NBA Lockdown

Yes, the lock out is over. But these recent moves of power by the NBA Front Office, from their Ivory Tower in the Third Reich has made this fan sick to his stomach. David Stern, is easily the worst Commissioner in Sports History. Let's break down the league's recent moves as of late.

The Houston-LA-New Orleans trade situation. Which brought young talent, as well as a core group of role players, and 2 first round draft picks to the city. Just wasn't good enough for David Stern. Even though when the league took over the Hornets, they had told GM Dell Demps they would let him do his job, and support him.

Looks like that now right?

Then recently the league pressured Demps into making the trade with the Clippers asking for, Center Chris Kaman who is one of the underrated big men in the league even though he's creeping up in age. Reserve Guard Eric Bledsoe who has a solid potential in the league, Forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who I'm pretty sure is a Jedi Master. Reports also have indicated that the Hornets wanted to add Clippers Star Guard, Eric Gordon to the mix. As well as a first round pick.

The Roster Size for an NBA team is 15 players. 4 players, 3 of which are starters and a 1st round pick (From Minnesota, which could be a lottery pick).

So the question I'm left as a fan is...what the hell are the league thinking?

David Stern will reportedly ask for a involving 25 teams to send all their first round draft picks, cash exemptions, and their leading scorer to the New Orleans Hornets by next week. #Sarcasm

Needless to say talks with the Clippers have died, especially since they were able to get Chauncey Billiups off the Waiver wire, and were able to match the offer sheet for Center DeAndre Jordan. The Clips right now look to be the better LA team, despite not having Kobe Bryant. Due mostly to the fact that everyone in the world is scratching their heads on why you send Lamar Odom to rival Dallas Mavericks for a draft pick and cash.

Look Stern, as much as you want to grow a little mustache and have complete control over your players. You can't, they're human beings, Paul has never stopped playing for New Orleans, he just wants to go to an contender, do you really think keeping him around for the last year of his contract knowing that he will go elsewhere come the summer? Once his contract is up, David Stern, you cannot do anything to control Chris Paul anymore. I hope he goes to Miami at this point, just so he can be in driving distance of your front office and throw eggs at your door. You're ridiculous

Then the league, who warned Chauncey Billiups of the repercussions of him not admiring his contract obligations if someone claimed him off the waivers. But the simple fact is, Billiups is a veteran player who doesn't deserve to be floated from team-to-team as bait, or just space to fill. You can't respect one side of the fence and not the other, that's not what the CBA was founded on.

David Stern, you're a crazy old man, you're a control freak, and you have a Nazi Ego Mentality. You in the last week have done more to defecate on the CBA then you ever did to get a deal done during the lock out. You ARE THE WORST COMMISSIONER IN ALL OF SPORTS. I don't have sponsors, advertisements, or contracts. You are an idiot.

I know that was highly unprofessional, but the fact is this man is not only destroying the integrity of the front office of the NBA, he is slowly killing a good team down in New Orleans. As a matter of fact, the owners who complained about the Paul to LA trade, should also be ashamed of yourselves. Dell Demps was able to complete that trade, don't be upset because no one wants to talk to you, or your half-assed assembled teams. I'm looking at you Cleveland.

On a side note, Dwight Howard talks started to heat up a few days ago, only to cool off. Howard has handled this in the classiest way possible. He wants to play for a winner, and still has belief that the Orlando Magic can make the right moves and put themselves in a position. Howard being dealt before the season starts is highly unlikely. But depending on what their record looks like come February if their record has shown know improvement, and nor has their roster, look for Howard to be dealt quickly. Its starting to become highly unlikely that Dwight will go the Lakers.

He doesn't want to be Shaq v.2 He wants to be DW12. Going to New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets would only improve Dwight as a superstar. He pairs himself with Deron Williams, becoming instant Playoff Contenders. The Nets WILL make the right moves to surround their superstars with the right talent. Dwight Howards brings the first championship in Nets history, in the new Brooklyn Arena. Sounds storybook to me.

In Other News.

Marc Gasol will stay in Memphis for 4 more years.

J.J. Barea and Minnesota are working on terms of a 4 year deal themselves.

Kwame Brown has signed a 1 year 8 million dollar deal with the Warriors

David West has signed a 2 year deal with the Pacers, making them a very dangerous Dark-Horse in the East.

Gilbert Arenas has cleared the Waivers, the Magic still owe him a pretty penny. Atlanta may be a destination for the scoring guard.

Jason Richardson is reportedly staying with the Magic for 4 more years, worth roughly about 25 million.

Mike Bibby has been added to the New York Knicks Roster.

The Chicago Bulls are eyeing newly free agent Rip Hamilton, who will provide defense, and veteran experience to that team. Rip has one of the highest motors in the NBA, he may not be the fastest player on the court, but his speed never changes.

