BIG EAST Player Awards

The Big East individual player awards were announced yesterday. Syracuse senior forward Rick Jackson was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. St. John’s guard Dwight Hardy is the BIG EAST Most Improved Player. Hardy’s teammate, forward Justin Burrell, is the winner of the BIG EAST Sixth Man Award.  Pittsburgh guard Brad Wanamaker won the BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award.

Jackson was a shot-blocking and rebounding standout for the Orange. He won the BIG EAST rebounding crown by averaging 9.9 rebounds in league games. In all contests, he was first in the league with a 10.7 mark. Jackson is the first Syracuse player to win the BIG EAST rebounding title since Derrick Coleman in 1989-90. Jackson also averaged a league-leading 7.2 defensive rebounds game. The native of Philadelphia, Pa., led the BIG EAST in blocked shots with a 2.5 average in all games and a 2.8 mark in league play. Jackson averaged 13.1 ppg.

Hardy helped St. John’s return to a contender’s role in the BIG EAST standings. The 6-2 senior finished fourth in the league in scoring, averaging 17.9 ppg. Though not named to any of the Preseason All-BIG EAST teams, he earned an All-BIG EAST First Team selection. The native of the Bronx, N.Y., helped the Red Storm end the regular season by winning nine of their last 11 games. 

Burrell, a 6-8 senior, is also from the Bronx, N.Y.  He was a key contributor off the bench in helping the Red Storm to a 20-10 overall record and a 12-6 BIG EAST mark. Burrell averaged 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while playing 21.1 minutes per game. He shot 51.1 percent from the field. 

Wanamaker has been an exemplary performer for Pittsburgh. He guided the Panthers to the BIG EAST regular-season title with a 15-3 record. Overall, Pitt is 27-4. An all-around contributor, the senior captain from Philadelphia, Pa., averaged 11.9 points, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals in all games. His assist/turnover ratio of 2.3 was third in the BIG EAST.

The winners of the remaining regular-season awards - the BIG EAST Player of the Year, OppenheimerFunds BIG EAST Coach of the Year, and American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Scholar-Athlete of the Year will be announced later on today. 

BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year

Rick Jackson, Syracuse

BIG EAST Most Improved Player

Dwight Hardy, St. John’s

BIG EAST Sixth Man Award

Justin Burrell, St. John’s

BIG EAST Sportsmanship Award

Brad Wanamaker, Pittsburgh

**Courtesy of BIG EAST Media**

2011 BIG EAST Men's Championship Is Set!

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived: the 2011 BIG EAST Men's Basketball Championship bracket has been announced. I don't know about you guys, but this the most excited I've been for the tournament in like a year. Saturday, March 4th marked the end of the regular season, and now we're staring down the barrel of the BET! Oooh, I don't like that. I'll just stick with Big East Tournament.

The Pittsburgh Panthers went 15-3 in conference play this season, and wrapped up their sixth BIG EAST regular-season title Saturday with a 60-50 win against Villanova. This win gave the Panthers a one-game edge on second-place Notre Dame in the final standings. Pittsburgh enters The BIG EAST Championship as the No. 1 overall seed for the third time, and are looking to win their third BIG EAST tournament title. The way they've played this season, that 3rd chip is a strong possibility.

Louisville, Syracuse and Notre Dame join Pittsburgh as the top four seeds in The BIG EAST Championship. These four schools will have byes through the first two rounds of the tournament, which begins on Tuesday, March 8, and won’t play until Thursday’s quarterfinals.

All of the games will take place at Madison Square Garden from 3/8 - 3/12. So who's playing who and when?! Here's your schedule: 

Tuesday, March 8 – First Round (ESPN2/ESPN 3D)
No. 9 Connecticut (21-9) vs. No. 16 DePaul (7-23)................................................ Noon

No. 12 Seton Hall (13-17) vs. No. 13 Rutgers (14-16)............................................ 2 p.m.
No. 10 Villanova (21-10) vs. No. 15 USF (9-22)..................................................... 7 p.m.

No. 11 Marquette (18-13) vs. No. 14 Providence (15-16)..................................... 9 p.m.

 

Wednesday, March 9 – Second Round (ESPN/ESPN 3D)

No. 8 Georgetown (21-9) vs. Connecticut/DePaul winner..................................... Noon

No. 5 St. John’s (20-10) vs. Seton Hall/Rutgers winner........................................... 2 p.m.

No. 7 Cincinnati (24-7) vs. Villanova/USF winner.................................................. 7 p.m.

