RECESSION PROOF

SWITCH

Well the word switch can mean a lot of things. Like if you're a Knick fan you have to know when it's time to switch teams. Or how about this. Maybe at the end of the game when there are only a few seconds left you can switch the pick- and-roll!!! For those not in the know it is a known rule that if under five seconds, you always want to switch all screens. Coaches yell it at all levels, high school, college even biddy ball. You never leave a guy uncontested for a shot like the Knicks did last night. If you don't believe me you can watch it right here. This is the NBA, everyone can make this shot. Not to mention Kevin Garnett a future hall of famer and NBA champion. When the word "switch" was mentioned when I was a kid that meant I was about to get a beating with one from my Grandma. Then again I guess the Knicks have been taking a lot of beatings too!! And by the way, you pass up on Iverson so you can develop your young talent!!! Say what????

DON'T SLEEP

Rumors of the demise of the Big East were greatly exaggerated. I saw two teams this weekend that I would say could challenge for the title in the Big East. First and foremost we all saw what Syracuse did to North Carolina. They totally obliterated them in Madison Square Garden. I'm tired of people underestimating Syracuse. The 2-3 zone is legit and if you've never played against it, you just don't get it. Seems so simple to break but most teams just can't figure it out. Wesley Johnson is a pro. Brandon Triche has filled in for Johnny Flynn. The Cuse is for real. Seton Hall is even more scary than I thought. I watched them beat a good Cornell team that will win the Ivy League. Jeremy Hazell has no conscious and will shoot from anywhere. He went for 33 pts. Herb Pope the transfer is going to be a really good player in this league. He rebounds, looks to score, passes the ball and has a mean streak. The Hall may have the best point guard combo in the league in Eugene Harvey and his back up Jordan Theodore who went for 20 pts and 4 assists. I'm not sure these teams are too far behind Nova and West Virginia as far as talent and ability. It should be interesting.

MY BAD

I say this because I really doubted this guy. What a loser I was. How could I not know that Brett Favre would get it done when he had all those weapons? I just can't get around the fact that he is 40 years old and probably the front runner for league MVP right now. I want to apologize. Who was I think to think that one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play was washed up. Who was I to say that he couldn't go back and forth in making a decision about retirement? When you play like this you can do what ever you want. My hat goes off to Brett for another Favre-lous season.

ALL STAR GAME?

I will be the first to admit, I didn't expect this. I did think Brandon Jennings would be good, but not this good. What I also didn't expect was for the Milwaukee Bucks to be doing what they're doing. Jennings is the first rookie since Jordan in 1984 to have six 25 point games before Thanksgiving. Right now the Bucks sit at 8-3. I really thought they'd be one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. Actually I said that on opening night on Comcast Sportsnet when they faced the Sixers. And I have to say this. I just have to say this. If he keeps this up, shouldn't he be voted to the All-Star team? Who really is playing better than him right now? Seriously, right now he may be the best point guard in the eastern conference!!! On another note, Milwaukee is still one of the worst cities to visit in the NBA. Not even a NBA Championship banner will ever change that.

RECESSION PROOF

Charlie Weiss

Really not sure how this guy has kept a job. You coach at Notre Dame. His record is 35-26 over five years in South Bend. His team has now last 3 games in a row. He's had his ACL blown out while standing on the sidelines. There's not much else that could go wrong. Weis came very close to giving his own argument on firing himself when he said "If they decide to make a change, I'd have to say, I'd have a tough time arguing with that."

Lawrence Frank

It's really hard for me to believe that your team can be 0-13 in the NBA and yet still are a coach. How could Byron Scott be fired and yet this guy still owns a whistle? How could you be a worse team than the Minnesota Timberwolves or even yet the New York Knicks? Whatever Franks has done for Rod Thorn to love him so much I'd like to know. It's like he has 9 lives.

Tom Cable

Anybody that continued to start JaMarcus Russell after how terrible he was playing needs to have his head examined. But after you allegedly socked one of your assistant coaches and then also have a story break about your abusive history with women you have to wonder how is he doing it. Then when you throw in the 3-7 record this one becomes a no brainer right? Nope. Cable is still around and actually got a win against the Cincinatti Bengals yesterday. He lives to fight another day. Oops, bad choice of words.

EARL BOYKINS

And I say this with the utmost respect. It always amazes me how Boykins has played in the league for 10 years. He is 5'5 and has averaged 9.5 ppg over his career. He weighs 133 pounds!!! This year he has latched on with the Washington Wizards. He actually went for 20 pts on his first night back in the league. I actually went to rookie transition camp with Earl Boykins. All the rookies were split into groups and we learned things about life and the transition to the NBA. I remember Earl telling me "Hey I'm just happy to be here. I know I am only 5'5 and probably won't be around for long." I wish I could talk to him today so I could say "Earl, you were so wrong."

CAN I REMINISCE?

HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW?

First and foremost I have been a Brandon Jenning fan ever since he sported the high top fade at the McDonald's All American game. I am big fan of a guy who understands tradition. The first time I ever saw Jennings play was at the Rutgers Athletic Center right in my hometown of Piscataway, New Jersey as he obliterated my alma mater the Piscataway Chiefs torching them for 32 points while putting on one of the more impressive displays that I have ever seen from a high school point guard. And for all those quick to judge Jennings for going overseas, for all those quick to judge Jennings for his lack luster stats in Europe, for all those naysayers I would tell you that Brandon Jennings, because of his old school vibe is probably singing this song to you. Jennings went off for 55 points last night!!! That's a new Milwaukee Bucks record that he broke!! That's Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's record that he broke! The kid is nice. I covered him on opening night against the Sixers for Comcast Sportsnet and he almost had a triple double. Forget about what happened overseas, GM's in Europe are sometimes clueless. This guy is a star in the making. To top off why I am a big fan, the kid signs a contract for nearly $4.5 million and then goes out and does what? Buys a Ford Edge at the meager price of $26,900!!! Don't believe me? Check out this article. This kid gets it!!!

