Saturday night I had the pleasure of heading over to ARCO Arena to see the Sacramento Kings take on the Miami Heat.
The Heat are arguably the NBA's most "intriguing" team this season, with the newly founded trio of Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh leading the way. Miami has had its ups and downs so far early this season, and is capped off a strong road trip with a 104-83 victory over Sacramento.
It was fascinating to watch the progress the Heat's trio is making in regards to continuing to work better together. Wade and James have long simply existed as the individual star of their team with varying members of their supporting cast. Now, these two are having a blast working to get Miami another championship.
The transition game these two guys bring to the table is incredible. They are close to unstoppable when one-on-one in transition, often drawing a foul and almost as often scoring the basket as well. Together, they create a nightmare matchup for teams who only have one superb defender. Heading into last night's game, I was eager to see what the Kings had played defensively in regards to guarding each guy. Donte Greene did a solid job covering James early, save for a successful ally-oop on the first possession of the game. Tyreke Evans covered Dwayne Wade early before exiting for most of the second half due to a lingering foot injury. Omri Casspi also had moments with the responsibility of covering James or Wade.
In introductions and every time Lebron touched the ball, the crowd gave him a chorus of "boos." A second half dunk, followed by a technical foul for taunting, brought upon a mixture of cheers and "boos."
Overall, a fun night seeing a big ticket in Sacramento, despite the Kings' loss. Plenty of joy came from getting to see a few NBA stars in town, ones who I'd never be sad to see in a Kings uniform.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
America's Greatest Rivalry
America's greatest rivalry is set to kick off in just under 12 hours. It doesn't feature flashy players who are award winners or All-Americans. It doesn't feature teams competing for a spot in a BCS Bowl. In simply involves two of our country's finest universities.
At 2:30pm ET on Saturday, the only Division I-A college football game of the weekend will kick off. It will feature two fine universities of our nation's service academies.
The Army Black Knights will face the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday for the 111th time since 1890. Navy leads the series 54-49-7, with the Midshipmen winning the previous 8 meetings, including last season's 17-3 victory. Navy is a 7.5 point favorite for Saturday's matchup.
This game has come to embody the spirit of the interservice rivalry of the United States Armed Forces. Members of each school have committed to serve their respective academy for 5 years upon graduation from each university.
The game will be held in Philadelphia, which is roughly an equal distance from each school. At the current time, the game is always held on the second Saturday in December as the only Division I-A game, the only on that second Saturday.
With a limited number of players from each team playing for a future in the NFL, the joy of this game is seeing the honest passion and emotion from each player, fighting for bragging rights.
Following the game, no matter what the outcome, both service academies will play their alma mater. First, both teams will stand in unison and face the losing side, hearing their alma mater. Afterwards, the teams will stand in unison to face the fans of the victorious team.
Because nearly every player on each side will ultimately pursue a career with their respective service academy, this game has a special place in the hearts of many. It does to me as well, seeing two teams pledging terms of service to the United States of America, and also playing football.
This season, I have a particular sense of joy because each of these teams will get to play in a bowl game following this game. Navy will face San Diego State in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Army will face Southern Methodist in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
As for tomorrow's game, here is our prediction:
Navy 23, Army 16
At 2:30pm ET on Saturday, the only Division I-A college football game of the weekend will kick off. It will feature two fine universities of our nation's service academies.
The Army Black Knights will face the Navy Midshipmen on Saturday for the 111th time since 1890. Navy leads the series 54-49-7, with the Midshipmen winning the previous 8 meetings, including last season's 17-3 victory. Navy is a 7.5 point favorite for Saturday's matchup.
This game has come to embody the spirit of the interservice rivalry of the United States Armed Forces. Members of each school have committed to serve their respective academy for 5 years upon graduation from each university.
The game will be held in Philadelphia, which is roughly an equal distance from each school. At the current time, the game is always held on the second Saturday in December as the only Division I-A game, the only on that second Saturday.
