Two words: Zack. Greinke. The best story in baseball this season had his best game ever.
It was almost -- almost -- enough to knock the NBA's double-trouble last night from the lead of today's SN column.
I will only say this once: If you look back to November, in the NBA preseason picks, I predicted Rockets-Magic in the NBA Finals. This morning may be as close as I get.
The Rockets were one of a very very short list of teams actually competing for a championship this year, and they seem to have the ingredients to hang with the Lakers: Yao as the hub, Ron-Ron as the X-factor, Battier as the defensive glue, Brooks as the backcourt scoring punch. Anyone else think the Rockets were sunk when Yao went out with 5 minutes to play? Houston was still ahead, but you could see the Lakers coming -- especially if the Rockets didn't have Yao. His return and subsequent contributions (8 pts in the final minutes)... let's just say that if that happened with KG in Boston or LeBron in NY, the hype would never stop.
The Celtics are another matter: Who DIDN'T see the Magic winning in Boston last night coming a mile away? The Celtics probably thought the first two quarters were a few more stanzas of OT against the Bulls -- of course, the Bulls weren't as good as the Magic.
As predictable as the Celtics' Game 1 loss was the notion that the Magic nearly let an umpteen-point lead slip away in the 2nd half. I almost thought they would throw the game away entirely -- but even the psychologically challenged Magic couldn't blow THAT big of a lead.
LeBron as MVP: Really, it was no contest. Statistically, he put together one of the greatest individual seasons of all time. And he led his team to the best record in the NBA, including the 40-win season at home. He makes everyone better and is, himself, unstoppable.
I asked this in the column: At what point does LeBron get the "Anyone But You" effect on his MVP votes? Presumably, he will be the best player in the NBA every year for the next, say, decade. Like they did with Jordan, the MVP voters will want some variety: Maybe Dwight Howard one year, maybe Wade, maybe Durant...eventually.
But let's not kid ourselves: LeBron is the best player in the game. He will remain the best player in the game. He may very well be the best player ever. Without a ring, it is all meaningless.
Complete SN column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
Monday 05/04 A.M. Quickie:
Celtics, Nuggets, Crawford, A-Rod, More
Do we really have to talk about A-Rod today?
I guess the other option is to talk about how the NBA Playoffs have reverted to their original state from a few weeks ago -- blah. (But not so "blah" it couldn't lead today's SN column!)
In the end, what did the Celtics-Bulls series really matter? Like the Celtics can beat the Cavs. Game 7 was a let-down -- it certainly dropped the series behind Warriors-Mavs '07 as the best 1st-round series ever. (The difference? How great could it be if the higher-seeded team ends up winning?)
Beyond that, it looks like we'll get barely interesting series -- the Mavs seem overmatched, and though the Rockets are run fascinatingly, they have "won" simply by getting out of the 1st round.
In the East, the Cavs will blow past the Hawks, and -- again -- does it really matter if the Celtics or the Magic advance? I guess we want to see Celtics-Cavs for the East title.
Meanwhile, in MLB, there's A-Rod, but there are also more fun topics -- like Carl Crawford's 6 steals (not bad in an era where steals have been debunked as more harm than help). Or Verlander's 11 Ks. Or the Strasburg Watch.
Complete column here. More later.
- D.S.
I guess the other option is to talk about how the NBA Playoffs have reverted to their original state from a few weeks ago -- blah. (But not so "blah" it couldn't lead today's SN column!)
In the end, what did the Celtics-Bulls series really matter? Like the Celtics can beat the Cavs. Game 7 was a let-down -- it certainly dropped the series behind Warriors-Mavs '07 as the best 1st-round series ever. (The difference? How great could it be if the higher-seeded team ends up winning?)
Beyond that, it looks like we'll get barely interesting series -- the Mavs seem overmatched, and though the Rockets are run fascinatingly, they have "won" simply by getting out of the 1st round.
In the East, the Cavs will blow past the Hawks, and -- again -- does it really matter if the Celtics or the Magic advance? I guess we want to see Celtics-Cavs for the East title.
Meanwhile, in MLB, there's A-Rod, but there are also more fun topics -- like Carl Crawford's 6 steals (not bad in an era where steals have been debunked as more harm than help). Or Verlander's 11 Ks. Or the Strasburg Watch.
Complete column here. More later.
- D.S.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Sunday 05/03 (Very) Quickie
I had thought that the Celtics-Bulls series couldn't possibly be diminished from its Game 7 -- how can you screw up a Game 7, when the first 6 were so awesome?
But that's what happened: BECAUSE the first 6 (well, 5 of 6) were so awesome, Game 7 felt... like a let-down. It didn't really go down to the final minutes -- the Bulls were a little too far out the entire way in. There was no last-shot drama, no buzzer-beater.
And, face it: For this to be truly special, the Bulls would have to have won in Boston, eliminating the defending champs.
Compare that to the Kentucky Derby, which was spectacular -- all you needed was that final 15 seconds, when Mine That Bird went from back-of-the-pack to the lead...then about 10 lengths beyond that. All at 50-1. It was an amazing race and amazing result.
Caps beat Pens in NHL Game 1: Simeon Varlamov's save with the game tied 2-2 may have been the greatest hockey save I have ever seen. If the Pens had gone up 3-2, who knows if the Caps would have been able to tie and win the game. Down 0-1, who knows if the Caps would have been able to rally to win the series. Beyond that, it was just a sick save.
MLB Highlights: Sabathia loses (again!)... Dan Haren (11 K) and Ted Lilly (10 K) are the best of the day... I REALLY picked the wrong day not to start Ryan Spilborghs on my fantasy team; it was the best day of his career (3/4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB)... Hey, the Red Sox finally won at the Trop!
Yeah, Manny Pacquiao is pretty good.
-- D.S.
But that's what happened: BECAUSE the first 6 (well, 5 of 6) were so awesome, Game 7 felt... like a let-down. It didn't really go down to the final minutes -- the Bulls were a little too far out the entire way in. There was no last-shot drama, no buzzer-beater.
And, face it: For this to be truly special, the Bulls would have to have won in Boston, eliminating the defending champs.
Compare that to the Kentucky Derby, which was spectacular -- all you needed was that final 15 seconds, when Mine That Bird went from back-of-the-pack to the lead...then about 10 lengths beyond that. All at 50-1. It was an amazing race and amazing result.
Caps beat Pens in NHL Game 1: Simeon Varlamov's save with the game tied 2-2 may have been the greatest hockey save I have ever seen. If the Pens had gone up 3-2, who knows if the Caps would have been able to tie and win the game. Down 0-1, who knows if the Caps would have been able to rally to win the series. Beyond that, it was just a sick save.
MLB Highlights: Sabathia loses (again!)... Dan Haren (11 K) and Ted Lilly (10 K) are the best of the day... I REALLY picked the wrong day not to start Ryan Spilborghs on my fantasy team; it was the best day of his career (3/4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB)... Hey, the Red Sox finally won at the Trop!
Yeah, Manny Pacquiao is pretty good.
-- D.S.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Where Joakim Noah Happens
As THE defining play of the NBA Playoffs (so far), this play deserved the "Where ____ Happens" treatment.
Saturday 05/02 (Very) Quickie
Waiting for Celtics-Bulls Game 7...
Derby: What does it say when the best horse in the world right now -- Rachel Alexandra -- isn't racing in the Kentucky Derby, but cruised to a win in the Kentucky Oaks (...ladies).
NBA Playoffs: Heat-Hawks is going to a Game 7, too. It's just not as exciting as Celtics-Bulls, sorry. And won't the winner of Atlanta-Miami get crushed by the Cavs in 4 or 5 anyway?
MLB: AL East mania. Sox still can't solve the Rays... Yanks got a much-needed late rally... Jays remain the class of the division (fluke? well, just check out the AL-leading run differential).
More later.
-- D.S.
Derby: What does it say when the best horse in the world right now -- Rachel Alexandra -- isn't racing in the Kentucky Derby, but cruised to a win in the Kentucky Oaks (...ladies).
NBA Playoffs: Heat-Hawks is going to a Game 7, too. It's just not as exciting as Celtics-Bulls, sorry. And won't the winner of Atlanta-Miami get crushed by the Cavs in 4 or 5 anyway?
MLB: AL East mania. Sox still can't solve the Rays... Yanks got a much-needed late rally... Jays remain the class of the division (fluke? well, just check out the AL-leading run differential).
More later.
-- D.S.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Obamaball: No. 44 Beats Unbeaten UConn
I cannot get enough video of Barack Obama playing hoops. In this clip, he greets the UConn Huskies -- and beats them in P-I-G. That would be their first loss of the season, right?
Possible Supreme Court Nominee Sonia Sotomayor: Resolved 1994 Baseball Strike
As you see the names of possible Supreme Court nominees to replace David Souter, the one that comes up at the top is Judge Sonia Sotomayor.
She has a direct sports hook: She was the judge who ultimately resolved the 1994 baseball strike. If she can do that, navigating the thicket of Constitutional issues the Court sees should be easy.
-- D.S.
She has a direct sports hook: She was the judge who ultimately resolved the 1994 baseball strike. If she can do that, navigating the thicket of Constitutional issues the Court sees should be easy.
-- D.S.
John Wooden Meets THE_REAL_SHAQ
If John Wooden's Pyramid of Success met Shaq's Twitter feed: This is brilliant. (h/t: TK)
Friday 05/01 A.M. Quickie:
Bulls, Rockets, Derby, Rays, More
Yes, that WAS Joakim Noah with the signature play of last night's epic Bulls win over the Celtics. (Take that, Joakim-haters!)
It was virtually impossible to think that the series could produce a better game than 4 of the previous 5. But it was so much better. How could it NOT lead today's SN column?
It's not unreasonable to throw out the superlative: Best. 1st Round NBA Playoff Series. Ever.
Here's why: Can you remember any, ever? Maybe Nuggets over Sonics in '94, but wasn't that simply for the novelty of the 8-over-1 upset factor, not the quality of the games themselves?
This series is amazing for the actual gameplay. And you don't even have to be a fan of either team to appreciate. Or a loyal fan of the NBA. This is the series for the Everyfan.
The one problem for the NBA: Where can things go up from here? They can't. No matter how Game 7 goes, no series can possibly compare -- not even Kobe vs. LeBron in the Finals.
So let's all appreciate that we have one last game left in this epic Celtics-Bulls series. We'll all be able to say "Man, remember Celtics-Bulls '09? How amazing was THAT?"
Meanwhile: Which is the more remarkable advancement to the 2nd round -- Nuggets or Rockets? The Nuggets added Billups: They SHOULD have advanced. The Rockets added Artest, but didn't have T-Mac: Hmm, maybe they SHOULD have advanced, too. The Rockets had a much tougher opponent and no HCA -- this was a breakthrough for them.
MLB: Is it possible that the Rays' turnaround from a slow start to 2009 started last night with their 13-0 obliteration of the Red Sox? Absolutely.
Complete column here. More later. Stop back at 11:30. By then, it might be everywhere, but it's the most clever sports conceit I have seen in 2009. (Not done by me, obviously -- it's a link.)
-- D.S.
It was virtually impossible to think that the series could produce a better game than 4 of the previous 5. But it was so much better. How could it NOT lead today's SN column?
It's not unreasonable to throw out the superlative: Best. 1st Round NBA Playoff Series. Ever.
Here's why: Can you remember any, ever? Maybe Nuggets over Sonics in '94, but wasn't that simply for the novelty of the 8-over-1 upset factor, not the quality of the games themselves?
This series is amazing for the actual gameplay. And you don't even have to be a fan of either team to appreciate. Or a loyal fan of the NBA. This is the series for the Everyfan.
The one problem for the NBA: Where can things go up from here? They can't. No matter how Game 7 goes, no series can possibly compare -- not even Kobe vs. LeBron in the Finals.
So let's all appreciate that we have one last game left in this epic Celtics-Bulls series. We'll all be able to say "Man, remember Celtics-Bulls '09? How amazing was THAT?"
Meanwhile: Which is the more remarkable advancement to the 2nd round -- Nuggets or Rockets? The Nuggets added Billups: They SHOULD have advanced. The Rockets added Artest, but didn't have T-Mac: Hmm, maybe they SHOULD have advanced, too. The Rockets had a much tougher opponent and no HCA -- this was a breakthrough for them.
MLB: Is it possible that the Rays' turnaround from a slow start to 2009 started last night with their 13-0 obliteration of the Red Sox? Absolutely.
Complete column here. More later. Stop back at 11:30. By then, it might be everywhere, but it's the most clever sports conceit I have seen in 2009. (Not done by me, obviously -- it's a link.)
-- D.S.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Jeremy Tyler and the NBA D-League Option
Must-read from the blog 48 Minutes of Hell on why the NBA's D-League is a fantastic fit for Jeremy Tyler and -- in fact -- any player (at any age) that wants to put pro development first.
I hope my old friend Dan Reed -- Commissioner of the D-League (and, I predict, a future Commissioner of the NBA itself) -- checks this out. It is right in line with the D's role as NBA R&D.
-- D.S.
UPDATE: Ridiculous Upside also covered this angle.
I hope my old friend Dan Reed -- Commissioner of the D-League (and, I predict, a future Commissioner of the NBA itself) -- checks this out. It is right in line with the D's role as NBA R&D.
-- D.S.
UPDATE: Ridiculous Upside also covered this angle.
Thursday 04/30 A.M. Quickie:
A-Rod, Rondo, Hawks, Greinke, Caps
To lead today's SN column, I cannot muster much outrage about the latest A-Rod allegations. Or about Rajon Rondo not being suspended for his hit on Brad Miller. Or, really, about much.
For A-Rod, it's "what ELSE would you think?" For Rondo, it's "It's the CELTICS, people." Outrage is overrated, a wasted emotion.
Besides, if Rondo WAS suspended, the outrage would be on the side of the conspiracy nuts who think the NBA orchestrated a 7th game in their best playoff series.
I can't even get outraged about Brett Favre joining the Vikings -- I think everyone agrees that, beyond the cliched media coverage, it would be good for Minnesota and good for the league.
There is an antidote to outrage: Zack Greinke. But even his story has become a cliche -- merely 5 starts into the 2009 season -- thanks to fawning magazine covers.
Wash your hands, with soap.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
For A-Rod, it's "what ELSE would you think?" For Rondo, it's "It's the CELTICS, people." Outrage is overrated, a wasted emotion.
Besides, if Rondo WAS suspended, the outrage would be on the side of the conspiracy nuts who think the NBA orchestrated a 7th game in their best playoff series.
I can't even get outraged about Brett Favre joining the Vikings -- I think everyone agrees that, beyond the cliched media coverage, it would be good for Minnesota and good for the league.
There is an antidote to outrage: Zack Greinke. But even his story has become a cliche -- merely 5 starts into the 2009 season -- thanks to fawning magazine covers.
Wash your hands, with soap.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday 04/29 A.M. Quickie:
Pierce, Favre, NHL Game 7s, Obama
There is no way a politics junkie like me could not resist tying the coverage of Obama's "first 100 days" to sports as the lead of today's SN column.
And the President has had a pretty spectacular first 100 days, at least from a sports perspective: His buddy Rooney won a Super Bowl. He picked the NCAA champs. He got to meet Tim Tebow.
In fact, he'll be hard-pressed to top this first 100 days. Good thing he's got that economy to keep him busy.
Meanwhile:
*Damn, is this Celtics-Bulls series amazing.
*You cannot have asked for two better NHL Game 7s than last night.
*Condolences to friends and fans of NASCAR writer David Poole.
And, yes: The Brett Favre Unretirement Watch begins. Why would he get his unconditional release from the Jets if he wasn't thinking about coming back...again?
You KNOW he thinks he can still play. And, now, he can play for the QB-starved Vikings -- his original team of choice -- which happens to have the league's best RB, a hot new rookie WR and everything in place... besides a QB... to make a run in the NFC.
I hate to say it: But he should do it, and the Vikings should quickly sign him. Sigh.
Complete SN column here.
-- D.S.
And the President has had a pretty spectacular first 100 days, at least from a sports perspective: His buddy Rooney won a Super Bowl. He picked the NCAA champs. He got to meet Tim Tebow.
In fact, he'll be hard-pressed to top this first 100 days. Good thing he's got that economy to keep him busy.
Meanwhile:
*Damn, is this Celtics-Bulls series amazing.
*You cannot have asked for two better NHL Game 7s than last night.
*Condolences to friends and fans of NASCAR writer David Poole.
And, yes: The Brett Favre Unretirement Watch begins. Why would he get his unconditional release from the Jets if he wasn't thinking about coming back...again?
