Top Ten College Basketball Venues

I really enjoyed making the top 10 list for College Football venues so I have decided to make a basketball list......enjoy and give feedback.

1. Cameron Indoor Stadium- (Duke)I hate Duke, I hate Coach K, Duke grads players may not always translate well to the NBA......I can keep on going on how I and others loath the Blue Devils but the fact is this is without question the hardest place to play in College hoops.















2. Allen Fieldhouse- (Kansas) tradition check, current success check, great nba stars check, and one of the loudest and most recognizable arenas in the nation when the lights shine threw the windows during a afternoon game its a beautiful thing.
















3. Rupp Arena- (Kentucky) History is only rivaled by UCLA and Rupp and its 23,000 fans make for one of the most intimidating places in the nation to place......all the banners might have a thing to do with it....could also be the crazy redneck fans.

















4. Hinkle Fieldhouse- (Butler) They may not always be able to compete with the big boys but lately they have held their own and in terms history and charm Hinkle is hard to beat.....it's often said that they put windows in at one end of the arena so god could watch the games too......and Hoosiers was shot here I mean come on, not to mention its one of the oldest stadiums still in use.














5. Williams Arena- (Minnesota) Not always a top team but when they are this place is rockin.....and its history is unquestionable add to all that the uniqueness of the raised floor and you have a top 5 arena.














6. Pauly Pavilion-(UCLA) History is unmatched.....if only they didn't have the spoiled LA fans.

7. O'Connell Center- (Florida) Recent success is unquestioned and so is the noise just not quite on the level of the rest of this field.

8.Oklahoma St.- Absolutely crazy atmosphere I don't think their fans care whether they are good or not which is the way it should be.

9. Gonzaga- Small school, small arena, amazingly successful, amazing fans.....I love watching this place go nuts when they upset the big dogs.

10. Mac Court-(Oregon) I absolutely love the way this place is built and thats why I am so happy they are using its blue print for the new arena that is currently under construction....but Mac Courts charm and decibel is up there with all the greats.

Honorable Mention- Vandy, Rutgers, St. Josephs, New Mexico, Dean Dome, Wisconsin, Penn

Rain Maker Of The Year

Yes boys and girls its getting down to the end of the year and so it is time to announce the 1st ever Rain Maker of the Year.....there have been some strong candidates my top 5 are as follows in no order I will announce the winner after.......

Lebron James- Argument For- Dude simply balls out of his mind every night has amazing stats and improved his defense 10 fold in the past couple seasons

Argument Against- Didn't take his team as far as they should have, they had the best record in the NBA and home court throughout the playoffs.....furthermore they had Orlando after they had just gotten down with a brutal series with Boston.....yet they could only manage to win 2 games and 1 was only miracle shot......by you guessed it Lebron. He took a lesser team to the finals a couple yrs back so this past season was a let down without a doubt.


Usain Bolt- Argument For- World Records in the 100m, and 200m. He is a freak athlete and also seems to be having fun with it all.

Argument Against-Does not really have one he stepped up every time he had to only problem is with track field he isn't in the lime light nearly enough.


Peyton Manning-Argument For- 2008 NFL MvP his third time......led the Colts to another 12+win season, oh and this yr he is a front runner for the MvP and currently has the Colts 12-0.....even when he has a bad game he still is a top 3 qb in the league.

Argument Against-Didn't win the Super Bowl last yr and didn't step his commercial game up......he has so much potential in the commercial world (cut that meat.....cut that meat)


Lance Armstrong-Argument For- Dude had cancer then dominated like never before took a few yrs off and oh yeah still almost wins one the hardest races in the entire world of sports.

Argument Against-Its cycling


Rasheed Wallace-Argument For-In order to understand why he is in my top 5 you will need to go back and read the requirments for winning a Rain Maker award....it is not simply about being the best or most dominant at a sport or in a realm of entertainment.......Sheed is a Rain Maker in every sense of the meaning however he is a great team player and is still capable of winning games for his team at his advanced age......but beyond that dude is fucking hilarious (Ball DONT LIE) beyond his humor I just love how honest he is.....Portland fans never knew what they had while he was in town they wanted a super star to carry their team and they were like obsessed girl friend no wonder he was smoking weed like cheech and chong while he was here (little tid bit he has had no off the court problems since he left town.....and has been a model teammate hmmmm) If you would have allowed him to just be him and build a team around him instead of expecting him to carry you to the promise land who knows how many titles you would already have.

Argument Against- Numbers aren't there and his team did struggle last yr but with Boston this yr things are looking great.


Winner- Lebron James- was there ever a doubt dude is just too dominant and he looks like he just keeps getting better.

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.