 120% capacity? While a great coach who has completely mastered their people skills can lead his team to monumental heights, it is more important that a coach does not have poor people skills.

Coaching also requires some technical knowledge of the game. Perhaps the greatest example that I can think of is Doc Rivers, current head coach of the Celtics. It seems that he has the innate skill to draw up out of bounds plays that are super successful. If executed properly, they are nearly unstoppable. Here is an example: (You may need to fast forward through the first 45 seconds)

Here is an example of what happens when he does not call the final play in the huddle:

Same players, similar moments. But the execution is so much crisper when Doc Rivers has the opportunity to call a play during a timeout. His definable trait gives his team an advantage. However, some coaches prepare for games better than others. Some simply know how to teach their concepts in a way that allow their players to master it as fast as possible. In other words, they are a master teacher. Every great coach is a master in some aspect of the game. Red Auerbach: Talent Evaluator. Phil Jackson: Teacher. Bill Belichick: Talent Evaluator. Sean Payton: Tactician.

As you could guess, not every coach is a master at something. Not every coach has an understanding of how people think and work. Coaches must also have the talent around them to achieve at the highest levels. But a coach must be severely deficient in one area or another to warrant being fired. Likewise, teams looking for coaches should try to find a coach who has a balance of both skills, but is a master of one distinguishable skill. This will lead to success if given the proper ingredients for a team.

Case Study: West Virginia Mountaineer football

Now, take a look at the West Virginia football program. Three coaches in less than five seasons. Here is a quick synopsis of their strengths and weaknesses:

Rich Rodriguez: Strong tactician who was an offensive innovator. Stubborn playcaller who refused to listen to those who may question his ability to call plays. Solid motivator who did not always give the right message at the right time; however, he knew how to talk to people, convince people, and instruct people.
Bill Stewart: Good ol' boy who could fire up any player. A former military man, Stewart failed to recognize successful football talent and lacked any football strategic smarts. He relied on those around him to help make him successful.

If this speech doesn't give you chills, even after his unceremonious departure, then I'm not sure what will.

Dana Holgorsen: Nice guy who can get rowdy, but calls a different type of offense. Original part of the Air Raid, Holgorsen has added his own spin to it, which causes defenses to think twice. He has shown a great ability to teach and to create, but yet to prove that he understands how to work with players and people.

The most successful out of the three was Rich Rodriguez. He had built a program from the ashes and grew into a "superstar" coach. He had a knack for calling the right play, but his lack of people skills (trusting those beneath him) brought about a propensity for losing in crucial moments when things were tight. His lack of trust and lack of timing led to a poor experience in Michigan. However, he has a chance to rectify his career and be a successful coach once again. Bill Stewart was the least successful, and the most opposite from Rodriguez. He has the people skills and the motivational skills to lead any one. That is why the night of the 2008 Fiesta Bowl will never be forgotten in Mountaineer history. However, his lack of technical skills on the football side of operations led to the next three years being a largely forgotten era. Dana Holgorsen has now entered the fray, and while being slightly less talkative, he has implemented one of the most powerful offensive gameplans in college football. He has the technical talent to soar to the occasion; however, he must prove that he has the ability to reach the players and motivate and encourage them in the moments that they need him most. That will determine if the current Mountaineer coach is worthy of the praise he currently is receiving.

Tebow and the Jets (Part 2)

2012-03-26T19:42:00.001-04:00

Now that Tim Tebow has arrived in New York, it is time to look ahead to the field. How will the Jets use him? Will it work? I say yes, and here are three reasons why:

Tim Tebow will be on the field every week. If this expectation is set in stone, then I believe that it will not interfere with Sanchez. Will the tabloids and the harsh criticism from fans do their best to put Tebow out on the field? Yes. But as long as the coaches stay true to their gameplan, no one will be left out in the cold. Tony Sparano, "inventor" of the Wildcat formation, will mold his gameplan to include Tebow. It will cause the opposing coordinators to prepare every week for something different. That may cause some severe headaches; buy some Bayer aspirin stock because its demand is about to go up.
Tim Tebow will improve the running game. The defense must account for him, which creates some mismatches. If the Jets can gain an extra yard per play Tebow is involved in, they may have less 3-and-out drives. That always tended to kill their defense, leaving them out on the field for extended periods of time. Which leads me to the following point...
Tim Tebow fits in well with Rex Ryan. Not the profanity and brashness, but rather the style of play. Ever since Rex Ryan arrived, he wanted to build his team around toughness and defense. They made the splash in signing LaDanian Tomlinson and hoped to team him with Shonne Greene to form a strong running attack. Mark Sanchez was the polished game manager that could develop into a threat from the quarterback position. Well, LT has hit the NFL wall for running backs and Sanchez has continued to regress. Now, with the arrival of Tebow, he can return to a run first offense with a quarterback who is definitely run first. Only time will tell if Tebow has the same impact on the defense as he does on offense. Jet fans hope that it is a positive impact for both.

