The NFL draft. The NBA playoffs. The MLB opening month.
With these three major sports dominating the air waves, Americans have a steady dosage of sports to wet most any appetite. However, there is little love given to the NHL playoffs. Everyone is raving about the Celtics/Bulls series with multiple overtimes and clutch performances, but a glance into the frozen major sport would show much more than a couple of interesting series.
The number one seed in the West was beat in six games by the red hot eighth seed Anaheim Ducks. Can you imagine the uproar had the Lakers lost in six games in the first round? Two game sevens were closed out with one goal victories via last minute goals last night. That would be the equivalent of two buzzer beaters in the same night from two different teams in the NBA.
This may be crazy, but hockey is the BEST sport to watch live, edging out football, basketball, and baseball. On the flip side, hockey is the worst sport to watch on TV. Many don't give it a fair chance because they haven't experienced a contest in person. Call me crazy, but there are way better athletes in hockey than the majority of baseball players and even some basketball and football players. I implore you to attend a local game next season and jump on the frozen bandwagon that is the greatest sports gig around. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
58 Is Great... But Not Great Enough
The NBA's Western Conference is a much tougher road to the NBA Finals than what the Cavaliers and Celtics have to take in the East. Despite that tough road, the Lakers and Nuggets have handled their business thus far and look good doing it. However, most will say that the Nuggets have been more impressive than the top seed Lakers, especially evident by a 58 point trouncing of the Chris Paul led Hornets.
58 is all well and good, but being able to cruise in the early rounds doesn't automatically lead to a championship. The Lakers last year steam rolled through the Western Conference playoffs while the Eastern Conference Celtics battled en route to the finals. When the two met, the battle tested Celtics prevailed. Two years ago saw the New England Patriots complete the first ever 16-0 season in the NFL, but saw them fall short in the Super Bowl when they couldn't come through in the clutch.
The Lakers were up by 20 in three games in their first series and saw all of those leads reduced to single digits. They are starting to develop the mental fortitude they didn't have last season. All signs lead to a Lakers/Nuggets clash in the Western Conference finals, but will see that the battle tested Lakers, who have had a target on their back all season, will come out on top. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
58 is all well and good, but being able to cruise in the early rounds doesn't automatically lead to a championship. The Lakers last year steam rolled through the Western Conference playoffs while the Eastern Conference Celtics battled en route to the finals. When the two met, the battle tested Celtics prevailed. Two years ago saw the New England Patriots complete the first ever 16-0 season in the NFL, but saw them fall short in the Super Bowl when they couldn't come through in the clutch.
The Lakers were up by 20 in three games in their first series and saw all of those leads reduced to single digits. They are starting to develop the mental fortitude they didn't have last season. All signs lead to a Lakers/Nuggets clash in the Western Conference finals, but will see that the battle tested Lakers, who have had a target on their back all season, will come out on top. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Monday, April 27, 2009
I Pity The Fool Who Leaves School
The 256th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft and new Mr. Irrelevant is... Ryan Succop, kicker out of South Carolina University.
With these words came the conclusion of a part of the NFL offseason that began the day after the Super Bowl. There is a spotlight on the elite college players that are almost assured of millions and a prosperous career. However there are the other 200 plus picks that will be comprised of lesser known sophomores, juniors, and seniors. With the sophomores and juniors, you have young individuals who are persuaded by money hungry family and agents.
Sure, there are the Matthew Stafford's and Mark Sanchez's who left early and cashed in. On the other hand, there are those that leave early and get drafted in 6th or 7th round, or in some cases, not at all. Had they spent ONE MORE YEAR in school, it could be the difference between minimum wage/getting cut/not getting picked at all and great guaranteed money and a more solid future. These kids trade in the thought of a quick buck versus the "grind" of one more year in school.
I know this is America, land of the free and free choice, but this free choice ends up resembling Charles Darwin's natural selection theory with these student-athletes ending up on the extinction list. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
With these words came the conclusion of a part of the NFL offseason that began the day after the Super Bowl. There is a spotlight on the elite college players that are almost assured of millions and a prosperous career. However there are the other 200 plus picks that will be comprised of lesser known sophomores, juniors, and seniors. With the sophomores and juniors, you have young individuals who are persuaded by money hungry family and agents.
Sure, there are the Matthew Stafford's and Mark Sanchez's who left early and cashed in. On the other hand, there are those that leave early and get drafted in 6th or 7th round, or in some cases, not at all. Had they spent ONE MORE YEAR in school, it could be the difference between minimum wage/getting cut/not getting picked at all and great guaranteed money and a more solid future. These kids trade in the thought of a quick buck versus the "grind" of one more year in school.
