Rampage ready to get back into Octagon for UFC 130

In what was set to be the night in which Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar was set to face off with Gray Maynard for the third time in a fantastic trio of bouts, it is now set to be a card pieced together after being ravaged by injury and misfortune. After their classic title fight draw early this January, Edgar/Maynard III was set to be one for the ages. After drilling Edgar with shot after shot in round one of their last fight, Frankie Edgar somehow managed to find a way to hang on against challenger Gray Maynard and rode out the fight all five rounds. The fight went to a draw and Edgar retained his belt in what could have been the gutsiest performance in UFC history. Saturday the two were supposed to get in the cage on final time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas instead both have had to pull out due to injury. After Edgar suffered broken ribs former WEC lightweight champ Anthony Pettis was approached to face Maynard, but that fight was scratched before it could even develop after Maynard sustained a knee injury in camp.


But the lightweight championship headliner wasn't the only fight to get scrapped from UFC 130. Rampage Jackson/Rashad Evans II was supposed to be in the works after Thiago Silva was forced to pull out due to a failed pre fight drug screen at UFC 125. Rashad Evans was scheduled to fight Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones for the title but the fight had to be postponed once Jones suffered an injury. Due to much bad blood and their overly hyped 2010 fight, Jackson/Evans II looked like a fight that would still draw many fight fans. Essentially with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson's last victory over former champion Llyoto Machida a match with Evans could have potentially been a number one contenders match for Jones' title. Fearing a loss to Jackson could end his shot at a title the fight with Evans never got close and Matt Hamill was then signed to face Rampage Jackson to headline UFC 130.



Although not as stacked as some of the previous cards due to much fluctuation with the headlining fights UFC 130 still brings a lot to fight fans.


Former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir takes on former IFL Heavyweight Champion and The Ultimate Fighter 10 winner(TUF 10) Roy "Big Country" Nelson.

Also in the heavyweight division one of MMA's tallest competitors Stefan "Skyscrapper" Struve will face Travis Brown.



In Welterweight action Thiago Alves will face Rick Story and in the Middleweight division Jorge Santiago will make his anticipated UFC debut against veteran American fighter Brian Stann.



Aside from the Pay Per View card Spike TV will also be airing two great preliminary fights in former WEC Champion Miguel Torres vs. Demetrious Johnson, and Kendall Grove vs. Tim Boetsch.

Mavericks advance to Finals

In what turned out to be a common theme of this 2011 NBA post season, The Oklahoma City Thunder blew yet another lead in the fourth quarter, and this time it shut the door on their season. Three times this series Mavs veteran superstar Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas back from Oklahoma City deficits. All series long it was Kevin Durant getting it for three and a half quarters, while Dirk was getting it done through all four. Even Thunder All-Star Russell Westbrook's 30 point, 8 rebound, 6 assist night wasn't enough to stop another late game Dallas charge.

So while Durant left the floor disappointed in search of his trademark back pack, Dirk remained along with Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and hoisted the Western Conference Title Trophy in the air. Cuban took to the mic to thank all the Dallas fans in attendance for believing in the team when no one else did. Then playing to the already amped American Airline Center crowd he exclaimed "And where not done yet."


Maybe Cuban is right, maybe they aren't done yet. After blowing a 2-0 Finals lead in 2006 to the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks have endured disappointment after disappointment since. Now the only remaining members of that disappointment club are Maverick players Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, along with their outspoken owner Mark Cuban. But don't worry about the others, they know how big the stakes are this season. One thing they also know is the opponent ironically looks to be the Miami Heat, who until this season had seen their fair share of bad luck since winning it all in 06'. Led by veterans Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chander, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Terry, and of course Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas has also been getting sparks from some of their young guys such as JJ Barea. But will it be enough? That is the question, and one we will find the answer to soon enough.

Ryan Harrow is a Wildcat

As I alluded too in an earlier post, Kentucky coach John Calipari wasn't finished putting the final touches on this years premiere recruiting class. For the third straight season Kentucky has had the number one overall recruiting class under coach John Calipari. The incoming class is the most highly touted out of all three. After the first mega haul that brought John Wall, Eric Bledsoe, DeMarcus Cousins, and Daniel Orton, Calipari followed that up by bringing in class of 2010 superstars Brandon Knight, Enes Kanter, Terrence Jones, and Doron Lamb. The 2011 class is no different as Kentucky lands the top rated forwards and point guard in the class in number one overall prospect and power forward Anthony Davis Jr. (6'10' PF Chicago Perspectives Charter), number three overall Michael Gilchrist (6'7'' SF St. Patricks, New Jersey), and top rated point guard and top five prospect Marquis Teague (6'3'' PG Indianapolis, Pike HS, Indiana). Five star recruit and top twenty skilled big man Kyle Wiltjer (6'9'' PF Portland, Jesuit High, Oregon) also joins the trio giving Kentucky 4 McDonalds/Jordan Brand All Americans. All four prospects also participated in the 20 man Nike Hoop Summmit which pits an American prep all star team against a team of international all-stars.



