I haven't posted in awhile since I was busy with camps and then was away a few days with the wife and kid to Higgins lake for a little relaxing, as much as you can when it is raining and 55-60. But today the Pistons fired Curry, who never should have gotten the job to begin with, just because a rookie coach and a veteran team, is not going to work, and also, I haven't posted since the draft. By now everyone has broken down all the big picks, and everything like that, so I will not say anything about anything other then the Pistons.
Being a Pistons fan we had a great run, and now that it is over, you have to regroup and start again. I believe that is what Joey D is doing. Curry is gone, so we need a coach, Bill Lambeer is a name you will hear a lot in Michigan, and I think he is the right choice for a few reasons, one, he doesn't take any crap, and two, he has head coaching, be it the WNBA, experience, and has done very well, also, until they hire him, we will here about how he should be coach, so you hire him, and if he doesn't do well, then you don't have to listen to another Piston fan on the radio talk about how he should be the coach.
It is also a big time because as of 12:01am tonight free agents can start signing, and the Pistons have oh 20 million dollars or so to throw around. The class isn't like it is going to be next year, but there is still some good players, Hedo, Boozer, Gordon, even Milslap and Charie V are not bad players. Also the goal for next year, has changed, I am not going in to the season thinking, we need to be one of the top 2 seeds, get to the conference finals and then hope for a good series, that we win, they need to get back to 500, and again make the playoffs, but not be the 8 seed, try to get to the 5th or 6th. 4th would be great, but you have to think the Cavs, Magic and Celtics already have the top 3 locked up, so it is between the Heat, Hawks, Pistons, Bulls, and 76ers for those next few spots. Also the Nets, Pacers, and even the Knicks are going to be a little better, and if Mike Redd stays healthy, the Bucks will be better too, not a playoff team, but better.
They also have pieces to trade. The biggest mistake that was made was if you were going to trade Billups, then blow up the team right there, you keep Sheed, cause of his expiring contract, but you trade RIP and maybe even Prince if you can. Or you keep him, and build around Stuck and Ta Ta. I like RIP but I think it would be a big mistake if he isn't traded. I would like him to be traded for Chris Kaman, for a few reasons. One, I went to CMU with CK and he is a friend of mine, and I would love to watch him play more. He also is a very good center, he averages around 14 and 10 a game, so as long as he is back to 100% next year, really besides Dwight Howard there isn't a better true center in the east. Sure Shaq is in the east now, but he isn't the old Shaq, he is just a old shaq. Sure he will still be a force as long as you keep him minutes in check, but CK is much more skilled then he is, just not even close to the force on both ends because of his size. I would love to sign Boozer because he is a 20 and 10 guy, now sure, you have to be worried about all the injuries he has had, so you hope you can maybe drive the price down a little on him, but you do have money to use. I do like Ben Gordon but the only problem would be his size, you then got from the start of last year having a back court with a 6'7 guy and a strong 6'3 guy who can post smaller guards, to having two smaller guards. It would be tough on the defensive end, but offense should not be a problem. Personally I would be ok with playing Stuck and Gordon in the back court, and Prince at the 3, with Daye backing him up, and then have Boozer and Kaman at the 4 and 5. RIP would be in the Kaman deal, actually making the Clippers a playoff team IMO with Davis, RIP, Thorton, Griffen, and Camby with Eric Gordon as the 6th man. I think that trade would help both teams.
Now on to Austin Daye, yes I have always liked him, well since college, cause he went to Gonzaga, and I like the Zags, but he is basically a 6'10 version of Prince. He is long, and can shoot the 3, handle the ball and move well enough to basically cover 3 or 4 spots on the floor on defense. Of course his major problem is muscle, or the fact that he has none. He is long and lean, so there is a fear that he will be thrown around a lot in the NBA. But that is why he isn't a 4, he is a 3, get him out on the wing and he should, key word should, be fine. He can use his length to become a good defender.. like Prince has, and could get his shoot off over any 3 in the league. I don't think he is ready to start right away, that's why I would love to have happen what I just said, sign Gordon and Boozer and trade RIP for Kaman.
Will any of this happen, who knows, but sure enough we will find out. This is exciting, this must be how fans of the Knicks and Bobcats feel like every off season, there is a hope. Free agent season is starting, you can always talk yourself in to the guys your team drafted, at least now you can, as long as you are a glass half full kind of a guy. I happen to be, and I am very much looking forward to what will happen this off season, and I am ready for the Pistons to be much better in the 09 season. I'm right, you're wrong.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
NBA Mock Draft
With my next set of camps starting tomorrow and going though Thursday, today is the last day I have to do my NBA mock draft. The draft is coming up on Thursday and I am looking forward to it. My Pistons have a early pick for them, #15, so I am hopefully waiting to see what they get. In a perfect world for me, Steph Curry would fall that far, but that isn't happening.. so anyway.. here is my 2009 NBA mock draft.
1) Clippers- Blake Griffen- This is the easy one. Getting drafted by the Clippers is the only thing that can happen, where I, a unemployed stay at home dad, feels bad for a millionaire. I am really hoping this happens. Camby stays, Blake plays the 4, and my boy CK is traded to someone in the east, I would love it if it was my Pistons, moving on
2)Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio- I know a lot of people are picking Thabeet here, but here is my take on Thabeet; project, basically no offensive game, tall and long, but not strong enough right now, and though he is a good rebounder and defender because of his height, any big who has a face up game would give him trouble... doesn't really sound like the number 2 overall pick does it... though he will go somewhere in the top 5... I personally wouldn't draft him that high, but we shall see. I take Rubio here cause to me, he is the second best player in the draft, no question, plus a great pg to push the tempo with OJ and Rudy Gay on the wings.
3)Ok Thunder- Hasheem Thabeet- I wouldn't take him here, but for the Thunder it makes sense, they have some guys who can score, and they don't need another wing right now, as much as they need a big.
4)Kings- DeMar DeRozan- The kings don't need a two because they have Kevin Martin, so it is between a one or a three, I think Jennings is too big of a risk here, so they take DeRozan, they could also trade down, but I don't think so. This is my roll of the dice pick.
