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Guard Play Wins Championships

To win a championship you must have good guard play. One player can carry you through the NCAA tournament, but this person must be someone who can handle the ball and shoot the J. There are instances where you need an interior presence to keep your opponents honest, and you could probably argue that most great guards at least have a productive big man, but to make it through the toughest post season in all of sports, guard play has to be exquisite .

Year and Champs Guards
2009 UNC Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington
2008 Kansas- Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush
2007 Florida Taurean Green, Corey Brewer
2006 Florida Taurean Green, Corey Brewer
2005 UNC Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants
2004 Uconn Ben Gordon, Rashad Anderson
2003 Syracuse Gerry McNamara, Carmelo Anthony
2002 Maryland Steve Blake, Juan Dixon
2001 Duke Jason Williams, Mike Dunleavy Jr
2000 Michigan State Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell, Morris Peterson
1999 Uconn Khalid El-Amin, Richard Hamilton

All these players played key roles in their respected teams winning the championship. There are key big men involved on many of these teams, but down the stretch when you need a big shot, most of the time it will not be a big man. That’s why this year I am make big decisions according to the teams guard play.

Players that can make noise
Ohio State could go far because of one player. Evan Turner could be the best player in America and could put Ohio State on his back and take them to the final four. One problem, the teams they have to go through also have great players/ guard play. James Anderson of Oklahoma State could spoil Ohio State’s sweet 16 chances. Also, the like of Sharon Collins and Kansas stand in the way in the elite eight. Kentucky also has great guard play with John Wall, but so does Wisconsin who they could possibly meet in the elite eight. Trevon Hughes proved he could hit big shots in the Big Ten tournament. If there is one player you haven’t heard of that could make noise, its Trevon Hughes. Another team that could make some teams dreams go down the tubes is Washington. I know they play in the Pac-10, but Isiah Thomas is one of the better guards in the country. Last but not least, Villanova and Scottie Reynolds. Reynolds has proved all year he can make big shots. They have struggled as of late, but look for Nova to make a run.

Seven seed and lower that can make noise.

Many people are jumping on the band wagon of the Richmond Spiders. This is not a mistake. The spiders have the A-10 player of the year in Kevin Anderson. Even though I see Nova going far, Richmond is a scary team to play in the second round. Utah State is second in the country in three point percentage, while Texas A&M is 213 in the land from beyond the arc. A 12 over 5 upset is very possible if Utah State gets hot. Also they could face Siena or Purdue in the second round, which is a very favorable match up. If Siena can get past Purdue in the first round they also have a realistic shot at a Cinderella run to the elite eight. I do see Utah State being a sleeper, but Siena has a better shot at beating Duke in the sweet 16.

The NCAA tournament is more unpredictable than the words that will come out of Bill Raftery’s mouth this month…”A little pastry.” But what I have seen in the past is that talented guards emerge in the tournament and can take their teams to the final four and this year’s bracket is full of promising guards who can do just that.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 20

