Sure I expected Carmelo Anthony to have a huge season and yes I expected the Knicks to be among the NBA's best (had them 7th in my preseason rankings). I did not see them getting off to such an amazingly hot start like they have so far. After last night's commanding 100-86 victory over new rival Brooklyn, the Knicks are currently 19-6. That mark is good for first in not just the Atlantic division but also best in the Eastern Conference. Much of the credit to their success is due to Carmelo Anthony's scoring and leadership. Melo had 31 points last night against the Nets in his first game back from injuring his ankle in a Win over the Lakers.
To this point in the season Carmelo is averaging 28 points per game, his highest since the '09-'10 season when he was with Denver. He is also grabbing 6.2 boards per contest and shooting .476 from the field, his highest field goal percentage since '07-'08. What is even more astonishing is the way Melo is shooting the three ball. His 3 point field goal percentage is .458 thus far, which is the best he has ever shot. It may only be a quarter of the way through the season, but Carmelo is now second in the NBA in scoring just behind Kobe Bryant.
Melo is by far the most valuable player on the Knicks roster. New York is 2-2 without him on the floor. They did however pull off their biggest win of the season @Miami without their star forward. Both times they played the Heat they came away victorious, with Carmelo dropping 30 against LeBron and company in the first game of the season. Anthony scored the most points in a game this season, 45 in a win @Brooklyn on December 11. James Harden is the only other player to score 45 in a game thus far in 2012. Carmelo and the Knicks are the 5th highest scoring team in the league with 102.8 points a game.
The transformation that the New York Knicks have had recently is due in part to Carmelo, but also a huge part of it is coach Mike Woodson and the addition of key veterans. Since Woodson took over for Mike D'Antoni, there has been a shift from trying to outscore opponents to focusing on playing rock solid defense. They are currently 10th in the league in scoring defense, giving up 96.2 points per game. The shift has had an amazing effect on the Knicks, as they are now more defensive-minded than they have been since the days of Patrick Ewing. Every player on New York's roster knows their role and knows how important defense is, Carmelo included.
By adding veterans like Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace the Knicks have benefited far more than anticipated. Chandler was the first to come and gave them a tenacious defender and lengthy rebounder which they needed badly at the time. This past offseason Jason Kidd decided to bolt from Dallas to New York to take the opportunity to bring his leadership skills to the table as a Knick. After letting Jeremy Lin go to Houston, signing Kidd was a tremendous move. The Knicks also brought in Raymond Felton, who had previous success with the team before being dealt to Denver for Melo. Kidd and Felton have been so crucial to the success of this Knicks team.
Coming off a Gold Medal win at the Olympics, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler are playing with a purpose. Carmelo has shifted his mindset to doing whatever he needs to do to help his team win offensively and defensively. Under Woodson Carmelo now plays the 4, power forward, which has made him even more difficult to guard. He is too strong and dynamic for small forwards to contend with and he is too quick and too good of a shooter for big men to stick with. Anthony is the purest scorer in the league right now. He can post up, fly in for the dunk, hit the mid-range jumper, and is a deadly weapon from behind the arc.
The only other times the Knicks got off to a 19-6 start (1969-70 & 1972-73), they won their only 2 NBA titles. The road will not be easy for New York however as they will have to deal with the likes of Miami, Chicago and possibly Boston. Then if they do somehow make the Finals, they would likely match up with a young, fast squad like Oklahoma City or the LA Clippers. If New York can continue at the pace they are at, then they will easily win the Atlantic division. The Knicks would be tough to beat in the playoffs if they get home court advantage. They are 11-1 at Madison Square Garden this year and the only loss came just days ago while Melo was sidelined with the ankle issue.
The issue for the Knicks at hand is the fact that Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire are soon due to join the team for the first time this season after injuries. Shumpert will only help the team as he is perhaps their best defender. Amare is the more difficult situation. They could definitely use his size down low, but how will he flow with the offense that is carried by Anthony? The two are both better suited to play the 4, but there is only so much space on the floor. I say bring Stoudemire off the bench and rotate him with Anthony, Chandler and Wallace. Carmelo will continue to take the bulk of shots for NY and no matter who is in the lineup it should stay that way. It is just a quarter of the way into the season, but if it ended today, no question Anthony is MVP.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
The Year of the Rookie QB
For years the norm was draft a kid out of college and sit him on the bench to learn or stick him in there for the "rough" years of rebuilding. Now more Quarterbacks than usual are starting for professional teams and having success with it. In the past NFL draft the first two picks were QBs Andrew Luck and then Robert Griffin III. Both signal callers had major impacts on their organizations and give positive hope back in Indy and DC.
