Taking Away Basketball Hoops? That's Un-American

           When local radio show host Mo Egger mentioned this video during his show, I couldn't really believe it. I cannot wrap my mind around taxpayers’ money going toward the removal of basketball hoops. What motive could there be behind it? Maybe, the state of Delaware wanted to keep the neighborhood quiet? Oh, is it a fire hazard? No, it isn't and they are both bad arguments. This country has a lot more to worry about than basketball hoops and should let kids play basketball because it is an innocent game. It keeps them doing something beneficial and constructive. A basketball hoop at the end of a cul-de-sac is American and is tradition to be quite honest. Mo Egger said "I'm not sure I want to live in a country where kids can't shoot some hoops in the street." I agree simply because basketball hoops do not hurt neighborhoods. Check out this video and watch how the officer lies to the man. He and his wife are a little weird, but taking their basketball hoop is completely ridiculous.

Ten Interesting Things About This Years' Final Four

1. Our Brackets are messed up and there is no way we will win our respective bracket challenge contests. But, doesn't someone have to win?

2.Kansas, Ohio State and Duke were not lightyears better than their competition like some though (including me) and this year was truly a year of parity.

3. For the first time in my life, I do not have a team that I picked in the Final Four.

4. Shaka Smart is not just a name, but a way of life. Did you hear his pregame speech before VCU beat Kansas? Goosebumps anyone?

5. Kentucky Guard Brandon Knight is deadly in crunch time (maybe the Miami Heat should draft him).

6. How has VCU turned into this deadly three-point shooting team in the tournament? They've made 12 three-point baskets in three games of this tournament. They did not do it once during the regular season.

7. Head Coach of the Butler Bulldogs Brad Stevens (34) and Shaka Smart (33) are very young coaches leading their respective teams to the Final Four. In fact, UConn coach Jim Calhoun is 68 years old, which means he is older than Stevens and Smart combined.

8. Kentucky is the favorite going into next weekend. I'm not so sure that is a title I want to have going into the last week of the tournament this year.

9. This is the first time that there was not a 1 or 2 seed in the Final Four. It is only the third time that an 11 seed made the Final Four (the other two being George Mason in 2006 and LSU in 1986).

10. Not that it is safe to make picks, but if I were, I would pick Butler over VCU and Kentucky over UConn. Butler has been there before and Head Coach Brad Stevens is a genius. Kentucky has good guards that can contend with UConn's Kemba Walker and they have a big man named John Harrellson who is aggressive in the middle.

National Champion: Kentucky. I just cannot see anyone stopping the Wildcats' guards and post game. It will be close though because Brad Stevens is a great tactician, but Kentucky should be National Champions seven days from now.




Terrence Jones (3), Brandon Knight (12) and Josh Harrellson (55) have
a good chance to walk away with Championships this Season.



Epic Fight? That's Right!

Three Teams Poised For a Final Four Run.

      

          During the college basketball season there were plenty of analysts who believed that there were not going to be any dominant teams in this year’s tournament field. No one really challenged those analysts and many agreed with them. But, after watching the field this weekend I think there are three teams that have really separated themselves from the rest of the field. I believe those three teams that have a great shot to win the National Championship. With that said, the analysts that mentioned parity were not wrong. In fact, there are 65 teams that were in this year’s tournament that are the definition of parity. There are no dominant teams and the number of upsets on opening weekend back this theory up. Among the teams that advanced to play in the round of 16, five of them were an 8 seed or higher. If you exclude the Butler magic, there are four double-digit seeds in the Sweet 16. That means that 25% of teams left are double digit seeds, which is just an amazing stat that I think shows how close most of the teams in the NCAA are. But, three teams separate themselves from an average NCAA Tournament field. Kansas, Ohio State and Duke seem to be the real deal and ready to make the Final Four.

          If your a Kansas fan you should feel really good about your chances. Kansas will have to play a 12 seed Richmond to advance to the Elite 8 and then play the winner of Virginia Commonwealth and Florida State to get to a Final Four. That means Kansas will play THREE double-digit seeds and their game against a single seed was last night against a nine-seeded Illinois team who is average at best. Kansas has a great shot to make the Final-Four and will be a huge disappointment to fans and bracket pickers everywhere if they do not advance. I do think Ohio State is the most dominant team out of the big three teams in the nation (Duke, Kansas, Ohio State). But, they also have the toughest road. They have to play a young and very talented Kentucky team and if they advance will likely face the two-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels and freshman phenom Harrison Barnes. Ohio State should win both games, but the road is tough and it is going to be a challenging weekend for Ohio State. Duke also faces a challenging road when they play Derrick Williams and Fifth-Seeded Arizona. If the Blue Devils get by them they will play a San Diego State team with loads of talent or a Connecticut team lead by a man named Kemba Walker. Duke and Ohio State's schedule is tough and even though I believe both will advance to the Final Four, there is always a chance that a pretty good team like UConn or UNC could knock off one of these great teams.