Tebow and the Jets (Part 1)

2012-03-21T21:35:00.001-04:00

It's Timmy Time in the Big Apple. Gotham has it's new savior. A mere 3 years ago it was Mark Sanchez, the young, fresh-faced kid out of Southern Cal that had serious swagger and the confidence to stare his coach in the face and say, "I'm ready for primetime." Now that same player is clinging to his job, hoping to connect on another pass while the fans will inevitably chant "Tee-Bow!" with every incompletion.

Tebow took over for a struggling Denver Bronco team that could not find itself with Kyle Orton at the helm. The team went 1-4 with Orton, and the cries for Tebow grew louder. After a bye week, the Broncos decided that it was time to make a change and little did they know that they were about to embark on a season-long journey of late-game heroics.

Now, the show moves to the Big Apple. If people thought that the Rockies were rockin' with Tebow fever, just wait until the first poster stretches across a skyscraper in Times Square. The mania will be hard to contain. It will be complete Lin-Sanity! (Oh, that's another phenomenon in New York. Sorry. My bad.) But, to get back to the point, all eyes will be on Tebow. Until this point, he has never been in a media market this large. His every move will be watched, whether he shops in Macy's or walks into a club. I know, he has not shown the propensity to be in those places, but if he suddenly has the itch to go with some teammates for a night on the town, everyone will know. That media pressure only adds to the on-field pressure that defenses across the league have placed on him.

Rightly or wrongly, Tim Tebow has become the face of Christianity. There are no religious figures that are as well known as Tebow. Billy Graham was the last evangelist that had a following of this magitude. He, too, filled open sports arenas. Yet, Tebow has proven so far that he is capable of handling success on the field and still hold to his strong principles. His "followers" have continued to grow, primarily stemming from his strong Christian values. Can he continue it in New York? That has yet to be proven. But, if there is anyone that I believe can withstand the pressures, it is Tim Tebow.

Tebow About to Save Another Franchise

2012-03-20T20:04:00.003-04:00

As soon as the Peyton Manning decision ran across the ticker, my mind instantly ran to the singular sensation of the 2011 NFL season: Tim Tebow. The decision was understandable on both fronts: Manning felt at home with a Hall-of-Fame quarterback running the team, while John Elway was eternally grateful that Peyton saved the Broncos from a lifetime of Tebow-mania. Tebow was able to carry the Broncos to a playoff win; but Elway did not see himself in him. Instead, he saw a woefully poor passer who scrambled and chucked his way to victories. Elway always envisioned himself as the ultimate cool customer who was as smooth as he was clutch. Tebow plays with the smoothness of seaside cliff in Maine. So when Elway was able to push him over that cliff for the smoother and prettier Peyton Manning, he jumped at the chance.

So now that Tim Tebow has fallen to the rest of the league, there are plenty of takers who are more than willing to sacrifice their quarterback for the winning style of Tebow. Here are the leaders to acquire the sensational quarterback:

Green Bay: Really? "Discount Double-Check" is leading the Cheeseheads next season, no matter who they pick up. But, the coaches completely changed Rodgers into a perennial Pro Bowl quarterback. They took the rough form of Aaron Rodgers and molded him; Tebow could be the next great project. And in the meantime, he could be a third and short quarterback and take some snaps at H-back. And if you don't believe me about Rodgers, check this out:

New England: But they already have Tom Brady? True, but they also have the coach that first took a chance on Tebow, Josh McDaniel. He knows how he wanted to use Tebow but was never given the chance. Until now. With Bill Belichick and McDaniel running the show, Tebow could transform into a living, breathing football Swiss Army knife. He may play offense, defense, goal line situations, and more. It would make it very interesting to watch the Patriots.

Miami: South Beach has reeled in some stars recently, but they could never catch a fish bigger than Tim Tebow. This must happen. Remember when Miami honored the Florida Gators championship team. Well here is an example of what could happen in Miami brought in Tebow:

If they cheered this much when he was in another uniform, just wait until he is wearing the home colors. Oh, and David Garrard you will not be starting if Tim Tebow comes to town. Enjoy your role as backup to a rock star.

Jacksonville: To most people this makes the most sense. It is really hard to see anything differently than Tebow returning home (a la, the prodigal son). However, there is this to consider: The Jaguars have invested heavily in Blaine Gabbert. To give up on that experiment so soon could mean set this team back a few years, but it would also mean that they could un-tarp half their stadium so they don't have to claim "sellouts" in order to be on television. It may also save the franchise from LA, or London, or a number of other cities that would like them to move.

WVU Practice: The Uncut Files

2012-03-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today, the Holy Grail was found: West Virginia spring practice drills were caught on camera. And as with everything in this day in age, it made its way to YouTube.

