Thoughts on LeBron

The hate for LeBron James has grown to a point that I cannot even comprehend. It is amazing to me that a man that grew up with no father, and has excelled in the most difficult of circumstances is hated by millions for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers. It seems that society expects LBJ to be perfect in every sense of the word, when we all know that nobody is/ever has been. LeBron is easily the best basketball player of our generation, and yes, he has flaws. You know who else has flaws? Everyone. And LeBron has done his best to become a better person, as well as a basketball player. Simply because he doesn't take and make 100% of clutch shots does not mean that he is not clutch. His ability to get it done in every way possible is phenomenal, and I do believe he is clutch, but in several ways. 

Yes, he has made mistakes. The way the Decision was handled was poor, to say the least. However, was that LeBron's planning? Of course not, but today's society has crowned him the "villain" of the NBA. The villain who constantly gives back to his community, including the Decision (contributions to the Boys & Girls Club), the villain who always has a smile on his face, and the villain who you'll see on ESPN's My Wish series this summer. 

LeBron left Cleveland high and dry. There's no doubt about it, but it was two years ago. Get over it. And if you were in his shoes, would you have stayed? Would Kobe Bryant stay? Would Kevin Durant stay? Doubt it. The ownership of the Cavaliers is just as much to blame as LeBron is for leaving. However, I hope everyone is aware that LeBron was a FREE AGENT when he left Cleveland. Remember when Kobe lost Shaq, and had not yet acquired Pau Gasol? Didn't he demand trades of himself and/or Andrew Bynum? How quick society is to forget because #24 can put it in the bucket late in the game at a high rate. Any superstar with a brain and a burning desire to succeed would have left the situation LeBron was in. 

LeBron has missed clutch shots too. However, when he does, it seems like he is the only elite NBA player to ever miss a big time shot. I was not aware that KD, Kobe, Pierce, etc. made 100% of clutch shots. They do not. And if you do really look at the numbers, LeBron certainly has the ability to score when it matters. LeBron's one of the most unselfish superstars in NBA history, and he is hated for it. We hate a man who passes the ball to his teammates, instead of taking a triple teamed 18-20 ft jumpshot, which is his one weakness if you had to pick one. People say, "Jordan would take the shot no matter what." LeBron is not Jordan. He is a completely different breed of superstar. If the guys who receive his passes make the shot to win, how is that a problem? It only is for LBJ. 

All in all, yes, LeBron James has made mistakes. And his mistakes are magnified more than anyone possibly in the history of sports. But all of the good qualities that LeBron possesses are overlooked, and I think that is a shame. Mistakes are made, but no man deserves to be hated the way that LeBron James is. Other than being an overall good person, James is an extraordinary basketball player, unlike any we have ever seen before. He should be appreciated, not hated. 

Top 5 Teams: Eastern/Western Conference in the NBA

Hey guys, it's my first blog entry over winter break. Before I forget, I want to wish anyone who reads a very Happy and Blessed Holiday Season, spend it with your loved ones. Now, the top 5 teams in the East & West of the NBA:

Eastern Conference Top 5:

5.) Philadelphia 76ers
I've moved the 76ers in front of several teams for the upcoming season, including Orlando, Atlanta, and the up and coming Pacers. In the first round of the 2011 playoffs, the Heat simply overpowered Philly. However, this team's very young, and has a few emerging solid players, including Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young, Jodie Meeks, Evan Turner, etc. The two veterans of the team (Iguodala, Brand) can definitely add some strong leadership in the locker room. I predict the Sixers will get a 6-seed at WORST this season. Expect good basketball from this team throughout the season.

4.) Boston Celtics
Obviously the Celtics have the "original" big 3 of Pierce, Garnett, and Allen. That group has certainly aged, and it showed last year against Miami. In my opinion, this team now rests on the shoulders of Rajon Rondo, who has certainly proven that he is one of the top point guards in the league. However, the loss of Jeff Green will certainly hurt Boston, who seemed to be a little thin after they traded Kendrick Perkins to OKC last season. Expect the Celtics to win their share of games during the regular season, but I just cannot see a deep playoff run from this team that would involve beating Miami, Chicago, New York or even Philadelphia.

