By: Anthony D'Amato
Earlier this afternoon I strolled into a barbershop feeling a bit melancholy, as some random scissor-wielding charlatan was about to undo almost a half-year's work, which I had so adamantly defended as it grew untamed atop my dome. I climbed into the chair, which conveniently rested in front of a mirror so that I wouldn't miss a single moment of the carnage. Sullen, downtrodden, and defeated, I was lulled into my standard haircut trance by the buzzes and the snips of the razors and the scissors. I was yanked from my daydreams when the bell above the door warned of an approaching customer. As the man sat down in the chair beside me, he remarked sarcastically, "I feel really bad for T.O., man. He was all shaken up - did you see that? 'Don't blame it on Tony. That's mah boy, That's mah quarterback.'" Seeing as I reside in northern New Jersey, I wasn't surprised to hear the man proudly bash Owens, who (as a college buddy of mine puts it) is "gettin his popcorn ready for the Giants - Packers game next week," or to hear him completely butcher the impression. I was only about halfway done with the haircut (5 months without getting one, people!) so as the men discussed the game I reflected on what I'll look forward to most next season, regarding the division rivals...
5) No More Jessica Simpson B*llsh!t
Simply put, there is no story here. There is absolutely no connection between on the field performance of Romo and Simpson's seat in the stands. Let me say it again, in case I didn't make my point, JESSICA SIMPSON'S ATTENDANCE DOES NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THE OUTCOME OF A GAME. So what if a friend/girlfriend/wife comes to support her counterpart? Do you think Eva Longoria's presence had anything to do with her beau's championship run? I think every second that is wasted "debating" this "issue" is insulting to Romo, his teammates, and his coaches (you know, those who actually affect the scoreboard). If the Saints were in the playoffs and the Cowboys were out, wouldn't the focus be on Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian instead?
4) The Realization that Wade Phillips is not a Great Coach
This man rode a team that Bill Parcells constructed all season long to a great record and a #1 seed in the playoffs. Seriously, all he had to do was announce who was playing and let his coordinators handle the rest. It's not rocket science that Jason Garrett is about to cash in on this season's (and recent ones') success. Love him or hate him, Parcells was the reason this team was good. He built the team. He taught the team. He instilled hunger, discipline, and camaraderie. Parcells gets all the negative publicity because he was a "harsh" or abrasive coach, but he grounded Owens and humbled Romo and made the Cowboys a team. Don't think for a minute Romo would have played his heart out this season if it wasn't for the Tuna. Congratulations, Bill, since I know you aren't hearing it from anyone else right now. (Double congrats, since Wade doesn't get to hoist your Lombardi trophy.)
3) Eli Mania!
An 8-1 road schedule (although 7 of them were against softies), strong efforts against two juggernauts (Pats + Cowboys), and beating Peyton to a playoff win (it took Eli 4 seasons compared to Peyton's 5) coupled with a Colts loss have the youngest Manning in the spotlight. I've been an Eli-basher for the last few - well, ever since he became a Giant, but I'm actually looking forward to seeing him play next week and next season. Who knows, maybe he'll even get a commercial or two!
2) " T.O. Tissues "
You can say Philly has the best player-haters, but don't let anybody from New York hear you. With his popcorn comment, Owens placed himself directly in the crosshairs of all of the Big Blue Wrecking Crew faithful. Always creative when it comes to taunting, I can't wait to see what Giants fans come up with when he visits East Rutherford next season. After shedding tears during the post-game press conference, I suggest handing out free towel/handkerchiefs with a picture of Owens for Giants fans to wave around all game. Get your T.O. Tissues here!
1) How Guilt Affects Jerry Jones
Jerry Jones committed the first and foremost Cardinal Sin against the Sports Gods. All that good karma that the 'Boys received while the Romo-Simpson relationship was being scrutinized by everyone who can't mind their own business and find it necessary to pry into others' affairs was thrown out the window in one fell swoop by Jones, who gave out conference championship tickets to players and others before and during Sunday's game. Why one of his players didn't punch him in the face is beyond me. It is one thing to be confident. It is another to blatantly disrespect the Sports Gods. Well Jerry, I guess you can take the rest of those tickets and use them to wipe your @$$.
