Is it too late to throw in a new candidate for Rookie of the Year in the National Basketball Association? I truly believe that Reggie Williams of the Golden State Warriors should be getting more mainstream attention than he has so far. If you don’t know who he is then start taking notice. I watch and follow a lot of teams and he’s the rookie I’ve been most impressed with as of late. In fact, he’s only played 15 games so far! Yes, it is ludicrous for me to want to put Reggie Williams in the Rookie of the Year conversation after only 15 games, but I’m doing it.
-His P.R.A (Points, Rebounds, Assists) average is at 21.2 right now. That’s right behind Brandon Jennings and good for 4th among Rookies.
-His 14.9 Points Per Game average is 4th among Rookies.
-His Rebounds Per Game average is 11th among Rookies and his Assists Per Game average is 9th.
-5 times he’s scored over 20 points.
-7 times he’s grabbed over 5 rebounds.
-4 times he’s dished out over 4 assists.
-3 times he’s stolen the ball 2 or more times.
-His Field Goal, 3 point, and Free Throw percentages are 51%, 41%, and 84%!
He has a very bright future in the NBA. If the Warriors don’t sign him someone is going to get a great young player for very cheap.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
UFC Fight Night-Florian vs Gomi Predictions
Kenny Florian over Takanori Gomi = I’m not a huge Kenny Florian fan, but I do think that time has passed Takanori Gomi by. I don’t know if his style will be a good match up for someone who uses good angles like Florian. I see Gomi being aggressive and coming straight forward, while Florian uses good footwork and positioning to get an Unanimous Decision.
Roy Nelson over Stefan Struve = Roy Nelson has more experience against higher level competition than Stefan Struve and it will show here. Nelson may be able to end this fight on the feet. Struve is good at using his length, but he doesn’t have a lot of power in his frame yet. Their Brazilian jiu-jitsu will cancel each other out. Nelson wins by Technical Knockout.
Nate Quarry over Jorge Rivera = I see this being a stand up fight. Both fighters are solid strikers and have decent chins. This could be the Fight of the Night. I see Nate Quarry winning a close Split Decision by landing more meaning strikes than Jorge Rivera.
Gleison Tibau over Caol Uno = Caol Uno is in a similar situation as Takanori Gomi. I think time has passed both fighters by. I just don’t think Uno’s style matches up well against most people inside the UFC. Gleison Tibau should get the Unanimous Decision here by outmuscling Uno against the cage.
Yushin Okami over Lucio Linhares = This is another solid match up. Most of the fights for this event could go either way. I’m really not expecting a very good win – loss record after this. Anyways, I’ll take Okami to win by Unanimous Decision here, by using his ground and pound. It could end early if Lucio Linhares doesn’t defend himself well on the ground.
Ross Pearson over Dennis Siver = This is a lot like the Nate Quarry – Jorge Rivera fight. Both people are probably just going to stand and bang. It should be very entertaining. Unlike the Nate Quarry – Jorge Rivera fight, I could see this one ending early with Ross Pearson getting the Technical Knockout.
Andre Winner over Rafaello Oliveira = This fight could go either way. These two fighters and evenly matched. Neither one has a huge advantage anywhere over the other. Rafaello Oliveira could submit Andre Winner, but I don’t see it going to the ground. I think Winner will land some good punches from the feet and finish with some ground and pound for the Technical Knockout win.
Ronys Torres over Jacob Volkmann = Both of these fighters have had tough first UFC opponents. It’s good that one of them will finally get a win. Whoever losses may not be in the UFC after the fight. I think Jacob Volkmann will try and wrestle with Ronys Torres, but Torres should be able to find a way to submit him in the end.
Nik Lentz over Rob Emerson = If these two slug it out I see Rob Emerson winning, but if Nik Lentz can mix a takedown in with the striking I see him winning by Unanimous Decision. I do see him getting some takedowns.
Gerald Harris over Mario Miranda = This is my favorite undercard fight of the night. Both fighters and great athletes and this fight could go anywhere. There is no telling if they will keep it standing or go for takedowns and try to win by lay and pray or ground and pound. Gerald Harris should win though by having UFC and The Ultimate Fighter experience.
Charlie Brenneman over Jason High = Two newcomers to the UFC for this fight. Both have solid wrestling, but Brenneman’s is better. He’ll use it to win the fight, but it will be close. Jason High is very talented and will get another UFC fight. Brenneman by Split Decision
Fight of the Night = Nate Quarry over Jorge Rivera
Knockout of the Night = Roy Nelson over Stefan Struve
Submission of the Night = Ronys Torres over Jacob Volkmann
Last UFC Event = 6-3
3 Overall UFC Events = 18-9 (9-4 Main Card fights)
Roy Nelson over Stefan Struve = Roy Nelson has more experience against higher level competition than Stefan Struve and it will show here. Nelson may be able to end this fight on the feet. Struve is good at using his length, but he doesn’t have a lot of power in his frame yet. Their Brazilian jiu-jitsu will cancel each other out. Nelson wins by Technical Knockout.
