2009 NFL Draft Bengals Predictions

I did this post about a month ago scouring some different websites to see who they have the Bengals selecting with their #6 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. With the signing of Tank Johnson it would be safe to say that the Bengals will more than likely not draft a DT with the #6 pick. Most sites have the Bengals going OT with their pick. Who would be available is what is being debated. Most seem to think that Andre Smith will be the guy. I would venture to say that the Bengals would be very happy to see Monroe, Oher, or Jason Smith fall to them at the #6. Here is an updated list:

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia (Walterfootball.com, Draft King)
BJ Raji, DT, BC (NFLDraftdog)
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi (NFLdraftsite)
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (Shawn Zobel, FFdraftsite, ProFootball Talk, Mel Kiper)
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas (Scout.com)
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor (CBS)

Calipari adds UK Stars to his Staff

John Calipari announced Thursday that former UK standouts Tony Delk and Scott Padgett will be added to the staff at Kentucky. Calipari did not specify exactly what roles that Delk and Padgett will play within the staff. They will not be full time assistant coaches but will participate in some capacity with the program. Calipari is known for helping aspiring coaches break into the industry. This is a great opportunity for both former Wildcats and will help rebuild the strong tradition at Kentucky.

2009 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Preview

No. 1 L.A. Lakers vs. No. 8 Utah

The Lakers and the Jazz ended the regular season playing each other with the Lakers defeating the Jazz 125-112 in the preview of this playoff matchup. The Jazz, who are led by Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Andre Kirilenko, will more than likely struggle defensively against the Lakers. LA's Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum will be a tough match up for Utah in the post. And of course LA has Kobe Bryant who can take over at any time during any game. The Lakers will be too much for Utah and should advance fairly easily.

No. 3 San Antonio vs. No. 6 Dallas

Dallas is a team who needs to capitalize on their talent levels before it is too late. This team that was once the toast of the Western Conference is beginning to show its age. Led by Dirk Nowitzki's 25.9 points per game and with Jason Kidd running the point Dallas' playoff experience could come into play in this series. Unfortunately they are facing a just as experience San Antonio team that has made the most of the talented Tony Parker and continues to get serious stat sheet production from Tim Duncan. I think San Antonia will pull of the series in seven games.


No. 4 Portland vs. No. 5 Houston

Portland has been riding a very productive season out of newly emerged superstar Brandon Roy. Roy, who is averaging 22.6 points per game, came out of nowhere in my opinion to be one of the best players in the Western Conference. This series will be the series of the unknown teams. With Portland relying on players like Aldridge, Pryzbilla, Outlaw and Blake and Houston putting stock into Scola, Altson, and role players like Chuck Hayes. With Yao Ming finally in the playoff roster Houston will need big games from both Yao Ming and star Shane Battier. They have also found production in defensive specialist Ron Artest. Looks for Houston to advance in this series.

No. 2 Denver vs. No. 7 New Orleans

What a matchup of point guards in this series, Chauncey Billups vs. Chris Paul. This may be must watch NBA TV. The Hornest are essentially a two man team featuring Chris Paul and David West. Both Paul and West have elevated their games in 2009 and last years "Cinderella" after securing a #2 seed barely limped into the scene this year. Denver will be playing their own two man game with Billups and Anthony leading the attack. This may be one of the better matched series in the playoffs in the end I think you will see Chris Paul and David West take this series over and shock Denver sending them home early. New Orleans will advance.

2009 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Preview

No. 1 Cleveland vs. No. 8 Detroit

This is a matchup of two teams who are on the opposite side of the spectrum. Detroit is that team that had a dominating run with a group of talent that gave them a Championship in 2004. With their stars aging they are going to be rebuilding their team within a few years. The Cavaliers are riding LeBron James as far as he can take them. With only a few years left on his contract it is unknown if James will stay in Cleveland but the Cavs have finally built a strong enough supporting cast that could lead Cleveland to the Championship. Home court advantage throughout will help Cleveland as they are 39-2 on their home court, Cleveland should win this series easily and move deep into the playoffs.