It is a very difficult decision this year for Rookie of the Year. It may come down to who wins more games. Luck's Colts are 9-4 after replacing the legendary Peyton Manning. Through 13 games Luck has thrown for 3792 yards and 18 touchdowns with 18 interceptions. However if a rookie QB throws even TDS with picks, I think you have to feel pretty happy actually. Surprisingly he has also rushed for 5 scores and 223 yards. The atmosphere in Indy is just incredible, going "ChuckStrong." Luck is 8th in the league in passing yards thus far in 2012.
Then there is Mr. Heisman Robert Griffin III. RGIII has been just amazing to watch and is perhaps the most exciting, versatile player in the league this season. He has taken a Redskins team that has been struggling for years to be a playoff contender and put them a game out of first with three games remaining, currently sitting at 7-6. Griffin has thrown for 2902 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has been a threat running the ball as well with 748 yards and 6 touchdowns. Washington currently ranks first in the NFL in rushing. Also, speaking of INTS earlier, RGIII has amazingly thrown just 4.
Although Luck and RGIII are the most hyped, there are other rookie Quarterbacks that have made great impacts on their squads. There is one that is not receiving enough credit for his work and that man is Russell Wilson. The Seahawks are currently 8-5 with Wilson under center this year. He's thrown more TDs than both Luck and Griffin, with 20 so far. Wilson has thrown for 2492 with 9 interceptions and has rushed for 310. Seattle's rookie phenomenon is sitting 7th in the league in passer rating as well.
For another three rookies, the road is not so successful. Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, and Nick Foles have had far more difficulties facing NFL defenses this season. Weeden has compiled 3037 yards through the air however, which is above average. To be fair also Foles was thrown in there so quick and was not ready to turn a team that was struggling so completely around. 5 of these rookie QBs have started every game for their teams and the sixth, Foles, has played in 6 games and started 5.
It is very unusual that rookie Quarterbacks are doing so well in the NFL. However the game has shifted so much to a passing league that it is completely understandable. Here is the stat that surprises me the most RGIII is currently tied with Tom Brady for best passer rating (104.2) in the league. If Griffin holds that spot and Washington makes the playoffs, he will win Rookie of the Year. It could go also to Luck if the Colts win 10 or more games, which is just unheard of with a rookie QB. It will be interesting to see how Washington fairs with Griffin on the sidelines after his injury last week and how it could effect the ROY scenario. The 2012 season has been the year of the rookie Quarterback.
It is a very difficult decision this year for Rookie of the Year. It may come down to who wins more games. Luck's Colts are 9-4 after replacing the legendary Peyton Manning. Through 13 games Luck has thrown for 3792 yards and 18 touchdowns with 18 interceptions. However if a rookie QB throws even TDS with picks, I think you have to feel pretty happy actually. Surprisingly he has also rushed for 5 scores and 223 yards. The atmosphere in Indy is just incredible, going "ChuckStrong." Luck is 8th in the league in passing yards thus far in 2012.
Then there is Mr. Heisman Robert Griffin III. RGIII has been just amazing to watch and is perhaps the most exciting, versatile player in the league this season. He has taken a Redskins team that has been struggling for years to be a playoff contender and put them a game out of first with three games remaining, currently sitting at 7-6. Griffin has thrown for 2902 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has been a threat running the ball as well with 748 yards and 6 touchdowns. Washington currently ranks first in the NFL in rushing. Also, speaking of INTS earlier, RGIII has amazingly thrown just 4.
Although Luck and RGIII are the most hyped, there are other rookie Quarterbacks that have made great impacts on their squads. There is one that is not receiving enough credit for his work and that man is Russell Wilson. The Seahawks are currently 8-5 with Wilson under center this year. He's thrown more TDs than both Luck and Griffin, with 20 so far. Wilson has thrown for 2492 with 9 interceptions and has rushed for 310. Seattle's rookie phenomenon is sitting 7th in the league in passer rating as well.
