Posts Tagged ‘The War Room’

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Dwyane Wade For Sale!

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

For Sale

 

The Miami Heat was formed in the summer of 2010 with the “Big 3” that consists of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.  Each one was a star before they joined forces but none of them, in their current situation, were in a position to win an NBA Championship.  Not even Dwyane Wade who had already won a championship with the Heat.
This team is like a science project.  The CONTROL was each player on their original team by themselves, where each player would not become champions before joining forces.  The HYPOTHESIS, is LeBron James saying, “not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7 championships”.  After one year, we would have to start coming to the conclusion that this project just might not validate the HYPOTHESIS of a return in championships.
In any sport, a successful team wins championships due to the chemistry they display throughout the year.  It is clear that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade cannot play at their maximum ability on the same team.  They are both the same player and take up each other’s space.  It would be like Dwight Howard and Shaq starting on the same team.  So, what is the answer?  Let’s dissect the situation.  When the Miami Heat play without Lebron James, they are a .500 team with a record of 5-5.  When the Miami Heat play without Dwyane Wade, they are 9-1 with a .900 winning percentage.  I have to come to the conclusion that the Miami Heat are a more effective team without Dwyane Wade.
So, let’s look at the Miami Heat’s weaknesses.  We can all come to the conclusion that they need help at the point guard and center positions.  Since Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum are the only good centers in the league, let us direct our attention to the point guard position.  The best point guard available is Deron Williams who will be a free agent at the end of this year and has no intentions on staying in New Jersey.  Why don’t we play GM Pat Riley for a second.  Let’s trade Dwyane Wade to the New Jersey Nets for Deron Williams.  Since Dwyane has a couple of years left on his contract, New Jersey would take him in a heartbeat since they could draw more players to play with Wade.  New Jersey could sign and trade Deron Williams so that Miami would have him under contract.  Check out my proposed Miami Heat starting five.
PG Deron Williams
SG LeBron James
SF Shane Battier
PF Chris Bosh
C   Joel Anthony
That starting five would be more effective than the current Miami starting five due to better chemistry with Deron Williams adding his eight assists per game.  A great point guard makes the game easy for everyone.  Just ask Kareem, Worthy, Scott, and Cooper.   
In conclusion, the Miami Heat can continue being one of the most entertaining teams in the league, or start addressing the chemistry problems and become a DYNASTY.

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2012 Final Four Preview

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

Well, one of the biggest sporting events in the world is now down to the Final Four teams, after beginning with 68.  As I sat at work and thought about it, we will watch four great teams from the top 4 power conferences in college hoops: Louisville (Big East), Kentucky (SEC), Kansas (Big 12), and Ohio State (Big Ten).  While in the past few years, we have seen some small schools make deep runs in the tourney, this year there weren’t as many upsets.  Honestly, I could see any of these four teams winning it all.  In college hoops, you only have to be the best team on that day, contrary to the NBA where it’s a seven-game series and the best team most likely finds a way to win.

I will preview each matchup and give my prediction, including the title game as well.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio on Saturdays from 10am-2pm as Chris Marshall and I give you four hours of sports radio in the rawest form.  ueradiolive.com Call in 267-519-1111

Robinson (L) & Sullinger (R)

2 Kansas (31-6) vs 2 Ohio State (31-7)

I’m really looking forward to this match-up.  There’s plenty of talent that will be on display, especially in the paint.  Naismith Player of the Year candidate and future top five NBA draft pick Thomas Robinson will face off against the Buckeyes’ Jared Sullinger, who isn’t a slouch his damn self.

Backcourt:

Kansas: The Jayhawks have a starting guard tandem of Tyshawn Taylor and Elijah Johnson and they are both explosive going to the rim, and they have the ability to hit the outside shot.  They are also great one-on-one defenders and expect Taylor to defend OSU’s Aaron Craft and Johnson to check William Buford.  Travis Releford, who is a good role player and a defensive specialist as well, should see some time checking Buford as well.  His 6’6′ frame could give him more problems than the 6’4′ Johnson.  Connor Teahan is a deadly spot up shooter who if left open can get hot.  Tyshawn Taylor played his best game of the NCAA Tourney against UNC in the Elite 8 game and he will need a similar performance in order for Kansas to advance to the title game.

Ohio State: Aaron Craft is the heart and sole of this Buckeye team, even as a sophomore.  He might not be the most talented player on the roster, but he is the leader.  Arguably the best perimeter defender in college hoops, Craft sets the tone for his team with hard-nosed play on both ends of the floor.  William Buford at times can look like a sure lottery pick with his smooth stroke on his outside shot and ability to score from the mid range as well.  He will be the wildcard as always for Ohio St.  The better he plays, the better chance the Buckeyes have of winning.  Lenzelle Smith Jr. was big against Syracuse and is a streaky shooter and plays a solid role for OSU.  Shannon Scott spells Aaron Craft at the point if he needs a break or gets in foul trouble.

