LAS VEGAS – Alistair Overeem promised his fight with Brock Lesnar wouldn’t last too long.
He was right, but he shouldn’t have been so conservative. Overeem finished the former UFC heavyweight champion in just two minutes, 26 seconds, battering Lesnar with knees, kicks and punches to win by first-round knockout.
The win sets up Overeem, a former Strikeforce, DREAM and K-1 champion, for a shot at the UFC title held by Junior dos Santos.
Lesnar had no shot, as he was unable to deal with Overeem’s varied strikes. After the fight, he announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.
“I’m going to officially say tonight is the last time you’ll see me in the Octagon,” Lesnar said. Later, he added, “Brock Lesnar is officially retired.”
Lesnar went for a single-leg takedown, but Overeem easily shook it off. Overeem hurt Lesnar with a knee to the body early, but finished the fight with a great kick to the midsection. Lesnar winced in pain and backed to the cage. Overeem rushed in and rained punches on him until referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight.
***
The legacy of Brock Lesnar
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mayweather gets 90 days
LAS VEGAS >> Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a perfect 42-0 in the ring and has dodged significant jail time several times in domestic violence cases in Las Vegas and Michigan.
But his courtroom streak came to an end Wednesday when a Las Vegas judge sentenced him to 90 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to a reduced battery domestic violence charge and no contest to two harassment charges.
The case stemmed from a hair-pulling, punching and arm-twisting argument with his ex-girlfriend Josie Harris while two of their children watched in September 2010.
"Punishment is appropriate," Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa said after a prosecutor complained that Mayweather has been in trouble before and hasn't faced serious consequences.
"No matter who you are, you have consequences to your actions when they escalate to this level of violence," she said.
Good behavior could knock several weeks off Mayweather's sentence. but he will likely serve most of the sentence set to begin Jan. 6, said Officer Bill Cassell, a Las Vegas police spokesman.
Mayweather and his manager, Leonard Ellerbe, declined comment outside the courtroom.
The jail time raises doubts about a possible showdown between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a champion fighter from the Philippines against whom Mayweather's welterweight success is usually measured.
A long-awaited fight between the two men regarded as among the best of their generation has been delayed by stalling techniques and verbal sparring.
But his courtroom streak came to an end Wednesday when a Las Vegas judge sentenced him to 90 days in jail after he pleaded guilty to a reduced battery domestic violence charge and no contest to two harassment charges.
The case stemmed from a hair-pulling, punching and arm-twisting argument with his ex-girlfriend Josie Harris while two of their children watched in September 2010.
"Punishment is appropriate," Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa said after a prosecutor complained that Mayweather has been in trouble before and hasn't faced serious consequences.
"No matter who you are, you have consequences to your actions when they escalate to this level of violence," she said.
Good behavior could knock several weeks off Mayweather's sentence. but he will likely serve most of the sentence set to begin Jan. 6, said Officer Bill Cassell, a Las Vegas police spokesman.
Mayweather and his manager, Leonard Ellerbe, declined comment outside the courtroom.
The jail time raises doubts about a possible showdown between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a champion fighter from the Philippines against whom Mayweather's welterweight success is usually measured.
A long-awaited fight between the two men regarded as among the best of their generation has been delayed by stalling techniques and verbal sparring.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Norm Chow, new Hawaii head coach
University of Hawaii lawyers are continuing to negotiate a contract that would make Norm Chow the first Asian-American head coach of a major college football program.
Members of the UH general counsel's office have been conferring with attorneys from Yee & Dubin Sports, the Los Angeles-based agents for Chow, for several hours today, according to someone familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to speak on behalf of either party until an agreement has been concluded.
The Hawaii-born Chow is of Chinese, Hawaiian and Portuguese descent.
Word that Chow has been offered the UH job spread excitement through his family for reasons beyond a Hawaii homecoming. Reportedly some members of the family broke into tears.
"I think what it is is that it would be beyond my dad (for importance)," said Maile Chow, an English teacher at Mid Pacific Institute. "'He would be the first Asian-American to ever be a head football coach in the NCAA" at a major school. "That's beyond our family, beyond my dad as a person. It is a representative of a lot of other things and so I think that is why the rest of us also feel that way."
Friends said the 65-year-old Chow wants to finish his coaching career here. He is a native of Palolo and a Punahou School graduate.
Chow currently receives $275,000 as Utah's offensive coordinator, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Chow reportedly received a $1.2 million buyout from the Tennessee Titans, where he was offensive coordinator through 2007, and $500,000 from UCLA last year.
Chow has spent 38 years in college coaching at Brigham Young, North Carolina State, USC, UCLA and Utah but this will be his first head coaching job. He has coached three Heisman Trophy winners and been part of national championship teams at BYU and USC.
Chow beat out four other candidates. They were Universiy of Texas assistant Duane Akina, Baylor associate coach Brian Norwood, Oregon State assistant Mark Banker and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.
***
press conference
Norm Chow, home at last
[12/28/11] Taylor Graham transferring from Ohio State to Hawaii
*** [12/30/11]
Cal Lee, the Hawaii football team's assistant head coach, has been told he will not be retained after his contract expires March 31, 2012.
This month, Lee completed his ninth season on the Warriors' coaching staff after one of the most successful coaching careers in Hawaii high school history.
"It's awful," UH head coach Norm Chow said of his decision not to retain Lee. "We grew up together."
As a Punahou School senior, Chow worked for Lee's mother in the cafeteria. "It's very hard, but it's a business," Chow said.
In 21 years as Saint Louis School's head coach, Lee was 241-32-5, winning 14 Oahu Prep Bowl titles and the inaugural state football championship. <!- So much for aloha. I wonder what the St. Louis fans think of Chow now? -->
*** [12/31/11]
This football season, Lewis Powell was known as "the guy with the beard."
Powell, who has not shaved in a year, promises a clean start when he begins his new job as the Hawaii football team's defensive line coach on Monday.
"You have to look professional," Powell said.
Powell and Philip Rauscher — both administrative assistant coaches for Utah this season — will be part of head coach Norm Chow's first UH coaching staff. While Chow, who is coaching Utah's offense in today's Sun Bowl, will remain on the mainland for another week, Powell and Rauscher will be headed to Hawaii.
"I'm excited to go over there and get going," Rauscher said. "It's a great opportunity for Coach Chow, and I want to be there to help him out, and get everything done for him."
Powell was a Utah player and graduate assistant before moving into his current position.
"I'm leaving a good job in Utah, and hopefully I'll do a good job over there in Hawaii," Powell said.
Powell was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and lived in Hawaii, Tonga and the Bay Area. He played one season of junior varsity football for McKinley High.
Powell said he relishes a chance to recruit.
Rauscher is expected to coach the tight ends, a position that was not part of the Warriors offense the past 13 seasons. Chow will implement a pro-set offense that often will feature a tight end and fullback.
"Tight end is such an important position to our offense," Rauscher said. "We have to get the right type of kid in there. If he's on the roster already, we'll fit him in there. If not, we'll recruit, and get that position going."
Rauscher, who was raised in San Diego, played on both the offensive and defensive lines at UCLA. After that, he was a student assistant and then graduate assistant at UCLA. He also served as offensive coordinator at Dixie State before returning to UCLA to work under Chow.
Rauscher praised Chow as "a great guy to work for. He cares about the kids. He's excited. I've been working with one of the best guys I've ever met."
Rauscher said he is enthusiastic about recruiting. "You have to sell yourself, and you have to sell the program," Rauscher said. "We'll go get the best kids, and go from there."
*** [1/9/12]
Hawaii head coach Norm Chow said he will retain Tony Tuioti on his football coaching staff.
"I like his work ethic, and his desire to be a coach," Chow said.
Tuioti is a former UH defensive tackle. He was hired as UH's director of player personnel in 2008, Greg McMackin's first year as UH head coach. The past two years, Tuioti coached the Warriors' defensive linemen.
McMackin reached a "release agreement" with UH on Dec. 5. Chow was hired on Dec. 22. So far, Tuioti is the only coach retained from McMackin's 2011 staff.
Chow had never worked with Tuioti, but was impressed after telephone conversations.
Chow said Tuioti received strong recommendations.
"He wants to learn," Chow said. "He works hard."
Tuioti has been an active recruiter, landing cornerback Mike Edwards, safety John Hardy-Tuliau, and defensive ends Craig Cofer and Tavita Woodard.
Tuioti has been helpful in acclimating newly hired assistant coaches Phil Rauscher and Lewis Powell.
*** [1/10/12]
New University of Hawaii head football coach Norm Chow added four more assistant coaches to his coaching staff with the announcement of offensive assistants Tommy Lee, Keith Uperesa, and Chris Wiesehan and defensive assistant Daronte’ Jones.
Chow’s staff now includes seven assistant coaches. Earlier this week, Chow announced the addition of offensive assistant Philip Rauscher and defensive assistants Lewis Powell and Tony Tuioti.
Chow is expected to fill the remaining two vacancies, which includes the defensive coordinator position, in the next week.
“This group of coaches have years of experience at every level of football,” Chow said. “Our players will be able to learn from the very best in the business. They have proven track records and have been successful everywhere they’ve been. We’re very fortunate to have them.”
Lee, born and raised in Honolulu, is the older brother of Ron and Cal Lee, both former UH coaches. Cal Lee was not retained from last year's UH staff.
Uperesa spent the past two seasons as the offensive line coach at Nicholls State. The Punahou and Brigham Young alum coached the line at UNLV, Utah, USC, and was offensive coordinator at Idaho State.
Wiesehan and Jones coached in the Canadian Football League last season.
[1/12/12] Norm Chow at the Hukilau
[1/13/12] Players meet the coach
[1/15/12] Benny Fonua
[1/17/12] Clark Evans, TE
[1/17/12] Inoke Funake retained as graduate assistant
[1/18/12] Chris Demerest completes staff
[1/19/12] John Ursua
[1/23/12] Ethan Watanabe
[1/23/12] Shane Brostek is still open
[2/1/12] Warriors get 20 oral commits (2 out of top 10)
[2/1/12] Mike Milovale taught the Haka dance in music class
[2/2/12] Norm Chow comments on the recruiting class
[2/8/12] Quenton Brown, defensive end
[2/9/12] Nick Rolovich joining Nevada staff / future head coach?
[2/9/12] Marrell Jackson, safety
Coach Profiles
Thom Kaumeyer (linebacker)
Lewis Powell (defensive line)
Daronte Jones (defensive backs)
Chris Demarest (special teams)
Phil Rauscher (tight ends)
Tommy Lee (receivers)
Chris Wiesehan (offensive line)
Keith Uperesa (running backs)
Norm Chow (head coach, quarterbacks)
[8/31/12] The New Look Warriors
[9/1/12] Norm Chow Returns to the Coliseum Saturday to Make History
[9/1/12] Hawaii 10, USC 49
[9/27/12] Memories of Provo
Members of the UH general counsel's office have been conferring with attorneys from Yee & Dubin Sports, the Los Angeles-based agents for Chow, for several hours today, according to someone familiar with the negotiations but not authorized to speak on behalf of either party until an agreement has been concluded.
The Hawaii-born Chow is of Chinese, Hawaiian and Portuguese descent.
Word that Chow has been offered the UH job spread excitement through his family for reasons beyond a Hawaii homecoming. Reportedly some members of the family broke into tears.
"I think what it is is that it would be beyond my dad (for importance)," said Maile Chow, an English teacher at Mid Pacific Institute. "'He would be the first Asian-American to ever be a head football coach in the NCAA" at a major school. "That's beyond our family, beyond my dad as a person. It is a representative of a lot of other things and so I think that is why the rest of us also feel that way."
Friends said the 65-year-old Chow wants to finish his coaching career here. He is a native of Palolo and a Punahou School graduate.
Chow currently receives $275,000 as Utah's offensive coordinator, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Chow reportedly received a $1.2 million buyout from the Tennessee Titans, where he was offensive coordinator through 2007, and $500,000 from UCLA last year.
Chow has spent 38 years in college coaching at Brigham Young, North Carolina State, USC, UCLA and Utah but this will be his first head coaching job. He has coached three Heisman Trophy winners and been part of national championship teams at BYU and USC.
Chow beat out four other candidates. They were Universiy of Texas assistant Duane Akina, Baylor associate coach Brian Norwood, Oregon State assistant Mark Banker and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.
***
press conference
Norm Chow, home at last
[12/28/11] Taylor Graham transferring from Ohio State to Hawaii
*** [12/30/11]
Cal Lee, the Hawaii football team's assistant head coach, has been told he will not be retained after his contract expires March 31, 2012.
This month, Lee completed his ninth season on the Warriors' coaching staff after one of the most successful coaching careers in Hawaii high school history.
"It's awful," UH head coach Norm Chow said of his decision not to retain Lee. "We grew up together."
As a Punahou School senior, Chow worked for Lee's mother in the cafeteria. "It's very hard, but it's a business," Chow said.
In 21 years as Saint Louis School's head coach, Lee was 241-32-5, winning 14 Oahu Prep Bowl titles and the inaugural state football championship. <!- So much for aloha. I wonder what the St. Louis fans think of Chow now? -->
*** [12/31/11]
This football season, Lewis Powell was known as "the guy with the beard."
Powell, who has not shaved in a year, promises a clean start when he begins his new job as the Hawaii football team's defensive line coach on Monday.
"You have to look professional," Powell said.
Powell and Philip Rauscher — both administrative assistant coaches for Utah this season — will be part of head coach Norm Chow's first UH coaching staff. While Chow, who is coaching Utah's offense in today's Sun Bowl, will remain on the mainland for another week, Powell and Rauscher will be headed to Hawaii.
"I'm excited to go over there and get going," Rauscher said. "It's a great opportunity for Coach Chow, and I want to be there to help him out, and get everything done for him."
Powell was a Utah player and graduate assistant before moving into his current position.
"I'm leaving a good job in Utah, and hopefully I'll do a good job over there in Hawaii," Powell said.
Powell was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and lived in Hawaii, Tonga and the Bay Area. He played one season of junior varsity football for McKinley High.
Powell said he relishes a chance to recruit.
Rauscher is expected to coach the tight ends, a position that was not part of the Warriors offense the past 13 seasons. Chow will implement a pro-set offense that often will feature a tight end and fullback.
"Tight end is such an important position to our offense," Rauscher said. "We have to get the right type of kid in there. If he's on the roster already, we'll fit him in there. If not, we'll recruit, and get that position going."
Rauscher, who was raised in San Diego, played on both the offensive and defensive lines at UCLA. After that, he was a student assistant and then graduate assistant at UCLA. He also served as offensive coordinator at Dixie State before returning to UCLA to work under Chow.
Rauscher praised Chow as "a great guy to work for. He cares about the kids. He's excited. I've been working with one of the best guys I've ever met."
Rauscher said he is enthusiastic about recruiting. "You have to sell yourself, and you have to sell the program," Rauscher said. "We'll go get the best kids, and go from there."
*** [1/9/12]
Hawaii head coach Norm Chow said he will retain Tony Tuioti on his football coaching staff.
"I like his work ethic, and his desire to be a coach," Chow said.
Tuioti is a former UH defensive tackle. He was hired as UH's director of player personnel in 2008, Greg McMackin's first year as UH head coach. The past two years, Tuioti coached the Warriors' defensive linemen.
McMackin reached a "release agreement" with UH on Dec. 5. Chow was hired on Dec. 22. So far, Tuioti is the only coach retained from McMackin's 2011 staff.
Chow had never worked with Tuioti, but was impressed after telephone conversations.
Chow said Tuioti received strong recommendations.
"He wants to learn," Chow said. "He works hard."
Tuioti has been an active recruiter, landing cornerback Mike Edwards, safety John Hardy-Tuliau, and defensive ends Craig Cofer and Tavita Woodard.