No. 6 West Virginia (20-10) vs. Marquette/Providence winner............................ 9 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 10 – Quarterfinals (ESPN/ESPN 3D)

No. 1 Pittsburgh (27-4) vs. 8/9/16 winner................................................................ Noon

No. 4 Syracuse (25-6) vs. 5/12/13 winner............................................................... 2 p.m.

No. 2 Notre Dame (25-5) vs. 7/10/15 winner......................................................... 7 p.m.

No. 3 Louisville (23-8) vs. 6/11/14 winner.............................................................. 9 p.m.

 

Friday, March 11 – Semifinals (ESPN/ESPN 3D)

Thursday afternoon winners..................................................................................... 7 p.m.

Thursday evening winners........................................................................................ 9 p.m.

 

Saturday, March 12 – Championship (ESPN/ESPN 3D)

Semifinal winners....................................................................................................... 9 p.m.

I have seen almost half of the Big East teams play in person this season since St. John's has several "home" games at Madison Square Garden. I've had a first-hand look at Villanova, Rutgers, UConn, Georgetown, Syracuse and Pittsburgh. The one game I missed was Notre Dame getting smacked by St. John's in late January.

It has been a journey and I'm so honored to be able to cover the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament tomorrrow. I will be at Madison Square Garden for ALL of these games, and I hope you guys will join me! Keep up with the Big East tournament through this blog, or follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/chichi27.

CAN'T WAIT! *Bart Scott voice*

Week 3 - New York Giants

Today the New York Giants (1-1) will face the Tennessee Titans in the New Meadowlands Stadium!

The Giants offense ain't what it used to be! Brandon Jacobs was an unstoppable force just a few seasons ago, but now he gets more yards throwing his helmet into the stands than he does running the ball on the field. His upright running style and willingness to take contact have left him injured and limited. We have all talked about how Jacobs' production has been declining, and it's clear that he recognizes it too. Hence, the bitch fits. Talk was that he wanted to meet wit the Giants brass and request a trade, but he's pretty much untradable with that monster contract and clear issues. And he's not just flinging his gear into the stands at unsuspecting fans, he's been cursing out reporters since training camp! Fellow RB Ahmad Bradshaw is New York's starting running back and Jacobs was not feelin it. Not one bit. After the hurling, Jacobs AGAIN apologized to fans, his teammates, coaches & the Giants' front office for being a distraction. Wanna distract us BJ? RUN THE FUCKING BALL DOWN LIKE A FUCKIN BEAST!! You are a 6-4, 264 lb battering ram - act like it!

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Antrel Rolle spoke up on a New York radio show criticizing the team & its leadership, or lack there of. Since the defense lost Michael Strahan and Antonio Pierce, the team has yet to see anyone else take the reigns and direct. With big name players like Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck you would think that role would be easy to fill but that hasn't been the case thus far. Maybe Mathias Kiwanuka? Well, not yet. At this point I don't have an issue with newcomers Antrel Rolle or linebacker Keith Bulluck stepping in & taking charge. Before joining the Giants, Bulluck spent 10 years with the Titans. Rolle is a bit younger, with this being his 6th year in the league, but we know what he's capable of from watching him in Arizona. Someone has to step up so it might as well be the guy who's speaking up. Get it Rolle!

The Titans are facing their own issues entering into this week's game. Tenn head coach Jeff Fisher benched starting QB Vince Young during last week's 19-11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after he threw 2 INTs and lost a fumble. Veteran QB Kerry Collins was inserted into the game in the 4th quarter and scored the Titans only TD of the game. Now look, I'm not in favor of benching a starting QB because he has a bad game especially since, in Vince Young's case, it's likely to happen. They trusted Young enough at the end of last season to let him in favor of Collings, and the team went from an 0-6 team to finish the season 8-8. Let the man live! Young is starting today but people have been calling him "fragile" over the past couple of years. If you're so worried about his mindset and confidence, why pull him out of the game in the first place?

Center Shaun O'Hara is out w/ that nagging ankle/Achilles injury & Adam Koets will start in his place. S Michael Johnson (back), LB Chase Blackburn (knee), LB Phillip Dillard (hanstring), T Will Beatty (foot), WRs Ramses Barden and Duke Calhoun, and DT Linval Joseph are all inactive vs. Tennessee.

My biggest issue is the Giants being able to stop RB Chris Johnson who wants to rush for a shocking 2,500 yards this season. Week one in a win over the Oakland Raiders Johnson rushed for 142 yards and 2 TDs. But in a Wk 2 loss vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, that stellar defense held him to just 34 yards a lost fumble. The Giants have played pretty well against the run, limiting the Carolina Panthers to just 89 yards and the Indianapolis Colts to 160. No running back has 100 yds vs. the Giants, I see that continuing vs. the Titans.

