Chicago Bulls 2012-2013 Season Recap

Boiled peanuts were the ceremonious gift

The Chicago Bulls just concluded their 2012-2013 season by losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals  four games to one. The most amazing part about that series is the Bulls won the first game with the former MVP Derrick Rose whose still recovering from a torn ACL. Luol Deng and Kirk Hindrich also sat out due to injuries. With three marquee players out and the Chicago Bulls won a game was very impressive and shows how good of a coach Tom Thibodeau is. Coach Thibodeau did more with less and deserved coach of the year instead of George Karl of Denver. Personally I wanted the Bulls to tank the season and get a lottery pick in the up coming NBA Draft but instead the Bulls worked hard and defeated the Brooklyn Nets in a grueling seven game first round series then defeated the defending champions Miami Heat in the first game before dropping the next four.

Going into the 2013-2014 season the Chicago Bulls should not only challenge the Miami Heat for NBA supremacy but surpass them as the best team in basketball. With an improved back-court which starts with Derrick Rose (welcome back) and Jimmy Butler (most improved) along with an all-star front-court Boozer, Deng, Noah equals best record and NBA Finals appearance. If Marquis Teague learns how to attack the basket he could be a great addition along with an improved Taj Gibson as the backup power forward.

I know it's early but I'm calling it the Chicago Bulls will win the NBA Title 2013-2014 season!!!!!!

NBA Post Season - Eastern Conference

Well first off let me congratulate the Miami Heat for winning the 2011 NBA Title. Once the new Big Three lead by the regular season and NBA Finals MVP LeBron James defeated the Oklahoma Thunder (which has a Big 3 nucleus of their own) in five games, they went into free agency and reloaded. Ten years ago they were teammates in Seattle now they're reunited in Miami. The edition on Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis gives the Heat more scoring options if James, Wade, and Bosh are double teamed. General Manager Pat Riley still             needs to address his ball club's bench but then again, their week bench are NBA Champions.

Who is the best team in the Big Apple? My vote goes to the Brooklyn Nets formerly of New Jersey. Not only did they keep superstar point guard Deron Williams, but they also pulled off a trade to land all-star shooting guard Joe Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks. They backcourt is one of the best in the league and they have yet to play a game together. Keeping Gerald Wallace and re-signing Brook Lopez was also a step in the right direction as I believe Brook Lopez will turn into a better center than Jokim Noah & Andrew Bynum. Their counter part New York Knicks have also made impact signings but which version of New York Knicks will show up. Today the Knicks signed Raymond Felton and last week inked future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd from Dallas. Kidd no longer possesses the same speed as he did the last time he played on the East Coast but his court vision is still the same. If they're offense turns stagnant once Carmelo Anthony gets the ball, they'll remain the Knicks.

My Chicago Bulls drafted ultra quick point guard Marquis Teague  to temporally replace Derrick Rose. Drafted Teague is a steal. Both Rose & Teague had the same college coach and had the same pro-style system while in school. Last week the Bulls agreed to resign Captain Kirk which could be a good and bad thing for Marquis. Signing Hinrich is temporary until Rose return from and ACL injury but hopefully Kirk will come off the bench for Marquis Teague. I'm finally glad CJ Watson is gone to New Jersey but hopefully they can re-sign Kyle Korver for his deadly shooting. The 2012-2013 is washed but lookout for the Bulls to challenge Miami once a healthy MVP Derrick Rose returns.

THIS WEEK IN HOOPS

With Syracuse Orangeman raining as the consistent #1 team in hoops, Simeon the best high school team in the country, the NBA going on it's third week with the Bulls & Heat the best two teams in basketball.....HOOPS IN FULL SWING!!!!!!!

Tom Cream has his Indiana Hoosiers back to college hoops relevance. So far this year they're the only team to defeat the #1 (Kentucky) and #2 (Ohio State) team the same season. The scary part is next year's Hoosier class is scary. It was only a mater of time before the former Marquette coach to turn a program around. I still think he's the next Spartan coach once Tom Izzo bolts for the NBA.