You KNOW he thinks he can still play. And, now, he can play for the QB-starved Vikings -- his original team of choice -- which happens to have the league's best RB, a hot new rookie WR and everything in place... besides a QB... to make a run in the NFC.
I hate to say it: But he should do it, and the Vikings should quickly sign him. Sigh.
Complete SN column here.
-- D.S.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2010 NFL Draft Mania: Tebow Goes To...
Today's SN column led with a look at the 2010 draft. Looks like SI.com was thinking the same thing that the Tuesday after the NFL Draft is for looking ahead to the next year's draft.
(Yes: Tebow in the top half of the draft... to the Redkins. God, that would be ironic for me, given that I grew up disliking the Skins intensely, a rarity for a kid growing up in D.C. in the 80s.)
-- D.S.
UPDATE: So even though I have a pretty good theory that the Patriots will draft Tebow, there is an equally compelling case to be made that his hometown Jaguars would take him, even as a reach.
(Yes: Tebow in the top half of the draft... to the Redkins. God, that would be ironic for me, given that I grew up disliking the Skins intensely, a rarity for a kid growing up in D.C. in the 80s.)
-- D.S.
UPDATE: So even though I have a pretty good theory that the Patriots will draft Tebow, there is an equally compelling case to be made that his hometown Jaguars would take him, even as a reach.
Tuesday 04/28 A.M. Quickie:
2010 Draft, Nuggets 58, NHL Game 7s
At least one Twitter person saw this coming: What does Pat White's draft selection by the Wildcat-crazy Dolphins mean? Tim Tebow's NFL future is on the line.
As I lead in today's SN column, if White takes the Wildcat to a new level -- and I think he will (I predict at least 10 TDs for White from the formation next season) -- Tebow's NFL future is secure. At QB, not tight end, mind you. And it probably even puts him in the top half of the 1st round.
Also, I put my sneaking suspicion/fear on the record: The team that will draft Tebow and deploy him creatively in their own version of the Wildcat? The Patriots. (Yes, I am dreading that, on so many levels.)
I also take a look at the top 2010 Draft prospects at each position, starting with QB: Sam Bradford. He will go No. 1 overall, and that's after the Lions secure the No. 1 draft pick, then trade out to the Seahawks, who have their own pick plus the Broncos' pick to dangle.
Meanwhile: 58 points! 58! That was the margin last night of the Nuggets over the Hornets. It was like New Orleans gave up, but Denver didn't let up at all. The difference between this year's Nuggets with Chauncey Billups and previous years without him is staggering.
There is nothing in sports as intense an NHL Playoffs Game 7 -- we get two tonight, including Caps-Rangers, which should be as intense as it gets. I'll need the split-screen to keep an eye on Celtics-Bulls Game 5 (take a sip of coffee/water/something stronger every time you see the cliche "pivotal").
Maybe it's because I'm in Denver. Maybe it's because I'm still stunned by the Nuggets' victory margin last night. Maybe it's the air. But I saw that Rockies OF Dexter Fowler stole 5 bases in a single game, and I had to pick him up for my fantasy team. And I'm already carrying Ryan Spilborghs as a reserve OF (my starters are Manny, Ellsbury and Choo), but I couldn't resist.
Complete SN column here. More later.
-- D.S.
As I lead in today's SN column, if White takes the Wildcat to a new level -- and I think he will (I predict at least 10 TDs for White from the formation next season) -- Tebow's NFL future is secure. At QB, not tight end, mind you. And it probably even puts him in the top half of the 1st round.
Also, I put my sneaking suspicion/fear on the record: The team that will draft Tebow and deploy him creatively in their own version of the Wildcat? The Patriots. (Yes, I am dreading that, on so many levels.)
I also take a look at the top 2010 Draft prospects at each position, starting with QB: Sam Bradford. He will go No. 1 overall, and that's after the Lions secure the No. 1 draft pick, then trade out to the Seahawks, who have their own pick plus the Broncos' pick to dangle.
Meanwhile: 58 points! 58! That was the margin last night of the Nuggets over the Hornets. It was like New Orleans gave up, but Denver didn't let up at all. The difference between this year's Nuggets with Chauncey Billups and previous years without him is staggering.
There is nothing in sports as intense an NHL Playoffs Game 7 -- we get two tonight, including Caps-Rangers, which should be as intense as it gets. I'll need the split-screen to keep an eye on Celtics-Bulls Game 5 (take a sip of coffee/water/something stronger every time you see the cliche "pivotal").
Maybe it's because I'm in Denver. Maybe it's because I'm still stunned by the Nuggets' victory margin last night. Maybe it's the air. But I saw that Rockies OF Dexter Fowler stole 5 bases in a single game, and I had to pick him up for my fantasy team. And I'm already carrying Ryan Spilborghs as a reserve OF (my starters are Manny, Ellsbury and Choo), but I couldn't resist.
Complete SN column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday 04/27 A.M. Quickie:
NFL Draft, Sanchez, Crabtree, More
Traveling Monday morning kept me from posting, but hopefully you headed over to SN to see my column, led by my 2009 NFL Draft superlatives.
Big winners: Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Pat White, Michael Oher, the Seahawks.
Big losers: Michael Crabtree, Matt Stafford (sort of, in a narrowly defined way), Chris Wells, the Broncos.
Complete column here. More tomorrow.
-- D.S.
Big winners: Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Pat White, Michael Oher, the Seahawks.
Big losers: Michael Crabtree, Matt Stafford (sort of, in a narrowly defined way), Chris Wells, the Broncos.
Complete column here. More tomorrow.
-- D.S.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Saturday 04/25 (Drafty) Quickie
Lions sign Stafford: $41 million guaranteed. Whoa. Expect much discussion over a rookie salary scale in future seasons. Stafford may be remembered as the last to truly cash in.
The No. 1 pick in the draft no longer holds any mystery. I have this dream that every team now signs the player of their choice, and the draft simply happens all day long, rather than at 4.
The Rams are (sort of) on the clock. There is this rumor they bought Mark Sanchez a plane ticket to St. Louis on Sunday, but most folks think the Rams are trying too hard to be clever.
The Rams won't draft Sanchez. And no team is going to be bluffed into (over)paying to move up to No. 2 to get him. If Seattle is serious about taking him at No. 4, KC at 3 may see some action.
I noted earlier this week that I will be cheering for several players -- Knowshon, Derrick Williams, Cornelius Ingram. But, obviously, my main attention is on Percy Harvin.
Will he slip out of the first round entirely, as the "experts" are predicting? Or is all the noise about his pot-smoking (and, of course, injury history) just a "smokescreen" (ugh) from teams that want to see him slide to them late in the 1st? There was this one crazy rumor on PFT that he could go as high as No. 7 to the Raiders -- so that would be ahead of Crabtree and/or Maclin? No way. But I could definitely see Harvin going in the 1st round.
It's Draft Day! I'll be checking in via Twitter, either found on the right or right here. Enjoy the day.
-- D.S.
The No. 1 pick in the draft no longer holds any mystery. I have this dream that every team now signs the player of their choice, and the draft simply happens all day long, rather than at 4.
The Rams are (sort of) on the clock. There is this rumor they bought Mark Sanchez a plane ticket to St. Louis on Sunday, but most folks think the Rams are trying too hard to be clever.
The Rams won't draft Sanchez. And no team is going to be bluffed into (over)paying to move up to No. 2 to get him. If Seattle is serious about taking him at No. 4, KC at 3 may see some action.
I noted earlier this week that I will be cheering for several players -- Knowshon, Derrick Williams, Cornelius Ingram. But, obviously, my main attention is on Percy Harvin.
Will he slip out of the first round entirely, as the "experts" are predicting? Or is all the noise about his pot-smoking (and, of course, injury history) just a "smokescreen" (ugh) from teams that want to see him slide to them late in the 1st? There was this one crazy rumor on PFT that he could go as high as No. 7 to the Raiders -- so that would be ahead of Crabtree and/or Maclin? No way. But I could definitely see Harvin going in the 1st round.
It's Draft Day! I'll be checking in via Twitter, either found on the right or right here. Enjoy the day.
-- D.S.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Must-Read: Chuck Todd Talking Sports
Chuck Todd. Talking sports. Amazing. (Huge h/t to RCS -- great questions.)
Why Erin Andrews Rules Sports Media
Erin Andrews is about to ascend to the very top of the sports media landscape. She is already the nation's sideline reporter for virtually everything -- this weekend she adds the NFL Draft to her resume. She is featured in video games. She is, of course, the sports blogger prom queen.
There are few in sports media who match her existing visibility (Berman, Patrick, Kornheiser, Vitale) and none -- none -- who match her potential to extend her brand, virtually everywhere and anywhere.
But people who base it on her sex appeal -- or obsess over it -- have completely missed why she is where she is right now. It is about her accessibility: Both literally, on the sidelines buffered between student sections and player benches -- and metaphorically: She is wholesome. She is likeable. She is nice. She is a fan.
You don't want to sleep with her -- you want to watch a game with her.
I spent a few hours watching EA up close last night, and my theory was re-confirmed. Here's the column about it.
-- D.S.
There are few in sports media who match her existing visibility (Berman, Patrick, Kornheiser, Vitale) and none -- none -- who match her potential to extend her brand, virtually everywhere and anywhere.
But people who base it on her sex appeal -- or obsess over it -- have completely missed why she is where she is right now. It is about her accessibility: Both literally, on the sidelines buffered between student sections and player benches -- and metaphorically: She is wholesome. She is likeable. She is nice. She is a fan.
You don't want to sleep with her -- you want to watch a game with her.
I spent a few hours watching EA up close last night, and my theory was re-confirmed. Here's the column about it.
-- D.S.
Friday 04/24 A.M. Quickie:
NFL Draft, Erin Andrews, Celtics, Curry
Who will be the top name to know at this weekend's NFL Draft? That competition leads today's SN column: Matt Stafford? Mark Sanchez? Mel Kiper? Todd McShay? Erin Andrews? Percy Harvin?
I'm not convinced Stafford is the best player on the board -- though I have finally come around that he is the best QB. But what about OT Jason Smith? Or LB Aaron Curry? Or Mike Crabtree?
Percy Harvin seems to be the big candidate to be this year's Brady Quinn -- the former first-round lock who plummets through the 1st round... maybe even into the 2nd?
(Don't buy it: Injuries? Off-field issues? That's media fodder. The teams that actually study tape are probably still rubbing their eyes at what a home-run hitter Harvin is. He'll go in the 1st, and that team will get a steal. Ack: Quickie Jinx!)
Meanwhile, the media storyline has its own intrigue: To what extent will Mel Kiper be nudged aside by Todd McShay? Will Erin Andrews steal the spotlight from the Green Room?
Saturday afternoon and night is about 8 hours of this stuff. Just sit back, relax and take it in.
Meanwhile:
*The Bulls are done.
*The Jays are still rolling.
*Sox-Yanks? Ugh. We're back to that again?
*Curry: Will go in the NBA Draft Top 10.
*USC Spring Game: Barkley will leave the game with way more mojo and fan support than Corp.
Complete column here. Check the Twitter feed all weekend for draft commentary.
-- D.S.
I'm not convinced Stafford is the best player on the board -- though I have finally come around that he is the best QB. But what about OT Jason Smith? Or LB Aaron Curry? Or Mike Crabtree?
Percy Harvin seems to be the big candidate to be this year's Brady Quinn -- the former first-round lock who plummets through the 1st round... maybe even into the 2nd?
(Don't buy it: Injuries? Off-field issues? That's media fodder. The teams that actually study tape are probably still rubbing their eyes at what a home-run hitter Harvin is. He'll go in the 1st, and that team will get a steal. Ack: Quickie Jinx!)
Meanwhile, the media storyline has its own intrigue: To what extent will Mel Kiper be nudged aside by Todd McShay? Will Erin Andrews steal the spotlight from the Green Room?
Saturday afternoon and night is about 8 hours of this stuff. Just sit back, relax and take it in.
Meanwhile:
*The Bulls are done.
*The Jays are still rolling.
*Sox-Yanks? Ugh. We're back to that again?
*Curry: Will go in the NBA Draft Top 10.
*USC Spring Game: Barkley will leave the game with way more mojo and fan support than Corp.
Complete column here. Check the Twitter feed all weekend for draft commentary.
-- D.S.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Must-Read: Chad Ford on Dikembe
Chad Ford is/was one of my favorite people at ESPN.com. When he left full-time hoops-writing to pursue teaching and university research, I never heard the full story -- until now.
He was inspired, in large part, by Dikembe Mutombo -- Dikembe's injury and sudden retirement was an emotional moment for Chad. Read this and you'll understand why. (And probably feel a little worse about your own likely more superficial existence...)
All best to Dikembe to continue his amazing work -- and to Chad to continue his.
-- D.S.
He was inspired, in large part, by Dikembe Mutombo -- Dikembe's injury and sudden retirement was an emotional moment for Chad. Read this and you'll understand why. (And probably feel a little worse about your own likely more superficial existence...)
All best to Dikembe to continue his amazing work -- and to Chad to continue his.
-- D.S.
Champ Gators Meet Obama At White House
Leading to the worst AP headline ever:
"Obama Lauds Florida State Gators" (No, really.)
[retch]
On the plus side, Obama reiterated his support for a playoff -- but tactfully said that Florida would have won that playoff if it existed last season. (And they would have.)
-- D.S.
"Obama Lauds Florida State Gators" (No, really.)
[retch]
On the plus side, Obama reiterated his support for a playoff -- but tactfully said that Florida would have won that playoff if it existed last season. (And they would have.)
-- D.S.
Thursday 04/23 A.M. Quickie:
Jeremy Tyler Will Save Prep Basketball
There is one huge name to know today: Jeremy Tyler.
The 6-11 prep hoops stud is skipping his senior season to play professionally in Europe. Not skipping college. Skipping HIGH SCHOOL.
It is revolutionary. It makes Kevin Garnett's prep-to-pro leap seem quaint and Brandon Jennings' vacation in Italy seem irrelevant.
It is nothing less than the most disruptive thing to ever happen to the major U.S. pro-sports development pipeline.
Obviously, Tyler is unique -- 6-11 studs aren't the norm. But you don't think that LeBron couldn't have made the jump to the pros after his sophomore or junior year of high school?
Greg Oden would have been the No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft after his junior year of high school, if he was eligible. OJ Mayo would have been a Lottery pick.
Tyler's logic is dead-on: Why should he spend a high-school year getting hacked to hell? Why should he cynically go play for one of these unsanctioned prep-hoops factories, like Findlay or Oak Hill? Why should he feed some greedy AAU system or college coffers?
How will playing his senior year of high school hoops -- or, for that matter, his one-and-done freshman year of college -- make him more prepared for the NBA than full-time pro development for the next two years?
The challenge isn't to convince him that he is wrong -- or to try to pressure future prep underclassmen not to follow him.
The challenge is to create a compelling enough system INSIDE THE U.S. that preps don't have to go to Europe to develop their skills for the NBA.
Rather than exclude college freshmen obviously ready for the NBA -- or high school seniors who will spend a year potentially watching their skills diminish, not develop -- why doesn't USA Basketball create a true development pipeline?
Take promising players as young as 14 -- America's Ricky Rubio -- and older and let them drop out of traditional high school and AAU systems, paying them to develop their games for professional play. It's basically vocational school, except the players are well-compensated.
The NBA gets better, more fully developed players. We starve the AAU and renegade prep "schools" and predatory college boosters into submission.
Let's look back and realize that Jeremy Tyler was a pioneer of the next generation of basketball -- a better generation than the skeevy one that has come before it.
That leads today's SN column, which also includes:
*Lions using Curry to force Stafford to deal?
*Dwyane Wade! Chauncey Billups!
*Make way for the Pirates! And the Royals!
*And a lot more!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
You can call this an aberration -- or you can call it the
The 6-11 prep hoops stud is skipping his senior season to play professionally in Europe. Not skipping college. Skipping HIGH SCHOOL.
It is revolutionary. It makes Kevin Garnett's prep-to-pro leap seem quaint and Brandon Jennings' vacation in Italy seem irrelevant.
It is nothing less than the most disruptive thing to ever happen to the major U.S. pro-sports development pipeline.
Obviously, Tyler is unique -- 6-11 studs aren't the norm. But you don't think that LeBron couldn't have made the jump to the pros after his sophomore or junior year of high school?
Greg Oden would have been the No. 1 pick of the NBA Draft after his junior year of high school, if he was eligible. OJ Mayo would have been a Lottery pick.
Tyler's logic is dead-on: Why should he spend a high-school year getting hacked to hell? Why should he cynically go play for one of these unsanctioned prep-hoops factories, like Findlay or Oak Hill? Why should he feed some greedy AAU system or college coffers?