I have the Giants beating the Titans, 24-17. LET'S GO GMEN!!!


**INJURIES - Center Shaun O'Hara is out w/ that nagging ankle/Achilles injury & Adam Koets will start in his place. S Michael Johnson (back), LB Chase Blackburn (knee), LB Phillip Dillard (hanstring), T Will Beatty (foot), WRs Ramses Barden and Duke Calhoun, and DT Linval Joseph are all inactive vs. Tennessee.

FREAK of Frickin Nature!!

You gotta love it! San Jose State DE Jarron Gilbert literally JUMPED out of the pool!! Dude is 6-5 and weighs 287 lbs. The senior is entering the 2009 NFL Draft (by the way I'm going again this year. If you wanna be Draft Buddies, let me know!), and led the nation in tackles for loss with 22. He finishes his career with 142 tackles, 86 of them solo, and 21 sacks. Gilbert's is ranked as one of the top 10 defensive ends, and is ranked 59th overall on NFLDraftScout.com.

Did I mention dude has a 7' 1" wingspan!! He can stand in a doorway and have one hand touch the top while the other hand touches the ground. Amazing, outstanding, sick nasty. Now let's see how he does at the 2009 NFL Combine this weekend...

Just check the video...

My First Brawl!

Well, kinda. The 2008-2009 NBA season is barely 2 weeks old and we've already had a mini-round of fisticuffs. Well, there weren't any fists involved. More like big men pushing and shoving. A couple of guys hit the ground, a couple of extra guys came off the benches, several players were restrained. Can we call it a melee? Hellz to the nah, it wasn't even that serious. How about I just tell the story...

Wednesday night the Houston Rockets traveled to Arizona to face the Phoenix Suns. All seemed normal until the 3rd quarter when Rafer Alston (BKA Skip to My Lou) caught a stiff shoulder from Matt Barnes. (By the way, I've always thought Barnes was dirty. There's just something about that dude...) Skip got upset came back with a shove rest is, as they say, history. Steve Nash came in and it looked like he was trying to break things up. Tracy McGrady came in shoving, and Shaq wasn't having his perennial All-Star point guard getting treated like a rag doll, so he came in , all 7-1, 360 pounds of him, and shoved McGrady and to the ground. It was pretty funny. Check the video:



Barnes and Alston were ejected, and McGrady, Nash & O'Neal all received techs. A few days after this attempt at an altercation, the NBA levied some fined and handed down some suspensions. Alston and Barnes were suspended for 2 games, while Nash was only suspended for 1 for "escalating the altercation." You gotta love how the league phrases this shit! They hit (or should I say lightly tapped) Shaq and McGrady in their abyss-like pockets fining them $35,000 and $25,000 respectively. Can we say a drop in the Pacific?

This tit-for-tat, 1st grade pushing match was not worthy of any kind of suspension. A fine? Meh, I can live with that, but to suspend guys when no one even got punched, kicked or spit on? I mean come on David Stern!! I understand we don't want another brawl like at The Palace at Auburn Hills, or The Garden, or even like last year's playoff where Steve Nash got mollywhopped and slammed across the floor. But this was nothing like that, thanks in part to all the coached who came through and tried to diffuse the situation, and the players on the bench who recognized that their involvement would only have exacerbated the situation.


Even if I side with the league and agree with the suspensions of Barnes and Alston, Steve Nash should not have been suspended. That little white man is MAD!! As he should be! Over the past few years he's been gettin his ass whooped!! Taking hard fouls, driving to the basket then quickly hitting the parquet. Let's not forget what happened to him in San Antonio last season where he was clotheslined by Robert Horry, and a game or two later force-fed his own bloody nose. Frankly, I wasn't surprised when teammates had to hold his ass back in this game vs. Houston. Damn right he's mad! He's kissing the hardwood like that shit is going outta style!

Agree with the NBA's decision or not, the league is clearly taking a stand early in this season: Act a fool, and pay the price. (I really tried hard to think of something that would rhyme, like Stay in School, or Follow the Rules, but nothing made sense so...) The NBA is image oriented and if you decide to engage in behavior unbecoming of a representative of the Nation Basketball Association Stern is comin for that ass!


**Shout out to all the players who showed restraint and stayed on the bench, and to the coaches for getting the players into their separate corners swiftly. Here we are talking about a fight on the court and I the man most people would assume was involved - didn't even hint at RON ARTEST!! The Rockets were involved in a mini-scuffle and Mr. Artest was chillaxin on the bench keepin his nose, hands, and fists where they belonged - to himself! Shout out to Ronnie!

