Even in defeat, UNC continues to prove worthy

There is no such thing as moral victories for true competitors. Morale losses do not exist for those who give their all. However, there is such things as lessons learned. UNC fell to Kentucky in what is the game of the year thus far, 103-100.

The punchlines will come; UNC loves losing on 3pt shots in the final seconds, Roy is an awful coach, yada yada yada. Let those punchlines roll right off your shoulders if you support the Tar Heels. The Heels battled all night trough unfavorable obstacles and still managed to be in position to win the game. Joel Berry, Isaiah Hicks and Kennedy Meeks all struggled with fouls and were forced to sit for extended minutes. The Heels didn't flinch, they stuck to the game plan and the next man stood up when called upon. Luke Maye had a career high 11 points, Tony Bradley continued to be Mr. Consistent and contributed in impressing fashion. Had it not been for Malik Monk of Kentucky going off in one of the most incredible performances I've ever seen from a single player, let alone a freshman, shooting 18-28 from the field, 8-12 from 3pt range, Justin Jackson would've been the story. Jackson only needed 17 shot attempts to get 34 points which exceeded his career high. 

Kentucky got the victory, and a congrats is to be had for them, they played well and answered the punches the Heels threw at them down the stretch. But this is about lessons learned. 

The number one lesson learned is that both UNC and UK are in the top 5 teams in the country. Anybody who tries to argue those facts should be immediately tuned out. Lesson two, Monk is an incredible shooter. Everybody likes to live in the moment of course and was crowning Monk a star in the NBA mid game. A great talent he is, and he might pan out to be the player those fans think he will be. I'm not sure how a 6'3 SG fits in the NBA, but we shall see. Lesson three, the Tar Heels have so many pieces and they are still missing the most important one. Theo Pinson has been working out, practicing, and is set to return to action in the upcoming weeks. Theo is an improved scorer and is the best overall defender the Heels have. Which could've been useful to slow down the Monk show. Not only that, but having Pinson allows a favorable rotation, especially defensively. Kenny Williams is starting where Pinson will ultimately be. Pinson and Williams rotating on the opponents besy perimeter scorer is a huge luxury to have. It also allows Berry, Jackson, Britt, amd Woods to play at a fresher pace on offense. Those men can also contribute more on defense and not be focused one guy, chasing him from the moment he steps on the court. Lesson four, Roy Williams is a good coach. His loyalty and trust in his players may blow up in his face a times, but that doesn't discredit his ability to coach. If anything it proves that he is so confidence in his coaching that the game is the players time, it's their time to go and decide the game. It can be debated on whether a timeout should've been called when Monk hit the three to put the Wildcats up 101-100, but Roy saw Berry and trusted his point guard to get his team a winning play. If people want to nitpick on Roy, let me nitpick as well. Jackson missing the and-one free throw attempt was huge. Monk would've tied the game instead of put Kentucky in the lead and the Heels could've held for a final shot. On the controversial play Hicks went up with the shot through the double team when he had Berry wide open on the wing. Since we are still nitpicking, Let's talk about Kenny Williams shot that wedged in between the rim and backboard, that was almost on point. Bottom line is a lot goes into the outcome of the game and besides the loss, UNC has lessons learned to take from this game. Championships are won in December, but championship teams are. 

