NBA and College Hoops

With #1 Duke falling short four points to unranked Virgina Tech, its safe to say that the NCAA is unpredictable? First, Ohio State falls out of the number one spot, then Kansas falls out the number one spot, and with the new rankings coming out Monday (2/28), who will fill that number one spot now?

This season to me it feels like we have a lot of good contenders for the NCAA tourney, but I still haven’t seen that dominant, power-house squad. Or maybe, those un-ranked contenders are just THAT hungry.

March Madness this season is going to be March Insanity, March Mayhem, March expect the unexpected. Its extremely difficult for me to say who will be Elite 8, let alone Final 4. Will Jimmer take his team far? Is Sullinger going to dominate the paint, and keep his team pushing forward? Will Kemba hit a game-winning shot and advance UNCONN further into the tourney? How about the Morris twins, are they just going to plow through teams till they reach the finals? How about the underdog team, SDSU, how far do you think they will get into the tourney? Will Duke put this loss behind them and go full force out the gates? The questions are endless….

I could on for days about the “What Ifs” but isn’t that what makes college basketball so enticing? March Madness this 2011 season is going to be amazing, so with that said, pick your brackets wisely, last thing we need is broken friendships because of underdog teams… 

—Vanessa Renee

Tonight set to square off on ESPN: Game 1- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Orlando Magic Game 2-Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers 

Game 1 Notes: With the Thunder looking for their first win in Orlando, in 7 years, its safe to say that this OKC team is HUNGRY!!! With the possible debut of Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, OKC is hitting the Magic’s home court tonight @ 8pm ET With the fast-paced tenacity of Westbrook and the his right hand man Kevin Durant this game good get down to the nitty gritty going up against the big man Dwight Howard. My predicted game plan that the Thunder might go in with, is DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE. Get Howard in foul trouble, and remove his presence in the key, and force him to the bench. We all know Russell can get to the basket as he pleases, and dish it out to KD (leading the NBA in scoring) for that nice shot Durant Posses. The key tonight ———> REBOUNDING!!!! Magic head in tonight, hoping to keep that 7 year streak alive. Magic are currently 36-22 heading into tonights game.

Game 2 Notes: Denver heads off on the road and will be playing the Portland Trailblazers tonight on their home court. Coming off that 14 point win against #1 Eastern ranked team Boston Celtics, wouldn’t be far off to say that the Nuggets got that burst of energy they needed coming off of the Anthony trade. Portland is hoping for Wallace and Aldridge to put up those big numbers that they are capable of doing. Also, with Brandon Roy back in the line up, hopefully he can get back into the groove of things and lead his team to a win tonight.

NBA on ESPN. Tipoff tonight @8pm ET

LIVE Game Coverage at www.myp2p.eu

—Vanessa Renee

Flying under the radar, the Chicago Bulls, pull out a 4 point win against the Miami Heat. Even with James, Wade and Bosh collectively adding 70 points, it still wasn’t enough. The Heat bench was outscored 22-2 and Rose, Boozer, and Deng threw down 62 points all together. Rose, (my pick for MVP) led the team with a total of 26 points and 6 assists. What doesn’t this young man do? He’s stepping up to the plate and leading his team to victory, with a decent supporting cast. Its my predicition that the Chicago Bulls will make the Eastern Conference Finals. This team is so young, fast and fresh, that i think their durability come playoffs, is what will get them through. During tonights game, everybody on the Bulls scored except for 3 people. Thats 9 players putting numbers on the board against the #2 ranked team in the East. Thats quite a statement right there. Shoot, thats better than what the defending championship Lakers are doing thus far. Dont sleep on the Bulls, they got the potential MVP, and just might be the upsetting team who makes it to the finals.

— Vanessa Renee

Top 3 teams in the East face off tonight. Two of them going head to head!!

Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls: Tonight will be a GREAT game. We got two of the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference going at it tonight in Chicago. The Heat are currently 42-15 and the Bulls are comin in at #3 with a record of 38-17. With Noah’s come back and Boozer bangin down low, wouldnt be far off to say that its going to be a battle down low, AS WELL as a shoot off between, Wade, James and Rose. The energy of this game is going to be insane, also may be a preview to what we may see come playoffs.

Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets: Its going to be a TOUGH one tonight in Denver. With the recent departure of Carmelo Anthony, its more than likely to say that the Nuggets (33-25) will probably take an L this game. With NeNe being their leading scorer averaging only 15.0 ppg and Boston (41-14) being the mature team that they are if you want to predict this game purely off stats, then yes, Celtics are projected to win. Not saying the Nuggets are just flat out horrible now because Melo is gone, but they are facing off to the #1 team in the East.

