Hornets shoot for 3-0 lead tonight against Mavericks

The playoff matchups in the West are shaping up to be highly contested series. The Hornets though look to be in the best position as they take a 2-0 advantage into tonight's game on the road in Dallas. With Paul and the Hornets shooting lights out in Game 1 and 2 the Mavericks have the pressure riding on them. Setting those franchise records has to make New Orleans feel good, they're beaming with confidence and pride now. Chris Paul's red hot play has ignited the Hornets. His back-to-back 30-point plus games with 17 assists in Game 2 blew open the big leads in route to victories.

I'll have to admit the Mavericks are a better team at home, playing in a comfort zone with support from the home crowd. Yet when they can't counter speed and streaky shooting they come unraveled. Dirk's performance or involvement in Game 3 will have a big effect on the outcome. Josh Howard and Jason Kidd don't normally rack up high scoring numbers as the bench will be relied upon to pick up the scoring load. If the Hornets shoot over 60% in a half and duplicate another franchise records-breaking performance I don't know how the Mavs will keep up or stay in the game.

All those who claimed New Orleans didn't stand a chance in the first round may witness more history in the making in the best-of-7 Western conference playoff series. Since the Hornets haven't won at Dallas in 10 years pulling off another big win to go ahead 3-0 would be huge. I expect good games from Tyson Chandler, David West, and Jannero Pargo. The trio combined for 47 points in the 127-109 win at New Orleans. The starting lineup could easily score in double-digits again and run the Mavericks until they're out of gas. Dallas may need an offensive explosion of their own to take the sting out of this heated series.

Frank Thomas sac flies, commitment not good enough for Blue Jays

Toronto doesn't know apparently when they have a good thing going for them. Kicking Frank Thomas to the curve because he didn't want to ride the bench for a couple games is one of the most asinine things I've ever heard of in baseball. First of all, the man known best as the 'Big Hurt' has over 500 career bombs and doesn't deserve to put up with line of bull crap. Obviously, there were issues between him and the coach. I know the $10 million left on his contract wasn't the real reason the Blue Jays wanted to see him leave. If that was the truly the case I hope Frank told management to kiss his ass before walking out the door.

If this arrangement was a mutual agreement I can't imagine Frank was thinking clear. Sounds to me the future Hall of Famer got screwed over royally on this proposition. Why couldn't he just sit on the bench for a few games? Being a DH he's going to get days off anyway and being replaced by Matt Stairs in the lineup couldn't have pushed Thomas to the edge. I don't know why Toronto refused to keep an veteran All-Star slugger around in such a power-driven AL East. What MLB team wouldn't benefit by having Frank Thomas? Any team other the Yankees ought to pick him up as a free-agent.

I know fans don't want to see the Big Hurt retire just yet. Those career numbers are impressive and needs to be recognized and considered by the Blue Jays or other potential buyers in the market. Mistaking frustration of not hitting the baseball for an attitude problem was the main cause of the debacle. If differences can't be worked out Frank ought to take his experience and power bat where he can get respect.

Hornets face ultimate test in first round

The New Orleans was the forgotten team in the NBA for a while. Then they started winning and surprised everyone in the NBA Western conference. After a historic regular season credited with a 56-26 record the Hornets find themselves in a high-pressure challenge with the upcoming playoffs series against the Dallas Mavericks. I don't think it matters that much that New Orleans lost their last 4-of-6 games. Yet many critics feel the young franchise is running on flumes. I have to disagree because the Hornets beat some of the best contenders in the league to earn a no. 2 seed after tying for first place with the Spurs in the Southwest division.

Chris Paul put up lofty numbers among star point guards such as 21.1 ppg, 11.6 assists, and 48.8 % shooting from the field. Everyone knew he earned a spot in the All-Star game. The talent around him only made this team better as the season progressed. Tyson Chandler and David West are key players who have been overlooked. Whether it's crashing the boards, adding a scoring touch, or smothering the opposition with pressure defense the pair are vital to the Hornet's run. The Mavericks coming into the first round series as the favorites seem to have it all. Their experience, depth, and talent can be overwhelming yet the Warriors delivered the knockout blow to them last year.

Dallas would hate to go down again in the first round. That's why I feel the Hornets face the ultimate test. By utilizing their strengths in speed and scoring off transition with timely defensive stops the Hornets can make this one hell of a series. Having a veteran coach in Bryon Scott who has the playoff exposure will also be valuable to the team. Other playoff matchups won't be as thrilling due to the disparity in overall records. For example, Atlanta vs. Boston there is no need to even think about that series. The Hornets fended off the best in the West, playing to the beat of their own drum. I see their series being a challenge of youthful exuberance vs. veteran star power.

Wind patterns and new stadiums effecting early homerun totals

With all the new baseball stadiums built in recent years fans have grown accustomed to seeing a massive output of homeruns. Down the left and right field lines at 315 and 320 feet players certainly can rack up on long ball totals. Just noticing how the wind effects play on the field, there are more chances for errors yet scoreboard operators have to take these conditions into consideration before making a decision. Chicago is known as the windy city and in yesterday's game between the White Sox and Tigers everything went to the home team's favor. The big band came from Paul Konerko's grand slam in the 5th. A deafening blow to the Tigers. Jim Leyland took a different approach with his team after the loss, scolding them for their lack of performance.

Also there were a few 1-run games such as the Rangers and the Blue Jays. The contest didn't end on a high note in extra innings. A sacrifice fly was hit to put Toronto up 5-4 and go on to get the win. Nearly the same result occurred in the Cubs and the Phillies match-up. Derek Lee made a game saving defensive stop which made a big difference. All through this game the wind was a contributing factor which hurt and helped both teams. The Cubs first baseman sprung for 3 and 2 RBIs as well in route to the 6-5 victory. A error at first allowed Chicago to score the go ahead run in the 10th and notched Kerry Wood first win.

Teams will have to rely heavily on their bullpen because of the field conditions and power surge by opposing hitters. The lopsided scores baffle fans, nobody wants to see errors all the time in a game, but it happens. Further into the season players will be settled in and more comfortable than now. As the weather heats up so will the star players. In April teams are really just starting to work out the kinks. Guys need extra rest sometimes and that's okay. In a few months the baseballs will be soaring out the ballparks. Babe Ruth would want it that way as well the great Red Sox, Yankees rivalry to continue.

Warriors powered by Baron Davis' 33 points

Baron Davis lead the charge to victory Tuesday, drawing the Warriors closer to a playoff spot. Experiencing another remarkable season despite the off and on player injuries the Warriors won't quit. Being in such a fierce Western conference Golden State has fought hard to survive. The 140-136 win over the Kings showed their will to succeed. Baron Davis delivered with 33 points and 9 assists. The Lakers and Mavericks will be a thorn in their side, but the Warriors' have dealt with being the underdog in the past.

As the season dwindles down nearing the playoffs Golden State fans must be proud to see how the franchise has made a big turnaround and become a major contender. I like the team chemistry. Their emotions ride so high during games that they thrive off all the energy around them. It would be great to see them in the playoffs. A day off will allow the Warriors to rejuvenate as they get set to play the Nuggets on Thursday before taking on the Clippers and Suns.

Davidson sparks major upset against Georgetown

The underdog reigned supreme Sunday as Davidson fought off the Hoyas 74-70. Few small teams such as Davidson has shown the tenacity to overcome huge obstacles. Delivering the offensive punch Stephen Curry paved the way, scoring 30 points. His efforts helped the Wildcats rally from a 17-point deficit. Now they go on to the Sweet 16 joining a talented pack of talent. No one can underestimate their sharp shooting and ability to go on wild streaks. Guard Jason Richards also notched 20 points in the win as a complimentary effort.

Nobody can dare say Davidson isn't a threat in the tournament. With a 28-6 record overall their competition better take them dead serious. They look on to higher horizons as they will hook up with Wisconsin (3) which shapes up to be a tremendous game. I think it will come down to a 2-3 point game and Wisconsin will get the victory. It wouldn't be out of the ordinary though if the Wildcats headed into the Elite 8. I just think their opponent has a more high powered scoring starting lineup. Stephen Curry will make it interesting with his sweet shooting touch. Best luck to both teams.

UNC ready to do battle against Mount St. Mary's

The Tarheels look to pick up where they left off and enter the NCAA tournament with a burst of energy. Winning the ACC championship against Clemson proved to be fruitful, earning a no. 1 seed. They have to get out early against Mount St. Mary's and don't let up on the defensive pressure. Everyone rooting for the Heels will have high expectations for Tyler Hansbrough as he's delivered so many times in the clutch this season. With UNC's two main point guards got injured the hard-nosed, tenacious junior carried the team on his shoulders. A new challenge awaits them tonight. They can't get too comfortable in this first round matchup because it could come back to bite them.

