No need for Knick panic

After losing to the Orlando Magic – 111 to 99 – the New York Knicks dropped one game below .500 for the season (35-36). That marks 4 straight losses for the Knicks, whilst also falling to 7 wins and 10 losses, since they acquired Carmelo Anthony in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Nuggets.

But the Knicks needn’t panic.

On the 18^th of April, the Knicks will be competing in the NBA Playoffs for the first time in over a decade. They’ve been the laughing stock of the NBA for the better part of that decade, they’ve turned that around this year. Last season the Knicks finished 11^th in the Eastern Conference, winning only 29 games for the season, meaning they lost a whopping 53. With 11 games left in this season they’ve already won 35, meaning even if they split the remaining games on their schedule, they’ll improve by over 10 games this season.

That’s a massive improvement however you look at it.

It becomes even more significant, when you look at the way the Knicks have completely rebuilt their roster, from that they turned out last season. So much so, that only three players – Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Jared Jeffries – remain from last years squad. Not one player in the Knicks starting line-up was playing for New York last year. The Knicks have completely undergone a rebuilding process – a phrase that gets thrown around all the time today – yet they’ve managed to improve whilst doing so. A rare achievement.

As Carmelo Anthony said after the loss to the Magic, “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” Despite being in the midst of a brutal stretch of their season – this loss being their fourteen game in the last twenty-three days – these Knicks know that they’re on the right path. They’ve known that ever since the day Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups arrived. But realistically they’ve known that they were going to adjust to playing together, right now even though they may not be winning, but they’re gaining valuable chemistry. Integrating two keys players into their starting line-up, midway through the season no less, was always going to be a difficult task.

Many pundits and fans have already buried this Knicks team, damning them for not performing up to lofty expectations, but please give these Knicks a chance. For the first time in a decade the Knicks are heading to the playoffs, and look set to face the Miami Heat in the opening round, who they Knicks have beaten in both of their last two contests. They would enter that series full of confidence, that they could cause an upset against one of the NBA’s heavyweights. Similar words haven’t been uttered in the Big Apple since the Ewing Era.

The Knicks are in a slump at the moment, that cannot be ignored, but a month from now playoff basketball will return to New York City. If they find a way to win just one playoff game in the Garden, mid-March frustrations will be replaced by April jubilation.

The Knicks have improved beyond any reasonable expectations this year; they deserve to be praised, not to have fans reaching for the panic button.

  

Chatting with Collingwood legend Simon Prestigiacomo

Before the new Northern Football League season kicks off on the 9^th of April, I had the chance to have a chat with recently retired Collingwood star, and West Preston’s newest recruit Simon Prestigiacomo. He gave his thoughts on retiring from the AFL at the end of last season, what it was like having to famously pull out of the Grand Final, his favorite moments over the course of his illustrious career, and going back to where it all began this season.

The first thing I wanted to know, was if since his retirement “Presti” had been able to sit back and reflect on his career as one of the best Full-Back’s of the last decade. He said that he hadn’t really looked back at it all yet, but it’s obviously something he’ll do in the future. However Prestigiacomo said that the chance he had to speak at Collingwood’s Copeland Trophy Night was a thrill, as it gave him the chance to thank all his players, coaches and all the other people that had helped him over his 233 game career.

The topic then turned to his heartbreaking withdrawal from Collingwood’s Grand Final side last season, as a result of a groin injury picked up in a training session, on the Wednesday of Grand Final week.

“I lost a lot of sleep over it…I was hoping it would get better, but it got worse over the week.”

“It was one of the toughest things I ever had to do…”

It was a cruel blow to a player that had earned a cult-status with the Magpie Army, someone who embodied everything that Collingwood stands for, hard-work, dedication and commitment to the cause. I must say, having had the pleasure of watching “Presti” go toe-to-toe with the greatest forward’s of the last decade, I was relishing seeing him finally collect that elusive Premiership Medallion. But it wasn’t to be.

We then spoke about his most treasured memories over his career in the Black and White. In spite of the way they turned out, Prestigiacomo immediately spoke about the build-up and taking the field in Collingwood’s back-to-back Grand Finals in 2002 and 2003. Although the matches obviously didn’t turn out the way Prestigiacomo and his Magpies would’ve hoped, it was easy to hear the pride in his voice, as he looked back nostalgically at a great run by the Magpies.

When asked about the prospect of playing in the Northern Football League this season, where he played as a junior, Presti was refreshingly honest.

“I wasn’t planning on playing again this year…but Anthony Rocca got into my ear a little…now I’m looking forward to it. Playing back on the same grounds I played as a kid…with old friends again…I’m really enjoying it.”

He was clearly relishing the chance to get back amongst the NFL – a league that honored him by naming it’s Under 15 Best and Fairest Award in his name – and is looking forward to getting back to just enjoying playing again.

