Bowl thoughts

Well, Missouri got ripped off. They are ranked number 1 in the nation. The lose in their conference championship game and drop out of the BCS bowl games? Not fair. The problem is you have to give Oklahoma a bid and I think Kansas deserved it as well going 11-1. The problem is the system. Their is no way for Missouri to prove the deserve it. That is left in the hands of the voters to say if you are good enough or not. Sound fair, not at all. They need a playoff more than ever. With the parity in college football, how can we leave the championship up to computers? Let's settle it on the field.

If Hawaii beats Georgia I think they should legitimately be considered for a national championship. If they beat them soundly I will automatically give them my vote to be #1. If Hawaii loses and Kansas beats Virginia Tech I will also consider them to possibly be national champs. We shall see

NCAA Football Top 25 Ranking - Week 13

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 13

1. Ohio State
2. LSU
3. Kansas
4. Virginia Tech
5. Georgia
6. Oklahoma
7. Missouri
8. West Virginia
9. USC
10. Hawaii
11. Arizona State
12. Florida
13. Boston College
14. Illinois
15. South Florida
16. BYU
17. Clemson
18. Tennessee
19. Wisconsin
20. Texas
21. Virginia
22. Boise State
23. Cincinnati
24. Connecticut
25. Oregon State
    

Bubble Teams: Auburn, Oregon, Air Force, Penn State, Texas Tech, UCF, Wake Forrest, Arkansas, Kentucky, Rutgers, Tulsa, Michigan, Utah, Texas A&M, New Mexico,

NCAA Hoops upsets

So far this NCAA basketball season looks like it will be quite interesting. So far there have been some rather big upsets. If the first few weeks are any indication as to how the season will turn out it look like it will be a wild ride similar to the college football season. Here are some of the surprising games:



Mercer defeats #16 USC (in LA, and it is Mercer's only win of the season)

Gardner Webb defeats #20 Kentucky (in Kentucky)

BYU defeats #6 Louisville

Saint Marys defeats #12 Oregon

Siena defeats Stanford

Cleveland St defeats Florida State and South Florida

Belmont and Bowling Green defeat Cincinnati

NC A&T defeats DePaul

Sam Houston State defeats Texas Tech

I am sure there are more of these to come. Stay tuned.

NCAA Football Top 25 Rankings - Week 13

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 12

1. Missouri
2. West Virginia
3. Ohio State
4. LSU
5. Kansas
6. Virginia Tech
7. Georgia
8. Oklahoma
9. USC
10. Arizona State
11. Hawaii
12. Boston College
13. Florida
14. Oregon
15. Illinois
16. South Florida
17. Tennessee
18. Wisconsin
19. BYU
20. Clemson
21. Texas
22. Virginia
23. Boise State
24. Cincinnati
25. Connecticut

Bubble Teams: Auburn, Air Force, Penn State, Texas Tech, Troy, UCF, Wake Forrest, Arkansas, Kentucky, Rutgers, Tulsa, Michigan, Oregon State, Utah, Texas A&M

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 12

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 12

1. LSU
2. Kansas
3. Missouri
4. Ohio State
5. West Virginia
6. Arizona State
7. Georgia
8. Oregon
9. Virginia Tech
10. Oklahoma
11. USC
12. Hawaii
13. Boston College
14. Texas
15. Florida
16. Virginia
17. Boise State
18. Illinois
19. South Florida
20. Wisconsin
21. Connecticut
22. Tennessee
23. BYU
24. Clemson
25. Cincinnati

Bubble Teams: Air Force, Kentucky, Penn State, Texas Tech, Utah, Troy, UCF, Wake Forrest, Arkansas, Auburn, Rutgers, Tulsa, Michigan, Oregon State, Michigan State, Indiana, Florida State

NCAA Football Top 25 Rankings - Week 11

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 11

1. LSU
2. Oregon
3. Kansas
4. Oklahoma
5. Missouri
6. Ohio State
7. West Virginia
8. Arizona State
9. Virginia Tech
10. Georgia
11. USC
12. Hawaii
13. Boston College
14. Texas
15. Florida
16. Virginia
17. Clemson
18. Boise State
19. Illinois
20. Cincinnati
21. Wisconsin
22. Connecticut
23. Michigan
24. South Florida
25. Kentucky

Bubble Teams: Tennessee, Penn State, BYU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Utah, Troy, UCF, Wake Forrest, Air Force, Arkansas, Auburn, Alabama, Rutgers, New Mexico, California, Tulsa

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 10

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 10

1. Ohio State
2. LSU
3. Oregon
4. Kansas
5. Oklahoma
6. Missouri
7. Boston College
8. West Virginia
9. Arizona State
10. Virginia Tech
11. Georgia
12. Connecticut
13. Hawaii
14. Michigan
15. USC
16. Texas
17. Florida
18. Virginia
19. Clemson
20. Alabama
21. Auburn
22. Boise State
23. Purdue
24. Penn State
25. California

Bubble Teams: Wisconsin, South Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, BYU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Illinois, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Troy, Wake Forrest, Fresno State, Arkansas

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 9

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 9

1. Ohio State
2. Boston College
3. LSU
4. Arizona State
5. Oregon
6. Oklahoma
7. Kansas
8. Missouri
9. Virginia Tech
10. West Virginia
11. Hawaii
12. Georgia
13. Connecticut
14. Michigan
15. USC
16. South Florida
17. Alabama
18. Texas
19. Florida
20. Virginia
21. Wisconsin
22. Auburn
23. Boise State
24. Wake Forrest
25. Clemson

Bubble Teams: Rutgers, Penn State, Kentucky, South Carolina, BYU, Purdue, Tennessee, California, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Illinois, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Oregon State, Troy, New Mexico, Oklahoma State,

2007-2008 NBA Playoff Predictions

Playoffs Rankings
I like Chicago in the East. They are one of the hardest playing teams and have a stock of young talent. Detroit is always good but I think they are on the decline. I just can't see LeBron and the Cavs doing as well in the playoffs this year. Orlando is my surprise pick this year. they had a great start last season and then faded. In the West I like Utah, but I don't see them getting past the second round this year. San Antonio did it too easily last year and I think either Phoenix or Dallas will have enough emotion to finally get past them. Houston and Denver are my two question marks. They both could make a deep run if things work out.

East

1. Chicago
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Detroit
5. Cleveland
6. New Jersey
7. Miami
8. Washington

West

1. Dallas
2. Phoenix
3. San Antonio
4. Denver
5. Utah
6. Houston
7. Golden State
8. New Orleans

2007-2008 NBA Season Predictions

Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Boston – If the big 3 can stay healthy and play together well then look out.
New Jersey – Can the Nets big 3 ever be dominant together? I doubt it.
Toronto – I think they struggle to keep up with last year’s great season.
Philadelphia – Good finish last year. Nice young team.
New York – Alas New York. slowly improving but got a long ways (like 4 years) to go.

Central
Chicago – The pieces are there. Relatively inexperienced but I think it will be their year.
Detroit – Slowly fading in the East but they will continue to win.
Cleveland – Amazing run last year. I don’t think this team goes back to the finals.
Indiana – Young, unknown. They will surprise some teams but they won’t be that good.
Milwaukee – A few pieces are there, but something is lacking.


Southeast
Orlando – My bold pick in the East.
Miami – The old and the injured.
Washington – Gilbert Arenas and crew. They need more crew.
Charlotte – My sleeper team in the East. Morrison’s injury hurts.
Atlanta – Every year the same: High picks, young talent, lose, repeat next year.

Western Conference
Southwest
Dallas – Look out these guys are mad.
San Antonio – Confident and dang tough. But it’s an even year (LINK) so no title.
Houston – So close but something’s missing. Maybe that piece was Adelman.
New Orleans – Peja is on the Hornets? Division is too good, but should sneak into playoffs
Memphis – Stay healthy and maybe it won’t be so bad this year

Northwest
Denver – I think they will finally put it together.
Utah – A very good team, but no surprising anyone this year.
Portland – Young guns. But no Oden.
Minnesota – Did Boston and Minnesota merge? Introducing the CeltWolves.
Seattle – Maybe in a few years.