Miami Heat I just don't get them. Earlier this week they loose to the Atlanta Hawks at home then turn around and beat the same Hawks at full strength in triple overtime on Thursday. The amazing part was Miami played without LeBron James or Dwayne Wade who sat out with injures. With a year under their belts, the Heat would not shock anyone if they made it back to the NBA Finals. Speaking of Atlanta, on Tuesday they played a thriller in the United Center dominating the entire game until the forth quarter where Derrick Rose had to show Jeff Teague why he's the reigning MVP. These two teams square off tonight in Atlanta.

Speaking of the Bulls other than Miami, they're the most consistent team in the NBA. Coach Tom has my team playing with a chip on their shoulder as well as they should. Finishing with the best record in basketball last season they should waltz through the Central Division until they face the Heat in the East Finals.  

Congrats to Keith Smart for the new coaching gig in Sacramento. Now that Paul Westphal is out of town, hopefully DeMarcus Cousins will listen to this coach instead of being labeled a headcase. The young former Wildcat does have talent and worked hard on his game this summer. Speaking of talent, that's all John Wall appears to be relying on which is the reason why his Wizards are the only win-less team in basketball. He & Russel Westbrook need to broaden their basketball IQ and become a better point guard.

While I'm thinking about making the transition to Los Angeles full-time, I'm going to the Staples Center this Wednesday to checkout the Clippers play the Heat.

NBA Draft Recap - Part 1

This is a 3 part blog that I'll talk about regarding the 2011 NBA Draft

Last Thursday the annual NBA Draft took place in New Jersey and to nobody's surprise, the Cleveland Cavaliers took Kyrie Irving with the first pick. Coach Byron Scott played poker with the media but finally reveled his has when they drafted the former one & done freshmen from Duke. Why Irving was chosen first even though he only played eight games all year is simple: much like the quarterback in football, point guard is the most important position in basketball and they're an extension of the coach on the floor. Had Irving been healthy during the season, Duke easily defeats Arizona and most likely would have advanced to the Final 4 this past March.

Derrick Rose and John Wall were the previous point guards selected first overall and are the leaders on their team. With the departure of LeBron James last summer, Kyrie Irving realizes he's no Lebron but he has to put the city of Cleveland and the Cavaliers on his back. That's the cost of being drafted 1st overall. The verdict is still out if his turf toe injury is completely healed but when healthy, Irving has lighting speed, low turnover ratio, and extremely athletic. With this new team, he should not have any problem taking over the leadership (this team lost 26 consecutive games) since he hails from a winning high school & college program. Most scout are comparing him to Chris Paul but I see a more athletic Kevin Johnson in Irving. Remember KJ was a scoring PG who also dished 10 assist per game.

The only drawback I see is can the newly number one pick handle losing because he'll loose more games next season than he did in high school and college combined. 

NBA Finals - Game 5 Preview

With the series tied 2-2 and this now becoming a three game series. "It's Now or Never" is what LeBron James posted on his Twitter profile and after a nine point performance in game 4. Scottie Pippen is eating his words now because there is now way Michael Jordan would have scored only nine points in an NBA Finals game and loose.

If the Miami Heat want to win tonight LeBron James needs to play like the 2-time MVP that he was. The problem with LeBron is he becomes too passive in the fourth quarter and relies on Dwayne Wade to carry the team. There is no way Shawn Marion or any other Maverick can guard James 1-on-1. Moments like this is when superstars need to dominate and take over games. I know Wade will do this but also Bosh needs to become more assertive as well. Chris Bosh needs to return to the Toronto Raptor form because he's been inconsistent all year long. The Heat also need great point guard play from Mike Bibby & Mario Chalmers to set up the offensive. The last time I check James Jones was the reigning 3-point champion. I bring this up because Miami should use him the way the Chicago Bulls use to use Craig Hodges. Put James & Miller in the game strictly for 3-point shooting.