Tuioti has been helpful in acclimating newly hired assistant coaches Phil Rauscher and Lewis Powell.
*** [1/10/12]
New University of Hawaii head football coach Norm Chow added four more assistant coaches to his coaching staff with the announcement of offensive assistants Tommy Lee, Keith Uperesa, and Chris Wiesehan and defensive assistant Daronte’ Jones.
Chow’s staff now includes seven assistant coaches. Earlier this week, Chow announced the addition of offensive assistant Philip Rauscher and defensive assistants Lewis Powell and Tony Tuioti.
Chow is expected to fill the remaining two vacancies, which includes the defensive coordinator position, in the next week.
“This group of coaches have years of experience at every level of football,” Chow said. “Our players will be able to learn from the very best in the business. They have proven track records and have been successful everywhere they’ve been. We’re very fortunate to have them.”
Lee, born and raised in Honolulu, is the older brother of Ron and Cal Lee, both former UH coaches. Cal Lee was not retained from last year's UH staff.
Uperesa spent the past two seasons as the offensive line coach at Nicholls State. The Punahou and Brigham Young alum coached the line at UNLV, Utah, USC, and was offensive coordinator at Idaho State.
Wiesehan and Jones coached in the Canadian Football League last season.
[1/12/12] Norm Chow at the Hukilau
[1/13/12] Players meet the coach
[1/15/12] Benny Fonua
[1/17/12] Clark Evans, TE
[1/17/12] Inoke Funake retained as graduate assistant
[1/18/12] Chris Demerest completes staff
[1/19/12] John Ursua
[1/23/12] Ethan Watanabe
[1/23/12] Shane Brostek is still open
[2/1/12] Warriors get 20 oral commits (2 out of top 10)
[2/1/12] Mike Milovale taught the Haka dance in music class
[2/2/12] Norm Chow comments on the recruiting class
[2/8/12] Quenton Brown, defensive end
[2/9/12] Nick Rolovich joining Nevada staff / future head coach?
[2/9/12] Marrell Jackson, safety
Coach Profiles
Thom Kaumeyer (linebacker)
Lewis Powell (defensive line)
Daronte Jones (defensive backs)
Chris Demarest (special teams)
Phil Rauscher (tight ends)
Tommy Lee (receivers)
Chris Wiesehan (offensive line)
Keith Uperesa (running backs)
Norm Chow (head coach, quarterbacks)
[8/31/12] The New Look Warriors
[9/1/12] Norm Chow Returns to the Coliseum Saturday to Make History
[9/1/12] Hawaii 10, USC 49
[9/27/12] Memories of Provo
Yu Darvish
After losing a pair of aces in the last two years, the Texas Rangers are going global to land a new one.
Winner of consecutive AL pennants, Texas also won the Yu Darvish sweepstakes Monday night with a record bid of $51.7 million. Now, the Rangers get 30 days to negotiate a contract with Darvish that would put Japan’s best pitcher at the top of their rotation.
“Obviously, it’s a very exciting night for our organization, our fans and our community,” general manager Jon Daniels said on a conference call.
Major League Baseball announced that the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan’s Pacific League accepted the highest bid for Darvish. That sealed offer was submitted under the posting system by the Rangers.
“Our ownership went the extra mile on this one,” Daniels said, declining to reveal specifics.
A person familiar with the details said the winning bid by Texas was $51.7 million — more than the $51.1 million posting fee the Boston Red Sox paid for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the figure was not made public.
Darvish is considered the best pitcher in the Japanese professional leagues and several of baseball’s biggest spenders were thought to be interested in him.
Winner of consecutive AL pennants, Texas also won the Yu Darvish sweepstakes Monday night with a record bid of $51.7 million. Now, the Rangers get 30 days to negotiate a contract with Darvish that would put Japan’s best pitcher at the top of their rotation.
“Obviously, it’s a very exciting night for our organization, our fans and our community,” general manager Jon Daniels said on a conference call.
Major League Baseball announced that the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan’s Pacific League accepted the highest bid for Darvish. That sealed offer was submitted under the posting system by the Rangers.
“Our ownership went the extra mile on this one,” Daniels said, declining to reveal specifics.
A person familiar with the details said the winning bid by Texas was $51.7 million — more than the $51.1 million posting fee the Boston Red Sox paid for Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2006. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the figure was not made public.
Darvish is considered the best pitcher in the Japanese professional leagues and several of baseball’s biggest spenders were thought to be interested in him.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Barry Bonds gets 30 days
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Home run king Barry Bonds learned his fate Friday after eight years of being pursued by prosecutors in a case that began with steroid allegations: a 30-day sentence, to be served at his Beverly Hills estate.
No more—and maybe less.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston immediately delayed imposing the sentence while Bonds appeals his obstruction of justice conviction. The former baseball star was found guilty in April not of using steroids, but of misleading grand jurors.
Even without prison time, the case has left its mark on the seven-time National League MVP. His 762 career home runs, and 73 homers in 2001, may forever be seen as tainted records, and his ticket to baseball’s Hall of Fame is in doubt.
Bonds was sentenced to two years of probation, 250 hours of community service, a $4,000 fine and 30 days of home confinement. It will take time to determine whether he serves any of it; his appellate specialist, Dennis Riordan, estimated it would take nearly a year and a half for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule.
No more—and maybe less.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston immediately delayed imposing the sentence while Bonds appeals his obstruction of justice conviction. The former baseball star was found guilty in April not of using steroids, but of misleading grand jurors.
Even without prison time, the case has left its mark on the seven-time National League MVP. His 762 career home runs, and 73 homers in 2001, may forever be seen as tainted records, and his ticket to baseball’s Hall of Fame is in doubt.
Bonds was sentenced to two years of probation, 250 hours of community service, a $4,000 fine and 30 days of home confinement. It will take time to determine whether he serves any of it; his appellate specialist, Dennis Riordan, estimated it would take nearly a year and a half for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule.
Monday, December 12, 2011
2011 NFL picks
Looking at Bobby Curran's NFL picks made in September.
AFC
South
Indianapolis
North
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
East
New England
New York Jets
West
San Diego
AFC Championship
San Diego over New England
NFC
West
St. Louis
South
New Orleans
Atlanta
North
Green Bay
East
Philadelphia
New York Giants
NFC Championship
Atlanta over Green Bay
Super Bowl
San Diego 35 Atlanta 24
How's he doing so far?
First of all, Indianapolis is 0-13 (who knew Peyton Manning would be out?).
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied at 10-3. So that's spot on.
New England and the Jets lead the East at 10-3 and 8-5. So spot on again.
San Diego is 6-7. So I'd have to say that's a miss so far.
In the NFC, St. Louis is 2-10. That's another big miss.
New Orleans and Atlanta lead the South at 10-3 and 8-5. So that looks good.
Green Bay is 13-0. Yep.
Philadelphia is 5-8. So that's a miss. The Giants are 7-6 and tied for the East lead with Dallas. So that's about right.
The big surprises are Houston at 10-3 and San Francisco at 10-3. And who knew Tim Tebow?
So a couple of big misses, but the rest aren't bad.
AFC
South
Indianapolis
North
Pittsburgh
Baltimore
East
New England
New York Jets
West
San Diego
AFC Championship
San Diego over New England
NFC
West
St. Louis
South
New Orleans
Atlanta
North
Green Bay
East
Philadelphia
New York Giants
NFC Championship
Atlanta over Green Bay
Super Bowl
San Diego 35 Atlanta 24
How's he doing so far?
First of all, Indianapolis is 0-13 (who knew Peyton Manning would be out?).
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied at 10-3. So that's spot on.
New England and the Jets lead the East at 10-3 and 8-5. So spot on again.
San Diego is 6-7. So I'd have to say that's a miss so far.
In the NFC, St. Louis is 2-10. That's another big miss.
New Orleans and Atlanta lead the South at 10-3 and 8-5. So that looks good.
Green Bay is 13-0. Yep.
Philadelphia is 5-8. So that's a miss. The Giants are 7-6 and tied for the East lead with Dallas. So that's about right.
The big surprises are Houston at 10-3 and San Francisco at 10-3. And who knew Tim Tebow?
So a couple of big misses, but the rest aren't bad.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
pro wrestling videos
3/14/04 - Wrestlemania XX: The Rock and Sock Connection vs. Evolution
3/01/04 -The Rock returns to help Mick Foley against Evolution
3/13/00 - Vince McMahon returns to RAW
Vince McMahon returns to help The Rock
Bash at the Beach: The Outsiders vs. Luger, String, Savage
5/27/96 - The Outsiders invade Monday Nitro
7/17/94 - Bash at the Beach: Hogan vs. Flair
May 1987 - Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude vs. Road Warriors
5/25/85 - Dusty Rhodes on World Championship Wrestling
Jesse Ventura vs. Hulk Hogan
1984 - Jesse The Body Ventura interview with Mean Gene
Ripper Collins returns (interview with Lord Blears)
Muhammad Ali with Freddie Blassic on Tonight Show (with MacLean Stevenson)
Muhammad Ali vs. Gorilla Monsoon
1950's interviews (Freddie Blassie)
3/01/04 -The Rock returns to help Mick Foley against Evolution
3/13/00 - Vince McMahon returns to RAW
Vince McMahon returns to help The Rock
Bash at the Beach: The Outsiders vs. Luger, String, Savage
5/27/96 - The Outsiders invade Monday Nitro
7/17/94 - Bash at the Beach: Hogan vs. Flair
May 1987 - Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude vs. Road Warriors
5/25/85 - Dusty Rhodes on World Championship Wrestling
Jesse Ventura vs. Hulk Hogan
1984 - Jesse The Body Ventura interview with Mean Gene
Ripper Collins returns (interview with Lord Blears)
Muhammad Ali with Freddie Blassic on Tonight Show (with MacLean Stevenson)
Muhammad Ali vs. Gorilla Monsoon
1950's interviews (Freddie Blassie)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
more college coaching hires
Texas A&M has selected Kevin Sumlin as its new football coach, school officials announced Saturday.
Sumlin posted a 12-1 record this season at Houston and a 35-17 record in four seasons at the school. He replaces Mike Sherman, who was fired after a 6-6 season and a 25-25 record in four seasons in College Station.
A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said school officials finalized a deal Saturday morning with Sumlin, a former A&M assistant coach under R.C. Slocum. Terms were not announced, and Sumlin will address the media for the first time as A&M's coach during a Monday news conference in College Station.
Sumlin was A&M's play-caller in 2002 when the Aggies defeated No. 1 Oklahoma 30-26 at Kyle Field with freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal leading the offense.
***
UCLA announced Saturday morning that Jim Mora Jr. will be its next head coach.
Mora, 50, has spent the last two years as an analyst at the NFL Network and has spent the bulk of his coaching career in the NFL, including working as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons. This will be his first college head coaching job.
The Los Angeles Times notes he hasn't worked at the collegiate level since 1984, when he was a graduate assistant at the University of Washington after playing for the Huskies.
Mora will take over for Rick Neuheisel, who was fired Nov. 28 after going 21-29 (6-7 this season) in four years. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will serve as the interim coach for the Bruins when they face Illinois at the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on Dec. 31.
Mora went 26-22 with the Falcons from 2004-06, coaching in one NFC Championship Game in 2004, and 5-11 with the Seahawks in 2009, putting his NFL head coaching record at 31-33. Before getting the Atlanta job, he held assistant positions with the San Diego Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints under his father Jim E. Mora.
Sumlin posted a 12-1 record this season at Houston and a 35-17 record in four seasons at the school. He replaces Mike Sherman, who was fired after a 6-6 season and a 25-25 record in four seasons in College Station.
A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said school officials finalized a deal Saturday morning with Sumlin, a former A&M assistant coach under R.C. Slocum. Terms were not announced, and Sumlin will address the media for the first time as A&M's coach during a Monday news conference in College Station.
Sumlin was A&M's play-caller in 2002 when the Aggies defeated No. 1 Oklahoma 30-26 at Kyle Field with freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal leading the offense.
***
UCLA announced Saturday morning that Jim Mora Jr. will be its next head coach.
Mora, 50, has spent the last two years as an analyst at the NFL Network and has spent the bulk of his coaching career in the NFL, including working as the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons. This will be his first college head coaching job.
The Los Angeles Times notes he hasn't worked at the collegiate level since 1984, when he was a graduate assistant at the University of Washington after playing for the Huskies.
Mora will take over for Rick Neuheisel, who was fired Nov. 28 after going 21-29 (6-7 this season) in four years. Offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will serve as the interim coach for the Bruins when they face Illinois at the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco on Dec. 31.
Mora went 26-22 with the Falcons from 2004-06, coaching in one NFC Championship Game in 2004, and 5-11 with the Seahawks in 2009, putting his NFL head coaching record at 31-33. Before getting the Atlanta job, he held assistant positions with the San Diego Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints under his father Jim E. Mora.
RG3 wins Heisman
Robert Griffin III beat out preseason favorite Andrew Luck for the Heisman Trophy, dazzling voters with his ability to throw, run and lead Big 12 doormat Baylor into the national rankings.
The junior quarterback known as RG3 became the first Heisman winner from Baylor on Saturday night by a comfortable cushion over the Stanford star.
Griffin started the season on the fringe of the Heisman conversation, a talented and exciting player on a marginal team, while Luck was already being touted as a No. 1 NFL draft pick.
Draft day might very well still belong to Luck, but Griffin diverted the Heisman to Waco, Texas, to a school that has never had a player finish better than fourth in the voting — and that was 48 years ago.
Griffin received 405 first-place votes and 1,687 points. Luck received 247 first-place votes and 1,407 points to become the fourth player to be Heisman runner-up in consecutive seasons and first since Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in 2006 and '07.
Alabama running back Trent Richardson was third with 138 first-place votes and 978 points. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (348 points) was fourth and the other finalist, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (327) was fifth.
The junior quarterback known as RG3 became the first Heisman winner from Baylor on Saturday night by a comfortable cushion over the Stanford star.
Griffin started the season on the fringe of the Heisman conversation, a talented and exciting player on a marginal team, while Luck was already being touted as a No. 1 NFL draft pick.
Draft day might very well still belong to Luck, but Griffin diverted the Heisman to Waco, Texas, to a school that has never had a player finish better than fourth in the voting — and that was 48 years ago.
Griffin received 405 first-place votes and 1,687 points. Luck received 247 first-place votes and 1,407 points to become the fourth player to be Heisman runner-up in consecutive seasons and first since Arkansas running back Darren McFadden in 2006 and '07.
Alabama running back Trent Richardson was third with 138 first-place votes and 978 points. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball (348 points) was fourth and the other finalist, LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (327) was fifth.
how the plus-one could work
The four bowls would rotate hosting a semifinal and the championship game. You need three sites each year to accomplish that (two semis, one title game).
The Rose Bowl would sit out its turn at the semifinals, preferring to instead host a traditional Big Ten/Pac-12 matchup on Jan. 1 every year. As they do now, they would “double-host” once every four years – the traditional Rose Bowl and the title game a week later. This is a plan the Rose itself expressed interest in during a meeting last summer between Big Ten and Pac-12 athletic directors, as first reported by the Seattle Times.
Here’s how it would look this season. All the other bowl games would continue as is; nothing would change there. But this would be your Jan. 2 schedule:
1:30 p.m.: Orange, No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 3 Oklahoma State.
4:30 p.m.: Rose, Oregon vs. Wisconsin.
8:30 p.m.: Fiesta, No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Stanford.
Is that a day of football you might be interested in?
On Jan. 9, the winners of the Orange and Fiesta then would meet in the Sugar Bowl for the national title.
Next season, it would rotate. Since the Rose would be involved only once every four seasons, over a 12-year period the other three games would be left out of the Football Final Four just once each.
