Last night, #7 Baylor fell to #5 Georgia 26-14 in the Sugar Bowl. The Bears now fall to 11-3 on the season. Baylor’s loss in the Sugar Bowl was deflating as Georgia held a 2+ score lead for most of the game, and Baylor lost for the second time in row.
As a Baylor fan myself, it was a tough pill to swallow watching my quarterback leave the game with a scary injury, and favorite team get beat on the field in a New Year’s Six Bowl. Scrolling through Twitter, it was not hard to find frustration from fans regarding the game. Leaving my seat at the end of the game, I felt dejected with a sour taste of losing. It was not until as I was leaving the stadium, that I found myself smiling seeing the insane amount of Baylor fans that made the trip to New Orleans that caused me to reflect on the season as a whole.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
While the season certainly did not end the way Baylor fans wanted it to, this is still a season to be THANKFUL for. It is easy to only focus on the most recent event, but lets not forget all what Baylor Football accomplished this season.
“I know it’s ‑‑ I know it’s painful for our guys, but they can’t let that deter what they’ve done this season.”- Coach Matt Rhule.
First only two years after a 1-11 season, Matt Rhule lead Baylor to an astounding 11-3 not only tying the record for the highest amount of Baylor wins in a season, but making it the 6th time in history that Baylor football has achieved a double-digit win season. The football games themselves were also highly entertaining featuring 3 games that were overtime thrillers. 7 of the 11 games were one-score games with 3 of those with game winning or tying drives by Baylor’s offense in the final minutes.
Baylor Football also brought national attention back to the university as they finished the season ranked #7 in the nation, was amidst the College Football Playoff conversation for majority of the season, and brought ESPN’s College Gameday back to Waco for the first time since 2015. Most college football analysts predicted Baylor to finish anywhere from 4th-8th in the Big-12. Baylor surpassed those expectations and finished 2nd in the Big-12 earning them a spot in the Big-12 championship game, their first appearance in the championship game era. Some analysts did not even expect Baylor to make a bowl game. Matt Rhule and the Bears just responded by going to the Sugar Bowl for the first time since 1957.
In addition, the Bears also brought excitement, and energy back to Baylor Football. This team put on a show each and every game bringing fans back to games. After averaging the lowest attendance per home game ever in McLane Stadium in 2018, this year’s Baylor Football broke the record for the largest attendance in McLane Stadium history with 50,223 in their game against Oklahoma. They also recorded the 3rd largest attendance ever in McLane in their win over Texas, and 8th largest in their win in the overtime thriller against Texas Tech for homecoming.
I think Matt Rhule said it best in the press conference after the Sugar Bowl:
“As I told them, we were picked to not even been here. We got to the championship game. We got to the Sugar Bowl……I’m very, very, very proud of what we did this year, very grateful for these guys to my left and for our seniors for what they’ve done.”
With most of their starters projected to return, Baylor is predicted to have another impressive season, and be in the running for a Big-12 championship. The Bears will start the 2020 season off on September 5th against the Ole Miss Rebels in Houston.
In potentially the most iconic win of Tiger’s career, “final round red” has never been so fitting. As Woods walked off the 18th green moments after winning the 2019 Masters and capping one of the greatest comebacks in sports history, he flipped his putter to the ground. Seconds later, Woods lifted and hugged his son, Charlie, bringing back memories of the emotional embrace that a young Tiger and his father, Earl Woods, shared at Augusta after Tiger won his first Masters 22 years ago.
This past year was a major season, no pun intended, for Tiger Woods. Woods beat out Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka by one stroke to attain his fifth green jacket and card his 82nd PGA Tour win. Amidst Tiger’s final putt, an NBC Golf Channel announcer stated “A Return to Glory.” There is simply no other way to put it. In one of the most emotional finishes in tournament history, the 43-year-old Woods—playing like his young self in his 1997 win at Augusta National—came from behind to win the 83rd Masters Tournament by one stroke. Woods’ fifth Masters win moved him past Arnold Palmer, and puts him one behind Jack Nicklaus for the most green jackets in PGA history.
As a big Tiger Woods fan, this was without a doubt one of my favorite career highlights of him—one that I will never forget. Growing up in an era where I get to watch the greatest golfer to ever walk the greens win his fifth Master’s Tournament and get his 82nd win is an honor I will cherish forever. Every single PGA Tour player’s life has been, in some way, impacted for the better (or worse if you’re below Wood’s name on the leaderboard). From a young Rory McIlroy watching Tiger on his dad’s TV in Ireland to an accomplished Brooks Koepka praising Woods’ talented career, Tiger Woods will forever be an icon to the game of golf at every level.
THERE GOES DAVIS!!! DAVIS IS GOING TO RUN IT ALL THE WAY BACK!!! THEY’RE NOT GONNA KEEP THEM OFF THE FIELD TONIGHT!
Even just by reading, you can hear, in your head, these words being proclaimed loud and proud in an ecstatic deep southern accent by Auburn sportscaster, Rod Bramblett, that gives you goosebumps as you recall the moment when, in the 2013 Alabama- Auburn rivalry game, Alabama attempted the last second 57 yard field goal that would literally just fall short and would project Auburn into the last National Championship of the BCS era. It is one of those moments where people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when it occurred.
The “Kick Six,” as it has become popularly known as, while an incredible play in it of itself, can not be fully appreciated without some background information to help people fully grasp the significance of that play. First off, Gus Malzahn was in his first year of his head coaching career at Auburn, and had managed to turn an Auburn team that went 0-8 in conference play, in the previous year, to being a national title contender in the next, all in one year. The manner he did so was incredible, squeaking out wins by a score or less against multiple division opponents (24- 20 Mississippi State, 30-22 Ole Miss #24, 45-41 at Texas A&M #7), and just the week before Alabama, Auburn kept their championship hopes alive as QB Nick Marshall, on 4th & 18, with 36 seconds left, from their own 27 yard line, lobbed up a pass that was deflected off a Georgia DB but then fell into the arms of Auburn receiver Ricardo Louis for the go ahead, winning score that would send Auburn into the Iron Bowl 10-1 against undefeated Alabama for a shot at the SEC Championship and a National Championship.
