Superstitions in Sports

Whether you believe in superstitions or not, it is near impossible to not see them in the sporting world. Maybe it is how someone wraps the tape on their bat, or the shirt they wear under their shoulder pads, but every sport – and seemingly every player – seems to have some sort of superstition.

While fishing last week with my Dad and Grandfather, I learned that they each have their ways of trying to coax “the bite”. My Grandfather believes in the power of a cigar. My Father washed his hands before getting on board.

This is where I started feeling the “thought juice” flow. I thought about my own; including taking the first pitch, drinking from the same coffee cup on game day and other things like these.

Then I hear about Jason Giambi's way of getting out of a hitting slump (if you haven’t heard about it…think of gold lame and a very small amount of material) and the deal was sealed.

Of course there are “curses” but these are a small compilation of individual superstitions.

Here are some others I have found.

By Player:
- Michael Jordan always wore his blue North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform.
- Nomar Garciaparra gets dressed the same way every day.
- Wade Boggs would eat only chicken the day of a game.
- Roger Clemens always touched the head of the Babe Ruth statue before pitching in Yankee Stadium.
- Turk Wendell use to brush his teeth and chew licorice between every inning.
- Tiger Woods wears a red shirt on Sundays.
- Patrick Roy (Hockey) would talk to his goalposts during the game: "They're my friends." He never stepped on the red or blue lines. Before a game, he would skate out to the blue line and stare at the net, visualizing it shrinking.
- Goran Invanisevic (Tennis) always rises from his chair after his opponent and never steps on the lines of the court.
- If Red Sox pitcher Brendan Donnelly has a bad outing, he tosses his undershirt in the trash. "It's never my fault," he told The Boston Globe. "It's the stupid shirt."
- Mark McGwire wore the same protective cup from high school.
- Mike "The Human Rain Delay" Hargrove would walk up the first-base line and take three practice swings before stepping into the batter's box. He would then adjust his batting gloves, pants, sleeves, wipe perspiration off his lips and push down on the top of his batting helmet before he was ready to step in. He would do this again after every pitch.

A few by Sport:

Baseball
- It is not okay to talk to a pitcher when he is in the midst of a “no-hitter”.
- No stepping on the foul line when taking the field.
- "Statting" a player by mentioning his excellent statistics in this situation is seen to jinx that player.
- Not shaving after the first postseason win

Basketball
- Wipe the soles of your sneakers for good luck.

Football
- It's bad luck for a professional football player to take a new number when he is traded to another team.
- It's good luck for a player to have a double number

What sort of other Sports Superstitions do you know of?

Credit to: Sports Superstitions, Wikipedia, Psychology of Sports, Sidebits, ESPN Page 2

2008-09 College Basketball Preseason Rankings

The Kansas Jayhawks won the National Championship exactly 43 days ago. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft was 23 days ago. The Draft itself is still over 1 month away. Schools don't even start practicing for the season for another six months. And you know what all this tells me? That it's never to early to start ranking the teams for the upcoming 2008-09 college basketball season.

(Since the June 16th deadline for players that have not hired an agent to withdraw and come back to school has not passed yet, these picks will be made under the premise that all players who have declared are going to stay in the draft.)

All scouting notes and numbers courtesy of Rivals.com top 150.

1. Connecticut
With 7'3 Center Hasheem Thabeet returning to UCONN, the Huskies are bringing back all 5 starters from a 24 win team. The core of this team, AJ Price, Jeff Adrien, Thabeet, and Jerome Dyson will be playing there third year together until the tutelage of Coach Jim Calhoun. Don't be fooled by the first round exit of the Huskies in the NCAA Tournament last year as this team with have the chemistry and the experience (not to mention be tested heavily in a loaded Big East) to bring a National Title back to Storrs. UCONN will also be getting the 13th and 14th ranked recruits in F Ater Majok and G Kemba Walker.

Key to their season: Will the Huskies leading scorer, AJ Price, be fully healthy after tearing his ACL against USD in the NCAA Tournament ?

2. North Carolina
Reigning AP Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough is back for his Senior season. That in itself is enough to put the Tar Heels in the conversation to win it all. As of right now, PG Ty Lawson, SG Wayne Ellington, and SF Danny Green have declared for the draft. Look for Danny Green to return to Chapel Hill though. The Tar Heels bring in 3 highly touted recruits: 5 star recruit F Ed Davis (15th in class of 2008) and two 4 star recruits: PG Larry Drew and C Tyler Zeller (33rd in class of 2008).

Key to their season: Can anyone replace Lawson? When he was injured last season, the team struggled as it had no ball distributor and lost some of its transition game.

3. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh brings back its top 3 players -PG Lavance Fields, SF Sam Young and C DeJuan Blair. This may be the best trio of any team in the country. Add in the fact that Pitt owns one of the best home court advantages in college hoops. They are 55-1 against non conference opponents since the Peterson Events Center opened. The are tournament tested (winning the Big East title last season) and play a hard nosed style of defense that wins championships.

Key to their season: Replacing departed senior guards Ronald Ramon and Keith Benjamin with solid role players that don't turn the ball over. Gilbert Brown may be expected to fill that role.

