Cameron Payne Is OKC Thunder Choice at #14 in NBA Draft
June 27, 2015
Oklahoma City got stronger Thursday with the selection of Cameron Payne from Murray State in their #14 pick in the 2015 NBA draft at the Barclays Center. Payne gives the Thunder a third option at the point with Russell Westbrook and DJ Augustine currently holding down the point. With the possibility of Westbrook leaving the Thunder (don’t get any ideas that I think he will but) in the summer of 2017 and with Augustine an un-restricted free agent after this upcoming season, Payne is the future number two at the position for the Thunder.With all the talent in the lottery coming from big name schools such as Kentucky, Duke and Ohio State, Payne was the only player selected from a mid-major this draft. With the NBA’s MVP for 2014-15 Stephan Curry from Davidson, lack of a big name school or suspect competition in the college game is meaning less. As the third point guard taken in the Draft (and lottery) the Murray State Racer was highly regarded by the scouts in the weeks coming up to the Draft. OKC didn’t know if he would have been there at 14 but after Utah’s pick at 12 left Kevin Booker (another Thunder favorite) from Kentucky and Payne the next two, OKC was guaranteed in getting what they wanted. Booker, a great shooter and a tremendous upside, would have been OKC’s pick if Phoenix had chosen Payne.
It was reported late in May that Payne was the man for the Thunder. Chad Ford of ESPN reported that the Thunder promised Payne that he would be their pick if available. OKC GM Sam Presti displayed great joy in the selection.“A lot of things that Cam does well translate in terms of feel, read for the game, ability to knock down open shots. I think there’s a competitiveness to him, as well. The thing that we really like about him is there’s not a lot of entitlement to him.”
Payne’s confidence was evident with his words to ESPN after his selection, even going third person in his statement.“I can be the next success (from a mid-major) because I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m coming in with no bragging rights at all. I’m coming in to do the dirty work. I’m coming in to do anything to survive and provide for my family. And it’s not going to stop. There is no ceiling for Cameron Payne.
What does Payne bring to the table? His success at Murray State was solid and displayed a superior player at point guard.Payne was one of the most productive players in this draft class, averaging 20.2 points, six assists and 1.9 steals as a sophomore for the Racers. His 716 points produced were the most of anyone in college basketball, while his player efficiency rating of 30.1 ranked 12th in the nation, per Sports-Reference.Payne gives the Thunder an excellent facilitator and solid outside shooter on the second unit. He shot 37.7 percent from three this past season, and he finished sixth in the NCAA with an assist percentage of40 percent, which was better than No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russellof Ohio State. At 6’2″ with a 6’7″ wingspan, Payne has the physical tools to potentially be a pesky defender in the pros (Dave Leonardis)ESPN’s Jay Bilas comments on Payne.“He can score. He can shoot it. He’s excellent off of pick and rolls. He comes off, he doesn’t just blast off, he plays with pace and is an excellent passer…That shot needs to be fixed a little bit. He’s a good shooter, but it’s a low release point on that shot. But I think that’s something that he will remedy easily. He plays in the open floor. He is easy to play with. Makes really good decisions. But his combination of scoring and passing is excellent. Good athlete. Has good defensive potential as well.”Thunder beat writer Daryl Mayberry of the Daily Oklahoman sums up the pick.Still, Presti did well to upgrade the reserve point guard spot. Once he’s healthy, Payne’s ability to push the pace will be a huge asset under new coach Billy Donovan, who stressed the desire to play fast during his introductory press conference. Payne should eventually replace Augustin, who will be a free agent next summer, and could form an exciting tandem with Westbrook in two-point guard sets.“
It was reported late in May that Payne was the man for the Thunder. Chad Ford of ESPN reported that the Thunder promised Payne that he would be their pick if available. OKC GM Sam Presti displayed great joy in the selection.“A lot of things that Cam does well translate in terms of feel, read for the game, ability to knock down open shots. I think there’s a competitiveness to him, as well. The thing that we really like about him is there’s not a lot of entitlement to him.”
Payne’s confidence was evident with his words to ESPN after his selection, even going third person in his statement.“I can be the next success (from a mid-major) because I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m coming in with no bragging rights at all. I’m coming in to do the dirty work. I’m coming in to do anything to survive and provide for my family. And it’s not going to stop. There is no ceiling for Cameron Payne.
What does Payne bring to the table? His success at Murray State was solid and displayed a superior player at point guard.Payne was one of the most productive players in this draft class, averaging 20.2 points, six assists and 1.9 steals as a sophomore for the Racers. His 716 points produced were the most of anyone in college basketball, while his player efficiency rating of 30.1 ranked 12th in the nation, per Sports-Reference.Payne gives the Thunder an excellent facilitator and solid outside shooter on the second unit. He shot 37.7 percent from three this past season, and he finished sixth in the NCAA with an assist percentage of40 percent, which was better than No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russellof Ohio State. At 6’2″ with a 6’7″ wingspan, Payne has the physical tools to potentially be a pesky defender in the pros (Dave Leonardis)ESPN’s Jay Bilas comments on Payne.“He can score. He can shoot it. He’s excellent off of pick and rolls. He comes off, he doesn’t just blast off, he plays with pace and is an excellent passer…That shot needs to be fixed a little bit. He’s a good shooter, but it’s a low release point on that shot. But I think that’s something that he will remedy easily. He plays in the open floor. He is easy to play with. Makes really good decisions. But his combination of scoring and passing is excellent. Good athlete. Has good defensive potential as well.”Thunder beat writer Daryl Mayberry of the Daily Oklahoman sums up the pick.Still, Presti did well to upgrade the reserve point guard spot. Once he’s healthy, Payne’s ability to push the pace will be a huge asset under new coach Billy Donovan, who stressed the desire to play fast during his introductory press conference. Payne should eventually replace Augustin, who will be a free agent next summer, and could form an exciting tandem with Westbrook in two-point guard sets.“
OU President Boren Believes Big 12 Psychologically Disadvantaged
June 30, 2015
Univ. of Oklahoma President David Boren (photo: WFAA) -
Univ. of Oklahoma President David Boren hit he nail on the head as he commented that “the Big 12 is in a state of psychological disadvantage” with the league carrying only ten teams as the other major conferences contain 12 or 14 members. In a statement by Pres. Boren yesterday, the intention that the Big 12 needs to add members and it wouldn’t hurt the revenue of the other members is his strong belief.
Boren said, “Commissioner Bowlsby said publicly yesterday, as reported in The Daily Oklahoman that our television contracts are written to expand proportionally if we add additional schools. In other words, the pie gets proportionally larger if it is cut 12 ways instead of 10. There could be some slight loss of revenue from bowl games and other sources, but if the conference carefully selects additional members, based upon their media markets and fan base support, the amount should increase rather than decrease. We should; however, be very selective. I do not favor adding two more members unless they meet very high criteria. When we look at football playoffs and our conference is bumping up against conferences with 12 or 14 members, I believe that we are psychologically disadvantaged because we are a smaller conference.”
That statement tells the college football world that at least one Big 12 school is looking for adding new members. Media markets, not fan bases, must be noted in Boren’s statement. Money is the key, along with any psychological damage being done currently by having the Big 12 at 10 members. Boren is indicating that markets such as one with a Florida school might bring, or a Ohio school, such as Cincinnati, putting the Big 12 into Big 10 territory might do the league be better than a Bosie State, BYU or even Colorado State out west. Memphis is another school that would bring some major markets in the Mid-south that would fit.Common opinion in Big 12 country will tell you that the natives are jumpy, and the power of the Univ. of Texas in holding back an expansion won’t wash.
With the addition of two teams, the conference can again play a football championship game while strengthening it’s major hold as of the best or second best conference playing basketball. Adding Memphis and Cincinnati would be a tremendous positive for the Big 12 hoops.Look for the league to expand within two years. If they pass, look for the league to be the fifth of five major conferences and the psychological disadvantage will continue to grow.
Thunder’s New Assistants Are Experienced Coaches
June 30, 2015
Monte Williams, new assistant Head Coach of the OKC Thunder
Monte Williams, Maurice Cheeks, Anthony Grant were all added to Billy Donovan’s staff at Oklahoma City of the NBA today, as announced by GM Sam Presti.Maurice Cheeks, new Assistant Coach for the OKC Thunder (photo: USA Today)Williams and Cheeks were head coaches in the Association at the beginning of last season, at New Orleans and Detroit respectfully. New Orleans decided to go a different direction for 2015-16 and fired Williams after their playoff run. Cheeks, a four year Thunder assistant for former head coach Scott Brooks, was fired after a few months into his first season in the Motor City. Cheeks relationship with Russell Westbrook has plenty to do with his coming back to OKC. Same with Williams and Kevin Durant. Their respect for each other is widely known in the league and having Williams, a successful head coach in the league, will give KD and Coach Donovan pluses. Grant has been at Alabama as the head man for the past six years and served as Billy Donovan’s assistant at Gainesville for ten years before becoming a head man in Division One at Virginia Commonwealth and Bama.
USA – Germany Semifinals World Cup Will Be Tight;
Japan Better than England
June 29, 2015
AP Photo, Getty Images: U.S. midfielder Carli Lloyd has scored in two straight games, while Germany’s Celia Sasic leads World Cup scorers with six goals -
Will the USA Women’s soccer team continue their run for a Championship or will the German side end it Tuesday when they face off in Montreal in Semifinals game One? Both are 3 time World Cup winners and this one pits a favored Germany team that would like to match their men in to have both WC titles in the Fatherland. Germany is the favorite and look for a close and hard fought match. Experience on both sides, one goal difference would not be out of the question. I’ll take the Germans in this one, 2 goals for and 1 goal against. The favorite Germans should and I believe, a tad better.
Some history of German, United State series: Fourth Women’s World Cup meeting, all in the knockout stage, with the previous three winners going on to win the title. US lost to the Germans in 2003 semifinals, the last time they met in the World Cup). The American’s are undefeated in 11 straight meetings (6-0-5) outscoring the Germans 19-9. Last meeting, on April 5, 2013, they played to a 3-3 draw.. The United States leads the all-time series 18-4-7. The U.S. women beat Germany in the 1999 quarterfinals and 1991 semifinals.
In the other Semifinal, England takes on a strong Japan team. Japan, like both Germany and the United States, have won three World Cups. This will be the Brits first semi-final. Look for Japan in this one, 3 goals for and 1 against.
Some history of the England, Japan series: England is unbeaten in all three previous meetings with Japan (1-0-2). A 2-0 win in the 2011 World Cup group stage was followed by a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting (June 2013). The teams are meeting for the third consecutive Women’s World Cup (including a 2-2 draw in 2007 group stage).
Some history of German, United State series: Fourth Women’s World Cup meeting, all in the knockout stage, with the previous three winners going on to win the title. US lost to the Germans in 2003 semifinals, the last time they met in the World Cup). The American’s are undefeated in 11 straight meetings (6-0-5) outscoring the Germans 19-9. Last meeting, on April 5, 2013, they played to a 3-3 draw.. The United States leads the all-time series 18-4-7. The U.S. women beat Germany in the 1999 quarterfinals and 1991 semifinals.
In the other Semifinal, England takes on a strong Japan team. Japan, like both Germany and the United States, have won three World Cups. This will be the Brits first semi-final. Look for Japan in this one, 3 goals for and 1 against.
Some history of the England, Japan series: England is unbeaten in all three previous meetings with Japan (1-0-2). A 2-0 win in the 2011 World Cup group stage was followed by a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting (June 2013). The teams are meeting for the third consecutive Women’s World Cup (including a 2-2 draw in 2007 group stage).
Games with No Fans in Baltimore- The Fans Lose as do the Players
No fans, only a limited amount of media, but the game will go on Wednesday. (USATSI)
The Orioles and White Sox will play Wednesday at Camden Yards in a game that will be closed to the public. That’s right, closed to the public. No attendance. No paid attendance. Been there, done that. That will follow later in the article.The word came down from high Tuesday after the riots and civic unrest in Baltimore city. The O’s, the city leaders, and MLB have spoken. Games on Monday and Tuesday had already been cancelled and game three of the set would go on not as scheduled but modified into a day game, 2:05 PM, void of the public. That’s just peachy keen folks. Let’s all bow down to the thugs and malcontents, the fun seekers and the Bloods and Crips that now “RUN” this city. Sick and in fact slick.Go figure how society has discombobulated into “wild in the streets” and we can blame our leaders in the city of Baltimore, Washington DC, and in a matter-of-fact way, in the homes where we raise many of our once children that can now be considered law breaking immoral human beings. No wonder why we have a small majority of police officers that will kill you if you are black, bust you up if you are Hispanic, and in fact, do you harm for just being a citizen of this country. They too are part of this messed up society, brought up by parents to do the wrong thing. As our President has said, we have people that are not protesting, but breaking the law. That goes for many involved on all sides, authorities included.The game on Wednesday will be interesting just on the fact it will be played for the players, the statistics, and for the game of baseball itself.History will be made in playing the game. A Major League Baseball spokesperson tells us that the league is not aware of any other time that a major league game has been played, by design, without spectators allowed in to watch.In addition, compensation for both teams for the game has not been decided by MLB. Either the teams or the league or both will take a financial hit, along with the vendors that support the game.Back to 1970 in Oklahoma City when I was an athlete, a backup “B” team basketball player for my high school, Classen. We had just played a heated contest with another championship contending team, abet one level lower than our 3A classification, in a road game, Dunjee High School, a defending championship team from the year before. My Comets were ranked 3rd in the higher division in the State, and the Dunjee team was undefeated, playing up in their schedule. The “B” game which I played gave indication that it would be a long night. Cursing throughout, the B game was full of intenseness not noted in past games. The A game between both varsity teams was a doozey. Void of fights in the game hostilities between players were indeed there as words flew on both sides even involving the 2,000 in attendance. We won and that didn’t go over well with the home crowd. Coach told us not to get dressed but to get our clothes and load the bus immediately as rumors had spread that trouble was outside in the parking lot. Gunfire had been heard. As the bus driver had put the bus right up against the outer door of the locker room, we were finding our seats on the yellow school bus when we heard a loud explosion and felt the bus move. A teammate yelled out “they shotgunned the bus!” We all dropped to the floor as the coach yelled out “get us out of here!” We made it out of the parking lot and back on the road home.The next morning more than the game made the daily newspapers, giving detail of the violence at the Dunjee school that night. It had been a night to remember and we were happy no player had been hurt.As scheduled, the re-match game was for the following Friday night and school officials decided to play the contest as both teams were highly ranked and it wouldn’t have looked good for a cancellation. Both schools agreed that the game would be played on a Saturday, an afternoon start, and no tickets would be sold. Only the teams, administrators, officials, and the scorekeepers would be allowed in the gym. Yes, I participated in a contest with no fans. I do remember that our school had two Oklahoma City police officers at the gym that Saturday afternoon. I remember both the B and A games were played without much enthusiasm by both teams and again, we won a close game against a fine team. It was surreal playing that game. It wasn’t like a scrimmage as Coach made certain that the game was important. Still, playing in a game like that without fans takes away from the spirit of the game. I didn’t like that part of it. At the end of the season my Comet team played in the State Finals and lost. The Dunjee team, in the lower classification, won another state title. By the way, as for the bus getting shot gunned, it was scary. Not good. As for Baltimore and Wednesday’s game, not good either. Everybody loses.
Kevin Durant
Excited with Billy Dovonan as Coach for Thunder
Q: What was your reaction when you heard the news?
A: I was excited. When you don’t have a coach, it’s a lot of uncertainty in the building. But coming into the practice facility today, I felt like it was the next step for us. It was an exciting feeling for everybody that was there at the gym today to learn that we got Billy as our coach. We’re exciting and we’re looking forward to it.Have you had a chance to talk to Billy yet?
No. I haven’t talked to him. I’m guessing here in the next few days I’ll talk to him. But I’m looking forward to that, too.What’s your relationship with Billy like now? Do you have a relationship with him? Do you know him at all? He was there for USA Basketball. And I’ve heard good things about him. I’m sure we’ll click pretty quickly. But I don’t have a relationship with him. I don’t know him. He didn’t recruit me at Florida, so I don’t really know him too well. I’m just going off of what guys that played for him said. And I’m looking forward to meeting him and getting a feel for him myself.He’s obviously accomplished a ton and he’s not even 50 years old. Two national titles, 500 wins. But people are questioning his lack of NBA experience.
Do you think that that sort of thing matters, or is a coach just a coach?
I wouldn’t say it matters. I think, like you said, if you know how to coach a team that’s all that matters. He’s been at one of the highest levels of basketball and won a title. That’s tough to do. So you can’t just downplay what he’s done in the college ranks and just automatically say he’s not going to be great in the pros. He produced a lot of pros and they all love him. The only thing that will be different, to be honest, is just the schedule and the amount of practice time you may have and the travel. But other than that, I think he’ll adapt pretty quickly.
There was a report that you reached out to Florida players in the NBA. Was that true, and what former Florida players did you call and what did you learn?
I reached out to Chandler Parsons and Mike Miller. And they just told me great things. Mike told me that he’s real detailed and prepared. Every day is just another day for him to get better. And he’s always looking to learn. I was excited when I heard that because that’s the type of player I am, and I’m looking forward to learning from somebody else. It should be a good relationship. Like I said, I want to get a feel for him myself and for him to get a feel for me and just work from there.Billy’s known for a lot of different things. His Florida teams have been great defensively. He’s a really sharp Xs and Os guy.
What kind of expectations, or do you have any expectations when you get into training camp about the areas Billy Donovan can really help you guys evolve?
It’s going to take some time. I think just for him over the summer is big for him to get to know more guys. Obviously he’s watched us before and knows what our strengths and weaknesses are as players. But I know he’s going to do a good job because from what I’ve heard he works extremely hard, his attention to detail is one of the best and everybody’s been telling me he’s an NBA coach coaching in college. So I’m excited. I’m very excited to learn from him and get better from him and try my best to do whatever he tells me to do. I can’t wait to get started.
Donovan Gets 5 Year Contract With Thunder
April 30, 2015 12:00 PMAs reported by KFOR TV 4 in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Thunder as hired Florida Gator coach Billy Donovan for 5 years at or over $6,000,000 per year. (Story will be updated as facts become known)
Donovan Has OKC Thunder Job If He Wants It
Updated at 12:30 PM April 29, 2015
Florida’s Billy Dovonan will be the next head coach of the Thunder if Oklahoma City’s GM Sam Presti is successful in negotiations with the two-time NCAA Championship coach.Reports out of Oklahoma City and the Association say that it is Donovan’s job if he wants it. Soon to be 50 in May, the Gator coach has had aspirations to coach at the highest level of basketball and an already championship caliber team in OKC might be what draws the successful coach to his dream NBA job. Family concerns would be the only drawback with school age children to consider. Sources in and around the situation believe that Donovan has a better than fifty percent chance in taking Presti up on the move. Again, it’s his job if he wants it as he has been the first or second choice of Presti since the firing of Scott Brooks after 7 years at the helm.
Florida’s Billy Dovonan will be the next head coach of the Thunder if Oklahoma City’s GM Sam Presti is successful in negotiations with the two-time NCAA Championship coach.Reports out of Oklahoma City and the Association say that it is Donovan’s job if he wants it. Soon to be 50 in May, the Gator coach has had aspirations to coach at the highest level of basketball and an already championship caliber team in OKC might be what draws the successful coach to his dream NBA job. Family concerns would be the only drawback with school age children to consider. Sources in and around the situation believe that Donovan has a better than fifty percent chance in taking Presti up on the move. Again, it’s his job if he wants it as he has been the first or second choice of Presti since the firing of Scott Brooks after 7 years at the helm.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Are Not Happy Campers
- See more at: http://prosportsextra.com/2015/04/17/kevin-durant-and-russell-westbrook-are-not-happy-campers/#sthash.lDXZNAUx.dpuf
Since the rules on how NBA teams get into the playoffs do not pick the best 16 teams in the league. the best and most prolific player of the regular season circa 2015, named Russell Westbrook, will not be in the competition. Russell’s Oklahoma City Thunder finished ninth in the Western Conference, but the 9th place team on the south plains is, by record, one of the to 16, and in fact, would have finished 6th in the inferior Eastern Conference. With that said, and all things even for 2016, OKC has set the table for having one of the two or three best teams in the league come 2016.
As some prognosticators have mentioned this week, former NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley believes that OKC is the team of the future in the Association. In a conference call with the Daily Oklahoman in OKC, Barkley’s remarks about the Thunder:
If you guys keep the team the way it is now and get Westbrook and (Kevin) Durant healthy, to go with (Enes) Kanter, (Steven) Adams, (Mitch) McGary, (Serge) Ibaka, in my opinion, you guys will be the favorite to win the championship. The only reason you guys are out of the playoffs is strictly because of injuries. You still also made the playoffs missing the MVP. But if you look at that team on paper, because I love McGary and Adams, and I love Kanter, and if you put them with Westbrook and Durant, there’s no doubt in my mind that you guys will be one of the top three teams according to the sports book. You just got to get healthy. You stole Kanter and I’ve been a McGary fan since he was at Michigan. Everybody loves Adams. I like Ibaka. Tell Serge to quit shooting all those threes and take his big butt down on the box. Maybe you can do that with Adams, McGary and now Kanter. If you get everybody healthy, your team is awesome. Really to be honest with you, for the next five years, you guys will be legitimate contenders.
Oklahoma City will have some work to do to finalize the roster for the coming season. The defense will get better with Serge Ibaka and Kevin Durant back in the line up. Add a healed Andre Roberson, Nick Collison, and improvement in learning the system in OKC, expect more on that end of the floor. Rumor that Scott Brooks job is on the line is just not so. But do look for a new assistant coach, one that can teach defense, to be added to the staff
KD, Russell, Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, and Enes Kanter (who will sign with the Thunder this summer in the sum of $12-15 million per year) gives the starting line-up tremendous offensive fire power, the best in the Association. The 2nd group, headed by Dion Waiters and DJ Augustin at the guards, Anthony Morrow, a swing player at small forward/shooting guard, and Nick Collison and Mitch McGary as the “bigs”. Kyle Singlar will also see minutes. OKC will again out gun almost all 2nd team groups they encounter. Waiters is a gunner and with time will improve his shooting percentage. With the combinations of the first 11 on the Thunder roster, they have the ability to be special. Morrow is the best three point shooter in OKC and one of the top in the league by percentage and quantity. OKC will be able to run, go big or small, and entertain with two of the best ten players in the world. No team in the Association has that much ability and explosiveness. Heck, the world if you want. Final roster spots will include last year’s 1st round choice Josh Huestis from Stanford who played in the D league, along with 2015 Draft pick (14th or higher depending upon the lottery) if they want to go that way (or a stash of a foreign player (if they want to go that way.) Steve Novak will probably be on the roster, adding veteran support and a world class 3 point shot, with Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones III as possible trade bait. A very solid group for KD and Russell to win an NBA title. A little tidbit: If KD wins a championship in 2016 he will have one his first younger than Michael Jordan won his first.
With some National sports writers speculation that OKC is shopping Scott Brooks replacement, don’t think that way. Kevin Durant is the deciding factor and sources say that Durant has let the Thunder brass (GM Sam Presti and team president Clay Bennett) that Scott is the man, at least for 2016, which is Brooks last year on his current contract. Russell Westbrook has already come out with his support for his Coach, and with the Thunder’s #1 objective of re-signing both Russell (in 2 years) and KD (next summer), the last thing Presti and Bennett would want to do is upset the two headed monster of KEAVBROOK. Scott Brooks is on solid ground, right now.
Again Charles Barkley sums up the coaching situation in OKC (from the Daily Oklahoma):
For some reason, you all want to keep wanting to fire your coach and I have no idea why. Scott Brooks, man, has done a good job. Anybody else lose the MVP and is fighting to the end? People forget that Westbrook missed some games early in the season. And you spent the whole season without the MVP, the second best basketball player in the world, and you almost made the playoffs. The only thing I hear is these idiots on television talking about how Scott Brooks is on the hot seat. I mean that’s just crazy to me. Everybody knows Scott Brooks lived with me for a minute and he is a friend of mine, but this has nothing to do with that. For you guys to be without the MVP basically all season and still almost make the playoffs, I don’t know what more you all want in Oklahoma City. I really don’t. The notion that you all are even thinking about firing your coach has got to be one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard.
Watch the playoffs this year folks and enjoy. The best roster in the Association won’t be included because of injuries. But remember that there are two superstars in OKC that sit fuming that they are not playing anymore this year. Durant has fire in his belly for next season and we all know about Westbrook’s engine. 2016 can’t wait for those two. They are not happy campers and that is an understatement.
- See more at: http://prosportsextra.com/2015/04/17/kevin-durant-and-russell-westbrook-are-not-happy-campers/#sthash.lDXZNAUx.dpuf
Ex-Coach Harbaugh ‘Clinically Insane’ 49ers Lineman Boone - See more at: http://prosportsextra.com/2015/04/21/ex-coach-jim-harbaugh-clinically-insane-says-49ers-lineman-boone/#sthash.YYa6GH9L.dpuf
by Fred Pahlke
Coach and Alex Boone
San Francisco offensive lineman Alex Boone had some insightful remarks today concerning ex-49er coach Jim Harbaugh, the current new head coach at Michigan in the college game. In an interview by HBO Boone said that Harbaugh had worn out his welcome in the Bay and that he thought his former coach was ‘clinically insane.’
“I think he just pushed guys too far,” Boone said to HBO’s Bryant Gumbel for an episode that will air Tuesday. “He wanted too much, demanded too much, expected too much. You know, ‘We gotta go out and do this. We gotta go out and do this. We gotta go out and do this.’ And you’d be like, ‘This guy might be clinically insane. He’s crazy.'” Boone had remarked to the radio media in September (95.7 The Game, in the Bay Area) “I know for a fact that everybody loves Harbaugh. He’s a great guy. How can you not want to win for a guy that wears cleats during the game? Come on now. Have you not seen that guy’s energy? He’s excited 24-7. You’ve got to love to play for a guy like that. That’s what football is all about.” The message has changed since Harbaugh has gone to bluer pastures. Could it be that Boone changed his feelings toward his former coach because he, Boone, attended college at The Ohio State University, Michigan’s arch rival? Probably. “He does a great job of giving you that spark, that initial boom,” Boone told HBO. “But after a while, you just want to kick his ass. … He just keeps pushing you, and you’re like, ‘Dude, we got over the mountain. Stop. Let go.’ He kind of wore out his welcome.” Boone does think Harbaugh will be successful at Michigan. Coach Harbaugh and 49er Alex Boone “I think he’s a better college coach than he would be as an NFL coach. It’s different for college kids than pro players. I don’t think college kids can say, ‘Hey, Jim, you’re pissing me off today,” Boone finished in his remarks to HBO’s Gambel.
“I think he just pushed guys too far,” Boone said to HBO’s Bryant Gumbel for an episode that will air Tuesday. “He wanted too much, demanded too much, expected too much. You know, ‘We gotta go out and do this. We gotta go out and do this. We gotta go out and do this.’ And you’d be like, ‘This guy might be clinically insane. He’s crazy.'” Boone had remarked to the radio media in September (95.7 The Game, in the Bay Area) “I know for a fact that everybody loves Harbaugh. He’s a great guy. How can you not want to win for a guy that wears cleats during the game? Come on now. Have you not seen that guy’s energy? He’s excited 24-7. You’ve got to love to play for a guy like that. That’s what football is all about.” The message has changed since Harbaugh has gone to bluer pastures. Could it be that Boone changed his feelings toward his former coach because he, Boone, attended college at The Ohio State University, Michigan’s arch rival? Probably. “He does a great job of giving you that spark, that initial boom,” Boone told HBO. “But after a while, you just want to kick his ass. … He just keeps pushing you, and you’re like, ‘Dude, we got over the mountain. Stop. Let go.’ He kind of wore out his welcome.” Boone does think Harbaugh will be successful at Michigan. Coach Harbaugh and 49er Alex Boone “I think he’s a better college coach than he would be as an NFL coach. It’s different for college kids than pro players. I don’t think college kids can say, ‘Hey, Jim, you’re pissing me off today,” Boone finished in his remarks to HBO’s Gambel.
