Today is 10-11-12.
Today, I witnessed one of the most surreal moments in the history of sports.
Down 2 runs to 1 to the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS, Joe Girardi (manager of the New York Yankees) yanked out struggling Alex Rodriguez and replaced him with old-timer Raul Ibáñez in the 9th inning… with the Orioles 2 outs away from clinching the game and taking the lead in their series.
Lo and behold, Ibáñez pulled, not one, but two homers under his sleeve of tricks… the first homer tied the game, the second one in the 12th inning was a walk off homerun that clinched the win.
It was one of the biggest “WTF!?” moments in sports… talk about great timing and perhaps, providence. Joe Girardi came through with a prophetic substitution that was just oh-so-wonderful.
Today is 10-11-12. It doesn’t feel so coincidental that Raul Ibáñez’s game-winning homerun came in the 12th inning as well.
Category Archive: Sports
Oct 11 2012
10… 11… 12… Innings.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2012/10/11/10-11-12-innings/
Feb 11 2012
NFL 2011-2012 Story of the Year: Tim Tebow
The 2011-2012 season of the National Football League (NFL) is over…
…and the story of the year is not about the Super Bowl or how the NY Giants beat the NE Patriots… AGAIN! No. It’s not about Tom Brady getting punk’d by the lesser of the two Manning brothers, Eli Manning (no offense to Eli, but Peyton is just that good). Yes, it’s not about that. Not even Gronk (Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots Tight End) getting caught on cam dancing his night away after the Pats lost in the Super Bowl (which to me is an all-time low, but who am I to judge a guy mourning a Super Bowl loss? Huh?)
Of course, the story of the NFL is no other than… Tim Tebow.
The Tim Tebow Story
If you have been living under a rock during the past year (or past several years) and has no idea who Tim Tebow is, then here’s a brief (very) backgrounder on the man, the missionary and the American football sensation.
Tim Tebow was born in the Philippines (YES!) to missionary parents. Because of certain complications during her mom’s pregnancy, doctors advised that Tim’s mom opt for an abortion to save her life as they did not expect the baby to survive. Her mother refused.
Tim was home-schooled by his mom but was still able to play high school football, playing quarterback. Since he was a pretty good football player, with the right mix of size, speed and IQ, and despite of having a weird throwing motion, he was highly recruited by college teams.
Tim Tebow ended up playing for the University of Florida and there he swept the nation by winning two (2) national championships and winning a Heisman Trophy. After a devastating loss in college, he gave a speech that immortalized his leadership qualities and made him a legend; it marked the start of the “Tebowing” Era and the Gators went on to win all of their football games, all the way to a national championship.
Tim Tebow was drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 25th pick in the first round. As a rookie he barely played, which resulted to Tebow fans making appeals to Broncos head coach John Fox and legendary quarterback John Elway to “unleash” him.
Alas, when Denver faltered in the early goings of the 2011-2012 season of the NFL, winning only one game in their first 5, the Broncos decided it was time to “unleash” Tebow. Then the rest was history.
Tim Tebow would lead the Broncos to amazing come from behind victories in the 4th quarter, one after another. This amazing phenomenon (or miracle, if you will) led to a cult phenomenon (no pun inteneded) and the phrase “all he does is win”, referring to Tebow’s amazing “gifts” of willing his team to a victory, which ESPN’s Skip Bayless helped popularize.
On the strength of the Denver Broncos amazing winning streak and with Tim Tebow leading the way, the Broncos made the playoffs for the first time in several years. In their first playoff game in years, Tim Tebow made a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime as the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a thrilling game.
The New England Patriots would soon end the Broncos’ playoff run but no one can deny the fact that Tim Tebow made the NFL more interesting and entertaining than it is, in more ways than one.
Tim Tebow Off the Field on Page 2 !