5)Wizards-Tyreke Evans- He is too talented to fall out of the top 5, and if the Wiz got agent 0 back, with him, Evans at the two, butler at the 3 and Jaminson at the 4.. watch out... they would score.. don't know if they could stop anyone, but they would score.
6)T-Wolves- James Harden- great fit, the Wolves need a 3, and with DeRozan gone, Harden is the next best thing, he could also play the two, but I see him being able to play the 3 for them as well.
7)Warriors- Brandon Jennings-Jennings still is in the top ten, I am sure he doesn't care where he gets drafted, as long as he is back in the US.
8) Knicks- Stephen Curry- I feel this is a done deal, if Curry is there at 8, the Knicks are taking him, of course some things could mess that up, with someone feel that the Knicks wanted, maybe Evans or DeRozan.
9)Raptors- Jordan Hill- Bosh's replacement.. next man in
10)Bucks- Ty Lawson- Why pass on a winer like Lawson, I think he is going to be a very good pg in the NBA. I hope I'm right. 10 might be a little high, but I like him more then Jonny Flynn
11)Nets- Earl Clark- Long, and skilled, he would be a great pick for the Nets
12)Bobcats- Terrence Williams-not a bad shooter, long, at 6'6, I think he would fit. You can read all you want about guys falling and rising, but somebody has to be picked.
13)Pacers-Jonny Flynn- He very well may be gone long before this, but if he is still here, the Pacers almost have to take him, right? Granger would actually have a talented pg to get him the ball
14)Suns-Gerald Henderson- I think this is almost a lock too, if Henderson is here, the Suns take him.
15)Pistons- Austin Daye- This is more of a hope, since I have always like Daye, being a fan of the Zags, at 6'11 and being able to shoot the 3 and handle so he could do a lot of things for the Pistons. They could use him as a backup 3 to ta ta, or even start him at the 4. He does need to get stronger, but I like his game a lot. Blair is another name I have heard here, but at 6'7 is he is basically a two inch taller version of Jason M. A little stronger, not as good of a leaper, but still undersized to play the 5 in the NBA
16)Bulls-Chase Budinger- If he is still on the board, I don't know if he will be, the Bulls almost have to take him, he can score, and spread the floor, a great piece to add to D Rose. Blair also could go here.
17)76ers- Jrue Holiday- I don't think he will fall this fall, I am just going to say now, I will be wrong. I am going through this, and I haven't found where he will go, but for this mock draft, he was there, so the 76ers are taking him, no question about it, if he is here.
18)T-Wovles-Jeff Teague-The Wovles second of 3 1st round picks, I like them taking Teague here. He has been a little up and down in workouts, I have read, but I think he would be a good young pg for the Wolves and they already add Harden, in this mock draft, so you add that to Love and Al Jefferson, and you have a nice start.
19)Hawks- Erin Maynor- Who knows what will happen with Bibby, and Smith and their other free agents, but I like Maynor's game, he is a very good player, and if he is here, he is a great pick at 19
20)Jazz-DeJuan Blair- Who knows what will happen with Milslap or Boozer, Blair could fill right in, and be that tough rebounder/defender that Milslap was.
21)Horents-James Johnson- You get the feeling that Johnson could go anywhere from the 10-13 range to the mid or even late first round. I like him for the Hornets, he can run and he has good size, 6'8 235, and put him with fellow ex demon deacon cp3, and watch out
22)Mavs- Omri Casspi- This is a pick the Spurs would make, but they are not in the first round, so I will give him to the Mavs, another team that has a lot of guys not from this country.
23) Kings- DaJuan Summers- You have Kevin Martin, so again, you don't need a guy like Wayne Ellington here, so why not a athletic 6'8 240 ponder who could play a few different spots for you. I think this would be a good fit
24)Blazers- Tyler Hansbrough- To me this would be prefect for both parties. The Blazers get a guy who is tough, does all the little things, doesn't have a ego, and is a flat out winer, and Tyler goes to a team where he would not be expected to score 20 a night, he could just be him, ie, do the little things, be tough, defend/rebound set good screens, take charges, get garbage buckets and help them win, basically just be himself
25)Thunder-Wayne Ellington- A scorer that can play the 2, seems like that would be a good fit, westbrook, Ellington, Durant, Green and Thabeet.. ladies and Gentlemen your 2009-2010 Ok Thunder.. enjoy.
26)Bulls-BJ Mullens- This is a reach, for he is a project, but I think this being their second 1st round pick, and the Bulls being a much improved team they can take a risk here. Mullens is not going to fall out of the 1st round, so he had to go sometime.
27)Grizzies- Sam Young- Long, strong, and athletic, he is a very good player, and may be off the board a few picks before this, if not, great pick
28)T-wolves- Josh Heytvelt-well it's the wolves 3rd 1st round pick, I have given them Harden and Teague, lets say we give them a big. Sure they have Love and Jefferson, but how about a guy like Heytvelt, he can step out a little, and also has a nice post game, again I have liked him for a long time, because he is a Zag, and he was a very good college player, when he wasn't getting in trouble for smoking weed. I still think he is a 1st rounder, and he goes here.
29)Lakers- Derrick Brown-The champs don't need a lot of help, but Brown is versatile and has good skills and a nice shooting touch, he would be a nice pice for them
30)Cavs-Jon Brockman- A tough big, 6'7 255 who is a great rebounder, could replace Ben Wallace for the Cavs, both Brown or Young would be a better fit for the Cavs IMO, but I had them gone, so deal with it.
Well there you go. Lets hope I get at least a couple right. Looking forward to Thursday. I'm right, you're wrong.
1) Clippers- Blake Griffen- This is the easy one. Getting drafted by the Clippers is the only thing that can happen, where I, a unemployed stay at home dad, feels bad for a millionaire. I am really hoping this happens. Camby stays, Blake plays the 4, and my boy CK is traded to someone in the east, I would love it if it was my Pistons, moving on
2)Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio- I know a lot of people are picking Thabeet here, but here is my take on Thabeet; project, basically no offensive game, tall and long, but not strong enough right now, and though he is a good rebounder and defender because of his height, any big who has a face up game would give him trouble... doesn't really sound like the number 2 overall pick does it... though he will go somewhere in the top 5... I personally wouldn't draft him that high, but we shall see. I take Rubio here cause to me, he is the second best player in the draft, no question, plus a great pg to push the tempo with OJ and Rudy Gay on the wings.
