Full analysis of all the week's games forthcoming, but because we have a Thursday night game ...
Denver Broncos -7 versus Baltimore Ravens
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
The Ole College Try
Welcome to the return of the almost weekly perspective of college football. For those that don't remember, I write this column as if every player is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Why? Because it is ridiculously ludicrous that the networks, including the World Wide Leader, nay, especially the World Wide Leader, emphasize the Heisman Trophy race this early in the season. After all, who knew who Johnny Manziel was at this time last year. Consider this my sarcastic homage to stupid reporting.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville - The legitimate front runner for this award after last season ended, did not disappoint against Ohio, throwing for 355 yards and 5 TDs, all while showcasing his pinpoint accuracy.
Tahj Boyd - Clemson - Absolutely shined during the game of the week; 270 yards and 3 TDs passing, 2 more TDs rushing - all against the defense that gave Alabama all that it could handle in the SEC Championship game.
Rising - Jameis Winston - Florida State - The number 1 ranked quarterback recruit out of high school showed why in his first start. The red shirt freshman was 25-27 for 356 and 4 TD, while also running in another score.
Dark Horse - Vernon Adams - Eastern Washington - The sophomore quarterback led the upset over #25 Oregon State by passing for 411 yards and 4 TDs, and rushing for 107 yards and another 2 TDs.
Falling - Football Johnny - Texas A & M - Because some voters will hate his attitude.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Duke Johnson - Miami - 186 yards rushing with a TD, and another 38 yards on one reception.His big test is this week against a generally stout Florida Gators defense.
Todd Gurley - Georgia - 154 yards and 2 TDs on only 12 carries.
Rising - Mike Davis - South Carolina - 12 carries or 115 yards and a long 75 yard TD run. Could the Ole Ball Coach be turning into a running team?
Sleeper - Jordan Hall - Ohio State - Yeah, right. Like since when is an Ohio State running back a sleeper. Ever since Braxton Miller was given all of the pre-season, hype, that's when. Hall finished with 159 yards. Let's see if he can keep that up against real teams.
Wide Receiver Edition
Rashad Greene - FSU - 8 catches for 126 yards, almost all of them in the first half. Despite playing opposite the more physically gifted Kelvin Benjamin, Greene seems to be Winston's favorite target. If Winston is close to what he was against Pittsburgh, Rashad Greene will have a huge season.
Jordan Matthews - Vanderbilt - 10 catches for 178 yards and a TD, despite being Vanderbilt's only real offensive weapon.
Jared Abbrederis - Wisconsin - 2 catches for 122 yards and 2 TDs. Now that is efficiency.
Defensive Edition
3. Kyle Fuller - CB - Virginia Tech - Fuller looked like he is the real deal, having an interception and making several other fantastic passes defensed in the Hokies loss to Alabama. Alabama only scored 2 offensive touchdowns.
2. Anthony Harris - S - Virginia - Very few defensive players had a game like Harris; 11 tackles, 1 sack and an interception.
1. Khalil Mack - LB - Buffalo - Very few players had a game like Harris, except Buffalo's Mack, who had 9 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and 1 INT, which he returned for a touchdown.
Player to Watch
Christion Jones - WR/Ret - Alabama - Scored three touchdowns; 1 receiving, 1 punt return and 1 kick-off return, and was the difference maker for Alabama over Virginia Tech. And, he managed to stand out on an offense that includes A.J. McCarron, T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper - among others.
My New Favorite Player
Baker Mayfield - QB - Texas Tech - The walk-on Freshman quarterback - yes, you read that correctly, WALK-ON FRESHMAN, started for the Red Raiders leading them to a 41-23 victory over SMU and finished the game 43-60 for 413 yards and 4 TDs, and ran in another score. He finished the game 15-18 for 175 yards in the fourth quarter. I guess he was not overwhelmed by the situation. He apparently was also telling jokes to the other Tech players in the huddle during the opening drive. Did I mention that he is a WALK-ON FRESHMAN. I imagine Kliff Kingsbury will find him a scholarship at some point.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville - See above
4. Christion Jones - Alabama - See above
3. Jameis Winston - FSU - See above; would have been higher if the game was against somebody other than Pittsburgh.
2. Khalil Mack - Buffalo - Very impressive performance generally, but even more so considering it occurred against Ohio State.
1. Vernon Adams - Eastern Washington - A victory of ranked FCS Oregon State will do that for you,
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Malcolm Mitchell - WR - Georgia - The Bulldogs leading returning receiver tore his ACL and is out for the season. His injury occurred while attempting to celebrate a touchdown with a full body bump - a touchdown that he did not even score himself. He landed awkwardly, and will not play again this season.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Frank Beamer - Virginia Tech - Beamer is here not so much because of anything specific, but as the head coach that supposedly stresses special teams harder than any other coach, how can he let Alabama run away with the game through two special teams touchdown return. If not for those scores, Virginia Tech is right in that game with Alabama. Perhaps it is time that Beamer hired a special teams coordinator, and not try to do everything himself.
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Alabama v. Ohio State - For those that forget, this is not what I think the game should be, but rather, at this point, what I think the game will be. Way too early to take this seriously though.
Rant(s) of the Week
No real rant at this point - BECAUSE COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK.
Under Performance of the Week
Georgia - Yes they were away; yes they played a quality opponent and yes they did not play particularly bad. However, for the team that is supposed to be the most likely to knock off Alabama in the SEC, they sure had their national championship aspirations undercut really early in the season.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
N/A this week.
Trivia Question of the Week
None - why? Because I forgot that I did trivia questions, so I forgot to have a good one for this week. Hopefully I will remember next week.