Frontcourt:

Kansas: Thomas Robinson is a flat out stud, there’s no denying that.  He’s a legit candidate to win the player of the year award and a sure fire top 5 NBA pick.  He is a freak athlete, monster on the boards, and defends with the best of them.  He could give Sullinger problems on both ends of the court.  Jeff Withey is a defensive game changer with his shot blocking and shot changing ability and he is good on the boards as well.  Kevin Young is a rarely used freshman who will see key minutes if Robinson or Withey happen to get in foul trouble.

Ohio State: Forwards Jared Sullinger and Deshuan Thomas have been doing teams dirty in and outside of the paint.  Against Syracuse, Thomas was key playing at the foul line of the 2-3 zone of the Orange.  He was able to make the mid-range shot or make the right pass out for open threes or to Sullinger in the paint.  Sullinger had his way down low after spending much of the first half on the bench in foul trouble.  Sullinger has had problems with fouls in the past, but Amir Williams and Evan Ravenel have given Thad Matta solid minutes when called upon.

My Prediction: I really thought Kansas played its best game of the tourney and season against UNC last weekend, but the Tarheels were without Kendall Marshall and weren’t the same team.  Tyshawn Taylor and Thomas Robinson must have big games in order for the Jayhawks to win.  If Robinson or Withey gets into any sort of foul trouble, Kansas will be in trouble.

Ohio St. is great defensively, takes great care of the ball, and is getting points in the paint and from the outside.  Aaron Craft is that classic college point guard, similar to Mateen Cleaves in 2001, who can lead his team to the title.  As I’ve said in the past, William Buford and Deshaun Thomas will be the key to victory for the Buckeyes.  Jared Sullinger will draw plenty of attention and that will leave plenty of room for Buford and Thomas to operate.

OSU 68 Kansas 66

Siva (L) & Davis (R)

4 Louisville (30-9) vs. 1 Kentucky (36-2)

 Talk about rivalry!!!!  This in-state battle of the titans should be epic!  We have the future Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino and his Big East Champion Cardinal team, vs John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats, loaded with at least six future NBA players.  This rivalry is so deep that two men in the hospital hooked to dialysis machines got into a fist-fight over the game.  But seriously, Kentucky is the big favorite, as Vegas has them a 9-point favorite.  This is college basketball though, the Wildcats have more talent overall, but all it takes is some foul trouble, turnovers, and then anything is possible.

Backcourt:

Louisville: Louisville is led by point guard Peyton Siva offensively.  At times he can be reckless and careless with the basketball, and other times he plays lights out.  He has been in foul trouble the last two games of the tourney and he cannot afford to be sitting on the bench against the Wildcats.  Chris and Russ Smith, along with Kyle Kuric are all experienced players and have the ability to make 3-point shots in big spots.  Expect to see Kuric draw the tough assignment of checking Kidd-Gilchrist throughout the game.  The guards are going to have to make outside shots and take care of the ball in order to get the win.  You don’t want to deal with Kentucky in the open court.

Kentucky: The play of point guard Marquis Teague has gotten better since the beginning of the season.  Kentucky really needs him to run the team, get players in the proper places, and not turn the ball over.  He is at his best when he’s getting in the lane and creating for others.  Doron Lamb is one of the most underrated players in college basketball.  He’s shooting a blistering 47% from behind the three point line and is clearly the team’s best outside shooter.  His high basketball IQ allows him to find open spots on the court to get shots off and he is crafty going to the hole, using the floater to score over the bigs in the paint.  Darius Miller, a holdover from the Billy Gillespie regime, brings senior leadership, shooting and defensive versatility to the table.  At 6’7′ he’s able to guard multiple positions on the wing and in the paint.

Frontcourt:

Louisville: The Cardinals are young but talented up in their frontcourt, as Gorgui Dieng and Chane Behanan have played big in the tourney.  Dieng, who’s just a sophomore, is active on both the offensive and defensive boards, and is a great shot blocker and changer.  Behanan at only 6’6′ carves out space in the post and has a variety of moves he uses to score over taller defenders.  He also has the ability to put it on the floor and go by bigger and slower defenders as well.  Jared Swopshire comes off the bench and gives Dieng and Behanan some rest when needed.

Kentucky: The Wildcats sport three first round draft picks on their frontline: Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Terrence Jones.  Davis is the surefire top pick in the draft, Naismith Award winner and Defensive player of the year.  His ability to control the game defensively is the best I’ve seen in the college game since Alonzo Mourning.  He has Kevin Garnett-type potential at the next level and his offensive versatility is pretty damn good as well.

Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the most unselfish top-flight basketball players I’ve seen in my 25 years of watching.  He’s put his ego to the side and put the team first and he is the glue guy for Kentucky.  He’s their best perimeter defender, pounds the offensive glass, and takes it to the hole and finishes with the best of them.  He scored 24 points and grabbed 19 rebounds against Louisville earlier this season.  Terrence Jones is the classic stretch four, nice outside jump shot and has the ability to score inside off of lobs and putbacks. Kyle Wiltjer is a spot up shooter who’s job is to stretch the defense and force teams out of the zone.

My Prediction: Louisville head coach Rick Pitino has been playing mind games all week when speaking to the media, trying to put all the pressure on the favorite Kentucky Wildcats.  Best believe Pitino will have a game plan designed to slow down Kentucky, it’s just going to be up to his players to execute.  Peyton Siva must value the ball, get in the paint and kick it out for open threes and get looks for Behanan and Dieng in order for the Cardinals to have a shot.

If Kentucky plays it’s best basketball, Louisville has no shot of winning this game.  Kentucky is one of the best defensive teams in the country and the fact that Calipari can get the top players in the country to come there and actually buy in, defend and play team ball is amazing.  The only weakness I see in this team is their depth, if they get in foul trouble it could change the tide of the game.  At times Davis has gotten in foul trouble during the season and they are a totally different team without him in the game.  But this is Kentucky’s year to get to the title game.

Kentucky 70 Louisville 59


I will release my Championship Game preview and prediction on Sunday via brandononsports.com, hiphopsince1987.com and warroomsports.com as well.

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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Top 50 NFL Draft Prospects

Friday, March 30th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

With the 2012 NFL Draft four weeks away, I have decided to release my annual list of top 50 prospects in the draft.  My list is based upon my personal opinion and scouting.  Yes my list will differ from the likes of Mel Kiper Jr, Todd McShay, and Charlie Casserly, because I have my own views and opinions on players.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio from 10am-2pm this Saturday and every Saturday live on ueradiolive.com, hosted by myself (Brandon Pemberton) and my homie Chris Marshall (@215_sports_guy). We will discuss this list, the Final Four, and much more.  Call in and join the convo! 267-519-1111!

Also be on the lookout for my top ten players by position as well!  Yall know I go in!!!!! #SportsTrappinBran

1. Matt Kalil OT USC 6’6′ 306lbs

2. Trent Richardson RB Alabama 5’9′ 228lbs

3. Morris Claiborne CB LSU 5’11’ 178lbs

4. Robert Griffin III QB Baylor 6’2 1/2 223lbs

5. Andrew Luck QB Stanford 6’4′ 234lbs

6. Riley Reiff OT Iowa 6’6′ 313lbs

7. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St. 6’1′ 207lbs

8. Quinton Coples DE UNC 6’6′ 284lbs

9. Melvin Ingram DE/OLB South Carolina 6’2′ 276lbs

10. David Decastro OG Stanford 6’5′ 316lbs

11. Mark Barron S Alabama 6’1′ 213lbs

12. Michael Brockers DT LSU 6’6′ 322lbs

13. Fletcher Cox DT/DE Miss St. 6’4′ 298lbs

14. Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama 5’10’ 193lbs

15. Courtney Upshaw DE/OLB Alabama 6’2′ 272lbs

16. Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama 6’2′ 265lbs

17. Luke Kuechly ILB Boston College 6’3′ 242lbs

18. Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia 6’5′ 3/4 345lbs

19. Dontari Poe NT/DT Memphis 6’4′ 345lbs

20. Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6’3′ 220lbs

21. Andre Branch DE/OLB Clemson 6’4′ 258lbs

22. Jonathan Martin OT Stanford 6’5′ 312lbs

23. Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5’10’ 196lbs

24. Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6’6′ 247lbs

25. Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina 6’0′ 1/2 190lbs

26. Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama 6’2′ 186lbs

27. Devon Still DT Penn State 6’5′ 303lbs

28. Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St. 6’2′ 308lbs

29. Reuben Randle WR LSU 6’3′ 210lbs

30. Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois 6’4′ 260lbs

31. Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M 6’4′ 221lbs

32. Chandler Jones DE/OLB Syracuse 6’5′ 247lbs

33. Lamar Miller RB Miami 5’11’ 212lbs

34. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6’4′ 314lbs

35. Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6’7′ 323lbs

36. Kendall Reyes DT UConn 6’4′ 299lbs

37. Doug Martin RB Boise St. 5’9′ 223lbs

38. Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska 5’10’ 204lbs

39. David Wilson RB Va Tech 5’10’ 206lbs

40. Peter Konz C Wisconsin 6’5′ 314lbs

41. Brandon Thompson DT Clemson 6’2′ 314lbs

42. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson 6’5′ 255lbs

43. Lavonte David OLB Nebraska 6’1′ 233lbs

44. Zach Brown OLB UNC 6’1′ 244lbs

45. Nick Perry DE/OLB 6’3′ 271lbs

46. Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6’2′ 213lbs

47. Mychal Kendricks ILB Cal 5’11’ 249lbs

48. Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St. 6’4′ 221lbs

49. Alshon Jeffrey WR South Carolina 6’3′ 214lbs

50. Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech 6’4′ 215lbs

Brandon Pemberton of Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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Legend in the Making…

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

Who is the best college basketball player?  Some would say Anthony Davis.  Others would say it is Thomas Robinson.  I’m going to take it to a whole different direction.  This person plays on the only undefeated team still playing.  That would be Baylor’s Superstar center Brittney Griner. 

