All the Help He Needs: The Return of Derrick Rose

It seems like every star in the NBA is relying more and more on another superstar to help carry them to the mountain top. You can make the argument that this has always been the case, and teams for the most part always have needed two superstars, but lets be honest things are getting ridiculous in today's day and age.

The domino's started falling with the Celtics Big 3, who lets face it, were not even in the prime of their careers. So the Miami Heat said, heck, lets actually get 3 players at the top of their game; Enter Lebron, Wade, and Bosh, the most hated men in the league now. The Lakers decide to counter with 3 of their own, Kobe, Dwight, and Nash. And maybe this formula works, and maybe everyone wants what these teams have; everyone except one, #1.

In this league there is only 1 man, 1 player who does not care who is on his team or who is in his way. He does not care who you put with him or in front of him. He does not go crying to ownership for help, nor does he court other players to come join him in his quest. He just plays his heart out every night, and carries his team to win by any means necessary. He takes down anyone in front of him, with anyone who stands with him. He plays for the things professional basketball should be played for, his city, his team, and for a title.

This man is Derrick Rose. And he is coming back. He is the only man in the league that knows he does not anyone else to take out these superstar loaded teams. He just needs himself, his team regardless of who is on it, his will to win, and his city.

The man who had the only legitimate shot at taking out the defending champ Miami Heat is coming back. He is coming back to his city, and he is getting ready to take the league by storm; again. He has a new look team, that no one has on their radar, but that was the same case two years ago, when he called his own MVP winning season, and took his team to the Eastern Conference Finals. He has no other superstar on his team, but a team that trusts that he can take them to the top.

Derrick Rose will definitely need  to get his title. But he has all the help he needs. Its this city. Its his team. and Its himself and his will to win.

He is coming. He needs no other superstar to put him over the top. He can do it on his own. Watch out. You have been put on notice.

The Greatest Team to Ever Wear the Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the 2012 USWNT

One day, later on in life, you may be asked who the greatest team you ever saw compete in the Olympics was. You might be asked what the greatest performance you ever witnessed in the summer games was. And to your mind might come the 1992 Dream Team of Basketball, The 1997 Magnificent 7 of Gymnastics, even the dominance of the USA swim team during in the last decade and a half. But you may never even think of the 2012 United States Women's National Soccer Team (USWNT).

You may never think of the team that captivated not only a nation but the entire world. You may forget that this team delivered one of the greatest games ever played in the "Theater of Dreams", on the legendary pitch of Old Trafford in Manchester. You may even forget that there was a women's soccer tournament at the 2012 Olympics.

But how could you? How could you ever forget the greatness that is the USWNT. How could you ever forget the wild ride that they took a nation, and a world on in the Summer of 2012. How they came back from the brink of elimination, how they squandered both old foes and new, and how most importantly, and undoubtedly, this team changed not only women's soccer, but the game of Soccer as we know it. This team showed that women have a place in this beautiful sport, and how this game can be just as, or if not more fun to watch at its highest levels when ladies take over the pitch.

How could you ever forget this team?

Up until these games, your only image, your only memory of United States Women's Soccer is probably the indelible image of Brandi Chastain scoring the game winning penalty kick for the USA in the 1999 World Cup Final, and subsequently taking her shirt off in celebration. But lets be real. Most dont remember the goal, they remember the celebration.

Let's give you some new images.

This is the team, who in their opening game of the 2012 Olympics fell down 2-0 in their opening game, and all the chatter started. This team fought back in that game, and broke a French side winning 4-2.

This is the team that played the first ever women's international game at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Arguably the most famous stadium in the world, and beat the North Koreans.

This is the team, who played a fierce Canadian side in the Olympics Semi Finals, and trailed 3 times in the game, but somehow found a way to win.

This is the team, who went into the Olympic Final after playing a grueling 120 minute extra time semi final, against a team who just beat them in the 2011 World Cup Final, but fought out a tough game and bought home the gold for the Red White and Blue.

A team is not only the sum of its parts, but also a representation of a collective effort. A collective effort to win. Of course teams have their stars, and this team has some of the most talented players in the world, but this is a team.

It was a team effort, including a heads up pass from Abby Wambach to a streaking Heather O'Reilly, and a cross, that led to a goal by star USA striker Alex Morgan to put away the Canadians in the equivalent of a last second three pointer in double over-time of a basketball game.

It was this team that helped goal keeper supreme Hope Solo recover from allowing 3 goals in the Olympic semi final, and the same team that was bailed out in the final vs Japan by the same keeper making amazing save after amazing save. These ladies have each others back, literally and figuratively; the true mark of a champion, and a team.