Coach, What Happened? OU Loses 77-70 After Leading by 21 in the 2nd Half
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
Monday, March 2, 2015, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
My high school tennis coach back in 1969 would stress to the team that if you won the first set of a match he expected (more like demanded) you win the match. Yes, you could lose the second set if you needed to, but the third set had to be yours. There was no discussing it, you were more than expected to win. So, after measuring my opponents in that first set win, I had to determine if I needed to put the other guy down in set two after that first set win, or risk a third set that had to be won. If I was the much superior player that day, I’d go on and take set two and wrap up the match. If the opponent was equally good, I would play that second set to win but not get too upset if it looked like it would go to the third so I would throw the set and put all my marbles in set three, which I would put extreme pressure on myself to win out. As I said, win that first set and I had no out not to beat my guy. Going into a match with a much superior player I always let that guy win set one and then try to come back with winning the next two. I can say I lost more first sets than I should have, but I was a very good high school player so I didn’t worry so much, knowing that I could make a nice comeback. As a junior in high school (my first competitive year of tennis) I would have gone far in the State Tournament that year except I drew the returning State Champion at #2 Singles in round one. He beat me, 6-0, 6-4. I gave the guy a great set still losing. I lost because he was the better player. But I didn’t let the coach down, or myself. Let’s say that I dared not win that first set. I didn’t think I would beat the more experienced State Champ. You might wonder what my coach, Don Fleet, Classen High School-Oklahoma City, had on us to not lost a match when you could take a set, the first set of a match. Mr. Fleet had put the fear of God in us in the form of physical punishment, running our butts off immediately after we returned to school after a match. I didn’t like running bleachers for an hour, in a timed session. Coach Fleet was a coach to fear when you didn’t win a match when it was expected that you should. We were expected to win when we were the better player, or when we got ahead. Losing was not acceptable in those situations and we heard from Coach when we did fail.
With that information given, tonight I watched a college basketball game in the Big 12 where a Conference Title could be had. One team went up by 19 points the end of the first half, extended that lead to 21 points in the first few minutes on the 2nd half, then proceeded to get their butts beat by a team that scored 22 straight points in one stretch and finished off the game with an embarrassing loss for a team looking for a Championship. The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team didn’t fear the man. They didn’t have what champions fear, the fear of losing, for whatever reason. That is what you call a loser. Oklahoma was a loser tonight 77-70. No Championship in the Big 12 for this team.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:12411445
Oklahoma puked up their leg tonight in a Jeckel-Hyde performance that mirrors a team that is being coach by a “good guy” that had them prepared to play a 24 minute game. That won’t cut it and Lonnie Kruger showed tonight that he is not the answer for Oklahoma’s re-emergence to National prominence. Yes, ranked 15thin the country is nice, but what I saw tonight was not acceptable to my tennis coach Don Fleet, to the Sooner fans, and especially not for the players themselves. They have to live with the debacle. The melt-down was even ugly. It was sad. Fish out of water. Feel sorry for such a 16 minute stretch of poor basketball. Argue with me all you want but OU’s basketball team, the 2014-15 edition, is not mentally strong nor coached with a must win attitude. You don’t lead by 21 and then allow yourself to get blown out…..anywhere, home or away. Excuses are not what OU needs in a coach that hasn’t a clue. There are no excuses in what I saw tonight.
With that information given, tonight I watched a college basketball game in the Big 12 where a Conference Title could be had. One team went up by 19 points the end of the first half, extended that lead to 21 points in the first few minutes on the 2nd half, then proceeded to get their butts beat by a team that scored 22 straight points in one stretch and finished off the game with an embarrassing loss for a team looking for a Championship. The Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball team didn’t fear the man. They didn’t have what champions fear, the fear of losing, for whatever reason. That is what you call a loser. Oklahoma was a loser tonight 77-70. No Championship in the Big 12 for this team.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:12411445
Oklahoma puked up their leg tonight in a Jeckel-Hyde performance that mirrors a team that is being coach by a “good guy” that had them prepared to play a 24 minute game. That won’t cut it and Lonnie Kruger showed tonight that he is not the answer for Oklahoma’s re-emergence to National prominence. Yes, ranked 15thin the country is nice, but what I saw tonight was not acceptable to my tennis coach Don Fleet, to the Sooner fans, and especially not for the players themselves. They have to live with the debacle. The melt-down was even ugly. It was sad. Fish out of water. Feel sorry for such a 16 minute stretch of poor basketball. Argue with me all you want but OU’s basketball team, the 2014-15 edition, is not mentally strong nor coached with a must win attitude. You don’t lead by 21 and then allow yourself to get blown out…..anywhere, home or away. Excuses are not what OU needs in a coach that hasn’t a clue. There are no excuses in what I saw tonight.
Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield reacts after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Monday, March 2, 2015, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Freshmen Play on the Way Out in the NCAA
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Wednesday, February 18th, 2015
Changes are on the horizon for NCAA schools and the eligibility of their student/athletes. College basketball especially, and a carry over to the other sports quite possibly, rule modifications are going to change the landscape of the college games and have impact on the NBA in particular.
Commissioners of three of the five power conferences, the Big 12, the Pac-12, and the ACC are in the process to have the NCAA to make freshmen ineligible for varsity action. 1972 was the last season that the frosh were eligible to play on freshmen teams only.
“I’ve had conversations with several commissioners about [freshman ineligibility],” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said. “We are pushing, and I think you will see much more serious conversations about it in the coming months and year.”
The item was No. 7 on a 10-point list for NCAA reform ideas that Pac-12 college heads sent their Power Five colleagues last May.
7. Address the “one and done” phenomenon in men’s basketball. If the National Basketball Association and its Players Association are unable to agree on raising the age limit for players, consider restoring the freshman ineligibility rule in men’s basketball.
Bob Bowlsby, Commissioner of the Big 12 commented there is “almost a uniform acknowledgment that there’s kids in college that don’t have any interest in an education and don’t have the proper education to take advantage of an education.” He also commented that freshman ineligibility would have a “profoundly positive effect” on football and men’s basketball by giving students time to transition from high school to college without the distractions of big time college competition.
“I think there’s a growing interest in a robust debate, and I think we ought to drag it to the ground and consider it any way we can,” Bowlsby concluded. “I think it is the one change that could make an absolutely dramatic difference in college athletics.”
“I don’t think it’s looked upon as radical an idea as it seemed to people five years or 10 years ago because it makes so much sense educationally,” said ACC leader John Swofford. “We’re in a period now where everybody is trying to get a hold of the student-athlete experience and a recommitment, if you will, to balance academics and athletics.”
The one-and-done situation in college basketball is the main target but other sports might be included. Others are also proposing alternative ways to cut down the loss of talent to the pros, much of it wasted with the bad decisions made by athletes as they pursue a professional career.
A change to freshmen ineligible would be a positive with those players signing college letters-of-intent required to sign enforceable contracts with said schools for a three year time period, giving the school exclusive rights for that students services in that particular sport. For those student athletes that want to forgo college and go straight into a professional league, they would have that opportunity as granted by the pay for play leagues (NBA, NFL Euro Leagues). The NCAA needs to wash their hands of the NBA and get committed athletes in their programs which would do away with the one year teams such as what is happening at Kansas and Kentucky, for example. Give the athlete a five year scholarship and allow the player to play as a 5th year senior. The quality of the college game would improve and allow the fans to bond with their schools’ players. Increase basketball team rosters to 18 scholarship players and encourage walk-ons for freshmen teams, with no more than six freshmen allowed to sign in any given year, with redshirting numbers caped at two.
Changes are in the works and they will happen. The five power conferences run their own programs currently with little regard to other divisions in the NCAA. Additional rule changes, such as a 24 second clock, freshmen teams, and stipends (already in the works for 2015-16) will follow.
Commissioners of three of the five power conferences, the Big 12, the Pac-12, and the ACC are in the process to have the NCAA to make freshmen ineligible for varsity action. 1972 was the last season that the frosh were eligible to play on freshmen teams only.
“I’ve had conversations with several commissioners about [freshman ineligibility],” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said. “We are pushing, and I think you will see much more serious conversations about it in the coming months and year.”
The item was No. 7 on a 10-point list for NCAA reform ideas that Pac-12 college heads sent their Power Five colleagues last May.
7. Address the “one and done” phenomenon in men’s basketball. If the National Basketball Association and its Players Association are unable to agree on raising the age limit for players, consider restoring the freshman ineligibility rule in men’s basketball.
Bob Bowlsby, Commissioner of the Big 12 commented there is “almost a uniform acknowledgment that there’s kids in college that don’t have any interest in an education and don’t have the proper education to take advantage of an education.” He also commented that freshman ineligibility would have a “profoundly positive effect” on football and men’s basketball by giving students time to transition from high school to college without the distractions of big time college competition.
“I think there’s a growing interest in a robust debate, and I think we ought to drag it to the ground and consider it any way we can,” Bowlsby concluded. “I think it is the one change that could make an absolutely dramatic difference in college athletics.”
“I don’t think it’s looked upon as radical an idea as it seemed to people five years or 10 years ago because it makes so much sense educationally,” said ACC leader John Swofford. “We’re in a period now where everybody is trying to get a hold of the student-athlete experience and a recommitment, if you will, to balance academics and athletics.”
The one-and-done situation in college basketball is the main target but other sports might be included. Others are also proposing alternative ways to cut down the loss of talent to the pros, much of it wasted with the bad decisions made by athletes as they pursue a professional career.
A change to freshmen ineligible would be a positive with those players signing college letters-of-intent required to sign enforceable contracts with said schools for a three year time period, giving the school exclusive rights for that students services in that particular sport. For those student athletes that want to forgo college and go straight into a professional league, they would have that opportunity as granted by the pay for play leagues (NBA, NFL Euro Leagues). The NCAA needs to wash their hands of the NBA and get committed athletes in their programs which would do away with the one year teams such as what is happening at Kansas and Kentucky, for example. Give the athlete a five year scholarship and allow the player to play as a 5th year senior. The quality of the college game would improve and allow the fans to bond with their schools’ players. Increase basketball team rosters to 18 scholarship players and encourage walk-ons for freshmen teams, with no more than six freshmen allowed to sign in any given year, with redshirting numbers caped at two.
Changes are in the works and they will happen. The five power conferences run their own programs currently with little regard to other divisions in the NCAA. Additional rule changes, such as a 24 second clock, freshmen teams, and stipends (already in the works for 2015-16) will follow.
NBA Finals: OKC vs Cleveland? I’d Like That!
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, February 15th, 2015
San Antonio, Oklahoma City, or Cleveland. Of those three teams one true and single NBA Champion will emerge for the 2014-15 season. Placement in the NBA Finals for Cleveland give them the best advantage to win the Title, as they only have to go through Atlanta, not one of my top 3 teams in the NBA. The Hawks, even with their gaudy record, are in a second group of teams that include Golden State, Houston, and Memphis. My ranking at the All-Star break is as follows for winning a title this year:
1. San Antonio/Oklahoma City
3. Cleveland
4. Memphis
5. Golden State
6. Atlanta
7. Houston
Others that have a chance to win a playoff series include: Chicago, Washington, Toranto and Portland.
The team that nobody would want to play healthy is Oklahoma City. The best two players on one single team, a healthy Thunder with Durant and Westbrook would be the team to beat. A possible first round matchup between OKC, an 8th seed, and Golden State, a number one seed, would favor the Thunder in Vegas. Memphis has a strong opportunity to break through but my money still says San Antonio as an equal chance to make the NBA Finals. Coach Popovich will have his team, baring injuries, ready for the playoffs. Against a healthy Thunder, the Spurs fall in five, maybe six. Home court wouldn’t help them as the series wouldn’t go 7. Yet, a gauntlet of Golden State , a Memphis and a SA would be a challenging for OKC. Give OKC the edge but not by much in the Western Conference.
As for the Eastern Conference I like Cleveland Go against Lebron and K-Love if you like. I won’t. They will take the East over Chicago. Toranto could sneak in but don’t count on it.
In the Finals, a Cleveland, OKC series would be a wash. Both teams have the super-stars to make it historic. I’d pay to see that.
As for my top five players in the league at break, James, Westbrook, Curry, M.Gasol and Durant fit the bill.
1. San Antonio/Oklahoma City
3. Cleveland
4. Memphis
5. Golden State
6. Atlanta
7. Houston
Others that have a chance to win a playoff series include: Chicago, Washington, Toranto and Portland.
The team that nobody would want to play healthy is Oklahoma City. The best two players on one single team, a healthy Thunder with Durant and Westbrook would be the team to beat. A possible first round matchup between OKC, an 8th seed, and Golden State, a number one seed, would favor the Thunder in Vegas. Memphis has a strong opportunity to break through but my money still says San Antonio as an equal chance to make the NBA Finals. Coach Popovich will have his team, baring injuries, ready for the playoffs. Against a healthy Thunder, the Spurs fall in five, maybe six. Home court wouldn’t help them as the series wouldn’t go 7. Yet, a gauntlet of Golden State , a Memphis and a SA would be a challenging for OKC. Give OKC the edge but not by much in the Western Conference.
As for the Eastern Conference I like Cleveland Go against Lebron and K-Love if you like. I won’t. They will take the East over Chicago. Toranto could sneak in but don’t count on it.
In the Finals, a Cleveland, OKC series would be a wash. Both teams have the super-stars to make it historic. I’d pay to see that.
As for my top five players in the league at break, James, Westbrook, Curry, M.Gasol and Durant fit the bill.
Thunder Strikes Clipper’s Main Mast, LAC’s Ship is Sinking Fast
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, February 8th, 2015
Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, left, and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook battle for a loose ball during the Clippers’ 131-108 loss on Feb. 8, 2015. (Joe Robbins / Getty Images)
It is not a good time to be a Los Angeles Clipper fan. The master and commander of the NBA’s better LA franchise, Head Coach Doc Rivers, learned today that All-Pro Blake Griffin has surgery scheduled for Monday for a staff infection in his left elbow, putting the star player on bench for four to six week or longer. (Staff infections can be life threatening as NBA great Grant Hill all most “checked out” in 2004 with his from an ankle surgery that went staff, giving Hill a life threatening temperature and a wound that would not heal. Hill missed the rest of that season.)
Without Griffin, the Chipper ship might just sink as they have now dropped to the 7th spot in the West. Prognosticators still believe that the Clips will make the playoffs but after the Griffin news and a team that is discombobulating, the post season is in question. Oklahoma City, a team with more than enough injuries to deal with completely dismantled the Clippers today 131-108 in the Peak. OKC, looking much the vigorous team, both on offense and defense has had it’s injury problems this year, including starting center Steven Adams hurt today with a hand; no word on the severity at this article’s posting. The Clippers looked old, worn out, a step slower than the youth of the Thunder. Viewing this team in person, LAC is in trouble. Coach Rivers has indicated that the line-ups will vary from game-to-game. Implications say that LAC is a little short on starters and with the financial situation the team is dealing with the salary/cap situation, this boat might not float.
“We have Turk playing the backup five,” said Clip center DeAndre Jordan, the starter at that spot, referring to teammate Hedo Turkoglu. “We can’t win like that. Any time our defense gives up 130-plus, 120-plus, we’re not going to win a lot of basketball games. That’s my big concern right now.”
“We’re depleted right now, but no one feels sorry for us,” Doc Rivers said. “I don’t feel sorry for us. You know what I mean? You’ve just got to figure it out and keep playing.” Rivers didn’t have a good Sunday in Oklahoma City
Without Griffin, the Chipper ship might just sink as they have now dropped to the 7th spot in the West. Prognosticators still believe that the Clips will make the playoffs but after the Griffin news and a team that is discombobulating, the post season is in question. Oklahoma City, a team with more than enough injuries to deal with completely dismantled the Clippers today 131-108 in the Peak. OKC, looking much the vigorous team, both on offense and defense has had it’s injury problems this year, including starting center Steven Adams hurt today with a hand; no word on the severity at this article’s posting. The Clippers looked old, worn out, a step slower than the youth of the Thunder. Viewing this team in person, LAC is in trouble. Coach Rivers has indicated that the line-ups will vary from game-to-game. Implications say that LAC is a little short on starters and with the financial situation the team is dealing with the salary/cap situation, this boat might not float.
“We have Turk playing the backup five,” said Clip center DeAndre Jordan, the starter at that spot, referring to teammate Hedo Turkoglu. “We can’t win like that. Any time our defense gives up 130-plus, 120-plus, we’re not going to win a lot of basketball games. That’s my big concern right now.”
“We’re depleted right now, but no one feels sorry for us,” Doc Rivers said. “I don’t feel sorry for us. You know what I mean? You’ve just got to figure it out and keep playing.” Rivers didn’t have a good Sunday in Oklahoma City
Collison Sign’s for Two Years Guaranteed at $7.6 Million for OKC
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015
A significant foundation player of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Nick Collison, has signed an extended contract with the NBA team today, Terms of the multi-year agreement is two years at 7.8 million total, guaranteed. Collison was in the last year of his current contract. He will continue to be the oldest and most experienced player for the franchise that dates back to the Sonics in Seattle. Collison will become one of the few NBA players to play for only one franchise. He is in his 11th season in the Association an will retire in OKC when he finishes his career. A beloved basketball player in the Midlands, born in Iowa and playing his college ball at Kansas, Collison’s reputation as one of the smartest and hardest working players is what he brings to the game and his OKC fans.
OKC GM Sam Presti on the signing: “We are excited that Nick Collison will continue his tenure with the Thunder. Since our arrival in 2008, Nick has helped us establish the standards on and off the floor that we work by on a day-to-day basis. He has accepted various roles, demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his craft, and shown a commitment to an organizational philosophy that is rare in sports today. Nick is the type of player that will always be valued in Oklahoma City, and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward.”
Collison’s take: “I’m excited to continue my career with the Thunder, playing here in Oklahoma City. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization and to play with a great group of teammates. Playing in Oklahoma City is unique, it’s a rare combination of a lot of things; great people in the organization starting with ownership, the most loyal fans, the opportunity to win at a high level and a true community impact. It’s been a great professional experience for me since the day I arrived. I’m proud of what we have built together and am grateful to be able to stay with the club and continue our work together.”
Collison’s career numbers in 791 games: 6.4ppg and 5.5rpg. As of this year, his numbers are: 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.9 minutes per game this season.
From this writers observation, Collison has lost a step or two from the previous year but will provide a solid 5th option “big” for the Thunder and is a staple in the locker room and mixture of team chemistry. Not loved when he came to OKC in the beginning, he has become one of the most beloved players, rivaling that of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
OKC GM Sam Presti on the signing: “We are excited that Nick Collison will continue his tenure with the Thunder. Since our arrival in 2008, Nick has helped us establish the standards on and off the floor that we work by on a day-to-day basis. He has accepted various roles, demonstrated professionalism in all aspects of his craft, and shown a commitment to an organizational philosophy that is rare in sports today. Nick is the type of player that will always be valued in Oklahoma City, and we are thrilled he will continue to be a foundational member of the Thunder moving forward.”
Collison’s take: “I’m excited to continue my career with the Thunder, playing here in Oklahoma City. I feel fortunate to be a part of a great organization and to play with a great group of teammates. Playing in Oklahoma City is unique, it’s a rare combination of a lot of things; great people in the organization starting with ownership, the most loyal fans, the opportunity to win at a high level and a true community impact. It’s been a great professional experience for me since the day I arrived. I’m proud of what we have built together and am grateful to be able to stay with the club and continue our work together.”
Collison’s career numbers in 791 games: 6.4ppg and 5.5rpg. As of this year, his numbers are: 3.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.9 minutes per game this season.
From this writers observation, Collison has lost a step or two from the previous year but will provide a solid 5th option “big” for the Thunder and is a staple in the locker room and mixture of team chemistry. Not loved when he came to OKC in the beginning, he has become one of the most beloved players, rivaling that of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Who Shows up in Miami?
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, January 19th, 2015
Brett Deering (Getty Images)
One week earlier the Oklahoma City Thunder had a string of blow-out losses, all on the road, non-competitive games against three opponents. One team they got blasted by was not a good NBA team. The other two, well, you can tell me if Golden State is good and deserving the label of “best team in the NBA.” And Houston, I’d say they are pretty good too. Three road losses, all over by the end of the 1st quarter. A 40-14 dismantling by the Rockets which ended at 40-18 after the first 12 minutes. Waste games for the Thunder or you can say throwaway games. The team was in the buildings but the effort….no won’t call it effort. They were in the building. Embarrassing performances for OKC. Games that told the NBA that this team, on any given night, this team will lay down. Won’t produce andl play with effort. A don’t care attitude? Well, what do you think? Million dollar and more employees that take money but don’t do a job. Three games where the players that played should have given their blood money to charity….they were not deserving of a paycheck. Good players play with effort every night. For those three nights, no. No effort whatsoever.
Turn the page to the following two games, the first against that Golden State team again. OKC plays hard and takes the win with superior play in the 4th quarter. The following game they run Orlando out of their gym in the Disney environment. They shoot 90% of their 2’s and score 79 point by half. They again play with effort, with a positive attitude, and run their season record to 20 up and 20 down. Something is not right here.
Now we come to Tuesday night, tomorrow, for a game in Miami. Which team shows up? The good Thunder or the effortless one. Nobody here says that the Thunder has to win in Miami. They need a win, like every night, right? But a “have to win” game this is not. But they need to play with effort. Another blowout loss on the road for the Thunder should not happen. Competitiveness is a must. Are the Thunder players playing a joke on the league? Playing possum? We shall see.
Turn the page to the following two games, the first against that Golden State team again. OKC plays hard and takes the win with superior play in the 4th quarter. The following game they run Orlando out of their gym in the Disney environment. They shoot 90% of their 2’s and score 79 point by half. They again play with effort, with a positive attitude, and run their season record to 20 up and 20 down. Something is not right here.
Now we come to Tuesday night, tomorrow, for a game in Miami. Which team shows up? The good Thunder or the effortless one. Nobody here says that the Thunder has to win in Miami. They need a win, like every night, right? But a “have to win” game this is not. But they need to play with effort. Another blowout loss on the road for the Thunder should not happen. Competitiveness is a must. Are the Thunder players playing a joke on the league? Playing possum? We shall see.
Westbrook’s Attitude and Demeanor:
Unacceptable!
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, January 18th, 2015
Commentary by Fred Pahlke, PSE
Russell Westbrook’s interview with the OKC’s working press following last nights OKC Thunder’s 127-115 win over Golden State displayed an attitude that was unprofessional toward said press in the least and he was specifically rude and boorish toward sportswriter Barry Tramell of “The Oklahoman” newspaper, at most.
Watching this display was like watching a little kid acting on a stage to get attention, a very immature individual, one that may have psychological problems. Westbrook, a twenty-five year old superstar was an embarrassment to the Thunder, to his coach, his GM, and his owner. The possibility there will be trouble with this player on down the road is a strong possibility. Mark it down, Russell Westbrook is playing with fire as the image of the OKC Thunder, the NBA, and the fans of the League will take note. That show by him last night was not in the best interest of anyone, especially Westbrook. Displaying this sort of hostility we are witnessing the evolution of an “ugly” NBA basketball player that someone in the Thunder or the NBA League office needs to get a handle on. The image of the OKC Thunder across the world is at stake.
For those apologists for Westbrook, you do not have the knowledge of the working press and understand the role of the sports writer in today sports world. What Westbrook did to Barry Trammell is disingenuous and totally unwarranted.
Russell Westbrook’s interview with the OKC’s working press following last nights OKC Thunder’s 127-115 win over Golden State displayed an attitude that was unprofessional toward said press in the least and he was specifically rude and boorish toward sportswriter Barry Tramell of “The Oklahoman” newspaper, at most.
Watching this display was like watching a little kid acting on a stage to get attention, a very immature individual, one that may have psychological problems. Westbrook, a twenty-five year old superstar was an embarrassment to the Thunder, to his coach, his GM, and his owner. The possibility there will be trouble with this player on down the road is a strong possibility. Mark it down, Russell Westbrook is playing with fire as the image of the OKC Thunder, the NBA, and the fans of the League will take note. That show by him last night was not in the best interest of anyone, especially Westbrook. Displaying this sort of hostility we are witnessing the evolution of an “ugly” NBA basketball player that someone in the Thunder or the NBA League office needs to get a handle on. The image of the OKC Thunder across the world is at stake.
For those apologists for Westbrook, you do not have the knowledge of the working press and understand the role of the sports writer in today sports world. What Westbrook did to Barry Trammell is disingenuous and totally unwarranted.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- JANUARY 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during a game against the Golden State Warriors on January 16, 2015 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
Thunder Avoid Season Sweep; Westbrook Dominates Golden State
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, January 17th, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- JANUARY 16: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots against the Golden State Warriors on January 16, 2015 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
For one night in a disappointing season the Oklahoma City Thunder put together their best game against the team with the NBA’s best record, besting the Golden State Warriors 127-115 in the Peak (18,204) before a packed house. OKC had lost it’s first three games against the Warriors and the win avoided a regular season sweep in the series.
It was a team effort as Russell Westbrook’s triple double, Kevin Durant’ 36 points on 14-18 shooting, Serge Ibaka’s career tying 27 points, and Dion Waiters 21 point boosted the strong OKC win. A bounce back from a horrendous loss the previous night against Houston puts the Thunder at 19 wins with 20 losses. The Thunder go on the road for some important road games beginning in Orlando on Sunday, followed later in the week in Miami and Washington. Golden State takes it lead leading 31-6 record to Houston on Saturday night to play the Rockets.
Russell Westbrook’s triple was one of historic proportions for the most athletic player in the League. His 17 assists, 15 rebounds and 15 points was the first triple 15 or more against the best team in the League, record wise, since Walt Frasier did it in 1968. Westbrook also added 4 steals.
“Russell was all over the floor,” OKC’s Scott Brooks said. “I thought there was two of him out there, the way he was rebounding and moving our offense forward.”
“I don’t want to downplay his performance, but Russ can do that whenever,” said Kevin Durant, summing up Westbrooks performance. “He doesn’t really get too excited over great games because he has so many of them. It was a tremendous game, I think, as far as controlling it, playing defense, rebounding.”
Watching the Thunder on their good side, the NBA’s other teams saw what they fear in them. When they want to turn it on and play with intensity, they just could be the team beat in the League, especially at playoff time. The next ten days will tell if they are going to be what they can be.
The loss broke the Warriors winning streak at 8.
Waiters In, Jackson Out? OKC Thunder At Crossroads
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, January 13th, 2015
Dion Waiters and Reggie Jackson, OKC Thunder; Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images
Dion Waiters in, Reggie Jackson out. Expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to trade the 4th year point guard as his contract expires at the end of the season, giving Jackson an opportunity to test free agency. With the addition of Waiters from Cleveland, OKC has obtained a better defender and a player with as good if not better ball skills. Jackson has dropped one spot in the Thunder rotation as Waiters was the player on the court in the final eight minutes in their last game, a win against Utah in the Peak. Waiters made important defensive plays and a big three to seal the win. Jackson was in a unfamiliar place, sitting on the bench during that crunch time.
It is no rumor that Reggie Jackson is in disfavor with other Thunder players (KD, Westbrook, Perkins for names) and Coach Scott Brooks. It could be heard in the Jazz game Brooks calling out Jackson as he continued to let his man breeze by him for easy scores. It has been noted by Brooks that when Jackson’s defense breaks down the team breaks down and that is not getting it done, thanks to Reggie.
