Posts Tagged ‘Sports Talk Radio’

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Securities Guards: Jeremy Lin and Landry Fields

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

By Aquil Bayyan

I would like to take the time to talk about the smartest backcourt in the history of the NBA.  That backcourt, you may be wondering, is none other than the backcourt of the 2011-12 New York Knicks.  Now we have all been inundated with the media attention surrounding Jeremy Lin who came from obscurity (or from “Bolivian”, as Mike Tyson would say) and catapulted to super stardom in a matter of 7 NBA games.  What has been highlighted about Jeremy Lin is the fact that he is a graduate of Harvard University (currently ranked #1 academically by many collegiate ranking publications) with a degree in Economics.  It seems as if he was well on his way to working on Wall Street, becoming an Economics professor, working for the Federal Reserve, or becoming a consultant.  

Jeremy Lin’s starting backcourt mate, who is also in his second year playing in the NBA is Landry Fields, who happens to be a graduate of Stanford University (currently ranked #5 academically by many collegiate ranking publications) with a Communications Degree.  If we look through the history of the NBA, I do not think we can find a backcourt that hailed from such highly rated tier 1 academic institutions.  It seems that the collective IQ of the Knicks’ backcourt has translated to success on the court by winning 9 of their first 10 games as the Knicks primary backcourt.  On the economic side of things, Jeremy Lin’s recent success has caused the New York Knicks internet sales to increase by 3000% and he is sure to get a raise on his $700,000 salary when he becomes a Free Agent at the end of the season.  

I have found irony in the fact that Harvard has been ranked in the Top 25 College Basketball Polls for much of the NCAA season before recently dropping out of the Top 25.  I wonder how much Harvard basketball coach Tommy Amaker used the fact that a former Harvard basketball player made it to the NBA while he was on the recruiting trail.  It seems that the basketball talent pool at Harvard has increased significantly and may be a force to be reckoned with for a while, the way the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University have done in the past.  With less than 30 games left in the NBA season, let’s see if the academic resumes of the Knicks’ backcourt help them make it to the playoffs this year and into the second round.

Aquil Bayyan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Lamar Kardashian A.K.A. Alice the Goon

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

"Alice the Goon"

Yeah I said it, Lamar better known as Alice the Goon!  All he has done in a Dallas Maverick uniform is mope!  If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought he was traded to one of the bottom-feeders of the NBA such as the Bobcats, Wizards, Cavaliers, or Hornets!

The L.A. Lakers gave the Goon up for nothing, which now seems to be an ingenious move.  Maybe it was the Lakers’ plan to use Lamar as a sleeper cell the whole time.  Was it Lamar’s mission to sabotage the Mavericks?  He did ask for a trade.  I know Dallas isn’t L.A. but hey, the Mavericks are coming off their first ever NBA championship.  Although the Dallas Mavericks are not the same team they were last season, they are one of a handful of teams with an opportunity to compete for another championship this year.  For that to happen Dallas would need the services of last year’s Sixth-Man of the Year, Lamar Odom, not that wimpy scalawag Alice the Goon from the Popeye cartoons.

Mr. Kardashian, you have sickened my stomach ever since you’ve landed here in Dallas with all your  melodrama that is going on in your life.  I have to watch your damn show to get some insight on why you are playing so poorly.  Mark Cuban and Rick Carlisle have catered to you and your entourage ever since you have arrived in the Lone Star State.  Everyone gets a pass for not being in basketball condition this season because of the NBA LOCK OUT; but Mr. Kardashian you make a whopping nine million dollars a year.  I haven’t seen such filth on the court for that kinda money since we finally got rid of the second best center in the NBA two years ago in ERIC DAMNEER!

Dear Lamar,

I hope you enjoyed your vacation!  Just to let you know I am not interested in your personal issues that you have been dealing with the past ten days.  Earlier in the week the team threatened you, a thirteen year veteran, by placing you in the NBA D- League for a game or two.  I don’t know why the Mavericks went soft and cancelled your trip to the minor leagues but I hope it humbled you enough to get your act together.  There is still time to salvage this season.  It’s up to you.  Remember, you are auditioning for a contract at the end of this season because your team option is not guaranteed.  I can almost promise you will not be back in Dallas.  As a Dallas Maverick fan, all I want you to do is show better body language because it’s very poor.  Give better effort and act like you give a damn.  Believe it or not, you are in a good situation to help this team, so it is up to you.

