EURO 2012: The Finals

Italy

                The Italians showed their resiliency, versatility and mental toughness, shocking the world, defeating the Germans, co-favorites to raise the European trophy, 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Euro 2012 tournament.  It was not just a lucky win; it was a game where the Italians dominated in possession as well as preventing the Germans from entering Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s box.   Chances were seized by players on offense like Mario Balotelli, scoring two outstanding goals in the first half of play.  The Italian defense, led by Federico Balzaretti and Giorgio Chiellini, headed and cleared rapid crosses, also making several disruptive challenges to keep the ball out of danger.  Heading into their final game against Spain, the Italians are labeled as the underdogs, however, their chemistry has clicked at the right time, and tying against the Spaniards in group stages doesn’t hurt their chances of becoming champions of Europe. 

Spain             

Another team that has experience in the penalty-kick shootout, along with Italy, is the reigning champions of Europe, Spain.  Spain outscored Portugal in the dreaded penalty-kick shootout in the semi-finals of the Euro 2012 tournament.  Cesc Fabregas’ premonition was correct, knowing that he would score the game-winner Wednesday, mirroring his performance in 2008, sending his team to the finals and a chance to accomplish a three-peat that no team has ever done in the history of soccer.   Although the Spaniards haven’t looked like themselves lately, they still show their will and fight to get a positive result.  The Spanish are chasing history, and the only team in their way is Italy.        

       My prediction: 2-1, Italy

EURO 2012: One win from the finals

After 28 games played in the Euro 2012 tournament, three remain on the schedule.  The semi-finals have arrived, and four teams linger, relieved to still be alive in the tournament.  Wednesday, June 27 and Thursday, June 28 are the dates to look forward to.

Spain's road to the "Final Four" has not been a walk in the park.  Being in a group with competitive teams such as Italy and Croatia, the Spaniards squeaked in as the one seed, then handily defeated a talented French side in the quarterfinals.  Portugal survived the "Group of Death," eliminating hopes of the Netherlands and Denmark's chances of advancing.  Italy slipped into the second seed after falling to third in Group C going into the last game of group stages; they are the only team to get a result in the tournament against Spain, the defending Euro champions.  Last but not least, Germany.  The Germans controlled their group as well as the quarterfinals, winning every game coming into the semi-finals.

Wednesday, June 27

Spain vs. Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo's confidence has since been revived when he proved the naysayers wrong in his rebound game against the Netherlands, scoring two goals, and helping the Portuguese claim a quarterfinals spot against the Czech Republic, where he netted the game's only goal.  Now, Ronaldo has a huge wall to climb in the semi-finals, playing a Spainish side that's dominant in all facets of the game.  Many of the players he will go up against will look particularly familiar, many of whom play on the same team as Ronaldo at Real Madrid or in the same league.  Spain will search to find a way to contain Ronaldo, preventing him from dangerous attacks in the final third against a Carlos Puyol-less Spanish defensive line, while Portugal look to stop Spain from possessing the ball for an extended period of time, knowing that if not successful, devastating consequences are likely. 

My prediction: 1-0, Spain

Thursday, June 28 

Italy vs. Germany

These two teams are used to facing against each other in meaningful games or shall I say semi-final games.  From the 1970 World Cup semi-finals, also known as the "Game of the Century," to the 2006 World Cup semi-finals, Germany and Italy have the history to show their rivalry, however, Italy tends to be the victor.  In the "Game of the Century," the Italians won 4-3 in a back-and-forth rally that needed extra time;  fast forward to 2006, where once again, both teams needed extra time, resulting in two late goals by the Italians, making matters worse for Germany as Italy went on to win the World Cup.  Although, 2012 is a different year for the Germans; they seek revenge against the Italians, hoping to capture the dominance in possession, which the Italians have excelled in throughout the tournament.  On the other side, the Italians have an eye on the surging German offense, who have scored nine goals in four games.  

My prediction: 2-1, Italy

EURO 2012: The Final Eight

Eight teams down, seven to go in the Euro 2012.  That is exactly what Michel Platini, UEFA President, as well as many fans around the world are thinking as group stages end and the quarterfinals begin.  Let's see how the quarterfinals will play out...

