Over the course of the last few weeks, I have been involved in an amazing missions trip, multiple concerts (of which I have played), and helping the girlfriend move into her college dorm. All of this has resulted in a giant goose egg when it comes to blog posts. For this I sincerely apologize. So...here goes nothing:
The Olympics
USA! USA! USA! After chasing China in the medal count for about a week, the Stars and Stripes kicked it into gear by dominating wrestling, basketball, and number of events in which Kobe Bryant attended. The London Olympics started out with probably the weirdest opening ceremonies I've ever seen. Never have I seen a trail go from JK Rowling, to Mr. Bean, to the internet. Cheerio, mate. I'll remember these Olympics for a few different reasons (in no particular order):
1) Oscar Pistorius' incredible run. Did anybody see that coming? Had anybody heard of him before the Olympics? That's what I thought (because I didn't either). He didn't just run, he COMPETED, making it to the semi-finals in the men's 400m. If you still don't know who Mr. Pistorius is, here's all you need to know. http://tinyurl.com/c93um8l
2) Basketball. I love it. You love it (hopefully). And in case you haven't heard, the U.S. kind of rocks at it. First, our women won gold. Woopdidoo. For the fifth consecutive time. WoopdiWHAT!?!?!?? Yeah, that's the DEFINITION of dominance. Then, to top it all off, the U.S. men's team also took home gold.
3) Jamaicans. They're fast.http://www.sbnation.com/london-olympics-2012/2012/8/5/3221941/usain-bolt-100m-video-2012-olympics
Did I mention they're fast? http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/files/morethanthegames/usainbolt200mheatlondon2012.jpg
Oh, and so are their women.http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120812/sports/images/Women4x400C20120811RM.jpg
The NBA
Oh boy, thanks again LeBron. You just HAD to spur another round of "Big Three" teams. Thanks, LeBron. (Disclaimer: This is not a legitimate argument. Shut up...people) Dwight Howard + Purple and Gold x Steve Nash to the power of Kobe Bryant = HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!! Mix in a little Pau Gasol, and BAM! http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTo45rFmc9_FsJMdxd4zFe1pRzmnR8OTqey8-g9KCN5lrFV-JuYKLuE0idl
The NFL
Preseason football. Nobody cares. (note: that period is not a typo, it is a statement of fact). Next topic please.
College Football
Oh no...THIS is the next topic? Dang. I'll pass. Not exactly a great way to end a blog post, but what can I honestly say? That USC is poised to absolutely rip through their schedule? That Tyrann Mathieu needs to...I don't know, think!?!? I didn't think that Mathieu could actually care LESS than an actual honey badger, but here we are. Hooray "student" athletes! I put student in quotations because I'm still waiting to be proven wrong. Thank you, and good day.
Note: That last line was not bitter, but rather a great ending to a pretty decent blog post in my opinion. It's good to be back.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
An Open Letter to Dwight Howard
Dear Mr. Howard,
Over the past couple of months, you have publicly voiced your desire to leave the Orlando Magic organization and be miraculously placed into a scenario in which you could quickly and efficiently rise to the top of the NBA charts as the greatest big man in recent memory. As a) A devout sports fan, b) a very opinionated person, and c) someone who claims a similar faith and belief system as you, I feel obligated to tell you this: shut up. There is a difference between quietly declining a year extension and agreeing to come back to a team before scolding them and wanting to get out like you're caught in the middle of an apartment fire. I do not doubt your talents, because you ARE a premier player..when you're playing that is. You're soap opera acting needs some work, because whether you like it or not, the saga ends at some point. You'll either begrudgingly play out this year like last: Dominating the boards, leading your team, but all the while yearning to get out, or you'll get traded for a ton of draft picks, some scrubs, and then act like nothing ever happened. Either way: shut up. If Orlando is not where you feel led to be, then so be it. But the way you are handling this situation in...*gulp*...worse than THIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM. Before being drafted you said you wanted to "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world". You're raising something alright, but it's probably closer to Cain than the name of God. Don't misinterpret that as an accusation, I just want you to know that LeBron could teach you a little bit about humility at the moment. Whether you end up with the Lakers, Magic, Republican Party, or the next contestant on Dancing With The Stars, I at least want to say this: Remember where you came from, Who made you who you are, and Who you're doing this all for.
