It’s finally here

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The road ends here, finally it is time for the Final Four. A season long of buzzer-beaters, upsets, bad goaltending calls, and heart breaks have lead to today in Indianapolis. This will be one of the most epic and historic semi-final games we have seen in a while. All four are peripheral power houses with four legendary coaches. how much better can this get?  Oh wait, it can get better… one of the teams is chasing perfection. The stage is set, now we wait and see who’s still dancing.

Michigan State vs Duke 

No one was expecting this semi-final match up except for Tom Izzo and my dad. Thisimages game will be a barn burner, in the words of the great Dick Vitale, the Spartans are playing like the team of destiny. They are the UConn of 2015. For the first time this power house got the chance to try on the glass slipper, and what do you know, it fits perfectly. The Spartans had arguably the toughest path to Indianapolis as a 7 seed, but that did’t stop them. The key for Sparty is senior forward Branden Dawson. He will have the tough task of taking on Duke’s sensational freshman, Justise Winslow. Winslow has been a match up nightmare so far in this tournament, but for the first time Dawson has a favorable matchup against him because of Dawson’s brute strength and post game. If Sparty wants to march on look for Branden Dawson to take advantage of Justise Winslow.

imgres-2For Duke the key is their pressure defense. Louisville failed at corrupting Michigan State’s offensive flow at the end of the game so Coach K better hope the Devils D-up. Senior guard Quinn Cook is  the heart and soul of the Duke Blue Devils and he needs to shut down Travis Trice. Trice has been the best player in the NCAA Tournament, but I believe he will have a tough time scoring on Cook and the talented Duke guards.

Prediction: Duke 61 MSU 59

I believe Coach K will get the edge today and beat out Tom Izzo, the man of March.

Wisconsin vs Kentucky

Last year in the Final Four, Aaron Harrison broke the hearts of Badger fans around the country. Wisconsin has been playing all year to get to this point again to seek revenge on the undefeated Kentucky Wildcats. This is the game the whole nation has been waiting for, the best team in the country vs the best player in the country. Who will prevail? The amount of emotion that will be in this game is huge. Wisconsin is hungry and angry. They are still bitter about Aaron Harrison’s deep three and they want to return the favor. I believe the key to this game is which ever team is able to stay poised and keep their emotions in check. Wisconsin will pour their heart out into this game, but I believe that will hurt them early on. Often when a team has so much emotion they start off a little rusty. Kentucky will jump out to a big lead and the game will be decided whether Wisconsin responds or not. This game will be another classic, but will have the same ending as last year.

Prediction: Kentucky 67 Wisconsin 66

 

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Match Up of the Day

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The Elite 8 is here and today two teams will punch their ticket to Indianapolis for the Final Four. There are two great games today that will not disappoint. The match up of the day is a rematch of last year’s Elite 8 game, Arizona vs Wisconsin. Last year Wisconsin defeated the Wildcats in an all time classic.

Keys for Wisconsin: 

The Badgers are one game away from a potential rematch with Kentucky in the Final Four, imagesbut they have to get through a hungry Arizona team with a huge chip on their shoulder. They key for Wisconsin is controlling the tempo. If the Badgers are able to establish their tempo I really believe that they will control this game. If they are not able to, it could be a very long day for cheese heads. As we have seen in Wisconsin’s last two games they were not able to run with the speed and athleticism of Oregon and North Carolina. Arizona is 100 times more athletic than UNC and the Fighting Ducks combined. Wisconsin is a great and disciplined team, but they lack speed and athleticism. Arizona may be too much for Frank the Tank and his Badgers.

Keys for Arizona: 

When I created my bracket, I picked Arizona to win it all and so far it is looking great. Theimages-1 Wildcats are just so big and athletic. I watched them dismantle Oregon in the Pac 12 championship game. That was the same Oregon team that Wisconsin squeaked by in the round of 32. The key for the Wildcats is freshman phnom, Stanley Johnson. Johnson undoubtedly will be a top 5 pick in next year’s NBA draft and he will be matched up with Wisconsin’s Nigel Hayes. Hayes is a great player, but I believe this is a big mismatch because Johnson will easily take him off the dribble. Stanley Johnson must have an enormous game if Arizona wants to strike revenge and make the Final Four.