          No matter what happens this weekend   I know we will all be able to enjoy ourselves. Are we going to watch greatness from a team like Ohio State or will Cinderella's slipper still fit and Butler continue to advance? The Sweet 16 is going to be great and I am sure we all "Can't Wait" (Courtesy of Jets Linebacker Bart Scott) for this weekend.



The Big Three? Ohio State, Kansas and Duke should continue to separate themselves from
 the rest of the field like they have all season and advance to the Final Four.



This is What Lebron Had in Cleveland?

Pong-a-holic?

Butler-Pittsburgh Wild Finish

Texas Gave The Game Away. Sean Miller Keeps on.... Winning

Greg Gumble Doesn't Know What Network He Works For

Xavier Confidential Part 1

http://www.ncaa.com/video/basketball-men/2011-03-15/xavier-confidential-part-1
-Pretty cool video on Xavier Basketball and Selection Sunday

Overexcited? I'd Say So

Imagine if the Nets actually make the playoffs? I wonder what this guy would do?

Tournament Picks

Here are my picks and hopefully they are the right ones. BYU and UConn going to the Elite Eight may surprise a few of you. They are solid teams with superstar players (Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker). I just don't think they have enough to get by Pittsburgh or Duke. The biggest surprise might be Notre Dame going to the National Championship game, but they can score the basketball and that is key in a one and done tournament like this. Like many others I have Ohio State as the National Champion. They have a great mix of young talent and veteran experience that should help them prevail in this tournament.

http://www.livemediaminds.com/2011/03/ncaa-march-madness-tribute-last-15-years-of-one-shining-moment/-

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (March Madness Edition)

It's the most wonderful time of the year,
With whistles blowing,
And every team showing that they have no fear
It's the most wonderful time of the year
March Madness is the hap-happiest season of all
With those Tournament Invites and big big bright lights
When Goliath actually falls
It's the hap-happiest season of all

There'll be brackets busting
& grown men fussing
because they lost it all,
There'll be a Cinderella story,
and reason to worry that your
team may go down

It's the most wonderful time of the year,
With whistles blowing,
And every team showing that they have no fear
It's the most wonderful time of the year
March Madness is the hap-happiest season of all
With those Tournament Invites and big big bright lights
When Goliath actually falls
It's the hap-happiest season of all

There'll be brackets busting
& grown men fussing
because they lost it all,
There'll be a Cinderella story,
and reason to worry that your
team may go down

It's the most wonderful time of the year,
With whistles blowing,
And every team showing that they have no fear
It's the most wonderful time of the year
March Madness is the hap-happiest season of all
With those Tournament Invites and big big bright lights
When Goliath actually falls
It's the hap-happiest season of all.

We've Come a Long Way

Being a University of Cincinnati basketball fan has been a roller coaster to say the least these past couple of years. We lost a coach, we lost our NCAA Tournament streak of 16 consecutive seasons and did not make the postseason one year. But, UC basketball coach Mick Cronin should be given some credit. He did not give up, he stuck to his guns and has lead his team to the NCAA Tournament (they're in the tournament). When we see 'Cincinnati Bearcats' on our televisions during selection Sunday we can take a deep breath and relax. I'm not saying we should be satisfied, but just enjoy the moment. People in Cincinnati were used to the Bearcats of Cincinnati being competitive every year; but, in a blink of an eye success can be taken from you. We, as fans know that better than anyone. I hope we do well on Senior night and are a success the rest of the year. But, lets enjoy the moment. These Bearcats will have a winning record in the Big East Conference and should get a solid seed in their conference and the NCAA Tournament. With March Madness looming can we please stop worrying about Carson Palmer. That talk can resurface after the CBA is signed (24 hour extensions do not count).

Mick Cronin has come a long way since being a recruiter for Bob Huggins in 1999.
Photo Courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer

This is a 5 Year Old Who Has Her Head On Straight

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rbMHLDY1pA&feature=player_embedded

Is Carson Palmer the Bengals Next 'Diva'?