LOVE AND HATE

So we know that the college basketball season is upon us and we have to talk about the Big East Conference a little. Of course the conference won't be as strong as it was last year placing two teams in the Final Four in Villanova and UCONN. But the front runners this year are Villanova and West Virginia. But we have to talk about love and hate. Of course I love the Villanova Wildcats which is my Alma Mater. This is not just bias, this is fact. The wildcats return Scottie Reynolds who is a pre-season All American, Cory Fisher who is electric off the bounce and Cory Stokes one of the best shooters in the Big East. Add in a freshman class in Mouphtaou Yarou, Dominic Cheek and Malik Wayans and the Wildcats are even more scary.

West Virginia can be just as dominate. But I hate West Virginia. Why you ask? Because I can't shake the vision in college of their fans throwing coins at us while we were warming up. I hate the country rural landscape of Morgantown, as it is in the middle of nowhere. I hate that ESPN loves to send me there two or three times a year for games with the closest major airport being Pittsburgh about 90 minutes away. And last but not least I hate that loud musket that they shoot at halftime of every game, which has startled me every time I have stepped in that arena since I was a freshman in 1995. With that said the Mountaineers are tough. Devin Ebanks is a star in the making and don't be surprised if this is his last year in Morgantown. Da'Sean Butler is a real problem and with Joe Mazulla combined with Darryl Truck Bryant in the backcourt West Virginia should challenge for the Big East title.

WHO DAT? WHO DAT? WHO DAT SAY......

I'm just jumping on the bandwagon? Come on. For those that don't know I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Lived there until I was 11 years old. So don't tell me I am just a Saints fan now. My dad and I have been Saints fans since way back when fans use to come to games like the picture above. The bag head fans were started in New Orleans. I sat through years of being ridiculed for being an "Aints" fan. They ain't gonna never win, they ain't gonna ever gonna make the playoffs. Most of you don't know what it feels like. You don't know what it feels like for your dad to take you to a game when the "Aints" are playing one of the worst teams in the league back in the 80's in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and still walk out with a loss. I look back on it and my Dad wanted to spare his poor son the feeling of a loss at a professional football game. He took me to a sure fire win and in typical Saints fan fashion it still turned out bad. So yes, now that the Saints are the best team in football, I am living it up. Drew Brees, Pierre Thomas, Marques Colston and Reggie Bush can do no wrong to me. Damn, you haters, let a man have his day in the sun.

SAYING GOODBYE

Why such an old picture of Allen Iverson you ask? I wanted to remember Allen Iverson like I met him, in a Georgetown Jersey instead of like this. It's sad to see one of the best little guys to ever play this game go out like this. But you have to wonder why Iverson won't accept the inevitable. You are getting old. Nobody, can compete against Father Time. Nobody has ever won this battle, especially at the guard position. Iverson's pride is probably what will do him in. His unwillingness to come off the bench and be a role player will of course be the cause of his demise. It's weird, but I'm torn on this one. On one hand I don't want to see Allen Iverson waiving a towel and coming out to mid-court to slap O.J. Mayo five or whispering in Mike Conley's ear "This is how I used to do it." Doesn't seem like Iverson deserves that. But on the other hand sometimes you have to pass on the legacy and let the young guys have there day. Iverson has never been the most humble or classy guy so why would I expect him to change now. But maybe if he retires it's for the better. It's better than being an old wounded vet telling war stories about back in the day. I dedicate this song to Iverson.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR!!!

AMTRAK SERIES

No it's not a subway series, but Amtrak is just as good. Just a short train trip south or north, depending on who your rooting for, is why this series is made for TV. Those not in the know or not from this mid-atlantic region from New York City down to Philly wouldn't quite understand. I live in NJ right above the cutoff where it turns from New York fans to Philly fans, from Giants or Jets fans to Eagles fans, from New York Knicks fans, to 76ers fans, and of course from Yankees fans to Phillies fans. You see this is bigger than just A-Rod versus A-Howard, or C.C. Sabathia vs. Cliff Lee. This is about the disdain and the dislike that New York and Philly fans have for each other. I've seen it many times in my life. I went to High School in Piscataway, NJ only 45 minutes from New York City. I went to College at Villanova, only 10 minutes outside of West Philadelphia. New York is the largest city in the country. New Yorkers think their city is by far the best in the world. Everything not New York is country and lame. Philadelphians hate this. They hate being the little brother of New York City. They hate that you would dare pass up the City of Brotherly love on I-95 in route to the City that never sleeps. They hate that you would actually pass up a Cheese Steak from Geno's or Pats for a slice of Pizza and Manhattan's bright lights. It's the arrogance of New Yorkers vs. the in-your-faceness of Philadlephia. The glitz and glamour of New York City vs. the blue collar hard work of Philadlephia. Philadelphia feels they're a tougher city, and that New York is always over hyped. New Yorkers feel like Philly just wants to be like them. Well it all comes down to this. It's not just about balls and bats or base runners. These are two cities that hate each other and might not even drink a beer in one of the other's bar, because it wouldn't quite taste the same. I live 54.3 miles from the new Yankee Stadium and 60.46 miles from Citizen's Bank Park in Philly. It's exactly 6.16 miles longer on the trip to Philly. With that said, I'm rolling with the Phillies, just something about the Yankess and their big pay roll doesn't quite sit well with me.

