Is Superman his own Krpytonite?

Dwight Howard may be the best Center in the NBA, but that's like being the smartest kid on the short bus. The NBA is a perimeter-player driven league. Kobe, Lebron, D-Wade, Deron Williams, Brandon Roy run this town and unfortunately, traditional big men that flooded the NBA during the 80's and 90's are coming to an end. Dirk may have the height of a center, but he plays a game similar to a small forward. There have also been a young wave of big men in the league with players such as Greg Oden, Marc Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Kevin Love who play the game rough and rugged, just as it was played in the glory days. Shaquille O'Neal is old and BIG (period) and Yao Ming is injured so that leaves us Dwight Howard a.k.a "Superman." Howard may be one of the most athletic players in the game and his defense is near flawless, but his offenseive game is mediocre - at best. Dwight can jump out the gym, has decent footwork, and is a very physical imposing player, but think about it, why does he put out so little on the offensive end of the court? The offense is tailor made for his skill set and he plays with unselfish players. Maybe if "Superman" would dig up some old tapes of Patrick Ewing, Kevin McHale, and Hakeem Olajuwon he could see what he could become if he applies himself on the offensive end. Hell, he even has Patrick Ewing as a coach! Maybe "Superman" should take off his head phones and stop dancing, while Patrick Ewing teaches him the ropes of being a legit NBA Center. Class is in session young man and offensive production is your kryptonite!

Cavs vs Lakers

Kobe Bryant and Lebron James will suit up of for their respective teams tomorrow during the much anticipated match-up between the Cavs and Lakers. This was supposed to be the NBA Finals of the 2008-2009 season, but thanks to Mike Brown's remedial coaching ability and Dwight Howard playing out of character the Cavs were exposed and ousted from the playoffs. The Lake-Show went on to win the title and Lebron spent his summer pleading for better teammates to help his situation in Cleveland. The Cavs front office brought in Shaq to help the cause and so far the results are cloudy. The Cavs are 22-8 and the Lakers are 23-4 both teams have looked unbeatable at times and this could be this seasons NBA Finals preview . The Lakers have been on cruise control with the return of Pau Gasol, and with newly acquired Ron Artest learning his role in the triangle offense. Cleveland has had its downs during the early part of the season. The Cavs pick and roll defense is a major weakness, along with the offensive scheme of Mike Brown that features plays such as: Let Lebron shoot, isolation, create for your teammates, and Lebron pick and roll to yourself. King James does everything for the Cavs Organization: well except for selling hot dogs. The Cavs can beat the Lakers only if the supporting cast comes to play. Shaquille O'Neal, Big Z, and Delonte West will have to be huge during the Cavs stretch run. Coach Mike Brown will also have to purchase a playbook from Mike D'Antoni and throw away his middle school playbook that he has in his arsenal as of now. A lot of expert analysts have already given the title back to the Lakers, but those were the same experts who fell in love with Cleveland last season. As the season goes on the Cavs will hit their stride and the Lakers will be the Lakers. Maybe Nike can keep those puppets around until June for the NBA Finals. Stay tuned!

Who's The Boss?

I am not referring to the old sitcom that starred actor Tony Danza. I am talking about "your" Minnesota Vikings. Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre and Head Coach Brad Childress have had a case of the "schism" phase of late. Coach Childress recommended Favre should be removed from last week's game against the Panthers due to the massive hits he took throughout the game. Brett Favre will be Brett Favre he will throw interceptions, make crazy throws, throw touchdowns, and be great. Coach Childress needs to realize this is not Tavarris Jackson(backup) under center and let Favre play free as he did in his Green Bay days. Prior to having Favre the Vikings were a one man offense leaning on Adrian Peterson to do everything. Now that Favre has arrived defensive coordinators around the NFL have to prepare for #4 and they have to account for his greatness along with worrying about how to stop A.P. Coach Childress needs to relax and let Favre lead this team to the promise land. I hope he remembers how life was when Tavarris Jackson and Gus Frerrote were his QB's. Cherish what you have now coach! Fake it until you make it!