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Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2012/02/11/nfl-2011-2012-story-of-the-year-tim-tebow/
Nov 20 2011
Why Pacquiao Beat Marquez
The third encounter between 8-division champion Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez has created such a stir that even non-boxing enthusiasts have joined debates as to why Pacquiao beat Marquez. The bout between the arch-rivals ended with Pacquiao declared as the majority winner of a hotly contested bout. Two judges scored the tight contest in favor of Pacquiao, with the other declaring the contest a draw. With that, Pacquiao beat Marquez by the skin of his teeth. Outside a broad downright rots the laughing luxury.
Mainly, the controversy of the result of the bout circles around the issue of whether Pacquiao did beat Marquez or not. However, after watching the bout several times, I agree with the judges when they declared that Pacquiao beat Marquez. In fact, I had Pacquiao winning 7 rounds to 5 the first time I saw the fight and my decision has not changed after several times of watching its replay. The following are the reasons why I believe Pacquiao beat Marquez.
- Pacquiao Dictated the Tempo – From the get go, Pacquiao stalked Marquez forcing him to backpedal all night long. From the looks of it, Marquez was so scared of the Pacman that it looked like he was running for dear life. Of course, there are people who would think that it was Marquez who dictated the tempo – yeah right! If by saying that they meant Marquez dictated the tempo by backpedaling away from the action in a classic effort of life preservation… then they are probably right. However, Pacquiao beat Marquez because he had the Mexican contender in his heels in all 12 rounds.
- Pacquiao Landed More Punches – To further debunk the claim that Marquez dictated the tempo, then we should check out the stats. The stats clearly show that Pacquiao beat Marquez in the number of punches landed all throughout the fight by a considerable margin. Tell me, how can someone who supposedly dictated the tempo of the bout be beaten in the number of punches landed? Should common sense dictate that it be the other way around? If you are truly controlling the fight, then your opponent should not be able to out-box, out-punch and out-hit you. In fact, it should be the other way around. No ifs and no buts. Clear and simple, because Pacquiao beat Marquez in punches landed, then he was definitely the one in control of the fight.How can someone dominate the Pacman and be out-boxed at the same time?
- Pacquiao Had Stronger Punches – Supporters of Juan Manuel Marquez argue that the Mexican fighter should have won because he threw the more solid punches. Because heavier punches are more likely to be seen by the untrained eye, I cannot blame them for saying so. However, after taking into consideration everything, the stats would show that Manny Pacquiao beat Marquez in the number of power punches landed, disproving the claim of most of the Mexican’s supporters.
It can’t be denied that the third bout between Pacquiao and Marquez have created a stir in the boxing world, in fact it has gone beyond that. Even political analysts and entertainment insiders have joined discussions as to why Pacquiao beat Marquez, or the other way around. However, Pacquiao clearly won the contest by dictating the tempo (causing Marquez to backpedal all night), landing more punches and by connecting more power blows. Clearly, Pacquiao beat Marquez because he was the bigger man that night and pressed the action from round 1 to 12. If you continue to have doubts that Pacquiao beat Marquez, then you should definitely check out the stats. As they say, stats don’t lie.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/11/20/why-pacquiao-beat-marquez/
Jul 23 2011
The PBA Before and Now… the Hope for A Winning Ending
The PBA through the years...
When I was a little bit younger, I used to go to piano school… yes, I was a music geek once, probably a genius, until destiny nixed it all… damn you, destiny! But whatever.
Anyways, en route to piano school, I used to pass by a compound that housed barbeque stalls where hoop junkies gathered around to watch Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games, jumping and cheering over grilled meat and cold beer, supporting their beloved teams, all while getting hammered with alcohol.
During those times, the popularity of the PBA was sky-high. The legends of the game were revered as immortals, looked upon as though gods of Philippine basketball. Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez easily come to mind. The former, of course, was the most popular. His charisma and appeal sparked the birth of the Barangay Ginebra cult-following. More legends would soon follow their footsteps.
Those were the years. A time when the PBA enjoyed some form of steady popularity. In fact, the league was so popular then that as a young boy my kicks of choice were Kaypee(aside from Mighty Kid), because they were the official shoes of my Pinoy basketball heroes.
