Enjoyed the run here in this space and the time to talk CU football, basketball and more. I thank the great courtesy given to me by those I interviewed, who helped set up interviews and you who checked in to read it.
The next project is the Warrior Sports News at warriorsportsnews.blogspot.com, where you will still be able to get the shakedown on the Buffs, but also on other state colleges, all the local professional teams and national hot topics.
It is my goal to make it a worthy read for you.
Thanks for the support and best wishes your way.
Mike
Monday, April 02, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Sunday Truth
This is it, the finale. The last rodeo, the final dance. Check it all out at the end of this column.What do you say we chuck all that junk for now and just ride.
Ready?
Let's roll.
Look at all those mock NFL draft sheets and see what ails Colorado -- no Buffs mentioned at the top of the lottery orgy. For CU to be someone again, it has to start either recruiting or developing top-tier talent. Nothing you haven't heard before but if one expects that high-level performance on the field on fall Saturday afternoons then consistent playmakers have to be wearing the black and gold. Right now, point blank, the Buffs are outclassed. Word here is six wins and a close call or two pulling an upset in 2007 and Dan Hawkins and the Band get a few more of those future NFL type big dogs in the next recruiting cycle. Really surprise, put up seven victories and look out -- could be one of the best classes in years and the harvest that puts CU over the top into a higher rent district.
Losing shining quarterback recruit Landry Jones this week hurt, especially since that neighborhood bully, OU, took him away but the Buffs will throw another line in the water now and if progress is made on offense, and if the offensive line can stay glued together the points will go up, and a talented QB might still be had.
Laugh this off if you will but Cody Hawkins being the coach's son and only a redshirt freshman is a whole lot different than him not being related to the boss when another signal caller is looking at Boulder as a possible home.
Ponderosa linebacker Jon Major would be a Ryan Miller-like get if he were to choose CU but Mullen's Bryce Givens could be just as big a recruit. The Buffs need size, talent and tenacity up front. Scoring one like Givens would go along way towards solidifying the offense. Getting a defensive wrecking ball like Major would equal less points each weekend the offense has to score.
The early run is Givens is not going to end up at CU but who knows what some winning might do as well as a master sales job. Major appears, by what little is out there, to be undecided.
Speaking of Miller, it says right here that if he is healthy this fall, he will prove smart enough, talented enough and forceful enough to force himself into the starting lineup no later than the third game of the season. Don't be shocked if he pulls the trick earlier.
How good he will be as a freshman is another question.
Mullen's Nolan Brewster is headed to Texas and gotta say, that hurts. He doesn't follow daddy to Minnesota, which would be highly understandable yet he goes to UT? Yeah, great program, great college town, difficult to say no on any level to coach Mack Brown and the Longhorns but that the Buffs lost him before the fall is a major disappointment. No excuses -- major disappointment, simply because he is an in-state top-shelf talent. Now that the truth has been put down on that loss it can also be said the CU scored in recruiting defensive backs in this last recruiting cycle so the Buffs should not be lacking.
Curtis Cunningham of Columbine is a menace on the defensive line and to this point, he is not having schools throwing themselves at him all naked, meaning he might just be the kind of sleeper that the Buffs like and should sell out to get, especially since he plays a premium position.
Them other guys
Isn't success supposed to come before the compliments?
Let's just see if Nebraska ends up top-10 in the country or better now after getting so much love for recent recruiting classes and for "tempo" of practices.
Honestly, if the Cornhuskers don't bust out big in 2007 with all that glittering talent and fantastic "tempo" then Senor (Bill) Callahan should be retrained for alternative employment.
Oklahoma has an admirable athletic department but what's really going on down in Norman these days? Can't they stay on the straight and narrow? If it's not non-no phone calls that happened on the watch of former basketball coach Kelvin Sampson it's the shady pay scheme at an auto dealership just for being pretty in an OU uniform for coach Bob Stoops. Guessing here that those two blemishes are just the ones that have been uncovered and there is likely more lurking beneath the surface. Promise you some in-the-dark cleanup has been going on for some time now in hopes that no more embarrassment comes to light.
The Backyard
A man of character can admit his shortcomings so how about giving credit to those at Colorado State for doing just that when they looked in the mirror and saw the truth -- they had become soft.
Losing bruising back Kyle Bell to injury last season was a big part of the Rams' inability to run the ball but being princesses up front certainly didn't help. If you are physical and competitive in the trenches a backup runner should still be grinding out yards. It didn't happen.
CSU gets credit for seeing itself for what it had become. Expect solid improvement in 2007.
Denver is extremely fortunate. Why? Terrell Davis was a sixth-round draft pick, Tom Nalen came in round 7 and now the Broncos have their sixth-round pick back after Dan "Retired in my head" Wilkinson decided not to report to the team from Miami after being shipped to the Mile High city. Denver has a far greater chance of getting help from that draft pick than from Wilkinson playing. Who knows what will happen but if the Broncos strike gold in that round, remember it all started with the Broncos getting snubbed.
The Rockies open their season on Monday at Coors Field against Cy Young award winner Brandon Webb and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Aaron Cook, who was shockingly good this spring, hits the hill for the home boys. These two franchises have thriving farm systems with great young talent and are also stocked at the major league level with young studs. Both, however, have a low tank in pitching. Webb is 7-4 lifetime against the Rockies while Cook is 3-3 against the Diamondbacks. Webb wins by keeping the ball down and if he is loose and dealing he is one tough hombre. Cook has to be up to the challenge and translate that spring mojo to the regular season.
Charley Rosen of FoxSports.com is one of the biggest basketball curmudgeons you'll find -- normally the type of guy I gravitate towards -- but he even makes me squirm. Check him out bagging the Nuggets, a band of lost souls if there ever was such a thing. One of my favorites from Rosen was this gem concerning Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson.
"In other words, they each simply did their own thing. Like toddlers in the same crib engaging in parallel play."Said it here last night and Rosen backed it up -- Denver doesn't pass the ball well enough, consistently enough and defense is treated like taxes -- they want no part of it. Because of both those issues, the Nuggets, well, they stink. And they are an expensive stench.
Final Gun
Florida and Ohio State in the NCAA championship game, again. Are these two schools living the life or what? Football, basketball, ping pong, you name it, they're probably doing it. Thad Matta has done an excellent job recruiting and coaching and if Greg Oden shocks everyone and comes back, the Buckeyes are going to be fearsome next season. Monday night, however, belongs to the Gators, who are bigger, better offensively, and tougher to crack on defense. Billy Donovan gets richer by the day. He's going to cost UF a mint but in the end the Gators will pay it and keep him from Kentucky and its' sense of entitlement.
Someone who could also make himself a lot of money come Monday is Al Horford of Florida. Already a lock to go high in the draft, a big performance against man-child Oden and Horford will shove his way towards the very top of the talent market come June.