I love me some Charles!! Barkely that is. He's off the wall, unrepentant, and refreshingly candid. He didn't think this Suns/Rockets shoving match was so serious either.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It really is. Fall is my favorite season. The leaves on the trees are bright yellow, orange and red. New York fall isn't as picturesque as the Falls I've experienced in New England, but hey, take a picture, it lasts longer. The temperature is a cool 65 degrees but with the sun beating on you it feels like 72. It's perfect light jacket weather, the boots come out, and the Bill Cosby sweaters are in full effect. This is my time of year!!

But Autumn isn't just about the fashion. As per the name of this blog and my life's obsession, it's perfect sports mix. Some seasons are just getting started while others are almost over. It feels like every night of the week is must see sports tv.


The MLB postseason seems to go later and later into each year, which means fans are still watching baseball well into October. While the past few years have been lackluster as far as series matchups and wins, it's only a matter of time before the World Series returns to form, as will the slumping ratings.


We are knee deep in the NFL season!! Week 11 is underway, and the playoff picture is already starting to take some shape. Like every season, there are __surprises and unbelievable disappointments. Example? The Tennessee Titans are the league's sole undefeated team. Wholda thunk it!?!? The Indianapolis Colts have stumbled with their veteran QB Peyton Manning trying to regain his form following offseason knee surgery. On the other hand, 2 rookie quarterbacks, Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens and Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, have made solid transitions from college to pro, and are playing better than some veteran QBs.

The COLLEGE FOOTBALL season is rounding its final corner and, as usual, we're arguing about rankings and wondering who's playing in what bowl. Should a top ranked 1-loss team (see Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State) team play for the championship over a team that could possibly finish the season undefeated (Alabama, Texas Tech, Utah, Boise State, Ball State)? BCS seems to stand for Bowl Confusion Series, especially since a lot of people still don't even understand how the system even works. Should computers decide which teams are the best, or should coaches and media (many of whom have their own biases and agendas) decide teams' fate? We're still debating whether or not the NCAA should implement a playoff system - a discussion that only gets louder and louder as more deserving schools are left out of championship games. Whether you like it or not, every week is a big game with monumental post-season implications. Exciting to say the least.

The 2008-2009 NBA season started with a block buster trade that sent Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons, and Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets. This is also the tie where we get to see what this year's rookie class has to offer. Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Brian Westbrook, . And let's not forget the most unconventional rookie, 2007's #1 overall pick, Greg Oden. He missed all of last season after having knee surgery, and injured himself in his VERY FIRST GAME of his NBA career!! Sprained foot. People are calling him injury prone, and we'll see how the rest of his season shapes up.


And last but not least, COLLEGE FOOTBALL!! This is a long season that's already started. The preseason rankings have UNC, UConn, Louisville, UCLA and Pittsburgh as the top 5 teams. Last year's final teams, Memphis and Kansas are ranked 13th and 24th respectively. I was a little surprised at first when I saw the 2008 champs, the Jayhawks, were down near the bottom until I realized that they are quite a depleted team. Kansas lost all 5 starters (Brandon Rush, Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun) and a repeat of last year is . Davidson, last year's Cinderella, is in the top 25, along with last year's disappointment, Florida. The Gators won back to back championships with Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer, then seemingly fell of the face of the Earth. From The Big Dance to the NIT? Womp. And Davidson's star PG Stephen Curry is already thrown into the mix as this year's top player. UNC is the #1 team, surprise surprise, but their #1 player Tyler Hansbrough starts the season on the bench, sitting out with a stress reaction in his right shin. Trouble in paradise...?


Now look, if the NBA, NFL, NCAAF, NCAAB and MLB don't float your sports boat, then there's still the NHL, MLS, PGA, and Nascar. I'm just gonna leave it at that.

Celtics visit the White House

So you know I love my C's!! In all the major sports, the league champions make their rounds on TV shows, radio programs and websites alike. The champs also get to go to the White House and meet with the current president.

This year's top dogs, including the New York Football Giants, had the red carpet rolled out for them. And now, so do my Boston Celtics!!

The team made the trip just over a week ago to be honored by President George Bush.




The Celtics were afforded every luxury. Their chartered flight was allowed to land at Reagan National Airport, and they had photo ops and camera access in areas where the Secret Service would definitely be all up in that ass.

The team also presented Bush with a (parting) gift - an honorary jersey Boston Celtics jersey, which I'm sure his dumb ass would love to wear to meetings with world leaders. A $100,000 donation was also made by the team to Red Cross for Hurricane Ike relief. And this is all coming a few days after Boston awarded head coach Doc Rivers with a contract extension.


Now here's the real scoop ("Scenario" style): This blog is usually reserved for sports, but occasionally I have to expand. This, my friends, is one of those times.