For another three rookies, the road is not so successful. Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, and Nick Foles have had far more difficulties facing NFL defenses this season. Weeden has compiled 3037 yards through the air however, which is above average. To be fair also Foles was thrown in there so quick and was not ready to turn a team that was struggling so completely around. 5 of these rookie QBs have started every game for their teams and the sixth, Foles, has played in 6 games and started 5.
It is very unusual that rookie Quarterbacks are doing so well in the NFL. However the game has shifted so much to a passing league that it is completely understandable. Here is the stat that surprises me the most RGIII is currently tied with Tom Brady for best passer rating (104.2) in the league. If Griffin holds that spot and Washington makes the playoffs, he will win Rookie of the Year. It could go also to Luck if the Colts win 10 or more games, which is just unheard of with a rookie QB. It will be interesting to see how Washington fairs with Griffin on the sidelines after his injury last week and how it could effect the ROY scenario. The 2012 season has been the year of the rookie Quarterback.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
It's No Riddle, Stevan Ridley is a Serious Weapon
There is no question who the most valuable player of the New England Patriots is. Tom Brady has been one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL since he took over Drew Bledsoe's spot, leading NE to three Super Bowl titles. However, the difference in the Patriots offense this season compared to last is not the success of Brady. It is rather the new element that dynamic tail back Stevan Ridley has brought the Patriots that has made this incredible offense even more explosive. Since 2000 the patriots have had many weapons: Randy Moss, Troy Brown, Deion Branch, Wes Welker, and now Rob Gronkowski. What the Patriots haven't had much of in recent years is a strong running game.
Although Benjarvis Green-Ellis did compile 1008 rushing yards and 13 rush TDs in 2010, the Patriots have had not had a legitimate elusive running back. Not since 2004, when Corey Dillon rushed for 1635 yards and 12 rush TDs, have the Patriots had a serious threat in the back field. This season Stevan Ridley is that missing piece that Tom Brady has needed to balance out their offense. Only 11 games into the season Ridley already has rushed for 939 yards and 8 touchdowns. He is averaging 4.6 yards per carry leading New England's rushing attack that is currently 6th in the league with 143.7 rush yards per game.
Ridley is a huge reason why the Patriots offense is putting up record shattering numbers this season. They average the most yards (435.8) and points (37) per game in the entire league. Right now there is no offense even close to as efficient as the Patriots. The next best is the Houston Texans who put up 29.7 points per game. The two high scoring teams square off in New England on December 10th, a Monday night game. Ridley has caused defenses to now have to not only worry about the dangerous passing game of Tom Brady, but also a balanced running attack.
Currently Ridley is sitting 7th in the league in rushing and what is even more impressive is the fact that his 8 rushing scores has him tied for 3rd in the NFL. It is only Ridley's second year in the league and he is already making a huge difference for New England. While he is the starter, Ridley still has to work for his touches. When healthy, the Patriots have four solid options for Tom Brady to hand the ball to. Brandon Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen also have shared the load for NE. Vereen was actually drafted ahead of Ridley in the 2011 NFL draft and he as well could develop into a good all purpose back. Bolden was producing well before injuring his knee against Seattle, averaging 5.4 yard a carry. Woodhead still remains the third down back as he excels at catching passes from Brady out of the backfield.
With Ridley making a gigantic leap of progress from his time running against SEC defenses while at LSU up to this point, the near and distant future looks bright for New England's young star. Although much praise should be given to the second year running back, a lot of credit needs to go to the Pats offensive line. No matter who has been rushing for New England, the O-Line has given these backs good opportunities. Sitting at 8-3 now and riding a 5 game winning streak, the chances of the Patriots returning to the AFC Championship or Super Bowl seem to grow stronger each week. After a dominating win over a struggling Jets team, the offense has been superb and the defense is growing stronger with the addition of Aqib Talib. Stevan Ridley and the Patriots offense are a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Although Benjarvis Green-Ellis did compile 1008 rushing yards and 13 rush TDs in 2010, the Patriots have had not had a legitimate elusive running back. Not since 2004, when Corey Dillon rushed for 1635 yards and 12 rush TDs, have the Patriots had a serious threat in the back field. This season Stevan Ridley is that missing piece that Tom Brady has needed to balance out their offense. Only 11 games into the season Ridley already has rushed for 939 yards and 8 touchdowns. He is averaging 4.6 yards per carry leading New England's rushing attack that is currently 6th in the league with 143.7 rush yards per game.
