Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Thank you NBA/TNT

Thanks for finally giving people like me a good double-header to watch.

Mavs @ Celtics

Spurs @ Suns


I'll be there!!!!!

Monday, January 28, 2008

My All-Star Reserves

Western Conference (Starters – A.I., Kobe, Carmelo, Tim Duncan, Yao)

PG – Chris Paul – 20.6 PPG, 10.5 APG, 3.9 RPG, 2.6 SPG. Chris Paul is having an MVP season for the NBA’s best team. He’s the only player in the NBA averaging over 20 points and 10 assists per game and he also leads the league in steals. Plus the game is in New Orleans, where his Hornets play (for now).
SG/PG – Baron Davis – 22.3 PPG, 8.1 APG, 4.8 RPG, 2.5 SPG. Baron Davis is one of the most exciting players in the league. Golden State is in playoff contention once again, thanks to B-Diddy, S Jax, and Nellie’s nutty offense.
SF/PF – David West – 19.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.4 APG. David West should get the hometown nod over players like Amare and T-Mac. He players hard every night and is on the team with the best record in the West.
PF/C – Carlos Boozer – 22.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.8 APG. Boozer has been a beast for Utah, although the Jazz has underachieved as a team.
C – Marcus Camby – 9.4 PPG, 14.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, 3.9 BPG, 1.1 SPG. The Defensive Player of the Year definitely deserves another all-star nod as he’s putting up sick numbers again this season.
PG – Steve Nash – 17.6 PPG, 11.9 APG, 3.5 RPG. You could make a case for Steve Nash to win MVP almost every season, this year not withstanding. His shooting numbers are ridiculous (52% FG, 48% 3PT, 91% FT) and the Suns are right behind the Hornets for the best record in the West, even though it seems like they’ve been struggling all season.
SG – Brandon Roy – 19.4 PPG, 5.6 APG, 4.4 RPG. His numbers aren’t that spectacular, but he is the engine behind Portland’s surprise run towards the top of the Western Conference.

David West and Brandon Roy could lose their spots to the two Mavericks left off the list this year, but I think it would be a disservice to both of those players. However, Dirk and Josh would make the team a little more balanced, as its point guard and post player heavy. Deron Williams and Tony Parker miss out because of the stellar guard play this year and Amare and T-Mac have had better seasons. Al Jefferson is having a hell of a season, but his team sucks too bad for him to make it.

Left Off
C - Al Jefferson
PF – Dirk Nowitzki
SF – Josh Howard
PG – Deron Williams
PG – Tony Parker
C – Amare Stoudamire
SF – Tracy McGrady

Eastern Conference (Starters – J. Kidd, D. Wade, LeBron, KG, D12)

PG – Chauncey Billiups – 18.0 PPG, 7.1 APG, 3.0 RPG. Billups seems to be in much better rhythm this season. After last year I thought Detroit should’ve started over, but luckily for Pistons fans nobody reads my blog.
SG – Joe Johnson – 21.6 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.3 RPG. He might lose this spot to Michael Redd or Ray Allen, but he means more to the Hawks and their playoff push than these numbers show. Plus I think he should’ve made it last year.
SF – Richard Jefferson – 24.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.8 APG. He’s balling this year, period. He might not make it, however, because the Nets have been pretty terrible. Turkoglu is making a late push and the Magic have a better record.
PF/SF – Josh Smith – 18.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.3 BPG, 1.9 AST. He’s finally become more than just a dunker. He also should finish 2nd behind Marcus Camby for Defensive Player of the Year. This young man has made himself a lot of money this season.
C – Chris Bosh – 22.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.2 APG. In addition to making a fool out of himself on Youtube, he’s actually having a great year.
SF – Caron Butler – 21.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.3 APG. He’s making that Kwame Brown trade look more lopsided by the day. He’s been holding it down in Washington with Arenas on the shelf and might have even made him expendable.
SF/SF – Paul Pierce – 20.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.1 APG. He’s been Boston’s go-to-guy this year, while KG has gotten most of the props. You can even say his effort has been under the radar.

For once, the fans have the right starting five, which makes picking the reserves much easier. Some of the fringe players might be replaced with guys on better teams, but Joe Johnson or Richard Jefferson getting left off won’t be too big of a snub, especially since their teams will likely be represented anyway.