Pacific
Phoenix – This might be the last shot for Phoenix as we know it
Golden State – Why did they change their roster after last year? Baron stays healthy? No
Sacramento – This might finally work. Artest will be big.
LA Lakers – This is what happens when Kobe is in charge
LA Clippers – Too many injuries. No Brand no chance.

NBA Season Preview

There are a couple of big issues heading into this NBA season.
1. The Boston Celtics rebuilt. The Celtics are built as a team of “now”. Can Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Peirce join together for a Celtic run? They must stay healthy. Any injuries and this plan may be foiled. With the East as open as it is these three all stars may be able to come together and make a long run.
2. As the World Turns: a Kobe Bryant saga. Kobe is constantly surrounded with drama. We’ve heard it all; Kobe trade demands earlier this summer, Kobe being traded, Kobe and Phil Jackson reconnecting, etc etc. Will the Lakers make a move for buddy for Kobe or just move Kobe? The Lakers should not make the playoffs as the team is.
3. Talented rookie class. The 2007 rookie class may be touted as one of the best ever. But already losing the poster child Greg Oden to season ending knee surgery how will the rest of the class hold up? Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Yi JianLian, Al Horford, Mike Conley Jr., Corey Brewer and more.
4. The Spurs dynasty. The Spurs were so dominant in the playoffs a year ago. Can anyone compete with them come this year’s playoffs? Can they make it 5 titles in 10 years?

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 8

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25- Week 8

1. Ohio State
2. Boston College
3. LSU
4. Arizona State
5. Oklahoma
6. Kansas
7. South Florida
8. Oregon
9. Missouri
10. Virginia Tech
11. West Virginia
12. USC
13. Kentucky
14. California
15. Florida
16. South Carolina
17. Hawaii
18. Virginia
19. Texas
20. Michigan
21. Georgia
22. Connecticut
23. Alabama
24. Rutgers
25. Penn State

Bubble Teams: Auburn, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Boise State, Clemson, Wake Forrest, UCLA, Wisconsin, Texas A&M, BYU, Purdue, Tennessee, Kansas State, Illinois, Oregon State, Fresno State, Troy

South Florida Bulls

Give them some love. Come on big name schools, you are mad because a relative nobody is ranked higher and you think you deserve it because it has always been given to you. I could not be happier to see the South Florida Bulls football team ranked number 2 in the BCS. I desperately hope they win the rest of their games. wouldn't it be awesome to see them in the title game. Will it happen? Probably not.

As much as I want them to make it, the problem is with the voters. Their schedule says it all. They shouldn't be given a disadvantage because they have only had a football program for 11 years, or that they have never really been ranked. I hate to see big name schools and conferences (which are tough I admit) get ranked above other deserving teams just because they have always been ranked. The computers can't see popularity. That's why South Florida is ranked.

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 7

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25- Week 7

1. Ohio State
2. Boston College
3. South Florida
4. LSU
5. Oklahoma
6. Arizona State
7. South Carolina
8. Kentucky
9. Kansas
10. West Virginia
11. California
12. Oregon
13. Virginia Tech
14. USC
15. Missouri
16. Hawaii
17. Florida
18. Texas
19. Texas Tech
20. Virginia
21. Cincinnati
22. Michigan
23. Auburn
24. Tennessee
25. Georgia

Bubble Teams: Kansas State, Boise State, Penn State, Rutgers, Michigan State, Illinois, Clemson, Wake Forrest, Connecticut, Alabama, Maryland, Wisconsin, BYU, Florida State, Purdue

Go Colorado Rockies!

I am not a baseball enthusiast. I haven't watched a full game of MLB this year. But I watch sports center and check in on who's winning and losing. I respect the game. But I have never had a passion for it. That being said, how can you not route for the Rockies. With a few weeks left in the season, this perennial bummer team had no chance for the playoffs. And then... they got on a hot streak. Okay, maybe more than a hot streak. They have been amazing. They win like 14 of their last 15 games to qualify for a one game playoff tiebreak against the Padres to see who makes it as the Wild Card. Of course Colorado pulls off an amazing overtime thriller.

No one gave the Rockies a chance against the power house hot Phillies. But the Rockies sweep the series 3-0. Last night the Rockies beat the DiamondBacks in game 1 of the NLCS. They have now won 18 of their last 19 games, that is amazing for any sport, especially baseball. The team plays together. They lack the selfish superstars of so many other teams. They don't have a payroll the size of a small country. Go Rockies. Go win the World Series, I routing for you.

Big East has 3 undeated teams, who are they?

If someone told me at the beginning of the college football season that the Big East would have 3 undefeated teams I would have guessed West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers. However that is not the case. The three undefeated teams in the Big East are Cincinnati 6-0, South Florida 5-0, and Connecticut 5-0. South Florida is ranked in the top ten for the first time ever. Crazy.

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 6

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25- Week 6

1. LSU
2. California
3. Ohio State
4. Boston College
5. South Florida
6. Oklahoma
7. West Virginia
8. USC
9. Missouri
10. Arizona State
11. Oregon
12. South Carolina
13. Virginia Tech
14. Hawaii
15. Cincinnati
16. Kentucky
17. Illinois
18. Wisconsin
19. Florida
20. Kansas
21. Texas
22. Florida State
23. Texas A&M
24. Purdue
25. Texas Tech

Bubble Teams: Auburn, Michigan, Boise State, Virginia, Connecticut, Penn State, Tennessee, Wyoming, Indiana, Colorado, Rutgers, Georgia, Michigan State, Clemson, Nebraska, Alabama, Maryland, BYU, Mississippi State

NCAA Football ranking Top 25 - Week 5

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25- Week 5

1. USC
2. LSU
3. California
4. Ohio State
5. Wisconsin
6. Boston College
7. Florida
8. South Florida
9. Oklahoma
10. Kentucky
11. West Virginia
12. Oregon
13. South Carolina
14. Virginia Tech
15. Georgia
16. Hawaii
17. Missouri
18. Arizona State
19. Texas
20. Nebraska
21. Cincinnati
22. Rutgers
23. Purdue
24. Michigan State
25. Clemson

Bubble Teams: Kansas State, Florida State, Auburn, Michigan, Boise State, Miami (FL), Virginia, Connecticut, Kansas, UCLA, UCF, Texas A&M, Penn State, Illinois, Alabama

NCAA Football Top 25 - Week 4

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25- Week 4

1. USC
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. Oklahoma
5. West Virginia
6. California
7. Texas
8. Ohio State
9. Wisconsin
10. Boston College
11. Oregon
12. Rutgers
13. Kentucky
14. Clemson
15. South Carolina
16. Virginia Tech
17. Georgia
18. Hawaii
19. Missouri
20. South Florida
21. Michigan State
22. Nebraska
23. Alabama
24. Penn State
25. Cincinnati

Bubble Teams: Purdue, Arizona State, Michigan, Boise State, Miami (FL), Virginia, Connecticut, Mississippi State, Kansas, UCLA, UCF, Texas A&M, Florida State

NCAA Football Top 25 Ranking - Week 4

Sports Gorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 Week 3

1. USC
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. Oklahoma
5. West Virginia
6. Texas
7. California
8. Ohio State
9. Wisconsin
10. Penn State
11. Boston College
12. Rutgers
13. Oregon
14. Clemson
15. Texas A&M
16. South Carolina
17. Virginia Tech
18. Louisville
19. Georgia
20. Hawaii
21. Missouri
22. Kentucky
23. Nebraska
24. Alabama
25. South Florida

Bubble Teams: Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Tulsa, Air Force, Boise State, Maryland, Purdue, Washington,

Poor Sun Belt Conference, Good Big East, sad Michigan

Poor Sun Belt Conference. They have only won 1 game. They are 1-14 on the season (and the 1 win was a conference game). Many of these games have been the big teams coming to play them. Anyway, not a good start.