Prestigiacomo was also very impressed with what he’s seen of new club, West Preston, as they embark on their quest to win back-to-back Premierships.

“They’ll been training well, look really focused…they really know how to play together.”

Presti and new teammate, Anthony Rocca, are working hard to fit into the group and learn how the team plays, but I’m sure it will be something he’ll have no trouble with.

One of his closing comments really stood out to me, saying that he’s enjoying “playing for fun (and) getting back to why you start playing as a kid…” something that we sometimes lose sight of in today’s media-driven AFL climate.

Simon Prestigiacomo was a beloved player,and ultimate clubman during his time with the AFL. He is regarded as one of the greatest Full Back’s of the modern era. He’ll be an asset to the Northern Football League this year; not just for his great play, but also for the way he goes about his football. He was always seen by many, as one of the “good guys” in the AFL, a sentiment that rung true during our quick chat.

So do yourself a favor this year, get around the grounds and take the chance to watch one of the greats in action, before he hangs up his boots for good. 

NBA MVP Race

There are only a handful of games left in this years NBA regular season. Besides teams scrapping for the final playoff spots, some of the league’s elite players are vying to claim the NBA MVP Award. But before I can name who I think will win this years Maurice Pololoff Trophy, it must be established as to what it means to be the “Most Valuable Player.”

Many people have different opinions on what being an MVP constitutes, but for me, I believe it to be a player most indispensable to his team. It should be awarded to the one player should be the essential facet to his team’s fortunes for that season, someone who routinely carries his team to victory.

In my opinion, it doesn’t mean that you’re the best/most skilled player for that season. Sorry LeBron, but that means your not making it this year.

So with that established, here’s my Top-5 for the season.

5. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers

Portland sits sixth in the Western Conference, and has been in great form since the All-Star break, winning nine of the fifteen games since the break. Without the play of Aldridge, the Blazers would be nowhere near the playoffs in the West.

It seems that their superstar center’s snub from the NBA’s player showcase has spurned him on, with Aldridge having been on fire as of late. He was rewarded for his play by being named the Western Conference Player of The Month for February, making him only the third Trailblazer in history, to do so. 

4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

For the second straight season, Durant is leading the NBA in scoring. His continued growth and improved, is the main reason for the Thunder’s terrific play, and back-to-back playoff appearances.

If this were last season Durant would be much higher on my list, but following on from that breakout season means higher expectations, but he appears to be handling them well. He will undoubtedly win an NBA MVP Award over his career, just not this year.

3. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

If you ever wanted to witness a player single handedly carrying his team, look no further than Howard. He has been monumental all season for the Magic, almost single-handedly willing them into fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Howard has raised his career scoring average by five points per game – from 18 to a shade over 23 – and pushed his already stellar rebounding number out to over 14 per game. His play saw his pick up the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award in February.

Howard is a lock to claim his third straight NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, but that should be the only individual accolade he collects this year.

2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Whether you love or hate Bryant, there is no doubting his importance to the Lakers, coming off back-to-back NBA Titles. He still routinely produces stellar numbers whilst being the primary focus for the Lakers but he has also embraced his teammates, making the Lakers even more dangerous.

Bryant continues to do what he has always done for the Lakers, that is find a way to get his side a win, something he has turned into an art-form. Without Bryant, the Lakers would be nothing like the team they are now, and they certainly wouldn’t have won the last two Championships.

What’s more valuable than that?

1.Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Rose has been nothing short of inspiration this season, driving his Chicago Bulls side, to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Playing in the shadow of the greatest player in the history of the sport, Rose has shined, even giving Michael Jordan the confidence to proclaim the Bulls are ready for title success.

In only his third season in the league, Rose has improved his career averages across the board, firmly planting himself at the pinnacle of the NBA’s elite. At the age of just 22, he looks set to become the youngest MVP in history.

The most exciting thing for all NBA fans is that with Rose being so young, his play will only continue to improve in the future. I think it’s a pretty safe bet that he’ll win a few MVP’s over his career.

2011 Formula One Season Preview

2010 At a Glance:

The 2010 Formula One season has been already touted as one of the greatest the sport has ever seen. For the first time in history, when the season concluded in Abu Dhabi, there were four drivers in with a chance of snaring the title.

Over the course of the 19-race season none of the drivers were able to grab the championship by the throat. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, Red Bull’s Mark Webber and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, all juggled the championship lead, with eventual champion Sebastian Vettel hot on their heels. It was a year full of twists and turns with perhaps the biggest being that Vettel – who became the youngest champion in history – had never lead the championship before he clinched the crown in the Abu Dhabi desert.

Red Bull also took out the Constructors Championship, capping off a near perfect year for the team.

It was a season that saw new technology implemented, in-team fights and the return the dreaded Ferrari team orders. It has rejuvenated Formula One and its fan-base.

It really was a season for the history books.