Match up(s) to Watch
3. Syracuse v. Northwestern - OK, so I don't really want to watch this football match up, but this is one helluva match up for the school's sports broadcasting departments.
2. South Carolina v. Georgia - Georgia needs this win badly after the Clemson loss, and South Carolina looks to bury Georgia in the SEC East standings early. A Georgia win keeps them in the SEC (which means national) championship hunt. Should be a hard hitting game.
1. Florida v. Miami - In what could be the last game in an intrastate rivalry in a long time, Miami has their best chance against Florida in a long time. With Duke Johnson, Miami has the best single player on the field. Can he play against the Gators vaunted defense? Can Florida find their offensive identity against a defense that struggled much of last year, but looks to be much improved? Can Stacy Coley hold onto the football? All important questions to be decided at noon on Game Day. Oh yeah - and I will be in attendance. Did I mention that I will be in attendance? Because I will.
Heisman Watch
Quarterback Edition
Favorite - Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville - The legitimate front runner for this award after last season ended, did not disappoint against Ohio, throwing for 355 yards and 5 TDs, all while showcasing his pinpoint accuracy.
Tahj Boyd - Clemson - Absolutely shined during the game of the week; 270 yards and 3 TDs passing, 2 more TDs rushing - all against the defense that gave Alabama all that it could handle in the SEC Championship game.
Rising - Jameis Winston - Florida State - The number 1 ranked quarterback recruit out of high school showed why in his first start. The red shirt freshman was 25-27 for 356 and 4 TD, while also running in another score.
Dark Horse - Vernon Adams - Eastern Washington - The sophomore quarterback led the upset over #25 Oregon State by passing for 411 yards and 4 TDs, and rushing for 107 yards and another 2 TDs.
Falling - Football Johnny - Texas A & M - Because some voters will hate his attitude.
Running Back Edition
Favorite - Duke Johnson - Miami - 186 yards rushing with a TD, and another 38 yards on one reception.His big test is this week against a generally stout Florida Gators defense.
Todd Gurley - Georgia - 154 yards and 2 TDs on only 12 carries.
Rising - Mike Davis - South Carolina - 12 carries or 115 yards and a long 75 yard TD run. Could the Ole Ball Coach be turning into a running team?
Sleeper - Jordan Hall - Ohio State - Yeah, right. Like since when is an Ohio State running back a sleeper. Ever since Braxton Miller was given all of the pre-season, hype, that's when. Hall finished with 159 yards. Let's see if he can keep that up against real teams.
Wide Receiver Edition
Rashad Greene - FSU - 8 catches for 126 yards, almost all of them in the first half. Despite playing opposite the more physically gifted Kelvin Benjamin, Greene seems to be Winston's favorite target. If Winston is close to what he was against Pittsburgh, Rashad Greene will have a huge season.
Jordan Matthews - Vanderbilt - 10 catches for 178 yards and a TD, despite being Vanderbilt's only real offensive weapon.
Jared Abbrederis - Wisconsin - 2 catches for 122 yards and 2 TDs. Now that is efficiency.
Defensive Edition
3. Kyle Fuller - CB - Virginia Tech - Fuller looked like he is the real deal, having an interception and making several other fantastic passes defensed in the Hokies loss to Alabama. Alabama only scored 2 offensive touchdowns.
2. Anthony Harris - S - Virginia - Very few defensive players had a game like Harris; 11 tackles, 1 sack and an interception.
1. Khalil Mack - LB - Buffalo - Very few players had a game like Harris, except Buffalo's Mack, who had 9 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and 1 INT, which he returned for a touchdown.
Player to Watch
Christion Jones - WR/Ret - Alabama - Scored three touchdowns; 1 receiving, 1 punt return and 1 kick-off return, and was the difference maker for Alabama over Virginia Tech. And, he managed to stand out on an offense that includes A.J. McCarron, T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper - among others.
My New Favorite Player
Baker Mayfield - QB - Texas Tech - The walk-on Freshman quarterback - yes, you read that correctly, WALK-ON FRESHMAN, started for the Red Raiders leading them to a 41-23 victory over SMU and finished the game 43-60 for 413 yards and 4 TDs, and ran in another score. He finished the game 15-18 for 175 yards in the fourth quarter. I guess he was not overwhelmed by the situation. He apparently was also telling jokes to the other Tech players in the huddle during the opening drive. Did I mention that he is a WALK-ON FRESHMAN. I imagine Kliff Kingsbury will find him a scholarship at some point.
Players of the Week
This section will be more week specific as the season goes forward, but for the first week, it is hard to differentiate the players of the week from the players of the season, as the season has only lasted 1 week.
5. Teddy Bridgewater - Louisville - See above
4. Christion Jones - Alabama - See above
3. Jameis Winston - FSU - See above; would have been higher if the game was against somebody other than Pittsburgh.
2. Khalil Mack - Buffalo - Very impressive performance generally, but even more so considering it occurred against Ohio State.
1. Vernon Adams - Eastern Washington - A victory of ranked FCS Oregon State will do that for you,
Goat of the Week (Player Edition)
Malcolm Mitchell - WR - Georgia - The Bulldogs leading returning receiver tore his ACL and is out for the season. His injury occurred while attempting to celebrate a touchdown with a full body bump - a touchdown that he did not even score himself. He landed awkwardly, and will not play again this season.
Goat of the Week (Coach Edition)
Frank Beamer - Virginia Tech - Beamer is here not so much because of anything specific, but as the head coach that supposedly stresses special teams harder than any other coach, how can he let Alabama run away with the game through two special teams touchdown return. If not for those scores, Virginia Tech is right in that game with Alabama. Perhaps it is time that Beamer hired a special teams coordinator, and not try to do everything himself.