WHY?

I'd like to know what Blake Griffin was thinking at the exact moment of this picture to the left. I wish I could be inside his head to know his exact thoughts. Was he thinking why me? Was he thinking, is this really the team that is going to end my career? Was he thinking, I wonder if there's really a curse? I wonder will I get hurt and not be able to play on opening night? I have to be honest, I am extremely disappointed that Blake won't be playing tonight, but I'm not shocked. I wanted to see what he could do against the best team in the league in the Lakers. But it won't happen. It won't happen because he is on one of the worst teams in sports. A cursed team. I didn't even believe in curses until the very moment I saw how Griffin got hurt. It was a routine dunk, nothing special, landed fine and BAM!! Broken knee cap. It has to be a curse. Year after year it just never works out for the Clippers. I feel for Griffin. I fear for the foolish Los Angeles residents who actually root for the Clippers over the Lakers. I would want to get in their heads as well and ask why? Why do they think things will ever change? The same question that I want to ask Griffin.

So the NBA is back upon us. I have to say I am excited and this is my favorite time of the year. So here are my thoughts on some topics that some of my NBA fans may want to hear about.

TEAMS TO BEAT IN THE EAST

We know the Celtics were a depleted team last year without Kevin Garnett. He is the emotional leader and his return can't be measured. Let's keep a close eye on the situation with Rajon Rando. He's probably one of the top five point guards in the league now, but he didn't accept his contract extension offer from management. Rumors have it that Rondo is tough to coach and not so close with his teammates. Management was shopping him in the summer and that doesn't sit well with Rondo. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce both are good players but Father Time is chasing them. News today of Glen "Big Baby" Davis breaking his thumb in an altercation with an ex- LSU teammate is not good for the Celtics either, especially with Rasheed Wallace in town now. Davis will be out a few weeks and Celtics Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck said he will be suspended. On paper the Celtics look good. But could chemistry be an issue this year? They'll win the garbage Atlantic division, but because of their age, they're still the 3rd best team in the east.

I will try to get through this paragraph without mentioning the King's name. We know he's great, arguably the best player in the league and will be in the MVP talk for the next ten years. So let's talk about the rest of the Cavs. Shaq's arrival should help if the Diesel is in shape. I played with him and when he's motivated he can't be stopped. But Shaq never makes it through an entire season without missing time. Delonte West, who's going through personal issues will be missed. Someone has to step up in his absence. The Cavs will be tough. And they have to be motivated after what happened in the playoffs last year. In my opinion, if they don't win it this year, they'll never win it.

This team was impressive last year. They were one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the league. They bring in Vince Carter to replace Hedo Turkoglu. Vince is a different type of player, but he can score with the best of them as he averaged 20 ppg last year for the Nets. Jameer Nelson is back and if he was healthy last year during the playoffs the Magic maybe wearing some jewelry right now. But it all rests on the broad shoulders of Dwight Howard. We know what he is defensively, the question is did he add some offensive moves to his off the chart athleticism? Did he improve his free throw shooting? If so, pencil them in to the NBA Finals. If not, the Cavs and Celtics will be swooping in for the kill. My opinion? This is the best team in the East.

This is my sleeper team in the east. No, they're not going to challenge for the Eastern Conference Finals, but they will be much improved. If Gilbert Arenas stays healthy this team can knock off a few people. The Wizards have added Randy Foye and Mike Miller to the fray. The Wizard were destroyed by injuries last year and the firing of Eddie Jordan who's now with the Sixers. Brendan Haywood is healthy this year, and when Antoine Jamison returns to the lineup this team can really score. Flip Saunders is an offensive coach, and the Wizard I think can easily finish anywhere from 4th to 6th in the Eastern Conference.

TEAMS TO BEAT IN THE WEST

It's rather juvenile to even talk about the Lakers. They are the defending champions. They have Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and the Laker legacy behind them. Why would they not be in position to repeat as champions? The only question would be the loss of Trevor Ariza who was instrumental in the Lakers success in the playoffs last year. They added Ron Artest, who is more than a viable replacement and brings toughness to a Laker squad that has been questioned about that for two years now. But what if Andrew Bynum finally becomes tough and grows into the man child he suppose to be? If so, pencil in the Lakers for maybe two or three more championships. But it may not happen. He went to St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ. They have been rivals with my high school for 20 years. They produce softies. It may never happen.

One of the best franchises in sports over the last decade. The only time this team seems to struggle is when they're not healthy. They have battle tested veterans, guys who have been there before and probably, after Phil Jackson, the best coach in the league in Greg Popovich. Duncan is the best power forward to ever play the game. Tony Parker is the best not talked about point guard in the league and Manu Ginobili in my opinion, is one of the best European players ever to play in the NBA. They also added Richard Jefferson this year, who's been to the NBA Finals, Antonio McDyess and a beast from the Big East in Dejuan Blair. The Spurs arguably could be the best team in the league.

This has been formulating for awhile now. Brandon Roy is the biggest star in the league that nobody talks about. Maybe it's because he plays in boring Portland. Maybe it because here on the east coast we're not staying up late unless it's to see Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. But the kid is teetering on top five player in the league status. He's not there yet, but let's revisit that by the end of the year. LeMarcus Aldridge averaged 18 pts per game last year. Rudy Fernandez is another guy that can be a factor for them. Let's not forget about the addition of Andre Miller who I think is one of the more steady point guards in the league. But will he start or come off of the bench behind Steve Blake? He may not be happy if it's the latter. But the season really all falls on Greg Oden. Is he really the beast that he was said to be in high school? If he can do that then the Blazers may be challenging in the West.

