N.B.A Mid Season '20-21 Review

It’s Mid-Season in the N.B.A! With All-Star Weekend upon us, let’s Re-Cap the first half of the season thus far…

 

Best in the League

 

Utah Jazz: #1 Seed West

 

With the best record in the N.B.A the Utah Jazz sit at 27-8. Behind a stout Defense and consistent three-point shooting. Utah has a legit shot, to represent the West in the Finals.

 

Philadelphia 76ers: #1 Seed East

 

Joel Embiid has put together his best season by far. Lead by Head Coach Doc Rivers and consistent play from Tobias Harris. The 76ers are currently holding at the #1 seed.

 

Teams to Watch

Western Conference; L.A. Lakers, Phoenix Suns, L.A. Clippers, Denver Nuggets

 

These five teams all have an argument for a push in the second half of the season. The Lakers will get Anthony Davis back when needed most and LeBron James is having an M.V.P season; 

 

They’re inner-city rivals, the L.A. Clippers have had their issues with injuries and Covid-19 protocols but are still amongst the top teams in the West; 

 

The Denver Nuggets struggle for the first part of the season but have since begun to turn things around. Nikola Jokic is having an M.V.P season and Denver has experience after the past two seasons going deep into the Playoffs; 

 

The surprise team here is the young Phoenix Suns; This team showed in the bubble that they can run with the best of them and by adding Chris Paul, they’ve showed they are for real sitting currently at the #2 seed. 

 

Eastern Conference; Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks

 

In a conference where there is more balance between teams, these two are the ones that look like they’ll be competing late into the season. The Brooklyn Nets added James Harden to go with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in a trade. Since then, Brooklyn has been on a tear and that’s without Kevin Durant, who’s coming back from injury and Kyrie Irving who’s been in and out of the lineup. 

 

Its feels like the Milwaukee Bucks should be better but, the Bucks are right where they need to be. Sitting at #3 seed and only a few games behind the Nets and 76ers. With an adjustment to how the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokunmpo attacks in the Offense, the Bucks are trying a more balanced attack before the playoffs. 

 

Mid-Season Awards

M.V.P – Joel Embiid – He’s reinvented a position for ‘Big Men’ that’s been extinct for a decade.

D.P.O.Y – Ben Simmons – He’s been dominant on this side of the ball all season. 

R.O.T.Y – LaMelo Ball – No surprise here, his play has put Charlotte into Playoff contention. 

M.I.Y – Julius Randle – He’s changed his game to bring the Knicks into a Playoff team. 

Sixth Man – Jordan Clarkson – When he comes into the game, the energy only increases. 

 

 

It's March: MADNESS is Back!

When March 1^st hits, means it’s time for College Basketball and March Madness. After last years’ cancellations, this year seems to be on the verge of more exciting buzzer beaters, close calls and of course the always pretty, “Cinderella” story. After a season of a dominating top four rotation, Championship week will determine the final outcome. Here are some predictions.  

 

TOP FOUR #1 Seeds:

 

Gonzaga Bulldogs:

 

My favorite and top #1 overall seed is the Gonzaga Bulldogs. The “Zags” have dominated this season with few teams even coming close to challenging this squad. Lead by the Freshman phenom Jalen Suggs, the “Bulldogs” have a legitimate shot to run the table all the through to the Final Four and a National Championship. This team is that good, they’re balanced on both ends of the floor and have a Star in Jalen Suggs. 

 

Illinois Fighting Illini:

 

I know there are many Ohio State Alums’ that will not agree with this but after a tough loss to Michigan State; followed up by a decisive loss to Iowa; Puts the Buckeye’s in a #2 seed in my Bracket. The “Fighting Illini” has beaten Wisconsin twice this year and lost a close game to Ohio State earlier in the season. With a rematch circled on Saturday against Ohio State and a Huge Game Tuesday against another Big Ten Rival, Michigan. Illinois has a chance to make their case. 

 

Michigan Wolverines:

 

Former Fab-Five member Head Coach Juwan Howard deserves a lot of credit for getting the Wolverines back into National Recognition once again. Michigan has all the tools necessary to contend for a #1 seed and a shot at a National Title. They have what the Tournament requires, great shooting and an inside presence with Hunter Dickinson and Franz Wagner who can also stretch the floor at times. The Defense will be the question for them, moving forward in tourney.

