RGIII

RGIII

By Paige Costantino

As you know the 2012 NBA draft occurred this past week. Although Robert Griffin III, better known as RGIII, was not the overall number one pick in the draft, people are certainly talking very highly about his skills and abilities. The number one pick in the draft was former quarterback from Standford University, Andrew Luck, who was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts while RGIII who was the former quarterback for Baylor, was picked to go to the Washington Redskins. Immediately after he was picked, people have been talking about RGIII and saying that there is a strong possibility that he will be the best quarterback in franchise history. Even after just the first practice the head coach says that RGIII is a starter. He will continue to develop his skills during training camp and we will definitely see how he performs in the upcoming season!

RJIII NFL Draft

The NBA Playoffs

The NBA Playoffs

By Paige Costantino

The NBA playoffs have begun and with that has brought much excitement. The Oklahoma City Thunder have swept the series against the former NBA Champions. The number one seeded Bulls are facing great difficulty with the 76ers due to the injury of their star player, Derrick Rose and most recently Joakim Noah who sprained his ankle. The Bulls are currently down in the series 2-1 and they will play game four without both of these players on Tuesdau May 8th. The Heat, which is the number two seed in the east,  failed to close out the series with the Knicks losing 89-87. This was the first playoff game the Knicks have won since 2001.  The Spurs, which is the number one seed in the west, currently are winning the series 3-0 against the Utah Jazz. They hope to sweep the Jazz tonight, tip-off is at 8:00PM. As for the Lakers, they currently have a 3-1 series advantage over the Denver Nuggets. The look to win game five an end the series. Game five is Tuesday May 8th, tip-off is at 10:30PM. The Indiana Pacers as well as the Boston Celtics currently have a 3-1 advantage against the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks, respectively. Both series are set to play Tuesday May 8th. The Pacer Magic game tips-off at 7:00PM and the Celtics and Hawks tip-off at 8:00PM. Many teams such as the Bulls, which is the most devastating, have been facing major injuries that have the teams without some of their prominent players. The Knicks are without Baron Davis, Jeremy Lin and Iman Shumpert, these are three guys that did a lot for the New York Knicks. The Atlanta Hawks are also suffering from the loss of some of their key players including Josh Smith and Al Horford. For more information on the NBA playoffs click on the following link, NBA Playoffs 2012,

Carmelo Anthony dominates game four and leads the Knicks to a victory

Jeremy Lin Back in Action?

Jeremy Lin Back in Action?

By Paige Costantino

Lin was the talk of the NBA during the mid-point of the regular season because of his great contributions to the New York Knicks as well as how he was overlooked in the NBA and was moved from team to team because he could never find his niche. Lin suffered from a meniscus tear in his left knee that would require surgery to fix and would take over a month to heal which ended his regular season early and there were many questions about his return for the post season. Lin said today that he expects to play in game four of the Heat series. Whether he will be able to perform at the same level he did previous to the injury is questionable and also his readiness to come back right after his surgery. Only time will tell. 

Source: Lin vs. James

Derrick Rose Tears His ACL

Derrick Rose Tears His ACL

By Paige Costantino

The Chicago Bulls' all-star point guard Derrick Rose has faced numerous injuries this 2011-2012 season. Last year he was named MVP but this year he had missed a handful of games due to numerous injuries. The injury happened when the Bulls played against the Philadelphia 76ers in their first game of post season with only 1:22 left to go in the game. The Bulls came out with a victory but Derrick Rose is out indefinitely but he will not be able to compete for the rest of the 2011-2012 season. Will the Bulls be able to prevail and possibly win a title without their all-star?



Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard

By Paige Costantino

All-star player Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic will be out indefinitely for the rest of the season with a season- ending back injury. Howard underwent surgery and is now on the road to recovery. Not only will he be out for the remainder of the season and the post season but he will also be unable to participate in the 2012 London Olympics for the United States. Howard suffered from a herniated disk. Since Howard has been unable to play, the Magic have gone 3-5. His absence in the playoffs will heavily impact the Magic.