With a class that good, it is hard to do much better. But, then NC State transfer Ryan Harrow decided to give his commitment to the University of Kentucky. Harrow, a 6'1'' skilled point guard from Marietta Georgia, started the majority of NC States games down the stretch as a freshman last season. His final season tallies were 9.3 pts a game, to go along with 3.3 assists and the ACC's seventh lowest assist to turnover ratio. He had scoring games of 20 and 18 last season to go along with a ten assist game. Out of high school (Walton, GA) Harrow was a five star prospect. Ranked 25th overall nationally according to Scout, 19th nationally according to Rivals. He was widely considered the best PG prospect after one and dones in Dukes Kyrie Irving, Kansas' Josh Selby and Kentucky's own Brandon Knight. Memphis freshman star PG Joe Jackson was the only other point guard rated higher in a very top heavy point guard class. Harrow chose the Wildcats over Louisville, Texas, Georgia, and St. Johns.

Harrow brings to the table a very crafty game and the ability to take care of the ball. He is a very aggressive scorer, and albeit undersized is a very hard competitor. The biggest thing Harrow brings is a need, and that need is for a replacement point guard for next season. Due to NCAA transfer rules Harrow will have to sit out the 2011-2012 season. Harrow decided to leave once NC State dismissed coach Sidney Lowe. Although not available until next season Harrow is still going to play a major role this season as he will automatically be allowed to practice with the team giving frosh star Marquis Teague a formidable opponent to go against on a daily basis. Furthermore, Harrow is going to fill the need at point after the departure of Marquis Teague who is widely considered to be a one and done prospect. If history is any indication there should be nothing to stop Teague from joining the long lineage of Calipari point guards that go on to be top five NBA picks. Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, and now Brandon Knight have all flourished under Calipari's tutelage and most look for Teague to do the same and join the other's as one and done prospects. Since the 2012 class is looking extremely thin at point guard, Raleigh sensation Rondey Purvis may be the only high level elite option at this point. Purvis, once a Louisville commit is the only point guard to emerge who show's the ability to be able to step in and make a major impact as a freshman. If Calipari was to miss out on Purvis, then succeeding Teague with another stud freshman point may be out of question. However, now that Harrow is in the stable Calipari will have a full season of coaching to prepare him to be able to step in and run the team. At the end of the day a transfer in Harrow may quite possibly be the best point guard option available in the class of 2012. Although having to sit out next season, Harrow will have three years of eligibility remaining at the University of Kentucky.





Here's your newest Kentucky Wildcat doing work......

Thunder get Dirked.....Blow Comfortable Lead in the Process

In what has been one of the most entertaining series' in this NBA playoff run, last night proved to be more of the same for the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Mavericks, up 2-1 over the Thunder heading into game four really had their sites set on stealing another game in OKC before traveling back to Dallas in a potential series clinching game. It was the Thunder's ambition to knot the series at two before heading down south to the Big D. For three and a half quarters it looked as if they would get what they was looking for.


Up by fifteen points with just around five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant already had 29 points and a firm grip on the game. After a couple controversial performances from All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook during the first three games, game four set the stage to be his best overall game yet. Having been just two assists away from matching the assists total he had through the first three games, game four Russell Westbrook was getting his teammates involved and setting a pace in which the Mavericks could not match. Even young high flyer Serge Ibaka was getting into the act scoring 19 points, his biggest point total of the series.


BUT, thats when it happened. In a game in which looked like the Thunder was going to cruise to victory and send the series back to Dallas tied, Dirk Nowitzki started going to work. Tough fall away after tough fader Dirk was putting on a clinic. Despite stifling D by Thunder forward Nick Collinson, Dirk netted tough shot after tough shot, scoring 12 of the 17 points the Mavs needed to tie the game and send it into overtime. After already scoring 48 in game one, Nowitzki silenced the OKC crowd with clutch shot after clutch shot on the way to scoring 40 and a surprise victory. To put it simply, Dirk Nowitzki is assembling one of the greatest series performances in recent history.


