Team USA: The Blue-White Scrimmage

Anybody else watching this scrimmage (ESPN3, probably also on TV) ? Team USA Basketball is trying to cut down from 19 players to 15 before going to training camp.

Important players on the bubble include Eric Gordon, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, Andre Iguodala, and Brook Lopez.
Derrick Rose has been playing heavy minutes for the White team, where he is joined by Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Tyson Chandler, and others.

It's definitely a youth movement on the new Team USA - this is not exactly a "Dream Team" - but Chauncey Billups and Lamar Odom are notable veterans.

Updates and conclusions at the half.

POSTGAME REACTIONS:

Well, our guy from the Chi played some very impressive basketball, as his White team won 114 - 96 behind 28 points from Durant, the undisputed star of Team USA.



Rose played over 30 minutes, the most of anybody on his team, and scored 15 points on an array of highlight-reel layups, fastbreaks, and even a pretty three point bucket. But that's not all he did. He also looked ready and willing to play the point and embrace his role.

His eight assists were tops in the game (Rajon Rondo had six for Blue), while his five steals also led all players. Oh, and he didn't turn the ball over once. For comparison's sake, Durant and Rudy Gay had seven TOs each.



Rose made a strong case to be the starter for the US at point guard going forward, a position previously assumed to belong to Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets' floor general was just 2-for-10 tonight in 21 minutes and looked more comfortable shouting instructions from the bench than actually playing.

In a loaded backcourt which also includes budding stars Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Rondo, D-Rose looked like the class of the organization tonight.

Others who played impressively included Durant, Tyson Chandler, and Andre Iguodala for the White team, and Kevin Love and JaVale McGee for the Blue side. I know. JaVale McGee? Well, he looked ready to hustle and has some great low post moves.

Can't wait to watch the WBCs in Turkey this year.

New Olympic Sports for 2014

I was just thinking about this, and I have a couple of proposals to spice things up a little bit for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Bobsledcross - Just like skiiing and snowboarding, bobsledding involves going down a hill at high speeds. And just like those two sports, it's a whole lot more exciting watching four competitors race each other at the same time, dodging and whatnot.

So I think it's time for a straight up bobsled race - let's take the sport back to its roots.



Hockey - Would be much better in outdoor arenas, like what the NHL does every year. Also, is there any way to make women's hockey more exciting/relevant? How about allowing checking, like the boys? It's only fair.



Snowmobiles - Because, let's face it, they are awesome.



(and with that, I have the record for Most Videos in a Post. Sweet, sweet, victory.)

Weekday Watch: Olympic Hockey Quarterfianls

Today is the Quarterfinals round for Olympic Hockey and there are tons of great games all over the place. (All Times Eastern)


USA vs Switzerland (3 PM)

The United States already beat the Swiss 3-1, but Swiss goalie Jonas Hiller has been play better since them. The USA should win, but shouldn't take the Swiss too lightly

Who I want to win: USA
Who I think will win: USA


Canada vs Russia (7:30 PM)

A lot of people predicted this would be the Gold Medal game and feel that these teams are still the best two this year. I think this will be the match of the tournament. The NHL's two biggest young stars are going at it (Sid the Kid and Alexander the Great). If you enjoyed USA vs Canada, please turn this game on, you'll love it. SI's Mike Farber does a great job breaking the game down more in depth here.

Who I want to win: Tough choice, but Canada
Who I think will win: Canada

Czech Republic v Finland (10 PM)

Each of these teams finished in second place in thier respective groupings. Each have a handful of NHL players. Both teams have played in Gold Medal games before (Czech '98, Finland '06). Each team has the potential to get back there.

Who I want to win: Czech Republic
Who I think will win: Finland

Sweden vs Slovakia (Midnight)

Two Blackhawks will be playing for Slovakia which is a team many had a possible suprise team in the tournamnet. Sweden has been playing well and not lost yet, so it will be a tough chore for Hossa and his friends.

Who I want to win: Slovakia
Who I think will win: Sweden

Enjoy some hockey today, and turn on Russia vs Canada, trust me you'll love it.

One intresting statistic I found on si.com to close.

10.6 -- Canadian viewers, in millions, that watched the U.S.-Canada game Sunday on CTV, the most-watched sports program in Canadian history, according to CTV. The previous record of 10.3 million viewers watched Canada beat the U.S. in the gold medal game at Salt Lake.

United States vs. Canada Tonight

So tonight is the highly anticipated matchup between the United States and Canada in men’s hockey. I have heard some people call in the biggest game in sports. Those of you who know me know that I disagree with that statement. I believe that the United States win over the Soviet Union 30 years ago tomorrow is one of the best moments in US sports. It had more meaning 30 years ago and still would if there is an upset tonight.

I don’t see tonight’s matchup anymore than just a game between border rivals where both teams are made up of NHLers and for bragging rights for teammates that are on opposing sides. A factor that downplays the importance of this game is the fact that each team makes the medal round anyways, so the US could lose this game and still have a chance at a medal - just means they won’t get a bye. In fact the network doesn’t see this as an important game as they will be showing the ever so popular Ice Dancing on its primary station.

