By Paul M. Banks Welcome to the Chicago Invitational Challenge Live blog day one. It's both an invitational and a challenge. Not just an invitational, nor merely a challenge, or tournament. But a challenge and an invitational. The fun started at noon today with the mid-majors going at it, but the action ramps up with Iowa St. vs. Saint Louis. Where it's currently 30-27 … [Read more...] about Northwestern-Notre Dame Private School Battle for Chicago’s Heart
Archives for November 2009
Illini Don’t Embarrass Selves, Program or School Against Cincinnati
By Paul Schmidt No one expected the Illini to win, let's be perfectly honest. But, as 18.5-point underdogs, most expected the Illini to get run right out of Nippert Stadium by the number-5 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. And while the final score, 49-36, certainly indicates problems, there a couple of things that come out of the game that really reflected well on the … [Read more...] about Illini Don’t Embarrass Selves, Program or School Against Cincinnati
Tiger Woods Injured in Car Accident?
By: Melissa S. Wollering Preliminary reports, cited from Florida State Highway Patrol documents, say Tiger Woods was injured in a car accident early Friday morning. According to the report, he was driving and hit a fire hydrant or tree near his Florida home. Alcohol doesn't appear to be involved whatsoever. However, the report does indicate he suffered injuries as a … [Read more...] about Tiger Woods Injured in Car Accident?
2010 NBA Rookie of the Year Race
By: David Kay 1. Brandon Jennings, Bucks (Last Week Ranking: #1) ’09-’10: 23.4 ppg, 5.8 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.2 spg My ’09-’10 Prediction: 12 ppg, 7 apg, 2 spg He is single-handedly reviving the Bucks franchise as they are out to an 8-5 start. Jennings scoring has dipped since Michael Redd returned from injury, but more so because Jennings has shot 10-36 in those two … [Read more...] about 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year Race
2010 NBA Draft Stock Report
By: David Kay Every week The Sports Bank's David Kay breaks down which players in college hoops are helping or hurting their NBA Draft stock. You can check out my complete 2010 Mock Draft and if you are as nerdy as I am, a 2011 Mock Draft as well. BUY: John Wall, PG, Kentucky, Fr. It is hard for someone’s stock to go up when he is the unanimous choice for the top … [Read more...] about 2010 NBA Draft Stock Report
Joakim Noah is the NBA’s Leading Rebounder
By Paul M. Banks Just before the season tipped off, I wrote a column asking if Joakim Noah would make “the leap” this season. I saw something in him during the preseason that made me believe it would happen. Now bear in mind that making the leap forward for someone like Noah isn’t about scoring. It’s defined by becoming a dominant defender and rebounder- Or basically … [Read more...] about Joakim Noah is the NBA’s Leading Rebounder
Luol Deng Coming Correct this Season
By Paul M. Banks Heading into this season, Luol Deng had been regressing. Not just stagnating, regressing. Especially for a guy who signed a six year deal worth $71 million, $80 including incentives. After statistically peaking across the board in 2006-07, Deng suffered a step backward in ’08, and then another even worse year in 08-09 that was cut drastically short by … [Read more...] about Luol Deng Coming Correct this Season
Illinois Basketball’s Key: Improved Depth
By Paul Schmidt A very different Illini team is taking the court this season in the Assembly Hall in Champaign, and this fact gives the Illini options a-plenty. Though defensively the team has seemed to take a step back, offensively they have as diverse and dynamic of an offense as the team has displayed in 20 years -- Yes, since the Flyin' Illini. One of the more … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball’s Key: Improved Depth
Favre, Peyton bring Midwest Sports into National Focus Part 2
By Paul M. Banks Brett Favre's incessant media circus and Peyton Manning's undefeated Colts have put national spotlight on the Midwest, I discuss this and the future of sports media with Midwest Sports Fans.com's Jerod Morris. (PMB) What do you think about this whole movement towards niche specialization?...MLB Network, NBA TV, ESPN Chicago, ESPN Dallas, ESPN Boston (even … [Read more...] about Favre, Peyton bring Midwest Sports into National Focus Part 2
Favre, Peyton bring Midwest Sports into National Focus Part 1
By Paul M. Banks Brett Favre's incessant media circus and Peyton Manning's undefeated Colts have put national spotlight on the Midwest, I discuss this and the future of sports media with Midwest Sports Fans.com's Jerod Morris. (PMB) Last weekend, I was at a party and referred to ESPN as Eastern Seaboard Programming Network, as I always do. Someone said to me non-jokingly, … [Read more...] about Favre, Peyton bring Midwest Sports into National Focus Part 1