Two days ago Derrick Rose, star point guard for the Chicago Bulls, tore his meniscus in his right knee for the second time. This is his 3rd leg injury that requires surgery in the past few years. His first injury was a freak accident. He went up for a rebound and when he went up his knee gave out. This took a while to come back from. Then, relatively recently after recovery from his first injury, he injured his other leg. This started to worry many people in Chicago. People began to compare him to Brandon Roy and how his career is over because he has bad legs. He came back this season and was looking like the old Derrick Rose. Now this.
I love Derrick Rose as a player. He is a player that all players should look up to. Before he was drafted number 1 overall in the 2008 NBA draft, Chicago asked both Derrick and another potential number 1 pick Michael Beasley what the worst part about college basketball is. Michael Beasley answered with something along the lines of he didn't like it when the refs made bad calls. When they asked Derrick Rose he answered with one word: losing. This is how Chicago knew they wanted him and he did not disappoint. In the 2010-2011 season Derrick Rose became the youngest player ever in the history of the NBA to win the MVP award.
Derrick Rose does not deserve to have these injuries happening to him. When it all comes down to it, he has bad legs, and that may not be something that will change. Derrick is such a humble player as well. After he signed a big contract with Chicago, a reporter asked him if he was excited or ready for the fame. He replied by saying he doesn't want to be famous, he just wants to bring a championship back to his hometown.
So this blog is for Derrick Rose. Here's to a speedy recovery, and hopefully he can stay healthy from here on out and finish his illustrious career in the NBA.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Cricket
Cricket is a game not many people in America follow. It is a bat and ball game somewhat similar to baseball. There are 11 people on each team. There is a bowler, who is essentially a pitcher, and 10 other fielders who attempt to get the batter out. The batsman hits until he is dismissed, or out. The bowler and fielders must dismiss 10 out of the 11 players on the opposing team to end the inning.
I would like to focus on five of the best cricketers of all time and some of their accomplishments.
First on the list coming in at number 5 is Kapil Dev from India. Under his captaincy, the India cricket squad won their first world cup title in 1983, the same year that the Baltimore Orioles won their 3rd World Series Championship. Coming in at 6 feet tall. Kapil Dev is considered India's greatest fast bowler and one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
Next on the list is Vivian Ricahrds of West India. This right handed batter, also known as Viv or the Master Blaster, is one of the greets batters of all time. Coming in at 5' 10", Viv finished his career with 8,540 runs in in 121 test matches. As a test captain, he won 27 of 50 matches, losing only 8.
Coming in at number 3 on our list is Garfield Sobers, Gary Sober for short, one of the greatest all around players to ever play the game. He played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974 as a left handed bowler and batsman. Gary is known for being the only player ever to hit six sixes in a single over on six consecutive balls in first-class cricket. In the 1975 New Year Honours list, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Gary with a Knight Bachelor for his services to the sport of cricket.
At number 2 on our list we have former Indian cricketer and batting guru known as Sachin Tendulkar. His is one of the younger players on the list being only 41 years of age now. This batting legend as scored a hundred 100's in his career, a feat that may never be accomplished by another player ever again. He is one of only two players to ever score a double century in an ODI match. His illustrious career is marked by many awards, including the Arjuna Award for outstanding sporting achievements and the Rajiv Ghandi Khel Ratna award for India's greatest sportsman. He won is 1st World Cup in six appearances in 2011 as part of the Indian team. He is also the wealthiest cricket player on the planet, with a net worth of $160 million.
The number 1 greatest cricketer and batsman to ever play the game is the one and only Sir Don Bradman of Australia. Coming in at only 5'7" Sir Don, or the Don, is widely acknowledged as the greatest test batsman of all time. The Don's career test batting average of 99.94 is considered by many as the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport. On December 10, 1985, Bradman was the first of 120 inaugural inductees into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
I would like to focus on five of the best cricketers of all time and some of their accomplishments.
First on the list coming in at number 5 is Kapil Dev from India. Under his captaincy, the India cricket squad won their first world cup title in 1983, the same year that the Baltimore Orioles won their 3rd World Series Championship. Coming in at 6 feet tall. Kapil Dev is considered India's greatest fast bowler and one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
Next on the list is Vivian Ricahrds of West India. This right handed batter, also known as Viv or the Master Blaster, is one of the greets batters of all time. Coming in at 5' 10", Viv finished his career with 8,540 runs in in 121 test matches. As a test captain, he won 27 of 50 matches, losing only 8.
