No, that’s not awkward at all.

It seems as though the Syracuse Orange have punched their ticket to the NCAA Tournament with a convincing win over #10 Georgetown Monday. Cuse defeated the Hoyas,72-58, to notch their 21st win of the season. Big East POTY candidate, Demetris Nichols(seen in the pic to my left, the one being held ever so closely) led the Orange once again in scoring with 22 points, he also had 4 steals and 3 rebounds.

It also was only the Orange’s second win in six games against ranked teams, but this one halted an 11-game winning streak by the Big East’s first-place team, and that spoke volumes.

“Two weeks ago, we didn’t deserve to be in (the NCAA tournament),” Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said after his 747th career victory, 13th all-time in Division I and one more than Phog Allen. “I’m proud of my kids. This game was the culmination. We knew five games ago we had to win and play well. The seniors deserve a lot of credit. This was our best game.”

Now on to the picture above. While Paul Harris was attempting a free-throw with under a minute to go in the game, Demetris Nichols and Eric Devendorf were celebrating their victory with a hug, but then Devendorf grabbed Nichols head and went in for the kiss, but was apparently rejected(like me on prom night). Now this pic was on ESPN’s homepage this evening with subtitles such as “Demetris: I think we just punched our ticket” and “Demetris Nichols and Eric Devendorf discuss ‘Cuse’s bubble status.” I have decided to give a small list of headlines that better suit the picture.

5. “Does my breathe smell?…No, but was it completely necessary for you to be that close for me to check?”
4. “Stop, someone might be looking….I don’t care anymore, let them look”
3. “Why can’t you just practice on a pillow like everyone else?”
2. “Demetris, why don’t you look at me anymore?”
1. “Olive Juice you too”

Carolina Panthers (8-8)

2006 season: 8-8
Head Coach: John Fox
Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Davidson
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Trgovac
Pro-Bowl: Steve Smith (WR), Julius Peppers (DE), Kris Jenkins (DT)

Offense

The Carolina Panthers offense was down this season. Jake Delhomme took a huge step back missing 3 games and only throwing for 2,805 yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. A lot of people had the Panthers as the Super Bowl favorites but with a lack luster running game and and sub par passing game, not to mention injuries on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, the Panthers were just mediocre overall. Although the passing game wasn’t very good, Steve Smith had a great season once again despite missing the first two games of the season. He caught 83 balls for 1,166 yards and 8 touchdowns. Keyshawn Johnson also didn’t have that bad of a season with 70 receptions for 815 yards and 4 touchdowns. The running game at times was good but for the most part neither DeShaun Foster nor DeAngelo Williams distanced themselves as starters. Foster missed two games but received the bulk of the attempts, he rushed for 897 yards and 3 touchdowns. Williams had 501 yards and just 1 touchdown. Williams also had 33 receptions for 313 yards and 1 touchdown.

Defense

Carolina’s defense this year was very good once again. They did have some trouble at times stopping the run, but overall they ranked in the top 10 in every major defensive category. Julius Peppers was great, and was in the running for defensive player of the year. Peppers had 57 tackles, 13 sacks and forced 3 fumbles while recovering 2. Although they were good overall they had a lot of problems at the linebacker position. Chris Draft rejuvenated his career with leading the Panthers in tackles, he had 107 tackles and 5.5 sacks but Draft isn’t really a long-term fix. Also Thomas Davis had a good sophomore season getting 88 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Mike Minter was better than he was the past two years, but still hasn’t gotten back to the type of player he was back in 03′ and 04′. Minter had 83 tackles, 1 interception and 6 passes defended. Rookie corner back, Richard Marshall had a great season, getting 82 tackles and leading the team in both interceptions(3 and 1 touchdown) and passes defended(11).Kris Jenkins was finally able to do something he hasn’t done in 2 years, play a whole season. Jenkins played in a total of 5 games the past two season but this year he played in all 16 and made 41 tackles along with 3 sacks.

Special Teams

John Kasay had by far the best season of his 16 year career. Kasay hit 89% of his field goals. Also having his best season was punter, Jason Baker had an average of 45.7, 31 punts inside the 20 and 12 touch backs. All of them were career highs for Baker. Now returning the ball was a different story. The Panthers couldn’t find one set person to return kicks, they had a total of 8 different players returning kicks and punts this season. The best was probably rookie DeAngelo Williams who had 623 yards.

