My Top 5 After Four Weeks

Well, it has been four weeks of college football and the verdict is in. If you’re not bias and a realist about sports it should not be difficult for you to acknowledge teams you hate as being legit contenders. So, if I may let me start by addressing the top 5 teams in the country starting with number 5.

The number 5 team in the country from what I've seen is the Auburn Tigers. Yes, I said the Auburn Tigers. It is clear to me that these guys are the 2nd best team in the west and arguably the best in the conference. With the addition of Cam Newton and an experienced offensive line, this offense can be explosive and put up godly numbers if they hold on to the ball. As Cam Newton goes, so does Auburn. Therefore, if he's effective and productive as he's been thus far, look for the final game in November to have SEC Championship implications.

The number 4 team in the country is the Florida Gators. Though they haven't been as sharp as many feel, they still have won. If you think that Urban Meyers will not get his troops together, just ask Kentucky. Yea it was one game but if you notice they exploded offensively and defensively they can only get better. Despite what many people feel these guys will eventually be running the East in a potential meeting with Alabama for the 3rd consecutive year.

The number 3 team in the country is "THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES". Look for this team to run through the Big 10 and compete in the BCS National Championship game. My money tells me that these guys will run the table and compete against a good SEC team.

The number 2 team in the country would have to be my Crimson Tide. Yes, they are the champions and will be that until they are dethroned, but with the youth and inexperience on defense I have to rank them as number 2. The offense will be responsible for carrying a lot of the load until the defense learns to limit the number of mental mistakes. This weekend game against Arkansas was good for them and gives them some things to focus on. Look for these guys to possibly meet the Auburn Tigers undefeated and be playing to go to Atlanta.

Finally the number 1 team is Boise St. Yes, they play in a weak conference, but you can not deny the amount of talent, speed, and continuity. These guys returned 20 of 22 starters from last years team and they are a legit team. Their first 22 can compete with any first 22 in the country the problem comes when their top guys get hurt. No, they don't play in a monster conference like the SEC or Big XII, but you can not deny that these guys can beat any team in this top 5 on any day. They will need some luck in order to play for the national championship, but if they made it to the game do not assume they will be dominated by anyone, because they can hold their own.

It's hard but its fair...holla back

Do not Write Him off Just Yet...

On August 23, 2010, it became official that the world's number one golfer just became a single man. No longer does he have to look in the eyes of his wife and see the hurt and disappointment. As a matter of fact one should hope that the two can become good friends (despite the disloyalty show by Mr. Woods) for the sake of their kids. As Elin and Tiger go on with their lives I wish them the best of luck in life and as parents. As for Tiger Woods one question remains to go unanswered. That question is, "Does this mark the end of Tiger Woods dominance in golf"? Many experts say that his reign is nearing, however, I feel totally different.


When I think of Mr. Woods and how he's dominated golf I compare it to another great athlete in another sport. That other sport is basketball and that player is Michael Jordan. These two individuals made people dream and believe that hitting a fadeaway or a draw (shot in golf) can be done with such ease. And just like Michael Jordan, Tiger is now faced with a difficult situation that he has to overcome. If you recall Michael Jordan lost his dad during the prime of his life and decided to venture into baseball. Once he decided to return to basketball and lost to the Magic's in the playoffs they questioned whether Michael Jordan could return to the Michael Jordan of old. Needless to say after going 72-10 and winning his 4th championship those critics were silenced and the league became his once again as he captured another 3-peat.

As I look at Tiger I see this point of his life equal to that of Michael Jordan's return from baseball. As we know Tiger took a long layoff and returned to golf at the start of the 2010 Master's tournament. He like Michael Jordan during the 95 season has had glimpse of greatness but hasn't been able to put together any real consistency like we've grown to know and love. As Tiger begins to move on from his divorce look for a couple things to happen in the near future. Look for Mr. Woods to first hire a new swing coach. Many people feel that he is losing golf tournaments because his swing is in shambles and I totally agree. Sean Foley maybe next in line to work with the world's number one golfer on his swing. Tiger stated that it has been a long year and that he a Foley were getting a feel for each other. So, look for someone to be standing and critiquing Tiger Woods in the near future. Next, look for him to continue to grow and become even tougher mentally. I applaud the fact that he is the butt of every joke, tabloid, every news outlet, and still is able to finish in the top 10 of tournaments. For everyone that plays golf, we all know just how mentally draining it can be. Now imagine having the whole world with an opinion of you and not knowing if one day as you approach the tee box some jerk insults you.