Learning from the Duke vs. Belmont game, avoiding the same mistakes as their rival, UNC can be better prepared by studing game film. I have a feeling Coach Roy Williams will have his troops charged up with strategies all laid out. The Tarheels though will be responsible for executing these plays. North Carolina thrives on fast-break chances and ought to run as often as possible. Since the Tarheels only allow around 69 points on average by their opponents they shouldn't face a scare against the Mountaineers who held a 11-7 record in the Northeast conference and are 19-14 overall. The action gets underway tonight at 7 p.m. ET on CBS.

Alex Gordon aims to improve performance in Spring Training

I have never been a Kansas City Royals fan. They're just not appealing to me. The franchise has hit new record lows in overall losses in the past 5 years. They have yet to reel in the pool of talent which will make them a winning team. Last year's rookie Alex Gordon was drafted as a top pick hoping to change the Royals outlook. He's looking for a fresh start in Spring Training. Too many veterans have bounced around on this team leaving the young blood on the roster to fend for themselves. I know scouts and the Royals had high expectations for the rookie third baseman. His numbers weren't bad at all: 15 homeruns, 60 RBIs, .247 average, and 12 SB.

It's still going to be a disappointing season for KC. They added a few new additions in outfielder Jose Guillen and starting pitcher Bret Tomko. The last time the Royals won 70 or more games was in 2000 when they finished with a 77-85 record. If Gordon gets lucky he'll become a free agent after his contract expires and move on elsewhere. He's too talented to stay on such a horrible team which usually finishes dead last in the American League. Spring Training will at least give the young guys like Gordon chances to hone their skills, get fundamentals down pat, and improve their overall game. After all the players will learn it's too bad that the Royals will suck again anyway.

Tarheels become ACC champions, gain top seed in tournament

How about them Tarheels! What a splendid finish to the regular season. Winning the ACC tournament on Sunday was icing on the cake and a great highlight to another special season. Clemson battled them and made it close down to the final minute. UNC slowed down the Clemson offense and hit the big shots in the waning shots. A three-pointer by Marcus Ginyard put the game out of reach. Tyler Hansbrough's contributions and hard work were huge, not for just the championship yet the whole ACC tournament. His game-winning shot against Virginia Tech was stunning.

With the Tarheel's 32-2 record they advance into the NCAA tournament as a no. 1 seed scheduled to play most of their games in Charlotte, North Carolina. Coach Roy Williams doesn't believe they have a distinct advantage with the home court to their credit. He thinks it's all about how successful they are on the court, speaking from experience as his 1995 Kansas team made to the 3rd round in Kansas City and lost to Virginia. It really comes down to momentum in the second half unless a team is getting blown out and has no chance at a comeback. The Tarheels will have plenty of supporters packed in the seats. Energy from the crowd won't be a problem.

UNC joins Memphis, Kansas, and UCLA as no. 1 seeds entering the tournament. I know there will be a couple of big upsets. I'll have to look over the bracket again to make my picks since there are some tough matchups. I don't see the Heels running into any major challenges until at the least the Sweet Sixteen. With Ty Lawson back running the offense and the bench playing well I like their chances. One thing I'd like to see more of though is Hansbrough getting more foul called in the paint. He's got whacked several times and not be granted trips to the free-throw line. The refs better call it like they see it in the tournament or else they should be thrown out the game.

A one in a lifetime at-bat for Billy Crystal

I didn't know Major League Baseball made miracles happen for celebrities. I guess it also helps if you attend most of your favorite team's home games, publicly support that team, and have a crap load of cash. The New York Yankees keep surprising people with their recent generous ways. First with announcing they will have a special event next week at Virginia Tech and then allowing actor Billy Crystal to play in a spring training game as the first inning DH. George Steinbreiner really wants to be endearing to fans. He sure doesn't have a problem filling seats in Yankee Stadium every year. I'm glad to see the Yanks extend favors and special opportunities.

Getting to make a debut as a Yankee at any age is a one in a lifetime chance. Just be allowed to step into the batters box and take some hacks seemed to be good enough for Billy Crystal. Sure he struck out, but it was a memorable moment not just for him though also for baseball fans. The Pirates pitcher he faced didn't float any pitches in the zone for him. I'm sure at the next All-Star celebrity and Old Timers game everyone will be ribbing Crystal about his performance. Many fans thought he should have retired before being cut by the team. That way he'd leave the game with dignity. Now if he had the bases loaded and went down on strikes it would've been one of the worst debuts of all-time.

Excited fan manages to greet Lebron on court

I know maintaing security everywhere is more of a concern than it ever. In sports arenas it was should be a top priority. The recent publicity exploit at Madison Square Garden involving a determined basketball fan to race onto the court and shake Lebron James' hand calls their security into question. In today's world this could be potentially disastrous or just plain unsafe. I realize the Knicks have grown accustomed to the fights among fans and their bitterness towards losing, but unauthorized people can't just roam the court to ask for an autograph or greet a favorite player up close. This guy who managed to slip by security probably had no intentions other than to congratulate Lebron on his scoring performance and let him know he was a big fan.

This story would've created a real scare and probably caused the media to blow a gasket if the enthusiastic fan asked the Cavs superstar to sign his shoes and jersey and all of a sudden a handgun fell out of his pants. The same would go for any character who dashed to the sidelines with a wild look on their face and started hollering, "OH SNAP! LEBRON THAT DUNK WAS OFF THE HIZZLE FOR REAL!" Such random outbursts (even though maybe affectionate) shouldn't be allowed at sporting events. I'm not sure what Lebron was thinking when he invited this fan to a later game between the Cavs and Nets. I really like Lebron and admire him, but he may have opened the flood gates to fan interference.

The NBA needs to intervene into this arrangement because it will give other fans the idea this sort of behavior is okay and is rewarded. I know King James cares about his fans and want to keep them satisfied, but buying them tickets as a special gift isn't the answer. He also has to take his own safety into consideration. Fans can enjoy the game from their seats and send shoutouts or boo whomever they want from there. The whole walking on court and getting up close with the players will cause panic and pose a distraction if it's not stopped.

Doc Rivers not satisfied with Celtics' 50 wins

Sitting on top of the East the Boston Celtics are on a 9-game winning streak. To an already stellar star-studded lineup a new veteran guard joins the team in Sam Cassell. He cut ties with the Clippers (real smart move) to play for a contender. With all the positives surrounding the franchise they still aren't content with their 50-12 record. I know they don't want to be too cocky or take the rest of season for granted, but the Celtics don't have to be concerned about the playoffs until that time comes. The only team close to them is the Pistons. Both teams have clinched their divisions.

Doc Rivers was interviewed after the Celtics' 100-86 win over the Sixers. He commented about how the Celtics aren't going to bask in the glory of 50 wins and they have loftier goals to achieve. I understand he wants his players focused and not to get carried away with their success. That doesn't mean his team can't celebrate a little and get excited, come on Doc where is your spirit? With Garnett, Pierce, Allen, and Cassell healthy Boston will be a scary team to face in the playoffs. When a starter like Garnett can hit 11-of-14 field goals for 26 points as he did last night other teams will have a tough time containing their offense.

I think coming down to the final week of the regular season schedule Boston can relax because there will be no point in overextending themselves and risking injury to one of their stars. I can't say they're the best team in the East, but they sure look like it right now. Their real competition in the conference will be the Pistons, Cavaliers, and Magic. As a team the Celts average 101 points per game (allow 90 by opponents) and shoots 39% on three-pointers. Their defense will be tested to great lengths though, and is a weakness they can improve upon. They may not have the long incredible streak of the Houston Rockets, but are well on their way to a fantastic finish.

Rockets on fire with 17-game win streak

One thing is certain in the NBA Western conference, it's going to be a fight to the finish. The Houston Rockets expect to give the other contenders a run for their money. Losing the injured Yao Ming for the rest of the year hasn't slowed down the streaky Rockets. They're riding a 17-game win streak. They've come off an impressive 113-98 win over the Mavs on Thursday night. Tracy McGrady fueled the offense, leading his team to a comeback against a conference opponent they had lost their last 10-of-11 meetings against. McGrady churned out 31 points, delivering in the clutch while adding 9 assists.

Houston is coping well without their star center and have achieved a 41-20 mark, placing them 3rd in the Southwest division, 2.5 games out of first. The starting lineup is playing at another level since Yao went on the shelf and believe they can endure the remainder of the season schedule to clinch the playoffs. It's going to be a bummer for those teams in the West who will win 50 games and still won't enter the playoffs. With the defensive strength supplied through starters Shane Battier and Rafer Alston combined with McGrady timely, consistent scoring the Rockets are well on their way to late season success. Houston will be okay if the bench continues to make solid contributions. They will try to extend their win streak against the Hornets on Saturday.

Tarheels back to no. 1, prevail over FSU 90-77

There is a new no. 1 team in the land and the North Carolina Tarheels couldn't be happier to be in the driver's seat again. They have to also be pleased that star point guard Ty Lawson is back on the court. Though, he's not at 100% he's presence and ability to keep the offense flowing is pivotal to UNC's success. Last night in Chapel Hill the Tarheels made the most of Senior Night and put on a great show. Florida State forced the Heels to work for leads in the first half. The hot shooting from the field did the Seminoles in and their inability to make defensive stops in the final 10 minutes.