Predicted BCS Championship Game Matchup
Alabama v. Ohio State - For those that forget, this is not what I think the game should be, but rather, at this point, what I think the game will be. Way too early to take this seriously though.
Rant(s) of the Week
No real rant at this point - BECAUSE COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK.
Under Performance of the Week
Georgia - Yes they were away; yes they played a quality opponent and yes they did not play particularly bad. However, for the team that is supposed to be the most likely to knock off Alabama in the SEC, they sure had their national championship aspirations undercut really early in the season.
Last Week's Trivia Answer
N/A this week.
Trivia Question of the Week
None - why? Because I forgot that I did trivia questions, so I forgot to have a good one for this week. Hopefully I will remember next week.
Match up(s) to Watch
3. Syracuse v. Northwestern - OK, so I don't really want to watch this football match up, but this is one helluva match up for the school's sports broadcasting departments.
2. South Carolina v. Georgia - Georgia needs this win badly after the Clemson loss, and South Carolina looks to bury Georgia in the SEC East standings early. A Georgia win keeps them in the SEC (which means national) championship hunt. Should be a hard hitting game.
1. Florida v. Miami - In what could be the last game in an intrastate rivalry in a long time, Miami has their best chance against Florida in a long time. With Duke Johnson, Miami has the best single player on the field. Can he play against the Gators vaunted defense? Can Florida find their offensive identity against a defense that struggled much of last year, but looks to be much improved? Can Stacy Coley hold onto the football? All important questions to be decided at noon on Game Day. Oh yeah - and I will be in attendance. Did I mention that I will be in attendance? Because I will.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Ready for Some Football
It is that time of the year again, time for the start of college football. What would the start of college football be without a preseason All-American list? Once again, I am here to give you my preseason All-Americans. As usual, there will be more than 11 a side, to account for the different types of formations (spread, three receiver set, 4-3, 3-4, etc). I explain some of my picks, while others I do not. Why? Because I can. (Starters in capitals).
Offense
QB - AARON MURRAY, Georgia; Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville; Tajh Boyd, Clemson - I know that the topic is not who is included, but it is now who was left off - that is right, no Johnny Manziell - and it has nothing to do with all of the problems of the offseason. Murray is about ready to rewrite the entire SEC passing record book, Bridgewater is the most accurate quarterback in football and Boyd is every bit the dual threat Manziell is. In fact, I could think of three or four more to place here before I get to Manziell.
RB - D'ANTHONY THOMAS, Oregon; LACHE SEASTRUNK, Baylor; Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona; Todd Gurley, Georgia - Other than Clowney, this might be the most talented group on the board. Thomas or Carey could single handedly win the Pac-10 (or whatever number they are using nowadays). With all due respect to T.J. Yeldon, Gurley is the best RB in the SEC. Seastrunk might be the most dynamic player in the country. Is that Ka'Deem? Nah, that ain't Ka'Deem!
WR - MARQUISE LEE, USC; SAMMY WATKINS, Clemson; Amari Cooper, Alabama; Stefon Diggs, Maryland - The first three are self-explanatory, or at least they should be. Easiest starters to pick other than Clowney and Santos, especially for my brother Marquise. I had to put Diggs somewhere, and since I did not select Duke Johnson as a RB, he has to be my special teams returner.
TE - AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS, Washington; Eric Ebron, Jr., North Carolina - The weakest spot in the team, but Seferian-Jenkins already has over 100 career catches.
OL - JAKE MATTHEWS, Texas A and M; DAVID YANKEY, Stanford; GABE IKARD, Oklahoma; CYRIL RICHARDSON, Baylor; TAYLOR LEWAN, Michigan; Cyrus Kuandijo, Alabama - Matthews will need to step into Luke Joeckel's shoes. All 6 of these lineman are important cogs to their teams success this year.
Defense
DE - JADEVEON CLOWNEY, South Carolina; DEVONTE FIELDS, TCU; Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame - With Clowney heading this group, no justification is really necessary. I look for Fields to take a huge leap this year. Tuitt had 12 sacks last year.
DT - WILL SUTTON, Arizona State; LOUIS NIX, Notre Dame; Tim Jernigan, Florida State; Dominque Easley, Florida - Sutton is the best collegiate DT since Ndamulkong Suh, and he can single-handedly stop a run game while also provide a bit of a pass rush up the middle. Easley might be the stretch here, but I look for him to be up to the challenge of the tough SEC trenches.
LB - C.J. MOSLEY, Alabama; ANTHONY BARR, UCLA; KYLE VAN NOY, BYU; Ryan Shazier, Ohio State; Chris Borland, Wisconsin; Denzel Nkemdiche, Mississippi - Mosley and Barr are no brainers, while Van Noy has 45 tackles for loss in his career. Shazier and Borland will rack up lots of tackles in the run happy Big 10. I include Nkemdiche because a couple of years ago I mentioned, but did not include, a young Jon Bostic. Nkemdiche has all kinds of talent and athleticism.
CB - BRADLEY ROBY, Ohio State; IFO EKPRE-OLOMU, JR., Oregon; Jason Verett, TCU; Louchiez Purifoy, Florida - Roby might not make a tackle or interception this year, teams are that scared of him. Ekpre-Olomu has the best name on the team. Purifoy might play both ways this year.
S - ED REYNOLDS, Stanford; HA HA CLINTON-DIX, Alabama; Craig Loston, LSU; Lamarcus Joyner, FSU - Ed Reynolds is a returning Thorpe Award finalist, and there is nothing funny about the way Clinton-Dix plays with his 5 interceptions last year. Joyner can play either corner or safety.