Nate Quarry over Jorge Rivera = I see this being a stand up fight. Both fighters are solid strikers and have decent chins. This could be the Fight of the Night. I see Nate Quarry winning a close Split Decision by landing more meaning strikes than Jorge Rivera.
Gleison Tibau over Caol Uno = Caol Uno is in a similar situation as Takanori Gomi. I think time has passed both fighters by. I just don’t think Uno’s style matches up well against most people inside the UFC. Gleison Tibau should get the Unanimous Decision here by outmuscling Uno against the cage.
Yushin Okami over Lucio Linhares = This is another solid match up. Most of the fights for this event could go either way. I’m really not expecting a very good win – loss record after this. Anyways, I’ll take Okami to win by Unanimous Decision here, by using his ground and pound. It could end early if Lucio Linhares doesn’t defend himself well on the ground.
Ross Pearson over Dennis Siver = This is a lot like the Nate Quarry – Jorge Rivera fight. Both people are probably just going to stand and bang. It should be very entertaining. Unlike the Nate Quarry – Jorge Rivera fight, I could see this one ending early with Ross Pearson getting the Technical Knockout.
Andre Winner over Rafaello Oliveira = This fight could go either way. These two fighters and evenly matched. Neither one has a huge advantage anywhere over the other. Rafaello Oliveira could submit Andre Winner, but I don’t see it going to the ground. I think Winner will land some good punches from the feet and finish with some ground and pound for the Technical Knockout win.
Ronys Torres over Jacob Volkmann = Both of these fighters have had tough first UFC opponents. It’s good that one of them will finally get a win. Whoever losses may not be in the UFC after the fight. I think Jacob Volkmann will try and wrestle with Ronys Torres, but Torres should be able to find a way to submit him in the end.
Nik Lentz over Rob Emerson = If these two slug it out I see Rob Emerson winning, but if Nik Lentz can mix a takedown in with the striking I see him winning by Unanimous Decision. I do see him getting some takedowns.
Gerald Harris over Mario Miranda = This is my favorite undercard fight of the night. Both fighters and great athletes and this fight could go anywhere. There is no telling if they will keep it standing or go for takedowns and try to win by lay and pray or ground and pound. Gerald Harris should win though by having UFC and The Ultimate Fighter experience.
Charlie Brenneman over Jason High = Two newcomers to the UFC for this fight. Both have solid wrestling, but Brenneman’s is better. He’ll use it to win the fight, but it will be close. Jason High is very talented and will get another UFC fight. Brenneman by Split Decision
Fight of the Night = Nate Quarry over Jorge Rivera
Knockout of the Night = Roy Nelson over Stefan Struve
Submission of the Night = Ronys Torres over Jacob Volkmann
Last UFC Event = 6-3
3 Overall UFC Events = 18-9 (9-4 Main Card fights)
Monday, March 22, 2010
UFC 111 Predictions
-Georges St-Pierre over Dan Hardy = Dan Hardy has some power, but his striking isn’t as crisp as some would like you to believe. Georges St-Pierre is better all around and his skills will be on full display during this fight before he gets the technical knock out.
-Frank Mir over Shane Carwin = This is a lot like the St. Pierre-Hardy fight. Shane Carwin has a lot of power, but I don’t think that will be enough to take out Frank Mir. I see Mir getting another Technical Knock Out.
-Jon Fitch over Thiago Alves = Thiago Alves got taken down at will during his last fight against GSP and that’s exactly what Jon Fitch will do in this fight. It wouldn’t be very smart for him to try and strike with Alves. I see this being the fight of the night, but a split decision for Fitch none the less!
-Jim Miller over Mark Bocek = Both are solid on the ground, but I think Jim Miller’s striking and wrestling will be the difference in this fight. Miller should get the unanimous decision.
-Nate Diaz over Rory Markham = Nate Diaz is moving up in weight and Rory Markham is no push over. I think Nate Diaz will eventually get the submission though. The only chance Markham has is to knock out Diaz and Diaz has good enough stand up to not let that happen.
-Ben Saunders over Jake Ellenberger = This should be a close fight. I see Ben Saunders clinch work being the difference here. He should be able to use his length to his advantage in this fight to get the split decision.
-Ricardo Almeida over Matt Brown = Coming down to 170 was a good idea for Ricardo Almeida. He should find a good deal of success there. Matt Brown will be a good test for him, but in the end he should get a submission win for himself.