How will playing his senior year of high school hoops -- or, for that matter, his one-and-done freshman year of college -- make him more prepared for the NBA than full-time pro development for the next two years?
The challenge isn't to convince him that he is wrong -- or to try to pressure future prep underclassmen not to follow him.
The challenge is to create a compelling enough system INSIDE THE U.S. that preps don't have to go to Europe to develop their skills for the NBA.
Rather than exclude college freshmen obviously ready for the NBA -- or high school seniors who will spend a year potentially watching their skills diminish, not develop -- why doesn't USA Basketball create a true development pipeline?
Take promising players as young as 14 -- America's Ricky Rubio -- and older and let them drop out of traditional high school and AAU systems, paying them to develop their games for professional play. It's basically vocational school, except the players are well-compensated.
The NBA gets better, more fully developed players. We starve the AAU and renegade prep "schools" and predatory college boosters into submission.
Let's look back and realize that Jeremy Tyler was a pioneer of the next generation of basketball -- a better generation than the skeevy one that has come before it.
That leads today's SN column, which also includes:
*Lions using Curry to force Stafford to deal?
*Dwyane Wade! Chauncey Billups!
*Make way for the Pirates! And the Royals!
*And a lot more!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
You can call this an aberration -- or you can call it the
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Why John Wall Should Enter The NBA Draft
Wrote this a week ago, then shelved it when John Wall said he was going to college and wouldn't test the NBA Draft rules. Then Gary Parrish wrote a column about it on CBSSports.com that is getting all sorts of attention. That'll teach me.
Longtime readers know that I am opposed to the age limit in the NBA draft. (I am for the NFL Draft, too, but that's another story for another day.)
I think the NBA draft age-limit is artificial and virtually meaningless -- and my simple response to anyone who thinks we need to force kids to play college hoops for a year is "LeBron."
The argument is easy: Let the market decide. If a prep kid declares for the draft and goes undrafted, it sends a signal to other prep kids that their best interest is in going to college.
The reason so many preps came out was because the NBA market kept sending signals that it was the right choice to make. More often than not, NBA GMs would evaluate these players and decide that -- yes -- they are most certainly talented enough to be drafted, usually drafted very high.
That brings us to John Wall. Wall is the best player in the prep class of 2009 -- if there was no NBA age-limit, he would certainly be a Top 5 pick of the 2009 draft. Perhaps even the No. 1 overall pick.
(Folks who know Wall's game say he is a better version of Derrick Rose. So there you go. You could draft Blake Griffin, who is sort of like Al Horford -- no slouch, certainly -- or you could draft John Wall, who is sort of like Derrick Rose or Chris Paul. In a league increasingly dominated by great point guards, you can have one of your own.)
Meaning: There is absolutely no question -- even now -- about his NBA potential. You cannot argue in good faith that a player that would be drafted in the first round isn't NBA-worthy. The draft status alone confirms NBA-worthiness.
Here's where it gets interesting: Wall's high school class graduated in 2008. He played this past year as a post-grad; that's why he wasn't on any prep All-America teams.
Does that mean that Wall has effectively cleared the NBA's hurdle that draftees have to be one-year-removed from their high school class graduation?
This may sound familiar: Larry Fitzgerald was a true sophomore when he declared for the NFL draft, arguing that he was 3 years removed from his high-school graduation because he had a post-grad year between high school and college.
Remember: This was when the NFL was obliterating legal challenges to the draft's age limit. And yet the NFL was scared enough by the argument that they called his case an "exception" and quietly welcomed him in.
(Let's also consider that even though Fitzgerald had "only" two years of college experience, he was plenty ready for the pros -- as his draft status and NFL success prove.)
I would imagine the NBA would be similarly scared by a challenge to their draft restrictions, which don't have nearly the historical or logical resonance of the NFL's version.
Besides: If Wall is so good that he would be drafted anywhere from FIRST OVERALL to, say, No. 5 (at the outside), what sort of claim could the NBA have that he NEEDS a year of college development?
I hope Wall challenges the NBA's age-restrictions -- I suspect it wouldn't be much of a challenge. Given the Fitzgerald analogue, I think the NBA would find a way to rationalize Wall's entry.
Oh, and he'd probably end up the No. 1 overall pick -- of the 2009 draft.
-- D.S.
(h/t: Mike DeCourcy)
Longtime readers know that I am opposed to the age limit in the NBA draft. (I am for the NFL Draft, too, but that's another story for another day.)
I think the NBA draft age-limit is artificial and virtually meaningless -- and my simple response to anyone who thinks we need to force kids to play college hoops for a year is "LeBron."
The argument is easy: Let the market decide. If a prep kid declares for the draft and goes undrafted, it sends a signal to other prep kids that their best interest is in going to college.
The reason so many preps came out was because the NBA market kept sending signals that it was the right choice to make. More often than not, NBA GMs would evaluate these players and decide that -- yes -- they are most certainly talented enough to be drafted, usually drafted very high.
That brings us to John Wall. Wall is the best player in the prep class of 2009 -- if there was no NBA age-limit, he would certainly be a Top 5 pick of the 2009 draft. Perhaps even the No. 1 overall pick.
(Folks who know Wall's game say he is a better version of Derrick Rose. So there you go. You could draft Blake Griffin, who is sort of like Al Horford -- no slouch, certainly -- or you could draft John Wall, who is sort of like Derrick Rose or Chris Paul. In a league increasingly dominated by great point guards, you can have one of your own.)
Meaning: There is absolutely no question -- even now -- about his NBA potential. You cannot argue in good faith that a player that would be drafted in the first round isn't NBA-worthy. The draft status alone confirms NBA-worthiness.
Here's where it gets interesting: Wall's high school class graduated in 2008. He played this past year as a post-grad; that's why he wasn't on any prep All-America teams.
Does that mean that Wall has effectively cleared the NBA's hurdle that draftees have to be one-year-removed from their high school class graduation?
This may sound familiar: Larry Fitzgerald was a true sophomore when he declared for the NFL draft, arguing that he was 3 years removed from his high-school graduation because he had a post-grad year between high school and college.
Remember: This was when the NFL was obliterating legal challenges to the draft's age limit. And yet the NFL was scared enough by the argument that they called his case an "exception" and quietly welcomed him in.
(Let's also consider that even though Fitzgerald had "only" two years of college experience, he was plenty ready for the pros -- as his draft status and NFL success prove.)
I would imagine the NBA would be similarly scared by a challenge to their draft restrictions, which don't have nearly the historical or logical resonance of the NFL's version.
Besides: If Wall is so good that he would be drafted anywhere from FIRST OVERALL to, say, No. 5 (at the outside), what sort of claim could the NBA have that he NEEDS a year of college development?
I hope Wall challenges the NBA's age-restrictions -- I suspect it wouldn't be much of a challenge. Given the Fitzgerald analogue, I think the NBA would find a way to rationalize Wall's entry.
Oh, and he'd probably end up the No. 1 overall pick -- of the 2009 draft.
-- D.S.
(h/t: Mike DeCourcy)
Twitter Endorsements: Next Big Thing?
Darren Rovell makes a good point about the potential for Twitter endorsements. (I'll dub them "@ndorsements" and claim creation of the hot new phrase.)
But why limit it to athletes? In theory, anyone with a lot of followers -- the kind sports marketers are trying to reach -- would make for a good endorsement partner, especially if you're trading goods/services for a mention, rather than cash.
That could be sports-media folks or bloggers or anyone who might be considered a well-connected "influencer." They might want to start with Rovell himself! (Cough, cough: I'm always happy to offer my tweeted opinion on products I am given to test out.)
-- D.S.
But why limit it to athletes? In theory, anyone with a lot of followers -- the kind sports marketers are trying to reach -- would make for a good endorsement partner, especially if you're trading goods/services for a mention, rather than cash.
That could be sports-media folks or bloggers or anyone who might be considered a well-connected "influencer." They might want to start with Rovell himself! (Cough, cough: I'm always happy to offer my tweeted opinion on products I am given to test out.)
-- D.S.
Wednesday 04/22 A.M. Quickie:
Lions, Roy, Washburn, Dikembe, More
Doesn't matter who the Lions take No. 1 overall in Saturday's NFL Draft: If they sign the guy before the draft starts, they have been successful.
That's the lead of today's SN column, which also features:
*Brandon Roy is the new Tony Parker!
*Jarrod Washburn is a fantasy stud!
*Celebrating the career of Dikembe!
*"0.2" rules the NHL!
Apparently, I get a few minutes to interview Erin Andrews tomorrow night. Submit your suggested questions through the comments -- please, make them reasonable. I'd love to use some.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
That's the lead of today's SN column, which also features:
*Brandon Roy is the new Tony Parker!
*Jarrod Washburn is a fantasy stud!
*Celebrating the career of Dikembe!
*"0.2" rules the NHL!
Apparently, I get a few minutes to interview Erin Andrews tomorrow night. Submit your suggested questions through the comments -- please, make them reasonable. I'd love to use some.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NFL Draft: Mel Kiper's Time of Year
Want a really good defense of Kiper? KSK's Drew Magary offers one here (plus a handy rebuttal). What has gone under-reported, however, is that ESPN seems to be shouldering Mel out of the way to make room for Todd "New Kiper" McShay.
McShay is sort of like Kiper 2.0 -- but a Kiper without the vast mythology that makes Mel so much of who he is: The self-assurance, the Bal'mer accent, the wild feud with the Colts, the hair. Most of which was developed well before technological and television ubiquity.
-- D.S.
McShay is sort of like Kiper 2.0 -- but a Kiper without the vast mythology that makes Mel so much of who he is: The self-assurance, the Bal'mer accent, the wild feud with the Colts, the hair. Most of which was developed well before technological and television ubiquity.
-- D.S.
Tuesday 04/21 A.M. Quickie:
Celtics, Parker, Lions, Caps, Rubio
Dammit: The Celtics-Bulls series has totally hooked me. Another game, another dramatic finish. Credit Ray Allen's 28 2nd-half points (SN column lead!). Credit the C's 21 offensive rebounds.
But you can pin that loss on Vinny Del Negro, who figured it wasn't worth it to save a time-out, just in case -- y'know -- the Celtics scored in the final seconds.
From the baseline, the Bulls were finished. From half-court -- with Ben Gordon riding an absurdly hot hand -- the Bulls had as good of a chance as there was. So, thanks, Coach.
More in today's column:
*Tony Parker is the new Chauncey Billups
*Lions logo: Now 100 percent more lively!
*Ricky Rubio: I'd take him over Griffin.
*Caps: Not finished yet!
*The Pirates are the new Marlins! (Not quite.)
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
But you can pin that loss on Vinny Del Negro, who figured it wasn't worth it to save a time-out, just in case -- y'know -- the Celtics scored in the final seconds.
From the baseline, the Bulls were finished. From half-court -- with Ben Gordon riding an absurdly hot hand -- the Bulls had as good of a chance as there was. So, thanks, Coach.
More in today's column:
*Tony Parker is the new Chauncey Billups
*Lions logo: Now 100 percent more lively!
*Ricky Rubio: I'd take him over Griffin.
*Caps: Not finished yet!
*The Pirates are the new Marlins! (Not quite.)
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Monday, April 20, 2009
NOTY Final: Vote Barkevious Mingo
Barkevious Mingo got my vote in the Name of the Year final. How about you?
Defending Joakim Noah (Again)
It is an ongoing debate I have with a lot of people: Will Joakim Noah make a good NBA player?
Coming off his finest performance as a pro -- 11 pts, 17 reb and 3 blocks in the Game 1 shocker -- his play of the game was Noah's foul on Paul Pierce, shooting a jumper, with seconds to play.
It put PP on the line with the game in his hands to win. It triggered all sorts of "don't foul a jump-shooter!" hysteria from the TV analysts. It was classic overzealous Joakim.
Pierce missed FT No. 2. The Bulls went on to win in OT. And David Thorpe -- one of the savviest evaluators of basketball strategy found anywhere -- thinks Noah's foul was a good one.
Now, maybe if Pierce's shot goes in and the Bulls waste the amazing performance by Rose et al, Noah is the goat of the game -- perhaps the postseason.
But the Bulls won't win by playing cautiously -- they have to play aggressively, even recklessly. That's Noah. Two NCAA titles -- and a playoff win in Boston against the defending champs.
-- D.S.
Coming off his finest performance as a pro -- 11 pts, 17 reb and 3 blocks in the Game 1 shocker -- his play of the game was Noah's foul on Paul Pierce, shooting a jumper, with seconds to play.
It put PP on the line with the game in his hands to win. It triggered all sorts of "don't foul a jump-shooter!" hysteria from the TV analysts. It was classic overzealous Joakim.
Pierce missed FT No. 2. The Bulls went on to win in OT. And David Thorpe -- one of the savviest evaluators of basketball strategy found anywhere -- thinks Noah's foul was a good one.
Now, maybe if Pierce's shot goes in and the Bulls waste the amazing performance by Rose et al, Noah is the goat of the game -- perhaps the postseason.
But the Bulls won't win by playing cautiously -- they have to play aggressively, even recklessly. That's Noah. Two NCAA titles -- and a playoff win in Boston against the defending champs.
-- D.S.
Monday 04/20 A.M. Quickie:
Rose, Lakers, 76ers, Billups, Jays, More
I think it was best to enter these NBA playoffs with couldn't-be-lower expectations. That made it pleasantly surprising to watch the Derrick Rose Show in Boston on Saturday.
And it makes Game 2 of Celtics-Bulls tonight that much more must-see (per today's SN column), if only to see if Rose can match/top his Game 1 performance -- or will the Celtics make the defensive adjustments necessary to force someone (anyone!) to beat them besides Rose.
Otherwise, Chauncey Billups was sick (8/9 3-pt, 36 pts) and it's obvious that this isn't your usual choke-in-the-first-round Nuggets team -- it's absurd to try to argue it, but given how Denver so wildly exceeded expectations this season, "Billups for MVP" is hardly THAT crazy.
Anyone see the Hawks' demolition of the Heat coming? How about Orlando's inability to finish the big game vs. Philly?
More you'll find in today's column:
*More fawning over the Marlins.
*Some fawning over the Jays.
*Yankee Stadium offers karmic payback to Saturday's obliteration.
*Matt Millen vs. Stephen A. Smith
*And More!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
And it makes Game 2 of Celtics-Bulls tonight that much more must-see (per today's SN column), if only to see if Rose can match/top his Game 1 performance -- or will the Celtics make the defensive adjustments necessary to force someone (anyone!) to beat them besides Rose.
Otherwise, Chauncey Billups was sick (8/9 3-pt, 36 pts) and it's obvious that this isn't your usual choke-in-the-first-round Nuggets team -- it's absurd to try to argue it, but given how Denver so wildly exceeded expectations this season, "Billups for MVP" is hardly THAT crazy.
Anyone see the Hawks' demolition of the Heat coming? How about Orlando's inability to finish the big game vs. Philly?
More you'll find in today's column:
*More fawning over the Marlins.
*Some fawning over the Jays.
*Yankee Stadium offers karmic payback to Saturday's obliteration.
*Matt Millen vs. Stephen A. Smith
*And More!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday 04/19 (Very) Quickie
For those of us who enjoy schadenfreude when it comes to Boston and New York sports teams, yesterday was a banner day. It's hard to know what to enjoy more:
*The defending champ Celtics losing Game 1 of their first-round playoff series to the Bulls in Boston, after Derrick Rose rewrote the history books and put on a show?
*Or the Yankees giving up 14 runs in a single inning to the Indians, en route to a 22-4 pasting that -- until it is displaced, which may take a while -- defines the new Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees thing was more humiliating, but the Celtics thing had more impact -- it's the playoffs and they are the defending champs...at home.
More NBA: Good for the Mavs, getting off the schneid on the road in the playoffs and solving the Spurs in San Antonio to take Game 1 and ... wow, the Rockets took that whole "up-and-coming" thing for the Blazers and showed them where they can shove it -- who needs T-Mac when you've got Aaron Brooks?... And, yes, the Cavs dominated.
MLB: What was that about Tim Lincecum being off to a slow start? 8 IP, 0 ER, 13 Ks, in what was arguably the best single-game performance by a pitcher yet this season. (The only problem for his fantasy owners? A no-decision!)
How about the team stories of the year in each league?
*Marlins: The story of the year in MLB -- the Marlins -- rolls along: Florida is 10-1 after surviving a slugfest with the Nats. Jeremy Hermida: 2 HR, 5 RBI.