Sincerely yours,

LeRoy McConnell III of A Fan’s Point of View, for War Room Sports

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College Hoops Top Ten Prospects

Saturday, February 18th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

The College basketball season is heading towards March, one of my favorite sports times of the year and I’ve watched hundreds of games on TV and via my laptop. Here is my third version of “College Hoops Top Ten Pro Prospects” and there are plenty of changes since my last update: http://brandononsports.com/2012/01/11/my-top-ten-nba-prospects-in-college-basketball-updated-1-11-12/ .  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio hosted by myself and Chris Marshall (@215_sports_guy) from 10am-2pm every Saturday from 10am-2pm on http://ueradiolive.com/ (@UeradioLive).

1. Anthony Davis PF/SF/C 6-10 220lbs Kentucky Fr. : Has jumped from 4th on my list to the clear cut #1 prospect in my opinion.  Davis is on his way to probably winning the Naismith Award, Defensive player of the year award, and being the number one pick in the 2012 draft.  This freshman is a game changer defensively, not only in the paint, but he’s able to cover ground and guard out on the perimeter as well.  His offensive game has gotten better since the beginning of the season, and look for a big NCAA tournament out of Davis.

2. Thomas Robinson PF/SF 6-8 240lbs Kansas Jr. : Has jumped to the 2nd spot in this month’s rankings.  Robinson is also a legit candidate for player of the year and while Kansas lost the Morris Twins, Selby, and Xavier Henry from last season’s roster, Robinson’s play has this team playing better with less overall talent.  I told people last year if he came out, I would pick him over all of the previous named above, and I was told I was nuts.  Well Robinson’s developing post game, 12-15 foot jump shot, rebounding, and defensive versatility has him locked in as a top 5 pick in 2012.

3. Harrison Barnes 6-8 220lbs SF North Carolina So. : Was previously number two on this list, Barnes drops to three this month.  As I’ve said before, he is probably one of the more safe picks in this draft, even though he’s just a sophomore.  Has the ablilty to score from mid range, 3-point range, the post, off picks and pull ups off of the dribble.  I would like to see him drive to the hoop more and get to the line more though.  Scouts are worried about his low rebounding and assist numbers, but I really haven’t put much value on them.  He has an NBA skill, the ability to put the ball in the basket at a high rate.

4.  Perry Jones III 6-11 235lbs PF/SF Baylor So. : Was the number one prospect previously, but his two disappearing acts over the last month against Kansas and once against Missouri has caused me to move him down on the list.  Jones III has all of the physical tools, along with skills and game to be the clear cut number one pick in this draft.  I don’t know why, but he appears mentally gone in big games during the season.  If I’m a GM, I have to take a look at that.  Mental make-up is just as important as physical talent and basketball skills.

5. Jared Sullinger PF/C 6-8 275lbs Ohio St. So. : Has come back after an All-American freshman year in which he could have been a sure top ten pick in better shape and it’s pretty obvious.  Sullinger has more endurance, quickness, and is getting up and down the court much better than he did as a freshman.  He’s become a better mid range shooter, even though he rarely needs to display the talent because he’s soo dominant in the paint in college.  Is a great rebounder on both ends and the weight loss has made him a better out of space rebounder as well.  He won’t be a superstar, but he will be a solid pro for the next ten years.

6. Andre Drummond C/PF 6-11 275lbs UConn Fr. : Is a legit big man, with freakish athleticism and if he puts in the work as did Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum, he could be a star in this league for a long time.  But honestly, I really believe he could use another year in college to hone his skills and just play more basketball.  But if he comes out this year, he will most likely go in the top 3 picks.  He’s one of the biggest risk/reward picks to come through in a long time.  He could be Howard/Bynum good, or be Kwame Brown or Patrick O’Bryant.

7. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF/SG 6-6 215lbs Kentucky Fr. : Is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve seen in college basketball in a long time.  And the fact that he’s soo talented and was heavily recruited and puts forth this effort makes me as a scout drool and I know NBA scouts and GM’s love this kid.  He is an elite defender, great rebounder for a player his size, and has a knack for driving to the hole and drawing contact while being able to finish as well.  His outside shot needs work and maybe his ball handling, but he seems to be the type of kid who will live in the gym and get better.

8. Bradley Beal SG/PG 6-5 198lbs Florida Fr: Is a well built player for a 18 year old kid, with classic combo guard skills.  Has range on his jump shot, the ability to put it on the floor and finish at the rim in traffic.  Is a very good and willing defender as well.  His long arms allow him to play bigger than his actual height.  Loads of potential with this kid.

9. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 185lbs SG UConn So. : Lamb has spent a majority of the season in the top 5, but his play has fallen off and I’m starting to get a little worried.  I still believe he’s a lottery pick, but he needs to have a strong finish in the regular season and a good showing in the Big East tourney to lock himself in as a 10 top pick.  His energy’s been low over the last five games, and its obvious on the defensive end of the court.

10. Meyers Leonard C 7-1 245lbs Illinois So. : I’m starting to like this kid and his game more each time I watch him play.  He has so much ability, but I think he defers to the wing players on his team, such as Brandon Paul too often.  He is a great athlete, really gets off of the ground well for a player his size, has a nice touch in the paint and goes up hard, trying to dunk pretty much everything close to the basket.  Another year in college might do him well, but if I were giving him advice right now, I wouldn’t be against it.

Next Five: Terrence Jones PF/SF  6-8 250lbs Kentucky So., Cody Zeller PF/C 6-10 215lbs Indiana Fr, Quincy Miller SF/PF 6-9-210lbs Baylor Fr , Tony Wroten Jr PG/SG 6-5 210lbs Washington Fr, Terrence Ross SG/SF 6-7 190lbs Washington So.

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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Malik Rose Drops by The War Room!

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Former Drexel Dragon/San Antonio Spur/New York Knick and current color commentator for the Philadelphia 76ers Malik Rose will be in The War Room this Thursday, February 9th to discuss his NBA career, some pressing NBA topics, and his transition from NBA baller to NBA announcer!

Tune in Thursday, February 9th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Malik!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Market and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

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Eli Manning: Undoubtedly Elite

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

By Devin McMillan

It all started back in August (2011) on a New York City radio show.  Show host Michael Kay asked New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning if he considers himself an “elite” quarterback, in the class of say……3-time Superbowl champion and American Golden Boy, Tom Brady.  Eli’s response?…

“I consider myself in that class.  Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he’s a great player, and what you’ve seen with him is he’s gotten better every year.  He started off winning championships and I think he’s a better quarterback now than what he was, in all honesty, when he was winning those championships.  I think now he’s grown up and gotten better every year and that’s what I’m trying to do.  I kind of hope these next seven years of my quarterback days are my best.”

America’s response?…

Eli’s comments were met with laughter, ridicule, and in some circles, even a little anger.  No one believed him.  But what was he supposed to say?  Was he supposed to say, “no, I’m not in that class, I’ll never get any better than I was the last time you saw me, Tom Brady is my daddy”?  Had he spoken with that sort of lack of confidence, the firestorm of criticism may have been even greater than what he received for exuding the utmost confidence in his talent, skill level, and abilities.  What would Giants fans have thought had Eli cowered in the face of what should have been viewed as a challenge to him to become the very best he could be?  I wonder if they even believed him.  I’ve had discussions with Giants fans in the past few years who wouldn’t even say that Eli was the best quarterback in the NFC East, let alone one of the better signal callers in the league; a ridiculous notion if you ask me.