3.) New York Knicks
I expect big things from the Knicks this year. One of the biggest additions during the extended offseason was Tyson Chandler to the Knicks. Chandler will be able to provide a spark on the defensive end for NY, and will also help clean up the offensive and defensive boards. Baron Davis coming to New York gives him a place to shine in the spotlight, so I expect Davis to have a nice season after his return from injury. Also, Carmelo and Stat don't hurt. I could see the Knicks as a possible contender in the ECFs, but not a Finals contender.

2.) Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were obviously a legitimate contender in the East last year, where they had the conference's best regular season record. Derrick Rose is a beast. Plain and simple. However, do the Bulls have enough to take the next step and reach the Finals? The addition of Rip Hamilton certainly adds another strong outside shooter, which will help Rose on his dribble-drive penetration. But if Chicago were to meet Miami in the playoffs again, does D-Rose have an answer for LeBron defending him on each time down the floor? We shall see, but I expect improved jumpshooting from Rose this season. The Bulls will be doing battle with NY and Miami come playoff time.

1.) Miami Heat
In my opinion, the Heat are the class of the East. They made the Finals in 2011, and have only improved their roster for the 2012 season. Wade, James, and Bosh are simply a struggle to stop for any team in the league. If one guy is off, the other steps up. A healthy Udonis Haslem will help the Heat contain the paint. Haslem was strong in the playoffs last year, and I believe that he will be excellent for the Heat this year. The Heat also added Norris Cole, a PG with the ability to hit the 3-ball., as well as the veteran Shane Battier, who adds shooting and lockdown defending. According to reports from various Twitter feeds, the Heat added Eddy Curry, and he seems to be taking care of himself. I think I can speak for everyone when I say: I'll believe it when I see it.

ECF Prediction: Heat over Bulls, 4-2

Top 5 Teams in the Western Conference:

5.) Los Angeles Lakers
This was a little weird to type the Lakers in at 5, but it seems right in my opinion. The Lakers did not add CP3. The Lakers did not add Dwight. They also lost Lamar Odom to Dallas for.... Draft picks. What? That move made no sense to me in my opinion. Kobe's certainly aging, and who knows if he will be able to get lift in that jumpshot of his come playoff time. The Lakers have won their titles with their length down low, and the loss of Odom will only hurt. I simply do not believe that Josh McRoberts will fill Odom's shoes in a Laker uniform. Also, the Lakers need another scoring option. Metta World Peace is more of a liability to them now. They'll make the playoffs, but I think they need to make a move to have a deep playoff run.

4.) Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis exploded onto the scene last year, and they will get the return of their star, Rudy Gay. I would have moved Memphis up into the top 3, but the losses of Darrell Arthur (Achilles) and Shane Battier (Free Agency - Heat) will be bigger than most think down the road. Memphis' starting five is as solid as any team in the league. Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol might all be the most underrated players at their respected positions. Memphis will be fast paced, high-scoring, and electrifying. They can play with anyone, but I don't think they can make the Finals over a few other teams.

3.) Los Angeles Clippers
The Takeover. In my honest opinion, the Clippers are a better FULL team than the Lakers at this point in time. Easily. Some people think the Clippers will be 'Lob City', but I see a team with plenty of offensive and defensive firepower. Chris Paul, in my opinion, is still the best pure point guard in the league, right up there with Deron Williams. The additions of Chauncey Billups and a healthy Caron Butler will help strengthen the Clips on both sides of the court. We all know about Blake Griffin, but DeAndre Jordan has the potential to be a beast in the paint this year thanks to the addition of CP3. If the Clips are able to dump one of their bench players (possibly a Mo Williams) for one more big man, they might be considered a favorite in the West in some people's eyes.

2.) Dallas Mavericks
Even though they are the defending champs, I did not even think about putting the Mavs in the #1 spot. They did some nice things in the offseason, adding Lamar Odom, Delonte West, and Vince Carter (might not be a nice pickup), but I feel like they may have lost some strength on defense. The loss of Tyson Chandler takes some size, rebounding, and shot-blocking away from a strong defensive team. Who will be the Mavs' force under the hoop? Brendan Haywood is more than likely the starter on Christmas Day for Dallas. Haywood's a solid player, but he'll need some help, and I don't see it on the Mavs roster. They'll be strong because of Dirk, Jet Terry and J-Kidd, but will they be strong enough to repeat?