Oden returning to Columbus would be fun to see but if he doesn't bolt for the NBA, it would be puzzling as he is a lock we hear, despite protests here, to be the top pick. How much more marketable can you get? Take the money, kid, before re-injuring your wrist, blowing out a knee or whatever other potholes could come your way. You put in your time, as mandated by the NBA, in the junior league. Get paid.
Meanwhile, most likely to check out of CU early for the NBA draft is, speculation only, Xavier Silas. Now, I didn't say it was going to be next season. If the Buffs get coached up, then in two years, after his junior campaign, Silas could be the guy with the $, $$$, $$$ in his eyes the most from the current roster.
O.K., amigos, this is it -- the final of 308 posts for this blog. Thank you for taking time to check it out and give it a read. The work I've done has constantly changed and now, I believe, it has pushed me in a different direction, down a new road, to something better.
Starting Monday, this is the place -- WarriorSportsNews.blogspot.com.
I will still passionately write on and provide interviews regarding the University of Colorado, the school I've followed since I was 1o-years old, but I'll be expanding the menu, as I have been here lately, with the intent of expanding the readership.
To all who have read or written to this space, I'm grateful. Greatly respect and appreciate your passion for the Buffs and allowing me a forum to stand on the bar and speak.
Best wishes,
Mike
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Shaky view; no respect; BGT Morning News
An article on FoxSports.com just got used to clean up dog poop after it foolishly picked the wrong quarterback to start for Colorado come the opener.
Hey, the Black and Gold Truth originally had its' money on JUCO Johnny too but that was before spring break where the light started shining from a different man under center, an Idaho gunslinger named Hawkins. Cody Hawkins.
The same story says former Colorado prep Taylor Tharp will emerge from the back to start at Boise State, replacing Jared Zabransky.
Quick, tell me, who is Demetrius Jones?
Quite possibly the starter at QB at Notre Dame instead of mega-recruit Jimmy Clausen.
Smooth picks on future Hall of Famer
Former CU star guard Chauncey Billups, Mr. Big Shot, must not be Italian.
He has no freakin' manners, no freakin' respect.
Friday, he hosted revered point guard Jason Kidd and showed him up by dropping 32 points and 14 assists in the game. Kidd put a good night's work in getting 10 points, eight rebounds and nine assists but likely left the building with a vendetta on his mind after his team lost 110-105 to Detroit.
Them other guys
So, who is this Kevin Durant guy who just keeps piling up awards? He must good, no? But from what I read, he's just another run-of-the-mill, generic scoring forward who is clueless on defense. I'm sure if we look hard enough, we'll find someone who will label him overrated. You know that season-long domination, well, hey, it ain't no big thang'. The boy was just chucking it up there against chumps from a chump conference.
The Backyard
Could the Denver Nuggets, guys getting paid, at least try to play some defense? Yes, Phoenix has one impressive offensive engine but allowing them to shoot a double nickel from the field in a rout over the homeboys Friday was just too much.
That should earn the Nuggets a fine for tanking it, as in they skated.
Carmelo Anthony showed up with 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and Nene keeps it rolling, laying it down with 18 points and nine rebounds but Allen Iverson, while scoring 26 points, had but one assist. Marcus Camby did have a double-double. So, numbers-wise, the Nuggets looked good as individuals but no defense and no passing and Denver might as well be playing Colorado in the Big 12. That's about as good as they looked against the Suns.
If the Nuggets were the New York Yankees and Stan Kroenke was George Steinbrenner, George Karl and Mark Warkentien would soon be considered "exports."
Not saying that's the move this general manager would make but in New York, accountability is something leadership faces on an annual basis.
BGT Morning News
Have to say, I'm a little surprised that some Air Force coach got blanked in the voting for coach of the year. That said, Tony Bennett was deserving as anyone for flying the Cougars to the moon.
I know you listen to me, well, once in a while, right? But this is for the rock heads who don't listen -- Billy Donovan will not leave Florida for Kentucky. What would be the motivation? He has better weather, has already won it all once in Gainesville, has a shot to repeat, can recruit against the best, and the Gators will get whatever cash Donovan thinks he needs to feel loved. The media on this story bore me.
One of my favorite players from an opposing school was the great Wayman Tisdale of Oklahoma. Big smile, big game, unbelievable talent out of the gate. Now, news is he has cancer. So happy he went tumbling and broke his leg. Prayers to the Sooner big fella and his family. You're going to make it and score big again in this life with your story. Once spoke to the jazz musician on a talk show years ago and will say this, the man is a gentleman with an easy way about him and a sense of humor.
Here's an academic freak show for you, courtesy of, yes, Georgetown. Now someone has to be red-faced or red-ass over this one. Someone also either caught or will catch some major heat, a real dressing down now the story has gone public. An embarrassment for the basketball program and a fine institution of higher learning.
Going to make another run on the Micheal Ray Richardson story -- where the ex-Colorado prep just got ambushed by the national media. What, is there no forgiveness amongst you? Never did anything you regret? Did you ever have a need for forgiveness? Was it granted? Richardson's comments to the press were loose and awkward. There were not intended to hurt others. They were not Marge Schott, John Rocker or Michael Richards (Seinfeld) ugly. Yet, the vultures are swirling over Richardson like he's a corpse. Funny how those offended in this life often are uglier in behavior than the words that seemingly wreck their self esteem. Disgraceful.
I see where some are making Michael Jordan -- Kobe Bryant comparisons, so hey, let the Big Dog in too. Here it is -- skills wise, both were/are superlative. Give me Bryant on range on the jump shot and fluidity to his game but I'll take MJ on overall dominance, the ability to drive the ball and score, rebounding, passing, defense, the will to win, the ability to lift others and get them to do what was necessary for victory, and oh yeah, all that freakin' hardware. Dude also was one of the best money players when it counted in sports history. Love Bryant's game even if he is a phony as a person but Jordan is the one I want for one game with the house bet on it. Yeah, that's my final answer. Look at my smile. I'm so ready to cash in and take the cheddar from all those Kobe-lovers.
Uh-oh. Divorce, bad. Vindictive wife or soon-to-be ex-Cruella, worse. Someone screwed up in a big, big way, either being nasty or cheating. And now comes the dreaded hammer on this dude's life. Judgment day. His patience, nerves and balls will be tested in a big way. And who knew? After all, her dad is a such a cool guy, easy going and all, you know?
And now, the award for Winner of the Day goes to....Lionel Gates. Going to be hard to argue all that "fun" in a court room but hey, he's an athlete so I'm sure a little talkin' of the green will put the fire out. Just a good thing Gates doesn't live in Venezuela like Ugueth Urbina, where crime actually gets prosecuted.
The final flurry
Who we need more of in the stands at CU basketball games. This guy, too, as this is where it starts but we need to make sure these types never become our neighbors.
