One thing I've noticed as an adult is that there are people that always have "something going on." And I realized a lot of the time; those things could be avoided if they just did two things. TWO! And those two things really aren't that hard to execute. Those things are being positive and minding your own business. Very simple, but you would be amazed at how hard it is for society to do.
One of the things I don't do is watch the News. I know most of you would think that's doing myself a disservice, but I don't. Most people who watch the news are very pessimistic, you want to know why? Because all the news is, is bad news. Their minds are filled with how many new things can kill you (if hotdogs caused cancer, I would've been dead decades ago) how many people were killed, and how the weather is going to kill you. You can’t think negative thoughts and live a positive life. Once your head is filled with all this foolishness it’s hard for you to not project it.
So like I said be positive, you don't always have to have the last word. You don't always have to react to everything someone says that may have been a slight to you. A sign of maturity is knowing that not everything or everyone deserves a reaction from you. A wise man told me, "don't argue with fools, because people from a distance can’t tell who is who," and that's facts.
Now, this second thing is something almost 99% of the world has a problem with. Minding your own business. How other people live their lives is none of your business. Now if they are living in a way that exudes negligence that affects the lives of a child or a dependent, then that's different. But unless you're the Lord himself, you have things to work on yourself and you are not the poster child for the way to Life. That's why I've never understand people who become a "Life coach." What exactly qualifies you to coach someone through something that you are going through as well and how are you an expert? Books are an awesome tool but they can only prepare you so much for life and there are trials and tribulations that transpire that aren't in Psychology 201. It doesn't work like that.
We, as in society, are so intrigued by other people's lives and that is something that has always befuddled me. I hate reality television, but it’s something that has taken the world by storm and people tune in to see conflict and the mess that other people call lives. I'll never understand it, but again we love to be in other people's business.
If you focus on yourself, and you are steadfast in that, you won’t have time to keep up with Jones'.
Peace
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Friday, March 20, 2015
The Art of the Upset
It’s that time of year again! 12-5 upset, one shining moment, all that good stuff. I’ve watched college basketball for many years now, and also played it, and I’ve noticed some common things that seem to happen each time there is an “upset.” For example: Three-point shooting, good point guard play, and a formidable post player on the block. So check me out:
Three point shooting
Usually, the higher seed is a bigger team so the lower seed will have to have ways to score that neutralizes the size difference. Take a look back; good three-point shooting is always a common theme. They get hot from three, get their confidence going, then with the clock winding down and nerves setting in, all the sudden the playing field is level. Take for instance when Duke was recently upset by Lehigh (3-14 matchup). LeHigh Played very well and CJ McCollum led them to victory by shooting very well from the outside. He eventually went on to get drafted into the NBA so with him, the matchup wasn’t that much of a difference. Also another instance, remember George Mason who went on a Cinderella run and beat UConn? They went 9-18 from 3 (50%) and edged them by 2 points.
Good Point Guard play
In college, point guards are VERY important. Its not like the NBA where you can have a wing player that’s so good you can just give it to them and tell everyone to get outta the way. Now every now and then that happens, but not much. Not to keep picking on Duke, but not only CJ McCollum was a guard who got at them, but also Eric Maynor led VCU past duke. At that time Duke had Greg Paulus, who couldn’t guard a chair in my opinion. Maynor light him up, as well as DeMarcus Nelson.
Formidable Post Player
Going back to George Mason, Jai Lewis was 6-7 275, and built like a Defensive lineman. He gave taller post players fits, especially Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong. Both of whom are usually two dominant big men who had their way for the majority of the year, but in that game they combined for 14 points and Jai Lewis had 20 points.
Now, usually the post players aren’t that great, that’s why I used the term “Formidable.” For lower seeds the post player just needs to have size, not get punked down low and have some length to affect some shots or have a big enough body to where they can create some space.