*Royals: The second-best story -- the .500-plus Royals -- moved to 7-4 behind Zach Grienke's CG shutout (10 Ks) that neutered the Rangers' bats.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers won their 7th straight (Manny 2 HR). In a season of unexpected results, LA winning behind Manny isn't one of them.
Spring football: Florida's game was pretty subdued -- tons of fans, not many fireworks. The future was on display -- backup QB John Brantley throws a nicer ball than Tim Tebow (which isn't hard, let's be honest) and backup WRs Frankie Hammond and TJ Lawrence looked like future studs. These guys have all the pressure -- they'll be charged with leading a back-to-back national champion, after all. (Alabama? What? Oh, sorry: I was watching the Celtics-Bulls game and we didn't get to the Bama spring game until the 2nd quarter.)
NHL: I can't belive the Caps are going to go out like such losers. They are down 0-2 -- after playing two games in DC. What a disappointing ending after such an amazing regular season.
More later. Or catch you tomorrow morning.
-- D.S.
*The defending champ Celtics losing Game 1 of their first-round playoff series to the Bulls in Boston, after Derrick Rose rewrote the history books and put on a show?
*Or the Yankees giving up 14 runs in a single inning to the Indians, en route to a 22-4 pasting that -- until it is displaced, which may take a while -- defines the new Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees thing was more humiliating, but the Celtics thing had more impact -- it's the playoffs and they are the defending champs...at home.
More NBA: Good for the Mavs, getting off the schneid on the road in the playoffs and solving the Spurs in San Antonio to take Game 1 and ... wow, the Rockets took that whole "up-and-coming" thing for the Blazers and showed them where they can shove it -- who needs T-Mac when you've got Aaron Brooks?... And, yes, the Cavs dominated.
MLB: What was that about Tim Lincecum being off to a slow start? 8 IP, 0 ER, 13 Ks, in what was arguably the best single-game performance by a pitcher yet this season. (The only problem for his fantasy owners? A no-decision!)
How about the team stories of the year in each league?
*Marlins: The story of the year in MLB -- the Marlins -- rolls along: Florida is 10-1 after surviving a slugfest with the Nats. Jeremy Hermida: 2 HR, 5 RBI.
*Royals: The second-best story -- the .500-plus Royals -- moved to 7-4 behind Zach Grienke's CG shutout (10 Ks) that neutered the Rangers' bats.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers won their 7th straight (Manny 2 HR). In a season of unexpected results, LA winning behind Manny isn't one of them.
Spring football: Florida's game was pretty subdued -- tons of fans, not many fireworks. The future was on display -- backup QB John Brantley throws a nicer ball than Tim Tebow (which isn't hard, let's be honest) and backup WRs Frankie Hammond and TJ Lawrence looked like future studs. These guys have all the pressure -- they'll be charged with leading a back-to-back national champion, after all. (Alabama? What? Oh, sorry: I was watching the Celtics-Bulls game and we didn't get to the Bama spring game until the 2nd quarter.)
NHL: I can't belive the Caps are going to go out like such losers. They are down 0-2 -- after playing two games in DC. What a disappointing ending after such an amazing regular season.
More later. Or catch you tomorrow morning.
-- D.S.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday 04/18 (Very) Quickie
Figuring out how to bide a few hours until the Florida spring football game -- watching it online, because it's not on TV this year (ESPN is showing Alabama's spring game).
*I was babysitting my kids last night with nothing left on my DVR and no good movies on-demand, so I started watching some of the endless pre-draft coverage that happened to be on last night, which I had largely been able to avoid. And -- you know what? -- I suddenly got SO damn excited. I was already pretty engaged for next Saturday, but I'm locked in now.
*I'm down on the NBA playoffs this year -- where's the drama if we know that it'll be Lakers-Cavs in the Finals? I also loathe the NBA playoff pacing, where it takes 10 days to play 4 games.
But today has some intrigue, starting with Bulls-Celtics at the top of the afternoon -- how will Boston look in their first playoff game without KG? Can the Bulls steal one? Then comes LeBron -- statement game?
I'm less intrigued by the West double-header afterward, although I do find Blazers-Rockets to be interesting, if only because it matches two of the Top 3 GMs in the league (Pritchard and Morey, with Presti being the 3rd). The Blazers are on the way up; the Rockets are built to win now. One of these teams advances and sees their season/architecture validated. I picked the Blazers (winning a 7-game toss-up because they have HCA), but I'm rooting for the Rockets, if only because I'm a huge fan of Daryl Morey. OK, maybe I am sort of intrigued.
*Eagles make a strong move: Getting LT Jason Peters from the Bills was a steal.
*Sheffield: 500 HR. Still doesn't make him a Hall of Famer.
*Fantasy Stud: Jason Kubel!
*NFL changes Jets game before Yom Kippur to accommodate Jewish fans: The league probably should have known it was an issue beforehand. You almost never see it come up as a problem.
*Florida hoops losing starting center: Alex Tyus transferring. Along with Calathes likely staying in the NBA Draft and a perimeter-oriented recruiting class, Billy D has a personnel problem.
Excuse me while I forget about the Florida basketball problems while I squint at my laptop screen at flickering images of Tim Tebow's new-and-improved throwing mechanics.
-- D.S.
*I was babysitting my kids last night with nothing left on my DVR and no good movies on-demand, so I started watching some of the endless pre-draft coverage that happened to be on last night, which I had largely been able to avoid. And -- you know what? -- I suddenly got SO damn excited. I was already pretty engaged for next Saturday, but I'm locked in now.
*I'm down on the NBA playoffs this year -- where's the drama if we know that it'll be Lakers-Cavs in the Finals? I also loathe the NBA playoff pacing, where it takes 10 days to play 4 games.
But today has some intrigue, starting with Bulls-Celtics at the top of the afternoon -- how will Boston look in their first playoff game without KG? Can the Bulls steal one? Then comes LeBron -- statement game?
I'm less intrigued by the West double-header afterward, although I do find Blazers-Rockets to be interesting, if only because it matches two of the Top 3 GMs in the league (Pritchard and Morey, with Presti being the 3rd). The Blazers are on the way up; the Rockets are built to win now. One of these teams advances and sees their season/architecture validated. I picked the Blazers (winning a 7-game toss-up because they have HCA), but I'm rooting for the Rockets, if only because I'm a huge fan of Daryl Morey. OK, maybe I am sort of intrigued.
*Eagles make a strong move: Getting LT Jason Peters from the Bills was a steal.
*Sheffield: 500 HR. Still doesn't make him a Hall of Famer.
*Fantasy Stud: Jason Kubel!
*NFL changes Jets game before Yom Kippur to accommodate Jewish fans: The league probably should have known it was an issue beforehand. You almost never see it come up as a problem.
*Florida hoops losing starting center: Alex Tyus transferring. Along with Calathes likely staying in the NBA Draft and a perimeter-oriented recruiting class, Billy D has a personnel problem.
Excuse me while I forget about the Florida basketball problems while I squint at my laptop screen at flickering images of Tim Tebow's new-and-improved throwing mechanics.
-- D.S.
Friday, April 17, 2009
John Madden: All-Time MVP of NFL
Al Michaels called John Madden the "most important person in NFL history."
He may have read my SN column this morning, channeling superlatives and instant history:
-- D.S.
He may have read my SN column this morning, channeling superlatives and instant history:
Why is Madden irreplaceable? Because he was the most important and influential sports media figure ever.In addition to being the most important/influential person in sports media history, Madden qualifies as being on the short-list in the debate over the most important person in NFL history. (Logistically, you could say Pete Rozelle was most important, but -- screw it -- Rozelle never had a video game.)
With his accessible and enthusiastic commentary, he redefined the "analyst" position (at a time when the NFL was skyrocketing in popularity and exposure through TV, which lasted from the pre-cable, concentrated-audience days of the 80s to the cable explosion of the 90s and the online explosion of the 00s).
After redefining game analysis, he transcended it. First, as a near-ubiquitous TV pitchman for everything from beer to hardware stores. Then, in the greatest achievement of his career, as a video-game icon for multiple generations of fans -- none of whom ever knew him as an actual coach.
There are plenty of big personalities in sports media. Madden was the biggest -- and most successful.
-- D.S.
ESPNDB: Wikipedia for Sports or World-Class Almanac?
ESPNDB -- ESPN's answer to Wikipedia -- has been in the works for a while and is launching imminently. It's a very good idea, if only because this is a knowledge-driven service to fans that ESPN can and should own. Oh, and Wikipedia has proven that fans LOVE this stuff.
Will sports fans trust it more than Wikipedia? The products do different things -- ESPNDB sounds like it will be driven by professional content; Wikipedia is driven by crowd-sourced expertise and enthusiasm for getting the information correct.
In that, ESPNDB has an edge on "authority"; the question is whether it has an edge on "authenticity" -- or comprehensiveness. Would ESPNDB update with Matt Stafford's bio within minutes of his being drafted next week? I guarantee you it will on Wikipedia.
I would advise two things as ESPNDB gets off the ground -- and it sounds like they have big plans for it and the initial version isn't the final version:
(1) Make it as open as possible. I appreciate that professional content is the competitive differentiator that ESPN brings, but don't underestimate the power of passionate fans not only WANTING to help, but providing extremely valuable research. Otherwise, it's just a static almanac.
(2) SEO. SEO. SEO. Yes, ESPNDB can and will have a valuable place accompanying article pages on ESPN.com. But my default for sports research is Google. And Wikipedia rules because when I type in "Matt Stafford" into Google, Wikipedia's entry pops up first -- directly ahead of ESPN.com's "player card" page.
But with the right user experience -- including involving the users -- ESPN.com's player page (with a healthy complement of ESPNDB information) could become the preferred click for fans.
Like ESPN's move into local online media with this week's launch of ESPNChicago.com, ESPNDB is not blazing new ground, but fast-following in a way that ESPN can own.
-- D.S.
Will sports fans trust it more than Wikipedia? The products do different things -- ESPNDB sounds like it will be driven by professional content; Wikipedia is driven by crowd-sourced expertise and enthusiasm for getting the information correct.
In that, ESPNDB has an edge on "authority"; the question is whether it has an edge on "authenticity" -- or comprehensiveness. Would ESPNDB update with Matt Stafford's bio within minutes of his being drafted next week? I guarantee you it will on Wikipedia.
I would advise two things as ESPNDB gets off the ground -- and it sounds like they have big plans for it and the initial version isn't the final version:
(1) Make it as open as possible. I appreciate that professional content is the competitive differentiator that ESPN brings, but don't underestimate the power of passionate fans not only WANTING to help, but providing extremely valuable research. Otherwise, it's just a static almanac.
(2) SEO. SEO. SEO. Yes, ESPNDB can and will have a valuable place accompanying article pages on ESPN.com. But my default for sports research is Google. And Wikipedia rules because when I type in "Matt Stafford" into Google, Wikipedia's entry pops up first -- directly ahead of ESPN.com's "player card" page.
But with the right user experience -- including involving the users -- ESPN.com's player page (with a healthy complement of ESPNDB information) could become the preferred click for fans.
Like ESPN's move into local online media with this week's launch of ESPNChicago.com, ESPNDB is not blazing new ground, but fast-following in a way that ESPN can own.
-- D.S.
Friday 04/17 A.M. Quickie:
Celtics, NBA Playoff Picks, Marlins, Sanchez
The Celtics "era" is over. It was probably over the minute the Cavs emerged with home-court advantage in the East. Without Kevin Garnett, it's a done-deal.
In today's SN column, I lay out my NBA playoff picks -- we can argue about whether the Lakers or the Cavs should be the favorite. I think we all can agree the champ won't be Boston.
We can also agree that this is the least dramatic NBA Playoffs in recent memory -- for a league that is widely lauded as going through some kind of Renaissance, the Playoffs are sizing up as worse than lame... they are predictable.
Like the Lakers are losing in the West? (The only drama: Can a up-and-comer like the Blazers showcase promise by getting out of Round 1 and taking the Lakers more than 4 games?)
Like the Cavs are losing in the East? (The only drama: When -- not if -- the Celtics will be bounced out. And how close can the Magic -- my preseason pick to win the East! -- come?)
I'm not even convinced LeBron will give Kobe a match in the Finals. (I have the Lakers winning in 5.)
The Playoff mantra should be "Where Predictability Happens."
More you'll find in today's column:
*The Marlins are the new Rays!
*The Yankees' crappy season continues!
*Mark Sanchez: 2010 No. 1 pick at 2009 prices!
*Spring Games: Florida vs. Alabama!
*And More!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
In today's SN column, I lay out my NBA playoff picks -- we can argue about whether the Lakers or the Cavs should be the favorite. I think we all can agree the champ won't be Boston.
We can also agree that this is the least dramatic NBA Playoffs in recent memory -- for a league that is widely lauded as going through some kind of Renaissance, the Playoffs are sizing up as worse than lame... they are predictable.
Like the Lakers are losing in the West? (The only drama: Can a up-and-comer like the Blazers showcase promise by getting out of Round 1 and taking the Lakers more than 4 games?)
Like the Cavs are losing in the East? (The only drama: When -- not if -- the Celtics will be bounced out. And how close can the Magic -- my preseason pick to win the East! -- come?)
I'm not even convinced LeBron will give Kobe a match in the Finals. (I have the Lakers winning in 5.)
The Playoff mantra should be "Where Predictability Happens."
More you'll find in today's column:
*The Marlins are the new Rays!
*The Yankees' crappy season continues!
*Mark Sanchez: 2010 No. 1 pick at 2009 prices!
*Spring Games: Florida vs. Alabama!
*And More!
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday 04/16 A.M. Quickie:
Madden, LeBron, MJD, Kinsler, More
UPDATE: So John Madden retiring happened. I prefer Collinsworth, and I wonder what this will do to Madden's much more important brand -- his video-game brand.
Today's SN column leads with proclaiming LeBron as NBA MVP and admitting that I actually thought about the argument that him winning a title this year is BAD for Cavs fans, because it would almost certainly allow him to leave the city in 2010 with a clean conscience.
That idea, of course, is totally ludicrous -- I call myself out for even thinking it. LeBron needs to win now because -- frankly -- this may be his best chance. I mean ever.
More you'll find:
*My quasi-Jags fandom cheers the MJD extension.
*Ian Kinsler rules: Just as Jewish as Youkilis but not a Red Sox player!
*Who is the preseason All-American QB? Tebow? No: Paulus!
*Tons more.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
Today's SN column leads with proclaiming LeBron as NBA MVP and admitting that I actually thought about the argument that him winning a title this year is BAD for Cavs fans, because it would almost certainly allow him to leave the city in 2010 with a clean conscience.
That idea, of course, is totally ludicrous -- I call myself out for even thinking it. LeBron needs to win now because -- frankly -- this may be his best chance. I mean ever.
More you'll find:
*My quasi-Jags fandom cheers the MJD extension.
*Ian Kinsler rules: Just as Jewish as Youkilis but not a Red Sox player!
*Who is the preseason All-American QB? Tebow? No: Paulus!
*Tons more.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Book Club: David Kinney "The Big One"
AJ beat me to high praise for this new book by David Kinney -- "The Big One."
It's a terrific book and a great story -- frankly, I'm a much bigger fan of sports books that aren't necessarily about your typical mainstream sports. Good storytelling is good storytelling, and I think the best thing I could say is this:
Everyone should read one book about fishing as sports competition. This is that book. (Excerpt here, via Deadspin)
-- D.S.
It's a terrific book and a great story -- frankly, I'm a much bigger fan of sports books that aren't necessarily about your typical mainstream sports. Good storytelling is good storytelling, and I think the best thing I could say is this:
Everyone should read one book about fishing as sports competition. This is that book. (Excerpt here, via Deadspin)
-- D.S.
An April 15 Tribute to Jackie Robinson
I'm thinking about today's annual Jackie Robinson tribute across MLB, among my favorite annual traditions -- not just in baseball, but in any sport.
I know how MLB and the players will honor Robinson's memory -- everyone (or many) will wear No. 42.
How could fans show their appreciation and admiration? I have an idea, although it would have been quite a challenge for the database engineers:
I would have liked for everyone playing fantasy baseball to be able to pick up "Jackie Robinson" to replace one starter in their lineup today.
If everyone did it, it would be (a) a good tribute and (b) a bit of a strategic challenge, to figure out which of your starters to replace.
At the very least, we could all have our own tribute to Jackie Robinson -- by far the most important sports figure in American sports history.
-- D.S.
I know how MLB and the players will honor Robinson's memory -- everyone (or many) will wear No. 42.
How could fans show their appreciation and admiration? I have an idea, although it would have been quite a challenge for the database engineers:
I would have liked for everyone playing fantasy baseball to be able to pick up "Jackie Robinson" to replace one starter in their lineup today.
