Archive for June, 2014

WATERCOOLER CHAT: PENALTY KICKS TALK OF WEEKEND, KIDD OFFERED FOR SECOND ROUND PICK, BRANDON BELT’S HR FOR CANCER SURVIVOR

SOCCER

Penalty kicks were the talk of the weekend as two major games were decided by penalty kicks when the games ended in a tie. First up was an excitingly close game with Chile playing out of their minds against the host nation, Brazil. After 90 minutes of regulation time and 30 minutes of extra time, the match was tied at 1-1 and it looked as if mighty Brazil might fall. The game then went to penalty kicks and Brazil prevailed.

In another exhilarating game of the weekend, Costa Rica advanced over Greece with a 5-3 shootout. This was Greece’s best run ever as they had never made it before to the second round. Costa Rica will take on Netherlands (who defeated Mexico in a stunning finish) in the quarterfinals.

Team USA takes on Belgium Tuesday at 4:oo est. This is a must watch as it’s now do or die. They win, they advance, if they lose it’s all over.

BASKETBALL

Jason KiddThe  big news out of the basketball world is New Jersey Nets’ coach Jason Kidd failing in his power play to take control from the Net’s general manager Billy King. Kidd wants full control of basketball operations and is looking to the Milwaukee Bucks to get it. The Bucks have offered the Nets a second round draft pick in 2015 for Kidd but the Nets are holding out for a first round pick.  People in the sports world are miffed by this story as Jason Kidd has a mixed reputation and has never had front office experience so it seems odd that he’d not only push the Nets for total control but might actually get it from the Bucks.

 

BASEBALL

ssjm0629belt03In some heartwarming news and what makes sports great, San Jose Giants’ Brandon Belt promised a  12 year old cancer survivor Lyndsey Dworkin that she could throw out the first pitch at the game and then afterward, promised her he’d hit a home run, which he did. He signed the ball, “To Lyndsey, my good luck charm”.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: US SURVIVES TO NEXT ROUND, WIGGINS TOP SPOT IN NBA DRAFT

SOCCER

In the World Cup, Americans everywhere were glued to the TV today at Noon (9amPacific time).  The United States needed to either beat the powerhouse Germany or get a tie to advance to the knockout round.  They weren’t eliminated with a loss, but they needed help.  We kept it even the entire first half, and that’s an accomplishment in and of itself, but early in the second half, Germany put in a beautiful goal to take a 1-0 lead.  The US played well, but they couldn’t get the equalizer.  Fortunately, Portugal beat Ghana to keep the US’s hopes alive.  So the United States survived the group of death, and advanced to the knockout round to play Belgium on Tuesday.  

BASKETBALL


Andrew WigginsAnd in the NBA, it was time for the NBA Draft.  There was a lot of speculation on who would go #1, but when all was said and done, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected the upside player Andrew Wiggins with the top spot.  The Bucks took Jabari Parker at #2, and the Sixers rolled the dice with big man Joel Embiid at the #3 pick.  

Shabazz NapierLater, the Boston Celtics added point guard Marcus Smart to their roster with the 6th pick, and the Los Angeles Lakers grabbed Kentucky star Julius Randle with the #7 pick.  Doug McDermott, the leading scorer in college basketball (aka Doug McBuckets), was taken by the Bulls.  Earlier this year during the NCAA Tournament, LeBron called UCONN’s Shabazz Napier one of the best point guards he had ever seen.  Heat president Pat Riley did whatever he could to draft Napier, and with a crafty trade, he pulled it off.  Napier will now be a member of the Heat, and Riley is hoping that that is a good first step to keeping LeBron in town.  

And in a sweet moment in the draft, commissioner Adam Silver did an honorary draft pick for Baylor’s Isaiah Austen, whose playing career was announced officially over just days before the draft when he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a rare disease affecting the heart.  Austen said he always dreamed of hearing his name called, and the NBA gave him that experience.  Just a very classy move. 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: MESSI ON FIRE, LINCECUM NO HITTER, LEBRON SAGA

SOCCER

MessiIn the World Cup, Argentina is on fire right now.  They won their first two games, and their star player, Lionel Messi (arguably the best player in the world) is amazing.  In a tight game against Nigeria, Messi would have to come through again.  He had a free kick about 22 yards away from goal, and we got to see pure athletic genius at work.  Messi booted a beautiful slow hook shot that confused the goalie and snuck into the top corner of the goal.  Argentina got the win, and look poised to make a serious championship run.  Argentina 3, Nigeria 2.

