Heat move on, Grizz 1.4 seconds away from history

The Heat got by a pesky 76er team last night. I dont think they will get by the Celtics thought. The Celtics are playing at a top level right now and in mid season form.

The Memphis Grizz were 1.4 seconds away from becoming the second #8 seed to beat a #1 in the first round seven game format. But, George Hill's three forced the game into overtime where the Spurs prevailed. I think the Grizz will win Game 6 on their home court and move on to the second round.

Celtics on their way to the 2nd round.

The Celtics swept the Knicks out of the postseason. They look like they are in mid-season form. I think it would be awesome to see a seven game series between the Celtics and the Heat in the next round. The Celtics beat the Heat three out of the four times they played this year. With their experience, I think that the Celtics will prevail.

Happy Retirement Woody

Well, one of College Basketball's finest voices and great broadcasters, Woody Durham is calling it a Career. Durham called games for North Carolina for 40 years. It was a joy listening to him on some Highlight reels. One of the more memorable Woody Durham calls was: "Technical Foul, Technical Foul on Michigan, there out of Time Outs". 1993 Title game

Knight, Jones and Liggins better stay

Brandon Knight, DeAndre Liggins and Terrance Jones are not smart for declaring for the NBA draft. They did not sign with an agent, which is key because they have the option of coming back and I hope they do.  

About this time, 15 years ago

It was about this time 15 years ago that Ervin "Magic" Johnson came out of retirement to play for the Lakers.  One of his memorable moments during his brief stint happened during a game against the Phoenix Suns at the Forum in 1996. He went up for a layup and thought he was fouled and got upset. He then went over to the official argued with him and bumped into him and then got ejected. Magic would retire after the 1996 season. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame by a Unanimous vote in 2002 and was presented by Larry Bird.

NBA post season is here

Well, this is the only reason why I watch the NBA, is because of the playoffs. I have seen a lot of memorable moments in postseason play. The Denver Nuggets becoming the first #8 seed to beat a #1, Seattle Supersonics ( Now the Oklahoma City Thunder), in 1994, The New York Knicks making it to the NBA Finals as a #8 seed in 1999 ( more on that at another time), Golden State Warriors in 2007, shocking the Dallas Mavericks. Michael Jordan leading the Bulls to six championships in eight years, Kobe Bryant leading the Lakers to five championships in the last 11 years, Tim Duncan leading the San Antonio Spurs to four championships, Reggie Miller heroics against the Knicks in 1994, 1995 and his memorable Duel with Ray Allen in 2000 in Game 5. Larry Bird leading the Celtics to victory in 1991 in Game 5 against the Pacers, after missing the second quarter with a concussion. I have seen a lot of memorable games in the last 20 years: Knicks vs Pacers; Game’s 5 and 7 1994, Game 3 1999, Heat and Knicks Game 5 1999, Games 6-7 2000, Bucks vs Pacers Game 5 2000, Spurs vs Pistons Games 5 and 7 2005, Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 5 2007, Celtics vs Cavaliers Game 7 2008, Game 4 2010, Lakers Vs Celtics Game 4 2008, Game 7 2010, Magic vs Cavaliers Games 1, 2, 4-5 2009, Michael Jordan’s Flu game in 1997; Game 5, Celtics vs Nets Game 3 2002. I am not that big of an NBA fan, like I am college, but I do remember some memorable moments.

God Bless Rory, Congrats to Schwartzel

Well, yesterday was a fun filled day of golf on TV, I wish I can say the same for me, but I can't. Rory McLory held a 5 shot lead going into the final round and lead by 2 shots going into the 11th hole where Rory self-destructed.  It was a fun day of The Masters on TV. Tiger Woods got back in it, but finished tied for fourth. The green jacket went to Charl Schwartzel, from South Africa, who finished his round making four straight birdies.

