Thursday, October 29, 2009

College Basketball Preview:Player of the Year


Last year the Player of the Year buzz was around Blake Griffin and Tyler Hansbrough. Both are gone now and here's who I think be the Player of the Year canidates.

Cole Aldrich's Case:If Kansas wins the national championship the leader of the team will obviously have a shot at the Player of the Year award. Aldrich is fantasic inside, a great rebounder and scorer.

Luke Harangody's Case:Harangody is probably the best player in the Big East, a pretty good conference and Harangody gets alot of attention. I don't see why not.

Sherron Collin's Case:Collins will dominate voting. One, because Kansas will win it all and two, Collins points and assists will go up now that he's passing to Aldrich and Xavier Henry.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Another War in the SEC, Pac 10 Title On the Line


This week features a good SEC game when No.2 Alabama and their undefeated record against No.9 LSU. My pick:Alabama by 7. 'Bama is coming off a close call against Tennessee but are still the obvious choice well LSU played decent against the best team in the nation.




In the Pac 10, Oregon has risen to the top of the standings after a win in Utah, plus a shocker against No.6 Cal, 42-3. USC has wins against Ohio State and Cal. In my mind: No. 10 Oregon will beat No.5 USC by 6. Oregon's to talented, this year they will win the Pac 10 title with a win. Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

Speacial Edition: NBA Season Under Way


Last night the NBA season got under way with a in state battle, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers. Kobe Bryant had 33 points as the Lakers won 99-92. Meanwhile, a huge battle was under way in the East when the Boston Celtics faced the Cleveland Cavs, in which many people(including me) think will be the Eastern Conference Championship. Boston's new forward Rasheed Wallace added a spark hitting pretty long two's and layups and had 12 points as the Celts won over the Cavs.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

My 2009 BCS Tournament Solution

First Round
1 Florida
16 Houston
My Pick:Florida, 49-34

2 Alabama
15 Oklahoma State
My Pick:Alabama, 42-28

3 Texas
14 Oregon
My Pick:Texas, 38-21

4 Cincinnati
13 Virginia Tech
My Pick:Cincinnati, 28-24

5 USC
12 Georgia Tech
My Pick:Georgia Tech, 35-28

6 Boise State
11 Miami
My Pick:Boise State, 24-16

7 Iowa
10 Penn State
My Pick:Iowa, 27-21

8 LSU
9 TCU
My Pick:TCU, 35-13

Second Round
1 Florida
12 Georgia Tech
My Pick:Florida, 21-17

2 Alambama
9 TCU
My Pick:Alabama, 40-35

3 Texas
7 Iowa
My Pick:Texas, 20-13

4 Cincinnati
6 Boise State
My Pick:Cincinnati, 41-31

Third Round
1 Florida
4 Cincinnati
My Pick: Florida, 45-35

2 Alabama
3 Texas
My Pick:Texas, 27-20

Championship
1 Florida
3 Texas
My Pick:Florida, 38-31

Champion:Florida

Friday, October 23, 2009

College Basketball Preview:Big 12



1. Kansas Jayhawks Bold Prediction:The Jayhawks will win the national championship.

After the UNC Tar Heels won the National Championship, the predictions begun again. And the National Championship buzz was Kansas. With a stacked team including big man Cole Aldrich (right) and guard Sherron Collins, there's no reason why the Jayhawks won't win it all. Coach Bill Self better keep a ring case now. He's getting one more.

2. Texas Longhorns Bold Prediction:Sweet 16 loss.
The 'Horns said goodbye to star A.J. Abrams on a happy note after a second round loss to Duke last year. With Damion James running around the court and a nice post game inside with Dexter Pittman, the Longhorns are poised for a breakout season. Now, the 'Horns have to perform this postseason.