The Big East looks very impressive so far and deeper than anticipated. Only two loses for the whole conference (thanks to Syracuse). Every team is undefeated, expect Syracuse is 0-2. Of course many of these wins comes against lesser conferences like the Sun Belt, but even still apparently Appalachian State is tougher than one would think (just ask Michigan).



The Big Ten has also looked good. They only have a total of 4 loses. The sad thing is that front runner Michigan has 2 of them. Ha! That is hilarious. Minnesota and Illinois also have a loss, the rest of the conference is undefeated. The PAC10 is the same only 4 loses.

NCAA Football Ranking Top 25 - Week 3

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25 Week 3

1. LSU
2. USC
3. Florida
4. West Virginia
5. Oklahoma
6. Wisconsin
7. Louisville
8. Texas
9. California
10. Ohio State
11. UCLA
12. Nebraska
13. Penn State
14. Arkansas
15. Boston College
16. Rutgers
17. Georgia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Oregon
20. Virginia Tech
21. Tennessee
22. Georgia
23. Texas A&M
24. Hawaii
25. South Carolina

Bubble Teams: Missouri, Auburn, BYU, Maryland, Texas Tech, South Florida, Arizona State, Wyoming, Washington, TCU, Boise State, Alabama, Iowa

sad, sad Notre Dame

I thought Notre Dame was going to be a surprise team. I was right. But I thought they would be one the good side of surprises. Turns out, they look awful. I give them that they have lost to 2 good teams, Georgia Tech and Penn State, now both ranked. Week 1 Notre Dame gets pounded by Georgia Tech 33-3. Week 2 Penn State rolls over the Irish. Not only has Notre Dame looked bad, but they have not scored an offensive touchdown yet. Sad, sad Notre Dame.

BCS Busters, this is your game!

For all you BCS Buster lovers a significant date is tomorrow. The game: TCU at Texas. Number 19th ranked TCU travels to visit number 7 Texas. TCU is a hopeful to break into the BCS this year. TCU has been close, having three 11 win seasons over the past four years. But, this could be the year.

This game has huge implications for both teams, but more to gain for TCU. A win here will improve their ranking, and as long as they could win the rest of their games (no easy task but not too difficult of a schedule) they are almost assured a BCS birth.

I love seeing non-BCS league teams breaking into the BCS. Utah was the first in 2004. In which they pounded Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. Boise State did it last year in the classic overtime thriller over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

Besides TCU, Hawaii and Boise State both have a slight windows to make it in. All other hopeful teams are not currently in position or have yet to make a run.

NCAA Football Ranking - Week 2

After the first week of action my rankings have moved a bit since last ranking was preseason and we hadn't seen anyone play yet. A couple of the most impressive teams were Cal and Oklahoma.

SportsGorilla College Football Ranking Top 25


Week 2

1. USC
2. LSU
3. Florida
4. West Virginia
5. Wisconsin


6. Louisville


7. California


8. Texas
9. Oklahoma
10. Ohio State


11. Virginia Tech


12. Georgia


13. UCLA


14. Auburn


15. Nebraska


16. Arkansas


17. Penn State


18. TCU


19. Boston College


20. Rutgers
21. Boise State


22. Hawaii


23. Georgia Tech


24. Tennessee
25. Texas A&M

Bubble Teams: Missouri, Oregon State, Clemson, BYU, Michigan, Maryland, Texas Tech, Oregon, Miami (FL), Arizona State, Wyoming, Washington

2007-2008 Bowl Games

2007-2008 Bowl Games

BCS Bowl Games: (and BCS predictions)

Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Jan. 1 - 4:30 p.m. Pasadena, CA. ABC
BCS vs. BCS (Big Ten Champion vs. Pac 10 Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: UCLA vs. Michigan

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Jan. 1 - 8:30 p.m. New Orleans, LA. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (SEC Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Tennessee vs. Louisville

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Jan. 2 - 8 p.m. Phoenix, AZ. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (Big 12 Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Texas vs. LSU

FedEx Orange Bowl
Jan. 3 - 8 p.m. Miami, FL. FOX
BCS vs. BCS (ACC Champion, if available)
SportsGorilla Prediction: Virginia Tech vs. Hawaii

Allstate BCS National Championship
Jan. 7 - 8 p.m. New Orleans, LA. FOX
BCS #1 vs. BCS #2
SportsGorilla Prediction: USC vs. West Virginia


The rest of the bowl games (I won’t even try to predict these)


San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Dec. 20 - 9 p.m. San Diego, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. Navy-At-Large

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Dec. 21 - 8 p.m. New Orleans, LA. ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Sun Belt No. 1 vs. C-USA

PapaJohn’s.com Bowl
Dec. 22 - 1 p.m. Birmingham, AL. ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Big East (or MAC) vs. C-USA

New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 22 - 4:30 p.m. Albuquerque, NM. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. WAC

Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl
Dec. 22 - 8 p.m. Las Vegas, NV. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West No. 1 vs. Pac-10 No. 4

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Dec. 23 - 8 p.m. Honolulu, HI. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA vs. WAC

Motor City Bowl
Dec. 26 - 7:30 p.m. Detroit, MI. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 7 vs. MAC

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
Dec. 27 - 8 p.m. San Diego, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 3 vs. Pac-10 No. 2

Texas Bowl
Dec. 28 - 8 p.m. NFL Network
Tie-Ins: Houston, Texas
Big 12 vs. C-USA

Champs Sports Bowl
Dec. 28 - 5 p.m. Orlando, FL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4 or No. 5

Emerald Bowl
Dec. 28 - 8:30 p.m. San Francisco, CA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 7 vs. Pac-10 No. 5

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Dec. 29 - 1 p.m. Charlotte, NC. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 6 vs. Big East

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Dec. 29 - 4:30 p.m. Memphis, TN. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA No. 1 vs. SEC No. 6

Alamo Bowl
Dec. 29 - 8 p.m. San Antonio, TX ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 4 or No. 5 vs. Big 12 No. 4

Petro Sun Independence Bowl
Dec. 30 - 8 p.m. Shreveport, LA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 7 vs. SEC No. 8

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Dec. 31 - 12:30 p.m. Fort Worth, TX ESPN
Tie-Ins: Mountain West vs. Pac-10

Sun Bowl
Dec. 31 - 2 p.m. El Paso, TX CBS
Tie-Ins: Big 12-Big East-Notre Dame vs. Pac-10 No. 3

Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 31 - 2 p.m. Boise, ID ESPN2
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 8 vs. WAC

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Dec. 31 - 4 p.m. Nashville, TN. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC vs. SEC No. 5

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Dec. 31 - 7:30 p.m. Atlanta, GA. ESPN
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 2 vs. SEC

Insight Bowl
Dec. 31 - TBA Tempe, AZ. NFL Network
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 6 vs. Big 12 No. 6

Outback Bowl
Jan. 1 - 11 a.m. Tampa, FL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC

AT&T Cotton Bowl
Jan. 1 - 11:30 a.m. Dallas, TX FOX
Tie-Ins: Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC

Gator Bowl
Jan. 1 - 1 p.m. Jacksonville, FL CBS
Tie-Ins: ACC No. 3 vs. Big 12-Big East-Notre Dame

Capital One Bowl
Jan. 1 - 1 p.m. Orlando, FL. ABC
Tie-Ins: Big Ten No. 2 vs. SEC No. 2

International Bowl
Jan. 5 - 12 p.m. Toronto, Canada ESPN2
Tie-Ins: Big East-Notre Dame vs. MAC No. 4 or 5