The Rose Bowl would sit out its turn at the semifinals, preferring to instead host a traditional Big Ten/Pac-12 matchup on Jan. 1 every year. As they do now, they would “double-host” once every four years – the traditional Rose Bowl and the title game a week later. This is a plan the Rose itself expressed interest in during a meeting last summer between Big Ten and Pac-12 athletic directors, as first reported by the Seattle Times.
Here’s how it would look this season. All the other bowl games would continue as is; nothing would change there. But this would be your Jan. 2 schedule:
1:30 p.m.: Orange, No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 3 Oklahoma State.
4:30 p.m.: Rose, Oregon vs. Wisconsin.
8:30 p.m.: Fiesta, No. 1 LSU vs. No. 4 Stanford.
Is that a day of football you might be interested in?
On Jan. 9, the winners of the Orange and Fiesta then would meet in the Sugar Bowl for the national title.
Next season, it would rotate. Since the Rose would be involved only once every four seasons, over a 12-year period the other three games would be left out of the Football Final Four just once each.
Friday, December 09, 2011
NBA news 12/11
03/21/12 - Derrick Fisher signs with Oklahoma City
03/20/12 - Gilbert Arenas signs with Memphis
03/20/12 - David Aldridge's review of the deadline deals
03/15/12 - Portland waives Greg Oden
03/15/12 - Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga traded from Cleveland to Lakers for first-round pick. Luke Walton and Jason Kapono sent to Cleveland.
03/15/12 - Nick Young traded from Washington to Clippers. Javale McGee and Ronnie Turiaf traded from Washington to Denver for Nene. Clippers send Brian Cook and second-round pick to Wizards.
03/15/12 - Marcus Camby traded from Portland to Houston for Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn, and second-round pick.
03/15/12 - Stephen Jackson traded from Golden State to San Antonio for Richard Jefferson and first-round pick.
03/15/12 - Nate McMillen fired by Portland as head coach, Kaleb Canales named interim coach
03/15/12 - Derek Fisher traded from Lakers to Houston for Jordan Hill
03/15/12 - Sam Young traded from Memphis to 76ers for rights to Ricky Sanchez
03/15/12 - Gerald Wallace to be traded to New Jersey for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, and a first-round pick
03/15/12 - Dwight Howard will stay with Orlando for another season
03/15/12 - Leandro Barbosa traded from Toronto to Indiana for a second-round pick
03/14/12 - Mike D'Antoni resigns as Knicks' coach
03/14/12 - Bucks trade Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to Golden State for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, Kwame Brown
12/18/11 - Knicks to sign Baron Davis
12/17/11 - Jeff Green to miss season with aortic aneurism
12/16/11 - Jazz sign Josh Howard
12/15/11 - Jamal Crawford to sign with Portland
12/15/11 - Minnesota signs Bonzi Wells(!)
12/14/11 - J.J. Barea signs with Minnesota
12/14/11 - Cleveland uses amnesty clause on Baron Davis
12/14/11 - Rip Hamilton signs with Bulls
12/14/11 - Chris Paul traded to Clippers for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and a (presumably high) first round 2012 draft pick.
12/13/11 - Nene stays with Nuggets for $67 million
12/31/11 - Kwame Brown signs with Warriors for $7 million
12/13/11 - Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer traded to Nuggets for second round pick
12/12/11 - Vince Carter signs with Dallas
12/12/11 - Clippers match Warriors offer for DeAndre Jordan
12/12/11 - Raptors sign Anthony Carter
12/12/11 - Memphis to match offer sheet for Marc Gasol
12/12/11 - Clippers claim Chauncey Billups
12/11/11 - David West joining Pacers
12/10/11 Lakers (instead) trade Lamar Odom to Dallas
12/10/11 - Jimmermania begins
12/10/11 - Jeff Green re-signs with Celtics
12/10/11 - Jason Richardson agrees to stay with Orlando
12/10/11 - Tyson Chandler joins Knicks
12/9/11 - LaMarcus Aldridge to undergo heart procedure
12/9/11 - Greg Oden suffers another setback
12/9/11 - Brandon Roy to retire
12/9/11 - Orlando to use amnesty clause on Gilbert Arenas
12/9/11 - Caron Butler signs with Clippers
12/9/11 - Rip Hamilton to be bought out by Detroit
12/9/11 - Grant Hill re-signs with Phoenix
12/9/11 - Knicks use amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups (to sign Tyson Chandler)
12/9/11 - Vince Carter released by Suns
12/9/11 - Orlando makes Gilbert Arenas the first amnesty clause casualty
12/9/11 - Tyson Chandler signs with Knicks
12/8/11 - Mike Dunleavy to sign with Milwaukee
12/9/11 - Chris Paul untraded
12/8/11 - Chris Paul traded to Lakers
12/8/11 - Shane Battier joining Miami
12/8/11 - Tayshaun Prince re-signs with Pistons
12/8/11 - Tracy McGrady to sign with Hawks
12/8/11 - T.J. Ford to sign with Spurs
12/8/11 - Jason Kapono to sign with Lakers
12/7/11 - Spurs to use amnesty clause on Richard Jefferson
NBA free agents 2011
03/20/12 - Gilbert Arenas signs with Memphis
03/20/12 - David Aldridge's review of the deadline deals
03/15/12 - Portland waives Greg Oden
03/15/12 - Ramon Sessions and Christian Eyenga traded from Cleveland to Lakers for first-round pick. Luke Walton and Jason Kapono sent to Cleveland.
03/15/12 - Nick Young traded from Washington to Clippers. Javale McGee and Ronnie Turiaf traded from Washington to Denver for Nene. Clippers send Brian Cook and second-round pick to Wizards.
03/15/12 - Marcus Camby traded from Portland to Houston for Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn, and second-round pick.
03/15/12 - Stephen Jackson traded from Golden State to San Antonio for Richard Jefferson and first-round pick.
03/15/12 - Nate McMillen fired by Portland as head coach, Kaleb Canales named interim coach
03/15/12 - Derek Fisher traded from Lakers to Houston for Jordan Hill
03/15/12 - Sam Young traded from Memphis to 76ers for rights to Ricky Sanchez
03/15/12 - Gerald Wallace to be traded to New Jersey for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, and a first-round pick
03/15/12 - Dwight Howard will stay with Orlando for another season
03/15/12 - Leandro Barbosa traded from Toronto to Indiana for a second-round pick
03/14/12 - Mike D'Antoni resigns as Knicks' coach
03/14/12 - Bucks trade Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to Golden State for Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, Kwame Brown
12/18/11 - Knicks to sign Baron Davis
12/17/11 - Jeff Green to miss season with aortic aneurism
12/16/11 - Jazz sign Josh Howard
12/15/11 - Jamal Crawford to sign with Portland
12/15/11 - Minnesota signs Bonzi Wells(!)
12/14/11 - J.J. Barea signs with Minnesota
12/14/11 - Cleveland uses amnesty clause on Baron Davis
12/14/11 - Rip Hamilton signs with Bulls
12/14/11 - Chris Paul traded to Clippers for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu, and a (presumably high) first round 2012 draft pick.
12/13/11 - Nene stays with Nuggets for $67 million
12/31/11 - Kwame Brown signs with Warriors for $7 million
12/13/11 - Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer traded to Nuggets for second round pick
12/12/11 - Vince Carter signs with Dallas
12/12/11 - Clippers match Warriors offer for DeAndre Jordan
12/12/11 - Raptors sign Anthony Carter
12/12/11 - Memphis to match offer sheet for Marc Gasol
12/12/11 - Clippers claim Chauncey Billups
12/11/11 - David West joining Pacers
12/10/11 Lakers (instead) trade Lamar Odom to Dallas
12/10/11 - Jimmermania begins
12/10/11 - Jeff Green re-signs with Celtics
12/10/11 - Jason Richardson agrees to stay with Orlando
12/10/11 - Tyson Chandler joins Knicks
12/9/11 - LaMarcus Aldridge to undergo heart procedure
12/9/11 - Greg Oden suffers another setback
12/9/11 - Brandon Roy to retire
12/9/11 - Orlando to use amnesty clause on Gilbert Arenas
12/9/11 - Caron Butler signs with Clippers
12/9/11 - Rip Hamilton to be bought out by Detroit
12/9/11 - Grant Hill re-signs with Phoenix
12/9/11 - Knicks use amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups (to sign Tyson Chandler)
12/9/11 - Vince Carter released by Suns
12/9/11 - Orlando makes Gilbert Arenas the first amnesty clause casualty
12/9/11 - Tyson Chandler signs with Knicks
12/8/11 - Mike Dunleavy to sign with Milwaukee
12/9/11 - Chris Paul untraded
12/8/11 - Chris Paul traded to Lakers
12/8/11 - Shane Battier joining Miami
12/8/11 - Tayshaun Prince re-signs with Pistons
12/8/11 - Tracy McGrady to sign with Hawks
12/8/11 - T.J. Ford to sign with Spurs
12/8/11 - Jason Kapono to sign with Lakers
12/7/11 - Spurs to use amnesty clause on Richard Jefferson
NBA free agents 2011
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Chris Paul goes to L.A.!
[12/08/11] The Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement to acquire All-Star point guard Chris Paul in a three-team trade that will cost them Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Lakers have finalized the trade with the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets. The Lakers sent Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets receive Odom, Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola, league sources said.
Houston also agreed to send a 2012 first-round pick – previously obtained from the Knicks – to New Orleans as part of the package, a source said.
***
Not so fast.
NBA commissioner David Stern killed the New Orleans Hornets’ trade of Chris Paul after several owners complained about the league-owned team dealing the All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Some owners pushed Stern to nullify the trade and that the Hornets be made to keep Paul on the roster for the foreseeable future, sources said. A chorus of owners were irate with the belief that the five-month lockout had happened largely to stop big-market teams from leveraging small-market teams for star players pending free agency.
The trade between the Lakers, Hornets and Houston Rockets had been consummated late Thursday afternoon, about the same time the league’s owners and players were completing their vote to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement – an agreement that Stern had repeatedly said would help restore the NBA’s competitive balance. League owners had watched last season as some of the game’s biggest stars left for larger markets. LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, and Carmelo Anthony forced the Denver Nuggets to trade him to the New York Knicks.
Stern listened to enraged owners on Thursday insist this trade went against the entire reason the owners pushed for the lockout, that nothing had changed, and yet it was Stern who made the extraordinary decision to cancel the deal. Demps tried to talk him out of it, league officials said, but Stern was absolute in his desire to kill the trade.
Officials from New Orleans, Houston and Los Angeles were stunned Thursday night. The killed trade had ripple affects everywhere in free agency and potential trades, and literally pushed the market into paralysis on the even of training camps opening up.
“We were all told by the league he was a trade-able player, and now they’re saying that Dell doesn’t have the authority to make the trade?” said an NBA executive who had periodic talks with New Orleans throughout the process. “Now, they’re saying that Dell is an idiot, that he can’t do it his job. [Expletive] this whole thing. David’s drunk on power, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the players, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the hundreds of hours the teams put into make that deal.
“How do the Lakers explain this to Odom? How does Houston deal with the guys it just tried to trade? Scola and Martin are going to be pissed at them, and who knows how long that takes to get over? Explain to me how the league kills this Pau Gasol deal, but allows Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol?
“To me, this makes the league feel like it’s rigged, that Stern just does whatever Stern wants to do. He’s messed up the competitive balance of this league a lot worse by killing the deal, because you’ve completely destroyed the planning that New Orleans, Houston did and left them in shambles over this. I’ve never been so discouraged about this league, never so down.
“I mean, come on: Chris Paul is leaving New Orleans in 66 games. He’s gone. And what’s Dell Demps, and that franchise, going to have to show for it?”
***
NBA blocks trade to Clippers too.
*** [12/14/11]
The NBA has reached an agreement in principle to trade Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that will pair star forward Blake Griffin with one of the game’s top point guards, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The league-owned New Orleans Hornets will receive guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ unprotected 2012 first-round pick in return for Paul.
As part of the deal, Paul has agreed to not opt out of his contract after this season – allowing the Clippers to keep him at least through the 2012-13 season.
The trade ends an embarrassing week-long drama that began when the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets reached agreement on a three-team trade to send Paul to the Lakers only to have NBA commissioner David Stern veto the deal after rival team owners complained. The three teams tried to restructure the trade, but the Lakers eventually backed out when it was clear the league’s demands couldn’t be met.
*** press conference ***
The Lakers have finalized the trade with the New Orleans Hornets and Houston Rockets. The Lakers sent Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets receive Odom, Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola, league sources said.
Houston also agreed to send a 2012 first-round pick – previously obtained from the Knicks – to New Orleans as part of the package, a source said.
***
Not so fast.
NBA commissioner David Stern killed the New Orleans Hornets’ trade of Chris Paul after several owners complained about the league-owned team dealing the All-Star point guard to the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Some owners pushed Stern to nullify the trade and that the Hornets be made to keep Paul on the roster for the foreseeable future, sources said. A chorus of owners were irate with the belief that the five-month lockout had happened largely to stop big-market teams from leveraging small-market teams for star players pending free agency.
The trade between the Lakers, Hornets and Houston Rockets had been consummated late Thursday afternoon, about the same time the league’s owners and players were completing their vote to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement – an agreement that Stern had repeatedly said would help restore the NBA’s competitive balance. League owners had watched last season as some of the game’s biggest stars left for larger markets. LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, and Carmelo Anthony forced the Denver Nuggets to trade him to the New York Knicks.
Stern listened to enraged owners on Thursday insist this trade went against the entire reason the owners pushed for the lockout, that nothing had changed, and yet it was Stern who made the extraordinary decision to cancel the deal. Demps tried to talk him out of it, league officials said, but Stern was absolute in his desire to kill the trade.
Officials from New Orleans, Houston and Los Angeles were stunned Thursday night. The killed trade had ripple affects everywhere in free agency and potential trades, and literally pushed the market into paralysis on the even of training camps opening up.
“We were all told by the league he was a trade-able player, and now they’re saying that Dell doesn’t have the authority to make the trade?” said an NBA executive who had periodic talks with New Orleans throughout the process. “Now, they’re saying that Dell is an idiot, that he can’t do it his job. [Expletive] this whole thing. David’s drunk on power, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the players, and he doesn’t give a [expletive] about the hundreds of hours the teams put into make that deal.
“How do the Lakers explain this to Odom? How does Houston deal with the guys it just tried to trade? Scola and Martin are going to be pissed at them, and who knows how long that takes to get over? Explain to me how the league kills this Pau Gasol deal, but allows Kwame Brown for Pau Gasol?
“To me, this makes the league feel like it’s rigged, that Stern just does whatever Stern wants to do. He’s messed up the competitive balance of this league a lot worse by killing the deal, because you’ve completely destroyed the planning that New Orleans, Houston did and left them in shambles over this. I’ve never been so discouraged about this league, never so down.
“I mean, come on: Chris Paul is leaving New Orleans in 66 games. He’s gone. And what’s Dell Demps, and that franchise, going to have to show for it?”
***
NBA blocks trade to Clippers too.
*** [12/14/11]
The NBA has reached an agreement in principle to trade Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that will pair star forward Blake Griffin with one of the game’s top point guards, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The league-owned New Orleans Hornets will receive guard Eric Gordon, center Chris Kaman, forward Al-Farouq Aminu and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ unprotected 2012 first-round pick in return for Paul.
As part of the deal, Paul has agreed to not opt out of his contract after this season – allowing the Clippers to keep him at least through the 2012-13 season.
The trade ends an embarrassing week-long drama that began when the Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets reached agreement on a three-team trade to send Paul to the Lakers only to have NBA commissioner David Stern veto the deal after rival team owners complained. The three teams tried to restructure the trade, but the Lakers eventually backed out when it was clear the league’s demands couldn’t be met.