I like many people agree that Tiger has brought this upon himself. I'm not condoning what he did at all. However, I think this marks the beginning of a new era not only in his life but in golf. If you follow golf and choose to write him off go right ahead. Just remember, he's no longer married. He no longer has to hide who he is and if he really has an addiction he can now return to what makes him happy. I insist that you critics and nay sayers write Mr. Woods off. Because I know he's in the prime of his life and in due time once he gets his next victory the Monkey will be lifted off his back. And that is when you can expect to see Tiger Woods working toward being the Tiger Woods of old.

It's hard but its fair...holla back!!!

100% Lebron

On July 12, 2010, ESPN aired an hour special on Lebron James titled "The Decision". On this date he made the decision that he would leave Cleveland and go to south beach to play with D. Wade and C. Bosh. Based off of his decision sports fans have just learned several things about the "King".

(1) He is a great player that doesn't have the ablity to lead his team to a title being the #1 option. Here's a 25 year old guy who's still in his prime. He's won back-to-back MVP's and led his team to the best record in the league 2 yrs in a row. With the addition of Jamison and Shaq (even though he's older) fans including myself felt that the cavs were the team to beat. However, during the boston series when greatness was required it was only present during game 3. As for myself and the rest of the world, we would all agree that the owner was correct in that Lebron was invisible the remainder of the series.

(2) He is a great regular season player but doesn't know how to elevate his game throughout the post season. Many would say he didn't have the pieces to make it to the finals but I beg to differ. He had a good nba point guard, a 6'6 shooting guard that could hit the spot up jumper and defend, and a 4 man that could score as well. He stated "I could score 40 points a game if I liked". Well, Lebron once required to do so against an aging boston team you weren't able to deliver.  If your going to talk it Mr. James, please be able to walk it.

Finally, the move to south beach tells us (3) that he needs another player equally as good to possibly win a title in his eyes. How one could go from the "King" to the prince baffles me. As for cav fans I feel your pain and frustration. Once he entered miami they gave him the key to the city after you guys gave him the keys to the state. The cavs organization employed his friends on staff, allowed them to fly to games with the team, and built a practice facility closer to his home. At this point if he does win 1 or multiple titles, the move to south beach will force many to put an asterick by his name as being considered the greatest of all time. Remember Lebron it took Michael 7 years and unlike you when required he averaged 41 points per game in the Finals, just ask Charles Barkley.


Its hard but its fair...holla back!!!

Baskeball Trivia: List the starting 5 for the first and second 3 peat for the Chicago bulls...

Finals Breakdown

Tonight will be the first game of what should be a classic series. The Lakers come in with this chip on there shoulder from 2008. The Boston Celts on the other hand come in with 3 aging Hall of Famers who are capable of being great for 4 games. The game includes some intriguing matchups that should be fun to watch. At this moment let’s take a look at the matchups and breakdown who has the advantage.


After dealing with Westbrook, Williams, and Nash I feel that Fisher is not going to have to work as hard. Now reading my previous statement may force you to question my basketball IQ considering the numbers that Rondo has put up. However, if you break down the other 3 point guards they all possess something that Rondo may lack. Westbrook for example is crafty and explosive to the rim. He like Rondo isn't a great shooter, but he's efficient enough to make you have to account for his outside jumper. Next, there's Williams, who is considered by many as the best point guard in the game. Therefore, no explanation is needed. Finally, there is Nash who is a former two time MVP. He possesses speed, quickness, craftiness (like Rondo), and the ability to hit big shots. Now Fisher didn't necessarily stop these players, but he made it difficult for them to get what they wanted. So, when people say that Rondo is going to have his way with Fisher, examine what he's already had to endure and access their strengths. Rondo will be forced to hit shots and when he's at his best look for it to be in the open court. I look for this to be a great matchup...ADVANTAGE RONDO

At the Shooting Guard spot we have the best in the game. He will have his way with Ray Allen, but on the other end look for him to have to expend a lot of energy running through screens. This is a good matchup because we get to see shot making ability like no other with Kobe Bryant. While with Ray Allen we see the purest shooter in the game...ADVANTAGE BRYANT