Portugal vs. Czech Republic

Cristiano Ronaldo is coming off a two-goal performance against the Netherlands, overshadowing his failures of not being able to finish the game off against the Danes.  Ronaldo and Nani have become a dangerous tandem; Nani taking the role as the play-maker with two assists in the tournament, while Ronaldo, only if he is consistent, as the finisher.  

Speaking of scoring, Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar have been the scoring threats for the Czechs, each having two goals under their belt in the tournament.  Petr Cech has been solid in net and has experience in big games.  

My prediction: 2-1, Portugal

Germany vs. Greece

The Germans have showed their dominance in the group stages, racking up all nine points in the Group of Death.  Tied for first with three goals in the tournament,  Mario Gomez has been a significant contributor.  Gomez has given the German general manager Joachim Loewa a reason to start him over Miroslav Klose, the second all-time leader in goals in World Cup history.  Bastian Schweinsteiger, like Nani, has been Gomez's facilitator, recording two assists so far in the tournament.  

On the other hand, the Greeks have not been exactly following the manual of how to play the beautiful game.  They have gritted out games by the skin of their teeth such as the upset over Russia, scoring in the last two minutes of stoppage time during the first half, while hoping for a Poland loss against the Czechs, which the Soccer Gods graciously granted.  The Greeks will have to deal with a huge blow to their team, losing Girogos Karagounis, the captain and goal scorer against Russia, for the quarterfinal match-up due to multiple yellow cards.  However, don't forget that the Greeks won the Euros in 2004, so they have the experience.  

My prediction: 2-1, Germany

Spain vs. France

Coming out of Group C as first place winners were the Spaniards.  Known for their lethal ticky-tack passing system, the Spaniards, led by Andres Iniesta and David Silva in the midfield, seek to continue their championship streak and make history.  No team has won three championships in a row, giving Spain the opportunity to change that.  Silva leads his team with two assists, while Fernando Torres, looking like the Torres from the 2008 Euros, and Cesc Fabregas have two goals each.

At times, the French resemble a championship caliber team, although their inconsistency has plagued them, losing their last game 2-0 against an already eliminated Sweden, finishing second in Group D.  French striker Karim Benzema has yet to have scored his first goal in the tournament, but does have numbers in the assist column, with two.  Also, the French have received production from midfielders Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye, both scoring against Ukraine in the group stages.    

My prediction: 3-2, Spain

Italy vs. England

Sneaking out of Group C as second place winners over Croatia were the new-look Italians.  The Italians have  evenly chipped into the goal sheet, receiving goals from Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano and Antonio DiNatale, all of whom have a goal each.  Balotelli scored his first goal, which just may be the goal of the tournament, off a Pirlo corner, side-volleying it past the Ireland keeper; after scoring, he tried to keep his emotions under control, angry that he didn't get to start.  Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has some tough decisions to make going into their quarterfinals game with his starting lineup as well as the loss of Giorgio Chiellini with a thigh injury. 

Roy Hodgson, replacing Fabio Capello less than just two months ago, has become the savior of England. The English have defeated Ukraine and Sweden, and tied the French during group stages.  Having English striker Wayne Rooney, who scored in his debut against Ukraine, back in the lineup has given the English squad another threat going forward.  Tied with two others for the most assists with three at the Euros is midfielder Steven Gerrard, who has threaded the needle with his crosses into the box.  Theo Walcott also gives the English depth and instant quickness off the bench.  If Hodgson keeps this up and wins the Euros, he may be eligible to become knighted by the Queen.  

My prediction: 2-1, Italy

Euro 2012: 'Let the games begin!'

Soccer is back, and boy is it kicking.  In less than 24 hours, the Euro 2012 will kick-off in Poland-Ukraine, and once again, ESPN is covering the matches, surely to do a fine job as usual.  See for yourself...

If that didn't give you goosebumps, I don't know what will.