Source: "Superman" Dwight Howard

The Battle in the West

The Battle in the West

By Paige Costantino

Source: LA Lakers vs. OKC 4/22/12

Today the potential #2 and #3 seeds in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off. The game began with the Thunder leading the Lakers until the Lakers caught up. As soon as they caught up in the second half, Metta World Peace, formely known as Ron Artest was ejected from the game with possible suspension for elbowing OKC player, Harden, in the face, after Metta scored for the Lakers. The Lakers were down by as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter but made a quick comeback and forced the game into double overtime. The Lakers' prevailed winning 114-106. Going into post season this is one of the most impressive wins for the Lakers.

Where's the Next Stop for Odom?

Where's the Next Stop for Odom?

By Paige Costantino

The Mavericks announced this week that former Laker Lamar Odom will no longer be apart of the Mavericks. Odom was traded to Dallas at the beginning of the season for seemingly nothing in reward and this stupefied many of the Laker players and fans. Many of the Mavericks staff said that it is the best thing for both the team and Odom that he goes to a different team. Odom's numbers have been the worst in career history and according to Mark Cuban, the owner of the Mavericks, Odom never seemed very interested or engaged in the team. Odom's future is not yet determined but there has been rumor that Kobe Bryant, Odom's former teammate on the Lakers', is going to campaign to get Odom back on the team.

The Melo Show

The Melo Show

By Paige Costantino

Easter Sunday was more than exciting when the New York Knicks took on the number one east coast team the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks took an early lead but began to go into a slum blowing a twenty one point lead, the Knicks led for a majority of the game. They cut the Bulls' lead to ten points and put rookie from Georgie Tech Iman Shumpert, who is having an amazing rookie season, on Derrick Rose one of the best point guards in the NBA. Although Shumpert did an excellent job of not allowing Rose to score, Carmelo Anthony hit a three pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime. The Knicks came out the victors, defeating the Bulls 100-99. Melo scored 43 points which is a career high for Carmelo since being on the Knicks. He hit two clutch three pointers one being 11 seconds in regulation to tie the game and another 8.2 seconds left in overtime to defeat the Bulls. The Knicks certainly made a statement by defeating the first place team in the east and it will help their case into getting into the playoffs.  

Howard Vs. Van Gundy

Howard Vs. Van Gundy

By Paige Costantino

In recent news, super star center from the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard, has alledgedly asked for the removal of current head coach Stan Van Gundy. A press conference was arranged and ironically, Dwight Howard showed up in the middle of it unaware of what was being discussed. When Howard talked, he denied saying anything about wanting ti have his head coach fired and he is fully aware it isn't his decision on who is the coach or has the authority to fire a coach. When the press talked to general manager Otis Smith he said he had no knowledge of this request to fire Van Gundy and assured the press that he will remain the coach for the rest of the season. If the general manager didn't know of the request to fire Van Gundy, then how did this rumor begin?

Naismith Player of the Year

Naismith Player of the Year

By Paige Costantino

Each year the NCAA awards one player the Naismith Player of the Year Award. This year, the award was given to Anthony Davis from the Kentucky Wildcats. Davis is a freshmen who has set the record for the most blocks in a season ever as well as beat the Kentucky record for most double doubles. Davis is a center and is most likely going to be a #1 draft pick in the 2012 draft. Currently, Davis and the Wildcats are fighting to win the NCAA Tournament. The final game, which they will play against the Kansas Jayhawks, will take place on Monday. Davis was also the recipient of the Wooden Award as well as named Associated Press Player of the Year (ESPN).

Naismith Coach of the Year

Naismith Coach of the Year

By Paige Costantino

Each year one NCAA men's basketball coach is awarded with the Naismith Coach of the Year award. This year, Bill Self, head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks reiceved the award. Self led the team to a 32-6 overall record and a 16-2 record in the Big 12. Other candidates for the award include Jim Boeheim of Syracuse, John Calipari of Kentucky and Frank Haith of Missouri. All these coaches have led their teams to impressive records this season (ESPN). Competing in the NCAA finals tomorrow will be the Kansas Jayhawks against the Kentucky Wildcats.



