Thursday, March 24, 2011

MuNu's Finest...Intramural Edition

First of all let me start by saying the Bruhs are hilarious. Secondly, I want everyone to know that this is for fun. Third, if you don't agree with the list...i could really care less.

I cannot in my right mind judge anyone that I did not see play...so no disrespect to the Cheo's, D Gips and Kelvin's of the world. Also I will not mention any Bruhs who actually played on the actual basketball team so Shout Out to Big Bro On Monday and Chris A, but they will not make an appearance. I also want to Shout Out Bro Jordan for the inspiration as well as some very compelling arguments via Twitter. I am listing 7 Bruhs...for the jewels...debate if you would like. 

Honrable Mention:
Geralda Baugh- Strengths: Great fire and competitive spirit, could knock down a mid range jumper, and if he was in the kind of shape back then that he is now...he would be a beast.Weaknesses: Attitude.

Byron Austin- Strengths: good size, great re-bounder considering weight class, and was left handed so he was pretty much always able to get his shot off. Weakness: Fatigues Quickly; Fragile (no fault of his own)
 
#7 Avin Jordan- Strengths: good outside shooter and passer. High basketball IQ and also was willing to play his role for the team. Weakness: Attitude and knee injury. Sometimes when frustrated, Bro. Jordan would become indifferent and just go through the motions.

#6 Tyrone Brownlee- Strengths: Never saw a shot he didn't like. When Bro. Brownlee got hot it was like watching Vinny "The Microwave" Johnson. good outside shot, could finish at the rim. Weakness: NO DEFENSE, just wasn't part of his game and he made his "snow bird technique" work for the betterment of the Team.

#5 David Hastings- Strengths: Dave was a natural scorer. He had a quiet intensity and had the ability to score in bunches. Weaknesses: Limited Defensively; Couldn't come through in the clutch. When he was cold, he really was ICE COLD.

#4 Steve Matthews- Strengths: Probably the most focused I have ever seen this cat was on the basketball court. He could play multiple positions, was always around the ball coming off rebounds and could hit an open jumper. He also played good defense. Weakness: Wasn't really explosive. He worked with what he had but the sheer athleticism wasn't there.

#3. Greg Ware- Strengths Lightning quick. He always looked to get others involved, could hit the mid range jumper and definitely could get inside the heart of a defense. Weakness: turnover prone; he had the tendency to try and do to much with the ball and didn't have a consistent enough jumper from range..and he was definitely not an on the ball defender.

#2 Henry Smith- Strengths: this guy was a pure scorer. he could hit any shot on the floor and would do so effortlessly; could finish at the rim. Henry could also play very solid man to man defense and just looked like a guy you wanted to have playing along side you. Weakness: Dedication to the team. Just never knew if or when you were going to see him.

#1 Bruce Jones- Strengths: He could do it all.Whether it was scoring inside or outside, he could do it. Had a face up game as well as back to the basket. he could defend man to man as well as defend the rim. He just had the attitude that he knew he was the best guy on the floor...and most of the time he was. Weakness: Didn't dominate like he could have all the time.

That's the list...and it pretty much is based on Intramural and pick up games that I saw. This is also based on back then and not based on what is now, what could have been back then or what should have been back then. How does this list stack up? You decide?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I Got 5 On It: 5 NBA Teams You Do Not Want To See In The Playoffs

With only a couple of weeks left in the NBA season, we are starting to see some teams separate themselves; some are finalizing rotations; and there are some who are really starting to make some noise and could potentially spell doom to your favorite team. Below are the top 5 teams you don't want to see in the playoffs.

 #5- The Utah Jazz: It's been two decades since you have seen this Utah Jazz team not be coached by Jerry Sloan; it's been about a good 5 years since you have seen them not be led by one of the best point guards in the league right now in Deron Williams. But I am hear to tell you, if you think this Utah Jazz team will be the same one round and done Jazz...you may want to think again. They have found a renewed strength in their low post scoring with Big Al and Milsap; Harris and Kirilenko play their roles well and now C.J. Miles is in the starting lineup. This team may not make the playoffs, but if they do...they will be a handful.


#4- Denver Nuggets: You lose your best scorer, your favorite son running the point and you get better? It's hard to believe but Denver has been playing lights out since the mega trade and their new faces have come right in and found a role with this team. They have true balance with offense and defense, both Lawson and Felton are getting comfortable playing along side each other, and there seems to be a weight lifted now that they no longer have to deal with the Melo Drama. I don't think this team will get out of the first round, but i definitely don't think they will make it easy on whomever they face.