Below are two videos of new defensive coach Erik Slaughter. Not only is that a sweet football name, but he also brings it in practice. Play HARD. Play SMART. Play FAST.

Here you will find a unique drill for quarterbacks. Coach Jake Spavital chucks some bean bags around the field, forcing his quarterbacks to adjust and move into the right position in the "pocket" until he blows the whistle for the QB to throw at a net. QB #1 is the one and only Geno Smith, QB #2 is Paul Millard and QB #3 is freshman Ford Childress. Of note, Geno drills it into the small hole in the net and gets it into the pocket. Even in the spring he can thread the needle.

NFL Moving Day

2012-03-13T19:53:00.000-04:00

As the NBA ticks closer to its deadline, the NFL opened its free agency today to the sound of roaring telephones. The notable moves made (or reported) so far this offseason:

Brandon Marshall traded to the Chicago Bears. Miami Dolphins receive 2 third-round picks (2012, 2013).
Pierre Garcon announced via Facebook that he will be signing in Washington to play with, presumably, RG3.
Defensive tackle, Red Bryant, signed a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Marques Colston signed a new contract to remain with the Saints. The Saints also franchise tagged Drew Brees earlier in the off-season.
Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon were all released by the Colts in the wake of the Peyton Manning release.
Buffalo Bills appear to be the front runner for the Mario Williams sweepstakes.
Dallas and Washington penalized for front-loading contracts into uncapped year. Resulting penalties: Dallas = $10 million, Washington = $36 million. That much less that those two teams have to spend this offseason.

What does the future have in store? No one truly knows. NFL free agency usually leads to the most chaotic period throughout the year. The draft has more predictability than free agency. However, here are some storylines to follow:

The Packers will be losing Matt Flynn to free agency. Who will they replace him with? Do they? Perhaps a veteran bridge will be signed until a draft project develops into an adequate backup. They certainly need someone competent behind Aaron Rodgers due to his concussion history.
The Colts will certainly be rebuilding, but how? They have cut off many of the pieces that led to the most successful run in franchise history. We know Andrew Luck will be the cornerstone, but a building cannot stand alone. Luck will need help in order to revitalize the franchise, and fast, or another #1 pick could be coming their way very soon.
Alex Smith led his team within a game of the Super Bowl, yet he may find himself without a job. The 49ers seem determined to explore all options before resigning the former #1 selection. If they end up with nothing, Colin Kapernick, the former QB from Nevada will take over the starting reigns.
Buffalo is making a strong push this offseason. Unfortunately, they have sunk big bucks into Ryan Fitzpatrick (Harvard-grad) and Steve Johnson (Kentucky-grad) which limits them with the money they can spend. Grabbing Mario Williams could hurt the overall depth of the team.
Cincinnati and Tampa Bay have two of the highest cap room for free agents this offseason. They should both look to create depth across their offensive and defensive lines to help build around their young quarterbacks.

Keep an ear to the ground and watch out for any shocking deals within the next couple of days. Anything can happen.

Brison's NCAA Madness Predictions

2012-03-12T22:23:00.002-04:00

Here are my predictions for this year's tournament. I will stand by all of my selections until they go incredibly wrong.

Most likely team to be upset: Georgetown. They seemed to be overrated all season, but now they play a Belmont team that is all bombs away. I think this is the year that Belmont breaks through and wins. (And I believe they could easily win again to play in the Sweet Sixteen).

Best first round game: The best first round game will be VCU vs. Wichita St. The battle of the mid-majors. The Shockers vs. SHAKA! I think that the game will be dictated by tempo. If Wichita can establish a slower pace and a game played under control, VCU will have a hard time staying in the game. But if the Rams come out and harass the ball-handlers for the Shockers, it could be a long day for the Missouri Valley squad. It could be one of those nail-bitters that could ruin some brackets early in the tourney.

Best (potential) second round game: I think that the UCONN vs. UK game could be one of the best matchups in the entire tournament. I honestly believe that UK has one of the toughest roads for a top seed in the tournament. Playing UCONN is no cupcake in the second round. They may be a top 10 talented team; however, their issues this season has come from inconsistent guard play and a lack of a consistent scoring threat. If the upset happens, many fans will be angry, including those playing in the $20 bracket pool in the office and most of the residents in Lexington, Kentucky.

Most likely double-digit seed to make Sweet 16: West Virginia. This is my turn for a homer pick. Time to go down my bunny trail...