Even after imploding and watching their 15 point lead dwindle into a tie game, OKC still had a shot to win it in regulation. With six seconds left they placed the game in the hands of arguably the best scorer in the NBA, young Thunder star Kevin Durant. After a couple of dribbles on the wing Durant pulled up from deep to try and salvage the series for the Thunder only to have his shot tipped by veteran Mavs wing Shawn Marion. In fact, after the hot 29 point start for Durant, he missed his last six shots, all occurring in the last five mins of the fourth with the Mavericks surging. After going quiet during the Mavericks charge, Durant also lost the ball a couple of times leading to pivotal Dallas late game possessions. Post game Durant stated he felt that "he had let the city down", and in regards to the possession at the end of regulation stated he "did not know what else to do."



Once the game tipped to start the overtime period, the Thunder's hopes of making a NBA finals this year seemingly went with it. After dominating for 44 minutes, it was the last five that done them in. Distraught over blowing a fifteen point lead and a shot to tie the series at two games a piece, OKC never stood a chance in overtime. Dallas continued their run and closed the game out easily for a 112-105 victory.


After Durant slumped in the locker room after the game, devastated by thoughts of what went wrong it can be easy to sit here and talk about all of the negative surrounding the OKC team right now. Instead, I must focus my attention on one time Kentucky recruit Dirk Nowitzki. The German Assassin once again did it in the clutch. Tough shot after tough shot Dirk was throwing daggers down the throats of the Oklahoma City crowd. Instead of worrying about who's going to come out of the West its starting to shape up to be more about who, if anybody, can stop Dirk Nowitzki. A star in the league since coming from Germany (set to play college ball at Kentucky had he not entered the draft) Nowitzki has had his share of memorable and forgettable moments. A former MVP, Dirk realizes now more than ever is the time to win. Interestingly enough Nowitzki's lone Finals appearance was against Dewayne Wade and the Miami Heat in 2006. A series I'm sure he is ready to forget. But, after a career of scrutiny for not winning a ring its starting to look like Dirk is finally about to get one more shot. Surrounded by veterans Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, and Tyson Chandler the Mavericks are ready to make the reality of the 2006 finals something of the past and usher in a new future in Dallas. It's been a long wait for Mavs owner Mark Cuban and lone hold overs from the 2006 team Nowitzki and Terry, but now the organization is just one win away from trying to do something they couldn't do in 06', and thats win it all. Ironically they may just have to go through the Heat again in order to do so. If Dirk's post season play is any indication, its looking like they are more than ready to be up for the task.






And just in case you missed Dirk's late game heroics......

The Saga Continues.....

It would not be a proper close to the 2011 recruiting period unless we had a train wreck decision process. I mean, happens every year. Last year it was Terrence Jones. Jones who had delayed the decision until late in the signing period was set to announce his college of choice along side his teammates at a Portland Jefferson Press Conference. As planned Jones took to the mic last to announce his decision, in front of him caps of his possible suitors, among them Kansas, Kentucky, Oregon, and Washington. Nervously Jones ran his hand across the hats before finally settling on the black Washington Huskies hat and announcing he would be joining Jefferson teammate and best friend Terrence Ross. However, his recruitment did not end there. Moments after the press conferences concluded a panicked (and from reports a crying) Terrence Jones called Kentucky assistant Orlando Antigua to discuss what just had happened. "I made a mistake coach, I messed up." Jones emotionally sobbed. After turning the call over to Kentucky coach John Calipari, Cal encouraged Jones that the situation was okay and that people sometime make mistakes. For Jones though, it was a big mistake. In front of hundreds in attendance at Jefferson High School, and thousands watching cross country via live stream he ended his recruitment by picking Washington (much to the delight of his teammates, friends and family). BUT, one thing Jones did not do was sign his Letter Of Intent (LOI) to play basketball for the University of Washington. After talking with Calipari it became clear Jones would not be signing his LOI and would wait a little bit longer before making a final decision. The drama raged on for weeks, until finally Terrence Jones made the decision to sign and play at the University of Kentucky.



But that was just last year, I mean it seems as if every year there is a Terrence Jones esque story in college basketball recruiting. This year it just happens to be DeAndre Daniels. Daniels, a 6'8'' wing and California native, finished his prep career at IMG Academy in Florida. He had originally gave his verbal commitment to Rick Barnes and the Texas Longhorns before opening up his recruitment again last fall. Many teams made a push for Daniels (#10 player nationally according to Rivals.com), among them Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, Oregon, and Texas. Kentucky and Kansas became the two top suitors once word leaked Daniels was thinking of reclassifying to the 2010 class and enrolling into college early started this past spring semester. Kansas and Kentucky both intensified their efforts to get him on campus early, but after second thoughts the decision was to finish out his senior year at IMG Academy in Florida. Although Daniels has Kentucky on his final list of schools, it appears John Calipari and Kentucky have moved on after it was known Daniels would not be enrolling early. Most believe it is still down to the Big XII schools in Texas and Kansas for Deandre Daniels services, both could certainly use the talented wing after losing players early to the draft. Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph and Jordan Hamilton for Texas, Morris twins, and Josh Selby for Kansas.