I believed Eli’s comments to Michael Kay, and had been a believer for quite some time prior to them.  I had long before noticed his propensity to shine in clutch moments and I believed he was well on his way to climbing from underneath the huge shadow cast over him by his older brother.  Only this was a belief difficult to defend due to the stat-lackey nature of most sports fans.  Though Eli Manning tossed the pigskin around for 4002 yards and a career high 31 touchdowns in the Giants’ 10-6 2010 season, football fans chose to concentrate on the one glaring statistic that could legitimize their arguments against Eli’s ascension into the conversation of the elite…the 25 interceptions.  Forget the 156 touchdown passes up to that point.  Forget the 4000 yard seasons that have become a trend as he improved as a QB.  Forget the 60-43 record as a starter.  Forget the 13 4th quarter comebacks and the 16 game winning drives.  Forget the Superbowl win after the 2007 season.  Forget the Superbowl MVP he EARNED with his performance in that game vs the then 18-0 New England Patriots.  Forget all of that stuff and just for a minute watch the game and make a judgment without a boxscore and preconceived notions.  It would serve the world better if more of us would learn to administer the “eye test” from time to time rather than depend on Sportscenter highlights to form our sports opinions (That’ll be the day…).  This was Eli Manning in a nutshell through the 2010 season.

Then came “the comments”.  Eli had boldly stated his arrival to a nation full of cynics.  And all he did after that was have his best season as a pro.  In the all-important 2011 campaign, Manning completed 61% of his passes, for 4933 yards, to go along with 29 TDs, 16 INTs, a QB rating of 92.9, 7 more 4th quarter comebacks, and 8 more game winning drives; all while the Giants struggled to a 9-7 record and a division title in an unexpectedly weak NFC East.  He also threw an NFL record 15- 4th quarter touchdowns; a record originally set by Johnny Unitas (14) and shared with Eli’s older brother, Peyton.  In the postseason, he raised his game even more, completing 65% of his passes, for 1219 yards, to go along with 9 TDs, 1 INT, a QB rating of 103.3, 2 more 4th quarter comebacks and 2 more game winning drives.  This run consisted of a home win vs Atlanta and 3 road wins vs the NFC #1 seeded, 15-1 defending champion Packers, the #2 seeded 49ers, and a Superbowl rematch with the AFC #1 seeded Patriots.

In my opinion, Superbowl XLVI was Eli’s finest hour.  Not because he had his finest game or anything of that nature; but because after all of the intense scrutiny that commenced prior to the season because of his comments, he was in a position to “zip-up” all of his critics in a Superbowl rematch with arguably the greatest quarterback, coach, and dynasty of this or any era…and boy did he deliver!  On the biggest stage in sports, Eli went 30/40, for 296 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs, with a 103.8 QB rating.  Though quite efficient, it wasn’t Eli’s statistics that were most impressive (which it usually isn’t).  It was the calm and poise he once again demonstrated, but this time in the biggest moments of the biggest game of his life.  Eli Manning’s most important season ever came down to the wire with another one of his signature 4th quarter comebacks and another one of his signature game winning drives.  On that final drive, Eli went 5-6 for 76 yards, including a beautiful 38-yard sideline throw and catch from Manning to Manningham, capped off with a 6-yard Bradshaw rushing TD…”by mistake”.  The evening culminated with Eli hoisting his second Lombardi trophy and his second Superbowl MVP at the expense of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots, and anyone who still refuses to give Eli Manning his “just due” for being the “elite” winner that he is.

Besides his proverbial trip to Disney World, Eli’s night came complete with a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible Centennial Edition (fit for an MVP) and these comments from his also often-embattled head coach, Tom Coughlin:

“That was quite a drive that he was able to put together.  He deserves all the credit in the world, because he really has put his team on his shoulders all year.”

Anyone with eyes and an objective opinion can see that Tom Coughlin is right.  The brightest spot of a struggling Giants team all season was the play of their quarterback.  Unlike Kevin Durant, Eli Manning didn’t sport a backpack at his press conferences.  But he damn sure hung a big blue one off his shoulder pads for 3 hours every Sunday this Fall.  I understand as much as anyone that football is the ultimate TEAM game and that no one wins or loses by themselves.  If not for the Giants front four stepping up to help late in the season, or their running game eventually showing up in the playoffs, or their entire team deciding down the stretch that they were “all in” for an historic run, Sunday night may not have happened.  However, not many thought that Eli Manning had a chance in the world to remotely live up to his reply to that dreaded Michael Kay question on an innocent August day.  Has he made you a b-ELI-ever yet?  No matter how you slice it, you definitely can no longer spell “elite” without Eli.

