Few thoughts on a few bizarre things recently..
Santhi- an female athlete from Tamil Nadu won the Silver medal in the recently concluded Doha games. She quickly became the darling of the masses and was even awarded cash from the TN government. But she failed a "gender test"and was stripped off the medal.
In a stunning turn of events , the organizing committee asked Santhi to leave Doha after the results of the gender test came in. It would be real interesting to find out more as this case unravels.
Was Santhi actually a guy ? or a she male ? or was this just a faulty test which by the way is not rare. In any case it is a tough situation for the Indian athletic authorities and not to mention Santhi herself or himself. BTW this news made PTI on ESPN.
Few interesting links
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/gendertest/gendertest.html
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/offbeat/2006/12/of_gender_identity_running.html
Brawl at the Garden
I finally made it to the MSG to watch an NBA game.Yesss, I was there with a few friends of mine at the now infamous Knicks-Denver game. But ,we had left midway in the 3rd quarter because of the blowout that was going on. But little did we know that such an incident would occur in the game not to mention in the final minute of the game.
The suspensions were handed out today and David Stern has laid the hammer pretty hard.Isaiah Thomas was surprisingly let off. But everyone else deserved the punishment for their actions. IMO Nate Robinson was the real instigator for this whole fracas. He is a punk and needs to be straightened out but I doubt that will happen under Isaiah.
An interesting take on the whole thing about brawls and the NBA
http://cbs.sportsline.com/spin/story/9878541
India wins a test in SA
Well this is a very positive development. I have been out of touch with cricket but I am happy that the Indian cricket team gave its hardcore fans something to cheer about.
But I am surprised that we have never won a test in SA before this one considering the long layoff SA had from international cricket and basically had to rebuild from the start.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Reasons why the CAVS are not elite , Just yet..
1.Road Record
The CAVS are 7-1 at home and 2-4 on the road. Elite teams have to win on the road
and win consistently.The SPURS for instance are 7-0 on the road at this point.
Good teams take care of homecourt and try to stay .500 on the road , which is where
I think the CAVS will end up. About 55 wins.Thats really good , just not elite.
2.Lack of a Consistent Second Option
Lebron is great, he can score at will or atleast get to the FT line anytime he wants.
But the second option is usually anyone's guess. LH if healthy could score , DG plays Jekyl and Hyde, Z has insomnia issues. It is anyone's guess to pick a second scorer. Offensive options get limited and CAVS have bunches of mins. without a FG.
3.Mental Focus
If you consider yourself elite ,just dont loose to the Bocats and the Hawks.I am not buying
that they are better than last year crap , Just beat them.
4.Overconfidence
The CAVS must have been swept by the PISTONS last year. Instead they overachieved and took the series to Game 7. Though thats a good thing , I think in the CAVS case , it has given them a sense of overconfidence. You dont become an elite team by taking a second round series to a game , You become elite by doing that for a couple of years and getting to the ECF.
Props to the Jazz and the Magic , they are playing some real good ball.
All said , CAVS are still a good team , with the best player in the league (IMO).
Anything is possible !!
The CAVS are 7-1 at home and 2-4 on the road. Elite teams have to win on the road
and win consistently.The SPURS for instance are 7-0 on the road at this point.
Good teams take care of homecourt and try to stay .500 on the road , which is where
I think the CAVS will end up. About 55 wins.Thats really good , just not elite.
2.Lack of a Consistent Second Option
Lebron is great, he can score at will or atleast get to the FT line anytime he wants.
But the second option is usually anyone's guess. LH if healthy could score , DG plays Jekyl and Hyde, Z has insomnia issues. It is anyone's guess to pick a second scorer. Offensive options get limited and CAVS have bunches of mins. without a FG.
3.Mental Focus
If you consider yourself elite ,just dont loose to the Bocats and the Hawks.I am not buying
that they are better than last year crap , Just beat them.
