Welcome to the latest edition of the Morning After, the final one this month of January 2011.
I pretty much spent the whole day watching television. Watched a little of the FA Cup before proceeding with the NBA on ABC. Managed to catch a little of the NHL All-Star Game and the start of the Pro Bowl until it was the Royal Rumble. Really have nothing to say, but again, the Royal Rumble is probably my favorite PPV match ever. It even screwed the TNA storyline by having both Kevin (a.k.a. Big Daddy Cool Diesel) Nash and Booker T appear on it.
Hereforth are the links:
The Pacers fired Jim O'Brien. (c/o Indianapolis Star)
Not only does Chris Bosh not want to hustle, but also he is pretty much a fake tough guy.
Kevin Garnett is merely staying true to who he is. (c/o Beantown Banter)
Duke was not waylaid like this since Earl Boykins made his name at Eastern Michigan. (c/o New York Times)
Obviously, Basketball Wives would be chomping at the bit to secure her. (c/o Washington Post)
Jon Kitna thinks if you engage in laptop porn, you are not manly. (c/o Deadspin)
All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.
Now, if the Pacific Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:
Golden State Warriors - Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, David Lee, Dorell Wright
Los Angeles Clippers - Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Baron Davis
Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom
Phoenix Suns - Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Vince Carter
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins
Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.
Coach: Phil Jackson - He has 11 rings as a coach and 2 as a player. That's all.
Starters:
Guard: Steve Nash - The two-time MVP is the only reason why Phoenix is relevant.
Guard: Kobe Bryant - The Black Mamba recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of 81.
Forward: Lamar Odom - Khloe's husband was definitely rejuvenated by playing for Team USA. His role there also helped him with his role in LA. He's in near double-double territory.
Forward: Blake Griffin - He's just simply the gift that keeps on giving. There's already Clipper merchandise available dubbing him as "The Poster Child."
Center: Pau Gasol - He is the early season MVP for the defending champs, with Kobe having a slow start.
Reserves:
Guard: Monta Ellis - He's ballin' at a ridiculous level. Apparently, only a moped can derail him.
Center: David Lee - He's an offensive upgrade compared to what they had previously. Plus, the Warriors went in the tank when he was sidelined.
Guard: Tyreke Evans - Plagued with plantar fasciatis, he's still producing numbers harkening to his 20-5-5 ROY.
Guard: Stephen Curry - Hard to argue with the numbers. He really can shoot the lights out.
Forward: Dorell Wright - Golden State needed a small forward. He needed to prove himself. Perfect match.
Guard: Baron Davis - He definitely needs to thank Blake Griffin for re-energizing him as well as figuring out his new role as a distributor first and scorer second. (Update: This was supposed to be Eric Gordon, but he's injured)
Forward: Grant Hill - I will take him over Vince Carter. The wonders of the Phoenix Suns Medical Staff at work.
Inactive Roster:
Guard: Eric Gordon - Beneath all the flash of Blake Griffin is a smooth suave killer instinct Ambrose provides for Clipper Nation. He's now ready to take over games. (Update: He's out until the All-Star break, so I moved him here.)
Guard: Vince Carter - I just don't know how he can be revived. What started out with a bang will end on a whimper.
Center: DeMarcus Cousins - If only he can get his head screwed on straight. Definitely needs mentoring from someone with similar attributes: Zach Randolph
All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.
Now, if the Southwest Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:
Dallas Mavericks - Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler
Houston Rockets - Kevin Martin, Luis Scola
Memphis Grizzlies - Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul, David West, Emeka Okafor
San Antonio Spurs - Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan
Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.
Coach: Gregg Popovich - Pop reinvented how the Spurs roll this season unlike before, now using its speed.
Starters:
Guard: Chris Paul - Arguably the best amongst all the point guards out there, although there are still concerns regarding that huge knee brace that he has on.
Guard: Manu Ginobili - With Duncan slowing down / aging gracefully, this is now Manu's team.
Forward: Rudy Gay - Has taken the next step. He's Memphis' go to guy in the clutch. Could have had the Game-Winner-Of-The-Year if not for the Tyreke heave.
Forward: Dirk Nowitzki - We credit him for the great start Dallas had this season. Also the reason why the Mavs have slumped as of late, due to his injury.
Center: Zach Randolph - He's averaging 20-10 again, proving the previous season was not exactly a fluke.
Reserves:
Guard: Tony Parker - Free from Eva's grasp, he's the straw that stirs the uptempo Spurs.
Guard: Kevin Martin - The perennially underrated small-school standout is probably one of the most efficient players in the NBA. Might be the personification of what Daryl Morey wants in his version of Moneyball.
Forward: Luis Scola - He's Mr. Do It All for Houston. No Yao, he took on his load and then some.