But like every year in college basketball recruiting, Daniels is giving us a never ending run to end his recruitment. He was scheduled to make his college decision last Wednesday on National Signing Day, but later stated he would be making his decision the following day. Both instances came and went and still no word out of the Daniels camp on a college choice. Again everybody is pointing to either Kansas or Texas, but he still lists Kentucky, Duke, and Oregon as possible suitors. Daniels and Duke recently parted ways, and after January John Calipari and staff really cooled on their efforts to land the prospect. BUT, with all the indecisiveness on could speculate there may be another school getting back into the mix? I mean the kid has had months to decide between Kansas and Texas, having been on campus to both a couple of times. Can the delayed decision be because of a push from another school, maybe a Kentucky? Its possible, but I doubt it. Kentucky seems very satisfied with their number one class, and who can blame them. However, after Junior wing DeAndre Liggins decided to stay in the draft, it may have opened up the possibility for Calipari to want to add another wing player for next season. Playing time then becomes an issue as Senior Darius Miller and incoming prized recruit Mike Gilchrist will demand a lot of minutes out on the wing. BUT, you cannot count John Calipari out in recruiting, when he talks, recruits listen. There is nothing out there though that would indicate Kentucky has revamped their efforts on Daniels, so in my opinion Texas or Kansas will be the final decision. Both will offer immediate playing time, both schools DeAndre Daniels is very high on.


But while we wait, there nothing else to do but also add some speculation as well. So if the Terrence Jones situation last year, or any other recruiting saga was enough of an example of what to look for in this years case of a recruiting decision train wreck, grab your pop corn. Unfortunately for KU and Texas fans its going to be a long wait. Having endured John Wall and Terrence Jones decisions as a Kentucky fan, I have come to realize what Tom Petty said all along, waiting is the hardest part. Well, if the past is any indication be ready to wait. A decision from Daniels could come today, or two weeks from now. Heck, even a month from now. BUT, one things for sure, by next fall he will be playing big time D-I basketball somewhere, and he will be making some people happy in doing it. One thing you can also count on is for something similar to happen this same time next year, because if there is anything that is a certainty in college basketball recruiting, it is every year we have one of these situations. This year it just happened to be DeAndre Daniels.

When he finally make his college choice, you will be able to find it here. Until then just relax and enjoy the start of summer. If the past is any indication, you may be waiting a while.

Heat Take Game 3

Just when you thought Chris Bosh (Bosh Spice) couldn't play any softer, he goes off and scores 34 in route to a Miami win over the Chicago Bulls. The win pushes the series 2-1 for Miami. Much like game two, the game was all about the defense for the first three quarters. Very scrapy, very physical, and at times very ugly. But in late in the game Miami finds a way to push it to 13 and the Bulls never were able to get back into it. Final score Mia 96 - Chi 85.

Bosh's 34 point effort means the Miami Heat are now 3-1 when Bosh scores more than 30. Aside from trying to count on him to do that consistently though, coach Erik Spoelstra has to feel good knowing that his team can still come out on top even with relatively quiet games from star wings DeWayne Wade and Lebron James. Lost in the glamor and pop of the Miami 3, Chris Bosh has fell into the shadows recently. Instead of three amigo's heading to the podium it has normally just been Lebron and Wade as of late. When heat coach Tom Thibodeaux talked Miami before the start of the series, he said they had two great players. Until tonight, you may could even argue that. But, if tonight's game proved anything, don't count out the effect Chris Bosh has. His finesse game draws a lot of criticism for a team that needs bangers more than anything, but the return of Udonis Haslem has opened Bosh up to do what he is capable of doing. Bosh has came a long way refining his game to fit with his new teammates but he's still trying to find his role. Tonight was just an indication of what that role can be. Miami will still be Wade and Lebrons team, but remember, don't sleep on the other guy.