KEY RACES OF 2011:

GRAND PRIX DE MONACO: May 26th-29th

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a highlight of any F1 season. It’s picturesque setting on the Monte Carlo harbor and razor sharp racing has given it the status of one of the most prestigious races in any form of Motor Sport. Last year saw Mark Webber winning the famous race for the first time, and will be fighting hard to add a second Monaco victory to his trophy cabinet.

GRAND PRIX OF INDIA: October 28th-30th

For the first time ever, India will stage an F1 race. This marks a massive date in the Indian sporting calendar, not just in terms of the F1 race, but also in what it signifies about the growth of India. Formula One’s governing body – the FIA – are notorious for only going to countries they deem worthy enough to hold an F1 event. Hosting the F1 shows that they are starting to be considered amongst the world’s elite.

Not much is known about the Jaypee Circuit, but one thing is for sure, every driver will be looking to take out the inaugural race.

GRAND PREMIO DO BRASIL: November 25th-27th

It’s Brazilian Grand Prix is one of the most races fan look forward to most, simply because it’s the fastest race of the season. The high-octane GP always draws a massive crowd in Brazil, and captivates those watching from Europe and other F1 Nations. It’s flat-out corners, burning straights and hairpin bends, really do make the Brazilian race quite the spectacular.

With the season ending here this season, expect every more fireworks than usual come November.

THINGS TO WATCH IN 2011:

All 19 races from last year were scheduled to return for another go around this season. Unfortunately, before the engines could be started for the year, the curtain raising Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled due to the civil unrest in the area. The FIA have yet to announce whether they will try and reschedule the Grand Prix for later in the season, but regardless we still have 19 enthralling F1 events to mark on the calendar. One of the highlights for the year will undoubtedly be the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, taking place between the Korean and Abu Dhabi races. Plus - the fan favorite Brazilian Grand Prix – has been reinstated as the site for the season finale. When you throw the likes of Monza, Spa, Hockenheim, and Silverstone, we should again be in store for a fantastic season.

Red Bull look set to once again be the perennial pace-setters for the year, and are heavily backed to deliver the Drivers and Constructive Championships, once again this year. This years car – the RB7 – has been incredibly fast in practice in the off-season, coupled with the unchanged Driver tandem of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, there appears were little reason to question the teams title credentials.

Vettel will come in with even more confidence than before – if that’s even possible – off the back of his maiden World Championship and another certainly his to take. His teammate Mark Webber is quickly running out of time to claim the ever-elusive F1 throne. He turns 35 during the upcoming season, making him the fourth oldest driver in the field behind Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Jarno Trulli. Webber claims to be more motivated than ever, and it should be fantastic to see whether he can finally get a championship this season.

             

PREDICTIONS:

As much as I would love to say that Mark Webber is to finally break the barrier this season, I just can’t see him claiming the title this year. I strongly believe he’ll be victorious in front of a boisterous home-crown in Melbourne to begin the season, but he won’t be leading after Brazil.

I think that Fernando Alonso, or Lewis Hamilton, as an outside bet will capture this year’s title. After seeing how much the Ferrari and McLaren machines improved for their respective drivers over the course of last season, its scary to think of how good the cars will be after a season of testing.

Another incredibly tight season will play out, purely because F1 is enjoying a talent boom of sorts. Webber, Hamilton, Button, Massa, Alonso and Vettel would all realistically fancy their chances going into the season, but as I said, Fernando Alonso should beat them across the line.

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

1.     F. Alonso

2.     M. Webber

3.     L. Hamilton

CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP

1.     Red Bull

2.     McLaren

3.     Ferrari

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW - REAL MADRID vs LYON

Real Madrid face off against Lyon in the second-leg of their Champions League encounter in the early hours of Thursday morning. Both sides have a great chance at progressing to the Quarter Finals of the competition – after they drew 1-1 in the first leg – with Madrid holding the priceless home-field advantage. Both teams are looking to improve on recent performances in Europe’s elite club competition.

MATCH OVERVIEW:

Madrid will be determined to get past Lyon on Thursday, as if they fail again, it will mark the seventh successive year in which their campaign has ended in the Second Round. With the tie delicately poised, the pressure of past successes and recent failures, expectation will be weighing heavily on Coach Jose Mourinho and his players.

The Spanish Giants – undefeated in the competition this year – had a dream lead up to the encounter. Their weekend meeting, against Spanish League minnows Hercules, allowed Madrid to rest many of their key players whilst still picking up a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The return of their Portuguese mega-star Cristiano Ronaldo, coupled with an injury free squad to choose from, means the passionate “Madridistas” will be full of confidence before kick-off.

French club Lyon has been somewhat of a bogey team for Madrid in recent times, as the Spaniards have never mustered a victory against their French foes. Unfortunately, Lyon’s form in the Champions League doesn’t look promising, having suffered defeat in their last two encounters played away from home.