Center: Marc Gasol - Surely, the Pau Gasol deal giveaway killed Chris Wallace's reputation, but the Wendigo has proven to be a positive for the Grizzlies
Forward: Tim Duncan - Slowly descending into the graceful exit mode that David Robinson took in the latter stages of his career.
Forward: David West - Can't let a fellow Jesuit alum down. (He's from Xavier). Has the numbers to back it up, too.
Guard: Jason Kidd - Because he might be one ahead of his time back in the day, with all the quality point men prevalent in the Association right now. It's hard to imagine an All-Star game without J-Kidd's flashiness. (although that time is coming soon)
Inactive Roster:
Center: Emeka Okafor - Arguably one of the best Centers on the Western Conference ballot.
Guard: Caron Butler - Was on his way to possibly his last big payday before he innocently got injured to (in all likelihood) end his season.
Guard: Jason Terry - The former Sixth Man of the Year winner has ably stepped up in both Dirk and Caron's absence.
All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.
Now, if the Northwest Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:
Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Love, Michael Beasley
Oklahoma City Thunder - Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka
Portland Trailblazers - LaMarcus Aldridge,Wesley Matthews, Andre Miller, Brandon Roy
Utah Jazz - Deron Williams, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson
Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.
Coach: Jerry Sloan - The taskmaster has a good knack coming from behind.
Starters:
Guard: Deron Williams - The new age John Stockon for the Jazz. The new rules are tailored for him to take over.
Guard: Russell Westbrook - He has The Sports Guy using references from The Wire comparing his situation with Kevin Durant. Also a Most Improved Player candidate.
Forward: Kevin Durant - NBA's leading scorer. All around good guy. The future has definitely arrived.
Forward: Carmelo Anthony - Currently the center of attention. His move to New York seems inevitable.
Center: LaMarcus Aldridge - With Brandon Roy out, he's emerged as the go-to-guy for Nate McMillan.
Reserves:
Forward: Paul Millsap - Quite simply the most egregious omission on the All-Star Ballot this year.
Forward: Kevin Love - Only Minnesota's miserable record is keeping him from being universally considered as an All-Star.
Guard: Chauncey Billups - With all the unsteadiness of the Carmelo situation, the veteran has somewhat stabled the ship
Center: Nene - Can make the argument for being the best performing center on the Western Conference All-Star Ballot.
Guard: Andre Miller - Without Brandon Roy, he gets to run the team his way, instead of having the usual clashes he has when both of them are on the court.
Guard: Wesley Matthews - He definitely is the main beneficiary of Brandon Roy's absence. He's definitely earning his pay.
Forward: Michael Beasley - Being transplanted from the hotbed of Miami to the frozen tundra of Minneapolis sure helped him, although there are still signs of immaturity still lurking (getting ejected in their loss against the Clippers). David Kahn snagged him cheap.
Inactive Roster:
Guard: Brandon Roy - Please do not rush your comeback. Please do not rush your comeback.
Center: Al Jefferson - Stepped up nicely with Memo being sidelined.
Forward: Jeff Green - He's the third wheel in Oklahoma City.
All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.
Now, if the Central Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:
Chicago Bulls -Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah,
Cleveland Cavaliers -Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao
Detroit Pistons - Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey
Indiana Pacers - Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert
Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Bogut, Brandon Jennings, John Salmons
Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.
Coach: Tom Thibodeaux - He's the only choice.
Starters:
Guard: Derrick Rose - MVP Candidate. Really elevated his game to top tier status among the best in the league.
Guard: Darren Collison - Really sound acquisition by the Pacers during the offseason. He was handed the keys to the offense and is running rings around like he was last year when CP3 was unavailable.
Forward: Danny Granger - He's Mr. Do It All for Indiana.
Forward: Carlos Boozer - Has been a nice complement alongside Derrick Rose that the top brass of Chicago needed. That is, when he is healthy
Center: Andrew Bogut - the Innovator of Squad 6 and the linchpin down low for the Bucks.
Reserves:
Guard: Brandon Jennings - If he was healthier, he would be starting alongside Rose. (4-6 weeks from his injury would be around early February, so he's on the reserves instead of the inactive roster).
Forward: Luol Deng - Just like Elton Brand, a nice bounce back year, but still a disappointment due to the amount he is getting paid.
Forward: Tayshaun Prince -He's the most consistent Piston around. He and Rip are the most valuable asset they have that is available for trade.
Guard: Rodney Stuckey - If there is a future for Detroit Basketball, he'll probably be in it (or maybe not).
Forward: Antawn Jamison - The only bright spot offensively for Cleveland, and it's a very dim one.
Guard: John Salmons - He's here because of a need to fill out the roster.
Center: Roy Hibbert - See John Salmons.
Inactive Roster:
Center: Anderson Varejao - Once he was sidelined for the season, whatever positive hope that still remained, left Cleveland.
Center: Joakim Noah - If he was healthy, I'd be having a hard time choosing either he or Bogut to start.
