Wow, that was a tough loss to handle. If you are Kentucky you cannot lose at home to South Carolina. This game puts us squarely on the tournement bubble in my opinion. Perry Stevenson's free throws and Downeys jumper are going to be brought up as why we lost, but there are more alarming trends in this game. Here are some thoughts on the game.
- Rebounding absolutely killed UK today. The stats say UK outrebounded USC 38-33. That is incredibly misleading. South Carolina got 18 offensive rebounds that led to wayyyy too many second chances points. In conference play, South Carolina was the 11 ranked team in the SEC in rebounds per game. For a team that is as big and athletic as Kentucky, giving up 18 offensive rebounds is inexcusable.
- Patrick Patterson had a great game offensively today. He had 28 points on only 16 shots and was perfect at the foul line. I was particularly encouraged by him posting up on the right block for once. Also, he showed a drop step today along with a move to his left and the middle. However he has to get some of the blame for the horrendous defensive rebounding performance.
- A questionable decision of taking Meeks out just before there 4 minute mark. I usually agree with trying to get players extra rest in and around the tv timeouts... in the first half. While Meeks was out, UK's offensive possesion consisted of a step back jumper by Darius Miller early in the shot clock.
- This leads me to my next point. UK gives away countless possessions. Im not only talking about the excessive turnovers but some horrible shot selection. DeAndre Liggins pull up 3 in transition and Miller's step back jumpers are flat out possesion giveaways that loom large in one point losses.
- However, the trio of Liggins, Harris, Miller cut down there three point attempts from 15 at Ole Miss to 3 today. That is a positive.
- The inbound play that got Stevenson fouled. Yes, he was open but Meeks or Patterson HAS to get the ball in that situation. Especially with timeouts still in hand. That is poor execution.
- This is the second game in a row that UK was killed on the offensive boards and out coached. Disturbing trends as they enter the heart of conference play.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Curry is the MOST valuable player to his team
This is a debate about the most valuable player to his team this NCAA basketball season. This does NOT mean they are the best player in the NCAA or will win National Player of the Year. But, Stephen Curry of Davidson is the most valuable player to his team. I do believe Blake Griffin will win the National Player of the Year but here is why Curry is the most valuable to his team.
-First, might be the most obvious. Look who he is playing with. No disrespect to Andrew Lovedale, Will Archambult or Bryant Barr, but who are these guys? Only Lovedale and Archambult average double-digits. Lovedale averages 11.9 and Archambult averages 10.1. I'm sorry but I've seen these guys play and it's nothing special. Lovedale is their 'post' player and shoots less than 50 percent, from inside the paint.
-Here are Curry's stats: 29 ppg, 6.5 assists per game and 4 rebounds per game. He leads the Wildcats in points (obviously) and assists and is third on the team in rebounds, as a point guard.
-Unlike the other Naismith Award contenders, Griffin, Luke Harrangody, Tyler Hansbrough and even Jodie Meeks, they all have players around them. With the exception of maybe Harrangody, every other team—Oklahoma, UNC and UK—are arguably top 25 teams. Without Curry, Davidson might be a .500 team in the Southern Conference.
-Davidson has a gameplan and it's a simple one: get Curry the ball. Davidson revolves around Steph, they don't have another player that can take over a game quite like he can. OU has Austin Johnson, Willie Warren and a slew of other players that can go off, Notre Dame has the weed dealer himself Kyle McAlarney and Torrie Jackson and UK has Patrick Patterson. Almost every play is designed for Curry and those that are not are designed for him to have the ball in his hands and make the pass. Seriously, watch a Davidson game and just watch Curry on offense.
My rankings for most valuable players to their team:
1) Curry-Davison
2) Patty Mills-St. Mary's
3) James Hardin-Arizona State
4) Jack McClinton-Miami
5)Blake Griffin-Oklahoma
As always, let me know your thoughts and rankings.
-First, might be the most obvious. Look who he is playing with. No disrespect to Andrew Lovedale, Will Archambult or Bryant Barr, but who are these guys? Only Lovedale and Archambult average double-digits. Lovedale averages 11.9 and Archambult averages 10.1. I'm sorry but I've seen these guys play and it's nothing special. Lovedale is their 'post' player and shoots less than 50 percent, from inside the paint.
-Here are Curry's stats: 29 ppg, 6.5 assists per game and 4 rebounds per game. He leads the Wildcats in points (obviously) and assists and is third on the team in rebounds, as a point guard.
-Unlike the other Naismith Award contenders, Griffin, Luke Harrangody, Tyler Hansbrough and even Jodie Meeks, they all have players around them. With the exception of maybe Harrangody, every other team—Oklahoma, UNC and UK—are arguably top 25 teams. Without Curry, Davidson might be a .500 team in the Southern Conference.
-Davidson has a gameplan and it's a simple one: get Curry the ball. Davidson revolves around Steph, they don't have another player that can take over a game quite like he can. OU has Austin Johnson, Willie Warren and a slew of other players that can go off, Notre Dame has the weed dealer himself Kyle McAlarney and Torrie Jackson and UK has Patrick Patterson. Almost every play is designed for Curry and those that are not are designed for him to have the ball in his hands and make the pass. Seriously, watch a Davidson game and just watch Curry on offense.
