Let me rant...
* I can't wait until Ralph Sampson III graduates. I've disliked other Gophers for various reasons in the past. For example: I was frustrated with Lawerence Westbrook being selfish and all, but at least he actually cared and played hard every game. But, to be honest...Tubby has created this monster himself. The no-nonsense coach that makes players "earn" minutes, didn't use this philosophy for Ralph. Nope, Ralph was locked in at starter from day one. Who cares if he's never had a legitimately good game against a big time opponent that ended up in a Gophers win. Who cares if he plays like a Nancy and has never boxed out a single defender for a potential rebound in his career. Who cares if there are more deserving options on the bench to start over Ralph. The only one that has ever benched Ralph are his own injuries. I went down to the Old Spice Classic in Orlando and I thought Tubby was benching him because of poor play (he was getting worked in all three games: DePaul, Indiana State and Dayton). I find out after coming back in town that Ralph wasn't 100%...no shit, when does he ever play like he's 100%.
* Fred Pagac...wasn't he just a dead man walking once Singletary was hired on the staff before the year even started. So, do you blame Frazier for sticking with Pagac or adding Singletary to the staff? And if the reports are true that players quit on Pagac...what does that say about Leslie's leadership?
* Rick Adelman won't live long having to start every game watching Ridnour, Johnson, Beasley, Love and Darko attempting to play basketball. I'm not crying for Rubio to start, but watching this starting five play actually makes me want my son to play hockey. No ball movement once it hits Beasley. No defense. Piss poor team rebounding, even though we apparently have the "best rebounder" in the league on the floor. Wes Johnson resembles Rodney Williams timidness and absolutley no confidence with the ball on the perimeter.
* Build a GOD DAMN football stadium for the Vikings already! How can the state fumble away at maybe losing our most identified sports team in the state? Especially, coming off the heels of: 1. The Twins success off their new dig and the business they jump started in that district. 2. The roof collapsing last winter being the MOST depressing moment in the most depressing sports year ever for Minnesota. What is the hold-up? Has a stadium deal publicly financed or not ever turned into a debbie downer deal? I can't recall one...I mean the Vikings still pack the ugly, depressing dome every Sunday...with a horseshit product and all.
* Teams/players I purposely root against because the local teams suck so far into irrelevance that they don't really matter in the big picture anymore. Miami Heat (I hate LeBron and Bosh), Alabama basketball (do they have to air every one of their games on an ESPN channel), Matt Ryan (can we drop the "Matty Ice" nickname due to his playoff record), Indiana Hoosiers basketball (Tom Crean claps too much on the sideline), Northwestern basketball (I enjoy them failing to make NCAA...it boosts my morale of Gopher program), Kentucky basketball (John Calipari and that crazed fan base will hopefully never win that imaginary title, because obviously cheating will take said title away a few years down the line after Calipari leaves the program)...
* Attempting to build a man cave in our basement. My dream list to "honor" our local teams: Timberwolves - old school logo is the shit. But, you know what else was dope?? Stanley Roberts "Thug Love" tattoo. Twins - A Nick Punto fathead would do the trick, or maybe I could just honor them by having John Olerud's fielding helmet that Morneau and Span could wear next year. Vikings - maybe a mural on the wall of water covering two-thirds of the world and then Fred Smoot covering the other third..but then have Steve Smith getting wide open in whatever Carolina state they play in. Gopher hoops - Team photo that include Royce, Trevor, Devoe, Al, Blake, Colton, Rodney, Ralph...so, sad. Gopher football - uniforms under Jim Wacker that didn't represent school colors, also the grass from Pasadena that Brewster brought in.
SBG
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Friday, June 3, 2011
It's been awhile...
I apologize for my lack of posting to my one reader out there, but I've been recovering from bilateral brain weakness due to all Minnesota sports sucking it up in the past two months (actually, we're going on a little over a year). Well, our high school basketball coach used to say, "things can always be better, and things can always be worse"...which gets me thinking that we should be stomping on other people, sports, fanbases that are down at this point of time:
* Ohio State football: I'm pretty much amazed that this isn't Ohio State basketball that ran into NCAA violations. I mean besides being the biggest University in all of America...why would anyone (football or basketball or general student population) in their right mind want to spend at least four years of their precious life in Columbus, Ohio? Also, how is Ohio State the biggest university in America...while Ohio University is a middle of the road mid-major school...how does that work? Anyways, I'm glad Ohio State ran into this mess...maybe we won't have to hear THE Ohio State from their once proud alum on Monday Night Football introductions.
* Penn State basketball: You lose your head coach to Navy...while most of the vacancies have already been filled with the "hot", "emerging" candidates. Good luck!
* Basketball analysts comparing and debating about LeBron in relation to Jordan: Shut up! It's ridiculous on so many levels. The only comparison between the two are that they are both black and have highlight reel dunks. But, so did Dominique Wilkins...so maybe that's a better comparison to LeBron. LeBron currently has ZERO rings. It could be argued that he's not even the best player on his own team (Wade). Would Jordan let his team collapse with a fifteen point lead with six minutes and change to go in Game 2 (or any for that matter) of the Finals?
* Houston Rockets hire Kevin McHale: How long do you think this relationship will last? I bet it'll be no more than two years and he'll be complaining about the workload and/or travel by the end of the first year. Why is he jumping back in...?? This is just random, due to his lack of work ethic (by his own admission) and performance under Glen Taylor. The only positive is the possibility of Mark Madsen being an assistant coach under McHale...therefore, he would be the first assistant coach ever to be waving a towel over his head to cheer his players on.
SBG
* Ohio State football: I'm pretty much amazed that this isn't Ohio State basketball that ran into NCAA violations. I mean besides being the biggest University in all of America...why would anyone (football or basketball or general student population) in their right mind want to spend at least four years of their precious life in Columbus, Ohio? Also, how is Ohio State the biggest university in America...while Ohio University is a middle of the road mid-major school...how does that work? Anyways, I'm glad Ohio State ran into this mess...maybe we won't have to hear THE Ohio State from their once proud alum on Monday Night Football introductions.
* Penn State basketball: You lose your head coach to Navy...while most of the vacancies have already been filled with the "hot", "emerging" candidates. Good luck!
* Basketball analysts comparing and debating about LeBron in relation to Jordan: Shut up! It's ridiculous on so many levels. The only comparison between the two are that they are both black and have highlight reel dunks. But, so did Dominique Wilkins...so maybe that's a better comparison to LeBron. LeBron currently has ZERO rings. It could be argued that he's not even the best player on his own team (Wade). Would Jordan let his team collapse with a fifteen point lead with six minutes and change to go in Game 2 (or any for that matter) of the Finals?
* Houston Rockets hire Kevin McHale: How long do you think this relationship will last? I bet it'll be no more than two years and he'll be complaining about the workload and/or travel by the end of the first year. Why is he jumping back in...?? This is just random, due to his lack of work ethic (by his own admission) and performance under Glen Taylor. The only positive is the possibility of Mark Madsen being an assistant coach under McHale...therefore, he would be the first assistant coach ever to be waving a towel over his head to cheer his players on.
SBG
Monday, April 4, 2011
Early Impressions on Twins...
It's hard to get too high or low on an opening series against a talented, but inexperienced Toronto team...but, here's what I took away:
* I like Blackburn and believe he'll have a bounce back year. There are two reasons I love him...he was drilled in the face with a ball and came back without a hitch, or mental lapse. I mean I'm pretty sure Scott Baker and/or Kevin Slowey would be out of the league if that had happened to them. Also, his game 163 performance against the White Sox was clutch even though the Twins ended up losing it 1-0.
* The lineup is overrated. I think it's as good as Gardy can make with what he's got on the roster. But, this lineup makes middle of the road pitchers look like All-Stars more often than not. Quick run down: Span - singles hitter, Nishi - overrated, adjusting to MLB pitching, Mauer - please drive the fucking ball, Morneau - head issues = subpar year at the plate, Young - made strides last year, but he still has crappy, impatient at-bats all the time, Cuddyer - I'm done with him, Valencia - I like this kid, except he's slow as hell on the base paths, Casilla - will he even last the year as a starter?, Kubel/Thome - good pop, but how frequent will they actually produce?
* Drew Butera is growing on me. Twins get spanked in first two games against Jays with Mauer as the catcher. Butera catches the finale of the series and Jays only score three runs compared to the 19 runs combined they scored in the first two games. Now his actual batting prowess is a different story...but, this kid handles all the pitchers on the staff well when he's behind the plate.
* Not a fan of the bullpen. I mean I think Gardy and Rick Anderson will still work miracles with what they have out there, but there is no way in hell this resembles a post-season type bullpen right now. No power arms from either side, even Capps and Nathan pitch more to contact at this stage of their careers. Unless someone emerges through the farm system or via trade I just don't see how this bullpen will not be an achilles heal all season.
* The fielding through three games looks horseshit as well. Nishioka/Casilla combo looks out of whack. The rundown attempt during the opening game was atrocious (Morneau's fault, but Nishi didn't help matters). The outfield is still slow as hell...to the point where either Young or Kubel needs to be traded just to clear up some of the unathleticism they have on their roster. I wouldn't mind trading one of those two and bringing up a youngster (Revere or Hicks) or just playing Repko in place of them. Play either the youngster or Repko in center field and move Span to one of the corner spots so I don't have to see his noodle arm limp it in on two bounces to Nishi on a gapper.
SBG
* I like Blackburn and believe he'll have a bounce back year. There are two reasons I love him...he was drilled in the face with a ball and came back without a hitch, or mental lapse. I mean I'm pretty sure Scott Baker and/or Kevin Slowey would be out of the league if that had happened to them. Also, his game 163 performance against the White Sox was clutch even though the Twins ended up losing it 1-0.
* The lineup is overrated. I think it's as good as Gardy can make with what he's got on the roster. But, this lineup makes middle of the road pitchers look like All-Stars more often than not. Quick run down: Span - singles hitter, Nishi - overrated, adjusting to MLB pitching, Mauer - please drive the fucking ball, Morneau - head issues = subpar year at the plate, Young - made strides last year, but he still has crappy, impatient at-bats all the time, Cuddyer - I'm done with him, Valencia - I like this kid, except he's slow as hell on the base paths, Casilla - will he even last the year as a starter?, Kubel/Thome - good pop, but how frequent will they actually produce?
* Drew Butera is growing on me. Twins get spanked in first two games against Jays with Mauer as the catcher. Butera catches the finale of the series and Jays only score three runs compared to the 19 runs combined they scored in the first two games. Now his actual batting prowess is a different story...but, this kid handles all the pitchers on the staff well when he's behind the plate.
* Not a fan of the bullpen. I mean I think Gardy and Rick Anderson will still work miracles with what they have out there, but there is no way in hell this resembles a post-season type bullpen right now. No power arms from either side, even Capps and Nathan pitch more to contact at this stage of their careers. Unless someone emerges through the farm system or via trade I just don't see how this bullpen will not be an achilles heal all season.
* The fielding through three games looks horseshit as well. Nishioka/Casilla combo looks out of whack. The rundown attempt during the opening game was atrocious (Morneau's fault, but Nishi didn't help matters). The outfield is still slow as hell...to the point where either Young or Kubel needs to be traded just to clear up some of the unathleticism they have on their roster. I wouldn't mind trading one of those two and bringing up a youngster (Revere or Hicks) or just playing Repko in place of them. Play either the youngster or Repko in center field and move Span to one of the corner spots so I don't have to see his noodle arm limp it in on two bounces to Nishi on a gapper.