No doubt the team with the most tatoos in the league. Not sure what to say about this team. They said bye bye to Dahntay Jones who was a very good perimeter defender. Their starting five is making so much money they don't have much cash to improve their team. With Chauncey Billups, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, Nene and Carmelo Anthony, the nuggets can play with anybody in the league. The questions are the bench guys now. The Birdman Chris Anderson can bring the energy, Ty Lawson had 29 pts in a pre-season game and can really be a viable backup to Billups. But where will the points off the bench come from? Used to be Smith, but now someone else has to fill that roll. Who? That remains to be seen.

NO YOU DIDN'T!

So, I didn't have a problem with Mark Sanchez eating a hot dog on the sideline. What I did have a problem with is him trying to hide it and also him putting a little mustard on it! To me that was hilarious. You wanna hurry up and eat it, but you wanna make sure you have the right condiments on it. Can't have your hotdog without the mustard! Good thing the Jets won the game, or the fans would've accused Sanchez of doggin' it out there on the field!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

If you told me you believed that Brett Favre was going to play for the Minnesota Vikings I'd understand. If you told me you didn't believe he'd ever play, I also would understand. If you told me you had no freaking idea what was happening, I'd totally understand. The back and forth, see-saw type responses that Favre has given the fans and the media might be the most comical thing I have seen in the sport in a long time. I actually laugh at the guy while some are appalled. It just shows you how great of a player Brett has been over the years and how desperate these owners and coaches can be to get to a Superbowl in a business where only winning matters. Forget about integrity. Forget about loyalty. Forget about doing what's right. You have to wonder how Tavaris Jackson feels about the organization now? Can you really develop this kid to be a great quarterback? Can he ever really trust them? If Favre is the old Favre the Vikings can now be one of the best teams in the NFC. But if he's not do you go back to Jackson? How would that look? Favre has perfected the in-and-out move almost better than my man Chris Paul, the best point guard in the NBA.

NEVER EVER

I'd try my hand at a lot of sports. But I don't think I'd ever race Usain Bolt. Not even if you paid me a million dollars. There are many ways you can get embarrassed in sports. But I think there are two things that are the worst. One is getting knocked out in boxing and the other is getting smoked in a 100 or 200 meter dash. Nothing looks more pathetic then running your hardest and getting dusted by a far superior athlete. Bolt does this for a living. I am starting to wonder how it can be humanly possible. The man ran a 9.58!!! A new world record. I don't care what type of advantage you gave me. You could give me a bike and I wouldn't race the dude. I don't believe I could pick up enough speed in less than 10 seconds to beat him. No way no how. Never ever ever ever would I race this guy. He is a freak!! But hey on another note, let's stop with the football talk. I was watching PTI and they were debating it. Pleeaassse. The first time he runs across that middle and gets popped by a strong safety he'd realize that it didn't matter how fast you can run. Football is a man's game and the harder and faster you run into a brick wall the worst the result.

SHAQ VS.

Ok people you need something funny to watch? Check out Shaq's new reality show Shaq vs. on ABC. I played with the guy so I know how hilarious he is. He once tied rookie Devean George to a chair put him in an elevator and pushed all the buttons to each floor. One time he even told us about how good a football player he could've been, then lined up in a three point football stance and ran George and I over in the locker room. He made us do it, even though we attempted to decline. So is the life of an NBA rookie. He has always been a clown. And he doesn't disappoint in his new show as he takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers' two time super bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Big Shaq actually looked pretty good out their on the gridiron. Again, the dude is a natural comedian. You can check him out here.

UPTOWN

Much props to David Stern. I now have a higher level of respect for my man D-Stern as he hopped on the 1 train. Ok maybe he drove, but however he did it he traveled uptown to Harlem to speak with a couple of brothers in the barbershop. Now hey, we all know that when you're in the barbershop anything goes. You can't dodge any questions and you have to meet them head on. He tackled everything from the Ron Artest saga, to the Dress Code, to the NBA's age limit. David Stern was more unflinching than Michael Vick as he tackled question after question at Mosaic Cuts Barbershop on the corner of 125th and Amsterdam Avenue in the heart of Harlem. He was invited by columnist William C. Rhodes who sometimes appears on the "Sport Reporters." The NBA is a black league. Harlem is a black area. How many commissioners would show up in the heart of the inner city just to talk some hoop with regular cats from around the way? Whether calculated or not a huge move by David Stern. He couldn't of did more if he wore some Sean John jeans and a oversized baseball fitted cap backwards to the NBA draft. And by the way Stern, I don't ever want to see something like this ever again!

CELEVISION IS BACK!!!

MAYBE YOU BELONG IN THAT BOX!

Ok so I know this is old news, but CELEVISION has been on vacation for awhile so I have to catch up. First and foremost let me say, Stephon was one of my favorite players growing up. I played against him numerous times in AAU in New York City and actually used to play well against him. I got mad love for the dude. He is my era in the NBA. But seriously, I am scared for him now. I knew he was off when he showed up at a Knicks vs. Lakers game in a court side seat as a spectator when he was still under contract with the Knicks! He paid for his own seat!! What a gutsy, hilarious move, but yet still insane. If you haven't seen his 24 hour salute to himself then you just don't get it. His favorite line was to constantly shout "They tried to put me in a box!" Damn Steph! Not you. Such a sad day for Brooklyn. I didn't want to see him like this. The man was eating Vaseline on camera!! He thinks they tried to put him in a box. I say he belongs there, in a straight jacket.