What about Dallas? The key for the Mavericks is something Miami has had trouble with all year which is strong point guard play. Future Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd must continue to dictate the offense for Dallas and score when necessary. Jose Barea & Jason Terry must continue to knock down shots and push the tempo when Kidd is not in the game. Speaking of knocking down shot, Peja Stojakovic needs the confidence he had in Sacramento and when open, provide long range shooting. Since Caron Butler is not available this series, Shawn Marion must also continue to provide garbage buckets, rebound, and run the fast break. The Mavericks need another strong defensive game from Tyson Chandler who has been a monster on the boards. Last but not least all roads start and finish with Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk is the offensive that keeps this team alive and they need his scoring if they want to be champions or else, they'll suffer the same fate they did back in 2006. In order for the Mavs to win tonight, the veteran Mavs club must stay in the half court offense which Miami has trouble defending but if they try to make this a transition game, the Mavs are done.

It's a toss up tonight but I still see this series going seven games. 

Bulls-Heat Eastern Conference Finals

After witnessing the bench mob led by Taj Gibson and his two dynamic dunks after, the Chicago Bulls resume play tonight hoping to go up two games on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The problem with the Heat is that their game is predictable....due to poor point guard play they're all about the transition baskets. They're probably one of the worst half court teams in the NBA because they rely so much on LeBron James or Dwayne Wade to go one-on-one.

Deng did a fantastic job neutralizing the two-time MVP LeBron James to only 15 points while Deng had 21. The Chicago Bulls defense also made sure after opening dunks by Wade & James, that would be the end of that. One only positive for Miami was Chris Bosh scoring 30 on Boozer (who's not know for his defense).

The Chicago Bulls must continue their strong defensive play by making sure they don't get into a track meet with Miami because they're one of the best transition teams in the League. Continue playing their half court game and making the extra pass for the high percentage shots. If Tom's crew is successful led by MVP Derrick Rose, Chicago will head down to South Beach up two games. 

Potential Eastern All-Star Lineup

When the all-stars gear up to play the annual game in the Staples Center next center fans are still voting for the starting lineup and as of today, Derrick Rose surpased Rondo for second place only trailing Dwayne Wade for the top spot in guard voting. Coaches get to add the reserves but if it were up to me, this would be the starting lineup for the Eastern Conference:

• PG - Derrick Rose - Leading candidate for MVP for the first place Central Bulls.
• SG - Dwayne Wade - What other shooting guard is better
• SF - LeBron James - Best overall player in the League....hands down!!!!!
• PF - Amare Stoudamire - Playing in the top market has led made him and MVP candidate for the improved Knicks.
• C -   Jokim Noah - Scoring and rebounding has improved each season. Top five in rebounding before hand surgery.

Shaq in Boston - Pippen HOF Week

Basketball might be over but there was still plenty of action that took place in the NBA the past two weeks so let's recap:

Two former Chicago Crane high schools point guards signed NBA contracts. Will Bynum re-signed with the Detroit Pistons which was a solid move by Joe Dumars because now Rodney Stuckey has a quality backup lead guard in Bynum. I've seen Will "Da Thrill" play since he was 15 and don't be surprised if Stuckey is the one coming off the bench. Remember against the Wizards "Da Thrill" was one assist away from tying Isiah Thomas mark for most dimes in a game. Will has also gotten better every year in has career and I'm always happy when Chi-Town players do well.

After not being drafted in this year's NBA Draft, Sherron Collins signed a two-year deal with the Charlotte Bobcats. Collins will have the chance to compete with Shaun Livingston for the backup point guard spot. With Livingston's history of not being able to remain healthy, the former Kansas All-American should fit well with the young Cats. Somewhere Anthony Longstreet and Tim Anderson are proud of these guys. Both Collins & Bynum have strong handles but Collins is a better shooter.