Men's College Basketball Non All-Decade Team

There are several websites with All-Decade teams filled former superstars such as Sean May, Jason Williams, J.J. Redick, Kevin Durant, and other superstar players. I am going to go against the grain and name the "Non" All-Decade Team for players who never lived up to the hype coming out of high school. The phrase "potential star" has gotten a lot of college coaches fired across the country. Congrats to everyone who made the list!

PG-Greg Paulus Duke- Paulus was supposed to be Duke's next Bobby Hurley, but did not live up to the expectations. He was often on the wrong end of a crossover or dunk highlight.

SG-Kevin Torbert Michigan State- Torbert was supposed to become MSU's next Jason Richardson coming out high school. He possessed athleticism and slashing ability that made scouts drool. Torbert never developed under Tom Izzo but had a decent career.

SF- James "Flight" White Cincinnati- James White probably can jump over an Escalade, but he never displayed any true skill while at the University of Cincinnati. While at UC he never had the mentality to take over games. His athleticism is his gift but this is basketball not the Olympics.

PF Derrick Caracter- Louisville/Utep- Caracter had majority of his issues off the court and often had a lease signed to Rick Pitino's dog house. He was a power forward with a game comparable to Carlos Boozer coming out of high school, but his play sputtered and now he is at UTEP for a 2nd chance.

C- B.J. Mullens- Ohio State- This choice is hard because he was recently a 1st round draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks(Traded to OKC Thunder). Mullens was often relegated to Thad Matta's bench and never showed any toughness during Big Ten play. In high school and AAU Mullens was often a beast, but he also benefited from playing against smaller players. I hope he applies himself and become a decent NBA player hopefully college taught him a lesson.

6th Man- Lenny Cooke - I know Lenny didn't go to college, but he was supposed to be the next somebody. Cooke was supposed to be the savior of New York basketball and bless a college campus with his basketball skills. Cooke is now the King of Rucker Park playing for a team where rapper Fat Joe is his coach. I bet playing for Jim Calhoun or Coach K would have been better than playing for team Terror Squad.

Coach- Kelvin Sampson Oklahoma/Indiana- NCAA violation should be his middle name end of story.

Rest In Peace

Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals lost his life at the young age of 26. My prayers go out to his family.

Deja Vu December

The Dallas Cowboys have not won a playoff game since 1996. That is saying a lot if you have been a successful franchise and your owner is obsessed with winning. Jerry Jones has tried everything to make the Cowboys successful, but the things are not working. The Cowboys might be one of the best teams from the month of Aug-Nov, but as soon as Thanksgiving day is over the Cowboys season seems to go down the drain. The Cowboys invested millions of dollars in Quarterback Tony Romo, but he should be on the hot seat for his play the past few years when the season has been on the line. This season the offense of the Cowboys have been very inconsistent, but the defensive has been stellar with the exception of suspect safety play from Gerald Sensabaugh, and Ken Hamlin. The offense has big names but they do not produce like they should. Marion Barber received a max contract and his play is not matching his pay. Roy Williams is not a number 1 receiver PERIOD. If you look up the definition inconsistent in the dictionary there might be a picture of Tony Romo. As I blog on this website I just heard a whistle go off for another false start from Flozell Adams. The Cowboys need to go back to the basics to be successful and utilize their three running backs and play smash mouth defense in order to finish off strong in December. The Cowboys face the Saints, Redskins, and Eagles in their final three games. All of these games will be tough lets see if it is Deja Vu all over again!

I Miss My Sidekick!

Derrick Rose ended last season on a high note playing with the "Baby Bulls". The Bulls took the Celtics to seven games during last years playoffs and Rose was a big part of it. He displayed his speed, athleticism, and floor general skills that made all of the sports media fall in love with D. Rose. Rose's second season hasn't been as Rosy as his first. Teams are game planning to stop Derrick Rose as a first option and it is showing in many ways. Rose's stats are almost the same as last year, but his turnovers are up and his assist are down. He is the primary ball handler and the loss of Ben Gordon is starting to show. Ben Gordon was the Bulls go to guy in the clutch and now he is in Detroit. Rose is a great point guard, but when the Bulls needed a crucial bucket they called on Gordon. Rose does not posses the 4th quarter scoring presence that Gordon provided for the Bulls. Rose has been slowed down by an ankle injury and they have faced a brutal part of the schedule in the early part of the season. Before you call him the Next "______ "let him grow into his game he is only 20 years old. Vinny Del Negro(coach) might be in the unemployed line if D-Rose and his teammates don't pick up their play in the latter part of the season.