Special Teams
K - CAIRO SANTOS, Tulane - Nobody else is even close. Second easiest choice in this list.
P - KYLE CHRISTY, Florida - He was the best punter last year; he should continue to be the best punter this year.
KR/PR - DUKE JOHNSON, Miami; Dri Archer, Kent State; - Duke Johnson does it all, including starting running back this year. He is likely going to be the best player on the field in every game he plays this year. Scored touchdowns rushing, receiving and returning last year. Diggs and Thomas could also have been used here, but they are listed at WR and RB already.
Offense
QB - AARON MURRAY, Georgia; Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville; Tajh Boyd, Clemson - I know that the topic is not who is included, but it is now who was left off - that is right, no Johnny Manziell - and it has nothing to do with all of the problems of the offseason. Murray is about ready to rewrite the entire SEC passing record book, Bridgewater is the most accurate quarterback in football and Boyd is every bit the dual threat Manziell is. In fact, I could think of three or four more to place here before I get to Manziell.
RB - D'ANTHONY THOMAS, Oregon; LACHE SEASTRUNK, Baylor; Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona; Todd Gurley, Georgia - Other than Clowney, this might be the most talented group on the board. Thomas or Carey could single handedly win the Pac-10 (or whatever number they are using nowadays). With all due respect to T.J. Yeldon, Gurley is the best RB in the SEC. Seastrunk might be the most dynamic player in the country. Is that Ka'Deem? Nah, that ain't Ka'Deem!
WR - MARQUISE LEE, USC; SAMMY WATKINS, Clemson; Amari Cooper, Alabama; Stefon Diggs, Maryland - The first three are self-explanatory, or at least they should be. Easiest starters to pick other than Clowney and Santos, especially for my brother Marquise. I had to put Diggs somewhere, and since I did not select Duke Johnson as a RB, he has to be my special teams returner.
TE - AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS, Washington; Eric Ebron, Jr., North Carolina - The weakest spot in the team, but Seferian-Jenkins already has over 100 career catches.
OL - JAKE MATTHEWS, Texas A and M; DAVID YANKEY, Stanford; GABE IKARD, Oklahoma; CYRIL RICHARDSON, Baylor; TAYLOR LEWAN, Michigan; Cyrus Kuandijo, Alabama - Matthews will need to step into Luke Joeckel's shoes. All 6 of these lineman are important cogs to their teams success this year.
Defense
DE - JADEVEON CLOWNEY, South Carolina; DEVONTE FIELDS, TCU; Stephen Tuitt, Notre Dame - With Clowney heading this group, no justification is really necessary. I look for Fields to take a huge leap this year. Tuitt had 12 sacks last year.
DT - WILL SUTTON, Arizona State; LOUIS NIX, Notre Dame; Tim Jernigan, Florida State; Dominque Easley, Florida - Sutton is the best collegiate DT since Ndamulkong Suh, and he can single-handedly stop a run game while also provide a bit of a pass rush up the middle. Easley might be the stretch here, but I look for him to be up to the challenge of the tough SEC trenches.
LB - C.J. MOSLEY, Alabama; ANTHONY BARR, UCLA; KYLE VAN NOY, BYU; Ryan Shazier, Ohio State; Chris Borland, Wisconsin; Denzel Nkemdiche, Mississippi - Mosley and Barr are no brainers, while Van Noy has 45 tackles for loss in his career. Shazier and Borland will rack up lots of tackles in the run happy Big 10. I include Nkemdiche because a couple of years ago I mentioned, but did not include, a young Jon Bostic. Nkemdiche has all kinds of talent and athleticism.
CB - BRADLEY ROBY, Ohio State; IFO EKPRE-OLOMU, JR., Oregon; Jason Verett, TCU; Louchiez Purifoy, Florida - Roby might not make a tackle or interception this year, teams are that scared of him. Ekpre-Olomu has the best name on the team. Purifoy might play both ways this year.
S - ED REYNOLDS, Stanford; HA HA CLINTON-DIX, Alabama; Craig Loston, LSU; Lamarcus Joyner, FSU - Ed Reynolds is a returning Thorpe Award finalist, and there is nothing funny about the way Clinton-Dix plays with his 5 interceptions last year. Joyner can play either corner or safety.
Special Teams
K - CAIRO SANTOS, Tulane - Nobody else is even close. Second easiest choice in this list.
P - KYLE CHRISTY, Florida - He was the best punter last year; he should continue to be the best punter this year.
KR/PR - DUKE JOHNSON, Miami; Dri Archer, Kent State; - Duke Johnson does it all, including starting running back this year. He is likely going to be the best player on the field in every game he plays this year. Scored touchdowns rushing, receiving and returning last year. Diggs and Thomas could also have been used here, but they are listed at WR and RB already.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Hoop Mania
This is the first in a series of about 4 posts dedicated to the history of college basketball. As we prepare for the NCAA tournament, and as conference realignment threatens the very bastion of some of the most bitter basketball rivalries. To celebrate the former and to reminisce on the latter, I am putting together teams from all of the major conferences: the ACC, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10 and SEC, as well two at-large teams comprised of the best of the rest, formed from teams in the east and the west. This should open up lots of debate over whom should have/should have not been picked for each team, as well as which conference has the best team.
Given the recent realignments, sometimes which conferences teams - and their resulting players - are assigned to which conference is based simply on my whim. For example, Missouri is not in the SEC, but Boston College is in the. No real logic necessarily, just where I felt I wanted to place the school.
