It’s gonna be a short post today which, not so coincidentally, coincides with the short week I’ve had (or am having?) at work this week. Between traveling back from San Diego and taking tomorrow off to attend to “personal business” (read: getting drunk and sleeping in) I’m only spending three days in the office this week. Combine that with missing last Friday to travel out to San Diego, and this week has amounted to little more than a game of catch up for yours truly.Can’t really say I mind though. San Diego was nicer than I expected and I continued my streak of running into/meeting quasi celebrities in airports while traveling. Honestly, I could care less about meeting these sorts. (Other than the time I met Rolando Blackman. Who was as cool as he seemed in the mid-80s.) However, I do get a kick out of seeing these normally pampered people being made to wade through the stinking mass of humanity at the airport like the rest of us. So, just like when I embarrassed Paul Davis in Chicago this year I similarly embarrassed both Andruw Jones and Antonio Daniels as they worked their way through the Atlanta airport. Truthfully, there’s not much more to report about these encounters other than Antonio Daniels should think about investing in a little Proactiv. Anway, here’s some random thoughts from the past week:
- Speaking of Paul Davis, have you seen the new commercial he’s in? You’re probably saying “Paul Davis has a commercial?” Well, technically, no. He’s the Clipper who’s getting dunked on in that new Dwyane Wade Gatorade commercial (the evil/good Dwyane one). Now, I’m sure that Paul’s just looking to supplement his income but why would you ever, ever agree to be viciously dunked on in a national TV commercial? Maybe Davis has been dunked on so much that he’s just immune to it by now. I don’t know, there just seems like an easier way to make some extra cash.
- Speaking of Paul Davis, have you seen the new commercial he’s in? You’re probably saying “Paul Davis has a commercial?” Well, technically, no. He’s the Clipper who’s getting dunked on in that new Dwyane Wade Gatorade commercial (the evil/good Dwyane one). Now, I’m sure that Paul’s just looking to supplement his income but why would you ever, ever agree to be viciously dunked on in a national TV commercial? Maybe Davis has been dunked on so much that he’s just immune to it by now. I don’t know, there just seems like an easier way to make some extra cash.
- I was watching NBATV’s first half highlights earlier this week and I ended up slowing down the replay of Gilbert Arenas’ game winner against Milwaukee from earlier this year. You know what’s amazing about that shot? Not that he turned away before it went down, or even that he had the onions to shoot it. It’s that he nailed a pull up jumper from 29+ feet out. Seriously, I slowed it down and its at least 29 ft. I’d pay money to watch Gilbert work out alone and see where his legitimate jumpshot range ends. I mean, what are we talking here? 35, 40 ft.?
- I know it sounds like I’m just jumping on the bandwagon here, but I’d like to say that I called both Gerald Green and Jason Kapono as the respective winners of the three point and dunk contests. Anybody who saw Green in the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest had to know that he’d take the dunk contest. Seriously, there was no question whatsoever. As for Kapono, he was only gonna lose if somebody got crazy hot and broke a record or something. That’s all the guy does is shoot wide open threes. Plus, he barely jumps. This contest was made for guys like him.
- As for the Dunk contest, I’d like to be the 3,000th person to state that Dwight Howard was absolutely, unforgivingly robbed on his sticker dunk. It wasn’t just Jordan who screwed him either. Two other judges (Dr. J was one) gave him 8s.
Are you kidding me? The guy slapped a sticker 12’6” in the air while grabbing a lob and dunking with authority. That’s impossibly hard to do and takes an amazing amount of coordination. Of course, we all knew Howard would get screwed for being so tall but to overlook the skill and originality involved in the dunk was criminal. That was as bad as the scores on Iguodala’s behind the backboard dunk last year. If the NBA is going to insist on continuing with this contest, the least they could do is give the judges instant replay monitors.
I realize that the NFL Draft is more than a month away, but the combine began today so I figured I’d touch on a few first round topics.