RICK PITINO

People make me laugh when they get so extreme over things. Ok I am sure you heard that Rick Pitino was doing more than drawing up offensive sets in 2003. He was getting his swerve on. In no way am I defending the man. But hey, should the guy lose his job? Hell no! Pitino is a devout Catholic but it's not like he's at a Catholic University! He's a basketball coach, not a marriage counselor. He expertise is X's and O's obviously not marriage. He's still working on that. People kill me when they say "Hey I wouldn't send my kid there now." Well hey Pitino isn't recruiting your scrub kid! The man shouldn't lose his job. This guy didn't, and he lied right in our face! A word to the wise. Don't think you can creep move on and it will just go away. This was way back in 2003 and six years later this man is paying for it! And by the way, what kind of chick is this that Pitino was messing with? This woman, whom I won't even waste time mentioning her name accuses Pitino of rape and then tries to extort him for $10 Million. She married the Louisville Cardinals' strength coach at the school! That means she's been brushing shoulders with Pitino for years! What a joke! Is there any honor among thieves?

SAY WHAT?

Anybody who grew up playing ball in the playgrounds can understand this story. When we were kids whenever we would make a move to basket you had your signature player. You would yell out the guys name in the middle of your move to let everyone on the playground know where the move originated or who your player was. Everybody knows this. Most kids when they were in the air would yell "JORDAN!!!" Some kids after making a nice no look pass would yell "MAGIC!!!" A few kids would try to pull off the sky hook and yell "KAREEM!!" Those were the days. I grew up in the Heights section of Piscataway, NJ a mostly black area. There was one white kid that would come to the court and play with us. I will never forget the day he made a move to the basket and yelled out the unthinkable. He shot the ball in the air and yelled "RAMBIS!!" It was like those movies when everything just stops. We all looked around, like "Say what?" Then we all burst out laughing, most of us almost in tears. Rambis was probably the goofiest looking guy in the league. He wore these thick glasses. Not even goggles but glasses. He really had no game. But Rambis was tough! He was a hustler! It took me years to understand that, to finally come to respect it. Now, as head coach he has a very tough job with the Minnesota Timberwolves. A tough job for a very tough dude! Glad Kevin McHale's not still there. You two definitely wouldn't get along.

PROMOTION

I have always liked Terell Owens. More so because he has always produced. He may have a big mouth, he may be a spoiled brat, he may turn on you quicker than gold digger after your contract is up, but he always gets it done on Sunday. I think what he did in standing up for Michael Vick took a lot of courage. I even give him the credit for getting me to go harder in the gym. The dude is ripped! And even my wife is watching his reality show and talking about she wants to get into football now. I come home and there she is with her eyes glued to the television watching dude's show. So now I have doubled the situps and crunches because I'm not going to let him steal my wife. But I have to admit, his show is pretty good. T O knows his career is winding down and all he is doing is promoting himself. It's not like he's doing a Stephon Marbury, he's letting us into his personal life about things we really care to know about (sorry Steph). Glad that T O is getting that publicity now because come season time he won't be heard from again. Sorry Buffalo but your city maybe one of the worst places on the NFL map. Your city is known for wings and its proximity to Niagra Falls. That says a whole lot of nothing. I hope my wife gets a good look now, because he will vanish soon enough and then I'll be back to reclaim my throne as the sexiest man in the house.

WELCOME BACK?

I am really happy that Mike Vick gets a second chance as an Eagle. Philadelphia, is the perfect city for him. The fans are about results and the city of Philadelphia will not care about his baggage. I am rooting for the man more than I am rooting for any athlete in any sport this year. Has he paid his dues? Yes. Does he deserve another chance? Without a doubt. This is a country known for giving second chances. Some that come to mind are Bill Clinton, Mike Tyson, Allen Iverson, Lawrence Taylor, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Jessie Jackson, Malcolm X, Martha Stewart, the list goes on. Why is Vick any different? He isn't. And when he runs or throws for the first touchdown I am going to be the first one out of my seat jumping around. So many people have slipped up, so many people have been punished and so many people have come back. I say "Good luck" to Michael Vick. Sometimes comebacks are even sweeter.

GOLD DIGGERS

GOLD DIGGERS

I ain't say he's a gold digger, but he ain't messing with no team that can't win a championship and that's what upsets me. We know that it's every NBA players goal to win an NBA championship. But I just can't stand when a guy goes and jumps on a championship caliber team just to get a ring. We call that chasing a ring. So when I see guys like Rasheed Wallace join a great team like the Boston Celtics or a guy like Ron Artest go to the Lakers it really pisses me off. Artest more than Wallace because at least Wallace won a ring on his own with the Detroit Pistons. But I must say this, to go and now join the Celtics, a team that you have done battle with in your conference seems kind of shallow. And hey, I love Ron Ron. I've played ball against him since we were in high school, but come on man! You go to the Lakers? We were enjoying seeing you and Kobe get into scuffles. I enjoyed watching him elbow you in the chin and wondering if you'd body slam him. And now what? Now Artest becomes Kobe's body guard. Where's the character these days? Rumor has it Jason Kidd is going to re-sign with the Mavs. He's gonna go and try to earn it. But not Ron Artest and Rasheed Wallace. They gonna go and do a Robin Givens, which entails jumping on the boat and going for a ride.