BASEBALL


And in baseball, many thought that San Francisco Giants star pitcher Tim Lincecum was losing a step.  He’s had some slumps in the last few seasons, and some have been wondering if his great ride was over.  But on Wednesday against the San Diego Padres, Lincecum wowed us again, tossing a brilliant no-hitter.  Sure, the Padres aren’t exactly the best hitting team, but it was a marvelous performance.  San Francisco 4, San Diego 0.

BASKETBALL


And in the NBA, the LeBron saga of course gets more interesting by the minute.  Wednesday, the Rockets traded Omar Asik to the Pelicans in an attempt to clear money to likely pay LeBron or Carmelo Anthony.  The Knicks sent Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Mavericks, possibly making some room for a possible Carmelo/LeBron pairing.  And the Heat have even publicly said that they are targeting UCONN star guard Shabazz Napier in the draft.  Why?  Because LeBron threw huge praise on Napier during his championship run in March.  They want to do everything possible to make LeBron happy.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: LEBRON FREE AGENT, SUAREZ BITING PROBLEM, GREECE MOVES ON

BASKETBALL

The major, major, MAJOR story of the day came out of the NBA, as LeBron James has opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat.  Wow!  So what does this mean?  It means that LeBron is officially a free agent.  He didn’t say he is leaving Miami, as he could re-sign there, but it is a signal to the league at large that LeBron James is available.  LeBron also made the announcement a week prior to the deadline.  The reason likely being that the NBA Draft is on Thursday, and he wants to give teams as much time as possible to put their offers together.  Those offers will likely include moving draft picks around to make some cap room.  This is a major developing story, especially since there is also the possibility of a pairing with Carmelo Anthony.  

SOCCER


Luis SuarezIn the World Cup, Uruguay took on Italy for the right to move on to the Knockout Round.  The game was close, but Uruguay came out on top.  The main story from the game is Uruguay star Luis Suarez.  Suarez actually bit an Italian player.  And bit him hard.  The strangest thing was that this wasn’t a fluke, as he has done this twice before and has been suspended for it.  So this guy actually has a legitimate problem with biting people.  This is totally unacceptable in the sport.  Uruguay 1, Italy 0.

Finally, in the World Cup, Greece took on the Ivory Coast, also with a spot in the Knockout Round on the line.  Greece hasn’t played the best World Cup so far, but they are still a very strong team.  Ivory Coast put up a fight, but Greece was able to sneak by with a strike in stoppage time, and they secured a spot in the next round.  If they have found their momentum, Greece could be a very dangerous team in the next round.  Greece 2, Ivory Coast 1. 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: MEXICO ADVANCES, LEBRON’S WIFE TWEETS, DUNCAN STILL PLAYING

SOCCER

In the World Cup, Mexico has absolutely shocked people by how well they’ve been playing.  They even tied Brazil!  And on Monday, they had a chance to advance to the Knockout Round if they could get by Croatia.  A Mexican crowd flooded the stadium to root them on, and Mexico used all that support as fuel.  Mexico looked like a powerhouse out there, getting 3 goals in the second half at alarming speed.  Mexico got the easy win, and will now advance to play the Netherlands in the Knockout Round.  What an exciting World Cup!  Mexico 3, Croatia 1.

BASKETBALL


Gloria JamesIn the NBA, LeBron James’ wife caused a huge stir Monday on Instagram and Twitter.  LeBron and his wife were visiting his home town in Akron, Ohio, but his wife tweeted out “Home Sweet Home #330” (which is the area code for Akron). Everyone interpreted this as though LeBron was coming back home to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  There is apparently no merit to that, and LeBron still has not made his decision.  Although he does have a big decision to make, as Miami’s supporting cast is still on the decline and he needs to decide where he wants to play the prime of his career.  

