It’s an election year featuring an old Republican and a possible female Vice-Presidential candidate. Apple electronic products are all the rage. Folks are worried about invasion of privacy. My wife is pregnant, so I’m currently not getting laid. The Lakers and the Celtics are playing for the NBA championship. Wow. It’s 1984 all over again.
So, I guess all is right in the NBA world now. We’ve got the premier match-up in the rich history of the NBA. Let’s just hope it’s a competitive series. How will it all transpire? Glad you asked. After all, I’m the same guy who picked the Lakers & 6 last round. That wasn’t a typo. I picked the Lakers to win, and the Pistons to win in 6, so I got a little bit of both the conference final match-ups right. Anyhoo, this is how I see the NBA Finals going. Let’s start position by position.
PG- Derek Fisher (Lakers) vs. Rajon Rando (Celtics)
Fisher is the perfect “point guard” in the Phil Jackson Triangle Offense, if in a point guard you’re looking for a guy who can handle the ball reasonably well, limit turnovers, hit the open jumper, and basically stay the hell out of Kobe Bryant’s way. John Paxson, BJ Armstrong, and Steve Kerr all fit this role well. Fisher’s a team guy, defends fairly well, and has a propensity to knock down more big shots than a “Tila Tequila”, “Flavor of Love”, and “Rock of Love” cast mixer. As if you couldn’t tell, I’m a fan. Guy’s solid.
Rajon Rando clearly has the edge talent-wise, but he’s still learning the game. He can beat his man off the bounce fairly well, but his jump shot is so streaky, he makes mine look money. He has above average court vision, but makes too many passes that would end up on the “And 1 Mix Tape” cutting room floor. (That must also be where the film of guys not traveling and playing defense are, but I digress.). If Rondo can grow up in a hurry, he could actually have the edge in this match-up. He’s not ready yet. Advantage- Fisher
SG- Kobe Bryant (Lakers) vs. Ray Allen (Celtics)
Probably the best compliment you can give to Kobe Bryant right now is that if you compared him to Michael Jordan, some people wouldn’t immediately question your sanity. That’s saying a lot. He’s he MVP of the league, and deserves an Emmy for his portrayal of “A Semi-Amiable Guy.” Sure, he’s all buddy-buddy now, but what’s he gonna do when his teammates throw up a “7 for 37 from the field game”? He’ll probably just friggin’ take over and dominate; that’s what he’ll do.
Ray Allen is a long way from the phenom Jesus Shuttlesworth. Age and mileage have morphed him from one of the best scoring two guards in the league to Wally Szczerbiak on a really good day. If he can just be the 3rd leading scorer on the team, and make the Lakers pay for leaving him open, then he’ll be doing everything the Celtics are asking him to do. Though it may be enough to help Boston win a few games, it won’t be enough to win this match-up. Advantage- Bryant
SF- Lamar Odom (Lakers) vs. Paul Pierce (Celtics)
Interesting match-up here, though Odom seems to play more of a power forward. Lamar Odom can look like the best all around player on the court at times, and at other times look like the only thing he could do well is change the light bulbs in your house. He can do it all, just not all the time. If he plays up to his potential when his teammates are having good games, the Lakers cannot be beaten.
Paul Pierce, regardless of the Garnett and Allen hype, is this generations Boston Celtic. He has stayed with the team through thick and thin, and has matured from just another chucker with an attitude to a Celtic lifer. If the Celtics have a chance to win this series, he’s got to be the one to step up and take the big shot, since he seems to be the only one on the team with the cajones to want to take the responsibility. Advantage- Pierce
PF- Vladimir Radmanovic (Lakers) vs. Kevin Garnett (Celtics)
Radmonovic is listed as the PF, but, again, he really plays the SF role. No matter. On with the analysis! I had to look the “Rad-man’s” stats because I wasn’t quite sure what he brings to the table. I’m still not quite sure. He brings around 8 points, 3 boards to the table in around 23 minutes per game. He’s a pretty good 3 pt shooter, at around 36%. So basically, he does little more but validate many guy’s belief that if they were a foot taller, they could play in “The League.” I guess that somehow helps the team win. I’m not sure.
Kevin Garnett is the reigning defensive player of the year, the guy that ignited a 40 game turnaround for the NBA’s most storied franchise, a double-double machine, and the guy who absolutely does not want the ball in his hands in crunch time. Interesting. Garnett has a freakish combination of size and athletic ability. If he wanted, he could dominate the game inside and out. His post-up, turnaround jumper is the most unstoppable shot since Kareem’s skyhook. Instead, it seems as if he is content to shoot 20 foot jumpers all night. That may be enough to help him dominate his match up with this Laker team’s incarnation of “Vlade”, but it won’t help the Celtics win the series. Advantage- Garnett
C- Pau Gasol (Lakers) vs. Kendrick Perkins (Celtics)
Gasol was never a good fit as “the guy” even on a bad team. However, he might be the best #2 option in the league. He’s gifted around the basket offensively, has a consistent short range jumper, and runs the floor well. He’s basically the human pacifier that has stopped Kobe’s whining.
If Perkins does have an advantage over Gasol, it’s his ability to rebound. Perkins has a limited offensive game, but collects garbage buckets at crucial times. (I’ve never understood the term “garbage buckets,” which are usually buckets coming off of offensive rebounds or steals. They seem to be the hardest to get. You don’t work so hard for a piece of crab claw meat, hold it up, and go “Mmm. Garbage!"). Anyway, Advantage- Gasol
Short Bench- Vujacic, Walton, Farmar, Turiaf (Lakers) vs. House, Posey, Davis, Brown, Cassell (Celtics)
Googling Sasha to correctly spell his last name, I came across his Wikipedia entry, which stated he was known for his “pesky defense, good looks, and excellent three-point shooting abilities.” Hmm. I would have just written “he’s the guy on the team who calls himself “The Machine” and wears a hair-net. Whatever. He is a good defender and can hit the threes. Walton does all the little things. Farmar shows flashes, but is inconsistent as a solid guard. Turiaf is the only legit enforcer type on the Lakers team. He likes to mix it up and gets the tough rebounds.
House will forever stick in my mind as “the guy who scored 60 in a college game,” so it’s hard for me to look him without being a little biased. He is a streaky shooter, and can light it up if he’s feeling it. Posey was the unsung hero of Miami’s ’06 championship team. He’s a good defender with a decent stroke. Davis is like Mini-Shaq, right down to the college and faintly crossed eyes. Everybody knows by now what Brown can do for you. If Wilford Brimley jumped into the youth pool in “Cocoon,” Cassell is the poor near-sighted kid who jumped about 10 feet too early and splattered on the cement in the e-mail that’s been passed around to everybody. Still, I think he’s got one good game in this series. Advantage- Push
Coaching- Phil Jackson (Lakers) vs. Doc Rivers (Knicks)
Phil Jackson has won 9 NBA titles. He has done it by effectively managing the egos of the greatest talents of our generation. He has shown the ability to relate to players, and forge them into a single minded, purpose driven team. A master motivator, he exudes a Zen-like calmness and confidence. Guys eagerly accept the roles given to them, knowing it is for the good of the team.
Doc River’s own son wants to transfer out of one of the greatest college basketball programs in the best conference in college basketball. Not because he wasn’t getting playing time, but because he didn’t want to be known as “only a defensive specialist.” Hmm. Gotta go Advantage- Jackson
Intangibles
Kobe is on a mission to validate himself and shut up the critics who have been dogging him for years by winning an NBA title without Shaq. He is the best player in the NBA, an unstoppable threat who thrives in the spotlight unlike any player we’ve seen since Jordan. After watching the Celtics celebrate the series win over the Pistons, I wasn’t sure if they were aware that there was still another series to go. Well, at least they got home court. I think that will be enough to take it to 6 games. Lakers in 6
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
On to the Conference Finals...