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (52-15)- After crushing the Celtics in Boston again, the Cavs showed that they will have no problem facing them in round 2 of the playoffs. In fact, their probably hoping for it.
2. Orlando Magic (47-21)- Their loss to the Bobcats finally ended their 8 game win streak, as they now sit 3.5 ahead of the Hawks.
3. Dallas Mavericks (45-22)- They drop a spot because of their inexplicable loss to the Knicks. The Mavs look to get back on the right track this week vs. Chicago and Boston.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (49-18)- The Lakers move up a spot because of their 3 game win streak and the Nuggets recent loss to the Rockets. Kobe and Co. look to extend their lead in the West this week with a very easy week (Kings, T-Wolves, Wizards).
5. Denver Nuggets (45-22)- After topping the Grizzlies, Denver took a small step back by letting Houston rack up 125 points on them. Their matchup vs. the red hot Bucks on Saturday should be a good one.
6. Utah Jazz (43-24)- Even though they lost consecutive games for the first time since January, the Jazz continue to play consistent basketball. Friday night’s game in Phoenix should be interesting.
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (41-24)- Russel Westbrook is emerging in to a star point gaurd, and it couldn’t be a better time for the Thunder. Their playoff push continues as they are now only 1 game back of home court advantage in the first round.
8. Atlanta Hawks (42-23)- No ESPN, us Hawks fans would not rather face Lebron James in the 2nd round. I’ll take my chances with the trigger happy Magic, even if they do have Dwight Howard.
9. Phoenix Suns (41-26)- They stumbled a bit losing their two biggest games in the last 2 weeks (Jazz and Lakers), but they look to continue their search for the #4 seed this week against Minnesota, Utah, and Portland.
10. San Antonio Spurs (39-25)- The Spurs took care of business beating three awful teams and going 3-0 for the week. This moves them up a spot, but doesn’t prove much for their playoff hopes. A win in Orlando this week could do wonders.
11. Milwaukee Bucks (36-29)- The Bucks move into the 11 spot because of the emergence of Andrew Bogut. He is finally living up to his #1 pick status, leading the Bucks to the #5 seed.
12. Portland Trailblazers (41-28)- The Blazers continue their strong play as they’re 8-2 in their last 10 games. Much like the Spurs though, many of their wins during that streak were against lottery teams.
13. Boston Celtics (42-24)- Boston had a very up and down week that included getting embarrassed by Memphis and Cleveland, yet destroying Indiana and Detroit.

Stephen Jackson has been a huge part of the Bobcats turnaround

14. Charlotte Bobcats (34-31)- The Bobcats are back in the hunt for the #5 seed, as they’ve now won 6 straight. Their win vs. the Magic was very impressive, and they look to continue the playoff push this week against the Hawks, a possible first round opponent.
15. Miami Heat (35-32)- The Heat continue to play better basketball, but I don’t think Wade has enough help to make them a #5 or even #6 seed this season.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (35-32)- Their win vs. the Celtics was huge, but a win vs. the Nuggets would have been even bigger. The recent loss puts them 5 games out of the #8 seed.

500!?!?

Upon reading ESPN today, I saw yet another article revolving around the incredibly stupid, over-rated, and overly talked about Gilbert Arenas. I know I am completely contradicting myself by writing this small article, but I just feel like stressing my point about how stupid this man is. Apparently, Arenas believes that he “deserves to be punished” for bringing multiple guns to the locker room as a “practical joke.” Ya think? Why wasn’t this out months ago when this was actually news to the world. This isn’t Grand Theft Auto Gilbert, you can’t just bring a handful of guns in to your teams locker room and laugh about it.

Not quite all 500 of his, but close!

Anyway, the reason I’m writing this article is about what else he admitted to today. Arenas admitted to having over 500 firearms in his home at one point. Wait, what? 500!? What the hell would actually have to happen to justify keeping over 500 guns in your house. World War III? Alien Invasion? Zombieland? I just don’t understand the reasoning for this. Eh, at least it gave me something to shake my head and laugh about today. I think it might have to be a tie for dumb ass athlete of the year between Gilbert and Tiger. Oh, and Gilbert, changing your number to 6 next season just like another certain NBA athlete won’t do anything for your image. Just go away.

March Madness: LBS Bracket Challenge

Hey guys, it’s march and you know what that means. I thought it would be pretty cool to expand on my usual group I set up for March Madness and involve all of our fans. I have made a group for everyone to enter their brackets to see how smart the world is vs. the experts here on Lets Blog Sports. Don’t be afraid to pick upsets because if i know my friends, we will have far different brackets than those sellout ones displayed on ESPN. We will give the winner their 15 minutes of fame on the website at the conclusion of the tournament. Good luck.

