Potential College Basketball Cinderellas: 2013-14

FINALLY, my favorite sport of all is back in action: College Basketball. You just can't beat the excitement of a good upset, the emergence of a heartwarming rebuilding job morphing into a full blown great program. The question is, when we come to March Madness, who will be the teams performing the upsets? My goal is to answer that question.

Now, before I tell you my picks, let me go over what my definition of a 'cinderella' is. Traditionally, a 'cinderella' in college basketball is a team that comes out of nowhere and starts upsetting quality programs. A good example is the high flying Florida Gulf Coast Eagles of this past March. Did anyone at all suspect them to beat Georgetown, and San Diego State? The same being with Wichita State. Good program, but no one expect their elongated run to the Final Four. Now, you may think that a cinderella is always going to be a mid major. That is not true. First of all, Ole Miss, led by Marshall Henderson, was not expected to even make the tournament, let alone beat Sam Dekker's Wisconsin Badgers. They did just that. That, folks, is a cinderella. Secondly, due to recent dominance in their respective conferences, and many tourney wins over the years, VCU, Wichita State, UNLV, New Mexico, San Diego State, Davidson, Gonzaga, Creighton, Memphis, Butler, Temple, and a few others have lost their 'cinderella' status. They are all now the Big Dogs of college basketball. I hope this explanation has cleared things up.

Let's start with the potential surprise team of the Mountain West.

Boise State Broncos

 



Do not sleep on Derrick Marks and the boys in Idaho. Boise, for the first in like, ever, is possibly going to be better in basketball than football. Coach Leon Rice has done miracles to this program, and now they have a lot of returnees from last year's NCAA at-large bid. It really does start with Marks. Derrick Marks can be absolutely dominant in the Mountain West, and uses his size to glide by bigger defenders. Beside him is a young man named Anthony Drmic (yes, that's how it is spelled). The kid is a fabulous shooter.  He shot 39.2 percent from long-range last year, and is a special player in the clutch. Ryan Watkins is this teams big man, and is a solid player in the post. Finally, what might be their catalyst is Jeff Elioraga. He was the Mountain West's best 3 point shooter last year, and can score in bunches. He will be the key to their season. Other critical players include Mikey Thompson, and Igor Hadziomerovic. I expect this team to come exceptionally close to attaining the Mountain West crown, and be a power in the NCAA tournament, as a cinderella.

 

 

Harvard Crimson

 

 

 

Yes, the team that shocked New Mexico in the tournament is back, and the team is mostly intact, with 2 extra stars as well. Joining Siyani Chambers and Wesley Saunders, last year's studs, are Brandyn Curry and Kyle Casey, two great players that were suspended all of last season due to the highly publicized Harvard cheating scandal. Chambers, although a little inconsistent, is the leader of this team, and can be as dynamic as any guard in country. Curry can knock down barrages of threes, while Saunders and Casey can use their big, athletic bodies to charge through the paint, Saunders probably being the better of the two. Along with this core is guard Laurent Rivard, a big guy who can shoot really well. The team also has a grand corp of big men. Starting center Kenyatta Smith is injured for the first half of the season, but behind him might be an even better player in Jonah Travis, a born scorer, who can easily average a double-double. Watch this team as they rise among the elite of the mid-majors.

 

 

Massachusetts Minutemen

 

 

 

 

Chaz Williams, the speedy little scoring machine, has his squad ready for A-10 glory. He is easily the catalyst of this team that was a bubble team all last year, failing near the end of the season to get just enough traction to get in the NCAAs. Earlier this year, Williams was thinking hard about transferring from UMass, but made the wise decision to stay, creating possibly the best team in the conference. Along with Chaz is an exceptionally talented starting 5, including a sensational transfer from Western Kentucky, Derrick Gordon, a guard. Starting center Cady Lalanne has the potential to be the best scoring big man in the post of the A-10. SF Raphiael Putney is a great playmaker, and Sampson Carter is the glue guy. Although they do have an always terrific VCU squad, an up and coming Rhode Island team, and veteran Saint Louis corp to deal with, I think, with this tight bunch, the Minutemen will win the A-10, and maybe find cinderella glory in March.