Group A match-ups begin tomorrow, being one of the lesser groups of the tournament.  In this group you have Greece, Poland, Czech Republic and Russia.  Russia and the Czech Republic deem to be the two to advance out of the group stages, however, I feel differently about one of the teams.  With Greece's experience winning the Euros in 2004, along with their stout defense, the advantage shifts their way to obtain the second seed, while the Czech's, led by Petr Cech's exceptional goalkeeping and Thomas Rosicky's experience, earn the first seed.

Group B follows, also known as the "Group of Death."  Why you ask?  Well, let's just take a look at the teams.  You have Portugal, Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.  Excellent talent is found throughout this group from Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben to Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Nicklas Bendtner.  Overpowering their opponents in depth are Germany and Netherlands who will take their talents--not to South Beach, LeBron--but to the quarterfinals of the Euros.

Group C holds the winner of the last Euro in 2008, Spain.  They look to repeat, while other teams in the group such as Italy, Ireland and Croatia are giving Spain the serious look (-___-).  Spain and Italy look to be the favorites, yet Ireland and Croatia could give them a run for their money.  Croatia still dawns on the cold memories of falling to Turkey in the last Euros where they allowed a last-minute goal in extra-time to send the match into penalty kicks.  That vengeance could be unleashed onto either Italy or Spain, who I still see as the two to advance.

Last but not least, Group D.  England, France, Sweden and Ukraine look to clash for the top two spots.  England and France, ironically in the same group, are known for choking on the world stage.  Being failures in the past few tournaments, both teams look to end their shortcomings, hoping to compete to be the best team in Europe.  I may be a little harsh on them, but they have no excuse to at least make a run for it and not get eliminated early in the tournament with the talents they possess.  Although Ukraine and Sweden have class strikers like Andry Shevchenko and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it will not be enough to beat out England and France's desires.

As Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games, would say, "Let the games begin!"

Bittersweet ending for the Sixers

Sixers' players look dejected after a game seven loss to the Boston Celtics.  Photo Courtesy of csnphilly.com.

As the seconds wound down to zero in game seven against the Celtics, the Sixers realized that their season was slowly coming to a close.  The Boston Celtics' experience was too much for the Sixers to handle as they won, sending themselves to the Eastern Conference Finals in Miami.

Many of the Sixers knew this was an opportunity that had slipped from their grasp.  With Paul Pierce fouling out in the final two minutes and the momentum in their favor, the Sixers had a chance to take the lead as well as the series. However, Rajon Rondo envisioned something different, taking over the game with two clutch shots that put the nail in the coffin for the Sixers.

Sixers' head coach Doug Collins never let his team stop fighting. 

Although many Sixers' fans were disappointed with the result, they were proud that their team never stopped fighting, similarly resembling the blue collar city of Philadelphia.  No one expected this team to beat a number one-seeded team, and then send a perennial team like the Celtics to a seventh game.  

All season long, Sixers' head coach Doug Collins embedded the words "Don't stop fighting; we're still in this," into his team's mindset from their struggles during the second half of the All-Star break to the final minutes of the Eastern Conference semifinals.  The fighting attitude the Sixers possessed just goes to show how great of a job Collins had done with a team that had no definite scorer or game-changing player. 

The Sixers are looking to be a championship bound team next year.

With all that said, it is great to be an underachiever or the underdogs who no one expected to do so well. Yet, not wanting to be an underachiever, Collins made it clear to the media that he wanted to add talent to the team, enabling them to be labeled as championship bound.

Now that the season has ended, Collins as well as the owners of the Sixers are able to blueprint their possible blockbuster moves or ideas for the off-season.  Playing in the playoffs not only helped the Sixers with their experience, but for the attractiveness in the trade market.    

Sixers seek to swing momentum back in their direction

The Philadelphia 76ers look to take a 3-2 series lead in Monday night's game against the Boston Celtics.  Photo courtesy of the700level.com

Seize an opportunity that is staring you directly in the face.  That, Sixers' fans, is exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to do Monday night as they take on the Boston Celtics in a pivotal game five, where they could take a 3-2 series lead, heading into Philadelphia for the clincher.