Alright, lesson over...Peace
Three point shooting
Usually, the higher seed is a bigger team so the lower seed will have to have ways to score that neutralizes the size difference. Take a look back; good three-point shooting is always a common theme. They get hot from three, get their confidence going, then with the clock winding down and nerves setting in, all the sudden the playing field is level. Take for instance when Duke was recently upset by Lehigh (3-14 matchup). LeHigh Played very well and CJ McCollum led them to victory by shooting very well from the outside. He eventually went on to get drafted into the NBA so with him, the matchup wasn’t that much of a difference. Also another instance, remember George Mason who went on a Cinderella run and beat UConn? They went 9-18 from 3 (50%) and edged them by 2 points.
Good Point Guard play
In college, point guards are VERY important. Its not like the NBA where you can have a wing player that’s so good you can just give it to them and tell everyone to get outta the way. Now every now and then that happens, but not much. Not to keep picking on Duke, but not only CJ McCollum was a guard who got at them, but also Eric Maynor led VCU past duke. At that time Duke had Greg Paulus, who couldn’t guard a chair in my opinion. Maynor light him up, as well as DeMarcus Nelson.
Formidable Post Player
Going back to George Mason, Jai Lewis was 6-7 275, and built like a Defensive lineman. He gave taller post players fits, especially Josh Boone and Hilton Armstrong. Both of whom are usually two dominant big men who had their way for the majority of the year, but in that game they combined for 14 points and Jai Lewis had 20 points.
Now, usually the post players aren’t that great, that’s why I used the term “Formidable.” For lower seeds the post player just needs to have size, not get punked down low and have some length to affect some shots or have a big enough body to where they can create some space.
Alright, lesson over...Peace
Saturday, January 31, 2015
New Age of Basketball: The AAU Influence (plus extra)
Anyone who has engaged in any kind of basketball debate regarding the state of basketball (NBA mostly) has heard this phrase on more than one occasion:
"Basketball just isn't how it used to be, players are too friendly."
AND
"Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson would team up with another star to get a ring."
Okay, let me address the first quote. Alright, as factual as that statement may be...I don't see how that is a knock on the league. What these grumpy old men don't realize is the affect of the AAU influence on our generation. Back when Jordan was playing, in those days AAU wasn't as big as it is now. Nowadays, the guys you play against you've grown up with and also been on teams in one game or another with. So naturally, with basketball being a fraternity, you become friends with those guys. Which is the main reason there aren't the bloody battles like back in the day. Which wasn't good for the game anyway. Get over it. Ya'll mean to tell me that if you had a chance to go play with one of your best friends (i.e. Lebron and Wade), you wouldn't?!
Man....you're buggin'....I'mma go have fun and win this 'chip with my boy.
Alright so the second quote, which is stupid to me. With the exception of Jordan, them fools didn't have to leave! Magic and Bird were drafted to teams with several Hall of Famers on their team already. Why would Magic need to leave when he's got Kareem, Worthy, Cooper and them ALREADY? Yea....chill. Bird had McHale, Parrish, and Dennis Johnson and Bill Walton. Even in more recent times, Kobe Bryant...drafted to LA then they got Shaq...leave for what? Tim Duncan drafted to Spurs who have the Admiral....once again, leave for what?!
Now, a little history lesson real quick. Kareem left the Milwaukee Bucks to go play with the Lakers....they don't say much about that one. Oscar Robertson started in Cincinnati, left to go play with Kareem in Milwaukee. Even Wilt the Stilt, he started out in Philadelphia, then teamed up with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. So lets don't act like this doesn't happen. Also, lets keep it 100, Boston started the trend when they won a title with their manufactured team.
Chill.
Peace.
"Basketball just isn't how it used to be, players are too friendly."
AND
"Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson would team up with another star to get a ring."
Okay, let me address the first quote. Alright, as factual as that statement may be...I don't see how that is a knock on the league. What these grumpy old men don't realize is the affect of the AAU influence on our generation. Back when Jordan was playing, in those days AAU wasn't as big as it is now. Nowadays, the guys you play against you've grown up with and also been on teams in one game or another with. So naturally, with basketball being a fraternity, you become friends with those guys. Which is the main reason there aren't the bloody battles like back in the day. Which wasn't good for the game anyway. Get over it. Ya'll mean to tell me that if you had a chance to go play with one of your best friends (i.e. Lebron and Wade), you wouldn't?!