Time passed and I got a little bit older… hair magically sprouted all over my body, developed a more manly voice, and have altogether forgotten how to play the piano – for which, I still blame destiny for (Damn you destiny!!). In short, things have changed… and so too the popularity of the PBA.
Today, barbeque stalls of the similar kind are things of the past (probably no longer exist) and the fanatics who worshiped the PBA as though a religion went along with them. Diehard fans who fight in the name of their beloved hoops heroes are long gone.
The PBA is currently in it’s 36th season, but it is pretty evident that the league’s popularity has waned through the years.
The Legends of the PBA
Most noticeable with today’s PBA is the lack of true superstars. Gone are the likes of Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Vergel Meneses and Alvin Patrimonio. Players who electrified the crowd with dazzling aerial acrobatics or deadly outside shooting. Cagers who were virtually unstoppable, dominating the game with their brilliance, playing with their hearts on their sleeves and exhibiting a different level of leadership. Guys like them carried the torch for Philippine basketball.
While the National Basketball Association (NBA) made heaps of progress promoting their brand across continents – making its availability accessible to the fans, the PBA (Asia’s first play for pay league) has fallen asleep on the wheel and has been relegated in the doldrums.
Samboy Lim in action
Vergel Meneses sits in the air for the score
Even as we turn our TV sets ON to watch the PBA, it gets confusing which channel to tune into. Honestly, I’ve lost track where to catch the games on TV until I saw an ad saying to watch it on Studio 23. But lo and behold, news is out that the games will soon be aired over TV5. How NPA can the PBA get? That is No Permanent Address – NPA.
Somehow, the brilliant minds of Philippine basketball need to find a way to revive and resuscitate a league that is on life-support. I do hope that uber-skilled players will rise to the occassion and carry the torch left by the heroes of yesteryears. As they say, take the bull by the horns, carry the league on their shoulders and usher in a new era of Philippine basketball. I really thought the duo of Mark Caguioa & JJ Helterbrand or even Mark Cardona and James Yap would be the ones to carry the league… until they got slowed down by injuries, or Kris Aquino for that matter. LOL
I do not pretend to be an expert in all of these, I offer no solutions whatsoever. However, I do offer hope that soon, perhaps the PBA will rise from the ashes and be brought back to its former glory. When once again, people will cheer and throw bottles onto the court in utter frustration… oh wait, not that… I mean… when once again, people will cheer and throw their hands up in the air in euphoric jubilation in a jampacked Araneta Coliseum.
I miss the glory days of the PBA… when it was the talk of the town… when people knew every player to ever lace it up for the league… when the game meant something more than just about ol’ mighty commercialism… when pride was at stake… and winning meant a lot more than just having the license to mock the loser….
I’m betting the odds are stacked against us… reviving the league and bringing back the splendor of yesteryears won’t be easy. But as the old Pinoy Hoops addage goes, “bilog ang bola” (trans: the ball is round). And so, here’s hoping against hope that with the correct calculations and a little bit of luck, someway somehow, we will HIT that right combination, all for a winning ENDING!
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/07/23/the-pba-before-and-now-the-hope-for-a-winning-ending/
Jun 22 2011
Promoting the Sport of Football, and the Philippine Azkals
Today, the Philippine Azkals are taking the country by storm. They are the nation’s hope into shifting Philippine sports into a new paradigm. A shift that would bring us from a basketball-loving nation, to a soccer-loving one. Or at least, help Filipinos love soccer too, as much as we love basketball.
The Philippine Azkals, sports team or showbiz circus?
So far, the promoters of football (or soccer) in the country has had success, sort of. They brought the sports from virtual anonymity to the spotlight. At least now, people talk about it. It’s hugging headlines. It’s in the news. Not a few years ago, the only soccer news we hear is straight from ESPN, or CNN, about the English Premier League, or Real Madrid… about David Beckham and his pop star wife. That was as far as soccer went here in the Philippines, every news imported from abroad.