Never before had an end of season rivalry game, with its history and hate already embedded into it, have so much riding on it, on a national stage. Alabama had cruised into Jordan- Hare Stadium on an 11-0 record, crushing the competition with hopes of a 3rd national title as in as many years. Auburn, while hoping to keep its miraculous season going, was projected as the underdog, at home by 10 ½ points, with most of the country picking Alabama to go in and win and preserve their undefeated season. However, once the game began, point spreads and predictions fell to the wayside as two collegiate heavy weights started trading blows as there were multiple lead changes. The game remained tight and tied going into the 4th quarter before Crimson Tide senior quarterback, A.J. McCarron, threw a 99 yard TD pass, the longest play in Alabama history, to super star wide receiver, Amari Cooper, to go up 28-21.
GIF by Bleacher Report
With 2:32, the Auburn defense made a critical stop on their own 27 yard line, as they blocked Cade Foster’s, senior Alabama kicker out of Southlake, TX, 3rd FG attempt that day, which would’ve put the Crimson Tide up by 2 possessions and made the game nigh impossible for Auburn to come back in. After six consecutive hand offs to Auburn RB Tre Mason, Nick Marshall finally pulled the ball back and sprinting to his left, drew the Alabama defenders in pursuit of him, and then tossed it to a wide open receiver Sammy Coates for a 39 yard touchdown pass, tying the game up at 28-28 with 32 seconds left. Auburn had executed the 2 minute drill to perfection and now looked poised to take the game into OT.
GIF by Bleacher Report
But then, Alabama running back, T.Y. Yelden, on 2 consecutive draw plays against Auburn in the prevent defense, ran all the way to the Auburn 38 yard line and stepped out of bounds when the clock showed 0:00, and it looked like Auburn would force the game into OT. However, Nick Saban fiercely argued that Yelden had been pushed out by Auburn cornerback, Chris Davis (recognize the name?), with a second remaining, and after further review, the clock was reset to 0:01, much to the angst of the Auburn crowd. To everyone’s surprise, Saban elected to go with a 57 yard FG attempt instead of a Hail Mary, and to everyone’s further surprise, sent in redshirt freshman kicker, Adam Griffith, instead of the starting senior, Foster, to conduct the kick. And here, the stage has now been set for the most dramatic and memorable sports moment of the decade.
Adam Griffith lined up for the kick and made a very decent kick, just falling short of the goal post into the waiting arms of deep return man Chris Davis, the same Chris Davis that had forced out T.Y. Yelden out with 1 second remaining that had set up this situation. Once Davis caught it, the rest is history as he returned the ball for 109 yards, sprinting past the Alabama players and tightroping the sideline, to send the Auburn Tigers into the SEC Championship, past the vaunted defending back-to-back nation champion Crimson Tide. The call made by Auburn sportscaster, Rod Bramblett, captured and immortalized the moment perfectly:
“ Chris Davis is going to drop back into the end zone in single safety. Well, I guess if this thing comes up short he can field it and run it out. Alright, here we go. 56-yarder, it’s got—no, it does not have the leg. And Chris Davis takes it in the back of the end zone. He’ll run it out to the 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45—There goes Davis! (White shouts “Oh my God!”) Davis is going to run it all the way back! Auburn’s gonna win the football game! Auburn’s gonna win the football game! He ran the missed field goal back! He ran it back 109 yards! [fans streaming onto the field] They’re not gonna keep them off the field tonight! Holy Cow! Oh, my God! Auburn wins! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl! Auburn has won the Iron Bowl in the most unbelievable fashion you will ever see! I cannot believe it! 34–28! ”
Courtesy of Auburn Football
It was in that moment, when the world became Auburn fans; an improbable, unbelievable season, riddled with comebacks, tight scores, and answered prayers capped off by the most improbable of all victories. A season where being the underdog and rising to the challenge defined who they were and forged them to become who they would be. Too many, this moment and the call made was as iconic as Al Michaels “DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES” call when another massive underdog team, the 1988 United States’ Olympic hockey team took down the seemingly invincible Soviet hockey team, to put them in the gold medal round and win it all. For Auburn, and many college football fans, this might be the greatest collegiate sports moment of all time, if not in all sports. It was this game where I discovered my love for college football; as a 17 year old junior in high school, looking into the process of college applications for the first, this game set off my excitement for the sport, and while I did not end up going to Auburn (Gig Em baby), the “Kick Six” was burned into my memory for all of time. It is moments like these that makes sports so great. To see the improbable, the impossible being done. To see a collection of young people get together and work so hard, to give so much of themselves, all for just an opportunity, a chance at being great.
College basketball is in full swing, and that means that the conference season is upon us! Big 12 play gets underway this upcoming Saturday, January 4th with a full slate of games, as everyone in the conference plays its conference opener.
Today, I’m going to preview each of the Big 12’s teams and give my projected standings and records for each team (see bottom of article).
BAYLOR
Jared Butler drives to the basket vs Arizona at home. Photo per Baylor Athletics
Baylor is good enough to contend for the Big 12 title and equipped to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament come March. Baylor is ranked 11th in the nation in the KenPom rankings, which measures a team’s adjusted efficiency per 100 possessions. They score about 109.1 points per 100 possessions, while giving up only 88.0 points per 100 possessions, meaning their adjusted efficiency is +21.07 points. In addition, they boast one of the better non-conference resumes in the nation thus far, as they have defeated Arizona, Butler, and Villanova (all of whom are ranked in the top 25 in the current AP Poll) – something that Kansas failed to do, as many Baylor fans will quickly let you know that they beat Nova and Kansas did not- but also dropped a game to Washington on a neutral floor in Alaska which they led most of the way. Baylor sure would like to have that Washington match up back, but nonetheless, Baylor is top ten in the AP Poll (currently ranked #6) and in excellent position to compete for a conference championship, though they have not won a regular season conference championship since 1950. One of the biggest strengths of this Baylor team is their depth in the back court. Players like Jared Butler, MaCio Teague, Davion Mitchell, and Devonte Bandoo anchor a loaded Baylor back court, as each one of them brings remarkable athleticism and the ability to shoot the ball from behind the arc, something that Scott Drew-coached Baylor teams are not well-known for. If these guards consistently knock down the 3 ball, Baylor can win the conference for the first time ever since its inception in 1994 and compete for a deep run come March.