SBG
Monday, March 28, 2011
2nd Annual OBBT Review
We hosted our 2nd annual bean bag tournament at our house this year. Here were the highs and lows of the tourney:
* Weather was around 25-30 degrees the whole day. We had two and a half patio heaters going out in the yard that didn't seem to warm up anything unless you were right under it.
* We rented out bleachers (about five rows high...seats 40 maximum). A lot of people seemed to make use of them throughout the day...either to stay warm (two of the heaters were out there initially) or to just to get away from the cigarette smoke.
* We didn't fucking finish the tourney. It was pitch black when we finally threw in the towel and four teams were still left: Garett/Kia, myself/my lovely wife, Dave/Carol and Brad/Laura. We divied up the pot money for what I thought was fair for each of the teams. Garett/Kia were undefeated at the point so they walked away with $300...everyone else was somewhere between $100 and $180. I mean but seriously...not only does every Minnesota sports team suck this year but our very own event has us without an actual winner of our own bean bag tournament. I felt like Bud Selig at the All Star Game debacle.
* All 32 co-ed teams showed up without a hitch. Last year was brutal...I believe we had to get two teams the morning of the tournament to cover all 32 spots.
* Raised $300 for Patrica Quale and her 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. We toppled last year's amount $240.
* I find it odd that we're raising money for breast cancer and more than half the participants are smoking cigarettes. So we're against breast cancer, but apparently cool with lung cancer.
SBG
* Weather was around 25-30 degrees the whole day. We had two and a half patio heaters going out in the yard that didn't seem to warm up anything unless you were right under it.
* We rented out bleachers (about five rows high...seats 40 maximum). A lot of people seemed to make use of them throughout the day...either to stay warm (two of the heaters were out there initially) or to just to get away from the cigarette smoke.
* We didn't fucking finish the tourney. It was pitch black when we finally threw in the towel and four teams were still left: Garett/Kia, myself/my lovely wife, Dave/Carol and Brad/Laura. We divied up the pot money for what I thought was fair for each of the teams. Garett/Kia were undefeated at the point so they walked away with $300...everyone else was somewhere between $100 and $180. I mean but seriously...not only does every Minnesota sports team suck this year but our very own event has us without an actual winner of our own bean bag tournament. I felt like Bud Selig at the All Star Game debacle.
* All 32 co-ed teams showed up without a hitch. Last year was brutal...I believe we had to get two teams the morning of the tournament to cover all 32 spots.
* Raised $300 for Patrica Quale and her 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. We toppled last year's amount $240.
* I find it odd that we're raising money for breast cancer and more than half the participants are smoking cigarettes. So we're against breast cancer, but apparently cool with lung cancer.
SBG
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
PMA
PMA was a motivational acronym we used at our cellar dweller football program in college. Positive Mental Attitude. I mean doesn't this sound like something that Tim Brewster would say to his troops after getting blasted week in and week out. Well, I'm going to try to put it to use here today and list some of the positives that we have going around here for our Minnesota sports scene.
* Twins infield. I'm not even really talking about Morneau either. I'm anxious to see Casilla, Valencia and Nishioka play under Gardenhire. Will Gardy have the quick hook if one or more of these guys are in a slump? Casilla has the shortest leash of them all even though he's been clutch in tight spots for this club. If you throw Morneau back in the mix...we'd be back to the good ol' days with the "League of Nations Infield" (Koskie, Guzman, Rivas and Dougie M...yes, I'm too lazy to look up to see how to spell his last name).
* Blake Hoffarber. What a shitty way to end your college career...but, I hope the The Barn recognizes and appreciates what this kid has done to help this program along. No hatred towards Al Nolen, but this kid has done it on and off the court for all four years while improving his individual game every year.
Also, what's your favorite Gopher basketball moment that wasn't tarnished by academic scandal? I mean does it get any better than a white kid that was hardly recruited by Division I schools going up to grab a 3/4 length court out of bounds pass between taller, more athletic players and then having the wherewithal to spin and shoot a floating sideways one footer jumper that goes in and beats the Hoosiers IN Indianapolis to move on to the next round of the Big Ten Tourney. *My personal story on that game...I had Big Ten Network...my dad didn't have that channel yet (lots of posturing with cable companies)...he stayed on the phone while I was depressed that we blew the game and then Blake goes Christian Laettner on us and all I could say to my dad was a whole bunch of expletives over and over. My dad was confused up until I settled down after the 3rd or 4th replay.
* Kudos to Kevin Love. I think his double-double streak is a little water-downed by playing for a 15 win team currently. However, within that streak he's had some monster games that the T'wolves actually ended up winning (30-30 game against the Knicks and a 20-20 game against the Pistons). I always liked the energy he's brought to the court, now it seems that the "energy" is being validated by this current streak.
Other than what I mentioned above...our sports suck balls right now. But, remember...we have to have PMA.
SBG
* Twins infield. I'm not even really talking about Morneau either. I'm anxious to see Casilla, Valencia and Nishioka play under Gardenhire. Will Gardy have the quick hook if one or more of these guys are in a slump? Casilla has the shortest leash of them all even though he's been clutch in tight spots for this club. If you throw Morneau back in the mix...we'd be back to the good ol' days with the "League of Nations Infield" (Koskie, Guzman, Rivas and Dougie M...yes, I'm too lazy to look up to see how to spell his last name).
* Blake Hoffarber. What a shitty way to end your college career...but, I hope the The Barn recognizes and appreciates what this kid has done to help this program along. No hatred towards Al Nolen, but this kid has done it on and off the court for all four years while improving his individual game every year.
Also, what's your favorite Gopher basketball moment that wasn't tarnished by academic scandal? I mean does it get any better than a white kid that was hardly recruited by Division I schools going up to grab a 3/4 length court out of bounds pass between taller, more athletic players and then having the wherewithal to spin and shoot a floating sideways one footer jumper that goes in and beats the Hoosiers IN Indianapolis to move on to the next round of the Big Ten Tourney. *My personal story on that game...I had Big Ten Network...my dad didn't have that channel yet (lots of posturing with cable companies)...he stayed on the phone while I was depressed that we blew the game and then Blake goes Christian Laettner on us and all I could say to my dad was a whole bunch of expletives over and over. My dad was confused up until I settled down after the 3rd or 4th replay.
* Kudos to Kevin Love. I think his double-double streak is a little water-downed by playing for a 15 win team currently. However, within that streak he's had some monster games that the T'wolves actually ended up winning (30-30 game against the Knicks and a 20-20 game against the Pistons). I always liked the energy he's brought to the court, now it seems that the "energy" is being validated by this current streak.
Other than what I mentioned above...our sports suck balls right now. But, remember...we have to have PMA.
SBG
Friday, February 18, 2011
Depressing...
Gopher basketball is hanging by a thread for their NCAA tourney hopes only because of their Puerto Rico performance (North Carolina and West Virginia) back in November. And to make matters worse...Big Ten Network is showing the 1997-98 Gopher team...our roster was sick. Clem played ten guys and at least three guys (for sure) could create their own shot (Jacobsen, Jackson and Lewis) all on their own. Who can do that on this years squad...maybe Chip Armelin...a guy that Tubby plays maybe a whole ten minutes per game.
* You know what separates the elite Big Ten basketball programs from the rest of the pack? The elite teams year in and year out play man to man defense and play it extremely well. Purdue, Michigan State and Wisconsin refuse to play zone. Ohio State throws an occasional zone because they only play 6-7 players in their rotation and try to stay away from foul trouble with their own guys. Most of them recruit pretty well...but, how does Wisconsin manage year in and year out when they have their infamous black point guard and four white guys playing every year. I absolutely HATE zone. There is no accountability since they are guarding space...and the rebounding and/or art of blocking out an opponent is thrown out the window. I know Tubby is playing with a short deck...but, I don't think primarily sitting in a zone all game, every game is going to do these guys any good against perimeter oriented teams they'll face the remainder of the year.
* I'm watching The Greatest Games on BTN between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Clem's offense isn't much different than Tubby's. Every time down if Bobby Jackson doesn't try to go one on three in transition, they work the the high/low game with the posts. Which gets me thinking...our guards suck. I mean they were running high/low sets with Winter and Tarver...let me repeat...Trevor Winter and Miles Tarver...and get this...they were getting good shots.
Who had the longer college basketball playing career: Sam Okey or Jess Settles?
Another nugget...Paul Grant is playing...yes, the Timberwolves 1st round draft pick. I wouldn't have drafted him based on his free throw routine. He dribbles (more like slapping at the ball like a grade school kid) 8-9 times before he shoots it. Thanks, Kevin McHale.
* How has Tubby not addressed upgrading his guard (specifically, point guard) positions through recruiting in four years? Al Nolen and Blake Hoffarber were Monson recruits. Justin Cobb and Maverick Ahanmisi were pretty much late editions/leftovers (not exactly rated high) to their respective classes. Devoe Joseph was a shooting guard that was forced to run the point while he was here. It's great that we have a plethora of big men...but, good guard play is what wins you games.
* If everyone comes back...how do rotate bigs next year. You'll have: Iverson, Sampson, Mbakwe, Walker and Eliason...plus, Oto. I only bring this up because through three years...Tubby has babied Ralph Sampson III. Ralph has not progressed thus far...what happens next year when we have legitimate bigs that should be playing over him...or at least comparable minutes to him.
* How sad is it that I just wrote about "next year"...that's how depressing it is watching the Gophers lately.
SBG
* You know what separates the elite Big Ten basketball programs from the rest of the pack? The elite teams year in and year out play man to man defense and play it extremely well. Purdue, Michigan State and Wisconsin refuse to play zone. Ohio State throws an occasional zone because they only play 6-7 players in their rotation and try to stay away from foul trouble with their own guys. Most of them recruit pretty well...but, how does Wisconsin manage year in and year out when they have their infamous black point guard and four white guys playing every year. I absolutely HATE zone. There is no accountability since they are guarding space...and the rebounding and/or art of blocking out an opponent is thrown out the window. I know Tubby is playing with a short deck...but, I don't think primarily sitting in a zone all game, every game is going to do these guys any good against perimeter oriented teams they'll face the remainder of the year.
* I'm watching The Greatest Games on BTN between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Clem's offense isn't much different than Tubby's. Every time down if Bobby Jackson doesn't try to go one on three in transition, they work the the high/low game with the posts. Which gets me thinking...our guards suck. I mean they were running high/low sets with Winter and Tarver...let me repeat...Trevor Winter and Miles Tarver...and get this...they were getting good shots.
Who had the longer college basketball playing career: Sam Okey or Jess Settles?
Another nugget...Paul Grant is playing...yes, the Timberwolves 1st round draft pick. I wouldn't have drafted him based on his free throw routine. He dribbles (more like slapping at the ball like a grade school kid) 8-9 times before he shoots it. Thanks, Kevin McHale.
* How has Tubby not addressed upgrading his guard (specifically, point guard) positions through recruiting in four years? Al Nolen and Blake Hoffarber were Monson recruits. Justin Cobb and Maverick Ahanmisi were pretty much late editions/leftovers (not exactly rated high) to their respective classes. Devoe Joseph was a shooting guard that was forced to run the point while he was here. It's great that we have a plethora of big men...but, good guard play is what wins you games.
* If everyone comes back...how do rotate bigs next year. You'll have: Iverson, Sampson, Mbakwe, Walker and Eliason...plus, Oto. I only bring this up because through three years...Tubby has babied Ralph Sampson III. Ralph has not progressed thus far...what happens next year when we have legitimate bigs that should be playing over him...or at least comparable minutes to him.
* How sad is it that I just wrote about "next year"...that's how depressing it is watching the Gophers lately.
