NBA Power Rankings

Well I didnt get around to doing a pre season power rankings or award predictions but now that the season is under way and its becoming clear what to expect from teams and players I think there is no better time then now.










lets all hope Big Scal and the Celts can make a return to glory


1. LA Lakers- As much as it pains me they are one of the deepest and most talented teams and if they remain healthy will be there at the very end.

2. Atlanta Hawks- Hot Lanta indeed they are coming out of the gate on fire with two wins against Portland and a win at Boston.

3. Orlando Magic-Despite Dwight not playing all that great and Rashard Lewis being supspened to start the yr they still have one of the best records in the league.

4. Boston Celtics- A lot of changes and question marks coming into the season still look poised for a good run and as long as they continue to play tough defense will be a force come playoff time.

5. Phoenix Suns- Im not sure if they will last all yr but right now they are a top team.

6. Portland Trail Blazers- Their depth is being put to the test with injuries to Batum and Troutlaw, but they are getting help from Oden finally and as Andre Miller continues to become comfortable with his teammates they will remain a contender.

7. Denver Nuggets- Explosive offensively without question.....if Melo continues at his MVP level will push for the Western Crown.

8. Dallas Mavericks- I would have put them higher, I think they are very talented and if Josh Howard can return to his high level at all this season they can contend for the second best team in the West along with Portland and Denver, but that loss to Golden State with only 6 players was just plain terrible.

9. Cleveland Cavs- Lebron enough said.....ps the Shaq move has and will make them worse threw out the season.

10. San Antonio Spurs- Record is not that great but they have a ton of new faces and injuries have been a huge problem I look for them to round into form shortly after all star break.

11. OKC Thunder- I really like ok ok I LOVE their roster Russell Westbrooke, Kevin Durant, and James Harden might be my 3 favorite young players after Rajon Rondo.

12. Miami Heat- I dont like their roster at all beyond D Wade but they are gettin the job done.

13. Utah Jazz- I have to believe that Deron Williams, AK 47, Boozer, Okur, Milsap, Ronnie Brewer, and the rest of their solid role players is enough to compete night in and night out.

14. Milwaukie Bucks- As much as a suprise as their record is it cannnot be ignored. And Brandon Jennings is playin like an all star.

15. Houston Rockets- Gotta love the effort that this depleted roster is putting out every night.

16. Chicago Bulls- Injuries have played a small part in their slow start, as has the inconsistent play by Derrick Rose....I look for them to turn things around and be the 4th or 5th seed in the East.

17. Toronto Raptors- Why is it that Jose Colderon, Chris Bosh, and Hedu cant at least be .500 this far into the season.

18. New Orleans-I dont like them to make the playoffs but I do like how they have at least managed to battle every night.

19. Philadelphia Sixers- One of my biggest disapointments I like their young talent with Louis Williams, Iggy, and Thaddeus Young, but after awhile that promise becomes a bust if it doesnt translate.

20. Sacremento Kings- Young and inexperienced but damn they are playing tough and Tyerek Evans might be Brandon Jennings only competition for rookie of the year.

21. Indiana Pacers- I like Rush, Granger, and Hibbert but the rest of the roster is either slow or injury prone and in the case of Murphy and Dunleavy BOTH.

22. Detriot Pistons- Alot of injuries thus far but still in the mix so if they get healthy and can all fit together they might become a sacrificial lamb for a team come playoff time.

23. Golden State- Same as Philly a lot of young talent maybe even younger so I gotta give them a little break especially with all of their injuries.

24. LA Clippers- Loaded!!! I just dont get out they cant win more games.....the loss of Blake Griffin hurts clearly but Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, and the rest of the roster should be enough to win more then 5 of 14 despite Eric Gordon and Blake being out.

25. Charlotte Bobcats- I really like the Stephen Jackson move but it doens't make up for the Tyson Chandler move over the summer I think they are destain to be stuck as a below average team for a long time.

26. Memphis Grizzlies- Great move getting rid of Iverson.....let this young talented group grow and hopefully threw all the trials and losses they will grow together.