The Elite Eight

The Elite Eight

By Paige Costantino

The NCAA Tournament has now been narrowed down to eight teams or what is otherwise known as the Elite Eight. Two of the four game have been played for the Elite Eight featuring Michigan State (1) and Lousiville (4) as well as Syracuse (1) and Ohio State (2). Both of these match ups were upsets, Lousiville defeated Michigan State 57-44 and Ohio State defeated Syracuse 77-70. Today, Kentucky (1) and Baylor (3) are currently facing off and Baylor is ahead by 3 in the beginning of the first half. Later today, UNC (1) will be facing Kansas (2) which will an interesting match up especially with an injury to North Carolina's starting point guard which he acquired during the 87-73 win over Creighton (8) in the third round. The winning of the UNC and Kansas game will face off against Ohio State and the winner of the Kentucky Baylor game will face off against Louisville in the Final Four on March 31.

Tim Tebow: Next Stop the New York Jets

Tim Tebow: Next Stop the New York Jets

By Paige Costantino 

This week there has been recent hype in the NFL due to the trade deadline. While Petyon Manning was one of the big question marks, to stay with the Colts or not. As a result of Manning's move, Tebow has now created a lot of talk in the NFL. Manning was traded from the Colts due to uncertainty if he could play in the upcoming season because of his neck surgery. If Manning did want to stay and play for the Colts he would have had to take a salary cut. The ultimate decision was to trade him and while many teams were interested in him, he had to narrow it down to one team and that was the Denver Broncos. Tim Tebow after barely playing his rookie season, but played 14 games and started most games in the 2011 season. He lead the Broncos to the AFC championship but lost to the New England Patriots. Tebow instilled hope back in to the Broncos team as well as their fans in what they call "Tebowmania".

Despite all his achievements, Tebow is a highly criticized quarterback because of his style of play and the fact that he likes to run the ball a lot rather than throwing. Many critics said that he was going to struggle being a quarterback especially because of his throwing percentage because quarterbacks that are getting drafted in the upcoming draft not only can run the ball and are quick but they can also throw the ball extremely well.

As the trading deadline was approaching quickly, Manning was signed to the Denver Broncos giving Tebow not many opportunities to do what he did last year because Denver was certainly going to start a veteran and future hall of famer before Tebow. So, Tebow was traded to the New York Giants, where Mark Sanchez is the starting quarterback. Although Tebow will most likely not start in  New York, he can definitely create opportunities for the Jets in the upcoming season as a back up.

To the NCAA Tournament we go

To the NCAA Tournament we go

By Paige Costantino

Source: NCAA Logo

Now that the conference games are over, the brackets at out and the number one seeds have been announced. Shockingly, all four of the number 1 seeds for the NCAA tournament did not win their conference and lost in the finals. Kentucky, Syracuse, UNC and Ohio State all lost in the finals round, losing to Vanderbuilt, Cinninatti, Flordia State and Michigan State, respectively. Kentucky which was ranked number 1 in the country, only losing one game, fell to Vanderbuilt 71-64 even though they defeated them twice during the regular season. However, in order to be in the NCAA tournament winning your conference is not the only factor and because of their success during the season they became number one seeds.

The 2nd round of the tournament tips off on Thursday, March 15. On Thursday number 1 seeds Kentucky plays either Western Kentucky Universtiy or Mississippi Valley State University tied for the 16th seed and Syracuse will play UNC-Asheville (#16). Then on Friday, number 1 seed Michigan State University will play Long Island University Brooklyn (16th) and number 1 seed UNC will either play Lamar or University of Vermont tied for 16th (ESPN). Although the Kentucky Wildcats lost their conference championship game, they are defintely contenders to win the national championship, it could be anyone's game.

Source: 2011 NCAA Tournament Highlights

Bring in the March Madness

Bring in the March Madness

By Paige Costantino

Source: Big East Conference

March madness is the most exciting time for college basketball. The conference tournaments have begun and the NCAA tournament is about to get underway as well. So far, UConn has won both games for their conference defeating DePaul (ranked #16) and upsetting WVU (ranked #8) 71-67. UConn is hoping to defend their title of NCAA Champions which they won last year with point guard, Kemba Walker. Today they are facing #1 ranked Syracuse which will be a tough battle. If they are to defeat Syracuse, they will face either Georgetown (ranked #5) or Cincinnati (ranked #4) for the Big East Finals and they would go on to the NCAA tournament (ESPN-Big East).

