Wednesday, June 22, 2011

2011 NBA Mock Draft 4.0



















Tomorrow night is the 2011 NBA Draft. It is no secret that Cleveland holds the key to what the future holds. The Cavaliers hold the number 1 and 4 overall picks in the draft. The possibilities are endless for what they can do. All signs point towards Kyrie Irving being the top pick. After that, it is completely up in the air in what has been dubbed one of the weakest draft classes in history. Here is a look at my final 2011 NBA Mock Draft with both rounds included.

Round 1

1. Cleveland - Kyrie Irving PG/Duke
2. Minnesota - Derrick Williams F/Arizona
3. Utah - Brandon Knight PG/Kentucky
4. Cleveland - Enes Kanter C/Turkey
5. Toronto - Kemba Walker PG/UConn
6. Washington - Jan Vesely F/Czech Republic
7. Sacramento - Kawhi Leonard SF/San Diego St.
8. Detroit - Tristan Thompson PF/Texas
9. Charlotte - Marcus Morris PF/Kansas
10. Milwaukee - Alec Burks SG/Colorado
11. Golden St. - Klay Thompson SG/Washington St.
12. Utah - Jonas Valanciunas C/Lithuania
13. Phoenix - Jimmer Fredette G/BYU
14. Houston - Chris Singleton SF/Florida St.
15. Indiana - Marcus Morris PF/Kansas
16. Philadelphia - Bismack Biyombo PF/Congo
17. New York - Marshon Brooks SG/Providence
18. Washington - Jordan Hamilton SF/Texas
19. Charlotte - Donatus Montiejunas C/Lithuania
20. Minnesota - Tyler Honeycutt SF/UCLA
21. Portland - Kenneth Faried PF/Morehead St.
22. Denver - Markieff Morris PF/Kansas
23. Houston - Iman Shumpert G/Georgia Tech
24. Oklahoma City - Nikola Vucevic PF/USC
25. Boston - JaJuan Johnson PF/Purdue
26. Dallas - Justin Harper PF/Richmond
27. New Jersey - Josh Selby G/Kansas
28. Chicago - Travis Leslie SG/Georgia
29. San Antonio - Nikola Mirotic PF/Serbia
30. Chicago - Darius Morris G/Michigan
 
Round 2
31. Miami - Reggie Jackson G/Boston College
32. Cleveland - Trey Thompkins PF/Georgia
33. Detroit - Jeremy Tyler C/USA
34. Washington - Nolan Smith G/Duke
35. Sacramento - Shelvin Mack PG/Butler
36. New Jersey - Charles Jenkins G/Hofstra
37. LA Clippers - Malcolm Lee G/UCLA
38. Houston - Jon Leuer PF/Wisconsin
39. Charlotte - Jimmy Butler SF/Marquette
40. Milwaukee - Norris Cole PG/Cleveland St.
41. LA Lakers - Chandler Parsons SF/Florida
42. Indiana - Andrew Goudelock PG/Charleston
43. Chicago - Bojan Bogdanvic SF/Croatia
44. Golden St. - Keith Benson C/Oakland
45. New Orleans - Jordan Williams PF/Maryland
46. LA Lakers - E’Twaun Moore SG/Purdue
47. LA Clippers - Rick Jackson PF/Syracuse
48. Atlanta - Cory Joseph PG/Texas
49. Memphis - Ben Hansbrough G/Notre Dame
50. Philadelphia - David Lighty SG/Ohio St.
51. Portland - Demitri McCamey PG/Illinois
52. Detroit - Jereme Richmond SF/Illinois
53. Orlando - Matthew Bryan-Amaning PF/Washington
54. Cleveland - Scotty Hopson SF/Tennessee
55. Boston - DeAndre Liggins SG/Kentucky
56. LA Lakers - Isaiah Thomas PG/Washington
57. Dallas - Xavi Rabaseda SG/Spain
58. LA Lakers - Greg Smith C/Fresno St.
59. San Antonio - Diante Garrett PG/Iowa St.
60. Sacramento - Malcolm Thomas PF/San Diego St.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

2011 US Open - Weekend (Golf)



















Rory McIlroy has played immaculate golf through the first 2 rounds of the 2011 US Open. He holds a 6-stroke lead over YE Yang, and is at least 9 strokes better than everyone else remaining in the field at this point. He is looking to become the second consecutive player from Northern Ireland to take home our national championship. I showed some improvement with my predictions over The Masters. this time around 7 of my 10 favorites made the cut, and 2 of them (including my winner Matt Kuchar) reside in the top 10 as weekend play begins. Despite sitting in 3rd, Kuchar is 9 strokes back of McIlroy. McIlroy's lead is too large for me not to go with him heading into the weekend. Here is a look at how my top 10 favorites have fared to this point as well as the new odds and my new pick to win the 2011 US Open.