Miami/Chicago Ready to Tip Game 3

The entire off season was dominated by Miami. In what is known as the biggest free agency frenzy in NBA history, the 2010 offseason left its mark league wide. Primarily on the Miami Heat, who on top of returning superstar Dewayne Wade brought in two time defending MVP Lebron James and perennial all star Chris Bosh. With the summers long Miami talk, the Chicago Bulls flew under the radar with their acquisitions. Implying the same technique as Miami GM Pat Riley, the Bulls shed almost their entire roster but missed out on many of the NBA's biggest free agent prizes. One they did land ironically was someone who wanted to be in Miami more than anyone, Carlos Boozer. However, it may be the other seven free agent signings that solidified the Bulls as an elite contender as swingmen Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer, and Kyle Korver have provided a solid backcourt rotation all season long to go with new league MVP and superstar Derrick Rose. Reserve point guard CJ Watson and backup center Omar Asik also have much to do with Chicago's run to the conference finals. So although Miami's free agent haul from 2010 got the hype, Chicago's class came together and with returning Bulls Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, and Joakhim Noah have fought their way within striking distance of their first finals since the Jordan era ended over a decade ago. Not to go unoticed, Chicago's GM John Paxson shared co-GM honors with Pat Riley for GM of the year.

But thats just a couple of many story lines that have built into this series. Highly touted free agency class, versus seldom talked about. Former MVP and current MVP. Dewayne Wade and Lebron James snubbing the Bulls for the Heat, Dewayne Wade and D Rose both Chicago prospects. I mean I can go on forever, but I won't. The only storyline that matters tonight is one of the two teams will hold a 2-1 edge in the series after tonights game in Miami. After a 21 point beatdown in game one, the Heat bounced back to take one of two in Chicago. Now the first game in Miami is set to tip and storylines aside, its going to be a good one.




Tune in tonight, 8:30 on TNT. Game 3 in Miami.

Lady Cats Advance to First Ever Super Regional

Heading into Ann Arbor Michigan for this weekends softball regional not too many people expected anything but the #10 ranked host team Michigan Wolverines to come out on top behind veteran star pitcher Jordan Taylor. After a win against Central Michigan, it still looked to be the case. However, the Big Blue Nation didn't see things that way. Kentuckys womens softball team beat Notre Dame on Friday to advance to play Michigan yesterday in a semi finals game. After jumping up to a 7-0 lead it looked like the Lady Cats were going to cruise, only for Michigan to rally late in the 7th and give them a 7-6 scare.

Fast forward to today, Michigan defeated Notre Dame in an elimination game yesterday evening to set the stage for today's regional final. In control from the start Wolverine superstar Jordan Taylor mowed down almost every Wildcat she faced, all the way until the bottom of the 7th inning. Holding a 1-0 lead (Kentucky was home team since they were lone team remaining in winners bracket) Taylor took to the field trying to push for one more game, a game that would advance the heavily favored Wolverines into the Super Regionals. The way Taylor dominated the game it was looking as if Kentucky would have to get ready for a double header today and look to the second game if they were to advance to their first Super Regional. Being a double elimination format Michigan would have to have had two wins over the Lady Cats today in order to advance. Albeit controlled the whole game, the ladies from the Bluegrass were not about to give up. A solo shot homerun by Megan Aull to lead off the 7th instantly tied the game and ended Taylor's dominance. After that ensued a meltdown of epic proportions as Taylor (one of the nations elite pitchers) walked the next two Wildcat batters, then hit the third by pitch to load the bases full. After gaining some control and striking out the next batter, Wildcat LF and number eight hitter Annie Rowlands stepped to the plate. Not the situation Kentucky wanted, having their last two outs rely on a pair of girls who have had struggled as of late. In fact on the season Rowlands had only batted a dismal .143, the worst on the team by far (6 of 9 batters have averages of .300+). BUT, that did not stop her from stepping to the plate with one out in the bottom of the 7th in a tied game to win it in walk off fashion against one of the best softball pitchers in the sport. With a bloop shot over first base Rowlands sent the Wolverines home for good and sent the Lady Cats to the first Super Regional appearance in school history.


If the Lady Cats can come out of the two team Super Regional pool as they did the four team regional pool they will also advance to the first College Softball World Series in school history. None the less, this weekends performance is reason enough to celebrate and hats off to all the ladies for getting to the school's first ever Super Regional.







update***** Kentucky will host Cal in National Super Regional. Cal is the higher seeded team and ranked in the top ten in nationally in the AP and other rankings, but a scheduling conflict is forcing the World Series qualifier to be held in Lexington. This is a big break for a team coming off the weekend upset in Michigan. Series starts next weekend and is a best of 3. Winner goes to College Softball World Series.


