Monday, October 08, 2012
Big Boy Football
This weekend provided the perfect demonstration of why schools from mid-major conferences should never sniff the college football national championship game until there is a playoff1. People say all the time that the so called mid-major football schools like Boise State and TCU have no idea how tough it would be to play a real conference schedule.
This weekend was ample demonstration. The bottom dwellers in powerhouse football conferences, like the SEC and the Big 12, provide an unprecedented degrees of difficulty for schools used to beating up on the little sisters of the poor in conference. Last year while whining about missing out on a BCS bowl, TCU beat New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado State and UNLV en route to winning the Mountain West Conference.
Yesterday in their first season in the Big 12, TCU got beat by Big 12 doormat, Iowa State. Just to give you some perspective, Iowa State is 27 up and 40 down since 2007, and hasn't had a coach finish with a winning record at the school since Earl Bruce, who's tenure ended in 1978. Yet in big time football conferences, everybody is trying to improve every year, and Iowa State has been getting incrementally better under Coach Paul Rhodes.
Hey TCU, this is what big boy football looks like. And Boise State, you are an even bigger joke who would struggle to finish .500 in the PAC-12, let alone the SEC. So please, be quiet and enjoy the Poinsettia Bowl.
We also have a remarkable note from the least of the "big time" football conferences, the ACC. Duke football is 5-1 overall, 2-0 in conference. You want to talk perennial football doldrums?!? Duke hasn't been 5-1 since this year's freshmen were a mere one and two years-old, 1994, when they were still coached by Steve Spurrier. As Mel Allen would say, "Now how about that?"
Notes
1Where if they can earn their way in with victories, more power to them.
This weekend was ample demonstration. The bottom dwellers in powerhouse football conferences, like the SEC and the Big 12, provide an unprecedented degrees of difficulty for schools used to beating up on the little sisters of the poor in conference. Last year while whining about missing out on a BCS bowl, TCU beat New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado State and UNLV en route to winning the Mountain West Conference.
Yesterday in their first season in the Big 12, TCU got beat by Big 12 doormat, Iowa State. Just to give you some perspective, Iowa State is 27 up and 40 down since 2007, and hasn't had a coach finish with a winning record at the school since Earl Bruce, who's tenure ended in 1978. Yet in big time football conferences, everybody is trying to improve every year, and Iowa State has been getting incrementally better under Coach Paul Rhodes.
Hey TCU, this is what big boy football looks like. And Boise State, you are an even bigger joke who would struggle to finish .500 in the PAC-12, let alone the SEC. So please, be quiet and enjoy the Poinsettia Bowl.
We also have a remarkable note from the least of the "big time" football conferences, the ACC. Duke football is 5-1 overall, 2-0 in conference. You want to talk perennial football doldrums?!? Duke hasn't been 5-1 since this year's freshmen were a mere one and two years-old, 1994, when they were still coached by Steve Spurrier. As Mel Allen would say, "Now how about that?"
Notes
1Where if they can earn their way in with victories, more power to them.
Labels: college football, NCAA, sports
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Class of 2013: NBA Free Agents
Basketball junkies, we know you are jonesing, our friends from the Eastside Perspective give you a head start on the class of 2013: NBA Free Agents...
by: Alex Young
If you followed the NBA at all last summer, you learned that Dwight Howard did not want to play in Orlando. This was hard for new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan as Dwight was the centerpiece of the team. However, Howard is not the first time a superstar has held a team in suspense with his impending free agency. In past years, we saw players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Deron Williams torment their respective teams’ fan bases by refusing to sign extensions.
So what should a GM do? Should he let the season play out and hope that the player re-signs with them? Should he trade the player and get as much as he can before he ends up with nothing? Should he trade for more talent in order to appease the player? The answer varies with each case, and will be on the minds of fans and management this season.
Here is a list of top players that are on the verge of going into free agency and what would be in the best interest of their current team:
Chris Paul: Many Clippers fans were alarmed at the news that Chris Paul turned down a three-year/$60 million dollar contract extension during the summer. While this may signify that Paul wants to leave, Paul stands to make a five-year/$105 million maximum contract should he let his current deal expire. Clearly, it is in Chris Paul’s best interests to at least test the waters of free agency. Chris Paul also has brought the drama before, having pushed his way out of New Orleans before last season. The Clippers are wondering if the rejected extension is merely a business maneuver or a sign of things to come.
What the Clippers should do: The Clippers have to have a big season in order to keep their star point guard interested. That may be difficult considering that Blake Griffin just had knee surgery. The team might have to make a trade for some more talent to show that they are more committed to having Chris Paul than their competition - suitors such as the Knicks and the Hawks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Harden: Oklahoma City may have too much talent. While many would consider this a first-world problem, it becomes an issue when you have to pay all of that talent. Between Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Harden, they have four players who are worthy of huge contracts in the NBA. The Thunder have already locked up Durant and Westbrook for the long term and just signed Serge Ibaka to a four-year/$48 million extension. James Harden may have to be left out if the Thunder wish to keep at or below the $58 million salary cap. Also, Harden has a chance to be a star on another team instead of taking his bench role on OKC.
What the Thunder should do: GM Sam Presti needs to convince Harden to give up money for winning. Presti could try to trade Harden for draft picks and players, yet that would disrupt the chemistry of a team that is already on the brink of winning a title. The Thunder are no longer playing to win in the future, they are playing to win now. For that reason, it may be worth it to keep Harden for the year, even if the Thunder fear that he may leave.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Bynum: The second prize of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes came in Andrew Bynum going to the 76ers. Like Paul, Bynum can make more money over a longer period of time should he choose to become a free agent. When he was introduced by the 76ers, Bynum seemed pleased by the fans cheering his name and stated that he might sign long-term with the team. Bynum also has the chance to be a franchise player instead of being overshadowed by Kobe in L.A.
So why would the 76ers be nervous? First, Andrew Bynum has always been somewhat hard to deal with, read: he has issues. He has checked out of games with the Lakers and it is hard to tell what Bynum’s intentions really are. Second, fans in Philadelphia are merciless. They have done everything from throwing batteries at games to booing Santa Claus. If Bynum is not giving full effort, the fans will certainly let him know. If Andrew Bynum does not want to take criticism, he has the option of leaving.
What the Sixers should do: There is more evidence that points to Andrew Bynum staying than leaving in Philadelphia. If the Sixers are willing to deal with him, then they can probably re-sign Bynum without too much drama.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While you may not get to witness a soap opera like the Dwight Howard saga any time soon, the 2013 class of free agents will bring its fair share of tension to their fans’ lives.
Will these teams be able to keep their stars? Only time will tell...
Read more great sports and music articles from the Eastside Perspective here.
by: Alex Young
If you followed the NBA at all last summer, you learned that Dwight Howard did not want to play in Orlando. This was hard for new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan as Dwight was the centerpiece of the team. However, Howard is not the first time a superstar has held a team in suspense with his impending free agency. In past years, we saw players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Deron Williams torment their respective teams’ fan bases by refusing to sign extensions.
So what should a GM do? Should he let the season play out and hope that the player re-signs with them? Should he trade the player and get as much as he can before he ends up with nothing? Should he trade for more talent in order to appease the player? The answer varies with each case, and will be on the minds of fans and management this season.
Here is a list of top players that are on the verge of going into free agency and what would be in the best interest of their current team:
Chris Paul: Many Clippers fans were alarmed at the news that Chris Paul turned down a three-year/$60 million dollar contract extension during the summer. While this may signify that Paul wants to leave, Paul stands to make a five-year/$105 million maximum contract should he let his current deal expire. Clearly, it is in Chris Paul’s best interests to at least test the waters of free agency. Chris Paul also has brought the drama before, having pushed his way out of New Orleans before last season. The Clippers are wondering if the rejected extension is merely a business maneuver or a sign of things to come.
What the Clippers should do: The Clippers have to have a big season in order to keep their star point guard interested. That may be difficult considering that Blake Griffin just had knee surgery. The team might have to make a trade for some more talent to show that they are more committed to having Chris Paul than their competition - suitors such as the Knicks and the Hawks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Harden: Oklahoma City may have too much talent. While many would consider this a first-world problem, it becomes an issue when you have to pay all of that talent. Between Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Harden, they have four players who are worthy of huge contracts in the NBA. The Thunder have already locked up Durant and Westbrook for the long term and just signed Serge Ibaka to a four-year/$48 million extension. James Harden may have to be left out if the Thunder wish to keep at or below the $58 million salary cap. Also, Harden has a chance to be a star on another team instead of taking his bench role on OKC.
What the Thunder should do: GM Sam Presti needs to convince Harden to give up money for winning. Presti could try to trade Harden for draft picks and players, yet that would disrupt the chemistry of a team that is already on the brink of winning a title. The Thunder are no longer playing to win in the future, they are playing to win now. For that reason, it may be worth it to keep Harden for the year, even if the Thunder fear that he may leave.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andrew Bynum: The second prize of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes came in Andrew Bynum going to the 76ers. Like Paul, Bynum can make more money over a longer period of time should he choose to become a free agent. When he was introduced by the 76ers, Bynum seemed pleased by the fans cheering his name and stated that he might sign long-term with the team. Bynum also has the chance to be a franchise player instead of being overshadowed by Kobe in L.A.
So why would the 76ers be nervous? First, Andrew Bynum has always been somewhat hard to deal with, read: he has issues. He has checked out of games with the Lakers and it is hard to tell what Bynum’s intentions really are. Second, fans in Philadelphia are merciless. They have done everything from throwing batteries at games to booing Santa Claus. If Bynum is not giving full effort, the fans will certainly let him know. If Andrew Bynum does not want to take criticism, he has the option of leaving.
What the Sixers should do: There is more evidence that points to Andrew Bynum staying than leaving in Philadelphia. If the Sixers are willing to deal with him, then they can probably re-sign Bynum without too much drama.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While you may not get to witness a soap opera like the Dwight Howard saga any time soon, the 2013 class of free agents will bring its fair share of tension to their fans’ lives.
Will these teams be able to keep their stars? Only time will tell...
Read more great sports and music articles from the Eastside Perspective here.
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, sports
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Great Durhamerican Pastime
Clarion Content feature writer, Ned Phillips, aka the Cozmik Gangsta, travels down that oh so American road, "Memory Lane," with a Durham institution, our beloved Bulls.
New memories made fresh here daily...
The Great Durhamerican Pastime
by Ned Phillips
The Durham Bulls season is winding down and for the first time in six years, there will be no division championship or playoff run. On September 1, at 7:05pm, the first pitch of the last game will be thrown at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. So whether you’re on a first date or a last date, I advise that you get out to the ballpark, partake in tradition and enjoy one of the most exciting, affordable experiences our fair city has to offer.
