L.A. Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Winner=Lakers
Why= Even though it took 7 games for the Lakers to get rid of a scrappy Denver Nuggets team, I just can't vision Kobe Bean Bryant making an early exit from the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The quest for 6 rings is on and with the Lakers playing better team basketball and the return of Metta World Peace, this will be a tough Lakers team to beat. This will clearly be the best series of the 2nd round and with all the story lines coming together for this series I still say, Lakers in 6.
San Antonio Spurs vs L.A. Clippers
Winner=Spurs
Why= The Clippers look poised from all sides in their tough slug it out 7 game series against the Grizzlies. With the Spurs playing the best basketball in the NBA and the veteran leadership provided from the Spurs core, I just can't bet against the Spurs at this point in time. It will be a fun, exciting and dramatic series but Spurs in 6
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
NBA Eastern Conference Semifinal Picks
Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat
Winner=Heat
Why= The Heat are on a mission right now and even though Indiana will be a more formidable opponent don't look for Miami's road to redemption to end here. Heat in 6
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Winner=Celtics
Why= Let's be real the 76ers don't belong here, they have Tom Thibodeau to thank for extending their work schedule before their Carnival Cruise vacation. Boston is a very dangerous team and with double P, KG and Rajon playing the way they are right now look for Boston to end this series quickly. Celtics in 5 with little resistance
Winner=Heat
Why= The Heat are on a mission right now and even though Indiana will be a more formidable opponent don't look for Miami's road to redemption to end here. Heat in 6
Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
Winner=Celtics
Why= Let's be real the 76ers don't belong here, they have Tom Thibodeau to thank for extending their work schedule before their Carnival Cruise vacation. Boston is a very dangerous team and with double P, KG and Rajon playing the way they are right now look for Boston to end this series quickly. Celtics in 5 with little resistance
Thursday, May 3, 2012
LeBron James King?
There's never been more pressure on LeBron James then the immense pressure he has to finally win his first NBA championship this year. Without question James is the most physically gifted athlete this world has ever seen, and his highlight real proves it. But lets be real, the clutch gene is the only thing that keeps the beloved King James from being the best basketball player in the NBA. Yes, his stats are unbelievable and the high level he plays at throughout the regular season, and first couple rounds of the playoffs is something that reflects a 2k game played at 8 minute quarters with all the game sliders up. The man is a complete beast, and at certain times he resembles a full grown man playing against Kindergartener's. However there's only one issue; in late important situations/games James is undoubtedly scary. When I say scary I don't mean striking fear in his opposition, by scary I mean afraid to seize the moment choosing to defer and not being able to make a difference when it matters the most. If you're looking for example, look no further than last year's NBA finals, where James looked unstoppable in his quest for his first NBA title.....when stuff hit the fan and the series needed a hero, the two time NBA most valuable player was nowhere to be found. Hence the question, how do you crown someone King with no crown? With no NBA titles to his name King James can only be referred to as Prince James, not taking shots but to be known as a King, don't you at least have to win one crown? The love he garners makes one ask a few certain questions such as: Is winning not looked upon as important in today's generation? Are we satisfied more with style than substance? Can one be the best NBA player when their scared to kill? Either way you slice it in order to be a King you have to earn a crown, and maybe this year is the year, but without it the beloved LBJ cannot be crowned.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Western Conference First Round Playoff Predictions
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks
Winner=Thunder
Why=OKC is too much for a Mavericks team, that lost their key NBA final components to free agency. J.J. Barea, Deshawn Stevenson and Tyson Chandler led them to the promise land, and without them they won't be able to create any magic. The Defending champs may make this series interesting but virtually have no chance. Thunder in 6
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
Winner=Spurs
Why=The Spurs have been the best team in basketball this year, you'd be a complete fool to expect a early first round exit like last year. San Antonio's roster throws you eight guys that can go for 10 plus points any given night, don't be alarmed when this series bores you quickly. Sad part about this series is, I don't even feel like the Jazz have the roster to potentially steal one from San Antonio. Spurs sweep the Jazz in 4
LA Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies
Winner=Grizzlies