3 Key games: @ #22 Texas Tech (January 7th), vs #16 West Virginia (February 15th), vs #3 Kansas (February 22nd)
Key player to watch: Jared Butler
IOWA STATE
Iowa State is certainly not as good as they have been in years past and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Losing players like Marial Shayok, Lindell Wigginton, and Talen Horton-Tucker hurts big time, as they carried Iowa State to a conference tournament title last season when they beat Kansas in the Sprint Center in Kansas City to capture their fifth Big 12 Tournament championship. Good news is they bring back several guys who played key minutes last season, namely guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Michael Jacobson. Tyrese Haliburton and Michael Jacobson are their biggest one-two punch returning from last season in my opinion, but I believe Solomon Young is a key player for them. He needs to be able to establish himself as a consistent go to option behind Haliburton, Rasir Bolton, and Jacobson. Young averages 10.2 points/game and 3.9 rebounds/game, which is good production, but I believe Young needs to step it up to average around 12-13 points/game and 5 rebounds/game in order for Iowa State to find more success. This Iowa State team has the potential to be very competitive, as seen when Seton Hall, ranked #13 in the AP Poll at the time, came into Hilton Coliseum and left with ten point loss to the Cyclones, but Iowa State just has not shown the consistency yet. At a current record of 7-4, they are probably on the outside looking in at the NCAA tournament heading into conference play, but good thing the Big 12 provides plenty of opportunities to boost the resume. There are no off nights in this conference, so Iowa State will need to bring it every single night if they want to make the NCAA tournament, which is why Solomon Young emerging as a solid go-to fourth option is all the more important for this Iowa State team. If he can do so, this makes Iowa State a much more dangerous team because the defense will have to pay more attention to Young on the block, which could open up more shots on the perimeter for guys like Haliburton and Bolton. They will catch some opposing teams off-guard when opposing teams have to visit Hilton, but Iowa State must show more consistency and be able to win on the road if they are to find success this season.
3 Key games: vs #3 Kansas (January 8th), vs #6 Baylor (January 29th), @Oklahoma State (February 29th)
Key player to watch: Solomon Young
KANSAS
Devon Dotson drives to the hoop against UNC-Greensboro in Allen Fieldhouse Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas is Kansas. They have a ton of talent coming back from last year while also introducing several freshmen who could very well end up playing three to four years for Bill Self, and were picked to win the Big 12 again. Anyone surprised? Not really.
Kansas is currently ranked #3 in the AP Poll. They boast a sophomore point guard, Devon Dotson, who is arguably one of the best PGs in America, as well as arguably the best big man in the land in senior seven-foot center Udoka Azubuike. Dotson averages 19.2 points/game and 4.7 assists/game and is the unequivocal leader of this Kansas team while Azubuike averages a solid 14.0 points/game and 8.4 rebounds/game. Kansas also flaunts a strong non-conference schedule and has shown they can hang with just about anyone on any given night, as they have two losses by a combined three points to Duke (neutral floor) and Villanova (road). They also have a road win over the Stanford Cardinal, who are ranked in the top ten of the NCAA’s NET Tool, which helps the NCAA tournament committee evaluate potential NCAA tournament teams based on result of games strength of schedule, game location, scoring margin, etc, as well as a neutral site victory over the Dayton Flyers led by potential lottery pick Obi Toppin. Kansas is also coming off the first season in 15 years in which they DIDN’T win the Big 12. Last year, Texas Tech and Kansas State split the conference crown, so Kansas is out to recapture that title. If Kansas is going to recapture the Big 12 crown, guys like Ochai Agbaji, Marcus Garrett, Isaiah Moss, and David McCormack need to step up and help out Dotson and Azubuike on a consistent basis. It would be easy for me to say Dotson or Azubuike is a key player to watch, however, I believe another is freshman guard Christian Braun. He has played tremendously as of late, knocking down shots, attacking on offense, blocking shots on defense, and providing a spark of energy off the bench, especially in the Villanova game. This Kansas team is already poised to make a deep run in March, but if Braun can consistently be a spark of energy off the bench like he has been of late, I like the Jayhawks chances of reaching Atlanta.
3 Key games: vs #6 Baylor (January 11th), vs #22 Texas Tech (February 1st), @ #16 West Virginia (February 12th)
Key player to watch: Christian Braun
KANSAS STATE
Kansas State has not been getting the treatment of a regular defending conference champion. The Wildcats have been looked down on to start this young season, but their play thus far has not exactly strengthened their case to be a contender in the Big 12 this season. They have been playing better of late, but they will need to kick it into another level if they are to challenge the likes of Kansas, Baylor, West Virginia, and Texas Tech for the conference crown. Now that guys like Barry Brown and Dean Wade are gone, a lot of the weight for this team falls on the shoulders of returners Cartier Diarra and Xavier Sneed. Both are very capable scorers and shooters and have plenty of experience at this level of play, but if K-State is going to get back to where they were last year, look for guys like Makol Mawien and Mike McGuirl to play a big role. Mawien leads the team in rebounds and blocks per game, at 5.1 rebounds/game and 1.1 blocks/game while McGuirl averages the third most minutes of all players among everyone who has played in all of the Wildcat’s games thus far. Somewhat similar to Iowa State, Kansas State does not flaunt an impressive non-conference schedule, as the best team they’ve played in Marquette came into Manhattan and had their way with the Wildcats, earning a 73-65 win over K-State. Fortunately, the Big 12 is filled with great opportunities to prove yourself. At this moment, K-State is not in the NCAA tournament, but that could all change with a good start to the conference season. Bruce Weber is more than a capable coach and has proven he can win and win at the highest level, but this year might be one of his toughest coaching jobs yet. One key player to watch is junior forward Levi Stockard III. In the limited minutes he’s gotten this season, he is shooting over 50% from the floor. If he can find more minutes and be a consistent presence on the floor for the Wildcats, this team will become that much better.
3 Key games: @Texas (January 11th), vs Oklahoma State (February 11th), vs #3 Kansas (February 29th)
Key player to watch: Levi Stockard III
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma is a unique team this year. They don’t have any one dominant player like they have in recent memory (see Blake Griffin, Buddy Hield, and Trae Young for example), but they are a solid team. Head coach Lon Kruger always seems to do a good job of getting his guys ready to go, whether his team is especially talented, like the 2015-2016 Oklahoma team that went to the Final Four on the backs of Wooden Award winner Buddy Hield and his back court mates Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard, or if they are obviously out-manned. Oklahoma has three players currently averaging 14 points/game or more in senior Kristian Doolittle (16.7 points/game) and juniors Austin Reaves (16.6 points/game) and Brady Manek (14.2 points/game). Oklahoma is ranked #51 in the current KenPom rankings with an adjusted efficiency margin of 13.91 points per 100 possessions, which isn’t great but they have beaten teams like Minnesota, who is ranked #42 in KenPom as well as Missouri, who is ranked #53 in KenPom. Oklahoma has also lost to several tough teams like Creighton (road), #24 Wichita State (road), and Stanford (neutral site). Oklahoma has played a pretty good non-conference schedule thus far, it’s just that the results in their bigger games have not been there. Both games against Creighton and Wichita State were 10 point losses in hostile environments, but playing those type of non-conference games get a team ready for Big 12 play. With a three headed trio of Doolittle, Reaves, and Manek, Oklahoma is bound to get a few quality wins in the Big 12, but I don’t know if it will be enough for them to make the Big Dance come March. As far as key players go, watch out for freshman guard De’Vion Harmon out of Denton, Texas. Harmon averages 8.1 points/game, 2.4 rebounds/game, and 2.3 assists/game while shooting approximately 38.3% from the field. Harmon also averages 27.5 minutes/game, meaning the opportunities for him to grow and succeed on the court is present. If he consistently performs at his current production level given the minutes he is averaging, he will grow and become a big part of the offensive attack for this Oklahoma team in the near future, and could be the difference between a couple more wins for this Oklahoma team.
