Saturday, December 24, 2011

NBA Pre-season Picks

The NBA is back, with a short season that will really test some of the older teams in the NBA. So, lets take a quick look at it.

East:

1) Heat- I hate them, but they are good

2) Bulls-D Rose

3) Magic- Trying to get Dwight to stay... it will not work

4) Knicks- short season, they can score

5) Celtics- Old legs, they will take some days off

6) Pacers- I like them this year

7) Hawks- same old thing with them

8) 76ers- well coaches, nice young talent

Heat over 76ers in 5

Bulls over Hawks in 6

Magic over Packers in 6

Celtics over Knicks in 6



Heat over Celtics in 6

Bulls over Magic in 6



Bulls over Heat in 7

West:

1) Thunder- young legs

2) Mavs-Dirk

3) Lakers- Still have Kobe... not giving up on them

4) Clippers- CP3 n Blake

5) Spurs- one last chance

6) Memphis- nice young team

7) Denver-Better without Melo?

8) GS-Steph Curry.. young n run

Thunder over GS in 5

Mavs over Denver in 6

Lakers over Memphis in 6

Spurs over Clippers in 6

Thunder over Spurs in 6

Mavs over Lakers in 6

Thunder over Mavs in 6


Bulls over Thunder in 6

Just can't pick the Heat to win, hate them too much, but they should really.

MVP: Durant
Rookie of the Year: Derrick Williams
Most improved: DeAndre Jordan

Finals MVP: D Rose

I'm right, you're wrong.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Week 2 NFL Picks

So, I was 9-7 after week 1, lets try to do better this week.


Detroit over KC 31-17

Bills over Oakland 21-17

Vikings over TB 17-14

Saints over Bears 31-24

Ravens over Titans 24-14

Colts over Browns 21-14

Jets over Jags 24-10

Steelers over Seattle 24-10

Washington over Cards 24-17

Packers over Panthers 31-17

Dallas over 49ers 24-14

Pats over Chargers 35-31

Texans over Miami 28-17

Denver over Cinci 24-14

ATL over Phil 28-24

Giants over Rams 24-10

I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Week 1 NFL Picks

The NFL starts tonight! So time for my picks for the week 1

Packers over Saints 28-21

Falcons over Bears 24-14

Browns over Cinci 17-7

KC Over Bills 24-7

Phili Over Rams 35-31

Bucks over Lions 24-21

Titans over Jags 17-7

Ravens over Steelers 21-17

Texas over Colts 31-21

Giants over Skins 24-10

49ers over Seahawks 21-17

Chargers over Viks 28-10

Cards over Panthers 21-14

Jets over Dallas 24-17

Pats over Miami 31-10

Denver over Oakland 17-14

I'm right, you're wrong

My New College Football Conferences

Teams are moving in and out of conferences, the Big 10 has 12 teams the Big 12 has 10, what will happen next? Well I have no idea, but this is what I would do if I ruled college sports. 4 16 team conferences, 8 teams in each conference, you play each team in your conference (7 games) three cross over games, so 10 conference games total, then two non conference games to get to 12 total regular season games. Then you would have conference title games, and bowl games, with a plus 1. The four conference champs would play each other in the semi finals, and then a title game would be played. The two non conference games, one would be a game against another team from a big 4 conference, and the other could be either a cup cake game or a game against the rest of the teams that would make up the MAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA, ect.

Note: I don't care what you call the divisions, east-west, north-south, as long as it isn't leaders and legends.

Big 10 (16)

Division 1:
PSU
Pitt
OSU
Michigan
MSU
Cincinnati
Indiana
Purdue

Division 2:
Ill
Missouri
Nebraska
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Northwestern
Iowa
Iowa State

SEC

Division 1:
Alabama
Auburn
Arkansas
LSU
Ole Miss
Mississippi State
Vanderbilt
South Carolina

Division 2:
Florida
Florida State
Miami FL
Georgia Tech
Clemson
Tennessee
Kentucky
Georgia


PAC 10 (16)

Division 1:
Oregon
Oregon State
Stanford
Washington
Washington State
Cal
USC
UCLA

Division 2:
Arizona
Arizona State
Utah
Colorado State
Colorado
Boise State
Kansas
Kansas State

Hart land Elite

Division 1:
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Baylor
TCU
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
BYU

Division 2:
West Virgina
Virgina
Maryland
Duke
UNC
NC State
Virgina Tech
Wake Forrest

Boston College Rutgers, Syracuse, South Florida Louisville and UCONN will join Conference USA, as Houston and UTEP move to the Mountain West. The other conference would stay the same, and can still play in bowl games, as could members of the main conferences that didn't make the title game. So the bowl system is still in tact, but you get a national champ, that earned it on the field. Thoughts? I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Collegee Football Picks

College Football begins tonight, with a few games on TV, UNLV at Wisconsin on the mother-ship and Memphis vs Mississippi State on FSN, the game I care about is my Alma mater CMU and their now traditional home opener the Thursday night before Labor Day against a FCS school, this year South Carolina State is up, at 7pm. I look forward to all CMU football games, or sporting events for that matter, and the first game of the year is no different. CMU had a tough year last season, 3-9, and do have a hard schedule this year, I have total faith in Coach Dan Enos that the program will take a step forward this year, and continue to improve. I know most people don't care about CMU, and no one may care as much as I do, so I will quickly make my picks for their record, and then move on to the BCS conferences.