Dallas Mavs seem to be the only suitor for Guard Vince Carter, reuniting him with former teammate Point Guard, Jason Kidd. This adds a pure scorer to the lineup, but makes me scratch my head, does Jason Terry really need a backup?

That's all for my ranting, raging, and free agent buzzes. G-G-Goodnight Folks.

"We're not leaving, if you don't want us to."- US VP Joe Biden to Afgan President Hamid Karzai

NBA Hot Stove

In a few hours, the Lakers had just traded away Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom, to acquire Hornets Guard, Chris Paul, that was until David Stern decided to run it off the rails faster than Charlie Sheen....Well you can insert whatever kind of drug related joke you want there.

Some protest this is a complete overuse of power. In fact, I was talking about this trade, and the repercussions with co-writer on Danger Zone, Marshall Lancey. Avid Lakers fan, and neck-beard enthusiast. David Stern has had a shadow cast over his character since the lockout started, to the extent that NBA Star Dwayne Wade and the Commish got into a shouting match during the CBA Negotiations. Lancey brought up the point of this being a complete power struggle. Chris Paul isn't going to re-sign with a team he can't win a championship with, nor is he going to re-sign with the Hornets who traded away his teammate Tyson Chandler, which that duo lead them the furthest they had gone in recent history. So to blame a player for wanting to get out of a bad situation....Are you kidding me? Let's take a look at this trade and break it down.

Three Teams: Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets

Houston gets the great Spaniard Pau Gasol.

LA obviously would receive Chris Paul.

New Orleans would receive two first round picks in the upcoming draft (NYK via Hou/Hou). So you're looking at two potential 10-15 pick slot. Then you get forward Lamar Odom, who is the definition of a X-Factor in the NBA. You also gain Kevin Martin who has been one of the more underrated players in the NBA, Luis Scola who provides solid minutes of productivity and the ability of a F/C. Then Goran Dragic, who was Steve Nash's back up in Phoenix for a few years and has the ability to be explosive, like a watered down J.J. Barea.

The big deal is that LA would shed both Pau and Odom's salaries saving them A.) Luxury Taxes and B.) Roughly about 40 million.

This move would have shredded LA's front court, as well as Houston's bench. Wait...

Has anyone figured out exactly what they're doing in Houston? The Grizzlies couldn't center a team around Pau Gasol, which is why he was traded for his brother (basically) a few years ago. What does Houston have up their sleeve down there, or are they just hoping. You know what who cares, Yao Ming, and T-Mac are gone. Go Texans.

But many owners felt like, this trade violated what the CBA worked so hard for. To prevent the Big Market Evil Empire teams from ravaging Small Market Ma and Pa teams for talent. But....honestly, do I detect a hint of annoyance and jealously from many owners in this situation. Think about it, the Hornets get 4 good role players, and possibly court David West to stay, or say screw it, trade him to Memphis get Marc Gasol, and pick up soon-to-be Free agent Chauncey Billups to replace Paul. You got yourself a good team right there.

But no. No. Let me take my GM hat off, and put on my "Look Dan Gilbert, just because LeBron basically stole your wallet for multiple years, and ran the Cleveland Cavaliers, doesn't mean you get to bitch' hat.

In fact. It turns my stomach that Dan Gilbert has the audacity to even speak to the public. Owners should be able to speak to the media, have opinions, they're important part of the sport itself realistically. But there is no excuse for Dan Gilbert's idiocy, and pure ignorance. Oh boo-hoo, you know what. How about next time your team finishes with the worst record, you don't get 2 lottery picks. You get one, and have to give the other to LeBron who gets to draft the player, and recommend great beach houses in Miami. Hmm?

Not to mention, these owners want to protect small market teams. It rarely gets smaller than the New Orleans Hornets. They had a chance to make something out of nothing, because Paul has openly expressed he is not resigning. Why not allow them to get SOMETHING out of it. But No, because they can't make blockbuster trades, and the strong get stronger, and the weak get better than them, they get their torches and pitchforks, and run to David Stern's office.

You know what, I'm going to defend David Stern right here. More than likely there are very few players who respect that man, and due to the fact that the league basically 'runs' the Hornets until a new owner is found, he had to agree with the Owners, or else he would be a third party in the show, and more than likely be replaced as Commissioner in the foreseeable future. (Shaq '13)

Honestly, the League dropped the ball. The Hornets literally got screwed out of this trade, they didn't bat an eye when the Lakers basically put a bow on Kwame Brown, and kidnapped Pau Gasol. It's just ridiculous.

So....

Back to the Hot Stove.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Dwight Howard will put in a request to be traded to the Nets. The trade offer the Nets have assembled a few weeks ago includes C, Brook Lopez, and 2 First Round Picks. I love the Nets, I love the fact that they have a bad-ass Russian Owner, and Jay-Z. They're going to Brooklyn, and if IF they can get Dwight Howard (Depending on Adolf Stern) They greatly increase their chances to re-sign Deron Williams. New Look, New Arena, New Talent. Another plus for the Magic in this trade, is the Nets would take back Hedo Turkaglu's salary, freeing up the Magic to try to fill the void in the paint.