1.) Oklahoma City Thunder
I feel like a lot of people are just waiting for Kevin Durant to explode in the playoffs. I think his time is now. Durant is at the top of the NBA when it comes to scorers with Melo and LBJ, and his supporting cast is strong enough on both sides to get the job done. I believe the Thunder have the biggest force under the basket at center in the West this year in Kendrick Perkins. Perkins might not be a stat-sheet stuffer, but he does all the little things that certainly help his team win. Players like Serge Ibaka, Thabo Sefolosha, and Nick Collison also are strong on defense, and are capable of putting in some points in limited minutes. James Harden is an up and coming stud from behind the arc, and even though many people were down on him in the 2011 playoffs, Russell Westbrook is a flat-out baller. I expect to see the Thunder battling the Heat in the NBA Finals this year.

WCF prediction: Thunder over Clips, 4-2

I hope you guys enjoyed this blog. It took a pretty long time to type it up so I hope you gave it a good read! Once again, I hope everyone has a blessed Holiday season with their families/loved ones. Thank you and God Bless!

The BCS in a Nutshell

The BCS has never been popular. We all know it. But it has outdone itself this year. While everyone continued to question the choice for the BCS National Championship (LSU v. Bama, Part II), I looked over some other snubs/questionable choices.

First things first, I agree with the Championship game. LSU and Alabama are without a doubt the two best teams in the nation. Yes, Oklahoma State had more wins versus ranked opponents, those opponents being #8 TAMU (finished 6-6), #22 Texas (Finished 7-5), KSU (good W), and a downtrodden Oklahoma team. So while that argument is used, look at how those teams finished. There is not a win that really jumps off of the page for OK St., but Alabama does have at least ONE (blowout of Arkansas). So yes, I think the BCS got that one right.

Now, the BIG problem I have with this year's BCS picks.
The One Game that the BCS got COMPLETELY wrong: the Sugar Bowl. Michigan vs. Virginia Tech. How in the world are these two teams BCS quality? Who has Michigan beaten? Even better question, who has Virginia Tech beaten!? Michigan's best win was over Notre Dame (8-4), who handed them the game on a silver platter (but I won't go any further on that disappointment).Virginia Tech's best win....? None of their wins are GOOD wins. I'm starting to think that the Big East and ACC should lose their automatic bids, but that is a whole different argument.

There are a handful of teams who were snubbed that could be playing in the Sugar Bowl. Michigan State? Big Ten Runner Up, while the Big Ten sends a team that LOST to the Spartans. Boise State? They might not have the SOS that everyone wants, but they have ONE more quality win than Michigan and Va. Tech combined: their season opener vs. Georgia, in Atlanta, a virtual away game vs. the SEC runner ups. Boise was a FG away from going undefeated. Even the Bulldogs are more deserving than either team. Started 0-2, finished with 10 straight wins, and made the SEC title game? The SEC is hands down the best conference in football, so why not give a 10-win SEC runner up a little bit of love? Oh well, it could have been worse. UCLA could be in the Rose Bowl. (Thank you, Oregon.)


Bonus: Top 3 Bowl Games that You Don't Want to Miss:
Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon
Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Okla. State (Luck vs. Weeden)
Gator Bowl: Ohio State vs. Florida - For several reasons. 1.) IRONY 2.) Urban Meyer has already begun to work with the Buckeyes' offense. Look out, Gators.

Thank you for reading! Enjoy Bowl Season, and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

The Annoying Week 6 Heisman Trophy Hopefuls List

Yep, I hate these posts, but I'm so intrigued by the Heisman contenders this year, so I will give it a shot. Here's my Top 5 Heisman Candidates:


5.) Michael Floyd - Notre Dame WR 
 For the people who will claim Notre Dame "bias" on this one, even I did not think Floyd was the nation's best wideout coming into the season. I was wrong. Floyd has proven to be the most effective wideout in the nation, bringing in absurd numbers in each of the first five games for the Irish, except the Pittsburgh game. Floyd has THREE games with 12+ catches in the first five. Watching Floyd against USF, Michigan, and Purdue reminds me of Dwight Howard in the paint against anyone. Floyd's size and physicality allow him to get anywhere he desires on the field, and he is great after the catch. Touchdown numbers could use some work, but expect the ball to find Floyd, and Floyd to find the endzone plenty more before the end of the 2011 year.