Source: Big Ten Conference

One of the interesting things about the NCAA tournament is that if a team is ranked high enough however, is eliminated during their conference playoffs, they could still compete in the NCAA tournament. For example, if Syracuse was to lose to UConn they could still enter the tournament because of their season record along with other factors. Kentucky is in the SEC which is one of the toughest conferences and is ranked number 1 overall. They go a bi the first round and will play the winner of LSU (ranked #8) or Arkansas (ranked #9) (ESPN-SEC). The ACC which is another major conference, featuring the biggest rivalry, Duke and North Carolina, has North Carolina ranked #1 with a bi in the first round and Duke ranked  #2, also with a bi in the first round (ESPN-ACC). These teams could face each other in the Conference Championship, which would be their third time meeting this season. The Big Ten conference is definitely something to see, with #1 Missouri, #2 Michigan, #3 Ohio State and #4 Wisconsin (ESPN- Big Ten).  These four teams have very good records this season and when any of these teams match up the game can go either way, don't judge the team based on their ranking.

Source: Southeastern Conference

Source: Atlantic Coast Conference

This is sure to be a crazy year for college hoops. Although I am routing for Kentucky, many of these teams are capable of an upset. If you are a basketball fan this is definitely something you have to see. What team will you stand behind?



The Masked Mamba

The Masked Mamba

By Paige Costantino

Kobe's amazing All-Star performance, passing Michael Jordan in the most points scored overall in his 14 All-Star game appearances, also suffered a broken nose. Kobe was fouled by Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade which resulted in a broken nose and a concussion. After going to an ear, nose and throat specialist he was cleared to play the next game against the Minnestoa Timberwolves, however, the Back Mamba had to wear a protective mask, making him the Masked Mamba. 

Source: Against the Timberwolves

His first game as the Masked Mamba resulted in 31 points (most points in the game), 7 rebounds and also played a majority of the game, 33 minutes out of the possible 48 minutes. Kobe was 11-23 in field goals and only missed on free throw (9-10). The Masked Mamba also contributed 8 assists, the most assists for the Lakers. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves easily, 104-85 (NBA.com).

The Masked Mamba's second appearance was against the Sacramento Kings. This was another chance to show that Kobe can put in work and shows results, masked and all. The Mamba put up the most points in the game with 38, he was 13-28. He played 37 minutes and was 11-14 in free throws. Not only did he put up these impressive stats but he also had 15 rebounds. Once again, the Laker's prevailed defeating the Kings 115-107 (NBA.com).
The next test is the #1 team in the east, the Miami Heat. This will be a test for the Lakers going against the big 3 Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Masked Mamba who has averaged 34.5 points the past two games will definitely have to bring his A game when Miami arrives at Staples Center on Sunday. Will he put up another big game?

The West is the Best

The West is the Best

Every year, the top NBA players show their stuff on the court... together? Yes I am talking about the NBA All-Star Game. Not only is there an All-Star game but there is a whole weekend dedicated to this game. Leading up to the All-Star game on Sunday, there were many contests including the Rising Stars Game, Celebrity Game, Slam Dunk Contest, the 3 Point Contest, Shooting Stars and the Skills Challenge.  The Celebrity Game MVP was comedian Kevin Hart, the Rising Stars Game MVP was rookie Kyrie Irving from the Cavilers. The Slam Dunk Contest winner was Jeremy Evans from the Utah Jazz and the 3 Point Contest was won by Kevin Love, from the Timberwolves, beating Kevin Durant one of the top 3 point shooters in the NBA. The Shooting Stars competition was won by team New York, which had Allan Houston, former Knicks player, and current Knicks player Landry Fields. The Skills Challenge was won by Tony Parker, current Spurs point guard. And as for the All-Star game itself, the West prevailed over East for the second year in a row.
The NBA All-Star game was held in the Orlando Magic's home court, the Amway Center. This year starting for the West was Laker's guard Kobe Bryant along with center Andrew Bynum, Clippers' guard Chris Paul along with forward Blake Griffin, and Oklahoma City's foward Kevin Durant. Also selected to play in the All-Star game was LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook. The team was coached by Scott Brooks, coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Andrew Bynum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol were all first-time selections for the All-Star Game. Starting in the East, was Knicks' foward Carmelo Anthony, Heat foward Lebron James and guard Dwyane Wade, Bulls' guard Derrick Rose, and the Magic's center Dwight Howard. Also selected for the East was Chris Bosh, Luol Deng, Roy Hibbert, Andre Iguodala, Joe Johnson (injured and did not participate), Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondon and Deron Williams. This was the first All-Star selection for Luol Deng, Roy Hibbert and Andre Iguodala (NBA.com). The All-Star game featured some amazing dunks and plays by the top players in the NBA. Kobe Bryant set the record for the most points scored overall in the All-Star games passing Michael Jordan. Kobe has appeared in 14 All-Star games and has been named MVP 4 times, he has over 262 points scored. Although it was a close game in the last few minutes the game, the West pulled through for the second consecutive year and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder was named MVP. Durant contributed 36 points, this is his first All-Star MVP award. Is the West going to prevail for a 3rd consecutive year? 