3)Ok Thunder- Hasheem Thabeet- I wouldn't take him here, but for the Thunder it makes sense, they have some guys who can score, and they don't need another wing right now, as much as they need a big.
4)Kings- DeMar DeRozan- The kings don't need a two because they have Kevin Martin, so it is between a one or a three, I think Jennings is too big of a risk here, so they take DeRozan, they could also trade down, but I don't think so. This is my roll of the dice pick.
5)Wizards-Tyreke Evans- He is too talented to fall out of the top 5, and if the Wiz got agent 0 back, with him, Evans at the two, butler at the 3 and Jaminson at the 4.. watch out... they would score.. don't know if they could stop anyone, but they would score.
6)T-Wolves- James Harden- great fit, the Wolves need a 3, and with DeRozan gone, Harden is the next best thing, he could also play the two, but I see him being able to play the 3 for them as well.
7)Warriors- Brandon Jennings-Jennings still is in the top ten, I am sure he doesn't care where he gets drafted, as long as he is back in the US.
8) Knicks- Stephen Curry- I feel this is a done deal, if Curry is there at 8, the Knicks are taking him, of course some things could mess that up, with someone feel that the Knicks wanted, maybe Evans or DeRozan.
9)Raptors- Jordan Hill- Bosh's replacement.. next man in
10)Bucks- Ty Lawson- Why pass on a winer like Lawson, I think he is going to be a very good pg in the NBA. I hope I'm right. 10 might be a little high, but I like him more then Jonny Flynn
11)Nets- Earl Clark- Long, and skilled, he would be a great pick for the Nets
12)Bobcats- Terrence Williams-not a bad shooter, long, at 6'6, I think he would fit. You can read all you want about guys falling and rising, but somebody has to be picked.
13)Pacers-Jonny Flynn- He very well may be gone long before this, but if he is still here, the Pacers almost have to take him, right? Granger would actually have a talented pg to get him the ball
14)Suns-Gerald Henderson- I think this is almost a lock too, if Henderson is here, the Suns take him.
15)Pistons- Austin Daye- This is more of a hope, since I have always like Daye, being a fan of the Zags, at 6'11 and being able to shoot the 3 and handle so he could do a lot of things for the Pistons. They could use him as a backup 3 to ta ta, or even start him at the 4. He does need to get stronger, but I like his game a lot. Blair is another name I have heard here, but at 6'7 is he is basically a two inch taller version of Jason M. A little stronger, not as good of a leaper, but still undersized to play the 5 in the NBA
16)Bulls-Chase Budinger- If he is still on the board, I don't know if he will be, the Bulls almost have to take him, he can score, and spread the floor, a great piece to add to D Rose. Blair also could go here.
17)76ers- Jrue Holiday- I don't think he will fall this fall, I am just going to say now, I will be wrong. I am going through this, and I haven't found where he will go, but for this mock draft, he was there, so the 76ers are taking him, no question about it, if he is here.
18)T-Wovles-Jeff Teague-The Wovles second of 3 1st round picks, I like them taking Teague here. He has been a little up and down in workouts, I have read, but I think he would be a good young pg for the Wolves and they already add Harden, in this mock draft, so you add that to Love and Al Jefferson, and you have a nice start.
19)Hawks- Erin Maynor- Who knows what will happen with Bibby, and Smith and their other free agents, but I like Maynor's game, he is a very good player, and if he is here, he is a great pick at 19
20)Jazz-DeJuan Blair- Who knows what will happen with Milslap or Boozer, Blair could fill right in, and be that tough rebounder/defender that Milslap was.
21)Horents-James Johnson- You get the feeling that Johnson could go anywhere from the 10-13 range to the mid or even late first round. I like him for the Hornets, he can run and he has good size, 6'8 235, and put him with fellow ex demon deacon cp3, and watch out
22)Mavs- Omri Casspi- This is a pick the Spurs would make, but they are not in the first round, so I will give him to the Mavs, another team that has a lot of guys not from this country.
23) Kings- DaJuan Summers- You have Kevin Martin, so again, you don't need a guy like Wayne Ellington here, so why not a athletic 6'8 240 ponder who could play a few different spots for you. I think this would be a good fit
24)Blazers- Tyler Hansbrough- To me this would be prefect for both parties. The Blazers get a guy who is tough, does all the little things, doesn't have a ego, and is a flat out winer, and Tyler goes to a team where he would not be expected to score 20 a night, he could just be him, ie, do the little things, be tough, defend/rebound set good screens, take charges, get garbage buckets and help them win, basically just be himself
25)Thunder-Wayne Ellington- A scorer that can play the 2, seems like that would be a good fit, westbrook, Ellington, Durant, Green and Thabeet.. ladies and Gentlemen your 2009-2010 Ok Thunder.. enjoy.
26)Bulls-BJ Mullens- This is a reach, for he is a project, but I think this being their second 1st round pick, and the Bulls being a much improved team they can take a risk here. Mullens is not going to fall out of the 1st round, so he had to go sometime.
27)Grizzies- Sam Young- Long, strong, and athletic, he is a very good player, and may be off the board a few picks before this, if not, great pick
28)T-wolves- Josh Heytvelt-well it's the wolves 3rd 1st round pick, I have given them Harden and Teague, lets say we give them a big. Sure they have Love and Jefferson, but how about a guy like Heytvelt, he can step out a little, and also has a nice post game, again I have liked him for a long time, because he is a Zag, and he was a very good college player, when he wasn't getting in trouble for smoking weed. I still think he is a 1st rounder, and he goes here.