3.Kansas State Wildcats Bold Prediction:First round heartbreaker.
When Michael Beasley left to the NBA the 'Cats knew that they needed a spark. After a decent season last year the team brings back guard Denis Clemente and brings in forward Wally Judge, a 6-9, 220 pound star in the nations capital will bring immediate help inside. The Wildcats are ready to begin a run at the Big 12 title but Kansas and Texas will drive them away.

4.Oklahoma Sooners Bold Prediction:Weak NCAA appearance.
Imagine losing the number one pick in the draft, plus his brother a nice guy off the bench. That's what the Sooners are going through. Blake and Taylor Griffin are gone but don't expect the Sooner to take a huge step back this season. They still have guards Willie Warren and Tony Crocker plus recruit Tiny Gallon inside, who's definitely not Tiny(300 pounds).

5.Texas A&M Aggies Bold Prediction:First round exit.
The Aggies will benefit from a weaker Big 12 this season. A decent recruiting class includes Naji Hibbert and Khris Middleton. Both will help guard Donald Sloan improve and hopefully make a actually NCAA tournament run. But can they do it?

6.Oklahoma State Cowboys Bold Prediction:First round tourney loss.
Growing pains will hurt the Cowboys this season. The good part of the equation: guard James Anderson is one of the best in the Big 12 well Oklahoma State brought in Ray Penn, who will team up to make a stellar offense. The Cowboys have to find a man in the post to truly make a season.








7.Baylor Bruins Bold Prediction: NIT Championship win.

Last year, in the NIT tournament the Bruins got what they wanted. Something for fans to cheer about. This year things don't look different, the Bruins still have leader LaceDarius Dunn and added a nice recruit in guard Nolan Dennis. The problem: a man inside. This year the Bruins will burst into a contender.








8.Missouri Tigers Bold Prediction:Long run in NIT tournament.

After a dream 2008 in which the Tigers went 31-7 and made an Elite Eight appearance, the Tigers need to replace loses in DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons and Matt Lawrence. Luckily, the Tigers have guard J.T. Tiller and Marcus Denmon, who could turn into a key player if he gets the help he needs.








9.Iowa State Cyclones Bold Prediction:Decent NIT appearance.

If star Craig Brackins can get some help there's no reason not to think that the Cyclones can't become a respectful team. Brackins can become a mentor to the best backcourt recruit in Chris Colvin. Brackins and Iowa State are improved and will actually challenge teams this season.








10. Texas Tech Red Raiders Bold Prediction:15 wins.

In order to get a postseason bid the Red Raiders need D'walyn Roberts, probably the team's best player to step up and Pat Knight to become a shadow of Bob Knight. Transfers Brad Reese and Theron Jenkins will help.






11.Nebraska Cornhuskers Bold Prediction:14 wins.

It really easy to win games when you have the smallest lineup in Division I. This year the Cornhuskers must overcome that if they want a shot at a Big 12 contention. Nebraska luckily does have a decent backcourt with guards Lance Jeter and Myles Holley.






12.Colorado Buffaloes Bold Prediction:8-12 wins.

If the Buffaloes want to get out of the cellar they need to actually win more than 1 of 16 conference games. Luckily, they have three returning leading scorers in Austin Dufault, Nate Tomlinson and Casey Crawford. That doesn't mean more wins, though.
Bold=Team Big 12

Thursday, October 15, 2009

College Basketball Preview:ACC




1.North Carolina Tar Heels Bold Prediction:Elite Eight finish.
When you lose one of the best players in NCAA basketball history, plus two good guards you don't expect the rest of the NCAA to still be green with envy at you. The Heels stocked up on great guys like forwards Ed Davis(right) and Tyler Zeller, the guy who played okay when Psycho T was out last season. With an okay backcourt the Heels will be in the Title talk once again.

2.Duke Blue Devils Bold Prediction:Another Sweet 16 exit.
The Blue Devils lone bright spot was Seth Curry, former Davidson star Stephon's brother, a transfer from Liberty will be eligible next season. But this season Mike Krzyzewski has is work cut out for him replacing a thinned out backcourt. Luckily he's got two great players in forward Kyle Singler and Jon Scheyer.

