GOLF

Over the weekend, the talk of the sports world was Tiger Woods return to The Masters.  Many thought he would slump coming out of the gate, but he was amazing his first day out.  From that point on, he struggled a bit, hitting a double-bogey here and there.  This Masters would not belong to Tiger.  Instead, it followed a much more touching story.  Phil Mickelson won his third Green Jacket with a dazzling performance over the weekend.  It was as if he couldn’t make a mistake.  And to top it off, his wife, who was suffering from cancer, was able to watch his victory from the sidelines.  It was quite an emotional story — one that was good for the game of gold, which has been shadowed by all the negative Tiger Woods coverage.  The uplifting Mickelson story was sorely needed by the sport.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the declining Chicago Bulls sorely needed a win.  They were tied with the Toronto Raptors for the 8th and final playoff spot, and Toronto held the tiebreaker.  Meaning, essentially, that the Bulls would need to beat the Raptors at home to get into the playoffs.  Well, finally they came to play.  Derrick Rose went off for 26 points for the Bulls to give them the win and move them into the 8th playoff spot.  If the playoffs started today, they would face the Cleveland Cavaliers (and that’s what will probably happen).  Chicago 104, Toronto 88.

FOOTBALL

And in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been plagued by legal trouble this off-season. First, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was accused of assaulting a woman.  Then, a week ago, a woman brought charges against their Super Bowl MVP wide-receiver Santonio Holmes.  Well, the Steelers are now starting to react.  They decided to ship Holmes and his character issues out of town.  Where did he land?  The New York Jets.  Sure, it’s a salary dump for Pittsburgh, and they received a 5th round draft pick in exchange, but they have a big vacancy at the receiver position.

As for the Jets, they are fully loaded.  They have a hot young quarterback in Mark Sanchez, and now they have a full arsenal of star receivers for him to throw to.  Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and now Santonio Holmes.  And to top that all off, they have second year stud running back Shonn Greene.  Oh, and guess who’s the other head of the running attack.  That’s right, superstar LaDainian Tomlinson.  On paper, these guys look like a Super Bowl lock.  But, we have to play the games anyway.

GOLF

Well, Tiger Woods was back in action at the Masters yesterday.  Going in, nobody knew what to expect, nor how to react?  Should they boo?  Should they cheer?  More importantly, how would Tiger play?  Would he be so overcome with anguish and embarrassment that he would look like an amateur out there, OR would he turn right back into Tiger and dominate?  So many questions?

The answer:  He was back in true Tiger form with an amazing first round.  In fact, he is just two shots off the lead, finishing the day with 68.  Now, can he keep up that momentum on Day 2?

BASKETBALL

And in college basketball, the Butler Bulldogs had a glorious run in the NCAA tourney.  They defied the odds, and not only made the Final Four, but lost the National Championship by two.  If Gordon Heyward’s last shots would have gone in, they would officially be the best team in the nation.  The question remained:  What would happen to their 33-year old coach Brad Stevens.  He’s quite young to bring a team so far into the tourney, and definitely has the coaching prodigy stamp on him now.

Guys like Stevens are coveted in college basketball.  Once you get a Final Four appearance on your resume (or even a decent tourney resume), you can be recruited by larger conference schools and at much bigger dollars.  There was talk that Stevens might get the new big job at Oregon, a team looking to rebuild their program with Nike dollars.  They were even reportedly interested in Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.  However, yesterday Stevens fate was decided.  He will remain as Butler’s long time coach, as they signed him to a 12-year deal.  It’s unclear how much the deal is worth in total, but most are estimating it’s around $12 – $14 Million.  It seems Stevens would prefer to be a big fish in a small pond than to take a big school job and potentially be ousted within three seasons.  Butler may be on the national radar for the next 12 seasons with Stevens at the helm.   They will be a constant threat to big schools everywhere — the new Gonzaga.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Charlotte Bobcats tried to complete a franchise first yesterday against the New Orleans Hornets:  Make the playoffs.  Charlotte has had a remarkable run this year for a young franchise finally getting it all together.  All they needed to do was beat the Hornets — and finally give Bobcat fans a post-season birth.  Well, it wasn’t easy as the Hornets came strong behind an unbelievable night from rookie point-guard Marcus Thornton.  He had 36 points.  But, the second half belonged to Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin.  He went off from 3-point land to edge out the Hornets and send the Bobcats to the playoffs.  Charlotte 104, New Orleans 103.

BASEBALL

And in baseball, it was time to decide the first series winner between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.  Sox took the first, Yanks the second, and Game 3′s winner can really set the tone for the season.  Well, the game needed extra innings, but then up to the plate steps new Yankee center-fielder Curtis Granderson (acquired from the Tigers in the off-season).  He smacked a home run shot in the 10th inning to give the Yankees the tone-setting win.  New York 3, Boston 1.