29)Lakers- Derrick Brown-The champs don't need a lot of help, but Brown is versatile and has good skills and a nice shooting touch, he would be a nice pice for them
30)Cavs-Jon Brockman- A tough big, 6'7 255 who is a great rebounder, could replace Ben Wallace for the Cavs, both Brown or Young would be a better fit for the Cavs IMO, but I had them gone, so deal with it.
Well there you go. Lets hope I get at least a couple right. Looking forward to Thursday. I'm right, you're wrong.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
CMU camp update #1
The first individual camp of the summer is over at CMU, and here are just a few of the top players that were there this past week.
Nick Bell - Thurston HS - D2/NAIA - quick active PG, hawks ball- Nick is a speedy pg, who can get to the rack.. needs to work on that jump stop, and get under control, but he is a very nice player.. lefty
Evan Bruinsma - W. Mich. - D2+ - long wiry wing, good IQ- very smart, and a very good leader on and off the court. Had shoot, and post, and handle well
Kyle Huntey - Morley Stanwood - D3 - 6'5"heady 4/5- a very underrated player. he is smart, very coach able, and I think he will be a successful player, if someone gives him a chance. Could very easily be a step out 4 man, he can knock it down.. made 11 3s in a row during the knockout tournament
Tyler Kubacai - Ubly HS - NAIA - 6'7" slender 5/4- real shame he got hurt the first day, hopefully he will be ok, long and line. great kid
Connor Kulick - Winnas Acad - JC - 6'8" strong center- big body, and some decent moves.. it is all between the ears for him
Josh Lyle - Lahsher HS - D2 - 6'4" athletic wing/slasher- can get to the basket and knock it down, I think he could be a very good d2 player
Rick Smith - Clinton HS - D3 - 6'6" big man- he plays the 3, and has some handles, but also some touch in the lane. He was there with two of his other teammates.. the Clinton triad, as I call them, and is a very nice high school player
Michael Walker - South Haven - D2+ - aggressive combo, great mid-range- does have a great mid range game, but also can get to the basket and shoot the 3, athletic enough to really guard and keep guys in front when he wants to, during 5 on 5 games, he was the best player on the floor.
Also Ty Jacobs a sophomore from Saginaw Novel was also very impressive, he can flat out stoke it, plus has some decent handles and is not a bad athlete.. if he gets a little stronger, and maybe a few inches taller, he could be a very solid player.
I'm right, you're wrong
Nick Bell - Thurston HS - D2/NAIA - quick active PG, hawks ball- Nick is a speedy pg, who can get to the rack.. needs to work on that jump stop, and get under control, but he is a very nice player.. lefty
Evan Bruinsma - W. Mich. - D2+ - long wiry wing, good IQ- very smart, and a very good leader on and off the court. Had shoot, and post, and handle well
Kyle Huntey - Morley Stanwood - D3 - 6'5"heady 4/5- a very underrated player. he is smart, very coach able, and I think he will be a successful player, if someone gives him a chance. Could very easily be a step out 4 man, he can knock it down.. made 11 3s in a row during the knockout tournament
Tyler Kubacai - Ubly HS - NAIA - 6'7" slender 5/4- real shame he got hurt the first day, hopefully he will be ok, long and line. great kid
Connor Kulick - Winnas Acad - JC - 6'8" strong center- big body, and some decent moves.. it is all between the ears for him
Josh Lyle - Lahsher HS - D2 - 6'4" athletic wing/slasher- can get to the basket and knock it down, I think he could be a very good d2 player
Rick Smith - Clinton HS - D3 - 6'6" big man- he plays the 3, and has some handles, but also some touch in the lane. He was there with two of his other teammates.. the Clinton triad, as I call them, and is a very nice high school player
Michael Walker - South Haven - D2+ - aggressive combo, great mid-range- does have a great mid range game, but also can get to the basket and shoot the 3, athletic enough to really guard and keep guys in front when he wants to, during 5 on 5 games, he was the best player on the floor.
Also Ty Jacobs a sophomore from Saginaw Novel was also very impressive, he can flat out stoke it, plus has some decent handles and is not a bad athlete.. if he gets a little stronger, and maybe a few inches taller, he could be a very solid player.
I'm right, you're wrong
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
getting caught up
Well the Lakers did win the NBA title in 5 games, so at least I was right about that. Next up is the NBA draft, my mock draft will be up with in a few days. The US Open starts tomorrow, you take the field, I'll talk Tiger. I don't know if he will win, but I feel good about at. Other then that, for awhile, we just have baseball going on, of the 4 major sports. Inter league play is going on right now, which brings us some fun match ups, like mets-yanks, white sox-cubs, and then other match ups that no one could care less about rays-rockies, to name the one. I like it, and think it should stay, it is a nice break in the season, and it is always fun to watch Al pitchers try to bat in NL parks. June is a busy time for me with a lot of basketball camps to work, but I will try to do better in updating my blog as things happen, or as things come to me. For now, I am going to go back to watching the white sox-cubs game on WGN. I'm right, you're wrong.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Game 7
Game 7 last night in the NHL finals was a very entertaining game, it just didn't turn out the way I wish it had. Flurry played great, and give the Pens all the credit in the world, besides game 5, where they got killed 5-0, every game was good, so even though they scored 3 less goals then the Wings during the series, they have the cup, and the Wings will have to wait at least a year before they win their 12th. It will be very interesting if they two meet again next year, unless a lot of things happen, there is really no reason to think they will not. The Wings did this to themselves, with a little help from the NHL not wanting a quick series, but they were up 2-0 and let the Pens tie it, then they were up 3-2 and didn't get the job done, they have lost 4 out of 5, and thus don't deserve to be the champs. Hopefully this will give them the proper motivation they need to win it next year. They controlled the 3rd period, but was only able to get one, and man did they have some great chances, hit some post, and the Flurry made some wonderful saves. Playoff hockey is so entertaining to watch, I don't know why more people don't watch it. I mean I am not a big hockey guy, I am not a die hard fan, I don't live and die with games, but the playoff games are great to watch, no matter what, if you like sports, I mean truly like sports, I don't know how you can't watch hockey. Unless you don't like to since there are not many American born players, and thus it is harder to know guys and feel close to them. Either way, it is a great sports, and it is IMO the best playoffs, by far. I am happy for the Pens and their fans, mostly my old roommate Drew who is a big Wings fan, and my buddy Mckay, they may be the only two Pens fans who live in the state of Michigan, so if you heard any cheering at all.. it is a good bet it was from one of them. Anyway, it was a great game, and watching the playoffs this year as closely as I did, I really think next year I am going to try to follow hockey more, and not just watch the playoffs.