- Everybody seems to be conceding that Joe Thomas is a can’t miss prospect at OT. Me, I’m not
so sure. I don’t doubt that he’s a rare athlete for his size and it’s tough to argue with his career at Wisconsin. However, itsthe fact that he played his career at Wisconsin that gives me pause. The toughest transition as an OT in the NFL is usually in pass pro. So, it stands to reason that a player who’s had little practice and/or schooling in pass pro will struggle to adjust to the schemes and speed in the NFL. With that said, is there a major football program out there that passes the ball less than Wisconsin? It’s not like this kid is coming out of a pro style or spread attack where he got tons of reps in pass pro. I could be wrong, but I remember Robert Gallery being labeled similarly coming out of Iowa. How much do they pass the ball there? I won’t even mention how bad the previously highly touted tackles for OSU looked against Florida’s speedy D-Ends in the National Championship game…oh, whoops.
Are you kidding me? The guy slapped a sticker 12’6” in the air while grabbing a lob and dunking with authority. That’s impossibly hard to do and takes an amazing amount of coordination. Of course, we all knew Howard would get screwed for being so tall but to overlook the skill and originality involved in the dunk was criminal. That was as bad as the scores on Iguodala’s behind the backboard dunk last year. If the NBA is going to insist on continuing with this contest, the least they could do is give the judges instant replay monitors.
I realize that the NFL Draft is more than a month away, but the combine began today so I figured I’d touch on a few first round topics.
- Everybody seems to be conceding that Joe Thomas is a can’t miss prospect at OT. Me, I’m not
so sure. I don’t doubt that he’s a rare athlete for his size and it’s tough to argue with his career at Wisconsin. However, itsthe fact that he played his career at Wisconsin that gives me pause. The toughest transition as an OT in the NFL is usually in pass pro. So, it stands to reason that a player who’s had little practice and/or schooling in pass pro will struggle to adjust to the schemes and speed in the NFL. With that said, is there a major football program out there that passes the ball less than Wisconsin? It’s not like this kid is coming out of a pro style or spread attack where he got tons of reps in pass pro. I could be wrong, but I remember Robert Gallery being labeled similarly coming out of Iowa. How much do they pass the ball there? I won’t even mention how bad the previously highly touted tackles for OSU looked against Florida’s speedy D-Ends in the National Championship game…oh, whoops.- Another prospect who I’m not completely sold on is the one whom everybody else seems to be in love with: Calvin Johnson. Listen, I’m not questioning his hands, strength or character. I am, however, extremely interested in seeing what kind of 40 and shuttle times he posts. Take a look at all the “big” wideouts drafted early in the past few years and see how many of them could be labeled as busts. In nearly all of them (save for Rogers, Charles) the common trait was a lack of explosive speed. While I watched Johnson numerous times thoughout his career I can’t ever remember being blown away by his speed, or seeing him run away from a db. Now, this might’ve been because Reggie Ball was under throwing him by 15 yards. That’s certainly a possibility. I just need a little more evidence before I’m ready to anoint him as the next “sure thing” wideout. And yes, I am overly skeptical b/c he seems destined to play in Tampa. Still though.
- There's another wideout that also troubles me. This WR is none other than Tedd Ginn, Jr. He’s fast as all hell, that much we know. However, it remains to be seen whether he has the discipline and toughness needed to be an impact receiver in the NFL. When I watched him at OSU he rounded off his routes and rarely, if ever, went over the middle for balls. Nearly every catch he made was either a WR screen or a deep pass. I’d gladly take him in the first round but I’d be very weary of taking him anywhere in the top 15. On top of that the team everyone has slated to choose him is Minnesota, which I don’t get at all. Their offense was stagnant and lacked a home run threat last year, but is Ginn the answer? He seems to replicate a lot of what Troy Williamson does (or is supposed to do). Sure, he probably has better hands than Williamson, which isn’t saying much, but would you really want to spend another #7 (thats where they took Troy) pick on a speedy wideout with as many questions as Ginn has?