Speaking of Bynum, hopefully he can rack up plenty of assist with his new teammate Tracy McGrady. After discussions with the Bulls did not fall though, the former scoring champ signed a 1-year deal in Motor City. If T-Mac can give the Pistons 20 mpg or 15 PPG, he'll be a lock for Comeback POY. Let's hope that back holds up.

Double honors for the greatest sidekick in NBA history Scottie Pippen. Yesterday Pippen asked the G.O.A.T. to stand with him while being inducted into Springfield. Growing up in Chicago, I've had the pleasure of seeing the development of #33 until his retirement with the Bulls in 2004. The Rocket and Blazers years do not count. During the 90s' the basketball debate was who the was second best player? The answer was Scottie Pippen. Durant, McGrady, Horry, Rudy Gay, LeBron should all thank Pippen as he reinvented the point forward position.  Congrats Scottie!!!!!!!!

Eastern Conference Supremacy

 With Shannon Brown re-signing with the Champs along with the addition of Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, and Theo Ratliff, the Lakers will waltz through the Western Conference and make their fourth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. Their opponent remains to be determined as the Eastern Conference has reloaded. The Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Hawks, and Magic will beat each other up all season long but only one will face Kobe in June. Let's take a look at the contenders:

Atlanta Hawks: Swept by LeBron James the past two years the Hawks will most likely get swept this year as they have not imporved their roster during this free agancy period. Re-signing Joe Johnson was huge but a team full of wing players and an aging point guard will result in this team not representing the Eastern Conference.

Chicago Bulls: Not since Elton Brand traded to the Clippers the Bulls answered their low post answers by signing Carlos Boozer who should provide 20 points 10 rebounds at best. Chicago missed out signing JJ Reddick but added Kyle Korver for long distance shooting and Corey Brewer who's a defensive minded shooting guard. With the best young point guard in the League and Noah improving every year the Bulls should be the third or fourth best team in the East at best. CJ Watson is the backup point guard but I'm not sold on him.

Orlando Magic: Adding Chris Duhon finally give Jameer Nelson the quality backup he's needed since Rafer Alson. Re-signing JJ Reddick along with the addition of Quentin Richardson gives the Magic long distance shooting. If Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis have another disappearing act as they did against the Celtics, don't expect the Magic to return to the NBA Finals. Hopefully Superman learned some offensive moves from assistant coach Patrick Ewing.

Miami Heat: The winner of the 2010 free agency period appears to be the best team in the Eastern Conference.....on paper. The addition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh along with resigning Dwayne Wade spells trouble plus an increase in ticket sales. An extremely week bench means the three superstars will work extra hard for all 82 games. The addition of Mike Miller and the experience of Juwan Howard and Eddie House helps but not that much. Remember Wade and House are the only player on this team with championship rings.

Boston Celtics: The Black Irish are my predictions to win the  Eastern Conference. They're the only team that can play in the all-star game and legends game the same day. Adding the two O'Neals (Shaq & Jermaine) is a huge upgrade over the loss of Rasheed Wallace. Shaq will start until Kendrick Perkins returns but if he and Jermaine can play 20 minuets a game would be huge. Rondo will continue to run the team but this might be the last run for the future hall of fame line up of Shaq, KG, Pierce, and Allen.

2010 Free Agency Recap

The Catch, The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Jose Mesa Error, The Decision...that describes Cleveland sports...LeBron James announcement is simply known as "The Decision"

The superpowers are now a trio. That trio is Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James. I believe these three have planned on being teammates since the 2003 NBA Draft. The Miami Heat also traded away Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second round draft pick. Besides the superpowers, Mario Chalmers and newly signed Mike Miller are the only other Heat player on their roster. I still believe the Magic and Celtics are better than the Heat with the Bulls challenging them for the third best team in the Eastern Conference. The rest of the Heat will consist of D-League players which is why I don't see the Heat winning a championship soon.