Tyson Chandler appears to be headed to New York, to join Amare "Where the ' go?" Stoudemire, and Carmelo "I make my own trades" Anthony in MSG. This could be one of the more potent offensive front courts the NBA has seen in a long time. Amare has never been the 'best' Center, he dominates guys at the PF position, signing Tyson Chandler will allow S.T.A.T to move into that slot, and blossom under D'Antoni's offense. Melo will be Melo. The worry there is ego, it apparently was Tyson 'Too Big' Chandler to ask Mark Cuban to mail him his ring at MSG.

Shane Battier and Eddy "All U Can Eat" Curry have reportedly decided to becoming the newest groupies for the Miami Heatles. Shane Battier will provide a pure defensive presence, he is a tenacious defender, who will do dirty work. Imagine a less crazy Ron Artest. Eddy Curry, has played 10 games in 3 season. Has had plenty of work ethic issues, and basically is just an attempt to fill the void that is needed because Chris Bosh is kind of a wimp. Lets be honest. However, if Curry can play to his potential, stay in shape, he will be some kind of monster in the Miami front court.

Tracy McGrady somehow still has a career. I'm trying to figure out if him and former teammate/family member Vince Carter have a bet going on who will be the least important player on the least important team.

Tayshaun Prince has agreed to return to the Detroit Pistons. It seems that McGrady might have just been 'bad blood' for the Pistons, who are looking to try and rebuild off their defensive first, offensive maybe ideals. Prince is a great player who deserves a better team than the Pistons have been. But to each his own I suppose.

Shannon Brown will be catching Steve Nash passes, after opting out of his option to stay with the Lakers, he will join the Suns for a 1 year, 3.5 million dollar deal. Brown's biggest accomplishment was being on the Top 10 plays on ESPN a couple of times. Poor Steve Nash

The Mavs were gutted so far, JJ Barea and DeShawn Stevenson look unlikely to return, Tyson Chandler will be running up and down the court for the Knicks, and Caron Butler just signed a deal with the LA Clippers. Look for that team to be a force with Eric Gordon, Butler, and the Griff-Show.

So who do we got left?

Well Nene seems to be the biggest fish in the pond right now. If the Dwight Howard to New Jersey trade falls through, look for the Nets to scoop him up and add him to the mediocre talent they got so far. Grant Hill is torn between the Spurs and Suns right now. I feel like San Antonio would be a great fit for the 39 year old. Thus making the Spurs the oldest team in the NBA by leaps, bounds, and decades. Also, with the Tyson Chandler trade, look for Chauncey Billups to possibly appear in a different uniform.

In fact, if the Paul-to-La trade stays busted, you may see a version of the Houston-La-Orlando type trade with Bynum replacing Pau in the discussions, and Chauncey filling a great void for the Lakers. Though who knows how long Billiups has left in the tank.

So there is my rant. David Stern, Dan Gilbert, I'll meet either or both of you in the parking lot for a street fight. Also anyone who wants to start a fantasy basketball league, hit me up at @RobBrown50 #TeamFollowBack

"You don't give a Monkey a latte"- Will Ferrell

Goodnight folks

NHL Realignment: What Does It Mean?

On December 6, 2011 NHL officials approved a new plan that completely changes the alignment of the league. The move of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg forced the NHL to look at realignment plans and instead of simply switching few teams around the league decided to go bold. Instead of 6 divisions within 2 conferences, there are now 4 distinct conferences. The conferences are split into geographical alignments, while still keeping traditional rivalries intact. The NHL also approved a schedule change, each team will play a home and home with every team in the league, giving fans across the NHL the chance to see every team at least once.

Here are the four, yet-to-be named conferences:

Conference A: (Pacific/Northwest teams)
Anaheim Ducks
Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks

Conference B: (Midwest teams)

Chicago Blackhawks

Columbus Blue Jackets

Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings

Minnesota Wild

Nashville Predators

St. Louis Blues

Winnipeg Jets

Conference C: (Atlantic/Northeast teams)
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs






Conference D: (Mid-Atlantic teams)
Carolina Hurricanes
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals




The playoffs have also changed with the top 4 from each conference making the playoffs and then playing the first two rounds against each other. So, for example, let's say in Conference D the top 4 teams are the New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington. The first round will be New York versus Washington and Pittsburgh versus Philadelphia. The second round will be the winners of the first match ups and then the winners of each conference will enter into the NHL semifinals.

At first glance, I like the plan. At second glance, I love it. The new plan gives teams the chance to play across the country, which is great for the fans. It also benefits teams in the middle of the country such as Dallas, Detroit, and Columbus, who in years past have had to fly all over the country to meet conference play requirements. The new alignment also gives a better chance for the hard-nosed rivalries of old to either reignite or develop, another win for the fans.

