Under 18 FIBA Basketball Tournament

        Last night, the U.S played Canada at San Antonio's Greehey Arena. It was a colossal mismatch, but still had some points of interest. The main subplot was the return of Doc Rivers and son Austin to San Antonio. Austin is one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2011 and will likely choose between offers from Duke and Florida. Despite being one of the younger players on the U.S team, Rivers was clearly the best scorer. Coach Rivers was actually in the gym watching as his son finished the game with 35 Points, including 9 3's in a row. Probably because he was on TV so much this past month(NBA Finals), Doc is very recognizable. He was signing autographs and taking pictures the whole game and afterwards.

    Canada was overmatched, but had an interesting cast of characters. They were led by a jet-like point guard by the name of Myck Kabongo (Kowabunga!!) and a 7'4 Center. The big man had trouble running, or jogging down the court, but was still able to use his 7'4ness to get a few dunks. It is hard to describe how big a man that size looks live, even if he was a little slow. All in all an interesting match. The U.S will play Brazil today for the Championship. 

NBA Free Agency

In Free Agency News, Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks have opted out of their contracts. This makes them unrestricted free agents for this summer. It is hard to see these guys in a different uniform, but because of the age of each of  them and their respective teams, it is possible.
For other free agency analysis check out:
http://hoopshype.com/free_agency.htm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-10-11
http://detnews.com/article/20100630/SPORTS0102/6300367/The-complete-NBA-free-agent-field

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency Darkhorse Team

One team ignored in this year's LeBron sweepstakes is the Dallas Mavericks. As much as it pains me, I must say the Mavericks will come out the best after the free agency bonanza this summer. They will not get LeBron James, but one superstar does not a championship team create. Dumping off a few scrubs and signing a few ballers could though.
Just take a look at the current Mavs roster..
NO. NAME POS AGE HT WT COLLEGE 2010 - 2011 SALARY

11 Jose Juan Barea PG 25 6-0 175 Northeastern $1,657,500

3 Rodrigue Beaubois G 22 6-0 170 $1,075,440

4 Caron Butler SF 30 6-7 228 Connecticut $9,780,970

13 Matt Carroll SG 29 6-6 212 Notre Dame $4,700,000

25 Erick Dampier C 34 6-11 265 Mississippi State $12,115,500

33 Brendan Haywood C 30 7-0 263 North Carolina $6,000,000

2 Jason Kidd PG 37 6-4 210 California $8,100,000

0 Shawn Marion SF 32 6-7 228 UNLV $6,635,068

14 Eduardo Najera PF 33 6-8 235 Oklahoma $3,000,000

41 Dirk Nowitzki PF 32 7-0 245 $19,795,714

92 DeShawn Stevenson SG 29 6-5 218 $3,883,929

31 Jason Terry SG 32 6-2 180 Arizona $9,075,000

7 Tim Thomas PF 33 6-10 240 Villanova $825,497

Coach: Rick Carlisle

Average Age: 30.6

Average Height: 6-6

Average Weight: 220
Clearly, this is a very old team. Probably the oldest in the whole league. As the Celtics showed, Geezers can still win. If the Mavs can either sign-and trade for, straight up trade for, or sign Joe Johnson, (as they are rumored to) they would be dangerous. Getting rid of washed-up (was he ever in his prime?) Erick Dampier and his inflated salary will clear some cap space. Also, they could afford to let decent Brenden Haywood go and get more cap room.Then, imagine they sign some goon of a center (like they always do, remember Deseanga Diop, Sean Bradley etc.) who can't shoot but can defend and rebound. Basically, A younger, more athletic Dampier (must be out there somewhere, Anderson Varejo?). They pair this thug with Kidd, New Toy J Johnson, Butler, and the re-signed Dirk. Add Marion, Terry, and those two small annoying guards coming off the bench (J.J Barea and Beaubois), and another  defensive stopper of any position , and you got a squad. The Mavs gazillionaire owner  seems like the man who could do all of this.

(Time Magazine Photo, Who knows what this man is plotting!)