4. Oklahoma
Besides Thabeet and Hansbrough, the other stellar big man to surprisingly return to school was OU's super freshman Blake Griffin. The only major loss is Longar Longar however his departure will allow Jeff Capel's Sooners to run a bit more. Add in 5 star recruit Willie Warren (10th in class of 2008) with Griffin and you have a star studded 1-2 inside/outside combo. Warren is a power guard who is very good with the ball. The Sooners also return their starting back court in junior Tony Crocker (11.3 pts, 3.8 rebs) and senior Austin Johnson (8.3 pts, 2.7 assists).

Key to their season: Along with keeping Griffin healthy for the entire season, watch how the inside outside game between Griffin and Warren materializes. This combo may the best in the country.

5. Notre Dame
The Irish return the Big East Player of the Year and leading scorer Senior F Luke Harongody, Senior SG Kyle McAlarny who averaged 15.1 and 108 made 3's, and Big East assist leader Junior PG Tory Jackson. The Irish will have a target on their back this season as they finished 2nd in the Big East last season. Urgency will be key for the Irish as they do not have 1 player in Rivals top 150 recruiting class for 2008.

Key to their season: Can the Irish exceed as the hunted this season unlike past years when they have been the huntee?

6. Purdue
The Baby Boilers surprised the country last season finishing second in the Big Ten with three freshman. Assuming the three freshman - G/F Robbie Hummel, G/F Scott Martin, and leading scorer guard E'Twuan Moore - each improve this season, the Boilermakers should win a weak Big Ten and get a nice seed come March.

Key to their season: With more expectations this year, can the youngsters perform with a target on their backs? Can raw big man JaJuan Johnson improve enough to anchor the front court?

7. Wake Forest
WF finished below .500 in the ACC last season but this year they may be UNC's top challenger. With Rival.com's top ranked recruiting class, which features three five-star recruits – 6-8 forward Al-Farouq Aminu (7th overall ) and 6-11 centers Ty Walker (17th overall) and Tony Woods (20th overall), the Deamon Deacons's sky is the limit. The Deacs also bring back their top 2 scorers in Sophomores James Johnson and Jeff Teague.

Key to their season: Is a starting five of 3 freshman and 2 sophomores too young to bring a national title back to Winston-Salem?

8. Louisville
The Cardinals are the Big East's fourth legitimate Final Four candidate. They lost Derrick Caracter but Rick Pitino wanted him gone hence some addition by subtraction. They also lost leading scorer and team leader David Padgett. However, Earl Clark and senior wing man Terrance Williams are back as is Juan Palacios, Jerry Smith and Edgar Sosa. Louisville also will be bringing in 6'9 F Samardo Samuels (9th overall) who is said to be an automatic double double guy as well as 6'10 F shot blocker Terrence Jennings (18th overall).

Key to their season: The Cardinals need to be more consistent than last season. Who will emerge as the team leader? Can Sosa be a true point guard and distribute the basketball better?

9. Florida
The Gators suffered last season from lack of expereince. With another year under Billy Donovan, this team such be the class of the SEC. Co-SEC Rookie of the Year Nick Calathes will be in the running for Conference Player of the Year as he averaged 15.3 pts last season. Marresse Speights has declared for the Draft but no one knows if he will stay in. Regardless the Gators are reloading with 26th and 27th ranked recruits F Eloy Vargas and C Kenny Kadji.

Key to their season: Can anyone replace Speights inside if he stays in the Draft?

10. Duke
Duke lost SG DeMarcus Nelson but bring back the entire rest of the team that finished #16 in the AP poll. Sophomore Taylor King has transferred but he wasn't part of the rotation. Kyle Singler and Gerald Henderson look to be the go to scoring options. Look for five star recruit G Elliot Williams (a slashing lefty and 16th overall) to contribute right away.

Key to their season: Duke still lacks an inside presence and depth. Will the 7 man rotation wear out the Dukies by the end of the season? Will no legit big man hurt them in a conference full of more than capable centers.

11. UCLA
UCLA will be somewhat of a sleeper as Kevin Love, Luc Richard Mah a Moute, Russell Westbrook, and Josh Shipp leave for the NBA. However, Shipp has not hired an agent and he may be back in Westwood. Second leading scorer G Darren Collison will be back. Ben Howland has a proven defensive mind that has helped guide UCLA to the past 3 Final Fours. Also factor in five star recruit and incoming freshman Jrue Holiday (2nd overall) who is this years poor mans version of Derrick Rose.

Key to their season: Can Collison handle the scoring pressure and will the younger guys step up?

12. Michigan State
State had an up and down 2007-08 season and will need more consistency this year. Tom Izzo has brought in five star recruit power forward Delvon Roe (24th overall) to bang down low under th boards with Senior Goran Sutan. Sparty lost one key player, G Drew Nietzel but has speedy Kalim Lucas to fill his shoes. Raymar Morgan led the team in scoring last season and could be the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2008.

Key to their season: The Spartans were soft down low so adding Roe will add firepower. Assuming they make the tournament field, can MSU rise to the occasion much like many of Tom Izzo's proir team have?