My rankings for most valuable players to their team:
1) Curry-Davison
2) Patty Mills-St. Mary's
3) James Hardin-Arizona State
4) Jack McClinton-Miami
5)Blake Griffin-Oklahoma
As always, let me know your thoughts and rankings.
More reactions to the Ole Miss-UK game
I agree with Dan on all his points and here are some more observations I picked up from watching the game and the Cats this season.
-Not only did Ole Miss do a good job of not letting Meeks catch and shoot but they played D on him the way I believe teams should start playing D. It's a makeshift triangle and 2 on him and Patterson basically. If you watched Ole Miss play defense off the ball on Meeks, whoever was guarding him —Huertas and White usually—denied him the ball. The other thing they did was whoever was guarding Harris/Miller would drop down and play in the post doubling up on Patterson. This is where Patterson needs not only a secondary move like Dan mentioned, but to utilize his 12-15 foot jumper, which he can hit and then force the defense out of him.
-If I'm an SEC team getting ready to play UK, I also switch my defense's up, much like Ole Miss. Not only would I run the makeshift triangle and 2, run a zone against this team, with a shadow on Meeks. Make Porter/Harris/Miller/Liggins hit the deep shots to beat you.
-The one thing that scares me about watching UK on defense now, is they seem to be too relaxed and relying on the shot blocking ability, mainly by Patterson and Stevenson. While UK is second in the nation in blocks, there still needs to be better perimeter defense, something which lacked tonight.
- The last thing I ponder is did the top 25 ranking and the media talk start to get to this teams head? I don't think so. Personally, I think it was the fourth road game in 2 weeks, and fourth game in nine days, just took a toll on this team. But it's something to worry a little about. We'll see how they do with a home game against a dangerous South Carolina team, we saw what they did to Florida.
In the meantime, Harris, Miller, Liggins, Porter, Galloway, get in the gym and start working on your long range jumpers. Meeks work on smarter drives, he starts to get out of control and has been forcing A LOT. Patterson work on your left hand and 12-15 footers.
I still think this team is dangerous come tourney time and could make a run to the Sweet 16 and win the SEC Tournament as well, but time will only tell.
-Not only did Ole Miss do a good job of not letting Meeks catch and shoot but they played D on him the way I believe teams should start playing D. It's a makeshift triangle and 2 on him and Patterson basically. If you watched Ole Miss play defense off the ball on Meeks, whoever was guarding him —Huertas and White usually—denied him the ball. The other thing they did was whoever was guarding Harris/Miller would drop down and play in the post doubling up on Patterson. This is where Patterson needs not only a secondary move like Dan mentioned, but to utilize his 12-15 foot jumper, which he can hit and then force the defense out of him.
-If I'm an SEC team getting ready to play UK, I also switch my defense's up, much like Ole Miss. Not only would I run the makeshift triangle and 2, run a zone against this team, with a shadow on Meeks. Make Porter/Harris/Miller/Liggins hit the deep shots to beat you.
-The one thing that scares me about watching UK on defense now, is they seem to be too relaxed and relying on the shot blocking ability, mainly by Patterson and Stevenson. While UK is second in the nation in blocks, there still needs to be better perimeter defense, something which lacked tonight.
- The last thing I ponder is did the top 25 ranking and the media talk start to get to this teams head? I don't think so. Personally, I think it was the fourth road game in 2 weeks, and fourth game in nine days, just took a toll on this team. But it's something to worry a little about. We'll see how they do with a home game against a dangerous South Carolina team, we saw what they did to Florida.
In the meantime, Harris, Miller, Liggins, Porter, Galloway, get in the gym and start working on your long range jumpers. Meeks work on smarter drives, he starts to get out of control and has been forcing A LOT. Patterson work on your left hand and 12-15 footers.
I still think this team is dangerous come tourney time and could make a run to the Sweet 16 and win the SEC Tournament as well, but time will only tell.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Quick Reactions UK-Ole Miss
- Much to do in the media and blogs has been made about Kentucky's lack of third scorer. I am not a believer that Kentucky needs a "third scorer" but guys that can knock down open jump shots. Darius Miller - 22%, DeAndre Liggins - 17%, and Ramon Harris 17% for the season on 3 pointers. They were close to their season percentages today as they shot a combinerd 3-15 on threes. Harris and Miller also pass up countless other open threes. Kentucky does not need another 15ppg scorer just guys that can make threes in the 35% range.
- Ole Miss finally played defense the way I thought a team should against UK. Take away Meeks catch and shoot and force him into drives that have other defenders running at him. UK's lack of other perimeter shooters and his questionable decision making when attacking lead to numerous turnovers or low percentage shots from Meeks or those mentioned above.
- Patrick Patterson did score 24 points tonight on 8-12 shooting. However it seems like he gets a lot of his points in the garbage variety. He is not a dominating half court presence as everyone would have you believe. He really needs to develop some secondary moves and not everything going to his right. When is the opposition going to realize this??
- Jodie Meeks showed why he will not translate that well to the NBA right now. He stands only 6'4, short for NBA 2's, and David Huertas could get his shot off over him whenever he wanted.
- Although the boxscore on ukathletics says Ole Miss only outrebounded us 45-40, the number seemed way greater than that. Absolutely dismal team effort rebounding the basketball.
- Even though Ole Miss is now 41-5 at home under Andy Kennedy, this still is a team that is missing 3 of its best 4 players. Give credit to Ole Miss. They executed a great gameplan, shot the jumpers well, and outhustled UK. If UK ends not winning the SEC East they can look to this dismal effort as a reason why.
