Real American Hero

I know everyone is probably sick of hearing about the NBA trade rumors, and Melo to the Knicks, but I am not! I love Melo always have, ever since I saw him JAM on people at the Prime Time Shootout. But there is one key component to the trade that EVERYONE is missing, except for us always stingy media professionals/ amateur like myself!

That key element was point guard Cauncey Billups, the Knicks needed him, and he will fill that role admirably, but what people don’t know is what Billups lost coming to New York, his family. Now I don’t mean loss as in; his wife divorced him, he no longer has a house or any of that, what I mean is he lost the ability to see his wife and three daughters. It’s a rarity in sports to see an athlete so distraught over leaving his family back in his hometown.

Billups grew up in the Denver area, and played his college basketball at Colorado University, but when he made it to the NBA he traveled a lot playing for: Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Minnesota, Detroit, and up until recently the Denver Nuggets. When the Nugget acquired him, it was like a dream come true for him. He told his daughters that there will be no more of this switching schools, moving into different houses, and making new friends, this was their home for good. Obviously, he figured this would be the last place he’d play and retire where it all started for him, a true Hollywood story. That storybook ending is over, sadly.

Which leads me to why I am writing this entry; I read an article this morning about the pain Billups had felt since Tuesday night. It’s something that between the coverage of where Melo would end up (Knicks or Nets), how will the team gel together, how will Melo will perform his first time in the Garden as a Knick was: how does Chauncey Billups feel? The answer; horrible, and from reading the article Melo’s wife and kid being there through the whole day and night didn’t help.

But it is really refreshing to see professional athletes, who are under scrutiny wherever they go show real human emotion over his family. In a time where adultery, rape (accused and convicted), allegations against college’s for recruitment (Tennesse, Uconn, Auburn) to name a few. So when I read this article I immediately was choked up to see that athlete’s do have human emotions! (Which is obvious, but rarely seen).

After their first game ended in a 114-108 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Chauncey was back to him old self, smiling and laughing. Saying, "Just to get out there on the floor it's good, it's our safe haven and it's where we let everything else go in the world. For the fans to embrace me and Carmelo the way they did, it just felt good." A total 180-degree turn from early that day. But this was great to hear from Chaunce (being a fan since he joined the Nuggets), even though no matter how unhappy he would be, he would still do his job, and that was to be the floor general for the new look Knicks. 

I would like to personally thank him for being a true family man, because in a country where 50% of first weddings end in divorce, we need people in the spot light 24/7 to set an example for the rest of the country. Thank you Chauncey, keep loving your wife, and kids because they’re the real miracle in life!

ESFN: Game of the Week

I’m going to bring something new to the ESFN blog and add a game of the week each week (obviously), that I believe could be a surprising match up. Hopefully I start with a bang (fingers crossed).

Bare with me on this but my inaugural game of the week is Michigan State vs. * #1 team Ohio State. Now I know what your saying, with all that is going wrong with Michigan State this year, the game will be a blow out. But never, ever count out a Tom Izzo team, his passion will not let him give up on his team.

Not only that, he still has a team filled with lots of talent to win with, there is no reason they should be losing this many games. With seven upper classman returning, including last year’s top scorer Kalin Lucas (14.8 PPG this year), and two of the other four top scorers (Durrell Summers 11.3, and Draymond Green 9.9). There is no way they can’t be successful right? Wrong! To be successful they will need better play from all of their role players. But I believe there is still hope and this is just the game that can spark them to a streak that guides them right to the NCAA tournament (which they are on the bubble for anyway)

Now on to the buckeyes, coming off their first loss of the season, it will be interesting to see how a senior dominated squad responds to a loss. I am very interested to see how Aaron Craft (freshman) will play, after under performing when the game was on the line. I am certain this was a shot to his confidence, so his performance is very important to the team’s success. This is the beginning of a tough stretch that will really test the team chemistry, with a very tough Purdue team, on the road in hostile Mackey Arena.

Knowing Thad Matta he will not let his team falter after one loss, but Izzo is the same way, making this matchup an even better one. The matchups (player vs. player) that I’m really looking forward to seeing is how Derrick Nix will defend the young and talented Jared Sullinger. Nix a sophomore is a wide body in the pain (6’9’’, 270 lbs) should have no problem matching up with Sullinger in size, but the separation in talent may be the deciding factor. This is when freshman Keith Appling and Junior Delvon Roe will fill in, if Nix gets into foul trouble.

The second matchup I’m looking forward to is a battle of seasoned veterans taking one another on. Kalin Lucas vs. David Lighty is what I’m talking about, it will be tough for each to get baskets, but they will score. The first one to become frustrated with their lack of scoring will be the one’s who team will lose the game. This will prove how important these two players are to their team’s success.