Draft Notes

The Panthers hold the 14th overall pick in this years draft. Now there are a lot of different ways they Panthers could look to use the pick. The biggest need for the Panthers is by far the linebacker position, but the problem is their isn’t anyone that they could take that early in the draft. They are going to need a safety to replace Shaun Williams and they also could really use some help at defensive tackle. I think Carolina could also look to get more weapons for their passing game. Possibly adding another receiver and an impact tight end. With Jake Delhomme having a less than spectacular season the Panthers could also look to get another back up, Chris Weinke isn’t good enough to play European football much less in the NFL.

Positions that must be addressed during the draft.

1. Linebacker
2. Safety
3. Defensive Tackle
4. Tight End
5. Wide Receiver

LB:

Their biggest need is at linebacker, but they won’t be able to address this need until at least the second round. Their isn’t a linebacker this year that is a top 15 pick like last season, Lawrence Timmons was projected to be one, but he had a very bad combine that will surely drop him to the later 1st round or even the second round. Some guys they could go after in the second round are Buster Davis(FSU), David Harris(MICH) and Brandon Siler(FLA).

S:

Safety is another need for Carolina, they will likely go for either LaRon Landry out of LSU or Reggie Nelson out of Florida with their first round pick. It depends which one is still their and if both are for some reason, I would select Landry if I was them. They also could get some good safeties in the later rounds if they decide to go another way, some guys they could choose are Aaron Rouse(VT), Brandon Meriweather(MIA), and Eric Weddle(UTAH), all of them are possible 2nd round picks.

DT:

If they don’t choose a safety with the 14th overall pick then I expect them to choose a defensive tackle. The most obvious choice for them would be Amobi Okoye from Louisville. They also could look for someone to fill that whole in the later rounds, someone like Quinn Pitcock(OSU), Ray McDonald(FLA) who could play outside or inside and Brandon Mebane(CAL).

TE:

They haven’t really had a play maker at tight end in quite some time and although tight end isn’t necessarily deep this year, their are some people that have impressed me. I am really like Ben Patrick from Delaware, Michael Allan from Whitworth and Daniel Coats from B.Y.U. All of these guys could be steals in the late first day or early second day of the draft.

WR:

Besides Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson, there isn’t much depth at Wide Receiver. Drew Carter isn’t bad but they lack a fourth receiver. I like them to go after Brandon Myles(WVU), David Clowney(VT), Rhema McKnight(ND) or Steve Breaston(MICH). David Clowney had a great combine running a 4.36 in the forty and he could be rising up the draft boards to a 3rd to 4th round pick.

The Panthers have a great team and should return to the playoffs next year. If Delhomme can play better, they can get some consistency on offense then they could be another Super Bowl favorite like this year.

Take that Coral Gables…Hokies improve to 3-0 this season.

Now i’m not usually one to brag, but my Hokies have beaten Davey’s Cane’s 3 times this season. Twice in basketball and once in football. Led by Zabian “Ultra Super Secret Ninja” Dowdell’s 20 points, Virginia Tech improved to 20-8 after they beat Miami, 73-57 Saturday night. This is the Hokies first 20 win season in 11 years(23-6 back in 1996) and it has clinched them a first round bye in the ACC Tournament.

Our terrific back court tandem, Dowdell and Jamon Gordon had Miami’s Denis Clemente, who led the Cane’s with 20 points of his own, admiring their play saying “I’m trying to learn from these people”. It’s ok Denis, I’m sure with lots of practice and praying, one day you’ll be good enough to at least hold Dowdell’s jock strap.

The Cane’s bench did out score the Hokies bench, 18-2, but all VTech’s starters were in double figures. Dowdell led the team with 20 points and 8 rebounds, he also chipped in with 4 assists and 3 steals. Gordon had 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and also had 3 steals and our resident High-Flyer, Deron Washington had 12 points and a spot on Sportcenter’s Top 10 with a very impressive dunk after a great dime from Dowdell.

Virgina Tech has two regular season games remaining, at #19 Virginia and then they get Clemson at home.

ZABIAN DOWDELL FOR ACC PLAYER OF THE YEAR!