When this season started, my expectations were low. I know they had some senior leadership, but the only player I trusted was Kevin Jones. Was there hope? Sure, I heard that the Brown(e)'s were good and I thought maybe the Bearded One (Deniz Kilici) could progress with his bevy of post moves. Instead, I saw a team without a second consistent player. The freshmen were freshmen, and as Bob Huggins put it, "They are freshmen that don't win." But I also saw an All-American in Kevin Jones. His PER numbers were off the charts. He became an even more efficient scorer and rebounder, especially on the offensive end. Something was still off with the team, and it was hard to put a finger on. As I watched more and more, it quickly became apparent: the team has no playmaker. Kevin Jones is an All-American. Kevin Jones is not a playmaker. During the Final Four run, Da'Sean Butler carried the team by making plays when the team needed him most. The latest WVU squad cannot claim to have a player like that. Kevin Jones will keep the Mountaineers in any game. It is incumbent upon the freshmen and streaky Truck Bryant to make a play. Jones is not well-suited to step out and score a three at any time. He is not the best at creating a shot for himself. It will be up to his teammates to carry him to the heights he deserves.

I believe that Gonzaga received the worst seeding draw out of any team in the tournament. The travel to Pittsburgh, West Virginia's backyard, is not fair. And if there was a team that the Mountaineers match up best with is Ohio State. Tailor made upset. Probably means it won't happen.

Number 1 seed least likely to make it to New Orleans: I have to go with North Carolina. It is definitely a tough call. They may be the second most talented team in the tourney. But that qualifies them for a championship as an all-star cast in New Year's Eve qualifies it for Best Picture. There have been times when the Tar Heels seem like the unstoppable force. There are other times when they shrink from the moment and get blown out by epic proportions (See: Florida State). I love Harrison Barnes, but he does not show me the assertiveness that is required to win in March. Josh Harrellson showed more heart last season than Barnes has so far this year. Could they win it all? Absolutely. Will they make it to Mardi Gras? I believe the answer is no.

Player who will light up the tournament (A.K.A. The [Stephen] Curry/[Kemba] Walker Award): Anthony Davis. If he does not solidify himself as the best player in college basketball, I will be shocked. He is the most dominating force I have seen in college basketball since Kevin Durant. For Durant, it was his length, shooting touch, and ball skills combo that set him apart. For Davis, it is his length and defensive intensity that sets him apart. Good news for Anthony Davis: Portland and LA Clippers do not appear to be close to receiving the number one pick. Bad news: The Washington Professional Basketball Team does appear as a frontrunner for the number one pick.

Biggest upset in first round: Belmont over G'Town. See above.

Final Four:

My Final Four & Champion selections are as follows (accompanied by a haiku):

Kentucky:

Davis blocks many shots
Big Blue Nation rises up
A new day arrives
Ohio State:

Sullinger plays hard
Ghosts of Oden rise again
Buckeyes will fall short
Kansas:

Thomas elevates
Coach Bill Self sweats under stress
Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk, lose
Michigan State:

Sparty fights onward
Izzo performs yearly magic
Draymond falls just short

LukeHatesDuke's NCAA Madness Predictions

2012-03-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

I have to give explanations because some of these don’t make sense, even to me…

Most likely team to be upset: ???

Best first round game: Depends on what you like; if you want high scoring, I’m going to go out on a short limb and say St. Mary’s-Purdue will be the highest scoring game of The Round Formerly Known as Round 1. For close score madness, I’ll go with Wichita St.-VCU. Good, exciting teams playing hard and not wanting to lose.

Best (potential) second round game: Michigan St.-Memphis. Memphis is really good and totally underseeded. If I were a Michigan St. fan, I would be pretty nervous about this potential game. Will Barton might be the best player on the court (and possibly in the entire West bracket).

Most likely double-digit seed to make Sweet 16: I’m gonna go with Cal again. Too good for a 12 seed. Pac-12 sucked, but Cal was it’s best team. (Watch them get beat by South Florida now. I’ll go ahead and apologize to Cal fans for my jinx in advance).

Number 1 seed least likely to make it to New Orleans: Perceptually and mathematically, that would be Syracuse. They are in (arguably) the toughest bracket, have two ugly Big Ten Teams waiting on them (possibly), and their 2-seed (Ohio St) is not only favored over them, but dominate the part of the game that Syracuse is weakest at (defensive rebounding). That’s all assuming Vandy doesn’t make the Sweet 16 and shoot out of their minds over Cuse’s zone. Godspeed, Syracuse; if you make the Final 4, no matter what happens after that, you will have made a believer out of me.

Player who will light up the tournament (A.K.A. The [Stephen] Curry/[Kemba] Walker Award): I’m going to be a total homer and pick the UniBlocker, Anthony Davis. His legend started in the regular season, but it will totally explode during the tournament (as will the drooling announcers’ heads). Mark it down: Davis will decide at least one game with a dagger 3-pointer.

Biggest upset in first round: California over Temple. Temple fans need to be rooting for South Florida hard. Temple’s a good team, sure, but they aren’t 5-seed good and California isn’t 12-seed bad. I actually think Cal would be slightly favored in that game.

