Isn't it a shame that pro sports has been sullied by filthy lucre while college sports remain so pure?
(Pause)
Okay, I've returned from laughing at my semi-clever and ironic comment. (Okay, it wasn't really that funny... but still...). I did intend to post about college basketball, but I am curious as to whether or not any of you have thoughts about the Cameron Newton situation at Auburn? Until more evidence comes out either way, it really is all based on hearsay. And if he is innocent of any wrongdoing and this is all some bizarre plot to discredit Newton, it probably is an even greater sign of how sick college sports is right now and how far beyond reform it is. But that doesn't mean that I can't love college sports.
On Friday night, Michigan State, who was ranked in the top 5 for almost everyone who issued preseason college basketball rankings and advanced to the Final Four last year, took on Eastern Michigan University. As expected it was a blowout, the Spartans won by thirty points. But there were some notable points.
Eastern Michigan's Brandon Bowdry had 32 points (although he did go 10 for 28 from the field) and had 15 rebounds. He has made most news outlets preseason All-MAC team. From all that I have read about him, he kind of reminds me of Brandon Hunter, the Ohio University player who got drafted in the second round by the Boston Celtics in 2003. Bowdry might be a player to keep an eye on this season and if his team is able to make any headway in the postseason, he might land on some NBA teams' list of potential second round draft picks.
Eastern Michigan also has a 6'10" 285 pound sophomore starting at center. And as has been said many times, you can't teach size. But if Friday night is any indication Matt Balkema has a long way to go before he is a pro prospect. He had all of 2 points and 1 rebound in 12 minutes. At that rate, he might not be starting for Eastern Michigan very long.
Speaking of problems with college sports, Kentucky is most likely going to have to do without European big man Enes Kanter unless they win their appeal with the NCAA. And it is presently far beyond my cognitive abilities to ascertain the intentions of the NCAA.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Blog Possibilities and Thought(ful/less) Responses
The concept of changing the name to the blog to make fun of folks who run to South Beach. Maybe we go with a broader idea? Something that pokes fun at egos and insane trash talk ("you, sir, are a cancer to your team and to the league")?
I have promised to make this less of a Cleveland-related blog, so will quickly reply to James' thoughtful responses to my Cleveland rant the other night and then move on to things More Worldly.
Poor Jason Garrett. He doesn't stand a chance now. Although, he was the highest paid Assistant Coach in the league for the last few years. He'll make it through. Bet he wishes he took the Ravens job...
If Hillis is done, the Browns' running game is done. Mike Bell has looked--past his prime this year. The holes the Browns create aren't large enough for someone who can't either run over people (as Hillis did) or dodge people (as ostensibly Hardesty can do, when he's not injured).
I'm not too proud to say that if LeBron changed his mind in four years and went back to Cleveland, and actually was contrite about it ("I was young, 25 and stupid"--think Alex Rodriguez's steroids confessions), I'd welcome him back with open arms. And heck, if he's still capable of putting up 30 on any given night, he doesn't even need to be contrite. And isn't Isaiah supposed to be a college coach? Why is he talking about the Knicks?
Our concerns about Colt McCoy (and I think Mike and Billy would agree on this) is that intangibles or not--and I think he's as confident as they come--he's an injury-prone guy. He can't withstand a full season, I fear.
I like your point about baseball, especially since I think it's due for a broader discussion, but as long as Bud Selig is around--or at least operates as Stubborn Bud Selig--I don't think baseball gets a sustainable boost. Future polemics against the sport await.
Regarding the lockout, no matter what actually transpires, the possibility of a lockout will loom. Because if there are two things I know about lawyers, it's (1) that they only do things last-minute and (2) when there's leverage--like the possibility of another league going through a lockout--you really do things last-minute. Fight. For. Every. Dollar.
I have promised to make this less of a Cleveland-related blog, so will quickly reply to James' thoughtful responses to my Cleveland rant the other night and then move on to things More Worldly.
