24 Jan 11 Washington State-UCLA: Bruins to Win Big After Last Week's Upset

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThis Saturday the UCLA Bruins will try to avoid a major letdown when they host the Washington State Cougars.After starting the season 0-2, the Bruins have knocked off two Top 25 teams, including a major upset over then-No. 7 Texas last week.The Cougars come in on a Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
two-game losing streak and were crushed last week at home by USC 50-16.If you are thinking about betting on the game this weekend, the current college football odds have the Bruins favored by 27 points over the Cougars at home.Washington State (1-3, 0-1 Pac-10)The Cougars have not looked good at all to start the season. Outside of a 23-22 win over Montana State, the Cougars haveneven came close to pulling out a win. Last week against the Trojans the Cougars fell behind 28-13 by the end of the first half, and the game was all but over.Quarterback Jake Tuel is pretty much all the offense the Cougars have, as he threw for 222 yards and a touchdown and led the Cougars with 26 yards on the ground. Tuel, however, did have three interceptions in the game, including one that was returned 25 yards for a score.As bad as the offense has been this season, the defense has been even worse, as they canstop anyone from moving the football on them. Last week the Trojans piled up 613 yards of total offense and were an impressive 8-for-12 on third down conversions. The Cougars are allowing 43 points a game this season, and I think they are going to have a hard time keeping the Bruins offense under that this week.UCLA (2-2, 0-1 Pac-10)I am really impressed with the way head coach Rick Neuheisel has gotten his team to respond after a tough loss to open the season on the road against Kansas State and then being absolutely dominated by Stanford in Week 2, 35-0.The Bruins came back with an impressive 31-13 Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
win over a very good Houston team, and then last week they stunned everyone by going on the road and beating up on Texas 34-12.The Bruins look like they have the pistol formation all figured out, as they ran all over the Longhorns last week for 264 yards. Johnathan Franklin ran for 118 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, Derrick Coleman added another 94 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, and quarterback Kevin Prince added 50 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.Price attempted just eight passes all game but completed five of them, including a one-yard pass to Ricky Marvray for the Bruins' first score of the game.The defense played lights out against the Longhorns, as they allowed just one touchdown late in the fourth quarter when the game was all but over. Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
The defense also forced five turnovers against Texas, and that proved to be the deciding factor in this game.Looking at the OddsNo question that 27 points is a lot to ask a team to cover, but as bad as Washington State is this season, I think the Bruins have no trouble winning this game by more than 30. Last year the Bruins went to Washington State and beat the Cougars 43-7, and I see no reason why they cando the same thing at home this weekend. My final score prediction is UCLA 44, Washington State 13.Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.

22 Jan 11 Michigan Football's Plethora of Problems May Have Saved a Coaching Job

Michigan's run defense (Cameron Gordon, Jordan Kovacs) was a bright spot vs. NDJonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNot long after Michigan barely escaped with a 42-37 win over Massachusetts, it was reported that ESPNMark May called for the ouster of defensive coordinator Greg Robinson.Sure it was a horrible defensiveSan Diego Chargers jersey
performance, especially since there were glimmers of hope during both the Connecticut and Notre Dame games.But donforget, head coach Rich Rodriguez has a ton of problems to deal with, starting with the NCAAinvestigations here and at West Virginia, the difficulty of getting some recruits in school, and the shoddy performances in last yearBig Ten campaign.In more stable years, a coaching change may have been in order.Some blame the defensive problems on defections, some on the system itself, but others see three coordinators in five years as the biggest problem. The loss of Brandon Graham to the NFL and Troy Woolfolk to injury didnhelp either.One thing is for sure: Both players and coaches have owned up to Saturdaydefensive dud. Sophomore linebacker Craig Roh didnmince words.We were terrible on defense, Roh told the Associated Press. We just didnlook like we were prepared to play, and we didnmake adjustments during the game.Granted, this is a young outfit. Consider this: If Michigan was to open next season with the group intact, 10 of the 11 starters San Francisco 49ers jersey
would be back. So without making outlandish changes, tweaking the system might do the trick. Many recommend just simplifying things.Everyone in the stadium can see the shocking coverage lapses in the secondary. Some of the problems are eerily similar to the blown assignments in last seasonIowa game.There are some pretty good athletes on the defense, and seeing them out of position is mystifying. The lack of tackling fundamentals is also puzzling.Coach Rodriguez can finally see his spread option offense clicking on (almost) all cylinders. He's also well aware that Michigan needs all phases of the team to produce if there is any hope for a postseason bowl game.Let's not pretend that were the 1985 Chicago Bears, Rodriguez told reporters after the game. There are a lot of things we need to clean up.Everyone is hoping for Seattle Seahawks jersey
a breather with Bowling Green Saturday so Michigan can not only work on the defense, but also on the offense and special teams. The Wolverines really havenshown much of a power game, but they did tease us in the Notre Dame victory when Stephen Hopkins followed William Campbell into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown.