I tried to hard to get this gig but you know how things go -- politics. Then attempted to create this on a Friday night once in a bar but it didn't quite play out the same. Good news, no injuries. For the girls, at least.
Truth
Hey, the Black and Gold Truth originally had its' money on JUCO Johnny too but that was before spring break where the light started shining from a different man under center, an Idaho gunslinger named Hawkins. Cody Hawkins.
The same story says former Colorado prep Taylor Tharp will emerge from the back to start at Boise State, replacing Jared Zabransky.
Quick, tell me, who is Demetrius Jones?
Quite possibly the starter at QB at Notre Dame instead of mega-recruit Jimmy Clausen.
Smooth picks on future Hall of Famer
Former CU star guard Chauncey Billups, Mr. Big Shot, must not be Italian.
He has no freakin' manners, no freakin' respect.
Friday, he hosted revered point guard Jason Kidd and showed him up by dropping 32 points and 14 assists in the game. Kidd put a good night's work in getting 10 points, eight rebounds and nine assists but likely left the building with a vendetta on his mind after his team lost 110-105 to Detroit.
Them other guys
So, who is this Kevin Durant guy who just keeps piling up awards? He must good, no? But from what I read, he's just another run-of-the-mill, generic scoring forward who is clueless on defense. I'm sure if we look hard enough, we'll find someone who will label him overrated. You know that season-long domination, well, hey, it ain't no big thang'. The boy was just chucking it up there against chumps from a chump conference.
The Backyard
Could the Denver Nuggets, guys getting paid, at least try to play some defense? Yes, Phoenix has one impressive offensive engine but allowing them to shoot a double nickel from the field in a rout over the homeboys Friday was just too much.
That should earn the Nuggets a fine for tanking it, as in they skated.
Carmelo Anthony showed up with 32 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and Nene keeps it rolling, laying it down with 18 points and nine rebounds but Allen Iverson, while scoring 26 points, had but one assist. Marcus Camby did have a double-double. So, numbers-wise, the Nuggets looked good as individuals but no defense and no passing and Denver might as well be playing Colorado in the Big 12. That's about as good as they looked against the Suns.
If the Nuggets were the New York Yankees and Stan Kroenke was George Steinbrenner, George Karl and Mark Warkentien would soon be considered "exports."
Not saying that's the move this general manager would make but in New York, accountability is something leadership faces on an annual basis.
BGT Morning News
Have to say, I'm a little surprised that some Air Force coach got blanked in the voting for coach of the year. That said, Tony Bennett was deserving as anyone for flying the Cougars to the moon.
I know you listen to me, well, once in a while, right? But this is for the rock heads who don't listen -- Billy Donovan will not leave Florida for Kentucky. What would be the motivation? He has better weather, has already won it all once in Gainesville, has a shot to repeat, can recruit against the best, and the Gators will get whatever cash Donovan thinks he needs to feel loved. The media on this story bore me.
One of my favorite players from an opposing school was the great Wayman Tisdale of Oklahoma. Big smile, big game, unbelievable talent out of the gate. Now, news is he has cancer. So happy he went tumbling and broke his leg. Prayers to the Sooner big fella and his family. You're going to make it and score big again in this life with your story. Once spoke to the jazz musician on a talk show years ago and will say this, the man is a gentleman with an easy way about him and a sense of humor.
Here's an academic freak show for you, courtesy of, yes, Georgetown. Now someone has to be red-faced or red-ass over this one. Someone also either caught or will catch some major heat, a real dressing down now the story has gone public. An embarrassment for the basketball program and a fine institution of higher learning.
Going to make another run on the Micheal Ray Richardson story -- where the ex-Colorado prep just got ambushed by the national media. What, is there no forgiveness amongst you? Never did anything you regret? Did you ever have a need for forgiveness? Was it granted? Richardson's comments to the press were loose and awkward. There were not intended to hurt others. They were not Marge Schott, John Rocker or Michael Richards (Seinfeld) ugly. Yet, the vultures are swirling over Richardson like he's a corpse. Funny how those offended in this life often are uglier in behavior than the words that seemingly wreck their self esteem. Disgraceful.
I see where some are making Michael Jordan -- Kobe Bryant comparisons, so hey, let the Big Dog in too. Here it is -- skills wise, both were/are superlative. Give me Bryant on range on the jump shot and fluidity to his game but I'll take MJ on overall dominance, the ability to drive the ball and score, rebounding, passing, defense, the will to win, the ability to lift others and get them to do what was necessary for victory, and oh yeah, all that freakin' hardware. Dude also was one of the best money players when it counted in sports history. Love Bryant's game even if he is a phony as a person but Jordan is the one I want for one game with the house bet on it. Yeah, that's my final answer. Look at my smile. I'm so ready to cash in and take the cheddar from all those Kobe-lovers.
Uh-oh. Divorce, bad. Vindictive wife or soon-to-be ex-Cruella, worse. Someone screwed up in a big, big way, either being nasty or cheating. And now comes the dreaded hammer on this dude's life. Judgment day. His patience, nerves and balls will be tested in a big way. And who knew? After all, her dad is a such a cool guy, easy going and all, you know?
And now, the award for Winner of the Day goes to....Lionel Gates. Going to be hard to argue all that "fun" in a court room but hey, he's an athlete so I'm sure a little talkin' of the green will put the fire out. Just a good thing Gates doesn't live in Venezuela like Ugueth Urbina, where crime actually gets prosecuted.
The final flurry
Who we need more of in the stands at CU basketball games. This guy, too, as this is where it starts but we need to make sure these types never become our neighbors.
I tried to hard to get this gig but you know how things go -- politics. Then attempted to create this on a Friday night once in a bar but it didn't quite play out the same. Good news, no injuries. For the girls, at least.
Truth
Friday, March 30, 2007
It's gettin' hot in here
Colorado has long wanted Jeff Bzdelik as its' man.
That time appears to be now, as in this weekend in Atlanta at the Final Four, according to B.G. Brooks of the Rocky Mountain News.
If the offer is made and Bzdelik accepts as expected, start the parade as rebirth of Buffs' basketball can begin. Regardless of whether CU really went nationwide in its' search for a replacement for Ricardo Patton and whether Bzdelik is the right fit in Boulder, he is unquestionably the hottest hire the program has ever made for the program.
Who knows what CU will be next season on the floor but this much would be a given with Bzdelik as coach -- structure would be evident, fundamentals a strength, defensive intensity would puzzle fans and media and the offense would resemble a system. Wins would also occur more frequently.
Bzdelik would inherit Patton's talent but would need to find some playable size or suffer the consequences next season.
The fans are tired of waiting and talking about "who's it going to be." Buffs' athletic director Mike Bohn getting his guy would put a big smile on his face and get this, on the faces of many at the school, even professors as Bzdelik is a no-nonsense leader who wants strong students and leaders representing his team.