The entry of the Philippine Azkals into the Philippine sports scene changed all that. When you talk about football this part of Asia, you talk about the Azkals. But somehow, something just doesn’t feel right… are we promoting the sport right?
Yes, today, in some odd way, football (or soccer) in the Philippines have come to mean the Azkals, but the likelihood of it being about the Younghusbands (Phil and James) or about other half-Pinoys in the team, is high. And there lies the problem with the promotion of the sport.
Why we barely hear (if ever) about full-bloodied Filipinos in the squad, born and raised locally, is a mystery that is too mind-boggling to comprehend. Have we failed to realize that those who trained and honed their football skills here, on Philippine grass, are the ones who will truly inspire young Filipinos to take up the sport of football?
Not taking anything away from the efforts of half-Filipinos in the squad, but a young Filipino can’t really relate to them as much as to someone who grew up playing football domestically. Not all will have the luxury to go abroad, and be brought up in a society with football as its number one sport, with David Beckham or Ronaldinho or Messi plastered all over town. Unless we plan to constantly “import” players into the Philippine Football team, something needs to be done in the promotion of the sport (take a hint: grassroots).
One thing that made basketball so successful is its appeal to blue-collared Filipinos, the masses. Why is Barangay Ginebra so popular? Because we are able to connect to that “barangay” tag. We are able to connect to them locally bred hoop stars we saw hone and strut their talents in front of the local crowds, in the “barangay” leagues, then in the college leagues, in the PBL, and ultimately in the PBA.
What we need are stories about local football heroes… about how they came to take up the sport and became successful with it despite all the odds. Where are these people? Do they even exist? Or do we have to grow up abroad before we can be Philippine Football players?
Yes, when he hear about the Philippine Azkals, we hear about the Younghusbands (Phil and James) and about other half-Pinoys in the national squad… but even then, we don’t actually hear about true football stories, about how they play or how good they are in the pitch, how wicked they dribble the ball, or whether they bend it like Beckham or not. Rather, we hear about their love lives, about showbiz stuff with nothing to do about the sport. We hear about how some talk show host is having some puppy-crush on some half-Pinoy midfielder. About this player dating this showbiz star. We hear about the cheezy stuff… not about free-kicks, off-sides, or shootouts or about the things that matter… but random stuff that belong to tabloid gossip rubbish. Frustrating.
It’s time we take Philippine Football out of the tabloid shit that has marred its noble existence. Philippine Sports authorities need to promote the sport right. We don’t need to constantly hear about the players dating lives, or what they eat for breakfast. Filipinos need to know more about the sport, how it is played, even its history, to be able to see its real beauty. Leave the gossip stuff to where it belongs and let’s all promote the sport of football right.
Go Azkals.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/06/22/promoting-the-sport-of-football-and-the-philippine-azkals/
May 26 2011
Mike Brown: New Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
Mike Brown will take his talents to Southern California...
So Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks are going to the NBA Finals, right? But who cares? Everyone in basketball-verse are talking about Mike Brown.
Mike Brown who? Everyone is asking. You know, that former Cleveland Cavaliers’ coach who mentored Lebron James to back-to-back MVPs and one NBA finals appearance… ring a bell? No?
Whether you have heard of him or not, Mike Brown is going to be the next Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach after signing a 4-year deal worth $18 million, filling in the shoes (very, very huge shoes) of the legendary Phil Jackson.
From Lebron James to Kobe Bryant... Mike Brown must be favored by the basketball gods
Yes. Mike Brown. The guy must be doing something right. He goes from coaching Lebron James to coaching Kobe Bryant. Coaches with more pedigrees and better name-recalls have not even sniffed jockstraps of lesser players, yet Mike Brown (yes, whoever he is) can now lay claim to coaching two of this generation’s biggest names in basketball – Kobe AND Lebron.
I am in shock and in utter disbelief. Guys like Rick Adelman, Jeff Van Gundy, Mike Dunleavy and even long-time Phil Jackson assistant Brian Shaw were the early front-runners to get the job. But out of nowhere, Mike Brown pulls the rug from underneath them all.