Final Four:

South: Kentucky. I would pick them even if they weren’t 47.9% favorites to make the Final Four because I’m a total homer and do it every year.

West: Michigan St. I picked them to make the Final Four no matter what about a month ago. Tom Izzo + Good Team = Final Four. Tom Izzo + Awesome Team? Let’s just say, as a UK fan, I hope I’m wrong.

East: Ohio State. I hate picking two Big Ten teams because they always underperform, but hey, the Buckeyes are good. They could choke, but odds are they won’t.

Midwest: (I can’t believe I’m typing this) Georgetown. I absolutely hate this pick for various reasons.

1. They could most definitely lose to Belmont in the first round

2. They play a weird style that doesn’t really fit the tournament

3. They’re Georgetown

4. 2008, 2010, 2011.

In spite of all that, I’m picking them because: A) I usually like my Final 4 picks and miss them all. B) The Final Four will not be all 1’s and 2’s C) The Almighty Computers really like the Hoyas D) They’re different than the last 2 Georgetown teams. Those teams sucked at D, and didn’t have great offenses either. This team has a decent offense and a very efficient defense (#7 in defensive efficiency, to be precise). Just know, in my right mind, I would never make this pick. However, I usually make picks in my right mind and miss them all. Worst case scenario, my wrong mind is just as good at picking teams as my right mind.

Champion: Kentucky. I hold to my belief that this Kentucky team is the most dominant team college basketball has seen since the back-to-back Florida teams. They have a cakewalk to the Final Four (if they don’t make it to New Orleans it will be an upset of enormous proportions). They have the best player on the floor in 4 of the 5 positions, no matter who they play (INCLUDING North Carolina, thank you very much), and unlike Memphis in ’08, they can shoot free throws. I predicted this year to be a reversion back to chalk, and you can’t get much more chalk than picking the overwhelming favorite to win it all*.

*If this post looks utterly ridiculous in 3 weeks, I reserve the right to use any given medical condition as an excuse for my stupidity. Thanks.

To Trade Or Not To Trade Your Superstar (Gasol Edition)

2012-03-07T19:56:00.001-05:00

Pau Gasol has largely been misunderstood his entire career. Going all the way back to when he was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, he has been seen as too soft and not tough enough. He could never lead a team by himself and lead them to the heights where all athletes want to go. He never propelled the Grizzlies to any level close to Final competition. Of course, neither did Kobe Bryant in LA without Shaquille O'Neal. It was not until their paths crossed that both experienced success.

Gasol has a funny game for the NBA. It's not quite Dirk Nowitzki, nor is it like Blake Griffin. He is more reminiscent of Bill Walton, although Walton was a better rebounder when healthy. I would say that he is Pau Gasol, and that is good enough. He can rebound, plays well from the high post, has a terrific basketball IQ, and can pass as well as any big man. His game has Europe written all over it. That makes sense; he was a star in his native country of Spain and learned to play basketball with a different style. In fact, that difference has made him better for it.

Now, the Lakers have come to a crossroad. Do they trade the big man that brought them back championships to Tinsel Town, or do they hold on to their biggest strength, their big men? With Kobe on the downward slope of his career, it is hard to argue with the fact that they need to win how. But what is the best way to do that?

I believe that the Lakers should trade Gasol, but they should not give him away. The Lakers have so many holes; Steve Blake and Metta World Peace are the fourth and fifth best players on the squad. The Lakers have only one perimeter playmaker in Kobe Bryant. In order to challenge for the NBA Finals, they need a guard or wing player to compete. Here are a few players that the Lakers should look into acquiring for the right price:

Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings & Ersan Ilyasova
Cleveland: Antwan Jamison & Ramon Sessions
Houston: Luis Scola & Goran Dragic

The combination of these players would help fill multiple holes in the team and provide the depth they require to make a deep playoff run. Will it happen? That has yet to be seen. But Pau Gasol is definitely a player with acquiring.

To Trade or Not To Trade Your Superstar (Howard Edition)

2012-03-07T08:14:00.001-05:00

As an 18 year-old from Atlanta, Dwight looked less like Shaq and more like Kevin Garnett. He was a skinny kid. Well, he grew, as most 18 year-old's do. He added muscle and strength that few in the league can match. He has become one of the most dominant players in the league, and as a result drawn the attention of many teams who wish that they had a player like him. Now, Dwight Howard has become the latest player that teams are drooling over to get on their team for a price much closer to fifty cents on the dollar rather than returning full value to Orlando.

What should the Magic do? They have been here before. Once upon a time, they had the youngest, most exciting team in the NBA. Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, and Horace Grant formed a core for a team on the rising in the Magic Kingdom. Then, Hardaway got hurt, Shaq went to L.A. to make movies and rap albums, and Horace Grant hung on with the team for a few more season before being traded. The key to the destruction was Shaq's desire to leave. If he had truly wanted to stay in Disney World, he could have. Unfortunately for Magic fans, the same script seems like it is rising back to the surface.

