Draft day came and went. Yes, the draft is really only 1 day, not the 3 days, 7 rounds ESPN would like us to think it is. It would be like going to Mortons and eating the steak first, followed by sides, salad and then bread. I'm not saying that the sides are not good, but when I'm really hungry just give me the meat. That is what the NFL draft is.
If I had the top pick I would take the kid from Auburn. He is big, fast, and dominated college football. It helps that he led his team to a national championship. This afternoon I wondered if he fell to the "Boys" would they take him or would he go the way of Moss and De Jack, playing for another team while I dreamed what if. But this was all wishful thinking, because Carolina had the top pick and would not let such a talent go.
When I got home this evening I went straight to my "sports room," beer in hand, and turned on the draft. As I settled in my chair, the first pick was announced. It was a kid from Auburn, but not the right one. Nick Farley was the pick I was thinking about, but Carolina took a kid that should be on a pack of cookies. Yes, they took Cam (fig) Newton. After that first bite, I felt like I had draft poisoning.
What is that old saying about not remembering the past ... Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell. At that moment, I knew Al Davis was smiling.
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Opening Night
In just a few hours the NBA season will finally begin. After what seemed like eternity, the exhibition season, which consisted of 82 games over a 6-month period, is over and we can finally start the NBA season.
I have often wondered why 30 teams would want to participate in this type of an exhibition season when only 16 qualify for the regular season. The answer always seems to be the same. If the league let everyone play, it would resemble the NCAA basketball tournament. The only difference is that in the NBA, the best team always seems to come out on top.
Like most NBA fans, I am very excited to watch it because we have some pretty awesome teams like the Spurs, Heat, and the Celtics. There are teams, like Orlando and Oklahoma City, who could end up in the finals if they get hot. We even have the over- achiever (Bulls) and the over-rated, one and done team ( Mavericks). Last but not least, we have the Los Angeles Lakers. In less than a month, the Lakers will still be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As I glance at my watch, my wife asks, "What time is it?" With a big grin, I tell her it's "Kobe Time!"
Welcome to the 2011 NBA playoffs.
"Wise Guy"
I have often wondered why 30 teams would want to participate in this type of an exhibition season when only 16 qualify for the regular season. The answer always seems to be the same. If the league let everyone play, it would resemble the NCAA basketball tournament. The only difference is that in the NBA, the best team always seems to come out on top.
Like most NBA fans, I am very excited to watch it because we have some pretty awesome teams like the Spurs, Heat, and the Celtics. There are teams, like Orlando and Oklahoma City, who could end up in the finals if they get hot. We even have the over- achiever (Bulls) and the over-rated, one and done team ( Mavericks). Last but not least, we have the Los Angeles Lakers. In less than a month, the Lakers will still be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
As I glance at my watch, my wife asks, "What time is it?" With a big grin, I tell her it's "Kobe Time!"
Welcome to the 2011 NBA playoffs.
"Wise Guy"
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Please pass the sauce, Shaka!
As a wise guy, or should I say "thee" Wise Guy, it should not surprise you that I correctly picked this year's Final Four. Picking Kentucky and UConn is not much of a stretch, and most of you had them as well. Butler, we all know about Butler; they were that underdog team that lost in last year's championship game to a team I can happily say is nowhere near Houston.
Now, that takes us to VCU. I know most people thought it was either a hospital wing or maybe the sound a person makes when he sneezes. Not me; let me explain. I met Shaka about 14 years ago. Back then, he spelled his name Chaka. I was attending another Senior Gold Rush with my father, brother, and a cousin. They are big golf fans, and even bigger Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez fans. Back then I was neither a fan of golf nor liked the idea of missing a weekend of football, but figured if my dad drove two hours to visit, I could suck it up and attend the event. It was held annually in the early fall at the El Dorado Country Club just outside Sacramento.
I had my VIP pass when I entered the hospitality tent. Food, football on the tube, and free booze. What more could a wise guy ask for on a fall afternoon? That is when I met Chaka, or Shaka. Back then he was giving out free samples of his soon-to-be famous BBQ sauce. We chatted awhile, and it was great to find out he grew up just outside of my hometown of Fremont, CA. He spoke of his two passions: BBQ sauce and basketball. Little did I know he would be famous at both. Back then, Chaka was young and bald ... just like he is today!!!
As I left the tent, I tasted the sauce. "MMM, great sauce, Chaka!" He smiled and said, "That's what I'm going to call it, 'MMM' sauce." I smiled back and told him that was smart. He then told me that was his name. I thought I should remember his name, as Shaka Smart might become famous one day.
I ask of all you hoop junkies, as you get ready to watch the Final Four tonight, to please open up a jar of MMM sauce for your BBQ, put on some music (Chaka Khan), and cheer for an old friend and his team, Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Rams!!!
"Wise Guy"
Now, that takes us to VCU. I know most people thought it was either a hospital wing or maybe the sound a person makes when he sneezes. Not me; let me explain. I met Shaka about 14 years ago. Back then, he spelled his name Chaka. I was attending another Senior Gold Rush with my father, brother, and a cousin. They are big golf fans, and even bigger Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez fans. Back then I was neither a fan of golf nor liked the idea of missing a weekend of football, but figured if my dad drove two hours to visit, I could suck it up and attend the event. It was held annually in the early fall at the El Dorado Country Club just outside Sacramento.
I had my VIP pass when I entered the hospitality tent. Food, football on the tube, and free booze. What more could a wise guy ask for on a fall afternoon? That is when I met Chaka, or Shaka. Back then he was giving out free samples of his soon-to-be famous BBQ sauce. We chatted awhile, and it was great to find out he grew up just outside of my hometown of Fremont, CA. He spoke of his two passions: BBQ sauce and basketball. Little did I know he would be famous at both. Back then, Chaka was young and bald ... just like he is today!!!
As I left the tent, I tasted the sauce. "MMM, great sauce, Chaka!" He smiled and said, "That's what I'm going to call it, 'MMM' sauce." I smiled back and told him that was smart. He then told me that was his name. I thought I should remember his name, as Shaka Smart might become famous one day.
I ask of all you hoop junkies, as you get ready to watch the Final Four tonight, to please open up a jar of MMM sauce for your BBQ, put on some music (Chaka Khan), and cheer for an old friend and his team, Virginia Commonwealth University. Go Rams!!!
"Wise Guy"
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