- Question: Are women’s mustaches invisible to them? I’m being serious here. There are an
ungodly amount of women who walk around with a mustache these days. I’m not just talking about older beasts either. One of my girl’s friends has been rocking one for about six months now. She’s a really attractive girl, but this thing is killing her. Just today, I saw a woman in the gym whose stache was visible from 20 ft. away. Are you telling me this woman can’t see the caterpillar on her face when she’s getting ready in the morning? What in god’s name is going on here?
Finally, I’d like to address the Kevin Stallings issue. I’m sure most of you saw the clip of Stallings acting like a spoiled little brat during Saturday’s Florida-Vanderbilt game. I’m also sure many of you wondered why Stallings wasn’t assessed a technical. What exactly were the refs doing on this play? First, they allow Stallings to delay the game (tech) and then they stand by as Stallings proceeds to slap Joakim Noah’s hands away and talk shit to him while doing so (tech). As if that wasn’t bad enough, the refs then (two of them, by the way) grabbed Noah and start lecturing him on the matter. That, my friends, is Grade A horseshit. At minimum, Stallings should’ve been t’d up, and more than likely should’ve been tossed for harassing a player in that manner. Loss not withstanding, I now pledge to hate Kevin Stallings for the rest of my adult life. Of course, such ridiculous behavior is to be expected from a former pupil of that asshat Roy Williams. All I know is Stallings better hope he never runs into me in an airport because I’ll do a lot more than point at him.
- Question: Are women’s mustaches invisible to them? I’m being serious here. There are an
ungodly amount of women who walk around with a mustache these days. I’m not just talking about older beasts either. One of my girl’s friends has been rocking one for about six months now. She’s a really attractive girl, but this thing is killing her. Just today, I saw a woman in the gym whose stache was visible from 20 ft. away. Are you telling me this woman can’t see the caterpillar on her face when she’s getting ready in the morning? What in god’s name is going on here?Finally, I’d like to address the Kevin Stallings issue. I’m sure most of you saw the clip of Stallings acting like a spoiled little brat during Saturday’s Florida-Vanderbilt game. I’m also sure many of you wondered why Stallings wasn’t assessed a technical. What exactly were the refs doing on this play? First, they allow Stallings to delay the game (tech) and then they stand by as Stallings proceeds to slap Joakim Noah’s hands away and talk shit to him while doing so (tech). As if that wasn’t bad enough, the refs then (two of them, by the way) grabbed Noah and start lecturing him on the matter. That, my friends, is Grade A horseshit. At minimum, Stallings should’ve been t’d up, and more than likely should’ve been tossed for harassing a player in that manner. Loss not withstanding, I now pledge to hate Kevin Stallings for the rest of my adult life. Of course, such ridiculous behavior is to be expected from a former pupil of that asshat Roy Williams. All I know is Stallings better hope he never runs into me in an airport because I’ll do a lot more than point at him.
22 comments:
The Bucs lost the coin flip (oh well) and now will be picking 4th in the first round, 3rd in the 2nd, 4th in the 3rd and so on....
Ro Blackman is my greatest celebrity encounter ever.
What was Stallings doingo on the baseline? Is that where Vandy's bench is?
I also totally agree w/ you on Ginn. He's not developed as a WR. But he will make an impact as a special teamer (ala Devin Hester) next season.
Thomas tore his ACL in the Citrus Bowl after the 2005 season. I always worry about big guys and knee injuries (see LeCharles Bentley).
And don't forget that Levi Jones (Penn St.) is the #2 OL in the draft. Another mauler who will probably end up at guard in the NFL eventually. I think the OT from CMU could be the steal of the draft. He played in a modified spread offense and played TE as a freshman.
Yeah, Mel Kiper is in love with the kid from CMU (Staley?). I guess he's a little light right now but he's supposedly great is pass pro and very athletic. I'm not enamored with Levi either. Good point on Ginn, I didn't consider his special teams impact. I'd still be weary of him at #7 though.
Vandy's gym has the benches on the baseline, and the floor is raised. It's a weird old gym that always seems to effect opponents. UF has consistently struggled there in the last 10 years.
As for the Bucs, whatever. I think they'll still end up with Johnson available at #4. They need to start to relaod on D, and fast. Almos the entire D is old, or getting there.