-Kurt Pellegrino over Fabricio Camoes = I’m not sure how to gauge Fabricio Camoes just yet. He had a draw in his first UFC fight. This will be a much bigger test than his first fight though. Kurt Pellegrino will be too much for Camoes this early in his career. I think the UFC will keep him around though and see what he is made of.
-Rodney Wallace over Jared Hamman = One has the height advantage and one has the power advantage. I’ll take the power in this fight. Rodney Wallace should knock out Jared Hamman ending his UFC career.
-Rousimar Palhares over Tomasz Drwal = This is actually my favorite match up of the whole card. This will be a very close and exciting fight. Whoever wins will really make a name for themselves in the 185 pound division. I like Rousimar Palhares to win be unanimous decision here though.
-Greg Soto over Matthew Riddle = This is really a toss up of a fight. It could go either way. I see the new comer getting a win though.
Fight of The Night = Jon Fitch over Thiago Alves
Knockout of The Night = Frank Mir over Shane Carwin
Submission of The Night = Ricardo Almeida over Matt Brown
8-2 last UFC event
12-6 Overall for UFC events
-Frank Mir over Shane Carwin = This is a lot like the St. Pierre-Hardy fight. Shane Carwin has a lot of power, but I don’t think that will be enough to take out Frank Mir. I see Mir getting another Technical Knock Out.
-Jon Fitch over Thiago Alves = Thiago Alves got taken down at will during his last fight against GSP and that’s exactly what Jon Fitch will do in this fight. It wouldn’t be very smart for him to try and strike with Alves. I see this being the fight of the night, but a split decision for Fitch none the less!
-Jim Miller over Mark Bocek = Both are solid on the ground, but I think Jim Miller’s striking and wrestling will be the difference in this fight. Miller should get the unanimous decision.
-Nate Diaz over Rory Markham = Nate Diaz is moving up in weight and Rory Markham is no push over. I think Nate Diaz will eventually get the submission though. The only chance Markham has is to knock out Diaz and Diaz has good enough stand up to not let that happen.
-Ben Saunders over Jake Ellenberger = This should be a close fight. I see Ben Saunders clinch work being the difference here. He should be able to use his length to his advantage in this fight to get the split decision.
-Ricardo Almeida over Matt Brown = Coming down to 170 was a good idea for Ricardo Almeida. He should find a good deal of success there. Matt Brown will be a good test for him, but in the end he should get a submission win for himself.
-Kurt Pellegrino over Fabricio Camoes = I’m not sure how to gauge Fabricio Camoes just yet. He had a draw in his first UFC fight. This will be a much bigger test than his first fight though. Kurt Pellegrino will be too much for Camoes this early in his career. I think the UFC will keep him around though and see what he is made of.
-Rodney Wallace over Jared Hamman = One has the height advantage and one has the power advantage. I’ll take the power in this fight. Rodney Wallace should knock out Jared Hamman ending his UFC career.
-Rousimar Palhares over Tomasz Drwal = This is actually my favorite match up of the whole card. This will be a very close and exciting fight. Whoever wins will really make a name for themselves in the 185 pound division. I like Rousimar Palhares to win be unanimous decision here though.
-Greg Soto over Matthew Riddle = This is really a toss up of a fight. It could go either way. I see the new comer getting a win though.
Fight of The Night = Jon Fitch over Thiago Alves
Knockout of The Night = Frank Mir over Shane Carwin
Submission of The Night = Ricardo Almeida over Matt Brown
8-2 last UFC event
12-6 Overall for UFC events
The Washington Wizards 2010 Lottery Draft Board
Here is what I think the Washington Wizards draft board should look like.
1. John Wall = Gilbert Arenas isn’t going to win a championship for us. John Wall might!
2. Evan Turner = We have needed a solid shooting guard since Jerry Stackhouse, Richard Hamilton, and Michael Jordan. He could be a Kobe Bryant or Dwayne Wade clone who can get points, rebounds, and assists.
3. Greg Monroe = He can play Center and Power Forward. He’s also a very good passing big man. He could probably start right away for us.
4. DeMarcus Cousins = He’s a big bodied Center, but he might also be a Zach Randolph clone. He might be risky, but he also has a lot of upside.
5. Derrick Favors = A great Power Forward prospect. If we draft him though, Andray Blatche might have to play Center full time.
6. Cole Aldrich = He’s a very polished Center. He’s solid on defense. I think he would start right away for us.
7. Al-Farouq Aminu = I don’t know if Al Thornton or Josh Howard or Mike Miller are the answer at Small Forward for our team. Aminu can score some and get rebounds and assists.
8. Patrick Patterson = I don’t think he’s going to be a star, but I think he will be a solid starter or bench player in the NBA. I wouldn’t mind having him on this team.
9. Hassan Whiteside = He’s raw and has a lot of work to do, but he could be very good in a couple of years. If none of the other players are left, I’d take him.
