2009 Big Ten/ACC Challenge Schedule: (my predicted winner in bold)
Monday, Nov. 30
Penn State at Virginia
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Maryland at Indiana
Michigan State at North Carolina
Northwestern at N.C. State
Virginia Tech at Iowa
Wake Forest at Purdue
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Boston College at Michigan
Duke at Wisconsin
Florida State at Ohio State
Illinois at Clemson
Minnesota at Miami
2009 Challenge highlights:
Familiar Foes: In addition to meeting in the Championship Game and last year’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Michigan State and North Carolina played in the first two Challenges (1999 and 2000) with the Spartans winning both games. North Carolina won both games last year.
First-Ever Meeting: Minnesota and Miami will square off in the first meeting between the two programs.
Pursuing Perfection: Two teams will look to continue their undefeated streaks in the Challenge: Duke is 10-0 while Boston College has won all three of its games.
First Challenge Matchup: In addition to Minnesota at Miami, Penn State at Virginia, Wake Forest at Purdue and Florida State at Ohio State will all meet for their first-ever Challenge showdown.
Unfamiliar Opponent: Ohio State has won all three of its previous games against Florida State with the last victory in 1968. Penn State and Virginia last played in 1985 (Virginia holds a 5-2 series lead) while Purdue and Wake Forest last played in 1989 (Purdue holds a 3-2 series lead).
Commissioner’s Cup: The ACC has won the Commissioner’s Cup all 10 years.
Since 2000, the ACC (9) and the Big Ten (8) have combined for 17 Final Four appearances and five national titles - North Carolina (2009 and 2005), Maryland (2002), Duke (2001) and Michigan State (2000). The ACC and the Big Ten also rank 1-2, respectively, in all-time NCAA Tournament bids, NCAA Tournament victories and Final Four appearances.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Purdue Lands Big Man
The Purdue men's basketball team claims to have signed center Sandi Marcius, who moved from Croatia to LaPorte, Ind., for his senior season.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound center averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocked shots for La Lumiere last season.
Marcius will help the void of Nemanja Calasan, a forward who is no longer eligible in the NCAA after playing two years for the Boilermakers after Junior College. Marcius will be a steady backup to all-conference center JaJuan Johnson.
"We have been recruiting Sandi since the fall and are excited about his decision to come to Purdue," head coach Matt Painter said in a news release Monday. "He has really made strides this year at La Lumiere School under Coach Brooks."
Marcius was coached by Delray Brooks, the 1984 Indiana "Mr. Basketball."
"We feel that he is going to give us an inside presence on both ends of the floor," Painter said. "He gives us another big body along the frontline which is something we've been looking to address. We really feel like he will fit in well with our current player as well as the guys we have coming in with him."
Scouting Report
Author: zu (from Indiana Basketball News Message Board) - Marcius is a 6'10" highly athletic post with a very strong frame. Purdue will definately need his size in the post, and he may be that missing piece of bulk that can put Purdue a bit closer to elite level like Michigan State, NC, Duke, etc. Not on the same level, but much closer. Would probably be Painters most important recruit if he decides to go there since the others (J. Robinson, Bade) are just carbon copies of what he already has.
Author: Reg Tisdale (from Indiana Basketball News Message Board) - He is very skilled offensively scoring adeptly from 5' to 22'.. He hits the boards hard and is very aggressive in the paint. His bulk and total game is just what the Boilers need in the Post.....
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound center averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocked shots for La Lumiere last season.
Marcius will help the void of Nemanja Calasan, a forward who is no longer eligible in the NCAA after playing two years for the Boilermakers after Junior College. Marcius will be a steady backup to all-conference center JaJuan Johnson.
"We have been recruiting Sandi since the fall and are excited about his decision to come to Purdue," head coach Matt Painter said in a news release Monday. "He has really made strides this year at La Lumiere School under Coach Brooks."
Marcius was coached by Delray Brooks, the 1984 Indiana "Mr. Basketball."
"We feel that he is going to give us an inside presence on both ends of the floor," Painter said. "He gives us another big body along the frontline which is something we've been looking to address. We really feel like he will fit in well with our current player as well as the guys we have coming in with him."
Scouting Report
Author: zu (from Indiana Basketball News Message Board) - Marcius is a 6'10" highly athletic post with a very strong frame. Purdue will definately need his size in the post, and he may be that missing piece of bulk that can put Purdue a bit closer to elite level like Michigan State, NC, Duke, etc. Not on the same level, but much closer. Would probably be Painters most important recruit if he decides to go there since the others (J. Robinson, Bade) are just carbon copies of what he already has.
Author: Reg Tisdale (from Indiana Basketball News Message Board) - He is very skilled offensively scoring adeptly from 5' to 22'.. He hits the boards hard and is very aggressive in the paint. His bulk and total game is just what the Boilers need in the Post.....
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Penn State Signs Serbian Prospect
Biggest Story
I've thought about and compiled some options for the "biggest story" of the year for men's basketball. Which do you think is the biggest story? If you feel there is something bigger, please feel free to throw it out.
- The Iowa men's basketball team loses its leading scored for the second year in a row (both due to transferring), including three others.
- Michigan State finishes the season as runner-up for the NCAA Championship.
- Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan is named coach of the United States men's basketball team that will play at this year's World University Games.
- Junior forward DeShawn Sims and sophomore guard Manny Harris skip out on the NBA draft, and will return for the 2009-10 season.
- Minnesota coach Tubby Smith wins 20+ games for 16th consecutive season.
- Seven Big Ten teams make it to the NCAA Tournament; Penn State snubbed.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Top Five Big Ten Coaches (Football and Men's Basketball)
Between Big Ten basketball and football, the conference has some of the best coaches the country has to offer. Here are my top five. This is taking into account the overall success of the coach and the current state of the program.
1. Tom Izzo - Michigan State Basketball
2. Jim Tressel - Ohio State Football
3. Kirk Ferentz - Iowa Football
4. Joe Paterno - Penn State Football
5. Thad Matta - Ohio State Basketball
What are your thoughts?