POINT FORWARD

The reasons why teams covet Hedo Turkoglu so much is because of his ability at 6-10 to make good decisions with the basketball. He can handle the rock, shoot from deep and pick apart your team with his pinpoint passing. The most impressive move I've ever seen him make in his career though, was agreeing to sign with the Toronto Raptors over the young up-and-coming Portland Trailblazers. A good basketball decision you ask? No. A good overall decision? Yes! You see Mrs. Turkoglu was not happy with the rural sticks and cloudy weather of Portland, a beautiful serene city but very boring and dull. On the other hand Toronto, a much more cosmopolitan city with lots to do and a buzzing Turkish community, would fit the Turkoglus much better. You see he won't win more games north of the border, but he will win at home. Portland with all it's young talent would be a much better opportunity to enjoy playing basketball, but hey when you're married playing basketball is overrated. You better enjoy home first. The key to a good marriage is just doing what your wife says. A great decision yet again, by one of the best clutch players in basketball. He delivers when the pressure is on. Too bad you won't make the playoffs my man. But hey, you can get your lamb or chicken kebabs on all day in Toronto.

A RING FOR THE KING? NOT SO FAST

The NBA is a funny league. A brilliant move by the Cleveland Cavaliers to bring in big Shaq. I think.... The big fella in the middle will command some attention down in the paint. As a matter of fact, it's already happening. As soon as the Cavs made themselves better the rest of the league said, "Hold up don't be trying to leave us." The Celtics get Rasheed to counteract that. The Lakers bring on Artest. Nobody wants to be left naked out there while the Cavs are adding to their wardrobe. So let's not get Lebron's ring fitted just yet. Looks like there's going to be a long line of guys looking for the bling next year.

SELF-DESTRUCTION

You know I feel sorry for the Orlando Magic. They won't be back to the NBA Finals next year. It's a shame too. Good things just can't stay the same anymore. Take a good look at this picture because it won't look the same come next year. The picture to the left was the starting five in this year's playoffs. It was fun while it lasted. Free agency has blown this teams starting lineup to pieces. Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee are both gone to the New Jersey Nets. Hedo Turkoglu as we said before is headed to Toronto. Their back up center Marcin Gortat looks like he's going to end up in Dallas. Things just won't be the same for the Magic. Vince Carter will be making his debut in an Orlando uniform. As great as he is, I'm not sure if he can fill the shoes of Turkoglu. They are going to miss Turkoglu's play making ability. It's sad but they'll be remembering the days when it was all so simple.

SAY IT AIN'T SO

I remember when I was in high school and my friends and I gathered around the TV to watch Iverson play in his first nationally televised game at Georgetown. He was electric. I had the opportunity to attempt to guard him in college and it's a night I'd like to forget. This guy has been an icon in this league. The tatoos, the braids. He was a trend setter. He will go down as the best little guy to ever play the game. He stepped over Tyron Lue in the NBA Finals. He crossed Jordan over twice. He put the city of Philadelphia on his back for years and left everything he had on the court. He also pissed off management in Philly and Detroit. He's been rumored to not have a stellar relationship with the Atlantic City Casinos or the ones in Detroit. He's had a problem with practice. I say this to say that Allen Iverson has been through it all in his career. And I can't believe I'm saying this but there is a possibility he won't have a job next year. What team will take him? What team can he fit into to? What if he has to come off of the bench? Will he accept that role? The answer has already answered that before. No way, no how. The picture above may be the same pose Iverson is in next year. But the difference will be, it may be from his living room.

CELEVISON'S TOP FIVE ACQUISITIONS OF THE LAST 20 YEARS

Shaquille O'Neal Goes to Lakers

Doesn't get much bigger than this. When Shaq arrived in Hollywood in 1996 things would never be the same. The Diesel would go on to win 3 championship rings with the Lakers while going down as arguably the best center in franchise history. If you are an Orlando Magic fan, you have to throw up in your mouth every time you see Shaq make a bucket and wonder, what if?

Charles Barkley to Phoenix Suns

For all the young readers you can't tell how great Sir Charles is now by looking at the circumference of his waist but he may be after Tim Duncan the best power forward to ever play the game. Some may say Karl Malone, but what this dude could do at his size was phenomenal. He was undersized and yet one of the best rebounders ever. Took Phoenix to the finals in 1993. But they couldn't stop the greatest player that ever lived. Nothing to be ashamed about.

Jason Kidd to New Jersey Nets

To me these were the best years of Jason Kidd's career. He played with great talent in Kerry Kittles, Kenyon Martin, and Richard Jefferson. But it was Kidd who led them to those back to back Finals in 2002 and 2003. He was at his finest moment and brought some respect to a franchise that was sinking in the Jersey swamps. Very difficult for the Nets to get respect with the Knicks playing in the world's most famous arena right across the Hudson. Kidd was the guy that did it. The Nets haven't been the same since he left.

Kevin Garnett to the Celtics

It was almost as if Kevin McHale felt sorry for him. He knew that there was nothing more the kid could give in Minnesota. He sends him to Boston and immediately KG delivers a championship. I don't remember ever be more happier for a player. Garnett could possibly deliver a few more before it's all said and done. We'll see. But can you just imagine if he and Marbury could've co-existed in Minnesota. How good could they have been?

Kobe Bryant to Lakers for Vlade Divac

I'm not going to even talk about this one. It would be insulting to all of us who call ourselves basketball minds.

HONORING MICHAEL JACKSON

On the eve of one of the greatest tragedys in music history, the death of Michael Jackson, we still had to cover the NBA draft. I must admit, it was hard for me to watch the draft during this tough time, but we must go on. In honor of Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of all time, every subtitle will be one of his legendary songs or great lyrics.