Going to the Durham Bulls games are among my earliest childhood memories. Decked out in my Little League uniform, glove in hand, hoping to be recognized as an elite ball player (I stunk), I strutted about as if I was ready to be called in from the bullpen at any moment. My cool was shattered only by the occasional interaction with his hairiness, Wool E. Bull, who reduced me from big time athlete to giddy fan boy.
To make myself useful between fly ball scrambles, I’d mark every single pitch thrown on the scorecard included with the program. My statistical analysis gave me a sense of importance. I could understand the grunts and signals from the umpire while my accuracy and commitment to the scorecard made me believe that I was, in some small way, contributing to the victory. However, in time, I discovered the Bulls had an entire team of statisticians and it was, in fact, dorky to wear your uniform to the game. Being a mature nine years of age, decided I‘d rather be dead than caught attending the game in knee-high baseball socks.
By fourth grade, the Old Durham Athletic Park had become a stimulating social engagement. Suddenly I was more interested in making the rounds at the stadium, finding friends, meeting new ones and having as many adventures as possible became the focus of my evening. It was a schoolboy’s night on the town, the equivalent of, I don’t know, going to the club: there was excitement, danger and loud music. It was sensory overload, flavored with the intoxicating scent of the fairer sex and cinnamon glazed pretzels.
On top of providing me with situations to improve my interpersonal skills, baseball outings taught me simple economics. The old DAP was one of the first places I ever spent my own money. Coupled with a small loan from the Bank of Mom, I made my allowance go the distance at the Bulls game. I’d happily exchange a few crinkled, sweaty bills for some sweet drinks with varying degrees of slurpability. But the fact that over expenditure on slushies and funnel cake meant no cheese for a Flying Burrito made for a harsh realization that was never easy to swallow. The Bank of Mom’s refusal to re-finance was tough love at its finest, but as a result I developed a system of food rotation that Adam Smith would have appreciated.
The ballpark is a big place when you’re four feet tall and I began to see it as some sort of crazy American sociological experiment. It is after all one of the few places society has deemed it ok for wide-eyed, innocent children to mingle about with leathery old drunks. Who you are at school or work, takes a back seat to your status as a fan when you’re at the game. At this social crossroads, I watched the melting pot of people, absorbing as much I could about the complex mystery that is human race.
And what is baseball if not a metaphor for life? During our numbered innings on this earth we get a few at bats, a couple chances to do something great. Sometimes we strike out. But sometimes, with enough focus, skill and luck we get a hit. Maybe it’s just a base hit, one to get on and set the stage for later plays. Maybe it drives in a run for one of our teammates. Perhaps we even sacrificed a fly to get them there. And in the rare but beautiful instance that we really connect and send it out of the park, we take the slow trot; touch every bag at our leisure, reflecting at our own pace because we know who’s waiting at home to celebrate.
In baseball, as in life, remember that some things are out of your control. You can blame the weather, the crowd or the stock market, but they are only distractions. The details matter. A white lie, can blow up in your face, just as fast as a whopper of a tall tale. A tiny error or an inch can determine the outcome. But every day begins anew and new opportunities abound. Baseball internalizes the grand old saws, takes them as obvious re-affirmable truths, ‘this is the first day of the rest of your life’ … ‘a journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” When you come up to the plate your previous at-bats no longer matter. The mano y mano, confrontation, solitary pitcher, tiny, hard, white spherical object grasped in hand, batter, two-tenths of a second to decide, “Is that coming at my face, should I swing, is it outside?” Yet, there’s no time limit and until the final out is called anything is possible. Victory will be sweet and defeat crushing. Your team will be there to pick you up, win or lose. And something unpredictable happens every day.
Aside from the dazzling Ozzie Smithesque acrobatics that can happen at any moment a ball is put in play, for me the best part of baseball are those Ol’ West style gunslinger duels between pitcher and batter. Sixty feet, six inches. One on one, over and over again, for every Benny Rodriguez trying to crush homers and round the bases, there’s a Nuke Laloosh on the mound, breathing through his eyelids like a Galapagos Island lava lizard, straining with every ounce of their being to smite The Jet in the batter’s box. Like two samurai, this is a confrontation rooted tradition and precision. They have been playing the game for 150 years, and yet, today, a single swing can make all the difference.
There is a palpable mysticism that surrounds the game. How did the designer of the infield diamond know the average foot speed of the runners and throwing velocity of the fielders in order create the ideal distance between home plate and first base, resulting in so many close plays? How about second base, who foresaw that one-hundred and twenty feet was just far enough to create the drama of the stolen base? People in baseball always talk about “respecting the game”- the game is an institution, writ large into the American psyche and the narrative of our history and popular culture, bigger than any single player, team or individual.
Like me, the Durham Bulls outgrew their old digs and moved into a beautiful new facility a few blocks south in downtown. While the new, modern cathedral can hold a bigger crowd and has more places to park it lacks the romance of the old DAP (something I rediscovered there in 1998 when Clarence Carter performed “Strokin’ at the Blues festival.)
Now a full-grown man (by some measures) I still find that same excitement, the thrill and fascination at the Bulls games. This year, on opening night, I ran into the same crowd of friends I went to those fourth grade games with. They had on their crusty old Bulls’ hats that they’d had for God knows how long, the ones that only get worn out of the house on game days. We found some seats behind home plate where we could adequately taunt pitchers, belly-itchers and the visiting batters on deck. Close by a father was explaining the pitch count to his daughter and a on the other side of us a young couple nuzzled, oblivious to happenings on the diamond. I realized our slushies had turned to beer and we were now the beer swilling maniacs we had once been amused by as children. Feelings of nostalgic youth swirled with the realities of the present. And I smiled, because I knew for the rest of my life, whatever else is happening in the world, the Bulls will be playing baseball in the summertime.
New memories made fresh here daily...
The Great Durhamerican Pastime
by Ned Phillips
The Durham Bulls season is winding down and for the first time in six years, there will be no division championship or playoff run. On September 1, at 7:05pm, the first pitch of the last game will be thrown at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. So whether you’re on a first date or a last date, I advise that you get out to the ballpark, partake in tradition and enjoy one of the most exciting, affordable experiences our fair city has to offer.
Going to the Durham Bulls games are among my earliest childhood memories. Decked out in my Little League uniform, glove in hand, hoping to be recognized as an elite ball player (I stunk), I strutted about as if I was ready to be called in from the bullpen at any moment. My cool was shattered only by the occasional interaction with his hairiness, Wool E. Bull, who reduced me from big time athlete to giddy fan boy.
To make myself useful between fly ball scrambles, I’d mark every single pitch thrown on the scorecard included with the program. My statistical analysis gave me a sense of importance. I could understand the grunts and signals from the umpire while my accuracy and commitment to the scorecard made me believe that I was, in some small way, contributing to the victory. However, in time, I discovered the Bulls had an entire team of statisticians and it was, in fact, dorky to wear your uniform to the game. Being a mature nine years of age, decided I‘d rather be dead than caught attending the game in knee-high baseball socks.
By fourth grade, the Old Durham Athletic Park had become a stimulating social engagement. Suddenly I was more interested in making the rounds at the stadium, finding friends, meeting new ones and having as many adventures as possible became the focus of my evening. It was a schoolboy’s night on the town, the equivalent of, I don’t know, going to the club: there was excitement, danger and loud music. It was sensory overload, flavored with the intoxicating scent of the fairer sex and cinnamon glazed pretzels.
On top of providing me with situations to improve my interpersonal skills, baseball outings taught me simple economics. The old DAP was one of the first places I ever spent my own money. Coupled with a small loan from the Bank of Mom, I made my allowance go the distance at the Bulls game. I’d happily exchange a few crinkled, sweaty bills for some sweet drinks with varying degrees of slurpability. But the fact that over expenditure on slushies and funnel cake meant no cheese for a Flying Burrito made for a harsh realization that was never easy to swallow. The Bank of Mom’s refusal to re-finance was tough love at its finest, but as a result I developed a system of food rotation that Adam Smith would have appreciated.
The ballpark is a big place when you’re four feet tall and I began to see it as some sort of crazy American sociological experiment. It is after all one of the few places society has deemed it ok for wide-eyed, innocent children to mingle about with leathery old drunks. Who you are at school or work, takes a back seat to your status as a fan when you’re at the game. At this social crossroads, I watched the melting pot of people, absorbing as much I could about the complex mystery that is human race.
And what is baseball if not a metaphor for life? During our numbered innings on this earth we get a few at bats, a couple chances to do something great. Sometimes we strike out. But sometimes, with enough focus, skill and luck we get a hit. Maybe it’s just a base hit, one to get on and set the stage for later plays. Maybe it drives in a run for one of our teammates. Perhaps we even sacrificed a fly to get them there. And in the rare but beautiful instance that we really connect and send it out of the park, we take the slow trot; touch every bag at our leisure, reflecting at our own pace because we know who’s waiting at home to celebrate.
In baseball, as in life, remember that some things are out of your control. You can blame the weather, the crowd or the stock market, but they are only distractions. The details matter. A white lie, can blow up in your face, just as fast as a whopper of a tall tale. A tiny error or an inch can determine the outcome. But every day begins anew and new opportunities abound. Baseball internalizes the grand old saws, takes them as obvious re-affirmable truths, ‘this is the first day of the rest of your life’ … ‘a journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.” When you come up to the plate your previous at-bats no longer matter. The mano y mano, confrontation, solitary pitcher, tiny, hard, white spherical object grasped in hand, batter, two-tenths of a second to decide, “Is that coming at my face, should I swing, is it outside?” Yet, there’s no time limit and until the final out is called anything is possible. Victory will be sweet and defeat crushing. Your team will be there to pick you up, win or lose. And something unpredictable happens every day.
Aside from the dazzling Ozzie Smithesque acrobatics that can happen at any moment a ball is put in play, for me the best part of baseball are those Ol’ West style gunslinger duels between pitcher and batter. Sixty feet, six inches. One on one, over and over again, for every Benny Rodriguez trying to crush homers and round the bases, there’s a Nuke Laloosh on the mound, breathing through his eyelids like a Galapagos Island lava lizard, straining with every ounce of their being to smite The Jet in the batter’s box. Like two samurai, this is a confrontation rooted tradition and precision. They have been playing the game for 150 years, and yet, today, a single swing can make all the difference.
There is a palpable mysticism that surrounds the game. How did the designer of the infield diamond know the average foot speed of the runners and throwing velocity of the fielders in order create the ideal distance between home plate and first base, resulting in so many close plays? How about second base, who foresaw that one-hundred and twenty feet was just far enough to create the drama of the stolen base? People in baseball always talk about “respecting the game”- the game is an institution, writ large into the American psyche and the narrative of our history and popular culture, bigger than any single player, team or individual.