3.Clemson Tigers Bold Prediction:Sweet 16 finish.
The difference between last year's Clemson team and this year's is confidence. In a place where football is the thing on campus the Tigers are earning some respect. Trevor Booker is one of the reasons for that. Booker, coach Oliver Purnell's go to guy did some recruiting of his own getting his 6-8 post man, and brother Devin to come to Clemson. This led to a coming of Milton Jennings also huge, to make a force inside. Anything other than a Sweet 16 appearance will be a disappointment for the rapidly improving Tigers.

4.Wake Forest Demon Deacons Bold Prediction: A second round loss.
How to replace two early NBA draft picks? Easy. Despite the loss of Jeff Teague and forward James Johnson, the Deacons have three strong forwards. Al-Farouq Aminu and center Chas McFarland are good and Ari Stewart is a great addition but will need to gel with other Deacons. This year, the Deacons will take a step back but a huge dip is unlikely.

5.Maryland Terrapins Bold Prediction:Second round exit.
With the return of Greivis Vazquez the Terps have a real shot at the ACC title race. Plus, the Terps added Jordan Williams to become someone Vazquez can pass to inside. The real question, the million dollar question is: even with Vazquez how good are the Terps?

6.Georigia Tech Yellow Jackets Bold Prediction: First round tournament exit.
After a considerably bad 12-19 season last year the Yellow Jackets are hoping one thing: Derrick Favors, the best recruit the Yellow Jackets have made in a long time, will be a star in his first season. He'll get help from underrated forward Gani Lawal and guard Iman Shumpert. And Favors will not disappoint.

7.Florida State Seminoles Bold Prediction:Horrid tournament appearance.
When guard Michael Snaer announced that he would come to Florida State happiness drifted through Florida air. Snaer can follow in old star guard Toney Douglas, become a valuble shooter when Solomon Alabi(right), the huge 7-1 sophomore dominates down low. Even with Snaer the 'Noles weak backcourt will mean an only okay season.

8.Boston College Eagles Bold Prediction:NIT final appearance.
With star Tyrese Rice gone, one of the main guys who led Boston College to the huge win over UNC last year, the Eagles will move on to their next chapter. The author of that chapter will be Rakim Sanders and forward Tyler Roche. If the Eagles can find a recipe for success early in the season they will have a great season. That's unlikely though.

9.Virginia Tech Hokies Bold Prediction: Weak NIT appearance.
If you want ask a coach how to lead a okay basketball association just ask coach Seth Greenberg, who is 107-85 in seven seasons with the Hokies, all of the seasons with mediocre talent. Luckily this year he's got Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen, one of the ACC's best big men. Lewis Witcher and Victor Davila will complement Allen inside.

10. NC State Wolfpack Bold Prediction:15-19 wins.

The Wolfpack are one of the saddest stories around in talent lost. The 'Pack lost their top three scorers that helped them finish tenth in the ACC. But, the Wolfpack will have a man inside in recruit Richard Howell well they hope for some perimeter scoring from Scott Wood. The key is though: replacing them early on.








11. Miami Hurricanes Bold Prediction:15-19 wins.

Change is ripping through Miami. Dwayne Collins returns, with help inside from Donnavan Kirk and defensive help from Durand Scott. These changes don't mean alot more wins for the Hurricanes right now but later on, who knows.






12. Virginia Cavaliers Bold Prediction: 10-14 wins.
The most important move of the off season for the Cavs was grabbing coach Tony Bennett, who made the Washington State Cougars program into one of the best in the Pac-10. But here in Virginia he doesn't have much to work with. Tristian Spurlock and Jontel Evans were nice recruits, Spurlock adds more to the forwards and Evans is a solid defender. In the improving ACC, the Cavs don't have enough.