15 January 2008
14 January 2008
Billy Volek, Class of '08
By: Andrew Katz
Let’s face it. There is no way that the Chargers should have won Sunday. Every single factor was against them: playing on the road against the loudest crowd in football, Tomlinson out the second half, the Colts healthier than they had been all season, and to top it off, their QB who was having the best game of his career got injured coming down the stretch. Much like the 2004 World Series, when things looked bleakest for the huge underdog, an unlikely hero came through under the spotlight.
Billy Volek, who coming into the game had just 6 pass yards all season, led the Chargers down the field for a game-winning 8 play, 78 yard TD drive at a point in the game where even the Chargers’ own fans had just about written off their season. Now, the opportunity is there for Volek to enter a very exclusive club. Let’s call it the ‘Dave Roberts Club’ for lack of a better name and because he probably is the most well-known example. The qualifications are simple:
1) A player either makes a play (or in this case a small group of plays) that redefine his image in the minds of every fan of that team, or the moment, to the point where he may have been an everyday player before, but now is immortalized as a full blown hero.
2) When fans of the team think about the accomplishment that earned the player entrance into the World’s Most Exclusive and Hallowed Club, the fan Must get that goosebumpy, chilly feeling.
3) If you saw it live, it’s something you will never forget.
Granted, it will be easier for Volek to enter the club if the Chargers do in fact end up winning the Super Bowl this season, but it feels as if he already can do no harm in the minds of Charger fans (especially if he doesn’t have to play in the Patriots game this weekend.) Here are some examples of ‘members’ to give you an idea of exactly what kind of company Mr. Volek is entering:
Dave Roberts – Roberts’ steal might be the most incredible achievement here because it set in motion a comeback that faced the longest odds of any in sports’ history. Even today when he returns to Boston playing for an opposing team he receives cheers when he comes to the plate.
Bryce Drew – If you saw it, you remember it. With 2.5 seconds to go in a 1st round NCAA tournament game against #3 seeded Ole Miss, No Name A inbounded to No Name B who caught it in the air and without hitting the ground dished it to a streaking Drew. Drew proceeded to hit a leaner from well behind the arc as time expired giving the Crusaders the victory. I also believe this shot to be the sole reason (and rightfully so) why the Rockets selected Drew in the first round of the following year’s draft.
Endy Chavez – Not to brag or anything but….I WAS THERE and I’m pretty sure that I got the last available tickets considering that I was seated in The last row of the upper deck (I am not kidding, there was no person behind me, just a gated wall.) The fact that the Mets lost the game is regardless in respect to the fact that we feel Endy to be the savior. How magical was the moment? When was the last time you heard of someone receiving 2 curtain calls for one play?
Robert Horry – Big Shot Rob actually has a nice collection of game-winning shots to his name, but he seems to be remembered most for his ones as a Laker. His legend actually grew to such extents that two seasons ago in the playoffs, teams were actually double-teaming him at the very end of games on inbounds passes with players like Tony Parker and Tim Duncan on the court. For his career he’s only averaged 7 ppg is there any player you’d rather have shooting a last second shot?
Rex Chapman – Without a doubt, his shot against Sonics to tie the game is the most fun of all-time to recreate with your friends.
Matt Davison – This one happened a little farther back so our younger readers may be unacquainted with one of the greatest catches ever. I watched it live in ’97 and was rooting so hard against Nebraska. It really looked like they were going to lose this game and say goodbye to their title dreams until Frost drove the field and completed this pass on 4th and goal. He’s also always a great trivia question when you need a stumper.
This Sunday I will be cheering hard for the Bolts if only hoping that they can somehow beat New England and then win the Super Bowl so that Volek’s heroic performance isn’t lost in the shuffle of things. No, most ‘Dave Roberts Club’ members don’t deserve the legendary status they have ascertained, but that doesn’t mean we love (or hate) them any less for their accomplishments.
Feel free to post any other candidates for membership to this prestigious club, because who doesn’t love a one hit wonder!
Let’s face it. There is no way that the Chargers should have won Sunday. Every single factor was against them: playing on the road against the loudest crowd in football, Tomlinson out the second half, the Colts healthier than they had been all season, and to top it off, their QB who was having the best game of his career got injured coming down the stretch. Much like the 2004 World Series, when things looked bleakest for the huge underdog, an unlikely hero came through under the spotlight.