Before you guys start forming an opinion, let me hit you with some facts.  I’m going to compare her stats with the First Team All-American Men’s selections.

Thomas Robinson  17.9 ppg  11.8 rpg   1.9 apg

Anthony Davis      14.3 ppg  10.1 rpg   4.6 bpg

Draymond Green   16.1 ppg   10.4 rpg  3.6 apg

Jared Sullinger      17.6 ppg     9.3 rpg  1.2 apg

Doug McDermott  23.2 ppg   8.2 rpg  1.1 apg

Brittney Griner  23.4 PPG 9.4 RPG 5.2 BPG  
This player is in a league of her own.  When have you seen a player dominate the game like she has this year?  Her team, as of today, is 38-0.  That is what I call LEADING BY EXAMPLE.  She is a Naismith Player of the Year finalist and didn’t take the easy way by going to Tennessee or Connecticut.  She put the Baylor Women’s Team on the map and started her own legacy.  With the numbers she puts up, the NBA needs to start looking at her.  She can’t be any worse than the players picked from overseas that never come over here.  Everyone likes to talk about the men playing, but we really need to start appreciating this great player while she is still playing.  Just think, how often do you get to see a collegiate woman throw down a two hand dunk on another player. 

Enough Said!

 

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

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The 4th Coming of Bill Parcells: Please, I’ve Had Enough

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

When football enthusiasts hear the name Duane Charles Parcells they may think of a two-time Super Bowl winning head football coach of the New York Giants (’86 & ’90).  His resume in the National Football League places him on that monument of coaches from the Lombardis, Nolls, Shulas, and his protege, Belichicks.  To some, Parcells was a great coach, not only because he won two Super Bowls, but he resurrected two different franchises which makes his legacy even greater.  He brought the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1996, though losing to the Green Bay Packers team.  He also brought credibility to the New York Jets by getting them to an AFC championship game.  Lastly, the two-time Coach of the Year, Parcells is known to leave franchises in a better position than they were prior to him being there.  So, it’s a slam dunk that Parcells should be a rental coach for the Payton-less Saints team this fall.  I mean he can’t possibly @#$# up the New Orleans Saints the next ten months, can he?

The real football coach of the New Orleans Saints is Sean Payton, who as of April 1, 2012 will be suspended from coaching his team because he lied to Roger Goodell about the bounties his team were issuing in the NFL.  Payton has decided before he has to go into hiatus to make his most daring move as a head coach and bring in his mentor to coach his team.  Oh Lord, please, do I really have to listen to the NFL, the “four letter network”, all the sports radio stations and internet sites kissing the Big Tuna’s ring once again?  The Tuna’s head is already enormous, and you know he is loving the fact that his name is out there again.  What tickles me is he has the nerve to react as if he really isn’t interested in coaching again.  I will say it, why not?  Tuna, who cares that you will have to wait another five years before being enshrined?  The five year rule was made because you kept coming back to coach in the first place.  You will have your day in Canton, but I know you can’t resist being on that sideline, especially when you  have a chance to win.  Your protege is reaching out for help.  He trusts you more than anyone to take care of his baby!

This is a note to “Them Saints Fans” (Who That!).  I pray that the Big Tuna takes Sean Payton’s offer to coach your football team this fall.  As a Cowboy’s fan, I would endorse him myself.  I pray that he takes over your team and destroys it the way he did MINE!  The best thing about Parcells being the Dallas Cowboy coach was the day he QUIT!  His friends in the media announced his retirement, that’s funny because the man QUIT!  Mike Rhyner from the Hardline calls him “The New Jersey Con Man” because he is an individual that we thought would bring credibility back to the Dallas Cowboys organization and all he did was defecate all over Jerry Jones.  I have never seen the hands-on owner, Jones, so miserable as when the Con Man was the coach.  He paid Parcells handsomely right after his divorce settlement in 2002.  Those fat pockets didn’t generate any playoff victories, as he went 0-2 in his tenure.  I remember listening to his hour-long radio show, daily, doing more talking than coaching.  He wouldn’t allow any staff members, players or Mr. Jones to speak with the media.  It was The Con Man’s show.  The only coach that could get away with that is former coach Jimmy Johnson, who has the skins on the wall with the legendary status here in Dallas.  Bill Parcells was a joke down here in Texas and I promise you Jerry Jones couldn’t have been happier by his exit.