Furthermore, this shows that the NHL is no longer the bungling league that lost an entire season in 2004. The league has taken adversity in stride, and has emerged as a league that can thrive long-term. Hopefully, this move helps raise the league's profile even more and will usher in an era in which the NHL is considered as a top sports league with the MLB, NFL, and NBA.

What If?

So we enter day 141 of the NBA lockout, and it is just a complete mess. The players have missed their first check, and as many analyst said, that would be a catalyst for the Players Association to push forward to finalize a deal. I said from the very beginning of the lockout that we would not see a 2011-2012 season. Money is a great motivator to anyone, even when you’re making millions. So before I get into the depth of what I want in the article, lets take a quick look at the financial aspects of the National Basketball Association.

*In a global aspect, teams like Real Madrid, and Barcelona for Soccer, and the New York Yankees have the highest paid teams, the NBA has the highest average salary for players at 4.79 million per year ($92,199 per week). Which makes the average NBA player the highest paid ‘average’ player in sports, globally.

*The 2010-2011 season’s salary cap was set at 56.1 Million, which was ironic considering that years Free Agent class was one of the best in the history of sports.

*In the 2010-2011 season SG Kobe Bryant made 24.8 million dollars in his player salary alone, while the Sacramento Kings had a payroll of 43.7 million.

*Rashard Lewis was once the highest paid Magic player (20.8 million salary). Sports are mainly a ‘what have you done for me recently?’-esque thing, so lemme ask current Washington Wizard, what have you done for me lately? Other than possibly being the reason for LeBron choking ;)

*Let’s say Michael Jordan makes roughly about 2.5 million dollars a week, which translates to 130 million a year. The Charlotte Bobcats, the team Jordan owns players salary added up to 47.4 million dollars in the 2010-2011 season, and their record was 34-48.

*Derrick Rose salary was set at 5 million, Michael Redd makes 18.3 million. There is a head scratcher for you.




So with all that number nonsense out of

the way, what do we have to look forward to? No Lakers, No

Miami, No Celtics, and No Mavs? Will Mark Cuban hire actors to recreate the 2011 championship game? Somebody get Dolph Lundgren a wig and a shooting coach.

But seriously, you can expect more underrated sports (MLS, European Soccer, Hockey, etc) to become huge on ESPN while the NBA suits and players argue in a tiny room, while eating finger sandwiches (what I like to imagine). For diehard Basketball fans, the NCAAB player’s don’t have a union nor do they get paid, so

enjoy watching a high tempo seaso

n in college basketball.




Go out, get NBA 2k12, and create your own season, with the expectation of actual rookie players from the draft this summer, but I bet there is some nerd, somewhere that has made accurate rookies, so go take 2 minutes out of your day and download it, its free! Not to mention, that game is full of legends from all eras of basketball.




But more so, the 2012 Olympics in London are on the cusp of starting, and the USA has had great success since last Olympics Dream Team, winning the gold at the World Championships. The team is solid, and with well, all of the stars on the team looking to not play ‘pro ball’, the US will have a loaded roster of the best players in the NBA.




That’s what you have to look forward to, so here is my projected US Olympic Roster of the 2012 games in London. On a side note, who’s idea was it to let England get the SUMMER Olympics. I feel somewhere less foggy, and with more attractive fans should get such a big event, unless Emma Watson will be in the crowd…every…day… but I digress




(Remember, this is Euro-Ball)

PG: Derrick Rose

SF: Kevin Durant
SG: Kobe Bryant

PF: LeBron James

C: Dwight Howard




Bench

Dwayne Wade

Chris Paul

Eric Gordon

Andre Iguodala

Stephen Curry

Carmelo Anthony

Kevin Love




This to me, seems like a great mash up, of the Re-Deem team, and the World Champions from a season ago. This is some of the top tier talent for many of the teams in the NBA, but it also has a central core. It will be the third time since they were drafted that D-Wade, LeBron, and ‘Melo were teamed up again, the veteran leader in Kobe Bryant, who’s killer instinct might rub off on other players, but it also allows him to get a chance for *Spoiler* teaming up with future teammate Dwight Howard. So let’s break this down player by player.




The reigning NBA MVP takes the helm of the newest Dream Team. Derrick Rose was a simple choice for the starting PG,this guy dictates the flow of the game. He can speed it up, and take it to the hole, or create lanes, passes, and run plays like almost no one else in the game. Rose has improved his shooting touch since last time he played ‘Euro-Ball’ so teams will dare him to pull up, and he will be much obliged to do so.












 The most important player of this team is easily SG, Kobe Bryant. He will go in as the Leader, the veteran, and

like the Lakers will be the guy with the ball in his hand when it counts. Bryant showed great poise last Olympics, when he wasn’t quite the leader, nor was he the phenomenal rookie, he was in a strange ‘middle’ role, that no one is used to seeing off him. This will be Kobe’s last gold medal run, look for him to be ‘The Man’ of this team.