Like me, the Durham Bulls outgrew their old digs and moved into a beautiful new facility a few blocks south in downtown. While the new, modern cathedral can hold a bigger crowd and has more places to park it lacks the romance of the old DAP (something I rediscovered there in 1998 when Clarence Carter performed “Strokin’ at the Blues festival.)
Now a full-grown man (by some measures) I still find that same excitement, the thrill and fascination at the Bulls games. This year, on opening night, I ran into the same crowd of friends I went to those fourth grade games with. They had on their crusty old Bulls’ hats that they’d had for God knows how long, the ones that only get worn out of the house on game days. We found some seats behind home plate where we could adequately taunt pitchers, belly-itchers and the visiting batters on deck. Close by a father was explaining the pitch count to his daughter and a on the other side of us a young couple nuzzled, oblivious to happenings on the diamond. I realized our slushies had turned to beer and we were now the beer swilling maniacs we had once been amused by as children. Feelings of nostalgic youth swirled with the realities of the present. And I smiled, because I knew for the rest of my life, whatever else is happening in the world, the Bulls will be playing baseball in the summertime.
Labels: baseball, Durham, Ned Phillips, Pop Culture, sports
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Bad crash
While this is probably less scary to most of our readers than our story the other day about the flight out of Newark Airport that lost an engine in a fireball on takeoff Saturday night, it is a chilling sight.
Nascar veteran, Mark Martin, gets caught up in traffic and there is a spinout in front of him. He is collected in the crash, and his car whips on to pit row. The angle is so odd and so atypical, that suddenly he is in severe danger. The back entrance to pit row, the way the drivers go behind the pit wall is not padded. It is a concrete abutment. Martin smashes into it hard, just behind the driver's seat. At the 1 minute 30 second mark of the video, you can see oil shoot from underneath the car.
Martin walked away, very lucky he wasn't a fireball.
Nascar veteran, Mark Martin, gets caught up in traffic and there is a spinout in front of him. He is collected in the crash, and his car whips on to pit row. The angle is so odd and so atypical, that suddenly he is in severe danger. The back entrance to pit row, the way the drivers go behind the pit wall is not padded. It is a concrete abutment. Martin smashes into it hard, just behind the driver's seat. At the 1 minute 30 second mark of the video, you can see oil shoot from underneath the car.
Martin walked away, very lucky he wasn't a fireball.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Durham Dodgeball starts Wednesday
Full disclosure, the Clarion Content is helping promote the co-ed Durham Adult Dodgeball1 League this year. And while we don't want to get drilled in the head,2 even by what the organizers assure us is halfway between a nerf ball and a volleyball, it looks like it would be fun for you.
You can register all the way up until the start of the first games of the season, Wednesday night, by emailing Cindy@kickball.com.
It is co-ed and twenty-one plus. Our old friends at Devine's Sports Bar are sponsoring the after parties.
Here are some pictures of the exhibition game that took place last week.
Oh yeah.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Notes
1Dodgeball is just that hip kind of Durham thing; but don't worry, you won't get sent to the principal's office like the LiLa guys.
2Kidding. Headhunting is against the rules.
You can register all the way up until the start of the first games of the season, Wednesday night, by emailing Cindy@kickball.com.
It is co-ed and twenty-one plus. Our old friends at Devine's Sports Bar are sponsoring the after parties.
Here are some pictures of the exhibition game that took place last week.
Oh yeah.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Photos graciously provided to the Clarion Content by Alicia Towler.
Notes
1Dodgeball is just that hip kind of Durham thing; but don't worry, you won't get sent to the principal's office like the LiLa guys.
2Kidding. Headhunting is against the rules.
Labels: Durham, Pop Culture, sports
Thursday, August 09, 2012
DBL Playoffs and All-Star Game
The Clarion Content has been telling you all season long about the wonderful folks over at the Don's Basketball League. Now you have two final chances to come out and see for yourselves.
The DBL playoffs are Friday all day, starting at 9am. One single $10 ticket admits you to all eleven games, kids under twelve are only a $1.
It is top notch Durham youth basketball and your second to last chance to hear the Clarion Content's editor do play-by-play basketball commentary.
Your final chance will be Saturday evening at 7.30pm for the DBL All-Star games. All the league's best players will be on the court showcasing their skills.
Both days events held at Mt. Zion Christian Church, #3519 Fayetteville Street, Durham, 27707.
The DBL playoffs are Friday all day, starting at 9am. One single $10 ticket admits you to all eleven games, kids under twelve are only a $1.
It is top notch Durham youth basketball and your second to last chance to hear the Clarion Content's editor do play-by-play basketball commentary.
Your final chance will be Saturday evening at 7.30pm for the DBL All-Star games. All the league's best players will be on the court showcasing their skills.
Both days events held at Mt. Zion Christian Church, #3519 Fayetteville Street, Durham, 27707.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Durham Dodgeball
Word on the street is that there is a Durham adult Dodgeball1 league starting this month. There is a free exhibition game, open to all, next Wednesday the 15th, with the real games starting, Wednesday, August 22nd.
It is co-ed and twenty-one plus. Our old friends at Devine's Sports Bar2 are sponsoring the after parties. There is no head hunting allowed, before after or during games.
Notes
1Dodgeball is just that hip kind of Durham thing; but don't worry, you won't get sent to the principal's office like the LiLa guys.
2Devine's is a Durham institution. It has been on Main Street so long that the owner, Gene Devine, has pictures of himself in front of the building with Steve Spurrier, when Spurrier was coaching Duke. A low-profile, no-frills watering hole, it is the Clarion Content's favorite Durham bar to watch baseball...and right at the top of the list of places to catch a Duke game, too.
It is co-ed and twenty-one plus. Our old friends at Devine's Sports Bar2 are sponsoring the after parties. There is no head hunting allowed, before after or during games.
Notes
1Dodgeball is just that hip kind of Durham thing; but don't worry, you won't get sent to the principal's office like the LiLa guys.
2Devine's is a Durham institution. It has been on Main Street so long that the owner, Gene Devine, has pictures of himself in front of the building with Steve Spurrier, when Spurrier was coaching Duke. A low-profile, no-frills watering hole, it is the Clarion Content's favorite Durham bar to watch baseball...and right at the top of the list of places to catch a Duke game, too.
Labels: Durham, Pop Culture, sports
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Girls Engineering Change
This charity arm wrestling tournament benefits friends of the Clarion Content, Engineering World Health through Girls Engineering Change.
Engineering World Health finds innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges impacting health care in developing countries.
Engineering World Health improves capacity in developing countries for management of medical technologies and helps distribute medical technologies to resource-poor places.
Engineering World Health finds innovative solutions to overcome technical challenges impacting health care in developing countries.
Engineering World Health improves capacity in developing countries for management of medical technologies and helps distribute medical technologies to resource-poor places.
Labels: Durham, Pop Culture, sports
Monday, July 02, 2012
The Top 5 NBA Free Agents
The Top 5 NBA Free Agents
by: STEPHEN VARNUM
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
The East Side Perspective, a Clarion Content partner, is an up and coming sports and music website published in Chapel Hill.
For more great articles from the East Side Perspective, check here.
Sleeper Pick: Brandon Roy
Before I count down the top five free agents, I had to put Roy in the mix. Prior to his knees blowing up, along with just about every other part of his body over the past two years, this guy was largely considered to be the one of the best players in the NBA. Heck, even Meta Ron-Ron said he was the hardest player to guard in the NBA, over players like Lebron and Kobe. This guy use to be one of my favorite players, and I expect him to have a GREAT NBA comeback, similar to Grant Hill's comeback.1
1. Deron Williams, G, Brooklyn Nets:
Clearly the best player in the modest free agent class of 2012. Fortunately for any team named the Nets or the Mavericks, Deron Williams is on the market. Williams is a 3-time All-Star looking to put the pieces back together after getting blindsided by a trade in 2011. A BIG point guard capable of scoring and making plays for others, he's the one true star in this class who is in the prime of his career. He's one of the best point guards in the league and will dramatically increase the win total for either the Nets or Mavs.
2. Eric Gordon, G, New Orleans Hornets:
Gordon sat out a vast majority of the 2011-12 season with a knee injury, but his ability to score and shoot will command a maximum salary offer (or close to it). Sources are saying that Gordon wants to stay with the Hornets, but depending on how draft day goes and if there any block buster trades, I wouldn't be surprised to see this guy go elsewhere. As a fan, I would love to see him in a Celtics uniform, especially if Ray Allen decides to move to another team.
3. Steve Nash, G, Phoenix Suns:
Nash is the ultimate professional. He says he doesn't judge his career on rings and says that he would love to end his career with the Suns. Nash, however, will at least test the market as an unrestricted free agent, facing a difficult decision: Do I want to remain loyal like a Kobe or Paul Pierce? Unfortunately, he won't win a championship that way, as Suns owner Robert Sarver is committed to running the team into the ground. Or shall I take my talents elsewhere, and join a team ready to make a run at the finals? He's 38 years old, so the decision needs to be made soon.2
4. KG, F, Boston Celtics:
The 36 year-old power forward is a free agent again. The perennial All-Star, Garnett, was moved to the center position as the Celtics were hit with a slew of injuries in 2011-12. He excelled as a result during the regular season and he posted consistent 20 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs and had Boston within one win of an appearance in the 2012 NBA Finals. The only teams involved with KG will be the Celtics and Father Time.
5. Roy Hibbert, C, Indiana Pacers:
Free agency couldn't come at a better time for Hibbert, who had a big stage to shine on during Indiana's postseason run after posting career-best numbers (12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks). The guy will probably see lots of digits on his next paycheck, and those digits are well deserved. This guy has proved me wrong and I wasn't sure if he had this type of talent; touche Hibbert, touche.
Honorable Mention: Ray Allen, Javale McGee, Jason Terry, OJ Mayo, Tim Duncan
Notes
1The editorial staff isn't buying this one. We expect him to have a comeback a lot like Manny Ramirez's comeback for the A's this year. Roy is done.
2Some folks are trying to play the Canadian card, eh? Convinced that in a fit of patriotic fervor Nash will sign with lowly Raptors. The editorial staff thinks there is an equally good chance he signs with the Tottenham Hotspurs.
by: STEPHEN VARNUM
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
The East Side Perspective, a Clarion Content partner, is an up and coming sports and music website published in Chapel Hill.
For more great articles from the East Side Perspective, check here.