Okay, so to remain truthful when trying to display my prognostication abilities, I chose not to make predictions for the conference semifinals. It wasn’t because I sucked so much wind in the first round predictions (I promise!). Why do I always to mix up these two basketball prediction mantras? Never pick against San Antonio, never pick Dallas. I have to blame the Celtics, who let the Hawks awkwardly hang around like dinner party guests who can’t take copious amounts of yawning from their hosts as a hint that maybe it was time to call it a night. By the time the Celtics turned off the porch light on the Hawks, the conference semifinals had already started. So, I didn’t have time to post predictions for that round for the good people who I like to pretend actually read this blog. Okay, let’s get to the Picks!
Spurs vs. Lakers
Okay, we’ve got the MVP against the squad that plays the best team basketball in the league. Duncan vs. Gasol! Parker vs. Fisher! Kobe’s thighs and lower back vs. Bowen’s pointy knees and elbows! Ginobli, Radmanovic, and Vujacic vs. thin air and the phantom fouls resulting in flops that they bring! This looks to be Kobe’s year. Offensively, he couldn’t be on a team more suitable to maximize his talents. Gasol and Odom are long and athletic. They are both highly skilled at hitting the open shot, catching passes in stride, as well as finding the open man. Meanwhile, Fisher is one of the most underrated players in sports when it comes to hitting big shots in crunch time. Each bench guy knows his role. When everything is rolling, this team is the best in the NBA.
However, the Spurs always seem to have a way of making sure things don’t roll smoothly for the other team. Despite a lack of team quickness, they play excellent help and team defense. While Duncan is not the force he use to be, he can still take over a game when needed the most. Nobody on the Lakers team can guard Parker except for Kobe, and I doubt Phil Jackson will waste so much of Kobe’s energy on the defensive end. Ginobli is the epitome of the guy you love to have on your team, but would want to punch his lights out if he was on your opponent’s team. Either way, he’s clutch. The bench is solid.
In a conference where so many teams were so close in terms of records, its amazing how crucial having home court advantage has been in the playoffs. I suspect that will be the deciding factor here as well. Despite all of their success, the Spurs have yet to win back-to-back titles. They won’t do it this year, either. I know, I know. I'm violating my own rule. I can't help it. Lakers in 6.
Pistons vs. Celtics
Has there been a more exasperating team during these playoffs than the Celtics? After the colossal collapse of the Patriots, you know the Boston area fans have to be sweating like a dude in Maury Povich’s green room right now. Breaks my heart. Really. Even as a casual observer, however, they tend to annoy me. It seems as if they’ve got about as much of a chance surviving on the road in this series as a three-legged turtle. And much like a turtle, two of the “Big Three” seem to sink into their shell when things aren’t going well. I’ve always liked Kevin Garnett and admired him for sticking it out in Minnesota while surrounded by teammates with my ability level. However, he’s just not a “clutch” guy, no matter how hard he carries on to make us think that he is. Ray Allen, on the other hand, I’ve never liked. How could he cheat on Rosario Dawson with those two jock sniffing skanks? Also, he took way too long to forgive his father for accidentally killing his mother. Paul Pierce was, is, and will always be the heart of that team.
As much as the Celtic’s ineptitude has proven to be irksome to me, the Piston’s general malaise towards this whole “playoff deal” has annoyed me more. However, when properly motivated, they still have the toughest starting 5 in the league top to bottom. The question is, can Flip Saunders finally show that he has the ability to motivate them? He hasn’t yet. Maybe he can offer them some type of deal. Say, if they win the championship, they can cut his pseudo-mullet. I dunno. Just an idea. The scary thing about the Pistons team is that they now have a formidable bench. Maxiell, Stuckey, and Hunter are gamers. Again, this team has the potential to win it all.
Boston fought long and hard all season for home court advantage. They’re going to need it to have a chance in this series. I can see them losing at home a lot easier than I can see them winning in Detroit. Pistons in 6.
Spurs vs. Lakers
Okay, we’ve got the MVP against the squad that plays the best team basketball in the league. Duncan vs. Gasol! Parker vs. Fisher! Kobe’s thighs and lower back vs. Bowen’s pointy knees and elbows! Ginobli, Radmanovic, and Vujacic vs. thin air and the phantom fouls resulting in flops that they bring! This looks to be Kobe’s year. Offensively, he couldn’t be on a team more suitable to maximize his talents. Gasol and Odom are long and athletic. They are both highly skilled at hitting the open shot, catching passes in stride, as well as finding the open man. Meanwhile, Fisher is one of the most underrated players in sports when it comes to hitting big shots in crunch time. Each bench guy knows his role. When everything is rolling, this team is the best in the NBA.
However, the Spurs always seem to have a way of making sure things don’t roll smoothly for the other team. Despite a lack of team quickness, they play excellent help and team defense. While Duncan is not the force he use to be, he can still take over a game when needed the most. Nobody on the Lakers team can guard Parker except for Kobe, and I doubt Phil Jackson will waste so much of Kobe’s energy on the defensive end. Ginobli is the epitome of the guy you love to have on your team, but would want to punch his lights out if he was on your opponent’s team. Either way, he’s clutch. The bench is solid.
In a conference where so many teams were so close in terms of records, its amazing how crucial having home court advantage has been in the playoffs. I suspect that will be the deciding factor here as well. Despite all of their success, the Spurs have yet to win back-to-back titles. They won’t do it this year, either. I know, I know. I'm violating my own rule. I can't help it. Lakers in 6.
Pistons vs. Celtics
Has there been a more exasperating team during these playoffs than the Celtics? After the colossal collapse of the Patriots, you know the Boston area fans have to be sweating like a dude in Maury Povich’s green room right now. Breaks my heart. Really. Even as a casual observer, however, they tend to annoy me. It seems as if they’ve got about as much of a chance surviving on the road in this series as a three-legged turtle. And much like a turtle, two of the “Big Three” seem to sink into their shell when things aren’t going well. I’ve always liked Kevin Garnett and admired him for sticking it out in Minnesota while surrounded by teammates with my ability level. However, he’s just not a “clutch” guy, no matter how hard he carries on to make us think that he is. Ray Allen, on the other hand, I’ve never liked. How could he cheat on Rosario Dawson with those two jock sniffing skanks? Also, he took way too long to forgive his father for accidentally killing his mother. Paul Pierce was, is, and will always be the heart of that team.
As much as the Celtic’s ineptitude has proven to be irksome to me, the Piston’s general malaise towards this whole “playoff deal” has annoyed me more. However, when properly motivated, they still have the toughest starting 5 in the league top to bottom. The question is, can Flip Saunders finally show that he has the ability to motivate them? He hasn’t yet. Maybe he can offer them some type of deal. Say, if they win the championship, they can cut his pseudo-mullet. I dunno. Just an idea. The scary thing about the Pistons team is that they now have a formidable bench. Maxiell, Stuckey, and Hunter are gamers. Again, this team has the potential to win it all.
Boston fought long and hard all season for home court advantage. They’re going to need it to have a chance in this series. I can see them losing at home a lot easier than I can see them winning in Detroit. Pistons in 6.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
2008 NBA Playoff Outlook
It’s frustrating to be an NBA fan these days. Frustrating and lonely. The Western Conference race was the most exciting chase I can remember that didn’t involve a news helicopter and spike strips. Yet, I have maybe one friend who gives a damn about the NBA. I’m not sure why more people don’t care. ESPN thinks it’s because of an erroneous image problem. Or, maybe my friends are just retards. In any case, here are my predictions for the first round of the NBA playoffs. They are scheduled to start April 19, and conclude sometime around November 2013, I think.