#1 BLAKE GRIFFIN

"Remember the Time"

Obviously no drama here. He's the best player in a weak draft. He'd still be the best player in a strong draft. Front runner for Rookie of the Year. But he will also be the most irrelevant star in the league. He better "Remember the Time" when he used to win, because those days are over! I feel bad saying this, but I can't wait to see his face about 50 games into the season. He'll have the same look that tourist have when they come to New Orleans and take a trip on a bus to the Lower 9th Ward. They have this look of bewilderment or surprise like "Man, I didn't know it was this bad here." And then all the locals are looking at them like, "What did you think, we were just making this thing up?" This is pure hell and nothing's being fixed.

#2 HASHEEM THABEET

"Beat It"

I kept wondering how expensive it must have been to get a suit made for a 7-3 guy. A solid pick here. You have to select him. But what does it say about a draft where your #2 pick doesn't have much offensive game? Will he be a better player than say a Greg Oden? That is yet to be seen. As good as Oden is defensively, I think Thabeet may be even better. Every time a defender brings the ball inside Hasheem can "Beat It" up. I was really surprised by how great the guy is on camera. If he becomes a star he will make a lot of money in endorsements because he seems to have the personality. Being the first guy drafted from Tanzania must be awesome. I am rooting for the guy. But I have never quite recovered from the game when Dejuan Blair just slapped him in the face and took his lunch money on ESPN. It was the ultimate punking.

#3 JAMES HARDEN "Butterflies"

I don't know what it is about this guy that doesn't strike me as a #3 pick. I am feeling a little nervous about it. He does have an NBA body but it's not a scary physique. He has a body kind of like Paul Pierce. No muscle, just solid. Doesn't seem like an athletic freak or anything, but can score inside and out. I was suprised that they passed on Rubio, but maybe they were concerned that Ricky didn't like it there. If that's going to be there problem they'll be passing on guys every year cause not too many kids are taking spring break in Oklahoma City.

#4 TYREKE EVANS

"Smooth Criminal"

Remember the day I said this. Mark it down in your calendar. Tyreke Evans stole some good money in the draft by sneaking into this 4th position to the Kings. The kid's game is smooth. Evans will be a good player, but probably not a great point guard. Not sure about his character. He's a selfish player playing the point guard position. He lives by the creed of "Don't waste your tiiimmmmeee.... Because the doggonne ball is miiiinnnneee" He over dribbles the basketball and is a suspect defender. Tremendous upside? Yes. But some never make it up to the side. His jumper? Well, let's just no talk about it. And furthermore were talking about Evans too much. He's going to Sacramento. That is what we call the black hole of the league. He will disappear. A black hole being swallowed by a black hole. Fitting isn't it?

#5 RICKY RUBIO

"Iiiiii am the one.."

When asked who in the NBA is his game like, I thought for a quick second and came to the conclusion there was nobody. I was waiting for his answer and then he said the best line of the draft. "I'm Ricky Rubio, I'm not like anybody else." That told me a lot about the guy. He's one of the best passer's I have ever seen out of Europe. He's only 18 years old. Can he adjust to the physical style of play in the NBA? I think so. He will get stronger, but you can't teach the court vision. And how can a guy that has played pro since 14 years old be afraid? I don't think it's possible. The T'wolves got a good one.

#6 JOHNNY FLYNN

"Say, Say, Say"

Say, say, say whatcha want, but Flynn will be a very good point guard in the NBA. Say, say, say, watcha want, be he won't be in Minnesota. Why Jay Bilas, Mark Jackson and Stuart Scott failed to mention that last night is beyond me. There is no way that they will keep Rubio and Flynn in the same back court but the T'Wolves knew how good the kid is and I am sure they can package him with someone else to bring in another good player. They later drafted Wayne Ellington from UNC to bring in some shooting. Wherever Flynn ends up he will be a exciting point guard. Looks as if Sebastian Telfair will forever be a back up point guard in the NBA.

#7 STEPHEN CURRY

"Don't Go Around Breaking Young Girls' Hearts"

For Knicks fans he was almost there. They were one pick away from having one of the best player's in the draft. All the fans wanted Curry. And then...... The Golden State Warriors swooped in like a Hawk to grab the phenom. I have to admit, I wanted Curry to go to the Knicks too. I saw him play at Madison Square Garden this year. He struggled the whole game, but then mesmerized the fans at MSG in the games last five minutes making clutch basket after clutch basket, putting West Virginia away for good. Curry is very exciting to watch, too bad I'll have to stay up all night to see him get his booty handed to him playing for The Warriors. Maybe they should change their "Warrior" name because they rarely ever put up a fight. Was that a mustache and a beard I saw Curry growing last night? The kid is learning already.

#8 JORDAN HILL

"Just Reee-mem-ber to always Think Twice"

Poor Knicks fans. This is the least sexy pick of the night. First and foremost I have to say this. There has never been a superstar basketball player that wore dreadlocks. Maybe braids, but not dreadlocks. In football, they're ok, but not in basketball. They make you look out of control, no matter how poised your game is. Coach will be saying "your moving too fast, slow down." But it's not you, it's the dreads shaking out of control that gives off the mirage. He is a strong, athletic big man, but to me nothing special. He has some work to do on his offensive game and he played in the PAC-10, which I am not a fan off. Too soft of a conference in my opinion. "My strong advice.....just remember to always think twice" about taking a guy with dreads. And the Knicks will be thinking twice about this pick for a long time. Damn, Curry was right there!!!

#9 DEMAR DEROZAN

"Keep it in the Closet"

I just feel like this kid could've benefited from one more year in school. He is a freakish athlete who was the MVP of the PAC -10 tourney. Now his school is falling apart with all the allegations so that may be one thing that caused him to bolt. And he probably wants to make a little more money by going to the NBA (Get it?). All in all, I think he should've stayed and kept his game in the closet for one more year. Then he could've burst on to the scene. But hey, they say if you can go in the lottery then you should come out. So to Celevision Derozan says "Shut the hell up." And you know what? He's correct. Who the hell am I?

