It was a long year for the basketball program as the winds of change blew into Tucson for the first time in a generation. Like most seasons, my opinion of the team changed several times during the course of the year, but this one was unique.

In May, Lute hired Kevin O'Neal (former coach of the Raptors, Marquette, Tennessee, and Northwestern) to be the defensive guru, bringing intensity to a team that was porous, and soft. I thought this infusion would allow the team to really utilize the size and quickness of the team on defense. His role, however, changed significantly when Lute took a leave of absence for the year.

The quasi-Physics professor meets potty-mouth general drew a lot of criticism from fans for his deliberate pro-style offense, and lack of bench development (Not that this is new. I've never seen Lute use more than 7 guys consistently.) The offense centered around set plays for Bayless and Budinger in order to take advantage of mismatches. This style fits the NBA, but the college game thrives on keeping the opponent off balance - just ask Pitino whose Louisville team does just that, yet couldn't make it happen with the Celtics. The offense this year was inconsistent, there were too many mistakes, and the players just weren't polished enough.

What is in store for the future? Enter the Silver Fox, rested and ready for another run. His first matter of business was to visit with the families of Budinger and Bayless to re-recruit them. Each is projected to be first round picks in the draft if they choose to leave. Incoming All-American freshman Brandon Jennings heads a class that includes another San Diego product in big man Jeff Withey.

Baseball '08

NL
East

1. Mets - Can they rebound from the late season collapse of last year? Adding Santana doesn't hurt, and their young stars will only get better.


2. Braves* - I don't love them as much as Andrew Jackson does. Tom Glavine is back!
   
3. Phillies - I'm sure sure how I feel about Ryan Howard. Is he a monster young player ready to carry this team into the playoffs, or is he a strikeout waiting to happen? Either way, they don't have enough to get over the top.
4. Nationals
5. Marlins

Central

1. Cubs - FU-KU-DO-ME! Love the guy so far. Kara thinks his name is inappropriate. He needs to be a solid OBP guy for the big sticks. Hopefully the pitching doesn't do them in.


2. Brewers - I don't like this team. Meet Prince Fielder. I hope they lose every game, and the Chorizo wins every race.


3. Reds - These uni's are sweet!
4. Cardinals
5. Astros
6. Pirates

West

1. Diamondbacks - Great young players should be fun watch develop. Byrnes may be one of my favorite people in baseball. I just want to hang out with him.


2. Rockies - Are they as good as the last few months of last season? I'd pick them for the wild card if they didn't flaunt so much purple.


3. Padres - It's all about pitching north of the border.
4. Dodgers - Andruw Jones is overrated, Jeff Kent always seems like he's in a bad mood, and Joe Torre hasn't managed in years.
5. Giants

AL

East

1. Red Sox - Some good young talent combined with mashers in the middle. I like their chances


2. Yankees - Just when I was feeling nostalgic for the good old crazy Yankee owner quotes, Hank Steinbrenner proves he's just like George. This team is nearly eligible to receive a reduced rate at Denny's - not that they'd need it. More on this with Detroit, but this should be addressed
   
3. Blue Jays
4. Rays
5. Orioles

Central

1. Indians - Love the pitching staff. Since we are fond of nicknames, it's hard to not root for Pronk.


2. Tigers* - They may outscore every other team in baseball, but is Todd Jones really the guy they plan to bring in to close? Another culprit of non-uniformity. Take for example, our friend, Todd. Cap and jersey logos are different, not to mention the sleeves.


3. White Sox
4. Twins
5. Royals

West

1. Mariners - Bedard and Hernandez anchor a solid staff for a weak, yet productive lineup


2. Angels - Missing pitchers John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, and Scott Shields make this team vulnerable.
3. A's
4. Rangers

Knee to the Brain

Last night in a churchball game, I took a knee to the temple, so with that in mind, here are some random thoughts that shook loose when I took the blow to the brain:

First off I'd like to thank the good people of IcyHot. For years when men got sore from playing basketball, softball, or any other sport, they had to rub something called "Ben Gay" on their sore calves, hammys, and quads. As a guy let me tell you, there's nothing more awkward then rubbing a cream with the word "gay" in it on your upper thighs. It eliminates any sense of pride or machismo achieved by playing sports. Thank you Icy Hot.

Earlier this week, Chris Webber retired. Some people say he's one of the greatest underachievers in the history of the league, but compare his career to the rest of the 1993 draft class. Btw, I'm completely biased on this topic (and most others)--I loved the fab five, grew up a Warriors fan, been a Kings fan for the last 9 years, and have sympathy for guys who fail in the clutch.

My favorite sports radio host is Colin Cowherd, but I'm losing faith fast. He used to be so good at cutting through B.S. and giving a truly unique take on sports. In the last 6 months though he's sounded more like Sean Hannity or Chris Matthews than the Colin I know (I don't really know him) and love (it's not like I LOVE love him). Can anyone refer me to someone who can take Uncle Colin's place? 