What does Howard want? This is the most puzzling question. No one really knows. Not even Howard himself. At one point he demanded a trade to the biggest market he could get his hands on. Now, he slyly makes the comment that Kobe Bryant asked for a trade too, and look where he is at now. To be clear, I believe that Dwight wants a large market, but I also believe that Orlando is big enough. He just needs a better Robin to his Batman than Jameer Nelson. Great point guard out of Saint Joseph's, but not quite of the Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, or Chris Paul caliber. He needs better and wants better talent around him. Being in a big market doesn't hurt either.

So where does this leave the Magic? The front office must cling to any hope they have of retaining their best player. But if he truly wants out, the Magic must oblige and take the best deal available to them. It could be some form of Dwight to the Nets for the oft-injured Brook Lopez, or Howard moving to another team creative enough to get him and keep him with a solid contract (Boston gets: Dwight and Hedo; Orlando gets: Rondo, Garnett, and a first round pick). The Magic need to sit down with Howard and have a man-to-man talk. If this doesn't happen, this saga could end with an unhappy ending in the Magic Kingdom.

January 8, 2011 - The Last Game

2012-03-06T20:31:00.000-05:00

It was a tough matchup. Peyton Manning matched against the brash Rex Ryan and his pair of lockdown corners, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Peyton struck first, with a deep shot down the middle of the field to Pierre Garcon. Classic Manning.

Mark Sanchez showed enough grit to bring his team even with the Colts, despite a late turnover deep in Colts territory.

Down one point with over 2 minutes left, Manning leads his team methodically down the field, like only Manning can do. His last pass is an incompletion to Blair White, who dropped it near the Colts sideline. Who knew that would be the end of the era of greatness in Indianapolis?

Please click here to watch the highlights of Peyton Manning's last game as a Colt.

Manning: The Next Chapter

2012-03-06T19:53:00.001-05:00

Upon word of Peyton Manning's alleged breakup from his long-time sweetheart, the next chapter has been marked and the rest is unwritten. (Cue Natasha Bedingfield) As a fan who grew up idolizing players like Troy Aikman, I always hoped that a player would never leave his first team. Sure, there were certain players who found their way onto another team, but most of them I thought of as selfish (Brett Favre, Michael Jordan). Joe Montana's departure was sincere but awkward. Emmitt Smith's stint in Arizona felt like a deleted scene from a movie that was better left on the cutting room floor. Now, Peyton must walk in their path and finish his career in a place that is clearly not his home. The hospital signs will still read "Peyton Manning" and the Super Bowl trophy will still live inside the caverns of Lucas Oil Stadium, the house that Peyton built. Indianapolis will survive, but the franchise will experience its second great divorce.

Where could the story go? There are so many options for Peyton to choose from that it seems like he's calling another audible at the line. Will he take the money from Snyder and go to the nation's capital, or will he head south to swim with the Dolphins? Can he return "home" to Tennessee, where "Rocky Top" still plays through his mind during his time as a Volunteer? My guess is that no matter the city, his heart will still belong in Indianapolis.

Peyton Manning has always wanted to be a winner, but he has never wanted the spotlight. If he received credit because he won, he could accept that. But never because of any other reason. Now, the spotlight shines directly on him as he makes his next move. Does he wanted to be perceived as the prodigal son and return to Tennessee, or will that move be seen as too vengeful? Will some interpret a signing in South Beach as too LeBron James-esque? Here is how the next chapter might look:

Manning signs in Kansas City with the Chiefs, following in the footsteps of Joe Montana. He signs an $18 million dollar contract, for three seasons.
Manning takes the team from the depths of the AFC West, to division champion, with an 11-5 record.
The Colts, under the guidance of Andrew Luck, finish 7-9. Fans destroy Jim Irsay's car. Multiple times. With a chainsaw.
Manning takes the Chiefs to the brink of a Super Bowl championship, losing in dramatic fashion.
He never again gets that close to a Super Bowl, but accomplishes the task of making Irsay look like a fool by leading the Chiefs to the playoffs each season. Luck makes the playoffs once for the Colts once in three seasons, as a wild card.
He retires as a Hall of Famer.

Perhaps, Peyton Manning is not the greatest quarterback of all-time. Some have more rings, others more passing yards and touchdowns. But he will always be #18 in blue and white, with a horseshoe on the side.

P.S. Spend time with your kids so that Peyton Manning doesn't.

Kevin Jones: Robbed

2012-03-05T21:27:00.000-05:00

Blind resume:

Player 1 plays for an NCAA tournament team. He leads his conference in points and rebounds. His team has been incredibly streaky, but his play has remained a constant in a year of flux.

Player 2 plays for a top tier NCAA team. He is a leader in points and rebounds in the conference, but not quite the top. In fact, his teammate has played better during stretches of the season.