No. 4 Atlanta vs. No. 5 Miami

Atlanta is a team that typically flies under the NBA radar. Last year they gave Boston all that they could handle all season and took the Celtics down to the wire in the playoffs. This will be the battle of two stars Atlanta's Joe Johnson vs. Miami's Dwayne Wade. Dwayne Wade has been an absolute beast this season making a very significant argument for MVP. He is without a shadow of a doubt the MVP of the Heat. I think that in the end the better TEAM will prevail and Atlanta will match up to play Cleveland.

No. 3 Orlando vs. No. 6 Philadelphia

Philadelphia pulled of a shocking win in Cleveland on the last game of the season to avoid playing Boston in the first round and secure the 6th seed in the playoffs. Andre Igoudala has been the leader for the Sixers this season averaging 18 points per game. Orlando was able to achieve success this season despite losing their starting PG Jameer Nelson midway through the season. Orlando's star Center Dwight Howard should cause havoc on Philadelphia's front court and will take over this series. Orlando will survive and advance.

No. 2 Boston vs. No. 7 Chicago

Although their starting lineup would not indicate much of a change this is a different Boston team than the one who made a run last year. They will open this series without star Kevin Garnett who has been sidelined with injury the last 20 games of the season. The Celtics may have to shut Garnett down for the whole series against Chicago. Chicago is led by Ben Gordon, Derrick Rose, and John Salmons. How will rookie Derek Rose handle the increased pressure of the NBA playoffs? A tough loss to the Celtics. Celtics will advance.

Why Chris Mack is the Right Guy for the Xavier Job

1. With a great team coming back it was vital for Xavier to bring back a coach they can relate to. Mack is familiar with the players and has built relationships will all of them. For example, Kenny Frease was contemplating transferring until he heard of the Mack signing. Mack was the main person that recruited Frease to Xavier. Yes, Derrick Brown may still test NBA waters but with Mack at X they won't have to worry about players transferring.

If Xavier decided to hire a guy like Darrin Horn then players may have transferred and X would have to re-build. Not to mention if the team started on a downward slide because lack of talent how would this help recruiting? Incoming recruit Kevin Parrom may have tried to opt out of his scholarship if Mack wasn't the coach, next week Mack is visiting him to make sure he's happy.

2. Mack is dedicated to the university. No other coach in Xavier history has went to St. X, played at Xavier as a captain for two seasons, and then went on to be head coach of the basketball team. I'm not saying that Mack is going to jump in and have instant success, but he certainly will have the tools around him to get started. People were calling for Sean Miller's head after his first season at X after they missed the NCAA tournament and looked what happened. Also, the 5-year contract means nothing to me because college coaching contracts are pointless nowadays but Mack could be the guy that sticks around for awhile, I hope.

3. The players on the current team are used to his style of play. I'm sure they'll need to learn some new plays but the offense and defense that Mack puts together on the floor is going to be close to what Miller put out there. Mack is more of a defensive minded coach but at least the players won't have to learn whole new offensive and defensive schemes.

My NBA End of Season Awards

Most Improved: Danny Granger- Indiana Pacers

This is tough one to predict but Granger, who is averaging 25.7 pts 5.0 reb 2.7 ast, has improved in many statistical categories from 07-08. Although Granger was not terrible in 07-08 by any means, he has risen to become an absolute superstar for the Pacers.

Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose- Chicago Bulls

Another difficult choice but I think this one has to go to the position that Rose plays. OJ Mayo has better scoring numbers and has had some explosive games, but Derrick Rose stepped into the most difficult position in the NBA as a 20 year old and guided his team to the playoffs averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 assists.