My Chicago Bulls were not shutout of the 2010 free agency class. The Bulls inked Carlos Boozer for 5 years which is the low post scorer that the Bulls have been missing since Elton Brand. Kyle Korver also signed with the Bulls. I like their chances in the Eastern Conference now even with the superpowers.

I have no idea what Amare Stoudamire was thinking by leaving the Suns for the Knicks......oh $100 million would make anybody leave for a new team. Good luck being in the Lottery because Melo is not coming in 2011. David Lee also completed a sign-and-trade to Golden State. He has 20-11 written all over him.

2010 NBA Free Agents

With the NBA free agency period beginning in 24 hours, not only is this the greatest free agency class in NBA history sports history period. Never have there been so many franchises attempting to dump salary for the rights to land a LeBron, D-Wade, Stoudamire, Boozer, and many more star quality power. With Paul Pierce opting out of his deal in Boston I will predict where the top 10 free agents will most likely land. I predict Pierce will re-sign with Boston similar to what A-Rod did with the Yankees.

1. LeBron James - Ohio player finally leaves the nest and arrives in Chicago and fills the void to but the young Bulls over to top to Eastern Conference supremacy.
2. Dwyane Wade - South Beach or Homecoming...My prediction is that the 2006 NBA Finals returns home. 
3. Chris Bosh - Not Toronto...Chicago or Miami are the likely destination for the lefty Texan 20-10 power forward. 
4. Dirk Nowitzki - Hard to imagine the 2007 MVP playing elsewhere. He stays with Mark Cuban. 
5. Amar'e Stoudamire - Miami to possibly team with D-Wade assuming he stays otherwise a reunion with Coach D in New York. 
6. Carlos Boozer - Staying in Utah is the best move but teaming with LeBron wherever he lands seems more fitting. Just like 5 years ago, it's all about the highest bidder. 
7. Joe Johnson - Just like Phoenix 5 years ago, the highest bidder will land this dynamic shooting guard.
8. Paul Pierce - A-Rod move...The Truth will get a better payday from the Celtics for less years. 
9. Ray Allen - Pure shooting guard will probably stay with Boston but the Bulls should make a run as Jesus still has game.
10. David Lee - Former Florida Gator has turned into a nice 20-10 guy for the Knicks. Too soon to tell but expect Lee to play for a contender in the Western Conference when the season starts. 

LeBron James - John Calapari Package Deal?

I will comment on both conference finals game 1 after the Sun-Lakers game tonight.

The big news out of Chicago is that LeBron James and John Calapari are a package deal that will call the Chicago Bulls home next season. Calapari mentioned on his Twitter page that he has the best job in the world as the Kentucky Wildcats coach but coaching any pro team is always a step up over any college team. Both parties are denying any reports but come July 1st, we will find out the truth.

LeBron James 2010

Not even 72 hours have past and the world wants to know where will LeBron James play next season. Expect his phone (and his agent's phone) to ring non-stop come July 1, 2010. Let's look at some possible destination for King James:

• New York Knicks: Why would LeBron want to come here? The positives are they have done a pretty decent job by tanking the season, clearing cap space, potential high lottery pick, have run-n-gun offensive style of play, and it's NYC. 
• Chicago Bulls: The Madhouse on Madison. Out of all the potential team, this is where King James should call home next season. A starting five of Noah, Gibson, James, Deng, Rose challenges only Boston & Orlando for Eastern Conference supremacy. This team is pretty much the same each and they could all grow old together.
• New Jersey Nets: Billionaire owner and potentially landing John Wall or Evan Turner. Friends with part owner Jay-Z and right next door to the Mecca. Overall it's still New Jersey. 
• Los Angeles Clippers: Can the two biggest basketball stars share the same limelight in Hollywood. Landing the 1st or 2nd pick boast it's chances. 
• Miami Heat: Three words...tax free state....Two words....Dwayne Wade.....Pat Riley & South Beach..nuff said
• Cleveland Cavaliers: There's no place like home. Since this bird has never left the nest it will be hard to leave Cleveland .