* photos from Yahoo images
1. Tom Izzo - Michigan State Basketball
2. Jim Tressel - Ohio State Football
3. Kirk Ferentz - Iowa Football
4. Joe Paterno - Penn State Football
5. Thad Matta - Ohio State Basketball
What are your thoughts?
* photos from Yahoo images
Williams Comes Up Clutch
Ex-Illini star, Deron Williams, hit the game winning shot tonight with 2.2 seconds remaining to give the Jazz an 88-86 home victory and ray of hope against the Lakers.
Williams had 13 points and nine rebounds on the night, helping Utah to close the series gap to 2-1 in favor of Los Angeles.
* photo from yahoo sports
Monday, April 20, 2009
No. 9 Iowa
Dear friends, readers, and everyone alike --
I have found a possible answer as to why our basketball program has fallen apart! Oh wait...no I haven't. Maybe just in Tucker's case.
The University of Iowa is ranked ninth this year according to Playboy's top 10 party schools.
Check it here and how they base this at The Prox, The Daily Princetonian's online blog.
I have found a possible answer as to why our basketball program has fallen apart! Oh wait...no I haven't. Maybe just in Tucker's case.
The University of Iowa is ranked ninth this year according to Playboy's top 10 party schools.
Check it here and how they base this at The Prox, The Daily Princetonian's online blog.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Home Run Nightmare
Everyone should check out Buster Olney's latest blog entry on home runs in the new Yankee Stadium.
The park is the same dimensions and the park is facing the same direction. Including the two games the Cubs played there prior to opening day, 25 home runs have been hit in five games.
You can see the balls flying out in right field in this amazing and historic 14-run second inning put together by the Cleveland Indians.
Haven't seen the stadium yet?
Speaking of the Yankees, check out this video of a Red Sox fan going through Yankee Stadium. Beware of laaaaaaaaaaanguage (dun dun dunnnnnnn).
The park is the same dimensions and the park is facing the same direction. Including the two games the Cubs played there prior to opening day, 25 home runs have been hit in five games.
You can see the balls flying out in right field in this amazing and historic 14-run second inning put together by the Cleveland Indians.
Haven't seen the stadium yet?
Speaking of the Yankees, check out this video of a Red Sox fan going through Yankee Stadium. Beware of laaaaaaaaaaanguage (dun dun dunnnnnnn).
One Question
If you could ask any ONE of the following a question, who and what would it be?
- Todd Lickliter
- Gary Barta
- Jake Kelly
- Any other basketball player
- John Lickliter
- Other
Personally, I would direct my question to Todd Lickliter: Why aren't the remaining players taking steroids yet? I mean, we could have super-dribbling, raise the hoop to 12 feet, and create the 5-pointer.
- Todd Lickliter
- Gary Barta
- Jake Kelly
- Any other basketball player
- John Lickliter
- Other
Personally, I would direct my question to Todd Lickliter: Why aren't the remaining players taking steroids yet? I mean, we could have super-dribbling, raise the hoop to 12 feet, and create the 5-pointer.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Big Ten Alum In NBA Playoffs
There are quite a few former-Big Ten players in the NBA playoffs this year. Let's see how the numbers break down:
Illinois: 3
Iowa: 2
Michigan State: 2
Minnesota: 1
Ohio State: 4
Purdue: 2
Wisconsin: 1
Three starters from the 2005 Fighting Illini squad that was the NCAA runner-up, are currently fighting for a world championship.
West
No. 1 seed Los Angeles Lakers
Shannon Brown (Michigan State 2006): In 18 games with the Lakers this year (traded from Charlotte), Brown is averaging 3.2 points per game in 7-8 minutes on the floor.
No. 3 seed San Antonio Spurs
Michael Finley (Wisconsin 1995): Finley has played in 81 of 82 games this year, contributing just under 10 points per game (9.7) and playing nearly 30 minutes.
No. 4 seed Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden (Ohio State 2007): Oden is still not living up to his No. 1 draft pick, but he has been healthy as of late, playing in 61 games. Oden is averaging 8.9 points per game in 21-and-a-half minutes.
Joel Pryzbilla (Minnesota 2000): The lone Golden Gopher in the playoffs has played in all 82 games this season, averaging 5.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per outing.
No. 5 seed Houston Rockets
Brian Cook (Illinois 2005): Cook, after being traded from the Orlando Magic, has played in 9 games, putting up just 1.3 points in about 3 minutes.
Carl Landry (Purdue 2007): Landry has been a nice contributor to the Rockets, playing roughly 21 minutes in each of his 69 games played. The former Boilermaker is scoring 9.3 points and coming down with 5 rebounds a game.
No. 7 seed New Orleans Hornets
Ryan Bowen (Iowa 1998): The Iowa alum is still hanging around the NBA. In 21 games, Bowen is averaging 12-and-a-half minutes, adding 2.2 points per game.
Morris Peterson (Michigan State 2000): Peterson's numbers are down this year as he's only played in 43 games, averaging just 4.4 points in 12 minutes.
No. 8 seed Utah Jazz
Kosta Koufos (Ohio State 2008): In 48 games this year, Koufos is averaging 4.7 points in nearly 12 minutes per game.
Deron Williams (Illinois 2005): In 68 games, Williams is playing nearly 37 minutes while putting up 19.4 points and 10.7 assists per game.
East
No. 4 seed Atlanta Hawks
Othello Hunter (Ohio State undrafted): Hunter only stepped into 16 games, averaging just 1.4 points in under 6 minutes.
No. 5 seed Miami Heat
Daequan Cook (Ohio State 2007): Cook has stepped into 75 games this year, averaging 9.2 points in just over 24 minutes per game. Cook has been a great addition to the Heat who have recovered from a VERY forgettable season last year.
Luther Head (Illinois 2005): Head is back in the playoffs, this time with the Heat. He has only played in 10 games with Miami, averaging 4.3 points in 17-and-a-half minutes.