This signals the ushering of a new era in Lakers basketball. While Phil Jackson is known for his unorthodox style of coaching and for the vaunted triangle offense, Mike Brown, on the other hand, is known for tough, rugged defense, and for squeezing more out of his team, leading them to overachieve.
It’s unquestionable, Mike Brown is a good defensive coach. But the biggest concern shared by majority of Laker fans all over the world is his offensive system (if you can really call it that, a “system”). It can be recalled that his offense during his Cleveland days primarily involved Lebron James dribbling the ball for almost the entire length of the shot clock, isolated on one end of the floor, letting him do whatever he wants. A far cry from the savvy triangle offense.
But whether he is worthy to be the next Head Coach of the great purple and gold armada, remains to be seen. For now, Laker Nation welcomes Mr. Mike Brown… now, remember that name.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/05/26/mike-brown-is-the-new-head-coach-of-the-los-angeles-lakers/
Apr 28 2011
Injury Couldn’t Derail Kobe
The latest NBA buzz is the Miami Heat eliminating the Philadelphia Sixers, but the loudest buzz around the NBA is how Kobe Bryant defied odds of playing through a severe sprain and lead the Lakers to a rousing victory over the stubborn New Orleans Hornets in Game 5 of their seven-game series.
The Lakers now lead the series three games to two.
Early in the game, Kobe was visibly slowed down by the injury, so much so that he looked debilitated and was totally useless in the first quarter where the Hornets led by as much 9 points. The Lakers appeared uninspired and looked lost in the game.
Kobe Dunks Over Okafor. Posters Soon On Sale! (AP Photo)
Entering the second period of the contest, it became pretty evident that if the Lakers are to win the game, The Black Mamba needed to step up and provide the usual heroics his followers have grown accustomed to… but that appeared to be a very unlikely scenario as the injury hampered his every movement.
Lo and behold, Kobe re-enters the game in the second quarter, and much to the surprise of everyone watching, provides the much needed spark to re-energize the Lakers, even delivering a jaw-dropping, powerful facial dunk on Emeka Okafor – one that raised the roof of Staples Center.
The Lakers then went on to dominate the second half of the game, with the rest of the Lakers playing some inspired basketball, on their way to an all important win. The series now heads to New Orleans for game 6.
With the game on the line, Kobe once again proved why he is not only the best all-around player in the game, but also its best closer!
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/04/28/injury-couldnt-derail-kobe/
Apr 15 2011
NBA Playoffs 2011 Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets
Kobe and the Lakers face Chris Paul and the Hornets in the NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoffs will start in a few days (Aprill 17, to be exact). The anticipation for the “win or go home” mode of battle in the world’s most popular basketball league is heating up. Of the top NBA playoff match-ups, first on our list features the most beloved team in all the universe, the two-time defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Led by Earth’s best basketball player, Kobe “The Black Mamba” Bryant, the 17-time NBA champions are the second seed in the Western Conference and will open their title-defense against an upstart team, the seventh-seeded New Orleans Hornets.
The Lakers were hot off the All-Star break winning 17 out of 18 games, until the wheels started to fall apart. The Lakers are just winners of two games in their last seven, even losing five straight. Not the most ideal of ways to end the regular season.
While you’d like a playoff-bound team to rest their starters at season’s end, you’d also want them to finish strong to bring some momentum heading to the postseason. The Lakers failed on both accounts. While still playing their starters their usual minutes, they finished rather D-League-ish weak. The last few games showed how porous their defense is, how weak their rotation is and how they seem to lack coaching.
Kobe had to resort to his usual heroics to beat the slumping Sacramento Kings, hitting a well-defended fading three to send their last game to overtime, avoiding another embarrassing loss.
However, Laker Nation have no fear. The Lakers are still the favorites to win the Western Conference. They arguably have the best front court in the NBA that features three 7-footers (Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom) and the always unpredictable, Ron Artest. Their back court needs no introductions, they have the ever reliable Derek Fisher and the Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant.