Players like it
CU recruits like the idea of Bzdelik.
Why?
The resume.
His background.
The winning.
Players want to win.
They will take the yelling, the screaming if something comes out of it.
They want instruction and guidance.
If they get the payoff.
They want to feel good about themselves and especially around their peers on and off campus.
Prescription -- winning.
Them other guys
Arkansas loses out in its' pursuit of Texas A & M chemist Billy Gillispie as the Aggies' coach has decided to remain in College Station. Big coup for an up-and-coming program and a embarrassing rejection for Razorback fans. Hard to imagine A & M as a more attractive place than Fayetteville these days.
Letters
Greg comments on assistant coaches for the next staff at Colorado.
"(Jeff) Bzdelik needs to find an assistant coach who can develop relationships with Colorado high school coaches. We have been losing too many good players (Nick Fazekas, Matt Bouldin, Sean Ogirri, and more) to outside programs! I would also like to see a former Buff on the staff. Perhaps Jay Humphries would be interested?"
BGT: Greg, I agree that developing quality relationships with in-state coaches has long been an oversight and imperative so that when the unique local talent comes around, CU is strongly in the mix. However, assistants also need to be able to succeed with the authority given to them in practice by being teachers and they must be able to recruit regionally, if not nationally, with a high rate of return. Humphries is intriguing because he can say CU took him to the NBA but a former Buff is not mandatory to me but recruiting talent farmers and practice teachers are.
Next up is Joe Anonymous, also is talking assistants.
"The ideal candidate would have been a high school coach in Colorado at some point in his career. Bobby Hofman at Fort Lewis is one name that comes to mind. It doesn't hurt that Hofman played at CU, either!"
BGT: Hofman has his fans, chief among them Neill Woelk of the Daily Camera, and yes, you want people invested emotionally in the program, ideally, but I like the idea of focusing more on getting hungry, ethical teachers and recruiters. Then, with that formula and leadership in place watch this program be transformed into something some think not possible, which is a consistent winner. Maybe not Final Four quality or even an annual NCAA Tournament participant but a school which is always tied down with postseason plans.
And how about Jim, who took exception to my definition of Detroit in a Dre' Bly comment.
"I hope you are referring to the Lions organization when you say "a dump named Detroit"."
BGT: Jim, I know people from Detroit and the way you ask your question, well, you have me locking doors, closing blinds, wishing I had a gun.
When I was calling Bly out for his phoniness and called Detroit a dump, yes, I was referring to the Lions' organization.
Do I still get my legs broken?
Rub my eyes
I wouldn't make this up so humor me for a moment -- read today that some NBA scout, in discussing the Greg Oden or Kevin Durant choice as the best prospect, said Oden is like Hakeem Olajuwon while Durant is a better Tracy McGrady.
Oh brother, a better McGrady? T-Mac flipped off college for the pro game and was good enough to become a star but Durant dominated the NCAA's as a scorer and rebounder. To minimize him and say he is only another McGrady is insulting because freshman don't often just show up and play like NBA guys right out of the gate. And Oden as Olajuwon? That's just delusional. Oden is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder, even with one hand, and he scored very well for those limitations but he lacks the fluidity, explosion and skills The Dream had. Oden might become a star at the next level but he will never have Olajuwon's game. And honestly, as I wrote here before, is Greg O. better than other past college big men like Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson or Tim Duncan?
By the way, that's a rhetorical question.
Rant over. Thanks for coming, drive home safely.
That time appears to be now, as in this weekend in Atlanta at the Final Four, according to B.G. Brooks of the Rocky Mountain News.
If the offer is made and Bzdelik accepts as expected, start the parade as rebirth of Buffs' basketball can begin. Regardless of whether CU really went nationwide in its' search for a replacement for Ricardo Patton and whether Bzdelik is the right fit in Boulder, he is unquestionably the hottest hire the program has ever made for the program.
Who knows what CU will be next season on the floor but this much would be a given with Bzdelik as coach -- structure would be evident, fundamentals a strength, defensive intensity would puzzle fans and media and the offense would resemble a system. Wins would also occur more frequently.
Bzdelik would inherit Patton's talent but would need to find some playable size or suffer the consequences next season.
The fans are tired of waiting and talking about "who's it going to be." Buffs' athletic director Mike Bohn getting his guy would put a big smile on his face and get this, on the faces of many at the school, even professors as Bzdelik is a no-nonsense leader who wants strong students and leaders representing his team.
Players like it
CU recruits like the idea of Bzdelik.
Why?
The resume.
His background.
The winning.
Players want to win.
They will take the yelling, the screaming if something comes out of it.
They want instruction and guidance.
If they get the payoff.
They want to feel good about themselves and especially around their peers on and off campus.
Prescription -- winning.
Them other guys
Arkansas loses out in its' pursuit of Texas A & M chemist Billy Gillispie as the Aggies' coach has decided to remain in College Station. Big coup for an up-and-coming program and a embarrassing rejection for Razorback fans. Hard to imagine A & M as a more attractive place than Fayetteville these days.
Letters
Greg comments on assistant coaches for the next staff at Colorado.
"(Jeff) Bzdelik needs to find an assistant coach who can develop relationships with Colorado high school coaches. We have been losing too many good players (Nick Fazekas, Matt Bouldin, Sean Ogirri, and more) to outside programs! I would also like to see a former Buff on the staff. Perhaps Jay Humphries would be interested?"
BGT: Greg, I agree that developing quality relationships with in-state coaches has long been an oversight and imperative so that when the unique local talent comes around, CU is strongly in the mix. However, assistants also need to be able to succeed with the authority given to them in practice by being teachers and they must be able to recruit regionally, if not nationally, with a high rate of return. Humphries is intriguing because he can say CU took him to the NBA but a former Buff is not mandatory to me but recruiting talent farmers and practice teachers are.
Next up is Joe Anonymous, also is talking assistants.
"The ideal candidate would have been a high school coach in Colorado at some point in his career. Bobby Hofman at Fort Lewis is one name that comes to mind. It doesn't hurt that Hofman played at CU, either!"
BGT: Hofman has his fans, chief among them Neill Woelk of the Daily Camera, and yes, you want people invested emotionally in the program, ideally, but I like the idea of focusing more on getting hungry, ethical teachers and recruiters. Then, with that formula and leadership in place watch this program be transformed into something some think not possible, which is a consistent winner. Maybe not Final Four quality or even an annual NCAA Tournament participant but a school which is always tied down with postseason plans.
And how about Jim, who took exception to my definition of Detroit in a Dre' Bly comment.
"I hope you are referring to the Lions organization when you say "a dump named Detroit"."
BGT: Jim, I know people from Detroit and the way you ask your question, well, you have me locking doors, closing blinds, wishing I had a gun.
When I was calling Bly out for his phoniness and called Detroit a dump, yes, I was referring to the Lions' organization.