Man....you're buggin'....I'mma go have fun and win this 'chip with my boy.
Alright so the second quote, which is stupid to me. With the exception of Jordan, them fools didn't have to leave! Magic and Bird were drafted to teams with several Hall of Famers on their team already. Why would Magic need to leave when he's got Kareem, Worthy, Cooper and them ALREADY? Yea....chill. Bird had McHale, Parrish, and Dennis Johnson and Bill Walton. Even in more recent times, Kobe Bryant...drafted to LA then they got Shaq...leave for what? Tim Duncan drafted to Spurs who have the Admiral....once again, leave for what?!
Now, a little history lesson real quick. Kareem left the Milwaukee Bucks to go play with the Lakers....they don't say much about that one. Oscar Robertson started in Cincinnati, left to go play with Kareem in Milwaukee. Even Wilt the Stilt, he started out in Philadelphia, then teamed up with Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. So lets don't act like this doesn't happen. Also, lets keep it 100, Boston started the trend when they won a title with their manufactured team.
Chill.
Peace.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
K.Y.P. (Know Your Personnel)
That is a basketball term that is widely known and used, in the basketball community that is. K.Y.P., you know who you have, and you know what their strengths are and you know what their weaknesses are, and as a Pro team you know what kind of player they are when you get them. It would be insane to purchase a blender if you’re trying to make burgers for a cookout. So why would you, NY Knicks, get Carmelo Anthony who is a known scorer, and then complain about his lack of distribution? That makes no sense to me. To be honest it really angers me to a small extent, because everyone has their own, ridiculous, definition of what a superstar is and what they should do.
A player like Carmelo Anthony is really a glorified 2nd option. He’s a pure scorer that just happens to be so good at it that it has elevated him to superstar expectations. But, don’t be ridiculous, Melo is an incredible asset to a team, to denigrate him for a style of play that you courted is laughable.
To me the responsibility falls back on the Coach and the G.M. for how the team is playing. Last I checked, the Point Guard’s job was to facilitate and distribute the basketball. Now, I understand ball movement is a team thing, but the PG knows what plays to call and what will get more continuity in the offense. If you call an iso play for Melo, more than likely he can beat his man, so he’s going to try to score. Same thing for Kobe Bryant…he’s a scorer, why are you expecting otherwise? The system just needs to be different, take Team USA for instance. Carmelo Anthony doesn’t seem like a ball stopper with that crew, does he? No, he’s an offensive weapon, mainly because Coach K is a smart coach and they run sets where there’s movement and they get Melo in spots where he can shoot and not really have to work for his shot. But it doesn’t look forced and there is no standing around by the other 4, because it’s a set being run to get a look from him. If you have a better structure then there shouldn’t be any problem with his style of play.
Give a player with his scoring ability to Greg Popovich or Brad Stevens and watch what would happen.
SMH....Peace.
A player like Carmelo Anthony is really a glorified 2nd option. He’s a pure scorer that just happens to be so good at it that it has elevated him to superstar expectations. But, don’t be ridiculous, Melo is an incredible asset to a team, to denigrate him for a style of play that you courted is laughable.
To me the responsibility falls back on the Coach and the G.M. for how the team is playing. Last I checked, the Point Guard’s job was to facilitate and distribute the basketball. Now, I understand ball movement is a team thing, but the PG knows what plays to call and what will get more continuity in the offense. If you call an iso play for Melo, more than likely he can beat his man, so he’s going to try to score. Same thing for Kobe Bryant…he’s a scorer, why are you expecting otherwise? The system just needs to be different, take Team USA for instance. Carmelo Anthony doesn’t seem like a ball stopper with that crew, does he? No, he’s an offensive weapon, mainly because Coach K is a smart coach and they run sets where there’s movement and they get Melo in spots where he can shoot and not really have to work for his shot. But it doesn’t look forced and there is no standing around by the other 4, because it’s a set being run to get a look from him. If you have a better structure then there shouldn’t be any problem with his style of play.