When people think of the Bengals, they may think of Paul Brown, Ickey Woods or Anthony Munoz. However, in the past fifteen years Bengals fans have been accustomed to the 'diva' player. Whether your talking about Carl Pickens, Corey Dillion, Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson or T.J. Houshmanzadeh the Bengals have definitely had personality. It has definitely kept us entertained and frustrated at times. However you look at it Bengals fans have been on the edge of their seat. Then, came this offseason when the franchise passer in Cincinnati demanded a trade. When first looking at Carson Palmer's demands, it seemed like he was right. He came here and had success, but at times Palmer has struggled as well. Disagreements with management have given Palmer no choice but to demand a trade. There were even reports that Palmer would consider retirement if the Bengals do not trade him. It would appear that the Bengals have pushed Palmer over the edge with loudmouth receivers, lackluster facilities and disappointing performances for the majority of his career.

I’ll be the first person to say Mike Brown is not a good owner; in fact, he is probably one of the worst in the NFL. However, one thing he has always done is try to please Carson. He has stood by Palmer when no one else would, defended him against the media and even signed weapons for the offense. What does Palmer have to say in return? Well, actually it was not him but his “confidant” spoke for him today. According to cincyjungle.com, Palmer’s “confidant” said Palmer “will never step into Paul Brown Stadium again.” He went on to say that "I have $80 million in the bank. I don't have to play football for money. I'll play it for the love of the game but that would have to be elsewhere. I'm prepared to live my life." What should we as fans think of this? Well, my initial reaction was he is just playing hardball with Mike Brown, but then I came to my senses and realized what Palmer really sounds like. He sounds like some snobby USC quarterback who insulted a city that has supported him through his career. He is not happy with management, that is fine, but saying that you will not step into the stadium that Hamilton County taxpayers paid for? That is inexcusable, something that the flamboyant Chad Ochocinco never did during his trade demands. People in Cincinnati hated Ocho for demanding a trade and they have rallied around Palmer. After hearing these comments Cincinnati should shun Palmer. If he wants to retire, then retire. Don’t insult the fans because a few ignorant ones put trash on your lawn during the most hyped and worst season as a starter. He has fought with his receivers and to me the real Carson Palmer is beginning to show himself. He is the next on the list of the Bengals “diva” players.

Why is he a “diva”? Mike Brown has changed a lot to keep Palmer happy. He is not resigning T.O. (after Palmer lobbied to get him in the offseason), Chad Ochocinco seems like he is on is way out, not to mention Palmer has young weapons in Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley and Jerome Simpson.  Mike Brown fired Bob Bratkowski after ten seasons and hired a young fresh football mind in Jay Gruden to hopefully resurrect Palmer’s career. To me it is simple. Mike Brown believes in Carson Palmer and will do anything to keep him here. Palmer is getting everything that he could desire, but it is not enough. Is it just because he is fed up or is he just another egocentric player on the Bengals roster? Either way you look at it if you’re a Bengals Fan you cannot like the quotes Palmer said through his “confidant.” Will Palmer ever address the fans himself, or will he continue to put out quotes through someone else? There are plenty of questions that need answered, but the most important question is when?

Has Carson Palmer thrown his last pass to young and promising receiver Jerome Simpson?

Dancing With Ward?

When football analysts, fans and coaches think of Hines Ward, they think of a man that is willing to do anything to win. They think of a guy that is dedicated to the game of football. But, after his Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl, I think the last thing anyone believe they would here is that Hines Ward would be dancing. Thats right, Hines Ward will be on the next season of Dancing With the Stars. I think it is a good thing, and that it is great for football fans. However, I am looking for the media to start mentioning how distracted Hines Ward will be this offseason. Chad Ochocinco got critized last year for being on the show. This was before any of his other reality shows. He got lit up in the media and was a distraction to the Cincinnati Bengals. I know he had other ventures, but those ventures occurred after the criticism Ochocinco took. The media should at least address this and mention the word distraction this offseason when referring to Ward. At the end of the day I do not believe it is a distraction to be on Dancing With the Stars. I just want to be the lone wolf that defends Chad Ochocinco because he gets criticized a lot more than most NFL players. I know he likes the spotlight, but just because we see him on other days besides Sunday does not mean he is 'distracted'.  However, if Ward does not have a usual "Hines Ward" type season, get ready to here the distraction word again.

Hines Ward is one of the toughest players in the NFL. Will Dancing With the Stars distract him this offseason?
 My guess is no, he will be in shape and ready for the upcoming season.