The Big Thud

          

Heading into the NBA Finals....the story leading in was that "Shaq is Back!".  Yeah, Shaq did have a darn good Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons.  Especially in the clinching Game 6 while his "sidekick" D-Wade was a tad bit ill.

So far in the Finals....Shaq still is the story. 

Just not one that Mr. O'Neal likes.

After Game 1, the talk was about his FT shooting.  He clanged 1 out of the 9 he attempted.....and missed two others that were waved off after the Mavericks committed lane infractions.  He also committed a big turnover [fumbling a ball under the basket and then committing an "offensive" loose ball foul]. 

After Game 2, the talk will be about his career playoff low FIVE POINTS.  Yeah, the Most Dominant Ever scored 5 points in an NBA Finals game.  A game that the Heat came in determined to feed the big fella.  A game the Heat wanted badly to win....since teams down 0-2 in the NBA Finals have won just 2 of 27 previous series.  And Shaq went 1-for-7 in this game....and had another miss waved off by a lane violation. 

How amazing is that??  Before this series started, Shaq averaged over 30 points and 10 boards in his NBA Finals history.  And that history is a nice sized 24 games....not just one series or two series......five Finals and 24 games.  It's two games into this thing, and Shaq's totals are 22 points and 13 rebounds.  He is shooting 2-for-16 from the free throw line and only attempted 5 shots in Game 2.

It's probably Kobe Bryant's fault.

To be honest, he really attempted more than 5 shots.  But only five count in the box score.  Whenever Shaq has the ball around the basket, the Mavs are fouling him and sending him to the line.  Why give up a dunk when you can sent a 2-for-16 free throw shooter to the line???  Personally, I think that his horrible FT shooting is affecting his game as a whole.  He hasn't been aggressive at all with his shot because he knows that the Mavs are gonna foul him.  And he knows he isn't gonna hit the freebies. 

Plus, the Heat made their late game run while Shaq was on the bench.  While Shaq was on the floor, the Mavericks built a 27-pt lead.  He left, and the Heat shaved it down to around 12 with about 2 minutes left.  Shaq sat the final 15 minutes of the game.

Shaquille "I hit 'em when they count" O'Neal's free throw shooting has been so bad that his teammates stopped looking for him.  Shaq "The Big Quotation" O'Neal bolted without speaking to reporters....costing him a $10,000 fine and the Heat a $25,000 fine.    Mr "Erik Dampier Should Be In The WNBA" O'Neal is being outplayed by Mr. Damp.  Dampier outscored him [6-5], outrebounded him [13-6], outblocked him [1-0] and outstole him [1-0].  And Shaquille "The Big Kickout" O'Neal had only two assists....so don't give me that "he was finding his teammates" nonsense. 

And Pat "I Have More Playoff Wins Than Avery Johnson Has Ever Coached" Riley can't seem to find a way to get this team going.  In this series, the guy in his 9th Finals appearance is watching his team hang it's head and play flat and uninspired while the guy in his first full season as coach has devised a gameplan to make The Most Dominant Ever a non-factor. 

Sure, Shaq isn't the same guy who won three Finals MVPs with the Lakers.  But he was an All NBA Player this season....so 5 pts has no excuse.

Too bad Shaq didn't stick around to give us one. 

Congrats To Hopkins!!!

               

Maybe this is my week.  At least against this certain guy.

A buddy of mine told me that Tarver would kill Hopkins [and he's pretty heavily into boxing] so I squashed my feelings that Hopkins would win this fight.  I did eventually tell him that....and I wrote so in this blog....that I felt Hopkins would go all out since this will most likely be his swan song.  I also have a Mavs-Heat argument going on with him as well [I got Dallas].

I think Hopkins has had, obviously, a great career and while it's nice to see him ride off into the sunset with this victory, I'd be lying if I said that I hope he retires.  Hopkins is one of those fighters who I truly respected and was willing to listen to.  Most fighters are either ignorant or political [meaning they don't say anything] when listening to their interviews.  Sure, Hopkins shouts the same bravado nonsense that the others do.....but he also has a good larger feel for what is going on around the sport.  It isn't just "I am great and he sucks".  He knows why....and will share that thought.

So, congrats to Bernard for the dominating win.....and here's to a happy retirement.  Hopefully you stay around the sport to keep bringing us your insights and great stories. 

TAR HEELS WALK OFF TO THE COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

     

What a game.  What a game!

The North Carolina Tar Heels will be going to the College World Series for the fifth time ever....and the first time since 1989.  They did so by beating Alabama in a best-of-three series in Tuscaloosa.  They did so by making two great comebacks.

The Tar Heels were down 4-2 heading into the bottom of the 8th inning.  Then, Chad Flack hit a three run shot to give the Heels a 5-4 lead [Carolina scored again in that inning to head into the 9th up 6-4] and the Heels the momentum.  In the top of the 9th, however, Bama's Alex Avila smacked a three run shot to give the Crimson Tide a 7-6 lead and the home crowd in hysterics.