Yet they tuned up well for the massive encounter with a confident 2-0 win against FC Sochaux on the weekend.

Lyon’s hopes of taking anything from the match will rest heavily on their ability to keep Madrid’s potent offensive attack quiet. Yet Lyon doesn’t have the option of simply shutting up shop in Madrid, as after the 1-1 result in the first leg, Lyon will need to score at least one goal if they are to progress.

With Brazilian star Michel Bastos joining Frenchman Aly Cissokho on the sidelines, the returns of star players Lisandro Lopez and Yoann Gourcuff becomes an even more important inclusion for the match.

KEY FACTS:

-       Real Madrid are yet to concede a goal at home in this years Champions League

-       Lyon eliminated Madrid last season on the way to making the Semi-Finals in the competition

-       Real Madrid are the most successful club in history in the competition, claiming Nine titles

-       Madrid is undefeated at home in all competitions this season.  

PREDICTION

Both clubs should be relatively familiar with each other with this being the fourth encounter in the last two years. Unquestionably, Lyon has enjoyed some wonderful success against their heavily favored rivals in the past, yet that all appears to come to an end. The much superior Madrid squad, bolstered by a successful result in the first leg and the tutelage of master coach Jose Mourinho, should comfortably dispose of Lyon and move on in the competition.

REAL MADRID 3 – LYON 0

FA CUP QUARTER FINAL PREVIEW: MANCHESTER UNITED vs ARSENAL

Manchester United and Arsenal, the two sides battling for supremacy atop the English Premier League, face-off in the FA Cup this weekend with the winner earning semi-final birth. Separated by just three points in the Premier League, recording a victory against their title rivals would definitely spur on the winning side down the home stretch.

MATCH OVERVIEW:

United come into the match in desperate need to bounce back from back-to-back defeats suffered at the hands of Chelsea and Liverpool. A loss to Arsenal would mean United would have lost against all the other members of English Football’s traditional “Big Three” in the space of three weeks.

Meanwhile Arsenal will be aiming to avoid a third successive failure in Cup Competition, after its Carling Cup final loss to Birmingham and its heart breaking elimination at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League.

When the two sides met at Old Trafford in the Premier League earlier in the season, United narrowly edged out Arsenal 1-0, in an uninspiring encounter. Yet as these two giants of European Football prepare to once again square off, let’s look ahead to some of the key elements that will determine who comes out on top.

TEAM NEWS:

United will again be limited by injuries when they make their selections for this one. With Nani picking up a nasty injury against Liverpool last week, he joins the walking wounded list, alongside Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Jonny Evans, Antonio Valencia, Park Ji-Sung and Anderson. Returning captain Nemanja Vidic will undoubtedly be a massive boost for United, especially after the manner in which their defense was torn to shreds at Anfield last weekend. United will also have one eye on the upcoming second-leg of their Champions League encounter again Marseille, desperate to do one better than Arsenal and progress to the last eight in the tournament.

Arsenal is also battling their shares of injuries. Inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas was ruled out, joining Alex Song, Theo Walcott, Thomas Vermaelen, Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczensy who are all due to miss through injury.

The drought between silverware continues to haunt the Gunners. After Six years without a trophy, Arsenal should’ve ended their baron run against Birmingham in the Carling Cup Final, but fumbled away the opportunity. A loss to Manchester United on Sunday would guarantee the drought stretched until at least May, and the pressure on Arsenal would continue to grow. A win against United is vital, it would go a long way towards easing the ever-growing pressure and expectations weighing down this Arsenal side.

KEY STATS:

-         - Manchester United have won 11 of their past 13 matches played at Old Trafford this season

-         -The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup at Old Trafford in 2008, United prevailed 4-0

-         -Arsenal haven’t conceded a goal in their last three Premier League matches

-       -After being knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona last season, they followed up with a win in their next encounter. Barcelona eliminated Arsenal on Tuesday.

PREDICTION:

After watching Liverpool dance through the holes in the Manchester United defense last weekend, Arsenal would have to fancy their chances here. They’ll especially be looking to restart their campaign after another stumble against Barcelona in the Champions League. Expect a tight, hard-fought affair, with United looking to contain Arsenal, as the Gunners attempt to play their usual brand of “Total Football.”

Manchester United 0 – Arsenal 2   

LeBron comes up lame

It hasn’t been a good weekend for the Miami Heat and mega-star LeBron James.

It begun on Friday when after building a 24 point league against fellow Floridians the Orlando Magic, Miami collapsed, going down by 3 points. Only 6 times all season has a team surrendered a 20 plus point lead, Miami has done it twice. This collapse is even more calamitous as it came against not only at the hands of their greatest rivals, yet more importantly against one of its biggest playoff challengers. Orlando have made the Eastern Conference Finals both of the last two seasons, and are surely a team Miami will have to contend with if they are to get anywhere near their title aspirations.