North Carolina shot 54% in the game to Florida State's 43%. The dominant force once again inside was Tyler Hansbrough. He was the top scorer with 20 points while pulling down 9 rebounds. The Carolina Seniors, Quinton Thomas and Surly Wood got their moments of glory, leading the floor in the second half to standing ovations. It's good to see the seniors get their chance to shine and play well on a special night. Points off second chance offensive boards was put for the Tarheels. They out rebounded their opponent 41-27. With the win wrapped up the Heels look to get the no. 1 seed in the ACC tournament.

The end of the regular season schedule is most anticipated for UNC as they'll square off with the nemesis on Saturday in an ACC showdown. I know this game has potential for greatness and usually comes down to the final possession or goes into overtime. If the Tarheels head into the tournament with a 29-2 (counting on a victory over Duke) that will be awesome. I have to believe when the Tarheels are at full speed and strength they're one of the toughest teams to beat in the nation. Now suck on that Blue Devils! Woooooooooo! GO TARHEELS!!

Wizards knock off hot Hornets, Jamison flourishes with big game

The New Orleans Hornet took the Western conference by surprise. With a 1.5 games behind the Spurs in the Southwest division. they came into Washington last night coming off a big win against the Utah Jazz over the weekend. Unfortunately, the Wizards refused to become another one of their victims. The offensive firepower wasn't there for the Hornets who normally play with high energy and offensive intensity. Without Gilbert Arenas or Caron Butler on the court Washington found their scoring solution in Antawn Jamison. He lead them to a 101-84 victory scoring 28 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

Washington took a lead into halftime and continued to build upon it. The guys off the bench chipped in well to help out with 35 points. The deciding factor down the stretch was made free-throws. Back-to-back threes late in the 4th quarter put the game out of reach. Although the Wizards are a game below .500 they won 4 of their last 5 games without their 2 central pieces to their offense. They really have to push and play like there is no tomorrow to earn a final playoff seed in the East. When and if they get Caron Butler back some serious ground could be gained in their division. For now the young guys filling temporary starting roles and more minutes off the bench will have to step up their game.

Bringing back the retro 70's basketball style

On a fitting day such as Leap Day a part of basketball history is being relived in the new comedy movie, Semi-Pro. I like the idea of a historical piece on the ABA league. Back then the short shorts were in as well as the puffy afros. It was a time when white guys never rushed shots and made a good 10 passes on each possession. The object I think back then not to outscore the opponent, but to see how long you could play keep away from them. Plus witnessing a white player dunk was a rarity. Only until stars like Julius Erwing entered the league did the real razzle dazzle finishes evolve.

In an era where disco was popular the players all sported the thick sideburns and briskly mustaches. The knee high socks were a big deal too for some reason. If an athlete chose to maintain such an appearance today he would definitely feel out of place and probably be heckled to the point of no end. Today some players like to wear the headbands, color-coordinating them to their jersey. In the 70's, uniforms were so tight on players defenders probably uncomfortable guarding them so close. The headbands looked so snug that it was cutting off oxygen to the brain. I did like those red, white, and blue regulation basketballs though because at least you could spot them easily on the court if had suffered from poor farsighted vision.

Warm-up drills seemed to set more on a serious tone in that era than they are now. No screwing around was allowed and a routine of fundamentals was expected. That meant no missed layups. If players failed to maintain 100% accuracy the coaches benched them for long periods and made them run extra suicides in practice. Today's penalties in the NBA are a far cry from the stern repercussions in the 70's. For getting a physical confrontation with a coach could result in a player being banned from the league. I can only imagine back then what would have happened to former Golden State Warrior Latrell Sprewell if he would've lashed out and tried to choke his coach.

Shaq settles in with Suns yet the big fella needs time to get in shape

The lowly Miami Heat must be feeling like the most unlucky team in the NBA. Sure they managed to end an 11-game losing skid, but that won't get rid of the bitter sting which will last the rest of the season. A week or so ago I made it clear how I felt about the Shaq trade. Phoenix definitely caught the better end of the deal while Miami completely disregarded how it would effect the franchise and minimize Dwayne Wade phenomenal efforts. Now the worries of playing for a real stinker are over for Shaq. He showed vast progress in last night's win over the (Okay Memphis sucks big time in the West this year though Shaq still deserves credit for getting a double-double).

Thanks to the nifty passing from Steve Nash and the star power surrounding the Diesel things are starting to look up for him with the Suns. No longer does he have to shield his ears from the relentless echo of boos and be expected to abide by former Coach Riley's pointless offensive play sets (like these strategies ever worked earlier in the season, Pat) None of that bothersome chatter is a problem for him anymore. The 127-113 win over the Grizzlies Tuesday night showed the big fella in a whole new light. His improved performance of 13 points and 11 rebounds was only overshadowed by second year rising star Rudy Gay who notched 36 points for Memphis.

It appears as if Shaq is making a nice fit for his new team (In my eyes I can only see him as a Miami Heat player no matter how bad they suck). What I'm concerned about is his minutes on the floor. Last night he only played 24 minutes which has got to change. I know Grant Hill and Steve Nash will be sucking up most of the minutes, but it's high time Shaq really works on improving his endurance. The mobility obviously isn't what it used to be and that's understandable at his age plus with the injuries.

Come playoff time, however the lumbering up and down the court will be a crucial factor. I just don't want to see Shaq get lazy and start cherry picking and not getting back on defense. If the superstar veteran center stays fit (maybe take a little extra time to practice free-throws) he'll regain his dominance in the low post and heighten his defensive presence. Best of luck on the rest of season Shaq!

UNC overpowers Wake Forest 89-73

Still without their star point guard the Tarheels are doing just fine against their ACC rivals. Behind the power play of Tyler Hansbrough the offense isn't a problem. Sunday it was all gravy for the Heels as they duked it out against Wake Forest at Chapel Hill. Attacking the rim UNC took an early lead and carried it into the second half. Both teams shot the ball well in the game.
North Carolina hit 56% from the field while Wake connected on 48%. Hansbrough once again took command inside pouring out 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Forward/guard Danny Green cleaned up around the goal with 9 rebounds while adding 15 points.

Free-throws missed really hurt the Demon Deacons down the stretch as they only made 8-of-17. James Johnson was their high scoring with 22 points. Expected to get a decent seed in the
ACC tournament Wake will have to turn up their performance a notch and not be running on flumes come tournament time. At 26-2 UNC isn't worried about their placement in the tournament, but when Ty Lawson will be ready to rejoin the squad. If all goes well hopefully he'll be back by 2 week of March if not sooner. The Tarheels really flourish with his speed on the court and his ability to run the offense and excel on fast break chances. Can't wait to see him return and help give the Tarheels a push during March Madness!

Personal reflection on recent NBA trades

Several teams were in the market to swing deals for a chance to compete for the playoffs. This week a few good trades were made as several players packed up their bags and were relocated to a new home. The Cavailers, Sonics, and Bulls worked out a 12-player deal which favored the 2007 Eastern conference champs. Ben Wallace and Joe Smith came over from Chicago being added to the Cavs roster along with Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak from Seattle. In exchange the Cavs dealt starters Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes and 2 other players to the Bulls and bench players Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to the Sonics. What a raw deal for Seattle! They practically got nothing in this wide range transaction.

I think the Bulls did okay. They definitely need another good post player and rebounder which they now have in Gooden. Maybe Hughes will find his scoring touch and be consistent for them. His minutes will drop when Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich return from injuries. He'll be a regular reserve at that point filling limited minutes on the court. I'm just glad the Cavaliers didn't throw Big Z in the mix because I think he deserves to stay in Cleveland and be part of a championship team there. The Cavs and Lebron need his scoring efforts.

The other trades involving Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd were big too.... for the Hawks and Mavericks anyway. Bibby makes for a good veteran leader who runs the offense on a young team with rising stars. Dallas willed their way into retrieving Jason Kidd going as far as adding retired forward Keith Van Horn to the list of names in the trade. The Nets can kiss their playoffs hopes goodbye. I really think they undervalued Kidd, sending him, guard Antoine Wright, and forward Malik Allen to Dallas mainly only acquiring real talent in Devin Harris.

The other guys (not worth mentioning) were just tossed in to free up space on the roster. It's a shame Harris has to suffer because of Mavs owner, Mark Cuban's obsession for championship glory. I feel they still can't beat a hot, streaky team like the Warriors if they meet again in the postseason. Too bad the Mavs won't capture an NBA title this year. Now how do you like them apples Cuban?

Baron Davis nets game-winner against Celtics

The heroics of Baron Davis continue as the Golden State Warriors find a way to close out another nail-biter in the final seconds. Without injured guard Stephen Jackson on the court somebody had to rise to the challenge. Everyone in the stadium knew who was going to get the ball in the final possession. Davis drilled a tough 20-footer fading away to give a dramatic 119-117 victory. This was a great game! It's too bad I didn't get to watch it. The prime time veteran performer paved the way for the Warriors with 29 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. Baron Davis certainly has become Mr. Clutch.