Pre-Tournament Favorites:

Matt Kuchar - USA
Current Standing: -2, T3

Phil Mickleson - USA
Current Standing: +1, T25

Robert Karlsson - Sweden
Current Standing: +4, T56

Brandt Snedeker - USA
Current Standing: -2, T3

Luke Donald - England
Current Standing: +4, T56

Geoff Ogilvy - Australia
Current Standing: +9, Missed Cut

Jason Day - Australia
Current Standing: +1, T25

Nick Watney - USA
Current Standing: +6, Missed Cut

Jim Furyk - USA
Current Standing: +7, Missed Cut

Graeme McDowell - N Ireland
Current Standing: +2, T32

New Weekend Favorites:

1. Rory McIlroy - N Ireland (1 to 4)
Current Standing: -11, 1

2. Matt Kuchar - USA (20 to 1)
Current Standing: -2, T3

3. Brandt Snedeker - USA (40 to 1)
Current Standing: -2, T3

4. Phil Mickleson - USA (40 to 1)
Current Standing: +1, T25

5. YE Yang - Korea (8 to 1)
Current Standing: -5, 2

Weekend Prediction - Normally I would love where I'm at with my pre-tournament pick, Matt Kuchar, sitting in 3rd place heading into the weekend - unfortunately he is 9 strokes back however. What Rory McIlroy has done to the Congressional course over the first 2 days is remarkable. The young Irishmen had the lowest score to par at any point in a US Open ever, when he reached -13 at one point on Thursday. His odds to win aren't the best from a bettor's standpoint - only getting $1 for every $4 that you put down - but it would take a monumental collapse for him not to win this thing. He collapsed at Augusta when holding a 54-hole lead, but I think he learned from this experience. I still believe that Kuchar is McIlroy's biggest threat, but in McIlroy I think we have found golf's surefire next big thing. Rory McIlroy will not collapse this time.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

2011 NBA Mock Draft 3.0



















I love that the NBA gets right down to business as far as the draft goes. The Dallas Mavericks were just crowned as world champions on Sunday, and we are already just one week away from draft night. All signs point towards Kyrie Irving making 216 his new area code and headed to Cleveland. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Look forward to the complete 2-round version of my Mock NBA Draft early next week. For now, here is a look at how I see the first round shaking out.

1. Cleveland - Kyrie Irving PG/Duke
2. Minnesota - Enes Kanter C/Turkey
3. Utah - Derrick Williams F/Arizona
4. Cleveland - Jonas Valenciunas C/Lithuania
5. Toronto - Brandon Knight PG/Kentucky
6. Washington - Jan Vesely F/Czech Republic
7. Sacramento - Kemba Walker PG/UConn
8. Detroit - Tristan Thompson PF/Texas
9. Charlotte - Kawhi Leonard SF/San Diego St.
10. Milwaukee - Alec Burks SG/Colorado
11. Golden St. - Bismack Biyombo PF/Congo
12. Utah - Jimmer Fredette G/BYU
13. Phoenix - Chris Singleton SF/Florida St.
14. Houston - Jordan Hamilton SF/Texas
15. Indiana - Klay Thompson SG/Washington St.
16. Philadelphia - Marcus Morris PF/Kansas
17. New York - Josh Selby G/Kansas
18. Washington - Marshon Brooks SG/Providence
19. Charlotte - Donatus Montiejunas C/Lithuania
20. Minnesota - Tyler Honeycutt SF/UCLA
21. Portland - Kenneth Faried PF/Morehead St.
22. Denver - Markieff Morris PF/Kansas
23. Houston - Tobias Harris SF/Tennessee
24. Oklahoma City - JaJuan Johnson PF/Purdue
25. Boston - Justin Harper PF/Richmond
26. Dallas - Nikola Vujevic PF/USC
27. New Jersey - Trey Tompkins PF/Georgia
28. Chicago - Travis Leslie SG/Georgia
29. San Antonio - Nikola Mirotic PF/Serbia
30. Chicago - Darius Morris G/Michigan

Dallas Mavericks - NBA Champions























Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks on becoming the 2011 NBA Champions! Northeast Ohio thanks you!