13. UNLV
In case you have missed it, the Runnin' Rebels have won the Mountain West the past two seasons. In 2007, Lon Kruger's bunch made it to the Sweet Sixteen. Last season they made it to the second round of the Tournament. UNLV has 3 returning starters (all of whom are seniors)from a team that won 27 games. Leading scorer G Wink Adams leads the team. Add redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga, a 7-foot former five-star prospect, and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis, and you have the makings of a serious sleeper.

Key to their season: How well will Hamga and Willis fit in? Will they have enough quality out of conference wins and how strong will the Mountain West be?

14. Gonzaga
PG Jeremy Pargo would be a major loss if he indeeds stays in the draft. The Zags however will still be the class of the West Coast Conference because they will be returning 3 of their top 4 scorers icluding G Matt Bouldin and C Josh Heytvelt. The Bulldogs seem to always play a tough out of conference schedule that mentally toughens them. Former stud recruit Austin Daye will look to improve on his 10.5 ppg 4.7 rebound freshman campaign.

Key to their season: Will they have Pargo back? Can Heytvelt keep his head on straight this season? The Zags season will largely depend on the improvement of Daye.

15. Tennessee
The bad news for the Volunteers is that they lose their top two scorers in Chris Lofton and JuJuan Smith. The good news is that F Tyler Smith is returning to Knoxville along with junior F Wayne Chism. More good news for the Vols: 5 star recruit SG Scotty Hopson (5th overall) fled the state of Kentucky in order to suit up for Bruce Pearl in Volunteer orange. The Vols also have two 4 star recruits: F Renaldo Woolridge (58th overall) and C Phillip Jurick (68th overall).

Key to their season: Who will replace the 30 ppg they lost in Lofton and J. Smith? Will they be able to run a high transition game with the new players coming in?

16. Memphis
The almost champions lost all 5 of its starting lineup to the NBA or graduation this year. The best players back from the national runners up are juniors G Doneal mack and F Shawn Taggert. Having national recongnition and being able to dominate a weak Conference USA will help keep Memphis in the hunt. 5 Star recruit G Tyreke Evans (6th overall) will help ease the pain of losing PG Derrick Rose as he is the 3rd ranked PG in the class.

Key to their season: How long will it take John Calipari to fully learn the strenghts and weaknesses of his new players enough to consistently put out the best lineup?

17. Georgetown
With glue guy Patrick Ewing Jr, PG Jonathan Wallace, and 7'3 C Roy Hibbert all graduating not to mention junior PG Jeremiah Rivers transferring, Coach John Thompson III has his hands full in DC. Enter 3 year started DaJuan Summers and Jessie Sapp. They will have more control this season in the Princeton offense. Five star recruit Greg Monroe (8th overall) will look to fill Hibbert's shoes inside immediately.

Key to their season: Who will be the point guard and run the team? Who will be the emtional leader? Will they lack chemistry with all of the changes?

18. USC
USC lost two of its best players in freshmen OJ Mayo and Davon Jefferson. The two were also a distraction as Tim Floyd will look to team unity instad of individual one on one player. It starts with vertern leadership in juniors F Taj Gibson and G Daniel Hackett. Incoming stud freshman Demar DeRozan (3rd overall) is the classes #1 ranked shooting guard. He is an extremely atheltic scorer and at 6'5 posseses great size.

Key to their season: Tim Floyd needs to get his Trojans to play more as a cohesive unit. USC's DeRozan should be right up their with Arizona's Brandon Jennings and UCLA Jrue Holiday for Conference Rookie of the Year.

19. Kansas
The defending nation champions lost all 5 of their starters. The only player that was a significant piece of the championship that is coming back is junior G Sherron Collins who averaged 9.3ppg. The Jayhawks do bring in the 8th best recruiting class including two 4 star recruits: brothers Marcus and Markieff Morris (29th and 50th overall) as well as a verbal commitment from another 4 star recruit PG Tyshawn Taylor (77th overall). Interestingly all 3 recruits are from NJ.

Key to their season: Will Cole Aldrich improve his game to take pressure off the guards? Will they freshman step in and contribute immediately.

20. Marquette
3 of the Golden Eagles top 5 scorers return including dynamic PG Dominic James and F Lazar Hayward. Marquette reached the Finals of the Big East Tournament and finished the year ranked 21. Their biggest loss is losing coach Tom Crean to Indiana. Another giant loss is Jerel McNeal who has declared early for the Draft but not hired an agent. McNeal was the leading scorer last season as well as one of the best one on one defenders in the country.

Key to their season: Can new coach Buzz Williams keep the Golden Eagles in the upper echelon of a loaded Big East? Because of the coaching change, Marquette only managed to grab one 3 star recruit and one two star recruit.

21. Ohio State
7'0 C Kosta Koufos went one and done for the Buckeyes. They also loose their leader and top scorer G Jamar Butler. Not need to panic though in Columbus as Thad Matta went out and got himself the top recruit in the country: 7'1, 265 C BJ Mullens. It is said he reminds people of Bill Walton and could be a potential Dirk Notwitzki type player in the Association. Matta also landed 5 star recruit G William Buford (19th overall). Junior G/F David Lighty (9.0ppg) will be a key third option for the Buckeyes.