To boot, the Lakers have championship experience and are tutored by the best coach in NBA history, Phil Jackson, winner of eleven (yes, 11) NBA championships.
However, their weak spot seem to be their bench, the second unit. While their second unit seem strong on paper, with Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and the high-leaping Shannon Brown, they have faltered the last few games shooting blanks on their way to a mediocre finish.
New Orleans, on the other hand, are a team with something to prove. They are led by one of the top point guards in the NBA, Chris Paul. Providing some muscle are David West and Emeka Okafor. Trevor Ariza provides some much needed wing play and defense. However, David West will most likely miss the entire playoffs due to injury, seriously hampering their chances of beating the Lakers and moving on the next rounds.
Something to watch would be the match-up between Kobe and Ariza, two former teammates who remained close after Ariza left for Houston last year. Also, interesting is the idea of Fisher trying to slow down the cerebral Paul, who has run circles around him in past match-ups. The Lakers are known for their poor pick-and-roll defense, so the X and O battle between the coaches would be noteworthy to observe too.
Surely, this match-up is exciting to watch, with big name superstars coming from both teams making it more appealing. My prediction? With Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, and the Zen Master calling the shots, barring any injures from happening, the Lakers are the favorites, and they are my pick.
Prediction: Lakers in 5 or 6 games.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/04/15/nba-playoffs-2011-preview-los-angeles-lakers-vs-new-orleans-hornets/
Apr 02 2011
Azkals, Football (Soccer) Will Change the Landscape of Philippine Sports
The Azkals, the Philippine Football Team (c/ophilippinenewsdaily.com)
For so long as I can remember, the number one sport in the Philippines has always been basketball. Yes, the game of the tall, big, muscular, strong giants. Where height is might, which apparently most Filipinos seem to lack.
Every “kanto” we go in this Asian archipelago we call the Philippines, chances are high makeshift basketball playgrounds exist. Somewhere nearby, kids aspiring to become future hoops superstars are honing and strutting their stuff while wearing their trusty old “tsinelas”, not minding the dusty conditions and the heat of the sun.
Pinoys love basketball. So much so that we created the first, and for a while the only, professional basketball league in the whole of Asia, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). That was way back 1975. Since then, the popularity of the game of hoops soared to unprecedented heights in this country. And everybody got hooked.
Heroes were born. The likes of immortal basketball demigods like Robert “The Big J” Jaworski, Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, Samboy “The Skywalker” Lim, Allan “The Triggerman” Caidic, Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio, and my personal favorite, Vergel “The Aerial Voyager” Meneses, and many more.
Basketball has been part of our lives. We go gaga over the games just as much as some do over showbiz personalities, something which I’ve always found peculiar. It has shaped even the political scene, where some former basketball heroes made use of their popularity to make it to key positions in government.
However, despite of our tremendous love for the sport of basketball, the country has so far continued to falter in major international basketball competitions. The final analysis apparently concludes that though Pinoy cagers are vastly talented, it appears we do not match up against the size and strength of our international opponents. The size disadvantage posed by the more genetically-gifted races (well, at least as far as physical size is concerned) appears to be too overwhelming to overcome. Yes, we’ve had our share of successes, but they are few and far between.
ALAS!!! The popularity of the word’s most popular sport, football (or soccer, depending on which lingo you prefer) is on the rise – all thanks to our Philippine Football Team, The Azkals. And as a nation in desperate need of an alternative sport (aside from basketball) we may have finally found the sport that fits well with our God-given physical traits.
While physical size is still an advantage in soccer (or football), it is not as imposing a weapon as in basketball. In this sport, speed kills, agility murders. Well, that, we have in our genes. We are quick, fast, gritty, determined and persevering – well, if we decide to. Perseverance and determination both very useful in the pitch when matches boil down to a battle of attrition. And as a rice-loving nation, we have all the carbs needed to last a grueling 90-minute match (or more). Energy is not a problem.