Kentucky Wildcats: More Than Just "Wild"

Kentucky Wildcats: More Than Just "Wild"

By Paige Costantino

Although Kentucky basketball coach, John Calipari, has yet to win a championship with the Wildcats, under Calipari's coaching they have had an impressive record of 90-13 (0.874)  since 2009. In addition to this impressive record, the Wildcats have not lost a single home game since 2009 (Stat Sheet). Not only has he had an impressive record but he also has a history of recruiting elite players that have been #1 picks in the draft. Players such as Derrick Rose(played for Calipari when he coached at Memphis), John Wall and Brandon Knight are just some of the NBA players that played under Calipari. This year Kentucky is ranked the #1 team in the nation and they certainly have the type of play and stats to prove they are.

The Wildcats are 27-1 overall and 13-o in their conference, they have the best record overall. Their one loss came on December 10th when they played #24 Indiana the score was 73-72, the Wildcats lost on a buzzer beater. Since then the Wildcats have not lost a single game and are certainly contenders for a #1 seed.

So what are the players that are making this #1 seed possible? Anthony Davis, a freshman, has already proved he is more than just wild. Davis has 274 rebounds and averages 9.8 rebounds per game. He has the SEC freshmen record for blocks having 133, surpassing the famous Shaquille O'Neal. Davis also averages the most points per game (13.8). Other major contributors to the Wildcats' success include Doron Lamb (13.7 ppg), Terrence Jones (12.2 ppg), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (12.2 ppg), Darius Miller (10.0 ppg) and Marquis Teague (9.6 ppg, also has the most assists at 4.7) (ESPN). These players are all major contributors to the Wildcats' success, and they are certainly all responsible for their opportunity as a #1 seed going into the playoffs. Since their loss to Indiana, the Wildcats have proven to be unstoppable and definitely are contenders for the NCAA Championship, Calapiri is overdue for one. In addition, Davis, along with some of his fellow teammates are projected to be in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft. There are only three more games left in the regular season for Kentucky and then comes the post season with a continuation of their team work as well as hard work, they are going to go all the way this year!

Allen Iverson.. A Soccer Superstar?

Allen Iverson.. A NBA  Soccer Superstar?

By Paige Costantino

Allen Iverson, former NBA superstar, has recently been in headlines not because of the numbers he's put up in the league, including NBA scoring champion four times, but because of the numbers he's dished out of his pocket. Iverson, has blown through most of his money including the $150 million he made playing in the NBA, that is not including endorsements and has $850,000 in jewelery debt. So now what does he do?