Key to their season: While losing Koufos and Othello Hunter down low, can Mullens resurrect the paint for the Buckeyes? How long will the team be lost without leader Jamar Butler and who will step into that role?

22. Syracuse
4 of their starting 5 are coming including G Eric Devendorf who was injured all of last season. Their major loss is F Donte Green who averaged 17.7 ppg. The team will lean on its veteran leadership in Devendorf and Junior F Paul Harris. The Cuse bring in F Mookie Jones (35th overall), a combo forward with a developing skill game.

Key to their season: Can they eliminate the inconsistencies that plagued them last season? How much have the freshman improved from last season? Can Scoop Jardine keep his head on straight all season?

23. Arizona State
ASU's back with their dynamic 1-2 scoring combo of senior F Jeff Pendergraph and sophomore James Harden (17.8 ppg). The Sun Devils had 21 wins last season and finished 5th in what many called the best conference a year ago. Sophomore G Ty Abbott brings back 9 ppg and junior Derek Glasser brings back 6 ppg. No one early departures or graduations has affected this team. On the other hand no star recruits have been brought in by Herb Sendek. However a rejuventated ASU program may may chomping at the bit when the season starts as it was the last team left out of the NCAA tournament. They will have revenge on their mind.

Key to their season: Having a stronger out of conference schedule with some key wins that will force the committee to not leave them out of teh Big Dance this season.

24. Villanova
The Wildcats make a late season charge to make the tournament and advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Junior G Scottie Reynolds and fellow guards Corey Fisher and Corey Stokes lead a lethal outside threat. All seven of Nova's leading scorers return. While Nova is bringing everyone back they have yet to sign a top 150 recruit.

Key to their season: Where will the inside threat come from? This teams reminds me of Marquette last season with 3 dynamic outside shooters and slashers.

25. Miami (FL)
Miami engineered a 10 game turn around last season and made the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002. Four starters, including top scorer Jack McClinton, return. Two of the others are in the backcourt with McClinton—Lance Hurdle and James Dews—and the fourth, Dwayne Collins, has on occasion demonstrated the ability to be a force inside. Coach Frank Haith has replacements for departing seniors Anthony King and Raymond Hicks waiting, with Cryus McGowan, a transfer from Arkansas, and Julian Gamble, who sat out 2007-08 as a redshirt. Miami also landed 5 star recruit F Dequan Jones (23rd overall).

Key to their season: How will the replacements step in? Can the Hurricanes improve from last seson and hang with the UNC's and Duke's of the conference? Frank haith needs to land a top stud recruit in the state of Miami to help maintain Miami as a top 25 basketball school (Dequan Jones is from GA)

Others Considered: Arizona, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Xavier, Kentucky, Davidson

Thursday Headlines: 05/22/08

MLB:
Webb reeled in by Marlins in try for 10-0
Wait…reeled!?!? HA! I get it!

Woeful Pads lose pitcher, catcher, game
Man…Pujols is a jerk.

Reports: Gagne shut down with shoulder tightness
Not because he sucks…

Pedro says he's not planning to retire after 2008
Says Favre is in his “5”.

Fan dies after 150-foot fall at Atlanta's Turner Field
It was the handrail’s fault!

Joba starts transition, A-Rod fuels Yanks
But don’t worry, they didn’t prematurely pull Wang.


NBA:
Scott expects to get extension, stay with Hornets
Seattle hopes he runs them into ground.

Bulls' fortunes brighter on heels of draft lottery win
Hmmm…do I smell a conspiracy?

Cavs owner not panicking about LeBron's future
Funny since everyone else is.

Spurs slept on grounded plane after Game 7 win
This is news!?!?! I sleep on planes as well…

Lawyer, casino: Barkley paid debt, case still open
Man…that casino is “terrrrrible”

Heat may pass on Beasley
Will ask for a first-rounder, second-rounder and a bag of chips.

Mark Cuban: I smoked pot, too
95% of college graduates giggle.


NHL:
Roenick back for 20th season, agrees with Sharks
Supposedly gets a “hoveround ” in deal.


NFL:
Benson reports to camp, thanks Bears for support
Yes…thanks for drafting a running back in the second round.

Report: Cowboys may use Pacman some at WR
Since Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde are getting old.

Dolphins coach says Taylor to boycott all camps
Read into this: "That being said, we need to discuss the current players on our team right now that have been busting their butt for nine weeks here." Did he say the current players on our team?

Steroids distributor shares information with NFL
Says: “See, the clear is the CLEAR one”

Mawae: Rookie deals like Ryan's 'disheartening'
But playing for a bad team is not.

Palmer calls out AWOL Johnson, Houshmandzadeh
Great plan: piss off the two guys you have to throw to.

The Sports Apple's 2008 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

The NBA Lottery took place last night with the Chicago Bulls capturing the number 1 pick despite only having a 1.7% of getting it. Now the Bulls top question becomes do they take Kansas State forward Michael Beasley or Memphis point guard Derrick Rose? Who will the rest of the teams pick and will there be trades?