“It’s not Dion over Reggie,” coach Scott Brooks said after that Utah game. “It’s Dion was playing solid defense and competing and pressuring the ball and not giving up anything easy, so he got the minutes tonight.” What can be read into that comment was that Jackson “was not playing solid defense and not competing and pressuring the ball and for sure not giving up anything easy.” Viewing the game in the arena it was obvious that Jackson just cannot guard certain people.
Brooks continued, “”Going forward, minutes are earned. Those bench minutes are going to be very competitive. But I like [Waiters’] intensity; I like his commitment to stopping the ball. That’s been a problem of ours, and we have to get better with that, and I think he did a good job of it tonight.”
Waiters defensive play was one of the significant factors in getting the home crowd hyped up during the Thunder’s fourth quarter run. Utah had only four field goals in that final twelve minutes and Waiters dogged the Jazz point guards in that final eight minutes, turning the Jazz over twice.
“Nah,” Jackson said when asked if he was surprised he sat the final eight minutes, letting a sly grin creep across his face. “Not at all.” (Royce Young reporting for ESPN.com)
Yet when pressed for elaboration on his comment Jackson seemed coy in his response. “In due time.” Jackson’s remark after the game suggests that he is waiting out his time in OKC.
Jackson has commented that it is what it is and that he holds OKC in no special company (as a place to play) as the NBA is a business and he has no issue with moving to any club if moved. With such an attitude it is no surprise that I think he will be traded before the February trade deadline. Most will say it is a 50/50 chance of that happening as Jackson and Waiters could form one of the top 2nd units in the League, and, in fact, a better backcourt than almost half of the team’s starting guards. I see it differently. My money says he’s in Philly by the trade deadline.
(Fred Pahlke attends all Thunder home games as original season ticket holder for the club)
It is no rumor that Reggie Jackson is in disfavor with other Thunder players (KD, Westbrook, Perkins for names) and Coach Scott Brooks. It could be heard in the Jazz game Brooks calling out Jackson as he continued to let his man breeze by him for easy scores. It has been noted by Brooks that when Jackson’s defense breaks down the team breaks down and that is not getting it done, thanks to Reggie.
“It’s not Dion over Reggie,” coach Scott Brooks said after that Utah game. “It’s Dion was playing solid defense and competing and pressuring the ball and not giving up anything easy, so he got the minutes tonight.” What can be read into that comment was that Jackson “was not playing solid defense and not competing and pressuring the ball and for sure not giving up anything easy.” Viewing the game in the arena it was obvious that Jackson just cannot guard certain people.
Brooks continued, “”Going forward, minutes are earned. Those bench minutes are going to be very competitive. But I like [Waiters’] intensity; I like his commitment to stopping the ball. That’s been a problem of ours, and we have to get better with that, and I think he did a good job of it tonight.”
Waiters defensive play was one of the significant factors in getting the home crowd hyped up during the Thunder’s fourth quarter run. Utah had only four field goals in that final twelve minutes and Waiters dogged the Jazz point guards in that final eight minutes, turning the Jazz over twice.
“Nah,” Jackson said when asked if he was surprised he sat the final eight minutes, letting a sly grin creep across his face. “Not at all.” (Royce Young reporting for ESPN.com)
Yet when pressed for elaboration on his comment Jackson seemed coy in his response. “In due time.” Jackson’s remark after the game suggests that he is waiting out his time in OKC.
Jackson has commented that it is what it is and that he holds OKC in no special company (as a place to play) as the NBA is a business and he has no issue with moving to any club if moved. With such an attitude it is no surprise that I think he will be traded before the February trade deadline. Most will say it is a 50/50 chance of that happening as Jackson and Waiters could form one of the top 2nd units in the League, and, in fact, a better backcourt than almost half of the team’s starting guards. I see it differently. My money says he’s in Philly by the trade deadline.
(Fred Pahlke attends all Thunder home games as original season ticket holder for the club)
Winston’s College Career is Over; NFL Next for the Heisman Winner
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
STREETER LECKA/GETTY IMAG
Jameis Winston, Florida State’s Heisman trophy has decided to test his skills in the NFL as he has declared for the 2015 NFL draft. Winston’s Seminoles were taken to the woodshed last week in their National Semi-final game against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. It was Winston’s first loss as a starting quarterback. He led the ACC power to the 2014 National Championship just a year ago. Winston has been told that his projection is that of a 1st round pick.
“After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State,” Winston read from a prepared statement. “I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.”
Off field activities may scare off some NFL teams in making Winston their bell cow. ESPN draft guru Tod McShay believes that Winston’s rape allegation for which he was not charged is something that teams will take a look at.
“Marcus Mariota is still a very good prospect but needs developing. They both have a chance to be great. But they both come with red flags………Winston’s red flags are off the field.” But McShaay believes that Winston has a better upside in the League than current Heisman winner Marcus Mariota. “The cons about Jameis Winston are, what are you getting with maturity and with the individual off the field? Can he stay out of trouble? And can he handle himself in a manner where you feel comfortable giving him $25 million or $30 million and tagging him from day one as the face of your franchise? It’s hard, man. I don’t know the answer right now,” McShay finished.
There is no question that Winston was productive at FSU. A 26-1 record and one National Title, his final ranking in FSU career statistics will be fourth in touchdown passes (65), fourth in passing yards (7,964) and second in passes of 20 yards or more (124) since the start of the 2013 season.
Winston’s final words for the Seminole nation were appreciative. “As I embark on the next challenge of playing in the NFL, I look forward to contributing to a long line of successful alumni at the next level. I want you all to know that I will make Seminole Nation proud and continue to bring the passion and love for the game you all have seen in Doak Campbell since my first day as a ‘Nole. Thank you for making my time in Tallahassee the of the best years of my life.”
For the sake of football at the next level, it is hoped that this great college player matures and has a successful NFL career. His skill set will not be the issue. Let’s see if his mental make-up develops into that of positive leader and face of the franchise that selects him.
“After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State,” Winston read from a prepared statement. “I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.”
Off field activities may scare off some NFL teams in making Winston their bell cow. ESPN draft guru Tod McShay believes that Winston’s rape allegation for which he was not charged is something that teams will take a look at.
“Marcus Mariota is still a very good prospect but needs developing. They both have a chance to be great. But they both come with red flags………Winston’s red flags are off the field.” But McShaay believes that Winston has a better upside in the League than current Heisman winner Marcus Mariota. “The cons about Jameis Winston are, what are you getting with maturity and with the individual off the field? Can he stay out of trouble? And can he handle himself in a manner where you feel comfortable giving him $25 million or $30 million and tagging him from day one as the face of your franchise? It’s hard, man. I don’t know the answer right now,” McShay finished.
There is no question that Winston was productive at FSU. A 26-1 record and one National Title, his final ranking in FSU career statistics will be fourth in touchdown passes (65), fourth in passing yards (7,964) and second in passes of 20 yards or more (124) since the start of the 2013 season.
Winston’s final words for the Seminole nation were appreciative. “As I embark on the next challenge of playing in the NFL, I look forward to contributing to a long line of successful alumni at the next level. I want you all to know that I will make Seminole Nation proud and continue to bring the passion and love for the game you all have seen in Doak Campbell since my first day as a ‘Nole. Thank you for making my time in Tallahassee the of the best years of my life.”
For the sake of football at the next level, it is hoped that this great college player matures and has a successful NFL career. His skill set will not be the issue. Let’s see if his mental make-up develops into that of positive leader and face of the franchise that selects him.
Sooner Basketball is No Pushover In Big 12 Action
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2015
Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger talks to his team during a timeout in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the BB&T Classic against George Mason, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Washington. Oklahoma won 81-66. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Oklahoma Sooners put a big time hurt on the Texas Longhorns Monday night in Austin, 70-49. OU raised their season record to 11-3. The conference opening win over the 10th ranked Longhorns propells the Sooners into a favoritable position in the Big 12. Texas fell behind 33-14 at half as the Longhorns scored the least amount of points in a half for a Texas team since joining the conference. The 16th ranked Sooners beat Texas at their own game, dominating the paint by holding the bigs of Texas to 4 of 19 shooting while the Sooner’s TaShawn Thomas, a 5th year senior transfer (Houston) scored 12 point and 11 rebounds. Ryan Spangler chipped in with nine points and 5 rebounds he and Thomas held the Longhorn inside starters to just 9 total points. Spangler played 35 minutes and Thomas 30. OU was balanced with 5 players scoring in double figures. Buddy Hield led the Sooners with 13 point.
The favoried Texas squad was never in the game as OU was dominate both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. OU lost a 22 point lead in the last 8 minutes of the game in Austin two years ago. It wasn’t to happend again as OU kept pace with Tesas in the second half, outscoring them 37-35. UT head coach Rick Barnes didn’t have to be sold on this current Sooner team as he was the only Big 12 coach to pick OU to win the conference this year. It was Coach Barnes worse loss as the head man in Austin.
Texas foward Jonathan Holmes was sold on the Sooners “They are a championship calibar team” he remarked after the blowout loss. “They really punched us in the mouth. Their bigs played better than we did and took it to us.”
It has become appairant that this 2014-15 Sooner team is a solid contender for both the Big 12 and National honors. A deep team with players that have experience and play together on both ends of the court, they will give Kansas and the rest of the Big 12 a run for the conference title.
The favoried Texas squad was never in the game as OU was dominate both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. OU lost a 22 point lead in the last 8 minutes of the game in Austin two years ago. It wasn’t to happend again as OU kept pace with Tesas in the second half, outscoring them 37-35. UT head coach Rick Barnes didn’t have to be sold on this current Sooner team as he was the only Big 12 coach to pick OU to win the conference this year. It was Coach Barnes worse loss as the head man in Austin.
Texas foward Jonathan Holmes was sold on the Sooners “They are a championship calibar team” he remarked after the blowout loss. “They really punched us in the mouth. Their bigs played better than we did and took it to us.”
It has become appairant that this 2014-15 Sooner team is a solid contender for both the Big 12 and National honors. A deep team with players that have experience and play together on both ends of the court, they will give Kansas and the rest of the Big 12 a run for the conference title.
OKC Thunder Is a Circus on the Court; Brooks Job In Jeopardy
by Fred Pahlke
| Posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2015
Scott Brooks-Thunder coach
Sam Presti, GM OKC Thunder (Sue Ogrocki, AP)
With the current lack of effective play the past week and a couple of hot Western teams coming up on their schedule, the OKC Thunder’s head coach Scott Brooks is on a fast track to have his contract bought out and replaced. After another loss tonight at a 14-20 Sacramento Kings, OKC has Houston and Golden State coming up and another two losses sandwiched between a hopeful home win Friday against Utah would give Thunder’s owner Clay Bennett and GM Sam Presti to pull the trigger on Brooks. OKC’s projected record after that trio of games would stand at 18-21. OKC wasn’t competitive against Golden State on Monday and tonight in Sacramento. That would be deemed unacceptable by the Thunder brass. A team that starts Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook should never ever be non-competitive.
Speculation is always tricky, but you heard it here first. Scotty’s job is in jeopdary and OKC is in need to make a change if things play out as predicted. Brooks is not getting the job done. Look for a veteran coach such as a George Karl to be considered a replacement. Someone needs to take charge in Oklahoma City and what is currently taking place is a circus.
Speculation is always tricky, but you heard it here first. Scotty’s job is in jeopdary and OKC is in need to make a change if things play out as predicted. Brooks is not getting the job done. Look for a veteran coach such as a George Karl to be considered a replacement. Someone needs to take charge in Oklahoma City and what is currently taking place is a circus.
Remember Brian Bosworth-Oklahoma Sooner Linebacker
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014
Brian Bosworth was as dominating a linebacker college football has ever had. Bosworth played at Oklahoma from 1984 through the regular season final of 1986. A two time consensus first team All-American and the only two time Butkus winner for best linebacker in college, Bosworth became larger than life and is known by the sports world as “the Boz”. College Football News has him ranked as 30th on its list of the “100 Greatest College Players of All-Time.” In October 1999, Bosworth was named to the Sports Illustrated NCAA Football All-Century Team as one of only nine linebackers on the squad. Bosworth’s terrific play can be seen in the following video.
OKC Trouble: Westbrook’s Basketball IQ, Brooks Coaching In Question
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, December 22nd, 2014
Russell
Photo: The Oklahoman
Russell Westbrook uses his athletic ability to make up for the fact that his mental basketball IQ is that of an eighth grade on-the-court gunner. (Westbrook disrespected the Oklahoma media and the OKC Thunder fans today on this thought process but that is another story). For all the minutes he has logged he hasn’t learned one key aspect. That is, pass the fricken ball when you are covered. Does Westbrook have the learning curve to get the light bulb to lite up? Does he have what it takes to understand the concept just mentioned. Secondly, Westbrook hasn’t been coached in a way that if you don’t learn this aspect of the game you will not be on the court. That is, off the court at the beginning of a game, or crunch time when you are most needed. To the crux of the situation in OKC you have to turn to Sam Presti, the General Manager, and to Head Coach Scott Brooks and his staff. That crux? OKC will never win the NBA Championship with Russell Westbrook as player and Scott Brooks as coach if changes are not made. That statement is owned by GM Presti, and until this GM practices his form of managing a team with regard to the coaching as he does to the players he puts on the floor, OKC might as well just spin the tornado along with the Thunder. Presti must put the best coach on the bench he can and Brooks looks like he is not that man. Either he isn’t coaching them up right or they are not following this coaches’ directions. Both are game killers. I thought at one time that without Brooks as coach Westbrook and Durant might not be happy in OKC, might not want to stay here and play. Maybe I’m right but in fact what really matters is that those two win a NBA title and the best coach for that task is not currently on the bench in OKC. Maybe Westbrook, though he respects Brooks, doesn’t follow his directions. Not good. OKC needs a coach that can tell and make Westbrook “pass” the ball when it is the right thing to do. And # 0 must follow through. Westbrook has to up that basketball IQ. If Westbrook cannot conceive of the concept he needs to go to LA or somewhere else. Presti has to have a coach that can deliver a message and a player that can understand the message and follow through. Brooks and Westbrook have to be on the same page. Again, I will state that OKC will not win it all until changes are made. As for Kevin Durant and the rest of the team, your chances of an NBA title are in the hands of Presti, Brooks and Westbrook. They are the trump card. Westbrook’s comments today:
Russell Westbrook grows tired of late-game criticism: ‘I don’t want to hear it! “Depends how the game is going,” Westbrook said after Monday’s practice. “Depends what’s working, depends on what’s worked throughout the game. You have to see the flow of the game. You have to actually watch the game and know what’s going on, know what sets is being ran, know what plays is being ran, know who’s guarding who, know who’s a bad defender, know who’s not a bad defender, know who’s slow, know who’s fast, know who’s not smart. There’s a lot of things you have to take into consideration. And I think it’s very important people understand the game, not just the stats. You have to honestly understand the game, understand what’s going on throughout the game. Lotta people don’t watch the game unless it’s on TV. So if you don’t watch our games, you don’t know what’s exactly what’s going on. You may turn the game on in the fourth quarter and say, ‘Oh, (expletive), what’s going on?’ Make sure you watch the first quarter and see what’s working for us. Watch the second quarter. Watch the third quarter. If you don’t know personnel, you don’t know anything. So I think it’s very important people know exactly each individual player what’s going on throughout the game.” (Reprint of the Oklahoman)
Russell Westbrook meets the Press today in OKC (photo by the Oklahoman)
And I see one thing. Westbrook, with all that he mentioned above, doesn’t make good on-the-court decisions every time. He needs to improve if he can.
Russell Westbrook grows tired of late-game criticism: ‘I don’t want to hear it! “Depends how the game is going,” Westbrook said after Monday’s practice. “Depends what’s working, depends on what’s worked throughout the game. You have to see the flow of the game. You have to actually watch the game and know what’s going on, know what sets is being ran, know what plays is being ran, know who’s guarding who, know who’s a bad defender, know who’s not a bad defender, know who’s slow, know who’s fast, know who’s not smart. There’s a lot of things you have to take into consideration. And I think it’s very important people understand the game, not just the stats. You have to honestly understand the game, understand what’s going on throughout the game. Lotta people don’t watch the game unless it’s on TV. So if you don’t watch our games, you don’t know what’s exactly what’s going on. You may turn the game on in the fourth quarter and say, ‘Oh, (expletive), what’s going on?’ Make sure you watch the first quarter and see what’s working for us. Watch the second quarter. Watch the third quarter. If you don’t know personnel, you don’t know anything. So I think it’s very important people know exactly each individual player what’s going on throughout the game.” (Reprint of the Oklahoman)
Russell Westbrook meets the Press today in OKC (photo by the Oklahoman)
And I see one thing. Westbrook, with all that he mentioned above, doesn’t make good on-the-court decisions every time. He needs to improve if he can.
Thunder Beats LAL as Lakers Nick Young Plays the Jerk
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, December 20th, 2014
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Lakers forward Nick Young celebrates after making a three-point shot against the Thunder in the third quarter. Young was later ejected for elbowing Thunder center Steven Adams.
Oklahoma City beat the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night in the City of Angels 104-103 but he comments of Laker Nick Young regarding his ejection for “throating” Thunder 2nd year center Steven Adams is being noted by this writer. From the AP: Nick Young was ejected with 11:24 to play after he retaliated to contact from Steven Adams with a forearm and elbow to the throat of the Oklahoma City center. Young said Adams “is a sneaky, dirty player,” but Young also blamed himself for the ejection, saying he “lost my mind a little bit, checked into the crazy house and got back out.” Young had 10 points before his ejection. “He was doing his job. He got me kicked out of the game. That’s what they put him in the game to do,” Young said. Nick Young must be the dumbest player in a Laker uniform. First, he was becoming the answer in beating the Thunder with his long range shooting before he was tossed. He was clicking and giving the home team a positive edge on their offensive end. Yet, blaming himself for getting the hook but calling out Adams for setting a pick then going after the 7 footer from New Zealand with an elbow to the neck was playing the bad actor. The pick was nothing out of the ordinary but Young, a hot headed journeyman player saw it differently and acted the jerk. Then to call out Adams as a dirty player and that he was put into the game to “get” him ejected is adding foolishness into the incident. When the NBA office takes a look at the play don’t be surprised to see Young suspended a game or two. You can teach someone to be a jerk but Nick seems to be born with the attributes. Adams just stood there and eyed this little guy with the sharp elbow. Young needs to say his prayers that Adams wasn’t Calvin Murphy, the great intimidator of the past in the NBA. They would still be scraping this Laker up from the floor in LA.
Westbrook or Durant? Thunder MVP for 2014
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, December 19th, 2014
Kevin Durant is considered the 2nd greatest basketball player on the face of the earth. The reigning Most Valuable Player of the NBA, Durant, at 26, in his 8th year in the league, just passed the 15,000 point mark in his last game, being the second youngest player to hit this milestone in history. Only LeBron James surpassed this mark at an eariler age. KD had to wait to get to this number this season as he missed the first fifteen games with a broken foot. During this time, the Thunder had to play high majority of these early games without their other All-Star player, Russell Westbrook.
Many consider Westbrook, at 26, a Top Ten player in the world with some saying he is a Top Five cager and quite possibily the best point guard playing today. Westbrook and Durant form a duo that is currently unmatched in the Association. From day one as teammates, Durant and Westbrook have played with the honors of best player (KD) and 2nd fiddle (Russell) on first a losing team that is now one of the best. Durant has won scoring titles, has been judgeded to make better decisoins on the court, and has gained the acceptance of the league as the 2014 MVP. Westbrook, in his first 6 seasons, has been saddled with an unbelieveable athletic court game to go along dubious on-court decision making as the catalist in running the offense. Add an explosive personality and Westbrook is like a lit stick of dynomite always on the verge of going off on an unsuspecting official or opponent. Though KD has been lightly critized for some of his short comings (if you can have some as the best player west of the Mississippi) Westbrook has had to hear the various and numerous negative comments from critics alike, including but not limited to Thunder fans, local and national media, and even this writer.
As the Thunder now sit on the longest (seven) winning streak in the league and have pushed their early season record to 12 up and 13 down, all seems good in the Thunder cloud. Making the playoffs won’t be of question (a given if the injuries don’t come into play) and the team is in a good way with regard to the on court offense and defense, the depth chart, and the state of the big two, KD and Russell.
What one might consider at time of the season is if Russell Westbrook might be the better Thunder, the man if you may, for at least this season, not withstanding the years to come. The 6’3 Westbrook is, in my opinon, the best playing basketballer in this league right now. With respect to Lebron James and Kevin Durant, OKC’s #0 is statistically only behind Anthony Davis in effective play. Westbrook is playing like a MVP and though talk of that honor is still in it’s infancy, the chatter is now being heard here in OKC and across the Assiciation. With 57 games still to be played as of today, Westbrook has the opportunity to lead the Thunder to a high seed in the Western Conference. With respect to KD, I will repeat, “Westbrook to lead the Thunder.” That has not been the history of this franchise. And that is telling.
Back to back MVP’s have happened before and might just happen again in 2014-2015. I don’t think Kevin Durant would mind.
Many consider Westbrook, at 26, a Top Ten player in the world with some saying he is a Top Five cager and quite possibily the best point guard playing today. Westbrook and Durant form a duo that is currently unmatched in the Association. From day one as teammates, Durant and Westbrook have played with the honors of best player (KD) and 2nd fiddle (Russell) on first a losing team that is now one of the best. Durant has won scoring titles, has been judgeded to make better decisoins on the court, and has gained the acceptance of the league as the 2014 MVP. Westbrook, in his first 6 seasons, has been saddled with an unbelieveable athletic court game to go along dubious on-court decision making as the catalist in running the offense. Add an explosive personality and Westbrook is like a lit stick of dynomite always on the verge of going off on an unsuspecting official or opponent. Though KD has been lightly critized for some of his short comings (if you can have some as the best player west of the Mississippi) Westbrook has had to hear the various and numerous negative comments from critics alike, including but not limited to Thunder fans, local and national media, and even this writer.
As the Thunder now sit on the longest (seven) winning streak in the league and have pushed their early season record to 12 up and 13 down, all seems good in the Thunder cloud. Making the playoffs won’t be of question (a given if the injuries don’t come into play) and the team is in a good way with regard to the on court offense and defense, the depth chart, and the state of the big two, KD and Russell.
What one might consider at time of the season is if Russell Westbrook might be the better Thunder, the man if you may, for at least this season, not withstanding the years to come. The 6’3 Westbrook is, in my opinon, the best playing basketballer in this league right now. With respect to Lebron James and Kevin Durant, OKC’s #0 is statistically only behind Anthony Davis in effective play. Westbrook is playing like a MVP and though talk of that honor is still in it’s infancy, the chatter is now being heard here in OKC and across the Assiciation. With 57 games still to be played as of today, Westbrook has the opportunity to lead the Thunder to a high seed in the Western Conference. With respect to KD, I will repeat, “Westbrook to lead the Thunder.” That has not been the history of this franchise. And that is telling.
Back to back MVP’s have happened before and might just happen again in 2014-2015. I don’t think Kevin Durant would mind.
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Don’t Blink As Westbrook Is the Man to Beat for MVP
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, December 15th, 2014
Russell Westbrook is the best playing basketball player in the world right now. With respect to Lebron James and Kevin Durant, #0 for the Oklahoma City Thunder is statistically only behind Anthony Davis in effective play (PIE) in the NBA and is playing the best basketball of his life. MVP honors talk are yet to be common place for Westbrook, but with 58 games still to be played as of today, he has the opportunity to lead the Thunder to a high seed in the Western Conference after a poor 3-12 start in which he and last year’s MVP Kevin Durant were injured.
Westbrook: Current Season Stats
PTS REB AST PIE
25.8 5.8 6.8 22.7%
It is not out of the question that the Thunder get a 4 seed and possibly lower as OKC is the 2nd hottest team in the league behind Golden State. The Thunder visit the Bay on Thursday and that game will be a National televised TNT contest, the last game that night. Westbrook is the catalyst in this run and he controls each and every game played from the point guard position.
Look for OKC to win in and around 54 games and that number could be higher. Don’t look now but the Thunder with Westbrook leading the way will be a tough out come playoff time. And back to back MVP’s have happened before and might just happen again in 2014-2015.
Westbrook: Current Season Stats
PTS REB AST PIE
25.8 5.8 6.8 22.7%
It is not out of the question that the Thunder get a 4 seed and possibly lower as OKC is the 2nd hottest team in the league behind Golden State. The Thunder visit the Bay on Thursday and that game will be a National televised TNT contest, the last game that night. Westbrook is the catalyst in this run and he controls each and every game played from the point guard position.
Look for OKC to win in and around 54 games and that number could be higher. Don’t look now but the Thunder with Westbrook leading the way will be a tough out come playoff time. And back to back MVP’s have happened before and might just happen again in 2014-2015.
Gay to Perkins: You’re a Clown; Perk to Rudy: You’re a Virus
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, December 15th, 2014
Mark D. Smith/USA TODAY Sports Pic: Kendrick Perkins and Rudy Gay entered a war of words ahead of their teams’ Tuesday matchup
Sacramento’s Rudy Gay called out Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kenrick Perkin’s today saying via Twitter :
Blake Ellington @BlakeEllington Follow
Kendrick Perkins spoke negatively of the Kings early in season. Rudy Gay: “He might as well play with his face painted, he’s a clown to me.”
12:22 AM – 14 Dec 2014
The OKC big man started the tweet war during an earlier game this season he was overheard saying: “these m———— are still the Sacramento Kings,”
Perkin’s responded today: “I’d rather be a clown than be a virus, at least if I paint my face, I can wash the paint off. A virus gets in your bloodstream. You can’t get rid of that.”
Perkins was referencing how Mr. Rudy has bounced around the Association the past few seasons. A trade from the Grizzlies to the Raptors and then to the Kings, with each team that traded him away improving after the deal.
Perkin’s continued. “It’s easy for a guy to talk noise through the media. Like I say, we always walk out the same way, and I don’t see none of that. If I see them in the summertime, I don’t see none of that. So I mean, it’s easy for guys to hide. You can walk out with team security, stuff like that. Speak your mind freely. I’m glad I’m on their mind, though,” Perk continued. “I’m glad they go to sleep thinking about me at night.”
OKC travels to SAC for a Tuesday night encounter. OKC swatted the Suns Sunday night to push their record to 11-13 and are riding a 6 game winning streak and have won 8 of 9. The most popular man in the arena Tuesday will not be #5 of the Thunder.
Thunder, Cavaliers Tonight in OKC
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Thursday, December 11th, 2014
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavs.
The best of the best basketball players in the world will be on display tonight in Oklahoma City as the hometown Thunder host the Cleveland Cavaliers in a regular season game. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook back from early season injuries the Thunder will be at full strength for only the third game this year. OKC is coming into the game with a four game winning streak and have won 5 of 6 after a 3 and 12 beginning. Cleveland is the winner of seven in a row as the Cav’s are meshing with super stars LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving now playing championship basketball. Both teams are serious contenders for the NBA Title this year but will have to come from different places in the standings to meet in the NBA Finals. The Thunder will be shooting for a probable 7th seed in the West while Cleveland hopes to win out in the East as regular season champs.
Why Cleveland will win: A strong defensive game by Lebron James will cause disruption of the Thunder offensive and KD will be checked as the Thunder star is still somewhat uncomfortable on the court. The off-the-bench play of Dion Waiters will balance out the Thunder’s strong bench while Kevin Love will have a second strong game as he dominates the glass.