Make sure you tune in on TNT @ 5pm for Tipoff.

Also, catch the game here, LIVE @ www.myp2p.eu

—Vanessa Renee

The wait is over. Carmelo Anthony is finally a New York Knick. GREAT move in my book. I think the chemistry that is going to form between Amare and Anthony is going to be phenomenal. In addition the the chemistry Billups and Melo already have. The Knicks could be a Top 3 team in the East, under the Celtics and Heat. Also, i think the fast paced offense that Dantoni likes to run will fit Melo like a glove. Carmelo is a scorer, thats obvious, but what contributes to that IS the style of play that Mike has the Knicks running. Now lets piece this all together, Amare = Dominant, Melo = Producer, Billups = Facilitator then we can sprinkle some newbies in there like Landry Fields. Its looking pretty nice if you ask me. I think it also revives the city of New York. It gives them hope and a sense of pride. The trade all around is legit. 

Madison Square Garden is NOW ALIVE!!!!

—Vanessa Renee

Stephen Curry wins 2011 Taco Bell Skills Challenge

He won the final round with a time of 28.2 seconds to beat Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook 44.2. However the first round looked like Russ was going to take it with a time of 30 seconds flat, while Curry had 34.1 secs, but Curry played no games in the second round. Winning the trophy, and earning $30,000 for a young girl, thanks to the Taco Bell scholarship fund.

Chicago’s Derrick Rose (35.7 seconds), New Orleans’ Chris Paul (42.7) and Washington’s John Wall (39.3) also were in the contest.

I honestly thought the final round would’ve been between Paul and Curry, with Curry taking the W. But Paul had an embarrassing run after missing his first lay up.

-Tisha Jade

Yes, today is the day. 4 top contenders are set to face off this glorious sunday! Going to be some GREAT match-ups. 

First up, Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics. This is probably a preview to the Eastern Conference Finals. Of course, all eyes are on Lebron James, and how efficient he will be against Celtics. If the Heat show a well balanced stat sheet, then its fair to say, they just might walk out with the win. But, dont doubt the 3 headed monster (Pierce, Allen, and Garnett) along with Rondo and Perkins. Tip off is set at 1pm ET on ABC.

Then, next up on the double-header, the Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic. It will be interesting to see how Gasol and Odom produce for the Lakers. If they fulfill their role on the team, like they’ve proven they can, then this should be a guaranteed win for the Lakers. Its going to interesting to see what game plan Kobe has brewed up. Will he try and get his team involved in the first half and then dominate the next half? Or, will he keep the game balanced the whole way through. Also, lets see how Dwight Howard produces down low, against the Lakers big men. If he can get to the basket, and refrain from the fade away hook shots, then this just might be a bang out down low. Tip Off is set at 3:30pm ET on ABC as well.

Also, you can check out the game online, through this LIVE coverage website.

http://www.myp2p.eu

—Vanessa Renee

Yes, tonight is the night. The good ol fashion rivalry, is set to square off tonight. The Los Angeles Lakers will be headed to Boston in hopes of pulling out a road victory. As if the energy of this game wasnt enough, Ray Allen has a chance of breaking Reggie Miller’s record. All Ray needs is two more three’s and Reggie will be coming up 2nd. Of course we all know the heavy hitters for each team, but tonight lets see how Lamar Odom and Kendrick Perkins preform. Should be a good match up.

Could this be a preview of the NBA Finals 2011?

Tip Off @8pm ET on TNT

* If you cant watch the game on TV for whatever circumstances, be sure you watch LIVE game coverage on http://www.myp2p.eu *

—Vanessa Renee

The Cleveland Cavaliers fall to the Detroit Pistons 94-103 last night, making many question the future of the franchise. And even titling them with D-Leauge status. So what’s going on with the Cavs?? Going from having the leagues BEST record to the WORST, from what I see, there is not a single player that believes they can win, and without that, they aren’t going to win another game.

And Mo Williams hip injury, and Varajeo’s injury aren’t good enough excuses for the loss last night, or any night. It’s obvious the team plays with zero heart, or passion. They show little effort, but can you blame them? Losing 26 in a row!! 

Someone needs to give the Cavs a pep talk, some motivation, something. I think if Jordan, who majority of players look up to, gave Cleveland a 20 minute inspirational talk, they would play with at least a little more fire. 