#10 BRANDON JENNINGS

"I want to Loooove You.....PYT"

This guy's game is exciting. He has the flair, he has the confidence. He rocked the high top fade, he took the trip overseas to the unknown. The Bucks are getting a player who is going to be a star, but I'm not sure when. He is still a tremendous talent and someone who can bring some flair to a town known for boredom. Jennings is exciting but he won't be excited by the lack of nightlife in Milwaukee. Then again, he's too young to go anywhere right now, and I mean that about his game too. I want to love this guys game, but he needs some TLC, tender loving care. I hope the Bucks can take him there.

#11 TERRENCE WILLIAMS

"Don't Think Twice!"

This guy is a beast. I love his game. The NJ Nets don't have to second guess themselves on this one. He is a solid player all around. Doesn't do one thing great, but does everything well. He can guard anybody and I think this guy is one of the toughest guys in the draft. He can rebound, score defend and run in transition with the best of them. He's the type of guy you can put on a Kobe Bryant or a Lebron James and he will be able to hold his own. A very solid pick and he deserves to be in the lottery. He's a little off too. One time I heard him as he was attempting to rap a Lil Wayne tune to himself in warm ups. He was so loud everyone in press row was listening too him. He was cursing and just yelling the lyrics oblivious to anyone else around him. He was in his own world. He seemed a little off to me at the time, but you know what, sanity is not what keeps you in the league. It's heart, effort, skill and opportunity.

#12 GERALD HENDERSON

"The Kid is not My Son"

Well technically Gerald Henderson Jr. still is the son of Gerald Henderson Sr. but now he will have to be a man in a man's league. When Gerald Henderson Sr. was asked about his son getting drafted he said, "I wish I can get out there and help him. You have to let him go, play and learn." Gerald Henderson Jr. is a talent. Very gifted athletically, good mid range shooter who can rise up over opponents. He is a little small for a shooting guard at 6-5 but very explosive. They say Duke players never make good pros but I think Henderson will change that realm of thinking. He has all the tools, but of course we have to wait, and the worst thing is, dad can't help him.

#13 TYLER HANSBROUGH

"Leave Me Alone"

Just stop dogging him around. What more can the man do? He is the all-time leading scorer in ACC history. He won a National Championship in college. He goes to work and plays as hard as he can every night. Let me tell you this, I am not a huge Hansbrough fan, but I would take him on my team any day of the week including weekends when everybody else is not working, because he will be. He won't be a superstar in this league, but he will play 10+ years I bet you. If you don't like him fine, but I bet you won't lock yourself in a phone booth with him and go head to head. I know who I'd put my money on to come out alive. And guess what, whoever is reading this and hating on him? My money wouldn't be on you.

#14 EARL CLARK

"Man in the Mirror"

One of the toughest kids I ever coached in AAU basketball was Brandon Smith from New Brunswick High School. He now plays safety for the Michigan Wolverines. He had dreads and he always looked intimidating. He was a football player first, basketball second, but he played basketball like he was on the football field. I remember his high school team was set to play Rahway High School which featured Earl Clark one of the best player's in the nation. It was a State Playoff game so the stakes were big. I was trying to hype him up by telling him he couldn't guard Clark. He said "Coach, I'm gonna shut him down. He's soft." Branden held him to 8 points that night and bounced the heavily favorite Rahway Indians and Earl Clark right out of the New Jersey Group II playoffs. Obviously the Nets weren't at that game. It was the first time I began to question Clark. He is probably hands down the most talented player in the draft. He is Lamar Odom like. The downside is he doesn't bring it every night. He could be a superstar, or he could be like my old teammate at Villanova Tim Thomas a guy your yelling at through the TV every night to pick it up as you wait on the "potential". It's all about the Man in the Mirror for Earl Clark. He better take a look at himself and make a change.

GUYS WHO SHOULD'VE BEEN DRAFTED EARLIER

DEJUAN BLAIR

This is the reason why I never went back to get my Master's Degree. They say it looks good on a resume, but is it really about the resume? Well if it was than Dejuan Blair wouldn't have went in the second round with the 37th pick. You're talking about the Big East Player of the Year. You talking about the Big East Rookie of the Year in the 2007/2008 season. A bully in the paint. The best offensive rebounder in the draft. But this was offensive to Blair. The Spurs found a ruby in a dirt pile.

TY LAWSON

Another guy who furthers my notion that a resume means nothing. Won a national championship. Is a jet with the ball. I am still trying to figure out why the Sixers passed on this guy? They went with Jrue Holiday over this guy? Not sure about that one. Even if Eddie Jordan brings the new Princeton style offense, I'm not sure how this guy can't help you with his lightening end to end speed. Goes to showing you sometimes that winning isn't everything. Denver is so happy right now, to get a guy this talented, this late in the draft. Don't worry Lawson, all you do is just keep on winning.

SAM YOUNG

I say this and I say with all the confidence in the world. The first time Sam Young throws that pump fake on someone and the defender goes flying in the air, and he drives baseline and almost brings the rim down, some opposing GM is going to say "Damn, we messed up." And "messed" is not the word I wanted to use!! Sam Young is going to play for the Grizzlies. Like my boy Delvon McMillan always says on his Facebook status just "Watch.''

This blog is dedicated to Michael Jackson. The King of Pop. We all grew up on MJ and music will never be the same without him. He was the greatest that ever did it. He has so many great classics I can't even name my favorite. We will always love you and miss you forever. RIP.