Kevin Durant was an obvious starting choice, the hardest part was deciding where he would go. I figured putting him at SF, allowing him to remain a swing man, would best serve the team. Durant has touches from all over the floor, and can be a great scorer, and an above average defender. Putting him in the front court with LeBron and Dwight Howard can make any basketball fan drool. I also feel, despite the Western Conference battles, Durant will follow Kobe around a lot during the team’s travels.






LeBron James at PF is a strange concept, but remember this is a different kind of basketball than what we’re used to in the NBA. LeBron has been noted for spending a lot of time this extended off-season working on his back-to-the-basket game. His pure athleticism and freak-of-nature abilities will allow him to overcome any opponent. If they’re stronger he’s faster, if they’re faster he’s stronger. He’ll be a permanent mismatch against any team, I mean do you think Pau Gasol could handle guarding LeBron an entire game? Not to mention, if the US controls the pace with D-Rose, Gasol will never get comfortable. (Assuming Spain is our best competition this year).




At Center, could you choose anyone other than Dwight Howard. Each year this guy adds a new aspect to his game, and is by far the best Center in the league by leaps and bounds. As I said earlier, I believe Dwight will be a Laker by 2012. But more importantly, there aren’t many people who can match up with Dwight Howard, last time the team was chasing a gold medal, he wasn’t as experienced. He has exploded as a leader of the Magic team, and one of the best in the NBA by far. He’ll know the rules of FIBA basketball better, and he’ll have the experience to anchor this team as the starting big man.




Bench Players




Anytime you see names like D-Wade, ‘Melo, and CP3 on the bench you know your team is loaded. Wade will be interchangeable for Bryant a lot, bringing the same amount of talent on both sides of the ball, and a fresh set of legs. Also Chicago fans might shed a tear when they see a frontcourt of D-Wade and D-Rose, two Chicago natives that almost got to be a pair. Also look for the chemistry between the King and Wade to be on lock with a up-tempo game, and great penetration between the two. (I’ll bet 10 dollars, Ned laughed at the end of that sentence)




Melo seems to be just an offensive threat, his defense is sub-par at best. Durant has evolved into an easy starter, and in my belief a better player than Melo will ever be. He’ll provide great depth for this team, coming in for Durant and LeBron at times. He can stretch the floor, and finish at the basket, but I still feel like he’ll be a weak spot on the defensive side of the ball. What is interesting is how he’ll play with Chris Paul, who may end up being a New York Knick in the future.




Speaking of Chris Paul, its hard to not imagine him as a starter, but the fact is Derrick Rose is ‘Too Good’. Paul will be a great sub for Rose, bringing the same kind of tempo and talent, as well as more ‘veteran’ savvy. Is it just me, or is it strange even hooking the words Chris Paul and Veteran together. The fact is, he is a spectacular athlete, and playing with a different team other than the Hornets will showcase his talent.




Eric Gordon, and Stephen Curry will provide the deep ball. Stretching the floor out, you could see a strange 3-2 set ( 3 guards, two forwards) a lot in FIBA, a pure uptempo style allowing shooters to shoot, and fast break scores, a Mike D’Antoni signature who is one of the asst. coaches of the Men’s team. Curry and Gordon showed up huge for the World Championship team when Rose couldn’t pull up from range, these two will be a valuable ‘sixth men’ for the team, making opposing team’s respect the long ball, as well as I believe Curry will come into the Olympics will greatly improved ball handling, and the ability to create his own shot.




Igoudala retains his spot from the World Champions as a pure defense player. He showed great ability shutting down some of the best players in the world, and will be put on the best player on the floor whenever he is there. Igoudala also provides a good attacking the basket abilities, as well as a decent range from the floor. He will play purely as a stopper, but look for him to add some offense to this team as well.




Kevin Love, one of my favorite players in the NBA is a quiet big man, who’ll be backing up Dwight Howard mostly, but may see some time at PF behind LeBron, especially against teams like Spain who have the Gasol Brother’s playing in the front court. Love is one of the best young players in the NBA, and will easily fit as a FIBA big man. He won’t be an X-Factor, nor will he win games, but the kind of Depth he provides as a big man is unparallel and will allow Dwight Howard to rest for huge chunks.




This team is loaded, more so than the Redeem team. Younger players, have become Veteran Stars, each player here could be a franchise player for, any team in the NBA, some already are. In fact the starting five could easily become Hall of Famers when their careers end, well, Kobe obviously will be, and LeBron may end up there depending on his championship situation.