In soccer, teamwork nets the ultimate prize… winning. One-man shows won’t fly in this sport. Unity is the key to success. Hard work plus perseverance, the basic formula. Like all sports, soccer builds character, something the younger generation might find useful.
Admittedly, soccer is not so popular in the country, especially when compared to the all-so-popular game of basketball. But the rise of its popularity is a welcome sign. Hopefully, in time, we can be dominant in this sport, a sport befitting our natural traits.
As we take the early baby-steps needed in the promotion of the sport in this country, meanwhile, let us support our national football team, the Philippine Azkals, as they soon embark on a tough journey of trying to qualify for the World Cup (yes, THE World Cup). As they battle one country after another, let us all pitch-in our support and prayers (most especially) that they may bring honor and glory to the our beloved country… one kick after another.
.
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/04/02/azkals-football-soccer-will-change-the-landscape-of-philippine-sports/
Feb 24 2011
Anthony goes to the Knicks… Deron Williams to the Nets?
One day after blogging about the possibility of Carmelo Anthony going to the New York Knicks…Carmelo Anthony went to the New York Knicks.
Anthony and Billups goes to the Big Apple!
In a deal involving three teams, the Denver Nuggets sent Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman and Shelden Williams to the New York Knicks in exchange for Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton and Timofey Mozgov plus first-round draft pick in 2014, second-round picks in 2012 and 2013, and cash. New York also shipped Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph to Minnesota for Corey Brewer, while Denver got Kosta Koufos from Minnesota,
It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, but it did anyway. The speed to which the deal was made was shocking. The rumors behind it, unimaginable.
Isiah Thomas, deal-broker?
The back-story behind the deal puts Isiah Thomas in the middle of it all, playing a big role in finalizing the deal. If true, then the likelihood of a power struggle involving Thomas and current GM Donnie Walsh down the line is strong. Indeed, a serious matter and a reason for concern to Knicks fans all over the globe. To refresh our memories, Isiah Thomas served 7 years for the franchise as President, coach and whatnot, and turned them from losing squad to…a circus. Donnie Walsh took his place and brought back some form of respectability to the beleaguered team.
At the moment, whether Isiah Thomas is back or not, doesn’t really matter. The effects, no matter how catastrophic it may be, remains to be seen. Right now, the toast of the town is the arrival of one of the biggest stars in the NBA, Carmelo Anthony. And as a New York Knickerbocker, his star will only shine even brighter.
When Lebron James decided to skip the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple and took his talents to South Beach…little did he know that 6 months later, Carmelo Anthony will take his place. Surely most, if not all, of New York is celebrating as we speak, including the Statue of Liberty.
So how about the Nets?
The New Jersey Nets, the team that sought Anthony with so much fervor and ferocity, lost the battle to their cross-river rivals. A big blow and a let down to Nets fans. But have no fear…your new owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, is here.
Apparently, after striking out on the Anthony sweepstakes, the Nets have now agreed on principle to send scoring point guard Devin Harris to the Jazz in exchange for…all-star point guard Deron Williams!
Yes, after being rumored as the reason behind the retirement of long-time coach Jerry Sloan, Williams is being traded away and it all doesn’t make sense.
After going to the high heavens and back to deny the rumor placing Williams at the scene of the crime that forced Jerry Sloan to retire, why trade him now?
What’s even more boggling is the fact that Williams will enter the last year of his current contract at season’s end, and will likely leave the Nets in 2012. Indeed a gamble for the New Jersey franchise who were adamant in pulling the trigger for the Anthony deal unless the forward sign a contract extension.
The East Got Better…
No matter what, tonight Anthony along with trusted veteran Chauncey Billups, make their debuts for the New York Knicks. Soon, if all goes well, best point guard in the NBA Deron Williams will debut for the New Jersey Nets too. With these developments, East only got stronger and future playoff battles got a little bit more interesting. Watch out Miami, watch out Boston!
Permanent link to this article: http://weirdseyeview.com/blog/2011/02/24/anthony-goes-to-the-knicks-deron-williams-to-the-nets/