No. 6 seed Philadelphia 76ers
Reggie Evans (Iowa undrafted): Another Hawkeye grad, Evans has played in nearly every game (79) although only averaging 3.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in almost 13 minutes.
No. 7 seed Chicago Bulls
Brad Miller (Purdue undrafted): Miller is in his second stint with the Bulls after being traded by the Los Angeles Kings. Miller has played in 27 games with Chicago, playing 27-and-a-half minutes, while scoring 11.4 and grabbing 7.4 rebounds.
Illinois: 3
Iowa: 2
Michigan State: 2
Minnesota: 1
Ohio State: 4
Purdue: 2
Wisconsin: 1
Three starters from the 2005 Fighting Illini squad that was the NCAA runner-up, are currently fighting for a world championship.
West
No. 1 seed Los Angeles Lakers
Shannon Brown (Michigan State 2006): In 18 games with the Lakers this year (traded from Charlotte), Brown is averaging 3.2 points per game in 7-8 minutes on the floor.
No. 3 seed San Antonio Spurs
Michael Finley (Wisconsin 1995): Finley has played in 81 of 82 games this year, contributing just under 10 points per game (9.7) and playing nearly 30 minutes.
No. 4 seed Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden (Ohio State 2007): Oden is still not living up to his No. 1 draft pick, but he has been healthy as of late, playing in 61 games. Oden is averaging 8.9 points per game in 21-and-a-half minutes.
Joel Pryzbilla (Minnesota 2000): The lone Golden Gopher in the playoffs has played in all 82 games this season, averaging 5.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in nearly 24 minutes per outing.
No. 5 seed Houston Rockets
Brian Cook (Illinois 2005): Cook, after being traded from the Orlando Magic, has played in 9 games, putting up just 1.3 points in about 3 minutes.
Carl Landry (Purdue 2007): Landry has been a nice contributor to the Rockets, playing roughly 21 minutes in each of his 69 games played. The former Boilermaker is scoring 9.3 points and coming down with 5 rebounds a game.
No. 7 seed New Orleans Hornets
Ryan Bowen (Iowa 1998): The Iowa alum is still hanging around the NBA. In 21 games, Bowen is averaging 12-and-a-half minutes, adding 2.2 points per game.
Morris Peterson (Michigan State 2000): Peterson's numbers are down this year as he's only played in 43 games, averaging just 4.4 points in 12 minutes.
No. 8 seed Utah Jazz
Kosta Koufos (Ohio State 2008): In 48 games this year, Koufos is averaging 4.7 points in nearly 12 minutes per game.
Deron Williams (Illinois 2005): In 68 games, Williams is playing nearly 37 minutes while putting up 19.4 points and 10.7 assists per game.
East
No. 4 seed Atlanta Hawks
Othello Hunter (Ohio State undrafted): Hunter only stepped into 16 games, averaging just 1.4 points in under 6 minutes.
No. 5 seed Miami Heat
Daequan Cook (Ohio State 2007): Cook has stepped into 75 games this year, averaging 9.2 points in just over 24 minutes per game. Cook has been a great addition to the Heat who have recovered from a VERY forgettable season last year.
Luther Head (Illinois 2005): Head is back in the playoffs, this time with the Heat. He has only played in 10 games with Miami, averaging 4.3 points in 17-and-a-half minutes.
No. 6 seed Philadelphia 76ers
Reggie Evans (Iowa undrafted): Another Hawkeye grad, Evans has played in nearly every game (79) although only averaging 3.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in almost 13 minutes.
No. 7 seed Chicago Bulls
Brad Miller (Purdue undrafted): Miller is in his second stint with the Bulls after being traded by the Los Angeles Kings. Miller has played in 27 games with Chicago, playing 27-and-a-half minutes, while scoring 11.4 and grabbing 7.4 rebounds.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ever See Yourself In An Iowa Uniform?
Maybe you see yourself as a Hawkeye hoopster, although it looks you might look like a character in NBA Hangtime with the "big head" mode turned on.
Maybe you see yourself as an massive Iowa football player:
Maybe you see yourself in the another uniform that matters:
Either way you want it, you have to love being a Hawkeye and wearing Iowa on your shirt.
* Iowa basketball and football photos from Yahoo Image Search
Maybe you see yourself as an massive Iowa football player:
Maybe you see yourself in the another uniform that matters:
Either way you want it, you have to love being a Hawkeye and wearing Iowa on your shirt.* Iowa basketball and football photos from Yahoo Image Search
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Five Worst Case Scenarios for Iowa Basketball Next Year
1. Injury, after injury, after injury leads to little John Lickliter starting for Iowa as a point guard. I know he's just on the team to learn how to coach someday, but it scares me to think about him on the floor. Did they have to make a special "tiny" jersey for him? Hopefully dad doesn't get booted cause he'll be leaving Iowa's bench too.
2. The team performs to SUCH low standards that Carver-Hawkeye Arena is torn down, leaving the women's basketball and volleyball, men's basketball, and wrestling programs (among others) without a home. The recently implemented plasma TVs will become loot, and B.J. Armstrong will erase his stint at Iowa from the history books.
3. The university actually becomes aware of John Lickliter's evil, identical twin, Nhoj Lickliter, who is 3'8", plays power forward, and stole the last team scholarship. Little does Iowa know that there was an amazing 5-star recruit coming in but the scholarship he was promised disappeared. Hmm....
4. Iowa loses not only to Drake, Iowa State, AND UNI...but goes 0-for in Big Ten Conference play, not scoring more than 36 points in a single game.
5. The team's play is so awful that Kachine Alexander is asked to be a starter on the men's team. The hoop will be lowered for the Hawks to a level at which John and Nohj Lickliter can both pull off a slamma-lamma-ding-dong windmill/tomahawk dunk in mid flight of a double front flip. Each basket Iowa scores will count as 5 points, scoring in double figures will be known as the new "tripple-double," and Carver-Hawkeye will actually turn into a Slam Ball Arena. The new roster for Big Ten Slam Ball will consist of every ex-Iowa football player convicted of a crime. The Hawkeyes take home the first ever Big Ten Slam Ball Championship. Boo-Yah!