Sleeper Pick: Brandon Roy
Before I count down the top five free agents, I had to put Roy in the mix. Prior to his knees blowing up, along with just about every other part of his body over the past two years, this guy was largely considered to be the one of the best players in the NBA. Heck, even Meta Ron-Ron said he was the hardest player to guard in the NBA, over players like Lebron and Kobe. This guy use to be one of my favorite players, and I expect him to have a GREAT NBA comeback, similar to Grant Hill's comeback.1
1. Deron Williams, G, Brooklyn Nets:
Clearly the best player in the modest free agent class of 2012. Fortunately for any team named the Nets or the Mavericks, Deron Williams is on the market. Williams is a 3-time All-Star looking to put the pieces back together after getting blindsided by a trade in 2011. A BIG point guard capable of scoring and making plays for others, he's the one true star in this class who is in the prime of his career. He's one of the best point guards in the league and will dramatically increase the win total for either the Nets or Mavs.
2. Eric Gordon, G, New Orleans Hornets:
Gordon sat out a vast majority of the 2011-12 season with a knee injury, but his ability to score and shoot will command a maximum salary offer (or close to it). Sources are saying that Gordon wants to stay with the Hornets, but depending on how draft day goes and if there any block buster trades, I wouldn't be surprised to see this guy go elsewhere. As a fan, I would love to see him in a Celtics uniform, especially if Ray Allen decides to move to another team.
3. Steve Nash, G, Phoenix Suns:
Nash is the ultimate professional. He says he doesn't judge his career on rings and says that he would love to end his career with the Suns. Nash, however, will at least test the market as an unrestricted free agent, facing a difficult decision: Do I want to remain loyal like a Kobe or Paul Pierce? Unfortunately, he won't win a championship that way, as Suns owner Robert Sarver is committed to running the team into the ground. Or shall I take my talents elsewhere, and join a team ready to make a run at the finals? He's 38 years old, so the decision needs to be made soon.2
4. KG, F, Boston Celtics:
The 36 year-old power forward is a free agent again. The perennial All-Star, Garnett, was moved to the center position as the Celtics were hit with a slew of injuries in 2011-12. He excelled as a result during the regular season and he posted consistent 20 points and 10 rebounds in the playoffs and had Boston within one win of an appearance in the 2012 NBA Finals. The only teams involved with KG will be the Celtics and Father Time.
5. Roy Hibbert, C, Indiana Pacers:
Free agency couldn't come at a better time for Hibbert, who had a big stage to shine on during Indiana's postseason run after posting career-best numbers (12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks). The guy will probably see lots of digits on his next paycheck, and those digits are well deserved. This guy has proved me wrong and I wasn't sure if he had this type of talent; touche Hibbert, touche.
Honorable Mention: Ray Allen, Javale McGee, Jason Terry, OJ Mayo, Tim Duncan
Notes
1The editorial staff isn't buying this one. We expect him to have a comeback a lot like Manny Ramirez's comeback for the A's this year. Roy is done.
2Some folks are trying to play the Canadian card, eh? Convinced that in a fit of patriotic fervor Nash will sign with lowly Raptors. The editorial staff thinks there is an equally good chance he signs with the Tottenham Hotspurs.
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, Predictions, sports
Sunday, July 01, 2012
Interesting Sports Links
Looking for a couple of good sports articles this Sunday morning?
We have got a pair. (NO pun intended.)
Will this man look more familiar one day?
First, how about Tiger Woods playing before the smallest galleries of his professional career? After a tremendous storm passed through Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland Friday night, Saturday's round was played with only essential volunteers and family/entourage members permitted on course. Tiger played in front of less than 100 people. No camera clicking in his backswing yesterday. Third round leader Brendon de Jonge, made a gorgeous birdie on the twelfth, seen by exactly one spectator, fellow player, Hunter Mahan's wife.
Unbelievable. Read the whole story here from the Associated Press.
Our next story is a follow on to our NBA draft coverage. Great job, by the by, from our friends at The Eastside Perspective finding highlights on all the potential first round picks. Here we want to refer to an interesting link discussing the best players not drafted Thursday night.
At the top of Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports list is West Virginia's Kevin Jones, a second-team All-American last season who scored 19.9 pts per game while shooting over 50% from the field and grabbing almost 11 rebounds per game. Pretty darn good, right? NBA scouts labeled him a tweener at 6' 8". He went undrafted.
The player who tops the Clarion Content's list of "Most likely to Succeed" of the undrafted is Scott Machado of Iona. As a senior he averaged 9.9 assists per game on a lowly Iona team and shot over 40% from three-point land. The next Jeremy Lin? Read the whole article here.
We have got a pair. (NO pun intended.)
Will this man look more familiar one day?
First, how about Tiger Woods playing before the smallest galleries of his professional career? After a tremendous storm passed through Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland Friday night, Saturday's round was played with only essential volunteers and family/entourage members permitted on course. Tiger played in front of less than 100 people. No camera clicking in his backswing yesterday. Third round leader Brendon de Jonge, made a gorgeous birdie on the twelfth, seen by exactly one spectator, fellow player, Hunter Mahan's wife.
Unbelievable. Read the whole story here from the Associated Press.
Our next story is a follow on to our NBA draft coverage. Great job, by the by, from our friends at The Eastside Perspective finding highlights on all the potential first round picks. Here we want to refer to an interesting link discussing the best players not drafted Thursday night.
At the top of Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports list is West Virginia's Kevin Jones, a second-team All-American last season who scored 19.9 pts per game while shooting over 50% from the field and grabbing almost 11 rebounds per game. Pretty darn good, right? NBA scouts labeled him a tweener at 6' 8". He went undrafted.
The player who tops the Clarion Content's list of "Most likely to Succeed" of the undrafted is Scott Machado of Iona. As a senior he averaged 9.9 assists per game on a lowly Iona team and shot over 40% from three-point land. The next Jeremy Lin? Read the whole article here.
Labels: college basketball, golf, interesting links, NBA, sports
Thursday, June 28, 2012
NBA Draft Preview, part I
NBA Mock Draft 2012: Picks 1-10
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
As many of you know we have joined forces with the East Side Perspective, an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here. For music articles from the East Side Perspective check here.
We will be co-hosting a sports podcast with the co-founder of The Eastside Perspective, Matthew Creatore, this Fall, featuring plenty of special guest appearances.
The NBA Draft is now just hours away and the experts are starting to question, can the NBA's worst teams really alter their franchise by choosing a single draft gem? Every year - no matter the sport - we wonder if just one player can alter the the upcoming season and score a team the magical playoff berth. The teams in the NBA draft top 10 this season mostly are youthful and inexperienced or have lost major talent at some point during the past two seasons; they'll look to rebound tonight night. Here are The Eastside Perspective's projections for this year's NBA Draft.
Pick #1 - New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis - Kentucky
Pro - Shot blocking ability
Con - Offensive game (Relied heavily on alley oops and put-backs)
Pick #2 - Charlotte Bobcats - Thomas Robinson - Kansas
Pro - Rebounding Ability, Work Ethic
Con - Size (6' 9")
Pick #3 - Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal - Florida
Pro - Shooting Range
Con - Needs to learn to create his own jump shot via the dribble
Pick #4 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Kentucky
Pro - Size, Work Ethic, Gets easy shots at the rim, Defense
Con - Shooting, Ball Handling
Pick #5 - Sacramento Kings - Harrison Barnes - North Carolina
Pro - Shooting, Defense
Con - Inconsistency
Pick #6 - Portland Trailblazers - Damian Lillard - Weber State
Pro - Shooting, Scoring, FT Percentage
Con - Poor Ast:TO Ratio vs. poor college competition
Pick #7 - Golden State Warriors - Terrence Jones - Kentucky
Pro - Post Defense, Rebounding, Great Shooter for a big man
Con - Relies on his perimeter game too heavily at times
Pick #8 - Toronto Raptors - Austin Rivers - Duke
Pro - Shooting, Ball Handling, Speed and Agility
Con - Forces the issue at times
Pick #9 - Detroit Pistons - John Henson - North Carolina
Pro - Shot Blocking, 12-foot jump shot
Con - Steady not spectacular, FT Shooting
Pick#10 - New Orleans Hornets - Andre Drummond - UConn
Pro - Athleticism, Height
Con - Bust Potential, Lack of Production
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
As many of you know we have joined forces with the East Side Perspective, an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here. For music articles from the East Side Perspective check here.
We will be co-hosting a sports podcast with the co-founder of The Eastside Perspective, Matthew Creatore, this Fall, featuring plenty of special guest appearances.
The NBA Draft is now just hours away and the experts are starting to question, can the NBA's worst teams really alter their franchise by choosing a single draft gem? Every year - no matter the sport - we wonder if just one player can alter the the upcoming season and score a team the magical playoff berth. The teams in the NBA draft top 10 this season mostly are youthful and inexperienced or have lost major talent at some point during the past two seasons; they'll look to rebound tonight night. Here are The Eastside Perspective's projections for this year's NBA Draft.
Pick #1 - New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis - Kentucky
Pro - Shot blocking ability
Con - Offensive game (Relied heavily on alley oops and put-backs)
Pick #2 - Charlotte Bobcats - Thomas Robinson - Kansas
Pro - Rebounding Ability, Work Ethic
Con - Size (6' 9")
Pick #3 - Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal - Florida
Pro - Shooting Range
Con - Needs to learn to create his own jump shot via the dribble
Pick #4 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Kentucky
Pro - Size, Work Ethic, Gets easy shots at the rim, Defense
Con - Shooting, Ball Handling
Pick #5 - Sacramento Kings - Harrison Barnes - North Carolina
Pro - Shooting, Defense
Con - Inconsistency
Pick #6 - Portland Trailblazers - Damian Lillard - Weber State
Pro - Shooting, Scoring, FT Percentage
Con - Poor Ast:TO Ratio vs. poor college competition
Pick #7 - Golden State Warriors - Terrence Jones - Kentucky
Pro - Post Defense, Rebounding, Great Shooter for a big man
Con - Relies on his perimeter game too heavily at times
Pick #8 - Toronto Raptors - Austin Rivers - Duke
Pro - Shooting, Ball Handling, Speed and Agility
Con - Forces the issue at times
Pick #9 - Detroit Pistons - John Henson - North Carolina
Pro - Shot Blocking, 12-foot jump shot
Con - Steady not spectacular, FT Shooting
Pick#10 - New Orleans Hornets - Andre Drummond - UConn
Pro - Athleticism, Height
Con - Bust Potential, Lack of Production
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, Predictions, sports
NBA Draft Preview, part II
NBA Mock Draft 2012: Picks 11-30
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
As many of you know we have joined forces with the East Side Perspective, an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here.
These are The Eastside Perspective's projections for this year's NBA Draft.
If you missed Part I of their NBA Mock Draft 2012: Picks 1-10, check it out here.