Constant lead changes in the game made the ending even more thrilling than usual. The Celtics brought the firepower on offense as well with Ray Allen sinking 11-of-17 shots for 32 points. With Boston started a run in the 4th quarter Golden State countered with a run of their own. Warriors guard Monta Ellis capped off a complimentary scoring effort next to his teammate's finishing the game with 26 points. As an added bonus which put the Warriors over the top was that 4 players combined for 98 points. That is hard for any opponent to overcome.
*Find out about ongoing Golden State rumors and news at: http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/section/Rumors

It's incredible how poised the Warriors are in the West, now owning a 33-21 record. In a tight race with so many good teams in the conference they're going need big wins like last night to capture a playoff spot and I believe with BD at the helm it's going to happen. Facing their greatest competition will be against the Spurs, Suns, Lakers, and Hornets. This gutsy, full-throttle Golden State team is on a mission and won't be denied. Their upcoming schedule looks good as they play Atlanta, Seattle, and Philadelphia. Can't wait to Baron explode one night and drop 50 points! Go Warriors!

Lebron earns MVP honors at All-Star Game, East prevail

It was an amazing All-Star weekend in New Orleans. The Rookie Challenge, Three-Point contest, and Slam Dunk contest were all very entertaining. It was the first time in NBA history a Super Man cape, tiny basketball goal, and birthday cupcake were used in the Slam Dunk contest. Dwight Howard came up with some creative, inspiring dunks to win it. The Raptors Jason Kapono captured the Three-Point shooting trophy for the second straight year, scoring a 20 in the final round. The real excitement though came from the All-Star game. It was a fast-paced, hot-shooting contest with several lead changes.

In the end it was Lebron James who stole the spotlight and received the coveted MVP award. He nearly completed a triple-double with 27 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds. He was a big part of the East's run late in the 4th quarter as was Ray Allen who knocked down 3 consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes. The Celtics guard scored 28 points (10-14 FG). The leading scorers for the West were Brandon Roy, Carmelo Anthony, and Amare Stoudemire. They all had 18 points a piece. Both sides shot at least 50% from the field and showcased several monster alley-oop dunks.

I'm glad to see Lebron get named the MVP because he earned it. Also, the Hornets Chris Paul was very deserving of getting selected to the All-Star team and it was good to see him play. Kobe probably would have made the game closer if he played more than 3 minutes due to injured pinky finger. With Kevin Garnett also out of action the disadvantage kind of even itself out. I hope next year the East push the West to the limit and again pull off a victory.

Stackhouse public riff screws up anticipated trade between Mavericks and Nets

The wait continues for Jason Kidd who expected to be part of a deal which would send him to the Dallas Mavericks. He's in limbo right now, wanting out of a unpleasant situation in New Jersey. As chronciled in trade reports a deal involving the Mavericks Devean George and Jerry Stackhouse was in the works in exchange for the Nets veteran star point guard. Unfortunately, the league may not let this happen since earlier this week Stackhouse publicly stated he'd remain with Dallas for the rest of the season, but be given 30 days off as required in the NBA's contract buyout policy. Of course his remarks struck a nerve with the league.

Still a deal can still be put on the table between the two teams, although changes will be in order for new players involved in a trade. Out of everyone I feel bad for Jason Kidd. He must be miserable in New Jersey and is linked from one rumor to the next which amounts to nothing other than hot air. For a veteran who is so consistent, making solid contributions every game and is a league leader in triple doubles he certainly deserves to be on a winning team. For a short while I thought the Cavaliers would make a move to get him yet that quickly frizzled away. I'd rather see Kidd stay in the Eastern conference. He would be a driving force for a top contender come playoff time.

I'm not sure if Stackhouse will stay with the Mavericks, but he may have shot himself in the foot by not keeping quiet about the proposition. Sure he also wants to go to the playoffs, but there is no need to tell that to the media at this point. Surely other teams will be pursuing trades before the deadline and have their eyes of a few potential acquisitions. Everyone could come out ahead in a deal except for the Knicks. They might as well forfeit the rest of the season and say better luck next season. Now if the Celtics could reel in Jason Kidd they'd be practically unstoppable in the East.

North Carolina nudges by UVA, 75-74

A battle of two ACC teams ensued last night in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite the disparity in records it was a nail-biter between the Tarheels and Cavaliers. I wasn't that surprised considering how well each team plays at home. Tyler Hansbrough's jump hook put the Tarheels ahead with 22 seconds left. He finished the game with 23 points and had 7 rebounds. UVA hung around with the Tarheels in the second half and at one point held a 5-point lead. It was their unability to get stops in the final minutes which sealed their fate.

Senior guard Sean Singletary had another outstanding game producing 27 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds. It's too bad he didn't get much help from his teammates on the offensive end. The rest of the starting lineup only combined for 20 points. UVA shot 38% on field goals to UNC's 53%. With a missed free throw by the Tarheels the Cavailers had a chance to score on the other end for a game-winning shot by couldn't coral the ball. Unfortunately with the loss they fall to 1-9 in ACC play and 11-12 overall. No. 5 North Carolina see their record expand to 23-2 and 8-2 in the conference. It's a shame these two teams won't face each again in the season, Tuesday night's game was a real thriller.

Raptors' Chris Bosh a rising You Tube sensation

I had no idea Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh was such a good actor and possessed the gift of mimicry. His performance on the court speaks for itself, but seeing him improvise a character in front of the camera is quite amusing. Recently Bosh has aired a few You Tube videos, disguising himself as a character named Blane Harrington, who's a rich Ivy league graduate requesting an interview with the All-Star forward. Check it out on the yahoo NBA sports blog. It's really funny as is another parody video by Bosh where he campaigns to get votes for the All-
Star game.

Seeing as Bosh went to college at Georgia Tech I wonder where he developed the knack for method acting. Looks like he's a natural performer on camera and probably has a few other characters yet to be unveiled. I think it would be hilarious if he impersonated sports commentator Byrant Gumble, Mavericks coach Avery Johnson (just like the way he talks), and Sir Charles Barkley. Most likely, the Blane Harrington character could be blended best with Mr. Gumble. Making history on and off the court may really give Bosh great notoriety. Who knows he may get a part in a movie.

While the star forward is goofing off in his free time the Raptors are still playing well. They're in 2nd place in the Atlantic division with a 27-22 record. For a young team with a good mix of talent the sky is the limit for them. Behind Chris Bosh the Raptors bid for consecutive playoff appearances. Hope to see more of his funny videos in the future and heres to his continued success in the NBA!

Curt Schilling hoping to avoid surgery

Staying healthy is a real issue for most aging veterans in Major League Baseball. They have to stick to a regiment of rehab and rest if they what to endure another season. That's what Curt Schilling wishes will be the cure for him. Trying to avoid season ending surgery on his shoulder is one of the main issues. Boston feels it's in their star pitcher's best interest to explore all his options. Both have agreed the rehab and rest will be the measure taken. I think Schilling has 1 or 2 seasons left in him before he retires. He's had a heck of a run with the Red Sox.

The credentials are there for him to get into the Hall of Fame. Schilling owns three World Series rings, 2 with the Red Sox and 1 with the Diamondbacks. Also is a Cy Young winner and among active pitchers with the most career strikeouts is in the top 10. Capturing another World Series title with Boston would be icing on the cake. I think the tough veteran pitcher will be okay if he doesn't overextend himself and takes it one step at a time, not trying to rush his progress. As long as he stays active while showing signs of further improvement at the start of Spring Training everything else should fall into place.

Shaq headed out of Miami, such a travesty

After all the years of dedication and drive to an NBA championship the Miami Heat call it quits on Shaquille O'Neal. Of all the rotten things to happen to a struggling team, losing such a strong leader is truly a slap in the face. Why take away the heart and soul of a team? Evidentally the Heat have lost all faith in Shaq and are willing to trade him to the Suns for two bench players in Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Miami what the sh*t is wrong with you?

I know Shaq is getting old, more prone to injury, and doesn't possess the quick hop or step he used to, but that doesn't mean the organization the big fella resurrected ought to give up on him. Depleted and worn down as the Heat are this deal still doesn't seem right. Why not have waited until the end of the season to trade Shaq? I hate to say this since I once admired him, but damn you Coach Pat Riley for not sticking to your normally sound principles and backing your veteran star center. As far as I'm concerned I don't care to see you in Miami anymore either, so go take a hike pal!

Okay, the lousy owner is the main guy responsible for setting up this sour deal. He really deserves a good swift kick in the ass. Let's face it the Heat aren't going to make the playoffs and maybe not even finish next to last place in the Eastern conference. Bringing over a talented veteran and a not so impressionable young guard isn't going to give Miami the lift they need. Give me a break they could've worked out a better deal than that.