The fact is, if this team doesn’t run the table and bring home a Gold Medal I’ll be absolutely shocked. Either the season will get canceled by January-February, and the players can focus on playing for the National Team. I don’t believe negotiations will pan out in time for the public to get a 2011-2012 season. Period. The Olympics will provided an invaluable time for these players to hone their skills as some of the best in the NBA, as well as the world, against world talent. Not going to lie, I’m fairly excited for the 2012 games…Even if it is in London…




Speaking of London here is a treat

ACC Basketball

In years past, the ACC has slipped in the eyes of some basketball experts and has been overtaken by the Big East as the best basketball conference in the nation. But this season the ACC will return to national prominence with great teams and star players. Here is the official Danger Zone ACC Preview.

1. North Carolina (2010-11 record: 26-7, 14-2 ACC)- The #1 ranked Tar Heels are led by all-everything sophomore forward Harrison Barnes (15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and look to advance farther in this year's postseason thanks to added experience in the starting lineup. Junior forward John Henson (11.7 ppg, 10.1 rpg) and junior guard Dexter Strickland (7.5 ppg) look to put together another strong season and help the Tar Heels raise another banner to the rafters of the Dean Dome.

2. Duke (30-4, 13-3)- Junior forward Mason Plumlee (7.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg) leads the less-experienced Blue Devils who finished last season with 30 wins thanks to guards Nolan Smith, Kyrie Irving, and forward Kyle Singler. If Coach K can get as much out of his players as he is known to do, specifically guard Seth Curry (9.0 ppg) and stud freshman Austin Rivers (son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers), then the Blue Devils could be cutting down the nets as ACC champions yet again.

3. Maryland (19-14, 7-9)- First year coach Mark Turgeon replaced legendary coach Gary Williams this summer and Turgeon takes over a Maryland program that missed the NCAA tournament last year and lost their best post player Jordan Williams to the NBA Draft. But all is not lost in College Park; sophomore guard Terrel Stoglin (11.4 ppg, 3.3 apg) will embrace a larger role in the offense this season as will top-25 recruit Nick Faust, who will start right away for the Terps. Ukranian transfer center Alex Len (he's 7'1) will be a huge component in the Maryland frontcourt when he returns from his 10 game suspension, for accepting payments while playing in Europe.


4. Clemson (21-11, 9-7)- Clemson finished last season in the second round of the NCAA tournament as they went down to West Virginia 84-76. This season the Tigers will look to return to the tournament and to do so they will need senior point guard Andre Young (11.1 ppg, 3.0 apg) to continue to lead the team on the offensive end and Devin Booker (5.5 rpg) will be needed to anchor the Tigers in the post.

5. Florida State (21-10, 11-5)- The Seminoles had a great year last season thanks to Chris Singleton (13.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Derwin Kitchen (10.4 ppg, 5.8 rpg), the problem for the Semionles however, is that both Singleton and Kitchen graduated. Carrying the Seminoles this season will be Michael Snear (8.8 ppg) who will take over the role as team leader. Other players that will factor in for Florida State will be senior guard Deividas Dulkys and senior forward Xavier Gibson, both of whom will be expected to play more minutes for coach Leonard Hamilton's squad.

6. Virginia Tech (21-11, 9-7)- The Hokies once again missed out on the NCAA tournament last year and it will be a greater task to make this year without standouts Malcom Delaney and Jeff Allen who combined for 32.1 ppg and 13.2 rpg last season.  Freshman Dorian Finney-Smith (who played 36 minutes and had 10 points, 1  6 rebounds and 5 assists in his college debut on November 12) will look to continue the trend of strong ACC freshman and lead the Hokies into the promised land of the NCAA Tournament.


7. Miami (19-14, 6-10)- Miami finished in the middle of the pack last season, and look to finish in roughly the same spot this season. Guard Durand Scott (13.6 ppg) and forward Erik Swoope (11 points in the season opener) will be the top scoring options for the Hurricanes and must step up if the Hurricanes want any chance of avoiding the NIT.

8. Boston College (20-12, 9-7)- The Boston College Eagles graduated their top 5 scorers from a season ago and to accomplish any semblance of success this season, some of the squad's 9 freshman must step up to complement this year's top returner sophomore guard Danny Rubin (4.4 ppg, .434 FG% from 3). Don't expect the Eagles to do too much this year, but with a team full of freshman, there is a lot of untapped potential, both good and bad.

9. Georgia Tech (13-18, 5-11)-The Yellow Jackets had a disappointing campaign last season and look to rebound in 2011-12. Brandon Reed (who missed all of the 2010-11 season) will look to regain his 2009-10 form in which he scored 15.1 points per game. Alongside Reed will be guard Mfon Udofia who has increased his role in the offense every year he has been at Georgia Tech. Udofia is the top returner in both points and minutes and will steady the Jackets with his veteran presence.

10. North Carolina State (15-16, 5-11)- After last year's disappointing season, the Wolfpack made a change and fired head coach Sidney Lowe. New coach Mark Gottfried will rely on guard CJ Williams, who played 38 minutes in the Wolfpack's first game and scored 18 points; a far cry from the 17.6 minutes and 4.7 points he averaged last season. The Wolfpack will need more than Williams to achieve the success they had in the glory days under Coach Jim Valvano.