Take off your backpack Eli.  You can rest your shoulders now…and maybe; just maybe, the doubters can rest their mouths.

Devin McMillan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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Superbowl XLVI Preview

Saturday, February 4th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Well, the biggest sporting event of the year is finally here, Super Bowl XLVI.  The 46th installment will feature the Eli Manning-led New York Giants versus Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, who are looking for their 4th Super Bowl ring over the last eleven seasons.  I will breakdown each phase of the game: Offense, Defense, Special Teams, for each team and give out my winner against the point spread afterwards.

Also be sure to catch Sports Trap Radio, Saturdays from 10am to 2pm live on http://ueradiolive.com/ , hosted by Brandon Pemberton (@BrandonOnSports) and Chris Marshall (@215_Sports_Guy).  We will bring you the realness, each and every Saturday morning, no holds barred, no opinions withheld.  Be sure to listen in and feel free to call in and join in on the conversation and debate.

Offense

Giants: Eli Manning has had the best season of his career, carrying this team on his back all season.  The running game has been pretty non-existent for much of the season, being as though Ahmad Bradshaw missed four games due to a foot injury.  Brandon Jacobs, who is one of the team’s emotional leaders, had a mediocre season, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry and compiling 571 yards in 14 games.  But offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has done a great job calling plays by running the ball anyway, keeping teams honest and allowing the Giants offensive line to be physical and not retreat all game.

The Giants passing game has been its bread and butter all season and for them to win the game, they will need Manning to continue to play at the elite level that he’s been at over the last two months.  People laughed at him during the preseason when he said he was one of the league’s elite, and up to this point he’s done nothing but prove everyone wrong.  The trio of wide receivers: Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Mario Manningham are among the league’s best.  Add in tight end Jake Ballard, who has been a pleasant surprise in the passing game and you have a deadly offense that can put up points fast.

Keys: The Giants will obviously need to protect Manning, not turn the ball over, and have some sort of running game to be an effective offensive unit and win the game.

Patriots: The Patriots offense is obviously driven by the future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who is looking for his fourth title and revenge of the Pats’ loss in the title game four years ago.  The Pats offense is very explosive, but in a rare way, a way that we’ve never seen in the NFL before to my recollection.  The Patriots best offensive weapons are their super duo at tight end, Rob Gronkowski (90 rec, 1327 yards, 17 TD) and Aaron Hernandez (79 rec, 910 yards, 7 TD), but you can’t forget about Wes Welker (122 rec, 1569 yards, 9 TD) as well.  Welker has kind of been forgotten because of the excellent play of the tight ends but he will be lined up in the slot against the 3rd corner or Antrel Rolle, who often plays corner in the slot as well.  Gronkowski is nursing a high ankle sprain and practiced for the first time on Thursday, so we will see how effective he is during the game.  He is Brady’s favorite red zone threat.

Four years ago, the Giants were able to get constant pressure on Brady with their front four defensively.  The Pats’ offensive line must do a better job protecting Brady in this game.  We all know when he is knocked around and has to move off of his spot and rush, he isn’t as effective.  The Patriots don’t have much of a rushing game, but when given the chance, BenJarvus Green-Ellis can be effective.  He is a big battering ram, who does well between the tackles, in short yardage situations and at the goal line, as he scored 11 TD’s during the regular season.  Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley get their fair share of carries as well, and are used in the short passing game.

Keys: Offensive line must protect Brady well; allow him to get comfortable in the pocket, Gronkowski’s ankle: How effective will he be?  How long will he be able to play?  They will need some sort of deep threat (via Ochocinco or Slater) in the passing game.  Also, be on the watch for the Patriots running screens to Woodhead and even Hernandez to slow down the Giants pass rush.