I could not have been happier to watch Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Mark Cuban take home their first title. As a man that has lived his entire life 35 miles south of Cleveland, I have been at the forefront of the cheers against LeBron James. From that very moment on July 8, 2010 when LBJ announced he was taking his talents to South Beach, many of the Cavaliers faithful had feared the LeBron would win a title in his first year in Miami.

When the Heat took a 15-point 4th quarter lead in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, I felt sick to my stomach. It was inevitable, LeBron and his boys were going to twist the knife into the heart of Dallas and Cleveland fans alike. Then the unthinkable happened. Dirk Nowitzki channeled his inner Larry Bird and lead the Mavs to a dramatic come from behind victory to even the series. After a Miami victory in Game 3, it again felt inevitable that Miami would take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy. But boy did the tide turn in the series' final three games. LeBron disappeared, reminiscent of last year's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Boston. He was non-existent in the 4th Quarter, and didn't as much as put his stamp on any of the games. It was the best possible way for this NBA season to end in the eyes of a Clevelander.

The national media has taken its punches at Cleveland for rejoicing in another city's championship. To them I say, you don't understand. I am 28 years old and have never witnessed a title - in any sport. The Browns came oh so very close during my early childhood, only to have John Elway ruin not one but two of my first years as a sports fan. You may remember "The Drive" or "The Fumble". I vaguely remember those games, but vividly remember the tears I shed afterward. Then there was "The Move" in 1995, and upon returning in 1999, the Browns have stunk ever since.

The Indians were dominant in the 90s, but failed in countless playoff appearances. This included an extra inning loss in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series to the Florida Marlins. This was the closest I have ever been to a championship parade.

The Cavs had some solid teams in the late 80s and early 90s, but never stood a chance against Michael Jordan's Bulls. See "The Shot". But then our luck began to change in 2003. Northeast Ohio's own son, LeBron James became the first overall pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Our savior was finally here. We shared some great times with LBJ. Who could forget his 25 consecutive points in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals? He lead the Cavs to their first and only Finals appearance in franchise history, before being swept by San Antonio. Despite losing the series, LeBron's game-winning 3 at the buzzer in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Orlando is one of those moments that I will never forget where I was or how I reacted. All of the good times became an afterthought with "The Decision".

Many including LeBron, felt that Miami would win not 1, not 2, not 5, not 6, not even 7 championships. I was not one of those people. Though I felt that some day the Big Three would earn a ring, I did not feel that this was their year. I picked the Boston Celtics at the beginning of the season. I stuck by this as the playoffs started. But this was a playoff season unlike many others. Often times, it is fairly simple to go 11-4 or 12-3 in picking playoff series. this year I went 9-6. This did not bode well for my desire to see LeBron finish his career without a title.

The stars were aligning for the Heat. They easily got past Philadelphia in the 1st Round. Then came the series everyone wanted. Miami versus Boston. Well Boston was not at full strength. Shaquille O'Neal could not play effectively and then the team's MVP, Rajon Rondo, was less than 100% with a dislocated elbow. Miami disposed of Boston in 5. They were clicking on all cylinders and completely shut down league MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls to advance to the NBA Finals.

As a kick in the groin, all of this happened the same week that the Ohio State footbal scandal burt out of control, leading to the resignation of beloved coach Jim Tressel. Things could not be worse for the Ohio sports fan.

But then...

LeBron and the Heat choked in the most pivotal of moments, and watched the Dallas Mavericks take home the title.

Let's give credit where credit is due. The Dallas Mavericks were magnificent throughout the entire playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki cemented his legacy as an all-time great. They proved me and most of the world wrong by defeating Miami. I think this helped me get closer to being over LeBron's departure from Cleveland, even if it wasn't my team. I could not have picked a more deserving team for me to root for.