Wooooot.......

Mavs/Thunder set for Game 3 Matchup

In a series that has been dominated by two of the leagues biggest scoring threats, the stage couldn't be any brighter in Oklahoma City than it is tonight. Two years ago the once prideful Seattle SuperSonics packed up their bags and headed to the midwest. Who would have ever thought Oklahoma City would be the site of a pivotal game three rubber match to give someone the edge in a push toward an NBA Finals appearance? As unlikely as it all seemed years ago, the reality is set to hit tonight when the Oklahoma City Thunder take the floor with stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westrbook and look to take a 2-1 series lead.

After hosting the New Orleans Hornets for home games during a season that removed the Hornets from NOLA after hurricane Katrina in 2005, OKC began its push to obtain its own franchise. The same fan support that drove them to land the SuperSonics franchise are now the same rabid fans who may push the franchise into the Finals. Just three years ago this team was still looking like a perennial lottery team. Fast forward a couple years and now they are just three wins away from the franchises first Finals appearance since 1996 with their next two games being at home. OKC has built a fast reputation for home court advantage, true to the ambition that landed them the franchise, the place gets as loud as an NBA arena can get.


So the Thunder has some of the best, loudest, most die hard fans in the league. We'll on the flip side is one of the NBA's most veteran teams. The Dallas Mavericks have already dominated the first game in the series, a game in which Dirk Nowitzki scored 48 points and set an NBA record for 24-24 free throw shooting. Dirk's not the only veteran on a team who combined has nearly 30 All-Star game appearances amongst its ranks. This veteran experience is just thing thing that makes this series so special. In one corner is one of the fastest rising young teams in the league, on the other a mixture of aging vets who are poised to make one final push to get that elusive NBA championship ring.


Not to be outdone by Dirk, OKC's Kevin Durant (NBA scoring leader) has also showed up to do what he does better than almost anyone in basketball, and thats put points on the board. However, in game two it became less about the stars for the Thunder and more about bench play down the stretch. Durant was the only starter in the game for the Thunder who rallied to victory behind the play of second year PG Eric Maynor, and second year wing James Harden. All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook remained on the bench the entire fourth quarter for coach Scott Brooks' squad after Brooks and Westrbook had a verbal altercation late in the third. All involved state the reason Westbrook was not in the game was because of the stellar play of Maynor who looked good running the show in the clutch. Looking even better was OKC X-Factor James Harden who contributed 23 points, with ten of them coming in the final frame.


So thats where it stands, lot of good basketball, lot of good scoring, and a lot of good drama. Tied 1-1, the series is set to resume later tonight on ESPN.

RIP Macho Man Randy Savage

It can pull some jokes now in young adulthood, but man I'm not going to lie, I used to love wrestling. Loved me some wrestling. In fact most boys I grew up with did as well. Back before the day and age of billion dollar entertainment, there was just good ole grass roots wrestling, or as some would say, wrastlin. Before elaborate stage shows and soap opera esque plot lines was just good ole fashioned good guys, and the villain. Then of course who could forget the worst of the worst, the hero wrestler turned heel (bad guy), ala Hulk Hogan transforming into Hollywood Hogan and joining the nWo. In the days of stinger splashes, scorpion death locks, and the dreaded torture rack were sports figures who would go on to have an impact on the lives of young kids everywhere. Here I sit writing this blog post as one of those kids.


The sport lost one of its favorite hero's yesterday in Macho Man Randy Savage. The iconic slim jim spokesman died during a car crash early Friday morning, his brother, Lanny Poffo indicated Randy had suffered a heart attack prior to the crash. Randy's wife Lynn was with Poffo at the time of the accident but suffered only minor injuries.


I'm not going to lie, when I heard this yesterday I almost had to shed a tear because like many before him Randy Poffo (Macho Man) died before his time. In a sport that is "fake" these guys go through much hardship and put their body and mind through incredible sacrifices. Many rely heavily on painkillers and other narcotics and wrestling still remains the lone sport who has yet to shun the use of anabolic steroids. So yesterday, on through today I have had to reflect on many child hood memories of watching the fearless Macho Man fly through the air with that patented elbow from the top rope. I can still picture him snapping into a slim jim or giving us a big OOOoooohhhhhh Yeeeeaaaaahhhhhh. One things for sure, like many before him, the Macho Man will always be remembered, and for twenty some year old guys every where will always be a legend.


RIP Macho.