27. Washington Wizards- I didnt buy all the hype coming into the season and with inuries allready to Butler, Jamison and Miller I dont see this team making the playoffs.....Gilbert is just not the answer I think they should give Nick Young and Foye more minutes.

These next three teams are just terrible....

28. New York Knicks- Why in gods name they even thought about bring in AI I have no idea they already sell out every game so thats no arguement I guess they just like being a joke.

29. Minnesota- Johnny Flynn has proven to be a good draft but they could have used one of their other first round picks to actually get a player that could help this yr or next even......Kevin Love coming back will help but not enough.

30. New Jersey-Injuries aside....not winning a game is just plain unacceptable.




Pre/Early Season Awards:

MVP-Lebron James- Guy is unstoppable that is all I need to say but Melo and Kobe will give him a run for his money.

In the Running-Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash


Rookie of the Year- Brandon Jennings-Going into the season I would have said Blake Griffin but his injury and Jennings amazing play has made this almost a one man race already.

In the Running-Tyreke Evans, Johnny Flynn

Defensive MVP-Josh Smith- His rebounding is up, his on ball defense is improved and he is blocking even more shots then ever.

In the Running- Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett

6th Man-Jason Terry- I hate to put him in the mix because he plays more minutes then the guy who starts above him but he is playing at very high level.

In the Running- Manu Ginobli (if he can come back healthy), Jamal Crawford

Most Improved-Aaron Brooks- It really started last yr in the playoffs but he is playing extremely well on a team that is a early season suprise.

In the Running-Roy Hibbert, Greg Oden
My Pick for Biggest Suprise- Im not gonna brag on and say that I would have picked Washington to struggle, so I'll make pick for the future and say that once Blake Griffin comes back that the Clippers will fight for and ultimately make the playoffs.

In the Running-Melo wins the MVP, Cleveland gets bounced in the 1st Round

Top 10 College Football Venues

Its been a minute but now I am back.......sorry for the long break but been a busy guy anyways this is a list I have been wanting to do for quite sometime. Thats right its the top 10 college football staduims......what I took into account is capacity, quality of the facility, home field advantage and personal bias/preference.

1. The Swamp- Not only has Florida been one of the toughest places to win lately it holds over 90 thousand...........the design of the stadium make it one of the loudest and hardest places to play due to the sunken level of the stadium and extreme heat that is common.












2. Tiger Stadium- Another SEC school that has been one of the best teams in the nation over the past decade being in Baton Rouge and its history of rowdiness doenst hurt their cause.......either does more then 90 thousand fans.....that cant boast that they are the only stadium to ever register on the Richter scale.











3. Michigan Stadium aka The Big House- Although they have been down the past couple of yrs they still bring in the largest crowds ever to watch college football and after recent upgrades it is still one of the best places to watch a college football game with a record of over 112 thousand in a victory over their hated rival Ohio St. in 2003.















4. Autzen- Not the biggest and the Ducks may not live up to the hype and money that is thrown upon the program but one thing is true it may be the loudest and stadium in the country which is saying alot because it is about half the size of some of the larger stadiums.












5. Lane Stadium- One of my personal favorite stadiums their enterance to enter sandman gives me qoose bumps......and just the way they play is fun to watch.....enjoy the video


6. Penn State- Beaver Stadium- Hard to beat when they do the White Out
7. Ohio State- Horseshoe- I guess there are a lot of stupid people out there to fill this thing

8. Tennessee- Neyland Stadium- On going battle with Michigan to see who can set the attendance record
9. Notre Dame- Hard to beat the history and with touchdown Jesus in the backdrop its a top 10 for sure.
10. USC- with their history and swagger its no doubt they are a top 10.

HM. Boise State, Nebraska, Georgia, UCLA

College Fooball Awards......

After a few days of intense thought and research I have decided on my pre-season award winners for college football......


Heisman-Colt McCoy-Has all of his big weapons back and his ability to run th ball gives him slight edge over Bradford, and his ability to throw the ball gives him a huge edge over Tim Tebow (see what I did there I bashed Tim Tebow....cus you know he wears Thong Underwear)

Runners Up- Bradford, Tebow, Jahvid Best

Defensive POY- Brandon Spikes- It was hard for me to go against Taylor Mays here but Spikes is playing on a loaded team that will be one of the best defensive teams in a long time. Add that to the fact that he is an absolute beast.