If everyone did it, it would be (a) a good tribute and (b) a bit of a strategic challenge, to figure out which of your starters to replace.
At the very least, we could all have our own tribute to Jackie Robinson -- by far the most important sports figure in American sports history.
-- D.S.
Wednesday 04/15 A.M. Quickie:
NFL Schedule, Paulus, NHL Playoffs, Taxes
Some hockey fans might see it as a slight that I didn't preview the NHL playoffs in today's SN column. Quite the contrary: Take it as a sign of respect that I didn't want to diminish your sport by attempting to be profound in any way about the results -- beyond my affection for Ovechkin.
Instead, I am somewhat obsessed with the latest turn in the best story of the week: Greg Paulus' future in football. Even better than him working out for the Packers (there is no WAY he is getting drafted) is the rumor that he could transfer to Michigan and play QB for Rich Rodriguez. I love that idea. In fact, it totally reinvents Paulus from "Duke uber-punk" to "the next Pat White."
Meanwhile, there's lots to say about the release of the NFL schedule -- I personally like the idea of projecting the entire season based on a list of dates and opponents in mid-April. Yes, the experts can TOTALLY see things coming like the Dolphins or Falcons a year ago, just from the schedule release. Among the few things this is good for -- beyond extending the offseason hype for the NFL, which is not a bad thing -- is to see who gets the marquee primetime slots. Oh, and to see that the Steelers have a very favorable schedule, particularly for a defending champ.
NBA Playoffs: I find it amusing that anyone bothers to care how the seeding in the West shakes out today. Like the Lakers are going to lose to anyone in the West?
Plus: Why John Wall should skip college. More on that later.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Instead, I am somewhat obsessed with the latest turn in the best story of the week: Greg Paulus' future in football. Even better than him working out for the Packers (there is no WAY he is getting drafted) is the rumor that he could transfer to Michigan and play QB for Rich Rodriguez. I love that idea. In fact, it totally reinvents Paulus from "Duke uber-punk" to "the next Pat White."
Meanwhile, there's lots to say about the release of the NFL schedule -- I personally like the idea of projecting the entire season based on a list of dates and opponents in mid-April. Yes, the experts can TOTALLY see things coming like the Dolphins or Falcons a year ago, just from the schedule release. Among the few things this is good for -- beyond extending the offseason hype for the NFL, which is not a bad thing -- is to see who gets the marquee primetime slots. Oh, and to see that the Steelers have a very favorable schedule, particularly for a defending champ.
NBA Playoffs: I find it amusing that anyone bothers to care how the seeding in the West shakes out today. Like the Lakers are going to lose to anyone in the West?
Plus: Why John Wall should skip college. More on that later.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
NFL Draft Prep: Don't Draft Percy Harvin?
I love Cold Hard Football Facts -- even if they eviscerate the history of Florida WRs who have been drafted.
The stats don't lie, although I think Percy Harvin is a better WR -- and better all-around player (returner, Wildcat specialist) -- than the players who have come before him. If anything, the concern with Percy is his health -- not his skills.
(BTW: Here's another must-read from CHFF about the NFL schedule being released by the NFL on the NFL Network tonight.)
-- D.S.
The stats don't lie, although I think Percy Harvin is a better WR -- and better all-around player (returner, Wildcat specialist) -- than the players who have come before him. If anything, the concern with Percy is his health -- not his skills.
(BTW: Here's another must-read from CHFF about the NFL schedule being released by the NFL on the NFL Network tonight.)
-- D.S.
ESPNChicago.com launched yesterday. As a business and programming idea, I think it's very smart -- the Chicago Tribune announced it is cutting 20 percent of its newsroom; the Sun-Times is bleeding sports columnists out of every orifice; sites everywhere (Huffington Post) are going local.
What's interesting is that there is plenty of room for growth: Why wouldn't SBNation aggregate its Chicago blogs into a Chicago-focused destination? Or partner up with SI or Fox or CBS? Or, at the very least, partner with the Trib's own ChicagoSports.com to expand its coverage? Because if the newspaper companies don't do something, they're going to lose one of the few things that they should do better than anyone else -- local sports (the other is crime news).
There are a couple of indie local team blogs still in play (Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Northwestern, Notre Dame) -- the smart local plays will cut inbound and outbound distribution deals with them immediately.
By the way: There is no reason this can't scale to every major sports city, and quickly. And it's not a bad thing -- not at all. Local papers can partner with the national brands, and local indie voices (such as bloggers) can gain exposure while adding a ton of editorial value.
This is what you would call a logical -- but still disruptive -- product extension for ESPN.
-- D.S.
What's interesting is that there is plenty of room for growth: Why wouldn't SBNation aggregate its Chicago blogs into a Chicago-focused destination? Or partner up with SI or Fox or CBS? Or, at the very least, partner with the Trib's own ChicagoSports.com to expand its coverage? Because if the newspaper companies don't do something, they're going to lose one of the few things that they should do better than anyone else -- local sports (the other is crime news).
There are a couple of indie local team blogs still in play (Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Northwestern, Notre Dame) -- the smart local plays will cut inbound and outbound distribution deals with them immediately.
By the way: There is no reason this can't scale to every major sports city, and quickly. And it's not a bad thing -- not at all. Local papers can partner with the national brands, and local indie voices (such as bloggers) can gain exposure while adding a ton of editorial value.
This is what you would call a logical -- but still disruptive -- product extension for ESPN.
-- D.S.
Getting Tweens To Care About Sports
This article was about programming entertainment TV for tween guys, but if you run a sports league or a sports team or a sports-media product, it's a must-read. Huge implications.
-- D.S.
-- D.S.
Tuesday 04/14 A.M. Quickie:
Kalas, Cavs, Citi, Lions, Grienke, More
Is it too early to coronate the Cavs as NBA champs, simply because they just earned home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs, including the Finals?
Maybe. After all, the Cavs only lost once at home this season -- and it was to the Lakers, the odds-on favorite to meet them in the Finals. If the Cavs give up HCA, all bets are off.
But in terms of winning the East, I cannot see the Celtics beating the Cavs in Cleveland. Maybe the C's win all 3 games in Boston, but they're not going to win on the road.
(Yeah, yeah: I lean too heavily on last year's first-round mess vs. Atlanta and discount that the Celtics actually did break serve at Detroit and at LA.)
The Cavs may have lost only one game at home all season, but -- then again -- all it takes is one home loss in the playoffs to shift the balance just enough to change the outcome of a series.
Meanwhile:
*RIP, Harry Kalas
*RIP, Bird Fidrych
*Grienke!
*300 HR Club!
*Stafford!
*Excuse to mention Florida football!
*And a lot more.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Maybe. After all, the Cavs only lost once at home this season -- and it was to the Lakers, the odds-on favorite to meet them in the Finals. If the Cavs give up HCA, all bets are off.
But in terms of winning the East, I cannot see the Celtics beating the Cavs in Cleveland. Maybe the C's win all 3 games in Boston, but they're not going to win on the road.
(Yeah, yeah: I lean too heavily on last year's first-round mess vs. Atlanta and discount that the Celtics actually did break serve at Detroit and at LA.)
The Cavs may have lost only one game at home all season, but -- then again -- all it takes is one home loss in the playoffs to shift the balance just enough to change the outcome of a series.
Meanwhile:
*RIP, Harry Kalas
*RIP, Bird Fidrych
*Grienke!
*300 HR Club!
*Stafford!
*Excuse to mention Florida football!
*And a lot more.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday 04/13 A.M. Quickie:
Masters, Tiger, Cavs, 55, Draft, More
OK, so the Masters was kind of interesting -- even without Tiger at the top. Still: Not quite the event it would have been had Tiger won.
The big point was in today's SN column: You'll get folks who will argue that the Tiger-free Masters finish was great for the game; I'll maintain that nothing beats Tiger. Except Angel, I guess.
Meanwhile, more you'll find in today's column:
*The Celtics aren't beating the Cavs in the playoffs. No chance.
*The Cubs stake their claim on the NL Central.
*My fantasy baseball season continues to produce in an inverse ratio to my NCAA bracket: I drafted Josh Johnson, who -- for now -- looks amazing.
*Which was more impressive: Dwyane Wade's career-best double-nickel (does every superstar get a chance to devour the Knicks?) or Chris Paul's 31-17-9 on national TV?
*If it's less than two weeks til the NFL Draft, that means the obfuscation ramps up -- say, Shonn Greene's "work habits" issues.
*Ed Davis back at UNC next year -- he should have a huge year, especially with all those good freshmen behind him.
There's a lot more. I'll leave you with the idea that anyone who can pull off a cowboy hat and a pink T-shirt at Augusta National deserves our admiration.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
The big point was in today's SN column: You'll get folks who will argue that the Tiger-free Masters finish was great for the game; I'll maintain that nothing beats Tiger. Except Angel, I guess.
Meanwhile, more you'll find in today's column:
*The Celtics aren't beating the Cavs in the playoffs. No chance.
*The Cubs stake their claim on the NL Central.
*My fantasy baseball season continues to produce in an inverse ratio to my NCAA bracket: I drafted Josh Johnson, who -- for now -- looks amazing.
*Which was more impressive: Dwyane Wade's career-best double-nickel (does every superstar get a chance to devour the Knicks?) or Chris Paul's 31-17-9 on national TV?
*If it's less than two weeks til the NFL Draft, that means the obfuscation ramps up -- say, Shonn Greene's "work habits" issues.
*Ed Davis back at UNC next year -- he should have a huge year, especially with all those good freshmen behind him.
There's a lot more. I'll leave you with the idea that anyone who can pull off a cowboy hat and a pink T-shirt at Augusta National deserves our admiration.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Friday 04/10 A.M. Quickie:
Adenhart, Tiger, Bynum, Burnett, BU, More
Longtime readers know that of the many things I don't do well, gravitas is at the top of the list.
It is hard to lead today's SN column with Nick Adenhart's death. My own inadequate contribution is merely that the circumstances -- coming off an impressive '09 debut, basically his MLB career debut -- remind me how fleeting the thrill in sports is, and how I should appreciate it. I can't speak for MLB players appreciating every minute; I can only say it for myself, as a fan.
Beyond that tragedy, the season is off to an intriguing start: The Yankees finally winning (behind Burnett); the Rays topping the Sox at Fenway; the breakthrough(?) Royals; Joey Votto (drafted him!)
The NBA playoffs are going to be boring -- at least in the West, where the Lakers should roll. Why are they bothering to even play the series? With Bynum back, they're even better.
Hope Syracuse fans enjoyed the ride this year: Flynn, Devendorf and Harris all declare for the draft. Flynn says he may come back -- and he's be preseason national POY if he did -- but I also think he could be a Top 10 NBA pick. Why would you come back to school if that was the case? Hansbrough-Lawson-Green sure as heck wouldn't have.
NFL Draft: Two weeks away. Rumor-mongering should start to pick up next week.
More in the column here.
-- D.S.
It is hard to lead today's SN column with Nick Adenhart's death. My own inadequate contribution is merely that the circumstances -- coming off an impressive '09 debut, basically his MLB career debut -- remind me how fleeting the thrill in sports is, and how I should appreciate it. I can't speak for MLB players appreciating every minute; I can only say it for myself, as a fan.
Beyond that tragedy, the season is off to an intriguing start: The Yankees finally winning (behind Burnett); the Rays topping the Sox at Fenway; the breakthrough(?) Royals; Joey Votto (drafted him!)
The NBA playoffs are going to be boring -- at least in the West, where the Lakers should roll. Why are they bothering to even play the series? With Bynum back, they're even better.
Hope Syracuse fans enjoyed the ride this year: Flynn, Devendorf and Harris all declare for the draft. Flynn says he may come back -- and he's be preseason national POY if he did -- but I also think he could be a Top 10 NBA pick. Why would you come back to school if that was the case? Hansbrough-Lawson-Green sure as heck wouldn't have.
NFL Draft: Two weeks away. Rumor-mongering should start to pick up next week.
More in the column here.
-- D.S.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Register Now: Blogs With Balls Conference
June 13, 2009 in NYC - Event of the Year!
When I first started blogging in the summer of 2006, it was quickly apparent that there was an incredible community of sports bloggers -- a universe that has only grown, exponentially.
Since then, I have been desperate for a legitimate conference about online sports media -- specifically powered by and featuring folks in sports blogging who are on top of their game.
That conference is now a reality: Blogs With Balls, coming June 13 in New York City. The speaker list is incredible (yes, I'm on it, but I would attend even if I wasn't, just for the folks who will be there). It'll be like SXSW for sports-blog fans -- but so much dorkier. (In a good way!)
It sizes up as the biggest event in the short but somewhat insane history of the sports-blog universe. I hope you'll think about making it there. Get details here and get tickets here.
And, in true blogger style, here is a promo video on YouTube.
-- D.S.
Since then, I have been desperate for a legitimate conference about online sports media -- specifically powered by and featuring folks in sports blogging who are on top of their game.
That conference is now a reality: Blogs With Balls, coming June 13 in New York City. The speaker list is incredible (yes, I'm on it, but I would attend even if I wasn't, just for the folks who will be there). It'll be like SXSW for sports-blog fans -- but so much dorkier. (In a good way!)
It sizes up as the biggest event in the short but somewhat insane history of the sports-blog universe. I hope you'll think about making it there. Get details here and get tickets here.
And, in true blogger style, here is a promo video on YouTube.
-- D.S.
Comment of the Month: Larry Calls Me Out
By far the Comment of the Month. Kudos to Larry, who totally scores with this
-- D.S.
Why wasn't UNC's win a validation of the stay-in-school crowd? Why are you so begrudging, as you say, in your respect for Tyler Hansbrough? Would the game have "sucked" as much if it was "Florida" on the jerseys instead of "North Carolina"? Bemoaning the lack of competitiveness wasn't how you led your post on Tebow's first championship. And why didn't you talk about the diluted talent pool in college basketball after the 2006 and 2007 championships?Hat tip to you, Larry. Well-played.
Seems you could have written a lead like this:
"Certainly UNC's starting five should go down as college hoops' greatest ever.
"Carolina's four biggest stars all could have gone pro a year ago; they gave up the NBA millions in the short term for the chance to come back to school and make history. And they did.
"You can hate Hansbrough. You can hate Carolina. You can hate UNC's perennial success in basketball. But if you love college hoops, you have to appreciate what this group chose to do -- and did."
If that sounds familiar, it should: http://www.danshanoff.com/2007/04/florida-best-team-ever-but-ill-settle.html
-- D.S.
Thursday 04/09 A.M. Quickie:
Tiger, Yankees, DeRozan, Stafford, More
Maybe I only speak for the "casual" or "non-" golf fan, but it feels like the only reason to watch the Masters is Tiger: If he wins, great. If he loses, interesting. But do you really care who beats him? Or who pushes him? Or who leads after today's opening round?
This is the blessing and curse of having a sport that is so thoroughly dominated by a single player. When Tiger was out last year, golf evaporated. When he returned, he was the story. THE story. The ONLY story. That leads today's SN column.
Perhaps avid golf fans care about rising stars or Phil Mickelson or the day-to-day drama of what's going on at Augusta. But the rest of us hear "Tiger vs. the Field" and pick Tiger. What else is there to know about golf right now?
Meanwhile:
*Ouch, the Yankees are off to a terrible start.
*But the Phillies show 0-2 ain't fatal.
*DeRozan, Harden, Hill: Did we just see 3 slots in the NBA Draft Top 10 get filled? And that does't even count DeJuan Blair.
*I guess the Lions are going to take Matt Stafford. OK. I'll stop harping on him now.
*Lots more where that came from.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
This is the blessing and curse of having a sport that is so thoroughly dominated by a single player. When Tiger was out last year, golf evaporated. When he returned, he was the story. THE story. The ONLY story. That leads today's SN column.
Perhaps avid golf fans care about rising stars or Phil Mickelson or the day-to-day drama of what's going on at Augusta. But the rest of us hear "Tiger vs. the Field" and pick Tiger. What else is there to know about golf right now?
Meanwhile:
*Ouch, the Yankees are off to a terrible start.
*But the Phillies show 0-2 ain't fatal.
*DeRozan, Harden, Hill: Did we just see 3 slots in the NBA Draft Top 10 get filled? And that does't even count DeJuan Blair.
*I guess the Lions are going to take Matt Stafford. OK. I'll stop harping on him now.
*Lots more where that came from.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Dan Shanoff Dan Levy On The DL Podcast:
High-Talk, Tebow, Twitter, Passover, More
Would you like to hear me:
*Appall even myself with Tebow-fawning? (And bonus Hansbrough-fawning!)