After an incredible come-from-behind game four victory, the Sixers have the momentum back in their favor.  However, momentum has not particularly worked in this series; no team has had continuous wins.

Photo Courtesy of phillybubrs.com

So, when momentum doesn't work, every player has to avoid panicking before their team ends up in a deep hole.

Sixers rookie power forward Lavoy Allen is a prime example.  Although he is 23-years-old, Allen, the Temple product, has showed his maturity during the playoffs, keeping calm in pressure situations as well as closely defending the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, a 14-time All Star.  Allen, Elton Brand's alternate, has been dominant on the boards, being in the right position at the right time.

Doug Collins has praised Allen's play, his efforts and his peaceful demeanor.  The Sixers head coach believes that there should be a "Lavoy Allen Day" for everyone.  What Collins meant by that was that Allen never shows his emotions and could careless what's going on around him.  He doesn't talk much nor does he let the words of Garnett induce his mindset.

Photo Courtesy of zimbio.com

With the Sixers going into Boston Monday night, they look to get more late-game production from Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young.  Those players ignited the miracle comeback in game four, giving their team a heck of a lot more confidence than in the regular season where they didn't have anyone to go to in the final minutes of regulation.

Iguodala and Brand have taken the role as leaders of their youthful team.  Now, let's see if this youth can break the momentum trend in this series, and give the Sixers a better view of the Eastern Conference Finals.

One for the Ages: Man City's title victory

Manchester City celebrate their first title victory in 44 years.  Photo courtesy of  ibnlive.in.com

"Who is writing this stuff," said ESPN soccer announcer Ian Darke in the closing seconds of the miracle finale between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City.

Both teams had tremendous pressure on them coming into Sunday's match-up.  Manchester City had to win in order to wrap up the English Premier League title, and for Queens Park Rangers, they had to win in order to stay in the EPL for another year.

Down 2-1 with about five minutes to play in the game, Manchester City hurried, putting their offense together for a desperate tying goal.  Manchester City's head coach Roberto Mancini decided to make a change, substituting forward Carlos Tevez for the tall, Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.  That decision will forever be remembered.

Midfielder David Silva hit his precise corner kick onto Dzeko's head, finishing it powerfully past the outstretched arms of Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into the back of the net.  Manchester City had tied the game at 2-2.  However, there was one more goal in City's way of capturing the EPL title, which they hadn't won in 44 years.

Forward Mario Balotelli, the troubled young Italian who is known for his immature decision making on-and-off the field, was also put into the game a bit earlier than Dzeko.  In the 93rd minute, Balotelli received a pass from Maradona's son-in-law Sergio Aguero.  Losing his balance, Balotelli managed to toe poke a quick give-and-go to Aguero, who dribbled past two defenders, finishing it with his right foot.

A dramatic finish that ended with Aguero running around the field with his shirt off, flailing it around like a rally towel.  Even the crowd, who were crying earlier, ran onto the field in excitement, cherishing the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Now that the suffering has ended, City fans are finally able to brag about being a title winner towards their most hated rivals and next door neighbors, Manchester United.

Frank Tweneboa: Chasing a Goal

A mini-documentary by myself, Domenick Candelieri, on my friend Frank Tweneboa striving to become a professional soccer player. The documentary begins with his upbringing, and then continues into what he is currently doing now. Tweneboa has an unbelievable story.

I'll let the video do the talking.  Check it out.  It's a must see for all those avid seekers out there looking to accomplish their ultimate dream.

Wonderful experience at the Prudential Center

Sports Career Fair at the Prudential Center. Photo courtesy of  devilsarmyblog.com

The annual Sport Career Fair took place Tuesday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, attracting aspiring workers in the field of sports.

All brought resumes, dressed to impress and made sure they had their best "why I am worth it" speeches prepared.

Photo courtesy of mckeeoffice.com

Organizations such as the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, New Jersey Devils, New York Red Bulls and NBA were there to endorse their products as well as searching for possible future employers.

I promoted myself as a multidimensional worker, capable of working in different areas with a determined mindset.  Making sure that they knew what my number one goal was, I confidently emphasized my dreams of becoming a reporter, whether it'd be in sports or news.