I'm sure the players were happy to be in the White House as it holds such historic value in our nation's history. And I would never want to rain on my C's parade but I can't help but think that they were all looking at Bush with the crooked ass eye because the man is a fool!

Yes they had the rare opportunity to meet the Pres but it wasn't Barack Obama. Instead, it was a lame duck incompetent whose re-election further highlights the stupidity of many Americans.

Many of those looking for "change" now were the same ones who voted for Bush to stay in office for a second term. After he's done as much damage as possible, you bumbling fools are clamoring for Obama to show us the way. As you should be!

I know this was supposed to be about MY C's getting the royal treatment, but I can't wait for them to do this same thing next year (yes, we will repeat!!) with MY choice for President of the United States of America - MR. BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!! cue the clapter!! (I made up the word 'clapter.' Laugh is to Laughter like Clap is to Clapter!! I know, I should give it up...)



I actually go to see Obama speak a few times, the last time being at a rally in NYC last year. The last entry I wrote about politics was about him. Check it out.



**I still love Kevin Garnett and anyone skimming this blog knows that he's my favorite player - EVER!! So what would a life-long (ok, maybe decade long) KG fan want more than anything? TO MEET HIM!!

And that's exactly what I'm going to do on Thursday!! I don't want to give away when, where, why, and how. But know this, I'll have the pics, the article and everything set for you. And don't worry, it's not illegal. But if u see me on the news...

Wish me luck!

I'm Sorry

Ok, it's been almost 3 months since I last posted ANYTHING on this blog.

And to my friends, family, strangers, haters - I'M SORRY.

I'M SORRY!!

My name is Chi-Chi, and I have neglected my blog. But that all changes today.

From this day forward, I pledge to love my blog more, talk to my blog more, caress my blog more.

Although I've been on sabatical from my blog, I've been following sports with the same intensity. And I've taken that intensity and transferred it to my radio show!

Yes people, LISTEN to me on the radio. It's an NYC radio station so if you're not in the area you can Listen LIVE online. Listen from home, from work, at home or in your car. My show is hott, if I may say so myself.


SPORTS @ THE HALF
Mondays 5-6 PM
WHCR 90.3 FM
www.whcr.org


But like I said, I'm focused man!

And last but not least, to my blog, That Sports Chick, I'm sorry baby. I love you...

NBA Playoffs Start TODAY!!

In just over an hour the 2008 NBA Playoffs will begin. The word excitement does not even begin to describe the way I'm feeling right now. The games will be split over ESPN, ABC and TNT so check the schedule so you don't get lost. With that said, let's dig deep into the playoffs, eh?

EASTERN CONFERENCE
The East seems like a lock when you look at all the matchups, but these are the playoffs so hey, you never know. The Boston Celtics clinched the conference title weeks ago, and finished the season 66-16. And yes, like I have said several times before, the BOSTON CELTICS WILL BE THE NBA CHAMPIONS. The Pistons, Magic and Cavs have all had solid seasons and were all shoeins for this years post season play. Other than those teams the East has been very disappointing with many calling the conference the "junior varsity" when compared to the West's strong teams. Get this. three of the teams that made the playoffs have a record of .500 and below - Toronto, Philly and Atlanta. Yeah, about that... Anyway, here are your matchups:

(1) Boston Celtics [66-16] vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks [37-45]

The Hawks are a very young team. And by young I mean very young. Their players average is 24.8 years old and has 4 years of NBA experience. I'm happy for Al Horford who, in my book, is the Rookie of the Year. The Hawks are picking up steam though. They've made some good draft picks in Horford, Smith and Childress, and the addition of veteran PG Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson have been critical. Last season Hawks head coach Mike Woodson said that if the team made the playoffs he would shave his head. Apparently he's a man of his word because he is now BALD!! I love it! Going up against a seasoned (and I use that term gingerly because my boys are not old) like the Celtics will really test them. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are all over 30 years old. All three have reached the conference finals on their own but haven't gotten any farther than that. And these guys will tell you, the great record means nothing without that championship. The Hawks will have to be great on both sides of the ball and will have to try to combat the best defensive team in the league. I have my Cs sweeping the Hawks. KG missed a few practices before the playoffs started and word on the street is his wife Brandi just gave birth to their first child. CONGRATS TO THE NEW PARENTS! I hope the baby is happy and healthy, and I can't wait to see some pics! AAAWWWW!!

(2) Detroit Pistons [59-23] vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers [40-42]
This is Detroit's 7th straight trip to the playoffs. Philly sucks and they haven't made the playoffs since '05. Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert are trying their best to support this team but it's not going to happen against the Pistons. The teams split the regular season meetings 2-2, but that means nothing in the postseason. As long as the Pistons stay focused they can knock Philly out easy. I know the Knicks beat the Pistons at the end of the season and while most called it a throw away game it's a little scary. The Pistons are a great team but I can say this matchup will not have me glued to the set or racing home to make sure I catch the games. Yawn, I'm not too interested...