The Cavs have another chance this Friday against the Clippers, hopefully they’ll put forth some effort then. 

-Tisha Jade

Jimmer, the way i look at it, has earned MVP of the NCAA with out a doubt in my mind. How do you stop this kid? Do you play him “honestly” and get blown past? Or, do you give him “cushion” condsidering the fact that your average college basketball player isnt going to shoot a three point field goal from about six feet behind the line. Probably not, but Jimmer would make you pay. This man is the Lebron James of the NCAA and i say that because he is single-handedly carrying his BYU squad. Fredette is averaging 27.6 points a game off of 47 % FG shooting. Given the two losses that BYU has recieved, Jimmer still put up 25 and 32 points. Guess how much the next leading scorer is averaging on the team….20? Nope. 15? Nope. 12.4 is the second highest leading scorer. Not to mention, Jimmer leads the NCAA in scoring, leaving Kemba Walker coming up second.

If you sit back and put this in perspective, IF Jimmer goes #1 in the NBA draft he would more than likely be headed to the Cavs, BUT if Kemba or Sullinger goes first then he has a 50% chance of suiting up with Kevin Love. Could you imagine Love actually having a scoring facilitator on his squad? But like any other kid entering the league, the question is, can he produce?

—Vanessa Renee 

Trade rumors have been going around that Anthony, might possibly be traded the Lakers for Andrew Bynum. Is this beneficial for the Lakers though? I mean the Lakers are a championship caliber team, and Melo hasn’t had the experience yet. Not saying that I don’t think that he cant perform, but with this being Phil Jackson’s last year as head coach, its quite the gamble to try and let a Top 10 player, mesh with a championship squad. People have to figure out their roles and find chemistry, it’s alot, it’s not just a “okay here you go, go play” type of deal. I think all these questions and future becomings need to be thoroughly weighed out.

On the contrary, do you think that Anthony would be a better fit for the Knicks though? With Amare? Also, the Knicks guards have been showing their potential. It could be another Cavs story, but have more than just ONE stand out player, with the possibility of making to the finals and actually winning a ring. Something Melo has been on the hunt for since 2003.

What do you guys think? Is Melo to the Lakers, or Melo to the Knicks?

—Vanessa Renee (@NessaRenee_Duh)

After a collision with Gilbert Arenas of the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtic Marquis Daniels left the court on a stretcher of the 2nd quarter with a neck injury. Celtic rep says he is expected to miss at least a month. Boston ended up taking the W, with a 91-80 win over Orlando. Our thoughts and prayers go to Daniels, and hope for a smooth and quick recovery.

-Tisha Jade

The NBA has given birth to some of the world’s most amazing athletes. The draft is the goal for every college player, but to enter the draft, get recruited from the draft and to PRODUCE in the NBA, is the challenge.

1984. First Round. The number one draft pick went to Hakeem Olajuwon, who was sent to the Houston Rockets. At 6’10 Hakeem’s presence was felt in the paint tremendously. He was THEE ONLY player in NBA history to recieve Defensive Player of the Year, Regular Season MVP, and Win Finals MVP all with in a year (1994). He then went on to win a NBA Championship the following year in 1995. Since entering the draft in 1984, it took Olajuwon 10 years to recieve his first ring, but non the less set out in the hopes of what any NBA player enters the league to do. Hakeem retired in 2002 and left the league with a total of 26,946 points, 3,830 blocks and 13,747 rebounds.

1984. First Round. The number three draft pick went to one of the NBA’s all time greatest; Michael Jordan, who was picked up by the Chicago Bulls. In his rookie season Jordan averaged 28.2 PPG, off of 51% FG shooting. Those numbers later earned him the Rookie of the Year award. After making it to the playoffs several times and being swept by the infamous Celtics and Detroit Pistons, the Bulls then took in Phil Jackson as the head coach in 1989 and in 1990 the Chicago Bulls won their first NBA Championship , which means it took Jordan 6 years to recieve his first ring. After that the rest was history, and Jordan led the bulls to a total of SIX NBA Chips. Mike hung up his jersey in 2003 and left the NBA with a total of 32,292 points, 6,672 rebounds, and 5,633 assists.