Billy Volek, who coming into the game had just 6 pass yards all season, led the Chargers down the field for a game-winning 8 play, 78 yard TD drive at a point in the game where even the Chargers’ own fans had just about written off their season. Now, the opportunity is there for Volek to enter a very exclusive club. Let’s call it the ‘Dave Roberts Club’ for lack of a better name and because he probably is the most well-known example. The qualifications are simple:
1) A player either makes a play (or in this case a small group of plays) that redefine his image in the minds of every fan of that team, or the moment, to the point where he may have been an everyday player before, but now is immortalized as a full blown hero.
2) When fans of the team think about the accomplishment that earned the player entrance into the World’s Most Exclusive and Hallowed Club, the fan Must get that goosebumpy, chilly feeling.
3) If you saw it live, it’s something you will never forget.
Granted, it will be easier for Volek to enter the club if the Chargers do in fact end up winning the Super Bowl this season, but it feels as if he already can do no harm in the minds of Charger fans (especially if he doesn’t have to play in the Patriots game this weekend.) Here are some examples of ‘members’ to give you an idea of exactly what kind of company Mr. Volek is entering:
Dave Roberts – Roberts’ steal might be the most incredible achievement here because it set in motion a comeback that faced the longest odds of any in sports’ history. Even today when he returns to Boston playing for an opposing team he receives cheers when he comes to the plate.
Bryce Drew – If you saw it, you remember it. With 2.5 seconds to go in a 1st round NCAA tournament game against #3 seeded Ole Miss, No Name A inbounded to No Name B who caught it in the air and without hitting the ground dished it to a streaking Drew. Drew proceeded to hit a leaner from well behind the arc as time expired giving the Crusaders the victory. I also believe this shot to be the sole reason (and rightfully so) why the Rockets selected Drew in the first round of the following year’s draft.
Endy Chavez – Not to brag or anything but….I WAS THERE and I’m pretty sure that I got the last available tickets considering that I was seated in The last row of the upper deck (I am not kidding, there was no person behind me, just a gated wall.) The fact that the Mets lost the game is regardless in respect to the fact that we feel Endy to be the savior. How magical was the moment? When was the last time you heard of someone receiving 2 curtain calls for one play?
Robert Horry – Big Shot Rob actually has a nice collection of game-winning shots to his name, but he seems to be remembered most for his ones as a Laker. His legend actually grew to such extents that two seasons ago in the playoffs, teams were actually double-teaming him at the very end of games on inbounds passes with players like Tony Parker and Tim Duncan on the court. For his career he’s only averaged 7 ppg is there any player you’d rather have shooting a last second shot?
Rex Chapman – Without a doubt, his shot against Sonics to tie the game is the most fun of all-time to recreate with your friends.
Matt Davison – This one happened a little farther back so our younger readers may be unacquainted with one of the greatest catches ever. I watched it live in ’97 and was rooting so hard against Nebraska. It really looked like they were going to lose this game and say goodbye to their title dreams until Frost drove the field and completed this pass on 4th and goal. He’s also always a great trivia question when you need a stumper.
This Sunday I will be cheering hard for the Bolts if only hoping that they can somehow beat New England and then win the Super Bowl so that Volek’s heroic performance isn’t lost in the shuffle of things. No, most ‘Dave Roberts Club’ members don’t deserve the legendary status they have ascertained, but that doesn’t mean we love (or hate) them any less for their accomplishments.
Feel free to post any other candidates for membership to this prestigious club, because who doesn’t love a one hit wonder!