(1) Lakers vs. (8) Nuggets
Normally, when you see a No. 8 seed against a No.1 seed, you would just chalk up an automatic “W” for the 1 seed and just move on. (Well, unless you’re Dallas. Sorry Mavs fans.) That’s not necessarily the case this year, as these teams were only separated by 7 games. Still, pitting Kobe Bryant against a team that gave up the 2nd most points per game in the entire NBA is a deadly combination. Sometimes it seems like Denver’s players would rather switch jock straps with each other at halftime than switch hard on a pick and roll. There’s a reason Marcus Camby has so many blocked shots- opportunity. There’s usually always an opponent moving unimpeded towards the basket. They do, however, have amazing fire power with Iverson and Anthony. I think it’s enough to win a game or two, but the Lakers will roll on in 5. It should be fun to watch the whole way through, though. There’s a distinct possibility that one of these games will turn in to a Kobe vs. AI or DUI (Anthony) quality one-on-one duels where both guys score in the 40s or 50s. It’ll be like “NBA Jam” in real life.
(4) Jazz vs. (5) Rockets
I have no idea how this Houston team won 55 games this year, much less pulled off 22 straight. There hasn’t been a level of overachievement this high since Lyle Lovett snagged Julia Roberts back when everybody was fooled into thinking she was smoking hot. The Jazz seems to have the edge in almost every department other than 2-guard and team nicknames that make sense. Still, Houston is a feisty team that has found a way to win with smoke and mirrors all year. However all mirrors, much like Yao’s feet every year, seem destined to break. Jazz in 6.
(3) Spurs vs. (6) Suns
Okay, this is what the NBA playoffs are all about. This series has me giddy. The Suns have the edge in the regular season series. However, the playoffs are a whole different animal. San Antonio has clutch players all up and down the roster, and nobody on Phoenix’s team can stay in front of Tony Parker. While the Shaq trade garnered much of the attention, the Spurs acquisition of Kurt Thomas may have been the shrewdest out of all the trades this year. He’s a big man who can play defense, and hit the outside shot. Shaq’s gonna have to come out to guard him. Still, Phoenix seems to have finally figured out how to utilize “The Big Cactus” when he’s in the game. When he’s not in the game, they should just have him lie across the Sun’s bench players so that they can’t leave the bench and gift another series to the Spurs like last year. Suns in 7.
(2) Hornets vs. (7) Mavericks
I must admit, I really haven’t seen the Hornets play much this year. It’s really not my fault. I blame the networks and their stubborn refusal to nationally televise a game that doesn’t involve the Lakers, Spurs, Suns, Mavs, Cavs, or Pistons. I mean, I could tell you how much hair Manu Ginobli has lost from week to week, but I couldn’t name you 7 Hornets players. I do know they have Chris Paul, David West, and Tyson Chandler, and they make a formidable three-some. However, when the only real playoff experienced player on the team has a reputation of choking magnificently, it’s hard to believe these guys are ready just yet. Peja chokes so often in big games he needs one of those lung valve things Mark Wahlberg’s character in “Three Kings” used. The Mavs know this is pretty much it for them, and should play with a sense of urgency. They are on the verge of being blown up if they don’t win big this year. Because of these factors, I like the Mavs in 7.
(1) Celtics vs. (8) Hawks
I’ve been looking for a Hawks fan who can actually give me a legitimate reason as to why the Hawks have a shot, but I’m having a hard time finding one. An actual Hawks fan, I mean. This series is a joke and a perfect example as to why the current playoff structure should be trashed. Celtics sweep.
(4) Cavs vs. (5) Wizards
How pitiful is the East that the #4 and #5 seeds in the conference average giving up more points than they score? Ugh. I guess this is where the new “There Can Only Be One” NBA playoff spots are supposed to get me excited about this series. Unless the winner of the series gets to behead the loser at midcourt “Highlander” style (There can be only one!!!!), I can’t muster up the effort to care. Other than the opportunity to watch King James destroy this team, this match-up bores me. Cavs in 6.
(3) Magic vs. (6) Raptors
Now this series has a chance to be exciting. It matches up 2 of only 4 teams in the east who averaged over 100 points a game. Howard vs. Bosh! Disney World vs. Jurassic Park! The Magic seems to have the better team here. Turkoglu is a lock to win Most Improved Player. It’ll look good next to Dwight Howard’s NBA Slam Lay-Up title (Sorry, but the “Superman Dunk” was NOT a freakin’ dunk!!!). I like the Magic in 5.
(2) Pistons vs. (7) Sixers
Sure, the Sixers have been a nice story down the stretch, but to quote The Rock “It Doesn’t Matter!!!” The Pistons quietly compiled the 2nd best record in the league while holding opponents to the fewest points per game in the league. Philly, on the other hand, has the worst home record of any playoff team. So they, um, have that going for them, which is nice. At least Philadelphians are known to be very supportive and understanding of the home team. Pistons in 5.
(1) Lakers vs. (8) Nuggets
Normally, when you see a No. 8 seed against a No.1 seed, you would just chalk up an automatic “W” for the 1 seed and just move on. (Well, unless you’re Dallas. Sorry Mavs fans.) That’s not necessarily the case this year, as these teams were only separated by 7 games. Still, pitting Kobe Bryant against a team that gave up the 2nd most points per game in the entire NBA is a deadly combination. Sometimes it seems like Denver’s players would rather switch jock straps with each other at halftime than switch hard on a pick and roll. There’s a reason Marcus Camby has so many blocked shots- opportunity. There’s usually always an opponent moving unimpeded towards the basket. They do, however, have amazing fire power with Iverson and Anthony. I think it’s enough to win a game or two, but the Lakers will roll on in 5. It should be fun to watch the whole way through, though. There’s a distinct possibility that one of these games will turn in to a Kobe vs. AI or DUI (Anthony) quality one-on-one duels where both guys score in the 40s or 50s. It’ll be like “NBA Jam” in real life.
(4) Jazz vs. (5) Rockets
I have no idea how this Houston team won 55 games this year, much less pulled off 22 straight. There hasn’t been a level of overachievement this high since Lyle Lovett snagged Julia Roberts back when everybody was fooled into thinking she was smoking hot. The Jazz seems to have the edge in almost every department other than 2-guard and team nicknames that make sense. Still, Houston is a feisty team that has found a way to win with smoke and mirrors all year. However all mirrors, much like Yao’s feet every year, seem destined to break. Jazz in 6.
(3) Spurs vs. (6) Suns
Okay, this is what the NBA playoffs are all about. This series has me giddy. The Suns have the edge in the regular season series. However, the playoffs are a whole different animal. San Antonio has clutch players all up and down the roster, and nobody on Phoenix’s team can stay in front of Tony Parker. While the Shaq trade garnered much of the attention, the Spurs acquisition of Kurt Thomas may have been the shrewdest out of all the trades this year. He’s a big man who can play defense, and hit the outside shot. Shaq’s gonna have to come out to guard him. Still, Phoenix seems to have finally figured out how to utilize “The Big Cactus” when he’s in the game. When he’s not in the game, they should just have him lie across the Sun’s bench players so that they can’t leave the bench and gift another series to the Spurs like last year. Suns in 7.