This team battled from deficits, played with the lead, bent in every which way, but never broke. They kept it together. This team is coached by a magician in Pia Sundhage, who keeps them all together, all on the same page.

If you want to see a real team in action just watch one game of these Olympics, preferably the semi finals or finals, not because they won, but so you can see the caliber of competition that this team dismantled.

More importantly than all of this is how eager this team is to spread soccer. They will be returning home for a  10 game tour, to celebrate, hoping to bring soccer to the masses here in the states. They are truly driven to bring this game to the forefront of American sports, for boys and girls a like.

If you want to see the greatest team to ever wear the red, white and blue you dont have to look far. Look at this team. Look at the United States Women's Soccer Team. Because this team is GOLDEN!

The Finish of Finishes

So what if I told you, that there was the equivalent of 1 minute and some change left in a basketball game, and a team was trailing by 10 points? What if I also said that those 10 points were what were standing in the way of a team winning a championship or going down in history as probably the biggest choke artists in the history of sports? To put the cherry on top, what if I told you that the team that this squad was down to are the equivalent of the Washington Wizards, sitting near the gutter of its league?

What would you say? What would you think? What would you expect? Yesterdays performance by Manchester City answered every one of those questions, and left no room for interpretation. You see Manchester City was fighting all year for the English Premier League title, probably the toughest league title to win in all of soccer. With a defeat of bitter crosstown rivals, Manchester United, about a week earlier, City just had to win their last game to seal their first title in 40+ years. In their way? A team that was in danger of being booted from the top ranks of English Football in the Queens Park Rangers, QPR. Easy enough task for the Boys in Blue and White playing at the Etihad; their home stadium, right? How boring you must say, how much easier could things get? Manchester City will coast to this win.

Only that is not what happened. Far from it actually. The first half had just ended, Man City was up 1-0. What's more, they were completely controlling the game, with 81% of the possession, and about 4 times as many shots on goal as their opponents. City and their fans had to be feeling great, they would get to celebrate on their home field; get the bubbly ready, there would be a party in Manchester. But wait. QPR decides that they are not ready to leave the top flight of English Football.

See they are fighting. Fighting for the notoriety, and lets face it overall cash, they would lose should they be booted from top flight English football. Quickly, QPR puts in two goals. And in a blink of an eye, the entire mood in the City of Manchester changes. You see City is now down 2-1, and their rivals, are up 1-0 in there game. A City loss or draw, coupled with a United win could spell the unthinkable for Man City. They would lose the title on the last day of the season, to their hated rivals, having beaten and battered Manchester United both times they played in league play.

The 90th minute comes, and the referee tabulates stoppage time to be put on at the end of the game. 5 MINUTES. Already Twitter, and the social network universe have erupted, completely blasting City for the loss, or other being completely ecstatic for a United League title.

On the phone with a good friend of mine, and die hard Manchester United fan, I hear a huge string of profane language. I should have known by his response what was about to happen. But I didnt realize it. I thought QPR will hold this lead as I chatted up with my friend and even going as far giving United the title, and talking about how Roberto Mancini, the city boss, will lose his job.

And then BOOM. 91st minute. Goal Manchester City off of a corner kick. Tie game 2-2. The crowd in Manchester cheered, but there was more work to be done. A draw would not be enough. City needed the win to be crowned champs.

Then it came. 3 minutes later, basically in the last gasp for City, Sergio Aguero takes what looks like a broken play and turns it into an amazing goal in traffic assisted by EPL bad boy Mario Balotelli, off of the equivalent of a give and go in basketball. SLASH! The ball finds the back of the net and the entire park, and city of Manchester, well the blue side any way lose it. United fans can only hold there heads and think what could have been had last place QPR been able to hold on for less then a minute.

And so it was. Manchester City were crowned champions of the English Premier League. In what I think is, the most dramatic fashion possible in soccer (I hate penalty kicks). I cannot describe what the scene looked like at the Etihad, but it was everything I would have expected. The only thing I can compare it to is the pride and happiness that I felt when USA Soccer won its 2010 World Cup Group  in the last seconds, but maybe that was not even enough, as those fans in Manchester take soccer more serious than even the most die hard of American fans.

Enjoy the video linked below, I cannot embed it, to see a bit more of the scene in Manchester. You may not like soccer, you may not like sports, but you always have to love the underdog. City played second fiddle to United in Manchester for years, and they probably still do, but this year they are the top dog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=f8b8RNCwbhY

Remember, soccer is a beautiful sport. You have to give it a chance. I devote a lot of my blog to this, partly because I am disgusted with what is going on in the NBA in these playoffs, but mostly because I am here to increase awareness about soccer in the states. And remember, I know more about this than you, so just trust me. Give this sport a chance.