4.) Robert Griffin III - Baylor QB
If Baylor is undefeated, Griffin sits at the top of the list, in my opinion. However, Baylor lost, in large part to a rare Griffin INT (and very, very poor defense). Griffin and Kellen Moore kind of have the same at stake each game. If you lose one, it seems as if you were not a candidate in the first place. Griffin's 82.3% completions, and 18:1 TD-INT ratio put him right in the mix for the Heisman. If Baylor were to pull a monumental upset down the road, say against the Sooners, and Griffin shines, he will be sitting pretty towards the top of many Heisman lists.

3.) LaMichael James - Oregon RB
He averages 9.4 ypc. Absurd numbers. Absurd athleticism, speed, elusiveness, and acceleration. James is the do-it-all back for easily one of the most explosive offenses in the nation for the second straight year. To have 7 TDs on a team with three very talented running backs, and a talented QB is absurd to me. He has so much talent, and he's on pace for 20 TDs? If he's not on your Heisman list, you need to get your head checked. James is a threat, and will rack up the yards and touchdowns throughout the entire year.

 2.) Tyronn Mathieu - LSU S
My dark horse pick. Easily the most exciting defensive player in the nation. LSU has been the national spotlight game twice this season. Who has made some of the biggest plays in each game to help a less-than-stellar LSU offense? Mathieu. He'll sack your QB, strip the ball, pick it off, and then he will more than likely score a Touchdown. In my opinion, Mathieu has made the biggest impact defensively since Charles Woodson at Michigan. What did Woodson win? Oh, yes.. a Heisman trophy. His performance against Oregon caught my eye right away. If you didn't see it, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w34SH62wedE

And, since Charles Woodson was mentioned, a bonus video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk5u20AuXkE  <- The best INT of all-time.



1.) Andrew Luck - Stanford QB
Well, Luck's play may land him a nice QB spot in the sunshine of Miami, especially after losing Henne to a shoulder today. 11:1 TD-INT ratio, undefeated top-10 team. Smoothest QB in the nation. Need I say more? Luck is the true definition of a man amongst boys. He was NFL ready LAST year. Defenses facing him this year will probably wish he would have left Stanford last year. He's just a super quarterback. Luck's the quiet guy at work who goes and gets his job done, and leaves. Not a word said. He just plays. He wins. He could more than likely be holding up the Heisman on December 10. If he keeps it up, his team might be playing for it all come January.



This blog was a little shorter, everyone! But I hoped you enjoyed it. Don't forget to leave your opinions! Keep it clean!

Also, a shoutout to @itsdhadzzz , give him a follow on Twitter for me! Thanks for reading everyone, love the feedback I've gotten!

5 Names You Might Not Know, but Need to Know (College Football)

I had a nice preview for my top 5 list, but my computer has unfortunately failed me at an inopportune time. So, here's my Top 5 Players you'll want to know for the rest of the 2011 College Football season:

5.) Cierre Wood, RB, Notre Dame - JR.
Wood is an excellent compliment to the highly explosive (Sometimes implosive) Notre Dame offense. A junior, Wood has been quietly a strong runner for the Irish through the first four games. With a 5.0 avg, it's hard to dispute Wood's positive contribution to the Irish. He also provides a safe alternative to the turnover issues of the Notre Dame quarterbacks through four games. Wood is a safe runner, with only two lost fumbles as a junior for the Fighting Irish. If ND can iron out there offensive miscues, look out for Wood and ND to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the 2011 season.

4.) Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St. - Sr.
If you haven't seen Lindley play, be sure to check him out. The completion percentage could use some work, but nearly any college would take 8 TDs and 1 INT through four games. At 6'4", 230, Lindley has NFL size at quarterback, and his decision-making has sharpened each year since he has been an Aztec. His numbers may not look impressive in spots, he has yet to cost his team a game. A smart and big quarterback with an NFL arm, and some weaker opponents, look out for Lindley to make a big splash with his numbers this season.

3.) Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama - Soph.
For those who believe that Trent Richardson is completely carrying the load for the Crimson Tide in 2011, think again. At 6'1", 220, Lacy is a stalky back with excellent acceleration and toughness. Through the first four games for the Tide, Lacy is carrying the ball at an amazing 8.9 avg, along with 4 TDs. If the defense allows Lacy to get to the second-level, forget about it. He has the ability to outrun LBs and DBs, and is a dangerous part of the Crimson Tide attack in 2011, and possibly a few more years to come.