* Photo from Hawkeyesports.com
2. The team performs to SUCH low standards that Carver-Hawkeye Arena is torn down, leaving the women's basketball and volleyball, men's basketball, and wrestling programs (among others) without a home. The recently implemented plasma TVs will become loot, and B.J. Armstrong will erase his stint at Iowa from the history books.
3. The university actually becomes aware of John Lickliter's evil, identical twin, Nhoj Lickliter, who is 3'8", plays power forward, and stole the last team scholarship. Little does Iowa know that there was an amazing 5-star recruit coming in but the scholarship he was promised disappeared. Hmm....
4. Iowa loses not only to Drake, Iowa State, AND UNI...but goes 0-for in Big Ten Conference play, not scoring more than 36 points in a single game.
5. The team's play is so awful that Kachine Alexander is asked to be a starter on the men's team. The hoop will be lowered for the Hawks to a level at which John and Nohj Lickliter can both pull off a slamma-lamma-ding-dong windmill/tomahawk dunk in mid flight of a double front flip. Each basket Iowa scores will count as 5 points, scoring in double figures will be known as the new "tripple-double," and Carver-Hawkeye will actually turn into a Slam Ball Arena. The new roster for Big Ten Slam Ball will consist of every ex-Iowa football player convicted of a crime. The Hawkeyes take home the first ever Big Ten Slam Ball Championship. Boo-Yah!
* Photo from Hawkeyesports.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Lords of the Realm Column
In 1994, baseball players may have looked like average Joes and they didn't work in superhuman fashion, but they had the ability to pack a big punch by taking their bats and balls and going home.
The players had two choices. Either succumb to a salary-cap or alienate America of one of its most profit industries.
With baseball being more than just a game anymore, the employee strike -- one of labor’s strongest economic weapons -- became inevitable.
The conflict heavily focused on a potential salary cap, free agency, and arbitration. The players wanted freedom to shop their talent to the high-market teams, but the owners wanted to limit escalating player salaries in order to maximize the profits.
As Lords of the Realm author John Helyar writes, "Still, in some large part, it was the owners' own damned fault. . . . Baseball owners, obsessed with denouncing the overpaid players, never [marketed their players like Michael Jordan]."
In 1994, players’ salaries ranged from $13-to-14 millions for the San Diego Padres (an average of $515,231 per player) to nearly $46 million for the New York Yankees (an average of $1,760,974 per player).
There was no way that players were going to accept a salary cap, the league had already been in the dumps with TV networks, and the big-market small-market battles were over. The answer being a lockdown.
It is possible that the strike could have been avoided, however, if all of the parties had been aware of a potentially impending impasse prior to August. Both would have been more willing to compromise, and the strike probably avoided.
But as former Twins GM Andy MacPhail said in Helyars account, "we're infecting the game with acrimony, and there's no reason for it. Someone has to take the first step. Someone has to have the courage to say, 'Hey this is wrong. We're perverting one of our institutions.'"
More than a first step was taken, affecting baseball forever. When the game turned 'business' and dollars-and-cents captivated the minds of those involved with the 'game,' America was without a World Series for the first time since 1904.
A new labor agreement was reached, in 2002, without a strike or lockout for the first time after multiple attempts, showing that perhaps baseball learned something from the darker days.
Now that baseball has seemed to recover and a salary-cap has not been placed on the game, the focus has become the system of baseball.
Rob Manfred, MLB's chief labor attorney said the experiences of 1994 have changed the relationships between players, ball clubs, and owners for the better, giving the game a face that should reduce the likelihood of a second Armageddon in the game.
However, even with the headway baseball has made since the strike of 1994, it is that year that changed the system of baseball forever, and when there is a system in labor agreements there is potential for it all to reoccur.
Fans, hold on tight because it could come again at any time.
The players had two choices. Either succumb to a salary-cap or alienate America of one of its most profit industries.
With baseball being more than just a game anymore, the employee strike -- one of labor’s strongest economic weapons -- became inevitable.
The conflict heavily focused on a potential salary cap, free agency, and arbitration. The players wanted freedom to shop their talent to the high-market teams, but the owners wanted to limit escalating player salaries in order to maximize the profits.
As Lords of the Realm author John Helyar writes, "Still, in some large part, it was the owners' own damned fault. . . . Baseball owners, obsessed with denouncing the overpaid players, never [marketed their players like Michael Jordan]."
In 1994, players’ salaries ranged from $13-to-14 millions for the San Diego Padres (an average of $515,231 per player) to nearly $46 million for the New York Yankees (an average of $1,760,974 per player).
There was no way that players were going to accept a salary cap, the league had already been in the dumps with TV networks, and the big-market small-market battles were over. The answer being a lockdown.
It is possible that the strike could have been avoided, however, if all of the parties had been aware of a potentially impending impasse prior to August. Both would have been more willing to compromise, and the strike probably avoided.
But as former Twins GM Andy MacPhail said in Helyars account, "we're infecting the game with acrimony, and there's no reason for it. Someone has to take the first step. Someone has to have the courage to say, 'Hey this is wrong. We're perverting one of our institutions.'"
More than a first step was taken, affecting baseball forever. When the game turned 'business' and dollars-and-cents captivated the minds of those involved with the 'game,' America was without a World Series for the first time since 1904.
A new labor agreement was reached, in 2002, without a strike or lockout for the first time after multiple attempts, showing that perhaps baseball learned something from the darker days.
Now that baseball has seemed to recover and a salary-cap has not been placed on the game, the focus has become the system of baseball.
Rob Manfred, MLB's chief labor attorney said the experiences of 1994 have changed the relationships between players, ball clubs, and owners for the better, giving the game a face that should reduce the likelihood of a second Armageddon in the game.