(3) Orlando Magic [52-30] vs. (6) Toronto Raptors [41-41]
Two words - Dwight Howard. I'm lovin me some Superman!! He has a league best 61 double-doubles, and he was also the NBA leading rebounder, with 14 a game. Also expect at least 20 points and 2 blocks a game from the big man. Both the Magic and Raptors are great free throw shooting teams. I know we pay a lot of attention to Howard but some other guys put in work too. Hedo Turkoglu is one of 4 players EVER to average 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. The trade for Rashard Lewis is a great addition, and he and Jameer Nelson are can score. The Raptors are a great story as well. There's TJ Ford, who many of us thought would never play again after several neck injuries. He returned to the game a few months back and it's great to see him healthy. I loved watching him in college and any time he's fouled hard or moves too quickly my heart and stomach jump. It's fun to watch him when he's on but it's kind of unnerving. Jamario Moon traveled all over the world playing for the CBA, USBL and even in Mexico before he finally landed in the NBA. The 28 year old rookie is making the most out of his 1st year averaging a solid 8 points and 6 rebs. And of then of course, there's Chris Bosh who can put up 23 and 9 a game. The Raptors went 10-16 to finish out the regular season and Bosh missed 10 of those games with an injury. Both teams are solid from the line, but the rest - complete opposites. The Magic are the 4th best 3-point shooting team and the Raptors are the 3rd worst at defending opponents behind the arc. By the by, Bosh and Howard are good friends but haven't spoken since the Toronto/Orlando matchup was announced. It's not just a game folks! I have Orlando taking this one.

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers [45-37] vs. (5) Washington Wizards [43-39]
I have the Cavs winning this one even though they faltered late in the season. They went 15-13 since the massive trade with the Bulls so you can chalk that record up to a new team trying to find their groove. And of course, we can all expect magic from Lebron James. King James has been battling back spasms, but let's hope that doesn't affect him down the stretch. I feel for the Wizards because their best players were injured for a good chunk of the season. Caron Butler missed some time with injuries. Gilbert Arenas has battled knee issues for years and missed 66 games this season. He just recently got back on the court and is coming off the bench averaging about 25 minutes per game. And yes Agent Zero is talking junk once again. "I'm an assassin. I get buckets. I know I haven't played in a long time, but the shot is still there, so when I come off that bench, there is going to be some trouble." I believe it. Deshawn Stevenson (is hot) called Lebron "overrated." I'm gonna have to disagree with you on that one dog. I know, sometimes people get a little emotional and say things to get their team and fans riled up but this one went a little too far with the comedy. Bron-Bron overrated? Never that. And there's some beef between these 2 teams, and it's the 25th time these 2 teams have played in the past 3 seasons. So what - maybe a fight or 2? Some suspensions? Y'all know me, I like the drama...

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Well, we just have to watch and see. The race has been tight all season, with rankings that seemed to shift almost daily. That was especially the case over the last few weeks with three teams fighting for the 7 & 8 slots. The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are all great teams and it was possible that this this could be a year where a 50-win team could be left out of the Playoffs. That wasn't the case though because the GSW were knocked out of the playoff picture with a 48-34 record. They had a great run last season but not this time around. Too bad so sad. Shall we continue?

(1) Los Angeles Lakers [57-25] vs. (8) Denver Nuggets [50-32]
This is a 1 vs. 8 unlike any I've ever seen. Los Angeles had 57 regular season wins compared to Denver's 50. A few players have proven themselves worthy of the MVP award and Kobe Bryant is definitely one of them. 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists - yeah, def MVP caliber. The acquisition of Pau Gasol really put the Lakers over the edge, and he's pulling in almost 19 points a game. The Lakers are 22-5 since Gasol joined the team. He’s starting in place of the injured Andrew Bynum, and while initial reports were that he would be ready during the playoffs, it’s looking as though he’s not going to play in the 1st round. Frankly, it’s not as if the Lakers really need him since Gasol has filled in nicely. Gasol made it to the playoffs when he was with Memphis, but his record is a sad 0-12. I'm sure he would love to make up for lost times. I’m expecting these to be high scoring games because we’ve seen what these 2 teams can do. Earlier in the season the Nuggets racked up 168 points in a single game and they are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league averaging 110.5 ppg with the Lakers not too far behind at 4th with 108.6. And let's not forget that Allen Iverson has won the scoring title 4 times in his career. Denver PF Nene missed several months after having surgery to remove cancer from his testicle. Now, word on the street is that he’ll be out for a few more games after straining his groin. Damn, he's really not lucky in that area huh?