2012 Draft Wildcard: The HOUSTON ROCKETS' Action Plan...
Pick#11 - Portland Trail Blazers - Tyler Zeller - North Carolina
Pro - Runs the floor, 8-foot turn around jump hook, Help defense
Con - Strength, Uses left hand well
Pick#12 - Milwaukee Bucks - Dion Waiters - Syracuse
Pro - Shooting, Speed, Length
Con - Undersized SG, Passing
Pick#13 - Phoenix Suns - Kendall Marshall - North Carolina
Pro - Passing, Court vision/Awareness
Con - 1-on-1 Defense
Pick#14 - Houston Rockets - Jeremy Lamb - Connecticut
Pro - 15-18 foot jump shot, Extreme upside potential
Con - Strength, undersized
Pick#15 - Philadelphia 76ers - Perry Jones III - Baylor
Pro - Size, Speed, Athleticism, Rebounding
Con - Emotional issues and Leadership abilities, Low-post skills
Pick#16 - Houston Rockets - Meyers Leonard - Illinois
Pro - Size, Speed, Athleticism, Unselfish
Con - Post skills, Inconsistent desire and motor
Pick#17 - Dallas Mavericks - Terrence Ross - Washington
Pro - Athleticism, Passing, Size
Con - Ball-handling, Defense
Pick#18 - Minnesota Timberwolves - Jared Sullinger - Ohio State
Pro - Post Offense, Strength, Rebounding ability
Con - Defense, Speed, Athleticism
Pick#19 - Orlando Magic - Arnett Moultrie - Mississippi State
Pro - Athleticism, Size, Offensive Post Up, Shot Blocking
Con - Defense in the Lane
Pick#20 - Denver Nuggets - Andrew Nicholson - St.Bonaventure
Pro - Jump Shot, Speed, Size
Con - Rebounding
Pick#21 - Boston Celtics - Moe Harkless - St. John's
Pro - Potential, Quick feet defensively
Con - Passing
Pick#22 - Boston Celtics - Royce White - Iowa State
Pro - Rebounding ability, Strength, Speed
Con - Jump Shot, Trouble with the law
Pick#23 - Atlanta Hawks - Tony Wroten - Washington
Pro - Passing, Size, Speed
Con - Jumper
Pick#24 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Quincy Miller - Baylor
Pro - Size, 12-15 foot jump shot
Con - Speed and Strength
Pick#25 - Memphis Grizzlies - Will Barton - Memphis
Pro - Ability to finish around the rim, Shooting from or near the perimeter
Con - Strength
Pick#26 - Indiana Pacers - John Jenkins - Vanderbilt
Pro - Shooting from beyond the perimeter, Brings leadership, Quick release
Con - Size, Defense
Pick#27 - Miami Heat - Festus Ezeli - Vanderbilt
Pro - Post Defense, strength
Con - Speed, Not much upside potential, Difficult name to pronounce
Pick#28 - Oklahoma City Thunder - Evan Fournier - France
Pro - Passing, Ball-handling, Size
Con - Athleticism
Pick#29 - Chicago Bulls - Doron Lamb - Kentucky
Pro - Spot-up shooting
Con - Size, Potential
Pick#30 - Golden State Warriors - Draymond Green - Michigan St.
Pro - Intangibles-game (Somehow it works REALLY well!), Leadership, Rebounding ability
Con - Future potential, Size
courtesy of: the East Side Perspective
As many of you know we have joined forces with the East Side Perspective, an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here.
These are The Eastside Perspective's projections for this year's NBA Draft.
If you missed Part I of their NBA Mock Draft 2012: Picks 1-10, check it out here.
2012 Draft Wildcard: The HOUSTON ROCKETS' Action Plan...
Pick#11 - Portland Trail Blazers - Tyler Zeller - North Carolina
Pro - Runs the floor, 8-foot turn around jump hook, Help defense
Con - Strength, Uses left hand well
Pick#12 - Milwaukee Bucks - Dion Waiters - Syracuse
Pro - Shooting, Speed, Length
Con - Undersized SG, Passing
Pick#13 - Phoenix Suns - Kendall Marshall - North Carolina
Pro - Passing, Court vision/Awareness
Con - 1-on-1 Defense
Pick#14 - Houston Rockets - Jeremy Lamb - Connecticut
Pro - 15-18 foot jump shot, Extreme upside potential
Con - Strength, undersized
Pick#15 - Philadelphia 76ers - Perry Jones III - Baylor
Pro - Size, Speed, Athleticism, Rebounding
Con - Emotional issues and Leadership abilities, Low-post skills
Pick#16 - Houston Rockets - Meyers Leonard - Illinois
Pro - Size, Speed, Athleticism, Unselfish
Con - Post skills, Inconsistent desire and motor
Pick#17 - Dallas Mavericks - Terrence Ross - Washington
Pro - Athleticism, Passing, Size
Con - Ball-handling, Defense
Pick#18 - Minnesota Timberwolves - Jared Sullinger - Ohio State
Pro - Post Offense, Strength, Rebounding ability
Con - Defense, Speed, Athleticism
Pick#19 - Orlando Magic - Arnett Moultrie - Mississippi State
Pro - Athleticism, Size, Offensive Post Up, Shot Blocking
Con - Defense in the Lane
Pick#20 - Denver Nuggets - Andrew Nicholson - St.Bonaventure
Pro - Jump Shot, Speed, Size
Con - Rebounding
Pick#21 - Boston Celtics - Moe Harkless - St. John's
Pro - Potential, Quick feet defensively
Con - Passing
Pick#22 - Boston Celtics - Royce White - Iowa State
Pro - Rebounding ability, Strength, Speed
Con - Jump Shot, Trouble with the law
Pick#23 - Atlanta Hawks - Tony Wroten - Washington
Pro - Passing, Size, Speed
Con - Jumper
Pick#24 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Quincy Miller - Baylor
Pro - Size, 12-15 foot jump shot
Con - Speed and Strength
Pick#25 - Memphis Grizzlies - Will Barton - Memphis
Pro - Ability to finish around the rim, Shooting from or near the perimeter
Con - Strength
Pick#26 - Indiana Pacers - John Jenkins - Vanderbilt
Pro - Shooting from beyond the perimeter, Brings leadership, Quick release
Con - Size, Defense
Pick#27 - Miami Heat - Festus Ezeli - Vanderbilt
Pro - Post Defense, strength
Con - Speed, Not much upside potential, Difficult name to pronounce
Pick#28 - Oklahoma City Thunder - Evan Fournier - France
Pro - Passing, Ball-handling, Size
Con - Athleticism
Pick#29 - Chicago Bulls - Doron Lamb - Kentucky
Pro - Spot-up shooting
Con - Size, Potential
Pick#30 - Golden State Warriors - Draymond Green - Michigan St.
Pro - Intangibles-game (Somehow it works REALLY well!), Leadership, Rebounding ability
Con - Future potential, Size
Labels: college basketball, NBA, Predictions, sports
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
NBA Finals Preview: Thunders vs. Heat Series Guide
NBA Finals Preview: Thunders vs. Heat Series Guide
special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
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Doesn't this all sound a bit like it was made for television? The stories leading up to this coveted Finals series, the high drama, and the fact that the two teams that made it all the way to these 2012 NBA Finals are, now at the end of the season, the two most intriguing teams to watch?
Flash back to this Christmas - December 25, 2011 - many were saying that this Heat vs. Thunder Finals series was a shoe in. The major headline? None other than who will be the better overall player when all is said and done: Kevin Durant or LeBron James.
Flash back now to July 8, 2010, the day that changed the course of the career of one LeBron James.
The moment James stated his decision on national television was the immediate moment that he undertook such high expectations - certain feats that he is starting to show that he can do. But can he, Wade, and Bosh get the monkey off of their back? Time will tell.
On the other side you've got this team of youth, in OKC, that has proven time and time again that they carry the clutch gene when the game is on the line. Winning in San Antonio is no easy task folks - in fact, in these playoffs, there is only one place harder to play... Oklahoma City.
Clearly the Thunderous scoring trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden poses more of an offensive threat yet not to say that they are the better 'big three.'
I would have to say that OKC's interior may be a big factor in the series. Miami had a tough time guarding KG early on in the Conference Finals however when they went small they were able to get up and down the floor and play "Miami Heat Basketball." An advantage that they may no carry into these Finals.
Will Miami hang their first banner since 2006 and for the first time in the "Big Three" era? Or can Oklahoma City - the favorite with home court advantage - silence the Heat and hang their second banner in franchise history and first in Oklahoma City?
Let's dive right into the dissection of the match up:
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Harden has the clear cut advantage in this match-up. The Heat’s bench averages like 0.1 points per game. If the Thunder’s superstars, Westbrook and Durant, have trouble scoring, Harden comes in and injects the team with energy. If Lebron, Wade, and Bosh are struggling, who comes in to let some of the load off? Nobody.
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Matt's X-Factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder: The play of the Interior (Serge Ibaka, Perk, and Collison)
Stephen's X-Factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant's defense on Lebron (Prince James dominated that Celtics series - KD will not to shut him down if they want to take the series)
Matt's X-Factor for the Miami Heat: The Clutch Gene (No Surprise here, their play in the 4th will decide the series)
Stephen's X-Factor for the Miami Heat: Norris Cole (Cole could make D-Fish work with his quickness and athleticism)
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special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doesn't this all sound a bit like it was made for television? The stories leading up to this coveted Finals series, the high drama, and the fact that the two teams that made it all the way to these 2012 NBA Finals are, now at the end of the season, the two most intriguing teams to watch?
Flash back to this Christmas - December 25, 2011 - many were saying that this Heat vs. Thunder Finals series was a shoe in. The major headline? None other than who will be the better overall player when all is said and done: Kevin Durant or LeBron James.
Flash back now to July 8, 2010, the day that changed the course of the career of one LeBron James.
The moment James stated his decision on national television was the immediate moment that he undertook such high expectations - certain feats that he is starting to show that he can do. But can he, Wade, and Bosh get the monkey off of their back? Time will tell.
On the other side you've got this team of youth, in OKC, that has proven time and time again that they carry the clutch gene when the game is on the line. Winning in San Antonio is no easy task folks - in fact, in these playoffs, there is only one place harder to play... Oklahoma City.
Clearly the Thunderous scoring trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden poses more of an offensive threat yet not to say that they are the better 'big three.'
I would have to say that OKC's interior may be a big factor in the series. Miami had a tough time guarding KG early on in the Conference Finals however when they went small they were able to get up and down the floor and play "Miami Heat Basketball." An advantage that they may no carry into these Finals.
Will Miami hang their first banner since 2006 and for the first time in the "Big Three" era? Or can Oklahoma City - the favorite with home court advantage - silence the Heat and hang their second banner in franchise history and first in Oklahoma City?
