In this segment, I'll take a look at my four favorite teams, and one hot sports topic. As Max Kellerman used to say......
First Topic!
1. Utah basketball:
There are three players who the Runnin' Utes really have their eye on. Givon Crump, Renan Lenz, and Travis Wilkins. Who are these players, and what do each of them bring to the table, should they decide to become Runnin' Utes?
Crump is a small forward who can score. He is a decent long range shooter, but definitely more of a "scorer" than a "shooter". He is a pretty good rebounder. with some length on the perimeter. As I look at his stats, I am impressed with how often he gets to the line. His total free throw attempts last year is nearly double than the highest total for a Ute player (Jason Washburn). We desperately need the firepower, shooting, free throws, and rebounding from the wing, that he can bring to the table.
I also really like the possibility of him playing next to Jordan Loveridge, either at the 3 and 4 when we go small, or at the 2 and 3 when we go big.
Lenz is a big body who can rebound (9.4 per game) and block shots (2.5 per game). He also has some scoring punch (13.0 per game). He could be the true power forward we have lacked for a long time at Utah. As a team, we lacked rebounding and overall inside depth last year. Lenz would certainly give us that.
Travis Wilkins is a solid shooter who can stretch the defense. He could be to us what Kyle Korver was to the Jazz. A guy that you have to be aware of. Putting it nicely, we were brutal from downtown last year. A guy to spread the floor would help everyone else and make us that much more difficult to defend.
Look for at least one of these guys to sign with us. If we can land all three, we will be a very competitive team this year. Look for their decisions to come within the next week or so.
NEXT TOPIC!
Utah Football:
Spring ball has gone well on several fronts. First, the injury situation has been good so far. Second, the offense and defense are playing well. The talent in the program is as good as its ever been and we should have a very successful year.
I am a nerd when it comes to analyzing the depth chart. Yeah, I know, its only spring. But its interesting to me.
One thing that has jumped out to me is that Boo Anderson has yet to crack a depth chart. Last year, this guy was the first linebacker in off the bench at all three spots. I thought for sure that he would replace Matt Martinez at rover. But I have not heard his name mentioned at all and he does not appear on any depth chart.
That tells me that our linebacking group is going to be very good this year, if a bit inexperienced. Or maybe it says that Boo is a goofball. I dont know. Guess we will see!
NEXT TOPIC!
Utah Jazz:
Watching this team has been a blast this year. As they make this playoff push, I can't help but be proud of this team and organization. This is a team that does things the right way, and they always have.
I was torn at first over whether or not I wanted the Jazz to get to the playoffs. A draft pick in this year's lottery is VERY tempting. But as I watch this team battle, I want them to get to the playoffs. Al Jefferson has never been there. Neither have the young guys. I want these guys to feel and experience that atmosphere.
They have dropped some games they shouldn't have, but they have battled all year. And as a fan, that is all I can ask. Bravo!
NEXT TOPIC!
Boston Red Sox:
Ok look, I can handle seeing my team lose all the time. For crying out loud, my favorite team is the Runnin' Utes! What I can't stand is buffoons. And that is what the Red Sox are becoming.
Historic Fenway Park turns 100 this year. The team has planned a celebration by bringing back all former living managers. Only problem is, the greatest manager in the history of the team, Terry Francona, is not ready to come back. And I don't blame him. The way he was treated by the organization last season is repulsing and deplorable. He was blamed for the meltdown when it was not his fault. The team threw him under the bus and it makes me sick.
I almost want to see the Red Sox just completely fall apart this year, just to stick it to the idiots calling the shots for this team. I am a fan for life, but they are sure making it hard on me.
FINAL TOPIC!
College athletes transferring:
I understand where coaches are coming from. If I bring in a kid and its not a good fit, the last thing I want is for him to go to my rival and help them beat me. But, in my opinion, thats just something that coaches have to live with.
I saw one idea on twitter this morning that basically suggested that the University and student arrange for a prenuptial agreement. "If this doesn't work out, you can go here, here, or here, but not here, here or here." Thats a little silly.
In my mind, a kid should be able to go where they want. The penalties are already severe. If the coaches can leave for wherever they want, the kids should be able to as well.