After the FCS start, CMU goes to Kentucky, To WMU and to MSU in 3 straight weeks before hosting MAC West favorite NIU. I will be honest, if they win one of those game, it will be good. I hope I'm wrong, but I think 6-6 is the best record the team can have this year.

Big Ten (12):

Nebraska joins the Big Ten this year and I believe their first year will be very successful. They do have a tough conference schedule with Wisconsin, PSU, Michigan and Minnesota as the road games, and MSU, OSU, Iowa, Northwestern at home, of course Minnesota is a gimme. Northwestern that crowd will be mostly Corn Husker red, Michigan is still a year or two away from really competing with a team like Nebraska, and I like them at PSU. At Wisconsin is the only game on their schedule that I think they could lose. But you know what, I'm going out on a limb and picking them to win it, and win the conference title.

Michigan I think 8-4 would be a good year for Brady Hoke. As usual they don't play away from home Until October, and one of those is in the state, and the other at Northwestern, where the stadium will be 50-50 at worse for them. That should help this team.

MSU- I like MSU, but the problem with them, is some of their fans that act like they are a elite football program, they are not, they haven't won a Rose Bowl since 1988. They do have a great running game, but they lost two great LB and have 4 new OL starters. They are not winning at OSU, at Nebraska or at home vs Wisconsin, and going to Notre Dame a week after I predict they lose to Michigan in the first night at the big house, I think ND beats them to and they finish 8-4 as well.

Notre Dame: Brian Kelly is a good football coach, he is a terrible human being, and I hope they lose all their games, but their schedule has some easy games to go with a few tough ones, so I see them going 8-4 as well.

SEC:

Alabama: Of course there are some tough games there but I really like this team and I think they can run the table. It is going to be really really tough, but I like them to go undefeated and win the SEC

South Carolina is my pick to win the East, then UGA, FL, Tenn, Kentucky, Vandy. In the West, Bama, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn, Mississippi State, Ole Miss.

Pac-12:

Oregon: Love all the jerseys, love LaMichael James, only worry is if the NCAA sets in and gets them in trouble due to them paying a recruiting service 25,000 for 3 total reports, since he had ties to James, and some other players from Texas, but they get LSU early, when they have their guys out and USC at home. There is only one game they could lose IMO and that is at Stanford, but they lost too much and Andrew Luck can only do so much. I like USC to win the South Division, but since they can't, ASU will.

ACC:

Va Tech: Their schedule is laughable IMO. They are winning the ACC Coastal and will be undefeated going in to the ACC title game, where they will play FSU and lose to keep the ACC out of the BCS title game, which is good, because the conference isn't very good.

Big 12 (10) :

Oklahoma: At Free Shoe will not be a gimme but they are the better team and will win. Texas A&M and OK State are both overrated if you ask me, though at OK State the last game of the year could be very tough, and I like OK State to beat Oklahoma to keep them out of the BCS title game. Oklahoma will still win the Big 12 title however.

Big East:

West Virginia will win it, the rest of the league isn't very good. That's all


BCS Title game: Alabama beats Nebraska 24-21

Heisman winner: Trent Richardson RB Alabama

I'm so happy college football is here. I hope everyone is ready for a great fall. I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

NFL Picks... 1st addition

It has been a slow day at work, so why not do some NFL picks. This most likely will change since it is almost the end of July and there is still lots of trades to be had and free agents to switch teams. But right now here is what I think each teams win range will be, and playoff picks: Enjoy


AFC:

West:

KC- 5-7 wins
Den-6-8 wins
Oak-5-7 wins
SD- 8-10 wins

East:

NYJ-10-12 wins
NE-10-12 wins
Bills-2-4 wins
Mia-2-4 wins

South:

Colts- 9-11 wins
Jags-5-7 wins
Texans-9-11 wins
Titans-5-7 wins

Central:

Pit-10-12 wins
Browns-3-5 wins
Ravens-10-12 wins
Cinci-3-5 wins

Playoff Picks:

NE (Bye)
Pitt (Bye)
SD
Ind
NYJ (Wild Card)
Ravens (Wild Card)

NE over Ravens
Jets over Pitt

NE over Jets


NFC:

West:

Sea-6-8 wins
49ers-6-8 wins
Ari-6-8 wins
STL-6-8 wins

East:

NYG-8-10 wins
Dallas-8-10 wins
Phili-8-10 wins
Wash- 4-6 wins

South:

Car-2-4 wins
TB- 6-8 wins
NO-8-10 wins
ATL- 9-11 wins

Central:

GB 10-12 wins
Chi- 5-7 wins
Min 6-8 wins
Det 6-8 wins


Playoff Picks:

ATL (Bye)
GB (Bye)
Phili
STL
N.O (Wild Card)
NYG (Wild Card)

ATL over NYG
GB over N.O.

ATL over G.B.

Super Bowl:

NE over ATL 31-21

Yeah I'm on the Falcons band wagon this year, I think that offense is going to be a lot of fun. Julio Jones offensive rookie of the year, I called it before the trade, and sticking with it... for now. I'm right, you're wrong.

Monday, July 25, 2011

NFL Back, NBA Please Follow

I have not wrote a blog post in a long long time, between my actually job, my wife and kids, and my basketball website, www.alleyesonuhoops.com, I haven't had much time. I should get back at it, but then again, who reads it?