Why OKC will win: Russell Westbrook will cause discourse with the Cav’s defense and he will have his best game of the year. Like Lebron, Russell can take over a game and tonight the Cav’s will have no answer as Russell gets a triple double. Kevin Durant will have a routine game and his twenty-five points will balance out Russell’s dominance. The home crowd of 18, 203 will be helpful to take the visitors out of their game as the Thunder win the turnover battle.
Look for OKC to take this one 104-98. For this night, the basketball world’s eyes are all fixed on the Peak in OKC.
Why Cleveland will win: A strong defensive game by Lebron James will cause disruption of the Thunder offensive and KD will be checked as the Thunder star is still somewhat uncomfortable on the court. The off-the-bench play of Dion Waiters will balance out the Thunder’s strong bench while Kevin Love will have a second strong game as he dominates the glass.
Why OKC will win: Russell Westbrook will cause discourse with the Cav’s defense and he will have his best game of the year. Like Lebron, Russell can take over a game and tonight the Cav’s will have no answer as Russell gets a triple double. Kevin Durant will have a routine game and his twenty-five points will balance out Russell’s dominance. The home crowd of 18, 203 will be helpful to take the visitors out of their game as the Thunder win the turnover battle.
Look for OKC to take this one 104-98. For this night, the basketball world’s eyes are all fixed on the Peak in OKC.
Westbrook is Back; Thunder Rolls Knicks 102-75
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, November 29th, 2014
Don’t ever think that Russell Westbrook is not a dominating top ten (and maybe top 5) basketball player on the planet. The lethal point guard scored 32 points on a 12-17 (3-4 from 3) line, dished out 8 assists and snagged 7 rebounds in 23 intense minutes as the Oklahoma City Thunder strung up the New York Knicks 105-78 in front of a sellout crowd at the Peak (18,203). All that is now missing in OKC is the 2nd best basketball player on earth and his return is just a short time away.
With the hole the Thunder has dug in the first month of the season, the win was only the 5th in 17 starts this season but the horizon seems bright with plenty of wins upcoming.
Westbrook was amazing as the home crowd roared with every play. An assist, another assist, a thrid assist and the game is now one minute thirty seconds old. Another minute or so and Westbrook dunks. In a short time the home boys are up 21-5 and for all practical purposes the game is over in the middle of the first quarter. New York never had a chance.
”It was exciting, man,” Westbrook commented after the game. ”I’m just blessed to be able to go out and play the game I love to play, especially with my teammates. The crowd was great, the energy was high. So it was fun to be out there.”
First year Knick Head Coach and former Thunder player Derrick Fisher had high praise for Westbrook. ”I think that’s the way Russell plays no matter what the situation is,” Fisher said. ”First game or 80th game, he’s going to play with a lot of energy, intensity and passion. He was great tonight, but they were a better team than us tonight. It wasn’t just Russell. Overall they were at a higher rate than us. The energy was higher, and we just couldn’t meet it.”
With the hole the Thunder has dug in the first month of the season, the win was only the 5th in 17 starts this season but the horizon seems bright with plenty of wins upcoming.
Westbrook was amazing as the home crowd roared with every play. An assist, another assist, a thrid assist and the game is now one minute thirty seconds old. Another minute or so and Westbrook dunks. In a short time the home boys are up 21-5 and for all practical purposes the game is over in the middle of the first quarter. New York never had a chance.
”It was exciting, man,” Westbrook commented after the game. ”I’m just blessed to be able to go out and play the game I love to play, especially with my teammates. The crowd was great, the energy was high. So it was fun to be out there.”
First year Knick Head Coach and former Thunder player Derrick Fisher had high praise for Westbrook. ”I think that’s the way Russell plays no matter what the situation is,” Fisher said. ”First game or 80th game, he’s going to play with a lot of energy, intensity and passion. He was great tonight, but they were a better team than us tonight. It wasn’t just Russell. Overall they were at a higher rate than us. The energy was higher, and we just couldn’t meet it.”
Westbrook, Durant Practice Hard Today for Thunder
by
Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, November 24th, 2014
KD and Russell
(Photo: Getty Images)
NBA teams, Russell is back in practice with his running mate the one and only Kevin Durant. They practiced today, hard. With the Thunder’s second 10-day hardship exception expiring Thursday, Westbrook is expected to play Friday in the Peak against the Knicks and KD is questionable. Neither KD or Russell can play in the Wednesday night’s Utah game in OKC.
“They did participate and looked good,” Scott Brooks said. “This week, I don’t know what day, they’ll get evaluated and we’ll go from there. They’ll continue to go through this process and when they’re ready — 100 percent ready — they’ll play “Don’t know (if they will play Friday) Brooks responded. On Russell Westbrook, Brooks said, “Just focus on his work he put in today and continue to build on that. He’ll get evaluated later on this week and we’ll make some of those decisions later on.”
“They did participate and looked good,” Scott Brooks said. “This week, I don’t know what day, they’ll get evaluated and we’ll go from there. They’ll continue to go through this process and when they’re ready — 100 percent ready — they’ll play “Don’t know (if they will play Friday) Brooks responded. On Russell Westbrook, Brooks said, “Just focus on his work he put in today and continue to build on that. He’ll get evaluated later on this week and we’ll make some of those decisions later on.”
Kevin Durant, OKC Based Sonic Corporation In Endorsement Partnership by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, November 21st, 2014
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant watches during the second half of the Thunder’s NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 98-81. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
For all you NBA fans in cities like Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Toronto, the expectation that Kevin Durant might forgo his current city of employment to play in your city in 2016 took another blow today when KD signed a major endorsement with Sonic Corporation, the Oklahoma City based mega-drive-in concern.
As reported by the Daily Oklahoman, Durant and Sonic have signed a deal made in heaven. “We’re long-time fans of Kevin,” Sonic chief brand officer James O’Reilly told The Oklahoman. “And this is something we’ve been discussing for months.”
As stated in The Oklahoman today, “Durant already has the most endorsement partners of any NBA player. But this immediately qualifies as one of his biggest. He’s teaming up with one of the most popular fast food chains in the country whose headquarters just happen to sit right down the street from both his home arena and his actual home.”
Joining another OKC based company “Orange Leaf Yogurt”, KD said, “Sonic is a great national brand with charitable ties that match my own. I’m excited to have the chance to work with them to create healthier and affordable options for people across the country and to have some fun with the process.”
The new association will allow KD to become part of Sonic’s widely acclaimed national advertising campaign, which includes a pair of guys sitting car-side at Sonic in discussion of new menu items and some other strange aspects of life. KD will make it a three way discussion with his inclusion. The mega-star will be part of a “healthy” choice changeover by the Sonic Corporation as they work to become more than a hamburger hotdog, soda drive-in.
“One of the first questions Kevin asked us was if he’d be able to meet the two guys,” O’Reilly said. “We plan to work with Kevin and have him in our advertising with the two guys.”
KD’s commercials are tentatively scheduled to start rolling out in the early summer, right as the NBA playoffs are in full swing.
As reported by the Daily Oklahoman, Durant and Sonic have signed a deal made in heaven. “We’re long-time fans of Kevin,” Sonic chief brand officer James O’Reilly told The Oklahoman. “And this is something we’ve been discussing for months.”
As stated in The Oklahoman today, “Durant already has the most endorsement partners of any NBA player. But this immediately qualifies as one of his biggest. He’s teaming up with one of the most popular fast food chains in the country whose headquarters just happen to sit right down the street from both his home arena and his actual home.”
Joining another OKC based company “Orange Leaf Yogurt”, KD said, “Sonic is a great national brand with charitable ties that match my own. I’m excited to have the chance to work with them to create healthier and affordable options for people across the country and to have some fun with the process.”
The new association will allow KD to become part of Sonic’s widely acclaimed national advertising campaign, which includes a pair of guys sitting car-side at Sonic in discussion of new menu items and some other strange aspects of life. KD will make it a three way discussion with his inclusion. The mega-star will be part of a “healthy” choice changeover by the Sonic Corporation as they work to become more than a hamburger hotdog, soda drive-in.
“One of the first questions Kevin asked us was if he’d be able to meet the two guys,” O’Reilly said. “We plan to work with Kevin and have him in our advertising with the two guys.”
KD’s commercials are tentatively scheduled to start rolling out in the early summer, right as the NBA playoffs are in full swing.
Speculation on Michigan, Florida; Miles and Stoops Strong Possibilities
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, November 17th, 2014
Two major
college football jobs are open with the addition of Florida this weekend. Michigan is the other and both are plums. With all the speculation and opinions of the various coaches that might be offered and accept the prestige’s jobs, I have one too. Let’s look at Michigan. Logically the job needs to go to a “Michigan” man and that choice should be Les Miles. Would Coach Miles even entertain a move to Ann Arbor or would he just say thanks but no thanks? I think he would take it if offered. The SEC is such a killer of a league that Miles might be able to accomplish the goal of another National Title up north than fight the weekly battles in October and November in the south. Miles would become the perfect foil for Urban Meyer at Ohio State and the luster of that great rivalry would be back on the national scene. I do think that Michigan will come to Baton Rouge and hunt Miles up and offer him. My feeling he will say yes and the Big 10 will be a better league for it. Miles is one hell-of-a-coach. As for Florida, the number one choice would be Bob Stoops. If Coach Stoops ever makes a move out of Norman this would be the final chance for him in that the three previous times the AD (his friend, Jeremy Foley) tried and was not successful. I believe that Foley will offer and Stoops will give careful consideration. It would be a 6 to 10 year commitment and I just don’t know if Stoops will want to coach that long. His shelf life at OU would be about 4-6 years then retire to the pasture. I’d give it a fifty fifty chance that he is the next head man at Florida. Rich Rodriguez, Mike Gundy, and NFL coach Chip Kelly are also highly regarded and could end up in Gainesville. If Stoops turns it down look for one of those three to be offered with Gundy my the 2nd choice. Gundy is not happy in Stillwater. |
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For My Money I’ll Take Winston and the ‘Noles
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, November 16th, 2014
Busting loose: FSU running back Dalvin Cook (Miami Central) breaks through the Hurricanes defense for 26 yards and the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s game at Sun Life Stadium. The win kept the defending national champions in the college football playoff hunt. CHARLES TRAINOR JR. MIAMI HERALD STAFF Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article3961805.html#storylink=cpy
If I was a betting man you can be assured that my money on the final team standing at the end of the new football playoffs in January will be Florida State led by Jameis Winston, the best player in college ball. I am not saying that Oregon, Alabama, Miss. State, TCU, Baylor, Ohio State or a surprise team couldn’t take everyone down in the end; but I have seen enough to know that if the Seminoles get beat this year it won’t be easy and the team that does do it will need to have a supreme effort. I like the way Florida State wins. They are gamers and know how to break hearts. This current team is unlike the 2013 National Champs. They do not overwhelm and they have to scratch and fight for wins. They have one talent that is consistent. The Heisman winner is the best gamer in college football since Tim Tebow. Winston and Tebow couldn’t be more different, yet in the long of winning, more alike. Give me a final quarter, a final drive, and final play, give me Winston. They are one tough son of a gun team, like it or not. And Jameis Winston is the best player in the country. He was last year and he is this year.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo (#71) attempts to block a pass by Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (#5) in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, November 15, 2014. Jon Durr Miami Herald Staff Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article3957089.html#storylink=cpy
Take Baylor over TCU for Playoffs; Big 12 Preview
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, November 11th, 2014
All Photos Getty Images
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The Big 12 had two really significant winners last week in TCU and Baylor. The landscape of Division 1 football says that one of these two teams have a great chance to be in the final four in the Committee’s ranking and play in one of the National Semi-finals. Both the Frogs and Bears have made a strong case for inclusion and baring any further losses during the regular season one of these two should be “in like Flint.”
NORMAN, OK – NOVEMBER 8: Running back Corey Coleman #1 of the Baylor Bears pushes cornerback Julian Wilson #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners November 8, 2014 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Baylor defeated Oklahoma 48-14. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) Let’s look at Baylor first. They have on loss, at West Virginia. They took out TCU at home. The only other significant win was at OU. A week from Saturday they host Oklahoma State, followed by a road tussle wth Texas Tech and a home meeting with Kansas State. The only hiccup that could derail the Baylor freight train is the Wildcats. Both teams, along with TCU, have one conference loss. Baylor at home will be a game that K-State can win, yet I wouldn’t put any money on it. I suspect the men of the Brazos will finish 11-1. TCU only loss was at Baylor. Their rout of K-State was a eye-opening win and the Frogs did beat Minnesota in the non-conference, a better out of conference than any of Baylor’s light weight schedule. With Kansas (road), Texas (road) and Iowa State (home), TCU should end up at 11-1. With both schools tied at the top at 8-1 in conference, the committee will choose Baylor over TCU because of the head to head. That head to head gives the Big 12 title to Baylor. TCU will finish one spot below the Bears and just miss out on the playoffs. Both are deserving but the Big 12 won’t get two in. Right now there are too many games to be played in the other conferences but best bets to make the final four are Florida State, the SEC top ranked team (your guess is as good as mine), Oregon (if they win out) and Baylor. First out will be TCU and Ohio State. Semi-finals: Florida State vs Baylor; SEC representative vs Oregon Finals: Baylor vs Oregon National Champs: too close to call In other action last week in the Big 12 Kansas won at home against Iowa State. Texas continues to improve and ran all over Texas Tech in Austin. In this week’s action Oklahoma go to Lubbock to play Tech in another roster kickoff. Does Trevor Knight play after his personal smash up with an under-rated Baylor defense? If he sits this game will be closer than many expect but OU should prevail anyway. Sooners 27, Tech 20. Oklahoma State gets the Fox night contest with the Longhorns. With a two week preparation the Cowboys can be ready to put up some point against a nice Texas defense. But not enough. Texas in the range of 24, Okie State 17. Kansas doesn’t have a chance in Ft. Worth and TCU takes this one in the range of 56 to 9. Last Week: 2-2; Season 47-13 Top Nine: 1. Florida State 2. Alabama 3. Oregon 4. Baylor 5. Mississippi State 6. TCU 7. Arizona State 8. Ohio State 9. Nebraska |
Baylor Bears Claw Sooners to Shreads 48-14 on Owen Field; Largest Margin of Deficit for A Stoops Loss at Home by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, November 8th, 2014
Photo by Getty Images
Baylor head coach Art Briles, left, and Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, right, talk before the start of their NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
Game thoughts on the Big 12 Oklahoma, Baylor Game-Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 Norman, Oklahoma.
Baylor running back Devin Chafin (28) celebrates a touchdown with teammates LaQuan McGowan (60) and Jordan Feuerbacher (85) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Facts: Baylor is a better football team than Oklahoma and surprisingly, right now is the better program of the two; At least on Saturday, Baylor had much the better coaching, including preparation and on-field decisions; Baylor is a football program that is superior to the one that inhabits Norman, Oklahoma; Baylor will have a better team next year than this current one and Oklahoma might be better but don’t bet your life on it.
Particulars: Baylor embarrassed Oklahoma today 48-14 in a game where the Sooners, some in the Oklahoma media said, quit on the field. The Bears won their first game against a ranked opponent on the road since Rosemary’s Baby was just a little tyke of a devil. Art Briles, the head coach of the men in green and gold has won three of the last four games against Bob Stoops and next year will make it four of five. Big Game Bob’s little brother Mike Stoops, is one of the most over-rated defensive coordinators in the country. Coach Mike had no clue on how to slow down Baylor’s five wide sets in the 2nd half, and why should he? Baylor went to the hot receiver and the Sooner defenders had to basically give Baylor carte blanche on the 3 to 5 yard dinks because of size. If they had tried to muscle Baylor the Bear receives would have just run pass the Sooner defenders for a quick six. OU’s defensive secondary players were sitting ducks in a Baylor passing game. Baylor had the better and faster pass catchers than OU’s pass defenders. It was evident and the talent difference was significant.
Bob Stoops is becoming the next Bo Schembechler of coaching. He will win enough to keep his job and make big money but won’t ever win another National Championship. On the other hand Art Briles stay at Baylor will continue and he won’t entertain another place to coach as 19 starters of today’s game return for 2015.
Thoughts: Oklahoma’s football team was booed today in Norman. The team played one of the worse football games in recent memory. Make it at home and you have a disaster of major proportions for the Big Red of the South. It was just a good old beating. Nothing special except Baylor has arrived. It beat a Top Fifteen team on the road. Baylor is as good as any team in the country when Bryce Petty is on. Look for the Bears to be the Big 12 champs when they take care of business against Kansas State later in November. Most impressive thing Baylor did today: They didn’t just beat OU on the scoreboard. They dominated the Sooners in statistics, execution of play, on-field coaching, and most importantly, “the want to.” Baylor wanted it more.
Game thoughts on the Big 12 Oklahoma, Baylor Game-Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 Norman, Oklahoma.
Baylor running back Devin Chafin (28) celebrates a touchdown with teammates LaQuan McGowan (60) and Jordan Feuerbacher (85) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Facts: Baylor is a better football team than Oklahoma and surprisingly, right now is the better program of the two; At least on Saturday, Baylor had much the better coaching, including preparation and on-field decisions; Baylor is a football program that is superior to the one that inhabits Norman, Oklahoma; Baylor will have a better team next year than this current one and Oklahoma might be better but don’t bet your life on it.
Particulars: Baylor embarrassed Oklahoma today 48-14 in a game where the Sooners, some in the Oklahoma media said, quit on the field. The Bears won their first game against a ranked opponent on the road since Rosemary’s Baby was just a little tyke of a devil. Art Briles, the head coach of the men in green and gold has won three of the last four games against Bob Stoops and next year will make it four of five. Big Game Bob’s little brother Mike Stoops, is one of the most over-rated defensive coordinators in the country. Coach Mike had no clue on how to slow down Baylor’s five wide sets in the 2nd half, and why should he? Baylor went to the hot receiver and the Sooner defenders had to basically give Baylor carte blanche on the 3 to 5 yard dinks because of size. If they had tried to muscle Baylor the Bear receives would have just run pass the Sooner defenders for a quick six. OU’s defensive secondary players were sitting ducks in a Baylor passing game. Baylor had the better and faster pass catchers than OU’s pass defenders. It was evident and the talent difference was significant.
Bob Stoops is becoming the next Bo Schembechler of coaching. He will win enough to keep his job and make big money but won’t ever win another National Championship. On the other hand Art Briles stay at Baylor will continue and he won’t entertain another place to coach as 19 starters of today’s game return for 2015.
Thoughts: Oklahoma’s football team was booed today in Norman. The team played one of the worse football games in recent memory. Make it at home and you have a disaster of major proportions for the Big Red of the South. It was just a good old beating. Nothing special except Baylor has arrived. It beat a Top Fifteen team on the road. Baylor is as good as any team in the country when Bryce Petty is on. Look for the Bears to be the Big 12 champs when they take care of business against Kansas State later in November. Most impressive thing Baylor did today: They didn’t just beat OU on the scoreboard. They dominated the Sooners in statistics, execution of play, on-field coaching, and most importantly, “the want to.” Baylor wanted it more.
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I’ll Stick With Les Miles; LSU Better than Bama in Death Valley
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, November 7th, 2014
Getty Image
The SEC will rock in Baton Rouge Saturday night when the Tigers of LSU host the Crimson Tide of Alabama. The educated college sports fan knows the particulars. Bama, ranked #5, is a one loss team and LSU has dropped two. A loss by the Tide will significantly hurt their chance to make the Playoffs and LSU, ranked 15th by the committee, must win out and hope for a birth in the new 4 team system. As usual, many speculate this could be a historic monster game of last minute heroics. Any game coached by Les Miles gives us that possibility and tomorrow night’s Death Valley encounter might fulfill the bill. Miles’s Tigers are 1-1 with Bama in the last two meetings in the heart of the Cajun swamp and he’s a respectable 5-5 lifetime in the match-up against the Tide. Coach Nick Saban team, coming off a big win against aTm (59-0), is playing its best football of the season and seems to be on a Roll Tide.
It will be a typical SEC game of play of tough defense and run the football. The team that is successful in stopping the run and has success itself in gashing the others defensive line will, most likely, win out. We do not have a Bayor, TCU or Oklahoma here so don’t expect to see a video game here. Twenty points should be enough.
Quarterback play, turnovers, and the kicking game are all magnified in close defense struggles. Signal caller Blake Sims of the Tide is adequate at best. If he doesn’t make the fatal mistake (s), he gives them an edge over LSU’s Anthony Jennings, a less than 50% passer against top teams. Jennings must play well and error free for LSU to make a run at the Tide.
It’s a given that the big boys on each’s defensive line will perform with success. Look for a long pass play or a missed assignment to excite in this one. One the other hand if you like a good old fashion slug it out defensive struggle this is your game for the day.
Saban is the better coach (opinion) but Miles is the lucky dude that will beat you at the last moment. Miles also has that intangible that motivates his players like no other. With the ex USC head coach Lane Kiffin running the offensive for Bama, I’ll take the Tigers in this one. LSU will stop Bama cold in the night. Betting against a Les Miles coached team playing in Death Valley after dark is not profitable. LSU 20, Alabama 17.
It will be a typical SEC game of play of tough defense and run the football. The team that is successful in stopping the run and has success itself in gashing the others defensive line will, most likely, win out. We do not have a Bayor, TCU or Oklahoma here so don’t expect to see a video game here. Twenty points should be enough.
Quarterback play, turnovers, and the kicking game are all magnified in close defense struggles. Signal caller Blake Sims of the Tide is adequate at best. If he doesn’t make the fatal mistake (s), he gives them an edge over LSU’s Anthony Jennings, a less than 50% passer against top teams. Jennings must play well and error free for LSU to make a run at the Tide.
It’s a given that the big boys on each’s defensive line will perform with success. Look for a long pass play or a missed assignment to excite in this one. One the other hand if you like a good old fashion slug it out defensive struggle this is your game for the day.
Saban is the better coach (opinion) but Miles is the lucky dude that will beat you at the last moment. Miles also has that intangible that motivates his players like no other. With the ex USC head coach Lane Kiffin running the offensive for Bama, I’ll take the Tigers in this one. LSU will stop Bama cold in the night. Betting against a Les Miles coached team playing in Death Valley after dark is not profitable. LSU 20, Alabama 17.
TMZ Reports FSU’s Winston in Point Shaving Scandal
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, November 7th, 2014
Jameis Winston, Heisman winner and quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles has new charges flung in his face. Point shaving, specifically against Louisville to give a buddy an opportunity to make a little cash (5k) was reported by TMZ.
TMZ says: New reports have surfaced alleging Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was involved in a point shaving scheme to help an old high school teammate win a $5,000 bet. According to the report, Winston tanked the 1st half of the FSU vs. Louisville game on October 30th … after his buddy Chris Rabb allegedly placed a bet for Louisville to be winning at halftime. Winston’s play in the 1st half was atrocious … and FSU was down 21-7. FSU eventually came back and won the game — but according to the report, the final score had no bearing on Rabb’s bet. FYI — point shaving is illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison. So far, it’s unclear if law enforcement is investigating — but we’re working to find out if that’s the case. Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/11/07/jameis-winston-allegations-point-shaving-louisville-chris-rabb/#ixzz3IPQPePD3
Commentary: The hits keep coming and I am sure that one will strike it’s mark and take this guy out of the college game. He is bad news.
TMZ says: New reports have surfaced alleging Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston was involved in a point shaving scheme to help an old high school teammate win a $5,000 bet. According to the report, Winston tanked the 1st half of the FSU vs. Louisville game on October 30th … after his buddy Chris Rabb allegedly placed a bet for Louisville to be winning at halftime. Winston’s play in the 1st half was atrocious … and FSU was down 21-7. FSU eventually came back and won the game — but according to the report, the final score had no bearing on Rabb’s bet. FYI — point shaving is illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison. So far, it’s unclear if law enforcement is investigating — but we’re working to find out if that’s the case. Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/11/07/jameis-winston-allegations-point-shaving-louisville-chris-rabb/#ixzz3IPQPePD3
Commentary: The hits keep coming and I am sure that one will strike it’s mark and take this guy out of the college game. He is bad news.
TCU Nips West Virginia in Big 12; Recap of Week 10
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014
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Kansas State and TCU were the big winners in Week 10 Saturday in Big 12 action. The Frogs (7-1, 4-1) 37-yard field goal as the clock ran out gave the 7th ranked (CFP) visitors a 31-30 win in Morgantown. Jaden Oberkrom was the hero with the kick. “Every time TCU and WVU have gotten together, it’s been an unbelievable game,” TCU coach Gary Patterson remarked following the third straight nail biter against West Virginia. “We were fortunate to make the plays when we needed to.” The last two meetings between the newest members of the conference went into overtime. With the ever improving West Virginia defense giving TCU quarterback Tyrone Boykin all he could handle, the Mountaineers kept he game in hand with a steady yet conservative running game. Boykin addressed his teammates in the locker room following the game, commenting on his rather poor 12-30 for 166 yards, which TCU coach Patterson dismissed to the media. “But we found a way to win, so I’m not going to read too much into it (Boykin’s remarks),” Patterson said. TCU fell behind 27-14 in the 2nd half after a strong defensive struggle in the first 30 minutes. “I thought that if we could make it through the third quarter, that with the wind we could change the field position and get close enough,” Patterson said. “We were in a lot of trouble, but we fought back and got some stops so we could do that.” TCU allowed only one first down in the fourth quarter as the West Virginia offense became uncharacteristically conservative. Head Coach Dana Holgorsen went to the run exclusively which backfired on the Mountaineers. Five turnovers didn’t help the cause for the home team. Holgorsen remarked, “They did a good job of forcing turnovers. That’s no excuse. We need to do a better job of protecting the football and taking care of the football.” It was the first loss at home since Oklahoma beat them earlier in the season. West Virginia has three quality L’s, adding this one to their previous first game encounter with Alabama and that OU meeting. Kansas State’s Charles Jones (24) runs past Oklahoma State’s Jordan Sterns (13) and the rest of the Oklahoma State defense for a touchdown during the college football game between the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) and the Kansas State University Wildcats (KSU) Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman Oklahoma State continued its slide as the Cowboys were routed by Kansas State (7-1, 5-0). The young and mistake prone Pokes played awful against a veteran Wildcat team. Men against boys as the saying goes. K-State plays at TCU next week. Oklahoma ran for over 500 yards with three runners going over 100 in a 59-14 blowout of Iowa State. Sooner quarterback Trevor Knight accounted for 6 scores, 3 rushing and 3 TD passes . Baylor crushed Kansas 60-14 and Texas diced Texas Tech 34-13. Baylor goes to Norman next week in a definitive game in the conference. |
Reggie Jackson As Starting Point Guard? Yes, But Not in OKC
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, November 4th, 2014
Oklahoma City welcomed back its point guard last night in the name of Reggie Jackson, the 2nd stringer that wants to start every game, above Russell Westbrook. Jackson has indicated he will give up his OKC role to start, and the chance make more money next year in another uniform, another city, another environment and it is just fine to him.
Jackson scored 23 points in his first action of the year after spending the first three games off the court from an ankle sprain. The return to action was telling as the same bad stuff that Reggie can bring to a team reared it’s ugly head, both on offense and defense. The Thunder were in both road games in Portland and Los Angeles (LAC) in those early losses. The win at home against Denver Friday night showed a disciplined game of ball movement and spacing as the Thunder dominated from the beginning, owning a 26 point lead at one time in the 1st half. Go to last night and the starting point guard is Jackson; his over-dribbling, poor offensive decision making, and the inability to get others involved in the new schemes of the offense killed any chance of even a close game, let alone a Thunder win. His defense? Enough said. Pendants have argued that third string point guard Sabastian Telfair is not a very good player, awful many will say. He can’t shoot and that is what they point to. Yet, in the win over Denver, Telfair, abet not a scoring threat that game, goes close to 40 minutes, has only one turnover, and dishes nine assists. Monday night Jackson has three turnovers in the first five minutes of play and by half the team is blown out by a 60-41 score. Do I want to blame Jackson for what happened in that first half in Brooklyn? Well,……………. yes. Jackson, in his three years has yet to be consistently good in how to run a team from the point. His decision making is as bad as any in the league for “starting” point guards, which he is until the return of Westbrook.