Finally, in the NBA, it looks like Hall of Famer Tim Duncan will NOT be calling it quits next season.  On Monday, he opted into his $10.3 million dollar deal that will keep him in San Antonio.  Duncan is going to chase his 6th championship, and if he gets it, especially so spread out in his career, that gives him arguably as impressive of a mark as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.  Duncan is the greatest power forward of all time, and this Spurs team is playing incredible basketball right now.  Can they do it again? 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: CRAZY FINISH IN USA VS PORTUGAL, CARMELO WANTS OUT, AUSTIN MARFAN SYNDROME

SOCCER

In the World Cup, it was finally time for the nation to watch the USA in action again.  Everyone was pumped up after USA’s win over Ghana, that just about every sports bar in the country was packed to the brim with new soccer fans.  But Portugal boasts the world’s best player in Cristiano Ronaldo.  Would the US have an answer for him?  Well, Portugal got on the board early on account of a US defensive breakdown.  And they kept that 1-0 lead into the half.  

RonaldoBut early in the 2nd half, Jermaine Jones booted a beautiful hook shot from far out to tie the game at 1-1. Then, with the momentum, the US got another beautiful scoring attempt, that saw Clint Dempsey get one into the goal.  All they had to do was just hold the lead for 15 more minutes.  And it looked like they would.  Unfortunately, you can’t let the best player in the world, Ronaldo, be completely wide open.  Ronaldo kicked a gorgeous pass to a teammate, who knocked it in for the tie with just 20 SECONDS TO GO!!!  A heartbreaking tie for the US.  A tie is still a massive accomplishment against a strong team like Portugal, and the US are still in contention.  Although they need a win or tie against Germany to get to the knockout round.  USA 2, Portugal 2.

BASKETBALL


And in the NBA, this next week will answer a lot of questions on which stars will opt to sign with their current team or opt for free agency.  LeBron and D-Wade have to do it by June 30th, but on Sunday another superstar, Carmelo Anthony, has opted out of his contract with the Knicks.  He definitely wants to take a shot at a championship.  Likely suitors are the Lakers, Rockets, and Bulls.  We will see where he winds up.

Finally, with the NBA Draft this Thursday, some sad news for a Baylor prospect.  Isaiah Austin was projected to be a late first round pick.  A strong, muscular big man who could be a solid role player.  He already had vision problems, but after his physical, it turned out he was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, a serious heart condition.  Doctors said that he could no longer play competitive basketball.  This is tragic for a player who worked hard in college and just wanted to hear his name called at the draft.  Hopefully they mention his name in an honorary fashion at the draft. 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: URUGUAY EDGES ENGLAND, ALTIDORE OUT FOR US SUNDAY, LUCY LI ONLY 11, EMBIID FOOT INJURY

SOCCER

In the World Cup, soccer superpowers England and Uruguay found themselves in an elimination game Thursday.  Both dropped their first game, and the loser of this match would pretty much have their World Cup dreams dashed.  Uruguay played with their best player this time, Suarez, and boy did he help them out.  Suarez had two goals, while England’s Wayne Rooney got his first World Cup career goal.  But, that’s still two to one, and Uruguay keeps their hopes alive, while England needs a win and a miracle to advance to the next round.  Uruguay 2, England 1.

In other World Cup news, some bad news for the United States.  When they take on Portugal Sunday, they will officially be without their best players Jozy Altidore.  Altidore suffered a hamstring injury, and his status for the rest of the World Cup is in question.  The US, however, is confident in his backup Aron Johannson — the Icelandic American.   The World Cup definitely needs a win against Portugal, as getting a must-win game against powerhouse Germany will prove very difficult. 

GOLF

Lucy LiIn golf, Lucy Li had her golf debut at the US Open.  But here’s the thing… she’s only 11 years old!  What were you doing when you were 11.  She’s a pro and has a incredible career ahead of her, but she didn’t play so well shooting 78.  Li said she had a great time out there.  She has a wonderful attitude, and the golf world better be ready for her to dominate.  

BASKETBALL


And finally, in the NBA, projected first overall pick Joel Embiid sustained a foot injury yesterday.  This will likely affect his draft stock, as no GM will want to take a risk on an injury-prone player (a la Greg Oden).  With potential superstars Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker on the board, it would be too gutsy to pass them up in favor of a guy with a broken foot.  However, Embiid is still projected to be one of the top centers, and passing on him is a big risk as well. 

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: SPAIN LOSES TO CHILE, REDSKINS PATENT NO MORE

SOCCER

World Cup In the World Cup, the marquee match-up of the day was Spain v. Chile. Spain is not only the reigning World Cup Champion, but they have ruled the international soccer world for the past 6 years. It’s a been a dynasty. However, Spain lost their first match to the Netherlands, and now faced the possibility of being eliminated from the World Cup. Who would have thought the most favored team in the tournament would be on the brink of elimination so soon? Plus, they had to face a tenacious Chile team that was coming off a win.