My prediction: LeBron James wears #6 for Chicago Bulls

LeBron'sFinal Home Game?

Many expected (including myself) predicted the Cavaliers would defeat the Celtics today then finish the series Thursday in Boston. LeBron James never got started taking only 14 shots which resulted to Cleveland losing 120-88. The highlight of the game was a double crossover that Rondo displayed which had Rasheed Wallace in stitches.

At this stage in his career Shaq should not be the team's leading scorer when LeBron is on the court. Once again Mo Williams continued to get exposed defensively by his counter part at the point guard position. Derrick Rose is the first round now Rondo's turn. They are passing him around like foreign currency. If Cleveland looses Thursday we know Danny Ferry will not return O'Neal, most likely fire Mike Brown, and probably loos LeBron James via free agency.

Like my Chicago Blackhawks, this is the best chance for the Cleveland Cavaliers to win a world championship. The last time the Cavs had this good of a team to win a title was 1989 but their season ended by The Shot. 

Young Money = Bucks Future

The Bucks season is now over after getting blown out Friday at the Bradley Center then loosing this afternoon in the final game of the series. Scott Skiles did a wonderful job coaching this team after loosing Michael Redd & Andrew Bogat earlier in the season. As a result, the Bucks regrouped by adding veteran Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse, trading for John Salmon, and lead by rookie point guard Young Money aka Brandon Jennings. The game seven highlight of the Bucks/Hawks game was Jennings going behind the back on a fast break that shifted Mike Bibby to the other side and Young Money converted with the left hand.

With Brandon Jennings leading this group with John Salmon and a healthy Redd & Bogut, the future of the Milwaukee Bucks looks bright. The Kenny Anderson clone needs to get stronger, develop a right hand, and work on his outside shooting in order to compete with the Pauls, Williams, Roses, of the League.

LeBron James received his second straight MVP award at the University of Akron today along with the city of Akron, teammates, and family. The million dollar question is how many MVPs will King James win when his career is over?

Chicago Bulls Defeat Cleveland Cavs

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight 108-106 thanks to Anthony Parker's missed shot as time expired. The Bulls were up by as much as 21 points and then LeBron decided to remind the world that he's LeBron. The highlight of the game was Deng going behind the back vintage Kenny Anderson against LeBron for the score. That play got all the oooh & ahhhs at the United Center. LeBron will average his 30 plus for the series but once again Derrick Rose is making a case that he's the best point guard in the NBA.

Derrick Rose has yet to have a bad game this series and and long as Mo Williams is guarding him, he'll continue to have a great game. Mike Davis decided to have King James guard Rose which did not do any good as Inglewood's Finest displayed a clinic for the home crowd. No matter what happens, I still want Avery Johnson or Mark Jackson as the Bulls next head coach.

Game 4 this Saturday at the United Center...let's hope the Bulls tie the series!!!!!!!

Side-note: Not drafting Jimmy Clausen in the 1st round was a huge mistake!!!!!!!

Bulls Down 2-0

MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP

The Chicago Bulls are down two games to none in the best of seven series against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 was a game to forget as the Cavs just toyed with the Bulls. In game one, the Bulls cut the lead to six with 6 minuets to go after being down by as much as 22. From that point LeBron proved that he is the king to secure the Cavs the victory.

Tonight Derrick Rose and the Bulls played tough and even took the lead in the 4th quarter. Pooh proved once he develops a jump shot that he'll become the best point guard in the League over CP3, Westbrook, DWILL, and Young Money. J. Noah was the leading scorer tonight with 23 but if he's the Bulls leading scorer.....that's a problem!!!!! Game 3 is Thursday at the United Center and the Bulls will bring the same fire they did tonight at Quicken Loans but this time secure the victory.