By the time the Heat trudged off the court in San Antonio on Saturday, Miami were in a whole world of trouble. San Antonio decimated the Heat, romping to a 125-95 win. If we’re being honest this was a game San Antonio should be winning. They currently have the leagues best record, which coupled with home-court advantage, makes a Spurs victory the expected outcome. The loss still hurts Miami, yet the way it came about is where the real problem lies. The effort shown in such a crucial game was well below par. It was a completely uninspiring, flat performance. After such well-documented hype once this team was put together, the gloss is starting to wear off the Heat.

Miami currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 43 wins and 19 losses. Yet like much of the Heats’ season, dig deeper and the gaping flaws are there to be seen. Of those 19 losses, 17 have come against teams with winning records, teams that will make the playoffs alongside the Heat. Miami have been involved in 17 games decided by less than 5 points; they’ve come up short in 12 of those games. Against Chicago and Boston, the two teams above Miami in the East, they haven’t won in 5 attempts.

What does all this mean?

It shows that Miami aren’t performing when it really counts. Time after time this season, Miami have come up short in the clutch. So has their superstar acquisition.

LeBron James – two-time reigning NBA MVP – isn’t performing in the big moments for Miami. Missing an equalizing three at the death against Orlando, marked the third time in as many tries LeBron has failed to come through for his new squad. Against Chicago, James couldn’t even manage to hit the ring with his 3-point attempt to tie the game; this after Chicago MVP candidate Derrick Rose orchestrated the go-ahead bucket for Luol Deng. Against the New York Knicks, Amar’e Stoudemire blocked James as he once against attempted the match winning shot, after driving to the ring ignoring the support of his teammates.

NBA matches often come down to one defining moment, the moment where matches are won and lost. Great championship teams have all had someone who always found a way to get it done. Michael Jordan made a habit out of hitting shots at the death for Chicago, as has Kobe Bryant for the Lakers, Chauncey Billups for Detroit, Paul Pierce for the Celtics and even Miami’s Dwyane Wade when the Heat won it all back in 2006.

LeBron James isn’t entirely responsible for Miami’s struggles, yet his performances offer great insight into the Heats’ play. He’s averaging over 26 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists per game, sensational numbers. 82games.com equates that when James is performing at this level, Miami will win just under 80% of the time. It makes James one of the most efficient and influential players in the league.

However, James’s Clutch Statistics – once again equated by 82games.com – paint a very different picture. After compiling his performances in the last 5 minutes or over-time of game with a margin of less than 5 points, Miami’s win percentage drops to only 55%. By contrast, Chicago’s Derrick Rose has a Clutch statistic of 70%, while Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant has a phenomenal 76.2%. Both teams could realistically battle the Heat in the playoffs, and over a seven-game series, that increased Clutch Rating could be the difference between going forward and going home.

For Miami to reach their goal of winning a second title this June, James needs to drastically improve his play in the clutch. Whichever team is crowned champions will have had to play great basketball throughout the playoffs and come up big when the game is on the line. Miami need to work out how they can get it done in the big moments, LeBron James finding his killer touch will go along way to helping that.

Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview

There are some truly great rivalries in sport today. Collingwood and Carlton, Yankees and the Red Sox, Lakers and Celtics, Real Madrid and Barcelona. They’re a part of what makes sport great. The added emotion that such encounters creates for fans often fuel some of the most memorable, epic contests. Yet there are few rivalries quite like Manchester United and Liverpool. A rivalry bred on location and stoked by the widely enjoyed success by both teams, it really does get the blood pumping and the hatred flowing between the two clans. As they prepare to meet in the early hours of Monday morning, we look ahead to another colossal encounter.

Sir Alex Ferguson is closer than ever to his now-famous mission of “knocking Liverpool off their f**king perch.” A win at Anfield on Sunday, would put United back into the drivers seat in the chase for their nineteenth Premier League crown. A historic title that would send them above Liverpool for the most League Titles in history. After having cruised through almost two-thirds of the season, United seemed destined to romp to another title. Yet after two defeats in their last four outings – including a staggering debacle against lowly Wolverhampton – has thrown the title race wide open. So much so that a United loss, coupled with an Arsenal triumph against Sunderland, would see their lead cut to just one point at the summit.

Meanwhile Liverpool have endured a season that they’d much rather forget. With any chance of Premier League glory vanquished in the league’s opening months, any ambitions of silverware this season were put on hold. After a humbling 3-1 loss at the hands of relegation favorites West Ham last week, any realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season also vanished. Suffering a defeat to their bitter rivals would be hard enough for the die-hard Liverpool fans to swallow, let alone the title implications the result could have, a loss would devastate those in red.

Injuries and suspensions look likely to play a heavy role in United’s team selection for the encounter. With captain Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Park Ji-Sung, Anderson, Antonio Valencia and Owen Hargreaves all ruled out, United’s option are slim. Michael Owen and Patrice Evra are both also in doubt, yet should be ready come kick-off time.