In a final word, my prediction, it will be a good game, and my confidence in a Mike Izzo coached team is being tested a lot this year, and I will continue to be disappointed. In a home game, Ohio State will win; quite handedly 75-68 is my prediction. The offense of Ohio State will be too much for Sparty to handle in the end, especially when they will find it hard to answer and trade baskets, let alone separate themselves from the Buckeyes.

St. John's: The Rise Back to Fame

Since the 3^rd grade recreational basketball league draft, when a young sharpshooter was drafted by St. John’s in the first round. After playing for Duke the previous year, this young child was devastated that the school didn’t want him anymore. So with this New Year and a new team, his love for St. John’s basketball was born, and this little kid happened to be me of course.

For the years, after that season I followed the Johnnies, which was easy to do being from the tri-state area, but what was harder to do, was maintain interest. Their programs tradition is right up there was the Dukes, UNCs, and Kentucky’s, with many tournament appearances, whether it was the big dance, or the NIT, the Johnnies were frequent participants. But post either the; ’99 or ’00 season the programs prestige started to diminish, as they couldn’t hang with the tough Big East Conference, and so they began harder to follow, because I would just assume they were just going to lose. As a little kid this was very demoralizing to see his team falter, which sparked my hatred for Duke University, because I thought “why should I suffer on a yearly basis, when they have all of the success?!”

Before I delve to deep into my feelings for Duke, I must remember this entry is about my beloved Johnnies, not my opinions. So, to the point, this year under the tutelage of coach Steve Lavin, St. John’s has had two big games make headlines, first was their 15 point win over the hated Duke University, and then just this week a 17 point win over number 9 UConn.

This year marks the beginning of their resurgence to the top, and they have just the players to do it with; 10 seniors, 1 lone junior, 4 sophomores, and another lone freshman. Not to mention that they have the second highest rated incoming freshman class, it looks like they will be set for the next few years.

I am proud to say that I have stuck with them through thick and thin, to prove so I want to let everyone reading in on what it was like to be a St. John’s fan last year. I remember these two games clear as day, big game against Georgetown starts out just the way we wanted it too, making almost every shot, creating separation from the Hoyas on the scoreboard. Going into half time the Johnnies were up 20, I’m thinking, “here we go, no way they will let them back in this game.” BOY WAS I EVER WRONG, everything that could go wrong, went wrong, missed multiple easy looks, transition points were few and far between, and the Hoyas could not miss! Obviously they ended up losing, by 7, that is a 27-point swing in just 20 minutes. Now to the next game, practically the same situation as the last game, just a month later, against another ranked team in West Virginia, up 23 now going into the half, same old, same old by the Johnnies easy made baskets, high percentage shots, and the three’s were falling from everywhere. Second half, same as against Georgetown. Huge let down, that ultimately ended up in a loss 79-60. To summarize that it was deflating being a St. John’s fan, especially last year, because they had so much promise it made it even worse

The offseason for St. John’s did not start out the way they wanted it to, with the immediate firing of head coach Norm Roberts. Many felt that he should have been able to finish out with the group of seniors he had taught for their whole careers. But sadly he never got that opportunity. This gave people a lot of doubts about; what looked like a promising season coming up, all of those voices were silenced when coach Steve Lavin was announced as St. John’s head coach. Lavin, who had quite a record at UCLA (145-78), seemed a perfect fit at St. John’s, gritty, gutsy, and young to relate to the kids. He is lucky to have his first season to be with a great group of experienced seniors, but he is the brains behind everything that goes on for St. John’s basketball, and when he signed 6 ESPN top 150 players for next season, people are now beginning to wonder, “what was going on over in Oakdale?” And boy is there ever something going on in Oakdale, but their record of 14-9, 6-5 in the Big East doesn’t really scream top 25 caliber. But in arguably the best conference in college basketball (Big East), a record of 6-5 is not to bad. Especially when stacked up to some of the powerhouses in the conference (UConn, Syracuse, Louisville). I'm not saying they are a great team; yet, they are showing potential to be great down the road. Once the beginning of next year is over (due to the loss of 10 players), and all the freshman get the system, look for St. John’s to make a pretty big splash in the Big East Conference and the NCAA tournament.

Why not soccer?

