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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Determination, Real, Efforts, and Abilities, Means Success! D.R.E.A.M.S

Thursday, December 29, 2011

“Shut Yo’ Mouth” Sports Moments Of 2011

How will you remember 2011 sports world? There were plenty headlines, incredible victories, and shut yo’ mouth moments. I fall in love with this time of the year in sports. Looking back at what occur throughout the year shows us that sports are the best reality TV shows on earth. Nothing is even a given, just ask the Miami Heat. With 2011 coming to an end it’s only right that I offer you my top ten “shut yo’ mouth” sports moments of 2011.

At number #10: Penn State football program & Syracuse basketball program
Enough said! Next.

At number #9: Tim Tebow
Let me start of by saying I thank my Lord and Saver Jesus Christ. Seriously, I do thank him a lot however; Tebow has shown the world that we must thank him more, and its VERY much okay to do so. So I thank Tim Tebow!
(US Presswire)


At number #8: Mavericks cool off the Heat
We heard all the jokes about LeBron James not performing at the highest level in the 4th periods of the NBA Finals, but what’s more important to me was the performance of Dirk Nowitzki.  Averaging 26pts in the finals inked him in the Hall of Fame (with a ring) for sure and it won’t be debated on why he’s there. Over 6 months ago we watched one of NBA Commissioner David Stern’s worst nightmares come true; Mark Cuban-Mavericks Owner- wins the gold ball.
(US Presswire)


At number #7: Win 3 Game 7’s means raising the Cup
Hockey made the list? Yes Hockey people! Any team that wins three Game 7’s and makes a city, see Vancouver; riot will always make my list. Not being a huge hockey fan, just the thought of what Boston Bruins did grab my attention. I’m not sure that we will ever see a team win three game 7’s to win a title.  

(US Presswire)


At number #6: Mr. 3,000 resides in New York Now Finally    
Whenever you become first to do anything in a Yankees jersey that speaks volumes, and should be on every list. With their rich history, one might think it’s impossible to be first in anything. Well, Derek Jeter did just that becoming the first Yankee to have 3,000 hits. He’s really the King of the Big Apple.



At number #5: This Cardinal didn’t just fly it ran to a World Series ring   
I didn’t know that the MLB playoffs started in late August apparently, the St Louis Cardinals did. Being behind the Atlanta Braves 11 games the Cardinals came back, and won the NL wild card spot. That would have been an awesome way to close out the season for most teams, but not for these Cardinals. Not only did they make the playoffs they bounced the heavily favored Phillies.  Showed the Brewers how to drink a beer, and out shoot the Rangers by winning games 6 & 7, sending manager Tony La Russa out on top with a ring.



At number #4: March Madness really is Madness
Anytime you have Virginia Commonwealth and Butler, who made it for the second straight year, in the NCAA Final Four that month will be madness. The Connecticut Huskies not only won the title they won 11 games en route of that title. Yes, I know it only takes 6 wins, that’s my point.



At number #3: Paul going to L.A.
Most Los Angeles fans love the notion of Chris Paul, the best point guard in the league, playing in L.A. Who in the world thought they meant the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA pulled out the vetoed card and stop Paul from going to Hollywood. Now Paul teams up with Griffin, love that last name, L.A. now has two NBA teams worth taking about.



At number #2: NFL/NBA Lockout
I’m glad they both found the key!



At number #1: Packers run to the Super Bowl and beyond
For the last time Brett Favre who? Aaron Rodger and the Packers won every game they had for almost a year. Including three playoff road games and the Super Bowl victory over the Steelers no other team has won 19 straight in NFL history. The Packers are favorites to win another Super Bowl in 2012, and if so it might land them atop my 2012 end of the year sports review. 

(US Presswire)
   

What will 2012 bring “can’t wait” to see. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

DreamsSports NBA Bold Predictions 2012

With only 66 games this year each one count more so than ever, so here is how I believe each team will finish this year. *subject to change* okay…okay I had to add a disclaimer to cover myself. Hope you enjoy my prediction and the upcoming season.

