Oklahoma whips up on Maryland Eastern Shore in 100-64 wallop

Yesterday the fighting force within the Oklahoma Sooners came out in collective strength in easy victory over the Maryland Eastern Shore. In a 100-64 ass-whooping the Sooners made light work of a less developed team, but displayed a commendable team effort. Their spirit was apparent on the court yet it was just another win to add to their rising season with more good things to come in the near future. In just 22 minutes on the hardwood Blake Griffin lead a head of steam for Oklahoma finishing the game with 20 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field. He was a beast on the court snatching up 16 rebounds! Fueling the way also with a nice secondary effort was Tony Crocker who contributed with 15 points and 2 assists.

Why has college hoops at times neglected giving credit to surprising contenders such as Oklahoma who have seemily come out of no where with a 14-1 record. Way to go Sooners! You team spirit is shining through with true colors. As a college basketball fan I know this up and coming elite team will be on a roll for the season and have their work cut out for them later in the NCAA tournament come March Madness. Thinking ahead they will have to prepare for challengers such as Texas, Kansas State, and Nebraska. For the month the Sooners have to hang around with the top runners up in the Big 12 because at the moment this gutsy team from the Mid-South will have their share of memories and take on all obstacles in their path.

Luckily Kansas is playing a little coy this season, but will look to make a run in late season. That I feel will be their toughest opponent in the Big 12. This motivated group of college athletes on this squad will toward better days. They must remember laying their morals by the book and remain from any type of distraction will be in their best interest for a great season. Dealing with issues on the court and away from the game will enhance their play while keeping their chin up. Working their butts off in practice will make all the difference when it comes to crunch time later this season. Good luck the rest of the way for the Oklahoma Sooners!

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.

Marbury wants to leave New York, attitude will go with him

The New York Knicks always have a thorn in their side. Now that they're actually becoming a competitive group with one distraction away another one surfaces. Stephon Marbury failed to suit up for action on the court yesterday and faces a petty fine. What else is new in the league? Egotistical players such as Marbury always get off easy. The Knicks slapped him also with a one game suspension. Well, that sure is lame. What good will that do? I don't know why the franchise is waiting so long to get rid of him.

With the controversy and attitude problem surrounding the point guard there most likely will be few takers in the market. Since coming into the league in 1996 as a proven scorer, Marbury's career has tatered off with his best years experienced in Minnesota and New Jersey. Losing trust and respect with his Knicks' teammates is one of his biggest pitfalls. I know he's unhappy with his current situation. It's time for him to move on and finish out his career with another team. Leaving behind a legacy doesn't look to be in the works for Marbury. The Knicks and him need to finalize an agreement and finally say adios.

Reaction to Lebron potentially becoming a Knick

Since becoming a more functional team the New York Knicks have their focus set on future goals. In recent weeks they pulled off a 4-player trade. Sending Mardy Collins and Zach Randolph to Los Angeles in exchange the Knicks received Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. This move was done after careful deliberation yet I don't feel was smart. Nevertheless, the Knicks are finding ways to win behind new coach D'Antoni. Now they have their eyes set on one of the biggest stars in the NBA. With the contract a lingering question for Lebron James in Cleveland all of a sudden now a team wants to stake claim to him. Hold on a minute, the superstar has made no commitments to leave any time soon.

For Lebron to be apart of the Knicks organization for some reason doesn't seem right. I know New York is making strives to reaching a new level of success, but they are no where near a championship caliber team. That's who King James wants to represent so for him to already be a near definite for the Knicks is preposterous. Last night in a classic bout in MSG which the Cavs came out on top Lebron dropped 26 points like it was nothing. Much jubilation was in the air in the Big Apple with all the rumors about Lebron James becoming a free agent on July 1, 2010 with him being ripe for the picking. Spike Lee was present as usual for the game which resulted 119-101 Knicks loss. He displayed his approval for the potential acquisition by wearing a pair of Lebron's new basketball shoes.

Being such a long time off from free agency I don't know why the Knicks are concentrating so much on the potential deal rather than making the playoffs their no. 1 priority. They have got off to a fairly good start with a 7-7 record. Still the franchise has much work to be done before earning the title of a contender again. Adding a few more bigs can help give the team a big lift, enough to clinch the playoffs. At the moment they sure aren't worthy enough to fit Lebron into their lineup. Restructure and leadership is what New York needs. Having a proven new coach definitely provides a fresh beginning. In two years, no matter what is offered his way Lebron James should remain a Cavalier.