Iverson was in the league for 14 years and spent most of his career with the Phildelphia 76ers including the 2009-2010 season. His last contribution to basketball was in Turkey where he played the 2010-2011 season. During his career he won many accalades including 11 time NBA All-Star and MVP in 2001. In 2001, he led the 76ers to the NBA finals but lost to the Lakers in a 7 games series. The 76ers won their first game against the Lakers, Iverson scored 48 points but the Lakers went on to win the next 4 games and came out the victorious team although the games were close, including an overtime game. Iverson has not played for the NBA this 2011-2012 season but his recent incident has got him scrambling for options. Rumors say he wants to go to the D-League and hopefully be able to get back to the NBA. However, at the age of 36, its hard to still be a professional basketball player competing with players fresh out of college and it is also difficult to maintain the numbers he had as a 22 year old. But the NBA isn't the only rumor out there. Look out NBA fans, we have the next...  Lionel Messi?

Yes, I am aware that Messi is a soccer player. However, recent discussions have revealed that Iverson has gotten an offer from an indoor soccer team, the Rochester Lancers which is part of the MISL or the Major Indoor Soccer League. The Lancers are offering to pay him $20,000 a game and with that would come bonuses depending on the amount of goals scored and his performance. But he's never played soccer before, even in high school he played football and basketball. So why did this offer come out of nowhere? Since his financial fallout, Iverson has been trying to find any opportunity to make money. Also, there has been many questions because of his athletic ability and quickness, if he could of been one of the best soccer players in his prime athletic years. One of the biggest reasons for this offer is to benefit the Lancers. Having an elite and famous athlete compete on their team, no matter what sport their speciality is, leads to more publicity and if he signs could generate more money not only to the team but to the MISL (Yahoo! Sports). Desperate times call for desperate measure though. Could Iverson strap on the cleats and shinguards and take the court field?

Source: All-Star MVP

Peyton or First Pick?

Peyton or First Pick?

By Paige Costantino

So as we know little brother Eli was named Superbowl MVP this 2011-2012 season and led the Giants to their second Superbowl victory against Tom Brady and the Patriots. But what about big brother Peyton? The Indianapolis Colts struggled this season without their star quarterback Peyton Manning. Just 6 years ago the Colts won a Superbowl Championship under the wing of Peyton Manning. In 2010, Manning led the Colts to a 10-7 run, making an appearance in the playoffs. After the 2009-2010 season Peyton underwent neck surgery that pronounced him inactive for the entire 2010-2011 season. The 2010-2011 season was a very upsetting one for the Colts franchise The Colts were just 2-14 with wins over the Titans and the Texans (ESPN). This left the franchise in turmoil, firing former head coach Jim Caldwell and many other members of the Colts staff. But now what happens with Peyton?
Manning's doctors have cleared him to play but the question is can he preform at the level he played at two seasons ago? Manning has been working diligently to be at the same level he was, although he does not feel 100%. There is a possibility that the Colts could trade Manning considering on March 8th he is due a $28 million option bonus that activates the final four years of his five year contract. Peyton has stated that he prefers not to be traded because his career began with the Colts and he wants it to end with the Colts. Recently, an article has been published that Irsay, owner of the Colts, has told Peyton that it is his decision whether he wants to stay with the Colts or not. However, they must renegotiate the contract that he has for the $28 million option bonus because Manning's future is uncertain.
However, the Colt's have another option to save their 2012-2013 season, a first round draft pick. With Manning. at the age of 35, with an uncertain future, maybe the Colt's best option is to draft a quarterback that will be with the franchise for many years in the future. This year in college football we have seen some quarterbacks do amazing things. Quarterbacks such as Robert Griffin III aka RGIII from Baylor and Andrew Luck from Standford are two potential quarterbacks that could do great things in the upcoming years for the franchise. This is not to say that if they become the starting quarterback they are going to win the Superbowl their first season but these quarterbacks are definitely reliable for the upcoming season.
 RGIII was the recipant of the Hesiman Trophy, one of the biggest honors in college football. He lead the Baylor Bears to a 10-3 record and defeated Washington (7-6) in the Valero Alamo Bowl 67-56. His college career started in 2008 with 160 completions and 15 touchdowns and is now endings with 291 completions and 37 touchdowns (ESPN). Not impressed? Along with being the winning of the 2012 Heisman Trophy award, RGIII was also an All-American, Davey O'Brien Awards winner, Manning Award winner, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist, Waler Camp Award Finalist, Wuerfeel Trophy Finalist, Maxwell Award Semifinalist and part of the 2011 All State AFCA Good Works Team (Baylor Bears Athletic Site).
So what's the dirt on Andrew Luck? Luck is a senior at Standford leading the Cardinals to an 11-2 record however, fell to Oklahoma State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl 38-41. Luck started his season with the Cardinals in 2009 with 162 completions and 13 touchdowns while in his senior season he completed 288 passes and went for 37 touchdowns (ESPN). Despite the loss, Luck is projected to be the first round draft. pick.
A prediction of the draft was recently published by ESPN Insider Mel Kiper Jr. predicting that the first round draft pick which belongs to the Colt's will allow them to acquire Luck, while Robert Griffin III will be the fourth pick which belongs to the Cleveland Browns (ESPN Insider on NFL Draft). This is only a prediction and since the Colts do have the first pick, they can pick either of these quarterbacks or any other quarterback they feel will mold with their team and style of play well. Both of these quarterbacks have tremendous talents and are very versatile. With the draft a little more than two months away, and Peyton's option bonus less than a month away, the Colts need to make a major decision. What will it be?