St. Louis Rams (8-8)

2006 season: 8-8
Head Coach: Scott Linehan
Offensive Coordinator: Greg Olson
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Haslett
Pro-Bowl: Torry Holt(WR), Marc Bulger(QB) and Steven Jackson(RB)

Offense

The Ram’s offense is led by one of the most explosive trio’s in a long time. With the most underrated quarterback, Marc Bulger, the beast at running back, Steven Jackson and the best route runner in the game, Torry Holt. Jackson had a great season rushing for 1,528 yards and 13 touchdowns, he also caught 90 balls for 806 yards and 3 touchdowns. Marc Bulger had by far his best season of his career throwing for over 4300 yards, 24 touchdowns and just 8 interception. Holt had once again a very impressive season, grabbing 93 receptions for 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns. Also Isaac Bruce had a very quite 1,000 receiving yard season. The only real problem with the Ram’s offense was the offensive line, they couldn’t stay healthy. They lost Pro-Bowler Orlando Pace and Andy McCollum. If the O-Line can stay healthy for the entire season the offense could be even more potent next year.

Defense

St. Louis had a very deceptive defense, overall they ranked around the middle due to their very good pass defense but they ranked 2nd to last in rush defense. Obviously their problems with the run continued in 2006, they gave up 145.4 per game. To go along with their horrible run defense, they allowed close to 24 points per game, ranking 28th. Individually Will Witherspoon had a nice season, leading the team with 113 tackles, he also had 3 sacks. Leonard Little tallied his second highest sack total of his career with 13 sacks. Cory Chavous wasn’t bad in his first season with the Rams, making a career high, 86, 1 sack and 1 interception. Rookie, Victor Adeyanju showed some promise at defensive end, but I don’t think his 34 tackles and 1 sack are going to be enough for him to stay as a starter.

Special Teams

In my opinion the Rams have the worst special teams in the NFL. They are horrible at kick return, they aren’t good at returning kicks themselves. But they do have a very good veteran kicker in Jeff Wilkins. Wilkins hit 86% of his field goals. Matt Turk was right in the middle of the rankings, with a punt average of 43.5, he also had 26 punts inside the 20 yard line but he was really bad at getting touch backs, with only 5. Returning game was abysmal, with Willie Ponder, who is a good return man, only getting 605 yards and Shaun McDonald only getting 172 punt return yards.

Draft Notes

Defense, defense, defense. They need help on their defensive line, both outside and inside. Ever since Ryan Pickett and Damione Lewis left, they have struggled to fill the need in the interior. Also they could definitely use another pass rusher to compliment Leonard Little. But with those two positions aside another major need is an outside linebacker. Brandon Chillar was just not effective. The Rams might also look to pick up another receiver in the mid to late rounds because Kevin Curtis is going to be leaving for free-agency.

Positions that must be filled during the draft.

1. Outside Linebacker
2. Defensive Tackle
3. Defensive End
4. Wide Receiver
5. Running back(back up)

OLB:

This position has been one of the biggest weakness for the Rams for many years. They could possibly use their 13th overall pick on Florida State’s very talented OLB, Lawrence Timmons. If they decide to go with the defensive line with this pick then they will likely look to get a linebacker in say the 2nd or 3rd round. KaMichael Hall(GT), Tim Shaw(PSU) and Juwan Simpson(ALA) could all be viable picks in the 2nd or the 3rd rounds.

DT:

In a perfect world, the Rams are hoping that Amobi Okoye will still be available at 13. I don’t think he will, but there is still a possibility. If he isn’t there then they will take Timmons and use their 2nd round pick on a defensive tackle. Some guys to look at in the 2nd round are Quinn Pitcock(OSU), DeMarcus Tyler(NCST) and Brandon Mebane(CAL).

DE:

Other than Little, the Rams struggled to pressure the QB. Victor Adeyanju showed some promise but he only had 1 sack. Someone like Charles Johnson out of Auburn would be great, but he is projected to go within the first few picks of the 2nd round, meaning the Rams would have to either trade up or go a different route. Dan Bazuin out of Central Michigan has been one of the best pass rushers for the past two years and he could really help out with his good speed and quickness of the snap.