However, even with the headway baseball has made since the strike of 1994, it is that year that changed the system of baseball forever, and when there is a system in labor agreements there is potential for it all to reoccur.
Fans, hold on tight because it could come again at any time.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New: Weekly Sports Question
Hey all,
I thought it would be fun to try and escape the occasional "need" to blog and comment when we're behind sometimes. So I am going to try and get a thread started each week based off a question I pose. I'll try and diversify the questions so everyone will have a chance to talk about their favorite sport or that of which knowledge is plentiful.
Hopefully everyone will spit there two cents and we can generate some discussion.
Therefore, I leave you with this weeks question -- a three parter -- which comes in light of baseball's return this week.
1) Who is your favorite baseball team if you have one?
2) What's your favorite memory or memories with that team?
3) One pick to win the World Series: who is it?
Each week I will also post my answers as well.
1) St. Louis Cardinals
2) I've had plenty of memories that include Big Mac and Pujols having multiple home run games, and all of that jazz. However, my favorite was when the Cardinals traded for Larry Walker, me and my dad went to old Busch Stadium to see the Redbirds face off with the Cincinnati Reds.
It was the most boring I had ever been to since I saw the Cardinals lose to the Cubs in a 2 hour long game with 6 hits and 5 runs (the final score was Fred McGriff 3 home runs, J.D. Drew 2 home runs).
Anyway, this game was dreadful until Walker came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Cardinals leading 3-2 on a walk-in-run just before his at-bat. Everyone in Busch chanted "Larry! Larry! Larry!" I actually got the chills from it.
On the first pitch, Walker swings away and sends a fly ball to straight away center. It was hit so high, and it seemed like it took forever. I was just waiting to say to my dad, "stupid warning track power."
The stadium had gone a bit quiet waiting to see what would happen. The center fielder leaps up, and Walkers ball lands JUST over the yellow paint on the wall. ERUPTION OF INSANE CHEERING!
After that Larry got his first curtain call in St. Louis. The "Larry" chant ensued and it was more and more emphatic as it carried through the stadium.
"I was pushed out of the dugout to get out there, not sure knowing what to do,'' Walker said. "It was fun to go out there, it was fun to win, it was fun to hear the crowd get as loud as they were.''
Hell Yes Larry. Thank you for that.
3) For the 2009 World Series Champions, my pick is N.Y. Mets over Boston. I feel it for the Mets this year.
I thought it would be fun to try and escape the occasional "need" to blog and comment when we're behind sometimes. So I am going to try and get a thread started each week based off a question I pose. I'll try and diversify the questions so everyone will have a chance to talk about their favorite sport or that of which knowledge is plentiful.
Hopefully everyone will spit there two cents and we can generate some discussion.
Therefore, I leave you with this weeks question -- a three parter -- which comes in light of baseball's return this week.
1) Who is your favorite baseball team if you have one?
2) What's your favorite memory or memories with that team?
3) One pick to win the World Series: who is it?
Each week I will also post my answers as well.
1) St. Louis Cardinals
2) I've had plenty of memories that include Big Mac and Pujols having multiple home run games, and all of that jazz. However, my favorite was when the Cardinals traded for Larry Walker, me and my dad went to old Busch Stadium to see the Redbirds face off with the Cincinnati Reds.
It was the most boring I had ever been to since I saw the Cardinals lose to the Cubs in a 2 hour long game with 6 hits and 5 runs (the final score was Fred McGriff 3 home runs, J.D. Drew 2 home runs).
Anyway, this game was dreadful until Walker came to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Cardinals leading 3-2 on a walk-in-run just before his at-bat. Everyone in Busch chanted "Larry! Larry! Larry!" I actually got the chills from it.
On the first pitch, Walker swings away and sends a fly ball to straight away center. It was hit so high, and it seemed like it took forever. I was just waiting to say to my dad, "stupid warning track power."
The stadium had gone a bit quiet waiting to see what would happen. The center fielder leaps up, and Walkers ball lands JUST over the yellow paint on the wall. ERUPTION OF INSANE CHEERING!
After that Larry got his first curtain call in St. Louis. The "Larry" chant ensued and it was more and more emphatic as it carried through the stadium.
"I was pushed out of the dugout to get out there, not sure knowing what to do,'' Walker said. "It was fun to go out there, it was fun to win, it was fun to hear the crowd get as loud as they were.''
Hell Yes Larry. Thank you for that.
3) For the 2009 World Series Champions, my pick is N.Y. Mets over Boston. I feel it for the Mets this year.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Thoughts on (2) MSU v. (1) UNC
First off, let's go Spartans. Now Spartans, start saying some prayers cause you'll probably need them.
Record crowd tonight.
Something has to give: Michigan State is undefeated when reaching the title game. UNC is undefeated in their last three title games (all against Big Ten teams).
Goran Suton with a 3pt right away? Awesome.
MSU better hope their turnovers keep landing out of bounds or UNC is going to hammer them in transition.
North Carolina is shooting lights out. *tugs on shirt collar*
Random Thought: Being at the library cracks me up. It's like a singles bar mixed with a pajama party. That's normal, right? Just throw in a lot of frustration over wireless servers.
I'm not sure what Clark Kellogg just said, but it didn't make sense, and I don't even think whatever he just said is actually a word.
Danny Green with two fouls in the last minute, that COULD potentially hurt later.
OK, so it is 24-8 in favor of UNC. So the question is, UNC wins +/- 25 points?
My call is a 22 point victory with the addition of an awful celebration by Tyler Hansbrough.
Bobby Frasor getting some playing time for the Tar Heels. He went to Brother Rice High School near me at home. Great HS player.
Random Thought: I want Oasis' pita/hummus/Mediterranean salad, but I don't want to walk downstairs.
Kalin Lucas is not having a good showing.
Random Thought: I still can't believe the Cardinals blew the game today. And the Cubs won...This sucks.
UNC lead to 20..I should have guessed a 32 point victory.