Sixth Man: Lamar Odom- Los Angeles Lakers

Odom, who started 30 games for the Lakers this season, took a bench role when Andrew Bynum returned to the Lakers from injury. Odom is averaging 11.3 pts, 8.2 reb, and 2.6 ast. But most importantly about the sixth man position he provides that much needed spark off the bench. The attitude of the Lakers change when Odom steps on the floor which to me is a big part of being the sixth man.

Coach of the Year- Stan Van Gundy- Orlando Magic

Van Gundy was able to keep Orlando in the playoffs and carry at 22-11 record after losing their starting point guard Jameer Nelson. The Magic will finish the season with the fourth most wins in the league with a team full of disciplined role players. A good coach is able to keep his team focused even when faced with adversity.

Most Valuable Player- LeBron James- Cleveland Cavliers

His stat sheets are incredible 28.4 pts. 7.6 reb 7.2 assists. The Cavaliers have had a dream season, especially at home where they are 40-1. This is where the debate comes in about this award. Strong arguments can be made for other players around the league but Lebron is dominating in many aspects of the game, take LeBron off the Cavaliers and they will not even sniff the playoffs. Add LeBron and they can contend for the Championship.

Cincinnati Bengals Announce 2009 Schedule

Tonight on the NFL Network, the NFL announced team-by-team schedules for the upcoming 2009 football season. It feels awesome that football season is right around the corner. In what is not shocking news, the Cincinnati Bengals play zero primetime Monday night, Sunday night, or Thursday night games this season. Looks like we are back to the Bengals of the 1990's. I guess that is what you get when you only when 4 games. Whats even better is that I still can't wait for football.

Here is the schedule:

Sun, Sep 13 Denver Broncos 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Sep 20 @ Green Bay Packers 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Sep 27 Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Oct 04 @ Cleveland Browns 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Oct 11 @ Baltimore Ravens 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Oct 18 Houston Texans 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Oct 25 Chicago Bears 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Nov 01 BYE
Sun, Nov 08 Baltimore Ravens 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Nov 15 @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Nov 22 @ Oakland Raiders 4:15PM (ET)
Sun, Nov 29 Cleveland Browns 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Dec 06 Detroit Lions 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Dec 13 @ Minnesota Vikings 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Dec 20 @ San Diego Chargers 4:05PM(ET)
Sun, Dec 27 Kansas City Chiefs 1:00PM (ET)
Sun, Jan 03 @ New York Jets 1:00PM (ET)

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears

1. Fox Sports - so it turns out employees at Fox Sports like to fall asleep during Reds games. Myself along with many other viewers enjoyed watching a great game between the Reds and Brewers and all of a sudden in the bottom of the 9th with one out and the Reds up a run the program switched to "The Best Damn Sport Show Period." It took them 15 minutes to realize this had happened and by this time the Reds game was over! I know mistakes happen, but this isn't the first time I've watched something this year and Fox Sports has suddenly switched programs. Earlier this year, a UC basketball game was cut-off in OT (Yes, I was watching a UC game, don't hate). I hope the next time Fox Sports CEO is watching his favorite show on TV that it switches to a different program during the last 10 minutes, jackass.

2. Andy Furman - talk about someone that has fallen off the face of the earth. This once controversial radio personality was employed by 700 WLW for decades and was let go because of comments made about the Cincinnati Bengals, in particular T.J. Houshmandzadeh. He then went to write for The Pulse which is no longer around and works for 96.5 Supertalk. I saw him as a guest on Channel 5's Sunday night Sports show and the guy reminded me why I've always despised him. Hey Andy, it's one thing to be a controversial tv/radio personality, it's another thing to be annoying as hell. When he tries to make a point he always has to yell and the whole program he was begging people to give him a second chance. Hey Andy, get a job, better yet get a life.

3. Former Reds Players Success - remember these names Ryan Dempster, Kyle Lohse and Todd Coffey. All of these players had pretty horrific Reds careers and have done tremendous elsewhere. I watched Coffey last night and he was throwing almost every pitch between 94 and 96, I don't ever remember him having that kind of velocity. What about Dempster who was 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA last year or Lohse who was 15-6 with a 3.78 ERA last year. All have started off the season well and not to mention all play for contenders in the NL Central, seriously!