Prediction: Arizona 67 Wisconsin 63

I am staying true to my bracket, Arizona will over power Wisconsin and taste how sweet revenge really is.

Other Prediction: Kentucky 77 Notre Dame 69

Match Up of The Day

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The round of 32 is here and every team has fought and earned their way to have a chance to go to the Sweet 16 (except for UCLA). If you thought that the round of 64 was crazy, just wait the madness hasn’t even reached its peak. I will be previewing the marquee game of the day and also make brief predictions on the rest of the games. Today’s Matchup of the day is 6 seeded Xavier Musketeers vs the 14 seeded Georgia State Panthers.

Keys for Xavier: 

In just their second year in the Big East ,the Musketeers have made a name for themselvesUnknown after moving out of the A-10. What really stands out about this team is their efficiency on the defensive side of the court. They shut down a hot Ole Miss team who were coming off a 94 point game. The focal point of the game for Xavier has to be their monster in the paint Matt Stainbrook . He is the heart and soul of this Xavier team as well as their leading scorer and rebounder. Georgia State struggles in the post so look for Stainbrook to exploit that weakness.

Keys for Georgia State: 

Unknown-1After Georgia State’s emotional upset vs 3 seeded Baylor, the Panthers are ready to try on the glass slipper. The Panthers beat the Bears without their starting point  guard who is their leading scorer. This is a very dangerous team that could make an Elite 8 run. Three point shooting is a huge factor, the Panthers are lights out from three. Also this team has some tourney experience. The last time Kevin Ware was in March Madness, he won the National Championship with Louisville after suffering his devastating injury. Ryan Harrow is the key for Ron Hunter’s Panthers to pull off another upset. The Kentucky transfer is arguably the best player on this team and having him back in the picture just makes this hungry GSU team even scarier.

Prediction: I believe the Panthers will be able to move the ball around the stingy Musketeer defense and move on to the Sweet 16. The clock will not strike midnight for Ron Hunter and Georgia State. Georgia State 67 Xavier 61

Other Predictions: 

(14) UAB 74 vs (11 )UCLA 60

(1) Kentucky 84 vs (8) Cincinnati 69

(2 ) Arizona 75 vs (10) Ohio State 72

(1) Villanova 61 vs (8) NC State 60

(4) Georgetown 65 vs (5) Utah 60

(4) North Carolina 76 vs (5) Arkansas 72

(3) Notre Dame 68 vs (6) Butler 62

The MADNESS has begun!

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The MADNESS has begun!

As Manhattan squares off against Hampton, March Madness is officially underway.  This is MichaelBracketmy favorite time of year and I’ll be posting throughout the tournament.  So here’s a look at my bracket.  You’ll notice that I have picked a few upsets…

  • Buffalo beating West Virginia
  • Eastern Washington upsetting Georgetown
  • SF Austin taking down Utah

basketballshamrock                                                          Get ready for a great tournament and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

NBA All-Star MVP Prediction

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The NBA All-Star Game is tonight and I am going to rank who I think have the best chance to win MVP.

1. russellRussell Westbrook, PG, West, OKC 

Westbrook always has a great All-Star break and this really has been is best season. He is playing out of this World and is the most explosive player in the game. Don’t be surprised if the MVP Westbrook wins it coming off the bench.

2. James Harden, SG, West, Houston images-1

James Harden is playing at an MVP level, leading the league in scoring and he is the best one on one player in the NBA. Me as a Thunder fan, I am still in disbelief that OKC traded him. Harden is the favorite to win it. He will put on a show tonight.

 

3. Jimmy Butler, SG/SF, East, Chicago Unknown

Being from Chicago, I had to put a Bull on this list. Although Butler has been nurturing an injury he said he’s ready to go. Butler has the most upside in the NBA and he is relentless. Many people would be shocked if he brings back the ASG MVP to Chicago, but I won’t be.

4. Steph Curry, PG, West, GS Unknown-1

Curry is arguably the greatest shooter of all time. Coming off of his very impressive 3-point contest victory, it could be very likely that Steph rides that momentum into the All-Star game and winning the MVP.