- Ole Miss finally played defense the way I thought a team should against UK. Take away Meeks catch and shoot and force him into drives that have other defenders running at him. UK's lack of other perimeter shooters and his questionable decision making when attacking lead to numerous turnovers or low percentage shots from Meeks or those mentioned above.
- Patrick Patterson did score 24 points tonight on 8-12 shooting. However it seems like he gets a lot of his points in the garbage variety. He is not a dominating half court presence as everyone would have you believe. He really needs to develop some secondary moves and not everything going to his right. When is the opposition going to realize this??
- Jodie Meeks showed why he will not translate that well to the NBA right now. He stands only 6'4, short for NBA 2's, and David Huertas could get his shot off over him whenever he wanted.
- Although the boxscore on ukathletics says Ole Miss only outrebounded us 45-40, the number seemed way greater than that. Absolutely dismal team effort rebounding the basketball.
- Even though Ole Miss is now 41-5 at home under Andy Kennedy, this still is a team that is missing 3 of its best 4 players. Give credit to Ole Miss. They executed a great gameplan, shot the jumpers well, and outhustled UK. If UK ends not winning the SEC East they can look to this dismal effort as a reason why.
My Tim Brando Story
Most everyone that is a college sports fan is familar with Tim Brando. He does play-by-play for Raycom/JP/LF sports for ACC and SEC basketball along with hosting the CBS College Football Halftime show. He also gets to call ACC Sunday Night Hoops on Fox Sports. He is generally regarded as one of the best announcers in the business. The reason why I like him so much is due to his catch phrase, "the iron unkind" that he uses whenever a key shot gets an unfriendly roll off the rim. I now use it with annoying regularity during beer pong games whenever my opponent bricks a shot.
For the 2008 SEC tournament our 3 on 3 intramural team got invited to play in the SEC 3 on 3 challenge. We got put up with a free hotel and tickets to the SEC tournament down in Atlanta along with playing in the tournament. We were sitting in the upper deck when this occurred...
Well anyways the UK-Georgia game got rescheduled for the next day on Georgia Tech's campus. We finagled our way into that game as three of the 1000 people there. At halftime, Tim Brando went to go to the concession at the same time we did. I was standing next to him and I could not resist telling him about how he has impacted my beer pong career. After introducing myself we had this interaction.
Me: "Mr Brando, I would just like to tell you that your phrase, 'iron unkind' is my most popular line for a missed shot in beer pong."
He does a double take and has a hearty chuckle and says, "Well, I am just glad I can make a contribution to the culture."
We soon parted ways but I have no doubt that everytime he utters that phrase on tv he has to think about all the people in Lexington and Bay Village, OH that have been so pissed off hearing that phrase as they lose to me in beer pong.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
My most hated athletes of all time
5. Eli Manning - He seems like he is constantly whining and blaming everyone else for his horrid throws. He is always flailing his arms around and acting like a bitch on the field. Plus, Bobby makes excuses for him everytime he throws a god awful pass. If Asante Samuel could catch, he would of gagged away the Super Bowl.
4. Kevin Garnett - His "intensity" really pisses me off. Stop running around beating your chest incessantly. His game is soooo soft. All he does is shoot turn around jumpers and beat his chest. This video explains my loathing of this prick. http://ballhype.com/video/kevin_garnett_greatest_fights_smacks_and_screens_a/
3. Andres Nocioni - I just flat out hate this guy. His hair, his leg tattoo and goatee just piss me off. Not to mention he plays dirty and kind of sucks.
2. Ray Lewis - Another "intense" guy on my list. Leads the NFL annually in jumping on piles late and celebrating like he made the play. Plays for the Ravens. Murdered people.
1. Larry Hughes - Maybe the biggest prima donna in all of sports. This quote sums him up, "I was asked to sacrifice for the team to win and for everybody, I guess, get paid. That is what was told to me and I wasn’t happy with that." I had to watch this stiff for 2.5 years in Cleveland. He is allergic to contact and in love with his horrible jumper. Easily one of the most painful players to watch play basketball and he could care less about winning. He tops my list by a considerable margin.
Honorable Mentions - Paul Pierce, Dustin Pedroia, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Youkilis, Bobby Jenks, AJ Pierzynski, Pau Gasol (if the Cavs play the Lakers in the Finals), Joey Porter, Brett Favre, and Tim Couch
4. Kevin Garnett - His "intensity" really pisses me off. Stop running around beating your chest incessantly. His game is soooo soft. All he does is shoot turn around jumpers and beat his chest. This video explains my loathing of this prick. http://ballhype.com/video/kevin_garnett_greatest_fights_smacks_and_screens_a/
3. Andres Nocioni - I just flat out hate this guy. His hair, his leg tattoo and goatee just piss me off. Not to mention he plays dirty and kind of sucks.
2. Ray Lewis - Another "intense" guy on my list. Leads the NFL annually in jumping on piles late and celebrating like he made the play. Plays for the Ravens. Murdered people.
1. Larry Hughes - Maybe the biggest prima donna in all of sports. This quote sums him up, "I was asked to sacrifice for the team to win and for everybody, I guess, get paid. That is what was told to me and I wasn’t happy with that." I had to watch this stiff for 2.5 years in Cleveland. He is allergic to contact and in love with his horrible jumper. Easily one of the most painful players to watch play basketball and he could care less about winning. He tops my list by a considerable margin.