So Shaq has to pass a physical and the deal is in stone so to speak. Well, Shaq's teammates must be bummed out (except the ones wanting extra playing time). How do you think Dwayne Wade feels now? He's been battling with an injury off and on and dealing with the nonstop scrutiny of his team. Nobody apparently cared about his opinion of whether Shaq should stay or go. This travesty will be embedded in sports history. A truly sad day for Heat fans, knowing the central icon who gave life to the franchise will be departing. What a shame no more goal-shattering dunks for Shaq in Miami.

N.C. State edges Wake Forest 67-65

Once again it was another North Carolina team having their way in an ACC matchup. This time it was against a cross state rival. Sunday it was a tight contest though as N.C. State hung on to close out the game against Wake Forest. Paving the way for the Wolfpack was Gavin Grant who was the leading scorer with 17 points. The game came down to the final seconds as N.C. State's Ben McCauley slammed home a dunk on a put back as time expired to put the Wolfpack ahead and give them a 67-65 victory. Before that overtime was nearly forced when a shot was sinked by Wake's Ishmael Smith with 5 seconds left to go.

This one was a low scoring affair with good defense all around. Wolfpack center J.J. Dickson pulled down 14 rebounds and scored 10 points, filling valuable minutes on the court. Both teams shot under 40% from the field. Neither could find the range to knock down threes in the second half either. Behind the home crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina the Wolfpack garnered a extra bit of energy, but the game really could've gone either way. Wake falls to 14-7 on the season while N.C. State notches a 13-7 overall.

Tarheels stomp Boston College 91-69

After suffering their first loss of the season against Maryland a swift turnaround was in order for the no. 4 ranked Tarheels. Determined to bounce back they put the petal to the metal and shifted into overdrive. Ty Lawson orchestrated the up-tempo run game and pushed the ball on almost every possession. As usual the game plan worked and the fans in Chapel Hill got treated to another high scoring blowout. It was a solid all-around team effort from UNC. Tyler Hansbrough was the team leading scorer with 18 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Deon Thompson followed up his teammate's performance with a career-high 17 points in the 91-69 win.

Allowing Boston College to cut into a big lead before halftime Coach Williams was so irate he jerked all the starters from the court and inserted his bench players. When the starting 5 returned they all contributed in some aspect or other. The starters all reached double figures in scoring and refused to let up on the pressure they applied to Boston College. Ty Lawson helped cap off another strong performance by the Heels dishing out 10 assists. His health will be critical for the Tarheels late in the season. Having another key guard go on the shelf after the loss of Bobby Frasor due to his ACL injury could be devastating.

North Carolina bumps it's record up to 20-1 and 5-1 in the ACC. They're slated to face Duke next week. February will put UNC to the grind. They'll finish out the schedule playing Clemson, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, UVA, Florida State, and Duke one more time. Each team other than Duke and UNC has lost 3 games a piece in the conference. Once again the two top teams reign supreme in the conference.

Blockbuster deal in the works, Mets hope to lure in Santana

There has yet to be a big trade in MLB and one team is on the verge of completing a mega deal. Finally it looks like Johan Santana has found a new home in New York with the Mets. He's been the hottest acquisition in the off-season. I'm glad the flame-throwing southpaw looks to be joining the Mets instead of the Yankees. What I question about the deal is why the Twins agreed to trade him for 4 prospects. Do they think this is the best decision? They could at least obtain a veteran star hitter to add to their lineup or bench. Johan can propel the Mets to atop the NL East and enter the playoffs after a disappointing late season collapse in 2007.

Still a few kinks have to be worked out before the deal is finalized. Johan has to waive has no-trade clause and not be offered a contract extension. The deal the star pitcher expects is a 6-year contract worth $150 million. I don't see why the Mets wouldn't extend such an offer. Negotiations will continue as a deadline late Friday afternoon has been set to arrive at a finalized deal. The Mets will be able to compete with the Phillies and the Braves in what may shape up to be a tight NL East race. If the deal is sealed I still think the Twins are dumb for not getting a better mix of talent for arguable the best pitcher in baseball.

Warriors slap around Knicks, Biedrins snags 26 rebounds!

As usual the New York Knicks walk off the court after a road loss with a bitter taste left in their mouth. Sure, still a better record than Miami, but how long is that going to last? Isiah Thomas continues to take most of the blame for the team's dismal performance. Sunday didn't help matters either for his future coaching spot in New York as the Warriors welcomed their foes with open arms at Oracle Arena in Oakland. I'd like to say Golden State whooped up on the Knicks instead the game resulted in a 106-104 final in favor of the Warriors. Baron Davis and company will take a win however they get it (even against the most mediocre teams).

The real headliner of the game was GS center Andris Biedrins who dominated in the paint, ripping down 26 rebounds! I know this was against the Knicks yet it's still an unbelievable feat. The last time any player in franchise history exceeded such an effort was in 1981 when Larry Smith had 31 against Denver. Biedrins added 11 points for good measure to go along in the scoring effort with Monta Ellis' 24 and Baron Davis' 22 points. Despite the Knicks horrendous shooting on threes (18%) they managed to stay ahead until the 4th quarter where the Warriors went on a 17-5 run. The two teams traded baskets in the final minutes, but it was Stephen Jackson's free throws near the end that sealed the win.

Free agent reports claim the Warriors and Chris Webber are in negotiations. Despite his past feud with Coach Don Nelson the two are willing to put their differences aside. I think the veteran would make a good reserve to fill quality minutes off the bench and provide another reliable scorer. Webber's defense may be the real question. He's getting older and doesn't possess quite the leap in his step or quickness anymore. Still I think Golden State can really better from having a experienced leader like him on the court.

Duke dishes out loss to Virginia Tech

The Duke Blue Devils ran their win streak to 6 games after a 81-64 outcome Thursday night against Virginia Tech. Holding off any spurts late in the game Duke was able to keep a decent lead and makes stops when needed. This one didn't evolve into a high-scoring affair and leading scorers only had 16 points a piece, which were freshman guard Kyle Singler and Tech's A.D. Vassallo. Duke lead the game 42-38 at halftime and carried the momentum over into the second half. They didn't look back after maintaining a substantial lead early in the second half.

It wasn't a good night for Virginia Tech shooting from behind the arc as they hit just 15% of their shots to Duke's 36%. The closet the Hokies came to a lead change was in the second half when A.D. Vassallo connected on a three to notch the score at 42-41. From there on Duke took advantage of their opponents poor shooting and didn't allow the Blacksburg crowd to energize the atmosphere. The Blue Devils are now 4-0 in the ACC and ranked no. 4 with a 16-1 overall record. They have yet to face UNC which will most likely be their toughest challenge on the schedule. Both teams have lost only 1 game.

MLB free agents: Kenny Lofton expected to move to new team for 20th time

There was always free agent and trade talks during the off-season in baseball. It's too bad no real big names have come up other than Johan Santana. Okay, players that anybody cares about for that matter. Of course, Barry Bonds is on the block for bargaining bidders. I can't see him playing as a DH in the AL. He's still up against the steroids scandal and will deny and fight until the end it looks like. Few teams won't be willing to take a chance on old Bar-roid. If they do it will only cause a black cloud to loom over the team and drops of blood with dirty syringes to be found in the clubhouse.

Who else is available in the free agency? Well, once again Kenny Lofton is up for grabs (yeah, real big surprise here!) and I believe is trying to set the record for playing for every current MLB baseball team! The speedy centerfielder has been around and tossed from one place to the next. I think Lofton has yet to play for the Twins, Nationals, Rockies, Diamondbacks, and Royals. Most likely he'll be heading back to the NL then get traded in a year. With his speed and uncanny likeness to Major League's Willie Mays Hayes character he's hard to argue he only belongs on the Cleveland Indians. They both have a better chance at stealing home than hitting a homerun in a game.

The Texas Rangers have decided to pass up on extending a contract to Sammy Sosa. He might as well forget about any multi-million dollar deals coming his way and just be glad he can stay in MLB. Wherever he ends up I don't believe Sosa will serve much of role because his best years are over. He can still play in the outfield and and platoon at the DH, but the power numbers just won't be there anymore. The only real decent free agent on the market is Mike Piazza. Oakland has apparently parted ways with the veteran catcher. Any teams looking for another quality hitter in their lineup should cash in on Piazza. His numbers have been down in recent years, but he is a clutch performer. He'd make a nice addition to a team that has yet to win a World Series in about a century.

I'm sure other names will pop up on the radar for MLB teams looking to mix it up in the market. If more active and former players are brought up in the steroids investigation as the season starts the fans probably won't be coming out to the ballparks in droves and sales on souvenirs and at food concessions will drop big time. The worst case scenario for fans would be to find out their favorite player uses steroids during the middle of a game and plummet to their death by jumping from the upper deck because they can't take it anymore. Let's hope freak incidents like that don't happen.

Hoosiers push win streak to 12 with win over Penn State

The Indiana Hoosiers are on a roll as of late. Prevailing over Penn State this past weekend 81-65 they recorded their 12th straight victory and 27th at home. A game more dictated by defense the Hoosiers were able to wear out the Nittany Lions with a series of stinging plays in the second half. Indiana freshman guard Eric Gordon set the tone on offense, scoring 25 points. D.J. White sparked a complimentary with 22 points. The Hoosiers had a slow start, but finished the game shooting 57% from the field to Penn State's 44%.