Chris Mack to Xavier

Yahoo! is finally confirming NKYSportsWorld reports that date back as early as Saturday that Xavier has hired Chris Mack as their new head coach. Check it out here. If you want to read about two day old breaking news be sure to check out Yahoo Sports!

Cincinnati Reds Could Host 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game

1988, this was the last time the major league baseball all-star game was played in the queen city, Cincinnati. Reports have it that The Reds are pursuing an All-Star date for 2013.

What are the chances that the Reds win this bid? I say they're as good as they'll get as they have a great new ball park, plenty of hotels and a re-invigorated downtown. Also, the Banks project will be finished by this time. It also helps that they're plenty of things to do around town in the summer from Kings Island and Newport on the Levee to Horse Racing and Casinos across the river. Can you imagine the home run derby in a home run happy ballpark? Your thoughts?

The Reds said the team’s desire to host an All-Star Game is one reason it sought the Civil Rights Game against the Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park.

Henry Aaron, Muhammad Ali and Bill Cosby are scheduled to be in town that weekend to accept awards. President Obama has also been invited.

The game alternates between American League and National League cities every year. St. Louis is hosting this year. With Arizona getting the next National League date in 2011, Cincinnati’s next three chances are 2013, 2015 and 2017.

This week in Reds Baseball

* There are a lot of people who subscribe to the thought that there are no must win games in April. But I completely disagree, a win in April is the same as a win in August. If you don't win in April then your games don't mean anything in August. And with the Reds facing their longest road stand of the season, all of which are played against Division opponents, this 10 game stretch must be a positive road trip for the Redlegs. They open up tonight against Milwaukee, then only Houston and Chicago before returning to GABP.

* Last season the Reds were 10-8 against Milwaukee.

* The Reds will face their arch nemesis Roy Oswalt this week in Houston. Oswalt has played the Reds28 times in his career, and has a record of 23-1, with a 2.47 ERA.

Monday Apr. 13 8:05PM at Brewers- Volquez (0-1 8.31) vs. Gallardo (1-0, 2.70)
Tuesday Apr. 14 8:05PM at Brewers- Arroyo (1-0 7.50) vs. Parra (0-1 10.38)
Wednesday Apr. 15 8:05PM at Brewers- Owings (0-0 0.00) vs. Looper (0-0 1.80)
Friday Apr. 17 8:05PM at Astros- Cueto (0-1 6.00) vs. Oswalt (0-2 6.23)
Saturday Apr. 18 7:05PM at Astros- Harang vs. Rodriguez
Sunday Apr. 19 2:05PM at Astros- Volquez vs. Moehler

* Statistical leaders through April 12
Batting Avg- Joey Votto (.400)
Home Runs- Joey Votto (2)
RBI- Joey Votto (7)
OBP- Edwin Encarnacion (.524)
Wins- Bronson Arroyo (1)
ERA- Aaron Harang (0.64)
K's- Aaron Harang (11)

Sunday Drama at the Masters

Wow! What a Sunday evening at the Masters. There were a number of players in contention throughout their rounds on Sunday and many didn't even know it. When the last group tee'd off Kenny Perry was gobbling up Pars and hanging on to his -11 lead. Meanwhile you have Phil Mickelson who posted a record setting 30 on the front nine, then decides to find the lake on 12 and missed and Eagle on 15 to put him out of the running. Phil was playing with Tiger, who we were all waiting for him to turn it up but he could never seem to make it over that hump. Just when you thought he was gaining momentum Tiger missed his long eagle putt on 15 then became a shank golfer bogeying 17. Tiger enjoyed Augusta so much on the 18th hole that he wanted to make it last so he spent some time in the pine straw, then he remembered how much he loved the 10th hole at Augusta so he hit his approach off a tree back into the 10th fairway. Mickelson finished a -9, Tiger at -8 not enough to create Sunday magic.