SBG
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Barn: Buckeyes @ Gophers
My buddy Big Head Mike scored some sweet seats for this game. He had two on press row, plus two more seats that were 17 rows up right on the half court line. I was on quasi-babysitting duties for the day, so I took my son Cullen and we took the latter of the set of two. We also had "Club Passes" that came in handy for the pre-game and halftime festivities. Here's some of the highs and lows:
* I can't confirm this, but we were walking into the Barn at about 11:45 am (tip is at 1 pm) and Big Head Mike says he saw Ralph Sampson III pulling up in his ride to park. Isn't that a little late for a player (that plays a lot by the way) to be rolling in. He probably didn't want to expend much energy since he hardly has any to begin with.
* The Barn was ready for an upset...I thought the place was electric, and although Ohio State controlled the game from start to finish there were about 4-5 moments (when the lead was only around 5-6 points) throughout the game that the Gophers could have broken through had they converted some points on the offensive side.
* Where was our so-called NBA prospects (Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe) today? By the way...I think all that talk for those two are crazy...neither even have a mid-range jumper (or can even consistently knock down free throws) in their arsenal. They are the elite athletes on our team and they were pretty much non-existent the whole day. I think that speaks volumes on where their basketball skill level sits at today.
* Gopher basketball alums in attendance: Quincy Lewis, Jamal Abu-Shamala, Kevin McHale and Trent Tucker.
* I hate Thad Matta. He's basically a clean version of John Calipari. He has mastered his way around the "one and done" rule in college basketball by simply out recruiting everyone else in EVERY class. Plus, he plays only 6-7 players in his rotation so he's living on the edge with any major injury to one of those players could hamper their preference of style of play for the rest of year. So add in that he has the BEST recruiting class every year plus he plays the least amount of people in his rotation...he is either the luckiest bastard on the face of the earth or he has some ridiculous sixth sense on the state of his program from year to year.
* Jared Sullinger is basically the Shaquille O'Neal of the college basketball world. Not based on skill, but based on the referees having no idea on how to call anything regarding to him down in the post. At the beginning they didn't blow the whistle at all concerning any plays down on the block...on either end of the floor. Then all of sudden it was full blow on every touch foul...I mean some of the "and one plays" he had were flat out ridiculous in comparison to the precedent that THE REFS themselves started at the beginning of the game.
* Lone highlights for us: Chip Armelin's dunk over Lauderdale. Student section chanting "You're a pussy" towards Sullinger after he flops and draws a foul. My son not having to go to the bathroom during the game or worse...at halftime.
* You know what's worse than our half court offensive sets...?? The under the basket out of bounds plays where we usually have to lob to Ralph or Colton out on the corner of the court (ball side). I'm not looking for an easy two on an out of bounds play every time, but how lame and lazy is that play. Plus, what is the benefit of Ralph or Colton catching it in the corner? First off, they are in a corner...a trap may come to non ball-handler forcing a turnover. Secondly, they have their back to the basket and have no intention of looking down low, much less passing it down there. Plus, they usually make that dangerous pass backwards to a guard near the top of the key just so we can start our pathetic offense...sounds GREAT to me.
SBG
* I can't confirm this, but we were walking into the Barn at about 11:45 am (tip is at 1 pm) and Big Head Mike says he saw Ralph Sampson III pulling up in his ride to park. Isn't that a little late for a player (that plays a lot by the way) to be rolling in. He probably didn't want to expend much energy since he hardly has any to begin with.
* The Barn was ready for an upset...I thought the place was electric, and although Ohio State controlled the game from start to finish there were about 4-5 moments (when the lead was only around 5-6 points) throughout the game that the Gophers could have broken through had they converted some points on the offensive side.
* Where was our so-called NBA prospects (Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe) today? By the way...I think all that talk for those two are crazy...neither even have a mid-range jumper (or can even consistently knock down free throws) in their arsenal. They are the elite athletes on our team and they were pretty much non-existent the whole day. I think that speaks volumes on where their basketball skill level sits at today.
* Gopher basketball alums in attendance: Quincy Lewis, Jamal Abu-Shamala, Kevin McHale and Trent Tucker.
* I hate Thad Matta. He's basically a clean version of John Calipari. He has mastered his way around the "one and done" rule in college basketball by simply out recruiting everyone else in EVERY class. Plus, he plays only 6-7 players in his rotation so he's living on the edge with any major injury to one of those players could hamper their preference of style of play for the rest of year. So add in that he has the BEST recruiting class every year plus he plays the least amount of people in his rotation...he is either the luckiest bastard on the face of the earth or he has some ridiculous sixth sense on the state of his program from year to year.
* Jared Sullinger is basically the Shaquille O'Neal of the college basketball world. Not based on skill, but based on the referees having no idea on how to call anything regarding to him down in the post. At the beginning they didn't blow the whistle at all concerning any plays down on the block...on either end of the floor. Then all of sudden it was full blow on every touch foul...I mean some of the "and one plays" he had were flat out ridiculous in comparison to the precedent that THE REFS themselves started at the beginning of the game.
* Lone highlights for us: Chip Armelin's dunk over Lauderdale. Student section chanting "You're a pussy" towards Sullinger after he flops and draws a foul. My son not having to go to the bathroom during the game or worse...at halftime.
* You know what's worse than our half court offensive sets...?? The under the basket out of bounds plays where we usually have to lob to Ralph or Colton out on the corner of the court (ball side). I'm not looking for an easy two on an out of bounds play every time, but how lame and lazy is that play. Plus, what is the benefit of Ralph or Colton catching it in the corner? First off, they are in a corner...a trap may come to non ball-handler forcing a turnover. Secondly, they have their back to the basket and have no intention of looking down low, much less passing it down there. Plus, they usually make that dangerous pass backwards to a guard near the top of the key just so we can start our pathetic offense...sounds GREAT to me.
SBG
Monday, January 24, 2011
Big Ten Power Poll (Hater's Edition) 1/24/11:
Here's a look around the league on some of the players/subjects I hate the worst:
1. Bruce Weber's Orange Blazer - You either need to wear this every (or at least every home game) game or not wear this at all. Otherwise, it's just called a distraction...and the last thing your inconsistent team needs is a distraction.
2. Northwestern and NCAA talk - Dead. Wisconsin...yes, the slow paced, work the shot clock team hammered the Wildcats 78-46 on their OWN FLOOR. Only 46 points for a team for team that probably boast to future recruits that they have scored 90+ points in six games this year...but, refuse to name the opponents.
3. John Beilein's post game speeches - I was watching The Journey on the Big Ten Network last night. Michigan falls to 1-5 in conference play with the last two losses coming against Indiana and Northwestern (not exactly upper-tier teams). Afterwards...he said of Northwestern's home court advantage: "...not many teams will win here." Re-read #2 on this blog. Beilein was also preaching to his team that they can still make the NCAA tourney if they just believe. They must not be believing hard enough that they can indeed get a rebound here and there then as well?
4. Misinformed McCaffery - McCaffery was also doing a spot on The Journey and was informing us on the transition from Siena over to Iowa. He stated that coming over to Iowa was great because it's one of the ten best programs in the country. I shit my pants when he said this...Iowa is not even a top ten program in the Big Ten, much less the country. I, seriously hope one of my sons is a top flight recruit so I can hear first hand all the bullshit that comes out of these guys' mouths. I would chuckle in the corner as they spout off ridiculous exaggerations about the minimal success they have endured.
5. Colton Iverson having the ball in his hands anywhere on the court, except on the block - Oh. My. God...he was horrendous with the ball at Michigan. And he wasn't even under duress at all by any defenders. His passes were wretched (outlet and at the elbow/free throw line area). His catching was pathetic...yet, somehow he made some of the prettiest (ok not pretty, but very solid) post moves he's made all year during that game. I'm a Colton fan, but boy was that hard to watch.
6. The term "best athlete" by basketball analysts - This is the worst thing you can be called if you consider yourself a basketball player. See: Rodney Williams and Kelsey Barlow. It pretty much means you don't know how to play the game and you are only getting by on pure genetics at this point.
7. Word just broke that Nolen will need surgery on a broken foot - This sucks more than #7, but I'm too lazy to put it at number one and then change all the rest of the items to the corresponding number. I like Al. He stymies his opponents...and realistically he lets us play man to man because he dominates his matchup and we rebound a helluva lot better in man to man than we do when we're in a zone. If there is a positive in this news...it should be on the offensive side. Maverick is a capable shooter. Chip Armelin will get more time and seems to be in attack mode on offense. Austin Hollins has been invisible lately, but he'll have to step up. Blake will probably not get as many good looks now with more point guard duties, but he's always a steady player...so, it sucks on one end of the floor but may be a better long term answer for us on what we need for next year. The scary part is we'll probably be playing a zone on defense from here on out.
8. Ryne Smith - My hatred for 'Ryne' continues...he was the inbounder for JaJaun Johnson's game winner for the Penn State game. He celebrated as if he hit it himself. He models his celebratory cheers/actions after Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen, but 'Ryne' is way more annoying.
9. Thad Matta - Simply for being 20-0 while playing maybe 6.5 players at the most. They usually just roll with six players (Sullinger, Lighty, Diebler, Craft, Buford and Thomas...Lauderdale gets the honor of starting every game and then rides the bench the rest of the way) and still have not been defeated. Three guys (Diebler, Lighty & Sullinger) played all 40 minutes at Illinois. That's absurd.
10. Michigan's roster - A putrid 11 team rebounds for the whole game against Minnesota. Once again, I ask what the hell are you recruiting, Mr. John Beilein...?? This is the Big Ten...we bang it out ugly in this league...there are no pretty points for your three point shooting dandy team in this league.
SBG
1. Bruce Weber's Orange Blazer - You either need to wear this every (or at least every home game) game or not wear this at all. Otherwise, it's just called a distraction...and the last thing your inconsistent team needs is a distraction.
2. Northwestern and NCAA talk - Dead. Wisconsin...yes, the slow paced, work the shot clock team hammered the Wildcats 78-46 on their OWN FLOOR. Only 46 points for a team for team that probably boast to future recruits that they have scored 90+ points in six games this year...but, refuse to name the opponents.
3. John Beilein's post game speeches - I was watching The Journey on the Big Ten Network last night. Michigan falls to 1-5 in conference play with the last two losses coming against Indiana and Northwestern (not exactly upper-tier teams). Afterwards...he said of Northwestern's home court advantage: "...not many teams will win here." Re-read #2 on this blog. Beilein was also preaching to his team that they can still make the NCAA tourney if they just believe. They must not be believing hard enough that they can indeed get a rebound here and there then as well?
4. Misinformed McCaffery - McCaffery was also doing a spot on The Journey and was informing us on the transition from Siena over to Iowa. He stated that coming over to Iowa was great because it's one of the ten best programs in the country. I shit my pants when he said this...Iowa is not even a top ten program in the Big Ten, much less the country. I, seriously hope one of my sons is a top flight recruit so I can hear first hand all the bullshit that comes out of these guys' mouths. I would chuckle in the corner as they spout off ridiculous exaggerations about the minimal success they have endured.
5. Colton Iverson having the ball in his hands anywhere on the court, except on the block - Oh. My. God...he was horrendous with the ball at Michigan. And he wasn't even under duress at all by any defenders. His passes were wretched (outlet and at the elbow/free throw line area). His catching was pathetic...yet, somehow he made some of the prettiest (ok not pretty, but very solid) post moves he's made all year during that game. I'm a Colton fan, but boy was that hard to watch.
6. The term "best athlete" by basketball analysts - This is the worst thing you can be called if you consider yourself a basketball player. See: Rodney Williams and Kelsey Barlow. It pretty much means you don't know how to play the game and you are only getting by on pure genetics at this point.