The Last 30 Final Four MOP'S

Here is a list of the last 30 Final Four MOP's

1981: Isiah Thomas; Indiana

1982: James Worthy; UNC

1983: Derrick Whittenburg; NC State

1984: Patrick Ewing; Georgetown

1985: Ed Pickney; Villanova

1986: Pervis Elison; Louisville

1987: Keith Smart; Indiana

1988: Danny Manning; Kansas

1989: Glen Rice; Michigan

1990: Anderson Hunt; UNLV**

1991: Christian Lateneer; Duke

1992: Bobby Hurley; Duke

1993: Donald Williams; UNC**

1994: Corliss Williamson; Arkansas

1995: Ed O'Bannon: UCLA

1996: Tony Delk; Kentucky

1997: Miles Simon; Arizona

1998: Jeff Shepherd; Kentucky

1999: Richard Hamilton; UCONN

2000: Mateen Cleeves; MSU

2001: Shane Battier; Duke

2002: Juan Dixon; Maryland

2003: Carmelo Anthony; Syracuse

2004: Emeka Okafor; UCONN

2005: Sean May; UNC

2006: Joakim Noah; Florida

2007: Corey Brewer; Florida

2008: Mario Chalmers; Kansas

2009: Wayne Ellington; UNC

2010: Kyle Singler; Duke

2011: Kemba Walker; UCONN

** Means not drafted by the NBA.

The Masters: A Tradition unlike any other

This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to get interested in golf. The History, Mystique, Augusta National Golf Club. Every year, the years first major comes to Augusta, Georgia in April. Guys like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell, Paul Casey, Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Fred Couples bring their games to Georgia. Last year, saw Fred Couples (50) and Tom Watson (61) on the top of the leader board after the first round. Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson in the days final pairing on Sunday, with Mickelson coming out on top. This year is the 25^th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus’ sixth and final Masters victory, the 15^th anniversary of Nick Faldo coming back to beat Greg Norman on Sunday with Norman holding a six shot lead, the 6^th anniversary of Tiger Woods holding off Chris DiMarco, the 2^nd anniversary of Angel Cabrera coming back to defeat Kenny Perry on the second playoff hole. I love watching this Tournament, the history, Mystique is what makes it so fun to watch. Watching this tournament and seeing how much fun the players have playing in this tournament, made me want to get my clubs out of the closet in the garage and get out and play all the time. Not to mention, for the second straight year, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus will be the honorary starters, which is awesome.

On this day last year. UD FLYERS NIT CHAMPS

The Dayton Flyers, a team who had an awesome senior class of Kurt Huelsman, London Warren, Mickey Perry, Rob Lowery, Marcus Johnson, Dan Fox and Luke Hendrick, defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 79-68 in the NIT Championship game. It was a great way for the seniors to end their Flyer career. Marcus Johnson led the Flyers with 20 points, while Tournament MOP Chris Johnson had 14 points. It’s been a year since the Flyers won the tournament and I still can not believe they won, especially beating the defending National Champions to do it.  The senior class would tie a record for the most wins in school history. It was a great group of guys to watch. It was a fitting way to end the season.

On this day in 1996... Tragedy strike's opening day

The Cincinnati Reds were hosting the Washington Nationals (Montreal Expos) on Opening Day in 1996 at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. It was the first game for new Reds Manager Ray Knight, as he replaced former Manager Davey Johnson. Seven pitches into the game, Home plate umpire, John McSherry, called for time and walked towards the Reds dugout. He then Collapsed right in front of the Reds dugout. I remember sitting in Steve Schroeder’s classroom at Holy Angels that afternoon and he informed our class about the tragic moment in Cincinnati. He was then rushed to a local hospital and died moments later from a massive heart attack. I remember sitting in Ms Nerdermen’s classroom for a Tutoring session that afternoon and Steve came down to inform me of the Tragic News. It was a sad day in Major League Baseball.

On this day in Sports History

Duke played Kansas for the 1991 National Championship. The Blue Devils were a team on a mission that night. They defeated the Jayhawks 72-65 at the RCA Dome (then called the Hoosier Dome) in Indianapolis thanks to the play of Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, Christian Latenner, Brian Davis, Thomas Hill.

On this night 15 years ago, Kentucky played Syracuse for the 1996 National Championship at the Meadowlands. It would be the last Final Four to be played in a non Dome. Kentucky would win its sixth National Championship, thanks to the play of MOP Tony Delk and his seven 3 pointers and the play of Freshmen Ron Mercer. John Wallace finished his Syracuse Career with a game high 29 points, the second most in Championship game history by a player on the losing team (John Morton; 1989) It was also the only game that Kentucky point guard, Wayne Turner did not play in, in his four years at Kentucky.

On this day nine years ago, Maryland took on Indiana for the 2002 National Championship at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Terrapins lead by six at the Half. Indiana fought its way back to a 44-42 lead with 10:00 to go, but Juan Dixon and the Terps, would go on a 20-8 run to close out their first National Championship.

On this day nine years ago, was the Final opening day at Cinergy Field. The Reds played host to the Cubs and were tied 4-4 going into the 9^th inning. Aaron Boone stepped to the plate and hit a Sac Fly to bring in the winning run to cap off the last opening day at the ‘Ole Ball yard. The Reds would win 5-4 that afternoon. They would stay competitive all the way up until the final weeks of the season. I miss Cinergy Field. I had some great times at the ‘ole ball yard.