Once the career fair had ended, I felt satisfied with the job I had done, ready to relax and enjoy a Sixers victory.  However, I felt the urge to do more, so I did something that I would never forget.

It was one of those life-changing moments where a rare opportunity turned accessible.  The prey was right in front of me, and all I needed to do was make a move and pounce.  A switch turned on in my head to pursue the advantages I would probably not see again.

Photo courtesy of phillyburbs.csnphilly.com

The voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, Marc Zumoff, was waiting patiently on the Sixers' bench during pre-game warm-ups.  I took the initiative, shouting out his name and telling him that his work inspires me; he graciously came over and held a conversation with me, giving me tips on how the world of media works.

He actually runs his own mentoring program too, helping aspiring broadcasters/reporters with their reels as well as offering personal assistance in career development.

It was such an honor meeting such a prominent figure like Zumoff to the sports world.  Those words, "Aaron McKie, for three" will always ring through my ears.  He is truly the best voice in Sixers history.

CSN sports reporter Dei Lynam was there as well.  We both spoke on what it takes to get where she is and my daily readings of her articles.    

I was also blessed to meet newly presented Sixers' owner Adam Aron; we shared thoughts on the season thus far, both agreeing that wins during the end-of-the-season stretch was imperative.

Photo courtesy of abasketballjones.com

Brian James, the assistant coach for the Sixers, also gave me words of advice and an autograph, while I wished him luck against the Nets.  I complemented Malik Rose as well for the job he has done in his first year as the other Sixers TV announcer, telling me that Zumoff was the brains of this operation.

Last but not least, I can't forget the autographs I received from Sixers players Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner.  They all have had tremendous seasons.

And to top it off, the Sixers came out of Newark with a much-needed victory.  Playoff push starts now!

Eagles 2012 free agency: Thinking about themselves thus far

Photo courtesy of espn.go.com

This time last year, the Philadelphia Eagles were making quick, hard moves during free agency like Pro Bowl RB Lesean McCoy's cuts in the open-field.  One major signing, after another signing, after another.  The front office were in a buffet line, picking and choosing whatever they wanted.  Eagles fans drooled over each coveted free agent they picked up, from CB Nnamdi Asomugha to DT Cullen Jenkins to dare I say, QB Vince Young, the captain of the dream team ship.

Although the Eagles picked up a bunch of talent, it didn't mix too well with a short off-season.  Eagles fans received the opposite of what they were expecting to see, a lousy 8-8 season.  To make matters worse, a Giants 2012 Superbowl victory.  

This year's free agency is different.  The Eagles seem to be less focused on talking and more focused on performing.  Their free agency has been relatively quiet thus far, only making moves internally.

Firstly, it was the re-signing of Eagles WR Desean Jackson.  As controversial and troublesome as he may be, Jackson, however, is a catalyst; he makes this offense go, obtaining double-team coverage and opening up space for other receivers on the team.  When there is a big play needed, Jackson comes through.  Knowing the risks involved, the Eagles rewarded him with a five-year, $51 million contract.

Other deals that were under the radar were the re-signings of  DE Trent Cole and OT Todd Herremans.  Cole received a four-year extension, while Herremans with a three-year extension.  Both kept their contract situations quiet and professional, unlike Jackson's public display of frustration.  Yet, Jackson had reasonable points to express his emotions, only earning a lowly $600,000 last year.

The Eagles also made other roster moves, trading OT Winston Justice to the Colts and releasing veteran C Jamaal Jackson.  

Next on their list will be re-signing McCoy to an extension.  He is a franchise player that was the MVP of their offense last season.  Surely, he deserves to be rewarded.

Also, OT Evan Mathis is another Eagle that is testing free agency, last heard to be interested with the Baltimore Ravens.

Besides re-signing their own players, the Eagles need to be active as soon as possible in signing other players from different teams.  Possible players may include WR Plaxico Burress, LB's Curtis Lofton, London Fletcher or Stephen Tulloch and S Laron Landry.  Throw in RB Brandon Jacobs being a one-two punch with Lesean McCoy as well.