7. Word just broke that Nolen will need surgery on a broken foot - This sucks more than #7, but I'm too lazy to put it at number one and then change all the rest of the items to the corresponding number. I like Al. He stymies his opponents...and realistically he lets us play man to man because he dominates his matchup and we rebound a helluva lot better in man to man than we do when we're in a zone. If there is a positive in this news...it should be on the offensive side. Maverick is a capable shooter. Chip Armelin will get more time and seems to be in attack mode on offense. Austin Hollins has been invisible lately, but he'll have to step up. Blake will probably not get as many good looks now with more point guard duties, but he's always a steady player...so, it sucks on one end of the floor but may be a better long term answer for us on what we need for next year. The scary part is we'll probably be playing a zone on defense from here on out.
8. Ryne Smith - My hatred for 'Ryne' continues...he was the inbounder for JaJaun Johnson's game winner for the Penn State game. He celebrated as if he hit it himself. He models his celebratory cheers/actions after Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen, but 'Ryne' is way more annoying.
9. Thad Matta - Simply for being 20-0 while playing maybe 6.5 players at the most. They usually just roll with six players (Sullinger, Lighty, Diebler, Craft, Buford and Thomas...Lauderdale gets the honor of starting every game and then rides the bench the rest of the way) and still have not been defeated. Three guys (Diebler, Lighty & Sullinger) played all 40 minutes at Illinois. That's absurd.
10. Michigan's roster - A putrid 11 team rebounds for the whole game against Minnesota. Once again, I ask what the hell are you recruiting, Mr. John Beilein...?? This is the Big Ten...we bang it out ugly in this league...there are no pretty points for your three point shooting dandy team in this league.
SBG
Monday, January 17, 2011
Big Ten Basketball Power Poll (Hater's Edition):
Here's a Power Poll on the Top Ten figures/subjects in the Big Ten that I hate the most:
1. Thad Matta - He compared his freshmen duo (Craft and Sullinger) to playing like Stockton and Malone against Penn State. OK...do you watch basketball or just recruit? First off, your playing an improved Penn State...but, in all honesty they are still Penn State. Second of all...no pick and rolls were converted by those two...that was a staple of Stockton/Malone. This is what happened the majority of the time: feed Sullinger in the post/one on one he usually scores...feed Sullinger/double team comes and he kicks it to WIDE OPEN Craft because they didn't care if he shot the ball...rather have him than Diebler, Lighty or Buford get a good look.
2. Bo Ryan - Ugly, ugly game against Illinois. There were probably about 50 fouls called. No flow...majority of points were all scored at the free throw line = win for Wisconsin. Memo to Bo Ryan: Quit complaing to the refs...if you don't like the blocking calls they are calling on your guys than you should probably stop recruiting the slow footed white guys that can't keep up with the McCamey's of the world.
3. Luka Mirkovic - Can we darken that see through protective mask so we don't have to see your face when you go berserk every time you score? This is not hockey...scoring actually happens frequently in basketball...even in the Big Ten. I can't wait until you meet Minnesota's front court.
4. Ryne Smith - He's one of those asshole three point assassins. Cocky as hell when he's on. He'll make his shot and leave his follow through up in the air as he's running back on defense/or the huddle during a TV timeout. Plus, his parents had to give him the 'Ryne' Sandberg spelling for his first name...for that alone...he'll be present on this poll for a long time.
5. Michigan's Roster - What is John Beilein doing? If you can shoot a three at a decent clip, you should ask Mr. Beilein for a scholarship. They didn't have one single REBOUND (offense or defense) in the first TEN minutes against a bad to moderately bad Indiana team. Guess what he recruited for next year...yep, two more guards. Plus, if you add in that Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims were more Tommy Amaker's recruits than his, then what has John Beilein actually done? He did not inherit a massive mess like Indiana and Iowa (twice) were when new coaches came on the scene for those programs...this is ridiculous. With all this said...they'll probably beat Minnesota this coming Saturday night.
6. Feeding the Post/Minnesota Style - I have a feeling Jared Sullinger would be just OK in a Gophers uniform, simply because for whatever reason we can't make an entry pass into the post. We have a distinct size advantage over pretty much everyone else in the league, however we can't take advantage because we can't get the ball down there. Is it the guards simply not being able to or don't want to...or the post guys not sustaining position...?? I was so excited last year during the Big Ten tourney because I thought the lights went on during that run and everything clicked that it all starts with pounding the ball inside...well, I guess not.
7. Northwestern having TWO basketball analysts on BTN - I've brought this up in other social forums. Northwestern has NEVER made the NCAA Tournament EVER. And they have Tim Doyle and Shonn Morris both working games as analysts. I'm not doubting their basketball acumen, but I just find it a tad regional and biased that they both have jobs on the Big Ten Network doing the same job(s). And not to rip on Northwestern any more (I do however have a $30 bet that they wouldn't make the NCAA tourney though...and it's looking good up to this point), but basketball has been one of the more balanced sports in the conference (unlike football)...and they still haven't done anything in their existence.
By the way, Quinn Buckner was doing the Indiana vs Michigan game on Saturday night...what happened to his career...he was ahead of Clark Kellogg at one point on CBS.
8. Tom Crean - Kind of subtle...but, I re-winded and re-winded it again...and Tom Crean is an asshole. After his FIRST Big Ten victory of the year over Michigan...he flew through the line with quick bullshit handshakes and stormed out of the arena like his shit doesn't stink. Are you serious...?? You're on rebuilding year number three and still very minimal progress has been made by your program. I'd slow your roll if I was you.
9. Michigan State's comebacks - These are getting old already...two in one week against both Wisconsin and Northwestern. I will say I saw the collapse of both, and at least there were no significant calls that normally Izzo gets just because he's Tom Izzo that altered the result of the game(s).
10. Hype on Penn State - They defended their home court well and competed and stuck with Ohio State. But, let's not get too crazy on the Penn State bandwagon...they've already got seven losses (UGLY one to Maine) and look at their remaining Big 10 schedule. They only get Indiana (already played them) and Iowa once this year on their schedule...good luck in the NIT.
SBG
1. Thad Matta - He compared his freshmen duo (Craft and Sullinger) to playing like Stockton and Malone against Penn State. OK...do you watch basketball or just recruit? First off, your playing an improved Penn State...but, in all honesty they are still Penn State. Second of all...no pick and rolls were converted by those two...that was a staple of Stockton/Malone. This is what happened the majority of the time: feed Sullinger in the post/one on one he usually scores...feed Sullinger/double team comes and he kicks it to WIDE OPEN Craft because they didn't care if he shot the ball...rather have him than Diebler, Lighty or Buford get a good look.
2. Bo Ryan - Ugly, ugly game against Illinois. There were probably about 50 fouls called. No flow...majority of points were all scored at the free throw line = win for Wisconsin. Memo to Bo Ryan: Quit complaing to the refs...if you don't like the blocking calls they are calling on your guys than you should probably stop recruiting the slow footed white guys that can't keep up with the McCamey's of the world.
3. Luka Mirkovic - Can we darken that see through protective mask so we don't have to see your face when you go berserk every time you score? This is not hockey...scoring actually happens frequently in basketball...even in the Big Ten. I can't wait until you meet Minnesota's front court.
4. Ryne Smith - He's one of those asshole three point assassins. Cocky as hell when he's on. He'll make his shot and leave his follow through up in the air as he's running back on defense/or the huddle during a TV timeout. Plus, his parents had to give him the 'Ryne' Sandberg spelling for his first name...for that alone...he'll be present on this poll for a long time.
5. Michigan's Roster - What is John Beilein doing? If you can shoot a three at a decent clip, you should ask Mr. Beilein for a scholarship. They didn't have one single REBOUND (offense or defense) in the first TEN minutes against a bad to moderately bad Indiana team. Guess what he recruited for next year...yep, two more guards. Plus, if you add in that Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims were more Tommy Amaker's recruits than his, then what has John Beilein actually done? He did not inherit a massive mess like Indiana and Iowa (twice) were when new coaches came on the scene for those programs...this is ridiculous. With all this said...they'll probably beat Minnesota this coming Saturday night.
6. Feeding the Post/Minnesota Style - I have a feeling Jared Sullinger would be just OK in a Gophers uniform, simply because for whatever reason we can't make an entry pass into the post. We have a distinct size advantage over pretty much everyone else in the league, however we can't take advantage because we can't get the ball down there. Is it the guards simply not being able to or don't want to...or the post guys not sustaining position...?? I was so excited last year during the Big Ten tourney because I thought the lights went on during that run and everything clicked that it all starts with pounding the ball inside...well, I guess not.
7. Northwestern having TWO basketball analysts on BTN - I've brought this up in other social forums. Northwestern has NEVER made the NCAA Tournament EVER. And they have Tim Doyle and Shonn Morris both working games as analysts. I'm not doubting their basketball acumen, but I just find it a tad regional and biased that they both have jobs on the Big Ten Network doing the same job(s). And not to rip on Northwestern any more (I do however have a $30 bet that they wouldn't make the NCAA tourney though...and it's looking good up to this point), but basketball has been one of the more balanced sports in the conference (unlike football)...and they still haven't done anything in their existence.
By the way, Quinn Buckner was doing the Indiana vs Michigan game on Saturday night...what happened to his career...he was ahead of Clark Kellogg at one point on CBS.
8. Tom Crean - Kind of subtle...but, I re-winded and re-winded it again...and Tom Crean is an asshole. After his FIRST Big Ten victory of the year over Michigan...he flew through the line with quick bullshit handshakes and stormed out of the arena like his shit doesn't stink. Are you serious...?? You're on rebuilding year number three and still very minimal progress has been made by your program. I'd slow your roll if I was you.
9. Michigan State's comebacks - These are getting old already...two in one week against both Wisconsin and Northwestern. I will say I saw the collapse of both, and at least there were no significant calls that normally Izzo gets just because he's Tom Izzo that altered the result of the game(s).
10. Hype on Penn State - They defended their home court well and competed and stuck with Ohio State. But, let's not get too crazy on the Penn State bandwagon...they've already got seven losses (UGLY one to Maine) and look at their remaining Big 10 schedule. They only get Indiana (already played them) and Iowa once this year on their schedule...good luck in the NIT.
SBG
The Barn: Hawkeyes @ Gophers
My three year old son Cullen (not named after the stupid Vampire family...just wanted to clarify) and I attended the hoops game last night while sitting in Section 209/Row 3...here's how the night transpired:
* We had to get there early because the leg room up in the upper level is cramped (I know from experience...I had to carry Cullen out one time and he proceeded to kick two people in the head in the row in front of us on our way out.), so I wanted to get the souvenirs out of the way early and get situated at our seats. Cullen wanted another glow and the dark basketball, while I also picked up a stuffed "Goldy" for his twin sister who was supposed to originally be my date for this game.
* We got there early enough to view their intro video...I've shown this video to my son at home on the computer and I name him all the guys that are shown. For some reason, he goes crazy over still photo shot of Jim Brewer's banner. By the way, they took Devoe's part off and added another Blake.
* So MANY people hyped up Austin Hollins coming into the year as a "heady" player that "knows how to play the game" because of who his dad is/was. This statement is FALSE. Once again, an opponent has a clear breakaway for an easy two and Austin decides to waste a cheap foul and let's the guy pretty much convert an easy three point play. This is about the third time I've seen this bonehead play from him this year. If you're going to foul in that situation, that ball better not come close to getting up near the rim. And now that I've seen him live in two games...he's weak with the ball and his passing is even weaker. Plus, he's just flat out not making shots...so, if this is all true wouldn't freshman Chip Armelin be a more "heady" player that "knows how to play the game"?