America, I have one question to ask, and that is, why not soccer? I was skeptical at first, but since I started watching I have grown to love it. One of the huge reasons why I started to love it was the fact there is only commercials at the major breaks in the game:  Half time, and end of the game. Because I know when I watch the NFL or any sport here in the U.S. there are, TOO MANY COMMERCIALS! If a ball goes out of bounds, here comes the red hat. Everyone is ready and waiting, but the red hat is still out there, being a pain in the, you know what! I don’t think I am alone when I say that sometimes the commercials are way too much, why would I want constant interruption while I’m trying to watch a game, I don’t!

            With the future for the 2011-2012 NFL season looking grim, it looks like America may need something to fill in their Sunday afternoons, of drinking and eating with another sport. “ ‘Ello ‘ol chap; want to kick the ball around the pitch? That’s right people I’m talking about the “evil” game of soccer! Put the good, English premier ship matches on in the morning/afternoon, and then later put the Serie A league on at night or even on ESPN2. People maybe skeptical at first, like I was when finding new sports to watch, but I feel that people will soon have less of a hatred for soccer.

            It will probably be hard for companies to give in to the fact that they can’t get their product/company as much air time as they want. But it will in turn save them money on time slots, because you only get half time (which is 15 minutes) to pick a spot. So really it comes down to, how willing these companies are to give up the moneymaking spots that they had. In the end, I feel that they will ultimately find a benefit to the new commercial time system.

            What I think will draw people to the game other than the no commercials, is the passion of the fans. They cheer, they sing, they curse, and they even get drunker than us Americans! With so many things they have in common with American sports fans, they will soon find common ground with one another. If you’re looking for more evidence of our similarities I suggest the public watches the movie Green Street Hooligans, a great movie that follows the West Ham United soccer teams “firm” or cheering section. Now this movie does get a little Hollywood, but it shows the passion the fans have for their teams, that they will fight for their team. Again, great movie, if you don’t believe watch it, you’ll love every minute.

            In a final word, if this were to happen, I just asked/beg ESPN to be the first to jump at this opportunity. If not, the rights to these games could be sold to the dreaded Fox network. As I’m sure we all know, Fox is not the best at picking their on-air talent, i.e. Joe Buck, Tim McCarver (my dad’s favorite). This could lead to disastrous things for soccer in America, just like it almost ruined bowl season for me, having to listen to Joe Buck in the BCS bowl games. Again this is all hypothetical, but please ESPN, do your part and keep soccer growing in America.

           

New York Back?

Basketball, in its early years was dominated by the New York area. It started in the 20's and continued into the 30s, 40s, and 50s, with the the coined phrase "Jew ball" built in the house leagues in New York. This basketball was highlighted with names like Red Auerbach, Red Holzman, Nat Holman. It spread to the local universities like; NYU, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, and St. John's. Until the early 2000s St. John's was a very successful basketball school, competing in arguably the best conference in the NCAA the Big East. But after 2002 their success disappeared into the abyss of the New York City lights.

But, the NBA brought them continued success, their New York Knickerbockers, who was coached by none other than the basketball mind, Red Holzman. Under his tutelage, he made the Knicks a championship contender again in '68, although they didn't win it all, it was a start to a bright future. Two years later they made it to the NBA championships in 1970, where they won it all. Then three years later they won it again.

 The Knicks success faltered at the same time St. John's did. Just like the Johnnies the talent of the rest of the country caught up with the Knicks, and they just couldn't find the right fit for them. Whether it was Isiah Thomas' screw ups as a GM, to Stephon "Starberry" Marbury just BEING on the team, it was just one mess up after another for them.
Just as they went out together, they both have recently come back to the spotlight together. The Johnnies hold a 10-4 record and a 3-1 record in a extremely tough and competitive Big East conference. With coach Steve Lavin at the helm, they look to be making strides in the right direction with a bunch of seniors, and a great freshman class coming in next year, the future for the Johnnies looks brighter than the lights of New York.

The Knicks, also with a new coach Mike D'Antoni, and some new "descent" players, Amare Stoudemire, and Raymond Felton. With some good role players around them, they have led the Knickerbockers to a 21-15 record the second best record in the Eastern Conference's, East Division. I am sad to say, because of their success I have started to watch the NBA again, no matter how much I hate it. But i am not the only one, watching the game on Christmas day, I was stunned to see the Gardern almost completely sold out! I had to ask myself, is this really in New York? But it was.

I don't think anyone can argue with me when I say that basketball being back in New York, after a short stint as a joke, is good for the sport. Everyone knows that the Lakers, and Celtics will be there even if they have a few bad years, but their markets are easier to impress than the tough New York crowd. To the rest of the country, watch out, NEW YORK'S BACK BABY!!