Now, let's see if PATIENCE really does PAY.

LIN or Lose?

Photo courtesty of bostonherald.com

LIN-tastic, LIN-credible and LIN-sane are just a few of the new nicknames overnight NBA sensation Jeremy Lin has received in the past couple of weeks.

Lin, a Taiwanese or Chinese descent, has Asian television stations drooling to add MSG, the New York Knicks' television station, to their broadcasting schedules.  His popularity has sky-rocketed because of his, as many would say, LIN-derella story.

A point guard for the Knicks, Lin has gone from a reserved, unused bench player that slept on his brother's couch at one point to a star-studded point guard, owning his own apartment in the Trump Towers and becoming the talk of the town in the biggest market.  

A Harvard graduate majoring in economics, Lin has expressed his intelligence on the court, moving the ball around and making his teammates better players.  He is a fast-paced player with a sweet jumper, however, many of his teammates as well as opponents respect his absence of fear to drive into the lane and take a hard foul.  Many analysts compare his play to future Hall of Famer Steve Nash.  

Even Nash said it himself in a recent tweet on Twitter, "It's crazy! I'm watching Linsanity hoping every shot goes in. Hope I never grow up."

Adding more of a comedic humor to Lin's run was TNT's own Shaquille O'Neal tweeting, "Linderrella story of the year jeremy lin has lingle handedly played lensational lincredible I'm linpressed all he does is Lin Lin Lin gd jib."

In the past five games, Lin has scored 136 points, the most of any NBA player who began his career after the merger.  He has most recently helped the Knicks win seven in a row without stars like Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.  

The New York Knicks were a sloppy, below average team that couldn't gel their superstars together before Lin came into the picture.  Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni was very close to losing his job because of his horrific start to the 2011-2012 season.  Lin, a devout Christian, is hearing his praises now from D'Antoni, as he should be, for saving his job. 

Many are comparing his accomplishments to that of Tim Tebow's.  Where there was Tebowing, there is Linning; by the way, Linning is to rock your geek glasses proudly while dominating life like our beloved superstar and supernerd Jeremy Lin, according to Linning.com.     

How long can this run last for Lin?  Do you buy or sell this dose of LIN-sanity?  Last but not least, why does he have to be a New York Knick?   

   

New "Kings"of NFC East

Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com

A new team has emerged as superiors of the NFC East.  No, not the Philadelphia Eagles, but as difficult as it is for Eagles' fans to digest, it is now the New York "football" Giants.

Ugh, that hurts to say.

Admittedly so, the New York Giants are the best team in football right now; they have the Lombardi trophies to prove it, winning two Super Bowls in a five year span (2008, 2012).

Even though Eagles' fans can say they were a better team than the Giants this year, beating them with their backup squad during the regular season, the Giants, however, got the job done down the stretch.  

Starting off the season 6-2, the Giants gave themselves some leeway to regroup and make a run at the end of the season.  This wasn't the same for the Eagles; they struggled, starting the season with a 1-4 record.  The starts from both teams became a factor as the season came to an end.  Philadelphia would miss the playoffs, while the Giants would make it, and eventually become Super Bowl champions.

  

How will the Eagles regain their stature as the kings of the NFC East?  The answer is simple.  Not by winning NFC East divisions.  Not by having a great record.  But, by winning Super Bowls. 

 The first step is winning that first one, and for the Eagles, it has been oh-so-difficult for their franchise, obtaining zero rings in their existence.  

When will a parade down Broad Street ever happen for Eagles' fans?  The only way it can happen is through good management, good coaching and a plan within the organization that everyone believes in.  

Till then, more suffering will continue for Eagles' fans in the Delaware Valley.   

  

An Impressive Start for the Sixers

Photo courtesy of Nba.com 

Above is the new slogan Adam Aron, the new Philadelphia 76ers owner, has put into place for the 2011-2012 NBA season.  Off to their best start since the 2001 NBA Finals run, the Sixers have a 7-3 record; their play is resembling their motto.