Watch Out Lebron!!

Let's start off to say that I am a WITNESS. Lebron is a remarkable athlete and has made the city of Cleveland relevant. Before Lebron arrived Cleveland was known as the "mistake by the lake". Lebron is on top the sports world, depsite not winning a NBA Championship in his stellar career. LBJ has graced any magazine cover imaginable except for Home & Gardening. At the young age of 24 Lebron is arguably the best player in the NBA and the most marketable player in sports today. Lebron James has been in the spotlight since the age of 14 and he has been a very model citizen. After this Tiger Woods saga, Lebron seems like the next target. Michael Vick, Kobe Bryant, and now Tiger Woods have gone from mega-million superstar and media darling to the hated athlete of the momeny. Tiger, Kobe, and Vick's situations are unique because they mistreated America's most prize possesions white women and man's-best-friend. The media may give Lebron a pass if he cheats on his girlfriend who happens to be a black woman. Memo to Lebron: stay at home, work on your jump shot , or be a continue being the great family man you are. The media WILL pounce on any negative issues dealing with Lebron, because he's so squeaky clean. Let's see Lebron, your new house is probably the same size as my old high school that features basketball gyms, casinos, barber shop, and etc. There is no reason to end up in the middle of stupidity if you continue to surround yourself with good people. So far so good! Keep up the good work Lebron!

BCS Bowl Projections

Rose Bowl, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. Oregon vs. Ohio State- Prediction Buckeyes Win 24-14. Let Celebration Begin Columbus!! Pryor's coming out party! I hope Legarrette Blount doesn't throw any left jabs at the end of the game.


Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. Florida vs. Cincinnati -Prediction Gators Win 41-21 Tebow's last game at QB he goes out with a bang by making Bearcats Gator Bait. Will Bryan Kelly be at the helm?


Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4, TBD Boise State vs. TCU -Prediction TCU wins in a shootout 38-31 Its a great sight to see two mid major conferences in the BCS Bowl Game Series!


Orange Bowl, Jan. 5, 8 p.m. Georgia Tech vs. Iowa-Prediction Georgia Tech wins 28-7 G-Tech's running game will be too much for the Hawkeyes. Hawkeyes QB Ricki Stanzi will return from injury. Will rust play a factor?

BCS National Championship, Jan. 7, Alabama vs. Texas- Prediction Alabama 28-21 Roll Tide Roll! The Crimson Tide will win the game due to Heisman Candidate Mark Ingram, dynamic WR Julio Jones, and Mammoth DT Terrence Cody. The Crimson Tide will be too much for Colt McCoy & Co.

VICKtory!