3 Key games: @Iowa State (January 11th), @Oklahoma State (February 22nd), vs Texas (March 3rd).
Key player to watch: De’Vion Harmon
OKLAHOMA STATE
Oklahoma State has shown they are a decent team this year. Projected to finish sixth in the conference, I believe head coach Mike Boynton has his guys heading in the right direction. They have taken care of business against the teams that they are clearly better than, but they have lost to tough teams like Minnesota, Georgetown, and Wichita State who are all better than Oklahoma State, however some of these games the Cowboys have been without sophomore guard Isaac Likekele as he has missed some time with an illness. Some of those results need to start changing and going in favor of OSU if the Cowboys expect to go dancing come March, and the return of Likekele should help swing some of those results in favor of the Cowboys. As it stands right now, they are projected in the “Last Four Byes” part of the NCAA tournament according to ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi. The Cowboys are led by Issac Likekele (13.1 points/game), senior guard Lindy Waters III (12.9 points/game), and senior forward Cameron McGriff (6.6 rebounds/game). All three have played very well throughout this young season and have been supported by senior guard Thomas Dziagwa, six-foot ten-inch sophomore forward Yor Anei, and a cast of freshman in forward Kalib Boone and guards Avery Anderson III and Chris Harris Jr. The Cowboys are a very young team and are in a position to make the NCAA Tournament, but with all young teams going forward, there will be some growing pains. One key player to watch the rest of this season for the Cowboys is Likekele. If he is able to stay healthy, he brings a whole new dynamic to this Cowboys team and makes them a very capable opponent.
3 Key games: @Iowa State (January 21st), vs #3 Kansas (January 27th), vs #22 Texas Tech (February 15th)
Key player to watch: Isaac Likekele
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
I’ll be honest, this TCU team is not as good as most other teams in the Big 12 this season. Head coach Jamie Dixon has a lot of work in front of him if he wants to get his Frogs to go dancing. TCU has beaten a ton of mediocre opponents but their three losses have come to Clemson, Southern California, and Xavier. TCU is ranked #67 in KenPom and is only ranked above one other Big 12 team in the KenPom rankings (K-State is ranked #89). The Horned Frogs are led by senior guard Desmond Bane (15.9 points/game, 7.1 rebounds/game, and 3.5 assists/game) and sophomore forward Kevin Samuel (11.7 points/game and 8.6 rebounds/game). Desmond Bane is one of the better guards in the conference, as he won player of the week for the conference once last season and was named to the all-conference second team at the end of the regular season. As far as key players go for this TCU squad, it has to be Bane. If he goes down with an injury at any point, I don’t believe TCU has any shot at the NCAA Tournament. Bane will need to keep up his all-conference play if TCU has any shot to make the postseason.
3 Key games: @Oklahoma (January 18th), vs #16 West Virginia (February 22nd), vs #6 Baylor (February 29th)
Key player to watch: Desmond Bane
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Texas basketball has been a weird situation when looking from the outside ever since Shaka Smart arrived in town. I feel like Shaka is still hanging his hat on his surprise run to the Final Four in 2011 as the head coach of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) when they beat one-seeded Kansas in the Elite Eight in San Antonio to go to the Final Four. Smart has not been able to produce teams with similar success to the Texas teams of the 2000’s under Rick Barnes. However one thing Smart has been able to do is land high profile recruits, after having players like Myles Turner, Mo Bamba, and Jaxon Hayes come through his program. Its no secret he can send guys to The League, but even with those high-profile players, they have not found much postseason success. This Texas team has shown flashes of potential, as seen when they beat the then ranked #23 Purdue Boilermakers, but have also shown lapses in effort, as seen when getting curb stomped by Providence. The Longhorns are led by guards Matt Coleman (junior, averaging 12.8 points/game and 4.5 assists/game) and Andrew Jones (sophomore, averaging 11.4 points/game). Coleman is also shooting a scorching 47.6% from three point range this season. The Horns were predicted to finish fourth in the conference, but in order to do so they will need consistent play from guys like guard Courtney Ramey and forward Jericho Sims. Sims leads the team in rebounds/game at 6.9 and blocks/game at 1.3. I believe Sims is the key to the Longhorns finishing high in the standings at the end of conference play. If Sims can step up and become a very real post threat on the offensive end (he only averages 8.5 points/game) and become a better rim defender, the floor will open up so much more for the athletic guards that Texas has in Coleman, Ramey, and Jones on the offensive end while also making Texas a much better defensive team. If Sims becomes a better post player, the Horns could surprise some people in conference play.