Instead of simply choosing which players I think are the best (although that is a major component), I tried to select an actual team. To begin, I am selecting 14 players for each team. Why 14 - because. I will be picking teams in three sections: the starters; the rotation players; and the bench. The starters for each league are basically the best 5, although there is some component of position in my selections. The rotation players, which are the next 4, would form the rotation of the team for most games. The rotations are comprised of a point guard, a wing, a big and a fourth player. The bench section will be composed of 5 players, comprised generally of a ball handler, shooter, defensive stopper, rebounder and a miscellaneous player - regardless of position. Sometimes one player can fill more than one need, leaving the general manager, i.e. me, to have more flexibility in selecting the other players.
In determining which players belonged, I consulted simply myself. I took into account the players entire basketball careers, including their NBA careers, but also gave great weight to their college exploits as well. I am basically looking for the best players, not just the best college players, for the teams. In most cases, some really talented players were left off, and some players are just too new to truly be considered. This collection of teams, like all teams, could be very different in 10 years.
With all of that in mind, today's post is the all time teams from the ACC and the SEC. Let the debates begin.
ACC
Starters
PG - Chris Paul, Wake Forest
SG - Michael Jordan, North Carolina
SF - David Thompson, North Carolina State
PF - Tim Duncan, Wake Forest
C - Ralph Sampson, Virginia
Most of these are no-brainers. I included Duncan as a PF because that is where he played most of his NBA career. David Thompson starting over Worthy and Hill was probably the closest decision, but I imagine both will end up on this team.
Rotation
PG - Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech
Wing - James Worthy, North Carolina
Big - Chris Bosh, Georgia Tech
Misc - Len Bias, Maryland
Bias never had an NBA career, but he was a beast. Bosh has proven that he can play, and succeed, with other great players. Who better to sub for Paul than Kenny Anderson?
Bench
Ball Handler - Nate McMillan, North Carolina State (also doubles as defensive player)
Shooter - Dennis Scott, Georgia Tech
Rebounder - Horace Grant, Clemson
Misc - Grant Hill, Duke
Misc - Christian Laettner, Duke
Nate McMillan is one of those glue guys, that each team needs. Dennis Scott could always shoot. Laettner is one of the three or four best college players ever. Grant was always a workhouse rebounder, and Hill should need no explanation.
So there you have it, your Atlantic Coast Conference team. Those that merited serious consideration, Stephon Marbury, Mark Price, Rick Barry, Vince Cater and Tree Rollins. Rollins was made unnecessary by the fact that Duncan can play center, and with Bosh, Bias and Grant on the team, rebounding would not suffer if the team went "small". My biggest surprises? Only two Tar Heels and two Blue Devils and Wake Forest having two starters.
SEC
Starters
PG - Pete Maravich, LSU
SG - Allen Houston, Tennessee
SF - Bernard King, Tennessee
PF - Charles Barkley, Auburn
C - Shaquille O'Neal, LSU
A much stronger starting lineup than I originally anticipated. A little offensive oriented, but Barkley and Houston were better at defense than normally given credit for, and Shaq could always be the shot blocking presence in the middle. I originally though that Dominique would be starting, but Bernard King is just too good. I almost had three LSU starters, but I felt that Houston's three-point shooting earns him the nod.
Rotation
PG - Chris Jackson/Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, LSU
Wing - Dominique Wilkins, Georgia
Big - Anthony Davis, Kentucky
Other - Jamal Mashburn, Kentucky
Anthony Davis may be the most controversial choice, but he had one of the best freshman seasons ever in leading the team to the title, plus the shot-blocking is a rare skill that every team needs. People forget just how good Mashburn was in college (he led a bunch of "nobodies" into the Elite Eight against Duke, and his NBA numbers were fantastic.
Bench
Ball Handler - Rajon Rondo, Kentucky
Defensive Stopper - Alvin Robertson, Arkansas
Shooter - Dale Ellis, Tennessee
Rebounder - Joakim Noah, Florida
Misc - Alex English, South Carolina
Rondo could end up starting on this team by the time his career is over. I am not sure you can name three shooters better than Dale Ellis, and Alex English is one of the most all-time underrated players. Noah is really coming into his own, on both ends of the court and Robertson is one of the all-time best on-the-ball defenders.
Here is your all Southeastern Conference team. Those that merited serious consideration included John Wall (too small a sample size), Rex Chapman, Dan Issel, Robert Horry (almost took the miscellaneous spot from Alex just because of his big shot ability), Tayshaun Prince, Sydney Moncrief, Bob Petit, and Jeff Malone (just for his shooting ability). Tony Delk should have made it just to piss off Sinickal.
Next post - Big East and Big 10.
Given the recent realignments, sometimes which conferences teams - and their resulting players - are assigned to which conference is based simply on my whim. For example, Missouri is not in the SEC, but Boston College is in the. No real logic necessarily, just where I felt I wanted to place the school.
Instead of simply choosing which players I think are the best (although that is a major component), I tried to select an actual team. To begin, I am selecting 14 players for each team. Why 14 - because. I will be picking teams in three sections: the starters; the rotation players; and the bench. The starters for each league are basically the best 5, although there is some component of position in my selections. The rotation players, which are the next 4, would form the rotation of the team for most games. The rotations are comprised of a point guard, a wing, a big and a fourth player. The bench section will be composed of 5 players, comprised generally of a ball handler, shooter, defensive stopper, rebounder and a miscellaneous player - regardless of position. Sometimes one player can fill more than one need, leaving the general manager, i.e. me, to have more flexibility in selecting the other players.