Ryan Harrow set to Decide Next Week

Kentucky Coach John Calipari still may not be finished putting the finishing touches on what could possibly be the best recruiting class ever hauled in. After already signing the top point guard, small forward, and power forward in the country, and consensus top 3-6 guys nationally in Anthony Davis (ranked 1st according to Scout.com and ESPN), Michael Gilchrist (ranked 3rd), and Marquis Teague, not to mention 5 star and 21st ranked Power Forward prospect Kyle Wiltjer, he now has his sights set on a couple more. Wake Forest transfer center Tony Woods may also still be on the table. After committing to Louisville last year, Woods de-committed once Louisville assistant Tim Fuller left to join Frank Haith's staff at Missouri. Woods is a very debatable prospect at this point because after already sitting out a year would be eligible to play immediately. Woods was the third best center prospect in the class of 2008 and played two years at Wake Forrest. A controversial tussle with his girlfriend and mother of his child led to his dismissal from the team. All major charges were later dropped against Woods, and if you read the Jason King article on Yahoo then you can read that the Woods story may not be as exaggerated as the media once led us to believe. None the less Kentucky can still afford to add a big body in the paint next year and word on the street is if Cal wants him then its a done deal. Texas, Louisville and a host of other schools are also in the mix.



More importantly though is the battle for former NC State point guard Ryan Harrow. Harrow, a five star PG in last years class played his freshman season for the Wolfpack but decided to look elsewhere after the departure of coach Sidney Lowe. Harrow is considering Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Louisville and St. John’s. He just wrapped up a nine day tour of all the schools, but canceled his visit to St. Johns do to business issues that called for his mother to return home. Harrow has indicated he will take time to reflect on all the visits and all information received on those visits. Reports were that that the Kentucky visit went extremely well, but from all accounts so did the others. So what looked like a major Kentucky lean may not be as cut and dry as it once seemed.

Harrow would have to sit out a year under NCAA transfer rules, but that is a major reason for the need at Kentucky. We all know Cal's track record with point guards by now, his run of sending Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, and now Brandon Knight to the NBA is reason enough to call UK point guard U. With Marquis Teague (top rated point guard 2011) on board to take over that long lineage next season Calipari is looking at sending five straight point guards into the top five picks of the NBA draft, unbelievable. The big issue is lack of overall point guard depth in the 2012 class. UK target LJ Rose, the most likely option at point in next years class recently slid from the teens to after fifty in updated 2012 recruiting rankings. Rodney Purvis is the lone star caliber point guard talent to emerge so far in the class, Purvis once committed to Louisville recently opened his commitment back up. However, if Kentucky misses out on Purvis then finding a suitable replacement for Teague and the long list of others before him us going to be a difficult task. BUT, if Kentucky can land Ryan Harrow, groom him under Calipari's watch for next season before he is eligible to play in the 2012-2013 season, they may end up with the best point guard option available. Harrow was impressive in his first year at NC State and has supreme handles with the basketball. Even if the new NBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) institutes a two year rule that would cause Marquis Teague (along with Davis, Gilchrist) to return for a sophomore season, Harrow would still be able to be a major contributor. So in otherwords, Ryan Harrow is a prime target for Calipari and staff at this point. Look for a decision to come late next week.

Cubs & Red Sox set to Renew Historic Rivalry

This weekend in Major League Baseball brings back the beginning of interleague play. Until 1997 there was no such thing, and the only way American League and National League teams could meet was in exhibition games, All Star Game, Hall of Fame Game, then yes of course the World Series. So what interleague play brought about in 1997 was the emergence of some historic rivalries and the renewal of much anticipated series'. You have the Subway series in New York between the Mets and Yankees. The Freeway series between the Dodgers and Angels. You even have the Chi Town series between the North and South Siders of the Cubs and White Sox.

One thing they haven't had in almost one hundred years though is a series between two of the games most historic teams, the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. The last time the two met was in 1918. Both came close early in the 2000's with each losing in game 7 of their League Championships in 2003, so both fell a game short of meeting one another in the World Series. But that is as close as it had ever been, SINCE 1918!!!!! The world has saw the end of one World War and the start/finish of another since then. We have put people into space, tore down dictatorships, saw the rise of technology, had the first ever African American President, well we have saw just about everything since these two clubs have played one another, but this weekend we will get that chance.