Do I still get my legs broken?
Rub my eyes
I wouldn't make this up so humor me for a moment -- read today that some NBA scout, in discussing the Greg Oden or Kevin Durant choice as the best prospect, said Oden is like Hakeem Olajuwon while Durant is a better Tracy McGrady.
Oh brother, a better McGrady? T-Mac flipped off college for the pro game and was good enough to become a star but Durant dominated the NCAA's as a scorer and rebounder. To minimize him and say he is only another McGrady is insulting because freshman don't often just show up and play like NBA guys right out of the gate. And Oden as Olajuwon? That's just delusional. Oden is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder, even with one hand, and he scored very well for those limitations but he lacks the fluidity, explosion and skills The Dream had. Oden might become a star at the next level but he will never have Olajuwon's game. And honestly, as I wrote here before, is Greg O. better than other past college big men like Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson or Tim Duncan?
By the way, that's a rhetorical question.
Rant over. Thanks for coming, drive home safely.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
OU scores early on Buffs; assistant to hire
Colorado broke out the road map last season to recruit and it paid off as the Buffs scored commitments from all over the country. That success has them right back on the road, looking under rocks everywhere for more players, according to Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com.And developments were looking promising for 2008 as hyped quarterback prospect Landry Jones out of New Mexico was ready to decide between Oklahoma and CU.
This was the next building block to go with the most recent class, especially everyone's All-American tackle, Ryan Miller out of Columbine.
Then the news broke -- Jones picked the Sooners (see picture to the right)
Now honestly, the Buffs can't compete with OU on many levels but CU should be attractive for the excitement brewing in Boulder, Boise State's success which was stoked into a fire by Buffs' coach Dan Hawkins, and the opportunity to play early. All of that proved insufficient reasons, however, for Jones to come to CU to compete with Cody Hawkins, Matt Ballenger and Nick Nelson.
Yes, the Sooners are all that glitters, high profile and have the court evidence of having rolled off some successful QBs (Josh Heupel, Jason White and even, to some degree, Paul Thompson) and big seasons but remember this, some touted names have also gone to Norman and went broke -- Tommy Grady (prep All American to nobody to Utah Ute) and Rhett Bomar (your-money-for-nothing-and-your-chicks-for-free guy now playing at some small school in the weeds in Texas).
Jones would have had to prove himself superior to Cody Hawkins to play but as I've been told by those in the know in recruiting, great talents always believe themselves the best. Confidence is not an issue.
If the Buffs could have added a player of Jones' stature to the position and early in the recruiting cycle, it would have been another significant moon step towards a move back into an old neighborhood -- the top 25.
A tough spring loss for the Buffs' brain trust and architects. Jones may not know this but he'll have significant competition at OU. He does have the talent to win out and show the Buffs what they almost had, sort of like Carson Palmer, who once reportedly picked Southern California over CU, or Casey Clausen, who went for the Tennessee orange over the black and gold of the Buffs.
There will, however, be fallout for the Sooners as incoming freshman Keith Nichol is thought to be an impact player and Joey Halzle, a junior college transfer, is also an under-the-radar find.
After Jones arrives on campus, expect one transfer.
Obvious is obvious
Not saying Jeff Bzdelik is a done deal as the next head basketball coach at Colorado but heard the team is practicing saying his name like they're learning a foreign language. Buzz-deli-ick. Bzzzzzzzzzz-dell like the computer-ick. Biz-del-ik. The Buffs are also wondering if they are going to have to salute come practice and go through actual practice drills or something.
It will be heartwarming when these poor orphans finally get a daddy. Athletic director Mike Bohn is trying to find the perfect man who will encourage, discipline, love, get his kids involved in sports and even shoot around with them.
Hallway gossip
A story in the Sporting News brought up an old name in Kevin O'Neill, who once was a top assistant at Arizona and head coach at Tennessee and Northwestern. Currently collecting checks in the NBA as as assistant, TSN gave credit to O'Neill as a premier defensive tactician and recruiter (look at the names he lured to UA), leading me to wonder how brilliant a hire he could be as an assistant on the Colorado staff, if the money was decent at all. Why would he do such a thing? If Jeff Bzdelik is indeed Buffs' athletic director Mike Bohn's honey bunch, then O'Neill could really score his bank account in a few years agreeing to an alliance with one promising coach. It would also be the vitamin B-12 shot in the arm for recruiting that CU needs for advancement in the mean streets of the Big 12.
Did you hear
Future Kansas State basketball impact player Michael Beasley lit it up at the McDonald's All-American game. Wildcats' coach Bob Huggins appears to be on the up-and-up so far in Manhattan and is doing an impressive job getting that program back to being a player on a national level.
New rule being passed down, not by the NCAA, but by coaches everywhere -- buy your buddies pizza, beer, whatever but don't be going Moving Guy and hurtin' the team! Poor Kenny Wilson will never hear the end of it.
Arkansas is not dumb. They're trying but they may not be pretty enough. Maybe that one over there, Kentucky, is for Texas A & M coach Billy Gillispie. The Aggies boss is a wanted man, how sweet it is, and while he might secretly have a thang' for the Hogs, he likely wants what few can have, the Wildcats.
Washington State didn't make it to the Final 4 but they did something almost as good -- keeping coach Tony Bennett. The man has to prove he can recruit but if he does he's smart enough to win a lot of games in Pullman. Big victory for the Cougars' administration and fans.
Call me ugly -- again, if you must, but political correctness is just something I don't get nor tolerate. What country do we live in? We, as a nation, jam violence and overt sexuality down our children's throats but some guy, not using all the discretion he should, gets emotional in a moment and we overreact to that mild stupidity as if it were fact and are suddenly looking to line up the firing squad. Are those comments really hateful or just a case of a mouth off the leash. Trust me, if the worst anyone is going to call me is "crafty" then count me in because I can share so much more that's been said about me and no one ever got fired over it. I've even been called far worse in letters here. Hey, back in the day, even had a boss repeatedly call me a fag on one job before I, well, body checked him when he tried to kick me. And I'm guessin' but not confessin' that I've called others worse than "crafty" once or twice in this life, although never the things others have spewed my way.
The backyard
What a deceitful punk new Broncos' cornerback Dre' Bly is, wouldn't you say? Guy gets traded out of a dump named Detroit to one of the better organizations in pro football, acts like he is Champ Bailey, infers he is not excited about being in town (he'll deny it now) and now that he gets a contract extension worth, according to ESPN.com, $ 33 million, he's good to go. Giddy up! Dude might be an above-average defensive back but his first act as a Bronco, well, he gets panned. What a fraud. Can hardly wait for the spin coming -- "oh man, I was always excited about coming here, you know? It was all about the media distorting like they do, stirring it up, you know? My teammates will see, I'm amped to be gettin' paid, um, I mean, being a Nugget, or Rockie or Bronco, whatever. What city do they play in again?"