Ridley is a huge reason why the Patriots offense is putting up record shattering numbers this season. They average the most yards (435.8) and points (37) per game in the entire league. Right now there is no offense even close to as efficient as the Patriots. The next best is the Houston Texans who put up 29.7 points per game. The two high scoring teams square off in New England on December 10th, a Monday night game. Ridley has caused defenses to now have to not only worry about the dangerous passing game of Tom Brady, but also a balanced running attack.
Currently Ridley is sitting 7th in the league in rushing and what is even more impressive is the fact that his 8 rushing scores has him tied for 3rd in the NFL. It is only Ridley's second year in the league and he is already making a huge difference for New England. While he is the starter, Ridley still has to work for his touches. When healthy, the Patriots have four solid options for Tom Brady to hand the ball to. Brandon Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen also have shared the load for NE. Vereen was actually drafted ahead of Ridley in the 2011 NFL draft and he as well could develop into a good all purpose back. Bolden was producing well before injuring his knee against Seattle, averaging 5.4 yard a carry. Woodhead still remains the third down back as he excels at catching passes from Brady out of the backfield.
With Ridley making a gigantic leap of progress from his time running against SEC defenses while at LSU up to this point, the near and distant future looks bright for New England's young star. Although much praise should be given to the second year running back, a lot of credit needs to go to the Pats offensive line. No matter who has been rushing for New England, the O-Line has given these backs good opportunities. Sitting at 8-3 now and riding a 5 game winning streak, the chances of the Patriots returning to the AFC Championship or Super Bowl seem to grow stronger each week. After a dominating win over a struggling Jets team, the offense has been superb and the defense is growing stronger with the addition of Aqib Talib. Stevan Ridley and the Patriots offense are a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
So...What Conference Am I In Again?
It is difficult to keep up with
what team is leaving what conference, which one they are going to and when that
will happen. All of a sudden this has become a game of whoever you can get, I
can do better between conference commissioners. All the conferences and
programs care about is how much money they will make being in a certain
conference. They are so worried about TV contracts and media markets that so
much tradition and so many rivalries are thrown right out of the window. Most
recently Maryland and Rutgers announced that they will join the Big Ten.
Suddenly rumors that Boise State, San Diego State and BYU would rather stay in the Mountain
West than join the Big East are surfacing. Power conferences have been being built to the
demise of the Big East especially, who is losing members left and right. I will
attempt to organize this giant mess and show which conference each team will
play in in the 2013-14 season.
Key: Pending Decision Football
Only New Member Leaving In 2014
ACC
- Duke
- North Carolina
- North Carolina State
- Wake Forest
- Georgia Tech
- Clemson
- Florida State
- Virginia
- Virginia Tech
- Boston College
- Miami
Maryland- Syracuse
- Pittsburgh
Big 12
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Baylor
- Texas Tech
- Oklahoma State
- Kansas State
- Iowa State
- Kansas
- TCU
- West Virginia
Big East
- Villanova
- Cincinnati
- St. Johns
- Georgetown
- USF
- DePaul
- Marquette
- Providence
- Seton Hall
Notre Dame- Louisville
- UConn
Rutgers- Temple
- Memphis
- Houston
- Boise State
- San Diego State
- SMU
- UCF
Big Ten
- Michigan
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan State
- Minnesota
- Illinois
- Purdue
- Northwestern
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
Pac-12
- USC
- Stanford
- Oregon
- Arizona
- UCLA
- Washington
- Arizona State
- Washington State
- Oregon State
- California
- Colorado
- Utah
SEC
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Auburn
- Florida
- Arkansas
- South Carolina
- Vanderbilt
- LSU
- Georgia
- Ole Miss
- Mississippi State
- Tennessee
- Texas A&M
- Missouri
The conference realignment clearly has the biggest effect on the Big East Conference. To clear things up Syracuse and Pittsburgh will be playing all sports in the ACC come next fall. Rutgers will join the Big Ten potentially in 2014 as will Maryland. Notre Dame will follow 'Cuse and Pitt to the ACC, with the exception of Football which remains independent for now, which should also take place in 2014. The Big East brings in Boise State, San Diego State, Houston, Memphis, SMU and UCF. Temple is already in the conference for football and will join in all other sports next fall. There are now questions surrounding whether Boise State and San Diego State will remain in the Mountain West. However, I believe they will stick to their plan unless something drastic happens. On a side note Navy will join the Big East in 2015 and BYU could also possibly join the conference.