In determining which players belonged, I consulted simply myself. I took into account the players entire basketball careers, including their NBA careers, but also gave great weight to their college exploits as well. I am basically looking for the best players, not just the best college players, for the teams. In most cases, some really talented players were left off, and some players are just too new to truly be considered. This collection of teams, like all teams, could be very different in 10 years.
With all of that in mind, today's post is the all time teams from the ACC and the SEC. Let the debates begin.
ACC
Starters
PG - Chris Paul, Wake Forest
SG - Michael Jordan, North Carolina
SF - David Thompson, North Carolina State
PF - Tim Duncan, Wake Forest
C - Ralph Sampson, Virginia
Most of these are no-brainers. I included Duncan as a PF because that is where he played most of his NBA career. David Thompson starting over Worthy and Hill was probably the closest decision, but I imagine both will end up on this team.
Rotation
PG - Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech
Wing - James Worthy, North Carolina
Big - Chris Bosh, Georgia Tech
Misc - Len Bias, Maryland
Bias never had an NBA career, but he was a beast. Bosh has proven that he can play, and succeed, with other great players. Who better to sub for Paul than Kenny Anderson?
Bench
Ball Handler - Nate McMillan, North Carolina State (also doubles as defensive player)
Shooter - Dennis Scott, Georgia Tech
Rebounder - Horace Grant, Clemson
Misc - Grant Hill, Duke
Misc - Christian Laettner, Duke
Nate McMillan is one of those glue guys, that each team needs. Dennis Scott could always shoot. Laettner is one of the three or four best college players ever. Grant was always a workhouse rebounder, and Hill should need no explanation.
So there you have it, your Atlantic Coast Conference team. Those that merited serious consideration, Stephon Marbury, Mark Price, Rick Barry, Vince Cater and Tree Rollins. Rollins was made unnecessary by the fact that Duncan can play center, and with Bosh, Bias and Grant on the team, rebounding would not suffer if the team went "small". My biggest surprises? Only two Tar Heels and two Blue Devils and Wake Forest having two starters.
SEC
Starters
PG - Pete Maravich, LSU
SG - Allen Houston, Tennessee
SF - Bernard King, Tennessee
PF - Charles Barkley, Auburn
C - Shaquille O'Neal, LSU
A much stronger starting lineup than I originally anticipated. A little offensive oriented, but Barkley and Houston were better at defense than normally given credit for, and Shaq could always be the shot blocking presence in the middle. I originally though that Dominique would be starting, but Bernard King is just too good. I almost had three LSU starters, but I felt that Houston's three-point shooting earns him the nod.
Rotation
PG - Chris Jackson/Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, LSU
Wing - Dominique Wilkins, Georgia
Big - Anthony Davis, Kentucky
Other - Jamal Mashburn, Kentucky
Anthony Davis may be the most controversial choice, but he had one of the best freshman seasons ever in leading the team to the title, plus the shot-blocking is a rare skill that every team needs. People forget just how good Mashburn was in college (he led a bunch of "nobodies" into the Elite Eight against Duke, and his NBA numbers were fantastic.
Bench
Ball Handler - Rajon Rondo, Kentucky
Defensive Stopper - Alvin Robertson, Arkansas
Shooter - Dale Ellis, Tennessee
Rebounder - Joakim Noah, Florida
Misc - Alex English, South Carolina
Rondo could end up starting on this team by the time his career is over. I am not sure you can name three shooters better than Dale Ellis, and Alex English is one of the most all-time underrated players. Noah is really coming into his own, on both ends of the court and Robertson is one of the all-time best on-the-ball defenders.
Here is your all Southeastern Conference team. Those that merited serious consideration included John Wall (too small a sample size), Rex Chapman, Dan Issel, Robert Horry (almost took the miscellaneous spot from Alex just because of his big shot ability), Tayshaun Prince, Sydney Moncrief, Bob Petit, and Jeff Malone (just for his shooting ability). Tony Delk should have made it just to piss off Sinickal.
Next post - Big East and Big 10.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The Trouble with Te'o
This is meant to be the definitive word on the Manti Te'o story. But, since lots and lots of people have pretty much said all there is to say, I have nothing really more to add. So this is simply just a collection of some of the best, and funniest comments I have seen on television, heard on radio, or read on twitter and facebook. Wherever possible, attribution is included (and wherever I can read the name in my notes). After this, I swear I will not make any more comments regarding Te'o and his fake girlfriend, at least until the draft.
The Manti Te'o Story: The first story that even Twitter couldn't keep up with. - Darren Rovell
Te'o sounds like the kind of guy who would send his life savings to a well-connected Nigerian banker in trouble. - Sam Stein
Reminding today's youth that someone who you have never met can never, ever be called your girlfriend. - Darren Rovell
Hey [to girlfriend], do you pinky promise that you're real? - Logan Morrison
These Te'o jokes are all very funny, but let's all try and remember that a person who never existed is dead. - Seth Meyers
Weird how the Notre Dame statement didn't mention the hoax of them being in the national championship game. - Name illegible in my notes
Lance Armstrong said "I've never tested positive for a fake girlfriend". - Author Unknown
This gives new meaning to the term "fantasy football". - Conan O'Brien
I don't see the big deal, pretty much every guy I know has a fake girlfriend. - Jason Dufner
According to Kevin Garnett, Manti Te'o's ex-girlfriend smells like Frosted Flakes. - Jason Whitlock
Deadspin reports that ND LB Manti Te'o's girlfriend's death was a hoax cuz she never existed! Neither did ND's defense! - DL Hughley
Boston College is one Catholic institution whose Linebackers don't need to make up a dead girlfriend to gain sympathy. - I don't remember.