Why= Let's be honest the Clippers are good but not that good yet, Memphis on the other hand is a much deeper team poised for a nice little post season run. With their roster healthy and Zach Randolph back in the starting lineup I just don't see the Grizzlies losing. Memphis in 6, this will be the second most entertaining series of the first round
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Winner=Lakers
Why= Even with the loss of Metta World Peace for the first round the Lakers are just too good to lose to the Nuggets. The impact and dominance of the Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum in the post will be too much for Denver and the way the Lakers recent confidence in its role players will lead to a masterful postseason run. Lakers in 5
Winner=Thunder
Why=OKC is too much for a Mavericks team, that lost their key NBA final components to free agency. J.J. Barea, Deshawn Stevenson and Tyson Chandler led them to the promise land, and without them they won't be able to create any magic. The Defending champs may make this series interesting but virtually have no chance. Thunder in 6
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
Winner=Spurs
Why=The Spurs have been the best team in basketball this year, you'd be a complete fool to expect a early first round exit like last year. San Antonio's roster throws you eight guys that can go for 10 plus points any given night, don't be alarmed when this series bores you quickly. Sad part about this series is, I don't even feel like the Jazz have the roster to potentially steal one from San Antonio. Spurs sweep the Jazz in 4
LA Clippers vs Memphis Grizzlies
Winner=Grizzlies
Why= Let's be honest the Clippers are good but not that good yet, Memphis on the other hand is a much deeper team poised for a nice little post season run. With their roster healthy and Zach Randolph back in the starting lineup I just don't see the Grizzlies losing. Memphis in 6, this will be the second most entertaining series of the first round
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Winner=Lakers
Why= Even with the loss of Metta World Peace for the first round the Lakers are just too good to lose to the Nuggets. The impact and dominance of the Pau Gasol-Andrew Bynum in the post will be too much for Denver and the way the Lakers recent confidence in its role players will lead to a masterful postseason run. Lakers in 5
Friday, April 27, 2012
Eastern Conference 1st round NBA predictions
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls
Bulls in 5, Philly will sneak one at home
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
winner=New York Knicks
Why= I'm going out on a limb on this one but I have complete faith the Knicks will get the job done. The firing of Head Coach Mike D'Antoni has been heaven sent to the Knicks recent success, and with Mike Woodson running the ship the team has become more defensive minded ranking No. 1 in the NBA in team defense since replacing D'Antoni. Tyson Chandler is the NBA's Defensive MVP along with Rookie Iman Shumpert the two have led a defensive revival in NYC. With Carmelo playing as well as he is and continuing to mesh with Amare Stoudemire, you just can't count this team out. Knicks in 7 Final Answer, this will be the most entertaining 1st round matchup we've seen in a whilePhiladelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls
Winner=Bulls
Why= The 76ers stumbled into the playoffs, with many glaring post weaknesses being the focal point of their recent struggles look for the Bulls to just dominate them. Having sat out the last few games of the regular season Derrick Rose should be healthier, and to be honest in this matchup it really doesn't matter, the Bulls are just way too deep for the 76ers.Bulls in 5, Philly will sneak one at home
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Winner=Celtics
Why= I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The Celtics are playing some of the best basketball in the NBA going into the playoffs and the Hawks can never be trusted. Celtics in 6, Joe Johnson will make at least two of these games interesting Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
Winner=Pacers
Why=No Dwight Howard, no playoff advance. Pacers in 6Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cowboys First Round Draft Needs
The Dallas Cowboys have some basic needs they need to address entering this year's draft. With Defensive back, Offensive guard and nose tackle being 3 positions the Cowboys are looking into as potential 1st round draft picks, here are the top 3 players that could be left on the board when the Cowboys draft at 14 tonight.
• Unanimous First-Team All-America (AFCA, AP, FWAA, Sporting News, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, SI.com, Pro Football Weekly & Rivals.com) • Finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award
• Semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award
• First-team All-SEC (AP & Coaches)
• Consensus midseason first-team All-American
• Secondary ranks No. 1 nationally in pass defense (116.3 ypg) & pass efficiency defense (83.9)
• Defense also ranks No. 1 in scoring defense (8.8 ppg) & total defense (191.3 ypg)
• Lott Trophy watch list
• Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week (Penn St.)