Anyway, so today officially the NFL lockout ended, I was never worried because I knew that the NFL makes way too much money to give up. Lets look at what we missed. 7on7s, OTA's, everything the players hate. It hurt the rookies and the undrafted free agents, but that is about it. The NFL was the lead story on Sports Center even with the NHL and NBA playoffs, MLB getting going, and having a All Star game, and the Women's World Cup, plus a few Tennis and Golf majors. I really think they had the deal done a while ago, they knew what each side would get, and what they wouldn't, they just wanted to wait to the date that they needed to get back to not lose any real games, and that is what they did. But I am very happy that football will be here soon.

As for the NBA they are in a lot more trouble. The owners want a hard cap, or course the players don't. They don't want things like sign and trades to be taking away because that is a way that a player can play for the new team he wants while still getting the max money he wants. The one thing that may save the NBA season is guys going over seas. I believe that David Stern is a smart mart and you don't want your game to be off, when it just had its best ratings in a long time. The NBA has their story line. Lebron and Co. going for a title, will it work? Will they ever win? How many can they win? It's Lebron vs. the World and the winner is the NBA. As long as they have a season. You can not have guys playing over seas because unlike football there are actually leagues over there with good talent, not top NBA talent but still good, and guys can make some good money and be treated like kings over there. The fans love them and that helps their worldwide marketability. The NBA needs a season way more then the players do. There are places they can play and still make good money. I just hope they save the season, I just haven't heard anything yet to believe they can.

The Pistons hired a new coach, finally, and it's Lawrence Frank. I really like that hire as a Pistons fan because though it isn't the "sexy" hire it is a great basketball hire. Lawrence Frank knows the game, and has coached at the NBA level as a head coach, and assistant. He will help the team, who ever is on the team, when ever they start to play again. Frank may not sell tickets, but I do believe he will help win more games, and that will then help sell more tickets. I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

No Mock Draft.. just thoughts

The First round of the NFL Draft starts in less then 2 hours, and this year I am not doing a mock draft. Just don't want to, but I have some thoughts/predictions

Cam Newton will not go first overall.. In fact, I like him to fall out of the top ten

Andy Dalton will be the best QB in this class

Prince and Patrick Peterson are both studs

I hope my Giants get OL help

Mark Ingram will be a very good NFL RB

Panthers are not going to be sold on either of the QB, and have one more year of Moore/Clausen and take AJ Green

Von Miller will win the defensive rookie of the year next year

Julio Jones will win the offensive rookie of the year next year

Former CMU TE turned Wisconsin DE JJ Watts will be a top 15 pick

The Lions will draft someone that Chaz, Phil and Potter don't like


Enjoy.. it's Draft Day..... BABY!!!!!!!I'm right, you're wrong

Thursday, April 14, 2011

NBA Playoff Picks

The NBA playoffs are set and begin this weekend, so it is time for my NBA playoff picks


East:

1) Bulls vs. 8) Pacers- Pacers thanks for making the playoffs, bye. Bulls sweep

2) Heat vs 7) 76ers- I would love if the 76ers win, and I think they will, one game, Heat in 5

3) Celtics vs. 6) Knicks- Some think the Knicks will give Boston problems, I don't, they don't defend and they don't rebound that means you don't win in the playoffs. they do have enough scoring to win two games however. Boston in 6

4) Magic vs. 5) Hawks- The Hawks took 3 out of 4 from the Magic, and that one win was in November... so Hawks win in a upset right? wrong. Magic in 7 however.

1) Bulls vs 4) Magic- Bulls have D Rose, the Magic do not. Bulls in 6

2) Heat vs 3) Celtics- Boston has one last run in them, I'm telling you this now. Celtics in 6

1) Bulls vs 3) Celtics- Too big of a jump for the Bulls to make the finals, this year is a learning experience for a young team and a rookie head coach, next year, watch out. Celtics in 6


West:

1) Spures vs 8) Griz- Manu is out, we will see for how long, I think either way the Griz wins a game, that is all, Spurs in 5

2) Lakers vs. 7) Horents- Quick PG usually give the Lake Show problems, but the Lakers swept NO during the season, they will win in 5 in this series

3) Mavs vs. 6) Blazers- I think this will be a good series. I don't like Dallas, and the Blazers are a very good team. Blazers in 6

4) Thunder vs. 5) Denver- This one will be fun to watch, lots and lots of scoring. But give me Durant over anyone on Denver. Thunder wins in 7

1) Spurs vs. 4) Thunder- Can the young Thunder do it? Sure, will they? I think so, the Spurs played so well before the All Star break but are wearing down. OK takes it in 6

2) Lakers vs 6) Blazers- Should be a good series, give Portland two games, Lakers in 6

2) Lakers vs 4) Thunder- it was a great series in the first round last year, this one will be good too. Durant is going to be special, but Kobe and friends still can get it down. Lakers in 7


Finals:

2) Lakers vs. 3) Celtics- One more time! it is what we want, at least I do. I believe I went with the Lakers before the season, and I will stay with it. Lakers in 6

I'm right, you're wrong

Monday, April 11, 2011

NHL Playoff Picks

The NHL Playoffs are set and begin on Wednesday, so with that in mind, here are my playoff picks. (Remember the NHL reseeds after each round)


East:

1) Washington vs 8) NY Rangers- The Caps have had a few great regular seasons in a row and nothing to show for it in the playoffs, will this year be different? The Rangers have beat the Caps 3 out of 4 times this year, including 6-0 and 7-0, but even though I don't think the Caps will win the cup,they will get by the Rangers in 6.