11. Virginia (16-15, 7-9)- Virginia basketball is not known for being a strong program, but they made great strides last year, but the Cavilers lost their two top scorers from last year's squad and must try to replace the scoring with new faces. One holdover from last season, guard Joe Harris (10.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg), will be the go to option this year and the Hoos will need him to be a top player to achieve the heights of last year's team

12. Wake Forest (8-24. 1-15)- In a word, last year's team was atrocious. They managed one ACC win against UVA and couldn't score for anything (67.2 ppg, 222nd in the nation). This year's team is looking up though, junior guard C.J. Harris (11.3 ppg, 3.5 apg) is an emerging star and his talent should carry the Demon Deacons to a few more wins.

NCAAB Top 5 Players 11/12/11

Hello Sports Fans, Dr. Rob here and over the last two days I've been taking a long hard look at how painful the NBA lockout is to someone who loves the game. I could watch Raptors vs. Rockets with just as much interest as Lakers vs. Miami (sorta). But it has only opened room for College Basketball to take a bigger spot in the eyes of the fans. So here are my top 5 players of the season....thus far...

Top 5 NCAAB Players

5. Allen Dickerson, SG, Radford. Junior. Let me tell you, this kid is nice. Listed at 6’2 180lbs, was a walk on for RU last season, and prior to that was an active in good Fork Union team, and a state championship winning Radford High team. This kid is a ‘hometown’ hero in some aspects, and I’ve watched this guy play at every level of the game, and it seems each year he improves so much. Finally getting settled, Dickerson is going to be very nice coming off the bench as a junior for the Highlander’s squad. He won’t put up big numbers without big minutes, but look for #12 to be providing a huge spark off the bench. His numbers will probably triple this season, possibly putting him over the double digit marks for points in a few games this year. Dickerson is a high motor threat on offense, with fantastic leaping abilities, and the moves to attack the basket with a ‘no-regard-for-human-life’ mentality, but this kid isn’t afraid to step back and pull it up on you. Dickerson has a nice stroke, but thus far hasn’t really shown a knack for the long ball, however I believe that too will improve from last year’s 1-14 performance. In fact, if Dickerson improves the way I think he will, he has the talent and potential to be a starter later in the year. Utility Man of the Year.

4. Robbie Hummel, Forward, Purdue. Senior(Redshirt). Missing the bulk of the last two season’s with ACL issues, Hummel showed a lot of talent earlier in his college career, but his potential has been held back with the ACL problems. I strongly believe if Hummel could have played last season he would have been one of the best players in the Kemba-Jimmer race even. Hummel needs to improve his draft stock this year, with what I believe is he has the caliber of an early second rounder. Hummel needs to really show who he is as ‘the guy’ for the Boilmakers this season.

3. Mason Plumlee Power Forward, Duke, Junior. He is the go-to-guy for Duke’s ‘big-man’ presence since his arrival. 6’11 210lbs, Mason is a big part of Duke’s team on both sides of the ball, he won’t win player of the year in any aspect, and isn’t the best player on this team, but he will be the difference maker for Duke’s success or failure this year. Mason will win a lot of games single handedily for Duke also. Each year this guy improves a different facet of his game. But Plumlee’s biggest threat is the pick and roll, becoming a great option to pull up, or drive to the hoop, which will create a lot of open shots for the opposite man, as well as the skip pass to a shot-loving Duke Offense. The crazy part is, Mason probably isn’t

the most talented Plumlee Duke will have.

2. Jared Sullinger 6’8, 250lbs. Power Forward, Ohio State, Sophomore. 

This kid is the next generation of Power Forwards. Sullinger can make moves like some of the best shoot guards, take it to the basket and finish harder than I've seen some pros do. He also processes a brilliant shooting stroke, and is all around one of the best players in college basketball. He reminds me a lot of Ama’re Stoudemire with a less effective Dirk shooting ability. Sullinger isn’t afraid to pull up, and seems to be making great strides with his range, but his explosiveness in the paint, and basically defenses being unable to stop him from imposing his will. Sullinger is one of those players that doesn’t need to win a championship to prove his caliber. Easily a top 5 draft pick, if not 1 or 2. I can’t wait to see him playing in Toronto or New Jersey next year.

1. Harrison Barnes. Sophmore, Small Forward, North Carolina. Coming in as the first freshmen pre-season All-American. This kid hit a rough spot at the start of his college career, he has improved around Mid-Season making UNC a late threat in the NCAA tournament, as well as a well-deserved Number 1 ranking at the start of the season. The fact is I don’t see that UNC team losing 2 games, if that this year. He is on a loaded team, that is easily a final four team. Barnes avoided the NBA lockout, and shocked many people when returning to UNC for his sophomore year. He didn’t back down when people doubted him, and labeled him ‘All-Hype Player of the Year’. Barnes didn’t back down, (maybe a small flinch) when Basketball Great, Michael Jordan starred him down. But when it boils down to it, Barnes is the best talent to wear powder blue since 23. He can finish his career with a national championship, and possibly Player Of the Year awards. Barnes would have been a top 3 pick, if not number 1 overall. Barnes has it all, and has shown thick skin that NBA players need when they fall are hard times, and the Press starts putting a lot of focus on him. Barnes will be a franchise player whenever the NBA starts back up and he declares for the draft.