Davidson's Curry hot ticket in NCAA, best surprise

In his second year at Davidson point guard Stephen Curry is fast becoming one of the top players in NCAA basketball. He's already pumped out a 40 plus shooting display while leading the Wildcats to a 4-1 start. Last night Curry scored 39 points on 13-of-21 shooting as Davidson blew by Florida Atlantic 76-60. Going on a 15-1 run in the second half Davidson pulled away, maintaining a good lead. Through 5 games Stephen Curry is averaging 32 points. His transition over to point guard has paid dividends. His scoring mentality and ball control make him a threat on any given night.

With the win over Florida Atlantic it's on to the second round tonight in the NIT consolation tournament for the Wildcats. They will match up against Loyola. The All-American point guard will be ready to ignite Davidson's offense. The team's only loss this season has come against Oklahoma in which Curry netted 44 points. In next few weeks the Wildcats will lock up with N.C. State, West Virginia, and Purdue. Ranked no. 24 in the nation Davidson is sure to make waves and move up the list.

Texas Tech achieves stunning record, move to 3-0

Bobby Knight is known for whipping his players into shape. After resigning and handing the team over to his son Pat, Texas Tech has got off to a great start this season. In fact they have made NCAA history by scoring 167 points against East Central in a total thrashing Thursday night
in the Legends Classics tournament game. The only other college basketball team to come close to such a lofty mark was LMU. With the final score, 167-117 it's obvious there wasn't any effective defense in this blowout by either team. 10 players for Texas Tech scored in double figures, taking quick shots and having their way on offense. I'm sure the Legendary elder Knight is proud, but would still find flaws in their game making it known by shouting obscenities from the coach's box.

The Red Raiders are cruising in the early going with a 3-0 start. Pat Knight has got them in tune for playing high energy basketball and the results can only get better as the season progresses. In last night's masterpiece performance two Red Raiders', Nick Okorie and Trevor Cook scored 20 points each as the team tallied 77 at halftime. I have never heard about or seen such a feat in college basketball ever. It's too bad I missed this one because it sure was a classic. With Knight's new speed-style of play the Red Raiders will be no slouch in the Big 10 this year. They're ready for all challengers regardless of size. Up next on the schedule Texas Tech will battle Eastern Kentucky, Southeastern Louisiana, and Pittsburgh. The Red Raiders will push to keep up the hot streak!

Tarheels stay sharp against Kentucky, win 77-58

Nothing will keep a great team down in college basketball. The North Carolina Tarheels are proving once again why they're one of the best teams in the nation. Tuesday night in Chapel Hill the usual packed crowd was present awaiting a rematch from the last year's Final Four. This time UNC got their revenge. Without star-studded senior Tyler Hansbrough, who sat on the sidelines and watched on in street clothes the Heels ran rampant on their opponents. From the opening minutes they went on the attack, pushing the ball inside and wearing down the Wildcats' defense early. Jumping out to a 15-point lead in the first half the Tarheels had good looks at the basket while spreading the ball around well to find open shots.

Several good efforts on the other end enabled Carolina to cash in on quick points off transition. Ty Lawson run the offense, getting his teammates involved by handing out 9 assists. Leading all scores on the team, Deon Thompson finished the game with 20 points, 9 boards, and had a few blocks on the interior to help weaken Kentucky's low post game. The confrontation between the two most winningest college basketball titans showed UNC getting the best of a situation. Kentucky committed 28 turnovers which had a major effect on the outcome while the Heels played without two of their main assets in Hansbrough and Marcus Ginyard, both out with injuries.

Making his debut as a freshman in the Dean Dome Tyler Zeller played 22 minutes and scored just 2 points. Late in second half coming up for a contested dunk the 7 footer landed on the floor awkwardly. He was took out of the game and later discovered suffered a wrist injury. That's more bad news UNC didn't want to hear. Yet they expect to have their leading scorer back for the Maui Invitational games. The Tarheels have got off to a 2-0 start and will face UC-Santa Barbara, Chaminade, and UNC-Asheville. They're not in full force as a team and already run rampant through the NCAA! Go Tarheels!!