Honorable Mentions - Paul Pierce, Dustin Pedroia, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Youkilis, Bobby Jenks, AJ Pierzynski, Pau Gasol (if the Cavs play the Lakers in the Finals), Joey Porter, Brett Favre, and Tim Couch
Most hated athletes
The next two posts will be lists of our most hated athletes of all-time. Let us know your lists and what you think.
1) Jeffrey Maier- for those of you don't know this name he was the little douche that stole the Orioles franchise over the head of Tony Tarasco in the 1996 ALCS. To recap the play it was the bottom of the 8th inning with the O's ahead 4-3 and Derek Jeter at bat. Jeter connected on a ball to right field where Tarasco was going up for the ball just short of the wall where this little shit reached over and took it. The Yankees went on to win the game and series and then beat Atlanta in the World Series and the O's have not had a winning season since.
1a) Rich Garcia- the piece of shit umpire that ruled the homerun, despite clear evidence it was not. He is the reason there is replay in baseball now. I would love to kick both him and Maier in the shins repeatedly.
2) Reggie Miller-the biggest flop artist in the NBA history. Pushed Greg Anthony on May 7, 1995 in his famous 8 points in 8.9 seconds. He then turned to Spike Lee and gave the choke sign. Well Reggie, that's what I want to do to you. Choke you. Easily the most hated guy.
3) Ray Lewis-he is probably doing some sort of dance as I write this, but he is by far the most over-hyped football player of all-time. Don't get me wrong he's not a bad player, but he is not even in the same level as Lawrence Taylor for best linebacker of all-time. This guy, much like Kevin Garnett, gets too much credit for 'intensity.' I'm sorry but if I run my mouth and do a dance will I be in the race for best of all-time? He's not even the best linebacker on his team anymore, that goes to Bart Scott. Media talks him up too much, he gets pancaked blocked and the media talks about how he took up a lineman. Plus on top of all that, he killed a guy. Literally. He stabbed them. Should be in jail, and if anyone references him as the best linebacker of all-time I will personally punch you and do his dance over you in honor of being over-hyped.
4) Michael Jordan- I respect this guy, and he is obviously the best basketball player of all-time, but he broke my heart way too many times. As a Knicks fan, I had to live through him putting his nut sack all over Patrick Ewing's face. The Knicks never beat Jordan-led Bulls squad in the playoffs as he defeated the Knicks three different times. It was incredibly hard to watch him dismantle the Knicks season after season to go on to be the best player ever, while the Knicks, who will probably never be as good again as they were in the mid-1990's, suffered heartbreak after heartbreak. Mr. Jordan, I would like to put my nut sack in your face as I dunk on you just for some redemption.
5) Joakim Noah- this might be too easy. Name someone on this Earth that isn't Yannick or his incredibly hot mom that doesn't want to punch this guy in the face over and over again. From his days at Florida where he was the cocky asshole with his little shimmy after every basket, to leading the stands with the Gator Chomp. Again, had to suffer with him during my days here at UK, watching him beat up on the Cats and win two National Championships. Then on Draft Day had to watch him in that outfit. Well Joakim, I hope your mom ends up at my house sometime soon and your dad hits tennis balls at your face repeatedly.
Honorable mention: Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens, Tony Romo, Troy Aikman, Terrell Owens, Juan Dixon, Lonny Baxter, Grievas Vasquez, Brett Favre and Hines Ward.
Here is my list, Dan's will be posted above mine. Let us know if you agree with our selections, disagree and who you hate.
1) Jeffrey Maier- for those of you don't know this name he was the little douche that stole the Orioles franchise over the head of Tony Tarasco in the 1996 ALCS. To recap the play it was the bottom of the 8th inning with the O's ahead 4-3 and Derek Jeter at bat. Jeter connected on a ball to right field where Tarasco was going up for the ball just short of the wall where this little shit reached over and took it. The Yankees went on to win the game and series and then beat Atlanta in the World Series and the O's have not had a winning season since.
1a) Rich Garcia- the piece of shit umpire that ruled the homerun, despite clear evidence it was not. He is the reason there is replay in baseball now. I would love to kick both him and Maier in the shins repeatedly.
2) Reggie Miller-the biggest flop artist in the NBA history. Pushed Greg Anthony on May 7, 1995 in his famous 8 points in 8.9 seconds. He then turned to Spike Lee and gave the choke sign. Well Reggie, that's what I want to do to you. Choke you. Easily the most hated guy.
3) Ray Lewis-he is probably doing some sort of dance as I write this, but he is by far the most over-hyped football player of all-time. Don't get me wrong he's not a bad player, but he is not even in the same level as Lawrence Taylor for best linebacker of all-time. This guy, much like Kevin Garnett, gets too much credit for 'intensity.' I'm sorry but if I run my mouth and do a dance will I be in the race for best of all-time? He's not even the best linebacker on his team anymore, that goes to Bart Scott. Media talks him up too much, he gets pancaked blocked and the media talks about how he took up a lineman. Plus on top of all that, he killed a guy. Literally. He stabbed them. Should be in jail, and if anyone references him as the best linebacker of all-time I will personally punch you and do his dance over you in honor of being over-hyped.