The ACC now has to fill the void of Maryland. It is expected that UConn and/or Louisville will be the replacement. Louisville has expressed interest in joining the Big 12, however those dreams may have been crushed when the conference selected West Virginia instead. I do believe Louisville will eventually leave the Big East. If not for a rather weak football program, I would also think UConn would soon be out as well. Every major conference has been making big changes. Last year Nebraska went to the Big Ten, Utah and Colorado went to the Pac-12, West Virginia and TCU went to the Big 12, and more recently Texas A&M with Missouri joined the SEC. It is a complete mess the way teams suddenly have gone chasing the big bucks by joining more powerful conferences. Expect more change and more confusion in the next few seasons. It will not be long before there are only about three power conferences left. It is just a shame that some of the best rivalries in all of sports will now be thrown in the garbage with conference realignment.
Friday, November 16, 2012
North Carolina Tar Heels Season Preview
There have been rumors floating around that the ACC will have a down year this season. Before the season started many experts did not have high expectations for North Carolina and Duke as the two teams lost some key contributors. The Tar Heels did lose more talent to the NBA than any other team in the country, with the exception of Kentucky. Last season UNC made a run to the Elite 8 that was brought to a halt by Thomas Robinson and the Kansas Jayhawks. Now North Carolina is ranked outside of the preseason top 10 in both the ESPN and AP polls. Though the expectations are lower for the Heels, do not count out North Carolina.
Roy Williams lost four outstanding ball players to the 2012 NBA draft. All four players were taken in the first round: Harrison Barnes to Golden State at 7, Kendall Marshall to Phoenix at 13, John Henson to Milwaukee at 14, and Tyler Zeller taken at 17 by Dallas who then traded the pick to Cleveland. Zeller was the 2012 ACC Player of the Year and Marshall won the Bob Cousy award last season. Marshall averaged 9.8 assists and had he not been injured during the tourney, Carolina might have been able to make a title run. North Carolina loses not only Marshall's passing but also its top three scorers and rebounders in Barnes, Zeller and Henson. With so many departures why should the Tar Heels be considered a force this year? The answer is James Michael McAdoo.
McAdoo was one of the top players coming out of high school in the 2011 class. After Anthony Davis, McAdoo was the next best power forward prospect in the NCAA. ESPN had him as the sixth best recruit in the nation and he played in both the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. He was named co-MVP of the McDonalds's All-American Game with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, scoring 17 points in a dominating win by the East. McAdoo shined even more in the Jordan Classic putting in 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, also being named co-MVP, this time with Anthony Davis. In high school McAdoo lead Norfolk Christian (VA) to back-to-back state titles and went on to be named Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year. He was also chosen to the 2011 USA Basketball Junior National Select Team and in 2009 was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
It is fitting that McAdoo was the leading scorer in North Carolina's tournament loss to Kansas with 15. That game was just a small glimpse of what is to come for the young star this season. It was difficult for McAdoo to put forth big numbers with Zeller and Henson ahead of him last year. Now James Michael McAdoo has full reign as the biggest threat for UNC. Scouts call his style "Old School" as he can not only score and rebound terrifically, but also hustles and puts forth his best effort every second. Two games into the 2012-13 season McAdoo is already showing signs of stardom. In the opening game against FAU he put forth 19 points and 11 rebounds. He was even better in the following game against Gardner Webb scoring 24 points and pulling down 14 boards.
North Carolina has a rather young roster sporting just two seniors, one of whom rarely plays. The Tar Heels return only one starter, Reggie Bullock. Senior Dexter Strickland will prove to play a very important role as the team's experienced leader also. Strickland has been a contributor on both sides of the ball for the past three seasons at UNC and will be looked to be the team's defensive specialist as a Senior. Bullock is the lone player left from the 2010 recruiting class, where he was tagged as the third best shooting guard by ESPN. Expect a breakout season from not only McAdoo, but also from Bullock. He is the top scorer and rebounder left from last season for UNC, averaging 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2011-12.