#3- New York Knicks: They have two guys who could be considered the purest scorers at their position in Carmelo and Amare. They have the veteran point guard who can navigate the ship and hit big shots. They have a solid bench that fits in with Dantoni's offensive philosophy...so what's the problem? NO DEFENSE. If the Knicks could do more than have flashes of defensive brilliance, they would really be scary, but as it is...they are only going to beat you if you can't stop their offense. But if you think you are getting off easy if you pull them as a draw in the first round...you can forget it (Heat fans I'm talking to you).


#2- Portland Trailblazers: I want you to keep in mind that Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby are now coming off the bench for this team. Understand that they have wings now who can dish and knock down several three point shots. Please believe that Andre Miller is still a pretty good point guard, newly acquired Gerald Wallace is bringing another defensive athletic body, and oh yeah...LaMarcus Aldridge has carried this team all year and he is playing with a chip on his shoulder because he didn't make the All-Star team. As a Laker fan, looking at the standings as they are right now, this is not the match up I want to see. They are defensive mind, young, athletic, and they can put the ball in the hoop. SCARY!

#1-Oklahoma City Thunder: During the off-season people who love basketball were clamoring that Chris Bosh should go there; they need to go after Carlos Boozer. They got neither. But what they did get probably will end up being the best thing for them...a tough, hard nosed, defensive minded big man in Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder have one of the top 5 players in the league right now; one of the top tier point guards in the league right now; and the rest of their starters play tough, shut down defense. If you thought the Thunder were scary before.. understand that they are a little bit older, a lot tougher, and they are playing with an edge. They kind of remind you of a young San Antonio Spurs...BUYER BEWARE if you have to meet this team in the playoffs at all...especially as you get in deeper.

That's five. No more, no less. I won't say that they will win a title or even a series, but would you want to be the one team to find out...?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

I Got 5 On It: Top 5 NBA Players Right Now

So we started with the top 5 QB's right now in the NFL; now lets turn our attention to the Association and look at the Top 5 Basketball players in the NBA right now. Criteria is solely based on the eye test. Didn't look at numbers, but I believe that everyone will agree that these guys have or will put up great numbers when its all said and done. Didn't focus on number of titles won, but i think when you talk about guys who could win championships, I think all of these guys will come up in conversation.


#5- Dwayne Wade- Formerly known as "Flash" D Wade has the billing to be one of the greatest players of all time once he is done lacing 'em up. He can score, he can defend, and at times he has shown himself as someone who can be counted on when the game is on the line. D Wade is a superstar and there, at least in my opinion, are only 4 players who are worth having more than him right now.


#4- Derrick Rose: Let's be honest. How many of you out there thought that this guy would be the best point guard doing it this year? Well I did, and predicted that not only would he be the best PG this year, but that he would win the League's Most Valuable Player Award. D Rose will beat you off the dribble, use his strength to muscle up shots in the lane and if you aren't careful he will elevate and smash on you; oh and now with him adding the 3 ball to his game, Rose has turned into a widespread threat to beat you at every phase of the game. Will he be the first superstar to bring a title to Chicago not named Jordan? That remains to be seen, but we will definitely be watching.


#3- Kevin Durant: The Durantula will easily climb his way up that all time scoring list. He is tall, lanky, and can hit any shot on the court. He is young, ambitious and is set up to be the next superstar closer that will win multiple rings. Kevin is the type of player that you love to watch, because you always feel like his team has a chance to win when he is on the floor. He's not brash, but when he is on the court his intensity is undeniable.


#2- Lebron James: He took his talents to South Beach and has really been the most consistent player on a Heat team, amazingly, still trying to find their way. This guy is probably the most athletic figure in the league right now. He can pass like Magic, run the floor like a deer, has power like Shawn Kemp, plays really good defense, and has improved his jump shot tremendously since his rookie year. The only thing that Lebron doesn't well...IS CLOSE GAMES. He makes the best basketball decisions, but he doesn't have the killer instinct to close games like a (Jordan or Bryant). He's got the physical tools to be everything we love to see in basketball players...but will it ever translate to a championship?


#1- Kobe Bryant: YEah I am saying it. Kobe Bryant is still the best player in the league. Why? Because when the Lakers are playing your favorite team and the game is close...you fear your team will lose because the Black Mamba is on the court. He is a closer, a winner, and just when you count him out, he comes back with a vengeance to bust your teams all over again. Miss me with the Colorado nonsense...the whole he will never be MJ talk...and just start calling him what he is until he is not that anymore: THE BEST BASKETBALL PLAYER DOING IT RIGHT NOW.