Once Parcells retired from the “Big D”, he found another fish in Miami.  At least he had some sense not to go back into coaching because of the failure in Dallas; heck his last playoff win was in 1998 as the New York Jets’ coach.  The Miami Dolphins organization must have been under the influence giving the Glorified Gym Teacher (thanks Mike Rhyner!) the keys to the kingdom by announcing him as the Executive Vice President of Football (fattening his pockets once again).  Didn’t the Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, teach anybody anything?  The Con Man cried about not having enough input in player personnel decisions.  Upon his departure, Parcells famously stated: “They want you to cook the dinner; at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries”.  After Parcells departed New England, Kraft brought in a guy named Belichick, and the rest is history.  The Glorified Gym Teacher took over the Dolphins, gutted the coaching staff and team, put his usual Parcells guys in place (he does this everywhere he goes), and by accident in year two, the team won the division, though losing in the first round of the playoffs.

Bill Parcells is a popular guy.  He looks comfortable as an analyst on ESPN and should consider staying there.  I know all coaches have that burning desire to get back into the game when an opportunity comes available.  The Con Man, Glorified Gym Teacher is 70 years old.  We have seen that father time passes both athletes and coaches.  His act, truthfully hasn’t worked in two decades.  His name holds plenty of weight but if you are Sean Payton, step back and ask yourself what has he done lately?  Close your eyes and what do you see?  Nothing.  As a fan, I have already had a mouth full Tuna.  No more please.

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

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What Happened to College Basketball?

Monday, March 26th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

Growing up, I lived and breathed college basketball.  My earliest basketball memory was watching Keith Smart (above) hit the game-winner against Syracuse.  I remember when everyone was a Running Rebels fan.  Does anybody remember that “Fab 5” member that called the timeout against Carolina in the championship game, or number 32 for the Duke Blue Devils that hit the shot against Kentucky?  What memories do you have of the last 10 years of college basketball?  Absolutely nothing!

In the ’90’s, college basketball had great teams and great players to carry the sport.  Back then you actually watched the whole NBA draft to see your favorite player get picked.  Now we stop watching after the 5th pick.  The ’90’s were full of great college players like Larry Johnson, Christian Laettner, Chris Webber, and Glen “Big Dog” Robinson.  There were actually great teams of which you could remember the whole starting five.  You had the 1991 Duke Blue Devils, 1994 Arkansas Razorbacks, and the 1996 Kentucky Wildcats teams.  I could name you the starting five of all those teams.

So, what happened to the sport?  I actually had to Google who won the national championship last year.  Nobody is going to remember Kemba Walker or the other 4 players that played with him 10 years from now.  This year the media is predicting that Kentucky’s freshman center Anthony Davis will win the Naismith Player of the Year.  I checked his stats and found out he averages 14.3 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks per game.  Are you kidding me.  I’m going to give you the stats of some of the Naismith winners in the 1990’s.

1991 Larry Johnson  22.7 pts 10.9 rbs 3 ast
1992 Christian Laettner 21.5 pts 7.9 rbs 2 ast
1994 Glen Robinson 30.3 pts 10.1 rbs 1.9 ast
1996 Marcus Camby 20.5 pts 8.2 rbs 1.8 ast
1997 Tim Duncan 20.8pts 14.7 rbs 3.2 ast

What has happened to college basketball when a FRESHMAN who averages 14.3 points per game is our possible player of the year.  Nothing against Anthony Davis, but I have a problem with the lack of talent that is being produced in college.  We don’t even draft from college anymore.  The majority of the players drafted come from overseas.  Reminds me of our economy.  MESSAGE!  Let me know what you think and how can we improve the talent we produce in college basketball.

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

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Peyton Manning is Fool’s Gold?

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

The Peyton Manning sweepstakes goes to the Denver Broncos!  John Elway once again completed his magical fourth-quarter comeback by landing the biggest free agent ever in the NFL.  It’s a wrap folks!  Fold up your tents, the Super Bowl will reside in the Mile High City for the next 5 years.  Peyton Manning will go down in NFL history as the best quarterback to ever play the game.  He will win an additional 5 MVP’s to go along with the four he already has.  Giselle’s husband, Brett Favre’s protege, the quarterback in New Orleans that knew about the bounties, and number eighteen’s little brother will all be  afterthoughts as they will bow down to the G.O.A.T., Peyton Manning!