Bold=All ACC Team

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Texas-Oklahoma Preview


Here's my preview of the famous Red River rivalry:




Last week:




Texas, 38 Colorado,14




Oklahoma,33 Baylor, 7




Last year Texas beat Oklahoma but still did not get the bid for the Big 12 title against Missouri. This year unless a horrible finish they are already a lock to make it this year. They will take down Oklahoma even with a guy named Sam Bradford back. Score:Texas, 45 Oklahoma,35.

Week 7 Report

No.1 Florida,13 No.4 LSU, 3
Let's face it the Tigers had no shot at winning this one. Despite managing 13 points, the worst in Urban Meyer's era the Gators defense didn't give up one touchdown and the Gators winning streak was secure once more.

Arkansas, 44 No.17 Auburn, 23
In a battle of offensesive elites Arkansas ended Auburn's undefeated record with a pretty big win. Arkansas's quarterback Ryan Mallett had 274 passing yards and three total touchdowns as Arkansas coasted pass the Tigers.

No.12 Iowa, 30 Michigan,28
Iowa's streak of won games continued with a close call against Michigan, a team trying to get back from a disappointing loss to rival to Michigan State.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Week 6 Report

No.17 Miami, 21 No.8 Oklahoma, 20
The 'Canes avenged their loss to Virginia Tech barely escaping the Sooners and Landry Jones. If the Sooners BCS weren't over yet now they are with this loss. Jacory Harris gained back Heismen hopes with the win.

No. 7 USC, 30 No. 24 Cal, 3
USC practically won the Pac 10 with this win over 24 Cal. The Trojans shut down Jahvid Best and shut down Cal. This is the second straight game Cal hasn't scored a touchdown.

No. 4 LSU, 20 No. 18 Georgia, 13
LSU avoided upset and prepared for number one Florida with a close win. When wideout A.J. Green scored a TD the Bulldogs led 13-12 but Georgia couldn't hold them.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

NHL Preview:Eastern Atlantic Conference


1.Pittsburgh Penguins 45-28-9




The Pens are building a fantastic franchise. Young stars Sidney Crosby and Evengi Malkin continue to improve. Marc Andre Fluerry is one of the best goalies in the NHL. The Penguins didn't add much but they have veteran leadership in Bill Guerin.The Pens will have trouble repeating but they will make a run in the playoffs.








2.Philedelphia Flyers 44-27-11



Things are looking up in Philly. The Flyers still have Daniel Briere and Simon Gagne, two players who strike fear into opposing defenses heart. On defense the Flyers have two breakout stars:Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timmeon. Matt Carle is young and will be a leader in the future.Ray Emery arrived from Ottawa with a chance to lead the Flyers. Philedelphia has enough to make the playoffs but who knows after that.







3.New Jersey Devils 51-27-4


After beating out Pittsburgh to win the division last year the Devils made no huge changes to their roster except for the tough release of veteran Brandon Shanahan. On offense the Devils have pretty good talent in underrated Zach Parise. They have a fantasic goalie in Martin Broduer but he's getting old and the other defensemen are no stars. The Devils will take a step back this season but look for this team to hunt for a playoff berth.





4.New York Rangers 43-30-9

New York has talent. But the talent to win the Atlantic? Not that much. Henrik Lundquist is a star in goal. Marion Gabiorik and Chris Drury will team up for some goals. Other than them the offense is slim. It's the same for the defense, Wade Redden is the only standout. New York will win 40 games again but the playoffs aren't here yet.



5.New York Islanders 26-47-9
The Islanders are building for the future with Number One draft pick John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. But, if you're talking about right now the Islanders are horrible. They have off forwards and a bad defense. Luckily, Rick DePietro is a very good goalie.

Johnson Ready To Play

Stafon Johnson, USC senior halfback says he feels great after throat surgery when he dropped a weight on his neck. He will not play Saturday against 24 Cal for sure but the question is how much after that?