I originally wanted to make this post about Derek Jeter, and why he's the man, but I'm going to save that for a future post because, well, because he'll probably always be the man. Here are a few things I'd like to discuss while they're fresh on my mind:
1. Tiger got the W
Ok, by no means did I ever say Tiger Woods sucks...in fact I said that he's the best golfer, possibly even the best athlete in the world. Today (yes the U.S. Open was supposed to end yesterday) Tiger defeated Rocco Mediate in 18 extra holes to claim his third U.S. Open, and 14th Major tournament victory. Not only is it a big deal that Tiger won, but for the second straight day he trailed heading into the 18th hole, before waking up, seeing his reflection in the water, and realizing he in fact is Tiger Woods.
But seriously, this was Tiger's first tournament in two months after having knee surgery, and despite a sore knee and a noticeable limp, Tiger toughed it out through 91 holes (I've shot 9 and been beyond exhausted) and brought home the shiny stuff. Hats off to Eldrick, but I'd rather have seen a hockey shootout than 18 more holes, after watching four consecutive days of golf.
2. Kobe also got the W
I did, however, say Kobe sucks, and I'm sticking behind it. The C's were never in this one, well at least not until the end, and Kobe better have bought dinner for his big friends Pau and Lamar. Yeah Kob had the daggering dunk at the end of the game, but the Lakers have proven that they don't win unless they all play well.
Perk (isabeast) didn't play, and KG only scored 13 in his absence, not to mention Leon Powe has proven to be a one-hit wonder. Perkins status for game 6 is still unsure, as was Ray Allen's heading into Monday. It was reported that Ray Ray had rushed out of the Staples Center following Sunday's game to tend to a family issue, but late reports Monday indicate that the Celtics expect Ray for Tuesday's game 6 in Boston.
Paul Pierce is playing out of his mind right now, and a clear-headed Ray Allen could help the C's rap this series up in 6. But regardless of what the two sharp-shooting swingmen bring to the table, KG, The Kid, The Big Ticket, has got to make his presence felt in Beantown. Mr. Intensity hasn't exactly been so intense in the games Boston has dropped this series, and one would expect a monster series out of a guy who probably cares more about winning than anything in the world. Kevin, I know it's gotta be hard dealing with both Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol, but an MVP worthy regular season will mean nothing if you cannot play up to it in the playoffs...right now you're not.
Honestly, I'm pulling for the Celtics, but I wouldn't be surprised if L.A. can pull this one off. The Celtics are banged up, and even though they did their part and more by winning both home games and a road game, they haven't been able to close out at all this postseason. This team will have played the most single-season playoff games in NBA history, which is a testament to their lack of killer instinct. I hate to say it but if anyone has that instinct in him, its Kobe. And if anyone has the supporting cast to pull the upset, it's the Lakers. I'm just looking forward to some good basketball, and hopefully some priceless Kobe frowning and great post game interviews. I mean, if he drank wine, beer, and took "20 shots" after losing game 5, I can't imagine what he'll do if they lose the series. AA look out.
3. Chien-Ming Wang...What the heck???
I don't have anything against interleague play, in fact, interleague play excites me...but this is the problem with interleague play. American League pitchers being placed in positions that they're completely unfamiliar with and being hurt as a result of it. A fan would like to think that Chien-Ming Wang has been playing baseball for quite sometime, and MLB's National League obviously isn't the only baseball league where pitchers hit and run the bases, but Wang was in unfamiliar territory Sunday when he injured his foot, and now the Yankees are without a top-pitcher for at least 6 weeks.
I'm really not trying to be a whiny Yankee fan here, but this one stings. The team is really at the highest point it's been all season, after sweeping the 'Stro's and taking 2 of 3 from a good team in Oakland, my confidence level is high. Johnny Damon's on fire, A-rod's back, Jorge's back, Giambi's hitting, Joba's starting to work out, Moose looks great, even Kyle Farnsworth hasn't been horrible. I know Wang is just one pitcher who can only effect the team once every five days, but the loss of a consistently solid pitcher is not what this team needs right now. Who takes Wang's spot in the rotation? Dan Giese looked good in relief of Joba, but to go from Wang to Giese is sad, scary, and straight nauseating.
C.C. Sabathia anyone?
4. Underclassmen making their final decisions
College basketball is most probably my favorite sport. I love it. I love watching the youngsters progress and turn themselves into complete studs. To this day you better believe that the screen saver on my laptop is a picture of the dreamy Stephen Curry, and yes I do like women.
Today, several players made their final decisions on whether they would remain eligible for the NBA draft or not. The list of players who removed their names and are going back to school is headlined by: Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, Ty Lawson, and Chase Budinger. Staying in the draft will be: Joe Alexander, J.J. Hickson, DeAndre Jordan, and Bill Walker amongst others.
I'm glad that the UNC crop decided to come back, even though I'm a Duke fan (yeah I said it), and props to Chase Budinger for coming back to play for Lute Olson. But my happiness in certain players returning is overshadowed by my sadness in saying goodbye to those who decided to remain in the draft. Let me start by saying I understand why players leave, whether they need to support their family, or they don't think that their pro stock can grow any larger, but as a fan of college basketball, I want to get the most entertainment value out of these guys as I possibly can.
I'm especially upset about Hickson and Walker. I'll start with J.J. Hickson because I don't feel he reached the slightest bit of his potential as a freshman. He's an undersized 4 with great athleticism and talent, and I think if he would have stuck around for at least one more season with Brandon Costner, Courtney Fells, and a really young, talented roster, N.C. State could have been a real problem for not just the ACC, but the country. I doubt Hickson is worth a lottery pick at this stage in his game, and maybe more exposure, plus progress amongst stiff competition, would elevate his draft status for the future.
Bill Walker, one of my personal favorites. I've been following Bill Walker since he was a Sophomore in high school, getting in on the O.J. Mayo hype. Walker even surpassed his former teammate Mayo (as well as Michael Beasley and co.) as the number 1 player in the High School class of 2007, until he decided to graduate from high school early and access his college eligibility. Walker went to play for Huggy Bear at K-State in November of 2006 and tore the ACL in his left knee just 6 games into the season. Walker played a good Robin to Beasley's Batman in '07-'08, and declared himself eligible for this years draft, but has since injured his right knee during pre-draft workouts. He's decided to remain in the draft, and will probably go from being a top-5 pick, to a lottery pick, to a late first-round pick if he's lucky. I don't know if the money's an issue or not, but what's the rush Bill? If he can stay healthy he can be a pretty good NBA swingman, but why would anyone take a risk on him if he's already had multiple knee injuries and can't even legally buy a beer?
I really don't have a problem with the Joe Alexanders, Mario Chalmers, and Luc Richard Mbah a Moutes, who have accomplished plenty and don't feel their draft stock can rise any higher. But freshmen who have hardly impacted the game? Why? As a basketball freak who knows how talented a lot of these guys are, I am just dumbfounded that some guys leave their environments before establishing themselves as true professional prospects. Gotta go where the money is though I guess.
Those are the issues on the forefront of my mind, well, aside from my burning desire to go to Best Buy and pick up the new Lil Wayne album. I've said my piece...peace.
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