Well Denver Bronco fans,  Dr. Seuss stopped writing feel good stories years ago.  I hope the Bronco-Nation enjoyed their pep rally, because this is the closest to a Lombardi trophy your new quarterback will take you.  Peyton Manning is a heck of a regular season quarterback that can get you twelve regular season victories each year.  He has a Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears, although it was Rex Grossman as the opposing quarterback.  Bottom line, his post-season resume consists of a frustrating 9-10 record.  Broncos fans, keep in mind Peyton Manning threw a PICK6 which cost the Indianapolis Colts a Super Bowl win. 
 

The dog and pony show happened this past week in Denver.  The Broncos have introduced their new quarterback Peyton Manning, who is now public enemy #1 this fall in the National Football League.  I don’t think the NFL will have to worry about bounties anymore! (snickering!).  Manning has been the pray of defensive players since he has entered the league so the usual bulls-eye on him (and his neck) won’t phase him.  

I wonder if John Elway knows how much pressure he has placed on Manning to deliver a championship to Denver. 

Peyton, I thought you wanted to win a Super Bowl.  Wasn’t the sole reason for leaving Indianapolis to play for a contender?  Of all the teams you could have gone to, you chose DENVER.  What is Denver, besides Elway?  Denver is irrelevant.  Denver is no Dallas, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Green Bay, or New York.  No tradition, no one cares about Denver.  Is Denver going to really give you the best chance to win a championship?  The infamous John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharp, or even Rod Smith are not walking through that door.  Believe it or not, the AFC West is one of the toughest, competitive divisions there is.  The rivalry with Kansas City, Oakland, and San Diego will be more fierce than what you have experienced in the AFC South.

I thought you had a sense of urgency, due to you being 36 years old this season.  Knowing it is important to be on a team that gives you the best chance to win, maybe the 49ers would have given you the best opportunity to hold that Lombardi trophy multiple times.  I am sure you will go out there and prove us wrong.  Although it would be good to see you on the field again, it is unfortunately doubtful that the $96 million investment will show a good Super Bowl return.

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

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The Dwight Howard Story: Superman Has Left the Building…or Maybe Not?

Monday, March 19th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

The big story around this year’s NBA season has been what team will Dwight Howard play for in the future.  At the beginning of the year, Dwight told the Orlando Magic’s executives that he would like to be traded to the Lakers, Nets, or Mavericks.  The Orlando Magic listened to trade offers the first half of the season, turning them all down hoping Dwight would change his mind and stay with the team.  In the words of Jesse Jackson,  they were “keeping hope alive”.

The big rumor surfacing throughout the league was Dwight opting out of his deal and joining Deron Williams in New Jersey.  This was the obvious plan for the last three months.  Orlando even believed this was the plan since Dwight would not accept a max contract with them that would pay him $109 million dollars.

As the trade deadline approached, you heard a new rumor on Dwight every hour of the day.  Dwight wants to go to the Lakers.  Dwight is going to team up with Derick Rose in Chicago since they are both with Team Adidas.  Dwight is going to New Jersey with “D-Will”.  You never heard Dwight wanting to stay in Orlando.  He even told management that he was not going to stay.

So Orlando management starting fielding offers from the league to seek the best deal they could get for Dwight Howard.  In the 11th hour, Dwight Howard developed a conscience and decided to opt-in to one more year with the Orlando Magic for $19 million because he felt like he owed his teammates and the fans of Orlando since he showed such a lack of loyalty throughout the season.  What is he thinking?  Dwight Howard is that guy who breaks up with his girlfriend and asks her back at the end of the day because he started feeling bad.

People always want to give LeBron a hard time, even myself, but one thing I can respect about LeBron is he did exactly what he wanted to do and didn’t give a damn what anyone else thought.  By Dwight staying one more year for $19 million dollars, he risks being hurt and getting paid a whole lot less next summer.  If he wanted to stay in Orlando, in the words of DMX in Belly, “GET THE  MONEY YO”.  He could have signed a max deal for $109 million dollars.  If he is staying one more year to be nice to the people of Orlando, that is dumb since you will be a free agent next year and have to go through the same media circus again.

In concluding, Dwight, if you want be the “MAN OF STEEL”, start first by trying to be a MAN!

Brandon McConnell of  Respect Da Game, for War Room Sports

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2012 NCAA Second Rd. Match-up: Syracuse vs. Kansas St. Features 3 Archbishop Carroll HS (DC) Teammates