 

There are many more potential cinderellas to be mentioned, like Providence, Charlotte, UTEP, Indiana State, and North Dakota State. However, for today, I say Boise State, Harvard, and Massachusetts have the most potential for greatness. For now, this has been Ben Anderson, signing off. 

Marshall To Wear "75" On Helmets To Honor 1970 Tragedy

43 years ago on November 14th, one of the most tragic events in college football history took place. Following a 17-14 loss on the road against ECU, the Marshall football team flew home from Kinston, North Carolina. However, there was some fog & bad weather where the plane was flying so they had to make an emergency landing. That landing didn't go as planned, as the plane clipped some tree tips on the way down and nosedived into the ground about 5,000 feet short of the runway. All 75 people on board were killed.

This Thursday will mark the 43rd anniversary of the tragic event, and it's also the day Marshall takes on Tulsa in a nationally televised game on Fox Sports 1. The game was originally scheduled for this Saturday, but Marshall asked the NCAA to move it up to Thursday - the 43rd anniversary of the crash. I always love seeing teams use their uniforms for great causes - especially one like this. You can catch the game on Fox Sports 1 this Thursday at 7:30 EST.

This was a featured article on Tru School Sports. Check them out! Also, add me on Google+ (+Anton Joe) & follow me on Twitter @antonjoe22!

Northwestern's New Alternate Uniforms Stir Controversy

Northwestern will be wearing special uniforms next Saturday when they take on the Michigan Wolverines. However, their uniforms are the center of a controversy that's already gotten national attention. If you look at the picture above, you can see that the uniform design features blood-spatter on the gloves. No big deal, right? Well it doesn't stop there. That same blood-spatter is also on the helmets that Northwestern will be wearing next Saturday, as you can see in this picture below:

The uniforms also feature blood-spatter on the shoes & socks, as you can see in this picture:

Honestly, I don't have a problem with the uniforms. I think they look pretty cool. It saddens me to see that the uniform is being scrutinized instead of respected & appreciated. A simple gesture to honor the men & women who put their lives on the line to protect our rights & freedoms has turned into an ugly controversy. In my opinion, the sports world should just leave the uniforms alone. They were obviously made to honor our nations troop - not disrespect them.

Follow me on Twitter @antonjoe22!

What to Make of the Sixers Start

The Philadelphia 76ers came out to start the 2013-2014 by beating the Miami Heat, shocking everyone including Sixers fans. They then went on to take their next two games against the Washington Wizards away, and then the Chicago Bulls at home. Last night, the Sixers were brought back to Earth after the Golden State Warriors clobbered them 110-90. The question is, what should Sixers fans, the Sixers themselves, and the public make about this spectacular and puzzling start? In my opinion, it is quite simple: teams in the NBA will pick up their fare share of wins if they play hard and hustle, no matter the talent level. Now, as we saw last night, at times the talent will take over and the Sixers will not be able to get anything going, no matter how hard they play, or how hard they hustle. Sam Hinkie, the Sixers general manager, is in a win-win situation this year. If the Sixers win, he looks like a genius, and if they lose, he looks like a genius.

Michael Carter-Williams has been playing out of his mind throughout the first three games of the season, and he played well in last night's loss against Golden State. Carter-Williams outplayed LeBron James, Derrick Rose, and John Wall en route to leading the Sixers to their first three wins in their first three games. What has been so great about his play so far is his phenomenal defense, and his ability to orchestrate the offense. If you were Sam Hinkie, you would be watching this young man play and think that you have your future point guard. Carter-Williams has been shooting  the ball relatively well, considering his jump shot was the biggest question mark heading into the season. Shooting has not even been the best part of the Sixers and Carter-Williams' offensive game so far. The Sixers have been getting to the basket, which leads to higher percentage shots, explaining why the Sixers are seventh in the NBA in points per game, something unheard of the past couple of years. I do not know if it is Brett Brown or the players, but the Sixers are scoring, and Michael Carter-Williams has been the main factor in the Sixers success.