*Reveal my secret strategy from "Around the Horn?" (I cheated! No! Well... actually: Yes!)
*Discuss why old sports media is confounding? ("Murray Chass has a purple mohawk!")
*Break down Passover strategy? (Which matzoh-based delicacy is my favorite?)
*Ramble, stutter and otherwise speak non-sensically? (As opposed to...?)
*Put on display the top "high-talker" voice in sports media? (You'll swear it's a young girl!)
Then snuggle up for a 45-minute marathon session of me making my debut appearance on Dan Levy's On the DL podcast.
What? You don't already subscribe to On the DL through iTunes or visit the On the DL podcast Web site? Let me help: DO IT NOW. It's a terrific daily show.
Thanks to Dan for having me on. He is a fantastic host -- he asks smart questions of his guests that you or I would want to ask, too, as opposed to the usual superficial queries. Subscribe now!
-- D.S.
*Appall even myself with Tebow-fawning? (And bonus Hansbrough-fawning!)
*Reveal my secret strategy from "Around the Horn?" (I cheated! No! Well... actually: Yes!)
*Discuss why old sports media is confounding? ("Murray Chass has a purple mohawk!")
*Break down Passover strategy? (Which matzoh-based delicacy is my favorite?)
*Ramble, stutter and otherwise speak non-sensically? (As opposed to...?)
*Put on display the top "high-talker" voice in sports media? (You'll swear it's a young girl!)
Then snuggle up for a 45-minute marathon session of me making my debut appearance on Dan Levy's On the DL podcast.
What? You don't already subscribe to On the DL through iTunes or visit the On the DL podcast Web site? Let me help: DO IT NOW. It's a terrific daily show.
Thanks to Dan for having me on. He is a fantastic host -- he asks smart questions of his guests that you or I would want to ask, too, as opposed to the usual superficial queries. Subscribe now!
-- D.S.
Wednesday 04/08 A.M. Quickie:
UConn, Griffin, Beckett, Rockets, More
39-0, with no team ever coming closer than double-digits in any game result this season. I don't know if the 2009 UConn women are the best women's hoops team of all time, but that certainly puts them on the short list -- and eclipses the definition of "domination" applied yesterday to UNC.
Kudos to UConn leads today's SN column, but I also dive into the 2nd full day of MLB games... Blake Griffin turning pro... Who the Lions should draft (or not draft at all)... and More.
Complete column here. More later. Feel free to check out my bonus post from last night, directly below, if you haven't seen it yet.
And, hmm: After a terrific experience last night on Dan Levy's "On the DL" podcast, should I create my own podcast? I mean: Between my "high-talker" tones and my tenuous grasp on anything but the most superficial opinions, who wouldn't listen?
-- D.S.
Kudos to UConn leads today's SN column, but I also dive into the 2nd full day of MLB games... Blake Griffin turning pro... Who the Lions should draft (or not draft at all)... and More.
Complete column here. More later. Feel free to check out my bonus post from last night, directly below, if you haven't seen it yet.
And, hmm: After a terrific experience last night on Dan Levy's "On the DL" podcast, should I create my own podcast? I mean: Between my "high-talker" tones and my tenuous grasp on anything but the most superficial opinions, who wouldn't listen?
-- D.S.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
The Future of Sports Team Beat-Writing
Must-read in today's Wall Street Journal. And a nice piece of follow-up analysis by Rob Neyer.
Does beat-reporting need to come in the form of a newspaper story? Is the newspaper the best promotional vehicle for a team? (Hey: A rare super-value for the physical newspaper!)
How many beat reporters does a team need? Could the responsibility be shared, or syndicated? What's the value of a game story? What's the value of the "notes" column? How many newspaper beat reporters have successfully embraced new technology (blogs, Twitter) to serve their readers?
Can the teams or the leagues themselves disintermediate? (See MLB.com's extensive and editorially mostly-rigorous beat system.)
And what do fans need from the beat reporter? Game recap? Quotes? I can find those elsewhere. How many of you are happy to read the AP recap on the ESPN.com scoreboard, then dive into the stats or the commentary elsewhere, like on a hyper-fan site, like a great team blog?
Analysis? I can DEFINITELY find that elsewhere. I need exclusive news breaks, yeah -- someone's gotta do that -- but as soon as it's broken, it's commoditized.
I think most bloggers would agree that -- of any part of the mainstream media -- the beat reporters are the most valuable. Columnists could all be replaced. Editors are mostly unnecessary -- in their traditional form. But the beat reporter provides the fodder for the conversation. You can't have an opinion without some news to base it on.
How many link-backs to a newspaper web site go to a columnist, versus a news story? It's probably not a bad thing to understand.
As for beat reporting in the physical paper? That ain't the beat reporters' fault -- or from a lack of interest by consumers. The print paper is simply bad economics.
Will teams and leagues suffer for lack of coverage in local print papers? I guess I think that every team needs to focus on their core fan first -- converting a casual fan into a core fan is folly. At best, you can convince the casual fan to show up a few times a year, for the fun of it.
And the core fans started looking for media sources beyond the physical newspaper a while ago.
The beat reporter is part of the mix. Not sure how many beat reporters each team needs, though.
Entrepreneurship alert: This is a big opportunity. MLB will subsidize their own beat reporters, but fans will always want something a little more independent. I'm pretty sure -- though not totally sure -- that major markets will always support at least one newspaper, and with that newspaper, at least one beat reporter per major-league sports team.
But if I approached a newspaper company -- or a sports team -- with a low-cost, high-quality alternative to their current economic structure? I think you could find the audience -- and revenue -- to support it.
So what am I saying? Patch.com meets Sports? Or maybe that ESPNChicago.com is the future of local sports coverage. The fan interest is there -- the coverage will follow, in one form or another.
-- D.S.
Does beat-reporting need to come in the form of a newspaper story? Is the newspaper the best promotional vehicle for a team? (Hey: A rare super-value for the physical newspaper!)
How many beat reporters does a team need? Could the responsibility be shared, or syndicated? What's the value of a game story? What's the value of the "notes" column? How many newspaper beat reporters have successfully embraced new technology (blogs, Twitter) to serve their readers?
Can the teams or the leagues themselves disintermediate? (See MLB.com's extensive and editorially mostly-rigorous beat system.)
And what do fans need from the beat reporter? Game recap? Quotes? I can find those elsewhere. How many of you are happy to read the AP recap on the ESPN.com scoreboard, then dive into the stats or the commentary elsewhere, like on a hyper-fan site, like a great team blog?
Analysis? I can DEFINITELY find that elsewhere. I need exclusive news breaks, yeah -- someone's gotta do that -- but as soon as it's broken, it's commoditized.
I think most bloggers would agree that -- of any part of the mainstream media -- the beat reporters are the most valuable. Columnists could all be replaced. Editors are mostly unnecessary -- in their traditional form. But the beat reporter provides the fodder for the conversation. You can't have an opinion without some news to base it on.
How many link-backs to a newspaper web site go to a columnist, versus a news story? It's probably not a bad thing to understand.
As for beat reporting in the physical paper? That ain't the beat reporters' fault -- or from a lack of interest by consumers. The print paper is simply bad economics.
Will teams and leagues suffer for lack of coverage in local print papers? I guess I think that every team needs to focus on their core fan first -- converting a casual fan into a core fan is folly. At best, you can convince the casual fan to show up a few times a year, for the fun of it.
And the core fans started looking for media sources beyond the physical newspaper a while ago.
The beat reporter is part of the mix. Not sure how many beat reporters each team needs, though.
Entrepreneurship alert: This is a big opportunity. MLB will subsidize their own beat reporters, but fans will always want something a little more independent. I'm pretty sure -- though not totally sure -- that major markets will always support at least one newspaper, and with that newspaper, at least one beat reporter per major-league sports team.
But if I approached a newspaper company -- or a sports team -- with a low-cost, high-quality alternative to their current economic structure? I think you could find the audience -- and revenue -- to support it.
So what am I saying? Patch.com meets Sports? Or maybe that ESPNChicago.com is the future of local sports coverage. The fan interest is there -- the coverage will follow, in one form or another.
-- D.S.
Tuesday 04/07 A.M. Quickie:
UNC, Hansbrough, Lawson, Opening Day
Last night's game sucked, but domination is rarely fun to watch. It's just plain impressive.
I'm no UNC fan. And though I have a begrudging respect for Tyler Hansbrough -- increased substantially this morning since 24 hours ago -- I'm not a huge fan.
But I appreciate the ass-kicking that UNC laid down. They are a very worthy champ, and that leads today's SN column.
What last night was not was a validation of the "stay-in-school" crowd. Make no mistake: If Lawson or Hansbrough or Ellington or Green were guaranteed to be Top 10 picks in any of the last few years, they would have gone pro immediately.
What it DOES display is the level of basketball we would be seeing if NBA early-entrants stuck around an extra year or two (or, in the case of Hansbrough, three). Was UNC '08-09 legitimately awesome -- or was the field that watered down? Probably a bit of both.
The fact is that Michigan State decisively beat both Louisville and UConn, and UNC just smoked the Spartans. And Oklahoma was the best of the Big 12, and UNC smoked them. And Villanova beat arguably the best team in the Big East, and UNC smoked Nova, too.
This was a great team, and a worthy champ.
Oh, and baseball started yesterday. And it was quite an awesome day. CC sucking. K-Rod acing. Hanley rolling. Griffey's turn-back-the-clock moment. And particularly if you drafted Adam Lind onto your fantasy roster, as I did.
See: Because of my worst-ever finish in the Tournament Challege -- 12th percentile. Seriously: 12th. Jaw-droppingly bad. -- I am SO due for a great season in fantasy baseball.
Meanwhile, for his slow start, Obama finished in the 80th percentile. And if I had followed the "National Bracket," I would have out-performed 88 percent of pool entrants.
Next year: National Bracket.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
I'm no UNC fan. And though I have a begrudging respect for Tyler Hansbrough -- increased substantially this morning since 24 hours ago -- I'm not a huge fan.
But I appreciate the ass-kicking that UNC laid down. They are a very worthy champ, and that leads today's SN column.
What last night was not was a validation of the "stay-in-school" crowd. Make no mistake: If Lawson or Hansbrough or Ellington or Green were guaranteed to be Top 10 picks in any of the last few years, they would have gone pro immediately.
What it DOES display is the level of basketball we would be seeing if NBA early-entrants stuck around an extra year or two (or, in the case of Hansbrough, three). Was UNC '08-09 legitimately awesome -- or was the field that watered down? Probably a bit of both.
The fact is that Michigan State decisively beat both Louisville and UConn, and UNC just smoked the Spartans. And Oklahoma was the best of the Big 12, and UNC smoked them. And Villanova beat arguably the best team in the Big East, and UNC smoked Nova, too.
This was a great team, and a worthy champ.
Oh, and baseball started yesterday. And it was quite an awesome day. CC sucking. K-Rod acing. Hanley rolling. Griffey's turn-back-the-clock moment. And particularly if you drafted Adam Lind onto your fantasy roster, as I did.
See: Because of my worst-ever finish in the Tournament Challege -- 12th percentile. Seriously: 12th. Jaw-droppingly bad. -- I am SO due for a great season in fantasy baseball.
Meanwhile, for his slow start, Obama finished in the 80th percentile. And if I had followed the "National Bracket," I would have out-performed 88 percent of pool entrants.
Next year: National Bracket.
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Tournament Challenge Update: Down to Two!
The Daily Quickie Readers group is down to two finalists:
If UNC wins, J. London is your champ.
If MSU wins, S. Medema is your champ.
I will be cringing to see what my final percentile will be, hoping to avoid single-digits.
-- D.S.
If UNC wins, J. London is your champ.
If MSU wins, S. Medema is your champ.
I will be cringing to see what my final percentile will be, hoping to avoid single-digits.
-- D.S.
Opening Day
Apropos for Opening Day:
"Of course, there are those who learn after the first few times. They grow out of sports. And there are others who were born with the wisdom to know that nothing lasts. These are the truly tough among us, the ones who can live without illusion. I am not that grown up or up-to-date. I am a simpler creature, tied to more primitive patterns and cycles. I need to think something lasts forever, and it might as well be that state of being that is a game; it might as well be that, in a green field, in the sun."-- Bart Giamatti. (h/t: TK)
Kevin Durant: The Next Chris Mullin
Longtime readers know that I loathe lazy player comparisons that rely (mainly) on race -- hell, see the post below from this morning, where I compare Hansbrough's NBA prospects to Millsap (as opposed to, say, Madsen).
Here is a fantastic comp -- derived from quality statistical analysis, no less: Kevin Durant as Chris Mullin 2.0. (Kudos to Kevin Pelton.)
The system is color blind: There is also a result that favorably links Durant to Bernard King. Kevin Durant as the love-child of King and Mullin? Love it. All KD needs is the Brooklyn accent.
-- D.S.
Here is a fantastic comp -- derived from quality statistical analysis, no less: Kevin Durant as Chris Mullin 2.0. (Kudos to Kevin Pelton.)
The system is color blind: There is also a result that favorably links Durant to Bernard King. Kevin Durant as the love-child of King and Mullin? Love it. All KD needs is the Brooklyn accent.
-- D.S.
Monday 04/06 A.M. Quickie:
UNC, Michigan State, Hansbrough, Shining
I'm no fan of UNC. You might think that, similarly, I'm no fan of Tyler Hansbrough -- what with the whole "if he doesn't win a title, he's a failure" thing. (Leads today's SN column.)
But I actually have come around on Psycho-T. I'm not sure I like him, but I definitely respect him. He is already on the all-time college player list; with a title, he will get into some really rare air.
I also find the prospect of him NOT winning a title to be even more dramatic. Every generation needs its Ralph Sampson -- if UNC loses, that will be Hansbrough (albeit without the NBA cachet).
I actually think that Hansbrough will be a decent pro. If Paul Millsap can be a double-double machine, why can't Hansbrough. (I won't hold my breath waiting for that comparison from subtly racist draft experts who can't seem to do more than compare white players with white players.)
Anyway: Michigan State has a puncher's chance. They have great depth. The guards are playing very well. Suton may draw Hansbrough out of the lane (why not play Hansbrough and Ed Davis together, letting the springy Davis play Suton outside?) Tom Izzo is the best Tournament coach. And then the whole "Michigan State playing the game in Michigan when Michigan is totally getting hammered by the economy." That, by the way, is meaningless.
UNC just played a team that came into the game with just as much mojo as MSU has now: The Heels blitzed Villanova, and while I don't think it will be that bad in the final (nor as bad as the 35-point beat-down they delivered the Spartans at Ford Field in December), it's UNC FTW.
Oh, and it's Opening Day. Set your fantasy rosters!
Complete SN column here. See post below for the worst-ever state of my bracket.
-- D.S.
But I actually have come around on Psycho-T. I'm not sure I like him, but I definitely respect him. He is already on the all-time college player list; with a title, he will get into some really rare air.
I also find the prospect of him NOT winning a title to be even more dramatic. Every generation needs its Ralph Sampson -- if UNC loses, that will be Hansbrough (albeit without the NBA cachet).
I actually think that Hansbrough will be a decent pro. If Paul Millsap can be a double-double machine, why can't Hansbrough. (I won't hold my breath waiting for that comparison from subtly racist draft experts who can't seem to do more than compare white players with white players.)
Anyway: Michigan State has a puncher's chance. They have great depth. The guards are playing very well. Suton may draw Hansbrough out of the lane (why not play Hansbrough and Ed Davis together, letting the springy Davis play Suton outside?) Tom Izzo is the best Tournament coach. And then the whole "Michigan State playing the game in Michigan when Michigan is totally getting hammered by the economy." That, by the way, is meaningless.
UNC just played a team that came into the game with just as much mojo as MSU has now: The Heels blitzed Villanova, and while I don't think it will be that bad in the final (nor as bad as the 35-point beat-down they delivered the Spartans at Ford Field in December), it's UNC FTW.
Oh, and it's Opening Day. Set your fantasy rosters!
Complete SN column here. See post below for the worst-ever state of my bracket.
-- D.S.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
State of My Bracket: Oh The Humanity
Last year, I finished with my bracket in the 18th percentile -- my worst showing ever.
Until now.
I am in the 12th percentile, heading into the title game. And if UNC wins Monday night, it will surely dip into the single digits.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama has surged into the top third of all brackets. And he has UNC winning it all.
By the way: If I just used the National Bracket, I would be beating 80 percent of the country right now, with more room to climb if UNC wins the title.
Next year, maybe I'll just go with the National Bracket. It cannot possibly be worse than my own picks.
Then again, I said the same thing after last year: How could it get worse? It has.
Worst. Year. Ever.