Guard: Mo Williams - He's only here because of a need to fill the roster and because he is out indefinitely.
Post-script reflection:
Admittedly, there is only one certifiable All-Star from this division (Rose). There are two who deserve consideration for inclusion (Granger and Bogut). Another three had injury issues (Noah, Boozer, Jennings) that prevented consideration for inclusion. Richard Hamilton would have been considered if not for the pouting that eventually resulted in the current stretch of DNP's he is on.
All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.
Now, if the Atlantic Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:
Boston Celtics - Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett
New Jersey Nets - Devin Harris, Brook Lopez
New York Knicks - Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire, Danilo Gallinari
Philadelphia 76rs - Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Jrue Holiday
Toronto Raptors - Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan
Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.
Coach: Doc Rivers - All about Ubuntu.
Starters:
Guard: Rajon Rondo - The guy can serve it up to anyone, anywhere.
Guard: Ray Allen - As what Bill Simmons has been pointing out, he's turned into Reggie Miller 2.0
Forward: Paul Pierce - He has said he's the best player in the world. And he has his followers (you know who you are) who will back up that statement.
Forward: Kevin Garnett - Face it, Boston's title chances lie in with his health.
Center: Amar'e Stoudemire - MVP Candidate. The Spotlight is on him in Broadway, and has met the challenge of bringing the Knicks back to respectability.
Reserves:
Guard: Raymond Felton - Has become adept in running the SSOL. He is definitely not Steve Nash, but he has definitely arrived as a playmaker.
Guard: Devin Harris - Now free from the burden of the Melo-drama (thanks to Mutant Russian billionaire owner), he can do what he always does, score and handle the ball.
Center: Andrea Bargnani - Toronto's best offensive weapon
Forward: Wilson Chandler - Dutifully handling what the Matrix's role was in the SSOL in Phoenix, albeit at a smaller extent, numbers-wise. (Shawn Marion was fantasy gold in the heyday of the SSOL in the middle 00's)
Guard: DeMar DeRozan - Definite candidate for the Most Improved Player race. Solid #2 option for what was supposed to be a moribund Raptors franchise (and probably still would be if not for the state of the Cavs and the Wizards).
Center: Brook Lopez - One of the better young bigs in the league. If he can raise his disappointing rebounding numbers, he'll be taken a little more seriously than what he is right now.
Guard: Jrue Holiday - I thought that he showed the most marked improvement in Philly.
Inactive Roster:
Forward: Andre Iguodala - The most talented player on the Philly roster. He's my biggest omission to this squad.
Guard: Jose Calderon - Had to leave him off because of the PG's ahead of him.
Forward: Elton Brand - He'll probably never ever live up to the contract the Sixers gave him, but definitely a bounce-back season for him.
Welcome to the latest edition of the Victory Formation.
I am writing this a little earlier than the usual time I am doing this. I have a football practice that I am supposedly am able to watch, observe and enjoy. Unfortunately, the effort it takes for me to whip up a post entails a lot of time. Thus, I can't watch. But I hope I can do something else instead.
Anyhow, the local blogosphere was caught off-guard by a certain article written by a known food blogger. Being a part of it here, it piqued my interest as to whom she is referring to. From what I see online and in the differing conversation streams, no one really knows or if they know, they're not telling. Reaction has been fast and quick all around. All I know is that this happens within traditional media and just made its entry into the online realm.
Meanwhile, I recently managed to stumble into a couple of musical documentaries, one about Woodstock that had Martin Scorsese's involvement and the other is the U2 documentary Rattle and Hum. Looking at the classic Woodstock footage was surreal considering the era and awesome artists who were there for the ride.
Whole lotta humpin' going on. (c/o Huffington Post)
Which New York City landmark would you want to place a Terrible Towel in? (c/o Gothamist)
Mark Sanchez need to get this particular pick out of the way. (c/o Washington Post)
Packers win the NFC, looking to claim a trophy that has Lombardi's name. (c/o Oshkosh Northwestern)
Before we eviscerate Jay Cutler like theyhave (c/o San Francisco Chronicle & Shutdown Corner), let's wait for the MRI (c/o Football News Now). Then again, we all heard about Philip Rivers and his torn ACL against the Patriots.