12 January 2008
Bison Dele Region + Len Bias Region Breakdowns
Personally, I prefer the stories of Bison Dele and Len Bias. Just about this time last year, Katz and I were spending a typical weeknight with Fred Hickman. Fred, as some of you know, guides 3 a.m. ESPN viewers through an accelerated cut of one of the previous night's NBA game. Basically, at that hour we are in the perfect state of mind to enjoy an abbreviated version highlighted by Fred's presence every 20 minutes. Anyway, during a break in the action the camera pans over the audience, then fixes over a small section. Katz freezes for a split-second, then looks at me and asks, "Is this a Bison Dele sighting?" For those of you who don't know the story and were too lazy to click the Wikipedia link, Bison was at sea with his brother in the South Pacific, but only his brother returned from the trip (Bison's body was never found). We'll never know whether or not it was just a look-a-like, but I like to believe it was really Dele. As for Lenny, well, let's just say I'm not convinced one player has ever deflated the spirits and swapped hope for the resentment of an entire fan base quite like the '86 #2 overall pick (my sympathies, Bill Simmons). It is of note that both players attended Maryland, and also that Dele is an alumnus of his region's top seed, Arizona (which, to be completely honest with you, i just realized 2 seconds ago.) But I digress, so let's jump in...
BISON DELE REGION BREAKDOWN:
(players introduced in the order of: guard/ballhandler, forward/swingman, center/big man)
(1) Arizona v. (8) Minnesota
Arizona: Gilbert Arenas, Andrew Iguodala, RIchard Jefferson
Minnesota: Bobby Jackson, Kris Humphries, Joel Przybilla
Preview: While undersized, this 'Zona team boasts 2 of the most electric scorers in the NBA, let alone the tournament. Iguodala complements them perfectly, as he pretty much does everything in terms of filling up the stat book. Minnesota's got a heads-and-shoulders size advantage with a 7-footer. Both Przybilla and Humphries match up favorably on the low blocks.
Prediction: Arizona
(4) Ohio State v. (5) Florida
Ohio State: Mike Conley, Michael Redd, Greg Oden
Florida: Jason Williams, David Lee, Al Horford
Preview: There's no better way to kick off our tournament than a rematch of last year's national title game, which is fresh in the minds of half the players on the court. Ohio State features a lethal pick-and-roll+kickout combo, although we don't know how Oden will fare against NBA-caliber talent. It was a tough call to pick only two out of Lee/Horford/Joakim Noah/Mike Miller, but Lee plays with a fire on a Knicks team that inspires little to no passion. He's also a monster on the board (great for the street game), and I had to go with Horford over Noah since he's blossomed earlier and brings more offense.
Prediction: Florida
(3) Georgetown v. (6) Kentucky
Georgetown: Allen Iverson, Jeff Green, Dikembe Mutumbo
Kentucky: Rajon Rondo, Tayshaun Prince, Nazr Mohammad
Preview: A.I. still has the nastiest crossover in the game, can score at will, and shows more ink than skin, which translates into a beautiful street game. With Mutumbo hanging around the rim blocking shots all day, The Answer will as many shots as he needs. Rondo has to find a way to score, but he's a great distributor. Tayshaun is a lockdown defender, and a hot streak (like the one in the video) in a street game can mean a quick victory.
Prediction: Georgetown
(2) Texas v. (7) Cincinatti
Texas: T.J. Ford, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge
Cincinatti: Kenyon Martin, Ruben Patterson, Jason Maxiell
Preview: This makeup of former Longhorns looks to be the most exciting team to watch. Built around speed and athleticism, this team is very well-rounded. Cincinatti will be equally fun to watch, but more in the trainwreck-that-you-can't-look-away-from way, if only because Martin is running the point. Jason Maxiell plays bigger than his size, and attacks the glass with everything he's got and more.
Prediction: Texas
LEN BIAS REGION BREAKDOWN:
(1) Connecticut v. (8) Oregon
UCONN: Caron Butler, Ray Allen, Rudy Gay
Oregon: Luke Ridnour, Fred Jones, Luke Jackson
Preview: Butler has really elevated his game this season, as has Gay. Allen still has the sweetest stroke from the perimeter which balances this team out nicely. Oregon, on the other hand, just can't match the talent level. The Lukes never really panned out to anything, but at least Fred Jones should put on a one-man dunk contest once the Huskies build up a big enough lead to rest on defense.
Prediction: UCONN
(4) Washington v. (5) Illinois
Washington: Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Spencer Hawes
Illinois: Deron Williams, Luther Head, James Augustine
Preview: A Heads-or-Tails matchup, including the only team that features a lineup that played together as well as a team mascot (Katz and I have come to the conclusion that this is Robinson's role on the Knicks). Roy will be interesting to watch, but from what I've seen from Deron in the 4th quarter of close games, he can clearly carry a team.