• Returning first-team All-American and All-SEC
• Has 12 career interceptions that ranks eighth in Alabama history as well as 235 tackles and 34 passes defended
• Seven-time Alabama Defensive Player of the Week
1. Mark Barron S, Alabama
 | Height / Weight: 6-2 / 218 |
• Semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award
• First-team All-SEC (AP & Coaches)
• Consensus midseason first-team All-American
• Secondary ranks No. 1 nationally in pass defense (116.3 ypg) & pass efficiency defense (83.9)
• Defense also ranks No. 1 in scoring defense (8.8 ppg) & total defense (191.3 ypg)
• Lott Trophy watch list
• Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week (Penn St.)
• Returning first-team All-American and All-SEC
• Has 12 career interceptions that ranks eighth in Alabama history as well as 235 tackles and 34 passes defended
• Seven-time Alabama Defensive Player of the Week
Why Cowboys Should Draft Him: The Cowboys most glaring need last year belonged in the Defensive backfield at the Safety position. Lets be honest Barron is a huge upgrade from Abram Elam at the Strong Saftey position, with Abram gone the Cowboys are looking for a playmaker to compliment Gerald Sensabaugh in the Defenisve backfield. The Cowboys ranked 23rd in the NFL in pass defense last year, at Alabama last year Barron led the no. 1 pass defense in the nation, finishing his career off with12 interceptions good for no. 8 all time in Alabama history. Barron is a heady playmaker whose combination of smarts, coverage and tackling skills could help sure up a shaky Cowboys secondary.
2. David Decastro OG, Standford
| Height / Weight: 6-5 / 310 |
Production: : Started all 39 games at the right guard position during his three-year career...two-time first team all-conference selection...unanimous All-America selection in 2011...blocking skills in the run game helped Stanford amass three of the top four single-season rushing totals in school history...helped anchor an offensive line that allowed just 24 sacks over a three-year span (2009-11)...pass protection aided quarterback Andrew Luck establish school career records for passing efficiency, completion percentage and touchdowns.
Why Cowboys Should Draft Him: At Left Guard Decastro, can team up with Rookie OT Tyron Smith to form one of the most powerful, talented, young left side offensive line tandems in the NFL Bill Nagy did not cut it last year and despite the off-season additions of OG's Nate Livings, and Mackenzie Bernadeau it would really help the Cowboys to add a potential Pro-Bowler in the mix to help sure up a Cowboys offensive line that proved to be its biggest offensive weakness in 2011.
3. Michael Brockers DT, LSU
Height/Weight: 6'6/306
Production: Spent three years with the Tigers before declaring for the NFL following his redshirt sophomore season ... Dominating interior defensive lineman who was a tremendous run stuffer during his two years of playing at LSU ... Played in 27 games with 15 starts, including all 14 games in 2011 ... Finished his career with 79 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks ... Earned second-team All-SEC honors as a sophomore in 2011.
Why Cowboys Should Draft Him: Kenyon Coleman is getting old. With the Cowboys looking to move All Pro Defensive Tackle Jay Ratliff to Defensive End to form a more formidable pass rush, a huge run stuffing Nose Tackle looks like a glaring need that could help bring some stability to the Cowboys Defensive Line.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
C.J. McCollum Interview
Player Profile
CJ McCollum
Position: Shooting Guard
Class: Senior
Height: 6'3
School: Lehigh University
1. Since coming on the scene as a freshman,
you’ve played with super confidence on some of college basketball’s biggest
stages, a lot of people can’t handle that pressure what makes you different?
- I work hard everyday to prepare myself for the big stage so I don't worry about the pressure. I believe if your prepared, confident and believe in yourself, there's no reason why you can't succeed.
2. How has Ohio basketball shaped your game and who influences the way you play?
-Ohio basketball is strong all the way around from Canton to Columbus and beyond. We have a unique style of play where we can adjust to different systems and types of play. Growing up my brother influenced me a lot and does till this day. We are best friends, work out together and push each other to be great. I also study a lot of basketball on a daily basis.
3. I know after this season there was a lot of questions to if you were coming back to Lehigh for your senior season or entering the NBA draft what influenced your decision to stay?
-I felt like returning for my senior year could be beneficial for me on and off the court. I will have time to mature and complete my degree, which was my reason for coming to college. I feel like our team has unfinished business and will ultimately try to make history next year.
4. Who recruited you out of high school and what made Lehigh the best decision for you?
-I was recruited by a lot of low major and mid major programs. Bowling Green, Akron, Miami Ohio, Toldeo, Fairfield, Boise State, St. Bonaventure to name a few.