So now that the ping pong balls have bounced Chicago's way, it's time to answer these questions. With the Draft still over 1 month away expect tons teams to flip flop on decisions. After all, the NBA pre draft workout in Orlando has not yet taken place. Also, the June 16th deadline for players that have not hired an agent to withdraw has not passed so the players available on draft day may be different than they are today.

Now on to the selections. (In my best David Stern voice) With the first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select......

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose - PG - Memphis
The Chicago native may get a chance to return home and bring the Bulls their first championship sans Jordan. The Bulls have a PG Kirk Hinriech locked up for 5 more years but they will not pass on the best player in the draft. Rose immediately will step in as a floor general and make the Bulls one of the favorites in the East. One thing is for sure though, Rose won't be able to his #23 that he wore at Memphis.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwayne Wade/Jason Kidd

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley - PF - Kansas State
The Heat had an admirable tank job last season and now face a win win situation. They may get the number 1 player on their board (Rose) if Chicago takes Beasley. If Chicago takes Rose, look for the Heat to try and trade this pick because Pat Riley is not completely sold on Beasley. That may also signal the beginning of the end for Dwayne Wade in South Florida when his contract expires.

NBA Player Comparison: Carmelo Anthony

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - Brook Lopez - C - Stanford
The 7 foot Lopez will fill the Timberwolves need for a big man to compliment Al Jefferson inside. Lopez is the most polished big man in the draft. However, because Kevin McHale is in charge of the Wolves draft don't count out the possibility of the them taking OJ Mayo or even Danilo Gallinari.

NBA Player Comparison: Brad Daugherty

4. Seattle Sonics - Jerryd Bayless - PG - Arizona
The Sonics were the big loser on NBA Lottery night falling from 2 to 4. However, they can still pick up a "must see to believe" type point guard not named Rose. By taking Bayless, they will be adding a scoring guard who will take offensive pressure off Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

NBA Player Comparison: Gilbert Arenas

5. Memphis Grizzlies - OJ Mayo - SG - Southern California
The Grizzlies are loaded at PG (Kyle Lowery, Mike Conley, and Javaris Crittenton) so they will opt for the best SG in the draft in OJ Mayo. Also, look for them to perhaps part with a loaded back court and move down if they favor Eric Gordon or a PF. Mayo's star potential may be too much to resist. A trio or Rudy Gay, Mike Conley, and OJ Mayo may put the Grizzlies in playoff contention in a few years.

NBA Player Comparison: Ben Gordon

6. New York Knicks - Danilo Gallinari - SF - Italy
This Knick will be widely unpopular in NY and booed on draft night. Knicks fans need to trust new coach Mike D'Antoni as he has deep connections to the Italian League. The Knicks need a small forward that can step back and shoot. He will eventually fit into D'Antoni's run and gun offense when the Knicks find the right point guard. This pick will be made by Donnie Walsh with the thoughts of overhauling the team and rebuilding with pieces around Gallinari and perhaps free agent to be in 2010 Lebron James. Also, look for the Knicks to trade down to gather more picks and take Eric Gordon or either of the two best remaining point guards DJ Augustin and Russell Westbrook.

NBA Player Comparison - Detlef Schrempf

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Russell Westbrook - PG - UCLA
The Clippers would love to have Gallinari fall to to them but with him gone look for them to take a guard who will fill an immediate need. This guy is fearless in a wide-open game. He just goes to the basket, though maybe a little too hard when a big man is waiting. Westbrook has good size and some muscle to go with his decent mid-range jumper. He also gets into a defensive stance and will try and match up and move his feet and guard. The Clippers need a point guard with Shaun Livingston’s injury issues and they land a local guy. Look for the Clippers to try to trade down to (perhaps Indiana at 11 that desperately needs a PG) take one of the next best small forwards in Donte Green or Joe Alexander.

NBA Player Comparison: Monta Ellis

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Eric Gordon - SG - Indiana
Eric Gordon's late season slump will cause him to fall a bit to 8. The Bucks are loaded up front with Yi Jianlian, Andrew Bogut, and Charlie Villanueva. If the Bucks take Gordon it will mean they may explore trades for Michael Redd who is not getting any younger. The Bucks can change their losing atmosphere by taking Gordon who can be an instant impact guy.

NBA Player Comparison: Mitch Richmond

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Darrell Arthur - PF - Kansas
Michael Jordan and new Coach Larry Brown have been known to not sit around let the fruit ripen on the vine. That's why they will take veteran Arthur over longer term project Anthony Randolph. Also look for the Bobcats to give a hard look at Kevin Love but ultimately they will pass on Love because of lack of condition and athleticism. This is also the franchise that took Emeka Okafor over Dwight Howard and Adam Morrison over Rudy Gay.

NBA Player Comparison: Antonio McDyess

10. New Jersey Nets - Anthony Randolph - PF - Louisiana State
The Nets can afford to gamble on a high risk/high reward guy because they are in rebuilding mode. Randolph has tons of buzz around him being a 6-foot-10 raw power forward. He has upside with the speed and length and touch, but still there is work to be done. A major weakness is he can be a turnover machine.

NBA Player Comparison: Lamar Odom

11. Indiana Pacers - DJ Augustin - PG - Texas
Augustin can shoot it and he can handle it. He’s only 6-feet tall, which got him in trouble against taller PG in college but he has NBA skills. He has great character, which attracts him to the Pacers, who have had continuing off-court problems. This pick will be the replacement for Jaamal Tinsley and may be Westbrook if he is available.

