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.