Saturday, March 17th, 2012

By Aquil Bayyan

I  just wanted to take the time to talk about a story line in the second round of the NCAA Tournament East Region (Pittsburgh, PA). The second round match-up between (1) Syracuse Orange and (8) Kansas St. Wildcats has an interesting twist to it. Three starters for the teams actually went to the same high school in Washington, DC. That high school is, Archbishop Carroll High School, which plays in the extremely competitive WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference). Through the years Archbishop Carroll has produced the likes of John Thompson, Jr., George Leftwich, Tom Hoover, Edward “Monk” Malloy, Eddie Jordan, David Hawkins, and many other college and professional athletes in various sports. Kansas St. forward Jamar Samuels played with Kansas St. guard Rodney McGruder before he eventually transferred to a prep school. The year after Jamar Samuels transferred from Archbishop Carroll, Kris Joseph, who is a forward for Syracuse, came to Archbishop Carroll via Montreal, Canada and played with Rodney McGruder for two seasons. The three star players also played AAU together with the world renowned DC Assault AAU organization, which has produced numerous college and professional basketball players. All three players are very versatile, with the combination of fundamentals and athletic ability to play basketball at the next level. I have had the pleasure of being able to coach, train, and mentor these players while teaching and coaching at Archbishop Carroll. It has been great watching them develop into the players I knew they could become. Joseph and Samuels are seniors and McGruder is a junior. There is a chance we will see all three players playing in the NBA and if not they all have the ability to make good money playing overseas. Keep Working Hard and Good Luck Fellas!!!!!

Jamar Samuels with the Dunk, Rodney McGruder with the Jumper, and Kris Joseph with the Dunk!

Aquil Bayyan of The War Room, for War Room Sports

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2012 NCAA Tournament Preview and Predictions

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

The NCAA Tournament Bracket has been set and now it’s time for me to go through each region and pick who I believe will make it to the Final Four this year in New Orleans.  Be sure to listen to Sports Trap Radio every Saturday on ueradiolive.com from 10am-2pm, hosted by Chris Marshall (@215_sports_guy) and myself weekly.

Also join Sports Trap Radio’s first annual Bracket Challenge via Espn.com.  Join Sports Trap Radio’s 1st Annual NCAA Basketball Tournament Challenge!!!!!! http://t.co/2ZYrsvfE.  The Winner will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card!!!

Kentucky's Anthony Davis

South Region

Top 4 Seeds: 1. Kentucky  2. Duke  3. Baylor  4. Indiana

Preview and Prediction: This region is a very tough draw in my opinion.  Kentucky was obviously the #1 overall seed in the tournament and picked by the committee after having a great regular season beforing losing to Vanderbilt in the SEC championship.  Vandy exposed some of the weaknesses of the young but talented Kentucky team: Point Guard play and shooting.  The Commodores were able to slow down Kentucky by playing a great 2-3 zone, with man principles, which forced the Wildcats to take contested shots from the perimeter and cut down drives to the basket.

Duke is the two seed, but they are only real good when making three-point shots.  Their lack of a true point guard and inability to defend on the perimeter will be the reason why they only make it to the Sweet 16 if they can make it past 10 seed Xavier. 

Baylor is my sleeper team of this region.  They kind of fell off of the map after bad losses to Kansas and Mizzou during conference play.  They have as much talent and athletic ability as any team in the country.  When Perry Jones III comes to play, no one in the country can check this kid. 

I like the young talent on Indiana’s team.  Tom Crean has done a great job recruiting since taking over there.  Cody Zeller is talented but young.  If he comes back for another year, I see a deep tourney run for them.  Don’t sleep on the veteran #5 seed Wichita St either.  They shoot the ball well and have size in the paint. 

Upset predictions for this region: 11 Colorado over 6 UNLV and 10 Xavier over 7 Notre Dame

Regional Semis: 1 Kentucky over 5 Wichita St, 3 Baylor over 2 Duke

Regional Final: 3 Baylor over 1 Kentucky

Marquette's Jae Crowder

West Region

Top 4 Seeds: 1. Michigan St  2. Missouri  3. Marquette  4. Louisville

Preview and Predictions: Michigan St. is the one seed in the West Region after finishing the season 27-7 and winning the Big 10 conference tournament.  Their conference was arguably one of the top 2 in the country and the Spartans, led by Senior forward Draymond Green were damn good all season long.  A great defensive and rebounding team like most Tom Izzo coached teams, they still do have problems scoring points for stretches during games.  One bad shooting game could have them exiting this tourney early.

Mizzou is a guard-driven team, which fits well during this time of the year.  Pressey, Denmon, and English are all good shooters, with Pressey getting into the lane and dishing to his teammates for open looks.  Forward Ricardo Ratliffe is an undersized 4-man, who shot 69% from the field, mostly off of dunks, layups, and putbacks.  They could run into trouble against a bigger team who pounds the ball inside and doesn’t let the Tigers dictate the tempo of the game.

Marquette has been one of my favorite teams to watch all season.  I love Buzz Williams’ coaching ability and the way he motivates his players.  Led by seniors Darius Odom-Johnson (18.5 ppg, 45% FG, 40% 3pt) and Jae Crowder ( 17.4 ppg and 8.1 rpg), the Golden Eagles are a tough, hard nosed group of players.  I see them getting hot and making a deep run this year.