10. Ed Davis = He’s raw and has a lot of work to do, but he could be very good in a couple of years. If none of the other players are left, I’d take him.
11. Wesley Johnson = I could move him up to number 7, but I think he might be maxing out already. I don’t know why, but I always listen to my gut. If I’m wrong though, he could be a Caron Butler clone.
1. John Wall = Gilbert Arenas isn’t going to win a championship for us. John Wall might!
2. Evan Turner = We have needed a solid shooting guard since Jerry Stackhouse, Richard Hamilton, and Michael Jordan. He could be a Kobe Bryant or Dwayne Wade clone who can get points, rebounds, and assists.
3. Greg Monroe = He can play Center and Power Forward. He’s also a very good passing big man. He could probably start right away for us.
4. DeMarcus Cousins = He’s a big bodied Center, but he might also be a Zach Randolph clone. He might be risky, but he also has a lot of upside.
5. Derrick Favors = A great Power Forward prospect. If we draft him though, Andray Blatche might have to play Center full time.
6. Cole Aldrich = He’s a very polished Center. He’s solid on defense. I think he would start right away for us.
7. Al-Farouq Aminu = I don’t know if Al Thornton or Josh Howard or Mike Miller are the answer at Small Forward for our team. Aminu can score some and get rebounds and assists.
8. Patrick Patterson = I don’t think he’s going to be a star, but I think he will be a solid starter or bench player in the NBA. I wouldn’t mind having him on this team.
9. Hassan Whiteside = He’s raw and has a lot of work to do, but he could be very good in a couple of years. If none of the other players are left, I’d take him.
10. Ed Davis = He’s raw and has a lot of work to do, but he could be very good in a couple of years. If none of the other players are left, I’d take him.
11. Wesley Johnson = I could move him up to number 7, but I think he might be maxing out already. I don’t know why, but I always listen to my gut. If I’m wrong though, he could be a Caron Butler clone.
My UFC top 10
Here is my own personal UFC Top 10 for each weight class. It was hard making it only top 10, but I did my best. There are a lot of really good fighters in the UFC and so many of them haven’t matched up that it is hard to really gauge just how good everyone is.
265
1. Brock Lesner
2. Frank Mir
3. Junior Dos Santos
4. Cain Velasquez
5. Shane Carwin
6. Antonio Nogueira
7. Gabriel Gonzaga
8. Cheick Kongo
9. Roy Nelson
10. Todd Duffee
205
1. Lyoto Machida
2. Mauricio Rua
3. Rashad Evans
4. Quinton Jackson
5. Jon Jones
6. Rogerio Nogueira
7. Ryan Bader
8. Thiago Silva
9. Phil Davis
10. Rich Franklin
185
1. Anderson Silva
2. Chael Sonnen
3. Nate Marquardt
4. Vitor Belfort
5. Damian Maia
6. Rousimar Palhares
7. Yoshihiro Akiyama
8. Yushin Okami
9. Aaron Simpson
10. Nate Quarry
170
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Thiago Alves
4. Paulo Thiago
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Paul Daley
7. Dan Hardy
8. Diego Sanchez
9. Johny Hendricks
10. Anthony Johnson
155
1. B.J. Penn
2. Gray Maynard
3. Frankie Edgar
4. Kenny Florian
5. Sean Sherk
6. Tyson Griffin
7. Jim Miller
8. George Sotiropoulos
9. Joe Stevenson
10. Melvin Guillard
265
1. Brock Lesner
2. Frank Mir
3. Junior Dos Santos
4. Cain Velasquez
5. Shane Carwin
6. Antonio Nogueira
7. Gabriel Gonzaga
8. Cheick Kongo
9. Roy Nelson
10. Todd Duffee
205
1. Lyoto Machida
2. Mauricio Rua
3. Rashad Evans
4. Quinton Jackson
5. Jon Jones
6. Rogerio Nogueira
7. Ryan Bader
8. Thiago Silva
9. Phil Davis
10. Rich Franklin
185
1. Anderson Silva
2. Chael Sonnen
3. Nate Marquardt
4. Vitor Belfort
5. Damian Maia
6. Rousimar Palhares
7. Yoshihiro Akiyama
8. Yushin Okami
9. Aaron Simpson
10. Nate Quarry
170
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Thiago Alves
4. Paulo Thiago
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Paul Daley
7. Dan Hardy
8. Diego Sanchez
9. Johny Hendricks
10. Anthony Johnson
155
1. B.J. Penn
2. Gray Maynard
3. Frankie Edgar
4. Kenny Florian
5. Sean Sherk
6. Tyson Griffin
7. Jim Miller
8. George Sotiropoulos
9. Joe Stevenson
10. Melvin Guillard
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Real March Madness
What is March Madness? Is it about the shear unpredictability of who gets into the field of 65? Is it about the exciting finishes of the games? Maybe it's a little of both and then some. To me though, real March Madness is about being mad that your bracket got so busted, because of the upsets. That being the case, I'm extremely mad right now. This has been the maddest March of all time already and it's only going to get madder. I expect more upsets and not 1, but 2 Cinderellas this year. I still stand by my Kentucky pick to win the championship though. They have 3 first round draft choices. I never bet against the team with the most quality NBA talent. That's why UNC won last year!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tiger Tiger Tiger!