Runners Up- Mays, Eric Berry, Ndamukong Suh (Portland Boy doing big things at Nebraska)


Best WR-Julio Jones (Bama)- Big Strong Fast and only a Sophmore lets see if they get him the ball more this yr cus a guy of his talent should have at least 10 tds a yr not 4 like last yr....

Runners Up- Dez Bryant, Jermaine Gresham


Best RB- Jahvid Best- Without question he is the best in the land he avg 8 yrds per carry last yr and he wasnt even completely healthy.....I see him pushing towards 2000yrds this season.

Runners Up- CJ Spiller, Jonathan Dwyer


Suprise Team- Northwestern- You're probably asking your self what in the hell......or dismissing this as a homer Big Ten fan pick......well regardless I think that they will have a very solid season and not just behind a usually effective passing attack.....their defense played very well last yr and with a ton of guys returning I look for them to be #3 in the Big Ten and finish in the top 25.


Biggest Disapointment- It came down to two teams for me on this one Ole Miss is ranked extremely high after a great finish and upset of Florida last yr I dont think they will have a bad yr but closer to a 25th ranking then a top 10......and I dont know why but Notre Dame seems to be getting love and I simply dont understand it they went 6-6 last season and with wins against Michigan (who as much as it hurts to say were terrible last yr), Stanford (not very good), San Diego St, Washington (one of the worst teams in the nation), and Navy. Their only good wins were against Purdue and Hawaii both of which werent even that great.
























Absolute freak......too bad all his boys went pro

NCAA Football-Preseason Rankings

So here it is boys and girls The Rain Makers 1st Ever College Football......its like the BCS only better so give it a read and lemme know what you think.....and yes I am extremely upset that I dont get to put Michigan in here...Lets GO R-Rod get it done!!!
















Awww The Glory Days


1. Florida- I hate Tim Tebow but he gets it done and that defense is scary fast and good......the loss of the top 2 WRs will hurt but at programs like Florida they simply reload.


2. Oklahoma- Sam Bradford and Demarco Murray will carry the offense and the defense will be much improved from last yr.

3. Texas- Most of the offense comes back to a team that lost one game in the final seconds.....Red River Shootout is going to be very good.

4. Alabama- Defense is gonna be very good.....and the running game even better then last yr.

5. USC- Losses on both side of the ball but that happens every yr at USC and every yr they are in the championship picture.

6. Va-Tech- Beamer Ball.......defense and special teams gotta love it and with a legit QB things look good in Blacksburg.

7. Oklahoma St. - Very explosive offense......and the coach is a MAN!!!

8. Ole Miss- Heisman quality QB leads a veteran offense if they can survive they SEC could be in the hunt.

9. LSU- Much of the same from Les Miles explosive defense and ball control offense but this yr their QB should actually be able to make plays.

10. Oregon- Lost a ton on defense in Nick Reed, Byrd, Chung and on offense with Johnson and Unger but every level of both sides has great talent returning I think they could give USC a run for the Pac 10.

11. Ohio State- As much as it pains me to say they will once again be at the top of the Big Ten.....and Pryor he drive me to near tears as I watch and wish he were wearing Maize and Blue.

12. Penn State- The loss of their top 3 WRs will hurt but Clark at QB can flat out play and their running game will control the ball.

13. Cal- Another solid year for them but I dont see them competing for a National Title....but Jevon Best is a baller.

14. Boise State- A legit program that is now a prerenial top 15 team.

15. TCU- Some tough non-confrence games but they are a bonafide really good team.

16. Georgia-losing Moreno and Stafford hurts...but they have the talent to compete
17. Georgia Tech
18. Utah
19. Oregon State
20. Florida State
21. North Carolina
22. BYU
23. Pitt
24. Kansas
25. Rutgers

Be on the look out for Award Winngers coming very soon.....Ill be prediciting the Heisman, D-POY, Surprise Team, Under Acheiving Team, Best WR, and Best RB.