 

Baylor Bears:

 

I know they just lost to Kansas but that is the blemish on their season thus far. The Baylor Bears have been winning if you haven’t noticed, against top 25 teams all season. They run the floor at times better than any team in the Nation. They’re athletic on the wings with multiple Guard play; Jared Butler, Macio Teague, Davion Mitchell and Adam Flager can all play. With big games remaining on their schedule against Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Texas Tech. We’ll know just how solidified the Bears are. 

 

Can’t Believe It: They Are Out?

 

Duke Blue Devils:

It’s been a tough year for Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils. Feels like forever since a Coach K team hasn’t been able to close out games, which has been the case all season for Duke. Losing close games against Miami; Michigan State; Notre Dame and most recently Louisville.

 

Kentucky Wildcats:

Coach John Calipari has had his fair share of One and Done Superstars. This is one of those seasons that it just didn’t gel together. Hopefully, they all stay because the kids are not ready. 

 

 

Major League Baseball Season Preview '20-'21

It’s SPRING Season! Welcome to the best part of the year for all Baseball Fans. The Spring Season kicks off this Sunday and with all teams on par to play starting this weekend. With a lot of off season moves, many teams have positioned themselves to make a run at the Pennant. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest moves, and favorite teams in each League. 

 

Big Acquisitions: National League

 

New York Mets: Francisco Lindor SS, Taijuan Walker P;

 

The signing Pitcher Taijuan Walker and Trading for perennial All-Star Shortstop Francisco Lindor. Walker has a huge upside coming off a two-year absence due to Tommy John Surgery. Since his return (Walker) he has an ERA of 2.70 and is only 28 years of age mlb.com. The “Amazins’” will rely on their depth and their defense to make a push for the postseason. There’s hope for that with Francisco, who is 27 years of age with a career batting average at .285. 

 

Los Angeles Dodgers: Trevor Bauer P; 

 

The defending Champs have reloaded for another run. Even with the turnover of certain players, the addition of Bauer matched with an already strong bullpen; the core of most of last year’s team remains. The Dodgers are in line for another Pennant run. 

 

St. Louis Cardinals: Nolan Arenado 3B.

 

The Cardinals get the guy they’ve been longing for at Third Base. A steal from the Rockies, Arenado has M.V.P potential for a team that has all the tools to make a Pennant run this season. 

 

San Diego Padres: Yu Darvish P; Blake Snell P; Joe Musgrove P; Fernando Tatis Jr. SS;

 

It’s hard not to mention the San Diego Padres with all the noise they’ve done this Off Season. They’ve added more pitching to all the bats and with extension of arguably the most exciting young player in the league in Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres can make some noise in a tough National League. 

 

Big Acquisitions: American League

 

Tampa Bay Rays:  Mike Zunino C;

 

Though the defending American League Champs traded away one of their best players in Blake Snell; do not count the Rays out. This is a team with a deep bullpen and most of the core is still intact. In fact, the Rays brought back a few familiar faces in Mike Zunino (Re-Sign) and Chris Archer. 

 

Chicago White Sox: Lance Lynn P;

 

With an Offense that can score from any position and an M.V.P Candidate in Jose Abreu; The White Sox have a chance with an added arm in Lance Lynn. 

 

World Series Prediction:

 

New York Yankees: Corey Kluber P;

 

It feels like this team has been destined to break through for years. With still a young core all signed. The Yankees have their Ace in Cole; now with the addition of Kluber, the Yankees again are big favorites for a World Series push. 

 

vs

 

Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test of Time Vol#1: Ms. Serena Williams

 The greatest Tennis player of our time, very arguable. Arguably, also the greatest Athlete of our time. Serena Williams has been the dominate force in Tennis over the past three decades. As they say, with all great reigns, father time is undefeated. Could this be the year that Ms. Serena Williams steps away? Personally, I hope not. Her grace, competitiveness and style has garnered a new attention to the sport throughout her years. 

 

With new heroes on the rise, at the top of their game namely, Naomi Osaka, Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep. Young comers like; Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova and Bianca Andreescu. All seek to have similar success as Serena Williams. With 25 years professionally, according to Whitney McIntosh for SBNation.com; Ms. Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam Single matches, 316 Slam matches, a 72-20 record in Grand Slam competition and 172 wins versus top 10 opponents. 