Moving on, June to me means basketball, I work some camps at CMU, and there is the NBA draft. So I will start working on that, and have a mock draft up, very soon. As far as the NBA finals.. I picked the Lakers and 5, and I think that it will be happening tonight. We will see if the Magic can fend them off and force the series back to LA, but I am sticking with my picks.. Lakers win tonight, and win in 5.
At least the Tigers beat the Pirates last night, so it wasn't all bad. I'm right, you're wrong.
Moving on, June to me means basketball, I work some camps at CMU, and there is the NBA draft. So I will start working on that, and have a mock draft up, very soon. As far as the NBA finals.. I picked the Lakers and 5, and I think that it will be happening tonight. We will see if the Magic can fend them off and force the series back to LA, but I am sticking with my picks.. Lakers win tonight, and win in 5.
At least the Tigers beat the Pirates last night, so it wasn't all bad. I'm right, you're wrong.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Gary wanted it, he got it
So we have a game 7 in the NHL finals. The greatest thing in sports. I really can't put in to words how much I am looking forward to Friday night, and I just wish it hurries up and gets here. As for the game last night, the Wings didn't get one power play until they were down 2-0 and there already had been 50 minutes played, but the Pens only got two power plays too, so really Wings fans don't have too much to bitch about. The refs let it go both ways. What happened were two semi questionable goals for Pitt, that Osgood might want back, and then the Wings had lots of chances, hit some post, and Flurry made some great saves. But game 7 is in the D where the Wings are 11-1 in the playoffs. No reason to think they will not win. Wings win 4-2
The Magic shot the best % from the floor in finals history, Kobe missed 5 ft, and had a terrible game, for his standards, and they still only won by 4 at home. Yeah I still feel good about the Lakers wining this in 5.. 6 tops.
Nice win for the Tigers last night, give up 12 walks, and a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the 9th, to win 7-6 in 10.. Hey, a win is a win, we will take it. I'm right, you're wrong.
The Magic shot the best % from the floor in finals history, Kobe missed 5 ft, and had a terrible game, for his standards, and they still only won by 4 at home. Yeah I still feel good about the Lakers wining this in 5.. 6 tops.
Nice win for the Tigers last night, give up 12 walks, and a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the 9th, to win 7-6 in 10.. Hey, a win is a win, we will take it. I'm right, you're wrong.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Super Tuesday
Usually super Tuesday takes place during college basketball season, but tonight, we have our own June version. Both the NHL and NBA finals have games, plus a full schedule of MLB games. Baseball is regular season, so that takes a back seat, but both finals are worth watching.
If the Wings win, which I have picked them to do 4-2 they win the cup for the second year in a row, and for the second year in a row, win in Pittsburgh on game 6. Even if the Pens do win, I would feel very good about the Wings chances coming home for a game 7. But again I do think the Wings will win tonight, they just have too many weapons. They do it the right way, they draft well, and then they don't rush their guys up, because they don't have to, so they always have a nice mix of veteran leaders and new fresh legs, who are hungry for their chance.
For the NBA, if the Magic lose tonight it is all but over. With the Lakers already being up 2-0. I really feel the only way for the Magic to have any chance at wining the title is to win all 3 home games. That hasn't happened much. I know the 04 Pistons did it, and I think only one or two other teams have done it, since they went to the 2-3-2 format. Usually the road team wins that middle game. If that happens here, we will go back to LA with the Lakers up 3-2 and they will close out in 6. I actually don't think they will get that far. I am giving the Magic one win, not two. I will admit to being wrong about the Magic, they have surprised me with how well they played in the playoffs, and I didn't think they would be anywhere close to the finals. Match ups are just very important in basketball and then have had some good ones. Now they don't. Odom and Ariza has the size to stay with Hedo and Lewis, and the Lakers have enough bodies to throw at Dwight plus having a step out player like Gasol that Dwight can't really stop either. Plus they have Kobe, who still is the best player overall in the NBA. Lebron is really close, but I am not changing my mind... yet. Kobe still has it.
So go to a sports bar, or find your favorite chair, open up a cold Miller Light, the unofficial sponsor of the schwandasports blog.. I'm still waiting for my money, and enjoy what is sure to be a great night of sports watching. I'm right, you're wrong.
If the Wings win, which I have picked them to do 4-2 they win the cup for the second year in a row, and for the second year in a row, win in Pittsburgh on game 6. Even if the Pens do win, I would feel very good about the Wings chances coming home for a game 7. But again I do think the Wings will win tonight, they just have too many weapons. They do it the right way, they draft well, and then they don't rush their guys up, because they don't have to, so they always have a nice mix of veteran leaders and new fresh legs, who are hungry for their chance.
For the NBA, if the Magic lose tonight it is all but over. With the Lakers already being up 2-0. I really feel the only way for the Magic to have any chance at wining the title is to win all 3 home games. That hasn't happened much. I know the 04 Pistons did it, and I think only one or two other teams have done it, since they went to the 2-3-2 format. Usually the road team wins that middle game. If that happens here, we will go back to LA with the Lakers up 3-2 and they will close out in 6. I actually don't think they will get that far. I am giving the Magic one win, not two. I will admit to being wrong about the Magic, they have surprised me with how well they played in the playoffs, and I didn't think they would be anywhere close to the finals. Match ups are just very important in basketball and then have had some good ones. Now they don't. Odom and Ariza has the size to stay with Hedo and Lewis, and the Lakers have enough bodies to throw at Dwight plus having a step out player like Gasol that Dwight can't really stop either. Plus they have Kobe, who still is the best player overall in the NBA. Lebron is really close, but I am not changing my mind... yet. Kobe still has it.