Okay, so it's not quite a blind resume. But you get the idea. How can Kevin Jones get jobbed by the Big East?

Well, looking back to Da'Sean Butler's magical 2009-2010 season, he lost out to a high-flying wing from Syracuse who scored less than Butler but an extra rebound. Oh, forgot to mention Butler's countless late-game heroics to put his team at the top. If he couldn't win, why would the Mountaineer faithful believe that Kevin Jones would win?

Well, Jones did something that only 3 other players have ever done: lead the Big East in points and rebounds. That's impressive. But his team did only go 9-9 in the Big East. Oh, well. At least he is a unanimous 1st team All-Big East selection. Wait, he's not? Maybe the move to the Big XII is for the best.

Looking at the past decade of WVU basketball, here is the modern era's starting five:

Kevin Jones - F
Da'Sean Butler - F
Alex Ruoff - G
Darius Nichols - G
Kevin Pittsnogle - C

Who would you take? I just know that the first two lines of the roster should have been Big East Player of the Year. Neither of them were, and that's not right.

CAA Championship Recap

2012-03-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

Why would anyone care about some mid-major tournament that involves no ranked team? Well, it's the Colonial! Home of Shaka Smart, the George Mason Patriots, and two Final Four teams in the last six seasons (as many as the Big Ten).

Here's my take on the game:

Drexel is totally pulled out of their game. Although they have played with good fundamentals and offensive flow throughout the season, the have struggled mightily against the VCU defense.
Darius Theus has stepped up and set the tempo that Shaka Smart dictated. He has pushed the defense and offensive rhythm of the game.
VCU has played out of control. Their pressure has forced turnovers, on both sides of the ball. Their 'wreak havoc' style of play is exciting but is causing them to commit some unforced turnovers. Their freshman are showing their freshman side.
VCU has been blocking shots clear out to the three point line. It is hard for any team to get a clean look when shot blockers extend to the three-point line.
Drexel is able to score points when they play with composure and make the right pass out of a double-team. Layups are there for the taking.
VCU can be very streaking with their shooting touch. Can hit it for consecutive possessions, but then run cold for extended stretches.
Drexel was able to get back into the game by forcing tough VCU shots and rebounding well.
Damion Lee has played poorly for a half, but has come back to play well at the point for Drexel in the second half.
By the time Drexel breaks the VCU press, they only have 20 seconds on the shot clock to run their sets. It is definitely taking a toll on their offense.
The referees are letting them play a very physical game. Definitely helping VCU.
Drexel forcing passes and knocking themselves out of rhythm. VCU is definitely more athletic. Or at least they are showing more athleticism.
Referees tightened up their whistles in the second half. It has contributed to the Dragons' run. So has VCU's inability to snatch defensive rebounds.
VCU's press is still going strong, deep into the second half. They must really be in shape.
VCU's play at the end shows their inexperience. The game should be over, but a late hail mary pass and subsequent foul has kept Drexel alive.
After an exchange of free throws, Drexel knocks down a three to make it a one point game. Shaka's team has not played very smart.
VCU survives.

Instant analysis of VCU

Tough, scrappy team that will press the entire game.
They will play hard and rely on their defense to keep them in the game.
The Rams rely on Darius Theus for their spark on both ends of the floor.
If given a favorable matchup (i.e. Big 10 team), they could easily pull off an early round upset.
Turnovers and free throw shooting will kill them.

To Trade or Not To Trade Your Superstar (Rondo Edition)

2012-03-05T19:54:00.003-05:00

As Rajon Rondo walked off the TD BankNorth Garden floor on Sunday, he knew he had proven his point. "There is no way they can trade me." Despite the fact that Rondo tallied 20 rebounds and 17 assists against the renewed rival New York Knicks, he could still find his way to another team. Should the Celtics really consider trading their youngest, most valuable asset?

I suppose that every team has their price, but the Celtics should make sure that their price is right. Suggesting that the Celtics get Pau Gasol or some other star may bring back the equal talent. However, GM Danny Ainge should note that the key for success in today's NBA is with a talented point guard. Earlier trade rumors of Chris Paul-for-Rondo did make some sense, but how can the Celtics find anything close to that value?

If a team has a superstar, or close to it, why trade them for lesser parts? A car that trades a Ferrari engine for spark plugs, mud flaps, and new headlights does not make it run any better. The Celtics should do their best to find the other parts without giving up their engine. They should try to develop the players they already have. Rondo and Paul Pierce will keep the Celtics competitive after the rest of their core retires/leaves/deteriorates. Instead of taking a route of destruction, the Celtics should look to build off of their success and continue the tradition of winning without sacrificing the time of perpetual losing. The fans want a winner, and the fans deserve a winner without waiting with baited breath like the fans had to do through the end of the 1970s or the post-Bird era. No star should be dealt unless the star makes the situation impossible.

