Nothing like bringing up the all-time worst enemies of Illini Nation on a Monday morning when you're back at work, and the madness is over...for now. Don't worry, it ramps right up again in only three days. It's time for the #3 seed Illinois to face #2 seed Houston, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, on Thursday night. The game will tip around 8 or 9 pm local, and it's taking … [Read more...] about Kelvin Sampson and Six More All-Time Enemies of Illini Nation
Eric Gordon
The New Orleans Pelicans Are An Emerging Power In The West
Ever heard of a team named New Orleans Pelicans? Yes, they are the team that was formerly named Hornets, the team that was formerly NBA-owned. Almost one year after Tom Benson bought the team and made promises for better years to come; the team has already found its way to build a strong ensemble. … [Read more...] about The New Orleans Pelicans Are An Emerging Power In The West
’12 Olympic team would beat ’92 ‘Dream Team’
Kobe Bryant sparked a huge debate a few weeks ago when he said that the 2012 Men's Olympic Basketball team could beat the 1992 "Dream Team". Michael Jordan laughed, "Dream Team" said the 'Dream Team' would win by 25, and Charles Barkley called people "knuckleheads". … [Read more...] about ’12 Olympic team would beat ’92 ‘Dream Team’
Hornets re-sign SG Eric Gordon to 4-year, $58 million deal
Damn... Max money for Eric Gordon is some serious coin. The Suns agreed to an offer sheet with Gordon and he apparently wanted to sign with the Suns but the Hornets quickly matched the offer. New Orleans is obviously in re-building mode but having drafted Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers, Gordon does at least give them a "veteran" presence and proven scorer who can help be the … [Read more...] about Hornets re-sign SG Eric Gordon to 4-year, $58 million deal
My “beef” with NBA contracts: Part I – Bad Contracts
I love to get paid just as much as the next guy. But when it comes to figuring out a budget and where to spend your money, I think some GM's are lost. The absurdity of big-dollar contracts in the NBA has made me think a lot since last offseason. With another off-season just around the corner, I would like to dive into last year's contracts that were handed out, what players did … [Read more...] about My “beef” with NBA contracts: Part I – Bad Contracts
Bradley Beal: The Next Ray Allen?
NBA prospect Bradley Beal is earning some high praise, and he hasn't even done anything to deserve it, yet. Beal is considered, by most NBA scouts and draft analysts, to be a top five pick in this year's NBA draft. The highly rated shooting guard from the University of Florida has drawn comparisons to current NBA players, most notably: Eric Gordon and Ray Allen. … [Read more...] about Bradley Beal: The Next Ray Allen?
Chris Paul Traded to L.A. Clippers for Gordon, Kaman, Aminu and Draft Pick
The NBA has reached an agreement, in principle, to end the Chris Paul drama. Just ten days and change to the start of the season and CP3 didn't even know what team he was going to be on. Yes, the Los Angeles Clippers will get to keep Blake Griffin, and still have one of the best point guards in the league. According to the sources of Yahoo! Sports: The league-owned New … [Read more...] about Chris Paul Traded to L.A. Clippers for Gordon, Kaman, Aminu and Draft Pick
How Clippers Could Get Chris Paul AND Dwight Howard
The following is a result of me being bored at 2:30 a.m. and playing around on ESPN's Trade Machine. Bill Simmons may be the Picasso of the Trade Machine, but I am the Michaelangelo. Before you light me up in the comment box below, let me just clarify: I am not saying this trade idea will happen, should happen, or ever could happen, but it at least got me thinking, … [Read more...] about How Clippers Could Get Chris Paul AND Dwight Howard
Blame for Disappointing Illini Season Goes Well Beyond Senior Class
In the bracket of non-existent, 2009-2011 Illini basketball leadership has got to be a #1 seed. And I’m not singling out Coach Bruce Weber, or point guard/star player Demetri McCamey. I’m talking about the total team's overall tendency to just NOT get things done together as a team. If Notre Dame is Gestalt, and a cohesive unit playing well beyond the sum of their parts, … [Read more...] about Blame for Disappointing Illini Season Goes Well Beyond Senior Class
Team USA Basketball Mini-Camp Preview
By Paul M. Banks Twenty-three of the top young NBA talents will congregate Wednesday in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the July 23-25 USA Basketball Men's National Team mini-camp. The mini-camp consists of practice sessions on July 23 and 24th at Valley High School, with the mini-camp’s highlight, the “USA Basketball Showcase,” a Blue-White intra-squad game taking place on … [Read more...] about Team USA Basketball Mini-Camp Preview