As time has pushed forward and technology has ruled the last half century, a couple things have stayed the same. The friendly confines of Wrigley Field (Chicago) and Fenway Park in Boston, both respective homes of the Cubs and Sox. While other teams clamor for state of the art facilities, both teams have stayed true to their homes and I must say Thank God for that. Wrigley Field built in 1914 did not even have lights until 1988, even then Chicago fans still fought the idea. Up until that time all Cubs home games were played during the day, to this day most still are even though they now are able to play at night. Boston has called Fenway home since 1912, opened not even a week after the Titanic plunged into the Atlantic. So while other teams trade in their 30 year old stadiums for flashy high tech new ones, the Cubs and Sox stay true to everything that is historic in the both of them. It is this shared history that makes this matchup so delightful for all thoses who love baseball.

Apart from playing in the most recognizable historic parks of all time, the two also share a bit of bad history as well. Until 2004 the Red Sox had endured almost a centurys drought in winning a championship. Ironically with their defeat of the Cubs in 1918 the Sox did not win a title until their memorable 2004 run. Likewise the Cubs have not won a championship since 1908. Call it the curse of the Babe, curse of the goat, or just the curse, Boston broke theirs, and Cubs fans expect to do the same.

So much history, so much for a baseball fan to enjoy. So as you guys are planning your weekends be sure to keep in mind you can witness a little bit of baseball history this weekend in Boston. Two of sports most historic and enduring franshises doing battle for the first time since 1918. If thats not pure baseball, then I don't know what is. I'll be watching, will you?

Back to the Future

Well, here we go.....Round 3

If you notice, the last posts I had on the blog still mention Terrence Jones indecisiveness on his college decision, mma fights that are over a year old by now, and the good fortunes of John Calipari's recruiting. Well as much as changed since then, a lot has still stayed the same, mainly Calipari's recruiting fortunes. Two times I have got into posting on this blog and tried to grow it from the ground up with a not so hard fought grass roots campaign. Twice I have what you called burnt out on the idea altogether and just gave it up. But like the other two times, after a long time off, the lonely little blog that more than likely sees no more than 30 hits a day still finds a way to creep back into my mind, and usually at the worst time. You see we are in May, late May. Thankfully, the NBA Playoffs are in full swing, but outside of that is a lot of baseball, almost zero college basketball news, no NFL offseason activity (thanks to the lockout), and basically just your all around worst time to try to get back into sports blogging. BUT, this time around its going to get real. I am trying to get into grind mode and I am going to try and get into it for the long haul. You see, I do this not because I think someone would actually enjoy reading it, but more because it is a healthy way to spend my time and exercise my brain. In otherwords it is a lot better/healthier way than most of my other hobbies to spend time. So with that said, it is my word that I will once again try to revive this lonely little web blog and once again fill it with meaningless sports chatter. In a world of web and blog sensations though who knows, maybe one day the little blog that was on life support more than once may eventually break through and be something worth while, (yeah I doubt that too), but until then it is my goal to at least not give up on it or get burnt out again.



Thanks to a hectic year in my life, this thing was something that I had forgot about. Now that the semester is over though, I have a little more time on my hands. I wouldn't feel right getting into new sports stories without at least giving a brief overview of what has went on while I have been gone.



Like mentioned earlier, if you look below you can still see posts that don't even know where Terrence Jones is going to end up. Fast forward to a year later, Jones was faced with another decision, the decision whether to stay in the NBA draft or not. Well, lucky enough for John Calipari and Kentucky fans, TJ has set aside his NBA aspirations for another year to come back and join one of the most historic recruiting classes in Kentucky history. With Jones comes the return of key contributors Darius Miller (senior) and Doron Lamb (sophomore) but you know this already right? I mean you guys read KSR, most of you are in Kentucky, so I will just assume common knowledge on this.


Another thing you'll notice if you go back into time and read some of the prior stories is all the NBA playoff talk and how Lebron is still a Cleveland Cavalier. Well what a difference a year makes as now Lebron and his new buds with the Miami Heat, Dewayne Wade and Chris Bosh are in a tight Eastern Conference Finals series with league MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. Currently the series is tied at 1-1, with game three set to tip off in Miami on Sunday.

Since I'm always going to keep the MMA news flowing, the past year has saw the quick rise of Jon Jones go even quicker as the young phenom can now say he is the UFC Light Heavyweight champ. Earlier in the year Jones knocked off another rising star in Ryan Bader to earn a spot against champion Mauricio Shogun Rua only six weeks after the fight (due to an injury to Rashad Evans). Like everyone else he has faced Jon Bones Jones tore through Rua, finishing the fight and becoming the UFC's youngest champion.



Of course I don't want to recap everything that has happened in the past year, you all should know that already. However, I do want to give you the notion that a blog that is now dated will be back up to speed shortly. A couple weeks and you'll never even know I took a year off, but then again who's reading anyway. So its back to the future we go here at Makavelli Sports.