Playoffs or NBA Lottery

With two games left to go in the season I have a dilemma with my Chicago Bulls about tanking the last two games and heading into the lottery or landing the final playoff spot only to face LeBron James in the opening round. Let's view both sides:

Missing the playoffs: If the Bulls miss the playoffs, they end up with a lottery pick and we all know what happened the last time Chicago was in the lottery. ESPN 100 Radio here in Chicago believe the draft that year was rigged because Derrick Rose declared that year and this year local product and potential #1 pick Evan Turner declared this past Tuesday. The potential of having a Turner & Rose back-court would drive ticket sales at the United Center though the roof and they would really compliment each other since they both have excellent handles, great athleticism, and a Chicago swagger that no other city can handle. Not only would this city have the best back-court in the NBA for years to come, we still have plenty of money to offer Chris Bosh or Amaire Stoudamire this summer. Most importantly, they avoid getting swept by LeBron James in round one.

Making the playoffs: Their playoff experience should be better and more matured after last season's seven game series against Boston. Last year Boston didn't have KG but face the Cavs, the Bulls will face Shaq, LeBron, and Antawn Jamison. Those are three miss matches that will pound the undersized Bulls. Derrick Rose will have his way with Sebastian Telfair and Mo Williams but that's pretty much where the Bulls win. Which Chicago Bulls team will show up...the team that lost the the New Jersey Nets twice this season or the one who overachieves on the court at times.

My Verdict: Miss the playoffs even if we don't end up with the top two pick we still end up with a lottery pick with plenty of money to spend come July 1st. 

March Madness - Senior Night

I DON'T CARE IF DELONTE WEST WAS FOULED THE LOB PASS TO LEBRON LAST NIGHT WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST IN GAME DUNKS IN NBA HISTORY.

Madness is everywhere in the hoops world. Today Missouri Zyar Taylor went Tyus Edney against Iowa State for the game winner to silence the crowd. People in Champaign, IL are growing mad because Illinois dropped another game in the Big 10 against Ohio State hindering their tourney chances. With the loss tonight, Ohio State wrapped up the Big 10 regular season title and Evan Turner played his last game in Columbus. Now it's off to Indianapolis for the Big 10 tourney where I hope ILLINI can win a few games and get into the dance.

Congratulations to UTEP for winning the Conference USA title it's the first time in nine years another team other than Memphis wins the title. Memphis will be back as they have the top recruiting class in the nation coming in next year.

Tomorrow tune into ESPN as two Chicago west side point guard Sherron Collins and Jacob Pullen go head to head as Kansas State plays Kansas. That should be a great game and I know Kansas State will play hard tomorrow night.

Good for LeBron switching his number I agree no ball player should ever wear the #23. LeBron James will wear the #6 next season.

Weekend Recap - SNL

I'll be honest...I didn't watch a lot of basketball this weekend. As I blog, I'm also watch NBA Gametime on NBA TV so I'll comment on the highlights as they roll along.

I did catch the first half of the Kansas-Tennessee game and I had a gut feeling The Jayhawks were in trouble before I went grocery shopping. By the time I came home the #1 team in the land suffered their first defeat by the Volunteers. Much respect to Tennessee as they're playing with a brand new team as four of there players are off the team due to some "off court issues". Congrats to Texas for being the new #1 come Monday morning (their school needs some type of good news after the week they've had).

By the time I arrived home, I caught the second half of the Cavs-Blazers game on ESPN. LeBron had 31 by the end of the first half but his fashion statement was something else. With the Cavs wearing vintage blue jerseys, LeBron James wore different color shoe to pay homage to Mark Price, Brad Daughtery, Larry Nance...no mention of Ron Harper. King James finished with 41 points and 10 assist.

What did I think of Charles Barkley on Saturday Night Live? The McGuber skit and the weekend update with the blind New York governer was classic but overall the show was horrible. Several times Barkley messed up his lines then held his laughter but then again he's not an actor. Alicia Keys was hot I enjoyed seeing her perform.

Time to hit the court Mondays are always a great day for pickup ball I'll let you know how it went.