Jamison drops 30 points as Wiz win 93-89

The Wizards took back a little of their stride last night against the Rockets in an 89-87 victory. Everyone in the NBA expects the Wizards to drift away for the rest of the season despite a low octane lineup. The man of the night was Antawn Jamison who scored 30 points while snatching up 12 rebounds. Having a 6-23 record wasn't what Washington had in mind for the year. The supporting cast for the Wizards tallied 69 points as bite contributions helped a little to put away Houston.

It's a shame this once vibrant, exciting has lost it's flair due to injuries, discrepancies between players at times off the court, and poor management by the GM. This doesn't mean the franchise has yet to experience it's share of success over the years. Without prime-time scorer Gilbert Arenas in the mix the Wizards have less than viable means to even finish with a decent record. Nonetheless, Washington is striving for a better future after their passionate coach was fired earlier this year and fans will have to renew interest in this potentially contending team. Next year will be their chance at redemption. With Caron Butler and Jamison the Wiz can at least salvage the season.

Favorism in college sports is ruining classic, valued traditions

Once ago the game of basketball held it's sacred traditions with fiery passions and commitment to excellence. This means money and perks wasn't involved at the college level because educational organizations cared about people. Family values don't exist like they used to in the real world. Colleges such as UNC at Chapel Hill are accustomed to the richer side when it comes to succeeding in sports as well as academics. Small town, simple folks have it tough as they have to compromise everything they nearly believe in because no one in these types of environment who are suppose to leaders don't make the right decisions always. Okay, basically what that means is Roy Williams doesn't want me at UNC because he thinks I'm a hot-blooded smart-ass ass clown.

To spiritually believe in anything a college student coping with academic situations with intense pressure and hectic schedules are lead to believe they can accomplish anything they put their mind to because everyone is a winner in life if they work their ass off. Being made an example of in life sometimes shows where colleges' priorities are at times. When it comes to attendance and assistance with scholarships and financial assistance it doesn't matter if those who are over management spills the beans. These are the same individuals who most likely to praise a student or teacher one day and admonish them the next. For example, a student can ask a teacher for help after class for a specific academic or emotional need such as a family matter. As a result a teacher may not be available and misconstrue information to guide a student.

Returning to core values in universities will help to instill confidence and faith in people again. Everyone in these organizations need to learn to work together and show respect. Otherwise structured systems for advancement will continue to shatter and fall by the wayside. I believe that's why showing favorism in all aspects of college sports as well as academic life is utterly wrong. With the right amount of discipline and belief in God all things can be made equal.

Miami Heat making new strides behind Dwayne Wade

With a new surge in the Eastern conference the Miami Heat are looking to regain their strong suit in the Southwest division. Winners of their last 4 games, the Heat have shown the improvement from last year. Having Michael Beasley and his scoring contribution complement Dwayne Wade. In their last game against the Bobcats Wade notched 41 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field as the Heat won 100-96. With a new direction the restructured Miami team are 12-9. With a full, healthy lineup the Heat have enough talent to stay within reach of the top contenders.

As a unit Miami is shooting around 45% per game with Shawn Marion a reliable veteran who will look to make solid contributions in mid-to-late season. They've got much young talent which is being developed yet a few smart trades will put the Heat in a better position to make the playoffs. In the early going, Dwayne Wade has carried the majority of the scoring load while it's expected for the bench to boost their efforts. Miami will also have to cramp down on defense while increasing their offensive momentum. While Michael Beasley aims to please as one of the top rookies in the league the Heat will encounter match-ups with the Knicks, Kings, and Bobcats.

Trail Blazers pull off stunner, strive to impress

As usual the Portland Blazers are at odds end in the Western conference. Nothing will stand in their way, regardless of the circumstances. In a thrilling ending Portland's Steve Nash drained a 3-pointer with a couple seconds to go. This resulted in a 98-97 final over the Toronto Raptors. Fueling the scoring for the Trail Blazers was LaMarcus Aldridge who netted 20 points while second year star Greg Oden who finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds. With the Raptors and Blazers in a scrappy exchange for 48 minutes it was Blake who sealed the deal. The battle between the two competitors resulted in a few bumps took by Chris Bosh, who got banged up in the low post.

It looks as if the Trail Blazers have found the pick-me-up needed with Oden healthy. Brandon Roy is no doubt the leader on the squad who continues to shine and develop with the best in the league. He threw out 7 assists in the win Sunday. The Blazers have earned a 15-7 mark while garnering first place in the Northwest division. With a yearning for the postseason last year Portland can't be stopped and vie for a new chapter in franchise history. That will not be an easy task in the Western conference with so many elite contenders in the mix.

