Monday, March 30, 2009

Smart Move?

Today, ESPN reported that Memphis coach John Calipari is coming close to a deal that would make him coach of Kentucky. The deal is reported to be worth 8 years and $35 million. This would make him the highest paid coach in college basketball. Calipari took Memphis to the title game last year and to the Sweet 16 this year. Despite getting a truck-load of money, Calipari is passing up on 2 McDonald's All-American recruits coming in next season and an already established star in Tyreke Evans if he stays for his sophomore season. On one hand, Calipari could get more exposure in a stronger conference, the SEC, and be coach of a storied university. At the same time, Calipari could be leaving behind a great attraction for the nation's best recruits. Maybe he will get the best of both worlds by going to Kentucky and still bring in top recruits.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

What!?!?

Today it was announced on ESPN that Seth Curry, the younger brother of college basketball star Stephen Curry, will transfer to Duke after his freshman year at Liberty. Curry led the nation in freshman scoring at 20.6. By looking at his game, Curry doesn't seem to be the normal Duke guard, who are known to be soft players. Two things could come from this transfer: Either Curry can change the perception of Duke guards and remain an aggressive scorer or could be a victim of Coach K's system, chucking up 3's and being overpowered by aggressive guards. Next season should be very interesting.

Bracket Busted

The Final Four were set earlier today. Things seemed to be going according to seeding in the tournament until things took a major turn this weekend. The teams on their way to Detroit are #3 seed Villanova, #2 seed Michigan St, and #1 seeds Connecticut and North Carolina. It should be a good Final 4 since every team left is actually good from top to bottom. My bracket is completely busted as i had Louisville, Memphis, Syracuse and Pitt in the Final Four with Pitt winning it all against Louisville. With the teams left, I think it'll be UConn over NC in the title game.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Encore!!!

It's been about 7 months since California native rapper Shwayze hit the scene with the MTV show "Buzzin'" based on his many adventures with producer and vocalist, Cisco Adler. His first, self-titled album was different from most modern rap. It had a cool vibe with slow beats and hooks by Cisco. The duo recently put  out a mixtape called Rich Girls and it's good material and is much like the first album. Shwayze is also set to drop his second album this summer; should be good. Here's a track from the mixtape, called Boomerang:

Tourny Time



Today sparks off the most entertaining conference tournament in all of college basketball, the Big East tournament which takes place at the famous Madison Square Garden. Teams such as Piit and UConn already seem to have number 1 seeds locked for the Big Dance. Louisville could also make a case for a number 1 seed; they lead the conference in Big East wins. Other teams are on more shaky ground:
The Georgetown Hoyas, who were ranked amongst the top teams in the nation have fallen to 7-11 in the conference. The Hoyas absolutely need to win the Big East tournament if they plan to make it to the big dance. If not, they will end up in the NIT.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Back On The Scene

With the return of Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams at full health, the Jazz seem to be a legit contender in the West. They were my pre-season pick to make it to the Finals and i still believe that they can make it. If the Lakers can't get Bynum back in full swing by the playoffs and if the Spurs can't get healthy, then Utah should have no problem competing for the title. Right now they are on a 9 game winning streak and D-Will has posted 10 straight double-doubles. 

Unwanted

It was just recently announced that Pistons' star guard Allen Iverson will be out for 2 weeks with a back injury. Without Iverson, Detroit has had 3 impressive wins against Boston, Orlando and Denver. Maybe this is a sign that the team is better without their all-star. It seems to me that Iverson may have been told behind closed doors to stay off the court. I wouldn't be surprised if another suspicious injury comes up soon after these next 2 weeks. Hopefully A.I. will find a new home where he can once again be the exciting, 30 point scorer everyone knows him to be.

Making It Big


A couple days ago at school I heard that OJ Da Juiceman had a video playing in the cafe on MTV-U. I had to check it out. I'm still amazed that MTV would play his video because of what he raps about but I'm still happy to see it because he has been getting major play in Baltimore for almost 2 years now. It's going to be interesting to see what he will do with his new fame since his right hand man, Gucci Mane is still serving his 1 year prison sentence. As long as he doesn't sell out I'll be cool with it. The video is for the song called "I'm Getting Money" and it's produced by So Icey Ent.'s official producer Zaytoven. Here It Is...

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

For The Love Of Money

Just a couple days ago, star wide-receiver, TJ Houshmandzadeh signed a 5 year/$40 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. TJ played for the Cincinnati Bengals for his whole career before signing the big contract. It is a wonder why he would sign with a team that was no better than the Bengals. One could make the case that he did it because he played for Oregon State and is familiar with the area. Houshmandzadeh also had the choice to go to Minnesota where he would play for a playoff team on the rise and play alongside arguably the best running back in the league in Adrian Peterson. I conclude money was the deciding factor in this situation.