*** press conference ***
Hawaii football coach search
At least five former University of Hawaii football players reportedly have expressed interest in the Warriors' head coaching job.
The position was vacated when Greg McMackin reached a retirement agreement on Sunday.
UH interim head coach Rich Miano, Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper, Baylor associate head coach Brian Norwood, Baylor special teams coordinator/receivers coach Dino Babers and Georgia Tech receivers coach Buzz Preston have emerged as possible candidates, according to people familiar with the situation.
As of Wednesday, athletic director Jim Donovan received about a dozen telephone calls and a dozen emails from potential applicants. It is not known how many inquiries were made to the school's human resources department.
Jerry Glanville, a former UH defensive coordinator who was head coach of the NFL's Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons, said he has applied.
"I love the people and the state," Glanville said.
Earlier this year, Glanville was named head coach of the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. But the Colonials folded before the 2011 season started.
A family member said Texas assistant coach Duane Akina, a Punahou School graduate, is interested in applying.
Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who has run offenses in the NFL and elite college programs, reportedly is interested. Chow, who was raised in Hawaii, did not return messages left on his cell phone.
Oregon State line coach Mike Cavanaugh, who was an assistant coach at UH, was in Hawaii Tuesday after a recruiting trip to American Samoa. Asked if he would be a candidate, Cavanaugh, who has already returned to Oregon, said, "I have two words: ‘No comment.' "
Jasper was a UH quarterback and graduate assistant. After a stint at Georgia Southern, he has been at the Naval Academy for 12 years — the past 10 as quarterbacks coach, including the past four as offensive coordinator.
"He's more than ready to be a head coach," said Navy head coach Kenny Niumatalolo, a former UH quarterback and coach.
Norwood, a Radford High graduate and former UH defensive back, is finishing his fourth season at Baylor. He was the Bears' defensive coordinator for three years before being promoted to associate head coach.
Babers, a former UH linebacker and running back, was assistant head coach at UCLA and offensive coordinator at Arizona and Texas A&M before joining Baylor.
Preston, a former UH receiver, works under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator.
The position was vacated when Greg McMackin reached a retirement agreement on Sunday.
UH interim head coach Rich Miano, Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper, Baylor associate head coach Brian Norwood, Baylor special teams coordinator/receivers coach Dino Babers and Georgia Tech receivers coach Buzz Preston have emerged as possible candidates, according to people familiar with the situation.
As of Wednesday, athletic director Jim Donovan received about a dozen telephone calls and a dozen emails from potential applicants. It is not known how many inquiries were made to the school's human resources department.
Jerry Glanville, a former UH defensive coordinator who was head coach of the NFL's Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons, said he has applied.
"I love the people and the state," Glanville said.
Earlier this year, Glanville was named head coach of the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League. But the Colonials folded before the 2011 season started.
A family member said Texas assistant coach Duane Akina, a Punahou School graduate, is interested in applying.
Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow, who has run offenses in the NFL and elite college programs, reportedly is interested. Chow, who was raised in Hawaii, did not return messages left on his cell phone.
Oregon State line coach Mike Cavanaugh, who was an assistant coach at UH, was in Hawaii Tuesday after a recruiting trip to American Samoa. Asked if he would be a candidate, Cavanaugh, who has already returned to Oregon, said, "I have two words: ‘No comment.' "
Jasper was a UH quarterback and graduate assistant. After a stint at Georgia Southern, he has been at the Naval Academy for 12 years — the past 10 as quarterbacks coach, including the past four as offensive coordinator.
"He's more than ready to be a head coach," said Navy head coach Kenny Niumatalolo, a former UH quarterback and coach.
Norwood, a Radford High graduate and former UH defensive back, is finishing his fourth season at Baylor. He was the Bears' defensive coordinator for three years before being promoted to associate head coach.
Babers, a former UH linebacker and running back, was assistant head coach at UCLA and offensive coordinator at Arizona and Texas A&M before joining Baylor.
Preston, a former UH receiver, works under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator.
Preston, a former UH receiver, works under Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, a former UH offensive coordinator.
Hawaii News Now video: UH search committee formed to find new head coach
***
Three more coaching candidates: Mark Banker, George Rush, George Lumpkin
***
Kenny Niumatalolo heads Dave Reardon's fantasy football staff
Albert Pujols $250 million
Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols has agreed to a 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels worth about $250 million to $260 million, [it's $254 million] a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
Pujols led the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title this fall — his second with the team. He had been pursued by the Miami Marlins, but they dropped out Wednesday after agreeing to a deal with Mark Buehrle.
The Cardinals exercised a $16 million option on Pujols' contract after last season. The slugger rejected a multiyear extension that included a small percentage of the franchise over the winter and cut off negotiations on the first day of spring training.
Pujols' numbers in nearly every major offensive category are on a three-year decline, but he remains among the game's elite players. He hit 37 home runs last season, running his 30-homer streak to 11 years, and batted .299 with 99 RBIs. He led the Cardinals' improbable late-season surge and became only the third player to hit three home runs in a World Series game.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it had not been announced.
Pujols led the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title this fall — his second with the team. He had been pursued by the Miami Marlins, but they dropped out Wednesday after agreeing to a deal with Mark Buehrle.
The Cardinals exercised a $16 million option on Pujols' contract after last season. The slugger rejected a multiyear extension that included a small percentage of the franchise over the winter and cut off negotiations on the first day of spring training.
Pujols' numbers in nearly every major offensive category are on a three-year decline, but he remains among the game's elite players. He hit 37 home runs last season, running his 30-homer streak to 11 years, and batted .299 with 99 RBIs. He led the Cardinals' improbable late-season surge and became only the third player to hit three home runs in a World Series game.
June Jones leaving SMU ... NOT!
June Jones going/not going to Arizona State.
Well, that's awkward. Now what?
Jones needs to pony up.
Wha' happened?
Well, that's awkward. Now what?
Jones needs to pony up.
Wha' happened?
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
The Big East expands
(to the West and South)
The Big East introduced Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and Central Florida as its new members, effective 2013.
Commissioner John Marinatto says the Big East is the "first truly national college football conference."
The Big East, depleted by the planned departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, is trying to rebuild as a 12-team football conference with a western division.
Boise State President Bob Kustra said his school was "proud to be aboard."
Boise State and San Diego State, which currently play in the Mountain West Conference, will join the Big East only for football. Houston, SMU and UCF will be leaving Conference USA and joining the Big East in all sports.
The Big East has been trying to rebuild as a 12-school football conference since Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced they would be moving to the ACC and West Virginia announced it was leaving for the Big 12. TCU also reneged on a commitment to join the Big East and instead accepted an invite to the Big 12.
The Big East has also been pursuing Navy and Air Force as football-only members, but the military academies are not yet ready to commit to the conference, a source said.
While the Big East is finally about to expand, it's still very much a league in flux.
CBSSports.com reported Boise State will place its other sports teams in the Western Athletic Conference, a league it left after last season, and that San Diego State's other teams will compete in the Big West.
The Big East eventually wants to have two divisions of six teams and be able to hold a conference title game.
The grand plan is to have Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and possibly current member Louisville in the west division. The east division would have current members South Florida, Rutgers, Connecticut and Cincinnati, along with UCF.
The Big East is hoping that Air Force can round on the west and Navy the east. But, for now, that's still just a plan.
The Big East pursued BYU as a western partner for Boise State, but when those talks fell through because of BYU's desire to hold the TV rights to its home games, the league directed its attention to San Diego State.
San Diego is 3,067 miles away from the Big East office in Providence, R.I.
The Big East introduced Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and Central Florida as its new members, effective 2013.
Commissioner John Marinatto says the Big East is the "first truly national college football conference."
The Big East, depleted by the planned departures of Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, is trying to rebuild as a 12-team football conference with a western division.
Boise State President Bob Kustra said his school was "proud to be aboard."
Boise State and San Diego State, which currently play in the Mountain West Conference, will join the Big East only for football. Houston, SMU and UCF will be leaving Conference USA and joining the Big East in all sports.
The Big East has been trying to rebuild as a 12-school football conference since Syracuse and Pittsburgh announced they would be moving to the ACC and West Virginia announced it was leaving for the Big 12. TCU also reneged on a commitment to join the Big East and instead accepted an invite to the Big 12.
The Big East has also been pursuing Navy and Air Force as football-only members, but the military academies are not yet ready to commit to the conference, a source said.
While the Big East is finally about to expand, it's still very much a league in flux.
CBSSports.com reported Boise State will place its other sports teams in the Western Athletic Conference, a league it left after last season, and that San Diego State's other teams will compete in the Big West.
The Big East eventually wants to have two divisions of six teams and be able to hold a conference title game.
The grand plan is to have Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, SMU and possibly current member Louisville in the west division. The east division would have current members South Florida, Rutgers, Connecticut and Cincinnati, along with UCF.
The Big East is hoping that Air Force can round on the west and Navy the east. But, for now, that's still just a plan.
The Big East pursued BYU as a western partner for Boise State, but when those talks fell through because of BYU's desire to hold the TV rights to its home games, the league directed its attention to San Diego State.
San Diego is 3,067 miles away from the Big East office in Providence, R.I.
Monday, December 05, 2011
McMackin "retires" after 4 seasons
University of Hawaii coach Greg McMackin retired today, ending a four-year career at the helm of the Warriors football program.
McMackin had one season left on a five-year deal worth $1.1 million annually. As part of the agreement, McMackin accepted a buyout for $600,000. The university will begin a national search for McMackin's replacement immediately. UH assistant coach Rich Miano will serve as interim head coach.
A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon after McMackin meets with his coaches and players. He met for more than an hour Sunday night with UH-Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and athletic director Jim Donovan just after the team's annual awards banquet at the Sheraton Waikiki. None of the three would comment after the impromptu session broke up.
In his four years as head coach, McMackin had a 29-25 record, taking Hawaii to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl twice, losing both to Notre Dame and Tulsa. The Warriors needed a victory Saturday against Brigham Young to be eligible for the Christmas Eve bowl, but lost to the Cougars 41-20.
McMackin also served two years as former UH head coach June Jones' defensive coordinator. The first time in 1999, Hawaii went to the Oahu Bowl. The second time in 2007, the Warriors went to the Sugar Bowl.
All nine assistant coaches are on one-year contracts that expire March 31.
***
The infamous bleacherreport interview with David Graves (who reportedly, according to Bobby Curran, was being recorded without him knowing it).
McMackin had one season left on a five-year deal worth $1.1 million annually. As part of the agreement, McMackin accepted a buyout for $600,000. The university will begin a national search for McMackin's replacement immediately. UH assistant coach Rich Miano will serve as interim head coach.
A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon after McMackin meets with his coaches and players. He met for more than an hour Sunday night with UH-Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and athletic director Jim Donovan just after the team's annual awards banquet at the Sheraton Waikiki. None of the three would comment after the impromptu session broke up.
In his four years as head coach, McMackin had a 29-25 record, taking Hawaii to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl twice, losing both to Notre Dame and Tulsa. The Warriors needed a victory Saturday against Brigham Young to be eligible for the Christmas Eve bowl, but lost to the Cougars 41-20.
McMackin also served two years as former UH head coach June Jones' defensive coordinator. The first time in 1999, Hawaii went to the Oahu Bowl. The second time in 2007, the Warriors went to the Sugar Bowl.
All nine assistant coaches are on one-year contracts that expire March 31.
***
The infamous bleacherreport interview with David Graves (who reportedly, according to Bobby Curran, was being recorded without him knowing it).
Pat Hill fired after 15 seasons
Fresno State fired coach Pat Hill on Sunday, a day after the Bulldogs matched a school record for losses in the final game of his 15th season.
Hill built a reputation at Fresno State as a giant killer with the mantra of playing anybody, anywhere, anytime. But in recent years, the Bulldogs struggled both in conference play and in meetings against major teams and fans stopped packing Bulldog Stadium.
"We've been evaluating data after each season for the last several years and we saw a trend that was not reflective of us being able to pursue the goal of a conference championship," Athletic Director Thomas Boeh said. "And our community was not responding any longer to the record that we had."
Boeh said that over the last six years there has been a 42 percent decline in season ticket sales and a 25 percent drop in ticket revenue.
The Bulldogs finished this season 4-9 after a 35-28 loss at San Diego State on Saturday, losing five of their final six games. Hill had two years remaining on his contract.
The Bulldogs made their mark in 2001 when they started the season 6-0 behind quarterback David Carr, with wins over eventual Big 12 champion Colorado, as well as nationally ranked Oregon State and Wisconsin, while rising to No. 8 in The Associated Press poll.
Fresno State then lost 35-30 to Boise State, ending its hopes of being the first team from outside the major six conferences to crash the Bowl Championship Series. Hill could never compete with the Broncos, going 1-10 in his career against Boise State and getting outscored 220-51 in the last four meetings.
The only win against the Broncos came in 2005 when the Bulldogs once again moved up the national rankings to No. 16 heading into a showdown with then-No. 1 Southern California. Fresno State nearly ended USC's 32-game winning streak before falling 50-42.
From that loss to the end of his tenure, Hill had a 40-41 record. He finished his career at Fresno State with a 112-80 mark and went to 11 bowl games.
"Pat was very professional," Boeh said. "He understands this industry, he understands how this works and he was as good as one can be under those circumstances. He's put a lot of hard work into this program over the past 15 years, and we thank coach Hill for everything he's done."
Hill built a reputation at Fresno State as a giant killer with the mantra of playing anybody, anywhere, anytime. But in recent years, the Bulldogs struggled both in conference play and in meetings against major teams and fans stopped packing Bulldog Stadium.
"We've been evaluating data after each season for the last several years and we saw a trend that was not reflective of us being able to pursue the goal of a conference championship," Athletic Director Thomas Boeh said. "And our community was not responding any longer to the record that we had."
Boeh said that over the last six years there has been a 42 percent decline in season ticket sales and a 25 percent drop in ticket revenue.
The Bulldogs finished this season 4-9 after a 35-28 loss at San Diego State on Saturday, losing five of their final six games. Hill had two years remaining on his contract.
The Bulldogs made their mark in 2001 when they started the season 6-0 behind quarterback David Carr, with wins over eventual Big 12 champion Colorado, as well as nationally ranked Oregon State and Wisconsin, while rising to No. 8 in The Associated Press poll.
Fresno State then lost 35-30 to Boise State, ending its hopes of being the first team from outside the major six conferences to crash the Bowl Championship Series. Hill could never compete with the Broncos, going 1-10 in his career against Boise State and getting outscored 220-51 in the last four meetings.
The only win against the Broncos came in 2005 when the Bulldogs once again moved up the national rankings to No. 16 heading into a showdown with then-No. 1 Southern California. Fresno State nearly ended USC's 32-game winning streak before falling 50-42.
From that loss to the end of his tenure, Hill had a 40-41 record. He finished his career at Fresno State with a 112-80 mark and went to 11 bowl games.
"Pat was very professional," Boeh said. "He understands this industry, he understands how this works and he was as good as one can be under those circumstances. He's put a lot of hard work into this program over the past 15 years, and we thank coach Hill for everything he's done."
Saturday, November 26, 2011
deal!
NBA owners and players reached a tentative agreement early Saturday to end the 149-day lockout and hope to begin the delayed season on Christmas Day.
Neither side provided many specifics but said the only words players and fans wanted to hear.
"We want to play basketball," Commissioner David Stern said.
After a secret meeting earlier this week, the sides met for more than 15 hours Friday, working to try to save the season. This handshake deal, however, still must be ratified by both owners and players.
Stern said it was "subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25."