Cutting down on the turnovers a major factor in route to the home team's victory. They had only 2 in the second half. Their defense clamped down, not allowing Penn State to get in any type of rhythm. Guard Talor Battle was the high scorer for the Nittany Lions with 20 points. So confidence with his starting lineup, Coach Kelvin Sampson left them in for the entire second half. Fatigue didn't seem to set for the 5 starters who pulled out the stops to earn a 16-1 record. The Hoosiers had ran a win streak as far as 12 games in 15 years.

Baron Davis nets 40, Warriors down Bulls

The intensity of the NBA Western conference is really starting to rise. There are several tough teams and so many difficult decisions to make for All-Star selections. One star guard definitely proved he belonged in this year's All-Star game. Last night at the United Center in Chicago the Warriors continued to demonstrate their prowess on the offensive end. I have to say the Bulls hung with them for most of the game despite eventually losing 119-111. Baron Davis tied a career high with 40 points on 13-of-23 shooting. He caught fire in the 3rd quarter and ignited the offense. The fast-paced transition game of the Warriors couldn't be contained by their opponent.

When 3 of the starting players score 20 or more points a piece then it's going to be an uphill battle for their counterparts. Stephen Jackson and Monta Ellis combined for 47 points and as a team had 10 steals which lead to several fast break points. Despite the outcome the Bulls out shot the Warriors 50% to 46%. With GS gets out and runs the floor like they did Friday night it's hard to stop them. Their small lineup allows them to beat teams off the dribble and make them pay from both the inside and outside.

With the win the Warriors obtain a 24-17 record. If they can stay within 3-5 games of the Lakers and Suns around the All-Star break they'll still be in good position in the West. Few teams can match their run-and-gun, high tempo style of play. Now everyone knows there are several guards deserving of an All-Star selection in the West, but there are limited spots. If Baron Davis doesn't get chosen I will be stunned because he's played like a man possessed in the first half, averaging 22.5 points per game and around 9 assists. A few other star guards are worthy of such an honor too so it's going to be interesting to see who gets the most votes.

Good ACC matchups on tap for tonight

This is the time of the season I enjoy watching college basketball. ACC rivals are meeting at each other on the schedule and the games are tightly contested with emotion on the court running high. Tonight Duke (13-1) plays Florida State (12-5) with high-octane offense anticipated. Seeing how both teams' defense will hold up is the influencing factor. The Blue Devils are tough at home, but let's see how well they deal with pressure on the road. Look for Duke's Greg Paulus and Florida State's Tyrese Rice to be the two key players in the game.

UVA will take on Virginia Tech in what will most likely be a scrappy, up-and-down affair. The Cavs look to bounce back from their lost to Duke this past weekend and improve their 10-4 mark. Senior guard Sean Singletary (17.9 ppg) has tried his best to carry the scoring load, but he'll need his teammates to step up in bigger roles in order to pull off a victory against a conference rival. VT won't make this an easy contest as they'll push to exceed their 1-1 start in the ACC. Look for Tech's Deron Washington and A. D. Vassallo to have big scoring performances.

At the top of the conference and ranked no. 1 still in the nation the Tarheels will battle Georgia Tech will may be the game that gets out of hand. The only team that has served as a real challenge this season for North Carolina has been Clemson. Unfortunately, the Yellow Jackets aren't playing at the same level at this point and I don't feel they feel have such a pleasant game even though they are playing at home. Tyler Hansbrough continues to dominate in the low post, averaging around 21 points per game and 8 rebounds. If the sharp-shooting Wayne Ellington and him get hot look out Georgia Tech! UNC will definitely kick it into high and work to excel to 18-0.

Road roaring Hornets outlast Rockets, 87-82

The New Orleans Hornets are quietly putting together a magnificent season, posting a 15-5 mark on the road so far. Sunday they pulled out the stops to beat the Rockets, 87-82. Off a few steals the Hornets converged on a fast-break dunk and a free-throws late in the 4th quarter. With the win the Hornets snapped the Rockets' 5-game win streak. Chris Paul controlled the style of play for the young road team as he delivered 19 points and 11 assists. He's the glue that holds the team together. Without him forget about them being 25-12 and trailing the Mavericks by just a game in the Southwest division.

David West was the high scorer in Sunday's game with 26 points. He's proven his ability to be big scoring threat on any given night. He's another essential part of the Hornets' formula for success this season. All season the Hornets have been overlooked. Even at home the attendance has been low and on the road the players seem to excel at a high level. Strangely enough, they thrive off being ignored by the league. The Western conference is going to get real tight when it comes to capturing final seeds for the playoffs.

The Hornets have only had one televised game during the season, which was blowout against Miami. I've got to think these guys will be getting more exposure in the coming months. As a team they're averaging around 97 points per game and yielding about 93...not bad at all. Awaiting them this week on the schedule are the Bobcats, Sonics, and Bucks. I don't think any of these matchups will pose a problem. Keep up the hot streak Hornets!

NCAA wrap-ups and scores

Thursday night hot action brewed in the Pac-10 and Big Ten. Wisconsin knocked off Illinois 70-60 in a fierce match-up. The three-ball dagger was the big momentum changer for the Badgers in the final minutes of play. Trevor Hughes sank two huge threes to add to Wisconsin's lead. He finished the game with 22 points. Illinois lost their third straight game and dropped to 8-8 overall while their foes bumped up their mark to 13-2. The conference leader looks crisper than ever on the court.

Over in the Pac-10 Stanford whooped Oregon State in clash which resulted in a 66-46 finale. The poor performance for Oregon State can be contributed to 30% shooting from the field and having only 1 player score in double-digits. That will basically doom any team. The Cardinals on the other hand managed to capitalize on second-chance opportunities with their 16 offensive rebounds. They just took full control in the second half with the Beavers reeling without an answer on offense.

In a good Big East battle Louisville pulled out a win against West Virginia, 63-54. Both teams squared off to gain ground in the conference. It was Louisville's defense which clamped down hard and made the difference. The Mountaineers' Joe Alexander was the high scorer with 22 points, but it wasn't enough to save the day. His teammates provided little support as they combined for 32 points. Earl Clark help fuel the Louisville offense adding 11 points while snagging 12 boards. Both teams are now 11-4 in the Big East.

NBA's D-league provides less than flattering status for players

Believe it or not there are people who haven't heard of the NBA's Development league. It's not a big deal to basketball fans, but it sure is to the aspiring players. Being recognized in public and being allowed in upscale clubs and restaurants seems to be the main problem for these young athletes. Reading the NBA Experts Blog posted by D-league Dakota Wizards player Rod Benson I understand their struggles to gain acceptance amid the mainstream sports click and celebrity icons. This guy though complains about having to wait in a line to get in LA restaurant then never being admitted inside (He ought to be grateful the bouncer didn't hurl him onto the sidewalk for looking at him the wrong way).

I guess it's kind of discouraging to know as a D-league player you can't get a table inside a trendy hot spot or be allowed to go to the restroom to take a whiz....sure seems like crappy treatment to me. If fairly unknown players want to get VIP treatment why don't they just lie and hope people fall for it? From Rod Benson's experience, I know how he must feel (like a discarded, random bum), but if he saw football star Keyshaun Johnson not getting in the establishment then there was no chance for him and should've forgot about it. If he thought he could follow an entourage inside without being noticed or getting the crap beat out of him then I'd say go for it.

The NBA D-league, players must realize is a stepping-stone to the pros not the crem-del-la-crem of the sports talent. Instead it's more like the 'Bottom of the barrel wannabe something other than broke list'. Guys in this league can't expect glamour and fortune when they're playing in an arena where only the first 3 or 4 rows are filled. I feel for the low-level athletes like Benson, receiving any type of notoriety is difficult. For him to get ahead and be famous he'll probably have to sleep with a celebrity. Then he's sure to be a shoe-in among the star power elitists!

Tarheels remain undefeated after buzzer beater in OT

I knew ACC play would bring out the best in the Tarheels as well as their competition. Last night in Little John Coliseum it was a frenzied up and down battle between UNC and Clemson. Both teams brought their A-game with non-stop pushes to the basket and bunches of lead changes. As a college hoops fans you couldn't ask for better game. Wayne Ellington stole the show, netting the game-winning three-pointer with 0.4 seconds left. The Tigers set up in a zone defense for the final possession and got burned when trying to go for a steal on the left wing. Ellington was the player of the game with 36 points (11-19 FGA-M) in 90-88 thrilling victory.

With the pass Ty Lawson made in the corner to Ellington he almost turned it over and the game could've gone into double overtime. Tyler Hansbrough took a charge with under a minute in the second half then hit a free-throw on the next possession to tie the game. Although the junior forward was held to 7 shots he delivered with the big plays when the Heels truly needed them. Hansbrough also grabbed 14 rebounds. Free-throws were a major factor in the game, especially in the closing seconds. North Carolina's shot 80% from the line to Clemson's dismal 52%.