So who was Caleb Hanie who pulled a Favre in the NFC Championship Game? (c/o Dallas Morning News)
I am definitely sure the Bengals wanted Carson Palmer to seek a trade. (c/o Scoop Du Jour)
Cam Newton seeking to imitate Ben Roethlisberger. (c/o ESPN)
Peyton Manning is deservedly going to be a very very rich man. (Stampede Blue)
Pictures always tell a thousand words. (c/o Albany Times Union)
Just one game today in The Association, with Melo getting his groove on. (c/o Indy Cornrows)
Please, take your time, Brandon. We do not want a repeat of your previous attempt to come back. (c/o ProBasketballTalk)
Kevin Durant puts the dagger on the Knicks. (c/o Hoopsworld)
Also yesterday, the Legend of Blake Griffin grows. (c/o Quake Griffin) He almost secured a triple-double against Golden State. (Los Angeles Times)
We all knew this will be inevitable in Miami. (c/o Miami Herald)
It has been 5 years since Kobe 81. (c/o Toronto Sun)
I am very very sure Mark Cuban is not yet finished with wheeling and dealing. (c/o Dallas Morning News)
Much like the Yankees, the Angels needed to show its fanbase that it made a big league splash in the offseason. (c/o Lookout Landing)
Sparky Anderson's number to be retired. (c/o Detroit Free Press)
Nolan Ryan setting a benchmark for the Rangers again to meet. (c/o Hardball Talk)
The Baseball Writers honoring three recently retired managers and others. (c/o Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
Jeff Francoeur taking potshots at Citi Field. (c/o New York Daily News)
Oklahoma has made headway in the Fulmer's Cup. (c/o The Sporting News)
Norm Chow to return to the Beehive. (c/o Salt Lake Tribune)
While watching the LA Clippers manhandle the Minnesota Timberpups (and feel the frustration of Blake Griffin's double-double streak end while Kevin Love's still chugging along), local tv showed NBA TV's Gametime announcing that Mikhail Prokhorov (yes, the guy who owns the soon-to-be-Brooklyn Nets) was to hold a press conference on their Night of Russian Culture (a.k.a. their veiled attempt at recruiting upcoming free agent and fellow Russian Andrei Kirilenko of the Utah Jazz). I was relatively surprised at what happened next...
He announced that the New Jersey Nets are exiting out of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. He said that he is done with this circus. It was shocking. But it probably might be the right decision. Both the Nets and the Nuggets have been in a tailspin. Even Carmelo's numbers were on a dip until their win at home against Oklahoma City yesterday.
Well, the proposed deal also involved the Detroit Pistons, who already showed their hand with the constant DNP-CD's of Rip Hamilton. The collapse of the deal has shown immediate results as Troy Murphy has asked for a trade.
Obviously this might be good news for the Knicks, who are currently on a 4-game slide. But, they do not have the necessary assets pull off the deal as of the moment. Still don't know if the Pistons are interested. The Grizzlies were rumored to be involved and as much as people want the Clippers to make a move, I and along with some of my fellow Clipper fans, say no to such a deal, because Melo is bad juju to a young and upcoming bunch of kids with OKC-like chemistry blending.
The question now lies with Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri and Nuggets Owner Stan Kroenke, as well as Carmelo. The Nets made their gambit. What is your response?
Tickets for the Philippines vs Mongolia Grandstand match will be sold for P300 (4000 seats only). Pls send your reservations to: (ticketing@the-pff.com RE: Grandstand ticket reservation). This will be on a first come first serve basis only. Book and Buy. We will be providing bank details for payment. Those who sent emails for VIP reservations will need to confirm their intentions for Grandstand tickets, if you still want them. VIP tickets will be for PFF invited guests. No VIP tickets will be sold. We will be releasing rules on how to get VIP and Gen. Admin tickets. If you sent an email inquiring about Gen Admin tickets, pls read the Q&A posted in facebook. No phone in reservations pls.
Q & A for PANAAD tickets Philippine (white home jersey) vs Mongolia
1.Gen. admission tickets are free on a first come first serve basis for the first 10,000 fans all over the Philippines. 2. VIP tickets will be announced soon.
Q: I am from Manila how can I get a ticket A: Check the Philippine Football Federation facebook page Q: My family booked our tickets to Bacolod. We want to watch. How can I get a ticket for sure. Sayang naman kung booked na kami sa PAL? A. Send an email to ticketing@the-pff.com. No group reservations and first come first serve applies. Q:I want to reserve VIP tickets how do I do it? A: Pls visit the facebook page. Instructions will be posted Q: Are VIP tickets free? A: The PFF will announce VIP tickets next week Q: I am the President of a multinational company. I am a VIP. Pls send me my tickets. A: Yes sir. I will send your tickets. When can we get your donation for the Azkals? Q:I want to reserve for my group of 20. When can I get my tickets A: Tickets for Gen Admission are free. First come first serve basis Q: If you send an email will you get a confirmation back that you have a ticket. A: Yes we have been responding to ticket requests already. Q: I want to know how much the airline tickets, hotel rooms and game tickets? Can you book them for me pls. A: PAL and other airlines have on-line booking. We are putting together a list of local hotels in Bacolod. You can call them directly and reserve your rooms. Game tickets: Pls read the earlier post for game tickets.
Unfortunately the PFF is not an authorized travel agent of any major airline flying to and from Bacolod.
There are some funny ones also. I hope this Q&A helps some people.