Laws of physics and Shaq conflict, results in ejection

Well, if a week doesn't pass by without the dreaded monster on the Phoenix Suns doing something stupid it sure comes as a surprise. Shaq is known for running his mouth off at other players and coaches, but last night he mainly allowed his heavy body to do the talking. With a heated affair in a game with the Pistons old Shaqqy didn't like being beat on the defensive end so he clobbered poor Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey, who sped to the basket in the second half and never really saw the mean spirited fragrant foul coming. The Suns were leading at the time with a couple minutes to go in the second quarter. Shaq had already picked up one fragrant foul earlier and took his departure much sooner than usual. Phoenix went on to win the game, 104-86 (no thanks to the cruel 'Diesel).

I realize Steve Nash took a hard hit in this game as well from Richard Hamilton and if anyone should be mad it's the short Australian. Regardless of that Shaq has bitten off more than he can chew. His constant trash talking, mean streak, and unpromising oaths are enough for fans to dislike him yet now he wants to use the laws of physics for reasons behind his venomous fouls. Okay, the veteran Suns center needs to rethink his comments during post and pregame interviews. The following is part of the statements he made after the game last night, " The laws of physics say a body in motion stays in motion. So if you have two objects meet in the air, the smaller object is going to fall much harder."

My rebuttal to such remarks is, "No s*&@ you big ass, 7-foot f---- behemoth." It sure as hell doesn't help when you throw all of your upper body weight on top on another much smaller player. I don't know how Stuckey didn't get injured after that play or even hospitalized. The incident sure looked similar to a car wreck involving a Mac truck. Of course if Shaq wasn't so damn lazy and put the effort into actual defense the face plant to the hardwood most likely wouldn't have occurred. So much for that idea because Shaq doesn't have the stamina anymore and wants to make excuses for abusing people on the court.

Concerning the laws of motion it's like this: If a bus going 40-50 mph hits a human being such impact usually kills the person. With Shaq the same results may apply if he falls on top of anyone or runs at a player full speed with his arms extended. I swear if I played against Shaq there would be no drives to the bucket or any shots near the low post, forget about it. That lumbering bully would be forced to contest my jump shots or choose to cherry pick. With this season probably Shaq's final year the rest of the NBA will be glad to see him go with his bruising hits.

Tarheels expected to be without 2 starters for opener

After luring in another no. 1 pick the North Carolina Tarheels are dealing with the injury bug. With only 2 senior left on the team from last year the top ACC team have their setbacks for their season opener. Roy Williams has to find replacements in the starting lineup due to the preseason injuries shared by Tyler Hansbrough and Bobby Frasor. These guys were be big losses for the Heels who are ready to take the no. 1 spot in the country again and stay atop the ACC. The schedule won't be an easier with the absences to their two seniors as the time table for their return is indefinite now.

With newcomer, John Henson and 4 other freshman abroad the Tarheels will probably make the best of a bad temporary situation. They still have Will Graves and Deon Thompson returning, providing a lift on the offensive end. Knowing Roy Williams, he will concentrate on putting together the best group on the court available and preach fundamentals with pressure defense. To kick off the schedule UNC will face Pennsylvania for their first game then the dread Kentucky Wildcats who knocked them out in the 2007 Final Four. The Tarheels will look for redemption in this contest. If all goes well Carolina will stay balanced with steady play. They no doubt will be one of the top teams in the ACC as well as in the country.

Lebron James too hot for Bucks, Cavs win 99-93

In 3 games already this season Lebron James has found the hot hand to score at least 40 points. Last night showed to be the charmer with the Bucks not knowing what hit them, not ready for the shootout which ensued in Cleveland. With the bench pretty much a non-factor in the game for the Cavs the scoring load came from King James. He was damn near unstoppable, hitting 16-of-24 from the field while compiling 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

Rifling through Milwaukee's defense Lebron had his way. With steady work on both ends the Cavs hung around to keep the game close. They trailed 69-66 with a few minutes to go in the 3rd quarter yet went ahead in the 4th and maintained a short lead. Since the Bucks' front line didn't produce enough points to hold off the Cavs things didn't work out in their favor in the long run. The fast break points they allowed the Cavs to get hurt their chances as well. A thunderous dunk near the free-throw line by Lebron put the Quicken Loans arena crowd into an uproar.