5. With all the attention that comes to you being the face of Lehigh athletics, how do you remain so humble and focused?
- I've come along way as a person and player and don't take anything for granted. I remember what it was like to struggle (in terms of lack of playing time and poor performance) so the success is great, but my mom always told me remember where you came from and how far you've come. I am very confident in my abilities and have worked extremely hard, but I know none of this would be possible without God and the help of many people along the way. I set goals for my self coming into to college and I will never become complacent or content
6. What inspires you when you step on the court?
- My grandfather passed away my sophomore year in High school so I play this game inspired by him because he wasn't able to see me past 5'7 inches. I just want to be the best and want to make my family proud.
7. Who are your biggest motivators and how have they played a part in your success?
- My brother, Errick McCollum II, mom, Kathy Andrews and dad Errick McCollum I are my biggest motivators outside of myself. They push me to be the best everyday and give me constructive criticism without a filter. I can always count on them to keep it real and my brother is always there to workout with me and be a great influence in my life.
8. How do you look to improve your game this off-season, what are the key things you’re focusing on?
- I will focus on refining every part of my game. Continue to get stronger and put in my work than I did last off season. I need to improve my weaknesses and continue to add onto my strengths.
9. Where are you from?
I am from Canton, Ohio.
10. What are your goals for the team in this upcoming year?
- We want to dominate the league and make a historic run. We look forward to the challenge of defending our championship.
11. What are your goals in general in your senior year?
- I want to leave my mark on this program and help our seniors win three championships in four years. Every time I step on the court I will treat it like it's my last.
- I work hard everyday to prepare myself for the big stage so I don't worry about the pressure. I believe if your prepared, confident and believe in yourself, there's no reason why you can't succeed.
2. How has Ohio basketball shaped your game and who influences the way you play?
-Ohio basketball is strong all the way around from Canton to Columbus and beyond. We have a unique style of play where we can adjust to different systems and types of play. Growing up my brother influenced me a lot and does till this day. We are best friends, work out together and push each other to be great. I also study a lot of basketball on a daily basis.
3. I know after this season there was a lot of questions to if you were coming back to Lehigh for your senior season or entering the NBA draft what influenced your decision to stay?
-I felt like returning for my senior year could be beneficial for me on and off the court. I will have time to mature and complete my degree, which was my reason for coming to college. I feel like our team has unfinished business and will ultimately try to make history next year.
4. Who recruited you out of high school and what made Lehigh the best decision for you?
-I was recruited by a lot of low major and mid major programs. Bowling Green, Akron, Miami Ohio, Toldeo, Fairfield, Boise State, St. Bonaventure to name a few.
5. With all the attention that comes to you being the face of Lehigh athletics, how do you remain so humble and focused?
- I've come along way as a person and player and don't take anything for granted. I remember what it was like to struggle (in terms of lack of playing time and poor performance) so the success is great, but my mom always told me remember where you came from and how far you've come. I am very confident in my abilities and have worked extremely hard, but I know none of this would be possible without God and the help of many people along the way. I set goals for my self coming into to college and I will never become complacent or content
6. What inspires you when you step on the court?
- My grandfather passed away my sophomore year in High school so I play this game inspired by him because he wasn't able to see me past 5'7 inches. I just want to be the best and want to make my family proud.
7. Who are your biggest motivators and how have they played a part in your success?
- My brother, Errick McCollum II, mom, Kathy Andrews and dad Errick McCollum I are my biggest motivators outside of myself. They push me to be the best everyday and give me constructive criticism without a filter. I can always count on them to keep it real and my brother is always there to workout with me and be a great influence in my life.
8. How do you look to improve your game this off-season, what are the key things you’re focusing on?
- I will focus on refining every part of my game. Continue to get stronger and put in my work than I did last off season. I need to improve my weaknesses and continue to add onto my strengths.
9. Where are you from?
I am from Canton, Ohio.
10. What are your goals for the team in this upcoming year?
- We want to dominate the league and make a historic run. We look forward to the challenge of defending our championship.
11. What are your goals in general in your senior year?
- I want to leave my mark on this program and help our seniors win three championships in four years. Every time I step on the court I will treat it like it's my last.
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