Contrastingly, Liverpool has almost a full strength squad to choose from. Martin Kelly is out after tweaking his hamstring in the loss at West Ham, and 56-Million Dollar Striker Andy Carroll likely being reduced to a spot on the bench. He’s still yet to make his debut for the club, since signing in the wake of Fernando Torres’s departure to Chelsea in January.

KEY POINTS

-                In the last 21 meetings between the sides, only one has ended in a draw.

-                Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has scored 3 goals in his last 3 matches against Manchester United

-                Manchester United have won 8 of their past 9 games when coming off a defeat. They were beaten 2-1 at Chelsea last weekend.

-                Liverpool is unbeaten at home against teams in the top half this year.

PREDICTION

Another typically hard fought, physical encounter between these two great rivals, with United coming out on top when it’s all said and done.

Liverpool 1 – Manchester United 3

      

NBA Second Half Preview

With the NBA’s annual All Star Weekend soiree now in the rear view mirror, the season moves into the proverbial business end. The playoffs are just two short months away, and whilst some teams are priming for a deep run into June, some are starting to taper out. Miami, Boston and Chicago are the front-runners out in the East, with the Magic and Knicks right on their tails. Out in the West, it again looks like the road to the finals is going to run through Los Angeles and Texas. The Lakers, San Antonio and Dallas are leading the way, with Oklahoma City shaping up as the challenger to the throne.

With this in mind, lets explore some of the biggest stories facing the NBA universe, as we push through to the end of the season.

      CAN THE LAKERS MAKE IT THREE?

The Lakers are right now, on the very edge of greatness. Another title this season would elevate this group of Lakers to pantheon levels of excellence. Phil Jackson would cement his place at the pinnacle of the very bet coaches list taking what would be his Twelfth Championship, culminating his fourth Three-Peat of titles.

Kobe Bryant finds himself in a similar situation. He wouldn’t be assuming the clear-cut mantle of “The Greatest of All Time”, but he would be close. He’d probably be top 2, right up there with Michael Jordan.

He would surpass so many Laker legends that had come before him, which is a fair list to be leading. The Lakers are the most successful franchise in the history of the NBA, and Bryant would be their greatest ever player.  

However, besides all of these amazing basketball feats, his social rehabilitation would be complete. Right now, Bryant’s rape trial in 2004 is quickly becoming a memory. Don’t forget that at the time, many people were calling for it, and there was a real chance Bryant would be sentenced to prison.

At the time it seemed almost impossible for the Bryant Brand to recover from such a hit. Ex-teammates labeled him brash, arrogant, cocky and a bad teammate.

Look at how far Bryant’s  come now.

Bryant was the leader of the 2008 Gold Medal winning Team USA, whilst assuming a very Jordan-esque position with the Lakers, becoming a mentor for the team. All the while he has still maintained his clutch finishing ability that has helped the Lakers win the last two titles. Another title would give him six for his career, and his legacy would be complete.

As it stands now, the Lakers have the fifth best record in the league, and are right in the mix. Bryant proved at the All Star Game, that he is still one of the best players in the league, scoring 37 points en route to collecting his record equally forth All Star MVP Trophy. As he seems to have a way of doing throughout his career, whenever Bryant has been written off, he’s come back stronger than ever.

THE MIAMI HEAT

After such an offseason of upheaval, Miami were slow out of the gate. Stumbling to an unconvincing 9-8 record, Miami have bounced back to become one of the strongest teams in the East. With a record of 41-15, they sit one game behind the Boston Celtics for the lead of the Eastern Conference.

One of the main questions regarding Miami was who would lead the team down the stretch, a question that Lebron James has resoundingly answered. He’s the reigning back-to-back NBA MVP, yet he carries himself in the manner of a man who has so much to prove. It’s a desire that motivates James to take his game to that next level when it really counts. James acknowledges that there is a point in every season when regular season games, carry that extra significance.

That time is now.

The reason is simple: With every passing game, he’s that much closer to returning to the playoffs, and resuming his unfulfilled quest of winning an NBA championship.

For weeks now, James has been saying that he starts getting into “playoff mode” after the All Star Break. He claims that during the season he’s constantly building towards the playoffs, looking to improve with every game. This season, he is.

His stats have gotten better each month. Scoring is up. Rebounding is up. Assists are up. Yet, the most impressive part of all of this is that he has become an even greater, dynamic weapon for Miami.

His performance in the All Star Game is all the proof you need. Lebron amassed a Triple-Double, 29 Points, 12 Rebounds and 10 Assists.

The only other player in All Star history to do that? Michael Jordan.

If performances like these are what James considers “Playoff Mode”, then Miami are certainly going to be very tough to get by come playoff

time.