Prediction: Illinois
(3) Michigan State v. (6) Maryland
Michigan State: Eric Snow, Jason Richardson, Zach Randolph
Maryland: Steve Francis, Steve Blake, Chris Wilcox
Preview: Snow runs the point well, taking smart shots and keeping the offense flowing. J-Rich and Z-Bo bring the blacktop flav. Franchise counters with his high-rising, play-making abilities. Chris Wilcox is jsut as athletic if not more than Randolph. Blake does what white guys do best, catch-and-release from beyond the arc.
Prediction: Michigan State
(2) Georgia Tech v. (7) Louisiana State University
Georgia Tech: Jarrett Jack, Stephon Marbury, Chris Bosh
LSU: Shaquille O'Neal, Tyrus Thomas, Glen Davis
Preview: Georgia Tech features a nice duo of guards to complement Bosh, who should be their primary option. Starbury is arguably the most "street" out of any player in the tournament. LSU is physically the biggest team in the tournament, and the ballhandling duties have been assigned to Shaq by default (and you thought Kenyon Martin was the biggest surprise at guard!!). This game comes down to pure efficiency: turnovers + high-percentage shots.
Prediction: Georgia Tech
BISON DELE REGION BREAKDOWN:
(players introduced in the order of: guard/ballhandler, forward/swingman, center/big man)
(1) Arizona v. (8) Minnesota
Arizona: Gilbert Arenas, Andrew Iguodala, RIchard Jefferson
Minnesota: Bobby Jackson, Kris Humphries, Joel Przybilla
Preview: While undersized, this 'Zona team boasts 2 of the most electric scorers in the NBA, let alone the tournament. Iguodala complements them perfectly, as he pretty much does everything in terms of filling up the stat book. Minnesota's got a heads-and-shoulders size advantage with a 7-footer. Both Przybilla and Humphries match up favorably on the low blocks.
Prediction: Arizona
(4) Ohio State v. (5) Florida
Ohio State: Mike Conley, Michael Redd, Greg Oden
Florida: Jason Williams, David Lee, Al Horford
Preview: There's no better way to kick off our tournament than a rematch of last year's national title game, which is fresh in the minds of half the players on the court. Ohio State features a lethal pick-and-roll+kickout combo, although we don't know how Oden will fare against NBA-caliber talent. It was a tough call to pick only two out of Lee/Horford/Joakim Noah/Mike Miller, but Lee plays with a fire on a Knicks team that inspires little to no passion. He's also a monster on the board (great for the street game), and I had to go with Horford over Noah since he's blossomed earlier and brings more offense.
Prediction: Florida
(3) Georgetown v. (6) Kentucky
Georgetown: Allen Iverson, Jeff Green, Dikembe Mutumbo
Kentucky: Rajon Rondo, Tayshaun Prince, Nazr Mohammad
Preview: A.I. still has the nastiest crossover in the game, can score at will, and shows more ink than skin, which translates into a beautiful street game. With Mutumbo hanging around the rim blocking shots all day, The Answer will as many shots as he needs. Rondo has to find a way to score, but he's a great distributor. Tayshaun is a lockdown defender, and a hot streak (like the one in the video) in a street game can mean a quick victory.
Prediction: Georgetown
(2) Texas v. (7) Cincinatti
Texas: T.J. Ford, Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge
Cincinatti: Kenyon Martin, Ruben Patterson, Jason Maxiell
Preview: This makeup of former Longhorns looks to be the most exciting team to watch. Built around speed and athleticism, this team is very well-rounded. Cincinatti will be equally fun to watch, but more in the trainwreck-that-you-can't-look-away-from way, if only because Martin is running the point. Jason Maxiell plays bigger than his size, and attacks the glass with everything he's got and more.
Prediction: Texas
LEN BIAS REGION BREAKDOWN:
(1) Connecticut v. (8) Oregon
UCONN: Caron Butler, Ray Allen, Rudy Gay
Oregon: Luke Ridnour, Fred Jones, Luke Jackson
Preview: Butler has really elevated his game this season, as has Gay. Allen still has the sweetest stroke from the perimeter which balances this team out nicely. Oregon, on the other hand, just can't match the talent level. The Lukes never really panned out to anything, but at least Fred Jones should put on a one-man dunk contest once the Huskies build up a big enough lead to rest on defense.