 

Not only in her own accomplishments, as a doubles Champion shared with her; Hall of Fame career sister, Venus Williams; the two have 14 wins in Double’s championships. They are the only siblings to rank #1 and #2 within the same sport in the same calendar year. They’re also undefeated in Double’s match play, when reaching a Final Championship match. Maybe her biggest accomplishment with all the accolades, is her non-stop fire to remain at the top of her game. 

 

Recently her loss to Naomi Osaka, at the Australian Open Semi-Final. Has many asking if the reign of one of the most illustrious careers ever in sport, is near an end. According to D’Arcy Maine for ESPN.com; “…the questions started on television, social media and maybe from your couch: Was the match all that was over?”. I sure hope not, we should all hope she decides to leave the game, on her own terms. Hopefully, a few more Grand Slams, a few more patent screams and fist pumps. To watch greatness for just a little while longer, before father time wins again. 

Moe's NFL Mock Draft 1.0

With the season now over and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crowned Champions. Here's a look forward to what teams may or may not due, moving into next season for their respective first round picks;

No Trades in Draft Order applied. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Trevor Lawrence QB - Clemson

*The only obvious choice in this years draft. He was a stud in college and has all the tools to pull Jacksonville back to respectability. 

2. New York Jets - Penei Sewell OT - Oregon

*This is where the draft will start, in my opinion. Under Adam Gase and talent around him, I believe Sam Darnold is a starting QB in the NFL. Sewell is regarded as the next great Left Tackle. It's time to build under the new Regime. 

3. Miami Dolphins - Devonta Smith WR - Alabama

*As much as I believe Ja'marr Chase should be here, you can't fight against chemistry. With the relationship between Tua and Devonta already there from their collegiate days in Alabama, adding the year that Devonta just had, he's the right pick. 

4. Atlanta Falcons - Zach Wilson QB - BYU

*The Falcons have a lot of holes to fill but with the aging and contract with Matt Ryan. You have to look to the future in this spot. Zach can sit and learn behind the Pro Bowler Matty Ice. 

5. Cincinnati Bengals - Kyle Pitts TE - U of Florida

*Your QB is Joe Burrow, now get him some help. Arguably the best catching prospect in this draft and the talent level of a Travis Kelce/Antonio Gates type. You can get someone who's an immediate outlet for Burrow. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles - Ja'Marr Chase WR - LSU

*Regardless of who their QB is. They need healthy weapons to throw too. With many of their WR going to be Free Agents, the Eagles get maybe the best Wideout in this class. 

7. Detroit Lions - Jaylen Waddle WR - Alabama

*With the trade for Jared Goff settled, the Lions surround him with talent. Similar to the Eagles situation, with a lot of pending WR in Free Agency. The Lions get a top prospect who some say was better than his teammate when healthy. 

8. Carolina Panthers - Justin Fields QB - Ohio State

*With reports of Carolina trying to trade Teddy Bridgewater, they sit tight and luckily have a top talent fall to them in Fields. He can sit behind the Vet for one year and be ready to go in year 2. 

9. Denver Broncos - Micah Parsons LB/Edge - Penn State

*John Elway is still searching for a QB but with the top three gone and Von Miller probably gone. You look at that next Hybrid type that can replace Von Miller in Micah Parsons. He's Strong, Fast, and can get to the QB. 

10. Dallas Cowboys - Rashawn Slater OT - Northwestern

*After significant injuries that depleted a great offensive line. The Cowboys need to re-tool and get back to what they do best. Handing it to their bell cow Eziekel Elliott and play action down field with hopefully a healthy Dak Presscott. 

11. New York Giants - Gregory Rousseau DE/Edge - U of Miami

*With all the top offensive talent gone. Under Patrick Graham's scheme this defense desperately needs a pass rusher. They get one of the best in this class with Rousseau. 

12. San Francisco 49ers - Trey Lance QB - NDSU

*With Jimmy Garoppolo injuries history, I wouldn't be surprised if San Francisco tries to grab a veteran in Free Agency and also Grab a Rookie here. This is a team with Super Bowl talent window that can close if they can get consistent QB play. 