18 Jan 11 ASU Football: Steven Threet Is the 'Gem' Dennis Erickson and Devil Fans Love

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe Monday before the 2010 season opener against Portland State, fans in the valley of the sun were awaiting Dennis Ericksonquarterback decision. Erickson tabbed Steven Threet, a transfer from Michigan, as his starting quarterback and leader of his new no huddle spread offense. Through Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
three games, including one on the road at one of the toughest environments, Steven Threet is the perfect man for the job. That is in no way a hit to back up Brock Osweiler, but Threet has been impressive, not just in terms of numbers, but also with the intangibles that normally go unnoticed. A field general has been desired in Tempe, Threet has command of this offense, and the ears of his troops on the field. The man in the spotlight has to voice the sentiment of his squad. Following the Wisconsin game, Threet expressed his opinion on the near upset versus the Badgers.I donbelieve in moral victories, he said. The Sun Devils played as good of a game as a team can without winning. Thatthe bottom line. ASU still lost, but Threetperformance was impressive, even without a touchdown to his name. In the past couple seasons, the Sun Deviloffense was pathetic to watch, and an intense struggle to score to say the least. Last Saturday against the Wisconsin Badgers, ASUformerly anemic offense pushed one of the Big Tenbest defensive units up and down the field. ASUexecution made the Badgers look like Portland Statedefense in the season opener. Big plays in the running game and audibles by the Threet at the line of scrimmage gave the Sun Devils the upper hand, but in the end it was not enough.I think we have a gem, Dennis Erickson said in regards to Threetperformance against Wisconsin. With yet another big game for ASU this weekend at Sun Devil Stadium, the job does not get any easier for the gem. The Oregon Ducks are the fifth ranked team in the country, and for good reason. Both the Ducks offensive and defensive units are ranked first in the country. Chip Kelly, Oregonhead coach, has engineered the Ducks offense to 189 points in 180 minutes of football.Pretty impressive. The Sun Devil defense is going to have a major test, but for the first time this season, Oregondefense will be tested. Oregon played Tennessee earlier this year, but the Volunteers were no match for the Duckexperienced defensive side. Matt Simms, Tennessee quarterback and son of former New York Giant great Phil Simms, was overwhelmed by the speed and effectiveness of Oregon, and could only manage a 51 percent completion percentage. Against a team as good as Oregon, a number that low will not get it done no matter what your last name is. Steven Threet essentially had his worst game in terms of statistics against Wisconsin, and to describe his effort as anything other than admirable would be silly. Threet completed 64 percent of his passes (21-of-33), for 211 yards and noReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
touchdowns. Sure the touchdowns were not there, but as the story has been, missed opportunities in the end zone were the downfall in Madison.Threet has a 144.80 QB rating on the year, and a number close to that or better is needed this Saturday night versus a team that will be deeply entrenched in BCS Championship talk come December. If the Sun Devils are going to have a shot, the game will be won and lost with the leader at quarterback. Another moral victory will do nothing for the Sun Devils heading into three tough road games. A 2-2 record will be all ASU has to show for their performances. It is time to win, and nobody knows that more than the two faces in the spotlight: Dennis Erickson on the sidelines and Steven Threet in the shotgun running the offense. Behind Threetarm, the offense will have to provide the fireworks to fight punch for punch with the Ducks. There is no doubt that this game is going to be entertaining. Even the ASU brass, Erickson included, has been pushing Sun Devil Nation to come out and fill Sun Devil Stadium. There is no doubt that the fans will get their moneyworth with these two teams playing. The Ducks can put up the points, and this season ASU has done much of the same. Both defenses are top notch, but ASU has struggled with Oregonoption in the past. Although the scores have been one-sided recently, with Oregon claiming the last five games. Arizona State has not beaten Oregon since Dirk Koetter and Andrew Walter were the faces of Sun Devil football. In 2002, Walter completed one of the greatest comebacks and single game performances in Pac-10 history.Do you think Threet will lead ASU to an upset of #5 Oregon?Do you think Threet will lead ASU to an upset of #5 Oregon?Yes46.7%No53.3%Total votes: 75Against the very same Oregon Ducks that ASU will face Saturday night, Walter threw for a school-record 536 yards and four touchdowns, and the Sun Devils rallied from a 21-0 second-quarter deficit to win 45-42. Walter did not just beat the Ducks that day in Autzen, but he managed to accomplish that same feat two more times to end his career perfect against Oregon (3-0). Threet is in a similar mold as Walter, and could be the major difference from a 4-8 team in 2009, and an upper echelon Pac-10 team in 2010. On Saturday night, the Sun Devils will put their team to the test against the best. Can Threet perform his best against the best? After Saturdayperformance at Wisconsin, Threet is in fact the difference for this yearASU team. Threet is the missing puzzle piece from a dismal 2009 team, and a team that was ranked ninth in the preseason poll. Nobody was sure if Threet could do the job, or even keep the job through the season. Three weeks into the season, ASU was back on the national scene last Saturday but came up short against Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
the number 11 team in the nation. Not too bad for a bottom of barrel Pac-10 team, right? ASU dropped another big game, and a loss is all the maroon and gold have to show for it. However, a similar opportunity is in front of them. This Saturday night at home, versus the Ducks is the perfect stage to prove to the naysayers what type of team Arizona State really is. Programs are built on statement games, and ASU has been on the short end of the stick on too many occasions. Steven Threet might just be that performer to make a big-time statement in a big-time game for the Sun Devils.