* Fran McCafferey gets a technical and the student section chants "Asshole" (best chant/cheer of the game). Welcome to the Big Ten, Fran. Student section was a lot better against Iowa than they were for the Indiana...but, they still lack any creativity. "Who hates Iowa, We hate Iowa" = lame. There must be some kind of rules against any chants/cheers with any creativity.
* Cullen was craving some popcorn midway through the first half. So, we waited until halftime to run and get some...however, they were introducing basketball alumni at the break and I wish we would have been in our seats. I couldn't catch all the names, but I saw Quincy Lewis (no surprise, he works with the U of M), David Grim, one of the Stanford twins...this would've been great material for my blog that nobody reads.
* Gophers blow their 10 or 11 point halftime lead within minutes in the second half. Seriously, I always revert back to the Virginia game at the Barn this year when things start to go south. They also had a 10 point lead at halftime of that game and it evaporated in minutes due to Virginia's hot three point shooting and our lackluster offense. If Tubby Smith wasn't our coach, I'd pretty much be convinced that our players were bought off to keep the game at a certain point spread for each game. The peaks and valleys (and specifically the lengths of the valleys) of this team just doesn't make sense...especially, for a team that doesn't rely on the three ball all the time. I mean we're not Michigan or Northwestern that hoist up threes at an ungodly rate.
* How spoiled is the younger generation getting to see Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe play? I mean these guys give us 5-10 highlights a game where they are violently dunking or blocking shots. I'm not saying these plays result in wins...but, as a kid is there anything better than watching these type of plays? I mean Sam Jacobson was pretty sick, but I think these two are on a different level amongst their peers.
* Gophers manage to get a win...we walk out to our car and get in. My son asks, "Why do all the girls' smile at me?"
SBG
* We had to get there early because the leg room up in the upper level is cramped (I know from experience...I had to carry Cullen out one time and he proceeded to kick two people in the head in the row in front of us on our way out.), so I wanted to get the souvenirs out of the way early and get situated at our seats. Cullen wanted another glow and the dark basketball, while I also picked up a stuffed "Goldy" for his twin sister who was supposed to originally be my date for this game.
* We got there early enough to view their intro video...I've shown this video to my son at home on the computer and I name him all the guys that are shown. For some reason, he goes crazy over still photo shot of Jim Brewer's banner. By the way, they took Devoe's part off and added another Blake.
* So MANY people hyped up Austin Hollins coming into the year as a "heady" player that "knows how to play the game" because of who his dad is/was. This statement is FALSE. Once again, an opponent has a clear breakaway for an easy two and Austin decides to waste a cheap foul and let's the guy pretty much convert an easy three point play. This is about the third time I've seen this bonehead play from him this year. If you're going to foul in that situation, that ball better not come close to getting up near the rim. And now that I've seen him live in two games...he's weak with the ball and his passing is even weaker. Plus, he's just flat out not making shots...so, if this is all true wouldn't freshman Chip Armelin be a more "heady" player that "knows how to play the game"?
* Fran McCafferey gets a technical and the student section chants "Asshole" (best chant/cheer of the game). Welcome to the Big Ten, Fran. Student section was a lot better against Iowa than they were for the Indiana...but, they still lack any creativity. "Who hates Iowa, We hate Iowa" = lame. There must be some kind of rules against any chants/cheers with any creativity.
* Cullen was craving some popcorn midway through the first half. So, we waited until halftime to run and get some...however, they were introducing basketball alumni at the break and I wish we would have been in our seats. I couldn't catch all the names, but I saw Quincy Lewis (no surprise, he works with the U of M), David Grim, one of the Stanford twins...this would've been great material for my blog that nobody reads.
* Gophers blow their 10 or 11 point halftime lead within minutes in the second half. Seriously, I always revert back to the Virginia game at the Barn this year when things start to go south. They also had a 10 point lead at halftime of that game and it evaporated in minutes due to Virginia's hot three point shooting and our lackluster offense. If Tubby Smith wasn't our coach, I'd pretty much be convinced that our players were bought off to keep the game at a certain point spread for each game. The peaks and valleys (and specifically the lengths of the valleys) of this team just doesn't make sense...especially, for a team that doesn't rely on the three ball all the time. I mean we're not Michigan or Northwestern that hoist up threes at an ungodly rate.
* How spoiled is the younger generation getting to see Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe play? I mean these guys give us 5-10 highlights a game where they are violently dunking or blocking shots. I'm not saying these plays result in wins...but, as a kid is there anything better than watching these type of plays? I mean Sam Jacobson was pretty sick, but I think these two are on a different level amongst their peers.
* Gophers manage to get a win...we walk out to our car and get in. My son asks, "Why do all the girls' smile at me?"
SBG
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Barn: Hoosiers @ Gophers
My wife and I attended the Big Ten home opener between two awful 0-2 squads...here were some of the highs and lows of the night:
* 6 pm start times blow. I left work early, picked up my wife and parked at around 4:50 pm. We walked into Pagoda's (I believe...Asian cuisine nonetheless) where I shoveled my face with vegetable fried rice and slammed three beers (because no alcohol is served in The Barn)...this was a horrible idea on my part, and I knew it while I was doing it.
* We left the restaurant at around 5:40 pm...witnessed a car accident while walking to the arena, where some dumbass chick hurried to make a light only to crash into the back of another vehicle to cause a three car pile up.
* We get to our seats...and I cough/puke (the sharting of the mouth) up some mucus of chinese food/beer. Great.
* Gophers PA announcer calls Jerimiah Rivers..."Jeremy" during introduction and all throughout the game. He did this around 8-10 times and only corrected himself twice. He's the fucking son of Doc Rivers...how do you screw this up that many times?
* Al Nolen turned it on late in this game...but, there have been major stretches in the last two games where he's on the court, but not really on the court on the offensive end. He may be "running the offense" but he's pretty much dribbling side to side on the perimeter. I'm not sure if he's more hurt than he's letting on or conserving himself for later in the game. But the offense isn't good enough to have lameduck possessions where they're not getting efficient, productive possessions on offense.
* The perimeter play for the Gophers is terrible. It's a bunch of spare parts. Al can drive and dish, but not finish. Blake can shoot, but can't get open or create his own shot. Rodney is athletic as all hell, but can't shoot or dribble to create anything for himself or others. Chip Armelin looked decent and at least isn't scared with the ball in his hands (even though he didn't convert some layups). Austin looked weak with the ball. And Maverick hit two threes, but outside of that I don't know what he really brings to our team yet.
* The departure of Devoe sucks. He wasn't great...but, he was 6'3'' and had good enough handles to at least create a shot (or at least a good look at the basket) of his own. And he didn't publicly carry around a "me" attitude much like Westbrook often did. And, I don't really understand the transferring decision during the middle of his junior year on his part. Is it jealously of his brother getting major minutes at a major college while he's only a freshman? I don't know...but, I'm pretty sure Fred Hoiberg has already placed a phone call to Devoe with the Cyclones picking up other misfits such as Royce White and Chris Allen in the past year.
* Tubby bashers...meet Tom Crean. He's in year three of rebuilding and no sign of even sniffing an "expanded" (mind you) NCAA tourney invitation. Tubby has done more with less and that is still true today. Tom can recruit (see: D. Wade @ Marquette)...but, can he actually coach...because all I see is him just standing on the sidelines and clapping constantly as if he's a coaching a girls' house league team every minute of every game.
* For having one of the largest student enrollments in the country...our student section is pretty lame. I'm not saying the play on the court inspired any more cheers (besides highlight type plays by Mbakwe and Williams)...but, the originality and effort to antagonize the opponent throughout the game is a FAIL.
* Did anyone miss my great insight on the Lions-Vikings matchup in week 17? Yeah, I didn't think so.
SBG
* 6 pm start times blow. I left work early, picked up my wife and parked at around 4:50 pm. We walked into Pagoda's (I believe...Asian cuisine nonetheless) where I shoveled my face with vegetable fried rice and slammed three beers (because no alcohol is served in The Barn)...this was a horrible idea on my part, and I knew it while I was doing it.
* We left the restaurant at around 5:40 pm...witnessed a car accident while walking to the arena, where some dumbass chick hurried to make a light only to crash into the back of another vehicle to cause a three car pile up.
* We get to our seats...and I cough/puke (the sharting of the mouth) up some mucus of chinese food/beer. Great.
* Gophers PA announcer calls Jerimiah Rivers..."Jeremy" during introduction and all throughout the game. He did this around 8-10 times and only corrected himself twice. He's the fucking son of Doc Rivers...how do you screw this up that many times?
* Al Nolen turned it on late in this game...but, there have been major stretches in the last two games where he's on the court, but not really on the court on the offensive end. He may be "running the offense" but he's pretty much dribbling side to side on the perimeter. I'm not sure if he's more hurt than he's letting on or conserving himself for later in the game. But the offense isn't good enough to have lameduck possessions where they're not getting efficient, productive possessions on offense.
* The perimeter play for the Gophers is terrible. It's a bunch of spare parts. Al can drive and dish, but not finish. Blake can shoot, but can't get open or create his own shot. Rodney is athletic as all hell, but can't shoot or dribble to create anything for himself or others. Chip Armelin looked decent and at least isn't scared with the ball in his hands (even though he didn't convert some layups). Austin looked weak with the ball. And Maverick hit two threes, but outside of that I don't know what he really brings to our team yet.
* The departure of Devoe sucks. He wasn't great...but, he was 6'3'' and had good enough handles to at least create a shot (or at least a good look at the basket) of his own. And he didn't publicly carry around a "me" attitude much like Westbrook often did. And, I don't really understand the transferring decision during the middle of his junior year on his part. Is it jealously of his brother getting major minutes at a major college while he's only a freshman? I don't know...but, I'm pretty sure Fred Hoiberg has already placed a phone call to Devoe with the Cyclones picking up other misfits such as Royce White and Chris Allen in the past year.
* Tubby bashers...meet Tom Crean. He's in year three of rebuilding and no sign of even sniffing an "expanded" (mind you) NCAA tourney invitation. Tubby has done more with less and that is still true today. Tom can recruit (see: D. Wade @ Marquette)...but, can he actually coach...because all I see is him just standing on the sidelines and clapping constantly as if he's a coaching a girls' house league team every minute of every game.
* For having one of the largest student enrollments in the country...our student section is pretty lame. I'm not saying the play on the court inspired any more cheers (besides highlight type plays by Mbakwe and Williams)...but, the originality and effort to antagonize the opponent throughout the game is a FAIL.
* Did anyone miss my great insight on the Lions-Vikings matchup in week 17? Yeah, I didn't think so.
SBG
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Week 16 Recap: Vikings @ Eagles
Missed the first few series of the game due to watching the Gophers basketball team letting a winnable game at Wisconsin slip out of their reach at the end. Here's my random thoughts on the Tuesday night football game:
* When the dome collapsed we had to play Monday night in Detroit. When we played the following week at TCF Bank we had a significant snowstorm. So, when Philly has a snowstorm they can push it back two days and no one has to travel to another site to the play the game? I don't mind if they push it back, but all the way to Tuesday? I don't get it. It must be some prime time TV drama between NBC and ESPN...because Fox and ESPN had no issue sharing the Monday two weeks ago.
* Joe Webb looked good. He didn't turn the ball over. He made clutch throws on third down conversions. He seems to have some pocket presence...and he's just an unbelievable athlete. I wouldn't mind going with him as our starter next year.