If you are from outside Bacolod, and would like to get a ticket? Pls send an email to ticketing@the-pff.com to get on the list. To be fair to others, we will not allow a person to request for group tickets. A group is more than 1 person.
If you are from Bacolod? Pls wait for local announcements or visit the PFF facebook page. Tickets will be on a first come first serve basis.
Welcome to the latest edition of The Victory Formation
Today is a special holiday. After all, it is Martin Luther King Day today. In sports terms, that means a lot of matinee games in the NBA.
Of course, he was the man who championed the Civil Rights Movement and nonviolence.
Meanwhile, like I said last week, I did have my brief 2-day vacation to Ho Chi Minh City. I went with my fellow family members. The days were pretty much checking out the marketplace. But as per Cabbage's advice, I did find a coolie hat. Unfortunately, I really wanted to go inside the museums, but I never got the chance. Hope for a next time. But I did take a lot of pictures during the stay.
Here forth are the links:
Yup. The Patriots endured the agony of defeat. (c/o New York Daily News)
Sure fulfilled Star Wars references like this one. (c/o Shutdown Corner)
Wes Welker was benched (for a series, anyway). (c/o NFL Fanhouse)
Seahawks get a whiff of the reality. (c/o Chicago Tribune)
Pittsburgh outlasts Baltimore. Quote the Raven. Nevermore. (c/o Fox Sports) and the ratings showed (c/o TV By the Numbers).
Matty Ice out cold. (c/o Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and was a primetime hit (c/o The Hollywood Reporter).
Neatest thing about Bears-Packers: winner gets Halas Trophy. Then the winner goes for the Lombardi Trophy. (c/o Chicago Sun-Times)
What would you rather have? Incessant Big Ben talk or Incessant Jets talk? (c/o Newark Star-Ledger)
Rob Ryan will now attempt to unleash his powers on DeMarcus Ware. (c/o Just Blog Baby)
Sean McDermott is out in Philly. Could Jim Mora be on the horizon? (c/o PhillyBurbs)
NFL continues to be overprotective. (c/o The Red Zone)
Al Davis fined Tom Cable and Tom wants the money back. Good luck. (c/o The Inquisitr)
Time to reminisce the previous memories of the Super Bowl. (c/o WTKR News Channel 3)
Adrian Peterson causing trouble for someone. (c/o Now Public)
The Yankee indecision cost them Joba Chamberlain. A definite what-could-have-been. (c/o Sports Haze)
Clock now ticks for the St. Louis Cardinals. (c/o MLB Daily Dish) On the other hand, Cincinnati delayed theirs by three years. (c/o Red Reporter)
The Knicks are about to make their attempt to bolster assets for Carmelo. (c/o Real GM) The Nets really want to get him. (c/o CBS Sports)
Clippers beat both the Heat and Lakers in a span of week. (c/o Los Angeles Times) This is where Blake Griffin gets his first ejection. (c/o SB Nation) Must have been due after giving this to the Heat. (c/o Quake Griffin)
Spurs keep chugging along showing no mercy to a Denver team that desperately needs a break from the Carmelo drama. (c/o 48 Minutes of Hell)
The Heat are down to a Healthy One. Good thing they need this break right now. (c/o Miami Herald)
Probably the best news to arrive in Boston today. (c/o Enterprise News)
Case Keenum gets another shot at breaking a record. (c/o Houston Chronicle)
John Brantley will not leave Gainesville. (c/o Palm Beach Post)
Rich Rod's does good work in leaving Michigan. (c/o Detroit Free Press)
Pat Fitzgerald is staying on at Northwestern. (c/o Sporting News)
Nothing like a jilted lover venting. (c/o Sports by Brooks)
Obviously they did not hear about the Eastern Washington field. (c/o Prep Rally)
They have decided to dip in the uncertainty of the upcoming NFL season. (c/o Sports Illustrated)
Just thought about choosing the appropriate video, and so, enjoy the rest of your day.
Welcome to today's edition of The Victory Formation.
Later tonight (in my case being tomorrow morning), it will be the BCS National Championship Game featuring the Auburn Tigers (a.k.a War Eagles) powered by UnderArmour against the Oregon Ducks powered by Nike. I am sure we will be covering it in our own little simplistic way, the way we do it best.
The key will be which defense can pull off the necessary stops against the imposing offenses devised by each squad. Any turnovers produced would really benefit as the University of Phoenix Stadium will become a scoring slot machine. Special teams would be crucial, too. Anyway, I'll just look back and enjoy this game, still hoping for a miracle of a split title with TCU. No matter how unlikely that might be.
Anyway, as for me, in a few days, I will be going to go on a brief 2-day family vacation to Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Minh City. Hope I can find some neat Viet Cong stuff for me to take home. That story could be coming to you, next week.