So Tiger Woods is going to play at the Masters. He is also the favorite. I don't care! I'm calling it right now. He will not win. I repeat. He will not win. Yes, Tiger Woods is the best golf player in the world and yes, Tiger Woods won a major right after knee surgery, not too long ago, but this is a little different. This isn't a physical injury. This is a mental injury he's going through. Golf isn't a physical game. It's a mental game. I think he's going to need some time to recover from this sex scandal. I don't know how much practice time and training he's been putting in also, but I just have a feeling that he is not going to be on his "A" game at the Masters. Take the field!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
UFC Live on Versus - Vera vs. Jones Predictions
The first Ultimate Fighting Champion on the Versus network should be a very good one. There are a lot of close fights. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of them went different than I predict. Here are my thoughts though.
-Jon Jones over Brandon Vera by Unanimous Decision = Jon Jones is the future of the 205 division. He’s with a great camp now also. This fight will really tell where he is as a fighter. Brandon Vera should try to keep this fight in the clinch, against the cage or try to take Jon Jones down if he wants to win. Those are two positions we haven’t really seen Jon Jones tested in yet.
-Junior Dos Santos over Gabriel Gonzaga by Technical Knockout = Gabriel Gonzaga will try and stand with Junior Dos Santos and when he loses that battle he’ll try to get him down to the ground. I don’t see that happening. Dos Santos will outbox Gonzaga to a TKO.
-Cheick Kongo over Paul Buentello by TKO = This should be an easy fight for Kongo. Buentello probably shouldn’t be in the UFC at this point in his career.
-Alessio Sakara over James Irvin by TKO = It will be interesting to see how the weight cut to 185 for James Irvin will be. Will he be faster? Or will he have less power and cardio. I think he will gas and it will end up costing him the fight.
-Clay Guida over Shannon Gugerty by Split Decision = Clay Guida will probably wrestle Shannon Gugerty to the ground for three rounds and get the Split Decision.
-Eliot Marshall over Vladimir Matyushenko by SD = A very solid matchup that could go either way. I think Eliot Marshall’s youth and athleticism will win out in the end though.
-John Howard over Daniel Roberts by Knockout = UFC new comers normally don’t do too well in their debuts. I don’t see this being any different. John Howard is very good with his hands and should knockout the newcomer.
-Brendan Schaub over Chase Gormley by Submission = The loser of this fight may not have a future in the UFC. Chase Gormley will try to wrestle Brendan Schaub down, but it won’t work. I see Schaub knocking Gormley down and then pouncing on him for the submission.
-Mike Pierce over Julio Paulino by UD = Julio Paulino is a very good fighter. He has a future in the UFC. Mike Pierce might be a little too tough right now though.
-Eric Schafer over Jason Brilz by SD = This will either be an exciting fight or a very boring fight. It should be close though. Eric Shafer’s striking should win out in the end though.
Fight of the Night = Jon Jones over Brandon Vera by Unanimous Decision
Submission of the Night = Brendan Schaub over Chase Gormley by Submission
Knockout of the Night = John Howard over Daniel Roberts by Knockout
Last UFC 4-4-1 (The Mirko Cro Cop match doesn’t count since his original opponent dropped out at the last minute)
-Jon Jones over Brandon Vera by Unanimous Decision = Jon Jones is the future of the 205 division. He’s with a great camp now also. This fight will really tell where he is as a fighter. Brandon Vera should try to keep this fight in the clinch, against the cage or try to take Jon Jones down if he wants to win. Those are two positions we haven’t really seen Jon Jones tested in yet.
-Junior Dos Santos over Gabriel Gonzaga by Technical Knockout = Gabriel Gonzaga will try and stand with Junior Dos Santos and when he loses that battle he’ll try to get him down to the ground. I don’t see that happening. Dos Santos will outbox Gonzaga to a TKO.
-Cheick Kongo over Paul Buentello by TKO = This should be an easy fight for Kongo. Buentello probably shouldn’t be in the UFC at this point in his career.
-Alessio Sakara over James Irvin by TKO = It will be interesting to see how the weight cut to 185 for James Irvin will be. Will he be faster? Or will he have less power and cardio. I think he will gas and it will end up costing him the fight.