Richard Jefferson was the team leading scorer with 19 points (6-for-12) shooting. Point guard Luke Ridnour hit 2 big threes late in the 3rd quarter, but no one else stepped up to deliver in the clutch. Becoming fatigued and worn down the Cavs gutted it out and amped their efforts on defense. Anderson Varejao swarmed around the basket and grabbed 10 rebounds. Big Z chipped in the team effort with 15 points. With Mo Williams in the mix this year for the Cavs they are definitely a better offensive team. His meeting against his former team Tuesday night only showed a little bit of what has to offer over the long haul.

I think Lebron has several more 40+ shooting performances in store of the rest of the season. Apparently when the superstar does ring up 40 or more points Cleveland is 22-5. What an influence such a statistic has on their record! Having Daniel Gibson and Wally Szczerbiak back in rare form the Cavaliers are going to make it a strenuous challenge for the Eastern conference. I have to imagine them gaining one of the top seeds because they're so good this year. Starting off with a 6-2 mark shows they're ready for anything and are serious about making yet another run for the league championship. Go Cavs!!

Ohhh shoot miracles do happen...Knicks win, Knicks win!!

Coming into what was expected to be another dreadful season of basketball the New York Knicks tested fate Sunday and pulled off a stunner against the Jazz. Notching their fourth win of the 08-09 campaign they broke their opponents early season undefeated streak (5-0). The 107-99 upset gave the Knicks something finally to exhibit: a sense of pride. Of course let's not forget Utah's point guard Deron Williams was out due to injury. He runs the offense, giving this team a big push usually when needed. Thanks in part to the quality performance by forward Zach Randolph the Knicks took control late in the game. Randolph delivered with 24 points and 14 rebounds while Jamal Crawford iced 32 points on a hot-shooting night for New York.

Trailing by a couple points at halftime the Knicks bounced back to put a strain on the Jazz with good defense. Shutting down Utah in the last 4 minutes of the third quarter they were able to hold their own. A few buckets in the post and a three drained by Crawford enabled New York to pull ahead in the 4th period, forcing turnovers on the other end by drawing charges and challenging shots. This year something special is brewing in the air for this Knicks team who are 4-2 unlike the usual bad aroma of sweat, liquor, and molded leftovers wedged between seats at Madison Square Garden. This year the Knicks have actually started out with a winning attitude. In an attempt to vacate the title as 'worst team in the NBA, they want to avoid being the laughingstock of the league again.

Not having Isiah Thomas around to screw things up with unnecessary controversy and bickering this franchise is being steered in the right direction for a change. Firing his ass was probably one of the smartest moves ever by team management. However, why he remains apart of the front office is beyond me. Now the Knicks have to contend with what to do with Stephon Marbury. Whatever the lingering problem between him and the team, it's time for him to move on as well.

After proving to be one of the best point guards in the league he's reached his career pinnacle. Plus if he wants to win a championship it sure won't happen in New York. Knowing how well the new coach is working out with Isiah gone, pulling off a deuce with Marbury can only bring room for improvement. I can't believe I'm saying this, but these long-time typecasted losers might actually.... be able to clinch the playoffs. The knicks are 4-2 in the first month of the season, who would have imagined that? Sometimes miracles do happen.

Former Suns' player elected Sacramento mayor

Being as it's a big election year finding out that a ex-NBA player got ran for political office and got elected isn't all that surprising. The person who won an election was on the other hand. Former Phoenix Suns' star Kevin Johnson was voted in as mayor in Sacramento. Now there are two notable celebrities in office in California. With Arnold as governor and KJ serving as mayor there seems to be a balance of power. The 42-year-old Johnson was not the only athlete to run for office this week either. Others included former Redskins' quarterback Heath Shuler, Baron Hill, former Browns' safety Joey Bowner, ex-college football players Tad Jones and Todd Tomsen, ex-Baltimore Raven Peter Boulware, Indiana Hoosiers player Bob Heaton, and Connie Mack.

Whether running as a Republican or Democrat, admired or disliked the candidates made their voice heard in their given political territories. Of course not all of these athletes got elected, leaving them with the option to run again the next time. Kevin Johnson looks to be put his social values to work in the system. One of his main objectives is to draw in tourism and develop grow in lifestyles for the middle-class. Known as a streaky shooter and a slasher at the basket during his playing days I believe it will make a good fit for Sacramento. As long as he keeps shady individuals out of his staff then he will do okay in his new position. If the former NBA guard is real gracious he may even reserve a spot for his old teammate Charles Barkley. Then again he may never be able to get a word in edge wise either.