For more info on the upcoming free angency extravaganza check out:

http://www.nba.com/

http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/

http://lebron-james-watch.si.com/

U.S. World Cup Update

After seeing the excellent ESPN documentary Two Escobars, my interest in soccer is at an all-time high. Soccer seems to possess the danger and back stories that can attract even the most jaded American….I mean non-Soccer fan. The beautiful game delivered with an exciting first round. Underdogs such as Chile advanced, along with the American squad. One particular highlight was the deadlock the U.S "achieved" against England. If a tie is like kissing one's sister, the U.S has one attractive sibling. Unfortunately, the U.S has lost to Ghana and is officially eliminated. Our country's run may be over, but I have gained some respect for this game people call Soccer.


GOALLLLLLL!

Spurs Draft Pick

The Spurs officialy drafted Oklahoma State SG James Anderson with the 20th pick. Tony Parker is still a Spur despite the rumors. Here's Anderson's highlight video, he can score.

All-Transfer Team

The recent news of Duron Carter (NFL great Cris Carter's son) deciding to leave Ohio State and transfer to a Junior College is a reminder of how many transfers happen at the level of Division 1Football. There have been several interesting cases of big-time players getting in trouble or not playing enough and transferring, and also small-schools players who transferred to Division 1 schools and had success. Anyway, here’s my All-Transfer Team.

QB-Rhett Bomar- 5-Star recruit went to Oklahoma; he was kicked out because of receiving illegal payment from a booster, and ended up at Sam Houston State. He was signed by the New York Giants.


QB-Ryan Perrilloux- 5 Star recruit became 5 Star back-up at LSU, went to Jacksonville State, is now playing in USL.

HB-Ramonce Taylor- You may not have heard of him, but he scored a touchdown in UT's Rose Bowl game against USC. He was dismissed from school the summer afterward along with being put in jail for marijuana use. Never went to another school (or UT) but he somehow graduated, played in several minor football leagues, and is currently in the Canadian Football league.

FB-Owen Schmitt: The West Virginia legend actually started out at Division 3 Wisconsin-River Falls. He somehow caught the attention of WV and is now a Seattle Seahawk. You may remember him as the crazy guy with the Mohawk who blocked for Pat White and Steve Slaton.

WR-Josh Jarobe: Highly ranked recruit, signed with Oklahoma, made mean rap song, got kicked out, now playing at Troy.

WR-Randy Moss: This is a largely forgotten story; Moss actually signed with Notre Dame but didn't pass the admissions board because of a fight he got into his senior year. He signed with Florida State, got in trouble there and was kicked out, and eventually ended up at then D1-AA Marshall. He has been an NFL superstar and now plays for the New England Patriots.

OL-Justin Boren-This guy is famous for the humor of his transfer. The talented lineman actually transferred from Michigan to hated rival Ohio State and lived to tell about it. He made All-Big Ten last year and returns to lead the Buckeyes’ O-Line.

K-Ryan Pretorious: There was a lack of well-know kickers that transferred. Pretorious is unique in that he grew up in South Africa and actually passed up a pro rugby contract to kick for Ohio State. He was OSU's place kicker until his graduation in 2009.

DL-Phil Taylor: Though going to Baylor is not much of a step down, Taylor is strange because of the school he came from. Penn State is known for being squeaky clean and has had very few big-name transfers, or transfers period, in its history. Taylor was featured in ESPN with Baylor QB Robert Griffin and Coach Art Briles, but has not made much noise in his time there.

LB-Willie Williams: 5 Star Recruit. He went to Miami before transferring and bouncing around at several JUCO's. He ended up at Louisville before being kicked out. Well know for being in jail and recruited at the same time.

LB-Arthur Brown: Highly touted recruit struggled at Miami left and is now attending Kansas State, though he is not currently playing football. His brother Bryce was also a highly touted recruit, and coincidentally enough transferred from Tennessee this year.

DB-Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Arizona Cardinals star cornerback and notable small school success. Didn't transfer during 4 years at Middle Tennessee, but deserves mention because he transferred between four different high schools. Most of us have trouble just fitting in at one.