3.                             POTENTIAL 2012 SEASON LOCKOUT

The current Collective Bargaining Agreement that’s in place between the league and players expires on the 30^th of June. The main issue holding up the new agreement being signed is that collectively the NBA Owners claim to be bleeding money, to the tune of the league predicting losses in excess of $350 Million. Owners are pushing for reductions in contract length and maximum value that can be offered to players. NBA Commissioner David Stern recently stated that he aims to cut player salaries by over $700 Million annually.

So what does all this actually mean?

If the players and owners don’t reach a compromise, the players are well within their rights to go on strike. This means that, next season will potentially be shortened, or even cancelled. As much as this appears to be an extreme circumstance, The NBA does have precedence for such events.

The NBA last suffered a lockout in 1999, one that lasted for just over 6 months, cutting the length of the season by a third.

The biggest potential problem though from a looming lockout, is the fan backlash suffered as a result. The last lockout angered fans, as many thought it was purely a result of greed by both parties. With players earning ludicrous salaries in today’s NBA, a strike would potentially have the same affect, as many fans struggle through the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis.

Along with all of this, we still have the continued rise of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Amar’e, Melo and the Knicks resurgence, Blake Griffin continuing to lead a Los Angeles Clippers revival, and Derrick Rose turning in a MVP caliber season in Chicago. San Antonio and Boston are turning back the clock, to make that one last deep playoff push.

All that’s left to do now is watch and see how the rest of the season plays out.

Until then, I’ll leave you with some predictions for the end of the season.

PREDICTIONS

CHAMPIONS: Lakers

EASTERN FINALS: Miami vs. Chicago

WESTERN FINALS: Lakers vs. San Antonio

EASTERN DARK HORSE: New York Knicks

WESTERN DARK HORSE: Oklahoma City Thunder

EASTERN SLIDERS: Boston Celtics

WESTERN SLIDERS: Dallas Mavericks

MVP: Derrick Rose

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Blake Griffin

BYU Cougars put their money where their morality is

The Brigham Young University Cougars Men’s Basketball Program is in the midst of one of its most successful seasons in history. They’re currently the third ranked team in College Basketball and appear to be in great shape going into the NCAA Tournament. The annual spectacular that places the top 65 teams in the country against one-another in a knockout tournament. They’re on-track to end the year with their best-ever record of 30-5, currently sitting at 27-2, whilst notching the fifth highest Point Per Game average over the season with 82.9. Star-man Jimmer Fredette leads the NCAA with 27.3 PPG individually. BYU seemed primed to post a season for the history books, which makes their recent decision to suspend key-player Brandon Davies even more monumental.

Brigham Young University enforces an honor code on all students – most College’s have something similar. However BYU expects more than most. The code enforces that all students attend church weekly, use clean language, conduct themselves in a respectable and honorable manner. Pretty standard stuff. Then they go a step further. The code states that students cannot consume any alcohol, tea or coffee, refrain from smoking and any substance abuse. They also enforce a dress and grooming code. Lastly, BYU’s honor code forbids all students from premarital sex, instructing students to "live a chaste and virtuous life."

Personally, I find it difficult to relate to such a stringent code. But I can respect what BYU are trying to achieve with it.

As a current University student, I enjoy the lifestyle that comes with being an enrolled student. Sure it’s a high workload, yet we’re encouraged to have fun and enjoy the time we spend at University. Would I feel the same if I were attended BYU, where strict rules control just about every aspect of my daily life, even down to how I dress or if I shaved every morning. I’ll admit I would probably struggle being a student at BYU. I couldn’t conform to that level of control, maintain that level of sobriety or stay awake in morning lectures without a Red Bull to get me going.

Regardless, it’s hard not to respect BYU’s commitment to their rules, especially considering the potentially huge cost to the Cougar’s Basketball aspirations.

BYU recently suspended third-highest scorer and leading rebounder Brandon Davies for an undisclosed violation of the code. Reports have since confirmed that Davies was kicked-off the Cougars Basketball squad after admitting to having sexual relations with his girlfriend. He reportedly met with the school on Monday, openly admitting to the breach of honor code. Because Davies openly admitted to his actions, it appears likely that he won’t be expelled or have any academic penalties applied. He should also be eligible to play again in 2012.

Considering that Davies will now miss out on BYU’s NCAA Tournament run, one that he has been instrumental in attaining, does seem rather harsh considering the “crime”. It seems incredibly easy to feel sorry for Davies. At most other schools this would barely be even acknowledged, let alone bring forth such a harsh penalty.

But Davies knew what he was getting into when he agreed to take a scholarship at BYU. He grew up near-by and knew all about the honor code he would be agreeing to live by over the course of his college life.

Given the high-stakes business that is College Sports in America, BYU’s success should come as a surprise. Placing such high expectations on students would ward off many potential possible recruits for the school. With players not being paid for representing their school, the only incentive that is on offer for potential recruits, is the college life they’ll experience.