Prediction: UCONN
(4) Washington v. (5) Illinois
Washington: Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Spencer Hawes
Illinois: Deron Williams, Luther Head, James Augustine
Preview: A Heads-or-Tails matchup, including the only team that features a lineup that played together as well as a team mascot (Katz and I have come to the conclusion that this is Robinson's role on the Knicks). Roy will be interesting to watch, but from what I've seen from Deron in the 4th quarter of close games, he can clearly carry a team.
Prediction: Illinois
(3) Michigan State v. (6) Maryland
Michigan State: Eric Snow, Jason Richardson, Zach Randolph
Maryland: Steve Francis, Steve Blake, Chris Wilcox
Preview: Snow runs the point well, taking smart shots and keeping the offense flowing. J-Rich and Z-Bo bring the blacktop flav. Franchise counters with his high-rising, play-making abilities. Chris Wilcox is jsut as athletic if not more than Randolph. Blake does what white guys do best, catch-and-release from beyond the arc.
Prediction: Michigan State
(2) Georgia Tech v. (7) Louisiana State University
Georgia Tech: Jarrett Jack, Stephon Marbury, Chris Bosh
LSU: Shaquille O'Neal, Tyrus Thomas, Glen Davis
Preview: Georgia Tech features a nice duo of guards to complement Bosh, who should be their primary option. Starbury is arguably the most "street" out of any player in the tournament. LSU is physically the biggest team in the tournament, and the ballhandling duties have been assigned to Shaq by default (and you thought Kenyon Martin was the biggest surprise at guard!!). This game comes down to pure efficiency: turnovers + high-percentage shots.
Prediction: Georgia Tech
Eddie Griffin Region and Bobby Phills Region Breakdowns
Seeing as the deaths of Bobby Phills (drag racing David Wesley, serious question that was never answered by the way: Who won the race?) and Eddie Griffin (drove into a train) are my favorites of the four, I will be breaking down those two brackets.
EDDIE GRIFFIN REGION BREAKDOWN:
(1) Wake Forest v. (8) Iowa
The Players (G, F, C):
Wake Forest – Chris Paul, Josh Howard, Tim Duncan
Iowa – Ricky Davis, Adam Haluska, Reggie Evans
Preview: Wake brings the perfect blend of talent and team work to this tournament and has to be considered a favorite. If they have a weakness, it is that they don’t have a dominant scorer who was made to play in a street ball type game. Ricky Davis has the flair of the street ballers that you’ve seen on ESPN but it’s tough to see these Hawkeyes matching up defensively.
Pick: Wake Forest
(4) Marquette v. (5) Arkansas
The Players:
Marquette – Travis Diener, Dwyane Wade, Steve Novak
Arkansas – Jamero Pargo, Joe Johnson, Ronnie Brewer
Preview: Marquette favors to rely heavily on Wade and even though Novak is 6’11”, he is a liability on defense. Arkansas is small at the center position so expect Novak to be hoisting 3’s over Brewer all day. Johnson against Wade is what we’re really anticipating though; these two should be going back and forth all night.
Pick: Arkansas
(3) Alabama v. (6) Villanova
The Players:
Alabama – Mo Williams, Gerald Wallace, Antonio McDyess
Villanova – Kyle Lowry, Randy Foye, Tim Thomas
Preview: Alabama, much like Wake, is a good, all-around team, if only slightly less talented than the Demon Deacons. Fortunately for ‘Bama they have the advantage of having a straight THUG in Gerald Wallace on their side in a street ball game, so that’s got to count for something. Villanova counters with the worst human being alive (next to ‘Sheed,) Tim Thomas, and a couple of young but talented guards. If Foye catches fire, the Tide could see their title dreams fade away like Mcdyess’s knees.
Pick: Alabama
(2) Kansas v. (7) Florida State
The Players:
Kansas – Kirk Hinrich, Paul Pierce, Drew Gooden
Florida State - Sam Cassell, Al Thornton, Alexander Johnson
Preview: It’s tough to imagine anyone on FSU’s trio guarding Pierce and Gooden should have a mismatch against whoever guards him so this game could be over fairly quickly.Florida State is very young and it’s unclear how Johnson and Thornton will play, but if The World’s Ugliest Human can shoot and dish it out at his advanced age then this could be a game.