-Clay Guida over Shannon Gugerty by Split Decision = Clay Guida will probably wrestle Shannon Gugerty to the ground for three rounds and get the Split Decision.
-Eliot Marshall over Vladimir Matyushenko by SD = A very solid matchup that could go either way. I think Eliot Marshall’s youth and athleticism will win out in the end though.
-John Howard over Daniel Roberts by Knockout = UFC new comers normally don’t do too well in their debuts. I don’t see this being any different. John Howard is very good with his hands and should knockout the newcomer.
-Brendan Schaub over Chase Gormley by Submission = The loser of this fight may not have a future in the UFC. Chase Gormley will try to wrestle Brendan Schaub down, but it won’t work. I see Schaub knocking Gormley down and then pouncing on him for the submission.
-Mike Pierce over Julio Paulino by UD = Julio Paulino is a very good fighter. He has a future in the UFC. Mike Pierce might be a little too tough right now though.
-Eric Schafer over Jason Brilz by SD = This will either be an exciting fight or a very boring fight. It should be close though. Eric Shafer’s striking should win out in the end though.
Fight of the Night = Jon Jones over Brandon Vera by Unanimous Decision
Submission of the Night = Brendan Schaub over Chase Gormley by Submission
Knockout of the Night = John Howard over Daniel Roberts by Knockout
Last UFC 4-4-1 (The Mirko Cro Cop match doesn’t count since his original opponent dropped out at the last minute)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
My Larry Johnson Rant
My Washington Redskins have signed running back Larry Johnson. WOW! Why are we doing this again? He's finished. He's not going to help our backfield. We already have one physical, non-motivated runner in Clinton Portis. That's not why I'm considering boycotting my Washington Redskins and switching to another team. It's because of Larry Johnson's off the field problems. I don't know him, but I think I can safely say that he's not a very good person. He's insulted his coaches. He's tossed around gay slurs. He's been horrible to women. He's not the kind of player I want on my team. I can't believe he could possibly make 12 million dollars. If I did one thing he did I'd be fired or in jail. I don't care if he produces this season. I will still not be a fan or supporter of his. I really hope Washington has a bigger plan in mind.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
GMU Wrestling
From March 18-20, 2010 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships will take place. I would just like to congratulate two team mates of mine. Good luck to Brandon Bucher and Bagna Tovuujav. They will be competing in the tournament at the 149 and 174 pound weight classes respectively. GO MASON! GO PATRIOTS!
Fixing The Washington Redskins
Here are some tips from yours truly on how the Washington Redskins can win a championship again. I hope they are listening.
1. Get the right front office and coaching staffs in place! = Maybe we’ve finally done that, but time will tell.
2. Draft and sign the right players. = This means don’t draft or sign players that you aren’t going to use correctly. Very few players are capable of doing it all, so put the players in the right positions to use their strengths and hide their weaknesses.
3. Get rid of every overpaid, underachieving, or past their prime player on the roster.
4. Build up the offensive and defensive lines. = Jason Campbell is a solid quarterback who can win a franchise games, but he needs to be protected. Our linebackers and secondary are solid as well, but they can only be effective if our front 3 or 4 are stopping the run or pressuring the quarterback.
5. Don’t draft a quarterback this year. = I’m not sold on any of them.
6. Make special teams a priority. = Special teams can both win and lose you games. Don’t let them lose us anymore games.
7. Get rid of Clinton Portis. = He’s past his prime and not even the Shanahan zone blocking scheme can revive his career.
8. Keep Jason Campbell. = He has been getting better and better every year. He’s not as bad as the team makes him look.
9. Quit firing coordinators and coaches after just 1 or 2 years. = This is another major reason why the Redskins haven’t been winning games. Player can learn a system in 1 or 2 years, but they need longer to master it and become a great player within that system.
10. Honor Chris Samuels. = He’s been a great Redskin and honoring him will make current Redskins play harder and with more passion, because it shows that their contributions will not go unnoticed.
11. Hire a new strength and conditioning and athletic injury staff. = Our players are always hurt and hiring better suited trainers would probably help prevent that.
12. Do not change the Redskins name! = Yes, it is racist, but I like the name. I like the colors. I like the symbol. I know it’s wrong, but I’m so used to it that I don’t want it to change.
Obviously the team needs to get better at every position in order to contend for a championship, but that would be too much to write for a blog. Maybe one day I’ll write a book on how to build a NFL championship team, but that’s not today. The 12 suggestions I made are a good start.
1. Get the right front office and coaching staffs in place! = Maybe we’ve finally done that, but time will tell.
2. Draft and sign the right players. = This means don’t draft or sign players that you aren’t going to use correctly. Very few players are capable of doing it all, so put the players in the right positions to use their strengths and hide their weaknesses.
