Where have I been? I've been focusing the last few weeks on a new job, so I haven't been posting any blogs. Now I'm back and ready to make up for some lost time.
Lebron's Historic Accomplishment: For the first time in NBA history, a player has scored 30 points and shot 60% or higher in six consecutive games. Jordan, Chamberlain, Magic, Duncan, Robertson and Jabbar all failed to do that. But Lebron James got it done, and he may not be finished. What's impressive is that James does it while also distributing the ball and getting his teammates involved in the action. This is the third year of the Big Three in Miami, and despite last year's championship, the Heat just now seems to be hitting their stride. The same can be said about James as well. There is a lot of debate today about whether James is better than Jordan. As a pure basketball player, I don't think it's close. I watched Jordan from his days at North Carolina and I've watched James from his time in high school. Jordan, the best closer ever, was tenacious, athletic, mentally tough and willed his teams to victory. But he wasn't 6'9", 260 pounds and capable of running the floor and passing like a 5'11" point guard, blocking shots like a 6'11" center and posting up like a 6'8" power forward. So while the debate about the championships will continue, I just don't think there's a lot of comparison when it comes to pure, all-around basketball ability.
Super Bowl was Super: I remember a lot of bad, lopsided Super Bowls that seemed to be over before they ever got started. However, the last few years have produced some of the best games on record, and this season was no exception. Between the fast start by the Ravens, the power outage, the Niners' comeback and the Ravens' last minute defensive stand, it was all great. And it was fitting that the season that began with controversy surrounding the officiating ended the same way. I don't know if it was interference on the last play or not. I do know that the non-call allowed me to go five for five on my Super Bowl bets. Considering my record the last several weeks of the season and into the playoffs, that was nothing short of miraculous. But I digress. Regarding the game, the run by the Ravens to close the season was spectacular, especially the play by quarterback Joe Flacco. A lot of the publicity was focused on Ray Lewis, but it's hard to go crazy for a defensive player when both teams scored in the thirties. For me, I have never been able to get over Lewis' alleged involvement in a murder case in Atlanta during Super Bowl weekend a decade ago. I know the losing team in the Super Bowl tends to disappear the following season, it's hard for me to believe the Niners won't be back again next year. They probably should have won this game. The toughest test they'll face next season will most likely come from a team in their own division: the Seattle Seahawks.
Noel Injury a Blow For College Basketball: I'm not alone in my opinion on college basketball's "one and done" rule. Last night's injury to Kentucky's Nerlens Noel demonstrates its unfairness. If given the opportunity, he would have been in the NBA with a bunch of guaranteed money in the bank despite what could be a career threatening injury. It's time for the NBA and NCAA to get together and come up with a reasonable solution to this issue. Baseball has a great rule that allows players to opt for college or the pros out of high school. If they choose college, then they're committed to stay for three years, just like football. If they choose the pros, they're likely going to knock around the minors for a few years, but they get paid for it. This isn't that difficult. Besides, only 60 players get drafted each season, so the impact talent-wise on college would be minimal, while giving the premier programs more stability on their rosters. Come on guys, get it together here.
NHL: What happens when they begin a season and no one notices?