2) Philia vs 7)Buffalo- The season series is tied at two, but Phili is the better team and I don't think it is close. Give Buffalo a game, Phili in 5.

3) Boston vs 6)Montreal- The Canadians took 4 of 6 from the B's in the season series and there are usually a few lower seeds who win, and I see this as one of them, Montreal in 6.

4) Pit vs 5)Tampa Bay- I like the Lighting here as well for a few reasons, one, I don't like Pit, and two, who knows with Crosby. Lighting in 6.



1) Washington vs 6) Montreal- It is good for hockey when the Canada teams are good, and I would love the Canadians to win, but I like the Caps to win in 6

2) Phili vs 5) Tampa Bay- I like the Lighting but Phili has a team built from the playoffs. Phili in 6


1) Washington vs. 2) Phili- Is this the year? Can the Caps make the finals? I think they can. Caps win in 7 in a tough tough series


West:

1) Vancouver vs. 8) Blackhawks- The defending champs get in, thanks to Dallas loosing to the Wild last night, and have eliminated Vancouver the last three years. The teams did split four games this season, but the playoffs are something very different. But this year I think Vancouver is too good. They win in 5

2) San Jose vs. 7) LA Kings- A nice all California series should be fun out west. The series is tied at 3 during the year, though the Sharks did just win 6-1 on April 4th, and that is one of the reasons I like the Sharks in 6

3) Red Wings vs. 6) PHX- Last year the Wings eliminated PHX in the playoffs, and this year they will do it again. Yeah I'm a big Red Wings fan, so of course I am going to pick them, but Wings in 5

4) Ducks vs. 5) Nashville- I like Nashville to win this series in 6, as they have won 3 out of 4 during the season


1) Vancouver vs 5) Nashville- Vancouver is too good, they really are. They win in 6.

2) San Jose vs. 3) Red Wings- It's tough to go out west, but last year the Sharks needed the Wings season, not again. Wings find a way to win in 6


1) Vancouver vs. 3) Red Wings- Of course I want the Wings to win, and will be cheering loud for them. I think they can win, and I have faith in them, but if I had to make a pick that I would bet on, I have to take Vancouver in 7.


Stanley Cup Finals

1) Vancouver vs 1) Washington- Lets be honest, the two #1 seeds will not both make it, so I will be wrong with this, but I will stick with it for now. Vancouver will take the cup home, it is there year. They win in 6.

I'm right, you're wrong

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

2011 MLB Picks

It's that time of year again. Baseball Opening Day is Thursday, so that means it is time for my Baseball picks.

AL East: Red Sox- They are loaded

AL Central: Tigers- Just keep Cabrera away from bars and we are fine

AL West: A's- I like them to surprise people this year

Wild Card: Yankees- They are good enough to hold off the Rays

Red Sox over A's in 4 games

Tigers over Yankees in 5 games

Red Sox over Tigers in 6 games

NL East: Phils- Loaded

NL Central: Brew Crew- I like their moves, for this year to be good.

NL West: Colorado- Like them in a close race out west.

Wild Card: Cards- they have Albert, that's enough

Phils over Cards in 5 games

Colorado over Brew Crew in 5 games

Phils over Colorado in 5 games

World Series:

Red Sox over Phils in 7 games- since AL will win the All Star game 7-4

World Series MVP: Dustin Pedroia Red Sox

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalaz Red Sox

AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander Tigers

NL MVP: Albert Pujols Cards

NL Cy Young: Ubaldo Jimenez Colorado

I'm right you're wrong.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Bracket Break Down

It's that time of year. I love March Madness. I go out on a limb because you know not every team people think will win will, so the question is which teams are going to be the teams this year to make the run. These are my picks for this years tournament game by game:

#16 in East: UTSA vs Alabama State- I pick UTSA for the heck of it

#16 in Southeast: UNC-ASh vs. Ark LR- I like UNC-Ash here, mainly because I don't like Arkansas

#12 in East: UAB vs. Clemson- I am taking Clemson but with everyone talking trash about UAB and how they shouldn't be in, I wouldn't be surprised if they beat Clemson and maybe WVU too.

#11 in Southwest: USC vs. VCU- VCU is another team people are upset they got in, well I like USC because of their freshmen PG Maurice "Pookie" Jones from Saginaw Arthur Hill who I got to see play a lot in high school coaching against him. So I take USC.


East:

OSU will destroy UTSA

Nova is falling off fast, so I will pick G Mason to win this game

WVU will beat Clemson who will run out of gas, with a short turn around.

I have Princeton beating Kentucky. I do this for a few reason, one, I hate Kentucky and Calapari, two, they start 3 freshmen and if they can't get past the elite 8 with that team last year, they can't do it this year, and I like Princeton, they have some nice inside play, and a few good guards.

I have X beating Marquette, I really like Xavier's guards and they are a good team.. fact: Only two teams have been to at least the sweet 16 in the last 3 years, Xavier and MSU.

Cuse will be IN State, unless Larry Bird comes back and plays

I like Wash, and don't like UGA is very good

UNC will roll over Long Island

2nd round:

OSU will beat G Mason, they only play 7, but those 7 are really good

WVU will beat Princeton, so basically if Kentucky does win, I need WVU to win this to be ok.