Hereforth are the links you may have missed:
Yep. The Seahawks ensured we will have new Super Bowl Champions this season. (c/o The Modesto Press)
This is probably the most apt video adaptation of the Marshawn Lynch TD Run. (c/o The SportsGrid)
What now for the Who Dat nation? (c/o The New Orleans Times-Picayune)
Peyton Manning left too much time on the clock for Mark Sanchez (more like Nick Folk, actually). (c/o NFL Fanhouse)
Seeing that the Jets won, the Ravens turned it up a notch to send a notice to Pittsburgh. (c/o Sports Illustrated)
Football serves as therapy for Ed Reed. (c/o NY Daily News)
If David Akers made two field goals... (c/o Philadelphia Inquirer) or if not for Michael Vick puling off a football Favre (c/o San Francisco Chronicle).
NBC stumbled into ratings gold. (c/o TV By The Numbers)
Apparently, the 4-3 formation is still a relevant defense. (c/o the Windy City Gridiron)
Jeff Fisher hopes he can pull off what Lovie Smith just did. (c/o The Tennessean)
Talk about being eternally optimistic... (c/o Cincy Jungle)
At least Jim Harbaugh gets to stay at home. (c/o Stanford Daily) So what will Stanford do internally (c/o Fox News) and externally (c/o SB Nation Bay Area)?
Chip Kelly must have been inspired by the Navajo. (c/o Deadspin)
Patrick Peterson looks like he's heading out. (c/o Shreveport Times)
Not exactly Dewey beats Truman, but still a gaffe nonetheless. (c/o Opposing Views). Apparently, the Yankees were approached by the Rays for Garza. Did they make the right move, we will know eventually. (c/o LoHud Yankees)
The World Series MVP moves to the Great American Launching Pad. (c/o Blog Red Machine)
Tiger Woods gets screwed out of his own video game. (c/o Switched)
I blame this gaffe on the racing organizers. #cmonson (c/o Break)
The Oracle really wants to be a NBA owner. As a Clipper fan, he ought to take the Clippers away from Donald Sterling. (c/o Forbes)
The continued lowdown on the Gift that Keeps on Giving. (c/o Quake Griffin)
Teams looking for a big to help them now have to look for other alternatives. (c/o Hardwood Houdini)
Yes, the Cavs are still way way behind in the Lebron recovery process. (c/o Akron Beacon Journal)
This deal is inevitable. All about dotting i's and crossing t's now. (c/o Monsters and Critics)
About time, Lebron. About time. (c/o Palm Beach Post)
Feel free to pick and choose GIFs to your heart's content. (c/o SB Nation)
Speaking of which, Donald Sterling is approaching Al Davis-level creepiness. (c/o Ball Don't Lie)
The Crosby waaahmbulance? Unfortunately for him, his commish seems to be ignorant unlike the overly aggressive NFL Commish. (c/o The Sporting News)
Nice to know Ovie has been a role model for the young Russian hockey community. They start them early, I presume. (c/o Toronto Star)
Banning journalists to your locker room seems to be not the ideal way of ensuring no bad PR. (c/o Toronto Globe and Mail)
The beat goes on for the defending champs. (c/o Washington Post)
Buckeyes escape the grasp of the Gophers. (c/o Eleven Warriors)
Enes Kanter now fully ineligible. Still think he should explore the D-League route to the NBA. (c/o The Sports Jury) I am sure the Wildcats would have needed him against Georgia (c/o Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Wow. Penn State > Michigan State. (c/o Black Shoe Diaries)
A fan punching his team's player after the team pulls off an upset win? That's odd. (c/o The Sun)
Roy Hodgson is out at Liverpool. Seems to mirror failures of the Red Sox pre-2004. (c/o New York Times)
Sometimes, you just need to put everything in perspective and just chill. It's only a sport. (c/o NBC Chicago)
Yup. Only in America this happens. (c/o Fox 12 Oregon)
The First Sportsman gets called out by a UFC fighter. Must be a neat wrestling promo. (c/o Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
This is definitely for H-O-R-S-E material. (c/o Huffington Post)
He's definitely a bigshot lawya, I tell ya. (c/o Detroit Free Press)
Melissa Leo will be getting an Oscar nod because of her. Looks like she is in recovery. (c/o Boston Globe)
Bullfighting should go the PPV route now. It's the rage anyway... (c/o Off The Bench)
Something that Cabbage might interested to do in his neck of the woods. (The Guardian)
To end, here is a really great song by The Script, because I have nothing... nothing... nothing...
It's the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 and we already know the good, the bad and probably the ugly in the current 2010 season. So, it is appropriate to compose the not-so-weekly-post that I do. The center of conversation would be what Santa Stern would give to the teams in theory for Christmas? Or what would their New Year's resolution would be? Here's a small sample size.
Northwest
Denver - To secure what really is the most beneficial solution involving Carmelo Anthony. Then proceed accordingly.