Chile drew first blood in the game, and everybody assumed that Spain would make their eventual heroic comeback. Surely, the Netherlands blow out was a fluke, and Spain was primed to obliterate everybody in their path. And then, Chile scored again, and Spain knew they were in real trouble. They tried, but just couldn’t get the looks they wanted, and Chile cruised to a victory. Spain is now eliminated from the World Cup, and we will have a new champion this year.

 

FOOTBALL

 

And in some major news out of the NFL, it looks like all the protests over the Washington “Redskins’ offensive name have reached a fever pitch. People are listening, as the United States patent office has not upheld the “Redskins” patent. This essentially means that there is no protection against companies printing up Redskins merchandise. If you wanted to print Redskins shirts with the logo and sell them from your trunk, you could. This is going to anger other team owners, as the league shares in all merchandise sales. Something is going to have change very soon, and it’s likely that the nickname “Redskins”, may soon be a thing of the past.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: BRAZIL/MEXICO TIE, LEBRON UNCERTAIN, FITZPATRICK TO START FOR TEXANS

In Futbol (if you will), the World Cup was still in full swing. Tuesday’s marquee match-up was the home country Brazil taking on Mexico.  This was an exciting game to watch! Brazil was predicted to have an 86% chance of winning the match, but they didn’t factor in Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Brazil was constantly on the attack, but Ochoa worked miracles out there, defending 5 beautiful shots on goal. The game ended in an alarming 0-0 tie, and Mexico has now put itself in good position to advance to the next round. Brazil 0, Mexico 0.

LeBron JamesIn the NBA, of course with the Finals now over, all eyes are on LeBron and wondering what he will do. LeBron has said that he is currently uncertain about his future, and does not know if he will opt-in to the remaining two years on his contract. He said he is going to take a vacation with his family and think about things. If he stayed in Miami, they would definitely need some help. But if he left, where would he go? Many teams would of course throw the kitchen sink in to get him. This situation will be likely take on some exciting drama in the off-season.

And finally, in the NFL, new Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien has named his starting quarterback for the season. And that will be former Bills starting QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, guy from Harvard. Fitzpatrick has shown he can be reliable, but this is not the exciting selection the Texans were hoping for — especially since they had the #1 overall pick in the draft. Sure, Fitzpatrick is a smart guy, and he could light it up, but Texans fans are probably hoping that their 4th round draft pick, Tom Savage, the QB out of Pitt, will emerge as a solid player in training camp. Either way, the Texans can only go up after their horrendous 2013 season.

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WATERCOOLER CHAT: USA EDGES RIVAL GHANA IN WORLD CUP, HALL OF FAMER TONY GWYNN PASSES

SOCCER

The main story of the day was the World Cup.  After 4 years of waiting, we finally got the United States back in the World Cup.  And what’s more fitting than having the US take on their World Cup rivals Ghana.  Ghana is the best team in Africa, and they have been responsible for eliminating the United States in both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup.  So how would it all play out?

Within just 32 seconds, Clint Dempsey dribbled towards the net, and kicked in a beautiful goal.  Nobody expected the US to score that early.  But then, it turned into a defensive stand, as Ghana went on the attack.  It almost seemed like we had no offense after that goal.  To make matters worse, USA’s star forward Jozy Altidore went down with a hamstring injury.  He was taken out for precautionary measures, and his status for the remainder of the World Cup is uncertain.  

Ghana v USA: Group G - 2014 FIFA World Cup BrazilThe hero of the game was USA’s goalie Tim Howard.  He held down the net, thwarting many of Ghana shots.  Late in the second half, however, Ghana eventually got their equalizer, and it looked like the United States was headed toward a tie.  But, then a sub came in, 20-year old John Brooks, and on a corner kick, he headed a perfect ball into the net for the go ahead goal.  It was a miracle.  The US was able to hold on for the win.  That’s 3 points for the US! They are now pumped up to take on Ronaldo and Portugal.  

BASEBALL


Finally, in baseball, some very sad news as Hall of Famer and former San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn has died.  Gwynn was a household name in San Diego, playing his college ball at San Diego State, and then playing his entire 20 year career in San Diego.  He was also one of the most beloved players in baseball history, and one of the most fantastic hitters of all time.  The game will miss Gwynn. 

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