4) Michael Jordan- I respect this guy, and he is obviously the best basketball player of all-time, but he broke my heart way too many times. As a Knicks fan, I had to live through him putting his nut sack all over Patrick Ewing's face. The Knicks never beat Jordan-led Bulls squad in the playoffs as he defeated the Knicks three different times. It was incredibly hard to watch him dismantle the Knicks season after season to go on to be the best player ever, while the Knicks, who will probably never be as good again as they were in the mid-1990's, suffered heartbreak after heartbreak. Mr. Jordan, I would like to put my nut sack in your face as I dunk on you just for some redemption.
5) Joakim Noah- this might be too easy. Name someone on this Earth that isn't Yannick or his incredibly hot mom that doesn't want to punch this guy in the face over and over again. From his days at Florida where he was the cocky asshole with his little shimmy after every basket, to leading the stands with the Gator Chomp. Again, had to suffer with him during my days here at UK, watching him beat up on the Cats and win two National Championships. Then on Draft Day had to watch him in that outfit. Well Joakim, I hope your mom ends up at my house sometime soon and your dad hits tennis balls at your face repeatedly.
Honorable mention: Donovan McNabb, Brian Dawkins, Derek Jeter, Roger Clemens, Tony Romo, Troy Aikman, Terrell Owens, Juan Dixon, Lonny Baxter, Grievas Vasquez, Brett Favre and Hines Ward.
Here is my list, Dan's will be posted above mine. Let us know if you agree with our selections, disagree and who you hate.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Patrick Patterson will stay in school
With the ascent to stardom by UK's Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson, the question around campus is whether the duo will be in Lexington next season. In this post I will tackle why Patrick Patterson will and should stay in school.
He is 6 feet 8 inches. No matter what kind of stats Patterson puts up he cannot change this fact. He will be an undersized 4 in the NBA. Even with the success of some undersized bigs (ie Paul Millsap), NBA execs do not take undersized bigs in the lottery. Even this year, in a very weak draft, Patterson is not projected by most publications to be a lottery pick. Also, historically, name the last time someone that a "small" 4 got drafted in the top 10? Charles Barkley?
With the fact that he is undersized there are several skills he can improve before making the leap to the league.
First, he is extremely right handed dominant. According to Synergy he drives or uses his right 90% of the time. His primary post moves involve turning over his left shoulder and shooting a little jump hook or turn around jump shot. He needs to develop his dropstep and the ability to finish with his left around the basket. With being undersized it would help him greatly to have more dexterity to his game.
Secondly, his midrange game, which has the potential to be very good, needs to be on display more. He has nice touch from the free throw line meaning his midrange jumper should follow suit. I would like to see him develop a turn and face game in the post ala Tim Duncan's bank jumper. Next season with Daniel Orton, he could play some high post and develop his mdrange game.
I think Patrick Patterson has a bright future in the NBA as a solid role player. He has great hands and the ability to rebound the basketball. But, there are areas he needs to improve before he can make a significant impact. With the ability to improve and Patterson's love for being BMOC, I see him in Lexington next season.
These guys are still in college?
Everyone watches a college basketball game and wonders, how has this guy not graduated yet? Here is the starting five with honorable mention for the 2008-2009 season of just that question. Throw in your lists.
Guard-Tyrese Rice (Boston College)
Guard-Levance Fields (Pitt)
Guard/Forward-Josh Shipp (UCLA)
Guard/Forward-Danny Green (North Carolina)
Forward/Center-Jeff Adrian (UCONN)
6th man and captain-David McClure (Duke)
Honorable Mention- Jessie Sapp (Georgetown) Michael Roll (UCLA) Walter Hodge (Florida) Connor Atchley (Texas) Ronald Steele (Alabama) Josh Heyfvelt (Gonzaga)
Guard-Tyrese Rice (Boston College)
Guard-Levance Fields (Pitt)
Guard/Forward-Josh Shipp (UCLA)
Guard/Forward-Danny Green (North Carolina)
Forward/Center-Jeff Adrian (UCONN)
6th man and captain-David McClure (Duke)
Honorable Mention- Jessie Sapp (Georgetown) Michael Roll (UCLA) Walter Hodge (Florida) Connor Atchley (Texas) Ronald Steele (Alabama) Josh Heyfvelt (Gonzaga)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Why the Cavs will WIN the NBA Finals
Wow, really Bobby? The Cavs won't win the NBA title because their 5-8 scorers combine to average 28 points and JJ Hickson and Sasha Pavlovic are the 9th and 10th men? Also, you failed to mention the Orlando Magic. Moving on from your useless dribble. The Cavs gutted out a road win last night in Portland while missing two starters. On that note, here are several reasons why the Cavs will win the NBA title.
1. Homecourt Advantage - The Cavs are a league best 20-0 at home. It is not just the record that is impressive but the way the Cavs are dismantling teams on their home floor. The average margin of victory is 16.4 points per game. As for one of your contenders, the Celtics, the last time Boston beat Cleveland in Cleveland was Dec. 18, 2004. Plus, Quicken Loans Arena has turned into one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. I was there for a December game against the Rockets, and the crowd was as rowdy as would be expected for a playoff game.
2. Point Differential - Before embarking on their current road trip, the Cavs held a point differential of +11.95 per game - the fourth highest in NBA history. The three teams (71-72 Lakers, 70-71 Bucks, and 95-96 Bulls) with higher point differentials all won the NBA title.