5. Carmelo Anthony, SF, East, NYimages-2

Even though Melo and his Knicks have had the worst season possible, the Stars are aligning for Anthony at the All-Star game. His home town is the host city and this will be his last game of the season for him because the Knicks are shutting him down after the ASG. How sweet would it be front of the Knicks fans to see Melo end it with the MVP.

Surprise of the NBA

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The Atlanta Hawks are shocking the world. No one would have thought that near the All Star break they would be in first in the Eastern Conference. This is a team that barely made the pimageslayoffs in the East last year. Coach Mike Budenholzer is no doubt the coach of the year so far. This team has no true superstar, but somehow they are beating the East and the power houses in the big bad West. I watched them live when they played Chicago. The way they move the ball is magnificent. Jeff Teague is the perfect point guard for their system. Kyle Korver has been lights out from three. Al Horford has played like an all star, likewise wise with Paul Milsap. There are those who doubt and say there is no way a team like Atlanta could win in the playoffs. I am not one of the doubters. Look at the San Antonio Spurs, Altlanta plays just like them.  To be honest I believe the Hawks are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference to make the NBA Finals. Believe the hype because the Atlanta Hawks are coming and they are not afraid of anyone.

Super Sunday

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Today is a great day, Michigan basketball this morning and the Super Bowl this evening. It is the battle of the best. Tom Brady and the high powered Pats offense against Seattle’s Legion of Boom. There is one major problem for the Seahawks, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and Richard Sherman are all nurturing injuries. Seattle is going to have more role players step up because these guys aren’t 100%.  Here’s how I see it…

Keys for New England: 

Although it hurts me to say this, the Patriots have looked unbeatable. The last team to patsbeat them were my Buffalo Bills. Coach “Belicheat” has his team playing at a high level. The main thing that has popped out is how successful the run game has been. When LeGarrette Blount isn’t punching Boise State players or driving under the influence he is a great back. Coming out of the University of Oregon he was highly hyped but hasn’t lived up to it until now. He is a punishing running back. Blount won’t run around the defender he will run through them. He is very similar to Seattle’s star running back Marshawn Lynch. If the Patriots want to be crowned world Champions and not be remembered for spygate and deflategate, they have to establish a run game so Tom Brady can slice through Seattle’s incredible secondary.

Keys or Seattle: 

The Seattle Seahawks are the best in the business. The Champs are going for two years in a row. Packers fans are still in shock after the Seahawks miracle “come from behind seahawksvictory”. The Legion of Boom is the key to victory. Cornerback Byron Maxwell will play a crucial role if the 12th man wants one more ring. We all know what Sherman brings to the field. No one throws to his side so Maxwell is going to see a lot of action. I believe he is the most underrated player in the NFL and I am hoping my Bills pick up either him or Derrelle Revis to add to that stifling defense, but wer’e talking about the Super Bowl here. I believe he will shutdown Lafell or whom ever he goes up against and Maxwell will make his money today.

Prediction: 

Although Brady and the Pats have been incredible I really do believe the Seahawks snowdefense will come out on top and repeat as World Champions.

Seattle 31 New England 28

PAC 12 Preview

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Hi everyone. I’m back and no I have not taken the entire summer off, I was at a very long camp at Culver Academy in Culver, Indiana. I am now back in business and this blog is going to be a preview of the Pac 12 conference. I will be previewing each of the other power conferences in other blogs so stay tuned.

Dark Horse: USC

Nelson+Agholor+UCLA+v+USC+wLHwkuf9n4mlUSC is my dark horse pick to win the Pac 12. They have a great new coach. Cody Kessler is finally their stable quarterback, and their defense is nasty. The only hole they need to fill is the explosive play maker but I think Nelson Agholor is the perfect fit. The Trojans are a very dangerous team that has the potential to spoil their rivals UCLA’s season and punch their ticket to maybe a playoff birth.

131129.RJK_.OEM_.FBC_.OregonState.0673-980x653Defensive Player of the Year: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu,CB,Oregon

Ekpre-Olomu is one of the best cornerbacks in the nation and it seems like he is poised to have a career year. Ekpre-Olomu has the ability to shut down even the elite wide receivers in the country with ease. His most impressive attribute is his eyes. Olomu sees everything on the field, which leads to him picking off many passes. This is one of the reasons Ekpre-Olomu is a projected top 5 pick in this upcoming NFL draft.