DB-Robert Joseph: Not a big name, but did play as a true freshman for the University of Texas. He was arrested for burglary of a vehicle during a period in 2007 when it seemed every UT player was getting trouble for something. He transferred to Texas Southern and has not been heard from since.

P- Jeff Feagles: Longest tenured NFL punter of all time with 22 seasons played, also a two-time Pro Bowler. He actually started at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to Miami. Strangely enough, he only played one season at the two-year community college before the transfer.

Mike Brown NBA Coach in 2010-2011?

Lost amid the shuffle of NBA coaching changes is the avoidance of fired Cavs coach Mike Brown as a candidate for any NBA jobs. Sure dude had LeBron , but he also won a lot of games in his time in Cleveland with a pretty weak lineup around the King. Brown is still young and has a better track record than most of the coaches being mentioned. Another thing to consider is that he was an assistant under Spurs coach Gregg Poppovich. As Alvin Gentry (another Pop disciple) showed in getting the Suns to the Western Conference Finals and actually playing defense, the Spurs influence is a very good thing. So why aren't any teams interested in him?

Who will beat the Lakers? San Antonio Spurs Edition

This year's finals were close, but L.A was clearly on a different level than everyone else this season. With all of their contributors returning (depending on Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson putting off retirement), the Lakers seem unbeatable. Can the Spurs take them down?


The Matchups:

Lakers Spurs

Derek Fisher/Shannon Brown/Jordan Farmar vs. Tony Parker/ George Hill

This is assuming Fish comes back this season. He was criticized for being a step too slow, but this can be solved by putting Kobe on a fast guard (i.e. Rajon Rondo), or putting in the younger and more athletic Brown or Farmar. He can still play at a championship level and has soooo much experience. TP has led the Spurs for almost the last decade, but I think G-Hill could replace him. Though not as experienced or as good offensively, Hill is better on defense and just as athletic. This is about even if Fisher comes back, edge to SA if he doesn't.



Kobe Bryant vs. Manu Ginobili

Both players are the heart of their teams. Kobe, you know about, but Manu is just as important to the Spurs. When he is making shots, the Spurs are good. When he is not, they're not good. Kobe vs. a healthy Manu is pretty even with a slight edge to L.A.



Ron Artest vs. Richard Jefferson

This is where the Spurs start to get beat. R.J. was not the offensive threat that he was supposed to be last season. Ron Ron is a big Bruce Bowen, and showed in the Finals he can score occasionally when counted on. Unless Jefferson suddenly gets back to his early 2000's New Jersey Nets form, this one goes to the Lakers.



Pau Gasol vs. Tim Duncan

Though the most annoying player in the NBA, it is clear Boom Boom Pau is one of the best. This is the where TD used to be (minus the most annoying part), but he has lost athleticism and is not nearly as effective. The Spurs could bring in a more athletic PF and slide Timmy D. to center, but for now the edge goes to the Lakers.



Andrew Bynum vs. Antonio McDyess/DeJuan Blair

L.A's Bynum has had knee problems seemingly since his rookie year, but is effective for 20-25 minutes a game. McDizzell was actually pretty good in the playoffs, locking up Dirk Nowitzki and hitting the mid-range jumper, but he is the Spur's oldest player and probably won't be back next year. Blair is famous for not having any ACLs after two surgeries, but he is an effective player. After seeing Big Baby Davis bully the Lakers, I think the very similar Blair could do the same. Slight edge to the Lakers.



So there you have it. Can the Spurs take down L.A this year? We'll have to wait and see.

SA High School Football Game To Be on ESPN

San Antonio Express News reported that this fall's Cibolo Steele- San Antonio Madison matchup at Heroes Stadium  will be brodcast on ESPN. The game features two of America's best running backs: Steele's Malcom Brown and Madison's Aaron Green. San Antonio is not known as a high school football hotbed, but this should bring some attention to the Alamo city.

SA's Hero Stadium

Pic taken from Urban Spotlight Blog (Check it out)

http://urbanspotlight.wordpress.com/

Who's crazier: Ron Ron vs. Rashweed

This years NBA finals brought up many debates. Better player: MJ or Kobe? Greatest Coach: Phil Jackson or Red Auerbach? Better team/franchise: Lakers or Celtics? But the biggest debate was about two players definitely not hall of famers, all stars, or players of the month. Yes, the biggest debate was who's crazier: Ron "Ron Ron" Artest or Rasheed "Rashweed" Wallace. I'll let you be the judge.