Sincerely,
A Blogging Iowan
Over the past couple of months, you have publicly voiced your desire to leave the Orlando Magic organization and be miraculously placed into a scenario in which you could quickly and efficiently rise to the top of the NBA charts as the greatest big man in recent memory. As a) A devout sports fan, b) a very opinionated person, and c) someone who claims a similar faith and belief system as you, I feel obligated to tell you this: shut up. There is a difference between quietly declining a year extension and agreeing to come back to a team before scolding them and wanting to get out like you're caught in the middle of an apartment fire. I do not doubt your talents, because you ARE a premier player..when you're playing that is. You're soap opera acting needs some work, because whether you like it or not, the saga ends at some point. You'll either begrudgingly play out this year like last: Dominating the boards, leading your team, but all the while yearning to get out, or you'll get traded for a ton of draft picks, some scrubs, and then act like nothing ever happened. Either way: shut up. If Orlando is not where you feel led to be, then so be it. But the way you are handling this situation in...*gulp*...worse than THIS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9BqUBYaHlM. Before being drafted you said you wanted to "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world". You're raising something alright, but it's probably closer to Cain than the name of God. Don't misinterpret that as an accusation, I just want you to know that LeBron could teach you a little bit about humility at the moment. Whether you end up with the Lakers, Magic, Republican Party, or the next contestant on Dancing With The Stars, I at least want to say this: Remember where you came from, Who made you who you are, and Who you're doing this all for.
Sincerely,
A Blogging Iowan
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The 2012 NBA Draft Post!
Holy cow everybody! The 2012 NBA draft is tomorrow! What better way to spend your respective Thursday nights than by watching younglings who spent less than two years at a college they didn't pay for get selected by a basketball team whose order was determined by a series of ping pong balls!? Alright, so I think the draft is a little lame. But come on, black rimmed "nerd" glasses and ridiculously colored suits aren't exactly a great first impression for these guys. "Hey! I'm 19 and already spending money I don't have! Thanks [enter NBA city here], can't wait to sign the contract--I mean hit the court". Alright alright, enough of the bad stuff, let's talk about the unibrows-I mean draft picks. It's probably common knowledge that Kentucky F/C Anthony Davis will be the #1 pick to the New Orleans Hornets. He's 19. In case you DIDN'T know this, here's all you need to know: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MmALZKSnJ0. Yep, the kid's got...a wingspan. Then at the #2 spot, there's an interesting debacle as to who will be the next winner of "Charlotte's Got [A Severe Lack Of] Talent". Oh the irony of how this team is run by Michael Jordan. I can't get over it. But the nominees are! 18 year old Florida guard Bradley Beal. 18 year old Kentucky G/F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Orrrrrr the field (AND THE ALREADY IMPATIENT CROWD GOES WILD!!!!!). If it were my team, I wouldn't be sucked in by the fact that Beal decided to show up for the NCAA Tourney, or that Kidd-Gilchrist was on Calipari's kick-butt squad of eager underclassmen. I want heart. I want patience. I want the ability to blend while shedding the title of "first round pick". I want...this guy!! http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/49517-jeremy-lin-5-things-you-need-to-know/1329332136_jeremy-lin-article.jpg. Eh, it's worth a shot, right?
But anyway, I hope that above all else we actually receive some RESULTS from this group, because I for one am growing sick of the "one and done" route (maybe it's because I'm about to attend a college and actually have to pay for it). Last year the NBA was littered with the "young guns" that jumped from college early again. And as I watched the playoffs...only Kawhi Leonard made an even remote impact on his team's run (you could make the case for Norris Cole of the Heat, but then again, you also couldn't). Go another year back, 2010. Evan Turner. Paul George. Landry Fields (by the skin of his teeth). I guess 2009 would be the last "impact" draft. Blake "Dunk Over Everybody Who Gets In My Way" Griffin. James "Amish Beard" Harden. Tyler "Not Too Skinny Now" Hansbrough. Jrue Holiday. Jodie Meeks. Yada yada yada. Rebuttal? Didn't think so. I guess I'm not really as interested as I could be about the draft, because great players are DEVELOPED, not DRAFTED. Although I do love a good story or two, such as Mr. Royce White (What!? He's sucking up to the Iowa guy!...Why yes, yes I am). I hope this guy succeeds, because he's a heck of a player. Ain't that right UCONN? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qga2MuOMwc (the first 25 seconds is all you need). Alas, I cannot show TOO much love for White, but I do think he'll get drafted in the holy grail known as the first round. And frankly, I couldn't care less about everybody else. I don't care how many underclassmen from Kentucky get drafted. The better stat would be the percentage of draft picks that DON'T have a college degree. Just makes you wonder...