Michael Vick made his return to Atlanta yesterday wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jersey. It was an odd look to many, but it was a homecoming that was anticipated throughout the year. The Former Falcon was a sports icon while playing for the "Dirty Birds". After a record breaking season Vick went from Pro Bowl QB to the Starting QB for the All-American Convicts. Vick was incarcerated for bank rolling a dog fighting ring has been under major scrutiny since he has came back in the NFL. The media watches his every step hoping that he relapses or makes some type of a bonehead decision. So far Vick has been a great citizen in the community and an understudy in the locker room. Michael Vick's stats are minimal, but his impact is greater than the numbers. Eagles Coach Andy Reid gave Vick an opportunity to play and it paid dividends. Vick was worried about how the crowd would perceive him. At the beginning part of the game the boos and cheers of joy were evident, but as the game went on you saw more #7 Jerseys in the Georgia Dome screaming at the top of their lungs"We Want Vick". Coach Andy Reid unleashed Vick and the former "Dirty Bird" scored his first two touchdowns on the season. This moment was bittersweet for Vick and Falcons fans. Every media outlet had a microphone in Vick's face embracing him as if he was a hero again. I believe these are the same media outlets that were screaming "dog killer" about two years ago. I guess touchdowns can cure a negative perception within the blink of an eye. The Eagles were Vicktorious 34-7 over the Vickless Falcons.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Carmelo has been in the spotlight since his high school years at Oak Hill Academy. Melo out dueled Lebron James in a memorable high school match up during Carmelo's senior year. Carmelo Anthony took Syracuse University to the promise land and defeated the Kansas Jayhawks in the NCAA Championship. Melo was drafted 3rd overall behind Lebron James and Darko Milicic. Yes Darko Milicic that is not a typo! I can go on for days about Melo's accomplishments , but Melo does not get enough respect. Aretha Franklin said it best R-E-S-P-E-C-T that is all the man wants from the media. If you haven't watched Melo's silky smooth game blossom please take notice. Lebron and Kobe are 1a and 1b when it comes to the best players in the league, but Melo is in the rear view mirror. At 6'8 230 Melo possess a mean first step, post game, pull up jumper, 3 ball, and the ability to take over a game. He is also the same Melo who was on the "Stop Snitching DVD" and the guy who punched Mardy Collins at MSG. That's the Melo that the media tends to look at instead of the beast on the court. This season with averages of 30ppg, 6rpg, and 4ast he is playing his best ball of his young career. He exploded for 50pts last week vs the shameful NY Knicks. The way Melo is playing this year he is earning his R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Fans around the league may be chanting M-V-P when it comes to Melo. Its been way overdue give the man his R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Y'all Must Of Forgot!!

Y'all Must of Forgot was Roy Jones Jr's single off his unsuccessful album years ago. Roy's rap career lasted as long as his fight lasted yesterday in Australia. Roy was demolished by a guy named Danny Green a virtual unknown. Is it bad when a Boxing Legend fights during the week and the only people who shows up to the arena were the boxers, referee, and the janitors? Years ago Roy Jones Jr was cat quick and used showman ship in the ring. Father time has caught up to Roy and it is a sad sight. Roy Jones Jr. dominated boxers such James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, Felix Trinidad, and Antonio Tarver. Who would have thought that Roy has fallen to the lowest pinnacle of boxing? Roy's boxing resume' is top notch, but I hate to see athletes get embarrassed when they are past their prime. Roy is very stubborn like many successful athletes who never believe they will lose a step. Roy needs to look himself in the mirror and realize that he has to hang the gloves up before he ends up like Apollo Creed!

UC or Notre Dame?

Coach Bryan Kelly of the Top 5 Ranked Cincinnati Bearcats is a hot commodity in the college football world. Notre Dame is the likely landing spot for Coach Kelly if he decides to bolt the University of Cincinnati. Coach Kelly inherited a decent amount of talent from previous coach Mark Dantonio. The University of Cincinnati is an up and coming program who has been virtually looked at as a basketball school. When you think of Cincinnati you think of: Bob Huggins, Chad Ochocinco, Marge Schott, and the home of Charlie Hustle Pete Rose. Well you can add Bearcat football to that conversation thanks to Brian Kelly. Brian Kelly has a minimal salary compared to other prestigious head coaches. He can honestly make more money as an assistant at a school such as LSU, Florida, and Ohio State. The facilities at UC are not state of the art, but the University is willing to expand in the best way possible to keep Coach Kelly. Coach Kelly maybe tired of getting his game plan wet by the rain during practices that are outdoors. Is UC a NFL Factory? Hmmm no. Do the names of Jamar Enzor, George Murray, Mike Daniels, and Corey Smith ring a bell? Hmmm probably not! Coach Kelly has helped players such as Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard turn into possible 1st day draft picks. These two players were unknowns until Kelly introduced his spread offense system. Coach Kelly can turn UC into a powerhouse if he stays. Today it reported that Coach Kelly will stay at UC, but was that a statement to keep the media off his back for a few weeks. Notre Dame will try their hardest to court Coach Kelly to South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame seems like an ideal job from a financial standpoint, but the pressure is unbearable. Coach Kelly If I were you I would rather beat up on Big East bums such as Rutgers and Syracuse rather than playing USC year after year. Money can't buy wins Coach!