Eastern Conference                                       Western Conference
Atlantic                                                               Northwest
3 New York                                                       3 Oklahoma City
5 Boston                                                             7 Portland
8 New Jersey                                                    Denver
Philadelphia                                                     Utah
Toronto                                                              Minnesota

Central                                                                Pacific
2 Chicago                                                           1 L.A. Lakers
7 Milwaukee                                                    5 L.A. Clippers
Indiana                                                               8 Phoenix
Detroit                                                                Golden State
Cleveland                                                           Sacramento

Southeast                                                           Southwest
1 Miami                                                               2 Dallas
4 Orlando                                                           4 San Antonio
6 Atlanta                                                             6 Memphis
Washington                                                       Houston
Charlotte                                                             New Orleans

1st Round Eastern Conference Playoffs               1st Western Conference Playoffs
1 Miami                                                                               1 L.A. Lakers
8 New Jersey                                                                    8 Phoenix

2 Chicago                                                                            2 Dallas
7 Milwaukee                                                                     7 Portland

3 New York                                                                       3 Oklahoma City
6 Atlanta                                                                             6 Memphis

4 Orlando                                                                           4 San Antonio
5 Boston                                                                             5 L.A. Clippers

2nd Round Eastern Conference Playoffs               2nd Western Conference Playoffs
1 Miami                                                                               1 L.A. Lakers
4 Orlando                                                                           5 L.A. Clippers

2 Chicago                                                                            2 Dallas
3 New York                                                                       3 Oklahoma City

Eastern Conference Finals                                          Western Conference Finals
1 Miami                                                                               1 L.A. Lakers
3 New York                                                                       2 Dallas

NBA Finals
1 Miami vs 1 L.A. Lakers

Most of you know I'm not a Miami Heat fan however, I have a feeling that this will be their year...ouch I said that man! Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Monday, December 5, 2011

NBA Lockout highlights 2011

I came across a few highlights, courtesy of ballislife.com, from different pickup and charities games during the 2011 NBA Lockout. Hopefully, this season there will be plays like what you will see in this video. I’m glad the lockout is over here’s to another great season. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The NBA sends out Season’s Greetings

Now that the 149day battle over millions of dollars has come to an end. We as fans can enjoy Christmas with our families and catch a great NBA line up. What better way to bring back fans with the likes of the Mavericks receiving their NBA championship rings, in Miami sorry LeBron and D-Wade fans, what’s Christmas Day game without, arguable the best player in the game, Kobe. The raining MVP D-Rose and I can’t forget about the Mecca of basketball arenas Madison Square Garden Knicks hosting the Celtics. Christmas Day is when most average NBA fans start tuning in, so the NBA reputation might be in good standings after all.

Over the next few weeks much talk will be done about why a deal was done so fast…’people when the NBPA disband and file a lawsuit against the NBA it force both side to get a deal done’...LIKE NOW! There was no way they would have be able to have a season this year if the lawsuit went to court. The court process is never on a fast pace schedule (See the NFL as an example). So even if the players are not 100% satisfy with this new deal its better than nothing.

In this new deal the ‘small market’ cities, like my Milwaukee Bucks, should be able to stay competitive and not scream foul play that only the Lakers, Celtics and Mavericks or Knicks can spend the most money on players. Honestly, I’m looking forward to see if it works…in other words will the NBA be able to have ‘Parity’ like the NFL. The NBA’s history has shown that it’s never had parity most of the big markets has always had the games big names…Chicago had Jordan, Lakers had Showtime Magic and Kareem, Celtics had Bird, Knicks has the Mecca. To that point this new collect bargaining agreement will be watched very closely. Fans will be quick to point out having a work stoppage for 149days if their favorite team keeps losing.

So I guess, there is a Santa Clause one who loves basketball on Christmas just like ME and most NBA fans. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Means you will have Success.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Season Preview-AFC SOUTH

Season Preview-AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans
Finally surpass the Colts this year. Running game will be hard to stop and their defense will be great under Wade Phillips new system.
Prediction 10-6, first in AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
No healthy Manning not many wins. Colts take a step back from the norm. Playoffs still possibility and if so will be an early exit. The young players will see a lot of time as their key players Manning, Wayne, Freeney, and Robert Mathis are only getting older.
Prediction 9-7, second in AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars
Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will be starting by mid-season, missing playmakers on both sides of the ball to make the challenge for the division or playoff spot. For now the Jaguars will continue to rebuild.
Prediction 7-9, third in AFC South

Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson hold-out will result in a slow start to the Titans running game. QB Matt Hasselbeck will hold down the offense until management notice team won’t make the playoffs. Rookie Jake Locker could start the last quarter of the season.
Prediction 5-11, fourth in AFC South

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview-AFC EAST

Season Preview-AFC EAST

New England Patriots
Can’t wait to see Brady to Chad Ochocinco will bring. Let’s hope the Patriot culture rubs off on Albert Haynesworth, if so the defense will be much, much better. Playoffs is a given, winning a playoff game is their biggest worry.
Prediction 12-4, first in AFC East

New York Jets
Getting pass the Pats is mission one. Mark Sanchez will have a main target in Santonio Holmes should bring some consistent. The defense will be fine once again, look out their blitzing again.
Prediction 10-6, second in AFC East

Miami Dolphins
Not sold on Chad Henne but Miami don’t have much else. Solid on defense.
Prediction 6-10, third in AFC East

Buffalo Bills
No Lee Evans plus weak offense line equals another long season. Bills will put up a great fight game in and game out.
Prediction 5-11, fourth in AFC East

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview-AFC North

Season Preview-AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers will make the playoffs, no surprise there, but will another Super Bowl appearance be in their future. Defense will once again be lead by Troy Polamalu and James Harrison. Big Ben, Roethlisberger, will pull some games out in hero fashion.
Prediction 11-5, first in AFC North 

Baltimore Ravens
A little older on defense yet still strong enough to win a few games this year. Joe Flacco must lead the offense to a few more wins to make the playoffs. Lee Evans might be the WR Ravens need to catch the deep balls
Prediction 10-6, second in AFC North

Cleveland Browns
There is something about Colt McCoy that speaks of a winner. Maybe not this year but in the years to come this team will be playing for a wild card berth. Browns won’t be a easy out, but still come up short most nights.
Prediction 7-9, third in AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals
Even with Carson Palmer this year still would be under .500. Anytime you’re in a division with the likes of Pittsburgh and Baltimore and you a rookie QB it’s going to challenging. A few wins at best this year will be great. Could be this year 0-16 Lions.
Prediction 2-14, fourth in AFC North

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview-NFC West

Season Preview-NFC West

St Louis Rams
With the best QB in the division the Rams will win the weak NFC West. Steven Jackson again will be the work horse keep him healthy and they’ll make the playoffs.
Prediction 9-7, first in NFC West

Seattle Seahawks
Who will QB this team? A host of playmakers and no one to get them the “damn ball” will be the downfall for Seahawks fans. This will be a rebuilding year. Winning the division was great last year with only seven wins not going to happen this year.
Prediction 7-9, second in NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals might have arguably the best WR in Larry Fitzgerald but I’m sold Kevin Kolb will get him the football often enough for the Cardinals to win the NFC West. The running game alone with the defense must show up every game to keep the fans interested.
Prediction 6-10, third in NFC West

San Francisco 49ers
Jim Harbaugh might be missing one player…and that is Andrew Luck.  Michael Crabtree star in the making other than that 49ers are playing for a little luck, Andrew that is.
Prediction 2-14, fourth in NFC West

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview-NFC South

Season Preview-NFC South

New Orleans Saints
A team without many holes will again run the NFC South. The defense won’t let the offense down this year. Drew Brees will again the passing attack, and Sproles’ will make Saints fans forget about Reggie Bush. A strong consistence running game could have the Saints in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl.
Prediction 12-4, first in NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
Last year is last year and these birds will fly high once again. Matt Ryan is superstar in the making and will lead the Falcons to a second place finish. Everyone stays healthy; Michael Turner, then they will win a playoff game or two. Ryan has a great pair of hands to throw too Roddy White and Julio Jones.
Prediction 11-5, second in NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This will be a sleeper this year. Josh Freeman will perform at a high level to the surprise to many. Young and talented will equal gift and curse. If not this year next year we should talk playoffs.
Prediction 8-8, third in NFC South

Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton will draw the fans to the stadium, and have highlights for ESPN. This will be another rebuilding year with a new head coach, new coordinators they can only go up.
Prediction 4-12, fourth in NFC South

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview NFC East

Season Preview NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles
Keep Mike Vick healthy the Eagles will be the model team in the East. Solid on both sides of the ball overall, and Vick will always be the most exciting player on the field. Drop the Dream Team and just play. A deep playoff run should happen.
Predication 11-5, first in the NFC East