Left Off
SF – Antawn Jamison
SG – Michael Redd
SF – Gerald Wallace
SG – Ray Allen
SF – Hedo Turkoglu

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Mike Dunleavy Jr. > Rashard Lewis ???

After watching another bad Miami Heat game last night, I figured it was time for me to address the NBA.

This is probably the 12th time I’ve mentioned it on this blog, but there has to be a good reason why Miami has come on 20 more times than the Boston Celtics. I feel like all of the Heat’s games have been nationally televised this season. It’s really making me sick.

I stumbled across an interesting NBA tidbit the other day and decided to talk about it after Rashard Lewis made that buzzer beater last night.

Did you know that Rashard Lewis is playing no better than Mike Dunleavy, Jr. this year? This fact has to suck for Orlando Magic fans.

Lewis makes about $20 million a year. Dunleavy makes about $9 million a year. Although this is Dunleavy’s best season by far, it can’t make Orlando’s GM feel good that he’s overpaying by about $11 million for Rashard Lewis.

Here are their stats:

R. Lewis – 42 G, 39 minutes/game, 18.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg, .4 bpg, 44% FG, 39% 3PT, 85% FT

M. Dunleavy Jr – 42 G, 34 minutes/game, 17.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.0 spg, .3 bpg, 49% FG, 42% 3PT, 85% FT.

The more you know ...

Monday, January 21, 2008

Everybody Loves Mock Drafts!