GMAC Bowl
Jan. 6 - 8 p.m. Mobile, AL. ESPN
Tie-Ins: C-USA No. 2 vs. MAC

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - SEC

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

SEC – South Eastern Conference predictions

East
1.Tennessee
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. South Carolina
6. Vanderbilt

West
1. LSU
2. Auburn
3. Arkansas
4. ALbama
5. Mississippi
6. Mississippi State

It looks like another tough year for the SEC. So many good teams and good players. 4-5 teams could easily be in the running to be nation champion, however chances are every one will beat each other and only 1 team will have a shot. LSU is everyone’s favorite, but I really like Tennessee this year. Eric Ainge looks ready and I think if they can get past Cal in the season opener things will be headed in the right direction. I think Tennessee will pull off an upset and knock off favorite LSU in the SEC championship. Florida is back to defend their national title. Kentucky had a surprisingly nice season a year ago and hopes to continue. South Carolina and Steve Spurier should be good. Darren McFadden from Arkansas is the nation’s best player. Auburn has the pieces to win the conference. There is so much talent on these teams. The SEC is the best conference in football and this year is no exception.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - WAC

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

WAC – Western Athletic Conference predictions

1. Hawaii
2. Boise State
3. Fresno State
4. Nevada
5. San Jose State
6. Idaho
7. New Mexico State
8. Louisiana Tech
9. Utah State

The WAC enjoyed a phenomenal year last year. Boise State busting into the BCS and beating Oklahoma. San Jose State, Nevada and Fresno State should be good this year again. Boise State will not be as good as they were last year, but the should be competing for the conference title again. Hawaii looks outstanding. Their offense broke all kinds of record in 2006 and are back for more. I think Idaho will be better this year. And New Mexico State’s offense can score on anyone. The WAC is making headway and coming off a banner year. The WAC should be able to continue rolling this year as well.

The Best Football game I have ever seen

I have seen quite a few football games in my life. There are a few that stand out, BYU vs Utah last year was amazing (this was my top game for about a month), Texas vs USC in the national championship game in Jan of 2006, and quite a few more. However, that is not my purpose today to tell of the of handful of amazing games I’ve seen.

I want to say the best game I have ever seen was the Boise State vs Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl. I still cannot get over the finish to that game. Amazing. Boise State's dominance, Oklahoma's comeback, Zanbranski's interception returned for a touchdown, hook and ladder to tie the game and the 2 trick plays in overtime to win. Entertaining. Thrilling. All I can do is sit and shake my head thinking about it. Wow.

The situation in which the game took place is what made it so awesome. Boise State and little known school from hickville Boise Idaho. They have only been division 1A for around 10 years. They play in the measly WAC. But now, you can’t say all those things anymore. Boise State had busted the BCS. they weren't wanted, no one thought the could compete... and yet? I am a huge underdog fan. I loved it when Utah destroyed Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl two years before that.

Boise State vs Oklahoma is a classic in my book. I was, for now, the best game football game I have ever seen.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - PAC 10

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

PAC 10 predictions

1. USC
2. UCLA
3. California
4. Oregon State
5. Arizona
6. Oregon
7. Arizona State
8. Washington
9. Washington State
10. Stanford

The PAC 10 should be very volatile. Clearly USC is the most gifted team in the country. They are the number one ranked team and probably the best. However, they have a very difficult schedule. UCLA and Cal both should be very good and finish ranked in the top 15, but it comes down to when they play each other. I give the nod to UCLA. Oregon State is an up and coming program that might be able to make another good run like last year. But with a new QB and teams aware of them it might be difficult. Arizona is putting the pieces together. They are athletic and dangerous. Oregon and Arizona St both should be bowl bound teams that could also challenge the top 3 if they get things rolling. The PAC 10 has the skills to put together a good conference this year but we will see. I predict an excellent year.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Sun Belt

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Sun Belt predictions

1. Troy
2. Middle Tennessee
3. Arkansas State
4. Florida Atlantic
5. North Texas
6. Louisiana-Lafayette
7. Louisiana-Monroe
8. Florida International

College football games with huge implications in 2007 season

As always conference games make or break a season for many NCAA football teams. The SEC and Big 10 are famous for cannibalizing themselves. For the non-BSC conferences (or should I say the conferences that don’t have a freebie into the BCS) it is crucial to walk straight through the conference schedule unbeaten. Besides conference games the non-conference games have huge implications. I have put together a list of absolutely huge season changing games for this season.

2007 Big Football Games:

Week 1 - Tennessee at California
PAC 10 or SEC? Get this season started right in week 1

Week 1 - Utah at Oregon State
I think Oregon State can make some noise this season, but will a non-BCS league make the first knock out?

Week 2 - TCU at Texas
For all the BCS buster lovers this game is huge. I may be more excited to see this game than any other on the schedule.

Week 2 – BYU at UCLA
Can the Mountain West earn respect by ruining UCLA’s hopes?

Week 3 - USC at Nebraska
PAC 10 vs Big 12 frontrunners

Week 3 - West Virginia at Maryland
Big East’s best vs. ACC potential champ candidate

Week 3 - Notre Dame at Michigan
Always entertaining, always important to both teams

Week 3 - Tennessee at Florida
Two title potentials, who will stay in the race?

Week 6 - Oklahoma vs. Texas
This game should be big, again as always

Week 6 - Florida at LSU
This could be the national championship game, but it will probably knock one out of the running.

Week 6 - Utah at Louisville
One of five huge games for the under appreciated Mountain West conference

Week 7 - Wisconsin at Penn State
Which Big 10 team will challenge Michigan?

Week 8 - California at UCLA
Narrows down who will challenge USC in the PAC10

Week 9 - Nebraska at Texas
Possible Big 12 Championship match up

Week 9 - Boston College at Virginia Tech
ACC contenders duking it out

Week 11 - USC at California
PAC 10 showdown

Week 11 - Michigan at Wisconsin
Big 10 game of the year

Week 11 - Louisville at West Virginia
Which Big East team will be a title contender?

Week 12 - Ohio State at Michigan
This huge rivalry is always a big game

Week 13 - Boise State at Hawaii
Both teams might be 11-0 and knocking on the BCS’s doorstep

Week 13 - Florida State at Florida
Every year this game is big

Week 14 - UCLA at USC
Another PAC 10 showdown

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Mid-American

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Mid-American Conference predictions

East
1. Ohio
2. Bowling Green
3. Kent State
4. Akron
5. Miami (OH)
6. Buffalo
7. Temple

West
1. Central Michigan
2. Western Michigan
3. Northern Illinois
4. Ball State
5. Toledo
6. Eastern Michigan

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Mountain West

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings


Mountain West predictions

1. TCU
2. BYU
3. Utah
4. Wyoming
5. New Mexico
6. San Diego State
7. Colorado State
8. Air Force
9. UNLV

I think the Mountain West should have a good year, although in 2008 they should be even better. TCU, Utah and BYU should all be very good teams. All three won bowl games a year ago. Each of them have scheduled some big games that will either earn the conference respect or not. TCU plays at Texas. BYU plays at UCLA. Utah plays at Oregon State, at Louisville and at home against UCLA. Win a couple of these games and that will say a lot about this conference. I think the Mountain West is typically underrated but until they can start winning these big non-conference games they will continue to be overlooked. TCU, BYU and Utah all have young players at key positions and should continue being good for the next few seasons.

The rest of the conference should be up and down. Air Force, New Mexico and Colorado State have been in the decline the past few years and should be around the 500 mark. San Diego State has been improving from the bottom of the league and may be able to make a nice run and have a winning record. Wyoming is always tough despite the recruiting difficulties. UNLV will continue to hope for a miracle turnaround of a downer program. Overall I am predicting good things from the Mountain West.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Conference USA

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Conference USA predictions

East
Southern Mississippi
UCF
Marshall
East Carolina
UAB
Memphis

West
Houston
Tulsa
Rice
UTEP
SMU
Tulane

Houston is definitely the team to beat in a wide open Conference USA. The season will be entertaining to see which teams go up and which down. Tulsa and Southern Mississippi both will be pretty good. Rice and East Carolina may be able to make a run as well. Overall, I don't think C-USA is a tough as in years past.