Debate if you like, but the case, in my opinion...is closed.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

I Got 5 On It: Best NFL QB RIGHT NOW

Anyone who loves sports, loves the debates that involves ranking players and comparing one to another. Whether it is most valuable, greatest of all time, most marketable, etc...these conversations can get very spirited. Today's blog will focus on the Top 5 NFL quarterbacks right now. The criterion is simple...I am looking at guys who put up numbers (not comparing the numbers, just who puts them up), have one something, and most importantly strike fear in their opponents heart...AKA...Clutch.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Vick: This guy is the best athlete, is probably the most exciting, and when he is on his game he is virtually unstoppable. But to this date, he has not won anything and hasn't done anything in the clutch to make you fear him with the ball in the last 2 minutes.

Phillip Rivers: Can put up numbers with the best of them. Seems to be a decent leader even though I am not a fan of his arrogance and attitude...but again, he hasn't won anything and when you are the QB of a team who tanks most of the season and turns it on in December...I can't put you in the top 5 category.

#5- Drew Brees: there is no doubt that Drew Brees is one of the better QB's in the NFL. He has put up mindboggling numbers, has led his team to the superbowl and he truly maximizes his offensive weapons in a surgical manner. Unfortunately, Brees has a bit of Favre in him. He can be reckless at times and hurt you in big spots. Overall I give brees a B+ and insert him at #5.


#4 Peyton Manning- Two Years ago you would have called me crazy for not having Manning at least at 2, if not 1. But after this year, we got a chance to see what Manning would do without a run game and his ultimate security blankets; He was still really good, but at times when he needed to make a big throw or play...it wasn't there for him. Manning also has never really shown that in a huge game, he can be counted on...even if you go back to his days as a Volunteer. I still like the guy and his Schizophrenic antics at the line. He gets an A- and a spot at #4.


#3 The Superbowl MVP slides in at number 3 because he had a stellar year. He put up gaudy numbers, has dual threat capabilities with his arm and legs and he was no less than brilliant during the playoffs. Beyond all that, the thing i really like about Rogers is that when he finally got his shot in Green Bay, he capitalized on it. His stock is rising and if his team comes back in tack next year...mixing in a healthy Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley, we may be looking at back to back rings for Mr. Rogers.




#2 Ben Roethlisberger: I know...I know. He's got that creepy dirty old man vibe about him, but outside of that Big Ben is the type of QB who always gives you a shot to win. Now I realize this may be an unpopular pick because his numbers are not as good as the others and his reputation isn't nearly as clean; but he knows how to win and when you are facing the Steelers you definitely do want to see this guy with the rock and a chance to win late. He is a two time Superbowl champion and an absolute nightmare to tackle. I respect his game and think he has plenty of upside. Big Ben #2


#1 Tom Brady: You can make an argument for someone else being #1, but let's be honest...you would lose that argument. Brady can do everything your favorite QB can do right now. Need someone to throw the deep ball, he can do it. Need someone to be surgical and methodically march down the field...again he can do it. Want a guy who puts up numbers and has the ability to come back in tight games...yep that's him. Tom is a three time Superbowl champion and was one inexplicable catch away from leading his team to a 4th and an undefeated season. With all that being said, the thing that makes Tom different from all the others named here is he has that Killer Instinct. He doesn't want to be better than you, he wants to destroy you. He's not the quiet leader, he is a vocal, get in your face, hold you accountable type of leader. And when he is done playing football...he goes home to a super model...just sayin. Tom Brady: THE BEST NFL QB RIGHT NOW...HANDS DOWN!


That's my five...what's yours?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Miami Lukewarm's

When I initially started writing this blog, i was focusing on the fact that basketball, or any sport for that matter, on any level can be very emotional. Who cares if guys were crying in the locker room? if you are passionate about something and you have worked hard to try to achieve something and you continue to fall short...I can see where some tears might be warranted (not so sure you should be doing it in the regular season or your head coach should be talking about it to the media...but I get the crying potential).

Now what I will take issue with, is this notion that Heat players, specifically the superstars, talking as if they are martyrs; no sir...don't play that card. While I will admit that the venom that is being spewed toward the Heat is more than I have ever seen before from NBA fans at arenas. I mean at the beginning of the year, they were getting booed relentlessly as a team (I'm not so sure that this is still the case, especially when you consider their recent struggles). I will also concede that there were SOME in the media who had already "crowned" this heat team as the greatest assembly of talent that we have ever seen and that they would "easily shatter the Bulls 72 regular season wins (see Jeff Van Gundy)." But as we really sit back and look at what to make of this team, it is imperative that true sports fans and reasonably objective individuals speak out and dispel all of the hype that surrounds this team, expose their weakness and offer plausible and pertinent solutions that might make this team competitive come playoff time; that is what I aim to do today.