4.Overconfidence
The CAVS must have been swept by the PISTONS last year. Instead they overachieved and took the series to Game 7. Though thats a good thing , I think in the CAVS case , it has given them a sense of overconfidence. You dont become an elite team by taking a second round series to a game , You become elite by doing that for a couple of years and getting to the ECF.
Props to the Jazz and the Magic , they are playing some real good ball.
All said , CAVS are still a good team , with the best player in the league (IMO).
Anything is possible !!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
This is getting Nasty...But too funny !
I am sure M Fans have their own versions of all these pictures. But these are just too funny .This picture is pretty common , I have seen these kind of messages , much too often.
This is one is an ESPN classic !! I also love the ESPN ad which has a blind date between a OSU and Michigan fan , where the guy jumps out of the car and shouts , Go Bukeyes !!
And the last one...How can you not love this ? I have always loved the MC ads , this just adds a new wrinkle to it ! Love it !
This is one is an ESPN classic !! I also love the ESPN ad which has a blind date between a OSU and Michigan fan , where the guy jumps out of the car and shouts , Go Bukeyes !!
And the last one...How can you not love this ? I have always loved the MC ads , this just adds a new wrinkle to it ! Love it !
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Talk about a Good Weekend !
1) CAVS Win - Storm back !
I have always hated Paul Pierce , not because he is very very good basketball player , but because he has no respect for either the CAVS or Lebron in particular. There are many incidents that have happened in the past to create this bad blood between the Celts and the CAVS.
So , When we were down by about 25 points in the 3rd quarter at home , I was MAD. But as I was watching this game , I just saw Lebron shifting gears like I have never seen him do before. Well let me rephrase , he has shifted gears many times in the past and willed the CAVS to victory , but this one was different , because he went one on one , with his arch nemesis in the NBA , Paul Pierce.
I have never seen James with the swagger he had Saturday night on both ends of the floor. It was scary , I wish the team never goes into a hole such as this one in the first qtr ever again. They have a chance to prove that at the MSG on Monday.
Props to Sasha and Varejao as well , which brings me to another question in my head. What does Coach Brown have in mind for Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson ? Old school coaches like to have a small rotation and prefer to play the veterans most of the time. Coach Brown belongs to this school and I wonder how this is going to help develop our rookies.In the recent past , Other than Lebron , the CAVS have not done a good job with their rookies. We get almost nothing from them. Is it because we draft badly ? or we don't train them properly ? Don't know , I hope Coach has a plan for our rooks.
2.) Buckeyes Roll
The Buckeyes scored the second most points all time against a poor NW defense. So here we go , the biggest game of the year , decade ? Nov 18th 3:30 , Michigan at the shoe, No 2 and No 1. In their storied histories , never once has there been a 1-2 match up. Makes for great drama. Cant Wait !!
3.) Browns steal one on the road !
Charlie Frye looks real impressive , Now if only we could win 2 in a row.
I have always hated Paul Pierce , not because he is very very good basketball player , but because he has no respect for either the CAVS or Lebron in particular. There are many incidents that have happened in the past to create this bad blood between the Celts and the CAVS.
So , When we were down by about 25 points in the 3rd quarter at home , I was MAD. But as I was watching this game , I just saw Lebron shifting gears like I have never seen him do before. Well let me rephrase , he has shifted gears many times in the past and willed the CAVS to victory , but this one was different , because he went one on one , with his arch nemesis in the NBA , Paul Pierce.
I have never seen James with the swagger he had Saturday night on both ends of the floor. It was scary , I wish the team never goes into a hole such as this one in the first qtr ever again. They have a chance to prove that at the MSG on Monday.
Props to Sasha and Varejao as well , which brings me to another question in my head. What does Coach Brown have in mind for Shannon Brown and Daniel Gibson ? Old school coaches like to have a small rotation and prefer to play the veterans most of the time. Coach Brown belongs to this school and I wonder how this is going to help develop our rookies.In the recent past , Other than Lebron , the CAVS have not done a good job with their rookies. We get almost nothing from them. Is it because we draft badly ? or we don't train them properly ? Don't know , I hope Coach has a plan for our rooks.