So go to a sports bar, or find your favorite chair, open up a cold Miller Light, the unofficial sponsor of the schwandasports blog.. I'm still waiting for my money, and enjoy what is sure to be a great night of sports watching. I'm right, you're wrong.
Monday, June 8, 2009
A fresh start for Phillips
Note: This is the second of I don't know how many, articles I will write about my fantasy team, as it is real life. This one is about my team called d lee 4 mvp)
With a average below 200, and 2 home runes and only 7 rbi's it was time for a change. Brandon Phillips was released. And even though D lee 4 mvp's team was strong offensively manager Steve Schwanda knew he had to pull the trigger. Well so far so good, for Schwanda and his team, as Phillips has helped get them to the top of the league, and they have been either first or second ever since. Today they sit in second place, but only one game back of first. " I knew Phillips was going to be fine, he is a great player," Said Schwanda, "we just told him we have faith in him and he will be our every day second baseman for the rest of the year." Phillips has responded by hitting 352 in May, with 7 long balls and 29 RBIs. So far in June he hasn't slowed yet, as he already has one home run and 5 rbis, in 7 games, plus he already have a triple and two doubles. The move has worked so far, and Schwanda is confident it will continue. "our offense is scary good, when everyone is 100%. He have Adrian at 1st, Brandon at 2nd, Evan at 3rd, Hanley at short, and a outfield of vlad, alfanso, jason bay and adam dun. Plus Figgins and D Lee for our utility spots. It is really just a question of me putting the right guys out there each day." One thing is for sure, if Phillips keeps playing the way he has been, he will continue to find his name penciled in every day. "That is the plain right now, Figgins can play second, but as of now, Phillips is our second baseman, and I am planing on it, staying that way." Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to break you out of a slump. I'm right, you're wrong
With a average below 200, and 2 home runes and only 7 rbi's it was time for a change. Brandon Phillips was released. And even though D lee 4 mvp's team was strong offensively manager Steve Schwanda knew he had to pull the trigger. Well so far so good, for Schwanda and his team, as Phillips has helped get them to the top of the league, and they have been either first or second ever since. Today they sit in second place, but only one game back of first. " I knew Phillips was going to be fine, he is a great player," Said Schwanda, "we just told him we have faith in him and he will be our every day second baseman for the rest of the year." Phillips has responded by hitting 352 in May, with 7 long balls and 29 RBIs. So far in June he hasn't slowed yet, as he already has one home run and 5 rbis, in 7 games, plus he already have a triple and two doubles. The move has worked so far, and Schwanda is confident it will continue. "our offense is scary good, when everyone is 100%. He have Adrian at 1st, Brandon at 2nd, Evan at 3rd, Hanley at short, and a outfield of vlad, alfanso, jason bay and adam dun. Plus Figgins and D Lee for our utility spots. It is really just a question of me putting the right guys out there each day." One thing is for sure, if Phillips keeps playing the way he has been, he will continue to find his name penciled in every day. "That is the plain right now, Figgins can play second, but as of now, Phillips is our second baseman, and I am planing on it, staying that way." Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to break you out of a slump. I'm right, you're wrong
Busy Sports weekend
If you love sports this last weekend was for you. You had tennis, hockey, basketball, baseball, golf, horse racing, auto racing, a good MMA fight, I mean what more could you want. Ok, maybe some college or pro football, but still, it was a great weekend. I am not going to talk about everything, just a few
-The Lakers got a win in OT in a game that the Magic needs to win, that was their chance. They now have to win game 3. With the 2-3-2 format, this series is a long way from being over, but the Lakers are just a tough match up for the Magic, because they have guys to match up with the Magic's size in the front court. The Magic are not hard to figure out, they spread the floor, and shoot 3s. If their 3s are falling they have a chance, if they are not, they lose by 20+, like game one. I still like the Lakers to win this in 5.
-The Wings looked great Saturday, setting up a big game tomorrow, where they can once again clinch the cup in Pittsburgh. I hope they do, and really I think they will, 4-2. They have some guys back from injury and they are playing with a lot of confidence. Now the Pens should still be ok, since they did win their first two home games in this series, but after loosing 5-0, I think they are done, and the Wings will close it out.
-I still don't really care about the French open, or tennis at all for that matter, but Roger is the man.
-Tiger Woods is Tiger Woods, that is really all that needs to be said about that.
- I thought Brown totally controlled the fight last night, and Farber though he got a few shots in, was basically over matched.
-I don't care about auto racing
- I like the triple crown, but once I knew one could happen, I cared less, and actually missed the race, I was driving. But it is fun, especially if you have money on it... really betting is a way to make you watch and cheer for almost anything.
-Bonderman is pitching tonight for the Tigers, I hope he does well, but I am worried.
I'm right, you're wrong
-The Lakers got a win in OT in a game that the Magic needs to win, that was their chance. They now have to win game 3. With the 2-3-2 format, this series is a long way from being over, but the Lakers are just a tough match up for the Magic, because they have guys to match up with the Magic's size in the front court. The Magic are not hard to figure out, they spread the floor, and shoot 3s. If their 3s are falling they have a chance, if they are not, they lose by 20+, like game one. I still like the Lakers to win this in 5.
-The Wings looked great Saturday, setting up a big game tomorrow, where they can once again clinch the cup in Pittsburgh. I hope they do, and really I think they will, 4-2. They have some guys back from injury and they are playing with a lot of confidence. Now the Pens should still be ok, since they did win their first two home games in this series, but after loosing 5-0, I think they are done, and the Wings will close it out.
-I still don't really care about the French open, or tennis at all for that matter, but Roger is the man.
-Tiger Woods is Tiger Woods, that is really all that needs to be said about that.
- I thought Brown totally controlled the fight last night, and Farber though he got a few shots in, was basically over matched.
-I don't care about auto racing
- I like the triple crown, but once I knew one could happen, I cared less, and actually missed the race, I was driving. But it is fun, especially if you have money on it... really betting is a way to make you watch and cheer for almost anything.
-Bonderman is pitching tonight for the Tigers, I hope he does well, but I am worried.