15 Jan 11 "Rating the St. Louis Rams: Defensive Line" Leonard Little La'Roi Glover

The St. Louis Rams' 2006 defensive line was the flash point for the team's season-long aversion to defense and is the culprit most directly responsible for the unit's two greatest weaknesses: stopping the run and putting pressure (or in this case lack thereof) on the quarterback.The Rams' line saw nearly a complete overhaul in the '06 season, losing tackles Damione Lewis and Ryan Pickett to free agency and mislaying end Anthony Hargrove because he was otherwise engaged at drama camp (demoted and traded for missing practice and refusing to give an explanation).St. Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
Louis' defense not only gave up the second-most rushing yards in the league last year, the unit also allowed a maddening amount of big plays from NFL rushing juggernauts such as Green Bay's Noah Herron and Seattle's Maurice Morris.In the same mold, the D-line was utterly ineffectual (with a lone exception) pressuring the opposing quarterback. Disguising coverages and sending blitzing LBs and DBs should be a normal part of defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's scheme, not a necessity due to the front four being nullified every passing down. QBs had all day to throw against the Rams; and given time like that, even Eli Manning will burn you.Let us grade the starting defenders along the Rams' defensive line from this past season:Leonard Little, DE; Height: 6-3, Weight: 263; Age: 32 The stalwart Little was the lone consistent bright spot for the Rams' D-line. Little added 13 sacks, also singlehandedly preserving the team's win at Green Bay and giving the Rams a chance to beat Seattle in a game they had, at that point, given away. Little proved that he is the type of defender who can change the outcome of a game (a rarity in today's NFL) and was rewarded with a contract extension. For a "small" lineman Little plays the run surprisingly well, although he occasionally gets erased when large blockers can get their hooks in.Stopping the run: BRushing the passer: APrognosis for 2007 should be: Starting LEJimmy Kennedy, NT; Height: 6-4, Weight: 325; Age: 27 The lone first-round draft pick remaining on the line, more due to contract length than winning the battle of Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
attrition, Kennedy was given the chance to start at nose tackle to see if he was the future. In a word, no. In three words, not even close.Kennedy played in every game for the Rams last season. However, you wouldn't know it because the announcers seldom, if ever, called his name. Seemingly the latest bust in a long line of DT choices, Kennedy is entering his contract year, and if he ever had anything to prove, the time is next season. Don't hold your breath, Rams fans; it's time to put the Jimmy Kennedy Experiment on hiatus.Stopping the run: D-Rushing the passer: FPrognosis for 2007 should be: Best-case scenario, backup DT seeing occasional time in rotation.La'Roi Glover, DT; Height 6-2, Weight 290; Age: 33 next seasonLet's face it, Glover is not the player he was in New Orleans, and the Rams (over)paid him as if he were. However, the DT is still the player he was in Dallas, which his numbers reflect. Glover flourished in New Orleans and Dallas because he was surrounded by talented players, and the onus was not put upon him to do it all. However, on a Rams team that merely masqueraded as a defense, Glover was simply part of the problem. Glover is too old to shoulder the burden of being the prominent run stopper on the line, but not so old that he cannot be a good, or even excellent, complementary player. His future will parallel what the Rams do in the offseason.Stopping the run: DRushing the passer: CPrognosis for 2007 should be: Whether he is a starter is immaterial; he should play little more than half the snaps per game.Victor Adeyanju, DE; Height: 6-4, Weight: 270; Age: 24For a player who's supposed strength is stopping the run, Adeyanju didn't make a noticeable impact overall in the porous Rams run defense. Adeyanju played reasonably well for a rookie, but the Rams need much more help than what he will bring to the table; and the DE is a major liability in pass-rushing situations. However, Adeyanju showed ability in his first year and will be given time to develop.Stopping the run: DRushing the passer: FPrognosis for Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
2007 should be: Should not start, but he ought to see a lot of time in rotation.The Rams must spend their free agent dollars on the defensive line this offseason. The draft may provide assistance long term, but this team needs help now and can't afford to blow yet another high-round pick on an ineffective DT. The Rams have to fork out the dough this year in free agency to acquire a proven DE to play opposite Little, as well as procuring one, if not two, quality defensive tackle(s). Otherwise, the only thing the Rams will stuff next year is their shot at the playoffs.Did you know th is one of the few national football portals that churns out daily NFL and NCAA coverage during the offseason? Tell your friends about us. (4)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "No one should have been surprised by what Ruskell did in draft"