It all begins with the draft. Danny Ainge has brought in some young talent in recent years, including Avery Bradley and the Purdue powers (Et'uan Moore & JaJuan Johnson). Now, he has to find another star that fits the team. Rather than finding a player with the most talent, he must shrewdly find the pieces that fit his team's missing pieces. John Henson from UNC could provide some length inside to replace the aging Kevin Garnett. Dion Waiters could become a big time NBA scorer to eventually take over for Paul Pierce and Terrence Jones could be a solid value should he leave Kentucky. In any case, Ainge must find the replacements for the Big 3 soon without relying completely on free agency. Free agency should become the place where the Celtics find role players and key veterans that keep them on the winning track. Ainge has work to do, but the work is not impossible if he keeps Rondo.

No matter what happens, Rondo has done enough to remain a part of the green and white tradition for a long time to come.

4 Bold Predictions for March

2012-03-03T17:14:00.001-05:00

Here are four bold predictions for March Madness.

Kentucky will win the championship. OK, not so bold. But here's where I think I will take a step closer to the edge: their average margin of victory throughout the tournament will be greater than 20 points. In 2010, Duke was able to pull of that streak with an average margin of victory of 25 points but imagine who they played: a Hummel-less Purdue team, a young Baylor squad, and West Virginia without Da'Sean Butler for most of the second half. Perhaps their run was more luck than actual talent. This UK team is much more talented than that Duke squad, so if luck falls on their side, they will obliterate this mark. Safe to say Kentucky is the heavy favorite.
I believe that two seeds higher than 6 will make the Elite 8 and one of them will make the Final Four. Other than last year, this trend has not been true. But last year had VCU and Butler in the final dance. I think that something similar might happen again, simply because other than Kentucky and maybe Syracuse, no other team is that much better than another. It may be another year of the upset.
The combined field goal percentage of the championship game will be less than 35%. The venues the past few years have made it much more difficult to get a feel for the rims for the players. Playing in the Superdome this year, I do not see this trend changing. Mark it down.
The next Stephen Curry will be Isaiah Canaan. Canaan can carry his team. The part where they are different is that Canaan can still impact the game without touching the ball. He moves well without it, and the offense doesn't miss a beat. See you in the Sweet Sixteen.

NBA Trade Deadline Extravaganza

2012-02-29T22:34:00.000-05:00

Although not every team needs a trade, some teams have decisions to make that will alter the course of their franchise.

Trade #1: Magic get: Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Warriors Future #1 (lottery-protected); Warriors get: Andrew Bogut, Quinton Richardson and Ersan Ilyasova; Bucks get: Andres Biedrins, Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick, and Ryan Anderson

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7r3rqog

Why it works: The Magic desperately need another superstar to get Dwight Howard to stay. This deal may in fact help keep him in Orlando, and that is more valuable than any other player on their roster. The Bucks sell high on Bogut and Ilyasova, getting a solid point guard to play with Brandon Jennings at the 2-guard and a terrific inside-outside option in Ryan Anderson. J.J. Redick could also play key minutes. The Warriors get some inside depth and wing help to build around Stephen Curry.

Who says no first: I say the Warriors would want to get a little more, but I think the Bucks would also want more star power. They want to keep Brandon Jennings as badly as Orlando wants to keep Dwight. I think this trade may make it harder for that to happen.

Trade #2: Celtics get: Kyle Lowry, Courtney Lee, and Patrick Paterson; Rockets get: Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, and James Harden; Thunder get: Kevin Martin and Brandon Bass.

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7yf8nby

Why it works: The Celtics receive a younger, solid base to build around after the Big 3 evaporates. The Rockets get a franchise player in Rondo, and some potential superstar power with James Harden. Kendrick Perkins also provides a solid inside defensive presence to counter Luis Scola. The Thunder get a slight upgrade with Martin over Harden and Brandon Bass provides a solid scoring option from the post down the stretch.

Who says no first: The Rockets deconstruct their core for Rondo and Harden; not bad, but they may want more. The Thunder may be too connected to Harden in order to let him go either. And a team this good may not want to mess with their crunch-time five.

Trade #3: Knicks get: Pau Gasol; Lakers get: Amare Stoudemire, Toney Douglas, and unprotected 1st round selection

(No Link Available)

Why it works: The Lakers finally jump ship on Gasol and reel in a struggling Stoudemire and a solid point guard in Toney Douglas. Gives the Lakers more flexibility on the offensive end with their bench while not sacrificing the "twin tower" mentality of the offense.

Who says no first: The Lakers. Stoudemire has shown obvious issues with his knees this season and is not nearly the player Gasol is. While the added point guard depth helps, it does not make up for the level of play that Gasol is capable. But if the Lakers panic...Stay tuned.