Time to Rebuild: Penn State

In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky, and the Penn State scandal, I've taken a lot of time to reflect on the morals of Sports. This isn't a debate whether or not a man is innocent, if actions weren't taken correctly or not. I'm not well knowledge on legal matters, or psychiatric matters. I'm not that kind of Doctor. But all joking aside, this whole scandal has been disgusting situation but I wonder how demoralized our society has become as a whole, no one here is saying Jerry Sandusky is an innocent man, in fact I'd have a few inappropriate words for him, but I'll restrain myself as a semi professional writer since I take this site quite seriously.

Riots in Penn State, I heard the story on ESPN of a man who would go to the last home game the last couple of seasons, because it could have been JoePa's last. He, his wife, and 9 month old child parked their van away from the original protest, and assumed they were safe. However, later into the night, as the protest reared its ugly head and showed that some people support causes, other people are looking for excuses to be jackasses. (Excuse my language). You think a man who dedicated that much time to a program, to students, to fans, and the game of football would want you disgracing his legacy by standing on top of a flipped news van. Yeah, I'm talking to you Guy-In-Black-Shorts-and-a-Lame-Haircut. The fact is, these 2,000-3,000 students involved with the on-campus riots, have done nothing to help JoePa's stance, nor have helped the Board of Trustee's attempt to rebuild not only their image, but start over and try to fix what they can.

The fact is, by protocol Joe Paterno did what he was supposed to do, he reported what he heard to his superior's, he had no power over how the investigation was handled, or how Sandusky was to be punished, nor did Coach Paterno actually see the incident occur. We've seen scandals across the board when it comes to college sport, so we call into the idea of the morals of a man. A highly respected figure in college athletics didn't go to the police when he heard of the wrongdoings.

But no one points the blame towards McQueary. The man who saw the incident, and went to Paterno. No one has called into question, if YOU saw it, why didn't you go to the police? You went to the Head Coach of a College Football team, not the chief of police. The fact is, Paterno going to Law Enforcement would have been the right thing, but if we all had hindsight, if we all went on the belief of one man's word, the world would be a very different place.

I'm not trying to say whether or not crimes were committed, I'm not that ignorant, and I think we all know what happened. It all makes us sick to our stomach. JoePa had a great impact on players, and his staff. But do I think that the firing of JoePa last night was wrong?

No, I do not think so. No one has ever really stood up to that man, and to say that this is a witch hunt to discredit, or dishonor this man. No. This is a start of a process of Penn State to clean house, but the fact remains that we're saying Paterno is wrong because he didn't call the police, because he didn't do the right thing. He didn't follow up on the investigation. But what is anyone supposed to do when they don't witness a crime first hand? Why did McQueary go to Paterno, instead of the police himself?

Do you know what telling the law enforcement something, someone told you? It's called hearsay, and doesn't stand up in court without some sort of documentation. No one knows what the conversation was between the former Grad Student now Coach, and the former head coach of Penn State.

But to imagine that a man who dedicated so much time would be fired over the telephone? It kind of turns my stomach, I think this could have been handled differently, I feel like someone who has done so much for a University deserves a little more. The fact is, this situation, from the day McQueary saw it, to today has not be handled right, but the firing of Joe Paterno was a start in the right direction.

It keeps the man away from the school, he's really up there in age obviously. In my opinion keeping him away from the program, from this stress, is the best thing for him at this point. I would have loved to see him finish the season and retire. But this is reality, not a sports movie. Penn State needs to rebuild, and sadly, Joe Pa needed to go.

The fact is, everyone from McQueary to Joe Pa needed to be removed from this situation. It only makes me fear the fact that this could be happening in other organizations, at any level of sports. We live in a society where Law and Order Special Victims Unit has high ratings, that deals with child abuse, both physically and sexually, rape, and other crimes of that nature. I'm left scratching my head at this situation.

So, I'll finish this piece here. I love Joe Pa, I think he is a polarized figure in what college coaches want to be. The crimes that set this scandal make me sick, and I pray that the victims find some sort of peace in their lives. Nothing can bring back the innocence taken, and I hope Jerry Sandusky spends the rest of his life behind bars. And Penn State kids, class it up, there isn't a need to Riot. Grow up, and have a little respect for yourselves, your program, and your dignity. I'm hear to talk to you about Sports. I'm speaking of Coaches and expressing a view of a situation from my eyes.

This isn't to offend anyone, nor is it to discredit anyone.