Once again, Tim Ruskell is taking heat for the Seattle Seahawks’ draft. And once again, he probably will prove all of his critics wrong. No one should be surprised that Ruskell ignored conventional wisdom and followed his own evaluations, drafting a guy many had rated as a second-rounder.No one should have Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
been surprised because Ruskell has done it before. In 2005 – Ruskell’s first year as team president -- he drafted center Chris Spencer in the first round even though the Seahawks had a greater need at defensive end. Spencer was considered a bit of a reach but was the highest-rated player on the Seahawks’ board at the time. Then Ruskell traded up in the second round to take linebacker Lofa Tatupu. That was considered a colossal stretch even though Tatupu played a position of extreme need, and Ruskell took a lot of heat for that move. Of course, three Pro Bowls later, Tatupu has more than proven Ruskell right on that pick.By now, everyone should know what Ruskell is looking for when he drafts. He wants players from big schools who were successful against the highest competition and started for at least three years. And he wants high-character players who are intelligent leaders. Ruskell’s MO so far has been to draft the top guy on his board with the first pick and generally go for need with the second selection, even if it costs a little bit. After matching need to value with cornerback Kelly Jennings in 2006, Ruskell traded Seattle’s 2007 first-round pick for receiver Deion Branch and then drafted another cornerback (Josh Wilson) with the second-round choice even though the Seahawks had greater needs at tight end and guard.So, with tight end, guard and defensive tackle the top needs (again) this year, it should have been no surprise to see Ruskell draft defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first round. Or to move up in the second round again to fillReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
a need by drafting tight end John Carlson. That’s how Ruskell operates: The guy he really wants at the price he wants followed by the player he really needs even if he has to pay a bit more.This year, Ruskell got as much out of his draft position as he could. The Seahawks traded down from 25th overall and added selections in the fifth and seventh rounds before taking the player they wanted all along. As with his other drafts, Ruskell has been criticized because the player he took was rated lower than a few other players at positions that might have helped. But Ruskell obviously wasn’t sold on defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer or end Phillip Merling, who both were productive for only one year in college. Ruskell also agreed with the prevailing sentiment that no tight end was worth a first-round pick (although the New York Jets drafted Dustin Keller 30th overall, two choices after the Hawks took Jackson). And all of the quality linemen the Seahawks might have drafted were gone by the 21st pick. So the Seahawks dropped down three picks and still got the guy they wanted. It was similar to the move Ruskell made in 2005, when he traded down three spots and took Spencer 26th overall.And just like in 2005, when the Seahawks jumped up to get Tatupu in the second round, the Hawks went up again in that round because they realized they were sitting too low to get Carlson. In 2005, it cost them a fourth-round pick (they sent two to Carolina, but they had received one from Oakland in the first-round trade). This time, the Hawks burned a third-rounder to make sure they filled their biggest need with their highest-rated tight end.Ruskell admitted he hated to let go of the third-round pick because those players tend to carry the most value of any round in the draft (unless a team makes the mistake the Seahawks made in Ruskell’s first year and draft someone like quarterback David Greene). But in his short time as the Seahawks’ top personnel guy, Ruskell has proven he can find the right players in the second round -- Tatupu is among the NFL's top Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
linebackers, and defensive end Darryl Tapp and Wilson both look like up-and-comers.Once again, Ruskell is taking a lot of flak for another unconventional draft. But no one should have been surprised by what he did, and no one should be surprised by what his new players do over the next few years.

13 Jan 11 New Orleans Hornets Buzz: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesAs the New Orleans Hornets continue their surge toward the postseason, it becoming more and more clear who they are, and who they are not.After the recent Hilton Armstrong dump, it appears this team as built will both make the playoffs, and keep it core intact. While that certainly good news for this year, fans can help but be concerned going forward.The Good:David West, Emeka Okafor, and Chris Paul are among the best big-three in the league. As they continue to develop their chemistry, the results will get better and better.Marcus Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
Thornton looks great. You can tell he gaining confidence with each passing game. His energy and hustle play a big part in our game plan and it appears as of now that he the steal of the draft, along with DeJuan Blair.Chris Paul has undoubtedly been the leader of the Hornets for some time now, but it only recently that he has started taking the clutch shots. In the past he has deferred to teammates David West or Peja Stojakovic, but now it appears that he considered himself the first option and them more of secondary targets. Paul hasn disappointed, blowing by opponents at will for dozens of lay ups in the waning seconds.Coach Jeff Bower and Tim Floyd appear to know what to do. Sure they are trying some new stuff with lineups, but thus far there haven been too many complaints. Winning tends to quiet the critics.The Bad:The team desperately needs another big man, especially if West, Okafor, or Songaila were to get hurt. As of now, Posey is playing as a small four, which simply won work against bigger, deeper teams. Without any salary cap space to work with it doesn appear help is on the way. It odd to even think this, but Sean Marks will have a huge impact when he returns.Lack of luxury tax space going forward. The Hornets head into next year above the projected luxury tax line, which will again make them sellers instead of buyers in the traditional sense. On the other hand, they will have the valuable expiring contracts of Peja and Morris Peterson, which can be used to acquire players from teams looking to shed salary. Chris Paul is still hurt. It mayReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
not look like it since he throwing up god-like stat lines, but the evidence is clear. Coming in from the off season he was shooting over 60 percent from the floor. After his injury he closer to 40 percent. Missing jumpers is a clear sign that a player doesn have his legs under him. It unfortunate that the team lost so many games early on. Paul needs rest, but in order to get him some, the team needs win enough games to assure a playoff spot. Without CP3, they tend to lose. The situation is very similar to last year, when the Hornets burned Paul throughout the second half of the season andsimply ran out of steam against a relatively healthy and rested Denver squad.The Ugly:Hornets owner George Shinn had surgery today.