Sign Up here through CBSsportsline.com. We will keep everyone updated on the standings.

http://lbschallenge.mayhem.cbssports.com/e

Password:

letsblogsports

Can Uconn Women beat Uconn Men?…

…Prolly not, but God Uconn men are awful. This is not so much an article with stats and information, but more about me venting on an underachieving team. Usually Calhoun can get a team like this years Uconn team to win enough games where they make the tournament as an at large, because god knows lately they have not done well in the Big East tourney. But I’m not going to blame Calhoun this year at all. Uconn just played piss poor. In my opinion they have one of the most talented back courts in the country, which in theory would carry a team in March. Guard play wins during tournament time. I strongly believe this theory and you need a guard to ride to the big dance and make a long run in the tourney. In Uconn’s case, after taking down Villanova and West Virginia and the play of guards Kemba Walker and Jerome Dyson, it seemed that they were on their way to becoming a dangerous team to look out for later in March. They have everything you need to win. They are huge inside, bigger than most teams around the country and can run three to four deep at the power forward and center spots. They have the perfect small forward in a 6″10″ freak athlete, Stanley Robinson and the fastest back court in all of America. Yes the big man are young and as seen, obviously not as talented as in years past and that’s why I put this on Dyson and Walker. Two guys who have shown greatness at times, disappeared when it counted and are the reason Uconn will be playing in the NIT this year. This year was one of the more frustrating years to watch Uconn play. Offensively they were stagnant and defensively, just miserable. Uconn deserves what they got this year. Next thing I am looking for from Uconn are pictures of Gavin Edwards ripping shots of tequila and slamming beers with Leary. Come on man make it happen.

Going Old School- Valparaiso

This is the second installment. I will look at past sporting events and talk about them, some people don’t remember and some people love. The first one was with Kermit Washington and The Punch.

This is my favorite buzzer beater ever, and with NCAA Tourney coming around the corner, this can get you in the mood. 1998 was the first year that I remember filling out a bracket. With my Dad guiding me, I took pretty much all chalk that I can remember. I had Ole Miss making a run however. I don’t remember much of the game, but I remember the shot, I remember going nuts and I remember never picking Ole Miss again in the NCAA. Bryce Drew, son of Head Coach Homer Drew, made the falling down 3. There was the great throw down court, the terrific tip pass, and then Drew drilling the shot. The best part was Drew just jumping on the ground and his teammates mobbing him. This shot also gave Drew a short-lived NBA career, which is absolutely ridiculous. He played for Houston, and he made a couple million dollars off that one shot. Unreal play though, and that is just enough to get me pumped up for the NCAA Tourney. 

How Many Games Can UCONN Women Win?

The UConn Women are doing something historic. I am not going to sit here and list off the ridiculous stats (maybe just one, they have trailed for only a little under 3:30 in the second half in the 71 games). However, I will try to tackle the subject of how many games they could win. Heres the reason that I see this lasting for at least two more years. First off, Maya Moore is going to be a senior next year, which could lead you to a undefeated season right there. They lose Tina Charles, a big loss, however, they can just as easily reload with everybody else back. Plus, Geno has the biggest advantage in the world, recruiting. What better recruiting tool to the best players in America than: We don’t lose. We are the best team ever. You will be on ESPN every night. I am the best coach in the country. You will play with the best players in the country. There is no better recruiting tool than that. Plus, they have Caroline Doty, who is a SMOKESHOW.

So here is the question: How many games can UConn Women win in a row?

I am confidently saying that they win over 100, by going undefeated next year as well. The final number will be 140 games in a row. I am going out on a limb right here, but I can honestly see them doubling the number. Who else is even close to them? Better get use to hearing about UConn Women.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 19

1. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-15)- By winning without Lebron and reaching 50 wins, they’ve proved even further that they are the best team in the NBA.

2. Dallas Mavericks (44-21)- Dallas is prettymuch unstoppable right now, as they’ve won 12 straight to creep within only 2.5 of the Lakers in the West.  Can Dirk and the Mavs overtake the sliding Lakers in the coming weeks?