Starting alongside McAdoo, Strickland and Bullock will be freshman PG Marcus Paige and Sophomore F/C Desmond Hubert. Paige is ESPN100's top Point Guard in the 2012 class. He was also a member of the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Classic. How he fills the void of Kendall Marshall will be key to North Carolina's success. P.J. Hairston, who came to the Tar Heels last season as a freshman with McAdoo, will also be a contributor off the bench. He is a great shooter and also played with McAdoo in both McDonald's All-American and Jordan Classic games. Freshmen big men Brice Johnson and Joel James will fight for time off the bench as well.
There is some uncertainty about how North Carolina will respond this year after losing such great players. However, all of that skepticism should be crushed with the play of James Michael McAdoo. This season McAdoo could put up numbers similar to those of Thomas Robinson. With his marvelous athleticism and big time scoring skills down low, McAdoo will be among the nation's leaders in points and rebounds. Roy Williams is not new when it comes to replacing lost talent, and there should be no worries of a disappointing season for the Heels. McAdoo and Bullock will shine as the teams go-to scorers. North Carolina is a team that should be feared this season. On Tuesday, November 27 the Tar Heels will head to Bloomington, Indiana to square off against the top ranked Indiana Hoosiers. Do not be surprised if North Carolina pushes Indiana to its limits and pulls off the upset. Many questions about the Heels will be answered after that game. UNC will have opportunities to prove their legitimacy with games against #18 UNLV, Duke twice and NC State twice. Expect great things from James Michael McAdoo as a possible Wooden Award candidate and expect another solid season out of North Carolina.
Roy Williams lost four outstanding ball players to the 2012 NBA draft. All four players were taken in the first round: Harrison Barnes to Golden State at 7, Kendall Marshall to Phoenix at 13, John Henson to Milwaukee at 14, and Tyler Zeller taken at 17 by Dallas who then traded the pick to Cleveland. Zeller was the 2012 ACC Player of the Year and Marshall won the Bob Cousy award last season. Marshall averaged 9.8 assists and had he not been injured during the tourney, Carolina might have been able to make a title run. North Carolina loses not only Marshall's passing but also its top three scorers and rebounders in Barnes, Zeller and Henson. With so many departures why should the Tar Heels be considered a force this year? The answer is James Michael McAdoo.
McAdoo was one of the top players coming out of high school in the 2011 class. After Anthony Davis, McAdoo was the next best power forward prospect in the NCAA. ESPN had him as the sixth best recruit in the nation and he played in both the 2011 McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. He was named co-MVP of the McDonalds's All-American Game with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, scoring 17 points in a dominating win by the East. McAdoo shined even more in the Jordan Classic putting in 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, also being named co-MVP, this time with Anthony Davis. In high school McAdoo lead Norfolk Christian (VA) to back-to-back state titles and went on to be named Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year. He was also chosen to the 2011 USA Basketball Junior National Select Team and in 2009 was named USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
It is fitting that McAdoo was the leading scorer in North Carolina's tournament loss to Kansas with 15. That game was just a small glimpse of what is to come for the young star this season. It was difficult for McAdoo to put forth big numbers with Zeller and Henson ahead of him last year. Now James Michael McAdoo has full reign as the biggest threat for UNC. Scouts call his style "Old School" as he can not only score and rebound terrifically, but also hustles and puts forth his best effort every second. Two games into the 2012-13 season McAdoo is already showing signs of stardom. In the opening game against FAU he put forth 19 points and 11 rebounds. He was even better in the following game against Gardner Webb scoring 24 points and pulling down 14 boards.
North Carolina has a rather young roster sporting just two seniors, one of whom rarely plays. The Tar Heels return only one starter, Reggie Bullock. Senior Dexter Strickland will prove to play a very important role as the team's experienced leader also. Strickland has been a contributor on both sides of the ball for the past three seasons at UNC and will be looked to be the team's defensive specialist as a Senior. Bullock is the lone player left from the 2010 recruiting class, where he was tagged as the third best shooting guard by ESPN. Expect a breakout season from not only McAdoo, but also from Bullock. He is the top scorer and rebounder left from last season for UNC, averaging 8.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 2011-12.