With so many institutions in America willing to sacrifice student standards, hungry for the potential exposure and money that comes with sporting success, that makes BYU’s actions such a power testament. The testament that whilst chasing athletic success, BYU won’t stand by and watch as the rules that govern the college gets broken.

Far too many program’s turn a blind eye to the increasingly diminishing behavior of student-athletes. They’re given a seemingly never-ending supply of chances, breeding an attitude of entitlement with players who are fawned upon from an early aged. Parents are paid by programs to try and influence which school their child chooses, and then are given a free pass once they begin their college life. BYU doesn’t work that way, to them integrity counts. They aren’t just training young boys to become athletes; they’re grooming adolescents into adults. They’re standing by what they consider the college to be all about. Which is this case is the belief system derived from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The basketball presence left empty by the absence of Brandon Davies will be incredibly tough to replace for BYU, especially as they approach the most crucial games of their season. It could derail the otherwise dream season they’re having.

But BYU wouldn’t diminish its principles for a few more notches in the win column. It’s an incredibly rare approach these days, but it’s a very admirable one.

Carmelo's finally a Knick, but what now for the 'Bockers

The much-hyped decision which saw LeBron James and Chris Bosh join Dwayne Wade at Miami before the start of the 2010/11 season has paid dividends for the Heat so far. At the halfway point of this season, Miami occupies top spot in the Southeast division, with a commanding 42-15 record.

Now another franchise has welcomed a star player to its roster and will be hoping for similar success as the NBA season heads towards the playoffs.

As of last Tuesday, Carmelo Anthony is a New York Knick. After months of speculation and innuendo, the Knicks and the Denver Nuggets finally reached a deal that sent the All Star forward to the ‘Big Apple’. The complicated yet blockbuster trade involved three teams that saw 13 players, three draft picks and $3 million change hands. The Minnesota Timberwolves were the other club involved in the deal as they helped the Knicks clear the salary-cap space required to accommodate their new assets.

Anthony signed a three-year contract with New York, reportedly worth in excess of $65 Million. Other potential suitors came and went, but the power forward’s long-anticipated move to New York finally occurred.

As a result of the deal, the Knicks sent Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-round draft pick to Denver. The Nuggets also received $3 million cash from New York to help balance the salary-cap, plus the two second-round draft picks the Knicks received as compensation for David Lee joining Golden State in the last offseason. Along with Anthony, New York welcomes Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman from Denver. Minnesota has taken Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry from New York, sending Corey Brewer to the Knicks.

So what does this all mean?

The Knicks have added a bona fide superstar to their line-up. A player who can guarantee them 20-25 points a night. A player who reduces his opponents’ sleeping time the night before a game. A player who provides a perfect partner in crime to superstar centre Amar’e Stoudemire.

A player who is potentially the missing piece for a franchise that has struggled to rediscover its identity, whilst toiling away in mediocrity, over the last decade.

However, acquiring  ‘Melo’ and Billups - the other main asset in this trade- doesn’t mean the Knicks automatically become a championship contender for this season. We don’t know yet if they will have enough quality to compete with the likes of Miami, the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston or Chicago.

But that is precisely why this trade had to be made from a New York standpoint.

Ever since Patrick Ewing retired in 1999, New York has been anything but championship caliber. It simply hasn’t had the quality of players on its roster. In fact since 2000, the Knicks haven’t recorded a single playoff series victory. And for a franchise widely regarded as a corner stone of the NBA since the league began,  it has been a tough realisation for their rabid fan-base to swallow.

The lack of on-court success, has severely affected the team’s popularity in the city. Few cared about the Knicks anymore. They were a laughing stock throughout the league. They performed poorly on the court, forcing a high turnover of  coaches.

The New York Knicks were irrelevant on the NBA landscape.

Not anymore.

Not only are the Knicks now a better skilled team – who currently sit second on the Atlantic division table with a 29-26 record - they’re also a much more attractive brand to watch. No longer do fans have to watch teams like the Heat and the Lakers to be entertained.

Sure, the Anthony trade doesn’t automatically guarantee them a title. It doesn’t even guarantee them an Eastern Conference championship.

But there is now little doubt the New York Knicks are on the upswing. After countless false starts over the last 12 years, the Knicks once again find themselves on the road to contention.

New York has acquired a 27-year-old superstar who ought to be in his prime for another six to seven years. With the fact he’ll be on the East Coast and playing his home games at Madison Square Garden, surely Anthony will be motivated to play at his best during the final 25 game sprint towards the playoffs. Stoudemire must also be thrilled he now has two players with proven championship experience on the same team, forming a trio that can match it with any team in the league. New York management also ought to be pleased they didn’t let Anthony slip through their grasp to join one a rival club.

Knicks fans can finally say their time spent in basketball purgatory is over. With big stars, big numbers and a potent, fast paced offense, the Knicks are now the lead attraction on Broadway once again.