* Blitzing Antoine Winfield repeatedly last night was a brilliant move. It was as if I playing Madden. I always get bored playing defense so I just pick the same defensive play every time because I know the offense doesn't have an answer.
* How has Andy Reid lasted so long in Philadelphia? He's probably the longest tenured fat coach in the history of any sport. Fat coaches just don't last in any sport. Name one...they either have health issues or simply can't coach or players lose respect for them because they have a foot fetish.
* Leslie Frazier probably locked up the job with the Philadelphia road win. We have one stinking game left, thank god...but, can we please see a fake punt/field goal, surprise onside or some other outside the box plays. I don't care if the plays fail...I just want some entertainment and I think the fan base is getting tired of doing everything by the book, especially when we're playing for NOTHING.
SBG
* When the dome collapsed we had to play Monday night in Detroit. When we played the following week at TCF Bank we had a significant snowstorm. So, when Philly has a snowstorm they can push it back two days and no one has to travel to another site to the play the game? I don't mind if they push it back, but all the way to Tuesday? I don't get it. It must be some prime time TV drama between NBC and ESPN...because Fox and ESPN had no issue sharing the Monday two weeks ago.
* Joe Webb looked good. He didn't turn the ball over. He made clutch throws on third down conversions. He seems to have some pocket presence...and he's just an unbelievable athlete. I wouldn't mind going with him as our starter next year.
* Blitzing Antoine Winfield repeatedly last night was a brilliant move. It was as if I playing Madden. I always get bored playing defense so I just pick the same defensive play every time because I know the offense doesn't have an answer.
* How has Andy Reid lasted so long in Philadelphia? He's probably the longest tenured fat coach in the history of any sport. Fat coaches just don't last in any sport. Name one...they either have health issues or simply can't coach or players lose respect for them because they have a foot fetish.
* Leslie Frazier probably locked up the job with the Philadelphia road win. We have one stinking game left, thank god...but, can we please see a fake punt/field goal, surprise onside or some other outside the box plays. I don't care if the plays fail...I just want some entertainment and I think the fan base is getting tired of doing everything by the book, especially when we're playing for NOTHING.
SBG
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Week 15 Recap: Bears @ Vikings (TCF Bank)
Why am I still writing these...?? I should just give up on the year like the rest of the Vikings. Here are my random and not so random takes:
* You know how you know your team sucks when you're a fan...?? You start criticizing the referees on every call because your team sucks so much that you need their assistance in order for your team to still be somewhat competitive in the game.
* Madieu Williams...how did I leave you off the "The 25 Worst Vikings"...?? You are terrible. And I'm tired of this shit I hear about "safeties really don't make plays when playing in a Cover 2 scheme"...Bob Sanders of the Colts was the sole reason for their Super Bowl run a few years back. The Colts defense was terrible until he came back late in the year from an injury and helped turn their season around. Safeties don't make plays in our system because we have shitty players at that position...Darren Sharper included.
* Leslie Frazier has a rotten hand. However, his defense has been BRUTAL. I've given Leslie and his defense the benefit of the doubt in almost every game this year. But, they've been horrible lately...they play solid in the first quarter and then either give up, get man handled, and/or get out schemed during the last three quarters. That's happened in four of the most lopsided losses this year (@ Chicago, Green Bay, New York Giants, and Chicago). What's the issue? Our guys are ready to play at the start, but then falter for the rest of the game...how do you not put that on the coach?
* The Vikings new stadium shouldn't have a roof. Not even a retractable roof. They belong outside and a retractable roof just sucks balls. What current stadium with a retractable roof really still maintains a vibrant atmosphere inside? Arizona? Detroit? Indianapolis? Some of those locations have more to do with the product they put on the field...but, I just think retractable roofs blow in general.
* Favre comes back only to get drilled into the turf once again, this time he leaves the game with a concussion. Shouldn't Sterger just pursue that Favre has to PLAY behind our dreadful offensive line for the last two games as punishment? I think that will teach him.
* Joe Webb...if he plays, please roll him outside of the pocket on pass plays. Let him see the field and let him work in space instead of him simply dropping back behind our god awful offensive line.
* You know how you know your team sucks when you're a fan...?? You start criticizing the referees on every call because your team sucks so much that you need their assistance in order for your team to still be somewhat competitive in the game.
* Madieu Williams...how did I leave you off the "The 25 Worst Vikings"...?? You are terrible. And I'm tired of this shit I hear about "safeties really don't make plays when playing in a Cover 2 scheme"...Bob Sanders of the Colts was the sole reason for their Super Bowl run a few years back. The Colts defense was terrible until he came back late in the year from an injury and helped turn their season around. Safeties don't make plays in our system because we have shitty players at that position...Darren Sharper included.
* Leslie Frazier has a rotten hand. However, his defense has been BRUTAL. I've given Leslie and his defense the benefit of the doubt in almost every game this year. But, they've been horrible lately...they play solid in the first quarter and then either give up, get man handled, and/or get out schemed during the last three quarters. That's happened in four of the most lopsided losses this year (@ Chicago, Green Bay, New York Giants, and Chicago). What's the issue? Our guys are ready to play at the start, but then falter for the rest of the game...how do you not put that on the coach?
* The Vikings new stadium shouldn't have a roof. Not even a retractable roof. They belong outside and a retractable roof just sucks balls. What current stadium with a retractable roof really still maintains a vibrant atmosphere inside? Arizona? Detroit? Indianapolis? Some of those locations have more to do with the product they put on the field...but, I just think retractable roofs blow in general.
* Favre comes back only to get drilled into the turf once again, this time he leaves the game with a concussion. Shouldn't Sterger just pursue that Favre has to PLAY behind our dreadful offensive line for the last two games as punishment? I think that will teach him.
* Joe Webb...if he plays, please roll him outside of the pocket on pass plays. Let him see the field and let him work in space instead of him simply dropping back behind our god awful offensive line.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The 25 Worst Vikings...
In no particular order...here's a list of some of the worst players/coaches to represent the Minnesota Vikings in my lifetime:
1. Troy Williamson WR - It's a little dicey to even credit him as being a "receiver".
2. Spergon Wynn QB - Does is name or his play get him on this list...?? I say both
3. Doug Brien K - Missed TWO extra points in ONE game against Buffalo.
4. Fred Smoot CB - Either hurt or was getting burned by opposing WR's...Steve Smith scorching you over and over and then celebrating the "Love Boat" fiasco with a touchdown dance was pretty hilarious (not at the time of course).
5. Les Steckel HC - You were so bad in 1984 (only one year on the job) that Bud Grant had to come out of retirement to clean your mess up.
6. Denard Walker CB - This is what you buy to shore up your starting DB backfield when you have Red McCombs' wallet to work with.
7. Dimitrius Underwood DL - You can thank your first round selection on Randy Moss lottery winner ticket from the year before. You had red flags all over, but Denny was still smokin' the Randy fumes.
8. Brock Lesnar DL - I was pining for Joe Webb to play this year, because athletic ability alone can be an advantage on the field for the sport of football...this wasn't exactly the case for Brock.
9. Wasswa Serwanga CB - We dug deep and far to fill out our roster for the defensive backfield.
10. Dwayne Rudd LB - Another player on the long list of Denny Green's "potential" picks that never panned out. After seeing his name on this list, he's probably busting out his celebratory dance that he used to do whenever he was in a camera shot of a tackle.
11. Bernard Berrian WR - A dandy indeed. I say BE GONE to B TWICE after the year is out.
12. Herschel Walker RB - Nice guy and all, but he didn't do anything for us on the field...plus, he left our cupboard bare for years to come.
13. Bob Lurtsema DL - If your nickname is "Benchwarmer Bob"...you weren't exactly stellar on the field. Even his restaurant/bar failed.
14. Qadry Ismail WR - "The Missile" was another receiver that wasn't exactly equipped with hands either, but he built a nice niche on the kickoff return game as long as he didn't fumble.
15. Erasmus James DL - Injury bug sucked away any chance of a professional football career.
16. Ryan Cook OL - He still hasn't found a position on the offensive line where he can succeed consistently at. He looks good for a game or two, then gets destroyed. This is what we got back in the Daunte Culpepper deal...so that makes it suck even worse.
17. Tarvaris Jackson QB - Not to beat a dead horse, but when Tarvaris plays I feel like it's watching a college game. He can't read defenses (pre-snap or post-snap)...hoping maybe he can scramble a little bit, but I'm just not confident that he can beat an opponent with X's and O's during a game.
18. Nafu Tahi FB - Why do the Vikings still use a fullback? He's not a threat in the pass game...you might as well just use another offensive lineman in the backfield if you sincerely need another blocker...or a tight end if you want to "trick" defenses into thinking you may pass.
19. Thomas Tapeh FB - Didn't play a down as a Viking, but did collect a check from them.
20. Karl Paymah DB - No wonder he was only allowed on the field for special teams in his prior stops...at least Frank Walker is close enough to the receivers to interfere with them if need be.
21. Donald Igwebuike K - The drug dealin' place kicker...Disney needs to make a movie on this.
22. D'wayne Bates WR - Can we please stop signing WR's off the Bears roster (Bates, M. Robinson, Berrian) ...they suck!
23. Koren Robinson WR - A drunk who had the case of the dropsies too.
24. Michael Bennett RB - A speed demon that couldn't capitalize on defensives' focusing more on our passing game (Daunte and Moss) than our running game.
25. The Metrodome - You can call it whatever you want to...but, the place sucks period. No atmosphere, no life, no elements = poor excuse for a place called "home".
SBG
1. Troy Williamson WR - It's a little dicey to even credit him as being a "receiver".
2. Spergon Wynn QB - Does is name or his play get him on this list...?? I say both
3. Doug Brien K - Missed TWO extra points in ONE game against Buffalo.
4. Fred Smoot CB - Either hurt or was getting burned by opposing WR's...Steve Smith scorching you over and over and then celebrating the "Love Boat" fiasco with a touchdown dance was pretty hilarious (not at the time of course).
5. Les Steckel HC - You were so bad in 1984 (only one year on the job) that Bud Grant had to come out of retirement to clean your mess up.
6. Denard Walker CB - This is what you buy to shore up your starting DB backfield when you have Red McCombs' wallet to work with.
7. Dimitrius Underwood DL - You can thank your first round selection on Randy Moss lottery winner ticket from the year before. You had red flags all over, but Denny was still smokin' the Randy fumes.
8. Brock Lesnar DL - I was pining for Joe Webb to play this year, because athletic ability alone can be an advantage on the field for the sport of football...this wasn't exactly the case for Brock.
9. Wasswa Serwanga CB - We dug deep and far to fill out our roster for the defensive backfield.
10. Dwayne Rudd LB - Another player on the long list of Denny Green's "potential" picks that never panned out. After seeing his name on this list, he's probably busting out his celebratory dance that he used to do whenever he was in a camera shot of a tackle.
11. Bernard Berrian WR - A dandy indeed. I say BE GONE to B TWICE after the year is out.
12. Herschel Walker RB - Nice guy and all, but he didn't do anything for us on the field...plus, he left our cupboard bare for years to come.
13. Bob Lurtsema DL - If your nickname is "Benchwarmer Bob"...you weren't exactly stellar on the field. Even his restaurant/bar failed.
14. Qadry Ismail WR - "The Missile" was another receiver that wasn't exactly equipped with hands either, but he built a nice niche on the kickoff return game as long as he didn't fumble.
15. Erasmus James DL - Injury bug sucked away any chance of a professional football career.
16. Ryan Cook OL - He still hasn't found a position on the offensive line where he can succeed consistently at. He looks good for a game or two, then gets destroyed. This is what we got back in the Daunte Culpepper deal...so that makes it suck even worse.