3. Bench - In comparing the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference the Cavs have by far the superior rotation coming off the bench. Orlando's bench consists of Courtney Lee, JJ Redick, Keith Bogans, Tony Battie, and Anthony Johnson. This bench is 3 shooting guards who vary from a rookie (Lee) to horrendous (Redick). Also, there backup bigs are headlined by Tony Battie. Yikes. Bostons consists of Leon Powe, Eddie House, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen. Bill Simmons said in his podcast that he thinks Glen Davis and Tony Allen are the worst two NBA players at their respective positions playing at least 10 minutes a game. Besides from Leon Powe, this might be the worst bench in the NBA. As for the Cavs their top 3 off the pine are a 3 point marksman, Daniel Gibson, an annoying, charge taking big, Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak. Which leads me to my next point.
4. Szczerbiak's Expiring Contract - The most attractive trade chip to teams looking to unload future payment obligations as the trade deadline approaches. Names being floated around in rumors are Vince Carter (Yuck), Brad Miller, Marcus Camby, Mike Miller (along with Brian Cardinal's contract) just for the Cavs 8th man. Imagine how much stronger this 32-8 team would be with the addition of one of those players.
5. Defense - The Cavs under Mike Brown have been built to win tough low scoring playoff games when defensive stops are a necessity. This year the Cavs are giving up a league low 89.6 points per game. Not only that they are second in the league in defensive rating which takes into account pace of play.
6 LeBron plays 48 minutes - Right now, LeBron is averaging slightly over 37 minutes per game. According to John Hollinger PER rating, LeBron is having the most efficient and productive regular season of anyone... in the modern era (yes, this includes Jordan). The reason the Cavs have played significantly better in the playoffs the last several years is because there is no limiting LeBron's minutes. How many more wins and how big would the blowouts be if LeBron played a full 48 every night of the year.
The Cavs were PJ Brown's 4th quarter scoring explosion in Game 7 from a repeat trip to the finals last year (they would of beat Detroit). This year Cavs are significantly better as a team, have the best player in the world, and the ability to get better at the trade deadline. Now, you know why they will be celebrating on West 6th this June.
1. Homecourt Advantage - The Cavs are a league best 20-0 at home. It is not just the record that is impressive but the way the Cavs are dismantling teams on their home floor. The average margin of victory is 16.4 points per game. As for one of your contenders, the Celtics, the last time Boston beat Cleveland in Cleveland was Dec. 18, 2004. Plus, Quicken Loans Arena has turned into one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. I was there for a December game against the Rockets, and the crowd was as rowdy as would be expected for a playoff game.
2. Point Differential - Before embarking on their current road trip, the Cavs held a point differential of +11.95 per game - the fourth highest in NBA history. The three teams (71-72 Lakers, 70-71 Bucks, and 95-96 Bulls) with higher point differentials all won the NBA title.
3. Bench - In comparing the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference the Cavs have by far the superior rotation coming off the bench. Orlando's bench consists of Courtney Lee, JJ Redick, Keith Bogans, Tony Battie, and Anthony Johnson. This bench is 3 shooting guards who vary from a rookie (Lee) to horrendous (Redick). Also, there backup bigs are headlined by Tony Battie. Yikes. Bostons consists of Leon Powe, Eddie House, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen. Bill Simmons said in his podcast that he thinks Glen Davis and Tony Allen are the worst two NBA players at their respective positions playing at least 10 minutes a game. Besides from Leon Powe, this might be the worst bench in the NBA. As for the Cavs their top 3 off the pine are a 3 point marksman, Daniel Gibson, an annoying, charge taking big, Anderson Varejao and Wally Szczerbiak. Which leads me to my next point.
4. Szczerbiak's Expiring Contract - The most attractive trade chip to teams looking to unload future payment obligations as the trade deadline approaches. Names being floated around in rumors are Vince Carter (Yuck), Brad Miller, Marcus Camby, Mike Miller (along with Brian Cardinal's contract) just for the Cavs 8th man. Imagine how much stronger this 32-8 team would be with the addition of one of those players.
5. Defense - The Cavs under Mike Brown have been built to win tough low scoring playoff games when defensive stops are a necessity. This year the Cavs are giving up a league low 89.6 points per game. Not only that they are second in the league in defensive rating which takes into account pace of play.
6 LeBron plays 48 minutes - Right now, LeBron is averaging slightly over 37 minutes per game. According to John Hollinger PER rating, LeBron is having the most efficient and productive regular season of anyone... in the modern era (yes, this includes Jordan). The reason the Cavs have played significantly better in the playoffs the last several years is because there is no limiting LeBron's minutes. How many more wins and how big would the blowouts be if LeBron played a full 48 every night of the year.
The Cavs were PJ Brown's 4th quarter scoring explosion in Game 7 from a repeat trip to the finals last year (they would of beat Detroit). This year Cavs are significantly better as a team, have the best player in the world, and the ability to get better at the trade deadline. Now, you know why they will be celebrating on West 6th this June.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Why the Cavs won't win the NBA Finals
Welcome to the first debate of Why so serious? The debate is whether the Cavs will win the NBA Finals or not. To further break Howarth's and the rest of Cleveland's hearts, the Cavs will NOT, I repeat, NOT win the NBA Finals. Are they capable to? Yes. But will they? No. Here are some reasons why and who I think can and will beat the Cavs. First a slew of teams I think are the biggest challengers to the Cavs and who will beat them given the chance.