I once had a fake girlfriend. She was really hot. - Jason Dufner
I'm pretty sure if I was a 21 year old star football player at Notre Dame I wouldn't be dating someone online. I'd probably also have 8 kids. - Logan Morrison
A.J. McCarron's girlfriend is real and spectacular. - Paraphrasing Brent Musberger
I wonder if Te'o's facebook relationship status is now listed as "it's complicated" - Eric Erickson
Happy Hour - Imaginary Girlfriends Drink Free #lennaykukocktails - Samantha Steele
I wish Te'o was dating Nicki Minaj and her dumbass wasn't real. - Red Forman (Twitter Handle)
Manti Te'o, thank you for taking single problems to a whole 'nother level. - Melissa Montes
And that's all folks.
The Manti Te'o Story: The first story that even Twitter couldn't keep up with. - Darren Rovell
Te'o sounds like the kind of guy who would send his life savings to a well-connected Nigerian banker in trouble. - Sam Stein
Reminding today's youth that someone who you have never met can never, ever be called your girlfriend. - Darren Rovell
Hey [to girlfriend], do you pinky promise that you're real? - Logan Morrison
These Te'o jokes are all very funny, but let's all try and remember that a person who never existed is dead. - Seth Meyers
Weird how the Notre Dame statement didn't mention the hoax of them being in the national championship game. - Name illegible in my notes
Lance Armstrong said "I've never tested positive for a fake girlfriend". - Author Unknown
This gives new meaning to the term "fantasy football". - Conan O'Brien
I don't see the big deal, pretty much every guy I know has a fake girlfriend. - Jason Dufner
According to Kevin Garnett, Manti Te'o's ex-girlfriend smells like Frosted Flakes. - Jason Whitlock
Deadspin reports that ND LB Manti Te'o's girlfriend's death was a hoax cuz she never existed! Neither did ND's defense! - DL Hughley
Boston College is one Catholic institution whose Linebackers don't need to make up a dead girlfriend to gain sympathy. - I don't remember.
I once had a fake girlfriend. She was really hot. - Jason Dufner
I'm pretty sure if I was a 21 year old star football player at Notre Dame I wouldn't be dating someone online. I'd probably also have 8 kids. - Logan Morrison
A.J. McCarron's girlfriend is real and spectacular. - Paraphrasing Brent Musberger
I wonder if Te'o's facebook relationship status is now listed as "it's complicated" - Eric Erickson
Happy Hour - Imaginary Girlfriends Drink Free #lennaykukocktails - Samantha Steele
I wish Te'o was dating Nicki Minaj and her dumbass wasn't real. - Red Forman (Twitter Handle)
Manti Te'o, thank you for taking single problems to a whole 'nother level. - Melissa Montes
And that's all folks.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Nevermore
Just to get my pics on record.
San Francisco 49ers to win. Baltimore Ravens to cover. Under.
Why? Let me tell you.
First, San Francisco 49ers' vaunted defense has been relatively pedestrian lately. Aldon Smith, he of the 19 sacks, has only had one since Justin Smith got hurt. If Justin Smith isn't effective, San Fran might have trouble getting to the quarterback. If Flacco has time, either Torrey Smith or Anquan Boldin could get open deep, or Dennis Pitta can run away from Willis or Bowman when they are back in coverage.
That being said, I think that San Francisco is overall too talented. and I think they will move the ball on Baltimore. There are three reasons that Ray Lews leads the NFL in tackles this postseason: 1. He is playing great; 2. The Ravens defense has not gotten off the field early in drives, meaning opposing offenses have been taking a lot of snaps; and 3. Running backs have been getting passed the Ravens defensive line and Lewis's tackles are occuring 5 to 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Given the stats above, and with all of the talk about whether or not the Ravens can contain Kapernick, I think Frank Gore could have a great game.
For San Francisco's sake, I do hope it does not come down to a late field goal for Akers. This has not been his year.
San Francisco 49ers to win. Baltimore Ravens to cover. Under.
Why? Let me tell you.
First, San Francisco 49ers' vaunted defense has been relatively pedestrian lately. Aldon Smith, he of the 19 sacks, has only had one since Justin Smith got hurt. If Justin Smith isn't effective, San Fran might have trouble getting to the quarterback. If Flacco has time, either Torrey Smith or Anquan Boldin could get open deep, or Dennis Pitta can run away from Willis or Bowman when they are back in coverage.
That being said, I think that San Francisco is overall too talented. and I think they will move the ball on Baltimore. There are three reasons that Ray Lews leads the NFL in tackles this postseason: 1. He is playing great; 2. The Ravens defense has not gotten off the field early in drives, meaning opposing offenses have been taking a lot of snaps; and 3. Running backs have been getting passed the Ravens defensive line and Lewis's tackles are occuring 5 to 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Given the stats above, and with all of the talk about whether or not the Ravens can contain Kapernick, I think Frank Gore could have a great game.
For San Francisco's sake, I do hope it does not come down to a late field goal for Akers. This has not been his year.
Ruing a Raven
Let me get my Super Bowl pick out of the way.
49ers -3.5/Under 47.5
And now, the rest of this post...
So, this is a story about religion, the media and the assumption of fairness in competition. If you know me, and don't read this carefully, you might think it is about murder, cheating, and paternity and civil suits. Funny how sports can get us here, right?
Look, sports is filled with athletes we love, athletes we despise, and athletes we could care less about. And there are many reasons for why each of these is true. I point to such things as style of play, attitude during competition, or off the field topics. The athletes that I currently love include Kevin Durant, Bryce Harper, Ed Reed, Julio Jones and Derek Jeter. Athletes that I currently despise include Alex Rodriguez, Jay Cutler, Dwight Howard and Darrelle Revis. I could explain why, but it isn't important to this story.