Poor Jason Garrett. He doesn't stand a chance now. Although, he was the highest paid Assistant Coach in the league for the last few years. He'll make it through. Bet he wishes he took the Ravens job...
If Hillis is done, the Browns' running game is done. Mike Bell has looked--past his prime this year. The holes the Browns create aren't large enough for someone who can't either run over people (as Hillis did) or dodge people (as ostensibly Hardesty can do, when he's not injured).
I'm not too proud to say that if LeBron changed his mind in four years and went back to Cleveland, and actually was contrite about it ("I was young, 25 and stupid"--think Alex Rodriguez's steroids confessions), I'd welcome him back with open arms. And heck, if he's still capable of putting up 30 on any given night, he doesn't even need to be contrite. And isn't Isaiah supposed to be a college coach? Why is he talking about the Knicks?
Our concerns about Colt McCoy (and I think Mike and Billy would agree on this) is that intangibles or not--and I think he's as confident as they come--he's an injury-prone guy. He can't withstand a full season, I fear.
I like your point about baseball, especially since I think it's due for a broader discussion, but as long as Bud Selig is around--or at least operates as Stubborn Bud Selig--I don't think baseball gets a sustainable boost. Future polemics against the sport await.
Regarding the lockout, no matter what actually transpires, the possibility of a lockout will loom. Because if there are two things I know about lawyers, it's (1) that they only do things last-minute and (2) when there's leverage--like the possibility of another league going through a lockout--you really do things last-minute. Fight. For. Every. Dollar.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
New Name for the Blog
How about we rename the blog "Taking My Talents To..." and either leave it at that or add something like "The Interwebs"?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Will,
I have to admit that I have not been much help with renaming the blog. I don't really have a sense of creativity about such things, so I don't even know where to start with suggestions on this question. But, I CAN help by responding to your predictions and asking some questions of my own.
Before I do so, it should be noted that Jason Garrett, an alumnus of the high school that both Will and I attended (and brother of our 9th grade English teacher) was just appointed interim head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I'm actually surprised that he was just named interim head coach. I thought that the Cowboys were pretty committed to him as the future head coach.
1)I wish I could sympathize with your fantasy football woes, but I gave up hope of being successful in that endeavor a long time ago. That does leave an intriguing question. If Hillis gives out due to injury, then what's Plan B in the backfield for the Browns? Montario Hardesty is hurt. Jerome Harrison is now an Eagle. James Davis was released. (I once thought he was a viable fantasy option.... shudder....) Do you think that Mike Bell can get the job done for the Browns? He was impressive at times last year for the Saints.
2) I actually agree with your prediction about LeBron James and I can't substantiate my agreement with any evidence. It just seems right. At ESPN.COM I read an interview with Isaiah Thomas who apprarently has a burning desire to return to New York as the GM. Does he return there (the man is more resilient than anyone else in pro basketball) and bring LeBron on board with the Knicks? Remember, you heard it here first.
3)I like Colt McCoy. He has all the intangibles that you want to see in a starting quarterback. He's a proven winner, he doesn't melt under pressure and he is smart. So here's my question. Can a quarterback succeed in the NFl if they have all of the intangibles and not many of the tangible qualities that you want to see in a quarterback? What is Colt McCoy's ceiling? Is he another Trent Dilfer in the making? Or does he have greater potential?
(By the way, whenever I hear Colt McCoy's name, I think of my favorite TV Show, Friday Night Lights. Have you ever seen that show Will? Simply wonderful)
4) Sorry, I cannot conceive of a world where the Browns win an NFL championship. Of course I never believed that the Red Sox would win the World Series, so I would not put a great deal of stock in my opinion. My guess is that the Indians will be next among Cleveland sports teams. They have come the closest (oh, Jose Mesa) of all the Cleveland sports teams of the past. Here's another question. Do you think that if there is a lockout in basketball and football that it will help increase the popularity of Major League Baseball?