1) Boston Celtics- can the Cavs beat them? I don't think in a 7 game series.
2) Los Angeles Lakers
3) San Antonio Spurs
The Cavs have made improvements in their roster by brining in Mo Williams. Delonte West is having a great year and Lebron is will Lebron. But what's there other than that? I'm not sold on Z yet. He does a great job of extending the defense by being able to hit the jumper, but can he stay healthy? I'm banking on no. Or if he is healthy, will he come back and be able to play the way he's used to? That might be a bigger no. The same goes for West, who suffered a fractured wrist after that nasty fall with Derrick Rose. I'm not taking anything away from West, who is tough as hell, he was shooting around at halftime of that same game, but a fractured wrist is a fractured wrist.
After those four, where does the scoring come? Anderson Verajo? Wally? Gibson? Ben Wallace? Okay, sorry about the last name, but I couldn't help it. The next four are averaging a combined 28.2 points per game. That's not going to cut it. I don't believe the Cavs are deep enough to hang with a team like the Lakers or Celtics. People might cry out that Gibson can score but look at the stats for him:
2007-2008- 10 points per game, 2 3-pointers per game and shot 44 percent from that line
2008-2009-9 points per game, 1.5 3-pointers per game and is shooting 39 percent from there.
The same goes for Wally, who people believe are an amazing shooter. He's not even averaging one 3-pointer a game!
Then there's Sasha and Hickson who both play over 10 minutes a game. Sasha has basically fallen off the face of the Earth, averaging only 4 points per game and really not playng all that well. And with Hickson, can you put a lot of trust in a rookie to guard the likes of Duncan, Gasol, Odom or even a Bynum and Oberto? Not in my book.
Here's a breakdown of the teams I think will beat the Cavs.
1) Celtics-the improvement of Rajon Rondo and go ahead and laugh but Kendrick Perkins. Rondo has played out of his mind so far this year and could be an All-Star reserve if I had a vote. Is there a better defensive point guard in the league? I believe he'll have no problem on Williams and limit him. In the two games this season, each team winning one, Williams is averaging 12.5 points per game. 3.5 points less than he usually does. Then there's Perkins, who is averaging almost 3 points better and 2 rebounds better. In a 7 game series you gotta take the Boston Three Party. Allen seemed to pick his shooting up, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. Plus, is there a more determined team then this team? I know the KG pre-game is a little overdone, but think about it? When this team wants to get something done, they seem to do it.
2) Lakers- Kobe. You can get in the Kobe vs. Lebron debate, and in the playoffs I'll take Kobe. Did you see what he did against the Cavs this past week with a bum finger? On his shooting hand mind you. Besides Kobe, the main difference between these two teams is the bench play. The Lakers second team of Lamar Odom, Jordan Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic is the best in the league. Hell, throw a big guy in there and they could start for about 10 teams. There's just too many matchup problems with this team. You could throw a Kobe, Ariza, Vujacic, Gasol and Bynum team out there and how do you match that? Kobe takes Lebron with the ability of Ariza to switch with that. This is my favorite to win it all.
3) Spurs- they're just the Spurs. They're in the talk every year. Duncan looks 5 years younger all of a sudden and the signing of Roger Mason Jr. will prove to be key. The ability to shoot and extend the D with Parker and Manu playing well is a dangerous squad. Bruce Bowen is Bowen, he might injure your best player but at the least he'll annoy the hell out him. Bonner is goofy looking as shit but can extend the D and steal minutes as well.
There's 3 teams who I think will beat the Cavs and the playoff power rankings for me.
1) Boston Celtics- can the Cavs beat them? I don't think in a 7 game series.
2) Los Angeles Lakers
3) San Antonio Spurs
The Cavs have made improvements in their roster by brining in Mo Williams. Delonte West is having a great year and Lebron is will Lebron. But what's there other than that? I'm not sold on Z yet. He does a great job of extending the defense by being able to hit the jumper, but can he stay healthy? I'm banking on no. Or if he is healthy, will he come back and be able to play the way he's used to? That might be a bigger no. The same goes for West, who suffered a fractured wrist after that nasty fall with Derrick Rose. I'm not taking anything away from West, who is tough as hell, he was shooting around at halftime of that same game, but a fractured wrist is a fractured wrist.
After those four, where does the scoring come? Anderson Verajo? Wally? Gibson? Ben Wallace? Okay, sorry about the last name, but I couldn't help it. The next four are averaging a combined 28.2 points per game. That's not going to cut it. I don't believe the Cavs are deep enough to hang with a team like the Lakers or Celtics. People might cry out that Gibson can score but look at the stats for him:
2007-2008- 10 points per game, 2 3-pointers per game and shot 44 percent from that line
2008-2009-9 points per game, 1.5 3-pointers per game and is shooting 39 percent from there.
The same goes for Wally, who people believe are an amazing shooter. He's not even averaging one 3-pointer a game!
Then there's Sasha and Hickson who both play over 10 minutes a game. Sasha has basically fallen off the face of the Earth, averaging only 4 points per game and really not playng all that well. And with Hickson, can you put a lot of trust in a rookie to guard the likes of Duncan, Gasol, Odom or even a Bynum and Oberto? Not in my book.
Here's a breakdown of the teams I think will beat the Cavs.