Summer Vacation......

Well I know all of you have been wondering where the new post have been well I am here to tell you that I put myself on summer blog vacation.....due to the fact that the summer is the boringest time for sports and I didnt feel like writing about baseball, golf and nascar......so now that football is about to start up I'MMMMMMM back so be on the look out for College Football and NFL power rankings coming very soon.....as well as Fantasy Player Rankings.

Rain Maker of the Month

Well to me it was kind of a slow month in terms of sports.....no college basketball, nba playoffs slowed to a crawl, and baseball is still too early to matter, its sad when hockey is probably the most exciting thing going........lets face it the conference finals in the NBA were a major let down. So I decided to go the other way with this months Rain Maker of the Month and go to the entertainment world and I picked Zach Galifinakis (the guy with the beard in The Hangover) in my opinion he is one of the funniest guys in the world and his performance in the Hangover will hopefully finally get him the recognition he deserves......he was hilarious in Outcold (snowboardin/drinking movie that is one of my favorites) beyond his great performances in those two roles and occational bit parts in other less then stellar movies he is well known for his standup performances and youtube clips if you havent checked him out then you are missing out cus "Fat Jesus" is the next big thing in comedy!!

The Only Mock Draft That Matters.

So basically are hundreds if not thousands of self proclaimed experts out there giving you their opinion of what team should draft what player in this yrs NBA draft well my friends mine is the only one that matters cus frankly I know my shit.....hahaha and those fools get paid a lot to try and sound like they really know what they are talking about when in fact they dont and are just guessing just like everyone else.....for example Mel Kiber and others like him rarely get more then half of their picks right in the NFL draft.....well you know what a blind squirrell bust a nut every once and awhile....so withouth further a do here is my extremely educated opinion of who will go where........








Lets hope the Clips dont blow it this time....









#1 LA Clippers-Blake Griffin PF-Oklahoma- If the Clippers screw this one up then they are in fact the worst franchise in all of sports......If they do what everyone thinks they should (me included) and draft Griffin they will be adding a monster athlete into their front court to go along with an above average center in Chris Kaman and a blossoming scoring guard in Eric Gordon and freak athlete on the wing in Al Thorton.....now if only they could move Z-Bo out of town.

#2 Memphis- Ricky Rubio PG Spain- Now I know his agent has came out and said that he does not want to play in Memphis which really does not make too much sense to me since Marc Gasol his teammate from Spain is already on the team and Memphis has a very talented young team
with Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Oj Mayo, Gasol, and even Darrell Arthur and Hakim Warrick have shown some flashes of being solid NBA players.....I picture a draft and trade move here ala Portland and Minnesota a few yrs back or Memphis and Minnesota last yr.

#3 Oklahoma City- Hasheem Thabeet C UConn- This is as much as a lock as the #1 pick he will fit perfectly which all of the sudden looks like a team that could be on the verge of competing for a playoff spot in the next couple yrs.....they have it all a dynamic young PG in Russel Westbrook, a killer scorer in Durant, solid defenders/role players in Jeff Green and Nick Collinson. All they need is a big inside to block shots and rebound and that is what Thabeet does best if he can contribute 8 pts, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks in his first yr he will meet expectations and be a perfect fit.

#4 Sacremento- Tyreke Evans G Memphis- This is where the draft is gonna get fun because its alot more wide open after the top 3.....and god can I just say that I feel bad for Sacremento they could have had a franchise changing big in Blake Griffin instead they lose the lottery and get the #4 pick....with that being said they will have a chance to pick up some very good players and as much as I like James Harden I think they go after Evans an explosive player who can play both the PG and SG much the same as Russel Westbrook from last yr now I dont think he is quite as athletic or as good a defender as Westbrook I do think that he is a better scorer and has a better handle.....and lets be honest he if he does anything he will be a ten fold improvement over Beno Udrih.