Both ACC teams were playing out of control at times with drives to the basket and rushed shots. UNC racked up 19 turnovers compared to the Tiger's 13. So far the Tarheel's undefeated streak stays intact at 15-0. The game really could've gone either way, but the Heels would have not still be ranked as the no. 1 team in the coach's poll. They are a couple other undefeated them in the nation which include Vanderbilt, Memphis, Kansas, and Mississippi. The best record UNC ever had in a season was a 32-0 mark in 1956-57.

Much of the remaining schedule for Tarheels have them playing their conference rivals: NC State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, and Duke. Wednesday the Tarheels will look to dispose another out of conference foe in North Carolina-Asheville. This one is expected to be another blowout as the no. 1 ranked team awaits their top competition. I expect more big games from the top starting 3 players in Hansbrough, Ellington, and Lawson.

Hornets kick it up a notch, buzz off Warriors

What a strong message the New Orleans Hornets are sending the rest of the Western conference. This team won't be denied. New Orleans is very much a contender and is intent on continuing to prove it. Last night lead by big games from Tyson and Chandler and Chris Paul the Hornets capped a 116-104 over the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Baron Davis was left with a bitter chill after suffering a defeat from his former team. The star point guard scored 26 points and handed out 8 assists.

The player of the game was no doubt Tyson Chandler who had a major-influencing double-double, which consisted of 22 points and 22 rebounds! The Hornets Center is on a tear! Finding a way to slow down the Warriors and control the tempo was the solution. Much of Golden State's offense is fast-paced, slashing drives to the basket and points off transition. Luckily the Hornets managed to limit such chances and played good defense. Chris Paul played a major role in the win, scoring 24 points (10-20 FGM-A) and dished out 13 assists.

Everyone in the Hornets starting lineup scored in double figures and as a team shot 44% from three-point land while holding the opposition to 30% shooting from beyond the arch. Advancing to 101-88 lead with around 6 minutes left in the game the Hornets never gave the home team much breathing room. They stayed on the offensive and controlled the boards. All but 11 points came from their starting lineup. The league sooner or later will have to take the Hornets seriously because at 22-11 they are a force to reckon with and a unestimated threat in road games.

Who's more grizzled a coach: Bobby Knight or Mike Ditka?

There are several great coaches in sports history, but two prestigious names come to mind. I'm talking more about the fiery types who won't hesitate to get in an official's face and spew obscenities with a drop of a hat. I think Bobby Knight and Mike Ditka are two of the most grizzled coaches of all-time. One is retired of course and the other one occasionally gets in trouble for 'accidentally' shooting a neighbor with a pellet gun (he may have been drinking and got a little trigger happy). Neither one of these veteran sports icons seemed to show any weaknesses in coaching in their respective sport.

From the intense moments on the gridiron at his peak, Coach Ditka would get so wrapped up in the game and watch the refs cheat his beloved Chicago Bears team out of yardage due to bad calls that he'd get the impulse to land a tackle with a full head of steam. That or he'll suit up to play himself in the 4th quarter after getting riled up from a series of missed scoring opportunities near the 20-yard line. His pacing back and forth on the sidelines, directing instructions to the quarterback gave a clear indication he was reaching a boiling point. This raw emotion transferred over to his team which resulted in a turn in momentum. Deficits were erased and wins became etched into history. Ditka had a fiery passion for the game, but was he more grizzled than Bobby Knight?

Some of the best years for Indiana Hoosiers fans was in the early to late 90's when Bobby Knight was the coach. He always pushed his players to the limit and tested their strengths and weaknesses. There is a reason why he is one of the top coaches in college basketball. He moved past Dean Smith in 2006 for the all-time wins record in NCAA history. He's led Indiana to dubious records for a string of seasons and to a couple national championships. Seeing him explode with temper so hot it could ignite building a fire only seems to fuel his team's passion and energy.

Their performance overall is linked to his emotion and direction. Knight make statement to refs by tossing fold-out chairs across the court. He'll stomp out of the coach's box, debate a call before getting ejected for calling an official a blind SOB who needs glasses. His discipline he teaches his players and always striving for perfection are two striking qualities which make Knight one of the most grizzled coaches of all-time. I think he's got a little bit of an edge over Ditka...though it's pretty darn close.

Warriors wipe away Nuggets 7-game win streak

Baron Davis and the Warriors' upbeat, fast-paced style of play are keeping them afloat in the Western conference. They have shown there is no challenge to great for them to overcome. Sunday night Golden State sparkled with an offensive flair as they snapped the Denver Nuggets' 7-game win streak with a 105-95 victory. Allen Iverson had an off-night scoring and the Warriors took advantage. Running the ball hard GS flourished off fast-break chances. Baron Davis lead all scores with 28 points.

The defense was the x-factor for the Warriors in this game. They put much pressure on Iverson and forced him to take low-percentage shots while Carmelo tried to carry the scoring load, dropping 26 points. The Warriors lead the game from halftime as Harrington hit a three to put his team up 55-51. From there the Nuggets cut the deficit to 3 points in the 4th quarter, but couldn't force a tie or pull ahead. Another major contributing factor to the win was Coach Don Nelson having Baron Davis stick Iverson rather than lanky guard Stephen Jackson. The strategy resulted in 2-of-12 shooting for the Nuggets star guard.

Golden State establishes a 18-13 record, 4 games in back of the Suns in third place. I believe they have yet to play their best game of the season. If they can fend off the competition in the West they can probably garner a higher seed for the playoffs than last season. Baron Davis has a 50-point plus performance in him I just know it. Who knows it could be another Mavericks vs. Warriors showdown in the postseason.

No. 1 ranked Heels scorch Nevada 106-70

Coming home before New Years was a sweet gift for the Tarheels. They continued their winning ways, defeating Nevada Thursday night in Chapel Hill. The high-octane offense surfaced in full force. UNC built a small lead and it started to grow. Tyler Hansbrough and Wayne Ellington combined for 49 points. Ty Lawson kept the offense running smooth, finding teammates in the paint for quick buckets. He also provided a nice scoring touch with 16 points and pumped out 10 assists.

In the second half guard Bobby Frasor attempted to make a steal and while in the process twisted his ankle, apparently tearing his ACL as he landed on his leg awkwardly. He dropped to the hardwood and didn't get up for about 5 minutes. He was assisted to his feet by the team trainer and headed back to the locker room. The Tarheels may be without him for the remainder of the season. The Tarheels still have reserve point guard Quentin Thomas and should be okay, but Frasor will be missed.

12-0 are the Tarheels after picking up the win last night. They've yet to face their toughest competition which more or less lies within the ACC. I'd like to see Roy Williams give the 3rd string guys off the bench more minutes in blowout games so at least they can get further experiences on the court. There are 1 or 2 seniors on the bench that I know would relish any extra playing time they'd receive. The Heels will battle Valparaiso on Sunday before playing Kent State on January 2 at Chapel Hill.

Kobe, Lebron celebrate victories on Christmas Day

It was a happy holiday for Lebron James and Kobe Byrant. They both delivered in the clutch against their respective opponents in route to wins. The Cavaliers outlasted the Heat 96-82 as King James served a pivotal role late in the game with key shots and dishes to teammate Daniel Gibson for big threes. The superstar scored 25 points with 12 assists.

Cleveland jumped out to a comfortable lead in the 4th quarter and ran off transition for easy buckets at the rim.
Gibson hit 4-of-6 from three-point land and finished the game with 16 points. The only real memorable point the contest for the Heat was Shaq's rim-rocking jam which scared a camera crew behind the goal post.

In another good matchup yesterday the Lakers were able to defeat the Suns 122-115 behind Kobe's 38 points. It was a back-and-forth battle between two Western conference contenders. The Suns couldn't counter the Lakers' offensive output. Steve Nash mustered an effort of 24 points and 14 assists. However, his performance wasn't enough. I think Andrew Bynum isn't getting the credit he deserves as a scoring threat. The Center produced 28 points in the win on 11-of-13 shooting from the field! Having another guy in the starting who can dominate near the basket is big plus for the Lakers. The Lakers better be grateful they have a 20-year-old prodigy who only continues to develop and improve his game.

Game-winning shot seals comeback for Wake Forest

The Hokies may not have a happy Christmas after the results from Sunday's game in ACC play. Wake Forest pulled off a surprise comeback in the waning seconds. Demon Deacons guard, Ishmael Smith drained a jumper with 0.6 seconds left to go. Virginia Tech was simply out of luck as time expired. A.D. Vassallo helped keep Tech in the game scoring 19 points. Senior Deron Washington also made a nice defensive effort coming up with 14 rebounds. It was a spirited conference game with many lead changes with back-and-forth accelerated play.

Smith was the top scorer for Wake, completing 18-point output which included the biggest shot in his collegiate career. Both teams shot around 43% for the game while VT shot 91% compared to Wake's 56% from the free-throw line. Tech's defense put pressure on Wake, but within the final minute the game slipped away from them. A 10-point deficit was overcame with a minute and 23 seconds remaining. A bank shot three-pointer then another long bomb with a few fast break layups tied the game for Wake Forest.