Then, Flack hit a 2-run shot with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to vault the Heels into the CWS in Omaha.  Amazing.

This has been a blessed time for the Heels.  They are now 50-13.  They have yet to lose during the CWS playoffs.  Pitchers Andrew Miller and Daniel Bard were selected in the first round of the MLB draft earlier in the week.  Two more Heels, OF Jay Cox and P Robert Woodard, were drafted on Day Two of the draft. 

Now a great comeback in a tough environment to get to the CWS.....beating the tournament's #4 seed at home. 

The College World Series begins Friday. 

Just Some Thoughts About This Weekend

 

I have a full weekend off with no events scheduled [well, aside from seeing the new movie "Cars" with my wife and the boy].  So I am really looking forward to it!  So, in case I don't get to the ol' keyboard and computer before Sunday night [and we know that will probably not happen], here are just some takes before I hit the road.

TARVER V HOPKINS:  I think Tarver is gonna win.  He's more experienced in this weight class, he's in his prime, and he's the better puncher right now.  But, I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Hopkins pulls this off.  This will most likely be his final fight and he may just lay everything on the line.  Or maybe not.  Of late, he's tended to not bring his A-game when he's unsure if he can win.  Tarver wins in the 10th round.

COTTO V MALIGNAGGI:  This will be THE fight of the night.  Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi steps up in class to face undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion, Miguel Cotto....but I think he will win.  I love Cotto, but I think Malignaggi will find a way to survive the early rounds and be more dominant in the later rounds.  Malignaggi in a decision.

BELMONT STAKES:  I am going with Bluegrass Cat.  Why?  Well, I drew him in a Kentucky Derby pool and he didn't disappoint [well, he didn't win....but he still didn't disappoint me].  So, go B-G-C!!!  If he don't win...I'll go with Steppenwolfer.  That's who my wife picked.

NBA FINALS....GAME 2:  Miami's got a lot of work to do....mainly getting something from their bench, holding down Jason Terry, keeping Dirk in check, hitting free throws, remembering what Shaq looks like, trying to score in the 4th quarter, etc, etc.  I think Dallas gets this game...just because they would love to go up 2-0 before hitting South Florida for three games.  I think Dirk gets around 25 pts, 14 boards and they get that two game lead.

STANLEY CUP FINALS....GAME 3:   Edmonton will be rocking!  But can the team stay out of a 3-0 hole?  The Canes have outscored the Oilers 10-1 over the last 1 1/2 games....and are looking really dominant.  I think Edmonton gets this game....but Carolina grabs Game 4.

COLLEGE WORLD SERIES:  Wow.  Clemson got a walk off Grand Slam to beat....Oral Roberts!?!?  Yep...and it is something like this that vaults a really good team into a champion.  I think they get past their Super Regional series with ORU.  I also think North Carolina will finish off Alabama.  GO HEELS!

POCONO 500:  I'll pick....uh....Elliot Sadler. 

WORLD CUP:  Let's see.  The USA doesn't play until Monday, so I guess I'll start caring then.

FRENCH OPEN WOMEN:  Oh, I'm picking Justine Henin-Hardenne.

FRENCH OPEN MEN:  Rafael Nadal....the dude with 59 straight wins on clay....faces Roger Federer [the guy who's gunning for his 4th straight Grand Slam title] for the French Open title.  Wow.  I'm going with Nadal.  He is 5-1 lifetime against Federer, he has that streak, and Federer was lucky just to get to this point. 

                 

RED HOT!

   

The Cincinnati Reds won their 8th straight game with a victory over the Chicago Cubs.  This is the longest streak since 1999, the year before Ken Griffey arrived and the year that the Reds played a one game playoff against the New York Mets [they lost 5-0] to get the National League's wildcard berth.

What I am amazed about is how they are doing it.

Pitching.

The team with the worst staff last year....who added Bronson Arroyo and little else in the offseason [and Arroyo was added during the spring]...has the 8th best ERA in the NL now.  Arroyo has led the charge.  He is 8-2 with a 2.31 ERA....the 2nd best ERA in the majors.  He's struck out 68 and walked only 18.  Amazing since he pitches in the Great American Ballpark...a known hitters field.

And like manager Lou Brown said in the movie Major League...."there are 2 or 3 potential All Stars in there!"  You could see Adam Dunn [who is 6th in the majors in home runs], Arroyo, 

Still, the team is hitting well.  They are 2nd in the majors.....1st in the National League....in home runs.  They are 2nd in the National League in runs scored.

And they are MURDERING their divisional competition.  The are a robust 25-12 against the division [only the Astros even have a winning record within the division...at 13-12].  All 8 of their wins during this streak are against NL Central foes....with 7 of them being on the road.  They went into Houston and swept the Astros....and went into St Louis and swept the Cardinals.  Those two teams are their biggest obstacles for a division title. 