Is he worth the $14 million he will be asking in the month after this season is over? No. Sam Presti says he wants Jackson and will keep him. I would like to think that yes, Jackson would stay, run the second team, play off Westbrook, and contribute as a top player in crunch time, but not as the point guard. Presti wants to keep Jackson, yes, and a reserve. But as a starting point guard OKC at $14 million dollars for three years? Are you kidding?
I suspect that Presti will see the situation that he is in and trade Jackson before the end of the trading deadline somewhere in late Jan. or early February. Reggie, hope you enjoy starting in Milwaukee, Sacramento, or some place where you won’t see a playoff game for one, three, or five years. Money is the name of the game, not fame or championships for the young player today. Enjoy that money Reggie. In ten years it will be “Reggie who……………..”
Jackson scored 23 points in his first action of the year after spending the first three games off the court from an ankle sprain. The return to action was telling as the same bad stuff that Reggie can bring to a team reared it’s ugly head, both on offense and defense. The Thunder were in both road games in Portland and Los Angeles (LAC) in those early losses. The win at home against Denver Friday night showed a disciplined game of ball movement and spacing as the Thunder dominated from the beginning, owning a 26 point lead at one time in the 1st half. Go to last night and the starting point guard is Jackson; his over-dribbling, poor offensive decision making, and the inability to get others involved in the new schemes of the offense killed any chance of even a close game, let alone a Thunder win. His defense? Enough said. Pendants have argued that third string point guard Sabastian Telfair is not a very good player, awful many will say. He can’t shoot and that is what they point to. Yet, in the win over Denver, Telfair, abet not a scoring threat that game, goes close to 40 minutes, has only one turnover, and dishes nine assists. Monday night Jackson has three turnovers in the first five minutes of play and by half the team is blown out by a 60-41 score. Do I want to blame Jackson for what happened in that first half in Brooklyn? Well,……………. yes. Jackson, in his three years has yet to be consistently good in how to run a team from the point. His decision making is as bad as any in the league for “starting” point guards, which he is until the return of Westbrook.
Is he worth the $14 million he will be asking in the month after this season is over? No. Sam Presti says he wants Jackson and will keep him. I would like to think that yes, Jackson would stay, run the second team, play off Westbrook, and contribute as a top player in crunch time, but not as the point guard. Presti wants to keep Jackson, yes, and a reserve. But as a starting point guard OKC at $14 million dollars for three years? Are you kidding?
I suspect that Presti will see the situation that he is in and trade Jackson before the end of the trading deadline somewhere in late Jan. or early February. Reggie, hope you enjoy starting in Milwaukee, Sacramento, or some place where you won’t see a playoff game for one, three, or five years. Money is the name of the game, not fame or championships for the young player today. Enjoy that money Reggie. In ten years it will be “Reggie who……………..”
Reggie tries to defend Deron Willliams of the Nets-
Getty Photo
Cowboy’s Romo Iffy for Arizona Game Sunday
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, October 31st, 2014
Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Tony Romo didn’t practice today and it is iffy (questionable) if he will play Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys (6-2) when they travel to Arizona (6-1) for the Sunday game. Arizona is on a 3 game winning streak and Dallas a one game losing skin after the loss to Washington last Monday night. If Romo doesn’t get the start third year pro Brandon Weeden (via Cleveland and Okla. State) will get call. In two possessions against the Washington Weeden led the Cowboys to 10 of their 17 points in the loss.
Brandon Weeden, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Source: Donald Miralle/Getty Images North America)
With Demarco Murray leading the way, the Cowboys are 3 point favorites. Murray will attempt to gain at least 100 yards in his 9th straight game. Murray leads the NFL in rushing with 1054 yards and 7 rushing scores.
Brandon Weeden, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Source: Donald Miralle/Getty Images North America)
With Demarco Murray leading the way, the Cowboys are 3 point favorites. Murray will attempt to gain at least 100 yards in his 9th straight game. Murray leads the NFL in rushing with 1054 yards and 7 rushing scores.
Brandon Weeden (Getty Image)
(Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Westbrook Fractures Bone in Hand; Thunder Down to 8 Healthy Bodies
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, October 31st, 2014
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost its 7th player last night in their 93-90 loss
to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Staples Center. Russell Westbrook, from early
indications, could miss up to six weeks after fracturing his second metacarpal
on his right hand in the 2nd quarter. Going up for an offensive rebound he
jammed is hand into the back of fellow Thunder player Kendrick Perkins, causing
the break. He played on for a few moments but took himself out of the contest
knowing he had injured himself. Westbrook’s status will be re-evaluated today
(Friday, Oct 31) for another diagnosis.
Westbrook could miss between 15 and 21 games and would be scheduled back somewhere from Nov. 28 to Dec. 12 according to the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. He would join six other Thunder players that are currently listed as injured include Reggie Jackson, listed as day to day with an ankle, and could make his season’s debut Saturday night against Denver in OKC.
It is not known if OKC will try to sign another player or two after that game as the team would qualify for a hardship waiver for insignificant number of players good to play. Even if the Thunder can up their roster to 17 the added salaries would still come under the team salary cap which is just under 2 million from going over. It is expected that the team will not go over the cap and the limited number of qualified players is something that they will live with at this time.
“It’s just really pretty unbelievable. You’re kind of just shocked almost,” said Thunder forward Nick Collison of his team’s injury-riddled roster. “It’s not funny at all, but you almost have to laugh about it just because it’s so many guys,” the veteran forward continued.
Oklahoma City’s injury-riddled roster which now includes Westbrook is: Kevin Durant (broken foot), Reggie Jackson (ankle), Jeremy Lamb (back strain), Mitch McGary (broken foot), Anthony Morrow (sprained knee) and Grant Jerrett (ankle surgery).
As Thunder head coach Scott Brooks summed it up last night, “It’s unfortunate the way it is right now, but that’s the way it is. We have to figure out how we can improve and get better from all of our experiences. And this is going to be a tough one, but the good teams, good players bounce back through adversity.”Friday, October 31st, 2014
| Posted on Friday, October 31st, 2014
College Sports / Featured / NCAA Football
Big 12 Race is Wide Open; Week Ten Preview
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, October 27th, 2014
Kansas State Shutdowns Texas (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Texas Tech fans don’t make it easy on opposing teams. The Red Raiders set a student season-attendance record in 2013. (John Weast/Getty Images)
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 Gilbert Roland runs against the West Virginia defense Brett Deering/Getty Image
In Ft. Worth the Frogs dismantled Texas Tech, scoring a Big 12 high of 82 points, limiting Tech to 27. TCU’s favorite wide receiver turned quarterback, Trevone Boykin, had record numbers which included 5 touchdown passes. West Virginia did it’s duty in Stillwater, beating the now “can’t score” Pokes 34-10. The Mountaineers have shown they have made the transition from an all-out pass team to a balanced squad that mixes the run and pass. They also have a much improved defense to add with the “new” game plan of Coach Dana Holgorsen. |
K-State remains undefeated in the league with TCU, West Virginia and Baylor with one conference loss. TCU still has West Virginia and KSU on their schedule. Baylor travels to Owen Field in Norman. Kansas State will taste the Mexican food on the Brazos River in Waco.
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Week Ten brings the Big 12 two major contests. West Virginia hosts TCU and the loser will be, in all probability, out of the title race. West Virginia will have to slow down the offense of Gary Patterson’s high octane offense to win. Again,I tend to go with the home team when all things are equal and this is one of those cases. The score board should light up as usual. Give the West Virginia defense an edge and Clint Trickett and a fired up home crowd will be enough. Look for another game of the year with the Holgorsen’s boys winning in the range of 44 to 41. The best two quarterbacks in the league not named Bryce will give the fans a show.
Look for Kansas State to have enough to beat Oklahoma State in the Little Apple. The ABC national game of the evening Saturday will be pay back for the Wildcats as they have lost to their southern Aggie brothers four of the last five years. If the lost on the Great Plains OSU offense is found and shows some life the Pokes can make it close. Not expecting an upset and let us say K-State 31 and the Cowboys 16.
Oklahoma should take Iowa State in Ames. If history means anything, the Sooners will have their way. OU 30 and the ‘Clones around 20. (If OU doesn’t come to play this will be a long day for the Big Red-Upset is a possibility here)
Texas comes to the South Plains and the Red Raiders are not good. Neither is Texas. I’ll take the Horns 38 to 31 but either can lose this one. Tech hates the “Tea Sippers” so it will be ugly in Lubbock and if Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury has his team up to the task, Texas can get beat here. I repeat it will be ugly. You haven’t been to Lubbock to listen to that crowd; they know every bad word in the book and how to use them. Good luck Coach Strong. You have no idea how it will be in that trashy environment in Lubbock.
Art Briles likes to run up scores. He will when his Bears of Baylor host Kansas. The Jayhawks do have a strong defense but the Blue of Kansas won’t do much on offense. Baylor 56, Kansas 10.
Last week: 2-1; Season 42-10
Top 9: 1. Mississippi State; 2. Alabama; 3. Florida State; 4. TCU; 5. Notre Dame; 6. Oregon; 7. Marshall; 8. Michigan State; 9. Auburn
What I really think:
Baylor’s coach Art Briles has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. He has built Baylor into a winning team, one that scores a lot of points in blowout wins over weaker opponents exclusively in Waco. This year I have noticed that Briles has become a man of no smiles. Watch his face after games when they interview him. The man seems unhappy. I have said over and over that Baylor will arrive on the National level when they finally beat a top team on the road. They get beat on the road, every time when they visit places that have the means to beat the Bears. Look to their visit to West Virginia this year. They go to Norman in two weeks and until they win against a powerhouse away from Waco, like OU, they are just big bully playing inferior teams in the non-conference and smashing them. Baylor, show something and do something and win a road game when it really counts. By the way, Baylor has never beat OU in Norman and don’t expect it this year either. Second by the way: Art Briles will be the next head coach at Florida.
Oklahoma is a disappointment but that view is in the eyes of the beholder. They have lost to two very good teams in TCU and Kansas State but were close in each. Still a young team on offense, this isn’t their year. If they beat Baylor they will go 10-2 and play in a New Year’s Day bowl and though the National playoffs is out of the question, with their best two offensive players, Dorial Green-Beckham and Joe Mixon (with respect to Perine) sitting out this year, they will be a terror on offense next fall.
Charlie Strong’s Texas team is struggling on offense and the question is if they improving on offense? I can’t tell as they scored 48 in Ames but was fresh out in Manhattan. I personally like Tyrone Swoopes at quarterback, but is he the answer? I tend to think so as he is improving his game even if the Horn’s are still suspect moving the ball. As for the defense, Texas is average but they do have talent. Everyone is applauding Strong’s recruits, but I’m not going there. Under Mack Brown the 4 and 5 star recruits was common place. Under Strong I see too many 3 stars. They are going elsewhere. Strong will make it in Austin if he develops a great relationship with Texas high school coaches. Art Briles has that market right now.
Iowa State? I’ll continue to say fire the coach. You cannot lose to North Dakota State at home in a beatdown. Give that ND St. coach what he wants and hire him.
Kansas is bad and will stay bad. Rehire Mark Mangino if you will. It will give you a change.
Oklahoma State will grow up and be very good next season. Poke fans, don’t be surprised to see Mike Gundy to take another job at the end of this season. He’s not happy in Stillwater. Either AD Mike Holder goes or Gundy will take a hike, sooner than later.
Texas Christian and West Virginia you are now fully competent Big 12 football members. One of you two go win the Title. Gary Patterson, you are the real deal. Mike Holgorsen, you have learned how important it is to run the ball and chew up clock. Great game in Stillwater.
Kliff Kingsbury, Tech Head Coach, will either get that defense up to snuff or he will be gone by the end of next season. Not a good situation in Lubbock. Beat Texas Saturday is a must. Texas Tech is really hurting right now and that crowd will be in fine obscene form as I have already mentioned.
Texas Tech fans don’t make it easy on opposing teams. The Red Raiders set a student season-attendance record in 2013. (John Weast/Getty Images)
Kansas State will win the conference in my opinion. Coach Bill Snyder, you are the best coach in the Big 12, the Nation, and of All-time in college football. Want to argue?
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Week Ten brings the Big 12 two major contests. West Virginia hosts TCU and the loser will be, in all probability, out of the title race. West Virginia will have to slow down the offense of Gary Patterson’s high octane offense to win. Again,I tend to go with the home team when all things are equal and this is one of those cases. The score board should light up as usual. Give the West Virginia defense an edge and Clint Trickett and a fired up home crowd will be enough. Look for another game of the year with the Holgorsen’s boys winning in the range of 44 to 41. The best two quarterbacks in the league not named Bryce will give the fans a show.
Look for Kansas State to have enough to beat Oklahoma State in the Little Apple. The ABC national game of the evening Saturday will be pay back for the Wildcats as they have lost to their southern Aggie brothers four of the last five years. If the lost on the Great Plains OSU offense is found and shows some life the Pokes can make it close. Not expecting an upset and let us say K-State 31 and the Cowboys 16.
Oklahoma should take Iowa State in Ames. If history means anything, the Sooners will have their way. OU 30 and the ‘Clones around 20. (If OU doesn’t come to play this will be a long day for the Big Red-Upset is a possibility here)
Texas comes to the South Plains and the Red Raiders are not good. Neither is Texas. I’ll take the Horns 38 to 31 but either can lose this one. Tech hates the “Tea Sippers” so it will be ugly in Lubbock and if Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury has his team up to the task, Texas can get beat here. I repeat it will be ugly. You haven’t been to Lubbock to listen to that crowd; they know every bad word in the book and how to use them. Good luck Coach Strong. You have no idea how it will be in that trashy environment in Lubbock.
Art Briles likes to run up scores. He will when his Bears of Baylor host Kansas. The Jayhawks do have a strong defense but the Blue of Kansas won’t do much on offense. Baylor 56, Kansas 10.
Last week: 2-1; Season 42-10
Top 9: 1. Mississippi State; 2. Alabama; 3. Florida State; 4. TCU; 5. Notre Dame; 6. Oregon; 7. Marshall; 8. Michigan State; 9. Auburn
What I really think:
Baylor’s coach Art Briles has been a favorite of mine for a few years now. He has built Baylor into a winning team, one that scores a lot of points in blowout wins over weaker opponents exclusively in Waco. This year I have noticed that Briles has become a man of no smiles. Watch his face after games when they interview him. The man seems unhappy. I have said over and over that Baylor will arrive on the National level when they finally beat a top team on the road. They get beat on the road, every time when they visit places that have the means to beat the Bears. Look to their visit to West Virginia this year. They go to Norman in two weeks and until they win against a powerhouse away from Waco, like OU, they are just big bully playing inferior teams in the non-conference and smashing them. Baylor, show something and do something and win a road game when it really counts. By the way, Baylor has never beat OU in Norman and don’t expect it this year either. Second by the way: Art Briles will be the next head coach at Florida.
Oklahoma is a disappointment but that view is in the eyes of the beholder. They have lost to two very good teams in TCU and Kansas State but were close in each. Still a young team on offense, this isn’t their year. If they beat Baylor they will go 10-2 and play in a New Year’s Day bowl and though the National playoffs is out of the question, with their best two offensive players, Dorial Green-Beckham and Joe Mixon (with respect to Perine) sitting out this year, they will be a terror on offense next fall.
Charlie Strong’s Texas team is struggling on offense and the question is if they improving on offense? I can’t tell as they scored 48 in Ames but was fresh out in Manhattan. I personally like Tyrone Swoopes at quarterback, but is he the answer? I tend to think so as he is improving his game even if the Horn’s are still suspect moving the ball. As for the defense, Texas is average but they do have talent. Everyone is applauding Strong’s recruits, but I’m not going there. Under Mack Brown the 4 and 5 star recruits was common place. Under Strong I see too many 3 stars. They are going elsewhere. Strong will make it in Austin if he develops a great relationship with Texas high school coaches. Art Briles has that market right now.
Iowa State? I’ll continue to say fire the coach. You cannot lose to North Dakota State at home in a beatdown. Give that ND St. coach what he wants and hire him.
Kansas is bad and will stay bad. Rehire Mark Mangino if you will. It will give you a change.
Oklahoma State will grow up and be very good next season. Poke fans, don’t be surprised to see Mike Gundy to take another job at the end of this season. He’s not happy in Stillwater. Either AD Mike Holder goes or Gundy will take a hike, sooner than later.
Texas Christian and West Virginia you are now fully competent Big 12 football members. One of you two go win the Title. Gary Patterson, you are the real deal. Mike Holgorsen, you have learned how important it is to run the ball and chew up clock. Great game in Stillwater.
Kliff Kingsbury, Tech Head Coach, will either get that defense up to snuff or he will be gone by the end of next season. Not a good situation in Lubbock. Beat Texas Saturday is a must. Texas Tech is really hurting right now and that crowd will be in fine obscene form as I have already mentioned.
Texas Tech fans don’t make it easy on opposing teams. The Red Raiders set a student season-attendance record in 2013. (John Weast/Getty Images)
Kansas State will win the conference in my opinion. Coach Bill Snyder, you are the best coach in the Big 12, the Nation, and of All-time in college football. Want to argue?
Baylor Coach Art Briles. Not a happy man? Next had coach at Florida? (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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Coach Bill Snyder, Best Coach in the Country (Getty Images)
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Jameson (James On) Curry Arrested for Drug Possession
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2014
Getty Image
Getty Image
Jameson (James On) Curry, the all-time leading scorer in North Carolina high school basketball history was arrested in his hometown of Edmond, OK of drug possession and lying to a police officer. Curry and a friend were driving in Edmond early Monday morning and were pulled over for a tail light violation on his Cadillac. Curry, the driver, had failed to turn on his lights. Upon further inspection the police officer found marijuana in the car which Curry denied that it was his. A marijuana stogie was found on his lap when asked to exit the car. Curry also gave false information when asked his name. Curry admitted to smoking the drug at the police station and said he was afraid of telling the police officer at the stop because was apprehensive of being arrested.
Curry scored 3307 points in high school, a North Carolina record. The 28 year old basketball star is currently a member of the NBA-D league’s Bakersfield Jam. He played his basketball at Oklahoma State and was the 2nd round draft pick of the Chicago Bulls in the 2007draft.
Curry scored 3307 points in high school, a North Carolina record. The 28 year old basketball star is currently a member of the NBA-D league’s Bakersfield Jam. He played his basketball at Oklahoma State and was the 2nd round draft pick of the Chicago Bulls in the 2007draft.
Big Week in the Big 12
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Thursday, October 16th, 2014
OSU's Tyreek Hilll returns the winning KO in the 4th quarter in Lawrence Saturday.
The Big 12 is on the national radar this week (8) in college football. Major games will say a lot about where the teams are headed and another loss by the one loss teams such as Oklahoma, Texas Christian and Oklahoma State will ruin any chance of national playoff hopes.
Baylor took care of business last week in Ft. Worth in their exciting comeback win (down 21 in the 4th quarter) over the Frogs of TCU 61-58. West Virginia did the same in Lubbock against an always offensive Texas Tech 37-34 (last play 50+ field goal). They meet in Morgantown this Saturday and the Bears should have enough scoring punch to win. Yet, road wins are tough as rusty nails in the league and it wouldn’t surprise me that the game is a high scoring 4th quarter affair. Baylor needs to come up big early and falling behind against Mike Holgorsen’s Mountaineers could be fatal. Art Briles knows that winning last second games as a routine will finally get you beat. Yes, Baylor better not look forward nor backward in this one. Get the job done and early. Don’t play around with West Virginia. I like Baylor around 58 or something like that but West Virginia should make enough plays to score in the high 40’s, or more. An upset is possible and if it happens, look for West Virginia to do it in blow out fashion. Yes, a blowout fashion. When Baylor loses on the road in Big 12 play recently they are not very good. If you know me, I don’t respect the Bear defense one bit.
Oklahoma and Kansas State will be a close and rather low scoring game. Coming off a bye, Coach Bill Snyder will have his Wildcats ready and as they proved against Auburn they can play with anyone. OU must limit the Jake Walters to Tyler Lockett combination and if the great wide-out of KSU gets open he will make the Sooners pay. He got 278 yards and three touchdown receptions to go with 162 yards in 5 kick returns in last season’s game with OU in the Little Apple. OU knows all about him and if they don’t adjust he alone can take OU to the showers. Look for OU in a squeaker 19 to 17.
TCU and Oklahoma State go at it in the Metroplex. The Frogs have the better team but coming off their heartbreaking loss against Baylor they better be ready for a war. Oklahoma State won’t lay down and expect another close Big 12 contest. If Okla. State can go deep in the passing game look for the Pokes to pull the upset 38 to 31. Okla. State’s defense is very under-rated and will play with emotion. TCU is not as good defensively as we think they are. The last two weeks proved that.
Texas goes into the state of Iowa to play ISU. The defense of the Horns should win the day if the Texas offense doesn’t give the ‘Clones’ points. Texas 24 and Iowa State 10. Again, I could be wrong in this one.
Texas Tech 24 and Kansas 21. KU’s defense is much better than expected but cannot outscore Tech’s punch.
Last Week: 4-0 Season: 38-6
Top Nine for the Week: 1. Florida State 2. Mississippi State 3. Notre Dame 4. Ole Miss 5. Baylor 6. Oregon 7. Michigan State 8. TCU 9. Oklahoma
Gundy Says About His Cowboys: We’re Not That Far Off
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, October 14th, 2014
Tyreek Hill runs against Florida State
(photo by Getty)
Don’t look now but a team in the midlands is on the move to becoming a viable challenger for a final four playoff threat after the 2015 regular season. College football has seen the rise of Mississippi State and Mississippi this year and with the ever changing face of big time Division 1 football the Oklahoma State Cowboys are setting the stage for the a run next year. Very successful Poke Head Coach Mike Gundy explains.
“(We) played an SEC team that now is ranked No. 1 in the country (Mississippi State in 2013). They’re the same group of guys, now they’re a little bit more experienced,” Gundy said on the Big 12’s weekly coaches’ teleconference. “This year we played the No. 1 team in the country (Florida State) and lost a close game. We’re not that far off. We’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us here, but we’re not that far off. It does help develop your confidence.”
OSU beat Miss. State in their opening game, dominating a younger Bulldog squad 21-3 on a neutral field in Houston. In that game Coach Gundy says that he saw great potential in that MSU tam and the talent of Bulldog quarterback Dak Prescott who came into the game as a backup when starting signal caller Tyler Russell went down with an injury. Prescott finished that game going 7-17 for just 89 yards against a very aggressive and outstanding OSU defense. Talent has to be developed and it was the start for Prescott to learn to play the game and now we have a possible Heisman Trophy winner.
“We thought they had a good football team,” Gundy stated on Monday at his weekly press conference. He continued to praise experience for success. “I would guess that the quarterback that seems to be playing very well is experienced. Now he’s played; he’s got some experience under his belt and he’s confident. I would think that would be the main reason they’re having as much success this year compared to last year.”
Oklahoma State is the youngest team in the Big 12. Talented enough to take defending National Champion Florida State of the cusp of a 37-31 loss on a neutral field, the Pokes are real close right now. The offensive line, the weakness of this current team, will improve in time. The receivers are outstanding and there are plenty of them to go to. Some will play on Sunday in a few years. One or two have a chance to be great in that league. The d-line is experienced but deep and the graduating seniors will be replaced with experienced down linemen with many snaps under their belt. The linebackers and secondary is dominated with first year players and will develop into first line Division One defenders. Already effective, they will just get better. Dax Garman and a freshman redshirt will give injured quarterback JW Walsh a tussle for starting time. The return of Tyreek Hill gives OSU a big play threat with his world class speed and added toughness. The kicking game is outstanding right now and should be better with experience.
This current OSU team will take its lumps with the remaining schedule. That is expected. But everything comes together next year. A schedule that will favorable (OU, Baylor, TCU in Stilllwater) is in OSU corner. Expecting a Mississippi State year for OSU for 2015? Why not. Things are looking good for the Oklahoma Aggies.
Thunder Up 2014-15: A NBA Championship Year?
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, October 11th, 2014
The time to win a NBA title is now for the Oklahoma City Thunder. 2014-15 can bring the Larry O’Brian Trophy to OKC if continued improvement of the young team is realized as the world’s 2nd greatest player and his running mate, arguably the best point guard in the game, lead the way. Add a major defensive post player that is the best shot blocker in the league to go with a 6th man that can score, excuses will be hard to swallow in June if this team is not the last one standing.
Outlook: Extremely experienced team at the core and one of a few teams that have three major players (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka). OKC needs to find more scorers than just KD and Russell. The potential is there and Westbrook, KD and Reggie Jackson hold the keys. Ball distribution can make the difference. Stagnant offense can be a problem. The Thunder need not work themselves into another non-championship year because of a lack of ball movement.
It is a given that the Thunder will be in the playoffs. They are good enough to win on the road in the playoffs so positioning seeds are not as important. You can ask Coach Pop of SA for that endorsement. One needs to realize home court advantage in the playoffs is meaningless unless a series goes to game 7. How many series go that far? Not many. The young bigs (Adams and McGery) are important for this team…..they need significant minutes. As for Lamb, Perry Jones III, and the rest, somebody is going to sit this season and OKC needs to move them for playoff talent that will shore up weaknesses. Don’t sell the Thunder short on talent. There are players that would and could play on other teams that will sit in OKC. Put OKC with the Spurs, the Clippers, the Bulls, and the Cavs as the few teams that can win the NBA championship. All the others are just playoff losers or worse.
The Players:
Kevin Durant: KD will again show improvement, especially as a post scorer. If Coach Brooks is smart, KD’s minutes should come down to around 32 minutes a game at most. It is not necessary for the Thunder to wear this fabulous player out for regular season games. What is implicated here is that Coach Brooks needs to realize that going into the playoffs it really doesn’t matter if you go in as a 1st, 2nd, or even third seed. It is important to go in with your players playing the best basketball and having healthy and more experienced bench, which will happen giving minutes to KD’s backups. You have to win road games in the playoffs and the best coach in the league (Pop) understands that. Brooks needs to make that coaching adjustment. Scoring titles and statistics are not important but playing fresh helps with game play improvement. KD has been blessed with limited injuries but that can change in a heartbeat (Russell, am I lying or am I lying?) KD is the man and Coach Brooks, take care of the man.
Russell Westbrook: Great improvement last season. Russell has the chance to dominate the floor again and should. The best athlete to ever play (with argument from Wilt’s family) Russell controls his destiny under the coaching staff in OKC. He does what he wants on the floor and any game management improvement is in his hands. In my opinion he will give it up (the ball) more this season as he matures (just 25 you know and the human brain is not fully developed until that age). Not the best player on this team, but the equal part of a duo that is unmatched in the Association. Westbrook is tough to stop one on one and the best point guard (with respect to Paul and Rose) there is. As with KD, minutes need to be monitored and even back-to-backs should be avoided in non-critical games. Yes, another injury to that knee would be devastating and double yes, it could happen at any time. With that, give the man time to rest Coach Brooks; individual games in the regular season are just not that important. Look for Westbrook to shine this season. We are watching one of the greatest talents in NBA history become one of the greatest player in its history.