13. Los Angeles Chargers - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB - Notre Dame

*With a loaded offense and a promising young QB. This team needs help on the Defensive side of the ball in the Offensive heavy AFC West Division. They can get a LB who similar to Parsons can do a little bit of everything. 

14. Minnesota Vikings - Kwity Paye DE/Edge - Michigan

*The once revered defensive line is gone. With a identity on Offense and a young secondary now with experience. Look for Coach Zimmerman to find someone to get to the QB. 

15. New England Patriots - Mac Jones QB - Alabama

*Belichick has to start somewhere and why not start with someone who just won a National Championship with your friend/colleague Nick Saban. He can make all the throws, he isn't flashy and just gets the job done. 

16. Arizona Cardinals - Caleb Farley  CB - Virginia Tech

*This was one of the most prolific Offenses to watch last year and a defense who just couldn't cover late in games. With Patrick Patterson's time ticking, the Cardinals get secondary help, they need. 

17. Las Vegas Raiders - Christian Barmore DT - Alabama

*The Raiders aren't far off from contention but they need more help on the defensive side of the ball. The one weakness was up the middle as teams ran the ball more and more especially in the Red Zone. 

18. Miami Dolphins - Azeez Ojulari DE/Edge - Georgia

*With the Offensive side of the ball pretty much covered. Though they could use a RB here, I think you go to the next big need. Brian Flores has done a tremendous job and this unit gets better by adding a pass rusher to help a young secondary. 

19. Washington Football Team - Patrick Surtain II CB - Alabama

*With a defense that is already one of the best in the league, they do need help with coverage. Patrick Surtain II will help fill that void. 

20. Chicago Bears - Christian Darishaw OT - Virginia Tech

*No matter who's at QB or who's at WR they need to fix this Offensive Line. Too many pressures is a large part to why they can't get any kind of play at QB. 

21. Indianapolis Colts - Jaycee Horn CB - South Carolina 

*This is a ready playoff team that needs a QB. With the top QB's gone, they're going to have to let some Free Agents go in order to sign or trade for a Veteran. With that being said, the glaring hole is at the Corner position and that gets filled with one of the better Cornerbacks in Jaycee Horn. 

22. Tennesse Titans - Joseph Ossai DE/Edge - Texas

*This defense needs a pass rusher. They can get a WR in the later Rounds but the need at this point is getting the QB. Jadeveon Clowney probably will not return. 

23. New York Jets - Najee Harris RB - Alabama

*The help for Darnold continues and arguably the best back in the draft. Najee can do everything you need and the Jets need him to do it all. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Trevon Moehrig S - TCU

*The Steelers secondary has been an issue and they end up with the best Safety in this class.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars - Travis Etienne RB - Clemson

*For the first time in a long time, we will see two RB's taken in the first round. These two are that good. Travis Etienne will be a day one starter in Jacksonville. 

26. Cleveland Browns - Jayson Oweh DE/Edge - Penn State

*The Browns have to help Myles Garrett with a running mate to take away some of the double teams he sees. With an identity on Offense of run first, the Browns find a decent rusher in Oweh. 

27. Baltimore Ravens - Nick Bolton LB - Missouri

*I'd like to see Baltimore find another weapon for Action Jackson but with a defense that will lose players to Free Agency, they fill holes at LB with Nick Bolton. 

28. New Orleans Saints - Jaelan Phillips DE-Edge - Univ. of Miami

*With Drew Brees likely to retire a Hall of Fame Career. Tom Brady likely to return with a team behind him. The Saints have to get pressure on Brady and they can do that with Phillips. 

29. Green Bay Packers - Olijah Vera-Tucker OT - USC

*Injuries hurt the Offensive line late in the season. I do think a CB will come later in the draft but Aaron Rogers has to be upright in order to compete. 

30. Buffalo Bills - Kadarius Toney WR - Univ. of Florida

*He's a playmaker and that's exactly what the Bills need if they want to overcome the Chiefs. 

31. Kansas City Chiefs - Samuel Cosmi OT - Texas

*This is a need beyond needs. With injuries on the O Line derailing the season. They need depth at the position. 

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Alex Leatherwood OT - Alabama

*You want to win another ring, you have to protect Tom at all cost.