I know this is America, land of the free and free choice, but this free choice ends up resembling Charles Darwin's natural selection theory with these student-athletes ending up on the extinction list. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Deal or No Deal
The NFL Draft is just two short days away. A mass collection of former college players are hoping to be one of the 252 players drafted over the weekend. Within that collection, an elite group is vying for the top 10 picks that will guarantee them millions in signing bonus money. Within that group, there are three that have a chance to be selected number one by the Detroit Lions, guaranteeing them around $25 million up front and $60 million over five years.
$60 million dollars as a 22 year old right out of college. What an honor.
Many of us will never see anything near that money in our entire lifetime, let alone in a five year period. However, there have been individuals who have complained about this money. Two years ago, number one pick Jamarcus Russell held out of training camp because of contract issues. The Raiders wanted to give him around $57 million, which wasn't enough, so he held out until right before the season for $4 million more. To me, what is an extra $4 million when you are getting that much money? As a result, he lost valuable time and his career may never take off as it could have had he reported to camp on time.
Last year, the Miami Dolphins signed the number one pick Jake Long to a contract before the draft, he ended up coming to camp, starting 16 games, and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Taking these two tales into account, it is no surprise that the Detroit Lions are trying to lock up Matthew Stafford to avoid any possible hold out. I will never get it, but he should sign the dotted line and don't let greedy agents dictate their actions. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
$60 million dollars as a 22 year old right out of college. What an honor.
Many of us will never see anything near that money in our entire lifetime, let alone in a five year period. However, there have been individuals who have complained about this money. Two years ago, number one pick Jamarcus Russell held out of training camp because of contract issues. The Raiders wanted to give him around $57 million, which wasn't enough, so he held out until right before the season for $4 million more. To me, what is an extra $4 million when you are getting that much money? As a result, he lost valuable time and his career may never take off as it could have had he reported to camp on time.
Last year, the Miami Dolphins signed the number one pick Jake Long to a contract before the draft, he ended up coming to camp, starting 16 games, and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Taking these two tales into account, it is no surprise that the Detroit Lions are trying to lock up Matthew Stafford to avoid any possible hold out. I will never get it, but he should sign the dotted line and don't let greedy agents dictate their actions. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
This is no Pre-Olympics Ceremony
West vs. East... Lakers vs. Cavaliers... Kobe vs. Lebron...
Two games into the NBA playoffs and these are the thoughts thus far. It is a fore gone conclusion that the Lakers and Cavaliers will meet in the 2009 finals. However, the comparison between Kobe and Lebron is the most intriguing comparison. You have the heir to Jordan in Kobe and the eventual heir to him in Lebron. Some people want to the pass the torch now, but hold your horses.
Kobe plays in the West; Lebron plays in the East... advantage Kobe.
Kobe's offense vs. Lebron's defense... advantage Kobe.
Lebron's offense vs. Kobe's defense... advantage Lebron.
Clutch in the waining moments of a game... advantage Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is the most complete player in the NBA since Jordan. His offensive game is the most diverse and dominant by far. Lebron can drive and dunk in a game greater than any player EVER, but his mid range, post up, and free throw game is not up to par with Kobe's. When it comes to defense, Lebron has the more explosive blocks that converts to fast break opportunities, but Kobe's footwork and knowledge is better in a one on one matchup against the elite players.
When it comes to who is more clutch, both have had outstanding performances in the last moments of games. That is a push, but Kobe has an aspect of his game that Lebron doesn't have yet. If an opposing team starts making a run, no matter how hot or cold Kobe is, he will take over the game and put an end to that run. Lebron has a more difficult time coming out of slumps mid game to take over when his team needs him most.
Don't get me wrong, Lebron is ahead of where Kobe was at this point in his career, but to compare today's Lebron versus today's Kobe is no debate. Kobe is the better all around player and hands down best player in the league. The torch may be passed one day, but that day is not now. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Two games into the NBA playoffs and these are the thoughts thus far. It is a fore gone conclusion that the Lakers and Cavaliers will meet in the 2009 finals. However, the comparison between Kobe and Lebron is the most intriguing comparison. You have the heir to Jordan in Kobe and the eventual heir to him in Lebron. Some people want to the pass the torch now, but hold your horses.
Kobe plays in the West; Lebron plays in the East... advantage Kobe.
Kobe's offense vs. Lebron's defense... advantage Kobe.
Lebron's offense vs. Kobe's defense... advantage Lebron.