1) Get Real- Real basketball fans understand that "teams" win basketball games, not individuals. Right now, the Celtics and Spurs are examples of great teams. The Lakers, Bulls and Thunder would be examples of really good teams, with an outstanding winner (Kobe, Durant, Rose). All the Heat are right now is a combination of great players who haven't played much together and a bunch of guys who have not been able to consistently do their job...and while they could eventually become a great team or a really good team, people need to understand that it will take time.

2) Chris Bosh Grow A Pair- This guy is not a winner. At best he is a glorified role player with a nice jumper and a flare for disappearing in the clutch; and he is allergic to banging for rebounds. I saw last night that he said something to the affect of he needs to be in the post and start demanding the basketball...and while I agree with that, you aren't playing with Jose Calderon. Bosh needs to establish himself as a low post presence before he can start demanding anything...

3) In Crunch time Know Your Role- Lebron is not a closer...he is a smart basketball player. He doesn't have a killer instinct ala Jordan and Kobe, but he always knows the right play to make for others. Stop trying to be a closer Lebron. the heat need to put Lebron in the block late in games and allow him to make plays for the shooters (Attn: Miller, Chalmers, Bibby, Jones, House...all you need to do at practice, after practice before practice is shoot from 3 point range. If yall don't start hitting those shots consistently, you will continue to be an embarrasment). Bosh...i know it's hard for you, but late in the game you need to forfeit your offense game and become a rebounding, defensive minded big... and when the Heat need that last shot, for goodness sake Spolestr run the play for D. Wade so that you can get someone who has a little bit of killer instinct.

4) Finally- Just play ball. Do you havea  target on your back? YES. But i contend that you should when you throw a party for yourselves when the season starts adn you openly talk about winning multiple rings. Do you have a great collection of core talent? Yes...but again, it's going to take time for it all to gel. So when you lose continue to say, "we will figure it out" and leave it there. Don't start offering up excuses and trying to say that the rest of NBA fans are"getting what they want" every time you lose; fyi the smart money was on Boston and now looks a lot like Chicago will have something to say about winning the east, well before the season started.

At then end of the day we just want you to either be Hot or be Cold....but don't give us Lukewarm...it just taste bad that way.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The New Look East...Part 1



Everyone knows that professional basketball starts to become more relevant after the All-Star break. Players begin to shift into playoff mode; teams really begin to separate themselves, and, because of playoff positioning, it seems that every game matters. For the past several years the real debate has been who is going to come out of the “more” competitive Western Conference. However, after one of the most intriguing trade deadlines in recent memory, the New Look Eastern Conference is bringing more star power than ever before. There are more stars in the East now and definitely as a  result of the new “super teams” concept, the Eastern Conference will now be just as, if not more, relevant than the powerful West this playoff season. If the playoffs started today we would see these match ups:

1st Rd
Celtics vs. Pacers- This would easily be a 4-0 blowout. There is no question that Boston has more stars, a better supporting class, more experience, and is pretty unbeatable at home.
Heat vs. 76ers- Ultimately, the Heat this one, but I think that Philly could give them problems. Philly plays fast and they don’t quit. The Heat has better starters, but they have shown that if they can’t blow you out early they struggle closing close games out. I could see this one going 4-2.

Bulls vs. Knicks- Now I will be the first to admit that the Knicks are still maybe the fifth best team in the conference; I’m not so sure I would want to see them in the first round. They have veteran leadership I Chauncey, pure scorers down low and on the wing, and a serviceable supporting cast. But the Bulls have the front runner for MVP in D. Rose, a low post scorer, a big time defender at C and their supporting cast, especially if they sign Rasaul Butler; will be a force all playoff long. I think the Knicks will only be as good as their defense takes them, but they better hope they don’t draw Chi-Town first, or it will be another 1st round exit for Melo. I see this one going 5-1.

Magic vs. Hawks- The early big trade has had mixed reviews in Orlando. If Gilbert was the Gilbert before signing for the big money, I would say the Magic could be the team to beat. As it stands now, they still rely on the 3 ball to win. Dwight has improved his low post game, but he is still a liability at the line and when the game is close and shots aren’t falling, they will have to look to him to score and teams will send him to the line. The Hawks…..man this team was supposed to do something last year; but if your best player is going to disappear in the biggest moments, you will always underachieve and be nothing more than a team that competes. I like the Magic 4-2.
 
Now of course this is if the playoffs started today based on their current seeding. I will look at the second round soon. If you disagree you are more than welcome to respond, just don’t come with weak takes.