Defense

Giants: The Giants’ defense has gotten hot at the right time of the year, and is a big part of the reason why the Giants are playing in this game.  The defensive line is putting supreme pressure on the opposing teams’ quarterbacks, and playing well against the run.  The linebacker play was brutal the first 13 weeks of the season, but during the last 4 weeks and the playoffs, the linebackers have been great.  Led by Micheal Boley and Chase Blackburn, who was on his way to retiring, the linebacker core has been solid against the run and pass.  They will have their hands full dealing with the likes of Gronkowski, Hernandez, Welker, and Woodhead in the passing game though.

They might not get a lot of press, but cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are solid pros who don’t make many mistakes in coverage.  They are also willing tacklers in the run game and against tight ends and backs out of the backfield.  The Giants play three safeties on passing downs plenty, and Rolle, Dion Grant and Kenny Phillips are all good in coverage and devastating hitters as well.  They look to separate the ball from receivers frequently.

Keys: They must get to Tom Brady early and often. Get him frustrated, make him rush and he might turn it over. Try to contain the tight ends, when they make catches, they must be tackled immediately.

Patriots: The Patriots defense coming into the playoffs was ranked 31st of 32 teams in yards given up per game.  They were in the top half of the league as far as giving up points, ranked 15th as they have given up 21.4 points per game.  But in two playoff games they are giving up 325 yards per game and only 15 points.  They are doing a decent job right now getting a pass rush and it’s generated not only from the outside, but with a great push up the middle.

Early in the season the Pats were going with a 4-3 base defense and was unable to get any sort of pass rush, and it left the defensive backfield out to dry.  Belichick has since gone back to the traditional 3-4, but he often mixes his fronts and personnel as well during games.  Nose tackle Vincent Wilfork played out of his mind two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens.  He was a force in the middle of the line and he dominated the line of scrimmage against the pass and the run. Outside linebackers Mark Anderson and Rob Ninkovich must get pressure on Eli Manning, knock him around, force a fumble, an interception, something.  If they allow him to stand back there, he and the trio of receivers will tear this defense apart.  The Patriots are solid versus the run and should have no problem stopping the Giants running attack.

The defensive backfield for the Pats will be tested on Sunday for sure.  They will have to be at their best going up against the Giants passing game.  Whether it’s Nicks down field, Cruz in the slot, or Manningham on the outside, they cannot afford to have any blown coverage, missed assignments, or missed tackles.  Expect plenty of Cover 3 and man coverage with two safeties over the top to keep the Giants from making too many big plays down the field.

Keys: Get a pass rush and force Eli into mistakes. No blown coverage, eliminate the giants big plays downfield. Tackle the Giants WR’s after the catch.

 

Special Teams

Giants: Giants special teams play has been pretty solid all season.  Devin Thomas is not only their kick returner, but also one of their best kick and punt coverage guys as well.  Lawrence Tynes kicked the game winner two weeks ago, sending the Giants to the Super Bowl and Weatherford did a great job getting the snap down.  Their return game is special, Thomas runs kicks and Ross fields the punts.

Patriots: The Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski made 28-33 FG’s during the regular season.  He only attempted 2 outside of 50 yards and made one.  Punter Zoltan Mesko is one of the NFL’s best and he does a good job putting punts down between the goal line and 20 yard line.  Julian Edelman and Danny Woodhead split the kick return duties, while Edelman returns punts.  Edelman has taken a punt back 72 yards for a TD this season.

My Prediction: This is going to be a great game to watch.  The Patriots are a three point favorite in Vegas and if the line was a bit bigger I would be certain that they would win.  But I don’t know how healthy Gronkowski is and I love the way the Giants are playing as a team right now.  Eli Manning could win his 2nd title with a win on Sunday, putting him in the elite of the elite.