It came at a price, but the Red Sox made the right move for Chris Sale

Well, it finally happened. After almost a full year of talks and rumors, a failed move this past July, Chris Sale is finally on the Boston Red Sox. Not only is this one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, if not the best, but this makes reigning Cy Young award winner Rick Porcello the third best pitcher on the Sox. However, it does come at a price, not David Price, but a price nonetheless.
In the deal the Red Sox acquired Chris Sale while giving up No. 1 prospect Yoan Moncada (INF), No.5 prospect Michael Kopech (RHP), Victor Diaz (P), and Luis Basabe (OF). So as you can tell there was a lot lost in this trade, but that's what you get when you get arguably the best pitcher in the MLB since he was drafted in 2010. When I first got news of the trade I was like what the hell just happened? The Red Sox got CHRIS SALE. Then I went into the oh my god we gave up two of our top five prospect plus two others to get him. Then I went finally settled on, hell yeah we have 3 of the top 10 pitchers in baseball on our staff, we added a bullpen arm plus we get Carson Smith back after injury. Let's fuckin have it!
Obviously you never like giving away prospects, but when you dive into the Red Sox farm system you see that the Red Sox have VERY LITTLE pitching talent anyways and what type of role would Kopech have now anyways? Because the Sox are in a window where they are ready to win. Hanley and Pedroia have some good years left and the youngsters are about to be in their prime. Also I don't love giving up Moncada and having to pay $30 million of his contract as well, but the Red Sox are loaded with players in the system. Hell the Salem Red Sox (A) team could've won a couple games in the MLB last year. I'm kidding about that, but not really kidding. So alll in all you have the Red Sox making a win win deal with the White Sox. Chris Sale and the Red Sox can win a couple championships while Moncada and Kopech make the White Sox contenders in a couple years. Just look at the AL East, the Blue Jays are about to lose Joe Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, the Orioles are going to lose Trumbo and had no pitching to begin with, the Yankees might be the second best team in division even with their youth and lack of pitching, and the Rays are the Rays. The Boston Red Sox should wrap up the division in June or July.
Oh and just in case you still needed reassurance, we just got Chris Sale, Chris freaking Sale!
Let's fuckin have it.

The NCAA CFP system is flawed

For the first time in 10 days I was finally able to relax and sit in front of the TV all day. Because what else does a recent college graduate have to do on their day off? So as I was sittong lazily in my lounge chair watching the College Football Playoff rankings I became very frustrated. As someone who supported the playoff system being put into place my feelings have absolutely taken a 180 on it. For starters, there is no criteria, none. ESPN and the committee can feed us whatever lingo they want to, but the fact of the mater is that there is no criteria for how teams are ranked. That's the biggest issue.
Let's go with this scenario, say Clemson, Washington, and Penn State all win. Clemson will be third, but who is to say Washington stays at the fourth spot? The committee made sure to point out that there is very little difference in a one loss Washington and two loss Michigan. So what I am hearing is that there is a possibility that if Washington wins, but struggles to win, that Michigan could possibly jump them! Are you kidding me? I'm all for the statement of getting the best four teams in the playoff narrative. But one of the top four teams shouldn't be a top four team if they lose two of their last three games. A top four team doesn't play only three games outside the their own state and lose two of them. Talent wise, Michigan is a top four team. But they haven't earned the right to play in the playoff. What do you tell those kids at Washington? Those kids at Penn State if Washington loses? That you earned the right to play in the playoff but we just think that a team that finished third in their conference division and lost two of their last three games is better? Sorry, but that's wrong. What you're telling me is that this was decided before the last week of the season and you aren't going to waiver. You're telling me that money revenue means more than rewarding student athletes. Michigan is the team that should have to deal with being told, hey you had a great year, but the losses at the end just hurt you in the long run. Penn State losing two games in the first four weeks of the season then winning out including a win over the number two team in the nation and a Big Ten conference title means more. Washington only losing one game to a team that if they had one less loss would be in this same conversations because they have been allowed to improve when others haven't and a PAC 12 conference title means more.
I'm at a state of disbelief. The committee comes off biased, agenda driven and foolish. It's ran by the good ole boys of football with no millennial influence. It's one way of thinking. The whole room. And it's sad. And flawed. At this point I want the BCS system back. At least then teams would be rewarded for scheduling tough non conference games that everyone involved loves. You wouldn't be allowed to improve but at least then we have a set criteria. I hope Washington wins convincingly and my thoughts go out to then if they don't. Because Michigan will jump them. And to the boys at Penn State. Barring a Clemson loss and a Washington blow out, I'm sorry but I think the committee has made up their mind.
So flawed. We need to be better.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are the best team in the country...right now

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 7-0 and have their best start since the 2008-2009 championship team. Not only are they 7-0 but they are an easy 7-0, have yet to be tested outside of maybe Hawaii in which was easily their worst performance of the young season. Right now, on November 24th, 2016, the Tar Heels are the best team in college basketball.