2.) Buckeyes Roll
The Buckeyes scored the second most points all time against a poor NW defense. So here we go , the biggest game of the year , decade ? Nov 18th 3:30 , Michigan at the shoe, No 2 and No 1. In their storied histories , never once has there been a 1-2 match up. Makes for great drama. Cant Wait !!
3.) Browns steal one on the road !
Charlie Frye looks real impressive , Now if only we could win 2 in a row.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Did Lebron walk off the court ?
I saw the game last night. Lebron had a good night statistically BUT Lebron lost us the game last nite. Yes..I said it.
He missed a critical free throw and played poor defense (the whole team did actually..) in OT. As a fan , I can pardon both these issues. But when I saw Lebron didn't go back to his defensive position after this 3 point brick in the final 16 seconds ,that is not a good sign. I heard the PTI guys say that NIKE,ESPN & NBA would not like to see this. I have a bigger and more serious issue...the FANS don't want to see this.
I know..I know...these kids are spoilt brats. But I am going to forgive this one incident and hope he does not do it again. Because if he does , it does not set a good example to say someone like Shannon Brown. Its not enough to call yourself a leader , its important to act like one.
All said and done...he is 21.I want cut him some slack here , but just this one time.
PS - Pdxrocks , I just saw your comment when I posted this article. Nice timing !
He missed a critical free throw and played poor defense (the whole team did actually..) in OT. As a fan , I can pardon both these issues. But when I saw Lebron didn't go back to his defensive position after this 3 point brick in the final 16 seconds ,that is not a good sign. I heard the PTI guys say that NIKE,ESPN & NBA would not like to see this. I have a bigger and more serious issue...the FANS don't want to see this.
I know..I know...these kids are spoilt brats. But I am going to forgive this one incident and hope he does not do it again. Because if he does , it does not set a good example to say someone like Shannon Brown. Its not enough to call yourself a leader , its important to act like one.
All said and done...he is 21.I want cut him some slack here , but just this one time.
PS - Pdxrocks , I just saw your comment when I posted this article. Nice timing !
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Joy...and later the Letdown
Our boys beat the SPURS on their home floor , where they have a ridiculous winning percentage (85%-90%). It was a big win for us even though we caught them on a back-to-back after a tough road game against the MAVS. Our offense was well orchestrated and Lebron was into the game from the get go.Fewer TO's , good defense won us the game. I also liked the composure of our team to hold on to the lead when the spurs where making a furious comeback.
Now to the letdown ,
Why am I not bothered by this loss ?
The CAVS did not get to the hotel till 4 am in Charlotte. The schedule makers in Seacaucus NJ , must have not graduated from high school.How in the world would you describe the schedule of a back to back game in Texas and North Carolina ?
Why am I slightly bothered ?
The CAVS should not loose to the BOBCATS. PERIOD. No matter what the circumstances were. They thought they could show up and win a game. Sadly , teams these days have too much talent and that will not happen.
They have a chance to prove to the fans that they are serious about every game starting tonight.Hawks are at the Q and expect to see Lebron have a huge night. After all its his bobblehead night !
Now to the letdown ,
Why am I not bothered by this loss ?
The CAVS did not get to the hotel till 4 am in Charlotte. The schedule makers in Seacaucus NJ , must have not graduated from high school.How in the world would you describe the schedule of a back to back game in Texas and North Carolina ?
Why am I slightly bothered ?
The CAVS should not loose to the BOBCATS. PERIOD. No matter what the circumstances were. They thought they could show up and win a game. Sadly , teams these days have too much talent and that will not happen.
They have a chance to prove to the fans that they are serious about every game starting tonight.Hawks are at the Q and expect to see Lebron have a huge night. After all its his bobblehead night !
Thursday, November 02, 2006
CAVS "Light it Up" against the Wizards
Awrite, I will stop making a big deal about the whole "Light it Up" campaign. I just thought it was cool , because the City of Cleveland is finally excited about something , let alone it be for a sports team.