Mayweather Money

What more is there to be said about Floyd "Money" Mayweather, that has not already been said. He is the "pound-for-pound" king of boxing, although many would argue the fact that, no one can lay claim to that title until Money May and Pac-Man aka Manny Pacquiao duke it out. That is a story for another day.

For now, lets focus on the man that commands more money in one fight, than any athlete in the US does in one year, without any endorsement deals might I add. Yes, you heard that. Every penny of what Floyd earns is, "Mayweather Money" as he so calls it.

Money May is his own promoter. He owns every part of the process, from setting gate prices, to concession sales. Money bets all of his money on himself, and it has yet to not pay off. Unlike most fighters, who depend on promoters, and endorsements to front the costs of putting on a prize fight, Mayweather pays for everything out of his own pocket. It costs roughly, 10 million to put on a prize fight, and Mayweather bets that he will earn 4-5 times that.

That does not come without headache though. Mayweather is the one who negotiates his pay-per-view deals, he is the one that negotiates fight demands, and works with the governing body.

Mayweather also knows how to get his name out, and to market himself. See his last fight with Miguel Cotto. Justin Bieber was in Mayweather's corner. By affect, every "Belieber" is now on the "Money Team". One simple move, one that probably didn't cost Floyd much money, will now bring him a new legion of fans, who will buy his pay-per-views, watch his shows, and come to his fights.

Money, not fear is the key behind a Pac-Man vs Mayweather fight. Most seem to contend otherwise, but just look at the facts.

Mayweather has guaranteed Pacquiao a 40-50 million dollar payday, on a fight that would probably generate between 150-175 million. 40-50 mil will make this fight Pacquiao's biggest payday by far, but Pac's promoters are crying foul. You see, since Pac does not control his own money, he has to rely on his promoters, who undoubtedly have to be paid, and paid back out of the money that Pac-Man's camp will receive from this fight.

His promoters are crying for a 50-50 revenue split, but there is no reason for Floyd to do that. He can pay some fighter 1-5 million to fight him, and take the rest of the money for himself. Floyd made 40 million off of his fight with Cotto. And while most would say well even if he does a 50-50 split, Floyd will still make 60-70 million on the Pac-Man fight after fees. But Floyd asks why he would do that?

Why would he give someone by far and away the biggest payday of their career and then take a concession. Floyd can stand to make 100 mil for the fight with Pacquiao, why would he take less? Mayweather does not need Pacquiao. He can contend a 35 million + payday fight after fight. Pac-Man can only dream of that. Blame this one on Pac's promoters, who stand to make more than the fighter if this bout goes through.

That is where Mayweather is King. Why should the promoter make more than the fighter? He does not allow that to happen. Money May owns everything, including his money. Even if he ever loses a fight, he still wins. That is what being undefeated thus far has gotten Money May, just that: MONEY.

City vs United: More Than a Game

Just to put this into some perspective; take the rift in Los Angeles that has just begun between the Clippers and Lakers, ever since the Clippers acquired CP3 and starting contending in the West. Get the picture? OK take that rift, multiply it times a thousand, and then throw it out. Toss it away, because even that is not enough to describe one of the most anticipated soccer matches of the year.

The Manchester Derby, featuring everybody's favorite team, Manchester United, against their in city Rivals Manchester City. United, filled with pride, tradition, veteran leadership, and a manager who is simply legendary have ruled Manchester, and for all intents and purposes, English Soccer for decades.

But in walks Manchester City. Owned by a Saudi prince, with basically some of the worlds biggest pockets, and suddenly, through ridiculous acquisitions, and the desire to not play second fiddle to the other team, Man City has become quite the contender in England, and Europe as a whole. They have no tradition, they are not known much by anyone here in the states but believe me they are good.

They are very much the polar opposites of their in city rivals. Manchester City plays with great pace, and are foot on the gas at all times. Their manager is outspoken, and their players, although talented, are extroverted to say the least. Manchester United builds its play from the back. They breed talent from a young age, and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson, will probably go down as one of the greatest football minds ever.

City and United will soon clash, just hours from now. Usually they play for the title of Manchester; with the winner of the Derby matches proclaiming its position as the top footballing side in the city. But today they are playing for much more than just bragging rights. These two teams sit atop the table in the English Premier League standings. Today's match will basically decide who the winner of the league is going to be, and who is going to take home the top prize in all of England, by winning the EPL.