I like X to beat Cuse. Again Xavier has good guards and will tear the Cuse zone up.

UNC will beat Wash, by 15+

Sweet 16:

OSU will beat WVU and move on, again they play 7 players, they are all good.

UNC will end Xavier's run in the sweet 16

Elite 8:

OSU will beat UNC in what should be a great game.


West:

Duke will beat Hampton by 20+

I think Michigan-Tennessee will be a good game, but I like Michigan to win it.

Zona and their one great player will beat Memphis

Oakland will beat Texas for a few reason, Texas is young, and shoots bad for the foul line, and if Texas can't make a run when they have Durant and those guys, what makes you think Jordan Hamilton can, plus Oakland is a very good team, and has played road games at OSU, at Tenn, at Michigan and against MSU at the Palace, they will be ready.

I don't like Mizzu, but I really don't like Cinci, they played no one in the non conference season and shouldn't even have made the tournament, Mizzu wins

I like Bucknell and just like Cuse made that big run a few years ago to win the big east tournament and then lost to Vermont in the first round of the big dance, I thought about it, but I believe in Kemba, UConn wins a close game.

PSU beats Temple in a game where the first team to 40 wins

SD State will win their first NCAA tournament game ever over No Colorado

2nd round:

Duke will beat Michigan by 15+

Oakland has a good team, Zona has a great player, Oakland's team wins

UCONN will beat Mizzu, Mizzu isn't good, and Kemba is the man

SD State will beat PSU

Sweet 16:

Duke will end Oakland's run

UCONN will beat SD State

Elite 8:

Duke is too well coached and play too well together to lose to one great player, they win.

SouthWest:

Kansas isn't as smart as the players at Boston U, they are better at basketball however

ILL and UNLV I will take the Big Ten team, but nothing will surprise me here

Rich what... Richmond, they beat a not good Vandy team... the SEC isn't good

Louisville will win

I like USC to beat G-Town, I don't really like the way G-Town is playing right now, and USC is starting to play some decent basketball

Purdue will beat St Peter, and any other St they want to bring with them

I will take A&M but I hear Free Shoe should have Singleton back, their best player, so maybe FSU will win

As much as I want to go with MAC love, I hate Akron, and ND will make enough 3s to win

2nd round:

Kansas beats Ill, easy

Louisville will beat Richmond

Purdue will end USC's run

ND beats A&M

Sweet 16:

Kansas beats Louisville

Purdue beats ND, because ND will not shoot well all the time, and it will cost them.

Elite 9:

Purdue beats Kansas, I usually pick Kansas to lose early, cause I don't trust them, Purdue will get them in the elite 8.

SouthEast:

Pitt easy over UNC-Ash

I like Butler to beat ODU, they know how to play this time of year

I really like Utah State to win this game, they didn't win 30+ games on accident, though K-State is talented enough to make a elite 8 type run, so this game does worry me

Belmont is also a good team, but Wisconsin is good for a few wins in the tournament every year, this year, I have them getting a few more.

St John's has to go west, and they have won some big games, but they all were at MSG, Gonzaga is peaking at the right time, the Zags win

Jimmer beats Wofford

MSU has a great draw, UCLA does not have guys on their team use to playing in the tournament right now, MSU does, MSU wins

FL may be the worst 2 seed ever, but they will beat UCSB

2nd round:

I like Butler to beat Pitt, I really do

Wisconsin will beat Utah State, in a good game

Gonzaga and BYU is tough for me, I love Gonzaga and I want to go with them, but I remember when they lost to Steph Curry and Davidson a few years back, and they will do the same with Jimmer. BYU wins.

I did say FL may be the worst 2 seed ever right? MSU does March, just don't bet against Izzo, MSU will win.

Sweet 16:

Wisconsin and Butler should be a slow down defensive game, I think Wisconsin will win

Give Izzo a few days he will be ready for Jimmer, MSU wins

Elite 8:

Wisconsin ends MSU's run in a all Big Ten Regional Final.

Final Four:

OSU's 7 players stays out of foul trouble, Duke misses shots and OSU wins

Purdue beats Wisconsin in a old fashion Big Ten slug fest.

National Title Game:

OSU beats their Big Ten brother Purdue in the national title game since they have the right mix of young players and upperclassman. I'm right, you're wrong

Thursday, February 24, 2011

D Wills to Nets.. What?

The Nets finally got a big name player. They missed out of LeBron and all the other free agents last summer, then saw the Knicks get Melo, so instead of giving up they trade Devin Harris and Feavors for D Wills, one of the best PG in the NBA, and I know some people who would argue he is the best PG. Now for this year it will not help the Nets too much, they were not going anywhere anyway, but it is a top 15 player in the NBA, a All Star PG in a guard league who besides scoring, also, unlike Melo, is a guy who gets other people in the game, and makes his teammates better.

I also like this trade for the Jazz though, they get a rookie PF who could become very good, to have with Jefferson and Milsap and you have your front line in order for a few years, plus I still think Devin Harris is a good PG.

Melo had a nice game in his first game with the Knicks last night, but did take 25 shots to get his points, Billups really had a better game scorer over 20, with 6 ast and going 12-12 from the FT line. But lets be honest, it was against the Bucks. We will see at the Heat on Sunday how could they could be. I still say they are out in the first round this year, at most the second.

