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Paul Banks

Marquette Trio Ready for NBA

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By: David Kay and Paul M. Banks As a die-hard Marquette fan, it is hard to put into words the impact guards Jerel McNeal, Wesley Matthews, and Dominic James have had on the program the past four years.  From day one, then head coach Tom Crean knew he had a special recruiting class, inserting all three into the starting line-up the very first time they suited up in a Golden … [Read more...] about Marquette Trio Ready for NBA

Henrik Zetterberg: Crusher of Blackhawk Hopes and Dreams

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By Paul M. Banks Although the end was not pretty, it was quite a memorable season for the Chicago Blackhawks, who long surpassed expectations: reaching the Western Conference quarterfinals for the first time since 1995. As I predicted exactly on the Big Hair Hockey Show podcast, they lost to their bitter rivals the Detroit Red Wings in 5 games. One of the biggest reasons why … [Read more...] about Henrik Zetterberg: Crusher of Blackhawk Hopes and Dreams

Former College Football Team Captain was Openly Gay

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By Paul M. Banks Yesterday, the California supreme court voted 6-1 to uphold the ban on gay marriage voted in by Proposition 8 last November. The decision sparked massive protest demonstration all across the country. Within this political atmosphere I learned the story of Brian Sims, a former Defensive tackle and captain of the Bloomsburg University football team who came … [Read more...] about Former College Football Team Captain was Openly Gay

KANE! Patrick Not looking SHARP this series

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By Paul M. Banks In Kane and Sharp, the Chicago Blackhawks possess two young star forwards named Patrick. "Sharpie" the lesser known of the two, is having a much better Western Conference Finals than "Kaner." Down 3-1 to the Detroit Red Wings, the Hawks will need both of them, (and a more reinforcements) to be on their A game if Chicago is going to stand any chance of … [Read more...] about KANE! Patrick Not looking SHARP this series

Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success

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By Paul M. Banks Heading into 2008-09, the season of Chicago Blackhawks renaissance, it was thought in certain circles that Hawks General Manager Dale Tallon could be on the way out. Tallon was more Bill Wirtz’s guy than he was Rocky Wirtz’s guy. After NHL coaching legend Scotty Bowman joined the Hawks organization (pronounced “organ-I-zation” in Canadian English) as … [Read more...] about Dale Tallon: Architect of Blackhawks Success

T-Minus Two: The ‘State of the Summit’ Address Preview

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By: Melissa S. Wollering It began as a year-end reflection and future call-to-action.  As the Sports Bank.net progressed beyond infancy, developing into one of the Midwest’s premier sports webzines, founder Paul M. Banks began to take time at the end of each calendar year to formally address his staff.  For the first time, Paul will get the chance to physically stand … [Read more...] about T-Minus Two: The ‘State of the Summit’ Address Preview

Trendy to be a Blackhawks Fan

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By Paul M. Banks During the Bill Wirtz era, it was not uncommon for the Chicago Blackhawks to draw less than 5,000 fans for a game. Earlier this decade, they finished dead last in the NHL in attendance. This season however, the Blackhawks set a National Hockey League club record by attracting an average of 21,783 to their 40 home dates at United Center (also, 40,818 filled … [Read more...] about Trendy to be a Blackhawks Fan

Taking the 5th, White Sox Starting Pitching Options

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Paul M. Banks  Now that Jose Contreras (0-5, 8.19 ERA) is gone, hopefully, his replacement will keep the White Sox rotation from spinning off its axis every fifth day. Contreras was contrarian to the Sox winning ballgames, so he’ll go and attempt to work out his issues at AAA Charlotte. On Wednesday Clayton Richard, the former University of Michigan quarterback, will … [Read more...] about Taking the 5th, White Sox Starting Pitching Options

Jerry Colangelo Interview

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By Paul M. Banks Jerry Colangelo is a sports mogul. He’s the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League and the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was instrumental in the relocation of the Winnipeg Jets to become the Phoenix Coyotes, who are now in bankruptcy. (and rumored to be soon owned by Chicago Bulls/White Sox … [Read more...] about Jerry Colangelo Interview