Here’s the 1st (and maybe last) Sportsology NFL Mock Draft 2008

1. Miami - Jake Long, Michigan, OT – The Dolphins need help at pretty much every position besides running back. Glen Dorsey would definitely help, but having Parcells around will improve the defense anyway. One of the things that held Miami back when they were good was the offensive line play, which has been mediocre to poor for the last 10 years or so. Jake Long will be a cornerstone on the line for a long time.
2. St. Louis - Glen Dorsey, LSU, DT – Dorsey is the impact player on defense they’ve lacked for years. Him and Leonard Little could make their defensive line a force to reckon with.
3. Atlanta * - Matt Ryan, Boston College, QB – He would be a great fit here, as Michael Vick will likely never be a Falcon again and Joey Harrington/Chris Redmon/Byron Leftwich isn’t going to cut it at QB.
4. Oakland * - Darren McFadden, Arkansas, RB – I originally had Chris Long here because of the Howie Long connection but I don’t think Al Davis would be able to pass up the most talented player in any draft, regardless of whether they need him or not.
5. Kansas City * - Ryan Clady, Boise St., OT – They are in desperate need of O-linemen to protect Brodie Croyle and open up holes for Grandmama.
6. New York Jets - Sam Baker – USC OT – The Jets are another team with poor line play, although if Chris Long is available he’d be tough to pass up.
7. New England (From SF) - Keith Rivers, USC, LB – The Patriots are able to add a linebacker to relieve older linebackers like Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi.
8. Baltimore - Brian Brohm, Louisville, QB – I don’t think the Ravens have much confidence in Troy Smith. They seemed reluctant to let him play even though their season was pretty much over. Brohm is a solid QB prospect, although I think Troy Smith is a decent QB as well.
9. Cincinnati - Chris Long, Virginia, DE – The analyst will say he slipped if he landed here, although it made more sense for the other teams to draft someone besides him. I thought he was slightly overrated, but any talent on defense is an improvement for the Bengals, especially in the front seven.
10. New Orleans - Antoine Cason, Arizona, CB – The Saints defense has been a Achilles heel for them the past few seasons. Cason is the best cornerback in this year’s draft and should have an immediate impact.
11. Buffalo - Justin King, CB, Penn St. – King has a lot of potential at cornerback and is a physical specimen. He could end up being the next Antonio Cromartie: a young player that has a greater impact in the pros than he did in college.
12. Denver - Vince Hall, LB, Virginia Tech – Denver could use depth at offensive line and in their defensive front seven. Hall would’ve been a candidate for collegiate defensive awards if he didn’t get hurt in the middle of the season. He has great instincts and is an excellent tackler.
13. Carolina - Dan Connor, Penn St., LB – You have to know that Dan Morgan isn’t going to play a full 16 games this season. This Dan is a tad overrated, but he can help the Panthers out next year.
14. Chicago - Andre Woodson, Kentucky, QB – I don’t think Andre Woodson will be a good NFL quarterback. Honestly, I think that because he’s black people assume he’s athletic. If he had athleticism to go with his arm, he would definitely be the right fit here. However, his lack of mobility killed him in Kentucky’s losses this year and will surely make it tough for him to have a good NFL career.
15. Detroit - Derrick Harvey, Florida, DE – Finally, somebody besides a wide receiver. The Lions need playmakers on defense, and their will be several studs on defense still available.
16. Arizona - Reggie Smith, Oklahoma, CB – Antrel Rolle is coming along. Teaming him with Reggie Smith will give the Cardinals a solid young secondary for this growing team. Better defensive backfield play could finally get them into the playoffs.
17. Minnesota - Aqib Talib, Kansas, CB – He could help their poor secondary and give them a boost in the return game as well. He could also give them a few plays on offense.
18. Houston - Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, WR – Finally, Andre Johnson can get some help on the outside. If the Texas draft well, they could make the first postseason in the history of the franchise.
19. Philadelphia - Mario Manningham, Michigan, WR – If Donovan is back, it will be a crime for them not to draft this guy. He’s a beast and can bring the Eagles a T.O.-like threat that has power and speed.
20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson, California, WR – Jon Gruden is a defensive guy, but Jackson can give them the flexibility on offense they need. He will be an immediate return threat and can learn how to play receiver under Joey Galloway.
21. Washington - Sedrick Ellis, USC, DT – Washington is mediocre in almost all facets of the game so they could go in several different directions with this pick.
22. Dallas - James Hardy, Indiana, WR – Hardy is too good to pass up here, especially for a team that needs receivers. Terry Glenn is washed up and Patrick Crayton doesn’t have the skills to match the trash he talks.
23. Pittsburgh - Vernon Gholston, Ohio State, DE – Their defense is starting to slip and Gholston can provide an immediate impact on that side of the ball.
24. Tennessee - Limus Sweed, WR, Texas – The Titans are another team that is mediocre in pretty much all aspects of football. Vince Young will probably beg them to take Sweed here, as he will be under the gun to perform next year. If they think Sweed will be available in the second round, they could wait. He’s a 1st-3rd round prospect, as this year’s draft is filled with a ton of talent.
25. Seattle - Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, RB – Shaun Alexander is pretty much done, he could team up with fellow Duck Maurice Morris to replace Alexander. Hell, they might even replace him this year.
26. Jacksonville - Kenny Phillips, Miami, FS – Kenny Phillips is too good to pass up here. Adding him could give the Jags the league’s best defense.
27. Dallas - Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech, CB - Their secondary is the weak link, particularly at safety. They could possibly move Anthony Henry to safety because Roy Williams is suspect and Henry is losing his speed.
28. Indianapolis - Calais Campbell, Miami, DE – He adds depth to their defensive line and could be a safe guard incase Dwight Freeney has a Julius Peppers type season.
29. San Diego Chargers - Lawrence Jackson, USC, DE – If he’s still available, this is a why not pick.
30. Green Bay Packers - Malcolm Jenkins, South Florida, CB – Another why not pick. Charles Woodson is playing better than ever, but Al Harris is a mediocre cornerback that might be nearing the twilight of his career.
31. NY Giants (assuming they lose the Super Bowl) - Gosder Cherilus, Boston College OT, - Their offensive line is shaky at times. They are also getting weak at defensive back, but protecting their QB and keeping their running game solid should be a priority.
32. Patriots lost this pick because they cheated
* Draft order to be determined by coin flip at the NFL combine

Super Lucky, Super Bad, or Super Improvement?

The NFL isn’t rigged!!!!!!! Imagine how crazy the Green Bay vs. New England match-up would’ve been. America’s QB Brett Favre, in what might be his last season, trying to get another ring while knocking off the hated, cheating New England Patriots and ending their perfect season.

Instead, we get a rematch of the Week 17 classic between the Giants and Pats. However, I’m not so sure the game will be close the second time around.

I say this because of what happened to Green Bay. For 17 games, Brett Favre was on point. He was having one of his best seasons, after being on a decline for the last few seasons.