1) Celtics-the improvement of Rajon Rondo and go ahead and laugh but Kendrick Perkins. Rondo has played out of his mind so far this year and could be an All-Star reserve if I had a vote. Is there a better defensive point guard in the league? I believe he'll have no problem on Williams and limit him. In the two games this season, each team winning one, Williams is averaging 12.5 points per game. 3.5 points less than he usually does. Then there's Perkins, who is averaging almost 3 points better and 2 rebounds better. In a 7 game series you gotta take the Boston Three Party. Allen seemed to pick his shooting up, shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. Plus, is there a more determined team then this team? I know the KG pre-game is a little overdone, but think about it? When this team wants to get something done, they seem to do it.
2) Lakers- Kobe. You can get in the Kobe vs. Lebron debate, and in the playoffs I'll take Kobe. Did you see what he did against the Cavs this past week with a bum finger? On his shooting hand mind you. Besides Kobe, the main difference between these two teams is the bench play. The Lakers second team of Lamar Odom, Jordan Farmar, Trevor Ariza, Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic is the best in the league. Hell, throw a big guy in there and they could start for about 10 teams. There's just too many matchup problems with this team. You could throw a Kobe, Ariza, Vujacic, Gasol and Bynum team out there and how do you match that? Kobe takes Lebron with the ability of Ariza to switch with that. This is my favorite to win it all.
3) Spurs- they're just the Spurs. They're in the talk every year. Duncan looks 5 years younger all of a sudden and the signing of Roger Mason Jr. will prove to be key. The ability to shoot and extend the D with Parker and Manu playing well is a dangerous squad. Bruce Bowen is Bowen, he might injure your best player but at the least he'll annoy the hell out him. Bonner is goofy looking as shit but can extend the D and steal minutes as well.
There's 3 teams who I think will beat the Cavs and the playoff power rankings for me.
A great link
This is from an old blog, written by my friend Randy Kern. It was linked to deadspin and might be the best description of a Brown's fan. Enjoy.
http://theusfactor.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-history-as-browns-fan.html
http://theusfactor.blogspot.com/2006/11/my-history-as-browns-fan.html
More about the brains behind the operation
Want to know why so serious? It's from a great movie and also a great line to a woman—an anonymous safety from the UK football team. Our blog is going to be a serious sports blog, brought to you by two junkies who have witnessed the sports world from the ripe age of infancy.
We'll hit on topics ranging from our favorite teams to big issues in sports, some of it in debate format. Others will be a joint idea presented for you to comment on. And now a look at the creators of the blog:
Dan Howarth- a self-proclaimed sports loser due to his fanaticism of all Cleveland based sports. He is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in finance and awkward conversations with girls. He is most proud of his ability to play beer pong ambidextrously. He will name his first dog Kosar and his first son James (LeBron is up to the wife for a middle name). He is not ashamed to have a Mark Price poster in his room and to be a known groupie of Chris Mihm. He played golf and basketball in high school and garnered honors such as All-Conference and District and Academic All-Ohio in both sports.
Bobby Reagan- a self-proclaimed arrogant east coast asshole. He is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Journalism and dating questionable girls. He is most proud of driving everyone watching Super Bowl 42 with him to cheer for the Patriots. He will name his first child Camden Anderson, after Camden Yards and Brady Anderson. He played soccer and basketball in high school and garnered honors such as All-County in both sports and All-District in hoops. He is also not ashamed to have a John Starks jersey hanging in his room and a picture of Randolph Childress as the background to his computer.
Despite our differences, fate (or facebook) has brought us to the University of Kentucky. But we have put aside our differences to win 21 straight intramural basketball games, a dunk contest (Dan jumped over Bobby), and a kickball tournament. Both of us have an undying hate for OSU, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and NFL Live topics. We both love Bill Raftery, bounce passes, Eric Lindsey, and T-Swift. Everything else is fair game.
We'll hit on topics ranging from our favorite teams to big issues in sports, some of it in debate format. Others will be a joint idea presented for you to comment on. And now a look at the creators of the blog:
Dan Howarth- a self-proclaimed sports loser due to his fanaticism of all Cleveland based sports. He is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in finance and awkward conversations with girls. He is most proud of his ability to play beer pong ambidextrously. He will name his first dog Kosar and his first son James (LeBron is up to the wife for a middle name). He is not ashamed to have a Mark Price poster in his room and to be a known groupie of Chris Mihm. He played golf and basketball in high school and garnered honors such as All-Conference and District and Academic All-Ohio in both sports.
Bobby Reagan- a self-proclaimed arrogant east coast asshole. He is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Journalism and dating questionable girls. He is most proud of driving everyone watching Super Bowl 42 with him to cheer for the Patriots. He will name his first child Camden Anderson, after Camden Yards and Brady Anderson. He played soccer and basketball in high school and garnered honors such as All-County in both sports and All-District in hoops. He is also not ashamed to have a John Starks jersey hanging in his room and a picture of Randolph Childress as the background to his computer.
Despite our differences, fate (or facebook) has brought us to the University of Kentucky. But we have put aside our differences to win 21 straight intramural basketball games, a dunk contest (Dan jumped over Bobby), and a kickball tournament. Both of us have an undying hate for OSU, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and NFL Live topics. We both love Bill Raftery, bounce passes, Eric Lindsey, and T-Swift. Everything else is fair game.
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