With a limited number of players from each team playing for a future in the NFL, the joy of this game is seeing the honest passion and emotion from each player, fighting for bragging rights.
Following the game, no matter what the outcome, both service academies will play their alma mater. First, both teams will stand in unison and face the losing side, hearing their alma mater. Afterwards, the teams will stand in unison to face the fans of the victorious team.
Because nearly every player on each side will ultimately pursue a career with their respective service academy, this game has a special place in the hearts of many. It does to me as well, seeing two teams pledging terms of service to the United States of America, and also playing football.
This season, I have a particular sense of joy because each of these teams will get to play in a bowl game following this game. Navy will face San Diego State in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Army will face Southern Methodist in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
As for tomorrow's game, here is our prediction:
Navy 23, Army 16
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL Thursday Night Pick
More NFL picks for this weekend will come later, but for now....
Tonight, we're going with Tennessee over Indianapolis. At home, the Titans will ride the return of Kenny Britt, who will improve the Titans passing attack. Additionally, Kerry Collins is ready to go at quarterback and Chris Johnson is determined to put his last two poor performances behind him. Cortland Finnegan vs. Reggie Wayne will be a GREAT matchup. Not Andre Johnson-Cortland Finnegan great, but somewhere up there.
Tennessee 27, Indianapolis 20
Tonight, we're going with Tennessee over Indianapolis. At home, the Titans will ride the return of Kenny Britt, who will improve the Titans passing attack. Additionally, Kerry Collins is ready to go at quarterback and Chris Johnson is determined to put his last two poor performances behind him. Cortland Finnegan vs. Reggie Wayne will be a GREAT matchup. Not Andre Johnson-Cortland Finnegan great, but somewhere up there.
Tennessee 27, Indianapolis 20
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
UC Davis women #8 in Mid-Major Top 25
The UC Davis women's basketball team moved up to #8 in the most recent College Insider Mid-Major Top 25 poll. This poll is made up from teams in 23 of the smaller conferences within Division I basketball.
The Aggies, who were ranked #15 in last week's poll, moved up after defeated Saint Mary's, who is also ranked in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll.
UC Davis' next game is on the road, this Sunday (12/12) at Kansas State. The Wildcats are receiving 23 votes in the Associated Press poll, ranking all Division-I teams. The 23 votes have Kansas State just outside the Top 25, two spots outside of the rankings.
The Aggies, who were ranked #15 in last week's poll, moved up after defeated Saint Mary's, who is also ranked in the Mid-Major Top 25 poll.
UC Davis' next game is on the road, this Sunday (12/12) at Kansas State. The Wildcats are receiving 23 votes in the Associated Press poll, ranking all Division-I teams. The 23 votes have Kansas State just outside the Top 25, two spots outside of the rankings.
MLB Winter Meetings
The 2010 offseason MLB Winter Meetings are in full swing in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Some notes on today's biggest news:
-Paul Konerko re-signed with the Chicago White Sox; 3 year contract, 37.5 million dollars
-Carlos Pena signed with the Chicago Cubs; 1 year contract, 10 million dollars
-Jeff Francoeur signed with the Kansas City Royals; 1 year contract; 2.5 million dollars
Top Remaining Free Agents
1. Cliff Lee, pitcher
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
2. Carl Crawford, outfielder
Potential Suitors: New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox
3. Adrian Beltre, third baseman
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland A's
4. Rafael Soriano, relief pitcher
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels
5. Vladimir Guerrero, designated hitter (maybe outfielder....maybe)
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, Oakland A's
Some notes on today's biggest news:
-Paul Konerko re-signed with the Chicago White Sox; 3 year contract, 37.5 million dollars
-Carlos Pena signed with the Chicago Cubs; 1 year contract, 10 million dollars
-Jeff Francoeur signed with the Kansas City Royals; 1 year contract; 2.5 million dollars
Top Remaining Free Agents
1. Cliff Lee, pitcher
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
2. Carl Crawford, outfielder
Potential Suitors: New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox
3. Adrian Beltre, third baseman
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland A's
4. Rafael Soriano, relief pitcher
Potential Suitors: Los Angeles Angels
5. Vladimir Guerrero, designated hitter (maybe outfielder....maybe)
Potential Suitors: Texas Rangers, Oakland A's
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Auburn v. Oregon, January 10
The headlines are endless, seen on every sports website and even on numerous big news websites.