59 year old makes a college football team

Mike Flynt a 59 year old is playing football for Sul Ross State University. He played 37 years ago from the same school. That's awesome.

Eddie Griffin NBA player dies in collision with train

NBA player Eddie Griffin died last week in a car crash with a train. His SUV went through the railroad barrier and was killed as he collided with a train. His SUV and his body were badly burned. He was later identified by his dental records.

6'10 Eddie Griffin was drafted out of Seton Hall in 2001. He played for the Rockets, Nets and most recently the Timberwolves.

It's a sad story. I remember watching him in college. He had a troubled off the court life and it carried over to ruin his career. The circumstances around his death are still under investigation.

FIBA Americas starts Aug. 22

Many Americans don't know much about International Basketball. There is more to it than the Olympics. FIBA is international basketball's governing body. Starting tomorrow, August 22, 2007 the FIBA Americas tournament takes place in Las Vegas and lasts until September 2. This tournament is North and South America put together in one division. FIBA splits the world into 5 divisions: FIBA Africa, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia, FIBA Europe and RIBA Oceania. Each division competes for standings and invitations to play in World Championships and Olympic competition.

The FIBA Americas has invited the 10 top ranked teams in its division to play in this tournament. This includes the United States, Brazil, Canada, Venezuela, US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. The FIBA Americas will give out 2 berths to the 2008 Olympics to the two teams that reach the FIBA Americas finals. The third, fourth and fifth place finishers qualify for a FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament that includes 12 teams and will take place next July. That tournament will give out 3 bids for the Beijing Olympics.

International competition will become larger and larger as more nations improve their basketball play. Each nation is also ranked. Here are the current top 20 countries:

International basketball is very exciting. I wish we knew and saw more of it.

Tomorrow the US will play Venezuela. For more information go to FIBA.com

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Big 12

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Big 12 predictions

North Division
1. Nebraska
2. Missouri
3. Kansas State
4. Colorado
5. Kansas
6. Iowa State

South Division
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas A&M
4. Texas Tech
5. Oklahoma State
6. Baylor

The Big 12 conference looks like it might struggle this year. Its typical top teams are not as stellar as in previous years. Texas definitely looks like the best team and should win the conference title. Oklahoma is picked by many to be really good, but I'm not sure I see it yet (maybe that’s because I keep seeing Boise State highlights in my head from last years Fiesta Bowl). They will most likely be ranked all season, but I don’t think they have enough to compete with Texas.

Nebraska in the North Division is really the only option to go to the conference championship game. Unless Missouri plays big and beats them. Nebraska plays USC which will be a huge non-conference game for the Big 12. I like Missouri and have picked them as one of my surprise teams of the year. But if they can challenge Nebraska remains to be seen. Colorado continues to rebuild. Texas Tech is always potent offensively and should be good. The rest of the teams will be average or below average. Overall not a great year for the Big 12.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Big Ten

Sports Gorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Big Ten predictions

1. Michigan
2. Wisconsin
3. Ohio State
4. Penn State
5. Iowa
6. Purdue
7. Minnesota
8. Michigan State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Illinois


The Big Ten should be a battle this year. It is deep and there are many very good teams competing for the Big Ten crown. I think 5-6 teams have a shot at pulling it off. Realistically it will be between Michigan and Wisconsin, but I think Penn State and Ohio State could come through and pull off an upset. Michigan State should be better than last year (which was awful). Iowa might be the dark horse in the group. They have had a few down years and are poised for a comeback, especially since the do not have to play Michigan or Ohio State this year. Overall it should be a good year for the Big Ten.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - Big East

SportsGorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

Big East predictions

1. West Virginia
2. Louisville
3. Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers
5. Syracuse
6. South Florida
7. Connecticut
8. Cincinnati

A few years ago the Big East was awful. Pittsburgh made it to be BCS Fiesta Bowl only to be destroyed by a non-BCS conference Utah. Times have changed. Louisville and West Virginia will once again battle for the BCS bid. Rutgers should be good again. Pittsburgh has supposed to be good the past couple of season and has disappointed. Now that Wanstedt's job is on the line I think they will come through this year. South Florida is picked as a sleeper by many experts. And Syracuse will show much improvement this year.

The Big East also has 4 legit Heisman hopefuls: Louisville's Brian Brohm, West Virginia's Pat White and Steve Slaton, and Rutgers RB Ray Rice. It should be a good year for the Big East with possibly 4 teams ranked in the top 25 at the end of the season and possibly a national title.

College Football Preseason Conference Rankings - ACC

SportsGorilla 2007 Preseason Conference Rankings

ACC - Atlantic Coast Conference

Atlantic
1.Boston College
2. Florida State
3. Clemson
4.Wake Forrest
5. Maryland
6. NC State

Coastal
1. Virginia Tech
2. Georgia Tech
3. Miami (FL)
4. Virginia
5. North Carolina
6. Duke

The Atlantic division is definitely the tougher of the two. Really anyone of the teams could take the Atlantic division. Realistically though, I think it will be between Florida St. and Boston College. Virginia Tech should win the Coastal division.

There are a couple of questions here: Will Miami be back as a player in the ACC? Can Florida St come back to dominance? Will the Virginia Tech overcome so much off the Field adversity over this past year? Will there be another surprise like Wake Forrest last year? We will find out shortly.

I predict Virginia Tech to win the ACC.

NCAA Football 2007 Preseason Rankings

As much as I hate preseason ranking college football teams, I have decided to put my predictions down. The problems with NCAA football polls is that it is only an opinion. Nobody knows for sure. And that's what this is, my opinion.

SportsGorilla Preseason College Football Ranking
Top 25

1. USC
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Michigan
5. Texas
6. West Virginia
7. Wisconsin
8. Louisville
9. Tennessee
10. Ohio State
11. Virginia Tech
12. California
13. Auburn
14. UCLA
15. Oklahoma
16. Georgia
17. Arkansas
18. Penn State
19. Nebraska
20. TCU
21. Boston College
22. Boise State
23. Hawaii
24. Rutgers
25. Texas A&M

Bubble Teams:
Florida State, Missouri, Oregon State, Wake Forrest, BYU, Maryland, Utah, Texas Tech, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Clemson, Arizona, Houston

Get rid of the pre season ranking!

I think they need to get rid of the college football preseason ranking. I don't really like or agree with the rankings because does any one really know how good a team is? No. That's because it's still preseason.

The preseason NCAA ranking is only a popularity guessing contest. It is only a guess at what a team will be like, and yet it has so much influence over the rankings for the remainder of the year. It is so hard for the teams ranked low in the preseason. For these teams to move up they have to overcome and pass teams ranked higher than them in the preseason. Which isn't fair. If two teams have identical records the preseason lower ranked team can almost never pass a team preseason ranked higher then them. Preseason rankings hurts those teams ranked low because they have to slowly move all the way up the rankings.

How many teams have started high and bombed during the season ending somewhere out of the rankings? I think they should only rank teams after the first 2-3 weeks of the college football season. If rankings are required, we can have the preseason rankings and then throw all the rankings out after a few weeks and re-rank the teams without influence of the preseason ranking.

I think the system needs to change.

Celtics sign House and Pollard

The Boston Celtics have just signed Eddie House and Scot Pollard. The Celtics traded away all their players and so Poland is now the only center listed on the roster. Pollard is not enough to sure up the big man rotation. Boston still needs to get another center to rotate with Pollard.