NBA Player Comparison: Travis Best

12. Sacramento Kings - Nicholas Batum - SF - France
Agile forward with size, an incredible wingspan, and great all around skills. Batum will need more time to develop and the Kings are a perfect situation where he can learn for a few years before contributing. Like Rudy Gay, his struggles have diminished his draft stock, but he's oozing with potential and could end up going higher.

NBA Player Comparison: Rudy Gay

13. Portland Trail Blazers - Kevin Love - C - UCLA
He could go higher, but if he is around, Portland can grab a local hero and a really good player. He is a glue guy who would thrive with an emerging team. D.J. Augustin’s value as a point guard moves him up the ladder and makes Love available.

NBA Player Comparison: Wes Unseld

14. Golden State Warriors - Joe Alexander - SF - West Virginia
The Warriors could look to go in a number of directions. Alexander would be an excellent upgrade over Al Harrington at the forward position. JaVale McGee would be a nice long-term pick for them if their intention is to unload Baron Davis and build for the future around their young nucleus (Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright).

NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Marion/Tom Chambers

15. Phoenix Suns (via Atlanta) - Donte Greene - SF - Syracuse
Greene would be a tremendous pick if the Suns decide to keep a first rounder for a change. He will make them younger and he will eventually remind Suns fans of a Shawn Marion combo forward with size. He has a lot of different shots in his game, which includes three-pointers, some post-up stuff, and mid-range jumpers. The issue is going to be teaching him some shot selection. It’s not good when a player who is 6-10 shoots 133 free throws and 261 three-pointers. Is he coachable?

NBA Player Comparison: Rashard Lewis

16. Philadelphia 76ers - DeAndre Jordan - C - Texas A&M
The 76ers are looking for size down low. If Jordan slips out of the lottery to them, they will be ecstatic. Jordan drops this far because of his lack of motivation. A good showing at the pre draft workouts will mean a lot to GMs and he will move back up. He is high risk/high reward but he will not fall further than 16.

NBA Player Comparison: Dwight Howard

17. Toronto Raptors - Robin Lopez - C - Stanford
Toronto has a big man in former number one overall pick Andrea Bargnani. However, he has been a bust and Lopez is the exact opposite kind of player who can hits the glass hard and really hustles. The Raptors need a solid role player like Lopez to get them out of the first round of the playoffs.

NBA Player Comparison: Andris Biedrins

18. Washington Wizards - JaVale McGee - PF - Nevada
At this point in his career, McGee is a crapshoot. On one side he has freakishly long arms: around a 7-6 wingspan which makes him a great rebounder and shot blocker. On the other hand he is incredibly thin, only shoots 50% from the stripe and must develop maturity and some low post moves. McGee may pay off big dividends in a couple of years.

NBA Player Comparison: Andrew Bynum

19. Cleveland Cavaliers - Brandon Rush - SG - Kansas
LeBron James needs help. Rush has size and shooting ability to help out offensively. He is an above average defender which fits into the Cavs defense first mentality. Rush played 4 years at Kansas so he is mature player that can step in right away. He can explode over the rim, but he needs to be a better ball handler and can be indecisive on the wing closing out the break; he looks better coming from the left or down the middle.

NBA Player Comparison: Reggie Lewis

20. Denver Nuggets - Marreese Speights - PF - Florida
Speights doesn't have great conditioning so he will fit in well when the Nuggets mail in the game in the third quarter. All kidding aside, once Speights develops he will bring a hard nosed attitude to the low blocks for the Nuggets. He will a safety net in case Camby and Martin go down with injuries. Look for the Nuggets to take the best available big man with this pick.

NBA Player Comparison: Juwan Howard

21. New Jersey Nets (Via Dallas) - Kousta Koufos - C - Ohio State
Koufas turned down millions to play professionally in Europe so there is a good chance he gooes in the middle to late first round. He is a skilled big man who can run the floor and step outside to shot. However, he tends to fade away on too many shots and hardly ever gets to the free throw line (2.7 per game). Will he fit in the rough and tumble NBA? With no pure center on the roster, the Nets will chance it.

NBA Player Comparison: Mehmet Okur

22. Orlando Magic - Chase Budinger - SG - Arizona
Orlando needs a SG and will risk this pick on a guy that can shoot and has great size at 6'7 but cannot play defense. Budinger carried his team offensively last season at times but at other times he disappeared. He would would fit in in Orlando who had Lewis to be the primary scorer.

NBA Player Comparison: Grant Hill

23. Utah Jazz (Via Phoenix) - Roy Hibbert - C - Georgetown
Hibbert was a sure fire late lottery pick but he had a rather so so Senior season at Georgetown after 2006-07 Big East Player of the Year Jeff Green left. Many felt he did not take over games and became to mechanical and predictable at times. The Jazz would love for him to be available as it will add size inside and there methodical half court pace will suit Hibbert perfectly.