Minnesota - For them to really figure out what they ought to be doing with the rights to Ricky Rubio. For Kevin Love to possibly win the rebounding title. Peace of mind for Michael Beasley.
Oklahoma City - Air Congo possibly making a surprise presence at the Dunk Contest. Maintaining team chemistry as the kids get better.
Portland - A top tier medical staff to address specifically the needs of Greg Oden and Brandon Roy and in Greg's case, a sports psychologist. A new team for Rudy Fernandez (and possibly Andre Miller). Probably the wherewithal to tell Brandon Roy to rest.
Utah - A Jerry Sloan Coach of the Year Trophy. Find the true successor to Jeff Hornacek.
Southwest
Dallas - As of the moment, with Dirk on the mend, the last thing they need is another injury. And then Caron happened.
Houston - A return on investment for Yao Ming.
Memphis - To be more mature and handling chemistry issues. Fights like what happened between OJ Mayo and Tony Allen need to be avoided.
New Orleans - For everything to be right with Chris Paul's knee. For the NBA to do the right thing with how they are to handle their ownership of the Hornets.
San Antonio - Quite simply, for the health of their key guys. Duncan is obviously is slowly into the David Robinson fade phase.
Pacific
Golden State - An All-Star berth for Monta Ellis. And a constant effort from everyone on the defensive end. Credit for Dorell Wright earning his paycheck with his play.
Defending Champs - For Andrew Bynum to just get it. And after how they got blown out by the Grizz, for someone to knock some sense into them, as per Phil.
Los Angeles - For Blake Griffin to continue to be the gift that keeps on giving. A Baron Davis that is happy to accept the role as a facilitator and defer to Eric Gordon and Blake.
Phoenix - A Vince Carter that would be reinvigorated via the Steve Nash osmosis. Marcin Gortat being the guy that Mark Cuban wanted to get.
Sacramento - A Demarcus Cousins with his head screwed on straight.
I did stumble upon a great read by ESPN's Amy K. Nelson regarding the aftermath of the 28-out perfection that Armando Galarraga dished. And the act of sportsmanship afterwards.
Having been someone who has seen atrocious officiating over the years in the UAAP men's basketball tournament and having friends and associates who truly have the verbal pipes to accost such officials right there and then from the bleachers, reading about Jim Joyce is reflective and appreciative. One can only wish that the locals just man up and admit they were wrong.
Black Monday has always been the day NFL coaches dread, as the day after Week 17 is also known as the first day of the offseason for 20 teams.
This year's version of Black Monday saw only one person was sent off, that being Cleveland's Eric Mangini. The so-called "Mangenius" sputtered at the end of the regular season, with the 41-9 blowout loss to division rival Pittsburgh being the final nail in the coffin, finishing the season at 5-11, with 4 straight losses to boot.
However, some teams have already made their decision before the season had ended. Dallas fired Wade Phillips after their really slow start. Minnesota canned Brad Childress after a disappointing campaign following their close call to the Super Bowl. Denver replaced Joshua McDaniels following their version of Videogate. Once they knew their chances of winning the atrocious NFC West were up in smoke, San Francisco bid adieu to Mike Singletary and his quips. Carolina made their announcement that John Fox will not be coming back (he was on the last year of his deal).
So, what should these headless teams do:
Dallas - it looks like they will retain Jason Garrett, but if a big name is available, like a Jeff Fisher or a Bill Cowher that is amenable to the way things work alongside owner-GM Jerry Jones, they will go after him.
Minnesota - they have officially retained Leslie Frazier.
Denver - They'll need someone who can help with the growth of Tim Tebow. Having John Elway in the front office is a start. They may also opt for a defensive mind after the mess of a defense not named Champ Bailey.
Carolina - They would like to get Bill Cowher, who resides in the Carolinas, but they have lots of issues. They have the top overall pick for them, although they would really like to have their 2nd round pick back because they had to trade it to get Armanti Edwards (their 3rd round pick this year). They are praying hard for a package deal of Stanford's Jim Harbaugh and his QB Andrew Luck to make themselves available.
San Francisco - Preferably a big name coach, one who can get the offense going. Their quarterback situation is a total mess. They already have a solid front seven defensively. They also hope that Harbaugh (Palo Alto is an hour (more or less) away from San Francisco) would be interested.
Happy New Year and welcome to the first Monday of 2011 here in the Victory Formation.
Yes I know, people dread this day. I do, too. The first workday of the year. I do wish that everyone has shaken off their hangovers and are ready to help build a better future everywhere across the world, because after all, we are part of a global marketplace. And as such, it is important for me to go forth and make a good impression to give 2011 a great start.
As it is with every New Year, most people have their so-called New Year's Resolutions. I have never ever been a fan of them, especially because I don't really fulfill those (by the end of the week or the month, even). Instead, I would go about setting modest goals that I could strive for.