GOLF

Finally, today is the big day:  Tiger Woods will once again compete.  This is a new, post-rehab, post-dramatic press conference Tiger Woods, but it’s still Tiger Woods.  Woods was more candid with journalists this week, telling them he would prefer if they stopped bothering the other golfers about it.  It affects their focus, he said, and they shouldn’t do it anymore.  Also, if you’re watching, look for a very controversial NIKE commercial featuring the voice of Tiger’s father, Earl.  Nike had to go in SOME direction after this big paparazzi maelstrom, and this is what they chose.  Look for it — should air just about every 10 minutes.

BASKETBALL

In women’s college basketball, it was time to decide a National Champion.  It was between #1 seed Stanford and #1 seed Connecticut.  However, UCONN isn’t just any #1 seed.  They were going for two consecutive undefeated seasons.  The coincidence of it all is that the run started two years ago after Stanford beat UCONN in the 2008 National Championship.  After that, UCONN soared.  This was the ultimate full circle.  Beat Stanford to become, arguably, the best dynasty in women’s sports history.

Well, the game got off to a very rocky start for the UCONN Huskies.  They couldn’t hit a shot, and even air balled here and there.  Going into halftime, Stanford led 20-12.  But, in the second half, UCONN became UCONN and dominated in all areas.  They went on a 17-2 scoring run behind Maya Moore, who finished the night with 23 points.  After that run, UCONN built a scoring gap that Stanford simply could not minimize.  The second half belonged to UCONN.  And with the win, they did the impossible — two consecutive undefeated seasons.  Truly amazing?  Now… can they do it three years in a row?  UCONN 53, Stanford 47.

In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers may have locked up the #1 spot, but they are definitely not taking off the rest of the season.  Reason 1:  They still have to lock up the #1 spot overall, which would give them home court advantage in the championship game.  Reason 2:  It’s not good to cruise.  You need to stay sharp and focused as a team if you want to win the championship.  This means playing your hardest whenever possible.  Experts think the Cavs should rest LeBron to avoid an injury, but that could also make him rusty and potentially lethargic.  So they looked to beat the Toronto Raptors at home.

That wasn’t exactly the hardest task, with a 19 point, 13 assist night from LeBron.  But the highlight of the night came when the Raptors star Chris Bosh took an inadvertent elbow to the face from the Cavs Antawn Jamison.  Reportedly, Bosh suffered a face fracture.  He could be out for the season, and if the Raptors do make the playoffs, they would get quickly bounced.  More importantly, this might hurt Bosh’s free agent stock this summer.  He is one of the top 3 prospects teams want, and if they’re worried the injury is a major setback, he might not get the opportunity he wants.  Cleveland 113, Toronto 101.

BASKETBALL

Well, March Madness drew to a close last night.  It was the National Championship between the underdog Butler Bulldogs and the mighty Duke Blue Devils.  Duke was heavily favored, but with college basketball, you never know.  They call it Madness for a reason.

Duke jumped out to a big lead quick, but Butler instantly came back.  From that point on, it was a back and forth battle until the half.  Then, in the second half, Butler led for a while, but Duke then pulled out to a five point lead, and kept Butler from scoring down the stretch.  But Butler did come back and at the right time.  They drew the game within one point, and had a chance to win because they had possession with the shot clock turned off.  They got it into the hands of their best player, Gordon Hayward. He would have a chance to win it at the buzzer just as he won the state championship in High School.  He dribbled, spun, and launched up a shot, but it was no good.  Rebound Duke.

Butler instantly fouled, and sent Duke to the line for 2 shots, and up by 1.  They hit the first, then intentionally missed the second thinking the clock would run out.  But, Hayward got the rebound with three seconds left, dribbled to half court and heaved up a shot.  Everybody was waiting with baited breath as the ball hit the backboard, then bounced off the front of the rim.  It barely missed… but it did.  And with that, the Duke Blue Devils have their fourth National Championship.  But let it be known that Butler did not lose the game, Duke WON the game.  Both teams played impeccable basketball, and Duke just wound up on top at the end.  It’s now a historic match that will be replayed on ESPN Classic.  Congrats to both teams.  Duke 61, Butler 59.

And in some news from the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks have had a magical season, but they received some bad news yesterday about their future.  Their star center Andrew Bogut was seriously injured on one play.  He had surgery yesterday, and now it appears he will be out for a year.  Prior to this, the Bucks were going by the slogan “Fear The Deer”, meaning they felt they could beat any team.  Without Bogut, however, they could quickly get bounced from the first round.  He was a both a big scorer and defensive stopper for Milwaukee.  Good luck to “The Deer”.

BASKETBALL

It was Final Four weekend in college basketball, and it did not disappoint.

First up, it was the underdog Butler Bulldogs vs. another tournament surprise the Michigan State Spartans.  Both of these teams were curious when their exciting run was going to end.  Well, Saturday night they would find out.  The game was neck and neck the entire way, with the game knotted up at 28 heading into the half.  But, in the second half, Butler played their tough defense to keep the Spartans in check.  On the other hand, Michigan State kept the Bulldogs in check too.  There was a 6 minute stretch where each team only scored 3 points.  In the end, however, Butler had just a few more points, and earned a trip to the National Championship.  That’s right — the Butler Bulldogs are in the National Championship Game.  Not Kansas, not Syracuse, not the talent-filled Kentucky… Butler.  Butler 52, Michigan State 50.