"Auburn, Oregon set to meet for National Title"
All the headlines go something like that, prepping 1+ month of news readying us for the January 10 National Championship that will come from Glendale, Arizona.
Each top team won today in order to complete a perfect regular season, Auburn over South Carolina and Oregon over Oregon State. The teams are almost certain to remain #1 and #2 in the BCS Standings, respectively, which technically are updated tomorrow, but really what it means is that all the BCS matchups will be set.
Other teams who have clinched a spot in a BCS Bowl Game include:
TCU (Mountain West)
Oklahoma (Big 12)
Connecticut (Big East)
Virginia Tech (ACC)
Other teams extremely likely to play in a BCS Game:
Stanford (Pac-10), as an automatic qualifier by virtue of being in Top 4 of BCS Standings
Wisconsin (Big 10), as highest Big 10 team in the final BCS Standings, released tomorrow
Other teams in the running for a BCS spot: (in order of likelihood)
Arkansas (SEC), as an at-large
Ohio State (Big 10), as an at-large
Michigan State (Big 10), as an at-large
LSU (SEC), as an at-large
Boise State (WAC), as an at-large
"Auburn, Oregon set to meet for National Title"
All the headlines go something like that, prepping 1+ month of news readying us for the January 10 National Championship that will come from Glendale, Arizona.
Each top team won today in order to complete a perfect regular season, Auburn over South Carolina and Oregon over Oregon State. The teams are almost certain to remain #1 and #2 in the BCS Standings, respectively, which technically are updated tomorrow, but really what it means is that all the BCS matchups will be set.
Other teams who have clinched a spot in a BCS Bowl Game include:
TCU (Mountain West)
Oklahoma (Big 12)
Connecticut (Big East)
Virginia Tech (ACC)
Other teams extremely likely to play in a BCS Game:
Stanford (Pac-10), as an automatic qualifier by virtue of being in Top 4 of BCS Standings
Wisconsin (Big 10), as highest Big 10 team in the final BCS Standings, released tomorrow
Other teams in the running for a BCS spot: (in order of likelihood)
Arkansas (SEC), as an at-large
Ohio State (Big 10), as an at-large
Michigan State (Big 10), as an at-large
LSU (SEC), as an at-large
Boise State (WAC), as an at-large
Red Sox Strengthen Offense
The Boston Red Sox offense took a hit this offseason when star catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez left the team via free agency to the Detroit Tigers. Additionally, it appears third baseman Adrian Beltre will not return to the team, as he appears bound for another team also through free agency.
But the Red Sox made a big move on Saturday by finalizing a trade to acquire stellar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres. Boston sent away three prospects, namely a pitcher Casey Kelly, who is consider to be a top prospect.
This adds a critical piece to the Red Sox offense in regard to keeping up with other AL East offensive powerhouses, the Yankees and Rays. The Red Sox also are contenders to land one or two free agent outfielders, Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford.
More baseball thoughts coming soon...
But the Red Sox made a big move on Saturday by finalizing a trade to acquire stellar first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres. Boston sent away three prospects, namely a pitcher Casey Kelly, who is consider to be a top prospect.
This adds a critical piece to the Red Sox offense in regard to keeping up with other AL East offensive powerhouses, the Yankees and Rays. The Red Sox also are contenders to land one or two free agent outfielders, Jayson Werth or Carl Crawford.
More baseball thoughts coming soon...
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