The Bucs should be talking now w/ Minny about trading spots and picking up an extra first day pick. If they could get Adams or Anderson at #7 and then go DB or LB w/ the extra pick that would be a pretty solid first day.
I'm officially in on Calvin Johnson now. Did you see the clip of him running the 40 in 4.35? He looked like he was barely moving. His long strides are extremely deceptive. I think it's also cool that he chose to run once he got to Indy. I like the competitive fire.
As for the Brwons, they're nuts if they don't take Peterson. No position can make an impact as quickly as rb. While he has had some injuries, he doesn't strike as soft or unwilling to play hurt. I'd take him over Thomas.
Okay, after seeing Peterson at the combine I'm sold. He's a freak and if the Browns can get him they should take him.
Calvin Johnson is just a freak. I thought that he'd run in the 4.4s, but 4.35 was pretty awesome.
I was also surprised by Jason Hill from Washington St. He was a little dinged up his senior year, but the way he ran (4.32) he really helped himself.
Forgot to mention, did you hear the rumor that Dwayne Jarrett ran in the mid 4.7s at workouts in Arizona. Groin injury my ass.
I hadn't heard that but has Jarrett worried me for a bit now.
Between his questionable speed, his diva-like antics in the Rose Bowl and the poor track record of recently drafted USC receivers, I'm feeling major bust potential here. Plus, he seems like an idiot in interviews. Mental acuity is a pretty underrated attribute amongst receivers.
You should thank God if the Browns draft Peterson. Other than natural disaster or death, I can't think of anyway he's not a stud in the NFL. Oh yeah, did you see the earrings he was wearing? My god, one of those probably cost more than my entire time in Grad school.
As for Hill, I was shocked to see that number. I'd always thought of him as strictly a possession receiver. He's got to go in the 2nd round now, no?
I agree with takign Peterson if you're Detroit. It ain't gonna happen (I think Marinelli will kill to get Thomas)but it should.
Good call on Quinn. Maybe he's hoping to drop a little in order to get to a less horrible squad like Miami or somebody else.
I guess I missed Lynch's time. What did he run?
Speaking of USC receivers I think Steve Smith ran in the high 4.3s. I bet he hates Jarrett more than anyone.
And here's what I don't understand about NOT working out at the combine. It means that you're putting all of your eggs in one basket and banking on a good workout at your school. It just doesn't make sense. If Brady would have worked out and blown people away (he did have the most bench reps among QBs) he would have had some teams thinking about trading up to get him. At the combine you can compare every player in the same drills in the same enviroment. And did I mention that EVERY head coach and GM is there? That was something that I heard Calvin Johnson wasn't aware of and when he found out he decided to run. Who's advising these kids that they don't know that?
And Mike Mayock (NFLN)brought up a great point about the Penn State kids from last year. They apparently had a bunch of mid round projected guys (Alan Zamitus). None of them worked out at the combine and they all laid an egg at their on campus workout and some of them ended up not being drafted b/c of it. Just something to think about for these idiots. If you know you've got the skills why not show them off?
I've never seen an upside to backing down from the combine.
I've heard rumors that TB might trade with Cleveland as insurance for CJ.
It would be the 4th for the 3rd, plus the second round 2 pick and maybe a 3rd or 4th round picks.
That seems like a little too much for one guy.
I don't like trading up for CJ. i guess if they're convinced another team is gonna move up its worth looking at but I still don't like it.
Steve Smith did run in the 4.3s which was fairly surprising. He's really underrated, imo. Of course, I thought the same thing about Keary Colbert.
There's little to no benefit from sitting out the combine, unless you're a guaranteed top 5 pick. I hae no idea why somebody projected in the middle of the draft would elect to sit out. You end up looking scared of the comp and runing the risk of blowing your pro day, and thus killing you chance at upping your stock.
14 pts, 16 boards and 5 blocks for the Serbian Gangster last night.
If he could get anything close to those numbers on a semi-consistent basis, he'll totally be worth it. The Magic still need a good swingman; somebody 6-5 to 6-9 who can spot up and drive to the basket--basically an uninjured Grant Hill.