2.) Tyler Bray, QB, Tenn. - Soph.
Bray may only be a sophomore, but he has already established himself as the leader of the Vols offense. It is a little strange saying that a Tennessee quarterback is going unnoticed, but the majority of your average college football fans may not have even heard of Bray. Bray was rough around the edges as a freshman, but a bitter bowl loss to UNC may have helped motivate the young man, and the numbers help back that up. Bray has been a defensive issue for every team that has encountered him so far this season, as he is completing his passes at a 68.1% rate. He may have played the best game of his career against UC, when he tossed 34 completions for 405 yards, and 4 TDs. The numbers don't lie, Bray can play. He has above-average arm strength, and his accuracy is very good. Even against a speedy Florida defense, he managed 290 yards and 3 TDs, despite throwing 2 INTs. Get Bray a little more help from the line and running game, and Tennessee may have one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation in the next few years.

1.) Brandon Weeden, QB, OK St. - Sr.
In my opinion, Oklahoma State is the quietest of the top 10 teams in the nation, and Weeden has also, SOMEHOW, gone under the radar through the first four games. This guy can make it happen, and giving him Justin Blackmon might make it simply unfair for some defenses. Despite throwing 6 INTs through the first four weeks, Weeden also has 10 TDs, along with an astonishing passing percentage of 74.3%. Weeden also went under the radar at OK State as a junior, when he had 34 TDs and 13 INTs for one of the most dangerous offenses in the Big 12. It all came together for Weeden against TAMU, where he led the Cowboys comeback with some video game like stats. 47-60, 438 yds, 2 TDs, and a win at then #8 TAMU. Need I say more? Look for some more NCAA 12-like numbers from Weeden throughout the 2011 season, and more than like 35+ touchdowns.




If you disagree with anything on the list, I encourage you to post a comment, and state your case. Opinions are welcome on this blog, just keep it clean. Thanks for reading, I truly appreciate it!

Fading... Fast

I honestly made a blog for this specific topic, the Red Sox historical collapse that hangs in the balance as I type this blog.

September: 5-18 (Pending tonight's game @ NYY), 6.09 ERA

You didn't read that wrong. 6.09 ERA. Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Wakefield, and whoever else Tito Francona throws out to the wolves on any given night. As a die hard Red Sox fan, my respect has grown for Clay Buchholz as each game goes by this month.

If you watch any Sox game during this catastrophic month, it never seems like they can go an inning without getting into some kind of trouble. Sometimes I find myself wondering, who in the world has cursed us now? Which is the most unfortunate part of being a Red Sox fan. This collapse could possibly overwrite the sheer glory felt in 2004 and 2007. They could quickly become the same ol' Sox. Free agent acquisitions, most notably Adrian Gonzalez, and an allegedly "upgraded" bullpen had many fans and writers penciling the Sox in the World Series come late October.

In my opinion, this collapse essentially comes to down to two major issues for the Sox. The most obvious problem: the bullpen. Matt Albers has channeled his inner Kerry Wood. No matter what situation Albers is brought in, there always seems to be a few runs added onto the scoreboard for the opposing team. Next, Daniel Bard and Jonathon Papelbon. Bard started off in the same fashion as the team: very shaky. He found his groove once April had passed. Papelbon had a string of months where he had not allowed a SINGLE run. In September, you ask? Bard and Papelbon have both cost the Red Sox crucial games. Bard against TORONTO, and Papelbon to Robert Andino and the Baltimore Orioles. The bullpen has been highly criticized throughout the season, but these two were the rocks that got the job done. They are now in the same conversation as the not-so-great Matt Albers. Ouch.

Reason No. 2: Injuries.
Hasn't the injury bug seemed to bite the Red Sox quite often over the last two seasons? Injuries were the only thing that held the Sox out of the playoffs last year. They are now accompanied with poor, poor pitching, but this problem still lingers. J.D. Drew, Youk, Pedroia, Ortiz, Gonzalez, Lowrie (More than once), Crawford (he can be considered a problem by himself), Beckett, Lester, BUCHHOLZ. These are the big names that have had nagging injuries and/or missed a chunk of time over the season. Not a lot of teams can stay in the playoff hunt with a large list of injuries, but the Red Sox have managed.



Hopefully, the Sox will not throw their playoff chances away on their own.