12 Jan 11 NBA Trade Rumor: Utah's Ronnie Brewer To Memphis, Helps Both Teams

Al Bello/Getty ImagesAlthough the talk has died down a touch, there are still rumors that the Memphis Grizzlies will be players as the NBA trading deadline approaches.One of the biggest rumors is that Utah guard/forward Ronnie Brewer will be traded to Memphis. Memphis would send one of their three 2010 New York Giants jersey
first-round picks to Utah. Ryan gave a great summary of this deal from Utah's point of view .The Jazz says that it is looking for a first-round and, potentially, a second pick for Brewer. I like the idea of Brewer for the Grizzlies, but the idea of giving up another pick could be a little steep.But I believe Brewer would help Memphis in four ways:Point guard issue solved? If Brewer got inserted into the starting lineup, it would solve any point guard issues. O.J. Mayo would slide over to the point. Brewer would play 2-guard. I am not sure if Mayo would want to be point guard, but that would allow the five best players on the team to be on the floor at once.Bench depth Sending Conley to the bench, or having Brewer as the sixth man, would dramatically increase the team's back court depth. On a team with almost no depth, any addition would help.Brewer would not take away shots He has not taken more than nine shots in any game in January and so he would would not take shots from Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, etc.Three first-round draft picks are too much for MemphisLet's be honest, do you really believe that Memphis would pay rookie contracts to three players in one off-season?If they did, you know at least one would be a bust. So, it is better to get a reasonably decent player for one of those picks.One thing that mightNew York Jets jersey
complicate this deal is the playoff race.Utah and Memphis are currently dueling for a playoff spot. So would the Jazz be willing to help one of their competitors? Is their asking price for a player averaging 10 points a game too high?There are some hurdles that will keep this deal from happening. But the Grizzlies can complete this deal and not give up a current player.Utah gets a first-rounder (and maybe more) and Memphis gets a young guard to push for a playoff berth.