Barring a change in scheduling, the 2011-12 season will open with the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, followed by Miami at Dallas in an NBA finals rematch before MVP Derrick Rose and Chicago close the tripleheader against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
The league plans a 66-game season and aims to open training camps Dec. 9, with free agency opening at the same time. Stern has said it would take about 30 days from an agreement to playing the first game.
"All I feel right now is `finally,"' Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade told The Associated Press.
A majority on each side is needed to approve the agreement. The NBA needs votes from 15 of 29 owners. (The league owns the New Orleans Hornets.) Stern said the labor committee plans to discuss the agreement later Saturday and expects them to endorse it and recommend to the full board.
The union needs a simple majority of its 430-plus members. That process is a bit more complicated after the players dissolved the union Nov. 14. Now, they must drop their antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota and reform the union before voting on the deal.
Because the union disbanded, a new collective bargaining agreement can only be completed once the union has reformed. Drug testing and other issues still must be negotiated between the league and the players.
"We're very pleased we've come this far," Stern said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."
[12/8/11] NBA basketball is back, and Commissioner David Stern insists better than before.
Maybe it won’t be noticed right away, but Stern said the “tortured journey” of this 161-day lockout will prove to be worth it.
Stern announced that owners and players ratified a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday, the final step to ending the five-month lockout and paving the way for training camps and free agency to open Friday.
Together with an expanded revenue sharing program, Stern said teams and fans will see an improved league in coming years.
“It’s a new beginning in a way,” he said. “It’s going to take a couple of years to work its way out, but we’re very excited about its prospects.”
The 10-year deal promises owners savings of perhaps a quarter billion dollars a year but largely leaves intact the soft salary cap system that the players fought hard to maintain.
Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver announced the deal during a press conference, putting an end to nearly two years of difficult negotiations that resulted in the second shortened season in NBA history. A 66-game schedule will begin on Christmas and run through April 26, forcing every team to play on three straight nights at least once.
Owners approved the deal, which allows either side to opt out after six years, by a 25-5 vote. The players’ association said 86 percent of the more than 200 players who voted electronically approved the deal.
Neither side provided many specifics but said the only words players and fans wanted to hear.
"We want to play basketball," Commissioner David Stern said.
After a secret meeting earlier this week, the sides met for more than 15 hours Friday, working to try to save the season. This handshake deal, however, still must be ratified by both owners and players.
Stern said it was "subject to a variety of approvals and very complex machinations, but we're optimistic that will all come to pass and that the NBA season will begin Dec. 25."
Barring a change in scheduling, the 2011-12 season will open with the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, followed by Miami at Dallas in an NBA finals rematch before MVP Derrick Rose and Chicago close the tripleheader against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.
The league plans a 66-game season and aims to open training camps Dec. 9, with free agency opening at the same time. Stern has said it would take about 30 days from an agreement to playing the first game.
"All I feel right now is `finally,"' Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade told The Associated Press.
A majority on each side is needed to approve the agreement. The NBA needs votes from 15 of 29 owners. (The league owns the New Orleans Hornets.) Stern said the labor committee plans to discuss the agreement later Saturday and expects them to endorse it and recommend to the full board.
The union needs a simple majority of its 430-plus members. That process is a bit more complicated after the players dissolved the union Nov. 14. Now, they must drop their antitrust lawsuit in Minnesota and reform the union before voting on the deal.
Because the union disbanded, a new collective bargaining agreement can only be completed once the union has reformed. Drug testing and other issues still must be negotiated between the league and the players.
"We're very pleased we've come this far," Stern said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."
[12/8/11] NBA basketball is back, and Commissioner David Stern insists better than before.
Maybe it won’t be noticed right away, but Stern said the “tortured journey” of this 161-day lockout will prove to be worth it.
Stern announced that owners and players ratified a new collective bargaining agreement Thursday, the final step to ending the five-month lockout and paving the way for training camps and free agency to open Friday.
Together with an expanded revenue sharing program, Stern said teams and fans will see an improved league in coming years.
“It’s a new beginning in a way,” he said. “It’s going to take a couple of years to work its way out, but we’re very excited about its prospects.”
The 10-year deal promises owners savings of perhaps a quarter billion dollars a year but largely leaves intact the soft salary cap system that the players fought hard to maintain.
Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver announced the deal during a press conference, putting an end to nearly two years of difficult negotiations that resulted in the second shortened season in NBA history. A 66-game schedule will begin on Christmas and run through April 26, forcing every team to play on three straight nights at least once.
Owners approved the deal, which allows either side to opt out after six years, by a 25-5 vote. The players’ association said 86 percent of the more than 200 players who voted electronically approved the deal.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Justin Verlander MVP
NEW YORK (AP)—Justin Verlander(notes) figured time had run out on his chance to become the first starting pitcher in a quarter-century to be voted Most Valuable Player.
Last Tuesday, he found out about 12:40 p.m. that he was a unanimous winner of the AL Cy Young Award. It was closing in on 1 p.m. Monday, and he still hadn’t gotten word on the MVP.
“I had told myself that it wasn’t going to happen,” he said. “I figured somebody else got the call.”
Not to worry, there was just a slight delay because Verlander didn’t give the Baseball Writers’ Association of America his telephone number, forcing the BBWAA to relay the news through Brian Britten, the Detroit Tigers’ director of media relations.
Britten telephoned Verlander at 12:56 p.m., about one hour before the announcement.
“It was just a weight off my shoulders,” Verlander said, “and pure elation, really.”
After winning the AL’s pitching triple crown by going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts, Verlander received 13 of 28 first-place votes and 280 points. He became the first pitcher voted MVP since Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first starting pitcher since Boston’s Roger Clemens in 1986.
“Obviously pitchers are not just written off all of a sudden because they’re pitchers,” Verlander said.
Boston center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) was second with four firsts and 242 points, followed by Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista(notes) with five firsts and 231 points, Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson(notes) with 215 and Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera(notes) with 193.
Recent history has been against pitchers. Since Eckersley’s win, only once had a pitcher finished as high as second.
In 1999, Boston’s Pedro Martinez(notes) was 13 points behind Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez(notes) after going 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts. Martinez had eight first-place votes to seven for Rodriguez, but La Velle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and George King of the New York Post left Martinez off their ballots.
Last Tuesday, he found out about 12:40 p.m. that he was a unanimous winner of the AL Cy Young Award. It was closing in on 1 p.m. Monday, and he still hadn’t gotten word on the MVP.
“I had told myself that it wasn’t going to happen,” he said. “I figured somebody else got the call.”
Not to worry, there was just a slight delay because Verlander didn’t give the Baseball Writers’ Association of America his telephone number, forcing the BBWAA to relay the news through Brian Britten, the Detroit Tigers’ director of media relations.
Britten telephoned Verlander at 12:56 p.m., about one hour before the announcement.
“It was just a weight off my shoulders,” Verlander said, “and pure elation, really.”
After winning the AL’s pitching triple crown by going 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA and 250 strikeouts, Verlander received 13 of 28 first-place votes and 280 points. He became the first pitcher voted MVP since Oakland’s Dennis Eckersley in 1992 and the first starting pitcher since Boston’s Roger Clemens in 1986.
“Obviously pitchers are not just written off all of a sudden because they’re pitchers,” Verlander said.
Boston center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) was second with four firsts and 242 points, followed by Toronto right fielder Jose Bautista(notes) with five firsts and 231 points, Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson(notes) with 215 and Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera(notes) with 193.
Recent history has been against pitchers. Since Eckersley’s win, only once had a pitcher finished as high as second.
In 1999, Boston’s Pedro Martinez(notes) was 13 points behind Texas catcher Ivan Rodriguez(notes) after going 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 strikeouts. Martinez had eight first-place votes to seven for Rodriguez, but La Velle Neal of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and George King of the New York Post left Martinez off their ballots.
Monday, November 14, 2011
NBA players to decertify union, season in jeopardy
NEW YORK (AP)—NBA players rejected the league’s latest offer Monday and began disbanding the union, likely jeopardizing the season.
“We’re prepared to file this antitrust action against the NBA,” union executive director Billy Hunter said. “That’s the best situation where players can get their due process.”
And that’s a tragedy as far as NBA Commissioner David Stern is concerned.
“It looks like the 2011-12 season is really in jeopardy,” Stern said in an interview aired on ESPN. “It’s just a big charade. To do it now, the union is ratcheting up I guess to see if they can scare the NBA owners or something. That’s not happening.”
Hunter said players were not prepared to agree to Stern’s ultimatum to accept the current proposal or face a worse one, saying they thought it was “extremely unfair.” And they’re aware what this battle might cost them.
“We understand the consequences of potentially missing the season; we understand the consequences that players could potentially face if things don’t go our way, but it’s a risk worth taking,” union vice president Maurice Evans(notes) said. “It’s the right move to do.”
But it’s risky. The league already has filed a pre-emptive lawsuit seeking to prove the lockout is legal and contends that without a union that collectively bargained them, the players’ guaranteed contracts could legally be voided.
During oral arguments on Nov. 2, the NBA asked U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe to decide the legality of its lockout, but he was reluctant to wade into the league’s labor mess. Gardephe has yet to issue a ruling.
Stern, who is a lawyer, had urged players to take the deal on the table, saying it’s the best the NBA could offer and advised that decertification is not a winning strategy.
Players ignored that warning, choosing instead to dissolve its union, giving them a chance to win several billion dollars in triple damages in an antitrust lawsuit.
“This is the best decision for the players,” union president Derek Fisher(notes) said. “I want to reiterate that point, that a lot of individual players have a lot of things personally at stake in terms of their careers and where they stand. And right now they feel it’s important—we all feel it’s important to all our players, not just the ones in this room, but our entire group—that we not only try to get a deal done for today but for the body of NBA players that will come into this league over the next decade and beyond.”
Fisher, flanked at a press conference by dozens of players including Kobe Bryant(notes) and Carmelo Anthony(notes), said the decision was unanimous. But there were surely players throughout the league who would have preferred union leadership put the proposal to a vote of the full membership instead.
Hunter said the NBPA was in the process of converting to a trade association and that all players will be represented in a class-action suit against the NBA by attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and David Boies—who were on opposite sides of the NFL labor dispute, Kessler working for the players, Boise for the league.
“The fact that the two biggest legal adversaries in the NFL players dispute over the NFL lockout both agree that the NBA lockout is now illegal and subject to triple damages speaks for itself,” Kessler said in an email to The Associated Press. “I am delighted to work together with David Boies on behalf of the NBA players.”
Stern was not impressed with his legal adversaries.
“Mr. Kessler got his way, and we’re about to go into the nuclear winter of the NBA,” he told ESPN. “If I were a player … I would be wondering what it is that Billy Hunter just did.”
The sides still can negotiate during the legal process, so players didn’t want to write off the season just yet.
“I don’t want to make any assumptions,” union VP Keyon Dooling(notes) said. “I believe we’ll continue to try to get a deal done or let this process play out. I don’t know what to expect from this process.”
Hunter said the NBPA’s “notice of disclaimer” was filed with Stern’s office about an hour before the news conference announcing the move.
Hunter said the bargaining process had “completely broken down.” Players and owners have been talking for some two years but couldn’t reach a deal, with players feeling the league’s desires to improve competitive balance would hurt their free agency options.
And beyond that, the owners’ desire for a 50-50 split of basketball-related income, after players were guaranteed 57 percent under the old deal, meant players were shifting at least $280 million per year to the owners.
“This deal could have been done. It should have been done,” Hunter said. “We’ve given and given and given, and they got to the place where they just reached for too much and the players decided to push back.”
Over the weekend, Stern said he would not cancel the season this week.
Regardless, damage already has been done, in many ways.
Financially, both sides have lost hundreds of millions because of the games missed and the countless more that will be wiped out before play resumes. Team employees are losing money, and in some cases, jobs. And both the NBA and NBPA eventually must regain the loyalty of an angered fan base that wonders how the league reached this low point after such a strong 2010-11 season.
***
NBA Labor Central
An interview with Kevin Murphy
“We’re prepared to file this antitrust action against the NBA,” union executive director Billy Hunter said. “That’s the best situation where players can get their due process.”
And that’s a tragedy as far as NBA Commissioner David Stern is concerned.
“It looks like the 2011-12 season is really in jeopardy,” Stern said in an interview aired on ESPN. “It’s just a big charade. To do it now, the union is ratcheting up I guess to see if they can scare the NBA owners or something. That’s not happening.”
Hunter said players were not prepared to agree to Stern’s ultimatum to accept the current proposal or face a worse one, saying they thought it was “extremely unfair.” And they’re aware what this battle might cost them.
“We understand the consequences of potentially missing the season; we understand the consequences that players could potentially face if things don’t go our way, but it’s a risk worth taking,” union vice president Maurice Evans(notes) said. “It’s the right move to do.”
But it’s risky. The league already has filed a pre-emptive lawsuit seeking to prove the lockout is legal and contends that without a union that collectively bargained them, the players’ guaranteed contracts could legally be voided.
During oral arguments on Nov. 2, the NBA asked U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe to decide the legality of its lockout, but he was reluctant to wade into the league’s labor mess. Gardephe has yet to issue a ruling.
Stern, who is a lawyer, had urged players to take the deal on the table, saying it’s the best the NBA could offer and advised that decertification is not a winning strategy.
Players ignored that warning, choosing instead to dissolve its union, giving them a chance to win several billion dollars in triple damages in an antitrust lawsuit.
“This is the best decision for the players,” union president Derek Fisher(notes) said. “I want to reiterate that point, that a lot of individual players have a lot of things personally at stake in terms of their careers and where they stand. And right now they feel it’s important—we all feel it’s important to all our players, not just the ones in this room, but our entire group—that we not only try to get a deal done for today but for the body of NBA players that will come into this league over the next decade and beyond.”
Fisher, flanked at a press conference by dozens of players including Kobe Bryant(notes) and Carmelo Anthony(notes), said the decision was unanimous. But there were surely players throughout the league who would have preferred union leadership put the proposal to a vote of the full membership instead.
Hunter said the NBPA was in the process of converting to a trade association and that all players will be represented in a class-action suit against the NBA by attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and David Boies—who were on opposite sides of the NFL labor dispute, Kessler working for the players, Boise for the league.
“The fact that the two biggest legal adversaries in the NFL players dispute over the NFL lockout both agree that the NBA lockout is now illegal and subject to triple damages speaks for itself,” Kessler said in an email to The Associated Press. “I am delighted to work together with David Boies on behalf of the NBA players.”
Stern was not impressed with his legal adversaries.
“Mr. Kessler got his way, and we’re about to go into the nuclear winter of the NBA,” he told ESPN. “If I were a player … I would be wondering what it is that Billy Hunter just did.”
The sides still can negotiate during the legal process, so players didn’t want to write off the season just yet.
“I don’t want to make any assumptions,” union VP Keyon Dooling(notes) said. “I believe we’ll continue to try to get a deal done or let this process play out. I don’t know what to expect from this process.”
Hunter said the NBPA’s “notice of disclaimer” was filed with Stern’s office about an hour before the news conference announcing the move.
Hunter said the bargaining process had “completely broken down.” Players and owners have been talking for some two years but couldn’t reach a deal, with players feeling the league’s desires to improve competitive balance would hurt their free agency options.
And beyond that, the owners’ desire for a 50-50 split of basketball-related income, after players were guaranteed 57 percent under the old deal, meant players were shifting at least $280 million per year to the owners.
“This deal could have been done. It should have been done,” Hunter said. “We’ve given and given and given, and they got to the place where they just reached for too much and the players decided to push back.”
Over the weekend, Stern said he would not cancel the season this week.
Regardless, damage already has been done, in many ways.
Financially, both sides have lost hundreds of millions because of the games missed and the countless more that will be wiped out before play resumes. Team employees are losing money, and in some cases, jobs. And both the NBA and NBPA eventually must regain the loyalty of an angered fan base that wonders how the league reached this low point after such a strong 2010-11 season.
