Well I've been away for a bit dealing with matters of far greater importance than sports, but vow to rededicating myself to the art of sports writing (which I believe is speaking in hyperbole and using "athletic" a lot. Here's a few comments:
Final 4
This year's tournament has certainly been one of the least expected one's in recent years. The big favorites (UConn, Nova, Texas, Duke) did not even make it to the Final 4. George Mason, an 11 seed, facing off against a Billy Donovan coached team. What? A return to glory Bruins pushed on by Bill Walton versus homegrown bayou boys of LSU. Did I read that right?
One thing that has been nice has been the return of the dominant big men. Leaving early for the big show has depleted the big man ranks in college basketball more so than any other position. However all of this year's Final 4 teams boast solid front courts whether its "Big Baby" Glen Davis, Jai Lewis (who is also the number 3 ranked competitive eater in the US), Joakim Noah (who nobody can actually correctly pronounce the first name), or Ryan Hollins (yes seven footers really do exist in the NBA).
I've learned my lesson in trying to predict games (albeit I seem to be tied for first place in the Second Annual Back Seat Drivers tournament challenge). However I will predict that the UCLA-LSU game will be the ugliest game, that Wisconsin was not involved, ever.
NFL
A lot of wheeling and dealing this off-season. Washington somehow went from being statistically guarenteed to forfeit all 16 games due being over the cap, to signing tons of players. Minnesota traded away Daunte "Captain of the Boat" Culpepper to Miami. I think Culpepper had worn out his welcome in Vikings land and the extra cap room allowed them to sign away Pro Bowl guard Hutchinson. The question of course is who is the next QB (Brad Johnson is not the long term answer). Miami upgraded over Gus Ferotte and Sage Rosenfels but that like saying an afternoon with Tom Arnold is better than an afternoon with Rosie O'Donnell. I'm not sure Culpepper is a star without Randy Moss bailing him out. New England lost a lot of talent, as always. We'll see if strict adherence to "THE PLAN" allows them to continue their success. Finally off in Browns town, I think Phil Savage quietly had one of the best free agent seasons. Cleveland addressed in shortcomings in offensive red zone (Bentley), rushing D (Washington), and pass rush (Mcginist). Onto phase two of the off-season (The Draft)
Well thats enough of the thought dumping excercise for one day. More to come...
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