WR:

With Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald leaving for free-agency the Rams are going to need someone to fill the slot position and someone who can help with the return game. Chansi Stuckey of Clemson would be a great fit. He is extremely fast and is the top return man in this draft. Or they could get someone like David Clowney(VT) or Yamon Figurs(KSU) to help in both the receiving and return game.

RB:

Obviously they don’t need someone who can start, but St.Louis has no depth at running back. Someone who could come in and give Steven Jackson a break every so often would do wonders to help the offense for the Rams. Also someone who could help in the return game at the same time would be ideal. I see someone like Garrett Wolfe(NIU), Danny Ware(UGA) or Ramonce Taylor(TEX CO) would all help fill that need.

The Rams are one of those “teetering” teams. They have all the talent in the world on offense to be a playoff contender but their defense really drags them down. They are the type of team that can easily win the division and just as easily come in last place.

NBA Trade Deadline.

It is very unlikely that a big name will be dealt but still moves could be done. Jason Kidd to the Lakers? Not likely. Vince Carter to the Magic/Clippers? Probably not. Kevin Garnett to anyone? Nope, not going to happen. Now Mike Bibby to Cleveland? Now there’s a deal that could happen.

With that said two realatively small deals have been done so far. The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to trade Juan Dixon to the Toronto Raptors for Fred Jones.

POR- G Fred Jones
TOR- G Juan Dixon

The other deal was the Atlanta Hawks aquiring veteran Anthony Johnson for a 2nd round pick.

ATL- G Anthony Johnson
DAL- 2nd Round Draft Pick

More to come before the 3:00 PM ET.

Update: Sadly no other trades happened at the deadline. The Nets seemingly had a deal in place that would send Kidd to the Lakers but they nixed the deal just hours before the deadline. And my boy Vince is staying in New Jersey. That means i’m a Net fan…well at least till the offseason when the Nets are expected to do a sign-and-trade with him. Like I said before, where Vince goes…I go.

Dominic Rhodes arrested for drunken driving.

Indianapolis Colt’s running back and Super Bowl MVP, Dominic Rhodes was arrested after he was pulled over at 3 a.m. driving his GMC truck 81 mph in a 55-mph zone on Interstate 65 in Indianapolis’ far northwest side, Indiana State Police spokesman 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten said.

“It was a normal, run-of-the-mill drunk driving arrest,” Bursten said.

Police also said Rhodes was cooperative with the state troopers who arrested him. Rhodes was held overnight and released on his own recognizance after an initial hearing Tuesday afternoon.

This isn’t the first time Rhodes has had a run in with the police, back in 2002, he pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of battery and domestic battery. Under an agreement with prosecutors in that case, Rhodes was charged with domestic battery but avoided prosecution. Instead, Rhodes was placed in a diversionary program and underwent mental health counseling. This doesn’t really look good for Rhodes, who will become a free-agent at the end of the month, but then again, he’ll probably be signed by the Bengals. I hear they could use some depth at running back.

When asked how he felt about Rhodes recent run in with the law, Chris Henry said the following.

Reporter: Chris, have you heard about Dominic Rhodes getting arrest for a DUI?

Henry: DUI? Thats it?

Reporter: Um, yes. But Chris that can be a serious offense.

Henry: Well did he at least hit someone or pull a Sean Taylor on them?
Come on man, you gotta come harder than that. Shit son, DUI, hahahaha. I was getting DUI’s when I was 10.

Reporter: No, in fact it was said that he was very cooperative with the police.

Henry: WHAT? He cooperated?!?! Damn, homie isn’t gonna get any street cred for this. I woulda shank that muthafucker.

Palmer: CHRIS!!! Don’t say that…they’re gonna put that shit in the papers now…you can’t go around threating to shank cops.

Henry: So. I don’t care what they write, I keep it straight gangsta all the time…*pulls out knife* Never leave home with out it…Hey take my picture.

Palmer: Ok, Chris, seriously, your not “gangsta”, your from Belle Chasse.

Henry: That don’t mean anything, whatever man I gotta go do some gangsta shit. CYA.

The Nets are going to do what?

Talks are reportedly heating up between the New Jersey Nets and the Orlando Magic. The Nets are planning on getting rid of majority of their “good” players in Vince Carter and Jason Kidd. Playing with ESPN’s nifty Trade Machine I have came up with a trade that would benefit both teams.