Serge Ibaka: The basketball world found out how valuable Ibaka is to the Thunder when he missed the first two games in the Western Finals played in San Antonio. Those losses were the real difference in that series as the Thunder had dominated the Spurs for over two years, including a perfect 4-0 regular season record against the World Champions. In my opinion OKC would have taken one of those two games and would have won the series with a 100 percent Ibaka. Argue the point, but OKC was much the better team over the Spurs when both teams were healthy. Ibaka has developed into the best off ball defensive player in the league. He is also the most consistent shot blocker in the Association. Limited in back to the basket post scoring, Serge has developed into one of the best ten to fifteen foot shooting big men in the league and has a deadly three point shot added to his punch. Consistent play in each and every game is needed. Added rebounds per game needed as well. At twenty-five, Ibaka is a future all-star and that could happen as early as this year. In a fast tempo game Ibaka is a much more effective player. He will give some in one on one defensive play but will get his highlights as one extremely efficient off the ball shot blocker.
Kendrick Perkins: Not worth the more than $9,000,000 he will make this season. A solid defender and can set a nice hard pick, Perkins has offensive scoring skills of a mediocre run-of-the-mill NAIA center. He cannot jump, has poor hands, lacks a touch on his shot, gets at least one illegal screens and three major scowls a game. In other words, he might be the worst starting center…….no……. the worst center in the league when it comes to scoring the ball. Perkins does have an upside. He is a great team player, does know the ins and outs of low post play, both on defense, which benefits the young Thunder bigs. With a ring, Perkins knows what it takes to bring a title of OKC and has the coaches’ confidence. He is also one of the few players on the team that doesn’t go to “speech talk” when being asked “what goes.” Perkins could possibility be traded late in the year if the young guns of Adams and McGary make significant progress.
Reggie Jackson: Jackson has developed into the player Sam Presti wanted when they drafted him three years ago. The offensive upside trumps the defensive downside as Jackson will be a top contender for 6th Man-of-the-Year. He wants to start but that would hurt the Thunder as a team. Ball handling and scoring off the bench are too important to waste his skills in the first eight to ten minutes of each half. Wanting to be a starter and having a silly notion that he wants to be the “best” player in the league, Jackson has not shown that he is fully “grown-up” in thought and action. He’s not even the 1st or 2nd best player on his own team and will never pass those first two while they stay OKC players. Jackson still makes mistakes on offense and is a no show more times than not as a man defender. Jackson might try the market in the next twelve months and get a much better payout. Milwaukee or Miami, or even a Utah might want to give him a significant upgrade in salary, but he could kiss his playoff career goodbye. Jackson would better himself to take the lesser money now, become a NBA champion at an early age, and then make his money after he matures. Playing on a team that is a title chaser is not a given and if money is more important than championships, go for the green. Jackson does show lack of judgment on and off the court, or at least his words seem of tell us. There were times last year where Coach Brooks or other assistant coaches would yell at Jackson for his lack of defensive intensity. Too much “wave” you by man to man breaks down the concept of team defense and improvement in that area is much needed. Jackson, on the other end, can breakdown his opponent’s defense and is a nice complementary change when he replaces Russell as the PG. A better driver than outside shooter, Jackson is a first rate offensive talent and a needed scorer for the Thunder. I don’t believe that the Thunder will “Harden” him. Not a max player but I could see Jackson make in the range of $52 million for four years if he doesn’t become greedy. Any franchise that would play him more is just not a viable one.
Andre Roberson: The second year man out of Colorado will become the replacement for Tabo at the off guard position. At 22 and with one year experience, a strong defender, excellent rebounder, and adequate ball handler, Roberson will get starter minutes in at tip off. He will draw the top defensive assignment and is capable of being a shutdown defender as much as anyone in the league. (Yes, some players are hard to shut down but remember watching Tabo taking Kobe one on one and defuse the great one on more than one occasion). Roberson comes cheap and could be a long-time clog in the Thunder rotation. He will become a better outside shooter in time and he has already shown he can finish at the rim. His rebounding will give the Thunder the best one two guard combo in that category. A large upside, Presti hit a home run drafting him. He will also see time late in games when the Thunder are closing out teams and need a strong defensive presence rather than a scorer. As he gains playing experience, look for him to be on the all-defensive teams in the Association in future years.
Jeremy Lamb: Maybe a make or break year, Lamb is a long armed scorer that has some defensive deficiencies and a unreliable shot. Very talented, Lamb, in time, will be a very good player. He’s marginal right now. In-game consistency is not the problem. He’s consistently good or consistently bad game by game. If he’s off during a game he stays off. When he is on he can light it up. As for making the big steal, yes, here is your man. Letting your man get rebounding position, not getting to the right spot on a defensive set, and another “sieve” defender at times, Lamb, again is your man. I would not be surprised that the Thunder move him in the next few months.
Perry Jones III: Talented, can do it all, Jones needs to show up this season. Problem is, will Coach Brooks give him minutes. Another Thunder player that could be traded this season, Jones needs to play significant minutes to rest KD. I would like to see him get somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes a game in the first part of the season. That would be consistent game action, not mop up time. Put Westbrooks brain in this body and you have a super NBA player. Backing up KD does have its bad side.
Steven Adams: Needs to play significant minutes, starter or first big off the bench. The future of the franchise in the post, Adams needs to develop a sky hook, a little turn around flip shot, and a ten foot jump shot. Otherwise, time will take care of his development. (Needs as much court time as they can give him and don’t worry about the fouls) A rough and dirty/hard player, Adams is relentless on the glass and won’t back down to anyone. (learned a lot from Perkins?). A media gem off the court and once the country finds out he will be making some of those national commercials. The man’s future is the brightest New Zeeland green there is. Will be a significant player for many years.
Anthony Morrow: The three point generator was needed by the Thunder will be a valuable addition. Will play significant minutes and should see plenty of open shots with the double and triple teaming of KD and Russell. His shot will win some games for Big Blue this season.
Nick Collison: In his final year of the current contract, he will see guarded minutes in important games. Always trustworthy on the court, Collison will make significant plays to win ball games for the Thunder. Look for him to re-sign for next season and finish his career as a one franchise player. One of the team leaders on this club.
Mitch McGary: Collison’s replacement for the future. Runs the floor and can score. Will be a player in this league and will see good minutes this season. Will be out somewhere between six and eight weeks because of a broken foot. Not to worry, the young man seems to be the real deal.
Sebastian Telfair: Will give the Thunder backup support at the point guard spot. A great team player will see sporadic playing time but will get the job done when asked. A valuable asset at a cheap price.
In conclusion, nothing more than a NBA championship will satisfy the organization and the fans. Still one of the youngest teams in the Association, the Thunder could start a 26 year old, two 25 year olds, a 22 year old and a 21 year old. Yet, as a team, the Thunder has as much playoff experience as any team in the league. I remember that first playoff season way way back and the hugs Kobe gave KD and Russell after that final game which the Lakers struggled in taking out the Thunder. Kobe’s off color remarks regarding those two was rightfully insightful. Now it is time for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to get their team to the fields of ambrosia. the last team standing. (If you want to know what Kobe said that night go do your research and you can understand his feelings that night on KD and Russell. I cannot post them here. Sorry. This is a PG site)
Outlook: Extremely experienced team at the core and one of a few teams that have three major players (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka). OKC needs to find more scorers than just KD and Russell. The potential is there and Westbrook, KD and Reggie Jackson hold the keys. Ball distribution can make the difference. Stagnant offense can be a problem. The Thunder need not work themselves into another non-championship year because of a lack of ball movement.
It is a given that the Thunder will be in the playoffs. They are good enough to win on the road in the playoffs so positioning seeds are not as important. You can ask Coach Pop of SA for that endorsement. One needs to realize home court advantage in the playoffs is meaningless unless a series goes to game 7. How many series go that far? Not many. The young bigs (Adams and McGery) are important for this team…..they need significant minutes. As for Lamb, Perry Jones III, and the rest, somebody is going to sit this season and OKC needs to move them for playoff talent that will shore up weaknesses. Don’t sell the Thunder short on talent. There are players that would and could play on other teams that will sit in OKC. Put OKC with the Spurs, the Clippers, the Bulls, and the Cavs as the few teams that can win the NBA championship. All the others are just playoff losers or worse.
The Players:
Kevin Durant: KD will again show improvement, especially as a post scorer. If Coach Brooks is smart, KD’s minutes should come down to around 32 minutes a game at most. It is not necessary for the Thunder to wear this fabulous player out for regular season games. What is implicated here is that Coach Brooks needs to realize that going into the playoffs it really doesn’t matter if you go in as a 1st, 2nd, or even third seed. It is important to go in with your players playing the best basketball and having healthy and more experienced bench, which will happen giving minutes to KD’s backups. You have to win road games in the playoffs and the best coach in the league (Pop) understands that. Brooks needs to make that coaching adjustment. Scoring titles and statistics are not important but playing fresh helps with game play improvement. KD has been blessed with limited injuries but that can change in a heartbeat (Russell, am I lying or am I lying?) KD is the man and Coach Brooks, take care of the man.
Russell Westbrook: Great improvement last season. Russell has the chance to dominate the floor again and should. The best athlete to ever play (with argument from Wilt’s family) Russell controls his destiny under the coaching staff in OKC. He does what he wants on the floor and any game management improvement is in his hands. In my opinion he will give it up (the ball) more this season as he matures (just 25 you know and the human brain is not fully developed until that age). Not the best player on this team, but the equal part of a duo that is unmatched in the Association. Westbrook is tough to stop one on one and the best point guard (with respect to Paul and Rose) there is. As with KD, minutes need to be monitored and even back-to-backs should be avoided in non-critical games. Yes, another injury to that knee would be devastating and double yes, it could happen at any time. With that, give the man time to rest Coach Brooks; individual games in the regular season are just not that important. Look for Westbrook to shine this season. We are watching one of the greatest talents in NBA history become one of the greatest player in its history.
Serge Ibaka: The basketball world found out how valuable Ibaka is to the Thunder when he missed the first two games in the Western Finals played in San Antonio. Those losses were the real difference in that series as the Thunder had dominated the Spurs for over two years, including a perfect 4-0 regular season record against the World Champions. In my opinion OKC would have taken one of those two games and would have won the series with a 100 percent Ibaka. Argue the point, but OKC was much the better team over the Spurs when both teams were healthy. Ibaka has developed into the best off ball defensive player in the league. He is also the most consistent shot blocker in the Association. Limited in back to the basket post scoring, Serge has developed into one of the best ten to fifteen foot shooting big men in the league and has a deadly three point shot added to his punch. Consistent play in each and every game is needed. Added rebounds per game needed as well. At twenty-five, Ibaka is a future all-star and that could happen as early as this year. In a fast tempo game Ibaka is a much more effective player. He will give some in one on one defensive play but will get his highlights as one extremely efficient off the ball shot blocker.
Kendrick Perkins: Not worth the more than $9,000,000 he will make this season. A solid defender and can set a nice hard pick, Perkins has offensive scoring skills of a mediocre run-of-the-mill NAIA center. He cannot jump, has poor hands, lacks a touch on his shot, gets at least one illegal screens and three major scowls a game. In other words, he might be the worst starting center…….no……. the worst center in the league when it comes to scoring the ball. Perkins does have an upside. He is a great team player, does know the ins and outs of low post play, both on defense, which benefits the young Thunder bigs. With a ring, Perkins knows what it takes to bring a title of OKC and has the coaches’ confidence. He is also one of the few players on the team that doesn’t go to “speech talk” when being asked “what goes.” Perkins could possibility be traded late in the year if the young guns of Adams and McGary make significant progress.
Reggie Jackson: Jackson has developed into the player Sam Presti wanted when they drafted him three years ago. The offensive upside trumps the defensive downside as Jackson will be a top contender for 6th Man-of-the-Year. He wants to start but that would hurt the Thunder as a team. Ball handling and scoring off the bench are too important to waste his skills in the first eight to ten minutes of each half. Wanting to be a starter and having a silly notion that he wants to be the “best” player in the league, Jackson has not shown that he is fully “grown-up” in thought and action. He’s not even the 1st or 2nd best player on his own team and will never pass those first two while they stay OKC players. Jackson still makes mistakes on offense and is a no show more times than not as a man defender. Jackson might try the market in the next twelve months and get a much better payout. Milwaukee or Miami, or even a Utah might want to give him a significant upgrade in salary, but he could kiss his playoff career goodbye. Jackson would better himself to take the lesser money now, become a NBA champion at an early age, and then make his money after he matures. Playing on a team that is a title chaser is not a given and if money is more important than championships, go for the green. Jackson does show lack of judgment on and off the court, or at least his words seem of tell us. There were times last year where Coach Brooks or other assistant coaches would yell at Jackson for his lack of defensive intensity. Too much “wave” you by man to man breaks down the concept of team defense and improvement in that area is much needed. Jackson, on the other end, can breakdown his opponent’s defense and is a nice complementary change when he replaces Russell as the PG. A better driver than outside shooter, Jackson is a first rate offensive talent and a needed scorer for the Thunder. I don’t believe that the Thunder will “Harden” him. Not a max player but I could see Jackson make in the range of $52 million for four years if he doesn’t become greedy. Any franchise that would play him more is just not a viable one.
Andre Roberson: The second year man out of Colorado will become the replacement for Tabo at the off guard position. At 22 and with one year experience, a strong defender, excellent rebounder, and adequate ball handler, Roberson will get starter minutes in at tip off. He will draw the top defensive assignment and is capable of being a shutdown defender as much as anyone in the league. (Yes, some players are hard to shut down but remember watching Tabo taking Kobe one on one and defuse the great one on more than one occasion). Roberson comes cheap and could be a long-time clog in the Thunder rotation. He will become a better outside shooter in time and he has already shown he can finish at the rim. His rebounding will give the Thunder the best one two guard combo in that category. A large upside, Presti hit a home run drafting him. He will also see time late in games when the Thunder are closing out teams and need a strong defensive presence rather than a scorer. As he gains playing experience, look for him to be on the all-defensive teams in the Association in future years.
Jeremy Lamb: Maybe a make or break year, Lamb is a long armed scorer that has some defensive deficiencies and a unreliable shot. Very talented, Lamb, in time, will be a very good player. He’s marginal right now. In-game consistency is not the problem. He’s consistently good or consistently bad game by game. If he’s off during a game he stays off. When he is on he can light it up. As for making the big steal, yes, here is your man. Letting your man get rebounding position, not getting to the right spot on a defensive set, and another “sieve” defender at times, Lamb, again is your man. I would not be surprised that the Thunder move him in the next few months.
Perry Jones III: Talented, can do it all, Jones needs to show up this season. Problem is, will Coach Brooks give him minutes. Another Thunder player that could be traded this season, Jones needs to play significant minutes to rest KD. I would like to see him get somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes a game in the first part of the season. That would be consistent game action, not mop up time. Put Westbrooks brain in this body and you have a super NBA player. Backing up KD does have its bad side.
Steven Adams: Needs to play significant minutes, starter or first big off the bench. The future of the franchise in the post, Adams needs to develop a sky hook, a little turn around flip shot, and a ten foot jump shot. Otherwise, time will take care of his development. (Needs as much court time as they can give him and don’t worry about the fouls) A rough and dirty/hard player, Adams is relentless on the glass and won’t back down to anyone. (learned a lot from Perkins?). A media gem off the court and once the country finds out he will be making some of those national commercials. The man’s future is the brightest New Zeeland green there is. Will be a significant player for many years.
Anthony Morrow: The three point generator was needed by the Thunder will be a valuable addition. Will play significant minutes and should see plenty of open shots with the double and triple teaming of KD and Russell. His shot will win some games for Big Blue this season.
Nick Collison: In his final year of the current contract, he will see guarded minutes in important games. Always trustworthy on the court, Collison will make significant plays to win ball games for the Thunder. Look for him to re-sign for next season and finish his career as a one franchise player. One of the team leaders on this club.
Mitch McGary: Collison’s replacement for the future. Runs the floor and can score. Will be a player in this league and will see good minutes this season. Will be out somewhere between six and eight weeks because of a broken foot. Not to worry, the young man seems to be the real deal.
Sebastian Telfair: Will give the Thunder backup support at the point guard spot. A great team player will see sporadic playing time but will get the job done when asked. A valuable asset at a cheap price.
In conclusion, nothing more than a NBA championship will satisfy the organization and the fans. Still one of the youngest teams in the Association, the Thunder could start a 26 year old, two 25 year olds, a 22 year old and a 21 year old. Yet, as a team, the Thunder has as much playoff experience as any team in the league. I remember that first playoff season way way back and the hugs Kobe gave KD and Russell after that final game which the Lakers struggled in taking out the Thunder. Kobe’s off color remarks regarding those two was rightfully insightful. Now it is time for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant to get their team to the fields of ambrosia. the last team standing. (If you want to know what Kobe said that night go do your research and you can understand his feelings that night on KD and Russell. I cannot post them here. Sorry. This is a PG site)
TCU, Bayor Win ; Big 12 Recap and Week 7 Preview
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, October 7th, 2014
Treyvone Boykin in action against OU on Saturday, Oct. 4th in Ft. Worth. (Getty image)
Coaching and in-game decision making along with missed assignments by on-the-field players can get you get you beat. With Oklahoma this past Saturday, it was a little bit of both as Texas Christian pulled out a win in Ft. Worth, 37-33. “Some areas for us, I feel we didn’t play very smart,” OU Head Coach Bob Stoops said. “Some situations where we didn’t play like we’re capable of, just mentally. Discipline in techniques or locating and ID’ing their defense in certain ways on short-yardage runs. Those are some things we’ll try to work on.” The big fourth and one late in the game for OU in TCU territory came up a bust as a Frog defender wasn’t blocked because of a missed assignment by the Sooner center. OU running back sensation Samaje Perine (P-rine) was stopped cold on a line buck into the defensive middle. He didn’t get the yard and OU was toast. It was as simple as that in game changing plays. A correct block on that play and Perine goes for 15, 20 yards (Stoops says) and the Sooners can continue their game winning drive. Mistakes like that, sprinkled in the Sooner effort, cost them this game. Fact of the matter, OU and TCU are both very good teams and there is not much difference in each. TCU made more winning plays than, OU. Bud Wilkinson, the great Sooner coach, once said that football is like a double edged sword. You win when you make the least mistakes, and you lose when you make the most mistakes, when both teams pretty much equal. The sword cuts both ways. Some (including this writer) also have questioned the play calling of Sooner offensive coordinator Josh Heupel. At one stretch during the second half OU passed the ball 11 out of 12 plays. Coach Heupel must have seen something in the Toad’s secondary but what it was is a complete mystery. TCU’s strength is their defensive secondary. Except for Sterling Shepard, OU’s receivers are average at best. The passing expedition didn’t work as OU’s offense stalled. Cover Shepard and you take the Sooner pass game out of the equation, especially when Trevor Knight is missing more than hitting. OU’s offensive line and Perine is the major Sooner strength. Where WAS the beef Saturday? When you have a super horse you ride’em. Perine needs twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five carries a game. On more than one occasion running backs Coach Cale Gundy replaced the freshman Perine with Alex Ross, a fast but inferior back to Perine. Three and outs followed. You cannot have multiple three and outs against a team that is being successful against your defense. OU didn’t play smart. That’s as much on the coaching and play-calling as the players misq
For TCU, quarterback Trevon Boykin proved to the world that he is a much better player this season and has the tools to do much damage to opposing defenses. Against OU, he was able to avoid the rush, make the runs necessary, and showed a strong arm to convert the many 3rd and longs to keep drives alive. He was also able to hurt the Sooners on defensive breakdowns at various times in the game. TCU, again made plays and OU didn’t. On five separate occasions Sooner defenders were in position to make an oskie (interception) but didn’t. TCU made the pick six on OU. Again, another winning play for the Frogs. OU Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops was, to say the least, not happy with the performance. OU’s pass defense will get more of the same later in the season against Okie State and Baylor. Improvement now or another loss or two could happen, home game or no home game (both games are in Norman). Oklahoma State’s skilled players were too much as the Pokes beat Iowa State 37-20. Tyreek Hill returned a kick-off 97 yards; and the failure for them to cover a kick-off were major plays in the 2nd straight blowout loss. Iowa State miscues in the kicking game were a surprise. Baylor beat Texas 28-7 in Austin. The Horn defense proved it is not all that bad and the high powered Bear offense can be slowed. As expected, Coach Charlie Strong’s offensive proved it cannot move the ball and that is on them and not on a ok Baylor defense. Baylor is on the cusp of being a better team than last year but with some very good offensive teams in the league they, in my opinion, will lose at least one conference game and could lose two. As a national contender, they must win out to be in the final four. Their non-conference schedule was pathetic. West Virginia over Kansas and Kansas State over Texas Tech were expected and ho hum games. Both winners are capable of beating any team in the league and are dangerous, especially at home.
As for this coming Saturday, look for OU and Texas to be a defensive slugfest. OU will need to pound the defensive of Texas with Perine to beat them down for a fourth quarter win. Mistakes by Trevor Knight could derail OU. As for Texas, if OU busts assignments in the secondary Texas still might not have enough to make the big play. Don’t look for a shootout. OU 20, and Texas somewhere around 10. (this is the biggest game for each school and anything is possible-it is not a given that OU will win-upset alert.) West Virginia goes to the South Plains and a four hour game should be full of offensive highlights. The Mountaineers have improved much since last season and should take a win back to Morgantown. Look for West Virginia in a 56 to 35 sort of game. On points, pick the mountain men over the flatlanders. Iowa State hosts Toledo in a non-conference game. The Rockets (4-2, 3-0 in the MAC) have enough to take this one but it will be a toss-up at kickoff time. Home field advantage for ISU might be the difference. I say Iowa State will take it in and around 31 to 26. In the game of the week in the Big 12 TCU comes to the Brazos River in a nationally significant tussle. I like the coaching match up as Art Briles and Gary Patterson are two the best coaches in the country. I liked what I saw with the Frogs last week in Ft. Worth and was not impressed all that much with Baylor. That can be significant as both teams had to be up for Texas and Oklahoma respectfully. In this one, I like the home field advantage for Baylor but cannot discount the defensive advantage of TCU. I think TCU has much the better lines and the skilled positions are a wash. Whoever makes more of the big plays and which defense can get more three and outs will win this one. Turnovers are always an issue. Another toss up and I’ll go with the Bears in the game of the day. Baylor 27 and TCU 26. It’s that close. Last Week: 4-1 Season: 34-6 Top Nine: 1. Florida State 2. Auburn 3. Mississippi State 4. Notre Dame 5. Baylor 6. TCU 7. Ole Miss 8. Arizona 9. Marshall
For TCU, quarterback Trevon Boykin proved to the world that he is a much better player this season and has the tools to do much damage to opposing defenses. Against OU, he was able to avoid the rush, make the runs necessary, and showed a strong arm to convert the many 3rd and longs to keep drives alive. He was also able to hurt the Sooners on defensive breakdowns at various times in the game. TCU, again made plays and OU didn’t. On five separate occasions Sooner defenders were in position to make an oskie (interception) but didn’t. TCU made the pick six on OU. Again, another winning play for the Frogs. OU Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops was, to say the least, not happy with the performance. OU’s pass defense will get more of the same later in the season against Okie State and Baylor. Improvement now or another loss or two could happen, home game or no home game (both games are in Norman). Oklahoma State’s skilled players were too much as the Pokes beat Iowa State 37-20. Tyreek Hill returned a kick-off 97 yards; and the failure for them to cover a kick-off were major plays in the 2nd straight blowout loss. Iowa State miscues in the kicking game were a surprise. Baylor beat Texas 28-7 in Austin. The Horn defense proved it is not all that bad and the high powered Bear offense can be slowed. As expected, Coach Charlie Strong’s offensive proved it cannot move the ball and that is on them and not on a ok Baylor defense. Baylor is on the cusp of being a better team than last year but with some very good offensive teams in the league they, in my opinion, will lose at least one conference game and could lose two. As a national contender, they must win out to be in the final four. Their non-conference schedule was pathetic. West Virginia over Kansas and Kansas State over Texas Tech were expected and ho hum games. Both winners are capable of beating any team in the league and are dangerous, especially at home.
As for this coming Saturday, look for OU and Texas to be a defensive slugfest. OU will need to pound the defensive of Texas with Perine to beat them down for a fourth quarter win. Mistakes by Trevor Knight could derail OU. As for Texas, if OU busts assignments in the secondary Texas still might not have enough to make the big play. Don’t look for a shootout. OU 20, and Texas somewhere around 10. (this is the biggest game for each school and anything is possible-it is not a given that OU will win-upset alert.) West Virginia goes to the South Plains and a four hour game should be full of offensive highlights. The Mountaineers have improved much since last season and should take a win back to Morgantown. Look for West Virginia in a 56 to 35 sort of game. On points, pick the mountain men over the flatlanders. Iowa State hosts Toledo in a non-conference game. The Rockets (4-2, 3-0 in the MAC) have enough to take this one but it will be a toss-up at kickoff time. Home field advantage for ISU might be the difference. I say Iowa State will take it in and around 31 to 26. In the game of the week in the Big 12 TCU comes to the Brazos River in a nationally significant tussle. I like the coaching match up as Art Briles and Gary Patterson are two the best coaches in the country. I liked what I saw with the Frogs last week in Ft. Worth and was not impressed all that much with Baylor. That can be significant as both teams had to be up for Texas and Oklahoma respectfully. In this one, I like the home field advantage for Baylor but cannot discount the defensive advantage of TCU. I think TCU has much the better lines and the skilled positions are a wash. Whoever makes more of the big plays and which defense can get more three and outs will win this one. Turnovers are always an issue. Another toss up and I’ll go with the Bears in the game of the day. Baylor 27 and TCU 26. It’s that close. Last Week: 4-1 Season: 34-6 Top Nine: 1. Florida State 2. Auburn 3. Mississippi State 4. Notre Dame 5. Baylor 6. TCU 7. Ole Miss 8. Arizona 9. Marshall
Ole Miss Awaits Results/Penalties of NCAA Violations
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2014
Getty Image
Currently University of Mississippi athletic program is under investigation by the NCAA for potential rules violations in multiple sports as reported by Yahoo Sports. The state of Mississippi has not been considered a hotbed of Southeastern Conference football championships lately. Well, not much in the total history of the Conference. Finally, with Ole Miss and State on the cusp of one of their finest individual teams in both Oxford and Starksville in many a year, Ole Miss finds itself in the clutches of another NCAA investigation for Football program infractions (and also Woman’s Basketball violations).
And we sometimes wonder why schools such as Mississippi make a significant charge at becoming viable in the game and cannot stay on top. Yes, top tier schools such as Oklahoma, Alabama, and Southern Cal, for example, have a rich history of NCAA violations and penalties. But schools such as Ole Miss, Mississippi State and SMU just to mention a trio, seem to reach this plateau at various times then fall off the map.
It is not to believed that the football infractions were made under the current Rebel Head Coach Hugh Freeze, yet any penalties would be served by the current or future teams under Freeze. Including the woman’s basketball team, the NCAA has investigated and Ole Miss is awaiting their findings and possible penalties. These allegations are considered secondary, 29 in number. This is the 4th time the football program has been charged in violations. They were sanctioned for the first three, that last being in 1994. The Rebels were given a one-year television ban, a two-year postseason ban and a four year probation which included the loss of scholarships in that 1994 wrong doing
And we sometimes wonder why schools such as Mississippi make a significant charge at becoming viable in the game and cannot stay on top. Yes, top tier schools such as Oklahoma, Alabama, and Southern Cal, for example, have a rich history of NCAA violations and penalties. But schools such as Ole Miss, Mississippi State and SMU just to mention a trio, seem to reach this plateau at various times then fall off the map.