But the choking was not done yet folks. Angel Cabrera looked like the wheels were falling off playing early with Kenny Perry, Perry was holding steady at -11 while Cabrera bogeyed 10 to go +2 on the day, but eventually battled back. Chad Campbell bogeyed 9 and 10 but then rallied on the back nine to finish -3 on the day putting some pressure on Cabrera and Perry. Heading into the last holes of the course it was Kenny Perry's tournament. Teeing off on 17 Perry had a two shot lead on Cabrera and Campbell and was taking his victory lap to the green jacket. But then the choking continued at Augusta. Perry bogeyed both 17 and 18 to set up a three way playoff.

On the tee both Perry and Campbell were sitting pretty in the fairway and Cabrera found the trees in the pine straw in what looked like was an impossible lie. But Cabrera some how managed to drive the ball off the last tree and back into the fairway then hit a clutch shot six feet from the cup. Meanwhile those pretty fairway drives from Perry and Campbell ended up looking bad. Campbell found the sand and Perry was short and right of the green. Perry then hit a remarkable chip shot that almost found the hole, and Campbell did the same. They both had five footers to send it to the second playoff. Perry hits but Campbell chokes so its Perry and Cabrerra.

Back to the 10th Perry and Cabrera both drive the same spot on the fairway but Perry cannot find the green on the approach. Cabrerra puts his second shot about 15 feet away. Perry chips a horrendous shot and has a 20 footer that he has to sink, which he doesn't. Cabrera then two puts his way to a green jacket. It was a day where we saw ups and downs of composure and unraveling. They all choked at some point in the day, but Cabrera choked less winning his first green jacket.

T-1 Angel Cabrera
T-1 Kenny Perry
T-1 Chad Campbell
4 Shingo Katayama
5 Phil Mickelson
T-6 Steve Flesch
T-6 John Merrick
T-6 Steve Stricker
T-6 Tiger Woods

Ranking Northern Kentucky’s Public Golf Courses: Who Deserves Top Honors?

The following are a list of public golf courses in Northern Kentucky. I’ve played each of these courses more than once through the years and ranked them accordingly. Things to consider when ranking each course are the conditions and overall experience.

Birdie
Lassing Pointe – One of the most challenging courses in Northern Kentucky is at the top of my rankings. Lassing Pointe is a par 71. Although it’s not one of the more inexpensive courses in the area it tops my list because the course is always in great shape, is spread out, and hole number eight is one of the best holes in the area and plays as a 521 yard par 5 from the back tees. (see photo)

Fox Run – A close second to Lassing Pointe, Fox Run is one of three courses owned by Kenton County Golf Course. Fox Run is a par 72. The course is known for some very picturesque holes, such as the 558 yard par 5 number 18 (see photo)

Par

Boone Links – this course is host to three nine hole courses: Brookview, Lakeview, and the newest of the three Ridgeview. If you’re looking for a challenging play the original nines Brookview and Lakeview which play a par 72. All three courses are well-maintained and challenging in their own ways. Ridgeview is the easiest of the three courses and plays much shorter than its counterparts.

Hickory Sticks – the biggest sleeper of all the golf courses on the list. Hickory Sticks is a par 71 located in California, Kentucky. The course opened its doors in 1998 and is challenging, well-maintained, hilly, and has some great views. If you’re looking for a challenging hole play number three, a 450+ par 5 which plays all up-hill and includes one of the smallest greens in the area.

The Willows –The name describes everything about this Kenton County Golf Course. If you like a challenging course with a ton of trees this is the course for you. The Willows is a par 72. The course is the hilliest of the three courses which leaves you with some tough hill side lies along the way.