Sixers coach Doug Collins has found a system where everyone on the team has a specific role. For instance, power forward Thaddeus Young's role is to come off the bench and provide athleticism as well as energy to both ends of the court.  Center Spencer Hawes' part is to be a force on the boards, along with his craftiness in feeding his teammates the ball offensively. Every player has a specific role that they have bought into, and that is exactly why they have gotten off to such an impressive start.

Blowing teams out has been an early theme for the Sixers this season.  In five out of the 10 games they have played so far, the Sixers have won by 20 points or more; the defeated opponents include the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings.  These teams are most likely not championship contenders, however the Sixers have had convincing wins against the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Hornets.  (Don't think New Orleans were a step-over because they received quality youngsters via the Chris Paul trade.)     

Their losses have come from the Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz and New York Knicks.  All three losses were close losses, showing their pride and fight till the end in each of those games. 

Collins preaches hard work and teamwork.  The Sixers have no superstar on the team.  Every game has resulted in more than one person with double figure scoring.  Their version of basketball is quite beautiful to watch.  

Hawes has emerged as an all-around player, while shooting guard Jodie Meeks has shown his capability of becoming a terrific three-point shooter. Rookie center Nikola Vucevic is showing no signs of playing like one, contributing well offensively.  Power forward Elton Brand has found his groove in scoring and rebounding.  Small forward Andre Iguodala and Young have shown their defensive athleticism.  Evan Turner and Lou Williams are scoring sparks off the bench.  Point guard Jrue Holiday has shown that he can take over a game when his team needs him, hitting big shots in key situations.  

With the NBA season being crunched into a 66-game season in 120 days because of the lockout, the Sixers look to have benefited thus far.  They are a young, talented team that are looking to make some noise come playoff time.  

So word to all Sixers fans out there:

"Show Ya Luv."      

One More Chance

Photo courtesy of gcobb.com

Unacceptable, disappointing and dismal are just a few of the words Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie used to express his team's season at his end of the season press conference Tuesday afternoon.

His 14-minute opening speech kept reporters on the edge as many thought the firing of head coach Andy Reid was approaching.  Lurie described the start of the 2011 season as "unacceptable" and the four game winning streak at the end of the season as "fool's gold."  Overall, he stated that the 2011 season was the "most embarrassing season in his tenure as owner of the Eagles."

Mr. Lurie sounded like a true passionate Philadelphia fan, highlighting errors that resulted in his team's failure of making the playoffs with an abysmal 8-8 record.  Usually, Lurie is the one to make up excuses for his team but Tuesday afternoon was different.  This difference made Eagles fans actually believe that the Reid era would be finally over.  Surely, it seemed that Reid would receive the ax.   

However, after all of this, Lurie managed to trick us all.  Once again, as fans, we were fools for believing that Reid would be a goner.  Lurie found a way to go back to his roots and praise Reid as the "one that gives us the best chance to win a championship."  In other words, Reid will be back for the 2012 season.  Well done Jeffrey, for that Academy award performance.  

Eagles fans have the right to complain on Reid coming back; the Eagles haven't won a playoff game in three years.

Lurie brought up reasons why he decided to give Reid another chance.  His track record was one, which says he is the winning-est coach in franchise history; he has been to five NFC championship games, one Super Bowl and has a number of NFC East titles.  The Eagles owner emphasized greatly on the recent NFC East titles like they really meant something.  He relied on those divisional accomplishments because he knows they have been one-and-done in the playoffs these past three years.

With 13 years under his belt, Reid has yet to accomplish the ultimate prize, a Superbowl title.  He might not say or show that he is impatient, but deep-down inside Lurie believes he will lose his fan-base if they don't make at least a Super Bowl appearance next year.  If that happens, Lurie will cut the throat of the Reid Era.

So time is ticking Mr. Reid.  The balls are in your court; Superbowl or bust?  As Eminem would say, "You only got one shot, do not miss your chance to blow."  (This quote kind of contradicts my previous statements, since Reid did have 13 shots already, but I thought it would be inspirational for Andy.)

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