Pistons lost a heart breaker to the Pacers last night by one, and are now 6 and a half games back from the 8th seed, which the Pacers hold at this moment. I think it is time, even for me, who is usually very positive, must finally realize, the Pistons will not be making the playoffs as the 8th seed, and they now must focus on getting the young guys minutes, getting better, and try to get a top 10 draft pick.

Wings play the Stars tonight, and need to bounce back after a 4-3 loss to the Sharks.

Michigan lost by one to Wisconsin last night at home by giving up a bank in 3 at the buzzer to lose 53-52. Just a terrible way to lose. Doubling Jordan Taylor and leaving a guy wide open for a 3 can be looked at as a mistake, but they made someone else beat them, and that someone else was a freshmen who is a 30% shooter from the 3 point range, and he banked in a 3. That win would have been huge for Michigan and should have got them right on the brink of making the big dance but now they may need to make a big run in the big ten tournament. I'm right, you're wrong

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Melo is finally a Knick

It's finally over, Melo is now a Knick. I want to go on record of saying I do not think this is that great of a deal for the Knicks, and by its self does nothing for them. They will lose in the first round of the playoffs, or at most the second, why? What did the Knicks need? rebounding and defense, what doesn't Melo do? rebound and play defense.

Now don't get me wrong, Melo is a great scorer, he is one of the best scorers in the NBA today, no question about it. And it will help the Knicks sell more tickets and they will be a big time player in the regular season and win lots of games. They will score, and they will be fun to watch. But, will they win a title, no. In the playoffs the Hawks, Bulls, Magic, and of course the Celtics would have no problem beating the Knicks in a series. BTW has a player ever played his last game for a team, at the All Star game?


MSU has a must win game at Minnesota tonight, they need to win this game, and I do believe they will, but the Barn is a tough place to play.

OSU lost to Purdue, which just like loosing at Wisconsin really isn't a bad loss, and tonight they play at Ill. This would be a big game for Ill to win, and I think in Ill they have a chance to beat them, but I do think OSU will find a way to win.

NBA All Star game was good IMO. You knew Blake would win the dunk contest, and Kobe should win the MVP in LA. Durant is so sick.. and you got to give it to Lebron he did have just the second triple double in NBA All Star history. The NBA is fun right now, there are still a lot of teams who are really really bad, and hard to watch, but there is those 4 or 5 teams in each conference that are very entertaining. The NBA playoffs will be fun to watch.

Wings got a nice win on Sunday and play the Sharks tonight, at the Joe. It would be a nice win for them to get, and I hope they can keep rolling. Howard still worries me a little, because he gives up a lot of rebound goals. I'm right, you're wrong.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Down goes OSU

Wisconsin beat OSU in the Kohl Center to give the #1 team their first loss, but I don't even think it was the biggest win of the day. That honor goes to Pitt beating Nova at Nova, on campus where they had a 47 game win streak going. OSU loosing at the Kohl Center isn't a bad thing, and it isn't a upset. OSU is a good team, but it is too hard to go undefeated in college basketball today, especially in any power conference.

Celtics beat the Heat, again. So far so good, the Heat are going to have a good record, and they are good, but they are not ready to win a title, they don't have anyone to stop the Celtics inside, and that was without both O'Neals playing.

Lakers lost in Orlando but at the end of a long east cost trip I wouldn't be too worried if I was a Laker fan, if the Magic somehow make it to the NBA finals, they will not, Boston will, the Lakers will beat them in 5 or 6.

Pitchers and catchers report today, spring training, it is almost time to catch baseball fever.

NBA all star game this weekend, looking forward to it. I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

End of a Era

Jerry Sloan is out as head coach of the Jazz, it just doesn't seem right. You knew he wasn't going to coach forever, but after being with one NBA team for over 20 years, you thought the end wouldn't happen on some random Thursday a week or so before the all star break. Just a odd time. I hope he wasn't forced out, and him and D Wills not getting along great had nothing to do with him leaving now, because as great as D Wills is you don't want to be the guy to force out a hall of famer.

Celtics-Lakers tonight, actually starting soon, very soon, I get to watch a little at work, before I will be heading home. Over/under on how many times they mention the words final rematch, or possible finals match up is set at 5... I'll take the over.... Also Jesus Shuttlesworth is about to tie and then break Reggie Miller's career 3 point record, one to tie, two to break, the cool thing is Reggie is there, doing the game. I am a big Ray Allen fan, got to love him

Now Melo says he would think about staying in Denver if he isn't traded by Feb 24th, the deadline.. really Melo? come on man, please something happen, either trade him now, or sign a extension, I am tired of hearing about it.

MSU is actually playing well against PSU, up 20 at halftime, about time

NFL not talking about a new CBA right now, they need to stop messing around, there needs to be football.

Congrats to the Packers for winning the Super Bowl, I had 31-28 Steelers, and you know I was thinking I could be right when the Steelers scored and even when the Packers kicked the FG I thought they still might score a TD and win by 1, but the Packers played well, and the Steelers didn't. I really don't think Big Ben is a great QB, I think he is a good QB, but he has a great defense and team around him. I'm right, you're wrong.

Note: As I was writing this, watching the game at work, Ray hit a 3 so he now has tied Reggie, he needs one more... go Jesus.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Is MSU heading to the NIT?