4 seed Louisville is solid.  I’m not that impressed by them, but my sleeper team for this bracket is the 8 seed Memphis.  This is a young, but talented group of players led by Will Barton, who at 6’6′ 175lbs manages to grab eight boards a game, while shooting 51% from the field, playing the wing.  If this teams gets hot, it can do some major damage.

Upset Predictions for this region: 12 Long Beach St. over 5 New Mexico, 11 Colorado St. over 6 Murray St, and 10 Virginia over 7 Florida

Regional Semis: 8 Memphis over 4 Louisville, 3 Marquette over 2 Mizzou

Regional Finals: 3 Marquette over 8 Memphis

Ohio State's Jared Sullinger

East Region

Top 4 Seeds: 1. Syracuse  2. Ohio St.  3. Florida St.  4. Wisconsin

Preview and Predictions: The face of this region changed when it was reported Tuesday that Syracuse Center and Big East Defensive Player of the Year Fab Melo was ineligible to play in the 2012 NCAA Tournament.  Yes the Orange are loaded.  They still have 10 other guys who can play, but Melo was what made their 2-3 zone work.  The style of play for this team will clearly change and I can see them playing a more fast paced game with Melo out of the lineup.  Dion Waiters went from off of NBA scouts’ radars to a possible late lottery/mid 1st round pick with the season he has had.  He needs a big tourney if the Cuse’ are going to win it all.

I love the competition in this region.  Ohio St. is very good this year, obviously led by Jared Sullinger, William Buford, and Aaron Craft.  They have one of the nation’s best defenses as well.  Head Coach Thad Matta has been getting the bench more experience since the season wound down and they will see more time than you expect. 

FSU won the ACC championship, beating Duke and UNC in consecutive days.  Leonard Hamilton has a team full of athletes with good size and length, to go along with shooters as well.  Hamilton’s calling card as a coach has always been defense and they are lethal defensively.  They have momentum and are set to make a deep run this year.

Wisconsin was given a 4 seed.  I think it was kind of high for them and was a gift for playing in a tough Big Ten conference.  The 5 seed Vanderbilt won the SEC and has a veteran team who is battle tested.  They can really shoot it, they defend well, and take care of the ball.  They have three guys who will play NBA ball in John Jenkins, Jeff Taylor, and Festus Ezeli…and in the tournament, talent shines.

Upset Predictions for this Region: 11 Texas over 6 Cincinnati and 10 West Virginia over 7 Gonzaga 

Regional Semis: 5 Vanderbilt over 1 Syracuse and 3 Florida St over 2 Ohio St.

Regional Final: 3 Florida St over 2 Ohio St.

UNC's Harrison Barnes

Midwest Region

Top 4 Seeds: 1. UNC  2. Kansas  3. Georgetown  4. Michigan

Preview and Prediction: UNC is the one seed and clearly the cream of the crop of this bracket.  Forward John Henson sat out the ACC Championship game with an injured wrist and they ended up losing the game.  Henson is a game-changer defensively, with his ability to defend in the paint and on the perimeter.  But they still have Barnes, Zeller, and Marshall, and that’s more than enough for them to win it all. 

Kansas surprised me with the season they had after losing the Morris twins and Josh Selby from last year’s team.  The development of Player of the Year candidate Thomas Robinson, along with point guard Tyshawn Taylor has been epic.  They have led this team to a 27-6 record and Bill Self has done the best coaching job of his career.  He is my favorite for coach of the year.

Georgetown had a stellar season, finishing 23-8 and having one of the nation’s top defenses as far as field goal percentage and points per game.  They often go through stretches without being able to get points themselves and that could possibly be a problem.  Jason Clark and Hollis Thompson are who they rely on scoring-wise from the perimeter, while senior Henry Sims mans the mid-post and paint.

Michigan is the 4 seed, and can be deadly if they are making three-point shots.  Freshman Trey Burke brought a different look to the Wolverines with his ability to get in the lane and create for others and himself.  Tim Hardaway Jr. didn’t shoot as well during his sophomore season, but he has the capability to carry a team if he gets hot.

My Sleeper team is N.C. State.  They have gotten better as the season went on in the ACC and could really surprise teams in this bracket.  Sophomore C.J. Leslie has the ability to be a force defensively with his shot blocking and in transition finishing at the rim.  Mark Gottfried has really done a nice job in his first season as the Wolfpack coach.

Upset Prediction for this Region: 9 Alabama over 8 Creighton, 12 Cal or South Florida over 5 Temple, 11 N.C. State over 6 San Diego St. , and 14 Belmont over 3 Georgetown

Regional Semis: 1 UNC over 4 Michigan and 2 Kansas over 11 N.C. State

Regional Final: 1 UNC over 2 Kansas

Final Four: 1 UNC (Midwest) over 3 FSU (East) and 3 Baylor (South) over 3 Marquette (West)

National Championship: 1 UNC over 3 Baylor

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon On Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

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