Now to the game. Before I start singing eulogies about Larry Hughes and LBJ , I have to give the game ball to Mike Brown. I liked the new offensive sets he has in place. Players are constantly moving and are cutting lanes in the middle and it was moderately effective. Play makers did miss a few open swing men , but I understand that the new offense takes time to settle. The real challenge though is to see if this offense is going to work against the Spurs on Friday. Wizards are probably one of the worst defensive units amongst the playoff teams.
The Wizards seemed like they played decent defense. I beg to differ. It was more careless ball handling and lazy cross court passes that lead to 12 TO's(in the first qtr alone , i think) and the fastbreak points.
The score indicates the game was close and it was. But if we handled the rock a little more carefully and converted about 70% of our FT's , this would not have been a contest. Where was Gil ? Though he plays for one of our rivals , I like Arenas. He is the No.1 offensive PG in the league.Had a off night and I am not complaining. He will bounce back !
Tidbits
Go CAVS...Sayanora !
Now to the game. Before I start singing eulogies about Larry Hughes and LBJ , I have to give the game ball to Mike Brown. I liked the new offensive sets he has in place. Players are constantly moving and are cutting lanes in the middle and it was moderately effective. Play makers did miss a few open swing men , but I understand that the new offense takes time to settle. The real challenge though is to see if this offense is going to work against the Spurs on Friday. Wizards are probably one of the worst defensive units amongst the playoff teams.
The Wizards seemed like they played decent defense. I beg to differ. It was more careless ball handling and lazy cross court passes that lead to 12 TO's(in the first qtr alone , i think) and the fastbreak points.
The score indicates the game was close and it was. But if we handled the rock a little more carefully and converted about 70% of our FT's , this would not have been a contest. Where was Gil ? Though he plays for one of our rivals , I like Arenas. He is the No.1 offensive PG in the league.Had a off night and I am not complaining. He will bounce back !
Tidbits
- LH looked good. I guess he is finally healthy. There was always not a question about his talent , it was about his ability to play 70-75 games. If he does that this year.CAVS will win 55 games
- Lebron was his usual self , But I would like to see him post up a little more considering his combination of size and speed
- Where was Z ? I know he had a great year last year , but we need a double-double from him and Gooden(who was splendid) almost every night for us to be an elite team
- Is it me or does anyone else think that "The Lebrons" is too funny !
Go CAVS...Sayanora !
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Opening Day Impressions
I hope to keep this short , Because the real opening day for me is tonight , when the CAVS "Light it Up" against the Wizards.
ALERT : CHICAGO LOOKS SCARY GOOD !!
I know...I know , Miami might have been pumped about getting their rings and Coach Riley would not have motivated them enough for this game. But to lose by 40+ points is downright embarassing.
Chicago outplayed Miami - (as the score indicates) and Miami had no answers for Chicago's uptempo offense and stifling defense. I liked what I saw from Ben Wallace.His stat line was not fancy , but Big Ben does not make his impact on the scorebaord alone , his bigger impact is his stellar defense, the way he played the Miami Big Men , yes SHAQ included. Tyrus Thomas was very impressive in the limited minutes he played , until he broke his nose , after a "freindly
"Welcome to the NBA" elbow from James Posey. I remember Posey doing something similar to Kirk Hinrich last year in the playoffs. I am not ready to crown Chicago yet , as I am not ready to dismiss Miami from winning the East. There are 81 games to go and I know things can change and teams make adjustments. Should be a great battle for the East this year.
I only watched the first half of the Phoenix-LA game. Went to bed thinking its going to be more of the same.PHX running and gunning.LA playing catchup. Surprise Surprise - LA stormed back after being down 19 to win the game without "KOBE". Very impressive.
Dribbles
ALERT : CHICAGO LOOKS SCARY GOOD !!
I know...I know , Miami might have been pumped about getting their rings and Coach Riley would not have motivated them enough for this game. But to lose by 40+ points is downright embarassing.