1984. First Round. The number five draft pick was granted to one of the most controversial NBA players of all time, good ol’ Charles Barkley. Barkley was drafted to the 76’ers. Charles was the garbage collector of all boards. His nick name was ” The Round Mound of Rebounds.” Although, he would go through his whole career without a ring, he did earn himself a MVP award in 1993 and was invited to 11 All-Star games. Charles exited the league in 2000 with 23,757 points, 12,546 rebounds and 4,215 assists.

The 1984 draft gave birth to some of the NBA’s greatest players to ever play the game. Between just those 3 players a total of 8 NBA Championships were given out, and every one of those men recieved a MVP award. One of them still stands alone, in a column all by himself. Legendary? Possibly.

Now, lets fast forward time to the year of 2003.

2003. First Round. The number one pick, which will be headed to the Cleavland Cavaliers, is Lebron James. The kid, literally, straight out of high school. The acclaimed player that would be filling the shoes of Michael Jordan OR be giving Kobe a run for his money. His rookie season, Lebron was nothing short of amazing. He started his first year in league off, by averaging 20.9 points a game, 5.9 assts, and 5.5 rebounds, earning him the Rookie of the Year award that season. Bron, did lead the Cavs to their first NBA finals in YEARS, but were sadly, scraped off the map. 2010 Lebron shook the the souls of the fans and announced his signing to the Miami Heat. Lebron, who has been in the league for almost eight years, is still on the hunt for his NBA ring.

2003. First Round. The number three pick goes to, Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo was sent to the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 21.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 2.8 RPG. Melo led the rookies that year in the scoring division, but was snubbed the Rookie of the Year Award. Since then Carmelo has been on the long journey for a NBA ring, let alone a MVP award.

2003. First Round. At the number five pick, the Miami Heat select Dwayne Wade. During all this hoopla between Carmelo and Lebron, Wade kind of flew under the radar. During his rookie season between the three of them, Wade averaged the lowest numbers. 16.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, and 4.5 RPG. Just 3 years in the league Wade accomplished what Charles couldn’t and what Lebron and Carmelo are still trying to accomplish; 2006 Dwayne Wade won himself a NBA championship. That season he averaged 27.4 PPG, 7.5 APG and 4.7 RPG. To add to the chip, Wade tacked on the title of the NBA’s Finals MVP.

As time goes on throughout the NBA league do you see a substantial difference? Are players truly playing to the best of their abilities? Or are they just playing through their contract in the hopes of being traded? 1984 we had 3 top 5 draft picks who have produced 8 rings and all 3 of them earning themselves a MVP award. 2003, we have one player with a championship, and 2 players with one and two MVP awards. Of course Lebron, Wade, and Melo are still fresh in their careers, but its just fun to sit back and compare some of the NBA legends to some of the NBA’s future legends. Not to mention Kobe Bryant is not even in this article.

Is the drive and ambition still in the league? Is the goal still the same? Is it all about the money and lifestyle or is about hoisting up that trophy, and taking pride that you and your squad was the best in the NBA.

Is the NBA the same?

—Vanessa Robbins

Tomorrow at 2:30 ET we have a GREAT match up folks. Orlando Magic takes on the home town team Boston Celtics. This should be a great game, considering Boston just recently took a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The key match-ups to be looking out for will be obviously KG vs Dwight, BUT the Celtics do have Kendrick Perkins coming off the bench. If Kendrick gets into a flow early, it might be safe to say that Celtics could take this one. Of course, if Ray Allen has an amazing shooting spree, things could get ugly. On the flip side, if Dwight Howard plays how he is supposed to play for a man of his stature and ability, than this could be a pretty decent game. Dwight needs to power up and go TO the rim, because when he’s pushed away and forced to shoot the falling hook, or even the 13 footer, its not always promising. Jameer Nelson and Quentin Richardson need to bring their A game as well, if the Magic want to walk out that arena with the win. But, all in all, i think its going to be the battle of the big men.

Game Coverage begins at 2:30pm ET on ABC OR Watch LIVE on www.myp2p.eu

—Vanessa Renee

Who would you like to see an interview with AND what questions would you like to be answered? Hit us with your guys answers, just click on the “Lets Talk Sports” link and submit your answers. We wanna hear from you guys.

Some pretty good line ups today. Primarily Ranked vs Un-ranked squads. But do you remember last weekend? That was the weekend of Road Warrior upsets. Couple ranked squads lost on their home soil. So make sure you tune in today. May happen today,OR maybe squads are out to prove why they are ranked. You never know, its College Ball.

Catch all your games, here, online. Live coverage. 

http://www.myp2p.eu

—Vanessa Robbins