Although Sam Hinkie is a win-win situation, he must in a strange mindset right now. Do I want the team to win and risk not getting a high coveted pick, or do I root for the team to lose so I get that high draft pick, possibly getting Andrew Wiggins? The answer for him is both. This year for the Sixers, winning and losing are both good. Winning would show the fans and Hinkie that there is a young core that can play the game. Losing would give Hinkie and the Sixers a higher percent chance of obtaining a high draft pick, making Sam Hinkie happy no matter what happens.

The Philadelphia 76ers are young team with little talent that plays hard. In the NBA, that formula can get you wins. Even though I am shocked at the Sixers start, I can see them not necessarily winning three out of four games every time, but rather winning more often thenthey were predicted to. Regardless the Sixers look like a team with a bright future, led by point guard Michael Carter-Williams. As a Sixers fan, I hope that the team continues to play hard and whether they win or lose, it will be exciting to watch Carter-Williams grow and mature as a player, while veterans Thad Young, Evan Turner, and Spencer Hawes continue to play hard and give everything they have to the Sixers franchise.

Image Source: (http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/basketball/nba/img24177010.jpg)

The Odd State of the Sacramento Kings

Has this been a good year, or a bad year for the men in purple garb? The good part is obviously the fact that the troubled franchise would stay in Northern California, and not move to Seattle, but the teams came out of the debacle as a laughing stock by the media. Now, with a shining new point guard duo, and a young man named 'Boogie', the Kings are hoping to put their dark days behind them, as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.

On Wednesday night, Sacramento kicked off their 2013-14 season at home against the Denver Nuggets, and showcased a major glimmer of hope for the new era of ownership. DeMarcus 'Boogie' Cousins, the somewhat immature former Kentucky Wildcat center, is obviously going to be a star in the city for years to come. On the night, Cousins had an astounding 30 points and 14 rebounds to lead Sac-Town in scoring. If the Kings are going to succeed in their tough division, Cousins is going to have to put in a career year, and I believe he will do just that.

And how about the reigning Most Improved Player of the NBA? Greivis Vasquez had an underrated year last year for the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Venezuelan is really starting to become a catalyst in Sacramento. This year in Sacramento, he has a bevy of help behind him to carry some of the load. Isaiah Thomas really hasn't had that big year yet, but this might just have to be it. He was 3rd in scoring against Denver the other night, behind Cousins and Vasquez.

With some veteran leadership from Travis Outlaw and John Salmons, and a few other players that may be inconsistent, but have a boatload of potential, I really like this team to be a sleeper to challenge for a playoff seed in the NBA's Western Conference. In late January or February, the Kings will get another shot in the arm with the return of Carl Landry from a hip injury. Landry was a spur off the bench for the Warriors last year, and will be needed for a Purple Powered Playoff run.

Tonight, the Kings will square off against Chris Paul and the Clippers, and it is shaping up for an entertaining game. I certainly will be watching it, and I will be live tweeting it. Follow me at @benssports .  For now, so long, and we will hopefully meet here again in the morning!

Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview



Coming into the new NBA season, the Timberwolves are hungry to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. New GM Flip Saunders is taking over for David Khan, and many Wolves fans are happy Khan is gone. Last season, Minnesota was poised to have a breakout year, but injuries hurt the team. Key players like Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and Chase Budinger missed great portions of the season. But now, after some critical signings and management changes, the folks of Minneapolis are hoping this can finally be that big year they've been dreaming of.

Key Acquisitions: Kevin Martin -brings 3-point shooting the team so desperately needed. I personally love the signing, as he was a terrific player in Houston a few years ago, and a critical cog for Oklahoma City last year.

Corey Brewer - is back with the Wolves. He was drafted by them in 2007, but did not play well. However, he played pretty well in Denver, and he brings defensive toughness that the Minne needs.