It sounds wrong to even say, considering they are coming off of back to back final fours and were the pre season #2 ranked team in the nation, but after a 20 point beat down to a terrible Iowa team, you have to wonder. They are 13-9 overall and 5-5 in the big ten, and besides Iowa, PSU and Michigan, their other losses are to Duke, Texas, Cuse, UCONN, and at Purdue and at ILL, all good teams who are either still ranked or right there. But Minn, Wisconsin and Washington are the only wins they have against decent teams. The bigger problem, they still have to go at Wisconsin, at OSU, at Michigan, at Minn, and play Purdue and Ill at home, besides PSU and Iowa, who they lost to both on the road. So they could finish 2-6 in their last 8, which would make them 7-11 in conference and 15-15 overall, which couldn't get them in to the big dance, unless they win the big ten tournament, which they still have the talent and the coaching to do, but they need to make some jump shots and their team chemistry needs to improve, and fast.

Michigan on the other hand who was close against #1 OSU at home will be playing them at OSU in less then a hour. It would be a huge win for Michigan if they can do it, but I don't see OSU loosing at home.

Wings started the second half of the NHL season by giving up 5 goals, lucky for them, their scored 7. Howard needs to step up, can't give up 4 goals a game all the time and win.

Pistons had a tough loss by ten at home to the Bobcats, these are the games they have to win if they want to make the playoffs, they are only 3 and 1/2 back, well now 4 games back from those bottom two seeds, and have a lot of home games coming up, but maybe it is better to just get a high lottery pick then be the 8 seed and get swept.

Lakers-Spurs tonight, Lakers seem to be having some trouble, let me save you time, they will be fine. I'm right, you're wrong.

Monday, January 31, 2011

The Real Super Sunday

We are now just 6 days away from Super Bowl Sunday, but did Super Sunday already happen? Yesterday there was two good NBA games, featuring Lebron, Wade, Durant, Kobe and the Celtics, Duke getting upset by St John's, MSU surviving in OT vs IU, a very entertaining NHL all star game, and I guess the Pro Bowl as well, though I didn't watch a second of it, and in seeing the highlights over and over again at work I am glad I didn't see it, but at least there was a lot of scoring. Durant and the Thunder couldn't finish and give Lebron credit, after a big 1st quarter for Durant, Lebron really did get the best of him the final 3 quarters. Then in LA the Celtics got a nice road win as Kobe went for 41, but really no one else did anything for the Lakers. This is the problem, Kobe wants to win every game, he doesn't care what month it is in, and if he sees his teammates not playing as hard as he thinks they should he will just go in to EFF it mode and shot the ball every time down the court, which he basically did yesterday 11 trips down the court in a row. He still forces sometimes and you wonder if he trust his teammates. The big problem with that is, he doesn't play for the Cavs, he has a lot of talent around him. Gasol is a top 5 big man, Odom is one of the most talented players in the league, with what he can do at his height, Bynum is still a young talented big man, if he isn't hurt, Artest can knock down shots and is a good defender, and so on.

St John's zone did a great job slowly down Duke and doing what you need to do, make them shoot jump shots and hope they are not falling. If they are, you are in trouble, if they are not they are very beatable.

I like the things the NHL all star game does, the draft this year was fun, and the 11-10 game was very entertaining. It doesn't compare to playoff hockey, which is amazing, but it is still good.

MSU held on last night at home in OT over IU to win by one. After beating Ill earlier this week that would be another big win for IU if they could have done it, but they are getting better and have some talent coming in in 2011 and 2012 already. After loosing to Michigan at home for the first time since 1997 MSU needed this win in a bad way, but who would have thought the preseason #2 ranked team in the nation would have this many problems. I trust in Izzo to turn them around, but they just don't have the shooters right now, and I don't see another final four run, but I do think they are still a sweet 16 team, just because that is how much respect I have for Coach Izzo.

After Michigan's big win at MSU, Michigan was only up 3 against lowly Iowa yesterday at home until they really turned it on in the second half to get a big win. I hope they can make the big dance as well.

Wednesday is a national holiday to some, in national signing day for college football. I don't take it too seriously but I do enjoy it.

I have not changed my super bowl pick yet, still 31-28 Steelers, but that could change as the week goes on. I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

MSU-UofM Preview, Wings and Pistons

MSU-UofM starts in 15 minutes at MSU, a place where UofM hasn't won since 1997, that will not change tonight. I have MSU winning 72-58. It will be interesting to see how MSU plays without Lucious who was dismissed from the team on Tuesday, but they still have enough weapons to beat Michigan, especially at home. Their game in AA on March 5th, may be close, but tonight should not be.

Wings got a nice 3-1 win last night over the Devils, my two favorite hockey teams. But I pick the Wings way they play each other. The Wings will be fine, they just need to get some of their guys back, and Howard needs to stop giving up 4 goals a game. Hopefully the week off here will help and they can rest up during the All-Star break, which will be fun to watch with the captains picking.

The Pistons played tough against Denver but couldn't close, and Billups went off for 26 points, even though it has been 3 years basically since the Pistons traded him it still hurts to watch him come in to the D and have a game like he did last night, he was the reason they won, period.