But anyway, I hope that above all else we actually receive some RESULTS from this group, because I for one am growing sick of the "one and done" route (maybe it's because I'm about to attend a college and actually have to pay for it). Last year the NBA was littered with the "young guns" that jumped from college early again. And as I watched the playoffs...only Kawhi Leonard made an even remote impact on his team's run (you could make the case for Norris Cole of the Heat, but then again, you also couldn't). Go another year back, 2010. Evan Turner. Paul George. Landry Fields (by the skin of his teeth). I guess 2009 would be the last "impact" draft. Blake "Dunk Over Everybody Who Gets In My Way" Griffin. James "Amish Beard" Harden. Tyler "Not Too Skinny Now" Hansbrough. Jrue Holiday. Jodie Meeks. Yada yada yada. Rebuttal? Didn't think so. I guess I'm not really as interested as I could be about the draft, because great players are DEVELOPED, not DRAFTED. Although I do love a good story or two, such as Mr. Royce White (What!? He's sucking up to the Iowa guy!...Why yes, yes I am). I hope this guy succeeds, because he's a heck of a player. Ain't that right UCONN? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qga2MuOMwc (the first 25 seconds is all you need). Alas, I cannot show TOO much love for White, but I do think he'll get drafted in the holy grail known as the first round. And frankly, I couldn't care less about everybody else. I don't care how many underclassmen from Kentucky get drafted. The better stat would be the percentage of draft picks that DON'T have a college degree. Just makes you wonder...
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
5 Keys to Game 5: The NBA Finals
With game 4 in the books and many more cheers and boos being let out, let's take a look at what needs to be done/not done in game 5 of the NBA Finals.
1) Will the real OKC catalyst please stand up?
There's the 3-time scoring champ. There's a guy from UCLA. There's a dude with a 7+ foot arm span. There's Russell Westbrook. Let's be clear here: Kevin Durant is the man in OKC. He's got the composure, he's got the all-around game, he's what OKC has ridden to an NBA Finals appearance. How is it then that Westbrook is the one averaging 25 SHOTS a game, while Durant only 20 per game. Time after time we have wanted Durant to step up, but that's pretty hard when your point guard decides HE wants to run the show, and...well...miss wide open potential game tying 3's (http://tinyurl.com/89k2tfr), and commit a ridiculously stupid foul while appearing completely lost in the process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSCa5BCplEs). The underlying problem here? Somebody needs to step up. While we all want Durant to be that guy, it's been Westbrook bearing the load (both good AND bad) so far in this series. It might be too late, but hopefully OKC can figure out who their go to guy is. And they need to do it in a hurry.
2) A Tale of Two Benches
Game 4 showed us that one team has their bench situation figured out, while the others is completely in shambles. Here's a hint: The team with the 3-1 lead has got it figured out. While LeBron James moves into the paint at will, guys like Shane Battier and Norris Cole remind everyone why they currently have a roster spot. That's right. They aren't part of the "Big Three", but they sure as heck are contributing to them being one win away from a title. On the other hand, what has made OKC strong is in a matter of disarray. Other than the fact that James Harden has seemingly forgotten what a 6th Man of the Year plays like (he's currently shooting 35% in the series from the field), the "veteran presence" of the Thunder in the form of Derek Fisher decided to REGRESS as his playoff experience increases. How do I know this? Exhibit A! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHBaeBju9rw
3) Super Mario
I would be a sad excuse for a sports writer (although I don't think I'm one to judge) if I didn't acknowledge Mario Chalmer's breakout performance in game 4. He was 9 of 15 from the field, and scored 25 points. Solid game right? Well that would be an understatement when compared to the first three games of this series
Game 1: 5-7 FG, 12 points
Game 2: 1-7 FG, 3 points
Game 3: 1-8 FG, 2 points
After further examination (and some simple math), Mario Chalmers scored 8 more points in game 4 than he had in games 1-3 COMBINED. Case closed. If Chalmers repeats this, OKC will be on a one way trip back to where the wind goes sweeping down the plains (which doesn't make a lot of sense since if OKC wins game 5 they'll be playing games 6 & 7 and home, but we'll go with it).
4) Growing Pains
How big is LeBron James' exit to game 4? Not very, considering he had done everything else to help his team to victory. As big of a LBJ critic as I have been...yesterday just about shut me up. 26 points, 12 boards, 9 dimes. Wow. That's an MVP type game, considering he sat out the last minute or so with cramps. As far as game 5 goes, I expect more of the same for "King" James. While I still hate to admit it, he is the best player in the game. Period. Bar none. For those of who you still think the clutch gene isn't there: 29.25, 6, 10. Boom. There's the series average for James (points, assists, rebounds). Highest average of active players in the playoffs? That title belongs to the "king" as well.
5) The "It" Factor
Oh yes, the "it" factor. The variable that turns the tide in favor of one side and is the key to triumph. What is that in game 5? Could it be the "Big Three" being one win away of that elusive title (is it elusive if they've be trying for it for a whole year and a half?). Or will it be the Thunder finding a balanced attack with Kevin Durant leading the charge, Westbrook filing in behind him, and the bench hitting key shots in key situations? Three games in a row? My brain is telling me the Heat will win it. My heart wants the Heat to lose, but also wants the fans in Seattle to have a little solace over what could have been (Yes, I watched the Sonicsgate documentary. Loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Dp20ydm1E). The "it" factor definitely has to lean towards the Heat. I guess we'll see...