(2) New Orleans Hornets [56-26] vs. (7) Dallas Mavericks [51-31]
With the Dallas, Denver and Golden State fighting for those last 2 spots, any negative play could knock a team completely out of contention. That’s what I thought when Dirk Nowitzki went out with the most awkward fall, spraining his ankle and knee at the same time. Regular people would need at least 6 weeks to recover from a high ankle sprain but Dirk was back after missing just 4 games. The guy is unbelievable! Dallas is trying hard to forget about last year’s playoff after they had an unbelievable season finishing 67-15, best in the NBA. Then, somehow someway they were knocked out of the first round by the Golden State Warriors: the 1st time ever a 1 seed had lost to an 8. You know who else is unbelievable? Chris Paul. (Check me and CP3 in the pic!!) He’s averaged a double double, 21-11, and 2.7 steals in the regular season during a turnaround year for Hornets. He's quick, he can handle the ball well, and he can shoot from anywhere on the court. All of this makes him one of the top candidates for MVP. I'm not mad at that but y'all know who I want to win. Do I even have to say it?! KG baby! Let me also say that I know TOO many people who don't watch college sports but love the pros. I have very little respect for those people (when it comes to sports) because they miss out on a players growth, or in some cases regression. Not EVERY college game is exciting but dude how could you have missed Michael Beasley, Kevin Love and Derrick Rose!?!?! I just don't get it. ANYWAY! Tyson Chandler’s having a breakthrough season after several mediocre years in the NBA. Not everyone is a KG, Kobe or Lebron. I'm a big believer in the college basketball system and I think Chandler would have benefited from going to college - even for at least 1 year. That new rule was a godsend - force these young bucks to do at least 1 year. I can't get a real job without a college degree and these kids are makin milliones!?!?! I'm not bitter y'all, I swear! You can credit a lot of that to CP3 and his ability to read the court, find the open (or soon to be open) man and pass the ball. I'm not sold on the Mavs but I love a "Cinderella Story." I got the Hornets, who's with me?!!

(3) San Antonio Spurs [58-24] vs. (6) Phoenix Suns [61-21]
The Suns traded Shawn Marion and Marcus Bansks for seasoned veteran Shaquille O'neal, a move that was either the smartest acquisition or the dumbest one ever. The Suns figured they could beat any team in the East but said they needed a big man to help them get past the Spurs in the West. Well damn - what a 1st round matchup! Big Man (Duncan) vs. Even Bigger Man (Shaq-Deezy). Amare Stoudamire has averaged more than 29 points since the Big Cactus (ha!) has been in Phoenix, but the team is 13-11. Shaq draws the double team to free up Amare, or any of the other shooters on the team, and he wears down the D. The Suns have Steve Nash who averages 16.9 points per game and 11.1 assists. Tim Duncan is a perennial All-Star, and Manu Ginobili and Frenchie (AkA Tony Parker) are quick and high flying. The Spurs have really taken advantage of the international market with Manu and Frenchi, and also Fabricio Oberto. And y'all know I can't ignore a Nigerian - shout out to my Nigerian-American buddy Ime Udoka - 3-point specialist! Let's not forget Mr. Clutch himself, Robert Horry. You can always count on him to make at LEAST one play - and that single play will win the game. I have faith in Horry - and his uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere and rescue a franchise. The Spurs are an excellent team but they lack excitement. They're like that guy that you know you should date that's crazy nerdy, boring, great job, with mad good credit that will always be there for you but you're never ready for. Instead I'm - I mean other women - are more interested in dating the bad boys, criminals, serial cheaters, etc. We can always count on the Spurs, but you're never really pulling for them to win. Sad right?! But these nice guys (sans Bruce Bowen - you dirty bastard!) do not finish last. They've won the championship every year the finished the regular season as conference champs - 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. They weren't con champs this season but never underestimate the power of the playoffs! The Suns and the Spurs both play physical. Lest ye not forget (whoa where did the biblical talk come from!?!) the Western Conference semifinals of last year. Steve Nash got bitched slapped, almost bled to death on the court, melee ensued, players got suspended, etc.