Pick: Kansas
BOBBY PHILLS REGION
(1) UNC v. (8) Stanford
The Players:
UNC – Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, Antawn Jamison
Stanford – Brevin Knight, Josh Childress, Jason Collins
Preview: UNC’s lack of a true point guard is made up for by their high level of talent and ‘thugness.’ Physically they match up with anyone and it will be interesting to see how teams guard against the duel 7’0” threat of ‘Sheed and ‘Tawn. For Stanford, if either Childress or Collins manages to get open, Knight will find them seeing as he’s been one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA for years.
Pick: UNC
(4) Syracuse v. (5) Wisconsin
The Players:
Syracuse – Jason Hart, Carmelo Anthony, Hakim Warrick
Wisconsin – Devin Harris, Alondo Tucker. Michael Finley
Preview: This should be one of the best games of the first round. Wisconsin enters a roster of good, all-around players however their lack of size could be an issue. Syracuse figures to rely heavily on Melo and it’s tough to envision anyone stopping him. The x-factor could be the play of Hakim Warrick considering his size advantage over whoever guards him.
Pick: Syracuse
(3) UCLA v. (6) Utah
The Players:
UCLA – Baron Davis, Jason Kapono, Ryan Hollins
Utah – Andre Miller, Michael Doleac, Andrew Bogut
Preview: Utah shapes up to be the most dangerous 6th seed considering the matchup problems their size could create. Ryan Hollins showed us two years ago against Florida that even though he is 7’0” he has difficulties guarding men his own size. UCLA will need Baron to make smart decisions when he drives the lane, but even if he does run into that big Australian, Kapono will be waiting on the wing to drill a three ball. This should be a fast paced game with little defense where possessions that don’t result in a score could be rare.
Pick: UCLA
(2) Duke v. (7) Gonzaga
The Players:
Duke – Grant Hill, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand
Gonzaga – Dan Dickau, Adam Morrison, Ronny Turiaf
Preview: Duke shouldn’t have much of a problem here considering the monsters they have down low. It will be interesting to watch Hill run the point in this tune-up game, but judging by his ball handling skills it shouldn’t be hard for him to make the transition there. The only way Gonzaga makes this a game is if Morrison, one of the guys who figures to play his heart out in this tourney, catches fire. Unfortunately for the Zags, they may be the worst defensive team of the 32 and it really shouldn’t be legal to have Boozer posting up Morrison.
Pick: Duke
EDDIE GRIFFIN REGION BREAKDOWN:
(1) Wake Forest v. (8) Iowa
The Players (G, F, C):
Wake Forest – Chris Paul, Josh Howard, Tim Duncan
Iowa – Ricky Davis, Adam Haluska, Reggie Evans
Preview: Wake brings the perfect blend of talent and team work to this tournament and has to be considered a favorite. If they have a weakness, it is that they don’t have a dominant scorer who was made to play in a street ball type game. Ricky Davis has the flair of the street ballers that you’ve seen on ESPN but it’s tough to see these Hawkeyes matching up defensively.
Pick: Wake Forest
(4) Marquette v. (5) Arkansas
The Players:
Marquette – Travis Diener, Dwyane Wade, Steve Novak
Arkansas – Jamero Pargo, Joe Johnson, Ronnie Brewer
Preview: Marquette favors to rely heavily on Wade and even though Novak is 6’11”, he is a liability on defense. Arkansas is small at the center position so expect Novak to be hoisting 3’s over Brewer all day. Johnson against Wade is what we’re really anticipating though; these two should be going back and forth all night.
Pick: Arkansas
(3) Alabama v. (6) Villanova
The Players:
Alabama – Mo Williams, Gerald Wallace, Antonio McDyess
Villanova – Kyle Lowry, Randy Foye, Tim Thomas
Preview: Alabama, much like Wake, is a good, all-around team, if only slightly less talented than the Demon Deacons. Fortunately for ‘Bama they have the advantage of having a straight THUG in Gerald Wallace on their side in a street ball game, so that’s got to count for something. Villanova counters with the worst human being alive (next to ‘Sheed,) Tim Thomas, and a couple of young but talented guards. If Foye catches fire, the Tide could see their title dreams fade away like Mcdyess’s knees.