Is there a more dysfunctional team in the NBA than the Nuggets? There are coaches doing so much more with so much less than George Karl has in Denver. What happened to Allen Iverson? Marcus Camby? And why is Carmelo Anthony dogging it everywhere but scoring the ball? Nene is back roughing it up but this group needs some tough love. Sorry, but you can't ignore the signs. See that road sign? Divorce, 12 games. Someone's leaving town. Maybe not Karl, yet, but someone. The front office has seen enough and the money man, Stan Kroenke has too, to warrant some serious punishment.
Rockies' management is selling it again, how good this team will be, sans pitching I will add. Yet the Sporting News has that powerhouse of a franchise ranked 25th out of 30 teams this season. Oh, don't me wrong, I love the potential of the positional players and think Colorado could be exciting to watch but unless Jeff Francis wins 20, Aaron Cook proves healthy and top-of-the-rotation quality and newbie Jason Hirsh busts out, this will be another little brother team.
To make up for ripping those poor home boys, here's some pictures for you. After looking at them, I'm thinking I have to try to grow a 'stache like Cook or go even more grand and get some Todd Helton-esque facial hair.
Trippin' the news
Talk about losing the golden ticket -- check this out. To be so close to the throne and then to drop the ball and lose the right of succession has to be a devastating business defeat. Wife says "game over."
Have to ask, what kind of chump lawyer did former major-league pitcher Ugueth Urbina hire? The man is rich and famous and got justice served to him. That doesn't happen in the United States, it just doesn't. Money talks, truth walks. Oh yeah, Urbina will get housed because the trial was in Venezuela. Guy lives in the wrong country for being powerful and getting a free legal pass.
And we wonder why those in power, especially some athletes, continue to get in legal hot water. For those not paying attention in class, it's call e-n-a-b-l-i-n-g. At the risk of offending here, lawyers, by rule, well, not the most moral, decent people (read, whores). Once again, money talks, truth walks, buy the t-shirt.
Want a glimpse into a mind of a winning athlete? One of the best ever at his position in his sport? Even if it is hockey, which makes me want to hit the snooze button, this is interesting. Here it is, on the house. What caught my eye was Dominik Hasek's intensity and high standards as well as how he defines success.
LeBron James, apparently, ain't all that, according to some. Good read on the "why."
For you Chicago Bears' fans, get over it. If linebacker Lance Briggs wants out, quit holding on to wait you can't have and help the brother achieve the goal, which is getting out of town, especially if Washington will consider coughing up the sixth overall pick in the draft. That's a no brainer. Briggs is outstanding but he's not a future legend. At no. 6 in the annual talent grab, the Bears could do something good, especially for that weak offense, like possibly packaging a future first-round selection and some other high picks this year for some cat who played quarterback down the road in South Bend, Indiana or a wide receiver everyone is slobbering all over, Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech.
Check it out if you haven't yet -- CU sports information director Dave Plati is back writing. Look for his digging on Buffs' Steve Rosga, one fantastic talent out of Minnesota and Clint Moles, a huge tackle out of Florida, right here. Wonder if Rosga can help me increase my explosion off the couch and to the refrigerator with some training. As for Moles, all I know is I count him, Ron Woolfork, Spencer Colter and Kanavis McGee as high school coaches now.
Truth
Getting personal with defensive line; Bzdelik
Thinking pig and fall afternoons.Not quite the beach and half-clothed beauties but maybe the next best thing.
While everyone is chewing fingernails over Colorado's offense the BGT is hungry to find out what the defense is going to do in 2007 and that all starts with the men slugging it out on the line.
The Buffs could do far worse than George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas but who else is going to be consistently breaking down doors of offenses inside? That is one important test question.
Hypolite and Nicolas might become one of the best interior tandems in school history but depth is mandatory.
Next, where is the pass rush coming from? The defensive backs want to know.
Abraham Wright has left the building. Is some Kansan named Drew Hudgins the answer? Is raw-as-grocery store-meat Conrad Obi a diamond-to-be? Will someone who has been marinating in the program for a season prove dirt tough and defiant to offensive lineman's attempts to block him, say Marquez Herrod? Or will Mo Lucas juice up the engine to become the quarterback hunter he's expected to be at CU?
The Buffs need this unit to be nasty and rough and productive if it is going to give the defense a chance to do good things. The offense needs them even more.
It's over
Air Force's breakout season has come to an end with a 68-67 loss to Clemson in the NIT at Madison Square Garden.
Think CU athletic director Mike Bohn and Falcons' coach Jeff Bzdelik are having breakfast in bed today?
Croissants and a contract offer.
What a way to wake up.
Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh has already shown signs of not handling the breakup well. Rumors of Bzdelik leaving him for another have been out there for so long and Mueh likely feels humiliated. Not gonna be pretty on the day when the coach says breaks it off with him.
"Really, it's not you, it's me."
Someone always feels jilted, always gets hurt.
Bohn just pulled up curbside, all flashy and confident and told Bzdelik, "get in and let's roll."
The coach smiled, obviously intrigued. Now all he has to do is decide this is it for him. He likes the idea of trading excitement for stability, doesn't want to hurt his soon-to-be ex but knows he wants what he wants.
Orange nuggets
O.K., let's move quick...
Jeff Green of Georgetown, a wonderful talent, an NBA player but certainly not a future All Star as everyone is making him out to be. Man, can the media blow up anyone and everyone to be Superman or what.
Seth Davis of CNNSI.com threw out his favorites for coaching vacancies, which left me going "huh?" Tom Crean moving from Marquette to Kentucky? Nope. Not a glamorous enough hire for those bluebloods.
Chris Lowery leaving Southern Illinois for Arkansas? Would be a potentially fantastic hire for the Hogs and could go down. I'd say UK should look at him before Arkansas does but his defense-first approach would likely not fly in Lexington. And, for that thing I wrote about earlier this week, well, don't discount it -- it is Kentucky, after all.
Davis picks Creighton's Dana Altman to end up at Iowa, which sounds good to me.
But Lon Kruger at Michigan just doesn't work. Why leave Vegas for a job that is better on paper than in reality. Truth is Kruger is wayyyyy too good for that job. And relocating from the sun of the desert for Ann Arbor? Now, if the money was in unmarked bills and filled a phone booth, maybe Boulder could be attractive. Kruger's collegiate track record is superior to Air Force's Jeff Bzdelik no matter how not-gonna-happen-at-CU Kruger is, although a nice daydream.
Just in -- Ricardo Patton has asked for a contract extension at Northern Illinois. Says he's doing more with nothing than anyone in the country.
Interesting how Patton gets respect, we hear, from Texas' Rick Barnes, Indiana's Bob Knight and Indiana's Kelvin Sampson and yet all that love earns him a job at a place that would be difficult find, even with a map.