New York Giants
Run the ball, and run it some more. Eli keeps the interceptions to a minimum the Giants will be in the playoffs. Defense will continue to be the face of this team.
Predication 10-6, second in the NFC East

Dallas Cowboys
This off season has been very quiet in the Big D. With both the Eagles and the Giants making more the NFC East will once again be hard hitting division. Sadly, Dallas will be getting up after most games. I don’t see Romo having a big year, no one to throw too. The defense under Rob Ryan will be the brightest star shining in Dallas.
Prediction 8-8, third in the NFC East
Washington Redskins
John Beck who? Rex Grossman why? The Redskins will have alone season. The defense will see the field more than the offense.
Prediction 4-12, fourth in NFC East

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Season Preview-AFC West

Season Preview-AFC West

San Diego Chargers
A strong start is a must for this year team. They will charge back atop the West despite a difficult schedule, and Philip Rivers will have an MVP type season. Antonio Gates must stay healthy, and Vincent Jackson will be Rivers main target. Only worries will be the running game will it keep defenses honest?
Prediction 10-6, first in AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs
It starts and ends with Matt Cassel. Running game should be great again, but not sure if they will win enough games to make the playoffs. The bottom half of the West is strong and Chiefs might fall short this year.
Prediction 8-8, second in the AFC West

Oakland Raiders
With the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha and Zach Miller that don’t help their shot for of making the playoffs. However, they will still fight and Jason Campbell will continue to grow as a starter QB. Might be a year or two away and another key player from a playoff berth.
Prediction 7-9, third in AFC West

Denver Broncos
Kyle Orton this, Tim Tebow that. The Broncos will be rebuilding again this year. Period.
Prediction 4-12, fourth in AFC West

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Season Preview-NFC North

Season Preview

NFC North

Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is a first class QB. Returning so many starters from injury this team might have the best shot of repeating champions since the Pat’s did it. Running game must show up so Rodgers won’t have to throw the ball 50 times per game.
Prediction 12-4, first in NFC North
Chicago Bears
Keep Jay Cutler off the grass the Bears will be another surprise this year. Defense will be good again. Cutler to Roy Williams will be a much see under Mike Martz play calling.
Prediction 9-7, second in NFC North
Detroit Lions
Can you say sleeper. Matt Stafford health will win the Lions 5 games alone. The Lions front four will be atop the best this season. In the same division as the Packers and Bears finishing third and .500 isn’t bad.
Prediction 8-8, third in NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Donovan McNabb will be great handing the ball off to Adrian Peterson, not sure who will be his main WR. The defense will miss Pat Williams a little bit, but still a strong enough to provide a short field for McNabb and company.
Prediction 6-10, fourth in NFC North

Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Monday, August 8, 2011

NBA or Street Ball!


Kevin Durant performance at the famous Rucker Park in New York City speaks volumes to why the NBA Owners and NBA Players Associates need to get back around the negotiating table to hash out a new CBA. On the other hand, Michael Beasley showed us what will happen if no new deal is done check out the videos. Like Jay-Z said “men lie, women lie, numbers don’t” I guess videos don’t either. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.  


Thursday, July 28, 2011

My Four Quarters

First period
For all of you who have been reading my blogs, you know that I’m loyal to sports, mostly basketball.  Each major televise sport has sold me years ago.  Baseball, for its rich history along with its marathon race to October, that’s the playoff season for first time readers.  Football for its fourth quarter drives, See John Elway 1986 AFC Championship “the drive”, and how it has grown to be America most watched sports.  Big Business if you ask me.  And, my personal favorite Basketball!  Although basketball may come third in most sports polls popular sports, I love its consistence over the years.  It’s truly a snap shot of my culture.
Second period
This game of basketball highlights intelligent, athleticism, and HEIGHT! I’m not sure if I’ll ever get that last one.  Basketball has always been the sport that seemed to be the coolest, have the most style with personality.  Be honest you look at us; yes I included myself, like we created the word “swagger”.  With our Jordan style of walk, our Magic smile, Dwight Howard body, and D-Wade style of dress our “swagger” is always high. 
Third period
With the league currently in a labor war, players vs. owners, this game of basketball might slowly become a topic of the past.  I truly hope not.  The NFL has ended their labor issues, and baseball is in full swing I hope the NBA sees the light soon! Note to the NBA: you don’t have the most loyal fans.  Let’s not take hundred plus days to get a new CBA done.  
Fourth period
Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

