UVA aims for redemption among a new blockbluster appeal in athletics

  The season for fall foilage is around the corner with events and athletics about to take rise in Charlottesville.  Sure the air is not always crisp yet the new recruits with a new age appeal is ready for a challenge on schedule.  The NCAA tournament is fine for a second try for the steady improvement Cavaliers in 2013.  Sure they went down in a real battle last season and success over competitors such Wisconsin, Duke, and North Carolina count. 

No surefire bet takes away from the talent pool like the UVA fan base knows deep down.  The walk-around routine for red-shirt freshman is okay yet won't earn them a top spot off the bench.  Mike Scott carries the torch through his team leadership (double-double stat in school history)  from previous years over to upcoming senior Joe Harris(15+ ppg *ACC).  A fine achievement in UVA record books among leaders such as Ralph Sampson. 

  The no tolerance effect for athletic probation isn't a issue for most scholarship athletics.  What comes as real makes for a true time tradition with even academic high standards.  This is not to mention that even a few class clowns can't get into the action on the court.  A dumb rule through Division I athletics is to suspend a player for a minor violation away from the game.  Officials may have to change the rule book for such a special case.    

  The new blood must pick up the slack for a disappointing final to last season as UVA accepts only a NIT birth.  The sportsmanship for the Cavs was excellent unlike the rest from other conference contenders.  Last to earn a final cheer before a depart, Jontel Evans (Hampton standout) made his time well spent as a Wahoo even for a valuable education.  Nothing else matters in a hostile enviroment outside C'ville.  The true way with navy blue can measure their potential for quality schedule for the upcoming fall season.    

 

Florida State claims ACC title in a hard fought encounter against UNC

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Going into the ACC championship the Seminoles were all ears, knowing they were the underdogs in a classic matchup. No. 4 UNC gave them trouble moreso in the second half as they finished off turnovers for easy fast-break points and hitting 3-pointers down the stretch. It was the 17th ranked Seminoles' guard Michael Snaer who took over with threes of his won to notch 18 points. He hit big shots when his team needed them the most.

On the other side for the Tarheels it was Harrison Barnes trying to keep pace with scoring as he finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The Heels needed someone to step up in the absence due to injury of John Henson. Working their way back to cut the lead to 1 with under 2 minutes to play UNC was outscored 49-40 in the first half. Kendall Marshall drained a 3-pointer late to make it a one possession game. Still Florida State scored at the other end and the Tarheels had to connect on another outside shot and didn't get a good look.

As a result FSU recorded the first ever ACC championship in school history. A big day truly for Coach Leonard Hamilton and his Seminole seniors. They made it exciting, playing with much spirit and intensity. Congratulations to FSU!

Knicks and Lin come up empty against Heat

In Miami the All-Star Trio was too much for the Knicks. Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh combined for 67 total points. Lebron was close to a triple-double. The Heat lead most of the game with a defensive shutdown on Jeremy Lin, the point guard everyone has been raving about. Too many turnovers cost Lin and the Knicks the possible victory. Carmelo Anthony did his best yet it wasn't enough to hold off the strong Heat attack lead by James.

During the second half the Knicks also needed to foul less. As the result the Heat Superstars made it count at the line when it mattered most. With the All-Star break coming up the Heat are atop the league in first place where the Knicks have to recuperate after dropping a few games whereas they were winners of 7 in a row with their resurgent offense.

Ken Griffey Jr. a Hall Of Fame inductee before 2014?

Throughout his outstanding career Ken Griffey Jr. proved to be a true gamer and excellent athlete. With Hall of Fame nominations in order in the coming years he will be a prime candidate for selection. I predict he will make it in there by 2014. His career numbers hold up despite all those nasty injuries. He has over 600 total homeruns and past 1,000 career RBIs. He postseason credentials will definitely favor him a bit too with a solid .300-plus average. It's a shame he didn't win a World Series title. He so deserving of a ring. He's most known for his leaping catch and hitting heroics as a Seattle Mariner. There I will always cherish him. He's to him as a great future legend!

NL West, a tough division this year

After the break the NL West is still in a tough division race. The Dodgers dropped 2 straight against the Cardinals this week. Manny Ramirez made his return yet didn't help them win. Still L.A. is hanging around in second place. The Rockies and Giants are also up there in the standings. Both playing well. Giants starter Tim Lincecum looks sharp again this year. He's enabling his team to stay afloat and maintain good ground.

At current the Dodgers are stationed three and a half games back in the division with a 49-41 record. Leading in first is the surprise Padres capturing a 52-37 mark. Their offense has really kicked into high gear with the likes of Adrian Gonzalez and young talent. I don't know who has the best pitching in the West, but the Rockies have a darn good starting rotation. They go on their streaks and made good acquisitions to strengthen that lineup (ex. Jason Giambi).

I can't see the Dodgers taking over sole possession of first place to go after another title just yet. They still have their work to do in the league. Plus they have to stay healthy, keeping Ramirez, Either, Kemp, and Blake going strong. They also have a fairly good bullpen with Kershaw and Billingsly leading the way in the rotation. Look for them to make the run in out west and give the Padres a serious challenge for contention. Manny will finish up on another power year too. They got good depth and are favorable to make it to the postseason again.

New NBA deals and trades

After all the smoke and talk cleared about Lebron James the NBA had got back to swinging trades. The Miami Heat picked up another solid veteran in Zydrunas Illgauskas this week. He wants to sign a two-year contract. He'll be joining the likes of teammate Lebron, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Michael Beasley. Also worked out in a trade was Tyson Chandler from the Bobcats to the Dallas Mavericks. The West coast contender deals away Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, and few younger players. This was a wise move. The former Hornets Center will make a nice defensive piece to the unit in Dallas.

The Washington Wizards departed ways with point guard Randy Foye as he heads to a new team out west. In D.C. they're banking on their young talent acquired in the talent and acquisitions to fill the void. They put much hope and expectation into new rookie standout, John Wall. Al Jefferson moves to the Jazz in a deal from Minnesota. The Lakers welcome in guard Steve Blake in a new ink deal. The Orlando Magic will be good next season too. I like the Mavs came out the smartest in their trade decision. Plenty more moving and shaking is yet to happen in the NBA off-season.

All-Star festivities a blast, Ortiz homerun champ

An exciting set of events completed approaching the All-Star Game today. The homerun derby in Anaheim, CA was fun for all involved. The participants slugged away, over 84 dingers in all after the first round or so. Corey Hart and Hanley Ramirez represented the National League well. They combined for over 25 long balls their first time around. Nick Swisher, Chris Young, Vernon Wells, and Matt Holiday got into the swing of it too. Miguel Cabrera and David Ortiz did their favors for the AL. It turned into a real slugfest. One fly ball traveled 485 ft. to the outfield. When the event was over David Ortiz was crowned the homerun champ.

The Old-Timers classic was a thrill. Same goes for the celebrity challenges. The celebrities get in there and made the game interesting. Several involved included: Bo Jackson, John Kruk, Tim Salmon, Rickey Henderson, Mike Piazza, Jennie Finch, Mario Lopez, Marisa Miller, and Goose Gossage among others. The AL blasted off with homeruns early in the lst inning, tacking 5 runs on the board. Their rival group came back with runs yet trailed most of the contest. Henderson had 2 lead-off homeruns as Tim Salmon added a pair himself. After a string of hits and ball-bashing innings the AL pulled out the stops and won with 15 runs scored. They had a field day.