#5 Washington- Jordan Hill C Arizona- Now I am not sold on Hill to say the least.....let me just say that before saying that he does make some sense going to the Wizards he is a high motor big man that can make plays on defense and in transition....for his size he moves extremely well but something is missing oh yeah basketball IQ and any semblence of post moves or mid range shot....Stromile Swift anyone??? and I dont think he is near the athlete Swift was coming out of LSU.....I could be wrong and he could be the next David Lee or I could be right and he could be the next insert big man bust here...

#6 Minnesota- James Harden SG Arizona St- My favorite player in the draft not only because I love his game which is cold blooded and soooo smooth but my god have you seen that beard thats a thing of beauty....I am gonna go out on a limb and say it right now he will be the steal of the draft much the same way Brandon Roy was I see there games being very similar in that coming out of college you ask what is his strength ???? and is he athletic or big enough to go against the elite wing players in the league.....well Roy proved that knowing how to play the game trumps freak athleticism and yeh he will still bang on your head from time to time...here's me saying Harden will fit nicely with Randy Foy, K-Love, and hopefully healthy Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer.

#7 Golden State- Earl Clark F Louisville- To me this is easy a do it all player with great tools and athleticism....yep sounds about right for a Don Nelson led team.....hopefully Clark can put it all together cus he has the skills.


#8 New York- Stephen Curry G Davidson- Will be a nice fit along side the offense liability that is Chris Duhonand can hopefully can some of his minutes as well the Ice Water that runs threw his veins will not be tested by the pressure of playing in NY.

#9 Toronto- Chase Budinger G/F Arizona- I fought between him and Gerald Henderson but ulitmately I went with Chase because of his overall skill set.....and given the the fact that Toronto doesnt play D anyway his lack there of will not be that much of a problem.

#10 Milwaukie- Brandon Jennings PG Italy- It has been a wild ride for Jennings but I think he will find a good home with the Bucks who have solid veterans to help his transition to the league and really arent that far away from being in the playoff race in the East.....with Redd, Richard Jefferson, Charlie V, Bogut and Rammon Sessions this team could get into the mix. Don't look for him to start right away due to the way Sessions finished the season but if he can learn from him and Ridnour he could very good with his quickness think Aaron Brooks.

#11 New Jersey- Gerald Henderson SG Duke- Will add some defense to a team that again doesnt look too far away with Devin Harris and Brook Lopez as its two young pillars. then again he is from Duke so he could be a total bust.

#12 Charlotte- James Johnson SF Wake Forest- Ahhh the Bobcats a team that I always think is gonna make that next step they seem to have all the things needed to be a good team.....but something is just missing maybe its experience maybe its a go to scorer.....they addressed the expierence issue with Raja Bell and Boris Diaw so hopefully James Johnson's smooth game and multi scoring options can help them push into the playoffs because their roster is one of my favorites in the league....damn I wish either the Blazers or Celtics had Gerald Wallace.
#13 Indiana- Eric Maynor PG VCU- TJ Ford just cant catch a break and although I like his game his lack of jumper continues to plague him.....and I think the Pacers take a chance on Maynor as the PG of the future with Jarrett Jack as the steady back up. Maynor is a smart player who has all the skills to be a good PG in the league he is not the quickest but makes up for that with good size and high basketball IQ.
#14 Phoenix- Patrick Mills PG St. Marys- Is this the deepest PG class in forever or what it was tough for me to take Mills over Johnny Flynn but Mills has something about him that screams NBA he is not that big but neither is Steve Nash and hey they both played in the WCC so they have that in common hopefully Nash can teach him a thing or two......clearly it wont be defense though.
#15 Detriot- DeMar DeRozan SG USC- I am not giving up on Stuckey yet cus I have seen him go off at every level and think that he has a solid NBA career ahead of him I just dont think that he is the answer at SG or PG for Detriot and will be better suited coming off the bench as a change of pace guy.....and with DeRozan Detriot gets a dynmaic athlete to build around along with Prince who should be kept around to bridge the gap.
#16 Chicago- Bj Mullens C Ohio St.- Is it just me or did Chicago look very very scary down the stretch this season and into the playoffs getting Luol Deng back will help a ton.....as will adding a inside scoring option and Mullens despite being extremely underwellming in college has all the skills to do just that.