Early Super Bowl pick: Steelers 31-28. I'm right, you're wrong.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

NBA Playoff Picks- Take Two

Here we are a week away from February and things are starting to take shape in the NBA playoff race. We know there are some good teams, and then we know there are some really bad teams, the hard part is everyone else.. So here is my updated playoff picks for the NBA. You can look at my first NBA picks that I did before the year started back in October here http://schwandasports.blogspot.com/2010/10/nba-picks.html

East:

1) Heat- They are 2.5 back from Boston but I think they will overtake them for two reasons, one the they think it's important to get the #1 seed, and two, the Celtics don't care and will rest some guys as the season goes on, and have some injuries

2) Boston- The best team in the East

3) Bulls- Will keep that 3 seed thanks to a bad division

4) Magic- They will overtake the Hawks

5) Hawks-I think they have to be in the 4-5 match up every year, it may be a NBA rule

6) Knicks- Have been a surprise, they score a lot of points, which shouldn't surprise us at all I guess.

7) 76ers-This is when it gets fun, 5 teams with in 2.5 games, and none of them really are that good, so which two will be there at the end? Got to pick two, so here it goes. 76ers are 6-4 in their last ten and playing decent basketball.

8) Pistons- call me a homer if you want, but they are only 1.5 back from the 8th spot and are 6-4 in their last ten as well, which include wins over the Suns, Mavs and Magic. T-Mac is doing a great job with the ball in his hands as the PG, and scored 20 last night. They have got their rotation down and they need to trade RIP, since he has been sent home and hasn't play in awhile, so anyone they get will help. The Bobcats are also 6-4 in their last ten, but have 3 playoff teams in their division and that will hurt them. The Pacers are Bucks are 3-7 and 2-8 in their last ten and look to be going the wrong way, even though I want to pick the Bucks to be the 7th seed, but I just can't do it.

Heat over Pistons in 4.. 5 at the most

Celtics over 76ers in 4.. 5 at the most

Bulls over Knicks in 6- should be entertaining at least

Magic over Hawks in 6- Another good series.



Magic over Heat in 6- Dwight Howard and shooters, plus Nelson is better then any PG the Heat have.

Celtics over Bulls in 6- Another great series between these two teams. D Rose is good for two games by himself.

Celtics over Magic in 6- The Celtics know this is their last run, and will find a way.


West:

1) Spurs- I did not see this coming, they are putting it all together

2) Lakers- they are still the Lakers and will be fine

3) Thunder- Will win that division and have two of the best young players in the NBA, just fun to watch

4) Hornets- They are red hot, have won 9 in a row and are playing well, why did Chris Paul want to leave this team?

5) Jazz- I really like this team

6) Mavs- I think they will fall to 6, Loosing Butler hurts

7) Blazers- They will overtake Denver

8) Denver- When will they trade Melo? At this point it looks like he stays and they try to make one last run, why not

Spurs over Denver in 6- Melo is good for one game alone and another game with the Spurs being old

Lakers over Blazers in 5- The Lakers will turn it on in the playoffs, B Roy is good for one win

Thunder over Mavs in 6- Old make way for the new

Jazz over Hornets- A match up of the two best PG in the NBA

Jazz over Spurs in 6- I can't take all high seeds

Lakers over Thunder in 6- I know it went 7 last year in the first round, but the Lakers know better this year

Lakers over Jazz in 6- The Jazz run ends

Lakers over Celtics in 6- The Lakers get Phil another 3-peat, should be a great series.

NBA is fun again.. make sure you are watching. I'm right, you're wrong.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Lets try this again

Wow, so it has been a long time since I updated this. A few things, one my basketball recruiting site, www.alleyesonuhoops.com is what I am focusing on right now, two, I do have a full time job now, and still have to try to keep the wife happy and spend time with my kids. But I promise I will start writing back on this at least twice a week.... it's worth a try, I hope I do good.. If you find a week where I haven't wrote, send me a email at alleyesonuhoops@gmail.com.. you can also send me questions there at any time, since I would love to do a mail bag. anyway.. lets get to it.

Purdue was lucky to win at home vs PSU last night, who is playing very well, they beat MSU and ILL back to back at home, and then almost beat OSU and should have beat Purdue both on the road.

Duke got back on their winning ways last night at NC State

Texas A&M is not that good, and Texas proved my point last night

Blake Griffen is sick... that is all

I feel really bad for Kevin Love, he is a great player, and would help every NBA team, he just needs to leave Minnesota

I like Pitt and the Packers to win this weekend, and I will give the Packers the edge in the super bowl

I still haven't recovered from the Giants not making the playoffs, especially because I believe if they did they would be in the NFC title game right now.

Pistons lost a close one in Boston last night 86-82, they had a lead and couldn't hold on. Also Ben Gordon drove to the basket with under 20 seconds to go down 3 and got killed by big baby davis and there was no call.. and whole lot of body contact, he should have been shooting two at the line, but the Celtics are the much better team and got the job done, Ray Allen is so nice...

I do like the way the Pistons are playing, they are playing hard, and have won 3 out of their last 4. I think they finally found a good lineup, took long enough, but T-Mac with the ball in his hands has been good, and Stuckey is better off the ball, they have basically send RIP home and he hasn't played in the last 5 games or so and needs to be traded yesterday. What ever they can get for him, they need to get it now. It is clear he is upset, as he should be, and I don't see that relationship being repaired. He needs to go. He has done a lot of great things for the Pistons over the years, but that time is over.

I will re look at my NBA preseason picks in the next post, and update them. I'm right, you're wrong.