Tech Coach Seth Greenberg couldn't believe his eyes after his star guard, A.D. Vassallo heaved up a quick three which allowed the opposition to score quick off transition. That single play probably killed the Hokies chance to win. With the final outcome the Demon Deacons advance to 8-3 overall and the Hokies fall to 6-5. The two ACC competitors will get a short rest for the holidays before heading back on the court this weekend. The action will start to sizzle in January as the big ACC match-ups are set.

Cavs hold off Lakers in 94-90 win

The Kobe-Lebron rivalry took center stage Thursday night in Cleveland. The Cavs won their 6th straight game against the Lakers. Coming down the final 3.5 seconds both teams were neck and neck until Daniel Gibson was fouled and iced two free-throws to seal the victory. Kobe got his shot to put the Lakers ahead with a three, but missed due to tight conference from his superstar counterpart. Although Los Angeles outshot Cleveland 45% to 41% the deciding factor came in the 4th quarter. There the Lakers were held to 5-of-22 shooting.

Closing this contest out was big for the Cavs. They still need to gain ground in the Central. Lebron had another outstanding performance, scoring 33 points while adding 10 rebounds and 5 assists. His teammates, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Daniel Gibson complimented his effort, combining for 27 points. Forcing the Lakers to take outside shots was the ticket for the Cavs. Center Andrew Bynum was seemingly having his way inside the paint earlier in the game and finished with 17 points.

Shutting down Byrant in the final 4 minutes as he shot 0-for-8 made all the difference. As a result Cleveland improves to 12-15. They're scheduled to face the Miami Heat who look to be be without Alonzo Mourning for the rest of the season. I expect Lebron and company to capitalize on the injured-prone Heat before heading to Dallas and New Orleans for two big games.

Jordan steps on court to show Bobcats' error of ways

Little by little the Charlotte Bobcats are developing into a winning team showing signs of beating league contenders. Earlier this week part owner of the franchise, Michael Jordan ran a few drills in practice with the Bobcat players in an attempt to give them some direction while serving as motivation to excel to the next level. No basketball player can take advice from the 44-year-old NBA legend and think the experience was pointless or get nothing out of it. The young-oriented franchise has watched leads evaporate in games.

First-year coach Sam Vincent seems to be on the same page as Jordan, realizing there are no real All-Stars on the team this year to carry them. It's going to take a combined team effort almost every night to win. Trying to find the right component for the inside game the Bobcats worked out a trade sending Primoz Prezec and Walter Herrmann to the Pistons in exchange for Center Nazr Mohammed. I think that was a wise move by the Bobcats management team. They got rid of two extra bench players who spent short time on the court and really didn't fit well into their offensive strategy.

At 8-14 the Bobcats still look to be the odd team out in the Southeast division. They don't quite generate enough offense per game to win the close games down the stretch. Raymond Felton and Jason Richardson are the top scorers and clutch performers for the team. Their ability to energize their teammates and get them involved will have the greatest impact on their overall success. Michael Jordan understands how important it is for Felton to start the offense and get inside the paint. When the speedy point guard does usually good things happen. Now if Charlotte can manage to keep those big leads like they had against Orlando and pull out the big victories.

Tarheels breeze by Rutgers 93-71

UNC came off a season schedule break to capture a 93-71 victory on the road against the Rutgers Sunday night. The closest the game ever got was in the first half with the score 20-15. The attempts at a comebacks where short-lived for the Rutgers as they couldn't match North Carolina's speed off transition and low post scoring. Point guard Ty Lawson lead all scores with 26 points and collected 5 assists. The UNC sophomore is a super prodigy on the court and only continues to get better as he moves further into his collegiate career. His counterpart for the Scarlet Knights, freshman Corey Chandler scored 23 points.

Due to a nasty spill on the court where resulted from a barreling charge (no foul actually called by officials) Tyler Hansbrough sustained a mild concussion. He laid motionless behind the backboard after crashing into the goal post. Luckily he was okay after walking away from the tumble and heading back to the locker room. The junior forward had a fine performance finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Roy Williams as well as Tarheels fans were glad to see Hansbrough wasn't injured.

Off to a 9-0 start UNC stays on a roll anticipating a successful run in the tourney. I think they're better than Duke in the ACC yet haven't faced their best competition outside the conference. They'll defeated Ohio and Kansas. March Madness will put UNC to the real test. Their bench is so productive with the efforts of Danny Green and Marcus Ginyard. Those guys have developed well in the North Carolina program. Keeping them healthy will be so important come tournament time.

MLB steriods list continues to grow

Being a baseball fan isn't as fun as it used to be when America's National Past-time held intregity. Really, the Game has shown it's visible loose ends and shortcomings for a couple of years. The recent announcement of additions to the aforementioned steriods lists is only escalating. Senator George Mitchell is cracking down on the illegal performance enhancing drug use in MLB. He's released a new list of names that is quite staggering, a total of 86 and counting.

The Human Growth Hormone and anabolic steroids seemed to the be the popular choice for these players. In the reports gathered by the government out 62 players who purchased steroids 23 are active. Most everyone in baseball wanted to ride on the gravy train to success. Going back to the early to mid-90's and finding out now guys like Mark Carreon, Todd Hundley, Lenny Dykstra, David Segui, and Chuck Knobloch got away with secretly using steroids is surprising. None of them hit for power consistently in their careers. The biggest shocker to me is the scrub Montreal Expos players....Tim Laker and F.P. Santangelo....who the hell are these guys anyway??

Noted I'm sure as the most disappointing player named on the list is Roger Clemens. Baseball fans had so much respect and high regard for the veteran star pitcher. It's a sad day in sports with such a prized, presitigious player gets busted. This isn't the way Clemens wants to end his career. I think it would have been a good idea for him to retirement a year ago. At least then there would be less negative spotlight on him with the attention be diverted more on active players.

There are groups of people to blame for this mess: players, trainers, owners and possibly masocots. The authority on delivering swift action is the Commissioner Bud Selig. He knew what was going on with Barry Bonds and failed to dish out any punishment. Sitting back in a mezzaine suite or press box, ignoring the scandal and raking in millions from baseball was the option he chose. Selig does his share of talking and lying to the media and public, but never makes good on plans for fair-grounded affirmative action. The old timer might as well call it quits and step down as Commissioner, allowing another qualified, no-tolerance BS candidate to take over the position.

Lebron's return helps spark Cavs win

The Cleveland Cavaliers are glad to have Lebron James back. His injury kept him on the sidelines for a few weeks in which span of time his team struggled to muster enough offense. For the first time Lebron came off the bench as a reserve in Tuesday night's game. The end result, a 118-105 win over the Pacers. In limited minutes King James scored 17 points while his teammates chipped in to carry the rest of the scoring load. The Cavs shot 50% from the beyond the arch and 54% from the field.

Much of the credit for the victory is due to Larry Hughes who had a breakout performance, scoring 36 points (13-17 FG) adding 3 assists and 4 boards. He actually entered the game off the bench, playing 25 minutes. Cleveland fans were treated to a good game and didn't seem to give Anderson Varejao too much of a hard time as his made his season debut last night. With their superstar back this team is ready to make a change of pace and bump up their record. After Tuesday night's outcome the Cavs are 10-12.

Cleveland has to start getting serious now if they want to capture a top seed in the East again. Being 5.5 games back in the Central is okay at this point, sooner or later though they'll have to be concerned with the Pistons. The main priority is getting everyone healthy and on the same page. Lebron will put up his share of impressive totals throughout the season, but it's his teammates who will have to write the ship and show consistency.

Boston College skims past Maryland at College Park

The comeback Maryland came seconds away from pulling off against Boston College would've been extraordinary. They sure gave the fans at College Park their moneys worth Sunday evening. Coming down to the wire Maryland fought back and forth, hitting threes on two possessions with around 10 seconds left to put them within a 1 point deficit. Guard Eric Hayes and forward James Gist nailed the big shots when needed. However, it wasn't quite enough to sustain the Golden Eagles' offensive attack, who won 81-78.

The leading scorer for the game was BC's Tyrese Rice with 19 points who dished out 7 assists. Boston College's defense held up well in a scrappy defensive battle of loose balls and block shots in the paint. Maryland had a couple of chances to go ahead late in the second half, though caught tough breaks down the floor a few times. Some calls didn't go their way and shifted the momentum a bit. Scoring inside became a real challenge for the Terps as BC freshman Tyrelle Blair swatted 10 shots away at the basket.

ACC action is only beginning to heat up as the real good match-ups will surface next month. With the final result last night Maryland falls to 6-4 as Boston College leaps to a 7-1 record overall. Before heading back into conference play the Terps will face Ohio, American University, and Delaware. I know Coach Gary Williams will instill words of wisdom to his squad and help them bounce back from Sunday's disappointing loss. They've got a talented, young group which will play a string of tight ends with their conference foes later in the season.