NBA Financial woes

By now I know you are aware that the NBA Owners locked its players out last week. What most may not know is that the league is running strong and damn sure profitable. While listening to all the current reports about how many millions the league lost or that 23 team’s lost money this season-See Milwaukee Bucks-.  I had to offer my opinion about this topic. But, first I must quote Mr. Empire of State himself Jay-Z, “men lie, women lie numbers don’t”. Using that line as a guild your eyes might blink twice as mine did after viewing the numbers.  

This chart, cited in Nate Silver New York Times article, highlights the NBA Financial Performance from 1989-2010

Okay, okay it might not make a whole lot of sense to you. Allow me to clear it up for you it comes down to Billionaire looking to make more money while spending less. Business class one on one people!  I honestly feel like the NBA got big too fast, just think in the 70’s and early 80’s no one cared about this game, let alone the money Owners and Players were making. I thank Bird, Magic, and Jordan and now Kobe, Lebron, and Wade who brought more eyes to the game which meant more dollars. Now the Owners want to capitalize from it even more. Scary thought, the entire season might be lost. Word of advice to the both parties involved-- be careful what you ask for you just might get it “mo money mo problems” Biggie Smalls said it best… Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.  

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Super Friend Team vs. A Strong Deep Team


This past season all the chatter was about Miami’s Big Three, well not everyone believes a collection of Superstars is the only way to win a championship. In a recent interview with Hoopshype New York Knicks point guard Chauncey Billups offer his thoughts about the Knicks building a team…
“I think that in any situation you got to get a team,’’ Billups said in a wide-ranging interview at his basketball camp in suburban Denver. “It’s not about names, how many people on your team can make the All-Star Game. It’s not about that at all. It’s about putting the right pieces together. You got to have a cohesive unit. You got to have guys that know to play off of one another, guys that are going to be unselfish on both ends of the floor. Those are things that win championships, and we’ve seen that clear as day in the Finals.’’

“It’s not about that,’’ Billups said of collecting big names on a team. “We got two of the biggest names in basketball already (in Anthony and Stoudemire). It’s not about that. It’s about getting somebody that can play with the talent that you have… You look at the Mavericks, and they just share the basketball every time down the floor… Dirk is one of the best the game has ever seen. But he couldn’t do it by himself… So it’s all about the team….

I agree with Billups, who is a five-time All-Star who averaged around 17 points and 5 assists a game this last season, and so did the Dallas Mavericks. Building a team and not just a group of Superstars will ultimately be the way to hoist the gold ball at the end of the season. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Lockout!

Expect to see these faces more than Nash and Gortat over the next 6 months. (AP Photo/Joe Cavaretta, File_
Okay, okay, and okay we’re heard this all before please tell me something I’ve haven’t heard before about this NBA lockout.
This lockout will happen. They’re meeting to save face in the public eyes, as a fan how much should I care about them meeting just to meet, players with their “STAND” t-shirts and the owners with their weak proposal. My guess is the NBA wasn’t educated by the NFL and NFLPA CBA battle.
Thursday will roll around and nothing new will have happen, and we will see the commissioner, David Stern, with the sad look on his face announcing that the owners have no other option but to lock out the players, starting at midnight. How long will it last, if it’s anything like the NFL, which is over 100days in their lockout, my guess it will go deep into the summer months.  
The big problem is that teams are losing money or not even making money. With the players taking home 57% of all revenue the Owners’ are looking to prevent this from happening next year. One way the Owners are looking to solve this problem by rolling back players salaries and have a lower salary cap. The players on the other hand, solution is to open the conversation with a more equal revenue-sharing pie and leave the salaries alone!
Well I know one thing is for sure that come Thursday I’ll be watching a lot of the NBA Classic, NBATV, and heck I might even pop in some VHS, okay I might be reaching with VHS but as a NBA fan I’ll truly miss what my Milwaukee Bucks new cast of players will do next season. Hopefully, whenever this battle over millions is all done there will be great games for us to sit back and enjoy just like this past season. Until next time live out your DREAMS with some Determination, put forth Real Efforts and given your Abilities; Mean you will have Success.