3 Key games: vs @Oklahoma State (January 15th), #3 Kansas (January 18th), vs Texas Tech (February 8th)
Key player to watch: Jericho Sims
TEXAS TECH
Freshman guard Jahmi’us Ramsey rises up for a jumpshot vs Long Island University during their matchup on November 24th in Lubbock, Texas. Photo per Texas Tech Athletics
Texas Tech has emerged as one of the premier teams in the Big 12. Reaching the Elite Eight two seasons ago and getting to the National Championship game last season, it’s no secret that Chris Beard can coach. This season is a whole different animal though. His first season in Lubbock, Beard had standout senior point guard Keenan Evans and future NBA First rounder Zhaire Smith. Last season he had Big 12 player of the year Jarrett Culver, who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. This season, it doesn’t appear that Texas Tech has someone who can completely dominate a game like Evans/Smith did two years ago or even like Culver could last year. Freshman Jahmi’us Ramsey is certainly an excellent player, but he isn’t a Jarrett Culver (yet), and nobody should expect him to be, as of right now. Good news is Ramsey is an outstanding player and can score in a variety of ways. Combine him with returning senior guard Chris Clarke, junior guard Davide Moretti, sophomore guard Kyler Edwards, freshman guard Terrence Shannon Jr, and senior transfer forward T.J. Holyfield, Tech has an outstanding array of players that Beard can throw at any opposing defense. This team is a guard-dominated team, which bodes well in the modern version of college basketball. However, I believe if Tech wants to win the Big 12 for the second consecutive season, they need to improve their outside shooting ability. Among players who play significant minutes (15 minutes or more/game in my opinion), only Ramsey (46.3%) and Moretti (38.8%) shoot above 35% from three. If Tech as a team can get more guys to consistently shoot the rock, they will be a very tough out. One of their key players is T.J. Holyfield. We all know Ramsey and Moretti are good, but Holyfield was a highly coveted transfer who chose Chris Beard and Texas Tech over the likes of Kansas, but Holyfield has not lived up to all the hype quite yet. He averages 9.5 points/game, 4.9 rebounds/game, and shoots 57.3% from the field as a whole, He has played in all 12 of Texas Tech’s games, but only averages about 6.25 shots/game while playing about 22.9 minutes/game. If he is going to shoot this well from the field, I think Holyfield has to find a way to get more minutes so that he can get more shots up. If he can become another consistent double digit scorer for this team, look to see Tech fight for a spot in Atlanta for the Final Four at the end of the year.
3 Key games: vs #6 Baylor (January 7th), @ #16 West Virginia (January 11th), @ #3 Kansas (February 1st) (Bonus game: vs #17 Kentucky on January 25th as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge).
Key player to watch: T.J. Holyfield
WEST VIRGINIA
Death, Taxes, and a Bob Huggins coached-team being good defensively. The three guarantees of life. WVU is ranked #17 in the KenPom rankings and is allowing only 87.5 points/100 possessions, which is good for the seventh best in the country. WVU is an excellent defensive team and always has been. The question is whether their offense can step up to the task. Their leading scorer is freshman forward Oscar Tshiebwe at 11.8 points/game. WVU also only has one player averaging more than 25 minutes/game (sophomore forward Emmitt Matthews Jr. who averages 26.5 min/game). What does that tell you? WVU has depth and Huggins isn’t afraid to use it. Ten different players average double digit minutes per game. This allows Huggins to keep up his team’s defensive intensity that WVU basketball has become known for over the last several years. Having fresh bodies late in games is a big luxury and WVU definitely has that. Projected to finish fifth in the conference, the Mountaineers are already exceeding expectations as they are currently ranked #16 in the AP Poll and just beat then ranked #2 Ohio State in Morgantown this past Sunday. One key player for the Mountaineers in my opinion is sophomore forward Derek Culver. Culver averages 11.0 points/game and 9.4 rebounds/game and has experience in beating tough opponents. Culver played significant roles last season on a WVU team that beat Kansas in Morgantown and bested league champion Texas Tech in the Big 12 tournament. Culver while only a sophomore, can provide some leadership for an up and coming WVU roster that has lots of freshmen and sophomores. If Culver is able to become the leader for this WVU team and provide consistent scoring and defensive intensity, watch out for the Mountaineers as they could challenge for the Big 12 title.
3 Key games: vs #22 Texas Tech (January 11th), vs #3 Kansas (February 12th), @ #6 Baylor (February 15th)
Howdy folks and welcome back to another edition of Picks from God. Last week was a much better performance than the week prior as we went 3-1 (4-0 if the refs hadn’t hammered Clemson -2) and now sit at 5-7 (-2U). The next couple of days we have some great college football bowl matchups that have winners written all over them. The Lord has spoketh to me. Here are the Picks from God for 12/31/2019-1/2/19. Enjoy responsibly.
*Grad School Sports reminds you to please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700. Picks are in bold.
1. Florida State vs. Arizona State -4: The picture above tells you just about everything you need to know for this game. Yes, that picture was taken earlier this year and is not photoshopped. An FSU receiver actually lined up the wrong way for an offensive snap. That just about sums up the season for this Seminoles squad and gives me complete faith that Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils can take care of business today. Now is either team great? No, but FSU is just that terrible. Coach Willie Taggart was fired midway through the season and at this point I think the Noles would care to be just about anywhere but on a football field. Both teams will have star players who will be sitting out this bowl game due to potential NFL careers. I really liked what I saw from ASU true freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels against Oregon a few weeks ago and I think he has a big game against a very weak FSU secondary. Now you’ll hardly hear the Lord say this, but take the Devil’s side on this one.
2. Utah -7 vs. Texas: Don’t over think this one people. Utah is good and Texas is bad. Plain and simple. Let’s all remember that this is a Texas team, whom in the words of QB Sam Ehlinger, is happy to be 7-5. Yes, the game is in San Antonio, TX which is only a short drive from Austin. However, these longhorns are bad. The offense has struggled to establish the run this season which does not bode well as they will face the top run defense in the country. Thus, while Ehlinger has his moments, he will be forced to throw most of the game against a very stout Utes passing defense. While the Utes don’t have a powerful offensive attack, the Longhorns defense is simply terrible. Look for QB Tyler Huntley to have a big game. Give me the Utes and the points as Texas proves once again that is indeed not back.
Photo by Giphy
3. Georgia vs. Baylor -5.5: Anyone remember what happened last year when Georgia played in the Sugar Bowl? They got stomped by Texas which allowed everyone to think Texas was somehow back again. I really think the same thing happens this year. Matt Rhule is one of the best coaches in college football and this Baylor defense is the real deal. They should have a field day going up against one of the worst QB’s in the SEC, Jake Fromm. Baylor’s offense has had its share of struggles this season which doesn’t bode well going up against a very strong Georgia defense. However, Kirby Smart has yet to say which Bulldog players will miss the bowl game, but it sounds like the list could be incredibly long. In addition, I think Baylor has much more to play for as they look to prove that they can play with the big boys in the SEC. Meanwhile, Georgia once again had its heart broken at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and will have to settle for just another meaningless NY6 bowl. In Matt Rhule I trust. Give me the Bears.
Photo by Giphy
4. Indiana vs. Tennessee -2.5. If you had told Volunteer fans their team would be favored in a bowl game after the 5th week of the season they would have laughed at you. However, Tennessee has gone 6-1 over the last 7 games and head coach Jeremy Pruitt has Rocky Top feeling pretty optimistic these days. QB Jimmy Jarrett Guarantano and WR Jauan Jennings are a formidable duo and the Volunteer defense has established itself as one of the best in the SEC East. The Hoosiers are no slouch themselves and nearly upset Penn State a few weeks back. However, much like my Aggies they really haven’t beaten anyone good this year. Therefore, take the Volunteers who have been playing fantastic football over the last half of the season.