At Small Forward we got in my opinion the best matchup on the court. We got a great offensive player against one of the most sound defensive players in the game. Ron Artest has a repetition of being physical and the refs allow him to be just that. Paul Pierce is a crafty player that you love to hate, however one can't deny that he gets it done. Due to Ron Artest inability to consistently make baskets I see Paul having the nod...ADVANTAGE PIERCE

At Power Forward we have a matchup that everyone should watch. If you recall 2 years ago we saw Garnett beating his chest saying "These Motherf^&%$#@ can't guard me". This ended up earning Paul Gasol with a reptition of being soft. If you saw the game 6 against Phoenix it appeared that Gasol had another soft moment when Amare took it at him. With a bad knee and all Kevin is still the heart of the team...ADVANTAGE KG

Finally we have the center position. Bynum and Perkins should be a boring matchup. Both men will beat up on each other and do all the dirty work. Neither will impact the game offensively. As a matter of fact look for limited touches for Bynum and non for Perkins, assuming they don't get in foul trouble. Due to a bad knee...ADVANTAGE PERKINS

Look for the Boston Celtics to have the advantage coming off the bench with Wallace, Allen, and Big Baby. Though the Celtics have the advantage I see the Lakers taking game one due to emotions and playing at home. I want to pick the Lakers to take the championship, but I have to give the nod to the Celtics. They have a group of veterans that at the end of the day will get it done. However, expect this to be a classic series.

It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!

Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant

Ask anyone that's 22 years old or younger whose better, and they would probably all say Kobe Bryant. Why? Well, the last impression they saw of Michael Jordan was that with the Washington Wizards, which being well past his prime he still managed to avg 22 ppg. So, with all the comparisons that people make, I decided to breakdown the two players and tell you who the best is.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are similar in many ways. They both stand 6 feet 6 inches and play the shooting guard position. They have won multiple championships under the same head coach. Both players have the ability to lead their teams to victory. They have a lot of similarities, but there are also a lot of differences which set the two apart.

When Michael Jordan entered the league many felt he was explosive like that of a Doctor J. However, that was the only comparison the 2 players had. Michael Jordan didn't pattern his game around anyone else. As a matter of fact he brought trends to the game. One of the first athletes to shave his head bald, the bagging shorts, and how could one ever forget the tongue. However, when I see Kobe Bryant I see a spitting image of Michael Jordan. When he interviews, when he walks, when he chews his gum, even when he celebrates the win of the 4th championship he jumps in the air like Michael Jordan. The only thing I see that Kobe does that Michael didn't is the scowl. This only took him 11 years to find on his own.

Whenever you examine the two players look first at fundamentals. Both players are fundamentally sound. However, I give the nod to Michael Jordan in that area. Michael simply hit you with a jab step and based off you reaction that determined his next move. Of the two players Michael Jordan was the more explosive. If anyone has seen "Come Fly with Me" you will see that Michael Jordan dunked on ever one in the league. Even late in his career he went baseline to dunk on Dikembe Mutombo and give him the finger wave. Michael Jordan made a living in the post area with the fade away jumper which as fans we all loved. If you ever watch Kobe Bryant you may sometimes see this same move being made. Therefore, nod in the post game goes to Michael Jordan. The one advantage that Kobe Bryant has over Michael Jordan is range. He can shoot the ball better from deep. To say that Kobe Bryant hit more difficult shots is an example of us living in the present. If you stop and reminisce you will recall, Craig Ehloe, Steve Smith, and no one could forget Bryon Russell (just to name a few) as victims of game winners by Michael Jordan.

I like both players a great deal, however, Michael Jordan played the game with such grace that it  looked like he was embarrassing his opponents in slow motion.  Simply put he made the game of basketball look easy.  Michael Jordan had the ability to capture our attention whether on the floor, golf course, commericals, or just being interviewed.  If Michael Jordan was on WGN, you called your friends to make sure they were watching. You stopped running around outside to come sit in front of the TV to witness greatness. I enjoy watching Kobe Bryant and think he is the closest thing we will see to that of Michael Jordan. However, to say that he has surpassed the greatest the game has seen while he is still playing is absurd.

It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!!