(2) Hornets vs. (7) Mavericks
I must admit, I really haven’t seen the Hornets play much this year. It’s really not my fault. I blame the networks and their stubborn refusal to nationally televise a game that doesn’t involve the Lakers, Spurs, Suns, Mavs, Cavs, or Pistons. I mean, I could tell you how much hair Manu Ginobli has lost from week to week, but I couldn’t name you 7 Hornets players. I do know they have Chris Paul, David West, and Tyson Chandler, and they make a formidable three-some. However, when the only real playoff experienced player on the team has a reputation of choking magnificently, it’s hard to believe these guys are ready just yet. Peja chokes so often in big games he needs one of those lung valve things Mark Wahlberg’s character in “Three Kings” used. The Mavs know this is pretty much it for them, and should play with a sense of urgency. They are on the verge of being blown up if they don’t win big this year. Because of these factors, I like the Mavs in 7.
(1) Celtics vs. (8) Hawks
I’ve been looking for a Hawks fan who can actually give me a legitimate reason as to why the Hawks have a shot, but I’m having a hard time finding one. An actual Hawks fan, I mean. This series is a joke and a perfect example as to why the current playoff structure should be trashed. Celtics sweep.
(4) Cavs vs. (5) Wizards
How pitiful is the East that the #4 and #5 seeds in the conference average giving up more points than they score? Ugh. I guess this is where the new “There Can Only Be One” NBA playoff spots are supposed to get me excited about this series. Unless the winner of the series gets to behead the loser at midcourt “Highlander” style (There can be only one!!!!), I can’t muster up the effort to care. Other than the opportunity to watch King James destroy this team, this match-up bores me. Cavs in 6.
(3) Magic vs. (6) Raptors
Now this series has a chance to be exciting. It matches up 2 of only 4 teams in the east who averaged over 100 points a game. Howard vs. Bosh! Disney World vs. Jurassic Park! The Magic seems to have the better team here. Turkoglu is a lock to win Most Improved Player. It’ll look good next to Dwight Howard’s NBA Slam Lay-Up title (Sorry, but the “Superman Dunk” was NOT a freakin’ dunk!!!). I like the Magic in 5.
(2) Pistons vs. (7) Sixers
Sure, the Sixers have been a nice story down the stretch, but to quote The Rock “It Doesn’t Matter!!!” The Pistons quietly compiled the 2nd best record in the league while holding opponents to the fewest points per game in the league. Philly, on the other hand, has the worst home record of any playoff team. So they, um, have that going for them, which is nice. At least Philadelphians are known to be very supportive and understanding of the home team. Pistons in 5.
Monday, March 24, 2008
65* Thoughts on March Madness
* Actual number may vary (and by "vary" I mean "be considerably less"- But, since there are technically 65 teams in the tournament, and I'm feeling a little ambitious, what the hell let's give it a shot. )
- There are actually some folks who have not filled out a bracket. We call these people "Un-American."
- Brackets this time of year should be as mandatory as taxes. In fact, let's inact a law stating you have to send in a bracket with your return. Winner take all. What do you say?
- The first Thursday and Friday of the tournament should be a national holiday. I'll gladly give up President's Day and Columbus Day to make this happen. I'm tired of using my vacation time in order to watch the games.
- It's so great to be able to get out and get stuff done before the games on Thursday and Friday while everybody else is at...Okay, scratch #2.
- The combination of all day basketball, cold beer, and going to get mediocre bar food served by young ladies in tight tops and ugly orange shorts are all you need to make cousins who haven't visited you since you got married show up. Again, this is a magical time of year.
- Our Hooters waitress actually had on roller skates, and at one point the entire wait staff jumped up on the bar to do a rousing rendition of AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long." Combined with the skimpy outfits, is there no end the Hooters corporation won't go to denigrate these girls? I mean, at this point the ladies from "Two Girls One Cup" would probably find working at Hooters to be demeaning.
- Washington D.C. should be ashamed of it's poor turnout during early Thursday games. It can't be due to the parking or lack of valet attendants. The one time I went to D.C., I had no problem finding someone to take my car off of my hands.
- How hard would it have been for CBS to schedule the games so that we could have basketball 12 hours straight? My glorious day of basketball viewing was interrupted after 5 hours by...Maury Povich???. In an act of protest, I passed out in a drunken stupor on my couch. To further express my displeasure, I boycotted the Duke/Belmont game*
- *Boycott may or may not have been the result of me still being passed out.
- "Picking the Chalk", meaning "going with all the favorites". Why have I never heard this phrase before the last couple of days?
- Speaking of "picking the chalk," I'm loving "Siena and Davidson pickin'" Seth Davis and his smug chiding of Clark Kellogg for picking all of the favorites. I can't wait for Clark to get one right. He's taken such a verbal beating at this point that I wouldn't be surprised to see him jump up, spread his arms out wide, and scream "That's right muthaf****r!!! How ya like me now?!?" while Greg Gumbel puts his hand over his mouth, leans back in his chair, and yells "Oh, Snap!!." Hmm. Maybe I've watched "Yo Mama" on MTV too many times.
- I've seen "Yo Mama" once, and that was way too many times.
- And on the other end of the passion spectrum we've got Bobby Knight. It's fun to watch him when it isn't his turn to talk. He just sits there with an interest level of a guy in a department store waiting for his wife to try on her 78th outfit of the day.
- He just looks so disinterested that I wouldn't be shocked if he just walked off set to go to the bathroom while Reese Davis was in mid-sentence. Only, he would still be mic'ed up so we could have a classic Frank Drebin in "The Naked Gun" moment.
- So, at what point in your life are you esteemed enough that you can just wear a sweater on TV while everyone else has to wear a coat and tie?
- I guess being the all time winningest men's basketball coach fits the bill, huh?
- Anybody else surprised that it didn't take ESPN too long to use the sweater as a marketing opportunity? I'm fairly certain all of Coach Knight's sweaters at home didn't have "ESPN" stitched on them before he arrived on set.
- Great Pitt pick, Coach Knight.
- I'm pretty sure he did it just to piss Dick Vitale's "UNC loving" self off.
- Roy Hibbert is looking more and more like the next "Great White Stiff." I didn't even know that was actually possible.
- You gotta give it to Kevin Love. He's an amazing basketball player. Plus, he looks like he probably smells like stale beer when he sweats.
- He reminds me of the guy you always see at the rec who dominates, but never wants to run a full court game when the other goal is open.
- Michael Beasley is a dominating force in the college game, but there's no way he's a legit 6'10." Regardless, he'll still be the #1 pick in the NBA draft.
- Unless of course it's Derrick Rose. You never pass up on a natural point guard of his calibur. Just ask the New Orleans Hornets or Utah Jazz fans what a great young point guard can do for your team.
- Given NBA team track records, however, it'll likely be some young foreign player who plays 6 minutes a game in some Euro league against guys who smoke cigarettes on the bench or miss games because they can't find a babysitter.
- If the commercials shown during the tournament games were a basketball team, it would be one with a very short bench. Your starters would be 1) The "Hey Buddy" spot from AT&T, 2) Chevy driving Howie Long mooching lunch off of his accountant 3) "Dudemadness" from Bud Light, 4) The guy watching TV outside (??) ordering frozen pizza from his wife, 5) The ages old Enterprise commercial. (Can somebody please go rent a car from these folks so they can splurge on a new commercial??). Off the bench would be the "special powers" Bud Light adds, and the "I'm an idiot 'cause I don't have good reception" AT&T adds. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for your 2008 March Madness commercials!!
- Oh, and CBS seems to be really hyping these little shows called "CSI." Never heard of them, but I hope they do well.
- So, how's everybody's Women's bracket looking?
- Stephon Curry seems to be able to shoot. In other breaking news, Februarys in Chicago are usually cold, and people generally like having lots of friends and lots of money.
- That scintillating WKU and San Diego matchup in Round 2 is why the NCAA seems to try to pit mid-majors against each other as much as possible.