Starting alongside McAdoo, Strickland and Bullock will be freshman PG Marcus Paige and Sophomore F/C Desmond Hubert. Paige is ESPN100's top Point Guard in the 2012 class. He was also a member of the 2012 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Classic. How he fills the void of Kendall Marshall will be key to North Carolina's success. P.J. Hairston, who came to the Tar Heels last season as a freshman with McAdoo, will also be a contributor off the bench. He is a great shooter and also played with McAdoo in both McDonald's All-American and Jordan Classic games. Freshmen big men Brice Johnson and Joel James will fight for time off the bench as well.
There is some uncertainty about how North Carolina will respond this year after losing such great players. However, all of that skepticism should be crushed with the play of James Michael McAdoo. This season McAdoo could put up numbers similar to those of Thomas Robinson. With his marvelous athleticism and big time scoring skills down low, McAdoo will be among the nation's leaders in points and rebounds. Roy Williams is not new when it comes to replacing lost talent, and there should be no worries of a disappointing season for the Heels. McAdoo and Bullock will shine as the teams go-to scorers. North Carolina is a team that should be feared this season. On Tuesday, November 27 the Tar Heels will head to Bloomington, Indiana to square off against the top ranked Indiana Hoosiers. Do not be surprised if North Carolina pushes Indiana to its limits and pulls off the upset. Many questions about the Heels will be answered after that game. UNC will have opportunities to prove their legitimacy with games against #18 UNLV, Duke twice and NC State twice. Expect great things from James Michael McAdoo as a possible Wooden Award candidate and expect another solid season out of North Carolina.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Mid-season NFL Power Rankings
The Texans win over the stingy Bears defense solidifies them as the top team. Saints on the rise by giving Atlanta it's first loss of the season. How does losing Big Ben affect Steelers? Are the Colts for real? Still a lot of football left, but so far here are my mid-season power rankings:
- Houston Texans 8-1
- Chicago Bears 7-2
- Atlanta Falcons 8-1
- Green Bay Packers 6-3
- San Francisco 49ers 6-2-1
- Baltimore Ravens 7-2
- New England Patriots 6-3
- Denver Broncos 6-3
- New York Giants 6-4
- Pittsburgh Steelers 6-3
- Indianapolis Colts 6-3
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-4
- Minnesota Vikings 6-4
- Seattle Seahawks 6-4
- New Orleans Saints 4-5
- Cincinnati Bengals 4-5
- Detroit Lions 4-5
- San Diego Chargers 4-5
- Dallas Cowboys 4-5
- Miami Dolphins 4-5
- St. Louis Rams 3-5-1
- Washington Redskins 3-6
- Arizona Cardinals 4-5
- Philadelphia Eagles 3-6
- Buffalo Bills 3-6
- Tennessee Titans 4-6
- Oakland Raiders 3-6
- New York Jets 3-6
- Carolina Panthers 2-7
- Cleveland Browns 2-7
- Kansas City Chiefs 1-8
- Jacksonville Jaguars 1-8
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The Next Big Thing at Syracuse
Coming off a trip to the Elite Eight, the Syracuse Orange basketball team has high expectations going into this season. The team has some huge shoes to fill with four key players gone either to graduation or the NBA draft. Replacing three NBA draftees in Dion Waiters, Fab Melo, Kris Joseph and a five year starter in Scoop Jardine will be no easy task. However if someone asked Jim Boeheim, he would not be the least bit worried about the squad that he has put together for the season ahead.
Before last season Dion Waiters was not a household name; in fact most basketball fans probably had no idea who he was. As a freshman he played his fair share of minutes, but struggled to make himself known behind the depth that the Orange had. Even last season Waiters came off the bench, but this time he shined in his role. Waiters averaged 12.6 points per game while being a major threat in the vaunted Syracuse 2-3 zone. Syracuse fell short against Ohio State and finished the season 34-3 and 17-1 in the Big East, winning the regular season conference championship. Waiters would go on to be a lottery pick in the draft taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the fourth pick.