Give a player with his scoring ability to Greg Popovich or Brad Stevens and watch what would happen.
SMH....Peace.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Damian "ILL"ard
I've probably watched his pre-draft workout at Merrit College about 40 times from start to finish. Once I saw that video, that’s when I wrote my blog a while back before his first NBA game and I predicted that he would be Rookie of the Year. Damian Lillard made me a prophet. The workout was pretty impressive because he made a lot of his shots in the drills, did everything at game speed and with the same form every time. But the most impressive thing to me was that this brotha was in OUTSTANDING shape. He finished off that workout with a windmill dunk, I was blown away.
Fast forward to recently, Damian Lillard’s poise has manifested into him being one of the more clutch performers hitting several game winners for the Trailblazers. He plays the game with a controlled fearlessness which is well beyond his young 2 year experience. For Damian it is just business as usual, for example: When he was drafted, while most payers grin ear to ear, Dame was stone faced as he shook David Stern’s hand.
With an adept handle, solid fundamentals and the temerity to believe that as a rookie and 2nd year Pro, he can play with anyone in the league, Damian Lillard has shown himself to be that and more.
EXTRAS
What in the world is going on with NY and BK?? The knicks and nets have blown me away with how terrible they have performed thus far. I tried to tell everyone that the Nets looked good on paper. But chemistry is something that has to be grown into, it doesn’t happen right away. The way the Celtics put together that big 3 and won the first year was like catching lightning in a bottle. That was the planets aligning and EVERYTHING right.
Naptown is looking very good these days, the Pacers have been playing very well with their style of bully ball and good defense. Paul George is emerging into a superstar and Roy Hibbert has risen as a force inside. They have a very good mix of styles of basketball that have translated to a very complete team. The only weakness for the Pacers is at the PG position, George Hill is a make-shift PG and is learning on the job. In the end I think the Pacers will be fine.
PEACE.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Pre-Season 2012-13 NBA Season
What's the deal people?!
The NBA season is upon us, which means hopes are up and anticipation for the NBA season is very high. The preseason has just begun and it's looking to be a very great season. A very good rookie class is ready to make their names known and a lot of movement in the league causes for a more balance of power.
PREDICTIONS
NBA CHAMPIONS:
To be honest, with as equal as both conferences are now, at least concerning the top 3 teams of each conference as a whole, this is a very tough question. Now, for all those who know me, I am a die-hard Spurs fan, but I am also a realist. With all of these super-teams forming it makes it tough for us who make our moves through the draft to compete. But, with that being said, I've seen my guys to 4 titles, so I'll live. But if I just had to pick a team to win it all, I would have to go with the Miami Heat. Not only are they defending champions, but they have gotten even better with the acquisition of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Now they have two dead-eye shooters on the wings. Who will teams double off of? They will definitely be a problem. I know a lot of you will be riding the Lakers bandwagon, but just like Miami, I don't think the first year will be the year that they win it all.
MVP:
Kobe Bryant.
And the reason that I say that is, Kobe is still playing at a high level and he has the wherewithal to know his time is dwindling. I think that with a revamped team, whose bench is still dreadful (that's another blog, though), Kobe will be given "life" for lack of a better word. Plus, u just can't go wrong with the Black Mamba.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Damien Lillard.
I know, everyone is either thinking who? or just plain shocked that I'm not going with Anthony Davis. I just think that Damien is a very good player. Anthony Davis is a very good player and will be very good. But A.D. is very small and has to go up against some really good big men. Damien on the other hand, is already the same size of most of his opposition. He's a very skilled guard who can run a team and score when needed too. Remember I said this when he's averaging a double double.
UNDERACHIEVE:
Team: Chicago Bulls
Will still be decent but D. Rose will be absent. Period.