-- D.S.
Until now.
I am in the 12th percentile, heading into the title game. And if UNC wins Monday night, it will surely dip into the single digits.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama has surged into the top third of all brackets. And he has UNC winning it all.
By the way: If I just used the National Bracket, I would be beating 80 percent of the country right now, with more room to climb if UNC wins the title.
Next year, maybe I'll just go with the National Bracket. It cannot possibly be worse than my own picks.
Then again, I said the same thing after last year: How could it get worse? It has.
Worst. Year. Ever.
-- D.S.
Sunday 04/05 (Very) Quickie
And the real champion of the Big East is... Michigan State.
For all the talk of how good the Big East was this year, the Spartans dispatched the league's regular-season champ/tournament champ and arguably its 2nd-best team in back-to-back games.
And if they can beat the best of the ACC, they will be national champs.
It was minor consolation for me that I predicted MSU's win over UConn -- I also picked Nova over UNC, and the way UNC thumped the Wildcats, I couldn't have been more wrong.
UNC is very very good. But the way Michigan State has been handling "superior" teams over the last two games, there is no reason to think they can't beat the Tar Heels.
I'd like to see it, but I don't think they will.
Great stat: Only 3 teams since '85 have won their 5 tournament games by 10 points or more -- they all went on to roll in the title game.
Folks will be analyzing the game that UNC and Michigan State played at Ford Field back on December 3 -- the Tar Heels won by 35, one of the worst beatings of Tom Izzo's career.
There is one big difference: Goran Suton didn't play in that game. Is he worth 35 points? No, but combined with four months' seasoning -- including the remarkable 5-game Tournament run -- the Spartans are a different team. Again: 35 points better?
A Spartans upset wouldn't be quite Nova-over-G'town '85, but it would be as big of a title-game upset since Arizona over Kentucky in '97.
It's going to be a big night on Monday for Tyler Hansbrough -- this game will define his tremendous college career.
-- D.S.
For all the talk of how good the Big East was this year, the Spartans dispatched the league's regular-season champ/tournament champ and arguably its 2nd-best team in back-to-back games.
And if they can beat the best of the ACC, they will be national champs.
It was minor consolation for me that I predicted MSU's win over UConn -- I also picked Nova over UNC, and the way UNC thumped the Wildcats, I couldn't have been more wrong.
UNC is very very good. But the way Michigan State has been handling "superior" teams over the last two games, there is no reason to think they can't beat the Tar Heels.
I'd like to see it, but I don't think they will.
Great stat: Only 3 teams since '85 have won their 5 tournament games by 10 points or more -- they all went on to roll in the title game.
Folks will be analyzing the game that UNC and Michigan State played at Ford Field back on December 3 -- the Tar Heels won by 35, one of the worst beatings of Tom Izzo's career.
There is one big difference: Goran Suton didn't play in that game. Is he worth 35 points? No, but combined with four months' seasoning -- including the remarkable 5-game Tournament run -- the Spartans are a different team. Again: 35 points better?
A Spartans upset wouldn't be quite Nova-over-G'town '85, but it would be as big of a title-game upset since Arizona over Kentucky in '97.
It's going to be a big night on Monday for Tyler Hansbrough -- this game will define his tremendous college career.
-- D.S.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday 04/04 (Very Final Four)
Just counting down until the Final Four tonight. Rooting for good games -- maybe even an upset. If you can make a good case for either team winning, is it really THAT much of an upset?
Giants release Plax: Here's an idea -- the Bears need better WRs for their new QB. How about Burress? (Would that lead the league in QB-WR headcase combos?)
Magic crush Cavs: Tuned in for a little of this last night. Wow, Orlando looked good. Yeah, the Cavs were playing for a 2nd straight night on the road. Not sure if the Magic can beat the Cavs once in Cleveland to overcome LeBron's HCA -- but they kept pace with Boston for the East 2-seed; whoever gets that wins the East semi series between them.
New stadiums in NYC debut: Flipped between the Mets exhibition opener at Citi Field and the Yankees exhibition opener at the new Stadium. They both look like such upgrades over the old versions -- I hated going to games at them before. "Decrepit" is not endearing.
(Sheffield to the Mets: Is this like a poor man's version of the Mets signing Manny? Not quite. But I bet Sheff surprises.)
Does AI have a sore back that will keep him out the rest of the season? Or just sore feelings over not being a starter?
Lakers beat Rockets for 60th win: I thought Houston was the only team in the West that might even come close to challenging LA. Not so much. Meanwhile, how about the Heat as spoiler in the East? Miami clinched its own playoff spot last night.
Picks for tonight: Villanova (DeJuan Blair couldn't beat them last week; Hansbrough won't beat them this week. Plus: Nova guards can keep up with Ty Lawson) and Michigan State (still so amazed at the way they handled Louisville. Plus, I buy the whole "home-state" advantage.)
Enjoy the games.
-- D.S.
Giants release Plax: Here's an idea -- the Bears need better WRs for their new QB. How about Burress? (Would that lead the league in QB-WR headcase combos?)
Magic crush Cavs: Tuned in for a little of this last night. Wow, Orlando looked good. Yeah, the Cavs were playing for a 2nd straight night on the road. Not sure if the Magic can beat the Cavs once in Cleveland to overcome LeBron's HCA -- but they kept pace with Boston for the East 2-seed; whoever gets that wins the East semi series between them.
New stadiums in NYC debut: Flipped between the Mets exhibition opener at Citi Field and the Yankees exhibition opener at the new Stadium. They both look like such upgrades over the old versions -- I hated going to games at them before. "Decrepit" is not endearing.
(Sheffield to the Mets: Is this like a poor man's version of the Mets signing Manny? Not quite. But I bet Sheff surprises.)
Does AI have a sore back that will keep him out the rest of the season? Or just sore feelings over not being a starter?
Lakers beat Rockets for 60th win: I thought Houston was the only team in the West that might even come close to challenging LA. Not so much. Meanwhile, how about the Heat as spoiler in the East? Miami clinched its own playoff spot last night.
Picks for tonight: Villanova (DeJuan Blair couldn't beat them last week; Hansbrough won't beat them this week. Plus: Nova guards can keep up with Ty Lawson) and Michigan State (still so amazed at the way they handled Louisville. Plus, I buy the whole "home-state" advantage.)
Enjoy the games.
-- D.S.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Joshua Prager Leaves Wall St Journal
(And Page 2 Has a New Editor)
Joshua Prager was one of the great reporters at the Journal. His article about The Shot Heard Round the World was one of the best newspaper articles about baseball ever, and his book "The Echoing Green" is terrific. You can find it in paperback, just in time for baseball season. His goodbye memo to his colleagues is worth a read.
Oh, and it appears that my alma mater Page 2 has a new editor! (Wonder if Jemele Hill helped make that happen? All these newspaper folks jumping online -- it's like 2001 all over again!)
-- D.S.
Oh, and it appears that my alma mater Page 2 has a new editor! (Wonder if Jemele Hill helped make that happen? All these newspaper folks jumping online -- it's like 2001 all over again!)
-- D.S.
Best College Hoops Five Ever? The Fab Five
This weekend, Michigan's fabled Fab Five will reunite for the first time since 1993. Begs a great question: In the modern (post-ESPN) era, who is the best college hoops starting five of all time?
(There is an argument to be made that the "modern" era didn't actually start UNTIL the Fab Five arrived. Can you really count the years between ESPN's start and the shot-clock era? How about the 3-point era? How about the 64-team-tournament era? Maybe we should say since '87.)
(1) Michigan 1992-1993: Webber, Rose, Howard, Jackson, King. Not just because they reached national-championship games as freshmen and sophomores, but because of their overall influence on the sport, arguably the most in sports history.
(How influential were they? You could argue that the current "modern" era of college hoops did NOT start with the arrival of ESPN -- but with the arrival of the Fab Five a decade later.)
(2) Florida 2006-2007: Horford, Noah, Brewer, Green, Humphrey. No other starting five of the modern era won two national titles, let alone back-to-back titles. Only the Webber-Howard combo matched Florida's depth of talent in the post.
(3) UNLV 1990: Johnson, Augmon, Anthony, Hunt, Ackles. Not only was UNLV '90 arguably the greatest single-season team of the modern era, but they were so good that the only way Duke could beat them in the Final Four rematch in '91 was because the Running Rebels threw the freaking game.
(4) Kentucky 1996: Anderson, Walker, McCarty, Delk, Epps. Another contender for best single-season team of the modern era, but this team was far more remarkable for its depth than its starting five. Nine players on the roster made the NBA. Ron Mercer came off the bench.
(5) Duke 1992: Laettner, Hurley, G. Hill, T. Hill, Davis. Duke's '91 champ closed their eyes and wished UNLV would find a better offer than another boring beat-down. But Duke's '92 champ was the real deal -- hard to argue with arguably the top PF of this era, arguably the top PG of this era and arguably the top SF of this era... all in one starting lineup.
Remember: I'm not comparing entire teams -- that would probably put UNLV '90 1st, with Kentucky '92 2nd and Florida 06-07 3rd -- but only ranking starting fives. What made the Fab Five so amazing WAS that they all started together.
I remain surprised that no coach -- or, more accurately, no recruits themselves -- have put together as epic of a class since then. (That's always been my dream for Northwestern: "Hey, you five come here, I'll start all of you immediately, you'll be the next Fab Five, you'll take us to the Tournament, then you all can stay as long -- or as little -- as you like.")
You would figure in the one-and-done era, it would be even easier. Maybe recruits want to be THE MAN on their team, but how can they not recognize the brand value of being on Fab Five 2.0? It's not like the original Fab Five went pro immediately -- even Webber stayed for his sophomore year, and King and Jackson even stayed all four years.
Oh, I know why: Do you know how old this year's McDonald's All-American class was when the Fab Five arrived at Michigan? That's a trick question:
They weren't born yet.
Fab Five, I salute you -- in all your baggy-short, black-socks, bald-head, booster-corrupted glory.
The Fab Five and I arrived on Big Ten campuses as freshman during the same fall in 1991. Maybe that is why I feel so attached to them. They were my classmates, in a way. Their swag was like a license for all of us freshmen to say, "Make way."
They were arguably the greatest innovation in the history of the sport, and it is a testament to their cool that their memory remains as relevant and slick today as it was back in 1991.
-- D.S.
(There is an argument to be made that the "modern" era didn't actually start UNTIL the Fab Five arrived. Can you really count the years between ESPN's start and the shot-clock era? How about the 3-point era? How about the 64-team-tournament era? Maybe we should say since '87.)
(1) Michigan 1992-1993: Webber, Rose, Howard, Jackson, King. Not just because they reached national-championship games as freshmen and sophomores, but because of their overall influence on the sport, arguably the most in sports history.
(How influential were they? You could argue that the current "modern" era of college hoops did NOT start with the arrival of ESPN -- but with the arrival of the Fab Five a decade later.)
(2) Florida 2006-2007: Horford, Noah, Brewer, Green, Humphrey. No other starting five of the modern era won two national titles, let alone back-to-back titles. Only the Webber-Howard combo matched Florida's depth of talent in the post.
(3) UNLV 1990: Johnson, Augmon, Anthony, Hunt, Ackles. Not only was UNLV '90 arguably the greatest single-season team of the modern era, but they were so good that the only way Duke could beat them in the Final Four rematch in '91 was because the Running Rebels threw the freaking game.
(4) Kentucky 1996: Anderson, Walker, McCarty, Delk, Epps. Another contender for best single-season team of the modern era, but this team was far more remarkable for its depth than its starting five. Nine players on the roster made the NBA. Ron Mercer came off the bench.
(5) Duke 1992: Laettner, Hurley, G. Hill, T. Hill, Davis. Duke's '91 champ closed their eyes and wished UNLV would find a better offer than another boring beat-down. But Duke's '92 champ was the real deal -- hard to argue with arguably the top PF of this era, arguably the top PG of this era and arguably the top SF of this era... all in one starting lineup.
Remember: I'm not comparing entire teams -- that would probably put UNLV '90 1st, with Kentucky '92 2nd and Florida 06-07 3rd -- but only ranking starting fives. What made the Fab Five so amazing WAS that they all started together.
I remain surprised that no coach -- or, more accurately, no recruits themselves -- have put together as epic of a class since then. (That's always been my dream for Northwestern: "Hey, you five come here, I'll start all of you immediately, you'll be the next Fab Five, you'll take us to the Tournament, then you all can stay as long -- or as little -- as you like.")
You would figure in the one-and-done era, it would be even easier. Maybe recruits want to be THE MAN on their team, but how can they not recognize the brand value of being on Fab Five 2.0? It's not like the original Fab Five went pro immediately -- even Webber stayed for his sophomore year, and King and Jackson even stayed all four years.
Oh, I know why: Do you know how old this year's McDonald's All-American class was when the Fab Five arrived at Michigan? That's a trick question:
They weren't born yet.
Fab Five, I salute you -- in all your baggy-short, black-socks, bald-head, booster-corrupted glory.
The Fab Five and I arrived on Big Ten campuses as freshman during the same fall in 1991. Maybe that is why I feel so attached to them. They were my classmates, in a way. Their swag was like a license for all of us freshmen to say, "Make way."
They were arguably the greatest innovation in the history of the sport, and it is a testament to their cool that their memory remains as relevant and slick today as it was back in 1991.
-- D.S.
Friday 04/03 A.M. Quickie:
Root for Nova, Mich St...Pick Them Too?
Obviously, my bracket is a mess. I had Villanova losing in the 2nd round to UCLA. I had Michigan State losing to West Virginia. I had UNC losing to Syracuse. I had UConn losing to Memphis.
So I have the freedom -- the clarity -- to look at this weekend's games in today's SN column without the baggage of a bracketed rooting interest.
But I still carry my same old baggage: An overreliance on previous performances.
For example: I look at the way Villanova beat Pitt and have no worries that they can survive a date with Tyler Hansbrough -- they survived DeJuan Blair, didn't they? And Nova's guards are skilled enough to control Ty Lawson, right?
Or I look at the way Michigan State imposed itself on Louisville -- my pick as champ and a team that was playing better than any other in the Tournament heading into the Elite Eight. And the Spartans just stifled them. Why couldn't they do the same thing to UConn, arguably not as good of a team as Louisville? How will Thabeet anchor the low post -- the key to UConn's defense AND offense -- if Goran Sutan is pulling him out to the foul line?
These are reasonable arguments, if perhaps discounting the strengths of the overwhelming favorites, UNC and UConn. But it is how I am justifying picking Nova and Michigan State to win. (Quickie jinx in full effect, sadly.)
I love the way Villanova is playing. I love the way Michigan State beat Louisville. I have talked myself into picking them -- just like I talked myself into the rest of my picks this year.
When I do the Tournament post-mortem next week, that over-emphasis on past performance (taken to an extreme, in the case of UCLA) will prove to be my undoing, perhaps with a lesson to be learned for next year.
Complete SN column here, including a bunch on Cutler to the Bears. The Bears paid steeply, but Cutler is a 25-year-old franchise QB. We'll see how he does without Marshall and those WRs.
More later, including an ode to the Fab Five coming at noon ET.
-- D.S.
So I have the freedom -- the clarity -- to look at this weekend's games in today's SN column without the baggage of a bracketed rooting interest.
But I still carry my same old baggage: An overreliance on previous performances.
For example: I look at the way Villanova beat Pitt and have no worries that they can survive a date with Tyler Hansbrough -- they survived DeJuan Blair, didn't they? And Nova's guards are skilled enough to control Ty Lawson, right?
Or I look at the way Michigan State imposed itself on Louisville -- my pick as champ and a team that was playing better than any other in the Tournament heading into the Elite Eight. And the Spartans just stifled them. Why couldn't they do the same thing to UConn, arguably not as good of a team as Louisville? How will Thabeet anchor the low post -- the key to UConn's defense AND offense -- if Goran Sutan is pulling him out to the foul line?
These are reasonable arguments, if perhaps discounting the strengths of the overwhelming favorites, UNC and UConn. But it is how I am justifying picking Nova and Michigan State to win. (Quickie jinx in full effect, sadly.)
I love the way Villanova is playing. I love the way Michigan State beat Louisville. I have talked myself into picking them -- just like I talked myself into the rest of my picks this year.
When I do the Tournament post-mortem next week, that over-emphasis on past performance (taken to an extreme, in the case of UCLA) will prove to be my undoing, perhaps with a lesson to be learned for next year.
Complete SN column here, including a bunch on Cutler to the Bears. The Bears paid steeply, but Cutler is a 25-year-old franchise QB. We'll see how he does without Marshall and those WRs.