The Reds are 6-2 against the Cards this season.  They are 5-1 against the Astros.

And they are also doing it on the road.  Their 20-13 record away from home trails only the surprising Detroit Tigers as the best in the major leagues. 

After the Cubs and Brewers blow thru town [6 more games against NL Central foes!]....they got a tough stretch ahead.  Three games here against the defendind World Series champion Chicago White Sox, four games in New York against the 1st place Mets and three games at interleague rival Cleveland....before getting the doormat Royals at home and then hosting the Indians.

Hey...anything is better than being 15 games out right now....which is where the Reds were at this point a year ago.

NBA FINALS: Game 1......Mavericks Dump Heat

              

DALLAS 90-MIAMI 80

If you are a Heat fan....there is quite a cause for concern after Game 1's loss. 

-Dirk Nowizki scored just 16 points in this game [shooting 4-of-14].

-Miami shot an NBA record-worst 7-19 from the "charity" stripe.  Ugh.  Shaq was 1-9 [and he missed two other FTs that were overturned by lane violations].  Wade was 6-10.  They were the only two players who went to the line.

-Miami was the first team to outrebound the Mavs all postseason.

-Dallas backup center Erik Dampier did a great job defending Shaq....and scoring some points of his own. 

-Mavs bench outscored Miami's bench 24-2....which was a big advantage for the Mavs heading into this series.  They can bring in guys like Jerry Stackhouse and Keith Van Horn who can keep the pressure on the offensive end of the court.  Miami's guys [mainly Payton and Alonzo Mourning] are there to keep defensive pressure up.  The offensive guys won.

-The one noticeable advantage Miami had was Pat Riley's 9 Finals appearances and more playoff wins that Mavs' coach Avery Johnson has even coached!  Well, Riley took Shaq out late in the 2nd quarter and Dallas went on a 10-0 run to take a halftime lead.  On the other side, Johnson switched to trapping Miami [which wouldn't make much sense with Jason Williams, Wade and Gary Payton's ability to handle the ball] was a stroke of genius.  It forced Miami to use up clock and not be able to get the ball in to Shaq and run their offense.  Johnson also used a 2-3 zone against Miami for a bit, which contained their offense somewhat.

-Miami had a 34-23 lead early in the 2nd quarter.  After that, the Mavs outscored the Heat 67-46.

-Dallas inserted Adrian Griffin in to defend Wade....and it didn't work.  Wade had a strong open to the game, scoring 13 points in the first quarter.  However, he scored 15 the rest of the game with a poor shooting percentage....and the Mavs just used their usual team instead of Griffin [who killed Dallas with a few missed layups].

-There is a lot of buzz around Miami's 1-2 punch of Shaq and Wade....but it was the second banana for Dallas that went off.  Jason Terry scored 32 points in his first Finals game....on 13-of-18 shooting and 4-of-7 from downtown.  And there were stretches where he dominated both offensively and defensively.  He scored 12 pts in the fourth quarter....the same amount Miami scored. 

 

The Grimsley Truth About Baseball

    

The baseball era we currently live in has the darkest of clouds overhead.  The best player of our time, Barry Bonds, basically has a career that is worthless in most people's eyes.  Even baseball's eyes.  The magical "Summer of '98" also has a bad taste as many feel now that both Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire were juiced up.  We've had TWO MVP award winners [Ken Caminiti, Jose Canseco] admit to using the stuff, and two more MVP award winners [Bonds, Jason Giambi] allegedy admit in sworn testimony to  a grand jury that they may have/probably used steroids too. 

But now this.

Unsealed court documents state that Arizona pitcher Jason Grimsley told federal investigators he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs, mainly HGH [human growth hormone], after federal agents searched his house yesterday.  And apparantly, he rolled over on a few guys as well.

Some notes:

-According to one IRS agent, Grimsley told him some names of other players that may have been using.  The names of those players have been blacked out of court records.

-Grimsely's big league career started in 1989 and he holds just a 42-58 lifetime record with a 4.77 ERA.

-According to the court documents, Grimsley failed a league drug test in 2003.

-Authorities said Grimsley admitted to using HGH, amphetamines and steroids.  He added that amphetamine use was prevalent in the majors, and that coffee in clubhouses [marked "leaded" or "unleaded" to indicate which pots contained the drugs] even was laced.

-The Arizona Republic, which broke the story, said that Latino players were cited by Grimsley as the source for the drugs....and that players on the California teams [presumably the Angels, Padres and Dodgers] could easily go over to Mexico to buy the drugs.

-Grimsley has not been arrested and no charges are currently pending.

-He received two "kits" of HGH on April 19th.

-To corroborate some of his statements, Grimsley agreed to make a recorded telephone call to his supplier of HGH in the presence of agents.