The match is being broadcast in the states, and tensions are sure to rise and be high around the world and in Manchester. There have been riots over these games in the past. Manchester Police have already put calls into players on both sides asking them to not elaborately celebrate after goals, because doing so could cause riots and injuries right on the pitch. Europe takes its soccer very seriously, and believe me when I say, there are deaths that can be associated with Derby games. Last year, in this game, all of Europe erupted with one of the most amazing goals on record in the history of soccer.

Me personally, I want to see a great game. I don't know if I have a side in all of this. I will say this, in soccer, unlike basketball I like to stick with certain stars and not teams. Having said that, I love Mario Balotelli. The 21-year old Manchester City striker is an eccentric personality who has won the hearts of City fans with his knack for goal scoring, and his "I Don't Give a F***" attitude.

But I cant sit here and tell you that I hate Manchester United. I have so much respect for that team. They play together, and they play for each other and their manager. There is so much tradition at United, and playing at Old Trafford, is one of the most hostile environments for an opposing team. United also have their star power in, Wayne Rooney, arguably one of the best players in all of Europe for the last 5 years. United also has some extra motivation this time around, after being shelled by Manchester City in their first meeting this year 6-1. That win gave City a commanding lead in the EPL standings, that few thought United could overcome. But, they fought and clawed, and here they are, once again a top the table and standings. Viva United! As their fans frequently chant.

I will hold off on a prediction because I am still torn, but I will tell you this. Watch this game. Even if you haven't watched must soccer in your life before. Tune into this game, at 3:00 EST, on ESPN in the states. You will understand a real rivalry, and understand why soccer is such an amazing game.

If you want to ask me why you would ever watch soccer in your life, I would probably turn you to this game for support. And if you still ask me why you should watch it; remember, just trust me - I know more about this than you.

Just Wait...

Just wait...everyone will see. Just wait, you will wonder why you were so foolish. Just wait, Chicago will have its 7th ring soon enough, if not this year then next.

Chicago took a collective gulp when Derrick Rose went down near the end of game one, and Chicago also shed a collective tear when they found out that the MVP was out with a "torn acl"; basically swear words to any sports fan. But just wait, hold the phone, stay right where you are at.

Just wait Chicago, we are not done yet. We have a 23 year old superstar, who is going to be so hungry to get back, and prove to everyone that he still has it; you will see a Derrick Rose unlike no other. Just wait, because he will make this year up to Chicago and its' fans.

But let's not look that far ahead Chicago fans, lets just wait...a second. Because this Bulls team can still play. This Bulls team has the Coach of the Year, no matter what any award plaque says, and this team has the most cohesive group in the league. To the Miami Heat, Philadelpiha 76ers, and Boston Celtics, I say just wait. Just wait one moment, and remember, this Bulls team can still beat you.

And Just wait to the Chicago Bulls players. Because you know that you will beat, or at the very least, take any team to the brink with or without Rose in the Eastern Conference Finals. You will once and for all, definitively remind the rest of the league just who exactly they are going to be dealing with when Derrick Rose is back healthy, and the reign of terror you will have in the league for many years to come.

Just wait, because this Bulls team is not out, not by a long shot. And just wait Bulls fans, stick around don't give up on this team. They need you, and we need them. Everyone just wait. Take a deep breath, and watch what happens.

Just wait. And if you want to ask why, just remember; I know more about this than you, so just trust me.

Soccer in America

Many can debate, that this sport is not an American sport. Many can say that this sport is for pansies, or wusses, and that American football is the pinnacle of a mans sport. But, how little these many know. How they forget that this is the World's game.

Now those same many fear one thing, that this game taking over in the United States. Yes. Soccer is becoming overwhelmingly popular day-by-day in this country. ESPN is picking up more soccer games, Fox has started to broadcast marquis games in European Leagues. Still we have those that will never give it a chance.

To you I have one thing to say: YOU ARE STUPID! This game is beautiful. This is a great sport. We have the MLS in America, and that is a flourishing league, but it is still light years behind the elite talent and amazing action that is seen in European Soccer. Soccer takes toughness, soccer has parody, and most of all soccer has excitement.