Assuming the Rumor is True...Is that an Excuse

Imagine waking up with the flu during the NBA finals with the series tied 2-2.  You can feel sorry for yourself and use it as an excuse or you can go out and do what the best players do for their teams, score 38.  Michael didn't make any excuses, he just delivered.  Neither did Magic Johnson when he asked as a rookie to play the center position.  He only helped his team win the Championship by contributing 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assist.  The thing about the great ones is that they consistently be great, even during times of adversity.

Today, we have a tendency to look for excuses for players.  After 3 horrible games (during a time when they were picked to win the East) we now have our reason as to why Lebron James didn't show up after going up 2-1.  It has been rumored that his fellow teammate had a relationship with his mother.  As difficult as it maybe to deal with, is that an excuse for you to go AWOL the next 3 games for the series.  Besides, all she did was get her swerve on.

Now again if this is true one can see that you were clearly affected by it.  However, I find it hard to believe that a guy with your "mental toughness" couldn't find a way to come up with one good game out of 3.  So, what did we learn about King James after the Celtics series? (1) We learned that during difficult times its okay to expect him not to show up.  (2) We learned that you are truly to unselfish, which is not good for your team.  I would expect you to come out after game 3 and stick the dagger to the Celtics, instead you were content with stealing one game on there court.  Which tells me that the assassin I thought you were isn't there. (3) We learned that for 82 games you can be the MVP every year but, in a series you can't deliver.  I know that many would say I'm being harsh, but you willingness to defer to your teammates is what separate you from the BLACK MAMBA.

So Prince, I mean King James, now that you have found out about your mom and Delonte, go to another team.  Just like the excuses people make for you having 3 bad games in a row, you now have an excuse to leave your team.  Tell them that it was affecting your game and you couldn't play under those conditions.  Tell everyone you want to go somewhere where you can be like Magic because the Kobe and Michael comparisons are to much to handle.  Even though you can score whenever you get ready, or at least you say.

It's hard but it's fair...holla back!!!!

The NBA Final 4...

Welcome to my blog site, where I get to express my frustration, joy, and anger about events that occur in sports. Since it's the playoffs it is only appropriate that I start out by discussing the 4 teams remaining. As we know both series are 2-0. The Lakers are showing why they are the defending champ as they man handle the Phoenix Suns. Boston is showing us that when they are healthy they can be just as explosive as the Championship team of 2008. Which I have to say if they had KG last year during this time they would've repeated as World Champions. However, it shouldn't be any surprise that the Celtics are up 2-0 over the Orlando Magic. If you recall correctly they went 7 games last year without KG in the line up. So, the only question really is will the Celtics Beat the Lakers 2 times in 3 years or will Kobe and the crew avenge their lost from 2 years ago.


Now as you can see I've pretty much written off Orlando and Phoenix and I will tell you why. Doc Rivers should be applauded for the game plan he has. He like me feels that Dwight Howard is not capable of dominating a game for 48 minutes in the low post. We hear all this talk about him working with Patrick Ewing, but my question is on what. Did Ewing tell you Dwight, "Hey if I had a left handed jump hook I would've been the best to ever play"? Because for the life of me I don't understand why you insist of shooting it like it's a high percentage shot. In addition to that I don't see a face up game with the ability to use the glass. I don't see a decent percentage from the free throw line. Other than your defense I see you as a liability. This is pretty harsh considering you scored 30+ the other night. However, I just don't see any improvement from one year to the next with your post game. Just wish other teams had enough commonsense to play you straight up and not allow the shooters to get open 3's.

As for the Phoenix Suns, they remind me of a mid major making the tournament, “THEY JUST HAPPY TO BE THERE”. Even when they make a run in a game it just looks like it’s made for TV. It looks as though the Lakers are toying with these guys and whenever they decide to turn up the intensity they do so with no hesitation. It's unfortunate that basketball fans have to sit and watch such horrible conference final games. However, Phoenix and Orlando will get one win maybe two for the sake of Vegas not losing too much money.

When we get to the finals expect a great series. I cheer for the Lakers and so my heart will be for them and Bean winning a 5th ring. However, if asked to bet on a winner, I have to go with the boys in green. They have all the pieces needed to win it all. The biggest difference is that KG has taken Paul Gasol man hood and he refuses to give it back. The Celtics are tougher physically and mentally, but more importantly their healthy. I see the Celtics winning it in 7.