Who will be the next Dion Waiters? The answer is Michael Carter-Williams. Last season as a freshman Carter-Williams (MCW) had to do exactly what Waiters did his freshman year, ride the bench. With the likes of Waiters, Jardine and Brandon Triche ahead of him as the team's guards, it was difficult for MCW to get playing time. When he did get his moments, he was rather impressive making some fantastic passes and knocking down threes. Carter-Williams had a very limited role at the back end of the season and did not get any opportunities in the NCAA tournament.
With Jardine and Waiters moving on, the responsibilities of point guard are now turned to Carter-Williams. Before choosing Syracuse, MCW shined at St. Andrews School in Hamilton, MA. There he averaged 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. He was named to the 2011 McDonald's All-American team along with current SU teammate Rakeem Christmas. Carter-Williams was the winner of the skills competition as well before playing in the All-American game alongside Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and many other young basketball phenoms.
Don't be surprised if Michael Carter-Williams puts up some big numbers this year for the Orange and expect to see some incredible plays from this young athlete. Carter-Williams and Triche will start for Syracuse in the backcourt and the frontcourt will be comprised of forwards C.J. Fair and DaJuan Coleman as well as Christmas at Center. Senior James Southerland will lead the Orange off the bench along with Trevor Cooney, Baye Moussa Keita and freshman Jerami Grant.
Jim Boeheim and the staff at Syracuse have done an unbelievable job recruiting these past few years. Two years ago they brought in Fab Melo, Waiters and Fair. Last season Carter-Williams and Christmas were added. This season 'Cuse brings in Dajuan Coleman and Jerami Grant. Coleman is unlike any other big that Syracuse has had for quite some time as he can provide a legitimate threat in the post. Season after season Boeheim has one of the strongest and deepest benches in all of college basketball. Each season a star has to wait his turn to make an impact for the Orange. Michael Carter-Williams is done waiting and is ready to become a star, just as Waiters did.
Before last season Dion Waiters was not a household name; in fact most basketball fans probably had no idea who he was. As a freshman he played his fair share of minutes, but struggled to make himself known behind the depth that the Orange had. Even last season Waiters came off the bench, but this time he shined in his role. Waiters averaged 12.6 points per game while being a major threat in the vaunted Syracuse 2-3 zone. Syracuse fell short against Ohio State and finished the season 34-3 and 17-1 in the Big East, winning the regular season conference championship. Waiters would go on to be a lottery pick in the draft taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the fourth pick.
Who will be the next Dion Waiters? The answer is Michael Carter-Williams. Last season as a freshman Carter-Williams (MCW) had to do exactly what Waiters did his freshman year, ride the bench. With the likes of Waiters, Jardine and Brandon Triche ahead of him as the team's guards, it was difficult for MCW to get playing time. When he did get his moments, he was rather impressive making some fantastic passes and knocking down threes. Carter-Williams had a very limited role at the back end of the season and did not get any opportunities in the NCAA tournament.
With Jardine and Waiters moving on, the responsibilities of point guard are now turned to Carter-Williams. Before choosing Syracuse, MCW shined at St. Andrews School in Hamilton, MA. There he averaged 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. He was named to the 2011 McDonald's All-American team along with current SU teammate Rakeem Christmas. Carter-Williams was the winner of the skills competition as well before playing in the All-American game alongside Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and many other young basketball phenoms.
Don't be surprised if Michael Carter-Williams puts up some big numbers this year for the Orange and expect to see some incredible plays from this young athlete. Carter-Williams and Triche will start for Syracuse in the backcourt and the frontcourt will be comprised of forwards C.J. Fair and DaJuan Coleman as well as Christmas at Center. Senior James Southerland will lead the Orange off the bench along with Trevor Cooney, Baye Moussa Keita and freshman Jerami Grant.
Jim Boeheim and the staff at Syracuse have done an unbelievable job recruiting these past few years. Two years ago they brought in Fab Melo, Waiters and Fair. Last season Carter-Williams and Christmas were added. This season 'Cuse brings in Dajuan Coleman and Jerami Grant. Coleman is unlike any other big that Syracuse has had for quite some time as he can provide a legitimate threat in the post. Season after season Boeheim has one of the strongest and deepest benches in all of college basketball. Each season a star has to wait his turn to make an impact for the Orange. Michael Carter-Williams is done waiting and is ready to become a star, just as Waiters did.
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