In the backyard
Quite the offseason the Broncos are having -- two deaths, taking Jake Plummer out to the curb for trash day, exporting Tatum Bell and George Foster, trying to do the same to Al Wilson and now Brandon Marshall, a rising star, getting cuffed for a little no-no called false imprisonment and domestic violence. That said, let's not judge him too harshly until more comes out as sometimes chicks get on the crazy train, think Joumana Kidd, and do wild things when their fuse gets lit, making up their own reality. If Marshall is indeed guilty, however, coach Mike Shanahan might need to make receiver a higher priority than it already is come draft time. Regardless, those Broncos have a hell of a start on a reality show or soap opera script, don't they?
One underrated guy, Keith Burns, has called it quits with Denver to help coach special teams, a skill he was best known for, to the point you forgot he was a linebacker when he entered the league from the old poke school, Oklahoma State. The man made one tall stack of money solely because he passionately and effectively played special teams, something for young, athletic one-trick ponies to remember.
Hall-of-Fame baseball writer Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, writing in Baseball America, thinks that by 2010, the Rockies' starting rotation will be upside down, with Aaron Cook going from the opening day selection to tail gunner, telling you all you need to know about Cook's legitimacy as an anchor for the seed throwers this season. Jeff Francis is projected to be second in line in three years with newcomer Jason Hirsch in the middle, last year's top pick -- Greg Reynolds -- at number four, another indictment on the front office and Cook being replaced at the top by, get this, strong-armed but ball-spraying Franklin Morales, he of little control.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Scenic drive
A morning of no warming up, just quick hitters on the college and pro front, from Fort Collins to Boulder and down in the big city.
The backyard
Have to give new Colorado State basketball coach Tim Miles credit -- he has an amped-up personality, which should work with players and fans. Take a look at him here, courtesy of Tony Phifer of the Coloradoan. Just wondering about the credibility of anyone who would equate CSU with Duke, North Carolina or even Minnesota.
And how many coaches are more concerned about hockey than football taking away from their program?
The Nuggets are obviously having one of those seasons, this time having Rasheed Wallace, yes, Rasheed Wallace hitting a 60-footer at the end of regulation to send the game with Detroit into overtime, where -- Denver lost. And if that wasn't bad enough, former Nuggets Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess chewed up their former team and spit them out with Billups scoring 34 and handing out 10 assists and McDyess totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Can't we just pack up this toy and put it away until next season?
That said, Nene is playing like a man again, Marcus Camby showed up healthy and dominant and J.R. Smith looked like he did earlier in the season. This team doesn't lack talent, just chemistry, which means the difference between mediocre and good.
Call me crazy, and I am, that's o.k., but a great hire (and it ain't gonna happen) for CU would be soon-to-be-fired Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics -- intelligent, strong communicator, and successful before hitting the daycare he's in charge of now. Hey, maybe Jeff Bzdelik throws the Buffs a curve and says "you talking to me?" Maybe he doesn't end up with the job. A longshot development but crazier things have happened.
Baseball America, like Dayn Perry of FoxSports.com, loves the Rockies young talent. Most of it is volatile stock but just having names on the list means the franchise is doing good things. Here's some insight to pack away for you, from the names mentioned in BA, a gift from your resident baseball analyst, the BGT. Blue chips -- Troy Tulowitzki, Chris Iannetta and if he works like Matt Holliday, Ian Stewart too. High risk -- Greg Reynolds, Jason Hirsch, Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales and Dexter Fowler.
Early draft thoughts -- Denver better realize that, despite it's glaring need for a pass rusher, this is Jay Cutler's team now and you better surround him with talent at tackle (Matt Lepsis is coming off of injury and the other end is no sure thing either) and wide receiver (Rod Smith is cooked) while also adding running back depth behind Travis Henry and Mike Bell. With Dan Reeves no longer at Broncos' HQ, at least there won't be any more mandatory urinalysis required decisions like the selection of Tommy Maddox.
Big 12
Want some notes? Here's one for you -- remember the name Bobby Reid, quarterback, Oklahoma State. Had a breakout season a year ago and has Kordell Stewart written all over him. The Cowboys are coming on strong, loaded with offensive firepower.
Oh, you want Buff notes. O.K., let me dig around for one here. How 'bout this -- try it on and see what you think. Demetrius Sumler is your frontrunner to start at running back for CU, not Hugh Charles nor anyone else. Charles will split time and get incorporated in other ways, as he's a big play waiting to happen but coach Dan Hawkins needs a durable, powerful, productive mule and Sumler is likely that guy. Thomas Perez helped make this a bigger reality but sidelining himself with academics this spring.
Need more?
Would you believe that Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Keller, now at Nebraska, is not going to step in and become All-Big 12? Would you consider the possibility his head is BIG and he will be good, sometimes better than good, rarely great and the Huskers will suffer because of it? Yeah, Nebraska is going to be right there contending for the top spot in the North division of the Big 12 but despite their ever-expanding wealth of talent, the chemistry hasn't been proven and the coaching staff, while solid, doesn't have the impeccable resume, yet.
On the streets
With John Calipari signing an extension with Memphis and Billy Donovan not leaving Florida for Kentucky (it's a lock not to happen), the Wildcats are going to have re-sight the hunt for a coach to replace world class sprinter Tubby Smith, who raced out of Lexington in record time, for Minnesota.
UK will get an outstanding coach but that guy better be careful what he wishes for as that job is no beautiful-girl, sunny-weather, sweet-kisses picnic.
Please, not again. The west coast the home of yet another diva? That could be a possibility, writes the San Francisco Chronicle, which thinks Alex Rodriguez could one day become a Giant. How intolerable would that be, A-Rod following Barry Bonds, one of the most insufferable athletes ever.
The backyard
Have to give new Colorado State basketball coach Tim Miles credit -- he has an amped-up personality, which should work with players and fans. Take a look at him here, courtesy of Tony Phifer of the Coloradoan. Just wondering about the credibility of anyone who would equate CSU with Duke, North Carolina or even Minnesota.
And how many coaches are more concerned about hockey than football taking away from their program?
The Nuggets are obviously having one of those seasons, this time having Rasheed Wallace, yes, Rasheed Wallace hitting a 60-footer at the end of regulation to send the game with Detroit into overtime, where -- Denver lost. And if that wasn't bad enough, former Nuggets Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess chewed up their former team and spit them out with Billups scoring 34 and handing out 10 assists and McDyess totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Can't we just pack up this toy and put it away until next season?
That said, Nene is playing like a man again, Marcus Camby showed up healthy and dominant and J.R. Smith looked like he did earlier in the season. This team doesn't lack talent, just chemistry, which means the difference between mediocre and good.