- Coming up with 65 different thoughts is hard
- I mean really hard.
- Real, real hard.
- I bet Roy Williams wishes he could bottle up some of that offensive efficiency he's enjoyed the last couple of games. The law of averages dictates that it won't last.
- Tyler Hansbrough reminds me of over competitive friends I had that I hated to play basketball with because they would always take it too seriously. As I consequence, I would always seem to inadvertently take an elbow to the jaw. I'm looking at you, Nichols!
- West Virginia's Joe Alexander is an impressive player. He has great all around skills and a wingspan that is surpassed only by his earspan.
- Stanford will have to win 6 straight national championships and 17 straight Double-Duece level bar brawls before I ever think of them as anything other than too soft to win a title.
- Throw Kansas in there as well. Not because I think they're soft, but because hanging your hopes on them is like driving your newly "pimped out" ride that still has a 300k mile old engine in it. It may look all nice and slick, but you still don't want to trust it.
- Texas, you've done nothing to gain my trust either.
- Wisconsin's style of play sets the game of basketball back 100 years. Is there any truth that the rims in their practice facility have been replaced with actual peach baskets? That's what I heard. I'm just sayin...
- Who knew that a major American sporting event could be totally disrupted by a curtain being opened a couple of inches? C'mon Joey Dorsey, we played the SEC tournament during a freakin' tornado!
- So Hubert Davis is picking the Hilltoppers to topple UCLA?? In other picks, he likes the Washington Generals on the road and has advised us to not give up on Betamax just yet.
- Don't write off Tennessee just yet. They were the best team in the SEC. I know, I know. That's kinda like being the smartest kid in Special Ed, but still...
- Okay, I must admit that I haven't really seen Washington State play before, but they're an intriguing team. They're defensive numbers are ridiculous. Classic clash of styles agains UNC.
- Particularly Derrick Lowe, who gets my "Billy Ho" award for "The guy who looks least likely to be able to play a lick, but can actually really ball."
- So I gotta choose between an AT&T smart phone, or having a big Nordic dude named Sven living in my house? Okay, you've sold me, AT&T. I'll take the phone.
- Uh oh. Tyler Hansbrough has only two more points than I do at the half, yet UNC still leads by 14. So...when's the next game come on? This baby's already over.
- Can Clint Black, as a stand-up comedian, make me laugh? Maybe, but probably not for the reason he hopes.
- "Five dollar foot long" Hmm... Either Subway is having a pretty good sale on sandwiches, or Dirk Diggler is having trouble finding work again.
- Okay, so the one year I don't pick Xavier to be my darkhorse, they manage to get to at least the Elite 8, knocking out my darkhorse for this year-West Virginia. Thanks guys. Seriously.
- Has there been a more disgusting scene in a commercial than the guy wiping the bleu cheese dressing off the other guy's beard with his finger in the Sheridan ads? Perhaps the "Scarred" promos on MTV? I don't know. I still think I'd rather watch some guy's tibula pop out of his leg than watch that part of the Sheridan ad again.
- Okay, I guess it's now officially acceptable to count out UT. Well, Hubert Davis hasn't just yet.
- Another stellar pick from the ESPN studio crew goes down in flames. They should really just have 4 women that know nothing about basketball but always seem to win the office pool run the show. "Western Kentucky? No way! Have you seen how pretty UCLA's uniforms are? If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. I'm going with the Brewers, or whatever they're called."
- Well, I just lost my first final four team of the two brackets I submitted in our office pool. Wisconsin. What was I thnking? Man, I gotta quit drinking on my lunch break.
- Okay, Memphis just graduated from "Yeah, they're a good team, but..." to "Holy Hell! They could actually win this whole thing!"
- The elevated court in Reliant stadium is proudly brought to you by the Texas Personal Injury Attorney's Association. How is that thing even remotely safe?
- In the words of the great American thespian and philosopher Wesley Snipes, "Always bet on BLACK." I'm assuming BLACK is an acronym for Big-10 Losing Another Classic butt Kicking. I know the "B" doesn't work in there, but for all of the many wonderful talents possessed by Wesley Snipes, coming up with acronyms is not one of them.
- If anybody says anything to you that sounds something like "Man, I knew Davidson was going to make it this far, but I changed my bracket at the last minute", you have my permission to call them a liar and punch them in the throat.
- UCLA is the first team through to the Final 4- They make winning ugly look so pretty.
- UNC is the second. Hansbrough finishes the game with 28 pts, 13 boards, 2 steals, and an awkward marraige proposal from a gushing Jay Bilas.
- Please become an organ donor. Dick Enberg needs your eyes to be able to see the game he's being paid to call. Sheesh.
- Memphis looks unstoppable right now. Derrick Rose is probably the best point guard in the country, and is unquestionably the best player in America who's voice has not yet completely changed. Needless to say, his interview kind of shocked me.
- Slow clap for Davidson, everybody. If they ever have a Pre-pubescent all star team, Curry and Rose are locks for the backcourt.
- Well, I got all 4 Final 4 teams right on one of my office pool brackets, putting me in first place. Why am I not excited? Because I got UCLA beating Kansas in the championship game. Just don't see that happening right now.
- Memphis makes UCLA look slow. Kevin Love just cemented himself in history. Well, if by "history" you mean to be on the 2008 Memphis highlight tape as the guy who got viciously dunked on.
- Kansas starts out on fire. I would be more impressed, but I keep getting distracted with the tune "I feel for You" every time Sasha Kaun's name is mentioned. "Sasha Kaun-Sa-Sa-Sasha Kaun"
- Okay, so maybe coming up with 65 thoughts was easier than I thought.
- Great Championship game. It never fails to amaze me that guys that can concentrate enough to complete a 3-point play when fouled by 7' big men can't hit a free throw.
- There are 50 year old guys in suburbs across the country who are just itching to take Memphis on in a game of HORSE. All free throws, all the time.
"Sir, if you'll just leave the keys in the ignition">>
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
2008 Alabama Spring Football Preview
Alabama opened its 2008 spring practice on Thursday, March 13. They’ll work the following Friday, and then reconvene after spring break. The following is a preview, written by a typical avid fan and “sidewalk alum”, myself. I apparently had nothing better to do, and could think of nothing else to post on my newly created blog. Anyway, this is how I see each position break down.
Quarterbacks
Why I’m stoked-
John Parker Wilson returns as a senior starter with 2 full seasons of starting experience behind him. Despite being one of the most maligned Crimson Tide players in recent memory, all the guy has done is break every major single season Alabama passing record each of the two years he has started. When he’s on, he can be as effective passing the ball as any player in the conference. He’s a tough player with decent mobility. If given the right coaching, he could be the best quarterback in the SEC this year not named Tebow or Stafford.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
.493 is an excellent percentage- If you’re talking about hitting a baseball or shooting from the 3-point line. As a starting QB? Not so much. .493 was Wilson’s total completion percentage in Alabama’s 6 losses last season. In only two of those losses (FSU and Louisiana Monroe) did he pass for over 50%. Clearly, this is an area of Wilson’s game that must be improved upon if the Tide is going to do well this year.
It’s very clear that Wilson took a step back last year when a lot of folks were looking for him to make “the jump” to a big time performer in 2007. The reason why, however was not so clear. If it was coaching, then that problem has hopefully been remedied with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Alabama fans are hopeful that he can rekindle the performance in Wilson that ex-Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula, a very underrated QB position coach, was able to sustain.