Once again, Northeast Ohio thanks and congratulates you on winning the 2011 NBA Championship. You deserve it!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

2011 US Open (Golf)



















The world's best golfers will tee it up for our national championship on Thursday morning. Congressional Country Club is the host in 2011. This will be the third time that this prestigious golf course in suburban Washington, DC will host the US Open. The last time was in 1997 when Ernie Els took home the US Open Championship Cup. Els is amongst the field this year, but is a long shot at 60 to 1 odds. The dubious distinction of being the favorite according to the experts - and by experts I mean Vegas - goes to Rory McIlroy. The 21-year-old that gagged away The Masters come in at 10 to 1 odds to win his first major. The world's top 2 ranked players in Lee Westwood and Luke Donald are at 12 to 1, as is Phil Mickleson who has finished 2nd place five times in this tournament. There are no huge favorites but many contenders this year. Here are my top 10 bets to win our national championship in 2011.

1. Matt Kuchar - USA (20 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 6th
Best US Open Finish: 6th (2010) in 5 starts
Average 2011 Score: 69.42 in 14 starts

2. Phil Mickleson - USA (12 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 5th
Best US Open Finish: 2nd (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009) in 20 starts
Average 2011 Score: 70.09 in 12 starts

3. Robert Karlsson - Sweden (50 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 17th
Best US Open Finish: 4th (2008) in 6 starts
Average 2011 Score: 71.03 in 11 starts

4. Brandt Snedeker - USA (45 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 46th
Best US Open Finish: 8th (2010) in 5 starts
Average 2011 Score: 70.21 in 15 starts

5. Luke Donald - England (12 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 1st
Best US Open Finish: 12th (2006) in 7 starts
Average 2011 Score: 69.63 in 9 starts

6. Geoff Ogilvy - Australia (60 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 32nd
Best US Open Finish: 1st (2006) in 7 starts
Average 2011 Score: 70.69 in 11 starts

7. Jason Day - Australia (40 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 18th
Best US Open Finish: Never Participated
Average 2011 Score: 70.13 in 12 starts

8. Nick Watney - USA (25 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 14th
Best US Open Finish: 60th (2008) in 4 starts
Average 2011 Score: 69.89 in 11 starts

9. Jim Furyk - USA (50 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 19th
Best US Open Finish: 1st (2003) in 6 starts
Average 2011 Score: 70.98 in 14 starts

10. Graeme McDowell - N Ireland (50 to 1)
World Golf Ranking: 7th
Best US Open Finish: 1st (2010) in 5 starts
Average 2011 Score: 71.23 in 9 starts

Prediction - The absence of Tiger and the aging of Phil has forced me to pick another 1st time Major Championship winner. My pick to become the 2011 US Open Champion is Matt Kuchar. Kuchar has elevated his game and has reach 6th in the latest World Golf Rankings. The US Open fits his game well, as you will not find him making too many mistakes. He has 8 top 10 finishes this year and is ready to take the next step. I will take Matt Kuchar to win hist 1st major at 20 to 1 odds.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

2011 Stanley Cup Finals



















Stanley Cup Finals

1 Vancouver (-135) vs. 3 Boston (+110)

How they got here:

Vancouver beat - Chicago 4-3, Nashville 4-2, San Jose 4-1
Boston beat - Montreal 4-3, Philadelphia 4-0, Tampa Bay 4-3

As the puck drops on the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, I stand proud of my preseason prediction. From the beginning of the season, I had Boston over Vancouver in the Stanley Cup Finals. I got the two participants right, but will I have the correct champion? The Bruins have survived two 7-game series to get to this point. Vancouver has gotten better as the playoffs have gone on. Throughout the regular season, Boston was the best team in 5-on-5 situations, while Vancouver was the best in virtually every other situation. Two of the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy also square off in this one. All of these factors should lead to a long and exciting series.

Vancouver is looking to become the first Canadian team to bring home Lord Stanley's Cup in 18 years, when Montreal won it. Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Ottawa have all tried and failed since. Boston is one of the NHL's original teams, but has not tasted a title in 39 years. This seems like an eternity in a town that has seen every other professional team from a major sport win a title in the past decade.

At the beginning of the season I picked Boston to win the Cup versus Vancouver. At the beginning of the playoffs, I took it a step further and picked Boston to beat Vancouver in 7 games. I see no reason to change now.

Prediction - Boston over Vancouver 4-3