I'm sure we will all hear more about this.  When the feds are involved in something like this.....they aren't looking for the small guys.  They are looking to cut off the head.  The affidavid states that they were looking for lists or any records of contacts.  Meaning, where was he getting this from and where was it going??? 

And THAT, my friends, is the biggest can of worms.

666

Today is June 6, 2006.....or 06/06/06.....or just 6/6/6.

Revelations 13:16-18:  "Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell who does not have the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom: let him who hath understanding reckon the number of the beast, for it is a human number. Its number is six threescore six"

              

Julius Erving was #6 with the.....Sixers.

In baseball, the shortstop is the number 6. 

In football, a touchdown is worth 6 points.

In hockey, you have no more than 6 players on the ice at a time.  Usually, a goalie, a center, two wings and two defensemen.

Six was Blossom's friend.

Mark Martin drives the #6 car in the Nextel Cup Series.

Ricky Proehl of the Carolina Panthers has 666 receptions for his career.  He is leaning toward retirement. 

The 2nd Chicago Bulls threepeat [over the Sonics and Jazz, twice] were each won in 6 games.  6. 6. 6.

Some of the most successful franchises in their sports are the Duke Blue Devils and the New Jersey Devils [one of the coolest logos ever].  On the other end of the coin.....the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  The ArizonaSun Devils come and go.

The largest number on one end of a normal domino.....and dice.

Six is the number of games needed to win a set in tennis [barring a deuce].

Stan Musial [Cardinals], Al Kaline [Tigers], Tony Oliva [Twins], Steve Garvey [Padres], Bill Russell [Celtics], Dr J [Sixers], Walter Davis [Suns] and Ace Baily [Maple Leafs] have all had their #6 jerseys retired

The Orlando Magic and the Sacramento Kings have retired the #6 for the fans...also known as "The Sixth Man".

The Red Sox have won 6 World Series championships.  So have the Dodgers.  The Chicago Bulls [that team who's logo is red and wears horns] has won 6 NBA titles.

666 is the sum of all of the numbers on a roulette wheel.

The first NBA STORE was opened at 666 Fifth Street in New York.

To access Miroslav Satan, of the NY Islanders, on Yahoo! Sports website....you go here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/666.  ESPN.com has it here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?statsId=666

BetUS.com was running a bet that wondered if the world was coming to an end.  If you bet the world would survive....and you bet the maximum $500....you win half a penny.  If you bet the world would end, you are an idiot.

If you go 2 for 3 hitting....your batting average that day was .666. 

And, from Chron.com | White Sox cash in Paul's goof.......

"Book it now: Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez will be card No. 666 in the 2006 edition of Topps Total baseball cards.

<FONTSIZE=1>

Topps officials acknowledge that the employee who assembles the company's card checklists is a Yankees fan who assigns the undesirable number to the pitcher or player on the team that knocks the Yankees out of the playoffs.

That's why Red Sox reliever Keith Foulke, who got the last out of the 2004 ALCS, was number 666 in 2005 Total, and why the Florida Marlins' Josh Beckett of Spring, who beat the Yankees in the 2003 World Series finale, was 666 in the 2004 set.

And that's why Rodriguez, who closed out the Angels' victory Sunday in Game 5 of the Division Series, will be 666 in next year's set. It's the safest sure thing in the world of cardboard — unless Yankees Fan goes with Ervin Santana, who pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief of injured starter Bartolo Colon."

 

THE NBA FINALS

              

You gotta love sports.  Things happen one way.....then flip around the next day.  Take these NBA Finals.

Last year, the last two NBA Champions, Spurs and Pistons, met in the Finals.  This year, two franchises are making their first Finals appearances.  That's the first time since 1971 that the NBA Finals pits two teams making their first Finals showings.  Heck, it's only happened FIVE TIMES in NBA history.

And I will breakdown the matchups....but in this series, the matchups are a bit different.  We all know who's better....Shaq v Diop, Dirk v Udonis....but breaking down other categories will be key.

THE OLD:  But, that's the franchises.  Pat Riley is coaching his third franchise to the Finals [Lakers, Knicks, Heat].  Shaquille O'Neal and Gary Payton are on the third Finals teams [Shaq-Magic, Lakers, Heat;  Payton-Sonics, Lakers, Heat]. 

THE NEW:  But stars Dwayne Wade and Dirk Nowitzki are making the first trips.  As are the cities of Dallas and Miami, both NBA born in the 1980s. 

AMERICAN AIRLINES RULES!:  American Airlines should get a ton of publicity in this series.  The Heat play in the AAA....American Airlines Arena.  The Mavericks play in the AAC...American Airlines Center. 

I USED TO BE OVER THERE:  Antoine Walker was a Maverick in 2003-2004 and started all 82 games.  He was dealt to Atlanta for Jason Terry.  Del Harris, a Mavs assistant, was Shaq's coach in LA before Phil Jackson arrived. 