Pick: Alabama
(2) Kansas v. (7) Florida State
The Players:
Kansas – Kirk Hinrich, Paul Pierce, Drew Gooden
Florida State - Sam Cassell, Al Thornton, Alexander Johnson
Preview: It’s tough to imagine anyone on FSU’s trio guarding Pierce and Gooden should have a mismatch against whoever guards him so this game could be over fairly quickly.Florida State is very young and it’s unclear how Johnson and Thornton will play, but if The World’s Ugliest Human can shoot and dish it out at his advanced age then this could be a game.
Pick: Kansas
BOBBY PHILLS REGION
(1) UNC v. (8) Stanford
The Players:
UNC – Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, Antawn Jamison
Stanford – Brevin Knight, Josh Childress, Jason Collins
Preview: UNC’s lack of a true point guard is made up for by their high level of talent and ‘thugness.’ Physically they match up with anyone and it will be interesting to see how teams guard against the duel 7’0” threat of ‘Sheed and ‘Tawn. For Stanford, if either Childress or Collins manages to get open, Knight will find them seeing as he’s been one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA for years.
Pick: UNC
(4) Syracuse v. (5) Wisconsin
The Players:
Syracuse – Jason Hart, Carmelo Anthony, Hakim Warrick
Wisconsin – Devin Harris, Alondo Tucker. Michael Finley
Preview: This should be one of the best games of the first round. Wisconsin enters a roster of good, all-around players however their lack of size could be an issue. Syracuse figures to rely heavily on Melo and it’s tough to envision anyone stopping him. The x-factor could be the play of Hakim Warrick considering his size advantage over whoever guards him.
Pick: Syracuse
(3) UCLA v. (6) Utah
The Players:
UCLA – Baron Davis, Jason Kapono, Ryan Hollins
Utah – Andre Miller, Michael Doleac, Andrew Bogut
Preview: Utah shapes up to be the most dangerous 6th seed considering the matchup problems their size could create. Ryan Hollins showed us two years ago against Florida that even though he is 7’0” he has difficulties guarding men his own size. UCLA will need Baron to make smart decisions when he drives the lane, but even if he does run into that big Australian, Kapono will be waiting on the wing to drill a three ball. This should be a fast paced game with little defense where possessions that don’t result in a score could be rare.
Pick: UCLA
(2) Duke v. (7) Gonzaga
The Players:
Duke – Grant Hill, Carlos Boozer, Elton Brand
Gonzaga – Dan Dickau, Adam Morrison, Ronny Turiaf
Preview: Duke shouldn’t have much of a problem here considering the monsters they have down low. It will be interesting to watch Hill run the point in this tune-up game, but judging by his ball handling skills it shouldn’t be hard for him to make the transition there. The only way Gonzaga makes this a game is if Morrison, one of the guys who figures to play his heart out in this tourney, catches fire. Unfortunately for the Zags, they may be the worst defensive team of the 32 and it really shouldn’t be legal to have Boozer posting up Morrison.
Pick: Duke
Bracket for NCAA Alumni Pride Tournament
(1) Wake Forest | |||||||
(8) Iowa | |||||||
(5) Arkansas | |||||||
(4) Marquette | |||||||
(3) Alabama | |||||||
(6) Villanova | |||||||
(7) Florida St. | |||||||
(2) Kansas | |||||||
(2 Duke | |||||||
(7) Gonzaga | |||||||
(6) Utah | |||||||
(3) UCLA | |||||||
(4) Syracuse | |||||||
(5) Wisconsin | |||||||
(8) Stanford | |||||||
(1) UNC | |||||||
(1) Arizona | Winner | ||||||
(8) Minnesota | |||||||
(5) Florida | |||||||
(4) Ohio St. | |||||||
(3) Georgetown | |||||||
(6) Kentucky | |||||||
(7) Cincinnati | |||||||
(2) Texas | |||||||
(2) Georgia Tech | |||||||
(7) LSU | |||||||
(6) Maryland | |||||||
(3) Mich St. | |||||||
(4) Wash | |||||||
(5) Illinois | |||||||
(8) Oregon | |||||||
(1) UConn |
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