3. Orlando Magic (44-20)- The Magic are streaking, and have now won 5 straight.  Their Sunday win over the Lakers was rather impressive, even though they almost blew it because of their lack of free throw shooting ability.

4. Denver Nuggets (42-21)- The Nuggets continue to play well, and are now only 3.5 behind the Lakers for the top seed in the West.  They should take advantage of a relatively easy week with matchups against the Timberwolves, Hornets, and Grizzlies.

5. Los Angeles Lakes (46-18)- The Lakers continue to slide and are close to blowing their #1 seed.  They’ll look to snap their 3 game losing streak tonight against the Raptors.

6. Utah Jazz (40-22)- The Jazz unloaded vs. the Rockets, scoring 133 points and also took down the surging Suns last week.  Utah is now only 5 back of the Lakers and look to continue their strong play vs. the Bulls, Pistons, Bucks, and Thunder this week- all on the road.

7. Phoenix Suns (40-25)- The Suns are hot, and it’s coming at a perfect time, as they sit only 4 games back of the #2 seed.  Amare has been dominant, and Grant Hill is having his best season in years.  Their matchup Friday night with the Lakes should be a great one.

8.Oklahoma City Thunder (38-24)- “The Durantula” continues at an MVP pace, and the Thunder continue to win.  They’ve definitely benefited from an easy schedule as of late, but I see them as a serious threat in the West come playoff time.

9. Boston Celtics (40-21)- Boston escaped another embarrassing loss at home to the Wizards because of the suddenly surging Ray Allen, as they won their fourth straight to move back in to third in the East.

STOP losing to teams like the Knicks!

10. Atlanta Hawks (40-23)- I hate this team sometimes.  How does this team expect to be considered a serious contender when you go 1-3 vs the Knicks?

11. San Antonio Spurs (36-25)- The Spurs lost a tough one in Cleveland, especially beacuse Lebron didn’t play.  They’ll look to capitilize this week though with matchups against the Knicks, Wolves, and Clippers.  Doesn’t get much easier than that.

12. Portland Trailblazers (37-28)- They’re starting to get healthy and that should scare the rest of the West.  They’ve won 5 of their last 7, and look to move up in the West with an easy week against the Kings (twice), Warriors, and Raptors.

13. Milwaukee bucks (33-29)- The Bucks might be the hottest team in the East, and are somehow suddenly the favorite to finish 5th in the East.  Jennings has taken this team over, and matured in to an elite PG in only one season.  Maybe all young PG’s should start in Europe for a year…

14. Miami Heat (32-31)- D-Wade and the Heat beat two of the better teams in the NBA last week in the Lakers and Hawks.  Can they keep it up?  Or will they continue their very inconsistent play and lose to the Bobcats, Clippers, and Bulls this week?

15. Memphis Grizzlies (33-31)- Even though they can’t win at home, the Grizzlies great road play has kept them in the playoff race.  They have two big games this week as their in Boston Wednesday night and at home for the Nuggets on Saturday.  They should win both of these if they want to stay in the playoff race.

16. Toronto Raptors (32-29)- Chris Bosh went to the hospital and I think the rest of the team also needs to.  They’ve fallen apart while he’s been gone and are seriously hurting their playoff chances.  They have a long Western road trip this week that could really help their playoff positioning, or seriously damage it.

Ben’s Top 10 Athletes

Since Russo and Frank have already done it and my athletes are way more awesome than theirs, I said why the hell not do one too…

Honorable Mentions (Jamaal Anderson, Jimmy Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Javy Lopez, Fred McGriff, Alge Crumpler, Terrel Davis)

10. Josh Smith-He came out a selfish 18 year old youngster who wanted to pop 3′s whether he could or not.  What he’s become in 5 years is the complete opposite.  He is probably the best passer on the new and improved Hawks, and has all the flash and popularity of a star.  No one can make the ATL rock right now like “J-Smoov” can with his thunderous dunks and powerful blocks.