Please remember, I am not a professional gambler. So please do yourself a favor and fade me at all costs. In addition, if you do not have the funds or live in an area where gambling is prohibited by law, please do not gamble. As we conclude this week’s picks, let’s all remember Jeremiah 29:11. Good luck to everyone this week.
JUST ENOUGH. This was the motto for the Texas A&M Aggies last night as they came back from a 14-0 lead and then held onto for a close win, 24-21, over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. It looked ugly early on for the Aggies as Kellen Mond fumbled twice in the first quarter and fell behind 14-0 quickly. However, after a bad punt by Oklahoma State that got downed at their own 22 yard line, A&M capitalized on the field position and managed to be only down by a score, 14-7, going into halftime. After the A&M defense forced another 3 and out, they again capitalized on the situation and took a 60 yard drive, capped off by a 10 yard slant route touchdown pass from Mond to Jhamon Ausbon. After both offenses traded off multiple punts back and forth, Kellen Mond ripped off a 67 yard run through the heart of the Cowboys defense, giving A&M the lead for the first time all night. After forcing another punt, the A&M offense took a 9 play drive and kicked a 24 yard field goal with 2:52 left in the game to make it a 2 possession game. That FG would be the difference in the game as the A&M defense, for all the improvements they made in the 2nd half, gave up an Oklahoma State touchdown drive with a 1:04 left in the game. However, the onside kick attempt fell short and after A&M recovered and took a couple of knee downs, A&M completed the comeback and held onto to win the game and finish the season with an 8-5 record.
Player Notes:
Kellen Mond- failed to throw for a 100 yards but made up for it by leading the team in rushing with a 117 yards on the ground on 12 attempts, including a rushing touchdown.
Ainias Smith- it could be argued that once the freshman receiver found his way onto the field was the time that A&M found its spark on offense. While only pulling in 2 receptions, his explosive presence seemed to help kick start the previously anemic offense by being the other back, providing the explosive threat needed by A&M.
Chubba Hubbard- had another good night as he averaged 7.5 yards per run, with a total of 158 yards on 19 attempts. To A&M’s credit, the defense stopped him when they needed to and kept him out of the endzone. Oklahoma State fans eagerly wait on the redshirt sophomore’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft or not.
Braydon Johnson- had a very good night, averaging almost 25 yards a catch with 2 TDs and 124 reception yards, scorching the A&M secondary.
What’s Next?
Oklahoma State- While not getting the result they wanted from last night, Coach Mike Gundy remains optimistic for the Cowboys’ future, with the return of sophomore receiver Braydon Johnson and the hopeful return of Hubbard.
Texas A&M- Finally got a win over a good team, ranked in the Top 25, and got to 8 wins. Texas A&M will look to build off this win in the offseason for a 2020 season that is much more forgiving, swapping out SEC East opponent Georgia for Vanderbilt and nonconference Clemson, for UNT. With another top 10 recruiting class, Jimbo Fisher looks to continue to rebuild and retool Texas A&M into an SEC & CFP contending team.
In this series we will examine how every sports market fared in the 2010 decade. I will look at each team in their respective market and compare with other teams within that market. I only used Big 4 sports teams (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL) in these rankings.
There are a few rules I followed in my rankings and are as follows:
Each market is divided into a classification (1 team, 2 teams, 3 teams, 4 teams) — similar to how high school sports are divided–in order to make it easier to compare.
MLB and NFL playoff appearances are weighted slightly more because NHL and NBA playoffs have over half of the teams in their leagues in the playoffs.
For the NBA, NHL and NFL, I use the 2009-2010 seasons as the start of the decade, because the champion of each was crowned in 2010. For example, the Saints were Super Bowl champions in 2010.
Markets only include teams in the metro area (for example I did not include Green Bay with Milwaukee and Sacramento with the Bay Area.
1 TEAM CLASS
There are 19 different markets in the United States and Canada with only one Big 4 team. Most of them have not had much success in the 2010’s so instead of mindlessly ranking all 19, I will give you my top 3 for this category
3 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (NBA)
Oklahoma City has been a menace in the NBA since the new decade. They have made the postseason every year but the 2015 season, winning their division four straight years from 2011 through 2014 and another in 2016. The Thunder won a total of 10 playoff series this decade as well as a Western Conference Title in the 2012 season. However, they fell to the Miami Heat in five games, and an NBA title eluded them throughout the decade.
2 Green Bay, Wisconsin (NFL)
Headlined by their Super Bowl XLV title in the 2011 season, the packers were dominant for the first half of the decade. They racked up four division titles from 2012 through 2015, and another in 2016. Adding Wild Card appearances in 2011 and 2016, the Packers were a regular in the NFL playoffs this past decade.
1 San Antonio, Texas (NBA)
I could probably keep the Spurs in this spot since the start of the millennium with how dominant they have been over the last 20 years. However, since the 2009-2010 NBA season, they won the Southwest Division seven times (2011-2014, 2016 & 2017) and they have two western conference titles in 2013 and 2014. In 2014 they beat the Big 3 Miami Heat for their fifth NBA title in franchise history. This was an easy call to have San Antonio at the top.
2 TEAM CLASS
11 Buffalo, New York (NFL, NHL)
Oh boy, where do I start here… Buffalo has some of the most loyal fans with the worst sports teams. Between the Bills and Sabres they have a combined THREE playoff appearances this decade. The Bills in 2018 and the Sabres all the way back in 2010 & 2011. The Sabres did have the lone division title in 2010 for Buffalo. To make things worse, the Bills lost their playoff game and the Sabres did not get out of the first round either year. Things are definitely looking up for the Bills going into the new decade.
10 Cincinnati, Ohio (NFL, MLB)
Without an NBA or NHL team to prop up their playoff appearances, the Reds and Bengals still totaled nine playoff appearances over the last 10 years and four of them coming by way of a division crown. The Bengals did not win a playoff game in six opportunities and the Reds lost in the NLDS in 2010 and 2012. To cap off their last appearance of the decade the Reds lost to Pittsburgh when Pirates fans were able to rattle Johnny Cueto in the 2013 Wild Card game.