Coming in at number 3 on our list is Garfield Sobers, Gary Sober for short, one of the greatest all around players to ever play the game. He played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974 as a left handed bowler and batsman. Gary is known for being the only player ever to hit six sixes in a single over on six consecutive balls in first-class cricket. In the 1975 New Year Honours list, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Gary with a Knight Bachelor for his services to the sport of cricket.
At number 2 on our list we have former Indian cricketer and batting guru known as Sachin Tendulkar. His is one of the younger players on the list being only 41 years of age now. This batting legend as scored a hundred 100's in his career, a feat that may never be accomplished by another player ever again. He is one of only two players to ever score a double century in an ODI match. His illustrious career is marked by many awards, including the Arjuna Award for outstanding sporting achievements and the Rajiv Ghandi Khel Ratna award for India's greatest sportsman. He won is 1st World Cup in six appearances in 2011 as part of the Indian team. He is also the wealthiest cricket player on the planet, with a net worth of $160 million.
The number 1 greatest cricketer and batsman to ever play the game is the one and only Sir Don Bradman of Australia. Coming in at only 5'7" Sir Don, or the Don, is widely acknowledged as the greatest test batsman of all time. The Don's career test batting average of 99.94 is considered by many as the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport. On December 10, 1985, Bradman was the first of 120 inaugural inductees into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
2015 NBA All Star Break
This weekend from February 13-15, the NBA has its annual All Star weekend. This should be a particularly exciting All Star weekend, with new faces in both the 3-point shooting contest and dunk contest.
Lets start off with the starting lineups for each team. On the eastern conference, we have familiar faces Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James, two fan favorites, even with Carmelo being on arguably the worst team in the NBA this year. John Wall is having a spectacular season with the Wizards and will start at guard. Pau Gasol is having a great year after a trade from the Lakers to the Bulls. Finally, new comer Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors makes his first start in his first ever all star game appearance. Mike Budenholzer from the Atlanta Hawks will coach the eastern conference this year. The Hawks have had a great season so far, starting off with 41 wins and only 10 losses.
There were two injuries to two key starts on the Western Conference. Blake Griffin and Kobe Bryant, both selected for the starting lineup, will not play in this years all star game due to a staff infection for Griffin and a recent torn rotator cuff for Kobe. Damian Lilliard from the Portland Trail Blazers will take the place of Blake Griffin as starter and Demarcus Boogie Cousins will replace Kobe in his first ever All Star appearance. Marc Gasol, Anthony Davis, and Steph Curry finish off the starting 5 for the Western Conference. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, will coach the western conference. He will have two of his star players, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, on his roster.
The always entertaining celebrity all star game, featuring stars such as Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, and Spike Lee, takes place at 7 P.M. on Friday.
The Three Point Contest and the Sprite Slam Dunk contest take place Saturday at 8:30 P.M. after the Degree Shooting Stars and the skills challenge. I am going to focus on the three point contest and the dunk contest. The three point contest is particularly exciting this year as teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson go head to head in a 3-point shooting battle. Wesley Matthews, JJ Redick, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, and Marco Belinelli round out the rest of the 3-point squad. At this point, it is a toss up as to who the favorite is. In my opinion, I would love to see a Steph Curry vs. Klay Thompson shootout in the finals. James Harden and Kyle Korver are my two other favorites to make the finals.
The final event on Saturday is the Slam Dunk Contest. It has not been as exciting these past few years but seems to have a fairly stacked lineup this year. All participants are competing in their first ever dunk contest. They include Zach LaVine, Victor Oladipo, Mason Plumlee, and the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is my favorite to win it this year.
Finally, the main event, the NBA All Star game starts at 8:30 PM on Sunday afternoon.
Lets start off with the starting lineups for each team. On the eastern conference, we have familiar faces Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James, two fan favorites, even with Carmelo being on arguably the worst team in the NBA this year. John Wall is having a spectacular season with the Wizards and will start at guard. Pau Gasol is having a great year after a trade from the Lakers to the Bulls. Finally, new comer Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors makes his first start in his first ever all star game appearance. Mike Budenholzer from the Atlanta Hawks will coach the eastern conference this year. The Hawks have had a great season so far, starting off with 41 wins and only 10 losses.
There were two injuries to two key starts on the Western Conference. Blake Griffin and Kobe Bryant, both selected for the starting lineup, will not play in this years all star game due to a staff infection for Griffin and a recent torn rotator cuff for Kobe. Damian Lilliard from the Portland Trail Blazers will take the place of Blake Griffin as starter and Demarcus Boogie Cousins will replace Kobe in his first ever All Star appearance. Marc Gasol, Anthony Davis, and Steph Curry finish off the starting 5 for the Western Conference. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, will coach the western conference. He will have two of his star players, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, on his roster.