The Way Too Early College Football Top 5

Following the end of an epic NBA final, summer has become a slow time for sports. The only things still going on are baseball and something called the World Cup. No offense to baseball, it is America's game or national pastime or whatever, but wake me up when the World Series starts and the games matter. Soccer? Let's just say I and most other Americans prefer football to foos ball. Can you dig it? Anyway, for those missing college football, here's my way too early summer top 5; the best 5 teams in America.

No.5-Oklahoma: Last season was not kind to the Sooners; hit by key injuries, they stumbled to an 8-5 record. Barring injuries, I wouldn't bet against OU this year, there is just too much talent. They are solid along both their O and D lines, particularly their front four on d. The linebacking corps will be good and the secondary has experience. They are breaking in a semi-new QB in Landry Jones, but he got lots of experience last year and will have star receiver Ryan Broyles and numerous other targets to throw to. The critical game is of course against Texas. Also watch out for an early season clash between OU and Florida State.

No.4-TCU: Boise State seems to get all the BCS buster hype and did beat TCU last year, but I think TCU will be slightly better. Their defense will be fast, swarming, and should be as a stout as previous years. The O's only significant change from last year is the replacement of LT Marshall Newhouse. Otherwise, they should be good this year. The big thing separating TCU from Boise is attitude. Boise returns almost all of its starters but it seems like there could be a possibility of them becoming complacent since they are no longer the lovable non-BCS underdog. Another factor is location. Although Idaho had a nice season this previous year, Boise is clearly the state's best and they get that respect. TCU has been overshadowed by all the big Texas state schools (especially with the Big 12 expansion controversy), and will not have much of a spotlight on them. Their key game is the season opener against Oregon State.

No.3-Duke/USC: When I asked my sister about the upcoming football season and her predictions she immediately mentioned her alma mater, Duke. It was then that I told her this was a ranking for the ole' pigskin and not the Princeton Review. Anyway, my real pick this year is USC. The Trojans seems to have underachieved since the Bush (George W. not Reggie) Administration, but this could be the year to realize all that stockpiled talent. The whole Reggie Bush scandal takes the pressure off of them, and though they cannot play in a bowl, they can still be ranked. They have the talented pretty boy Matt Barkley coming back to lead the offense with a slew of highly recruited players around him. The Defense will be reenergized by crazy coach Ed Orgeron and should be as good as in the past.USC seems like a sleeper pick that could make serious noise at the end of the year even if they are not in a bowl. They have no real hard games this year besides the Oregon match-up.

No.2- Alabama: SEC homeboys may cry foul at 'Bama not being No.1, and they do have an argument. 'Bama is not losing too many starters, and if the Lakers could repeat, it seems they can also. (Is Nick Saban NCAA's Phil Jackson?????) Any who, the Tide is talented and the offense should be special. But there are some holes in the secondary that worry me. They must replace one corner and two safeties and will be inexperienced. Seeing Garrett Gilbert (Texas's freshman QB) throw for 2 td's against the tide last year seems like a small chink in their armor that could be exploited. The big game for them is against Florida and the early matchup with ACC power Duke.

No.1-"The" Ohio State: Though I will never understand why in god's name it is called "The" Ohio State and Harvard is just Harvard, the buckeyes are my pick for no.1 this year. The Buckeyes do not have any flashy stars, but are good at every position. The knock on Ohio State and pretty much every big-time mid-west team is they are not fast enough to keep up with southern powers. But this year's Buckeyes posses ample speed (especially freak athlete/QB Terrell Pryor) and how does being in the south make you faster? Birds fly south for the winter because it is too cold not because it will make them run (fly?) a 4.4. If OSU can survive Big Ten matchups with traditional rivals Penn State, Wisconsin, and that hated school up north (Michigan), along with newcomer Nebraska, they can beat Alabama and end the title drought for northern teams.