I feel like Hansbrough and Tim Tebow are the same person. Not likable in my opinion.
UNC +/- 90 points. I go with over (97).
Why did the quality and sound of the CBS video just go to the crapper? Annoying...
Random Thought: Every time I hear GORAN, I think of GORO from Mortal Kombat back in the day, and I just want Suton to go Hulk-Style bust through his jersey and grow two more arms. I'm reaaaally bored with this game if you can't tell.
Turnover Fest 2009
Random Thought: So Tyler Hansbrough and a stegosaurus walk into a bar..................but seriously.
- HALF - I'm going to get Oasis.
Is anyone good at NYT's Crossword Puzzles? I can tear up a level 4 Sudoku, but I am just miserable when it comes to crosswords.
To all who have made it this far, the library wireless went berzerk (see Random Thought #1 above), and I have missed the whole second half of the game. However, I think I can guess what the score looks like.
Record crowd tonight.
Something has to give: Michigan State is undefeated when reaching the title game. UNC is undefeated in their last three title games (all against Big Ten teams).
Goran Suton with a 3pt right away? Awesome.
MSU better hope their turnovers keep landing out of bounds or UNC is going to hammer them in transition.
North Carolina is shooting lights out. *tugs on shirt collar*
Random Thought: Being at the library cracks me up. It's like a singles bar mixed with a pajama party. That's normal, right? Just throw in a lot of frustration over wireless servers.
I'm not sure what Clark Kellogg just said, but it didn't make sense, and I don't even think whatever he just said is actually a word.
Danny Green with two fouls in the last minute, that COULD potentially hurt later.
OK, so it is 24-8 in favor of UNC. So the question is, UNC wins +/- 25 points?
My call is a 22 point victory with the addition of an awful celebration by Tyler Hansbrough.
Bobby Frasor getting some playing time for the Tar Heels. He went to Brother Rice High School near me at home. Great HS player.
Random Thought: I want Oasis' pita/hummus/Mediterranean salad, but I don't want to walk downstairs.
Kalin Lucas is not having a good showing.
Random Thought: I still can't believe the Cardinals blew the game today. And the Cubs won...This sucks.
UNC lead to 20..I should have guessed a 32 point victory.
I feel like Hansbrough and Tim Tebow are the same person. Not likable in my opinion.
UNC +/- 90 points. I go with over (97).
Why did the quality and sound of the CBS video just go to the crapper? Annoying...
Random Thought: Every time I hear GORAN, I think of GORO from Mortal Kombat back in the day, and I just want Suton to go Hulk-Style bust through his jersey and grow two more arms. I'm reaaaally bored with this game if you can't tell.
Turnover Fest 2009
Random Thought: So Tyler Hansbrough and a stegosaurus walk into a bar..................but seriously.
- HALF - I'm going to get Oasis.
Is anyone good at NYT's Crossword Puzzles? I can tear up a level 4 Sudoku, but I am just miserable when it comes to crosswords.
To all who have made it this far, the library wireless went berzerk (see Random Thought #1 above), and I have missed the whole second half of the game. However, I think I can guess what the score looks like.
Fun Fact For The Day
Hey baseball fans:
The Yankee's spent $441 million dollars in free agency this off-season. That's more than the next four teams combined.
Schwing!
The Yankee's spent $441 million dollars in free agency this off-season. That's more than the next four teams combined.
Schwing!
The Next 161 Better Not Go Down Like This
Rock on, we've got two important games on today. Scratch that. THREE games as I am counting on seeing the Cubs get crushed (one Cardinals fan could only hope).
Right now -- my boys -- the St. Louis Cardinals are playing their home opener against the lowly-to-be Pittsburgh Pirates.
Through the top of the 1st, Adam Wainwright has already thrown 20 pitches his fastball averaging just over 91 mph. He's got two K's but I'd rather see that pitch count down right now, especially in the cold. I'm praying the 50% chance of rain/snow holds off.
(Sidenote: while this game is at the amazing and beautiful Busch Stadium, I would like to attend a game at PNC Park sometime).
Also, we have Big Ten representation tonight in the NCAA Tournament Championship. I am all about Tom Izzo now, he's too good of a coach. I long for the day Iowa has a coach similar to Izzo. Oh, wait... not going to happen.
(Sidenote: Pujols is batting 1.000 for the season. Boo yah!)
Anyway, while I want nothing more than for the Spartans to crush UNC and Tyler Hansbrough, I have a horrible feeling there is just too big of a difference between the two teams. Then again, the Pittsburgh Pirates' prospects lost to a community college [too funny...].
I just hope that IF Michigan State loses, they don't get hammered like they did the last time these two teams met, UNC winning 98-63 on Dec. 3.
(Sidenote: Two balls hit to Duncan in left field so far, no errors on the fielding *wipes brow*)
+ 0-0 top of the 3rd.
+ Back to homework/the game for now.
+ Redbirds take a 2-0, top of the 4th now. Solid 3rd inning with five hits.
+ Of course the bullpen blows it...what else is new in St. Louis? 2-2 bottom of the 6th.
+ RYAN LUDWICK stepping up huge in the bottom of the 8th sending a first pitch fastball out of the yard. 3-2 Cardinals, bottom of the 8th.
+ David Freese, in his second big league at-bat, gives St. Louis a little breathing room with a sacricfice fly: 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th.
+ Therefore, here comes the infamous Cardinals closer role/probable choke. Let's hope first year closer Jason Motte can finish this thing off.
+ Leadoff double by Freddy Sanchez...Great.
+ There's one run in. 4-3 with 2 outs in the top of the 9th...Seriously, don't blow this Motte.
+ Eric Hinsky comes back from the dead and hits a double?! What the hell...
+ LOL, wow...Motte plunks "Brandon Moss..." AWFUL I SAY.
+ Bases Loaded. I should just turn this game off.
+ Three run double by Jack Wilson. Are you kidding me? I am so pissed off right now.