3. Get rid of every overpaid, underachieving, or past their prime player on the roster.
4. Build up the offensive and defensive lines. = Jason Campbell is a solid quarterback who can win a franchise games, but he needs to be protected. Our linebackers and secondary are solid as well, but they can only be effective if our front 3 or 4 are stopping the run or pressuring the quarterback.
5. Don’t draft a quarterback this year. = I’m not sold on any of them.
6. Make special teams a priority. = Special teams can both win and lose you games. Don’t let them lose us anymore games.
7. Get rid of Clinton Portis. = He’s past his prime and not even the Shanahan zone blocking scheme can revive his career.
8. Keep Jason Campbell. = He has been getting better and better every year. He’s not as bad as the team makes him look.
9. Quit firing coordinators and coaches after just 1 or 2 years. = This is another major reason why the Redskins haven’t been winning games. Player can learn a system in 1 or 2 years, but they need longer to master it and become a great player within that system.
10. Honor Chris Samuels. = He’s been a great Redskin and honoring him will make current Redskins play harder and with more passion, because it shows that their contributions will not go unnoticed.
11. Hire a new strength and conditioning and athletic injury staff. = Our players are always hurt and hiring better suited trainers would probably help prevent that.
12. Do not change the Redskins name! = Yes, it is racist, but I like the name. I like the colors. I like the symbol. I know it’s wrong, but I’m so used to it that I don’t want it to change.
Obviously the team needs to get better at every position in order to contend for a championship, but that would be too much to write for a blog. Maybe one day I’ll write a book on how to build a NFL championship team, but that’s not today. The 12 suggestions I made are a good start.
Fixing The Washington Wizards
The main goal of sports should always be to win a championship. “You play to win the game”. The Washington Wizards, as they are currently constructed, haven’t been winning too many games. It’s so bad that, at this juncture, I’m not sure if a single player on the roster could start for a team with a winning record. They have some talent, but that talent is either raw, underachieving, or suspended. I tend to live in a fantasy world, so let me explain what I am doing here. I am deciding who on the Washington Wizards roster should be on the team next year and who shouldn’t be. I don’t care about contracts or clauses. I am making this very simple. If the Washington Wizards want to build a winner here is who I think should stay or go.
Point Guards- Gilbert Arenas = I think after missing so much playing time to injury and suspension he has to go. He’s still a very good player, but in the last few years he’s created more drama than production.
Randy Foye = I wouldn’t mind keeping him on the team as a backup. I don’t think he is an NBA starter though. He’s also an in-between player without a real position.
Earl Boykins = He’s played pretty well for the Wizards this year, but I’m only a fan of keeping small players if they are young. That is because they are normally pretty good defenders against other small players. He will probably be gone after this year, but he may get a contract with another team.
Javaris Crittenton = He will be gone after this season. I actually like him as a player. He’s not a great shooter, but he has some defensive and passing abilities.
Shaun Livingston = He’s gone after this year too. I’ve always been a fan of his, but he just hasn’t been the same since his horrific knee injury.
Mike James = The best thing Flip Saunders has done this season is not play Mike James. He probably has a place on some NBA roster, but his shot selection is horrible. He has to go.
Shooting Guards- Mike Miller = I like Mike Miller a lot. I think he is a back up though. He doesn’t really do anything great, but he does everything well. I think the Wizards should try and keep him.
Nick Young = He’s a streaky shooter who I think could be a solid sixth man if he was given the minutes and freedom to just score. He’ll be back and maybe next year will be better for him.
Quinton Ross = No real reason to keep him or get rid of him, but I don’t think he can be a player on a championship team and since that is the goal, I say he should go.
Small Forwards- Josh Howard = I don’t think he really has a passion for basketball now that he’s made some money. I say he goes, but we’ll see what the Wizards do. They tend to make bad decisions.
Al Thornton = He’s another player who I wouldn’t mind if he stayed on as a bench shooter. Give him minutes and the freedom to score and he can help a team win some games. Keep him.
Mike Harris = Gone after this year. Probably back to the NBDL.
Power Forwards- Andray Blatche = He’s been great since he became a starter. He looks like he’s finally putting everything together. Even if he hasn’t and his current production is just a mirage, I say keep him as a Lamar Odom type off the bench.
James Singleton = I say keep him. He’s a solid rebounder and a good defender.
Centers- JaVale McGee = He is too raw. Yes, I said too raw. He doesn’t rebound like he should be able to. He’s lost on defense. He tries to block too many shots. I say let him go.
Fabricio Oberto = He will probably be gone after this year. He’s a shell of his former self.
Keepers = Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Nick Young, Al Thornton, Andray Blatche, James Singleton.
Point Guards- Gilbert Arenas = I think after missing so much playing time to injury and suspension he has to go. He’s still a very good player, but in the last few years he’s created more drama than production.