Looking towards next week Portland will be ready for action against the Spurs, Lakers, and Suns. They have their hands full approaching the holidays and will have to strive to stay ahead in the West. Being healthy as a team will make all the difference and having a record that is more than more sub par. As the going to gets tough Portland will have to hang in there. With season rolling along it's vital to keep everyone on cue and ready to bring their uptempo style of play every night.

Chris Paul's team leadership paving way for Hornets

For most NBA teams there is at least one player who defines their identity. The mold which keeps them together. Chris Paul is the keystone to the New Orleans Hornets. Off to another solid start in the West the star point guard has enabled the Hornets to capture a 10-6 record. Thanks in part to a talented supporting cast they will be a contender again in a tenacious league. Averaging 21 ppg and 12 assists Paul is holding his own against the best players at his position while continually getting his teammates active. No one seems to be quicker off the dribble with such excellent court vision as the 4th year point guard. He's right up there will players such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kobe Bryant.

The Hornets' last victory came against the Suns, 104-91 as Chris Paul dished out 15 assists while netting 24 points. Through early December New Orleans have maintained the advantage both on the road and at home, obtaining 5-3 marks respectively. The next task at hand comes against the Grizzles, which won't be much of a challenge. With the team surpassing a .500 winning percentage they can establish ground in the Southwest standings. New Orleans is only a half game behind the Rockets and look to soon take over first place. With a couple days off next week the team should be able to rest and rejuvenate before traveling to Charlotte to face the Bobcats. Having Chris Paul run the show this vibrant, spirit-driven Hornets team will work to stay on top.

NBA gamblers off the court: Barkley vs. Jordan

The NBA has it's history of phenomenal athletes with several prominent superstars who are known for their distinctive excurricular activities. When it comes to making a public exploit of himself Dennis Rodman's name normally surfaces. Rather dealing with unwanted attention due to gambling the two most notable NBA Legends are Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan. It's difficult to determine who is the most outrageous gambler since both are known for rising the stakes quite high and letting it all ride. Between the two I'm sure they've scored big at the casino tables yet both have hit rock bottom at times as well.

Why so much controversy surround what these basketball superstars do outside the game is beyond me. Now if a player is laundering money or committing wire fraud then sure it's going to receive it's share of media attention. Nobody can blame NBA players for wanting to have fun, but when they gamble thousands of dollars away such activities make fans wonder what the heck is their problem. Since it's clear athletes are multi-millionaires, typically living lavish lifestyles it definitely creates a feeling of envy with disapproval. I believe Jordan lost his managerial job with Bobcats partly because of his old gambling habits which took precedence of his chief duties with the team. I think MJ is still the best player of all-time. However, it took too many risks with his personal endeavors leading to his dismissal.

Charles Barkley, the now color commentary partner on TNT seems to have no reservations about gambling at all. He even tells the public how much he dishes out. Being the outspoken, brash guy he is such an admission is more than revealing about his own gambling experiences. I'm pretty sure he manages okay financially still with probably a few endorsements here and there with certain business investments too. Trusting him with money would definitely be a mistake. The average person in his shoes at a casino would go flat broke or empty a savings account within 10 minutes. Who I think is the most impulsive gambler between the two NBA Greats is Charles Barkley because he doesn't make a big fuss after dropping like $500,000 in Atlantic City then losing more a few weeks later when he returns to the casinos.

Georgetown blows out Maryland with relative ease

The Maryland Terrapins received a detrimental learning experience from Georgetown Sunday. The 75-48 loss they suffered revealed their weaknesses. Their inability to shut off entry in the paint on defense proved to be costly. The Hoyas made quick work at the basket, powering home points. Their opponents were cold from the field shooting 31% for the game. Grevis Vasquez, the normally high-scoring guard scored only 2 points while his teammates struggled to find their rhythm. Just 2 Terrapins managed to hit double-digits.

With the win Georgetown bumps his mark to 4-1. They got the best of the competition in the Old Spice Classic. In last night's game their top player was Austin Freeman, who notched 18 points and ripped 6 rebounds. The rest of the scoring was spread among the lineup and bench with a good team effort all around. At current the Hoyas are ranked 21 in the AP and 16 in the Coaches poll. Losing two key players, Patrick Ewing Jr. and Roy Hibbert from last year they are still in tune to rumble this year in the Big East. Coming soon on the schedule they'll have a big obstacle to overcome in preparing to face Memphis.

In the next few weeks Georgetown is set to play American University and Savannah State. They won't face their more difficult match-ups until heading into January against their Big East rivals. With a tremendous low post game and tenacious defense the Hoyas are again going to be a relentless contender to beat. Expect them to move up in the nation's ranking by the end of the month. Another run in the tournaments this year isn't out of the question. Georgetown toughest challenge late down the stretch may be Louisville. They'll always give a spirited, empathic effort against all opponents.