#17 Philly- Ty Lawson PG North Carolina- No I did not forget about Johnny Flynn I just think that Lawsons blinding speed will fit perfectly with the high tempo 76ers can you imagine him running with Iggy on one side and Thad Young on the other thats scary....but damn is this a deep PG class.

#18 Minnesota- Wayne Ellington SG North Carolina- I dont think Mike Miller will be around by the time the season is over a contending team will move on him and that will open a glaring need for shooting and thats what Ellington does best.

#19 Atlanta- Johnny Flynn PG Syracuse- Flynn finally comes off the board with Bibby being a free agent and I dont see him wanting to stay in Atlanta going young seems to be the right move to go along with Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Harford.
#20 Utah- Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest- Another PG.......Utah is a very close team that just needs a little athleticism and scoring punch to push them over the edge that and if they can stay healthy they can play with anyone in the NBA. Teague is a freak athlete that can handle the ball, attack the rim and shoot relatively well just needs to commit to defense and play to his ability all the time.

#21 New Orleans- Dejaun Blair PF Pitt- The Hornets seemed to be the sexy pick for the finals this yr but something didnt quite work out and now this yr there seem to be more questions then answers....well adding Blair will address one of those which is inside toughness and scoring....with David West standing out at 15 ft shooting jumpers and Tyson Chandler having only slighly more offensive skills then the team trainer. Blairs muscle and touch with either hand inside will a welcome addition.

#22 Dallas- Jrue Holiday PG UCLA- No where near the athlete Westbrook was last yr leaving UCLA but he might have more skills and with Kidd nearing the end its time to address the need for a PG of the future and dont talk to me about Jose Baria cus he is not nearly the answer.

#23 Sacremento- Sam Young SF Pitt- I am not a huge fan of Sam Young I think he was a product of being a extremely deep team while in college, but one thing that he can do is hit the open jumper and he will do all the little things to help a team win which is exactly what the Kings need as they continue to grow as a young team with Kevin Martin, Spencer Hawes, and Jason Thompson.

#24 Portland- Jeff Adrien PF UConn- A team that has been in the lottery the past few seasons is all of the sudden very very close to being mentioned with the legit contenders......their front office will be on edge hoping that either Blair or one of the upper level PG's fall to them but they dont the Blazers will go after the next available inside muscle guy and in my opinion that is Adrien he is solid mass of muscle who can defende and rebound inside and finish around the rim.....sure there is more talented players still on the board (Pendegraph, Heytvelt, Dozier) but they dont need a skill player they need a guy to do the little things in the mold of Paul Misap and Carl Landry.

#25 Oklahoma City- Taj Gibson PF USC- Never lived up to what his skill and athleticism would suggest he should have done in college but he has all the tools to be a solid NBA player and could be a very solid bench player for what looks like an up and coming team.

#26 Chicago- Josh Heytvelt PF Gonzaga- The Bulls seem to be two deep at every position so I look for them to take a chance on Heytvelt who could be a very good player with his size, skill, and athleticism if he can manage to put it all together.

#27 Memphis- Dajuan Summers SF Georgetown- I like to stay away from guys who seem to never have more then a couple good games a season....but he has an NBA body and has a high basketball IQ which would a solid assest off the bench for Memphis which is loaded with athletes and potential but in need of role players.

#28 Minnesota- AJ Price PG UConn- Its official Sebastian Telfair is a bust even as a backup PG due to the fact he cannot play defense and his jumper is suspect......so with the large # of PGs in this draft and Minnesota having a need for a backup AJ Price's toughness and big shot making ability will be a welcome fit.

#29 LA Lakers- Darren Collison PG UCLA- Fisher is Old Farmar is inconsitent as anyone I can remember so the hometown kid will be allowed to develop behind those two and if he doesnt pan out it wont really matter but if he does it would be a great pick.

#30 Cleveland- Dionte Christmas SG Temple- A high risk high reward guy who has been a proven scorer in college his whole career, and a scoring weapon is exactly what Cleveland needs but the question remains will he be Adam Morrison or will he be Kevin Martin?