Also, Wilson must learn his 3rd different offense in as many years without the benefit of his top three receivers from last year. Unless the NCAA inexplicably allows Alabama to dress every offensive skill player in the #22 (which seems unlikely to happen- even though we can all agree the NCAA owes us one), Wilson will be forced to break old habits of locking on to his favorite receiver on most pass plays. That is, of course, until Julio Jones gets to campus. Then all bets are off.
Overall Impression-
Despite the opinion of many moderately uninformed Alabama fans, John Parker Wilson is the best QB on the team. Many of the fans clamoring for McElroy or Fanuzzi couldn’t pick these guys out of a police line-up (I will refrain from making a joke about Alabama’s recent off the field troubles here). For Alabama to be successful, Wilson must be more consistent, make better decisions on the field, and take better care of the football. In other words, he needs to stop being the opposing quarterback on some other team’s “Pontiac Game Changing Play.”
John Parker Wilson returns as a senior starter with 2 full seasons of starting experience behind him. Despite being one of the most maligned Crimson Tide players in recent memory, all the guy has done is break every major single season Alabama passing record each of the two years he has started. When he’s on, he can be as effective passing the ball as any player in the conference. He’s a tough player with decent mobility. If given the right coaching, he could be the best quarterback in the SEC this year not named Tebow or Stafford.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
.493 is an excellent percentage- If you’re talking about hitting a baseball or shooting from the 3-point line. As a starting QB? Not so much. .493 was Wilson’s total completion percentage in Alabama’s 6 losses last season. In only two of those losses (FSU and Louisiana Monroe) did he pass for over 50%. Clearly, this is an area of Wilson’s game that must be improved upon if the Tide is going to do well this year.
It’s very clear that Wilson took a step back last year when a lot of folks were looking for him to make “the jump” to a big time performer in 2007. The reason why, however was not so clear. If it was coaching, then that problem has hopefully been remedied with the hiring of new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Alabama fans are hopeful that he can rekindle the performance in Wilson that ex-Alabama Head Coach Mike Shula, a very underrated QB position coach, was able to sustain.
Also, Wilson must learn his 3rd different offense in as many years without the benefit of his top three receivers from last year. Unless the NCAA inexplicably allows Alabama to dress every offensive skill player in the #22 (which seems unlikely to happen- even though we can all agree the NCAA owes us one), Wilson will be forced to break old habits of locking on to his favorite receiver on most pass plays. That is, of course, until Julio Jones gets to campus. Then all bets are off.
Overall Impression-
Despite the opinion of many moderately uninformed Alabama fans, John Parker Wilson is the best QB on the team. Many of the fans clamoring for McElroy or Fanuzzi couldn’t pick these guys out of a police line-up (I will refrain from making a joke about Alabama’s recent off the field troubles here). For Alabama to be successful, Wilson must be more consistent, make better decisions on the field, and take better care of the football. In other words, he needs to stop being the opposing quarterback on some other team’s “Pontiac Game Changing Play.”
Running backs
Why I’m Stoked-
During the early part of the 2007, there was a freshman running back who was setting the conference on fire. Strangely enough, the back was not Knowshon Moreno, but rather Terry Grant. It’s been said that dynamite comes in small packages, and that was certainly true in Grant’s case. Alabama appeared to be loaded with serviceable running backs of every size and need, whether it is power (Coffee), speed (Grant), or a combination of both (Upchurch). It appears everybody in this group will be back, along with Demetrius Goode, who tore his ACL early in last year’s spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
While it is true that dynamite comes in small packages, dynamite also explodes and then fades away in a cloud of dust. This, unfortunately, was also the case for Terry Grant. He proved to be too small to handle the rigors of an SEC football season, ultimately losing his starting job and missing the last couple of games with injuries. Beyond Grant, Alabama’s other backs were solid, at best. On the positive side, it’s safe to say we don’t have to worry about the football program getting in trouble due to agents beating down our running back’s door. Of course, negatively, no SEC defensive coordinator is waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night screaming “How in the heck are we going to stop Glen Coffee?”
Overall Impression-
Alabama’s stable of running backs is probably best described as average. No better. No less. They proved to be either too brittle or too undependable to really install a lot of confidence in Coach Saban. When he’s giving the majority of carries to a walk-on, converted wide receiver in the form of Jonathan Lowe, against the eventual #1 team in the nation, it says a lot about his RB options last year. It also didn’t help matters that all of the backs had off-season surgeries. Look for freshmen such as Goode in the spring, or incoming freshman Mark Ingram or Chris Jordan to challenge for playing time when they arrive. This is a position battle that will be fun to watch during fall practice.
During the early part of the 2007, there was a freshman running back who was setting the conference on fire. Strangely enough, the back was not Knowshon Moreno, but rather Terry Grant. It’s been said that dynamite comes in small packages, and that was certainly true in Grant’s case. Alabama appeared to be loaded with serviceable running backs of every size and need, whether it is power (Coffee), speed (Grant), or a combination of both (Upchurch). It appears everybody in this group will be back, along with Demetrius Goode, who tore his ACL early in last year’s spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
While it is true that dynamite comes in small packages, dynamite also explodes and then fades away in a cloud of dust. This, unfortunately, was also the case for Terry Grant. He proved to be too small to handle the rigors of an SEC football season, ultimately losing his starting job and missing the last couple of games with injuries. Beyond Grant, Alabama’s other backs were solid, at best. On the positive side, it’s safe to say we don’t have to worry about the football program getting in trouble due to agents beating down our running back’s door. Of course, negatively, no SEC defensive coordinator is waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night screaming “How in the heck are we going to stop Glen Coffee?”
Overall Impression-
Alabama’s stable of running backs is probably best described as average. No better. No less. They proved to be either too brittle or too undependable to really install a lot of confidence in Coach Saban. When he’s giving the majority of carries to a walk-on, converted wide receiver in the form of Jonathan Lowe, against the eventual #1 team in the nation, it says a lot about his RB options last year. It also didn’t help matters that all of the backs had off-season surgeries. Look for freshmen such as Goode in the spring, or incoming freshman Mark Ingram or Chris Jordan to challenge for playing time when they arrive. This is a position battle that will be fun to watch during fall practice.
Wide Receivers
Why I’m Stoked-
Again, this is another position where the fall depth chart (if Coach Saban believed in those) will look a lot different than the one at the end of the spring. The guys Alabama has on campus now is a mixture of seasoned vets (Stover, Oakley, and McCoy), guys who saw their first action last year (Alexander and Hanks), and promising redshirt freshmen (Gibson and Maze). So, the numbers and talent are there for the making of a very competitive spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Though the talent is there, there’s not a legitimate 2008 First Team All-Conference candidate among them. The most talented among the receivers are probably the youngest ones. McCoy faded down the stretch last year, and Oakley has grabbed more injured hamstrings than footballs so far in his Alabama career. Does any WR in this group have enough in them to make fans complain that JP Wilson is locking in on him too often? It’s too soon to tell.
Overall Impression-
When you factor in the incoming receiver talent arriving in the fall along with the guys on campus now, the WR position is easily the deepest and most talented position on this team.
Again, this is another position where the fall depth chart (if Coach Saban believed in those) will look a lot different than the one at the end of the spring. The guys Alabama has on campus now is a mixture of seasoned vets (Stover, Oakley, and McCoy), guys who saw their first action last year (Alexander and Hanks), and promising redshirt freshmen (Gibson and Maze). So, the numbers and talent are there for the making of a very competitive spring practice.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Though the talent is there, there’s not a legitimate 2008 First Team All-Conference candidate among them. The most talented among the receivers are probably the youngest ones. McCoy faded down the stretch last year, and Oakley has grabbed more injured hamstrings than footballs so far in his Alabama career. Does any WR in this group have enough in them to make fans complain that JP Wilson is locking in on him too often? It’s too soon to tell.