Giants 29 Patriots 27

Super Bowl MVP: Hakeem Nicks

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports and Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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Kobe Bryant vs Father Time and Mother Nature

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

By Bradley Anderson

Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the most polarizing figures in sports history.  He is also without much argument the second best shooting guard to ever live, and to some a top 5 player of all time.  We’ve witnessed an amazing 15-year career which has given us rings, scoring titles, an 81-point BIG-BANG EXTINCTION LEVEL EVENT, we’ve seen him cheat on his Vanessa, we’ve seen him snitch on Shaq, we’ve seen him shoot, dunk, finger roll, dunk…and shoot again.  Some say “he doesn’t trust his teammates”, “he’s too selfish”, “he’s a pistol/gun/uzi/bazooka/scud/ball-stopping hog who refuses to pass” (but would you pass to Kwame, Smush, and Derek?).  “He isn’t Mike” (this is my favorite because I used to use that both in my own mind and to others).  At 33, most professional basketball players are winding down from their prime years if not preparing for that exit stage left in 2 to 4 years.  Production dips, 25 ppg scorers become 16 ppg scorers, 2 steals a game becomes 0.8 steals per game…and ultimately…those guaranteed 22 shots per game becomes 10 or 11.  This isn’t basketball, this is the human experience.  You cannot box with God, Father Time, or Mother Nature…you will lose.  Michael Jordan didn’t listen and Kobe Bryant isn’t listening.  With 15 years of service in, it’s not without reason that the whispers of fading athleticism and diminishing skills have become an audible undertone.  It’s reasonable.  The average player Kobe’s age is suffering “the slow down”.  But with 15 years already in, Kobe should be stopping.  He’s not.

Just some Facts:

First NBA player this season to score over 40 points, with a 48-point outburst against the Phoenix Suns on 1/10/2012.  He followed that up the very next night with a 40-point performance in Utah, making him one of only THREE players in NBA HISTORY (Shaq and Kareem) to post back-to-back 40 point nights in their 16th NBA season.
He’s averaging more points (on less shots), more assists, and more rebounds per game than in any of his three previous seasons.

-1st in ppg, 1st in total points scored.

-Every other player in the top 10 is 26 years old or younger

-Has 364 points through his first 12 games this season. That is the third most since 1985 among players who are at least 33 years old. (Kobe [who has done this while being in the league
 16 seasons], Bernard King [my favorite 3-man of all time], and Michael Jeffery Jordan [who had the benefit of fewer miles…Kobe has 14 playoff appearances]).

-In NBA history, only 2 other players have scored 48 points in a single game and have been in their 16th season.  The other two are HOF’ers, multiple Finals MVP winners, and NBA MVP winners.

-109 games with 40 points or more. Most by active player.

-17 in the 1st quarter vs the Suns – most in a quarter by a player 33 or older since MJ.

Comments from Kobe’s mouth courtesy of Tuesday night’s post game interview:

“Not bad for the seventh-best player in the league”… [referring to an online ranking of the NBA’s top 500 players].
 

“If I play bad or have one bad game like I did in Denver, everybody cries for a change or cries for the fact that I’m too old.  It’s just a bad game with a bad wrist” [referring to his 16 points in a loss against the Nuggets on New Year’s Day].  “You got to figure out a way to get it done.”

From his teammate, Derek Fisher: 

“He’s always going to be aggressive and assertive to score, but he’s picking his spots and he’s doing it in a very efficient manner”…
“That [the 48 vs the Suns] ranks it right up there with the best of them because it doesn’t look like he’s trying to do it.  He’s just doing it within the flow of the game. That’s been very effective for him and for us.”

From 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash: 

“He’s the best player in the game, so you come to expect that type of performance from him, if not regularly, then throughout the season at different times…He was phenomenal.”

Suns’ leading scorer from Lakers-Suns game Channing Frye:

“If he don’t care about his wrist, I don’t care about his wrist…Everybody makes a big deal about it, but he’s been scoring 28, 30 a game.  So let’s just call it what it is.  He’s a great player, he’s the best individual player in basketball, and every night he comes to work.  For us, we don’t like losing to the Lakers.  But they came out and played a good game, and he played an amazing game.”

The thing that puts Kobe in that rare air…we are witnessing COMPETITIVE GREATNESS…willing himself to win rounds in a fight against Father Time and Mother Nature.

Bradley Anderson of The War Room, for War Room Sports                               

 

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Wes Manchild Will Be Rockin’ With The Best (The War Room)

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Hip-Hop producer Wes Manchild will be in The War Room this Thursday, December 8th to discuss Hip-Hop, his recent award nomination, and of course…SPORTS!