17. Tarvaris Jackson QB - Not to beat a dead horse, but when Tarvaris plays I feel like it's watching a college game. He can't read defenses (pre-snap or post-snap)...hoping maybe he can scramble a little bit, but I'm just not confident that he can beat an opponent with X's and O's during a game.
18. Nafu Tahi FB - Why do the Vikings still use a fullback? He's not a threat in the pass game...you might as well just use another offensive lineman in the backfield if you sincerely need another blocker...or a tight end if you want to "trick" defenses into thinking you may pass.
19. Thomas Tapeh FB - Didn't play a down as a Viking, but did collect a check from them.
20. Karl Paymah DB - No wonder he was only allowed on the field for special teams in his prior stops...at least Frank Walker is close enough to the receivers to interfere with them if need be.
21. Donald Igwebuike K - The drug dealin' place kicker...Disney needs to make a movie on this.
22. D'wayne Bates WR - Can we please stop signing WR's off the Bears roster (Bates, M. Robinson, Berrian) ...they suck!
23. Koren Robinson WR - A drunk who had the case of the dropsies too.
24. Michael Bennett RB - A speed demon that couldn't capitalize on defensives' focusing more on our passing game (Daunte and Moss) than our running game.
25. The Metrodome - You can call it whatever you want to...but, the place sucks period. No atmosphere, no life, no elements = poor excuse for a place called "home".
SBG
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Week 14 Recap: Vikings vs Giants (in Detroit)
Roof on the ground
Roof on the ground
An upgrade is Detroit bound...??
Here's some other insight on the pathetic performance and festivities of last night's game:
* Brett Favre's hand was purple. His right hand was also down his pants in the crotch area on several camera shots. If you had to sit through and attempt to watch that poor excuse of a game like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were forced to do...how do you not bite on a Jenn Sterger/sending dirty text message jab at Favre while he's playing with his junk on the sideline?
* Tarvaris Jackson BLOWS. Play Joe Webb. He may not be the answer, but don't let the fanbase (the ones that are still left) suffer more than we already have this year by watching T-Jack attempt to run the offense.
* We weren't going to win the game anyways...but, there were some bullshit calls. Camarillo was stood up on a punt return (one tackler had him by the legs) while another Giant special teams player came in late with a helmet to helmet hit. No call. Very next series...Bradshaw gets held up similar to Camarillo and Asher Allen gets flagged for the exact same thing that they didn't call for us (personal foul: helmet to helmet hit). Also, the block in the back call on Jasper Brinkley (where Booker would've had a kickoff return for a TD) was absurd. Similar to the gift call we got in Washington where they had a punt return for a touchdown negated.
* If Leslie Frazier is retained as the head coach...I think he needs to get rid of Bevell (offensive coordinator). I know we rolled into that game last night short handed...but, we just need some change. I still see Childress' offense at work and I don't like it. If we're going to be boring and ineffective (like last night)...let's pound the ball, burn clock and play the field position game against opponents. I'd accept that philosophy more than dinking and doinking the ball around in the pass game.
* Bernard Berrian has surpassed Ray Edwards on the "Vikings player that I hate the most award". What a pile of shit...I can't wait until he can rot on somebody else's dime and time and then blame everyone not named Bernard or B-Twice for his poor performance.
SBG
Roof on the ground
An upgrade is Detroit bound...??
Here's some other insight on the pathetic performance and festivities of last night's game:
* Brett Favre's hand was purple. His right hand was also down his pants in the crotch area on several camera shots. If you had to sit through and attempt to watch that poor excuse of a game like Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were forced to do...how do you not bite on a Jenn Sterger/sending dirty text message jab at Favre while he's playing with his junk on the sideline?
* Tarvaris Jackson BLOWS. Play Joe Webb. He may not be the answer, but don't let the fanbase (the ones that are still left) suffer more than we already have this year by watching T-Jack attempt to run the offense.
* We weren't going to win the game anyways...but, there were some bullshit calls. Camarillo was stood up on a punt return (one tackler had him by the legs) while another Giant special teams player came in late with a helmet to helmet hit. No call. Very next series...Bradshaw gets held up similar to Camarillo and Asher Allen gets flagged for the exact same thing that they didn't call for us (personal foul: helmet to helmet hit). Also, the block in the back call on Jasper Brinkley (where Booker would've had a kickoff return for a TD) was absurd. Similar to the gift call we got in Washington where they had a punt return for a touchdown negated.
* If Leslie Frazier is retained as the head coach...I think he needs to get rid of Bevell (offensive coordinator). I know we rolled into that game last night short handed...but, we just need some change. I still see Childress' offense at work and I don't like it. If we're going to be boring and ineffective (like last night)...let's pound the ball, burn clock and play the field position game against opponents. I'd accept that philosophy more than dinking and doinking the ball around in the pass game.
* Bernard Berrian has surpassed Ray Edwards on the "Vikings player that I hate the most award". What a pile of shit...I can't wait until he can rot on somebody else's dime and time and then blame everyone not named Bernard or B-Twice for his poor performance.
SBG
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Basketcase Diary: Negative Edition (12/7/10)
Basketball drives me nuts...even if the expectations for a given team are really "Basement Brewster" level low...I still end up cussing at the television due to frustration. I hate turnovers. I can't stand having no flow/movement on the offensive end (with or without the ball). I hate when my team misses FREE throws. I hate lazy defense. I hate refs that call an inconsistent game. Or refs getting bullied by the veteran coaches of the league (cough...Izzo). So, this will be a forum for my rants that occur on the hardwood floor for both the Timberwolves and Gophers...here we go:
* Sebastian Telfair - How has this guy lasted seven plus years in the league? He is diminutive. He has no explosion/first step to his game (which means he can't get to the rim). When he tries to get to the rim...he doesn't finish. He can't D anyone up. He is HORRIBLE at the free throw line (74%)...that's a big man type percentage. My favorite part is where he'll miss both free throws and then come down on the very next possession and chuck up a three within the first ten seconds of the shot clock. Who is your favorite "peaked way too early and obviously doesn't have as much game as what SI wrote about years ago during their adolescent years as an athlete"...Sebastion Telfair or Felipe Lopez...I'll go with the latter.
* Devoe Joseph - He just got back in the mix...but, what's up with this guy struggling so mightily during the early going? He really didn't come on until the Big Ten Tourney last year...he played well during that 4 game stretch. Are we expecting too much from him from such a small sample size last year...and was that just a mirage (4 games is hardly a trend)...or will he be the real deal like so many of us just assumed he'd be coming into this year...??
* Free throw shooting - Atrocious. It's been so bad for the Gophers at the line that I miss the ever so selfish/unlikeable, Lawrence Westbrook. He would at least hit clutch free throws. Currently, we have TWO guys making free throws above a 67% clip (Blake and Maverick...two guys that barely get to the line anyways...and even Blake has missed some crucial free throws). And, it was crappy last year too (just not at this pace)...I mean it's so bad I would turn this into an opportunity to help raise money towards a new practice facility...make players make free throws during games...have fans contribute based on free throws made during games/or have them donate a sum of their choice if the team hits a certain percentage (example 80%) for each game. Plus, our program benefits by winning more games if we make more free throws...I mean this is probably the easiest fix to improve your team...plus, you have tangible evidence for Tubby that you are trying to work with him.
* Blake's perimeter defense - I love Blake's game. However, when mediocre teams/players are bombing three's on you at a ridiculous pace while you're playing straight up man to man defense...and then the coach has to go to a 2-3 zone so you're not overexposed (which is really ridiculous considering zones force teams to shoot from the perimeter) on the defensive end...pretty much sums up that you suck balls at playing any type of defense.
* Love's interior defense - Kevin Love is putting up gaudy offensive numbers. However, he is getting destroyed on the other end of the court. When he was teamed up with Al Jefferson...I gave Kevin the benefit of the doubt, because Al sucks at defense and I thought Kevin was at times overcompensating for Al's suckiness on D. I was wrong. Darko was out due to injury and Amare Stoudemire KILLED Love. Probably not the best match up for Kevin...but, I don't think it really matters anymore who the opponent is across from him.
SBG
* Sebastian Telfair - How has this guy lasted seven plus years in the league? He is diminutive. He has no explosion/first step to his game (which means he can't get to the rim). When he tries to get to the rim...he doesn't finish. He can't D anyone up. He is HORRIBLE at the free throw line (74%)...that's a big man type percentage. My favorite part is where he'll miss both free throws and then come down on the very next possession and chuck up a three within the first ten seconds of the shot clock. Who is your favorite "peaked way too early and obviously doesn't have as much game as what SI wrote about years ago during their adolescent years as an athlete"...Sebastion Telfair or Felipe Lopez...I'll go with the latter.
* Devoe Joseph - He just got back in the mix...but, what's up with this guy struggling so mightily during the early going? He really didn't come on until the Big Ten Tourney last year...he played well during that 4 game stretch. Are we expecting too much from him from such a small sample size last year...and was that just a mirage (4 games is hardly a trend)...or will he be the real deal like so many of us just assumed he'd be coming into this year...??
* Free throw shooting - Atrocious. It's been so bad for the Gophers at the line that I miss the ever so selfish/unlikeable, Lawrence Westbrook. He would at least hit clutch free throws. Currently, we have TWO guys making free throws above a 67% clip (Blake and Maverick...two guys that barely get to the line anyways...and even Blake has missed some crucial free throws). And, it was crappy last year too (just not at this pace)...I mean it's so bad I would turn this into an opportunity to help raise money towards a new practice facility...make players make free throws during games...have fans contribute based on free throws made during games/or have them donate a sum of their choice if the team hits a certain percentage (example 80%) for each game. Plus, our program benefits by winning more games if we make more free throws...I mean this is probably the easiest fix to improve your team...plus, you have tangible evidence for Tubby that you are trying to work with him.
* Blake's perimeter defense - I love Blake's game. However, when mediocre teams/players are bombing three's on you at a ridiculous pace while you're playing straight up man to man defense...and then the coach has to go to a 2-3 zone so you're not overexposed (which is really ridiculous considering zones force teams to shoot from the perimeter) on the defensive end...pretty much sums up that you suck balls at playing any type of defense.
* Love's interior defense - Kevin Love is putting up gaudy offensive numbers. However, he is getting destroyed on the other end of the court. When he was teamed up with Al Jefferson...I gave Kevin the benefit of the doubt, because Al sucks at defense and I thought Kevin was at times overcompensating for Al's suckiness on D. I was wrong. Darko was out due to injury and Amare Stoudemire KILLED Love. Probably not the best match up for Kevin...but, I don't think it really matters anymore who the opponent is across from him.
SBG
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Week 13 Recap: Bills @ Vikings
Vikings dominate the Bills and quarterback Fitzpatrick as Leslie Frazier improves his head coaching record in the NFL to 2-0. As always here are my random observations of the game:
* A Joe Webb sighting is made in week 13 as a kickoff returner (in place of Percy Harvin). I was crying for this about 10 weeks earlier (before Randy Moss trade). I'm not sure if he'll pan out as a player in general at either position (quarterback or receiver), but the guy has physical abilities that no one else has. And if there's a sport that you can get by with raw athletic ability alone...it's football. Let him play.
* Favre gets hurt on first series...on a play where he throws an interception of course. Am I the only one that number 1...doesn't care...and number 2...thinks that maybe he was milking the injury based on the end result of the play (the interception)...and number 3...how can his consecutive game streak still go forward when only playing the first few snaps. If that's the case shouldn't Morten Anderson, Gary Anderson or some other kicker plead their case of longevity against Favre's...???