I'm right, you're wrong
Friday, June 5, 2009
we got a series folks
It has been said a series doesn't truly start until the home team losses. Well if that is the case the SC final hasn't started yet. After wining both games at home the Wings were up 2-0 and really only needed to win one of the next two to control the series, and have it all but locked up. Instead the Pens won both games at home, and gave us all a series worth watching. I have said it before, and I will say it again. I will not pretend to be the world's biggest hockey fan, but the playoffs are great to watch, and I really believe if you don't like watching the hockey playoffs, you don't like sports. Now we have what will be at least a 6 game series. It is fun to watch, no matter who you cheer for, each goal becomes that much bigger, each shift, each save. This is what is so great about sports. The Wings now find themselves in basically a must win game on Saturday back in Detroit, if they go down 3-2 going back to Pitt, it is all but over. The Wings need to win Saturday or the cup might just have a new home. I think the Wings will win, and then win the series in 6.
As for the NBA finals the Lakers had no problem with the Magic tonight, just go back to my last post, when I talk about the match ups for this series and you will know I am not surprised at all, this is what I thought would happen, and I think it will continue to happen. The lakers will win this series in 5... 6 tops.
Congrats to the D train today for accomplishing the rare feet of being taking out while having a no hitter. He did not give up a hit, yes in the 3rd, up 0-2 in the count, and 3-0 in the game, he hit a batter, and then walked the bases loaded, and two runs in before being pulled even though he did not give up a hit. The runs eventually scored so he was looking at being charged for 5 runs, on no hits... wonderful. Thank god that Boston series is over, maybe the Tigers can start wining some games again. I'm right, you're wrong.
As for the NBA finals the Lakers had no problem with the Magic tonight, just go back to my last post, when I talk about the match ups for this series and you will know I am not surprised at all, this is what I thought would happen, and I think it will continue to happen. The lakers will win this series in 5... 6 tops.
Congrats to the D train today for accomplishing the rare feet of being taking out while having a no hitter. He did not give up a hit, yes in the 3rd, up 0-2 in the count, and 3-0 in the game, he hit a batter, and then walked the bases loaded, and two runs in before being pulled even though he did not give up a hit. The runs eventually scored so he was looking at being charged for 5 runs, on no hits... wonderful. Thank god that Boston series is over, maybe the Tigers can start wining some games again. I'm right, you're wrong.
Monday, June 1, 2009
wings up 2-0 Lebron's fishing
Two big wins for the Wings over the weekend has put the Pens' backs up against the wall. They are of course a good talented team and could still win the cup, but it basically comes down to this, for me. If they go back to the Joe not tied at 2, it's over. If they lose game 3, they will get swept, and if they lose game 4, and are down 3-1, they will lose in 5. Which is what I predicted would happen, and I still think it will. They will win game 3, and not get swept, but lose in 5. Tuesday night is a very very big game.
So the Cavs are done, and basically it is all the media talks about. Not about the two teams still in it. Of course we have until Thursday to do that. God the NBA tries so hard to ruin the playoffs and basketball for me. But I love the game too much not to watch at least a little. As for the series I am still think the Lakers will win, and I actually think they will do it in 5. The Magic just were a terrible match up for the Cavs. The Lakers can play gasol, odom, ariza, kobe and d fish/brown/farmer, and have no problem what so ever. Bynum gets back up 5 minutes, and can bang around with Dwight for a bit, use his fouls, and Gasol is a bad match up for Dwight on the offensive end, and can score down low on him, when he wants too. Plus Odom is a more athletic, not as good of a shooter version of Lewis, so that is a good match up, and Ariza is more athletic then Hedo, and thus can gaurd him. Basketball is all about match ups, and I really feel the Lakers match up well against the Magic. The Lakers will win their 15 NBA title in 30 appearances.
Other then that, I enjoy watching women's college softball, and that championship series starts tonight, Florida has been number one all year, and looks great, but Washington has the national player of the year, as their stud pitcher, and clean up hitter, so I think they have a chance. In fact, I am going out on a limb, and picking a upset, Washington wins the national title two games to one.
I still don't care about the French open, sorry
Real quick, people making a big deal about Lebron not shaking hands with the Magic after loosing is so annoying to me. On one hand I could say, all year Lebron is laughing, celebrating, doing planned introductions with his teammates, making a big deal out of everything, having fun, and then you lose a few games, and maybe he realized the team around him isn't that good, and he needs help, and then he gets upset, and shows no sportsmanship, which could be argued he has done all year with his introductions... as for his introductions, I just took it as a kid having fun, he didn't do it in any one's face and he did it with his teammates. As for this, shake the other teams hand and wish them good luck, and tell them good job. Yeah it sucks to congratulate someone after they just beat you, but you just sent two teams home, and they congratulated you, it's just being a pour sport, and really just being a immature young man. Grow up, and start acting like the leader of your team, and the face of the league, instead of a guy who runs away and leaves his teammates to answer questions in the locker room, when every reporter just wants to talk to you anyway. It's all smiles and laughs when they win, and they he acts like a spoiled child when he losses. I am surprised by that. Grow up. In saying that, I really don't think it is that big of a deal, and people shouldn't give him too much crap for it... though I kind of just did. I'm right, you're wrong.
So the Cavs are done, and basically it is all the media talks about. Not about the two teams still in it. Of course we have until Thursday to do that. God the NBA tries so hard to ruin the playoffs and basketball for me. But I love the game too much not to watch at least a little. As for the series I am still think the Lakers will win, and I actually think they will do it in 5. The Magic just were a terrible match up for the Cavs. The Lakers can play gasol, odom, ariza, kobe and d fish/brown/farmer, and have no problem what so ever. Bynum gets back up 5 minutes, and can bang around with Dwight for a bit, use his fouls, and Gasol is a bad match up for Dwight on the offensive end, and can score down low on him, when he wants too. Plus Odom is a more athletic, not as good of a shooter version of Lewis, so that is a good match up, and Ariza is more athletic then Hedo, and thus can gaurd him. Basketball is all about match ups, and I really feel the Lakers match up well against the Magic. The Lakers will win their 15 NBA title in 30 appearances.