9 Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MLB, NBA)
This is where it becomes more difficult to rank each market. It is hard to put Milwaukee this far down considering they have two MVPs in the last two seasons with Christian Yelich and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Most of the success in Milwaukee has been very recently. The first part of the decade was largely a dumpster fire for Milwaukee. The Bucks had five playoff appearances before 2019 and did not have a single series win. Their first division title also came in 2019 as well as an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Brewers did win their division in 2011 and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five before falling to St. Louis in the NLCS. They won their division in 2018 and again lost in the NLCS. A wild card loss in 2019 kept Milwaukee out of the World Series and NBA finals for the entire decade and that’s why they’re at #9.
8. Charlotte, North Carolina (NFL, NBA)
Charlotte’s position at #8 is propped up almost entirely by the Carolina Panthers. In particular their appearance in Super Bowl 50 preceded by a 15-1 regular season. The Panthers won three straight division titles from 2014 through 2016 and tacked on a wild card berth in 2018. If Cam Newton was able to stay healthy, Charlotte would be a few spots higher. The most notable thing the Charlotte Hornets did was switch their name from the Bobcats back to the Hornets after 2014 and the team did not seem to do any better; just 3 playoff appearances and not one series win. They have been painfully spaced out and did not string together back-to-back postseason appearances all decade. This team may belong in Buffalo.
7. Nashville, Tennessee (NFL, NHL)
Yet another city propped up by one of their teams, but the Nashville Predators have been dominant the last 10 years. The predators have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs just twice and have a Stanley Cup finals appearance and a Presidents Trophy to show for the 2010’s. If they weren’t snake bitten by the Chicago Blackhawks early in the decade, they would have more than seven playoff series wins. The Tennessee Titans chipped in a playoff appearance in 2018 and a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead, which is not an easy task.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana (NFL, NBA)
Indianapolis comes in as the city with the most playoff appearances between their two teams (14) and the Colts won the AFC to start the decade. The Colts had a total of six playoff appearance and won the AFC South 4 times (2010,2011,2014 & 2015). The transition from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck propelled the Colts through the decade. The Pacers have been a mainstay in the postseason for the last 10 years, only missing the playoffs in 2010 and 2015. Making back to back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 & 2014 headline the 2010’s but were unable to overcome LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Let’s not forget about Lance Stephenson either.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana (NFL, NBA)
The New Orleans Saints beat the aforementioned Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV netting the city’s first professional sports title. The Saints also appeared in the postseason five more times in addition to 2010 but suffered heart-breaking losses in 2018 to the Minnesota Vikings and in 2019 to the Los Angeles Rams. Both years it was not out of the realm of possibility for another Saints Super Bowl victory. On the other hand, there is the New Orleans Pelicans. This team is notorious for wasting talented players, namely Chris Paul and Anthony Davis. Just three playoff appearances and no division titles, it was not a pretty decade for the Pelicans. They did however pick up a series sweep against Portland in the 2018 playoffs.
4. Seattle, Washington (NFL, MLB)
I can already hear my friends from the greater Seattle metro area tearing me apart for putting the Emerald City this low. The Seahawks have been absolutely phenomenal this decade. A Super Bowl win, another appearance and six total playoff appearances. Four NFC West titles to boot as well. It’s definitely not the Seahawks that is holding Seattle back. It’s the team that plays right across the street. The Seattle Mariners are one of just four MLB teams to not make the postseason in the last 10 seasons (Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres). To rub salt in the wound, they are now the only MLB franchise to never play in a World Series. I think most Seattle fans are content with a perennial contender in the Seahawks though.
3 Baltimore, Maryland (NFL, MLB)
It really is hard to believe that the Orioles used to be a very good baseball team with how horrendous they have been the last two seasons. The O’s made the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016, with the 2014 season being a division title. They did have a Wild Card win in 2012 and an ALDS series win in 2014. The real powerhouse in Baltimore is the Ravens who have three division titles and Super Bowl XLVII under their belt. They add another three playoff appearances in wild card games. An 8-5 postseason record is definitely a sign of a strong decade and the way they have played this season, the 2020’s could be friendly to them as well.
2 Kansas City, Missouri (NFL, MLB)
The Kansas City Royals may have been the worst MLB team from 2000-2009. They had ONE winning season over that span, but the pain and suffering finally came to an end in the 2010’s. The Royals started out the 2014 postseason 8-0 enroute to a World Series appearance before losing to the San Francisco Giants in 7. They came back in 2015 and captured their second World Series title, beating the New York Mets in 5. They have largely gone dormant the last few years again but that’s the price of winning a ring in a smaller market. In the exact same parking lot lies Arrowhead Stadium and home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Amassing five division titles and two more wild card appearances, the Chiefs were regularly featured in the NFL playoffs even though they did not reach the AFC Championship until this past season. Just like the Ravens, the Chiefs will likely be a contender for a long time.
1 ST LOUIS, MISSOURI (NFL, MLB)
*I AM NOT COUNTING THE RAMS*
It is strange how the top two markets lie in the same state of Missouri. St. Louis is the only city on this list to have both teams claim a championship this decade. The Cardinals are one of the most respected MLB organizations and have consistently developed their own players. It has paid dividends for them in the form of a 2011 World Series Championship, a 2013 NL Pennant, and five division titles. The Cardinals have their name written all over postseasons for most of the decade. Finally, in 2019 the Blues raised the cup for the first time in franchise history. The Blues netted six playoff appearances since 2009-2010 before their seventh resulted in the Cup. That journey was nothing short of phenomenal, being in last place as late as January when the playoffs start in April. They missed the playoffs the first two years but have made it six of the last seven and have two division titles in 2012 and 2015. PLAY GLORIA!
The 2013 baseball season in Boston was led by one mantra, “Boston Strong”. That April, two terrorists carried out a deadly attack during the Boston Marathon. They set off bombs, killing and wounding many innocent Americans.
Because the attacks happened at the beginning of the baseball season, the team took it upon themselves to take on the city’s sorrows and be a source of healing. In the first home game after the bombing, World Series MVP, David Ortiz, took the mic and spoke the now famous phrase “This is our f****** city”. His speech was the beginning point of healing for a city that was knocked down hard, but would come back stronger than ever that October.
When I think about the 2013 World Series and the 2013 playoffs in general, I think about a charismatic team that really gelled together and loved each other.
The pitching staff was led by Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Ryan Dempster and Jake Peavy. All five are true veterans and simply knew how to get outs. None of these guys, Lester excluded, were really in the prime of their careers, but all of them battled just like the rest of Boston did. Lackey’s performance in game six in particular stands out to me. He went 6 2/3, and gave up one run while scattering nine hits.