NBA Player Comparison: Joel Przybilla

24. Seattle Sonics (Via Phoenix) - Serge Ibaka - PF - Congo
Ibaka is said to have insane athletism. He is only 220 lbs on a 6'10 frame, but he will have time to develop and bulk up as this pick is for the future. Ibaka not only is relentless on the glass but possesses a jumper with solid touch. If this pans out and the Sonics grab Bayless at 3 to go along with ROY Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, the Oklahoma Sonics could be a perennial contender for the Western Conference title in a few years.

NBA Player Comparison: Shawn Kemp

25. Houston Rockets - Bill Walker - SG - Kansas State
It is time for him to come to the NBA because he shouldn’t have to play another year and wonder if there is another knee injury around the corner. He is the worth the shot in the first round with explosive leaping ability and finishing ability. If not for the knee issues he would be a top 10 pick; even with them he should get a first round look.

NBA Player Comparison: Ruben Patterson

26. San Antonio Spurs - Wayne Ellington - SG - North Carolina
Ellington has improved his defensive play so much in the past two seasons that he is not jsut considered an outside spot up shooter. However, he does shoot the ball beautifully from outside whether its that stop and pop from 3 or mid range, he has nice ark and rotation and decent size at 6'4 to come in off the bench to aid a vetern team.

NBA Player Comparison: Cuttino Mobley

27. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Douglas-Roberts - SG - Memphis
CDR will fit in the rotation in NO and will benefit from CP3 continually getting him clean looks. CDR can play the 2 or 3 and he is a good mid range jump shooter. However, he does not have a deep outside shot and is not explosive, but he has a feel for the game and can bury you at the rim on the break. His shots go in the basket.

NBA Player Comparison: Julius Hodge

28. Memphis Grizzlies (Via Los Angeles) - Nathan Jawai - C - Australia
By not addressing a big man earlier in round 1, the Grizzle will likely have to go with the best big man available. Jawai has size (6'10, 275) and some real power. At this late in the draft, this is worth the risk.
NBA Player Comparison: Charles Oakley

29. Detroit Pistons - JJ Hickson - PF - North Carolina State
The Pistons can groom in a back for Rasheed Wallace by taken the raw Hickson. He is a bruising power forward that fans in Detroit will appreciate. He provides instant defense and size in a more skilled version of Jason Maxiell.

NBA Player Comparison: Chris Wilcox

30. Boston Celtics - Jason Thompson - PF/C - Rider
Thompson needs to improve the streangth in his legs to last a full NBA season but he will come in and split time with Kendrick Perkins as PJ Brown will likely hang it up after this season.Thompson has 1 gear and that is overdrive. He will fit in nicely with KG.

NBA Player Comparison: Jason Smith

FIRST ROUND BUBBLE: Ty Lawson, Courtney Lee, Ante Tomic, Mario Chalmers, Richard Hendrix, DeVon Hardin, Davon Jefferson, DJ White

Athletes Are Just Like Us: Bonds Edition

Yeah, I know it is Wednesday but life has been hectic. That being said, I think this one is pretty solid. Yes, it may be a little passe, but these pictures are awesome.

Today: Barry Bonds

Barry may have some image issues, but he has always been a great father.

Which is not as tough as it sounds.

He is lucky enough to have a personal driver.
Which is more common then you would think.

A lot of the ire that he recieves is based around how small he used to be.
Does that mean that Eddie Gaedel was juicing?

When Bonds hits a homerun, he shows his joy.As does "Touchdown Jesus".

This may have been a publicity stunt, but he didn't seem to mind.

Could he be that far from this?

Don't ever try to say that he doesn't love this country.
The country that gives everyone/thing joy and happiness.

He is very friendly with those close to him.

Which is the reason for many-a-party nowadays.

Barry wears body armor to protect him.
Body armor can come in very handy.

It is true that he has gotten bigger.

Something Juggernaut knows all about.

Lockout to Come?

ATLANTA (AP) -- The NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday to end their agreement with the players' union in 2011, two years before the deal was to expire.

The league, however, emphasized that it will keep negotiating with the NFL Players Association and said games will be played "without threat of interruption for at least the next three seasons."

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFLPA, said on Sirius NFL Radio he learned of the owners' decision by e-mail from commissioner Roger Goodell.

"My response to his e-mail was very simple: 'What a surprise,"' Upshaw said sarcastically.

Upshaw has been predicting this the last few months and last weekend referred to the owners as "greedy." [1]


Owners are angry about the deal, stating that it is too heavily weighted to the players – who will receive an estimated $60 Billion this year.

I for one don’t want a lockout, but I agree that the players are making too much money. It is still just a sport.

This also reestablishes my view of Gene Upshaw as being a total jerk…I better be careful though…he may break my “damn neck”.

Remember This Day

What were you doing in your early twenties? Maybe you were graduating from college, getting ready to start a family or out traveling the world. Maybe you were realizing the truth about life, partying every night or learning how to invest. Maybe you started that new job, started your first business or were just living your life.

Did you fight cancer? Did you win the clinching game of the World Series for the Boston Red Sox? Did you throw a no-hitter at the age of 24?

Jon Lester has done all of that.

Last night he became the first Red Sox left-hander to throw a no-hitter since Mel Parnell in 1956 and only the second pitcher to no-hit the Royals (Nolan Ryan), all in the first complete game of his career.