BOTH FRANCHISES BIGGEST GAMES:  Each game will be the most important in franchise history, since they haven't been this far before.  Before these playoffs, the biggest Miami game was, well, Game 7 against the Pistons in last year's Eastern Conference Finals.  The biggest game Dallas ever had was back in1988.  A Game 7 loss to the LA Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.  The Lakers coach was Pat Riley.

THE TAR HEEL EFFECT:  In 14 of the last 19 seasons, the NBA Champion has had a UNC Tar Heel on the roster.   In 21 of the last 26 seasons....a Carolina player has been in the NBA Finals.  In 7 of those 21 seasons, one of the head coaches in the NBA Finals was a Tar Heel [Billy Cunningham, George Karl, Larry Brown].

1980-Bobby Jones [Phil], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1981-
1982-Bobby Jones [Phil], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1983-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Bobby Jones [Phil], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1984-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL]
1985-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL]
1986-
1987-James Worthy [LAL]
1988-James Worthy [LAL]
1989-James Worthy [LAL]
1990-
1991-Sam Perkins [LAL], Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1992-Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1993-Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1994-Kenny Smith [Hou], Pete Chilcutt [Hou]
1995-Kenny Smith [Hou]
1996-Michael Jordan [Chi], Sam Perkins [Sea], George Karl [Sea-coach]
1997-Michael Jordan [Chi]
1998-Michael Jordan [Chi]
1999-
2000-Rick Fox [LAL], Sam Perkins [Ind]
2001-Rick Fox [LAL], George Lynch [Phi], Larry Brown [Phil-coach]
2002-Rick Fox [LAL]
2003-
2004-Rick Fox [LAL], Rasheed Wallace [Det], Larry Brown [Det-coach]
2005-Rasheed Wallace [Det], Larry Brown [Det-coach]
2006-Jerry Stackhouse [Dall]

THE STARS OF DIRK NOWITZKI & DWAYNE WADE:  You were already a star.  Now you can become a legend.  I mean, that's why Magic, Jordan, Bird, Shaq, Duncan, Russell and Kareem are so revered.....and guys like Ewing, Barkley, Malone and Stockton aren't as much.  Not to say those guys in the latter category suck or didn't bring it when they had a shot....but taking your team to the next level is what it is about.  That's where Dirk and Wade can go.  And both could have very favorable matchups.  Yes, Devin Harris is quick...but he can't guard Wade.  Yes, Udonis Haslem is a warrior....but he can't guard Dirk.  Both should be able to get theirs.  Which means, when the game and series is on the line....who will make that play?  This should be great to watch.

THE ULTIMATE KEY: SHAQUILLE O'NEAL:  This is Shaq's series.  And Shaq is in the first list above.  Look at Shaq's Finals history.  Look at the awards.  Five appearances [now six] and three rings.  He isn't the Shaq of those years...but he still is the best big man in the game.  And he's shown that he can have a big game here and there.  Well, in this series, Shaq goes against Diop who is a shot blocker only and not much else.  Or against Erik Dampier, who Shaq lambasted a few years ago when it was suggested that The Damp Man was the 2nd best center in the league.  Anyways, Dallas has no comeback for Shaq inside....so the ability of the Heat to use Shaq and Shaq's ability to make a difference will be the biggest key in this series.  If Shaq plays well, Miami can win.  If he doesn't, well, Miami may not have a shot. 

THOSE ROLE GUYS:  Role guys can become legends too.  Guys like Kurt Rambis, Steve Kerr, Jim Paxson, Avery Johnson, Robert Horry, Vinnie Johnson and Derek Fisher.  Well, the role guys for these teams have been outstanding.  For Miami, Jason Williams and Antoine Walker have become the 3rd scorer to compliment Shaq and Wade.  Guys like Haslem and Alonzo Mourning add some physical punch inside to help Shaq.  And James Posey and Gary Payton are there for stretching defenses and playing defense.  Over in Dallas, Devin Harris was a big sparkplug against the Spurs and Suns.  Whenever Jerry Stackhouse brings it, Dallas usually wins.  Diop has added a stopper in the lane for those driving guards the Mavs' have been seeing.  Josh Howard has come up with some big scoring nights of late.  Adrian Griffin and Marquis Daniels adds those just hustle stats that extend possessions and get turnovers.  KVH [Van Horn] can make an appearance or two in this series with some key points.

THE COACHING OF PAT RILEY & AVERY JOHNSON.  Johnson did win the Coach of the Year award....but he will have to admit the dropoff here.  This will be Riley's 9th NBA Finals as head coach [1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2006].  Johnson has coached justover one full season in the NBA.  But Johnson has shown a great mind for making adjustments.  He isn't shy to the idea of changing his starting lineups or rotations mid-series.  And, well, you saw how the Mavs played in the second half against the Suns in Game 6.  Oh, and Johnson has a bit of Finals experience....leading the Spurs to the 1999 championship with the series clinching shot in Game 5.  Still.  Advantage Riley.