In my mind signing Eddie House is huge for Boston. House has been a journey man with limited minutes. But believe me he can light up the arena. A quick guard and dangerous outside shooter he will be a great asset to the Celts. I think this signing might be a huge deal down the road. Maybe House will finally have a chance to prove himself full time.

Boston has also been trying to talk Reggie Miller out of retirement. I'm sure Jordan and Berkley are next on the list of contacts.

I am getting excited to watch Boston play and see who will be in their lineup come November. It has been 21 years since winning their last title. So the time might be coming to win number 17.

9 year old signs with professional soccer team

Manchester United has signed a gifted soccer player. He has amazing footwork, dribbling, and goal scoring abilities. Oh yeah, he's 9 years old.

Rhain Davis is British but has grown up in Australia. Rhain Davis's grandfather sent a video clip to Manchester United and posted on YouTube where the team quickly signed him. Davis will join their academy in Britain and train with other kids his age and older. The developmental academy will train him until he officially joins the team or until his contract is not renewed.

Kevin Garnett is now a Celtic

It's official. Kevin Garnett is now a Celtic. Good news for Boston in the immediate future. However, in 5 years where will Boston be? Hopefully with another championship banner in their rafters. Because they gave up their future to make this current team. Boston's time to win is now. In 3-4 years and they might be in trouble. They will not have good draft picks and little up and coming talent. Their 3 stars are all 30-32 years old and might start slowing soon.

Rajon Rondo is their only nice young prospect, well Tony Allen might fit that as well. Anyway, gone is big man Al Jefferson and athletic possible star Gerald Green. Ryan Gomes and Sabastian Telfair both can help a team, but not stars. I think Minnesota put together and nice team for the future. A good trade? I would say yes for both teams.

Are the Celtics finally back?

It appears to be almost official - Kevin Garnett going to the Boston Celtics. Minnesota and Boston have been in trade talks and supposedly the deal is almost complete. Boston would get Kevin Garnett. The Timberwolves would get Al Jefferson a good young power forward, Gerald Green a young athletic wing player, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair and possibly more. The holdup is Garnett's contract. The Celtics don't want to give up so much and then lose him to free agency in a year.

This deal would make the Celtics Eastern Conference competitors. Finally the East is coming back after so many down years. The Celtics would have Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Garnett. Even though they have traded the rest of their team away they would still be pretty good with only 3 players. They definitely need to make sure they have role players to fill in or they still won't be dominant, look at the Nets big 3.

More to come.

How to you spell overpaid? Rashard Lewis.

I like Rashard Lewis as a player. He's big, he shoots, he's athletic, but he gets injured a lot. Lewis opted out of his contact with the Seattle Sonics and signed with the Orlando Magic. This will make Orlando a much better team, but will they be a contender? No. It gives them another scorer and an outside shooter, but Lewis has become injury prone and will he be on the court is a big question. The Magic gave Lewis a max deal worth reportedly 5 years and $75 million. For $15 million a year the Magic had better hope overpaying the best free agent of the 2007 offseason will pay off.

Rugby player has opponents tooth stuck in his head for 3 months

So this rugby player in Australia, Ben Czislowski, had a collision (which happens often) with an opposing team player during one of his team's matches. Czislowski was playing for Brisbane team Wynnum on April 1, 2007 when he collided with Matt Austin of Tweed Heads. Czislowski had his head stiched up and continued playing.

Three months pass and he suffers an eye infection and complains of shooting pains in his head. His doctor examines him and finds a tooth imbedded in his head. What? Yeah, Austin's tooth has been lodged in his head this entire time. Talk about crazy. We all know rugby players are nuts, this now proves it. Czislowski was quoted as saying, "I've got the tooth at home, sitting on the bedside table. If he (Austin) wants it back he can have it. I'm keeping it at the moment as proof that it actually happened."

Doesn't that make you want to play rugby?

Source: The Associated Press.

Marco Belinelli

I have been telling you this dude is good. So far Italian Marco Belinelli looks awesome. Las Vegas is all talking about him since the start of the Vegas summer league. He put up impressive numbers, outstanding shooting and looks like he will be an excellent NBA player. and a steal in the draft at the 18th pick nonetheless.

He averaged 23 points a game in the Las Vegas NBA summer league and shot over 44 percent from the three point range. He even had 37 points in one game. I wanted my team to pick him, but it didn't happen. The Golden State Warriors made an excellent move to draft him.

University of Oklahoma goes 0-4 in 2005?

The NCAA has just ruled that the University of Oklahoma football team must erase 8 victories in the 2005 football season because of 2 players receiving money. The two players, Rhett Bomar and JD Quinn, each received around $7,000 from a car dealership where they did not perform any work. The players have already been kicked off the team.

Oklahoma went 8-4 that season. So the Sooners are now 0-4 for that season? That's dumb. I agree with the rule, but let's penalize them another way. They are required to reduce scholarships by two and are on probation until 2010.

Top 10 NBA Point Guards

During the playoffs there was a lot of talk of the top point guards in the NBA. Baron Davis has a phenomenal run, and after beating the Mavs is called the best point guard by some. A few weeks later after Deron Williams of the Jazz beat the Warriors soundly the talk is then all on Williams. Deron was called a great new point and even one of the best point guards in the league, period. The votes definitely fluctuated depending on which team was winning and who was playing good.

Every one forgot about Chris Paul, Mike Bibby and Gilbert Arenas (if he can even be considered a point guard, but he is officially point so I will consider him). Billups's perceived value plummeted with lack luster playoff play.

Right now, I think the league has lost many of the old well known point guards (Stockton, Jackson, etc). There does not seem to be many dominant points in the league anymore. I think this is partially because the NBA has more of a scoring mentality than a true team-ball point guard.

After the playoff memories have died done a little I decided to rank the point guards with an overall value and not let the playoffs sway my thinking.

1. Steve Nash - He is the best and amazing to watch. He plays so effortlessly.
2. Tony Parker - Quietley becoming one of the best point guards in the NBA. Dominated the NBA Finals.
3. Chauncey Billups - Still one of the leagues best shooters and team leaders.
4. Gilbert Arenas - 28.5 points a game. Is he a point guard? I don't know, but he is good.
5. Baron Davis - Amazing when healthy. Definitely the most exciting player on the list.
6. Jason Kidd - He averaged nearly a triple double for almost 15 years
7. Deron Williams - Awesome in the playoffs and second in the league in assists. Look for him to be in the top 3 next year if his outstanding play continues.
8. Chris Paul - Injuries and not making it to the playoffs is making this outstanding young player forgotten
9. Mike Bibby - Dangerous shooter, but has lost something the past few years
10. Andre Miller - He is still one of the best passers in the game

The Results of the Number 1 NBA draft pick

Greg Oden was taken number 1 in this years NBA draft. I think he is going to be an awesome player for years to come. I thought I would look back and see how the other number 1 draft picks are doing. Here is the history of the number 1 pick:



2007-- Greg Oden, C, Portland, Ohio State
2006-- Andrea Bargnani, F, Toronto, Benetton Treviso (Italy)
2005-- Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee, C, Utah
2004-- Dwight Howard, Orlando, F, Southwest Atlantic Christian Academy (Atlanta)
2003-- LeBron James, Cleveland, G, St. Vincent-St. Mary HS
2002-- Yao Ming, Houston, C, China
2001-- Kwame Brown, Washington, F-C, Glynn Academy HS
2000-- Kenyon Martin, New Jersey, F, Cincinnati
1999-- Elton Brand, Chicago, F, Duke
1998-- Michael Olowokandi, Los Angeles Clippers, C, Pacific
1997-- Tim Duncan, San Antonio, C, Wake Forest
1996-- Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, G, Georgetown
1995-- Joe Smith, Golden State, C, Maryland
1994-- Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee, F, Purdue
1993-- Chris Webber, Orlando, F, Michigan
1992-- Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando, C, Louisiana State
1991-- Larry Johnson, Charlotte, F, UNLV
1990-- Derrick Coleman, New Jersey, F, Syracuse
1989-- Pervis Ellison, Sacramento, C, Louisville
1988-- Danny Manning, Los Angeles Clippers, F, Kansas
1987-- David Robinson, San Antonio, C, Navy
1986-- Brad Daugherty, Cleveland, C, North Carolina
1985-- Patrick Ewing, New York, C, Georgetown
1984-- Akeem Olajuwon, Houston, C, Houston
1983-- Ralph Sampson, Houston, C, Virginia
1982-- James Worthy, Los Angeles Lakers, F, North Carolina
1981-- Mark Aguirre, Dallas, F, DePaul
1980-- Joe Barry Carroll, Golden State, C, Purdue
1979-- Earvin (Magic) Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, G, Michigan St.
1978-- Mychal Thompson, Portland, C, Minnesota
1977-- Kent Benson, Milwaukee, C, Indiana
1976-- John Lucas, Houston, G, Maryland
1975-- David Thompson, Atlanta, G, North Carolina St.
1974-- Bill Walton, Portland, C, UCLA
1973-- Doug Collins, Philadelphia, G, Illinois St.
1972-- LaRue Martin, Portland, C, Loyola-Chicago
1971-- Austin Carr, Cleveland, G, Notre Dame
1970-- Bob Lanier, Detroit, C, St. Bonaventure
1969-- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee, C, UCLA
1968-- Elvin Hayes, Houston, C, Houston
1967-- Jimmy Walker, Detroit, G, Providence
1966-- Cazzie Russell, New York, F, Michigan


Just looking at over the past 20 years a couple names stand out as superstars. A couple I thought "thats right, I had forgotten they were taken #1." And some I said that was a mistake.

Kwame, and Olowokandi were mistakes. Kenyon, Joe Smith, and Glenn Robinson didn't turn out as good as promised and probably weren't worth the #1 (KMart does still have a chance to come around if he is ever healthy). Bogut and Bargnani are still young and need to show they can become a star or they may fall into the bad pick category. Shaq, Iverson, Duncan, Brand, Yao, LeBron, and Howard are all superstars and excellent picks.

Derek Fisher's request to leave the Utah Jazz is granted

The Utah Jazz announced today that they are releasing Derek Fisher from the rest of his contract. Fisher requested that the team release him from his contact so he can better help his daughter and her ongoing eye cancer situation.

Fisher will become a free agent and look for a place to play in one of the major cities by his doctor. Fisher said that life is more important than playing basketball. The Jazz granted his wish and parted on good terms.

This means a couple of things. Fisher may or may not play next season. He may retire. He may find a home in and eastern conference because his doctor was in New York. He would say where he might land, but he mentioned 6 cities. He is probably looking at the north eastern teams around that area.

The Jazz are now in need of a back up point/shooting guard. Rumors have it that Morris Peterson may be an option here and would be an excellent pick up for the Jazz.

Yi JianLian

In the NBA draft last week, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Yi JianLian with the 6th pick. Yi has not reported to Milwaukee and has had no communication with them. He did not attend the typical post draft welcoming meetings in Milwaukee but decided to work out with his Chinese national team in Dallas instead.

Yi JianLian and his agents do not feel Milwaukee is a good fit for Yi. Why? Because they reportedly want a city with a large Chinese heritage. Again I ask why? That might have a small affect on the situation, but that should not matter. That is a long way from home, and has anybody in China ever heard of Milwaukee? Probably only a few. Because how many of us has ever heard of He Shan where Yi is from?

Anyway, I think Yi needs to look at the situation he is going to play in, not the city itself. The Bucks have got Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, hopefully can resign Mo Williams, Charlie Villanueva, Bobby Simmons and a nice looking core. They definitely are not a contender and have a long ways to go. But with Yi they start to look quite a bit better.

Yi's agents want a trade. I agree with Milwaukee, Yi entered the draft, the Bucks picked him. He belongs to them.

The Excitement of the 2007 NBA Draft

Why do I like the NBA draft so much? I thought about this last night as my wife was mad that I sat there and watched all 5 hours of it. "Can't you just read about tomorrow or see the highlights on the news?" she would say. Are you kidding me? That's why people don't watch it and don't think it is interesting - because they read about it the next day and watch the highlights on the news. The news destroys the atmosphere, destroys the excitement of the draft.

I love the draft because it is all about the future. The futures of these young players is partially laid out in front of us. The future of the teams, future of the NBA and it's stars are right before me and I am watching it happen. That's why I like it. I get to see and imagine what the NBA could be like in the upcoming years. Lame? maybe. but I find it exciting.

The draft victory last night went the Trail Blazers. They continue to stock up on young talent and drop Zach Randolph to New York. I like the trade. Channing Frye is young and improving. I like the Blazers future.

Here were the results from the draft last night:

1st Round
1. Portland Trail Blazers -Greg Oden 7-0 257 C Ohio St. Fr.
2. Seattle SuperSonics - Kevin Durant 6-10 215 SF Texas Fr.
3. Atlanta Hawks - Al Horford 6-10 244 PF Florida Jr.
4. Memphis Grizzlies - Mike Conley 6-1 175 PG Ohio St. Fr.
5. Boston Celtics (traded to Seattle) - Jeff Green 6-9 228 SF Georgetown Jr.
6. Milwaukee Bucks - Yi Jianlian 7-0 242 PF China 1984
7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Corey Brewer 6-8 185 SF Florida Jr.
8. Charlotte Bobcats (traded to Golden St.)- Brandan Wright 6-10 200 PF UNC Fr.
9. Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah 6-11 230 PF Florida Jr.
10. Sacramento Kings - Spencer Hawes 7-0 244 C Wash. Fr.
11. Atlanta Hawks -Acie Law 6-3 186 PG Texas A&M Sr.
12. Philadelphia 76ers - Thaddeus Young 6-7 210 SF GT Fr.
13. NewOrleans - Julian Wright 6-8 211 SF Kansas So.
14. LA Clippers - Al Thornton 6-7 221 SF/PF Florida St. Sr.
15. Detroit Pistons - Rodney Stuckey 6-5 207 SG E. Wash. So.
16. Washington - Nick Young 6-6 206 SG USC Jr.
17. New Jersey Nets - Sean Williams 6-10 235 PF BC Jr.
18. Golden St. Warriors - Marco Belinelli 6-6 200 SG Italy 1986
19. LA Lakers - Javaris Crittenton 6-4 194 PG G.Tech Fr.
20. Miami Heat (traded to Philadelphia) - Jason Smith 7-0 233 PF Colorado St. Jr.
21. Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Miami) - Daequan Cook 6-5 210 SG Ohio St. Fr.
22. Charlotte Bobcats - Jared Dudley 6-7 225 SF Boston Celtics Col. Sr.
23. New York Knicks - Wilson Chandler 6-7 230 SF DePaul So.
24. Phoenix Suns (traded to Portland) -Rudy Fernandez 6-6 172 SG Spain 1985
25. Utah Jazz - Morris Almond 6-6 214 SG Rice Sr.
26. Houston Rockets - Aaron Brooks 6-0 160 PG Oregon Sr.
27. Detroit Pistons - Arron Afflalo 6-5 215 SG UCLA Jr.
28. San Antonio Spurs - Tiago Splitter 6-11 240 PF Brazil 1985
29. Phoenix Suns - Alando Tucker 6-5 210 SF Wisconsin Sr.
30. Philadelphia 76ers (traded to Portand) - Petteri Koponen 6-4 195 PG Fin.1988