Other then that, I enjoy watching women's college softball, and that championship series starts tonight, Florida has been number one all year, and looks great, but Washington has the national player of the year, as their stud pitcher, and clean up hitter, so I think they have a chance. In fact, I am going out on a limb, and picking a upset, Washington wins the national title two games to one.
I still don't care about the French open, sorry
Real quick, people making a big deal about Lebron not shaking hands with the Magic after loosing is so annoying to me. On one hand I could say, all year Lebron is laughing, celebrating, doing planned introductions with his teammates, making a big deal out of everything, having fun, and then you lose a few games, and maybe he realized the team around him isn't that good, and he needs help, and then he gets upset, and shows no sportsmanship, which could be argued he has done all year with his introductions... as for his introductions, I just took it as a kid having fun, he didn't do it in any one's face and he did it with his teammates. As for this, shake the other teams hand and wish them good luck, and tell them good job. Yeah it sucks to congratulate someone after they just beat you, but you just sent two teams home, and they congratulated you, it's just being a pour sport, and really just being a immature young man. Grow up, and start acting like the leader of your team, and the face of the league, instead of a guy who runs away and leaves his teammates to answer questions in the locker room, when every reporter just wants to talk to you anyway. It's all smiles and laughs when they win, and they he acts like a spoiled child when he losses. I am surprised by that. Grow up. In saying that, I really don't think it is that big of a deal, and people shouldn't give him too much crap for it... though I kind of just did. I'm right, you're wrong.
IPS Border Battle
The AAU season takes a break in June for team and ind camps, but before it did, many of the top teams from the state of Michigan, Ohio, and the Midwest gathered in Toledo this weekend for the IPS border battle. There were many players there with "cmu interest" as well as many other top players from all around the Midwest. In the 15 and under division All Ohio Red beat Team Pride 69-67 in OT. In the 16 and under division it was Friends for Life beating common bond 56-40, after friends for life beat the mustangs in a very good game in the semi's. More on some players later. Team Legion's under 16 won the silver division title, showing how much talent was at this event, since Legion has the best pg in the 2011 class in the state of Michigan, as well as many other college prospects. Here is a look at just some of the players that were in Toledo this weekend.
Jorrdan Myrick-class of 2011 He had some problems against team pride, in the first half, but he kept his head up, and stayed in the game, and lead his team to a W. He is a very solid sophomore pg.
Ryan Majerle-class of 2011 he is a great mix of ball handler, shooter, and finisher at the rim. Strong enough to post, athletic enough to get to the basket. He will be a very good player in a few years, and he is already pretty good.
Jason Pretzer- 6'10 Jenison- GR Storm-class of 2011 I am going to mention him just because he is a post project, right now. Big body, moves well, showed a touch from 15-18 feet, and some decent post moves. Keep a eye out for him.
PLP-class of 2011 Same old same old for Lucas-perry, he is just fun to watch. Just a wonderful basketball player
Jeff Hoskins- class of 2010 Gets to the bucket, great shooter, and when he is on, he is special to watch. He is a little up and down, as far as how well he plays all the time, but when the tournament rolled around come Sunday, he was the best player on the floor. Played very well in the game I watched Sunday.
Cole Darling- class of 2010 Was only here Sunday, because of baseball district, I hear he throws around the mid 80's, not bad for a 6'7 guy. He handles, can shoot the 3, has some post moves. Needs to get a little stronger to play the 4 in college IMO, or a step quicker to play the 3, but he is a very good player, and will be going D1 IMO.
Ladonte Hinton- class of 2011- Showed improved shooting. Still a very strong, very good athlete, who gets to the rim, and crashes the class. I see him being a 3 in the big ten in two years.
Anton Grady- class of 2011- 6'7 from Cleveland Central Catholic- Played on the friends for life team that won the under 16 gold title. He is a freak. Long, can shoot, can get to the bucket, rebounds, block shots, had a few nice tip dunks... big ten here he comes.
Mo Conde- class of 2010- long, athletic, needs to get a little stronger and improve his shot, but he is a very nice player.
There were many other guys who I have talked about before, so I will not mention them again, If you want to know more, just ask.
Jorrdan Myrick-class of 2011 He had some problems against team pride, in the first half, but he kept his head up, and stayed in the game, and lead his team to a W. He is a very solid sophomore pg.
Ryan Majerle-class of 2011 he is a great mix of ball handler, shooter, and finisher at the rim. Strong enough to post, athletic enough to get to the basket. He will be a very good player in a few years, and he is already pretty good.
Jason Pretzer- 6'10 Jenison- GR Storm-class of 2011 I am going to mention him just because he is a post project, right now. Big body, moves well, showed a touch from 15-18 feet, and some decent post moves. Keep a eye out for him.
PLP-class of 2011 Same old same old for Lucas-perry, he is just fun to watch. Just a wonderful basketball player
Jeff Hoskins- class of 2010 Gets to the bucket, great shooter, and when he is on, he is special to watch. He is a little up and down, as far as how well he plays all the time, but when the tournament rolled around come Sunday, he was the best player on the floor. Played very well in the game I watched Sunday.
Cole Darling- class of 2010 Was only here Sunday, because of baseball district, I hear he throws around the mid 80's, not bad for a 6'7 guy. He handles, can shoot the 3, has some post moves. Needs to get a little stronger to play the 4 in college IMO, or a step quicker to play the 3, but he is a very good player, and will be going D1 IMO.
Ladonte Hinton- class of 2011- Showed improved shooting. Still a very strong, very good athlete, who gets to the rim, and crashes the class. I see him being a 3 in the big ten in two years.
Anton Grady- class of 2011- 6'7 from Cleveland Central Catholic- Played on the friends for life team that won the under 16 gold title. He is a freak. Long, can shoot, can get to the bucket, rebounds, block shots, had a few nice tip dunks... big ten here he comes.
Mo Conde- class of 2010- long, athletic, needs to get a little stronger and improve his shot, but he is a very nice player.
There were many other guys who I have talked about before, so I will not mention them again, If you want to know more, just ask.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
