Michigan head coach John Beilein has no one to blame but himself after his Wolverines lost to Louisville, 82-76, in the 2013 national championship game at the Georgia Dome. The game was an instant classic, as both teams went at each other like two prize fighters in Las Vegas. Michigan threw the first punch when … [Read more…]
Ibaka needs to step up for Thunder
Last season when Oklahoma City had the devastating trio of Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden the team’s rallying cry was “Thunder up!” This season, despite owning the second-best record in the Western Conference, the theme has been downgraded to “Thunder down!” So what gives? As good as Oklahoma City has been all season … [Read more…]
Injuries to Parker, Ginobili could alter West playoff picture
The San Antonio Spurs are limping down the stretch, and the 100-88 loss to Oklahoma City Thursday night was just the tip of the iceberg. Parker appeared to have hurt his leg against the Thunder, which explains his 1-for-6 shooting night and finishing with just two points. The Spurs are saying Parker has a shin … [Read more…]
Aaron Gordon may be next Blake Griffin
Aaron Gordon is one of the most talented high school players in North America, and he certainly didn’t disappoint at the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Game in Chicago. The 6-8, 205-pound forward from San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty High School) shined the brightest in a game that has become more of a glorified scrimmage than an … [Read more…]
CAN YOU DIG IT! Shaq turns to YouTube to thank Kobe, Lakers teammates
Shaquille O’Neal took some heat on Twitter Tuesday night during his jersey retirement ceremony for not mentioning his Laker teammates, especially Kobe Bryant. Can we just drop this whole Shaq-Kobe hate thing? That was so 2008! Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke reopened old wounds when he tweeted this Tuesday night: “Stunned that everyone … [Read more…]
Louisville’s Kevin Ware ‘in great spirits’
Louisville guard Kevin Ware was up and walking on crutches Monday morning, and coach Rick Pitino said his player’s spirits have been boosted by the outpouring of support from friends and fans. Ware isn’t in any pain after a 2-hour surgery to repair a horrifying fracture in his right leg. ”He’s doing terrific, in great … [Read more…]
DIRTY DOZEN: 12 best prospects in 2013 NBA draft
Even though there is no clear-cut No. 1 overall choice in this year’s NBA draft pool there are still plenty of potential in this year’s crop who could turn out to be NBA gems. Teams who do their homework and look past deficiencies will be rewarded handsomely. Of course there will always be draft busts, … [Read more…]
James irked by Chicago Bulls’ hard fouls
Moments after the Miami Heat left the United Center court losers for the first time since Super Bowl Sunday, they reflected on the 27-game winning they had just accomplished then the mood turned sour when LeBron dished out his frustration over what he calls non-basketball plays against him. The Bulls roughed up LeBron in a … [Read more…]
VIDEO: Did Griffin foul Nowitzki?
The officials not only robbed Blake Griffin and the Clippers a victory against Dallas on Tuesday, but they denied basketball fans one of the most incredible finishes you’ll ever see. After O.J. Mayo tied the game at 97 with a gorgeous baseline move, Clippers forward Matt Barnes — who was a standout football player in … [Read more…]
Howland falls victim to Wooden Curse
The ghost of John Wooden strikes again as Ben Howland became the eighth victim of the curse that hovers around the UCLA men’s basketball program. Howland was fired as the basketball coach on Sunday despite taking the Bruins to three consecutive Final Fours from 2006-08 and winning four conference championships in 10 seasons. He had … [Read more…]