A.J. Jolly – Another hidden gem, A.J. Jolly is a par 71 golf course in Alexandria, Kentucky. The course is challenging to all levels of play and has some of the tightest holes in the area, meaning you can’t afford to hit a bad shot off the tee on most holes. The course features many scenic views and on occasion you’ll see deer run across the fairways. If you don’t like lakes then hole number 10 will be your worst nightmare, a 350+ yard par 4 with lakes that run along the left and right side of this tight fairway.

Devou Park – opened in 1922, Devou Park is by far the hilliest course in Northern Kentucky. The course is home to some of the most scenic holes in the area and is known for hole number five, which overlooks downtown Cincinnati. The course plays as a par 70 and forces you to tee off with an iron on many of there challenging holes. The courses fairways are “beat-up” at times and the lakes aren’t well-maintained.

Bogey

Twin Oaks – built in 1927, Twin Oaks is one of the oldest courses in Northern Kentucky. The course plays as a par 70 and is one of the only courses in the area that feature Bermuda grass. If you’re going to play Twin Oaks go in the spring when the grass is bright green and before the course is beaten up throughout the summer. The greens and course could be maintained better and in the fall the Bermuda grass turns brown, which makes it look like dead grass sprayed throughout the course. In my opinion, the owners should’ve put more money into the course and not the new clubhouse.

Pioneer – built in 1968, Pioneer is the first of the three Kenton County Golf Courses. Pioneer is a par 70 and can be described as the tale of two nines as the front nine is far easier than the back in my opinion. The course is usually in good shape but the holes feel like they’re too bunched together as you may hit from the wrong fairway on many occasions throughout your round.

Flagg Springs – another course in California, Kentucky Flagg Springs plays as a par 71. The course is very open which allows you to hit a bad tee shot and recover quite easy throughout your round. Every time I’ve played here the course has been in decent shape, but the one thing that stands out in my mind are the cable lines that run along and in some cases in play throughout your round.

Double Bogey

World of Sports – the last facility owned by Ralph Landrum, World of Sports is the only “par-3” course in the area. This par 59 golf course does include five par fours but is mainly made up of short par threes and was created for the beginning golfer. The course is usually in bad shape but Landrum is currently investing more money into his only property left. If your idea of fun is watching a guy in jean shorts hack at a ball far to many times and playing behind slow “golfers” this course is for you.

Meadowood Golf Club – the course has taken a turn for the worse after selling off their back-nine to build condominiums. This par 35 nine hole course includes below-average maintenance and the slowest play in the area. The fairways are often hard as rocks and I usually find myself wanting to skip holes in order to play in front of slow individuals on the nine-hole course! If you’re a beginner to the game of golf and don’t mind playing nine holes in the span of three hours this course is for you. By far, the worst course in Northern Kentucky.

*birdie - is the highest ranking and deems the course is highly recommended.
*par - means the course is above average but is not in the same league as the top courses.
*bogey - means the course is average.
*double bogey - means the course is below average and has some flaws.

Although I’ve played all of them country clubs aren’t eligible for the list.

Price wasn’t used as a main factor when ranking the top courses. For a complete list of rates/prices, addresses and more information of Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area golf courses, Click Here.

Your Thoughts?

Who am I?

While channel surfing today I saw this very interesting statistic comparing a current Major League baseball player with the great Mickey Mantle. The topic of discussion was Great Switch Hitters, so that is your first clue but check out the comparison of numbers:

Mickey Mantle Through First 10 seasons:
.307 Average
320 Home runs
935 RBI's
1,113 Runs

Current MLB Player
.302 Average
288 Home Runs
961 RBI's
896 Runs

Not quite complete Mickey Mantle numbers but pretty close. Who am I?

Latest Rumor: Chris Mack will be Announced as New Xavier Coach on Tuesday

An inside source with Xavier (i.e. Byron Larkin) has rumored that Chris Mack will be announced the new head coach of the Xavier Musketeers on Tuesday and will be introduced at a banquet the following evening.