However, in the 18th game, Brett Favre regressed back into the #4 that played the last 2-3 years.

On the flip side, Eli Manning has morphed from a disaster to a solid game manager. It’s only a matter of time before he has a typical Eli Manning game.

I put my money on this one. Always a guy who’s struggled under pressure, this is the ultimate pressure situation. In addition, you know the Pats are going to be on their A game. Belichick has two weeks to get ready for this game, and their game in the regular season finale is probably fresh in his mind.

These are my thoughts for now, I’ll probably do a tale of the tape closer to game time.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Happy New Year!!!!!!! Uhh Happy Chinese New Year ?!?! Sorry for being lazy ...

17 days later I return from hiatus. I wanted to write a review of 2007, and talk about how I’d be updating the blog more regularly in 2008 … that didn’t happen.

Instead me and one of my frat brothers drank beer and watched every single bowl games that occurred between Jan 1-7, culminating with LSU’s waxing of OSU. I also wanted to gloat about that and Hawaii getting hammered, but you know, that didn’t happen either.

Then I wanted to write about how the NFL playoffs obviously were going to come down to Green Bay/Dallas and New England/Indy, with N.E. ultimately taking down Dallas and finishing the season 19-0. That didn’t happen either.

Well, 2008 Sportsologists, I’m finally here. Sorry for leaving you guys hanging, I’ll try to do better this year (although my predictions will likely remain way off).

NFL

The ultimate match-up is almost among us: Green Bay vs. New England. Brett Favre, a God to some people, versus the greatest QB of all-time Tom Brady. Yea, I said it. He could’ve easily pitched a perfect game against Jacksonville last weekend. Jacksonville is one of the best defenses in the league.

If Favre and his Packers knock of the Patriots, I’d definitely scream conspiracy, especially if he retires after the game.

As far as the Randy Moss thing that came out of nowhere, let’s not pass judgment on him. On Sportscenter last night, they referred to him as a trouble maker for nine years before turning his act around in New England.

I wouldn’t exactly call him that. He was more of a misunderstood character. Running over a traffic cop was a bad move and he’s done other immature things too, although the mooning incident was overblown, considering what the Packers fans do to opponents all the time.

Leonard Little is a troublemaker. PacMan Jones is a trouble attractor, if not a troublemaker. Moss is just a different kind of dude.

As for PacMan Jones, STAY OUT OF THE FREAKING STRIP CLUBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You do not belong there, every time you go there something bad happens, just stop it. Buy some porn, download some porn, hire strippers to come to your house, hire an escort, go to an Asian massage parlor, subscribe to Cinemax, get in a monogamous relationship, GO TO CHURCH, do whatever you have to do to stay out of the strip clubs. Period.

MLB

Little benefit has come out of releasing names in the Mitchell Report. Roger Clemens is making himself look like a real ass by trying to prove he’s innocent of taking steroids. The proof is in the pudding, enjoy the Barry Bonds treatment.

NBA

STOP SHOWING THE FREAKING MIAMI HEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Damn, I’m tired of seeing them come on TV. Why did Chicago vs. Miami come on TV, but Portland and Boston didn’t. What kind of sense does that make? If you don’t have flexibility in your TV schedule, ESPN, please bargain for it in your next agreement with the Association. This is absurd.

Guess who’s coming on ESPN tomorrow, by the way … yup, the MIAMI FREAKING HEAT! STOP IT DAVID STERN, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

College Football

Something has to be done to make coaches honor their contracts. This is getting ridiculous.

Teams to watch for next year (very early): Georgia, Ohio State, Florida, USC, Illinois, Texas.

College Basketball

Grant Wahl’s magic 8 came out yesterday. No complaints here. I haven’t really watched much college basketball this year, unfortunately. I don’t know why I haven’t been into it like I normally am.

Here at Drexel, our men’s team sucks. Our coach is one of those horrible coaches that is overrated for whatever reason. Bruiser Flint is one of those guys that coaches the exact same way regardless of who he has on his team, which is stupid.

Bill Belichick, one of the best coaches in any sport period, has become great by being completely flexible with his schemes, even on a week to week basis.

Sigh. My early favorites are Kansas, UCLA, and Washington State.

Memphis always finds a way to lose in the tourney, and UNC looked suspect against G. Tech last night.

Until next time ....