PREDICTION:  This should be a fun series to watch.  Bothteams are gelling nicely.  Both teams have superstar players, fine offenses, a bit of defenses, smart coaches, and the whole deal.  Dallas did pound the Heat in two meeting this season....but this Heat team looks so much different from those meetings.  Heck, they look like a different team from the team they were in the Bulls series.  But, I gotta go with the Mavericks.  This team swept a darn, darn, darn good Memphis Grizzlies team.  They knocked off the defending champion Spurs.  And they really held down that hot Suns offense.  They have the homecourt advantage, but it is their ability to win on the road that has really taken me to favor them.  They've clinched the Grizz series in Memphis, the Spurs series in San Antonio and the Suns series in Phoenix.  They are 6-3 on the road in these playoffs.  Not bad.  To me, that shows their toughness...something that this franchise has been knocked for in recent years.  I'm picking the Mavericks in 6 games. 

MORE TO COME....

A Heel Of A Draft

          

The MLB draft is Tuesday, with the #1 pick looking like it will be Andrew Miller, a left handed pitcher from the University of North Carolina.  Not to much longer afterwards, his rotation-mate, Daniel Bard...a righty....will be selected. 

Oh, and those Tar Heels are in the Super Regionals against Alabama beginning Friday.

While UNC has been a very decent baseball program....they aren't in the class, historically, as fellow ACCers Florida State, Miami, Clemson or Georgia Tech.  But this won't be the first time a Carolina player was the #1 pick in the draft.

That would be BJ Surhoff back in 1985.  Yep, Surhoff was the top player selected in the 1985 MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.  Also in the draft...another Carolina player was selected.  Walt Weiss, who would go on to win Rookie of the Year honors with the Oakland Athletics, was taken with the #11 pick.

                            

While BJ wasn't a bust....well, he wasn't as good as some of the guys drafted behind him.  The #2 pick in that draft was some guy named Will Clark.  The #4 pick was Barry Larkin. 

The #6 pick was Barry Bonds.

Still, in the unillustrious history of Carolina players in the majors [does Brian Roberts count?  His dad was the head coach and he did play there for a minute], it's not a bad thing to have a couple of Heels as the top pick.

Heck, in the history of North Carolina basketball.....two Heels have been selected 1st overall.  James Worthy in 1982 and Brad Daugherty in 1986.  Sure, Heels have been drafted very early before [Al Wood, Marvin Williams, Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, Sam Perkins, Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, Raymond Felton]...butonly two have gone #1.

No football players have gone #1....but a pair have gone #2.  Lawrence Taylor and Julius Peppers.  Those guys were pretty good. 

"Stump The Schwab" Is Back

                                        

I got this e-mail today about ESPN's game/trivia show "Stump The Schwab".  I thought I'd pass the notice along for those who are interested in being on the show.

I have to say that I enjoy the show....in the same way I enjoy watching Jeopardy.  Pretty much just to see how I stack up.  Some things I do really well on, others I don't.  And I'd get pummelled in those golf and tennis questions.  Anyways....here is the information if you are interested.

Attention Sports Fans:

Season Four auditions for ESPN's popular sports trivia game show "Stump the Schwab" are coming to Dallas this Thursday, June 8th (see below for entire city & date list of upcoming open auditions). If you could pass along the following information to any and all sports fans 18 yrs or older, including students, faculty, alumni, sports enthusiasts, friends, relatives, athletes, etc., it would be MUCH appreciated. Thank you for your time and help, and we hope to see you at our OPEN AUDITION this Thursday, June 8th, in Dallas! Please feel free to write back with any questions.

Daniel Goodman
Casting Associate, Stump the Schwab
stumptheschwab@yahoo.com
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STUMP THE SCHWAB
OPEN AUDITIONS
THE MASTER OF SPORTS TRIVIA, THE SCHWAB, IS BACK!
THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO STUMP THE SCHWAB?
BE ON ESPN CLASSIC AND CLAIM THE TITLE AS
THE GREATEST SPORTS MIND AROUND!

Can YOU Stump the Schwab?
Take the test in a city near you and find out...

June 8 DALLAS
Cape Buffalo Grille
17727 Addison Rd
Dallas, TX 75287

June 13 BOSTON
Champions/Marriot
110 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02116

June 15 BALTIMORE
Keep checking www.espn.com  search: SCHWAB for location

June 19 CHICAGO
ESPN Zone
43 East Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611

June 22 MIAMI
Keep checking www.espn.com  search: SCHWAB for location

June 26 ATLANTA
ESPN Zone
3030 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

June 28 PHILLY
Keep checking www.espn.com  search: SCHWAB for location

June 29 NEW YORK
ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

Come anytime between 3:00pm and 9:00pm, all locations.