It's early, that's the obvious. But UNC is the most complete team right now and the only team rivaling them right now is the current number one ranked team, the Kentucky Wildcats. I'm nitpicking when I say I think they should be ranked higher, UNC is currently fourth and UK is currently first, so it's not like UNC is being undersold. Or are they? UNC and UK will have their shot to see who is better when the teams meet in a few weeks in Rupp Arena. But let's go back to my question, I believe that before this weekend and probably still, many are shorting the Tar Heels the credit they deserve. In Maui the Heels weren't tested. They went up against a good Oklahoma State team that will win more games than projected in the Big 12 and a preason top 10 Wisconsin team whose only losses are to two top 15 if not top 10 teams. The Heels never trailed on the island and really sent a message to the national stage. In this early season the Heels have been most impressive on the defensive side. Yes you read that right, defense. This word is usually only associated with the Heels if it has rarely plays in front of it. Beside the record being comparable to the 08-09 national title team, the defense is another similarity between the two. Also, keep in mind the Tar Heels have done this without starter Theo Pinson and also without front court depth in Luke Maye. Many have stepped up early on the main one being sophomore Kenny Williams who is arguably the Tar Heels best defender.

Listen it's early. There are a lot of games left to played and some big time test coming up for UNC before ACC play arrives. However, it's hard to argue with the fact that the Heels are a legit national title contender this year and maybe the front runner right now. Could this team be better than last years? The only way they could be is by winning it all, but that's their goal. They haven't shied away from the fact that the heartbreaking loss they had in the title game has been fuel and will continue to be fuel. I think that's a sign of determination on their part. I saw some people talking about how they are playing so good that there is no where to go from down, that they are peaking in November. I was told this a long time ago and I believe this to be true, truly great teams don't peak. They stay at the high level consistently. No one is going undefeated and this UNC certainly won't be the first one since Bob Knights Indiana team to do so, but take that statement for what it's worth. Truly great teams, don't peak.

Here is my 16-17 College Basketball preview

The 2016-17 college basketball season is finally among us. After months of worrying about recruiting, hyping up traditional powers, and UNC fans grieving we have finally arrived to another college basketball year that is due to be filled with more great moments and heartbreaking losses. NCAA basketball has held and always will hold a special place in my fandom of sports. The parody that exists in basketball is what makes it my favorite sport. The early season upsets or the mid season number one team going down or the 15, 14, 13 seeds knocking off the higher seeds in the tourney. All provide great entertainment.
This season opens up like always, the traditional powers like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, Michigan State, and Indiana all are at or near the top of the food chain. While teams like Oregon and Villanova have built themselves into promising programs looking to continue to knock off the longstanding powers in college basketball.

Here is your current top 25 after 1-2 games played by every team.
Duke
UK
Kansas
Villanova
Oregon
UNC
Xavier
UVA
Wisconsin
Arizona
Indiana
Michigan State
Louisville
Gonzaga
Purdue
UCLA
Saint Mary's
UConn
Syracuse
WVU
Texas
Creighton
Rhode Island
Iowa State
Maryland

A pretty fair assessment for the state of the college basketball world going into the season. However there have already losses by a few of these teams. Kansas and Michigan State went down to the wire with Indiana and Arizona respectively. Both were great games that came down to all four teams having a chance to win. UConn was upset by Wagner in their opening game so they are a team to keep an eye on as one who might've been ranked too high going into the year. Texas was tested as well, but was able to sneak out with a win in their first game.
How about some predictions? We all love to predict way too early so why not?