+ Bottom of the 9th now, Cards down 6-4. This is ridiculous. Ankiel - Pujols - Green due up at the plate.
Pittsburgh 6, St. Louis 4
I'd say unbelievable, but it's just the story of the Cardinals. The bullpen is just dreadful.
Through the top of the 1st, Adam Wainwright has already thrown 20 pitches his fastball averaging just over 91 mph. He's got two K's but I'd rather see that pitch count down right now, especially in the cold. I'm praying the 50% chance of rain/snow holds off.
(Sidenote: while this game is at the amazing and beautiful Busch Stadium, I would like to attend a game at PNC Park sometime).
Also, we have Big Ten representation tonight in the NCAA Tournament Championship. I am all about Tom Izzo now, he's too good of a coach. I long for the day Iowa has a coach similar to Izzo. Oh, wait... not going to happen.
(Sidenote: Pujols is batting 1.000 for the season. Boo yah!)
Anyway, while I want nothing more than for the Spartans to crush UNC and Tyler Hansbrough, I have a horrible feeling there is just too big of a difference between the two teams. Then again, the Pittsburgh Pirates' prospects lost to a community college [too funny...].
I just hope that IF Michigan State loses, they don't get hammered like they did the last time these two teams met, UNC winning 98-63 on Dec. 3.
(Sidenote: Two balls hit to Duncan in left field so far, no errors on the fielding *wipes brow*)
+ 0-0 top of the 3rd.
+ Back to homework/the game for now.
+ Redbirds take a 2-0, top of the 4th now. Solid 3rd inning with five hits.
+ Of course the bullpen blows it...what else is new in St. Louis? 2-2 bottom of the 6th.
+ RYAN LUDWICK stepping up huge in the bottom of the 8th sending a first pitch fastball out of the yard. 3-2 Cardinals, bottom of the 8th.
+ David Freese, in his second big league at-bat, gives St. Louis a little breathing room with a sacricfice fly: 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th.
+ Therefore, here comes the infamous Cardinals closer role/probable choke. Let's hope first year closer Jason Motte can finish this thing off.
+ Leadoff double by Freddy Sanchez...Great.
+ There's one run in. 4-3 with 2 outs in the top of the 9th...Seriously, don't blow this Motte.
+ Eric Hinsky comes back from the dead and hits a double?! What the hell...
+ LOL, wow...Motte plunks "Brandon Moss..." AWFUL I SAY.
+ Bases Loaded. I should just turn this game off.
+ Three run double by Jack Wilson. Are you kidding me? I am so pissed off right now.
+ Bottom of the 9th now, Cards down 6-4. This is ridiculous. Ankiel - Pujols - Green due up at the plate.
Pittsburgh 6, St. Louis 4
I'd say unbelievable, but it's just the story of the Cardinals. The bullpen is just dreadful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
N.I.T.tany Lions Crowned Champions
This was an impressive run by a team trying to prove they belonged in the NCAA tournament.
Izzy The Best Coach?
The buzz on coaches lately has revolved around two names: Rick Pitino and John Calipari.
Pitino just led Louisville to a No. 1 overall seed and its third NCAA Elite Eight appearance in the last five years, and Calipari just left Memphis for Kentucky with a career record of 445-140 in 17 seasons, inking an eight-year deal worth $31.65 millions that will make him the highest-paid basketball coach in the country.
However, neither Memphis nor Louisville will be dancing in Detroit for the Final Four this weekend.
Who will be there, is the coach that is a household name but always seems to fly under the radar of names like Pitino and Calipari: Michigan State's Tom Izzo, the greatest coach college basketball has to offer right now.
Over the past decade, there have been some amazing NCAA basketball programs and coaches. Sure Billy Donovan won back-to-back titles with Florida, but where have the Gators been since? UConn has also won two titles in 11 years, and sure Kansas has been to two national title games (winning one) but the Jayhawks did that with Roy Williams and Bill coaching from the sidelines and bringing in 5-star recruits every year.
Izzo's resume is top-notch and should be acclaimed the greatest. Here's Izzo's line: he's taken the Spartans to the NCAA tournament all 10 years, made six Sweet 16 appearances, made four Final Fours (his fifth this year), and won a national championship.
What separates Izzo from all the other coaches is his quick and defensively-based style of play, and ability to win without multiple 5-star recruits coming in year after year after year after year...
If you're still not settled on the notion that Izzo is the best coach right now, here's a fun fact for you: now that senior Travis Walton will be making his first trip to the Final Four, every senior to play for Tom Izzo over this period of time has either won a Big Ten Tournament Championship of reached the Final Four.
Also, every four year player Izzo has brought in has the claim of playing in a Final Four come Saturday. No other coach out there has done anything close to those sorts. He also solidified his reign when the Spartans manhandled Pitino's squad in the Elite Eight, handing them a 64-52 loss on March 29.
"It's as big a win as our school has had because we're going to Detroit, and that's been a dream and a goal since they announced where the Final Four was in 2009," Izzo said.
He may not have the best talent or an appealing style of play (see Goran Suton), but he gets the job done with consistency.
How sweet it would be for Izzo and the Spartans to win in their fifth Final Four in 11 years, the most of any program in that span, giving them a post-season rematch with Williams' Tar Heels on Monday for a shot at the national title.
*Photo courtesy onlineathens.com
Note: North Carolina hammered Michigan State 98-63 on Dec. 3rd as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Who will be there, is the coach that is a household name but always seems to fly under the radar of names like Pitino and Calipari: Michigan State's Tom Izzo, the greatest coach college basketball has to offer right now.
Over the past decade, there have been some amazing NCAA basketball programs and coaches. Sure Billy Donovan won back-to-back titles with Florida, but where have the Gators been since? UConn has also won two titles in 11 years, and sure Kansas has been to two national title games (winning one) but the Jayhawks did that with Roy Williams and Bill coaching from the sidelines and bringing in 5-star recruits every year.