Overall Impression-
When you factor in the incoming receiver talent arriving in the fall along with the guys on campus now, the WR position is easily the deepest and most talented position on this team.
Tight End
Why I’m Stoked-
Alabama is stocked at the TE position. McCall, Walker, Dial, Hoke, and Underwood all provide solid depth and at least a fair amount of talent. When you mix that with tons of game experience, it’s a positive thing.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Alabama has the perfect, prototypical TE on its roster. Unfortunately, that “perfection” is spread out amongst the 5 guys mentioned above. McCall seems to be the better blocker, while Walker is the better receiver. The lack of one really well-rounded TE is about the only concern for this position.
Overall Impression-
Solid group here. If Alabama fans do complain about our TEs not getting the ball enough (not that Alabama fans have ever, ever done that, mind you), the complaints will be valid.
Alabama is stocked at the TE position. McCall, Walker, Dial, Hoke, and Underwood all provide solid depth and at least a fair amount of talent. When you mix that with tons of game experience, it’s a positive thing.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Alabama has the perfect, prototypical TE on its roster. Unfortunately, that “perfection” is spread out amongst the 5 guys mentioned above. McCall seems to be the better blocker, while Walker is the better receiver. The lack of one really well-rounded TE is about the only concern for this position.
Overall Impression-
Solid group here. If Alabama fans do complain about our TEs not getting the ball enough (not that Alabama fans have ever, ever done that, mind you), the complaints will be valid.
Offensive Line
Why I’m Stoked-
I’m fully confident that this is the year when the experienced offensive line comes together and plays like the dominant unit it has the potential to be. Of course, I’ve probably said that the last 2 years before this season. Alabama has 2 NFL caliber players on the offensive line in LT Andre Smith and Center slash Guard slash Tackle slash textbook hook-up Antoine Caldwell. Alabama also has solid players at the other tackle spot in Mike Johnson, as well as a bevy of experienced players to compete for the right to man the interior of the line (Cardwell, Davis, Ross, and Pharr). When you throw the redshirt and true freshmen linemen into the mix (Crump, Vlachos, Love, Jones, etc), it becomes even more interesting. Alabama fans have their fingers crossed that this is the year the offensive line becomes the force it should be.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Other than the inability to establish a reliable running game against top flight foes, as well as the propensity to give up sacks at the worst possible time, the offensive line had a great year last year. All sarcasm aside, the consistent inconsistency of the offensive line has been a concern for years.
Also, what at one time looked to be a deep unit has all of the sudden become a little thin. With the defections of Stabler due to weak knees, and Stadler due to a weak will, along with the graduation of Britt and Capps, Alabama may need to rely on an incoming freshman or two to round out the two-deep depth chart.
Overall Impression-
I’m hopeful that with another year of rigorous off-season training under its belt, the offensive line as a unit will finally possess the raw strength and power needed to dominate its foes like its experience and talent levels suggests that it should. Call me the eternal optimist, but I believe this could be the year that it does. Again, I’m sure I’ve said that before.
I’m fully confident that this is the year when the experienced offensive line comes together and plays like the dominant unit it has the potential to be. Of course, I’ve probably said that the last 2 years before this season. Alabama has 2 NFL caliber players on the offensive line in LT Andre Smith and Center slash Guard slash Tackle slash textbook hook-up Antoine Caldwell. Alabama also has solid players at the other tackle spot in Mike Johnson, as well as a bevy of experienced players to compete for the right to man the interior of the line (Cardwell, Davis, Ross, and Pharr). When you throw the redshirt and true freshmen linemen into the mix (Crump, Vlachos, Love, Jones, etc), it becomes even more interesting. Alabama fans have their fingers crossed that this is the year the offensive line becomes the force it should be.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
Other than the inability to establish a reliable running game against top flight foes, as well as the propensity to give up sacks at the worst possible time, the offensive line had a great year last year. All sarcasm aside, the consistent inconsistency of the offensive line has been a concern for years.
Also, what at one time looked to be a deep unit has all of the sudden become a little thin. With the defections of Stabler due to weak knees, and Stadler due to a weak will, along with the graduation of Britt and Capps, Alabama may need to rely on an incoming freshman or two to round out the two-deep depth chart.
Overall Impression-
I’m hopeful that with another year of rigorous off-season training under its belt, the offensive line as a unit will finally possess the raw strength and power needed to dominate its foes like its experience and talent levels suggests that it should. Call me the eternal optimist, but I believe this could be the year that it does. Again, I’m sure I’ve said that before.
Defensive Line
Why I’m Stoked-
It appears that Alabama finally has good, solid depth at the Nose Tackle position. Brian Motley and Lorenzo Washington contributed last year, and Josh Chapman and Alfred McCullough are expected to step into the rotation this year. Additional help is on the way with the incoming freshman class. Amongst that group, Kerry Murphy (assuming he’s not moved to the offensive side of the ball) is probably the guy most ready to step in and contribute immediately. For any 3-4 defense to be successful, you must have a good anchor man in the middle. For the first time in a while, Alabama has the potential to be strong there.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
It just wouldn’t be spring practice for Alabama without some concern about the defensive line. Last year, it was the nose tackle position. This year, it’s the defensive ends. After the graduation of Wallace Gilberry, the expulsion of Jeremy Elder, and the (hopefully) temporary absence of Luther Davis, that leaves Alabama with a couple of healthy bodies and/or a couple of hundred pounds short of having a solid 2-deep rotation at the ends spot. Bobby Greenwood returns, along with Brandon Deadrick, and Milton Talbert. Beyond these guys, there may be a couple of “Jack” linebackers who may have to fill out the position in the spring. Brandon Fanney is a name that immediately comes to mind.
Overall Impression-
It seems as if all of Alabama’s defensive lineman should be prepared to be able to play some defensive end. If Greenwood can come close to the potential he flashed as a freshman, and Deadrick can continue to make strides, Alabama has the chance to be solid. Defensive end is yet another position where a hard working freshman could contribute immediately.
It appears that Alabama finally has good, solid depth at the Nose Tackle position. Brian Motley and Lorenzo Washington contributed last year, and Josh Chapman and Alfred McCullough are expected to step into the rotation this year. Additional help is on the way with the incoming freshman class. Amongst that group, Kerry Murphy (assuming he’s not moved to the offensive side of the ball) is probably the guy most ready to step in and contribute immediately. For any 3-4 defense to be successful, you must have a good anchor man in the middle. For the first time in a while, Alabama has the potential to be strong there.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
It just wouldn’t be spring practice for Alabama without some concern about the defensive line. Last year, it was the nose tackle position. This year, it’s the defensive ends. After the graduation of Wallace Gilberry, the expulsion of Jeremy Elder, and the (hopefully) temporary absence of Luther Davis, that leaves Alabama with a couple of healthy bodies and/or a couple of hundred pounds short of having a solid 2-deep rotation at the ends spot. Bobby Greenwood returns, along with Brandon Deadrick, and Milton Talbert. Beyond these guys, there may be a couple of “Jack” linebackers who may have to fill out the position in the spring. Brandon Fanney is a name that immediately comes to mind.
Overall Impression-
It seems as if all of Alabama’s defensive lineman should be prepared to be able to play some defensive end. If Greenwood can come close to the potential he flashed as a freshman, and Deadrick can continue to make strides, Alabama has the chance to be solid. Defensive end is yet another position where a hard working freshman could contribute immediately.