ACC: Duke should win the regular season and tournament titles on paper and I believe the paper is correct. They won't be unblemished going into the NCAA tournament because they have some tough matchups early on and they are not at full strength right now. Also the ACC is pretty darn good this year so teams like UNC, UVA, Louisville, Florida State, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech could play spoiler on a couple matchups. I don't see them having more than 4-5 losses and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up with less than that. The ACC will have 1 if not two All American team members come from their league with a chance of more. I see 8-9 teams getting in the NCAA tournament this year. I believe teams like Florida State, Norte Dame,  NC State, and Virginia Tech all have a shot to make it this year. All improved outside of maybe ND but I can't bet against Mike Brey.

Big Ten: The ACC and Big Ten are the best conference and I don't think it's close. Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan State, and Purdue are all loaded at the top much like the top four in the ACC. I believe Indiana or Purdue will come out as the winner of the Big Ten. It's so hard for me to call because I think all four have a chance to get hot and win. Indiana looked great in their win over Kansas. They shot extremely well and have a big man inside to protect the rim and balance be scoring. Purdue is the most slept on of the four and I love Matt Painter. I think Purdue was overhyped last year and was able to get a lot of pieces from last year back as well as adding some. They are huge inside and have solid guards. I think they pose the toughest matchups for the other contending teams in the Big Ten. Gun held to my head today I'm picking Indiana. The Big Ten will have 8-9 teams as well make the tournament, just like the ACC they could possibly have more.

Big 12: This isn't too hard. The Big 12 title runs through Lawrence, Kansas. This conference is similar to the SEC in football. The SEC had absolute dominance in football whereas Kansas has usually been the dominant team with few titles in recent history. However there is often a lot of Big 12 teams picked each year to be true contenders yet it always ends up being Kansas. I believe West Virginia will be the biggest threat to KU this year. They have a good amount of their team returning and who doesn't love Bob Huggins? Their style of play gives Kansas fits as well. Especially with Kansas being a little undersized than we are accustomed to seeing them. Losing 8 year vet Perry Ellis will be something that Kansas will have to figure out, but Bill Self will, he always does. I see 7-8 teams getting in to the big dance.

SEC: Kentucky. Florida and Georgia are  improved, Miss State and Alabama are as well but this is a bad basketball conference. I believe they have already engraved the conference title trophy with Kentucky as well. UK has a guard heavy team but the talent is next level good. The Wildcats should be in the Final Four as long as they play to their potential. I see 3-5 teams making it out of the SEC.

PAC 12: I predict a three team race for the PAC 12 title. Oregon, Arizona, and UCLA all have fire power. All three teams can run it up on the scoreboard. Oregon presents so many matchup problems for teams because they are big and capable of taking their man off the dribble. Very quick team on defense as well. Oregon is my pick to win the conference and end up with a number one seed, but Arizona winning would not be surprising. Arizona has underachieved every year since their upset of Duke a couple years back. Just an opinion of mine. I don't see the development of players that have so much talent coming in. I see 6-7 teams getting in the tourney.

My way too early Final Four is Villanova, Duke, Oregon, Kentucky. Kind of boring I know.
Duke wins it all. (You have no idea how bad this hurts to say),
Enjoy the season!

Time to be honest, the Dallas Cowboys are good

This hurts. I'm almost in a state of depression because of it. I honestly can't believe I'm admitting it, but the Dallas Cowboys are a good football team.... More than that, they have looked like a great football team. My father and his family grew up Redskins fans and when part of the family moved to Florida they converted to Buccaneer fans while my father went with the hometown Panthers in 1995. So growing up although I wasn't around to have reasons to hate the Cowboys, I grew up disliking them. Almost, if not to the point of hatred. You gotta understand, since I have been able to retain the NFL seasons and collective memories from games, the Cowboys haven't been worth a hill of beans. More of a comedy or reality sitcom than anything. So this is new to me, and it hurts. Coming off a season where my team, the Carolina Panthers went 15-1 and made the league look like little school girls, the Cowboys have decided to do that this year. You wanna know the worst part? I actually find myself enjoying them when they play. They are fun to watch. I am someone who appreciates football for the little details about it. Sure Zeke is amazing, best back in the league and will be around for a long long long time, but there is much more that makes them great. Dak and Zeke have had the limelight so I won't be focusing on them. And I honestly don't when I watch them play, you obviously can't ignore the highlight plays made by the two rookies, but that's not what intrigues me. The offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys is something I don't think I've ever seen before. I mean they are special. Dak has forver in the pocket, Zeke seems like he is never touched until he gets at least 6 yards. The OL MOVES people. They pull and slide like I've never seen before. 