Player: Thomas Robinson/Dion Waiter
Thomas Robinson struggle mightily in the summer league and is an undersized power forward at 6'8. It spells trouble. And Dion just got drafted to a team with bad karma. Poor Guy.
Until Next Time....
BE EASY!
The NBA season is upon us, which means hopes are up and anticipation for the NBA season is very high. The preseason has just begun and it's looking to be a very great season. A very good rookie class is ready to make their names known and a lot of movement in the league causes for a more balance of power.
PREDICTIONS
NBA CHAMPIONS:
To be honest, with as equal as both conferences are now, at least concerning the top 3 teams of each conference as a whole, this is a very tough question. Now, for all those who know me, I am a die-hard Spurs fan, but I am also a realist. With all of these super-teams forming it makes it tough for us who make our moves through the draft to compete. But, with that being said, I've seen my guys to 4 titles, so I'll live. But if I just had to pick a team to win it all, I would have to go with the Miami Heat. Not only are they defending champions, but they have gotten even better with the acquisition of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Now they have two dead-eye shooters on the wings. Who will teams double off of? They will definitely be a problem. I know a lot of you will be riding the Lakers bandwagon, but just like Miami, I don't think the first year will be the year that they win it all.
MVP:
Kobe Bryant.
And the reason that I say that is, Kobe is still playing at a high level and he has the wherewithal to know his time is dwindling. I think that with a revamped team, whose bench is still dreadful (that's another blog, though), Kobe will be given "life" for lack of a better word. Plus, u just can't go wrong with the Black Mamba.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Damien Lillard.
I know, everyone is either thinking who? or just plain shocked that I'm not going with Anthony Davis. I just think that Damien is a very good player. Anthony Davis is a very good player and will be very good. But A.D. is very small and has to go up against some really good big men. Damien on the other hand, is already the same size of most of his opposition. He's a very skilled guard who can run a team and score when needed too. Remember I said this when he's averaging a double double.
UNDERACHIEVE:
Team: Chicago Bulls
Will still be decent but D. Rose will be absent. Period.
Player: Thomas Robinson/Dion Waiter
Thomas Robinson struggle mightily in the summer league and is an undersized power forward at 6'8. It spells trouble. And Dion just got drafted to a team with bad karma. Poor Guy.
Until Next Time....
BE EASY!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Team Analysis: Los Angeles Lakers
Now before I begin, let's all remember this is just an analysis of what's transpired so far. The season is VERY young still and there is ample time to make any transgressions to this point a vague memory.
Now, what I think of the new look Lakers? They are fun to watch, they have big names, but to me they didn’t address any of their weaknesses. A big weakness that was talked about a lot last season was the inability to defend at the point guard position. Now, they went from Derek Fisher to Steve Nash. To me that’s a step backwards in that department, defensively. And they also got Dwight Howard and Antawn Jamison. Now Dwight goes without saying, best big man in the game, but still has yet to become a legitimate scorer on the low block.
Also, probably the biggest problem to me is still there, and that’s the bench. Their bench in LA is awful. There has been no improvement in that area and there is a HUGE drop off when the starters have to take a seat. So the Lakers starting off 0-3 really doesn’t surprise me.
I think the struggles for the Lakers will continue. Second round bounce out, I'm calling it now.
Peace.
Now, what I think of the new look Lakers? They are fun to watch, they have big names, but to me they didn’t address any of their weaknesses. A big weakness that was talked about a lot last season was the inability to defend at the point guard position. Now, they went from Derek Fisher to Steve Nash. To me that’s a step backwards in that department, defensively. And they also got Dwight Howard and Antawn Jamison. Now Dwight goes without saying, best big man in the game, but still has yet to become a legitimate scorer on the low block.
Also, probably the biggest problem to me is still there, and that’s the bench. Their bench in LA is awful. There has been no improvement in that area and there is a HUGE drop off when the starters have to take a seat. So the Lakers starting off 0-3 really doesn’t surprise me.
I think the struggles for the Lakers will continue. Second round bounce out, I'm calling it now.
Peace.
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