Izzo's resume is top-notch and should be acclaimed the greatest. Here's Izzo's line: he's taken the Spartans to the NCAA tournament all 10 years, made six Sweet 16 appearances, made four Final Fours (his fifth this year), and won a national championship.
What separates Izzo from all the other coaches is his quick and defensively-based style of play, and ability to win without multiple 5-star recruits coming in year after year after year after year...
If you're still not settled on the notion that Izzo is the best coach right now, here's a fun fact for you: now that senior Travis Walton will be making his first trip to the Final Four, every senior to play for Tom Izzo over this period of time has either won a Big Ten Tournament Championship of reached the Final Four.
Also, every four year player Izzo has brought in has the claim of playing in a Final Four come Saturday. No other coach out there has done anything close to those sorts. He also solidified his reign when the Spartans manhandled Pitino's squad in the Elite Eight, handing them a 64-52 loss on March 29.
"It's as big a win as our school has had because we're going to Detroit, and that's been a dream and a goal since they announced where the Final Four was in 2009," Izzo said.
He may not have the best talent or an appealing style of play (see Goran Suton), but he gets the job done with consistency.
How sweet it would be for Izzo and the Spartans to win in their fifth Final Four in 11 years, the most of any program in that span, giving them a post-season rematch with Williams' Tar Heels on Monday for a shot at the national title.
*Photo courtesy onlineathens.com
Note: North Carolina hammered Michigan State 98-63 on Dec. 3rd as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I Can Haz Vollyball?
I am sure that many of you aren't exactly intrigued when you hear men's volleyball, but I am trying to keep track of something I need to submit for rankings when we (Iowa Men's Volleyball) travel to Kansas City for Nationals next Wednesday - Sunday.
It's been an up and down semester at times, but this past weekend we placed 5th of 30 at the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Championships -- the best placement by Iowa since the team took top eight at Nationals in 2000.
Despite the development of a rotator cuff injury to my swinging shoulder, I keep telling myself just one tournament is left.
This is how the National Championship Tournament is played out: Division I-A is the top 48 teams in the country. The next 48 teams comprise Division I-AA, and another 36 teams complete Division II.
Last year, we were miserable. Mainly all sophomores, we didn't even qualify for Division I-A. In fact we were somewhere between the rankings of 24 - 36 in Division I-AA. However, we finished up 15th overall for Division I-AA.
Seventy-five percent juniors now, we are the most improved team in the Midwest, and maybe even the country. We earned Honorable Mention in the top-25 rankings in the month of March, and after this past weekend's showing, we will be top-25 at Nationals in the Division I-A level, likely making us a No. 2 seed in a pool of four teams.
Although we travel and play first semester, it is just like a warm up season. But it was at Michigan State that we picked up a HUGE win over #16 Penn State, and realized we had a lot of potential. Since then, a massive turnaround led us to our 5th place finish at MIVA's. Here's how the weekend went:
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v.Central Michigan W 25-18, 25-23
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. UW-Milwaukee W 25-27, 25-23, 15-11
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. Miami (OH) L 26-28, 21-25
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. Northern Illinois W 17-25, 25-21, 17-15
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket) Iowa v. Kentucky W 25-14, 26-24
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket) Iowa v. Dayton W 25-23, 22-25, 17-15
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket Quarter-Finals) Iowa v. Lakeland L 14-25, 14-25
Yes, the showing against No. 5 Lakeland was just horrific. We were exhausted, and just didn't show up. Anyhow, they are last years national champions, so there isn't too much shame.
Here is a recap of how the season (second semester) shaped out. Sorry it's not showing larger.
It's been an up and down semester at times, but this past weekend we placed 5th of 30 at the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Championships -- the best placement by Iowa since the team took top eight at Nationals in 2000.
Despite the development of a rotator cuff injury to my swinging shoulder, I keep telling myself just one tournament is left.
This is how the National Championship Tournament is played out: Division I-A is the top 48 teams in the country. The next 48 teams comprise Division I-AA, and another 36 teams complete Division II.
Last year, we were miserable. Mainly all sophomores, we didn't even qualify for Division I-A. In fact we were somewhere between the rankings of 24 - 36 in Division I-AA. However, we finished up 15th overall for Division I-AA.
Seventy-five percent juniors now, we are the most improved team in the Midwest, and maybe even the country. We earned Honorable Mention in the top-25 rankings in the month of March, and after this past weekend's showing, we will be top-25 at Nationals in the Division I-A level, likely making us a No. 2 seed in a pool of four teams.
Although we travel and play first semester, it is just like a warm up season. But it was at Michigan State that we picked up a HUGE win over #16 Penn State, and realized we had a lot of potential. Since then, a massive turnaround led us to our 5th place finish at MIVA's. Here's how the weekend went:
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v.Central Michigan W 25-18, 25-23
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. UW-Milwaukee W 25-27, 25-23, 15-11
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. Miami (OH) L 26-28, 21-25
(MIVA Champ Pool) Iowa v. Northern Illinois W 17-25, 25-21, 17-15
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket) Iowa v. Kentucky W 25-14, 26-24
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket) Iowa v. Dayton W 25-23, 22-25, 17-15
(MIVA Champ Gold Bracket Quarter-Finals) Iowa v. Lakeland L 14-25, 14-25
Yes, the showing against No. 5 Lakeland was just horrific. We were exhausted, and just didn't show up. Anyhow, they are last years national champions, so there isn't too much shame.
Here is a recap of how the season (second semester) shaped out. Sorry it's not showing larger.
If you have made it this far, maybe this post interested you. Maybe you're just bored. The bottom line is, Nationals (last year) was the best time of my college career so far, it's going to be even better this year as we shoot for a top-12 finish in the gold bracket.
I mean, who can complain about five days of playing the game you love, with about 1,000 other deserving athletes (thanks title-9, you God-awful law) between the men's and women's divisions. Unfortunately I can't give the full gist of what the week entails, but just know it's unlike any normal five day period you could experience in college.
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