5 and 6) I'll take your word for the lockouts in both leagues.
I'm not predicting championships for the Cavs and it is certainly too early to be making sweeping statements about the team. But so far this year, I have been really impressed this year with their bench production. In their first 8 games, it seems as if someone has stepped up off the bench and provided a nice boost to the team. I think that if this turns into a long term trend, it could provide the Cavs with an advantage over other teams. This is all contingent on the Cavaliers staying healthy, which in Cleveland sports is never a given.
While we are both native Clevelanders, I agree that this blog should not become another Cleveland sports blog. In view of that, I want to start talking about college bowl season and more college basketball. College basketball of course will give us a great chance to start talking about NBA Draft prospects, big and small at big and small schools.
I have to admit that I have not been much help with renaming the blog. I don't really have a sense of creativity about such things, so I don't even know where to start with suggestions on this question. But, I CAN help by responding to your predictions and asking some questions of my own.
Before I do so, it should be noted that Jason Garrett, an alumnus of the high school that both Will and I attended (and brother of our 9th grade English teacher) was just appointed interim head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I'm actually surprised that he was just named interim head coach. I thought that the Cowboys were pretty committed to him as the future head coach.
1)I wish I could sympathize with your fantasy football woes, but I gave up hope of being successful in that endeavor a long time ago. That does leave an intriguing question. If Hillis gives out due to injury, then what's Plan B in the backfield for the Browns? Montario Hardesty is hurt. Jerome Harrison is now an Eagle. James Davis was released. (I once thought he was a viable fantasy option.... shudder....) Do you think that Mike Bell can get the job done for the Browns? He was impressive at times last year for the Saints.
2) I actually agree with your prediction about LeBron James and I can't substantiate my agreement with any evidence. It just seems right. At ESPN.COM I read an interview with Isaiah Thomas who apprarently has a burning desire to return to New York as the GM. Does he return there (the man is more resilient than anyone else in pro basketball) and bring LeBron on board with the Knicks? Remember, you heard it here first.
3)I like Colt McCoy. He has all the intangibles that you want to see in a starting quarterback. He's a proven winner, he doesn't melt under pressure and he is smart. So here's my question. Can a quarterback succeed in the NFl if they have all of the intangibles and not many of the tangible qualities that you want to see in a quarterback? What is Colt McCoy's ceiling? Is he another Trent Dilfer in the making? Or does he have greater potential?
(By the way, whenever I hear Colt McCoy's name, I think of my favorite TV Show, Friday Night Lights. Have you ever seen that show Will? Simply wonderful)
4) Sorry, I cannot conceive of a world where the Browns win an NFL championship. Of course I never believed that the Red Sox would win the World Series, so I would not put a great deal of stock in my opinion. My guess is that the Indians will be next among Cleveland sports teams. They have come the closest (oh, Jose Mesa) of all the Cleveland sports teams of the past. Here's another question. Do you think that if there is a lockout in basketball and football that it will help increase the popularity of Major League Baseball?
5 and 6) I'll take your word for the lockouts in both leagues.
I'm not predicting championships for the Cavs and it is certainly too early to be making sweeping statements about the team. But so far this year, I have been really impressed this year with their bench production. In their first 8 games, it seems as if someone has stepped up off the bench and provided a nice boost to the team. I think that if this turns into a long term trend, it could provide the Cavs with an advantage over other teams. This is all contingent on the Cavaliers staying healthy, which in Cleveland sports is never a given.
While we are both native Clevelanders, I agree that this blog should not become another Cleveland sports blog. In view of that, I want to start talking about college bowl season and more college basketball. College basketball of course will give us a great chance to start talking about NBA Draft prospects, big and small at big and small schools.
Monday, November 8, 2010
5 (maybe 6) Non-Influential Predictions on Cleveland Sports
With an eye toward making no predictions that have valuable insight whatsoever. I do not desire to turn this into a Cleveland sports blog (my good friend at http://www.clevelandfrowns.com has that--and a delightful Cleveland pun--covered), but wallowing in Cleveland sports-oriented self-pity just comes to mind at the moment.