It is not to believed that the football infractions were made under the current Rebel Head Coach Hugh Freeze, yet any penalties would be served by the current or future teams under Freeze. Including the woman’s basketball team, the NCAA has investigated and Ole Miss is awaiting their findings and possible penalties. These allegations are considered secondary, 29 in number. This is the 4th time the football program has been charged in violations. They were sanctioned for the first three, that last being in 1994. The Rebels were given a one-year television ban, a two-year postseason ban and a four year probation which included the loss of scholarships in that 1994 wrong doing
Trevor Knight passes against TCU (Getty Imge)
What A Day In College Football
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, October 5th, 2014
Ole Miss rolls Tide (Getty Image)
Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Texas, Michigan, and Nebraska did something today that they haven’t done in the history of college football. The all-time powers lost a football game on the same day. Amazing isn’t it? Even if Notre Dame and Ohio State did win this late afternoon, the losses by these Top Ten winning programs of all time have the college football world in a whirling dervish mode on this October Saturday. And if you go by history, the winning teams of TCU, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Baylor, Rutgers and Michigan State do not possess even a close proximity of success of the above mentioned juggernauts from Norman, Los Angeles, Tuscaloosa, Austin, Ann Arbor and Lincoln. We have just witnessed one of the most defining days in the 2014 football season and we haven’t even brought up Texas A&M, Oregon (Thursday), UCLA (still playing), and Stanford getting it handed to them on this Saturday of Saturdays. If this goes to print before the final UCLA score and they win, excuse me, but Utah is beating the Top Ten Bruins as I write this article. Before I go on, let us congratulate some best football programs of recent history that posted W’s today (and not already mentioned) such as Auburn, Florida State………….and, I guess I can include Okla. State, Kansas State, Florida (don’t laugh, it hasn’t been that long since they were really great) and Georgia.
Any team but Florida State that goes unbeaten in the regular season, including the conference championship game, if played, will be a strong candidate to be a playoff team. Notre Dame, I am talking about you. This current crop of top echelon teams in 2014, including the ones beaten today, are all in a crap shoot and still have a fighting chance to make the final four playoff. It would be a good bet that one of our losers today wins out and becomes the National Champion after that final game in Jerry’s World. As bad as the folks in the bastions of college football feel tonight, the sun will rise tomorrow and next week half of the teams that play will suffer a loss. Pick’em if you can but I personally think that Oklahoma and Alabama will be chomping at the bit when they play their next opponent. I am picking both next week to win and that is not a stretch. Roll Tide and Boomer Sooner. As for those winners today, your time will come as it did for the defeated today.
Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Texas, Michigan, and Nebraska did something today that they haven’t done in the history of college football. The all-time powers lost a football game on the same day. Amazing isn’t it? Even if Notre Dame and Ohio State did win this late afternoon, the losses by these Top Ten winning programs of all time have the college football world in a whirling dervish mode on this October Saturday. And if you go by history, the winning teams of TCU, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Baylor, Rutgers and Michigan State do not possess even a close proximity of success of the above mentioned juggernauts from Norman, Los Angeles, Tuscaloosa, Austin, Ann Arbor and Lincoln. We have just witnessed one of the most defining days in the 2014 football season and we haven’t even brought up Texas A&M, Oregon (Thursday), UCLA (still playing), and Stanford getting it handed to them on this Saturday of Saturdays. If this goes to print before the final UCLA score and they win, excuse me, but Utah is beating the Top Ten Bruins as I write this article. Before I go on, let us congratulate some best football programs of recent history that posted W’s today (and not already mentioned) such as Auburn, Florida State………….and, I guess I can include Okla. State, Kansas State, Florida (don’t laugh, it hasn’t been that long since they were really great) and Georgia.
Any team but Florida State that goes unbeaten in the regular season, including the conference championship game, if played, will be a strong candidate to be a playoff team. Notre Dame, I am talking about you. This current crop of top echelon teams in 2014, including the ones beaten today, are all in a crap shoot and still have a fighting chance to make the final four playoff. It would be a good bet that one of our losers today wins out and becomes the National Champion after that final game in Jerry’s World. As bad as the folks in the bastions of college football feel tonight, the sun will rise tomorrow and next week half of the teams that play will suffer a loss. Pick’em if you can but I personally think that Oklahoma and Alabama will be chomping at the bit when they play their next opponent. I am picking both next week to win and that is not a stretch. Roll Tide and Boomer Sooner. As for those winners today, your time will come as it did for the defeated today.
Take OU and Baylor; Big Twelve Week 6 Preview
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2014
Baylor QB Bryce Harper (Getty Image)
Daxx Garman throws against Texas Tech
(Getty Images)
Texas over KU in Week 5 23-0 shutout in Lawrence
(ED ZURGA/AP)
Don’t look for Oklahoma or Baylor to skip a beat this week in Big 12 action. The Sooners (4-0) play at Ft. Worth against the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian (3-0) and the Baylor Bears take their show to DKR in Austin to tussle with the Texas Longhorns.
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Oklahoma would have to have a major breakdown on offense to get beat by a good but not nearly great TCU team. With a decent win over Minnesota at home (30-7), the Frogs have smashed two terrible foes in Samford and SMU.
This will be their first real test of the season and a nice gage on what kind of team and season they will have. Trevone Boykin is back in the saddle for TCU and he doesn’t have enough skill to consistently lead a TCU offense to win this game.
OU’s defense will punish him and without some turnovers don’t look for them to put up big numbers on the Sooners. As we are seeing, OU has not been a turnover team this season. TCU will have some success is stopping OU’s run game early but look for the Sooners to go to the air early, often, and successfully. By the middle of the game OU will run and pass and will put the Frogs away in a routine and workmanlike fashion.
Again, big plays will hurt TCU, Boykin will turn it over, and the Sooners will own the field, somewhere in the 27 to 10 range. The Sooners are not a hurry up and worry about it team.
Baylor QB Bryce Harper Getty Image
As for Baylor (4-0), they really don’t win against teams that are really good when they play them on the road (OSU and Central Fla., remember last year Baylor fans?). Texas (2-2) cannot score enough to beat the Bears, but will be the first team to actually hit them in the mouth on defense.
The Horns should have some stops against Baylor in the first half and I don’t expect Baylor to feel all that good about themselves after the game.
Fact is, we really have no clue how good Baylor is. They fooled us last year until they caught a Poke by the tail and that Bear got shot by Pistol Pete, over and over and over.
Big plays will doom the UT effort in the end with Bryce Petty and his compliment of offensive stars winning out. Baylor wins in and around 28-13. Nobody has said that UT cannot play some defense.
Poke QB Daxx Garman chews up Texas Tech’s secondary. (Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)
Oklahoma State won’t suffer a loss in its trip to Ames for a roster kickoff Saturday. It won’t be pretty for either team but Iowa State doesn’t have enough to pull the upset over the 23rd ranked Pokes.
As he did last week against Texas Tech, OSU quarterback Daxx Garman will show off great set of receivers and the long ball will be significant. Look for OSU to make many 20 to end zone pass plays and another 300 yard day for Garman.
For Iowa State to win they must control the clock, drive the ball, and score touchdowns. If they couldn’t beat North Dakota State in Ames they won’t beat the Cowboys. OSU takes this one in fine form. Pokes in and around 45, Iowa State 24.
ED ZURGA/AP
Poor Kansas, minus their rich and now departed former head Coach Charlie Weis will get drilled in Morgantown Saturday. West Virginia will show that they are a true Top 25 team and will dispatch the Jayhawks in the range of 58 to 3. A real kicking in this one.
In an intriguing match-up in the Little Apple, Kansas State is a better coached and more cohesive team than Texas Tech. Tech might have the better players but mistakes and penalties will put the kibosh on Kingsbury’s Red Raiders.
With a better coach Tech could really make a run at respectability, but that’s what you get when you hire someone that wasn’t ready to be a big time D1 coach (hear that Kansas when you pick your new coach). Kansas State will take this one by 17 to 20 points…….KSU 34, Tech 16.
Last Week: 5-0 Season: 30-5
Top Nine: 1. Alabama 2. Oklahoma 3. Mississippi State 4. Florida State 5. Notre Dame 6. Oregon 7. aTm 8. Baylor 9. Michigan State
Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Oklahoma would have to have a major breakdown on offense to get beat by a good but not nearly great TCU team. With a decent win over Minnesota at home (30-7), the Frogs have smashed two terrible foes in Samford and SMU.
This will be their first real test of the season and a nice gage on what kind of team and season they will have. Trevone Boykin is back in the saddle for TCU and he doesn’t have enough skill to consistently lead a TCU offense to win this game.
OU’s defense will punish him and without some turnovers don’t look for them to put up big numbers on the Sooners. As we are seeing, OU has not been a turnover team this season. TCU will have some success is stopping OU’s run game early but look for the Sooners to go to the air early, often, and successfully. By the middle of the game OU will run and pass and will put the Frogs away in a routine and workmanlike fashion.
Again, big plays will hurt TCU, Boykin will turn it over, and the Sooners will own the field, somewhere in the 27 to 10 range. The Sooners are not a hurry up and worry about it team.
Baylor QB Bryce Harper Getty Image
As for Baylor (4-0), they really don’t win against teams that are really good when they play them on the road (OSU and Central Fla., remember last year Baylor fans?). Texas (2-2) cannot score enough to beat the Bears, but will be the first team to actually hit them in the mouth on defense.
The Horns should have some stops against Baylor in the first half and I don’t expect Baylor to feel all that good about themselves after the game.
Fact is, we really have no clue how good Baylor is. They fooled us last year until they caught a Poke by the tail and that Bear got shot by Pistol Pete, over and over and over.
Big plays will doom the UT effort in the end with Bryce Petty and his compliment of offensive stars winning out. Baylor wins in and around 28-13. Nobody has said that UT cannot play some defense.
Poke QB Daxx Garman chews up Texas Tech’s secondary. (Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)
Oklahoma State won’t suffer a loss in its trip to Ames for a roster kickoff Saturday. It won’t be pretty for either team but Iowa State doesn’t have enough to pull the upset over the 23rd ranked Pokes.
As he did last week against Texas Tech, OSU quarterback Daxx Garman will show off great set of receivers and the long ball will be significant. Look for OSU to make many 20 to end zone pass plays and another 300 yard day for Garman.
For Iowa State to win they must control the clock, drive the ball, and score touchdowns. If they couldn’t beat North Dakota State in Ames they won’t beat the Cowboys. OSU takes this one in fine form. Pokes in and around 45, Iowa State 24.
ED ZURGA/AP
Poor Kansas, minus their rich and now departed former head Coach Charlie Weis will get drilled in Morgantown Saturday. West Virginia will show that they are a true Top 25 team and will dispatch the Jayhawks in the range of 58 to 3. A real kicking in this one.
In an intriguing match-up in the Little Apple, Kansas State is a better coached and more cohesive team than Texas Tech. Tech might have the better players but mistakes and penalties will put the kibosh on Kingsbury’s Red Raiders.
With a better coach Tech could really make a run at respectability, but that’s what you get when you hire someone that wasn’t ready to be a big time D1 coach (hear that Kansas when you pick your new coach). Kansas State will take this one by 17 to 20 points…….KSU 34, Tech 16.
Last Week: 5-0 Season: 30-5
Top Nine: 1. Alabama 2. Oklahoma 3. Mississippi State 4. Florida State 5. Notre Dame 6. Oregon 7. aTm 8. Baylor 9. Michigan State
(Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Big 12 Showcases the Next Great One/Week 5 Preview
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014
MORGANTOWN, WV – SEPTEMBER 20: Samaje Perine #32 of the Oklahoma Sooners rushes in the second half against Dontrill Hyman #99 of the West Virginia Mountaineers during the game on September 20, 2014 at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Week 4 in the Big 12 brought us a new bell cow in Norman, a K-State team that under performed in a loss that shouldn’t have been in the Little Apple, and a home non-conference win in Lawrence that allows KU coach Charlie Weis to keep his job for the immediate future.
I am old enough to have viewed some of the greats in college football, live and in person. Barry Sanders? Yes. I was in the stands when Barry touched the ball the first time in his sophomore season when he ripped off the opening kickoff against Tulsa for a hundred yards. Barry did the same (run the opening KO in the first game) in college football’s greatest season by a running back in 1988, his junior and last season in Stillwater, against Miami (Ohio). Sanders, the greatest runner in college football history, 34 NCAA records, was the best I have ever seen. Earl Campbell, Texas, was the second. The strongest running back I have had the pleasure to watch, the Tyler Rose brought hell to those that tried to stop him. All helmet, knees, shoulder pads. A man among boys. The others, including Tony Dorsett, Billy Sims, Steve Owens, Roosevelt Leaks, Joe Washington, Johnny Rodgers, Gayle Sayers, Adrian Peterson, Marcus Dupree, and Joe Don Looney, all are part of college football history as greatness comes around at various times. Yes, Big 8/12 followers should know Joe Don Looney, the first wunderkind to play for OU in the 1960’s under Bud Wilkerson. Joe Don was the biggest (physically) starter on the OU team when he played, coming in at 6’2 and 235 pounds with sub 10.0 hundred yard dash speed. The average weight for a offensive lineman at the time averaged 210 pounds. Looney was a freak, had an attitude (sorry Bud), and was also the nation’s best punter. As good as they come. If you haven’t had your history lesson with Joe Don you need to. He is the stuff that makes great movies, AKA, “Everybody’s All-American”. Yet his story is more unbelievable one that the one in the movie. All these greats are historically untouchable. The fabric of college football at its core. They were, for one reason or another, game changers, the cream de la cream of running backs of the Midlands and beyond. If you don’t have a history of each and every one of these men you don’t know college football.
My point? We are now in the presence of another great ball carrier beginning his career in 2014. True freshman Samaje Perine (SA -MA-JAY PEE -RHINE) is his name. He gave a dominating performance, logging 34 rushes for 242 yards and four scores in Oklahoma’s 43-33 win over West Virginia. It was his 4th college game. Perine is a big, bruising, and intuitive runner. He makes the right cuts at the right time and can, if he chooses, go through defenders if he wants to punish. At 243 pounds, his conditioning makes him the hardest back in the country to bring down. His freshman body is well-defined, not the man child that Marcus Dupree exhibited his freshman season at OU. Unlike Marcus, Samaje has no baby fat. Yes, he might not be as fast as Mr. Dupree, but he is just a dominating and unlike Marcus, he can bring it in the fourth quarter. And don’t overlook his mental aspect of the game. Perine thinks like mature man. Unlike the current Heisman winner down in Florida, Samaje gets it. Listen to him and he is the next coming of Jerome Bettis. What is disconcerting with Perine is will OU Coach Bob Stoops understand that he has a ball player that needs to get the ball 25, 30 35 times a game? With such a great o-line to compliment him, Perine is a feature back, a future Heisman winner and NFL star. He makes OU a better team, one that can control the ball in games that you don’t want the other team to have those extra possessions that can get you beat. He is “the” game changer as was Earl, Barry, Marus or Joe Don. OU let Perine dominate in the 2nd half against WV and he did. Eight carrie in a row at one time. West Virginia was toast. Can I say that after just four games in a freshman season Perine is the man in Norman? Yes, I have seen the best in college football and Perine belongs in that class.
OU’s Joe Don Looney (first junior college transfer to play for the Sooners) Led the nation in punting and a first round draft choice of the New York Giants-12th pick; All-America 1962;
Week 5 begins in Stillwater where Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech. Continued improvement by the Cowboys will continue as Tech can’t stop the run. OSU will slice and dice a defense that is the Big 12’s worst. Oklahoma State 59, Texas Tech 35; Kansas State 34, UTEP 10; Baylor 31, Iowa State 24 (look for Baylor to hiccup and for the Cyclones to hang until the end); TCU 48, SMU 0; Texas 24, Kansas 16 (another close one to the end. Kansas always plays a game or two at home against a better team and holds to the end. This year nothing is for sure for Charlie Strong’s Horns.) Last Week: 2-1 Season: 25-5 Top Nine Ranking 1. Oklahoma 2. Alabama 3. Texas A&M 4. Florida State 5. Baylor 6. Auburn 7. Notre Dame 8. Oregon 9. Mississippi State
OU’s Joe Don Looney (first junior college transfer to play for the Sooners) Led the nation in punting and a first round draft choice of the New York Giants-12th pick; All-America 1962;
The Best Look in College Football
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Wednesday, September 10th, 2014
Just for fun, I have wanted to give my opinion on college football’s best in different categories. This week I have decided to rate the Top uniforms that I have watch during my past 50 or so years. I will list my “best” of which might include some uniforms that are currently being used today or older uniforms of teams that have changed their look. Please comment to let me know what your think your favorite uniforms are or have been.
1. LSU
2. USC
3. Texas
4. Nebraska
5. Michigan
6. Oklahoma
7. Alabama
8. Ohio State
9. UCLA
10. Notre Dame
1. LSU
2. USC
3. Texas
4. Nebraska
5. Michigan
6. Oklahoma
7. Alabama
8. Ohio State
9. UCLA
10. Notre Dame
UCLA vs USC (Getty Images)
OU Punishes Tulsa 52-7; Await Tennessee
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, September 6th, 2014 Sep 6, 2014; Tulsa, OK, USA
Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Durron Neal (5) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) during the game at Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsOU bull rushed Tulsa today beating the Golden Hurricane 52-7 in a morning start in T-town. It was OU’s 6th straight win and their 8th win in a row against Tulsa. A less than full house of a little over 29,000 sat in a steady rain for the majority of the game. The mostly red clad crowd at Tulsa’s Chapman Stadium was thinned by the half as the Sooner fans had seen enough of the butt kicking. The Sooners built up leads of 21-0 at the end of the 1st quarter and 31-0 after 30 minutes. Sooner split receiver Sterling Shepard had another great day against a Tulsa defense as he caught 9 balls for 199 yards and one score. Trevor Knight continued to rack up numbers as he passed for 299 yards in a 21-34 performance and two touchdown passes. He also ran for 31 yard touchdown.
OU chewed up the Tulsa defense for 266 yds and averaged close to nine yards per carry, highlighted by Alex Ross’s 82 yd TD run in quarter 2. Oklahoma senior walk-on linebacker Caleb Gastelum made OU head coach Bob Stoops proud of his play Saturday and after his career day Coach awarded the backup the ultimate reward for a walk-on. Stoops gave him a scholarship for this senior year. The little used player of last year had a career day in the Sooners’ 52-7 win against Tulsa, and after the game he received the ultimate reward for his efforts — a scholarship. Gastelum played most of last weeks win against La. Tech when the starting linebacker was disqualified for a incorrect targeting foul. Gastelum had eight tackles which was a game best against Tulsa, including one for a loss. He also intercepted one Hurricane pass. Stoops announced the scholarship in front of teammates. Needless to say it was a happy Sooner locker room.
OU hosts the Volunteers of Tennessee next week in an SEC/Big 12 inter-sectional match up. Hopefully the fans that visit Owen Field will get a better game than last week’s blowout of La. Tech. Tennessee beat Arkansas State today and will go into Norman undefeated at 2-0.
So You Want To Start Reggie Jackson?
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, September 5th, 2014
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and Reggie Jackson? Will Mr. Jackson become one of the staples of the Thunder future or will he take offers at the end of this season as he becomes a restricted free agent? The Thunder would like to wrap him up into new contract before that happens (restricted free agency) but the outlook seems dim. Jackson wants to start for OKC and with Russell Westbrook at the point Coach Scott Brooks would have to displace the All-Star guard. That is a question that has no answer in the summer of 2014 but will be answered sometime this season. Can the Oklahoma City Thunder make the right moves to keep Jackson and afford a much larger contract than the 4th year man is currently getting? All these questions are in limbo and the future of the organization might hang in balance.
The Thunder avoids going over the cap like no other premier franchise in the Association. If we have learned one thing about GM Sam Presti and the Thunder brass is that they are into viability and winning, but not necessarily in winning the NBA championship, on a year to year basis, is the goal. Presti knows that going deep into a salary cap penalty can in the long run bring disaster. He would rather see the Thunder be a copy of the Utah teams as they had with Jerry Sloan as coach, always in the hunt, rather than a team that might win immediately but have dry stretches between the possible title seasons. A city such as San Antonio with the Spurs is the model Presti would covet, but that would take a group of players that start and finish with the Thunder and we shall know about that in two years when Kevin Durant is on the market. Jackson might be a forerunner for the future of the Thunder. He stays and it tells KD and Westbrook that the good young talent developed in OKC would give up some bucks to play for immediate Championships and not be as selfish for their own greed.
We found out where James Harden’s loyalty was and the bearded one is no closer to winning a title as he was before he departed Bricktown. And we can speculate that if he had stayed a couple of more years with OKC he would be an NBA champion today. Hardin is all about himself and that is not the Thunder way. Jackson seems to say that he too is more about himself than the team. Starting and a larger (but not deserved) salary over winning a title is what Jackson is telling us right now. For a top level point guard Jackson is still in development. A suspect defender and shooter, Jackson, in time, might be what others are saying, that he deserves the recognition as one of the best. Right now that is not the case and what he gives offensively he loses trying to cover someone. Just like Harden needs to understand, defense is half the game and to win as a team a weakness in defense can take a team from being an NBA champion to just a playoff contender. In time, hopefully Jackson can understand that the NBA is a team game and personal statistics don’t tell the whole story on how good you are. If it was ok for John Havlicek to be staple as the Celtic’s 6th man for years it is ok for Jackson, a much lessor talent to do the same. Jackson at 23 doesn’t know that right now. He is young and needs to understand NBA titles don’t come a-calling all the time.
Jackson, in my opinion, will be with another team by 2016. I suspect that if the Thunder don’t sign him early this season he won’t become a restricted free agent and will be traded this season. Just like James Harden. If they could do it to Harden they won’t hesitate to do it to Jackson. The Thunder is on the cusp this year to win it all and they would sacrifice Jackson for a top line player to push them over the top. Jackson is not a championship deal breaker for a title in 2014-15 but will become one in 2016. Money or immediate notoriety of being a NBA champion, it’s going to be his, Jackson’s call. We know how the Thunder spends its money. Jackson’s chance to be more than a footnote in the history of the Association is on the line with his decision. I say he’ll take the money and be a Buck, a Hawk, a Raptor, or a Jazz. He won’t be a Thunder, a champion. That’s youth and money. They go together and that is a shame.
The Thunder avoids going over the cap like no other premier franchise in the Association. If we have learned one thing about GM Sam Presti and the Thunder brass is that they are into viability and winning, but not necessarily in winning the NBA championship, on a year to year basis, is the goal. Presti knows that going deep into a salary cap penalty can in the long run bring disaster. He would rather see the Thunder be a copy of the Utah teams as they had with Jerry Sloan as coach, always in the hunt, rather than a team that might win immediately but have dry stretches between the possible title seasons. A city such as San Antonio with the Spurs is the model Presti would covet, but that would take a group of players that start and finish with the Thunder and we shall know about that in two years when Kevin Durant is on the market. Jackson might be a forerunner for the future of the Thunder. He stays and it tells KD and Westbrook that the good young talent developed in OKC would give up some bucks to play for immediate Championships and not be as selfish for their own greed.
We found out where James Harden’s loyalty was and the bearded one is no closer to winning a title as he was before he departed Bricktown. And we can speculate that if he had stayed a couple of more years with OKC he would be an NBA champion today. Hardin is all about himself and that is not the Thunder way. Jackson seems to say that he too is more about himself than the team. Starting and a larger (but not deserved) salary over winning a title is what Jackson is telling us right now. For a top level point guard Jackson is still in development. A suspect defender and shooter, Jackson, in time, might be what others are saying, that he deserves the recognition as one of the best. Right now that is not the case and what he gives offensively he loses trying to cover someone. Just like Harden needs to understand, defense is half the game and to win as a team a weakness in defense can take a team from being an NBA champion to just a playoff contender. In time, hopefully Jackson can understand that the NBA is a team game and personal statistics don’t tell the whole story on how good you are. If it was ok for John Havlicek to be staple as the Celtic’s 6th man for years it is ok for Jackson, a much lessor talent to do the same. Jackson at 23 doesn’t know that right now. He is young and needs to understand NBA titles don’t come a-calling all the time.
Jackson, in my opinion, will be with another team by 2016. I suspect that if the Thunder don’t sign him early this season he won’t become a restricted free agent and will be traded this season. Just like James Harden. If they could do it to Harden they won’t hesitate to do it to Jackson. The Thunder is on the cusp this year to win it all and they would sacrifice Jackson for a top line player to push them over the top. Jackson is not a championship deal breaker for a title in 2014-15 but will become one in 2016. Money or immediate notoriety of being a NBA champion, it’s going to be his, Jackson’s call. We know how the Thunder spends its money. Jackson’s chance to be more than a footnote in the history of the Association is on the line with his decision. I say he’ll take the money and be a Buck, a Hawk, a Raptor, or a Jazz. He won’t be a Thunder, a champion. That’s youth and money. They go together and that is a shame.
Welcome Back Kobe And Stay Awhile
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, August 31st, 2014
For most of us NBA fans we are excited to see Kobe Bryant back in fold and are looking forward when the Lakers make their road stops at the various cities in the Association. I for one can’t wait to watch the future Hall-of-Famer perform in the Peak and I’m thankful that OKC gets two games at home with LAL, one in early December and the second later in March. With a limited number of seasons left in the old war horse, when you get to see greatness you take it and enjoy the art of one of the best of all time. Yet, as good as a newly fixed Kobe is (James Hardin just today said that he is like a 20 year old Kobe), old age and old legs can be masked but never hidden. At any given moment in his comeback something could break down and that’s all she wrote on this great one. As Mr. Bryant has stated this week, his agility and moves will not be like before, but he expects his savvy and experience should make up for his wear and tear. Kobe expects to be a tough cookie when back on the court. Everyone that follows the Association and the Lakers would not expect less. Let’s hope that father time takes a rest and allows a season, two seasons or more pass before this superstar puts his Nike’s in the competitive box for the last time. His presence will be felt again, even if twenty-five points a game won’t. See you in December. KD and Russell will be ready for the honor.
Kevin Durant and Life’s Happiness
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, September 1st, 2014
Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America
Will Kevin Durant’s humongous 10 year deal with Nike, worth anywhere from $250-325 million keep the wunderkind from bolting from the Oklahoma City Thunder in two years. Or will he take his game to another city to pursue a championship in a new location, molding a team, aka James? The signing of the contract nixes the possible move from Nike to Under Armor giving the Swoosh KD’s brand to the world and making the Thunder second in salary payments to him for the foreseeable future. Will Nike want KD in a bigger market in two years to push the brand on a larger scale than what he can accomplish at a small market team such as Oklahoma City? Speculation is yes, quite possibly, but decisions to be made in the months to come will have to take into account KD’s love of his current teammates and his loyalty to either Oklahoma, hometown Washington DC area, or other promising venues. What will Durant’s agent Jay-Z recommend and will he follow his advice? All these things come into play and the decision will become more intense as the next two seasons play out. From this writer’s perspective, living in the Oklahoma City market, and being around Kevin’s movements, activities, and statements, anything is possible. Durant’s first goal, he would tell you, as he has told the world, is to win an NBA title. Currently, he has that opportunity to do so where he is. Teammates Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka are players that give him as good a chance to win in OKC as any he will find elsewhere. KD is the face of the Thunder organization. He loves the quiet of OKC. He can go to Bricktown and enjoy the evening without fanfare, eating at his own restaurant. Same with the shopping mall or the Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. No public hassle. He can ride his bike in obscurity, take a short trip to Norman or Stillwater to watch a college game of his beloved Texas Longhorns, or walk into a NAIA gym and mingle with the small crowd and enjoy the game. Things he can do in OKC you can forget about it in say a New York City. KD, again, will tell you he loves the non-hustle and bustle of his adopted city. He loves the sold-out crowds of every game at the Peak. He loves the never a negative boo while playing there. Hell, he hasn’t heard one negative word from any Thunder fan since playing here. He has the support of not just basketball fans of OKC but every living soul in the state of Oklahoma. He IS the face of Oklahoma, the whole dang state. That would change if he leaves. KD would be the face of whatever he sold. His persona would be that of a LaBron James. That’s not all bad but why be someone else when you can be yourself, an original. KD will have many things to consider if he takes foot to another city. That, right now, is not of his nature. Things can change in two years. If OKC wins a title, KD will be a Thunder until he can’t play. The Thunder would never cut him, just as LAL has honored Kobe. Once the face of OKC, always the face of OKC. Yes, the Thunder might not win it all and that changes the game. But the question has to be asked. Can he put together a better team somewhere else? Westbrook is good for three more years and if KD did bolt the greatest athlete in the Association becomes de facto #1, at least for a year. Yes, Russell could take his game home to LA which would be a stronger possibility if KD is gone in two. Yet, those two love each other, as KD loves all his teammates. Remember his MVP speech? Genuine and from the heart. Hell, with the money KD is going to make in the next ten years if he wanted to own an NBA franchise (Michael) he could get one in time. At least a part of one, a significant part. The stakes are enormous for his decision. It won’t be easy but in the long run it will be a matter of why KD is who he is. Money won’t be the final driving point. KD wants to win but he also wants to be significant. He is in OKC with a smile on his face. That is the driving point. Personal happiness along with satisfaction and respect is all KD desires. OKC and KD both get it.