Let's dive right into the dissection of the match up:
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DYNAMIC GUARDS
Russell Westbrook vs. Mario Chalmers:
Matt's Advantage: Russell "I'm no fashion adviser" Westbrook
Stephen's Advantage: Russell "No Lenses" Westbrook
I recently read an article on the B/R, that said Mario Chalmers is a top 15-20 PG in this league, that's ludicrious. Chalmers is a good player, no doubt, but he is not a top 15-20 PG. Westbrook will more than likely dominate this matchup. Westbrook's elite athleticism coupled with his deadly mid-range jumper, will be too much for Chalmers. He won't be able to sag off on Westbrook, like he did on Rondo, which I think will tire him out.Thabo Sefolosha vs. Dwayne Wade:
Matt's Advantage : Dwayne "I'm sleeping with the refs" Wade
Stephen's Advantage: Dwayne "I don't show up until the 4th" Wade
Wade is going to be very aggressive in this series. He's coming off an awful sreies against the boys in green, and I believe he doesn't excatly want to play the role of Robin on this team. However, Thabo plays eilte defense and is coming off a series where he absoutely shut down manu giinobli AND Tony Parker. I wouldn't be surprised if Thabo holds Dwade to 20ppg on 30-35% shooting.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE MATCHUP
Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James:
Matt's Advantage: LeBron "Not 4...Not 5...Not 6..." James
Stephen's Advantage: Kevin "KD" Durant
THIS HAD TO BE THE BEST FINALS MATCHUP IN THE PAST DECADE! The best part of this matchup, is that they will actually guard each other. It's the two best players in the game, going head to head, in a epic battle for the Finals' trophy.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BIG MEN
Kendrick Perkins vs. Udonis Haslem:
Matt's Advantage: Udonis "Thug-Life" Haslem
Stephen's Advantage: Kendrick "Perky" Perkins
Neither team has outstanding low post scorers, but both teams’ big men bring different things to the table.
Serge Ibaka vs. Chris Bosh:
Matt's Advantage: A Draw between "King Congo" and "Bosh Spice"
Stephen's Advantage: Serge “Iblaka”
The Thunder; Ibaka and Perk bring possibly the best defensive frontcourt in the league. I wouldn’t expect too much offensive production from the Thunder big men, but expect plenty of defense and toughness, similar to the Celtics frontcourt. Bosh and Haslem on the other hand are undersized PF’s playing the C position. They aren’t going to be called upon to guard legit offense scorers in the post, so their size shouldn’t hurt the Heat. On the offensive side of the ball, both Haslem and Bosh can make the mid-range shot. The only question is whether or not they can make that outside shot consistently to open it up for their superstars.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6th Man Matchup
Shane Battier vs. James Harden:
Matt's Advantage: James "Fear the Damn Beard" Harden
Stephen's Advantage: James "The Bearded Wonder" Harden
Harden has the clear cut advantage in this match-up. The Heat’s bench averages like 0.1 points per game. If the Thunder’s superstars, Westbrook and Durant, have trouble scoring, Harden comes in and injects the team with energy. If Lebron, Wade, and Bosh are struggling, who comes in to let some of the load off? Nobody.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt's X-Factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder: The play of the Interior (Serge Ibaka, Perk, and Collison)
Stephen's X-Factor for the Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant's defense on Lebron (Prince James dominated that Celtics series - KD will not to shut him down if they want to take the series)
Matt's X-Factor for the Miami Heat: The Clutch Gene (No Surprise here, their play in the 4th will decide the series)
Stephen's X-Factor for the Miami Heat: Norris Cole (Cole could make D-Fish work with his quickness and athleticism)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINALS SERIES PREDICTIONS -
Matt's Prediction: Miami in 7
Stephen's Prediction: Thunder in 7
T-minus 24 hours.....
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, sports
Monday, June 11, 2012
A-Rod's off year
Alex Rodriguez is having an off year. Rumors abound that his body is breaking down. While the statistics might lie a bit, the raw figures don't look good.
And, it is not just the power numbers, although, those are abysmal as well. The story is told in his career 162 game averages, the one's which brought him his $30 million a year contract, versus this season's projected numbers.
This is the face the guy who scratches the checks should be making...
Career over 162, A-Rod averages 42 hrs and more than 120 runs scored and 120 runs batted in.
This season in a projected 159 games, he is on pace for 25 hrs, 88 runs scored and 66 runs batted in.
Over career 162: 187 hits and 33 doubles.
This year: 162 hits and only 14 two-baggers.
Over career 162: .564 slugging
This year: .427 slugging
Ouch.
And, it is not just the power numbers, although, those are abysmal as well. The story is told in his career 162 game averages, the one's which brought him his $30 million a year contract, versus this season's projected numbers.
This is the face the guy who scratches the checks should be making...
Career over 162, A-Rod averages 42 hrs and more than 120 runs scored and 120 runs batted in.
This season in a projected 159 games, he is on pace for 25 hrs, 88 runs scored and 66 runs batted in.
Over career 162: 187 hits and 33 doubles.
This year: 162 hits and only 14 two-baggers.
Over career 162: .564 slugging
This year: .427 slugging
Ouch.
The Young Guns vs The Veterans, NBA style
The Young Guns vs The Veterans, NBA style
by Clayton Tinkle
special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This year’s conference finals provide us basketball fans with an age old matchup; The Young Guns versus The Veterans. Let's step back, anyone recall the 92’ NCAA tournament? The “young and immature” Fab Five from Michigan vs. the experienced Duke Blue Devils. Grant Hill and Christian Laettner came out on top in a demolition of the Wolverine’s “Young Guns” . There are other examples, but let’s stick to the games at hand.
While both of the semi-final series pertain the same basic matchup, they couldn’t have started any different. The Miami Heat embraced the role of the Young Gun and jumped out two games to none lead over the Veteran Boston Celtics. On the other side of the country, the exact opposite happened. The San Antonio Spurs spoiled the energetic Thunder’s chance of taking an early lead. The Spurs used flawless fundamentals and execution to take a commanding two game lead of their own.
“That’s why they play the game” -Anyone who ever got a prediction wrong.
Using its youth and fast paced tempo, OKC jumped back with three high scoring wins over San Antonio. In both wins Kevin Durant showed why he was the scoring champ as the Thunder scored over a hundred points in both recent wins. On the other hand, Boston used its nitty gritty toughness and veteran leadership to claw back and tie its series with the youthful Heat at two games a piece - both at home.
We've seen both generations can flex their muscles in different ways. However, my final thoughts are that both sets of Young Guns will outlast the Veterans - Youth will prevail in a best of seven series format. As much as I would like to see Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett square off, I think Kevin Durant and LBJ will be better for the game - headlines will be taken and eyes will be all over the Finals.
Both series go six games, with OKC closing out at home and the Heat will win two straight to close out on the road. However, The Celtics could join the Thunder as the only other teams in NBA history to win games 3, 4 and 5 after losing the first two games.
Then again who knows what’s going to happen? It's the playoffs..
Follow @CD_Tink
by Clayton Tinkle
special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This year’s conference finals provide us basketball fans with an age old matchup; The Young Guns versus The Veterans. Let's step back, anyone recall the 92’ NCAA tournament? The “young and immature” Fab Five from Michigan vs. the experienced Duke Blue Devils. Grant Hill and Christian Laettner came out on top in a demolition of the Wolverine’s “Young Guns” . There are other examples, but let’s stick to the games at hand.
While both of the semi-final series pertain the same basic matchup, they couldn’t have started any different. The Miami Heat embraced the role of the Young Gun and jumped out two games to none lead over the Veteran Boston Celtics. On the other side of the country, the exact opposite happened. The San Antonio Spurs spoiled the energetic Thunder’s chance of taking an early lead. The Spurs used flawless fundamentals and execution to take a commanding two game lead of their own.
“That’s why they play the game” -Anyone who ever got a prediction wrong.
Using its youth and fast paced tempo, OKC jumped back with three high scoring wins over San Antonio. In both wins Kevin Durant showed why he was the scoring champ as the Thunder scored over a hundred points in both recent wins. On the other hand, Boston used its nitty gritty toughness and veteran leadership to claw back and tie its series with the youthful Heat at two games a piece - both at home.
We've seen both generations can flex their muscles in different ways. However, my final thoughts are that both sets of Young Guns will outlast the Veterans - Youth will prevail in a best of seven series format. As much as I would like to see Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett square off, I think Kevin Durant and LBJ will be better for the game - headlines will be taken and eyes will be all over the Finals.
Both series go six games, with OKC closing out at home and the Heat will win two straight to close out on the road. However, The Celtics could join the Thunder as the only other teams in NBA history to win games 3, 4 and 5 after losing the first two games.
Then again who knows what’s going to happen? It's the playoffs..
Follow @CD_Tink
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, Predictions, sports
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Top NBA Playoff Rookie Performances
Top NBA Playoff Rookie Performances
by Stephen Varnum
special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So we are down to 4 teams left in the NBA playoffs: Thunders vs Spurs, Celtics vs Heat. How did they get there? Well, of course, the best players usually step up their game in the NBA playoffs. You can usually expect your veterans, your all-stars, and your superstars to bring all they got in the playoffs. One of the major question marks a coach has to worry about in the playoffs is what am I going to get from my rookies?
Rookies can be unpredictable. Some contribute right away and show incredible promise during the season, but when they being their playoff career...they sometimes tend to crack under the pressure. Some didn't contribute all that much during the season, but provide excellent minutes to a coach in the playoffs. Either way, it's unclear what to expect from their rookies in the playoffs.
But this year, most of the rookies have shined in the playoff spotlight and have provided great performances for their coaches:
5) Norris Cole's unexpected output keeps the Heat in the game -
On a night where Dwayne Wade couldn't buy a basket and Lebron James and Mario Chalmers both picked up 4 quick fouls, Coach Spolestra decided to lean on his rookie PG Norris Cole. Cole came in and contributed immediately with 5 pts and 2 assists, and forcing a crucial foul on Rajon Rondo in the third quarter. He helped the Heat close on a major run and gave the Heat a chance in the 4th quarter by closing the Celtics lead to 5.
Cole started the NBA season on fire, but Mario Chalmers ate up more and more minutes and outplayed Cole the whole second half of the season. Maybe Cole can provide beneficial minutes off the bench the rest of this 3 game series.
4) Lavoy Allen's big time defense -
Fresh off a great series win, the athletic 76ers were set to take on the "old" Boston Celtics. The series ended up going 7 games, and it was a very, very, ugly series. The teams averaged about 70-80 ppg, thanks to the great defense on both sides. I believe the 76ers wouldn't have lasted too long without the defense of Lavoy Allen. He clearly helped the 76ers hold the Celtics to a horrible average of 39% shooting.
KG clearly had an advantage against both Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Coach Collins saw this and decided to put in the defensive Lavoy Allen. And every NBA fan was like, Lavoy Who? Lavoy Allen, who only averaged 15 minutes in the last series, provided great defense on the future HOF KG. Although, KG still had some great games, Allen did his best both offensively and defensively to tired out the big man. Allen had averages of 7.5ppg 5.5rpg 1spg 1bpg and 23mpg. Allen definitely earned some minutes thanks to his fantastic postseason.