More later, including an ode to the Fab Five coming at noon ET.
-- D.S.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Varsity Letters Tonight: Baseball Mania!
Sorry for the late notice: If you live in NYC, head on over to Happy Ending tonight at 8 for the April event for Varsity Letters Reading Series, featuring all sorts of baseball goodness:
Alex Belth, leading Yankees blogger! Greg Prince, leading Mets blogger! Then they fight! Then they kiss! It'll be amazing. (Plus controversial baseball memoirist Matt McCarthy! Go ahead: Ask him those awkward questions that dispute the accuracy of his book!)
And it's free, for gosh sakes. So get out of the house/office and head down to the Lower East Side to catch some great sportswriting read aloud. And drinking.
-- D.S.
Alex Belth, leading Yankees blogger! Greg Prince, leading Mets blogger! Then they fight! Then they kiss! It'll be amazing. (Plus controversial baseball memoirist Matt McCarthy! Go ahead: Ask him those awkward questions that dispute the accuracy of his book!)
And it's free, for gosh sakes. So get out of the house/office and head down to the Lower East Side to catch some great sportswriting read aloud. And drinking.
-- D.S.
Thursday 04/02 A.M. Quickie:
Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Kentucky, Celtics
The story of the year last year in MLB was the Rays. Part of that story was, by necessity, the way the Rays squeezed the Yankees out the AL playoffs -- that was a big part of the lure, actually.
This year, it's like the sequel: "The Empire Strikes Back." The Yankees spent a quarter-billion dollars to land three big-time free agents -- the imperative to win big (and right now) has never been greater.
That is why the Yankees are the biggest storyline in MLB this season, and it only ends one of two ways: Either they make the playoffs (likely squeezing out the Rays) or they don't (armageddon).
(There is always the chance that the Yankees and Rays squeeze out the Red Sox -- I don't think it will happen, but it COULD happen. The point is that a three-way race is ideal, particularly when it features the two biggest spenders in baseball going against the low-budget, out-of-nowhere, smarter newcomer.)
I love the Rays story. I want them to win. I don't think they will -- despite the always-present chance of injury to guys like Sabathia or Burnett (A-Rod counts, too), the Yankees will make the playoffs, squeezing out the Rays for the AL Wild Card.
Yes, the Red Sox will win the AL East. That prediction and the rest throughout the other divisions lead today's SN column.
Meanwhile, you can get on the Villanova bandwagon, suspiciously listen to Doc Rivers about KG and the Celtics' playoff chances, think about McDonald's (All-Americans) and More.
And, yes, a little more on Calipari and Kentucky. But at least it doesn't lead the column today.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
This year, it's like the sequel: "The Empire Strikes Back." The Yankees spent a quarter-billion dollars to land three big-time free agents -- the imperative to win big (and right now) has never been greater.
That is why the Yankees are the biggest storyline in MLB this season, and it only ends one of two ways: Either they make the playoffs (likely squeezing out the Rays) or they don't (armageddon).
(There is always the chance that the Yankees and Rays squeeze out the Red Sox -- I don't think it will happen, but it COULD happen. The point is that a three-way race is ideal, particularly when it features the two biggest spenders in baseball going against the low-budget, out-of-nowhere, smarter newcomer.)
I love the Rays story. I want them to win. I don't think they will -- despite the always-present chance of injury to guys like Sabathia or Burnett (A-Rod counts, too), the Yankees will make the playoffs, squeezing out the Rays for the AL Wild Card.
Yes, the Red Sox will win the AL East. That prediction and the rest throughout the other divisions lead today's SN column.
Meanwhile, you can get on the Villanova bandwagon, suspiciously listen to Doc Rivers about KG and the Celtics' playoff chances, think about McDonald's (All-Americans) and More.
And, yes, a little more on Calipari and Kentucky. But at least it doesn't lead the column today.
Complete column here. More later.
-- D.S.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Wednesday 04/01 A.M. Quickie:
Calipari, Cutler, KG, More
Kentucky basketball being relevant! Jay Cutler being traded! KG out for the season!*
April Fools Day pranks... or today's leading (and very real) storylines?
Today's SN column leads with fools, but with yet another day dedicated to Calipari-to-Kentucky, there are only so many ways I can call this a perfect match -- UK fans' superiority complex with Calipari's inferiority complex, or UK fans' narcicissm with Calipari's desperate need for approval.
Hoping to lead with MLB predictions tomorrow. We'll see. (Friday and Monday are obviously going to be leading with the Final Four.)
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
* - REGULAR season, at least most of it. Still, ominous foreshadowing.
April Fools Day pranks... or today's leading (and very real) storylines?
Today's SN column leads with fools, but with yet another day dedicated to Calipari-to-Kentucky, there are only so many ways I can call this a perfect match -- UK fans' superiority complex with Calipari's inferiority complex, or UK fans' narcicissm with Calipari's desperate need for approval.
Hoping to lead with MLB predictions tomorrow. We'll see. (Friday and Monday are obviously going to be leading with the Final Four.)
Complete column here.
-- D.S.
* - REGULAR season, at least most of it. Still, ominous foreshadowing.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday 03/31 A.M. Quickie:
Calipari, Kentucky, All-Americans, More
I dislike John Calipari. I dislike Kentucky. That said: In today's SN column, I argue that they would have an amazing fit that would serve both extremely well.
Between Cal's inferiority complex and UK's superiority complex, success awaits. Particularly if Calipari recruits three key folks: Xavier Henry, DeMarcus Cousins... and William Wesley.
Packed column today -- including my analysis of the All-American team, two women's hoops items and a rare rip of Florida hoops. I always find the harshest critics are of your own team.
-- D.S.
Between Cal's inferiority complex and UK's superiority complex, success awaits. Particularly if Calipari recruits three key folks: Xavier Henry, DeMarcus Cousins... and William Wesley.
Packed column today -- including my analysis of the All-American team, two women's hoops items and a rare rip of Florida hoops. I always find the harshest critics are of your own team.
-- D.S.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday 03/30 A.M. Quickie:
Michigan State, Final Four, UNC, Bracket
I am edging ever closer to last year's worst-ever 18th percentile among Tournament bracket-pickers. I'm at 22 percent -- and that's before a Final Four where I have no teams participating.
I am happy to be wrong about Louisville as national champ -- perhaps I would be less amiable about it if I was in contention to win my bracket pool.
But Michigan State's win was so... refreshing. Of any of the Elite Eight games, wasn't Louisville supposed to be the one we were SURE would work out for the favorite?
But the Spartans played brilliantly and forced Louisville into a tempo they didn't want to play -- the Big Ten's best made the Big East's best look mediocre.
If you took the names off the jerseys and asked "Which team is the one representing the supposed 'dud' conference?" You would swear it was the team in red.
And so the Big Ten gets a big bump -- not just for making the Final Four, but for dispatching the tournament's top-seeded team in the process.
And for making the Tournament unpredictable again.
(Otherwise: UNC beating Oklahoma? My biggest problem with the game is that UNC went up double-digits right away, and it basically stayed that way the next 40 minutes. It was boring. Yeah, Blake Griffin played OK -- and yeah Tyler Hansbrough didn't do much... because he didn't have to... but the game was a snoozer. I fully expect Hansbrough to go King Kong on Villanova, which is athletic and fast, but doesn't have anyone inside who can handle Psycho-T.)
Not that I'm counting out Villanova -- you'd be crazy to do that after Saturday night's epic East regional final. What I love about this Final Four is that you can make a case for any of them to win it all.
Even Michigan State. If you told me two weeks ago that they would be in the Final Four -- and I had several close friends pick exactly that, much to my derisive mockery -- I would not have believed you.
Of course, given my punishingly bad Tournament picks this year -- I literally have no opportunity to win any more points -- maybe I should listen closer to them.
Coming later this week: An autopsy of my horrendous bracket.
Complete column here. (At least I was able to find solace from my busted awful bracket here.)
-- D.S.
I am happy to be wrong about Louisville as national champ -- perhaps I would be less amiable about it if I was in contention to win my bracket pool.
But Michigan State's win was so... refreshing. Of any of the Elite Eight games, wasn't Louisville supposed to be the one we were SURE would work out for the favorite?
But the Spartans played brilliantly and forced Louisville into a tempo they didn't want to play -- the Big Ten's best made the Big East's best look mediocre.
If you took the names off the jerseys and asked "Which team is the one representing the supposed 'dud' conference?" You would swear it was the team in red.
And so the Big Ten gets a big bump -- not just for making the Final Four, but for dispatching the tournament's top-seeded team in the process.
And for making the Tournament unpredictable again.
(Otherwise: UNC beating Oklahoma? My biggest problem with the game is that UNC went up double-digits right away, and it basically stayed that way the next 40 minutes. It was boring. Yeah, Blake Griffin played OK -- and yeah Tyler Hansbrough didn't do much... because he didn't have to... but the game was a snoozer. I fully expect Hansbrough to go King Kong on Villanova, which is athletic and fast, but doesn't have anyone inside who can handle Psycho-T.)
Not that I'm counting out Villanova -- you'd be crazy to do that after Saturday night's epic East regional final. What I love about this Final Four is that you can make a case for any of them to win it all.
Even Michigan State. If you told me two weeks ago that they would be in the Final Four -- and I had several close friends pick exactly that, much to my derisive mockery -- I would not have believed you.
Of course, given my punishingly bad Tournament picks this year -- I literally have no opportunity to win any more points -- maybe I should listen closer to them.
Coming later this week: An autopsy of my horrendous bracket.
Complete column here. (At least I was able to find solace from my busted awful bracket here.)
-- D.S.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday 03/29 (Very) Quickie:
"Remember That Nova-Pitt Game in '09?"
About halfway through the 2nd half of last night's epic Villanova-Pitt regional final (but before Verne Lundquist referenced it), I thought to myself:
Good god, I can't remember a super-meaningful (ie, regional final, Final Four) game this good since... no, couldn't be!... the Duke-Kentucky regional final in '92.
Then Verne referenced it, and -- though it was inelegant to have to actually make the reference when that's what we all were thinking anyway -- it confirmed it:
We were watching not just an "instant classic," but one of the greatest NCAA Tournament games of all time -- worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Duke-Kentucky '92.
I'm not saying it's better than Duke-Kentucky '92 -- the mythology around that game has had too many years (nearly two decades) to build upon itself.
Folks will be loathe to say that last night's game is in its class the mere morning after. (Half the folks: "Among the best Tournament games ever!" Contrarians: "Meh. Nova needs to win it all.")
Again: No one is suggesting it was better than Duke-Kentucky. By the way: Fans under 25 or 26 don't even have a memory of that game, so stop being a fogey by being over protective/nostalgic about it.
(Sidebar: Dan Levy said this last night on Twitter -- 17 years ago? I feel old. Tell me about it: I can't decide what makes me feel worse -- that the game was 17 years ago or that it being 17 years ago still puts me at 19 years old when it happened. I wasn't even a "kid"...yeesh.)
So it's not better than Duke-Kentucky '92... but it is right up there among the top handful of games played since Duke-Kentucky '92. And that's not nothin'.
Anytime a game inspires us to say "Well, it reminds me of Duke-Kentucky '92" (with or without Lundquist's qualified prompting), then we have watched an extraordinary game. And it was.
It's funny how you can have 57 games that were all relatively unmemorable -- particularly in the second-weekend rounds -- then have a 58th game that will define this tournament:
"Remember that Nova-Pitt game?"
-- D.S.
Tournament Challenge Update: I'm in the 24th percentile. (Maybe I shouldn't have bounced out Villanova in the 2nd round, eh?) Barack Obama is in the 39th percentile.
And if both of us had used the good old "Pick By Higher Seed" method, we'd be in the 92nd percentile -- and that's WITH 3-seed Nova beating 1-seed Pitt.
As I had Syracuse beating UNC in the regional final, I will surely drop even further today, when everyone else likely collects their UNC-to-Final-Four points and I don't.
Good god, I can't remember a super-meaningful (ie, regional final, Final Four) game this good since... no, couldn't be!... the Duke-Kentucky regional final in '92.
Then Verne referenced it, and -- though it was inelegant to have to actually make the reference when that's what we all were thinking anyway -- it confirmed it:
We were watching not just an "instant classic," but one of the greatest NCAA Tournament games of all time -- worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Duke-Kentucky '92.
I'm not saying it's better than Duke-Kentucky '92 -- the mythology around that game has had too many years (nearly two decades) to build upon itself.
Folks will be loathe to say that last night's game is in its class the mere morning after. (Half the folks: "Among the best Tournament games ever!" Contrarians: "Meh. Nova needs to win it all.")
Again: No one is suggesting it was better than Duke-Kentucky. By the way: Fans under 25 or 26 don't even have a memory of that game, so stop being a fogey by being over protective/nostalgic about it.
(Sidebar: Dan Levy said this last night on Twitter -- 17 years ago? I feel old. Tell me about it: I can't decide what makes me feel worse -- that the game was 17 years ago or that it being 17 years ago still puts me at 19 years old when it happened. I wasn't even a "kid"...yeesh.)
So it's not better than Duke-Kentucky '92... but it is right up there among the top handful of games played since Duke-Kentucky '92. And that's not nothin'.
Anytime a game inspires us to say "Well, it reminds me of Duke-Kentucky '92" (with or without Lundquist's qualified prompting), then we have watched an extraordinary game. And it was.
It's funny how you can have 57 games that were all relatively unmemorable -- particularly in the second-weekend rounds -- then have a 58th game that will define this tournament:
"Remember that Nova-Pitt game?"
-- D.S.
Tournament Challenge Update: I'm in the 24th percentile. (Maybe I shouldn't have bounced out Villanova in the 2nd round, eh?) Barack Obama is in the 39th percentile.
And if both of us had used the good old "Pick By Higher Seed" method, we'd be in the 92nd percentile -- and that's WITH 3-seed Nova beating 1-seed Pitt.
As I had Syracuse beating UNC in the regional final, I will surely drop even further today, when everyone else likely collects their UNC-to-Final-Four points and I don't.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Saturday 03/28 (Very) Quickie
Well, there goes the last remaining strand of my bracket: Syracuse beating Oklahoma then beating UNC? Try: Syracuse getting thumped by Oklahoma, and UNC throttling Gonzaga.
(Let me say: I should have given Oklahoma more respect -- they played great. And while I'm still not convinced Ty Lawson can be effective playing 2 games in 36 hours, let's give UNC the benefit of the doubt.)
I guess I still have "Louisville will win the whole thing," but does that really count if they were the top-ranked team coming in to the Tournament? But, wow: Do the Cards look good.
(Anytime you can say "Biggest shellacking in modern Sweet 16 history," it says something about the winner -- oh, and the loser, too.)
The defending champs are out, KO'ed by Michigan State. I think KU overachieved all season long; I was more impressed with Bill Self this year than last year.
(Michigan State is going to get waxed by Louisville, and despite Oklahoma's impressive performance, they are going to lose to UNC -- Griffin vs. Hanbrough should be epic.)
Coming today: Pitt-Nova -- that's a toss-up. Neither team has been in this position, at least in the last quarter-century. UConn-Mizzou -- at least the Tigers will make it fun to watch.
By the way: My bracket percentage in the Tournament Challenge has dipped into the bottom third. Obama's is back above the 50th percentile (54th percentile).
Oh, and if I went with "Pick By Higher Seed" or "National Bracket," I would be out-performing 88 percent of the freaking country. 88 percent. Sigh.
-- D.S.
(Let me say: I should have given Oklahoma more respect -- they played great. And while I'm still not convinced Ty Lawson can be effective playing 2 games in 36 hours, let's give UNC the benefit of the doubt.)
I guess I still have "Louisville will win the whole thing," but does that really count if they were the top-ranked team coming in to the Tournament? But, wow: Do the Cards look good.
(Anytime you can say "Biggest shellacking in modern Sweet 16 history," it says something about the winner -- oh, and the loser, too.)
The defending champs are out, KO'ed by Michigan State. I think KU overachieved all season long; I was more impressed with Bill Self this year than last year.
(Michigan State is going to get waxed by Louisville, and despite Oklahoma's impressive performance, they are going to lose to UNC -- Griffin vs. Hanbrough should be epic.)
Coming today: Pitt-Nova -- that's a toss-up. Neither team has been in this position, at least in the last quarter-century. UConn-Mizzou -- at least the Tigers will make it fun to watch.
By the way: My bracket percentage in the Tournament Challenge has dipped into the bottom third. Obama's is back above the 50th percentile (54th percentile).
Oh, and if I went with "Pick By Higher Seed" or "National Bracket," I would be out-performing 88 percent of the freaking country. 88 percent. Sigh.
-- D.S.
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