Tune in Thursday, December 8th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Wes!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, check for Wes Manchild on Twitter @WesManchild and check out some of his tracks at www.soundcloud.com/wesmanchild.

You should also join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/WarRoomSports (@WarRoomSports)!

If you are interested in the 2011 Philly Hip-Hop Awards, where Wes is nominated for Best Producer, follow them on Twitter @2011PhilaAwards.

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Market and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content!

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Jackson’s MMA Cleans House at TUF Season 14 Finale and The Warrior’s

Monday, December 5th, 2011

By Tommy Comeau

Diego Brandao and John “The Magician” Dodson did well to represent Greg Jackson’s MMA in Albuquerque, NM Saturday evening, winning their respective Featherweight and Bantamweight bouts and earning the title of “The Ultimate Fighter” for this final season on SPIKE TV.  The UFC has on their hands arguably the two TUF winners with the most legitimate odds of truly contending in their respective divisions at the UFC level since the first 3 seasons of the reality TV show produced fighters for us the likes of Forrest Griffin, Josh Koscheck, Chris Leben,Kenny Florian, Rashad Evans, and Michael Bisping.

Greg Jackson (left) & War Room Sports Writer Tommy Comeau (right)

For true fight purists who favor passion and aggression in the heat of battle over technical prowess and well executed game plans, it’s going to be difficult not to find appeal in Featherweight Diego Brandao.  Diego is a fiery, emotional Brazilian who won all of his fights inside the Ultimate Fighter house with first round KO’s.  His style is representative of the old-school Brazilian Vale’ Tudo, made famous by the likes of Wanderlei Silva and Maricio Rua.

Diego Brandao

However, it’s not what Diego does inside the cage that I find the most enthralling.  Having grown up in the slums, he made a death bed promise to his Father to watch over his Mother at all costs.  I find it hard to deny his purpose in life and therefore fighting, especially in light of the relative atmosphere inside the house on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality TV show.  A midst young 20 something American guys with more tattoos and TAPOUT clothing than skill or genuine appeal, Diego’s simple, brutal, aggression and drive were a breath of fresh air throughout the season.  During his post-fight interview, Diego proclaimed that he would be returning to Brazil to buy his Mother a home, and try to get his Brothers off of the streets. Stay tuned as Diego appears primed to make his mark on the UFC Featherweight division.  Imagine a clash between Diego and current Featherweight champion and fellow Brazilian Jose Aldo?

Tommy Comeau, for War Room Sports

Tommy Comeau lives in Washington, D.C. and is War Room Sports’ Mid-Atlantic Region MMA Correstpondent.

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73 Year Olds Brawl at CFL Alumni Luncheon

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011

By Devin McMillan

Joe Kapp and Angelo Mosca have somewhat of a shaky past.  But before I explain their animosity-filled history and what led to the bizarre scene in the video below, I’ll tell you a little bit about the men themselves.

Joe Kapp is a former pro quarterback for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.  He was also once general manager of those same Lions and is a current member of the College Football and Canadian Football Halls of Fame.  Kapp is the only player in history to play QB in the Rose Bowl, Grey Cup, and the Super Bowl.

Angelo Mosca is also a Canadian Football Hall of Famer.  He was a defensive tackle who played in more Grey Cup games than any other player in CFL history (9) and won 5 championships.  He then went on to become a professional wrestler under the monikers “King Kong Mosca” and “The Mighty Hercules”.

The animosity between these two men stems from the infamous (if you’re from Canada) 1963 Grey Cup game between the BC Lions (Kapp’s team) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Mosca’s team).    During the contest, Mosca put Lions star running back Willie Fleming out of the game with a late-hit, out-of-bounds.  Kapp, his teammates, and many fans believed that because of that hit, Mosca’s Tiger-Cats went on to win the game, and Kapp refused to shake his hand afterwards.

This past Friday, at a pre-99th Grey Cup alumni legends event, the two were called to the stage at the same time.  Joe Kapp tried to make peace by presenting Angelo Mosca with a flower.  When Mosca refused, this is what ensued:

Devin McMillan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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