(With only a little more ado, I think we need a new name for this blog. Ignore the Chalk only really makes sense in the heart of March Madness. I assume the blame for this naming error.)
1) The Browns are slowly wearing down Peyton Hillis. He'll be hobbling in to the (fantasy football) playoffs, which will crush my team.
2) LeBron won't be playing for the Heat in five years. He's the next Shaquille O'Neal-type vagabond. Which is fine if he wins four championships, I spose. (None in Cleveland.)
3) Colt McCoy, as much as I derided him and his ability to stay healthy, might end up being a decent starting quarterback. Better than Vince Young, UT's other golden QB.
4) Now that the Cavs have no chance of winning the championship in my lifetime, the Browns probably have the next best bet, if only because of parity.
5) Not that it matters, because the way things look, there will be a lockout in the NFL next year.
6) (Bonus) LeBron will win a championship before the Cavs, but if he doesn't win it this year (thought I think he will), he's going to have to wait until the 2012-2013, 'cause there'll also be a lockout in the NBA next year.
(With only a little more ado, I think we need a new name for this blog. Ignore the Chalk only really makes sense in the heart of March Madness. I assume the blame for this naming error.)
1) The Browns are slowly wearing down Peyton Hillis. He'll be hobbling in to the (fantasy football) playoffs, which will crush my team.
2) LeBron won't be playing for the Heat in five years. He's the next Shaquille O'Neal-type vagabond. Which is fine if he wins four championships, I spose. (None in Cleveland.)
3) Colt McCoy, as much as I derided him and his ability to stay healthy, might end up being a decent starting quarterback. Better than Vince Young, UT's other golden QB.
4) Now that the Cavs have no chance of winning the championship in my lifetime, the Browns probably have the next best bet, if only because of parity.
5) Not that it matters, because the way things look, there will be a lockout in the NFL next year.
6) (Bonus) LeBron will win a championship before the Cavs, but if he doesn't win it this year (thought I think he will), he's going to have to wait until the 2012-2013, 'cause there'll also be a lockout in the NBA next year.
It Begins!!
Greetings all,
For all of you college basketball fans out there, you may want to pay attention to box scores in tomorrow's (Tuesday's) newspapers. Tonight marks the start of the 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches v. Cancer. The games don't feature any marquee matchups this week, but next week's round of games at Madison Square Garden featuring Pittsburgh, Illinois, Texas and Maryland should offer a good chance to see some of college basketball's traditional powerhouses. The tournament's format is somewhat interesting. Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if one of the smaller schools pulls off an upset today, they don't advance to the next round. Anyone know the reason for that?
A quick note: I'm excited to be writing here at Ignore the Chalk. In the weeks to come we'll be moving in a new direction and putting some of our ideas to work. We welcome any of your contributions, and please do contribute your opinions by commenting. Have a good day and be sure to take a few minutes out to read the sports page, check your favorite sports website or watch a game at some point today.
For all of you college basketball fans out there, you may want to pay attention to box scores in tomorrow's (Tuesday's) newspapers. Tonight marks the start of the 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches v. Cancer. The games don't feature any marquee matchups this week, but next week's round of games at Madison Square Garden featuring Pittsburgh, Illinois, Texas and Maryland should offer a good chance to see some of college basketball's traditional powerhouses. The tournament's format is somewhat interesting. Correct me if I'm wrong, but even if one of the smaller schools pulls off an upset today, they don't advance to the next round. Anyone know the reason for that?
A quick note: I'm excited to be writing here at Ignore the Chalk. In the weeks to come we'll be moving in a new direction and putting some of our ideas to work. We welcome any of your contributions, and please do contribute your opinions by commenting. Have a good day and be sure to take a few minutes out to read the sports page, check your favorite sports website or watch a game at some point today.
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