Linebackers
Why I’m Stoked-
Two words- Rolando McClain. This kid is a beast, and appears to be the next in a long line of great Alabama linebackers. He has All-American potential. Add a blossoming play making star at LB in Zeke Knight, who has shown better hands as a LB than he ever did as a WR. Potent run stuffer Prince Hall mans the middle. With these three guys manning the LB corps, and either Brandon Fanney, Alex Watkins, Chavis Williams, or an incoming freshman holding down the strong side spot, Alabama has little to be worried about when it comes to the linebacker position.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
I can’t really think of …hold on, I’m getting a call (What?!? No, I didn’t hear. Well, is he coming back?...Well, at least we still got…No way! Him too???) Okay, so maybe I was a little premature with my gaudy praise of our LB corps. Get well soon, Zeke. Get your head on straight, Prince.
Overall Impression-
Well, um, at least we still have Rolando. Hopefully, at least one of our MIA LBs will be back in time for the fall. Alabama has serviceable candidates at best to replace them on campus right now. Though the only people really excited about starting the season with starting LBs like Cory Reamer and Charlie Higgenbotham are Mr. and Mrs. Reamer and Mr. and Mrs. Higgenbotham. If the worst case scenario plays out and Knight and Hall don’t make it back, expect incoming freshmen like Jerrell Harris, Donte Hightower, Cortney Upshaw, and company to help out.
Two words- Rolando McClain. This kid is a beast, and appears to be the next in a long line of great Alabama linebackers. He has All-American potential. Add a blossoming play making star at LB in Zeke Knight, who has shown better hands as a LB than he ever did as a WR. Potent run stuffer Prince Hall mans the middle. With these three guys manning the LB corps, and either Brandon Fanney, Alex Watkins, Chavis Williams, or an incoming freshman holding down the strong side spot, Alabama has little to be worried about when it comes to the linebacker position.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
I can’t really think of …hold on, I’m getting a call (What?!? No, I didn’t hear. Well, is he coming back?...Well, at least we still got…No way! Him too???) Okay, so maybe I was a little premature with my gaudy praise of our LB corps. Get well soon, Zeke. Get your head on straight, Prince.
Overall Impression-
Well, um, at least we still have Rolando. Hopefully, at least one of our MIA LBs will be back in time for the fall. Alabama has serviceable candidates at best to replace them on campus right now. Though the only people really excited about starting the season with starting LBs like Cory Reamer and Charlie Higgenbotham are Mr. and Mrs. Reamer and Mr. and Mrs. Higgenbotham. If the worst case scenario plays out and Knight and Hall don’t make it back, expect incoming freshmen like Jerrell Harris, Donte Hightower, Cortney Upshaw, and company to help out.
Secondary
Why I’m Stoked-
Alabama returns an all conference caliber player at free safety in Rashad Johnson, and a potential All American corner in Kareem Jackson. Viable candidates are already on campus to challenge for the strong safety spot this spring. Alabama fans are hopeful that Justin Woodall finally steps up and delivers on his potential. His main competition in the spring will be the likes of Sam Burnthall and Chris Rogers. The other corner spot will be up for grabs this spring, with Lionel Mitchell, Marquis Johnson, and Tremayne Coger. On a positive note, there will be good competition for the open spots all spring.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
For starters, Rashad Johnson, the captain of our team and the heart and soul of our secondary, did not exactly start off the year in Coach Saban’s good graces. The strong safety position, for what seems like the 42nd year in a row, is still a question mark. Lionel Mitchell couldn’t stay out of the coaching staff’s doghouse last year, while Marquis Johnson could not stay within 10 yards of FSU’s wide receivers last year during his only extensive scrimmage action.
Overall Impression-
The secondary is a real yin-yang type of unit. Half the unit is all conference material, while the other half inspires little confidence in most realistic Alabama fans. Alabama must find a dependable cornerback option opposite of Jackson. Unfortunately, the strong safety position is a place in recent years where 4 star athletes have gone to die (Chris Lett, Chris Keys, hopefully not Woodall), so that remains a concern. With Johnson and Jackson, at least Alabama is half way to having a really good secondary.
Alabama returns an all conference caliber player at free safety in Rashad Johnson, and a potential All American corner in Kareem Jackson. Viable candidates are already on campus to challenge for the strong safety spot this spring. Alabama fans are hopeful that Justin Woodall finally steps up and delivers on his potential. His main competition in the spring will be the likes of Sam Burnthall and Chris Rogers. The other corner spot will be up for grabs this spring, with Lionel Mitchell, Marquis Johnson, and Tremayne Coger. On a positive note, there will be good competition for the open spots all spring.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
For starters, Rashad Johnson, the captain of our team and the heart and soul of our secondary, did not exactly start off the year in Coach Saban’s good graces. The strong safety position, for what seems like the 42nd year in a row, is still a question mark. Lionel Mitchell couldn’t stay out of the coaching staff’s doghouse last year, while Marquis Johnson could not stay within 10 yards of FSU’s wide receivers last year during his only extensive scrimmage action.
Overall Impression-
The secondary is a real yin-yang type of unit. Half the unit is all conference material, while the other half inspires little confidence in most realistic Alabama fans. Alabama must find a dependable cornerback option opposite of Jackson. Unfortunately, the strong safety position is a place in recent years where 4 star athletes have gone to die (Chris Lett, Chris Keys, hopefully not Woodall), so that remains a concern. With Johnson and Jackson, at least Alabama is half way to having a really good secondary.
Special Teams
Why I’m Stoked-
After a disaster of a day at Arkansas in 2006, Leigh Tiffin has rebounded into a pretty dependable kicker. The return game could be hazardous to an opposing team’s health, as Javier Arenas returns as one of the most dynamic returners in the nation. P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter. Fitzgerald was wildly inconsistent last year. It’s a bad thing to be when you don’t exactly have a cannon for a foot anyway. Also, Alabama was unable to sign a long snapper this year, as Tommy Tuberville beat our brains in when it came to recruiting this position.
Overall Impression-
After a disaster of a day at Arkansas in 2006, Leigh Tiffin has rebounded into a pretty dependable kicker. The return game could be hazardous to an opposing team’s health, as Javier Arenas returns as one of the most dynamic returners in the nation. P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter.
Why I’m not quite ready to book a hotel room in Atlanta for the 1st weekend in December just yet-
P.J. Fitzgerald returns at punter. Fitzgerald was wildly inconsistent last year. It’s a bad thing to be when you don’t exactly have a cannon for a foot anyway. Also, Alabama was unable to sign a long snapper this year, as Tommy Tuberville beat our brains in when it came to recruiting this position.
Overall Impression-
The special teams unit has a chance to be, well, special. If rising juniors Tiffin, Fitzgerald, and Arenas continue to improve, and incoming freshman Cory Smith can give us another option at either K or P, then Alabama could have one of the best overall special teams units in the conference.
In Conclusion
This is an Alabama squad that has almost as much potential as it does question marks. Assuming that the offense can adjust to new OC McElwain (big assumption, I know), the offense has the potential to be explosive. The defense is thin at DE and LB. Good thing nobody runs the football in the SEC, huh? The secondary is a couple of hungry guys stepping up away from being the solid backbone of its side of the ball. There’s probably not a position on the field that won’t receive a boost in talent when the 2008 recruiting class arrives in the fall. Aside from the tireless work of Nick Saban and his coaching staff, there is a good reason why Alabama emerged from the first week of February with it’s most heralded class ever. These guys see a chance to play early, in most cases because they probably feel they’re already better players than the guys they may have to compete with. So, it’s up to the guys already on the team to make huge strides this spring because they can already hear the footsteps behind them. Who will step up? Who will be forced to “get to steppin’!”? I think this is what makes this 2008 incarnation of Alabama spring practice so interesting.
Friday, March 7, 2008
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