3) Greg Stiemsma's perfect performance -
The Steam Machine as they call him in Boston, is only averaging 8 minutes a game, but boy have they been effective minutes. He's blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and providing the Celtics with an important interior presence when KG is on the bench. One game in particular was game 5 in the 76ers series.
In game 5, Stiemsma came off the bench and put up a much needed boost of 10 points on 5-5 shooting. He also added 3 blocks and 2 rebs. What was the best part of his performance is that he did it in only 14 minutes. The one knock on Stiemsma is that he does tend to foul a lot. He picked up 4 fouls in 5 minutes in game 2 of the Heat series. If he can stay on the floor for the Celtics, we might see Boston in the finals.
2) Kenneth Faried's rebounding prowess -
Down 2-0 to the Lakers, the Nuggets needed their unit to step up. The starters were not getting it done. The Nuggets had their backs against the wall and needed an early spark. That spark came from the Manimal! The Manimal had 10 rebs in the first half and got the crowd in to it with highlight dunks and posterizing moves. He also held Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum with some lock down defense.
He finished the game with 12 points and 18 rebounds and he certainly earned the starting PF spot for years to come in Denver.
1) Kawhi Leonard's steadiness -
Of this whole list, only Leonard and Steimsma are still in the playoffs. The Spurs started this year's playoffs 8-0 thanks to a team effort. Leonard has certainly contributed to that 8-0 with his steady production. He didn't really contribute that much in the Jazz series, but since the Spurs' series with the Clippers began, the SDSU product has posted averages of 11.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 spg and 1.0 bpg. Not to mention he is called upon every night usually guarding the team's best player.
Leonard will have to help slow down KD, if it's even possible to, in order to avoid elimination in game 6.
by Stephen Varnum
special to the Clarion Content
from The Eastside Perspective
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
So we are down to 4 teams left in the NBA playoffs: Thunders vs Spurs, Celtics vs Heat. How did they get there? Well, of course, the best players usually step up their game in the NBA playoffs. You can usually expect your veterans, your all-stars, and your superstars to bring all they got in the playoffs. One of the major question marks a coach has to worry about in the playoffs is what am I going to get from my rookies?
Rookies can be unpredictable. Some contribute right away and show incredible promise during the season, but when they being their playoff career...they sometimes tend to crack under the pressure. Some didn't contribute all that much during the season, but provide excellent minutes to a coach in the playoffs. Either way, it's unclear what to expect from their rookies in the playoffs.
But this year, most of the rookies have shined in the playoff spotlight and have provided great performances for their coaches:
5) Norris Cole's unexpected output keeps the Heat in the game -
On a night where Dwayne Wade couldn't buy a basket and Lebron James and Mario Chalmers both picked up 4 quick fouls, Coach Spolestra decided to lean on his rookie PG Norris Cole. Cole came in and contributed immediately with 5 pts and 2 assists, and forcing a crucial foul on Rajon Rondo in the third quarter. He helped the Heat close on a major run and gave the Heat a chance in the 4th quarter by closing the Celtics lead to 5.
Cole started the NBA season on fire, but Mario Chalmers ate up more and more minutes and outplayed Cole the whole second half of the season. Maybe Cole can provide beneficial minutes off the bench the rest of this 3 game series.
4) Lavoy Allen's big time defense -
Fresh off a great series win, the athletic 76ers were set to take on the "old" Boston Celtics. The series ended up going 7 games, and it was a very, very, ugly series. The teams averaged about 70-80 ppg, thanks to the great defense on both sides. I believe the 76ers wouldn't have lasted too long without the defense of Lavoy Allen. He clearly helped the 76ers hold the Celtics to a horrible average of 39% shooting.
KG clearly had an advantage against both Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Coach Collins saw this and decided to put in the defensive Lavoy Allen. And every NBA fan was like, Lavoy Who? Lavoy Allen, who only averaged 15 minutes in the last series, provided great defense on the future HOF KG. Although, KG still had some great games, Allen did his best both offensively and defensively to tired out the big man. Allen had averages of 7.5ppg 5.5rpg 1spg 1bpg and 23mpg. Allen definitely earned some minutes thanks to his fantastic postseason.
3) Greg Stiemsma's perfect performance -
The Steam Machine as they call him in Boston, is only averaging 8 minutes a game, but boy have they been effective minutes. He's blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and providing the Celtics with an important interior presence when KG is on the bench. One game in particular was game 5 in the 76ers series.
In game 5, Stiemsma came off the bench and put up a much needed boost of 10 points on 5-5 shooting. He also added 3 blocks and 2 rebs. What was the best part of his performance is that he did it in only 14 minutes. The one knock on Stiemsma is that he does tend to foul a lot. He picked up 4 fouls in 5 minutes in game 2 of the Heat series. If he can stay on the floor for the Celtics, we might see Boston in the finals.
2) Kenneth Faried's rebounding prowess -
Down 2-0 to the Lakers, the Nuggets needed their unit to step up. The starters were not getting it done. The Nuggets had their backs against the wall and needed an early spark. That spark came from the Manimal! The Manimal had 10 rebs in the first half and got the crowd in to it with highlight dunks and posterizing moves. He also held Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum with some lock down defense.
He finished the game with 12 points and 18 rebounds and he certainly earned the starting PF spot for years to come in Denver.
1) Kawhi Leonard's steadiness -
Of this whole list, only Leonard and Steimsma are still in the playoffs. The Spurs started this year's playoffs 8-0 thanks to a team effort. Leonard has certainly contributed to that 8-0 with his steady production. He didn't really contribute that much in the Jazz series, but since the Spurs' series with the Clippers began, the SDSU product has posted averages of 11.7 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.3 spg and 1.0 bpg. Not to mention he is called upon every night usually guarding the team's best player.
Leonard will have to help slow down KD, if it's even possible to, in order to avoid elimination in game 6.
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NBA, sports
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Commie Ball
Can these guys do it with line drives?
"Commie Ball" is the title of a delightful little piece that Clarion Content fave, Grantland author, Jonah Keri steered us to at the 619 Sports.net. The article could be subtitled, "How to win at Petco Park on a budget."
Herein a creative and learned Padres fan dissects the possibilities of building a batting order around small, speedy, line drive hitters; switch hitters, if possible. He calls it "Commie Ball." Petco Park may have fences that are hard to clear, but it has wide grassy gaps and plenty of space to dump the ball over the infield, and in front of the outfielders.
This is the kind of solutions based analysis that the Clarion Content loves. It does no good to whine about what you don't have, it is rather, about how to make use of what you do have. The author, Craig, does note that good defenders are essential for this kind of low power, high average, aggressive base-running style offense, "plus defense being a necessity in center and right field and all infield positions..."
Will Padres general manager Josh Byrnes continue to pivot in that direction? Or will the franchise simply attempt to move the fences in and sign aging, immobile big boppers? The last successful "Commie Ball" teams were the early 80's Astros1 and the early/mid 80's Cardinals.2
We have entered an era where pitching is back, is it so far back, that a team can win playing "Commie Ball?"
Saw one other interesting baseball note tonight, Justin Verlander pitched at least six innings for the 52nd straight start, the longest such streak since Hall of Famer, Steve Carlton, pitched at least six innings for sixty-nine consecutive starts from Sept. 13, 1979 to April 13, 1982.
Notes
1The 1980 Astros finished first in their division and were lead by Terry Puhl with thirteen home runs, five players topped twenty stolen bases. In addition to Puhl they featured line drive hitters such as Jose Cruz, Cesar Cedeno and Enos Cabell.
2The Cards won the World Series in 1982 with George Hendrick leading the team with a mere nineteen dingers, while featuring such notable line drive, high average, speed and defense guys as Tommy Herr, Willie McGee, Lonnie Smith and Keith Hernandez.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
They playin' basketball
With all due respect to Kurtis Blow, this is the most fun we have seen an old dude have playing basketball in some time.
You go, Uncle Drew!
Highly hilarious... Creative... Well done!1
Notes
1Very creative work, Mr. Kyrie Irving. But advertising, what a waste of our society's creative energies.
You go, Uncle Drew!
Highly hilarious... Creative... Well done!1
Notes
1Very creative work, Mr. Kyrie Irving. But advertising, what a waste of our society's creative energies.
Labels: Pop Culture, sports
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
The Draft: The East Side Perspective
The Clarion Content is always on the lookout for new talent. We are big believers in collaboration and promoting good work where and when we see it. Many of you may not know it, but the Clarion Content was originally a sports heavy blog. In part, the Clarion Content was founded with intention of being a safe place to voice strong opinions. It would be our contention that sports, itself, is situated as one such realm in America.
In effort to be a generalist, truly communitarian rag, we believe sports must have its place. Bread and circuses or not, sports has a massive audience in America. The Editor-in-Chief is a sports fan. We have longed to find a way back to our sports roots for some time. We believe that moment is here.
We have joined forces with the East Side Perspective. It is an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill. They are going to keep you up-to-date, sports fans, so that you can turn to the Clarion Content and get what it is you need; Durham, Arts, Culture and Sports, all in one place.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here. For music articles from the East Side Perspective check here.
We will be co-hosting a sports podcast with the Co-Founder of The Eastside Perspective, Matthew Creatore, asap, featuring plenty of special guest appearances.
So without further adieu let us offer you the first of what we hope will be many co-hosted columns from the East Side Perspective.
The Debate Of The NFL Draft: Luck Or Griffin?
Adam Cubbage
With the NFL draft fast approaching the Indianapolis Colts confirmed what many believed in that they are taking Andrew Luck, quarterback out of Stanford University, with the number one overall pick.
The question some had leading up to the draft was whether or not Robert Griffin III should have been chosen before him. Some say it was never a conversation to begin with, others, even two weeks ago, said otherwise. Let’s take a look at both and see if the Colts are making the right call.
A quick tale of the tape:
Both have the physical tools to succeed at the quarterback position in the NFL, with Robert Griffin III at a slight disadvantage because of his height. Usually when I look at the quarterback position, I look at more than raw numbers and controlled NFL Combine/Pro Day scenarios. One of my biggest determining factors is their experience in college, and this is where I think Luck separates himself significantly from Griffin.
Luck played his college career in the Pac-12 and had career numbers of 9,430 yards, 82 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 67% completion and 162.8 QB rating. He started three years in the conference, with his best year being his sophomore season. He took many by surprise when he decided to bypass the NFL draft and return to Stanford to finish his degree.
Last season gave me the opportunity to see what he could really do at the position and he didn't disappoint. Without elite weapons, Luck led the Cardinal to the Fiesta Bowl and continued to put up big numbers as he had in past seasons. The main criticism last season was that he didn't have great arm strength - I couldn’t have disagreed with that assessment more because he didn't need to use such pace as often last season because the offense was more conservative due to the talent level around him. He later showcased his full arsenal in the BCS game against Oklahoma State and later during his Pro Day.