Court-side Annoyance

As a rabid sports fan, I know I share this same feeling with many other fans. And that feeling is, the hatred for the obnoxious "fans" who sit in the front row, and act like they "care" about the outcome. As a former leader of my high schools student section, I am appalled when I see these guys yelling at the refs and players. Look man the only reason why you act so excited is because 1. You know you are probably getting on T.V. and 2. You invested so much money to reserve these seats, you don't want to feel like you waste your money.

I'll tell you who the real fans are. They are the ones who are sitting in section 340, continuously bleeding from their nose, behind a pole, shoes sticking to the concrete floor, and paid 40 bucks for nachos, a hotdog, and a beer. Even with all these setbacks, they are still cheering louder, and believe they can be heard. My first experience of this was, sad to say, at the good ol' Veteran Stadium (for new Phillies fans, which is many, is their old stadium) in "sunny" Philadelphia, where I sat in that very section. Surrounded by drunk, loud, REAL fans, is where I began to appreciate the suffering fans go through. I am happy to say the Phillies lost, but while the people behind the plate left, my section (all ten fans) stayed in the same section until the game was over.

Now that is not to complement Philly fans, because I do have a strong dislike for them, but they are an example of real fans. But back to the rich fans, you see them the most on the basketball court. After every foul, big play, or turning point they jump up out of no where and get in the face of the players and refs, which is completely unnecessary. Set a good example for either your kids, or the kids around you watching you act like a fool. Now I understand as a student that we are no saints, we do curse, we do yell at the refs, and players, but we do it because this is our life, we live and die by how our beloved team does. Money is no factor in our cheering.

Yes, this is a shout out to those celebrities like (even though I love him) Spike Lee, and Jack Nickelson. Look you guys are famous enough as it is, you don't need to make more of spectacle of yourselves by acting like children to get the camera's on you. They will be anyway because you're famous. The games focus should be on the players, not you, learn to get that and people wouldn't find you so hard to like when they see you.

Here's to all of you real fans sitting in that section 340, keep yelling, because you're doing it for the love of the game, not for the love of your wallet!

Boise and The Unforced Error

As the college football season comes to a conclusion this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the non-AQ teams and how you come up with a true champion. More specifically, I’ve been thinking about how you measure teams against one another when they never actually meet on the playing field. It’s the annual BCS throw-down.  How can you say now that TCU (are they really going to the Big East?) doesn’t deserve to be considered the national champion after beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl? What about Boise State last year? How about Auburn a couple of years back? All were undefeated at the end of play, had garnered glossy portfolios of achievements and all were determined NOT to be the national champion.  

Since it doesn’t look like anything is going to change soon, I’ve been trying to come up with a way to think about this. Anyone who knows NCAA football has to give credit to the argument that playing in one of the big conferences is tougher than playing in most of the non-AQ conferences, most years. There might be an exception now and then, but as a general rule, it’s true. And here’s why: it’s the unforced error.

For this post, an unforced error is a mistake that you or your team makes that is not the result of something your opponent did. It’s the dropped touchdown pass on the last play of the game when the cornerback fell down. It’s the fumble in the red zone in the 4^th quarter that kills the game winning drive, and of course, it’s the missed chip-shot field goal that send the game into OT, where you lose on another missed chip-shot field goal.

College athletes being who they are, unforced errors are a bigger part of the college game than they are at the professional level. It doesn’t matter what sport you’re talking about. When a bunch of kids two or three years out of high school, who have academic responsibilities play a complex game, they are going to make more mistakes than do paid professionals whose only job is to play their sport well. Because of this, you have to recognize that unforced errors are going to play an important role in the outcome of a lot of games. And THAT is what makes it harder to play in the big conferences and makes it appropriate to give more credit to teams who do.

 You see, if you outclass the teams you play from a talent perspective, you can get away with the unforced errors that you are bound to make. If you’re playing in a conference where your athletes are vastly superior to your opponents’, you’re not going to get into situations where the unforced error will cost you the game. It might cost you possession late in the game, but if you’re up by 31 points at that point, who cares? In contrast, if you play in a competitive conference, where you might have better athletes than your opponents but the difference is slight rather than huge, the odds are that you’re eventually going to get burned by one of those unforced errors. Ask Bobby Bowden about wide-left and wide-right. Ask the kid from Boise State that same question. 

Basically, I think the non-AQ teams get “disrespected” because they don’t run the risk week-in and week-out of losing on an unforced error. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in losing that way, because it happens to every team that plays somewhere along the line. But it can be heartbreaking. And it does cost you victories and chances at the national championship. If you can survive those brushes with unforced errors, you truly deserve the opportunity to play for the national championship that comes with it. If you never face the risk, or if you only face it once a year, maybe it’s right that you don’t get the same opportunity.