You can find the application online, www.espn.com, search: Schwab.  Fill it out and bring it to the casting call.
Or you can fill out the application at the casting.

Can't make it to these casting calls?  Email us and we can set up an appointment in New York City, stumptheschwab@yahoo.com.

You must be at least 18 years old.

                        

Another Tar Heel In The NBA Finals

                            

Dallas is in the NBA Finals....meaning that former Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse will be making his Finals debut.

Oh, and Bob McAdoo....another former Tar Heel....is an assistant coach for the Miami Heat.

In 14 of the last 19 seasons, the NBA Champion has had a UNC Tar Heel on the roster.   In 21 of the last 26 seasons....a Carolina player has been in the NBA Finals.  In 7 of those 21 seasons, one of the head coaches in the NBA Finals was a Tar Heel [Billy Cunningham, George Karl, Larry Brown].

1980-Bobby Jones [Phil], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1981-
1982-Bobby Jones [Phil], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1983-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Bobby Jones [Phil], Billy Cunningham [Phil-coach]
1984-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL]
1985-James Worthy [LAL], Bob McAdoo [LAL], Mitch Kupchak [LAL]
1986-
1987-James Worthy [LAL]
1988-James Worthy [LAL]
1989-James Worthy [LAL]
1990-
1991-Sam Perkins [LAL], Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1992-Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1993-Michael Jordan [Chi], Scott Williams [Chi]
1994-Kenny Smith [Hou], Pete Chilcutt [Hou]
1995-Kenny Smith [Hou]
1996-Michael Jordan [Chi], Sam Perkins [Sea], George Karl [Sea-coach]
1997-Michael Jordan [Chi]
1998-Michael Jordan [Chi]
1999-
2000-Rick Fox [LAL], Sam Perkins [Ind]
2001-Rick Fox [LAL], George Lynch [Phi], Larry Brown [Phil-coach]
2002-Rick Fox [LAL]
2003-
2004-Rick Fox [LAL], Rasheed Wallace [Det], Larry Brown [Det-coach]
2005-Rasheed Wallace [Det], Larry Brown [Det-coach]
2006-Jerry Stackhouse [Dall]

By the way, the only Duke player to ever go on to win an NBA title was Danny Ferry with the 2003 Spurs.

Props To Shaq and Miami

               

As a Laker fan, watching Shaq head to the NBA Finals is like breaking up with a girl and then getting an invitation to her wedding to a millionaire...while you are living in your mom's basement eating Hot Pockets. 

It sucks.

Still, the Lakers were right in dealing away Shaq.

However, I will give Shaq and the Miami Heat their props.  Shaq did what he always says he will do....basically turn it on when it counts.  Shaq was in his prime during this series...21.7 pts, 10.5 rbs, 2.3 blks, and 65% shooting....in just over 34 minutes per game.  Not too shabby.

What amazed me in this series is seeing those "other guys" play so well.  In this clincher, it was White Chocolate....Jason Williams...who did the deed.  He hit his first 10 shots and became the third wheel to help vault them into the Finals.

And let me throw some dirt on the Detroit Pistons....who tanked about as bad as you can.  Wha' Happened!?!?!  This was a team that we were kicking around could win 70 games this season.  This was a team that was Team Destiny.  This was a dynasty in the making.

It all fell apart.  Why?

Their defense, which is their staple, completely vanished.  It was never more evident than in Game 4 when they were called for a lot of reach-in fouls.  Those kind of fouls signal bad defense.  Good defense is played with your feet....moving your body.  Reaching in is lazy.  That isn't Pistons ball.

Their offense, which was such a refreshing addition this year, completely tanked.  When watching this team....you had no idea how they could possibly score.  None.  Rasheed Wallace disappeared [his 10.5 ppg average was classic] and he sucked ever since he opened his mouth with his Guaran-Sheed against the Cavs.  They lost 6 of 10 games after he made that promise. 

Their coach couldn't make adjustments.  I fault Flip for most of this.  He looked like a dog trying to hope someone drops some scraps off the table.  He had no answers.  Complain about Larry Brown all you want [and I can] but he at least can make some in-game and in-series adjustments.  Flip can't.

It's fitting that the Pistons were wearing their alternate, and ugly, red jerseys in this game.  This wasn't the Pistons team we knew.

Also, I want all those people who write and call in about how TEAM BASKETBALL wins.  Please, enlighten me.  Sure, it does win....as evident by the Spurs and Pistons and Gators and other titles.  But those big talented teams can win at times too.  Remember, this Miami team was at each other's throats during the Chicago series.  THE FREAKIN' BULLS!  This was a team that had so much horrible chemistry during the year....a team full of role guys who's heads were bigger than their resumes.  Yet, under Riley, they came together in a relatively small amount of time and are now in the Finals.  Reminds me of a certain UNC Tar Heels team of a few years ago.  Or the 1999-2004 Lakers.  Yeah, those not-so-nice teams can win, too.