Robert Griffin, who competed in the Big 12, had numbers most can only fathom in a video game. Throwing for almost 4,000 yards and rushing for almost 700, he became Baylor's first ever Heisman Trophy winner and deservedly so. For putting Baylor on the radar of college football fans for all the right reasons, Griffin was truly amazing last season. There were, however, some issues with his overall game.
His arm is great, his speed is off the charts, but his ability to read and adapt to above average defenses worries me. While the likes of Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State aren't pushovers, we can all agree that they weren't at the peak of their powers during his time at Baylor. His ability to make all of the throws is there, but I worry about him against NFL defenses because Griffin won't be able to improvise like he did much of the time in college in crucial moments when the pocket wasn’t there. I would also contend that while comparisons will be made, he isn't Michael Vick or Cam Newton.
Indianapolis is making the right choice in taking Luck over Robert Griffin III. Luck is more prepared for the NFL at this point because of his extra time in college and his knowledge of the position mixed with his physical attributes. Griffin, while immensely talented, could have benefited from another year in school. I don't see him as an immediate starter in the NFL, but someone who, with a year or two behind a veteran, could be a star in the league at the quarterback position.
In effort to be a generalist, truly communitarian rag, we believe sports must have its place. Bread and circuses or not, sports has a massive audience in America. The Editor-in-Chief is a sports fan. We have longed to find a way back to our sports roots for some time. We believe that moment is here.
We have joined forces with the East Side Perspective. It is an up and coming sports and culture website published in Chapel Hill. They are going to keep you up-to-date, sports fans, so that you can turn to the Clarion Content and get what it is you need; Durham, Arts, Culture and Sports, all in one place.
For even more sports articles from the East Side Perspective, check here. For music articles from the East Side Perspective check here.
We will be co-hosting a sports podcast with the Co-Founder of The Eastside Perspective, Matthew Creatore, asap, featuring plenty of special guest appearances.
So without further adieu let us offer you the first of what we hope will be many co-hosted columns from the East Side Perspective.
The Debate Of The NFL Draft: Luck Or Griffin?
Adam Cubbage
With the NFL draft fast approaching the Indianapolis Colts confirmed what many believed in that they are taking Andrew Luck, quarterback out of Stanford University, with the number one overall pick.
The question some had leading up to the draft was whether or not Robert Griffin III should have been chosen before him. Some say it was never a conversation to begin with, others, even two weeks ago, said otherwise. Let’s take a look at both and see if the Colts are making the right call.
A quick tale of the tape:
- Andrew Luck: 6'4", 234 lbs., 4.59 40-time, plus arm strength
- Robert Griffin III: 6'2 3/8", 231 lbs., 4.41 40-time, plus arm strength
Both have the physical tools to succeed at the quarterback position in the NFL, with Robert Griffin III at a slight disadvantage because of his height. Usually when I look at the quarterback position, I look at more than raw numbers and controlled NFL Combine/Pro Day scenarios. One of my biggest determining factors is their experience in college, and this is where I think Luck separates himself significantly from Griffin.
Luck played his college career in the Pac-12 and had career numbers of 9,430 yards, 82 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, 67% completion and 162.8 QB rating. He started three years in the conference, with his best year being his sophomore season. He took many by surprise when he decided to bypass the NFL draft and return to Stanford to finish his degree.
Last season gave me the opportunity to see what he could really do at the position and he didn't disappoint. Without elite weapons, Luck led the Cardinal to the Fiesta Bowl and continued to put up big numbers as he had in past seasons. The main criticism last season was that he didn't have great arm strength - I couldn’t have disagreed with that assessment more because he didn't need to use such pace as often last season because the offense was more conservative due to the talent level around him. He later showcased his full arsenal in the BCS game against Oklahoma State and later during his Pro Day.
Robert Griffin, who competed in the Big 12, had numbers most can only fathom in a video game. Throwing for almost 4,000 yards and rushing for almost 700, he became Baylor's first ever Heisman Trophy winner and deservedly so. For putting Baylor on the radar of college football fans for all the right reasons, Griffin was truly amazing last season. There were, however, some issues with his overall game.
His arm is great, his speed is off the charts, but his ability to read and adapt to above average defenses worries me. While the likes of Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State aren't pushovers, we can all agree that they weren't at the peak of their powers during his time at Baylor. His ability to make all of the throws is there, but I worry about him against NFL defenses because Griffin won't be able to improvise like he did much of the time in college in crucial moments when the pocket wasn’t there. I would also contend that while comparisons will be made, he isn't Michael Vick or Cam Newton.
Indianapolis is making the right choice in taking Luck over Robert Griffin III. Luck is more prepared for the NFL at this point because of his extra time in college and his knowledge of the position mixed with his physical attributes. Griffin, while immensely talented, could have benefited from another year in school. I don't see him as an immediate starter in the NFL, but someone who, with a year or two behind a veteran, could be a star in the league at the quarterback position.
Labels: Eastside Perspective, NFL, sports
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Heard about the Don's Basketball League?
“The DBL takes Durham by storm”
Have you heard about the DONS Basketball League, the DBL?
Durham community organizer and Campaign 4 Change founder, Otis Lyons aka Vegas Don, has organized a FREE, basketball league for youth ages twelve to sixteen. You can volunteer or your son or daughter can register to play on-line at www.carolinadons.com <---Warning loud, obnoxious music at this link...
The league, the brainchild of Vegas Don, stemmed from his initial creation of a single free youth traveling basketball team. Although the team, The Carolina DONS, were two time tournament champions and the kids involved had tons of fun last year, Vegas was crushed when he had to turn away more than fifty kids after tryouts, because only twelve could be recruited for the traveling squad.
This year Vegas has solved that problem by constructing an entire youth league. There will still be an elite, traveling Carolina DONS team, but there will also be eight additional teams. Each team has a local business sponsor, which is providing their team with uniforms and all the components to run the league. Except for the referees, the league is staffed entirely by volunteers, most of them recruited by Vegas Don’s non-profit anti-gang, anti-drug organization Campaign 4 Change.
The league’s games will be played at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at #810 North Alston Avenue. Sponsors include the league’s official sponsor, Capitol Broadcasting Company, and the team sponsors: Fox 50, the Law Office of James D. Williams, the Triangle United Way, Bull City Renters, Dreamworks Motorsports, Harris Incorporated, NCM Capital, Hendrick Durham Automall and Campaign 4 Change. Each sponsor has contributed to make the league free for the youth, with no cost to parents either.
But believe it or not, that isn’t even the best part. Wait, what? NBA Style basketball with great uniforms, announcer-commentators, live DJs, halftime entertainment, a league draft and a cool league website all FREE for youth to enjoy and none of that is even the best part?? That’s right, because as entertaining as it will be, like Campaign 4 Change’s other productions, Vegas prioritizes educating our youth over everything else.
In this case, that means mandatory community service projects for all players in the league. It means weekly educational workshops before games. And Vegas is serious. Kids who miss workshops aren’t eligible to play in the first of half of that week’s games, miss more than two and you are out of the league entirely. And these aren’t just any workshops, they are given by local luminaries, educators and public officials on important topics like, “The Law and You,” “Conflict Resolution,” and “Gang & Drug prevention.”
It also means following the league principles which include “Being respectful to elders and parents,” “Being a positive role model,” “Being loyal to your team,” and “Finishing what you start.” Volunteer coaches strictly enforce the league’s conduct principles, valuing brotherhood and sportsmanship over a win-at-all-costs mindset.
It is a win-win for all youths, their parents and our community.
For more information please check out their website at www.carolinadons.com or contact the league Director, Vegas Don at c4c4life@yahoo.com or by phone #919.519-8156.
Tryouts will be held May 5th and 6th at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at #810 North Alston Avenue. Players must pre-register on-line to try-out.
Have you heard about the DONS Basketball League, the DBL?
Durham community organizer and Campaign 4 Change founder, Otis Lyons aka Vegas Don, has organized a FREE, basketball league for youth ages twelve to sixteen. You can volunteer or your son or daughter can register to play on-line at www.carolinadons.com <---Warning loud, obnoxious music at this link...
The league, the brainchild of Vegas Don, stemmed from his initial creation of a single free youth traveling basketball team. Although the team, The Carolina DONS, were two time tournament champions and the kids involved had tons of fun last year, Vegas was crushed when he had to turn away more than fifty kids after tryouts, because only twelve could be recruited for the traveling squad.
This year Vegas has solved that problem by constructing an entire youth league. There will still be an elite, traveling Carolina DONS team, but there will also be eight additional teams. Each team has a local business sponsor, which is providing their team with uniforms and all the components to run the league. Except for the referees, the league is staffed entirely by volunteers, most of them recruited by Vegas Don’s non-profit anti-gang, anti-drug organization Campaign 4 Change.
The league’s games will be played at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at #810 North Alston Avenue. Sponsors include the league’s official sponsor, Capitol Broadcasting Company, and the team sponsors: Fox 50, the Law Office of James D. Williams, the Triangle United Way, Bull City Renters, Dreamworks Motorsports, Harris Incorporated, NCM Capital, Hendrick Durham Automall and Campaign 4 Change. Each sponsor has contributed to make the league free for the youth, with no cost to parents either.
But believe it or not, that isn’t even the best part. Wait, what? NBA Style basketball with great uniforms, announcer-commentators, live DJs, halftime entertainment, a league draft and a cool league website all FREE for youth to enjoy and none of that is even the best part?? That’s right, because as entertaining as it will be, like Campaign 4 Change’s other productions, Vegas prioritizes educating our youth over everything else.
In this case, that means mandatory community service projects for all players in the league. It means weekly educational workshops before games. And Vegas is serious. Kids who miss workshops aren’t eligible to play in the first of half of that week’s games, miss more than two and you are out of the league entirely. And these aren’t just any workshops, they are given by local luminaries, educators and public officials on important topics like, “The Law and You,” “Conflict Resolution,” and “Gang & Drug prevention.”
It also means following the league principles which include “Being respectful to elders and parents,” “Being a positive role model,” “Being loyal to your team,” and “Finishing what you start.” Volunteer coaches strictly enforce the league’s conduct principles, valuing brotherhood and sportsmanship over a win-at-all-costs mindset.
It is a win-win for all youths, their parents and our community.
For more information please check out their website at www.carolinadons.com or contact the league Director, Vegas Don at c4c4life@yahoo.com or by phone #919.519-8156.
Tryouts will be held May 5th and 6th at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club at #810 North Alston Avenue. Players must pre-register on-line to try-out.
Labels: Durham, Pop Culture, sports