NJN get- F Grant Hill and G Keyon Dooling
ORL get- G/F Vince Carter and F Jason Collins

This trade would make total sense, Grant Hill has a $16M expiring contract and Keyon Dooling would basically be a through in with a small expiring contract. And for the Magic they would get a pure scorer that they don’t have right now and Jason Collins is just someone who has a $5M contract that the Nets want nothing to do with. They want to add him with the potential trade that involves G Jason Kidd to the Lakers but the Lakers wouldn’t be able to supply an expiring contract of that magnitude. And if the Nets do go ahead and trade Jason Kidd(which is likely) and Vince it would free up around $35M on next year’s salary cap. If the Vince trade goes through I will then have to join Davey as an Orlando Magic fan, where ever Vince goes, I go. Jameer Nelson at the point, Vince at the two guard, Hedo Turkoglu at forward, Darko at the other foward and Dwight Howard at center….say it with me now….CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Norv Turner replaces Marty in San Diego.

The Chargers have replaced Marty Schottenheimer with Norv Turner. This will be Turner’s third stint as a NFL Head Coach. Now one of the main reasons the Chargers said was behind the firing of Marty was his playoff success or lack there of, so what do they do? They hire someone who’s only been in the playoffs once in which he went 1-1 and someone who’s career record is just 52-82-1. Great move guys, yeah lets go with someone who has proven not to be a great coach instead of one of the many young coordinators with great upside. Yeah let’s do that.

And don’t be surprised if the Chargers have another great year, I mean they had what, 11 Pro-Bowlers this season, in which all are going return. I mean I could probably coach the Chargers to a playoff birth and I have what is known as a bit of an “literacy problem”. Look, i’m sure Norv Turner is a great choice, he’s a players coach, he installed the current offense that is run in San Diego, but I just kind of like the idea of someone like Ron Rivera of the Bears or Rex Ryan of the Ravens getting a chance to show their stuff so to speak.

Speaking of Ron Rivera, the Chicago Bears have decided to go another way, meaning they fired him. Sources are saying the negotiations between the Bears and Ron Rivera’s representatives have broken off because of disagreements to an extension. So after having “great” interviews with 9 different teams for Head Coaching jobs, Rivera is expected to become unemployed. Hey Ron, when were standing in the unemployment line, can I get an autograph or something?

Update: ESPN is now reporting that the Chargers have signed Ron Rivera as their new Linebackers coach. WTF, looks like i’ll be standing alone in that line.

Today’s headlines.

The West routes the East, 153-132.

Kobe Bryant won the MVP for the second time in his career, he had an all around great game with 31 points, 6 assist, 5 rebounds and 6 steals. Amare Stoudamire also contributed with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. For the East is was all LeBron James, James had 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Although he was snubbed at the Dunk Contest, Dwight Howard had the last laugh with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Kevin Harvick barely inched out Mark Martin to win the Daytona 500.

Harvick won by exactly two one-hundredths of a second for his first Daytona 500 win of his career. Now i’m not exactly a “fan” of Nascar but even I knew that most people would have preferred Martin winning. Marting is a four-time runner-up to the Nextel Cup crown, and was moments away from the biggest victory of his life, hoping to finally win NASCAR’s premiere event in his 23rd try.

Mike Krzyzewski won his 700th career victory at Duke.

Coach K reached another milestone Sunday as his Blue Devils defeated Georgia Tech, 71-62. Duke was able to overcome poor play by both Josh McRoberts and David McClure thanks to Greg Paulus’ 15 points and Jon Scheyer’s 14 points. DeMarcus Nelson also added 13 points and the Blue Devils got their 20th win of the season.

#2 Ohio State is going to be the likely new #1 team after destroying Minnesota.

Greg Oden had his best game since late January with 19 points and 9 rebounds but he did go without a block for the first time in his Buckeye career. Othello Hunter(15 pts) and Ron Lewis(16 pts) were huge coming off the bench as Ohio State collected their 24th win and their 7th on the road. The Buckeyes also should move up to #1 for the 2nd time this season due to Florida’s loss to Vanderbilt on Saturday.

The Gerald Green Show

Here’s a great video of Gerald Green’s dunks at the 2007 dunk contest. The first dunk is absolutely crazy.

Props to Amir34 for this video.