9. Mark Brunell-I’m not gonna lie when I was a kid I LOVED the Jaguars.  I basically had three favorite NFL teams, the Falcons, Jaguars, and Broncos. Brunelle was just awesome to watch, he always made me want to be a lefty QB when I would play because he just made it look so cool.  He actually reminded me of a left handed John Elway with his scrambling, strong arm, and comeback abilities.  Hey, he finally got his super bowl ring this season as the fully grey haired, 300 year old backup to Drew Brees.

8. John Elway- Speaking of Elway, my dad’s influence of the Denver Broncos led me to have a good amount of Elway memorabilia.  Jerseys, T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, and cards.  Elway was the man.  No one could lead a 4th quater comeback any better than #7.  It was tough seeing him beat my Falcons in ’99, but if there was any guy I had to pick beat them it was Elway on his goodbye tour.

7. Joe Johnson- I bought his jersey the second the Hawks got their new uniforms 3 years ago and they immediately made the post season for the first time in like forever.  It was probably the best jersey purchase I made in years, as that year his deep 3′s and clutch shooting against the Celtics in the playoffs basically made me BmyL.

6. Michael Vick-If he hadn’t been a complete RA-TARD and killed dogs, he would be much higher on this list (probably #2).  Michael Vick is my favorite football player of all time, even if he did destroy the lives of hunderds of dogs and  join the damn Eagles.  Almost nothing got me more pumped up than seeing him scramble through defenses and run for 100+ yards a game.  I knew once he became the first ever opposing QB to win a playoff game in Lambeau Field, that we had a superstar player on our hands.  It’s just too bad that he is nowhere near intelligent.  Damn, I miss him sometimes.

5. Greg Maddux- Greg Maddux was the man, nothing could stop him in the 90′s and he never changed his expression on the mound.  He would flip a shit in the dugout and to himself often, but he was such a team player.  He definitely looked a little “special,” especially when he was pitching, but regardless, he was just straight up un-hittable.  It was good to see Braves fans go crazy for him once more last season when he announced his retirement at the Ted.

4. Tom Glavine- The lefty who mastered the corners was inspiration to all young pitchers.  No one could do what he did troughout his career.  He always seemed to have the Ump on his side as he would throw an 84 mph slider that just nipped the outside corner for strike 3.  I was very happy to see him back in Atlanta for the last season or two, even if it didn’t end up so well.

3. Andruw Jones- Ah, Andruw Jones.  Who else made better catches in center field from 1996 through 2006?  No one. Who else hit 2 homers in a World Series game vs. the Yankees as a rookie? No one. Andruw was the man, especially when he became a legitatme clean up hitter to protect Chipper.  The season where he belted 51 homers and probably should have won the MVP, there was no one more fun to watch in baseball.  It’s sad to see his career fall off so drastically, and he deserved much better than what he got in L.A., but he’s had a pretty ridiculous career.

2. John Smoltz- Along with Dennis Eckersley, Smoltz is the best Starter/Closer of all time.  When his career was supposed to be over with, what does he do?  Come back to the Braves and save 144 games in three seasons.  He was absolutely amazing as a closer, especially in a time when the Braves desperately needed one.  Even after that, he turned back in to a starter and delivered 44 wins in 3 seasons as the Braves ace.  I loved Smoltz because he always gave his body 100% for the team, as he would pinch hit and even pinch run whenever asked.  I would love to see him come back this season as a relief pitcher and end his career as it should end, an Atlanta Brave.

1. Chipper Jones- Was this even in question?  Put it this way, I am literally going to cry the day he announces his retirement or plays his final game.  Everything I did as a baseball player I molded after Chipper, I learned to bat left handed and throw righty, I wore number 10 whenever I could, I wore my socks really high like he used to, and I played third base whenever I wasn’t pitching.  Oh, and I have the same last name as him.  Chipper has Hall of Fame written all over him, and I would love to see him reach 500 home runs over his final 3 seasons, leading the Braves back to the World Series.