2nd Round
31. Seattle SuperSonics - Carl Landry 6-9 235 PF Purdue Sr.
32. Boston Celtics - Gabe Pruitt 6-4 170 PG USC Jr.
33. San Antonio Spurs - Marcus Williams 6-7 207 SG Arizona So.
34. Dallas Mavericks - Nick Fazekas 6-11 240 PF Nevada Sr.
35. Seattle SuperSonics (traded to Boston) - Glen Davis 6-8 280 PF LSU Jr.
36. Golden St. Warriors (traded to Charlotte) - Jermareo Davidson 6-10 220 PF Ala. Sr.
37. Portland Trail Blazers - Josh McRoberts 6-10 240 PF Duke So.
38. Philadelphia 76ers - Kyrylo Fesenko 7-0 240 PF/C Ukr. 1986
39. Miami Heat - Stanko Barac 7-1 220 C Bosnia 1986
40. LA Lakers - Sun Yue 6-9 205 SG China 1985
41. Minnesota Timberwolves - Chris Richard 6-8 255 PF Florida Sr.
42. Portland Trail Blazers (traded to Philadelphia) - Derrick Byars 6-7 225 SG/SF Vand. Sr.
43. NewOrleans - Adam Haluska 6-5 210 SG Iowa Sr.
44. Orlando Magic - Reyshawn Terry 6-7 232 SF UNC Sr.
45. LA Clippers - Jared Jordan 6-2 190 PG Marist Sr.
46. Golden St. Warriors - Stephane Lasme 6-8 225 PF Mass Sr.
47. Washington Wizards - Dominic McGuire 6-8 210 SF Fres.St. Jr.
48. LA Lakers - Marc Gasol 7-0 270 C Spain 1985
49. Chicago Bulls - Aaron Gray 7-1 280 C Pittsburgh Sr.
50. Dallas Mavericks - Renaldas Seibutis 6-6 180 SG Lith. 1985
51. Chicago Bulls -JamesOn Curry 6-3 171 SG Okla.St. Jr.
52. Portland Trail Blazers - Taurean Green 6-0 177 PG Florida Jr.
53. Portland Trail Blazers - Demetris Nichols 6-7 205 SF Syracuse Sr.
54. Orlando - Brad Newley 6-6 198 SG Australia 1985
55. Utah Jazz - Herbert Hill 6-10 240 PF Providence Sr.
56. Milwaukee Bucks - Ramon Sessions 6-3 190 PG Nevada Jr.
57. Detroit Pistons - Sammy Mejia 6-6 200 PG/SG DePaul Sr.
58. San Antonio Spurs - Giorgos Printezis 6-8 205 SF Greece 1985
59. Phoenix Suns - DJ Strawberry 6-5 201 SG Maryland Sr.
60. Dallas Mavericks - Milovan Rakovic 6-10 240 PF Serbia 1985

Greg Oden going #1

Greg Oden will be picked number one tonight. Oden Dominated the middle at Ohio St. this last year. Did you see him throw it down in the NCAA championship game? Talk about shock and awe. He will be a huge piece to a very young a talented team next year.

I love watching Kevin Durant play and he will be number 2. He wasn't able to bench press 185 pounds, but does anyone care? Well, yes but that isn't important. This kid can play. Give him a few years to beef up and he will be a dominating player in the NBA for years to come.

This should be a exciting draft (if you are a sports junkie like me). Otherwise keep watching So You Think You Can Dance.

Check out my last version of my mock draft.

Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant

Minnesota Timberwolves and the LA Lakers are reportedly in trade negotiations. The Lakers want another big name player for three reasons.

1. Make Kobe happy and convince him to stay around
2. Have the Big Ticket sell more tickets
3. Apparently Kobe can't win on his own, so the team needs to be become a two headed dragon.

I think Minnesota should not part with Garnett that easily. Nothing bugs me more than teams trying to reload and they dump their best players for little or nothing in return. Minnesota needs some more good young players. Get some high draft picks - which the Lakers don't have.

Supposedly the Lakers offered Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. Not enough in my mind. I like Bynum and think he is developing into a good center. Odom is solid, but is not a go to franchise player.

Come up with a lottery pick somehow and throw that in and then we are talking business.

Another rumor out there has Garnett possibly going to Phoenix and Amare Stoudemire going to Atlanta and draft picks going to Minnesota. What? Any more teams want to offer something?

Jason Smith

I like to watch the Mountain West conference. This last year I watched a couple Colorado St. games in which I saw Jason Smith play. I was very impressed at how athletic he was. At 7-0 tall he played and acted like a 6-7 small forward. He was good inside, very quick and has a decent jumper. At times he dominated. However, when he had a physical defender on him he struggled. He did not like being pushed around and it took him out of the game. He tends to be foul prone as well. If he can find a good situation with a run and gun offensive team he would fit in the best.

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The Results of the Number 1 NBA Draft Pick


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NBA draft thoughts

This weeks NBA's draft should be a good one. A couple of things to watch.

• The number 3 pick by Atlanta Hawks is the swing vote. There are many players and teams awaiting this pick. It should tell the direction of the rest of the lottery. They can go with another young athletic forward which they have plenty of or they can surprise everyone and pick a point guard much higher than expected. This pick might change many draft projections and make teams go with plan B.
• Trades. There has been many talks of superstars being traded. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Shawn Marion, Paul Pierce, Jermaine O'Neal and more have all been rumored with trades. The draft might bring these trades to light
• The number one pick. Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Have we heard anything else over the past few months?
• International players. Over the past few seasons international players we taking over the draft. This year only 2-3 projected in the first round. Will there be surprises we don't know about?
• Will the Hawks blow another good pick?
• Second round steals? Who will fall into the second round and be a steal. Paul Millsap and Daniel Gibson showed this is very possible
• No high schoolers. For the second year in a row no high school kids entering the draft. I like the rule change.
• Draft attire. What crazy suits and crazy fashions will be on display?

sportsgorilla

Now that baseball has arrived (started months ago but do I care? no), I have less to talk about. That is why i love the NBA draft. It is also sad when football training camps are the hot topic of discussion. It shows just how boring baseball is. I have a new Technorati Profile go ahead and check it out.

Does anyone like Kobe Bryant anymore?

Kobe wants to be traded. Then he doesn't. Now he does again. He is doing all he can to send the message - even pulling out web 2.0 tactics of blogs and video posts. He is calling out his teammates, the organization and bad mouthing the Lakers management. What hurts worst in his recent 24 second video clip outburst is his negative comments to Andrew Bynum. There is nothing worse than criticizing your teammates or coach. He is doing a good job and whining and throwing a tantrum like a selfish child. Because that is what he is telling everyone he is - selfish.

He ran Shaq out of town and convinced the Lakers to make it Kobe's team. He got what he wanted and now he wants out. Show some class. Show some respect. Grow up Kobe.

NBA draft predictions

With the NBA draft quickly approaching I have made a few changes to my draft order. I think Yi Jian Lian is going to go higher than most people think. Point Guards are another hot commodity. I think Mike Conley and Acie Law will go higher than expected. Why isn't any one thinking Aaron Afflalo will go high? I think he will be an excellent pro.

The Cavs didn't look like they cared

As I sat and watched the sad ending to the NBA finals I wondered... is this the NBA finals? Why did it seem like there was no intensity? The Spurs played tough as usual but there was a lack of desire and urgency on their side as well. It was probably because they knew they were a much better team and no matter what the Cavs threw at them they could handle it. Maybe because they knew this was series wrapped up in a bag at tip off of game 1. I have no problem with how the Spurs played. They won easily and without being pushed to a higher level of play. They did what they needed to do to sweep Cleveland out of the finals. They probably could have done it blind folded.

My question is why did Cleveland play like they didn't care? Was it enough to make it to the finals in the first time in 40 years or whatever it was? I don't know. But, this is the NBA finals. Wake up and play like you care. Show some hustle, show some intensity. There was no fire in the team, no desperation in any game, especially game 4 at home, down 0-3. You would have never seen such a lack of emotion in a NCAA tournament game. I was rather disappointed in the Cavs.