***
NBA Labor Central
An interview with Kevin Murphy
Predicting Hawaii's 2011 season
Here’s how Bobby Curran sees the UH football season playing out:
Sept. 3: UH 31, Colorado 24 Both teams will have opening night jitters, but UH has the 5,000-yard passer, a veteran coaching staff and more impact players on defense. [34-17, 1-0, 1-0]
Sept. 10: UW 27, UH 20 It’s hard to play in Husky Stadium, the Dogs return 15 starters including eight on defense and three of four in the secondary. If UH can pull an upset here, it could mean that Hawaii fans are in for an extra special year. They have to win the turnover battle in this one. [32-40, 1-1, 2-0]
Sept. 17: UH 56, UNLV 10 The Rebels don’t have much this year and Hawaii treats this like a home game. It will only be close for a quarter. [20-40, 1-2, 2-1]
Sept. 24: UH 45, UC Davis 14 Davis, physically overmatched, will need to maintain their composure to keep this respectable. [56-14, 2-2, 3-1]
Oct. 1: La Tech 28, UH 24 I’ve been worried about this game since the schedule came out. The Bulldogs are always athletic and give Hawaii headaches in Ruston. Lennon Creer is big, strong and fast and the best running back at La Tech since Ryan Moats. [44-26, 3-2, 3-2]
Oct 14: UH 45, San Jose State 20 The Spartans should at least double their win total this year that’s not saying much since they went 1-12 last year. The good news is they have all 11 starters starters back on defense. The bad news is they were horrible on defense. [27-28, 3-3, 3-3]
Oct. 22: UH 51, New Mexico State 10 Hawaii is way too much for these Aggies, who have never won in the 50th state. Tough homecoming for Andrew Manley. [45-34, 4-3, 4-3]
Oct. 29: UH 38, Idaho 17 The Vandals are rebuilding and will be challenged on offense with only four starters returning. A winning record would be a major accomplishment for Robb Akey this year. [16-14, 5-3, 5-3]
Nov. 5: UH 31, Utah State 14 The Aggies have nine starters back on offense but none of them are QB Diondre Borel. RB Robert Turbin is a load. [31-35, 5-4, 5-4]
Nov. 12: UH 28, Nevada 24 Reno is a tough place to play, but I like Hawaii here. Nevada loses too many good players and there is no reasonable facsimile of Colin Kaeprenick. [28-42, 5-5, 5-5]
Nov. 19: UH, 35 Fresno State 24 Hawaii seems to have the Bulldogs’ number of late, winning four of five and scoring lots of points. Hawaii scores quickly and Fresno State has trouble in a track meet.
Nov. 26: UH 41, Tulane 24 The Warriors owe the Green Wave one after a bitter bowl defeat in 2002. UH should be fine here if they don’t get caught looking ahead. Tulane struggles against good passing teams.
Dec. 3: UH 49, BYU 45 This should be fun. BYU has 10 starters back on offense and will score points. They have only five starters back on defense and should give up points. It might come down to who has the ball last. The game should be a sellout, and the home crowd will put Hawaii over the top.
There you have it: 11-2 and a trip to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. SMU vs. Hawaii, anyone?
[and here's Bob Hogue's predictions]
Sept. 3: UH 31, Colorado 24 Both teams will have opening night jitters, but UH has the 5,000-yard passer, a veteran coaching staff and more impact players on defense. [34-17, 1-0, 1-0]
Sept. 10: UW 27, UH 20 It’s hard to play in Husky Stadium, the Dogs return 15 starters including eight on defense and three of four in the secondary. If UH can pull an upset here, it could mean that Hawaii fans are in for an extra special year. They have to win the turnover battle in this one. [32-40, 1-1, 2-0]
Sept. 17: UH 56, UNLV 10 The Rebels don’t have much this year and Hawaii treats this like a home game. It will only be close for a quarter. [20-40, 1-2, 2-1]
Sept. 24: UH 45, UC Davis 14 Davis, physically overmatched, will need to maintain their composure to keep this respectable. [56-14, 2-2, 3-1]
Oct. 1: La Tech 28, UH 24 I’ve been worried about this game since the schedule came out. The Bulldogs are always athletic and give Hawaii headaches in Ruston. Lennon Creer is big, strong and fast and the best running back at La Tech since Ryan Moats. [44-26, 3-2, 3-2]
Oct 14: UH 45, San Jose State 20 The Spartans should at least double their win total this year that’s not saying much since they went 1-12 last year. The good news is they have all 11 starters starters back on defense. The bad news is they were horrible on defense. [27-28, 3-3, 3-3]
Oct. 22: UH 51, New Mexico State 10 Hawaii is way too much for these Aggies, who have never won in the 50th state. Tough homecoming for Andrew Manley. [45-34, 4-3, 4-3]
Oct. 29: UH 38, Idaho 17 The Vandals are rebuilding and will be challenged on offense with only four starters returning. A winning record would be a major accomplishment for Robb Akey this year. [16-14, 5-3, 5-3]
Nov. 5: UH 31, Utah State 14 The Aggies have nine starters back on offense but none of them are QB Diondre Borel. RB Robert Turbin is a load. [31-35, 5-4, 5-4]
Nov. 12: UH 28, Nevada 24 Reno is a tough place to play, but I like Hawaii here. Nevada loses too many good players and there is no reasonable facsimile of Colin Kaeprenick. [28-42, 5-5, 5-5]
Nov. 19: UH, 35 Fresno State 24 Hawaii seems to have the Bulldogs’ number of late, winning four of five and scoring lots of points. Hawaii scores quickly and Fresno State has trouble in a track meet.
Nov. 26: UH 41, Tulane 24 The Warriors owe the Green Wave one after a bitter bowl defeat in 2002. UH should be fine here if they don’t get caught looking ahead. Tulane struggles against good passing teams.
Dec. 3: UH 49, BYU 45 This should be fun. BYU has 10 starters back on offense and will score points. They have only five starters back on defense and should give up points. It might come down to who has the ball last. The game should be a sellout, and the home crowd will put Hawaii over the top.
There you have it: 11-2 and a trip to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve. SMU vs. Hawaii, anyone?
[and here's Bob Hogue's predictions]
NBA looks to the NHL
The league that James Naismith gave birth to is a second-tier member of the U.S. Big Four. Football obviously rules the roost and Major League Baseball still pulls in 50 million in attendance in tough economic times. The NBA is now on par with the National Hockey League in terms of attendance, and owners are looking at that league, and not the NFL, as a source of economic inspiration.
In 2005 the NHL adopted a scorched earth policy that cost the struggling league an entire season and forced it from its cozy ESPN contract and onto Versus, more commonly known as the what-channel-is-that-on? network. It was a desperate move for a league that was too big and whose Third World distribution of wealth put the NHL on the verge of economic collapse. Ratings and attendance suffered upon its return, but what emerged was a league finally able to operate within its means. The players are still handsomely rewarded, though not as much as before, and the salary cap created competitive parity, which generated greater fan interest and a firmer financial footing for the owners.
Six of those NHL owners own NBA teams, and their experience is pushing the current negotiations.
The league claims 22 of the 30 teams lost money. Faced with similar inequalities, the NHL managed to overcome the disparity by establishing a more equitable split of revenue between players and owners, and by instituting a salary cap. The NBA’s “flex cap” has been a disaster and has only created more wealth for the already wealthy. It needs to be hardened. The current 57-43 revenue split between players and owners has not kept up with rising player salaries and a more equal split is necessary.
Both sides have dug in and each is waiting for the other to blink. That is not going to happen anytime soon, but with a successful example at the ready, the question is will the NBA follow the NHL over the cliff before it realizes Gary Bettman actually got this one right.
In 2005 the NHL adopted a scorched earth policy that cost the struggling league an entire season and forced it from its cozy ESPN contract and onto Versus, more commonly known as the what-channel-is-that-on? network. It was a desperate move for a league that was too big and whose Third World distribution of wealth put the NHL on the verge of economic collapse. Ratings and attendance suffered upon its return, but what emerged was a league finally able to operate within its means. The players are still handsomely rewarded, though not as much as before, and the salary cap created competitive parity, which generated greater fan interest and a firmer financial footing for the owners.
Six of those NHL owners own NBA teams, and their experience is pushing the current negotiations.
The league claims 22 of the 30 teams lost money. Faced with similar inequalities, the NHL managed to overcome the disparity by establishing a more equitable split of revenue between players and owners, and by instituting a salary cap. The NBA’s “flex cap” has been a disaster and has only created more wealth for the already wealthy. It needs to be hardened. The current 57-43 revenue split between players and owners has not kept up with rising player salaries and a more equal split is necessary.
Both sides have dug in and each is waiting for the other to blink. That is not going to happen anytime soon, but with a successful example at the ready, the question is will the NBA follow the NHL over the cliff before it realizes Gary Bettman actually got this one right.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Top 10 2012 NBA prospects
Harrison Barnes will draw much of the attention when top-ranked North Carolina makes its season debut against Michigan State atop the USS Vinson on Friday night. The sophomore swingman is arguably the top player in college basketball and a preseason All-America selection for the second straight year.
But do NBA scouts adore Barnes just as much? Or, is their focus on a couple of freshmen big men in Connecticut’s Andre Drummond and Kentucky’s Anthony Davis?
The consensus is that Barnes, Drummond and Davis are the top three prospects right now with the order varying, depending on the scout who’s ranking them. With the college basketball season starting, NBA talent evaluators will be busy assessing what a longtime scout described as potentially one of the deepest drafts in the past 10 years.
“Since a lot of guys stayed in school [after last season], this is a very, very strong draft,” the scout said. “There will be guys selected [from Nos.] 15-25 that can come in and be contributors right away. Next year will be a very, very strong and deep draft.”
Here’s Yahoo! Sports’ top 10 college NBA draft prospects:
1. Andre Drummond, Connecticut, C, Fresh., 6-11, 251 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He’s the first legitimate center prospect since Greg Oden(notes). He’s got the physical tools of an everyday center in our league. Haven’t seen him a whole lot, but he’s big, raw and physical. You have to take him first.”
2. Anthony Davis, Kentucky, PF, Fresh., 6-10, 220 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He was intriguing because he was a shooting guard for most of his high school career before he blew up to his height. His versatility at his size stands out. He continues to get better and better.”
3. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, G-F, Soph., 6-8, 210 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He is the most prolific scorer in the draft and can be a big scorer in the NBA. But can you be instrumental on just one end of the floor? What can he do to make a team better? He deserves an argument for No. 1, but you always pick size.”
4. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, PF, Soph., 6-8, 250 pounds – Scout’s comment: “The only thing you can question about him is weight and lack of athleticism. He has to prove consistently that length won’t bother him. Undersized guys have to prove that. But he’s physical, he knows how to use his body. A thoughtful post player who knows his limitations and makes up for them.”
5. Perry Jones, Baylor, PF, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He has the potential to be better than everyone ahead of him on this list. However, the term I won’t use with him is ‘aggressive.’ He’s content on being a perimeter guy instead of more versatile with his back to the basket. Guys like that are often saying, ‘I’m so gifted I will do what I want instead of taking advantage of mismatches.’ ”
6. Terrence Jones, Kentucky, SF-PF, Soph., 6-8, 244 pounds – Scout’s comment: “Versatile. Can really handle the ball for a guy his size with good vision. He can get to spots he wants with the ball because of his skill set. Big men won’t want to guard him on the perimeter. He has the mentality to post smaller players and take bigger players on the perimeter.”
7. Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, SG, Soph., 6-5, 185 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He really came on late last season. The reason why they won it last year was because he was the second option and took pressure off Kemba Walker(notes). He played the role of Robin real well. But can he play the role of Batman? They need a guy to be Batman this year. We’ll see.”
8. Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, PF-C, 6-11, 240 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He’s the most skilled big man in the country. He’s a better athlete than given credit for. He’s coachable and comes from an elite program, so pressure is nothing. He’s experienced and will be a guy who can play in the league for 10 to 12 years. Haven’t seen him back down to anyone.”
9. Marquis Teague, Kentucky, PG, 6-2, 189 pounds – Scout’s comment: “They say he’s better than his brother [Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague(notes)] right now. He knows the game. He understands when to score and set people up. He has pretty good size for a young guy. He’s a big point guard. He won championships in high school so he’s a winner.”
10. John Henson, North Carolina, PF, 6-10, 205 pounds – Scout’s comment: “I love his versatility. It’s taken him a while to really get used to his body. He was gangly and awkward. I love his defense. He’s a decent rebounder. They are trying to make him a wing, but he doesn’t have the skill set.”
Honorable Mention: Vanderbilt C Festus Ezeli (Sr.); Kentucky G Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Fr.); Vanderbilt SG John Jenkins (Jr.); North Carolina F James McAdoo (Fr.); Baylor SF Quincy Miller (Fr.); Duke SG Austin Rivers (Fr.); Kansas SF-PF Thomas Robinson (Jr.).
But do NBA scouts adore Barnes just as much? Or, is their focus on a couple of freshmen big men in Connecticut’s Andre Drummond and Kentucky’s Anthony Davis?
The consensus is that Barnes, Drummond and Davis are the top three prospects right now with the order varying, depending on the scout who’s ranking them. With the college basketball season starting, NBA talent evaluators will be busy assessing what a longtime scout described as potentially one of the deepest drafts in the past 10 years.
“Since a lot of guys stayed in school [after last season], this is a very, very strong draft,” the scout said. “There will be guys selected [from Nos.] 15-25 that can come in and be contributors right away. Next year will be a very, very strong and deep draft.”
Here’s Yahoo! Sports’ top 10 college NBA draft prospects:
1. Andre Drummond, Connecticut, C, Fresh., 6-11, 251 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He’s the first legitimate center prospect since Greg Oden(notes). He’s got the physical tools of an everyday center in our league. Haven’t seen him a whole lot, but he’s big, raw and physical. You have to take him first.”
2. Anthony Davis, Kentucky, PF, Fresh., 6-10, 220 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He was intriguing because he was a shooting guard for most of his high school career before he blew up to his height. His versatility at his size stands out. He continues to get better and better.”
3. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, G-F, Soph., 6-8, 210 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He is the most prolific scorer in the draft and can be a big scorer in the NBA. But can you be instrumental on just one end of the floor? What can he do to make a team better? He deserves an argument for No. 1, but you always pick size.”
4. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, PF, Soph., 6-8, 250 pounds – Scout’s comment: “The only thing you can question about him is weight and lack of athleticism. He has to prove consistently that length won’t bother him. Undersized guys have to prove that. But he’s physical, he knows how to use his body. A thoughtful post player who knows his limitations and makes up for them.”
5. Perry Jones, Baylor, PF, Soph., 6-11, 220 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He has the potential to be better than everyone ahead of him on this list. However, the term I won’t use with him is ‘aggressive.’ He’s content on being a perimeter guy instead of more versatile with his back to the basket. Guys like that are often saying, ‘I’m so gifted I will do what I want instead of taking advantage of mismatches.’ ”
6. Terrence Jones, Kentucky, SF-PF, Soph., 6-8, 244 pounds – Scout’s comment: “Versatile. Can really handle the ball for a guy his size with good vision. He can get to spots he wants with the ball because of his skill set. Big men won’t want to guard him on the perimeter. He has the mentality to post smaller players and take bigger players on the perimeter.”
7. Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut, SG, Soph., 6-5, 185 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He really came on late last season. The reason why they won it last year was because he was the second option and took pressure off Kemba Walker(notes). He played the role of Robin real well. But can he play the role of Batman? They need a guy to be Batman this year. We’ll see.”
8. Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, PF-C, 6-11, 240 pounds – Scout’s comment: “He’s the most skilled big man in the country. He’s a better athlete than given credit for. He’s coachable and comes from an elite program, so pressure is nothing. He’s experienced and will be a guy who can play in the league for 10 to 12 years. Haven’t seen him back down to anyone.”
9. Marquis Teague, Kentucky, PG, 6-2, 189 pounds – Scout’s comment: “They say he’s better than his brother [Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague(notes)] right now. He knows the game. He understands when to score and set people up. He has pretty good size for a young guy. He’s a big point guard. He won championships in high school so he’s a winner.”
10. John Henson, North Carolina, PF, 6-10, 205 pounds – Scout’s comment: “I love his versatility. It’s taken him a while to really get used to his body. He was gangly and awkward. I love his defense. He’s a decent rebounder. They are trying to make him a wing, but he doesn’t have the skill set.”
Honorable Mention: Vanderbilt C Festus Ezeli (Sr.); Kentucky G Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Fr.); Vanderbilt SG John Jenkins (Jr.); North Carolina F James McAdoo (Fr.); Baylor SF Quincy Miller (Fr.); Duke SG Austin Rivers (Fr.); Kansas SF-PF Thomas Robinson (Jr.).
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
best nba undergraduates
Still waiting for the lockout to end, so I have to be satisfied with articles like this rating the NBA's best rookies, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
In summary,
The five best seniors are (in reverse order): Eric Gordon, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose.
Juniors: Ty Lawson, Serge Ibaka, James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry
Sophomores: Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, John Wall, Blake Griffin
Freshmen: ?, ?, ?, Derrick Williams, Kyrie Irving
??? Not sure who third, fourth, five place freshman are. Tristan Thompson was voted first by one writer, but wasn't even mentioned by the other four. So give him 5 points. Enes Kanter had 1 second place vote and 1 third place vote. So give him 7 points. Bismack Biyombo had 1 second place vote and 1 fourth place votes. 6 points. Kemba Walker has 1 third place vote, and 2 fifth place votes. So that's 5 points. But Walker is the only other player besides Irving and Williams to be chosen by three writers. Lemme make a table.
In summary,
The five best seniors are (in reverse order): Eric Gordon, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose.
Juniors: Ty Lawson, Serge Ibaka, James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry
Sophomores: Derrick Favors, DeMarcus Cousins, Greg Monroe, John Wall, Blake Griffin
Freshmen: ?, ?, ?, Derrick Williams, Kyrie Irving
??? Not sure who third, fourth, five place freshman are. Tristan Thompson was voted first by one writer, but wasn't even mentioned by the other four. So give him 5 points. Enes Kanter had 1 second place vote and 1 third place vote. So give him 7 points. Bismack Biyombo had 1 second place vote and 1 fourth place votes. 6 points. Kemba Walker has 1 third place vote, and 2 fifth place votes. So that's 5 points. But Walker is the only other player besides Irving and Williams to be chosen by three writers. Lemme make a table.
5 4 3 2 1 points
Kyrie Irving 1 1 1 2 19
Derrick Williams 1 1 2 15
Enes Kanter 1 1 7
Bismack Biyombo 1 1 6
Kemba Walker 2 1 5
Tristan Thompson 1 5
Kawhi Leonard 1 1 4
Ricky Rubio 1 4
Alec Burks 1 3
Jan Vaseley 1 2
Kenneth Faried 1 2
Marcus Morris 1 2
Iman Shumpert 1 1
Joe Paterno fired
Joe Paterno, the Penn State football coach who preached success with honor for half a century but whose legend was shattered by a child sex abuse scandal, said Wednesday he will retire at the end of this season.
Paterno said he was “absolutely devastated” by the case, in which his onetime heir apparent, Jerry Sandusky, has been charged with molesting eight boys in 15 years, including at the Penn State football complex.
He said he hoped the team could finish its season with “dignity and determination.”
The 84-year-old Paterno has been engulfed by outrage that he did not take more action after a graduate assistant, Mike McQueary, came to him in 2002 and reported seeing Sandusky in the Penn State showers with a 10-year-old boy. Paterno notified the athletic director, Tim Curley, and a vice president, Gary Schultz.
Curley and Schultz have since been charged with failing to report the incident to the authorities. Paterno hasn’t been accused of legal wrongdoing. But he has been assailed, in what the state police commissioner called a lapse of “moral responsibility,” for not doing more to stop Sandusky.
“This is a tragedy,” Paterno said in a statement. “It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
***
Penn State trustees fired football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier amid the growing furor over how the school handled sex abuse allegations against an assistant coach.
The massive shakeup Wednesday night came hours after Paterno announced that he planned to retire at the end of his 46th season.
But the outcry following the arrest of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on molestation charges proved too much for the board to ignore.
Speaking at his house to a couple of dozen students, Paterno said, “Right now, I’m not the football coach. And I’ve got to get used to that. After 61 years, I’ve got to get used to it. I appreciate it. Let me think it through.”
He shook hands with many of the students, some of whom were crying.
Other students were upset. A large crowd descended on the administration building, shouting “We want Joe back!” then headed to Beaver Stadium.
***
[1/6/12] STATE COLLEGE, Pa. >> New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be Penn State's first new head football coach in nearly a half-century, according to multiple reports.
ESPN, citing unnamed sources, first reported Thursday night that an official announcement would be made Saturday, and that O'Brien would continue as an assistant with the Patriots the rest of the postseason.
O'Brien has no apparent ties to Penn State, which has rocked by a scandal that also led to the departure of school President Graham Spanier.
***
Paterno speaks
Paterno said he was “absolutely devastated” by the case, in which his onetime heir apparent, Jerry Sandusky, has been charged with molesting eight boys in 15 years, including at the Penn State football complex.
He said he hoped the team could finish its season with “dignity and determination.”
The 84-year-old Paterno has been engulfed by outrage that he did not take more action after a graduate assistant, Mike McQueary, came to him in 2002 and reported seeing Sandusky in the Penn State showers with a 10-year-old boy. Paterno notified the athletic director, Tim Curley, and a vice president, Gary Schultz.
Curley and Schultz have since been charged with failing to report the incident to the authorities. Paterno hasn’t been accused of legal wrongdoing. But he has been assailed, in what the state police commissioner called a lapse of “moral responsibility,” for not doing more to stop Sandusky.
“This is a tragedy,” Paterno said in a statement. “It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more.”
***
Penn State trustees fired football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier amid the growing furor over how the school handled sex abuse allegations against an assistant coach.
The massive shakeup Wednesday night came hours after Paterno announced that he planned to retire at the end of his 46th season.
But the outcry following the arrest of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on molestation charges proved too much for the board to ignore.
Speaking at his house to a couple of dozen students, Paterno said, “Right now, I’m not the football coach. And I’ve got to get used to that. After 61 years, I’ve got to get used to it. I appreciate it. Let me think it through.”
He shook hands with many of the students, some of whom were crying.
Other students were upset. A large crowd descended on the administration building, shouting “We want Joe back!” then headed to Beaver Stadium.
***
[1/6/12] STATE COLLEGE, Pa. >> New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien will be Penn State's first new head football coach in nearly a half-century, according to multiple reports.
ESPN, citing unnamed sources, first reported Thursday night that an official announcement would be made Saturday, and that O'Brien would continue as an assistant with the Patriots the rest of the postseason.
O'Brien has no apparent ties to Penn State, which has rocked by a scandal that also led to the departure of school President Graham Spanier.
***
Paterno speaks
Monday, November 07, 2011
Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier, the heavyweight boxing champion who in 1971 became the first fighter to defeat Muhammad Ali, then lost two epic rematches including a ferocious battle known as the "Thrilla in Manila," died Monday night. He was 67.
Smokin' Joe, as he was known, died in Philadelphia, said his manager, Leslie Wolff. He had liver cancer.
It was a golden age of heavyweight boxing in the 1970s, when fight fans filled massive arenas and boosted the sport's television ratings to watch the likes of Ali and Frazier and George Foreman, Jerry Quarry and Ken Norton.
In his 37 professional fights, Frazier won 32 times — 27 by knockout — and lost only four, with one draw. But he never really accepted his 1-2 record against Ali.
"I whupped him three times," Frazier said many times over the years.
They met for the first time on March 8, 1971, in New York's Madison Square Garden, with each fighter guaranteed $2.5 million. Ali, then 31-0, had been stripped of his heavyweight titles when, as Cassius Clay, he refused to be inducted into the military after being drafted for the Vietnam War. Frazier, at 26-0, had captured the title of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970 with a technical knockout of Jimmy Ellis.
It was a brutal battle, rated by many as the "fight of the century" and considered the best boxing match of all time at any weight. When Frazier knocked Ali down in the 15th and final round and won on points, both received rave reviews for their performances. Both also went immediately to the hospital.
Before they could be paired again in the ring, Frazier defended his title four times, most notably on Jan. 22, 1973, against Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica.
Even the burly, fearsome-looking Foreman, who was 4 inches taller, admitted that the thought of getting into the ring with the brawling fireplug Frazier frightened him.
"Every time he swung at me," Foreman said, "it scared five years out of my life."
Nevertheless, in the second round, Foreman caught Frazier with a right uppercut that sent the fighter from Philadelphia to the canvas.
Sitting ringside for the boxing telecast was announcer Howard Cosell, by now internationally known for his boisterous and opinionated broadcast style. When Frazier, the champion, hit the deck, Cosell stole the moment and the show with his dramatic bellowing of the call:
"DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER!"
It was as if he was calling an airplane crash rather than a boxing match. It not only stuck with Frazier, who got to his feet too late to avoid being counted out, but it is a mocking call to this day among boxing fans for all such spectacular knockdowns.
After Foreman took Frazier's title away, Frazier fought Ali twice more, losing in a more subdued battle in the Garden in 1974, when Ali kept Frazier away more effectively with holding and clinching, and a year later, after Ali had gotten his title back by beating Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
It was for this third match, on Oct. 1, 1975, in Quezon City, the Philippines, that Ali predicted he would have an easy time with Frazier. In the pre-fight promotions for what was dubbed the "Thrilla in Manila," Ali called Frazier an "Uncle Tom" and a "gorilla" and repeatedly ridiculed him. The fight was anything but easy, and Ali later likened it to being "the closest thing to dying." By the 14th round, both having hit and been hit too many times to count, Frazier's eyes were nearly swollen shut and he couldn't see Ali's punches, even though he had stood in and flailed away for several rounds right through his near-blindness.
Finally, after the 14th round, his veteran trainer, Eddie Futch, over loud protests from Frazier, threw in the towel to end the fight.
"Sit down, son," Futch told Frazier. "It's all over. Nobody will ever forget what you did here today."
Frazier and Ali had fought 41 rounds and served up a boxing trilogy for the ages.
Smokin' Joe, as he was known, died in Philadelphia, said his manager, Leslie Wolff. He had liver cancer.
It was a golden age of heavyweight boxing in the 1970s, when fight fans filled massive arenas and boosted the sport's television ratings to watch the likes of Ali and Frazier and George Foreman, Jerry Quarry and Ken Norton.
In his 37 professional fights, Frazier won 32 times — 27 by knockout — and lost only four, with one draw. But he never really accepted his 1-2 record against Ali.
"I whupped him three times," Frazier said many times over the years.
They met for the first time on March 8, 1971, in New York's Madison Square Garden, with each fighter guaranteed $2.5 million. Ali, then 31-0, had been stripped of his heavyweight titles when, as Cassius Clay, he refused to be inducted into the military after being drafted for the Vietnam War. Frazier, at 26-0, had captured the title of undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970 with a technical knockout of Jimmy Ellis.
It was a brutal battle, rated by many as the "fight of the century" and considered the best boxing match of all time at any weight. When Frazier knocked Ali down in the 15th and final round and won on points, both received rave reviews for their performances. Both also went immediately to the hospital.
Before they could be paired again in the ring, Frazier defended his title four times, most notably on Jan. 22, 1973, against Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica.
Even the burly, fearsome-looking Foreman, who was 4 inches taller, admitted that the thought of getting into the ring with the brawling fireplug Frazier frightened him.
"Every time he swung at me," Foreman said, "it scared five years out of my life."
Nevertheless, in the second round, Foreman caught Frazier with a right uppercut that sent the fighter from Philadelphia to the canvas.
Sitting ringside for the boxing telecast was announcer Howard Cosell, by now internationally known for his boisterous and opinionated broadcast style. When Frazier, the champion, hit the deck, Cosell stole the moment and the show with his dramatic bellowing of the call:
"DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER!"
It was as if he was calling an airplane crash rather than a boxing match. It not only stuck with Frazier, who got to his feet too late to avoid being counted out, but it is a mocking call to this day among boxing fans for all such spectacular knockdowns.
After Foreman took Frazier's title away, Frazier fought Ali twice more, losing in a more subdued battle in the Garden in 1974, when Ali kept Frazier away more effectively with holding and clinching, and a year later, after Ali had gotten his title back by beating Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
It was for this third match, on Oct. 1, 1975, in Quezon City, the Philippines, that Ali predicted he would have an easy time with Frazier. In the pre-fight promotions for what was dubbed the "Thrilla in Manila," Ali called Frazier an "Uncle Tom" and a "gorilla" and repeatedly ridiculed him. The fight was anything but easy, and Ali later likened it to being "the closest thing to dying." By the 14th round, both having hit and been hit too many times to count, Frazier's eyes were nearly swollen shut and he couldn't see Ali's punches, even though he had stood in and flailed away for several rounds right through his near-blindness.
Finally, after the 14th round, his veteran trainer, Eddie Futch, over loud protests from Frazier, threw in the towel to end the fight.
"Sit down, son," Futch told Frazier. "It's all over. Nobody will ever forget what you did here today."
Frazier and Ali had fought 41 rounds and served up a boxing trilogy for the ages.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Case Keenum
[10/27/11] HOUSTON -- Houston quarterback Case Keenum has set the Football Bowl Subdivision record for career touchdown passes.
Keenum Breaks FBS Record
With his nine touchdown passes against Rice Thursday night, Houston quarterback Case Keenum passed Graham Harrell for the most career touchdown passes in FBS history.
Player TD passes School
Case Keenum* 139 Houston (07-11)
Graham Harrell 134 Texas Tech (05-08)
Colt Brennan 131 Hawaii (05-07)
Kellen Moore* 123 Boise State (08-11)
Ty Detmer 121 BYU (88-91)
*Active
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Keenum entered Thursday's game with 130 and found Charles Sims on a 41-yard pass in the third quarter for his 135th touchdown to set the record and put Houston (No. 17 BCS, No. 18 AP) ahead of Rice 45-20.
He hit Patrick Edwards on a 57-yard pass for his first touchdown at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter Tyron Carrier caught one for 21 yards and Edwards grabbed the third one for 64 yards. Justin Johnson's 18-yard reception just before halftime tied the record.
Keenum, who became the FBS career leader in total offense last week, moved ahead of former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell for the record for TD passes.
*** [11/5/11]
Case Keenum's season just keeps getting better.
A near-perfect passing game, another NCAA record and the first 9-0 start in school history are the latest entries on the senior's season of milestones.
"I'm having a blast playing football right now," Keenum said after he threw for 407 yards to become the most prolific passer in NCAA history and lead Houston (No. 13 BCS, No. 14 AP) past UAB 56-13 on Saturday night.
Keenum Breaks NCAA Passing Record
Houston quarterback Case Keenum passed Timmy Chang on Saturday to set the NCAA record for most career passing yards.
NCAA Career Passing Leaders
Player School Yards
Case Keenum* Houston 17,212
Timmy Chang Hawaii 17,072
Graham Harrell Texas Tech 15,793
Ty Detmer BYU 15,031
*Active
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Keenum, a sixth-year senior who was granted an extra year of eligibility after a knee injury last season, passed Timmy Chang's career record of 17,072 yards passing for Hawaii from 2000-04. Keenum finished the game with 17,212 yards passing.