Randy Foye = I wouldn’t mind keeping him on the team as a backup. I don’t think he is an NBA starter though. He’s also an in-between player without a real position.
Earl Boykins = He’s played pretty well for the Wizards this year, but I’m only a fan of keeping small players if they are young. That is because they are normally pretty good defenders against other small players. He will probably be gone after this year, but he may get a contract with another team.
Javaris Crittenton = He will be gone after this season. I actually like him as a player. He’s not a great shooter, but he has some defensive and passing abilities.
Shaun Livingston = He’s gone after this year too. I’ve always been a fan of his, but he just hasn’t been the same since his horrific knee injury.
Mike James = The best thing Flip Saunders has done this season is not play Mike James. He probably has a place on some NBA roster, but his shot selection is horrible. He has to go.
Shooting Guards- Mike Miller = I like Mike Miller a lot. I think he is a back up though. He doesn’t really do anything great, but he does everything well. I think the Wizards should try and keep him.
Nick Young = He’s a streaky shooter who I think could be a solid sixth man if he was given the minutes and freedom to just score. He’ll be back and maybe next year will be better for him.
Quinton Ross = No real reason to keep him or get rid of him, but I don’t think he can be a player on a championship team and since that is the goal, I say he should go.
Small Forwards- Josh Howard = I don’t think he really has a passion for basketball now that he’s made some money. I say he goes, but we’ll see what the Wizards do. They tend to make bad decisions.
Al Thornton = He’s another player who I wouldn’t mind if he stayed on as a bench shooter. Give him minutes and the freedom to score and he can help a team win some games. Keep him.
Mike Harris = Gone after this year. Probably back to the NBDL.
Power Forwards- Andray Blatche = He’s been great since he became a starter. He looks like he’s finally putting everything together. Even if he hasn’t and his current production is just a mirage, I say keep him as a Lamar Odom type off the bench.
James Singleton = I say keep him. He’s a solid rebounder and a good defender.
Centers- JaVale McGee = He is too raw. Yes, I said too raw. He doesn’t rebound like he should be able to. He’s lost on defense. He tries to block too many shots. I say let him go.
Fabricio Oberto = He will probably be gone after this year. He’s a shell of his former self.
Keepers = Randy Foye, Mike Miller, Nick Young, Al Thornton, Andray Blatche, James Singleton.
The Curious Case of LeBron James
Should LeBron James stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or should he go elsewhere in free agency? I personally think he should stay, but since it’s not my decision we’ll let him decide. Here is what I imagine is going through his head right now.
Should I stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or should I leave?
*To Stay
-I was born in Ohio.
-My family and I are comfortable and know where everything is.
-My family and I know the people of this area.
-I’m already a hero here.
-I’m already a superstar here.
-I’m already rich.
-My team is good.
-I have a good General Manager and Owner.
-The team is trying to win now.
-I could lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first title ever.
-Many of the all time greats only played for one team during their prime.
-I could make the most money if I resign here.
*To Go
-My family and I could explore a new area and meet new people and be adventurous.
-I could be a hero in another town.
-I could make more endorsement money being in a bigger market.
-I could lead another team to a championship.
-I could be the best player ever for multiple franchises.
-My team is aging and doesn’t have a great young nucleus for the future.
I’m sure there are a countless number of variables to LeBron James’ decision, but it does seem as though staying may be the best choice. In the not to distant future we will find out what The King is going to do. I predict he will stay put though. Time will tell. I could be right or I could be wrong. We’ll see.
Should I stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers or should I leave?
*To Stay
-I was born in Ohio.
-My family and I are comfortable and know where everything is.
-My family and I know the people of this area.
-I’m already a hero here.
-I’m already a superstar here.
-I’m already rich.
-My team is good.
-I have a good General Manager and Owner.
-The team is trying to win now.
-I could lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first title ever.
-Many of the all time greats only played for one team during their prime.
-I could make the most money if I resign here.
*To Go
-My family and I could explore a new area and meet new people and be adventurous.
-I could be a hero in another town.
-I could make more endorsement money being in a bigger market.
-I could lead another team to a championship.
-I could be the best player ever for multiple franchises.
-My team is aging and doesn’t have a great young nucleus for the future.
I’m sure there are a countless number of variables to LeBron James’ decision, but it does seem as though staying may be the best choice. In the not to distant future we will find out what The King is going to do. I predict he will stay put though. Time will tell. I could be right or I could be wrong. We’ll see.
A Change You Can Believe In
You may have noticed some changes to the blog. Maybe you haven’t. I’ve decided to start this blog over. I’m going to start from scratch. It’s going to be new and fresh. I am doing this, because I feel as though I wasn’t being true to myself. I wasn’t writing how I wanted to write. All of that will change now. I am now going to write in my true voice and my true style. I hope you will read and I hope you will enjoy.
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