This story is about Ray Lewis. I despise him.
I should make sure that you understand that I believe Ray Lewis is the Greatest inside linebacker that I have seen play in my lifetime. A first ballot Hall Of Famer and the poster for inside linebacker play if you are teaching. Seventeen years of brilliance at the position. And yet, I still don't care for him.
Why? The answer is simple. I don't think that he is all that great a human being and, for me, that means something. Consider the following:
1. Is Ray Lewis a murderer? Of course not. Or, at least I don't belIeve so. But his conviction for obstruction of justice can only lead one to believe that we don't know the full story of what happened in Atlanta, and that he does know significantly more than he testified to. The facts in that case are frightening given the actual punishment handed out. Don't believe me, or remember the case? Read this. Don't forget, he also settled two civil suits out of court with confidentiality agreements.
2. Is Ray Lewis a bad father? Probably not, but I don't really know. What I do know is that he has 6 children by 4 women. That's not good in any culture or religion. In 2000, while partying in Atlanta, he wasn't with his pregnant fiancé, he was escorting another woman around all week. Is that what a role model and a self professed man of God looks like to you?
3. Is Ray Lewis using PEDs? Not sure. But does this pass the smell test? At 37 years old, Ray Lewis recovered from a torn bicep muscle in approximately 2 months. In ALL of athletics, the standard for this type of injury is 6-8 months! By the way, that 37 year old man is currently the leading tackler in the playoffs. I don't care how much you believe in God, do you REALLY believe this? We now know that there are accusations, and we will likely never know what is true, but this just doesn't feel good.
None of this moves me from my position that he is a phenomenal football player. What truly bothers me with this is the self proclaimed prophet status that Lewis has bestowed on himself, and the irrational love affair people seem to have? with this "great" man. And this last ride is horrifying!
Really?
Does Ray Lewis always dance...in front of a camera?
And always mug...in front a camera?
And always caress his owner...in front of a camera?
And always manipulate scripture...in front of a camera?
The media fascination is ridiculous right now, and it is reminiscent of the coverage of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. Of course, as far as we know, neither of them had to hastily dispose of all the clothes they were wearing after a night on the town.
I get that Lewis is a story in this, his last season. I despise him and I always have because I don't think he is real with fans. He is absolutely a leader of men and an athlete that others seek out for leadership. What he is not, is a good and honest person to those fans who look up to him and that should matter a little.
49ers -3.5/Under 47.5
And now, the rest of this post...
So, this is a story about religion, the media and the assumption of fairness in competition. If you know me, and don't read this carefully, you might think it is about murder, cheating, and paternity and civil suits. Funny how sports can get us here, right?
Look, sports is filled with athletes we love, athletes we despise, and athletes we could care less about. And there are many reasons for why each of these is true. I point to such things as style of play, attitude during competition, or off the field topics. The athletes that I currently love include Kevin Durant, Bryce Harper, Ed Reed, Julio Jones and Derek Jeter. Athletes that I currently despise include Alex Rodriguez, Jay Cutler, Dwight Howard and Darrelle Revis. I could explain why, but it isn't important to this story.
This story is about Ray Lewis. I despise him.
I should make sure that you understand that I believe Ray Lewis is the Greatest inside linebacker that I have seen play in my lifetime. A first ballot Hall Of Famer and the poster for inside linebacker play if you are teaching. Seventeen years of brilliance at the position. And yet, I still don't care for him.
Why? The answer is simple. I don't think that he is all that great a human being and, for me, that means something. Consider the following:
1. Is Ray Lewis a murderer? Of course not. Or, at least I don't belIeve so. But his conviction for obstruction of justice can only lead one to believe that we don't know the full story of what happened in Atlanta, and that he does know significantly more than he testified to. The facts in that case are frightening given the actual punishment handed out. Don't believe me, or remember the case? Read this. Don't forget, he also settled two civil suits out of court with confidentiality agreements.
2. Is Ray Lewis a bad father? Probably not, but I don't really know. What I do know is that he has 6 children by 4 women. That's not good in any culture or religion. In 2000, while partying in Atlanta, he wasn't with his pregnant fiancé, he was escorting another woman around all week. Is that what a role model and a self professed man of God looks like to you?
3. Is Ray Lewis using PEDs? Not sure. But does this pass the smell test? At 37 years old, Ray Lewis recovered from a torn bicep muscle in approximately 2 months. In ALL of athletics, the standard for this type of injury is 6-8 months! By the way, that 37 year old man is currently the leading tackler in the playoffs. I don't care how much you believe in God, do you REALLY believe this? We now know that there are accusations, and we will likely never know what is true, but this just doesn't feel good.
None of this moves me from my position that he is a phenomenal football player. What truly bothers me with this is the self proclaimed prophet status that Lewis has bestowed on himself, and the irrational love affair people seem to have? with this "great" man. And this last ride is horrifying!
Really?
Does Ray Lewis always dance...in front of a camera?
And always mug...in front a camera?
And always caress his owner...in front of a camera?
And always manipulate scripture...in front of a camera?
The media fascination is ridiculous right now, and it is reminiscent of the coverage of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. Of course, as far as we know, neither of them had to hastily dispose of all the clothes they were wearing after a night on the town.
I get that Lewis is a story in this, his last season. I despise him and I always have because I don't think he is real with fans. He is absolutely a leader of men and an athlete that others seek out for leadership. What he is not, is a good and honest person to those fans who look up to him and that should matter a little.
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