Offensive Player of the Year: Marcus Mariota,QB,OregonMarcus+Mariota+Arizona+v+Oregon+jEYd3UlXRqWl

It is a no brainer that the reigning offensive player of the year is my preseason pick to win the award once again. Also what made this decision that much easier is that he is everybody’s preseason Heisman Trophy winner and that he is projected to be the number one overall pick in the next NFL draft. Mariota had a very tough decision to make at the end of last year, to enter the NFL draft and probably be the first quarterback taken off the board or come back to the University and have a chance to win a National TItle and many other prestigious individual awards. Having made the decision to come back to the Ducks made the sun actually shine in Oregon.

Conference Championship: UCLA vs OregonUnknown-7

It just seems like these two West coast power houses are destined to meet up in the championship. North vs South, Mariota vs Hundely what better story could be written.

Conference Champions: Oregon

images-4It just feels like this is the make or break season for the Fighting Ducks. They have all of the perfect pieces in place. Coach Mark Helfrich has just been given keys to a sports car but now he has to drive them. This season is Playoffs or bust for the Ducks, no it’s more like National Championship or bust, that’s how much pressure will be lying on their shoulders. It’s a good thing they have the best player in the country, who also thrives under pressure with their high powered prolific offense and their shutdown defense. Anything short of a championship would be a disappointment. They have to live up to it, but there’s something in the water that telling me this is finally the year Oregon gets it done. Fast, Hard, FINISH!

Can The Heat take the Texas Heat

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This week in San Antonio Lebron James went out with cramp issues and deflated the 539175b13ccdb.preview-300whole Miami team.  Many people say, if Lebron was healthy the Heat would have come out of San Antonio with at least one win.  Myself, I am questioning Lebron’s toughness.  He is being compared to Michael Jordan though he leaves the game because he was cramping, when Jordan played his heart out while suffering the Flu and had his most historic game.  Yet Lebron abandons his team because he was cramping. I don’t think you can compare him to Jordan.  That is enough on ripping one the greatest player in the world, mark my words Lebron James is going to single handily beat the San Antonio Spurs in game two.  Since Lebron James joined the Miami Heat they have never lost a playoff series after losing the first game of the series.

Unknown-1The key to the entire NBA finals for the Champs is Dwyane Wade.  Wade has been unhealthy throughout this entire season, but when the playoffs started up, so did Wade.  Dwyane Wade is the only player on the Heat that the San Antonio Spurs cannot guard.  Wade needs to finish a game.  He started game one on fire, but the he slowly cooled down as the game advanced and in the fourth quarter.  If the Heat want a chance against the best coached team in the NBA he has to show up like he has done in every other series.

Emotional Swing

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This week Kevin Durant was honored as the league MVP and gave one o fthe greatest MVP speeches in NBA history.  During this speech, Durant was spilling tears of joy and Unknown-2tears of the memories and struggles he had to get to where he is now.  In my opinion it was the most well done speech in all of basketball and it is up there with the greatest speeches in sports history.  Durant talked about his team mates and also shared  stories about them.  The most notable thing he said was to a team mate was to frustrated star point guard, Russell Westbrook.  Durant said, “ A lot of people put unfair criticism on you as a player, and I’m the first to have your back through it all, just stay the person you are, everybody loves you here, I love you.”  This is important for Westbrook and his team chemistry because  during a time out in a Clippers game Westbrook separated him self from the team huddle and stayed secluded from the team.  Durant acknowledged everyone else on his team, which will most likely bond this Thunder team together and make them a force to reckon with.  Durant made sure he thanked everyone for their contributions and help in achieving this award. After acknowledging his team mates, one by one,  he saved the best for last when he thanked his mother.  He thanked her for always being there for him and his brother.  He also commented on how the odds were stacked against them, a young single mother with two small children. He finished his speech by telling his mother, “ You’re the real MVP.”  This was such a heart warming moment there wasn’t even a dry eye in the building.  Durant gave his mother the best Mother’s Day gift ever with those words.

I think that his heartfelt speech will glue OKC together. This should help rally the team and the city to win the next four games in this series and beat the Los Angeles Clippers 5-1 and eventually win the NBA title.