Call me crazy, and I am, that's o.k., but a great hire (and it ain't gonna happen) for CU would be soon-to-be-fired Doc Rivers of the Boston Celtics -- intelligent, strong communicator, and successful before hitting the daycare he's in charge of now. Hey, maybe Jeff Bzdelik throws the Buffs a curve and says "you talking to me?" Maybe he doesn't end up with the job. A longshot development but crazier things have happened.
Baseball America, like Dayn Perry of FoxSports.com, loves the Rockies young talent. Most of it is volatile stock but just having names on the list means the franchise is doing good things. Here's some insight to pack away for you, from the names mentioned in BA, a gift from your resident baseball analyst, the BGT. Blue chips -- Troy Tulowitzki, Chris Iannetta and if he works like Matt Holliday, Ian Stewart too. High risk -- Greg Reynolds, Jason Hirsch, Ubaldo Jimenez, Franklin Morales and Dexter Fowler.
Early draft thoughts -- Denver better realize that, despite it's glaring need for a pass rusher, this is Jay Cutler's team now and you better surround him with talent at tackle (Matt Lepsis is coming off of injury and the other end is no sure thing either) and wide receiver (Rod Smith is cooked) while also adding running back depth behind Travis Henry and Mike Bell. With Dan Reeves no longer at Broncos' HQ, at least there won't be any more mandatory urinalysis required decisions like the selection of Tommy Maddox.
Big 12
Want some notes? Here's one for you -- remember the name Bobby Reid, quarterback, Oklahoma State. Had a breakout season a year ago and has Kordell Stewart written all over him. The Cowboys are coming on strong, loaded with offensive firepower.
Oh, you want Buff notes. O.K., let me dig around for one here. How 'bout this -- try it on and see what you think. Demetrius Sumler is your frontrunner to start at running back for CU, not Hugh Charles nor anyone else. Charles will split time and get incorporated in other ways, as he's a big play waiting to happen but coach Dan Hawkins needs a durable, powerful, productive mule and Sumler is likely that guy. Thomas Perez helped make this a bigger reality but sidelining himself with academics this spring.
Need more?
Would you believe that Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Keller, now at Nebraska, is not going to step in and become All-Big 12? Would you consider the possibility his head is BIG and he will be good, sometimes better than good, rarely great and the Huskers will suffer because of it? Yeah, Nebraska is going to be right there contending for the top spot in the North division of the Big 12 but despite their ever-expanding wealth of talent, the chemistry hasn't been proven and the coaching staff, while solid, doesn't have the impeccable resume, yet.
On the streets
With John Calipari signing an extension with Memphis and Billy Donovan not leaving Florida for Kentucky (it's a lock not to happen), the Wildcats are going to have re-sight the hunt for a coach to replace world class sprinter Tubby Smith, who raced out of Lexington in record time, for Minnesota.
UK will get an outstanding coach but that guy better be careful what he wishes for as that job is no beautiful-girl, sunny-weather, sweet-kisses picnic.
Please, not again. The west coast the home of yet another diva? That could be a possibility, writes the San Francisco Chronicle, which thinks Alex Rodriguez could one day become a Giant. How intolerable would that be, A-Rod following Barry Bonds, one of the most insufferable athletes ever.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Tar Heels quit; the streets
No surprise that Florida, UCLA and Ohio State are heading to Atlanta for the Final 4 but Georgetown?
Yes, the Hoyas were an outstanding team this season but not many would have predicted North Carolina's defense being unplugged all day long against the Big East Frankenstein.
Have to confess -- thought the Tar Heels were bigger, more confident, had more striking power and the composure advantage.
I was wrong.
The four remaining teams now promise to put on a fireworks' show. Florida trying to repeat as champions, loaded with experience, size and coaching against UCLA, which was spectacular in beating Kansas, looking to win another title to add to its' legendary total. Then Georgetown, coached by the son of a legend, going against the best freshman center and point guard in the land for the up-and-coming Buckeyes.
By the way, those who mention Gators' coach Billy Donovan and Kentucky in the same sentence make me laugh. Why would Donovan leave something wonderful he built for some school where his best would never be good enough. Florida is a better place to work anyway.
The streets
Denver shot 60 percent on the road and beat Lebron James and Cleveland. If that's the Nuggets' formula for success, fantastic, but let's see them do it again. Thinking that's going to be a difficult approach to duplicate.
Nene finally awoke from his slumber to score 21 and yank down nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony was good enough and Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith did their job from the backcourt.
So why am I so bored with that team?
The Rockies annual run at mediocrity begins soon. Get your tickets, get your tickets.
Or get some pitching and make things interesting.
So let me see if I have this down -- the Broncos are willing to give new money to stiffs like defensive lineman Alvin McKinley, formerly of Cleveland and quarterback Patrick Ramsey, formerly of, well, who knows where, but linebacker Al Wilson is an expense they can no longer afford?
And what is up with Denver and large-bodied, small-game defenders? Gerard Warren and Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson were Superman coming out of college but turned out to be skinny producers in the pros, yet the Broncos are enamored of them. Maybe its' like going to a high school reunion, remembering and lusting for the hot girl for how she once was, not how she is now. Denver coach Mike Shanahan must be nostalgic.
Yes, the Hoyas were an outstanding team this season but not many would have predicted North Carolina's defense being unplugged all day long against the Big East Frankenstein.
Have to confess -- thought the Tar Heels were bigger, more confident, had more striking power and the composure advantage.
I was wrong.
The four remaining teams now promise to put on a fireworks' show. Florida trying to repeat as champions, loaded with experience, size and coaching against UCLA, which was spectacular in beating Kansas, looking to win another title to add to its' legendary total. Then Georgetown, coached by the son of a legend, going against the best freshman center and point guard in the land for the up-and-coming Buckeyes.
By the way, those who mention Gators' coach Billy Donovan and Kentucky in the same sentence make me laugh. Why would Donovan leave something wonderful he built for some school where his best would never be good enough. Florida is a better place to work anyway.
The streets
Denver shot 60 percent on the road and beat Lebron James and Cleveland. If that's the Nuggets' formula for success, fantastic, but let's see them do it again. Thinking that's going to be a difficult approach to duplicate.
Nene finally awoke from his slumber to score 21 and yank down nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony was good enough and Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith did their job from the backcourt.
So why am I so bored with that team?
The Rockies annual run at mediocrity begins soon. Get your tickets, get your tickets.
Or get some pitching and make things interesting.
So let me see if I have this down -- the Broncos are willing to give new money to stiffs like defensive lineman Alvin McKinley, formerly of Cleveland and quarterback Patrick Ramsey, formerly of, well, who knows where, but linebacker Al Wilson is an expense they can no longer afford?
And what is up with Denver and large-bodied, small-game defenders? Gerard Warren and Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson were Superman coming out of college but turned out to be skinny producers in the pros, yet the Broncos are enamored of them. Maybe its' like going to a high school reunion, remembering and lusting for the hot girl for how she once was, not how she is now. Denver coach Mike Shanahan must be nostalgic.
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