Some people have viewed me as a disappointment and feel that I have been a letdown. That I have been unable to meet the expectations being set before me. That I have brought shame and disrepute. I just say that there have been times that I do slack off and I do commit to be the best that I can be for you, for me and for the entire human race.
Then again, one just shakes it off and it is...
Hereforth are the links that will make your mornings worthwhile.
First, we wish Cabbage a safe trip back to Croatia. All things looking clear for him. (c/o Dalje)
Today is Black Monday. All we need is Vince McMahon or Donald Trump to say the magic words. (c/o The Sporting News)
Who knew the Raiders would finish unbeaten in division play? (c/o San Jose Mercury News)
Tim Tebow may have something to build on, eh? (c/o NFL Fanhouse) and he might have some guidance coming his way. (c/o Opposing Views)
Jaaaaaash Freeman barely missed, but they have something to build for next season. (c/o The Ledger) The Giants eased them out of the picture. (c/o the Washington Post) It was not long, though before the Packers eased them out as well. (c/o Sports Illustrated)
The Falcons secure homefield. (c/o Atlanta Journal-Constitution) And Tom Brady probably secured the MVP. (c/o Blog Critics)
The Seahawks win the play-in game. A 7-9 Division winner and probable cannon fodder for the defending champs. (c/o The Olympian)
We'll believe it when we'll see it, Brett. (c/o Crave Online)
We all want a piece of the Law of Gus Johnson (c/o Awful Announcing)
Randy Edsall named as the new Terps coach. (c/o The Day)
Charlie Weis wants to fix his college resume. (c/o The Independent Florida Alligator)
Rob Bolden wants to leave Happy Valley (c/o Nittany Lines)
Miami (OH) looks like they got another keeper of a coach. (c/o Lansing State Journal). Meanwhile, their old coach got canned that quickly. (c/o Sportsrageous)
Looks like JoePa's gonna hit the recruiting trail (c/o Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Cause of major concern for the Mavericks. Especially when Dirk is still on the mend (c/o Dallas Morning News)
Lakers are a mess right now and Kobe knows it. (c/o Pro Basketball Talk)
Canadian Hockey advances thanks to some Swiss cheese defense. (c/o NHL Fanhouse)
It's the end of 2010 and we already know the good, the bad and probably the ugly in the current 2010 season. So, it is appropriate to compose the not-so-weekly-post that I do. The center of conversation would be what Santa Stern would give to the teams in theory for Christmas? Or what would their New Year's resolution would be? Here's a small sample size.
Atlantic
Boston - Cloning the Phoenix medical staff, because the O'Neals, Kendrick, Delonte and Rajon need it. Ditto for the vets to keep them fresh. Also for their hunger to avenge their loss to the Lakers overwhelm the possible burnout this ridiculous start may have at a later point in the season. Also Big Baby getting 6th Man of the Year consideration. (Update: And then this happened to KG.)
New York - Carmelo Anthony, but at the same time, not having to give up the whole damn farm in return.
New Jersey - see New York. (In relation to this: Wouldn't it be an insult to Devin Harris and Brook Lopez that Melo wants an additional star added on the team if he is to go to Brooklyn eventually?)
Philadelphia - For them to finally figure out what they can do with Andre Iguodala.
Toronto - To determine what is their true direction. They have a lot of undesirable parts in general.
Central
Cleveland - Proper closure with regards to Lebron. And for them figure out their malaise ever since Lebron made his return to Cleveland (1-14 record).
Chicago - A shooting guard that would be fine with being a bit player / role player (this means he will not be named J.R. Smith) . Also for Derrick Rose to get MVP recognition.
Detroit - For a new owner to come in and figure out what really needs to be done to this franchise, the first thing being finding new homes for Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.
Indiana - Honestly, for them to figure out what they ought to be really doing. I just cannot put a pulse on what they should actually be doing.
Milwaukee - First, for Brandon Jennings to get well soon. Second, for them to share the ball more. And also to avoid the Scott Skiles burnout that seems to be inevtiable.
Southeast
Atlanta - For Josh Smith to finally make it to the All-Star Game. Also, for Jamal Crawford to get paid but not overpaid.
Charlotte - To just show some more effort, because Larry Brown grew tiresome of their lackadaisical nature.
Miami - For Lebron to just shut up and let his play do the talkin'. Unless, he decides to go on a heel turn like what we originally envisioned for Tiger Woods. Also, for someone to emerge from the amalgamation of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony and Erick Dampier and quite simply, man up.
Orlando - For their new pieces to figure out their roles accordingly. Also a big man, unless Ryan Anderson becomes a modest facsimile of Memo Okur.
Washington - For Rashard Lewis to earn his ridiculous paycheck by becoming what he ought to become given that bloated contract of his. Also, John Wall to convince Flip Saunders that his concerns are a tad bit overrated.
Northwest