Clutch in the waining moments of a game... advantage Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is the most complete player in the NBA since Jordan. His offensive game is the most diverse and dominant by far. Lebron can drive and dunk in a game greater than any player EVER, but his mid range, post up, and free throw game is not up to par with Kobe's. When it comes to defense, Lebron has the more explosive blocks that converts to fast break opportunities, but Kobe's footwork and knowledge is better in a one on one matchup against the elite players.
When it comes to who is more clutch, both have had outstanding performances in the last moments of games. That is a push, but Kobe has an aspect of his game that Lebron doesn't have yet. If an opposing team starts making a run, no matter how hot or cold Kobe is, he will take over the game and put an end to that run. Lebron has a more difficult time coming out of slumps mid game to take over when his team needs him most.
Don't get me wrong, Lebron is ahead of where Kobe was at this point in his career, but to compare today's Lebron versus today's Kobe is no debate. Kobe is the better all around player and hands down best player in the league. The torch may be passed one day, but that day is not now. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Lions + Fierce = Americas Next Top Model
The Detroit Lions. This team rings three bells in my head: Barry Sanders, Thanksgiving, and losing. Barry Sanders is retired, the annual Thanksgiving game is their yearly highlight, and the losing was more evident after a historically horrid 0-16 season in 2008. The first two are not going to change, but the solution to the losing has been discovered and fixed instantly.
Was it the general manager... no.
Was it the lack of talent... no.
Was it poor coaching... no.
The uniforms have been the issue. That's right, the soft powder blue and silver are fine, but the logo wasn't mean enough. So, the new lion featuring teeth and the "fierce" letters are a sure fire way to turn around one of the worst franchises in NFL history. Give me a break!
To make matters worse, they had six players put on a modeling show on a mini runway. If I were running the show in Detroit, which isn't the craziest idea in the world, I would be in the weight room, class room, or on the field instead of wasting time putting on a show for cameras. You are not the world champion Steelers, who by the way are not putting on a modeling show following their record sixth NFL Championship. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions brought Tyra Banks on as an assistant coach. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Was it the general manager... no.
Was it the lack of talent... no.
Was it poor coaching... no.
The uniforms have been the issue. That's right, the soft powder blue and silver are fine, but the logo wasn't mean enough. So, the new lion featuring teeth and the "fierce" letters are a sure fire way to turn around one of the worst franchises in NFL history. Give me a break!
To make matters worse, they had six players put on a modeling show on a mini runway. If I were running the show in Detroit, which isn't the craziest idea in the world, I would be in the weight room, class room, or on the field instead of wasting time putting on a show for cameras. You are not the world champion Steelers, who by the way are not putting on a modeling show following their record sixth NFL Championship. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions brought Tyra Banks on as an assistant coach. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Monday, April 20, 2009
Second Place is the First Loser
The Boston Marathon is the annual 26.2 mile race that brings the elite runners from around the world the the states. This is the Super Bowl of marathons. Knowing this, one would think Americans would be licking their chops to run on home turf in front of the American faithful. This may be true, but the results in the last 20 plus years show otherwise.
This weekend saw the beginning of the NBA playoffs and the biggest edge teams have is home court advantage. Statistics favor the home team in both individual games and the overall series. I thought the same statistics would apply to running on American soil. However, the Americans, men or women, haven't won this race since 1985. Since then, the best finish has been third place, accomplished today by Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher. People are happy with how we did in comparison to previous years.
WHAT??? HAPPY??? THIRD PLACE???
How are you satisfied with not winning. This is America! We weren't given anything in the beginning. We had to scratch, claw, and work our tails off to get to the top of the food chain. Sure, if you want to consider third place a moral victory, kudos to you, but don't be proud of that because that is when complacency sets in and victory is never acheived.
We have the best facilities, best trainers, and have no reason to have a 24 year dry spell of winning our race. Pick your heads up, get your butt in the gym, and win a race dominated by foreigners in the last quarter century. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
This weekend saw the beginning of the NBA playoffs and the biggest edge teams have is home court advantage. Statistics favor the home team in both individual games and the overall series. I thought the same statistics would apply to running on American soil. However, the Americans, men or women, haven't won this race since 1985. Since then, the best finish has been third place, accomplished today by Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher. People are happy with how we did in comparison to previous years.
WHAT??? HAPPY??? THIRD PLACE???
How are you satisfied with not winning. This is America! We weren't given anything in the beginning. We had to scratch, claw, and work our tails off to get to the top of the food chain. Sure, if you want to consider third place a moral victory, kudos to you, but don't be proud of that because that is when complacency sets in and victory is never acheived.
We have the best facilities, best trainers, and have no reason to have a 24 year dry spell of winning our race. Pick your heads up, get your butt in the gym, and win a race dominated by foreigners in the last quarter century. Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)