12 Jan 11 Kevin Durant: What the Young All-Star Can Teach LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesI remember the first time I saw Kevin Durant play at the University of Texas.No one could forget such a stunning first impression. At 6'9,'' with a bothersome 7'5'' wingspan, he could do it all.He posted uptaller defenders, shot over the smaller ones, drove to the hoop for emphatic slams,threaded tightpasses,and even made his free throws at a respectable clip.Durant recorded one of the best freshman seasons in NCAA history.He averaged 26 points and 11 rebounds in 2006. He reached the 30-point mark 20 times and nabbed every major college basketball award and honor en route to leading the Longhorns into March Madness.His four 37-point outings looked effortless. Even in his few clunkers he managed to dazzle spectators.Durant's No. 35 now hangs in the Frank Erwin Center rafters.How many other athletes have been worthy of a jersey retirement after one season?Durant captivatedme throughout his freshman campaign. I am a life-long NBA junkie, and he mademe alsolove college hoops.Special talents can do that, and if he reaches his Washington Monument-high potential, the 's' word will not begin to describe his game.Not close.Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunderforwardadded another accolade to his burgeoning resume: NBA All-Star.Durant will join Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and other greats on the Western Conference squad. He will play alongside fellow first-timers Zach Randolph and Deron Williams.Among the two conference rosters, however, two names stand out from the rest. They must make the decision of their careers next summer, and Durant could help them.With apologies to Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James are on a different level from everyone else in the vaunted 2010 free agent class. Bosh needs to win at least one playoff series before he will ever belong in that tier.Wade and James hold the futures of their franchises in their sweaty, sacredhands.Will James bolt from his home state to become the savior for a desperate Donnie Walsh and his still-loser franchise in New York?How about New Jersey, where the Nets are on the way to the worst record in NBA history? Never mind that ownership still has yet to break ground on that spectacular new arena in Brooklyn.How many times has Bruce Ratner been close to"clearing the last hurdle?"James could also opt to sign with the L.A. Clippers. He would duel with Kobe Bryantevery seasonfor bragging rights in Los Angeles.Nevermind that the Clippers have about 15 championshipbanners worth of catching up to do before they will ever emerge from the Lakers'elephantineshadow.Wade couldglide backto his hometown ofChicago and start alongside an All-Star point guard in Derrick Rose. He would be the best player on the Bulls since you-know-who.Or he too could jump ship for the Tri-state area. Nothing says years of championship contention like a swampor James Dolan.In most instances, Durant would be the advice seeker. Instead, he is in a unique position to offer it, and he should do so when the three players meet in Dallas.They will talk at some point, right? Of course.Of all the options available next summer, staying put might prove the best one.No one can offer Wade and James more money than Miami and Cleveland. No other teams with the cap space or pieces to land the stars could promise title contention.In heading to the Tri-state area James would leave a Cavalier team with a recent Finals appearance for a franchise that hopes to get to that level. New Jersey isn't close to its early-2000s form. New York last appeared on the association's biggest stage with Jeff Van Gundy and a banged-up roster. Patrick Ewing still anchored the squad, injured as he was, against the San Antonio Spurs.New Jersey and New York management can offer the allure ofwinning Larry O'Brien trophies in ahumongous market. All Pat Riley has to do is point to the American Airlines Arena rafters wherea lone2006 banner hangs. Wade should remember the euphoria of that championship run and his Finals MVP.Durant's first All-Star selection should also remind them of something else.When the Sonics departedSeattle after 41 yearsfor the southern comfort of Oklahoma, many wondered if Durant would ever get his due playing in America's heartland.Those who shine brightest do so in New York and L.A., not a cowboy state with its own musical, they said.Oklahoma is where the windcomes sweeping down the plain, not where a high-flyer makes All-Star teams and nets endorsement deals.Durant's inclusion on the West squad should quiet the remaining few who stillbelieve the above garbage.Greatballers can be stars anywhere. No one needstoplay 41 homegames ina famousarena to matter.What Durant told ESPN's Scoop Jackson says it all."I come from a big city [Washington, D.C.]. You can get tired of the tall buildings after a while...People always ask, 'Wouldn't you rather be in Miami or L.A.? I always tell them, 'No.' This place is perfect for me."Shouldn't James' and Wade's big decisions be basketball-related ones?If James throws away the chance to bring Ohio its first pro title since 1964 to play with Jared Jefferies just so he can snag his own 24-hour TV station, he's a loser.I cannot believe he would do this.He does not need to play in New Jersey to call or be friends with rapper Jay-Z. He can visit the Empire State Building anytime he wantsin the offseason.Playing in New York or Chicago will not change howthe sport's fansview Wade and James. Those who watch already know.Do so many executies and hoops analysts revere James because the name on his uniform says "Cavaliers," or because he can score 30 points, grab 10 rebounds, and dish 10 assists against anyone?That, folks, is called a triple-double, and the Cavs' star could shatter the all-time record for thoseif he plays long enough.As fellow B/R colleague Andrew Ungvari also pointed out, James is on pace to pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.A move to Manhattan will not make the absence of championships on James' resume less glaring, nor will it repair his streaky jumpshot or primeval post game.By virtue ofoperating in the country's largest media market, Dolan can utilize resources Dan Gilbert and the rest of Cavs' management will never sniff.Still, the NBA enforces a salary cap and a luxury tax, and with both of those figures expected to decline, the Knicks will not have enough money to fill out a title-worthy roster.Most assume David Lee will leave next summerto pursue more money and a long-term deal. Even if the supporting cast stays, does a lineup of James, Chris Bosh,Jefferies, Eddy Curry, Danilo Gallinari, Lee, Nate Robinson, and Al Harrington scream championship?Teams need selfless role players to succeed in June, and James has Anderson Varejao and a budding youngster in J.J. Hickson among many others. Compare Cleveland and New York on thedeficiency scale, and the Knicks win in a runaway.Will two supreme talents entering their primes want to start over again with a new coach, new system, and new teammates?Wade has said he wants to remain in Miami but only if Riley buys him some viable help.The Hall of Fame coach-turned exec traded for Shaquille O'Neal in 2004, and three years after the Heat made him the third pick in a loaded draft, Wade was celebrating a title.Durant appears to enjoy Oklahoma City. Some of the credit for his All-Star selection should go to GM Sam Presti for making shrewd deals with the future in mind.Thabo Sefolosha has helped the Thunder become one of the NBA's 10 best defensive units. Nenad Krstic has added frontcourt scoring.Presti also drafted Russell Westbrook fourth, when most thought he was a reach at that slot, and netted forward Jeff Green inthe Ray Allentrade.As with Wade and James, what happens next is up to Durant. He must lead his squad to the postseason before anyone of merit will consider him an elite player.Transcendent stars win in the playoffs, and Durant has played zero games in May.If he failsand that seems asunlikely as Marilyn Manson becoming the next Popeno one can cite where he plays as the reason.He lives the good life in OKC. Maybe James and Wade could use another reminder of their peachy situations.Would you turn down $30 million over the life of your nextcontract?James and Durant play to engaged sellout crowds, and Wade sometimes does. The three stars are heroes in their cities. The self-proclaimed King owns Ohio, Wade has a monopoly on Miami, and Durant suits up for the only pro franchise in the state.Durant should not tell them what to do. Not even the NBA's leading scorer since Christmas Dayhas that right.He can, however, recap his story, and it will hold some water.Manythought Thursday night's announcement would never come for Durant. His career would spiral downward in the league's latest cavity, and he would forever be the underrated forward in Oklahoma.Instead, he will play in the greatest exhibition game of them all alongside players he should emulate. Then, after a weekend of grandiose in Dallas, he will resume his leadership role on a surprise playoff hopeful.Few expected Oklahoma City to contend for a spot this year.He will drive to the hoop and slam it, post up defenders and shoot over them. Maybe his defensive intensitywill someday match what he displays nightly on the offensive end.I will watch all of it, not because of where he plays the game, but how.