In other Xavier news, Arizona men's basketball coach Sean Miller has hired James Whitford and Emanuel Richardson as assistants.

The 37-year-old Whitford was an assistant under Miller for the past four seasons at Xavier with an emphasis on defense and recruiting.

The 36-year-old Richardson just completed his second year with Miller at Xavier.

Cincinnati Cyclones Take Another Tough Loss

The Wheeling Nailers have come into US Bank arena in the first round of the Kelly Cup playoffs and have opened a 2-0 lead on the Cincinnati Cyclones. After taking the first game 4-1, Wheeling got past the 'Clones on Friday night 3-1. The goalie for the Nailers, Curtis Darling, was phenomenal tonight against the Cyclones only giving up one goal and stopping 34 shots. Cyclones missed a lot of opportunities to score throughout the game including a penalty shot by Barret Ehgoetz in the first period. The Cyclones were sniffing at making a run in the third period until Bryan Ewing netted a goal 13:50 into the third. The series will now return to Wheeling for three games where Wheeling could eliminate the Cyclones from their 2009 Kelly Cup defense.

Scout.com 2009 Recruiting Rankings

Scout.com has released their 2009 recruiting class rankings and John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats have the #4 ranked recruiting class in the country. Keep in mind these are the early indicator numbers. There are still a couple of weeks left in the signing period so this could change.

1. North Carolina
2. Texas
3. Villanova
4. Kentucky
5. Georgia Tech
6. Florida
7. UCLA
8. Oklahoma
9. Duke
10. Kansas

WNBA Draft

I realized that the WNBA Draft was yesterday (can't believe that I missed it) so in order to stay up with Title IX I found this video floating around the internet. Enjoy!

NKU Signee Ethan Faulker

I have been wanting to post this for some time but with all of the Kentucky news it has been placed on the back burner. At the Sweet Sixteen tournament I was able to watch the PG for the Elliot County Lions, Ethan Faulkner, who some time ago signed with Coach Dave Bezold at Northern Kentucky University. Faulker was part of a four senior tandem, which included is twin brother Evan, that let their Elliott County team to the Semi-finals of the State tournament and a 32-3 season. During his varsity career at Elliott County Faulkner scored over 2,000 points, his senior class combined with brother Evan and Johnathan Ferguson scored over 7,000 points in their career.
Ethan is a very fundamentally sound basketball player who really looks to open the floor and enable his teammates. He very quick and explosive and attacks the basket very well for his size. He isn't tiny, 6'2" 180 with an athletic frame. If there was one knock that I could see based on my three game observation was he will definitely need to improve his defense. Overall this is a great signing for Northern Kentucky University.

If you didn't catch this story a couple of months ago Pat Forde of ESPN wrote a great story about the Elliot County Team.

Why the Bengals Should Draft Andre Smith

With the draft coming up in a couple of weeks I felt it would be a good time to hit on a few of the names that are seriously floating around the Cincinnati Bengals at pick #6. The one that has caught the most attention has been Alabama OT Andre Smith. We all saw his "jello-man" 40 yard dash from his pro day and have heard all of the terrible things that he has done in the combine. But the one thing that people are forgetting is everything that he accomplished at the University of Alabama. Smith was virtually untouchable at LT for the Crimson.
We are living in a day and age where every move a player makes is absolutely scrutinized and that has been the case with Andre Smith. He may not be the smartest player in the world, but I also don't remember Willie Anderson winning any academic bowls. Smith carries his size well and is very athletic and quick ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. I don't care what he can run in the 40 yard dash because I hope to never have to see him run 40 yards on the football field. If he is he is probably chasing down a defender who just created a turnover. So lets forget all of the scrutiny that he has met after the season and remember that initial draft reports right after the season had Smith as the #1 pick. We have put too much value on the combine. We spend too much time evaluating 40 times, weight lifting, high jump and not enough time watching tape and evaluating talent ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. Draft Andre Smith!