Every week I look for reasons and excuses on why the Cowboys will lose, much like people did for the Carolina Panthers last year, but I can't find any. If I do come up with something, I'm wrong. They are a bonehead time management play from being undefeated and they are the best team in football right now. And they have TWO ROOKIES leading their team. Ahh, it's just madness. A bunch of people dislike the Cowboys, they're also plenty who love the Cowboys. Finally those who love them can come and speak out and it's torturing. Make sure you Cowboy fans cherish this. You won't be hearing me say this ever again because it hurts too bad. You guys are good and barring a front office mixup, or loss of players, you won't be like the Panthers and have three successful years. You will be good for years to come. I have to give credit when it's due no matter how badly it stinks to say. I'm sorry NFL fans, the Cowboys are back and here to stay. 

UNC is going to be just fine

UNC opened up in the Bayou of Louisiana against Tulane University with a 95-75 win. I'll be the first one to admit I had so many questions about this team, this program. After coming up short in heartbreaking fashion just a couple months ago in the National Championship game there is so much left to be sorted out. Although it was a game that UNC should win, tonight showed who the Tar Heels will be. The Tar Heels opening up on a road is a cruise control win showed that they are going to keep being resilient. It's no debate that they miss Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige. How can you not miss a First Team All-American and the heart of your heart for the past four years? However, the Tar Heels talked all off season about this being a season fueled by avenging that loss to Villanova. They have spoke all summer and fall about the bad taste they have from that game and how it is going to push them through this season, I can't disagree with the way they looked tonight. Joel Berry II and Justin Jackson looked the part of Paige and Johnson. They need to be for this Tar Heel team to be successful. The duo combined for 50 points and more importantly were the calming forces for the team. Anytime the games momentum went Tulane's way Berry or Jackson was there to make a big shot. Jackson and Berry did what they need to do, what they expect themselves to do, but other Tar Heels made promising contributions.

Tony Bradley for starters. Bradley, the lone McDAA freshman was huge tonight. His first half was great. He plays just like Brice Johnson and looks to be another great big to come through the Tar Heel program. Isaiah Hicks is always overlooked, but he was the most impressive outside of Berry and Jackson. Hicks is going to grab rebounds and be efficient around the rim, that's a given, but what stuck out to me was the way he defended. Hicks has been known as a foul happy player during his career and tonight was definitely a refreshing change in his style of play. He also hit a couple jump shots which will only help UNC's offensive flow. Meeks was his usual self, up and down at times but he always rebound and had a QUIET 15 and 7. Kenny Williams played a great role defensively and on the boards for the Heels as he got his first start of his career due to the absence of Theo Pinson. Nate Britt was Nate Britt, reliable. The freshman all looked well except for Seventh Woods who looked nervous at times but that shouldn't be something to be concerned about. The player that is probably the most of overlooked on this team is Luke Maye, he was a monster on the boards. 

All in all it's just game one and the optimism from me will  likely fluctuate more than the Dow Jones after a Trump election. But this team will be fine. They will struggle at times but come ACC play they should be close to getting Pinson back and will be a top 15 to top 10 caliber team. This team can make another run and try to get redemption. Also, it is great to have College Basketball back, one of the better time of the year in sports. Judging by the games on opening night, it should be a good one.