The Tacoma, Washington native has had a tough road dealt to him the last few years. 22 months ago he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, cutting his season short after 15 starts. Last season he was back on the diamond, having fought the cancer into submission. It was taking him longer then he wanted to get back into pitching shape – creating a frustration that was being seen on the field.

In 2007 he pitched only 63.0 innings (three less then he has already pitched this season), posted a 4-0 record with a 4.57 ERA. This year he has 66.0 innings, has a 3-2 record and an ERA of 3.41.

It is easy to see that he is living up to his potential, but I believe that it is worth so much more then that. This accomplishment should be seen as a hope for those out there that are struggling with disease. It should show that you can recover from anything to get to the top of your proverbial game.

Congratulations, Jon. You have earned your day in the sun.

Monday Schmonday – Feel Good, See Stupid, Request Excellence 5/19/08

Upset of the Weekend
Double amputee wins right to qualify for Olympics

This is amazing.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the 21-year-old South African is eligible to race against able-bodied athletes, overturning a ban imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations.”

"I am ecstatic," [Oscar] Pistorius told reporters in Milan, Italy. "When I found out, I cried. It is a battle that has been going on for far too long. It's a great day for sport. I think this day is going to go down in history for the equality of disabled people."

This story makes me love sports. Sports is about passion, hope and overcoming adversity; who better to show you this then a person who has gone through something as terrible as losing both legs when he was 11-months old!?!

I think this is one of the best stories in the world right now. Add this to the story on last Monday’s “American Gladiators” where one of the competitors had an amputated leg.

If this doesn’t make you think twice about the small, daily problems you might have in your life, then you need to take a closer look at the world. I know it made me look again.

The video on the site gave me chills.


The ‘not-so-much-an-upset-as-it-is-surprising’
Celtics will face Pistons in Eastern Conference Finals

We knew it would happen, but did we expect it to take 14 games? This is when I start to wonder if the Celts can actually win either of the next two series. They have been beaten up.

When you looked at the match-ups before the playoffs began, you would say that the Eastern Conference was going to be a two-horse race between the Pistons and Celtics. You were right and that is who is left…but, did you expect them to get beaten up on the way?

We all expected a 5-game max in each series and now we have seen that the great Celtics are flawed.

Case in Point: Ray Allen had a Field Goal Percentage of .445 during the season, but .385 so far in the playoffs. His 3-point percentage during the year was .398; the playoffs: .319. He also averaged 17.4 points, but in the playoffs that dropped to 12.7.

If they are going to win they need him to show up.


Biggest Disappointment of the Weekend
Not that it is a bad thing when people retire – they need to do what they need to do – but it is disappointing when in two days you watch two of the best players in their respective sports retire. Especially when it is out of nowhere.

Tuesday we heard from Annika Sorenstam who said that she would retire at the end of the LPGA tour season. The 37-year-old has 10 majors under her belt and a win total of $22,081,561. She has been seen as the best in the LPGA for at least the last three years. Now she will retire at the top of her game. She said it is so she can settle down with her husband and raise some children.

Then on Wednesday, Justine Henin – who was ranked number one in the world – released a statement that she would be immediately retiring. She has seven grand slam titles as well as 41 events overall.

A good photo listing of this year’s notable retirements.



Rumor of the Day
A new section today. Mainly because of this rumor, but also because I think it is fun to throw these out sometimes.

This is straight from ESPN.

“Multiple league sources said the Nets and Nuggets have discussed a blockbuster deal that would bring Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby to New Jersey. In return, Denver would get a package that includes Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn's contract and the Nets' lottery pick.”

Holy crap! I don’t care about either of those teams, but that is the type of trade that makes any fan smile. The Nuggets get to a couple of solid players and some expiring contracts; the Nets get one of the great young players. Add to that the Nets move to Brooklyn and their new stadium and you end up with the new face of your franchise.


The Play of the Weekend
Wow…wow…




Dumbest.Thing.Ever.
Little Leaguer Benched For Mom's No-Show

Remember that parents: if you don’t show up to work concessions, your kid will be benched for 2 games.

Good idea…punish a 7-year-old because his Mom had to deal with issues at work…way to go.

Aint fishing a bit$h?

We have been out on the Columbia River since 11 am trying to catch ourselves some sturgeon. It is now 4:15 and we are biteless.

We are moving to the 4th spot of the day, hopefully to catch that creepy, ugly, monster of a fish.

As they say, though: a bad day fishing is better then a good day at work.

We are on my Grandpa's boat. It is him, my father and me. Three generations talking shop and hoping to catch the elusive sturgeon.

We have tried different bait; my Grandfather tried smoking a different pipe (tobacco); my father and I realized we may have jynxed it with our losing team hats (him with a UW Husky hat, me with a Mariners).

Nothing...zilch, nada.

We are here...I gotta drop anchor.

Thursday and Friday

I will be out on a boat on the Columbia river, fishing for a giant,
prehistoric looking fish. I will try and do a post or two, but if you
don't see any...then that is the reason.
--
Mobile Post. Any spelling and/or grammatical errors will be taken care
of when I get to a computer.