The always entertaining celebrity all star game, featuring stars such as Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, and Spike Lee, takes place at 7 P.M. on Friday.
The Three Point Contest and the Sprite Slam Dunk contest take place Saturday at 8:30 P.M. after the Degree Shooting Stars and the skills challenge. I am going to focus on the three point contest and the dunk contest. The three point contest is particularly exciting this year as teammates Steph Curry and Klay Thompson go head to head in a 3-point shooting battle. Wesley Matthews, JJ Redick, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver, and Marco Belinelli round out the rest of the 3-point squad. At this point, it is a toss up as to who the favorite is. In my opinion, I would love to see a Steph Curry vs. Klay Thompson shootout in the finals. James Harden and Kyle Korver are my two other favorites to make the finals.
The final event on Saturday is the Slam Dunk Contest. It has not been as exciting these past few years but seems to have a fairly stacked lineup this year. All participants are competing in their first ever dunk contest. They include Zach LaVine, Victor Oladipo, Mason Plumlee, and the Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is my favorite to win it this year.
Finally, the main event, the NBA All Star game starts at 8:30 PM on Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Michael Phelps
The football season has come to an end. The New England Patriots have won their fourth super bowl title under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The NHL just finished up all star week a few weeks ago and is back under way. Tiger Woods is still playing awful golf. The NBA is well under way and about to be at the half way point with the NBA All Star Weekend. The MLB is finishing up a semi-exciting offseason with players such as Giancarlo Stanton and Max Scherzer signing huge deals.
I want to put all this aside and talk about a different sport that is coming back in this upcoming 2016 year. There have been rumors surrounding the upcoming olympics that one of the all time olympic greats, Michael Phelps, may return for one last run. I have had the pleasure of meeting Michael Phelps a few times. Michael Phelps grew up one county over from me in Fallston, Maryland. When I was younger, around 11 or 12, we both swam at the annual All Star meet at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. I have met him a few times and even swam in the same cool down lane as him. Now as for the upcoming Olympics, I'm sure there are tons of people who are going to say he is washed up and he is in no shape to swim after he got his second DUI and he hasn't trained nearly as much as he had in 2008 where he made history by earning 8 gold medals or even in 2012 where he was still able to rack in 4 golds and 2 silvers. As for these people who doubt the aging Michael Phelps, they are wrong. I have seen him compete multiple times in person and on television. His recent past mistakes, the DUIs and the marijuana picture and his playing golf instead of training, are all factors that may hurt him in the upcoming Olympics should he choose to compete. No matter what he does, he is still the greatest swimmer of all time. People will still be out there competing to try and beat the great Michael Phelps. He is, was, and will always be a great competitor. He may not be able to rack in 8 gold medals like he did in his prime, but should he compete, I can guarantee he brings home a few more golds. I believe that he still has the ability to break world records and astonish people all over the world. The greatest olympian of all time is not done yet.
I want to put all this aside and talk about a different sport that is coming back in this upcoming 2016 year. There have been rumors surrounding the upcoming olympics that one of the all time olympic greats, Michael Phelps, may return for one last run. I have had the pleasure of meeting Michael Phelps a few times. Michael Phelps grew up one county over from me in Fallston, Maryland. When I was younger, around 11 or 12, we both swam at the annual All Star meet at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. I have met him a few times and even swam in the same cool down lane as him. Now as for the upcoming Olympics, I'm sure there are tons of people who are going to say he is washed up and he is in no shape to swim after he got his second DUI and he hasn't trained nearly as much as he had in 2008 where he made history by earning 8 gold medals or even in 2012 where he was still able to rack in 4 golds and 2 silvers. As for these people who doubt the aging Michael Phelps, they are wrong. I have seen him compete multiple times in person and on television. His recent past mistakes, the DUIs and the marijuana picture and his playing golf instead of training, are all factors that may hurt him in the upcoming Olympics should he choose to compete. No matter what he does, he is still the greatest swimmer of all time. People will still be out there competing to try and beat the great Michael Phelps. He is, was, and will always be a great competitor. He may not be able to rack in 8 gold medals like he did in his prime, but should he compete, I can guarantee he brings home a few more golds. I believe that he still has the ability to break world records and astonish people all over the world. The greatest olympian of all time is not done yet.
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