Seriously………..Ice Dancing?

You will have to tune in on MSNBC to watch this game. While I believe anything can happen I don’t see the United States pulling this out. The offense and defense have looked out of sync both games so far so goalie Ryan Miller must have a great game to have a chance. Canada is coming of a shootout win over the Swiss the other night so they will look to have a better performance. So enjoy tonight’s game if the US wins they get a bye, and if they lose then they don’t get a bye no big deal.

To steal something from Steve-

Who do I want to win: United States
Who do I think will win: Canada-A

EDIT: US Wins! I was delivery driving, but apparently I missed an awesome game. -MF

Weekend Watch

Weekend Watch

No wagers this week, Apparently there is something called baseball going on, I don’t plan on watching any of it until the playoffs start. On to the WATCH!

Friday

10:30 AM 2016 Olympic Selection Show

Is this as exciting as CBS’ March Madness selection Sunday? I’d say it close, but after the first round Chicago was done. I’m not going to lie, I never never saw that one coming. Congrats to Rio and South America. (Quick side note, I heard they are already 17 Billion in the hole, anybody else hear this, I’m not being bitter or negative, but I just hope USA does not have to save Rio like it did Athens)

11:00 AM Panthers vs Blackhawks from Finland

Blackhawks opening up overseas is really cool, sadly the Hawks lost in a shootout, but at elast we get 1 point. The Toews jersey didn’t help, oh well we got them again tomorrow.

Pitt at Louisville 7 PM ESPN

I wish this game would have been played a few years ago. Wanny has had his ups and downs with Pitt, but they are right in the middle of the Big East again. Louisville hasn’t been the same since Petrino left.


Who I want to win: Louisville

Who I think will win: Pitt


Saturday

9 AM ESPN College GameDay



They are at Boston College this week to help in their celebration of a player with cancer. I understand the importance of this, and I know that Cal and Miami lost last week, but I’m still surprised they aren’t at Berkley for Cal Southern Cal, or Miami for THE U vs Oklahoma.


11 AM Blackhawks vs Panthers from Finland

The Hawks scored first, and the Panthers answered. The Hawks scored again, and the Panthers answered. One more time the Hawks scored again, and the Panthers answered. The Hawks need to get the lead and maintain the lead. They shouldn’t have lost on Friday and hopefully they will learn from their mistakes.

Who I want to win: Blackhawks

Who I think will win: Blackhawks


11 AM Michigan at Michigan State Big Ten Network

It’s a rivalry game, MSU needs this win to get there season back on track, Michigan needs to keep winning to reclaim some national respect after last season

Who I want to win: Go Blue!

Who I think will win: Go Blue!


7 PM Oklahoma at Miami & Southern Cal at California

These games make me wish IU would not be playing a night so I could watch them. These game are huge for each team and there season aspirations. All 4 still have an outside shot at the national title, a loss this week would effectively ruin that for them. Miami could start off 3-1 in one of the toughest schedules in the country would be impressive. Just as impressive would be if Oklahoma goes 3-1 without their Heisman winning QB. Cal and Southern Cal have not only national championship thoughts, but they Pac-10 championship. Each already has a loss in the Pac-10 and getting the second one could end the hopes for either.

Who I want to win: The U!

Who I think will win: Oklahoma

Who I want to win: Cal

Who I think will win: Southern Cal


7 PM THE Ohio State University vs Indiana

IU is coming off a tough road loss to face the reigning Big Ten champs in a night game in Bloomington. I wish I was down there for the game cause I bet it’s going to be a fun atmosphere all day. Even with Ohio State’s captain DE being suspended, I don’t know how well IU can hang with them. I hope they do, but OSU just has better players. The good new is, the stadium will be very red so get your camera’s ready.

Who I want to win: IU

Who I think will win: The Ohio State University




Sunday


Lions @ Bears 12:00

This is the Bears last home game for awhile. The Lions are finally over the hump with a win. I am very happy that this since as a Bears fan. I think the Bears should take care of business this weekend and won’t need two missed field goals to do it.

Who I want to win: Bears

Who I think will win: Bears


Jets vs New Orleans 3:15

I think this is the best game on Sunday. The Blitz York Jets vs TD Orleans Saints. Rex Ryan’s D vs Sean Payton’s O (both with Chicago ties). I personally don’t think the J-E-T-S are for real, I think their D is good, but the O hasn’t faced anybody yet, lucky for them the Saints D isn’t anybody special. This game will come down to how well Brees can read the Blitz and reacts to them. The blitz’s confused Brady and his O-line, how will New Orleans react.

Who I want to win: Saints

Who I think will win: Saints


Baltimore @ New England

I think this will show that Baltimore is the team to beat in the AFC. There defense is still solid and the offense is becoming a force. You can’t count New England out, but they are banged up (Welker, Mayo, Thomas, Brady (yes he’s healthy but he’s still not looking right)) with Lord Bill on the sideline, but this could give either team better direction.

Who I want to win: Ravens

Who I think will win: Ravens