10 Jan 11 Ellison Should Forget About Warriors, Take the Entrepreneur's Route

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe NBA would be much better off with a second team in the Bay Area as opposed to continuing to stick with one in a lousy market like Memphis.And that possibility could become a reality by as early as 2012 if Warriors owner Chris Cohan stiff arms a few more of Oracle CEO Larry Ellison proposals to buy the team. While a franchise like Memphis continues to rank last in the league in attendance despite possessing a young team that is on the rise, it is also true that San Jose (the tenth-largest city in the country) only possesses one pro sports Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
franchise.Talk of an NBA team potentially coming to San Jose came out of an extraordinarily powerful mouth on Feb. 16 when Oracle CEO and recent America Cup winner Larry Ellison told the USA Today that he has pondered purchasing an NBA team and relocating it to San Jose, but it also hinges on the fact that Cohan continually disregards his interest in buying Golden State (Ellison said that Cohan has rejected the few proposals that he has made over the last several years up to this point).The San Jose Mercury News Tim Kawakami, for one, thinks that the Warriors will be Ellison by no later than this summer, though I am considerably more skeptical.It a win-win situation for Ellison, as it would be tough for a man of his intellect to construct a worst product than Cohan has up to this point if he were to purchase the Warriors. On the other hand, his reputation amongst Steve Jobs and his entrepreneurial peers in Silicon Valley would continue to sky-rocket to Mars if he was to take the riskier route and move another city team to San Jose, before using his savvy business and management skills to craft an NBA Championship team that Cohan has only seen in his imagination.The status and pride that the latter could generate for the ambitious Ellison is why I would go for the riskier play and try to put a team on the floor at Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
HP Pavilion, as the San Jose "Entrepreneurs" or the like would be his baby from the start just like his Fortune 500 computer software company.Certainly turning the present-day Warriors into an NBA champion would be almost as stunning as a member of the SSU chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon acing his Music 101 midterm, but it wouldn be nearly as impressive as relocating an NBA team, developing a solid fanbase, and winning an NBA title thereafter.And there would be no better American city to attempt to accomplish that in than San Jose.A 17,562-seat arena is already in place (and a nice one at that in the Pavilion), to go along with an estimated city population of more than 1,000,000 people as of 2009 and many pocket-heavy high-tech firms in the city or nearby who would be more than happy to entertain their clients and employees in suites located in San Jose, whereas others are an hour drive away in Oakland or San Francisco.The Sharks have averaged just five seats short of a sellout for all of their 31 home games this year, which is a good sign for how successful an NBA team could be in the South Bay, as a large majority of those fans aren residents of Petaluma. There would be more than a few Warriors fans who would switch allegiances to the team if their product is better, let alone those who would show up for a game when a visiting superstar comes to town.Obviously, there are big hurdles to cross in terms of bringing the Bay Area a second NBA team.Ellison would have to deal with Stern and 30 NBA owners, since one of them would have to be willing to perhaps send his city only NBA team to a far-away destination.That in itself is certainly enough to argue that the more realistic bet is that the Maloof Brothers (whose family owns the Kings) will eventually decide to split their team home games between Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
San Jose and Sacramento.But hopefully San Jose population, sturdy economy, and nice arena will someday bring the Bay Area an extra 41 NBA games, as the South Bay strong support of the Sharks should mean that it will also support a pro basketball franchise.