First year phenoms: The NBA rookie which will emerge

Being so early in the NBA season it's difficult to determine who will turn out to be the best rookie in this year's draft. Being on a winning team certainly helps garner the exposure. Yet who will be the top player to have the biggest impact? I have to admit even though I don't know much about Derrick Rose he'll benefit significantly by being on the Bulls. They have the best shot at clinching a seed in the playoffs opposed to other struggling teams in the past few years like the Grizzles, Bobcats, and Heat. Surrounded by a good mix of talent in Chicago will bring out Rose's main attributes and enable him to develop his fundamental skills further.

Looking throughout the Eastern conference the only other big name which surfaces is Michael Beasley. The sole fact he's playing alongside Dwayne Wade will boost his game. On the other hand, the franchise is in a redevelopment state at the moment and have their share of work ahead of them. After departing with veteran keystones that included James Posey, Shaq, and Antoine Walker a few years ago the Heat have been on the rebound ever since. With Beasley as the starting power forward Miami must try to get back to their once effective inside game. In the Southeast division they'll have to overcome the Magic, Hawks, and Wizards.

Over in the West the Grizzles have a solid first-year pickup in O.J. Mayo. Unfortunately, the rookie is on a crummy team which is destined to finish near the bottom of the league. I will give Memphis the edge over the newly formed Oklahoma City Thunder, who are in dire need of veteran leaders and restructure. Being an expected standout this season, Mayo is likely to have breakout performances given ample playing time. Still this won't be enough in my view to make him Rookie of the Year. Now when considering a wildcard like the Blazers' Greg Oden such a race can get interesting. Since the former Ohio State center missed all of last year, he is actually being noted as a rookie.

Depending on his health and ability to avoid long-term injuries this year Oden may very well be the extra ingredient Portland needs to capture a playoff spot. That's if he can be productive with enough games under his belt. With the pool of young talent there: Roy, Outlaw, Aldridge, and Frye, the Blazers are a threat in the West. They hit a 41-41 mark in 07-08 which was a gradual improvement from previous seasons. A new goal can be set with all hands on board as the Trail Blazers will try to push pass a .500 record and make strides in franchise history. In order for that to happen Greg Oden must be present. I think if the big man is then he has a legitimate chance at winning the ROY award. Otherwise with momentum there lost the decision will sway more so toward Derrick Rose.

Phillies' celebration in the streets gets 'fanatical'

Since the conclusion of the 2008 World Series there has not been a better fan time for Phillies' fans in over two decades. As expected the city was packed for jubilant parade to celebrate the baseball team's first championship title since 1980. Leading the ride through the streets in downtown Philly were Cole Hamels, Pat Burrell, and Jimmy Rollins. Such an historic occasion called for video recording which the team's brash shortstop obliged. With pandemonium sweeping the area fans let their emotions run high while hooting and cheering wanting to get up close and personal with the players. One fan even took the liberty to dressing up as the infamous 'Rocky Balboa' yet there was no Adrienne as he approached pitcher Cole Hamels, trying to fist-pump him yet was refrained by law enforcement on hand.

I really expected to see mass chaos with looting, cars being flipped over, and fires amongst these Phillies' fans. That wasn't their prerogative...more so acting crazy with absolute admiration for the team they've grown to love or hate over the years. The Philly Phanatic only egged these fans on by prancing around and shaking his green furry exterior around while exhibiting lewd body contact with the common spectator. The infectious mascot is known to incite laughter in the stands, but if he started to throw out popcorn or money then it may have encouraged people to lose their inhibitions and steal crap from nearby stores. Luckily it wasn't the case. Such a joyous celebration required the streets to be blocked off for the parade to take full effect.

Way to go Phillies, it's been a long time overdue since bringing back a championship to the city! Sure you spoiled the Rays' shot at their first ever title, but I guess it just wasn't in the cards for them. It will be a while before they get the bitter taste out of their mouth from this one, but should be proud because they had one hell of a historic season. Announced as the World Series MVP was none other than Cole Hamels. He's was one of the sure fire hits during this postseason as he garned a 4-0 record. Congratulations 'Hammy' YOU DID IT! WOOOOOOOO!