Chicago outplayed Miami - (as the score indicates) and Miami had no answers for Chicago's uptempo offense and stifling defense. I liked what I saw from Ben Wallace.His stat line was not fancy , but Big Ben does not make his impact on the scorebaord alone , his bigger impact is his stellar defense, the way he played the Miami Big Men , yes SHAQ included. Tyrus Thomas was very impressive in the limited minutes he played , until he broke his nose , after a "freindly
"Welcome to the NBA" elbow from James Posey. I remember Posey doing something similar to Kirk Hinrich last year in the playoffs. I am not ready to crown Chicago yet , as I am not ready to dismiss Miami from winning the East. There are 81 games to go and I know things can change and teams make adjustments. Should be a great battle for the East this year.
I only watched the first half of the Phoenix-LA game. Went to bed thinking its going to be more of the same.PHX running and gunning.LA playing catchup. Surprise Surprise - LA stormed back after being down 19 to win the game without "KOBE". Very impressive.
Dribbles
- Andrew Bynum looked impressive in his first NBA start , keep an eye on him
- Amare struggled , I just did not see him hustling and dunking on ppl repeatedly as he used to do.K
- Kenny Smith of TNT , has picked the CAVS to win the EAST. BTW Why does Magic think that the Bulls play better D than the Cavs , well maybe they actually do ! We will See...
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Funny but interesting quote
Okie. I am not posting this because it eulogizes Lebron.I just thought it was funny !
Bill Walton Said " Dwayne Wade is a serious knee injury away from becoming a Gary Payton kinda player...Lebron is serious knee injury away from becoming a Karl Malone type of a player"
He He...Good Old Walton -" Throw it down Big Man.... With Authority "
But jokes aside , I wish I dont jinx either of them , I hope they go on to become great players and legends by themselves.
Bill Walton Said " Dwayne Wade is a serious knee injury away from becoming a Gary Payton kinda player...Lebron is serious knee injury away from becoming a Karl Malone type of a player"
He He...Good Old Walton -" Throw it down Big Man.... With Authority "
But jokes aside , I wish I dont jinx either of them , I hope they go on to become great players and legends by themselves.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Pardon Me..PTI
Conversation between..you and me !Why do you need your own ESPN ?
Well , with the NBA season beginning in less than a week , I am currently like a 5 year old who ate a box of Sri Krishna Sweets MysorePa - Not Good. I am planning my schedule around the Cavaliers. I am listing my "Freinds to visit" around the Cavaliers road schedule. I am also wondering about the starting rotation for the Cavaliers and about minutes distribution. Now if you have not figured out yet , yes , I root for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Arguably the most exciting team to watch in professional basketball and definitely with the premier NBA talent on it's roster ,the one Mr. 21 year old from Akron - Lebron James.
To channel all my energies and frustrations of this marathon season , I need my OWN ESPN. Becuase currently there are about 5 sources where I get my news from and thats just not enough. NBA.COM, ESPN.COM ,SI.COM ,OHIO.COM and CLEVELAND.COM.(I didnt mention the home newspaper of the opponents team..but who wants to agree with them...I read them though) Ofcourse the AP articles that are listed on most of these websites really count as one. So to satiate my thirst to read more...I have decided to write more. Coz I figured that I have the urge to read more is because I am looking for a writer who saw the game like I did. Whether I will ever find that , I dont know .So here you have it , My Own ESPN.
So is this going to be only about the Cleveland Cavaliers ?
No , atleast I am hoping not. I enjoy pretty much all the sports on TV these days , so I am hoping to write about everything that I find interesting to mumble about. Except for poker which is not really a sport and fishing. I mean I can understand poker , but fishing ??? are you kidding me ? I am also going to try to write without a bias to Ohio sports ..but dont count on it !
I like your idea .. Can I contribute to your blog ?
You betcha... As long as it does relate to sports , I would love to have guest writers. Hit me up..if you got something to share (Ofcourse I have to agree with your opinion...Jus kidding)
Are you done yet ?
Yes I am...Go Cavs !
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