In Game 2, it was the only #1 seed left in the tourney, the Duke Blue Devils, vs. the red-hot West Virginia Mountaineers.  West Virginia had not been to a final four since 1959, when Jerry West played there.  But they are the spirit of the state of West Virginia, and they want to bring home a title.  Duke, on the other hand, has been playing fantastic as well, and are jelling at just the right time.  What would happen?  Well, unfortunately, West Virginia just couldn’t find their rhythm.  Duke heated up from the 3-point line, which is almost certainly a dagger in the opponents heart.  In the second half, WVU essentially folded, letting Duke control the boards.  And that was all she wrote.  With that, the Duke Blue Devils head to the National Championship for the first time since 2001.

It’s the ultimate David vs. Goliath story.  The small, mid-major surprise story Butler vs. the mighty Duke Blue Devils.  If Duke wins, everyone will remember Butler’s historic run, and talk about Coach K’s ever-impressive resume.  But… if Butler wins, that will change the face of college basketball.  If a team like Butler can genuinely win the National Championship, that is a huge win for small schools everywhere.  It will put them on TV more, and thus generate more income for the schools.  This game is big.  It’s on Monday night at 9:00pm ET on CBS.

Finally, there was a big trade over the weekend in the NFL.  Long time Philadelphia Eagles quarterback is finally headed to another team.  There was speculation this team would be the Raiders or the Bills, but from out of left field, the Washington Redskins signed Donovan McNabb.  This is actually a good pick-up for the Redskins.  Sure, McNabb is in his twilight years, but he can still play.  Now, the Redskins will finally have a QB that can efficiently run the offense.  If they can keep games close with their good Defense, McNabb actually gives them a chance to win.  Then again, the Redskins are in the same division as the Eagles, and this move has drawn ire from Eagles fans.  He knows all of Philly’s secrets.

BASKETBALL

In college basketball, the West Virginia Mountaineers are gearing up for the their first final four since 1959 (when Jerry West, NBA’s logo, played for them).  They were hoping their star point guard, Daryl “Tuck”Bryant would be able to join them, but it appears that he is “highly unlikely” to play, Coach Huggins said.  Bryant was wearing a special shoe, hoping to relieve the pain from the injury, but he still is unable to practice.  Joe Mazzulla will start in his place, and hopefully continue the Mountaineers exciting run in the tourney.

GOLF

In golf, Tiger Woods has announced his return for The Masters.  And it looks like those sponsors who stuck by his side during this affair are ready for it.  Upper Deck will sell Tiger based memorabilia, like his signature red shirt, and there is talk that Nike has a Tiger Woods commercial in the works.  Tiger’s “Perfect Athlete” image has taken a hit, but clearly these brands feel he still has value.  His moral image may be tarnished, but, they assume, he hasn’t lost any athletic skill.  Let’s see if the gamble pays off.

FOOTBALL

And in the NFL, former San Diego Charger LaDainian Tomlinson spoke of his new role with the New York Jets.  He said they can expect a much better performance than they saw in San Diego.  Tomlinson had 2 lackluster seasons with the Chargers, which led to his release.  But in a press conference yesterday, Tomlinson said that people shouldn’t believe everything they see on game film. He said the Chargers had moved to a passing offense, and didn’t run the ball as much.  Plus, the offensive lineman were blocking for a pass attack, which does not favor running back productivity.  And he lost his best fullback, which is the player who clears a path for the running back to pick up yardage.  If Tomlinson is right about this, then the Jets certainly inherited an extremely valuable asset.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are favored to come out of the Western Conference yet again.  However, they have not looked good lately.  They’ve lost 2 road games this past week, and were hoping to avoid a third against Atlanta.  Well, the Hawks came out strong behind a very strong performance from Joe Johnson (25 points).  Kobe had a nice game with 28 points, but his team just doesn’t look championship caliber.  The Hawks took an easy home win, and the Lakers lose their 3rd road game in a week.  The Lakers need to get it together.  Atlanta 109, LA Lakers 92.

And in Cleveland, the Cavaliers are trying to close out the regular season with some team jelling wins.  They want to head into the playoffs fully dominant and fully confident.  They would need to beat the red-hot Bucks though, who are currently surging with the mantra “Fear The Deer”.  Well, LeBron wasn’t afraid and almost finished with a triple-double.  The game was close until the very end, but LeBron stole a key pass to seal the deal.  He was about to do a cool dunk, but was nudged by the Bucks Luke Ridnour.  Cleveland 101, Milwaukee 98.

Finally, in the NBA, the young Oklahoma City Thunder visited the Boston Celtics.  The Celtics have jumped back into contender mode, playing tighter defense.  But, the Thunder look seriously ready for the playoffs.  They’re jelling at just the right time, and should be feared in the first round.  Well, Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City sure weren’t afraid of the Celtics.  Durant had 37 points, which is his 40th game this season scoring 30 or more points.  These guys are for real.  Lets hope they don’t have a meltdown in the playoffs.  Oklahoma City 109, Boston 104.