Ronny Turiaf- brings playoff experience and a tough guy to the team

Shabazz Muhammad- they drafted him in the 1st round of this year's draft. Many Wolves fans did not like the pick, but i did. He was number 1 in the country coming out of high school, and he's got talent. He will fit well with team and he will play better with Ricky Rubio on the court.

Gorgui Dieng- love this pick, as he brings shot blocking which the Wolves needed.

Projected Starting Lineup:

PG Ricky Rubio

SG Kevin Martin

SF Corey Brewer

PF Kevin Love

C Nikola Pekovic

Key Bench Players:

PG JJ Barea

PG Alexey Shved

SF Derrick Williams (He needs a good start to the season or he will be traded)

SG Shabazz Muhammad

C Gorgui Deng

PF Dante Cunningham

Conclusion: I'm exited for the T-Wolves season, and fans should be too. They just need to stay healthy and they should be able to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Follow me on twitter @dubish_todd

Predictions For College Football Saturday: Will The Upset Bug Continue Reign?

Good morning, folks. Here today in the glorious game of college football are multiple Top 25 matchups that could spell chaos all throughout the world, creating an influx of joy and excitement rushing through our veins. Lets start with the big one:

The One To Watch

Tennessee at #1 Alabama:

Can Raijon Neal (pictured above) and the Vols upset their 2nd ranked SEC team in a row? Everyone sit tight in their seats, because listen to this. I believe so.

First of all, Alabama has been playing some extremely weak opponents lately. Say what you want about the good job the Kentucky Wildcats have done to try to rebuild their program, but they were crushed into a fine paste by Alabama. Arkansas, Georgia State, and Colorado State are not exactly what one would call, 'Quality Opponents'. This game might just be different. The Volunteers seem to have finally got in a groove, as they almost beat Georgia two weeks ago, and did beat the South Carolina Gamecocks last week in a thriller. Their 2-headed monster of a running attack consists of Raijon Neal and Marlin Lane, both supplying a bevy of critical runs this year for Tennessee. Quarterback Justin Worley has been making great throws recently, and has 1119 throwing yards on the season to go with his 10 touchdowns. Although the back half of their defense has been disappointing up to this point, the front half consisting of stars like defensive end Marlon Walls and linebacker AJ Johnson, has been as good as advertised. They, I predict, will be able to stop TJ Yeldon and the 'Bama rushing attack. A exhort you not to write this game off as an easy Crimson Tide win. As I said, this is a very hot Volunteer team, and will make Alabama look foolish more than one time. I don't have the guts yet to call this a Tennessee win, it being in Tuscaloosa, but I believe it will be very close.

Other Predictions:

#10 Texas Tech vs. #15 Oklahoma

I simply don't trust this Oklahoma offense enough to say that the Sooners will win in Norman. I say Davis Webb and Jace Amaro torch OU's defense, and the Raiders win, 27-17.

#12 UCLA vs. #3 Oregon

It will be reasonably close early, due to UCLA stopping the run with star defensive end Cassius Marsh, but Oregon will wear the Bruins down, winning 37-21.

Pennsylvania State vs. #4 Ohio State

The Nittany Lions are coming off of the huge win against Michigan in 4 overtimes, and after some well needed rest, they will come into Columbus firing. This is my 2nd big upset pick of the day, as Penn St.'s 3 headed monster of quarterback Christian Hackenberg, running back Zach Zwinak, and wide receiver Allen Robinson will light the Buckeye's inconsistent defense afire. Penn State wins, 34-31.

#6 Stanford vs. #25 Oregon State

Oh how I love this Beaver team. Quarterback Sean Mannion, and his whopping numbers of 2992 passing yards and 29 TDs through 7 games, has a stirring connection with star wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Many people wrote the Beavs off after their loss to a tough Eastern Washington team earlier this season, and they are still flying under the radar. This is the last big upset of the day, as OSU wins 26-24.

For now, that is all folks. What an insane day of potential upsets this is!