If you watched, you would understand that there is a far bigger rivalry out their than Yankees vs Red Sox. You would know that if you watch 10 minutes of action in El Clasico, that pits FC Barcelona against their bitterly HATED rivals Real Madrid. You would understand how great this game can be if you saw the absolutely ridiculous transfers that are made for players. If you watched you would see how a virtual unknown can come from obscurity to football greatness. If you watched, you would not have missed this:

Soccer in the United States is coming, fast and strong. Dont be a oblivious to it. Jump on the bandwagon. The US Mens National Team is competing at a very high level, and are earning more and more respect world wide. They just came off their best World Cup since 1930 winning their group, which had soccer super power England in it. If you saw the final game in the group stage (vs Algeria) you would have seen the American Dream and one of the most historic and amazing moments in AMERICAN history in a course of a couple of seconds. It bought me to tears.

The team is very young. They have talent that can play with anyone in the world, and they do. See Tim Howard, Landon Donovan, and English Premier League Player of the Year Finalist Clint Dempsey.

Just as those in other countries follow our sports so closely, we must follow theirs'. For that is where the true beauty of these sports lie. Watch Manchester United in England to see what real tradition is, watch Cristiano Ronaldo score more goals than anybody in history. And for you ladies just watch Cristiano Ronaldo, Trust Me! That is all that I can say.

Soccer needs no more persuading other than just having potential doubters watch it being played on its highest level, in Europe. You will understand what all of the fuss is about. And get behind our men's national team. Parents, put your children in soccer, their is a huge youth movement going on to support soccer in America. Your child might not be the next Lebron James or Derrick Rose, but in soccer there is room for a 5'6" kid with fast feet, a great mind, and a dream, just ask one of the worlds' best players, Lionel Messi; 3-Time Defending World Player of the Year.

Take my advice, pay attention to this game, watch this game, play this game. It is coming, and it is coming fast here in the states. You will want to be there when it does. You can call this my biased opinion, but remember I know more about this than you, so just trust me.

The Playoffs. The Only Picks that Matter

Once again it is time for my favorite time of year, The NBA Playoffs. The start of the playoffs mean a lot to me. It means more games over more nights then any other time in the year, it means more exciting finishes, and heck, it also means warmer weather. But that is not why it is my favorite.

It is my favorite because it is time for my yearly rants with friends and foes alike over who is gonna win the NBA Title, and why my opinion is right, and how everyone else is wrong. Call me irrational, but if you think about it, someone might always find your opinion irrational. 


But as I once heard from a great friend; find me someone that knows more about the game than I do - you wont by the way - and I still wont listen. (Hows that for an irrational opinion?)


So here we go, my picks for the Quarterfinals:

East:


Bulls vs Sixers:
The Sixers laid down in their last game to be able to play Chicago. Be careful what you wish for, Derrick Rose hates getting disrespected, ask the Indiana Pacers. If he is healthy, look for this series to be over on the quicks.

Heat vs Knicks:
The Knicks can beat this team, and if JR Smith comes to play, not only can he score with Dwyane Wade, but he can defend him. Carmelo has shown time in and time out that he has the skills to cancel out Lebron's impact on a game. Stat and Tyson can shut down what little inside presence the Heat have with Bosh Spice. That means this series will come down to the benches or lack thereof for the Heat. Advantage NYK. Knickerbockers in 6

Magic vs Pacers:
No Dwight. That changes things greatly. With him this is a good close series, without him I will take the Pacers in 6.


Celtics vs Hawks:
I think that Rondo and company (and yes Rondo, because he is their best player) will have no problem handing the Hawks. Celtics are primed for a run, and MAYBE, just maybe, they can do it. This series will be over in 5 or 6. 



West:


Mavs vs Thunder:
This can go the distance, and if the Mavs had the Lamar Odom of last year, or more appropriately even Lamar Odom at all, they would probably win. Nonetheless, I think it will be a hard fought series, but the Thunder will win in 7.

Jazz vs Spurs:
San Antonio will win. Jazz dont have much playoff experience. There will be no first round let down for the Spurs this year. SAS in 5.


Nuggets vs Lakers:
So not sure if anyone noticed but Denver is DEEP. Especially with Gallo back. Durant and Westbrook combined for 90+, and in the same game Ibaka had a trip-dub against them earlier in the year, and the Thunder still BARELY won. This team keeps coming at you. No MWP will hurt them. If Kobe does not get Bynum his touches the Nuggets will win. Kobe will not get Bynum his touches so Nuggets in 6.

Clippers vs Grizzlies:
I think Blake is a lot of style, albeit very very good style, and not enough substance. He struggles with the jumper, and rebounding the basketball. Not to mention a bad free throw shooter. Z-Bo on the other hand is the anti-Blake. No style, just points-rebounds, hard hat and lunch pail. The Grizz in 6.


So there you have it. I will be back to update the later rounds, but for now these are my First Round Picks. Remember, I know more than you about this, so trust me picks.