Anyways, it should be implied that I will be rooting for either the Suns or Mavericks in the Finals.  But, it should be fun crowning a brand new champion, either way. 

We could see Shaq holding up another trophy.  We could see Nash licking his fingers and holding the trophy.  Or the one I WANT TO SEE...David Stern handing the trophy over to Mark Cuban.  Shades of Pete Rozelle-Al Davis in the Super Bowl.

The Bengals Are Still Stupid

                      

Last week, in my new copy of The Sporting News, I read an article pounding the Cincinnati Bengals for essentially drafting players whom other teams didn't want [Who's bad? They are - NFL - Yahoo! Sports].

Meaning, over the past five drafts, the Bengals selected someone who was completely off some other team's board because of behavior issues.  So, under no circumstances did one team want this guy....but the Bengals don't care.

It bit them in the butt last year when draft pick Chris Henry was arrested twice.  Once for weed possession and once for waving a stolen gun at a crowd of people.  The Bengals said they weren't gonna tolerate such behavior.

So, they go out and draft three guys with iffy pasts.  They drafted Frostee Rucker who was charged with sexual assault [he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge].  They drafted Reggie McNeal, whom several teams felt was a headcase and not going to be a good teammate.  And they drafted AJ Nicholson, who was accused of sexual assault and suspended by Florida State.  Rucker and Nicholson also had some other skeletons that teams didn't want to bother with.

I told a buddy of mine at work about it [I live in Bengals country].  He agreed with the whole Henry situation....but rubbed it off as "every team has problem guys".  He's right...as I admitted how my beloved Washington Redskins have several problem players [Sean Taylor being one....who apparantly isn't facing jail time now].  Also, the Carolina Panthers who have decreed their position of drafting character guys has had a laundry list of bad apples in their bunch [Rae Carruth, anyone?  Signing Key Johnson.  etc].

Just one month after the draft....and just one week after discussing the article....the Bengals were bitten.

AJ Nicholson has been charged with theft.

Nicholson, and former FSU teammate Fred Rouse, have been charged with stealing electronic equipment worth approximately $1,700 from the home of a current player, running back Lorenzo Booker. 

From ESPN.com:

Rouse confessed his involvement to authorities on May 28, according to police. Rouse was arrested and charged with three felonies: burglary of a dwelling, grand theft and unrelated possessions of a controlled substance without a prescription, which was ecstasy. Rouse has been released on bond.

A warrant is out for the arrest of Nicholson, who faces felony charges of burglary of a dwelling and grand theft and criminal mischief, which is a misdemeanor.

A police source said that among the items investigators found at Booker's home was a wide receivers glove with "1," Rouse's former jersey number, stitched into the inside of it. The glove had been left under a color television that had been thrown onto the floor.

Entrance to the home, police said, was made by breaking a rear window. In gaining entry, the suspects appeared to cut themselves as they left blood there and on one of Bookers' roommate's sheets. Police later found drops of blood at the exterior of the home of Nicholson's girlfriend.

In a sworn, taped interview on May 28, Rouse said Nicholson entered the home and carried out two portable stereos, a DVD player and a pair of headphones. Rouse also said Nicholson had sustained a substantial cut on a finger.

Yeah, morons.  How, just one month after being drafted and probably ready to bank 100 times what he stole...would this idiot do that??

Again...character matters.  Especially when you a trying to win again.  Now, this isn't a huge blow to the franchise by any means.  But it does act as another marker in a trend.  Sure, some guys can reform....some guys just made an isolated mistake...and some guys just get a bad rap....but some guys are just bad seeds.

That grow into bad apples.  And turn into bad Bengals.

Okay, Now Gambling Has Become Ridiculous!!!!

                

You can go to Ultimate Odds Sportsbook&Casino and actually BET ON THE SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE!

Yeah.  The bets there are...

*Will the winner be male or female?

*Will the final word have an "e" in it?

*Will the final word have alternate pronunciations [and the speller must ask for it]?

*Will the winner be east or west of the Mississippi River?

*How many letters in the final word?  The over/under is 10.5.

There are also rumors that other sites are doing the same....with lines for "will the winner be wearing glasses" and whether "the final word will start with a consanant or a vowel". 

This is insane.  ESPN.com has sorta of a ranking of the top spellers which could be construed as a sorta "fantasy spelling list". 

Look, I am all for throwing a few bucks down on any stupid event [like Survivor, the Oscars, even the Presidential election] but betting on kids and their ability to spell just ruined all that for me.  I think that betting and kids don't mix.  Especially kids this age.  What's next??  Betting on the Special Olympics?  Betting on Little League?  Oh, apparantly they've been doing that for some time [USATODAY.com - Big-league Web wagering trickles down to little-league level]. 

I'm sure action is action....but this is just moronic.  At least it will be until some kid takes a dive for a pony or an X-Box 360.