Back With Something To Prove

Last week Iverson was forced into early retirement . It seemed like he still wanted to play the game that he loved, but nobody wanted to take a chance. NBA coaches were scared that A.I. could damage team chemistry and the development of younger players. A week has went by and Iverson is back in the NBA. Allen Iverson has reached a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The deal is a non-guaranteed deal that can be terminated if Iverson has another episode similar to the one in Memphis. Allen Iverson played in Philly for 10 years and was traded to the Denver Nuggets. Allen Iverson is a Philly sports icon. Iverson is defined by cornrows, tattoos, jewelry, baggy clothes, and a fierce attitude on the hardwood. Iverson may be the best small guard in NBA history, but he gets a bad wrap for being a me-first player. When he was in the prime of his career in the early 2000's he was arguably the best player in the NBA. Allen Iverson led the woeful 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals. No matter how many points A.I. scores the haters will always talk. He has a chance to shut up all of his critics with this 2nd chance in Philly. When Iverson signed to the Memphis Grizzlies it was very odd. You would think a starting lineup of A.I, O.J, Rudy Gay, Z-Bo, and Gasol might make a good lineup who could win 35 games in the Western Conference or be a nice squad on NBA 2k10. That was probably the same thing A.I. thought when he signed the 1 year deal. Coach Lionel Hollins thought otherwise, he inserted PG Mike Conley Jr. in the starting lineup rather than the Hall of Fame Iverson. Coach Hollins thank you for disrespecting a great! There is no way he should be a backup for a mediocre team who has no chance in making the playoffs. You brought Iverson in to sell tickets so why do you relegate him to the bench. Enough of the Grizzlies one night stand with Iverson, NBA fans across the globe are happy that A.I. is back where he started. NBA executives are praying that this is not the same Iverson who torched every guard for 13 years. Iverson is hungry and ready to quiet all of his naysayers. Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, Derrick Fisher, Mo Williams, and all the other guards in the NBA should be purchasing new ankle braces, because Bubba Chuck is back!!

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

Coach Bobby Bowden Retired today from the prestigious Florida State University. Coach Bowden coached at FSU for 34 years fininshing 2nd all-time in career wins. When you think of Florida State University you think of Coach Bowden. Bowden was huge part of college football throughout his tenure FSU. Bowden was one of many coaches who served as a father figure towards his players. Bowden never shyed away from recruiting young African American males who came from rough backgrounds. Players who were percieved as "thugs" such as Randy Moss, Leroy Butler, Peter Warrick, Marvin "Snoop Minnis, and Darnell Dockett were players who Bowden recruited despite the so-called baggage they brought. Everyone out of the group except for Randy Moss continued at Florida State and had successful careers at FSU. Bowden even stepped outside of the box and featured a black quarterback(Charlie Ward) in his offense at a time when black quarterbacks were looked at in a negative manner. There were everal dark clouds over Bobby Bowden's career such as issues with NCAA violations, low graduation rates, and players from the program constantly in the media for all of the wrong reasons. Everyone is not perfect and Coach Bowden never quit on his players no matter what the dispute was. We can thank Coach Bowden for helping produce players such Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, Terelle Buckley, Leroy Butler, Warrick Dunn, Darnell Dockett, Lavernues Coles, Leon Washington, Chris Weinke, Broderick Bunkley, and the list goes on. While Coach Bowden receives bad reviews when it comes to education and his players nobody mentions that he coached All-American FS Myron Rolle who is a Rhodes Scholar. After 34 years of blood, sweat, tears, and accomplishments College Football lost a legend. There will never be another Bobby Bowden at FSU its virtually impossible, but his legacy will live on forever. Tallahasse, Florida will have an odd feeling to their saturday afternoons without Bowden at the helm. His successor Jimbo Fisher has enormous shoes to fill lets hope he is up for the job.

Welcome To 24/7 Sports

I would like to welcome you to the new resource for around the clock sports gossip and information. Watching ESPN and logging on to Foxsports.com can get boring at times. This is a new gateway for sports fans to stay connected to the world of sports. 24/7 sports will feature news about all professional and and collegiate sports. 24/7 Sports will have readers on the edge of their seats and keeping the reader up to date in what is happening in sports around the clock.