Is Calvin Johnson really going to fall into Tampa's lap at #4? That is amazing...
Oh yeah, the latest QB news is Drew Stanton overtaking Brady Quinn, pushing the golden boy further down the board. Niiiice....
It should be interesting to see what kind of contract the Magic offer Darko this summer. They still need more athleticism on the perimeter both offensively and defensively. They especially need somebody who can create shots for himslef (and others) in the halfcourt.
I could see Cleveland trading down, but the disparity b/w Thomas and Peterson and their closest ranked prospects is so great (at least on paper) that I think they'll get spooked of blowing it by passing on one of the two and stick at 3. At least thats what I'm hoping for. Its not often you get the drafts #1 prospect at #4.
As much as I have doubts about Quinn, there's no way Stanton deserves to be even mentioned int he same breath as Quinn. Stanton is horribly inconsistent and somewhat injury prone. His athleticism gets scouts drooling, but its folls gold.
I got your text. Acie Law IV has the biggest balls of all. I don't care that he missed that tough lay up and then got rejected in the 2nd OT. Those 2 triples were just awesome. How do you let him get the ball in that situation. Texas would have been better off putting 2 people on him and leaving someone else open.
If that game is in College Station they would have called Augustin for an intentional foul at the end of the 2nd OT. He grabbed Law's jersey from behind w/ both hands. He wasn't going after the ball. But pussy refs won't make that call on the road at the end of a game.
And the other thing that impressed me was the FT he missed on purpose. You can tell he's really heady, but also that all the other A&M guys were ready too. That's just a really well coached team.
Unlike Texas. Do you realize that Durant didn't touch the ball in the 2nd OT until there was 1:15 left. Touch, not shoot, he didn't touch the ball. How does that happen? Barnes has nevered impressed me as a coach. If Durant had a coach that could set things up for him he would be averaging 30 a game.
Yeah, Barnes has effectively neutralized Durant more than any defender (or team) has all year. Its a testament to Durant's ability that he continues to find ways to dominate games. Btw, tell me you weren't really impressed by Dameon James. he gets overshadowd by both Durant and Augustin, but he's smart, athletic and pretty skilled. I could see him being Big 12 POY in a couple of years.
The refereeing was a little suspect. The intentional foul will never get called in that situation. Even if its a home game for A&M, its tough to decide a game that way. However, I thought that Durant got away with a couple of offensive fouls where he spun and/or barrelled into a defender near the lane. Seems like he's already getting some type of star treatment.
As for A&M, Gillespie is a REALLY good coach. He's prepared and his teams play very smart. Some of that is Law though too. He's a stud. Always in control and aware of the situation. I'm more impressed every time I see him. The arc on that first 3 was unreal. I tried explaining how difficult a shot that was to Erika, obviously she was unimpressed. One thing though, he should've pulled up on the drive in the 2nd OT. He had room for the step back on the baseline. Either way, he's as good as it gets on the collegiate level.
I totally agree w/ you about James. The guy gets 20+ in that game on put backs and fast break layups. I'm always impressed by those guys. You're right about him being a potential Big XII POY in a couple of seasons. He can score and he seems to be the best defender on the team. If he and Augustin and Abrams stick around a few years they could make some real noise. As long as Rick Barnes doesn't screw it up.
You're totally right about the Law's lay up that got blocked. I was surprised he didn't pull up. He had his man back pedalling so he would have had plenty of space. But he's a beast. That triple over Durant reminded me of the Scottie Thurman 3 in the 1994 title game that seemed like it dropped out of the rafters.
Who's excited about the Jake Plummer era in Tampa?
You're right about James on D. he ahd two blocks that helped save that game. Texas will be sacry good with Augustin and Abrams in a year or two (provided they all stay). On a related note, think about the class that Oklahoma had coming in before Sampson left: James, Darrell Arthur (Kansas) and Scottie Reynolds (Nova). Thats right up there with UNCs freshman.
Screw you TJ.
That was a much quicker era than I expected.
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