I also think about guys like David Ross, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jonny Gomes, Shane Victorino, Mike Napoli, Daniel Nava, and Stephen Drew. All didn’t have long tenures in Boston, all were relatively low level free agent signings and mostly on the tail end of their careers. However, all of them found ways to come up clutch and make huge impacts during the 2013 season. Gomes in particular really had no business starting in left field for a MLB team in the World Series. He’s average at best in every metric except for the most important one, heart. Gomes and Napoli led the way with growing beards throughout the season. The beards became a rallying point for everyone associated with the Red Sox. Besides Big Papi, I’m not sure if there was anyone more clutch than Shane Victorino. In game six, Victorino hit the bases clearing three run triple to start the scoring, and he also had another hit to extend the lead. I think the most excited I’ve ever been watching a baseball game was his grand slam in the ALCS that year.
I’d be remiss to not mention the contributions of David Ortiz and Koji Uehara as well. Ortiz hit an absurd .688 in the World Series after having an abysmal ALCS in which he hit .091.
Koji led the way in the bullpen, carving people up with his patented arm side run 81 MPH splitter. He was untouchable. His last pitch in game six to Matt Carpenter will forever be etched in my mind.
In short, all World Series wins are special and mean a lot to the city and the fan base that wins it. But this one just meant more. Boston had been through so much in 2013. This Red Sox team took on all the sorrows of the city and did a damn good job erasing them with winning baseball. Stories like this one is what makes sports so special and I am thankful to have been alive for it.
Yesterday, I was sitting at the Mavericks game with my brother discussing the top players in the NBA right now. My brother and I were each naming off top players in the league, when a fan behind us suddenly interjected because he heard us mention Kawhi.
“Kawhi does not even belong in the top-5.”- the fan behind us said.
Absolutely shocked that somebody would say such an outlandish comment, I tried not to roll my eyes and instead listed off the reasons why Kawhi is a top-5 player in the league. The fan merely breezed over my reasons only to tell me that Harden was a top-3 player in the league. That is when I knew I could not reason with this fan, so I went back to enjoy the Mavericks beat up on the Spurs.
With that being said I wanted to finalize my list of top-3 players in the NBA AT THIS MOMENT. My rankings are more of how a player can impact a team. I prefer to see how this player can make a team a force/threat in the post season.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Averages 30.5 ppg 12.9 rebounds a game 5.7 assists a game
Right now, Giannis leads his team in points, rebounds, and assists per game. The reigning MVP has solidified himself in the top-3 because he has been the main reason why the Bucks has had so much success. The Greek Freak has brought the Bucks to the #1 seed and the conference finals. Without Giannis, the Bucks would be a fighting for a playoff spot. Giannis ensures they are one of top spots in the playoffs. All Giannis needs to do to move up in the rankings is claim the Eastern Conference crown, and show that he can beat even the top defenses.
2. LeBron James
Averages 25.7 ppg 7.6 rebounds a game 10.6 assists a game
I know some may argue this, but I cannot leave LeBron out of my top-3 list just yet. I know he is older, but LeBron continues to show he is one of the best players in the league. First off, LeBron is leading the league in assists by a whole assist (no other player is averaging more than 9.4). People will complain that LeBron is not scoring enough points. That is because is making his teammates better. Averaging over 25 points and 10 assists a game is an incredible stat. LeBron has shown that what ever team he is on can make a run in the playoffs. Not many players in the NBA can say that.
1.Kawhi Leonard
Averages 25.9 ppg 8.0 rebounds a game 5.1 assists a game
The top player in the NBA is Kawhi Leonard. Being the top player in the NBA is not just offense, but defense as well. Kawhi has a significant edge over other players when it comes to defense. He can guard almost anybody in the game. In addition, he plays incredible on the offensive side inside the paint, and beyond the arc. What sets Kawhi apart from everyone else is his clutch gene. Kawhi is one of the most clutch players in the league. Kawhi took out Giannis and the #1 seed Bucks last year, and scored when the moment mattered the most. Just look at the 2019 finals or the last second shot to beat the 76ers in game 7. LeBron has shown he is not as clutch. Just look at the 2011 finals, and the 2016 finals where it was Kyrie’s go-ahead shot that sealed the deal over the Warriors. Kawhi is a terminator on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and he is best when it matters most. His clutch-ness even made our Top-10 moments of 2019.
Kawhi showed that he was the best player last year, and has the belt. No one has taken it from him yet.
Honorable Mentions:
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were not included because they are injured and out for the season.
James Harden- great at scoring, but he has not been able to do that in the playoffs to get his team even to the conference finals
Anthony Davis- excellent player, but LeBron is more valuable for the Lakers with his assists.
Joel Embiid- Embiid has shown he can be one of the best players. He is just not nearly consistent enough.
Luka Doncic- He has had an incredible career in the NBA thus far, but has yet to take down some of the best teams and players on a consistent basis
Below is where the other contributors rank their top-3:
5. Chicago Cubs win World Series after 108 year drought
Photo by MLB
My Cubs roots run deep. From the moment I was born, I was immersed in the culture and fandom of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. I grew up imitating the Moisės Alou’s cockeyed stance, shaking my head to Carlos Zambrano’s temper tantrums, and living for Sammy Sosa’s homerun leaps. I still remember the gut wrenching 2003 NLCS series. Having a World Series seem like a sure thing with a Cubs game six 3-0 lead in the late innings, only to watch it slip through our fingers with the Florida Marlins eight run eighth inning. And then the absolute devastation of a game seven loss at home. I remember going to sleep in my parent’s bed that night in my Sammy Sosa jersey, crying myself to sleep with my mom. Being a Cubs fan was full of heartbreaks; that was until the 2016 World Series game 7.
I watched game 7 as a sophomore at the College of Wooster, a small college just north of Columbus. Because of the location, I watched that game in a room full of Cleveland Indians fans wanting nothing more than for the Cubs to break my heart once again. But an extra inning Ben Zobrist double and a final out from Kris Bryant to Anthony Rizzo brought me one of the best moments of my life. The room of Indians fans quickly cleared out and there I sat, long after the game was over, wrapped in my W flag, soaking in every moment of the celebration. I took that time to call all my family and friends who had faithfully stood by this team through all the tough times. I remember specifically calling my Grandpa, an 80 year old man who had dedicated his life to the Cubs franchise. He even bought a house in Arizona where he had owned season tickets to Cubs spring training for the past 25 years. He was in tears when I called him, and I couldn’t help from tearing up myself with overwhelming joy. Our lovable losers and finally become champions, a moment that will live on forever.
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