USC was put on probation today.  They must forfeit all games in 2004 and 2005, including the National title win over Oklahoma.  Does that mean that Okalhoma wins another title?  Very interesting.

They are banned from the post season for the next 2 years and a total of 30 scholarships over the next 3 years.  This is a huge blow to the Trojan program.    But, don't worry PAC 10 fans,  the Big 12 is here to the rescue.

 Colorado officially accepted the PAC 10s offer to join.  That means it's only a time before the Oklahoma and Texas schools follow. 

Last year, USC finished 22nd and Oregon 11th.  USC is a sinking ship and so is Oregon.  The rest of the Pac 10 doesn't look so well either. Arizona is on the rise, but that's it.   Now here comes the Big 12.  Colorado already has joined.  That won't help the conference to much in the immediate future, but Texas and Oklahoma contend for the title on a yearly basis.  Texas A&M and Tech get national recognition. And, Oklahoma State is a team on the rise.  This is a good thing for the Pac 10.  Saving them just before things get real bad. 

Continue reading "OU another title? USC fiasco. PAC 10 and Big 12 soon to merge."

The Big 10 officially added Nebraska, making their conference 12 teams strong.  They can now have a titile game. Altough they say they are not in a hurry but will continue to expand the conference.  The Mountain West raised their number to 10 when Boise State announced joining yesterday.  They could have a championship game if they wanted to.  But, it's a lot easier with 12 or more schools.  So,  I don't think the Mountain West is done adding teams. 

There are currently 11 conferences and the Big 12 looks to be going away.  The Big 12 currently has 10 and now the WAC is down to 8 teams.  The Big East is the next smallest with 8 and the Sun Belt, the weakest  conference has 9.  If 3 of these leagues were to dissolve, creating 8 superconferences then, a playoff would fit very nicely.  It would actually be a 16 team tournament, since everyone would have a conference championship game. 

Continue reading "Big 10, Mountain West, playoffs?"

The dust has started to settle and it looks like the Big 10 in now the Big 12 and vice versa.   The Big 10 will finally get to have it's championship game with Nebraska now on board.  Weather they pick up any more teams is speculation and rumor right now.  But, the excitement of a championship game and the revenue it will bring will be spectacular.  There is one catch with a championship game, it elminates champions. 

 What I mean by that is simply this:  There have been times in the Big 12 and the SEC where a team destined to play for the National title failed to do so because it lost this championship game.  It also makes for bad BCS matchups.  For example, let's say Penn State wins it's division with a 9 and 3 record.  And plays the winner of the other side that has maybe Ohio State and 11-0 and Wisconsin at 10-1. If Ohio State wins in this scenario, they go to the title game and Wisconsin who is probably a top 5 goes to a very good BCS game.  But, if Penn State pulls of the upset, Wisconsin is going to a much lower bowl and a much less appealing matchup of a 10 and 3 going against maybe an undefeated Boise State.

Continue reading "Big 12 or Big 10?"

The Milwaukee Bucks traded Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzurik to the Golden State Warrios for Corey Magette.

 This is a good move for both teams and potentially a great move for Milwuakee.

Golden State is changing ownership and wants to get a younger nucleus to build around.  The Trade of Magette rids the team of $31 million for the next  3 years. 

As far as the Bucks go, this was a good move for a couple of reasons. One, if John Salmons leaves, then they have his replacement.  But, if they can resign Salmons, there is a lot more firepower for this team.  The Bucks made the playoffs and had a good showing without their top inside threat in Andrew Bogut. 

Small news, but could be a big deal.

Continue reading "Bucks trade Gadzuric, Bell for Maggette"

There are three ways an NBA team can improve:  1) Draft  2) Trades  3)  Free Agency.

 I've taken a look at how well teams have drafted since 2003.  I used the number of rebounds, points, assist, steals, and blocks to help me rank the teams on their ability to draft.  If a player was acquired via a trade, he counts towards the team that received him in the trade.  Also, the statistics that count are only the ones that the player acquired while with the team that drafted him.  So, if a player was traded and then became a good player, that team lost out.  Let's see the results.

The first list is the most simple.  It is how teams rank by just counting all the points, rebounds, steals, blocks and assists:

1)  Chicago

Continue reading "NBA draft, Who Drafts the Best?"

Two of the biggest needs for the Thunder are inside presence and outside shooting.  They got the shooter by trading the 32nd pick to Miami for sharp shooter D. Cook and the 18th overall pick.  Wow!  The move helps Miami trim the cap space they are fighting while acquiring a very high second round pick to go along with the other 3 second rounders they already have.  Second round picks are not guaranteed like first round ones are. So, Miami doesn't have to keep the guys they draft. 

As for the Thunder, Cook will help spread the floor and give them more punch off the bench.  He is only $2.2 against the cap. So, he is a very inexpensive shooter that helps fill a need.  But more impressive in this deal is the 18th pick to go along with the 21st and 26th.  With 3 picks, the Thunder could trade up and try and take a good big man.  But, I don't know who will trade down.   Rumors have it that Indiana wants a point guard, but not at the ten.  Epke Udoh from Baylor may be available at the ten. 

Continue reading "The Thunder keep getting better."