Career Interest

Career Interest

By Paige Costantino

My career interest area is undecided at the moment however, I am leaning towards marketing. My dream job would be opening up my own sporting good store or athletic facility. I think that would be a very interesting job and if I was to open my own athletic facility because it would be cool to watch elite athletes train. I would like to work in either New York or North Carolina but as long as I get a job opportunity I would be very happy.

Jeremy Lin: Pre-"Linsane"

Jeremy Lin: Pre-"Linsane"

By Paige Costantino

When you think of the New York Knicks what players come to mind, Carmelo Anthony? Amare Stoudemire? Or what about the newest sensation number 17 Jeremy Lin? Jeremy Lin has been the biggest talk of the previous week with outstanding performances against the Nets, Jazz, Wizards, Lakers and Timberwolves and a game winning three pointer against the Toronto Raptors . Jeremy Lin was the missing piece to the Knick's franchise averaging

27.2 points in the last five games. Previously, during the whole month of December, Lin played in a total of 5 games averaging just 8.2 minutes per game. He has set a record for most points in his first career three starts as a professional since the ABA merged into the NBA in 1976-77 season (ESPN). So where did this prolific player come from?

Source: Jeremy Lin as a New York Knick

Source: Jeremy Lin as a Harvard Crimson

Lin was a 2010 graduate from the famous Harvard University. In his senior season at Harvard, Lin averaged the most points on his team (16.4) and had a winning record for the Crimson (21-8) (ESPN). However, Lin faced much adversity just getting into a Division I college when Bill Holden, who is a top assistant at Harvard, told Lin's high school coach he is only at the level of a Division III player. However, after Holden saw Lin play for a second time, Holden became re-interested in Lin's style of play and suddenly Lin became Holden's biggest interest. At Harvard, Lin had a tremendous work ethic taking extra shots and training outside of practice (Daily News). The work ethic of an elite athlete. After Lin graduated in 2010, he bounced around the NBA and the D-League, undrafted, with an uncertain future. Lin was placed on the Golden State Warriors roster for the 2010-2011 season where he was rarely seen on the court, to be exact 29 times and averaged 9.8 minutes per game (ESPN). Lin was soon demoted to the D-league where he was released when the lockout ended in December. Soon after he was tossed to the Rockets but was released before the Rockets' first game. Lin was moved 3 times in his short career. It seemed that his dream of being a professional basketball player would be cut short, however there was still hope for number 17. This past January, Lin was sent once again to the D-League by yes, the Knicks, but a few days later after a triple-double performance was brought back to New York (CBS Sports) . Was this his chance to finally show what he was about? On February 4th, Lin finally got his chance. He played 36 minutes against the Nets and boy, was that 36 minutes unforgettable for not only Knicks fans but the entire sports community. Lin was 10-19 scoring 25 points which by the way was a team high. The Knick's prevailed beating the Nets 99-92 and this was only the beginning (ESPN). Lin has gone on to receive a starting position and since his debut the Knicks are on a 5-0 run. Has Lin found a permanent home for himself with the Knicks? How long will the "Linsanity" continue for? Has he proved himself yet? Well my friends, only time will tell.