9 Jan 11 Reggie Miller vs New York Kicks:a Legacy In Retrospect.

The Mamba's first game back from injury was a special one, for?two reasons LA got the win, and Kobe surpassed Reggie Miller on the All Time scoring list. Not only did he pass him but he did it in typical "Miller Time" fashion, knocking down a 3 to tie it then coming right back and hitting with 4.3 seconds left. As honored as I Chicago Bears jersey
felt to be able to witness such a performance, I was perturbed by the lack of respect that was shown to Reggie. With the exception of Mark Jackson the rest of the media vaguely mentioned it as if Kobe passing Reggie was no big deal. So in light of that here's my tribute to one of the best clutch shooters the NBA has ever seen.Reginald Wayne Miller was drafted as the 11th pick in the first round to the Indiana Pacers. For the next 18 years Reggie would go on to entertain the fans of Indiana and?hold hostage the fans of opposing teams in their own arena. Reggie was known for his long bombs in the last second of tight games,he was also known for his fierce competiveness and trash talk.Reggie became my second favorite player behind MJ in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks, due to his phenomenal shooting performance in Game 5 of the series on June 1, 1994, in which he scored 39 points total and 25 in the fourth quarter of the Pacers' 93-86 victory at MSG. Miller made several long three-pointers during the quarter and engaged in an animated discussion of his ongoing performance with noted Knicks fan Spike Lee, who was seated courtside. The win gave the Pacers a 3-2 series lead over the heavily favored Knicks, but the Pacers eventually?lost the next two games and thus the series.My favorite Reggie Miller perfromance was?Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks, Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds?Reggie hit a three, stole the inbounds pass, dribbled back to the three-point?strike and tied the game with a second three-pointer, the Knicks and there fans were devastated. The Pacers went on to win that series.This next performance was day Reggie broke my heart, May 25, 1998, the Pacers trailed the Chicago two games to one in the series and were behind 94-93 Cincinnati Bengals jersey
in Game 4 at Marquet Square Arena with less than three seconds remaining. Miller caught the inbounds pass from McKey, pushed off Jordan turned and made a game winning three-point shot. I was crushed Reggie was one of my favorite player next to Jordan so I didn't mind him scoring, but not like that. In that possession Reggie showed no mercy and felt no fear in inthe face of the NBA's best player Reggie will to win was clad iron.The Pacers eventually extended the series to a decisive seventh game in Chicago, a game in which the Pacers were leading most of the 4th quarter before finally losing their composure in the final minutes. Thank God??My Bulls took the series and went on to win their sixth and final?ring with Jordan.In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the 76ers?on May 6, 2000, Reggie and teammate Jalen Rose each scored 40 points a piece becoming the highest scoring?duo in playoff history; in the Pacers' 108-91 victory. The Pacers won that series 4-2 and returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth time in seven years. This time around they would finally pass the threshhold, defeating their arch-?rivals the new York ?Knicks four games to two. The deciding Game 6 on June 2, 2000 was sealed by Reggie's 34 points, half of which came in the fourth quarter.The Pacers thus advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, facing the the?Lakers who boasted the likes?of the Diesel and the Black Mamba. The Pacers lost the series and the championship four games to two, but Miller put on a shooting clinic?that allowed the Pacers a little breathing room withtheir game?5 win, scoring 25 points in the game. Miller averaged 24.3 points per game for the series.February 10, was a sad day for myself and many Reggie Miller/Indian Pacer fans Cheryl Miller?Reggies Cleveland Browns jersey
older sister reported that her brother had told her the previous day that he would indeed retire. On April 11, in a game against the Raptors, Miller passed "The?Logo" Jerry?West?to move into 12th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.So while the rest of the world may have forgotten the unforgetable basketball displays you have put on over the years I haven't, and I never will. Thank You Reggie!

8 Jan 11 Jordan's Bobcats Continue Winning Ways In Epic Comeback Vs Thunder

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesOK, so this isn't going to be a full fledged article, but I just wanna say, "How about them Bobcats!" The team was down by 19 to a streaking OKC team and potential league MVP candidate, Kevin Durant, and they came back to win by eight tonight going away.This team is for real, this Houston Texans jersey
team has heart and they play hard. They are a team that I'm proud to be a fan of and if they continue playing this way.I would not be surprised to see them not only make the playoffs for the first time, but to advance. The only question is whether they can win on the road.The Bobcats are great at home and improving away from Time Warner Cable Arena, but their overall win/loss record is much much better in Charlotte than when they play out of town. This team has done as much as or more than any other team to improve through fortuitous trades throughoutthe season and they are peaking at the right time.They've also been playing particularly well since Michael Jordan announced his intended purchase of the team (approved and ratified today) and it seems his presence on the bench, alongside players whoIndianapolis Colts jersey
grew up watching and idolizing the best to ever play the game, has helped the team's performance.This is a defensive minded team, this is a gritty team and this is a very very athletic team. The Charlotte Bobcats have finally arrived on the NBA scene and, hopefully, they are here to stay

8 Jan 11 Jordan's Bobcats Continue Winning Ways In Epic Comeback Vs Thunder

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesOK, so this isn't going to be a full fledged article, but I just wanna say, "How about them Bobcats!" The team was down by 19 to a streaking OKC team and potential league MVP candidate, Kevin Durant, and they came back to win by eight tonight going away.This team is for real, this Houston Texans jersey
team has heart and they play hard. They are a team that I'm proud to be a fan of and if they continue playing this way.I would not be surprised to see them not only make the playoffs for the first time, but to advance. The only question is whether they can win on the road.The Bobcats are great at home and improving away from Time Warner Cable Arena, but their overall win/loss record is much much better in Charlotte than when they play out of town. This team has done as much as or more than any other team to improve through fortuitous trades throughoutthe season and they are peaking at the right time.They've also been playing particularly well since Michael Jordan announced his intended purchase of the team (approved and ratified today) and it seems his presence on the bench, alongside players whoIndianapolis Colts jersey
grew up watching and idolizing the best to ever play the game, has helped the team's performance.This is a defensive minded team, this is a gritty team and this is a very very athletic team. The Charlotte Bobcats have finally arrived on the NBA scene and, hopefully, they are here to stay