(4) Utah Jazz vs. (5) Houston Rockets [55-27]
Yao Ming hasn't played since January. Tracy McGrady has never won a playoff series, going 0-6 in the first round. I'm sure those 2 facts are pounding in the minds of Rockets' fans even though they went on an unbelievable 22 game win streak towards the end of the season. But how does that translate in the post season? It doesn't! The Rockets have had some guys step up and really play big for them including Rafer Alston, Carl Landry and Chuck Hayes. Dikembe Mutombo is starting in place of the injured Yao, is back up to his old blocked shot, finger wagging ways. You gotta love it. Rafer Alston will probably miss the first 2 games with a strained hamstring which could be critical in the Rockets game because a PG is necessary. But these guys are going up against a tough opponent in the Utah Jazz. Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league, and AGAIN I refer to his college game. He played the same role when he was at Illinois in 2005 when the Fighting Illini made it to the NCAA Tournament Championship game but lost to UNC. I was at Northwestern University at that time, one of the Big Ten schools, and I was able to watch him live. (Luther Head too but he doesn't play a pivotal role with the Rockets. But former teammates now facing each other - it's great!) Speaking of teammates, Carlos Boozer and Shane Battier were great college players at Duke, and have both really emerged as great NBA players with the Jazz. AND these 2 teams played at the very end of the regular season, with the Jazz smackin the Rockets 105 - 96. I know I said earlier regular season records mean nothing in the playoffs but momentum is a son of a bitch. I can push you one way or another and right now, the Utah Jazz have it. We'll see if they can capitalize.

I know you guys'll be like me - glued to the TV and expecting miracles, blowouts, best of 7s, suspensions, violence, etc.

I CANNOT WAIT!!

DAYUM DIRK!!

Those were the exact words that came out of my mouth when I saw Dirk Nowitzki hit the ground. Last week he fell awkwardly and twisted his ankle AND knee in one fell - umm - fall. This was the most comprehensive injury I've seen in quite some time. A fall for the ages!! The Mavs ended up losing the game to the San Antonio Spurs 88-81. And your boy Dirkie Dirk? Out indefinitely.

I don't want to say he's not coming back at all this season, but the playoffs are just around the corner. Initial reports are saying he'll be out at least 2 weeks, but he has both a "mildly" sprained left knee and a "moderate" high left ankle sprain. And we all know that (dreaded) high ankle sprain ain't no joke! That thing is a killer! It affects the ligaments above the ankle that join the bones in the lower leg, the tibia and fibula. Every step is painful, and that pain is extreme when a player is running, cutting or doing anything athletic. The high ankle sprain typically takes twice as long to heal as a regular sprain, which could be up to 6 weeks.

We've seen players go down with a high ankle sprain and be out for several weeks, but symptomatic for several months (see Plaxico Burress). What Dirk needs to do is place a call to another Dallas player, Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens. He had a high ankle sprain last season, missed one game and came back looking better than ever. TO was sleepin in a hyperbaric chamber and swears by its healing powers. And let's not forget how he came back and played in the Super Bowl XXXIX in '05 after he severely sprained his ankle and a broken leg. Doctors said he couldn't do it but he proved them wrong with a 9 catch 122 yard performance. Of course the Eagles lost that game to the New England Patriots, but the big story that year was TO: The Miracle Healer. I also think there was some voodoo and hoodoo goin on with that hyperbaric oxygen therapy but hey, who can prove it?

So, your star player goes down - what do you do? Well, this would be the main reason why the Dallas Mavericks acquired Jason Kidd in that monster 8-player trade a while back. If Dirk goes down, Kidd can step up and take over the team. Or so was the plan. Since coming to Dallas Kidd is averaging 10 points and 9 assists. The Mavs have played 2 games since Nowitzki was knocked out, winning the 1st one over the Clippers and taking an L vs. Denver. Dallas travels to face the Golde State Warriors later on tonight, and all eyes will be looking for which player(s) will step up. With the West being so close and Nowitzki being out the 45-27 Mavs can't afford a losing streak. They're #7 now but that could change in an instant.

Since acquring Jason Kidd the Mavs are 10-0 vs. teams with records above .500. By all accounts, those are wonderful numbers that show the how hard they play against teams the view as competition. The problem comes when you realize that Dallas is 0-9 when facing teams below .500. They fall off. And that's what happened during last year's playoffs when the #1 Mavs fell to eigth seeded Golden State in the 1st round.

And we all know the race in the Western Conference is tight as all get out. Only 5 games separate #1 New Orleans from the number 8 seed Denver Nuggets. Let's not forget that Denver has been on the outside looking in with Golden State holding on to that final spot. The Nuggets beat the Warriors last night 119-112 sending them into the playoff picture. For how long is yet to be seen. GSW is just half a game behind Denver so winning is a must in the final games of the season.

-->In the East, it's the complete opposite. The top team, My Boston Celtics, have a league best 55-13 record and have clinched the division title. The #8 seed is the Atlanta Hawks who at 32-44 aren't even a .500 team. If this is the playoff matchup can we say sweep?!