"It has been a very special season and we still have a lot of special things out in front of us," said Keenum, who had his first two rushing touchdowns of the season.
Houston (9-0 overall, 5-0 Conference USA) has won its first nine games for the first time in school history. It also was 8-0 in 1979 and 1990.
Keenum completed 39 of 44 passes with two touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks. The senior completed a 16-yard pass to Justin Johnson in the third quarter to pass Chang's mark. Keenum tied Chang's record with a 26-yard pass to Johnson on the previous play.
"I don't take any of these things lightly, and I know for a fact that this is a very special honor," Keenum said. "I'm not going to fully enjoy it and celebrate it until after the season. Hopefully, I will have a lot more to celebrate after the season than just the records."
Keenum, who threw nine TD passes against Rice last week, completed his first 11 passes against UAB (1-8, 1-5). He began the night 267 yards away from matching Chang's mark.
The quarterback, being pushed by Houston for Heisman Trophy consideration, extended his NCAA career records for TD passes (141) and total offense (18,101). He has passed for more than 400 yards in five games this season. He has passed for 34 touchdowns with only three interceptions.
*** 4/29/12
As if waiting through a three-day slog of 252 picks without seeing his name called wasn't torture enough, the Indianapolis Colts decided to add one last kick in the nuts to Case Keenum's 2012 NFL Draft experience.
With the 253rd and last pick in the draft, the Colts selected another quarterback. Just not the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Instead Indy went with Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish, a Mid-American Conference QB who played against Arkansas State in his bowl game. Keenum if you don't remember — and no NFL personnel men seem to — spent his bowl game, carving up Penn State's defense.
For less than an hour after Harnish's name was called, Keenum had agreed to a free-agent deal with the hometown Houston Texans, where he'll get to learn the pro game under Gary Kubiak, one of the most gifted quarterback teachers in football.
Keenum Breaks FBS Record
With his nine touchdown passes against Rice Thursday night, Houston quarterback Case Keenum passed Graham Harrell for the most career touchdown passes in FBS history.
Player TD passes School
Case Keenum* 139 Houston (07-11)
Graham Harrell 134 Texas Tech (05-08)
Colt Brennan 131 Hawaii (05-07)
Kellen Moore* 123 Boise State (08-11)
Ty Detmer 121 BYU (88-91)
*Active
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Keenum entered Thursday's game with 130 and found Charles Sims on a 41-yard pass in the third quarter for his 135th touchdown to set the record and put Houston (No. 17 BCS, No. 18 AP) ahead of Rice 45-20.
He hit Patrick Edwards on a 57-yard pass for his first touchdown at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter Tyron Carrier caught one for 21 yards and Edwards grabbed the third one for 64 yards. Justin Johnson's 18-yard reception just before halftime tied the record.
Keenum, who became the FBS career leader in total offense last week, moved ahead of former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell for the record for TD passes.
*** [11/5/11]
Case Keenum's season just keeps getting better.
A near-perfect passing game, another NCAA record and the first 9-0 start in school history are the latest entries on the senior's season of milestones.
"I'm having a blast playing football right now," Keenum said after he threw for 407 yards to become the most prolific passer in NCAA history and lead Houston (No. 13 BCS, No. 14 AP) past UAB 56-13 on Saturday night.
Keenum Breaks NCAA Passing Record
Houston quarterback Case Keenum passed Timmy Chang on Saturday to set the NCAA record for most career passing yards.
NCAA Career Passing Leaders
Player School Yards
Case Keenum* Houston 17,212
Timmy Chang Hawaii 17,072
Graham Harrell Texas Tech 15,793
Ty Detmer BYU 15,031
*Active
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Keenum, a sixth-year senior who was granted an extra year of eligibility after a knee injury last season, passed Timmy Chang's career record of 17,072 yards passing for Hawaii from 2000-04. Keenum finished the game with 17,212 yards passing.
"It has been a very special season and we still have a lot of special things out in front of us," said Keenum, who had his first two rushing touchdowns of the season.
Houston (9-0 overall, 5-0 Conference USA) has won its first nine games for the first time in school history. It also was 8-0 in 1979 and 1990.
Keenum completed 39 of 44 passes with two touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks. The senior completed a 16-yard pass to Justin Johnson in the third quarter to pass Chang's mark. Keenum tied Chang's record with a 26-yard pass to Johnson on the previous play.
"I don't take any of these things lightly, and I know for a fact that this is a very special honor," Keenum said. "I'm not going to fully enjoy it and celebrate it until after the season. Hopefully, I will have a lot more to celebrate after the season than just the records."
Keenum, who threw nine TD passes against Rice last week, completed his first 11 passes against UAB (1-8, 1-5). He began the night 267 yards away from matching Chang's mark.
The quarterback, being pushed by Houston for Heisman Trophy consideration, extended his NCAA career records for TD passes (141) and total offense (18,101). He has passed for more than 400 yards in five games this season. He has passed for 34 touchdowns with only three interceptions.
*** 4/29/12
As if waiting through a three-day slog of 252 picks without seeing his name called wasn't torture enough, the Indianapolis Colts decided to add one last kick in the nuts to Case Keenum's 2012 NFL Draft experience.
With the 253rd and last pick in the draft, the Colts selected another quarterback. Just not the NCAA's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Instead Indy went with Northern Illinois quarterback Chandler Harnish, a Mid-American Conference QB who played against Arkansas State in his bowl game. Keenum if you don't remember — and no NFL personnel men seem to — spent his bowl game, carving up Penn State's defense.
For less than an hour after Harnish's name was called, Keenum had agreed to a free-agent deal with the hometown Houston Texans, where he'll get to learn the pro game under Gary Kubiak, one of the most gifted quarterback teachers in football.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
The NBA Players on Yahoo's database
With the start of the season supposed to be today, I'm missing keeping track of my teams stats every day. So instead I decided to see who's hiding in the list of Yahoo players, starting with no. 1..
1 - Alaa Abdelnaby
2 - Mark Acres
3 - Michael Adams
4 - Mark Aguirre
5 - Danny Ainge
Already some interesting names. This could go on a while.
[11/5/11]
6 - Mark Alarie
7 - Steve Alford
8 - Greg Anderson
9 - Nick Anderson
10 - Ron Anderson
Yep, this could take a while. Let me look up some notable names instead, starting with the Dream Team
20 - Charles Barkley
89 - Clyde Drexler
27 - Larry Bird
106 - Patrick Ewing
170 - Magic Johnson
175 - Michael Jordan
837 - Christian Laettner
213 - Karl Malone
238 - Chris Mullin
268 - Scottie Pippen
288 - David Robinson
326 - John Stockton
And a few more..
143 - Tim Hardaway
163 - Mark Jackson
191 - Bill Laimbeer
214 - Moses Malone
226 - Kevin McHale
231 - Reggie Miller
235 - Sidney Moncrief
250 - Hakeem Olajuwon
256 - Robert Parish
265 - Drazen Petrovic
283 - Mitch Richmond
291 - Dennis Rodman
295 - Ralph Sampson
303 - Dennis Scott
316 - Kenny Smith
435 - Steve Smith
333 - Isiah Thomas
366 - Dominique Wilkins
387 - James Worthy
And a few more recent/current players (OK, more than a few)
847 - Shaquille O'Neal (1992)
845 - Alonzo Mourning
1272 - Chris Webber (1993)
1273 - Shawn Bradley
1274 - Penny Hardaway
2624 - Glenn Robinson (1994)
2625 - Jason Kidd
2626 - Grant Hill
3003 - Joe Smith (1995)
3004 - Antonio McDyess
3005 - Jerry Stackhouse
3007 - Kevin Garnett
3094 - Allen Iverson (1996)
3084 - Marcus Camby
3099 - Stephon Marbury
3080 - Ray Allen
3118 - Kobe Bryant
3173 - Tim Duncan (1997)
3169 - Keith Van Horn
3174 - Chauncey Billups
3179 - Tracy McGrady
3244 - Michael Olowokandi (1998)
3245 - Mike Bibby
3246 - Raef LaFrentz
3247 - Antawn Jamison
3248 - Vince Carter
3252 - Dirk Nowitzki
3253 - Paul Pierce
3324 - Elton Brand (1999)
3325 - Steve Francis
3326 - Baron Davis
3327 - Lamar Odom
3339 - Ron Artest
3400 - Kenyon Martin (2000)
3401 - Stromile Swift
3402 - Darius Miles
3511 - Kwame Brown (2001)
3512 - Tyson Chandler
3513 - Pau Gasol
3514 - Eddy Curry
3515 - Jason Richardson
3516 - Shane Battier
3520 - Joe Johnson
3531 - Zach Randolph
3527 - Tony Parker
3599 - Yao Ming (2002)
3600 - Jay Williams
3601 - Mike Dunleavy
3602 - Drew Gooden
3607 - Amare Stoudemire
3704 - LeBron James (2003)
3705 - Darko Milicic
3706 - Carmelo Anthony
3707 - Chris Bosh
3708 - Dwyane Wade
3721 - David West
3818 - Dwight Howard (2004)
3819 - Emeka Okafor
3820 - Ben Gordon
3826 - Andre Iguodala
3831 - Kris Humphries
3832 - Al Jefferson
3834 - Josh Smith
3837 - Jameer Nelson
3843 - Kevin Martin
3927 - Andrew Bogut (2005)
3928 - Marvin Williams
3929 - Deron Williams
3930 - Chris Paul
3931 - Raymond Felton
3936 - Andrew Bynum
3943 - Danny Granger
3956 - David Lee
4129 - Andre Bargnani (2006)
4130 - LaMarcus Aldridge
4131 - Adam Morrison
4134 - Brandon Roy
4136 - Rudy Gay
4139 - J.J. Redick
4149 - Rajon Rondo
4243 - Greg Oden (2007)
4244 - Kevin Durant
4245 - Al Horford
4287 - Joakim Noah
4387 - Derrick Rose (2008)
4388 - Michael Beasley
4389 - O.J. Mayo
4390 - Russell Westbrook
4391 - Kevin Love
4468 - Danilo Gallinari
4469 - Eric Gordon
4472 - Brook Lopez
4561 - Blake Griffin (2009)
4562 - Hasheem Thabeet
4563 - James Harden
4564 - Tyreke Evans
4610 - Ricky Rubio
4612 - Stephen Curry
4615 - Brandon Jennings
4716 - John Wall (2010)
4717 - Evan Turner
4718 - Derrick Favors
4720 - DeMarcus Cousins
4722 - Greg Monroe
4840 - Kyrie Irving (2011)
4883 - Derrick Williams
4899 - Enes Kanter
4888 - Bismack Biyombo
4889 - Brandon Knight
4890 - Kemba Walker
4891 - Jimmer Fredette
1 - Alaa Abdelnaby
2 - Mark Acres
3 - Michael Adams
4 - Mark Aguirre
5 - Danny Ainge
Already some interesting names. This could go on a while.
[11/5/11]
6 - Mark Alarie
7 - Steve Alford
8 - Greg Anderson
9 - Nick Anderson
10 - Ron Anderson
Yep, this could take a while. Let me look up some notable names instead, starting with the Dream Team
20 - Charles Barkley
89 - Clyde Drexler
27 - Larry Bird
106 - Patrick Ewing
170 - Magic Johnson
175 - Michael Jordan
837 - Christian Laettner
213 - Karl Malone
238 - Chris Mullin
268 - Scottie Pippen
288 - David Robinson
326 - John Stockton
And a few more..
143 - Tim Hardaway
163 - Mark Jackson
191 - Bill Laimbeer
214 - Moses Malone
226 - Kevin McHale
231 - Reggie Miller
235 - Sidney Moncrief
250 - Hakeem Olajuwon
256 - Robert Parish
265 - Drazen Petrovic
283 - Mitch Richmond
291 - Dennis Rodman
295 - Ralph Sampson
303 - Dennis Scott
316 - Kenny Smith
435 - Steve Smith
333 - Isiah Thomas
366 - Dominique Wilkins
387 - James Worthy
And a few more recent/current players (OK, more than a few)
847 - Shaquille O'Neal (1992)
845 - Alonzo Mourning
1272 - Chris Webber (1993)
1273 - Shawn Bradley
1274 - Penny Hardaway
2624 - Glenn Robinson (1994)
2625 - Jason Kidd
2626 - Grant Hill
3003 - Joe Smith (1995)
3004 - Antonio McDyess
3005 - Jerry Stackhouse
3007 - Kevin Garnett
3094 - Allen Iverson (1996)
3084 - Marcus Camby
3099 - Stephon Marbury
3080 - Ray Allen
3118 - Kobe Bryant
3173 - Tim Duncan (1997)
3169 - Keith Van Horn
3174 - Chauncey Billups
3179 - Tracy McGrady
3244 - Michael Olowokandi (1998)
3245 - Mike Bibby
3246 - Raef LaFrentz
3247 - Antawn Jamison
3248 - Vince Carter
3252 - Dirk Nowitzki
3253 - Paul Pierce
3324 - Elton Brand (1999)
3325 - Steve Francis
3326 - Baron Davis
3327 - Lamar Odom
3339 - Ron Artest
3400 - Kenyon Martin (2000)
3401 - Stromile Swift
3402 - Darius Miles
3511 - Kwame Brown (2001)
3512 - Tyson Chandler
3513 - Pau Gasol
3514 - Eddy Curry
3515 - Jason Richardson
3516 - Shane Battier
3520 - Joe Johnson
3531 - Zach Randolph
3527 - Tony Parker
3599 - Yao Ming (2002)
3600 - Jay Williams
3601 - Mike Dunleavy
3602 - Drew Gooden
3607 - Amare Stoudemire
3704 - LeBron James (2003)
3705 - Darko Milicic
3706 - Carmelo Anthony
3707 - Chris Bosh
3708 - Dwyane Wade
3721 - David West
3818 - Dwight Howard (2004)
3819 - Emeka Okafor
3820 - Ben Gordon
3826 - Andre Iguodala
3831 - Kris Humphries
3832 - Al Jefferson
3834 - Josh Smith
3837 - Jameer Nelson
3843 - Kevin Martin
3927 - Andrew Bogut (2005)
3928 - Marvin Williams
3929 - Deron Williams
3930 - Chris Paul
3931 - Raymond Felton
3936 - Andrew Bynum
3943 - Danny Granger
3956 - David Lee
4129 - Andre Bargnani (2006)
4130 - LaMarcus Aldridge
4131 - Adam Morrison
4134 - Brandon Roy
4136 - Rudy Gay
4139 - J.J. Redick
4149 - Rajon Rondo
4243 - Greg Oden (2007)
4244 - Kevin Durant
4245 - Al Horford
4287 - Joakim Noah
4387 - Derrick Rose (2008)
4388 - Michael Beasley
4389 - O.J. Mayo
4390 - Russell Westbrook
4391 - Kevin Love
4468 - Danilo Gallinari
4469 - Eric Gordon
4472 - Brook Lopez
4561 - Blake Griffin (2009)
4562 - Hasheem Thabeet
4563 - James Harden
4564 - Tyreke Evans
4610 - Ricky Rubio
4612 - Stephen Curry
4615 - Brandon Jennings
4716 - John Wall (2010)
4717 - Evan Turner
4718 - Derrick Favors
4720 - DeMarcus Cousins
4722 - Greg Monroe
4840 - Kyrie Irving (2011)
4883 - Derrick Williams
4899 - Enes Kanter
4888 - Bismack Biyombo
4889 - Brandon Knight
4890 - Kemba Walker
4891 - Jimmer Fredette
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