1) Will the real OKC catalyst please stand up?
There's the 3-time scoring champ. There's a guy from UCLA. There's a dude with a 7+ foot arm span. There's Russell Westbrook. Let's be clear here: Kevin Durant is the man in OKC. He's got the composure, he's got the all-around game, he's what OKC has ridden to an NBA Finals appearance. How is it then that Westbrook is the one averaging 25 SHOTS a game, while Durant only 20 per game. Time after time we have wanted Durant to step up, but that's pretty hard when your point guard decides HE wants to run the show, and...well...miss wide open potential game tying 3's (http://tinyurl.com/89k2tfr), and commit a ridiculously stupid foul while appearing completely lost in the process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSCa5BCplEs). The underlying problem here? Somebody needs to step up. While we all want Durant to be that guy, it's been Westbrook bearing the load (both good AND bad) so far in this series. It might be too late, but hopefully OKC can figure out who their go to guy is. And they need to do it in a hurry.
2) A Tale of Two Benches
Game 4 showed us that one team has their bench situation figured out, while the others is completely in shambles. Here's a hint: The team with the 3-1 lead has got it figured out. While LeBron James moves into the paint at will, guys like Shane Battier and Norris Cole remind everyone why they currently have a roster spot. That's right. They aren't part of the "Big Three", but they sure as heck are contributing to them being one win away from a title. On the other hand, what has made OKC strong is in a matter of disarray. Other than the fact that James Harden has seemingly forgotten what a 6th Man of the Year plays like (he's currently shooting 35% in the series from the field), the "veteran presence" of the Thunder in the form of Derek Fisher decided to REGRESS as his playoff experience increases. How do I know this? Exhibit A! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHBaeBju9rw
3) Super Mario
I would be a sad excuse for a sports writer (although I don't think I'm one to judge) if I didn't acknowledge Mario Chalmer's breakout performance in game 4. He was 9 of 15 from the field, and scored 25 points. Solid game right? Well that would be an understatement when compared to the first three games of this series
Game 1: 5-7 FG, 12 points
Game 2: 1-7 FG, 3 points
Game 3: 1-8 FG, 2 points
After further examination (and some simple math), Mario Chalmers scored 8 more points in game 4 than he had in games 1-3 COMBINED. Case closed. If Chalmers repeats this, OKC will be on a one way trip back to where the wind goes sweeping down the plains (which doesn't make a lot of sense since if OKC wins game 5 they'll be playing games 6 & 7 and home, but we'll go with it).
4) Growing Pains
How big is LeBron James' exit to game 4? Not very, considering he had done everything else to help his team to victory. As big of a LBJ critic as I have been...yesterday just about shut me up. 26 points, 12 boards, 9 dimes. Wow. That's an MVP type game, considering he sat out the last minute or so with cramps. As far as game 5 goes, I expect more of the same for "King" James. While I still hate to admit it, he is the best player in the game. Period. Bar none. For those of who you still think the clutch gene isn't there: 29.25, 6, 10. Boom. There's the series average for James (points, assists, rebounds). Highest average of active players in the playoffs? That title belongs to the "king" as well.
5) The "It" Factor
Oh yes, the "it" factor. The variable that turns the tide in favor of one side and is the key to triumph. What is that in game 5? Could it be the "Big Three" being one win away of that elusive title (is it elusive if they've be trying for it for a whole year and a half?). Or will it be the Thunder finding a balanced attack with Kevin Durant leading the charge, Westbrook filing in behind him, and the bench hitting key shots in key situations? Three games in a row? My brain is telling me the Heat will win it. My heart wants the Heat to lose, but also wants the fans in Seattle to have a little solace over what could have been (Yes, I watched the Sonicsgate documentary. Loved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Dp20ydm1E). The "it" factor definitely has to lean towards the Heat. I guess we'll see...
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Welcome
To all of you reading this, thank you! This is the inaugural post on my blog which will revolve and contain an abundance of sports-related posts, stats, stories, and rants. As a teen in Iowa, you'd be surprised as to how much I know. For instance, I am a Yankees fan (that's right, shake your heads all you nay-sayers). BUT, I became a fan of the NYY in 2001. 2001 you say? That's right, the year that the Yankees lost the World Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Randy Johnson. Curt Schilling. Luis Gonzalez. Yep, I remember it all. It was my first experience of heartbreak (other than my brother breaking my arm as a youngster over a Winnie the Pooh figurine and could no longer suck my thumb). So that's me. I hope you can appreciate what I have to offer, as I love to talk (and learn) about sports. What if I'm out in left field about something (that's right, a sports reference!)? Why I can't wait for those moments, and hopefully I'll hear from all of you via email (thesupermario64@gmail.com) or twitter (@super_mario64) or something of that nature. With that said, thank you for reading, and welcome to my website: A Simple Iowan's Simple Sports Blog.
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