* Bills suck. But with that said, how about Leslie Frazier winning big (38-14) without Harvin or Hutchinson this week. Plus, you lose your starting quarterback in the first series. Then your backup quarterback throws a pick six to put your team in a 7-0 hole early in the first quarter. Like I said...Bills suck, but maybe we still need to direct some applause for Leslie Frazier and staff.
* Jackson made some great throws today, however I think he permanently placed himself as a backup for the rest of career with his erratic play during the duration of the game. He had three interceptions...two of them were ugly, bad decisions (first and last picks)...the second one he threw, he could have easily just ran for 4 or more yards to convert on the 3rd and 4...instead he threw behind Camarillo and became a victim of the tipped interception. He is not the answer at quarterback...this year or next year.
* Jared Allen finally played a complete game for the first time this year. Timberwolves used to have a reserve guard named James "Hollywood" Robinson. Flip only played him in garbage time when we were on the wrong end of the scoreboard. He dominated in these situations...scored bunch of points. Jared seems to have a similar trait...except he needs the Vikings to have a big lead in order for him to be a consistent force on the defensive end. That hasn't happened much at all for us...having just a lead or being tied is difficult enough...thus, Jared has had a down year.
* Welcome back Sidney Rice. It doesn't matter who our coach or quarterback is next year...Sidney Rice's contract needs to be extended. After watching numerous years of lousy to mediocre to above mediocre play...not many receivers have a knack for attacking the ball in a jump ball situation. Sidney Rice again proved that fact today by going after a T-Jack thrown ball and wrestling it away from one defender knowing that the safety was coming over to make a hit as well. See, I thought Favre made Rice last year...he obviously helped the development...but, I just think he's a keeper. Even if he can't blow past anyone with his speed.
SBG
* A Joe Webb sighting is made in week 13 as a kickoff returner (in place of Percy Harvin). I was crying for this about 10 weeks earlier (before Randy Moss trade). I'm not sure if he'll pan out as a player in general at either position (quarterback or receiver), but the guy has physical abilities that no one else has. And if there's a sport that you can get by with raw athletic ability alone...it's football. Let him play.
* Favre gets hurt on first series...on a play where he throws an interception of course. Am I the only one that number 1...doesn't care...and number 2...thinks that maybe he was milking the injury based on the end result of the play (the interception)...and number 3...how can his consecutive game streak still go forward when only playing the first few snaps. If that's the case shouldn't Morten Anderson, Gary Anderson or some other kicker plead their case of longevity against Favre's...???
* Bills suck. But with that said, how about Leslie Frazier winning big (38-14) without Harvin or Hutchinson this week. Plus, you lose your starting quarterback in the first series. Then your backup quarterback throws a pick six to put your team in a 7-0 hole early in the first quarter. Like I said...Bills suck, but maybe we still need to direct some applause for Leslie Frazier and staff.
* Jackson made some great throws today, however I think he permanently placed himself as a backup for the rest of career with his erratic play during the duration of the game. He had three interceptions...two of them were ugly, bad decisions (first and last picks)...the second one he threw, he could have easily just ran for 4 or more yards to convert on the 3rd and 4...instead he threw behind Camarillo and became a victim of the tipped interception. He is not the answer at quarterback...this year or next year.
* Jared Allen finally played a complete game for the first time this year. Timberwolves used to have a reserve guard named James "Hollywood" Robinson. Flip only played him in garbage time when we were on the wrong end of the scoreboard. He dominated in these situations...scored bunch of points. Jared seems to have a similar trait...except he needs the Vikings to have a big lead in order for him to be a consistent force on the defensive end. That hasn't happened much at all for us...having just a lead or being tied is difficult enough...thus, Jared has had a down year.
* Welcome back Sidney Rice. It doesn't matter who our coach or quarterback is next year...Sidney Rice's contract needs to be extended. After watching numerous years of lousy to mediocre to above mediocre play...not many receivers have a knack for attacking the ball in a jump ball situation. Sidney Rice again proved that fact today by going after a T-Jack thrown ball and wrestling it away from one defender knowing that the safety was coming over to make a hit as well. See, I thought Favre made Rice last year...he obviously helped the development...but, I just think he's a keeper. Even if he can't blow past anyone with his speed.
SBG
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week 12 Recap: Vikings @ Redskins
The Leslie Frazier era is upon us...here are my random observations from the game:
* Nothing says your team has no chance at the post season more than your cable provider (Direct TV) wanting you to air the Packers/Falcons (was being played at the same time of Vikings/Redskins game) based on the channel/guide information.
* Anyone else notice Ray Edwards get hurt late in the first half...and then the pass rush picked up without him in the 2nd half while Brian Robison was in the mix? Maybe some other 2nd half adjustments helped, but maybe not.
* Asher Allen looked serviceable today...it seemed like Leslie helped out a lot by mixing in multiple blitzes and dropping a variety of linebackers and defensive lineman in coverage to change things up. Of course, Washington has absolutely zero play makers though...but, anything is an improvement in play for Allen.
* I want Leslie Frazier to win the head coaching job. Most people bring up Dungy and Tomlin winning Super Bowls as head coaches and both being defensive coordinators previously with the Vikings...but, I just love his demeanor on the sidelines. Everything seems to be in control...even if it's not.
* Is Favre just punishing the Vikings fan base...are you kidding me that he runs for a first down on a 3rd and 8 play (to secure the win) on a team that has virtually no playoff aspirations? Yet, he decides to throw against his body, into coverage instead of gaining a few yards (for a potential game winning field goal attempt) during the NFC Championship game...what the FUCK...???
* How do you explain the block in the back gift call that we received on Banks' punt return for a TD (that would've put Washington ahead 20-17)? It was an illegal block, but I can't believe that they actually had the balls to call it. I just have a feeling that if Childress was still our coach that this would be a convenient "no call" for the refs.
* McNabb won't be with Washington next year. They were showing some of the dialouges that he had with Shanahan's kid (offensive coordinator) between possessions...and it was ugly, almost as if McNabb has already checked out for the year. I mean if the Vikings weren't such a great sideshow week in and week out for the NFL, Washington would be Ed Werder's temporary home during the NFL season.
* Good win for the Vikes...and congratulations to Leslie Frazier.
SBG
* Nothing says your team has no chance at the post season more than your cable provider (Direct TV) wanting you to air the Packers/Falcons (was being played at the same time of Vikings/Redskins game) based on the channel/guide information.
* Anyone else notice Ray Edwards get hurt late in the first half...and then the pass rush picked up without him in the 2nd half while Brian Robison was in the mix? Maybe some other 2nd half adjustments helped, but maybe not.
* Asher Allen looked serviceable today...it seemed like Leslie helped out a lot by mixing in multiple blitzes and dropping a variety of linebackers and defensive lineman in coverage to change things up. Of course, Washington has absolutely zero play makers though...but, anything is an improvement in play for Allen.
* I want Leslie Frazier to win the head coaching job. Most people bring up Dungy and Tomlin winning Super Bowls as head coaches and both being defensive coordinators previously with the Vikings...but, I just love his demeanor on the sidelines. Everything seems to be in control...even if it's not.
* Is Favre just punishing the Vikings fan base...are you kidding me that he runs for a first down on a 3rd and 8 play (to secure the win) on a team that has virtually no playoff aspirations? Yet, he decides to throw against his body, into coverage instead of gaining a few yards (for a potential game winning field goal attempt) during the NFC Championship game...what the FUCK...???
* How do you explain the block in the back gift call that we received on Banks' punt return for a TD (that would've put Washington ahead 20-17)? It was an illegal block, but I can't believe that they actually had the balls to call it. I just have a feeling that if Childress was still our coach that this would be a convenient "no call" for the refs.
* McNabb won't be with Washington next year. They were showing some of the dialouges that he had with Shanahan's kid (offensive coordinator) between possessions...and it was ugly, almost as if McNabb has already checked out for the year. I mean if the Vikings weren't such a great sideshow week in and week out for the NFL, Washington would be Ed Werder's temporary home during the NFL season.
* Good win for the Vikes...and congratulations to Leslie Frazier.
SBG
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Week 11 Recap: Packers @ Vikings
Packer week had as much buzz as Lion week. Here is a sobering look on what I witnessed in another pathetic week of football (I'm so happy Gopher basketball is in the mix now):
* Clay Matthews gets a weak sack tallied on the opening series (where Favre rolls out and slides right before the sideline). I don't get this play by Favre. He's out of the pocket so he could of just easily thrown the ball away or just take an extra two strides to get out of bounds. Is he concerned about his stat line and/or QB rating by throwing an incomplete pass?
* I didn't fucking start Greg Jennings on my fantasy team. Opted for Fitzgerald and Maclin instead. This game sucked on so many levels.
* Misspelling Kevin Williams (spelled: Willaims) on his jersey....when they have three Williams' on the team. If there is one they could of gotten away with they should have misspelled Madieu's since no one would be able to read it cleanly due to him running circles when getting juked out by opposing wide receivers.
* Ray Edwards had two sacks. But, my favorite part of his game today was him bitching out Cook and Allen (the two corners getting toasted the whole game). I'm not a big Ray Edwards fan, in fact I hate him...but, that was the most life I've seen out of the defense in about three weeks.
* Sidney Rice made his return today. I seriously blame him heavily for how this whole season unraveled. I know there's plenty of other scapegoats for this team's poor performance...but, this guy could have had hip surgery in the off season like it was suggested by two or three specialists. He neglected that information, then decided to do it after all at the start of the season. So we trade Sapp (could of used a corner the way Allen and Cook are playing) to Miami for Camarillo to get receiver depth. We then fail miserably on the Moss deal, while also giving up a 3rd rounder to New England. He then pushes back his return date a couple more weeks when we were still on the outside fringe of the playoff picture...thus, we get eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving.
* No holding calls on Green Bay (offense and defensive...cough Woodson). I just find that hard to believe...just saying.
SBG
* Clay Matthews gets a weak sack tallied on the opening series (where Favre rolls out and slides right before the sideline). I don't get this play by Favre. He's out of the pocket so he could of just easily thrown the ball away or just take an extra two strides to get out of bounds. Is he concerned about his stat line and/or QB rating by throwing an incomplete pass?
* I didn't fucking start Greg Jennings on my fantasy team. Opted for Fitzgerald and Maclin instead. This game sucked on so many levels.
* Misspelling Kevin Williams (spelled: Willaims) on his jersey....when they have three Williams' on the team. If there is one they could of gotten away with they should have misspelled Madieu's since no one would be able to read it cleanly due to him running circles when getting juked out by opposing wide receivers.
* Ray Edwards had two sacks. But, my favorite part of his game today was him bitching out Cook and Allen (the two corners getting toasted the whole game). I'm not a big Ray Edwards fan, in fact I hate him...but, that was the most life I've seen out of the defense in about three weeks.
* Sidney Rice made his return today. I seriously blame him heavily for how this whole season unraveled. I know there's plenty of other scapegoats for this team's poor performance...but, this guy could have had hip surgery in the off season like it was suggested by two or three specialists. He neglected that information, then decided to do it after all at the start of the season. So we trade Sapp (could of used a corner the way Allen and Cook are playing) to Miami for Camarillo to get receiver depth. We then fail miserably on the Moss deal, while also giving up a 3rd rounder to New England. He then pushes back his return date a couple more weeks when we were still on the outside fringe of the playoff picture...thus, we get eliminated from the playoffs before Thanksgiving.
* No holding calls on Green Bay (offense and defensive...cough Woodson). I just find that hard to believe...just saying.
SBG
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