#1 Florida State Defeats Okla. State 37-31
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Sunday, August 31st, 2014
If Florida State is the best team in the country then maybe Oklahoma State might not be that far behind. At least they weren’t tonight in a big time intersectional game. In front of a split crowd of Seminole and Cowboy supporters in Jerry’s World in Arlington, Texas FSU narrowly eked out a 37-31 thriller in season opening games for both schools. Heisman winner Jameis Winston passed for 370 yards. passed for 2 scores and rushed for one. He threw two picks. An early first quarter pick six thrown by Cowboy signal caller Josh Walsh gave the Noles an early 10-0 start that the Cowboys had to fight against all night long. The Pokes, 19 point dogs, were up to the challenge until a 4th quarter fumble by Walsh stopped the Cowboys in their upset bid while only down six at 30-24. Winston threw a touchdown pass to Rashad Greene of 50 yards a moment later and that was enough to withstand a final score by the Pokes. Greene finished with 11 catches for 203 yards. The contest was hard fought by the defending National Champs, something that they only had to endure twice last year. Oklahoma State, with seven new starters on defense, had success against the nation’s top rated offensive line, holding them to 103 rushing yards and sacking Winston twice.
OSU has a great chance to win their next 7 games until they get into the meat of the Big 12. Look for a return to the Top 25 this week. Their play tonight was that of a top Ten team.
As for Florida State to get back to Jerry’s World for the National Title game in January, plenty of improvement will be needed. They are capable. Coach Jimbo Fisher was not pleased with the closeness of the score but did indicate that he was good with the effort.
“We’re still a work in progress,” Fisher said following the game. “We all know that. We have some good players but we still have to play good. It’s not about being great; it’s about playing great.”
Oklahoma State Head Coach Mike Gundy was pleased with the effort of his young team. “You don’t ever know what to expect with so many young players on the field. But we never saw any fear in any of their eyes.” The Pokes have only two offensive players on the team with 10 or more starts. With such a young team to play #1 toe to toe, the future is, as they say in Stillwater, “the brightest orange.”
Florida State gets an “off week” with the Citadel coming to Tallahassee next Saturday while Oklahoma State plays at home against a weak Missouri State team.
Look for FSU to continue to be ranked #1 in the next polls and OSU to crack the top 20
OSU has a great chance to win their next 7 games until they get into the meat of the Big 12. Look for a return to the Top 25 this week. Their play tonight was that of a top Ten team.
As for Florida State to get back to Jerry’s World for the National Title game in January, plenty of improvement will be needed. They are capable. Coach Jimbo Fisher was not pleased with the closeness of the score but did indicate that he was good with the effort.
“We’re still a work in progress,” Fisher said following the game. “We all know that. We have some good players but we still have to play good. It’s not about being great; it’s about playing great.”
Oklahoma State Head Coach Mike Gundy was pleased with the effort of his young team. “You don’t ever know what to expect with so many young players on the field. But we never saw any fear in any of their eyes.” The Pokes have only two offensive players on the team with 10 or more starts. With such a young team to play #1 toe to toe, the future is, as they say in Stillwater, “the brightest orange.”
Florida State gets an “off week” with the Citadel coming to Tallahassee next Saturday while Oklahoma State plays at home against a weak Missouri State team.
Look for FSU to continue to be ranked #1 in the next polls and OSU to crack the top 20
NFL’s Goodell Still Doesn't Get It
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Saturday, August 30th, 2014
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/30/nfls-goodell-still-doesnt-get-it/
Hit your future wife, knock her silly, and drag her out of an elevator unconscious. In many lines of work you would get canned, or specifically and formally, fired. Especially if you were in a highly visible job, one where public relations is important. The NFL is not that kind of work as you can get that second chance, even third. Announced today, NFL personnel are subject to more than a game or two suspension, but even with a good knockout, you are not barred from the field, forever. You will be allowed to come back and play.
Last month Baltimore Raven’s Ray Rice was given a two game suspension for just such an incident where he knocked out his significant other. Today NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that the two games was to lenient and that Rice’s punishment was not enough. An outcry from women’s groups and other various human rights advocates put the wheels in motion and the NFL has toughened its stance on such problem employees. So tough I can feel the pinch.
Goodell addressed the media today in a letter he sent to team owners. “My disciplinary decision (on Rice) led the public to question our (NFL) sincerity, our commitment and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.”
Effective immediately, the new policy reads, any N.F.L. employee — not only a player — who is found to have engaged in assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involved physical force will be suspended without pay for six games for a first offense. Second-time offenders will be banished from the league for at least one year. After that one year on the second offense the offender could petition to be reinstated in his position but that “there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted.” Don’t be under the impression that the new policy will please all.
What will it really take to get banned for life? Murder? Backlash has already come out againt the new policy, saying that players should be banned for life from the NFL and that there is no excuse for violence toward woman, ever. As currently written, an animal abuser, such as Michael Vick would get a harsher sentence from play by the NFL than a good bashing of a wife or girlfriend. With a very spotty public image currently the norm, the NFL’s new stance come up short, not something that is conducive to positive relations with a large section of the American public.
As Barry Petchesky, a writer of Deadskin put it today, “No one should be looking to the NFL or the sports world for ethical guidance on anything, to say nothing of subjects like domestic violence or recreational drug use, both sufficiently [censored] up within our legal system. It’s nice that Goodell recognizes he tripped all over his own [censored] in the Rice matter, but don’t lose sight of the fact that today he’s nothing more than Moses coming down from the mountain, bearing a press release.”
We have come to expect a lot from the head man, leader of the of the NFL if you will, since Pete Rozelle’s reign, but that expectation from Roger Goodell has been less than satisfying. Hitting women, hurting them, is still not taken seriously enough by this professional sport at the highest level. And don’t you think the women know it
Last month Baltimore Raven’s Ray Rice was given a two game suspension for just such an incident where he knocked out his significant other. Today NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that the two games was to lenient and that Rice’s punishment was not enough. An outcry from women’s groups and other various human rights advocates put the wheels in motion and the NFL has toughened its stance on such problem employees. So tough I can feel the pinch.
Goodell addressed the media today in a letter he sent to team owners. “My disciplinary decision (on Rice) led the public to question our (NFL) sincerity, our commitment and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.”
Effective immediately, the new policy reads, any N.F.L. employee — not only a player — who is found to have engaged in assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involved physical force will be suspended without pay for six games for a first offense. Second-time offenders will be banished from the league for at least one year. After that one year on the second offense the offender could petition to be reinstated in his position but that “there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted.” Don’t be under the impression that the new policy will please all.
What will it really take to get banned for life? Murder? Backlash has already come out againt the new policy, saying that players should be banned for life from the NFL and that there is no excuse for violence toward woman, ever. As currently written, an animal abuser, such as Michael Vick would get a harsher sentence from play by the NFL than a good bashing of a wife or girlfriend. With a very spotty public image currently the norm, the NFL’s new stance come up short, not something that is conducive to positive relations with a large section of the American public.
As Barry Petchesky, a writer of Deadskin put it today, “No one should be looking to the NFL or the sports world for ethical guidance on anything, to say nothing of subjects like domestic violence or recreational drug use, both sufficiently [censored] up within our legal system. It’s nice that Goodell recognizes he tripped all over his own [censored] in the Rice matter, but don’t lose sight of the fact that today he’s nothing more than Moses coming down from the mountain, bearing a press release.”
We have come to expect a lot from the head man, leader of the of the NFL if you will, since Pete Rozelle’s reign, but that expectation from Roger Goodell has been less than satisfying. Hitting women, hurting them, is still not taken seriously enough by this professional sport at the highest level. And don’t you think the women know it
Florida State Should Rip Okie State in Big 12 Week One
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, August 25th, 2014
Big 12 Week One
Florida State to Pound Pokes
Week One in the Big 12 is not going to be kind to some conference members. In a top national game in Jerry’s World the defending National Champs will run over a young and still developing Oklahoma State defense in a blowout. Look for the Seminoles to score early, often, and have the game under control by the half. The Cowboys will have some success in the later parts of the already decided game. Final: FSU 48 to 21;
Iowa State and North Dakota State in a dogfight
A possible upset by the lower division Bison is a possibility. Iowa State has better overall personnel and look for a Cyclone win somewhere around 3 to 5 points. Final: Iowa State 20 to 16.
West Virginia to Give the Tide All They Want
It is never good to open the season on the road with a rookie QB. Especially against a team that can get hot and put up points on anyone when they are on their game. Head turning in this one if you follow the game score. Look for Bama to hang on in one of the games of the day. Possible upset alert. Final: Alabama 34 to 24
Kansas State over S.F Austin 38-13
TCU over Samford 41-0
Texas Tech over Central Arkansas 59-17
Oklahoma over La.Tech 48-3
Texas over North Texas 24-9
Baylor over SMU 65-20 (on Sunday
Florida State to Pound Pokes
Week One in the Big 12 is not going to be kind to some conference members. In a top national game in Jerry’s World the defending National Champs will run over a young and still developing Oklahoma State defense in a blowout. Look for the Seminoles to score early, often, and have the game under control by the half. The Cowboys will have some success in the later parts of the already decided game. Final: FSU 48 to 21;
Iowa State and North Dakota State in a dogfight
A possible upset by the lower division Bison is a possibility. Iowa State has better overall personnel and look for a Cyclone win somewhere around 3 to 5 points. Final: Iowa State 20 to 16.
West Virginia to Give the Tide All They Want
It is never good to open the season on the road with a rookie QB. Especially against a team that can get hot and put up points on anyone when they are on their game. Head turning in this one if you follow the game score. Look for Bama to hang on in one of the games of the day. Possible upset alert. Final: Alabama 34 to 24
Kansas State over S.F Austin 38-13
TCU over Samford 41-0
Texas Tech over Central Arkansas 59-17
Oklahoma over La.Tech 48-3
Texas over North Texas 24-9
Baylor over SMU 65-20 (on Sunday
Preview: Oregon’s Year
Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, August 25th, 2014http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/25/preview-oregons-year/
Which four teams will make the grade as the best teams in college football for our new playoff system? Will the SEC get two teams in? Can the favorites hold serve and get the nod from the committee and make the two semi-final games? The landscape of college football might expend to more than four but for now the goal is to make that final four and it won’t be easy for any school. My predictions are just that and to be true to the game, any one of fifteen or more teams could run the table in their conference and break hearts in Norman, Tuscaloosa, Tallahassee or Eugene.
Alabama? No, South Carolina for my money as the SEC representative. The Tide will go into the season with a new untested quarterback and that will do them in. A SEC team will be in the mix and look for South Carolina or Georgia to be that team. Only one SEC team and it will be South Carolina. The Gamecocks will lose one game, quite possibly at Auburn or in the regular season finale against Clemson but will win the SEC Championship game.
Florida State? Yes, but watch out for Clemson . The defending National Champs have the inside road to the final four with a stout team and the returning Heisman winner. They could get caught by Clemson and that wouldn’t surprise me. If Clemson runs the table against everyone and beats FSU they are in. It could happen. FSU could, no, should, do the same and would be a shoe in. It will be a two team race for a final four spot.
Oklahoma? No. I have updated my feelings on the Sooners and they still have the schedule to make the grade. There best two players on campus in Mixon and DGB are not playing this season. That is a game changer. I believe they will bite the dust in a conference loss and that will do them in. If Baylor goes undefeated and beats OU in Norman they have a fifty fifty chance to make it. Their non-conference schedule is suspect. They have the best quarterback in the middle part of the country and will be tough if they improve their defensive personnel and are coached up.
Ohio State or Michigan State? No for either. They will both lose two games and the Big 10 will be fresh out this go-around.
Oregon and UCLA? My expectations on both are high and one or even two can make the playoff. The best teams on the West Coast, they both have National Championship quarterbacks and they are both explosive on offense and tough enough on defense. Look for a possible two teams from the PAC to make it. By the way, UCLA might win the conference but not the National Championship, which could go to the Ducks.
Semi-final One: South Carolina vs Oregon
Semi-final Two: Florida State vs UCLA
National Champion; Oregon outscores Florida State in a high scoring game of the century in Jerry’s World.
Alabama? No, South Carolina for my money as the SEC representative. The Tide will go into the season with a new untested quarterback and that will do them in. A SEC team will be in the mix and look for South Carolina or Georgia to be that team. Only one SEC team and it will be South Carolina. The Gamecocks will lose one game, quite possibly at Auburn or in the regular season finale against Clemson but will win the SEC Championship game.
Florida State? Yes, but watch out for Clemson . The defending National Champs have the inside road to the final four with a stout team and the returning Heisman winner. They could get caught by Clemson and that wouldn’t surprise me. If Clemson runs the table against everyone and beats FSU they are in. It could happen. FSU could, no, should, do the same and would be a shoe in. It will be a two team race for a final four spot.
Oklahoma? No. I have updated my feelings on the Sooners and they still have the schedule to make the grade. There best two players on campus in Mixon and DGB are not playing this season. That is a game changer. I believe they will bite the dust in a conference loss and that will do them in. If Baylor goes undefeated and beats OU in Norman they have a fifty fifty chance to make it. Their non-conference schedule is suspect. They have the best quarterback in the middle part of the country and will be tough if they improve their defensive personnel and are coached up.
Ohio State or Michigan State? No for either. They will both lose two games and the Big 10 will be fresh out this go-around.
Oregon and UCLA? My expectations on both are high and one or even two can make the playoff. The best teams on the West Coast, they both have National Championship quarterbacks and they are both explosive on offense and tough enough on defense. Look for a possible two teams from the PAC to make it. By the way, UCLA might win the conference but not the National Championship, which could go to the Ducks.
Semi-final One: South Carolina vs Oregon
Semi-final Two: Florida State vs UCLA
National Champion; Oregon outscores Florida State in a high scoring game of the century in Jerry’s World.
Mixon Out; DGB and Shannon Still In Question at OU
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2014
Photo by Jay Chilton
If anyone familiar with the football program at the University of Oklahoma and thought the five star recruit Joe Mixon would play for the 2014 season might be surprised today. To many of the programs detractors, OU did the right thing and suspended him for year. The credibility of President David Boren, Athletic Director Joe Castiglione, and Head Football Coach Bob Stoops might raise eyebrows in Austin, Stillwater and Lubbock, but without merit. With all the directed hate toward the current Sooner situation with the issues of the enrollment of Dorial Green-Beckham and Frank Shannon’s off field activities, one would have envisioned a short to a possible medium game suspension to the best recruit to hit Norman since Adrian Peterson.
Yet, the powers-to-be of the Sooner Nation swiftly decapitated the freshman sensation without hesitation leaving the young man facing a decision. Stay in Norman and face the music of dishonor and rebuild a reputation or transfer to another venue. One and quite possibility two years from today would be the time away from the field if Mixon transfers. He has enrolled at OU and D1 transfers would have to sit out a year before becoming eligible to play. The Sooners are not “running” Mixon off and want honor the scholarship and keep Mixon in the family, abet the outhouse, for now. He has been removed from any team activities and his name will be removed from the active roster. It is believed that he will continue to live in the same Athletic/regular student dorm, which is one of, if not, the finest in the country.
Basically, OU want him for the future and this suspension year could be said to be a red-shirt one for the eighteen year old, giving him four seasons to play for the Big Red, beginning with the 2015 season. It is of this writers opinion that Mixon could transfers, could just go home for a year, or drop to a lower NCAA Division and play immediately. My money is that he stays.
Word on Dorial Green-Beckham from the NCAA has not come down as of today as the former Missouri wide-out awaits the decision. Green-Beckham would be at the top of the list of best receivers in the country and would be the best player on the field for OU if he is allowed to play this season. Sources in Oklahoma believe he will be allowed to participate this year on the “run off” rule in the NCAA regulations. He was never charged with a crime in Columbia but was “told” he wasn’t wanted on the team for further play. Green-Beckman chose Missouri over OU two years ago but coaches at OU are held in high regard by Green-Beckman’s parents and it they believe the Norman experience can get him ready for a successful NFL career. Beckham would be a top 5 pick in the draft when he declares. Currently it has been rumored he loves OU and the young man has become a model player and teammate and a good citizen off the field. Look for him to play this year if you ask me.
As for linebacker Frank Shannon, a state district court in Norman has not yet ruled on the one year suspension from the University. The leading tackler last year, Shannon is a key for the defense. Look for Shannon’s council to challenge the court decision if it goes against him to play and a possible lawsuit against the University is a strong possibility. It is this writer’s opinion that Shannon won’t see the field this season.
Look for Limited Minutes for KD This Season
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, August 15th, 2014
Kevin Durant played more minutes than any other player in the NBA last season. He led the league in scoring and with the absence of running mate Russell Westbrook, the Thunder relied on KD’s minutes and skills more than any other season in his career. Even with Russell back into top form at in the finals games of 2014, Durant’s minutes didn’t subside as Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks used him as much as when Russell was healing. In the process KD won his first league MVP and the vote wasn’t close. The actual numbers are not important, but the wear and tear on the second best player this side of the Mississippi River finally did the 25 year old in, mentally as much as physically.
Durant needed a break and the withdrawal surprised TEAM USA Coach Krzyzewski. “Yes it did,” he replied. “No question I was.” Team USA won’t be as good with KD absent, but does it really matter? Do NBA fans really care for International basketball beyond the Olympics, the following of drafted players, and the avoidance of getting injured in these games? Most fans here in Oklahoma are glad that KD has some time off as the preparation for another rugged 82 game Association season is the more important thing on their minds. KD has stated he needs that time off and the following day after he abandoned TEAM USA star KD was at his two basketball camps in Central Oklahoma and also helping build a school playground in the tornado path of Moore, OK. All on the same day.
For 2014, the question needs to be asked if Coach Brooks will monitor Durant’s minutes. Some media in Oklahoma think this might be considered by the team as a fresher KD might be more important than a first seed come playoff season. Sure, teams want to have that number one seed, but if you follow the Spurs and Coach Pop, you know that he rests his regulars, plays his reserves significant minutes, and will tell you that playoff seeds are, in fact, over-rated. OKC limited Russell Westbrook’s minutes when he came back from injury last year. They know that it can work. Add back to back games, even at 25/26 years of age, resting a one of two do give players significant rest. For top tier teams such as the Thunder, does it really matter if you win 54, 58, 60 games? Not really.
It is this writers opinion that the Thunder brass will take a strong look at minutes for KD (and Russell too) for this coming season. Sure, KD won’t like it, but he knows that anything that will be a positive come playoff season, such as a rested KD, is a good thing. We know that Durant’s only goal now after winning a MVP award, is to win the NBA Championship. Scoring titles, point streaks, anything to do with individual awards and milestones don’t compare to winning the title. KD knows that.
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/15/look-for-limited-minutes-for-kd-this-season/
KD’s Love In Toronto Costs Raptors 25k In Tampering By Rapper Drakeby
Fred Pahlke | Posted on Monday, August 11th, 2014
The NBA fined the Toronto Raptors today for comments rapper Drake made at a recent concert concerning possible 2016 free agent Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder. A violation of the tampering rule, the fined was announced at $25,000. Durant will have options at the end of the 2016 season to either stay in OKC or test the free agency market and take his game elsewhere.
In front of a large crowd in the Canadian city, Drake shouted to the audience, ““I just want to show one of my brothers something, you know, my brother Kevin Durant was kind enough to come to the show tonight and watch us. I just want him to see what would happen if he came to play in Toronto. Let him know what would happen.” Upon the comments, the pro KD crowd stood, applauded and started shouting “KD KD KD…..”
Drake was named as Toronto’s global ambassador in September 2013, making the remarks a NO NO by NBA rules. This was the first incident of tampering regarding Kevin Durant. KD, many believe, could make the move elsewhere if the Thunder fails to win an NBA title in the next two seasons. Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, and a wealth of young talent present an outstanding opportunity for the title trophy to make the trip up I-35 from San Antonio to OKC, 550 miles to the north. The Spurs and the Thunder are considered the best bets in the West to make the 2015 “NBA Finals” and a repeat meeting in the “Western Finals” extremely likely.
Last year Durant put up his best numbers of his career and the reigning MVP of the Association will garner love from the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers among others for his services in 2016.
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/11/kds-love-in-toronto-costs-raptors-25k-in-tampering-by-rapper-drake/
James Harden: Not a Good Teammate
by Fred Pahlke | Posted on Friday, August 8th, 2014
The best thing that Oklahoma City’s GM Sam Presti did might have been getting James Harden out of the culture of the Thunder program. As stories continue to surface that Harden might be on his own little trip, the onetime loved member of the OKC family might not have been as advertised. That is, a good teammate. The now known fact that Harden and Dwight Howard, the other big dog in the Houston Rockets franchise eat alone, not with the other members of the team, is telling.
When you don’t break bread with someone says more than just not having a meal with someone. It is a reflection on how you consider yourself; and Harden and Howard continue to show their colors in a surprising way. Disrespect by the organization in the Chandler Parson’s departure set a tone. Hardin’s reference to lessor teammates, words that put his fellow hoopsters in their place is not good for team building. James seems to have found his place as the top dog, abet sharing the title with Howard.
Rocket “reserve” Donatas Motiejunas said, making a statement about intra-team dynamics, if Parsons had made as much money as Harden in Houston, “That probably wouldn’t fly with Harden.” No matter what anyone says, Harden’s act is wearing thin with the balance of the team.
Teams with a pecking order are not rare. Statements and actions that are surfacing in Houston are. Hardin seems to think he is special because he is the man in Houston and to hell with the chemistry of the team. That invites problems. The Rockets don’t need that sort of fracture if they hope to challenge for a title.
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/08/james-harden-not-a-good-teammate/
When you don’t break bread with someone says more than just not having a meal with someone. It is a reflection on how you consider yourself; and Harden and Howard continue to show their colors in a surprising way. Disrespect by the organization in the Chandler Parson’s departure set a tone. Hardin’s reference to lessor teammates, words that put his fellow hoopsters in their place is not good for team building. James seems to have found his place as the top dog, abet sharing the title with Howard.
Rocket “reserve” Donatas Motiejunas said, making a statement about intra-team dynamics, if Parsons had made as much money as Harden in Houston, “That probably wouldn’t fly with Harden.” No matter what anyone says, Harden’s act is wearing thin with the balance of the team.
Teams with a pecking order are not rare. Statements and actions that are surfacing in Houston are. Hardin seems to think he is special because he is the man in Houston and to hell with the chemistry of the team. That invites problems. The Rockets don’t need that sort of fracture if they hope to challenge for a title.
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/08/08/james-harden-not-a-good-teammate/
Soccer Flopping: Why I Didn’t Enjoy the World Cup
by
Fred Pahlke | Posted on Thursday, July 31st, 2014
Chiellini of Italy react after a clash during the 2014 FIFA World Cup ...
I like the game of soccer in its purest form, one that is played by all kids and adults alike, seeing as anyone is able to put on a pair of shoes and kick a ball around. On a competitive level, I enjoy the exertion of the individual player and the team work of the many players as they out fox and out maneuver their opponents, who are trying to do the same. It is a wonderful game and also a hard and violent one. My family members have suffered three knee injuries and one broken back playing at the high school and college levels. American football has nothing on soccer in the toughness area. Injuries caused by collisions and head crashes, busted legs and cracked bones are quite possible at every level. It is not a game for sissies or the faint hearted. It is a tough person’s game, one that is exciting for the play, not needing the finality of a score, or goal. You don’t go to a match to see great numbers of goals. Yet, through my past experiences in watching the various contests at every level, dating back to when my own sons played on the pitch in Edmond, I have not embraced the game as I should. It is a game that I learned to ignore. I’ve lost my enthusiasm in viewing or caring. It has become a game that I have rejected.
Flopping is the issue:
It was an issue at the current World Cup and the event that happened during play completely shut the tournament down for me. A player bites another player, the third time in his career, and then proceeds to flop and hold his mouth like he was hit in the teeth. I must call out this point. Soccer, on the World Cup level, is being played by many athletes that are just plain disgusting and not true to the sport of soccer or athletics in general. The current soccer players are deceivers; they cheat the game. Yes, the biter was suspended for his crime, but he should have been banned from play for at least a year.
FIFA allows the crap to continue, so who am I? I watched as my twelve year old son’s teammate would get hit by an opposing player, get beat on the play, then flop to the ground, rolling over in “pain” holding his leg, or his side, or whatever. Fifteen seconds later after the whistle, or no whistle, he’s back up, running as fast as ever, getting back into the play. It was learned behavior. He studied the professionals. If it was good enough for them it was good enough for him. He was encouraged by his parents to flop. But that’s the game today. But for those coaches that are teaching the little ones at an early age, they teach deception, cheating, and taking dives. They don’t realize they are doing more than teaching their players soccer. They are teaching them to be deceivers and cheaters. In fact they are teaching them to be dishonest. And that is a bad thing.
(If you don’t agree and say that flopping is part of the game, again, that’s okay. Have you ever wondered why we as human beings are not the best we can be? Could it be that we are taught to be cheaters, deceivers, and dishonest humans? That bothers me. Think about that sport’s fans.)
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/07/31/soccer-flopping-why-i-didnt-enjoy-the-world-cup/
Flopping is the issue:
It was an issue at the current World Cup and the event that happened during play completely shut the tournament down for me. A player bites another player, the third time in his career, and then proceeds to flop and hold his mouth like he was hit in the teeth. I must call out this point. Soccer, on the World Cup level, is being played by many athletes that are just plain disgusting and not true to the sport of soccer or athletics in general. The current soccer players are deceivers; they cheat the game. Yes, the biter was suspended for his crime, but he should have been banned from play for at least a year.
FIFA allows the crap to continue, so who am I? I watched as my twelve year old son’s teammate would get hit by an opposing player, get beat on the play, then flop to the ground, rolling over in “pain” holding his leg, or his side, or whatever. Fifteen seconds later after the whistle, or no whistle, he’s back up, running as fast as ever, getting back into the play. It was learned behavior. He studied the professionals. If it was good enough for them it was good enough for him. He was encouraged by his parents to flop. But that’s the game today. But for those coaches that are teaching the little ones at an early age, they teach deception, cheating, and taking dives. They don’t realize they are doing more than teaching their players soccer. They are teaching them to be deceivers and cheaters. In fact they are teaching them to be dishonest. And that is a bad thing.
(If you don’t agree and say that flopping is part of the game, again, that’s okay. Have you ever wondered why we as human beings are not the best we can be? Could it be that we are taught to be cheaters, deceivers, and dishonest humans? That bothers me. Think about that sport’s fans.)
http://prosportsextra.com/2014/07/31/soccer-flopping-why-i-didnt-enjoy-the-world-cup/