Watching UCLA the last few rounds has enlightened me on the best new 'au natural' nickname in sports. The key is having a nickname that doesn't require the And1 Mixed Tape Tour treatment. Andre Kirilenko (AK-47) used to hold this title, but ladies and gentlemen we have a new champ. The last name of Kevin Love's backup, Lorenzo Mata Real, can roughly be translated as "He truthfully kills", or even "True Killer." Just imagine if the True Killer someday plays alongside AK-47--quite the lethal combination. 

 

Links

Here are some sites that have caught my attention while watching my bracket fall apart.

An RV isn't just a vehicle. It's a lifestyle.

Space...the final fronteir. Check out the special features, including Mars (inspired by the Greatful Dead), the not so dark side of the moon, and a handy historical overlay. The first one to find the Big Dipper wins!

Ever wonder what band has the best logo? Feel free to add one on the comment section if it was passed over.

What Yuppies Like is on the links to the right. You're sure to find several that describe you (or someone you know).

A New Barry in Town

I just wanted to take a moment away from school stuff and say how wonderful it is that Barry Bonds won't be playing for the San Francisco Giants this season. For over a decade Bonds carried the franchise on his pimple-popped back, and it was obviously a bumpy ride. Barry Bonds was Ike and Giants fans were Tina. We knew he was bad for us, but we stuck with him. As Gladys Knight sweetly sang, "I'd rather live in [Barry's] world, than live without him in mine."

Don't get me wrong, Barry did some nice things for Giants fans. For one, he saved the franchise from moving to Florida. Trust me, you DON'T want to move to Florida. Two, his power from the left side was the inspiration for AT&T Park, one of the most beautiful stadiums in MLB. Three, he helped get the Giants into playoff contention year after year and even to the '02 series (Which I'm still bitter about since I entered the MTC 2 weeks earlier). Four, Giants baseball did NOT matter before he got there. Nobody's recalling the Roger Craig era, or fighting to get Rick Rueschel into Cooperstown. Even Will the Thrill wasn't as big as Barry.

In the end though, despite every good thing Bonds brought to the Bay, I'm glad he's gone. An article in SI a week or 2 back mentioned that a new Barry (Zito) has emerged as the team leader. They're playing Guitar Hero in the clubhouse and actually looking forward to coming to the yard. For the first time in a while, there's covalent chemistry in the Giants organization, and not nuclear warfare. So while it is sad to see Pedro Gomez out of work, Giants fans can now look forward to a new day......

 unless Ike comes calling again.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Leprechaun in Mobile, Alabama.

Who else see the leprechaun, say YEAH!

What The World Eats

TIME

This picture gallery is awesome. It is fun to find items that I recognize from local supermarket shelves that are also eaten by people on the other side of the world. The amount, cost, and type of food is also fun to compare.

Favre and Away

I know the whole world (well at least Jon Madden and Bristol) is mourning the loss of number 4, but I wanted to give a different take for why I'm sad that he's gone. Sure I hate to see the NFL's Ironman go, I hate to see the guy retire who holds the all-time record for six AND picks, I hate to see the QB leave the game who smashed helmets with Sapp and Strahan, who loved to play in Lambeau, and who ran down the field sans helmet in the first quarter of SB XXXI.

Despite all those reasons, I'm sad because Brett Favre was the last major athlete who I grew up watching as a kid still playing in pro sports.While Elway, Marino, and Young called it quits in the 90s, Brett just kept on playing. The guy came in the league in '91 and was still dominating! I'll give MJ credit for making it to '03, but I'd like to forget that comeback more than my hemorrhoids examination last year.

I realized my childhood was almost over in 2005 when Reggie Miller called it quits. It caught me way off guard, but I knew I still had guys like Roger Clemens and Favre to help me cling to my youth. I'm not sure what happened to the Rocket, but now, the simpler days of my youth are undoubtedly over.

So while I'll still enjoy watching the Gen-Y talent of Vince Young, Adrian Peterson, Lebron, and CP3 for years to come, it'll never be the same.

PS- I have the strange urge to wear some Wrangler jeans right now

The greatest club competition in the world is in the middle of the knockout round, and features some intriguing match ups on Tuesday.




Barcelona vs Celtic

Barca is loaded with international stars including Henry, Ronaldinho, and another member of my fave-five, Messi. the first leg in Ireland saw the home team put up a fight before going down 3-2. The Hoops, not that Hoops, need to pull off a small miracle to not only win on aggregate, but also surpass the away goal differential. Aesthetic appeal comes down to whether you like vertical, or horizontal stripes.



AC Milan and Arsenal

These two giants of European football provide the most anticipated match up of the round of sixteen. Milan starts a lot of old Italian guys that look menacing and dangerous. Their coach wears nothing but black. Arsenal is the most diverse club in England, who's French coach loads the team with cheap young talent. He's like Europe's Billy Bean. They play a very attractive style which is fun to watch. The Gunners and Rossoneri tied 0-0 in London, and now head to Italy and the San Siro where either team could win. Look out for Kaka.





Lyon vs Manchester United

The game has been canceled because French team Lyon has raised the white flag. Just kidding. The Red Devils welcome Lyon (pronounced Lay-on, which can't be good) to Old Trafford. Ronaldo is playing like the best player in the world, and the rest of the squad is deep and talented. I honestly don't know anything about Lyon, but their kit is pretty bland.

Prediction: Barca, Arsenal, and Man Utd.